Pat Smart asks us to remember times for gifts.
Remember, remember, November, November
November is a time for remembering and reminding ourselves of things. To take us into November we celebrate All Saints/All Souls with a spectacular Light Party (no Halloween or witches allowed here). We remember Guy Fawkes with wonderful colourful firework displays – the large organised ones are the best and safest. Armistice Day is where we remember our fallen service personnel at Remembrance Sunday services all round the country, and on the day itself at special services in local churches. In our own benefice we remember those recently bereaved at a small intimate service held at St Barnabas. Many of us give to the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoebox appeal and the special postage donation. This year our church has been a collection point for this worthy cause.
Also about now, we remember to bake the Christmas cake (or give it that brandy top up for the early bakers); make a list of all the Christmas cards we need to send, remembering to add on the son/daughters latest beau and crossing off those that have moved on (in more ways than one). We have to make time to go out and choose Christmas gifts for our loved ones, a chore for some, but an absolute delight for others, not forgetting the wrapping paper, gift tags, and specially decorated bags. And does your family have a tradition of a new Christmas jumper?!! Then it’s time to climb into the loft to get down the box marked ‘C’mas decorations’ – phew! all that dust – maybe you add to your box each year with a new one. We write and post the Christmas cards especially for those in far off places. Next it’s time to order, then load up the freezer with turkey, trimmings, and sprouts (lovely), decide on the starter (smoked salmon this year or soup?). Well, what a busy whirlwind of time we have in November, with all that we have to remember and organise.
STOP!!
Please can I ask you to take some time out of your busy lives and consider your gift to the church? As you may know we would like to employ a new Youth Worker in the New Year, which we feel is a very important person to have in our church, especially for all the outreach that happens. Also, we would really like to replace some very old and worn out church doors.
So please prayfully consider what you would like to gift to the church at this time. If you are able to Gift Aid, that makes your gift go further. One-off gifts or an increase in regular giving are most welcome. Remember that all gifts come from God – so we are only giving it back to him.
God bless you in your generosity.
Pat Smart, Honorary Treasurer
