Conferences and Events
THE VIENNA HORNS OF SCOTLAND along with members of the Wiener Waldhorn Verein will perform an evening concert to raise funds for the renovation and renewal of Mayfield Salisbury Church and Hall. 15 November, 7pm, Mayfield Salisbury Church, West Mayfield, Edinburgh. Tickets £5.00 (including refreshments) available from Aileen Nimmo on 0131 662 1364, Christine De Luca on 0131 667 9090, or pay at the door. Children learning to play the horn will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult.
WHOSE CRIME IS IT ANYWAY? Prisoners’ Week is an opportunity to remember all in our communities who are affected by crime and imprisonment – prisoners and their families, victims of crime and those who work within the criminal justice system. It is an initiative of the Churches that aims to stimulate discussion and highlight concerns. 16–23 November. For contact details of organisations that offer help and advice, Prisoners’ Week information and worship resources, visit www.PrisonersWeekScotland.co.uk
KINGDOM YOUTH WORK is a day of workshops, word, ministry and worship for youth leaders, volunteers and young leaders (in last year of school) who want to explore or learn more about what a Kingdom focused youth ministry might look like. 22 November, 10am – 5pm, Holy Trinity Church, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. £10 (adults), £5 (in last year of school). Booking is essential. For further information, contact CLAN Gathering on 01771 637962.
BRIDGING THE GAP is an ecumenical venture in Dunkeld, Perthshire – a chance for people of any church or none to puzzle over issues of faith and life. A series of events is held on Sunday evenings through the winter and the next one will look at the theme ‘Was Jesus a Killjoy?’ – putting the celebration back into the spiritual, and the spiritual at the heart of celebration. 23 November, 7pm, Birnam Institute, Dunkeld. Each night starts with a choice of three workshops on the theme and, after a break for refreshments, ends with innovative worship. For further information, contact Fraser Penny on 01350 727249 or FraserPenn@aol.com
EDINBURGH INTER-FAITH WEEK The programme is now available and includes events such as Big Quiz Night, Community Meal and Meet your Muslim or Thai Buddhist Neighbour. 23–30 November. Visit www.eifa.org.uk/ifw.html
LIVING THE QUESTIONS EXPO is a consultation for past users, and a taster for future users, of the ‘Living the Questions’ DVD programme, which is for both seekers and long-time church-goers convinced that Christianity still has relevance in the 21st Century. 28-29 November, Renfield St Stephen’s, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow. For further information, contact Graham Maule at gam@zetnet.co.uk. LTQ materials are available in Scotland from the Iona Community’s Wild Goose Publications website
www.ionabooks.com/newsite/sections/bookshop/bookshop.asp?cat=21, and Cornerstone Bookshop in Edinburgh www.cornerstonebooks.org.uk or see the LTQ home site www.livingthequestions.com/xcart/home.php
A CELEBRATION OF FAITH THROUGH MUSIC will feature songs of praise from many of the major faith traditions, and it is hoped that the event will promote friendship and goodwill between the various faith communities and non-faith communities attending. 30 November, 6.30–10pm, Woodside Halls, Maryhill, Glasgow. A vegetarian curry will be served, the cost of which is Included in the ticket price (£3/adults, £2/concessions). To purchase tickets, contact Iain Stewart on 0141 352 6946, 07966 286411 or istewart@cofscotland.org.uk, or visit the Mission & Discipleship Office, 59 Elmbank Street, Glasgow G2 4PQ, Monday-Friday 9am–5pm.
YOUR BUSINESS… FOR THE MISSION OF GOD In recent times there has been a revival of interest in the contribution that business can make to the worldwide mission of God. This meeting will feature an interactive presentation by American Craig Shugart, exploring the role of Christians in business, examining ‘Business as Mission’ and describing the part his company plays in this global movement. 4 December, 6.30pm for 7– 9pm (including a finger buffet), King James VI Business Centre, Riverview Business Park, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DY. For further information, contact Nicholas Morris on 07749 877107 or nicholas@isscot.org
SOUL MARKS WORKSHOPS Soul Marks encourages the use of visual arts as tools for prayer, worship and community. These workshops offer a chance to strip away the wrapping and focus on the heart of the Christmas season, with time and space for quiet reflection combined with practical artwork. 6 December, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street, EH6 6HW. £35 (including art materials, coffee and biscuits). To book, contact Therese Christie on 0131 554 5761 or enquiries@LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk. 8 December, 10am – 4pm, Lochiehead, Auchtermuchty Fife KY14 7EH. £30 (including art materials, lunch, coffee and biscuits). To book, contact Celia Stone on 0131 669 2431 or admin@soulmarks.co.uk For general enquiries about the workshops, contact Carol Marples on 0131 467 6243 or carol@soulmarks.co.uk
A CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN MCLAREN is a seminar for leaders and leadership teams in local churches and church-linked organisations, to develop themes engaged in his books, ‘A Generous Orthodoxy’ and ‘A New Kind of Christian’. In addition, Rev Peter Neilson will bring a response from a Scottish perspective. 6 December, 4-6pm, Community Church Edinburgh, King’s Hall, 41a South Clerk Street, EH8 9NZ. Free, but booking is essential. Contact Colin Symes at colin@cce.uk.net For information on other Scottish venues and events, visit www.brianmclaren.2getherscotland.org
CLIC SARGENT Caring for Children with Cancer Annual Carol Concert, performed by the choir of the Lothian Hospitals professional staff, conducted by Tim Dean of Scottish Opera. 18 December, 7.30pm, Church of Scotland Assembly Hall, The Mound, Edinburgh. Tickets (£10/adults, £7/children), are available from Tickets Scotland, 127 Rose Street, or by calling 0131 220 3234 or Hamish Alldridge on 07968 098939.
INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF THE WORLD’S FAITH 2009 Some of the world’s major faith traditions will be explored over 10 weeks, using a mixture of presentation and discussion. Each session will be led by a speaker from within the Faith Tradition being explored, will cover basic concepts and include a brief experience of a spiritual/ritual practice meditation from each tradition. 15 January – 19 March 2009, 7-9pm every Thursday. St George’s West, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT. £75 (£55 for Concessions), which includes refreshments and background reading material. Further details and a booking form can be downloaded from www.creativespacesgw.org.uk/downloads/3025_World_Faiths_course_V4.pdf
DEEP IMPACT 2009 is the national training conference for all those involved in Christian youth work. It is for volunteers and paid employees; for those working for local authorities, local churches and agencies; and for those with experience or just starting out. Deep Impact provides practical and Biblical input from skilled youth work practitioners and theologians, to equip participants with knowledge, tools and skills. 23-25 January 2009, MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore PH22 1PN. For further information and to book, visit www.deep-impact.org.uk
HOW TO RUN A CAFÉ CHURCH is a training day of teaching, workshops and worship that will equip you to run a café church. 24 January 2009, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Queen’s Park Baptist Church, Glasgow. £25 (£20 ‘early bird’ rate available until 21 November). For further information and to book, visit www.cafechurch.net [To hear Cid Latty (Minister at Christchurch Baptist in Welwyn Garden City) speak about how his church became involved with Costa Coffee, his vision for a cafe church in every high street and why he has set up the Cafechurch Network, visit Cafe Church - a dream ticket for Costa Coffee and the Church.]
SOUNDCHECK 09 The SPEAK Network is hosting a ‘warehouse gathering’ which will include speakers, workshops and live music. Ron Sider, author of ‘Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger’, will explore the promises of justice and freedom for the oppressed offered in the Bible. 27 February – 1 March 2009, The Synergy Centre, 220 Farmers Road, London SE5 0TW. For further information, visit www.speak.org.uk or to book, visit www.speak.org.uk/who-speak-is/news-and-events/soundcheck-09-responseability
FRENZY 2009 Tickets are now on sale for the UK’s largest one-day Christian music festival.
6 June 2009, Royal Highland Hall, Ingliston, Edinburgh. For further information, visit www.frenzyfrenzy.com or contact the ticket hotline on 08708 748748.
Resources
CAIRNGORMS CHRISTIAN CENTRE, in the Highland village of Kincraig and part of the Cairngorms National Park, is a good low-cost venue for groups and families, providing a comfortable place to stay whether on a retreat, an Alpha course, for church weekends or weeks, or simply to relax and revitalise. There is an Access Fund for groups and individuals so that, when finances are limited, support can be given to make a visit possible. Contact the Manager on 01540 651373. For further information, visit www.cairngormschristiancentre.co.uk
GO EVEN FURTHER A new CD toolkit focusing on how to use Gift Aid to increase charity income has been produced by HM Revenue and Customs. It includes basic guidance, templates, an interactive claim form and other materials. Request it by phoning HMRC Charities on 08453 020 203 or by email.
iMatter DVD RUN has added two new PDF downloads to assist those who use iMatter as an outreach resource: ‘Ideas for how to use iMatter’ and ‘iMatter Conversation Starters’, both designed to help get the most out of the DVD. Visit www.run.org.uk/R/imatter/default.aspx
RELATIONS WITH OTHER FAITHS The November edition of this newsletter from Iain Stewart, Inter-Faith Support Worker, features the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah and details of events and opportunities, one of which is a chance for young people to be part of an exciting Inter-Faith project in Africa, through the auspices of the Tony Blair Foundation. Visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk/extranet/xmissiondisciple/xmdresources.htm#rwof
SCRIPTURE UNION has a wide selection of items suitable as Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. In addition, there is the ‘Ultimate’ range of no-nonsense, easy-to-use resources for church leaders, including quizzes, visual aids, creative prayer, games and craft ideas. Visit www.scriptureunion.org.uk/Shop/Offers/38541.id
Rural Church
THE CHANGING POST OFFICE is the title of a day conference hosted by ACTS and Scottish Churches Rural Group, to give information to enable for churches to lead their communities in the provision of cost effective sustainable services. 4 December, 11am – 4pm, Church of Scotland Offices, 121 George Street, Edinburgh. Free, but booking is essential. For further information or to book, contact Shona Paterson on 01259 222362 or shonapateraon@acts-scotland.org
RURAL DIRECT Helping rural communities to access funding Whether you’re looking to refurbish a village hall, develop new local amenities and services, or work out a long term plan for your community’s future development, funding is available from the Scottish Government through SCVO. For help with locating and applying for funding, contact 0845 838 8598 or visit www.ruraldirect.org.uk
VALUE ADDED CHURCH – the role of the church in rural community life From Monday 17 November it will be possible to listen to the speakers at the 2008 Rural Church Conference and download their PowerPoint presentations. Visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk,select Mission and Discipleship from the drop-down box at Councils and Committees, press Go and then scroll down to the Rural Strategy Team section.
Vacancies / Help Required
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER Liberton/KLM Churches in South Edinburgh, seek to recruit a committed Christian with some experience of family work who, with the backing of the leadership team, will offer friendship, encouragement and support to families in the Gracemount, Burdiehouse and Southhouse areas of Edinburgh. 20 hours pw, £11,250 pa. For job description and application form, contact John Young, 7 Kirk Park, Edinburgh EH16 6HZ, 0131 664 3067 or LLLJYOUNG@btinternet.com Closing date, 31 January 2009.
LOST FOR THE LACK OF TRANSLATION There are 6,900 languages in the world today, yet 4,500 still wait to have their first words of Scripture. This means that for millions of people the Good News of Jesus remains a closed book as they have no access to the Bible’s life-changing message in their own language. The Scottish Bible Society is supporting translation projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Sudan. To sponsor the translation of a chapter or to give a donation, visit www.scottishbiblesociety.org/indexflash.php
RUN – REACHING THE UNCHURCHED NETWORK have issued the following requests: “As many of you will be getting plans together for the Christmas period, we wondered if you could let us know if you are planning anything out of the ordinary? Contact the RUN office with this or any other news, we are always pleased to hear from you! info@run.org.uk We are also looking for material for our next RUNway magazine, due for publication at the end of the year. We are taking the theme of ‘Community Engagement – The Practicalities of Incarnational Theology’ and are looking for some ‘thumbnail’ stories to publish. So, if you would like to let us know what you are getting up to in serving your local community, send in a short (100 words) description for us to consider for inclusion.”
Trusts/Funding
AITKEN BEQUEST FOR SKIERS gives funds for religious services for skiers.
MISS MS WALLACE BEQUEST gives funds for youth work in Edinburgh.
Enquiries and requests for application forms for the above trusts should be directed to Rev Douglas Nicol, dnicol@cofscotland.org.uk or his PA, Mrs Eva Elder, eelder@cofscotland.org.uk
Children in Need Grant applications are open until 15 January 2009. While funds are not available ‘for the promotion of religion’, grants are given to organisations working with disadvantaged children and young people. The annual budget is around £25m and grants range from £4,000 to £900,000. There is a dedicated grants page. For help and further information, phone 020 8576 7788 or email the helpdesk.
The Rayne Foundation makes grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 in support of social welfare and development work. Rayne Grants is an open application programme, and their website includes an e-guide to help you decide if you would be likely to be considered. For further information, contact Jenny Herring on 020 7487 9656 or email Jenny Herring
Some Websites to Explore
http://www.eni.ch/rss/ The Ecumenical News International site contains reports and articles, including a report from a recent meeting, convened by the World Council of Churches, aimed at developing an ecumenical Christian theological understanding of dialogue with Islam.
Housing Justice carries a downloadable four-page guidance document – Soup Run Best Practice Guide. From issues such as volunteer insurance to dealing with difficult situations, this carries a range of information that is a really useful checklist.
http://runspace.ning.com/ RUN’s new interactive social networking site is designed to keep people in touch with others who share a passion for mission. Recent activity includes discussion on ‘What is Church for?’ and ‘A voice from the fringe’. It is free to join.
www.run.org.uk/r/envision/rep/NatConf2008.aspx A downloadable video of Rowan Williams being interviewed for the RUN National Conference, ‘More Than This’, is now available. The Archbishop deals with three ‘vital questions of mission’: ‘What place mission in a multicultural world?’, ‘Cultural relevance or gospel centrality?’ and ‘Opportunities and challenges?’
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk gives details of Fabulous Festive Family Events happening in December at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0131 556 9579 or reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com
