Today, we hear from Mary Welham, Dove’s Nest Ministries Co-Pastor and Administrator, about how the Alabaster offering is making a difference in their community – and how, through your generous giving, their ministry will be able to grow and strengthen its presence in the community.

“Dove’s Nest Ministries is a Church type mission project based in Thetford, Norfolk, that began in February 2021. Dove’s Nest operates a furniture projec,t donating pre-loved furniture to members of the local community who are experiencing furniture poverty.

Up until now, the furniture project has operated from a classroom in a local community centre, with administration and weekly worship taking place in our own home. Although we have been in great need of more suitable space for storage and worship, we are a small charity reliant on grant funding and have been unable to commit to lengthy rental agreements. Despite this challenge, we are delighted to announce that Dove’s Nest will soon be moving venue!
The British Isles South District is currently in the process of purchasing a town centre property in Thetford that we will be able to rent from them. This new building is the most central building on the high street and will enable us to become a more visible presence in our town. We will be able to sustain and improve the services we currently offer, as well as begin new projects to better meet the needs of our community. We see this building as a huge gift and an incredible opportunity for sustainability, growth, and community impact, but the building itself is in need of repair and renovation to make it suitable for the vision God has given us – this is where Alabaster offerings come in.

Your Alabaster offerings are going to make these repairs possible and will enable us to not only meet the furniture needs of our community but also give us an opportunity to meet some of the side effects of furniture poverty, including loneliness and isolation. With a permanent and flexible meeting space, we can continue to meet for all ages, creative worship, and offer a safe, neutral space for our community to gather on other occasions. This project is in the very early stages of development, and we are excited to discover where God will lead us. We look forward to updating you on the progress of this project and sharing the impact that Alabaster money will have on our community.”

You can learn more about this ministry here.