As we move towards Advent I know that many PCCs will already be planning for Lent and so I wanted to update you on the work of the Bishop of London’s Mission Fund (BLMF) and the Lent Appeal.
Over the past ten years the BLMF has granted over £3 million in funding to a broad range of over 150 projects across London. It has supported much imaginative work across the Diocese helping our parishes to flourish and to make a real difference within some of the most deprived communities in our city. As they share the love of Christ in practical ways, often filling the gaps left by retreating council and government agencies, so they are also able to share the Gospel and bring new hope and peace in Jesus Christ.
The BLMF board has been considering how best to focus its activities within Capital Vision 2020. As a result of these discussions and after consulting with the Senior Staff, the Fund will now concentrate on supporting Youth, Children and Family projects across the Diocese. Concentrating on these vital areas will allow parishes to access funds more easily with more central support and coordination. Our vision is to fund an additional 20 youth, children and family workers to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to serve their communities.
This supports one of our key Capital Vision 2020 goals: to double the number of young people involved in the local Christian community. By God’s grace and with your help we will invest at least £1 million over the next three years in order to realise this goal.
We are still preparing the publicity material for this appeal and as soon as this is finalised Ben Alonso, who is looking after this at Diocesan House, will be in touch.
I have long been concerned that so many of our children and young people lack basic Christian teaching and I hope that you will support next year’s Lent Appeal to inspire a new generation to follow Christ.