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C-HOP - linking The Black Country with Northern Ireland

Would you like to take 3 months out this year? Then why not come and join us at C-HOP…founded by some BC-ites!

C-HOP based in Coleraine, Northern Ireland emerged over 8 years, initially as a once-monthly 24 hour worship gathering but then growing into a weekly event, and finally becoming what is now known as Coleraine House of Prayer. Our desire is to establish and grow a culture of prayer within our community. At present this is a fairly small ministry, with around 30 people from across the community who attend different watches over the course of an average week. We hold 18 hours of Watches each week, but also have extra prayer activities going on throughout each month. We also have a desire to see prayer and mission connect and so each person involved is encouraged to be a part of some sort of missional activity.

During 2009 we ran a pilot scheme involving 2 interns. One of which (a fellow Black Country-ite!!!)  has stayed on and become a member of staff. Part of our vision for 2010 has been to develop the internship program further to raise a bigger team of Intercessory Worshippers who's desire is to minister before the Lord and see a community transformed as a bi-product. We very much believe that God has given us our own shape and sound - unique to Northern Ireland.

We are keen that all those who apply to come and join us for a season are very clear in terms of the reality of who we are and what we are doing. We are a small band of intercessory worshippers who believe God has called us to something big, as we partner with him to see a change in the spiritual atmosphere not only of our own community, but also our nation.

I hope that you will find this helpful as you pray and decide whether you would like to be a part of what God is doing in this small corner of Ireland. If you have any other questions we'd be delighted to answer them, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Please check out the internship page of our website..

http://www.c-hop.co.uk/internship.html

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Black Country Food Bank news

Hello Everyone,

Happy New Year,

Long-time no write………but, weeee’re baaaack!

Black Country Food Bank updates have been a bit thin on the ground of late but all that is about to change…..

We are now firmly installed in our new offices and Storehouse in Halesowen, we’ve nearly caught up with all the paperwork and most importantly…..people are being fed and their lives are being turned around.

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There’s been a load about us in the press of late; hopefully you’ll have caught most of the stories.

The ‘News’ group did a piece about how we work with the police and the ‘Chronicle’ covered us going to Cockermouth, the ‘News’ were recently at our still proposed distribution outlet in Dudley as we’re still trying to raise funds for the refitting and decorating before letting volunteers from the Dudley area man it, watch out for that story.

Again, we were part of Waitrose (Stourbridge) Community Matters scheme and the shoppers donated their tokens to the tune of £420 which we took as goods, so some of the folk we’ve fed have had Waitrose essentials in their carrier bags.

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Some of you will have heard about our new distribution outlet in Walsall, which opens on 1^st February.

“Walsall?”  I hear you shout, a little explanation is in order…..

Black Country Food Bank (BCFB) has always worked on the principle that local folk donate food and goods to be given to local folks; well the idea is spreading across the Black Country.

There are now five distribution outlets;

• Replenish @ St.John’s in Stourbridge
• Brierley Hill Project, South Street Brierley Hill
• Community Ironing Shop in Netherton
• Project 61 at Zion Church in Halesowen
• Junction 10 at the Church@Junction10 in Walsall

All of these areas now donate food into The Storehouse, which is then weighed, collated, stored and then distributed, as their stocks need replenishing.

People with vouchers can access any of these outlets where they will get a warm welcome, the offer of a cuppa, a chance to chat and signposting, where necessary, to other services as well as the all important food and toiletries.

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During the last quarter of 2009 we fed 567 people across the Dudley Borough, which is astounding, and something we couldn’t do without your help. Whether you give a can of food now and again, issue vouchers on our behalf, send us your last couple of quid occasionally, pray for us (we need it) or volunteer with us; you have made a real difference to those 567 lives. (Oct – 158, Nov – 212, Dec – 197)

We’re still inputting the figures for how much food you’ve donated in 2009 and we’ll let you know as soon as possible. You’re response at harvest time was phenomenal; schools particularly really stepped up to the plate and donated a huge amount of food.

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We’ve also been involved in sommat a little different…….

In November His Church in Lincolnshire gave us 26 pallets of food to redistribute regionally. So far we have given away 25.2 tonnes of this in November & December, which equates to approximately 25000 meals! Ta-daah! This food has gone all over the region to 22 different agencies including the Walsall Housing Group where we made up 9 pallets containing 600 of each item we had from His Church.

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So, we’ve hopefully not been idle working on your behalf across the area, please get in touch if you have any questions, if you want to help or just want to say hello.

If you have any Food Bank stories for us to share please send them in.

We’ll be in touch soon,

Lots of love

Wendy & all the team

Please can you make sure this gets posted where anyone who signs a voucher or contributes to Food Bank will see it?

0121 448 8184    The Storehouse: admin & warehouse
01384  57 22 27  Brierley Hill Project: Distribution
01384  23 83 13  C.A.T. Shop (The Ironing Centre), Netherton: Distribution
0121 501 3542    Manna Cafe @ Zion, Halesowen: Distribution
07971 72 89 77   Replenish @ St.John's, Stourbridge: Distribution
01922 639 277    Junction10 Food Bank, Walsall: Distribution

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If you would like to give financially to the work of Black Country Food Bank....
Our bank details are:
Co-operative Bank
A/c No: 65375408
Sort Code: 08:92:99
If you need a receipt, would like to let us know you're giving or can offer us gift aid please contact: finance@blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk
Thank You from the team and those we feed :)

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An Evening with J. John…

Saturday 30^th January - 7.30pm (Coffee shop open at 6.15pm)

Champions Church - Cinder Bank, Netherton, DY2 9BG

J.John is regarded as one of the most creative Christian speakers with anappeal that transcends gender, age, race, culture and occupation. His much-loved art of storytelling helps people to discover spiritual meaning in a way that makes sense of everyday life. In his own inimitable style he enables his listeners to understand that Christianity is not only reasonable, but relevant and vitally important.

So why not bring all your friends and family and join us for an awesome evening where lives will be changed.

For more information please call 01384 45923, or visit our website 
 www.championschurch.org.uk

Champions Church

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There are two great features on www.ukchristians.net that will help you!!

We are a fast growing social network similar to Facebook/Myspace but for Christians in the UK.  We've grown rapidly
to over 5,000 members and many are being blessed so do come and check us out today.

EVENTS
            
If you have an event to promote please feel free to add it to UKChristians.net's event directory.
Our site now sees in the region of 7,000 unique visitors a month with a high proportion of this in the Midlands Area.

LISTINGS

Also, if you have a church, charity, ministry or Christian business you want to promote, please add them to the Listings
section that you'll find on the Navigation menu for the site.  We've got a great deal for the first 50 people to add their's
so do drop by for this great offer!

There's much more on the site...!!

Compassionate Communities

Compassionate Communities is an initiative being lead by Bridges, part of Murray Hall Community Trust, a voluntary organisation in Sandwell.  This is a fresh approach to end of life care about making end of life everyone’s concern.  We feel this is a great opportunity for churches groups to get involved with this work, both to encourage people in your congregations to be Compassionate Communities Champions and also to spread the word in your local community.

 

Compassionate Community Champions are both individual people and organisations such as faith groups who are fully committed to promoting and developing the concept of compassionate communities. They understand the philosophy – and that there needs to be a change in attitudes and community involvement when people experience death, dying and loss.  Compassionate Community Champions use their own skills, experiences, time and influence and promote the concept and are a vital part of making the vision a reality.  We want to get everyone talking about it – so please ‘pass it on’.

 

The Compassionate Communities project employs a part time project worker who is supporting people to regain the skills and confidence they need to support others through death, dying and loss.  We also use creative projects to work with people and are gathering stories of how compassion has made a real difference to people in their hour of need.

 

Our next Compassionate Community Champion’s event is on Friday 29^th January 2010 at the Lancaster room, Carters Green Business centre, High Street, West Bromwich

 

10.00 Welcome and refreshments

10.30 to 12.30pm Compassionate Communities event where there is a chance to see our recently made DVD and share positive stories

12.30 lunch and networking

We would be very pleased to see you there or a representative from your organisation/ group/church.  There is no cost for the event and lunch is provided.  Please book on 0121 612 2939

 

We would also welcome the opportunity to come out and speak to groups of people  of any age and any numbers about what it mean to be a Compassionate Communities and what can a Compassionate Communities Champions do to support people  who are facing death, dying and loss in their faith group or neighbourhood.

 

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require further information and ask to speak to Jenny Middleton, Compassionate Communities project worker or Manjula Patel Manager of Bridges Support Services on 0121 612 2939 or email bridges.support@nhs.net

 

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GREAT THREE BED HOUSE FOR RENT IN BLACKHEATH!

See http://bit.ly/7ieUzt for more details.

 

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Sandwell Net NEWS

Dear Sandwellians,

Happy New Year!!!  I hope this is a great year for you, your congregation/project and also I hope it is a great year for US as the one church of Sandwell.  My prayer is this year we continue to see the bigger picture of what God is doing across our borough and we continue to work together, not in competition, or even worse, against each other. We need one another, Sandwell needs a united Church that reaches across all people groups, social and cultural divides.  Sandwell needs a Church that is joined up, linked together and moving in the same direction. We all have a part to play.

 My heart is to serve this vision by sending out regular information, connecting Christians together and gathering church leaders and Christian organisational leaders across Sandwell to pray and to become more strategic in working together.  I also believe it’s so important to gather the wider church together to make us all realise we are a part of something much wider than ourselves. We will be looking at doing another Sandwell Global day of prayer event later on in the year.

 This is a bumper packed New year edition of Sandwell Net News, there is loads going on across our borough.  Please take time to read through all the different activities and events that are taking place across our region.  If you have an event or a need, please let me know and I will be more than happy to promote/ask for help for you.

 I am a member of the NET leadership team and will also keep you informed on Black Country wide NET events. For info on the NET please visit www.thenet.org.uk

 TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!!

 Regards

 Jon Grant

Sandwell NET Coordinator

sandwellnet@thenet.org.uk

Sandwell Net office – 0121 552 5556

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Young people urged to stand for election! -  Wouldn’t it be great to have the church represented??   Please promote with your young people!!!

Thirteen to 21 year olds across Sandwell have a chance to become the voice of young people in the borough.

The Council's Youth Service has officially launched a search for candidates to stand in the Shadow Youth Cabinet elections.

The deadline for applications is Friday 29 January 2010.

The aim of the Youth Cabinet is to give young people across Sandwell the opportunity to represent their peers, air their views and influence changes in local government and other organisations which will improve services for young people.  

 Young people are also being asked if they would like to represent Sandwell in United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP) elections, open to 13 to 18 year olds.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Ian Jones, said:  "We believe in the right of young people to have a voice at a local and national level, and to be represented by young people who can express and share the views of their peers."

"I hope that young people across Sandwell will be inspired to stand as candidates."

"Local politics affect everyone, no matter what their age or background, and young people now have the opportunity to influence what goes on at a local level by standing as a candidate to represent the views of local young people." 

"I look forward to working closely with the successful Shadow Youth Cabinet members."

The elections will be held in March 2010 in settings such as schools, youth services and voluntary organisations (where candidate "Expression of Interest" forms are also available) to ensure all young people have a chance to take part in voting.

Jessica Masaun, Chair of Sandwell’s Youth Cabinet, said, "I would seriously recommend running in the Youth Cabinet & UKYP elections to all 13 to 21 year olds."

"It is a brilliant experience, extremely rewarding, a great way to meet new friends and people who want to make a difference and, most importantly, loads of fun!"

"It has provided me with loads of opportunities to improve my confidence and skills, and to represent Sandwell both locally and nationally."

Expression of Interest forms - to be returned by 29 January 2010 - are also available on www.justyouth.org.uk. 

In February candidates will be trained in the skills to stand for election, including writing manifestos.

Elections will take place 1 - 4 March 2010 and results will be announced on Friday 5 March 2010.

Colleagues are requested to bring this opportunity to the attention of young people that they may work or be in contact with.

 For more information contact Sandwell Active Youth Involvement Team on 0845 352 7532/41; e-mail tariq_karim@sandwell.gov.uk; or visit www.justyouth.org.uk to download a nomination form.

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Enjoy chatting to people? Interested in healthcare? A few hours to spare?

 Would you consider volunteering with the Chaplaincy Team at one of the two Sandwell NHS Trusts? Or maybe you know of someone who might? Both Teams are on the lookout for new volunteers who might want to spend time each week with patients or service users. The Birmingham and Black Country Healthcare Chaplaincy Collaborative is running a short course starting in early March for those who want to explore what volunteering might be about.

 For more details please contact either:

 Emma Louis at Sandwell Mental Health Trust on 0121 612 8067

Keith Duckett at Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals on 0121 507 3552

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 The Forge Men’s Conference

‘The Father’s Heart’

23/01/2010 at King’s Community Church, Tame Road.

As announced at last month’s ‘Churches Together’, the tickets for this conference were £15 each.  The reason for this initial cost is that we were advised that the cost of a meal and speakers would work out at about £15 per head depending on numbers, so we initially went with this advice.  (We believe a signature of ‘The Forge’ conferences will be for men to sit down together for a meal during the day with time to chat, share and encourage one another)

However, after prayerful consideration the Pioneer Ministries team now believe that a price of £15 is neither fitting with our call to faith and would probably exclude the very men we are called to uplift and build-up in local churches.  We are therefore offering tickets to local churches free of charge on the premise that the tickets will be used (for catering purposes, places must be reserved ASAP

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Enable Men’s Conference

You may or may not be aware of Enable Men’s Conference but it was launched last February at by Elim’s Midlands Region but  far from being a regional event it actually attracted men from all over the country. For those of you who were present at Enable last year’s I’m sure you would agree that it was quite something to be part of a gathering with over 500 other men worshipping and praising Jesus.

This year we have another great day planned for the 20^th February. Our guests are Mark Stibbe (international speaker and author) and Miles Hilton-Barbour (an adventurer who has achieved some amazing things despite being blind - http://www.mileshilton-barber.com/) with us.

You can find the promo video and booking forms plus other information at www.enabled.org.uk.

You do not need to be an Elim fellowship to benefit from this great day.”

God Bless

Iain (part of the enable leadership team)

www.westbromchurch.org

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ROB BELL 'DROPS LIKE STARS' UK TOUR

14th March 2010 - 19th March 2010

Rob Bell will be visiting the UK in March as part of his 'Drops like Stars' tour, which will take place in 6 cities - Belfast, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, London, Southampton and Perth.

We plot, we plan, we assume things are going to go a certain way and then they don’t and we find ourselves in a new place, a place we haven’t been before, a place we never would have imagined on our own, and so it was difficult and unexpected and maybe even. Tragic and yet it opened us up and freed us to see things in a whole new way. Suffering does that— it hurts, but it also creates.
How many of the most significant moments in your life came not because it all went right, but because it all fell apart?
It’s strange how there can be art in the agony…

"The Drops Like Stars tour is a two hour exploration of the endlessly complex relationship between suffering and creativity— and I’d love to see you there." - Rob Bell

 

www.robbell.com

 Dates & Venues:

 14/03 - Belfast - Cathedral

15/03 - Stoke on Trent - The Victoria Hall

16/03 - Swansea - Brangwyn Hall

17/03 - London - Central Hall Westminster

18/03 - Southampton - Central Hall 

19/03 - Perth - Perth Concert hall

 Tickets available from: www.purashop.com

£9 + Small Booking Fee

Any info please contact Doug Ross @ Spilt Milk Bookings: doug@spiltmilkbookings.com

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Trustees Needed For The Oak Tree Counselling Service.

 The Oak Tree Counselling Service. based at King’s Community Church in Oldbury is looking for some new trustees (2/3).  You do not need to be a counsellor to undertake this role.  We are looking for people with promotional skills, able to see the bigger picture about things, help us take the counselling service forward and have good communication skills.  If you want more information then please contact Andy Nott on 0121 422 1398.

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I just wanted to let you know, for your information, about a youth event coming up in Birmingham - the A Passion for Life Youth Event, under the overall banner of A Passion for Life, Birmingham (the B'ham version of a national outreach initiative taking place over this easter organised by a movement of Evangelical Anglican and Independent/Free Evangelical churches).

APFL Bham is a weekend of evangelistic events (26-28 March '10) taking palce in and around the Town Hall. The APFL Youth Event is a ticketed event that is taking place on the Friday (26th), also at the Town Hall. The night includes Phatfish performing and Rico Tice speaking. See further details on: http://www.apassionforlife-brum.org.uk/ In particular, http://www.apassionforlife-brum.org.uk/friday.html   Flyers will be available soon. For flyers and extra info contact Dan Steel at dan@gracechurchsc.org.uk

I am not on the organising committee but have been asked by them to publicise it among my contacts and networks, the reason being that this is an evangelistic event and we need many (particularly non Christian) young people, who of course desperately need Jesus, to come along and hear the amazing, life-transforming message! The aim is for up to 1,000 young people.

I'm sure you have your own events and projects, etc, that you are involved with - so this may or may not be relevant to you and your particular ministry. But, obviously, it will be a high-profile, impact event, worth attending - an ideal opportunity to bring young people - and to encourage them to bring their non-Christian friends.

So, I just wanted to give you the chance to maybe publicise this among your networks/youth groups, if appropriate.  You may need more info about the movement - see http://www.apassionforlife.org.uk/

Any Qs let me know.

Thanks,

John Platt

Youth Co-ordinator, Birmingham City Mission

Email: JohnP@birminghamcitymission.co.uk

0121 766 6603      07515 152045

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YOUTH WORKER REQUIRED

I am looking for a Christian youth worker for one week only commencing 15^th February, Monday to Friday, to run our Positive Activities for Young People activities week, in Walsall.  This person needs to be responsible, able to organise, works very well with young people, good at admin.  It would be very helpful if the person could drive a hired minibus.  I will pay £8 an hour for approx 25 hours.  Working hours approximately 10 am to 4 pm.  The person must be CRB checked. 

Many thanks.

 David Coates-Smith. 

Deputy Head of Inclusion.

 Preparing Young People for Life.

 The Vine Trust Walsall

Registered Offices: 33 Lower Hall Lane.  Walsall. WS1 1RR.

Company No: 4370289.  Charity no: 1093838;

Registered in England & Wales.

Telephone: 01922 621951 ext 216

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