Christian Aid Report

The first thing we want to say is a very big 'thank you' to all our supporters for your work for Christian Aid during 2005. Whatever you have done to support Christian Aid whether by organising, supporting, direct giving, collecting, baking, waitressing, encouraging, inspiring, enabling or praying for others, you have made a significant contribution which has been important and is appreciated. As a result of your efforts £10,200 has been sent from Carluke to Christian Aid H.Q. - a record breaking sum of money raised during Christian Aid Week 2005 and also from the proceeds of a number of other fund-raising events held throughout the year.

As one year draws to a close, it heralds the start of another fund-raising year in the Christian Aid calendar. Just a few weeks ago St Andrew's church hall was filled to capacity for the demonstration and presentation of A Fragrant Christmas by Alticane Apothecary. Christmas music, mulled wine and shortbread added to the festive evening which raised the sum of £506, giving a great kick-start to our fund-raising for the coming year.

The next event will be the festival of Christmas Praise on Sunday 18th December at 7:00 pm in Kirkton Church, Station Road. This year the Youth Section of the Primrose Flute Band will provide the musical accompaniment for the carols as well as performing several musical items. Some young people from S.H.I.N.E. will make a welcome return to take part in the programme. Please bring the family along to this musical extravaganza of Christmas praise. And of course there will be a collection for Christian Aid!

This year's Christmas Appeal is Child of Africa, which focuses on Angola, where Christmas Day will have a special poignancy. It marks the anniversary of the first major military attack by UNITA, one of the factions in the civil war that beset the African nation for thirty years.

Three years after an historic peace agreement, families in Angola are now free to travel to each other's homes to celebrate Christmas Day together. The day will provide relief from trying to rebuild lives after a war that destroyed much of the city's infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

Looking further ahead into 2006, Christian Aid committee members from all the churches in the town will be staffing the check-outs at Somerfield on the last Saturday in February, grocery packing and raising more funds for Christian Aid.

And finally one other date for your diary! Christian Aid Week 2006 will run from 14th May to 20th May