Enjoying a High Quality of Life
At the recent executive board meeting of Be-Birmingham we discussed a diagram showing the priorities for the city in the coming months and years. Right at the top of the chart is the objective the people in this city should ‘enjoy a high quality of life’.  More>

Topical Comment

Redeeming Our Communities – What is it?
At its heart it is a dream of a city transformed through a committed partnership between local churches, Christian faith based organisations, the police and other voluntary and statutory organizations.  More>

News

Update from the Church of England
27 July 2010
A monthly update from the Communications Unit of the Church of England.  More>

Be a Part of a Wind of Change this Harvest
27 July 2010
Support Christian Aid this Harvest as it seeks to bring sustainable development to remote communities in places like Baz Girha in Afghanistan.  More>

The Pavement
19 July 2010
The Pavement is a magazine written to inform and advise homeless people and help them with the range of problems they may face.  More>

Birmingham Half Marathon
12 July 2010
Are you running the Birmingham Half Marathon? Would you like to be part of, and identified with, a Birmingham Diocesan group running with Bishop Maurice Sinclair?   More>

An appeal for household supplies
08 July 2010
St John's Sparkhill (Narthex) are appealing for donations of household equipment for asylum seekers.   More>

Bishops’ call for ‘hopeful realists’ to serve the common good
28 June 2010
Christians are called to be “hopeful realists” about the state of the world, politics and economics, “living thankfully” while challenging unjust systems and regimes, according to a new Church of England teaching document.  More>

Vicar’s leap of faith
22 June 2010
On 2nd September 2010 the Revd Duncan Hill-Brown, vicar of St Philip’s and St James’ Dorridge and Bentley Heath will undertake a free fall parachute jump with the famous Red Devils.  More>

Bishops highlight unchanging duty to share the Good News
21 June 2010
Following a debate in February 2009, the General Synod asked the House of Bishops to produce a report on their understanding of the uniqueness of Christ in Britain’s multi-faith society.  More>

Faith Guides in Birmingham
16 June 2010
A list of places of worship in the city which have trained Faith Guides who will welcome enquiries for visits, which can be tailor made to suit the needs of the group.   More>

Closure of Selly Oak Hospital and opening of new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
14 June 2010
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NEW MAGAZINE TO SHOWCASE TRANSFORMING CHURCH INITIATIVES
26 May 2010
Birmingham Diocese has launched a magazine to highlight the impact of its new mission strategy, Transforming Church and share the good news of what churches are doing in the region  More>

Bats in churches
18 May 2010
In order to help provide information to members of the congregation and church council, the Bat Conservation Trust have produced some information leaflets on bats in churches.   More>

Race by Grace!
11 May 2010
On Sunday morning 24th October this year more then seven thousand people will be running through the streets of Birmingham. It is the day of the Half Marathon.  More>

15% OFF Discount Card!!!
21 April 2010
Wesley Owen Books and Music now have a special 15% Off Discount Card for your PERSONAL use.   More>

New Dean for Birmingham Announced
16 April 2010
The Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, has announced that the new Dean of Birmingham will be the Revd Canon Catherine Ogle, who is currently Vicar of Huddersfield.  More>

Courses

Birmingham Churches Together Training Opportunities
BCT Training provides learning opportunities for those who facilitate or support the learning of adults, young people and families.  More>

3D Course
If you feel your Parish would benefit from holding a 3D Course, please contact the Ministries Forum.   More>

MA degree in Christian Spirituality
The UK's only ecumenical master's degree in Christian spirituality.  More>

MA degree in Christian Liturgy
The study of Christian Liturgy within theology seeks to learn how Christians have worshipped in the past, and to understand better the evolving worship patterns in today’s churches.   More>

Fit for the Purpose – Vocation Weekend
For anyone who is interested in discovering where God is leading them.  More>

Counselling Skills for Pastoral Care
A substantial introductory course combining counselling skills, theology and personal growth.   More>

MA Courses ...
Sarum College is now able to offer MA courses in the following subjects: • Christian Spirituality • Christian Liturgy • Theology, Imagination and Culture • Faith-based Leadership  More>

Foundation Degree in Theology for Ministry
Distance learning with the option of short visits to college.  More>

'Introduction to work place chaplaincy' course
If you'd like to get a flavour and to think whether Work Place Chaplaincy may be for you, sign up for this course.  More>

Events

Siggs and Cloke families will entertain with singing and playing various instruments
01/08/2010
Time: 2.30 – 5pm   More>

SPUDS Exhibition - The Parent Heart of God
01/08/2010
1st Aug - 30th September: all day.  More>

The pursuit of Just and Peace: an East Asia Perspective
02/08/2010
Time: 7.30 pm. By The Revd Sam Koshiishi formerly Moderator of the National Christian Council in Japan & steering committee member of the Anglican Peace and Justice Network.  More>

Holy Communion Service
04/08/2010
Time: 1.10 pm.  More>

Sale of items from Belarus
06/08/2010
Time: 1.00 pm - 3.45 pm. Sisters from St Elisabeth Convent, Belarus, selling products, including Icons, crosses, embroideries, ceramic items, religious souvenirs, Russian dolls, etc.  More>

Wholeness & Healing Service with Communion
07/08/2010
Time: 9.00 am. The Revd Canon Henry Burgess.  More>

Hiroshima Commemoration Service
07/08/2010
Time: 10.30 am.  More>

Summer Retreat - individually-guided in the Ignatian tradition
09/08/2010
Dates: 9th–16th August 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. Mon-Mon full retreat, or Mon- Fri, Fri-Mon shorter retreats.   More>

Evening Local Walk - Edgbaston
10/08/2010
Walk led by Revd Hugh Scriven. Suitable for all ages, bring money for bus fare and a drink.  More>

Holy Communion Service
11/08/2010
Time: 1.10 pm.  More>

Wholeness & Healing Service
12/08/2010
Time: 1.10 pm. Taken by The Revd Canon Henry Burgess  More>

Choral Eucharist
15/08/2010
Time: 11.00 am. Visiting Choir: The Clarendon Singers  More>

Holy Communion Service
18/08/2010
Time: 1.10 pm.  More>

Blessings Days
18/08/2010
Time: 12 noon - 2 pm. Free drinks and anointing/prayer for healing, plus: 'Baby Blessing'.   More>

Craftspace Workshop
21/08/2010
Time: 12.00 - 4.00 pm.  More>

Holy Communion Service
25/08/2010
Time: 1.10 pm.  More>

Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir
28/08/2010
Time: 3.30 pm. Visiting Choir: Manchester Cathedral Voluntary Choir  More>

Choral Eucharist with Healing
29/08/2010
Time: 11.00 am. Visiting Choir:Manchester Cathedral Voluntary Choir  More>

Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir
29/08/2010
Time: 3.30 pm. Visiting Choir: Manchester Cathedral Voluntary Choir.  More>

Morning Prayer and Holy Communion
30/08/2010
Time: 9.00 am.  More>

A Retreat for All in Ministry: Your Journey in Ministry
31/08/2010
31st August – 3rd September 2010 Led by Peter Ball This retreat offers a good break from the pressures of ministry. Against the background of extended periods of silence, the Eucharist and Offices and the peaceful ambience of the Abbey, people are invited to go deeper into the meaning of their faith and its expression in prayer. Drawing on Biblical stories, the leader’s talks will invite private reflection on their individual journeys. Contact Launde Abbey or visit www.launde.org.uk   More>

Tending the Adolescent Soul with Mark Yaconelli
01/09/2010
Time: 10am – 3pm Join Mark Yaconelli for a day that will help to equip and inspire you in the work you do with young people and spirituality. Through story, discussion, and spiritual practice Mark Yaconelli will share his experience and practical research from twenty years of ministering to the souls of young people and the youth workers who serve them. To print a copy of the enrolment form please see: http://www.birmingham.anglican.org/upload/pdf/EnrolmentFormMarkYaconelli.pdf To see a copy of the invoice: http://www.birmingham.anglican.org/upload/pdf/InvoiceForParticipsMarkYaconelli.pdf  More>

Engaging Society: Reassessing Anglican Social Ethics
06/09/2010
6th – 8th September Speakers: Lord Harries; Frank Field, MP; and Robert Lovin. The programme flyer may be found at: http://www.mirfieldcentre.org.uk/pdfs/rase_information.pdf  More>

Engaging Society: Reassessing Anglican Social Ethics
06/09/2010
6th – 8th September Speakers: Lord Harries; Frank Field, MP; and Robert Lovin. The programme flyer may be found at: http://www.mirfieldcentre.org.uk/pdfs/rase_information.pdf  More>

The Laughing Sole
07/09/2010
Doors open 7.30 pm for 8.30 pm start. www.thelaughingsole.org.uk  More>

Racial Justice Sunday
12/09/2010
Time: 4.00 pm. Ecumentical Service  More>

Anglican Ministry for the Persian Community in the UK
18/09/2010
A Service in Farsi & English is to take place at 10.30. The Archbishop of Canturbury's chaplain to Persians in England Reverend Bassi Mirizani has been invited to preach. This is a time of worship for anyone who speaks Farsi or Dari and for clergy to come along with such members of their congregation. It will be a time of Christian encouragement & solidarity. All who are interested are very welcome. There is a meeting for clergy with Iranians in their congregation at 1pm when Reverend Mirizai will give a presentation. This will last for about an hour.  More>

Growing Organically - a national conference on using church land as a model for environmental change
18/09/2010
Time: 10am to 4pm. A conference on the importance of church land management, as part of its Eco-Congregation England & Wales green-church award scheme. It will give practical examples of projects and open up opportunities to see what conservation potential church land may hold. The workshops at the conference will cover: · Environmental Management Plans · How to attract wildlife · Alternative uses of church land · How to use church land to engage with the wider community · Theology of creation care · Practical case studies The conference is in partnership with Caring for God’s Acre and Shrinking the Footprint. For more information about the conference visit www.arocha.org/gb-en/7689-DSY.html?branch=1&language=2   More>

Ramsey in Durham
24/09/2010
24-26 September This weekend of celebration includes 'The Dedication of the new Ramsey Memorial Transfiguration Window' on 25th Sept. A day conference. Further information and booking details are available at: www.ramseyindurham.org.uk  More>

Autumn Retreat - individually-guided in the Ignatian tradition
27/09/2010
Dates: 27th September- 4th 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. Mon-Mon full retreat, or Mon- Fri, Fri-Mon shorter retreats.   More>

Awesome Conference - Prepare: Realising our God-given Potential
27/09/2010
27-29th September We will be looking this time at how we can make the most of the gifts and skills which God has given us and how to be prepared for the future he has in store. Awesome is a network for ordained evangelical women www.awesome.org.uk  More>

Individually-Guided Retreats in the Ignatian tradition
04/10/2010
Dates: 4th-10th 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. For further information contact Rev Rob Hingley 147 Hamstead Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5BB  More>

The Laughing Sole
05/10/2010
Doors open 7.30 pm for 8.30 pm start. www.thelaughingsole.org.uk  More>

Growing Leaders (youth and adult) training the trainers’ day
13/10/2010
Time: 10am-4pm This includes: a resource pack, refreshments (not including lunch), and the opportunity to buy the Growing Leaders courses at a reduced rate. What the day covers: What is leadership? Why growing leaders of all ages is important. Nine principles for growing leaders. How the Growing Leaders courses work. How to run them in your church. How to create a leadership development strategy in your church. Book at www.cpas.org.uk/glbirmingham  More>

Faith in Europe Conference
14/10/2010
We shall focus on the eastern neighbours of the European Union, specifically Ukraine and Belarus. We plan to look at aid and support initiatives by western church-related organisations towards those countries, with consideration of the ecumenical dimension, and at how these initiatives might be developed in the context of the EU's Neighbourhood Policy.   More>

Blessings Days
20/10/2010
Time: 12 noon - 2 pm. Free drinks and anointing/prayer for healing, plus: 'Prayer for Spiritual Freedom'.   More>

Quiet Day for Saints & Souls
02/11/2010
Time: 9.30 to 3.15 Bede Griffiths, Benedictine monk and spiritual teacher wrote: “We must remember that sounds vibrate through the whole body and have a profound effect on the psyche. It is impossible to conceive the effects the sounds of a modern city with its endless distractions on the psyche". A chance to “let go of these distractions” and to hear in silence the sounds of God’s Word is offered by The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer under the guidance of Canon Martin Tunnicliffe. Please book in advance.  More>

The Churches Tourism Association Convention: Britain Together – Sacred Steps
15/11/2010
15 – 17 November. This is the premier national event for everyone who’d like to open up their building or trail to wider audiences, learn how to enthuse visitors, and work across boundaries to link places of worship with their local communities. Booking now open - check the website www.churchestourism.info  More>

Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) Birmingham
16/11/2010
"Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) Birmingham is an initiative that seeks to encourage the church and christian faith based organisations to build on the existing engagement with the police, the city council and other agencies with a focus around crime reduction and safer, kinder neighbourhoods. This event will showcase what is happening in the city and encouraging joined up working. ROC aims to assist in mapping what is going on but also encourage the emergence of new projects and partnerships long after the event has finished. To find out more about who is involved in ROC Birmingham visit www.citylinks.org.uk/birmingham  More>

Individually-Guided Retreats in the Ignatian tradition
22/11/2010
Dates: 22nd-27th November 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. For further information contact Rev Rob Hingley 147 Hamstead Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5BB  More>

The Laughing Sole
07/12/2010
Doors open 7.30 pm for 8.30 pm start. www.thelaughingsole.org.uk  More>