Special Lent Study Group
The Rev'd Caroline Symcox will be leading a special group to spend more time reading God’s word and thinking about it.
Please contact Caroline on 01285 712467 if you wish to join in - regular church attender or not, you are most welcome.
Food Bank News
The latest Newsletter from C.F.B. is in the box on the back pew, and their letter of acknowledgement is in the
church porch, telling of the enormous contributions being made from you. There are also pictures from one of
the local families you are supporting drawn by the children, and a thank you card from their Grandma, who
said that you have given them more than you know. I promised her that I would pass this on to everyone -
the groceries are helping so much in a practical way, but also knowing that so many care - has
helped them all cope emotionally THANK YOU! Wendy G
Charity of the Month: People for YOU
The scheme is a volunteer befriending idea for older, isolated people in Fairford, Lechlade and surrounding villages.
It is also available in Tetbury. There are currently three befriending schemes operating in parts of the Cotswolds.
But now, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery, the schemes will work in partnership and will be known as Cotswolds
Befrienders although each scheme will work independently. This is wonderful news, as the impact and consequences of
loneliness and isolation is devasting. It is a sad fact that, with an increasing population and often families
scattered around the world many older people are living alone with no regular regular company. The mission is to reduce
loneliness and isolation – the scourge of our modern society.
A recent BBC News report revealed that ‘social isolation is associated with a higher risk of death in older people
regardless of whether they consider themselves lonely'. Many researchers have suggested that this is possibly due
to the emotional effects of isolation – that feeling lonely is bad for your health.
Volunteers are sought from Fairford, Lechlade and the surrounding areas to come forward. Just an hour
a week of their time can transform someone’s life. Sue would like to hear from people who feel the scheme might be of
interest to them or a friend/family member. Everyone needs someone in our lives and it is such a pleasure to introduce
a local volunteer to an older person in their community and then to sit back and watch a beautiful, mutually sustaining
friendship develop.
Finally, a quote from Mother Theresa ‘Loneliness and the Feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty’ –
that says it all. Any donations will be gratefully received to fund social and other events. There is literature on
the south wall shelf or you can contact: Sue Black on mobile 07810630167 or
email
Website.
Previous Charity Fundraising
During the course of December the box by the south door yielded £43.10 which was divided and added to the
collection from the service of nine lessons and carols for the charity The Children’s Society which came
to £459.86 and for the collection for the other charity CRISIS at Christmas which was taken at the Crib
Service that amounted to £504.90. To both collections the PCC will add further amounts.
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Thirst
Bible Study and discussion for those in secondary school
6:30 to 8:00 each Wednesday in term time
Quenington Village Hall
For more information contact Chris Saunders 01452 301042
Crumpets and Cupcakes
February 22nd from 3pm to 5pm
Community Centre, all welcome
Following on from the success of Summer Sunday, there will be another chance to enjoy St Marys Choir over a cup of tea,
with crumpets and cupcakes.
No need to book, but it would be helpful to have an idea in advance of the numbers if possible.
If not, just turn up on the day.
Contact: Kathleen on 01285 712583 or stmaryslmt@gmail.com.
Jesus and Me Club
1st February
10am St Mary’s Church, Fairford
Stories, craft, fun and food
JAM club is on the FIRST Sunday of the month.
Funday Sunday
We meet on the second Sunday of every month.
There will be a Funday Sunday on:
Sunday 15 February
St Mary's Church 4pm-6pm
Crafts, Games, Celebration, Cooked Meal FOR FAMILIES.
No need to book but it will help us with catering if you can let us know that you are coming.
If not - just turn up on the day.
If you could help with of these events please talk to one of the LMT members about it or
contact Kathleen (01285 712583)
or email stmaryslmt@gmail.com.
Messy Space, Sat 21st February
2.00 – 4.00 p.m. Fairford Community Centre
Crafts and Coffee Bar for families
Crafts, games, carols, tea
Adults and Children (recommended 4 years upwards)
£2 per child (max. £5 per family)
Concessions available
A project of Churches Together Around Fairford.
Contact Maureen Partington 01285 712480.
News January 2015
St Mary's News Round-Up 2014
St Mary's News Round-Up 2013
St Mary's News Round-Up 2012
St Mary's News Round-Up 2011
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