UK
Christian charity invites you to March for Myanmar
#marchformyanmar
The peace-building charity, Cord, is launching 3 weeks of action
to support the people of Myanmar. For the rest of March, people
are invited to pray, post photos on social media, write to their
MP and donate to a fundraising appeal.
Cord’s Patron, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth,
Bishop of Coventry said:
“Myanmar and its people have been on my heart for many years and
especially now as they stand on the precipice of disaster. I pray
for peace, for restraint, that the situation won’t spiral into
violence and chaos. I invite you to join me in praying for
Myanmar and its people. Taking part in March for Myanmar is one
way we can add our voices to those calling for a lasting
solution.”
The Military Coup on February 1 saw Myanmar’s democratically
elected government arrested and detained. Millions have taken to
the streets to peacefully protest only to be met with flash bang
grenades, smoke bombs, water cannons, rubber bullets and live
ammunition. To date over 80 innocent people have been killed and
over 1,500 arrested. But the people won’t be silenced. Many have
said that they would sooner die than return to the dark days of
military rule.
Nick Thorley, Cord’s Fundraising Manager said:
“We’re encouraging people to take some really simple actions that
will send a powerful message to our sisters and brothers in
Myanmar. We want them to know that we are thinking and praying
for them, that we stand with them and that we don’t accept what
has happened.”
People are encouraged to post photos of themselves on social
media wearing red or red ribbons - the colour worn by protesters
in Myanmar. They can tag Cord and use the hashtag
#marchformyanmar.
It is hoped that constituents will write to their MPs to express
their concern. Cord says that the UK Government can play their
part by introducing an arms embargo, targeted sanctions and
banning trade with military-linked businesses.
Donations can also be made to Cord’s Myanmar appeal which will
raise vital funds for their ongoing peace-building work.
Cord’s Chief Executive Andy Pask said:
“We’ve been working in Myanmar for a decade and in that period
there have been huge steps forward. This is a time to redouble
our efforts on behalf of the people of Myanmar, not a time to
step backwards.”
People wishing to participate in March for Myanmar can find all
the information by visiting cord.org.uk/marchformyanmar,
following Cord on Facebook and using the hashtag
#marchformyanmar.
Andy Pask, Cord’s CEO, is available for interview.
Nick Thorley, Cord’s Fundraising Manager is available for
interview.
To arrange interviews or for more information contact Nick
Thorley:
nthorley@cord.org.uk or
07482 236 792
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Don't
be fooled online free training
Online scams are increasing but would you know what to do? TCT’s
Just Finance team are working with Nat West Group to run this
FREE short online Zoom webinar to equip and empower you. Please
register at https://dont-be-fooled-online.eventbrite.co.uk
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Distracting
our Young People for the Better – Approaches to Keeping them Safe
Webinar
TCT are
delighted to be working with the Children's Society to co-host
this exciting Regional Webinar for people across the West
Midlands. Book now at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Jy9ysfyVR76qBZfMLEViKA
Wednesday 14 April 2021, 2.00pm – 3.00pm
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Video
from the District for Evangelism and Growth Team featuring W&S
District Small grants
Each
month the Evangelism & Growth team is inviting a District
Chair to reflect on a story of mission from their District. This
month Rachel reflects on the projects sparked by the “God is With
Us” grant scheme and explores the models of mission on which they
are based.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B749lIyx3w
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West
Midlands Education Chaplaincy Ambassador Job Opportunity
7.5 hrs
pw for 3 years (fixed term contract), salary £7815. Role
focuses on working with colleges and churches to develop new
chaplaincy arrangements and supporting/strengthening existing
chaplaincies. The ideal candiate will be a practising
Christian (GOR), passionate about the churches' engagement
with the FE sector, a creative thinker, have skills in training
and development of teams, and have excellent interpersonal and
networking skills.
Download an application pack from https://bit.ly/308CgiG or
request from bursar@saltleytrust.org.uk.
For informal enquiries email Ian Jones director@saltleytrust.org.uk
Closing
date: Friday 26 March 2021.
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Christian
Aid Vaccination Campaign
Click here
to see the press release from Lichfield announcing that the
District is joining them in partnering Christian Aid in giving
people an opportunity to give thanks for their Covid-19 vaccine
by helping others in crisis across the world.
Here’s the online giving link here: https://events.tapsimple.org/online/christian-aid/diolichfield
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Leprosy
Mission Sunday Resources
I’m
excited to tell you about a unique opportunity to journey with
Dame Darcey Bussell to help end leprosy in Mozambique.
You can join with Darcey and The Leprosy Mission to show Jesus’
love in action to rural communities in desperate need. Over half
of these people are Christians and they are living through
poverty, disease and a recent cyclone.
Our God of unconditional love has called us to stand with our
brothers and sisters. And what's more is that until 24 April,
every gift will be doubled
by the UK Government meaning that your churches will have twice
the impact.
If you haven’t already, I would be so grateful if you would
encourage your churches to hold a Leprosy Sunday over the coming
weeks with a Leprosy Mission speaker, whether on Zoom or with a
pre-recorded video.
You can watch the five minute film introduced by Dame Darcey
Bussell here on Vimeo (it can be downloaded too for churches to
use as they wish):
https://vimeo.com/513449308/20d9208628
We also have a Leprosy Sunday service for you to share with
churches – who might like to use it as their own virtual service.
This 30-minute virtual service filmed for Lyndon Methodist church
in Birmingham using their church as backdrop) includes 2 hymns
(performed by Aldridge Parish Church), a talk from me as well as
the film above, with readings and prayers:
https://vimeo.com/516243968/9a1c508f67
Churches may wish to use this within their worship or do get in
touch if you would like me to send particular pre-recorded
elements of it, such as the sermon.
Please do find out more at www.unconditionalappeal.org.uk
They can also order resources for them to hold their own Leprosy
Sunday here. Please do contact me on 01733 516087 to discuss what
would work for your church - I'll be happy to help.
Together we will see an end to the disability, stigma and
transmission of this terrible disease. Together we will see an
end to leprosy in the name of Jesus!
Every blessing
Allister
Allister du Plessis
Regional Manager
P.S. If church would like to book a visit at a Sunday service
when churches open again fully, then please do get in touch.
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Rwanda
Visit
WHEN? Tuesday 18th January to Thursday 3rd
February ( arriving home on Friday 4th February ) 2022
WHAT IS THE COST? £1,500 to include air fares,
accommodation, food and transport in Rwanda
WHERE WILL WE STAY? In Kigali at the Good News Guest House,
Gikondo ( can be viewed on line ) and at the Methodist Mission
Station, Kibogora in the west of Rwanda on the shores of Lake
Kivu.
WHAT WILL WE DO? In Kigali we will visit 2 genocide memorials and
spend time with PHARP (Peacebuilding, Healing and Reconciliation
Programme ) Meeting local people who have partnerships with
PHARP. To include sewing groups, women’s groups and HIV/AIDS
support groups.
We will be able to observe the difference that has been made to
people’s lives by offering our support.
In Kibogora we will spend time with the community on the Shara
Peninsula. Particularly the churches of Ntumba and Murama.
Visiting the school at Ntumba, the ladies of the baskets of peace
initiative and the group of the Ebeneezer Boat Company. Speaking
with the local people. Learning how alternative gifts of health
insurance, hens, pigs and goats have transformed lives.
We will also attend worship at the churches at Shara.
Visiting Kibogora hospital and distributing knitting to the
hospital and the health centres of Nyabinaga and Nyarusange.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Contact;
Yvonne Gough ygough@hotmail.co.uk
or call 07773093048
Or Deacon Annie Trembling annietrembling@googlemail.com
to register your interest.
We will organise a zoom meeting very soon for interested parties
so that any questions can be answered.
Looking forward to speaking to you all.
God Bless, please pray for our preparations.
Bishop Samuel, Rachel, Julienne, Anastase and all our friends are
looking forward to welcoming us again.
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District
Children's Support Fund
The funding allocated
specifically to the support of children and families in the
District - particularly those experiencing some form of
deprivation - is still open to accept applications at the moment.
Are there projects you might consider which could offer
support even during the lockdown?
The
maximum amount of any claim is £500 and a Church can apply at any
time using the attached form
and send it electronically to Tim Lorimer who will process your
application and give a decision within six weeks of receipt. The
application will need the support of the hosting Church and
circuit superintendent. Church’s cannot apply for retrospective
funding.
We would hope that individuals and groups that have contributed
in the past to the Holiday Fund will still wish to do so knowing
that there money will still be used for Children’s Projects.
For more information please contact Tim Lorimer
on lorimertim@yahoo.co.uk
07971899084.
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