Mission Network News

Use of Mission Development Funding in 2007

Here's the annual spreadsheet produced by the Church Commissioners and showing the way dioceses spent their Mission Development Funding (= Parish Mission Funding) money in 2007. Have a look - if your imagination is caught by the way other dioceses used their money, why not give their mission staff a call and find out how it worked? (If you need details of any diocese's missioner or equivalent, just contact Paul - [email protected])

Download use_of_money_in_2007.xls

Is evangelism a sin?

Details of this conference arranged by the Faith to Faith Forum, from Ann Bower:

IS EVANGELISM A SIN?  ETHICAL EVANGELISM IN A PLURALIST SOCIETY

On 10 June, the Faith to Faith Forum of Global Connections presents a challenging day, held at CPAS in Warwick / Leamington Spa, looking at issues concerning ethical evangelism amongst Muslims, Hindus and New Age believers as well as a session on ethical evangelism amongst children and young people.   

For full details and booking information go to the Global Connections website: www.globalconnections.co.uk/faithtofaith08 or contact Ann Bower on 01926 487755 or at [email protected]

Spirituality for Mission conference

Colin Brown has news of this oasis for mission people who want to touch base with God:

Spirituality for Mission

48 hours at Whirlow Grange, Sheffield

Mon 7th -Wed 9th July 200 8

A gathering for those involved in the mission of the Church today

Are you feeling burdened by ministry?
Is your expression no longer feeling fresh?
Wondering where God is? ...where am I being led?
Explore the mystery of how contemplation resources our action Come aside
to a safe space that will hold, refresh, enliven and equip you...

Be energised by the Spirit for your ongoing kingdom life.

This 48 hour gathering is sponsored by Fresh Expressions and Whirlow
Grange Spirituality Centre, facilitated by Revd Nick Helm and Capt Colin
Brown.

Nick is the Bishop of Sheffield's advisor in Spirituality and Director
of Whirlow Grange Spirituality Centre, involved in enabling people to
listen discerningly to God, themselves and others. He has learned
through experience the importance of spirituality as a resource for
action. www.soulspark.org.uk

Colin is a Church Army evangelist and works as part of the Fresh
Expressions core team with particular responsibility for spirituality
and prayer. He is also an artist exploring spirituality and art amongst
other artists in Sheffield.

www.colinsart.org.uk  www.freshexpressions.org.uk

Institute of Evangelism - Wycliffe College, Canada

Wycliffe College Toronto produce online and other resources in evangelism which may spark ideas for where you are.
Check them out here: http://institute.wycliffecollege.ca/

They write:
The Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism is a service offered by the college to the wider church. It provides a wealth of resources - teachers and practitioners of evangelism, printed and audio/visual materinals, conferences and seminars - to help grow evangelizing congregations. The Institute’s Mission is to encourage and equip the church for the work of evangelism, empowering it to engage in this ministry confidently, joyfully and expectantly. 

Lyfe - Bible Society resource

Rob Hare directs the lyfe programme for Bible Society. Here's his intro for you to pass on:

Living the Lyfe

Do you have a passion for transforming your life? For seeing how it can be fully connected with God?

Then try lyfe.

lyfe (or Life Your Faith Encounters) is all about connecting you with God and your world – with the sole aim of transforming your life.

This new experience from Bible Society is not another study guide or something just for those with a theology degree.

It’s about meeting with your friends in a public place (coffee shop / pub / restaurant), to connect God, us and everyday life. It’s about encountering the Bible with your heart and mind, in a fresh and vital way.

lyfe is based on the radical idea that through Christ everyone can hear God speak. As lyfe groups meet, they follow a simple pattern:

· Read – the Bible passage individually, watching for key words or phrases

· Reflect – share your thoughts and ask questions

· Respond – agree on practical action and pray together

Anyone can start a lyfe group, anywhere!

A good place to begin is at the lyfe website, www.lyfe.org.uk

Register by entering your email address – and you’ll then be able to access information, free resources and help to set up your own group. There are a number of themed Bible passages to start you off, all with helpful background information.

You’ll also receive regular email newsletters about lyfe, new resources you can use and what other lyfe groups are up to.

So why not give it a go? For more information, contact the lyfe team by email at [email protected].

HOPE where you live

From Gareth Squire at CEA:

When?
New HOPE film available 2nd May
available for use in your Bank Holiday, Pentecost & other HOPE events
'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'  Matthew 25 v 37b-39(NIV)

WHEN?
The next Hope 'high point' starting around the May Bank Holiday weekend, "Hope Where You Live", is a great reminder to us to let our activities break out of our church buildings and to get onto the streets where we live.
To mark this, a new short film has been made for Hopeinfo.co.uk which is a snapshot of life on the streets, against the backdrop of the question: When?

How can I use the film as part of what we're planning for May?
It will be available to download from the 2nd May, possibly earlier!  Why not show it at whatever events you are planning?  Why not buy or print materials or t-shirts with the web address on and point people to the film, one of seven?  CPO have a wide range.  Remember the Hopeinfo.co.uk site is a gateway for contact with the Christian Enquiry Agency that provides a range of free literature and services for those who want to know more about what we Christians believe - and what that means for our lives.

Cell UK leadership link

Over at Cell UK Laurence Singlehurst has this:

Dear Friend
Please find our latest leadership link letter here.

Download leadership_link_april_08.pdf

I have taken the opportunity to share a recent leadership thought with you on this occasion and hope that you will find it helpful.
We have some last minute places available on our new format ‘Making Cells Work’ conference at High Leigh, Hoddesdon.
6th-8th May.  I would really recommend you thinking of taking this opportunity to refresh and re-envision your leadership teams with this time away together.
Yours
Laurence 

Laurence Keith - new album

Many STW readers will know Laurence Keith - a colleague of George Lings and the acceptable face of the Sheffield Centre. But LK has hidden depths as he reveals here:

Dear All,

I wanted to let you know - I've released an album!

Its called Harronell, its on a label called Proost (Jonny Baker's alt worship label), its a national but internet only release, and here's what they say about it:

"Harronell is an amazing debut from one of our Unusual Suspects comprising 15 emotional tracks. It's hard to categorise with it's unique sound but think Blue Nile meets Album Leaf or something, layering piano and guitar with soulful vocals. The songs are birthed in Sheffield where Laurence Keith is part of a community in Park that has helped provide the creative spark to bring these songs to life."

Link to the album by clicking here

Tell everyone! I hope you like it. Laurence

Bishops' Mission Orders

Paul, Rachel and Steven Croft are in the middle of a series of regional and diocesan training seminars on the implementation of the new Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure and especially its provisions for Bishops' Mission Orders. Steve and Paul have written a booklet "Bishops' Mission Orders - a beginners guide" which is published by CHP at £6 for a pack of 5 copies.

If you're wanting to suggest a BMO for a mission initiative or initiatives in your area, or if the Bishop has asked you to act as officer or as Visitor for an initiative, we're available at any time if you need advice and help.

 

More resources are available at SHARE - details here from Andrew Wooding at Fresh Expressions/Church Army:

Bishops' Mission Orders have transformed the legal position of church planting in the Church of England, along with a Code of Practice to guide their implementation.
Share has a new page called Bishops' Mission Orders, which gives more information, and will host further materials and resources - including sample orders and skeleton documents as they become available, and a growing list of Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.sharetheguide.org/section5/bmo/
Maybe you have questions of your own about Bishops' Mission Orders (BMOs for short). Is this an exciting development? Is it good finally to have the opportunity to be recognised, supported and accountable? Is it the church giving an official pat on the back - a much-needed affirmation of the good work that so many are doing?
Let Share know what you think by leaving your comments on the Bishops' Mission Orders page.

Rowan Williams on the Spiritual and the Religious

Here's the text of the Archbishop of Canterbury's lecture “The Spiritual and the Religious: is the territory changing?”, given at Westminster Cathedral last week. Typically closely argued, it's hard reading but well worth your attention. Vital for all engaged in mission to our changing culture.

Here's a taster.
To turn specifically to Christian identity – though others may want to spell it out in terms of their own narratives or communal practices – the idea of 'the Christian religion' is a late and weak formulation: what first exists is the Assembly, to give the literal meaning of the Greek word for 'Church', as a fresh configuring of the whole of experienced reality – a new set of human relations, a new horizon for what human beings are capable of, a new understanding of the material world and its capacities.

Download 080417_westminster_cathedr...doc
Also available online at http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/1301

Tim Sledge & Peterborough

Please pray for Tim as he's inducted this week as Vicar of Romsey Abbey in Winchester diocese. Pray too for Peterborough diocese who are interviewing for their new Missioner this week.
As his parting gift from Peterborough Tim sends this:

Dear All,
Here are two resources that we produced in my last month in the Peterborough Diocese. One is about helping churches address new housing - particularly geared to those with smaller housing developments, from 5 to 500 houses and one which we worked on with our "Enabling Elderly Group" about evangelism and outreach among the elderly. None are exactly pioneering but handy helpful starters for churches wishing to get on the first rung of the ladder of both these evangelistic opportunities.  The links are as follows below.

http://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/downloads/newcommunities.pdf

http://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/downloads/waitingforgod.pdf

Mission post - Bath & Wells

Roger Medley sends news of this one:

4 ESTATES MISSION ENABLER (Full-time Lay appointment)
4 year fixed term contract

An exciting opportunity to work with our existing churches to reach out to the local communities within four estates in Weston-super-Mare and explore new ways of being Church

We would like to appoint a person who
•    has experience of life and Christian ministry
•    understands church cultures and can work across them
•    is a self-motivated team player
•    communicates, listens and dreams dreams
and whose life is steeped in prayer and informed by Bible teaching

For an application pack please contact

Revd. Everton McLeod
The New Rectory,
3Old Church Road,
Uphill,
Weston-super-Mare BS23 4UH
01934620156
[email protected]

Closing date 9 May, 2008

New diocesan post - Rochester

Jean Kerr has news of this exciting new mission post from Rochester:

Diocese of Rochester
‘A passion for mission’

Diocesan Mission Growth Team Leader and Assistant Rector of St George, Gravesend
(Dual role ministry)

We’re looking for...
an experienced, ordained Anglican to help parishes explore issues around church growth. You’ll enable and encourage Fresh Expressions of church, building up an active group of commissioned Evangelists. At St George’s, you will be a key player in the ministry team, working with the church family and local community as regeneration brings about exciting mission possibilities.

We want someone...
· with energy and drive
· innovative in their approach to mission
· up for a challenge
· eager to put theory into practice

You will live in Gravesend, close to the centre of town, with easy access to local facilities and nearby Bluewater and Ebbsfleet.

Want to know more?
Contact: The Diocesan Secretary, Canon Louise Gilbert, Diocesan Office, St Nicholas’ Church, Boley Hill, Rochester ME1 1SL. Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01634 560000. Websites: www.rochester.anglican.org & www.stgeorgesgravesend.org.uk

Closing date: 23 May 2008. Interview date: 4 & 5 June 2008

This post requires CRB Disclosure at Enhanced Level

New resource - A Mission Shaped Church for Older People

Mike Collyer has this from Sheffield Centre:

Please find attached details of a much needed new resource for churches from the Church Army (Sheffield Centre) and the Leveson Centre: A Mission Shaped Church for Older People?  Please make this known among your contacts. It is published with the Archbishops York’s blessing.

With prayerful good wishes

Mike

Download flyer_2.pdf

Lee Abbey Devon - new warden needed

Following Chris Edmondson's new role as Bishop of Bolton there's a vacancy for Warden of Lee Abbey Devon. One for you or someone you know? If so the details are here:

Download LADEVONWarden08advert.doc

Download PersonSpecification.doc

Download JobDescription.doc

Closing date for applications is 9am on May 12.

Jewels in His Crown weekend

Ann Bower writes:

‘Inspire’ is the title of this year’s Jewels in His Crown weekend at Cliff Conferences, Cliff College, Derbyshire, from 18 to 20 July, for British Asians and all engaged in ministry amongst British Asians.  The Jewels committee has been meeting regularly since the last event in 2006, preparing for this year’s inspiring weekend and we are excited at what we have to offer you.  With guest speakers Ram Gidoomal and Krish Kandiah and a variety of workshops, praise times, teaching and fellowship, we are sure that there will be something there for everyone.  For those bringing children, we have work led by Sarah Bingham of Scripture Union http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/YourCommunity/LocalTeams/Evangelists/SarahBingham/5718.id and for the little ones there is Daniel’s Den, http://danielsden.org.uk/.   Young people will be able to join with Naujavan, a youth organisation from Southampton http://www.9javan.co.uk/aboutus.html.

Do consider whether this is an event for you and in any case, please pass these details to others, whom you think may wish to come along.  The brochure may be found on the Jewels in His Crown website, http://www.jewelsinhiscrown.co.uk/, along with a printer-friendly version of the booking form, to fill in and return as soon as possible.

Share Jesus International - Pentecost

In the spirit of the late Rob Frost SJI are running with his vision for Pentecost 2008.

Jim Currin writes: Andy Frost (the new SJI director) has sent out the full program for the Pentecost Festival in London over the weekend  9-11th May. He invites thousands of people to join in whether from London or not, and to bring groups including friends who dont go to church to fund out more in wide variety of events: too many to mention but all listed on:

www.pentecostfestival.co.uk

Day conference - Faith in Research

Here's one from Lynda Barley which should interest you. Cost is £30 but looks well worth it.

Download the programme & application form here: Download 2008_invitation_faith_in_r...doc

Research & Statistics Department, Church House
and  the Oxford Centre for Ecclesiology & Practical Theology
invite you to

Faith in Research?

Exploring current research in ministry and mission

Thursday 15 May 2008,10.30 am to 4.30pm, Room 3 at Church House, Westminster

Chaired by Bishop John Packer, Ripon and Leeds 

This seminar is designed for those who shape policy and practice in ministry and mission at national and diocesan levels in the Church of England. The aim is to share current research and to take soundings on the future direction of research on ministry and mission. The day will also raise awareness of the issues involved in designing and executing research relevant to the church.

Job #1 - More Than Gold CEO

Make a solid Gold contribution to the Christian response to the 2012 Olympics.

Job description to download here: job advert below. Download more_than_gold_directors_j...doc

An unprecedented opportunity to merge sport and faith

by mobilising the Church towards the London Olympics

Chief Executive Officer

Hosting London 2012 offers the Church a wonderful opportunity to play a full role in delivering the best Games possible, to inspire a new generation to greater sporting activity as well as making London a better place to live and to work.

More Than Gold is a recently established charity co-ordinating the Christian Church in its response to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As CEO of More Than Gold you will be critical in giving clear direction and leadership to the breadth of the Church, parachurch and missionary organisations willing to partner leading up to and during the Olympic Games.

As CEO you would be at the centre of this unique and exciting opportunity. The role is based in London and will start as soon as possible with a fixed term until 2013, offering a benefits package along with a salary of up to £50,000 but would consider more for an exceptional candidate.

 

For the Job Description and further details please go to www.christiansinsport.org.uk or call Keith Proctor on 01869 255630 for the information or an informal conversation.

This role carries a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a Christian

To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter saying why you want this job and what value you would bring to it, to:

More Than Gold, c/o Christians in Sport, Frampton House, Victoria Road, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 6PB, or email them for the attention of Keith Proctor to: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is Friday 11^th April 2008.

Interviews will be held on 28^th April 2008  .

Job #2 - Policy Assistant at the Church Commissioners Policy Unit

A chance for someone bright to make a real contribution to national church strategy.

POLICY ASSISTANT – (Policy Unit: Church Commissioners)

• Carrying out high quality research, analysing the effectiveness of funds provided by the Commissioners.
• Assisting with communications work and managing enquiries to the Commissioners.
• Providing diary and office management and other administrative support to the Commissioners' Policy Unit.

Closing date: 18th April 2008 Interview date: 30 April 2008

Email Paul Bayes for contact details: [email protected]