Easter Offering Service 2025

Easter Offering Service 2025

The Easter Offering Service was held on Sunday 11th May 2025 at SMC. There was a well-attended tea beforehand serving sandwiches and cakes.

The service continued despite there being a power cut in Sprotbrough. Friends from all over the Circuit attended. The service was led by Jane Bingham. Readings, prayers and life stories from the Education for All – Hope for All Easter Offering service book were given by members of the Doncaster MWiB including representatives from Thorne and SMC.

The address was delivered by guest preacher, Rev'd Dr. Andrew Ashdown, who serves as the Partnership Coordinator for Africa (Methodist Church in Britain). Rev. Ashdown, an Anglican Priest working for the Methodist Church, commenced his address by commending the efforts undertaken by the Methodist Church across Africa. The support provided by the World Mission Fund throughout Africa is enabling individuals – both children and adults – to receive education. This assistance facilitates the learning of trades, the establishment of businesses and the acquisition of funds to benefit their communities.

The presence of the Methodist Church extends to even the most remote areas of Africa, in addition to the bustling towns and cities. Climate change is having a significant impact on African countries, making it essential to educate both children and adults on how to adapt to these changes to prevent losses of crops, livestock, food, and lives during alternating periods of drought and floods.
The Methodist World Mission Fund has successfully provided funding in Zimbabwe for a farm expert who has established a farm near two schools. This farm now cultivates 5,000 tomato plants, raises 5,000 chickens, and maintains 90-100 pigs. Some of the produce is sold to local hotels, generating additional income for the community.

In Zimbabwe, grants have facilitated the transformation of a run-down youth centre into a factory for producing school uniforms. This initiative provides affordable uniforms for children whose parents are unable to afford them at regular prices. Reverend Ashdown highlighted that children without uniforms are not permitted to attend school. Consequently, this project not only enables more children to receive an education but also generates income for the church.

Rev. Ashdown provided numerous compelling examples of how the Methodist Church and the World Mission Fund are supporting local initiatives. He stated, "It is not solely about what we can do, but also about what we receive – a greater level of faith, perseverance, and commitment." The Methodist Church Partnership operates globally to promote Methodist principles, including service and commitment, love and respect for all individuals, particularly those who are marginalized.
Even without electricity to power the piano, lighting and microphones – it was a truly uplifting service.

Great thanks to Sprotbrough Methodist Church for hosting the afternoon tea and service.

Please click the link to read Blogs by Rev Dr Andrew Ashdown about his work across 21 countries in Africa under his wing.
https://worldchurchrelationships.wordpress.com/