Into The Community

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We serve a God who asks us to love others as He loves us (John 5:12) and who has given us a heart for our community. Each of these ministries has developed in response to a need that we have seen in our community, be it for those who have financial or health issues (Food Bank, Torbay Medical Fund, Bays Community Housing Trust) or for those who do not have family or community connections close by (Plunket Meals for New Mums, International Coffee Group). And sometimes we just want to welcome them over to ‘our place’ to have some fun (International Evening)!

Foodbank

We have been running a food bank for many years and it’s a great way to help meet some of the need in our community. Requests for help mainly come through the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) or sometimes through other agencies or through our pastors. The request is passed on to one our volunteers, who then put together a package to suit the individual or family in need, and delivers it to them.

We also collect leftover fresh bread, meat pies and baked goods from local stores who kindly donate them to charity.

How can I get a food parcel?
Contact your local CAB and they will get in touch with us (or another food bank if there is one closer to you). They may also be able to put you in contact with other agencies that can assist or advise you.
How can I suport the food bank?
We would love some extra volunteers who would be able to pack and deliver food parcels when they are needed, or who would be willing to collect food from the bakery and make deliveries. Financial and food contributions are also always very welcome.

Bays Community Housing Trust

The Bays Community Housing Trust was set up in 2004 by Long Bay Baptist Church members who saw a need for affordable, good quality housing on the North Shore for people in social and economic need. The initial focus was on people who had experienced mental ill health; recently the Trust has included the provision of housing for young people and the elderly.

For more information about the Trust’s current projects visit their website www.bcht.org.nz.

How can I become a housing trust tenant?
Most tenants are people who have experienced mental ill health. Such people are usually under the care of the Clinical Services team from North Shore Hospital and will also have a Community Support Worker with Equip (based at Windsor Park Baptist). The Trust does not carry a waiting list but works with Equip when there are vacancies, and they consider which of their clients have greatest housing needs. If you are interested in being a tenant, first make contact with Equip ph 477-0338 to enquire about being one of their clients.

The Trust also has two houses for older women in Northcote. The criteria for entry is to be a woman over 65, with minimal assets and prepared to live with four others. To enter the waiting list email relationshipmanager@bcht.org.nz.

How can I support this ministry?
Donate money through our givealittle page.

Include the Trust in your will.

Offer to help with property maintenance, gardening, painting, carpentry, etc.

International Coffee Group

Day:   Thursday
Time:   10.15 – 12pm
Where:   Torbay Senior Citizens Hall
Cost:   Free (donations welcome)

This group provides those who are new to the area, or perhaps recently retired, an opportunity to meet new people and to learn about the area. It is also a safe space for people with English as a second language to practice chatting in English.

The group meets year-round, except for the two weeks over Christmas and New Year. They meet in the Torbay Senior Citizens Hall, which is next to the Torbay Tennis Club.

How can I support this ministry?
If you would like to come along and be a friendly face and a welcoming conversationalist, Carole McMinn would love to hear from you (473-3259).

International Night

Day:   NOT RUNNING IN 2019
Start:   6.30pm
Where:   Long Bay Baptist Church
Cost:   FREE

Each year groups within the church pick a country to represent and strive to prepare authentic dishes from that country. Usually there are 10+ countries represented and it is fun evening full of food, colour and conversation. A wonderful opportunity for us to welcome the community in on what is usually a cold, wet, winter’s night.

The food is free and followed by a variety show at around 7.30pm, where church members and a few guests get to show off some of their skills.

For any further information or queries contact Carole McMinn (473-3259).

Plunket Meals for New Mums

We recognise that, for several reasons, a great many of new mums in our area don’t have family support nearby. Those early weeks with a new baby can be really challenging and we wanted to show love and care to these families in some way. This initiative was set up, in partnership with Plunket, so that 3 meals could be given to these families soon after they get home from the hospital.

The meals are prepared by volunteers from Long Bay Baptist and Nadja Court’s team from Barfoot & Thompson Mairangi Bay. Delivery is then overseen by the Torbay Plunket nurse.

How can I support this ministry?
Help with donations, fundraising or doing the cooking is always welcome. Please get in touch with Carole McMinn (473-3259) if you would like support to this ministry.

Torbay Medical Fund

This fund was set up to support those families who are vulnerable to ill health and under financial pressure. This is most often those with children between 13 and 18 years of age, for whom visiting the doctor can be very costly.

The fund is administered by the practice manager at Torbay Medical and is contributed to by some regular donations from members of Long Bay Baptist.

How can I access this fund?
How this fund is allocated is at the discretion of Torbay Medical. If you are in need of assistance please enquire with their reception staff on 477 9000.
How can I support this ministry?
If you would like to make a donation or become a regular donor, please contact the church office and they will gladly let you know how to do this.