Advent Offering to support Britain's communities

Advent is a time when Christians accept the invitation to getcaught up in God's big story. On Advent Sunday (2 December)Methodists around Britain will celebrate and raise funds for thework of the Mission in Britain Fund, which gives grants to supportwork across Britain's communities.

The Church's  free Advent materials feature worship and prayer resourcesalongside stories that show how grants are making a huge differenceto Britain's communities.

All of the money raised by the Advent Offering will go tosupport grants from the Mission in Britain Fund. It will be used to fund projects likethe Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge, which helps women andchildren to break free - and stay free - from domestic abuse. TheRefuge hosts drop-in sessions to provide advice, support andfriendship to women and children who might otherwise suffer insilence.

Marie (not her real name) came to the Refuge after her partnerbegan to abuse her. "The refuge was not a lonely place, everybodywas in the same situation and we all tried to help each other," shesaid. "I don't know what I would have done without the support.Knowing there is someone on the other end of the phone 24/7 islovely. One of the biggest things I learned on a course called StayFree, run by NVCFR, was that it wasn't my fault. I feel proud. Ihave come a long way. I feel very safe."

The Advent Offering worship resources are available for free andcan be downloaded  here. Giving envelopes, posters and bookmarks can be orderedfrom  Methodist Publishing.

"Advent is a time when people get ready - ready for Christmas,for parties, catering, celebrating and sharing together," said theRevd Dr Mark Wakelin, President of the Methodist Conference. "Butit's also a time when we can get ready for Jesus, get ready to joinin his call to love and care for God's world and his people,whatever their circumstances and wherever they may be. I know that,through the huge generosity of the Methodist people, gifts given inthe Advent Offering will help us to live out that calling in ourcommunities throughout Britain today."

1. The Mission in Britain Fund supports four types of work:mission alongside the poor, ministry and mission with all ages,chaplaincy placements, ministering opportunities at heritage sitesand using church properties to serve local communities.
2. Donations can also be made to the Mission in Britain Fundonline at www.justgiving.com/missioninbritain/Donate or by sending acheque to: Fundraising Manager, Methodist Church House, 25Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR. Please make cheques payable to'Mission in Britain Fund'.