EAST MIDLANDS SYNOD

E-Letter No. 72: 28^th January 2010

Edited this week by: Colin Udall

I recently went to a school to take an assembly and asked how many had kept their New Years Resolutions.   Not many had, but I told them that with God, we can always start over again.  So for those of us who think we might have already failed, can be reassured that our New Years Resolutions can be picked up again, whether it is at the end of January, in April or even at Christmas!

Colin Udall

GREETINGS AND BLESSINGS FROM STANLEY CRANE.

I am always content to know that I am being prayed for, the mention that I have a 'serious illness' has caused some consternation, particularly from friends and churches where I am planned to preach in the near future! The situation is that I am feeling quite well at the moment and carrying out all my responsibilities as a session chaplain at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and my preaching appointments. I have been diagnosed with a 'medical problem' but this is being reviewed in 3 months time - meanwhile I have been advised to act 'normally' - whatever that may mean!

Stanley Crane

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWPORT PAGNELL URC who have started the latest Pilots group in the Synod.  We wish them well for the future and pray for all the leaders and young people involved in this latest venture.

REMINDER TO BOOK IN FOR SYNOD ROADSHOWS

Please come along and share in one of the six Roadshows across the Synod in February. The theme is ‘Powered by Prayer' - reflecting the Vision4Life second year focussing on prayer and spirituality. They will be held 7pm-9.30pm

8th February Crossways, Yardley Hastings, Northants 9th Gainsborough, Lincolnshire 10th Sherwood, Nottingham 15th Sleaford, Lincolnshire 16th Marlpool, Derbyshire 17th Abbots Road, Leicestershire

and the programme will include Worship and Prayer and the choice of four groups:  Financing the Mission of the Local Church,  Profiles4Mission,  Prayer & Spirituality,  Growing in Faith

There will also be a plenary for questions and closing prayer time.

The flier is on the website. 

To book please email: modpa [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk

FAIR TRADE SPEAKER

As part of my recent sabbatical I visited Costa Rica for a Fair Trade Coffee Tour. If you have a church or non-church group that would like a speaker on the issues of FT then perhaps I could help! I'd be delighted to share some of my experiences... contact: david [dot] downing [at] urc [dot] org [dot] uk

BOTSWANA VISIT - CLOSING DATE 31^ST JANUARY

Please pray for those young people considering going out to Botswana over Easter to visit our link synod.  Please pray for those who will be considering the applications and making the choices.  Four young people and two adults from the Synod will be exploring the synod and building relations with the hope of a Commonwealth Youth Exchange programme in the coming years.  We will be visiting Botswana 29th March - 10th April.  There is still time to apply if you're aged between 16 and 25.  Closing date 31st January.  Application form and further details from Colin Udall 07776 157511 or email cydo [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk

 

PILOTS DAY OUT AT WARWICK CASTLE - CLOSING DATE END FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 15^TH MAY 2010

Be a Pilot for a day and join 4000 others at Warwick Castle.  EVERYONE welcome.  All churches should have received a mailing about this.  Please book early - closing date end of February. 

More details - Colin Udall 07776 157511 or cydo [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk

 

PRAISE PARTY

There will be a "Cool and Crazy Praise Party" for children aged 5-11 at Spalding URC on Saturday 27th March 3.30 - 5pm, led by John Hardwick.  All children welcome, please book your group with Colin Udall on 07776 157511 or at cydo [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk John will also be holding a children's leaders training workshop on creative communication in the morning 10am -12:30pm.  This is for all those who lead Christian worship/services/events where there are children present. 

Further details from Colin Udall.

 

Milton Keynes

BELIEF COURSE CANCELLED - 3^RD FEBRUARY!

With regret, the lecture on Wednesday, 3 February on ‘Art of the Reformation and Counter Reformation' has been CANCELLED.  The lecturer, Joan Crossley, is unable to attend and unfortunately it is too late to arrange an alternative.  

Isabella Brown

BELIEF administrator

 

THE KIRCHENTAG - MUNICH: 12^TH - 16^TH MAY 2010

The Kirchentag is a large-scale ecumenical Christian festival, which happens biennially in Germany. Relating to issues of global significance, it draws together Christians from many countries, and attracts the attention of the national media in Germany. Participants come bringing a wide spectrum of talents and interests: artists, musicians, theologians, politicians, and many others wanting to have a thoroughly good time! It is a melting pot for the interface between faith and culture, between church and world. Some several hundred thousand people attend - and there is nothing quite like it in Britain! 

The Milton Keynes Mission Partnership is to have a stand in the 'Living Ecumenically' Exhibition Hall and the Milton Keynes music group 'Testament' will be participating in an event hosted by the Oxford Diocese.

I would like to hear from you - or others in your church - if you would are interested in coming.  Please contact us on Tel: 01908 311310 or email: missionpartnership [at] tiscali [dot] co [dot] uk

 

Derbyshire

CHURCH ON THE BUS

Community scheme, Church on the Bus, led by Matlock Methodist and United Reformed Church, offers needy people food, clothes and advice. The double-decker bus - which is kitted out with a kitchen and showers - has been operating at the station car park in Matlock every Tuesday evening since March last year. Rev Lyn Houghton said: "I was surprised that there were so many homeless people in Matlock. There is a lot of invisible homeless too, by that I mean people who are sleeping on other people's floors and couches. "She added: "The response has been very positive. The bus is always busy. "We do what we can to help in as much as we are trying to keep them on the right road and give them information. Often all they need is a leg up. They don't need a handout." Phil Wardle, who helped set up the scheme in Matlock with his wife Trisha, said around 20 people used the bus each week and there were several success stories, including people who had managed to get re-housed and find jobs. It is going pretty well and we've had a lot of support from volunteers.

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN: VOMIT, VIOLENCE AND GOD

A Slice of Britain, by Emily Dugan:

Derby is the latest town to witness the arrival of Street Pastors, a group of Christians who volunteer to spend their Friday and Saturday evening's tackling town-centre problems. 

"The new group in Derby is out every Friday and Saturday night tackling town-centre problems. Putting a kettle on in the kitchen above the United Reformed Church, branch director Alasdair Kay waits for his crew to arrive..."

For the full article please visit:

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/a-night-on-the-town-vomit-violence-and-god-1870208.html

Northamptonshire

PREMISES FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN NORTHAMPTON

An event to help organisations understand the issues around finding and using buildings for community activities, and to explore some of the opportunities and practical help available. Wednesday 10 February. 6:30pm - 8:30pm. The Doddridge Centre, St James' Road, Northampton. Please contact. Glynis Mann, Secretary to Thomas Hall, Head of Policy and Community Engagement, Northampton Borough Council to confirm your attendance: (01604) 837871 - thall [at] northampton [dot] gov [dot] uk

 

STUDY DAY ABOUT RELIGION THROUGH ART

Book this date for your Diary - Rev Neil Thorogood from Westminster College will be leading a Study Day about Religion through Art at Wellingborough URC on June 12th 2010. For Arty and non Arty types alike! More details to follow.

Lincolnshire

CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE

A National Fresh Expressions event called "Changing the Landscape" is taking place at the EPIC Centre on Friday 5th March.  The main speakers are Rowan Williams and Martyn Atkins. Churches Together in All Lincolnshire is able to subsidise a number of spaces for the day.  If you wish to book and take advantage of the discount you need to do so via myself rather than via Fresh Expressions.  I will then be making a block booking with Fresh Expressions.  You can phone or email me to secure your place using the information below.  Please also arrange for a cheque for £10 made payable to Churches Together in All Lincolnshire. For the leaflet giving details about the Changing the Landscape Event please visit: www.ctal.org.uk/fresh%20expressions.html and click on ‘Lincs Flier' in the centre of the page.

Leicestershire

LAUNDE ABBEY

HOLISTIC QUIET DAY - 19^TH MARCH 2010

This quiet reflective day, led by Jane Franklin, will provide space for those attending to rest, relax and pray, with an opportunity to explore and experience complementary therapies within a day of Christian meditation.  Also taking place on 24th September 2010.  Price:  £50.00 per day or £80.00 for both days. 

MOTHERING SUNDAY LUNCH - 14^TH MARCH 2010

Come to Launde to celebrate Mothering Sunday and have a wonderful lunch in beautiful surroundings.  Afterwards enjoy the beauty of the gardens or relax in the Sitting Room.  Book early to avoid disappointment! 

For more information on any of the above, please contact Launde Abbey on: 01572 717254 or visit: http://www.launde.org.uk/

 

Nottingham 

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE^TMS WORKER - CLOSING DATE 19^TH FEBRUARY

The Parishes of Bilborough and Strelley, Nottingham

A new, pioneering full time five year mission post, working in three parishes on the north western edge of the City of Nottingham, two outer city estates and one small village. Applications are invited to join the developing ministry team and work with young people in the 8 " 14 age group, building on the growing partnership between church, local schools and community agencies.   We need a committed worker with:

• A lively faith in Jesus Christ
• A heart for the children and young people in our community
• Experience of working with the 8-14 age range
• Excellent communication, networking and team skills
• Personal initiative
• The ability to manage short term projects, including fund raising
• Experience of drawing together volunteers and liaising with specialist agencies

This post is open to applications from qualified youth workers, clergy, and Church Army officers.  A successful clergy applicant will be expected to undertake some parochial responsibility, including Sunday worship. Application Pack, available from The Archdeacons' PA, Dunham House, Westgate, Southwell, Notts NG25 0JL. archdeaconspa [at] southwell [dot] anglican [dot] org

" target="_blank">http://webmail.proweb.net/mc/compose?to=archdeaconspa [at] southwell [dot] anglican [dot] org   Tel: 01636 817206

 

Closing Date: 19th February  Interviews: 11 March.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, and strive to be an equal opportunity employer. Enhanced CRB clearance is required for this post.

 

 

YEAR BOOK CHANGES

• David Coxhead, Melton Mowbray URC, has a new email address: **available from Synod office**
• The Secretary of Potterspury & Yardley Gobion, Mr G. Emmins has a new address: **available from Synod office**
• Miss Hazel Bond, Secretary at Boston URC, has a new email address: **available from Synod office**
• For the next few months can people please send any correspondence for Long Buckby URC to: Mrs Wendy Baker, **available from Synod office** Thank you
• Mrs Pauline Mantle, Secretary at Bulwell URC has a new email address: **available from Synod office**
• There is a new Treasurer at Trinity URC, Lincoln: Mr A. Bullen,  **available from Synod office**

 

AND FINALLY: -  

Please send any comments or feedback on this e-letter to Colin Udall cydo [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

Email address for E-Letter Editor: editor [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk

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 the e-letter, then please contact admin [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk