Transforming society one life at a time
Introduction
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About us
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Services
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Courses
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Vision
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Team
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WE ARE
LIGHT AND
LIFE
[Introduction]
Light and Life (L&L) is a Church with a proven track record, with over 25 years of work in bringing value, belonging and transformation to both individuals and communities. We currently have a congregation of over 950 people, working in five key areas throughout West Cornwall, 180 of our congregation are based in Truro.
Though the church gets a bad press in certain circles, with even some Christians seeing it as an irrelevance that doesn’t impact societies everyday issues, at L&L we believe that the church is not only relevant, but it can be life changing. In the Bible the word ‘Church’ (Greek ekklesia) never refers to an old empty building but always to a vibrant group of people committed to enriching and transforming society one life at a time. Our hope is that this document will give a brief overview of some of the key ways in which L&L seeks to play its part in making Cornwall a better place.
Jonny Giddens Pastor based in Truro
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[About us] Light and Life exists to
TRANSFORM SOCIETY 6
...ONE LIFE AT A TIME What is Light and Life? L&L is a vibrant and growing church with over 950 people, (representing over 900% increase over the last 10 years) currently working in Penzance, Helston, Hayle, St Austell and Truro. Beginning in 1985, L&L Church is a registered charity committed to serving individuals from all backgrounds through our teaching, training and the sharing of life. Believing that transformed people transform people. We are committed to partnering with other agencies and we believe the church can make a unique contribution to society. Convinced that many of the social issues we face benefit from a holistic approach considering the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals.
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[Services]
PROJECTS Here is a selection of some of the projects we currently operate across our main centres.
The Foodbank Every day people in Cornwall go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. L&L have therefore partnered with other agencies to help provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis. Our Foodbank in St Austell, which began in 2010, has currently fed over 830 local people in need, receiving referrals through local agencies such as Social Services, the Probation Service, housing teams, mental health teams etc. There are currently 27 such agencies working with the foodbank.
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Community Engagement Utilizing key high street shops we have created three welcoming, safe and accessible venues from which we deliver various programmes for the local community. Activities include a childrens clothing swap shop, all age drop in sessions and targeted youth programs. These provide a space to develop skills, build self esteem and explore issues of life and faith.
Mobility Project Our Shopmobility scheme provides manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters for hire for anyone with a mobility problem in the Penzance area. Working in partnership with Cornwall Council we have a strong relationship with the Accessible Transport Unit and are involved with the Penwith Older persons forum.
Learning Disabilities Service L&L hold a monthly church service called ‘Accessible for All’ in partnership with the nationally acclaimed charity ‘Prospects’ and other local Christians. This service is designed specifically for people with learning difficulties and offers a safe context where Christian values and teaching can be explored in accessible and practical ways. These services have already been very popular, positively helping people across west Cornwall.
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[Courses] Bible course
Parenting course
Developed by L&L this is a unique 9 week overview of the Bible, helping people to read, explore and engage with its transformational message for themselves.
This course, for any parent with children up to the age of 10, while based on Christian principles, is relevant and helpful for any parent with or without a Christian faith or church background.
Marriage and pre-marriage course
Debt Coaching
Running courses for both engaged and married couples, we are committed to helping people have healthy relationships in the home, believing this to be a key to the wider wellbeing of society.
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Newly established in 2011 and born out of our successful partnership with the internationally acclaimed charity CAP, our team of fully trained ‘Money Coaches’ give people the essential tools to manage their finances. Believing that prevention is better than cure.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING...
“Light and Life is a community focused church with a great relationship with Richard Lander School and a growing input into the students. I would fully support further links with them.” Mr Steve Mulcahy Headteacher (Richard Lander School) “Light and Life church does amazing work supporting vulnerable people in society to access the church and provides inclusive services alongside other denominations to empower and include them in church and community life.” Christopher Lugg Regional Manager (Prospects) “Light and Life provide much needed additional help on an entirely voluntary basis. The church is very active in promoting social justice and translating Gospel values into action.” Dr P.J. McGovern Headteacher (Helston Community College)
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[Vision]
What we envisage Truro is a strategic city, at the heart of Cornwall, with both a rich spiritual heritage and an ever-increasing population. With the proposed large scale development of housing current social problems such as high ASB, family breakdown, unemployment, NEET individuals and debt can only be expected to continue.
PLAYING OUR PART We envisage a state-of-the-art facility, in the heart of the Threemilestone community, from which we would deliver quality, relevant and transformational services. Possible areas could include: Youth drop in centre Mothers and toddlers support groups Counselling services/rooms An Auditorium Learning Zones ‘Back to work’ schemes External community space Drawing on our previous experience, utilizing both current and future volunteers and staff, we would seek to work in partnership with other relevant agencies, to deliver high quality services across the social economic spectrum. Our aim would be to do this in a way that makes a longterm, sustainable, measurable difference to the social, spiritual and family life of this area.
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[Team]
ALEX YARLETT JONNY GIDDENS SIMON GARDNER VOLUNTEERS 14
Having studied both at Cardiff School of Art and Design, and London School of Theology (Leadership), Alex is employed full time as a Youth Pastor at L&L Truro.
With a degree in Theology and a background in business management Jonny started L&L Truro in 2005 and currently works as both the Young Adult and Community Development Pastor.
After studying Theology Simon has amassed nearly 20 years of church leadership in a number of areas, and now oversees L&L Truro as the Lead Pastor. He is a gifted communicator and consellor.
We also have rich bank of experienced voluntary professionals including musicians, teachers, doctors, youth and community workers, who could bring their expertise to any future projects.
[Where] Light & Life currently works in 5 areas across west Cornwall, with a congregation of over 950 people, serving many more
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PUTTING FAITH TO WORK Light & Life Suite 22 The Enterprise Centre Redruth Cornwall TR15 1SS
www.lightandlife.co.uk/truro +44 (0)1209 217707 truro@lightandlife.co.uk
Registered Charity number 290445