Our understanding and practice of mission is based on the character and nature of God who is outward-looking, cares deeply for every person as reflected in the sending of Jesus to be ‘God with us’. Our calling is to join in with what God is already doing and play our part in God’s mission using the particular gifts, opportunities and passions that God has given to us. In the community we work with the following groups:
The Children's Society: We listen. We support. We act. A national charity that works with the country's most vulnerable children and young people. Because no child should feel alone. Supports thousands of children from a range of backgrounds, providing them with the help and resources they need to overcome situations in their lives. Many of our churches hold Chrstingle services during December to raise funds for the Children's Society. Please visit: www.childrenssociety.org.uk.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP): A national Christian charity specialising in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty, including those in need of bankruptcy or insolvency. It also provides Job Clubs for those seeking employment and Fresh Start Courses for people looking to overcome addictions and dependencies. The CAP centre in Suffolk is: St John The Baptist Church of England Church, Church Street, Saxmundham IP17 1EP. Please visit: www.capuk.org.
Christian Aid - We stand together. For dignity. For equality. For justice. For over 70 years, Christian Aid has been standing with the poorest of our neighbours, working in 37 countries, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality and justice. Please visit: www.christianaid.org.uk.
Ipswich Winter Night Shelter: Providing overnight shelter during December to March for the homeless in Ipswich. It is hosted each night by several different churches. Guests are encouraged to access the help and advice they need from local organisations in order to restore their lives. Support is given to help them find long-term accommodation, regain their self-esteem and find their place in society. The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is one of the projects run by the Selig (Suffolk) Trust. Please visit: www.iwns.org.uk
Meet up Mondays: Gives hospitality businesses the opportunity to show love for the community and to showcase their lovely, friendly pub, cafe, tea room or hotel lounge, as a place of warm welcome. These regular meet ups, for people of all ages, create opportunities for those who might otherwise find it difficult to make new friends, to break into a new community (or back into it after time alone), or to just get out of the house and have a bit of chat over tea, coffee and toast provided by the venue. A full list of MeetUpMOnday locations can be found here.
Messy Church: Offering families in your community the chance to come together and play in a fun and informal way. It is also an opportunity to explore Christianity. The meetings use activities to explore Bible stories, to reflect on a God of creativity most also offers some free hospitality - whether it's a cup of tea, plate of sandwiches to share or a hot meal. You can find the Messy Churches that are registered on the national Messy Church website visit: www.messychurch.org.uk. Rachel Harper is the regional co-ordinator for Messy Church and can be contacted via rachel_harper12@yahoo.co.uk.
Mother's Union: An international Christian charity with over four million members in 83 countries across the world with around 50 very active Suffolk branches and over 1000 members in our diocese; membership is open to women and men who have been baptised in the name of the Trinity and who support the aim and purpose of the MU. Please vist: www.mothersunion.org. Chaplain for the Mothers' Union in Suffolk is The Revd Catherine Forsdike.
Parish Nurses: A Christian charity who support people in community towards whole person healthcare. This is care for the person’s overall well-being, incorporating body, mind and spirit. Parish Nurses are currently available in Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds. Please visit: www.parishnursing.org.uk
Rural Coffee Caravan: Launched by the Revd Canon Sally Fogden. The Rural Coffee Caravan started up 
in 2003 to tackle rural isolation and promote community spirit. The Rural Coffee Caravan delivers information and friendship across Suffolk. Information is power – and the Rural Coffee Caravan befriends people and offers them access to the information they need to empower them. Please visit: www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk.
St Thomas Pilgrim Community: A Christian Community residential and non-residential in Ipswich - currently seeking residents and welcoming new members! Offering an opportunity to explore living in a small community with others, who are searching for God and a way of life integrating faith and action. For further information please The Revd Jutta Brueck, at St Thomas’ Vicarage: jutta.brueck@cofesuffolk.org.
Suffolk Guild of Ringers: Linking bellringers across the county since 1923 and can start you on the way into this life-changing hobby. Ringing is an exercise for the body and the brain. It involves concentration, and application. It’s a great social activity too. If you want to find out more, get involved or find a group where you can learn ringing . Please visit: www.suffolkbells.org.uk.
Suffolk Network: Connecting Christian Communities in Suffolk with news, events, training as well as job opportunites. Please visit: www.networksuffolk.org.uk.
Talitha Koum: Ipswich based charity whose mission is to reach out with love, compassion and practical support to vulnerable women. They provide supported housing for women recovering from addictions and other life challenges. They have a purpose-built therapeutic accommodation is set on a 2-acre rural site known as The Hope Centre. Talitha Koum is a charity founded on Christian principles. Please visit: www.talithakoum.org.uk.
Town Pastors: Volunteers fro
m local churches who are out in town centres on Friday and/or Saturday nights, being a positive influence on the streets and providing help and support to vulnerable people. In addition to street patrols groups are supported while out on the streets by a Prayer Team, some who pray at our bases in town while others pray from home. Currently operating in 10 towns: Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Lowestoft, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Sudbury, Woodbridge & Leiston and also in Dereham, Norfolk. Town Pastors are a response from Christian churches to local needs in partnership with the main Town Pastors organisation which provides help with initial set-up, training and ongoing support. Each scheme works together with the agreement and support of specific local government and constabulary bodies. www.townpastors.org.uk In addition Latitude Festival Pastors offer support and care over the course of the Latitude festival. From welcoming people onto the site, to patrolling the camping areas and late night venues, Pastors bring a unique form of care and unconditional love to anyone who needs it.
