Christian Blind Mission 

For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. We work with local partners, making sure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and a future where they can thrive.

CBM was founded in 1908 by German Pastor Ernst Christoffel and it has been transforming the lives of people ever since. It was travelling through Turkey and seeing children who could not see, walk or hear that made him want to do something about it and so CBM was formed. A home was set up in Malatia Turkey to provide care and education for children with disabilities.

Over the years the work has expanded into Africa and Asia where CBM strives for justice for all people with disabilities. The charity is rooted in Christian values – no matter where they live in the world – all people with disabilities should have access to healthcare, education and the opportunity to earn a living. Like Chandrakala 32, who wanted to be a beautician but because of her disability she could not get the training. Now with the help of local partners DECN futuremakers have given her the chance. Now Chandrakala has her own business and with their help she was able to fulfil her dreams.

For further details or to make a donate visit CBM or leave a cheque payable to ‘Hornchurch PCC’ at the parish office and we will collate and donate the monies to the charity on your behalf after the two months have passed.

Arlene Trump

This is a new Parish sewing group based on the Bible Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 v36 Dorcas (also known as Tabitha). They initiated the Easter Eco bunting and will be helping with this project. Further details can be found at Parish Dorcas Society

The current project can be found on our creative Dorcas page

The Course in Christian Studies is a two year course exploring the Christian Faith, delivered weekly in local centres around the diocese and online

Since 1987, more than 3,000 people have taken the Chelmsford Diocese Course in Christian Studies (CCS) and a refreshed course will be starting in January 2024.

The course takes place in a variety of locations across our diocese and consists of two years of study. The first is a foundational year in theology and the second a foundational year in ministry.

This approach gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of vocations and ministries within the church. Completion of the course leads to the Bishop’s Certificate.

There are two ways you can take part in the CCS: in local face to face groups and via the Zoom platform with weekly online meetings.

The groups are led by ordained and lay tutors and include people from all church traditions. The group learns from the tutors, the Bible, the reading material provided, and from each other.

To find out more about CCS, including locations of your nearest group and how to enrol for 2024 scan the QR code or visit our webpage www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ccs.

St Andrew’s Church was awarded the Silver Eco Church Award Certificate on 31st January 2023. We continue to strive to protect God’s creation in all that we do.

An Accessible All-Age Church Service

Fun, Worship and Singing, Fellowship and Cake

It will run every 3rd Sunday of the Month 3pm at St Matthew’s Church, Chelmsford Drive, Upminster RM14 2PH

All welcome

Supporting the people of Ukraine has been on many of our hearts and minds over the past weeks.

Bishop Guli wrote an article for the Essex Chronicle last week, and in it, she says:

It’s easy to feel helpless when we are so far away, but we can make a difference. In the United Kingdom we often take our freedom to speak out for granted, but we can make the most of that freedom now by keeping pressure on our Government to help Ukrainian refugees; by writing to our Members of Parliament, local newspapers and using our voices on social media.

We can also support the people of Ukraine through one of the many organisations accepting financial donations. Among them are:

• The Diocese in Europe and USPG: this is a joint appeal to provide humanitarian support in Ukraine and for refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries.
• The DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee): brings together leading charities and are providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, for refugees.

You can read more about these appeals and find out more about their work by clicking the links above.

As we hear more about our government’s plans for the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ sponsorship scheme, the Sanctuary Foundation is also inviting pledges of different kinds of support which will help to assist and accelerate the government response.

Of course, we also continue to hold the people of Ukraine and Russia in prayer.

God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion
to guide their actions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.