Reaching Out
Wider World Group
Christ gave his followers the great commandment to 'love your neighbour as yourself'. In response to the question 'Who is my neighbour?' he told the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Wider World Group is a sub-committee of the PCC whose purpose is to encourage support for, and interest in, world mission and social responsibility.
The Group arranges occasional events to raise awareness of social concern issues
The Group is open to any member of the church with an interest in mission and world affairs. For further information, please contact one of the Wider World Group members who include Neill Rubidge, Paul and Linda Tame, Steve Mason, Grace Gray, John & Annabelle Yeomans or one of the clergy.
Homelessness
The Church supports the work of two charities which work with homeless
people. The Manna Centre <http://www.mannasociety.org.uk/> in London and
the Thames Homeless Project <http://thames-homeless-project.org.uk/thp/> are
two charities we have had a special relationship with over the years, at
Harvest and Homelessness Week.
Christian Aid
During May each year a team of between thirty and forty people from St. James Church joins with other teams from 'Churches Together in Weybridge' in the house to house collection for Christian Aid Week. In 2001 the total amount collected in Weybridge amounted to £12,038 of which £5,050 was collected by the team from St. James, who, over the last five years, have collected over £18,500 for Christian Aid.
Christian Aid is one of the largest aid agencies in the world and operates in over sixty countries in partnership with local agencies to alleviate poverty, respond to emergencies and campaign against oppression. If you would like to assist with the collection in Weybridge for this vital work, please contact the Parish Office.
Children's Society
The Children's Society is the fourth largest children's charity in the U.K. and is affiliated to the Church of England. It's mission statement is "To be a positive force for change in the lives of children and young people whose circumstances make them particularly vulnerable". Our local committee raises funds for the Society to assist it in it's work. Remaining events for 2001 include a Charity Christmas Card market on Saturday November 3rd 10.00am to 12.30pm and a Christingle Service on Sunday December 2nd at 4.00 pm.
Contact: Juliet Marsh - Email : Julietmarsh@aol.com
Traidcraft - St James Fair Traders
Fairtrade is about people. People deserve a decent livelihood and a chance to share in the world's everyday pleasures. We can help make the world fairer for people by buying products which give a better deal to third world producers.
Traidcraft fairly traded products are sold at St James during coffee on Sunday morning on the 4th Sunday of every month and at other parish events throughout the year. Traidcraft products regularly sold include tea, coffee, sugar, honey, chocolate, cookies, snack bars, meusli and cereals, dried fruit and nuts, as well as cards, wrapping paper and small gifts.
If you would like further information, or would like a Traidcraft stall at your event contact Nicky George via the Parish Office.