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.

Buried Treasure?

We're looking forward to hosting the Bible Society's service on Sunday 26 October at 6.30pm.

Our own Emmanuel Oladipo will be preaching, joining me and Simon Foulds of the Bible Society. Emmanuel has served on the board of Bible Society and in his many and far-reaching travels has experienced the great hunger for God's word all over the world.

I love this year's idea of 'Bible Monday' on 27 October, which invited Christians to take their bible to work.

The service is open to everyone and includes a short video about the remarkable 'sidewalk Sunday schools' that are making a big impact in Kingston, Jamaica.

Oadby faith groups get together for One World Week

Students in Oadby are organising an inter faith fair with the theme, "Together". Beauchamp College is hosting the event between 1 and 4pm on Sunday 26 October.

The major faiths of Oadby are making a contribution, including dancing, food and displays.

Entrance is open to everyone, for 50p or a can of baked beans! (The beans will go to support The Welcome Project in Leicester).

Coffee Pot Harvest Lunch

Coffee Pot invites you to a Harvest Lunch at 12noon in church on Thursday 9 October. Please book a place with Jennie on 0116 288 1151.

Hooray Day - 22 November 2008

Hooray Days fill our church for a whole day with laughter, fun and activities for children from Years 1 to 5. They're free and open to all. Derek and the team are already planning Hooray Day 28 for 22 November 2008.

Should we open our church?

Every now and then, we find ourselves wrestling with a fascinating question that goes to the heart of our church life. This week, the DCC asked itself whether we should leave our church open for periods during the week, so that people can drop in to look around and to find a quiet spot for prayer and reflection.

Anita discovered helpful information at a recent meeting of representatives of local churches that are open. We shared this at the DCC and talked for a long time about the practical opportunities, and problems, of keeping the building open.

Some felt that being such a new building, and located in the midst of a housing estate, we are unlikely to be seen as an interesting place to visit. And some expressed reservations about the vulnerability to theft and damage from the youths that frequently loiter around the building.

Others felt that this was an important opportunity to witness to the availability of God, and his Church, to the wider neighbourhood. Some suggested that the side chapel could become an even more significant place for prayer.

We decided that this is a question that we should offer to the whole church. We've planned a short prayer meeting for Sunday 19 October, from 6.30 to 7.30pm, at which we'll try to discern what the right approach might be. If you have any thoughts, use the comments feature below.

A spirituality for the 21st Century - Lay Congress 2009

The Rt. Revd Gordon Mursell, Bishop of Stafford and a well-known preacher, author and tutor in spirituality. I remember him from my days in Lichfield Diocese and always found his lectures fascinating. I remember a couple of talks on the topic of lament, in particular.

This all-day event is free of charge and well worthwhile if you're interested in how spirituality can sustain contemporary living.

For a programme of the day and further information, see this article on the Diocese of Leicester website.

Called Together - Leicester Cathedral 11 October

On Saturday 11 October at 11.00am, Leicester Cathedral will be filled for a service to affirm and celebrate authorised lay ministries.

I shall be there in my role as Warden of Readers, to assist with the admission of seven new Readers and the licensing of six Readers to new parishes. They will join Evangelists, Pastoral Assistants and Children & Youth Workers who are being commissioned for their ministries.


All are very welcome, and members of those congregations who have lay ministers being admitted or authorised are particularly encouraged to attend – tickets are not required. Following the service there will be refreshments and musical entertainment. Further information from Claire Stapleton email: Claire.Stapleton@LeCCofE.org; tel. 0116 248 7417

People come Back to Church at St Paul's

We enjoyed meeting a number of guests at our Back to Church Sunday service yesterday. I counted fourteen new or not-so-regular faces among the hundred who came to the 10.00am service. Thanks to those who invited others, even where the invitations weren't taken up. We'll be reviewing Back to Church Sunday at this week's DCC meeting, so send me an email or speak with one of the DCC members if you've got any thoughts.

Pearl of Africa Children's Choir

Jerry saw me at the end of church yesterday and gave me a flyer for an event hosted by the school at which he teaches. The Pearl of Africa Children's Choir and singing at Lancaster School in Knighton on 1 October at 7pm. Admission is £3 for adults, £1 for children.

More information from Jerry at j.p.wilkes@btinternet.com