With the Bishops’ Lent Appeal well underway, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have donated to the cause so far.
From Lenten lunches and coffee mornings, to offertory collections and filling empty Smartie tubes with coins, our worshipping communities have embraced this year’s charity, The Leprosy Mission, with open hearts and generosity.
At St Martins House, we have an eclectic mix of books on Christian spirituality and mission, available for a suggested donation of £1 per book towards the cause.
Anyone who would like to arrange to look at them, please contact Lynn.Gerighty@LeicesterCofE.org
Bishop Saju recently visited the village of Burton Lazars and the site of what was an historic administrative centre for the care of leprosy across the nation. While there, he stopped by St James’ Church, to film the Lent Appeal video and learn more about the history of the village and church - which is home to ‘Roger’, a medieval carved stone leper head and one of just a few preserved relics from the time.
Pictured here are Jenny Pengelly and Julia Hinde, alongside Bishop Saju and ‘Roger’.
The church donated £250 to The Leprosy Mission through the Appeal.
“We were delighted to host Bishop Saju,” said Julia, going on to explain why the Appeal was launched in St James’ Church in rural Leicestershire. “We are a church with a long history located on the original route from London to the North where the Knights of St Lazarus once had one of their administration headquarters during the time of the Crusades.
“We also had a healing spring in the village, and there is evidence that people with leprosy in the nearby villages of Tilton and Wymondham came to the church. The site remains, in a field located behind the village hall, and frequently receives visitors.”
Talking about The Leprosy Mission and the Appeal, Julie added: “Please give generously to this important charity and its work in Sri Lanka, making a difference to those suffering from and affected by this disease.
“And why not visit us one day in Burton Lazars to discover more about our story. We have a service every week and visitors are always welcome. Find us at meltonteamparish.org.uk”
You can find full details about the Appeal, including helpful resources and ways to donate, here.