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Net News July 10 2

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:17:00 +0100

net news -

july '10/2

In this issue:

Tim's ramblings
Sector news (including Education Breakfast notice)
Leaders Net -
GENnet news -
Wolverhampton Net news
Sandwell Net News
CFAN news
Champions news -
Christians Ahainst Poverty - CAP news
Redeeming Our Communities - Birmingham
Book Aid
Eagle Vison 2010
First Base Volunteers?
JOBS
Living From Desire?

Amazon products can be purchased via the link from our www.thenet.org.uk .......please use it as it helps the cause!

Dear Black Countryites,

Metaphors

The Bible uses a number of metaphors to describe our relationship to God at various stages. If you'll notice, they ascend in a stunning way:

Potter and clay. At this level we are merely aware that our lives are shaped-even broken-by a powerful hand. There isn't much communication, just the sovereignty of God at work.

Shepherd and sheep. At this stage we feel provided for, watched over, cared about. But beyond that, a sheep has little by way of true intimacy with the Shepherd. They are altogether different creatures.

Master and servant. Many, many believers are stuck in this stage, where they are committed to obey, but the relationship is mostly about receiving orders and instructions and carrying them out.

Father and child. This is certainly more intimate than being a servant; children get the run of the house, they get to climb on Daddy's lap. These fortunate souls understand God's fatherly love and care for them. They feel "at home" with God.

Friends. This stage actually opens up a deeper level of intimacy as we walk together with God, companions in a shared mission. We know what's on his heart; he knows what's on ours. There is a maturity and intimacy to the relationship.

Bridegroom and bride (lovers). Here, the words of the Song of Songs could also describe our spiritual intimacy, our union and oneness with God. Madame Guyon wrote, "I love God far more than the most affectionate lover among men loves his earthly attachment."

Where would you put your relationship with God? Why did you choose that "level"? Has it always been that way?

Love,

Tim.

For YOUR NETwork of Black Country Christians

Sandwell Dudley Wolverhampton Walsall

Sector news

Dear Sector people,

I trust that you are all well. Having just inherited this sector database from the extremely reverend Jolyon Barker, and having just found out how to use it today (!), I thought I would say HELLO to you all, and resume regular communications as Mr Barker is extremely busy working with Saltmine and Foodbank and his own business too.
If you no longer wish to receive e-mails from me around the SECTOR theme, please just let me know.

It was great to see many of you at our last breakfast, as always on the 1^st Wednesday of each month, and we hope to see you again in August, as below, but please try to let me know in advance so that I can let the hotel know how many sausages and eggs to prepare!!

- We next meet on Wednesday 4^th August at 7am, as always, and at The Quality Hotel, Dudley.- We have also started offering an evening session when we link with GENnet, and the next session is on Thursday 19th August at 8pm, as below. At our next session, we will be taking an offering for Paul Miller & Steve Rayment who are journeying through some stuff with us this year. If you need to know more, or want Gift Aid details, please let me know.

- We have also scheduled a Weekend away for the 12-14^th November at The Pioneer Centre, Cleobury Mortimer (around 50 minutes from Black Country Central!) for those who wish to commit more time to this journey, but I know that places are now very limited, so please let me know ASAP if you are interested to come along with us.

Much love,

Tim Fellows

On behalf of the Sector net team

           Business & Commerce   Education & Learning    Law & Justice
                 Local Govt & Politics     Media & Arts    NHS & Health
                                              Social Enterprise

Dudley Sandwell Walsall Wolverhampton

the church in the black country

01902 880000.OR tim@thenet.org.uk

Black Country Education Network

Hi everyone,

Just a couple of things to tell you about this month.

Our next Education Network Prayer Breakfast will take place on Saturday 22nd September, 10am-12pm, at The Net Chapel, Sedgley. Please put the date in your diary so you can join us as we pray our way into the new academic year.

Finally, please continue to read below for just a few words of encouragement I penned when thinking of you all a few days ago.

The end of term. A wondrous, beacon of light that flickers throughout the year. Sometimes that light is weak. Far off. Months and months away and yet it remains nestled there in the distant future like the lights from a welcoming distant shore, beaming, giving us a reason to keep going, to keep plodding forwards.

Other times that light is bright and near. Its vibrancy literally pulses energy towards us, helps us to get up in the morning and get through the day, safe in the knowledge that it will soon be here. It will soon be lighting our entire lives for six glorious weeks.

This may not be an exact description of your attitude. Maybe you’re far more positive about your job right now and the summer holidays are just a nice addition to your already very contented outlook on work. Praise God if that’s you – what a wonderful place to be in.

But for many of us, the 2009-2010 academic year has been extremely tough. We’ve experienced stress like we’ve never experienced before. We’ve encountered issues with pupils and staff alike that have genuinely shocked us with their severity. We’ve taught the worst pupils we’ve ever met and have at countless times during the year, felt like we may as well have been banging our heads against a brick wall for all the progress we’ve made.

Whether your year has been wonderful – a year of victories and answered prayer – completely average to the point of boredom, or the worst of your career, the truth remains unfazed and unchangeable: God has been with you through every single minute of it. Every pupil you felt like throttling, every pupil you could have wept over, every colleague who you grew to love (or resent – let’s be honest shall we?!), every overwhelming or disappointing exam result, every difficult parent, every infuriating conversation with your boss, every grateful smile and every tearful goodbye. He was holding your hand through every step of this year. Whether you felt Him there with you or not is an irrelevancy. The Truth remains completely unshaken by your emotions or by your ability to ‘feel’ it. Listen:

“O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways…where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in depths, You are there…Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:1-10)

At the highest and lowest points of your year, He was there. Every single day of your holidays, He’ll be there. And whether you’re going back to the same workplace in six week’s time (or fewer for those less fortunate amongst us!), or starting out somewhere new, He will still be there with you, from the second you wake up in the morning, through all of the emotions you feel as get yourself ready for work, through the challenges that each new day will bring, He will be there. His name declares it: Jehovah Shemah: The Lord Is There.

So enjoy the light of the summer break, but remember there is a Brighter Light that shines throughout the year. This Light never diminishes and never burns out. It is a Light that lives and shines within you (Matthew 5:14-16) and it is a light that gives us purpose and hope and joy in any and every situation we face. If that isn’t reason enough to celebrate, then I don’t know what is!

Have a wonderful, wonderful holiday and I'll see you in September.

Linsey Pearson

On behalf of the Black Country Education Network

(NB: Please email any responsesto smethills@hotmail.com not this email address.)

Leaders Net news

Good Morning,

It is just six weeks until we meet for our next Leaders Net session and we wanted to remind you so as you won’t miss out on the fantastic presentations and discussions we have been having during this series of groups.

This meeting is called The Leader & Team Leadership – here are the details: -

The Leader & Team Leadership

Leaders Net,

Amblecote Christian Centre,

102-104, Brettell Lane,

Amblecote,

Stourbridge. DY8 4BS

7^th September 2010.

9.30am for coffee, lunch 12.15pm. £5 per head.

Here is what the Core Vision Team say about the session: - Leadership can be both an enormous joy, but also a huge responsibility, and often we feel the very real weight of the calling that we have to lead the people of God. Therefore, we want to use our next three of our Leaders Net mornings to focus specifically around our roles as leaders. 2010 is the year in which we want to address a number of issues related specifically to leadership.

A challenge every leader faces is to build a leadership team that recognises gifting and calling whilst at the same time developing strong account for relationships. In this session will explore how team can be built and will include some practical examples of how team can be developed.

We are looking forward to seeing you there, why not hit the reply button on this email right now and let John know you are coming. He also wants to know if you are staying for lunch or not. Lunch is just £5 each so he will ask you to confirm your place so he can order your lunch.

See you all soon,

Adrian and the team.

Sent by: -

John Whitehouse.

Admin The Net. 01384 370365. admin@thenet.org.uk

Hi Everyone,,

Hope your ok??

Please see new GENnet nights below and also don’t forget to book in for the two weekends away!!

Love Cookie

On Behalf of the GENnet Team

………………………………………………………………………

Weekend Away

Please reply ASAP to this e-mail to book in, we are already up to 35 people and we have only provisionally booked for 40 (Not a marketing ploy)

We really need to know numbers so that we can secure some more rooms with the centre!!

Date - November 12^th – 14^th 2010. The venue will be the Pioneer Centre.

The price for adults is £90, a kids price will be coming soon. If you could send me a deposit of £25 ASAP, or if you can the full price this will really help us as we have already had to send off a deposit to secure our place.

Plesae make cheques payable to “The Net” and send them to –

GENnet, C/O Brierley Hill Project, South Street,, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RR

More details to follow and once you have booked in!!

………………………………………………………………………

GENnet Kids Weekend

Hi,

I’ve enclosed details of our weekend away for children which will take place on Friday 17^th-Sunday 19^th September 2010.

It is for children who are currently in School Yrs 3-6 (2009-2010 school yr).

It is £45 and includes accommodation, food and plenty of activities. Last year we had over 100 on the weekend and it sold out.

We are expecting it to be extremely popular again this year, so book in early to avoid any disappointment.

We do have the extra facility of camping this year which is at a cheaper rate of £25- you would need to provide tents and sleeping equipment but all food and activities are included.

Please read through the attached information and if we can provide any more information, please contact Phil at philmiles@junction10.com

Looking forward to a great weekend

Kind Regards

Phil Miles

On behalf of the GENnet Kids Team

PLEASE PASS THIS E-MAIL ON TO WHOEVER LEADS THE CHILDREN’S WORK AT YOUR CHURCH

…………………………………………………………………………

NEW GENnet NIGHT Dates –

Dates are –

19^th August 16^th September

14^th October 25^th November 9^th December

All of these take place at the Chapel in Sedgley, 8pm start!!! More details and directions if required!!

……………………………………………………………………………

Wolverhampton NET

Hi everyone

When I set out in full time ministry over 20 years ago, I was pretty much gripped by the need to succeed. This is understandable but certainly for me, it tended to isolate me from others in ministry in my town. The subconscious thinking was that I must prove myself and my call; I must grow my church and ministry. The idea of sowing time and energy into the wider body of Christ would not contribute to that priority, indeed I might end up aiding their success rather than my own!!! Furthermore, I considered our church to be a cut above the rest in doctrinal purity. We needed to maintain our ‘distinctives’ by just holding ourselves apart a little.

Needless to say, God has conducted quite a work of renewal in my thinking especially in recent years. I have come to see how precious indeed it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. I used to think that differences between believers were barriers to unity that must be overcome before we can meaningfully express unity. I have now come to see that the crucial issue is relationship not doctrinal agreement or denominational allegiance. I have come to value my brothers and desire their success because this contributes to God’s plan for the world and for the city.

The success of one is the success of all. In fact it works both ways because I will be helped and blessed as I give myself to blessing, encouraging and serving others.

Even in the Old Covenant law there was an obligation to ensure that the name of close relatives did not die out from the nation. If a man would not fulfill his obligation, he was publically shamed with the words, ‘So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house,’ (Deut 25:9). What, I wonder, is the New Covenant equivalent? Perhaps Paul’s exhortation that we should, ‘look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others’, (Phil, 2:4); or the statement, ‘There should be no division in the body, but its parts should have equal concern for each other’, (1 Cor 12:25).

Of course we are all given a race to run and an assignment to fulfill but we must also acknowledge that however successful any individual church or ministry becomes, it will always only be one piece of the jigsaw! We need each other and the full purpose of God for our towns and cities awaits this recognition.

We met as pastors again last week and it was inspiring to hear the direct and tangible benefits of living as the one body. Around the table different leaders shared of how relationships with each other are benefitting the whole. We heard of joint baptism services, of youth going away together to Soul Survivor and churches partnering to help each other. Here is a testimony of how many contributed to the success of an important mission in Zimbabawe:

On the 4th of April last year, our congregation in Wolverhampton conducted a medical mission to Zimbabwe, to answer to the great need in that nation. The mission needed manpower that is nurses and doctors, which was readily and freely given by our congregation. Each missionary paid their own ticket to and from Zimbabwe, but the actual medicines and resources had to be found from elsewhere. The sending congregation carried 30% of the burden while the 70% was carried by the Pastors of different congregations around Wolverhampton (mostly) and a couple from out of town. While there our teams were able to attend just over 700 patients for free in a city called Kwekwe, where we worked in partnership with the local city council clinics, which ordinarily has to charge for those services. All consultation and all medicine dispensed was free, all done in the love of Jesus.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Wolverhampton Pastors' Net, which we are a part of as a church.
We pray these churches will be able to support other initiatives by other congregations in the future. The Lord bless you all

Yours in Jesus Christ

Emmanuel Kapofu

I share these things acutely aware that time is running out for the privileged place the church has enjoyed in our society for so long. Islam is rapidly replacing the Christianity as the religion with favored status! The only way forward is together. The only future we have is together. ‘You in your small corner and I in mine’ won’t do in our changing world. We have to put real value on the belief in unity we all subscribe to. We can’t all do everything for sure. Finding each other will look different for each of us. But relationship is the issue, giving value and taking initiative to express the reality that we are one and seek any opportunity to demonstrate it.

Now for a few practical reminders:

Monthly leaders’ prayer lunch

We will not be meeting in August. Our next time together will be Tuesday 14^th September, 12.30pm at the Asian Christian Fellowship, Darlington Street Methodist Church. We encourage you to be there if at all possible. Each time we meet we pray, we eat and we share life together.

Visit of Jesus Culture

The visit of Jesus Culture to Wolverhampton is taking place Tuesday 28^th September, 7.00pm at the Civic Hall. We are amazingly privileged to have Banning Liebscher and the team coming to Wolverhampton. This will be a sell-out! So please encourage your youth leaders to book tickets as soon as possible. This can be done through the website as follows:

www.jesusculture.com/uktour

All Nations are handling much of the administration and they are preparing flyers and posters. These will be distributed as best as possible. For more information contact All Nations on (01902) 714469.

In addition, Banning Liebscher will be holding an additional meeting for leaders on 28^th September, 1.00pm at All Nations building on Temple Street. This is an unscheduled extra in a very busy itinerary just for us! We highly recommend this meeting!

Visit of Chris Overstreet

Hot on the heels of Jesus Culture will be Chris Overstreet visiting Wolverhampton again. Who can forget the meeting at which Chris ministered last time and the demonstration of God’s power! The date is Monday 4^th October, 7.30pm at the Jack Hayward Suite at the Molineux. This will be a healing outreach. Chris will also be conducting a healing training seminar open to all, between 2.00 and 5.00pm at All Nations Church building that same afternoon. Flyers will very soon be available from CLC bookshop on Worcester Street.

I trust you enjoy a blessed holiday time over the next few weeks,

Best wishes in Christ

TONY WASTALL

Sandwell Net news

CFAN news

Hello Everyone,,

We do hope you will be able to join us at Bethel for the event above with Daniel Kolenda. Daniel is a man whom God is using mightily to save souls. Reinhard Bonnke has recognised the call

of God on Daniel’s life and for the last 2-3 years they have tirelessly preached the gospel together at our campaigns around the World. Daniel has seen over 8 million people make a decision for Jesus during that time. He has something to say about evangelism that is relevant and effective and we would love for you to hear what God has to say to you.

Please do all you can to come... this will be a momentous night for the Black Country. If you need more information, would like hand outs/flyers for your church please visit http://www.cfan.org.uk/bethel or call us on 0121 602 2000.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mark Oakes

UK Director – Christ for all Nations

Redeeming Our Communities - Birmingham

Read more

We hope to see you on November 16th.

Debra Green
Director Redeeming Our Communities
0161 946 2372/3
info@redeemingourcommunities.org.uk

Book Aid

In many Black Country churches there must be boxes of old Bibles hidden away which people have not read for years. In others, there are libraries of Christian books which members have stopped reading, In many homes there are surplus versions of the Bible which we do not really need.
If this applies to you or your church why not donate the books to Book Aid and help the millions of people in Africa or India who would need then and would love to have them? Jim Kirk at 62 Borneo Street, Walsall, has ample storage space, or I would be willing to travel any reasonable distance to collect them.
Fred Stainthorpe 01902-417065
fredandjohn@hotmail.com

Eagle Vision 2010

FRIDAY 13^th AUGUST 2010 - 7.30pm – 10pm

SATURDAY 14^th AUGUST 2010 - 10am-12pm / 2pm-4pm/ 6pm-9pm

SUNDAY 15^th AUGUST 2010 - 11am-2pm

FREE ENTRY

Circumstances holding you back? Break free from your limitations, tear down barriers, hurdle life’s challenges, face your fears, rise above your circumstances and face the future with confidence - reach your full potential. Come to Eagle Vision 2010.

Conference featuring : Helen Smallwood, Chris Smith, Christiana Olomolaiye, Chris Nven and Diana Dowe,

Music Teams led by Vi, Gemma and Lulu

Venue: Church@Broad Street, Broad Street, Wolverhampton , WV1 1JD

Enquiries: 07890503574 E:mapconferences@aol.com

Please register via email to Mapconferences@aol.com giving your name , address and contact details with confirmation that you will be attending. Registration is free.

Available facilities include: ? Creche ? CLC Bookshop ? J10 Counselling ? Refreshment Kiosk ? Limited free car parking ? Bus &Train stations nearby ?

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Small Street Centre operates as the head office for the charity, First Base Walsall, and also as a resource centre to support the needs of the local community.

We are currently offering volunteer opportunities to Christians who would like to work in a clean, fresh (and sometimes mad) environment.

Our most urgent need is for someone to staff the reception area; answering telephone, meeting and greeting, & booking people onto computers in our internet café - which is a really simple operation (full training given).

So if you are good with people, we would like to hear from you. I mean – we would really love to hear from you!

If you could offer:

a couple of hours a week

half a day

or a whole day

why not contact us, come in and have a chat and a look around – see what you think – no obligation.

Other areas where we would welcome any help would be:

gardening

decorating

STOP PRESS

We now have 3 fully serviced offices available at very reasonable rates.

Please ask for details.

odd jobs

etc

Please contact us – our details are shown below.

Malcolm Jones

Charity Administrator

Jobs

Living from Desire - surely the place to be Black Countryites??

Jesus ran because he wanted to, not simply because he had to or because the Father told him to. He ran "for the joy set before him," which means he ran out of desire. To use the familiar phrase, his heart was fully in it. We call the final week of our Savior's life his Passion Week. Look at the depth of his desire, the fire in his soul. Consumed with passion, he clears the temple of the charlatans who have turned his Father's house into a swap meet (Matt. 21:12). Later, he stands looking over the city that was to be his bride but now lies in the bondage of her adulteries and the oppression of her taskmasters. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem," he cries, ". . . how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing" (Matt. 23:37, emphasis added). As the final hours of his greatest struggle approach, his passion intensifies. He gathers with his closest friends like a condemned criminal sitting down to his last meal. He alone knows what is about to unfold. "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you," he says, "before I suffer" (Luke 22:15, emphasis added). Then on he presses, through the intensity of Gethsemane and the passion of the Cross. Is it possible he went through any of it halfheartedly?

(The Sacred Romance

Net News July 10

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:53:00 +0100

net news -

july '10/1

Ed - We always try to give prominence to "the wider Body of Christ", especially national or Global initiatives, and as we love to connect with our friends at WPC, please see the latest GDOP update.....;

Global Day of Prayer 2010 Feedback

Thanks to the vision of Graham Power a new season of prayer across the world, and across our nations, is now firmly in place between Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday. This year thousands of events will have taken place around the globe as Christians linked in from all 220 nations. It has been so encouraging reading reports from across our nations and hearing all that God has been doing in this season.

GDOP 2010 British Isles feedback

If you would like to know what happened here across the British Isles go to GDOP 2010 British Isles feedback on www.worldprayer.org.uk/gdop---welcome/gdop-news/.

GDOP 2010 report from UK (which includes British Isles)

A shorter summary which I have done for the South African organisers can be accessed at GDOP 2010 UK Report on www.worldprayer.org.uk/gdop---welcome/gdop-news/.

GDOP 2011: A new season has dawned for GDOP

The GDOP team in South Africa have just sent through their vision for the future Let's all take time to reflect and ask the Lord what is on His heart for our church, community, town, city, village as together we continue to make room for His presence to fill our land as we prepare to welcome the nations in 2012.

You can access on www.worldprayer.org.uk/gdop---welcome/gdop-news/ under S Africa news or here GDOP 2011 & beyond.

If you wish to be kept informed of prayer & mission news and initiatives, please go to www.prayerforum.org and register to receive regular E news updates!

With thanks

Jane

Jane Holloway - UK GDOP Co-ordinator

Tel: 0121 633 7393 Ã§Fax: 0121 643 5645 Ã§Mob: 07917 465006

World Prayer Centre, Cornerstone House, 5 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG

Email: prayer@worldprayer.org.uk Ã§Web: www.worldprayer.org.uk www.prayerforum.org; www.globaldayofprayer.co.uk

Ed - please see UK Prayer Forum news at the foot of this e-mail.

In this issue:

Tim's ramblings (special appeal by Andrea of CCFON)
Sector news
Leaders Net -
GENnet news -
Statement from the leadership of Bethel Christian Fellowship- Oldbury
Wolverhampton Net news
Betel UK football tournament in August
BBQ in the Park – Dudley Central
CFAN news
Champions news - July 2010
Christians Ahainst Poverty - CAP news
CCFON news
Redeeming Our Communities - Birmingham
Praise in the Park
NGM appeal
Book Aid
Eagle Vison 2010
JOBS
Ptayer Forum news UK

Amazon products can be purchased via the link from our www.thenet.org.uk .......please use it as it helps the cause!

Dear Black Countryites,

Greetings to you all.

My ramblings this time are focused on 3 people, and it is a great reminder to me that this is really what we are about.....people!

Phil Collins is well known to many of you I am sure, yet I am conscious that some are not aware that Phil and the lovely Collins clan have emigrated to Canada. As a good old fashioned Black Country bloke, Phil has served The Kingdom in many and varied ways, all over the nations and the world. Michelle has also served God in so many situations over the years. As a Net Core Team, we were able to spend a few days away in May with Phil, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank them publicly...guys - we miss you already!

Ken Hipkiss is another wonderful gent who we will miss. Please see below for more details, but we thank God for you Ken, and Rita too, and wish you the very best in your retirement.

Andrea Minichiello-Williams is not a Black Country lass! But she is a trooper for The Kingdom and we love her. We often feature CCFON news, as we have below again, and we urge you all to personally subscribe to her free e-news. I have placed Andrea's latest appeal right underneath these ramblings and simply ask that you read and pray into what she is asking.

Once again Black Countryites, thanks for reading this and I sincerely wish you the very best for today.

May The Lord be very real to you today. and may you display Him to others with passion and wisdom.

Love,

Tim.

For YOUR NETwork of Black Country Christians

Sandwell Dudley Wolverhampton Walsall

Here's Andrea's appeal to us......

Dear Tim and all at the Net,

Thank you so much for all you have done for us here at CCFON. Not for “us” but for the honour of the Lord Jesus we serve and for His name in this nation of ours. We really value the support you give us from the Black Country, both your prayers and also the financial support. We rely on both more than you can imagine.

I sometimes feel like Elijah must have felt at the Brook Kerith. He was totally dependent on God for his daily food. No store room, no stash to last him even a few days ahead. Daily dependency on God. And for the children of Israel in the desert the same story – manna was there every morning without fail. But only enough for that day. As soon as they tried to store it for the next day, it went bad.

God likes us to be dependent on him daily, but it is a hard lesson and not one that comes easily to us. We like to know that we have plenty stored up in case of a rainy day. It is comforting to know that we are not totally reliant on others. I feel that God has brought me to a place of daily dependence on Him and on His grace.

At Christian Concern for Our Nation the implication of the vision that God has given us is in danger of overtaking us– the more work we undertake, the greater we are realising the task is and the more funds we need. No sooner do we have an election out of the way than we are confronted with Marie Stopes' ground breaking advertising campaign for abortion which we are resisting and will continue to resist. We have been approached by a number of our supporters to ask how CCFON is going to respond. Marie Stopes is a £100 million per year organisation. CCFON is roughly 0.3% of the size – a real David and Goliath story if ever there was one! And yet we refuse to stand by and do nothing.

At the other end of the life spectrum, the battle is building for the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill and the associated campaigning which we are currently fighting. Not to mention the Equality and Human Rights Commission Consultation, political briefings on the Academies Bill . . . and many other issues that we are addressing or wanting to address.

At the same time we are being asked by Christian Concern for Our Nation supporters to respond to the recent OFSTED inspector’s report which highlights the neglect and deficit of the teaching of Christianity in schools, especially compared to that of the other major religions. “How is CCFON going to take advantage of this opportunity?” we are asked by many supporters. The answer depends on the resources of time, labour and money as to how we are able to respond – but for us this is a high priority issue and an important opportunity that must not slip by.

We are also facing a new Coalition Government that is pursuing a radical pro homosexual agenda which has massive repercussions on family and Christian freedoms and implications for how children are taught in schools on these matters. We will not shirk the urgent task of speaking God’s truth on this issue.

All of this coincides with our ongoing legal cases to assist Christians who have been unfairly treated in the workplace - Duke Amachree, Denise Haye, Gary McFarlane, Shirley Chaplin and many more...

So here I am seeing this mountain of need and opportunity and amazed at how God keeps us going from day to day. Unlike many charities, at CCFON we do not have large reserves to draw on (or any reserves at all). Because we are often in the political arena we obviously receive no Government funding and this also closes the door to much Trust funding for the same reason.

This work continues because of the committed support of individual Christians who, through their generosity, keep us going – literally – from one day to the next. You could say we are reliant on ravens.

So, like Elijah, as I sit here and write to you, I know that I am totally dependent on God to provide for us through his people. Please continue to support CCFON and the work we are seeking to do by making a donation today. Every gift is valued and valuable to us.

Your gifts will be used crucially in a number of ways:

· To pay for the legal costs to represent Christians in court.

· To campaign in Government against anti-Christian legislation.

· To advertise and promote Christian values, especially Life Issues.

· To maintain our website and the flow of information to the public.

· To enthuse and equip the Church and to encourage her to pray for our nation.

Please give what you are able to towards making a difference in our nation. We are concerned, but we are not downhearted. Thank you.

Donate

To donate now, click here:
Sending us a cheque (full details here).
If you possibly can, please set up a standing order by filling in and sending us this form.

Andrea Minichiello Williamss

Christian Concern for our Nation

http://www.ccfon.org

PS – Only about 2% of the UK’s Evangelical Christians are on our mailing list. Please pass this on to your Christian friends.

Sector news

Dear Sector people,

- We next meet on Wednesday 4^th August at 7am, as always, and at The Quality Hotel, Dudley.- We have also started offering an evening session when we link with GENnet, and the next session is on Thursday 22^nd July at 8pm, as below. At our next session, we will be taking an offering for Paul Miller & Steve Rayment who are journeying through some stuff with us this year. If you need to know more, or want Gift Aid details, please let me know.

Much love,

Tim Fellowss

On behalf of the Sector net team

           Business & Commerce   Education & Learning    Law & Justice
                 Local Govt & Politics     Media & Arts    NHS & Health
                                              Social Enterprise

Dudley Sandwell Walsall Wolverhampton

the church in the black country

01902 880000.OR tim@thenet.org.uk

Leaders Net news

Just a short email to advise you of a venue change for our next Leaders Net gathering on the 7^th September 2010.

You may remember we advised you for all this year’s meeting and this one is The Leader & Team Leadership – this will now be hosted by Amblecote Christian Centre, 102-104, Brettell Lane, Amblecote, Stourbridge. DY8 4BS. You will find directions and maps on their website www.amblecotechristiancentre.org.uk and click the ‘Contact’ tab.

Here is what the Core Vision Team say about the session: - A challenge every leader faces is to build a leadership team that recognises gifting and calling whilst at the same time developing strong account for relationships. In this session will explore how team can be built and will include some practical examples of how team can be developed.

Hope to see you all there and if you want to book in you can; email me or call me on the number below.

Blessings,

John Whitehouse.

Admin The Net. 01384 370365. admin@thenet.org.uk

Hi Everyone,,

Hope your ok??

Please see new GENnet nights below and also don’t forget to book in for the two weekends away!!

Love Cookie

On Behalf of the GENnet Team

………………………………………………………………………

Weekend Away

Please reply ASAP to this e-mail to book in, we are already up to 35 people and we have only provisionally booked for 40 (Not a marketing ploy)

We really need to know numbers so that we can secure some more rooms with the centre!!

Date - November 12^th – 14^th 2010. The venue will be the Pioneer Centre.

Plesae make cheques payable to “The Net” and send them to –

GENnet, C/O Brierley Hill Project, South Street,, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RR

More details to follow and once you have booked in!!

………………………………………………………………………

GENnet Kids Weekend

Hi,

I’ve enclosed details of our weekend away for children which will take place on Friday 17^th-Sunday 19^th September 2010.

It is for children who are currently in School Yrs 3-6 (2009-2010 school yr).

It is £45 and includes accommodation, food and plenty of activities. Last year we had over 100 on the weekend and it sold out.

We are expecting it to be extremely popular again this year, so book in early to avoid any disappointment.

We do have the extra facility of camping this year which is at a cheaper rate of £25- you would need to provide tents and sleeping equipment but all food and activities are included.

Please read through the attached information and if we can provide any more information, please contact Phil at philmiles@junction10.com

Looking forward to a great weekend

Kind Regards

Phil Miles

On behalf of the GENnet Kids Team

PLEASE PASS THIS E-MAIL ON TO WHOEVER LEADS THE CHILDREN’S WORK AT YOUR CHURCH

…………………………………………………………………………

NEW GENnet NIGHT Dates –

Dates are –

22^nd July 19^th August 16^th September

14^th October 25^th November 9^th December

All of these take place at the Chapel in Sedgley, 8pm start!!! More details and directions if required!!

……………………………………………………………………………

Statement from the leadership of Bethel Christian Fellowship.

It was over 22 years ago that Ken and Rita Hipkiss came back to Bethel Christian Fellowship (BCF) in Oldbury after their ministry time in Sutton ....... it is after prayerful consideration that Ken has decided to retire and has officially been released of his responsibility at BCF as of June 2010 to allow Ken and Rita to make preparation for their future ........we give thanks to God for their commitment and ministry in the heart of the Black Country over these years ..... please pray for God’s blessing upon them during this transition time.........and also for BCF leadership as they are now seeking God for the right person to come and lead the fellowship...... here is Ken’s email address kenhipkiss@googlemail.com as you may want to drop him a line........ Every blessing

David L'Herroux
Managing Director

United Christian Broadcasters Ltd

Ed - thanks to David for letting us know. We thank God for The Hipkiss family who have faithfully served in TBC over many years. Ken was part of our central Net team from 2000-2005 and had a great heart to see churches working together. He was also the Chaplain of The Albion for many years, but we don't hold that against him!!

All the very best guys as you transition into a new phase in your lives.

Wolverhampton NET

Hi everyone

I trust you have enjoyed an outstanding weekend. God is doing so much; sometimes it is difficult to keep up with everything!

Just a brief reminder that our next leaders prayer lunch will be Tuesday 13^th July, 12.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Bushbury Road, Heath Town, WV10 0LY.

We look forward to another wonderful time together and hope you can be there.

We also hope to have publicity out soon for our two exciting autumn events. Here is a reminder, please make a note of these dates:

Tuesday 28^th September - visit of Jesus Culture to the Civic Hall.

Monday 4^th October - visit of Chris Overstreet to Jack Hayward Suite, Molineux Stadium.

Blessings to all,

TONY WASTALL

August 7^th & 8^th 2010 at Rowheath Pavilion, Heath Road, Birmingham, B30 1HH

Betel of Britain will be hosting a 2 day football tournament in Birmingham on the 7^th & 8^th August 2010. We aim not only to have a great time of sport and fellowship, but also to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction in our communities, and to help churches network effectively to help combat these problems.

We aim to have around 60 teams competing in the festival, comprising of Churches, Ministries, Charities and Youth teams from across the country.

The tournament will be Six-a-side, with play spread over 2 days, on 5 pitches, ensuring plenty of playing time for all teams.

Read more

All monies raised will benefit Betel of Britain, and help our ministry continue to reach out and help the neediest people in our society. Please see our website www.betel.org.uk for further details about our work in the UK and internationally.

For more information, or to book please contact Darren Newton by phone on 01564 822356, or 07748 557477, or by email – info@betel.org.uk

Betel is a member of WEC International, belongs to the Evangelical Alliance, and is part of the Ground Level Network of Churches. Betel is a registered charity No. 1081462.

BBQ in the Park – Dudley Central

BBQ in the Park takes place at Grange Park, Dudley, DY1 2BG on Saturday 24th July 2010 starting 12noon. This is our third year and we look forward to a great day and blessing - come sunshine or rain!

You are invited to come along, and please share the news with churches, neighbours and friends.

Also, if you are able to lend a helping hand as a volunteer on the day that would be much appreciated. Please let me know by email.

For the Master,

Barry Hutchinson

Pastor - Church of God of Prophecy

barryhutchinson@btinternet.com

CFAN news

Hello Everyone,,

We do hope you will be able to join us at Bethel for the event above with Daniel Kolenda. Daniel is a man whom God is using mightily to save souls. Reinhard Bonnke has recognised the call

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mark Oakes

UK Director – Christ for all Nations

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY - CAPP

God cares so much about the poor, the voiceless and the oppressed. Throughout the Bible He calls his people, his church, to provide for the poor who live in our communities and not to pass by on the other side of the road..

In all our neighbourhoods debt is the main cause of poverty as well as causing marriage breakdown, illness, fear or even suicide as people see no other way out.

You can also partner with CAP to run CAP Money, our three-week money management course. This course will help anyone to budget better so they can save and give more as well as preventing debt.

For further information visit www.capuk.org.
____________________________________________________

Steve Tipping
National Development Manager
Christians Against Poverty
01274 761914

SUNDAY TIMES 100 BEST SMALL COMPANIES

First place winners 2008 & 2009

Check out our website www.capuk.org
Christians Against Poverty
Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW

t: 01274 760720
f: 01274 760745

Registered Charity No: 1097217
Charity registered in Scotland No: SC038776
Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No. 4655175

Latest news from CCFON

Every Friday CCFON will bring to you stories of fundamental significance to Christians and our Nation. To equip you to pray and act. To put the hope of Christ at the centre of our Nation. Click on titles for full stories.

Please spread the word - forward this to Christians you know and encourage them to sign up to receive their own copy.

Headlines, Church and State, Sexual Orientation, Education, Religious Freedom, Social Issues, Family, Abortion, Bioethics, End of Life, Islam, Events

Headlines and Action

Academies Bill

Thank you for your prayers: on 7th July 2010 the amendment tabled by Baroness Massey of Darwen with the intention of making PSHE (including sex education) a curriculum requirement for Academies was defeated by 89 votes. If passed, it would have meant that all schools that decide to become Academies would have had to provide

compulsory sex education, including primary schools. We will keep you informed of any further news on the progress of this Bill.

Homosexual cleric blocked from becoming bishop

The Crown Nominations Commission has rejected calls for Dr. Jeffrey John to be made the next Bishop of Southwark, following pressure from those opposed to his appointment including CCFON. Thank you to many of you who wrote to the Archbishop and the Prime Minister to voice your concerns.
Please click here to read the CCFON report.

Parliament Early Day Motions (EDM) on Abortion

Jim Dobbin MP, the chair of the all party pro-life group, has tabled two early day motions relating to Abortion.

1. The first EDM raises the issue of the controversial Marie Stopes advertisements on British TV. It can be found here (EDM 109).

2. The second EDM explains the connection between Marie Stopes International and the cruel one child policy in China. It can be found here (EDM 107).

Please write to your MP and ask them to sign the EDMs.

Uncertainty over fate of Iranian mother sentenced to stoning

Following international outrage a woman convicted of adultery has been spared execution by stoning in Iran. However, it was unclear what will now happen to Ms Ashtiani, a mother of two – as she may still be executed by other means such as hanging. The Iranian embassy issued a guarded statement yesterday that Ms Ashtiani ‘will not be executed by stoning’.

The punishment has been written into the country's penal code since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The case is an example of the barbaric treatment of women under many of the legal systems based on sharia law. We must resist every attempt from those who wish to implement sharia law into our own nation and pray that such attempts will not be successful.

Click here for CCFON story and links.

BBC 'Today' (Audio): An Iranian journalist, discusses the plight of Ms Ashtiani.

Lancashire Evening Post: Mega mosque in Preston

Events

Saturday 24th July: Independent Methodist Conference, 'The State of the Nation' by Andrea Minichiello Williams. The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanick, DE55 1AU.

New Wine: Monday 2nd August at 2.15pm seminar at New Wine Newark, and on Tuesday 3rd August, seminar at New Wine Central & Southwest.

Wednesday 4th August: Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, speaking at Ablaze in Swansea

Saturday 2nd October: 'Where did you pick that up?' Schools and the sexualisation of our children - conference in Central London sponsored by Anglican Mainstream.

Andrea Minichiello Williamss

Christian Concern for our Nation

http://www.ccfon.org

Redeeming Our Communities - Birmingham

Following the success of Redeeming Our Communities in Greater Manchester and Merseyside, we are pleased to announce the official launch of Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) in Birmingham on Tuesday November 16th 2010.

Over 5000 people attended the launch of ROC Merseyside at the Echo Arena last summer and we expect the event in November to be just as exciting and effective in its capacity to inspire and equip people to engage with their local community.

The launch event takes place at the NIA, doors open at 6.00pm for resource exhibition, main programme starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are now on sale for £5 in our web site shop CLICK HERE to buy a ticket. Please book early as the tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis and our event in Merseyside sold out weeks before the date (watch Merseyside highlights), (Please note that the DVD highlights is 5 minutes long and takes a couple of minutes to upload).

Redeeming Our Communities was featured at the Launch of CPA in Birmingham, CLICK HERE to see the highlights, which include Bishop David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham endorsing Redeeming Our Communities.

CLICK HERE to download the front cover of the flyer.
CLICK HERE to download the back cover of the flyer.
CLICK HERE to download the poster.

What is Redeeming Our Communities?

Redeeming Our Communities is an initiative which started in 2004 and is now working with 4 major UK cities, as well as many towns and villages, with a proven track record in reducing crime and fostering and supporting community engagement. ROC Birmingham is an initiative that seeks to encourage the church and christian faith based organisations to build on the existing engagement with the police, the city council and other agencies with a focus around crime reduction and safer, kinder neighbourhoods. The initiative is jointly led by Birmingham people and ROC. This is about creating conversations (ROC Conversations) in local areas between the various sectors, with a focus around the key issues faced by the community in that area. It is also about working towards an event (at the NIA on 16th November 2010) that will showcase what is happening in the city and encouraging joined up working. ROC aims to assist in mapping what is going on but also encourage the emergence of new projects and partnerships long after the event has finished. The potential for the creation of an ongoing movement is something that ROC would love to see develop in Birmingham. This year ROC will focus on the themes of loneliness and the well being of young people. The ROC Birmingham initiative also includes the '1 million acts of kindness' initiative which will start later this year and continue in 2011.

What will happen on Nov 16th?

The evening includes an exhibition and each delegate receives a community resource pack.
The main programme is a fast track, magazine-style, creative showcase which both celebrates the great projects going on across Birmingham
and inspires new ideas.
Who is invited? Everyone is welcome so please feel free to invite friends and family.
We expect 5,000 people to attend and can promise you a unique experience.

We are delighted that ROC Birmingham is being supported by West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council, many community organisations and Christian churches from across Birmingham.

We hope to see you on November 16th.

Debra Green
Director Redeeming Our Communities
0161 946 2372/3
info@redeemingourcommunities.org.uk

Praise in the Park (Willenhall Memorial Park)

Sunday 18th July 3pm - 5pm

The Salvation Army:

Band, Songster Brigade, Worship Group, Deep Harmony (Ladies Quartette)

Come along, enjoy the community singing, activities for the children.

Book Aid

Eagle Vision 2010

FRIDAY 133^th AUGUST 2010 - 7.30pm – 10pm

SATURDAY 14^th AUGUST 2010 - 10am-12pm / 2pm-4pm/ 6pm-9pm

SUNDAY 15^th AUGUST 2010 - 11am-2pm

FREE ENTRY

Conference featuring : Helen Smallwood, Chris Smith, Christiana Olomolaiye, Chris Nven and Diana Dowe,

Music Teams led by Vi, Gemma and Lulu

Venue: Church@Broad Street, Broad Street, Wolverhampton , WV1 1JD

Enquiries: 07890503574 E:mapconferences@aol.com

Please register via email to Mapconferences@aol.com giving your name , address and contact details with confirmation that you will be attending. Registration is free.

Available facilities include: ? Creche ? CLC Bookshop ? J10 Counselling ? Refreshment Kiosk ? Limited free car parking ? Bus &Train stations nearby ?

NGM appeal

Can you help us?

As you know we work locally and globally and it’s been exciting to see the way the Lord has developed and expanded our work. Our heart and vision is to reach our culture in a relevant way with the message of Jesus. It’s been wonderful to see this happen over the years. Ray and Nancy have now been in this work for 30 years! We are desperately in need of people who can help us! The work is expanding at a great rate and we need the workers to come alongside and help! This is where you come in! We wanted to contact you as we have a variety of posts needing filled in ngm at the moment and we wondered whether you might be interested or whether you could send the information round your church / group and to anyone you think might be interested. The majority of these posts have the potential to be part-time or full-time. We may also be able to offer childcare alongside some of these roles. The majority of the posts are voluntary however please don’t let this put people off! We have had 30 years of God providing for all the personnel in ngm financially and it is an exciting walk of faith. So if you or someone you know is passionate about their faith and fits the descriptions below then do contact zoewickham@ngm.org.uk or call 01454 414880.

Training Administrator – Someone with excellent coordination and administration skills to help coordinate all our long and short term training courses right from the initial application through to successful course delivery.

Vocal Coach – Someone who can work with the students on a one-to-one basis and also on group projects throughout the year. This will cover all of our training courses both long and short term. Some training for this post can be given.

Inspire Manager – A very exciting opportunity to help grow and develop Inspire’s work in the schools, prisons and local community. We need someone with sales skills who can help the work to grow even further.

Inspire Coordinator – Again a really exciting post helping to coordinate the work of Inspire in schools, prisons and local community. This will involve dealing with teachers, coordinators and external staff as well as coordinating the internal arts trainers to produce successful delivery of projects and classes.

BALPA Coordinator – We are looking for someone with sales, marketing and creative skills who can help set up our new performing arts school for the south west. This role is part-time and would ideally suit a mum as the courses are primarily aimed at school aged children.

Graphic Designers – ngm are looking for graphic designers who can help create and deliver successful products for all areas of ngm. From flyers to magazines, posters to books the work is varied and interesting.

Video Editors – Someone who can innovate and create videos for you tube, promotional materials and bands and artists. Again the work is very varied and gives opportunities to work in all areas of ngm.

New Media Manager - Someone who has the ability to not only manage a team but also see where the future of the internet is going and has the ability to pull together a team who can get ngm to the forefront of the technology and keep us there.

We so appreciate you helping us to make these positions known. Yours for such a time as this – ZOE WICKHAM

Zoe Wickham, General Manager

ngm, Caedmon Complex, Bristol Road, Thornbury, BS35 3JA

t: 01454 414880 w: www.ngm.org.

Prayer Forum UK newss

E-News

YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL UPDATE AS YOU ARE ON JANE HOLLOWAY'S FOR ENGLAND TOGETHER MAILING LIST. This is a one-off email to you. If you register on the Prayer Forum website, you can receive this E-News update at the beginning of each week. Register now.

Dear friends,

Welcome to all our new members that have joined us this week. At the beginning of each week you will receive an
E-news update that will keep you informed of the new stories & items on the Prayer Forum website so that together we can mobilise prayer. The website also gives information about events, calls to prayer and resources. We hope you find this useful. We want more people to join Prayer Forum so that we can get more people praying & reaching out to our hurting world. Let's pray together for change!

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