ØFrom this week we shall re-introduce foodbank collections in church. The recipients will be the Spearhead trust based at Bells Farm, Druids Heath Fred Rattley is our link with the trust and the following is a recent appeal from their website.

“The Spearhead Trust at Bells Farmhouse runs a foodbank alongside other services to help and support members of our community. Due to the recent rise in the cost of living we have seen a massive increase in demand for our foodbank and food supplies are running low.”

You are still encouraged to donate directly to the B30 foodbank directly during your weekly shop if that is more convenient

The following message came from the Trussel Trust B30 foodbank

Thank you from

the mothers who are missing meals so their children are fed

the many people who are too afraid to put the heating on

those trying desperately to keep out of debt and simply having no money left for food

those who have made poor choices but find it difficult to ‘get their heads above water’

those lost in Universal credit payment delays , pension credit applications, PIP application rejections, online applications and endless telephone voicemail queues

A reflection for Epiphany

As we look upon the crib, we cannot stay there. Like the shepherds and the magi, we too are called to move away and take the light of Jesus with us. We are asked not only to admire the light, but to be people of light. As Jesus himself tells us, you are the light of the world and your light must shine.’ The light of the Epiphany is given to us as a gift, but we cannot keep it to or for ourselves. Through the quality of our daily lives and how we treat each other, we are called to make our families, homes, parish communities and the wider world a better and brighter place for all people, especially the poor and the marginalised.

May Christ the Light and the Light of Christ fill all our homes, families and our parish communities this day and always.

• Michael Moore OMI