30 September 2025

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

Fellowship and a hearty breakfast

On the third Saturday of each month the men from COTS get together for a hearty breakfast, fellowship with brothers in Christ and connection with men in the church. The sessions begin at 8:30 am with fellowship and testimony before sharing food together.

In the previous meeting they opened up a space for honesty about their lived experience and spent time in confession. It is important as men to be accountable which this meeting gives opportunity to do. After this we had space for prayer and prayer requests.

Any man can attend the men’s breakfast at Church on the Street whether a Christian or not, the aim is to build brotherhood together in trust in unity sharing the journey and hearing from God.

Brad who runs the group said:

“It’s a perfect opportunity to be uplifted by a group of men sharing their purpose and their convictions from God.”

Sexual Health Screening

Bringing Sexual Health Services to Those Who Need Them Most

This month, COTS was joined by “Patricia”, the Sexual Health Screening van, with Mike and Nina on board. They offered our members free, confidential, friendly, and non‑judgemental sexual health support: information, advice, and testing — all delivered in a non‑clinical, community setting.

This work is vital. Many people experiencing homelessness or addiction face serious barriers to accessing sexual health services. By stepping in, COTS helps fill those gaps and works to remove those obstacles.

By bringing the service to the community in non‑clinical settings:

• We reduce the need for travel or transport.
• We provide a low‑threshold, approachable, judgement‑free environment.
• We can reach people who do not engage with mainstream services.
• The confidential nature helps reduce fears around stigma or judgement.

An Ordination, A New Chapter

On Saturday, 20th September, Clara White was ordained into The International Christian Church Network as a priest.

Clara will now be serving with Church on the Street, focusing on social and criminal justice issues. We pray for her as she steps into this important role, trusting that her work will bring glory to God.

It’s been inspiring to witness Clara’s journey and the ways God has moved in her life. The ordination service was a powerful moment, with ministers from Church on the Street gathering in prayer and celebration.

You can watch Clara’s mother speak about her daughter’s journey and her own fight against the IPP injustice.

Watch IPP interview on YouTube

We asked Clara about the ordination and she said;

“It’s taken three years to reach this point, and about four days for my feet to touch the ground again since the ordination — I’m still running on a natural high.

“Being ordained hasn’t changed who I am, but it has deepened my confidence in ministry—especially when speaking out against injustice. People have to take me seriously now.”

Clara went on to tell us about what she will be doing:

“I’ll be working in prison ministry and standing against the deep injustices in the system. Right now, the fight to end IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) is at the forefront. But I believe the Lord is tearing off the doors, and I’m ready to walk through.

“My first stop as an ordained minister is at the Labour Party Conference this Monday, where I’ll be supporting an exhibition of IPP prisoner artwork and photography.

“Please pray that the MPs and Lords I meet will see the light of Christ burning within me—and know that light is not going out.”

Church on Wheels

You may have heard the news — our Bishop, Mick, has given up his house and moved into a camper van.

We’ve decided to join him on this unique journey and document his life and experiences over the next 12 months on our YouTube channel.

Oliver, our Media Manager, says:

“We have no idea where we’ll end up — but if you want to join us straight from his ‘living room,’ hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a thing.”

We’ll be exploring big questions like:

What’s it really like to live on the road as a Bishop?

How do you run a church from a motor home?

Who are you meeting along the way — and what are their stories?

Recently, Mick added one of his favourite verses to the back of the van:

“For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16

We’d love for you to come along for the ride.

Watch on YouTube and subscribe for new episodes

Blackburn Pastors

This month has been a time of both reflection and progress for our Blackburn team.

Our Sunday team has expanded, and we now have 9 Christians regularly involved in leading and supporting services. Attendance has become more consistent, averaging around 30 people each week. Many of those attending are also stepping up to help with serving and clearing away, making our gatherings feel more like family.

Our outreach work continues and is currently being reviewed, as Anne will now be dedicating more time in Blackburn during the week. We are exploring partnerships with other local organisations doing excellent work in the community, with the goal of strengthening our impact.

Some changes are underway in our midweek activities. Shirley is currently unable to run the Arts & Crafts group due to work commitments, so that group is on pause for now. The Genesis Group, now led by Daz, has seen fluctuating attendance—anywhere from 3 to 10 people—but continues to be a valuable time of connection and growth.

A growing concern is the need for our own premises. The current space limits us in both size and availability, especially as we look to expand activities beyond Sundays.

Looking ahead, we’re planning to launch a monthly Men’s Breakfast in partnership with Project 180 and CCB. While it hasn’t started yet, we’re hopeful it will create a new space for fellowship and outreach among local men.

We continue to provide a hot meal on Sundays for around 33 people (including those who join us after the service), and another meal on Thursdays after Genesis. In addition, sandwiches are distributed through our outreach efforts. Recently, we’ve been able to make use of Daisy Communications’ generous food donations to Burnley, which has been a great help in lightening the load.

“We’re thankful for what God is doing in Blackburn—through every meal shared, every conversation had, and every act of service given in His name.”
– Pastor Anne

Opening up Opportunities

The church in the Dominican Republic are starting a new venture teaching English to their local communities around the church in Jarabacoa.

This will open up many job opportunities in hospitality and enabling struggling families to find gainful employment. They will also be learning English from the bible and inviting people to stay on for church after the class.

“We are trusting God that many lives will be touched and transformed for His glory.”
– Pastor Kathryn and Pastor Graham Dunwell