GIVING

The Bible is clear throughout its pages that we are called to give generously. In the book of Exodus chapter 35, we see the Israelites generously giving the materials and time to build the tabernacle. If any of those people decided to withhold the materials they owned or the skills they had, the tabernacle wouldn’t have come together.

In this season, finances for most are feeling tighter and giving generously is an expression we are all learning to be creative in — it’s not just about being generous with our finances, it’s about our time and willingness to be available for those around us. Over the past few weeks the Trustees of the church with Tom and Joy have been considering how the Church can be generous in this season.

We are so grateful for the generosity of everyone who gives financially to Leicester Vineyard. It provides the church with the resources it needs to run day-to-day, but also enables us to show God’s generosity practically to those outside of the church. God has blessed us, that we may be a blessing to others. We give as an act of worship, not out of obligation or guilt, but as an overflow of our hearts.

We are so thrilled to share with you the various charities and projects below we’ve been able to give to.

Local Charities

Goldhill Foodbank

You may remember last month we collected donations for a charity called Goldhill Foodbank they provide food parcels for families in need, who live in the Saffron Lane/Aylestone area, close to where we meet for Church. We would like to do it again. Goldhill have given nearly 1000 meals out over the last few weeks and it has been wonderful to be part of that.

So, if you would like to donate some items of food this is how to get involved:

• Choose 1 or a few items of tinned food, dried food or toiletries

• Take it to your small group drop off point by Saturday 4th July. (your small group leaders will let you know where this is.)

• Then the office team will collect from the small group drop off points

Our values of generosity and compassion are not only a chance for us to bless our community, which in itself is great, but these acts also change us. It gives us perspective, makes us grateful for what we have and more understanding of the values of Jesus. So we would love you to be a part of it! Having said that we appreciate that this season has impacted many financially so please don’t feel you have to fill a grocery bag with items, 1-2 items would be great, Jesus isn’t looking at the size of your gift but your heart.

Sir Johnny North Educational Packs
We have a good relationship with the school (our church venue) and conversations with them have allowed us to help them resource Educational packs to those children who don’t have the necessary items to complete their school work.

Action Homeless - Leicester Food Back Appeal
One of our youth leaders James works for this local charity and he’s recently launched a fundraising effort to keep the food banks of the county supported. For more information see this link - Leicester Food Back Appeal.

National Charities

Tearfund
Tearfund is a great charity who are passionate about ending poverty. They work with some of the most vulnerable communities globally in close partnership with local churches and Christian organisations. For more information on this charity see this link - Tearfund.

Safe Families
Safe Families is a national charity that offer support, hope and belonging to children, families and care leavers in our communities. They link families with local volunteers who can offer them help and support. Individuals within our church work for this charity as well as a number who volunteer to support families. For more information on this charity see this link - Safe Families.

International Charities

Love The One • India
Love the One are passionate about being a grass roots movement, working with compassion, standing for justice and seeing the rights of children across the world being upheld, always working with a child centered approach to development. For more information on this charity see this link - Love The One.

Potters Village • Uganda
The Potter’s Village rescues babies who have no other chance of survival. Up to 20 babies can be given a home on the site. Babies will be given optimum provision to thrive with one-to-one care, within a family environment. A family in our Church, Bebe & Hedge St John and their 3 children will be moving to work with Potters Village later this year. For more information on this charity see this link - Potters Village.

Kisiizi Village • Uganda
A couple of families from our church spent time out in Uganda in 2017 working with this charity. Kisiizi partners support Christian hospitals in developing countries, primarily by helping to meet running costs. For more information on this charity see this link - Kisiizi Village.