Many of us like to make a gift in memory of a loved one who has died, either at the time of their death, or an anniversary date, or at a time like All Saints Day or Remembrance Day. It’s a lovely way to honour the memory of a family member or someone who has been a significant influence on our lives.
One way to do that would be to give a memorial gift to the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal. Bishops’ Appeal works in two main ways; issuing emergency grants in the event of a disaster, and also in providing core funding grants to support ongoing work in parts of the world impacted most by climate change and poverty, and where we have the opportunity to support local churches and other trusted partners working on the ground to bring lasting change.
In the last two months (September and October 2023), Bishops’ Appeal has been able to issue emergency grants to support the relief of suffering resulting from the catastrophic floods in Libya, and the earthquake in Morocco, and to a hospital in Gaza dealing with those injured in the violence that erupted so suddenly between Israel and Hamas.
We were only able to respond to each of these emergency situations thanks to those who have given to the funds held by Bishops’ Appeal and sadly we know that it is only a matter of time before there will be another disaster somewhere in the world where people will be left in need of emergency medical help, food, shelter and the basics of life.
If you would like to remember a loved one and know that their legacy is living on by helping people in desperate need please give a donation in their memory through either the Church of Ireland website; https://store.ireland.anglican.org/donations/the-bishops-appeal or Bishops’ Appeal website; https://bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give or send a cheque for Bishops’ Appeal to Church of Ireland House, Church House, Rathmines, Dublin 6. If you are a UK Taxpayer, we can reclaim tax on donations given through Gift Aid, and amounts in excess of €250 can qualify for tax relief as well.
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of these, the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me… Matthew 25:40