Preaching with a difference in September
An appeal from The Reverend Eleanor Whalley, Vicar of Soham
Did you know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? It’s also the month when this year, on Sunday 22 September, the lectionary points us to Mark 9: 30-37 where Jesus takes a little child and sets them in the midst of his disciples with their petty, self-centered concerns…
A shocking number of families in the Diocese of Ely are affected by childhood cancer. There's much less awareness of the signs of childhood cancer in comparison to adult cancers, and many of the symptoms of childhood cancer are also symptoms of common illnesses. It can be difficult to spot the signs.
September is a month where organisations worldwide put the spotlight on this issue, and on the importance of research. Childhood cancer is biologically different from adult cancers and so requires specific research and a different and dedicated approach from researchers.
During September, everyone is encouraged to show their support for the children, young people and families who have been affected by childhood cancer.
Many people wear a gold ribbon (the internationally-recognised symbol of CCAM). Here in the Diocese of Ely, the Octagon at Ely Cathedral will be illuminated in gold from 27th – 29th September.
Perhaps in our churches we might consider wearing gold for one Sunday of the month?
Could we, as Preachers, make a connection between the Gospel reading and the CCAM theme on 22nd?
Could we organise a collection and donate the proceeds to the Childhood Cancer and Leukaemia Group https://www.cclg.org.uk/ ?
Lisa Radcliffe, a local mum who lost her 4-year-old son George to rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue tumour) in October 2023 writes
"There's a perception that cancer in children and teenagers is rare. Childhood cancer is not rare, so it's important to be able to spot it early.
Parents know their children well. If your child just doesn't seem to be recovering from some of the more common childhood illnesses and your gut is telling you something isn't right, it is ok to go back to your GP or ask for a second opinion.
GPs see very little childhood cancer and the symptoms are often vague and similar to other common illnesses. Medical staff and parents need to work together because early diagnosis or childhood cancer helps save lives."
You can read George’s story here https://specialnamedfunds.cclg.org.uk/just-george/
Our churches could be platforms for helping raise awareness and funds
Our churches could be platforms for helping raise awareness and funds for kinder and more effective treatments for childhood cancer so desperately needed now. Please help spread the word!
St Andrew’s Church Soham will be hosting a ‘Seeing Stars’ art exhibition from 16 – 23 November, together with a fair in the churchyard on Saturday 16 November, all to raise funds for JustGeorge for research into rhabdomyosarcoma.
If you’d like to contribute an artwork or have a stall at the fair, please email seeingstarssoham@gmail.com.
The Reverend Eleanor Whalley, Vicar of Soham
