Bishop's Comment
Willing to change
Now we’ve had time to break our New Year’s resolutions it is almost time to start considering what to give up for Lent.
Being willing to change, to be flexible and sometimes to do without are important parts of our discipleship as we follow Jesus into a life of love for God and our neighbour.
Already in Birmingham we are seeing wonderful things happening, spurred on by the Near Neighbours funding, when people change the way they work and do something new in partnership with people of different faiths.
Meanwhile the Boys Brigade are encouraging us not to waste clothes, leaving them lingering unworn in a wardrobe while we wear the same old favourites day after day. Their recycling scheme leads directly to the employment of young people as the income generated by re-using fabrics pays the salary of an 18-25 year-old who would otherwise be unemployed. You can find out more at http://tinyurl.com/7ht8p7n
At a recent presentation given by the Boys Brigade I heard that the average person spent £600 a year on clothes. For some of us that might be a good challenge – monitor what you spend over a year and see if you can stick to £50 a month. Others might be ready for a fashion fast – clear out your wardrobe, buy enough essentials and then go for a year without buying clothes. It is a great way to look at your relationship to clothes, fashion, identity and money – you could even give away what you have saved to support someone who cannot afford the necessities of daily life.
This Lent let us change things not only as a spiritual discipline but also as a chance to share our lives, our times and our money to help all those around us reach their full potential and touch the love of God made present by those who follow him.
May God bless you as you continue to be transformed and transform the world around you.
Bishop of Northern Malawi thanks Birmingham for support
Bishop Fanuel gave thanks for the teacher skills share trips, the help for HIV/AIDS sufferers and the scholarships for orphan children. He spoke of three instances of transformation:
His first parish had ten outstations, the furthest ones being 60 km in one direction and 40 km in the other. The gift from Birmingham of a motor bike was ‘water into wine’ and had transformed his ministry: he had proper transport at last, and could do three services in one day.
The Bishop gave thanks for the gifts sent by container: “You may think you just send ordinary things… When people open the containers we see miracles there, every item is a miracle for us.”
He concluded by appealing to Birmingham: “please remain strong in the faith you have received.”
Please click here to view the Big Breakfast for Malawi payment instructions for organisers.
A Factsheet with some new advice will be ready early in 2012 and can be requested from Judith Grubb at judith.grubb1@btinternet.com
Join the Carbon Fast during Lent
06 February 2012
The Christian relief and development agency Tearfund would like to invite you and your church to join us with many other Christians worldwide in the Carbon Fast during Lent 2012.
Three years ago at the start of Lent 2008, the Right Reverend James Jones the Bishop of Liverpool launched the Carbon Fast with Tearfund. Since then Bishops of London, Oxford and many others joined the annual Carbon Fast. This year we’re excited that the Carbon Fast has gone global, with churches in Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, the United States and many more joining in.
To find out how to take part and to get a flavour of how the Carbon Fast is happening around the world go to: www.tearfund.org/get_involved/campaign/campaign_updates/campaignnews/cc_201111_carbon_fast_2012/
For those that want to know more what the Anglican Church is doing with regard on Climate Change, the Church of England has a National Environmental Fund in partnership with Tearfund called the Climate Justice Fund. More information on the Climate Justice Fund and how to get involved can be found on http://www.climatejusticefund.org/
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Community Launch for Near Neighbours
01 February 2012
A new initiative which aims to turn neighbours into friends is holding a launch event in Central Mosque on Friday 3rd February, as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Since the fund opened five months ago, more than £100,000 has been distributed to around 30 community groups in Birmingham.
The launch on Friday is part of the Near Neighbour’s strategy to engage with as many community groups as possible living in the eligible areas. As well as holding local launches, Near Neighbours has associates working in 12 wards in the city visiting community groups and places of worship to tell them about the programme.
Guests at the launch will also hear about a new initiative by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to take Shakespeare out into the community. Urban Voices- Inspired by Shakespeare is a competition for schools and youth groups who will be encouraged to produce a piece of film, music, theatre, dance, poetry or song using Shakespeare as a starting point. The Trust is offering community groups free workshops for young people planning to enter.
Near Neighbours Development Worker, Jessica Foster said: “We are delighted that we are getting really high quality and creative applications from across the city and from a range of organisations.
The Near Neighbours local launch is being held at 7.45pm for 8pm at Central Mosque in Highgate. For more information please call Jessica Foster on 0121 675 1155
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Announcement: sale of scrap metal
30 January 2012
Announcement from Church Buildings Council:
We are pleased to announce following our sustained battle which many of you are familiar with and have helped us with to persuade the Government to tighten up the regulations regarding the sale of scrap metal, the Home Secretary has today announced the Government is passing legislation to outlaw the disposal of metal for cash.
Paying cash for scrap metal will be outlawed, Home Secretary Theresa May announced today in a written statement to MPs. She also told them that fines would be 'significantly increased' to tackle the growing problem of metal theft.
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-vote-office/4.HomeOffice-ScrapMetalDealers.pdf
As Chair of the Church Buildings Council, Anne Sloman, has given the following quote to the press: "This is excellent news. The Church has campaigned for a long time for legislation to outlaw cash transactions for scrap metal. We are still suffering the theft of lead from 10 church roofs a day, and every weapon the Government and the police can use to help us combat this crime is greatly to be welcomed."
Janet Gough & Anne Sloman
Secretary and Chair
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Hodge Hill Seeks Heroes
30 January 2012
Community groups in Hodge Hill are on the hunt for everyday angels who make the world a better place for those around them. Volunteers on the hunt for a hero will be on hand in Tesco at the Fox and Goose this Saturday to encourage more nominations for a special award to thank the unsung heroes of the area.
Collecting boxes for hero nomination forms are available in local shops, schools, Hodge Hill church and Tesco at the Fox & Goose. Volunteers are out and about encouraging nominations across the neighbourhood.
One of the organisers, vicar of Hodge Hill, the Revd Al Barrett, said; “We want as many people as possible from the Firs and Bromford, Buckland End and Hodge Hill to get involved with the nominations so our local heroes get the chance to enjoy a special night out with the Lord Mayor and realise that they are very much appreciated by those around them.
“We are expecting all sorts of people who make a difference locally to be nominated as Hodge Hill Unsung Heroes – it doesn’t matter if people work in a paid or unpaid capacity just that they show compassion and generosity, build friendships and spread hope through who they are or what they do.”
Nominations for the award close on February 8th . Forms are also available via e-mail from HodgeHillUnsungHeroes@gmail.com.
The initiative is a partnership between Hodge Hill Church, Hodge Hill School, Our Community, Firs and Bromford Somali community and others. It was funded by Near Neighbours – a new charity that aims to build trusting relationships between people of different faiths.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Lent Courses
30 January 2012
In The Way of the Desert Andrew Watson takes us on a Lenten journey through the story of the Exodus, from the parting of the Red Sea on Ash Wednesday to the entry into the Promised Land on Easter Day. Combining these Old Testament scriptures with insight from the gospels, he reveals the continuing relevance of these stories to all who would seek to follow Christ.
• Search for the truth behind the news headlines
• Think honestly about your own feelings and beliefs
• Explore how the Bible suggests we should respond to those in need
• Discover the reality of life for people living on the margins of society
• Ask yourself: ‘what should we do?’
This year mission resources designed to help churches present the Easter story with local school children and adults have been included. These feature interactive prayer labyrinths, drama and story-telling along with class room ideas.
They can be downloaded FREE from the CMS website at: www.cms-uk.org/lent
Exploring the depths of God’s love and how our lives might be transformed by it, the course uses biblical psalms, newly translated by the Bishop himself, and stories from the Gospel of John.
To set the scene for stories from John’s Gospel, the Bishop suggests a number of You Tube clips: Come Dine with Me sets a theme of hospitality and precedes studying the miraculous catch of fish when Jesus ate with his disciples; the transformations of gardening programme Groundforce help groups focus on how Jesus turned water into wine; and How Clean is Your House? leads to a look at the significance of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.
Ideal for housegroups, or families, at all times of year not just Lent, Experiencing God’s Love: Five Images of Transformation is available now direct from Church House Publishing (http://www.chpublishing.co.uk) or from booksellers (Paperback, ISBN 978 0 7151 4251 8, £5.99). A Kindle edition is also available via Amazon UK.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
The search for Games Pastors is on
30 January 2012
The search to find more than 800 volunteers to act as Games Pastors during the London 2012 Games, has begun.
Games Pastors will be deployed at main transport hubs and where large crowds gather. Their roll is to respond to the practical and spiritual needs of an estimated extra 800,000 people as they visit London and other Games locations next summer.
More Than Gold, the agency set up by all the main denominations to help churches engage with the 2012 Games, is responsible for recruiting, training and supporting this army of volunteers.
David Willson, CEO of More Than Gold said, ‘There will be many lost, confused and lonely people. These Games Pastors are going to be a lifeline for them, which makes this a great opportunity for Christian service’.
For more information about becoming a Games Pastor, please go to www.morethangold.org.uk/gamespastors
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Free pack helps churches respond to the 2012 Games
30 January 2012
A vast compendium of resources is now available to help churches make the most of their engagement with the 2012 Games.
The 48 page publication offers churches a host of practical ways to engage with their community during the Games and the Torch Relay, which will come within ten miles of most of the UK churches. The ideas include large screen festivals, barbecues, street parties, picnics, breakfasts, children’s games, sports quizzes and sport competitions.
There are also resources for church activities, including an all-age sermon outline, sketches, prayers and outlines for small groups. To help churches publicise their activities there are a sample press release and church magazine article.
The pack comes from More Than Gold, the agency set up by all the main denominations to help churches make the most of the Games. Produced and funded by Traidcraft, it is available free of charge from traidcraftshop.co.uk/churcheventpack or calling 0845 330 8900.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Church pools its buying power to save parishes £10 million a year
26 January 2012
13,000 Church of England parishes can now benefit from reduced prices for essential utilities and services. A new website (www.parishbuying.org.uk), developed by the Parish Buying Service, is offering churches savings on £200 million worth of services each year.
Favourable deals have been negotiated on a range of products and services including gas and electricity, heating oil, photocopiers, stationary, IT software and fire safety, by the Church’s two National Procurement Officers.
“This is not just about saving money, although we are aiming for annual savings of £10 million,” says Dr John Preston, National Stewardship Officer. “The Parish Buying service will help parishes both to buy with confidence, knowing contracts have been professionally negotiated, and to be better stewards of their spending.”
Stephen Marriott, Guildford Diocesan Secretary and who chairs the National Procurement Group, says, “This new service is designed to save time and money. It has come from the thinking of a well-informed team in whose mind the needs and potential benefits is uppermost. It is timely too. I’m confident that it will be of potential benefit to every parish, particularly when many are finding the current financial climate challenging.”
The service is not just aimed at helping parish churches. Cathedrals, clergy, dioceses and church schools can also benefit. During 2012, training resources will also be offered to parishes. These will range from “20 ways to save your parish money” short sessions to full-day “cost control training” aimed particularly at helping parishes that are embarking on major capital projects.
The website opens fully on 30th January 2012, having been in its pilot phase since November 2011.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
National Marriage Week 2012 (7-14 Feb)
26 January 2012
Once again Valentine’s Day is soon upon us, and the coalition of church and pro-family groups who promote marriage are running the annual event of Marriage Week. This movement aims at encouraging, promoting and supporting marriage, and is also an opportunity to say to the wider world that marriage matters. Events are taking place both nationally and locally, and dioceses and churches are encouraged to give their support.
Please see the Marriage Week UK website for details of this year’s theme and materials to aid and support Marriage Week events. It’s still possible to get postcards of the 3-point challenge, and events are still being logged on the ‘an event near you’ page, though many more are taking place across the country.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Renewal of marriage vows at Birmingham Cathedral
26 January 2012
St Valentine’s message of love will be celebrated in Birmingham Cathedral on Sunday 12 February as couples are invited to come along and re-new their marriage vows.
The special Service will take place at 3.30pm.
‘We are delighted that the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Anita Ward and her husband are coming to take part in the Service,’ said Canon Janet Chapman, Canon Liturgist.
‘The Cathedral stands in the heart of the city reminding us every day that love is alive and at the heart of all things,’ said the Dean, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle. ‘St Valentine’s Day gives us the opportunity to say thank you to the people we love and for married couples to re-new their marriage vows.’
The Service will include readings from scripture and music on the theme of love. ‘This event was extremely popular last year,’ said Canon Janet Chapman, Canon Liturgist. ‘Some families dressed up for a wedding, including children coming as bridesmaids, while others came just as they were, wearing jeans.’
After the Service last year, one couple commented: ‘We were married in a registry office and always felt there was something missing from our wedding. It has been wonderful to re-new our vows in the Cathedral, our marriage now feels complete,’
Everyone is welcome. No charge and no need to book, just come.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations begin with Ceremony of Carols at Birmingham Cathedral
26 January 2012
Celebrating HM the Queens Diamond Jubilee, Cathedral and other choral foundation choirs across the country will sing anthems from a new Choirbook for The Queen throughout 2012.
The Concert from the highly acclaimed singers and musicians of Birmingham Cathedral will include a performance of Benjamin Britten’s beautiful ‘Ceremony of Carols’.
The entire Cathedral choir will be performing, including the boys, girls and men singers and, for this performance, harpist Tanya Harper. The Ceremony of Carols will be directed by Marcus Huxley, Director of Music at Birmingham Cathedral.
‘We are delighted to begin our celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with music from the new Choirbook,’ said The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham. ‘We will be offering the best of our choral tradition, new and old, in respect and gratitude for the faithful service we have received from Her Majesty the Queen. We look forward to a year of celebrations in the Cathedral and nation.’
Information from the Choirbook for the Queen web-site:
The Choirbook for The Queen was born out of an inspirational idea from Robert Ponsonby and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies some eight years ago: to produce a collection of contemporary anthems, published for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen in 2012 and accompanied by a year-long celebration of services that will showcase the excellence of choral writing and the continuation of the choral tradition by cathedral choirs and other choral foundations around the country.
Everyone is welcome. Tickets £7.50(conc £5) available from the Cathedral Office or on the door.
The Cathedral Office, Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB Email address: enquiries@birminghamcathedral.com Telephone: 0121 262 1840
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Homeless will be allowed to sleep inside Birmingham Churches
24 January 2012
THE homeless will be allowed to sleep INSIDE Birmingham churches during a unique project to help get them off the freezing streets.
The ‘Cold Weather Shelter’ scheme will see a different city church open its doors each night to provide food and accommodation for ten people.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Birmingham Film Series
24 January 2012
B1 Church are very excited to be working with the charity Unchosen, The Adavu Project, Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and Costa Coffee in the Bullring, to bring a film series to Birmingham at the end of February and the beginning of March.
Unchosen (http://unchosen.org.uk/index.html) is the only film campaign in the UK that concentrates solely on human trafficking, and incorporates discussion and Q&As with the directors. The initiative aims to make people aware that slavery still exists in the 21st century, and to show them how they can get involved in stamping it out. To that end, Unchosen also looks at the issues that surround human trafficking, including fair trade, poverty and immigration.
Some of the organisations Unchosen works in partnership with are Amnesty, Anti-Slavery, Blue Blindfold, Barnardo’s, ECPAT, Fairtrade, Greenpeace, IOM, The Poppy Project, and Stop The Traffik.
The Birmingham based partners have worked with Unchosen to show three films on the 20th and 26th February and the 11th March and all are very welcome to attend.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Selection of Candidates for Reader Ministry
18 January 2012
Readers are lay people who have been selected and trained for a particular ministry in the Church of England. They are authorised by the Bishop to:
Preach and teach the faith
Give pastoral care
Lead public worship
Interested? Do you feel God is calling you or someone you know to this ministry within your own church? Well, the time to act is now, as applications for the next selection conference are now invited. Applicants should have completed the 3D Course or an equivalent approved by the Director of Reader Training, Liz Howlett.
The 2012 Selection Conference will be held on Saturday 23rd June and completed applications must be returned by 30th April 2012 to be considered.
All potential candidates or their incumbents should contact the Initial Training Secretary, Juliet Bakker, tel: 01675 465739, e-mail: jabakkerb461@yahoo.com for an application pack.
The Warden for Readers’ Ministry, the Revd Martin Stephenson, is available for consultation on 0121 777 1935
e-mail: martin.stephenson@cantab.net
Clergy are reminded that in nominating a candidate they are making a commitment to support the candidate both during training and upon licensing. In addition, the training course requires a partnership with the incumbent who assists in the nurture, growth and development of the candidate during the training process. In exceptional circumstances a Reader may train and be licensed during an interregnum – but arrangements for support of the candidate would need to be in place, in consultation with the Director of Reader Training and the Warden of Readers.
Juliet Bakker
Initial Training Secretary
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Encouragement to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with the whole community
18 January 2012
The Church of England is encouraging its 13,000 parishes to engage with communities to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, as it as it announces its participation in two national initiatives – The Big Jubilee Lunch and The Big Thank You – via a helpful website section and online video at www.diamondjubilee.churchofengland.org, produced by Mission and Public Affairs Division and the Communications Office of the Archbishops' Council.
The brainchild of the Eden Project and championed ecumenically by HOPE, The Big Jubilee Lunch will see millions across the country joining together to have lunch on the afternoon of Sunday, June 3rd; the Church of England is encouraging parishes to register their own Big Jubilee Lunch at www.thebiglunch.com, or join in with one already registered locally to make it even bigger and better.
To give people an opportunity to say a personal thank you to The Queen for 60 years of service, many cathedrals and churches are taking part in The Big Thank You; the public will be invited to add their signature and well wishes to a letter to Her Majesty The Queen signed by the diocesan bishop and made available for personal thank-yous in the participating cathedrals and churches. These letters will be compiled into one national Big Thank You and delivered to Buckingham Palace.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Small Advertisements
18 January 2012
Palm Cross Order forms available from: Zulem Trust, Emmanuel Church, Weston Favell Centre, Northampton NN3 8JR Tel: 01604 406930
The Jordan and Bercul Rooms
For further information or to apply for a Booking Form containing details of the facilities available, please contact our Church Administrator Telephone: 01676 529123
Email: patrick@berkswellchurch.org.uk
Website: www.berkswellchurch.org.uk
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
£10,000 prize for commissioning new art for parish churches
18 January 2012
Parishes throughout England can apply for a £10,000 prize for the best developed proposal for commissioning a new work of art for their church.
The deadline for the first stage of the competition is 29 February 2012. At this stage the parish must explain: Why? What? What is it for? Where? Will it be temporary or permanent? Parishes submitting the most promising rationale for a commission will be invited to work up their proposal in detail while continuing to use the new guidelines. The deadline for the final stage will be 1 October 2012.
The art to be commissioned can be a textile, metalwork, sculpture, an installation using mixed media, a painting or glass. Using the guidance, richly illustrated with examples of recent commissions in these media throughout England, parishes will discover step-by-step advice on how to write briefs, how to commission and choose artists, the special considerations applying to temporary artworks, and how to take a creative proposal through the faculty system. The Church of England hopes that the guide will make parishes realise that commissioning artwork can be very straightforward and rewarding.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Update from the Church of England
16 January 2012
Feel free to cut and paste all the news items for diocesan and parish magazines, or forward to other people
Key fingertip facts about the CofE can be found here. Diamond Jubilee Prayer and liturgical resources released A prayer written at The Queen’s Direction by the Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee has been released. It will be used in the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service in St Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday, June 5th. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have commended it for use throughout the Church of England and other Churches are also welcome to use it. Published alongside other new prayers for adults and children, and liturgical resources for use in the Church of England during Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year, the new prayer is available online at www.diamondjubilee.churchofengland.org The Church of England is encouraging its 13,000 parishes to engage with communities to celebrate The Queens Diamond Jubilee, as it announces its participation in two national initiatives - The Big Jubilee Lunch and The Big Thank You. More Researchers are being sought for an 18 month project which will aim to provide a comprehensive study of the causes of church growth. The focus for the new research project is based on the Archbishop of Canterburys strategic goals to the new General Synod in 2010 - to take forward spiritual and numerical growth in the CofE for all communities. More.
Engaging with the Queens Jubilee
Church growth researchers
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
'Call the Midwife'
12 January 2012
The 6 part serialization of “Call the Midwife” begins on Sunday 15th January at 8.00 pm on BBC 1. Enjoy!
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
St Bartholomew's Allens Cross plant a community orchard
12 January 2012
Towards the end of last year, St Bartholomew Allens Cross planted a community orchard within the church site. Bishop David also helped to plant some.
The Church has doubled its Christmas attendance over the last four years and the average age group has gone down not up.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
MBE Award
11 January 2012
Frank O' Sullivan, Manager/Trainer of St Agatha's Boxing Club (Sparkbrook), was awarded the MBE in the New years Honours List for services to Amateur Boxing.
The (very popular, all-age and inclusive ) club is one of the few multi-ethnic sports facilities in the Sparkbrook area.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Rachel and The Roosters helping to raise funds
11 January 2012
St David’s Church, Shenley Green has a well established tradition of live musical entertainment, ranging from the monthly impromptu folk sessions in the narthex to concerts with semi professional bands and musicians. The most recent of these events, in December 2011, featured the ‘fifties style’ group Rachel and the Roosters.
The group performed a wide selection of rockabilly and rock and roll classics, featuring numbers made famous by artists such as Buddy Holly, Eddy Cochran and Carl Perkins. An extra treat was a visit from ‘Elvis Presley’, better known as Rev Nick Jones, who both looked and sounded like ‘the King’. From the gyrations of the dancers it seems clear that there is plenty of life in the older members of the parish, who can certainly show the younger generation how to cut a rug.
The group consists of Rachel Tomlinson, (vocals) Jim Bevan (bass fiddle) Ray Sheldon (guitar) Freddy Pirrotta (keyboard) and Les Hobbs on drums.
The evening proved to be an enjoyable and successful time, raising some £600.00 for church funds.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Church Chair Design Competition
10 January 2012
The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division is holding a competition to seek well made seats for use in our church buildings. The competition aims to facilitate the production of the winning designs at affordable prices and to encourage good design in church seating across our 16,000 parishes.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Notification of Appointments
09 January 2012
The Revd Percil Cadogan
RIP
Who died on 26 December 2011
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Listening Skills Week
Monday 26 - Friday 30 March 2012
A skills based course which also provides the basic counselling theory necessary to understand what constitutes good practice in listening in pastoral care. The aim of the course is to improve your performance as a listener. Led by Michael Grandey who is an ordained priest in the Church of England, having previously been a medical doctor. He is particularly interested in pastoral care and healing, and has a Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Counselling.
To book contact David Hilton or follow this link: http://stjohns-nottm.ac.uk/listening-skills-2/
Venue: St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS
Cost: Cost for week: £280 (includes meals and overnight accommodation)
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
David Hilton
Telephone: 0115 968 3224
E-mail: conferences@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
Top Up Your Theology Week
2 – 6 July 2012
Canon Dr Christina Baxter, Revd Dr Andrew Angel and other Faculty share the latest developments in theology. Book in for the whole week or select single days.
Venue: St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS
Cost:
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
David Hilton
Telephone: 0115 968 3224
E-mail: conferences@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
Pastoral Ministry and Christian Spiritual Direction
5 to 8 March
An exploration of the nature of Christian ministry, broadly defined. This course addresses some central issues in pastoral ministry such as: faith development, ageing, and death and dying. Covers a variety of forms and traditions of spiritual guidance in the Christian tradition. (Please note this is not a training course in spiritual direction or in counselling.)
Venue: Sarum College
19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EE
Cost: £220 for non-residential, from £330 for residential.
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Anne Jensen
Telephone: 01722 424827
E-mail: ajensen@sarum.ac.uk
3D Course
We are just beginning to plan for the next session of the 3D course which will start in September 2012.
If you feel your Parish would benefit from holding a course, please get in touch with the Mission Learning Department. The Revd Liz Howlett, Bishop’s Adviser for Lay Adult Education & Training.
Venue:
Cost:
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Jelena Cammack
Telephone: 0121 426 0435
E-mail: jelena.cammack@birmingham.anglican.org
Safeguarding Adults - Basic training sessions for 2012
For Parish Lead People and Parish Authorised Pastoral Visitors.
Further training sessions arranged led by Mrs Alison Buckley with the Revd Lucille Arlidge, Bishop’s Adviser for Safeguarding Adults, in attendance.
Training Sessions are offered at the following venues:-
Wednesday 29th February 2012 7.30pm to 9.00pm
St Margaret’s Church Hall
Old Warwick Road, Olton, SOLIHULL B92 7JU
&
Wednesday 2nd May 2012 7.30pm to 9.00pm
St Christopher’s Church
New Street, FRANKLEY B45 0EU
Venue: Solihull & Frankley
Cost:
Organised by:Ministries Forum
For more information, contact:
Jelena Cammack
Telephone: 0121 426 0435
E-mail: jelena.cammack@birmingham.anglican.org
Signposts
If you are exploring the possibility that God might be calling you to the ordained ministry .... then this is for you.
Venue: St Luke's Church Centre, Great Colmore Street, Birmingham B15 2AT
Cost: Free
Organised by:Birmingham Diocese Vocations Team
For more information, contact:
Marlyce Bryan
Telephone: 0121 426 0446
E-mail: m.bryan@birmingham.anglican.org
Science, Religion and Atheism
Friday 30th March – Sunday 1st April 2012
Is the discussion between science and religion affected by its narrator, be they theist, atheist or agnostic? This course is not to debate the existence of God but to explore answers to this question presented by speakers themselves
coming from these different perspectives.
www.faraday-institute.org
Venue: Murray Edwards College, Cambridge
Cost:
Organised by:The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
For more information, contact:
Telephone: 01223 741281
E-mail:
Believing in Baptism?
To help us in this exploration we will have an opportunity to hear a number of expert speakers from a range of disciplines and we will also take part in focused group discussions. Our hope is that a Consultation focused on this key area of Christian practice will enlighten and strengthen our theological approach to baptism and its practical expression in our ministries.
Please email St George’s House for a registration form.
Venue: St George’s House
Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Cost: £200 (full board).
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Telephone: 01753 848886
E-mail: clergy.consultations@stgeorgeshouse.org
Healing & Wholeness - An opportunity to explore the nature of the healing ministry
Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th March
Starting with afternoon tea at 4pm on Tuesday
Ending with afternoon tea at 3pm on Thursday
Venue: Community for Reconciliation, Barnes Close, Chadwich, Bromsgrove, B61 0RA
Cost: Cost (Full Board) £140 (Unwaged £120) Non-residents £90 & £75 respectively
Organised by:Community for Reconciliation
For more information, contact:
Ian Ring
Telephone: 01562 710231
E-mail: cfrenquiry@aol.com
Legal and support aspects relating to asylum seekers
New from Restore! Half day course for Clergy and other church leaders on the legal and support aspects relating to asylum seekers and others with immigration issues.
Venue: Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre, 10-12 Court Road, off Stratford Road, B11
Cost: £5.00
Organised by:Restore
For more information, contact:
Telephone: 0121 236 0069
E-mail: info@restore-uk.org
Birmingham Cathedral Lent Course 2012 ‘Confident Christians in a Multifaith City’
Come and learn about our Christian faith… how to live alongside members of other faiths with confidence and respect … discuss a range of opinions to help you form your own…hear Christian practitioners and theologians reflect on their experience…come and worship.
This is a great opportunity to set time aside to engage our minds with vital issues that touch all of us who live, work and worship in this vibrant city.
Everyone is invited to attend Ash Wednesday worship at 7.30pm with preacher, Andrew Smith, 22 February 7.30pm. The sessions will end at 9.00 and the evening will include a time of worship. There will be a small charge for the course.
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Cost:
Organised by:Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Telephone: 0121 262 184
E-mail:
Growing Gifts Study Days Spring 2012
This day will give us a chance to think about central issues in our Christian belief and to do this with the world of today in mind.
Wednesday 7th March
Led by The Venerable Dr Brian Russell
Venue:
Cost:
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Andrea Stevens
Telephone: 0121 426 0400 / 426 0429
E-mail: a.stevens@birmingham.anglican.org
Biblical Study Break: Rediscovering Jesus
23 to 26 April
Explore the contribution that all the Gospels make to our reconstruction and understanding of the person at the heart of ‘the Jesus movement’.
Venue: Sarum College
19 The Close
Salisbury SP1 2EE
Cost: £199 for non-residential, from £279 for residential
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Alison Ogden
Telephone: 01722 424800
E-mail: aogden@sarum.ac.uk
Faith Communities - Spring Seminar Programme
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is launching its spring seminar programme for the Faith Communities. Church law can make some activities more complicated than in other contexts. We specialise in looking at issues from the perspective of Faith Communities – the rules, regulations and how to preserve your faith distinctive.
The series will cover:
Tuesday 28 February 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Licensing - for those hosting a Jubilee or Olympic event. Stay within the law
Tuesday 27 March 2012 - 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Social investment – community bonds and social impact bonds – are they for you?
Tuesday 24 April 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Company Secretarial – running a charitable company. Compliance issues
Tuesday 22 May 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Green Energy and the Green Deal – reducing your carbon footprint and minimising costs – the legal angle
Tuesday 26 June 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Refurbishment – minimising risk in your property development by getting the legals right
Places limited. Book your place on each seminar through our website www.anthonycollins.com/news-and-events/events.aspx
Venue: Anthony Collins
Central Birmingham
Cost:
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Louise Ducker
Telephone: 0121 212 7423
E-mail: louise.ducker@anthonycollins.com
Tuesday Talks
31/01/2012
Date: 31 January 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Engaging with Muslims
31/01/2012
Date: 31 January 2012
Venue: Post 16 Centre, Great Hampton
Row, Birmingham, B19 3JG
Time: 10.00 to 16.00. A day event for Christians to explore why and how to engage with Muslims. Bookings: www.christianmuslimforum.org
Cost: £20 (£10 concessions), lunch included
Organised by: Christian Muslim Forum
For more information, contact:
Name: Jessica Foster
Telephone: 0121 675 1155
E-mail: jess@nearneighbours.com
“Faith In Justice” Conference
02/02/2012
Date: 02 February 2012
Venue: The Nishkam Centre, 6
Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9BH
Time: 10.30am – 3.45 pm. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of Dharmic Faiths with other faith communities and to raise awareness of JDC's multi-faith project during World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012.
Cost:
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Audrey Miller
Telephone: 0121 471 4175
E-mail: jubileedebt@blueyonder.co.uk
Choral Eucharist
02/02/2012
Date: 02 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 7.30 pm. Choral Eucharist for Candlemas. Preacher: The Dean
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Wholeness & Healing Service with Communion
04/02/2012
Date: 04 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 9.00 am.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Belief and Being in School II
04/02/2012
Date: 04 February 2012
Venue: Methodist International Centre near Euston station in London
The aim of the conference is to bring together Christian and Muslim teachers and teaching assistants from mainstream schools to get to know each other and share their experiences as people of faith in a school environment. For more details see: http://christianmuslimforum.org/index.php/events/event-listing/621/
Cost:
Organised by: Christian Muslim Forum
For more information, contact:
Name:
Telephone: 0207 820 0444
E-mail:
Candlemas Evensong & Concert
05/02/2012
Date: 05 February 2012
Venue: Community of the Resurrection
Time: 6pm The Community will sing evensong of Candlemas, enjoy a wine and cheese celebration and then return to church for an evening of music provided by friends – this will include the new organ, a string quartet, a brass ensemble, a clarinet recital, and some singing reminiscent of the Last Night of the Proms. Please purchase your ticket in advance.
Cost: £5.00 / children free
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Adele Hannah
Telephone: 01924 483308
E-mail: ahannah@mirfield.org.uk
Mothers' Union Display for 'Wave of Prayer'
06/02/2012
Date: 06 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
6th - 12th February. During open hours.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Tuesday Talks
07/02/2012
Date: 07 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Choral Communion Service
08/02/2012
Date: 08 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
The Diocesan Scheme for Offering Pastoral Care and Community Skills
08/02/2012
Date: 08 February 2012
Venue: Church House, 175 Harborne Park Road, Harborne
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm, preceded by lunch at 12.30 pm. A consultation for clergy who would like to know more about the approved diocesan scheme for lay people offering pastoral care and community skills. Please book in advance.
Cost:
Organised by: Ministries Forum
For more information, contact:
Name: Andrea Stevens
Telephone: 0121 426 0429
E-mail: a.stevens@birmingham.anglican.org
Transforming Outreach using sports ministry and the Olympics
08/02/2012
Date: 08 February 2012
Venue: Church House
Time: 7-9pm. What better motivation than the Olympics to start engaging with young people and the community than through sport and fitness. This evening will be an interactive evening including theology and models of good practice. Come, be inspired and share your stories and ideas. Contact Jelena to book.
Cost: £5
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Jelena Cammack
Telephone:
E-mail: Jelena@birmingham.anglican.org
Don’t do God? How to have easy conversations about Faith in everyday situations
09/02/2012
Date: 09 February 2012
Venue: The Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre
10 Court Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham
Time: 10 am to 1 pm (with lunch). Led by Dr Andrew Smith, Bishop’s Director of Interfaith Relations, Diocese of Birmingham. Getting people of different faiths into the same space is the beginning of process that can be hugely enriching, transformative and exciting but it does not happen naturally. How do conversations move from the superficial to the spiritual without feeling artificial and stilted? This course is aimed at anyone who is running events, particularly Near Neighbours events, which bring people together and would like some fresh ideas to help stimulate ‘God’ conversations. Please register at admin@faithfulneighbourhoods.org.uk
Cost: £15 (£10 concession)
Organised by: Near Neighbours
For more information, contact:
Name: Jessica Foster
Telephone: 0121 675 1155
E-mail:
Wholeness & Healing Service with Communion
09/02/2012
Date: 09 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Friday Recital
10/02/2012
Date: 10 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm. Pro Cecilia Valentine's Day Recital
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Church Textiles open day
10/02/2012
Date: 10 February 2012
Venue: Juliet Hemingray Church Textiles, 27 The Derwent Business Centre, Clarke Street, Derby DE1 2BU
10 - 11 February An invitation to anyone who would like to see what the team can create for your church. www.church-textiles.co.uk
Cost:
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name:
Telephone: 01332 366740
E-mail: jhct@church-textiles.co.uk
Young Vocations Conference
13/02/2012
Date: 13 February 2012
Venue: Ely
13-15 Feb A national conference for young people aged 16-19 who would like to explore the idea of being ordained into the Church of England. callwaiting.org.uk/conference.aspx
Cost:
Organised by: Ministry Division
For more information, contact:
Name:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Tuesday Talks
14/02/2012
Date: 14 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Holy Communion Service
15/02/2012
Date: 15 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Friday Recital
17/02/2012
Date: 17 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm. Thomas Rhodes - guitar and Sophie Hickman - flute
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir
18/02/2012
Date: 18 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 3.30 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir
19/02/2012
Date: 19 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 3.30 pm. Choir: St Luke's Chelsea
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Tuesday Talks
21/02/2012
Date: 21 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Choral Communion Service
22/02/2012
Date: 22 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Ash Wednesday Choral Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes
22/02/2012
Date: 22 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 7.30 pm. Preacher: Dr Andrew Smith
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Friday Recital
24/02/2012
Date: 24 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm. Birmingham Royal Ballet
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Tuesday Talks
28/02/2012
Date: 28 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
Holy Communion Service
29/02/2012
Date: 29 February 2012
Venue: Birmingham Cathedral
Time: 1.10 pm.
Cost:
Organised by: Birmingham Cathedral
For more information, contact:
Name: Alison Whybrow
Telephone: 0121 262 1840
E-mail: alison.whybrow@birminghamcathedral.com
City Women Lunch
29/02/2012
Date: 29 February 2012
Venue: Shakespeares Somerset House, Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5DJ
Time: 1.00 - 1.55 pm. You are warmly invited to the first CITY WOMEN lunch of 2012. After the lunch Amy Brann, who works as a organisational coach, will speak briefly about having an increased sense of Christian hopefulness in daily working life following which there will be time for discussion in small groups. You can now book at our website http://www.chaplaincyplus.org.uk/events/city-women-lunch-3/ or contact Clair Dinsdale.
Cost: £7 per person
Organised by: Chaplaincy Plus
For more information, contact:
Name: Clair Dinsdale
Telephone:
E-mail: clair.dinsdale@chaplaincyplus.org.uk
Engaging with Christians
29/02/2012
Date: 29 February 2012
Venue: Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre, 10-12 Court Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 4LX
Time: 10.00 to 16.00. A day event for Muslims to explore why and how to engage with Christians. Sessions: Why is it OK to engage with Christians? What should we know about Birmingham Christians? Muslim Responses to Christianity. Da’wah and Christian Mission. Speakers: Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra and Imam Dr Musharraf Hussain OBE. Afternoon speakers: Julian Bond, Christian Muslim Forum and Dr Andrew Smith, Faithful Neighbourhoods
Cost: £20 (£10 concessions), halal lunch included
Organised by: Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre, Christian Muslim Forum, Near Neighbours
For more information, contact:
Name: Jessica Foster
Telephone:
E-mail: jess@nearneighbours.com
Chaplaincy in Education
01/03/2012
Date: 01 March 2012
Venue: Kings Gate Community Church
2 Staple Way, Parnwell, Peterborough, PE1 4YT
10.00am – 4.00pm. A day conference exploring new opportunities in school and college chaplaincy. Inspirational stories, opportunity to network, focus groups. More information at: www.scriptureunion.org.uk/chaplaincyineducation
Cost: £25
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Kim Ross
Telephone: 01908 856198
E-mail: KimR@scriptureunion.org.uk
Growing with God
03/03/2012
Date: 03 March 2012
Venue: Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham B4 7SX
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Growing with God is for everyone in church who works or helps with children on Sundays or midweek. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get new ideas, meet others doing the same work, discover new resource, worship together and be inspired by the workshop leaders. Full details of the workshops and a booking form are at: http://www.birmingham.anglican.org/upload/pdf/GrowingWithGodBooklet12.pdf
Cost: £12 per person. Cost Discount of £2 per person for bookings before 31st December 2011
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Jelena Cammack
Telephone: 0121 426 0435
E-mail: jelena@birmingham.anglican.org
Raids on the Unspeakable
09/04/2012
Date: 09 April 2012
Venue: Oakham School, Rutland
9-11 April 2012 All are welcome to the Thomas Merton Society’s conference. Key note speakers: Liz Carmichael; Jim Forest; Jonathan Montaldo To book, or for further details, please visit the website or contact: Booking secretary, Kymin Cottage, Westhide, Hereford HR1 3RG www.thomasmertonsociety.org.uk
Cost:
Organised by: Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain & Ireland
For more information, contact:
Name:
Telephone:
E-mail: bookings@thomasmertonsociety.org.uk
Individually-Guided Retreats in the Ignatian tradition
01/10/2012
Date: 01 October 2012
Venue: Nicholaston House, Gower Peninsular, S. Wales
1st - 7th October These residential Retreats are conducted in silence with an experienced guide to work alongside you as you pray with scripture and other aids, according to your individual need and temperament. Guides; Rob Hingley and Frances Henley-Lock.
Cost: £340
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Rev Rob Hingley
Telephone: 0121 357 4534
E-mail: rob.hingley@btinternet.com
Individually-Guided Retreats in the Ignatian tradition
22/10/2012
Date: 22 October 2012
Venue: Glenfall House, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham
22nd-27th October These residential Retreats are conducted in silence with an experienced guide to work alongside you as you pray with scripture and other aids, according to your individual need and temperament. Guides; Pauline Green, Rob Hingley, Rachel Willard, Janet Lindsay-German.
Cost: £252.50
Organised by:
For more information, contact:
Name: Rev Rob Hingley
Telephone: 0121 357 4534
E-mail: rob.hingley@btinternet.com
Caretaker - Christ Church Selly Park Salary: £7.50 per hour For
further information
Closing
date for
applications:17/02/2012
Contact
name: Jane Jackman
Telephone: 0121 471 2379
E-mail: info@christ-church-selly-park.org.uk