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How can we be generous in challenging times? What difference can small acts of generosity make?

In 2024 many people in the UK and in other countries around the world are wrestling with a cost of living crisis. Many of us also feel that we have limited time and energy as we seek to navigate the world's challenges. How can we answer God's call to be 'cheerful givers'? And how can we share with others the abundance of God's love?

4 people sit around talking.

On this page you will find everything you need for the third session of our Act on Poverty Course.

Our course pack includes:

  • A Bible study on the story of the "widow's mite" (Mark 12.41-44)
  • Audio interviews with Stephen Amusala, Director of Anglican Development Services in Western Kenya, and Deacon Kerry Scarlett, Vice President of the Methodist Conference in the UK.
  • A video giving you an insight into Street Banquet, a innovative project developed by the Methodist Church with the homeless community in Birmingham.
  • Ideas for how you and your church can take action on poverty.

Listen In: Stephen Amusala

Stephen Amusala is Director of ADS Western, the social development agency of the Anglican Church in Western Kenya. He discusses the cost of living crisis in Kenya, the role of climate change in this and how acts of loving generosity have made a difference.

Listen In: Deacon Kerry Scarlett

Kerry Scarlett is Vice President of the Methodist Conference and a Learning and Development Officer within the Methodist Church. Hear her speak about growing up in the midst of conflict in Northern Ireland, her experience with Street Banquet, and her thoughts on our calling to generosity.

Bonus Audio: Stef Benstead

In this short extract in which disability activist Stef Benstead talks about her involvement in a Poverty Truth Commission in Manchester.

Street Banquet offers cooked meals and fellowship to unhoused and vulnerably housed people, and invites them to join in the hosting of meals for others.

In this video you can find out more about Street Banquet as a place of shared generosity, where guests are invited to become hosts.

Download the film here.

Get Inspired - Shared Table

Street Banquet offers cooked meals and fellowship to unhoused and vulnerably housed people, and invites them to join in the hosting of meals for others.

In this video you can find out more about Street Banquet as a place of shared generosity, where guests are invited to become hosts.

Download the film here.