Dear Friends
It was good to see a number of you at evensong on Sunday and for the subsequent Friends AGM after. Thanks to all of you who contributed to the pre-meeting hospitality.
The PCC and I are deeply grateful for the support and encouragement which the Friends offer. Without them, frankly much of our work over the past few years would have been difficult if not impossible. As we look to our next phase of development – the consolidation of our crumbling stone work we are all heartened and encouraged by the Friends’ support.
As we have witnessed these last few weeks church buildings do not just fulfil a functional role in society, but a spiritual one as well, they literally lift our hearts and minds to higher things. A frequent comment I hear from visitors to St Nicholas is just how beautiful and peaceful it is. In our increasingly frenetic world offering a place where people can experience that ‘Peace which passeth all understanding’ is vital. Church is open every day usually from 9am till about 4pm and we get on average about 20 visitors a day, amazing when you think how tucked away we are. Some will be new to St Nicholas, others returning, whatever their reason they have, through our open door policy, discovered A Treasure by the Thames, may it help to transform their lives.
Simon
Dear Friends
This week is Christian Aid Week. There will be Gift Aid envelopes and plastic collection buckets in church all week, this coming Sunday, and probably for a while afterwards, to collect donations.
To quote from the Christian Aid website:
Our aims – We stand together. For dignity. For equality. For justice.
Everyone is equal in the sight of God. Yet we live in a world where poverty still persists.
Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. But together we have the power to transform lives.
For over 70 years, we’ve been standing with the poorest of our neighbours. We work in 37 countries, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality and justice.
Together we can create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.
Our voices and actions are stronger together. And with your help, we can make an even bigger difference.
We encourage you to give generously.
With every blessing
Mother Eileen