Dear Friends and Fellow Meditators,
ANNUAL APPEAL – PLEASE SUPPORT US TO HELP US CONTINUE OUR MISSION
Thank you for being a member of our community and for reading this annual appeal letter.
First and above all we would like to thank you for meditating and sharing the gift in whatever ways you may do it, along with all those who also give there time so generously: facilitating meditation groups; coordinating groups in the various UK areas; coordinating special interest groups; as members of the National Coordinating Team and the School; as newsletter and website volunteers, along wit the Trustees of WCCM in the UK.
WCCM in the UK is one of many WCCM communities distinct from the international body, The World Community for Christian Meditation. In contrast to the international operation, national communities exist to be able to suppport and respond directly to local meditators whereas the international operation provides all meditators with spiritual leadership, on-line teachings and other digital resources. In particular, WCCM in the UK links with local meditation groups and offers introductory courses, essential teaching workshops and retreats in the UK in ways an international body is less able to do. Supporting your community in this endeavour is Sarah Humphreys, the Office Coordinator, who helps with national events, maintains records, responds to enquiries, shares resources and provides other invaluable administrative services.
Over the past year WCCM in the UK has also turned its attention towards younger meditators and potential future meditators. A few years ago an online meditation grou for young adults (18-45 years old) was lunched and more recently this group has grown and voiced the desire to meet in person. Consequently, earlier this year WCCM in the UK organised a meditation taster day in Shropshire which was well attended and this success is now being followed up by further events organised in other parts of the country.
Methods of communication have certainly moved on over time and, in order to make Christian Meditation more widely known, WCCM in the UK trustees recently approved an investment in social media, a two-year project to establish a great digital presence. It will be regularly monitored and reviewed. WCCM in the UK is now present on Facebook, instagram and TikTok so please share and follow us if you are a user and do let younger adults know about this presence.
This year’s annual gathering was held at Highgate House near Northampton and attracted 59 participants. We meditated, chanted accompanied by Michael Rathbone’s beautiful guitar playing, listenmed to insighful talks by Liz Watson and were led by Peter Jaeger in gentl Qi Gong movements. This flow of meditative sequences generated significant positive feedbac, as did the menu, and we will be holding next year’s annual gathering here.
WCCM in the UK Trustees recently allocated a small part of the Eileen Cox designated fund to support a new Tranquility Space in Erw Dewi Garden, St David’s Cathedral, Wales, for pilgrims, local meditaors and would be meditators alike. It is a beautiful space aand do pay a visit if you are passing through the area. See Greetings from St. Davids in West Wales!
Looking at our financial situation, in order to continue maintaining and grwing our community, resources are needed and this is where your donations are so valuable. In practical terms, you can donate, either once or recurring, in several ways:
- Through this website at https://wccm.uk/donate or clicking the button below.
- By bankers (standing) order – contact the UK Office for details.
- By cheque – contact the UK Office for details.
If you already contribute by standing order, thank you for continuing to do so, we really do appreciate it. Might you also consider increasing your regular gift to help counter inflation? And if you are a UK tax payer please consider gift aiding your donation – it provides a significant additional income to the UK community.
By donating in any of these ways you will be supporting WCCM in the UK.
Going forward, we will continue to encourage meditation groups and individuals to think of ways to fundraise that are fun and rewarding for their community, such as lunches, quiet days, a ‘loose change’ collection etc. Last year we set up a link with the UK’s largest charity fundraising site – Easy Fundraising. It’s a simple way to fundraise for us without any cost to you and we hope you will be able to nominate WCCM in the UK as your chosen charity when you spend either online or in selected shops. The link to our page is
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/cause/wccm-in-the-uk/.
Above all, thank you for meditating and using the gifts you receive to share this with others, however you do that.
With very best wishes and thanks for all you do and give,
Rosalind Stockley,
Chair of the Trustees