Churches Together E-Newsletter 
October 2020 Edition

 
Dear Friends
Unprecedented times continue for us all and we get used to the unusual.  Many struggle with problems which themselves cause more problems - all unforeseen.  We continue to struggle with all of this, doing our best to help one another.
 
Locally, the Farnham and Villages Helpline, Farnham Foodbank and Farnham Assist continue their work.  Nationally, the NHS continues to excel.  The Daily Hope free telephone line provides hope to many and has taken over 200,000 calls since its launch in April.  We are able to return to our churches.
 
The Churches Together in Farnham AGM is not far away, with its useful reports - and election of a Chairman for the coming year.  Sadly it seems, the CTF Christmas Day Lunch will not take place - it will be greatly missed by many.
 
Season of Creation.  The importance and immediacy of our recognizing the damage we are doing to our planet, has been brought to us by David Attenborough’s documentary “Extinction - The Facts”.  May I suggest we look again at the CTBI introduction to this year’s Season of Creation:
 
Season of Creation, 1st September to 4th October 2020
•  “This year, amid crises that have shaken our world, we’re awakened to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and each other.
•  “During the season this year, we enter a time of restoration and hope, a jubilee for our Earth, that requires radically new ways of living with creation.
•  “Christians around the world will use this period to renew their relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment.
•  “This year’s Season of Creation is a time to consider the integral relationship between rest for the Earth and ecological, economic, social, and political ways of living.
•  “This particular year, the need for just and sustainable systems has been revealed by the far-reaching effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.  We yearn for the moral imagination that accompanies the Jubilee.
•  “As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common role as caretakers of God’s creation.  We rejoice in this opportunity to care for our common home and the sisters and brothers who share it.”
 
May I close by suggesting we pray Psalm 104(103) - rejoicing in the Glories of Creation.
 
Blessings
                Michael McDonnell
                Chair of Churches Together in Farnham
 

An E-Newsletter is published each month, including upcoming activities and an event listing.  To “READ ALL ABOUT IT”, please CLICK HERE to download your copy.

Farnham ASSIST
Supporing older people

Churches Together in Farnham A.G.M.
Wednesday 21st October 2020

The CTF Annual General Meeting was built around a “YouTube” video presenting reports on Christian activities serving the people of Farnham and activities arranged by or through CTF.  The video was introduced by Michael McDonnell, CTF Chair for the past year.

The other normal business of the A.G.M was dealt with through an on-line survey.  This elected Guy Pritchard (Farnham Vineyard Church) as CTF Chair for the coming year.

The results from the survey and the contributor’s activity reports are published as the A.G.M. Minutes (2020).  The video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2HXyjGylg4 -

MORE DETAILS AVAILABLE HERE . . .

Wanted: School Governors for William Cobbett Primary School

The Governing Board of William Cobbett Primary School, Weybourne Road Farnham, needs additional governors.

School governors are volunteers who work with the Headteacher to deliver the best education for pupils at their school.  The Governing Board normally meets seven times a year, usually for about two hours.

To learn more about the school and responsibilities of governors, please — CLICK HERE.

“Share Farnham” Initiative

On 12th May 2020, two Community Stores opened in Farnham to enable sharing and borrowing items to help adults and children to keep busy and active during the present COVID-19 restrictions. “SHARE FARNHAM” opened from that date with community stores at Farnham Maltings (Bridge Square) and Hale Community Centre (“The Bungalow”).

Stores are manned by volunteers.  Items are donated and include puzzles & board games, books, musical instruments, garden games, sheet music, craft items, DVDs, toys, exercise equipment and cookery equipment.  Donated and borrowed items are quarantined for 72 hours.

If you would like to help, or to donate items, or have any other queries, please call the Farnham Coronavirus Helpline 01252-745446.  For those shielding or self-isolating at home, the Helpline can assist with collection and delivery of donated or borrowed items.

“Share Farnham” is a joint initiative by the Farnham Maltings, Hale Community Centre, Farnham Town Council and the Farnham Herald.

For more information, including opening times,
please CLICK HERE

Message to Volunteers and Supporters

from June Trantom, Manager of Farnham ASSIST

On 30th July, June wrote to volunteers and supporters to thank them for their continuing support for the older folk of Farnham:

Dear Friends,
I do hope that all is well with you and that, as the general community eases into a new normal, you have been able to take advantage of getting outside and meeting friends and family albeit in a different way.  I am pleased to report that all is well at Farnham Assist and that we continue to find favour across the community enabling us to continue our work.
 
The COOK deliveries finally came to an end, after 12 weeks of continuous donations.  I know from the feedback received from our clients what joy such a gesture made.
 
Next Thursday we are delivering a cream tea across the town in order to keep the idea of a regular gift going, as it does give such a boost to those still stuck at home.  Meg and Maureen will be baking the scones, which I know will be delicious to accompany the preserves and cream.  Mel has prepared a prayer card to go in each bag which I shall pack here in the office.  In addition, I have included a leaflet produced by Active Surrey on ways to stay fit if you are at home, with examples of simple exercises.  The costs for this gift are being covered by Waitrose and their Community Matters scheme, for which we are so thankful.  A big thank you to the amazing team of volunteers who are helping me with the preparation and delivery of these teas.
 
I have just heard that Lady Tindle has agreed that the proceeds from the Downing Street Charity Shop will be coming to Farnham Assist at the end of August.  This is wonderful news and enables me to plan for an autumn treat for all.
 
Thank you for your greetings for Alison, who leaves us at the end of August, which I shall ensure she receives.  It’s still not too late if you want to send a donation to me at the office towards a leaving gift.
 
These are still challenging times and I have a meeting with the Assist Board on Monday via Zoom, when we shall be considering our next steps as a charity.  All our usual social programme is suspended, but we continue to maintain our contact with clients via telephone and, with the permission of family members, some of our befrienders have been meeting their clients in the garden - socially distanced of course.  All those who have been shielding will be able to do more from the 31st July, but I have found that people are not confident to go out - which is understandable - and we must all continue to take care and be vigilant to protect one another from the virus which is still in the community.
 
We now have a total of 130 volunteers and we are looking after 220 clients, with referrals still coming.  We had 6 new referrals from GPs and Adult Social Care in the last week.  The volunteers maintaining telephone contact and running deliveries or collecting prescriptions have been amazing.
 
I know you will be heartened by this update as I am.  Farnham Assist continues to make a big difference to many older people living alone and I thank you all for your continued support.
 
With much appreciation
                June

“Thy Kingdom Come”

“Thy Kingdom Come” is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.  Although this period is now past, relevant resources are still available for you to download from www.thykingdomcome.global/

Coronavirus Helpline Open in Farnham

FARNHAM AND VILLAGES HELPLINE — If you need help during the COVID-19 emergency and have no access to family, friends and neighbours, call the Farnham Co-ordination Centre on 01252-745446 (9:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m) or e-mail help@farnhammaltings.com.  There is a recorded message on the phone line outside hours.

The helpline was announced by Farnham Town Council on 26th March and has been established in conjunction with Farnham Herald and The Maltings.

More information is available HERE.

You can view or download the Farnham Helpline Leaflet from the link below:

Please consider giving a copy of the leaflet to a neighbour who may need it.

CTF Directory - October 2020 edition

The Churches Together in Farnham directory provides contact information for CTF Officers, Member Churches and Associated Organisations.  Download HERE for local printing (PDF format; file size 39,931) or find out more on the “CTF Directory” page.