Be There for New Arrivals!
Could You Help Us Welcome the Stranger?
Have you ever been the new person in the room? That moment when you step into an unfamiliar place, unsure of how things work, hoping someone will smile, include you, help you find your feet. Now imagine that feeling multiplied — a new country, a new language, a completely new culture. For many people arriving in the UK, that’s everyday life, and as a church, we believe this matters.
We’re excited to explore launching the Welcome Course from Welcome Churches — and we’re looking for a team of people who might feel stirred to be part of it.
The Welcome Course is a simple, structured way to serve refugees and people new to the UK, helping them build connections, understand life in the UK, and feel genuinely welcomed.
It provides a safe, friendly space where new arrivals can:
Make friends
Practise English
Learn about UK culture and everyday life
Build confidence and community
As Welcome Churches describe it, the course helps people “feel more at home in the UK,” offering both practical support and meaningful relationships.
And at the heart of it all? Hospitality. Friendship. Dignity.
Why This Matters
We believe we’re called to welcome the stranger — not as a one-off act, but as a way of life.
This is about more than a course, it’s about building a community where people who have been displaced, uprooted, or isolated can encounter kindness, belonging, and hope.
It’s about being the kind of church that doesn’t just talk about love — but lives it out.
At Kerith, this is right at the heart of who we are — creating communities that build belonging, inspire faith, and extend God’s love in practical ways. The Welcome Course is a beautiful expression of that vision in action.
Watch What It Looks Like
If you’re wondering what the course actually involves, this short video gives a brilliant picture: https://welcomechurches.org/welcome-course
(It’s really worth a watch — you’ll quickly get a sense of the heart behind it.)
Could You Be Part of It?
We’re not looking for experts. We’re looking for people - people who feel a nudge. A curiosity. A “maybe this is something I should explore.”
Because there’s space for all sorts of gifts and personalities:
Warm welcomers — those who love making people feel at ease
Good listeners — happy to build friendships over tea and conversation
Organisers — who can help keep things running smoothly
Leaders — who can help shape and guide the team
Prayerful encouragers — supporting behind the scenes.
Or perhaps…You’ve Experienced Being New Yourself? Maybe you’ve moved to the UK — recently or years ago — and you remember what it felt like to find your feet here.
Your experience matters. Your empathy, your understanding, your story could be incredibly powerful in encouraging someone else who’s just beginning that journey.
Sometimes God uses what we’ve walked through to help someone else feel less alone.
We’re hosting an information hour from 10:30-11:30am on Thursday 18th June at the Kerith Centre Bracknell for anyone who’s even slightly interested in finding out more!
There’s no pressure to commit — it’s simply a chance to:
Hear more about the Welcome Course
Understand what’s involved
Ask questions
See if this might be something you’d like to be part of
Whether you’re already feeling excited, or just quietly curious, you are so welcome.
Click here to express your interest (even if you can’t attend the information session)
This is a chance to be part of something that reflects who we are as a church — a community committed to loving others, showing hospitality, and helping people truly belong.
