FIRST Bangor Presbyterian Church is tackling the energy and cost of living crisis by throwing open the doors and issuing a ‘warm welcome’. The congregation of the historic Main Street church is the first in Northern Ireland to support to the ‘Warm Welcome’ campaign that is sweeping across the United Kingdom. Over 1,000 churches in England have pledged to support people, young and old alike, of faith and non-church goers, who are struggling to heat their homes this winter. Food and energy price rises have sent household bills soaring and left many local people anxious about how they will get through the winter months, having enough to eat and paying for their fuel. In response First Bangor will be opening its doors from Monday, October 3 from 9am to 4pm and every Monday to Friday, with volunteers providing tea, coffee, as well as books, board games and a listening ear. Rev. Mairisine Stanfield, and her husband, associate minister, Rev. David Stanfield, explained the inspiration behind their support for the ‘Warm Welcome’ campaign. “David and I were talking and we were very aware of the church’s rising bills for electricity and gas. We know there are bound to be a lot of people who find things difficult,” she said. “Along with other churches in the town we support the Storehouse Foodbank but we asked if there was anything else we can do. We spoke to our church leaders who were very supportive.” Mrs Stanfield explained their church heating is underfloor and has to be on every day but they are keen to reach out to those in need. “Our space is very warm and was created as a community hub. We have been running a ‘Wednesday coffee morning’ for many years with freshly-baked scones. “We thought this space is available and it is where people can feel comfortable and just spend time. They can read, or if they would like a bit of a chat our volunteers will be here. We will have tea and coffee and we are hoping to have soup on the go once a week.” She stressed: “There is no other agenda. This is a great space and we would like to welcome people to use it. It was Mother Theresa who said loneliness is the number one disease of the 21st century and I think she is right. If you are not a church goer you will still have a very warm welcome.” Her husband agreed saying: “People throughout Covid told us it was the loneliness and isolation that was difficult. People are still a little bit nervous about Covid but now people can’t heat their homes. Older people can access public transport for free and can come to our space. “On a Wednesday we have our coffee morning; these are for people who are in town for a Wednesday and we have our regulars. There are some people who are retired and take the train from Carrickfergus, they come for the coffee and fresh-made scones.” Said Mrs Stanfield: “We hope to get the balance right, if people just want to come and enjoy the space or if they would like to chat we will have volunteers here. From Monday, October 3, we will be open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Friday.”
