Serving the Community of IlkestonThe Elim Christian Centre is very family-orientated. Informal in style but very sincere about its place in Ilkeston and the Erewash Valley and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. There is a visiting programme for the elderly set in place as well as an emergency prayer chain. The Elim Christian Centre is not big numerically but its involvement, influence and vision go far beyond numbers. It operates a 'Pantry' where the people bring extra food items, these are then sensitively distributed to needy families on the estate. The church has a financial and prayerful commitment to J's Place, a Christian cafe run by several churches. J's Place is situated in a block of derelict shops and flats and plans are underway to take over and renovate the entire block. The vision is that under the management of the Hopewell Christian Trust, a joint church charity, the whole of the premises will be renovated and let to various organisations (eg: debt counselling, drug awareness and Citizens Advice Bureau). As well as being a resource centre for church-run activities situated in the heart of the Cotmanhay Estate, one of the most deprived areas in Derbyshire, it is believed that taking over the block will help bring transformation to the estate and town. |