Project61: our church in the community
In July 2004, after talking to various local professional agencies including G.P.s, the Primary Care Trust and other churches in the area, the people of Crossways Community Baptist Church in Junction Road, Dorking, made the decision to create a church based organisation designed to bring support to those individuals in the community with Spiritual, mental, social or physical problems, and for this to be alongside and complementary to the various professional agencies.
The result is "Project 61" an umbrella organisation, taking as its' commission Isaiah 61: 1-3, able to respond to needs as they arise. To date, there are Seven different groups within the project;
The Bereavement Support Group
For those suffering from bereavement. "The Bereavement Support Group" meets each week on Wednesday afternoons to give support and when needed, counselling with CRUSE trained counsellor,
Friendship Group
The Friday "Friendship Group" provides a safe place for people who have found, for whatever reason, the stresses of modern day life too much and, as a result have time on their hands during the day, it's a place for friendship, some craft work, a cup of tea and when needed, a listening ear.
Time Out
"Time Out" is open every Friday between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm this is a place for anyone to drop in and time time out from the rush of the day for a quiet cup of coffee, tea or chocolate and read the news papers provided or sit and chat and if someone to talk to is what you want, that's available as well with people specially trained for it.
Besides great coffee we also have a book stall with Christian books, Bible readings, cards and gifts and if we don't have the Christian resources you want we will try to get them in for you. All the Tea, Coffee and Chocolate is Fairtrade and compares well with the major High Street coffee chains. Whether it's espresso, americano, cuppuccino or latte that you prefer, we can do it. As for the cost we simply invite a donation.
The Sunday Club
"The Sunday Club" is a place to meet for people with learning disabilities. With activities like pool and table tennis, it is designed to help their social interaction with each other and the community. The Sunday Club meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon.
Praise Club
Running along side the Sunday Club is the Crossways Praise Club this is a cell group seeking to bring the good news of Jesus through specially designed materials produced by "Causeway Prospects" for those with learning disabilities.
Top Tots
"Top Tots", a mums and toddlers group which meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings, is a time of fun and activities for the children as well as tea, coffee and chat for the mums, grandmas, granddads or carers.
As a result of problems some new mums experience we are in the process of setting up a support group for those suffering from Post Natal Depression with qualified nursing and counselling staff on hand to help run this group.
The Church, through the project, has recently started to work with the East Surrey Children's Team to provide contact and training facilities for parents and children caught up in the Family Court System.
As we continue to seek ways to make the Church accessible to the whole community the Church has recently taken delivery of our hymn/song book which has been transcribed in Braille for anyone who has a sight problem and a training day for all in the church who wish to learn "Makaton" sign language has been arranged.
For more information about any of the groups please contact:
Crossways Community Baptist Church, Junction Road, Dorking
Church Office: 01306 876714