We are delighted to share our 2021 appeal with you.
So much has been achieved in the last year thanks to the generous support and prayers of our donors and friends.
On this page you will find information about our 2021 appeal, updates from our ministries and stories of our work.
We very much hope you will prayerfully consider giving what you can to support our ministry. Should you decide to give, the most cost-effective way to do so is to donate online, but there are many other ways to give too.
We also have free copies of our 2021 appeal postcard available, which we hope will encourage those you know of to hold on to the living hope of the gospel.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
1 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV)
Giving thanks
It has been a privilege to see God at work in so many ways in the last year through BRF. As we have sought to reimagine our ministry, I have marvelled at the remarkable creativity shown by so many of those involved that has made this possible.
Across BRF, in Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith, we have seen huge encouragements and growing interest in what we offer.
Richard Fisher, Chief Executive
While Anna Chaplains were not able to visit care homes for some time, many found other ways to keep in touch and support both carers and those they care for.
Interest in Anna Chaplaincy has continued to grow through the pandemic, with training and commissioning taking place online, and many new opportunities to explore.
Many of you have shared with us the ways you have been strengthened in your faith through the Bible reading notes, books and online content that are all part of our Living Faith ministry.
The Messy Church community has found different ways to support local families, with individual churches exploring ‘Messy Church in a bag’ and online video meetings with dozens of families attending.
Messy Church volunteers have been leading training and helping build up local teams as they look to the future.
The Parenting for Faith team has seen an explosion of attendance in online events and training, as well as seeing more families seeking support and reassurance in the face of the challenges of family life.
The course continues to be popular with churches and families, with growing numbers benefitting.
You can read more stories about our work in the May 2021 edition of BRF News.
God’s provision
We were hugely encouraged by the wonderful response to our annual appeal last year.
We thank God for every gift received, and we thank you for supporting us and for remembering us in your prayers.
Many supporters joined our Friends scheme, giving a regular gift; we are also very grateful to all those who have told us that they have chosen to leave a gift to BRF in their will.
Looking ahead
The need for BRF’s wider ministry continues to grow, as does the impact it makes.
BRF needs to raise £1,300,000 this financial year to ensure we can continue to deliver our vital ministry and resources – that’s £25,000 every week. We anticipate formidable financial challenges in the year ahead, as the effects from the pandemic continue to be felt.
As we look to the future, and BRF’s centenary next year, I am excited by the opportunities before us to keep sharing the living hope of the gospel and to continue standing alongside local churches and communities.
Many have been affected financially but, as we launch our 2021 Annual Appeal, we are hopeful for its success. If you are able, please do prayerfully consider giving to help support our ministry.
Thank you very much.
May God himself give you comfort, peace and living hope that endures, and may you know his blessing and provision in the coming months.
Canon Richard Fisher
CEO, The Bible Reading Fellowship
Appeal postcard
As part of our 2021 appeal, we have produced some postcards featuring the hymn ‘Great is thy faithfulness’ by Thomas Crisholm on one side, and a message of living hope for the changeable times we find ourselves in on the other side.
You can request free copies of this postcard to share with others – perhaps friends, family, neighbours or those in your church community. You can request copies online or by telephone on 01235 462305.
If you have any questions or comments, the fundraising team are always happy to hear your thoughts. You can get in touch via giving@brf.org.uk, on 01235 462305 or by post to Fundraising team, BRF, 15 The Chambers, Vineyard, Abingdon. Thank you.
