MESSAGE FROM REVEREND JANE WALKER, VICAR

We live in interesting times, don’t we? But these times can be worryingly unstable and unsafe even, in our country and many other areas of the world. Overall, it has to be acknowledged that the world is a more dangerous place than ever now due to increasing wars, oppression, violence and political instability which are causing people to suffer and even flee from their countries, becoming homeless, helpless refugees requiring charitable support. And so many amazing charities are doing their utmost best to give relief, comfort, health care and support, often in hazardous conditions.

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However, difficult changes in the cost of living, diminished national health systems, lack of community cohesion, and many other factors, seem to be causing an understandably subdued response when charities (that have supported vulnerable and disadvantaged people historically) are seeking to raise their own funds in order to help meet the increasing need. Charities are therefore under huge stress but there is help and hope that can be given.

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In the Benefice of Frensham, we can give financial assistance when a charity is struggling because we have a ‘charity that supports charities’ – St Mary’s Frensham Trust. Charitable giving is an essential responsibility and action of the Church. The Church’s overall Christian purpose is to generously give God’s inclusive love and care, by following the example of Jesus Christ and by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit working within its people. That love and care is for everyone (irrespective of colour, creed, race, etc) and everything. We do this prayerfully, directly and actively by supporting our own key charities, but we can also spread the net of God’s Love and Grace further by financially helping other charities to use their many and diverse skills for those with specific needs.

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Therefore, St. Mary’s Frensham Trust supports local, national and international charities that are nominated by those on our church electoral roll, who have a passion and connection with those charities and the service they provide. Due to the careful investment and management of its capital funds, year-on-year, St Mary’s Frensham Trust can confidently and reassuringly give grants to many and diverse charities, which in turn can help to ease suffering and stress. It is the Trustees’ privilege and delight to share funds from this ‘charity that supports charities’, knowing that through its Christian foundations, it will remain efficient, robust and faithful to its original covenant aims of giving generously. We pray that this will bring as much relief, goodness, kindness, hope and peace, as is possible.

February 2025