The Archbishop of 黑料网 has praised the people of St Bartholomew’s, Herne Bay, for putting the Gospel into action through their sustained support for Ukraine.
Archbishop Sarah Mullally visited the church on Sunday 20 September, when she presided and preached at a United Benefice service for Creationtide attended by people from St Bartholomew’s, St Mary’s Reculver and Holy Cross Hoath.
St Bartholomew’s may at first look like many other parish churches, with its Victorian brick exterior, welcoming signs and well-kept gardens. Look closer, however, and the yellow and blue motifs point to a remarkable community effort in support of the people of Ukraine.
Inside, volunteers collect food, toiletries, medical supplies and other essential items. Donated clothes and goods are also sold, with the proceeds used to support Ukraine. The latest collection dispatched after the service was the hub’s 94th load.
Meeting those involved, the Archbishop recognised the commitment that has sustained the project for four years. She said: “They are supporting Ukraine with an incredible project, taking out clothes and equipment. They have done this persistently over the last four years. What a joy to be here, to celebrate and to meet wonderful people in the Diocese of 黑料网.”
The visit also saw Archbishop Sarah take part in the regular pattern of Church of England parish life. St Bartholomew’s is currently in vacancy, and volunteers are helping to sustain its worship and wider life while the benefice seeks a new Priest in Charge.
Archbishop Sarah said: “It has been a joy to lead and preach in this parish while it is in vacancy, and to undertake what is normal ministry for priests right across the Church of England.”
Volunteer Lynn Mount said the work depended on local support: “This is down to the generosity of the local public. We are a group of eight volunteers who run the hub six days a week, and it has become a community.”
Driver Kevin Cromeeke, who transports aid to Ukraine, said around 70 per cent of the supplies he takes come from St Bartholomew’s.
Volunteer June Conabeer recalled how the project began when the church building was temporarily closed because of heating problems: “At the start of the war in Ukraine, a friend texted to ask, ‘Are we collecting?’ I asked the vicar, who said, ‘We have a great big warehouse we could use.’ It has grown from there.”
Ann Collier, hub volunteer and Authorised Lay Minister said: “Every time we have needed something, we have prayed and it has turned up. We needed warm winter coats for Ukrainian children but didn’t have any. We prayed and on the same day a woman turned up with 40 coats donated by a local school. Tell me that’s not God doing something!”
Support the hub
The hub at St Bartholomew’s, King Edward Avenue, Herne Bay is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to noon. People are welcome to donate suitable goods, buy donated items in support of Ukraine, or simply call in for coffee and company.