The Friends of Sherborne Abbey can claim to be one of the oldest such organisations in the country, having been founded as long ago as 1930 ‘to bind together all those who love Sherborne Abbey in their desire to take part in preserving it for posterity’. Members can be found all over the country, drawn to join by their love of this loveliest of buildings.
For over 75 years, therefore, the Friends have been staunch supporters of every major project for the repair and restoration of the Abbey fabric. In this century alone they have made a major contribution to the appeal to repair and strengthen the tower vault, and restore the Quire. They have paid for roof safety equipment, a fire detection system and the ramping of the main porch for disabled access. They were the principal benefactors of the rebuilding of the main organ, and gave the new John Hayward window in the south aisle to commemorate the visit of HM The Queen and HRH The Prince Philip in 1998.
In short, they are vital to the present and the future of this great House of God, both by their subscriptions and donations, and often by their bequests. I would warmly invite you to become a Friend of Sherborne Abbey, to help take our work and ministry into the fourteenth century of our life as the Mother Church of West Wessex.
For further information contact the Membership Secretary on the link below.
The parish gives away ten percent of its giving and investment income to good causes. These include local organisations or individuals, and Christian organisations working at national or international level. We also respond to specific appeals. Our aim is to work in partnership with organisations both at home and overseas and establish personal links where possible.
FIAC
FIAC members come from all our churches and have a range of backgrounds and experience. We each take responsibility for links with one of our major partners. We are always looking for new members. For further details or enquiries about donations please contact the parish office.
Local charities including the Green Shed, Rendezvous and Future Roots.
In 2019 we raised £6250 for our two charities. This year through our prayers, interest and gifts, we are supporting the work of St Saviour’s Anglican Church Riga, Latvia and the Future Roots and Countrymen’s Club
St Saviours Anglican Church Riga
Background
Our partner church, celebrates 200 years of service to the community, in 2022. It has survived the devastating Soviet occupation, when the church was a student union dance hall. Today, the church also hosts three other, Lutheran congregations.
How is the Church helping?
St Saviours is very inclusive but has faced real struggles with finance even before the pandemic.
Their most important outreach is the weekly soup kitchen, serving between 90 and 150 homeless people. Since the onset of the pandemic, feeding their guests each Saturday has drastically changed. They can no longer use the church undercroft and have had to purchase disposable dishes, etc., virtually doubling costs. They have enough donated soup to last only until March 2021. The soup kitchen gives opportunity to initiate other projects for the homeless such as counselling; spiritual needs; art therapy and more.
What is the impact so far?
How are we going to help?
Our contribution will enable the kitchen to replenish its stocks and provide continuing help through the pandemic
We will contribute also to improving worship at St Saviour’s, helping with lighting and the equipment needed to provide online support to the congregation.
https://www.facebook.com/rigaanglican
(read about their cat too!)
Future Roots
This group provides stability and direction through any tough times for young people and their families. They often arrive with complex lives and poor emotional and mental health.
The experience
Each young person has an individually tailored programme including help and team-working on the farm but also opportunity to better understand themselves and the challenges they face, and also to gain maths, English and vocational qualifications. Within a framework of professional support and respect, they can gain self respect and confidence, believe in their future and lay down strong roots for success.
Impact
An in-depth academic study concluded that Future Roots builds confidence, social, life, and relationship skills. Young people go on to training, and full-time jobs.
Countrymen UK also founded by Julie Plumley, gives men of all ages value and purpose to their day, when dementia or Parkinson’s disease has taken away their independence. Expertly supported they can meet, share and join in farm activities. Their families appreciate the respite too.
As Julie says “ The Club aims to help the men live, not just exist.” It has grown into a countrywide movement.
Research by the University of Essex has shown the great value and impact of outdoor provision and a opportunity for peer socialisation, for this group.
Both organisations have been open throughout the pandemic adapting to support the most vulnerable in our society through phone calls, food, plants, as well as with on site sessions.
How are we going to help?
Our donations will go towards providing the extra staffing and resources needed to ensure safe working throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Please pray for the Church in Riga, for all those who help with their outreach work, and that they will have enough food and resources to help those in such dire need.
Please pray for the staff and clients at Future Roots and the Countrymen’s’ Club at Holnest. Pray for them to stay safe during these times, pray for increased support to survive. Pray for all those young people that they work with that they will benefit from the love and help that they receive.
You can give in THREE different ways. Please make sure we have your name if we can claim gift aid.
1. By cash or cheque in an envelope clearly marked “Lent project”, and post to the Parish Office, Abbey Close, Sherborne, DT9 3LQ. Please include your name in the envelope if you wish us to claim Gift Aid – we can only do that if we hold your enduring Gift Aid Declaration
2. Donation by BACS please use the account details below:
Account Name Sherborne PCC
Sort Code 40-52-40
Account Number 00008483
Please use the reference: your surname followed by LP, e.g. SmithLP
3. Donate directly using a debit or credit card on the Abbey website
Sherborne is one of the beautiful towns in England. With its abundance of mediaeval buildings, superb Abbey, famous schools – both private and state, picturesque Alms House, two Castles, independent shops, supermarkets, Antique dealers, and small hospital with A&E, it has much to offer both visitors and residents.
The Sherborne Branch of Mothers’ Union is in the Diocese of Salisbury and is part of the worldwide organization of which there are over four million members. Mothers’ Union was founded in 1876 and exists to share Christ’s love for the world by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage & family life. Our particular overseas link is with the MU in Ezo, South Sudan. If you are new to the Sherborne area or have not heard about the work of MU please come and see what we are about!
Membership is open to all men and women who have been baptised in the name of the Trinity and who support Mothers’ Union aims and objectives.
For more information contact our secretary.
4th Friday in the month
Griffiths Room, Digby Church Hall, Digby Rd., Sherborne
10am for 10.30am (ends 11.45am)
Thank you for visiting us!
Due to Covid restrictions there will be no meeting of the local MU Branch until further notice.
We help in the community
We help in the Abbey
Our fund raising is by subscriptions, donations and special events.
Why not join MU as it offers you a chance to: