Who is Anglicare?

Thanks to all those who helped make our 2010 Winter Appeal happen on Saturday: for those who donated and sorted all the clothing and tinned foods. These goods will be passed onto Anglicare who will then distribute them to those who are in need this winter.
 
Who is Anglicare?

Anglicare is the urban mission and community care arm of the Sydney Anglican Church. As one of Australia’s largest Christian care organisations, Anglicare reaches out to thousands of people every year.
 
And although many of us may be familiar with Anglicare and their clothing/food appeals, many of us are ignorant to their many other services available: Relationship Education; Counseling; Family Relationship Services; National Church Life Survey; Migrant and Refugee; Disaster Recovery; Social Policy & Evaluation; Child and Youth; Seniors living and Chaplaincy.
 
Why does Church by the Bridge support Anglicare?

In Christ, our Father God has loved us with an everlasting love. He loves us at our ugliest. He shows us mercy at our worst. No conditions. No strings attached. It should be our prayer to love lavishly like he does. To show compassion like he does. Through Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan we are reminded that there are neighbours who need us, and we are called upon to go “love your neighbours as yourself”. The Good Samaritan saw a man in need. He didn’t turn away or try to ignore him. It wasn’t convenient or easy, but he crossed the road, gave generously, and did what he could to help. It was that simple and that powerful. (Have a read Luke 10:25-37)
 
Today that call for both compassion and action at a time of need remains the same, and at wintertime the needs of our neighbour can be even more acute. Accordingly, we should be especially thankful for the work of Anglicare, and other organisations that provide a constant opportunity for Christians to actively contribute to their communities by loving the neighbour in need.
 
Do remember though, that “loving your neighbour as yourself” can’t be out-sourced. Each Christian is called to love like Jesus. So lets continue to support organisations like Anglicare but also be on the look out for ways we each can love the stranger in need. Here two opportunities for you to consider in furthering your support with Anglicare:

1. Volunteer – your workplace to help out at Anglicare. Anglicare welcomes corporate teams as part of a team-bonding day.
2. Donate – become a CARE partner and give regular financially donations.

For more information on these two opportunites and others, check http://www.anglicare.org.au). In addition, please pray with me that as we put our faith, in the person and work of Jesus, into action to meet the physical needs of the less fortunate, may it speak a powerful apologetic to our unbelieving family, friends, work collegues, and community.
 
Thanks again to all who served on Saturday.
 
For Christ’s Renown,
Hayley