Two Saturday openings

This coming Saturday sees the opening of two initiatives with which Commission For Mission is involved.

The first is the opening of the West Ham Festival at All Saints Church, Church Street, West Ham, London E15 3HU. The Festival runs from 20th - 27th June and includes an exhibition by Commission For Mission artists.

Our exhibiting artists are: Harvey Bradley, Anne Creasey, Michael Creasey, Jonathan Evens, David Hawkins, Rosalind Hore, Henry Shelton, Peter Shorer, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb. The 26 works on show will include a conceptual piece, embroidered panels, paintings (abstract and figurative), and wall hangings.

In addition, to our exhibition there will also be: exhibitions by Andy McGuire and John Uche; a church history exhibition (All Saints is one of Newham's finest buildings which dates back a thousand years); a textiles exhibition; and a flower festival. The West Ham Festival also features a wide range of other events and services. Details of these can be found by clicking here.

The second opening is of Café Refresh at St Andrews Leytonstone at 11.00am on Saturday 20th June. Harry Cohen MP for Leyton and Wanstead will be opening the café at 11 am. Free coffee and tea will be served for all their community and guests at Café Refresh from 11 am until 12 noon.

Café Refresh is being launched to serve as a meeting place and ‘haven’ for the local community. Local chef, Elliot Joseph, will run the café. Elliot is passionate about healthy food and bringing the community together. He’s on a mission to bring healthy, tasty food to the community. Café Refresh will be offering teas, coffees, hot chocolate and light snacks and lunches. Opening times are 10 am –5pm on Tuesday and Saturday, and 12 –5pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

St Andrew’s is also opening as a creative centre and will have a creative programme – Reflect – running alongside the café. This programme launches on July 5th, with an exhibition of Christian artworks in the Church by Commission for Mission. A networking evening on Art and Spirituality will be held on 9 July from 7-9.30pm involving presentations from our artists - Jonathan Evens, Rosalind Hore and Mark Lewis. The church will also be playing host to a number of creative events during the Leytonstone Art Trail and Leytonstone Festival.