As a simple blessing for the most vulnerable children in the community, Churches Together in Ledbury are providing The Meaningful Chocolate Company Real Easter Eggs with a message of Christian hope to children in the town’s two primary schools who have been most affected by the Covid crisis. The project is part of the work of local Christians in the town who have formed local Christian charity LEAF.
The strong ecumenical relationship between churches across Ledbury has grown over the last six years. It began in 2015 with a 24-hour prayer event on Maundy Thursday and a commitment to meet every Thursday thereafter at 7 am to pray together. This has extended to a weekly ecumenical worship service on Mondays held at the Baptist Church in the town, which is attended by around 25 people.
Through the prayer, worship and relationship building Churches Together in Ledbury formed LEAF (locally Encouraging All to Flourish), a new charity, which is becoming a CiO (Community Interest Organisation) committed to supporting the local community to thrive.
LEAF aims to work in partnership with Christians Against Poverty, run Alpha courses. The Bible Society’s Open the Book programme and provide counselling services to those in crises. The project is being part-funded by the Diocese of Hereford as part of a series of investments aimed at supporting local Christian communities.
Tony Hodder, a pioneer minister at Ledbury Parish Church and CEO of LEAF says, "The strong history of Churches Together in Ledbury means we can act as one group to offer this blessing to children in our community. The meaningful Chocolate Company provides the Real Easter Eggs and we are in the process of delivering them to the schools in time for Easter.”
Mrs Julie Rees, Head Teacher at Ledbury Primary School said: “This is a lovely gesture and I know the children will be thrilled to receive their Easter eggs. Acts of love and kindness go a long way at the moment, especially helping our most vulnerable children feel like there is hope after such a challenging year.”