Once again this year the Christmas Tree Appeal is collecting money on behalf of three charities, Pathways to Success (Pathhead), Midlothian Foodbank and Embrace the Middle East (which includes Gaza). We have been told that 'All shall be well', but for many life is far from well. As we look around the communities here and in the Middle East we see poverty, devastation and conflict. Jesus instructed us to love God and our neighbour as ourselves. In the Middle East our neighbours are living in poverty, sometimes in a war-zone, seeking shelter, water and food. In Midlothian families are struggling with less money as fuel and food prices increase. They find it difficult to put food on the table, clothe their children and keep them warm. And in Pathhead there is the project set up to work with young people who have schooling issues. All these people are our neighbours.

Embrace the Middle East partners with Christians in the Middle East (around 50 organisations) as they work to transform lives and restore dignity of the most excluded and marginalised communities. Where there is a need - for refuge, a home, for health care, for education, for justice and human rights - we, with our partners, respond. Our goal is to contribute to a culture of human flourishing in a troubled region. Our vision is a love in action. It is rooted in, and inspired by, Christ’s invitation to care for those most in need. We are guided by four core values - respect, trust, compassion and integrity. Jesus said, ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’.

Here in Midlothian families are also struggling. Looking at the cost of living in the UK, the average weekly food bill for a family of 4 is £129, and the average weekly cost of gas/electricity is £41. This is a weekly spend of £170. This year the Trussell Trust (Foodbanks) saw a rise of 37% in people coming for food. Many Foodbanks are "dreading the winter' as demand increases.

Pathways to Success is located in the village of Pathhead, providing specialist additional curriculum educational support to help young people be successful in education, working closely with all the high schools in Midlothian. Our highly skilled Team of Primary and Secondary Teachers and Youth Workers, come from a variety of educational backgrounds and experiemce utilising a Trauma Informed Practice approach

Now many of us are of pension age, and some of us struggle with the increased cost of living. The government is giving each pensioner £250 (£500 for a couple) as a winter fuel payment. The question we have to ask, do we really need all or part of this payment, and what shall I give my neighbour?

Last year we raised over £2000. Can we reach £3000 this year. If ten people pledge their full winter fuel allowance we already have £2500! And remember whatever you give can be increased by 25% through Gift Aid (£250 gift aided becomes £312.50, and multiplied by ten becomes £3125.00 - job done). Whatever you decide to give, thank you.