We're passionate about social transformation that provides people with practical and emotional freedom: the dignity of shelter and a warm meal; practical help/advice/counselling to those in debt, depressed, etc; caring for ex-offenders; promoting strong family values, providing a healthy environment where young people are given the confidence to establish their own identity; establishing a community where people ask "how are you" and care enough to act on the response!

That’s also the passion of our church, Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), which actively and successfully engages in all these activities, giving people the freedom to choose how they wish to respond.

Lynelle and I are excited to be part of a team of 100 people from HTB and its affiliates, who are being transplanted into a local church in Hampton Wick to reopen the doors of this 200-year old gem near Kingston Bridge and establish the type of community we are all passionate about, with the support of the local council and the Diocese of London.

There’s a few interesting challenges to overcome: we need a new heating system to replace the propane heater (which is like a huge blow-torch), and we are seeking to lease an adjoining warehouse to refit as a community centre.

So far, we're about half way to raising the start-up capital and monthly running costs.

By comparison, the run on 31 October is the easy bit: 21km around Billingshurst – I’ll be pacing Lynelle to help her to a new personal best (somewhere under 1:50), so there may be some tired muscles afterwards.

If you feel that any of these activities would be helpful to you or anyone you know, come visit us at www.stjohnshamptonwick.org (website still being developed) or www.htb.org.uk

If any of this inspires you to want to donate, that would be so amazing!

If for any reason you don't feel comfortable making a contribution, thank you for reading this far - and come and visit us anyway or check out the website to see what is going on!

Deane & Lynelle

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