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Bishop's Comment Topical Comment News Courses Events Bishop's CommentWilling to change
Bishop of Northern Malawi thanks Birmingham for support
Join the Carbon Fast during Lent 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. The Carbon Fast encourages people to take one simple action everyday throughout the 40 days of Lent that may help reduce their carbon emission. It is a way to respond on how God has called us to respect and look after his good creation and to protect people in poverty that are most affected by climate change.
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 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. Near Neighbours is a Government-funded programme which has been running since August 2011 and funds community groups and places of worship to run small projects that bring people of different faiths together to get to know one another and transform their community together.
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. “Although the grants we offer are quite small we are confident that used well they can make a lasting difference to the people of Birmingham.”
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
Renewal of marriage vows at Birmingham Cathedral 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
Birmingham Film Series 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. For more information please contact Revd Jonathan Dowman (jonathan.dowman@o2.co.uk)
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Articles for Parish Magazines Parish Pump (www.parishpump.co.uk) is offering a series of articles written by David Winter, former head of Religion for the BBC, marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The first is entitled "Elizabeth - Child of Destiny". They are aimed at Parish Magazine editors. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
£10,000 prize for commissioning new art for parish churches 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 Church Buildings Council prize, generously funded by The Jerusalem Trust, will be offered to an excellently prepared proposal and not for a particular artwork. The essential criterion is the requirement to use the process outlined in the Council’s recently published guidance on “Commissioning New Art for Churches”.
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
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. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
'Call the Midwife' There is a new six part television series due to commence on BBC1 this coming Sunday, 15th January at 8.00 pm.
The story concerns Sisters of the Community of St. John the divine, Alum Rock when they had a Part 2 Midwifery Training School on the district in the east end of London.
Sister Margaret Angela and Sister Christine from the Community tell us more: It is now over 35 years since the Community of St. John the Divine came to make its Mother House in Birmingham. Before then the Sisters lived in houses in Hastings, and Poplar and Deptford in London with ministries in Nursing and Midwifery both in Hospital and on the District.
In Poplar and in Deptford the Community were responsible for a Part 2 Midwifery Training School for Pupil Midwives.
In the 1950’s Jennifer Lee, as she was then, was among the Pupils and it was from her experiences in the east end of London and later as a trained Midwife working with the Sisters that she drew her inspiration in later years to write her bestselling trilogy, “Call the Midwife”, “In the Shadow of the Workhouse” and “Farewell to the East End”. By this time she had married Philip Worth.
The stories she tells in her books are based on fact. Using her skills as a writer she conveyed something of the social conditions of the time in that part of London and the things women faced in childbearing. At the end of May 2011 Jennifer sadly died after a short illness but not before she knew that the BBC was going to produce a 6 part serialisation of “Call the Midwife”.
It has been fascinating to have a little involvement with the production team, two of whom visited the Community in the summer to gain further knowledge of the Community’s work at that time, looking at the Archive photographs and learning the intricacies of wearing a Habit! When we saw pictures of the actresses dressed during filming, although it felt slightly uncanny, they looked very authentic.
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
Parish Church fights back after roofing thefts When copper thieves helped themselves to some of the metal cladding around the lantern light at St David’s, Shenley Green recently it became the catalyst regarding a long standing structural problem. After an inspection revealed the full extent of the damage a major repair campaign has been launched. This will see the copper replaced by coated steel sheets which are both durable and less attractive to thieves. In addition other defences will be installed to deter vandals from climbing on the property. The building is an important part of the Shenley Green ‘hub’, used extensively for community meetings, police liaison events, concerts and other social events making it vital to return it to full use as soon as possible. Fortunately the church hall, the original church building, is also available for use, allowing services to continue in the meantime. Parishioners have been particularly creative in devising such varied events as a Christmas Fair, ‘Western Swing’ concert, 2012 parish calendars and hand made chocolate shoes to raise funds. Various community organisations have also made generous donations, as a mark of the value they place on the church facilities. It is hoped that the roof repairs will be completed in time for Christmas services. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Turning out to thank the troops Armed Forces Day Saturday 30th June 2012 Rev Dick Rodgers is seeking invitations to visit churches to drum up support for a good turn-out of church members at the short open air church service in Centenary Square in front of the REP theatre, which marks the start of festivities on Armed Forces Day next summer. That service will probably be at 11.45am.
Some 200 members of all three armed services, cadets and veterans have been attending this event year by year, presided over by the Lord Mayor and Service Chaplains and with a senior military officer present to receive our thanks – for the last two years this has been the Admiral of the Fleet – and this year the Band of the Royal Marines played. So it is a really good opportunity for us to turn out to say “Thank You” to the troops who do such courageous and arduous work on our behalf and they appreciate it when the public take notice of their service and sacrifice. Next summer the parade will include a unit of soldiers just back from Afghanistan. Attendance by church members and members of the public tends to be a bit thin. Dick is keen to visit any churches that might need a bit of persuasion about coming as well as those already keen to come (and maybe bring their church banners!). If you wish to know more he could speak about this service in a “sermon slot” or during the notices or at a church meeting…. or just on the phone. He is available on 0121 476 0789 and at dick@rodgers.org.uk He also hopes to have a publishable UK address shortly to which home-made “Thank you cards” can be sent to troops about to deploy to Afghanistan in the spring. The first batch sent in the summer were greatly appreciated.
Dick, who has the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate, has consulted with Bishop David who will be glad to know that Armed Forces Day 2012 is being well supported.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Taizé, 21st-30th July 2012 A group from the Diocese will be going on pilgrimage to the Taizé Community next summer, under the leadership of the DDO, the Bishop’s Adviser for Youth Ministry and other youth workers and clergy. The pilgrimage is aimed at 16-29 year olds who have some involvement with the Church and who are interested in deepening their faith and exploring how it might affect the direction of their lives. A week at Taizé offers the opportunity to seek communion with God and others through worship, Bible studies, discussions, silence, and the rhythm of a shared community life. Many people find that it is a valuable, enjoyable and transformative experience. An initial meeting for anyone interested in going will take place at St Francis, Bournville, on Saturday 21st January, 12.30-2.30pm. There will be further gatherings for participants before and after the pilgrimage, to prepare for and reflect on the experience. For more information, please visit Paper copies of the flyer for the pilgrimage are available from Helen Tomblin (helen@birmingham.anglican.org) or Susannah Rudge (susannah.rudge@gmail.com) Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Interfaith Launch for Near Neighbours in Birmingham A £5 million fund was launched in Birmingham city centre today as part of a series of events to mark inter-faith week. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward, welcomed more than 40 faith leaders and voluntary sector representatives to the event in the Council House. She was joined by the Dean of Birmingham, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle and the Bishop’s Director of Inter-faith relations, Dr Andrew Smith. Dr Smith said: “Near Neighbours aims to strengthen existing interfaith networks and build new friendships at a local level by uniting faith communities to transform their neighbourhoods. “Grants of up to £5,000 are available to charities and faith communities to help them start a new project which will bring people from different faiths and ethnicities together. Since the end of September, more than £40,000 has been given out to groups across the 13 eligible wards.” The fund is also supporting the work of the Christian-Muslim forum, the Nehemiah Programme and The Feast, a charity which brings young people of different faiths together to share their beliefs. Three Nehemiah community workers are due to take up posts in the city after Christmas. Near Neighbours is a Government-funded programme which operates in four locations: Leicester, East London, parts of Bradford, Oldham and Burnley and 13 wards in Birmingham. In Birmingham it is based at the Faithful Neighbourhood Centre in Sparkhill. Development Worker, Jessica Foster, said: “We are delighted by not only the number of applications we are receiving but also by their creativity and the range of projects we have funded. At the moment I seem to be receiving one application every day but we are keen that word of the fund reaches every community within the eligible areas of Birmingham and we reach beyond the usual suspects to the grass roots of our neighbourhoods.” The eligible areas of Birmingham are the 13 wards of Ladywood, Soho, Nechells, Lozells and East Handsworth, Aston, Washwood Heath, Bordesley Green, Edgbaston, Moseley and Kings Heath, Sparkbook, Springfield, South Yardley and Hodge Hill.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Faith Map launched at Birmingham Cathedral A map of Birmingham faith communities was launched in the city’s cathedral on Tuesday 22nd November as part of Interfaith Week. The web-based map allows people to search by postcode, ward or constituency and by faith tradition. It includes 632 places of worship from all the major religions practiced in the city. The aims are to connect faith communities, help people new to the city find a place of worship, open and maintain links between the Council and places of worship in Birmingham, support inter-faith activity and provide academics and other researchers with access to information about faith. Speaking at the launch at Birmingham Cathedral, Councillor Alan Rudge, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources said: “This is a website that serves the need of all faiths and helps encourage the values of trust, harmony and hope between people. “I value and recognise the important role that faith communities play within Birmingham. They are at the heart of the city and help to support the on-going cohesion and integration between communities.” Also speaking at the event, the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart said: “I am delighted that we had the launch of the faith map in a religious building. Being in a secular society is one of the glories of living in our British society that has been replicated around the world. “In a secular society religion should not only be respected but it should flourish. To be truly human and to have a flourishing community of human beings faiths must be allowed to flourish. With this kind of encouragement, that we have received today, people of faith will go on making their contribution, in a distinctive way, to making this city not one of the greatest, but the greatest, in the world.” The faith map can be accessed at www.birminghamfaithmap.org.uk The Dean Very Revd Catherine Ogle welcomed over 100 political and faith leaders to Birmingham Cathedral for the launch which was followed by prayers and refreshments.  The Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, Cllr Alan Rudge, The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Government minister launches £5m Near Neighbours programme Near Neighbours - a £5 million government-funded programme bringing people together in diverse communities, was officially launched yesterday. The charity, created by the Church Urban Fund and the Archbishops Council, is co-ordinating work in Bradford, Birmingham, Leicester and London. Listen to the Church of England podcast with the Revd Jemima Prasadam and the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart. More on the Near Neighbours website. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Barefoot Anniversary for Birmingham's Bishop The Bishop of Birmingham the Rt. Revd David Urquhart is marking the fifth anniversary of his arrival in the city with a special ‘Barefoot Bishop’ day on Thursday November 17th which includes a lunch with interfaith workers, prayers in the Cathedral and the opening of the Frankfurt market. Barefoot Bishop days are days on which the Bishop aims to get close to the heart of the city by meeting people informally and visiting places and organisations that connect to the essential issues of the community. The Bishop’s anniversary day will begin with prayers at 8 am in Birmingham Cathedral, the mother-church of the Diocese which works closely with civic organisations, businesses, young people and voluntary groups. Later in the morning the Bishop will visit the Faithful Neighbourhood Centre in Sparkbrook where he will meet those involved with Near Neighbours who are working to build new relationships of trust between people of different faiths in 13 wards of the city. Then he will travel to Ward End to see progress at St Margaret’s Development Trust where a much-loved church is being brought back into the heart of community life. At 5pm the Bishop will join the Lord Mayor to open the 2011 Frankfurt Christmas market in Victoria Square. He will carry the pastoral staff that was given to the Bishop of Birmingham by lay people of the city on 17th November 1911, exactly 100 years ago. Bishop David said: “Five years ago I was welcomed to this city and we had a wonderful service that was broadcast into a pub, our new website was switched on and I smashed a clay pot to show that God’s love cannot be contained by individuals or institutions but bursts out to reach those who live in the forgotten places of our world. “Beaming the service into a pub and switching on the website was a signal that I wanted to connect with people outside the church and bring Jesus’s message of joy, peace and justice to the heart of every community. “I am delighted that, on November 17th, I will be out and about meeting people who are making a difference in the city and spending time in the places where people mingle and gather. “Jesus spent more time in the market places, hanging out with people in their homes and touching the lives of those in need than he did in religious buildings – this is my model for being a Bishop and I am grateful for the times I can spend as the barefoot Bishop on the streets of this wonderful city.” Bishop David was enthroned in Birmingham Cathedral on November 17th 2007. Before coming to Birmingham he was Bishop of Birkenhead. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Poignant work of art remembers armed forces for Remembrance A sea of humble empty chairs were installed in St. Mary’s church, Hampton-in-Arden to honour service personnel who have died in Afghanistan. The hundreds of hand-made miniature wooden chairs actually represent the number of British soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan - and the number keeps on growing. Local artist Mike Yorke created the eerie but hugely moving piece as a tribute to their courageous actions. When the artwork was first created there were only 140 chairs. When the artwork was installed in Hampton church last week, the number of chairs had reached over 380. Laid out in the style of Second World War cemeteries in France and Belgium, the chairs, each in the style of the famous Vincent Van Gogh drawing, are a poignant reminder of the transience of life.
Mike said, “There are so many people affected by this yet I feel that a lot of people don’t realize exactly how many soldiers have died. It’s not as many as some of the wars in the past but it is still a lot and will keep growing.” He added that he would make one wooden chair for every British soldier killed in battle until the conflict ends. “This is my passion and I want people to stop, think and feel,” he said. As visitors to the church approached the altar, they were met with the striking image of the chairs, along with a film set to music from Band of Brothers.  Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Springfield Children's Centre receives an outstanding rating by Ofsted Springfield Children’s Centre is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the shared vision, faith and commitment of many people combine to serve the local community. The Springfield Project has become a driving force to get people from different backgrounds and different faiths within the local community to work together to improve the lives of families and children. The Centre received the outstanding award for overall effectiveness and also for capacity for sustained improvement.
Click here to view the report.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Narthex Sparkhill - Encouraging Cohesion St John’s Church in Sparkhill is the home of the charity ‘Narthex Sparkhill’. Sparkhill is a majority Muslim area amongst the 5% most deprived areas in England. Narthex Sparkhill run a number of projects supporting the wider community, including childrens work, advice, sports clubs, and a lunch club for elderly people. The project also works with refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have no income and no other form of support.
They hold a regular drop-in service for refugees, offering help with asylum claims and other legal paperwork, and signposting to other services. Food, clothing and basic household goods are also available; depending on their status and the progress of their asylum claim some asylum seekers are not permitted to work, whilst others are only entitled to a maximum of £35 a week in benefits - many become destitute. During the last 12 months Narthex Sparkhill have supported well over 100 pregnant refugees and asylum women and their children. The charity has a network of individuals, churches and agencies that collect quality baby and small children’s clothes, cots, bedding, toys, small household items and food. They in turn donate all the goods to their clients. Narthex Sparkhill are well known for their work and have a network of 28 partnerships and agencies referring clients to them. Many of their clients have no family, no support network, are scared, lonely and isolated either by language, faith, or the political will of others, and have nowhere to go for help. This video tells the story of one such lady – Salome from Kenya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzdFLNOgUrk This work is rapidly expanding and because of the increasing number of people from all walks of life being referred to them in need of food parcels they are in the process of establishing a new Foodbank in premises near to St Johns.
For more information go to the website: www.narthex.org.uk/
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
New church-backed centre opens to connect communities Birmingham’s church leaders have launched a new centre which aims to build bridges between people of different religions and equip Christians to live out their faith in a relevant way. The Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre in Court Road, Sparkhill, was opened on Tuesday October 11th by the Presidents of Birmingham Churches Together, the Most Revd Bernard Longley, the Rt Revd David Urquhart and Major Sam Edgar. Guests and dignitaries were welcomed to the centre by the parish priest, the Revd John Self of St John’s Sparkhill. The three presidents were joined by Dr Andrew Smith, Director of the new centre, to cut a cake to mark the opening and guests heard about some of the organisations based within or linked with the Court Road building. More than 50 representatives of some of the city’s faith communities, church leaders and inter-faith activists joined in the celebrations to mark the launch of the Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre. Dr Andrew Smith, the director of the centre and the Bishop of Birmingham’s adviser on inter-faith ministry, said: “We hope this will quickly become a place where people of all faiths and none can come together to deepen their understanding of one another and find ways of working together to improve and strengthen their local areas. “It is really exciting to be the first director of the Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre and I look forward to working with a wide range of people from Birmingham to ensure this city is a place of friendship, hospitality and generosity and all who live here find a welcome.” The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart, said: “After the events of the summer it seems very timely that as one of the Presidents of Birmingham Churches Together I have opened the new Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre in Sparkhill. “The new centre will help Christians in Birmingham live as ‘Good News’ in a multi-faith city, so that as followers of Jesus Christ we are equipped to build firm friendships and live out our faith in a way that strengthens communities, builds up belief and inspires other to seek the common good in our city. “I am sure this centre will become a valuable shared space and the people who work in it will bring invaluable skills and expertise as we work together to make Birmingham a beacon of understanding and neighbourliness.” The centre is a joint initiative between Birmingham Churches Together and the Church of England. It is one of four of the Church of England’s Presence and Engagement centres which aim to equip Christians for mission and ministry in a multi-faith society and build good relationships between people of different religions.  Representatives of faith communities in Birmingham celebrate the opening of the Faithful Neighbourhoods Centre.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Real Easter Egg profits handover Over £25,000 has been given to charity from profits made by sales of The Real Easter Egg. The Real Easter Egg is the UK’s first ever Easter egg to mention Jesus and tell the Easter story on the box and was sold for the first time last Easter. The egg was produced by Manchester based Meaningful Chocolate Company and was supported by church leaders including the Archbishop of York. Part of the pledge made by The Meaningful Chocolate Company was to make real the Easter themes of hope and new life by donating profits from the egg to charitable causes. David Marshall, from The Meaningful Chocolate Company, said: “I am thrilled to be able to donate over £21,000 to Traidcraft Exchange and over £4,000 to Baby Lifeline. In addition to this, we paid a fee to The Fairtrade Foundation to support their work, including its education programme. Our farmers received a guaranteed price for their cocoa and sugar as well as a Fairtrade Premium of $60 a tonne to invest in their community’s wellbeing. “With over 80 million eggs sold in the UK every year, we have a long way to go in our campaign to make The Real Easter Egg the gift of choice by the faith and wider community. Next Easter we hope everyone will look out for The Real Easter Egg. Buying this egg is a way of reclaiming the festival and a way of communicating key aspects of the Christian faith in an attractive yummy gift.” Last Easter supplies of The Real Easter Eggs ran out a month before Easter. The number of eggs has been dramatically increased for 2012 but churches, schools and Cathedral shops are being asked to make bulk orders by mid February 2012 to avoid disappointment. See www.RealEasterEgg.co.uk Last month The Meaningful Chocolate Company revealed its Meaningful Tree Decorations, an interactive chocolate gift and a new way to tell the Christmas story. See www.meaningfulchristmas.co.uk Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Light shines for city professionals A pioneering Birmingham based service which helps hundreds of professionals, is expanding its work, to support the city’s business leaders of tomorrow. A New Workplace Entrants’ Network is being launched this month to encourage graduates and those already working to integrate their Christian faith into working life. Led by Chris and Clair Dinsdale, ChaplaincyPlus is a local success story, helping professionals of all ages with pastoral and prayer support. Launched eight years ago, it raised the importance of spirituality and integrity for such a time as this, as more seek solid answers to life’s issues. Social events, and book group meetings called ‘Light Read’, reading Christian books, also bring prayer, support and friendship to the business community. Deborah Walton joined the ChaplaincyPlus team earlier this year after a career working for Wragge and Co and Anthony Collins Solicitors. Her experience is relevant to her work amongst young adults, as she supports and encourages those working in the city business community. She said: “It is making a positive difference to people’s lives. Each week I meet really talented and amazing young adults who will be the business leaders of tomorrow. It is such a privilege to be able to offer personal support to them in all the challenges and opportunities that they face during the early stages of their professional lives. “The new Network for those new and recently joining the workplace, will give them chance to make friends and connections with their peers in other organisations, and also link in with all that City Lights offers.” More details of the support and services available through ChaplaincyPlus can be seen at www.chaplaincyplus.org.uk or call 0121 236 9742.  City Lights’ Deborah Walton with ChaplaincyPlus’ new website
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Theft of Metal from Church Buildings The English Heritage have produced new guidance notes in response to the epidemic of lead theft which is affecting historic buildings and in particular parish churches. The guidance is in two parts; the first outlines English Heritages approach and their advice for congregations on the significance of lead, how to protect it and how to respond to thefts. The second offers detailed practical information about selecting the material to be used for historic church roofs and making it secure. To view the guidlines please click here. If you would like a paper copy of the guidelines please contact Pat Joyce tel: 0800 763 1483 email: pat.joyce@martineau-uk.com Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Birmingham Churches Together Training Opportunities BCT Training provides learning opportunities for those who facilitate or support the learning of adults, young people and families. We focus particularly on providing the skills and knowledge needed to assist those who find learning difficult. Quite often those who are best placed to encourage adults back Venue: BCT: Training, All Saints' House, 172 Herbert Road, Small Heath For more information, contact:
MA degree in Christian Spirituality The UK's only ecumenical master's degree in Christian spirituality. For details, visit www.sarum.ac.uk
Venue: Sarum College
19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EE For more information, contact:
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. For more details visit: www.sarum.ac.uk
Venue: Sarum College
19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EE For more information, contact:
MA Courses ... Sarum College is now able to offer MA courses in the following subjects: Sarum College students learn collaboratively in small cohorts which meet for residential intensives throughout the year. This distributed and flexible mode of delivery combines class-based and home-based study and allows working students and students at a distance to benefit from close contact with tutors and lecturers, with minimal disruption to their domestic, ministerial, or professional lives.
For further details about these and many other courses, please contact Anne Jensen or visit www.sarum.ac.uk/ma-degree-programmes/
Venue: Sarum College For more information, contact:
Anne Jensen
Foundation Degree in Theology for Ministry Distance learning with the option of short visits to college. Exemptions available for previous study. Progression to BA (Hons) or MA also possible. Venue: St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS For more information, contact:
Joan Millband
Child Protection Training Sessions Child Protection Awareness Raising What is the session about? Who is the course for? This course aims to address specific issues related to child protection in a church setting. It is recommended that everyone who works with children and young people and all those in a position of responsibility completes this course. Working Safely with Children & Young People What is the session about? Who is the course for? If you would like to hold either of the training sessions in your parish, please contact Jenny Harris. Venue: For more information, contact:
Jenny Harris
MA’s in Theology, Imagination and Culture and in Christian Approaches to Leadership Our new MA’s in Theology, Imagination and Culture and in Christian Approaches to Leadership are recruiting now, for entry next January. For details, click on these links:
http://www.sarum.ac.uk/pdfs/MA_in_Theology_Imagination_and_Culture.pdf or http://www.sarum.ac.uk/pdfs/MA_in_Christian_Approaches_to_Leadership.pdf or contact Anne Jensen. Venue: Sarum College, 19 The Close, Salisbury For more information, contact:
Anne Jensen
Communications Training Professional, cost-effective training from the Church of England. Training is tailored to suit the needs of churches and charities and to match different levels of experience.
Here is a full list of the courses presently on offer.
Church Communications
How to get your church noticed
Communications in cathedrals and high profile churches Web and online communications Spreading your message online: writing for the web
Spreading your message online: get an effective website Spreading your message online: better blogging Spreading your message online: connect with your community
Being interviewed: how to get your message across
Dealing with challenging interviews Thought for the Day on local radio
Well presented: how to give an effective talk
Printed Communications Writing for newsletters and magazines
Designing and editing newsletters and magazines
Get started with PowerPoint
PowerPoint: taking your presentations further For information visit: Venue: Communications Training
Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ For more information, contact:
Thinking of doing a Lent Course … ? Why do a course at all? Why do it in Lent? But, needless to say, you don’t have to wait until Lent. You can do a study course any time you like, as many times as you like in the year. Where to go for more info: Venue: For more information, contact:
MA in Mission & Ministry St John’s MA aims to enable you to engage critically with contemporary challenges within a deeply-sourced biblical and theological framework and in relation to the practice of mission and ministry.
It is open to clergy and lay people of any tradition or denomination. Validated by University of Chester Course Tutor: Dr Ben Fulford.
Venue: St John’s College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS For more information, contact:
Louise Williams
PGDip/MA Course in Consultancy for Mission and Ministry Managing change is high on the agenda of many denominations as they face a challenging future, and those in key roles wrestle with complex issues and the support of the ministry of individuals. This two-year course offers training in consultancy skills for those responsible for mission strategy and helping others with their work and ministry including: The course is based on a distance learning format with workbooks covering the main strands of Organisational Studies, Mission Theology and Practice, and Consultancy Praxis. Students are supported by an ecumenical tutor team and six short residentials over the two years. For further information, including a course handbook contact Siân Henderson. For a conversation with a tutor contact Revd Richard Andrew at r.andrew@yorksj.ac.uk Tel 01904 876518 Venue: York St John University For more information, contact:
Siân Henderson
MA Evangelical and Charismatic Studies Our new MA Evangelical and Charismatic Studies programme offers you the opportunity of exploring the faith, practices, worship and teaching of these communities from a critical academic perspective which emphasises their global and contextual nature. Our specialisms include Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic history, Missiology, Doctrine, Biblical interpretation, Worship and Liturgy. Venue: University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
For more information, contact:
Dr Andrew Davies
MTh in Chaplaincy Studies This is a unique, innovative and thought-provoking programme offering academic and professional development for chaplains in all sectors. Find out more at www.stmichaels.ac.uk/chaplaincy-studies.phpVenue: Cardiff Centre for Chaplaincy Studies For more information, contact:
Tina Franklin
Scared of social media? New training programme can help. Churches looking to get into social media, to work more closely with their local media, considering a stand at a wedding show, or wanting to improve personal communication skills, will be keen to study the latest communications training website from the Archbishops' Council's Communications Office.
For more details, go to: http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2011/05/scared-of-social-media-new-training-programme-can-help.aspx
Venue: For more information, contact:
Full and part time degree programmes for those wishing to train professionally in ministry with young people, children and families or in schools Midlands Centre for Youth Ministry (MCYM) based at St John’s College, Nottingham, offers full and part time degree programmes for those wishing to train professionally in ministry with young people, children and families or in schools. BA Honours Degree in Children and Family Work and Practical Theology
BA Honours Degree in Schools, Youth and Community Work and Practical Theology (JNC validated) BA Honours Degree in Young People, Communities and Practical Theology (JNC validated) BA Honours Degree in Youth and Community Work and Practical Theology (JNC validated) With all routes the students are based where their Professional Practice Agency is and travel to St John's for two days a fortnight for teaching. They are full time undergraduate courses which will be validated by the University of Gloucestershire or Staffordshire University. Most Professional Practice Agencies offer a bursary to students studying with them. The Schools and Youth routes will also give students a JNC professional youth work qualification. www.centreforyouthministry.ac.uk Venue: With all routes the students are based where their Professional Practice Agency is and travel to St John's, Nottingham for two days a fortnight for teaching. For more information, contact:
Gill Benson
Your church and the media 7 October 2011, 11am-3:30pm Venue: Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
For more information, contact:
NEW YOUTH 3D NEW YOUTH 3D! Exciting news from the Youth Office…. In 2009/2010 to encourage Transforming Leadership we trialled the Growing Leader’s Youth Edition with the Bishop’s Youth Council and other Churches have since gone on to lead courses themselves. It has been great to see young people grow their skills and develop in their confidence as leaders. For list of venues click here.
Download the enrolment form here.
Venue: For more information, contact:
Helen Tomblin
Youth Work and Community Development (with JNC) MA / PGDip This course is suitable for those who want a JNC approved qualification and for those working in a community or Education setting predominantly with young people. The course modules are taught at University College Birmingham, you will be continually assessed through assignments, case studies and critical analysis, group / individual presentations and written reports. The Fieldwork Practice arrangements required for this course will include 2 periods of supervised Fieldwork Practice which will be 592 hours in total. In line with the National Youth Agency criteria, at least 148 hours of these 592 hours will be in an Alternative Practice Context. The experience will be two locations and 50% of the committed time will be with young people in the 13-19 age groups. The total number of hours will be equally divided over the two years of the course (i.e. 298 in each year). On receiving 120 credits you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma, on successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma you will be given the opportunity to complete a Masters Dissertation (60 credits) On receiving 180 credits you will be awarded a Masters Degree. Students wishing to complete the Masters qualification will complete a 12,000 - 14,000 word dissertation. There will be 15 hours plus progress meetings with an allocated tutor and an initial in class activity and online support available. Please visit the website and apply online in the Part Time course section or download and complete an application form and return it to UCB.
www.ucb.ac.uk Venue: University College Birmingham For more information, contact:
Sangeeta Soni
Youth and Community Development MA / PGDip This course is suitable for those who may already be JNC Qualified, or equivalent or for those who want a Postgraduate qualification. The course modules are taught at University College Birmingham, you will be continually assessed through assignments, case studies and critical analysis, group / individual presentations and written reports. Students wishing to complete the Masters qualification will complete a 12,000 - 14,000 word dissertation. There will be 15 hours plus progress meetings with an allocated tutor and an initial in class activity and online support available. Please visit the website and apply online in the Part Time course section or download and complete an application form and return it to UCB. Venue: University College Birmingham For more information, contact:
Sangeeta Soni
Learning for Discipleship 2011 - 2012 The Queen’s Foundation, the Methodist Church and the Anglican Diocese of Birmingham working together in partnership are delighted to be able to offer an accessible programme of serious study in an attractive and flexible format. ‘LEARNING FOR DISCIPLESHIP’ has grown out of and builds on the popular Introduction to Theology programme and offers many of the same opportunities, plus some exciting new ones. To view the brochure click here.
Venue: Queens Foundation For more information, contact:
Mandy Stanton
York Courses. Lent 2012: Handing on the Torch, sacred words for a secular world A 5-session ecumenical discussion course for groups or individual study, comprising booklet, CD/audiotape and transcript. Venue: For more information, contact:
Skills for Pastoral Supervision & Reflective Practice Dates: A practical course for people of faith who want to: reflect deeply on their own work and ministry; enhance competence and confi-dence in supervising others; promote reflective practice; join the dots linking practice and theology. Closing date for bookings 20 January 2012, please contact Michael Paterson. Venue: VSO Training Centre, Harborne Hall, Old Church Road, Birmingham B17 0BE
www.harbornehall.co.uk
For more information, contact:
Michael Paterson
Going for Growth GOING FOR GROWTH… is back by popular demand! Wednesdays 2pm to 5pm - 29 Feb, 7, 14, 21, 28 March 2012
This course about how churches grow today is for all clergy and other lay leaders who wish to see their churches flourish and grow numerically and spiritually. Each session will focus on a different aspect of the general road to church growth, but will also give time for your own particular concerns and situation.
Places MUST be booked and paid for by 21 January 2012. Contact Helen Taylor to book or visit the website www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
Venue: St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS
For more information, contact:
Helen Taylor
Poetry as Pilgrimage Are you journeying spiritually and looking for resources Wednesday 29 February - Friday 2 March 2012
£195 ensuite, £185 standard Tutors: Nicola Slee and Eleanor Nesbitt To book visit: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses.php?action=course&id=7052 Details: www.woodbrooke.org.uk Venue: Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre
1046 Bristol Road, Birmingham, B29 6LJ
For more information, contact:
Experiencing God’s Love This new five-part course compiled by the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Steven Croft, aims to deepen understanding and first-hand experience of living a life of faith. It explores through five biblical images - Rooted, Cleansed, Enlightened, Tended and Welcomed - the way our lives are changed by walking with Christ. Each chapter explores one of these images in the Psalms, the Gospels, and popular culture, supported by suggestions for DVD/YouTube clips. Opening and closing worship, discussion starters, questions, and a leader’s guide are all included making this ideal for Lent groups, or as a Christian discipleship course at any time of the year. Available from Church House Publishing http://www.chpublishing.co.uk/index2.asp Venue: For more information, contact:
Communications Training from Church of England Welcome to the 2012 programme: now available in London and Leicester
The first 2012 dates for our Communications Training programme are now available for booking at www.churchcommstraining.org. Venue: Leicester and London For more information, contact:
Suzanne Gray
Listening Skills Week Monday 26 - Friday 30 March 2012 Venue: St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS
For more information, contact:
David Hilton
Top Up Your Theology Week 2 – 6 July 2012 Email conferences@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk to find out more or click here http://www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk/top-up-your-theology-2012/
Venue: St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS For more information, contact:
David Hilton
Pastoral Ministry and Christian Spiritual Direction 5 to 8 March Venue: Sarum College
19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EE
For more information, contact:
Anne Jensen
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: For more information, contact:
Jelena Cammack
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 & Wednesday 2nd May 2012 7.30pm to 9.00pm Venue: Solihull & Frankley For more information, contact:
Jelena Cammack
Signposts If you are exploring the possibility that God might be calling you to the ordained ministry .... then this is for you. We will meet on Tuesday evenings, 7.30 - 9.30 pm in Lent:
28th February; 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th March 2012.
Venue: St Luke's Church Centre, Great Colmore Street, Birmingham B15 2AT For more information, contact:
Marlyce Bryan
Science, Religion and Atheism Friday 30th March – Sunday 1st April 2012 For more details including bursaries and discounts, see
www.faraday-institute.org Venue: Murray Edwards College, Cambridge For more information, contact:
Believing in Baptism? 8-12 October 2012
This year we propose to explore the theology and practice of baptism, approaching the topic by way of integrated theology. We will examine our understanding of baptism and how our theology shapes practice.
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 For more information, contact:
Healing & Wholeness - An opportunity to explore the nature of the healing ministry Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th March Venue: Community for Reconciliation, Barnes Close, Chadwich, Bromsgrove, B61 0RA
For more information, contact:
Ian Ring
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. The course runs in the Cathedral on Thursday evenings from 1 March 2012, 7.30 - 9.00pm. Speakers include Canon Paula Gooder, the Bishop of Birmingham, the Dean of Birmingham and Dr Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations for the Bishop.
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 For more information, contact:
Growing Gifts Study Days Spring 2012 Who is Jesus Christ for us today?
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. Saturday 3rd March
Wednesday 7th March Led by The Venerable Dr Brian Russell Click here to view the brochure.
Click here to view the enrolment form.
Venue: For more information, contact:
Andrea Stevens
Biblical Study Break: Rediscovering Jesus 23 to 26 April Venue: Sarum College
19 The Close
Salisbury SP1 2EE
For more information, contact:
Alison Ogden
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. Tuesday 27 March 2012 - 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Tuesday 24 April 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Tuesday 22 May 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Tuesday 26 June 2012 – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Places limited. Book your place on each seminar through our website www.anthonycollins.com/news-and-events/events.aspx Venue: Anthony Collins
Central Birmingham For more information, contact:
Louise Ducker
Engaging with Muslims Date: 31 January 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 31 January 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
“Faith In Justice” Conference Date: 02 February 2012 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: For more information, contact:
Choral Eucharist Date: 02 February 2012 Time: 7.30 pm. Choral Eucharist for Candlemas. Preacher: The Dean Cost: For more information, contact:
Wholeness & Healing Service with Communion Date: 04 February 2012 Time: 9.00 am. Cost: For more information, contact:
Belief and Being in School II Date: 04 February 2012 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: For more information, contact:
Candlemas Evensong & Concert Date: 05 February 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Mothers' Union Display for 'Wave of Prayer' Date: 06 February 2012 6th - 12th February. During open hours. Cost: For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 07 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Communion Service Date: 08 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Transforming Outreach using sports ministry and the Olympics Date: 08 February 2012 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 For more information, contact:
The Diocesan Scheme for Offering Pastoral Care and Community Skills Date: 08 February 2012 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: For more information, contact:
Don’t do God? How to have easy conversations about Faith in everyday situations Date: 09 February 2012 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) For more information, contact:
Wholeness & Healing Service with Communion Date: 09 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Friday Recital Date: 10 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Pro Cecilia Valentine's Day Recital Cost: For more information, contact:
Church Textiles open day Date: 10 February 2012 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: For more information, contact:
Young Vocations Conference Date: 13 February 2012 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: For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 14 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Holy Communion Service Date: 15 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Friday Recital Date: 17 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Thomas Rhodes - guitar and Sophie Hickman - flute Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir Date: 18 February 2012 Time: 3.30 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir Date: 19 February 2012 Time: 3.30 pm. Choir: St Luke's Chelsea Cost: For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 21 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Communion Service Date: 22 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Ash Wednesday Choral Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes Date: 22 February 2012 Time: 7.30 pm. Preacher: Dr Andrew Smith Cost: For more information, contact:
Friday Recital Date: 24 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Birmingham Royal Ballet Cost: For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 28 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Holy Communion Service Date: 29 February 2012 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
City Women Lunch Date: 29 February 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Engaging with Christians Date: 29 February 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Chaplaincy in Education Date: 01 March 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Growing with God Date: 03 March 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Muslim Christian Engagement Date: 08 March 2012 Time: 10 am - 3 pm. Aimed at Muslims who want to engage with Christians and need some support and encouragement. Cost: For more information, contact:
White Working Class – a response to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report Date: 20 March 2012 Time: 10.30 am to 12 noon. A consultation with the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston, to consider our response to the views of those interviewed for the report who felt left out of regeneration and community cohesion programmes. This is a chance to hear more details about the report, to reflect on whether the findings are relevant in our areas (part of the research was undertaken in Birmingham) and to share some ideas and thoughts of how Near Neighbours might be helpful in addressing this. Cost: For more information, contact:
How to engage men at a local level Date: 21 March 2012 Time: 10 am to 1 pm (with lunch). Led by Dr Andrew Smith, Bishop’s Director of Interfaith Relations, Diocese of Birmingham. Many men are busier than ever – holding down several part-time jobs, bringing up their kids and involved in their places of worship. At many interfaith events men are a tiny minority and traditional events seem to miss the mark. This course will give you some new ideas about the activities and projects that will engage with men in a local neighbourhood, provide an opportunity to hear what others are doing and should stimulate some ideas for Near Neighbours applications and funding. Please register at admin@faithfulneighbourhoods.org.uk Cost: £15 (£10 concession) For more information, contact:
Think Tank Conference III ‘Re-imagining Sacramental Ministry for the 21st Century’ Date: 22 March 2012 22-23 March 2012 at This Think-Tank will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing clergy in the rapidly changing cultural context in both church and wider society and look at how dioceses can help clergy engage with these positively and creatively. Cost: £88 for a standard room or £100 for an ensuite room For more information, contact:
Raids on the Unspeakable Date: 09 April 2012 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: For more information, contact:
A quiet day in Eastertide Date: 16 April 2012 Time: 9.30 to 3.15. The world is a noisier place than it has ever been. A media-driven culture seems designed to prevent people from being or becoming reflective, quiet, non-active and still. God is calling us to be still and to listen to his Word in silence and at depth. To help you to do this, The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer is arranging a day of silent listening to the Word of God. Cost: For more information, contact:
Pakistani Awareness Training Date: 25 April 2012 Time: 9.30 to 4 pm Led by Karamat Iqbal this course is a chance to learn more about the Pakistani-British community here in Birmingham thinking about the history and development of the community, the issues and needs generally and of particular groups and the particular role of the church. Cost: For more information, contact:
Celtic Summer Pilgrimage Date: 11 July 2012 11th-17th July. A week of visits (Whitby, Lindisfarne, Bamburgh, Lastingham, Monkwearmouth, Jarrow) exploring the writings of The Venerable Bede. A coach leaves from the Diocese of Birmingham. Call for a Brochure or visit: www.ukltg.com Cost: £449 in a single room For more information, contact:
Pilgrimage to Taizé Date: 21 July 2012 Saturday 21st - Monday 30th July 2012. Aged 16-29? Searching for something more? Looking to explore or refresh your faith? Every year, thousands of young people from across the world journey to Taizé to seek communion with God and others through prayer, discussion, silence and a shared way of living. If you would like to find out more, you are invited to a 'Taizé Taster' event on Saturday 21st January, 12.30-2.30pm St Francis' Church Sycamore Road Bournville B30 2AA. For more info visit: http://www.b-inspired.net/festivals-and-residentials/taize.aspx Cost: For more information, contact:
Anglican Lutheran Society Conference 2012 - Life Together - Christian Ministry in Tomorrow’s World Date: 03 September 2012 Monday 3rd to Friday 7th September 2012. The conference is intended for 'people who have recently begun a public ministry, either lay or ordained, and for students preparing for ministry'. The programme combines some impressive input with space for reflection, seeking to model its theme of 'Life Together'. More details can be found at: http://www.anglican-lutheran-society.org/Mirfield.htm Cost: For more information, contact:
Individually-Guided Retreats in the Ignatian tradition Date: 01 October 2012 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 For more information, contact:
Individually-Guided Retreats in the Ignatian tradition Date: 22 October 2012 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 For more information, contact:
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