Andrew Mitchell MP met Stephen Eaves (Pastor) and Lynn Jennings (Community Engagement Leader) at the Ark Community Church in Mere Green.

The church was formed in April 2009 and the fellowship met weekly at Mere Green Library and Community Centre until moving into their own building in 2015. Four years later, the church building was becoming too restrictive and so work began to double its original size. This development was completed in August 2020 and services recommenced last summer.

During the meeting Andrew discussed the church’s ongoing plans for their facilities including the lease of the Four Oaks Boys Club buildings as well as the purchase of the Freehold for the church building. Andrew is following up on a number of enquiries on their behalf with Birmingham City Council.

The Church has set up a new local youth club which is growing from strength to strength with 20 members. Their facilities are also currently being used as a storage facility for Hope Food and a Nigerian Church and they have worked with local schools providing access to the allotments that they have on site.

The church runs a grapevine coffee morning from 10 until 12 every Wednesday. During the coffee morning the church also operates a collection point for Hope Food where dried, tinned and long life products can be dropped off with the team.

Commenting, Mr Mitchell said

“It was good to have the opportunity to speak to Stephen and Lynn about their work with the Ark Community Church. Their community outreach is making a huge difference in Mere Green including their support for the Hope Food initiative, their weekly coffee morning and their youth group which runs on a Friday afternoon.”