FAIRTRADE
 In 2005, we became a "Fairtrade Parish." This means that we use only Fairtrade tea and coffee for our fundraising events. Our Diocese hopes that enough Parishes will join the initiative, so that we can become a "Fairtrade Diocese."
In order to show our commitment to helping to Make Poverty History, we held a special service in St. Michael?s Church on 30th October, 2005, when Bishop Carl (our Bishop) was the Guest Preacher.
At that service, we committed to tithe 10% of our Parish income annually to people in need (whether at home or abroad). Even though it is difficult to meet our own expenses, which rise every year, we felt, as a Parochial Church Council, that we should, in faith, make this commitment. The collection in that service raised over ?650 for Tear Fund, which was a magnificent response.
A similar service will be held this year, so that we can keep the needs of the poor always at the forefront of our thoughts and our prayers.
Official website: www.fairtrade.org.uk
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