The Pandemic provided many challenges for everyone and we gave thanks for all those who worked diligently behind the scenes to look after our premises during lockdown and those who liaised with community groups and drew up risk assessments as we slowly emerged from lockdown. We also gave thanks that the small Leadership Team that had been almost at breaking point in 2019 had returned rejuvenated, able to leave behind things that had weighed them down in the past and to put their energies where it matters most in the here and now. Loving and looking after ourselves is a necessary part of being able to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Like everyone else, we face many financial challenges but, again, we give thanks that we are just about keeping our heads above water and we are blessed to have the many community groups using our premises.
In view of those financial constraints, we had open and honest conversations reviewing our charitable giving. We recognised that we do not have the budget to make annual donations as we have in the past; however, loving one another is at the heart of the Christian message. We are, therefore, trialling a new approach where we focus on one charity in the month in which we have a special envelope collection, inviting individuals and groups to give as they are able or to host fundraising events/activities.
- Water Aid & Bradford North Foodbank - October - Harvest Festival (1st Sunday).
- Bradford Soup Run - December - Christmas Eve Carol service.
- Leprosy Mission - February (please save your stamps for them)
- Easter Offering - Easter (March/April)
- Christian Aid - May (can you help with the house to house collection?)
- Methodist Homes - June (2nd Sunday)
- Action for Children - July (2nd Sunday)