PARISH  MISSIONS

Monies for mission-giving come from any surpluses on the Stewardship Account and the Rainbow Bookshop, as well as from individual donations.  The Parochial Church Council decides each year which missions and charities to support using this money.  In the past they have ranged from the HIV project in Lusaka, Zambia; the Diocese of Lebombo in Mozambique; the USPG; the Additional Curates' Society; the Children's Society; and St Luke's Hospital for Clergy. 

Last year the PCC has decided to continue to sponsor the USPG and the work of Peter and Susan Rivett in Mapanza, Zambia.  Mapanza is one of the oldest mission stations in the Diocese of Lusaka, and is situated half-way between Lusaka and Livingstone (the home of the Victoria Falls) and the journey there from Lusaka takes about five hours by car.  An appeal last year to provide mattresses for the schoolchildren in Mapanza raised in excess of £1,250.

The District Church Councils specify the local charities and missions to support from this allocation.  The local projects that have been supported in the past include: Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, Koalas, Kings Court Care Home; Swindon & District Talking Newspaper; Swindon Life Group; Swindon Christmas Care, and the Swindon Food Bank.  

The District Church Councils directly support other mission giving through collections at Carol Services and Harvest.