The picture shows the mini zone with the collection to date!! This has been the "be nice in November challenge". The children are sending the pencil cases to help support the work of Empower a Child, based in Kampala, Uganda.

The children chose this worthy cause as one of our own former members, Laura Maxwell, daughter of Marie, our junior choir leader, has given of her time to work in Uganda as a curriculum development officer. Laura, a teacher who had previously been working in Germany, grew up in St Mary's and took part in the life of the Junior Church. As well as teaching in Uganda, she is also enjoying being part of the community and involved in the children's ministry.

A big thank you to all who have supported our challenge. To date we have over 180 pencil cases!, a superb achievement.