'Giving for Life'

This week we have heard and seen the dreadful news of floods in Texas and SE Asia. I must admit, the scale and duration of these catastrophes make the Cockermouth experiences rather less drastic. The contrast between the American and Asian experiences couldn't be more striking. When Americans talk about losing everything, they still have resources, human and material, on which they can draw; when Nepalese or Bangladeshis or Indians talk about losing everything, that is literally the case. Where can they look for help? Christian Aid reckon up to 40 million people have been affected by the floods: that's two thirds of the UK population. Staggering. Let's all give as generously as we can to Christian Aid, or any other aid agency, to provide some kind of rescue.

Giving is our theme for the next month or so here. Time to review, as part of our commitment to discipleship. We are using some C/E materials from a programme called 'Giving for Life' - which I think is a great title. Giving is life-giving for others; and it is also liberating for us, as givers. The timing is deliberate for our Team. Having spent the best part of a year 'conversing' about our vocation as churches, we now consider how much we can each give in order to turn our missionary objectives into a reality. So as well as reflecting Biblically on the imperatives to give, as God has freely given to us, we also think about enabling our churches to grow in faith, in numbers, and in fruitfulness.

Here in Broughton, we are thankful for one particular piece of mission in the past week. A children's Holiday Club/Fun Day. This involved 'messy' crafts, Bible stories and song, games and activities. Great fun. And our first piece of intentional outreach to our villages. There was great support from church members here; and also from each of the other three churches. Joy all round, with an emphasis on the love of God for each child. Tomorrow, we follow up with a church service, hoping that some who came to the Fun Day will join us again.