Gartree Mission Partnership

Quiet Day

2011-06-13T09:52:00.002+01:00

Foxton & Gartree Community Choir

2011-06-13T09:51:00.000+01:00

Gartree Mission Partnership Review

2011-05-20T08:52:00.000+01:00

Review Date: Thursday 10^th March 2011

Partnership setup in the summer of 2007

Present at the Review Meeting: Helen Bence (Convenor); Liz Smith (Lay Convenor); Michael Rusk (Rural Dean & Team Rector, Oadby); Ludger Fremmer (P-i-C Kibworth, Smeeton Westerby and Saddington); Alan Pyke (Kibworth); Jon Barrett (Vicar Thurnby & Stoughton); Barbara Butler (Church Warden Houghton); Paskal Clement (Oadby Team Ministry)

Review Facilitators: Barry Hill and Vic Allsop

Overview:

Four questions were asked of the group in the Areas of Mission Experience, Mission and Community, Mission and Partnership and Looking to the future.

The meeting took place a St Lukes CofE Primary School Thurnby.

Mission Experience:

Reflecting on your experience of working together in mission, think of a time when you felt most engaged, alive and motivated. Who was involved? What did you do? How did it feel? What happened? What difference did it make?

The greatest experience you can have with mission at the top of your agenda (and this is where it is for the Gartree Mission Partnership) is to be sharing the message of our Lord and Saviour with the people in your parish and seeing lives and communities transformed through it.

For Gartree Mission Partnership this has been carried out by preparing those involved in the Partnership by looking at learning opportunities:

Leading Your Church into Growth (LYCiG)
Rural Mission Day
Quiet Days
PCC ‘resource’ evening

This has allowed people to come together in a number of ways, and to look at a number of outreach initiatives to encourage those who have not been regularly involved in Church life:

Healing and Wholeness course, developing an effective local prayer ministry.
Joint services
Mission Partnership review breakfast (in the pub)
Relay for Life at Kibworth (24 hour walking relay)
Alpha

The results are that some PCC’s have reviewed the structure of their meetings, with reports presented before a meeting and allowing Mission to be at the top of the agenda. There is a higher level of sharing and looking at good local practice. There is a ‘feel good factor’ among congregations. They feel more Mission minded and it feels good. Being together is more powerful than we imagine, it confirms that although some are from small communities they are certainly not alone.

Mission and Community:

Thinking about mission activities, what have you tried? How did the local community/communities respond? How does it feel to be a missional/outward focused community?

It was recognised that, whilst not all Mission happens as a direct result of the Mission Partnership, the general feeling of mutual support and missional accountability and learning does help resource the local. The Mission Partnership recognised this in the various projects (not all mentioned) they have planned:

· Back to Church Sunday, targeting areas (e.g. certain streets).

· Everyone Welcome run at Thurnby, Kibworth and Oadby.

· Community Choir at Foxton

· Outreach teams in Kibworth

· Marriage courses and Parenting courses

· Becoming more child friendly (Messy Church, Peters Place)

· Mens breakfast.

· Xchange 09, six events in the community over a fortnight.

For the projects to be valuable to the community, planning and preparation is needed. The Mission Partnership has demonstrated this by a combination of different points of focus:

Newcomers welcome event at the Vicarage.
Church members becoming more involved in mission
People in the communities becoming more aware of the presence of the Church among them. This earns the Church when your in the community the right to share the gospel
Growing nurture of Church members and the development of confidence (personal and congregation)
Celebrating mission initiatives

This focus creates a ripple effect and starts to meet genuine community needs and starts to ‘scratch’ where the itch is.

Mission and Partnership:

On what level does partnership work well together in this Mission Partnership? What good things have happened from partnership together?

It was recognised that working together and sharing with each other was happening and key to the Partnership’s development

Clergy in the partnership meeting with each other, and being honest with each other.
Sharing initiatives and encouraging each other.
Creating a level of flexibility and inclusiveness.
Motivating each other to keep trying.
Allowing for the evolution of the Partnership to happen creates a greater understanding and appreciation of it.
Giving each other mutual support.
Improving communications across the Partnership and facilitating stronger relationships.

This level of co-operation was leading to new initiatives and presenting new opportunities:

Working with others across the partnership allowing for those smaller parishes to benefit from greater numbers and an increased level of input.
Breaking down isolation in the smaller communities.
It is creating stepping stones to a less clerically orientated structure.
It is allowing parishes to be more confident in making a significant contribution to the Kingdom.

Going Forward.

In terms of mission activity what would really energise and uplift you and your church and would overlap with the concerns and hopes of other churches in the Partnership?

This final discussion was looking to the future and provided a number of thoughts and ideas about what perhaps should assist outreach and growth across the Partnership. The areas that gained most support from the gathering were:

Helping each other to put our churches at the heart of the community.
Helping each other to develop our churches vision.
The Mission Partnership helping churches to simplify structures (e.g. The PCC Agenda )

and:

1. ACORN listening courses.

2. More Healing and Wholeness courses.

3. Bereavement courses.

4. Pre mission activity training/resourcing.

Two clear elements, helping each other and courses and training.

Thoughts/Questions from the Review.

1. Clearly there is a lot going on in the Mission Partnership. Do be sure that in this busy world where time is at a premium you don’t over face yourselves. Considered projects co-ordinated across the Mission Partnership or focussed in a particular place with clear objectives which can integrate well with what is in place already can help to minimise additional work for clergy and lay people alike, and often bring the best long term results.

2. The inclusive nature of activities in the Mission Partnership should be commended. It is however important that notice is always taken of the smaller communities to the north and south of the Mission Partnership to ensure that opportunities are available to all and the Christian presence in the communities large or small get the chance to enhance their skills and perhaps bring new disciples. That said, it is also recognised that getting all churches on board hasn’t always been easy!

3. ‘Helping each other develop our church’s vision’ was identified as a future objective. This is important and needs participation from all (helping each other as stated). A clear, simple and straight forward Vision that puts you at the heart of the community and is owned by all. This will provide further assistance with outreach and the projects you have.

4. Prayer. The Mission Partnership is underpinned by Prayer and achievements are celebrated together. When ‘normal’ Parish life is in play the regular use of a Gartree Mission Partnership prayer used Sunday by Sunday could help all to identify better with the Mission Partnership and to think about and pray for the Mission Partnership as will be done for their village/parish/benefice. The wonderful recent celebration service of all that God is doing in mission is a great example of prayerfully rejoicing and resourcing together.

5. It is clear that courses and training have been and are a well used tool in the Mission Partnership. Further courses have been identified. It is important that they continue to be complimentary to the vision of member churches.

6. Within the wider church (not the Mission Partnership) there are too many PCC meetings where often Mission doesn’t get a look in. The Mission Partnership parishes are looking at supporting each other in small but significant changes that put Mission at the forefront of the agenda. If this becomes a conversation about Mission Partnership/Mission it would/could create a great degree of ‘buy in’ among grass roots members who are still parochial or ambivalent about what the Mission Partnership is there to do and we want to strongly encourage it.

7. We feel that those involved in keeping the Mission Partnership afloat are generally well supported. Continue to ensure this is the case, giving time regularly to hear of news both good and bad. Pray for them to be strengthened in the work they do and uphold and support them publicly whenever the opportunity presents its self.

8. The feeling was that the Mission partnership is, in most places, well integrated into Parish life. We need to ensure that that continues to be the case. The clergy and lay people of the Mission Partnership with those directly involved should ensure that they get together regularly socially (not as a meeting!) to allow through fellowship the continued sharing of local experiences ‘to get it off your chest’. These are enriching and encouraging for all and help foster the emerging sense of mutual accountability in mission. A bring and share lunch/evening that moves around and includes over a period of time all parishes will be seen as inclusive and enjoyable at the same time!

9. New Voices to be heard. Whose voice isn’t being heard? Most strands of opinion are represented from the very young to the senior citizen. The PMAG could maybe be helped by inviting some of those less well represented on it to share with you, even join with you. Get a young person or a senior citizen to come and tell you about their needs and what’s being/been provided and how they feel about it and what they want to do. It’s carrying out mini reviews of your work with those it is for.

10.Mission Partnership and 2020 Vision. (Discussed briefly at the review). Often these are seen as opposing forces and that preoccupation has to be with one or the other (or possibly neither, as it will then perhaps go away!). The future work of clergy, laity in the parishes/benefices and the Mission Partnership within the context of the 2020 Vision is a reality. We encourage you to take the bull by the horns and face it together. This can when shared look to address many issues relating to work loads, time available, stress and morale that many face in Parish Ministry today. It will teach us some of the different ways of working which will surely come to us all.

It was a great pleasure to come and review the Gartree Mission Partnership. We thank everyone for their hospitality, and thank God for the energy within the Mission Partnership and pray for all those who work so hard for it.

Vic Allsop (and Barry Hill)

Celebrating Christ the Healer

2011-03-08T07:50:00.000Z

Diocese of Leicester in Association with Acorn Christian Healing Foundation

Celebrating Christ the Healer

A day of encouragement for the ministry of Wholeness & Healing with teaching, workshops, worship and healing prayer to enable us to journey towards wholeness

Saturday 14th May, 9.30am – 4.00pm at Leicester Cathedral & St Martins House

Key note speaker: Revd Dr Russ Parker, Director of Acorn.

A chance to experience the wonderful facilities at St Martins House where most of the workshops will be held. For Programme for the day & booking contact Claire Stapletonclaire.stapleton@leccofe.org or call 0116 261 5317. Booking Fee £5.00. Please book before 7th May.

Download the conference brochure here

Magnify Youth Event

2011-03-02T07:53:00.000Z

You and the young people you work with are warmly invited to attend MAGNIFY on Saturday 19th March. This year Magnify will aim to present the good news about Jesus through drama dance and music, sound, light, screen and word. All this will be done by our young people aged between 10 and 22!

We hope it will be an enjoyable and challenging evening wherever you are on your journey of faith. All young people from age 10 upwards are welcome to come, and the people who need to transport them, if they are coming a long way.

Admission is completely free and refreshments will be free too!

Whether you have young people who desperately need to hear about the love of Jesus, or young people who need some encouragement to keep going and keep growing in their Christian faith...this is the event for you.

More details are available on the downloadable poster..see the link below.

It would be great to see you there. If you intend to bring some young people, it would be helpful to have a rough idea of how many before the event if possible.

God Bless

Ali Goodman

St Luke's youth worker

Download a PDF poster HERE

Making Sense of Scripture

2011-01-28T11:02:00.000Z

A Course during Lent at St Wilfrid’s.

Lent is a good time to take up a new challenge; so here’s an invitation!

Reading the Bible is not always easy for us. We need to remember that it’s made up of different types of literature. Poetry is quite different to prose, and each needs to be read in different ways. We might find that we can make some sense of the Gospels, yet we’re bewildered by Proverbs or the Prophets.

This course gives practical guidelines on how to read these different types of books which we find in the Bible. The first hour of each session will involve teaching and discussion, led by Bill Goodman. Then the second hour will be about putting it into practice, probably in pairs or in a group. You could do this with other members of your Home Group, if you choose to come along together. Each evening is self-contained, so missing one or two is not a problem.

We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall in Kibworth. We’ll begin each evening at 7.30pm (7.15 if you’d like coffee), and finish at 9.30pm. Here’s the plan:

March 16^thLost in Translations: Which Bible Shall I Read?

Caring Conversations: How to Read the New Testament Letters

March 23^rd Striking Stories: How to Read Biblical Narratives

March 30^th Four Stories of One Story: How to Read the Gospels

April 6^th Praying Poetry: How to Read the Psalms (and Wisdom)

April 13^thProclaiming and Predicting: How to Read the Prophets (and Law)

April 20^th Revealing Mysteries: How to Read the Apocalyptic Books

Whether you know the Bible well, or hardly at all, you should find something worthwhile here. Do come along – all welcome!

Bill Goodman

Mission Partnership Candlemas Carols

2011-01-17T19:56:00.000Z

A traditional Candlemas service will take place on Sunday 30th January 2011at St.Wilfrid’s Church, Kibworth, 6.30pm. It will be a traditional sung service, with readings and carols, with a joint choir from different benefices within the Mission Partnership.

The Big Society in Action

2011-01-17T19:49:00.000Z

Last night 100 key leaders from the nine mainstream denominations of the Christian Church in Leicester and Leicestershire gathered to discuss how they might work together over the next three years to most effectively continue to serve the communities of which they are part.

A recent survey concluded that Christians in the UK contribute seventy two million hours a year of voluntary time serving their local communities. Over the next four years groups of Christian churches in villages and market towns across Leicestershire, as well as in the city are partnering together to build on these 72m hour in a range of initiatives. These initiatives will focus on serving those in need both in practical ways and by sharing the message of life, hope and love found in Jesus Christ which lies at the heart of all they do.

Last night’s event, held at Leicester College, was addressed passionately by a range of speakers keen to build on the many positive things already going on. In closing the evening the Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Tim Stevens said, “Tonight’s gathering has reminded us all of the urgent need for the churches to get active in serving our communities and especially the poor as we enter ‘the age of austerity’. It has offered us a vision of what the Big Society could be.”

Revd Dianne Tidball of the East Midlands Baptist Association, and chair of the Churches Together in Leicestershire group, commented, it was “great to be amongst so many people enthusiastic for the mission of God and inspiring to hear of so many initiatives to connect our communities with Christ’s love”

The aim of the evening was to provide a ‘missional menu’ of opportunities for churches working together to engage in mission over the coming four years. This vision casting included exploring the possibilities surrounding the Olympic and Para-Olympic Games through ‘More than Gold’, the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible through Biblefresh and keynote speaker Roy Crowne, Executive Director of Hope Together shared an inspiring vision of churches working together in word and deed evangelism.

For more information on any of these and how you church might be involved please contact Diocesan Mission Enabler, Revd Barry Hill, barry.hill@leccofe.org

From attending to Belonging to Contributing: as simple as ABC?

2010-08-31T08:24:00.000+01:00

Over the past year over 1,300 people, who weren’t previously members of any church, joined the worshipping communities that make up the Church of England in Leicester and Leicestershire. This is great news, but it also presents a challenge.

Many of those that are new haven’t grown up with the Christian story, language, symbols or being part of any church, in any way. Added to which the experience of many is that often church communities, with their strong sense of fellowship, can be difficult places to join in their own right. How then might we help those who are new to church to become fully a part of our worshipping communities, able to contribute their gifts and grow deeper as disciples of Jesus?

We are delighted to welcome Bob Jackson to help us think further about this. Bob is the best selling author of Hope for the Church and The Road to Growth, co-author of major new welcome course, Everybody Welcome, experienced parish priest, and former Archdeacon of Walsall & Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield. Whether you are a church leader, member of a church council, Churchwarden, Sidesperson, part of a welcome team, Mission Partnership Convenor, Mission Action Group member, Area Dean, archdeacon mission committee member or just interested in the topic, you are most welcome to join Bob for this special one-off gathering organised under the banner of Shaped by God: the diocesan vision for mission.

As the topic is so important, the session will run twice. Once in a slightly extended format in the morning and once in the evening on the same day:
Wednesday 13th October 2010

Extended morning session
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm (with coffee and pastries from 9:15am)
Location: St Paul’s Church, Hamble Road, Oadby, Leicester
Free parking in St. Paul’s car park

Repeated evening session
Time: 7:30-9:30pm (with coffee and pastries from 7:15pm)
Location: Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough
Free parking in Emmanuel’s two car parks

Both sessions are free to attend, but, with demand expected to be high and limited places, book soon to avoid disappointment!).
Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).
For more information contact Mission Enabler, Barry Hill, barry.hill@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7435.

Special Resourcing Gatherings 2010

2010-04-23T11:50:00.001+01:00

for Mission Partnership Action Groups, Convenors, Area Deans,
Archdeaconry Mission Committees and anyone else who would like to come!

Evening for lay members of Mission Action Groups (PMAGs)
Wednesday 23rd June, 7:45pm – 9:30pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
A new addition to this years timetable, a gathering for just lay members of Partnership Mission Action Groups. Based on an idea from Watermead Mission Partnership, which worked really well, it’s an opportunity to share, discuss and pray together. There is no cost for the evening, but booking at least a week before hand is essential.

Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Morning or Evening with Bob Jackson for all
Wednesday 13th October, EITHER 9:30am-1pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
OR 7:30pm-9:30pm, the same day, at Emmanuel, Loughborough
Best selling author of Hope for the Church and The Road to Growth, co-author of major new welcome course, Everybody Welcome, experienced parish priest, and former Archdeacon of Walsall/Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield, Bob Jackson is one of this countries most respected experts on church growth and welcome. With a wealth of anecdotal experience and statistical evidence, he brings a fresh, and at times challenging, take on church growth. During the longer morning session and repeated in slightly shorter form the same night, Bob looks at what it means to be a welcoming church, set in the wider context of the changing times we live in. Everyone is welcome to this important session together.
There is no cost for the morning, but booking at least a week before hand is essential (although places are limited and demand expected to be high so book soon to avoid disappointment!).
Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

New Prayer Course

2010-03-16T11:28:00.002Z

Jonathan Walker, a Reader in the Church of England has written a new course on prayer called Prayer Eleven for Seekers. The course is aimed at teaching individuals (or perhaps small groups) about prayer, and they can download the course for free from his website www.prayereleven.org

If you think your congregation or others might be interested in this please could you put a notice in your church notice sheet (see website) or forward them a link to this post.

A Day Conference for Leicestershire on Rural Mission

2010-03-08T11:18:00.001Z

A Day Conference for Leicestershire on Rural Mission

Saturday 10th July at Broughton Astley Village Hall, from 10am to 4pm.

In response to requests from Mission Partnerships, Barry Hill, the Mission Enabler for the Diocese and colleagues have been planning a major day conference for Leicestershire on Rural Mission. They are still finalising the last few speakers and presenters, but I wanted to let you have all the details we currently had so it could get in people’s diaries before it was too late!

It will take place on Saturday 10th July at Broughton Astley Village Hall (just south of the city), from 10am to 4pm. It is specially for designed for all those in rural churches (leaders, licensed ministers, Churchwardens, church council members, small group leaders, those who help with children and young peoples work, those interested in new ways of being church and Fresh Expressions, and anyone else interested in the mission in a rural context). The day will be led by a range of experienced practitioners in different aspects of rural mission and will include several keynote addresses (followed by times of questions and answers), and a choice of two seminars from these five:

* How do we resource mission in a time of often diminishing resources
* Rural Children, Rural Church: Mission Opportunities with young people
* Fresh Expressions in a Rural Context
* What might a fruitful rural Mission Partnership look like
* Church Tourism and mission – making effective use of our buildings

The heavily subsidised day costs just £5 per person, including lunch and refreshments during the day (booking in advance, but payment on the day).
It is designed for groups from a church to attend together, so to encourage this, if four tickets are bought from a single church or benefice, the fifth is free! More details and booking with Carol Gibbons (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org, 0116 248 7411). Numbers are limited to 150, so if interested best to book as soon as possible.

Evening for lay members of Mission Action Groups (PMAGs)

2010-03-03T17:19:00.001Z

Wednesday 23rd June, 7:45pm – 9:30pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
A new addition to this years timetable, a gathering for just lay members of Partnership Mission Action Groups. Based on an idea from Watermead Mission Partnership, which worked really well, it’s an opportunity to share, discuss and pray together. There is no cost for the evening, but booking at least a week before hand is essential. Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Morning or Evening with Bob Jackson

2010-03-03T17:17:00.001Z

Wednesday 13th October, EITHER 9:30am-1pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
OR 7:30pm-9:30pm, the same day, at Emmanuel, Loughborough
Best selling author of Hope for the Church and The Road to Growth, co-author of major new welcome course, Everybody Welcome, experienced parish priest, and former Archdeacon of Walsall/Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield, Bob Jackson is one of this countries most respected experts on church growth and welcome. With a wealth of anecdotal experience and statistical evidence, he brings a fresh, and at times challenging, take on church growth. During the longer morning session and repeated in slightly shorter form the same night, Bob looks at what it means to be a welcoming church, set in the wider context of the changing times we live in. Everyone is welcome to this important session together.
There is no cost for the morning, but booking at least a week before hand is essential (although places are limited and demand expected to be high so book soon to avoid disappointment!). Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Morning on Mission Action Planning

2010-03-03T17:14:00.003Z

Wednesday 28th April, 9:30am-1pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
Would you like to know more of the tools available for discerning and implementing a mission plan?
This morning looks specifically at what Mission Action Planning is, before four people present tools they have used, together with a critique of the kind of situations they work best in (and less well for). After hearing a summary of all four, there’ll be opportunity to spend time with one of the presenters looking in more detail at the tools/he is sharing. The tools covered will include Natural Church Development, Growing Healthy Churches, the Grove model for envisioning and a home grown tool. There’ll also be opportunity to discuss how tools might be best used and adapted for your context. Everyone is welcome to this important session together.
Due to numbers and the reduction of budgets, lunch will not be provided, but refreshments
throughout the morning will be. There is no cost for the morning, but booking at least a week before hand is essential (although places are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment!). Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Mission Partnership Joint Choral Evensong

2010-01-14T17:34:00.002Z

The next in our series of Mission Partnership Choral Evensong services will take place at St Peter's Church Oadby at 6.30 pm on Sunday 14th February. A joint mission partnership choir led by Janet Arthur from Smeeton Westerby will lead the singing at this traditional Book of Common Prayer service.

Do come along for what promises to be a treat for those who love choral church music.

St Luke's Six - Everest Base Camp 2010

2010-01-11T10:36:00.003Z

Six worshippers from St Luke's Church are on their way to Everest Base Camp.

The 19 day trip will be a tough test as they raise money for The Hope of Glory Foundation and CLASP, The Carers Centre. Follow their progress (internet connection permitting) at their blog.

Vicar serves hot drinks to sledgers at Thurnby

2010-01-11T09:32:00.006Z

On Saturday 9th January when the county was covered in snow, Thurnby families turned out in large numbers to enjoy sledging down the hill behind the Rose and Crown pub. Jon Barrett, vicar of Thurnby, went along with his family and using St Luke's new insulated coffee dispensers provided hot drinks for all.

A great time was had by all - the initiative was a great success and everyone was delighted, especially as the coffee was free!

Mission Initiative: Community Choir at Foxton

2010-01-11T09:04:00.001Z

Caroline Johnson, reader at Foxton writes:

Back in October, a small group at Foxton studied "The Square Mile" using the DVD and booklet from the Evangelical Alliance which challenges people to think about mission in their mile of influence.
One of the group, Andy, was challenged to look at the way we reach out to Gartree, an area of the parish where we do not have much influence. Both Andy and our daughter Becs were unemployed at the time and met up each week for lunch and came up with the community choir idea. Becs is a music graduate specialising in singing. Having had the Gareth Malone choir on the TV recently this was the inspiration. They produced a very attractive leaflet and then went round Gartree one Saturday knocking on doors and asking if people would like to sing in a choir at the Christmas carol service. Subsequent targeted knocking in Foxton resulted in 35 people aged 7 – 85 turning up to the first practice in November. Andy had followed up the visit by texting people to remind them to come along and 5 people from Gartree came none of whom has had any contact with the church. Becs made us practice silly warm ups and we provided coffee afterwards to get everyone to know each other. At the carol service we sang ’ O Holy night’ with one of the newcomers, Shelley singing the solo. There were a number of new faces in the congregation many of whom had been invited by our singers. Sarah’s husband came to church for the first time in 23 years, Elaine’s husband to his first carol service in 15. Liz had invited her work colleagues who had never been to church and initially were very scathing. Three days later we went carol singing round the village with the same singers and had mulled wine and nibbles afterwards. Billy, a prison officer, and Liz both brought their families to the midnight and Christingle services.
We hope that the new guys have found the church community friendly and welcoming. The singing conducted by Becs was certainly of a higher standard than usual and lifted the congregation.
What next? We are planning a follow up event at Easter – a musical evening with gospel music.
We were challenged by the fact that our new singers asked all their friends to come to the carol service – how many of the normal congregation brought someone new along? Not many I fear.

Growing in Wholeness Course Part 2

2010-01-11T09:00:00.001Z

The Growing in Wholeness Course Part 2 will begin on 27th January, the last Wednesday of the month, and run for 6 consecutive Wednesdays with a break during half term week. The first week will be held at St Luke's Church, and the following five sessions at St Luke's School, starting at 7.30pm and finishing at 9.30pm.

Part 2 course is for those who have completed Part 1. Please contact Helen Bence if you would like to enrol on 011 2707820 or email helen@thurnbychurch.com. Part 1 will run again later in the year.

Advent Video Calendar

2009-12-09T12:44:00.000Z

For a free automatic Advent Video Calendar Go to www.damaris.org/advent to get Philip Yancey, Krish Kandiah, Anna Robbins, Andrew White and many others on your website through Advent.

Reasons to be cheerful; sharing faith in everyday life

2009-10-26T17:30:00.003Z

Saturday 14th November, Samworth Enterprise Academy, Trenant Road, Leicester, LE2 6TF - 9.15am - 3.30pm

This is an opportunity for laity to spend a day with the Bishop of Leicester reflecting on how it is that we can both enjoy and share our faith more fully in everyday life with guest speaker the Rt. Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading.

Bishop Stephen has worked in parishes in London, Chichester, as Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral, as Missioner in the Wakefield Diocese and as part of Springboard, the Archbishop's evangelism team. He has written widely about evangelism, spirituality and discipleship. Among his recent books are 'From the Abundance of the Heart: Catholic Evangelism for all Christians (DLT 2006), Do Nothing to Change your Life; discovering what happens when you stop (CHP 2007), Hit the Ground Kneeling; seeing leadership differently (CHP 2008) and a book of Lent and Holy Week meditations The Things He Carried (SPCK 2008). He is married to Rebecca and they have three boys.

The Programme

9.15 - Arrival and Registration

9.14 - Introductions

10.15 - Bishop Stephen Cottrell

11.00 - Coffee

11.30 - Bishop Stephen Cottrell

12.00 - Group discussions

12.45 - Lunch (please bring your own)

1.45 - Questions & Answers with Bishop Stephen

2.15 - Questions & Answers with Bishop Tim

2.45 - Worship

3.30 - Close

NO COST - ALL WELCOME

Refreshments provided

Visit the diocesan website and download the booking form

YFRIDAY - GREAT & GLORIOUS

2009-09-29T10:01:00.004+01:00

YFRIDAY - GREAT & GLORIOUS with special guest Noel Richards in support
An all age, all family, all church, all denomination, all inclusive, One God Worship Event!
Sunday 11th October 2009, 7pm at Athena in Leicester (the old Odeon cinema)

We have just 1000 tickets available for this fantastic event - unprecedented in Leicester - so please hurry.

This event is open the the whole church family, any age, with special discounts for ages 8 & under.

Churches are being encouraged to use this event in place of their normal Sunday evening service - or as one if you don't already run one. So please get behind this & give your support - let's show just how great our God is!

1000 voices, of all ages, joining together in common worship for 2 hours - make sure you remember where YOU were on the evening of October 11th 2009!

See you there!

www.greatandgloriousweekend.info

PS - let us know if you want any posters or leaflets to promote this in your churches / youth clubs / schools / colleges...

2009-09-12T09:37:00.002+01:00

Next Event:

Away Day - 'Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done'

Saturday 19th September 2009

10.00am – 4.00pm

Gartree House, Illston on the Hill

Led by Revd. Ludger Fremmer, of St Wilfrid's, Kibworth.

A time to get together and get to know each other as well as some input and a time for reflection. Organised by the Mission Partnership Convenor, The Rev'd Helen Bence.

For further information please contact Liz Smith on 0116 241 4270 or email admin@thurnbychurch.com

Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential

2009-06-15T10:55:00.002+01:00

The paper has been produced by a working group comprising officials from Her Majesty’s Treasury, Communities and Local Government, Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Defra in conjunction with representatives of the Church of England. The paper should help dioceses and similar structures in other denominations and faiths to have a better understanding of how to access resources that will enable them to engage directly at a strategic level with the local and regional structures within which funding priorities and decisions are made. In turn, these structures and funders will be better equipped to understand the important role of the C of E and faith groups in delivering public services.

A hard copy can be obtained from rebecca.payne@c-of-e.org.uk
or read the full report on:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/cathandchurchbuild/realising.doc

£180,000 programme to strengthen rural churches

2009-06-15T10:52:00.002+01:00

Mapping the existing provision of training for mission and ministry across England

"The Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) is to launch a £180,000 training project to strengthen churches in the countryside. ‘Rural Life and Faith’ could benefit 13,000 rural churches of all denominations, and will equip them for a modern role in villages and the countryside. ARC will spend £180,000 over 3 years to fill those major gaps in training provision which threaten the life and work of the rural church.

Four grant making trusts - Allchurches Trust; the Maurice and Hilda Laing Charitable Trust; the Henry Smith Charity and St Peters Saltley Trust are providing £180,000 of funding for the project. Research to map the existing provision of training for mission and ministry across England will begin immediately, and the first training modules will become available to churches in 2010.

http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/
rurallifeandfaithlaunch_280409.pdf

Rural Ministry Courses

2009-06-15T10:49:00.002+01:00

The next Rural Ministry Course run by the Arthur Rank Centre is 3 - 5 November 2009.
More information on weblink:
www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/training/rural_ministry_training_courses/index.html

Contact email: admin@arthurrankcentre.org.uk or tel: 024 7685 3060 for more information.

Support Just Fairtrade Shop

2009-06-08T14:54:00.004+01:00

About Just
Since 2000 the shop has been at 10 Bishop Street, Town Hall Square, Leicester city centre.
It’s open 10.00am to 5pm Monday to Saturday

In 2000 Just became a Workers Cooperative Company limited by shares and member of BAFTS, The British Association for Fair Trade Shops, as a social enterprise.

Just aims

To get people excited by fair trade and the real difference it makes to poor communities all over the world so that they join us in making a difference.

To sell the best range of fair trade in the Midlands, making enough profit so we can grow and do exciting things that benefit our producers in the developing world.

To value the people of the Just community so they feel actively involved, encouraged and supported to play their full part in the work of Just.

What Just Does

The Just shop offers customers the largest range of fair trade products in the Midlands. Just have a sale or return service for parties and events, a City Centre business delivery service for tea and coffee sales and exclusive Fair trade evenings.

Working with LaFT, Leicester Advocating Fair Trade Just organise fun and informative events promoting fair trade to varied audiences across Leicestershire. The highlight of the year being Just’s annual fair trade fashion show each spring.

Just provide fair trade education and training activities in a variety of settings including schools, businesses and voluntary organisations.

Concert at St Mary and All Saints Stoughton

2009-06-08T08:47:00.005+01:00

An evening of light music presented by Leicester Grammar School including Dixieland Jazz, Folk Group and Soloists. Wine and light refreshments.

Tickets in advance Tel: 0116 271 4947 or at the door on the night £6

Barn Dance

2009-06-03T13:54:00.003+01:00

St Andrew's Church in Foxton are hosting a Barn Dance on Saturday 27th June. Everyone from the Mission Partnership are invited to attend.
There is a Hog Roast and a Bar and it takes place at Turney's Barn, North Lane, Foxton.
Tickets are available from Bernard Rice 01858 545694, Sue Brown 01858 540135, Jackie Phillips 01858 545349 or
Bridget Turney 01858 545273.

Emergency Night Shelter

2009-06-03T08:09:00.003+01:00

An invitation to a discussion - to open an emergency night shelter for people rough-sleeping on the streets of our city. In many cities churches are responding to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people. A group of Leicester churches and people involved in action on homelessness have identified a need and we would like your input.
Want to know more?
Want to be involved in shaping the plan? Then come along to ……..

Presentations by: Alastair Murray, Housing Justice; Robert Parkinson, Action Homeless; and Keith Lawson-West, The Bridge – Homelessness to Hope.

Tuesday 23rd June, 09.00am – 12.00 noon
At the Friend’s Meeting House, 16 Queens Road, Leicester, LE2 1WP

Cost: suggested donations of £2.00

Contact - Keith Lawson-West – The Bridge; Places are limited so early booking is advisable
keithlawsonwest@hotmail.co.uk
Tel. 0116 221 8635; or by post to 12 Linden Drive, Evington, Leicester, LE5 6AH

St John the Baptist Church Hungarton

2009-05-26T15:24:00.002+01:00

St John the Baptist Church Hungarton St John the Baptist Church Hungarton St John the Baptist Church, Hungarton will be holding its Patronal Festival to celebrate the Feast of St John the Baptist on Sunday 28th June at 3.30 pm. The service will be led by Rev'd Paula Hollingsworth and the choir will be the school choir of Houghton on the Hill Church of England School

Stoughton Hosts Mission Partnership Joint Choral Evensong

2009-05-24T07:53:00.004+01:00

Around 100 people representing many of our Mission Partnership Churches gathered together on Sunday 9th May at St Mary and All Saints Church Stoughton for Choral Evensong. The 22 strong choir was led by Janet Arthur from Smeeton Westerby and the organist was Arthur Whitfield from Great Glen. The music was chosen to mark the 250th anniversary of Handel's death and included the Alleluia Chorus, which sounded magnificent in the superb accoustic of the church.

After the service, the north aisle provided a spacious place to serve refreshments and for the congregation to enjoy each other's company.

Over the summer, there will be two joint evensong services, at Hungarton on 21st June and at Carlton Curlieu on 19th July.Then, in November we will be holding a joint Songs of Praise service, celebrating the mission activity taking place in churches within the partnership at St Luke's Thurnby at 6.30 pm on Sunday 15th November.

Kibworth & Fleckney Praise

2009-05-12T11:43:00.003+01:00

Pentecost marks a significant step in the development of the Christian faith. As everybody met together, the Spirit came and rested upon them.
Prophecies were fulfilled on that day, and many people came to follow Jesus.
Peter encouraged people to repent and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This was the promise made to all.
On Sunday 31 May we will be celebrating Pentecost as we all meet together to relive the promise.
This is an event for everybody - the promise is for you, your children and those still far off.
4pm, Sunday 31 May at St Wilfrid's Church, Kibworth. There will be a family picnic afterwards.
Organised jointly by St Wilfrid's Church, Kibworth; Kibworth Methodist Church and New Life Church – Fleckney.

Leicestershire Rural Partnership Rural Conference – 19th June

2009-05-06T20:45:00.008+01:00

On Friday 19th June 2009 at Hothorpe Hall, nr Theddingworth, Leicestershire, LE17 6QX
The event will run from 9.30 a.m. until 3:00pm with lunch provided.

This year the keynote speaker will be Dr. Stuart Burgess, Rural Advocate and Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC).

Taking the CRC’s lead this year’s Conference will be framed around Planning for Sustainable Communities.

More details are available on the RCC Newsletter online at here

Conference on Rural Evangelism

2009-04-24T08:51:00.002+01:00

Conference on Rural Evangelism – Wednesday 3^rd June, Selly Oak

at the International Mission Centre
.

Evangelism in rural areas is not an easy task, though both history and contemporary experience prove that, with a little careful understanding, appropriate and effective ways of sharing the gospel can be found. A day conference on June 3^rd at Selly Oak, Birmingham will be exploring what works and why. It has been organised by the Rural Evangelism Network. This is an open event but it is important to book in advance.

The Network is a national and ecumenical forum of practitioners, teachers and others drawn from the Churches and specialist mission organisations. In addition to exploring general principles there will be focus groups on various segments of the rural population such as farmers, men, and children. Other focus groups will explore fresh expressions of church in rural areas and even church planting. The programme runs from 10.00 to 4.00 and costs £25 (including lunch). There is a limited amount of overnight accommodation available on the 2^nd June for an extra £20. The venue is the International Mission Centre in Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak. Further enquiries can be made to the Rev’d Barry Osborne at 4, Clarence Street, Market Harborough, on 01858-414 930 or email ren@ruralmissions.org.uk

Or visit website: http://www.ruralmissions.org.uk

Leicestershire Funding Toolkit – funding for local Community / Village Groups

2009-04-24T08:48:00.003+01:00

Are you a local community group still in need of funding?
Why not re-visit, or have a look on the Leicestershire Funding Toolkit website where you can find advice and information on funding for voluntary and community groups in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Advice includes preparing for funding applications, developing your budget, defining your project outcomes, writing an application and what to do next. You can also search the database for over 4,000 potentially available funds, to find links to local documents and evidence to build up your grant application and find contact details of funding advisors who can help.
For all this and more please visit: http://www.fundingtoolkit.org/

From: Suzanne Kinder; Leicestershire County Council
Email: skinder@leics.gov.uk
(The toolkit is a one-stop website which provides FREE funding information and advice to Leicestershire’s voluntary and community organisations. It has been developed to help improve the ability of voluntary and community sector organisations to successfully bid for funding).

Multimedia Operators Course

2009-03-24T08:25:00.003Z

Opportunity to attend a Multimedia Operators Course for churches

Saturday 25^th April
.

This is just to let you know that The Family Friendly Churches Trust is running a Multimedia Operators Course in your area on April 25th starting at 10:30. The day is at St Pauls, Bordesley Green in Birmingham. This is a day designed for those who will be operating projection equipment in churches week by week. The cost for the day is just £30.

The day will take the following form:

10:30am Introduction to PowerPoint covering Text, Images, Backgrounds and Transitions – also loading words of hymns quickly and use of video and music. A guide to effective preparation and “on the day” operation.
12:45 p.m. Lunch
1:30pm How to use PowerPoint in twin-screen format with Presentation Manager and loading hymns “on demand”; followed by an exploration of hymn projection software.

4:45/5:00 p.m. Finish

We can provide laptops (sometimes one per 2 people) or you can bring your own (please check the spec. first).

You can find out more about the day and book a place at www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/Operspec.htm

Please feel free to forward this onto others who might find this course helpful.

From: Rev’d Dr Mike Bossingham - General Manager, The Family Friendly Churches Trust,

Mike@Bossingham.com

Bishop's Lay Congress 2009

2009-03-24T08:14:00.002Z

At Samworth Enterprise Academy
09.15am - 3.30pm

“Reasons to be cheerful”: Sharing faith in everyday life

Spend a day with the Bishop of Leicester reflecting on how it is that we can both enjoy and share our faith more fully in everyday life.

With guest-speaker, Stephen Cotterell, Bishop of Reading. Bishop Stephen has worked in parishes in London and Chichester, as Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral, as Missioner in the Wakefield diocese and as part of “Springboard”, the Archbishop’s evangelism team. He has written widely about evangelism, spirituality and discipleship.

Among Bishop Stephen’s recent books are: From the Abundance of the Heart: catholic evangelism for all Christians (DLT 2006); Do Nothing to Change your Life; discovering what happens when you stop (CHP 2007); Hit the Ground Kneeling; seeing leadership differently (CHP 2008) and a book of Lent and Holy Week meditations The Things He Carried (SPCK 2008). He is married to Rebecca and they have three boys.

Please put the date in your diary - further information will be available in the summer.

Mike Harrison - Director of Mission and Ministry; Leicester Diocese

email: Mike.Harrison@LecCofE.org Email: Claire.Stapleton@LecCofE.org

Tel 0116 248-7428 / 0116 248-7417

Back To Church Sunday

2009-03-19T12:57:00.002Z

BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY - 27th September 2009
The time of year has come again to start thinking and planning for 'Back to Church Sunday' 2009. Back to Church Sunday is about each member of your congregation inviting someone to come to church. To get this process rolling there are two things I need you to do:
· First of all send an email now registering your church: carol.gibbons@LeCCofE.org
· Then you will need to complete an order form for your resources. The order form will be sent to you presently but if you want to take a look at the resources available visit: www.backtochurch.co.uk
There is also a 'top tips' section on the Back to Church Sunday website that may prove useful.

LEADING YOUR CHURCH INTO GROWTH - A DAY FOR CHURCH GROUPS

2009-03-12T16:45:00.003Z

Hundreds of clergy and laity have now attended the popluar four day residential course for clergy, which Robin Gamble and his team have run for many years. We also offer a follow up DAY course for clergy to attend with some of their church people to share the course and begin to apply them in their own situation.

These will include:

Becoming a Mission Church

Basic Mission Strategies

Going Out, Drawing In

Making Sunday Count

Charge for the day is £6 per person ( payable in advance). Tea/coffee will be provided but please bring a PACKED LUNCH

Days planned are:

21^st February 2009 , St Paul 's, Kersall Moor, Manchester , M7 3QH

21^st March 2009 , Holy Trinity Church , Church Hill Street , Smethwick , B67 7AH

23^rd May 2009 , CMS Conferencing, Watlington Road , Oxford , OX4 6BZ.

For further details visit: www.leadingyourchurchintogrowth.org.uk

QUIET SPACES

2009-03-12T16:40:00.002Z

A day of reflection, refreshment and renewal for those working with children

Saturday 21st March, 10am - 4pm at Launde Abbey (for directions visit: www.launde.org.uk)

This day at Launde Abbey will provide times of guided reflection for children's leaders, based on bible stories, with space for quiet prayer as well as group and individual responses. It is an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the bigger issues related to working with children, to hear God's voice afresh and to benefit from regaining a sense of perspective and vision for the work in relaxing surroundings. Lunch is provided and there will also be resources to browse.

The day will be led by Martyn Payne from Barnabas - the children's ministry wing of BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship). For further information about Barnabas and Martyn go to www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk

Cost £10 to cover the speaker and lunch.

Contact Maggie Clarke, Tel: 0116 248 7438 or E-mail: maggie.clarke@leccofe.org

CALLED? Vocations Day 2009

2009-03-12T16:37:00.004Z

A day exploring callings to ministry

Saturday 14th March, 10am - 3.30pm at St Paul's Church, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 4NX

With guest speaker Stuart Buchanan, Author of 'On Call' and other vocations resources

The day includes:

Time to prayer and reflection
talks from guest speaker Stuart Buchanan
workshops with people already exercising licenced ministries
a chance to chat with people over lunch
and much more

The day is free but any contributions towards the cost of lunch would be appreciated.

Booking necessary, contact Claire Stapleton at Church House, Tel: 0116 248 7417 or E-mail:claire.stapleton@leccofe.org by Monday 2nd March.

BBC LAUNCHES 'FAITH DIARY' WITH A POLL

2009-03-12T16:34:00.002Z

The BBC launched its online Faith Diary on February 24th with a poll suggesting that "people don't want a secularist wipeout of religion in Britain." An extract from the findings reads: 'Almost two-thirds of those questioned said the law "should respect and be influenced by UK religious values", and a similar proportion agreed that "religion has an important role to play in public life". A significantly greater proportion of the Muslims and Hindus polled (albeit in relatively small numbers) supported a strong role in public life for the UK's essentially Christian traditional religious values. The findings illustrate the growing alliance between people of different faith groups against the rolling back of religion in general in the public arena.'

See the poll at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7783563.stm

Kibworth & Fleckney Praise

2009-03-02T09:35:00.002Z

The next Kibworth and Fleckney Praise event promises to be as moving and exciting as the last one.

With great worship and praise, and wonderful fellowship, we hope and pray that you will come to New Life Church, School Street, Fleckney on March 8th, 7.30pm.

The following Kibworth and Fleckney Praise will be a Pentecost Praise held at Kibworth on 31 May, at the special time of 4pm. We will have a family tea afterwards, so put the date in your diary.

You can keep in touch with Kibworth and Fleckney Praise on the blog at http://kibworthandfleckneypraise.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook at http://en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46592947849

2009-01-29T18:19:00.000Z

The next Kibworth and Fleckney Praise will be held on Sunday 8 February at the Methodist Church, School Road, Kibworth (7.30pm)We are very lucky to have a special speaker, Lori Lawlor, from the Haven Renewal Church in Birmingham. Lori will be talking about Taste and See (that the Lord is good), and how the Lord has brought her to England. This, together with great worship, fellowship (and refreshments afterwards).

The Revd Mark Battison

2009-01-26T12:25:00.002Z

The Bishop announces that The Revd Mark Battison will be leaving the Diocese to take up the job of Assistant Priest (House for Duty) in the Guilsborough Group in the Peterborough Diocese and will be licensed as such on Monday 23rd February 2009 at 7.30 pm.

MONEY MATTERS WITH JOHN PRESTON

2009-01-26T12:23:00.001Z

Tuesday 3rd February 2009, Church House, Leicester

Leading on from the clergy study day John Preston will return to Leicester for two CME giving an opportunity for both clergy and laity to explore and discuss money issues within the Church further.

1pm - 4pm ‘Talking about Money’

There are over 2300 verses in the bible on money, wealth and possessions, and over a third of Jesus' parables relate to these topics. Yet preaching on money can be a daunting task, and all too often we only talk about money when the church needs some more! This session will equip you to teach on some of the broader money issues that people face week in, week out; as well as providing some guidance on how to talk about issues of money and giving as a part of our Christian discipleship. Issues of debt, ethical spending, giving, savings and pensions are ones which touch most people in some way, and as the Church we have a unique viewpoint to convey. Resourcing our mission as well as paying the bills is a daunting task, and the session will outline the four key tasks that parishes need to cover to achieve this.

7.30pm - 9pm ‘Making Sense of Money’

Whether we're comfortably off; broke, or somewhere in between, we all face money questions. As Christians, we come some unique viewpoints on money issues. This is a fun, and light-hearted session, that nevertheless tackles some serious questions - issues such as debt, ethical spending, insurance and generosity. As well as considering personal money matters, the session will also look at how Churches can be more effective in handling issues around money; from reaching out to their communities in the area of debt, to being better stewards of the money entrusted to them.

John Preston has been the C of E’s National Stewardship and Resources Officer since 2005. Prior to that John spent 15 years marketing everything from soap powder to sandwiches, having achieved the unique distinction of a PhD in retail marketing which involved more time stacking supermarket shelves than was spent in the library! He is involved in his local church as a Reader and member of the Leadership Team. John is married to Jane, and they have two children aged 14 and 10.

Booking is essential for both of the above session and spaces are limited so please book early, contact Claire Stapleton at Church House. Tel: 0116 248 7417 or E-mail claire.stapleton@leccofe.org

CHILDREN AND ANNUAL MEETINGS - from National Children's Adviser, Mary Hawes;

2009-01-26T12:22:00.000Z

"At this time of year congregations are usually busy writing and gathering reports from activities of the past year and planning for the annual meeting. How are children involved in this important reflection and planning in your congregation? In our congregation we stay for a soup and sandwich lunch after worship and then move into the meeting. The children go into another room with their leaders, and bring their report back near the end of the meeting. One year we provided a sheet of mural paper and asked the kids to draw the things that they really liked about our church. Then we asked them to add any new things that they would like to see added, or hoped we might do and put a cloud shape around it. When we returned to the meeting and the children were telling what they had drawn, Matthew said he drew a man sitting on the toilet (which actually surprised me as I had not noticed it earlier). "And why did you draw that?" I asked hesitantly. "Because the men's bathroom smells and I don't like going in there," he replied. The women's washroom had been renovated two years earlier, but not the men's one. The men had not thought it a priority, but now they had a different perspective on it. It was done that year! Sometimes the children have made up a song to sing. There are many possibilities. Be creative and inclusive".

'THE SHACK' - BOOK REVIEW

2009-01-26T11:51:00.002Z

Ben Witherington has a good review of ‘The Shack'

DAMARIS: LENT & EASTER RESOURCES

2009-01-26T11:42:00.004Z

A full Lent Course based on our DVD Talking About... Jesus.

Videos for each day through Holy Week - FREE for you to republish on your church website and also available for free download for any subscriber to www.toolsfortalks.com - videos will include contributions from Rob Parsons (Care for the Family), Norman Kember (Iraq hostage), Robin Oake (author of Father Forgive), Jennifer Rees Larcombe (author and speaker), Greg Haslam (Westminster Chapel), Rachel Gardner (Romance Academy). An Easter Special edition of www.deovox.com to help guide your devotional Bible Study at Easter.

For more details on all of these see www.sourcetalk.tv/lent

SUPPORTING CHRISTIANS IN EDUCATION

2008-12-10T10:12:00.002Z

Useful resource for engaging with schools – and with Education Sunday coming up in January has some good ideas for involvement.Author: Trevor Cooling with Mark Greene (LICC , September 2008)
The blurb reads:
Supporting Christians in Education is a practical tool for Church Leaders and Youthworkers to help them to envision and resource teachers, pupils, parents and governors. No other single context involves so many of us, and this highly readable but insightful book lays out a compelling vision for Christian involvement and mission in education.
The book:
• Explains the values driving education today, summarises the pressures teachers face, and explores the curriculum from a Christian perspective.
• Explores the opportunities that today’s religious diversity provides.
• Includes a large number of down-to-earth ideas on how church leaders and their communities can practically support teachers, pupils and parents.

EVANGELISM LINEBACKER

2008-12-10T10:09:00.001Z

For those of you who are bracketing out your faith from conversations, here’s a bizarre challenge and incentive to get more evangelistic…src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hvYFvhx1dcY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" />

CHRISTMAS LINEBACKER

2008-12-10T10:06:00.002Z

Putting Christ back into Christmas

MIXED ECONOMY – FRESH EXPRESSIONS NEW JOURNAL

2008-12-10T10:05:00.001Z

Fresh Expressions says: Mixed economy is our new annual journal which takes a serious look at what it means to have new forms of church living alongside more conventional congregations, follow the link for your FREE downloadable copy:

http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk//standard.asp?id=4122&cachefixer=

THERE PROBABLY IS, YOU KNOW

2008-12-10T10:03:00.001Z

In response to the Atheist Bus Campaign, Rev Evan Cockshaw who is a Pioneer Minister in West Brom (Lichfield Diocese) and part of the Diocesan Evangelism and Outreach Team has developed a website www.thereprobablyis.com

What he needs now is testimonies! He says, "The idea I had for this website was to simply provide the testimony of 100 or more Christians from all walks of life talking about why they believe in God. Not from an academic point of view so much as just honest testimony about experiences in life they've had which causes them to continue to believe in God to this day despite being intelligent and sensible people. So can we please be promoting this and asking for contributions from people finishing off the sentence "I believe in God because ..." in no more than 500 words. There is a form people can fill in on the website which will submit the contributions automatically."

He is also intending to produce a design for some postcards for churches to buy and hand out to people as the campaign hits their area.

Free Advent Resources

2008-12-10T09:59:00.003Z

Damaris have made 24 short videos on an Advent theme (one for each day of Advent) and have decided to give them to you FREE. (Grateful thanks to WesleyOwen who have provided some funding for this, and will be publishing each video day-by-day on their website through Advent.)

You can preview some at www.damaris.org/adven t where you will also see how anyone can freely view them and republish them online - this is ideal for personal blogs and church websites during advent any subscriber to www.toolsfortalks.com can freely download high resolution versions to show in meetings or events

And it doesn't stop there! We have also created an Advent Service resource pack which contains exciting all-age friendly activities for advent services - built around our downloadable advent videos. This resource pack and associated powerpoints is totally free for anyone to download - at www.damaris.org/advent

Kibworth and Fleckney Praise

2008-10-30T08:42:00.003Z

The next Kibworth and Fleckney Praise is being hosted by New Life Christian Fellowship on Sunday 9 November and will be held at Fleckney Village Hall, School Street, Fleckney, 7.30pm.The last couple of Kibworth and Fleckney Praise have been inspirational and Spirit led. If you are looking for something that conforms, then it is probably not for you. It you are looking for something inspirational and reinvigorating, with uplifting praise that will help you walk with Jesus - then this maybe just what you are looking for.

Bishop's Lay Congress 2008

2008-10-15T09:59:00.002+01:00

St Luke's Quiz Evening

2008-10-13T22:54:00.003+01:00

St Luke's Quiz Night takes place on Friday 14th November in Thurnby Memorial Hall. The annual quiz is very popular with teams of eight battling it out to become quiz champion. The quiz night raises funds for the Missions St Luke's supports. It would be great for other churches in the partnership to enter teams. Tickets must be booked in advance and the event does normally sell out. Tickets include refreshments but bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets are £10 each from Terry Shaw on 0116 241 3960.

St Luke's Holiday Club

2008-10-13T22:48:00.002+01:00

Mandy Wong talks about her experience helping out at St Luke's Holiday Club in Thurnby.

Holiday Club was so much fun. It was amazing to see how many kids there were and was really exiting to have a chance to teach them about Jesus in a fun way.

Every morning we would do aerobics and kids songs, which was a real work out and tiring, but I did miss it when the Holiday Club ended. I would be often humming kids songs through out the day too.

The kids were really good and were a joy to be around. They thoroughly enjoyed all the craft, teaching, sports, quizzes, jokes and songs.

It was also great to see so many of the kids from the Holiday Club at the Family Service the following Sunday. Some of the kids also showed interested in attending The Ark every Sunday.

The Holiday Club was a real success. Well Done to Ali and all the helpers that took part. Good job!

Mandy Wong

Transformation through the Gospel

2008-10-10T14:41:00.004+01:00

We are delighted to welcome Rev'd Dr Alison Morgan and Martin Cavender of ReSource to lead our partnership forum evening on 4th November from 7.15 - 9.45 at St Wilfrid's Church Kibworth.

This event, entitled "Transformation through the gospel" is designed as an evening of encouragement and will offer practical ways forward for every church in the partnership to feel confident about engaging in mission in unscary ways.

This will be an Open Meeting. If you are a member of any church within the partnership, you will be most welcome to coem along. We would particularly encourage those churches which were not represented at the PCCs evening led by ReSource in October to come along to this November meeting. Those who were at the October meeting, or the Quiet Day in May or the launch forum meeting will know that the input from the ReSource team will be well worth experiencing.

Southern Edge Mission Partnership Blog

2008-10-02T07:51:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to The Southern Edge Mission Partnership who have joined us in setting up a blog. It is looking really good and will be a useful method of communicating across the seven churches in the MP. Their blog address is www.southernedgemp.blogspot.com

There is also a link in the right hand panel.

Churches in SOUTHERN EDGE MP are:
St Andrew, Aylestone
St Christopher
St James The Greater
St Mary, Knighton & St Guthlac
The Emmaus Team - St John the Baptist, Clarendon Park & The Church of The Nativity, Aylestone Park

CALLED TOGETHER - The annual service to affirm and celebrate authorised lay ministries

2008-09-25T17:34:00.002+01:00

The annual service to affirm and celebrate authorised lay ministries in the diocese will be held on Saturday 11th October 2008 at 11.00 am in the Cathedral. This service will include the Admission, Licensing and Re-dedication of Readers and the authorising and reaffirmation of Ministry for Evangelists, Pastoral Assistants and Children & Youth Workers.

All are very welcome, and members of those congregations who have lay ministers being admitted or authorised are particularly encouraged to attend – tickets are NOT required. Following the service there will be refreshments and musical entertainment to which all are cordially invited.
Mike Harrison - Director of Mission and Ministry, Leicester Diocese, email: Mike.Harrison@LecCofE.org Tel. 0116 248 7428.

FRESH EXPRESSIONS – URBAN VISION DAY New Ways of Being Church in an Urban Setting

2008-09-25T17:27:00.003+01:00

Saturday 4th October, The Salvation Army, Kildare Street, Leicester – 9.30am – 4pm.

A day for the whole Christian community to discover more about fresh expressions of church.

Speakers will include Tim Lea and Rachel Jordan and local church leaders.

The programme will include:
• An overview of developing fresh expressions of church within a mixed economy
• Worship, prayer and reflection in a variety of styles
• Stories of fresh expressions of church within Leicestershire
• Workshops in particular areas of interest

You are welcome to come on your own but we particularly welcome small groups and ministry teams.

The day will be a fresh expressions experience in itself for:
• Complete beginners
• Teams and individuals with a heart and passion for urban ministry
• Those who have questions about fresh expressions and mission shaped church
• Those who have started something new and need some practical help
• Christians from any church and every tradition

Cost: £5 including lunch.

To book please contact Sally Cresswell, Tel: 0115 983 5000 or E-mail: sally.cresswell@salvationarmy.org.uk and for more information visit www.freshexpressions.org.uk

Fresh Expressions is an initiative of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York supported by the Methodist Conference and working in partnership with many churches across Great Britain. www.freshexpressions.org.uk

A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church.

GROWING WOMEN LEADERS: nurturing women’s leaders in the Church

2008-09-25T17:23:00.002+01:00

Revd Rosie Ward, Leadership Development Adviser at CPAS (The Church Pastoral Aid Society based in Warwick) has written a highly acclaimed new book ‘Growing Women Leaders: nurturing women’s leaders in the Church’. (Published Sep08, £8.99).

Christina Reece of the Archbishop’s Council says of Rosie’s book “An impressive summary of biblical and historical information and an insightful analysis of the issues surrounding women and leadership. Every church leader – and aspiring leader – should read this book.’

Visit the CPAS Women In Leadership blog HERE.

Worship in Music Weekend

2008-09-19T08:20:00.009+01:00

St Wilfrid's Church in Kibworth are holding a Worship in Music Weekend from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October.

The Friday night worship will be led by Noel Alexander and the team.

The Saturday workshops are for all guitarists, drummers, keyboard players and singers.

Everyone is invited to the Sunday 10am service.

There is no charge for the event. To register fill in your details below or telephone 0116 2793358.

Two new mission booklets from ReSource

2008-09-17T09:32:00.007+01:00

From ReSource: We are finding increasingly that we are being invited to provide support and training for mission. To help meet this need we have just published two new ReSource booklets by Roger Morgan. Roger has for years been involved in mission and evangelism, working amongst university students, for a time with Daniel Cozens and Through Faith Missions, and latterly in his own parishes of St Columba’s Corby and then Holy Trinity Leicester. Roger has now joined the ReSource team as a strategist and specialist missioner.

The first booklet, Stay Evangelism, is written to encourage ordinary Christians to develop a transparent and friendly lifestyle which makes it possible to share their faith unthreateningly and in a servant-hearted way with others. The second, Decision, is for those who are thinking of making a step of commitment, and is ideal for use with Alpha or in the context of parish missions and outreach events.

Stay Evangelism costs £3; Decision is £2 or £10 for a pack of 10. Both are available through www.resource-arm.net.

Cycle Ride from Lands End to John O'Groats

2008-09-17T08:27:00.004+01:00

Our congratulations to Neill Griffiths from St Paul's Oadby who recently completed the magnificent feat of cycling a thousand miles from Lands End to John O'Groats in fifteen days to raise funds for Leicester YMCA.

Searching for Peace and Happiness?

2008-09-12T19:30:00.003+01:00

Come and experience through meditation a simple technique which can change your whole life.

Six Tuesday afternoon sessions from 2.30 - 3.30 pm, starting on Tuesday 7th October 2008 , in The Manor Room at St Peter's Centre, Wigston Road, Oadby.

For further information, contact The Rev'd Paskal Clement

Parish Office 0116 272 0080.

Bishops Pledge Change to Young People

2008-09-08T08:31:00.002+01:00

The voices of young people on key issues, such as poverty, wealth and the environment were heard and reflected at the Lambeth Conference during a previous consultation organised by the Diocese of Leicester. Thirty bishops and 100 young people from 17 different nations discussed the themes of faith, life and power at The Lambeth Talk, a four-day consultation in July. The topics discussed were later covered during the Lambeth Conference, where the bishops were able to amplify the voices of the young people within the programme.

The key findings of the consultation were fed in to the conference through a dedicated session on the 22nd July, where the bishops had the opportunity to hear directly from five of the young people who attended the earlier event. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, also attended this session.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, headed the delegation of archbishops and bishops who visited the Peepul Centre in Leicester ahead of the Lambeth Conference on the 14th July.

The young people, drawn from across the worldwide Anglican Communion, were invited to air their views on issues of faith, life and power and influence the bishops of the Anglican Communion’s discussions. The topics discussed included areas of family and relationships, education, employment, poverty, wealth, the environment and economy and why they feel the Church doesn’t take young people seriously. Consequently, many of the bishops made promises, written on scrolls, to the young people in their diocese. These included pledges such as setting up or meeting with their youth council, allocating more funding to youth projects in their diocese and offering support to their local youth workers. Bishops wrote their promises on scrolls, signed by themselves and the teenagers to take away and remind them of the experience.

During the consultation, the bishops and young people were involved in different activities to explore the themes together. Seventeen year old Matthew Rusk, chair of the Bishops youth council in Leicester, reflected on the activities: ‘We played a ‘life’ game, a ‘faith’ game and a ‘power’ game, which all explored the impact of these areas for young people. In the life game, for example, we led the bishops blindfolded on a giant board, a bit like a snakes and ladders board. They encountered different life scenarios such as ‘you fail your exams’ or ‘your parents get a divorce’, and the young people had to advise the bishops on the next move to take. The bishops had to trust the young person’s advice because they were blindfolded!’

Matthew continued: ‘One of the aims of the day was to challenge the bishops to think about young people’s perspectives – and I think we did that.’ Becky Jackson, also 17 and vice-chair of the Bishops youth council said that the unity between the bishops and the young people was a highlight of the event: ‘It was amazing to bring so many different cultures, denominations and generations into the same place and work together for one aim. I think that the bishops realised that young people really appreciate being listened to, and as a result have decided to give the young people more of a look-in. I don’t think they understood before how seriously young people want to take these issues.’

Advance Notice: Christ in The Centre - Good Friday April 10th 2009

2008-09-05T08:02:00.003+01:00

TWO IMPORTANT MEETINGS – coming up soon

SCRIPT READING - Thursday 25th September, All Nations Christian Centre, Frog Island, 7.30 – 9.30p.m.

CASTING WORKSHOP - Saturday 11th October 10 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. (Venue To be Confirmed)

Easter 2009 may seem far off, but preparations for Good Friday's production have been going on for some time! There is a new and exciting script for 2009 which will need a large cast. These meetings are both essential if people would like to be involved in next year's Christ in the Centre. At the first meeting we will be reading the new script and outlining rehearsal dates. *Rehearsal dates/times will depend on parts allocated, but most will take place after Christmas. On Saturday 11th October we will spend the day work-shopping and casting the script. Please note: We will cast the production from these meetings so if people are unable to attend one or both but would still like to be part of the cast, please do let me know and I will put you on the list!.
From Hilary Ayling (CITC 2009 Cast Co-ordinator) - 01509 890 115 or email hilary.ayling@woodhouse-eaves.co.uk

Want to know the true meaning of Christmas ?

2008-09-05T07:57:00.004+01:00

Ask a Teenager ! (and persuade them to enter the competition!)
Mobile phones may be a must-have accessory for Britain’s much-maligned youth, but now teenagers are being challenged to put their phone and video cameras to good use: to reveal their deepest thoughts about the true meaning of Christmas.
In a new national competition launched today and backed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, the YouTube generation is being asked to film their own short video clips showing what they believe Christmas is really all about.
READ MORE at: HERE
And then visit: www.truemeaning.co.uk

Making the Bible Heard

2008-08-31T13:04:00.003+01:00

The Oadby Action Group of the Bible Society invite you to their Annual Event on Wednesday 17th September at 7.30 pm at Oadby Trinity Methodist Church. The speaker will be Rev'd Brian Robertson and will feature Paradox Performing Arts.

Please come along and find out more about the Bible Society and support its work with your presence and your donations.

Refreshments will be available at the end of the event.

ENJOYING GOD - Ministry, Mission and Money

2008-08-28T10:38:00.003+01:00

Friday 12th September, Leicester Cathedral Centre - 10am-3.30pm
With guest speaker Canon Sam Wells

Described by the Archbishop of Canterbury as “an outstanding thinker and an outstanding pastor”, we are fortunate to have Sam Wells leading a day of theological and pastoral reflection which will no doubt be both spiritually nourishing and intellectually stimulating.

The day will be comprised of three addresses:

Ministry
The first address will focus on power. A whole generation of clergy lost the ability and vocabulary to talk about power, and, as a result, lost touch with a sense of their own power. The first address will reopen the conversation about the power of ministry and seek to identify where that power specifically lies.

Mission
It is commonplace for Anglicans to talk about incarnational ministry but less common for that ministry to be grounded in a description of mission that emphasizes the abundance of God. This address explores three models of ministry and commends one that most aptly imitates the shape of Jesus’ life.

Money
Money is the elephant in the room for many clergy and diocesan conversations, and there is difficulty in talking theologically about it for all the reasons highlighted in the first two addresses. This third address seeks a theological and practical way of conceiving money in the kingdom of God’s abundance.

Sam was born in Canada. He studied in Oxford, Edinburgh and Durham, and then served in parish ministry for fourteen years in Newcastle, Norwich and Cambridge. In 2005 he moved to North Carolina to become Dean of Chapel at Duke University and Research Professor of Christian Ethics at Duke Divinity School. He has written several books on theological ethics, including God’s Companions, Improvisation and Transforming Fate into Destiny. Most recently he wrote the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book in 2007, Power and Passion.

Open to all - booking necessary. Contact Claire Stapleton, Tel: 0116 248 7417 or E-mail: claire.stapleton@leccofe.org

Diocesan Assembly: Book Now!

2008-08-28T10:35:00.003+01:00

Spaces are still available for the Diocesan Assembly on 20th September.

The Diocesan Assembly: Saturday 20th September at Samworth Academy.

What will we see?
A rock opera called 'Luv Ester', the story of Old Testament Ester's engagement with God and society.
Many displays about life and activities in and around the parishes of the diocese.

...and do?...
many workshops are available from which to choose.

There will be a Eucharist at the end of the assembly, and we'll be launching Back To Church Sunday.

GOOD NEWS! PARKING has been made available to all those attending this event at three locations on Trenant Road and the Saffron Lane. If you have not yet sent back your booking form please do so at the absolute latest by 31st August to Carol Gibbons at Church House email: Carol.Gibbons@LecCofE.org or tel: 0116 248 7411.

Faith In Action - the church has left the building

2008-08-28T10:32:00.003+01:00

Over in Portsmouth diocese Tim Jessiman is trialling the US programme "Faith in action" www.putyourfaithinaction.org

Tim writes:
I contacted Faith In Action after finding them on the web with a view to purchasing one of their Campaign Kits. This is sometimes also known as "Don't go to church Sunday". They very kindly gifted me a Kit. (Normally $50)
Faith in Action is a 4-week, church-wide campaign that creates in your congregation an outward focus and a heart to serve. Faith in Action culminates in a Sunday when regular services are cancellaed and the entire congregation engages in service projects in, and with, the community.

Faith in action is ...
. 28 Daily Devotionals
. 4 weeks of small groups
. 4 sermons/services
. 1 Cancelled worship service replaced by a day of community service, ending with an evening celebration

Transform your congretation, Reach your community, Help you church touch the world.
Well worth a look.

More info from Tim at tim.jessiman@ntlworld.com

Kibworth and Fleckney Praise

2008-08-26T07:58:00.001+01:00

The next Kibworth and Fleckney Praise is in September

We are very lucky to have two amazing items to look forward to: The talk will be by Barrie Hockney on 'Walking with God', and the Worship is being led by a new and young worship band, The Calling.

As always, a warm welcome and refreshments afterwards.

Bank Holiday Open Day at Launde Abbey

2008-08-13T11:50:00.002+01:00

The August Bank Holiday is almost upon us and if you’re stuck for something different to do during the long weekend of 23rd, 24th and 25th August 2008 from 12.00 pm until 5.00 pm, why not try the Wild West Party at Launde Abbey, near East Norton in east Leicestershire. This annual fund-raising event, with a bumper number of stalls, rides and attractions already planned, will have games for all ages, bouncy castles, dressing up, craft stalls, bric-a-brac, plants, lunches and bar, raffle, classic cars, pony rides and fun for all the family. There is ample parking at the Abbey and entrance is £3.00 per car or £10.00 per bus/coach. This year’s event will also include a car boot sale on Bank Holiday Monday from 12.00 pm until 5.00 pm. The cost for this is £5.00 per car in advance or £7.00 on the day (trailers extra).
For further information or to book a stall or car boot pitch for YOUR fund-raising, please contact Launde Abbey on 01572 717 254 or visit www.launde.org.uk

The Welland Transport & Accessibility (WTAG) Grant

2008-08-13T11:36:00.003+01:00

*Of interest to Parishes in Melton and Harborough*
Further to a meeting between our Director of Parish Funding & Fundraising, Andrew Nutter and a representative from WTAG, we have just been informed that there is grant money available - and Parishes in the Boroughs of Melton & Harborough are eligible. The money WTAG has originates from East Midlands Development Agency (emda)
and is available up to next March, so applicants do still have some time.
Please go to the following link to read more:-
http://www.leicester.anglican.org/diocesan-info/subsite/stewardship-and-fundraising.aspx
and check the relevant “Word” documents :- Information Pack, Guidance Notes and Application Form.

Lambeth Conference Open Meeting with the Bishop

2008-08-12T08:41:00.003+01:00

The Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester will address an OPEN MEETING about this important event on WEDNESDAY, 17th SEPTEMBER 2008 at 7.30 pm at ST WILFRID’S CHURCH, KIBWORTH.
Members of the Gartree Deanery Synods extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to attend.
EVERYONE WELCOME

Songs of Praise

2008-07-25T14:29:00.001+01:00

Sunday 24th August, 6.30 pm. - Songs of Praise at St. Mary the Virgin, Carlton Curlieu.
Come and enjoy singing peope's favourite hymns in a delightful medieval church in beautiful countryside.
Wine and nibbles will be served after the service.

Church Tourism Funding

2008-07-09T19:57:00.003+01:00

Is your church on the tourist trail? Funding is currently available.
Might your church be able to benefit from church tourism and associated funding.
Go to the following links to see if you could apply for the current funding:-
CLICK HERE
and for LeicesterShire Promotions recent presentation on church tourism:-
CLICK HERE
Cartoon from www.cartoonchurch.com

The Bishop of the Arctic visits Oadby

2008-07-02T14:05:00.002+01:00

Thursday 7th August – The Bishop of the Arctic, The Rt Revd Andrew Atagotaaluk, will be visiting St. Paul’s Church, Hamble Road, OADBY, on Thursday 7th August 2008, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
For further details of his visit, please call Revd Canon R. J. Tonkin – 0116 281 2517

Kibworth Relay for Life

2008-07-02T14:02:00.002+01:00

Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2008 – Kibworth Relay for Life
In aid of Cancer Research (UK), the Kibworth Relay for Life is a 20-hour, community, family, overnight event that will be held at Kibworth and Smeeton Football Ground 30th and 31st August 2008. It will be a charity event raising money for cancer research. If you are interested in finding out more, please call Sharon Archer on 0116 279 6559, or Valerie Griffey (Joint Committee Chair) on 0116 279 1162 or email shazarch61@hotmail.com

Gumley Open Gardens

2008-07-02T13:45:00.005+01:00

Sunday 6th July 2008 - Gumley Open Gardens & Art Display will be held from 11am until 6pm in aid of St Helen’s Church. Come along and have a Ploughman’s Lunch or Cream Tea in the Village Hall. Walk round the gardens, or view the Art Exhibition in the Church. Sit and watch some village cricket or have a go on the Tombola! Lots to see and lots to do. Further details from John & Penny March 0116 279 3931; email: towerhouse1@btinternet.com

“For God's sake, please listen to us!”

2008-07-02T13:41:00.004+01:00

Young people from around the world challenge Bishops to listen at the Lambeth Talk, Monday 14th July 2008
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Tim Stevens, will head a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops from all over the world coming to Leicester ahead of the Lambeth Conference.
All this and much more on the RCC Newsletter June 30 now on the website www.leicester.anglican.org

Back To Church Sunday Training Opportunities

2008-06-21T11:51:00.000+01:00

A session providing further resources for Back to Church Sunday including top tips for welcoming newcomers, engagement with newcomers on the day and what sort of follow-up to offer.
Training Courses would be held on Tuesday, 8 July 2008, 10am – 12noon at Church House and Tuesday, 9 September 2008, 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Christ the King, Beaumont Leys.

Prince Caspian

2008-06-21T11:44:00.003+01:00

Some weeks ago Walt Disney Studios asked Damaris to create for them a set of school and church resources related to their forthcoming film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and linked to downloadable clips from the film. These are featured on the official film website and available free to download from www.damaris.org/narnia There is even a FREE CD-ROM full of their resources that they can send to you as well.

Resources for schools include:
· Assemblies for primary and secondary schools - using downloadable clips from the film.
· RE Lessons for primary and secondary schools - using downloadable clips from the film
· A short, downloadable, video exploring issues raised by the film - and including integrated clips. Plus the script and clips so you can recreate something like this in live events
Resources for churches include:
· 25 spiritual and moral themes plus six detailed illustrations - using downloadable clips from the film
· Outlines for childrens and youth meetings, all-age services and church/community events - using downloadable clips.
· A short, downloadable, video exploring issues raised by the film - and including integrated clips. Plus the script and clips so you can recreate something like this in live events
· Two short, downloadable, videos exploring issues raised by the film - and including integrated clips. Plus the script and clips so you can recreate something like this in live events
See more at http://www.damaris.org/narnia

Resources from our Quiet Day

2008-06-16T08:42:00.002+01:00

Details of our first Quiet Day including information from Alison Morgan about what was focussed on, quotes and questions is available as a pdf here.

A summary of "Unlocking the Door – Evangelism in the Real World" by Ruth Adams and Jan Harney is available here.

For further information about Alison and resources available please visit Resource.

An Evening for PCC / DCC Members with ReSource

2008-06-12T08:34:00.007+01:00

Advance notice so that you can get the date in your church and personal diaries.

As a partnership, we want to be enablers of the work PCCs and DCCs are doing to further mission in their parishes. To this end we have arranged an evening of essential training for mission for all PCC and DCC members in the 16 partnership churches from 7.30-9.30 on Thursday 2nd October at St Peter's Centre Oadby. The evening will be led by Alison Morgan and Martin Cavender of ReSource. It is hoped that every PCC and DCC in the Mission Partnership will arrange to come together to begin the work of putting mission at the forefront of our agendas. Those of you who have already benefitted from Alison's input will know the evening will be "good value." I can tell you from personal experience that Martin's input will be equally helpful.

Want to gain a professional qualification in Youth Work?

2008-06-09T11:13:00.001+01:00

Looking for a change of career and interested in working with young people? Want to combine practical experience with study?
Midlands Centre for Youth Ministry based at St John's Nottingham offers a variety of courses in Youth and Community Work and Applied Theology. It is possible to get a relevant professional qualification at any level. Study full time or part time.
Enquiries: 0115 968 3222 Email: g.benson@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk

Visit www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk

Midlands Centre for Youth Ministry St John's Bramcote Nottingham NG9 3DS

School Assembly Training

2008-06-09T11:12:00.000+01:00

Ratby Church is hosting a training morning by Serving our Schools Ministries
On Saturday 28th June, 9.30 –12.30
In the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Ratby.
What is it? - This is to help with a wide range of possible work in School Assemblies. This is in addition to the Open the Book training currently on offer by the Diocese.
Who’s it for? - Anyone who currently takes part in School assemblies either on their own or part of a small group and think you could do better. Or people are just interested in finding out how you could help.
How much? - The event is free with contributions to the costs.
How to book? - Email Anne Stratton at Anne.Stratton@ntlworld.com Tel: 07773 076 555
Or Joan Hawkins jvajhawkins@btinternet.com Tel 239 3130

Effective Chairing

2008-06-09T11:10:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 24th June, Christ the King, Beaumont Leys - 10am-3.30pm
Course leader; Russell Bowman-Eadie

An intensive one-day course that aims to help you make more of your meetings. Here is what you'll learn:
How to turn members from being individuals who just turn up for a meeting to being a highly motivated team.
The role of the chairperson
How to set agendas that are productive and stimulating
Details about key elements in securing commitment to planning
Methods for solving problems and getting ideas out and shared
Examples of hands on wisdom that was learned the hard way (so you don't have to!)
Maximising your meeting time
These and other elements will be introduced that will help you understand how the task of the chairperson is to facilitate meetings that are productive, lively and participative and lead to better decision making.

Russell Bowman-Eadie is the Director of Ministry and Development in the diocese of Bath and Wells and Canon Treasurer of Wells Cathedral. He is a seasoned facilitator of skills workshops, a retreat conductor and, as a fellow of the College of Preachers, has led many conferences on Preaching. His is co-author of Communities of Hope (DLT 1998).

Booking necessary, contact Claire Stapleton at Church House on 0116 748 7417 or E-mail: claire.stapleton@leccofe.org

PURPOSE DRIVEN UK: inculturated for small & rural UK churches

2008-06-09T11:07:00.001+01:00

The “Purpose driven” movement are rightly seeing the need to inculturate their material for the UK. Here’s the latest from PDUK’s Peter Simpson.

New campaign reflects ‘British’ culture
Many churches have expressed concern that so many resources now come from the States and using those resources may cause some resistance from members of their congregations.
The Purpose Driven UK new campaign called ‘Building Relationships’ with God’s Love has been revised and adapted for UK churches and can be easily used in a wide range of church sizes and denominations. The six weeks DVD teaching will be taught by Rev David Beer and the Sunday school and youth resources have been compiled by a group of UK youth leaders.
The campaign pack has a wide range of resources for weekend services, small groups and all ages.
This material is suitable for rural and small churches as both a small group or campaign resource.
For more information check www.purposedrivenuk.com or telephone Purpose Driven on 01255 435577

LightLive

2008-06-09T10:55:00.002+01:00

LightLive is a new website which puts a multitude of Bible-based activities and ideas at your fingertips – and it’s free of charge! It is designed by Scripture Union to help you tailor material to the specific needs of your children and young people’s group(s) or congregation. You can access the bank of activities and ideas, enrich your programme with multimedia resources and search, save and print – all from one website. Go to www.lightlive.org – and remember, it’s absolutely free!

Church Website Design Tool

2008-06-09T10:52:00.001+01:00

Your church website has enormous potential as part of your outreach strategy to reach into your community. It can be like an enticing ‘shop window’ and virtual doorway to draw people into faith and fellowship. However, many churches do not understand how to design a site that will do this effectively. This self-assessment questionnaire helps you evaluate your site, and creates a detailed free evaluation report with advice to help you consider new ideas or aspects of the site that could perhaps be modified. It will also help you in planning a new website. Have a go at http://ied.gospelcom.net/church-site-design.php

Play Your Part

2008-06-09T10:19:00.003+01:00

Sally Beyer and her colleagues at Liverpool University have developed a beautifully produced and helpful booklet on discipleship.

They write: ‘Play your Part’ encourages Christians to take a fresh perspective and some time out to look at their life and consider: Why am I here? What has God created me for? What does this mean for me as a Christian today? How can I become more Christ-like in all that I do? It can help people in your Parish, Church, and Faith Community to play their part by finding and fulfilling the unique role and potential that they have in life as a Christian. The booklet is very flexible. It can be used individually or as part of a small group study or course within your Church. All it needs are willing participants, an open mind and a skilled facilitator with a good knowledge of the bible.

If you would like to purchase a copy of ‘Play your part’ they are available at a reduced rate of £5 (+VAT and Postage). Please contact Sally Beyer, Windmills, The University of Liverpool, email: s.beyer@liv.ac.uk Tel: 0151 794 8186

Open Garden in Aid of St Peter's Church Oadby

2008-06-08T12:01:00.001+01:00

Gartree Mission Partnership

Quiet Day

Foxton & Gartree Community Choir

Gartree Mission Partnership Review

Celebrating Christ the Healer

Magnify Youth Event

Making Sense of Scripture

Mission Partnership Candlemas Carols

The Big Society in Action

From attending to Belonging to Contributing: as simple as ABC?

Special Resourcing Gatherings 2010

New Prayer Course

A Day Conference for Leicestershire on Rural Mission

Evening for lay members of Mission Action Groups (PMAGs)

Morning or Evening with Bob Jackson

Morning on Mission Action Planning

Mission Partnership Joint Choral Evensong

St Luke's Six - Everest Base Camp 2010

Vicar serves hot drinks to sledgers at Thurnby

Mission Initiative: Community Choir at Foxton

Growing in Wholeness Course Part 2

Advent Video Calendar

Reasons to be cheerful; sharing faith in everyday life

YFRIDAY - GREAT & GLORIOUS

Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential

£180,000 programme to strengthen rural churches

Rural Ministry Courses

Support Just Fairtrade Shop

Concert at St Mary and All Saints Stoughton

Barn Dance

Emergency Night Shelter

St John the Baptist Church Hungarton

Stoughton Hosts Mission Partnership Joint Choral Evensong

Kibworth & Fleckney Praise

Leicestershire Rural Partnership Rural Conference – 19th June

Conference on Rural Evangelism

Leicestershire Funding Toolkit – funding for local Community / Village Groups

Multimedia Operators Course

Bishop's Lay Congress 2009

Back To Church Sunday

LEADING YOUR CHURCH INTO GROWTH - A DAY FOR CHURCH GROUPS

QUIET SPACES

CALLED? Vocations Day 2009

BBC LAUNCHES 'FAITH DIARY' WITH A POLL

Kibworth & Fleckney Praise

The Revd Mark Battison

MONEY MATTERS WITH JOHN PRESTON

CHILDREN AND ANNUAL MEETINGS - from National Children's Adviser, Mary Hawes;

'THE SHACK' - BOOK REVIEW

DAMARIS: LENT & EASTER RESOURCES

SUPPORTING CHRISTIANS IN EDUCATION

EVANGELISM LINEBACKER

CHRISTMAS LINEBACKER

MIXED ECONOMY – FRESH EXPRESSIONS NEW JOURNAL

THERE PROBABLY IS, YOU KNOW

Free Advent Resources

Kibworth and Fleckney Praise

Recommended Reading

Bishop's Lay Congress 2008

St Luke's Quiz Evening

St Luke's Holiday Club

Transformation through the Gospel

Southern Edge Mission Partnership Blog

CALLED TOGETHER - The annual service to affirm and celebrate authorised lay ministries

FRESH EXPRESSIONS – URBAN VISION DAY New Ways of Being Church in an Urban Setting

GROWING WOMEN LEADERS: nurturing women’s leaders in the Church

Worship in Music Weekend

Two new mission booklets from ReSource

Cycle Ride from Lands End to John O'Groats

Searching for Peace and Happiness?

Bishops Pledge Change to Young People

Advance Notice: Christ in The Centre - Good Friday April 10th 2009

Want to know the true meaning of Christmas ?

Making the Bible Heard

ENJOYING GOD - Ministry, Mission and Money

Diocesan Assembly: Book Now!

Faith In Action - the church has left the building

Kibworth and Fleckney Praise

Bank Holiday Open Day at Launde Abbey

The Welland Transport & Accessibility (WTAG) Grant