It was standing room only on Sunday, November 27th when Christ The King welcomed and honoured representatives of the Bombeiros of S.B de Alportel, Loulé and Messines, the Junta de Freguesia de Almancil, ASCA (Associação Social e Cultural de Almancil) and the Portimão Soup Kitchen.

During the service, which was led by Rev’d Kelvin Burke, presentations and gifts were made to each of the organizations, all from funds raised by members of the Congregation throughout 2022.

The Bombeiros were presented with cash and vouchers for much-needed equipment for each of their brigades.

ASCA were presented with 42 large Christmas Gift boxes filled with Christmas goodies for the residents of their centre in Almancil and the folk who attend their daycare centre.

The Portimão Soup Kitchen took away with them a mound of blankets for the homeless in their area that had been knitted during the long days of lockdown and donated by members of the Congregation and knitters through the Algarve during Lockdown.

Speaking for Christ The King Anglican Church, Terry Blackman said “The fires this Summer clearly identified how dependent we all are for the volunteers that protect us and keep us safe. We were happy to step in and help when the Junta called as the fires raged around us. Equally, when the Ukrainian refugees arrived in March and posed a real challenge for the Junta in housing, feeding and caring for them, Christ The King was able to help both physically and financially, and this work still continues today. Indeed, all our guests today visibly demonstrate selflessness in their service to the community. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to recognize the work of these local heroes”


Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Mr T Moore;

Speaking on behalf of the Junta in Almancil, Dona Griselda Neto thanked Christ The King for their generosity and said “We are grateful that we can call on the Church in times of need and crisis with the confidence of knowing that we can work together and make a difference in the community.“ She added, “Throughout the 17 years that the Church has worshipped in Almancil they have always been viewed as being an integral part of the community and the Junta look forward to another 17 years of working together.

For details about services, times and directions to The Church in the Park, Christ The King Anglican Church, Almancil

Website: www.ctk.pt

Facebook: facebook.com/ChristthekingAlgarve/

Telephone number: (+351) 932 841 943

Email: info@ctk.pt

All photographs courtesy of Mr T Moore