Churches Together Wallingford Area
Chairman’s Letter April 2012
Good Friday
We met as usual at the Methodist Church then processed to the Market Place for our Good Friday service. I reckon well over 200 people came. It was a great occasion, probably our best so far. The service was led by Simon Hudson with most of the churches represented doing a reading and leading prayers. The congregation were surprised to find themselves as extras involved in a powerful re-enactment of the trial scene shouting for Jesus to be crucified.
Street Pastors
The additional training is now well under way. During April we had Livvy Bolton and Carol Shipman do a session on Listening Skills, and Wyll Willis, headmaster of Wallingford School, talking about education. A few of us took up his invitation to visit the school and were very impressed by the relationship he had with the staff and the students. He is keen to work with organisations such as Street Pastors for the general good of the community and the school in particular. The invitation was extended to going along to the school concert the following evening (27th) where quite a lot of us heard some excellent performances by the school band and several groups of singers and musicians. It all contributes to building relationships in our community.
I am told that the lad who we helped survive a serious injury in March is now getting about on crutches and is expected to make a good recovery.
Wallingford Emergency Food Bank
During the past month there have been several items in the national press and on TV relating to food banks around the country as the need for them is increasing. This is borne out by our own experience in Wallingford. In April we provided food for 27 adults and 12 children making it the busiest month so far. Since opening just before Christmas we have supplied food for 86 adults and 75 children. Multiply by 3 days and it adds up to 483 days worth of food. Those of us who work in the food bank feel humbled. It makes us aware of how much God has blessed us.
As a result of the higher demand for food, our stocks quickly become depleted so we would welcome an increase in donations – even tuna and baked beans – but please could I stress that all food should have at least a three month sell-by date. Sadly we have recently received several bags of food that was well out of date – some of it dated 2002. We are not ungrateful for people’s kindness but we are not allowed to distribute food that is past its sell-by date.
Recently we have had to spend an average of about £150 per week to top up the stock. We now have our own bank account and financial donations are welcome as well as food. Cheques should be made out to Wallingford Emergency Food Bank. If you would like to donate by standing order Jean or I will give you the account details.
AGM
Our AGM is scheduled to take place at 7:45 pm for a prompt 8pm start on Thursday 24th May. It will be hosted by the Methodists in St Leonard’s Square. As well as the usual reports we have a guest speaker, Bob Hazel, from Open Doors, a charity that supports Christians suffering persecution. He will bring a book and other resources for those that are interested to follow up. He will show a video, as well as illustrate his talk with slides.
Every blessing in Christ Jesus,
Neville Burt
