Muhabura

Thursday, March 4th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

As many of you will be aware, over the last couple of years, St Cross has had retiring collections on the 4th Sunday of each month going to a variety of charities. At recent PCC meetings discussions have taken place in relation to our charitable giving. The decision was made that, as opposed to giving a small amount to a number of charities, we would select a smaller number of charities and run a campaign for each. The campaign would involve providing more information to the congregation, including them in our prayers and worship and providing spiritual as well as financial support.

A range of charities was drawn up, both international and local, and the first charity we shall be supporting is our international selection.

Winchester Diocese is linked to the Anglican Province of Uganda, and Winchester Deanery in particular is linked to two Ugandan dioceses: North Kigezi and Muhabura, both in the far south west of the Province.

Over the coming month, our parish will be thinking of Muhabura, in particular the Potter’s Village. This was set up by The Rev’d Jenny Green to provide a home for destitute babies and young children. Currently the project cares for 30 babies (21 in Potter’s Village itself and 9 in foster homes). Prior to arriving at the project, these babies were all close to death. The charity provides these babies with a safe environment as well as love and care. As well as the babies, Potter’s Village also supports pregnant teenage girls and provides family support. The aim is to provide all the children with long term help to get them out of the cycle of poverty, and to teach them the skills they need – for example Potter’s Village aims to become as self-sufficient as possible with livestock, vegetable garden and woodland to provide firewood.

The money we raise at St Cross will go towards the centre – either the running costs (in the region of £2,800 per month) or toward one of the projects the charity hopes to undertake. These include additional facilities to enable more children to be taken in; education and play equipment; more day care service provision for children in the local community and training for staff/foster parents/local parents on child care and protection issues.

For more information on Muhabura and the Potter’s Village charity, please look out for a display in church, or contact Jill Baker who can tell you more. Please also pray for the children, The Rev’d Jenny Green and all those who work at the centre.

If you wish to donate towards this charity, the main collection will be held on Mothering Sunday, 14 March. If, however, you are unable to attend on Mothering Sunday, there will be a retiring collection at the door on the two Sundays following. Please remember when giving this money that if you are a UK taxpayer we are able to claim gift aid on donations, so please complete your details on a blue envelope.

Alison Carver
PCC Member

Tags: Muhabura

Letter from the Master – March 2010

Thursday, March 4th, 2010 | Letter from the Master | No Comments

It is often ‘waiting’ that is the hardest thing to do. We need to be encouraged to explore our attitude towards waiting for God to act or waiting upon him, in his presence, just to be transformed by him, prepared for whatever the future may hold.

Jesus had to wait for his public ministry to begin – he spent time in the wilderness soaking up the isolation and the painful temptations put before him, and yet overcame that period of time stronger and then, filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to begin his public preaching, teaching and healing ministry.

The origin of the season of Lent, as you may well recall, is not just reminiscent of Jesus’ time in the wilderness, which is an important and secondary theme for the season, in which Christians undertake rigorous soul searching in the lead up to the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus – but Lent was first undertaken by baptismal candidates. It was seen as the final preparation before initiation into the Church in the Easter liturgy, and also those at that time who had been excommunicated by their sin were re-admitted after a period of penance.

As we approach Holy Week and Easter we have another chance to explore that time of waiting as we lead into the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week we have a Compline service and address. On Maundy Thursday there is the Holy Eucharist which then leads into our vigil. On Good Friday there is the Liturgy & Meditation (12-3pm) service with Ann Lewin leading the Meditations; and on Easter Day we celebrate that Christ is Risen!

So why not during this Lenten time reflect upon how we might use our time more effectively for the Lord, as we continue to learn what it means to wait on God and find our strength in Him.

“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

Psalm 27:13-14

Michael

Mammon’s revenge

Monday, February 1st, 2010 | Events | No Comments

The new series of Space in the City talks, due to start in January, was postponed because of the bad weather and will now take place during Lent.

The speaker is still Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester, and the talks are in the United Church, Jewry Street at 12.30pm.  Admission free.  Donations welcome.  Sandwiches available.

Mammon’s revenge

Monday, February 1st, 2010 | Events | No Comments

The new series of Space in the City talks, due to start in January, was postponed because of the bad weather and will now take place during Lent.

The speaker is still Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester, and the talks are in the United Church, Jewry Street at 12.30pm.  Admission free.  Donations welcome.  Sandwiches available.

Mammon’s revenge

Monday, February 1st, 2010 | Events | No Comments

The new series of Space in the City talks, due to start in January, was postponed because of the bad weather and will now take place during Lent.

The speaker is still Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester, and the talks are in the United Church, Jewry Street at 12.30pm.  Admission free.  Donations welcome.  Sandwiches available.