Sometimes shed happens

EVERY CONGREGATION knows there are thousands of people in their neighbourhoods who will never darken the door of a church.

On the other hand, they feel welcome in a shed.

Consequently, the Uniting Church has become a national driving force in the Men’s Shed movement.

As the song says, “Every Aussie boy needs a shed”, and it seems girls enjoy them too.

Allied with community groups from RSL to local government and service clubs, churches have been helping create safe places where people can learn skills, meet friends and discuss the questions of life.

Sunnybank Uniting Church’s Robert Lippiatt volunteers in a local Men’s Shed.

“This is an opportunity for us to go beyond ‘doing’ church and actually ‘be’ church, opening ourselves to meet our neighbours beyond our building’s walls,” he said.

The Brisbane City Council has contributed $400 000 toward shed programs and a number of Queensland church congregations are in discussions with local councils.

Men’s Sheds range from highly structured programs with well equipped facilities for wood and metal working, through to regular get-togethers around a barbecue with no aim other than having a yarn and perhaps rediscovering mateship.

The shed movement has blossomed in New South Wales where one of the most successful examples is the Berry Uniting Church Men’s Shed.

Established six years ago, it opens two days each week.

Fully equipped with quality tools and machinery, it exists to “contribute to a better community ethos through community service while promoting the Christian values of tolerance, acceptance and inclusion.”

Organisers welcome individuals of all ages and gender to meet in a friendly environment to take part in personal and community projects.

Mr Lippiatt said highlights in Sunnybank this year included the interdenominational women’s group Aglow making use of the local shed to run morning teas and welcome African women migrants who face social and language obstacles.

“Conversational English classes seem much more accessible in a community shed than in a church building.”

Photo : Cliff and John build friendships and other stuff in the Berry Uniting Church men’s shed in New South Wales. Around the country, sheds are connecting congregations to their communities. Visit www.berrymensshed.com.au for more information. Photo by Tom Darby