Our Charity this Quarter

Community of the Sisters of the Church (Bristol).
As part of their missional activity, St Andrew’s Church members support a different local or international charity each quarter. From October to December 2024, that charity is The Sisters of the Church in Bristol, who have a wonderful ministry in the city. 
In the early 1990's four Sisters from the Community moved to Ashley Road and they have had a presence there ever since. As part of their lives of prayer and active service, the Sisters began giving out small food parcels to about 12 people a week - this has now grown to 250-300 a week. Callers come to the house for food and companionship and the Loaves and Fishes Ministry has become their main focus.
Poverty in the UK is a disturbing reality they see every day. In the Gospel of John 6:1-14 Jesus took a boy's offering of 'five small barley loaves and two small fish' and fed the five thousand. Together with wonderful volunteers, the Sisters are the channels of countless people's kind and generous donations which is why they have named the ministry 'The Five Loaves and Two Fishes Project'.
Food parcels are offered to anyone who calls asking for one. No one is judged, and no questions are asked except their name. Anyone and everyone is welcome, with no justification needed. The only restriction is that one parcel is given per person, per week. When possible, sandwiches and drinks are also offered, alongside help with form filling and phone calls. The sisters are also trying to help those in fuel poverty by offering a top up once a month, a lifeline for those in desperate need. 
Short breaks for families, children’s days out and pastoral care are all part of the Sisters’ ministry. Prayer is also a vital part of their ministry and is offered to anyone who asks. 
The Sisters’ Christmas Appeal letter will be available shortly and will be posted on the St Andrew’s website. If you would like to respond, please take your gifts to   St Andrew’s or call the Benefice office to arrange collection. This year, all of the Harvest gifts from St Andrew’s will be donated to the Sisters.