As the current economic situation is really starting to hit those who are least able to weather these challenges, we are setting up a FREE Community Pantry inside St Peter & St Paul's Church, Clare, where anyone can "Take what they need or Leave what they can"We are encouraging all within the community who are perhaps better off, to leave donations of non-perishable items such as:Pasta, Rice and Instant NoodlesJars of Pasta and Curry SaucesTins of Beans, Potatoes, Vegetables, Soups.Packets of Breakfast CerealsBottles of SquashUHT Long Life MilkToiletries for both Adults and Children (Shampoo, Shower Gel, Soap, Toothpaste)Nappies (all sizes) and Wipes.General Household Cleaning Items.Please do make sure that any items are within their Use By/Best Before Dates.The Community Pantry can be found inside the Church, on the right hand side if you enter from the South Door.Revd Mark and Ministers in other churches in the area, are also able to make referrals to the Foodbanks in Haverhill and Sudbury in addition to the Community Pantry.Thank you in advance for your support. Revd Mark
In Zimbabwe, the climate crisis is causing aching hunger for families like Jessica’s.For the first time in a generation, global poverty is rising. The combined effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, and drought have robbed communities like Jessica's of the power to provide for their children. It's unjust.This Christian Aid Week:We stand with the resilient women - like Jessica - who are determined to lift their families out of hungerWe raise our voices to call for climate justiceWe pray that families will stay strong during times of droughtTogether, we hope to restore justice to our world, and protect the future for our children and grandchildren. Please give to help women grow crops that survive in the drought. You can help turn hunger into hope.With every gift, every action, every prayer, every one of us can change lives. You can make a donation here:https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/stour-valley-benefice
A Message from Bishop MartinThe crisis in Ukraine is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, as all of us can see from the daily news reports. Bishop Mike and I are calling on all the parishes and congregations of the Diocese this Lent to raise funds through collections, individual gifts, events and activities, to respond to the terrible situation the people of Ukraine are facing, both in the country and as refugees. We are very grateful to be in partnership with World Vision who will receive our donations and handle the gift aid. Please follow the instructions on this World Vision webpage to make your donation, and please make donations as you receive them so that they reach the people in desperate need as soon as possible. Be assured that every pound goes directly to those in need. World Vision is also part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), whose appeal is supported by the UK Government. We ask you to be as generous as possible, and to continue to pray fervently for the end of the military operation and for peace. With prayers for you and for the children and families affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell have condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine as “an act of great evil” and they are urging Christians to make this Sunday a special day of prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace. They are also supporting a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday. In your own intercessions you may wish to use this prayer: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war and peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk, and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
