First meeting of Women Bishops steering committee; Archbishop’s Little Acts Go A Long Way; Kirk hosts meals to raise funds for victims of crisis in Syria
First meeting of Women Bishops steering committee
The first meeting of the Church of England’s Women Bishops steering committee set up after the General Synod debate in July 2013 took place on 5th and 6th September in Coventry.
The committee considered a first draft of the Measure and amending canon as requested by Synod and also looked at the possible shape of a declaration from the House of Bishops and a mandatory grievance procedure. The discussions were serious, honest and constructive.
The committee is due to meet again on 11th and 12th of October 2013.
Archbishop’s Little Acts Go A Long Way
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, this week gave his support to a new campaign being run by his charity www.Acts435.org.uk which reminds people little acts can make a big difference.
Acts 435 is a Christian online giving charity which puts people in need in touch with those who have the ability to help. Based in York, but serving communities across the UK, Acts 435 has already helped over 2,100 people since its launch in July 2010.
Over £188,000 has been given directly to people going through tough times, thanks to the work of Acts 435.
Acts 435 has launched a campaign called ‘Little Acts go a Long Way’, which will run over the next 8 weeks, encouraging people to make a difference in small ways in their communities.
Acts 435 are asking for people to use Twitter and Facebook, as well as other social media to send messages of how little acts of love or kindness have made a difference in their lives. People taking part should use the hashtag #LittleActs.
Jenny Herrera, Director of Acts 435, said: “It is important that people realise that their contribution, no matter how small, can make a real practical difference in the lives of others. The #LittleActs campaign is a great way for people to engage and encourage others to help transform the lives of others.
“Every week during the campaign, I will be blogging on the Acts website about the progress that little acts can make in the fight against poverty. It is wonderful that Acts 435 has already helped hundreds of people across the country, and we want to inspire others to do the same.
“Acts 435 guarantees that 100% of a donation goes to those who need it, with nothing removed for admin costs. I hope that lots more churches join us and that people continue to give and respond to Jesus’ call to give to the needy.”
Dr Sentamu said:
“My charity www.Acts435.org.uk does invaluable work ensuring those going through tough times get the help they need. I am delighted that they have launched a campaign to remind people that ‘Little acts go a long way’.
“Why not Tweet your own messages of how in these difficult times little acts of kindness have made a difference? You can use the hashtag #LittleActs on Twitter, or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/211289255700257/.”
Kirk hosts meals to raise funds for victims of crisis in Syria
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Lorna Hood, has shown personal support for the victims of the conflict in Syria by donning an apron and hosting a special meal.
‘A place at the table’ is an initiative of the Church of Scotland, aiming to raise funds to help those affected by the crisis in Syria, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people and has left millions homeless and without the basic necessities of life. Those participating in a meal together can choose to donate the money they would have spent on an extra meal.
Ms Hood wore an apron bearing the words ‘£20 can feed a family of five for a month in Syria’ at the lunch for fellow ministers.
She said: “It’s a really simple idea: we’re asking people to consider setting an extra place at their table or an extra place in a restaurant and giving the money which would have been spent on that extra meal to help those affected by the conflict in Syria.”
“I’m delighted to endorse this unique initiative to help Syrian refugees as they struggle to feed their families. We can all help to make a difference. It’s as easy as setting ‘A Place at the Table’.”
“When we watch television reports of the conflict, it is easy to feel helpless, but through this opportunity to fundraise, we are able to do something to help.”
The Church of Scotland is working with its partner, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL). NESSL is reaching out to the displaced people in Syria and the surrounding countries, and are seeking to support at least 24,000 families over the next year.