Revd Liz writes about two more of our Mission Partners and how through them, we can support Ukrainian families in Charlton this Christmas

Dear Friends,

Since launching our appeal to support Ukrainian families in Greenwich, we’ve had a wonderful response – thank you so much. There is still an opportunity to take part as we work with justice focused groups, drawing on the kindness and faith of our congregation members to support them in their work.

It’s now almost 9 months since Russian troops invaded Ukraine and since then, 12 million Ukrainians have fled their homes. Some of those have ended up living in Greenwich, which has the 5th highest number of Ukrainians of any local authority in the country. These refugees have suffered the trauma of having to leave their homes and family members behind, of watching their homeland being violated and its people slaughtered. They have had to settle in strange lands and adjust to a whole new life they never wanted, where financial hardship and overcrowded living conditions are very common.

We hope and pray that this war will end soon and that Ukraine will get the help it needs to make the long journey to rebuilding and healing. But soon it’s Christmas. I can’t imagine how hard Christmas will be for Ukrainians living so far from home and separated from loved ones.

Some good news is that we have a chance to put a smile on the faces of some local Ukrainian children and their families this Christmas. Through our links with Ukrainian Support Greenwich and the Big Red Bus Club based in Charlton Park, you can pledge a supermarket gift card for a family. Not only will that make Christmas less of a financial strain, they’ll also know their new Charlton community cares about what they’re going through. Please contact Revd Liz if you can help.

Text 07922587263 or email rector@charlton.church  if you can make a pledge.

Much love, Liz