As I open the curtains each morning I wonder at the new colours bursting forth and the birds singing telling us spring is here and a new beginning has started. It reminds me of the Easter message we heard only a few weeks ago of how through the death of Christ we are “set free” to start afresh. Are you taking advantage of your new beginning or dwelling in the dark of yesterday? For many the thought of change can be very scary and so blinkers are put in place to keep out any change. If we continue to do this though both as individuals and as church we will not be open to the future God wants where he states we need to “set people free in Jesus name”.   In this year of Vision4Prayer how are you using this year of Prayer? Is it just something you do on a Sunday or before you retire to bed each evening? In all we do Prayer is part of our everyday life whether at rest or at play. Come and join us at our June synod day where we are looking at using prayer throughout our lives. Make today the first day of your change if you haven’t already done so. Chris WillisSynod Administrator and Office Manager 

People and Churches 

BEESTON URC (BOUNDARY ROAD)

With sadness we announce the decision of the current congregation at Boundary Road to close with effect from 1st August 2010. Despite many efforts of the small congregation to initiate new projects it has proved impossible to sustain the building and projects from existing resources. We are grateful for new initiatives still under discussion and hope that these will result in a mission project or similar in the future.  The church will hold a final thanksgiving service on Saturday 31st July at 2.30 pm. Further invitations will be sent out nearer the time. 

MRS GILLIAN SPIBY

You are invited to join with family and friends at Burton Joyce U.R.C on Saturday 22^nd May at 3.00pm for a service of thanksgiving for Gillian Spiby.

Graham Spiby 

MR BARRIE HUMPHRIES

We were very sorry to hear that Mr Barrie Humphries, the former Treasurer of Great Doddington URC, has died.  Please remember his wife and children in your prayers. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

  VETTING AND BARRING INFORMATION EVENINGS

For all ministers and those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adultsThese sessions will give up to date information about the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) the Vetting and Barring Scheme and the Independent Safeguarding Authority.  You will also hear about new legal responsibilities regarding those who work with these groups and information about updating current CRB checks. 

 Dates & Venues (All at 7:30 – 9:30pm):-

·     Tuesday 25^th May – Stamford URC, Lincolnshire

·       Thursday 27^th May – Groby URC, Leicestershire

·       Wednesday 9^th June – Newport Pagnell URC, Milton Keynes

·       Tuesday 15^th June – Gainsborough URC, Lincolnshire

·       Monday 28^th June – Crossways Conference Centre, Northants

·       Tuesday 29^th June – St. Andrew’s URC, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

·       Also at Ministers’ Summer School

BOOK IN NOW! Please contact Chris Willis at the Synod Office: Email: admin [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk 

 Nottingham

SUPPORT WORKER FOR PEOPLE SEEKING SANCTUARY

Based at St. Stephen and St. Paul’s Church, The Vine Centre, Hyson Green, Nottingham NG7 5GZ.

The Nottingham Rainbow Project is seeking to recruit a committed and enthusiastic person to work with people seeking sanctuary in Nottingham.

Closing date for applications 7^th May 2010 to find out more contact: Susannah 07735 399655 or j [dot] lazonby [at] ntlworld [dot] com .

 NETHERFIELD URC

Netherfield URC would like to give away its Rejoice and Sing hymn books, a Good News lectern bible and some pew bibles.  If you are interested, please contact Revd Barry Drake - b [dot] drake [at] ntlworld [dot] com 

 Leicester

PRAYER IN WORSHIP

A Day for Lay Preachers, Ministers and Worship. Leaders, Led by Rev Duncan Tuck, Date: - Sat 22nd May, Venue: - St Stephens URC, Leicester. Time: - 10am – 4pm. For further details please contact Lindsey Cole.  **available from Synod Office**  Please Let Lindsey know by 10^th May if you wish to attend. 

WORLD CUP INTER FAITH FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

The Community Football Academy are to host an inter-faith football tournament in Leicester on Sunday 6^th June 2010 at Judgemeadow Community College, Marydene Drive, Evington, Leicester LE5 6HP.  The main event is a match between Leicestershire Constabulary v CFA Religious Leaders at 2.15pm.  Bring your family and friends along to support us.  For further information call Ahmed on:07795 177862. 

 Northants

ART AND THE ARTS OF PRAYER

There are places still available for the Study Day at Wellingborough URC led by Rev Neil Thorgood from Westminster College Cambridge entitled 'Art, and the Arts of Prayer'.  This is on Saturday 12^th June from 10am to 3pm.  Bring your own lunch.  Refreshments provided.  Cost £3. This does clash with Synod but we have had Neil booked for over 2 years. This is a rare opportunity, not to be missed. Contact Sue Scott at susanscott469 [at] googlemail [dot] com to book a place. 

 Elsewhere

 AFTER THE VOTE ON 6^TH MAY

After the vote, it will still be left to us to help our communities cope with the continuing impact of the financial crisis. The number of people out of work has probably doubled in your area - bringing financial pressures, threats to home security, relationships and mental health. You are invited to join other church leaders to think about Community ministry and mission in this situation. Come if you:Want to catch up on the facts; Want to help those affected by redundancy; Want to understand the mental health issues of financial pressure; Want to explore creative responses; Want to equip others in your church.  Includes input from: John Kelleher (Manager of the Ropewalk Centre, Nuneaton - The state of retailing and the local economy), Alison Hogger (Keeping Health in Mind), representatives from Next Step and Job Centre Plus, Revd Mick Vincent, (Stockingford projects), and the WORKCARE team. 10.00 – 1.00 pm, Wednesday 12th May, 2010. There is no charge for this event.RSVP by Election Day – May 6th. For more information phone Paul Simmonds on 02476543188 or email paul [at] workcare [dot] org Venue: Nuneaton URC, Coton Road, located in the heart of Nuneaton town centre.  

ASSOCIATION OF DENOMINATIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES AND COGNATE LIBRARIES

2010 Conference: "Protestant Nonconformity and Christian Missions" 7-9 September 2010, Luther King House, Brighton Grove, Manchester M14 5JP. Further information from Mrs Pauline Johns: secretary [at] adhscl [dot] org [dot] uk 

Information

NEW MATERIALS FOR ASCENSION AND PENTECOST

These materials are now on the Vision4Life website to help you plan ahead for Ascension and Pentecost. All the resources can be accessed at: www.vision4life.org.uk.  Keep on praying and using the wealth of resources on this website. The Vision4Life Steering Group. 

 AMERICAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL TRAVEL GRANT 2010

The American Memorial Chapel Travel Grant gives members of the clergy the opportunity to visit the USA for 3-4 weeks in order to broaden the knowledge of the candidate in his/her field of interest and to foster understanding and exchange of ideas between clergy in the USA and in this country.  The deadline for application is 21st June 2010. Interviews will be held on 15th July 2010.For more information and for the booking form visit: www.esu.org/page.asp?p=1795    

 24-7 PRAYER EVENT - FEEDBACK REQUEST

We would be very grateful for any feed back with stories and examples of what happened, how you did it and materials you used, along with perhaps comments from your 24-7 prayer journal. Also any photos and perhaps short 30 second videos of what happened would be welcome. . We hope to place some of these on the website as encouragement and support for other churches. Just email Janet Lees, the V4L Coordinator at admin [at] vision4life [dot] org [dot] uk.  If you have any questions about Vision4Life Prayer Year, please email Janet at the same address.  

YEAR BOOK CHANGES

·       There is a new Secretary at Cross & Stable, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes: Mrs Gwen Green, **available from Synod Office**·      

There is a new Secretary at St. Andrew’s, Great Linford, Milton Keynes: Jane Billenness, **available from Synod Office**·      

·       There is a new Secretary at Creaton URC (5D41): Mr Nick Boutle, **available from Synod Office**·    

      AND FINALLY: -  

 Please send any comments or feedback on this e-letter to Chris Willis: admin [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: 17^th May 2010

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