Philip featured at the feeding of the five thousand when Jesus asked him "how will we feed all these folk?" Philip of course responded by telling Jesus that it would cost an arm and leg! John's account uses the material to point to greater things. The feeding of hungry people leads into the account of Jesus describing himself as 'the Bread of Life.' This then is our calling: to be involved in feeding people physically in the hope that through it their spiritual needs will also be met.
We have, over the years, been involved in feeding folk through the ministry of the Northbourne Centre and Deacon Robin. But the Centre had to close when the Northbourne Flats were demolished.
St Philip's is taking up the challenge of of supporting the work of St John's Care, based in the neighbouring parish of Reid.
Financial hardship can strike anyone—an unexpected crisis, the loss of a a job, health problems, family breakdown and other reasons. St John's care provides emergency assistance of food, fresh fruit and vegetables. It also provides clothing, prescription-filling, bus fares, blankets and a limited amount of financial help to meet the basic requirements of people in need. Nearly all clients cannot afford to put food on the table regularly. St John's Care also offers many other kinds of help.
While you are doing your weekly shop consider an extra purchase or two place it in the donations basket at St Philip's; there will be a weekly delivery to St John's.
Essential items include: Cereal Non-essential but most welcome items include: Washing up liquid |
St John's workers. |
For further information about St John's Care and how to donate directly, please visit St John's Care