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Monday 24 September 2012

Updates & Information... Fri 14 Sept 2012

Dear Friends

Please find below events, resources & vacancies which may prove of interest - feel free to forward to others.

1.      An evening with Sean Stillman... Fri 14 Sept
2.      Unite... Sat 15 Sept
3.      Peter Nolan; ‘Mental Health and Christianity – An Uneasy Alliance’
4.      Encountering the Glory: an IFM (UK) Conference… 20-22 Sept
5.      My Soul Sings… 21-22 September
6.      Hanley Team Ministry: Parish “All Praise”... Sun 23 Sept
7.      Stoke Minster: Christian Aid Tax Justice Bus... Mon 24 Sept
8.      Staffordshire Third Sector Network: Question Time…  Tues 25 Sept
9.      Julian Lloyd-Webber concert...Fri 28 Sept
10.  Wembley 2012: National Day of Prayer & Worship... Sat 29 Sept
11.  Bethel Evangelical Free Church: celebrating 200 years
12.  Breathe City Church Open House Conference... Sat 6 Oct
13.  Ceramic City Choir Concert... Sat 13 Oct
14.  Pastor Bill Crawford returns to Hanley Elim... 13-14 Oct
15.  The Twenty-Fifth Keele Biblical Assembly… Weds 17 Oct
16.  Trade Aid: A Taste of India... 17 Oct &  15 Nov
17.  Dr Michael Harper: John Young Foundation Annual Lecture... Thurs 18 Oct
18.  Paul Scanlon @ Breathe City Church... Sat 20 Oct
19.  Hanley Baptist presents: Peter Gladwin... Sat 20 Oct
20.  Compassion: Dr Campolo & Graham Kendrick... Sat 27 Oct
21.  St John’s Trent Vale: Jobs Fair... Mon 29 Oct
22.  Connected Worship… 2-4 Nov
23.  Focus Christian Fellowship... Sat 3 Nov
24.  St Philips Church: Celebration with Rev. Dr. Russ Parker... Sat 3 Nov
25.  Men: Alive... Sat 24 Nov
26.  John Bell to visit Lichfield in November 2012
27.  Pastor John Hollick returns to Hanley Elim... 10-11 Nov
28.  Fire 2012... 23-24 Nov
29.  The Funky Choir: Dates for your diary Oct-Dec 2012
30.  2012 UCB Leaders Meeting
31.  Christian Vision for Men
32.  Nightchurch
33.  Christian Meditation
34.  Street Pastors: Looking for Volunteers
35.  SOT Prison Fellowship Prayer Group
36.  Free
37.  Swanbank Coffee Lounge
38.  Swanbank Coffee Lounge volunteers needed!
39.  Rock UK
40.  Fair Trade Group in Newcastle
41.  Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank
42.  Breathe City Church Distribution Centre
43.  Women’s Group
44.  Healing Rooms
45.  Free Adult Training Courses
46.  SALTBOX
47.  The Lounge Booking
48.  Wanted: Tenant to house share
49.  Cross Rhythms: Properties to Let
50.  Volunteers for S-o-T Foodbank... 20-21 Sept 2012
51.  Volunteers...Saltbox PhoneLink telephone ‘befrienders’ needed
52.  Volunteer....Saltbox Money Matters volunteer administrator
53.  Volunteers for Stoke Minster
54.  2012: Why not pray for a change?

Don’t forget that there is still time to get involved with the 2012 year of prayer (last item above).  If you’ve not already visited this outstanding local prayer facility then why not call in?  

Every Blessing
Lloyd

Lloyd Cooke
Chief Executive
Saltbox Christian Centre

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


An Evening with Sean Stillman... Fri 14 Sept


“When love crosses the great divide”

“Just a bloke on his bike, the sermon on the mount and 25 years worth of stories from the margins” listen to Sean Stillman as he shares his stories from Zac’s place including the amazing healing and transformations that are taking place there.

Date:               Friday 14 September
Time:               7.30-9.30pm
Venue:            Wesley Hall Methodist Church, Noblett Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6HR

For more information: 01782 281818 or visit www.zacsplace.org


Unite... Sat 15 Sept


Venue:                    Bucknall Methodist Church, Werrington Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9ASTime:                       7pm - 9.30pm

Come along to a Saturday evening get-together with a difference! Share with other Christians, hear how Jesus is changing lives today! But don't just hear - experience for yourself the power of God! Live testimony, inspirational music, prayer and praise. Free refreshments.

Contact:  Cedric/Jean Barber 
01782 776959


Peter Nolan: ‘Mental Health and Christianity – An Uneasy Alliance’... Tues 18 Sept


A seminar led by Peter Nolan; ‘Mental Health and Christianity – An Uneasy Alliance’.   An explanation of what practical Christianity has to offer to people with mental health problems. 

Date:               Tuesday 18 September
Time:               9.30 am – lunchtime.
Venue:            Walton Village Hall, Green Gore Lane, Stafford ST17 0LD. 
Cost:                £12.50 (including Tea/Coffee).

For more information and a booking form go to this link


Encountering the Glory: an IFM (UK) Conference… 20-22 Sept


Worship, teaching and workshops with Bishop Eddie Mulenga (Zambia), Tony and Irene Fournier (USA) and hosted by Jim Ford.

Venue:            Penkhull Christian Fellowship, S-o-T, ST4 5DS
Tel:                  Jim Ford- 07747 843337 | Darren Holmes- 07799 580826
Check out “Encountering the Glory” on Facebook!


My Soul Sings… 21-22 Sept


Teaching and worship led by Paul and Vicky Miche (from Bath City Church).

Venue:            Trentham Parish Church, Stoke-on-Trent
Date:               21 Sept from 19.30-21.30 and 22 September from 09.30-16.30
Cost:                £10 per person

Register on trenthamparishchurchweb@gmail.com then pay on the door!


Hanley Team Ministry: Parish “All Praise”... Sun 23 Sept


Hanley Team Ministry holds a regular "Parish 'All Praise’” on the third Sunday of each month at Northwood Parish Hall on Keelings Road, Northwood with the members of the team's five churches joining together for an informal praise gathering. The next one takes place on Sunday 23 September starting at 6pm.

Each service lasts for around 45 minutes and is a mix of modern Christian song, praise, readings, prayer and quiet time.

We invite a guest each month and our meeting together is aimed at those who feel that 'conventional church' services do not 'reach out' to them but offers everything you would expect but in a more informal surroundings with a time for coffee and chat afterwards.

Our September guest speakers will be Mark Hackney from ‘North Staffs Youth for Christ’ and Lizzie Hackney, Youth worker at St James'
Newchapel. Mark and Lizzie will share with us their experiences of working with young people in North Staffordshire.

All welcome—why not bring along a friend?

For more information contact Leigh Preece: 07734 699095 (after 4pm).


Stoke Minster: Christian Aid Tax Justice Bus... Mon 24 Sept


Christian Aid’s Double Decker Bus is touring the country highlighting the issue of Tax Justice. The bus will be coming to Stoke-on-Trent on Monday 24 September and will be parked by Stoke Minster, Glebe Street.

You are warmly invited to come to Stoke Minster between 1.00 – 2.00 p.m to meet the bus, hear the speaker from Malawi and see the display on Tax Justice. Light Refreshments will be served in Stoke Minster.

Do come along and find out more.

For information contact Roger Miller 01782 847770 or visit www.christian-aid.org/tax-bus


Staffordshire Third Sector Network: Question Time…  Tues 25 Sept


Staffordshire Third Sector Network invites you to a question time event with the Police and Crime Commissioner candidates for Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent

Date:               25 Sept 2012
Time:               10.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:            Rising Brook Baptist Church, Stafford, ST17 9LT



Concert with Julian Lloyd-Webber

Date:               Friday 28 September
Time:               7.30pm
Venue:            St Mary Magdalene Church, Crewe Road, ALSAGER, Cheshire, ST7 2EW
Tickets:           £25 by post   

Cheques Payable to “OPEN DOOR @ ST MARYS”

Please send payment, a contact phone/e-mail address AND first class stamped, self-addressed envelope for tickets.
e-mail :- JLWCONCERT@AOL.COM telephone 01270 879114


Wembley 2012 – National Day of Prayer & Worship… Sat 29 Sept


Join with over 70,000 Christians from across the UK for this national day of prayer & worship. This will be a ‘once in a generation event’.

Guest worship leaders include Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Noel Robinson, Lara Martin, Hillsong London, etc.

Group bookings:
Coaches will be travelling from across the nation to Wembley. Why not consider organising a coach for your congregation? If you do, please inform the Saltbox so that we can monitor the number of coaches going from North Staffs. For group bookings of over 50 persons there is a special team available to speak with you about this via a dedicated ticket line on 0800 756 5451

Date:               Saturday 29 Sept 2012
Venue:            Wembley Stadium
Time:               2.00 - 6.30pm
Tickets:           £15

Further details: 0800 756 5451 or visit http://www.ndopwembley.com


Bethel Evangelical Free Church: celebrating 200 years


Bethel Evangelical Free Church will be holding a celebration of 200 years in Hanley. The church building will be open from 10:30am with refreshments and an exhibition relating to the history of the Church.

At 2:30 pm Pastor Gervase Charmley will give a talk on the history of the Church. Learn about:

·         Early Missionaries in India
·         Congregational Church in North Staffordshire
·         A pioneer Church planter in the 1860s
·         The awful Hanley Tragedy of 1881
·         The Potteries Revival of 1930 - and much more

Date:              Saturday 29 September
Venue:           Bethel Evangelical Free Church, Newhall street, Hanley, ST1 5HQ
Time:              Church open from 10.30am, talk starts at 2.30pm

For further details contact Pastor Gervase Charmley: (01782) 281300 or email: pastorcharmley@gmail.com


Breathe City Church Open House Conference... Sat 6 Oct


Date:               Saturday 6 Oct
Venue:            Breathe City Church
Time:               9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost:                Tickets are £15 (inc. refreshments & lunch)

Speakers will include Stephen Matthew from Abundant Life, Clive Urquhart from Kingdom Faith and Ps James Galloway from Breathe City Church. This conference is designed for Church leaders and their teams.

Further information contact Breathe City Church: 01782 537079          
Or visit www.breathecitychurch.com


Ceramic City Choir Concert... Sat 13 Oct


Ceramic City Choir perform Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle”
Piano, Ian Riddle; Organ, Geoffrey Walker; Conductor, Oliver Neal Parker


Venue:            St. George's Church, NewcastleTickets:           £10 (students £5)
Date:               Saturday 13th October 
Time:               7.30pm


Pastor Bill Crawford returns to Hanley Elim... 13-14 Oct


Pastor Bill Crawford and his wife

Dates:              Saturday 13th Oct 2.00-4.30pm - "Meet and Greet"
Sunday 14th Oct 10.30am and 6.30pm - Pastor Bill will be ministering to us at both services
Venue:            Elim Pentecostal Church, Bucknall Old Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2AF.

For details: 01782 279092 or go to http://www.hanleyelim.co.uk.



The Twenty-Fifth Keele Biblical Assembly… Weds 17 Oct


“The Most Important Thing” Ezekiel 1

Keele Biblical Society is an annual gathering of Christians which promotes the expository reading of the bible. This year Adrian Reynolds (Director of Ministry of the Proclamation Trust) looks at “the most important thing” through Ezekiel 1.

Date:               Wednesday 16 October
Time:               7.30pm (for 8pm start)
Venue:            St Andrew’s Church, Pilkington Avenue, Westlands, N-u-L, ST5 3RE

There is no charge for this event. A freewill offering will be made at the end of the meeting to cover the costs of the event.

For more information contact Howard Mason: 01782 849937.


Trade Aid “A Taste of India”… Weds 17 Oct and Thurs 15 Nov

Fairtrade shop at Methodist Book Centre, Hanley

A Taste of India (curry, crafts and Christmas presents)

Dates:              Wednesday 17 October and Thursday 15 November
Time:               6.30pm-8.30pm
Place:              The Lounge & Trade Aid, Gitana Street, Hanley, ST1 1DY
Tickets:           £2.00 (incl. £1.00 off voucher when you spend £5.00 or more)

To buy tickets contact Ann: 01782 212146 (shop) or 01782 817720 (home)


Dr Michael Harper: John Young Foundation Annual Lecture... Thurs 18 Oct


Delivered by Dr Michael Harper, formerly Medical Director of St. Richards Hospice, Worcester. He will be looking at the topic of ‘Whole Person Healthcare at the End of Life’. 

Venue:            Rising Brook Baptist Church, Stafford ST17 9LT
Date:               Thursday 18th October 2012
Time:               7.30pm

For more information go to this link


Paul Scanlon @ Breathe City Church: “Communication Masterclass”... Sat 20 Oct


Paul Scanlon is bringing his Communication Masterclass to Breathe City Church, Stoke-on-Trent.

The Communication Masterclass is a day of training in effective & relevant communication skills. It’s for people from all walks of life. Anyone who feels that effective communication is essential to their vocation, calling or sphere of interest should book their place.  The day will be divided into three parts: i) you the communicator, ii) your message, iii) your voice. Or in other words, finding yourself, finding your message & finding your voice.

This Masterclass is less about technique & style & more about you the communicator. Most problems & challenges with quality communication are in the person, not the presentation.

Date:               Saturday 20 Oct
Time:               9.30am-3.30pm
Venue:            Breathe City Church, Campus: City

Tickets available from: www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/3583848387/eorge?ebtv=C


Hanley Baptist presents: Peter Gladwin... Sat 20 Oct


Peter Gladwin was the victim of a domestic fire, involved in gang culture, drugs and drink but was transformed when he heard the gospel. He has written an autobiography “Out of the Ashes” which has been changing lives. Now he travels around UK sharing his faith and life experiences with others.

Date:               Saturday 20 Oct
Venue:            Hanley Baptist Church
Time:               7pm

This is a free event. Open to all.


Compassion: Dr Campolo and Graham Kendrick... Sat 27 Oct


This October Dr Tony Campolo will be teaming up once again with Graham Kendrick to challenge audiences across the country to rethink their attitude toward consumerism, justice and poverty. The series of 10 concerts will be hosted by international child development charity Compassion and arrives at Christ Church, Northampton, on Saturday 27 October at 7pm.

Address:             Christ Church, 3 Christ Church Road, Northampton, NN1 5LL
To purchase tickets visit  www.christiantickets.co.uk for just £10


St John’s Trent Vale: Jobs Fair... Mon 29 Oct


How do you make yourself more employable? Come along to the St John’s Centre and explore your options. Speak to the agencies present. Access the Free support on offer. This could be the stepping stone to help you into employment, training or volunteering.

Date:               Monday 29 October
Venue:            St John’s Centre, Trent Vale
Time:               9.30am – 12.30pm

We are also looking for employers, agencies and voluntary organisations who can offer employment, volunteering opportunities, work placements, training opportunities and careers advice. If you would like a stand at the Jobs Fair, then please contact Mike Bridgewater for more information and to book your free stand. If you would like to advertise your vacancies at this event then please forward the details onto Mike by 22nd of October so that they can be displayed on the 29th October.

For more information contact Mike Bridgewater on 07531105853
Or e-mail mike.stjohns@googlemail.com  or visit www.trentvaleonline.org.uk


Connected Worship… 2-4 Nov 2012


Date:                2 November and officially finish at 4pm on 4 November.
Venue:             The Pyramid and Bold Street Methodist Church in Warrington
Sessions:         • Mission and preaching in the twenty-first century
• Reflective Worship
• Streamed workshops: Preaching / worship leading /mission contexts
• Retreat and meet other preachers and worship leaders
Bookshop and marketplace of resources
Contributors:  Rev Dr Roger Walton, Ron Willoughby, Rev Joanne Cox, Rev Helen Cameron
Cost:                 £125 pp (inc. meals & conference fee), £65 pp for Saturday only

To book visit www.methodist.org.uk/lp


Focus Christian fellowship… Sat 3 Nov


Christian fellowship with a day trip to Blackpool and illuminations by coach (TBC).
If interested, please contact Andrew for further details 01782 824794


St Philips Church: Celebration with Rev. Dr. Russ Parker... Sat 3 Nov


Celebration with Rev. Dr. Russ Parker, an internationally renowned speaker & author, with a ministry of ‘Forgiveness & Reconciliation.’

Date:               Saturday 3 Nov at 7.30pm
Venue:                        St Philip’s Church, Werrington, ST9 0JS

Numbers limited, so for tickets please ring 01782 302914 or e-mail: margaret.harriden@gmail.com

Pastor John Hollick returns to Hanley Elim... 10-11 Nov


Celebrating 50 years of Worship and Ministry

Pastor John Hollick and his wife, Brenda Hollick

Saturday 10th Nov 2.00-4.30pm - "Meet and Greet"
Sunday 11th Nov 10.30am and 6.30pm - Pastor John will be ministering to us at both services

Elim Pentecostal Church, Bucknall Old Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2AF.
For more details: 01782 279092 or go to www.hanleyelim.co.uk.

Fire 2012... 23-24 Nov


Christ for all Nations is the ministry of Evangelists Reinhard Bonnke and Daniel Kolenda, and we are holding a two-day event called Fire 2012 at the end of November with the aim of equipping people for evangelism.

Venue:            LG Arena, Birmingham
Date:               23-24 Nov 2012
Includes:         Guest Speaker J John and worship by Martin Stevens

To book: 0844 338 0338 or visit http://www.fire2012.org


Men: Alive... Sat 24 Nov


City-wide Men's Conference

Date:                     Saturday 24 November 2012
Venue:             Bridge Centre, Birches Head, ST2 8DD
Speaker:              Jeff Lucas      
Cost:                     £10
Bring a Packed Lunch or there is a Burger Van on Site

For more info or to buy tickets: contact Stewart Chapman 07552 949990 or e-mail: stewartrchapman@gmail.com. For more details visit www.men-alive.co.uk


John Bell to visit Lichfield in Nov


John Bell of the Iona Community, nationally and internationally renowned as a musician, preacher and broadcaster will be leading two sessions in the Cathedral, on the first weekend in November 3-4.  He will be there on Saturday (morning and afternoon) and will preach at the morning sung Eucharist in the Cathedral on Sunday. Details of booking arrangements will be available soon.


The Funky Choir: Dates for your diary Oct-Dec 2012


The next season for The Funky Choir starts next Thursday (6 September), 7.45pm at the Olive Grove Conference Centre (formerly Regents College) in Nantwich. We'll be meeting every Thursday through to 20 December (with a one week break on 25 October for half-term).

Fees for the new season are £28 for the first half-term (7 weeks) and £32 for the second half-term (8 weeks). Payment in full for the whole 15 weeks is just £56. We can now accept cash, cheques, electronic payments and payments using PayPal via our website.

We've got a busy time coming up with a lot of requests already in for concerts. So for those members who enjoy performing, get your diaries ready and pencil in these dates:

6 October                   Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts Concert 6 - 10 pm
20 October                 Together Trust Charity Concert 7.30 - 10pm
23 November             Parkinsons Concert 7.30 - 10 pm
1 December                 Jon Satchwell & Deborah Gregory's Wedding afternoon (during service)
8 December                Bridgemere Garden World afternoon concert
21 December             Cheshire Academy Christmas Fundraiser - Crewe Town Centre

For more information check out www.TheFunkyChoir.com or ring Brent Robinson on 07944 953243


2012 UCB Leaders’ Meeting


Tea and coffee will be available on the day from 10.30am ready for an 11am start, beginning with a time of praise and worship, followed by the guest speaker & a buffet lunch.

September 20 Thursday        NORMAN BARNES - Founder of Links International 
October 10 Wednesday        DIANA STACEY - Grace Family Church, Liverpool  
November 7 Wednesday      ROY TODD - Roy Todd Ministries & Junction 24 Church 
December 4 Tuesday             SUZETTE HATTINGH - Voice in the City

UCB: You can receive further details and book a place now for all of the dates listed simply by emailing leadersdays@ucb.co.uk.  


Christian Vision for Men


CVM is a movement. It is made up of thousands of men who believe the message of Jesus is true, relevant and much needed in the UK today. CVM exists to serve the local church to engage with men in every village, town and city in this country. The movement is a faithful reaction to the significant number of men who have walked away from the Christian church during the last 30 years. CVM supports and equips anyone who believes the Christian message can still radically change people’s lives today. The movement is accessible to men from every background, church and culture. CVM employs specialist Christian communicators operating in sport, the work place, Asian culture, sub-cultures, minority groups and beyond. If you would like to see more men in your local church, drop us a line. We are stacked full of resources, ideas and contacts, as well as having an extensive knowledge of the best curry houses in the UK.

If you would like to arrange for Jon Stockley (Area Co-ordinator for North Staffs & Cheshire) to visit your men's group please ring 07885 472248 or email him jon.stockley@cvm.org.uk.


Nightchurch: A chill out lounge for clubbers in Hanley

Open Fridays 10:30pm - late
Nightchurch is a Christian ecumenical organisation with volunteers from across North Staffordshire.
We're seeking new, warm and friendly volunteers with a heart for 18 - 30's to come visit this exciting project. No previous experience required. All ages welcome.

For more info, please contact: Mark & Clare:
Nightchurch c/o The Saltbox, Gitana Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1DY
M: 07535 242906                      E. info@nightchurch.net    T. 01782 207200            www.nightchurch.net             www.facebook.com/groups/nchurch

Christian Meditation


Meditation is a way of simplicity, silence and stillness. The practice of meditation in the Christian tradition actually comes to us from the early Christian monks - the Desert Fathers and Mothers. In Christianity the tradition of meditation became forgotten until 30 years ago when the rediscovery of this contemplative part of the Christian faith began. Meditation is now in the Christian tradition is attracting worldwide and rapidly growing interest.

The following groups are exploring Christian meditation following the teachings of the Benedictine monk – Fr John Main - who has brought back this tradition to our attention.

Alton Third Sunday of each month at 7pm at St John the Baptist, Alton
For any information please contact:
Mary Tyers on 01538 308687            E:  marytyers@aol.com
Or Maggie Connor on 01538 308588           E: maggie@altoncastle.co.uk

May Bank Monday evenings at 7.30pm in May Bank. For further information contact:
Carmel on 01782 878993       E:  carmel.dennison@ntlworld.com

More information can be found on the World Community of Christian Meditation’s website www.wccm.org


Street Pastors: Looking for Volunteers


Stoke on Trent Street Pastors are looking to extend their voluntary work to cover schools in the Stoke on Trent area.  This would entail being part of a team of two or three persons and being available as a team to be outside designated schools at school start and finish times.  This might lead on to participating during the school day within schools that are willing to allow pastors to be involved.  This may include talking to the children in their classes or even being in the playground during play times.

The age limits for this is 18+ with no upper age limit.  This would be an ideal opportunity for people who have retired, either singles or couples, who find themselves with time on their hands and feel The Lord is calling them into some form of ministry.

Please prayerfully consider this. If you feel you would like to give it a try please contact Terry English on 07858 782816 or email terry.english50@gmail.com         


Free


A group for adults with special needs or learning difficulties.

Date:               Every third Sunday of the month – next meeting will be 18 march
Venue:            Penkhull Christian fellowship • Franklin Road • Penkhull
Time:               6pm

For more information contact Eleri on 07912 887026.


Stoke-on-Trent Prison Fellowship Prayer Group


Meets on the first Monday of every month at the Penkhull Christian Fellowship Centre at 19:30pm.

The foundation of everything we do at the PF is prayer - many attendees go into prisons like Drakehall Women’s Prison (Alpha Course and Bible Studies) and Thorn Cross, Warrington (Sycamore Tree Programme).  We are hoping to deliver the course at our Werrington Young Offenders in October.
For further information please contact Richard Walley on 01782 768152 or 07526 474732 or email: rdw64@hotmail.co.uk

Swanbank Coffee Lounge


The Coffee lounge is a fantastic new coffee venue in the heart of Burslem.

With unbelievable coffee and a great atmosphere, the coffee lounge is a wonderful place to meet friends, drop in for lunch or just come and relax. Whatever your needs the coffee lounge is for you.

Open weekdays 10.00am to 3pm     Saturdays 10.00am to 2pm.

Great Coffee. Great Food. Great place.


Swanbank Coffee Lounge volunteers needed!


The Coffee Lounge welcomes Volunteer staff to help run the business on a daily basis. Hours and times to suit the individual.

For further details please contact Mrs Jacqui Gillon Coffee Lounge Manager on: 01782 575129/07806 987439 or email swanbank.thecoffeelounge@gmail.com


Rock UK


Rock UK is a Christian Charity that has been providing facilities for Christian conferences, retreats, church family weekends, youth and children's groups for the past 90 years.

We offer both catering and self catering options and we also have a number of adventurous activities including Climbing, High Ropes, Open Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking and many more. We have 4 Centres based in Northamptonshire, Wales, Kent and on the Scottish Borders.

If you require further information then please contact Jon Munt 07557471616 or email jon.munt@rockuk.org. Or visit: www.rockuk.org

Fair Trade Group in Newcastle


We welcome any new members to join us.  We meet about once per month, usually on a Monday evening, and are engaged in promoting the cause of fair trade throughout the borough of Newcastle.  We've recently achieved Fairtrade status for the Borough and need to work hard to maintain it.

Anyone interested to contact Hilary on 632895 | 07983 983840 
Or e-mail hilary@jonesten.freeserve.co.uk


Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank

This exciting new interdenominational project is based out of Wesley Hall Methodist, Sneyd Green and is working with seven churches across the city to support people in crisis with food boxes.

Professionals, such as Health Visitors, Project Workers and Social Care, are able to refer families or individuals into the service, provide them with a voucher that they are able to exchange at any one of the seven distribution point Churches across the city.  Food is donated through Churches, Schools, supermarkets, businesses and from individuals.

So how can you and your church get involved?
·         Donating food and doing food drives within your church
·         Volunteering at supermarkets to raise awareness and collect food
·         Volunteer at the food bank hub in food sorting, weighing and distribution
·         Volunteer at the various food distribution sites

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities for as little or as much time as you have and we are always looking to churches to raise funds and for food.

Please get in touch with Mary-Anne, Sue or Ron for more information on 01782 281 818 or visit: www.stokeontrent.foodbank.org.uk


Breathe City Church Distribution Centre


Providing brand new clothes and food for people in need throughout the city. 
If you would like further information in how you can help then please email admin@whencentre.org alternatively if you are aware of someone who could benefit then referral forms are available from www.breathecitychurch.com or by emailing admin@whencentre.org


Women’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

There are supervised Crèche facilities available for your child/children.

For any further information or if you would like to co-ordinate delivery of provisions, please contact Julia Roberts: 07989 980016 or email julhindi@yahoo.co.uk    or visit www.hanleyteamministry.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. Based at the Beacon House of Prayer
What do we offer?                A trained, caring, ministry team who will listen & pray for you.
When are we open?              Every Wednesday  
Opening Times:                      6:30pm – 8:00pm
Place:                                       BHOP 550 High Street Sandyford ST6 5PD

For more info go to thebeaconinfo@btconnect.com


Free Adult Training Courses


Did you hate school? Do you wish you had done better? Do you want to improve you qualifications?

We can help you achieve nationally recognized Level 2 Qualifications in Maths, English, Computers, Employability. Nationally the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) gives a great induction to Microsoft Packages: amongst others; Excel, PowerPoint and Word and is often described as equivalent to five GCSE's (grade A-C). These can make a real difference for someone returning to work or starting out in the workplace.

If you’re interested please contact the Exchange Group:

Your LOCAL Centre address: First Floor, Newcastle Library, Ironmarket, Newcastle- Under- Lyme, ST5 1AT. For information: 01782 713165 or email NewcastleUL@exchangegroup.co.uk



SALTBOX


North Staffordshire Community Chaplaincy (NSCC) houses and supports ex-offenders in rental properties. We are always in need of good quality furniture and “white goods” to stock the properties we manage. We have offices in Podmore Street where we can store items and refurbish them if required. We would like donations of good quality, reusable furniture and “White Goods” for example:-

• Three Piece Suites and Settees
• Dining Tables and Chairs
• Wardrobes and Bedside Cabinets
• Single Beds and Bedding
• Kitchen appliances, Cookers, Fridges/Freezers and Microwaves
• Washing Machines

Your support to the charity with items will help us to give clients the opportunity to change their lives.

For further information contact us at: Unit 19, Podmore Street, Burslem, ST6 2EZ    
Or call 01782 252708


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: 01782 207200 or email Rachael@saltbox.org.uk


Wanted: Tenant to house share


Young Christian man seeking male or female tenant to share a rented bungalow with garden in Werrington.  Includes own bedroom and shared facilities. 

For more information contact: Stuart on 07564 044550


Volunteers Needed: S-o-T Foodbank... 20-21 Sept


Strong men needed to help dig a pathway and create a road for Foodbank deliveries on 20-21 September.

If you would like to help please contact Mary-Anne, Sue or Ron on 01782 281 818


Cross Rhythms: Properties to Let


Cross Rhythms has two properties to let:
As part of the Cross Rhythms building, we have the following spaces available to let:

1) Office Space
Situated in Conway House above La Bella Napoli Restaurant and the Cross Rhythms radio station reception. Office Unit (self contained) 1803 square feet of prime office space comprising; large open plan office, 3 more offices, studio/ sound proof room and toilet facilities. Access via stairway or lift and keypad doors. Internet and Phone already connected. Part-let may be considered.

For more information please click here: http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/to-let/office-space-available.pdf

2) Shop Unit:
The property is situated in a parade of shops in the Cultural Quarter, close to the Regent Theatre. The property is between La Bella Napoli, a long standing Italian Restaurant, and the Cross Rhythms Community Radio Station reception. There is a ground floor and first floor (approx 1,200 square feet).

For more information please click here or contact Rob Thompson
01782 877303


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 Phone Link.
Contact Zi Makhiwa for more information: 01782 265651 or email Zi@saltbox.org.uk



Money Matters Saltbox Administration Volunteer

The Saltbox is extending Money Matters, its debt advice service, and is looking for a part-time volunteer who can provide appropriate support.

The ideal person will be reliable, competent in English and Maths, have good administrative skills and computing abilities. They must be sympathetic to the issues surrounding debt, have some knowledge of the Benefits System and have some degree of flexibility.

The position is based at the Saltbox Offices, Bemersley House, Gitana Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, ST1 1DY.

Hours are to be agreed. Travelling and lunch expenses will be covered. Training will be provided.

For further information please contact Anne Riddle on 01782 207200 or e-mail anne@saltbox.org.uk   


Volunteers for Stoke Minster

Stoke Minster (St. Peter’s) is a church with a great historical interest including Saxon & Potteries Heritage. Located at the mid-point of the new Two Saints Way route & in a city hosting the Staffordshire Hoard.

We want to offer an improved visitor experience for pilgrims & tourists alike. So from 2012 we are introducing extended opening hours.

To do this we need to a team of volunteers to offer a friendly welcome to visitors. Each volunteer will be asked to cover a 3 hour slot once or twice a month. Informal training & guidance will be given to all volunteers.

For further information please contact Wendy Daw: 01782 373071 or email: wendy@aol.com  




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 Chronicles 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 Chronicles 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