LENT is over, but the annual Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund appeal runs for a few more weeks to Pentecost. This means that a donation to help support the next generation of priests can be celebratory of Eastertide as well as the penitential season. God loves a cheerful giver.
This year, the appeal is focused on Africa, in many parts of which resources for preparing men and women for the priesthood are scant. Yet many thousands of people answer God’s call to ordination, none the less. Please consider donating to TAP Africa as a sign that they are part of a worldwide Church that appreciates their dedication and wishes to help their ministry.
This year’s TAP total stands at £16,900 at present. It is a lower total than in previous years, but, because we changed the arrangements to focus on Africa this year, all the money has all come in after a standing start on Ash Wednesday. It is a sign that our readers’ extraordinary generosity has not diminished, despite the demands that dealing with the coronavirus is making on everyone in the UK and the developed world.
Given their modest needs, this sum means that many African ordinands will be helped when we disperse this year’s donation through our partners, the Council of African Provinces of Africa (CAPA). But, of course, a higher total would allow us to help many more.
Since a means is being set up to ensure that every penny donated goes to an ordinand in need, please don’t miss this opportunity to contribute.
How to donate to the TAP Fund
Every penny you can give goes to ordinands in Africa who face financial difficulty, to support them as they complete their training. Nothing is retained to cover administrative expenses.
Donate online quickly and securely: www.hymnsam.co.uk/donations/tap-fund/
Or you can give by cheque or charity voucher. Please make cheques payable to: “The TAP Fund” and send to:
TAP Fund, Church Times, Hymns Ancient & Modern, 13a Hellesdon Road, Norwich NR6 5DR
If you are a UK payer of income or capital gains tax, a payment by Gift Aid means that the Church Times, through the Hymns Ancient & Modern charity, can recover 25p for every £1 that you give.
If your donation is eligible for Gift Aid, please include a completed TAP Gift Aid form with your cheque. You can also opt for Gift Aid when making an online donation.