THE MISSION GROUP
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Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year. We hope you all enjoyed a Merry Christmas.
While writing this in December, Diana, Pennie, Ola, Chris and I are planning a huge shop at Asda’s on Tuesday 18th December. We hope to help as many people who are feeling the strain of very tight budgets. We hope that helps a little over the expensive Christmas period and know we care about them. I am very grateful for support from Church Members as well as Mission Group members. Thank you to all who gave so generously through the “Food Parcel Appeal Envelopes”, as well as the money collected during our beautiful “Carols by Candlelight” service to support the vulnerable people known to our local Family Resource Centre run by Barnet. That collection was £146.11 at Candlelight service. They were delighted to receive also all the beautiful toys, teddies, games and books given at the Toy Service earlier in the month. And all delivered by Lynda Eade. The Family Resource Centre will deliver the food parcels to families they know who are in need of support. The Carol Singing at Arnos Grove was extremely successful due to the Brownies, Rainbows, Guides and parents and members of our Congregation. Roger Oram said that about 31 people joined in! They raised £291.02 for Baptist World Aid in 2 hours 20 minutes. The public responded well obviously due to the glorious sound as they trundled along up the stairs after a day’s work. Many thanks to Val Oram for counting the money and to Sue Rogers for pulling “Hetty”, our music box, down to the station in a suit case! That must have helped so much with the sound of music in the air. I was sad to miss it but was firmly instructed not to be there by Val and Pennie! In actual fact I was at the Royal Free Hospital with Tanya having a consultation and would not have been back in time but I love that feeling of the True Spirit of Christmas echoing around the draughty and lofty Arnos Grove Station and the reaction of the public. Well done everyone! A lovely thank you certificate has been sent to us from HAB (Homeless Action in Barnet) for our generous Harvest Gifts. You may remember we took food- tins, packets of food as well as a large monetary amount for the centre for essentials as well as clothing. I am happy to take any clothing you may no longer need, socks, shoes, clothing for men and women. They are able to make great use of them. Please ensure they are clean and presentable for people living on the streets in chilly London. The Food Banks in Barnet and East Barnet are running well as is a nearby Friday night Winter Shelter run by Robert Wright (Christian Aid secretary). There is usually a special centre for Christmas Day with a meal provided, warmth and comfort. I believe the Synagogue who support Winter Shelter are taking this over during the Christmas period. God Bless. Anthea Denham |
Christian AidThere have been notices in Church detailing Christian Aid services for Christmas and also Carol Singing at Arnos Grove with Churches Together
The Christian Aid Quiz is probably going to be on Saturday 2nd February at St. John’s Parish Hall, Friern Barnet Road. Dinner will be served and tickets will be available soon, I gather. I will keep you posted with definite dates, times and ticket prices. We could form our own table team and if you would like to tickle your brains up and support Christian Aid at the same time please let me know. May God’s Light shine over you and bring you Joy! Anthea Denham |