The Power of Picnic Tables

In 2023, members of St Columba’s Church of Scotland in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen noticed that pupils from the Bridge of Don academy, which they shared a car park with, were using the new picnic benches at the back of the church building. They soon realised that it was a God-given opportunity to form connections with, and serve, their local school.

The St Columba’s team started by offering the high schoolers free cups of hot chocolate on Wednesday lunchtimes, which quickly grew as the word spread. Three years later, they have a very busy lunchtime each week!

After the team asked if there was anything else they could do for the pupils, a Tuesday morning breakfast club called ‘Toasted’ also got started up. Team leader Caroline says that ‘God is clearly at work, as this gives us great opportunities to create friendships and get closer to those who attend’.

These commitments have also helped St Columba’s to develop links with the academy itself. For example, amongst other things, some of the pupils come to serve at their monthly  church coffee mornings so that they can gain practical experience for their hospitality course work. Others volunteer at St Columba’s as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award.

Some students have even shown their appreciation for what the team does by fundraising so that they could make a donation to help with the costs of running these initiatives.

The team say that, ‘We have loved getting to know the young people and seeing how God uses our humble offerings. He is clearly at work in the hearts of these youngsters.’

The View from St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Aberdeen