Sunday 29th September 2024 was a special for Christ The King Anglican Church in Almancil. It was the day chosen as their “Community Sunday” – a day when they gather for a thanksgiving service for all the people who provide support, service and care to the community.
In addition to giving thanks for the first responders and care givers, Christ The King also honours these key, but often overlooked, workers and providers with recognition awards and vital pieces of equipment for them to provide life-giving services.
The service, was led by Rev Steve Chisholm, Rector of Christ The King and was attended by the congregation, their friends and family, the management team of ASCA (Associação Social e Cultural de Almancil), The President of the Freguesia de Almancil and the Brigade and team leaders of the Bombeiros Brigade of SB de Alportel. Rev. Steve used his sermon to remind everyone present that when we work for God's purposes there is no such thing as retirement and that a life of caring and service is a fitting response to God's love for us.
This was highlighted by the presentation of Community Awards and much needed support items:
The management team of ASCA were thanked with bouquets of flowers and a brightly wrapped Christmas box as a “promise”. A promise that said that at Christmas everyone who lives in the Lar would be receiving a Christmas box from Christ The King stuffed full of gifts and treats.
President Joaquim Pinto of the Junta de Freguesia de Almancil was given the Church’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Service to the Community. In his remarks to the Congregation, Terry Blackman, outlined President Pinto's life of service in the community. From service in the Military where he rose to rank of Colonel and then, upon retirement, his move into public service, the last 12 years of which he has served as the President of the Almancil Junta. The award was given to President Pinto for his outstanding achievements locally, particularly his work in education, health and cultural integration.
The final award went to the Bombeiros Brigade of São Brás de Alportel. For many months Jane Caulfield-Kerney and her team at Christ The King have undertaken a massive and outstanding fundraising project to provide the Bombeiros with a “The Jaws of Life” machine. A piece of cutting equipment like a pair of giant mechanical scissors that cut through metal and restricted spaces and is used to free victims in motor accidents for example. This equipment is valued at a massive 35,000 euros. Assistant commandant Salvador Goncalves and Team Leader Ricardo Brochado who received the gift on behalf of the Bombeiros, stressed that this would be used right across the Algarve by all the Bombeiros Brigades and was a true lifesaver.
Speaking after the service and the handshakes Rev Steve Chisholm said “What a morning this has been. It is a true joy and a privilege to be able to acknowledge the volunteers and heroes who service this community so well. I am immensely proud of our congregation for all the work that they do through fundraising, through devoting their time and their skills, to get alongside these carers and help in any way they can”.
The Community Sunday attendees then moved to The New Fat Frog for a celebratory lunch.
About Christ The King Anglican Church
We are an Anglican Church (part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion) providing contemporary and relevant worship with strong Biblical teaching for the 21st Century.
Our doors are wide open to people from all backgrounds and nationalities who wish to join us on our faith journey of following Jesus Christ.
For more information, please contact info@ctk.pt
