Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Day of Prayer for Great Britain and the World on Election Day May 7th

At least three Preston Churches are inviting Christians from around the city to join in prayer for the nation and the world as the future shape of the government is decided.
Everyone is invited to take part at any of these venues, or to join us in spirit wherever you may be on the day. Please share this information widely with your church and Christian networks.

ST WILFRID'S PARISH, CHAPEL ST, PRESTON, PR1 8BU

(CITY CENTRE)

On Election Day we are hoping people will pray in the Church during the hours the polling stations are open, so on May 7th the Church will be open during polling from 7am to 10pm, with various times for both public and private prayer, and times when refreshments are available in the Parish Centre.

Whilst our Church is in the Roman Catholic tradition we are encouraging Christians from all Churches in Preston to pop-in and Pray for Great Britain and the World at anytime during this day. More information in the form of a poster can be downloaded here.

In Ribbleton

the Anglican Parish church of St Mary Magdalene PR2 6RD


will offer a place of prayer from the opening time of the polling booths to the closing time.

Also after people have prayed in the main body of the church they can come through to the old choir vestry for a cup of tea and biscuits.

We will have morning prayer at 8:45, midday prayer at noon, evening prayer at 4:30pm and compline at 9:30pm to enable anyone wishing to attend public prayer over the day to do so. However the rest of the time church will be open for quiet or silent prayer. 
Contact ... Chris Hartnett Choirmastersoffice@hotmail.com

ASHTON

The METHODIST CHURCH, WELLINGTON ROAD, PR2 1BU


Will host a day of prayer next Thurs. 7th May at Ashton Methodist Church on Election Day.

We will be open from 10am to 9:30pm with periods of led public prayer at 10am, 2pm and 9:00pm (each lasting about half an hour).

The Prayer Room will be available for private prayer the rest of the time and we will ensure that there is at least one person around the building to guide visitors to this space.  

Contact Rev Mark Slaney, Superintendent Minister, Preston Ribble Methodist Circuit
Tel:01772 726216

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Monday, 27 April 2015

Blackpool Food Partnership are using the Crowdfunding Platform MyDonate

 
Methodist Action NW are raising money for a new van for the Blackpool Food Partnership using the Crowdfunding Platform MyDonate to do it – we are interested to see how it might work out….hopefully successfully. 

Nikki Hart, our project manager for the Partnership is co-ordinating this, and would really value your support in letting everyone in your address book know about this request…and obviously yourselves if you are feeling generous!  If you need any further details they will be on the website - https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/blackpoolvan

Please share or circulate this request widely... and have a look at using MyDonate  as a way of bringing in some funding for your own projects.

 

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Poverty Sunday

Please consider this for your worship resources for 21st June.(or some other Sunday reasonably close to that date)...It would be great if your church can offer some funds to CUF .. but for those who are not Anglican... or have other favourite projects and charities who work to tackle poverty locally.. there are ideas and resources on the web site that could be useful..
 
You can also ask Greg Smith or Gill Beeley from Together Lancashire for help in planning a service or other event along the lines of Poverty Sunday

 

 

 

If you are having problems reading this e-mail please click here

 

 

 

 


 

Poverty Sunday: Help Transform Lives with a Frugal Lunch

Poverty Sunday is a national initiative encouraging local churches and community groups to reflect, raise funds and respond to issues of poverty affecting communities in England.

We are inviting you to take part in a Poverty Sunday Service followed by a Frugal Lunch on Sunday 21st June, or a day or time that suits you. The Frugal Lunch is a great way to encourage people to share, identify and pray together about issues affecting deprived local communities. It is also a way to encourage and motivate others in your community to respond in a practical way to the issues of poverty in England by donating the cost of their normal Sunday lunch to the work of the Together Network and Church Urban Fund.

The website is now live and accessible here

The programme of activities and resources is available to download for free on the website and include:

  • Church Resources: we have produced sermon notes, worship reflections and prayers. 
  • Frugal Lunch Resources: Poverty Sunday placemat and poster 
  • Video Resources: Mel's animation story, explaining the work of the Together Network and CUF, and Dave's story of healing through a church project in Southwark Diocese 
  • General CUF Presentation: briefly outlining the work of CUF and the Together Network 
  • Children's Resources: Placemat for Frugal lunch (to come) and KS1,2,3 Lesson Plans, Youth Group Session and Form Reflections that concentrate on explaining the Web of Poverty to different age groups.


Spread the word! We are excited about the potential that Poverty Sunday has to get Christians around England reflecting on and acting to tackle issues of poverty in our country.  

To find out more visit www.povertysunday.org.uk  and register to download your FREE resource pack, or email hello@cuf.org.uk to request a resource pack.

 

 

 

 

 

Church Urban Fund, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ
T 020 7898 1647    F 020 7898 1601    E enquiries@cuf.org.uk    W www.cuf.org.uk
Registered Charity number 297483.

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What a Difference Faith Makes... to Homelessness

 
Faith Action Net are pleased to launch the first in a new series of reports that explore

the role of faith groups in public health and service delivery.

Homelessness is a public health issue and it is an issue that many of our members take

action to support. 



What a Difference Faith Makes... to Homelessness is their story...

 

http://www.faithaction.net/portal/faith-and-health/our-projects/homelessness/

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Job Vacancy Family Worker

 
Are You Passionate About Families?

Are You Great at Connecting with People?

Do You Display An Outward Passion for Jesus?

If your answer is yes to all of the above then you may be the
person that God is calling to King's Church

King's Church is based in Penwortham which is a beautiful suburb of
Preston City in Lancashire. Penwortham has a population of
approximately 20,000 people and is a community focused area with
many young families living here. King's Church is an informal, friendly
and relaxed "Word and Spirit" church. On a Sunday we gather
between 100 to 120 people of all ages. For families we provide a
weekly thriving toddler group and kids club. On a Sunday we offer
children's groups and a family service every quarter.

King's Church family worker will be expected to worship regularly at
King's Church and take an active part in church and community
activities. There is a genuine occupational requirement that the post
holder is a Christian.

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 19th May
Interview Date: To be decided upon shortlisting
Salary: £12,000
Location: Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire
Contract: Part time, one year fixed term contract
(with a view of being extended after 12 months)

Contact: For an application pack please contact office@kingschurchfm.org.uk
or Pastor Mike for an informal discussion on 07505 234992.
For more information visit www.kingschurchfm.org.uk
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Poverty in the UK is as bad as the 1940sOur study shows the poor are being demonised and welfare support dismantled. We need politicians to be brave and shape policies to create a kinder, more equal society

 
Our study shows the poor are being demonised and welfare support dismantled. We need politicians to be brave and shape policies to create a kinder, more equal society
 
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Monday, 20 April 2015

Collecting stories of holes in the welfare safety net

FROM CHURCH ACTION ON POVERTY
 
could you help them with supplying stories from your casework?  Please contact

Niall Cooper

Director
Church Action on Poverty

Dale House, 35 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF

0161 236 9321 
niallc@church-poverty.org.uk

 
 

We're currently working on a report to highlight the increasing numbers of holes in the welfare safety net – to be published in late May (soon after the Election).  We're currently looking for case studies of people affected in the past couple of years to include – don't know if you might be able to help?

 

Below is a list of the kind of 'holes' we are talking about:

 

·         Delays or errors in assessing or transferring people between disability benefits (eg ESA, PIPs)

·         People who have been assessed as fit for work but have difficulty claiming JSA (or other benefits)

·         General delays, errors or underpayment of benefits

·         Sanctions, suspension of benefits and related problems

·         Problems or inability to get benefit advances or emergency payments

·         Any other general insecurities resulting from the way people are treated within the benefits system!

 

Ideally a story/case study would be up to 200 words in length, including a bit about the person, the nature of the holes/problems they experienced and the impact it had – ideally in the first person, or including a quote from them with their view/opinion on how they felt/feel about their experience.  Shorter quotes/stories would also be fine..

 

We could do with their first name (though anonymous is acceptable), age (at least to the decade) and the place they are from. If they would be willing to be photographed or videoed, or potentially be willing to be interviewed by a sympathetic journalist that would be even better – but quite understandable if not.

 

We're aiming to get all the text for the report together by the end of April – so if you could let me have anything by Thursday 30 April that would be fab…

 

We'll obviously be happy to reference/cite the organisation providing the case study in the report as well!

 

Best wishes

 

Niall

 

 

Niall Cooper

Director
Church Action on Poverty

Dale House, 35 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF

0161 236 9321 
niallc@church-poverty.org.uk
www.church-poverty.org.uk

 

Church Action on Poverty is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales with No. 3780243. Charity No. 1079986.

 

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Grants for Children's Summer Play schemes

 

Each year the trustees of the Woodward Charitable Trust set aside funds for summer playschemes for children between the ages of 5-16 years.

Information available here

http://www.woodwardcharitabletrust.org.uk/playschemeguidelines.html

(proabbaly very competitive.. but if you don't apply you have no chance)

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Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Faith, Progressive Localism & the Hol(e)y Welfare Safety Net is available to download now

 

Published today my ebook for the William Temple Foundation

A pre-election analysis of the British welfare system takes a candid look at the role of faith-based organisations, asking how and why these groups have tried to plug service gaps. With case studies from local authorities in North West England, Greg Smith brings together and builds on some of the most significant research on religion, poverty and the welfare state from over the last decade. "Faith, Progressive Localism & the Hol(e)y Welfare Safety Net is available to download now." Kindle version £2.99

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Progressive-Localism-Welfare-Safety-Temple-ebook/dp/B00W1SLFW6/

Shalom

Greg Smith

Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire / Preston Christian Action Network

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Tuesday, 14 April 2015

BIBLICAL BASES OF SOCIO-POLITICAL ACTION

 
Back in 1986 I wrote this paper on BIBLICAL BASES OF SOCIO-POLITICAL ACTION
 
Some people might be looking for something like this today.
 
 
 
 
Greg Smith  Co-ordinator  Preston Christian Action Network
 
 
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Monday, 13 April 2015

Blog Malfunction

 
Sorry we have been having some problems with the blog pagre layout today..
 
Hope it is temporary
 
 
 
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Urban Bulletin - a resource for urban mission

I can thoroughly recommend this publication... I was the first editor of the ECUM bulletin in the 1980's out of which the Urban Bulletin emerged....Shalom
Greg Smith  Preston Christian Action Network


The Urban Bulletin is a joint information resource on urban mission and ministry, from the Christian Coalition For Urban Mission (CCFUM). The bulletins contains a roundup of stories, articles and book reviews relevant to mission in urban contexts, and contributions come from across the CCFUM member organisations.
You can download the most recent Urban Bulletin no.28 here, which contains a features on working with gang members, youth work and the effects of austerity, resources for the general election, and reviews on several recently published books.
You can find previous editions of the bulletin here.
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Sunday, 12 April 2015

The hierarchy of needs and the web of provision.... where churches fit in.

My new blog reflecting on churches, food banks, soup kitchens, Maslow and the residual welfare state.
 
 
Shalom
 
Greg Smith
Co-ordinator  Preston Christian Action Network
 
 
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Friday, 10 April 2015

TV DOCUMENTARY

Some of you may be... or know.. folk who would be willing to share their stories on TV..

 


ITN Productions are filming an observational documentary series for Channel 5. We want to reveal how ordinary people across the UK live & survive in today's welfare system. Each programme tackles a different situation that people find themselves living in.


Are you claiming benefits? Are you having to pay bedroom tax? Have you been sanctioned by the job centre? Is the job centre making you work for free, to keep your benefit?


If yes to any of the above, then ITN would like to hear your story on the system. If you are interested to find out more please email mybritain@itn.co.uk


Call or text the production office on 07470 045 083


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A Christian North West Disability Network in partnership with Through the Roof, Prospects and Urban Saints.

 

Please find here  https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/89023969/leaflet%20NWDN.pdf

 

 details of a free event that is taking place on behalf of the North West Disability Network in partnership with Through the Roof, Prospects and Urban Saints.


The morning is designed for those who are or who support people with disabilities in church, both children and adults.


The event will take place at St Andrews Church, Church Road, Leyland, PR25 3EL on Saturday 25th April 2015 between 9.30am and 12.30pm and will include :


  • Prayers for inclusive ministries

  • Promoting opportunities for people with disabilities in the church

  • Sharing good practice

  • Looking at how we can support one another in the future

  • Developing a North West Directory of expertise and training


There will also be presentations from Tim Wood, the CEO of Through the Roof and from the Good News Group for adults with learning disabilities.


Please see the attached information sheet for further details and to reserve your place on this informative session.


Yours faithfully


S. Waddicor


Suzanne Waddicor

Disability, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

pcan.org.uk or and

BLOG http://prestonchristianactionnetwork.blogspot.com/ (you can sign up there to receive news and information updates by email)

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Wednesday, 8 April 2015

RE: A PCAN Information email Proposed Preston Constituency Hustings : Wednesday 22nd April ; Preston Minster ; CANCELLED



Hi Greg,
At our Parish Council meeting yesterday we agreed to facilitate a day of prayer on 7th May here at St Wilfrid's.
We are working on the details and someone will be in touch with you and PCAN soon.
Thanks for the suggestion
Ged

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Tackling the Poverty Premium on food poverty

 
Tackling the Poverty Premium on food poverty - read about creative solutions on Church Action On Poverty's blog:
 
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Tuesday, 7 April 2015

Could your volunteers help with this survey

A colleague at Cuf  (Julia Hill) is doing some research on church linked volunteers... I'm wondering  if your church or church linked project has volunteers who would be able to help...Would you be able to circulate them with this?  Julia writes...
I have put together a short survey for congregations that I am asking a number of churches around the country to participate in.  I wondered whether your church might be interested in participating? 
In an ideal world  The survey needs doing on or before 19th April, by 10 or more people from a church. 
Please click this link to start the volunteering survey 
This is the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RY67W7
·        Would you be interested in helping?
·       
 Would appreciate a quick reply..
Shalom
Greg Smith
Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire / Preston Christian Action Network
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Death and resurrection of an urban church

 Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis has redefined what it means to serve its urban community. The approach is simple: See your neighbors as children of God. The church has closed many of its traditional helping ministries and created new ways to connect and support the community surrounding it.
 
 
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Food banks: benefit sanctions leave clients hungry for months

A new study finds that vulnerable people who fall foul of benefit rules can be plunged into reliance on food parcels for up to half a year.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/patrick-butler-cuts-blog/2015/mar/02/food-banks-benefit-sanctions-leave-clients-hungry-for-months

 

 
 

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