What is the SVP
The SVP began in Paris through a young French student during the troubled times of the 1830’s to help alleviate poverty. The Society is now an international organisation involved in 132 countries. Here in England and Wales there are over a million members. They are working to combat a different poverty from the France of the 1830’s.
Here, they help the homeless providing day centres, hostels. They provide holidays for the needy and children’s camps. They have Charity shops and furniture stores, which help to provide employment. Computer Literacy Training and Development courses are also being run. We also undertake domestic visits and offer practical help to families. The SVP is working with other agencies supporting addiction problems and HIV/AIDS.
Other activities include visiting people with mental and physical disabilities, offender care in the form of visiting prisoners, young offenders, detained asylum seekers/refugees, hospital/hospice visits. We visit the elderly and the housebound, taking them to Mass or taking Communion to them and take them to day centres and also on outings.
The main object of the Society is to help others and allow them to retain their pride and dignity. If you wish to know more of what we do contact Peter on 01405 813988
Young people may like to visit www.youthsvp.org.uk
Social Committee
The social activities in the Parish seem to be thriving. The last function our Pie and Pea supper was very well attended and we were even able to supply vegetarian pies for anyone who preferred these. If the popularity of our functions continues to increase we will soon need a bigger hall!! By the time you read this we will have had our annual bazaar and hopefully this will be successful and raise a substantial amount for the Parish funds. Our December social event will be a Mince Pie and Sherry evening on the 14th. The Committee would like to thank everyone who has supported any of our social occasions and we hope our social diary next year will be as entertaining.
Maintenance Committee
We are delighted to report how well the members of this committee have been working together. A lot of work has been done in the porch to make it brighter and more welcoming to any visitors we may have, and ourselves. The Parish banner has been hung in the porch to remind us of our Millennium Rejoice celebrations with the Bishop and all the Diocesan parishes.
Much clearing out has taken place in the house and several rooms have been decorated. Bedding and curtains have been laundered. The garage roof has been completely renewed. Eight new uPVC windows are being fitted to the rear and side of the house, together with new back and front doors. As I write this note a new bathroom suite is being fitted.
The Ten Commandments for reducing Stress
1. Thou shalt NOT be perfect nor even try to be.
2. Thou shalt NOT try to be all things to all peopie.
3. Thou shalt leave things undone that ought to be done.
4. Thou shalt NOT spread thyself too thinly.
5. Thou shalt learn to say “NO”.
6. Thou shalt schedule time for thyself and thy supportive network.
7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly.
8. Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive at times.
9. Thou shalt NOT even feel guilty.
10 Especially, thou shalt NOT be thine own worst enemy, but be thy best friend.
Advance Notices
Loaded cards will be on the table in the porch next Sunday. We raised £98 for the Cafod Harvest collection. Can we send 98 cards do you think?
There is a Fair trade video we can watch and discuss. Is anyone interested in fixing a date to see this?
Following on from the Confirmation classes — Kate has offered to have a monthly meeting for the young people — not restricted to the newly confirmed — for discussions and activities. A date will be announced in January.
In the New Year we hope to invite speakers to extend our understanding of the topics discussed in the “Nurturing Wholeness” conference last August. Watch the notice board.
Jokes
What does a Snowman eat for Breakfast?
Snow Flakes.
Where do Snowmen go to dance?
Snowballs!
Why doesn’t the Abominable Snowman eat Penguins?
Because he can’t get the silver paper off
