Faith or Religion?

I have been reading the latest book by Bp John of Lincoln entitled ‘No Faith in Religion’. He suggests that there is a tendency for religion to be hijacked to serve our own or others’ agendas; whereas faith challenges us to give up our own agendas in order to serve God’s!  It is a challenging message. Was our recent Synod agenda serving religion or promoting faith? Was your Easter celebration religion or faith focussed? There are many Easter traditions, from early morning or sunrise services, to Easter egg hunts. Which of these challenge us to live for God in a new way and which just help us to pass the time? At the Easter services I attended there was plenty of praise in the singing, and the churches were beautifully decorated.  I hope that they were experiences that brought us to meet the risen Jesus and recognise his presence with us. As you read this e-letter you might keep the same thought in your mind – where in these items do we encounter God’s invitation and where are we in danger of usurping religion to serve other purposes?

Terry Oakley

 People & Churches

We are glad to welcome into the Synod the Revd Meda Stamper, who was inducted to Anstey URC on 27th March. It was a service marked with American accents as well as British and included a new hymn specially written for the occasion by the Revd Michael Forster – a noted hymn writer. The Revd John Proctor from Westminster College preached and all were moved by the power of the words and the story of Meda’s call.

We are glad to hear that Dawn Chandler is making a remarkable recovery. She is no longer dependent on oxygen and is facing up to the challenges of physiotherapy as she works towards greater mobility. Please pray for her and Norman her husband and all those who support them in Long Buckby.

The Revd Kerry Tankard, minister at Westgate Methodist/URC in Peterborough, is to run the London marathon to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan charity. If you would like to support him and this cause donations can be made through http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KerryTankard

Please pray for the congregation at Boundary Road, Beeston as they prayerfully consider the future of their building, remember too our churches working with 1C100U in Ilkeston, Gainsborough, St Stephen’s Leicester and Sutton in Ashfield. We give thanks with Boulevard Church in Nottingham on the rededication of their building following extension refurbishment. 

 GENERAL ELECTION HUSTINGS

The Mission Partnership has set up two general election hustings:- 

 MK North: Tues 27th April 7.30pm at St.Andrews Church, Parklands, Great Linford MK14 5AU with Panel A: Mark Lancaster (Con); Andrew Pakes (Lab Coop); Jill Hope (Lib Dem); Alan Francis (Green); Michael Phillips (UKIP)

MK South: Sun 25th April 7.30 pm at Christ the King, Frithwood Crescent, Kents Hill MK7 6HQ with Panel B: Phyllis Starkey (Lab); Iain Stewart (Con); Peter Jones (Lib Dem); Suzanne Nti (Christian Peoples) Phillip Pinto (UKIP); Katrina Deacon (Green)

The meeting will be chaired by Mary Cotes. If you would like to put a question to either panel please submit it to the Mission Partnership Office in writing either by e-mail or letter and indicating which panel it is intended for by Monday 19th April. Everyone is welcome to come along to these meetings.

Penny Warburton, Mission Partnership, Christian Foundation, The Square, Aylesbury Street, Wolverton, MK12 5HX.  E-mail: missionpartnership [at] talktalk [dot] net

Go to the Tearfund website and search for election 2010 for some very useful summaries and help in organising hustings if necessary.

Go to www.bond.org.uk/data/files/bond_manifesto.pdf (Bond for International Development Vote Global) for the very informative International Development Manifesto for the election. 

SHORT ELECTION BRIEFINGS (DEVELOPMENT) MARCH – JUNE 2010

I have attempted to put together half-A5 briefings on the five key development issues for the coming General Election campaign, together with a suggested question.  I'm sure people can improve on the question!  The briefings might be used weekly in church newsletters, in a church magazine, on notice boards etc.  There are, of course, many other election issues. 

 Try for example www.ctbi.org.uk/427 for the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland briefing and the Methodist/URC/Baptist Joint Public Issues Team newsletter and website: www.jointpublicissues.org.uk . To find out more contact Charles Jolly at Charles [dot] jolly1 [at] talktalk [dot] net. 

 Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

Churches Together in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Invite you to:

THE TWO COUNTIES SERVICE 2010 on Sunday 18^th April at 6.30pmMansfield Road Baptist Church, corner of Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6JNPreacher: Bishop E. George Beason, New Testament Church of GodIncluding music from the William Booth Memorial Halls songsters and an insight into some of the multicultural life and mission of Nottingham’s Churches.

Renewing our covenants, Celebrating all that God is doing amongst our churches

For more information contact Revd Philip Webb: dovedale [dot] revs078 [at] btinternet [dot] com 

 A DAY WITH DIETRICH BONHOEFFER" at the Sacrista Prebend, 4, Westgate, Southwell, Notts, on Thursday, April 22nd from 10.00 to 4.00 p.m.  Led by the Revd Rodney Ward, retired URC minister living in Chesterfield. The cost is £15. Drinks are provided but please bring a packed lunch. In order to book contact the Sacrista Prebend on 01636 816833 or mail [at] sacrista-prebend [dot] co [dot] uk" target="_blank">mail [at] sacrista-prebend [dot] co [dot] uk 

POOLED WEB HOSTING FOR URC’S

An initiative by Buxton URC through one of its members who is a NSM is now one year old, this is the provision of web hosting for URC churches at cost price by pooling our needs. If your website is already set up then we can host it for one year for £25, assuming you (already) pay for your own domain name. Any church wanting to get a foothold on the web by starting up a website can be given free support in getting a site up and running, though the content is entirely up to yourselves. The service currently hosts 5 URC church websites and one charity website. If your church is interested then please contact mark [dot] houghton [at] BuxtonURC [dot] org [dot] uk 

Leicestershire

THE BIG KNIT
Leicester Women's Christian/Muslim Dialogue Group are spending an afternoon together knitting bonnets and blanket squares for premature babies. Any women - from experienced knitters to total beginners are welcome. It's a chance to share a skill or learn a new one.
When:   Sunday 18th April - 2.30-5.30pm
Where:   St Philip's Church, Evington Road, Leicester, LE2 1QN
What you need: If possible, bring some knitting needles (sizes 8 & 9) and double knitting wool
More details from: Clare Downing 0116 273 3459 or clare [dot] downing [at] stphilipscentre [dot] co [dot] ukPlease visit: www.urc5.org.uk/?q=BIGKNIT for poster

 ENDERBY URC, LEICESTERSHIRE

This year our 'new' church building is 100 years old and to celebrate this centenary we are having celebration events throughout the summer. We start on the anniversary of the opening of the new church with a flower festival on the weekend of the 24th and 25th April. The Enderby flower club are arranging the displays and we will have history displays and refreshments will be served. The church will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 2:30 to 5pm on Sunday. On May 21st at 7pm we are having a musical evening and on the weekend of June 26th/27th open gardens. Other activities planned are a Big Birthday Party, cream teas and a Praise evening. Everyone is welcome to any or all of these activities and if you would like more information ring Sheila & Arnold on **available from Synod office**or David & Judith on **available from Synod office**. 

PRESENCE & ENGAGEMENT IN A MULTI FAITH WORLD

This is a 3 day training course being held at St. Philip’s Centre, Leicester and has been designed primarily for Christians of all denominations - ordained or lay people - who work in this field, but all are welcome. Topics to be covered are Theology; Mission and dialogue; Education and chaplaincy; Pastoral and community issues; Questions of spirituality; Practicalities and structures for dialogue and engagement.  There will be opportunities to visit places of worship and engage with resource persons from the various faith communities.

The next available courses are: 18th May, 1st & 15th June 2010 or 28th, 29th, 30th September 2010

For more information please visit the St. Philip’s Centre website:

www.stphilipscentre.dioceseofleicester.com 

A MIDLANDS PILGRIMAGE – SATURDAY 10^TH – SUNDAY 11^TH APRIL 2010

A weekend exploring some of the early Christian sites of the ancient kingdom of Mercia The pilgrimage will focus primarily on Leicestershire and Derbyshire both of which are argued to be the base from which Christianity was spread throughout the Midlands.This is an informal event with input on the various sites and is an opportunity for experiencing pilgrimage within a community environment.

Suggested donation per person - £25 per day

Accommodation is available for Friday and Saturday at a reduced donation of £25 per person but early booking is essential.  For those without transportation this can be arranged if we know in advance (contribution towards petrol would be appreciated.)

To Book Contact: info [at] monos [dot] org [dot] uk or Tel: 01509 506656 

WANTED – LARGE CHEST FREEZER!

Launde Abbey are in urgent need of a large chest freezer to store cakes etc ready for our Flower Festival at the end of May.  Does anyone have an old one that might live another couple of months that they want to get rid of, or alternatively have one they would like to sell?  We are happy to arrange collection.  Please contact Suzanne Page on 01572 717254 or via e-mail Suzanne [at] launde [dot] org [dot] uk 

NorthamptonshireStudy Day at Wellingborough URC

Led by Revd Neil Thorgood from Westminster College Cambridge entitiled 'Art, and the Arts of Prayer'.  This is on Saturday 12^th June from 10 am to 3 pm.  Please bring your own lunch. Refreshments provided. Cost £3. This does clash with Synod but we have had Neil booked for over 2 years.  A rare opportunity, not to be missed.  Contact Sue Scott at susanscott469 [at] googlemail [dot] com to book a place.

KETTERING TOLLER UNITED REFORMED CHURCH recently held an  Exhibition and Sale of Sculptures, Batiks, Paintings & Jewellery from ART PEACE  CO-OPERATIVE  based at Silveira House in Zimbabwe. Silveira House as part of the church’s Commitment for Life.  The Exhibition was a great success and over £8,000 of goods was sold, and most of the money has already reached the artists.  It is estimated that over a thousand people came into the Church for the Exhibition and enjoyed the Displays and the refreshments on offer. A number of Zimbabweans also visited us and were amazed that the church had obtained so many items for the exhibition. 

 Lincolnshire

Urban and Industrial Chaplain

This is an exciting opportunity to engage with the social, economic and industrial life of North East Lincolnshire.  Through workplace visiting and local networking you will represent and resource the church in mission and ministry to the economic and industrial life of the area.

This full time post is open to both lay and ordained persons.  For an application pack e-mail alison [dot] mcnish [at] lincoln [dot] anglican [dot] org or call 01522 504070

Closing Date: Friday 30^th April 2010.  Interview Date: Friday 14^th May 2010. 

Training

Courses at St. John’s College, Nottingham: www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk

GOING FOR GROWTH – WEDNESDAYS 2PM to 5PM FROM 28^th APRIL to 26^th MAY 2010

This course about how churches grow today is for all clergy and other senior leaders who wish to see their churches flourish and grow numerically and spiritually.

 Fee: £80.  Booking deadline: Friday 16 April 2010 Places MUST be booked and paid for in advance.

 To book: contact Anna Leyden on 0115 925 1114 or email a [dot] leyden [at] stjohns-nottm [dot] ac [dot] uk TOP UP YOUR THEOLOGY WEEK – MONDAY 19^TH – FRIDAY 23^RD APRIL 2010

For Clergy, readers and anyone else who would enjoy hearing members of St John’s faculty sharing the latest developments in their subject areas. The week will include worship, silence and relaxation as well as hard work! In the middle there is the opportunity for a day of retreat.

Cost: Single days £50 (includes lunch, evening meal and refreshments but no overnight accommodation) Special inclusive price for whole week (5 nights) £350To Book contact Teresa Harrison-Withe on 0115 968 3237 Email: ext [dot] studies [at] stjohns-nottm [dot] ac [dot] uk   

THREE TRAINING DAYS FOR WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Lincoln Diocese Youth Service are holding the following three training days:-

*15^th May - Group Work * 22^nd May - Pastoral care and support structures

*12^th June - Faith & Spirituality in Children & Young People

At Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Barton upon Humber, 9.45am – 3.30pm

Cost for each day is £15 per attendee (Bring & Share Lunch)

For more information and for the booking form please visit: www.urc5.org.uk/?q=BARTON 

 GREENBELT 2010

27^th – 30^th August at Cheltenham Racecourse

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend artists, musicians, speakers and performers join 21,000 festival-goers to take a sideways look at art, life and everything.  There is already an amazing lineup and still so much to come – block your diaries and book your tickets to join us for our annual collision of arts, faith and justice.  Book before 30^th April 2010 and save up to 15%

Visit: www.greenbelt.org.uk for more information 

THE BIGGEST EVENT EVER

This year the International Christian Resources Exhibition is being held at Sandown Park, Esher from Tuesday 11^th – Friday 14^th May with up to 400 exhibitors representing over 1,000 organisations and ministries.  Whatever you need to equip and resource your church can be found at the exhibition.

Order your tickets in advance and save on admission price – visit: www.creonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to order your Exhibition Handbook in advance when purchasing your tickets 

Year Book Changes

·       Revd Barbara Gates, Retired Minister in Leicester, has a new e-mail address: **available from Synod office**

·       Mr Leslie Allwood has a new email address: **available from Synod office**

·       There is a new Treasurer at Duston URC (5D29): Mr Phillip Imison, **available from Synod office**

·       The secretary at Wycliffe URC (5B13), Mr Howard Rees has a new email address: **available from Synod office**

·       Paulerspury URC (5F04) has a new email address: dominospizza-2 [at] pophost [dot] 123-reg [dot] co [dot] uk  

AND FINALLY: -   Please send any comments or feedback on this e-letter to: 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

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

Copy Date for Next E-Letter: 19^th April 2010Please 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