FROM THE METHODIST MINISTER

Dear Friends,

During the last few weeks a number of things have led me to think about the question of charities and our attitude towards them. In the area in which I live four different charities have had house-to-house collections, all during the same fortnight. At a Hartlip United Christian Fellowship committee meeting we had to spend a fair time deciding which charities ought to benefit from the money raised at last year's meetings.

For some reason the number of charities there are seems to increase in spite of rises in our standard of living. I think that many people feel they cannot refuse when asked to contribute to a cause. At the same time they get rather annoyed recognising that nearly all the collections, etc., are for worthwhile causes.

Perhaps most of us ought to give more careful thought to this matter. Could we not decide for ourselves in a realistic and honest manner just how much we can afford to give during the year to the Church and to charities. I imagine that for most of us, assuming we are reasonably generous and realistic, this would come to several pounds. Then we could decide which particular charities we feel are the most important, and, without waiting to be asked, simply send the money, either in a lump sum or at regular intervals. We could then refuse other appeals with an easy conscience and explain why. Anyway, if most people did this there would be no need for elaborate money raising efforts which tend to be rather tiresome both to collector and donor.

If we feel that it is important to try and help those less fortunate than ourselves, let us do it with the care and efficiency that we bring to other areas of our lives. Not only is it more generous to do so, it is less trouble as well.

Yours sincerely,

David Lapworth.

PARISH NOTES

Farewell

And very best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Garrett, of Orchard Lea, who moved last month to Cooden, Sussex, after eleven years in Hartlip. Mrs. Garrett will be specially remembered for her work in connection with the W.V.S. Clothing Store, which had various locations in the village before final establishment in Sittingbourne. Mr. Garrett's willingness to audit and advise over financial accounts will also be missed.