Alexia Morris, 34, from the town centre, said: "I think it's a great idea. Walking home after a night out can be quite intimidating for women so having an added presence on the street is quite comforting."

The Rev John Wren, minister at St Mark's Methodist Church, said: "It's reaching out to the need on the street, particularly in evenings when there are folks who need some sort of support, which is one of the things the church should be seen to be doing."

Outreach

Bethesda is a caring church and aims to give at least 10% of its income to assist a variety of organisations at home and abroad.

Regular donations support Methodist organisations such as Home Mission, Property, Relief & Development, Homes, & World Mission. Other recipients include A Rocha, Bible Society, Christian Ecology Link, Churches Together, Glos Historic Churches Trust, Glos Wildlife Trust, Langley House Trust, Listening Post and Samaritans.

Special collections are made for Christian Aid, Open Door, MRDF Appeals, National Chidlrens Home, and Tools for Self Reliance.

Sukumawenze

Bethesda currently has a special project to support an AIDs orphanage in South Africa and funds generated from our Carbon Offset Scheme have helped to install solar water heating for the hospice. The Sponsored Cycling across Europe undertaken by the Ellis boys in 2009 raised more than £2500 for future projects.

Cheltenham Street Pastors
Making a positive difference in the lives of young people

Four members from Bethesda have been accepted as Street Pastors which was launched on the streets of Cheltenham on Saturday 5th. December 2009. Insp Jon Roberts from Gloucestershire police said: "From our point of view it's a real positive; When incidents happen at night time, we don't often get a chance to chat to people and build bridges. Hopefully, the Street Pastors will be able to fill that gap for us. It should complement the work we are doing."

“Street Pastors is about Christians rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in practically responding to the problems of crime and safety.
They are like beacons on our streets and I want to see them shining brightly in every constituency”
David Burrowes MP

Chris Wilkins, 26, from Montpellier, said: "I think it's great that people are willing to give up their time to help others. It shows the church is willing to adapt itself to modern culture."