Christian Aid Week 12th - 19th May

The crushing poverty of so many is one of the great challenges facing this world. In Christian Aid Week, as part of the Churches of Britain and Ireland, we have the opportunity to think afresh about this, to continue to pray about it, and we have the opportunity to do something about it.

So may I ask you please, to consider becoming a Christian Aid Collector for Christian Aid Week? In 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 members of St John's collected from every street allocated to St John's. We raised large sums to give some of the poorest people in the world the tools to transform their communities. With your help I hope in 2013 we can collect from every street allocated to St John's Church. To help us to do this please telephone Katharine Smith (020 8989 4021) and she will allocate a street to you.

For those who cannot collect money there are lots of other ways to help. We can pray, we can give what time or money we can to help the work of Christian Aid. All our services on 12th May will focus on the work of Christian Aid. There may be opportunities also, at the end of April or in early May, to collect at Tesco's Leyton store, or in other venues. Please speak to Katharine Smith if you could help.

Our actions speak louder than our words. Giving people the tools to lift themselves, and their communities out of poverty, is one of the best ways to love our neighbours. It is respectful, hopeful, and practical. It is also a witness to God's plan, revealed in Jesus Christ, for Justice and Peace for all his creatures.

Raymond Draper