In the UK, children raised in families without enough money face many disadvantages. They are more likely to die as infants, do worse at school, experience more disease and illness, and go on to die younger.

The Welfare Reform and Work Bill currently before Parliament will make poor people poorer. The majority of those affected will be children.

A large group of Churches is asking the government to reconsider its proposals. You are invited to find out more and to join with them.

Download a video and read further information about the Joint Public Issues policy and campaign at http://bit.ly/1GMd8kW.

We were privileged to have a visit today from one of the United Reformed Church’s two Moderators of General Assembly, Mr John Ellis.

John’s sermon, entitled “Disciples who buy“, was a thought-provoking challenge and message to the Church and to all Christians to stand up for their beliefs and principles in the business world, and also as individuals.  Using readings from Ezekiel (Ezekiel 27.1-11 and 25-36) and Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) he drew parallels between the prophesied fate of Tyre in 6th century BC and our 21st century financial situation.

The service also included the Assembly hymn, “We are people on a journey”, and “Thine be the Glory” – to the accompaniment of the Moderator’s cymbals!

Following the Service, Mr Ellis met with members of the congregation over coffee, and he later joined Team Leaders for lunch.

Footnote:  John Ellis and Revd David Grosch-Miller, moderators of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, write in a blog and reflect on the things they do, places they visit, people they meet, and moments/events in the life of the United Reformed Church and beyond during their time in office. (see http://assemblymoderators.urc.org.uk/)

We look forward to the visit of Mr John Ellis, Assembly Moderator who will preach at our Morning Worship on Sunday 25 October.

Mr Ellis was inducted as moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church in May 2013. He will serve as moderator until General Assembly in July 2016.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 28 October at 8pm.  The group has started a study of Paul’s letter to Titus – and very interesting the first chapter has been, especially to the Elders among us!
All welcome – at 217 Queens Road.

As the refugee crisis continues to unfold, local residents, organisations and businesses are working to co-ordinate assistance. In the meantime here are some simple, practical and immediate ways to help:

• Contribute toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby wipes etc in a shoebox.
  Deliver the box to Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden (opposite civic centre) on Mondays-Thursdays 11am-5pm until 29 October. These will be distributed by social workers to those in greatest need.
• Buy an Oyster card, put some money on it (the Refugee Association suggests £7-£10)
  Either pop it in the post to South London Refugee Association Merton, Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3UD or drop it in to the collection point at Londis, 34 Crown Lane, Morden (opposite Civic Centre). Please stick a post-it note on the card telling us how much money is on it , and mention that you heard of the appeal via Merton Welcomes Refugees and Trinity URC Wimbledon.
• Donate online to a project to make the camps around Calais safer by providing solar powered, waterproof, inflatable lamps. The target is £8500 by 31 October; see www.gogetfunding.com/lighting-the-way/

On Tuesday evening we welcomed Dr Mohamed Ashmawey, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Dr Ashmawey’s inspirational talk on the work of his charity was fascinating and challenging.  To learn more about IRW and the many areas in which they are involved (emergency relief, education, water, food, health….) around the world see http://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/.  We are enormously grateful to Dr Ashmawey for spending time with us.