Stories of Growing Good

Sam and Callum are a mother and son who first visited St Andrew’s church in Crewe whilst attending a baptism. They were “complete non-church goers” who have “undergone the most incredible process of transformation”.

Sam says that coming to church was “the start of everything”. Sam and her son immediately felt welcome and at home at St Andrew’s, and, because of this, they have got involved in many aspects of church life, including the choir, and a variety of social action projects.

According to Reverend Lynne Cullens, the two main issues facing their community were “drug and alcohol addiction, and social isolation”. To combat this, the church started two projects: a support group for people who were addicts, and their Saturday café, which sees 60-70 people a week coming to meet new people and have a conversation.

Sam and Callum both volunteer at the Saturday café. This is “not just a volunteering role”, and has seen them go on “a real journey of faith” which has taken them “deeper into their own journey with God”.

Through participating in a variety of church projects, some social action and some not, Sam and Callum really got to see the work of God in the community and in themselves. Sam says she is less stressed and calmer since coming to church, and St Andrew’s has become “a place to belong” for many in the community.