A CHURCH is delighted after winning a prestigious national award for the tireless work it does in the community.

The Chapel and School Room in Chapel Row, Woodham Ferrers has won the Serving the Community Award at an online ceremony hosted by the Congregational Federation’s national assembly.

The awards are given to churches which meet the needs of communities and come with a £2,000 prize.

The church, which serves residents in areas such as South Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre, has decided to put the prize money towards a container for a food pantry.

Community pastor Emma Hunnable, who received the award on behalf of the church alongside Minister Eric Fenwick, said: “We needed to be really creative.

“I’d heard about FareShare so I gave them a ring and they said we could collect some food from a Tesco Express store twice a week.

“We also received a letter from the parish council saying they were doing Covid grants for food, so that started us off.”

Eric added: “Our chapel and school room community is delighted and encouraged with the award, especially as it’s a confirmation and recognition in the way we believe God has been leading us.

“We were going to use the money for soft play equipment, but the pandemic has changed things over the past year we have been looking at what we can do for the community.

Minister Eric Fenwick with the plaque awarded to The Chapel and School Room in Woodham Ferrers

Minister Eric Fenwick with the plaque awarded to The Chapel and School Room in Woodham Ferrers

“God willing, as things ease, we will be holding Wellbeing Wednesday, our cap money course, job club, community allotments and soft play which will still be a major outreach to all the new families we have come into contact with.”

The chapel hosts several social events, including Coffee with Cops meetings, Sunday lunch and a toddler group.

The group also works with the Essex Youth Offending Team, as well as helping young adults with learning difficulties find work experience.

Congregational Insurance and the Congregational Federation were amazed by the good work continuing to take place.

Congregational Federation spokeswoman Yvonne Campbell added: “Their community café was becoming such a social hub which supported all ages in the community.

“This is well-deserved and will make such a difference.”