We are a community church at the heart of the community Bootle. Please pray for the town of Bootle. We thank the Lord for opportunities to serve the people around the church.

Check out this video by Pete from our church.  

Wikipedia entry for Bootle. Please note it is edited by members of the public.

LOCAL DEBT COUNSELLING CENTRE GROWS

TO COPE WITH THE NEED

As the financial squeeze continues the Bootle branch of a debt counselling charity is taking on extra staff to bring more free help to those in need in the Maghull and Aintree area of Liverpool.

From this week, the Christians Against Poverty debt centre, based at Northfield Church, Bootle will be welcoming another new debt coach to their team resulting in more appointment slots for people suffering from out-of-control debts.

The centre, which opened in 2011, has seen a steady growth in the number of people getting in touch as word has spread of CAP’s uniquely in-depth, caring and face-to-face help. 

Typically most clients get in touch after personal recommendation while others are referred by local GPs, housing associations and council offices. Clients’ creditors are contacted by CAP, a workable budget is set for the household and the charity continues to give support and encouragement until the client is debt free.

Centre Manager for the Bootle branch Lynda Cooper said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming debt coach Jean Beazley onto the team at such a crucial time.

“We have been booked up months in advance as we continue to cope with the fall-out from the economic downturn. This will mean we have more appointments available each week and be able to see and help more people, more quickly.”

Last year the Bootle Centre recruited Debt Coach, Sue Thompson, from Waterloo to help those in need in Crosby and surrounding area. 

Contrary to popular opinion debts are rarely caused by overspending alone. The most common reason is a change in circumstance, for example job loss, relationship breakdown, accident or illness in the family.

For more about CAP see www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006

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Please keep our CAP centre in your prayers. We can do nothing without the Lords help and guidance. 

About CAP: Christians Against Poverty is a charity determined to reduce hardship in the UK, with the help of local churches. 

Easter has fast become a time of year that we look forward to for a number of reasons. A few days off work, sales in the shops and of course the oodles of chocolate that we feast on over the break. But how much are we truly thrilled by Easter. When we’re back in work, the sales are over and the chocolate’s run out, what is there left to celebrate? A recent survey showed that a quarter of children think easter is about the easter bunny with 53% not knowing what easter is about at all.  A holiday that once was the focal point of the Christian calendar has become part of the furniture. Once what stirred our souls has become boring. So what’s the big deal. Well if we really understand the real of meaning of easter, it really changes everything.

This Easter, lets remind ourselves of why this weekend is so incredible....


Through Jesus resurrection we can have eternal hope...

1 Peter 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”


Through Jesus resurrection we can be justified before the Father...

Romans 4:25: “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”


Through Jesus resurrection we can have forgiveness of sins...

Acts 5:31: “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”


Jesus resurrection is the fulfillment of promises that came before...

1 Corinthians 15:4: “He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”


Through Jesus resurrection we can have a personal relationship with God for all eternity....

Matthew 28:20: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This Easter, lets be stunned again by the salvation, hope and power that can be yours through Jesus’ death and resurrection!

We’ve recently run a bible study at Northfield following the Christianity Explored course ‘Soul’. The course followed a 7 week study of Mark’s Gospel studying the key areas of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Participants were welcome to ask any questions, worries or objections that hey had about the gospel. We tackled questions from, ‘When is Jesus coming back?’ to ‘why is there so much suffering in the world?’. 

Paul says in his opening words to the romans that the gospel is ‘the power of God unto salvation’ (Rom 1:16). As we explored the gospel together it was exciting to see the power of God work through his gospel in 2 main ways.

1. New believers were able to better understand and love the gospel which had called them. The more they understood the glory of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection, the more they understood heir identify as sons and daughters of God.

1. Mark’s gospel made it clear that our salvation was a free gift from God and was not dependent on our sin, our good works or our heritage. This was an important clarification for any that might assume they are saved by anything other than grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ.

The Soul course was a great way for us to make clear the gospel message and to offer those who do not yet believe, a safe environmental to ask difficult and sometimes embarrassing questions. We thank God for the work of illumination that He has done over the last 7 weeks, and the work He will continue to do through the power of his gospel in those who came to the course.

The head of the Church of England’s new payday lending task force has been fact-finding at a Bootle debt centre.

Former Chief Executive of the Financial Services Authority Sir Hector Sants visited the local Christians Against Poverty centre based at Northfield Community Church on Monday, February 10.

Centre Manager Lynda Cooper was able to talk about the charity’s free service and the kind of situations she sees among clients at her busy centre.

“It was great to meet with Mr Sants and tell him about the work of Christians Against Poverty. We introduced him to some of our clients and he was very keen to hear first-hand from them about the effects of debt and how CAP helped. He was very understanding and sympathetic of how people fall into debt for reasons often beyond their control.”

Archbishop Justin Welby, who spoke out against payday lenders last year, appointed Sir Hector to head up the Task Group on Credit Unions. Sir Hector arranged to visit the centre as part of his research to find out more about the part the church is playing in supporting those struggling with financial problems.

Clients included a couple who had loaned money to support their son for a house purchase and fell into debt when the son was unable to pay the loan back. After they contacted CAP, the couple were set up on a repayment programme and are now well on the way to clearing their debts.

Lynda added: “I also introduced him to a lady who’d fallen into debt after borrowing from a loan shark to pay for Christmas. I think it was helpful for him to understand the pressures clients face when already struggling to make ends meet.

“I know that responsible lending is a key concern for the Task Group and it’s great that they are making it a priority. I also explained that CAP are keen to promote saving as the safest way to prevent debt.”

For more: www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.


Christians Against Poverty is a charity determined to reduce poverty by partnering with local churches to provide debt centres, money education courses and job clubs.

CAP’s debt centre in Liverpool Bootle has been open since 2010 and helps people regardless of age, gender, faith or background. The service is completely free of charge.

Every person is seen face-to-face in their own home; CAP’s head office negotiate with each creditor and draw up a budget that prioritises rent, food and bills.

In 2013, CAP helped 26,000 across the UK. 

Three years ago i was in debt. Tried everything to sort it out myself as i didn't want anyone to know. Debt collectors sending threatening letters and phone calls it was all to much. I felt alone suicidal. I couldn't see a way out. I just lost my Mum. Debts mounting up and my relationship fell apart. My friend took me back to my church for help it was the last resort for me. They told me about CAP and gave me a phone number. 


I phoned and made an appointment they just opened a CAP centre in Bootle near me. A lovely lady called Joyce and Joan came to visit at first I felt ashamed and didn't want to talk about my debts . They assured me and were very kind and caring. I gave them all my debts. They took them away and said they would sort them. I cried all day it was an emotional time. They told me to send any debt to them and they would sort them. If the debtors called I was told to tell them that CAP was dealing with my debt. I was still stressed out and I was panic stricken when I got a letter or a phone call but I had CAP with me now. A great weight was lifted from my shoulders. Cap also helped me out along the way, sorted out a budget to pay my debts and helped with me with food, kept in-touch and took me out for coffee.


CAP also took me on a discovery break. At first I was reluctant to go but I went. It was fantastic. Everyone was in debt I was not alone. At last I could talk to someone instead of standing back in fear they might know Im hear. I felt at home more relaxed a sense of belonging again. I gave myself back to God on that break. He gave me my life back. I was worth something and I belonged here. I was given a second chance and I took it with arms open wide.


I am now debt free and I owe it all to God and CAP without them in my life. I wouldn't be here today. 


Thank you and God bless. 

Church to help people become savvy with their cash as households feel income squeeze

A church is set to run free sessions to help people in Bootle get on top of their household finances.

Members of Northfield Community Church in Bootle wanted to help their local community to best handle the economic climate so underwent specialised training from UK charity Christians Against Poverty.

Now they are offering the short course aimed to putting the joy back into money by teaching people how to chart their household income and take control of their expenditure.

Money Coach Allan Henderson who will be leading the sessions called the CAP Money course, said: “With households feeling the squeeze on their disposable income, we’ve all got to get a bit more savvy about our money to get through these tough times. If you know how to save and budget effectively, it can have a hugely positive impact on the whole family.”

Northfield Community Church is one of more than 1,200 churches of different Christian traditions across the UK who are regularly offering the course, as they work together to positively impact the communities around them.

The CAP Money course has been found to be useful for newly retired people, soon-to-be students, mums dealing with mounting bills, families saving for a wedding and everyone in between.

He added: “We hope that we can help people, quietly and confidentially, take control rather than relying on guess work so they can plan for the future and weather the storm.”

The first course takes place in Goddard Hall, Stanley Road, Bootle starting at 2.00pm on October 15th

• To find out more about the CAP Money course visit www.capmoney.org and to book your place on the Bootle course telephone 0779 175 4705.

ends

About CAP Money – the debt prevention courseThe CAP Money course is the pro-active educational arm of the charity. It is sometimes run by the centres that do debt counselling but mostly the courses are run by churches where congregations want to do something to empower people to fight poverty before it hits.

The CAP Money course isn’t for people with debts (though they can be catered for). It’s for everyone – students to the newly retired, single people and for families because we’ve seen that learning how to set a budget and stick to it helps to debt-proof people in the long term. There are more than 1,200 churches in the UK delivering CAP Money in their locality.www.capmoney.org About Christians Against PovertyChristians Against Poverty is a home-grown debt counselling charity which is determined to reduce poverty in the UK caused by debt. It partners its financial expertise with the care of the local church to offer free debt help and a solution to people through 218 centres. The fast-growing charity intends to have a debt-counselling CAP centre in 500 towns and cities across the UK by 2015. For more about CAP see www.capuk.org

For further information contact CAP’s National PR Manager Marianne Clough

marianneclough@capuk.org

or telephone 01274 761924

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Press release from Cap

 

Don’t let school holidays tip you into debt, says charity

 

 

LOCAL debt counsellors have urged parents to be savvy spendersin the school holidays.

Christians Against Poverty wants families to avoid being pressured into costly children’s activities.

“Everyone wants their kids to have a lovely time in the Summerbut if you want to avoid dipping into the overdraft, it will take planning,” said Lynda Cooper, Centre Manager at CAP’s Bootle branch.

“Some research and imagination at this stage will save you pounds in the holidays and help families avoid the kind of debt problems that can soon mount up.”

To aid parents, the charity has produced a top ten great summer ideas to avoid overspending – good news for the two in three families expected to holiday at home this Summer.

“It really doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive for the family to enjoy time together,” said Lynda.

“Some space, some time, some toys and a picnic can be all it takes to provide a memorable day out.”

Take a picnic to one of Liverpool’s great parks or walk along Otterspool promenade with perfect views of the river. Visitwww.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events for lots of information.

Liverpool museums are informative, educational and free.  Why not visit the Liverpool waterfront, take a look at the three magnificent buildings, take in the sights of the canal ending at Liverpool Museum.

Visit the outdoor ‘gym’ at Crosby Marina, the kids will love the open space and simple exercises.

The animals at Rice Lane City Farm, Walton are a treat for children of all ages, as is Acorn Venture Urban Farm in Kirkby (small charge applies).

There are lots of beaches along the Merseyside coastline for great free fun.  Visit the website www.visitsouthport.com/things-to-dofor information on breaches, nature trails, parks and gardens.

Free football skills sessions for 5-11s are on offer right across England through the holidays thanks to Tesco and the Football Association. Pop your postcode into tescoskills.thefa.com/findsession to find your nearest.

Also check out www.tennisforfree.com which lists all the places you can turn up and play, without paying for a court.

Not many people are able to take the whole holiday off work but don’t forget many churches run holiday clubs and it is worth finding out if there is one near you.

 

•

If money is tight because you have debt or budgeting problems find out how CAP can help on www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006

 

 

CAP’S MONEY-SAVING SUMMER TOP TEN:

 

1.

Make a ‘boredom jar’ full of cheap ideas written on slips of card for a fun lucky dip. Suggestions could include make your own ice lollies; build a den; snail races; blow massive bubbles; make a nature sculpture; build your own crazy golf with flower pots.

2.

Libraries, most museums and some art galleries are free to enter – and will have all kinds of events on during the holidays. Research online to find out what they are doing near you.

3.

Do something new or different – paint a picture outdoors;ride on a bus if you don’t usually; camp in the garden; eat something you’ve never tried before.

4.

Remember the fun of treasure-hunts? Geocaching is the hi-tech version and will take you places you never knew existed! Use the GPS on your smart phone and a free app like c:geo to find “treasure” which is hidden all over the UK. Find out more at geocaching.com

5.

Before the children break up from school, make sure you exchange numbers with other parents. A get-together with friends is the best way to beat boredom and for both parents to get a turn at an afternoon’s peace!

6.

See what your local council has on offer so you can make the most of any free entertainment eg watching a brass band,making a kite session in the local park. Some councils have a programme of activities with sessions on street dance or cricket for £1 a time.

7.

Never underestimate the power of a picnic! Keep it simple – an open space, a frisbee, a friend or two and plenty to nibble on and you have the sort of day memories are made of.

8.

Make the most of one of natures best ever toys: the stick! Get your wellies on and find some woodland events – checkwww.naturedetectives.org.uk for great free resources to print off, including information on spotting birds, trees and bugs.

9.

Don’t go out for a meal without checking moneysavingexpert.com’s website to see what vouchers are on offer.

10.

Decide how you can help someone else – wash a neighbour’s car together; bake a cake and visit a relative; write a letter to a friend or treat someone lonely to a day out.

 

Ends

 

 

Christians Against Poverty is a debt counselling charity determined to reduce poverty in the UK caused by debt. It partners its financial expertise with the care of the local church to offer free debt help and a solution to people regardless of age, gender, faith or background. The charity has 233 UK debt centresand runs free budgeting courses across the country. For more about CAP see www.capuk.org

 

For further information contact Lynda Cooper atlyndacooper@capuk.org or 07873 424326

 

or CAP’s National PR Manager Marianne Clough

marianneclough@capuk.org

or telephone 01274 761924

A recap of our "God is" by Neil F 

‘When was the last time you were intimate with God?’. A question that Pastor Frank asked of us back at the start of our ‘God Is’ series in August. A simple question but one that drilled to the core of our relationship with the one to who we offer our praise and prayer to week after week. 

Paul declares the difficulty of knowing fully our God in Romans 11... ‘Oh the depths and riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgements!”, yet despite this, Peter encourages the church to still “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18). To know him in his entirety is an impossibility, it hurts our puny minds to understand even a little of his greatness, but, under the exhortation of Peter, we spent 20 weeks walking into a greater intimacy with God by deepening our understanding of who he is and what he’s about. 

Over the twenty weeks we explored 17 attributes of God and how each unique aspect demands a response from us as believers and unbelievers alike. Each week, we witnessed God’s faithfulness in spite of our faithlessness, as in a powerful confirmation of his word, he administered his salvation, healing, wisdom and provision amongst us. Our mornings often ended with extended times of communion, prayer and praise as we were humbled that a God so great would humble himself on a cross to redeem a sinful people like us. 

We closed out the series with the same question that we started with. When was the last time you were intimate with God? The change in us as individuals and a church body has been exciting to witness. Our worship has intensified, our faith has swelled and we move into our next series ‘Jesus said’ with an eager expectation of what he will do amongst us and through us this year, all for his glory.