Our Meeting Point Charity Shop continues to be the principle vehicle for this outreach but not the only one! During November and December we were given a slot each Wednesday evening to 'entertain' the guests at the hotel who were enjoying a 'tinsel and turkey' holiday break. This took the form of a mixture of traditional and modern carols and Christmas songs, interspersed with seasonal anecdotes and - yes - jokes! Most weeks this took place in the bar after their evening meal and before the 'real' entertainment. This initiative was a great success and we raised over £330 for our nominated local charities.

Our chosen charity for November was the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre in Skegness and in December was the Skegness Branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

But it wasn't just about the money! It was so exciting to see the joy on the faces of the guests as we unpacked in a very 'user-friendly' way, the true meaning of Christmas. That excitement continued through to the next day as guests flocked into our shop still talking about the experience. Indeed, following on from the slot we had on Christmas Eve, some 30 of the guests joined our morning worship on Christmas Day to make it a really special time for everyone.

The monies raised for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, together with a donation from the shop, enabled us to invite the 14 children and their helpers, who were staying in Skegness for a Christmas holiday at the Centre, to share our fellowship Christmas buffet lunch on December 14th and to join in with an interactive nativity and Christingle Carol service.

All the children took part in the nativity as did two of the guide dogs who are an integral part of our fellowship. Sweep, a working dog, and Ada, who has now retired as a guide dog, took the role of sheep!

At the end of the 'party' Ross dressed up in his Santa outfit and presented each child with a Lion Graphic Bible, a present from our church, which we pray will help the young people come to know Jesus. After all cost were met we still had sufficient funds to make a donation of £130 to the Centre for its continuing work.

One way or another the message we bring in word and actions here in Skegness is also finding its way into so many places around the country through the ministry we have to visitors. See below for more photos:

For details of the presentation to the Guide Dogs Association click here