News from the Diocese - 3
Thousands of shoeboxes converge at Bisbrooke
Christobel Price,
Reader at St John the Baptist’s, Bisbrooke, was looking forward to a well
earned rest after dispatching a staggering 2323 present filled shoeboxes to
children in Belarus in November, via the charity Samaritan’s Purse.
“The churches in our benefice have
supported this scheme for several years and five years ago I was asked by
Samaritan’s Purse to be their co-ordinator for the LE15 postcode area,” says
Christobel.
Work begins in late summer with letters to schools and businesses, followed
by visits to school assemblies explaining what to include in the shoeboxes.
This year the project received a tremendous boost when a pupil from Oakham
School persuaded his house to back the appeal. In all the pupils donated
1012 boxes.
A special service, led by Priest in charge Jane Baxter, was held at
Bisbrooke to receive the boxes and send them on their way (above).
“Then a team of helpers check them all and pack them into cartons for their
onward journey,” said Christobel.
Releasing ministry theme set for 27 January launch
Bishop Ian will send a message to all churches in the diocese this month, ready for the launch of the 2008 theme from the Diocesan Strategy, Releasing ministry, on Sunday 27 January.
“Releasing ministry
is about seeing and realising the potential that God sees in us but that we
may not see in ourselves,” said Chris Peck, Diocesan Adult Education
Co-ordinator. “It’s about recognising that what we do in our work and
community as Christian people is fulfilling God's purposes for the world. It
may also open our eyes to gifts and potential that we didn't realise we had
for ministry within the church.”
The theme will also be taken up at informal Sunday afternoon Lent meetings,
to which all church members are invited. This year the meetings will include
children’s activities so that families can come too. They all start at
2.45pm for 3pm and are on:
10 Feb, at Kettering Conference Centre
17 Feb, at Corby (Rockingham), Hotel Elizabeth
24 Feb, at Towcester Racecourse
9 Mar, at Peterborough West Holiday Inn.