Blackford Community Lunches

As the cold weather sweeps across the country and temperatures plummet, Gordon Roy shares an excellent example of how his congregation (Blackford Parish Church) are partnering with their local school to provide community lunches and a warm space for local residents. 

Gordon explains, “As many churches look to provide ‘Warm spaces’ with or without grant assistance, local schools might want to get involved as well. When pupil meals were previously cooked in our local primary school, they hosted Senior Citizens’ lunches on a monthly basis. We stepped in as partners and hosts when pupil meals were then delivered from the local secondary school and we ran that way for a couple of years. With the pandemic restrictions now behind us, we have restarted and widened the age group to include everyone.” 

Involving pupils is a key aspect to what the church are doing. In doing so, the project provides an opportunity for school children to be effective contributors and responsible citizens, key components of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Gordon adds, “A couple of P7s come across to serve the tables during the two-course lunch then other pupils and staff follow to spend time in that generational mix. We’ve had Burns performances, played board games together and enjoyed community singing. Everyone get something out of the partnership and looks forward to the next occasion.”

The project is an excellent example of the church engaging in mission, and supporting the school to develop intergenerational relationships within the community. It’s also a creative way of providing a warm bank locally.