Linking Lives UK

This time of year can be hard, especially for those feeling lonely. Linking Lives UK is a Christian charity, working to combat loneliness, by working with churches, other Christian organisations and relevant partners in the local community. The graphics below raise awareness of the issue and what can help.

Read here Asylum Reforms – A joint statement on proposed changes

“Our Christian faith compels us to hold that such a system should prioritise human dignity and treat people as any of us would wish to be treated.”
Leaders of the Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed Churches have issued a statement in response to the Government’s announcements on proposed changes to its asylum and returns policies.

Read the full statement

Christingle Resources from All We Can

Every year, many churches host a Christingle service as part of their Advent and Christmas worship. The Christingle symbol is made from a candle in an orange (representing the light and the world) which is typically decorated with a red ribbon and sweets or dried fruit. Make use of these free, exciting resources from All We Can and celebrate your Christingle service with a difference.

Switching your energy supplier

One of the quickest changes that churches can make to reach Net Zero is to switch to a green energy tariff. Though it may seem like a small change, it is an important one and can make a real difference to your carbon footprint before you make any material changes to your building. It also demonstrates to energy companies that the demand is there, encouraging continued investment in renewable energy generation.

The Church of England is running The Great Switch for Creation campaign, encouraging churches to make the pledge and switch to a green tariff. Whilst Methodist Churches can’t join the pledge campaign, there are lots of resources you can use. There’s a simple guide to switching to a green tariff, which includes possible suppliers, as well as a video on how green tariffs are definedEco Church also have a guide to Buying Greener Energy.

As always, a reminder you can find more about Action for Hope here, guidance on getting your building down to net zero here, and you can contact Anna here for net zero support and guidance.

Christmas with Christian Aid

When armed conflict swept through Chance’s community, she knew her family had to escape to survive. Clutching her newborn baby and rallying her children, Chance fled on foot. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christian Aid is working through partners to deliver financial assistance and clean water to people who’ve been displaced and  marginalised, like Chance and her family. 
 We know that Advent and Christmas are busy times for churches. With this in mind, Christian Aid’s suite of worship and fundraising resources is designed to complement what you might already have planned for the season. Order or download resources via the Christian Aid website.