Churches Together in Royston and District
Ukraine Support Group Report July 2023
The war in Ukraine continues to be a great source of concern for our Ukrainian guests. Please pray for an end to the war, for the safety of friends and families still in Ukraine and for peace in the hearts of our Ukrainian guests. Please pray also for continuing international support for Ukraine and against compassion fatigue amongst our host families. Many countries continue to provide considerable support at great financial cost in spite of struggling with the economic crisis. Many families continue to share their homes and lives with their guests at great practical and emotional cost.
In general most of the guest families need much less practical support, but there is ongoing teaching of English and occasional social outings.
Sunday 14th May was Ukrainian Mothers’ Day and a celebration took place the previous day at The Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Cheshunt. Transport to the event was organized for several of our families and they were entertained by the children of the Ukrainian Saturday School. On Sunday 18th June we simply arranged a gathering for picnic and fun in Priory Gardens. Quite a few families turned up and were enjoying outdoor activities when the rain arrived. The picnic was adjourned to Parish Church, where the children enjoyed the toys in the children’s corner, while the mums were able to have a time of conversation with a hot drink and the rest of the picnic.
Currently we are organizing an outing to Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne. It is hoped that this will take place on either 30th July or 6th August.
Thank you for continuing to be part of this work through your prayers and your generosity. Jim Dalgleish.
(On behalf of the Churches Together Ukraine Support Group.)
Jim Dalgleish.
(On behalf of the Churches Together Ukraine Support Group.)
Spiritual Help: The Archbishops have written the following prayer for Ukraine:
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 or 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
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell