Now on the BBC Iplayer last nights programme on food poverty and food banks etc.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Tackling Food Poverty in Blackpool second meeting... Tuesday November 13th
We would like to invite you to a second meeting to consider how we can work together to Tackle Food poverty in Blackpool. The details are appended below and also found in the attached document which can be easily printed out for your noticeboard, or to hand to others. Please forward this email to your own relevant mailing lists around the town.
Tackling Food Poverty in Blackpool
a second meeting to discuss how churches and others can work better together
To be held on
TUESDAY 13th November
from 10.30 am (check in and coffee from 10am) – 12.30pm
(followed by a light buffet lunch and networking time)
at North Shore Methodist Church, Dickson Road, Blackpool, FY1 2AP
Following the exploratory meeting called by Paul Maynard MP in late September Together Lancashire has been asked to reconvene the group and invite the widest range of churches and interested parties from across the whole of Blackpool.
Our aims are:
-
To examine the extent and depth of food poverty across Blackpool and the most appropriate repsonses to it.
-
To complete the mapping of food bank and other similar services and ministries already offered by the churches in Blackpool
-
To explore how we can strengthen existing projects and build appropriate new initiatives by working more closely together. This could involve setting up working groups to move from ideas to action.
I do hope you will be able to attend and would appreciate an RSVP by email to help us assess numbers for catering purposes. (We will be asking for a donation to help cover the cost of lunch)
.
Shalom
Greg Smith
Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire / Preston Christian Action Network
34 Broadgate, Preston PR1 8DU
Phone no. 01772 827987 Mobile 07726177044
Together Lancashire, registered office Church House, Blackburn BB1 5AA
Registered Charity no 1147848 Registered company no 07966145
Together Lancashire Website http://www.cuf.org.uk/together-lancashire
See also PCAN Website www.pcan.org.uk or and BLOG http://prestonchristianactionnetwork.blogspot.com/
 |
Serve Event Bradford - 12 November 2012
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Serve Bradford - Invitation.pdf (54kb)
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----- Original Message -----
From: Debra Green
To: Greg Smith
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 1:39 PM
Subject: Serve Event Bradford - 12 November 2012
Attachments
Serve Bradford - Invitation.pdf (54kb) | Hi Friends, I would like to inform you about the Evangelical Alliance Serve Event taking place in Bradford on 12 November 2012. The Lighthouse Group Hope Park Bradford BD5 8HH 10:00am-4:00pm Cost: FREE (lunch will be provided) This will be a great day of interaction between church leaders and christian leaders of organisations who work in partnership with the local church. Guest speakers include ROC's National Partnership Development Manager Neil Wain, who will be speaking about his journey into partnership working. Please find attached an invitation to the event and details of people who will be involved on the day. More information is available on their website here, and you can sign up for the event here. Thanks, Debra Green OBE  |
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Monday, 22 October 2012
Poverty and Homeless Action week 26 January - 3 February 2013
Poverty and Homeless Action week is back for 2013... Should we be using this to up the ante for Together Lancashire and PCAN
Drop in at Central Methodist Lune Street... Donations Please
As winter approaches...
Our stocks of woolly hats, gloves and socks are running low and need replenishing as the winter approaches. We also have had a run on warm jackets recently. Please extend this appeal to your respective contacts – church and otherwise. As always, we are on the lookout for blankets and sleeping bags
Please delivery to the church on Sunday or Monday evenings 6pm-9pm ..or contact Phil Moore
07407760572.
or email phil.moore@methodistaction.co.uk
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Free: Public Lecture 30th October 2012
some information on an opportunity to attend a free lecture on community wealth building.
Community wealth building aims at improving the ability of communities and individuals to increase asset ownership, anchor jobs locally and ensure local economic stability
This October Preston City Council is hosting a visit by Ted Howard, academic and social entrepreneur from the University of Maryland. Mr Howard is the co-founder and executive director of The Democracy Collaborative, which is recognised as a national leader in the fast-growing field of community wealth building strategies and policy development.
As part of this visit, UCLan and Preston City Council are sponsoring a public lecture by Ted Howard to be held in the Green Bank Lecture Theatre, Greenbank Building, Victoria Street Preston, PR1 7QT on 30th October from 4pm - 6pm (see attached leaflet) where Ted will be talking about the work of the Democratic Collaborative and the Evergreen Co-operatives in particular.
If you would like to attend the lecture, then please complete the attached booking form and send to a.lea@preston.gov.uk
More information about this work can be found on the Democratic Collaborative web site http://democracycollaborative.org and the Evergreen co-operatives site http://evergreencooperatives.com.
Nigel Heckford
Community Engagement Manager
Preston City Council
Tel. 01772 906372
Email: n.heckford@preston.gov.uk
P Save a tree... please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to
|
Preston City Council is a Living Wage Employer.
This message and any file or link transmitted with it is confidential, subject to copyright, and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain privileged information. Any unauthorised review, use, disclosure, distribution or publication is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please contact the sender by reply email and destroy and delete the message and all copies from your computer.
Any views expressed in this message are solely those of the author(s) involved, and do not necessarily represent those of Preston City Council.
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Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Invitation to PCANs Being a Welcoming Church Sessions
If you want paper copies of this they can be picked up from the Olive Grove cafe at Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, Mondays to Saturdays 10am-1pm.. Just ask one of the people serving coffee.
Monday, 15 October 2012
Islamophobia Lecture
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 1:17 AM
Subject: Islamophobia Lecture
On Thursday 22nd November Chris Allen (Birmingham University) will be speaking on Islamophobia, myth or reality? Understanding the problem to find a solution.
Venue: Salvation Army
Doors open at 9.45am
Please do circulate to your contacts
Thanks
Ali
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Fw: Jesus in the City Urban Mission Congress 2013
Just received this from organisers of Jesus in the City -- Manchester September Next year... Well worth you all planning to attend.. Put dates in diary now.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jesus in the City 2013
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 7:32 PM
Subject: Jesus in the City Urban Mission Congress 2013
Dear Friends, Ministers and Fellow Workers
We are contacting you as someone who attended one of the recent Jesus in the City Urban Mission Congresses in Bristol or Belfast. We are delighted to inform you that the next congress will be hosted in Greater Manchester. The dates are 6-8th September 2013, with keynote speaker Dr Tony Campolo. This initial email is so that you can book the date in your diary, and to invite you to come to Manchester next September.
You will know that one of the richest parts of the Jesus in the City experience is the coming together of urban mission practitioners and supporters from all over the UK to worship, share and learn together. And hopefully to then go back to their areas of ministry encouraged, refreshed and re-envisioned.
As with previous congresses, this will be in a context of a particular city with its unique issues, joys and challenges. Jesus in the City enables you to meet, engage, and share stories and ideas with the various responses to that context by the different activists, residents and local churches, ministries and organisations here - all present and serving, in the name of Jesus, in the city.
Each of us will have something to learn and also to contribute as we share together. With that in mind, as we form the programme we are looking at innovative ways of enabling everyone's voice to be heard. For content we are working with a number of ideas from people in Manchester, but there is still time for you to put a suggestion or two into the mix. Use the contact page of our website www.jitc2013.co.uk and put your ideas in the comment box. Or send an email to: info@jitc2013.co.uk This address can also be used for any queries you may have. There will be a second email to follow with more details of the programme, but for now, please:
· Book the date
· Bookmark the website www.jitc2013.co.uk More information will be added there as it is confirmed.
· If you know of individuals, networking groups and ministries in your area that might benefit from an invitation, could you please pass on their contact details?
· Finally, help us get the word out. Do you know of local or national agencies that have a good publicity network we could approach?
We want to build on the success of previous congresses, when we had the opportunity to come together, to learn from one another, to be inspired and encourage, to look at the bigger pictures that face all of us that live, work and minister in urban environments. In the coming months we will keep you informed of developments and look forward to
seeing you in Manchester.
Your servant in Christ Jesus
Derek Purnell
Chair of JITC2013
Friday, 12 October 2012
My review of Seeking a City with Foundations
Just posted this on Amazon at http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/1844745317/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who has a serious commitment to serving Christ in Urban settings. David Smith has combined scholarship with his experience as a pastor and missionary to produce a book which is insightful, prophetic and moving at the same time.
The first half of the book is mainly a perspective from urban studies... looking at how cities grow and develop, how sociologists, planners and regeneration activitsts think of cities. The explosion of megacities and the current mass migrations of rurual folk to new connurbations in Africa and Asia is well documented, together with a case study on Glasgow.. once the second city of the British empire. Of course much more could be said and there is a vast literature from secular and Christian writers that warrant deeper study by specialists, but as an introduction for thinking Christians most of the bases are covered.
The second half is more theological, taking us through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It is an evangelical reading, in no way anti-urban though recognising the fallennesss of humanity and all our institutions. But it is also deeply challenging if not disturbing, helping us to see the world through the eyes of the early Christians in the crowded tenaments of Rome as well as through the eyes of slum dwellers in Lagos. The theology in many places resonates with that of N.T. Wright and moves us towards involvement with the structures, politics, and culture of the great cities, as well as in wholistic misison and ministry with the people of our cities.
Read the book, gain understanding, be challenged in your thinking and practice. But beyond that get praying, get involved, and get moving into a long term prophetic and misisonal commitment to the city in which you are called to live.
Shalom
Greg Smith
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
BBC website covers Preston churches' Homeless Drop in.
The BBC have done an article on the Drop in for homeless and vulnerable people at Central Methodist Church
. Please follow the link below. I found it easier to access via the first link provided:
The feature is now live on the www.bbc.co.uk/news homepage, in the 'Elsewhere in the BBC' box.
Here's a direct link, http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/19700221
It's good that the profile the circumstances of homeless and vulnerable people are brought to public attention in this way and that your hard work and commitment in supporting them is getting wider recognition.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Fw: special offer - Unlock Prodigal Son event
Any local church wanting to take this up ..contact Unlock direct
Hello everyone,
Unlock recently ran a Bible activity day in
So, you can have a 2-3 hour event, probably on a Saturday, for about 30 people, including a selection of creative and reflective activities on the story of the prodigal son on the following basis.
Unlock will set up and staff the event and bring the necessary resources.
You provide:-
- a suitable venue
- teas and coffees
- local publicity
- travel expenses for a team of 4 - 5 Unlock staff and volunteers (if the event is in the afternoon there should be no overnight accommodation needed)
This is being offered on a first come first served basis.
Best wishes to all
Dawn
Dawn A Lonsdale
Unlock Chief Officer
Office Tel: 0114 2939060
http://www.unlock-urban.org.uk/
Unlock, Handsworth Parish Centre,
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Christian Aid and Church Action On Poverty Tax Justice bus
Just a reminder that we are supporting the visit of the Tax Justice Bus to Fulwood Methodist Church this Sunday 14th October from 5pm
An opportunity to hear more about the parallels between poverty and inequality overseas and here in Preston, to get involved in campaigning and action and to join in a service of worship and prayer.
Please share this in church notices etc.
Shalom
Greg Smith
Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire / Preston Christian Action Network
34 Broadgate, Preston PR1 8DU
Phone no. 01772 827987 Mobile 07726177044
Together Lancashire, registered office Church House, Blackburn BB1 5AA
Registered Charity no 1147848 Registered company no 07966145
Together Lancashire Website http://www.cuf.org.uk/together-lancashire
See also PCAN Website www.pcan.org.uk or and BLOG http://prestonchristianactionnetwork.blogspot.com/
|
Fw: New Crucible Course Weekends 2012/2013
CRUCIBLE IS AN EXCELLENT COURSE FOR PIONEERING URBAN MINISTRY
----- Original Message -----
From: Crucible Course
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 2:27 PM
Subject: New Crucible Course Weekends 2012/2013
Dear All
We are writing with information about the Crucible course, which begins its eighth year next month, and with news of some developments.
Attached is a flyer about the two modules available at the first weekend on 10-11 November. Those of you who have done one of these modules might want to take the other module this year. If this is not of interest to you, please do pass it on to anyone you think might be interested. Further information about all three weekends can be found at www.cruciblecourse.org.uk
Attached also is a flyer about a new development this year. Alongside The Urban Challenge in February, for the first time we will also be offering The Rural Challenge. The Crucible course has a distrinctly urban flavour, but we recognise that marginalisation, deprivation and under-churched communities are features of many rural communities too. So, in partnership with 'Rural Ministries', we are offering this additional module this year (and in future if there is enough interest). We hope anyone interested in this module will also consider coming on other weekends, which provide the context for this more focused module.
Another new development this year is that the Crucible course modules have been validated as roughly half the training needed for any Baptists interested in being recognised as 'lay pioneers'. If this is of interest to you, please get in touch with us for more information.
And finally, we have invited Alex Alexander to join us on the Crucible planning/organising group. Alex is one of the ministers of E1 Community Church in East London, a church planted by Urban Expression.
We hope to see some of you in November or at one of the other weekends this year.
Juliet Kilpin and Stuart Murray Williams
Links to flyers below:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/80uy031v9xxe4fs/Crucible_W-end_1_flyer_2012-13.pdf
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Fw: Community and Voluntary Sector Research Forum - Free event - Liverpool 7th November
From: Metcalf, Lindsey
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 1:01 PM
Subject: Community and Voluntary Sector Research Forum - Free event - Liverpool 7th November
Community and Voluntary Sector Research Forum - Wed 7th November, 5.30-8.00pm, Liverpool
FREE event - booking essential.
This free seminar will explore recent academic and practical research into local charities and will explore ways in which this can be used to improve our methods of working for and providing services to local communities.
This event is for Voluntary & Community Organisations, Trustees, Students, Volunteers, Academics and anyone with an in interest research and charitable working
Includes:
- "Big Society and Small Charities: the experiences of trustees and staff from local charities in Merseyside" PhD research, Lindsey Metcalf, University of Liverpool
- A talk by former University of Liverpool / Interchange Students about their experiences of collaborative research work with voluntary and community projects.
- Round table discussions on the issues facing the voluntary sector
- Community Case Study - Howard Hunt, Litherland Youth Centre
Part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2012
For further events details: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/festival/festival-events/specific-2012/research-forum.aspx
Hosted by Interchange, a charity that connects higher education and local communities.
For further information please visit
F: http://www.facebook.com/InterchangeLiverpool
T: https://twitter.com/Interchange_vco
W: http://www.liv.ac.uk/ssp/interchange/
To book a place please e-mail
Claudette Graham on interchange@liv.ac.uk or Sorrel Leader on s.leader@liverpool.ac.uk
Tel: 0151 794 2986 or 0151 795 0585
Looking for resources/ideas for a Halloween event or Light Party?
----- Original Message -----
From: CURBS
To: CURBS
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 1:23 PM
Subject: Re: Looking for resources/ideas for a Halloween event or Light Party?
Hello!
You can order our brilliant 'Unmasking Halloween' resource from the Children in URBan Situations (CURBS) website. This CURBS Kit is only £7.00 and available as a download or hard copy, you can also look at the first few pages for free! Our website is www.curbsproject.org.uk and you need to click on the 'Ordering' tab and then select 'Seasonal Kits'.
Unmasking Halloween (£7)
Exploring and reclaiming the positive aspects of Halloween, recognising that God is all-powerful
- A pick and mix kit for 5-11s which explores the different angles of this 'hot potato' and where we might draw the line
- Explores aspects that hold a fascination for kids: the scary, the gross, the unknown, the dark...
- Looks at questions to weigh up and reclaims aspects of Halloween that we sometimes avoid
- A range of activities including discussion starters, crafts, games, baking, exploring the Bible, finding out activities...
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want to know more about this resource or the CURBS Project.
Many thanks,
Kate Traynor
CURBS (Children in URBan Situations)
Resources and training for urban children's workers
71 Johnson Street
London E1 0AQ
07956 566698
Registered Charity No. 1076902
"One of the most innovative, creative and exciting projects working amongst children in the UK". Bishop Paul Butler
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Friday, 5 October 2012
Fw: Advent Prayer 2012 - focus on homelessness
Advent Prayer 2012 From the Evangelical Alliance from www.eauk.org/adventprayer.
Good news has arrived.
This year's Advent Prayer guide will be reflecting on what good news to the
poor and freedom to the captives mean. Who can we bring good news to? Who is
most desperately in need of hearing it? How can we, the Church, be good news
to those in need at Christmas?
Last year, more than 25,000 people used Advent Prayer and asked God to bless
the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. I'm convinced that the success
of the Games was partly due to these prayers.
This year, we are partnering with Bethany Christian Trust - a large Scottish
charity who work with the homeless, broken and lost - to encourage the Church
to think about these people during the advent season. Because we don't have
to look far to find them.
Can you imagine the impact that could be made if thousands of Christians pray
together every day during advent? Can you imagine what a difference it could
make to the weak, poor and hopeless, if we devote our prayer time to them?
You can be a voice for the voiceless this advent.
We believe that we are better together, which is why at the Evangelical Alliance
we are committed to unity and prayer. We really believe that this year's Advent
Prayer guide will bless you, stir you up, encourage and inspire you to be the
good news.
The Advent Prayer material provides a fantastic opportunity both to put Jesus
at the centre this Christmas season and to pray for change to come.
It would be great if you joined us and got copies of Advent Prayer for your
church or prayer group members. Together we can make a difference this advent
- a difference that can last long after the decorations have gone. You can
download your free copy or order print copies from www.eauk.org/adventprayer.
Wishing you every blessing,
Fred Drummond
National director & prayer co-ordinator
We publish Advent Prayer to encourage you to partner with us in pushing forward
our vision for social and spiritual transformation in the UK. If you have any
comments about this communication or would like to change your email address,
receive additional copies or unsubscribe please email Rano Xavier, the Alliance's
membership officer on r.xavier@eauk.org
Your Reference
226107 / Mr G Smith
Originally Emailed to:
g.smith@eauk.org
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Thursday, 4 October 2012
Urban Shifts Conference CHESTER November 21st
Please see below details of a one day conference, for academics and practitioners, at the University of Chester.
URBAN SHIFTS?
Ethnographic Dialogue on Changing Theory and Practice in Urban Ministry
21st November 2012
10.30 - 4.15 pm
University of Chester
The day is an interactive event for urban practitioners and missioners to share insights, theory, theology and good practice around what it is to be church in our rapidly changing urban contexts. It will be facilitated by Chris Baker (William Temple Foundation/University of Chester), Margaret Jones (Parishes of St George's & St John's Altrincham/University of Chester), Chris Shannahan (University of Birmingham), Anna Thompson (Eden Network/University of Chester), Derrick Watson (Cathcart Baptist Church, Glasgow/University of Chester).
It is intended as part of an ongoing network of meetings, events and resources to support those engaged in urban mission and ministry.
PROGRAMME
10.30am Arrivals, refreshments, registration
11.00am Welcome & introductions
Anna Thompson
11.10am Opening session: Urban Shift
Exploring cultural shifts in urban space and implications for ministry
Chris Baker
12.10pm Coffee break
12.20pm Case Studies in Urban Ethnography: Post Secular Rapprochement
Margaret Jones
1.00pm Participation in God
Derrick Watson
1.40pm Lunch
2.30pm Ordinary Methodology, Ordinary Theology
Anna Thompson
3.10pm Drawing together themes in urban ethnography
Chris Shannahan
3.50pm Plans for a Network
Margaret Jones
4 10pm Thanks & close
Anna Thompson
The cost of the day is £12.00 (which includes refreshments, but not lunch).
Please contact: c.mcevoy@chester.ac.uk<mailto:c.mcevoy@chester.ac.uk> Tel:01244<tel:01244> 511031 for registration details or Chris Baker: chris.baker@chester.ac.uk<mailto:chris.baker@chester.ac.uk>
URBAN SHIFTS?
Ethnographic Dialogue on Changing Theory and Practice in Urban Ministry
21st November 2012
10.30 - 4.15 pm
University of Chester
The day is an interactive event for urban practitioners and missioners to share insights, theory, theology and good practice around what it is to be church in our rapidly changing urban contexts. It will be facilitated by Chris Baker (William Temple Foundation/University of Chester), Margaret Jones (Parishes of St George's & St John's Altrincham/University of Chester), Chris Shannahan (University of Birmingham), Anna Thompson (Eden Network/University of Chester), Derrick Watson (Cathcart Baptist Church, Glasgow/University of Chester).
It is intended as part of an ongoing network of meetings, events and resources to support those engaged in urban mission and ministry.
PROGRAMME
10.30am Arrivals, refreshments, registration
11.00am Welcome & introductions
Anna Thompson
11.10am Opening session: Urban Shift
Exploring cultural shifts in urban space and implications for ministry
Chris Baker
12.10pm Coffee break
12.20pm Case Studies in Urban Ethnography: Post Secular Rapprochement
Margaret Jones
1.00pm Participation in God
Derrick Watson
1.40pm Lunch
2.30pm Ordinary Methodology, Ordinary Theology
Anna Thompson
3.10pm Drawing together themes in urban ethnography
Chris Shannahan
3.50pm Plans for a Network
Margaret Jones
4 10pm Thanks & close
Anna Thompson
The cost of the day is £12.00 (which includes refreshments, but not lunch).
Please contact: c.mcevoy@chester.ac.uk<mailto:c.mcevoy@chester.ac.uk> Tel:01244<tel:01244> 511031 for registration details or Chris Baker: chris.baker@chester.ac.uk<mailto:chris.baker@chester.ac.uk>
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
PRESTON CHRISTIAN ACTION NETWORK: NOTES ON AUTUMN MEETING: ON MONDAY 1st OCTOBER
There are lots of information items in this email which could be shared in your church notices, bulletins, websites etc. Please recirculate this via your email lists or facebook pages.
PRESTON CHRISTIAN ACTION NETWORK: NOTES ON AUTUMN MEETING: ON MONDAY 1st OCTOBER
At Fulwood Methodist Church Watling Street Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 8EA About a dozen of us were Present.
Peter Hamborg took the chair and led us in some reflections and prayers based on Luke 4 14-20. We discussed what is the nature of the good news for the poor in Preston... and reflected on our experiences and reactions to the Guild – joy, fun and celebration, a sense of community and cohesion across the city, the witness of the churches working together and the number of Christians who had come out of the woodwork to take part. How can we capture the enthusiasm and can it be focussed on Christ's mission over the next two decades?
Michael Wedgeworth gave a presentation on Health and Wellbeing Boards and the VCFS This can be dowloaded from http://pcanprestonchristianactionnetwork.yolasite.com/publications-and-resources.php
Also on the agenda;
The Food Bank...
We welcomed Alex Cadogan recently arrived officer at The Salvation Army and discussed with him the current situation and issues around the Food Bank.
-
Demand is exceeding supply... 300 parcels were given out last month.. Stocks are low and lots of money is being spend... Harvest Festivals will help in the near future but will not keep the food bank operating at this level throughout the year.. All churches and community groups to be encouraged to donate not perishable foods and money if possible.
-
The demand is likely to grow as times get harder, benefits regimes become more stringent and word gets round the community that help is available. We will have to review the criteria. It may not be possible to take self referrals in future for example.
-
The core user group of repeat clients.. Food banks are designed as an emergency crisis response but many come back every month. We need some way of addressing their underlying issues of budgeting, lack of employability, addictions, mental health. The food bank could use volunteers who take on the role of listening, advocacy and signposting people to other services.
-
Other food banks may open soon in Pentowrtham and other neighbourhoods. This might take a little pressure off and as a network we want to suppor these ventures. Greg said similar issues and projects were around in Blackpool, Lancaster/Morecambe and East lancashire and we were planning a food bank consultation gathering.. (probably mid November)
-
We need to look at wholesale sourcing of food... The Together Lancashire staff and Board were working on this.
a report back on the Serve the City week
Ian Clarkson sent this report with his apologies
Serve Our City project has received feedback from a good percentage of the volunteers involved from the various churches & Greg Smith is working on a report to hand out to local churches and also council & other community groups which should be available later this term.
There is a celebration service this Saturday 7.30pm at St Cuthbert's Church and a thank you dvd is now available.
The feedback has also provided a number of suggestions for improvement and resourcing for next year and a willingness by a high percentage of volunteers from across the denominations to d the project again.
The dates for next year have been set for 9th – 13th July and will be looking to have a greater involvement by young people from churches in particular on the Saturday with a celebration / feedback time on the Saturday evening.
Following on from the week a number of people have got involved with the Inside Out Project from various churches in particular helping with the flood damage house in Leyland who are now able to move back into their home after an extensive amount of work and generosity by all concerned.
One of the questions the project raises is what next – how do we all as the church continue to draw along side areas & people groups that are in need?
Ian Clarkson Assistant Pastor Fulwood Free Methodist Church Office:01772 861597
Mobile:07979962882
BECOMING A WELCOMING CHURCH
plans for a "How to be a Welcoming Church" course. A group of us including Sue Griffiths and Hazel Seweell from Cedar House are planning this:
A two session interactive, participatory course for people in churches around Preston - especially those who serve as welcomers, stewards, sidespeople or pastoral listeners in church worship or activities.
But really for any one who cares about making people welcome -- Like this?
a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, "Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!" and either ignore the street person or say, "Better sit here in the back row," James 2;2
Two Wednesday evenings 14th and 21st November.
Making a commitment to the city for 2103...
Ken Wales reminded us of our intial PCAN commitmeent two years ago to ensure no one in need should have to go without a hot meal through the winter – out of which had come the Sunday and Monday Dropins,, Was it time to make another commitment. A few of us had talked about this recently and felt the focus might be on children and family poverty. Speciffically we were interested in issues around the cost of school unifirms and shoes. – We are trying to find out what the policies of LEA and local schools are, how they perceive the need and appropirate ways of addressing it. The church has a lot of involvement in education, through church, schools, as governors, as teachers, as parents... Greg was happy to compile any information that might come in. We would like everyone to ask round school contacts and families and email in any findings to pcaninfo@gmail.com. By the end of half term if possble.
East Preston
Andy Prosser spoke briefly of his research work which was now nearing completion and turning into a report that could be presented and circulated. Lots of need in the area but some positve movements towards setting up some new youth and children's activities linked with the local churches.
The Christian Aid Tax Justice Bus is coming: currently touring the country to raise awareness of how tax dodging harms the poorest and most vulnerable both here and overseas. Developing countries lose out on billions of pounds every year, that could be used for basic services such as education and healthcare.
The bus will be at Fulwood Methodist Church on Sunday 14th October from 5pm-6.30pm, followed by evening service led by Christian Aid staff. Come and find out more as you tour the bus and listen to a Christian Aid partner from Kenya. Buffet tea provided. All welcome.
Just to add that we are assuming the bus will fit at the front of the church. There will be a youth slot in the hall as well between 5-6pm involving the OMG group of Wendy Bennett. Obviously any other young people are welcome. The bus will be available for people to look around between 5-6:30pm. The Kenyan partner will speak as part of a tax briefing lead by Christian Aid, with opportunity for questions. This will be in the hall I think. There will be a running buffet for which we will ask for donations. The 6.30 service is being sorted by Dave Hardman of Christian Aid in conjunction with Myrtle.
Any more info is on the Christian Aid website
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/ActNow/trace-the-tax/tax-justice-tour/background.aspx
Next meeting... we will circulate a doodle poll to help us fix the date of the next meeting
Shalom
Greg Smith
Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire / Preston Christian Action Network
34 Broadgate, Preston PR1 8DU
Phone no. 01772 827987 Mobile 07726177044
Together Lancashire, registered office Church House, Blackburn BB1 5AA
Registered Charity no 1147848 Registered company no 07966145
Together Lancashire Website http://www.cuf.org.uk/together-lancashire
See also PCAN Website www.pcan.org.uk or and BLOG http://prestonchristianactionnetwork.blogspot.com/
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