| START THE WEEK | 7th Apr 2008 | Download | Email to a Friend |
Register now for BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY - CLICK HERE
Churches need to register before the beginning of May so that they can order resource packs (you will only be able to order resources through Roger Morris and not directly from the website).
See http://backtochurch.co.uk/ for more details.
Download a copy of the resources order form at www.coventrydiocese.org/upload/file/BTCS Order form08.doc. Please note that completed order forms need to be sent to Ruth Wagstaffe at Coventry Cathedral and Diocesan Offices, 1 Hill Top, Coventry, CV1 5AB or by email at ruth.wagstaffe@covcofe.org.
FIRE
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service Arson Reduction Manager Ian Tonner says:
Following a couple of unrelated incidents within churches in Warwickshire we are asking those involved in the running and security of all churches to be extra vigilant. Due to the age and rural location of our churches they can be a magnet for Anti Social Behaviour; the Fire Investigation is still ongoing from Radford Semele but it is apparent that there was an attempt of Arson at Brinklow.
The Fire Service have worked with Warwickshire CID and the churches involved to give advice and assistance. A simple safety check before leaving the church to ensure that the doors are locked and that any combustible materials are away from heat sources also ensure that any ignition sources such as matches, lighters for the candles are also locked away.
If you require any further advice please do not hesitate to contact:
Warwickshire: -
The Arson Task Force on 02476 48 3205 or if you require more in depth building and fire safety legislation advice contact Fire Safety HQ on 01926 410800.
West Midlands: -
Fire Safety Team on 024 7622 0356. Simon Able specialises in the requirements on places of worship along with Dave Bromley, his boss.
Helen McGowan of ‘Divine Inspiration’ adds:
We would encourage you all to be extra vigilant at this time. This certainly doesn't mean closing our doors to visitors but please ask those who are responsible for opening and locking your church to be aware of potential risks.
We know how this kind of news can be unsettling and we certainly don't want you to begin to feel paranoid about being open. If you would like any more information we would suggest that you contact your local fire station to chat with the Fire Safety Officer or check out the ChurchCare website at www.churchcare.co.uk/building.php?CDE The ChurchWatch site is at the following link www.nationalchurchwatch.com The Divine Inspiration 'Opening with Confidence helpsheet can be found at www.divine-inspiration.org.uk/resource.php?id=17
Copy and paste any of the above links into your browser and hit the 'return' key.
CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET
St. Martin's Finham are hosting a seminar entitled ‘Children and the Internet. How can we protect them?’ at 7.30 pm on Monday 14th April in St. Martin's Hall. They are fortunate to have speakers from the top two charities in this subject, Stop it Now and Childnet International. The seminar is free with donations to the two charities.
Further details from Peter Watkins on 024 76418330 or at peter.watkins@talktalk.net
CALLING ALL ORGANISTS
Have you heard of Coventry and Warwickshire Organists Association? We could be good news for you in several ways:
· Network with other local organists and share problems, tips and information. Some of us are brilliant, others struggle - (as one eminent member says, "I don't do black notes!") But no-one is ever put on the spot.
· Find out who in your area could stand in for the odd Sunday Service or funeral . (Clergy like that too)
· If you are a "reluctant organist" we could arrange for someone to visit you at your church and give a bit of guidance.
· We support a Student Organ Project, bringing together and encouraging (usually) teenagers having organ lessons. They can feel quite isolated, and they are our future.
We meet about 8 times a year for a variety of activities: "organ crawls" to see, listen to and try (if you want) other organs, large and small, usually in Warwickshire, repertoire advice, choral training and other workshops - recently on improvisation recitals - and always to chat, over refreshments and the occasional meal.
Come and try us! Visitors always welcome.
Our next meeting is on Saturday, April 19th at 2.30pm at St. Mary's, Warwick, where Ruaraidh (pronounced Rory) Sutherland will be talking about and demonstrating the music of Alfres Hollins.
If you would like more information , or just to be kept informed of future activities, contact: Ruth Smith on 01926 427613or at ruthsmith5k@talktalk.net or Robert Stagg on 01788 810208or at RSTAGG192@aol.com
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
Shave your head. Empty the shrapnel from your pockets. Or run a marathon.
There are many ways to give to Christian Aid Week 2008
Between May 11 - 17 are seven days of fundraising and campaigning that make a real difference to the lives of millions of poor people in developing countries.
Last year Christian Aid raised an amazing £15 million and this year they need your help to raise even more. Your valuable contribution to Christian Aid Week really will make a difference where the need is greatest.
For further information, go to the Christian Aid Website at http://christianaid.org.uk/
To see how your money actually helps the poor and vulnerable check out the You Tube Video at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VcfpRGMGFGQ
FRESH HORIZONS
Fresh Horizons is for pre, newly retired and independent seniors who have a passion to keep serving church and kingdom, at home or abroad. It is needed because a new generation of baby-boomers has emerged who act, think and work quite differently from the more elderly generations. It is vital to inform, inspire and motivate this third-age group in an appropriate format.
A day conference has been planned which includes worship, reflection, humour, explanation, personal testimony, advocacy, challenge and the opportunity to engage with the issues. It is not a course on how to run a holiday at home, what church can do for seniors or luncheon club hints for the over seventies, even though all these are vital.
It will take place at Fuller Baptist Church, Kettering, Northants on Saturday 19 April. The cost is £5 (Please bring a packed lunch – other refreshments will be provided)
Registration details from Carole Alder on 01235 517713 or at calder@baptist.org.uk
EMMAUS COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE
Would you like a new exciting challenge? Do you believe in the potential of each individual? Do you think that recycling is important?
Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire is currently advertising the new post of GENERAL MANAGER - Salary: Up to £32,000 pa + pension
Emmaus provides community-based living and employment for previously homeless people. Their work consists of recycling donated furniture and other household items which would otherwise go to waste. You will be responsible for the management of all the activities of the charity and you will take a lead in identifying new opportunities to grow the business supporting the Emmaus aims of self-sufficiency and meaningful work.
Application package available at www.emmaus.org.uk/jobs
For more details telephone the Chair, the Revd Tim Brooke, on 024 7667 9126 or email brooke@care4free.net
Closing date: Friday 18 April 2008.
CLICK HERE FOR TWO HAIL MARYS
The following appeared in the Independent on Sunday on 30 March 2008:
Evangelists have long espoused their views on TV, but the Tube now seems like old hat when it comes to spreading the Word.
Chinavision, a Chinese electronic wholesaler, has launched a crucifix-shaped MP3 player (www.crossmp3player.com) with a preloaded copy of the New Testament. America’s Bible Belt has, not surprisingly, embraced the gizmo.
In Italy, meanwhile, McKay & Sisters (www.mckay.it) sends Catholic prayer cards to mobile phones for £2.30 a week. And here in the UK, believers are gathering online at StPixels.com, a virtual church with over 1500 members.
With the release of church programmer Mark Howe’s new book Online Church? First Steps Towards Virtual Incarnation (Grove Books £2.95), the path to heaven has never seemed more digital.
Have a great week!
With best wishes
Roger Morris
Revd. Roger Morris
Director of the Forum for Parish Development and Evangelism
Tel: 024 7652 1326 Mobile: 07798 813178
The Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England No 319482
and Charity Registered No 247828. Registered Office 1 HillTop Coventry CV1 5AB