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Bishop's Comment Topical Comment News Courses Events Bishop's CommentWalk Through Winter This winter the environment is staying high on the agenda as politicians, environmentalists and faith communities gear up for the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December. Here in the Diocese of Birmingham I have convened a group to begin working on an environmental policy to both inspire our practice and give us practical ways forward to include care for creation into the core of our discipleship and mission. There is a workshop at the Transforming Discipleship workshop that will help us think about these issues led by one of the church’s leading thinkers in this area, David Shreeve. (Still time to book if you have not already done so…) I have decided that I need to make a firm and practical commitment to play a visible part in this important area of mission and have made a decision to walk through winter making fewer journeys that are powered by petrol and instead using my carbohydrates to cut down on carbon!. I am committed to walking through winter for a number of reasons. Going by foot does not produce any carbon and shrinks my personal footprint; it gives me a chance to reconnect with the seasons and enjoy the variations in the weather and it is a chance for me to look closely at my local environment and understand what is happening on the streets, in the parks and on the High Street. Once the weather changes and the nights become longer it is all too easy to stay inside in a centrally-heated room and then to jump straight into the car, bus or taxi without really spending any time outdoors. In this way we can become disconnected from the seasons and the climate patterns which in turn may begin to make us insensitive to the needs of the planet and the environment on a global scale.” As Christians we believe that God’s work of love and generosity involves both making and repairing the whole of creation – and that our most important job is to work with him. Caring for creation is an issue of stewardship, justice, mission and discipleship and I hope you will join me in this simple step to a greener Diocese of Birmingham. If many of us make a conscious effort we will not only reduce carbon emissions but begin to change mindsets and habits. In the Green movement we have seen how small, simple acts have transformed people and places in a radical way. To help us reflect on our responsibility and God’s loving concern for creation we are hosting an art installation based on Noah’s Ark at Birmingham Cathedral. The installation will be running from Monday November 16th to Thursday November 19th – do come and visit it if you can and has been produced by pupils at Bartley Green High School. If you want to get inspired by what the church is doing nationally to shrink the footprint and cut carbon, get plugged into the Advent Calendar produced by Communications Unit at Church House which can be found at www.whywearewaiting.com May God bless you and all that you steward, Bishop David
Treading Lightly Our vicar asked me in June 2007 if I would take the job of reducing our church’s carbon footprint. I knew something about “Global Warming” but I needed to find out more. So I read a number of books and the most helpful were: “Heat” by George Monbiot, I convened a working group and we decided that lowering our church’s carbon foot print should involve the congregation in reducing their own footprints: as well as our making our church buildings as energy efficient as possible. My wife Carolyn and I felt we couldn’t ask others to try anything that we had not tried ourselves. We calculated our own carbon footprint in 2007 as 9.9 tonnes. We began by changing our light bulbs. Our double- glazing needed replacing and we considered the thermal efficiency of the products, as well as price. We started using public transport and walking to church; we could now go to the pub on the way home. We realised that we didn’t need two cars, so we sold one. When we changed the remaining car, the replacement was more comfortable, bigger and sportier than our last one and has better C02 emission figures! We decided to give up flying, this year we travelled to France by Euro Star and SNCF. We regularly read our meters, whilst looking for a cheap electricity tariff, we found out about “Ecotricity” and signed up, this meant our electricity consumption could be removed from our carbon footprint calculations. Undoubtedly, carbon footprint reduction requires life style revision. We grow a proportion of our own vegetables organically on our allotment and we try to buy as much seasonal, local produce as we can. We now eat less meat and very little dairy produce. We do not leave anything on “Stand by”, we’ve turned our thermostats down and we don’t boil a full kettle unless we need to. The washing gets done at the lowest temperature possible, we use the tumble drier only when necessary and I wash up instead of using the dishwasher…. Sometimes! My friends at St Stephen’s are endlessly supportive and we are making a difference. * Carbon footprint is calculated using formulae published in “Carbon Calculator” by Mark Lynas. Pub. Collins. Richard Foreman. St Stephen's Rednal and a memeber of the Bishop's Environmental Round Table.
Ark launched at Birmingham Cathedral Pupils from a Birmingham school will be attempting to create the world’s largest origami ark at the launch of an art installation designed to raise awareness of climate change. Ark@Birmingham Cathedral will be launched on Monday November 16th at 1.45 by pupils from Bartley Green School and the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart. The pupils from year 8 have created an installation based on lanterns, lights, symbols and a DVD of images to encourage a fresh look at the story of Noah’s Ark during inter-faith week. To launch the ark they will be creating a huge origami ark made from paper donated by BPM media. Following the launch the installation will be viewed by local Primary School children who will attend workshops at the Cathedral, visitors to the city centre church and the clergy of the Diocese who are gathering for a study day. Dignitaries and faith leaders have been invited for a private view during the evening of November 16th . Bishop David Urquhart said: “I am very excited about the launch of the ark. I know the young people have been working hard to create something beautiful and thought-provoking which reflects the importance of the Noah’s Ark story to Christian, Muslims and Jews.” Artist-in-residence Rosie Hogg said; “The story itself is in many ways quite contemporary and highlights issues within local environments and communities, as well as the wider world. Whether from a religious background or not, the story prompts us to think about our own place within a community and how we relate to each other, trust each other and work together to improve the world in which we live.” Ark@Birmingham Cathedral is a Christian contribution to Inter-Faith week and has been supported by funding from the Grantham Yorke Trust, and The Saltley Trust. It is a partnership between these trusts, Bartley Green School, Birmingham Cathedral, Operation Noah and the Diocese of Birmingham. During Inter-Faith week the Ark will be the base for Christian Aid to encourage climate change lobbying and the multi faith declaration on climate change will be relaunched during a meeting of the Birmingham Sustainability Forum on November 17th. Date Posted : 01/01/1900
‘Walk Through Winter,’ urges Bishop of Birmingham The Bishop of Birmingham is putting his best foot forward to cut carbon and reconnect with the seasons this winter in a small step to avert the crisis of climate change. Bishop David Urquhart is urging people to leave the car behind and make short journeys by foot or bicycle despite the shortening of the days and the arrival of wintry weather. In his monthly Diocesan Newsletter the Bishop suggested that people should aim to make one less fuel-powered journey each day and to use a green alternative like walking or cycling. He said: “I am committed to walking through winter for a number of reasons. Going by foot does not produce any carbon and shrinks my personal footprint; it gives me a chance to reconnect with the seasons and enjoy the variations in the weather and it is a chance for me to look closely at my local environment and understand what is happening on the streets, in the parks and on my local High Street. “Once the weather changes and the nights become longer it is all too easy to stay inside in a centrally-heated room and then to jump straight into a car, bus or taxi without really spending any time outdoors. In this way we can become disconnected from the seasons and the climate patterns which in turn may begin to make us insensitive to the needs of the planet and the environment on a global scale.” “As Christians we believe that God’s work of love and generosity involves both making and repairing the whole of creation – and that our most important job is to work with him.”
Bishop David said that although the problems of the planet could seem overwhelming the impact of many people taking small steps to cut carbon could have a significant impact. Last winter Bishop David urged people to avoid waste at Christmas and hosted a green give-away where more than 450 unwanted gifts were given to visitors to Birmingham Cathedral as a reminder that presents don’t have to cost the earth to be valuable. He also led a service at a household recycling centre on the same day. This November the Bishop is launching a five day art installation based on the story of Noah’s Ark which will be exhibited at Birmingham Cathedral. Primary School children will be invited to visit the exhibition and take part in workshops designed to help them reflect on climate change. The installation is being produced by students in Year 8 at Bartley Green School.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
'BNP has nothing to do with Christianity,' say Church Leaders in Birmingham Church leaders from across the city of Birmingham have come together to give a clear message that the divisive policies of the BNP are counter to the gospel of Jesus Christ, as the BBC prepares to include the partys leader Nick Griffin on their premier political programme, Question Time. The leading clergy, pastors and ministers include Bishops from the Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches, free-church leaders, tutors from the citys theological college, The Queens Foundation, and the Chair of the Council of Black-led Churches, which represents over 200 churces in the Midlands. In their statement the church leaders distance themselves from claims made during the European Elections that the British National Party stand for a Christian Britain and are defenders of the Christian Heritage of this country. They say: "The The BNP has nothing to do with Christianity and many of its hate filled, fear generating messages are completely counter to the loving challenge of the Christian gospel.The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, and celebrating the international, multi racial, multi ethnic nature of our churches we feel our faith in Jesus calls us to The full text of the statement and a list of signatories follow: "As representatives of Christian Churches in Birmingham we wish to express our real concern at the invitation given by the BBC to BNP leader Nick Griffin to the popular programme Question Time due to take place next Thursday. The BNP sometimes claims it is standing for Christian Britain. We refute that wholeheartedly and would like to point out that some churches have stated that BNP membership is incompatible with Christian discipleship. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, and celebrating the international, multi racial, multi ethnic nature of our churches we feel our faith in Jesus calls us to positively engage and work with our neighbours of other faith traditions.
The BNP has nothing to do with Christianity and many of its hate filled, fear generating messages are completely counter to the loving challenge of the Christian gospel. We celebrate the wonderful God-given diversity of our city, region and nation."
The Revd Bill Anderson - Birmingham District Chair, Methodist Church The Revd Lorraine Dixon - Deanery Missioner, Anglican Diocese of Birmingham Major Sam Edgar - Divisional Commander, Salvation Army The Revd Julian Francis - Centre for Black Ministries and Leadership, Queens Foundation for Theological Education, Birmingham The Revd Ray Gaston - Inter Faith Enabler, Birmingham District Methodist Church The Revd Dr Toby Howarth - Inter Faith Advisor to the Bishop of Birmingham The Rt Revd William Kenny - Administrator, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham The Revd Roy Lowes - West Midlands Moderator, United Reformed Church Dr Andy Mackie - Leader, Riverside Church Birmingham The Revd Lynnette Mullings - Centre for Black Ministries and Leadership, Queens Foundation for Theological Education, Birmingham Dr Anthony Reddie - Research Fellow in Black Theological Studies for The British Methodist Church Bishop Basil Richards - Church of God of Prophecy The Rt Revd David Urquhart - Anglican Bishop of Birmingham Pastor Calvin Young - Chair of the Council of Black-led Churches Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Update from the Church of England Archbishop of Canterbury Sermon to mark the end of military operations in Iraq “In a world as complicated as ours has become, it would be a very rash person who would feel able to say without hesitation, this was absolutely the right or the wrong thing to do, the right or the wrong place to be.” Read the full text of the sermon given on the 9th October 2009 by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a service of commemoration to mark the end of military operations in Iraq, held at St Paul’s Cathedral London Comments are welcome, to Peter Crumpler, Director of Communications, at commsupdate@c-of-e.org.uk Environment
Act local as well as national urges Dr Williams In a lecture at Southwark Cathedral (sponsored by the Christian environmental group Operation Noah) the Archbishop of Canterbury, set out a Christian vision of how people can respond to the looming environmental crisis saying the Bible offers “an ethical perspective based on reverence for the whole of life”. Women bishops
Latest from Revision Committee on Women in the Episcopate
The Revision Committee established by the General Synod to consider the draft legislation on enabling women to become bishops in the Church of England on the 8th October completed the first phase of its work. The Committee has further meetings planned between now and December and is aiming to complete its task by Christmas so that its report can be debated in full Synod in February and the draft legislation begin its Revision Stage in full Synod. More here Archbishop of York
Sex buyers beware: you are now a target
Dr Sentamu has tabled a bid to stop women being forced into vice. “The Policing and Crime Bill is making its way through the House of Lords and it is important that everyone, regardless of political allegiance or background, unites to ensure the bill is passed so we can send a strong message that funding sex slavery, and the systematic abuse of women, is not acceptable in this country. That is why I feel the time is right to speak out.” Read the full story Weddings
Churches hosting the whole wedding day
Wedding-with-reception package saves time and money, say couples More churches should be saying yes to couples who want their whole wedding day - ceremony and reception - in church, say two Church of England bishops. Read more about what the Bishop of Hereford the Rt Revd Anthony Priddis and the Bishop of London the Rt Revd Richard Chartres have to say and listen to the wedding podcast. Public Affairs
Response to interim policy on Assisted Suicide The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Revd Michael Langrish, has released a statement responding to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Interim Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Assisted Suicide. The Archbishops’ Council’s Mission and Public Affairs Division has created a website section called Protecting Life – Opposing Assisted Suicide Rural Affairs
Conference to explore the future of the countryside
A major conference is to bring together leading thinkers on rural economies, planning, policy and mission to explore the sustainability of rural communities and their churches. Faith and the Future of the Countryside – 2010 will also mark 20 years from the publication of Faith in the Countryside, the seminal report of the Archbishop’s Commission on Rural Areas chaired by Lord Prior. Top of the Podcast
Latest downloads from CofE This month, Dr Rachel Jordan, the Archbishops Councils Mission and Evangelism Associate, talks about how young people are communicating God’s love through ice-cream, surfing and sock puppets - thanks to the latest round of pump-priming grants from the Youth Evangelism Fund. Subscribe to the podcasts. Read more stories online Date Posted : 01/01/1900
The Christmas Factor Ecclesiastical have teamed up with ChurchAds.Net and their “Christmas starts with Christ” campaign to bring you the ‘The Christmas Factor’ competition.
All you need to do is compose the lyrics and melody of a new carol, no longer than three verses in total, based around the theme of the Nativity.
All entries will be individually judged by a panel and the winner will win the following fantastic prizes:
• £1,000 prize money for your church or local church group
• A professionally produced version of the carol
• A performance of your carol on your own doorstep
• Promotion and downloadable version of the carol from ChurchAds.Net
Plus, we’ll aim to get your name in lights with a little publicity for you and your church.
"We at Ecclesiastical see the competition as a fantastic way to raise the Church’s message, support the valuable work already taking place in the community and reinforce the core spiritual values of Christmas. So if you agree with us that carolling should remain a vital part of the Christmas celebration, get inspired...and get composing."
Please visit www.ecclesiastical.com/christmasfactor for full details of how to enter and to view full Terms & Conditions.
The closing date for entries is 5pm on 27 November 2009.
Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Book review: Confidence in The Living God - David and Goliath revisited By The Rt Revd Andrew Watson Confidence lies at the heart of society, determining the success or failure of the economy, the government, companies, schools, churches and, of course, individuals. As Christians, we are called to proclaim our faith in God, but how can we build and maintain this confidence in an increasingly secularised culture where such faith is often seen as marginal, embarrassing or even downright dangerous? Using the story of David and Goliath, Andrew Watson takes a narrative theology approach to show how the Lord can indeed be our confidence, whatever the odds. He explores how God can develop a proper self-confidence within individuals and his Church, revealing the gospel through transforming words and transformed lives. A marvellously balanced, thought-provoking and inspiring account of how it is still possible to believe with confidence in a God who is already at work in his world, and who is longing to free us from fear, unbelief, and misconceptions to become the world-changing church that we are called to be. Andrew Watson is Bishop of Aston and is involved in promoting church growth and leadership across the diocese of Birmingham. He was previously vicar of St Stephens, East Twickenham, where he helped pioneer three church plants. He has also written The Fourfold Leadership of Jesus (BRF, 2008). Confidence in the Living God, published on 24 July 2009, priced £7.99 ISBN 978 1 84101 643 6 Please see below link to the BRF website for further information: http://www.brf.org.uk/pages/data.asp?layout=product.htm&idisbn.exact=9781841016436 Date Posted : 01/01/1900
Birmingham Churches Together Training Opportunities BCT Training provides learning opportunities for those who facilitate or support the learning of adults, young people and families. We focus particularly on providing the skills and knowledge needed to assist those who find learning difficult. Quite often those who are best placed to encourage adults back Venue: BCT: Training, All Saints' House, 172 Herbert Road, Small Heath For more information, contact:
The Bishop’s Certificate in Children’s Ministry 2009 - 2010 The Bishop’s Certificate in Children’s Ministry offers a professional quality-training programme to encourage, equip and enthuse those who work with children in church. The training programme is held on seven Saturdays from September 2009 to November 2010.
26 September 2009 - Unit 1 ‘The Child of Today’
28 November 2009 - Unit 2 ‘Children Growing With God’
27 February 2010 - Unit 3 ‘God’s Story – Our Story’
24 April 2010 - Unit 4 ‘The Spirit of the Child’
19 June 2010 - Unit 5 ‘Planning, Behaviour Management & Resources’
25 September 2010 - Unit 6 ‘Safe to Grow’
20 November 2010 - Unit 7 ‘Follow the Leader’
The programme is designed for anyone who is involved with children in church: Sunday School or Junior Church teachers; playgroup, crèche or after school club leaders and helpers; worship leaders; paid or volunteer Children’s Workers; as well as clergy, readers and ministers. It is also possible to participate in any of the units as a single training day!
Booking forms are available from Jelena Cammack. Completed booking forms should be returned to the Ministries Forum, 175 Harborne Park Road, Birmingham B17 0BH by 31 July 2009.
Venue: For more information, contact:
Jelena Cammack
Learning for Discipleship 2009 - 2010 An accessible programme of serious study in an attractive and flexible format. ‘LEARNING FOR DISCIPLESHIP’ has grown out of and builds on the popular Introduction to Theology programme and offers many of the same opportunities, plus some exciting new ones. Autumn 2009
Introduction to Christian Theology
Bible and Liberation
Basic Greek
Basic Hebrew
Orthodoxy and Heresy: The birthpangs of Christianity
Good practice in working with children
Working with adults
Spring 2010
Five modern theologians
Cross and salvation
Black and Asian Christian theology
Seeds of the Modern Church: religious thought and practice in the 19th century
Studies in a Gospel: Luke
Greek texts
Preparing children's programmes in church
Working with adults 2
Summer 2010
The theology of the Church of England, past, present and future
Women's readings of the Bible
Issues in church based children's work
For information on all of these courses please click here.
For an enrolment form please click here.
Venue: The Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Somerset Road, Edgbaston. For more information, contact:
Andrea Stevens or Liz Howlett
The Training in Jungian Analytical Psychotherapy New Intake for September 2010. The training will bring together the development of personal insight, intensive and well-grounded academic study and practices of observation. The capacity to link insight, observation and theory is the kernel of good practice; its education is the purpose of this training.
This four-year course includes personal Jungian analytical psychotherapy, lectures and seminars, supervised clinical work, infant observation, annual essays and psychiatric placement.
Teaching is on Saturdays in Birmingham. Successful completion will lead to UKCP Registration (CP&JA Section) and Associate Professional Membership of the West Midlands Institute of Psychotherapy.
For further information, including a training brochure and application form, please contact:-Sue Harford, Administrator, Jungian Training Committee,PO Box 955, Doncaster, DN10 4WR
Please note that the application period opens on 1st October 2009 and the closing date for applications is 31st January 2010.
West Midlands Institute of Psychotherapy is a Company Limited by GuaranteeCompany Registration No. 2883306Registered Charity No. 1031011
Venue: For more information, contact:
Sue Harford
The Groundwork Land Volunteers Programme Over 50 but not ready to retire? Would you like to join us and meet new friends? We are offering an 8 week course that will include: · Training and Certification Training and work experience will take place in the Birmingham B11, 12, 13 areas. You must live in these areas to qualify for FREE Training If you are unemployed and claiming ‘EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT ALLOWANCE’ or ‘INCAPACITY BENEFIT’? – This training will not affect your benefits? Please contact Carol on reception on to register for The Groundwork Land Volunteers Programme. Be a volunteer – TODAY! Venue: Training and work experience will take place in the Birmingham B11, 12, 13 areas. For more information, contact:
Carol
Eating Disorders and Self Harm Self Harm is often a subject youth workers are frightened Saturday 6th February 2010, 10.00am to 3.00pm When children and young people harm themselves, it can be very difficult to know how to deal with the situation and what you can do to support them. This training will help you think through the issues surrounding this sensitive subject and how as a parish or a children's or youth worker you might respond BEFORE an issue arises.
The course is for all those who work with older children and young people and Parish Child Protection Co-ordinators. Contact Helen Tomblin for more information or to book a place. Venue: Diocesan Office
175 Harborne Park Road For more information, contact:
Helen Tomblin
Faith Guiding Course Skills for guiding visiting groups at places of worship. Venue: Queensbridge School, Moseley, B13 8QB (buses 50, 35) For more information, contact:
Ruth Tetlow
Who is fleeing persecution and seeking sanctuary? Evening course on on Mondays 1, 8 and 22 February 2010 Restore’s training is offered to all those who are interested in becoming volunteer befrienders of asylum seekers and refugees. Anyone wishing to gather further information on asylum and refugee issues is also welcome. (NB There is no obligation to volunteer with Restore at the end of the course!).
Week one: introduction to Restore and an overview of asylum issues, exposing some of the media myths about asylum, introduction to befriending and hearing the personal experience of a befriender. Week two: introduction to the asylum application process and hearing the first-hand experience of a refugee or asylum seeker. Week three: the practicalities of befriending including guidelines, qualities, boundaries, cross cultural issues and the support offered to volunteers. All sessions include interactive elements. Venue: All Saints Church, 172 Herbert Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0PR For more information, contact:
Jeremy Thompson
Tuesday Talks Date: 17 November 2009 Time: 1.10 pm. Revd Canon Nigel Hand Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Communion Service - St Philip's Singers Date: 18 November 2009 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Global Poverty, Seeking Justice: People of Faith in Action Date: 18 November 2009 Time: 7.30 – 9.30 pm Part of Interfaith Week 2009 - a lively, thought provoking and varied programme from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities, showing how they are engaged with issues of world poverty. There will be light refreshments and a chance to meet and talk. We'll be launching the JDC Multi-Faith Project at this event so come along and find out more! http://jdcbirmingham.wordpress.com Cost: For more information, contact:
A community development approach to the use of church buildings Date: 19 November 2009 Time: 9.30 - 4.15 pm. The conference will be a mix of national and local speakers, workshops and project visits. During the day, a DVD and Toolkit will be launched, designed to support parishes and communities through a step by step approach to the development of church buildings, adopting and promoting a community development approach. Please contact Jo Gibbon for an application form. Cost: £40 for parishes (1 clergy and 2 parishioners, 1 toolkit per parish) For more information, contact:
St Cecilia Cathedral Choir Concert Date: 20 November 2009 Time: 7.30 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir Date: 21 November 2009 Time: 3.30 pm. With St Chad's Choir, Shrewsbury Cost: For more information, contact:
Bishop's Conference - Transforming Disciples Date: 21 November 2009 Bishop David is seeking to invite to his conference for lay people those who are: wanting to grow in their Christian faith and life looking to serve Christ better in their church, neighbourhood or daily life keen to live in the best way they can as Christian people who make a difference for God in the world already active but are open to contributing in new ways able to encourage other lay people after the conference and build on the enthusiasm and energy generated If this is you do get in touch or speak to your vicar/churchwarden. Cost: £10 per delegate For more information, contact:
City Women Gatherings 2009 - Half day retreat Date: 21 November 2009 10.00 am—2.00 pm A retreat for maximum 12 people with sessions led by life coach Rosalyn Clare, and spiritual director Ali Mackenzie. Cost: £50 per person including coffee, lunch and all materials For more information, contact:
Tuesday Talks Date: 24 November 2009 Time: 1.10 pm. With Revd Canon Nigel Hand Cost: For more information, contact:
Holy Communion Service Date: 25 November 2009 Time: 1.10 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Preaching and Teaching about Science and Religion – a discussion group. Date: 26 November 2009 Time: 7.00 p.m. The Darwin 150 celebrations this year, and the continuing activity of few well known 'public figures' have combined to bring publicity to the interaction between science and religion. There have been strong views expressed from both sides of the (assumed) divide, promoting standpoints of either strict biblical or strict scientific infallibility. Preachers and Teachers in the churches are faced with the need to respond to the concerns raised whilst taking in to account the scientific and theological backgrounds of their congregations . The purpose of establishing this discussion group is to allow for the exchange of ideas, experiences and resources, so that those who 'labour in the vineyard' are enabled to learn from one another and so aid the understanding of those for whom they 'preach and teach' It would be appreciated if you would indicate your intention to come. Cost: For more information, contact:
Focus on Malawi - A time of celebration and information on our Partnership Date: 26 November 2009 Time: 19:30 This St Andrew's Tide world mission event will be focused on our Partner church in Malawi and will be a time of celebration as well as an opportunity to find out more about what has been happening during the past year. The evening will include a guest speaker from USPG who is a mission partner based in a hospital in Malawi. There will also be presentations from people from our churches in Birmingham who have been to Malawi this year. In addition there will be time for news and updates regarding all four dioceses. The trip programme for 2010 will be launched during the evening so please encourage those who may be interested in travelling to Malawi themselves. Cost: For more information, contact:
Choral Evensong with Visiting Choir Date: 28 November 2009 Time: 3.30 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
Advent Procession by Candlelight - Boys' and Men's voices Date: 29 November 2009 Time: 3.30 pm. Cost: For more information, contact:
World Aids Day Exhibition Date: 30 November 2009 30th November - 1st December. All day. Cost: For more information, contact:
World Aids Day - Fashion Parade Date: 01 December 2009 Time: 7.30pm at The Bull and processing to the Cathedral for an Act of Remembrance and release of Sky Lanterns (weather permitting) at 8pm, followed by refreshments. All Welcome. Cost: For more information, contact:
Great Big Christmas Sing - carol concert Date: 04 December 2009 Start: 7 pm. Birmingham’s Young Strings Project will be the leading act at Christian Aid’s second annual Great Big Christmas Sing. Tickets are available from Birmingham Central Library or by calling 0121 303 2323 or on-line at www.birminghamboxoffice.co.uk Cost: Tickets cost £7.50 in advance (£10 on the night). For more information, contact:
Family Christmas Craft Workshops Date: 05 December 2009 Time: 10:30am—12:30pm. Christmas Crafts for Families using recycled and reused materials, led by community artist Debra Hall Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please book in advance. Cost: £2.00 per person. For more information, contact:
International Carol Service Date: 05 December 2009 Time: 2pm Please join us for a multilingual celebration of the birth of Jesus. All Welcome. Cost: For more information, contact:
The Wave - the UK’s biggest ever demonstration in support of action on climate change Date: 05 December 2009 On Saturday 5 December 2009, ahead of the crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen, tens of thousands of people from all walks of life will flow through the streets of London to demonstrate their support for a safe climate future for all. www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-wave Cost: For more information, contact:
Advent Service Date: 05 December 2009 Start: 11 am. Mothers' Union are holding an Advent Service. All are welcome. Come and help prepare the crib for the Christ Child. Young people are invited to bring a picture they have made depicting a carol. Cost: For more information, contact:
An Advent Retreat: Travelling Towards Bethlehem to be born Date: 07 December 2009 7th – 11th December 2009 Led by John Bell Advent and Christmas are perhaps the most nostalgia-ridden times in the Christian year, so much so that there are two stories. One was scripted by Hollywood and has to do with robins, bells and drummer boys. The other was ordained by God and it is about the lighting up of insignificant people and places in a divine project. On this retreat we will journey towards Christmas and try to make it feel as if it were the first time. Visit www.launde.org.uk Cost: £325.00 including all meals and accommodation For more information, contact:
The 2009 University of Birmingham Carol Service Date: 07 December 2009 Time: 6:15 pm. A joyful Christmas celebration for staff, students and families. All are welcome: no booking or ticket is required. Cost: For more information, contact:
Christmas Cabaret at Launde Abbey: “One Enchanted Evening” with West End musical theatre star, David Kent. Date: 11 December 2009 11th or 12th December 2009 Come along and enjoy a magical evening of entertainment featuring music and comedy from classic and contemporary musical theatre. Guests will receive a complimentary drink on arrival, followed by a two-course supper and coffee. Cost: £25.00 per head in aid of the Save Launde Abbey Appeal For more information, contact:
Bearing the Open Secret: The enduring legacy of Lesslie Newbigin Date: 11 December 2009 A day conference to mark the centenary of Lesslie Newbigin - bishop, pioneer ecumenist, missionary theologian. Information and booking forms are available at www.ctbi.org.uk Cost: £35 including lunch For more information, contact:
Still Before Christmas Date: 18 December 2009 18th – 20th December 2009 Led by Mark Argent Modern Christmases often revolve around food and film. Here’s an opportunity to explore the spiritual dimensions of both, looking at the way we relate to God and each other as we eat, and watch, talk and pray. Visit www.launde.org.uk Cost: £160.00, including all meals and accommodation For more information, contact:
Quiet Day Date: 20 December 2009 The maker of the world is born a begging child. The Revd Ruth Tuschling www.offahouseretreat.co.uk Cost: For more information, contact:
Sexuality and Human Flourishing Date: 06 February 2010 Time: 10.00 am – 4.30 pm A Day Conference to explore and celebrate our relationship with God, with each other, and with our inner selves. The aim of this conference is to create a safe and holy space in which we can explore the themes of human sexuality, faith, and relationships, through listening, reflection and discussion. What is it about our sexuality that informs and expresses the nature of our humanity and our relationship with God? Conference Joining Information and Booking Form from Daphne Cook, Centre for the Study of Christianity and Sexuality. All are welcome Cost: Cost £15 (Concessions £5) For more information, contact:
Thinking about serving God? CMEAC Vocations Day Conference 2010 Date: 20 February 2010 Time: 10 am - 6.00 pm. Each of us is called to ministry, serving God in different ways. Understanding how we can develop our personal gifts can be a confusing process! Designed particularly for those who are 17-35, the CMEAC Vocations Conference is your opportunity to explore specific ways of developing your ministry. Cost: £15 For more information, contact:
Rev. Michael Counsell is organising a visit to the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2010 Date: 04 August 2010 Deadline for booking is end of May 2008. Brochures will be available soon for all who enquire. The cost, including flights, half board in the hotels, all coach transfers, and the play ticket, is: Basic £1095 Birmingham airport flight supplement £25 Insurance £34 Total £1154 ===== Supplements may be added depending on accommodation Cost: For more information, contact:
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