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FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 24 Feb – 8 March
Once again Fairtrade Fortnight is on its way, and this year the focus is on cocoa farmers. This means that we cannot merely talk about Fairtrade, but must also promote and eat more Fairtrade chocolate. What could be better? On the other hand…
Fairtrade: Have you heard that word spoken so often that you no longer stop to think about what it means and why it is important? Is there so much going on in the world that compassion fatigue has set in and you can’t face thinking about the needs of other people?
At the beginning of the New Year, a new decade, how do we motivate ourselves to get involved in the needs of the world again?
It’s simple: remember what the Bible says about taking care of the poor and needy:
“The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty” (James 5:4)
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31: 8–9)
This year, Fairtrade Fortnight is focussing on the challenges being faced by cocoa producers. They are dealing with the extreme impacts of climate change, drought, floods, seasonal changes, and an increase in pests and diseases, affecting both their food crops and cocoa bean production.
In addition, the low and unpredictable market price they receive for their crops means they often cannot meet their basic needs. The struggle to survive is unprecedented. Many young people cannot see a future in cocoa farming and are choosing not to go into the industry; today the average age of a cocoa farmer is over 50. Female cocoa farmers face a worse situation. They are often overlooked and under-represented, and usually see even less income than equivalent households headed by men.
GET INVOLVED THIS FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT
Brothers and Sisters – let’s light a candle in the darkness of unjust and unfair trade.
Limitless Festival
Several Churches are planning on attending the Limitless Festival (Friday 7- Tuesday 11th August) this summer. If your young people would like to go to Limitless, if there is enough interest Youth for Christ will organise a coach and catering as they did for Soul Survivor. Please contact them if you would like to get a group together from your church to join in building relationships, meeting with God and growing in relationship with Him. info@tunbridgewells.yfc.co.uk
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Volunteer Meet and Greet Evening Receptionist Opportunity
Relate are looking for evening meet and greet volunteer receptionists to welcome clients and support our counsellors in our Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks centres.
Please email jennie.worthley@relate.org.uk to express an interest or for more information.
And this from Crossways...
‘Our social enterprise recycling furniture is proving quite successful and is growing, and we find ourselves in need of a volunteer who can drive and would be able to collect and deliver items to the local area. It could be ad hoc or on a particular day a week, so there is flexibility around when someone is available. If you can help, please contact julia.kirk@crosswayscommunity.org.uk’.
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Future Dates
Tuesday 7 April: The Centurion Play at TW Baptist Church; 8-9.30pm. Tickets are £5 per person or £15 for a family. To book tickets go to https://www.twbc.org.uk/home/events/ or ring 01892-541118.
Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 April – Easter Labyrinth at Church of Christ, Commercial Road. Times will be in next month’s newsletter.
Good Friday 10 April: Good Friday Witness in the precinct by the Millennium Clock; 11.30-11.45am.
Tuesday 14–Thursday 16 April: The NOISE, the young people’s social action project, organised by Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ; an opportunity for secondary school age young people to join together to serve their town whilst having a great time of fun and friendship. Please contact Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ for details on how to sign up. info@tunbridgewells.yfc.co.uk
Friday 17 April: The Noise UNITE Celebration at Tunbridge Wells Christian Fellowship; 7-9pm.
Saturday 23–Sunday 24 May – Big Church Day Out, Wiston Manor in West Sussex. Go for a day or the whole weekend – Christian Music Festival with Youth stream included. For more information visit www.bigchurchdayout.com/
Saturday 6 June: Inter-Church Quiz Night in aid of Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ. The event is from 7-10pm and will be held at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT and will include a cash bar. Tickets are £5 per person and you are invited to bring your own nibbles. To purchase tickets go to info@tunbridgewells.yfc.co.uk
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July - Miles from Home. Start training for a Marathon sponsored walk! Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ are walking the circular Tunbridge Wells Path to raise funds for our ministry. Please sponsor us or, better still, join us and be sponsored! Options to walk the whole route in a day, or over the weekend, or smaller sections. Please contact info@tunbridgewells.yfc.uk
Friday 7- Tuesday 11th August – Limitless Festival - If your young people would like to go to Limitless, if there is enough interest we at Youth for Christ are happy to organise a coach and catering as we did for Soul Survivor . Please contact us if you would like to get a group together from your church to join in building relationships, meeting with God and growing in relationship with Him. info@tunbridgewells.yfc.co.uk
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