IT IS that time of year again. We open our Train-A-Priest (TAP) appeal each year on Ash Wednesday. This year, after six years supporting ordinands in Africa, we are returning our attention to those with a call to serve in the Church of England. Your donations will not only support ordinands experiencing hardship during training, but, also, for the first time, help people at an earlier stage of exploring their vocation. Our hope is that the availability of TAP grants will help to remove some of the barriers to participation for people from less financially secure situations.

Donations this year already stand at almost £9000. Every penny that you can give will go to ordinands, and those who are exploring a vocation to ministry in the Church of England and face financial difficulty. Nothing is retained to cover administrative expenses.

Donate online quickly and securely at: 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 your donation is eligible for Gift Aid, please include with your cheque a completed TAP Gift Aid declaration, form at: churchtimes.co.uk/train-a-priest-fund