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.

Electoral roll application form now online

You can now download a copy of our Electoral Roll Application Form in Word format.

More information about the church electoral roll.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting - 23 April, 2009

The APCM is open to all church members and includes elections to key leadership positions within the Parish, including Churchwardens and Assistant Wardens, Deanery Synod Representatives, PCC and DCC members. It's also a moment to take stock of our churches' participation in the mission of God in Oadby. A full agenda and a set of reports will be issued in due course, but you might like to note that the date of the meeting is 23 April 2009. It will be held at St Peter's and will begin at 7.45pm.
The meeting is open to all, but to vote or to stand for one of the elected offices, your name must appear on the church electoral roll. Download a nomination form or pick one up from the foyer.

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.

A Crafty Morning for Mothering Sunday

It Has Happened!

It was lovely to see Dads and Aunts working with their families to produce a card and a gift for Mothering Sunday. This occured at the Barnabas Centre on Saturday 7th of March and was an opportunity for the younger members of our community to have a morning of craft activities. However, you can ask Mark father of Megan if he enjoyed himself. I hope his Mum enjoys the card he made with his photo in it! Thanks to Anita, Anona, Gill and Penny for the planning and organising; and to Derek for his support

Make a present for your mum for Mothering Sunday

We're running a craft morning for children from 10.00-12.00 on Saturday 7 March in the Barnabas Centre, to make cards and presents for Mothering Sunday. Under-fives should bring dad, granny or grandad (i.e. someone to look after you, but not your mum if it's to be a surprise).

Mothering Sunday - 22 March

Our special Mothering Sunday service is on 22 March, from 10.00 to 11.00am. It's a service for the whole family and mums will all receive a gift.

The service follows Breakfast at Barney's, where you can enjoy a full-cooked English breakfast, cooked by the men! Breakfasts are served from 8.30 to 9.30 and you need to book a place with Anita Chettle on 0116 271 4465.

Love life. Live Lent

The Church of England has renewed its Love Life. Live Lent campaign for 2009.

LLLL is also on Facebook and Twitter.

The FREE gospel project at Leicester University

We're glad to be supporting and praying for the FREE gospel project, which is running at Leicester University this week. The Christian Union are involved with a range of activities which include free lunches and free gospels.

Thanks to Sarah, who's helping us support this valuable work.