Drop-In 10th Anniversary

It was 10 years ago in May 1999 that the Carter Knowle Adventist Church Drop-in Centre began.

Sister Bussue had recently finished her paid work and was considering how to use her time. She was well aware that there is no such word as ‘retirement’ on God’s job description for Christians and had no intention of ‘rusting out’ when she could ‘wear out’.
God placed in her mind the idea of a Drop-in centre each week at the church where not only food would be provided but there would be bible study, prayer and visiting speakers talking on topics of interest and relevance to the visitors.

She discussed the idea with several church members and obtained assurance of support before approaching the church board for permission to hold a financially self supporting Drop-in Centre each Thursday in the church building. The matter was discussed and the church board and the minister at the time, Ian Sweeny, were in favour of the idea and after due planning so the Drop-in Centre opened in May 1999.

During the time since then support for the work involved has not only been from members of Carter Knowle church but also Burngreave Adventist church.

The work involved begins earlier in the week with assistance in shopping from various persons, dishes prepared in advance and an early start on the Thursday itself to ensure that the meal is ready at approximately 13.00. Miracles of culinary expertise have been performed in the tiny kitchen that seems almost too small for one person never mind the 4 who regularly squeeze into it at one time.

Right from the beginning it was the idea of Sister Bussue that it would be spiritually based and each week a period of singing precedes a period of bible study and discussion led by members on a rota basis.

The study concludes with short prayers that lead into the meal itself. The meal is a substantial 3-courses beginning with soup and includes a vegetarian option. As often as possible speakers are arranged speaking usually on lifestyle topics including health. During the last 10 years helpers have had to drop out due to other time commitments and have been replaced by others.

On 7 May 2009 a celebratory session was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the centre. A number of visitors were present including some, both helpers and members, who had been unable to regularly attend for some time. The bible study was led by our minister Andrew Rashford-Hewitt. A stupendous meal was prepared that was more than adequate for the many people who came.

We thank God for His guidance and leading in the planning and and continuance of this project.