For more information please email office@ucw.org.uk

WORLD CHURCH PROJECT

World Mission at The United Church has a primary focus on the World Mission Project. Every two to three years the church members decide on a charity that they would like to link with. We hold various fundraising activities to be able to assist the charity with funds while the church members then get a chance to learn about the work of the charity and an insight in to the lives of others. Our current World Mission Project is Luna Children's Charity who train therapists to work with children suffering from trauma and PTSD.

The church is also committed to supporting Christian Aid – we regularly host a Big Brekkie and for many years church members have been active in both organising and participating in Christian Aid Week door to door collections, as well as hosting the Christian Aid Week service.

It is important to church members that, as a minimum, all tea, coffee and sugar served in the church is Fair Trade. We currently run a Traidcraft stall weekly on a Sunday and fortnightly mid-week.

As a church we have been privileged to have been able to connect with, and provide support on an ongoing basis to, Syrian families who have been relocated to the local area. We are delighted that they feel welcome and at home in the United Church.

EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Our church community has decided to make Education for Sustainability a focus.

This means a focus across the whole community on education, awareness and our impact over time that is in tune with creation; consciously embracing environmental degradation as a call to transform how we live as a community - by linking up what we do, by learning, by creatively exploring our connections within nature, and our understanding of God.

Unprecedented international agreement through The Paris Agreement in 2015 urges that everyone needs to be involved in avoiding the most catastrophic effects of climate change, now! There always seem to be numerous pressing issues for our community to respond to.  The specific challenges of climate change present a different kind of pressing issue, because the need for finding different ways of living, is so urgent. The 2018 IPCC report (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) pushes for no more than a 1.5 degree rise in global temperature to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.  We’ve already gone over the 1degree. Friends of the Earth say the period before 2020 is critical. This issue is of singular importance. But how does this translate down into each organisation, each individual doing their part to make it possible?

As an organisation that cares about love, justice, easing poverty, showing there is another way to live, our way of trying to do this is by a focus on Education for Sustainability (EfS).

What this looks like:

• A group of EfS leaders to guide the church to be intentional in developing sustainable patterns of living
• Working towards an Eco Church Awards https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/
• Helping the church to plan for climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Continually exploring connections our faith has with these issues

The urgency is uncomfortable and poses challenges, but the opportunity for us to be engaged in shaping a community that is willing to grapple with the shift to more sustainable ways of living is exciting, and profound, and deeply about God’s yearning for all to have life in all its fullness.

LIVE AT HOME

Winchester Live at Home Scheme is a charity offering support and friendship to local older people living in their own homes; helping to maintain independent living, improve well-being and reduce isolation.

Through our able team of Volunteers we are able to offer opportunities for companionship, support and advice to older people in the Winchester district. We have services which can be offered at home and group activities in a place where our members can be among friends. These include our weekly schedule of clubs and activities,  our one-to-one services and the opportunity to join our regular outings and  annual holiday.  Above all our members know that there is always someone to turn to for help, advice or simply a chat.

For a small monthly donation to the Scheme, Members benefit from a regular newsletter, birthday card, Christmas gift bag, regular telephone contact, transport to one off appointments (subject to availability), signposting & information.

If you would like more information about the scheme, would like to become a member or have an interest in volunteering then please contact us on 01962 890995 or Winchester.liveathome@mha.org.uk. You can also visit our website www.wlahs.org or come and see us at our offices based in the United Church.

Anna Miles
Live at Home Scheme Manager

Winchester Live at Home Scheme
Jewry St
SO23 8RZ
Tel: 01962 890995

www.mha.org.uk

CHRISTMAS PROJECT

Is Christmas usually a joyful time of year for you?  To be plotted and planned for and full of pleasurable anticipation?  Many of us are lucky and some of this scenario will prompt smiles of recognition.  As Christians we certainly hope it is special.  However, for some people in Winchester there is another side to that time of year - exhaustion, worry, disappointment and even dread.  All around will be adverts for things that cannot be afforded, bills to be paid, the expectations of children that cannot possibly be fulfilled.

Winchester Churches Christmas Project is an ecumenical attempt to help those in Winchester for whom Christmas is a really difficult time.  At Christmas 2017 our 92 volunteers from 18 different churches helped 168 people.  Money for the Project is raised each year through the churches – from whole congregations and from individuals.

Each case is different but perhaps we can provide a boost after a difficult year, a helping hand with a worrying bill or the peace of mind brought by knowing that the electricity won’t run out over Christmas.  There could be new toys and festive food but the list might also include warm clothes (to replace those left when fleeing domestic violence), a carpet, second hand furniture or a morale-boosting treat.  Our volunteers need to be understanding and resourceful!

How it works: Before Christmas each pair of volunteers visit a family that has been referred to us (by professional social work agencies) to ascertain their needs and then shop with, or on behalf of, the family.  Each family has a set amount of money allocated.  Those visited are in charge as much as possible - they choose what will make Christmas special for them.  Sometimes the money is not the most important bit - knowing that someone is prepared to spend time and take the trouble to listen can mean a lot.  There are no strings attached to our help.  We show our Christian faith and witness in caring for and helping those we visit.

We have managed to transform Christmas for many families, and volunteers have found an extra blessing in their own Christmas celebrations.

You can help by praying for the Project, becoming a volunteer (new volunteers are always paired with someone experienced) and of course, by making a donation.

For more information please make contact via The United Church office 01962 849559, office@ucw.org.uk

We would be very grateful indeed for donations which should be sent to the Project Treasurer c/o the United Church office.  Please make cheques payable to “Winchester Churches Christmas Project”, ideally by mid November. This may seem a really early date but we do need to have an idea of what funds we have available before allocating money to families.  Individuals who would like to Gift Aid their donation should add “Gift Aid” to the Project name on the cheque, provide their name and address and specify that it is to be Gift Aided

We look forward to your support.  Many thanks.