The Mission and Social Concerns Group was formed in 1999/2000 to discuss topics of social concern such as world poverty, asylum seekers, world trade etc. and also the Mission of the Church in General.
Dear Joy
We are thrilled that the Lent Appeal raised such a magnificent sum for the Helderberg Street People's Centre. In the face of such kindness and generosity, and despite a tough economic climate, it is difficult to know how to express our thanks. Suffice to say that we are overwhelmed by the support that we have received - and continue to receive from Rev Ron and the congregation at St Thomas's, Stourbridge. Please accept our sincere and grateful thanks from everyone at the Centre.
Winter is fast approaching the Cape and already temperatures at night are falling into single digits. We shall have to commence our preparations for the change in weather conditions and would like to use the funds that have been raised to help us purchase blankets, particularly for those that are sick. The conditions under which many of our community at Sir Lowry's Pass Village live are quite simply, appalling. The floors of shacks become muddy with the rains and the roofs leak. Often mattresses are kept off the floor with planks of wood held off the floor by bricks. In such conditions, blankets are the only way to keep people warm. It is a wonder that people survive! So bless you and thank you so very much.
We send our love and great thanks to you, Rev Ron and the congregation at St Thomas's,
Clive and everyone at the Helderberg Street People's Centre
Christian Aid Street Collection by members of St Thomas’ raised £725.18 (including Gift aided donations)
Click here to read about Christian Aid’s “Cut the Carbon” March : Summer 07
Q: What’s the link between a new tree in Market Street, Stourbridge and Mango trees in Senegal?
Dudley
Council passed the following resolution on Monday July
16th 2007 : members of all parties supported the Motion.
"That Dudley MBC supports the principle of Fairtrade
and the Fairtrade Foundation.
The Council welcomes the work of supporters of the Fairtrade Foundation within the Metropolitan Borough and supports the efforts of all townships within the Borough in their quest for Fairtrade Town Status. The Council agrees to continue to offer Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings and in the offices."
The Fairtrade Group is celebrating and giving thanks. It means that the first of the 5 Goals for Fairtrade Town status has been met and now we work on increasing the number of retail and catering outlets in Stourbridge who stock and sell at least 2 Fairtrade items.
As usual our visit to Colbitz began with a warm welcome from the parish over supper in the church hall. Dieter Kerntopf, the pastor, his wife, Gaby and their 3 children together with our kind hosts had all stayed up to greet us from Berlin.
The weather was sunny and warm throughout our stay and our friends had arranged a marvellous programme of visits and experiences for us ...
Read a full account of our recent visit to Colbitz by clicking here.
Colbitz
Archive
Click
here to read about our 2005 Visit
Click here to read about
our 2004 Visit
A small working group has recently started up to look at what needs to be done to reach Fairtrade Town Status for Stourbridge. If you are interested in Fairtrade locally please contact Virginia on 01384-394118 and click here to read about how you can make a difference
Links
www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.traidcraft.org.uk
Headmaster of Itamba Secondary School.
30,000 children die unnecessarily each day as a result of poverty. The MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign is part of the massive Global Call to Action Against Poverty in 2005.
The campaign is a unique alliance of well over 100 groups ----- churches, charities, faith communities, trade unions, celebrities and many others. Its call to UK leaders and to World leaders is for urgent real policy change around trade, debt and aid.
“2005
offers a unique opportunity to eradicate poverty. Make
it happen with your passion, and a little of your time”
(Oxfam)
You could wear a white arm band (available from Oxfam
shops), sign a campaign card, Vote for Trade Justice,
write to Tony Blair.
Find out about local actions you can support by emailing us at St Thomas’s office.
