The Home and Overseas Mission Group has been going for many years – instigated by a previous Reader, Peter Stainsby, who was very keen for some of our fundraising to reach other areas of Christian life both at home and abroad. And his wish continues to thrive in many ways.
Abroad we regularly support Embrace the Middle East, the Leprosy Mission and the Bible Society – at home we donate regularly to the Church Army, the Children’s Society and Stonepillow, a local Chichester charity which supports the homeless.
But we also react to issues as they occur and recently have been giving money to local food banks and sending money to charities involved with helping families in Ukraine. We also help to raise money for Christian Aid in the village during their annual fundraising week in May, around which time we hold a chilli supper in the Parish Hall which is very well supported.
Our regular event is the First Friday Lunch which takes place throughout the year except in August and consists of homemade soup (with vegetable stock to suit all tastes), rolls from the Westbourne Bakery and cheese from the Emsworth Deli. From time to time we invite a speaker from a charity to join us and give us a short overview of what they are currently doing. It is heart-warming that recently several new people are coming along – it is intended to be part of our outreach to the village – so do give us a go, come along and enjoy a light lunch and good company!
A summary of funds raised last year may be seen here.
