Charity

Freeuse La is a new webiste for Leicestershire Community Groups to take unwanted office items, donated by local authorites and schools, all for free.

For more information and to register go to

www.freeusela.org

I have been approached by the Revd Javaid Iqbal, on behalf of local Pakistani Christians, about whether I would lend my support to raise funds for the victims of the Pakistan floods.

I am sure, like me, you will have been shocked by the devastation that has been caused over the last week to millions of people. Each day we learn that more and more people are affected by the floods and we hear the stories of those made homeless, of families grieving for lost ones, and of those now becoming ill through lack of food and access to clean water.

As a diocese we have amongst us a significant number of people from Pakistan who will have family and friends affected by this disaster. I know that our churches have in the past donated generously when such incidents occur. The Diocese is advertising the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Pakistan (www.dec.org.uk) on its website, and I would encourage you if at all possible to make a donation. Christian Aid are one of the partners to this appeal, and they are working tirelessly to bring assistance to those affected in Pakistan.

I have also asked the Diocese Board of Finance to assist in the collection of funds, and have agreed that they will receive cheques and pass them on to the people of Pakistan through the DEC appeal. Please send a cheque made payable to ‘Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance’ to John Orridge, Director of Finance at Church House, St Martin’s East, Leicester LE1 5FX. Please mark the back of the cheque ‘Pakistan Flood Appeal’.

With many thanks

+Tim

Barnes Close Summer 2010

Applications are now invited for grants from the W T Fry Bequest towards the education of children of the clergy, in the Leicester Diocese, at a British University/College for the academic year 2010/2011.

Applications must be returned by 13th September 2010.

Forms avilable from: Jill Benn at 1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB. Tel No. 024 76 521331.

E-mail: Jill.Benn@CovLec.org

Jane Winter Secretary National Estate Churches Network tells us the story of her recent visit to Leicester with Fr Derek Brown and Riaz Ravat…

‘O would some power of the gifte gie us to see ourselves as others see us’

                                                                                                                           Robert Burns

If God’s love is infinite and intimate then there must be infinite ways in which that love is experienced and shared. A recent trip to Leicester helped me experience the reality of this truth.

 Leicester has been described as the UK’S most ethnically diverse city. Arriving at the station, the first thing that greeted me was welcome: the welcome of Fr. Derek my host, and ‘welcome’ written large into the restored station portico in a number of Indian and Arabic languages. Leicester is a city of great faith opportunities. Mosques and churches abound on street corners. There are Gurdwaras, Hindu temples and synagogues. They all tell a story of faith that has made a significant impression on city life for generations and as a result created a sense of space and place that is genuinely public. The impression shows that multifaith and multicultural growth hasn’t always been easy, with conflicts between and within different faith communities. These are inevitable, but unlike other cities conflicts haven’t escalated and diversity appears to be a strong community thread with a commitment to improve understanding and grow respect and tolerance. The work of the St Philip’s Centre is a prime example:  http://stphilipscentre.dioceseofleicester.com/

Two things struck me about my day in Leicester.

The first was the intimate way in which faith communities on the ground live side by side. Areas of the city are made distinctive by cultural communities. Alongside the cultural identity  marked by places of worship, shops, dress and language, I also got a sense of people sharing cultures and faith in a way that is relaxed and accepting, not forced. In these communities the presence of the church is clear through a range of denominational buildings and activities. The welcome I received at the Gurdwara and Mosque meant I could respect the prayer culture demonstrated in worship and a hospitality born of deep personal and community faith.  For some faith groups this intimacy has been risky living. For example in the 1950’s one church had the vision and confidence to welcome newly arriving Afro-Caribbean communities when everyone around them was being very unwelcoming. The church took the risk of being ostracised by those individuals and organisations who demonstrated unwelcoming behaviour. The story illustrates that in the end it is the way people choose to live together that creates peaceful or antagonistic communities.

The second thing that struck me was the infinity of opportunity in the work being done with many different agencies to increase understanding of different faiths. Faith leaders, lay people, and people working across the city and beyond are able to have genuine face to face conversations in safe places which builds trust and respect beyond just tolerance. It is a releasing experience.

My cameo visits caused me to reflect on what we as church can learn about the infinite love of God. If God’s love is infinite then it requires an infinity in which to flourish. The experience of engaging with three faiths simultaneously made me aware that God’s love for everyone includes everyone and is experienced in lots of different ways.

I was also shown the intimacy of God who loves and cares for those who often get left behind in our fast moving consumer society. The faithfulness of different church denominations remaining in areas that have become predominately communities of other faith traditions is one example particularly precious for indigenous and Afro-Caribbean Christians. Another is the care provided for older people by the Sikh Community.  This faithfulness demonstrates intimate love among those who for a number of reasons find themselves forgotten by main stream society.

In Leicester the intimate and the infinite came together showing me a richness and depth of God’s love which comes about through taking risks and being faithful.

With thanks to Fr. Derek Brown and Riaz Ravat for arranging the visit and being my guides.

Jane Winter Secretary National Estate Churches Network

Fr. Derek St Barnabas Church Leicester, Executive of National Estate Churches Network

Riaz Rivat St Philip’s Centre Leicester

Event Date: Tuesday 29 June 7.30-11.00pm

The Cathedral is organising a Summer Supper Party in a marquee at Gordon & Janet Arthur’s home in Smeeton Westerby. Summer Supper created by Firenze Restaurant from Kibworth Beauchamp, including a drink on arrival (wine, beer and soft drinks available from the bar) with music and good company. We are inviting donations of £35/person.

Supper will be at tables of 10 – you can apply for a table of 10, or apply as an individual or as a small group and we’ll do our best to meet your seating requests. We have already allocated 110 seats with about 80 still being available – please conact Julia Unna or Canon David Monteith at the Cathedral Office (0116 248 7456). It should be a really lovely evening!

East Midlands Christian Aid fortnightly update 5 May 2010

On Sunday 25th April 2010, Leicester’s Interfaith Youth Hub raised an incredible ?8500 as part of World Malaria Day. Over 30 young volunteers worked tirelessly as 250 people attended Leicester’s First Ever Multifaith Dinner for Malaria.

After months of preparation, the Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub which consists of young people aged 16-25, planned and ran the entire event including providing some of the entertainment. One group performed a drama piece, called “Supply and Demand” on the injustice of malaria. Another performed “Faith Monologues”, on their own feelings and personal commitment to the cause. A final group performed “Malaria Madness”, a comedy extravaganza written by themselves, featuring an African Zulu Chief, a Mad Scientist and a special appearance from Malaria Man!

The Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub is a joint initiative between the St Philip’s Centre and the Faiths Act fellowship programme. Hub Volunteer, Shelina Patel said, “I was really excited to take part in the dinner. I think it’s really important to take action against malaria; so we did it by writing, producing and performing in a malaria themed comedy! I couldn’t believe we got a standing ovation at the end. It was all great fun!”

The unique event at the Empire Banqueting Suite, was attended by 250 people from all faiths and backgrounds in Leicester. The attendees were told that purchasing a bed net for ?5 would protect an African family for up to 5 years against catching malaria, a disease which kills a million people every year, mostly pregnant women and young children.

The Assistant Bishop of Leicester, Revd Christopher Boyle said, “I am absolutely delighted at how these young people have taken the initiative on the cause of malaria. Having been Bishop in Northern Malawi, I know how crucial it is to take action against this preventable and treatable disease. The efforts of the Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub will make a real difference to the lives of 3400 Africans, by buying bed nets to protect them against malaria”.

The event was part of a global series of events for World Malaria Day, as part of the Faiths Act Network. Young adults from different faith backgrounds have been taking action around the world. These have included a Night Under Nets in London, film screenings in California, a football tournament in Montreal and an evening of African Dance and Drumming in Washington DC.

To join the hub of Multifaith young people making a difference in Leicester, access the Facebook group, “Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub” or drop into the St Philip’s Centre in Evington!

‘Helping the children and young people of Leicester and Leicestershire to sing…through the Chorister Outreach Programme.’

Do you remember ‘Sing Halleluya’ last November?
 
Do you remember Rupal Rajani learning to sing the ‘Halleluya Chorus’ live on Radio Leicester?

Do you remember that 400 singers came to the Cathedral, and that it was so good, it was broadcast nationally?

Do you remember a substantial amount of money being raised for ‘Children in Need’?

Well, it is all happening again!!!

This time ‘Conduct Halleluya’…

When? – Friday 18th June 1000hrs -1230hrs.

Where? – Leicester Cathedral

What?-  ‘Halleluya Chorus’
 ‘Surely he hath borne our griefs.’
 ‘He trusted in God’
 ‘Amen Chorus.’

The music will be provided or bring your own Watkins Shaw edition of the Messiah.

How? –  John Florance will be taught how to conduct the Halleluya Chorus in the weeks before, (and sometimes live on Radio Leicester!) by Stephen Foster.
He will then ‘receive his baton’ and conduct live on the day!

Stephen will rehearse and conduct the other three great pieces in his usual ‘fun style’; the whole thing being recorded by the BBC and going out on the air waves.

Who? -   Anyone who would like to sing!
Let’s try and ‘top’ the 400 people from last year.
 There will be a charge of £5 for the whole morning, all of which will be going towards funding the Cathedral ‘Chorister Outreach Programme’ for the next year, whereby hundreds of children in local schools are enthused and  encouraged to enjoy the art of singing in their own places of learning.

Do let us know if you would like to come, your voice and the number of people you are bringing with you!

LOOKING FORWARD TO A FUN TIME IN A GREAT CAUSE!

I am pleased to report that I completed the marathon in 5:48:15 yesterday and finished quite relaxed and with no blisters, aches or pains this morning. At 66 this was my 8th London Marathon and I was running on behalf of British Lung Foundation im memory of Peter Hebden former proprietor of Christian Resources in Leicester. My I thank all those who sponsored me and helping to raise £1,300 so far. Should anyone feel that they would also like to sponsor me for this very important charity they may go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DickWhittington or contact me on 01509 506828. I am also willing to speak at any meetings in the county about my Marathon experiences with photos and memorabilia.

Dick Whittington

Haiti Update

Thank you to everyone who gave to our Haiti Appeal, either as an individual or a church.  As of 30 March the Christian Aid appeal total stood at £4.3 million. Our response is making a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitians and will continue to do so under the strong leadership of our staff in Port-au-Prince.

The devastation in Haiti was unprecedented with reports suggesting 300,000 deaths, 500,000 injured, 300,000 displaced and 1 million made homeless.

Christian Aid has been responding to the needs of Haitian communities over the past three months. Working alongside long-established partners and seeking to secure new partnerships, we are now moving from immediate relief and aid to longer term work including secure livelihoods programmes.

Prospery Raymond, Christian Aid’s country manager in Haiti would like to convey this message to our supporters: ‘Thank you for all you have done. The people of Haiti appreciate your generosity. We use your money in the best possible way, and will continue to make very good use of your money. Your money goes directly to support the victims of the earthquake.’

The ‘Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub’ presents Leicester’s first ever
Multi-faith Fundraising Dinner for
World MALARIA Day
25^th April 2010 @ Empire Banqueting Suite
Buy tickets online: www.leicesterdinner.eventbrite.com

Or from Michael or Raheema at St Philips Centre, on 0116 2733459 / 0116 2738813, 2A Stoughton Drive North, Evington, Leicester, LE5 5UB

 Featuring: Three-course meal, special guest speakers, charity raffle and auction (including David Beckham and Andy Murray signed merchandise) entertainment, drama, comedy, ‘The Faith Monologues’ and much more!!

Did you know that Malaria kills someone every thirty seconds? Over a million lives are lost every year from this entirely preventable disease. We here in Leicester can make a difference. The Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub have organised Leicester’s first Multi-faith Fundraising dinner; bringing people from all walks of life together to make a real difference.

 Every penny donated on the night will be doubled and donated to ‘Malaria No More’ – Each £5.00 donated will buy a bed net to protect an African family. These bed nets make a massive difference in reducing deaths due to malaria; every penny donated will go straight to charity to buy and transport a net to where it is most needed. It will even educate an African family about its use!

 So join us for a fantastic evening! A delicious three course meal will be accompanied by special guest speakers, a charity raffle and auction (including a football signed by David Beckham and a signed tennis ball by Andy Murray) as well as superb entertainment designed and delivered by young people of Leicester.

 Details below,  don’t delay get your tickets now! Online or in person! Every ticket purchased will donate at least one bed net to Africa! So you can a make a difference right now!

 Date:       Sunday 25th April 2010
Time:      6.00pm – 9.30pm
Ticket:    £15.00 (each ticket purchased will buy one bed net for Africa)
                 Buy online: http://leicesterdinner.eventbrite.com/
Venue:   Empire Banqueting Suite
                 1 Foundry Lane, Belgrave Gate
                 Leicester,  LE1 3WU

Domestic Abuse is a horrific atrocity that affects many, many, many people. 

In the UK one in four women is a victim of domestic abuse and a woman is assaulted in her own home every 6 SECONDS. 

Saturday 26th June 2010 is a day to do something about this.  

This is the day Faith and Freedom is hosting the BRINGING HOPE CONFERENCE in Colchester, Essex. 

It will be an amazing day with outstanding speakers including Elaine Storkey and Catherine Clark Kroeger, a brilliant theatre production and the launch of Restored, a groundbreaking new international Christian alliance working to end violence against women. 

The conference will enable you and your organisation to more effectively understand and support those suffering domestic abuse and we would like to invite you and those involved in your organisation to come. 

For more details and to book, please visit http://www.faithandfreedom.webs.com/conference.htm or see the attached flyer.

Bringing Hope Conference Flyer

Order your FREE Church Harvest pack now!
 
This year celebrate Harvest with Self Help Africa, a charity that is bringing hope to Africa’s rural poor.
 
Featuring stories of hope from the charity’s projects Malawi, along with sermon suggestions and readings, the Harvest Pack provides a powerful focus for churches wanting a fresh approach to harvest services.
 
The pack can be used by churches of all kinds and is crammed full of activities and information idea for family services, house groups, youth groups and children’s groups.

To order your free pack please call 01743 277170 or email harvest@selfhelpafrica.net or alternatively visit www.selfhelpafrica.net and click the link on the home page.
 
Self Help Africa has been working with rural farmers across Africa for 25 years helping them to grow enough food to feed their families all year round. Reg. charity no. 298830

Harvest Flyer Final

Churches Together in Oadby 2010 Fundraising Walk 
for Christian Aid on Sunday 9th May 2010
Starting at 1.00pm from St Paul’s Church, Hamble Road, Oadby
Download the Poster  HERE walk2010_Poster

Prison Fellowship, through its volunteers, shines God’s light in the darkest of places and aims to transform the lives of prisoners and their families.  Do you have some spare time and want to support one of the most vulnerable groups in our society?  If so, then why not consider volunteering with us?

There are many different ways in which you can get involved including:

·        praying for a local prison

·        supporting chaplaincy,

·        fundraising/taking part in Angel Tree  – a programme that provides Christmas presents to children who have one or both parents in prison

·        Helping to run Sycamore Tree – our restorative justice course in prison.    

If this sounds like the kind of challenge you are after then please come and join us!  Together we can be God’s instruments of change; to offer a message of hope instead of despair, love instead of hatred, light instead of darkness. If you want to find out more email info@prisonfellowship.org.uk or phone 01621 843232

www.prisonfellowship.org.uk

Please see the attached leaflet from Christian Aid

World Week Peace 2010

We are putting on an A Sponsored Twilight Walk on behalf of LOROS, the Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice. Entertainment starting from 7pm and the walk starts at 10pm on Saturday 19 June 2010 leaving from and returning to The Walkers Stadium. Please see the flyer attached. This event will be one of LOROS’s biggest annual fundraisers but we need your help and the help of your parish members to make this happen! We need every penny to keep this great hospice running as it offers great support to families and patients in their ‘Twilight’ days. Did you know it costs £515 to provide a bed for one day and £12.35 per minute to run the hospice. So I hope you understand why we are asking for your help. Please tell your congregation to dust of off those boots and trainers, grab the friends, family, kids, partners and colleagues’ and step up to the challenge!

Contact: 01162 302040 or email loros@sjevents.co.uk

twilight walk flyer

The ‘Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub’ presents Leicester’s first ever Multi-faith Fundraising Dinner for

World MALARIA Day
Featuring: Three-course meal, special guest speakers, charity raffle and auction (including David Beckham and Andy Murray signed merchandise) entertainment, drama, comedy, ‘The Faith Monologues’ and much more!!

Date:       Sunday 25th April 2010
Time:      6.00pm – 9.30pm
Ticket:    £15.00 (each ticket purchased will buy one bed net for Africa)
                 Buy online: http://leicesterdinner.eventbrite.com/
Venue:   Empire Banqueting Suite
                 1 Foundry Lane, Belgrave Gate
                 Leicester,  LE1 3WU

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Zimbawean clients are requesting bibles as it is part of their culture to take their own bibles to church. If you have any you would like to donate you can send them to Pat English at Church House, who will take them to the Welcome Group.

The Welcome Group also in need of volunteers for the following positions:

1. Treasurer: Required at minimum of three afternoon committee meetings per year and the AGM.

2. Administrator: To keep records up to date, purchase stationery etc, handling petty cash and correspondence. Must be computer literate.

3. Welcomers.

Training given in all positions but applicants should be able to use their own initiative and like meeting people.

email pat.english@leccofe.org