Dear Friends

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

1. Ceramic City Choir Concert... Sat 13 Oct

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

3. The Twenty-Fifth Keele Biblical Assembly… Weds 17 Oct

4. Trade Aid: A Taste of India... 17 Oct & 15 Nov

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

6. Beacon HOP...prayer days

7. Community Champions Network Event... Fri 19 Oct

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

9. Stafford Street Pastors: Understanding Multiculturalism... Sat 20 Oct

10. Unite... Sat 27 Oct

11. Compassion: Dr Campolo & Graham Kendrick... Sat 27 Oct

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

13. Connected Worship… 2-4 Nov

14. Focus Christian Fellowship... Sat 3 Nov

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

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

17. Abolitionist Tour... Sun 18 Nov

18. Fire 2012... 23-24 Nov

19. Men: Alive... Sat 24 Nov

20. Trafficking Training... Mon 26 Nov

21. John Bell to visit Lichfield in November 2012

22. Volunteer Staffordshire Awards

23. Bible Society: opportunity to make good sense of the Bible

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

25. 2012 UCB Leaders Meeting

26. Christian Vision for Men

27. Nightchurch

28. Christian Meditation

29. Street Pastors: Looking for Volunteers

30. SOT Prison Fellowship Prayer Group

31. Free

32. New Testament Church of God: Musicians volunteers needed

33. Blurton Community Hub

34. Swanbank Coffee Lounge

35. Swanbank Coffee Lounge volunteers needed!

36. Rock UK

37. Fair Trade Group in Newcastle

38. Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank

39. Breathe City Church Distribution Centre

40. Women’s Group

41. Healing Rooms

42. Free Adult Training Courses

43. Relax: Aromatherapy & Sports Massage

44. SALTBOX

45. The Lounge Booking

46. Wanted: Tenant to house share

47. Cross Rhythms: Properties to Let

48. Volunteers for S-o-T Foodbank... 20-21 Sept 2012

49. Volunteers...Saltbox PhoneLink telephone ‘befrienders’ needed

50. Volunteer....Saltbox Money Matters volunteer administrator

51. Volunteers for Stoke Minster

52. Vacancy: SDVS Trainee Community Organisers

53. Vacancy: Treasurer for Bentilee Volunteers

54. 4 x Vacancies: ARCH

55. 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

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, Newcastle
Tickets:           £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

1,000 lives – Becoming a Community Champion

The initiative is to promote the work already being done by Community Champions and to inform how to become a Community Champion and how your organisation can benefit from this initiative. The event commences at noon and lasts until 14:30 and a buffet is provided.

Venue: WRVS, Charles St, Hanley, ST1 3JP

Date: Friday 19 October

Time: 12-2.30pm

To book your place/s please telephone 01782 411433 or e mail info@1000Lives.org.uk . Background information on this exciting initiative can be found on website www.1000Lives.org.uk

Beacon HOP...extra prayer days

Friday 19th October and Friday 23rd November.

We are planning two prayer days this autumn at Beacon House. The concentrated time of prayer during May's Holy Convocation was so valuable that we felt we should set a whole day aside now and again to worship and seek the Lord. We are inviting you to join us for some or all of the day each time.

The times of corporate worship and prayer are 10am-12.30pm; 2-4.30pm; and 7-9.30pm.

These days will give longer opportunity to share God's heart and also share what we sense of the new season opening up out of all that has been prayed this year. Please just come along, or even better, let us know if you can make it.

God bless, William & Karen & Beacon HOP team

For further information telephone the Beacon team on: 01782 827238

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.

Stafford Street Pastors: Understanding Multiculturalism... Sat 20 Oct

A Seminar open to all... Understanding Multiculturalism

Date: Saturday 20 October

Time: 9.45am to 12 noon (Coffee at 9.15)

Venue: Rising Brook Baptist Church, Stafford

Speakers: Kevin & Jan Roy (who teach the YWAM course on Islam)

Guests will be able to make a donation to help cover the costs of the seminar.

More details from stafford@streetpastors.org.uk or phone 01785 607932 /

07720 850720

Unite… Christians Celebrating Together… Sat 27 Oct

Come and honour God with praise, worship, testimony and prayers. Hear Andrew James speak about an amazing miracle of healing which took place very recently. Come for prayer. Inspired music, free refreshments and surprise guests included!!

Date:             Saturday 27th October
Venue:          Methodist Church Hall, Tunstall. ST6 6EE
Time:             7pm
Cost:             This is a free event. Open to all.

More info contact Cedric or Jean Barber 01782 776959

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.

Abolitionist Tour... Sun 18 Nov

Join Ben Cooley CEO of Hope for Justice, Mark Stevens, from Abundant Life Church, Bradford and the Hope for Justice team as we seek to empower the next generation of Abolitionists, sharing stories of rescued victims of human trafficking in the UK and their restored hope.

Date:               Sunday 18 November
Time:               5pm
Venue:            Breathe City Church, City Campus, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8BY

For more information visit www.hopeforjustice.org.uk/events/abolitionist-tour/

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

Trafficking Training... Mon 26 Nov

Date: Monday 26 November 2012

Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Venue: Stoke-on-Trent CAB

To book: Contact Sue Garside to obtain a booking form sue.garside@stoke-cab.org.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.

Volunteer Staffordshire Awards

Chance to say thank you to Staffordshire’s amazing volunteers

Volunteers make a big difference to people’s lives, and the Volunteer Staffordshire awards give local residents and organisations that work with volunteers a chance to say thank you. Volunteer Staffordshire is a partnership initiative between Staffordshire County Council and Volunteer Centres Staffordshire.

The Volunteer Staffordshire awards are now in their third year and celebrate volunteering, in all its forms, across the county. They recognise the massive contribution of local people giving their time and energy to help others.

Nominations for the Volunteer Staffordshire Awards 2013 are now open. There are ten categories:

Volunteer of the Year Award
Young Volunteer of the Year Award
Volunteer Team of the Year Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sporting Volunteer of the Year
Cultural Volunteer of the Year
Outstanding Leadership Award
Environmental Volunteer of the Year Award
Unsung Hero Award
Business Contribution to the Community Award

People can make as many nominations as they wish and they can be for either individuals or groups of volunteers. You can nominate either by completing the online form at www.volunteerstaffordshire.org.uk or by telephoning 0300 111 8000. Nominations close on 4^th January 2013.

N.B. These awards are for those working in the Staffs County Council area (not Stoke-on-Trent).

Bible Society: opportunity to make good sense of the Bible

Become an h+ facilitator and help your church make good sense of the Bible:

· How can we have more confidence in the Bible?

· What do we make of the Conquest of Canaan?

· Can history help us understand Genesis today?

· Does the structure of biblical writing convey meaning?

h+ Making Good Sense of the Bible is Bible Society’s ground-breaking 10-session programme to help you interpret the Scriptures. Incorporating discipleship material, practical exercises, expert advice, facilitator input and audiovisual features, h+ deals with questions like the ones above and many more to help you to make good sense of the Bible.

Phone 01793 418222 and find out more about our upcoming h+ training days:

13 October, Nottingham
6 November, Kendal
13 November, Crawley
15 November, Addlestone
20 November, Hadleigh

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:

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.

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.

New Testament Church of God: Musicians volunteers needed

The New Testament Church of God in Crewe has musical instruments but no musicians to play them. We require a drummer and chords player plus guitarists.

Experienced learners considered.

For more information: contact Pastor David Edwards 01270 668996.

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

Blurton Community Hub

Blurton Community Hub is a place to socialize in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

These social afternoons are on every Wednesday afternoon, with live music, bingo, quizzes, a raffle and tea, coffee and biscuits. For more information about this hub, contact Alex Fagan on 01782 409694 or e-mail alex@bchub.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 your 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

Relax: Aromatherapy & Sports Massage

Mobile complimentary/sports therapies by Anita.

With over 10 years’ experience, Anita offers sports massage and Aromatherapy treatments in the comfort of your own home.

Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils, mixed with carrier oil, to provide a massage which is tailored to the individuals requirements.
Sports massage: This is a twofold treatment. It can aid either in the warm-up, or cool down of muscles either before, or after sports related activities.

Prices start from £10, depending on type of treatment and distance travelled. Reductions are in place for OAP’s. *Special offer for October 2012 which is £5 off full Body Aromatherapy Treatment on or before 31^st October 2012.

For information: e-mail Relaxbyanita@yahoo.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RelaxAromatherapySportsMassge

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

The Welcome Minster project has recently been launched to support St. Peter’s Church, Stoke in its role as Minster Church to the City of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffs, particularly with regard to visitors. The catalyst for this project has been the launch of the Two Saints Way long-distance footpath/pilgrimage route between Chester Cathedral and Lichfield Cathedral (www.twosaintsway.org.uk), of which Stoke Minster sits at the centre.

For further information contact Rev Marg Hardcastle:

E: marghardcastle@aol.com T: 01782 252183 / 07515 460537

Vacancy: SDVS Trainee Community Organisers

Stafford District Voluntary Services are seeking dynamic, people centred, motivated individuals to be Trainee Community Organisers. Employed by CoCo (the Community Organisers' Company) and seconded to Stafford District Voluntary Services (the Host) at a salary of £8.50 per hour, 35 Hours per week, for 51 weeks.

During the duration of the post you will learn to build relationships which enable residents, groups, associations, and businesses in Stafford to develop their collective power to act together for the common good, using Root Solution Listening Matters, a dialogue and action-based programme that supports transformational change in individuals, groups, organisations and institutions.

Community Organising: Is it for me?

If you answer ‘yes’ to most of the following questions, you could well make a good Community Organiser. Give it a try!

• Do I have a positive and optimistic outlook on life?

• Am I open to doing things differently?

• Do I believe that people can work purposefully together for the common good?

• Can I stand firm and be courageous in the face of conflict or attack?

• Do I learn from my mistakes and experience?

• Can I laugh at myself and see humour in situations?

• Do I have the self-confidence to initiate discussions with people I’ve never met before – whether that might be in a pub, or a front room or meeting hall?

• Do I know my strengths and am I willing to use them to empower others for the common good?

• Do I know my weakness and am I willing to share them for the common good?

• Do I like people? Can I love people?

• Am I prepared to put in the time to meet people in their own territory?

Informal enquiries can be made to Di Litchfield, Deputy Chief Officer, 01785 606670

Application pack can be downloaded at http://www.sdvs.org.uk/?q=content/jobs

Closing date: 4.00 p.m. Friday 26 October 2012

Interviews: Tuesday 6 November 2012

NO CV’s Please send a large SAE with 90p stamp to: SDVS, 131-141 North Walls, Stafford, ST16 3AD.

Treasurer: Bentilee Volunteers
For further information please contact Tom Simpson on 01782 234614

Arch: Bid Manager

Vacancy position for 37.5 hours per week at £24,000 per annum
Closing date: Wed 17th Oct
For further information please click here

Arch: Marketing Assistant

Vacancy position for 15 hours per week at £14,000 per annum, pro rata. 12 month fixed term contract.
Closing Date:             Wed 17th Oct
For further information please click here

Arch: Project Manager

Vacancy position for 28.5 hours per weekend (8.30pm - 8.30pm Saturday and Sunday), 5.5 hours during the week (flexible). £16,000 per annum, pro rata
Closing Date:            Friday 12th October
For further information please click here

Arch: Cleaner

Vacancy position for 10 hours a week at £6.19 per hour
Closing date:             Friday 12th October
For further information please click here

Arch: Young People’s Services Co-ordinator

Vacancy position for 37.5 hours per week at £20,000 per annum. Fixed term period - until January 2014
For further information please click here

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.