Dear Friends
 

A new term, a new season, and a fresh start for many. How do we see this time of year - a time to sigh as we pick up responsibilities again or a chance to do something new to serve God? I hope the ideas below will inspire you to take action on behalf of the very poorest in our world, knowing that when we do this for the least of our brothers, we do it for our Lord (Matthew 25).

 

 

1. Syria - It can be difficult to keep praying for a situation for so long, but, as international leaders debate their response to last week’s alleged horrifying chemical weapons attack in Syria, please pray that God will bring comfort and healing to all those who have lost loved ones or experienced trauma in these and other attacks. Continue to pray for peace, as well as for the many thousands of Syrian refugees, struggling to make a life for themselves and their families in a new land.

 

2. Palestinian-Israeli talks - As the latest round of talks are cancelled after more attacks on Palestinians, hopes are fading for the peace talks. Pray for the key negotiators, that the desire for peace may overcome the deep-rooted distrust, and pray for a groundswell movement for peace from within Israel and Palestine, and from the international community, that forces the politicians to act.

 

3. Global Hunger - 1 in 8 people in the world don't have enough to eat. It can be very hard to pray for such a huge and vital issue. A beautiful Feeding of the Five Thousand icon and prayers have been donated to Cafod to help us pray for an end to global hunger.

View the picture and follow the prayers and meditation here : http://www.cafod.org.uk/Pray/On-your-own/Icon-reflection

 

 

1. Food for Freedom Week, 16-22nd Sept - hold a meal to raise funds for Christian Solidarity Worldwide to support those persecuted for their beliefs around the world.

For full details and a pack http://www.csw.org.uk/fff

 

2. Harvest - what an excellent opportunity to raise money for the millions in our world who go to bed hungry every day, as well as raise awareness in your church or group about world hunger and how we can help tackle the causes. There are excellent harvest resources available:

 

Christian Aid are focussing on the people in the Amazonian rainforest http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/harvest/index.aspx

 

Tearfund are telling Sina's story, a mother in Cambodia, and the daily realities of trying to feed and provide for her children's basic needs http://www.tearfund.org/en/give/give_main/choice/the_choice_resources/

 

Cafod Harvest Fast day resources encourage you to share your Harvest table with the world's poorest: http://www.cafod.org.uk/CAFOD-in-your-area/Harvest-2013

 

3. Take action on Syria - as the violence and atrocities escalate once more, the Red Cross, one of the only charities allowed access to the crisis zones, has appealed for more funds to be able to meet basic needs of people in this ravaged country. Information and how to donate is here: http://www.redcross.org.uk/syriacrisisemail/

 

You can also sign the Oxfam petition urging Presidents Putin and Obama to hold urgent peace talks in Syria: https://www.change.org/petitions/don-t-let-syria-down

 

 

1. Global Aware Conference 2014 - 'L' is for Lifestyle, Saturday 21st January 9.30-3.30, Broadmead Baptist Church, Bristol

 

A wonderful opportunity for Christians from all traditions and none to unite around this key issue - How do we make food choices that protect the planet, ensure others are fed and respects God's provision?

Ruth Valerio, food guru and leading Christian speaker will guide us through the minefield of food issues - local, Fairtrade, organic, food banks, how to feed a growing world population, and more. With practical ideas and resources for individuals and congregations.

 

Book your place now: http://lifestylega2014.eventbrite.co.uk

 

2. South West Fairtrade Day - Developments in Fairtrade, Saturday 21st September 10am-3pm, Trowbridge

 

An inspiring and stimulating day for all in the south west region interested in Fairtrade. Stalls, displays, panel discussion, speed networking, information about national and regional events, and a chance to discuss upscaling and business partnerships with the Fairtrade Foundation.

Free to attend, including lunch, but you must book a place: http://swftday13.eventbrite.co.uk/

 

3. Make Your Money Count, Ethical Finance Conference, Saturday 12th October 10am-3.30pm, Broadmead Baptist Church, Bristol

 

A one day Conference to explore the ethical issues around money with experts in the field, and how we can use our money to make a difference in the world.

Banks, 'ethical' investment, tax havens and more.

 

Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/7819539453

 

I pray that our faith will enable us to stride into this autumn season determined to be the difference we want to see in the world. 

I hope to see you at an event soon.

 

Yours in Christ