Remembering the Holocaust

At Peace Memorial Park, Wigston Magna, at 5pm on Tuesday 26 January 2010 people of all faiths will gather to "Imagine…remember, reflect, and react"

The programme lasts for one hour:

• Assemble at the Pavilion for refreshments served by Friends of Peace Memorial Park (the Pavilion will be open from 4.45 p.m.)
• Welcome from His Worship the Mayor Councillor Mr Kevin Loydall
• Jessica Huczmann a pupil from Beauchamp College talking about her visit to Auschwitz
• Poem read by Mary Lawson, Head Teacher of All Saints Church of England Primary School, Wigston Magna
• Reading of the Kaddish by Councillor Jeffrey Kaufman
• Song of Peace by the pupils of All Saints Church of England Primary School, Wigston Magna
• Collect the candles and walk to the sculpture
• Readings
• Laying of Candles

This moving and important event is open to the public and all may attend as a sign of remembrance and a pledge to not allow such atrocities to occur again.

Christmas Toy and Gift Service 2009

We collected over seventy specially chosen presents from members of our congregation last Sunday for the annual Christmas Gift Service.

These will go to children and young people at a number of projects and hostels for supporting those in special need. Some are homeless, some are fleeing domestic violence.

We hope that these gifts will bring a little cheer on Christmas Day. Thank you to all who contributed so generously.

Nick Griffin does not speak for Christians

This blog is not primarily a place for this vicar to express his personal opinions. As a proud husband and father in a mixed-race family, you might already imagine how I feel about the things the leader of the British National Party said during a recent televised debate. So I intend to say little about what has been widely reported elsewhere.

But as a church leader in a multi-cultural, multi-faith town, I cannot allow one of his specific claims to go unopposed.

During the Question Time broadcast, Nick Griffin suggested that the views of the BNP are consistent with Christianity. They are not.

The era in which the New Testament was written was as culturally complex as our own. The first Christians were Jews, who might have naturally thought that other people had no part in the church. They quickly learned that the Christian faith is open to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or how "indigenous" they might be.

In Colossians 3.11, we read, there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

Amen to that!

Oadby Oxymorons 100km triumph

Our congratulations to Neil, Russell, Jerry and Dave on their amazing walk. Dave suffered an injury and had to pull out after 60km (40 miles) but the others made it all the way to Brighton. Well done to all four of them and their fabulous support crew of Helen, John, Sue and Carey.

Cheering for the Trailwalkers

We're cheering for Russ, David, Neil and Jerry as they prepare for the amazing Oxfam Trailwalker 2009 event, which begins tomorrow, 18 July.



While most of us will be still in bed, the Oadby team will make their way to the start line and head off across the South Downs at 7am. Their route will take them over the 100km (62 mile) South Downs Way. We hope to be able to speak with them by phone on Sunday morning, during our ten o'clock service.

Please pray for them in this amazing adventure, and for their support crew. If you haven't yet done so, sign up and sponsor them at http://original.justgiving.com/oadbytrailwalkerchallenge2009.

Use your cross on 4 June

I was staggered to read that the British National Party is planning a billboard campaign for the forthcoming European elections on 4 June which quotes scripture.

The quote from John 15:20 is "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" and is followed by "What would Jesus do? Vote BNP."

This scandalous distortion of the gospel pretends that the BNP's vile policies of hatred are in some way justified by the Christian faith. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

The Christian faith is clear that race is no grounds for discrimination of any kind, that all people are equal before God and that true justice requires total opposition to bigotry and prejudice.

I hope that Christians will be especially motivated to vote on 4 June, for any party except the racist BNP.

More details at The Church Times, Telegraph and Mirror.

Friends of Adullam Homes

Following my visit to the Bethany Project in January, we welcomed Angela Clarke and Hazel Valerino of Adullam Homes to our service last Sunday.

Hazel explained the beginnings of Adullam, which started with the vision of Walter Moore, whose Christian faith inspired him to work with others to establish projects that supported vulnerable people.

Adullam Homes now works with a range of people whose needs vary but who are all in need of support before they can gain their independence. Needs include:

• Young people leaving care
• Vulnerable women or men with dependant children
• Victims of domestic violence
• Single homeless people
• Refugees and Asylum seekers
• Mental health support needs
• Learning difficulties
• Living with HIV
• Drug and alcohol misuse
• Offenders and those at risk of offending

We're delighted to establish a partnership, which began with the generous donation of toys and gifts at Christmas and hope that we can respond to Adullam's hopes to create sustainable relationships with churches.

Make a mother's day

Wondering what gift would be most appropriate for your mum on Mothering Sunday, 22 March? A latrine, bicycle or hen house might not be the most obvious but may make a big difference to other mothers and their families as well as to yours.

The Mother's Union has set up an online and mail order gift shop, Make a Mother's Day which lets you choose from a variety of gifts of different value. The idea is that you buy a gift which is sent to a mother in the developing world, and your mum receives a certificate. Chalk and blackboards cost just £6, a sterile birthing kit £28, and a bicycle £100.

Fair Trade Celebration 6 and 7 March, 2009

Oadby Fairtrade Town Campaign have arranged a Fair Trade Celebration to take place at Brocks Hill Environment Centre on Friday 6 March (1.30-4.30pm) and Saturday 7 March (10.00-4.00). For more information contact admin@oadby-fairtrade.org.uk.

Friends of Adullam Homes

I've just returned from a very impressive visit to the Bethany Project, which provides 25 self-contained units of accomodation for women and small children. I met one of the residents, who told me that after staying in a number of hostels, this is by far the best projects she's stayed at.

We're delighted to be strengthening our links with Adullam Homes, and to be a supporter of their residents through our annual toy and gift service. We explored ways in which we might be able to help residents discover more about the possibilities for involvement in church and I have the feeling that this is a relationship that will lead us in to exciting opportunities.

Thanks to Angela, Kirsty and Hazel for their hospitality. We wish them every success for their extraordinary work and we look forward to learning more when they join us on Sunday 8 March at St Paul's.

Engage

Paul Webster writes,

How often has it been said that some good things come out of Wales! Well this time they have, with a mighty rush. A wonderful team from Cardiff called “Care for the Family” is offering support and ideas for churches to use when trying to engage their communities.  Rob Parsons their executive director spoke to the 400+ representatives of various denominations and from all over the Midlands. His introduction laid down the flagstones which led us to a better understanding of need in our communities and a realisation that the Lord is willing and able to help us address those needs in relevant and meaningful ways. It might mean meeting people where they are at this time and it certainly will not be a walk over but it is where we are called to go.

Teri, Christine ,Sue and a chauffeur went up to the University of Nottingham to the conference ; while the ladies went their various ways to different seminars I began in one called “Money Matters” This talk mainly by Paula Pridham was about handling debt and involves a course called “Quidz In” which is intended to give parents the knowledge and background to advise their children about sensible practice in handling money. I found it fascinating but also grim and would like to do some further training to enable me to lead a course at St. Paul’s for our neighbours.

Teri in the mean time went to a course called “20s and30s Building relationships”, Sue went to “Transitioning your church to engage”. Chris went to “Drugs and your community” If you are interested in more details ask any of us about our courses or visit one of these websites:

www.engagetoday.org.uk

www.dpyk.org.uk (drug proof your kids)

www.quidzin.org.uk

After a quick lunch we looked at the exhibition and gathered leaflets about the vast collection of resources available from a growing number of interested organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Mother’s Union and Parish Nursing Ministries UK. The afternoon plenary sessions were very good. Ian Coffey spoke about leading your church to engage and David Oliver opened a discussion on how we engage people in work. We then went off to our final seminars to finish the day.

Everybody came away filled with enthusiasm and prepared to look at ways in which we as a congregation can get closer to our neighbours, there are bound to be hours of discussion ahead before we introduce some of these initiatives, but wemust pray that whatever we decide God will be in it.

Christian Aid total for 2008 exceeds £10,000

I've just received the fabulous news from Chris that the congregation that the churches in Oadby raised a total of £10,072.60 this year for Christian Aid. This came through the Lent Lunches, the sponsored walk, a collection outside Sainsburys and the door to door collection.

The committee are meeting again at the beginning of October and are very interested in any ideas for raising money. Apparently one member of St Pauls is already planning to run in the London Marathon with sponsorship to go to Christian Aid.

Neil makes it to John O'Groats

I've just received a text from Neil Griffiths to say that he's arrived at John O'Groats, a thousand miles from Land's End which he left fifteen days ago.

That's an amazing feat. Well done, Neil and we look forward to welcoming you back to St Paul's on Sunday morning.

The abuse of the blasphemy law in Pakistan

I know that a number of people talked with Paskal about Pakistan after the service on Sunday. He told us about the abuses of the blasphemy law which, among other things, is leading to a cruel persecution of the Christian minority in some places.

For those who want to know more, the organisation which Paskal referred to is the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement. The material which they produce quotes Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as saying, "The problem is not so much the idea of a law against blasphemy, as about a law whose penalty is so severe and whose practice gives so much scope for allowing people to settle private scores."

The story which Paskal told of the two kidnapped girls was reported online by Ekklesia here.

Neil's on his way

I saw Neil Griffiths last night and wished him well for his epic cycle journey, which begins tomorrow. Neil is on the train to Penzance today, then he makes his way to Land's End before turning north and setting off for John O'Groats.

You can still support Neil's fundraising efforts for the YMCA at www.justgiving.com/neilsbigonbeliefshortonbrainstour2008.

The Stand

Thanks to Katy who gave me a link to The Stand, an event at the NEC on 8 November, 2008.

More details at Hope for Justice which writes,

Hope for justice exists to inspire a new GENERATION of Christians: * A GENERATION that will be known for living out the gospel through justice and righteousness; * A GENERATION equipped to make a real difference, wherever it finds itself; * A GENERATION united, in purpose and passion, standing like never before, resolved and determined to see every slave set free.

Mission Giving allocations for 2008

The first tenth of our annual church income is given away. That's around £8000. A lot of money.

This isn't recklessness or stupidity. It's because as a matter of principle we believe that we should support people in disadvantage and poverty at home and abroad. We believe that our mission as a local church shouldn't end at our parish boundary either, so we also support Christian organisations and projects.

Half of the £8000 is made through donations directly from St Paul's, to the following groups (click the links for more details):

Care for the Family
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Africa Inland Mission (Keith Waddell's eye surgery work)
Bahadur Fistula Hospital, Ethiopia (recently visited by Doug Tincello)
Jakin pregnancy care and counselling

The remaining £4000 is allocated through the parish 'common pot' and supports the work of:
CMS
Bible Society
Mission Aviation Fellowship
USPG
Christ in the Centre

Big on belief, short on brains tour 2008

I love the title that Neil's come up with for his great project. He writes,

Dear colleagues, former colleagues, friends and family,

You might have noticed that I did not bother you about sponsorship for running in this year's London Marathon. This is not, as has been suggested, because I decided to have a lazy year!

No, it is because I have set myself a new and different challenge, indeed it has even been suggested that I must be mad, but have enormous self belief! Hence the chosen name of this new adventure!

What is the cause?
As before I am rasing money for Leicester YMCA, but this time all that I raise stays in Leicester. Leicester YMCA works with some of the most deprived young people in Leicester. Many suffer from a lack of opportunity compounding a lack of ambition. These together often result in the young person not taking advantage of or having the opportunity for new experiences.

One possible solution to this problem lies in having a dedicated and permanent fund of at least £10,000 to enable these young people to be fully or part funded to have access to the experiences you and I take for granted. This might be as simple as a pair of shoes to attend an interview or a trip to a sports or arts event, or as complex as a trip overseas to gain work experience, or anything in between! The plan is to establish a fund of at least £10000, the interest from which will provide the funding described, thus it becomes a permanent addition to the work of Leicester YMCA.

What is the challenge?
I am cycling nearly 1000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, over 15 days in August this year. This means I will need to average between 60 and 70 miles per day (depending on how lost I get), taking me between 5 and 6 hours. For me, this is the equivalent of running a marathon each day for 2 weeks. To save on money spent and weight carried, I have chosen to spend each night at a different Youth Hostel.

My route takes me from Lands End via Exeter, Cheddar and Bristol to South Wales. Along the border northwards through Ross on Wye and Chester, around Manchester to Slaidburn and onto Carlisle. Across the border into Scotland and via Gretna and New Lanark and around Glasgow, past Loch Lomond and on to Glencoe. Turn right and ride along the edge of Loch Ness and to the East Coast. A sharp left turn and up to the North Coast before the final leg into John O'Groats.

You are able to support me in a number of ways

- use the dedicated Just Giving website page at: http://www.justgiving.com/neilsbigonbeliefshortonbrainstour2008
- by sending or delivering cash or a cheque to Emma Knight, Leicester YMCA, 7 East Street, Leicester, LE1 7AF, clearly marked "Cycle fund"

In addition, for those who can, we are offering an opportunity to be a corporate supporter of the venture. For this we will display a copy of your logo or company name either on the clothing I wear or on the bicycle I ride, all for the princely sum of £100, equivalent to just 10p per mile. Contact me if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

For further information about this adventure, further opportunities to support me, or opportunities to meet me en route please feel free to contact me.

Many thanks in advance for your support, it means an awful lot to me, Leicester YMCA and the young people we are able to help!

regards

Neil Griffiths

Church Urban Fund Sunday - 1 June 2008

There's a 'something or other' Sunday every week of the year, it seems, and it's just not possible to re-work the calendar to include them all. We chose this Sunday to focus on Christian Stewardship and Giving, so there'll be little opportunity to do justice to Church Urban Fund Sunday this year. I'm resolving to do more next year, or to find a way in the coming months to raise the profile. (We did try a Church Urban Fund evening a few months ago and the response was disappointing).

Church Urban Fund is celebrating 20 years of action in England's poorest communities. The Fund does great work helping churches make an impact in some of the most challenging places. It was set up by the Church of England in 1988 as an expression of its mission to serve the poorest within our society.

Key areas of its work involve partnering with other organisations to tackle the roots of poverty, advocating on behalf of faith communities and their work at the grassroots, the giving of grants, developing of research and the championing of causes related to poverty.

A prayer from the Church Urban Fund website:

Dear Lord

Help us to follow your example by looking out
for those who each day feel that they are marginalised,
who cannot find hope,
who believe that they have little to offer,
who are overcome by the challenges of poverty.

Help us to widen our horizons,
to make space for the stranger,
to watch out for those who feel invisible,
to give time to the outsider,
to talk to the person facing silence,
to restore justice and value.

Give us the courage to undertake this,
the determination to join with others in seeing grace
in every human face,
the faith to embrace the opportunity in your name.
Amen

Love Sandhurst Street Green

Chris Swan at OBC has sent details of a practical service to the community at Sandhurst Street Green.

She writes,

The main aim is to help improve the area – recently there’s been a lot of vandalism & graffiti in that patch and the whole area feels a bit unsafe. It’s been great to work alongside the police, county. library and O&W and we’re also having help from Oadby Local History Society & the Civic Society to pull together some local history info. ASDA have offered to bring some practical help & possibly a barbecue! It’s turning into a bit of a village green event – all we need now is good weather.

If you’d like to come along we’d love to see you.