An act of kindness that clearly went down well in Essex – Sally Bates, an Anna Chaplaincy network member in Frinton-on-Sea tells us about 'Operation Cupcake':
One Wednesday morning in mid-July, a team of 15 of us arrived bright and early at Frinton Free church (with masks and gloves!) to pick up bags of cupcakes, lovingly made by one of the team the previous day.
We then spread out across the area to deliver the cakes, along with a card with an encouraging Bible verse, to the 75 guests of ‘Welcome Break’, our outreach group to over-65s:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Number 6:24–26
There were lots of smiles and happy conversations over doorsteps that morning! People were so touched by the gift of the cakes, above all because it reminded them that they are not forgotten. Those who can’t eat cakes were given a pot plant.
Since we last met all together in March, team members have kept in touch weekly by phone and have been able to provide effective one-to-one support in this way. At Easter we delivered Easter eggs to them all, but it was so good to see people again face-to-face. We hope that, as restrictions relax, we’ll be able to meet in smaller numbers in the church café at some point.
Sally Bates
Associate Pastor, Frinton Free Church, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex