My dear friends,

In this month, I would like to offer some thoughts on PRAYER amongst us all as an ecumenical family, and add details of two up-coming events for your interest.

PRAYER:

Every Thursday morning at 8.00am I am hoping to offer specific prayers for the life and work of Churches Together in Kent. Through the pages of this edition of 'Newspoints' I would like to invite you - and where possible the churches and Christian communities to which you belong - to include prayers (wherever you are) which focus on CTK at some point every Thursday, throughout the year.

On Thursday 7 July I shall be including thoughts for the forthcoming CTK FORUM, set for 3 March 2012. We pray that during the coming months appropriate spiritual and meaningful preparations are made for this event.

On Thursday 14 July I shall pray for the life and work of all the LEPs and all the local Churches/Christians Together Groups in our area. May God continue to invigorate their life together with the gift of the Spirit.

On Thursday 21 July I shall pray for all Christians who are not as yet in membership or in association with CTK. May God help us to find ways of getting to know each other and expressing the joys of all belonging to the one body of Christ.

On Thursday 28 July I shall pray for people of all faiths. May God give increased opportunities for growth in understanding among us all.

Please join me in these prayer intentions, if you are able.

If there are specific themes or biddings/intentions you would like me to include during our August outline of PRAYER, please do let me know.


The two up-coming events are:

1. Kent County Show.
   
   As you know, the Kent County Show will be held at the County Showground at Detling, near Maidstone. I am taking the liberty of repeating a note kindly written by the Revd Dick Dengate:

   For many years, now, one of the most public activities under the banner of 'Churches Together in Kent' has been our annual exhibit at the Kent County Show at the Detling Showground in July. We have a large marquee in the centre of the showground near the bandstand, and here we try to offer the welcoming presence of the Church, with a cheerful team of helpers drawn from all participating denominations of CTK.. About 80,000 people visit the Show over the three days, this year Friday - Sunday, July 15th - 17th, and many of those who visit our marquee are surprised to find how well we can work together with our mixture of church traditions! We provide a good venue for rest and refreshment in the busy showground, and this year there will be an exhibition illustrating the development of English translations of the Bible, also with a chance to 'meet the bishop' (of Dover).
   
   Please visit our marquee if you are attending the Show, and if you are there on the Sunday, come and support our 'Songs of Praise' from the bandstand at mid-day.
   
   Revd. Dick Dengate
   (committee chairman, Churches Together at the Kent Show)

2. A Conference at St Paul's Cathedral
   
   Although many of us in Kent may feel we are a long way from the city of London, some of you may be interested in the following FREE Conference, to be held on 12 July:
   
   
   Sacred Spaces Inside Out
   Conference
   Tuesday 12th July from 9.45 to 4.00pm
   St. Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Church Yard, London EC4M 8AD
   
   A FREE conference offering faith-based organisations and education practitioners the opportunity to explore how learning outside the classroom experiences in sacred spaces can support teaching and learning in RE.
   
   Making the most of learning outside the classroom experiences in sacred spaces
   A conference for faith based organisations and teachers
   
   
   This event is organised by the Sacred Spaces Partnership Group of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) network. Funded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (www.lotc.org.uk).
   
   

   09:45	Registration and refreshments
   10:15	Welcome and Keynote address: Beth Gardner, Chief Executive of The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
   10:30	Three 10-minute talks: Experiencing sacred space - provider and teacher perspectives. Providers and teachers will give an insight into engaging learners in sacred spaces and the impact that high quality learning experiences can have on pupils.
   11:00	Reflect, engage, share
   11:15	Coffee
   11:45	Workshops - an opportunity to interact with some elements of Sacred Space education in workshops led by experienced practitioners. Workshops will include exploring art in sacred spaces, developing RE trails and making meaningful contact with faith communities. More details and the opportunity to select your workshops will be sent upon registration.
   12.45	Lunch
   13.30	Workshops - the chance to participate in a second workshop from the range offered in the morning session.
   14:30	Plenary and conclusions
   15:00	An opportunity to visit and explore the Cathedral, the Whispering, Stone and Golden Galleries. As part of the conference programme, delegates are invited to explore the Cathedral and galleries and to reflect on the many ways in which this sacred space is used. Evensong begins at 5pm and you are welcome to continue your visit until shortly before the service begins (and, of course, stay for the service).

   
   For more information or to make a booking, please call 020 7529 8145 or email education@cte.org.uk.
   
   
   With all good wishes,
   and with a reminder that I am always willing to meet and share the ecumenical dream with you,
   and with much PRAYER, especially every Thursday,
   
   Yours sincerely,
   
   Harvey
   
   PS - please note my new email address at the head of this 'Newspoints' - harvey.s.richardson@gmail.com
   

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   NEWSPOINTS August 2011

   My dear friends,
   
   

   Norway

   As I write these words, I am overwhelmed by the terrifying tragedy of the killings in Norway. All our ecumenical endeavours seem to pale into insignificance in the face of such horror, so what can be helpfully expressed?
   
   As a start, I would like to reproduce a message recently sent by the Archbishop of Canterbury, so that all the faithful of Churches Together in Kent can join with his sentiments:
   

   "Along with all the faithful of the Church of England, I want to express my deepest sympathy with the people of Norway in the wake of the appalling events of recent days. Norway has played so great a part over many years in international reconciliation as well as developing its own distinctive national ethos of openness and fairness, and it is a special tragedy that it should suffer this outbreak of senseless carnage. Our prayers are with all those who died and all those who mourn them; and we are grateful for the many signs of strength and spiritual maturity that the Norwegian people have shown in their response to evil and destructiveness."

   Links between Kent and Norway

   When I think about this, there are a number of significant links between ourselves and the great and wonderful people of Norway. For example, as a resident in the Dover area, I am aware of the gigantic cruise vessels which frequently leave the Western Docks for tours of Norway's beautiful scenery. There must be thousands of people who pass through our county of Kent to enjoy and admire the fjords and the wonder of this Nordic land.

   Church Links

   In our ecumenical Church life, there are our Anglican churches who are inextricably bound to Christians in Norway, and in other Scandinavian & Baltic countries, through the Porvoo agreement of understanding and sharing [Porvoo is a city in Finland in whose cathedral the Porvoo Common Statement was signed - more here], and others are linked through the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (here) and the Council of European Churches (here), and yet others through Europe-wide links which already bind our church communities together. Let us call on these links and bonds of love, as we continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in Norway.

   Faith Links

   In his recent book 'God lost and found' the Rt Revd John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford and onetime Archdeacon of Canterbury, honestly and openly faces up to the reality of the absence of God experienced by so many Christian people, and proposes fresh ways of confronting it. Drawing upon an image of a stair-case and a lift in a large department store, he compares the 'Faith process' to a way of life which needs to be slower than we usually expect. Too often we want to get to a clear and strong belief in God immediately, and we don't always have the patience to take the stairs and linger on the shop floor. Faith in God requires us to 'take the slow boat to China'!
   
   When we ask questions such as 'Where is God in all this horror in Norway?', answers will not be instantaneous, but perhaps we can take some time 'on our shop floor' for deliberate reflection and prayer, and hold the people of Norway in focussed love and affection.

   Prayer – Thursdays each week

   Speaking of prayer, in last month's 'Newspoints' we launched a new initiative. It was suggested that every Thursday we - and all who may wish to join us - might wish to set some time aside in Prayer for specific areas of our work together as Churches Together in Kent.
   
   The Topics for our Thursday Prayers in August are:
   • Thursday 4 August - The People of Norway
     
     
   • Thursday 11 August – The FORUM of CTK; for God's guidance in the planning and arrangement of this event set for 3 March 2012
     
     
   • Thursday 18 August – Local Ecumenical Partnerships in Kent; for LEPs currently undergoing a Review and for integrity in maintaining distinctive denominational identity in the sharing of Mission & Ministry.
     
     
   • Thursday 25 August - The Kent Workplace Mission; for an increase in the awareness of God's presence in the places where we work.
   If you have any particular requests for prayers, please let me know and we can include them in future months.
   
   

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   Items of News:

   Is your church looking for an innovative way of outreaching in the local community and a new way of looking after the holistic needs of the church congregation? Parish Nursing Ministry is a mission activity that is doing just this. Maybe a nurse in your congregation is looking for a way of serving in the local community and church using the skills and experiences gained from nursing?
   
   

   

   Its History

   In 1985, a hospital chaplain named Granger Westberg saw the potential for Christian nurses to lead healthcare programmes through local churches in Chicago. He began with six nurses and there are now over 11,000 nurses working through churches around the world, in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Swaziland and 17 more countries. It started in the UK in January 2004, and since then over a hundred nurses from all denominations have taken up the one week induction training and with their churches have developed health ministry through their local congregations and into their local communities.

   Why is this mission?

   It's mission because Jesus sent people out to preach and to heal. His concerns were for people to be whole - spiritually and physically. Whenever he encountered someone, he cared about their spiritual needs as well as their physical needs and vice versa. So why do we continue to separate these out? This health ministry is about churches getting more involved in physical, mental, and social wellbeing combined with intentional care of the spirit - like we can see in the ministry of Jesus.

   How does this relate to the NHS?

   Parish Nurses complement the work of the NHS. Many Parish Nurses continue working for the NHS and work in a voluntary capacity within the church a few hours a week, others are paid. Parish Nurses do not perform clinical tasks, they fulfil other aspects of their wider nursing role, such as being health educators, and are able to identify health needs of those they serve either providing support or making sure appropriate care is sought.

   Interested?

   I hope this brief insight into Parish Nursing Ministry has encouraged a curiosity to find out more. More information can be found on our website - www.parishnursing.org.uk.
   
   Your Development Advocate, Linda Richards, would be happy to discuss the concept of Parish Nursing and its potential for your church further. Linda can be contacted by e-mail at lindamrichards49[at]rditmail.co.uk or mobile: 07748 752448.
   Additional support can be given by Claire Goodman at Parish Nursing UK on 01788 817904.
   
   The next training courses for nurses are in October 2011 and February 2012. Please contact 01788 817904 to find out more.

   
   
   

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   • PERSONAL INVITATION TO WEMBLEY 1000 LEADERS GATHERING – SEPTEMBER 2011
     
     
     
     Warm greetings in Christ....
     
     It is good to be in touch again bringing you this invitation to attend the leaders gathering in the Great Hall, Wembley Stadium on Saturday 17th September 2011 (9:30am - 4:30pm).
     
     Our desire is to see leaders in each county, town and city come together with leaders from ALL denominational streams, sectors of society, churches & organisations, for a day of united prayer and strategic envisioning for the UK.
     
     We are all aware of the urgency of the hour as this family of nations stands at a crossroads. We know that only the merciful intervention of God through the corporate prayers of the saints will turn the tide and pull us from the end of such a dark moral, social and spiritual precipice. We are so grateful to our Father for His mercy and grace towards us in recent years.
     
     We believe that 17th September will be a significant and strategic day as we invite 1000 leaders across the British Isles, to come together to pray and act prophetically as one. We want to come together to hear what the Spirit is saying to His church in this season; and be inspired and challenged as we pray for the release of His presence through all the mission opportunities that lie ahead in the next few years, including the 2012 Olympics.
     
     Would you be able to join us, or if not could you please send other leaders? All details on how to register are found on www.gdoplondon.com. We'd be grateful if you could register soon, to help with the administration of the day. We fully recognise that because of travel timings and cost some of you from outside of mainland Britain may find it difficult to join us. We want you to know you are welcome and you will be included in our praying even if not every region can be represented on this occasion. We do hope you can come on 17th September!
     
     Blessings
     
     Jonathan Oloyede (Convener Global Day of Prayer London)
     Hugh Osgood (Co-Chair Global Day of Prayer London)
     
     

     PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GDOP London Calls All Leaders to Carry the Torch at Wembley Stadium Global Day of Prayer London, in partnership with national organisations and denominations, is calling for 1,000 leaders to pray together to set Britain ablaze at the Carry the Torch national leaders summit. This will take place in the Great Hall at Wembley Stadium on Saturday September 17th, 9:30am - 4:30pm. The key focus of the day will be to jointly see how God's Kingdom can increase in the UK releasing the Gospel to millions of people and seeing tangible transformations within every sector of society. "We are looking to God for mercy and blessings upon our nation as we gather together. Every leader of small and large groups within the marketplace, church and ministry are invited. Churches are being encouraged to think of sponsoring young leaders to the event. We would like to see lots of younger leaders from different cultures and streams joining us on the day," said Jonathan Oloyede, convener GDOP London. "I believe it's really important when leaders come together that we pray. I believe God is going to do a great and mighty work in the UK as a result of that. I'm starting to see things shake spiritually in the UK and we pray God will use it to bring honour and glory to his name," said evangelist Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, one of the guest ministers on the day. Other guest ministers will include Gerald Coates, Jane Holloway, Ade Omooba, Colin Urquhart, Celia Collins, Debra Green, Graham Kendrick, Noel Robinson, Lara Martin, Bishop David Hawkins, Ian Christensen, Stephen Gaukroger, Marilyn Figueroa and Hugh Osgood. There will be special presentations by Dave Wilson of More than Gold, Phil Hulks from Urban Saints, and Shirley Brownhill, visionary for YWAM-Mega Cities towards the 2012 Olympics.

     
     
     Register now by completing the online form at www.gdoplondon.com/about/leadership-summit/.
     
     Then either
     • send a cheque for £25 payable to 'GDOP London' to: Global Day of Prayer London, PO Box 3171, Romford, RM3 3AF
       
     • or use the Paypal link on the online form.
     
     For more information call: 08456 528 600
     
     The cost for the day will include a Tour of Wembley Stadium main bowl, Notes and buffet lunch.
     
     For further information and media enquiries contact:
     • Peter Wooding: 01244 549167/07500 903067
     • peter@peterwoodingproductions.com
     • Dr Jonathan Oloyede: 08456 528 600
     • Kim Dopson, GDOP Administrator: 08456 528 600 / 0208 853 9529
     
     
     The Global Day of Prayer London (GDOP) is a movement of collaboration across the Christian Church in the capital towards Unity, Prayer and Transformation, and is part of a global network which began in South Africa at the turn of the Millennium. In 2009 over 250 million Christians united in 220 countries to pray. In London, GDOP has been a focus of prayer and Christian action since 2006 with prayer networks now in every London borough. West Ham Stadium 2007, Millwall Football Stadium in 2008 and West Ham stadium in 2010 saw a combined attendance of 40,000 Christians attending.
     
     From August 1st, 2010 - December 31, 2011 GDOP London is coordinating 500 Days of prayer calling for:
     • 500 people who will stand in the gap, choose one day throughout 500 days to fast and pray
     • 1000 Churches or Organisations who will take a day to pray each month through the 500 days
     • 1 Million Christians who will set their mobile phone to 12noon and pray the Lord's Prayer each day
     • Leaders to Fast and Pray together nationally on 30th July and 30th November 2011
     
     For more information go to: www.gdoplondon.com
   
   
   

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   SEPTEMBER, SEPTEMBER! Many special and exciting church events around Kent are planned for the coming month of September, including the Canterbury Diocese 'The Gathering' (16/17 September), welcome and induction services for newly appointed ministers and re-organised church/circuit groupings, etc.
   
   Details will be forthcoming in September's 'Newspoints'.

Finally, please remember I am always 'available' and keen to visit your groups, in the hope I can be of some help and encouragement.

With heart-felt thanks for all you continue to do in the Gospel,
  warm regards,
    yours sincerely,

Harvey

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NEWSPOINTS September 2011

My dear friends,

Riots!

As I write, the riots which broke out in many of our major towns and cities seem to be well in the past. Of course, in reality, they are very present, especially among those who are directly affected by them. Although the geographical area that covers the Churches Together in Kent 'region' does not include the flash-points of Croydon and Brixton, we want to identify with all those who are traumatised by the terrifying events of the second week of August. Only yesterday, I heard of looting and damage to properties in Beckenham and Bromley, and other areas of our region.

Here is an extract from a Prayer written by the Revd Pat Took, President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain:

Pray for the future when resources may be scarce, jobs and homes hard to come by, May we be those who demonstrate a genuine concern for our neighbours, the salt that resists the tendency to care only for ourselves, the light that reveals all the many dimensions of wellbeing that do not depend on affluence.

For the sake of my family and my friends I will say, "peace be within you". Amen

Also, here is a Notice about a forthcoming event arranged by the Christian Police Association, which is so relevant to the rioting of recent days:

On Thursday 13th October 2011, 10.00 till 16.00, the Kent Branch of the Christian Police Association will be hosting their annual conference. The conference will be held at the Clive Emson Conference Centre, the Kent County Show Ground, Detling, Maidstone, and is open to all police officers, police staff, CPA members, church leaders, partner agencies and colleagues from organisations that support faith groups working in partnership to bring about community cohesion. If people cannot make the whole day, they are welcome for the morning or afternoon. Lunch is included and there is no cost. The aim of the day is to increase awareness and to demonstrate how faith groups can improve communities through supporting their local police, local authority and other public sector agencies. Our main speaker this year is Robin Oake, former Chief Constable and currently Priory's Chancellor and a trustee of St John Ambulance. He was the ACPO officer who oversaw the Moss Side riots in Manchester and father of Stephen Oake, the officer murdered in Manchester in 2004 by ricin terrorist Kamel Bourgass. Robin attracted much media attention when soon after the death of his son he publically forgave the killer. We also have Debra Green, Director of Redeeming Our Communities, a national group that have seen amazing results through bringing church, emergency services and local authorities together. Other speakers are yet to be confirmed. Lunch will be provided - there is no charge for this event. Simply register your interest for catering purposes with DI Barry Knott, Chair of the Kent Branch of CPA via email. (barry.knott@kent.pnn.police.uk)

Prayers for September

For the past 2 months, we in Churches Together in Kent have been offering specific prayers each Thursday. The topics suggested for September are:

• Thursday 1 September: Those who begin a new phase of life in September, in schools, colleges and churches - that the Spirit of God will guide them
  
  
• Thursday 8 September: Those who look after the finances of our churches - that money will be spent wisely for the sake of God's Kingdom
  
  
• Thursday 15 September: All for whom the 10th anniversary of 9/11 brings matters of life and death into sharp focus
  
  
• Thursday 22 September: Our Church Leaders, who meet today for prayer and unity in thought and action
  
  
• Thursday 29 September: All involved in the various chaplaincies throughout Kent, Bromley & Bexley and Medway - Critical Incident Support, Police, Ambulance, Border Agency, Fire & Rescue, Hospitals and Health Service, Education, Prisons, Workplace Chaplaincies

Events in September

There are a number of Churches and Community Groups undergoing considerable change in September. Through these pages we specifically remember the new Methodist Circuit arrangements being made in many places, many of which involve LEPs and groups of churches together. We pray for God's blessing so that their new structures will work together for the building of God's Kingdom.

Also, the special event at Canterbury Cathedral 'The Gathering', arranged by the Canterbury Diocese, takes place on the weekend of 16th/17th September. Please visit the Canterbury Diocese website for further details

Website

While mentioning websites, our Churches Together in Kent website has lots of new features and updates, and links to other relevant websites, and we are most especially grateful to the Revd Robin Blount for all the work he does in managing the website. Also, if you have details of your local Churches Together group (names and numbers of churches and contact details) I would be most grateful to receive them, so that we can have a fully up-to-date record. 'Thank you' to all those who have already supplied this information.

Two items of interest

I have received information about the following charitable trusts:

Souter Charitable Trust The trust supports projects for the relief of human suffering in the UK and overseas and are particularly interested in projects that also promote spiritual welfare. Over the years the trust has supported thousands of projects ranging from combating the world's biggest killer, malaria to supplying daily meals to school children in Africa. For further information including details on how to apply please contact me at harvey.s.richardson@gmail.com

The Vicar's Relief Fund Grant Value: max £250 The Vicar's Relief Fund is used to make small, individual grants to people in need all over the country. Priority when allocating grants are to people who are in danger of becoming homeless, who are currently homeless, destitute and/or vulnerable, and those attempting to establish or maintain a tenancy. Applications are accepted on behalf of people or families in need from social workers support workers in housing associations, hostels and refuges keyworkers in substance misuse rehabilitation centres CAB advisors probation officers CPNs, health visitors and other health professionals clergy, prison and hospital chaplains and staff in other voluntary organisations and caring/support agencies For further information including details on how to apply please contact me at harvey.s.richardson@gmail.com

Steel Charitable Trust Grant Value: £1,000 - £25,000 Grants are made primarily to registered charities in the UK within the following funding areas: Arts and Culture Disadvantaged Education Environment Health For further information including details on how to apply please contact me at harvey.s.richardson@gmail.com

Tony Vino - Comedian.     I have received this message from Tony Vino:

Hi there.

This is comedian Tony Vino here. I have been informed that you head up the Churches Together work in your area. I was wondering whether you would consider putting on a comedy night as a Churches Together event.

A comedy night is a great way to reach out and engage with your community by putting a smile on people's faces. The idea is for Christians to bring mainstream comedy open to all people into their locality, whether that be in a church building, pub or community hall. It also works as a great form of breaking down pre-conceptions to non-Christians about our faith.

I am a full time professional comedian who has been performing for 7 years to venues of all shapes and sizes and been regularly booked to perform at high-profile events such as Greenbelt, Easter People, Pentecost, New Wine, Soul Survivor and Spring Harvest. As well as churches and Christian festivals I have been touring the mainstream comedy scene in Clubs, Pubs, Theatres, Arts Centres, and I have performed internationally. When doing a church comedy night I usually perform either one set of over an hour, or two 30-45 minute sections. The show is a mixture of stories, jokes and audience interaction. It is modern, original, alternative stand-up comedy. All the material is clean and family friendly. I have for instance been involved performing for the past 4 years in the Clean (As Possible) Comedy Show in at the Edinburgh Festival, each year selling out the venue.

What works particularly well is having a meal as part of the night, such as a curry and comedy night. Or I can perform at an existing event such as a pre-Alpha launch.

There are example clips of me on my site www.tonyvino.co.uk

If you are interested, please let me know, and I can provide further information and details of bookings, etc.

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Signing out!

Thank you all for everything you do to promote greater understanding and growth among our churches and communities.

With warm regards,

Yours sincerely,

Harvey

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NEWSPOINTS October 2011

My dear friends,

Nice to see you, to see you...nice!

I am writing this as 'Strictly Come Dancing' gets going again on TV, and the first thing I would like to say is that it has been so good, during recent weeks and months, to meet more and more local churches together groups around the county - it has been so nice to see you, to see you, nice!

After my first whole year as County Ecumenical Officer, I am beginning to get to see a fuller picture of the wide range of church groups around the county, and I sense there is a growing desire for Christians to work and worship together, even though it must be said it is often a very steady and slow-growing desire!

More shared work

Other things that have caught my interest in recent days have included ecumenical work and witness which relate specifically to the Christian mission, most notably the remarkable range of chaplaincies around the county - e.g. Street Pastors, Police, Ambulance, High Street & Retail, Hospitals, Prisons, Education, etc

Thursday Prayers

So, these things lead me on to the subject of our weekly Prayers. On Thursdays each week, we are encouraging everyone who reads these 'Newspoints'’ to focus on a particular ecumenical topic whenever they pray on that day.

• So, on Thursday 6 October, I would like to ask that our theme for Prayer could be all the Chaplaincies in the County of Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bexley & Bromley.
  
  
• On Thursday 13 October, our theme could be the growth and a greater desire for local churches/Christian communities to work and worship together.
  
  
• On Thursday 20 October, we pray for the broadening of our horizons and responsibilities in the approaching One World Week (23-30 October).
  
  
• On Thursday 27 October, we pray for guidance and insight into our approaches to the forthcoming 2012 Olympic Games.

Talking of the Olympic Games....

As I am sure you know, on the 18th July 2012 the Olympic Torch Relay is passing through our county of Kent and coming to Dover. At 'More Than Gold' (www.morethangold.org.uk), there is a great sense of dedication to helping all local churches engage with their local communities up to, during and beyond the summer of the 2012 Games.

For a long time now, here in Churches Together in Kent, we have been considering the most effective ways of ensuring appropriate responses to this extraordinary event, with all its potential for mission.

Can I please urge you to visit the 'More than Gold' website (address above) and invite your Local Churches Together Group / your LEP / your organisation to think about ways by which they can get involved? With Prayer, Festivals, Activities etc?

Here are a few email addresses which you may find helpful:

• Sarah-Jane Alley (Salvation Army) for General and Hospitality -
     sarah-jane.alley@salvationarmy.org.uk
• Jane Holloway (World Prayer Centre) for Prayer –
     jane.holloway@worldprayer.org.uk
• Steve Ward (More Than Gold) for Engagement with local councils –
     steve.ward@morethangold.org.uk
• Marty Woods (Fusion - Youth and Community) for Community Festivals –
      marty.woods@fusion.org.au
• Jon Burns (More Than Gold) for Youth –
     jon.burns@morethangold.org.uk

Other news:

a) 400 Years of the King James Bible

In this 400th anniversary year for the King James Bible, I'm glad to draw attention to two things that emphasise the importance of the 'good book':

Bible Sunday this year is on 23 October and will have the theme Celebrating the people's Bible yesterday, today, tomorrow. As usual there is excellent Bible Society material for preaching, praying, drama, children's and youth groups, study groups and personal devotion, all freely downloadable from www.biblesociety.org.uk The People’s Bible began its nationwide tour in June and has covered cities, towns and villages across the country. It has given all kinds of people the opportunity to write a Bible verse to be kept as a historical record. It will end its tour in Westminster Abbey between 13 to 15 November, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each day. If you have the chance of being there on those days, I warmly commend it - and if you would like to be a volunteer, helping to make it work, do please offer. Full details can be found on www.thepeoplesbible.org

b) Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January may seem a bit away but the material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, from the 18th to the 25th of that month, is now available from Norwich Books and Music, tel 01603 785925 or download the order form from www.ctbi.org.uk/570. The theme, proposed by the churches of Poland, is 'We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ', based on 1 Corinthians 15 verses 51 to 58, and the resources include lots of ideas for personal devotion, prayer groups, joint services and exchanges of preachers between churches.

c) Receptive Ecumenism

Churches Together in England has produced two free leaflets for local churches together groups on the theme of receptive ecumenism. They are Gifts from the treasure trove and Sharing our spiritual treasures, both with ideas about how small groups can help members receive insights and strengths from those of other traditions. Both are available on www.cte.org.uk/receptive-ecumenism

d) More News from Churches Together in England

I would like to encourage you to pay a visit to the Churches Together in England website – it's packed full of great news and interest - www.churches-together.net/News/

To view the September 2011 edition of CT E-news please click on the link above and it will take you directly to the website where both the Word version and pdf are available. Previous editions of CTE E-news are also available on this page. You can contact CTE at 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH and by phone on 020 7529 8131.

e) Welcome to 'EKKLESIA'

Saturday 8 October 2011

At 10 different Birchington church locations there will be a variety of activities for all ages, including arts and creative workshops, places for Reflection & Prayer, drama, kite-flying, creative writing, brass-rubbing, handbell ringing, etc.

At 4.30pm there will be a final great Celebration incorporating everything that people have engaged in, in the Village Centre.

Well done! All Birchington Churches working Together!

Finally.....

Finally, please remember our forthcoming Kent Churches FORUM which has been fixed for Saturday 3 March 2012, and book the date in your diaries. Further details, themes, speakers, venue, times, etc will be forthcoming very soon.

With kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

Harvey

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NEWSPOINTS November 2011

My dear friends,

Thought for the Month

November is the quintessential month for 'remembering': All Saints, All Souls, November 5th, Remembrance Day, etc. I remember that 12 months ago we had a discussion through these 'Newspoints' pages about the Anglican-Methodist Covenant which was then 7 years old.

I would like to begin our 'Newspoints' this month with a request that the eighth anniversary of this significant commitment between two of our churches is remembered and not forgotten. Just as the whole of society benefits from the loving commitment of a couple in the promises made in marriage, so the whole Christian Family benefits from the commitment to unity solemnly made by two of its loving members.

I dare to suggest that this loving couple (Anglicanism and Methodism) need a great deal of encouragement in their relationship at the present time. Please remember them!

Thursday Prayers As you may know,on Thursdays each week, we are encouraging everyone who reads these 'Newspoints' to focus on a particular ecumenical topic whenever they pray on that day. So, on Thursday 3 November, I would like to ask that our theme for Prayer could be for renewal and encouragement for the Anglican - Methodist Covenant, signed 8 years ago, and all Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) in our area. On Thursday 10 November, our theme could be the excitement of discovering new forms of worship and liturgy, such as the new Catholic Missal and the new Methodist hymn-book, 'Singing the Faith'. On Thursday 17 November, we pray for the desire to learn more of Christ through the many new church movements and communities in our region, and for all the Local Churches/Christians Together Groups in our area. On Thursday 24 November, we pray for continuing guidance in the planning and organisation of the forthcoming Kent Churches FORUM on 3 March 2012, along with insight into our approaches to the forthcoming 2012 Olympic Games. PRAYER Be a light, O Lord, to our eyes, music to our ears and contentment to our hearts. Be sunlight in our day, food at our table and rest at night. Take into your hands our bodies and souls, our freedom and our life. Let us rejoice to be about your business and let us live to your praise and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (From a prayer by John Cosin, 1594-1672)

IMPORTANT NEWS: Special Notice about the very first Kent Churches' Forum Saturday 3 March 2012 Better Together - Running the Race that is set before us [Hebrews 12: 1-2] Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road Canterbury CT1 1QU 9.45am to 3.00pm followed by Evensong in the Cathedral Programme 0945 -1020 Registration & coffee 1030 -1045 Welcome & opening prayers 1045-1100 AGM 1100-1145 Keynote address 1145-1215 Coffee 1215-1300 Session One: Scripture Exposition 1300-1400 Lunch (soup & sandwiches will be provided or b.y.o) 1400-1500 Session Two: Split into 3 groups with choice of 3 speaker events: (i) Street Pastors in Kent (ii) Excitements and Good Practice in a Local Ecumenical Partnership (iii) New Church Movements in Kent 1515 Canterbury Cathedral Evensong Speakers We are currently engaged in arranging the Key-note Speaker with knowledge and expertise in the relationship between the Olympics and our Faith, for the Keynote Address, and a New Testament Scholar of international repute to lead Session One. Local leaders in Kent have been approached to encourage us in Session Two. We hope to have details of all the Speakers by the December edition of 'Newspoints'. Dear friends, please make this event known as widely as possible, as we are planning to have a record number of people attending from all around Kent. We shall be sending out booking forms this month. Also, many of you will recall from last year's AGM, we are incorporating the 2012 AGM within our Forum proceedings. every LEP in our area is asked to nominate 2 representatives to the AGM; every Local Churches or Christians Together Group in our area is asked to nominate 2 representatives to the AGM. I would be most grateful if you could consider who might represent your Group or your LEP at this Forthcoming Forum/AGM. I shall send out a 'Calling Letter' inviting you to indicate your nominated members in the second week of November. We are anticipating a great day, full of encouragement for our mission and our unity.

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A special message from the 'L'Arche community'

L'Arche Kent

L'Arche gives individual support and care to adults with a learning disability in family type homes, or to people in their own flat, all of which are part of a friendly, dynamic and outward looking Community.

L'Arche seeks to provide a sense of home; a place where each person is valued and where the learning disabled members and their assistants share their lives together in a spirit of mutual friendship, discovering that each can give and receive from the other.

We currently have residential vacancies in one of our Canterbury houses and in one of our houses in the countryside between Canterbury and Dover. A place at L'Arche includes the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and interests in one or more of our Day Services. Activities include: candle making, weaving, felt making, mosaics, horticulture, conservation, woodwork, cookery, art, music and dancing, walks in the countryside, swimming, and various therapies. There are also regular activities throughout the year involving the whole of the L'Arche community, and there are opportunities for summer holidays to places like France, Ireland and Switzerland, or closer to home if that is what people prefer. Also, as an ecumenical Christian community (which accepts people of all faiths and none) there are opportunities for people to explore their faith and spirituality in creative and accessible ways, whether individually or with others.

It is also possible for people not living in L'Arche to access our Day Services for one or more days a week.

You can find out more by visiting our website: www.larchekent.org

Or please give me a call on: 01304 830930 or e-mail me on: leader.kent@larche.org.uk

Eddie Gilmore
(Community Leader of L'Arche Kent)

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News from 'Porchlight'

Porchlight is a local charity and over the past 36 years we have been helping the most isolated and excluded people in our communities to get their lives back on track. Last year we have had the opportunity to help over 2,300 people here in Kent. Our Outreach Team work to help people who are sleeping rough or who are at the brink of becoming homeless to secure suitable and secure housing. Our supported accommodation projects across the county give people a safe and stable home to start to work towards a positive future. Another service prevents people from becoming homeless by supporting them in their own home, helping them to sustain their tenancy.

Our help goes so much further than providing a bed and a roof over someone's head. We show those most vulnerable that we care; that we can and will help and that there is hope. We give them the tools to build their confidence and sense of control over their own lives; and we help them to find their place in the community.

The support from these same communities and local churches is vital to help us to continue our services, especially now that demand for our work has risen dramatically and funding sources are being cut.

If you would like to find out more about our work or if you can give me an opportunity to speak at one of your meetings or church services please do get in touch. Every new link that we make to local churches will make a difference and help us to continue to change lives. I can be contacted on 01227 813199 or getinvolved@porchlight.org.uk and would be delighted to hear from you.

www.porchlight.org.uk

Rachel van Hoven, Community Fundraiser, Porchlight, 2nd Floor Watling Chambers, 18-19 Watling Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2UA

Reception: 01227 760078
Mobile: 07872 508130
Fax: 01227 453331
www.porchlight.org.uk

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Drama at Easter!

Are you looking to reach out to your community and remind them about the real significance of Easter? Following its successful 2011 premiere tour of The Pilgrim's Progress, Saltmine Theatre Company offers these productions to churches for Easter 2012!

The Chronicles of Easter: Heroes of History The road to Emmaus is long and only getting longer! It's been a bad week for John Cleopas and now he's lost with an upset wife and an angry companion. Fortunately, just when things are at their worst they happen across a stranger who knows the way.... Journey with these new found friends as they come face to face with warriors and giants, plagues and princesses and discover the greatest hero ever to walk the Earth. This Easter extravaganza is for all the family and promises to entertain and enlighten in equal measure. Touring Dates: 25th March - 9th April 2012 Ministry gift: £625 (covering show costs, travel costs and publicity)

From Eden to Eternity Welcome to the story of everything! See the Bible brought to life on stage in an hour (or so)! Journey with us through tragedy and tears, music and mirth, serpents and salvation. Between 2009 and 2011, this production was performed to great acclaim at 61 venues throughout the UK. Suitable for 11 years and over. Touring Dates: 31st March - 8th April 2012 Ministry gift: £625 (covering show costs, travel costs and publicity) PLEASE NOTE: Both Heroes of History and From Eden to Eternity require a stage space of 20ft width by 20ft depth by 15ft height (6m x 6m x 5m).

One Hope Max has had a really bad day and now on top of everything he has to put the rubbish out - the worst job ever! Strangely though, it's as he takes the rubbish out that his day begins to get better, for hiding in the bins are Bar and Cal - two angels in (very smelly) disguise. Join Max as Bar and Cal introduce him to the Book of Hope and take him on a whirlwind tour of the Bible from creation to the life of Jesus. A fast-paced innovative show, full of interaction, which explores key themes from the life of Jesus and some wider issues of Christianity. This fifty minute performance does not require lighting or sound, can be performed in any flat clear space (approx 5m width by 5m depth) and takes just an hour to set up. Ideal for churches to book for their local primary school(s), for outreach events or for a family church service. Touring Dates: 22nd March - 8th April 2012. Ministry Gift: £535 per day (during which, timings permitting, the play can be performed twice/ in two venues)

If you would like more information about any of these shows, or wish to reserve a date, please do feel free to contact me on creative@saltmine.org or on 01384 454807. Please note: dates do tend to go quickly!

I do hope Saltmine Theatre Company can visit you soon!

Kind Regards,
Sharon LaRue
(on behalf of Joanna Bell)

Joanna Bell,
Creative Arts Coordinator,
Saltmine Trust,
email: creative@saltmine.org
01384 454807

Saltmine Trust is a Registered Charity No 1038007. A company limited by guarantee in England and Wales: Number 2930528. Registered office: 61 The Broadway, Dudley West Midlands DY1 3EB

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Conclusion

In conclusion, please remember to visit the Churches Together in England website (www.cte.org.uk).

And lastly, I am always keen and willing to share in anything ecumenical you might wish me to be involved in.

With warm regards,
Yours sincerely, as ever
Harvey

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back to the top

NEWSPOINTS December 2011

My dear friends,

With the arrival of the month of December comes the countdown to Christmas - and it's a great opportunity for me to wish you all great joy, grace and peace at this time of wonder as we welcome the coming of God in Jesus Christ.

Prayers Our week-by-week PRAYERS on Thursdays during December will follow these themes: Thursday 1 December - Our preparations for the FORUM on 3 March 2012, that God will continue to open doors of opportunity for us all (*see below). Also, on this World Aids Day, we pray for all those living with HIV and AIDS. Thursday 8 December - Our Church Leaders of all churches who serve us across our Kent, Bromley & Bexley, and Medway region. May God bless them and strengthen them in the ministry they share. Thursday 15 December - All those engaged in Chaplaincies (Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, Immigration & Border Agencies, Prisons, Hospitals, Schools, etc, etc) across our region. May God's Spirit guide them during the Christmas season. Thursday 22 December - For those who are homeless or refugees in our area, and those in our Churches who serve them, especially at Christmas-time. Thursday 29 December - For children and young people in our area, that our unity as Christians will speak of, and demonstrate God's love for them.

***** News about the FORUM (3 March 2012) *****

I am delighted to say that our highpoint is the news that we are now able to receive bookings for our FORUM on 3 March. We do hope as many of you as possible will want to share in this great event - so please spread the word! If you click on FORUM you will find all the information you need. We have been able to secure some prominent key-speakers including the Olympics Chaplain, Canon Duncan Green, and Professor James Dunn, and the day promises to be a most uplifting and encouraging event in our shared church life. So please book your places as soon as you can!

Please note that a separate message will be sent to Officers of all our Kent LEPs and Local Churches Together Groups, asking for 2 representatives each to attend the Forum during which the brief AGM of Churches Together in Kent will be held. This message will be sent out separately soon.

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Items of Interest connected to the Olympic Games

I have received a number of messages from Jim Currin, who co-ordinates mission initiatives in and through the work of Churches Together in England:

• Information for churches working together with national mission initiatives re: area 'Super Champions'
  

  County Ecumenical Officers and reps from Churches Together groups, as well as regional denominational and network reps, can all be 'Super Champions' to cascade information and provide some horizontal coordination in their town / borough / county networks.
  
  As some of you have indicated, the 'More Than Gold' website is not yet geared to providing information for area 'Super Champions', so here is some extra information.
  
  'Super Champions' are coming together north and south 12/13th December to find out more about what they can do. The particular contact at MTG for this is Matt Brown who can be contacted at matt.brown@morethangold.org.uk. He sends out specific mailings to 'Super Champions' and links them together by post code.
  
  This is not a general circular, but a request for you to consider who is best placed needs to know this information as a possible 'Super Champion'. This network is just getting off the ground in trying to keep up with local momentum. I have volunteered to be a 'Super Champion' as the CTE staff member passing on information and it would be great if churches together groups took this up.
  
  Do pass this on at your discretion. and suggest people contact Matt Brown.
  
  Many thanks and all good wishes,
  Jim Currin

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• Further Information for churches working together with national mission initiatives re: Olympic flame Torch Relay
  

  I am sure that many of you will have followed up the announcement of the Torch Relay route and checked out the date/s relevant to your area - 1000 venues over 70 days.
  
  Some churches will be well placed to provide music and tea on the streets for spectators if the relay passes their building. In addition, groups of churches will be working together on the village greens and in city centres, or even passing on the flame to all the churches / schools in their area.
  
  Churches are encouraged to think of three key things they can offer: Prayer, Hospitality and Service. More than Gold will offer help and advice as to how this can happen. Local Authorities have been asked to appoint 2012 officers, but without a budget - this is a fantastic opportunity for churches to offer their resources and to facilitate one or more of the three key themes.
  
  Traidcraft are producing a manual for churches to use and it would be great if all areas had a churches Torch coordinator. This may be the same person as an area 'Super Champion' or local 'Gold Champion' or it may be another volunteer for the specific task.
  
  To register interest for a copy of the manual, email torch@morethangold.org.uk

  
  

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• I have copied below a message I recently received from the House of Commons, also about the Olympics

  Dear Sir/Madam,
  
  I write to draw your attention to an exciting opportunity to recapture the true Spirit of the Olympic Games in London 2012. Michael Bates is a Christian and has been serving as a Peer in the House of Lords since 2008. On the 22nd April he left Westminster and began a walk of nearly 4000 miles from Olympia to London to highlight the opportunities of the Olympic Truce.
  
  The Olympic Truce was central to the foundation of the Olympic Games in 776BC, which aimed to provide a break from continual war by instituting seven days of peace either side of the games. In over 1000 years of the Ancient Games it was rarely broken. Yet, the Olympic Truce has become a purely symbolic part of the Games. Although all 193 Member States sign up to the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce calling for "Member States to take the initiative to abide by the Truce, individually and collectively", there is no evidence that signatories have sought put the Truce into practice.
  
  Lord Bates has embarked upon the 'Walk for Truce' to encourage the British government to be the first to take the Truce seriously and to put forward concrete proposals on how the Truce can be implemented. He has walked over 1500 miles and secured pledges from seven foreign governments to both sign and implement the Truce as well as gaining support from the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, who expressed his desire "to make the most of that historical opportunity". On a recent visit to Rome, His Holiness the Pope also thanked Lord Bates for all he had done for world peace.
  
  If taken seriously, the Truce offers a real chance to influence the local, national, and international communities. It can allow time for leaders to consider conflict resolution and establish dialogue in current conflicts. More immediately, the Truce can provide a humanitarian window for the delivery of medical aid to vaccinate children, as was the case in the 1994 Norway Winter Olympic Games. At a local level, the Truce can also be used to tackle problems of violence, such as gang warfare and knife crime in London.
  
  The vision of the Truce to use the Olympics to positively impact wider society is one that Christians can readily get alongside. Please consider supporting the 'Walk for Truce' campaign, which can be done in a number of ways. First, please pray for Michael, for his safety and wellbeing as he continues his walk. Secondly, why not visit the 'Walk for Truce' website at www.walkfortruce.org where you can leave messages of support and read Michael's blog on the highs and lows of the walk thus far. Finally, and most importantly, please spread the news about the Olympic Truce and consider partnering with the 'Walk for Truce' in petitioning the government to make the most of this historic opportunity. There are so many ways to put the Truce into practice at a local level; what a difference it would make if all Christians across Britain took up initiatives to implement the Truce this summer.
  
  For more information please do not hesitate to get in contact. Julia Spence is currently working as an assistant to Michael on the 'Walk for Truce' and would be happy to help in any way.
  Kind regards,
  Gary Streeter MP
  Chairman of the Walk for Truce Parliamentary Support Group
  Email:julia.spence@parliament.uk
  Tel: 020 7219 2414
  Room 484, Portcullis House, House of Commons, London, SW1A 2LW

  
  
  
• Even more Information for churches working together with national mission initiatives, from Jim Currin

  Graham Cray on John 17 - Praying as Jesus prayed
  Bishop Graham Cray leads an ecumenical agency 'Fresh Expressions' and was asked to speak on John 17 at the recent Hope Forum.
  
  Bishop Graham has produced his notes for the CTE website, which you can read on www.cte.org.uk This article can be sent to local Churches Together groups for websites and magazines.

• And yet more Information for churches working together with national mission initiatives
  

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  The Queen's Jubilee and The Big Lunch

  This is advance information for County Ecumenical Officers and colleagues - it will be followed up with further news suitable for publication soon.
  
  In addition to the given opportunities for 'prayer, hospitality and service' of the Olympic Games in July and and August, it is anticipated that a large number of local churches and Churches Together groups will want to respond to the opportunty of the Queen's Jubilee - June 2/3/4/5th.
  
  The official website for the Queen's Jubilee is www.2012queensdiamondjubilee.com
  
  I know many local churches will want to get involved in street parties on Sunday 3rd June - in partnership with other community groups, local authorities and street coordinators. It could be that more than a million people have lunch together and some churches are taking the lead in organising events like a Jubilee Festival - out on the streets.
  
  The Big Lunch is an Eden Project. It is likely to be the main event for churches getting involved and some already have advanced plans for a day of celebration. The Big Lunch website is here
  
  Churches will partner together e.g. story of village Anglican and Baptist churches providing a cream tea on the village green. Others will partner with community groups e.g a Cathedral is bringing together groups including the Army to provide hog roast for 2000 people. We are all urged to make connections for all of this activity -
  • by finding out what is already planned by churches, CT groups, networks and agencies
  • by feeding information from one contact to another
  • by keeping a watching brief and passing on resources
  • by helping everyone see the opportunity for new partnerships and possibilities
  • by helping churches plan strategically what they will do with all the given opportunities of 2012.
  (Jim Currin)
  
  Happy Christmas! Amongst all this, it remains for me to wish you much joy and peace at Christmas, and to thank you all for everything you do for the unity of God's people in everything you do!
  
  With kindest regards,
  As ever
  
  Harvey