Closure of

THE Law Courts Family Centre

After three decades of providing a caring Christian space for children, the Law Courts Family Centre closed on Friday 27th March 2009.  Issues about lack of finance and shortage expertise on the Management Committee contributed to the final decision being made.  Families attending the Law Courts in Birmingham City Centre will have to make their own provision for child-care as the courts have made no alternative arrangements.

Throughout the teaching of Jesus, a theme emerges time and again.  In different situations, talking to different types of people, Jesus tells his listeners that those who are considered to be the least in society are, in fact, the greatest in the sight of God.  The greatest became these rejected ones and God’s precious children.  The Law Courts Family Centre has acted as a practical reminder that the true worth of a society is seen in how the most vulnerable of people are treated.  For those thousand of children and their families who have accepted our services during almost thirty years of work, the Law Court Family Centre has offered a glimpse of how the world can be.

Finally, let me pay tribute to our staff members, Denise, Sonia and Linda, who have maintained high professional standards and a welcoming atmosphere throughout the times of uncertainty and imminent closure.  To them, all of the volunteers and supporters, I give thanks.  On Saturday 21st March around seventy people gathered at the Methodist Central Mission to mark the end of a valuable piece of Christian ministry.  The occasion was a fitting tribute to a project that has opened a window to God’s love for many people.

Rev Neil Johnson

March 2009

more about the Law Courts