EAST MIDLANDS SYNOD

E-LETTER NUMBER 46

EDITED THIS WEEK BY: Terry Oakley

Where do we see God?

I am writing this on Epiphany (6th January) celebrated by the Orthodox Churches as Christmas. In all the news and the concerns we have about the world, the economy and the Church where do we find God coming to be with us? I would hope that from our heritage in the Reformed Tradition we would seek to find God and to understand what God's purpose is in the Bible. But we also need to look for God at work in the world. In environmental, economic and political issues we believe God is present in love seeing justice and peace.

May I encourage you to read this e-letter looking for signs of God's activity? Then consider how you in your life can help to make God's presence real for others.

NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE AND CHURCHES

CONGRATULATIONS TO our Office Administrator, Chris Willis (formerly Dryden) on her recent marriage in America, to Ian.

Lily Tippler the secretary for Dean URC died 27 December 2008. She had been secretary at Dean for many years dating back to pre 1970 and has also been an active member in the village community. She will be sorely missed. The new secretary is: Rosemary Hallworth, **address available from Synod Office**

Please remember the Eastman family as they continue to support Mark, their son, and his wife Marie, as Mark continues his battle with the Chemotherapy treatment.

Richard also writes: Please continue to pray for Zimbabwe. Our brothers and sisters in the Botswana Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) are extremely concerned for the people of Zimbabwe.  At Saffron Lane URC a group of Zimbabwean people use the hall to meet and worship in the Shona language and at South Wigston URC a member of the congregation has recently returned from Zimbabwe so we are acutely aware of the situation in Zimbabwe and would like people to remember that beleaguered country. With the current situation in the Middle East grabbing the headlines, there is a danger that we forget the drastic situation in the cholera ridden state of Zimbabwe, we need to continue praying for both of these areas.  Thank you.

From Southern Africa we have a suggestion for prayers for ZIMBABWE

A moment of silence may be observed before the candle is lit and then the prayer offered as suggested.

We light this candle in solidarity with the suffering people of Zimbabwe:

Reading of the Prayer of Mary

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. God has shown His mercy on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy. (Luke 1:46, 48-54)

Prayer

God of Compassion, we take this solemn moment to pray for the suffering people of Zimbabwe. There is greed and destruction by those that are in power in your land. They have mismanaged the economy and resources of your people and your people live in hunger in a country that used to produce plenty for all. God of Compassion, you weep with those who suffer from oppression and exclusion.

God of Justice, we express with you our anger at the evil committed by those who are power hungry. Your people live in fear from persecution by the militia and oppressors. Many have risk their lives daily running to other lands where they suffer from exclusion. Many more die in the prisons where they have been held for daring to speak.

God of Justice; you always hear the cries of those who suffer innocently. God of Mercy, we pray for your mercy upon the children, the old, those disabled and the infirm .There are many who are dying from cholera, AIDS, and many other diseases. We pray for the mothers who are nursing their new born babies and we lift to you the medical personnel that still remain in a health system that has collapsed. God of Mercy, hear the prayers of your children as we intercede for the innocent

God our Liberator, we await the day when the sun will rise again in Zimbabwe. When the oppressors will be dethroned and there be peace and reconciliation. May the clouds of freedom gather quickly and beckon all your scattered children all over. We pray that a day of homecoming for your children in the diaspora may be near. May your church be the herald of such a day when all shall again sing a new song .Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Amen.

Based on prayers prepared by Prince Dibeela, General Secretary of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH PEACE FELLOWSHIP

 The URC has a strong record of resolutions and statements on matters of peace and justice.  The Peace Fellowship was set up nearly 10 years ago to support and encourage those who accept God's call to live in peace and to pursue peace with justice in the world.  It is not, however, widely known that churches as well as individuals are welcome to join (at a very reasonable subscription of £30).  Apart from the commitment to seek to understand the Mind and Will of Our Lord for us as Peacemakers, there is no 'party-line'.  Some accept the discipline of pacificism; others accept that force may sometimes be needed to protect the weak or to defend ourselves.  Probably all would agree with A J Muste: 'There is no way to Peace - Peace is the way.'  It is easy to succumb to helplessness in a world of violence; please could your church consider the positive action of joining the Peace Fellowship?  I would be happy to provide further details.  Charles Jolly, **Details available from Synod Office**,  Synod Church and Society Officer.

CHURCHES JOIN UP FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Almost one third of all United Reformed churches have joined a three year programme to encourage people to re-engage with the Bible, prayer and evangelism. The ‘Vision4Life' initiative is proving to be one of the most popular national projects ever undertaken by the United Reformed Church - and numbers are still growing.  The Revd Roberta Rominger, general secretary, said, "I am excited, not only by the number, but also by the enthusiasm and creativity that local churches are bringing to their involvement. Clearly, Vision4Life is addressing the hunger for spiritual renewal.  People are eager to engage with the Bible and discover something more of what God wants to do in their lives". By December, 500 of the URC's 1600 congregations had signed-up to Vision4Life. A first phase began in Advent with a year of material focusing on the Bible; in Advent 2009 a year based on prayer begins, with a third year focused on evangelism beginning in 2010. A menu of materials has been sent to every congregation; fuller versions will be available in print and on the Vision4Life website as the year progresses. For more information go to http://www.vision4life.org.uk/  or contact Paul Snell paul [dot] snell [at] urc [dot] org [dot] uk or tel. 07813 112990. It is not too late to register as a Vision4Life church - do it this month!

FINANCIAL CHALLENGE

Please pray for those churches, families and businesses which are facing a great financial challenge at the moment. Remember that we are one in Christ and when one part of the body suffers we all share in the suffering.

INSURANCE OF CHURCH BUILDINGS

Synod has recently been involved with two churches that have suffered damage to their buildings, resulting in claims on their insurance policies.  In both cases, it has transpired that both churches were greatly underinsured, which has meant that the Insurance Company's liability has been reduced to approximately 50% of the cost of repair.    This has caused serious problems for one of the churches, where its hall was completely gutted by fire, following an alleged arson attack.  The hall and the church were insured for only one half of their reinstatement value.   This has meant that the hall will now have to be demolished, as the church is unable to make up the deficit. 

Will also churches review their insurances immediately, please?  Church buildings should be insured for their reinstatement value and, if necessary, churches must increase their cover to reflect this, as a matter of urgency. 

The Synod office will shortly be writing to all church secretaries to obtain details of each church's insurance details, in an effort to prevent similar problems arising in the future.

FONT & CROSS

If any church would like to give a home to a small font and a simple wooden cross that come from our Church at the Riddings, please contact the Synod Office.

MINISTERS' GATHERING - WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2009

At Crossways, Yardley Hastings (10.00 - 3.30)

Caring for ourselves "our job is not to become a perfect Minister, but a healthy human being".

The future image of the United Reformed Church

Energy 4 Life, Vision 4 Life, God is still speaking

To book please contact Michelle ASAP Email: trainingpa [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk or by telephone: 0115 960 9241

MAKE A GOOD START TO LENT - ADVANCE NOTICE

Make a good start to Lent with a Day of quiet and recollection, on Shrove Tuesday, 24th February 2009, at Sherwood United Reformed Church, Nottingham, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To be led by the Rev. Richard King, formerly Spirituality Advisor in the Anglican Diocese of Guildford, now ministering in rural Leicestershire, author of recently published "Too much religion is bad for your faith." More information from and bookings (open now!) to Mike Playdon, **Address available from Synod Office**

REMINDER - THE CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

The annual week-end is on 27 February - 3 March 2009 at Swanwick in Derbyshire.   The Theme is "Hotline to Heaven and the main speaker is Rev Susan Durber, Principal of Westminster College.   It is a time for Fellowship Faith - Friendship - Fun and Food!   To book in or for further information contact: Sue Simpkin gands [dot] Simpkin [at] sky [dot] com

RESOLVING CONFLICT - UPDATE DAYS 2009. You're not on your own! - Co-Mediating. A chance to explore the ways we can work together on conflict. Together we can find solutions and ways forward Saturday 7 February 10.00 - 3.30 at Sherwood URC Nottingham. Wednesday 18 February 10.00 - 3.30 at Toller URC, Kettering. All are welcome. To book in contact Michelle on trainingpa [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk or 0115 960 9241 or use the booking form on http://www.urc5.org.uk/?q=node/134

LAY PREACHERS' EVENTS AT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE 2009

Friday 4th - Sunday 6th September 2009, or Monday 7th - Wednesday 9th September 2009. 

The course is organised and led by Westminster College teaching staff.  There will be sessions on the Bible, on contemporary theology and on preaching and leading worship. The aim is to resource and encourage lay preachers in their ministry.  All are welcome, from those with only a little to many years experience. There will be time for worship, reflection time, good food and friendship.

Please visit : http://www.urc5.org.uk/?q=LP09W  for the full programme details.

LISTENING SKILLS APRIL 2009

A 5-day intensive listening skills course - similar to the above but without any written assignments! Both these courses fulfil the entry requirement to the Diploma below. Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Counselling

Starts September 2009. A part-time course, integrating professional counselling training with theological understanding of human process and development and accredited with Nottingham University. On completion of the Foundation year (20 taught days) there is the option to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or continue for two further years towards BACP accreditation.  Details from St John's Extension Studies, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3RL.  Email: ext [dot] studies [at] stjohns-nottm [dot] ac [dot] uk [dot] Phone: 0115 925 1117. Website: www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk

PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELLING COURSES AT ST JOHN'S NOTTINGHAM

Counselling Skills for Pastoral Care. March -September 2009.A substantial introductory course combining counselling skills, theology and personal growth. Tutor-supported distance learning sandwiched between two short periods in college.

MAKE FRUITFUL DISCIPLES (NOT JUST CONVERTS)
Is the best-selling Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course right for your church?

Getting Started WithThe Freedom In Christ Approach Wednesday, 14 January 2009 at St John's Church Centre, 351 Coventry Rd., Hinckley LE10 0NF. 

We'd love to send you some leaflets if you have the opportunity to distribute them to groups of leaders.

Download our leaflet for this event here: http://www.ficm.org.uk/events/downloads/GettingStarted.pdf

The Community of Aidan and Hilda.  Open Gate Retreats Programme 2009

March   9th-13th   - Sources of Renewal for Leaders Time out to rekindle your Purpose, priorities & passion led by Revd Ray Simpson & Revd Graham Booth  

16th-20th  - Creative Journaling Led by Mary Fleeson of Lindisfarne Scriptorium (www.lindisfarne-scriptorium.co.uk) For further details contact the Community Office, Lindisfarne Retreat, Marygate, Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SD Tel: 01289 389249. Email: admin [at] ca-and-h [dot] demon [dot] co [dot] uk. Web site: http://www.aidanandhilda/.org

Amendments for the Year Book

Wellingborough URC morning service is now 10.30am and not 10.45 as in the Yearbook.

New email address for: Reginald Rooke **available from Synod Office**.

Revd Lynn Fowkes address is as follows: **available from Synod Office**.

There is a new church secretary at Hucknall URC (5E02) with effect from 27th January: Mrs J. Christou, **available from Synod Office**.

The treasurer, Mr Nick Burrows, has a new email address: **available from Synod Office**.

The Church Secretary and Treasurer at Thurnby & Bushby (5B23), Mr Roger Sherriff, email should read:**available from Synod Office**.

There is a new Church Treasurer at West Derbyshire URC (5A56): Mr Laurie Peck, **available from Synod Office**.

And finally: - Please send any comments or feedback on this e-letter to   Terry Oakley mod [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk

The URC East Midlands Synod

1 Edwards Lane

Sherwood

Nottingham

NG5 3AA

Telephone: 0115 960 9241

Facsimile: 0115 960 9202

Please forward this e-letter to members of your congregation or anyone who would like to receive it.   If you do not wish to continue receiving this e-letter please contact admin [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk to tell us who from your church should be receiving it.  

Copy date for Next E Letter: Monday 19th January 2009.

Email: address for E Letter Editor: editor [at] urc5 [dot] co [dot] uk (mailto:editor [at] urc5 [dot] co [dot] uk)