From David Latham, Eden Team Leader

Welcome to the Eden edition of Redcar Baptist News! Just to make sure we're all on the same page, let's cover the basics:

What is Eden?

Well, Eden is an amazing project run by The Message Trust, a non-profit that's all about making a positive impact on communities. Motivated and empowered by Jesus and his gospel, Eden wants to get alongside awesome neighborhoods to see everyone thrive and feel supported. They do this by getting local churches and great volunteers involved in tackling the issues that people are facing. It's not just about fixing problems, though. Eden is all about building real relationships and showing people that they belong and matter.

What's the story of Eden Redcar?

Eden Redcar started back in Spring 2021, but it wasn't just Eden that was starting at that time - the Community Grocery opened too. The stories are very much intertwined.

Eden kick-started their journey by establishing Common Ground, a coffee shop right next to the grocery store. It rapidly grew into a vibrant hub where a beautiful tapestry of connections was woven among customers, staff, volunteers, and church members. In the midst of the isolating impact of COVID, the coffee shop and grocery together became a catalyst for rekindling a sense of togetherness and community. After a year, the reins of Common Ground were handed over to Rachel and Sarah, who have elevated it to even greater heights through their passion and dedication.

So what does Eden do now?

We feel like Eden is a really dynamic thing to be involved with. Things change quickly around here - I don't know if you noticed!

The amazing Eden volunteers have responded to the changing landscape with creativity and compassion. I couldn't tell you how many hours of service they have given, and how many gestures of kindness they've demonstrated. I'm truly proud to be leading this team.

Our activities are currently centered around an International Hub, a community allotment, our Pop In coffee morning and an Alpha course (more info on all these below).

Want to support the work of Eden in Redcar? You can become a ‘Friend of Eden Redcar’ and commit to a monthly donation of any amount.

International Hub

Our International Hub started life as a Ukrainian Support Hub - and just grew from there! We noticed that we had up to 9 nationalities joining us and decided that a name change was in order. The international Hub meets weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 to provide a space for connection and integration for anyone from overseas wanting to get involved in the life of our community. We aim to provide whatever support is needed.

Garden Club

Eden runs a beautiful community garden. It's a place where people can come together, get their hands dirty, and grow something beautiful. It's not just about the plants, though. It's about nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose. We have been so blessed our allotment neighbours and people throughout the community giving incredible amounts of time, effort and care into making our space a welcoming and thriving corner of Redcar.

We are growing all sorts of fruit and vegetables, with our produce going to Common Ground Coffee Shop - this summer you can expect a wide range of home-grown delicacies on the menu!

But it's not all edible. Bala has become our rose expert, bringing his expertise to the UK and the little patch of the allotment we call Bala's Roses. Come down and have a look for yourself.

The community allotment is just that - something for the community, run by the community. We welcome anyone and everyone to come and join us - just get in touch: david@redcarbaptist.co.uk.

Each week we open the United Reformed Church doors and welcome anyone and everyone for a cuppa and a game. Whether it's dominoes or scrabble, you'll often find us debating the rules! We've loved meeting and getting to know our neighbours and have heard some truly amazing stories! Why not come down one Thursday and see what we get up to?

Farsi Alpha

We've done Alpha courses before, but at the moment we're running one in the Farsi language of Iran. Needless to say, there are challenges! But it's been incredible to share stories and explore Christianity over the course of the last few weeks. We'll start a new Alpha course in September - in English! Get in touch if you're interested in exploring Christianity.

Well, there you have it! There’s always a lot going on with Eden in Redcar. However, we can only do the things we do through the support of people like you. We’d love it if you’d consider supporting us with a monthly donation. To set that up, please click below.