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“Anything Betty’s can do………”

Sitting in Lidl car park at 9.30am with a chopping board and knife, sampling their quiche, just to make sure it was good, the thought ‘how do I get myself into these situations?’ crossed my mind. I had a busy two days ahead, before our fundraising lunch. Time to buy the final shopping, collect the profiteroles, decorate the cakes, make sandwich fillings, set up and decorate the tables and chairs in the church hall. I wanted the event to be St Andrew’s answer to Betty’s!

On the day, I knew I would have plenty of help at 10.30am, when the youth and Jennifer arrived and by 11.45, all was good. The girls, looking very professional, were ready to wait on our supportive and generous church members. Jennifer and I poured teas and coffees and then busied ourselves, along with the girls and a few helping hands, in the kitchen and afterwards, in the hall clearing up. Of course, that meant ensuring that all the cakes were consumed (well, we did work up quite an appetite)!

There were two reasons why I came up with this idea. I wanted all of our youth to have the opportunity to attend the Yorkshire West Young People’s Network Weekend Away at Carlton Lodge Outdoor Centre in Thirsk. I also hoped that this fundraiser would be a social event which the church could enjoy, without having any other responsibilities.

I was thrilled at the outcome. The fundraising was a huge success and it was lovely to see the girls working together and having fun, but for me the best part was seeing everyone happily sharing together and enjoying not only the food but each other’s company. Thanks to everyone who supported this event.

I recently used some Bible notes which focused on Paul’s letters and one thing which was frequently mentioned was how we need to look after each other within our churches. That doesn’t mean that we become inward looking, but if we don’t spend time within our congregations listening, chatting and supporting, then how can we hope to reach out into our communities and do the same for them? I think we need to put time aside every now and again to share socially as a church.

Debra, Junior Church Co-ordinator, St Andrew’s


On behalf of the youth at St Andrew’s, I would like to say a big thank you to those who attended Andy’s cafe (our take on Betty’s) for our afternoon tea, which helped us to raise £300 for our youth to have the opportunity to attend the Yorkshire West Young People’s Network Weekend Away.

It was a great experience becoming a waitress for the day with our laced aprons, serving the congregation who purchased a ticket. The preparation took place during the service as we worked together making sandwiches, putting together side salads, and displaying the confectionary on cake stands. I thoroughly enjoyed working as a team to raise funds so that we can spend a weekend building further friendships with people our age who share the same faith.

Abby, St Andrew’s

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