UPDATES & INFORMATION: 20th January 2012

Dear friends

Please find below events & items of news that may prove of interest - feel free to forward this to others.

Every Blessing
Lloyd

Lloyd Cooke
Chief Executive
Saltbox Christian Centre

Supporting Church & faith groups
Supporting the elderly
Supporting ex-offenders
Supporting those in debt

· Don’t forget to get involved with the 2012 year of prayer (last item above) - your support for this important 2012 prayer initiative will be vital.
· Check out the current prayer slots available in January by clicking on the following link & then choose January in the ‘select a month’ box: www.whynotprayforachange.co.uk/signup .
· You will simply need to register to then sign up for a prayer slot…I’ve already registered for some night watches in January…so, come & join me…register & get involved!

1. In Concert: LifeColour…Sat 21 Jan
2. External Finding Application Workshop Event...Mon 23 Jan
3. Voluntary Action S-o-T (VAST): Annual Conference...Tues 24 Jan
4. Hillsong: New Bible Night School…Thurs 26 Jan
5. Holocaust Memorial Day...Fri 27 Jan
6. Your Worship Zone…Sat 28 Jan
7. Unite…Sat 28 Jan
8. Nightchurch - New Year Team Celebration…Sat 28 Jan
9. FAW- First Aid at Work…Feb 2012
10. One Big Sunday...5 Feb
11. Hanley Elim Church 50th Jubilee…Sat 11 Feb
12. Letter Writing Training...Fri 17 Feb
13. Faith Group Conference…Fri 24 Feb
14. Audley Christian Viewpoint…Thurs 1 March
15. Fresh Expressions Taster Day...Sat 12 May
16. God, the Future and Me...Sat 17 March
17. CIVIC PRAYER BREAKFAST…FRI 23 MARCH
18. Plan for Christmas 2012 “It's a boy”...pop gospel Christmas show
19. Inspirational Outreach Evenings with... Janey Lee Grace and Pam Rhodes
20. Updated: Mission Shaped Ministry…Sat 22 Sept 12
21. Christian Handyman Services
22. Closer to Home Walking Network
23. Office Space Available
24. Heart 2 Heart
25. Stoke Minster
26. Woman’s Group
27. Fountains Counseling Service
28. Access
29. RUBYGIRL UK
30. Do you have a van?
31. Breakthru’ Counselling
32. The Lounge Booking
33. Healing Rooms
34. SALTBOX
35. Special offer: Youth group personal discovery weekend
36. Required: Field for children’s camp
37. Self Help Groups in Stoke-On-Trent
38. PhoneLink Volunteers Needed - Telephone befrienders needed
39. Vacancy: Volunteer Development Coordinator
40. Vacancy: Chief Instructor at Whitemoor Lakes
41. Vacancy: BCUIM Development Officer
42. Vacancy: Activity Instructor Training Scheme
43. Vacancy: Recruiting Volunteers
44. Vacancy: Volunteer CAMEO Luncheon Club –St Mark’s Basford
45. Vacancy: Position of Organist & Choir Leader
46. Vacancy: Cook for Longton Elim Luncheon Club
47. Why not Pray for a Change: 2012


In concert: LIFECOLOUR

Local Christian band, Lifecolour, will be in concert here in Stoke-on-Trent following their recent successful European tour.

Date: Saturday 21 January
Venue: The Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley.
Time: 7.00pm
Tickets: £5

Tickets available from the Methodist Book Centre, Hanley.

Check out their recent Cross Rhythms interview: http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/Lifecolour/18633/

Further info’ email: info@lifecolourmusic.com


External Funding Application Workshop Event

Discuss your project ideas with development officers & funders, gain information on the right funder for you, strengthen your applications.

Date: Monday 23 January 2012
Venue: Meir Community Education Centre, Pickford Place, Meir. ST3 7DY
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm

For more information contact Jenny on 01782 233120 to book a place


Voluntary Action S-o-T (VAST): Annual Conference

A free conference for the voluntary & community sector. Workshops & ‘speed surgeries’ include: community funding, marketing, volunteering, training accounts & payroll.
Guest speakers include Peter Coates (Stoke City FC) & Matthew Poole (Big Lottery).

Date: Tuesday 24 January 2012
Venue: Bridge Centre, Stoke on Trent
Time: 9.00am-4.00pm
Cost: Free

To book a free place or for further details contact VAST on 01782 683020 or http://www.vast.org.uk/


Hillsong: New Bible Night School

In partnership with Hillsong, Breathe City Church is launching a Hillsong Bible Night School.

This programme offers 18 months of teaching that will:
· Build a positive faith-filled attitude into the life of every student
· Empower students to transform their minds, attitudes and character through the Word of God
· Train and equip students to discover their God-given purpose and potential
· Release people to serve the local Church in their ministry-gifting.
Bible Night School includes three 10 week terms of Bible-based solid teaching over an 18 month period. Students will be required to submit homework and additional study. Successful completion entitles you to an official Hillsong Faithworks Graduation Certificate.
Date: Thursday 26 January
Venue: BCC Campus: City, Leek Road, Abbey Hulton
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £75 for 1 term. 3 terms in a year.

The term starts on Thursday 23 February.02.12.
For more information please contact Amy@breathecitychurch.com or 01782 537 079


Holocaust Memorial Day event

On behalf of Professor Michael Gunn, Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University, you are cordially invited to a ceremony to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire University Students’ Union.

Date: Friday 27 January
Time: 9:45-11.30am
Venue: Film Theatre, Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DE

Each year Holocaust Memorial Day urges us to pause and reflect on what can happen when racism, prejudice and exclusionary behaviour are left unchecked. It is a day on which we take time to remember the lessons of the past in order to bring hope for the future. This year’s theme is ‘Speak Up, Speak Out‘

If you are able to attend would you please contact Julie Smith at the University, either by telephone: 01782 29 4116 or email: public@staffs.ac.uk


Unite

An event for Christians of all denominations to get together on a Saturday evening.

Special guests Jon & Heather Bellamy (Cross Rhythms) will be interviewed by Jim Cronin (UCB) about their life and walk with Jesus.

Refreshments/Music/Testimony/Prayer/Social time. Free entry.

Date: Saturday 28 January
Venue: UCB Broadcast Centre, Hanchurch Lane, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8RY.Time: 7pm

For more information, contact Cedric or Jean barber je_ce_barber@hotmail.co.uk


Nightchurch - New Year Team Celebration at the Beacon House of Prayer

You're warmly invited to and welcome to come join the Night Church Team at the Beacon for the Nightchurch New Year Celebration at The Beacon House of Prayer.
When: Saturday 28 January Where: Beacon House of Prayer, 550-552 High Street Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 5PDTime: 6:30pm starting with a hot buffet, 7:30pm worshipWhat: A time of celebration to thank God for the impact of Nightchurch in 2011 and pray into all he has in store for 2012.Who's it for? The Nightchurch team and friends & familiy, prayer supporters and friends of Nightchurch who'd like to come celebrate, worship & pray with us.Please RSVP in reply with numbers before Fri 20 Jan, so we know for catering purposes?Alternatively you can reply & share this event via facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/337262949631150/Nightchurch have booked the Beacon House of Prayer for the day (28 Jan) from 10am - 10pm for anyone who'd like to join Clare and Mark for an hour or so during the day to simply come along and enjoy having some time out with God and pray. This is part of the City's year of unbroken prayer, for more information please visit: http://www.whynotprayforachange.co.uk/


Your Worship Zone…with special guest MARK STEVENS

You are invited to attend the next YWZ training day on Saturday 28 January with special guest MARK STEVENS, Creative Director of Abundant Life Church, Bradford.

Please note that this is a HALF-DAY YWZ event & that on this occasion it is FREE!

Plan to come along and, better still, bring folk from your church’s worship team.

Date: Saturday 28 January
Venue: The Bridge Centre, Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2DD
Time: 9.30am – 1pm
Cost: Free.

Includes an optional lunch session: smaller group conversation on song writing (NB: booking is essential for this session) and question & answer sessions.

Any groups/teams attending the day are welcome to use the afternoon for further conversation/team time.

While this event is FREE you are asked to register that you are planning on attending. Please telephone Rachael Dabbs at the Saltbox on 01782 207200 or email: Rachael@saltbox.org.uk

For further information email Geoff Bond: geoffbond@sky.com or visit Facebook/your worship zone


FAW- First Aid at Work… Feb 2012

Health and Safety Training Course running on 3rd, 10th, 17th Feb 2012 from 9am to 4pm.

The course is HSE approved course and valid for three years. Course is only £185.00 per person.

In order to book, contact Michael Robson on 07974 678887 or 01782 219963 or via e-mail: michaelrobson@edenfieldonline.co.uk or at http://www.edenfieldtraining.co.uk/.


One Big Sunday

Come along to the opening of the YMCA North Staffordshire’s Youth Campus. Have a go at climbing, roller disco, abseiling, art activities and much more. All session are free!

Date: Sunday 5 Feb 2012
Time: 11.00 to 17.00
Venue: North Staffs YMCA, Edinburgh House, Harding Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 3AE

For further information, please contact Nicky Twemlow on 07969 951021 or call 01782 222 376.

Hanley Elim Church – 50th Jubilee concert…Sat 11 Feb


Steve Parsons concert.

Date: Sat 11 February
Time: 7.30pm

For more details contact Elim Pentecostal Church, Bucknall Old Road, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, ST1 2AF or call 01782 279092, e-mail jubilee@hanleyelim.co.uk or visit http://www.hanleyelim.co.uk/


Letter Writing Training… Friday 17 Feb

Where? UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), Broadcast Centre, Hanchurch Lane, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8RY
When? Friday 17 February, 2pm - 4pm
Who? Anyone who is interested in learning more about, or becoming a Prison Fellowship Letter Writer

Contact Stephen Hawkins if you would like to attend
Mobile: 07890636837 or Email stephenhawkins@prisonfellowship.org.uk


Faith Group Conference

Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to ensuring that all residents across the City and County live long, healthy and safe lives.

In line with this commitment, a conference is being staged to which all faith groups from across Staffordshire are being invited.

Date: Friday 24 February
Venue: Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters
Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

We have limited places available therefore an early response will be appreciated. You can send your reply by emailing olivebranch@staffordshirefire.gov.uk
In your reply, could you indicate the following:
Your attendance or not
Your role within your organisation and the age range/needs of the people that you visit
The purpose of your visit
This will greatly help us with the organising of this event.

Contacts for further information are Rebecca Gill or Jane Moss on 01785 898559 or email olivebranch@staffordshirefire.gov.uk


Audley Christian Viewpoint

Audley Christian Viewpoint invites you and your Team of 4 or 5 players to our annual Cricket Club Village Quiz. This year with JIM LOWE our Christian “Cabaret” Speaker.

Date: Thursday 1 March
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Audley Cricket Club.

Tickets £6 includes hot pie and pea supper.

Call Wendy 01782 720381 or Ena 01782 722106.


God, the Future and Me... Sat 17 March

What is it?: Ecunemical event (CofE, Baptist, URC and Methodist etc) for young people aged 16-25+ who want to think about their calling.

Date: Saturday 17 March
Time: 10.30am-5.00pm with brunch served from 10.30am.
Venue: St Peter's House Chaplaincy, Manchester University, Oxford Road.

Costs £4. Book via St Peter’s House, http://www.stpeters.org.uk/ .Or via facebook at “God, the Future and Me”.


Fresh Expressions Taster Day...

Interested in fresh expressions of church for our changing culture? This event promises to be an exciting dip into all types of Fresh Expressions of church and not just mission shaped ministry.

Date: Saturday 12 May
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church, Histons Hill, Codsall, Wolverhampton.

Speakers include Bishop Clive, George Fisher, Ron Willoughby and many others to be arranged.
Further information available from Anne Riddle, mission shaped ministry Administrator .

Tel: 01782 769532 or 07974 197806
E-mail: anne.riddle1@ntlworld.com
Or visit: http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk/


CIVIC PRAYER BREAKFAST…“The importance of Faith in the City”.

Everyone is invited to the 2012 Civic Prayer Breakfast. Join with leaders from different sectors across the city. The 2012 guest speaker will be Tristram Hunt MP with the title “The importance of Faith in the City”.

The event will also include a special presentation to former Lord Mayors.

Date: Friday 23 March
Venue: King’s Hall, Stoke
Time: 7.30 - 9:30am
Tickets: £10 per person

(Doors open at 7.00am - please be seated not later than 7.25am)

For tickets or further information contact the Saltbox: rachael@saltbox.org.uk or telephone: 01782 207200


Plan for Christmas 2012-It's a boy...pop gospel Christmas show

Pop Gospel Christmas Tour Show 17 Nov to 29 Dec 2012.

An accessible and popular outreach event leading up to Christmas. Easy to invite non church goers to, it is a show filled with many famous songs of Cliff Richard, from both his pop and gospel music repertoires.

The show also offers a twist of “faith” as Will Chandler and Simon Goodall take the opportunity to share their faith. Includes the song “It’s A Boy” written by Simon Goodall for Cliff Richard.

To check availability or to book your event contact Will Chandler on 07780 664 808 or
e-mail Will : will@cliffasif.com.


Inspirational Evenings with…Radio Two`s Janey Lee Grace or BBC’s Pam Rhodes

Janey is known to millions as Steve Wright`s daily sidekick on BBC Radio Two`s primetime weekday show. As a singer, Janey has toured with George Michael, Wham!, Boy George and Kim Wilde and enjoyed a top ten hit in 1992 as lead singer with Cola Boys 7 Ways To Love.She is the author of 5 books and is the founder of the 'Janey Loves' accreditation system for natural and eco products.

In An Evening with Janey Lee Grace she sings a selection of standards and songs from the pop charts and chats to Chris Gidney about her career and Christian faith, as well as many entertaining stories of the Hollywood stars and big name guests she has interviewed over the years.

Pam Rhodes - Your Best Loved Hymns
Pam is well known as the familiar face of BBC Television’s prime time SONGS OF PRAISE and now brings a unique Songs of Praise experience to your venue in this event designed especially for local churches as an outreach occasion.

The afternoon or evening offers an excellent mix of just over an hour of favourite hymns, interspersed with Pam`s fascinating and comical insights behind the flagship TV series now celebrating its 50th year. Pam adds her unique ability to create moving and enthralling interviews with her special guests chosen from your congregation who have a story to tell, adding a special touch to an inspiring and challenging experience.

If you think this fits your church’s strategy for outreach, please contact Nick Page - nickpage@shorehillarts.co.uk. For more information and for details of other inspirational evening opportunities go to: http://www.shorehillarts.co.uk/index.html


Updated: Mission Shaped Ministry

MSM is an exciting one year learning experience for those seeking to develop fresh expressions or wanting to see their existing churches re-shaped for mission.

The mission shaped ministry Leadership Team recently decided to postpone the msm Wolverhampton 2012 start date to September 2012 to coincide with the Academic Year 2012 -2013. Therefore, the dates of the course are as follows:

Date: Saturday 22 September 2012 through to Saturday 15th June 2013. Includes seven week nights.
Time: Saturdays run from 09.00 to 17.00, Wednesdays from 19.30-21.45.
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church, Histons Hill, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2ER.

Includes a residential weekend at Shallowford House, Norton Bridge, Nr Stone, ST15 0NZ.

£285 per person if booked before 12th May 2012, £299 after that, which covers all materials, refreshments and the weekend away. Financial support may be available.

Please contact Anne Riddle on 07974 197806 or 01782 769532 or anne.riddle1@ntlworld.com for further information about the course, including the dates for the year.

More details are also available from missionshapedministry.org/westmidlands12


Christian Handyman Services

General DIY, painting & decorating, tiling & no job too small.

For more info contact Paul Saunders on 07889 900411 or email pshservices@gmail.com


Closer to Home Walking Network

We have a completely new look timetable, which has full colour images, reviews of our walks and difficulty ratings for our different routes. For a complete time table of all Circular Walks click here.

We also have four new walking groups, which include: Star and Garter Heritage walk in Longton, meeting for its first walk on Sunday 8th January at the New Florence on Sussex Place at 11am and Fruit and Herb Walk in Bentilee, meeting every Friday at Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre cafe at 10am.

For more details, visit our website or our latest news page. For more info contact Elise Butler on 07580 314300 or 01782 831900

Office Space Available

Voluntary and community groups and start-up businesses have an opportunity to rent an office at Cobridge Community Centre. Value for money rates available from 1st November 2011.

Office space is only available for voluntary / community organisations, social enterprises, start-up businesses and statutory services. The rent includes heating, lighting, cleaning, internet access (but not telephone costs).

The Community Centre also has 2 rooms for rent, which are spacious and reasonable to hire. They are ideal for training sessions, presentations and meetings (of up to 25 people).
Additionally, the Centre has a large hall for hire with a capacity for 150, which is great for hosting events, conferences, film screenings and workshops.

The Centre is accessible for wheelchair users. It has an industrial kitchen which can be hired or we can provide catering for your events at an extra cost. Room hire rates start from £13 an hour.

For more information call Jane or Julie on 01782 838045 to make a booking to view the offices for rent.


Heart 2 Heart…City Centre Lunchtime Prayers & Communion

Lunchtime prayers & communion for shoppers, workers & those with a desire to pray for Stoke-on-Trent.

Date: Every Thursday
Venue: The Lounge, Gitana Street, Hanley
Time: 12.45-1.30pm

For further details contact: 01782 534013


Stoke Minster

Evening Prayers every day in Stoke Minster at 5.15 p.m.
Lasts about 20 minutes. All are welcome.

For more information contact David Lingwood: dp.lingwood@btinternet.com


Woman’s Group

Are you, or do you know, an Asylum Seeker or Refugee with children?
Are you feeling isolated and lonely?
If so, then come to our Women’s Group:

Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: St Mark’s Church, Shelton, Snow Hill, ST1 4LJ

· A chance to connect with other women who are have refugee status or who are asylum seekers.
· Free tea, coffee and toast.
· Supervised Crèche facilities for your child/children.
· Share your story or just sit and listen.
· Non judgemental, open and relaxed environment.
· Food and provision parcels for women and children.

Please contact Julia Roberts at julhindi@yahoo.co.uk or call 07989 980016 for any further information or if you would like to co-ordinate delivery of provisions.
http://www.hanleyteamministry.org.uk/


Fountains Counselling Service

Fountains Counselling Service (formerly CCS) is a voluntary organisation staffed by qualified volunteer counsellors who are members of local Christian churches in Stoke on Trent, Stafford and Cannock. In Stoke on Trent, counselling takes place at the Saltbox Centre, Hanley.

The service is available to anyone over the age of 18, individuals or couples of any faith or no faith. There is no fixed fee for our service but contributions are welcome. However, no one will be refused counselling through lack of money.

Our counsellors have experience in areas of anxiety, stress and depression, loss and bereavement, anger, abuse, marriage counselling and other relationship difficulties.

Contact our coordinator on 07980 387847. If our co-ordinator is not available please leave your contact details and she will return your call as soon as possible.


Access

Having a clear out? Access is a local Christian charity that needs your unwanted items for its on-line charity shop. We can sell anything but DVD's, CD's, PC/console games, books etc. are particularly in demand. We can also pick up items from you, if required. Access reaches out to non-Christians through media, training and community action and any donated items would help us in our work.

For more information contact Steve Perry on 07914 488648 or email: steve@accessradio.biz


RUBYGIRL UK

“Her worth is more than jewels or rubies” - Proverbs 31

Rubygirl UK is a non-profit organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, supported by national Christian charities NXT (North Staffs), The Message Trust (Manchester) & Oasis Trust (London) .

The aim is to engage, energise & empower teenage girls to realise their value, Reach their potential & in turn regenerate their world.

RGUK does this through a variety of creative media that fuse together youth culture & education, working with girls aged 13 plus in secondary schools, pupil referral units, alternative education provisions, church youth groups, festivals, youth offending institutions, hostels & other establishments that support young girls. RGUK delivers 'LOVE ME'- an innovative 4 week course to promote self esteem & aspirations in marginalised teenage girls, the REAL ME roadshow & many other creative products & services.

RGUK is presently looking to recruit 'RGUK REPS' who are passionate about inspiring teenage girls, making a difference to this generation & being trained up to deliver various facets of the RGUK products. The opportunity is initially to be a RGUK trainee giving as little or as much time as individually available, including a full training package as well as 'on the job' training. Post training there may be further 'paid' opportunities to work with RGUK.

For a RGUK TRAINEE application form & informal interview please contact our admin team on 07812 774 632 or visit http://www.rubygirluk.com/


Do you have a van for RUBYGIRL UK?

Rubygirl UK is URGENTLY in need of a small/medium SECOND HAND VAN (2 seater or more) to transport multi-media equipment & personnel.

Rubygirl has a growing ministry & work in the area but is struggling with transport to local schools, youth institutions, etc. & other

If you can help or if you know someone who might be able to help please contact Dawnie Deaville on 07812 774 632


Breakthru’ Counselling

We are a local charitable organisation delivering counselling to individuals who are dealing with issues such as mental health, drug and alcohol or other addiction issues.

We are looking to provide support through churches to people who may have issues around mental health and or addiction, and whilst it is not Christian Counselling, can come from a background of faith and faith development within these areas.

For more information contact Kacey Scullion on 07957 846700


The Lounge Booking

Need a place to hire for meetings or training days?
Why not book the Lounge in the heart of the city centre. £8 per hour.

Venue: The Lounge, Gitana Street, Hanley, ST1 1DY

For more information contact Rachael Dabbs on 01782 207200 or email Rachael@saltbox.org.uk


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? Every Wednesday

Opening Times: 6:30pm – 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

North Staffs Community Chaplaincy would like to say a big Thank You, on behalf of the vulnerable adults we support.

We are pleased to say we now have ample supply of most items requested, however we still required small wardrobes and coffee tables.

For further information contact us at Unit 19, Podmore Street, Burslem, ST6 2EZ or by phone on 01782 252708


SPECIAL OFFER: YOUTH GROUP PERSONAL DISCOVERY WEEKEND

To celebrate 20 years since the opening of Pioneer Centre in October 1991 and the opening of the brand new Whitemoor Lakes Centre we are offering the following to New Youth groups for a limited period only and only available for dates in April 2012:

- £40 inc vat per person for a 2 night stay.
- 4 instructed indoor and outdoor activity sessions such as high ropes, zip wires, climbing tower, archery, fencing and many more
- Full board in en-suit rooms to include Friday evening meal, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday morning breakfast and lunch
- 1 free place for every 14 paying
- Available at Pioneer Centre & Whitemoor Lakes and only to groups whose membership is aged 8-21 yrs excluding leaders.

Although you would need a minimum of 24 people including leaders, smaller clubs could join together make it accessible to everyone.

Personal Discovery Weekends are priced specifically to be affordable at only £40 including VAT per person and provides a real opportunity for young people to discover more about themselves, their friends and others in their club in a safe, secure and comfortable environment.

If you are interested and wish to make a booking or require further details please contact Jon Munt on jonmunt@actioncentres.co.uk or 07714307865.


Self Help Groups in Stoke-On-Trent

A number of partners are working to create a free to join online directory of self help groups. The aim is for this directory to be the definitive listing of self help groups in the Stoke on Trent area.

A self help group has been defined as “a group of people who have experience of a particular health issue or life situation. This may be their own experience or as a parent, family member, friend or carer. A group that is free to join and without hierarchy, and is independently run and organised by its members”.

David Potter of Self Help Nottingham is compiling the list on behalf of the partnership. If you represent, are a member of, or simply know of any self help groups that are serving the Stoke on Trent area please let David know by email: david.potter@selfhelp.org.uk or by telephone 0115 9111679.


PhoneLink Volunteers Needed - Telephone befrienders needed

Are you a ‘people person’? Are you a good listener? Can you spare an hour or two a week to offer a friendly ear to older and vulnerable members of society in Stoke on Trent?
PhoneLink needs you!
Telephone befriending is a rich and rewarding way to volunteer your time. No qualifications or experience necessary – though warmth, compassion and a sense of humour are a definite advantage!
To enrich your life and make a real difference locally, join us at PhoneLink.
Contact Zi Makhiwa for more information on 01782 265651 or email Zi@saltbox.org.uk


Vacancy: Volunteer Development Coordinator

12 Month Fixed-Term Contract

(Post Number: LSL111)

Salary: £19,621 - £21,591 per annum

Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and professional person to fill the position of Volunteer Development Coordinator.

As the Volunteer Development Coordinator you will play a key role in delivering a robust volunteer pathway for adults and young people across the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke. Working closely with other members of the core team you will be responsible for the operational delivery of a range of contracts and supporting the overall coordination of SASSOT’s volunteering offer.

The successful candidate will have a background in volunteer development or community sport and have an understanding of the sporting landscape and the challenges facing community sports clubs and volunteers.

An Enhanced CRB will be required for this position.

Closing date for applications will be close of business 1 February 2012. Interviews to be held on 17 February 2012.

For more info contact Mark Thornewill at Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent on 01785 619896 or email mthornewill@staffordshire.gov.uk.

An Employment Pack and application forms are available from Stafford Borough Councils internet, by e-mailing humanresources@staffordbc.gov.uk or contacting Human Resources on (01785) 619501 (24 hours).

Please note: Following the introduction of the 2010 Equality Act the record of absence section is now void, please do not complete this section of the application form. Please quote the post reference number.


Vacancy: Chief Instructor at Whitemoor Lakes

To oversee and manage the day to day running of the Activities team and delivery of activity sessions to user groups. To ensure all areas of the Centre’s activity programme are running according to the operating procedures and maintain the highest of health and safety standards.

The applicant should be organised, able to multitask, adaptable, self-motivated and a pro-active worker. Applicants should have the ability to relate with young people, the ability to work on own initiative, an outgoing personality and a keen sense of humour.

They should also have a Single Pitch Award qualification, UKCC Level 2 Coach qualification and First Aid Qualification.

Other desirable qualities would be experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds, delivering adventurous outdoor activity packages and personal development programmes. Also desirable would be experience of working in or managing trainee or junior staff, experience in policy development and standards monitoring.
If you are interested, please contact John Munt on 07714307865 or e-mail jonmunt@actioncentres.co.uk

Vacancy: BCUIM Development Officer

Black Country Urban Industrial Mission seeks a Development Officer to work in partnership with local churches setting up Work Clubs for unemployed people on their premises.

The post holder will be responsible for all preparatory work, inc. publicity, funding and training/interviewing people. The post holder should be well organised, with strong communications skills, and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

The project will initially be for one year, with the post being filled on a self-employed basis. Weekly hours will be flexible, in the region of 10 to 15, with payment of between £15 and £20 an hour and expenses being met.

A full job description and person specification may be obtained from Revd Bill Mash, Team Leader of the Black Country Urban Industrial Mission, to whom the post-holder will be responsible. Applications, with a CV and covering letter, should be submitted by Friday 27 January.

For more information e-mail bcuim@btconnect.com or call 01902 710407


Vacancy: Activity Instructor Training Scheme at Whitemoor Lakes

“Two years that will change your life!” Two years of training for young people aged 18-24.

Includes various awards and training opportunities.

Call John Munt on 01604 499 699 or email on jonmunt@actioncentres.co.uk.



Vacancy: Recruiting Volunteers

Have you ever thought of trying to attract volunteers from outside of your church to work alongside your own church staff and volunteers? Or, do you have people in your church who feel they need to volunteer out in the community for a few hours each week?

Contact the North Staffordshire Volunteer Centres to find out of any opportunities available. Contact Ken Down on 01782 683030 (Fax: 01782 683199) or email: kdown@vast.org.uk

Stoke-on-Trent Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, ST1 5DD.

Or go to the do-it website at http://www.do-it.org.uk/ where they can advertise your volunteer opportunities.


Vacancy: Volunteer CAMEO Luncheon Club –St Mark’s Basford

The CAMEO Luncheon Club has been satisfying a fellowship and friendship need for a number of years and still proves popular. Volunteers are urgently needed to help in the kitchen on Wednesdays from 11.00am when lunch is provided for between 20 and 40 in the Church Hall.

For more info please contact Val Bayliss on 01782 612132


Vacancy: Position of Organist & Choir Leader

Applications are invited for the position of Organist and Choir Leader at the Methodist Central Hall, Longton. Honorarium paid.
For details of the post and organ specification please contact the Central Hall office between the hours of 9am and noon Tuesday to Friday.

Longton Central Hall, The Strand, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2JH.

Tel 01782 313427
Email : centralhallmission@btconnect.com


Vacancy: Cook for Longton Elim Luncheon Club

Cook is needed for Longton Elim Luncheon Club
· 8 hours a week
· £6.10 per hour

For more information contact Sue Parsons on 01782 320008

***********************************************************************************

Dear friends
In 2001 a national survey placed Stoke-on-Trent bottom of a list of 376 towns & cities in England & Wales.

On 31 October 2001, around 200 local Christians met together for a one-off prayer gathering using 2 Chron 7.14 as a basis for prayer, worship & sharing.

Many of you will know that this gathering became the springboard for the local 2C7 prayer movement. During the next seven years monthly city-wide prayer gatherings were supplemented with other seasons of united prayer. We organised weeks of unbroken 24-7 prayer, specific months of unbroken prayer & also two periods of 40 days of prayer & fasting.
I believe that one of the significant outcomes of our united praying was the emergence & raising up of the Beacon House of Prayer. Over the last decade such houses of prayer have been birthed in different parts of the UK. I am honoured to be able to say that God has gifted the Body of Christ in North Staffs with one of the best developed & best resourced prayer houses in the nation.

In 2012, the Beacon House of Prayer launches a year of unbroken prayer under the title “Why not pray for a change?”

I am writing this email to you to ask if you would consider individually supporting this strategic initiative?

There are two specific ways that individuals like you can practically get involved:

i) Pray where you are:
· Choose to pray & fast once a month (or once a week).
· No need to visit the Beacon HOP, simply pray & fast at home or work.
· Complete the simple form on the ‘get involved’ website section: www.whynotprayforachange.co.uk/get-involved

ii) Pray at the Beacon House of Prayer:
· We are looking for people who will register for a prayer watch weekly, fortnightly or monthly
· Visit for one or two hours
· Choose either day or night
· The Beacon need 100 local people to register – be one of the 100!
· Sign up on the website & then choose your specific dates & times: www.whynotprayforachange.co.uk/signup
If you would like to talk to one of the Beacon team call 01782 827238 or email: whynotpray@btconnect.com (see Cc above).

Finally, your local church can also get involved. The Beacon is looking for 25 local churches who will offer to come & pray on two Saturdays during 2012. Why not talk to your church leader & encourage them to think about getting more people praying from your church.

Having sought God together using the ‘IF’ from the Old Testament (2 Chron 7.14) many of us are now believing that we will see the promise of the ‘IF’ from the New Testament - “If you believe you will see the GLORY of God” (John 11.40). This year of unbroken prayer in 2012 may be part of the ushering in of such GLORY…to that end, let me encourage you to play your part & get involved.

Every Blessing
Lloyd
END