Storehouse News

November saw the highest number of Storehouse bags ever given out  in one month: 200. This resulted from requests from 11 different agencies and 9 non-agency requests. In the current economic climate it looks as though the need for Storehouse bags will be as great as ever.

Currently the cupboards are looking quite healthy. However, we still need on going donations, especially during the winter months. At present we are getting short on the following items.

•     Fish
•    Desserts
•   Tinned meats
•   Tinned potatoes
•   Shower gel.

As a church this year we have again been able to buy up to 150 Christmas presents for children and young people at the Bury Family Centre, Acorn House (mother’s and children’s unit) and one of the local old people’s homes.  It’s such a blessing  that we have been able to bring some joy in the lives of these people at this special time of year.

After over two years co-ordinating Storehouse we feel it’s the right time to step down and pass “the baton” onto someone else. We are really pleased that Steph Day will be taking over this role. We know that this ministry will continue to thrive and know God’s blessing as she takes it forward.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Storehouse and have counted it a privilege to serve God, West Suffolk Vineyard Church and the local community in this way. During the last two years (i.e. Dec 2010 to Nov 2012) a total of 3236 bags have been given out to clients. We want to say a big “thank you” to all those with whom we have worked during this time: staff from agencies, Storehouse Team members, and those who have given towards the work of Storehouse. ie members of West Suffolk Vineyard Church, members from  other churches, schools and individuals who have given towards this work. We will miss being part of the Storehouse team serving those in need in our local community, but we are looking forward to seeing it continue to grow in 2013.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the work of Storehouse.

God bless you,

Andrew & Mary Soman

Storehouse Update

Storehouse continues to be very busy. In September a total of 187 bags were given out, resulting from requests from 16 different agencies and 9 non-agency requests. This monthly total equalled that of January this year. In October we gave out 158 bags, resulting from requests from 15 different agencies and 6 non-agency requests.

As a result of donations given at recent Harvest Services the Storehouse cupboards are full of tins. We do however need cereals (multi-packs if possible), UHT milk, tinned meat and tinned potatoes. We are so thankful to all the schools and churches that gave their food at Harvest. It is so encouraging to know that so many local people and organisations continue to support the work of Storehouse. We received donations from a total of eleven schools, fourteen churches and one Babes and Toddlers group. It was a privilege for members of the Storehouse Team to take part in three of the school Harvest Services.

We were blessed when two members of West Suffolk Vineyard Church gave a financial contribution towards Storehouse as a result of the sale of some greeting cards they had made. Thank you to both of them.

During a recent Sunday morning service we had an update from one of the workers from a local Drugs Agency, who encouraged us by saying how much the help we are able to give their clients is appreciated. It’s great to know that we are able to help these folk who have found themselves struggling to cope as a result of  changes that have been made affecting their State benefits.

Thank you to everyone who continues to give food towards the work of Storehouse. Without you we wouldn’t be able to show God’s love by meeting the practical needs of those in our community.

God bless you,

Andrew and Mary Soman

Storehouse News

During August we gave out a total of 164 bags of food, resulting from requests from 12 different agencies and 5 non-agency requests. This total was the highest since February this year.

There have recently been several changes within the Storehouse Team. We want to say a big “thank you” to the following people who have left the team to concentrate on other things: Sarah and Lindsay who attend Great Barton Free Church, Emma who has started a University Course and Issy  who spent most of last year with the team on a Monday morning as part of her “community” work for her studies at school. It has been great to have each of them working as part of the Storehouse Team.

We want to say “welcome” to Stacey and Martina who have very recently joined the team. We hope they will enjoy being part of this “outward-focussed” ministry within West Suffolk Vineyard Church.

Several churches and schools have again said they will donate their Harvest produce to the work of Storehouse. We value very much this support we receive from others in our community, and we are looking forward to receiving an abundance of food to fill the Storehouse cupboards. In the meantime the cupboards are starting to get empty again. We especially need the following items:

·         Tea

·         UHT milk

·         Tinned meats

·         Tinned potatoes

·         Tinned vegetables

·         Tinned desserts-e.g.  fruit, rice pudding etc.

·         Tinned fish

·         Soup

·         Baked beans

·         Food for people with no cooking facilities.

If you able to help buy any of the above items it would be very much appreciated. Thank you to all those who continue to support the work of Storehouse.

God bless you,

Andrew and Mary Soman

Storehouse Update

June and July have continued to see a large number of bags being distributed. In June we gave out 143 bags and in July 122 bags were given out.

Following the recent death of Shirley Dickson, who had been on the Storehouse Team for some time, Shirley’s family agreed that any financial donations at Shirley’s funeral be made to Storehouse. This has been very much appreciated. It shows that the work of Storehouse, reaching out to those in need in our local community with God’s love, was very dear to Shirley’s heart.

We would like to thank Clare, a member of the Storehouse Team, who has recently moved on from her involvement with this ministry.

As the food cupboards are starting to look a bit bare again, don’t forget to buy your “two-cans.”  We especially need the following items:

·         Cereals

·         Milk

·         Tinned potatoes

·         Meat

·         Vegetables

·         Desserts

·         Fish

·         Soup

·         Food for people with no-cooking facilities

Thank you to all those who continue to support this vital work of Storehouse.

God bless you,

Andrew and Mary Soman

Storehouse News

April and May were again busy months within the Storehouse Team. In April a total of 154 bags were given out resulting from requests from 12 different agencies and 2 non-agency requests. In May a total of 144 bags were distributed, resulting from requests from 15 different agencies and 6 non-agency requests.

We welcome Clare, Margaret and Caron who have recently joined the Storehouse Team.  A big “thank you” to Shirley who has had to leave the team. We do appreciate her faithfulness in serving in this way. We also thank Nicola who is having a break from serving within Storehouse for the time being.

We recently enjoyed a Storehouse team “get together” where we were able to chat through any issues, explore new ideas and generally celebrate together how God continues to bless the work of Storehouse. At the meeting one of the team told of a situation when we were able to give a homeless person a coat. They were so grateful that we were able to help them in this way.

Recently a couple within West Suffolk Vineyard Church held a joint Birthday party. Instead of guests bringing presents they were asked to bring food  for the work of Storehouse. What a great idea. As a result several boxes containing food were brought in to swell the Storehouse cupboards! A sizeable cash donation was also received. Thank you to our friends who thought about Storehouse in this way and initiated the idea.

At present we especially need the following items:

·         Tea

·         Tinned Meat

·         Tinned Vegetables

·         Tinned potatoes

·         Fish

·         Soup

·         Desserts

·         Snacks & food for people with no cooking facilities

·         Toothpaste

Thank you to all those who continue to support the work of Storehouse. The clients we work with do value the practical help we are to give them.

Andrew and Mary Soman

Storehouse Update

During March the number of food bags given out decreased from the exceptionally high number in January and February. A total of 140 bags were distributed in March, resulting from requests from 14 different agencies and 9 non-agency requests.   What a blessing that we can continue to care for those in need in our community by showing God’s love in this practical way.  

We are so grateful to those who volunteer to pack bags. We have a great team made up of people from West Suffolk Vineyard Church and those from other churches and individuals also. We want to say a big “thank you” to Rosie and Alison who have recently left the team to concentrate on other ministries within the Church. We also welcome Emma and Adrian to the team.

We also appreciate a team of people who we contact when supplies of food are getting really low. Their swift response means the food cupboards are topped up ready to be used to pack bags.  

At present the Storehouse cupboards are starting to look bare. We especially need the following items:

•  Tinned Meat
• Tinned vegetables
•  Tinned potatoes
•   Fish
•  Soup
•  Tinned desserts
•  Biscuits/snacks
•  Food for people with no cooking facilities

If you are able to help out in buying any of the above that would be very much appreciated. Thank you to all those who support the work of Storehouse, in any way.

God bless you,

Andrew & Mary Soman

  

Storehouse Chatter
January and February have proved to be the busiest months on record. In January a total of 187 bags were given out, resulting from 15 different agencies and 7 non-agency requests. Of the total number of bags 60 were given out to clients referred by the local drugs agencies. In February a total of 181 bags were given out, resulting from 14 different agencies and 24 non-agency requests.
As a result of the ongoing high number of requests please keep the food coming in. We currently need the following items:
• UHT milk
• Cereals
• Tea (individually foil packets)
• Fish
• Pot noodles
• Tinned meat
• Tinned Vegetables
• Tinned potatoes
• Tinned desserts
• Food for people with no cooking facilities
In February Lindsay who is one of the Storehouse Team unfortunately fell over in the snow and broke her ankle, so will be missing from the team for some weeks. We pray for a swift and full recovery for her.
During the last few weeks we have welcomed Nicola, Yvonne and Maureen to the Team. It’s great to have these new people willing to serve in this way.
We have been greatly encouraged by one of the local Slimming World groups who now give regularly to the work of Storehouse, all because of one of the group members who also attends WSVC who mentioned the work of Storehouse. If you know of any groups or organisations that would be interested in supporting the work of Storehouse please contact us via the main office.
Thank you to all those who support the work of Storehouse. May you know God’s blessing as you serve Him in this way.
Andrew & Mary Soman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.