RADYR Methodist Church is celebrating receiving £1,500 as part of specialist insurer Methodist Insurance’s 150th anniversary.
To celebrate the milestone the oldest insurance company in the country launched its Celebration Awards to give a total of £22,500 to 15 Methodist Churches and the communities they serve.
Churches were asked to explain, in no more than 300 words, how they would use the funding to support their church’s work and how it will benefit the local community.
Hundreds of entries were submitted to the competition, demonstrating how Methodist Churches are providing vital support to communities struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis while still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
Radyr Methodist Church on the outskirts of Cardiff set up an art studio to support unpaid carers and the wider community.
Using a disused room above the church, a community space was created where half a dozen people could work together, chatting, drinking tea, listening and being listened to.
Judith Holliman, Pioneer Minister at Radyr Methodist Church, said: “I know from my own experience, caring for my own son, that this can be a difficult and stressful thing, and the opportunity to meet other people who are experiencing the same things can be really invaluable.
“I was thrilled to have won, and really impressed that Methodist Insurance is engaging with new ventures for Christ in our area in this way.
“The money will be extremely useful – it will allow me to have the room painted, and to purchase some tables and a cupboard. I’ll also be able to buy-in art supplies so that no-one needs to be excluded because they can’t afford materials.”
Michael Angell, chief executive at Methodist Insurance, said: “It’s both humbling and deeply impressive that we had so many amazing entries showcasing the work of the Methodist Church.
“Churches across the country have been doing their bit and sacrificing their own time to help those less fortunate and to serve their local communities in pursuit of their mission.
“Congratulations to Radyr Methodist Church on their win and I am sure they will put the £1,500 award to good use and continue their outstanding work.”
To read the winners stories: www.methodistinsurance.co.uk/150awards
