Food Bank

I'm from a family of five girls and when we were young, we lived in a small back to back house in South Leeds. It had a scullery kitchen and just the one living room. Upstairs were two bedrooms and an attic. I must have been about five or six when a bathroom was installed in the small bedroom, which meant that we no longer had to go outside to go to the loo! When the bathroom was installed, the small attic also had a bit of a renovation and a double dormer was added. Being part of a large family in a small house meant that as well as always having to share a bedroom, there was never anywhere quiet! I look back on those days and wonder how my parents coped...but they did! 

There is nothing unique in my story. Families live in small houses and they cope well... they always have and they always will! I'm not sure that I would cope so well in a small house with a large family in the present times. It wouldn't be the sharing of a bedroom or the yearning for a bit of quiet...it would be the schoolwork! I take my hat off to all the parents and carers who are 'home-schooling' children during these difficult times. Just imagine having a large family, all different ages, at different stages of learning and having completely different lesson plans to prepar! I especially feel for all those who are in high school, where the work is more complicated and where it is more difficult to support them.  Looking back on my childhood, I'm not sure that we even had enough room to sit us all down at a table to do schoolwork...and what about P.E and other subjects?

We keep harping on about the benefits of modern technology. Yes, it is great a great help but what about all those families who can't afford such luxuries? Even doing without school dinners is taking its toll! Over the next few days, in the church porches at Settle and Giggleswick churches, a large box will be put in place. This is an attempt at a small, informal way of offering a food bank. The idea is that the box will be used to donate food or take food, depending on need. So, if you are out for your daily exercise and passing by, why not either take a tin of something with you to donate, or take a small bag to take something home for tea?

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, 

to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

Everyone was filled with awe at the many 

wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 

All the believers were together and had everything in common. 

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."

Acts 2:42-end