e-news
Edition No 23, July 2008
Welcome to e-news! We appreciate receiving material for inclusion, with the aim of providing information on events, resources, websites etc that may be of interest to church leaders throughout Scotland. We recognise that some of the Conferences and Events listed are outwith Scotland, but consider it important to keep you abreast of what is happening elsewhere and to offer you the opportunity of accessing additional information through website links.
The intention is to be ecumenical, both in content and readership, so please forward e-news to friends and colleagues who may also find it helpful. If introduced to e-news by someone else forwarding it to you, please contact us and we will add you to our distribution list. If you would prefer to be removed from our distribution list, please e-mail “UNSUBSCRIBE E-NEWS” to sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk
AMBASSADORS FOR PEACE: SERVING LOCALLY, EMBRACING THE WORLD A one-day seminar promoted by the Universal Peace Foundation, featuring sessions on ‘Realising the Dream’, ‘The Foundations for Lasting Peace’, ‘One World Under God: The Global Peace Festival’ and ‘Ambassadors for Peace’. 19 July, 10am – 4pm, Deer Park Golf and Country Club, Golf Course Road, Livingston EH54 8AB. For further information, contact Christine Webster
EAST-WEST BRIDGES OF FAITH AND PEACE This Europe–Asia dialogue for peace by faith traditions will include contributions from Christians, Buddhists and others. 24 July, 7.30pm, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh. For further information, contact Brian Cooper on 0131 446 9545.
FAMILY STORY CIRCLE summer season Each week throughout July a host storyteller will share their favourite tales and songs for 5-7 year olds, in this series of family-friendly events. There will also be ‘Tiny Tales’ for babies and toddlers. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. For further information, contact the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
TALES FROM AN ENCHANTED FOREST Storytelling takes centre stage during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Amongst puppetry and powerful theatre, three storytellers perform live in the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Oral storytelling makes for a unique experience each time and with three different performers and a world of stories, no two Enchanted Forest shows are the same. Click here to join the mailing list or, for further information, visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
PROM PRAISE SCOTLAND 2008 will feature London’s All Souls Orchestra whose distinctive music style is described as ‘a splendid light-touch introduction to the Christian faith’. 16 August, 7.30pm, Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen (to book, phone 01224 641122); 19 August, 7.30pm, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (01463 234234); 21 August, 7.30pm, Caird Hall, Dundee (01382 434940); 23 August, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow (0141 353 8000). For further information, contact 0141 956 3230 or jim_mcnair@btinernet.com
PARISH NURSING SYMPOSIUUM is for people who want to hear inspiring speakers, engage with God’s intentions for the church and fullness of life and meet Parish Nurses to learn how projects develop. 14-15 September, Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire. Full details and a booking form are available at www.parishnursing.co.uk/events.htm#UK%20Symposium%202008
ARE YOU REALLY MANAGING? How to overcome barriers to being a great manager is a day of learning and practical management solutions aimed specifically at those in Christian community work. It is being run by Livability Community Mission and the Diocese of London on 17 September, 9.45am – 3.30pm, at London Diocesan House. For more information or to book, contact Jill Clark on 020 7452 2018 or jclark@livability.org.uk, or visit www.livability.org.uk/event.asp?tip=1&id=1410
USE AND RE-USE OF RURAL CHURCH BUILDINGS is the title of a conference which is one of a number of events taking place to coincide with Glasgow’s Built Heritage Festival, which runs from 15 to 21 September. 19 September, 10am – 4.00pm, St Andrew’s in the Square, St Andrew’s Square, Glasgow G1 5PP. For further information, contact Karen Dunn on 0141 559 5360 or karendunn@g1businesscentre.co.uk There will be more than 120 buildings open and 30 walks available to the public without charge, and many more interesting things to see and do. To find out more about Doors Open Day Glasgow 2008, phone 0141 221 6061 or visit www.gbpt.org
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE Livability Community Mission and Faith Action believe that the church has a unique role to play in service and leadership to its local community. 19 September, 10am – 4pm, Freedom Centre International, Peckham, London SE15 4ST. For further information, contact James Alexander on 020 7452 2029 or jalexander@livability.org.uk To book an individual place (£25), click here to pay online To book a group (£20/person if booking five people), contact Jill Clark on 020 7452 2018 or jclark@livability.org.uk Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society
www.livability.org.uk/communitymission
JESUS AND OTHER FAITHS This study day in the “Christianity and Scotland’s Other Faiths” series will consider the questions “What can Christians learn about Jesus from other faiths?” and “Mission and Dialogue – are they compatible?” 25 September, 10.30am – 3pm, Scottish Churches’ House, Dunblane. Cost £20. For further information and details of how to register (before 18 September), visit www.acts-scotland.org/cairs/downloads/jaof.pdf
SACRED BRITAIN – NEW HORIZONS The Churches Tourism Association’s 2008 Convention is a must for all involved in promoting our heritage and helping to make our churches more accessible and welcoming to visitors. Keynote speakers, case studies and workshops will highlight best practice, ideas and the latest research. 24-26 November, The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. There is an early booking discount available until 4 August. For further information and to book, visit www.churchestourismassociation.info
GOOD NEWS is a monthly publication from the Church of Scotland’s Media Relations Unit which provides local parish editors and webmasters with a one-stop guide to all the latest news and events from the Kirk, for use in congregational publications and websites. Editors can also use the contents of the online press releases and photo galleries free of charge. Download a copy from www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news/newsgoodnews.htm
IN HOUSE CHRISTIAN RESOURCES is holding a sale of surplus books, tapes, videos, video courses etc (eg the old Emmaus course, old Alpha material, out of print CPAS video packages, youth resources, theological books and commentaries). 22 – 23 August, 9.30am – 4pm, at The Manna House, 240 Old High Street, Perth PH1 5QJ. For further information, contact 01738 440877 or info@inhouseresources.org
RELATIONS WITH OTHER FAITHS The August edition of this newsletter from Iain Stewart, Inter-Faith Support Worker, features the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami which celebrates the birth of the Hindu God Krishna. The newsletter also includes links to recent comments made by Bishop Michael Nazir Ali and Tony Blair. Download it from
www.churchofscotland.org.uk/extranet/xmissiondisciple/xmdresources.htm#rwof
GOD’S OWN COUNTRY – a new, practical resource for rural churches – is now available. Prepared by the Church of Scotland for use by all Christian denominations in Scotland, the aim is to affirm, encourage and inspire rural Christian congregations to feel confident in their role as faith-sharers in the local community. The easy-to-use resource pack – designed by rural people for rural people – contains a Community Value Toolkit with a wide range of supporting discussion material and project ideas. £6.99, including postage. For further information and to order (payment can be made by credit card or cheque), contact Sheila Reeves on 0131 225 5722, sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk or order online at www.madstuff.biz
IRCA – the International Rural Church Association is a network of rural Christians around the world who seek to support one another in their mission of connecting the gospel and rural life in their own context. Visit www.irca.is for information and links.
Please pray for farmers and others in the Midwest of the USA who have been seriously affected by the recent rain and resulting floods. 38,000 families were forced from their homes in Iowa and a substantial area of cropland will need to be replanted, with expected decline in yields.
VALUE ADDED CHURCH – the role of the church in rural community life is the title of the Mission and Discipleship Council Rural Church Conference, which will consider how rural congregations can impact on their communities and also provide an occasion to share together, which previous attendees have found extremely useful. The Keynote Speaker will be Mr Sandy Cumming, Chief Executive of Highlands & Islands Enterprise and a Church of Scotland elder. Also taking part will be Rev Ivor MacDonald, author of ‘Land of the Living: Christian Reflections on the Countryside’ and Mr Dale London, Regional Development Officer with a rural remit. In addition, there will be a choice of workshops, and the Regional Development Officers will lead worship and provide chaplaincy. Presbyteries have been invited to send a specific number of delegates, and additional places are available for any other paying participants at a subsidised rate of £55. 31 October – 1 November, lunchtime-lunchtime, Tulliallan Police College, Kincardine-on-Forth. For further information and to book, contact Sheila Reeves on 0131 225 5722 or sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk
Help Required / Vacancies
HOPE 08 The HOPE Scotland Co-ordinator would appreciate information from churches that are running events or projects in connection with HOPE, for inclusion on its website. Please contact Becky Frank on 07745 732622 or office@hope08scotland.org.uk
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS FOR INDIA’S LOWEST Despite India’s recent economic advancement, its 250 million Dalits face extreme poverty and discrimination. Please pray for them and also Philip Rose (a Church of Scotland elder) and his wife Sharon (who serves with Christian charity Operation Mobilisation), who will depart on 13 September to trek in the Himalayas to raise funds for the building of a new Dalit Education Centre. Those wishing to offer sponsorship can visit www.uk.om.org or email pkrose2u@aol.com or sharon.rose@uk.om.org
UNUSED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Dunscore Church of Scotland has recently ‘twinned’ with a lively congregation in Zambia. To assist a project to create a marching band for the Zambian congregations’s very keen 300-strong Boy’s Brigade Company, they require donations of musical instruments. If you can help, please ring John Drabble on 01387 820480 or 820356. Collection/transport can be arranged.
BURSARY FUND provides students with bursaries and travelling expenses.
PUBLICATIONS FUND provides money for the production of publications.
Enquiries and requests for application forms for the above trusts should be directed to Rev Douglas Nicol, dnicol@cofscotland.org.uk or his PA, Mrs Eva Elder, eelder@cofscotland.org.uk
THE NOVUM TRUST provides small short-term grants – typically between £200 and £2,500 – to initiate projects in Christian research and action which cannot readily be financed from other sources. Special consideration is given to proposals aimed at the welfare of young people, investment in training, new ways of communicating the faith, and work in association with overseas Churches or on behalf of immigrants in Scotland. The Trust cannot support large building projects or individuals applying for maintenance during courses or training. The Trustees next meet in November and the deadline for completed applications is 31 October. For an application form and guidance notes, contact Sheila Reeves on 0131 225 5722 or sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk
The Rozelle Trust has launched a new website to enable better access to its annual grants of £250,000, which are made to smaller Scottish charities, working with children and young people, and people with disabilities or in poverty. As well as information on how to apply, there is an online application form.
www.careforthefamily.org.uk/email/EngageToday/658/ carries the latest news from Care for the Family, ‘a Christian response to a world of need’.
www.greenpastureshousing.co.uk Green Pastures is an ethical investment company, based in Southport, Merseyside. With strong Christian foundations, they house the homeless and poor without discrimination or favour.
www.hopenews.co.uk to see examples of Hours of Kindness.
www.hope08.com/Group/Group.aspx?id=74208 Read about and see pictures of a reception at Clarence House hosted by the Prince of Wales to thank Hope08 people.
www.thegoodbook.co.uk provides carefully selected Christian books, Christian bible studies and resources to help churches and individuals grow in their understanding of the Christian faith, with a current focus on books for the Summer.