WSVC Storehouse

2012-01-19T13:17:00.000Z

Storehouse Update
In December 139 bags of food were distributed. As the office was closed for one week over the Christmas/New Year period this proved to be the busiest month of the year. This resulted from requests from 15 different agencies and 6 non-agency requests. The total number of bags given out in 2011 was 1370, compared with 985 bags in 2010. This represented a 39% increase. The need to provide emergency food and toiletries for those in need seems to be increasing.

We recently received an encouraging comment from one of the volunteers at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to say how much the work of Storehouse is greatly valued in Bury St Edmunds. He specifically said that in a difficult financial climate it is so good that we are “giving out” rather than “holding onto” what we have. Comments such as this are so encouraging as we seek to share God’s love with others.

We say “good bye” and “thank you” to Christine Smith who is moving on from the Storehouse Team. There are currently one or two spaces to fill on the Storehouse Team, so if you reading this and want to get involved please contact us via the office.

The food cupboards are currently low on the following items:
• Cereals
• UHT Milk
• Tea (individually foil packs)
• Fish
• Pot Noodles
• Tinned meat
• Tinned vegetables
• Tinned potatoes
• Tinned desserts

One again thank you to all those who support the work of Storehouse. As you bless others may you know God’s blessing in your lives.
Andrew and Mary Soman

2011-12-15T12:47:00.000Z

Storehouse News
November was again a busy month, when 106 bags were distributed, resulting from requests from fifteen different agencies and ten non-agency requests.
In November we had a productive team meeting when we were able to share stories of how God has blessed the work of Storehouse in meeting the practical needs of those in our community. It was also a chance to encourage one another and share any new ideas that relate to the running of Storehouse. We were able to welcome to the team Sarah and Lindsay, both from Gt Barton Free Church, and to say “good-bye” and “thank you” to Julie who has moved onto other things at the Vineyard Centre.
As in previous years members of the church congregation have bought Christmas presents for those in our community. Over 150 gifts have been given to the Family Centre, Acorn House, (mum’s and baby complex) Jocelyn Court (old people’s home) and CRI (providing help to people with Substance Misuse.) We do thank all those who have given so generously in buying these presents, and in so doing demonstrating God’s love to those in need.
The vast stocks of food received from local churches and schools in October are being used up. Although we still have lots of certain items of food, we are short of the following items:
• Cereals
• Milk
• Tinned meat
• Tinned potatoes
• Fish
• Desserts
• Biscuits
• Food for people without cooking facilities
Thank you to all those who have supported the work of Storehouse during the last year. We look forward to 2012 when we can continue to share God’s love with those around us.
God bless you.
Happy Christmas
Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-11-10T15:09:00.000Z

Storehouse Chat
October proved to be a busy month with a total of 122 bags being given out. This resulted in requests from 16 different agencies and 13 Non-Agency requests.

We were privileged to receive harvest produce from 8 churches and 13 schools in our local area. Members of the team were invited to visit several schools/churches and share the work of Storehouse. The interest shown in the work by teachers, children and church officers was very encouraging. As a result our cupboards are overflowing with food and toiletries. We are so thankful to all the schools and churches that have supported us and also thankful to God.

Although we have plenty of food in our cupboards at the moment please continue to bring in food on a regular basis. Some examples are as follows:
• Tinned Meat
• Tinned potatoes
• Cereals
• Food for people without cooking facilities

Thank you for continuing to support the work of Storehouse, as we seek to show the love of Jesus to those around us.
Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-09-22T13:42:00.000Z

Storehouse News
August was again a busy month within Storehouse, as we gave out a total of 114 food bags, resulting from requests from 14 different agencies and 2 non-agency requests. July and August have shown that by far the greatest number of requests have come from the drug-related agencies.
During the next few weeks we are expecting several schools and churches to give Storehouse the produce from their Harvest celebrations. This will be very welcomed in order to top up the food cupboards. Please pray that as we are asked to share the work of Storehouse within the schools and churches that God’s love would be seen through this practical ministry.
We have eventually used up the many tins of tuna that we were given some time ago, so please add fish to your shopping list again! At present we are especially short of the following items:
• Meat
• Tinned potatoes
• Vegetables
• Desserts
• Fish
• Tinned soup
• Food for people without cooking facilities
Don’t forget “two-cans” can really make a difference.
Thank you for supporting this vital work.
May God bless you.
Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-08-04T10:38:00.000Z

Storehouse Update
The last two months have continued to be very busy in the Storehouse office. During June a total of 112 bags were given out to clients: representing requests from 14 different agencies and 8 non-agency requests .In July 139 bags, (the highest monthly number this year,) were distributed: this represented requests from 14 different agencies and 6 non-agency requests. Please remember to bring in your cans of food during August as many people from church will be away on holiday.

At present we are short of the following items:
• Tea (individually foiled packets)
• Sugar (small packets if possible)
• Soup
• Baked beans
• Desserts
• Snacks
• Pot noodles
• Cereals
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Food for people without cooking facilities

One again “thank you” to all those from West Suffolk Vineyard Church and other churches/individuals who support this vital work. It is great to serve God together in this way.
God bless you.
Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-06-23T10:58:00.001Z

23 June 2011
Storehouse Chat

May was an extremely busy month when 134 bags of food were given out, resulting from requests from 11 different agencies and 10 non-agency requests. This was the highest monthly number of bags distributed this year. As the situation arose where the food cupboards were almost bare a plea went out from our Senior Pastor to those in positions of leadership within West Suffolk Vineyard Church asking for help in providing urgent supplies of food and toiletries. The result was that on the following Sunday two cars needed to be used to transport all the food to the Vineyard Centre. Thank you God and thank you to all those who responded quickly and willingly.

We have shared with the whole church the on going need for food to come in. If everyone just puts 2 or 3 extra cans of food in their shopping trolley each week, or alternatively those who shop on-line can arrange for a delivery of food to be sent to the Vineyard Centre any week-day morning-this will ensure the cupboards are filled, and that the increasing demand we seem to be experiencing at present will be met.

Since our recent appeal more food has been coming in and the cupboards are looking quite healthy. Thank you to all those who have responded. We need to keep the momentum going. As we give food to the work of Storehouse we are demonstrating God’s love to those in need, and doing just what Jesus did.

Please continue to pray for the work of Storehouse, that God would bless each person that receives a bag.

Please note we are currently in need of the following items:
• Tea (individually foiled packets)
• Sugar (small packets)
• Cereals
• UHT milk
• Desserts
• Snacks
• Soup
• Pot noodles
• Shampoo
• Food for people without cooking facilities

Once again “thank you” to all those who support the work of Storehouse in any way.
God bless you,
Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-05-12T10:30:00.000Z

Storehouse News
April was again a busy month when 91 bags of food were given out, resulting from requests from 11 different agencies, with two non-agency requests. During the last three months compared with the same period last year the number of food bags given out has increased by nearly 60%. We constantly need a supply of food and toiletries coming into the work of Storehouse, so we can continue to provide those in need with food supplies.

At the moment we are short of the following items:
• Milk
• Biscuits/snacks
• Cereals
• Tea (individually foiled packets)
• Sugar (small packets)
• Desserts
• Toothpaste
• Food for people without cooking facilities

Recently we held a “get together” with those who are involved with packing bags and meeting clients in the office. This was a very encouraging time when we were able to thank God for what He has done through the Storehouse ministry, share any stories of positive encounters with clients , talk through any practical issues in order to improve the way we do things and pray for God’s blessing on the ongoing work of Storehouse . One of the things agreed at the meeting was to keep a supply of bread in the freezer. This would be especially useful for homeless people, also for families. From now on we will not split boxes of tea, unless it contains individually foiled packets. Likewise, if clients want sugar, we will give a full bag. (Small bags will be preferred.)

It is always good to share positive experiences we have had with clients or agencies. One such instance took place recently when a client on collecting his food bag stayed for a drink, had a chat with team members and was willing to be prayed for. He expressed his appreciation that there were those who cared enough to spend time with him in such a way. On another occasion when collecting his food bag the person said “thank you for the wonderful job you do.” These are real encouragements and show us how much the work of Storehouse is valued . It is a real privilege to be able to share God’s love in such a practical way to those in need.

Thank you to all those who support this work. God bless you.
Andrew & Mary Soman

Storehouse Update

2011-04-11T10:50:00.002Z

March has been another busy month within Storehouse. A total of 102 bags were given out , resulting from requests by 12 different agencies and 4 non-agency requests. As in February, this number of bags was considerably higher when compared with the corresponding month last year.

Please continue to bring in food and toiletries, so that within the current economic climate we are able to help those in our local community who find themselves in a needy and vulnerable position. At present we are specifically short of the following items:

Baked beans

Soup

Pot Noodles

Desserts

Tinned potatoes

Tea (individually foiled packets)

Sugar (small packets)

Biscuits

Small cartons of drink

We would like to thank other local churches , as well as members of West Suffolk Vineyard Church for continuing to support the work of Storehouse, either by providing food supplies, packing bags, or by praying for God’s blessing on this vital work. We know the agencies that refer clients to us, and the clients themselves very much value the work we do. We know too that it is something on God’s heart.

Keep the food coming in! Thank you.

Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-03-03T13:53:00.001Z

Storehouse busy-ness

Firstly a big “thank you” to all those from West Suffolk Vineyard Church and other churches who have given food and toiletries towards the work of Storehouse during the last month. It is a real privilege to provide practical help to those who are in need.

During February a total of 114 bags were given out. This resulted from requests being made by 11 different agencies and 4 non-agency requests. Compared with February last year when the number was 68, this shows a substantial increase. As a result stocks of food are getting very low. We especially need the following items:

· Soup

· Tinned meat

· Tinned vegetables

· Tinned or packet potatoes

· Pot noodles

· UHT milk

· Desserts

· Tea

· Sugar

· Biscuits

· Food for those with no cooking facilities

If everyone is able to bring 2 cans/items we will be able to re-stock the cupboards and continue to meet the ongoing needs of those people who are referred to us.

We are so grateful to a great team of volunteers who come into the office one morning a week to pack bags and meet callers. Also thanks are due to those individuals who have provided food at short notice. During February we received a cheque from a local church for Storehouse. This was as a result of donations given at a Christmas school service. It is so encouraging to know that other churches are continuing to support the work of Storehouse.

Thank you once again to all those who give food and toiletries to this vital work. Please continue to keep the food supplies coming in and pray that God will bless Storehouse and use it for His glory in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area.

Andrew & Mary Soman

2011-01-27T14:24:00.001Z

Storehouse News

Happy New Year to all those who support the work of Storehouse in any way. May you know God’s rich blessings on your lives as you serve Him.

In December Storehouse gave out a total of 84 bags, as a result of requests from 14 different agencies and 3 Non-Agency requests.

During December one of the agencies gave Storehouse some boxes of food, that had been collected from their staff. We also received a financial donation from members of staff working at another agency. This was really encouraging to know that employees of these agencies very much value the ongoing help given by Storehouse to their clients.

As a result of a Christmas collection one local church gave Storehouse several boxes and bags of milk, cereals and other produce that considerably helped bolster up the food cupboards. Another local church has said they want to promote the work of Storehouse amongst their congregation. This is such an encouragement and source of blessing to know that other churches in the area are “catching the vision” of Storehouse, and feel able to support this existing project.

January has seen a significant increase in number of volunteers working in the office packing bags. It has been really encouraging to see more people within the church getting involved in different ways within Storehouse. The following message from one of the new team members highlights their experience of working within the team:

“For just two hours a week by helping to prepare bags of food for those who would otherwise go hungry, I feel I am able to play my part in seeing these people blessed. For me personally it is time well spent in expressing mercy and kindness to those in need within the community. Matthew 10 v 8: Freely you have received, freely give.”

Please keep the supply of food and toiletries coming in. The clients we provide for very much value these practical provisions. At present we need the following essential items:

Tinned meats
Tinned vegetables
Sugar & tea
Desserts

Thank you once again for your partnership in this work.

Andrew & Mary Soman

2010-12-16T14:02:00.002Z

Storehouse Updates

November saw a total of 133 bags of food and toiletries being distributed, following requests from 15 different agencies and 4 non-agency requests. This was the largest monthly figure during this year. With the recent exceptionally cold weather has come an increase in the demand for urgent food supplies. The generosity of many has enabled us to meet this increase. However, we would really value ongoing support by those attending West Suffolk Vineyard Church and any other people who may want to get involved with this vital ministry to the poor and needy in West Suffolk. We are currently running short on the following essential items:

· Tinned meat & meaty meals (e.g. ravioli/stew)

· Tinned vegetables (not baked beans)

· Potatoes

· UHT milk

· Cereals

· Desserts, tinned fruit etc

From January we are increasing the size of the Storehouse Team that packs the bags . We plan to have teams of two people each weekday morning who are able to do this. We are hoping that as well as providing food bags to clients as they call at the office that they may want to stop and have a drink and a chat also. By showing an interest in them in this way the team is demonstrating the love of Jesus. We have also set up a team of people that can be contacted to provide food at short notice when food supplies are running low.

As a church we have been able to buy 46 Christmas presents for children at the Bury Family Centre. These have been very much appreciated by the children and their families. Thank you to all those who have bought a gift.

As the New Year approaches we are looking forward to what God wants to do through the Storehouse ministry.

Thank you for your support and encouragement as we work together in sharing God’s love to others in this very practical way.

Happy Christmas,

Andrew & Mary Soman

Storehouse News & Updates

2010-11-25T10:01:00.003Z

We would like to introduce ourselves as the new Storehouse Co-ordinators. Firstly a big thank you to Jonathan Coe who with the help of Margie Wright have co-ordinated the work of Storehouse over the last few years. Their leadership has been very much appreciated and the work of Storehouse has developed and grown due to their commitment and enthusiasm.

Mary and I have worshipped at West Suffolk Vineyard Church for over 2 and a half years and have been involved in other ministries within the church during that time. We are very much looking forward to developing the work of Storehouse and encouraging more people to be involved. We believe this practical ministry to be a vital part of the vision of the church-to show God’s love to the poor and needy in West Suffolk. As Jesus said in Matthew chapter 25 verse 40 “ I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.” Involvement can be helping pack bags in the office for a couple of hours one morning or providing food at short notice when stocks are running low. If you would like to know more please contact the Vineyard Centre.

We would like to say a big thank you to the many churches, schools and other organisations who have recently donated food, especially from their Harvest Services. This really has been appreciated, and resulted in the food cupboards being full. As winter approaches the need for food and toiletries will remain high, so any help towards the work of Storehouse would be much appreciated.

Although not quite as high as September we still gave out 77 bags of food and toiletries during October, resulting from requests from 14 different local agencies and 1 non-agency request.

As in previous years during the next few weeks members of the church will be given the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for children at the Bury Family Centre. It is a real privilege to be able to bring joy to these children at this special time of year.

Thank you for your encouragement and ongoing support given to extending God’s Kingdom through the Storehouse ministry.

Andrew & Mary Soman

September busy-ness

2010-10-13T08:31:00.002Z

Yes, another busy time for Storehouse in September; during the month we received 81 requests resulting in 93 bags of food and toiletries being given away via 14 different local agencies plus some non-agency requests. These requests come in for single people and also for families, in all sorts of circumstances and situations. It is wonderful that together we are all able to help these people who, for whatever reason, find themselves in real difficulty. Each bag is given away as a gift, a token of God's love and concern for the poor and marginalised, and it is great that each and every can and packet that we give to Storehouse shares in that. Each request comes from a real story, involving real people and each bag makes a real difference. If you were at Church on Sunday, you might have heard Louise share some of the contents of a thank you letter from Connexions. If you heard that, you will also realise that each gift we make also makes a difference to the staff at the various agencies with whom we work. Thank you for each and every item that you give, and for the difference that you make as you share God's love through Storehouse.

August stats, and requests update

2010-09-02T22:01:00.002Z

August saw the second busiest month on record for Storehouse, with 94 requests from 14 different local agencies plus some non-agency requests, resulting in 114 bags being given away to people in need in Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. Each of these bags will have made a real difference to the person or family who received it, so a BIG thank you to everyone who has continued to donate food and toiletries throughout the month, and a BIG thank you to everyone who has helped make up the food bags ready to give out. (If you would like to spend just two or three hours one morning a week helping to make up some food bags, and meeting people who arrive to collect them, please contact the Vineyard Centre).

As a result of all these bags going out, we have run out of just about everything we need to put into a food bag. As of today, apart from one tin of sweetcorn, one bag of teabags and one packet of spaghetti, we had none of the following essential items:

tinned meat and meaty meals (e.g. ravioli etc)
tinned vegetables
instant mash/tinned potatoes
desserts, tinned fruit etc
cereals
pasta
teabags

By giving just one or two cans, you can help make a big difference in someone's life, and through the Storehouse ministry we all aim to share God's love and compassion for the poor and needy.

Thank you all very much.

July Stats (and requests update)

2010-08-12T09:48:00.002Z

July was yet another busy month for Storehouse. During the month we received 69 requests from 12 different local agencies and as a result gave away 80 bags of food and toiletries to local people in need. We often think of wintertime as being the time of greatest need for hungry people, but unfortunately neither sunshine nor rain directly feeds someone who has no food. And while some of us can afford to go on holiday, others in our community struggle to even put a meal on the table. Through Storehouse, we, as a church and as a wider community of churches, have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the needy in and around our town. Motivated by God's care and compassion for the broken, the poor and the disadvantaged, we make an impact in a real and practical way as we give away food, toiletries, nappies etc to those who would otherwise struggle to afford them. And it really is a church-wide ministry because Storehouse can only give away what is donated by individuals and other churches in the first place. So a huge thank you to everyone who has give food etc to enable us to help so many people, and may God bless you as you continue to help make a difference in the lives of needy people in West Suffolk.

As you might imagine, with so much food going out so regularly, we need a steady supply of food and toiletries to come in. We very quickly run out of the staple items we need, so if you would like an idea of what you can give to Storehouse, any (even one or two cans) of the following would be wonderful:

tinned meat, or meaty meals
tinned vegetables
instant mashed potato
tinned fruit and desserts
long life milk
small packets of cereals

Thank you

June stats & requests update

2010-07-01T19:54:00.003Z

As expected, June was yet another busy month for Storehouse. The warm weather might be enjoyed by many of us, but it still doesn't put food in an empty cupboard. And so during the month Storehouse received 58 requests for food bags from around a dozen local agencies plus some non-agency requests. As a result, 67 bags were given away to single men, women and families in need in and around Bury St Edmunds. Thank you for all of your support and donations of food and toiletries, sharing God's love and care for the poor in this practical way.

Because we have given away so much food, we are still running really low on most items now. In particular we have completely run out of tinned meat and have almost run out of tinned meals (e.g. ravioli, spag bol etc) and desserts. We are also getting low on just about everything else (even soups and baked beans), apart from tinned tuna, of which we have a very large supply. If you are able to spare even one or two cans*, we would be most grateful and you can be assured that everything you give really does make a difference. Thank you

Urgent requests update

2010-06-23T11:05:00.002Z

As I said in my earlier post, June is usually a very busy time of the year for Storehouse. Today, we have no tinned meat left in the cupboards, which means that we will struggle to make up any further food bags with a full compliment of meals for 2 - 3 days. Whilst tinned meat can be quite expensive, every single can that anyone donates, really will make a difference.
We have also run out of tea bags and pasta sauces and are running low of tinned vegetables, desserts, cereals (especially variety packs) and long life milk.
As we often say, one or two cans really do make a difference, and as we continue to give food bags away to needy people and families every week, we continue to need to replenish that food. As Summer takes hold, let's not forget that people in our community do still go hungry, do need help and can be shown God's love for them in action. Thank you.

Requests update

2010-06-10T13:41:00.002Z

June is often a particularly busy time of year for Storehouse. This may be because some young people have to leave home once they've finished school. Whatever the reason, we usually see an increase in demand for food bags this month. We're really pleased to have received a very large donation of tinned tuna recently, but we are running low on several other basic requirements, so if you would like to know what you can buy for Storehouse, we would especially appreciate any of the following:

tinned meat
tinned vegetables
desserts
pasta sauces
cereals, especially the variety packs
long life milk

Without all of these, it becomes quite difficult to make up a bag to provide 2-3 days worth of meals for a person, so do be assured that if you give any of these items to Storehouse, they will be used almost immediately and really will make a difference. Thank you.

May stats

2010-06-08T17:41:00.002Z

May was yet another busy month for Storehouse. During the month the Vineyard Centre received requests for food bags for 33 single men, 20 single women and 10 families, resulting in 73 bags of food and toiletries being given away. These requests were from 12 different local agencies (Citizens Advice Bureau, Connexions, Social Services, Drug Services, hostels etc) plus some non agency requests.
It is your gifts of food and toiletries that enables Storehouse to continue to reach out into our community and touch the lives of people struggling to put a meal together. Often your gifts also touch the hearts of the people who work in the different agencies with whom we work. It's amazing how big an impact these gifts can have. In the Bible, an angel told a Roman soldier, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a remembrance before God." We might or might not see the difference we make, but every can or carton is seen and does make a difference. Thank you.

Food needs update

2010-05-19T22:25:00.002Z

Storehouse is continuing to give away around 15 or more food bags every week. That's around 15 main meals (meat, veg, potato/pasta/rice), 15 desserts, 15 snack meals, 15 cartons of long life milk, around 45 variety boxes of cereal, 15 cans of beans/spaghetti, 15 tins of soup etc etc. As you can see, that's a lot of food that is given away every week, but it is only as a result of the ongoing support and generosity of everyone who gives food and toiletries to Storehouse. At the moment we are running particularly low on all of the following:

tinned meat
tinned veg
desserts
pasta and pasta sauces

We will also need the other items that we give away each week, especially

tinned snack meals
tinned fish/cold meat
cereals
long life milk
pot noodles
snacks, biscuits
tea bags

Every tin, carton or packet that is given to Storehouse really does make a difference. We give away around 60 bags a month in response to requests from a wide range of local agencies, but each bag is for someone in real need. Your kindness and generosity is what enables Storehouse to keep helping to meet these needs, and to show something of God's care and compassion for the poor and needy. Thank you.

Food needs...

2010-05-13T20:02:00.002Z

Already this month Storehouse has given away more than 30 bags of food to needy people in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. As a result we urgently need the following items:

long life milk (we have none left in the cupboards)
tinned meat (we had 2 tins left on Wednesday)
tinned meals like ravioli, spag bol etc (hardly any left)

We also getting low on fish, vegetables and desserts. If you are able to drop any of these items in to the Vineyard Centre or in the Storehouse buckets on Sunday morning we would be really grateful. Not only us, but each tin will make a real difference to someone who maybe might not otherwise be able to put a meal on his or her plate that day. Thank you and may God bless you as you continue to support this invaluable way of reaching out with compassion to people in need in our community.

April stats

2010-05-04T21:05:00.002Z

April was yet another busy month, although very slightly quieter than previous months. During the month 10 different local agencies made a total of 54 requests, which, when added to non agency requests, resulted in 63 food bags being given away. Whether months and weeks are busy or quiet, each food bag that is given away makes a big difference to the recipient. And each tin or packet of food is food that someone otherwise might not have had, but for the kindness of the person who chose to give it. So thank you to everyone who has given food and toiletries to Storehouse through the last month; already we are starting to run low on some basic items like desserts, meat and veg so every one or two cans that you give really do make a difference. May God bless you as you share his goodness and kindness with those in need. Thank you.

Urgent requests update

2010-04-04T13:15:00.002Z

Thank you so much for all your gifts of food and Easter eggs. However, we still need a few more Easter eggs, including some some of the small ones for an Easter egg hunt (see eggstra special request below), so if you can drop any in at the Vineyard Centre before this Thursday that would be great. Also, we are right out of desserts so again, if you are able to drop any tinned or packet desserts, puddings etc in at the Vineyard Centre we would greatly appreciate them. Thank you

March stats

2010-04-01T20:31:00.002Z

March was yet another busy month for Storehouse; we were contacted during the month by 13 different local agencies resulting in a total of 56 requests, plus one non agency request. As a result, Storehouse gave away 64 bags to needy men, women and families in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. These are real people, in real situations, young and old, who find themselves struggling to even put food on the table. Your kindness, generosity and willingness to share, makes a real difference in the lives of these people, and we hope it shows something of God's heart for the poor and needy as we reach out to them within our community. Thank you.

Eggstra special request

2010-03-27T19:50:00.003Z

One of the local agencies with whom we work has asked whether we might be able to help them out in a similar way to how we did last year by buying them some Easter eggs. Ideally, they would like around 20 "normal" sized Easter eggs to give to the children of the mainly single mums in their care, plus some small eggs for them to hide as they hope to arrange an Easter egg hunt. They don't need the eggs until the Thursday after Easter, so if you would like to donate an egg or some small eggs, then please feel free to drop them in at the Vineyard Centre or at Church on Easter Sunday. If we receive too many, we will simply give them away in food bags so don't worry on that front! This is another opportunity to share with those who might struggle at this time of year, and as we approach the time of year when we particularly focus on why Jesus came, it's good to be able to share that love that God has for everyone. Thank you.

Cupboards of Love

2010-03-23T23:27:00.006Z

Last year Storehouse was given some large MDF cupboards and so we have moved most of the food etc out of the grey metal cupboards and into these "new" ones, as they are much larger. When we were given the cupboards, they were just bare MDF, but recently, Lynette and Liz have kindly painted the cupboards, with the design and colour scheme etc being entirely up to them. Here's what the design on one of the doors now looks like, together with Lynette's own words to tell the story:

When asked to decorate the cupboards in January for Storehouse, I had an overwhelming urge to celebrate the fact that these were “cupboards filled with love” (hence ♥ motif)

Each item is a single act of compassion and love which, when put together, can change lives or make a difference! WOW!

We can be faced daily with a decision of, “do I bother to help with….. or does it make a difference if….?” You know, every time we do “bother”, something happens…. a situation is changed.

Several years ago a project started in South Africa called T-Bag Designs. It was born out of a desire to help families on townships who had nothing. A used T-Bag was dried, emptied and became a canvas for painted designs. These were then made into cards or used to decorate products and sold. This simple act of re-using T-Bags provided employment, which in turn gave a sense of purpose leading to self-worth and hope. Many people now “bother” to dry out T-bags for this project. It is a simple act, but life changing to those in the township.

These same T-Bags are now on the Storehouse doors. So, as we look at the T-Bag hearts, let’s receive a new heart of compassion. Let our hearts be softened so we can see the worth in every human being, whatever their circumstances.

Let’s see lives changed through love.

Thank you Lynette, and Liz.

February stats

2010-03-03T23:09:00.002Z

For a short month, February was very busy as far as Storehouse was concerned. During the month we received 55 requests from 14 different agencies plus a non-agency request, resulting in 67 bags being given away. It's been good to see this ministry grow, and sometimes to be able to offer those who come to collect their food bags a cup of coffee or even some hot soup. We hope that this ministry will continue to grow through 2010, but we know that we can only do this through the continuing support of everyone who donates food, toiletries and even their time to Storehouse. Thank you to everyone who does this, in whatever way; every donation makes a real difference to those who receive a food bag. In February that was 55 individuals and families whose lives were touched by the kindness and generosity of people who had been willing to give food and toiletries etc to Storehouse. Thank you so much, and may God bless you as you share his love in this way.

BBC - West Suffolk food project Storehouse 'busier than ever'

2010-02-23T21:02:00.000Z

Following on from their couple of radio reports earlier in February, The BBC Suffolk website is now also running a piece about Storehouse. You can have a look by clicking here: BBC - West Suffolk food project Storehouse 'busier than ever'

Storehouse on the Air

2010-02-22T12:43:00.003Z

A couple of weeks ago we were visited by BBC Radio Suffolk, who wanted to run a short piece on Storehouse, as they had heard about it from Ann Coleman at Aid to Hospitals Worldwide. Philippa Taylor came to the Vineyard Centre and had a chat with Margie and Jonathan, and a short piece was aired on Drivetime on Radio Suffolk on the 10th of February. A longer piece went out on the following Sunday morning show, and if you missed it and would like to hear it then click here.

January stats etc

2010-02-04T15:36:00.002Z

The start of 2010 has shown little let up in the busyness of Storehouse. During this first month of a new year, Storehouse received 62 requests for food bags, from 9 different local agencies plus a couple of non-agency requests, resulting in 69 food bags being given away. Almost half of the requests this month have been for young people, via Connexions and YMCA. It's great to be able to offer Storehouse's practical help to these young people who probably don't have the love and support of a caring family around them. Everyone who supports Storehouse, in whatever way, helps to support these often vulnerable young people, and others, and show them something of God's fatherly love for them. That's why we do what we do - to show and share God's love for the poor, the desperate, the needy. Thank you for all YOU do in continuing to help make this possible.

If you are wondering whether there is anything in particular that you might be able to give to Storehouse to help at the moment, we are beginning to run a little low on meaty meals (eg ravioli, spahetti bolognese, macaroni cheese etc) and tinned vegetables. Any donations of these items would be most welcome, thank you. Remember, even one or two-cans make a difference.

Review of December and 2009

2010-01-06T19:56:00.002Z

Although the Vineyard Centre was closed from Christmas Eve onwards, December still proved quite a busy month for Storehouse. We received 65 requests through the month from 13 different local agencies, plus a few non-agency requests, resulting in us giving away 80 bags to needy people in Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. Whether it is Christmas time or not, these bags make a real difference in the lives of those who receive them. We were also able to give away some extra Christmas hamper bags to some families, to help make their Christmas a little more special. Thank you to everyone who contributed chocolates, crackers, biscuits, nuts and other treats, to enable us to do this.
Many of you will also have bought presents for the children whose names were given to us by Bury Family Centre. As a Church we gave nearly 80 gifts to the Family Centre for them to pass on to the children who they felt were in particular need of a present this Christmas. Thank you to everyone who responded so generously; each child had a present/voucher brought for him or her in accordance with the suggestions made by the Family Centre, so a huge thank you to you all.
As a whole, 2009 was again a busy year, pretty much in line with 2008. The number of requests rose slightly from 731 in 2008 to 750 in 2009, resulting in a total of 888 bags (up from 884) being given away to individuals and families via just over 20 different local agencies (Social Services, CAB, Drug Services, Connexions, Health Practices, Probation, Hostels etc).
It has been wonderful to see this ministry continue to flourish through 2009, but it has only been possible through the continuing generosity of everyone who has supported Storehouse throughout the year - individuals and families at WSVC, other local churches, local schools and others. Thank you very, very much - each and every one or two cans will have made a real difference in the life or lives of those who have received the bags of food Storehouse has given away. We are looking forward to seeing this ministry grow in 2010, seeing God's love put into action by the generosity of people who are willing to reach out to the poor and needy in a real and practical way. May God bless you and Storehouse this year as we join together in this wonderful ministry. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-12-16T22:13:00.002Z

As Christmas approaches, Storehouse has been busy giving away lots of food bags over the last week. As a result, we don't have very many boxes of cereals to give away at the moment. The multipacks made up of 8 small boxes are ideal, as we can put three in a single person's bag, and are easily stored, whatever a person's lifestyle. We would be very grateful for any cereals that you might be able to give, either on Sunday, or by dropping some in at the Vineyard Centre over the next week. As we continue to busily give out bags in response to all the requests we receive, let's remember that as we give, we show in a real and practical way something of God's love for those in need. Thank you.

Caring for the poor IS part of God's plan.

2009-12-04T16:32:00.000Z

We often say that God has a heart for the poor; I was thinking about this the other day and how God set laws in place that looked after the poor. Reading through Leviticus or Deuteronomy can be a bit of a trawl, but you will find there the rules that God set out for the Israelites to follow, both personally and as a nation. And frequently those rules included provisions that would look after the poor and disadvantaged:
‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.’ Lev 19: 9 – 10
‘When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ Lev 19: 33 – 34
Time and again the sentiment behind these laws is repeated, as God emphasises to his people that they must care for the poor and the needy, the widow and the fatherless, and foreigners living in the country.
The impact that these laws had on people’s lives is hardly demonstrated more starkly than in the story of Ruth and Boaz, in the Old Testament. Ruth was a foreigner and a widow who chose to accompany her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, on her return to her native country. With no means of income, Ruth went to glean in the fields where the barley was being harvested. To cut the story short, Ruth ended up marrying Boaz, the owner of the field (read the full version in the book of Ruth in the Bible – it’s only four chapters). But the story didn’t end there; Ruth and Boaz had a son, Obed, who had a son Jesse, who was the father of King David. There are Ruth and Boaz, mentioned in Matthew 1, in the genealogy of Jesus. At this time of year, it’s interesting to think what an important part God’s heart and provision for the poor played in the history of the Christmas story. And at the same time, as we have been hearing lately about how God has plans for each of us, let’s not underestimate the difference we might make to the world by being ready and willing to obey and honour him, just like Boaz and Ruth.

November stats, and requests update

2009-12-02T15:36:00.002Z

During November Storehouse received 64 requests for food bags from 12 different local agencies, plus some non agency requests. As a result, 71 food bags were given away to help single men and women and families in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. I know that we say two cans make a difference, but in November you have helped feed over seventy people, giving them meals, snacks and toiletries to help the get through the difficulties that they have been facing. Thank you so much for your continuing generosity and kindness - may God bless you richly as you share with the needy in this way.

In addition to the Christmas treats that we would like to give away in the run up to Christmas (see previous post), we are beginning to run a little low on cereals, razors and shower gel at the moment. If you would consider popping some of these into the Storehouse buckets, or leaving some at the Vineyard Centre, we would be most grateful, thank you.

Christmas is coming....

2009-11-25T18:43:00.002Z

On Sunday we will be announcing the start of our collecting Christmas presents for needy children. This year Sarah & Phil Addy will be in charge of this and, as in previous years, we will be provided with a list of children's names, their ages and an ideal gift for them. Anyone wishing to purchase a gift for one of these children should take the relevant tag, and then return the gift (costing no more than £10), UNWRAPPED, but with its tag attached, before the 18th December. These will then be delivered to the Family Centre to wrap and pass on to the children. The names that we are given each year are those of children from families with whom Social Services and the Family Centre work, and they are aware of their ongoing needs and situations. It may be the case that some of these children might not receive much else, so it is wonderful to be able to share, in this way, some of the love that God showed the world at this time of year.

As an additional idea, it would also be good to be able to add a few Christmas treats into some of the food bags that we give away in December, or maybe even make up some special ones for individuals and families who are particularly struggling. So if you feel like giving a few festive treats - chocolates, crackers, biscuits, Christmas puds, sweets, candles, etc, etc, etc, whatever you feel led to - please leave them in the buckets on Sundays, or drop them in at the Vineyard Centre. Thank you

Storehouse volunteers

2009-11-12T14:09:00.003Z

Do you have a heart for what Storehouse does? Would you like to become involved with Storehouse? We would love to have a team of people who are able to spend one morning a week (in pairs at least) at the Vineyard Centre helping Storehouse. This would involve taking phone requests for food bags, filling bags where necessary and meeting the people who come to collect them. We would love to be able to offer people some time to chat if they would like to, as well as maybe a cup of tea or coffee, or even some soup. At the moment we probably average around 4 or 5 bags going out per day, so it won't be really busy. If you would like to be a part of this, please speak to Margaret or Jonathan. Thank you.

October stats

2009-11-04T19:11:00.002Z

October wasn't quite as busy as September, as far as Storehouse requests are concerned at least. However, September was an exceptionally busy month (see earlier post). During October, Storehouse received 65 requests from 10 different local agencies, plus some non agency requests, resulting in 76 food bags being given away to needy men, women and families in Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. A young lady called in at the Vineyard Centre today to collect a bag; she had not realised beforehand that we were there, and she was so thankful for her bag of food. The things we (and "we" means everyone who gives anything to Storehouse) give away through Storehouse we describe as a token of God's love; sometimes in our eyes that token might not be much, but in the hands of someone who really needs it, is desperate and might never receive much else in life, that token might be huge. Let's not underestimate the impact our giving can have in the lives of those who use Storehouse, and let's keep asking God to show HIS love through what we do.
Is that something that you would like to be involved in. We are still looking for volunteers to spend a few hours a week (preferably one morning a week) at the Vineyard centre to help fill food bags, take requests and meet the people who come to collect the bags. If you would like to get involved in this please let the office know, or speak to someone on the team. (Or even leave a comment here). Thank you

Requests update

2009-10-03T20:45:00.002Z

As we receive food from several local schools' and churches' harvest festival celebrations, we are currently well stocked on some items, but still rather low on others. At the moment we particularly need the following:

small cereal packets
long life milk (we have none left)
toiletries, especially deodorants & toothpaste
any food that can be eaten by someone with no access to a cooker or kettle

Thank you for your continuing support and ongoing generosity with your involvement in Storehouse. As you give to this ministry, you reach out with compassion to those in need and show them that they are not forgotten, that God's love can reach them wherever they are. Thank you, and may God bless you.

As September was such a busy month, that meant that the Vineyard Centre staff have been very busy assisting with Storehouse requests. We would love to be able to have a team of people at Storehouse who are able to spend a morning a week taking the phone calls from agencies and also giving out the food bags, whether they are to agencies' staff or clients. If this is something that you would like to be involved in, please speak to one of us. Thanks.

September stats

2009-10-03T20:09:00.002Z

September was an incredibly busy month for Storehouse, by far the busiest month we have ever had in fact. During the month we received 102 requests from 15 different agencies plus some non agency requests. These requests resulted in 118 food bags being given away to needy people in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. At times the stock of food was very low, but thankfully we didn't have to turn anyone away. Thank you for your amazing generosity through this very busy month - each one of those 102 requests has been met, and each bag will have made a real difference in the lives of the person or people who have received it. We do this, not only to make a difference in those lives, but we also believe that we are helping those people that are on God's heart - the poor and needy whom he has always cared for, and whom he wants us to care for too. In this way, each tin or packet that is given to Storehouse goes to help in this Ministry for God, as we show his love to those in need. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-09-16T15:42:00.000Z

September is proving to be a very busy month; so far this month we have already given away almost as many food bags as we did in the whole of September last year. As a result, the cupboards are really very low on some items, and we have run out of some things altogether. So if you use this blog to keep you up-to-date with what Storehouse needs, here's what we are needing at the moment:

tinned meat*, tinned fish*
tinned vegetables*, tinned potatoes & instant mash
pasta & pasta sauces
desserts of all kinds
small packets of cereals*
toiletries, especially toothpaste* and deodrants*
ANYTHING suitable for people with no access to any cooking facilities.

As we give away more food bags, we reach and have an impact in the lives of more and more people. It is wonderful that we are able to do this, and to be able to show something of God's love and concern for the marginalised, the poor and the needy. It is great too that we can be a part of this, whether we bring just one or two cans and whether we are part of West Suffolk Vineyard Church or not. We are grateful for the involvement and donations of other churches to the work at Storehouse and also for donations from schools and local churches of their harvest celebration items at this time of year. (If you know of a local school or church that is going to be holding a harvest celebration, please feel free to mention Storehouse to them, as we would be very grateful for any donations of food and toiletries from them. Contact the Vineyard Centre or any of the Storehouse team for more info, or leave a comment on this blog.) Please be assured that everything that you give makes a difference in the life of someone, and whether they are aware of it or not, demonstrates the love and compassion that God has for them. Thank you.

August stats and requests update

2009-09-03T21:40:00.002Z

August was yet another busy month for Storehouse. During the month, we received 65 requests from 12 different local agencies plus a couple of non-agency requests all of which resulted in 73 food bags being given away to needy and struggling people in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk.
As a result of so many requests, plus more than 10 bags going out in the first 2 days of September, we are desperately short of many items and would very much appreciate the following (please feel free to drop any items in at the Vineyard Centre):

any food that can be eaten without heating (e.g. ring-pull cans, peanuts, biscuits etc)
tinned meat (we have 1 tin left), fish, vegetables*, potatoes
pasta sauces, instant/pot noodles, instant mash
fruit & desserts
small cereals, tea bags*
toiletries, especially deodorant*, toothpaste*, shower gel*, soap*

It is wonderful that we are able to help so many people in this practical way, showing them compassion in a way that impacts their lives. When we give just one or two cans we really do make a difference, so thank you for everything that you do give.

On a slightly different tack, if you are involved with a local school that is going to be holding a Harvest celebration of any kind, you could maybe mention to the staff that Storehouse would gladly take any non-perishable items that are donated. We have already written to most of the local schools, but any additional support would be most welcome. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-08-26T23:10:00.003Z

August has so far been yet another busy month for Storehouse with around 15 bags a week going to people in need in and around Bury St Edmunds. The cupboards are looking really quite bare in some areas as a result and so we would particularly appreciate the following items:

tinned meat
tinned vegetables*
tinned potatoes & instant mash
tinned desserts and fruit
tea bags
small packets of cereals
toiletries especially shower gel*, toothpaste* and soap*

We are right out of items marked *.

We are very grateful for all the donations we receive, especially through the holiday period when perhaps it is all too easy to be thinking about other things. As the cupboards are so low at the moment please do drop things in at the Vineyard Centre if you are able to. Thank you for all you give - every can or two makes a real difference in the lives of those who receive them.

July Stats (and requests update)

2009-08-06T23:47:00.002Z

July has been the busiest month for Storehouse so far in 2009. During the month we received 76 requests for food bags from 15 different local agencies plus some non-agency requests. As a result of these requests, Storehouse gave away 89 food bags during July to single men, single ladies and families. All of these people will have been needy people, from differing backgrounds, but your continuing generosity will have made a real difference in their lives. Each food bag contains food and toiletries for a few days, to help someone have a few meals and keep clean. At the moment we are running very low on tea bags, tinned fish (we have none), tinned meat and meaty meals, vegetables, desserts, small packets of cereals, and long life milk. As you might imagine, most of these are pretty staple foods and we like to put some in every food bag. If you are going to be away during the summer, please feel free to drop any donations of food in at the Vineyard Centre during the week. It's wonderful that we can reach out in this way and touch so many lives in a practical way, but as a way of showing them that God cares for them. Thank you for all you do as part of this ministry.

Requests update

2009-07-27T22:04:00.003Z

July continues to be a very busy month for Storehouse with much of the food that comes in going out almost as quickly. Even after all the food collected yesterday at our Sunday morning celebration, we are still running low on some items:

tinned meat, meaty meals and tinned fish*
tinned fruit and other desserts
small boxes of cereal (eg multi packs, or weetabix etc which can be hygienically split)
long life milk
tea bags
toiletries, especially toothpaste, deodorants, shower gel*

We have none of the items marked *

As kinships maybe take a break over the Summer, please keep an eye on this blog, and on the notice board on Sunday mornings for updates as to what we are running low of. We always try and make up a food bag with food for all the meals in the day, so we are always needing plenty of different foods, but we do run low on particular things at different times (although it's worth pointing out that we do have plenty of tinned soup for the foreseeable future). Please feel free to drop any food in at the Vineyard Centre at 15a Out Westgate during the week, or in the buckets on a Sunday morning. As Chris was mentioning on Sunday, we might never see the outcome of our actions, but as we reach out with compassion to those in need around us, we are showing God's love to the needy while at the same time allowing him to soften our hearts. Let's keep reaching out and at the same time listening to him as we join together to serve him in this way. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-07-24T17:27:00.002Z

When I arrived at the Vineyard Centre on Wednesday morning, there were 6 or 7 Storehouse bags waiting to be collected, indicative of what a busy week and month it has been so far. As we had to make up plenty of bags, we are as a result running low on several items. We are right out of Tinned Fish, Shower Gel and Deodorants. We are also running low of tinned meat and meaty meals, instant noodles etc, pasta sauces, tinned desserts (we have just one tin), small packets of cereal, long life milk and tea bags. Please feel free to drop any gifts in at the Vineyard Centre during the week, especially if you would normally take them to Kinship and you might not be meeting up over the Summer. We really do appreciate all your gifts, because even one or two cans make a difference. It is wonderful that as a church we are all a part of this ministry as we give, and as we show God's love to needy people around us, in a practical way. Thank you.

Urgent requests update

2009-07-08T22:35:00.002Z

After a brief lull in June, the start of July has been very busy for Storehouse, with over 30 bags having gone out already this month! As a result we are right out of tinned desserts, long life milk, deodorant and shower gel, and running low on tinned fish, tinned meat and meaty meals, potatoes (tinned and instant mash), cereals, pasta sauces, toothpaste and soap. Storehouse gives us a wonderful opportunity to reach out to needy people and, in a non judgemental way, demonstrate some of God's love for them. As you continue to give food and toiletries, that is what you are doing, and it really does make a difference. May God bless you as you do this. Thank you.

June stats

2009-07-03T13:38:00.003Z

June this year was not as busy as last year, following a very busy May. We received 47 requests from 10 local agencies plus several non-agency requests, which resulted in Storehouse giving away 59 food bags to needy people in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. As Louise was saying on Sunday (if you haven't heard her talk you can download it from the WSVC website), this is only possible because of what YOU do, as you continue to support this ministry. We are very grateful for everything that you give and let's pray that as we give, lives will be changed. Thank you

By way of an update on the requests front, we have recently received a large consignment of tinned soup, so for the foreseeable future we won't need any more tins of soup to be given to us, thank you. We are still short of several items though, as per last week's notice, in particular
cereals, instant mash, tinned meat and veg. Please feel free to drop any donations in at the Vineyard Centre, or bring to our Sunday morning Celebration. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-06-26T10:01:00.002Z

I know the requests haven't been updated for a while, but the items we have needed have been pretty much the same. Just to keep things up-to-date, we are right out of the following:

tinned meals (like ravioli, spag bol etc)
tinned fish
tinned potatoes
shower gel

and we only have one carton of long-life milk left in the cupboards.

We are also running low on the following:

tinned meat
instant mash
pot noodles and cup-a-soups
cereals (variety packs or splittable packs like Weetabix are really great)
snacks and cereals bars
other toiletries - toothpaste, razors, deodorant, shampoo etc

We are truly grateful for everything that you give; when I spoke to people at the CAB AGM (see earlier posting), the question they kept asking was "where do you get all your food from". They were consistently amazed at the generosity that you show in bringing so much food to help people that you don't know, but who are struggling and in need. As we reach out in this way, I am sure that our actions touch more people than we realise, so please be encouraged. You really do make a difference, and may God bless you as you do so. Thank you.

CAB AGM

2009-06-26T09:20:00.002Z

On Friday 19th of June I had the pleasure of attending the Annual General Meeting of the Bury St Edmunds and District Citizens Advice Bureau. We regularly receive requests from the CAB and it was lovely to join with them, have a bite to eat and meet some familiar and some unfamiliar faces. The statistics reported were quite an eye opener - 7 out of the top 10 requests in 2008-2009 related to either debt or benefits; total debt dealt with amounted to over £2.5 million; 14,522 client contacts were made; for the first time they had more benefit enquiries than debt - a measure of the huge increase in Job Seekers Allowance and other means tested benefits queries they received as a result of the worsening economy. The majority of the people who work at CAB are voluntary, but they provide an invaluable service to the community as they seek to provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice.

May Stats and requests update

2009-06-05T15:19:00.002Z

Storehouse had its busiest May ever; we received 71 requests from 10 local agencies, plus one non-agency request. This resulted in us giving away 83 bags of food and toiletries to needy people in and around Bury St Edmunds during the month. As you might imagine, the food that comes in doesn't stay in the cupboards for very long when we are this busy, and so while we will gladly accept any non-perishable food you can give us, the items we particularly need at this moment are as follows:

tinned meat, meals and fish*
pasta sauces*
pot noodles*
cup-a-soups*
tea bags
long-life milk (we have one pint left)
cereals (especially multi-packs which can be easily split)
toothpaste*, deodorants and other toiletries

We have run right out of items marked *.

We are able to help all sorts of people through Storehouse - young, not so young, single, families, those with homes and those without. All of the people who come to Storehouse are in need though, but for many their need might be short term, as they wait for Benefits to be sorted, or other matters to be resolved. Your donations of food and toiletries help these people through the next few days, and hopefully demonstrate to them that they are not forgotten and hope-less: as we help them, we show that God has not forgotten them and that he cares for them. Through Storehouse, we are able to share God's love with desperate and needy people, and every can that we give makes a real difference. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-06-01T21:13:00.003Z

If you've been watching this blog lately, or taken a note of the requests on our board at our Sunday morning celebrations you'll notice a continuing theme: we're fairly low on just about everything! That's still continuing, I'm afraid, so if you use this space to inform you of what we need, here goes:

tinned meat and meaty products (eg ravioli etc), tinned fish
tinned vegetables, tomatoes, pasta sauces
instant mashed potato, tinned potatoes, pasta & rice
pot noodles & similar
tinned fruit & other desserts
long life milk
tea bags
cereals* especially multi packs, as they can be split easily and safely
toiletries

The fact that we need so much demonstrates how much we are giving out; I'll update the stats for May later in the week, but it has been a very busy month. It's wonderful that together we are able to help so many needy people, from all sorts of walks of life and in many different situations, and to show in this practical way God's love for them. Thank you.

Urgent requests plea(se)

2009-05-18T13:22:00.003Z

Roy and Margaret delivered all of yesterday's food collection to the Vineyard Centre this morning, and had to make up a few more bags, because so many have gone out. When they left there were several things that we have run right out of:

We have no instant mashed potato
we have no desserts of any kind
we have no tinned vegetables (you can buy a tin of carrots etc for around 20 - 30p)
we have one carton of long life milk left
we have hardly any tinned meal items (e.g. ravioli, macaroni cheese, spag bol)

As we reach one of our busiest times of the year, we are going to need a good supply of all of the above, as they go into every food bag we make up. Please consider adding just one or two cans to your weekly shop, to share with those who maybe have nothing, and please feel free to drop any items in at the Vineyard Centre during the week. May God bless you as you help others with your gifts. Thank you.

April stats, and requests update

2009-05-15T20:42:00.002Z

April was another busy month for Storehouse; during the month we received 60 requests from 11 different local agencies, plus a non agency request, resulting in us giving away 69 food bags to local needy people. It's wonderful that we have been able to do this, and we are so very grateful for all the continued donations we receive. The first week in the new Vineyard Centre (see earlier post), has been far from quiet, with more than 20 food bags going out in the first week alone. As a result of the high number of requests we are receiving, the cupboards are looking fairly bare again, and we are in real need of the following items:

tinned fish*
tinned meat* and meaty products*
tinned vegetables*
tinned potatoes*
instant mashed potato
dry pasta* and rice*
pasta sauces
tinned fruit and desserts

We have run out of the items marked * completely.

In each food bag that we give away we try to put sufficient food for 3 meals a day for 2 - 3 days, so you can imagine the volume of food that has gone out in the last week. Over the last three years, June has always been one of our busiest months so I guess that the number of requests that we receive will continue to rise. Please consider bringing some of the above items to our Sunday morning celebration, or drop them in at the Vineyard Centre during the week. But also, ask God what He would have you do. We say that one or two cans make a difference, and they not only make a difference to the person who receives them, but as we open our heart to what God wants us to do, it can begin to make a difference to us too. Thank you.

We're moving...

2009-05-05T23:13:00.005Z

The Vineyard Centre is moving...
to 15a Out Westgate, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3NZ
on 7th May 2009
The phone number, website and emails all stay the same(although they may not work on 7th May itself)
Click here for a PDF on parking arrangements.
If you stop on the double yellow lines for loading and unloading then your vehicle must not go onto the pavement and you can only be there for a max of 20 minutes whilst un/loading is actually being carried out.

Requests update

2009-04-29T14:03:00.002Z

If you were at our Sunday morning celebration at St James' School, you might have seen the photos of the nearly empty Storehouse food cupboards. We collected a wonderful amount of food on Sunday, thank you, and we have been able to make up bags ready for the coming week, as requests keep coming in. However, that does mean that once again we are right out of some things and very low on others. The items we have run out of completely are as follows:

tinned meat and meat products
tinned fish (I think we might have one tin of tuna left)
tinned potatoes
long life milk
rice
deodorant, shampoo

We are also running very low on the following:

pasta
tinned vegetables
instant mashed potato
desserts
cereals
other toiletries, especially shower gel

We are truly grateful for everything that you give to Storehouse. You do an amazing thing as you give even just one or two cans to help people who have little or nothing (I was talking to a guy today who has been waiting for his benefits to come through since March 20th). Let me quote from The Message intro to Zephaniah: "Everything you do or think or feel has to do with God. Every person you meet has to do with God." We live in a vast world of interconnectedness, and the connections have consequences, either in things or in people - and all the consequences come together in God. We might never know the impact our gifts might have on someone's life, but we can be sure that our gifts will make a difference; it might even be the case that the difference will start with us, as we start to see people with God's eyes, and as we reach out in love towards them. So thank you for continuing to be a part of this ministry as we try to extend a hand of help and show some of God's love to our needy community.

Urgent requests update

2009-04-16T12:35:00.002Z

We are running very low of quite a few items and are right out of some. In particular, we need the following:

tinned meat*
pasta*
pasta sauces*
instant mash*
tinned mixed vegetables
tinned tomatoes*
tinned kidney beans*
tinned fruit* and other desserts*
long life milk*
snacks
toiletries - toothpaste*, razors, body wash, shampoo*, deodorants

The items marked with * we have run right out of. As we try and make up a bag to give meals for a couple of days, it will be difficult without any meat, dessert and milk. If you are able to drop any items in at the Vineyard Centre that will be useful too. Thank you for all your donations and for continuing to be prepared to help and support those in our community who maybe have nowhere else to turn.

March stats & requests update

2009-03-31T20:59:00.002Z

During March, Storehouse received 51 requests from eleven local agencies and some non agency requests. This resulted in 63 food bags being given away during the month to help support people in need in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. There has been a steady and good supply of food coming in, so thank you to everyone who has donated food and toiletries over the past month - it is your kind donations that have filled these bags and shown the recipients a practical example of God's love for them. If you read through the Bible, from the Old testament through the New, you will find again and again God declaring and demonstrating his care and compassion for the poor, and his will that his people should do the same. As you give just one or two cans, you are demonstrating that love for the poor that God desires, reaching out to the disadvantaged, the downtrodden and the demoralised. May God bless you as you bless others.
We try and fill each bag with a variety of food to give the recipient enough for breakfast, lunch and dinner for two or three days. At the moment, we are running low on the following items and would appreciate these in particular:

tinned meat*
tinned veg, esp mixed veg, tinned tomatoes, kidney beans
pasta* and pasta sauces*
tinned fruit and other desserts
long life milk
toiletries of all sorts, especially toothpaste*
tin openers

*we have run right out of these items at the moment.

Thank you so much for all you give. It is wonderful that this ministry is so well supported by so many people. Please feel free to bring items other than those above, and please also feel free to drop them in at the Vineyard Centre during the week, as well as at our Sunday morning celebration at St James' Middle School. Thank you.

February stats

2009-03-04T11:52:00.002Z

During February Storehouse received 37 requests for food bags from 13 different local agencies plus some non agency requests, resulting in 47 food bags being given away. Whilst this is fewer bags than in 2008, it is wonderful to be able to meet these needs. Each bag makes a difference to the person or people receiving it, and each can or box that you give goes into making that difference. It can make a difference too to you; as John Wimber said once, "What an awesome opportunity we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We must never forget the poor and the oppressed among us. For when we give ourselves to others, our own healing will be waiting." So thank you for all your continuing donations. We are still running a bit low on some items that we would particularly appreciate at the moment as follows:

tinned potatoes and instant mashed potato
tinned vegetables
tinned tomatoes
pasta sauces
tinned fruit and other desserts
toiletries, especially toothpaste*, body wash*, shampoo*
plastic bowls, cutlery etc - for use by people with no cooking facilities

We are grateful for everything that is given to Storehouse and it is wonderful that we are able to meet all of the needs and requests for food and toiletries that come to us. Storehouse really is the ministry of the whole of West Suffolk Vineyard, and even beyond; it continues to give as it continues to receive from everyone who supports it. Thank you for your continued kindness - may you be blessed as you bless those in need in our community.

January stats and latest requests

2009-02-05T19:38:00.003Z

January started off with a large number of requests, but quietened down towards the end of the month. Although the Vineyard centre was closed for the final week of the month, food bags were still available to people telephoning in, as instructions were left on the answerphone. In the whole of January Storehouse received 50 requests from 13 local agencies, plus some non agency requests, resulting in 62 food bags being given away. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this ministry over the last month - it is your generosity and kindness that enables storehouse to reach as many people as it does.
At the moment we have a number of food bags made up and ready to give out, but we are low of some things for the food cupboards. The items we could do with in particular are:

potatoes, both tinned and instant*
tinned vegetables
tinned tomatoes
desserts of any kind*
toiletries - esp toothpaste, body wash, shampoo

*these are the items of which we have none at the moment.

We appreciate everything that is given to Storehouse, and we do need a good variety of food to make up the food bags that are given out each week. The above list simply shows the things that we are particularly low on at the moment, so please feel feel free to bring anything else as well. One or two cans really do make a difference, both in terms of helping us make up a food bag, but they also make a huge difference to the person receiving them. he or she might not have had a meal, but for those one ot two cans, so please don't underestimate the impact that even one or two cans can make. God knows our heart when we give, and it is ultimately HIS ministry that we are carrying out, joining with him in reaching out to our community, remembering the poor and trying to care for them in a practical way. Thank you.

Requests update

2009-01-30T22:18:00.004Z

We are always grateful for whatever you give to Storehouse. However, at the moment we have no tinned vegetables, very little cereal and no instant mash. If you could consider giving any of these to Storehouse it would really help make up the next lot of food bags. Tinned mixed veg are really useful - they go with all sorts of food, have a good mix and shops' own brands usually cost less than 30p. Small variety packets of cereal, or cereals like weetabix that can be split, but remain sealed are great for dividing up and putting in a food bag to feed someone for 2 or 3 days. And boxes of instant mash that have several foil packs inside can again be split and divided up. Every single item that is given really does make a difference, especially to the person or people who receive the food bag. So thank you for all that you do give as you take part in this ministry of reaching out to those in need in our community.

December Stats

2009-01-08T20:41:00.002Z

A New Year has begun, and on behalf of everyone at Storehouse, I wish you a peaceful 2009. As a new year begins so an old one ends, and 2008 ended with a very busy month for Storehouse. In December Storehouse received 77 requests for food bags from 15 different agencies plus some non agency requests. This resulted in 106 food bags being given away to people in need locally. We could not do this without the continuing support of everyone who gives food and toiletries to Storehouse. If you would like to know what we need in particular at the moment, please see the previous posting - we're still running low of the same things.

We have received many comments lately from people connected with some of the agencies that use us as to how much of a difference Storehouse makes to the lives of those who receive the food bags. That difference is what YOU make as you bring just one or two cans; you show love in a practical way to people you don't know and don't even get to meet. None of us knows everything that 2009 has in store for us as individuals, as a church, as a town or even a nation. As we continue to receive a seemingly increasing number of requests for food bags, lets continue to join together to meet these needs and to spread some of God's love for the poor and broken to hurting and needy people in our community in 2009. Thank you for all you do, and may God bless you through this New Year.

Requests update

2008-12-17T12:40:00.002Z

The last week has been very busy for Storehouse with over 40 bags leaving the Vineyard Centre. As you might imagine, this has left us very low on some items so that at the moment we particularly need the following:
· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tin openers, plastic cutlery and bowls
· tinned meat
· tinned vegetables
· pasta sauces
· toiletries
· cereals, snacks, crisps etc
· tea bags, sugar, long life milk

The Vineyard Centre will be closed from Christmas Day until the 2nd of January, but we are hoping to still be able to meet the requests we might receive over that period. It would be great if we could stock up well before Christmas, particularly as there will be no Sunday celebration on the 28th, so feel free to drop in any donations of food or toiletries etc at the Vineyard Centre.

Thank you for all that you do in supporting Storehouse. It is your continuing kindness and generosity that enables Storehouse to reach out and help needy people in our community.

Latest requests update

2008-12-08T10:55:00.002Z

If you use this blog to help you buy something for Storehouse, sorry I haven't updated you for so long, but thank you for what you have brought us. At the moment we could do with the following items to help us give out foodbags over the next week:

tinned meat and meat products
tinned vegetables
pasta sauces
cereals, especially multi packs
long life milk
snacks - crisps, biscuits etc
toiletries of all descriptions

We will be giving away a large number of bags this week following a request for 12 family bags, so please feel free to drop any donations off at the Vineyard Centre. And thank you again for all your donations and please feel free to add to the above anything that you feel God might be wanting you to give. This is how The Message puts part of the passage Louise spoke from yesterday (see below): Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.' (see Matthew 25: 31-46)

Sheep and Goats

2008-12-08T10:42:00.003Z

Odd name for a Storehouse posting you might think, but if you were at our Sunday morning celebration yesterday you will know the context. If you weren't there, please download the talk from the Church website or right click here and "Save Target As". It talks so much about helping others and our motivation for doing that and really is worth saving and listening to again.

November stats

2008-12-08T10:32:00.002Z

Sorry for not having updated this blog for so long, but here we go. During November, your kind donations of food and toiletries have enabled Storehouse to give away 71 food bags to 59 individuals or families. This was as a result of requests from 13 local agencies plus some non agency requests. Thank you for everything that you have given; the people who receive your gifts are real people with little or nothing to eat, and some don't even have a home of their own. Your donations really do make a difference in their lives - in fact a guy was talking in the school playground to someone from church the other day and he commented that Storehouse is a real life saver. He wasn't from church, but he had seen the difference Storehouse makes. We might never know the full extent to which each bag will impact someone's life, but we will keep giving away these tokens of God's love, and we thank YOU for enabling that to happen.

October Stats

2008-11-05T13:22:00.004Z

During October, we received 80 requests for food bags from 14 different local agencies plus some non agency requests. This resulted in 98 food bags being given away to needy people in out town and community. At a time when we have seen a lot of food come in from harvest celebrations, we have seen a lot of demand for it. It is wonderful that we have been able to meet all of these needs and show God's love and provision in a very real and practical way. Thank you to everyone who has joined in this ministry by giving food and toiletries - you have blessed many people with your kindness.

If you are wondering whether there is anything in particular that we are short of at the moment, then we could do with the following:

ANYTHING that can given to someone with no cooking facilities
long life milk
small boxes of cereal (we have none left)
small bags of sugar
cereal bars etc
deodorants

If you wonder why we place so much importance on serving the poor in this way and you missed Chris' talk the other Sunday, then you can download or listen to it here (to download, right click and "Save Target As..."). Thank you.

Harvest thanksgiving

2008-10-15T11:36:00.005Z

This year we have again been joined by several local schools and churches who have kindly given their non-perisahble harvest produce to Storehouse. We are truly grateful to all the following schools who have contacted us and who have more than filled our cupboards:

Barnham Primary School
Hardwick primary School
Hartest Primary School
Little Fishes pre-school
St Edmunds Catholic Primary School & Nursery
St James Middle School
Sextons Manor Primary School
Tollgate Primary School
Westgate Primary School

The following local churches have also kindly donated their non-perishable harvest items to Storehouse:

Hartest Church (and benefice)
St Marys Church
St Peters Church
West Road Church

It is wonderful that so many people in and around our town are happy and willing to join us in this ministry. Many of the schools comment that they like to be able to help people who are in need and in our community. It has given us a good store of much of what we usually give away so that we are only really short of small cereals, toothbrushes and shower gel. Please don't stop bringing in your donations of any other items - we have already given away over 20 bags a week so far in October, so please be assured that whatever you give will make a difference. Thank you.

September Stats & requests update

2008-10-01T11:13:00.004Z

Another busy month saw Storehouse give away 74 bags during September. This was as a result of 67 requests from 12 local agencies plus some non agency requests. Thank you for your donations that have enabled us all to help these people that live in our community, but who are in difficult times.
As we continue to give this number of bags away regularly, so we need the food and toiletries to keep coming in. A big thank you to Westgate Primary School who kindly donated their harvest assembly food this past week, but still we are a bit low on the following items:
· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tinned meat
· tinned spaghetti, ravioli etc
· tinned vegetables
· instant mashed potato, tinned potatoes
· pasta, rice, pasta sauces
· small bags of sugar
· toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel and other toiletries

The following is copied from the insert of Chris Tomlin's latest album, "Hello Love":
On our own, we each can make a difference in the world. But collectively we are a force for good that exponentially surpasses what we can do alone. Moving together, small sacrifices from each of us can make a huge difference in the lives of people around the globe.
While the needs of the world at times appear overwhelming, we must not be deterred by their size or complexity. The most important step we can take is the very first step, and out of our abundance we can mirror to the world the heart of a Saviour who has staked his life for theirs.
We believe in this generation and their capacity to respond to the challenges that cripple hope and dignity for people throughout the world. Wedding worship and justice, this generation of believers wants to love God by loving those in need.
Follow your heart and Do Somehing Now. http://www.onemillioncan.com/

'Millions' of UK young in poverty

2008-09-30T09:03:00.005Z

Click here to follow a link to a BBC News item on a report by the Campaign to End Child Poverty. To read the report itself or to find out more about the organisation behind it, click here.
The Campaign to End Child Poverty says 5.5 million children are in families that are classed as "struggling" - 98% of children in some areas.
The campaign classes households as being in poverty if they are living on under £10 per person per day.

Requests update and THANK YOU!!

2008-09-25T20:11:00.002Z

It's that time of year when not only are the evenings drawing in, but schools and churches are holding their harvest celebrations and festivals. A BIG thanks goes to West Road Church and St James Middle School for their donations of non perishable food collected at their harvest festival and assembly respectively. It's really wonderful when we are joined by other churches and schools who also want to reach out and help people in our town and community who are struggling. And the donations given by West Road and St James have certainly helped fill some bags this weeks and still leave some food in the cupboards. We are still a little low on a few items though so if you do need some pointers for what we're short of here goes:

any food suitable for someone with no access to cooking facilities
tinned fish and tinned meat
tinned spaghetti, ravioli and other meals
instant mashed potato and tinned potatoes
small packets of cereals
small bags of sugar
toiletries in general

As you shop please do think about Storehouse and pray about what you might give - God might lead you to give something that would be just perfect for someone. And as we give even one or two cans, it's a chance to show something of God's love for the broken, the needy, the lonely and the poor in a real and practical way. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-09-17T13:40:00.005Z

I apologise for not having updated the requests last week, but thank you for all the food that has come in anyway - we are so grateful for all your donations. At the moment we are running low on the following:

Any food suitable for someone with no cooking facilities
Tinned meat and tinned fish
Tinned vegetables, tomatoes and kidney beans
Instant mashed potato and tinned potatoes
All varieties of tinned vegetables
Tinned spaghetti, ravioli, macaroni cheese etc
Desserts - fruit, custard, rice and other puddings
Small bags of sugar
Pasta sauces
Toiletries, especially deodrants

When we make up a food bag we try to cater for 2-3 days' meals, (breakfast, lunch and evening meal) and as you can see, that covers a fair chunk of what we're short of. If you are able to spare just one or two cans, they can make such a difference, especially to the person who is given them. When you are so desperate that you have to ask for food, or when you haven't had anything to eat for a couple of days, that tin or packet of food makes a BIG impact. And our aim is, as it says on the bags we give away, to show a token of God's love. Thank you for all you do in making that happen.

Requests update

2008-09-03T12:06:00.002Z

As you can read from the stats below, August has been a very busy month, and already this week 12 bags have been given out. As a result we are right out of some items and running low on some others, as follows:

· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tinned meat*, tinned fish
· tinned vegetables and tinned tomatoes
· instant mashed potato, tinned potatoes
· pasta, pasta sauces
· small bags of sugar*, small packets of cereals*
· toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel)
· toilet rolls

Your help in giving to Storehouse demonstrates God's love in action to those who receive the bags. Maybe for some, it is their only experience of a church, or even of God. It's great that we can do this and show God's love and compassion in this practical way. Thank you, and please feel free to drop any donations in at the Vineyard Centre this week, especially if you are giving any of those items that we have run right out of.

August stats

2008-09-03T11:58:00.002Z

Although August is typically a month for holidays and sunshine (not that there was too much of the latter this year), this year it has been a very busy month for Storehouse. Last year we gave away 45 food bags during August, but this year August saw 72 food bags leave the Storehouse cupboards to 10 different local agencies plus some non agency requests. We are so thankful for all the food and toiletries that have been given to Storehouse and as you can imagine, they have not stayed in the cupboards for very long. It is wonderful to be able to help so many people in need, and when we are all feeling the pinch in our pockets, every one or two cans really is appreciated and truly can make a difference. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-08-20T11:02:00.002Z

I'm aware that it's summer holiday time, and many of us will be spending some time away and hopefully relaxing and finding some good weather. However, as Maggie was saying on Sunday, the requests for food bags keep coming in to the Vineyard Centre. We have had a marvellous response to our food requests over the last couple of weeks, but as quickly as the food comes in, it goes out again. At the moment we are running low of the following items and would appreciate these in particular:

· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tinned meat and tinned vegetables*
· instant mashed potato
· rice, pasta sauces
· tea bags, coffee, small bags of sugar
· small packets of cereals
· small cartons etc of drinks
· toiletries* (of all descriptions)
· toilet rolls, wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)

* we are right out of these. We are truly grateful for any items that you can bring in - one or two cans really can make a difference in the lives of those in our community who are in need.
Thank you

Requests plea

2008-08-02T14:53:00.002Z

As you will see from the July stats (see below), we have given away a lot of food and toiletries over the last month, and this year as a whole. The result is that the food cupboards are really very low. With just 4 bags made up at the end of this week, we have no potatoes, no baked beans, no milk and no sugar. We are also really low on just about everything else, with the exception of soup, so anything at all will help. Sometimes it seems such a large task to provide all the food for all these requests. However, just one or two cans can really help towards making up a meal or a food bag for someone and can truly make a difference. So if you can spare even a small amount of non-perishable food or toiletries, they will certainly be most gratefully received. Thank you.

July Stats

2008-08-02T14:49:00.002Z

In July, Storehouse gave away 77 food bags in response to 66 requests from 13 different agencies plus some non agency requests. We are grateful for everything that you have given to help support those in need of food and toiletries in Bury st Edmunds and West Suffolk - your kindness and generosity touches not only those who receive the food bags, but also the agency workers who see the difference it makes at first hand. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-07-16T11:06:00.004Z

Another busy week (Storehouse has given out over 20 bags in the last week) means that we are running low on some things and are completely out of quite a few. If you use this blog to help you decide what to give to Storehouse then here's a list of what we're running low of:
· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tin openers, plastic bowls, cutlery etc
· tinned meat and fish, tinned vegetables*
· instant mashed potato*, tinned potatoes*, baked beans*
· pasta, rice*, pasta sauces*
· tinned fruit* and other desserts*
· tea bags, coffee*, small bags of sugar*, long life milk
· small cartons etc of drinks*
· toiletries (esp. toothbrushes*, deodorants*, soap)
· toilet rolls, wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)
* these are the items we have none of!
As you can see, we really are low on quite a few items, and would appreciate these in particular. But please pray too about what you might give; we never know what requests we might receive and are sometimes faced with quite specialised needs, ranging from dog food to vegetarian, no cooking facilities to lactose intolerant. I remember Chris telling a story about Storehouse at Riverside Vineyard. A person came to them needing a very specific type of food parcel because he/she was extremely allergic to a certain kind of food. Before the person's need was even known about a food parcel perfect for that person's needs had already been made up. We really can join with God in meeting people's needs as we take part in this ministry, and who knows what the results might be? And whether we see miracles or whether we don't, every bag that is given out is a token of God's love to the recipient, and really does have an impact in the lives of the needy who receive them. Thank you.

Food requests update

2008-07-09T11:02:00.002Z

Thank you so much for all the food that has come in over the last week. It is amazing to see your continuing generosity, especially after such a busy month through June. As the food bags continue to be given out we are running low of the following items:
· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tin openers, plastic bowls, cutlery etc
· tinned meat and fish, tinned vegetables
· instant mashed potato, tinned potatoes, baked beans
· pasta, rice, pasta sauces
· tinned fruit and other desserts
· coffee*, small bags of sugar*
· small cartons etc of drinks*
· toiletries (esp. toothbrushes*, deodorants, soap)
· toilet rolls, wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)
(* we currently have NONE of these)
Please feel free to drop any items off at the Vineyard Centre or bring them to church on a Sunday. All of your gifts are appreciated and really do make a difference in the lives of those who ultimately receive them. Thank you.

June Stats

2008-07-02T11:11:00.003Z

Yet again June has been an incredibly busy. Storehouse received 69 requests during the month from 12 different local agencies, plus some non agency requests. This resulted in 76 food bags being given away, over a fifth of which were for people with no access to any cooking facilities. We've also given away nappies, baby milk and some clothes. The cupboards have been very bare at times, but we have not had to turn anyone away. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this ministry, for all your prayers, your donations and your kindness. Each of you has made a difference.

The other day Julia was talking to a lady who was carrying a Storehouse bag; she hadn't been given the bag, but a friend of hers had and she liked the bag so much she asked if she could have it. In particular she loved the writing on the bag that says "a token of God's love for you". That's what you do every time you do anything for Storehouse: you show some of God's love to someone else in need. Thank you.

Food requests plea

2008-06-18T10:24:00.002Z

We've given out 21 bags in the last week alone. As a result the cupboards are looking really quite bare and we have not even been able to make up the full quota of food bags ready for the coming week. We have one tin of meat, 3 boxes of instant mash, no pasta, no rice, no pasta sauce, no sugar, no deodorants, no toothpaste, no shampoo, no shower gel, and are low on EVERYTHING else. Please pray about what you might give to Storehouse; June has been really busy in the last couple of years, so please be assured that whatever you give will make a difference. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-06-04T11:08:00.003Z

As we continue to give out food bags, and especially in the light of the large number of bags given away during June in previous years, could you please consider giving the following items to Storehouse, as we are running low on them at the moment:
· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tin openers, plastic bowls, cutlery etc
· tinned meat and fish
· instant mashed potato*, baked beans, kidney beans
· pasta, rice, pasta sauces
· tinned fruit and other desserts
· tea bags, coffee, small bags of sugar*
· small cartons etc of drinks*
· toiletries (esp. toothbrushes* toothpaste*, deodorants, soap)
· toilet rolls, wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)

Even one or two cans can make a real difference and let's pray that as we give these items of food and toiletries, the gift and the giving will make a real difference in the lives of those who receive them. Thank you.

May Statistics

2008-06-04T10:44:00.002Z

During May Storehouse received 48 requests for food bags from 9 local agencies plus some non-agency requests. This resulted in 56 bags being given away to all sorts of needy people in Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk including several bags for people with no access to cooking facilities. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in giving to all these people in need in our community, and for making a difference in their lives.

Requests update

2008-05-28T11:17:00.002Z

As we continue to give out food bags, and particularly as we approach June, which for the last couple of years has been a really busy month, we need the following items in particular:
· ANY food that can be eaten without heating
· tinned meat and fish
· instant mashed potato*
· pasta, rice, pasta sauces
· tinned fruit and other desserts
· tea bags, coffee, long life milk, small bags of sugar*
· small cartons etc of drinks*
· toiletries (especially toothpaste*, deodorants, soap)
· toilet rolls, wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)

We are grateful for everything that you give, and hope that you realise how much of an impact all the items you bring have in the lives of those who receive them. Even one or two cans really do make a difference. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-05-21T11:52:00.003Z

Storehouse has given away 18 food bags in the last week and while we still have some food in the cupboards, we are running low on some items and would appreciate these in particular:

ANY food that can be eaten without heating
instant mashed potato*, tinned potatoes
tinned vegetables
pasta, rice, pasta sauces
tinned fruit and other desserts
tea bags*, coffee, small bags of sugar*
small cartons etc of drinks*
toiletries (especially toothpaste, deodorants, soap)
wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)

Thank you (* we currently have NONE of these)

Storehouse can only operate as it does through your continuing kindness and generosity and, as we approach the end of May, it is worth remembering that over the last couple of years June has been our busiest month, with nearly 80 bags given away in June last year. Please be assured that everything you give will go to make a real difference in the lives of the people to whom those items are given. Thank you again.

Requests update

2008-05-14T10:54:00.001Z

As we continue to receive food bag requests at the Vineyard Centre, we are grateful for all your donations of food and toiletries. At the moment we are running low on a few items and would appreciate these in particular:

instant mash* and tinned potatoes*
tinned tomatoes and kidney beans etc
dry pasta
small drinks cartons*
small packets of cereals, small bags of sugar*
deodorants and wet wipes*

(We currently have none of these*)

Thank you so much for your continuing kindness and generosity. You really do make a difference in the lives of those whom Storehouse helps.

April Stats

2008-05-07T09:39:00.003Z

During April Storehouse received 57 requests for food bags from 11 agencies plus non agency requests. This resulted in 68 food bags being given away to those in need in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. It is only through the continuing generosity of everyone who gives any amount of food and toiletries to Storehouse that we can continue this ministry, and to reach out with love and practical help into the lives of needy people in our community. Thank you.

Cooker request

2008-04-23T11:44:00.003Z

We have received a request via the Family Centre in Bury for a young mum-to-be who is in need of a cooker. Any sort of cooker will do, I believe, so if you know of a cooker that is in good condition and in need of a new home, please contact the Vineyard Centre. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-04-23T11:16:00.002Z

We are running low on the following items and would appreciate these in particular:

ANY food that can be eaten without heating
instant mashed potato, tinned potatoes
tinned beans and tomatoes
dried pasta, rice and vegetarian food
pasta sauces
tinned fruit and desserts
small packets of cereals*, small bags of sugar, tea
toothpaste, toothbrushes and all other toiletries
wet wipes* (really useful for homeless people)
Baby food

(* we currently have NONE of these). Your generosity is amazing so please be assured that everything you give really does make a difference. Thank you.

Why we do what we do...

2008-04-18T16:13:00.003Z

We regularly sing Jeremy Riddle songs at WSVC, but have you checked out the whole album yet? The final track on "Full Attention" is entitled "My Love for You" and is all about how we show God that we love Him. If you have a look at the Bio section of Jeremy Riddle's website you will find out some of the inspiration behind the song. The following is reproduced from Jeremy Riddle.net and is used by permission from Varietal Records:

"My Love For You" comes, in part, from a sermon series he developed. As Jeremy spent time in Scripture, he began to see a pattern: "The things that show God we love Him are not extravagant love songs, poems or outbursts of emotional expression, but simple actions of obedience. And from what I can understand, the way God calls us to express our love back to Him is by returning to people the same things we have received from Him."

The song talks about what that might involve practically, and reminds us that sometimes our love for God is shown through simple acts of kindness, borne from that love that we have received; things like being there for the weak, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, freeing the oppressed and standing up for the orphan and widow. Showing our love through obedience to what God commands us, and holding firm to truth and justice, and loving our fellow man. Check out the website for more info behind some of the other songs and see if the CD is available at the CD desk at church.

Carpet request

2008-04-16T16:03:00.003Z

We've had a request come in from the Woolpit Health Visiting Team for a family who will be moving in to Council accomodation around the end of this month. The house has underlay and gripper down, but no carpets and unless the family can find some carpet - any carpet - the Council will have to remove the underlay and gripper as it will be deemed dangerous. The rooms for which carpet is needed are three bedrooms, the lounge and hall, but we don't have details of any sizes. The family are not fussy about colours, patterns etc, so if you have some carpet that you are getting rid of and that is in good condition, could you let us know please. Thank you

Latest requests update

2008-04-16T15:36:00.002Z

It's been quite a busy week with plenty of requests coming in and so plenty of food bags going out! As a result, we are quite low on several things, with the main things we need being as follows:

instant mashed potato & tinned potatoes
tinned baked beans & tinned tomatoes*
dry pasta, rice* and vegetarian food
tinned fruit* and desserts*
small packets of cereals*, small bags of sugar*
small cartons of long life milk*
tea bags
toothpaste, toothbrushes & all other toiletries
toilet rolls and wet wipes
baby food

Every one or two cans really can make a difference so thank you for all the things that you give so readily and regularly.

Requests update

2008-04-09T11:30:00.002Z

I'm sorry it's been so long since this blog was updated, partly because I've been away on holiday. Thank you for continuing to bring in food and toiletries over the past month; at the moment we particularly need the following:

ANY food that can be eaten without heating
instant mashed potato, tinned potatoes
tinned vegetables, beans and tomatoes*
dried pasta*, rice*, pasta sauces* and vegetarian food
tinned fruit* and desserts*
small packets of cereals, small bags of sugar*
toothpaste, toothbrushes and all other toiletries
toilet rolls
baby food

Please pray about what you might give to Storehouse; the above is just to let you know what we're short of at the moment and remember, just one ot two cans can make a real difference. Thank you.

April Stats

2008-04-09T09:34:00.002Z

In April, Storehouse gave out 44 food bags as a result of 38 requests from 10 different agencies around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk. Thank you to everyone who has supported Storehouse and made donations of food and toiletries through March. Your continued support ensures that this ministry can keep reaching out to help those in need in our community.

Requests update

2008-03-07T19:32:00.004Z

The requests over the last several weeks have had a continuously underlying theme... we need lots of just about everything. On a Wednesday morning the Storehouse team usually try and make up as many bags as they can, so that they are ready to be given out as soon as requests come in to the Vineyard Centre. This Wednesday when the bags had been made up, most of the shelves were bare. Some food came in on Thursday, but even after that this is what we had spare in the cupboards:

No tins of fish
5 tins of meat
No tinned tomatoes, or kidney beans
9 tins of vegetables
Quite a few boxes and tins of potatoes
1 tin of baked beans
2 jars of coffee
Quite a few tea bags
Several cartons of long life milk
4 cartons of custard
No tins of fruit nor any other desserts
2 bags of pasta and 3 bags of dried noodles
No pasta sauces
No toilet rolls
Just a few small toiletries

As you can see, the "we need everything" theme is continuing, so please pray about what you might be able to give to Storehouse, and consider any of the items above that are particularly low. Storehouse today provided a food bag for a young single mum and her son who have not received any money for 3 weeks and are currently waiting to see if they can get a crisis loan. They have not had any heating for a week and Storehouse was able to help there too. These are real people here in Bury St Edmunds today that we, as a church are able to help through Storehouse. Thank you for all your continuing support - every one or two cans you give (and toiletries, cartons etc) really does make a difference.

February stats

2008-03-07T19:23:00.002Z

It was a leap year in more ways than one this year; in February 2007 Storehouse gave out 34 food bags, but this February Storehouse gave out 69 bags, more than double the previous year. This was as a result of 53 requests from 13 local agencies plus non agency requests. At times the food cupboards have looked quite bare and we have used up all of the harvest food, apart from some soup, but we have still not had to turn anyone away. Storehouse really does make a huge impact in individuals' lives and it is wonderful to see its ministry continuing to grow through the continuing generosity and kindness of everyone who gives to and through it. Thank you.

Requests update

2008-02-27T12:04:00.002Z

Storehouse has given out more than 20 food bags during the last week, so as you can probably imagine, the food cupboards are looking quite low of some items. The things that we particularly need at the moment are:

tinned meat and meat products
tinned vegetables*, tinned tomatoes*, tinned kidney beans etc*
tinned fruit* and desserts*
Dry pasta and pasta sauces*
Small bags of sugar*
Toilet rolls*
All kinds of toiletries

Because we are running so low, we are unable to make up any more bags than what have already been made up at the moment. If you are able to drop any donations off at the Vineyard Centre before Sunday, please feel free to do so. Thank you

Requests update... and thanks for donations

2008-02-22T19:21:00.004Z

After a quiet start to February, the requests have been increasing over the last couple of weeks. At the moment we are particularly short of the following:

tinned meat and meat products
tinned vegetables, tinned tomatoes*, tinned kidney beans etc
pasta sauces
tinned fruit and desserts
small bags of sugar and small cartons of long life milk
toilet rolls*
toothpaste*, toothbrushes* and all other sorts of toiletries.

Over the last week, we've received donations of money from another church here in Bury, from a lent lunch in one of the surrounding villages and also from an anonymous donation through the door. It is wonderful that so many people are willing to join in this ministry, and everyone who gives, whether it is financially or through one or two cans, is an important part of what Storehouse does. Without your support Storehouse could not do all that it does, nor could it help as many people as it does - real people with real needs. Thank you all.

New bags

2008-02-06T15:58:00.000Z

Towards the end of 2007 we had to re-order Storehouse bags, as we were running low, and we were told that we could also make any changes to the design if we would like to. We felt that we should keep the essential design of the bag the same as before, but we did change the font in which the wording was printed. While we were praying about Storehouse, Roy had a picture of two hands... one giving out and one receiving. We have managed to incorporate these into the bag design and, without adding anything else, we are able to convey the idea that, through Storehouse, we are able to receive and pass on some of the love that we receive from God in a practical way. We hope you like the design.

January Statistics

2008-02-06T15:51:00.000Z

During January Storehouse received 56 requests for food bags from 11 different agencies around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk, plus one non-agency request. This resulted in 73 food bags going to single people and families in need in our community. In January 2007 we gave out 48 food bags and 27 in January 2006. It is wonderful to see this ministry growing as the church grows, and it can only continue to do so with the continued support and involvement of everyone who contributes food and other items to give away. Each of you that gives even one or two cans is making an impact in our community and is spreading God's love to those in need. Thank you.

Requests update...

2008-02-02T17:34:00.001Z

Over 70 food bags have gone out to people in January (stats will be updated next week) and as you might imagine, we need to keep replacing the food etc that goes out. At the moment we are running low of the following:

tinned meat and meat products
tinned vegetable
tinned tomatoes*
dried pasta, rice etc
tinned fruit and desserts
small cartons of long life milk, small bags of sugar*
baby food and baby wipes*
All sorts of toiletries*

We have none of the items marked*, and as you can see, most of the other items are things that we would normally expect to put in a food bag. It is amazing to see the food and other essentials come in week after week, and from the amount of bags that go out, you can be sure that everything that you give really does make a difference. Thank you.