Exploring Faith pages: Action, Life’s Journey, The living Gospel, Healing, Prayer, Bible Study, The Body of Christ.
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to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6.3-13
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Luke 12.6
The times we live in
Life is hard for many, while some are billionaires. Human rights abuses are in the news, as well as social breakdown and wars. And the overarching concern is the problem of climate change, and other environmental issues. Everything is interconnected, and the Hebrew word “shalom” sums up the Christian vision of sharing, harmony, justice, peace and the flourishing of the whole of God’s creation.
Plough and Share Credit Union
Credit Unions make loans at reasonable rates, and provide an ethical alternative to payday loan companies and loan sharks, as a practical way to enable people to escape the “rising tide” of debt. We heard a presentation from the manager of Plough and Share, and if you would like to know more, please contact the Administrator. There is a service point at Axminster. See also the Plough and Share website.
A Fairtrade Mission Community
The Fairtrade organisation enables some of the poorest farmers around the world to get a better price for their produce, so that they have enough to live on and are more able to afford such things as basic health care and education. We have signed up as Fairtrade churches, which commits us to using Fairtrade goods and promoting the principles of trade justice. You can read more in Hilary’s sermon for Fairtrade Fortnight 2014. Fairtrade foods can be ordered from Sarah Johnson, 01297 552862. Read about Fairtrade Fortnight or visit the Fairtrade website.
Colyton and District Christian Aid
Coffee morning with tent
Christian Aid was formed after WW2 to help people in any country, of any faith, who are in need. Our group represents several churches in the area (Secretary Katie Darby: 01297 553440).
Christian Aid Week in May includes a joint service in St Andrew’s Colyton, and a coffee morning. The house to house collection has raised a substantial amount over the years. We would always welcome new collectors.
Other fundraising activities include a quiz, a plant stall and a second coffee morning in November. The past few years we have accommodated at this event the Shelter Box tent to help their promotion.
The biological toilet doesn't use any water; it composts waste and evaporates liquid in the toilet itself. The composting process uses natural micro-organisms, without the need of any chemicals. Controlled air supply and heat, as well as regular mixing of the compost, accelerate the composting process and convert the waste into eco-friendly and nutrient-rich humus.