EAST MIDLANDS SYNOD

E-Letter
No. 73: 11^th February 2010

Edited
this week by: Deborah Anderson

 

Ash Wednesday, which falls
next week, marks the beginning of Lent. 
It is the season when we are especially invited to repent, and to
re-centre our lives and get our priorities straight.  It is a time when we can pray: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew
a steadfast spirit within me (Ps 51:10). 
But it is also a time of hope as we redouble our efforts to love and
serve, in the knowledge that we can choose to change.  May this Lent be a time of transformation and
renewal for us all.

           Deborah Anderson

REVD
STUART BIDMEAD

We
are very sorry to learn that the Revd Stuart Bidmead died in hospital on
Tuesday 9^th February.  Stuart
retired early on health grounds in December 2009.  Please remember his wife Sheila, children
Zoe, Naomi and Hannah, and other members of his family in your prayers.

 

REVD
COLIN EVANS (YORKSHIRE SYNOD)

“Revd
Colin Evans died peacefully, just "slipped away" on Thursday evening,
4th February. It was only 2nd November that Margaret died - she was his beloved
wife, work partner, best friend and more recently full time carer and nurse.
Despite his amazing fortitude, I think he began to slip away from November.
They have four children, Martin, Phil, Catherine and Richard, as well as
grandchildren whose names I don't know. 
The service of thanksgiving and committal will be at St. Andrew's,
Roundhay on Friday 12th February at 1pm (there will be a private service of
burial of ashes at a later date) and a tea after service in the church hall.

I
would be very grateful if you could let know anyone who may have
known Colin, would keep the family in their prayers and may wish to
attend.

In
Christ's love” 

Kevin Watson, Moderator Yorkshire
Synod

 

LAY
PRESIDENCY AT SACRAMENT

A
letter was sent out asking churches to advise who is authorised to preside at
sacrament with the Christmas mailing. To date we have only received a few
replies. The full list of authorisation has to be presented to Synod in March.
Can I please urge all churches to advise us on the following: The names of
those lay people who have authorisation to preside at sacrament; the
number of times they carried out that duty during 2009. If your church has no
authorised lay people can you please advise us accordingly. Please send all
details to Chris Willis at the Synod
office or e-mail admin [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk

 

ANNUAL CHURCH RETURNS

This
is a plea to all churches who have yet to send in their annual returns. There
are still approximately 57 returns outstanding. The information on the annual
returns is important so we can ensure any information being sent out either by
ourselves or Church House is being sent to the correct person. We will be
producing our new handbook at the end of April and I want to ensure that all
details are correct. PLEASE return your forms as quickly as possible. If you
have any problems filling in the form please contact Chris
Willis at the Synod office.

 

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

 

 

 

THE
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CALLS FOR ‘ROBIN HOOD TAX’

The United Reformed Church is in full support of
the ‘Robin Hood Tax’ campaign launched Wednesday 10 February by a broad
coalition of domestic charities, aid agencies, unions, faith organisations and
green groups.   The campaign is calling
on the leaders of the UK’s main political parties to support a global financial
transaction tax on banks - of around 0.05% - to help repair damage caused by
the global economic crisis, to protect public services at home, fight poverty
abroad and help foot the bill for climate change environmental measures.  Commenting on the moral imperative for such a
tax, the Revd John Marsh, Moderator of the General Assembly said: “The human
suffering caused by the global financial crisis has been immense and the impact
on vulnerable households in the UK and abroad devastating. Whilst it cannot restore
lost jobs and livelihoods, this global financial transaction tax will go a long
way to restoring public trust in financial institutions by raising up to £250
billion a year to fund critical development programmes here and abroad.”

Mr Marsh concluded: “Implementation of the global
financial transaction tax would also serve to shift the public discourse from
blame and retribution to hope: a governmental commitment to the common good is
desperately needed in these stark times.”

In November 2009 the United Reformed Church adopted
a motion in support of the financial transaction levy (the forerunner of the
proposed global financial transaction tax). The adopted motion highlighted the
United Reformed Church’s concern over the impact of the economic recession on
the poor and vulnerable; the possibility of cuts to social benefits and public
services being advocated by political parties in the lead-up to the General
Election; and the likely impact the enormous deficit in public finances will
have on the UK’s commitments to international development and climate change
adaptation and mitigation.    www.urc.org.uk  www.robinhoodtax.org

 

Lincolnshire

THE ROTARY CLUB OF PETERBOROUGH
ORTONS AND WESTGATE
CHURCH PRESENT…

The Northern Harmony Choir
Concert at Westgate Church, Peterborough
on Thursday 18th March 2010 at 7.30pm.  Northern Harmony, the
unique world music singing ensemble from Vermont, USA, are visiting
Peterborough as part of their twelfth UK tour, with traditional songs from
Georgia, Corsica,

The Balkans, South Africa,
American shape-note and gospel, and contemporary works.

Don’t miss this opportunity
to hear these brilliant young singers.

Visit the Northern Harmony
website: www.villageharmony.org

Profits to Marie Curie
Cancer Care

Tickets £10
(Seniors/Students £7.50) from Ewan
Cappitt,  *Available from Synod Office*

E-mail: *Available from Synod Office* or on the door

 

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.

 

Derbyshire

ATHENAEUM
YOUTH CAFÉ PART-TIME WORKER – MELBOURNE, SOUTH DERBYSHIRE

We are looking for
enthusiastic people to assist in our vital work with young people in Melbourne.  We offer a great introduction to youth work
if you are considering a career in this area. 
We require a part-time worker to help with evening shifts in the Athenaeum
Youth Café.  We are looking for either 1
person to work both Friday and Saturday evenings, or 2 people to work either
night. We are offering a good hourly rate depending on experience for this
part-time post.  Training is available to
paid and volunteer staff.  We do require
you to be at least 18 years old, to enjoy being with young people, to be
trustworthy, reliable, punctual and willing to work additional hours if
necessary. Previous youth work / café experience is not essential.

If you are interested and
would like to know more, please email Zoe Dean, Café Manager, on *Available from Synod Office*

 

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...

David Downing

 

Northants

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.

 

IS YOUR CHURCH INVOLVED IN A SHARED
CELEBRATION OF EITHER GOOD FRIDAY OR EASTER WITH OTHER CHURCHES?

If it is, Churches Together in Northampton would
like to publicise these shared celebrations in LOGOS (which goes to almost all
churches in Northampton),
and on our website (which opens up our work to a much wider
"audience").  Please let me
have details so that I can collate them and pass them on to Joe and Hilary.

Best regards, 
Ted Hale, Secretary: Churches Together in Northampton

 

Leicestershire

A DAY OF REFLECTION

For all who are engaged in
pastoral ministry: 

Enabling your congregation
in a search for fulfilment.

29th April 2010 - 10.00am
to 4.00 pm

We will be reflecting on
the idea of encouraging emotional, spiritual and physical progress in order to
bring a holistic approach towards pastoral ministry.

This day will be held in the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in
Leicestershire, and will include some input, but will concentrate on reflection
and practical engagement with pastoral ministry. The day will include elements
of retreat and there will be opportunity for sharing difficult pastoral
situations with understanding colleagues in an atmosphere of confidentiality.
Participants are free to use the day as a retreat, an opportunity for learning,
an opportunity for sharing, or a mix of all three. There will be no pressure to
participate in group experiences for those who just wish to 'be' for a while.

Download booking form and
details from: http://www.urc5.org.uk/?q=node/722  "

Barry Drake

 

SOUNDCHECK -27thFebruary - 1st March Islington Arts
and Media School, Turle Rd, London, N4 3LS
SPEAK's annual gathering for 18-25 year-olds "Soundcheck" is a
weekend of input and inspiration to help you challenge injustice in the world,
and seek transformation in yourself and your community. It is a weekend of
exploration of how our Jesus-centred spirituality leads us into radical prayer,
creativity and action for justice. Get connected with others passionate about
justice and find out how you can be an agent of transformation.
On Monday 1st March, take part in a
Day of Action to pray for an end to government support of the arms trade which
is fuelling conflict, aiding repression and harming development. Pray for
swords to be beaten into ploughshares as part of a transformative creative
action and meet your MP to let them know your concerns. If you can't make the weekend
activities, meet 10:00 AM at Cathedral Hall, Westminster Cathedral, Ambrosden Avenue, London,
SW1P.  To find out more and book check out the SPEAK website: http://www.speak.org.uk/soundcheck10 . 
Please do get in touch if you would like any further information, images or
logos.  You can call on 020 7249
4309.  Ellen Stuart Speak Network Support Team.

 

 

 

FURY VISIT TO THE HOLY LAND
– 3^rd-11^th SEPTEMBER
2010

An opportunity to visit the
places where Jesus was born, grew up and exercised his ministry with overnight
stays in 3* hotels in Bethlehem, Galilee and Jerusalem

Cost per person: £730.00 which includes flights,
transfers, accommodation (bed, breakfast and evening meal), entrance fees and
gratuities.  There are only 12 places available - so reserve your place
now.  For further details or to
book your place contact: Leo Roberts: ycwtdo [at] nwsynod [dot] org [dot] uk or Stewart Cutler: scutler [at] urcscotland [dot] org [dot] uk

 

THE WINDERMERE CENTRE 2010 PROGRAMME

The
Windermere Centre website has now been updated with the 2010 Programme
details. 

‘If
you click on the Programme 2010 page in the navigation bar, you’ll
be able to use a special new feature: you can read the programme and the
brochures as a booklet online.  It’s much more convenient than having to
scroll through a document!

Please
look through the Programme and see if there’s anything that would benefit you
or your Church.  You’ll see details of courses related specifically to Vision4Life,
as well as others.  Some of those are geared towards the Year of Prayer;
others anticipate and prepare you for the Year of Evangelism. 

If
you’re thinking about establishing a Church website, look at what iChurch
has to offer.  If you want to stay up to date with news from the site, use
the subscription button in the sidebar.

We
spend a great deal of time (and money!) putting together courses that will
resource you and your Church in mission.  Please use the Centre; after
all, it’s your place!  So see what 2010 has got to offer ... and
please, spread the word!

With every best wish

Lawrence’

Lawrence Moore
Director, The Windermere Centre

 

SYNOD VACANCIES – CAN YOU HELP? The Synod still has vacancies for a number of roles.  Please visit: www.urc5.org.uk/?q=node/707 for more information.  If you can help please contact the Synod Office.

 

YEAR BOOK
CHANGES

• The Secretary at Marlpool URC (5A33), Mrs Valerie
  Smith, has a new email address
• The Secretary at Wellingborough URC (5D42), Mrs
  Claire Ette, has a new email

*All Available from Synod Office*

 

AND
FINALLY: -  

Please
send any comments or feedback on this e-letter to Deborah Anderson training [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

Copy Date for Next
E-Letter: 22^nd
February 2010

 

Please forward this e-letter to members of your congregation
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