AS LENT draws to a close, the Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund remains open for a few more weeks to gather in your contributions.

Once again we have been struck by the remarkable generosity of our readers, many of whom donate to the TAP Fund each year as a gesture of thanks for the ministry they have received from past beneficiaries — or to give thanks for the support that they received earlier.

The Fund currently stands at £34,016, and so there is still some way to go before we match last year’s total. If you have not yet given, please consider the good that TAP does in assisting those training for the ordained ministry through times of hardship. We have been telling stories in past weeks in which a timely TAP grant has been a lifeline.

Not a single penny is retained for the administration of the fund: all is passed on to the Ministry Division, who disburse the grants to ordinands.

How to give

GIVING online is easiest for many donors, and for us. Simply visit www.hymnsam.co.uk/train-a-priest.aspx. This is a secure page with clear instructions.

We also accept cheques, postal orders, cash, and charity cheques, which should be sent to: TAP Fund, Church Times, 13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR.

Spread the word

PLEASE encourage other people to give to TAP — a colour leaflet can be downloaded from the Church Times website. We also encourage churches to hold a special collection, or fund-raising effort. Please let us know about your support, and your stories.