Around 300 bibles and Easter Eggs were given out to people in Redditch at the Redditch Mission Area ‘Easter Blessings Hub’. From 26–28 March, volunteers from 12 churches across Redditch took over a spare shopping unit gifted by Kingfisher shopping centre, to run crafts and games for the community, handing out Easter eggs and age-appropriate bibles to local families.
The idea to host the Easter Blessings Hub came out of the 2025 ‘Make Christmas Special’ toy appeal, as many families visiting the shopping unit at that time had asked for Bibles as gifts for their children. Elaine Whitfield, RMA Church and Mission Support Coordinator, felt prompted to act in time for Easter and was very encouraged by the instant response from all twelve RMA churches. Elaine reflects:
“Every church stepped forward, and we had people queuing up to volunteer. It felt like a shared recognition that this is where we are called to be—present in our community in a visible and accessible way.”
Between the churches’ fundraising efforts and support from the diocesan Healthier Churches Fund, £2,700 was raised which enabled the team to create a vibrant, welcoming space in the town centre. Reg Moore, from St John Greenlands’ Activity Church, led on creating children’s and youth activities which regularly engaged up to 20 young people at a time. Hundreds of Easter Eggs were gifted to visiting families, and volunteers built on these connections
and offered pastoral support through-out the three days. Elaine adds:
“What became clear through our conversations with families is that the cost-of-living crisis has made something as fundamental as a Bible unaffordable for many. Parents spoke openly of their desire to share faith with their children, but without the means to do so. By being present in the community, rather than waiting for people to come to church, this need was both seen and addressed.”
In response, 150 children’s Bibles, 50 youth Bibles and 40 adult Bibles were distributed, each paired with an Easter Egg. Demand exceeded supply, and follow-up is now underway, with Children’s Bibles being personally delivered to a further 50 families. Elaine concluded:
“Following this, more than 50 families have asked to remain connected with the RMA churches and there have been other signs of encouragement too with a teenager seeking a Youth Alpha group, and visiting families filling up our Prayer Tree. It’s been wonderful to bless our community in meaningful ways and witness such clear signs of a growing openness to faith.”
If you think you can help the RMA with either of these initiatives in the future, please reach out to Elaine.
Contact:
Elaine Whitfield
Church and Mission Support Coordinator – Engagement & Development
📞 07836 644445
✉️ elaine@cofe-redditch.org.uk
