From Dark Place to Beacon of Light...Why Did Helen Richardson form her Green Shoot?
Arguably a 'dark time' in Helen Richardson's life marked the beginning of her journey into forming The Beacons - a new 'coffee and love' morning created to spread love in the Oldfield Park community and beyond! But what prompted her to plant her 'Green Shoot'? "I went through a very dark time a few years ago and last September I cried out to God and asked Him to take control of my life completely. I placed myself in His hands and trusted in Him alone. I have never looked back and life is so much simpler." says Helen.
Inspired by a piece of writing Helen did whilst convalescing from an operation last January, in which she described seven friends who have 'lit her spiritual path' as 'Beacons', she felt provoked to form 'The Beacons' coffee morning at St Alphege's Church.
The doors open from 9am till 12pm on the last Wednesday of each month with a simple recipe of love, homemade cakes and coffee or tea on offer.
(PICTURE: Helen Richardson and her husband, Mike)
"There is no hidden agenda! Its just about opening the doors to the whole community and getting to know people a little better within a relaxed and friendly environment." She says.
Keen to keep refreshments free to those who come along, donations are instead given to Bath's Julian House.
"I have always been a gatherer of people and I decided I wanted to shine a little of God's light into the community. At the moment we open just once a month and everyone is welcome. We have started small but my hope is that The Beacons will spread - and my dream is that other churches in the city get involved." She says.
Helen maintains that anyone can be a 'beacon'. "I have always shared a passion for Churches Together. It is so important to shine the light of Christ together - we're here to love.. Let's do it together."
Would you like to join The Beacons? Or perhaps create a Beacons group in your church?
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