Ukraine Appeal
UKRAINE APPEAL
As you are aware there are many great initiatives already in place to help support those affected by the war in Ukraine. As a church we wanted to draw you attention to some specifically that we are looking to get behind and endorse.
Flo Neave
We have all been seriously grieved by what we have seen happening in Ukraine. LoveBristol & Friends are working with several churches and charities on both sides of the Polish/Ukrainian border of Ukraine. In Ukraine, Churches are acting as hubs sending supplies; medical aid and support to devastated areas in UE and in Poland, churches are giving Ukrainians temporary accommodation and respite on their journey out of the country. We have been speaking with local church leaders in Ukraine and Poland, and we will be taking a few specific items down in vans to support the work going on in the area where Ukrainian people are crossing the border. Any items that can be sourced within Poland will be purchased as locally as possible, some we will need to source in the UK. We are fundraising to cover a number of costs, including: van hire and travel costs and purchasing selected items (specifically food items in Poland). See link below. https://gofund.me/0187927f
Lebedyn, Ukraine
Last Sunday our prayers were answered over the food run. It was transferred to different vehicles at out-of-the-way rendezvous points to avoid attracting the attention of Russian soldiers. The food arrived safely and they are planning a similar operation this week to avoid starvation in Lebedyn. Pray for pastor Sergei; one of his sons-in-law has been killed with is wife and child. Pray for pastor Bodhan and his wife Alla who is 6 months pregnant. They have three other children (9, 8 and 6). The church still meets daily for prayer and support of the vulnerable. If you want to contribute to our support for this town through its church you can do it at www.hopelebedyn.org You can visit Lebedyn here (and use Google Street View to see it before the war)
Ukrainian Family
We are helping a lady within our Parish to support 5 of her family members as they arrive with her this week. We have collected money and clothes and have used the money to buy some essential items like bedding, nightwear and towels etc. Most of the money will be given to them to buy shoes and coats that fit. At the moment there is not much more to do. We have put them in touch with GARAS, Gloucestershire Bundles and the local GL3 Hub Foodbank Hungry No more. They are also in touch with the local council. We would like to extend huge thanks to all who have so generously given to support this family.
St Peters Church Gloucester
St Peters Church, Gloucester have created a webpage explaining exactly what you can do to help. Feel free to check the link below for more information. Their main priority as of the 13th of March are for donations for the following items, bandages, dressings, torches and batteries. These can all be dropped off at the collection point in the back of St Peters Church. Clothes and bedding are no longer required. www.stpetersgloucester.org.uk/ukraineappeal.php
We know people in the church feel very strongly about this and if you would like to put any other initiatives/ideas forward please contact Adam on comms@stastb.com who will pass onto the churchwardens for their consideration.
Monetary donations can also be made, simply visit out giving page for instructions and use the reference “Ukraine Appeal” when you make any donation.
Many thanks, St Andrews and St Bartholomews Staff Team.