Did you know that… Each day 800 million people in the world go hungry?

As Christians we have a duty to take action against injustice across our world. We can take action by… praying, giving our time and money and campaigning. Buying a product is a bit like eating a sausage – easy to enjoy, until you know what’s gone into making it. We need to see what goes before and after our purchases: the producers, and the impact of our consumption. This includes asking moral questions such as: Does buying this product relate to my belief in justice for the poor? Before acting, Gandhi would ask himself, ‘How will what I am about to do affect the weakest, most vulnerable person I know?’ Will buying this product respect the integrity of creation, and our role as stewards of this earth for both God and future generations? Ultimately, will this product deny abundant life (see John 10:10b), not only to me, but to those involved in its production or consequences? Some may object that Fairtrade products cost more, as indeed they often do. But the question then becomes: who pays the price if we don’t? As the rich, in relative terms, Jesus reminds us that we have a responsibility: "where someone has been given much, much will be expected of him." (Luke 12:48b). During Fairtrade fortnight we focus on the importance of the Fair Trade mark – this is the only independent international guarantee of: a fair and stable price for farmers: extra income for farmers to improve their lives: greater respect for the environment: a stronger position for small farmers in world markets: and a closer link between consumers and producers. All shoppers are being asked to look closely for the Fairtrade mark on products, and to ask for Fairtrade products if they are not available. If you want to know more about Fairtrade then do please visit the Fairtrade Foundation’s web site www.fairtrade.org.uk and please read our display boards each week and give your support. On Sunday 5^th and 12^th March we will have a Fairtrade stall after each service. There will also be an on-going display of information about World development issues, including Fairtrade.

David A. Seaton

An end to world poverty

All involved in the Fair Trade movement

All who are seeking the way in their Christian faith

Ash Wednesday is on 1^st March.

Do join us for the Parish Eucharist at 8.00pm as Lent begins.

We are delighted once more to be sharing Study Groups during Lent with our friends from Turvey Abbey. They are on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm and on Wednesday afternoons from 3.00pm. Please either sign the list in church and collect details from there, or telephone me (01234 881312) if you would like to join one of the groups.

Jo Spray

Our Annual Parochial meetings will take place this year on Tuesday 25^th April. If you would like to stand for election to the PCC please will you contact me or one of the Churchwardens? If you are a regular worshipper at All Saints, please will you also check that your name is on the Electoral Roll? If not either Cindy Woods, the Roll secretary, or I can give you a form.

Jo Spray

We are about to start an adult confirmation class. If you have not been confirmed and are interested in finding out more, please contact me. If you have been confirmed but would like a refresher course on faith and belief, you are warmly invited to join us. If any young people are interested in preparing for confirmation, I should be pleased to hear from them.

Jo Spray

The Spring coffee morning will be held at Turvey House on Saturday, 11^th March at 10:15 am, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanbury. There will be a raffle and bring-and-buy stall, for which contributions, especially of cakes, will be much appreciated.

Last month's coffee morning at Mill Rise raised £287 towards church funds. Many thanks to Doreen and Albert Ward for hosting it and to all those who helped with and supported a very enjoyable event.

Our next meeting will be a general meeting to discuss the future programme, starting at 2:30 pm on Thursday 16^th March in the Manor Room.