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LINK TO HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL

LINK TO HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL 

I have recently received a letter on behalf of St. Ippolyts Church from Link to Hope and I quote: 

„Thank you so much for taking part in the 2019 Family & Elderly Shoebox Appeal. We really do appreciate it. Our final total was 37,400 shoeboxes which we were very happy with considering the changes we made to the appeal last year. 

We were particularly pleased that we were able to send extra funds and resources out to our project managers in Eastern Europe thanks to the increase in the shoebox donation. Many people not only benefited from your shoebox but also received wood to see them through the winter, food parcels and necessary house repairs to keep them warm, fed and safe.‟ 

They also sent a copy of their 2019 Shoebox Delivery Diary which makes very interesting reading. The delivery team went to Iasi in Romania and visited a kindergarten and some homes in the Dallas Shanty Town where, (and I quote): „They met 8 year old David who lives at home with his parents in one room. They have no electricity or running water and they use a wood stove to keep warm, cook, heat water and bathe; but he is lucky, he has both parents.‟ 

Elsewhere at a homework club, „The team brings in the shoeboxes and we hand them out. There are some wonderful gifts in the shoeboxes and the children‟s eyes are wide as they go through them. Alcoholism and domestic violence are very high in these isolated villages and the children have a rough existence with very little to take them away from their lives. The shoeboxes were that moment of joy when they were in a safe place.‟ 

At another school the headmistress estimates that 20% of her pupils are from a „normal‟ family, ie. two parents and no major issues (other than just trying to survive). So, what of the other 80%? If you would like to read these stories (and more) in full, and see the accompanying photos, you can do so by going to: 

https:/linktohope.co.uk/shoebox-appeal-2019/shoebox-delivery-diary-2019. 

Our shoeboxes may only be a small drop in a large ocean but they really do make a HUGE difference. Thank you once again to everyone who took part. 

Arthur Sibun 

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BIBLE STUDY GROUP

Don’t Forget 

BIBLE STUDY GROUP 

The next Bible Study Group meetings will take place on Wednesdays 11th and 25th March when we will be continuing our study of the Book of Exodus. We meet at 2.30pm. at Oakhurst (behind Kingshott School) home of Margaret Edmonds. Refreshments are served after the meeting. 

New members are always welcome so if you would like to join us 

please contact Margaret Edmonds (01462-452340) or Clare Larsen 

(01462-453541). 

Clare Larsen 

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Bible Study Group Meeting 26th February CANCELLED!

Bible Study Group Meeting 26th February CANCELLED!

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BIRD WATCHING AND NATURE CHURCH

Look out for our “bird watching and nature church” on Sunday 17th May at 7.45am. We will be meeting outside St. Ippolyts Church for a short walk around St. Ippolyts looking for spring migrants and resident birds that should be in full swing rearing their young. Michael Hooper who will point out as many bird species as possible will lead the group. Do you think we can see over 25 species? Of course we can! It is expected the one-mile walk will last about 75 minutes and will finish back at the church. Everyone, young or not so young, is welcome to join us. Michael Hooper
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Lent Lunches

Lent Lunches We will be serving our Lent Lunches of delicious home-made soups and fresh bread every Wednesday from Ash Wednesday, 26th February till 8th April from 12.45pm. till 2.00pm. Serving time 12.45pm. till 1.00pm. A minimum donation of £2.50 per serving is requested, with donations for seconds. Proceeds will be shared between USPG and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Everyone welcome so do come and join us. Frances Williams, Carol Scott and Joan Pinkstone
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