Social Justice Group
This is a new group that has started meeting once a month after the evening service on a Sunday, 7:30pm
Last night, 16th November, we talked about Christmas and how we can do things differently to avoid the commercialism of the season. Here are some of our ideas:
Presents
How about only buying FairTrade items? For example, Traid Craft
There is a great, local FairTrade shop in Broomhill, S10, called Fairgrounds.
You can buy 'alternative gifts' from many places now, that send a card describing the gift to your recipient, and pay for a practical gift to those in need, for example a cow, a school uniform, medical assitance etc. World Vision has a catalogue full of ideas so you can select something of interest for your personal recipient, such as a bike for a keen cycling fan.
This blog, Nourishing Minimalism, has a whole list of ideas for 'non-toy' gifts that work for children and adults alike, to avoid adding to the clutter of gifts for the sake of gifts: Non-toy gifts
Food and Drink
Again, go for FairTrade where possible! Can you buy local? Eg. turkeys from a local farm, vegetables from your neighbour's allotment?
Do you actually need to buy enough food for 20 people, if there are only 6 of you for Christmas dinner?
The Christmas Spirit
What can you do to include people who may be lonely this Christmas? Can you invite someone to share the day with you/your family? Can you volunteer at a local Christmas meal? Even if you have plans with your family for Christmas Day itself, can you put on a 'do' for your colleagues or neighbours another time in December? Willl you join in with the community activities that are happening in your area?
In Wisewood, we have a Community Tree Lighting and Carols event on Sunday 7th December - click here for more!
We also looked at two prayers that Sheffield Cathedral have publicised on the theme of Justice:
A Prayer for Justice by the World Council of Churches:
O God,
to those who have hunger, give bread
and to us who have bread,
give the hunger for justice.
A Prayer of St Augustine
Watch, dear Lord,
with those who cannot sleep and those who weep this night.
Tend the sick, give rest to the weary,
and bless the dying.
Relieve those who are suffering,
have pity on those in great distress,
and shield those who are happy. Amen.