Since its earliest days, the Church has brought together a commitment to evangelism with a heart for the poor. In Acts chapter 6 we see the apostles responding to the desperate need of a group of widows by choosing seven others to organise the first-ever church-run Foodbank.

The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund was first set up in recognition that pockets of poverty can exist in the most unlikely places – relational and spiritual poverty alongside physical deprivation. Our funding comes mostly from collections at special bishop-led services (confirmations, licensings and the like) and the Lent Appeal. Given that the Trustee body is voluntary and does all of the administration involved, all of the money that is given goes directly towards its charitable purposes. 

Last year we raised around £28,000 in all, which enabled the Fund to support projects run by parishes or church-linked organisations providing real practical support to the communities they serve. Ten grants ranging from £500 to £3,000 helped fund meals for the vulnerable, cafés for the isolated, youth and community workers and other wellbeing initiatives. 

We urgently need to continue this work, not least at a time when charitable funding in general has been on the decrease and community need on the increase. Your generosity can bring hope to those who are struggling - people living with disabilities, battling mental ill-health, facing financial hardship, or experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage. Even a small gift can make a big difference, offering dignity, hope, and a brighter future.

It is so important that we all make a special effort this Lent to remember those less fortunate than ourselves and to support a wide range of initiatives through which the Church lives out the sheer ‘goodness’ of the Good News of Christ. 

Thank you in advance for your support

Bishop Andrew