This week saw the collection of our lovingly prepared gift bags packed with toiletries and small gifts plus a sizeable number of hand made scarves, mittens and hats crafted by ladies from both St Mary's and Good Shepherd - perfect timing as we head into the first cold snap of winter. People have been contributing items for several months, enabling a grand total of 40 gift bags to be made up - providing untold hope & encouragement for both those receiving and donating.Simon and Computers for Charities send a big thank you to all at Good Shepherd and St Mary's who have supported the appeal this year and commented "33 years now this appeal has been warmly supported. No dates for leaving just yet, however, disabled children at Novi Pazzar in Bulgaria are top of the list 7 – 18 years old with profound needs and limited resources. Casa Shalom Bucharest is another location in a country where 40% of the population have no running water and children can’t go to school due to lack of shoes. Yes it’s one of the rules in Romania. Bless you and thank you. Need is all around, but this will bless many".Find out more about Simon, the appeal and other aspects of the work of Computers for Charities on their website computersforcharities.org/initiatives/elderly-shoebox-appeal
Although the sermon is only recorded at St Mary's, all three churches in the parish use the same readings and theme. The sermon notes are shared with the lifegroups for further discussion during the weekly meetings.If you can't access a lifegroup, watching the sermon is a way of staying in touch with the fellowship and reaping the benefit as biblical truths are unpacked and applied to our local situation.If you are interested in joining a lifegroup or want to find out more information, please do get in touch with the parish office 01902 782226, or via our digital contacts.
Some of you may know that we are fund raising for a new carpet in church.We have had a good response in these early weeks but all very concentrated on the 'present in church' community, so we decided to make use of some of the diocesan opportunities to make it easier for people to give to our appeal and set up a page on Just Giving.Hopefully, clicking the link will explain what it's all about and is easy to share if you feel led to do so.This is a bit of a leap for us as our past experience of fund raising (including, incredibly, raising money to build the church) was in the digital dark ages when giving meant putting actual money into an envelope or on the plate 🤦🏼 . Those in church now will know that we still do have the loose change tub, which has already contributed more than £400 to the appeal 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 so, it is still a viable option 👍🏼however, there is no denying that planning to give a particular amount is better than being dependant on what turns up in unexplored pockets. Above all, we are grateful that our Good, Good Father has generously blessed us so many times in the past as we have laid our needs before Him and would ask that whether or not you are prompted to give, you will continue to join us in prayer as we seek to use the church building in the best way to demonstrate the presence of God's kingdom in the Low Hill community. https://www.justgiving.com/page/good-shepherd-carpet-appeal?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=OF
Our office spaces are available for a reasonable day or hourly rate and are used for a variety of purposes, including appointments, team meetings, private working space, networking, co-working etc. The building has an on-site carpark and is close to regular bus services. The offices are clean and warm and are furnished with a desk and chairs. There is a kitchenette supplied with a kettle and microwave, basic crockery and cutlery if required. Wifi is available.Also, the church hall can be available to hire for larger meetings, although generally not at weekends.If you would like to know more information please contact the church office via email cogs_2@hotmail.co.uk
