Wellington Church Glasgow

Can you think of a time when someone showed you generosity that went above and beyond your expectations? What difference did that make to your life?

The richest 10% of the global population currently takes 52% of global income, whereas the poorest half of the population earns 8.5% of it. (Source: World Inequality Report 2022)

‘There is a substantial and robust body of research suggesting that countries with higher levels of inequality have lower levels of trust.’ (Source: The Equality Trust)

Scripture Reading: Mark 12.41-44

The Widow’s Offering

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Mark 12.41-44

Blessed are those who challenge unjust economic structures, for they will be signs of hope.

Blessed are those who amplify the voices and stories of others, for they will learn the wisdom of interdependence.

Blessed are those who recognize their vulnerability and brokenness, for they will resist being the saviours and heroes of other people’s stories.

Blessed are those who respond to the needs of others, without the need for recognition or reward, for they serve Christ himself.

Blessed are those who protest and campaign, for they draw attention to injustice.

Blessed are those who nurture friendship amongst diverse people, for they will become an inclusive community.

Blessed are those who rage with anger, for they challenge us to face uncomfortable truths.
Blessed are the curious, for they will see beyond the answers of the powerful.

Blessed are those who celebrate the worth, dignity and value of every human being, for they will recognize the face of God.

Blessed are those who work for racial justice, for they challenge the sin of racism and know the true richness and diversity of God’s image.

Blessed are those who enable the leadership of others, for they sustain the present and the future.

Rejoice and be glad, for those who truly listen and learn from people experiencing poverty will share in the liberating, life-giving message of the gospel of Christ.

Deacon Eunice Attwood

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This Bible Study meets Wednesdays April 24th, May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd , May 29th at 7.30pm on ZOOM. A full overview is available here: Act on Poverty – Bible Study 2024

The study materials are available on the Christian Aid Website or in the collated file at the bottom of this page.

If you would like to request the ZOOM details, please fill this form:

Themes Week-by-Week

Week 1 (24th April): Prophetic ‘Let justice roll down like water’ (Amos 5:24)
The Bible shows us that being a prophet is far from easy. But the church is called to speak up about injustice. How, with God’s help, can you and your church develop your prophetic voice?

Week 2 (1st May): Broken ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ (Luke 10:36) Our politics, our churches, our world are in many ways be divided and in need of redemption and repair. This pack helps you discuss these divisions and the broken systems that produce poverty. How can we be part of God’s healing and redeeming work?

Week 3 (8th May): Generous ‘For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had’ (Mark 12:44)
Many people are having to tighten their belts due to the cost-of-living crisis. What might it mean to be ‘generous’ or ‘cheerful givers’ (2 Corinthians 9.7) when we feel like we have nothing to spare? What gifts do we have that we can share?

Week 4 (15th May): Located ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ (Mark 2:16)
Beginning with reflections on where Jesus chose to place himself during his ministry, this pack equips your church to look afresh at where you are located. Groups can explore questions about how we discern what God is already doing in our community and who has power in your locality.

Week 5 (22nd May): Hopeful ‘…he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.’ (Luke 4:18, Isiah 61)
How can we develop practices of hope in challenging times? This session explores lament and anger as part of hope and looks at the expansive vision of hope that God offers us. By growing hope we can be part of Jesus’ proclamation of the good news.

Week 6 (29th May): Together ‘It is like a mustard seed.’ (Mark 4:30-32)
Our final pack looks at what we can do together to tackle poverty, local and global. This resource focuses on practical action in community. Use our Seeds of Change action cards and our ‘Sow, Water, Nurture, Grow’ planning sheets to decide what actions you and your church could take.