Bishop's Comment

The value of creative waiting
Waiting is often seen as something to be avoided in the 21st Century. We have fast-food, instant communication and tend to live our lives at a breath-taking pace. But nature shows us that times of waiting are creative, it is the time when things can grow, change and be transformed.  More>

Topical Comment

Destitution among asylum seeker and refugee families
We all know people are homeless. A knock on the door asking for money, chance encounters on the High Street or a conversation over coffee can bring us face to face with poverty, addiction, mental health issues and destitution.  More>

News

Centre puts the Spring into Springfileld' says Archbishop of Canterbury
18 November 2008
On Saturday 15th November Dr Williams officially opened The Springfield Centre at St Christopher's Church, Springfield, and met with parents, children, staff and volunteers from the Centre.   More>

Buy British this Christmas
12 November 2008
As part of a greener Advent and Christmas this year please think about buying British food.   More>

Two new mission booklets from ReSource
12 November 2008
We are finding increasingly that we are being invited to work both with mission partnerships and groupings, and with individual churches to provide support and training for mission. To help meet this need we have just published two new ReSource booklets by Roger Morgan.   More>

Four new titles from BRF
12 November 2008
Please find attached information about four new titles from BRF to be published in the New Year (2009).   More>

Adding your Christmas and advent services on A Church Near You website
10 November 2008
Details of how to add all your Christmas and Advent services and events on to ACNY website in one go.  More>

Education Sunday is 8th February 2009
10 November 2008
This is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education.   More>

Bishop on Birmingham Waste Paper Trail
10 November 2008
The Bishop of Birmingham is set to follow a waste paper trail on Friday 21st November as he joins recycling crews to find out the ultimate destination of the contents of his blue recycling box.  More>

Can you give career talks to schools?
10 November 2008
Growing Ambitions are keen to get Christians in the workplace - UK-wide - interested in volunteering to give a half-hour talk about their career to young people near them.  More>

Celebrating Age in Worship - Suggestions and Resources
07 November 2008
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Michael Counsell's Oberammergau Guidebook
07 November 2008
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Junk room in Malawi transformed into a paediatric ward
06 November 2008
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Anniversary Cranmer Awards launched
06 November 2008
Details have been announced this week for the twentieth anniversary of the Prayer Book Society's annual Cranmer Awards which will involve contestants from many Church of England dioceses.  More>

Ancient wall painting discovered
06 November 2008
Parishoners at St Chad's Church, Wishaw, have discovered an ancient wall painting behind a seventeenth century memorial.  More>

Warm welcome for new Bishop of Aston
03 November 2008
Christians from across the region will gather in Birmingham Cathedral next Saturday (November 8th) to welcome the new Bishop of Aston, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson.  More>

Solihull girl scoops top BBC choral award
03 November 2008
Alice Halstead, a 14 year old choir girl at St Alphege Church, Solihull and a pupil at King Edward’s VI High School for Girls, Birmingham, has won the coveted title of “BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year 2008”.   More>

Harborne church celebrates 150 years with history exhibition
03 November 2008
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Update from the Church of England
30 October 2008
A monthly update from the Communications Unit of the Church of England.  More>

Small Advertisements
27 October 2008
Items for sale, wanted and other small adverts.  More>

Notification of Appointments
27 October 2008
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Obituary - The Reverend Bill Hopley
27 October 2008
The funeral of Bill Hopley took place in a packed Worcester Cathedral on October 17th, when many friends together with colleagues from church and police gathered with his family to give thanks to God for his life.   More>

Book Review: Skills for Collaborative Ministry
16 October 2008
In this new book, the authors bring together insights and expertise in collaborative ministry from a range of contexts, including parochial ministry, youth work, chaplaincy and adult education.   More>

Helping You Prepare Your Building For Winter
16 October 2008
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings National Maintenance Week is Friday 21 November – Friday 28 November 2008.  More>

Theft of metal from churches
13 October 2008
Ecclesiastical are encouraging parishes to use and register their SmartWater protection kits.   More>

Free World Leprosy Day 2009 materials available
08 October 2008
World Leprosy Day 2009 is on Sunday 25th January 2009.   More>

Helping Anglican Schools and Hospitals in Malawi
02 October 2008
The Rev’d Richard Tucker, with help from others, is arranging for a container of goods to go from Anglican Christians in Birmingham and others including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, to the Diocese of Upper Shire, one of four in Malawi.   More>

'Stop before you shop' urges Bishop of Birmingham
30 September 2008
On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Birmingham Cathedral will host the big green give-away offering an extra present to those passing through the Cathedral grounds.   More>

Can you help our Church schools?
22 September 2008
Would you like to be a Governor of one of our schools, or sit as a member of the appeals panel?  More>

Courses

Free Lent Course 2009 available from this month from the Leprosy Mission
The Leprosy Mission is producing a six-week Lenten course for 2009, entitled God’s Upside-Down World.  More>

Events

Clergy discipline. Ecclesiastical Law Society London Lectures
19/11/2008
Time: 5.30 - 6.30 pm. Speaker: John Rees, provincial registrar and partner in Winckworth Sherwood.   More>

Faithful Youthwork in a City of Faiths
19/11/2008
Time: 10:30 – 3:30. Training for Christian youth workers to gain a basic understanding of diff erent faith communities in Birmingham. ‘Same City Diff erent Cultures’ This day will include the chance to visit and explore a predominantly Asian area of the city and to reflect on what people have seen and experienced. There will also be a session on ‘Mission and Ministry amongst people of Different Faiths’. Led by Dr Andrew Smith, leader of Youth Encounter for Scripture Union. Please book in advance.  More>

Choral Communion Service
19/11/2008
Start: 1.10 pm.  More>

Birmingham University Singers Concert
19/11/2008
Start: 7.30 pm.  More>

Wholeness and Healing Service
20/11/2008
Start: 1.10 pm.  More>

Choral Evensong with The Fountain Singers
22/11/2008
Time: 3.30 pm.  More>

Feed the Children Gospel Concert
22/11/2008
Start: 7.00 pm.  More>

Story-telling
22/11/2008
Time: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm. Learning, listening to and telling stories. Led by Simon Airey. The day will involve looking at personal stories, biblical stories and folk tales. Please book in advance.  More>

Night Prayer by Candlelight
23/11/2008
Start: 7.00 pm. The contemplative Office of Compline sung by the Lay Clerks of the Cathedral. “The perfect way to end the weekend and start the week”  More>

Meeting of the Sacred Heart Chapter of the Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary
24/11/2008
Start: 7.30 pm. All visitors are welcome to attend.   More>

Changing Attitude - AGM and reflection with Barry Naylor on setting up Open & Welcoming Congregations.
24/11/2008
Time: 7.30 pm Barry is a Canon of Leicester Cathedral, Urban Canon and Parish Priest of the Abbey and Holy Spirit Team Ministries.  More>

Sacred Britian: New Horizons - The Churches Tourism Association 2008 Convention
24/11/2008
This year’s programme will explore key themes
Pilgrimage. International – Let’s be inspired to think what we can create today. And find out what’s happening elsewhere.
Multifaith collaboration – Let’s hear from projects that are opening up their buildings to wider audiences. Let’s hear from leading figures on how best to get together to inform the public about our great heritage of sacred buildings of all faiths.
Celebrating places of worship and welcoming visitors – How to ‘show-off” your building to visitors: its history, its stories, its specialness, training in best practice and finding out what’s available. Come along and enjoy keynote speakers like Sir Roy Strong on the future of the country church.  You’ll be offered a choice of practical workshops.  You’ll get fresh ideas from people who have already blazed a trail and made their place of worship a “must see” experience for visitors.  You’ll meet like-minded friends.  You’ll learn more about free entries on national websites, the ASPIRE project, and local initiatives to make faith buildings more accessible. Keep an eye on www.churchestourismassociation.info for further details  More>

Growing Gifts, Autumn Practical Workshops
25/11/2008
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Topics will include Worship in Residential Homes for the Elderly; Working with Small Groups; and Building Community through emotional caring. For more information or to request a brochure please contact Andrea at the Diocesan Office.  More>

Tuesday Talks
25/11/2008
Start: 1.10 pm. With The Revd Canon Peter Howell-Jones  More>

Holy Communion Service
26/11/2008
Start: 1.10 pm.  More>

World Aids Day Wall of Love in the south aisle
28/11/2008
11.30am on Friday 28 November through to 8.30am on Tuesday 2 December 2008. Wall of Love and Lighting of Candles  More>

Advent Action - the Big Birmingham Green Give-Away
29/11/2008
A day of action to Reclaim Christmas working with Operation Noah. The day includes worship at household recycling site, a service of lament at Birmingham Cathedral and the chance to give away all the unwanted presents, books, DVDs, etc that many of us have at home. 9.00 am – Pilgrims gather at household recycling centres around the city for a very short act of worship 9.30-10.30 am - Pilgrims walk/bus/cycle to the city centre bringing things from their home that they have never used 10.45 am – Short service of lament in Birmingham Cathedral 11.15 am onwards – All the donated goods are given away to people shopping in the city centre – with the request that they use them as a Christmas present for a friend or neighbour 2.30 pm - Screening of God is Green documentary presented by Mark Dowd 4.00 pm - Evensong – a celebration of creation and creativity  More>

notorious presents: Fauré Requiem & Durufle Motets
29/11/2008
Start: 7.30pm With orchestra plus Organ: Paul Carr. www.notoriouschoir.org Tickets available from Birmingham Ticket Shop (base of Rotunda) Or call 0844 8883883 or book online www.visitbirmingham.com (a small booking fee applies)  More>

Mell Square Crib Service
30/11/2008
Start: 3.00 pm Please join us for the Blessing of the Crib and Carols. The service will last for about half an hour. Afterwards everyone is invited to: A Celebration of Advent Musical Journey at Saint Augustine's Church - Organ Recital by Ronald Shillingford. This will finish after refreshments at about 5pm. All are welcome to either or both of these. Look at our website www.solihullparish.org.uk  More>

Advent Procession by Candlelight
30/11/2008
Start: 3.30 pm.  More>

The Positively Red Lantern Parade
01/12/2008
The Parade will arrive at the Cathedral for approximately 7.00pm. 2-3 members of the parade will then come into the Cathedral and the main candle will be lit, this will then join the parade and continue onto the Town Hall.  More>

The Positively Red Lantern Parade for World Aids Day
01/12/2008
Start: 7.00 pm. The Parate will arrive at the Cathedral and 2 members will come into Cathedral and the main candle will be lit, this will than join the parade and continue into the Town Hall.  More>

Laughing Sole Comedy Club
02/12/2008
Start: 8.30 pm. Visit: thelaughingsole.org.uk  More>

Birmingham’s Great Big Christmas Sing
05/12/2008
Time: 7 pm. Start your Christmas celebrations with a festive feast of favourite carols. Nader Abu Amsha, from the East Jerusalem YMCA, will transport you to another world with unique stories from Bethlehem. School choirs, gospel singers and special guests join to raise money for Christian Aid’s work with the world’s poorest communities. Compared by Spoz (Birmingham Poet Laureate) and accompanied by Paul Carr (internationally acclaimed organist), acts already confirmed include Harmonise Gospel Talent Competition Winner ‘Zoe Uputah’ and St Clare’s Catholic School, Handsworth. Final acts still to be confirmed. Book via Birmingham Library Box Office, 0121 303 2323 www.birminghamboxoffice.co.uk   More>

The 2008 University Carol Service
08/12/2008
Time: 6:15 pm. This annual event is a Christmas celebration for staff, students and families. All are welcome.   More>

Signs of Trafficking and Responses in the West Midlands
12/12/2008
Time: 9.30am – 3.45pm You are invited to participate in this regional event bringing together people from a range of sectors and agencies who may come into contact with trafficked people. The event aims to: provide information about signs of trafficking to individuals and groups; examine and challenge the culture in which trafficking takes place; develop collaboration and joint actions in response to trafficking in the West Midlands. Workshops will also take place. Please book before: 25th November 2008 with Methodist and Central Mission, 0121 233 1915 Email: centralmission@btconnect.com   More>

Youth Event - Sounds of Salvation - Ska Band
13/12/2008
Time: 7.30 - 9.30 pm. Sounds of Salvation – a reading based ska band www.soundsofsalvation.com are playing for a Youth event/ service Doors open 7pm Tickets £3 via www. myspace. com/youth_fl   More>

Carols for the Business Community
17/12/2008
Start: 1.05-1.55 pm You are warmly invited to a lunchtime carol service for those working in the city centre with a talk by Revd Chris Turner. Mince pies and mulled mora juice will be served afterwards. If further information is required contact   More>

Shine - A service of praise and worship
27/12/2008
Start: 6.00 pm. Led by St David’s Youth Church, for all youth and youthful orientated people of all ages and denominations! There will be a ‘Bring and Share’ meal after. For more details about SHINE or other St David’s Youth related activities (ages 11-16) contact the Youth co-ordinator or the Vicar on (0121) 475 4874 Email: Yodellinghobo@hotmail.co.uk  More>

Practical Support for Surviving Modern Life
29/01/2009
A far-reaching programme of talks, workshops and training events led by leading professionals and academics. They will cover a wide variety of topics and issues immediately relevant and newsworthy to modern-day living. These include: · Protecting vulnerable church members from offenders, protecting children and making churches safer places (David and Pauline Pearson) · Diversity in the counselling room: issues unique to African-Caribbean marriage counselling (Lurliene Miller) · The core issues of sexual abuse, and supporting survivors (Rebecca Mitchell, herself a survivor of abuse) · Pastoral care: what are we equipped to do, and should pastoral care be organised or organic (Teresa Onions) · Supporting people through bereavement (Amanda Georgiou) · Am I good enough for him? Women’s choices in partnerships (Joanne Robinson) · Anxiety disorders: A CBT approach to anxiety, panic and more complex trauma (DR Rob Waller) · Couple counselling and the challenges it presents for the “one to one” counselling style (Christine Tufnell) A full programme of events is available upon request, or may be viewed at: http://www.acc-uk.org/pdfs/acc6pages.pdf  More>

REDEMPTION SONG - a communal experience of theatre and worship
11/03/2009
Touring Wednesday 11 March - Holy Saturday 11 April Redemption Song by Les Ellison starts and ends at the cross - that savage, unlooked-for place which more than any other reveals the true identity of Jesus Christ. Why not consider bringing Redemption Song to your church? - Each performance costs £1,000 (inc. VAT) - Venues are free to set their own ticket prices - We also ask that you provide overnight accommodation with hosts for the five actors. Visit: www.ridinglights.org  More>

Shine - A service of praise and worship
28/03/2009
Start: 6.00 pm. Led by St David’s Youth Church for all youth and youthful orientated people of all ages and denominations! There will be a ‘Bring and Share’ meal after. For more details about SHINE or other St David’s Youth related activities (ages 11-16) contact the Youth co-ordinator or the Vicar on (0121) 475 4874 Email: Yodellinghobo@hotmail.co.uk  More>

Shine - A service of praise and worship
27/06/2009
Led by St David’s Youth Church for all youth and youthful orientated people of all ages and denominations! There will be a ‘Bring and Share’ meal after. For more details about SHINE or other St David’s Youth related activities (ages 11-16) contact the Youth co-ordinator or the Vicar on (0121) 475 4874 Email: Yodellinghobo@hotmail.co.uk  More>

Annual Pilgrimage: Stratford-upon-Avon to Coventry Cathedral
29/07/2009
Around 200 members of all ages and denomination from at least 7 European countries will be gathering in Stratford-upon-Avon to walk in small groups towards Coventry, ending in a final service in Coventry Cathedral on August 6th. Newcomers are welcome. See www.cdsf.org  More>

Shine - A service of praise and worship
26/09/2009
Led by St David’s Youth Church for all youth and youthful orientated people of all ages and denominations! There will be a ‘Bring and Share’ meal after. For more details about SHINE or other St David’s Youth related activities (ages 11-16) contact the Youth co-ordinator or the Vicar on (0121) 475 4874 Email: Yodellinghobo@hotmail.co.uk  More>

Shine - A service of praise and worship
27/12/2009
Led by St David’s Youth Church for all youth and youthful orientated people of all ages and denominations! There will be a ‘Bring and Share’ meal after. For more details about SHINE or other St David’s Youth related activities (ages 11-16) contact the Youth co-ordinator or the Vicar on (0121) 475 4874 Email: Yodellinghobo@hotmail.co.uk  More>

Oberammergau 2010
22/09/2010
Pat Raymer and Pauline Griffiths from St. Leonard's Marston Greenare hoping to take a party to Oberammergau on September 22nd 2010 for ten days. We will have six days on Lake Mattsee near Salzburg and two nights in Oberammergau. We have the seats reserved until Christmas. Of tou are interested would you phone or e- mail Pat 0121 779 2987 or Pauline 0121 779 3588 e-mail; rogergriffiths869@btinternet,com   More>

Vacancies

Vacancy for Clerk to the Governing Body - Tanworth-in-Arden CE Primary School

Salary: Between £6.91 - £8.41 per hour depending on relevant experience.
Closing date for applications: 20/11/2008
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Parish Resource, Stewardship & Income Generation Officer - Diocese of Birmingham
We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated team-player with financial competency including analytical, projective and budgeting expertise to work across the Anglican Parishes of the Diocese of Birmingham.
Salary: Salary, £30,000 – £35,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus pension scheme membership.
Closing date for applications: 21/11/2008
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PA (p/t) to the Suffragan Bishop of Aston - Diocese of Birmingham
A responsible and varied position requiring demonstrated proficiency in audio typing/word processing/database/DTP skills with RSA/equivalent qualifications and a sensitive telephone manner.
Salary: Salary £16,952-£17,932 FTE pro rata depending on qualifications and experience, plus pension scheme membership.
Closing date for applications: 21/11/2008
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Lead Chaplain - St Andrew's Healthcare, Birmingham
The post holder will report to the Head of Chaplaincy based at our Northampton site. Applicants should have proven experience of ordained ministry in the Church of England or one of the Free Churches within Churches Together in England and possess developed pastoral, communication and leadership skills. Recent experience of chaplaincy within a mental healthcare setting is desirable but not essential.
Salary: £24,028.13 - £35,720.08 pa, pro-rata.
Closing date for applications: 21/11/2008
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Unaccompanied Minors Project Worker - The Children’s Society

Salary: Level 2: £20,698 – £26,783 Pro rata - (28 hours per week)
Closing date for applications: 26/11/2008
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Vicar - St. John and St. Peter Ladywood

Salary: Diocesan stipend and housing
Closing date for applications: 27/11/2008
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Incumbent - St Mary Selly Oak

Salary: Diocesan stipend and housing
Closing date for applications: 27/11/2008
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After-school club staff - Quinton
If you have a child care qualification at NVQ Level 2 or above (or equivalent) and are passionate about providing quality care for primary school aged children, then we want to hear from you.
Salary:
Closing date for applications: 30/11/2008
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Volunteer development officer - Christian Aid in the West Midlands

Salary: £23,321 - £26,773 pa
Closing date for applications: 03/12/2008
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Administrative/Finance Officer - St Mark’s Community Project, Smethwick
This post will support the Manager in administrative and financial tasks in a busy community project.
Salary: Salary £8 per hour.
Closing date for applications: 12/12/2008
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