Anglican churches often play an essential role in their parish communities. The Church of England’s mission includes pastoral care, social action and engagement with the social, economic and political structures that affect people’s lives:-

1. To respond to human need by loving service
2. To seek to transform unjust structures of society
3. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

The church engages in community action because, quite simply, through loving our neighbour, God gives us a passion to help others. Along with their main purpose, to provide worship and prayer in their local areas, many also provide important pastoral services, including;

• Life events such as weddings, funerals and confirmations
• Home and care visits to elderly and the sick
• Buildings used as warm spaces, foodbanks and community hubs
• Collection points for food, sanitary products and charitable gifts.
• Bereavement support
• Befriending
• Children’s work
• Drop ins
• Employment support
• Debt advice
• Wellbeing help
• A quiet haven for people to pray
• A place of history for people to visit
• A place of contemplation on a journey
• A sanctuary for personal time with God
• A learning place for children to find out more about God

Find out more about Community Action and the church here: Community Action | The Church of England

Churches are there for the whole community. You don’t have to go to church to support their community work. You can get involved in many ways. Find out who to speak to and then get in touch.  You may need to have background DBS and safeguarding checks. Some examples include:

• looking after churchyards
• attending events
• raise awareness through social groups and networks
• fundraising initiatives
• volunteering with community action groups
• arranging flowers
• cleaning