Let’s make a difference in Jesus’ name

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually
members of it.”1 Corinthians 12

Dear Friends,
Much of our attention at the moment is on Christian Aid Week which is fast approaching.

The work of organisations like Christian Aid is always vital but this year that feels to be the case more than ever. A recent statement from 200 charities, including Christian Aid, described the recent cuts in the UK’s overseas aid budget as ‘a tragic blow for the world’s most marginalised’. We have always seen supporting Christian Aid as a safe way of channelling our gifts so that the world’s poorest benefit. As we know, Christian Aid work through local partners on the ground in communities and we can see directly the impact their work has. Let’s keep at the forefront of our minds the call of Christ to love our neighbours, to work for justice and ‘life in its fullness’ for all.

So, Woking URC – let’s get stuck in and make a difference in Jesus’ name.

Our 24 Bible Read-a-thon is a great way for lots of people to participate in this year’s main fundraising campaign. If you can, sign up for a slot, then tell your friends and family and ask them to sponsor you!
If joining in the reading isn’t your thing, then do consider sponsoring the activity and encouraging others to do so. It’s no small task to keep the reading going for 24 hours and there are going to be some bleary eyes in the morning on the 9th May for those who take the night-time slots.

Below you will find more detailed information about the event which will hopefully answer some of your questions as well as the links for signing up and sponsoring. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to know more.

This has been a tough year for so many, but for the world’s poorest, who lack basic health care, it has been devastating and, at times, hopeless. Let’s be hope-givers!
Lucy

24 Hour Live Streamed Bible Read-A-Thon More Information!

When?
Saturday 8th May 10am – Sunday 9th May 10am

Aim
To read the whole of the New Testament and Psalms, non-stop over a 24 hour period and, in the process to raise money and awareness for Christian Aid!

How will we raise money?
Participants will be encouraged to seek sponsorship from their friends and family. This will all be done via one, joint, Christian Aid Just Giving page. Please share the link with as many people as you can and encourage them to donate and to watch on the day. And of course, you can make your own donation!

Here is the link for the Just Giving page…
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/24hourbible

For those who don’t use the internet, cheques (made payable to Woking URC, clearly marked as Christian Aid Sponsorship) can be sent to the church.

How can I take part?
Click on the link here and choose your time slot. You will then be emailed nearer the date with more information and the Zoom details. It’s as simple as that!
https://tickets.myiknowchurch.co.uk/gb/MTIzNC0yMg/t

How long would I take part for?
Participants are invited to sign up for a half hour slot on zoom. We’ve set up the booking system so that up to three people can book on for each half hour (so if three people sign up you will only need to read for 10 mins, but you are invited to stay for the whole half hour). If you’d like to take part as a household then book all three places for a given half hour and you can choose who does what throughout that time period.

Can children take part?
We very much hope children will want to take part, readings as much or as little as they want. They will need an adult with them while they participate, and, as mentioned above, you may like to book a half hour slot just for your household. Parents of any under 18s taking part will be asked to sign a consent form due to the live-streaming of the event on the internet.

I’m not part of Woking URC, can I take part?
Of course! Everyone is welcome! We are especially hopeful that some overseas friends might help us with some of the time slots which are night-time in the UK but not where you are!

Can I just watch if I don’t want to take part in the reading?
Of course! The Zoom call will also be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube so that anyone can watch at anytime and see how it’s going!

How will I know what to do on the day?
When your time slot comes round, please log on to the Zoom call a few minutes beforehand. There will be host who will let you in, welcome you, and let you know where we’ve reached in the reading. You’ll then be invited to start reading from that point in the New Testament or Psalms. The host will be there to help with any support you need.

Which version of the Bible should I use?
Please use whichever Bible you normally use at home. At church we read from the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) but you can use whatever you like. It will be interesting to hear from different versions of the Bible.

How will we raise awareness of Christian Aid?
Every hour, on the hour, we will draw attention to Christian Aid by sharing a story, video or prayer about the work of Christian Aid. We will also display the Christian Aid logo and the link to the Just Giving Page on the live stream at all times so that anyone who finds us online will know what we’re doing and why.