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From Jane Holloway at the World Prayer Centre
PRAYER News Update: April-May 2010
From the Prayer Forum of the British Isles and Ireland
http://www.prayerforum.org/

A call to pray for politics, government and nation
‘I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour’ 1 Tim 2:1-2

12 April Parliament is formally dissolved. At least 150 MPs standing down.
20 April Registration deadline for candidates to stand and for registering to vote
6th May Elections in 650 UK constituencies; All London Boroughs and 134 English Local Authorities.

The importance of the need to engage with the political process in our nation cannot be over stated as we approach this 2010 General Election and local government elections. Many people have been completely put off politics by the expenses scandal and apathy is reigning. It is estimated that 3 million people have not yet registered to vote. And while the urgency of this season has been picked up by some Christians, we have a long way to go before we see the whole Body of Christ come humbly before God to ask for his forgiveness and His mercy.

Let us do all that we can to encourage each other to:

Listen for what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in this season
Watch for how God is at work in the election process
Pray for the political process, our Queen, government and nation
Mobilise others in our churches, organisations and networks to engage, get informed, to vote, pray and act as the Holy Spirit leads

A number of initiatives have been started to enable us to pray where we are – in unity with others: e.g.
· On 23 April St George’s Day (2 Chronicles 7:1-3 & 14)
· At noon each day: join thousands praying the Lord’s Prayer across Scotland, in 24-7 prayer movement and Global Day of Prayer London. Or the Noon Prayer (http://www.noonministries.org.uk/)
· On Thursdays to pray and fast
· On May 4,5,6 – to pray & fast around the election time (Habakkuk 3:2)

Prayer Guides:
The CARE General Election prayer guide gives daily prayer points covering Your local constituency, Political Parties & Policy Issues, The Media, Party Leaders & Candidates, After the Election http://www.makethecrosscount2010.net/
SUSA’s Prayer Resource provides outlines for praying as part of a regular church meeting, praying as a prayer group, praying as an individual, holding a night of prayer or 24-7 prayer event. www.susa.info

Information:
To find out the names and contact details of your local MP, Councillors, Euro-MPs, and regional assembly members, go to www.WriteToThem.com
To find out more about your MP, including their issues of interest, speaking and voting records: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

CARE special election website http://www.makethecrosscount2010.net/
Evangelical Alliance www.eauk.org/elections
Christian Concern for our Nation http://www.ccfon.org/
Christians and Candidates exists to facilitate debate about some of the important issues facing our country between Christians and those standing for government office http://www.christiansandcandidates.org/
Join The Party has been launched by Christians in Politics. It encourages Christians to get beyond shouting from the sidelines and to become part of the political process. http://www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk/

Sign the Westminster 2010 Declaration http://www.westminster2010.org.uk/

Beyond the Election

Here are some opportunities to pray with others:

May 13-23 Linking across the globe in 10 days of prayer Ascension Day to Pentecost
May 23 Global Day of Prayer with events taking place across Scotland, in Armagh, around
England, in every London borough. Full list go to: http://www.globaldayofprayer.co.uk/
June 5-11 The 7th annual week of Week of Prayer for Parliament & Government
http://www.christiansinparliament.org.uk/
June 13th West Ham stadium national prayer event hosted by GDOP London
http://www.gdoplondon.com/

Access all initiatives & details on http://www.prayerforum.org/ under calendar.

A prayer
Lord, we give thanks for the privileges and responsibilities of living in a democratic society.
Give us wisdom to play our part at election time, that through the exercise of each vote, our Kingdom may come closer.
Protect us from the sins of despair and cynicism, guard us against the idols of false utopias and strengthen us to make politics a noble calling that serves the common good of all.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. http://www.cofeanglican.org/

Maybe it’s time for us to press the ‘mute’ button on the radio, TV, computer or iPhone instead of complaining about what we are listening to – and pray for ‘His kingdom to come, His will to be done’?

The Prayer Forum of British Isles & Ireland is an associate ministry of World Prayer Centre – a company limited by guarantee, registered in England No. 3601828. Registered Charity No: 1072222

Hanley Mother’s Union
invites you to attend a Parents and Carers Drug and Alcohol Awareness session. Here are some topics they will discussed such as Gain new knowledge, seek advice, know what to do in an emergency and know where to go for confidential support

Date: Tuesday 11th May 2010
Venue: Christ Church
Church Terrace, Cobridge, S-o-T. ST6 2JN
Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm

For more information call 01782-266066


Sons of Korah: Live

“Earlier this year I was fortunate to hear the Sons of Korah live… it was an experience I will never forget. Hearing the Psalms sung powerfully and with passion, listening and
meditating on the Word of God had a powerful impact…” Anonymous fan

With their unique acoustic, multi-ethnic sound Sons of Korah have achieved an intriguing re-creation of the musical drama of the psalms. They have put the Word of God and music together in a dynamic and captivating way in order to lead their listeners into an impacting encounter with the heart of the Bible. From lamentation to songs of jubilant praise, from battle cry to benediction, from exclamation of awe and wonder to reflections of tranquillity and perfect wisdom, Sons of Korah provide a compelling portrait of the world and experience of the psalms.

The Bible Society are sponsoring the Sons of Korah tour of the UK this Autumn. Their aim is to introduce the church to the band’s passion for bringing the Psalms alive through music.

Date: Saturday 15 May
Venue: Knutsford Methodist Church
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: £8
£5 Students

For more information and to book tickets call 01565 652251 or email: kmc.office@zen.co.uk or web-site http://www.kmc.org.uk/


Phillippa Hanna in Concert
Date: Saturday 15 May
Venue: Victory Christian Centre
11 Anson Street, Rugeley, Staffs. WS15 2BG
Time: 7pm
Tickets: £5

For more information and booking tickets call 01889 576246

Noel Richards & Band

Noel has been part of the UK Christian music scene for more then 30 years as a Worship Leader and Songwriter. He has played in more then 30 nations and led worship at many events throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

Date: Sunday 16 May
Venue: Festival Drayton Centre
Frogmore Road, Market Drayton
Tickets: £9
£6 Concessions

For more information and booking tickets call:
Festival Drayton Centre Box Office – 01630 654444 or http://www.festivaldraytoncentre.com/
Mark Savill – 01630 657343 or mark-savill@hotmail.co.uk
http://www.noelrichards.com/ and http://www.worshipjournal.com/


ENCOUTER

Date: Wednesday 19 May
Venue: Swan Bank Church
Swan Square, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent . ST6 2AA
Time: 7:30pm
Speaker: Dr Russ Parker

Dr Parker has a wide experience of providing mediation assistance to communities all over the world, including work in Northern Ireland. An outstanding communicator, he explains that history repeats itself until we find ways to listen to it and find healing for its consequences. He conveys how reconciliation and renewal is possible for families, churches, communities, tribes and nations.


MEN:alive
introduce : enable : disciple : encourage

Men, come and join us to be inspired in service and action…
A full English breakfast will be served with a time of praise and worship with guest speaker Rev. Malcolm Duncan.
He is a passionate communicator who is married to Debbie. He has covered issues around Socail action, social engagement, social justice and social policy. He is committed to serving the poor and excluded and to helping the government and other groups, understand the role of the church in society.

Date: Saturday 22 May
Venue: Swan Bank Church
Swan Square, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2AA
Time: 9am – 12pm
Cost: £5

For more information and booking tickets contact Stewart Chapman on 01782 575129 or 07817 307517


A Workout for your Self Esteem

“A boost for your confidence & self esteem” with Su Ainsworth.
NO SWEAT REQUIRED!

Date: Saturday May 22nd 2010
Venue: St. James' Church Hall 10:30am - 4:00pm.
Tickets: £5 (includes Coffee & cake)
(Please bring a packed lunch).

For more information & to book tickets call 01782 720352 or 01782 720381


Church Without Walls

A couple of us at Church Without Walls, along with friends from other churches, are planning to begin a drop in/simple church after Easter aimed at people living on the streets.

We are planning to do this on Tuesdays, from 5-6:30pm, at the Lounge in Gitana Street.

The format will probably be tea, coffee, cake, toast, sandwiches etc for the first hour, followed by the opportunity for those who want it, to join in a very simple, very low key, 'church service'.

If you would be interested in getting involved, or know anyone who would be interested in getting involved
Please contact Catherine Cowell on 01782 657566 or 07828 180179 or Katie Grosvenor katiegrosvenor@googlemail.com
We'd love to hear from you!


Appointment of a Storyteller

The Beth Johnson Foundation (BJF) is seeking to appoint a storyteller to run a programme of 12-15 days of storytelling at £3,000.

We are looking for a story teller who has experience in working with people from a range of backgrounds and experiences. The work will be carried out in the Blurton, Burslem and Shelton areas of Stoke on Trent and will be focussed during summer. The storytelling work complements two other areas of work that BJF is carrying out under the Connecting Communities programme. Further detail on the BJF programme is below.

Please send one side of A4 outlining your proposal to run a storytelling programme, accompanied with your CV by Friday 7 May 17:00 to Patrick Hanfling at patrick@bjf.org.uk or the Beth Johnson Foundation, Parkfield House, 64 Princes Road, Hartshill, Stoke on Trent ST4 7JL.
For more details, contact Patrick on 01782 844 036 or 07535 629 372
BJF Connecting Communities background
BJF proposes a programme of community engagement work running from mid March 2010 to December 2010. We will work in partnership with service providers within the city to run:
· A series of community discussions in community centres, faith centres, youth clubs, pubs, leisure centres and other venues. This will be based on having frank and honest conversations about the identity and Sense of Place of people in these areas, the issues that they face and what they want from services and service delivery to help address this and how a better dialogue can be created with the Local Authority and Service providers
· A small grants programme for community groups to apply for to help address issues quickly, based on a model from Northern Ireland and principles of Participatory Budgeting and community empowerment
· A story-telling festival, to help people from different backgrounds share who they are, where they come from and what makes their area special to them. This is based on a model developed in the Netherlands
These community engagement techniques will be shaped around the principles of creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact (age, ethnicity), for people to feel a greater sense of empowerment to shape services and to form ongoing dialogue for better service delivery and greater civic participation by local people.


Healing Rooms –
No appointment necessary and there is no charge


What are healing rooms? For people in need of physical, mental or emotional healing to come and encounter the healing power of God through Jesus Christ.
What do we offer? A trained, caring, ministry team who will listen and pray for you.
When are we open? 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 6:30 – 8:00pm
Place: Beacon House of Prayer
550 High Street, Sandyford. ST6 5PD

For more info email: thebeaconinfo@btconnect.com

SALTBOX

Community Chaplaincy Project…working to rehabilitate ex-offenders

Saltbox is in need of bedding, curtains, cutlery, crockery, saucepans and other kitchen equipment to stock their houses. As well as these items we would be grateful for Christmas presents for our tenants, such as socks, toiletries, personal products, chocolate and many more. Donations of these items would be much appreciated.

For further information contact us at: 17 Regent Road, Hanley Telephone: 01782 252708

Cook needed
ST.ALBAN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, Finstock Avenue , Blurton
St. Alban’s community centre is part of the vision of Blurton Parish, to serve rebuild and heal. The café is an important part of this vision.
A cook is required to prepare and cook nutritious food at the cafe:
Skills required:-
Cooking
Administrative skills and ability to manage budgets.
Administer team work with other staff / unpaid volunteer.
Ensure cleaning standards are maintained
Order & take delivery of food, and ensure correct storage
Qualifications NVQ 3 or 4.
In return for this, a competitive salary will be paid.
8 hours a day and 5 days a week
Starting date June 1st (subject to build completion).
Contact: Mr Nigel Ashton for further details. Tel 01782 320235

ECUMENICAL MISSION OFFICER for the Black Country and Staffordshire

This is a re-defined half-time post for all the Churches.
Salary: £18,382 pro rata; no pension.

The successful applicant will be a lay or ordained member in good standing with one of the denominations within Churches Together in England.

They have to exercise collaborative leadership and enable local congregations and the Church Leaders to work together for mission and service.

Closing date for applications: Friday 28 May 2010
Interviews: Wednesday 16 June at 2pm
Full details: www.cte.org.uk/ BCCE+CLASP

This post is subject to enhanced CRB disclosure.


UCB, one of the largest Christian media ministries in the UK and Ireland, has a vision which is changing lives for good, as God leads, through Evangelism, Discipleship and Mission. UCB’s outreach is to people, inside and outside the Church, through quality Christian radio/TV programming, through a daily Bible devotional, through a variety of relevant Christian resources, through practical help and by providing prayer support, to anyone who asks.
For more details, check out UCB’s website at http://www.ucb.co.uk/.
Volunteer Garden Assistants

Our broadcasting centre in Hanchurch is blessed to be in the heart of beautiful countryside; as a result, our grounds and gardens require constant attention in order to maintain them in keeping with the surrounding natural environment.

If God has given you an ability and love for gardening; the talent and skill to nurture all things flora; you live locally and can offer a few hours every week to assist our team of dedicated workers then please complete our volunteer application form which can be found on www.ucb.co.uk/vacancies and click on volunteering at UCB. Alternatively you can contact the Human Resources Department on 01782 764938 for further information and a volunteer application form.

Director of Fundraising: salary and location negotiable
Care for the Family is seeking an individual who has substantial senior level fundraising experience, or equivalent, to fill this key director level position.
Please would you take a few minutes to consider whether you, or someone you know, might be interested in applying?
Do you, or someone you know, have:
Strong, relevant experience and skills
The ability to achieve £multi-million targets through innovative strategies
Excellent communication skills
Vision, dynamism and flair
In this role you will be expected to create a step change in fundraising at Care for the Family, through providing strategic leadership, and developing and implementing innovative new fundraising programmes to significantly increase income and profile for the organisation.
You will also add value to existing relationships with major donors, working alongside Founder, Rob Parsons.
This post has a genuine occupational requirement that you will be able to demonstrate an active, personal Christian faith.
Please telephone me on (029) 2081 0800 for an informal discussion, or email mailto:mark.molden@cff.org.uk?subject=Director%20of%20Fundraising%20post
You can download an application pack from http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/linkto.asp?goto=6195 or by emailing mailto:nick.perry@cff.org.uk?subject=Director%20of%20Fundraising%20post or calling (029) 2081 0800

Feltham Community Chaplaincy Trust is looking for:

Community/Outreach Youth Chaplin

Would you like to work at the cutting edge of Youth and Community services?
Have you got experience of working with disadvantaged young people and are ready for a new challenge?

As a committed Christian, you will contribute to working with dynamic multi-faith team, focused on helping young offenders to reshape their lives.
Based out of Feltham Young Offenders you will be responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteer mentors, who come from diverse faith communities across London, and will directly help the young men leaving prison to make positive choices.

A strong team player, you will be both highly organised, and creative in your in you approach, and will report directly to the Project Director.

For more info contact Emma Rogers on 02088 445585 or emma.rogers@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
You can download the pack from the website: http://www.felthamcommunitychaplaincy.org/

The Feltham Community Chaplaincy Trust is a registered charity, number: 1106260
Regulation 7 (paragraph2) of the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief)
Regulations 2003 applies to this post


Youth Worker Needed

Endon & Stanley Action Group have set up a Youth Café as a partial answer to a local residents’ consultation complaint that there was not enough for young people to do especially in the evenings. The chosen venue for the Youth Café was Endon Methodist Church. St Luke’s Church provided the youth leader (paid for by ESAG) and together with a few adult volunteers, ran the group for several months. There were a few problems when neighbours were upset and the police called in but when youngsters were not prepared to pay 50p subs, they all left for a while and it looked as though the Café would have to close. However, in recent weeks they have started to come along again and pay their 50p. Wii games are provided along with free chip baps and a tuck shop.

Sadly last month youth worker Joy and her husband had to leave Endon. That means we no longer have a leader for the group. Volunteers like Sue Fairhead are gallantly trying to keep the Café running but do need the support of a youth leader (ideally two leaders)

For more information contact Ros Benson by e-mail jim@james-d-benson.demon.co.uk


The Churches in the Westland’s, North Staffordshire are looking for a:

YOUTH OUTREACH WORKER

We would also consider a ministry trainee or apprentice with a strong interest in Youth Ministry

We are:

An Anglican / Methodist Parnership
Committed to connecting young people with the Gospel in ways relevant to them
Already established in local schools
Strong biblical teaching in the Churches
Looking for someone to start no later than Summer 2010

We are looking for someone with:

A growing dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ
Teacher / Pastor gifting, used to teaching the Bible
Experience in Youth Work, ideally in a non-church context
An ability to work on their own, as a team player and to inspire a team of volunteers

For more information contact
Gerald Gardiner on 01782 619594
Shaun Morris on 01782 638054
http://www.churchinthewestlands.org.uk/


Centre For Equality & Diversity

Volunteer Refugee Mentor
The Centre for Equality and Diversity is looking for volunteer refugee mentors to support and empower their mentee to each their full potential in the U.K in a one-to-one mentoring relationship.

As a volunteer mentor you would be:
Meeting with your mentee regularly for a minimum of 5 hours a month for 6-10 months.
Setting achievable goals together with the mentee.
Putting together an Action Plan which sets out how the goals will be achieved.

We are looking for mentors with the following personal skills:
· Reliable
· Trustworthy
· Enthusiastic
· Compassionate
· Interested in other people and cultures
· Good listener

The following knowledge and experience is desirable (not essential)
Language skills
Knowledge of local area
Computer skills
Teaching skills
Professional skills

What’s in it for me?
Gain valuable experience in a unique environment
Use and build on your existing skills
Make a difference in YOUR community.

For further information, please contact the RIES Mentoring Team on 01384 456166 or volunteering@cfed.org.uk

Centre for Equality and Diversity.
16a Stone Street
Dudley
West Midlands
DY1 1NS

Registered Charity no. 1114821

North Staffs Youth for Christ

North Staffs Youth for Christ are looking for a volunteer to become their new treasurer, who will take the lead in overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure that proper records and procedures are maintained.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for reaching young people in North Staffs with the good news of Jesus; who will work with the rest of the team and be willing to attend bi-monthly meetings of the NSYFC exec in an advisory capacity.

For a full description of the tasks involved please call Mark Hackney, Centre Director,
on 01782 285522 or email mark@northstaffsyfc.co.uk



END