Stuart Lingard

All the trustees and advisers at MAC are Christians from various churches in and around Cambridge. As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ came into the world to give us freedom and that includes freedom from the worry of debt.
We give free confidential advice about dealing with your debts regardless of gender, colour, nationality, religion or sexual orientation. The quality of advice we give will not be affected by whether we are asked to discuss our faith or not.
We started in 2005, operating out of our office at Barnwell Baptist Church, after training with our umbrella organisation, CMA. Our aim is to see people get out and stay out of debt, and to that end there is no limit to the length of time clients stay on our 'books'.
There is a part-time paid member of the office staff; the rest, including the advisers, are volunteers, giving varying amounts of time and representing about 12 churches from a range of denominations.
We have close links with many other organisations in the City, including Housing Support, Cambridge CAB, Abbey School and CCVS. We are also involved in offering budgeting advice and have, in conjunction with Cambridge CAB, trained staff at Cambridge Regional College to deliver financial literacy programmes to students.
As we rely on donations and grants, we are looking for individuals and groups who may be able to help with our running costs, some examples of which are listed here:
Could you give us a single donation on the 8th August, or maybe make a regular contribution to our work?
We are also looking for individuals who would be willing to come and help in our increasingly busy office. Due to the nature of our work, we have a lot of phone calls to make, post to open and letters to write. If you think you would be able to help us in this area, or in some other way, please contact the office.
If you would like to know more about MAC, have a word with Shev Sen who is promoting it as August’s Charity of the Month.

         Item          Approx monthly cost
Stamps                     £35
Stationery                 £45
Insurance                 £50
Phone Calls               £55

Wallace Cancer Care serves all those living with cancer, men and women, old and young, patients or carers.
The diagnosis of cancer is a shocking event in anyone's life, and this, combined with treatment that can be invasive, intensive and challenging, places a huge burden on patients and their families. They often feel overwhelmed by huge amounts of frequently conflicting information, from healthcare providers, well meaning friends and family and the internet and other forms of media. The overwhelming need at this time is for accurate, reliable and evidence-based information, in order to make wise treatment choices, to develop and maintain the best possible physical and mental state while undergoing treatment, to choose beneficial forms of support, and to live positively during treatment and beyond.
Wallace Cancer Care aims to meet these needs by providing a Drop-in Centre in the main concourse of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, staffed by oncology nurses and volunteers, and an extensive programme of practical, psychological and emotional support and information delivered in a peaceful, calm atmosphere at premises nearby in Red Cross Lane. Here patients and their carers benefit from guidance about diet, exercise, and stress reduction, and learn techniques and experience complementary therapies that can have a tremendously valuable impact on their quality of life.
Wallace Cancer Care services are available free to all those affected by this disease including those with cancer, their families, close friends and carers.
Please give generously on the 11th July to support this valuable work.

Margaret Herbertson

Barnabas Fund - Charity of the Month




The Bishop's Lent Appeal

                   

The Charity of the Month for March was The Bishop’s Lent Appeal in aid of two charities, the Christian Blind Mission and Street Child World Cup and I am grateful to all those who supported the Appeal. To date, St Mark’s members have raised over £700 (including £84 from the tax reclaimed). I am expecting further donations over the next few weeks – don’t forget it’s never too late to donate!
This is much appreciated, with many thanks,

Stephen Coates

Collection for the Umoja Centre
 

The collection on the 20th September raised nearly £590.
Thank you to all those who contributed so generously.



Collection for Disability Cambridgeshire


The collection in August for Disability Cambridgeshire raised £348.
Thank you for your generous donations.

Collection for the Church Urban Fund


The collection in July for the Church Urban Fund raised £330.
Many thanks to all those who donated so generously.