Making a Noise
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3: 18 NIV)
For the last few years, Lee Abbey Knowle West has participated in Bristol Noise, which mobilises churches and Christians to show God's love in practical ways, on estates across Bristol.
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2024, there were over 750 volunteers from 46 different churches and groups across the whole of Bristol. Teams of volunteers hosted 17 different community events for neighbours to come and enjoy, including community fun events and BBQs! Volunteers also tackled 49 different practical community projects in gardens, in public spaces, adventure playgrounds, community centres and schools. All these were referred by local people. And, everything was FREE!
In Knowle West, we have done projects like brightening up Filwood Broadway by painting bollards and picking litter (see photo below).
This year a group of volunteers helped clear the garden of Filwood Community Centre opposite us, under the direction of the Centre's staff. (see photo below).
We have also helped with Fun Days. A couple of years ago, we helped set up marquees and a bouncy castle on the green outside
Lee Abbey house and served free food and drink (see photo below)
This year, we helped at St Barnabas church, (see photo below)
which was packed out with children and families, enjoying the bouncy castle, burgers, crafts and games (see photos below)
From now on, we can do projects or have Fun Days at any time of year, not only in May, as expressed in a new name: Bristol Noise 365. We store tools, marquees and gazebos in a garage at the back of Lee Abbey and gather with up to a dozen people in the lounge, to plan and pray about future events and developments, This is one practical way we “share Christ through relationships” on the estate!
Posted: January 2025