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Susie Marriott Calls Us to Support Christian Aid and Their Gift Multiplier Programme

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This is a message from Susie Marriott

Hello dear friends! 

Last year I gave some money to Christian Aid and, in their partnership with UN Food Aid Programme, my meagre gift was matched/multiplied x 50 in three situations of extreme hunger: 1)in the violence of NE Nigeria helping 400,000 displaced people;  2)amidst Covid-19, regular Ebola outbreaks and a vicious cycle of violence in DRC empowering people to cope and start to build a peaceful society; 3) nearly 870,000 refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh, many of them Rohingyas, vulnerable to Covid-19 and flooding being helped with improved hygiene facilities and infrastructure and a cash-for-work programme.  The World Food Programme has the resources and expertise of large-scale operations, and Christian Aid has relationships in the communities affected.  As well as the immediate food aid, there are the longer-term elements such as employing and paying refugees, developing skills for the future etc.

I feel very passionate about this – WFP are so pleased with the success of this partnership, they are offering this 50 times multiplying-up again this harvest, to continue this work.  I am sure there are some of you who would love to give a pound, knowing it would become £50 to help in these conflict-affected communities.  Donations can be given online through the page below.  What do you think?  Every blessing,  Susie xx

https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/philanthropy/WFP-harvest-appeal

Funding to help faith groups support communities

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Earlier this month, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced a new £1 million fund to help faith groups support communities.

Faith groups will be able to apply for a share of the £1 million Faith New Deal Pilot Fund for projects providing innovative solutions to issues such as food poverty and poor mental health. Projects combating loneliness and isolation, providing debt advice and helping those who were unemployed during the COVID-19 outbreak get back to work are set to benefit from the new pilot.

The deadline for the application window of this scheme has been extended until 14 October.

Councils are encouraged to promote the Faith New Deal Pilot Fund on social media channels, with wider partners and local voluntary sector partners.

Announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-1-million-fund-to-help-faith-groups-support-communities

 

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ST WILFRID’S HOSPICE

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Forty years ago in October the churches in Eastbourne were very active in the founding of St Wilfrid’s Hospice.  We are now very pleased to give thanks to God for the wonderful work that has been done over those forty years. On  Sunday 10th November at 4pm a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Victoria Baptist Church.  Staff and friends of the Hospice, along with one or two people who have benefitted from the work of the Hospice, will be taking part.  We trust that many will come to give thanks and to pray for the on=going work that is so vital for people at a very challenging times in their lives.

Linking Lives Video Captures Essence of Their Work with The Lonely

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Loneliness and isolation has become a widespread social problem and the pandemic has made this worse for many people. Linking Lives is working here in Eastbourne and across the UK to link people together. Friendships are formed through regular meetings, both by phone and in person. We also look for ways to re introduce people to their own local community.

The video below gives an introduction to Linking Lives Eastbourne. You can find out more at linkingliveseastbourne.com

Sanctuary Cafe Drop In Reopens

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From Graham Horsnell

I’ve been asked to let you all know that Sanctuary Café has reopened its weekly drop-in and support service for immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees who are currently in Eastbourne.

The drop-in is open between 10.00am and 12.00noon every Friday, at All Souls Church.

As well as coffee and a chat with friends and volunteers, there are various levels of English Conversation Classes (free of charge), and the opportunity to meet with our immigration specialist. Foodstuffs, clothing and toiletries are also available each week.

A supervised creche is provided where the babies and young children of attendees can play safely.

Sanctuary Café would be most grateful if you could draw this to the attention of your relevant clients, and others you know who may benefit from this weekly opportunity.

For further information please call Jane Byers on 07876 388782.

Many thanks

Graham Horsnell Covid-19: RSI/VS Liaison

Local Churches Encouraging RunningSpace Eastbourne

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Following the success of RunningSpace in Bexhill, a new, free, community running group aimed at beginners who can walk/jog through to those able to complete a 5K Parkrun, is starting a trial group in Eastbourne in October. The RunningSpace slogan is ‘Promoting Life, Beating Suicide’ and groups aim to help anyone who would like to improve their mental and physical health through walking, jogging and running. The plan is to trial a weekly day-time group on Fridays this term, 9am – 10:30am, based in the Meads area, using the sea front and edge of the Downs.

The session is always followed by a social time with free refreshments and the aim is to be encouraging, inclusive and friendly. The idea is already supported by members of St John’s Church and the Gather Collective and we would welcome participants from any Eastbourne churches who would like to be part of, and/or help with, such a group.

More information at https://runningspace.org

Please phone/text Jenny Brown on 07712 351724 before the end of September if you would like to participate in, or help to start, the Eastbourne group.

Hope Woodwork Seeking Volunteer Supervisors

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Hope Woodwork – An opportunity to bring Hope in a practical way.

We are receiving many enquiries from people asking to attend Hope Woodwork. In order to support and train all those who want to come we need new volunteer supervisors. These are people who are interested in supporting people as they learn new skills in carpentry and also gain valuable life skills and receive hope for a better future. If you or someone you know have time available, typically half or one day a week and would be interested in finding out more then please contact us. Woodworking skills are useful but not essential for this role. We’re happy to train you too!

Seeing people develop in their practical and life skills is very rewarding.

There are also other roles available that would help Hope Woodwork fulfil its aims such as collecting wood and tidying/cleaning in the workshop.

Please contact Ray Whitby ray@hopewoodwork.co.uk 07546 256411

Hope Woodwork is a project of Kingdom Way Trust www.kingdomwaytrust.org

PARCHE Seeks Office Space

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Local Christian Charity PARCHE, who help coordinate church visits to local care homes, need to find new office space, preferably shared so their office manager is not isolated. They would appreciate donated space as the effect of Covid has reduced their income. They have a Desk, PC printer, and storage cupboard. If anyone can help please email parcheenquiries@hotmail.co.uk

MP and Deputy Mayor to Help Launch Art Show at Local Church Community Garden

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Gather Community Garden, an expression of the Gather Collective, an Eastbourne community church, is hosting an art exhibition around the themes of ‘edible’  and ‘the natural enviroment.’ The Delights of the Garden exhibit has been curated by Tempo Arts and Compass Community Arts with input from Amberstone Artists and Blackberry Buzzard. The works will be spread throughout the 7 plot allotment, which is open 6 mornings a week and includes a quiet garden around the theme of Psalm 23.

The 9 day event will launch on Friday 10th of September at 6pm with special guests including MP Caroline Ansell and Deputy Mayor Helen Burton. Refreshments are included.

The exhibition can be viewed from 11am – 4pm on the following days

Friday 10th – Sunday 12th
Friday 17th – Sunday 19th
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th

The Gather Community Garden is part of the Churchdale Allotments, which can be found on the footpath between Churchdale Road and Hammonds Drive. (The path is famous for its chickens – which are part of the Gather Community Garden. Google Maps will take you to the exact place if you search for Gather Community Garden.)

Entrance is Free

Church of England Has Afghan Crisis Guidance

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A toolkit, including prayer and theological resources, has been produced by the Church of England in response to churches and individuals concerned by the situation in Afghanistan asking what they can do to help.

Staff in the Church of England’s national Mission and Public Affairs team say they have been overwhelmed with messages from those asking how they can practically and spiritually support those fleeing the Taliban takeover.

The material, available online, brings together links and information on how churches can help through giving, community sponsorship, prayer and advocacy.

Read More Here