|
|
|||
|
“The purpose of the open day was to introduce UCKG to leading members of the local community and show how our work can have a truly positive impact on the community,” said Pastor Paul Hill, who organised the event. “The response was extremely positive from all attendees and we have already agreed to help the local community police in dealing with some people who are either facing or presenting particular challenges.” The UCKG already has 13 thriving branches across London and the south east and has been holding twice weekly services in Luton for the past few months. “As attendance has increased, the demand for a more permanent UCKG presence in the area became quite pressing,” added Pastor Paul. Pastor Thompson, who heads the Luton HelpCentre, has been overwhelmed with interest since the doors opened in the summer. “After just three months, our Sunday church attendance has exceeded 100 with many people already commenting on their improved, positive outlook since they starting to come to church. “We have also established a youth group which currently has 30 members and are in the process of putting together a youth football team as part of our work of providing young people with constructive activities.” The Centre also offers a 24 hour helpline (01582 486 777), drop-in counselling and a special ‘Lunch with God' daily service at 1pm, exclusive to the Luton HelpCentre. This is proving very popular for people who want to take time out during their lunch hour for reflection and prayer. “We are currently in talks with the local Job Centre to see how we may help the job market in Luton,” added Pastor Thompson. “We are also planning to hold ‘Happy Parenting' meetings which focus on teaching parents how to care for and support their children in the best possible way.” The UCKG in Luton has also branched out to Milton Keynes, where it is already holding services twice a week. For more information about both branches please contact 01585 486 777. -Ends- Note to Editors: UCKG HelpCentre is the abbreviation for Universal Church of the Kingdom of God HelpCentre. The church follows the Pentecostal tradition. It currently has premises in Brixton, Croydon, Kilburn, Peckham, Southall, Stamford Hill and Gravesend, Kent, and hopes to set up a church in Catford. In addition to the Victory Youth Groups, it offers vocational training, a 24 hour helpline, prison visitors, hospital visitors, support for lonely elderly people and a food distribution service for the homeless in Brixton.
|
||
|
|||
Local community leaders gathered last week to mark the official opening of a new branch of the international Christian organisation UCKG HelpCentre in Luton Mall. The Mayor of Luton welcomed UCKG to the region and praised the spiritual support and community outreach activities it is already providing to local residents.