From attending to Belonging to Contributing: as simple as ABC?

Over the past year over 1,300 people, who weren’t previously members of any church, joined the worshipping communities that make up the Church of England in Leicester and Leicestershire. This is great news, but it also presents a challenge.

Many of those that are new haven’t grown up with the Christian story, language, symbols or being part of any church, in any way. Added to which the experience of many is that often church communities, with their strong sense of fellowship, can be difficult places to join in their own right. How then might we help those who are new to church to become fully a part of our worshipping communities, able to contribute their gifts and grow deeper as disciples of Jesus?

We are delighted to welcome Bob Jackson to help us think further about this. Bob is the best selling author of Hope for the Church and The Road to Growth, co-author of major new welcome course, Everybody Welcome, experienced parish priest, and former Archdeacon of Walsall & Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield. Whether you are a church leader, member of a church council, Churchwarden, Sidesperson, part of a welcome team, Mission Partnership Convenor, Mission Action Group member, Area Dean, archdeacon mission committee member or just interested in the topic, you are most welcome to join Bob for this special one-off gathering organised under the banner of Shaped by God: the diocesan vision for mission.

As the topic is so important, the session will run twice. Once in a slightly extended format in the morning and once in the evening on the same day:
Wednesday 13th October 2010

Extended morning session
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm (with coffee and pastries from 9:15am)
Location: St Paul’s Church, Hamble Road, Oadby, Leicester
Free parking in St. Paul’s car park

Repeated evening session
Time: 7:30-9:30pm (with coffee and pastries from 7:15pm)
Location: Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough
Free parking in Emmanuel’s two car parks

Both sessions are free to attend, but, with demand expected to be high and limited places, book soon to avoid disappointment!).
Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).
For more information contact Mission Enabler, Barry Hill, barry.hill@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7435.

Special Resourcing Gatherings 2010

for Mission Partnership Action Groups, Convenors, Area Deans,
Archdeaconry Mission Committees and anyone else who would like to come!

Evening for lay members of Mission Action Groups (PMAGs)
Wednesday 23rd June, 7:45pm – 9:30pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
A new addition to this years timetable, a gathering for just lay members of Partnership Mission Action Groups. Based on an idea from Watermead Mission Partnership, which worked really well, it’s an opportunity to share, discuss and pray together. There is no cost for the evening, but booking at least a week before hand is essential.

Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Morning or Evening with Bob Jackson for all
Wednesday 13th October, EITHER 9:30am-1pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
OR 7:30pm-9:30pm, the same day, at Emmanuel, Loughborough
Best selling author of Hope for the Church and The Road to Growth, co-author of major new welcome course, Everybody Welcome, experienced parish priest, and former Archdeacon of Walsall/Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield, Bob Jackson is one of this countries most respected experts on church growth and welcome. With a wealth of anecdotal experience and statistical evidence, he brings a fresh, and at times challenging, take on church growth. During the longer morning session and repeated in slightly shorter form the same night, Bob looks at what it means to be a welcoming church, set in the wider context of the changing times we live in. Everyone is welcome to this important session together.
There is no cost for the morning, but booking at least a week before hand is essential (although places are limited and demand expected to be high so book soon to avoid disappointment!).
Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Morning or Evening with Bob Jackson

Wednesday 13th October, EITHER 9:30am-1pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
OR 7:30pm-9:30pm, the same day, at Emmanuel, Loughborough
Best selling author of Hope for the Church and The Road to Growth, co-author of major new welcome course, Everybody Welcome, experienced parish priest, and former Archdeacon of Walsall/Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield, Bob Jackson is one of this countries most respected experts on church growth and welcome. With a wealth of anecdotal experience and statistical evidence, he brings a fresh, and at times challenging, take on church growth. During the longer morning session and repeated in slightly shorter form the same night, Bob looks at what it means to be a welcoming church, set in the wider context of the changing times we live in. Everyone is welcome to this important session together.
There is no cost for the morning, but booking at least a week before hand is essential (although places are limited and demand expected to be high so book soon to avoid disappointment!). Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Morning on Mission Action Planning

Wednesday 28th April, 9:30am-1pm, St. Paul’s, Oadby
Would you like to know more of the tools available for discerning and implementing a mission plan?
This morning looks specifically at what Mission Action Planning is, before four people present tools they have used, together with a critique of the kind of situations they work best in (and less well for). After hearing a summary of all four, there’ll be opportunity to spend time with one of the presenters looking in more detail at the tools/he is sharing. The tools covered will include Natural Church Development, Growing Healthy Churches, the Grove model for envisioning and a home grown tool. There’ll also be opportunity to discuss how tools might be best used and adapted for your context. Everyone is welcome to this important session together.
Due to numbers and the reduction of budgets, lunch will not be provided, but refreshments
throughout the morning will be. There is no cost for the morning, but booking at least a week before hand is essential (although places are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment!). Bookings to Carol (carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7411).

Rural Ministry Courses

The next Rural Ministry Course run by the Arthur Rank Centre is 3 - 5 November 2009.
More information on weblink:
www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/training/rural_ministry_training_courses/index.html

Contact email: admin@arthurrankcentre.org.uk or tel: 024 7685 3060 for more information.

Conference on Rural Evangelism

Conference on Rural Evangelism – Wednesday 3^rd June, Selly Oak

at the International Mission Centre
.

Evangelism in rural areas is not an easy task, though both history and contemporary experience prove that, with a little careful understanding, appropriate and effective ways of sharing the gospel can be found. A day conference on June 3^rd at Selly Oak, Birmingham will be exploring what works and why. It has been organised by the Rural Evangelism Network. This is an open event but it is important to book in advance.

The Network is a national and ecumenical forum of practitioners, teachers and others drawn from the Churches and specialist mission organisations. In addition to exploring general principles there will be focus groups on various segments of the rural population such as farmers, men, and children. Other focus groups will explore fresh expressions of church in rural areas and even church planting. The programme runs from 10.00 to 4.00 and costs £25 (including lunch). There is a limited amount of overnight accommodation available on the 2^nd June for an extra £20. The venue is the International Mission Centre in Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak. Further enquiries can be made to the Rev’d Barry Osborne at 4, Clarence Street, Market Harborough, on 01858-414 930 or email ren@ruralmissions.org.uk

Or visit website: http://www.ruralmissions.org.uk

Multimedia Operators Course

Opportunity to attend a Multimedia Operators Course for churches

Saturday 25^th April
.

This is just to let you know that The Family Friendly Churches Trust is running a Multimedia Operators Course in your area on April 25th starting at 10:30. The day is at St Pauls, Bordesley Green in Birmingham. This is a day designed for those who will be operating projection equipment in churches week by week. The cost for the day is just £30.

The day will take the following form:

10:30am Introduction to PowerPoint covering Text, Images, Backgrounds and Transitions – also loading words of hymns quickly and use of video and music. A guide to effective preparation and “on the day” operation.
12:45 p.m. Lunch
1:30pm How to use PowerPoint in twin-screen format with Presentation Manager and loading hymns “on demand”; followed by an exploration of hymn projection software.

4:45/5:00 p.m. Finish

We can provide laptops (sometimes one per 2 people) or you can bring your own (please check the spec. first).

You can find out more about the day and book a place at www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/Operspec.htm

Please feel free to forward this onto others who might find this course helpful.

From: Rev’d Dr Mike Bossingham - General Manager, The Family Friendly Churches Trust,

Mike@Bossingham.com

Bishop's Lay Congress 2009

At Samworth Enterprise Academy
09.15am - 3.30pm

“Reasons to be cheerful”: Sharing faith in everyday life

Spend a day with the Bishop of Leicester reflecting on how it is that we can both enjoy and share our faith more fully in everyday life.

With guest-speaker, Stephen Cotterell, Bishop of Reading. Bishop Stephen has worked in parishes in London and Chichester, as Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral, as Missioner in the Wakefield diocese and as part of “Springboard”, the Archbishop’s evangelism team. He has written widely about evangelism, spirituality and discipleship.

Among Bishop Stephen’s recent books are: From the Abundance of the Heart: catholic evangelism for all Christians (DLT 2006); Do Nothing to Change your Life; discovering what happens when you stop (CHP 2007); Hit the Ground Kneeling; seeing leadership differently (CHP 2008) and a book of Lent and Holy Week meditations The Things He Carried (SPCK 2008). He is married to Rebecca and they have three boys.

Please put the date in your diary - further information will be available in the summer.

Mike Harrison - Director of Mission and Ministry; Leicester Diocese

email: Mike.Harrison@LecCofE.org Email: Claire.Stapleton@LecCofE.org

Tel 0116 248-7428 / 0116 248-7417

LEADING YOUR CHURCH INTO GROWTH - A DAY FOR CHURCH GROUPS

Hundreds of clergy and laity have now attended the popluar four day residential course for clergy, which Robin Gamble and his team have run for many years. We also offer a follow up DAY course for clergy to attend with some of their church people to share the course and begin to apply them in their own situation.

These will include:

Becoming a Mission Church

Basic Mission Strategies

Going Out, Drawing In

Making Sunday Count

Charge for the day is £6 per person ( payable in advance). Tea/coffee will be provided but please bring a PACKED LUNCH

Days planned are:

21^st February 2009 , St Paul 's, Kersall Moor, Manchester , M7 3QH

21^st March 2009 , Holy Trinity Church , Church Hill Street , Smethwick , B67 7AH

23^rd May 2009 , CMS Conferencing, Watlington Road , Oxford , OX4 6BZ.

For further details visit: www.leadingyourchurchintogrowth.org.uk

QUIET SPACES

A day of reflection, refreshment and renewal for those working with children

Saturday 21st March, 10am - 4pm at Launde Abbey (for directions visit: www.launde.org.uk)

This day at Launde Abbey will provide times of guided reflection for children's leaders, based on bible stories, with space for quiet prayer as well as group and individual responses. It is an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the bigger issues related to working with children, to hear God's voice afresh and to benefit from regaining a sense of perspective and vision for the work in relaxing surroundings. Lunch is provided and there will also be resources to browse.

The day will be led by Martyn Payne from Barnabas - the children's ministry wing of BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship). For further information about Barnabas and Martyn go to www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk

Cost £10 to cover the speaker and lunch.

Contact Maggie Clarke, Tel: 0116 248 7438 or E-mail: maggie.clarke@leccofe.org

CALLED? Vocations Day 2009

A day exploring callings to ministry

Saturday 14th March, 10am - 3.30pm at St Paul's Church, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 4NX

With guest speaker Stuart Buchanan, Author of 'On Call' and other vocations resources

The day includes:

• Time to prayer and reflection
• talks from guest speaker Stuart Buchanan
• workshops with people already exercising licenced ministries
• a chance to chat with people over lunch
• and much more

The day is free but any contributions towards the cost of lunch would be appreciated.

Booking necessary, contact Claire Stapleton at Church House, Tel: 0116 248 7417 or E-mail:claire.stapleton@leccofe.org by Monday 2nd March.

MONEY MATTERS WITH JOHN PRESTON

Tuesday 3rd February 2009, Church House, Leicester

Leading on from the clergy study day John Preston will return to Leicester for two CME giving an opportunity for both clergy and laity to explore and discuss money issues within the Church further.

 

1pm - 4pm ‘Talking about Money’

There are over 2300 verses in the bible on money, wealth and possessions, and over a third of Jesus' parables relate to these topics. Yet preaching on money can be a daunting task, and all too often we only talk about money when the church needs some more!   This session will equip you to teach on some of the broader money issues that people face week in, week out; as well as providing some guidance on how to talk about issues of money and giving as a part of our Christian discipleship.  Issues of debt, ethical spending, giving, savings and pensions are ones which touch most people in some way, and as the Church we have a unique viewpoint to convey.  Resourcing our mission as well as paying the bills is a daunting task, and the session will outline the four key tasks that parishes need to cover to achieve this.

 

7.30pm - 9pm ‘Making Sense of Money’

Whether we're comfortably off; broke, or somewhere in between, we all face money questions.  As Christians, we come some unique viewpoints on money issues. This is a fun, and light-hearted session, that nevertheless tackles some serious questions - issues such as debt, ethical spending, insurance and generosity. As well as considering personal money matters, the session will also look at how Churches can be more effective in handling issues around money; from reaching out to their communities in the area of debt, to being better stewards of the money entrusted to them.

 

John Preston has been the C of E’s National Stewardship and Resources Officer since 2005.  Prior to that John spent 15 years marketing everything from soap powder to sandwiches, having achieved the unique distinction of a PhD in retail marketing which involved more time stacking supermarket shelves than was spent in the library!  He is involved in his local church as a Reader and member of the Leadership Team. John is married to Jane, and they have two children aged 14 and 10.

 

Booking is essential for both of the above session and spaces are limited so please book early, contact Claire Stapleton at Church House.  Tel: 0116 248 7417 or E-mail claire.stapleton@leccofe.org

FRESH EXPRESSIONS – URBAN VISION DAY New Ways of Being Church in an Urban Setting

Saturday 4th October, The Salvation Army, Kildare Street, Leicester – 9.30am – 4pm.

A day for the whole Christian community to discover more about fresh expressions of church.

Speakers will include Tim Lea and Rachel Jordan and local church leaders.

The programme will include:
• An overview of developing fresh expressions of church within a mixed economy
• Worship, prayer and reflection in a variety of styles
• Stories of fresh expressions of church within Leicestershire
• Workshops in particular areas of interest

You are welcome to come on your own but we particularly welcome small groups and ministry teams.

The day will be a fresh expressions experience in itself for:
• Complete beginners
• Teams and individuals with a heart and passion for urban ministry
• Those who have questions about fresh expressions and mission shaped church
• Those who have started something new and need some practical help
• Christians from any church and every tradition

Cost: £5 including lunch.

To book please contact Sally Cresswell, Tel: 0115 983 5000 or E-mail: sally.cresswell@salvationarmy.org.uk and for more information visit www.freshexpressions.org.uk

Fresh Expressions is an initiative of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York supported by the Methodist Conference and working in partnership with many churches across Great Britain. www.freshexpressions.org.uk

A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church.

Worship in Music Weekend

St Wilfrid's Church in Kibworth are holding a Worship in Music Weekend from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October. 

The Friday night worship will be led by Noel Alexander and the team. 

The Saturday workshops are for all guitarists, drummers, keyboard players and singers.

Everyone is invited to the Sunday 10am service. 

There is no charge for the event. To register fill in your details below or telephone 0116 2793358.

Diocesan Assembly: Book Now!

Spaces are still available for the Diocesan Assembly on 20th September.

The Diocesan Assembly: Saturday 20th September at Samworth Academy.

What will we see?
A rock opera called 'Luv Ester', the story of Old Testament Ester's engagement with God and society.
Many displays about life and activities in and around the parishes of the diocese.

...and do?...
many workshops are available from which to choose.

There will be a Eucharist at the end of the assembly, and we'll be launching Back To Church Sunday.

GOOD NEWS! PARKING has been made available to all those attending this event at three locations on Trenant Road and the Saffron Lane. If you have not yet sent back your booking form please do so at the absolute latest by 31st August to Carol Gibbons at Church House email: Carol.Gibbons@LecCofE.org or tel: 0116 248 7411.

School Assembly Training

Ratby Church is hosting a training morning by Serving our Schools Ministries
On Saturday 28th June, 9.30 –12.30
In the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Ratby.
What is it? - This is to help with a wide range of possible work in School Assemblies. This is in addition to the Open the Book training currently on offer by the Diocese.
Who’s it for? - Anyone who currently takes part in School assemblies either on their own or part of a small group and think you could do better. Or people are just interested in finding out how you could help.
How much? - The event is free with contributions to the costs.
How to book? - Email Anne Stratton at Anne.Stratton@ntlworld.com Tel: 07773 076 555
Or Joan Hawkins jvajhawkins@btinternet.com Tel 239 3130

Effective Chairing

Tuesday 24th June, Christ the King, Beaumont Leys - 10am-3.30pm
Course leader; Russell Bowman-Eadie

An intensive one-day course that aims to help you make more of your meetings. Here is what you'll learn:
How to turn members from being individuals who just turn up for a meeting to being a highly motivated team.
The role of the chairperson
How to set agendas that are productive and stimulating
Details about key elements in securing commitment to planning
Methods for solving problems and getting ideas out and shared
Examples of hands on wisdom that was learned the hard way (so you don't have to!)
Maximising your meeting time
These and other elements will be introduced that will help you understand how the task of the chairperson is to facilitate meetings that are productive, lively and participative and lead to better decision making.

Russell Bowman-Eadie is the Director of Ministry and Development in the diocese of Bath and Wells and Canon Treasurer of Wells Cathedral. He is a seasoned facilitator of skills workshops, a retreat conductor and, as a fellow of the College of Preachers, has led many conferences on Preaching. His is co-author of Communities of Hope (DLT 1998).

Booking necessary, contact Claire Stapleton at Church House on 0116 748 7417 or E-mail: claire.stapleton@leccofe.org

IS EVANGELISM A SIN? ETHICAL EVANGELISM IN A PLURALIST SOCIETY

On 10 June, the Faith to Faith Forum of Global Connections presents a challenging day, held at CPAS in Warwick / Leamington Spa, looking at issues concerning ethical evangelism amongst Muslims, Hindus and New Age believers as well as a session on ethical evangelism amongst children and young people.   
 
For full details and booking information go to the Global Connections website: www.globalconnections.co.uk/faithtofaith08 or contact Ann Bower on 01926 487755 or at faithtofaith@globalconnections.co.uk

MINISTRY WHERE YOU WORK?

Come and discuss……… could you have a ministry at work ?  how might God be calling you to expand your ministry ?  an opportunity to explore possibilities beyond your parish role.
 
Sunday 13th July 2008 2pm – 5pm, St John’s Church Centre, Westwood Heath
The workshop will take place on Sunday 13th July 2008 from 2pm to 5pm at St John’s, Westwood Heath, near Warwick University. Tea and coffee will be available at the start.
The programme for the afternoon will allow time to talk about what you actually do at work, and to explore how this might be Ministry. As well as talking together, we shall work in small groups and allow time for individual reflection. There will also be time for prayer, focussed on the issues of our workplaces.
 
Participants last time said the things they found useful included:
Hearing about ministry in a wide range of workplace settings
The chance to share and explore our varied ministries with people facing similar issues
Good reflective time which is supportive of what I do most of the week
Gives me strength to continue…..when the Church wants me to do more church-based activities

Free Media Training for Young Adults (18-35)

Fantastic training opportunity: Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th June 2008

theMediaNet Academy is a 3-day training course in which industry professionals will work intensively with aspiring producers to give them a grounding in TV, radio and on-line production. They will work on the production of an on-line soap opera Joel Bloggs - a story about a young journalist facing a crisis of conscience. The story will be launched by the group using video, audio and the web.

Christians aged 18-35 are invited to apply for places at the academy. Training and accommodation are all provided free of charge. Trainees will only be asked to cover the costs of travel, plus a £30 admin fee on registration. To find out more or download an application form, visit the academy website or call  0845 652 0027.   The Media Net Academy takes place in parallel with the Churches' Media Conference at Swanwick, Derbyshire from 9th – 11th June 2008. Industry experts attending include BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones.