BISHOP’S LENT APPEAL 2011

For the Bishop's Lent Appeal 2011, parishes are invited to support the Bible Society.

The China Project

Parishes have all been sent an information pack detailing the Bible Society's China Project. The China Project provides several million Bibles a year to Chinese Christians, many of them new to the faith, at affordable prices. It is approved by the state of China and the China Christian Council. The ability to own a Bible is not only a transforming experience for Christians: it also gives them a tool for evangelism. On the DVD in the information pack one woman speaks of her happiness at being able to afford Bibles to give as gifts to friends who visit her home.

Also in the pack is a postcard which sets out the costs involved in producing a Bible. £360 will purchase a roll of paper sufficient to print 600 Bibles. £30 will buy 50 Bibles. 60p will cover the cost of the paper used for a single edition. Each Bible costs £5 to produce as a bound book. The quality of the finished article, printed on fine paper and in a simulated leather binding, is impressive and reinforces the significance of what is being given.

Bishop Stephen says "The Bible Society and its affiliates are an enormous organisation, extending across the world, and best known for offering the Bible to people who might never otherwise have the opportunity to read it in their own language. Their work is a particularly appropriate focus for giving in the year when we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible and its enormous influence on the English-speaking world. I think you will agree that the figures bring the project within the reach of every member of the Diocese, including the children in our churches and Church Schools. This Appeal is an opportunity to encourage new and actively growing Chinese Christian congregations in their discovery of Scripture, and I urge you to support it generously. "

Bishop David's Bible Challenge

Bishop David is also challenging us to Read The Bible in 40 Days this Lent. Read more at his Round the World Blog. There will be a launch event on Ash Wednesday when Bishop David will be giving out Bibles on the streets of Ely.

How to donate

If you, your church or group would like to give to the Bishop's Lent appeal you may do so by sending a cheque, made payable to 'Ely Diocesan Board of Finance' to the Bishop's Lent Appeal, Accounts Department, Bishop Woodford House, Barton Road, Ely CB7 4DX. If you are a UK Tax Payer please click here to download a Gift Aid form which allows the Appeal to reclaim the tax on your donations from the Government.

Useful Lent Links

• Diocese of Ely's Bishop Appeal 2011 for The Bible Society
• Bishop David's Round the World Blog and Lent Bible Challenge
• Gift Aid form for UK Tax Payers
• The Bible Society
• The Bible Society's booklet about their work in China
• February 2011 message from The Bible Society's about their work in China
• March 2011 message from The Bible Society's about their work in China
• May 2011 message from The Bible Society's about their work in China
• July 2011 message from The Bible Society's about their work in China
• The Bible Society's booklet about their work in China
• Christian Aid - Count Your Blessings resources
• Bishop David's Twitter
• Lent Evensongs in St Neots Deanery
• Lent Talks in Shingay Deanery