St Luke’s Gift Day 2025 | Genesis Trust - Ian McKay
Genesis Trust Bath is our mission of the month for September, and also one of our focus missions for Gift Day (19 October).
The Genesis Trust works with, and on behalf of, the church across Bath. It exists to offer immediate practical help to people who are homeless and vulnerable and to provide long-term help and opportunities for them through interlinked projects to rebuild their lives. Working individually with people on their journey from despair to hope, from crisis to independence.
At St Luke’s we’ve had strong connections for many years. Before the Soup Run project was suspended by COVID, our volunteers served food and drink to all – no questions asked – every Wednesday evening, come rain or shine. More recently, we’ve given strong volunteer and financial support to the Foodbank, which is a Genesis initiative in partnership with the Trussell Trust. Others have helped at the Gateway Centre (see below) and various Life Projects, or donated to the Furniture Project. And I was on the Board for nearly 20 years.
This month (September) is National Recovery Month dedicated to increasing awareness that recovery from substance misuse and mental health conditions is possible. Genesis has a number of initiatives to help people move forward in their lives, such as the Life Recovery Course. We celebrate every step forward, because everyone is worthy of help, and everyone can see joy and fullness in their lives, no matter what they have experienced.
You may know that about a year ago, the Genesis Gateway Centre (on the London Road in Snow Hill) was flooded. Work to repair and also enhance the building has now started, and we pray for skill and safety for all involved in the work, and for successful and timely completion.
Genesis is a local, Christian charity, which relies heavily on individuals and churches for the money to make everything happen. We are part of that support, and give on a regular basis, as we see ourselves as part of Genesis. Your generosity this Gift Day will help to keep this wonderful work going as together we seek to love our neighbour; to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Together we can help more homeless and vulnerable people in our local community to find hope and a better future.
Thank you.
“Our vision is for a thriving and supportive community in the Bath area, where everyone has hope and a future.”
www.genesistrust.org.uk