GadgetVicar

Terri Gets Baptised

What was it Jack used to say about the needy?

Is it just us, or has there been a general upsurge in beggars visiting churches lately, especially from other countries? In the last two weeks, we've had (among others) someone from the Congo and a family from Spain looking for help. They all have stories to tell, and I have to do the usual "wanting to be generous, but having to be careful" routine. The Spanish gentleman was particularly unrelenting in his requests, and very good at upping them once one request had been met. If you don't ask, you don't get and all that, but haggling is very exhausting.

I visited the anti-greed camp in Kelvingrove Park yesterday, and offered the use of our shower at the church. They plan to stay into the New Year, but I can't help but feel that the new site is now so tucked out of the way, they might as well set up in someone's back garden. They'd accept a donation of a pot of soup or two.

Wee reminders close to home, of the economic difficulties already here and signs of what might be to come in terms of need and protest?