Gifts for Christmas with Christian Aid

Roughly this time last year we posted up a link to the Christian Aid gift catalogue, prompting people to buy presents and help improve lives at the same time.

This year we are continuing with that idea, so here is our second link to the online Christian Aid Christmas Selection 2006 - the first was posted up back in August! - and here's hoping you are all able to choose some gift from their catalogue, however small, knowing that each sale will help the charity.

The sort of gifts you can expect to find in their selection this year are varied, including wines from around the world, giftwrap, Christian-themed cards and calendars, foodstuffs, Traidcraft coffee and biscuits, and some charming ornaments, many of them handcrafted, such as a tiny Copper Church from Peru and a Balinese Batik container in split bamboo.

Please watch this space for details of the forthcoming Carol Service at St. Mark's.

Merry Christmas!

Reading the Bible Every Day

365 Ways to Make a Difference: Daily Bible Readings

A new book available from Christian Aid draws on the true stories of people working with and touched by Christian Aid's partner organistions. It challenges readers to connect their personal faith to what is happening around the world today. This specially commissioned book offers a Bible reading for every day of the year, with reflection, a prayer and even a suggestion for practical action.

Priced at £14.99, this fascinating book is available from the Christian Aid catalogue and website. Visit www.traidcraftshop.co.uk for details of how to buy this and other Christian products. Christian Aid says all profits go back into funding development projects around the world.

Reading the Bible daily has long been part of Christian discipline and faith. This can be done without any need for 'explanatory notes' or other accompanying material, but some people do find it helpful to have their reading structured.