Rev Chris Weekly Update – 27/11

Dear all,

The First Sunday of Advent is upon us, and we start the journey to Christmas with our usual 8am and 10am services this coming Sunday, but then with a special ADVENT TAIZE service at 5pm.

As usual we will count down, in church, with our Advent wreath where a new candle is lit each Sunday giving us a developing sense of the coming ‘light’ of Christ as we consider the principles of hope, love, joy and peace across the four weeks of advent. Details of services, across the season, can be found below.

In the meantime, it is important to consider that there will be many in our communities for which this time of year will bring added anxiety when considering the economic situation that this country faces at this time. With that in mind, if you are able, please be as generous as you can with donations to our Foodbank supplies – apart from the usual essentials of food and toiletries please also include ‘treats’ as these will be much appreciated. (SEE NOTICE BELOW FROM CAROL, WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FOODBANK SUPPLIES).

Jesus said: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18

Advent blessings,

Rev Chris

 

ALLINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD BANK (Run by St Nicholas Church)

As we approach the Christmas season, thought it would be a good opportunity to have an update on the Allington Food Bank, as the cost of living impacts more people’s lives.

Firstly, thank you to all those who donated items in October for Harvest and who donate each week either at Tuesday Café or by leaving items in the red box – your contributions have already made a difference to those in need in our local community.

As Winter approaches we will be supporting the Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter which runs from Jan-March and provides a hot evening meal, somewhere safe to sleep, breakfast and a packup food parcel for around a dozen people who would be on the streets during the coldest part of the year. We also make up a festive food pack for those spending Christmas in the Homeless Hostels in our parish and festive food packs for any families who will struggle to afford the basics in life.

A new initiative that we are able to set up and resource, thanks to your on- going generosity, will be an Emergency Larder at Maidstone Hospital for Medical and non-medical staff who are finding it increasingly difficult to be able to buy food and other items for themselves and their families.

Please, if you can buy a few extra festive goodies and basic food, cleaning products and toiletries and leave them in the red box at the Rectory or hand in at a school or preschool collection day, your gifts will make a real difference to someone local.

THANK YOU!