Churches in the coastal town of Gorleston and the rural village of Larling have been shortlisted for recognition as part of the National Church Awards 2024.
The annual celebration of excellence, run by the National Churches Trust, has announced a list of finalists which this year includes the churches of St Mary Magdalene and St Ethelbert.
Gorleston’s St Mary Magdalene has been recognised in the Church & Community Volunteers Award category, with judges having been especially impressed by the impact of a weekly lunch club offered to members of the local community.
The initiative provides hot, nutritious meals to attendees in a safe space where access to other forms of support – for issues such as mental health or financial difficulties – is made available on either an emergency or ongoing basis.
Revd Matthew Price, who serves as Vicar at St Mary Magdalene and plays a pivotal role in the church’s community outreach, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that the National Churches Awards have recognised our amazing volunteers. At St Mary Magdalene have just under 150 people regularly volunteering with us, both from the church family and the wider community.
“I am so grateful for the way each one volunteers and joins in with our mission to be a transforming presence in our community. They pack food parcels, serve food and drinks, wash up, lead groups, care for another and whole host of other things but each as part of an amazing team. It’s a privilege to be their vicar!”
In the Care & Conservation Award category, which seeks to highlight exceptional work undertaken to maintain and preserve historic church buildings, St Ethelbert’s in Larling has been selected as a finalist by the judging panel.
Revd Br Simon Richardson, Priest-in-Charge at St Ethelbert’s, noted:
“Larling is a place that most people pass through on their way down the A11, but tucked away in one of its fields is a beautiful Church that has been cared for over generations, and which is being lovingly cared for now by its team of dedicated and devoted parishioners.
“It is a beautiful Church, still filled with worship and fellowship, with laughter and love; and being in the final of this award is a great testimony to the commitment and care of the wonderful people of this parish.”
A full list of finalists for the National Church Awards 2024 can be found here, with the winners in each category to be announced at a ceremony held on 22 October.