Notices: Sunday 28th September
I didn't grow up going to church, but somehow I had heard of this week's gospel; Zacchaeus, the man so small he had to climb a tree (perhaps because it resonated with my own petite height!).
The story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who climbs a tree to see Jesus, has a surprisingly modern ring to it. Here is a man defined by wealth and position, yet also by mistrust and suspicion. He stands on the edge of the community, looking in. And yet, when Jesus notices him and shares a meal with him, something changes: Zacchaeus responds with generosity, restoring what he has taken and giving away half his possessions.
What strikes me is not that Zacchaeus is shamed into giving, but that he is welcomed first. It is the experience of being seen and included that opens his heart. His giving flows naturally from joy and newfound belonging.
In our own times, when loneliness is often described as an "epidemic" in the UK, Zacchaeus' story feels particularly relevant. Many people long to be noticed, to find community, to be part of something that matters. When they are, generosity often follows naturally.
With that in mind, for us as a church, it can feel as if we are walking on an ever-finer line: We care for a Grade 2 listed building within a conservation area and feel called to serve everyone in the parish and beyond, whether or not they attend on a Sunday.
Balancing the inevitable costs of upkeep with our commitment to creating spaces of welcome - through worship, midweek groups, or simply a safe and inviting building - is a challenge we meet through the generosity of our community. Every gift, whether from someone who attends weekly, occasionally, or simply values the space, helps create room for another "Zacchaeus" to encounter friendship, acceptance, and perhaps even faith.
We may not be able to change national statistics on loneliness overnight, but we can ensure our local community knows there is a place to belong. In a culture where so much is transactional, we have the chance to make something transformational.
Like Zacchaeus, may our generosity be a response to being welcomed - and a way of extending that welcome to others. If you feel moved to support the life and work of St George's, whether through Sunday worship or our midweek groups, your contribution would make a real difference. You can do this through regular giving or a legacy gift, helping to ensure that our community continues to be a place where everyone can find belonging and hope.
We using a secure platform called the Parish Giving Scheme for those who wish to donate regularly. If you'd like to do so please do head here:
https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/altrincham-st-george-altrincham/
And for those of you who already give, please do know that the last year included lots and lots of Zacchaeus moments, so thank you. It really does make a difference.
And with that in mind, here are this week's notices: Notices for Sunday 28 September 2025.pdf
Best Wishes, Claire
