Image via WikipediaSunday 26th June 2011 is a day in the year when the Arthur Rank Centre leads the Christian community in sharing and praying for the people who live, work and worship in the countryside. ARC, the national church’s rural resources centre, is inviting congregations to look out from their own lives and concerns to the bigger issues that surround us in the countryside. It has made special worship materials available on its website to mark the day.
Director of the Centre Revd Dr Gordon Gatward said: ‘We want to encourage Christians to reach out to the wider rural community in prayer and in action on Sunday 26th June, particularly to those who are suffering hardship or distress, and remember that the Arthur Rank Centre is here to help in that task.’
In particular the ARC is concerned for some 900,000 households who are living on or below the poverty threshold in rural England, and those who feel isolated and alone in places where demographic change, the lack of affordable housing and the withdrawal of services are all taking their toll on communities. In farming many are going through difficult times. For some, things are improving but for others problems of increased transport costs, lack of broadband access, lack of finance and the continued scourge of Bovine TB continue to cause hardship and distress. The ARC aims to support and help these people and their families.
Specially written readings and prayers for ARC Sunday, 26th June 2011, can be downloaded from the ARC website now, or please call 02476 853060 for a pack.
CTE News' lead article this month is by Gordon Gatwood, who reviews changes in rural communities on the tenth anniversary since Foot and Mouth.
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