An Ipswich church launched during the pandemic under a gazebo in a reverend’s front garden has appointed a new youth worker - and has recently launched the first Kick Academy programme in Suffolk.
Lindbergh Road Community Church was set up in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown in the front garden of the home of thr Revd Ian Daniels and his wife Julie, who have lived there for 30 years.
The church has recently appointed a new youth worker, Lauren Crisp-Hihn, who is setting up a host of activities for children and young people in the community, including Suffolk’s first Kick Academy, which launched on Monday 9 September.
Lauren said: “I’m absolutely loving it here, it’s brilliant. Kick Academy was set up in London as a way to provide much-needed P.E for children and has grown and grown – it’s brilliant it is coming to Ipswich. Each session has a focus on one of the fruits of the spirit, while helping young people to be active and learn some new sporting skills.”
As part of her new role, Lauren has been getting out and about in the community, walking around the estate meeting as many young people as she can.
She said: “This really is a church based in the community, so getting out there and meeting people in the area is fantastic and so rewarding. We do parish work with CYM Ipswich, the Salvation Army and St Augustine’s, who partner me when we go out. It’s about getting out there, meeting with people in the community and fostering relationships.”
LRCC, one of the new worshipping communities set up as part of the Diocese’s Inspiring Ipswich programme, has a special focus on reaching out to children, young people and their families.
It puts on a variety of activities and community events – although it is best known for its popular Coffee, Cake and Chat event every Sunday, where people can come along for a hot drink and a natter.
The church also holds regular services across the road at Inspire Suffolk, as well as a messy church for children and bible reading events.
The Revd Ian Daniels said: “This is such a wonderful community. It’s so supportive and people are always happy to help each other. People will often walk past when we’re together under the gazebo and say ‘hello’ and eventually will come and join us for a coffee – that’s how most people have joined us. Churches are about people coming together and we are open to all.”
Archdeacon Rhiannon King added: “I am delighted to see this taking off. From elsewhere in the country I know that groups like this can have such a positive impact on the individuals and families who get involved. Inspiring Ipswich has chosen over the last year, and for the foreseeable future, to focus on ‘growing younger’ and initiatives like this will really help as we seek to support young people across the town. LRCC has become a beacon of light for its local community with its Gazebo Gatherings, Messy Church, Christmas parties, Games on the Green and more. It’s great to see Lauren in post and to see this new initiative take off.”
For more on the Lindbergh Road Community Church, see: lrccipswich.org.uk