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David Turner is trustee and volunteer at Churches in Reading Drop In Centre
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Focus on Faith: Open Space helps Springboard good deeds

By David Turner
October 11, 2012

David Turner is trustee and volunteer at Churches in Reading Drop In Centre and founder member of The Family Business.

He attends The Chapel, West End Mortimer, and has been active in church activities for many years

Springboard is a group of Christians, drawn from various churches across Reading, with a shared vision to release God-given passion, concerned to make positive change in our communities, and with resources to help get things started.

One method used is called “Open Space”.

They bring together believers who, over a plate of food, share their concern or passion, providing the opportunity for fresh alliances of people who might not otherwise meet.

Practical and financial support is provided to shape ideas into viable projects.

Last year 11 projects were supported with areas of interest ranging from a youth programme to an elderly lunch club, Street Pastors to a community coffee shop, even solar panels.

The next gathering is themed around prayer and will take place at South Street Arts Centre from 10am until noon on Saturday, October 20.

There is also an Open Space at Bill’s restaurant in Reading town centre from 7.30pm on Monday, November 12, dinner provided.

A central belief is that there is only one church of Christ, no matter which denomination or assembly believers attend.

Therefore Springboard seeks to support partnerships, rather than individual Christians or churches.

In the words of Sarah Porton who looks after all our administrative functions: “There is something almost addictive about the buzz when fresh relationships are formed and new initiatives launched to provide positive, community impact.”

If you think we can help you, call 07724 859 964 or book online to come to one of upcoming sessions.

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Before we get any "faith" comments - let's hear it for these groups. I realise it's a quandary but whilst I may not like what the Sally Army says - I like what it does. This sounds like an open and positive initiative and I wish there was something similar for non-"believers". Mind you there is one break-away group of christians who hold to the (positive) tenets of the faith without clinging to a deity. Probably still a bit outre for this project. But you have my support - passion for any community initiative is always a good thing whether faith-based or not (OK preferably not but where do we go?)