01 September 2025

A look at what’s been going on at Church on the Street in August:

Compassion on the front line

Meet Sheryl – The Heart of the Hub

When you walk into COTS, the first person you’re likely to meet is Sheryl—a bubbly whirlwind of energy and warmth. She’s the one who keeps life on the main floor of the Hub running smoothly.

Need a shower, a change of clothes, a food parcel—or just a good laugh? Sheryl’s got you covered. With her no-nonsense approach and big heart, she’ll make sure you get what you need. If she’s not in the building, she’s probably out in the van collecting donations from churches, community centres, and generous individuals, doing the big shop at Booker, or running someone to the chemist to pick up a prescription.

When we asked Sheryl about her role, she said:

“There’s something different every day, and always something new. I’m lucky—I enjoy what I do, even on the challenging days.”

Sheryl manages the reception area and the team of volunteers who help run it. She also oversees the clothing and food bank, showers, laundry, general maintenance, liaises with partners and the police, and supports members with everything from remembering appointments to making phone calls and navigating services.

We’re incredibly grateful for Sheryl. Her dedication is what makes it possible for us to feed, clothe, and support so many of the people who walk through our doors.

“You can’t eat socks!”

Standing up for freedom of speech

Bishop Mick was invited onto Good Morning Britain to discuss the question; “Is it offensive to call shoplifters scumbags?”

Rob Davies placed notices in his vintage shop in Wrexham, informing customers “due to scumbags shoplifting, please ask for assistance to open cabinets” He said he has lost almost £200 worth of stock due to shoplifting and decided to lock cabinets containing higher valued items.

Mick highlighted that the language used is important:

“The language that is used is working class language, language that people can understand, language that shoplifters understand…if you take that away, it doesn’t work, it becomes ineffective.”

An ex-police officer was brought on the programme to discuss the opposing view and described using “fairness” as a measure. Instead, Bishop Mick described the approach COTS uses in this way:

“We find the underlying cause; so that can be mental health, that can be poverty, that can be circumstances, that can be addiction. And you deal with those head on.”

At COTS we strive to treat everyone with grace and compassion to ensure that the gospel reaches everyone, and everyone gets to hear the Good News about Jesus.

Watch a clip on Facebook

A need to look after our well being

On Sunday, 17th August, we took time to remember one of our earliest members, who sadly passed away suddenly last week. In the midst of this tragic loss, his daughter joined us for the first time—an incredibly moving moment for all of us.

Anne, one of our Blackburn Pastors, shared these words:

“It was a time to remember the laughter we shared and the way he came alive when he was singing and worshipping God. He was loved by his family, his friends, the church—and most of all, by God.”

This moment of remembrance comes at a time when the heart of our Wellbeing Craft Group feels more vital than ever. The group was created to offer a safe space for people to be calm, connect, and speak openly about how they’re feeling.

Though open to everyone, the small size of the room currently limits how many people we can welcome—so we’re praying for a bigger space! Over a brew and some crafts, we aim to provide a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Follow COTS Blackburn on Facebook

Building Hope

In the Dominican Republic the COTS team have been hard at work building Grace Village and so much more!

They have sent a video so you can see what they have been doing, here’s a quick overview;

• Over 100 underprivileged children and families have been fed
• A local leader has given discipleship to over 500 children
• There have been over 400 children helped with education
• A new school dining area
• Building a home for a family in need
• After many months on the street we now have a building!

The team have said:

“Thank you for partnering with us to see God’s kingdom come.”

Watch an update from Kathryn and Graham Dunwell in the Dominican Republic

The Extension of God’s Kingdom

Remember Andrew the “Happy Hippie”? He’s now in South Africa working to build the Kingdom of God there.

In his video, Andrew tells us he has been cooking with chicken skins to feed 80 people living in a shelter and giving them clothing. For the children that are living there he is going to get them some colouring books and equipment because they can’t go to school.

For those who are living on the street in addiction, he has helped to get them off to the street and trying to sponsor them to go to rehab, but this is very expensive.

“God Bless you all. I miss you, I miss my family.”

Watch an update from Andrew in South Africa

Friendship that lasts longer than a visit

Here in Barnoldswick, many elderly people depend on carers who can only spend a short time with them each day. While carers do a wonderful job, the reality is that a few minutes of help often leaves our elderly neighbours with long hours of loneliness. They need extra care, friendship, and encouragement that only comes from genuine companionship.

We are thankful to announce that we will be visiting the elderly in Barnoldswick, beginning with our local care homes. God’s Word reminds us to “honour the elderly” and to care for those who may feel forgotten. Many of our older friends treasure the simple gift of company, a listening ear, and a word of encouragement.

At the cafe we have already seen how joy, laughter, and fellowship can lift the heart. We want to bring that same love and hope into the homes of those who cannot always come out to join us.

Our prayer is to shine the light of Christ—bringing comfort, friendship, and the assurance that each person is deeply valued and never alone.

Knitted crosses given away for free at the cafe

If you would like to join us in this ministry, praying, or offering support in other ways, we warmly invite you to be part of this blessing. Together, we can show Barnoldswick’s elderly the love of Jesus in a very real and practical way.

Follow COTS Barnoldswick on Facebook

Discussing the Differences

12 months on from the riots around the UK, Bishop Mick met with Reverend Andy Dykes from Blackpool and Nadeem Ashfaq from the Light Foundation to discuss community cohesion and how we can work together despite the differences.

Nadeem Ashfaq said:

“It is great for people to see that irrespective of our faith background, we are bounded by our humanity.”

Bishop Michael, Reverend Andy and Nadeem Ashfaq

Meet the Little Lights

As part of our campaign against child poverty we have started two new children’s groups; one in Burnley and one in Barnoldswick.

Pastor Joanne is running a craft group as requested by one of the mums on a Thursday morning offering snacks and crafts for free. If any family is in need Pastor Joanne will be able to offer further support as needed. The cafe also runs a breakfast club during the school holiday for children.

A team of ladies from the church in Burnley are starting a story and playtime with puppets, songs and snacks. An opportunity for families to come together and offer each other support and encouragement.