Tue 7 February 2012

Reader Ministry Roadshows

An opportunity to find out about the work of Readers (Licensed Lay Ministers) and the place of Reader ministry in a mission-focused church. For anyone who might be considering Reader ministry, however tentatively, and at any stage of their exploration. read more >>

Authorised Lay Ministry information Evenings

PLEASE NOTE THE DATES WERE INCORRECT IN THE LAST MAILING: For people to find out more and ask questions. Monday 12 March, the Old Palace, Worcester, Tuesday 27 March, Christ Church, Lye, Stourbridge. 7.30 til 9pm. Further information on ALM here: http://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/FH/221

Easter Resources Workshops from the Children's Officer

Mon 20 Feb, 8-9pm, Holy Innocents, Kidderminster, Foley Park, DY11 6LA Tues 21 Feb, 8-9pm,St Matthews, Ronkswood, Worcester, WR5 1NW Thurs 23 Feb, 8-9pm at Holland House, Cropthorne, Pershore WR10 3NB

Taking the stress from parish purchasing – and saving money on energy (with green options available)

Over recent years it has become ever more apparent that there is considerable scope for savings to PCCs through pooling of “buying power”. read more >>

We’re redesigning the diocesan website – want to help us?

New Digital Media Adviser Daniel Kemp is revitalising the diocesan website & needs the help of a range of people. Please spare a few minutes to answer 5 short questions. This will greatly help us as we look to improve the website service we’re offering. read more >>

Anglican Covenant

The Anglican Covenant will be debated at Diocesan Synod in March. The Covenant intends to renew the commitment of all Anglican churches to each other & to God & sets out a framework for discussing difficult issues. More info is now on the website: www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/anglican-covenant

Big Thank You Letter

To celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, the Church of England is launching the Big Thank you Letter. Led by Bishop John, parishes can print off sheets and enable as many people as possible to pass on their thanks and good wishes to the Queen. read more >>

Easter stories for the Prayer Diary

I am looking for stories for the prayer diary to use for Palm Sunday and Easter. If you have something interesting happening in your parish, please do get in touch. Thanks Sam. ssetchell@cofe-worcester.org.uk

What's on in the diocese

Please don't forget to have a look at the events pages on the diocesan website. You will find lots of interesting lectures, concerts and other events happening in our churches and beyond: http://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/cal/month.php

next WARM day

"Worship - does God have preferences" is the theme for our next WARM Day speaker Dave Silber. There are two opportunities to hear Dave on Thurs 8 March from 10am-3pm at Holland House (cost £13 incl lunch) OR 7.30 pm at Hallow Church (donations welcome). read more >>

Government outlaws cash for scrap metal

Paying cash for scrap metal will be outlawed, Home Secretary Theresa May has announced in a written statement to MPs. She also told them that fines would be 'significantly increased' to tackle the growing problem of metal theft. read more >>

Dancing in the Aisles at the Cathedral

The cathedral is bringing together two cities’ best in the world of dance. David Bintley, Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the internationally-known London based Spring Dance Company, in an evening of high quality and dynamic performance. read more >>

Religion and Imagination @ Holland House

30/07/12 – 3/8/12. A residential retreat exploring 2000 years of Christian imagination, including The Shepherd of Hermas, Hans Von Balthasar, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and many others. read more >>

A Quiet Day with Eva McIntyre

Monday 2 April, 10am-4pm, Llangasty Retreat House, set in the stunning lakeside setting in the Brecon Beacons. Stations of the Lake in the morning & The Last Supper storytelling in the afternoon. £27.50 including lunch, morning coffee and afternoon tea. read more >>

Resources for Historic Churches

SGM Lifewords produces a number of resources to help use traditional buildings for creative worship: http://www.sgmlifewords.com/historicchurches Prayer cards can also be ordered from the site: http://www.sgmlifewords.com/uk/orders/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4_17

Marriage Week

Once again Valentine's Day is soon upon us, and the coalition of church and pro-family groups who promote marriage are running the annual event of Marriage Week. Below are details of how your church can get involved. read more >>

Classified pages on the website

If you're looking to buy or sell something in your parish, why not have a look on the diocesan classified page: http://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/AP/245

Surviving Winter appeal raises over £10,000

Since the launch of the Surviving Winter Appeal in November, Birmingham & Black Country Community Foundation (BBCCF) has raised over £10,000 to help older & vulnerable people stay warm this winter. read more >>