Mark Frankland says…

Obviously the onset of the first lockdown presented us with enormous challenges. We had to keep up with a huge spike in demand which took us from issuing 500 food parcels per month all the way to 2500 in August. Things have calmed a little, but we are still handing out over 1800 parcels per month.

We have managed to create five new satellite operations across the region as well as establishing brilliant links with several local food companies. It has become all but impossible to source food from the supermarkets and as you know only too well, food donations from churches had completely dried up.

The support we have received from the local community has been quite extraordinary and the way we have been able to keep up with such a huge rise in demand goes to show just what can be achieved when a community comes together.

We will soon learn what demand is going to be in the new economic reality we are all about to step into. It is hard to see a return to our pre Covid 500 parcels per month any time soon. 

Hopefully it will not be two long before business as usual can be re-established between First Base and your team of volunteers. Our back door is missing you all !

All my very best

Mark 

If you would like to support First Base financially, either regularly or as a one off, you can do so direct (the Church Office [07754 596140 / pastadmin AT stjohnsdumfries DOT org] can provide you with bank details), or, if you are registered with us for Gift Aid, you can do so through St John’s.  Again, the Church Office can explain how to do this.

Welcome

St John the Evangelist, Dumfries, is a parish of the Scottish Episcopal Church also serving Methodist parishioners locally.

Donations

You can donate to St John’s by credit or debit card by following these links.

St John’s Bellringers on Border Life video

Notices

Contemporary Service

Contemporary Service

The Contemporary Service is at 6pm, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, followed by refreshments in the hall.

Facebook

St John's Church

1 day 20 minutes ago

When this happens, it’s usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it’s been deleted.

St John's Church

2 days 5 hours ago

St John's Church

3 days 6 hours ago

St John's Church

4 days 6 hours ago

Here's some Easter fun for primary-aged children to do this coming Thursday 28th March, 10-30am until 12 O'clock, at St John's Church, Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW