When Port St Mary Methodist Church on the Isle of Man needed to raise funds to modernise facilities, the congregation decided to reach out to the community for help.

The church was originally known as Mt Tabor, and the congregation drew on that heritage to create ‘Tabor on Thursday’, a series of evening events designed to encourage people into the church.

The events each take a theme based on a particular country, and guests enjoy a two-course meal with a non-alcoholic drink, followed by tea and coffee. Each regionally-themed meal is cooked by a professionally trained chef, and the food is always very well received.

After the meal, a short talk or musical performance rounds off the evening. The church also hosts regular film nights and talks. Since the church has thrown open its doors wide, more and more people are becoming involved, and the congregation is already planning ahead to the next season of events.