Most of you will know that for nearly three years we have been supporting the work of a USPG Mission Partner, Fr Nicholas Wheeler in the deprived community of Cidade de Deus (City of God), Rio de Janeiro. In addition to our support for his ministry, I’m delighted to say that the sale of some of our Stations of the Cross has raised a tremendous £1000 to go towards the work of his church. Interestingly, this is taking on an artistic flavour too! Last year, Fr Nicholas made contact with the American community artist Joel Bergner thanks to an email address he had daubed at the foot of a mural he painted on a wall in the City of God. Now he is bringing Joel to Cidade de Deus in the autumn to lead art workshops with young people and paint a series of murals with biblical themes on the boundary walls of his church. Based in Washington DC, Joel has worked with foster youth, the homeless, the mentally ill, refugees, immigrants and spent years counselling marginalized youngsters who were struggling with violence, abuse, prostitution, drugs, and severe mental health issues. To what better project could some of our money be donated?
Fr Nicholas last visited us to preach at my first celebration of the Eucharist. So we’re delighted that he’s coming back to preach at Choral Evensong, 6pm on 13 June. His visit coincides with the day on which our junior choir are accompanying the adult choir at this service. So please make a point of coming along, both to support our young people and also to hear more about the incredible work that we are supporting through this Mission Partner.