 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||||||||
|
 |
 |
|
Bishop's Comment Topical Comment News Courses Events Vacancies Bishop's CommentReflections in the run-up to Lambeth Like many of the 600 participants preparing to attend the Lambeth Conference this summer I have mixed feelings about the gathering. It is hard to imagine three weeks in one place, isolated on a university campus, while there is so much in Birmingham Diocese on which I wish to focus. I am also disappointed that the Ugandan Bishops and Archbishop have decided not to join us for the conference as Uganda, as many of you know, is in lots of ways my spiritual home. It was in Uganda that I was encouraged by local Christians to explore my faith and it was there I made a commitment to become a follower of Jesus. The reality of the faith expressed by the Ugandans with whom I was working remains a huge inspiration to me so I am sorry that Ugandan Christians will not be directly represented at Lambeth. However the Congolese Bishops have said they will be attending and the Democratic Republic of Congo is another country that has become very important to me. I have visited several times and have many friends living and working in that very troubled region. I hope to make time in the busy conference schedule to hear from the Bishops what is now happening in DRC and to catch up on news of the church that flourishes amidst warfare and poverty. In a gathering that brings together such a broad spectrum of Anglican leaders it is inevitable that there are some with whom I disagree. Some Bishops have said they cannot be in communion and fellowship with people with whom they feel they have profound theological differences. However, I do not feel staying away from Lambeth is an option. No disagreement can be resolved if the parties involved are not prepared to listen to each other and attempt to understand each other’s viewpoints. By being present I can also speak up for what I believe and stand firm for the generous orthodoxy of our Anglican tradition. Anyone reading the media this month would be led to think that the future of God’s church is decided in conferences and synods at national and international levels. While some organisations look to international headquarters for their motivation and direction we, in the Church of England, draw strength from our grass roots – the parishes, chaplaincies and projects that work faithfully to transform local communities and rebuild broken lives. For me personally, this means that my strength to engage with sometimes painful conversations at Lambeth and to consider potentially divisive issues comes not only from the saving power of Jesus Christ and his call to holy living, but also from the vibrancy and dynamism of church life within the Diocese of Birmingham. Here in this city and region we see a church that is focussed on the Mission of God. A church to which God is adding new disciples of Jesus Christ, a church which engages in the life of the community in a way which demonstrates, through the Holy Spirit, God’s amazing generosity and grace and a church where people who differ from one another are brought together by the self-giving love of Jesus in a new commitment to follow him in the exciting and challenging context of the 21st century. +David
Each of us has a part to play
Do you know someone about to become a University student? This can be an exciting but also intimidating prospect, one which some members of your congregation may well be facing soon. Some of them may be wondering where they will find Christian friends in their place of study. Others may be looking forward to the freedom to explore spirituality, or even just want to know where they will find a listening ear. Whatever the case, chaplains can help. There are chaplaincies at virtually every university, and many Further Education colleges. Many of them work closely with Christian groups based in their institutions, and all will have details of local churches. Do put a plug in for chaplaincies, please, with anybody you know who is about to start a course.
You can also help by letting the relevant chaplain know details of people from your parish or church who are going to their institution. You should make sure (please don’t assume!) that the person concerned is happy for you to pass on their details, and give the chaplain as much contact information as you can, including term-time address and e-mail once it becomes available. Better still get the new student to contact the chaplain themselves.
Finally, please remember in your prayers students and chaplains, especially in the crucial start-of-year period between September and October. Thank you.
Fr Nicholas lo Polito is the Anglican Chaplain at the University of Birmingham, and has access to contact information for most chaplaincies in the UK. He can be contacted on 0121 414 8151, or by e-mail: n.lopolito@bham.ac.uk
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
True God’s Priest The life of a priest who was curate in Balsall Heath and vicar at St Peter’s Handsworth has been celebrated in a biography written by his daughter. Thomas Henry Dart was born in Warley in May 1908. He won a scholarship to King Edwards School in Birmingham and spent three years at Cambridge. He was a curate at St Paul’s Balsall Heath from 1931-1934 and then returned to Birmingham in 1945 to be Vicar of St Peter’s Handsworth, a parish that served the area of Handsworth south of the Soho Road and included Winson Green prison and the City Hospital. The book by Anne Dart Taylor includes details of life within the parish as well as a record of family life in Birmingham, India and Oxford. Anne Dart Taylor said: “Although St Peter’s is no longer an Anglican church, a number of former parishioners, who worship at St Andrew’s and elsewhere, helped me write this section of the book by sharing with me their memories and their photos of those years.” The book is available from Anne Dart Taylor and costs £15 including post and packing. Anyone interested in buying the book should contact the communications office. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Ordination of Deacons Ordination of Deacons by the Bishop of Birmingham at Birmingham Cathedral on June 29th 2008 From left to right: Patrick Gillon, Tim Meathrel, Len Cox, Andrew Gorham (Bishop's Chaplain and retreat director), Karen Larkin, Steve Taylor, Joycelyn Lewis, Bishop David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, Tony Platts, Emma Sykes, Carole Camp, Jenny Arnold (Preacher), Jane Platt, Faith Claringbull (Director of Ordinands), Jaisher Chaudhary.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Ordination of Priests and Deacons St Philip’s Cathedral has been filled to bursting for two glorious ordination services at the end of June.
On Saturday 21st June ten women and men were ordained priest by Bishop David, each of them having already worked for a year in a parish in Birmingham. On Sunday 29th another eleven were ordained deacon having just completed training at theological colleges.
What is clear is that God calls a variety of people. Some of these new deacons and priests are in their twenties with decades of ministry ahead of them and others have years of experience of lay ministry in their churches and local communities. Some have several academic awards and others left school with a few O-Levels. The wonderful ethnic mix of Birmingham was celebrated at both ordinations when several Black and Asian women and men were ordained.
Some are working full-time in parishes as stipendiary clergy. Others are continuing their work in education, healthcare, retail, industry and the voluntary sector and are known as self-supporting ministers. All of them have a deep desire to serve God not just within the walls of the Church but by taking the Good News of Jesus Christ out to people where they are.
Picture caption for picture at top of page
Ordination of Priests in the Diocese of Birmingham by the Bishop of Birmingham at Birmingham Cathedral on June 21st 2008.
From left to right: Rebecca Pullin; Katharine Stowe; Derek D'Souza; The Ven. Peter Harrison (Preacher); Alan Fraser; Margaret Brighton; Bishop David; Adèle Rees; Faith Claringbull (DDO); Alison Bownass; Ann Simmons; Lucille Arlidge; Angela Bevan  Ordination of Deacons by the Bishop of Birmingham at Birmingham Cathedral on June 29th 2008
From left to right: Patrick Gillon, Tim Meathrel, Len Cox, Andrew Gorham (Bishop's Chaplain and retreat director), Karen Larkin, Steve Taylor, Joycelyn Lewis, Bishop David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, Tony Platts, Emma Sykes, Carole Camp, Jenny Arnold (Preacher), Jane Platt, Faith Claringbull (Director of Ordinands), Jaisher Chaudhary. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Moseley Peace Garden On Saturday 28th June local Councillor Martin Mullaney opened the newly created Moseley Peace Garden situated at the rear of St Anne’s Church, Park Hill. The garden is the result of a community effort with residents and congregation members, in conjunction with Moseley in Bloom, working together to create a tranquil setting dedicated to promoting peace in our world, our community and our hearts.
At the centre of the garden is situated a Peace Pole, a white pole bearing the inscription “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Hebrew, Arabic and Japanese. There are more than 200,000 Peace Poles around the world. They are found in simple places, such as churches or gardens, and extraordinary ones, such as at the Pyramids of El Giza in Egypt or the Magnetic North Pole in Canada. They are used as symbols to promote the healing of conflict in places like Sarajevo and the Allenby Bridge between Israel and Jordan.
The inspiration to build such a garden in Moseley, and to site a Peace Pole within it came from a visit to Holland House, near Evesham where Revd Rosemary Donovan (Associate Vicar of Moseley United Benefice) first came across a Peace Pole and then she discovered another on Iona whilst on retreat. Revd Rosemary says; “I felt that with so much conflict in the world, and even within our own communities, I wanted to create a space where people of any or indeed no faith could go to pray or meditate on the need for peace in our lives.
"I am immensely proud of what’s been achieved and hugely indebted to the many volunteers who’ve worked and provided to make this project a reality. MASS (Moseley After School Service) have created a wonderful mosaic, YG (St Anne’s and St Mary’s Youth Group) have cleared and planted the beds, members of the congregation have planted the pots and volunteers from Moseley in Bloom have provided plenty of help and advise, it’s been a real community effort! I hope that everyone in Moseley finds the opportunity to spend time in the garden and can appreciate the spirit in which it’s been created.”
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Alum Rock Primary a role model for church schools, says Bishop The Bishop of Birmingham will be writing to more than 400 pupils and staff at an Alum Rock Primary School after the school was rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors and inspectors from the Church of England St Saviours CofE Primary was graded outstanding for its overall effectiveness and praised for its warm and supportive ethos. The standards of teaching, pupils’ development and well-being and the leadership and management of the school were all classed as outstanding in the inspection in April 2008. Ofsted inspectors also praised the school for the contribution it made to pupils’ spiritual development. The report said: “Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. A strength of the school is the way pupils respect all religions, and give each other space to express their faith.” The leadership of the Headteacher, Mrs Christine Evans, was cited as a strength of the school in both reports. The Ofsted report said: “The greatest strength of this outstanding school is the very high quality of leadership and management. Led by a highly skilled and innovative headteacher, leaders share passionately her vision for continual improvement with sustained high achievement and standards.” In the report for the Church of England, the inspector said that; “The quality of the thoughtful direction of the headteacher and her leadership team that creates a distinctive Anglican school within a Muslim social context” was one of the ‘established strengths’ of the school. He went on to say: “The manner in which the school addresses being an Anglican school in a Muslim community has much to offer to the wider church community.” In his letter to pupils the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart, says he is writing to say ‘Very well done’. He said he was pleased to read that the church had good links with the local vicar and faith was important to the pupils who were keen to learn about, and respect, the faith of others. The Bishop commented that he was very interested to hear about an after school club where the children worked on improving the writing of J.K. Rowling! Bishop David said: “I recently visited this school and was struck by the quality and depth of its spiritual life and it was a great pleasure to lead two assemblies at the school. “Meeting pupils and staff made it clear that this school is a happy, thriving and effective place of learning which is both distinctive and inclusive - a real role model for church schools in the 21st century.” Some 98% of the pupils at the school are from Muslim backgrounds and all the children are from minority ethnic families.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Annual Church Competition For this year's competition Ecclesiastical Insurance Group are inviting people to make a one-minute film about the true meaning of Christmas.
Entrants have the chance to win £3,000 for their church, along with other great prizes, at an exclusive finalists event. This will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 21 November 2008.
Anyone can take part although all films will need to be endorsed from either a church leader or a youth group leader.
Films can be shot on a camcorder, laptop or mobile phone and uploaded to the specially created website - www.truemeaning.co.uk However, this is not yet in the public domain. Ecclesiastical will be officially launching the competition on the 7 July 2008 when visitors to www.truemeaning.co.uk can leave their email to receive advice, hints and tips on how to impress the judges. Videos can be uploaded from 1 August 2008.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
BBC Director General Formally Opens Restored Buildings Tudor buildings in Kings Norton which captured the heart of the nation have been formally opened after a £3.5 million renovation programme. Mark Thompson, the Director General of the BBC, and Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, opened the Saracen’s Head and the neighbouring Old Grammar School at the ceremony on the 13th June 2008. In 2004 the crumbling Grade 11* buildings won the BBC’s Restoration show enabling a £3.5 million renovation programme. As well as the formal opening the completion of the renovations was marked with a Medieval Extravaganza was held on 14th June 2008, when hundreds of people visited the restored buildings and various activities with a medieval theme were held. Canon Rob Morris said of the restoration: “We have no words to fully express the gratitude we owe to all who have faithfully laboured on this for so many years. We have the fresh challenge of ensuring that our wonderful buildings really are open for all and that uses new and old will provide sustainable income and a growing exciting future.” The buildings are now open for the public from 10am – 4pm, Monday – Saturday. Tours take place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11am and 2pm For more information and a virtual tour visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7452344.stm Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Update from the Church of England General Synod agenda out now Government ‘moral without a compass’ says report into Church and Welfare Lambeth Conference London event to challenge global governments on tackling poverty Wider wedding welcome for couples as the Church of England names the day Dads feel more responsible for the spiritual care of their child 42 Day Detention Briefing Church publishes prayers to ease exam stress High level charity jump ‘Nice sermon, vicar but …’ Bishops’ office and working costs published Church secures new funding options to help meet challenge of training future clergy Make ‘Time for God’s creation’ New Bishop for Truro Diocese Zimbabwe: Archbishops call on UN for mediation and protection The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Cape Town yesterday spoke to Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, to express their grave concern about the increasing violence of what appears to be a sustained campaign against the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. Full details here Christian-Muslim engagement ‘for the sake of peace in our common home’ Archbishop of Canterbury and Religious Leaders call for Cooperation to Combat Poverty Archbishop attends opening of Goldsmiths’ Exhibition Dalai Lama welcomed at Lambeth Palace Archbishop of York’s Liverpool visit
Archbishop of York ‘s speech on the role of religion in politics Dr Sentamu launched a scathing attack on the consumerist values of society in a speech to the Institute of Jewish Policy Research. Read the full story here Cluster bombs: Archbishop of York commends Britain’s high moral tone Date Posted : 01/01/1900
BELLS PEAL AS ERDINGTON WELCOMES NEW VICAR The Revd Freda Evans was welcomed warmly to the parish of St Barnabas Erdington with a special service held both outside the church and in the hall of the primary school. St Barnabas Church in Erdington was hit by a fire last October but the tower remains intact and the bells were rung as the new vicar was instituted by Bishop David and inducted by the Venerable Brian Russell, Archdeacon of Aston. Balloons were also launched outside the church to welcome Freda to the parish and after a short open air service the congregation processed to St Barnabas Primary School where the worship continued. Freda was welcomed there with a series of presentations from people associated with the church, the community and the school. The Gospel reading was taken from John chapter 10 and the Bishop preached on the theme of Jesus, the good shepherd, keeping us safe with God. Speaking to the BBC earlier in the day outside the church, Freda said: “I hope this church can be a place of hope, because out of the ashes will come this wonderful phoenix." The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart said: “The Christian movement is flourishing in Erdington. St Barnabas, with other churches, is enabling people to get to know God better and to grow together as renewed communities.” Freda comes to St Barnabas Erdington from St Barnabas Kingshurst. She trained to be a priest in the Diocese of London, moving to Birmingham five and a half years ago.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
175th anniversary celebrations at St John's, Perry Barr 175 years may not seem very long to some churches, but St John's in Perry Barr is one of the older churches in the Diocese. The Church was consecrated in 1833, and last weekend celebrated its anniversary with a number of special events. The Church was open all weekend with exhibitions and displays of archives, and many people came to look up records of their ancestors or the special events in their own lives. On Saturday afternoon the congregation welcomed over 200 people from the local community to join them for a party. Cream teas were served all afternoon, and entertainment included saxophonist Jay Bigby and the Glorishears of Brummagem, a women's Morris Dancing group which meets to practise in St John's Church Hall. Bishop David visited on Saturday afternoon and was able to meet the congregation and local people, as well as being talked into trying out Morris Dancing! On Sunday morning the Archdeacon of Birmingham preached at the Festal Sung Eucharist and commissioned the new lay pastoral team at St John's. Fr Crispin Pailing, parish priest at St John's, said that the weekend had been a tremendous success: "It has been wonderful to have so many people join us in our celebrations. It has been important to us at St John's to be able to offer hospitality to those around us, and we were delighted that many people came back again on Sunday to our anniversary service. An important part of our mission strategy is welcoming our friends and neighbours to have fun with us, and we are building our church through fellowship." Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Faith leaders united in Alum Rock 'no-go area' debate Relationships between faith leaders from Alum Rock and Saltley have been strengthened by the challenge presented by recent events in the area, says Area Dean, the Revd Peter Smith. Following the story that two preachers had been asked to leave the area by a Police Community Support Officer, Christian Voice organized a ‘mass outreach’ this Saturday, June 14th. Faith leaders, who responded to the initial story by inviting the media to come and see how well they worked together, once again united to give out a leaflet of their own and free fruit juices. The leaflet, produced by the local Methodist minister, the Revd Christopher Shannahan said: “One but not the same. Local communities of faith: serving our community, sharing our stories sensitively, loving our neighbour and welcoming the stranger." They were given out on Saturday morning by volunteers. On the night before the 'outreach' some 600 school children took home a letter to their parents which affirmed the right of all in the community to ‘peacefully and respectfully follow and propagate their own beliefs’. The letter went on to urge all members of the community to 'act with the respect and courtesy that our neighbourhood is justly proud of’ during the mass outreach. The Revd Peter Smith, Area Dean of the local Yardley and Bordesley Deanery said: “Overall these incidents have bought us together and strengthened our trust and respect for one another as faith communities who work, learn and live in this neighbourhood together. “We hope those people from Christian Voice went away from here reassured that this area is not close to being a no-go area for the Good News of Jesus Christ but equally aware that faith communities can work together while remaining distinctive.” The Revd Peter Smith said he thought about 15 to 20 people joined the Christian Voice outreach in Alum Rock last Saturday. About the same number of people from local churches, mosques and Birmingham Citizens met at Saltley Methodist Church.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Prayer for the Lambeth Conference Bishop David will be attending the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury from July 16th to August 3rd. He will be one of many hundred Bishops from around the world. On Sunday July 13th at 4:00pm we will welcome to a celebration service at the Cathedral a group of Bishops invited by Bishop David to visit our Diocese before going to Canterbury. The tensions leading up to the calling of the Conference have been in the media regularly. Some Bishops will not attend, but will meet separately in Jerusalem and Jordan in June. What can bring us together is the call to prayer. A space has been arranged in the South Aisle to be available for prayer all the time the Cathedral is open. There is the opportunity to contribute your own reflections and prayers. The dates are: July 6th: Evensong at 3:30pm followed by prayer from 4:45pm – 5:15pm Tuesdays July 1st and 8th: Evensong at 6:00pm, prayer from 6:45pm – 7:15pm. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Notification of Appointments The Revd Richard Tebbs
Incumbent, The Yelverton Team (Exeter)
To be: Priest-in-charge, St Leonard Frankley with St Christopher Holly Hill (September)
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Churches to feast for Racial Justice all year Each year, Churches throughout Britain and Ireland mark Racial Justice Sunday. In 2008, this important day of worship and reflection is on 14th September. Racial Justice Sunday resources this year will take the form of a menu for "A Banquet for All People", based on Isaiah 25:6-9, where the prophet says God is preparing "a banquet for all the nations of the world". The special menu will give an opportunity for Churches and congregations to celebrate their diversity, and affirm the different cultural and ethnic backgrounds of their members.
Also on offer is a strong note of challenge about the deep racial inequalities that remain in society. For the first time, and as a result of requests for resources that can be used at any time of the year, racial justice materials for 2008 will include suggestions for other seasons besides Racial Justice Sunday. These include Black History Month (October), Advent (December) and even next year's summer holiday season. Under each heading, there is a sumptuous menu of worship materials, sermon ideas, discussion questions, and suggestions for practical responses to the issues raised. In addition to an attractively produced 32-page booklet, a wealth of additional resources including booklets, prayer cards, flyers and posters is now available.
Please contact Claire Hurley: email claire.hurley@ctbi.org.uk; phone 0207 654 7254. Supplementary items will shortly be available for download from www.ctbi.org.uk/racialjusticesunday. Churches are strongly encouraged to begin planning their racial justice activities now. Don't miss the feast. It may just be the best meal ever!
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
A Mission-shaped Church for Older People? This readily accessible resource, from Church Army and The Leveson Centre, should be invaluable for anyone who wants to think about the issues, problems and opportunities posed by an ageing population and then to take action. In his Foreword Dr John Sentamu says, ‘The way the book is set out will be warmly welcomed by busy and hard-pressed church leaders. In the first part, three modules (thirteen sessions including an introduction) are explained and planned – the leader has simply to familiarise themselves with the content and provide supportive material for each session. The second part contains a whole
range of helpful related material which should be placed in the hands of anyone who ministers among older people: the range is quite extraordinary. When you have read the book, don't pass it on. Buy some more copies to put into the hands of those engaged in any form of mission and ministry among adults today.’ This new resource is a joint venture through close collaboration between Church Army and the Leveson Centre for the Study of Ageing, Spirituality and Social Policy. It includes some of the material from an earlier Church Army manual, revised and updated, together with a considerable number of newly written chapters covering a wide range of relevant topics resulting from the first hand experience of the authors. The publication costs only £10.00 including p&p. Orders enclosing a cheque payable to The Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson should be sent to The Leveson Centre for the Study of Ageing, Spirituality and Social Policy, Temple House, Fen End Road, Temple Balsall, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0AN or visit www.levesoncentre.org.uk Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Small Advertisements New Wine Caravan Spaces Available
I am due to be going to New Wine at Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet between 3rd to 9th August. We have hired a 5 berth caravan for the week, but at the moment have only two people (one male and female) to fill it. Ideally it would be good if we could have another 2 people to fill the caravan. The cost for the caravan per person would then be around £125.00 each for the week. If anyone is interested in going to New Wine or is already going to New Wine that week and needs accommodation could you let me know asap. Andrew Rowe, 07968 377118 / 0121 303 3449 or email andrew@rowe21.freeserve.co.uk
Church organ wanted for church in Malawi
St Thomas's is a large church on the edge of the capital city Lilongwe, the parish priest is Fr Joseph. It is a very active church and the Diocesan offices for Lake Diocese are on the same site. They are looking for a church organ with the following features.
- Sustain and Silencer pedals
- Three decks - two treble, (optional) one bass
- Decks: Maximum of 6 octaves
- Model: Yamaha or Harmonica or Korg
Please contact Paul Wilson at the Diocesan Office.
Organist available
I am available as an organist for weddings and funerals. I would also be available to cover regualar organists who are on holiday, sick leave, retired etc.
I have many years of experience and would be able to travel to South Birmingham and churches near there. Contact Mary Roberts, tel: 07697 059 157. Brilliant Fundraisers and New Fundraising Ideas
A new website has been produced for charity fundraising ideas. This site is packed full of practical and easy ways to get your fundraising plans moving. There is also a section devoted specifically to Church Fundraising. Visit www.better-fundraising-ideas.com
Xerox copier - free to good home
St Mary's Wythall is disposing of a 5 year old Xerox Workcentre Pro 412 in full working order. The Manufacturer will stop production of spare parts at the end of the year, though parts and supplies should be available for some time to come. Toner cartridge, the Manual and software to enable the machine to be coupled to a Computer for Faxes, and printing are included. The copier can scan, double side, collate, enlarge and reduce.
Please contact Mike Godfrey on 0121 430 2775
Self catering christian conference centre
St Swithin's House, Barston, nr Solihull, which is owned by the Diocese, sleeps upto 24 folk in bunk beds in six bedrooms, and has a meeting room which can accommodate upto 60 people. There is a discount for UPA Churches. Full details: www.stswithinshouse.co.uk Noah’s Club, St Giles Church Holiday Club
Runs between 5th – 8th August & 12th - 15th August
12pm until 2pm. Painting, Games, Stories and songs, Water play, puzzles, arts and crafts. And 2 special visits from the farm animals and Tropical Inc. £1.00 admission per day. For Preschool children aged from 6 months to 5 years and their carers. For more information contact Alex, tel: 0121 722 3978 Junior Heroes Holiday Club
For ages 5 - 11 years old.
Week 1: Monday July 28th - Friday August 1st 2008 from 10am - 12noon every day. St. Giles Church Hall, Hawes Lane, Rowley Regis (Opposite the church, and next to the MOT garage) Week 2: Monday August 4th - Friday August 2nd 2008 from 10am - 12noon every day Hurst Green Methodist Church, Narrow Lane, Hurst Green. Telephone to book your place: Jodi Jones (Children's Worker) 07754676179; 0121 243 6210 Email: jo1308@hotmail.com Date Posted : 01/01/1900
More than 170 breakfasters gather for early morning Prayer Call Christian leaders from across the city were joined by leaders from the worlds of business and local government for the 2008 Birmingham Prayer Breakfast held on Friday June 6th from 7am to 9am in the Banqueting Suite of the Council House. The breakfast was hosted by ChaplaincyPlus and Birmingham Cathedral and guests included Jerry Blackett, Chief Executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Richard Brennan Chief Executive of Birmingham Forward, Caroline Coates President of Birmingham Law Society, Richard Edwards Chairman of Birmingham Forward, Cllr Ray Hassall Cabinet Member, Mick Laverty Chief Executive Advantage West Midlands and Cllr Alan Rudge Cabinet Member. Speakers and dignitaries were by over 170 business people to hear Caroline Spelman MP for Meriden and Chairman of the Conservative Party talk about ways in which the church and business community can work together to transform society. The Very Revd Bob Wilkes took the same theme in the context of the city and the Breakfast concluded with prayers led by the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart. Organiser, Chris Dinsdale of ChaplaincyPlus, said: "We hope this event helped inform the prayers of Christians and inspired them to greater service in both prayer and work for the good of all people living in and around this great city." Bishop David said: "It is a wonderful privilege to lead prayers for this city which is now very much my home and my focus. I am delighted that representatives from the business world, politicians and other leaders have come together to talk, think and pray about the way we can co-operate to transform society and make this city and region even better." ChaplaincyPlus serves the professional business community by being part of daily business life. It seeks to resource, encourage and support professionals working in Birmingham's city centre. For more information or details on the Prayer Breakfast please contact Chris Dinsdale on 0121 236 9472 or e-mail chris.dinsdale@chaplaincyplus.org.uk. Photo: from left to right - Bishop David Urquhart, Caroline Spelman and The Very Revd Bob Wilkes, Dean of Birmingham Cathedral.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Church says it with flowers - and runs out! On Sunday 1st June residents in Winson Green, Birmingham flocked to Bishop Latimer Church to join in the 10th anniversary celebrations and to participate in a free hanging basket workshop. Revd Geoff Kimber, vicar, said, “The hanging basket workshop was so successful that we ran out of baskets!” The workshop followed a service to celebrate 10 years of working, worshipping and ministering together as one congregation made up of worshippers from both the Anglican and United Reformed Church traditions. The service was led by the Bishop of Birmingham, Rt. Revd David Urquhart and Revd. Elizabeth Welch, URC Moderator of the West Midlands Synod. “We were bowled over by the attendance today. Most of the newcomers came from our immediate community with whom we are starting to build relationships,” said Revd Stuart Turner, URC minister at the church. The church is planning to repeat the free hanging basket workshop for residents on 28th September as part of the ‘Back to Church’ campaign. “This will also be our harvest celebration so it seems a good opportunity to replenish the hanging baskets with new flowers for autumn,” said Revd Geoff Kimber. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Birmingham Cathedral New Canon Liturgist I am pleased to announce that the Crown has approved the appointment of the Revd Janet Chapman as our Canon Liturgist. She will be installed on Friday 12th September at Evensong at 6pm. Janet is a graduate of Durham University in geography and theology. In between the two degrees she worked as a computer programmer for Midland Bank. She served as Deacon (before the ordination of women to the priesthood) and Curate in Darlington, Edinburgh and near York. She was Chaplain to Queen Ethelburga’s College, York and Harrogate Ladies College, and taught ethics and New Testament on the North East Ordination Course. Since 2001 she has served as Priest-in-charge of St. Mary’s Church, Banbury.
She has developed her interest in liturgy and music over a number of years and is Secretary for Praxismidlands, a liturgical development group, which meets regularly at this Cathedral. Janet is married to Peter, a web designer, and their two daughters are Emily, who is about to start at Camberley Art College, and Miriam who will start at a new school to prepare for her GCSEs in 2011. Janet says she has “a passion for mission through liturgy and pastoral encounters, and encouraging all to discover the Kingdom of God within them.”
I am delighted to welcome her to the Cathedral.
Bob Wilkes. Dean
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Leading your Church into Growth 2008 A 4 day course for clergy & lay leaders from across different traditions and denominations who are looking for help and encouragement in leading their church into growth. Venue: Swanwick - 3 - 6 November For more information, contact:
Tracie Hunt
St Alban's Summer Lectures 2008: The Tractarian Divines Date: 02 July 2008 Start: 7.30pm (refreshments from 7pm) John Henry Newnman: Apologist & Interpreter of the Spiritual Life The Right Reverend Geoffrey Rowell, Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Communion with the St Philip's Singers Date: 02 July 2008 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Wholeness and Healing Service Date: 05 July 2008 Start: 9.00 am. With Canon Henry Burgess. Cost: For more information, contact:
Mothers' Union Open Day Date: 05 July 2008 Starts: 11.00 am with a short service. A day to enjoy with a variety of stalls and activities, and an opportunity to find out more about Mothers' Union in Birmingham. Everyone welcome. Cost: For more information, contact:
Justice, Peace and Social Action Group Date: 06 July 2008 Start: 12.45 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Asylum Seekers Vigil in the Churchyard Date: 07 July 2008 Start: 5.00 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Children's Worker - Knowle Parish Church Date: 08 July 2008 Start: 7.00 pm. This course aims to address specific issues related to child protection in a church setting. For anyone who co-ordinates, supervises, leads or assists work with children and young people. Cost: £10.00 For more information, contact:
Child Protection Training Sessions - Child Protection Awareness Raising Date: 08 July 2008 Start: 7.00 pm. This course aims to address specific issues related to child protection in a church setting. For anyone who co-ordinates, supervises, leads or assists work with children and young people. Cost: £10.00 For more information, contact:
Holy Communion Date: 09 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Birmingham Annual Jewish-Christian Study Day Date: 09 July 2008 Start: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm. Finding a home in Birmingham: the experience of different communities. PROGRAMME: 9.30 Registration and coffee. 10.00 Rabbi Yossi Jacobs. Welcome. 10.15 Elkan Levy. From middle Europe to middle England: The Birmingham Jewish Experience. 11.15 Coffee 11.45 Dr Malcolm Dick. Local Communities and Local Experiences: from past to present. 12.45 Lunch and optional tour of the Synagogue. 2.00 Our stories. Speakers from the Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities. Followed by a chance to talk in small groups – sharing your story with people from different backgrounds. 3.20 Sir Bernard Zissman. Concluding remarks. 3.30 Final Prayer. Simple kosher lunch provided. Please book before 30 June. Cost: £12.00 For more information, contact:
3D Closing Service Date: 10 July 2008 Start: 7.30 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
St Swithin's Weekend Date: 11 July 2008 The event opens on Friday at 2.00pm to 5.30pm, Saturday 10.30am till 5.30pm, and Sunday 12.30pm till 5.30pm, preceded by an Open Air Service in the Hose Garden. There will be a Flower Festival in Church, an Arts and Crafts Exhibition in the Institute and refreshments served at all times in St. Swithin's House. There will be the opportunity to climb the Church Tower(inside!!) and guided tours round the Churchyard. Folk from churches within the Diocese will be able to see the full facilities of St. Swithin's House - a diocesan self catering conference centre. Cost: For more information, contact:
Diocesan Lambeth Celebration Date: 13 July 2008 Start: 4.00 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Child Protection Training Sessions - Working Safely with children and young people Date: 14 July 2008 Start: 7.00 pm. How to provide a safe physical environment when working with children and young people in church settings. For those who work directly with children and young people. Cost: £10.00 For more information, contact:
Malawi Evening Date: 14 July 2008 Start: 7.30pm. The event will include refreshments, stalls, prayer, news from Malawi and the opportunity to meet Bishop James Tengatenga, as well as an optional walk on the Lickey Hills. . The evening is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the important link between the Diocese of Birmingham and the Anglican Church in Malawi. www.lickeychurch.com Cost: For more information, contact:
Caring for an Older Relative Date: 15 July 2008 Times: 11.00 am - 15.15 pm. In the UK more than six million people are involved in caring for a relative, friend or neighbour. By the end of the seminar, we hope that participants will have a deeper understanding of the important role of carers and their need for support and encouragement and of the assistance available for them. See www.levesoncentre.org.uk Cost: £50 / £40 / £35 For more information, contact:
Retired Clergy Meeting Date: 15 July 2008 Start: 10.30 am. Cost: For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 15 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Communion with the St Philip's Singers Date: 16 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Sacred Heart Chapter of Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary Date: 16 July 2008 Start: 7.45pm. All are welcome to attend. Cost: For more information, contact:
Faiths in Public Life - Faith Encounter Programme Date: 17 July 2008 Objectives 1. To gain an understanding of the significant contribution of faith communities to public life. 2. To appreciate the implications for service providers of faith diversity in both the workplace and the wider community. First Venue: St Martins in the Bull Ring 9.00 Registration, welcome and introductions 9.30 Faiths in Birmingham: an overview. 10.15 Two faith based organisations involved in public life: (1) St Martin’s in the Bull Ring/Health and Healing Centre. Speaker: Ms Elizabeth Harris, Faith Guide for St Martins, Reader Travel to Handsworth by minibus 11.30 (2) Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, Soho Rd. 1.00 Lunch: vegetarian, at the Gurdwara Second Venue: Nishkam Civic Association Centre, Soho Road 2.00 Faiths and the law: issues of difference and diversity. 2.45 Break for conversation 3.00 Implications for the workplace: issues, group discussion and ways forward. 3.45 Conclusions 4.15 Depart Course fee includes transport, resource pack, lunch and refreshments. Book before 11th July. Fees payable by cash or cheque made out to ‘Faith Encounter Project’ Cost: £100 per person, 20 % discount for block bookings of 3 or more people. For more information, contact:
Wholeness and Healing Date: 17 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. With The Revd Canon Henry Burgess Cost: For more information, contact:
Jewels in His Crown Date: 18 July 2008 Do join us at ‘Inspire’ – which is the title of this year’s Jewels in His Crown weekend for British Asians and all engaged in ministry amongst British Asians. With guest speakers Ram Gidoomal and Krish Kandiah and a variety of workshops, praise times, teaching and fellowship, we are sure that there will be something there for everyone. For those bringing children, we have work led by Sarah Bingham of Scripture Union www.scriptureunion.org.uk/YourCommunity/LocalTeams/Evangelists/SarahBingham/5718.id and for the little ones there is Daniel’s Den, danielsden.org.uk/. Young people will be able to join with Naujavan, a youth organisation from Southampton www.9javan.co.uk/aboutus.html. The brochure may be found at www.jewelsinhiscrown.co.uk, along with a printer-friendly version of the booking form, to fill in and return as soon as possible. Cost: For more information, contact:
An Organ Recital Date: 19 July 2008 Featuring and celebrating our new Phoenix Organ Organist: Phil Ypres-Smith (Organist of St George’s Edgbaston) Programme will include works by: J.S.Bach, John Stanley, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Louis Vierne and Percy Whitlock Refreshments available. Cost: ticket £5 (concessions £3) For more information, contact:
GreenFest 08 Date: 19 July 2008 Including: organic and local produce for sale; free low-wattage light bulbs for local pensioners; Fairtrade refreshments and much more! Also recycle old mobile phones, printer cartridges, spectacles, stamps and paint; info about green goods and services; bring your surplus garden produce and raise money for Save the children; electric vehicle demonstrations. Cost: For more information, contact:
Asylum Seekers Vigil in the Churchyard Date: 21 July 2008 Start: 5.00 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 22 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. With The Revd Canon Peter Howell-Jones Cost: For more information, contact:
Holy Communion Date: 23 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Holy Communion Date: 30 July 2008 Start: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Incumbent - St Luke Kingstanding Salary: Diocesan incumbent stipend For
further information Church Watch - St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter Salary: For
further information Director of Music - S.Augustine's, Edgbaston Salary: Top RSCM rate (c.£5000 p.a.) + generous fees For
further information Vicar - St Margaret's Olton Salary: For
further information P/t Youth Worker - St Thomas Garretts Green Salary: For
further information Vicar - St John and St Peter, Ladywood Salary: Diocesan incumbent stipend For
further information P/t Youth Worker - St Andrew's, Barnt Green Salary: JNC scale depending on experience and qualifications. For
further information |
 |
| Diocese of Birmingham, 175 Harborne Park Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 0BH Tel: 0121 426 0400 email: website@birmingham.anglican.org Site map Website designed by Morse-Brown Design and Penguin Boy |
