http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery2012-06-02T13:02:23.761ZPosts of News and NoticesGoogle Sites1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/57856716340756222742012-05-16T07:20:50.371Z2012-05-16T07:20:50.378Z2012-05-16T07:20:50.359ZThe Flame of Faith
The Flame of Faith was launched in the Archdeaconry last week as 2012 candles began to make their way out into the parishes of Buckinghamshire. Archdeacon Karen spoke about this project with our Church Wardens as they were sworn in at Newport Pagnell last night. You can read more about this at: http://www.oxford.anglican.org/archdeaconries/buckingham-archdeaconry/flame-of-faith-resources.html - There are also downloadable resources for services and assemblies.

Our own candles will be arriving in MK Deanery on the 23rd of May at a special school assembly in Great Linford. David Thom (our Lay Chair) and I will then be delivering them to parishes as we drive around the deanery on Thursday 24th. At the moment, the schedule for the day is:

9:30am - St Mary's Wavendon, Walton (Combined with a Coffee Morning)
10:30am - St Lawrence Bradwell, Stantonbury and Willen
2:00pm - St Mary's, Watling Valley
3:00pm - St Frideswide, Water Eaton (Combined with an afternoon tea)
5:00pm - St Martin's, Fenny Stratford
6:30pm - St Mary and St Giles, Stony Stratford and Calverton
7:30pm - Holy Trinity, Wolverton

At each stop we will bring a large candle which will have been lit (for the first time) by our friends in Newport Deanery. There will be some brief 'handover' prayers, and I will have packs of candles for you to give to schools, residential homes, etc... in your area. This will all make sense when you see what we have. You don't have to rush to send your candles out, but it would obviously make sense for them to be given before the Olympics actually begin.

These visits will replace the usual annual visitations, but we won't be inspecting books or linen this year - so don't worry! We will, however, be back with the forms and the regular routines next year...

I'm sure that all of the host churches would be happy for people to come and take part in the handovers, and it would be great to make these prayerful moments.

The large candle will then stay with us at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone - alongside some special 'flames of faith' - where anyone can see it.

At the end of our week we will light a new candle which we will carry across the border into Buckingham Deanery. A group of us will be leaving the car park at Shenley Wood at 11:00am on the 30th May and will walk to Whaddon - where we will look back on the city from the pub car park(!). Please feel free to join us on the walk if you are free. We will then pass the flame to our friends from Buckingham who will pick up to baton and continue the journey... Clergy from both Deanery Chapters will be sharing lunch together in the pub and I know there will be a few church wardens too...

Hopefully this will be a meaningful week as we reflect together on our role as stewards of Christ's light - and pass on something of that light to others.

All the best
Tim
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comtheflameoffaith-11http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/20132515874452561642012-04-16T08:57:26.678Z2012-04-16T08:57:51.889Z2012-04-16T08:57:26.668ZThe Flame of Faith
From Karen, Archdeacon of Buckingham

As a celebration of faith in Bucks in the Jubilee and Olympic year the plan is to have 2012 candles distributed by churches across the County.  Instead of it being an exclusively Church event I am asking parishes to distribute the candles to local schools, nursing homes, prisons, hospitals and any other place you can think of so the light of Christ is taken out into the local community.  Each candle will come in a special glass container (in Living Faith colours) with a prayer card providing a liturgy of receiving the light and some prayers.
Flame of Faith
Each deanery has a week during which the candles will be distributed (please see that attached map for your dates), either at a central Service of worship or separately to each parish, a large candle for the deanery will be received from the neighbouring deanery, and one passed to the next deanery in a relay which will lead up to the opening of the Olympics at the beginning and end of the week. This large candle can be lit in a central location.   Four flame lights will also be available to deaneries for their special events.  The candles can be then taken out at anytime from parish churches and distributed into the local community, and hopefully will make something of 'bringing the light' to that particular location.
 
The aim is that by the beginning of the Olympics 2012 candles will be 'alight' as a demonstration of a sharing of Living faith in Buckinghamshire.
 
Resource material will be produced giving ideas for school assemblies which will be circulated nearer the time (and will be available from Area Deans).  With this email I am attaching a variety of resources available now, particularly for use in local publicity, these include a PDF map of the route, an article which can be adapted for a Parish Magazine and an article to feature in next month's door.  A Word file of the logo is also available.  Hopefully through the deaneries press coverage can be arranged as we celebrate together our unity in Christ.
Map

I hope everyone who can will get behind this event and it will link in with your other events and commitments during the spring/summer.  It is designed to be a simple way we can all participate in an act of faith sharing together and something which will unite us as an archdeaconry.  This years visitations will also take the theme of light.  Some churches/deaneries will be able to distribute more candles than others so please let your Area Dean/Lay Chair know how many you need to distribute to locations within your benefice.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact your Area Dean to find out more, or email me during the run up to your special week if you need any further information or practical advice. 
 
It is my hope that the Flame of Faith relay will be a symbol of our unity as churches in Buckinghamshire, as we share the light of Christ across our churches and out into the world.
 
With all good wishes
 
Karen

Archdeacon of Buckingham
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comtheflameoffaith1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/89604027004104867302011-05-21T13:14:06.335Z2011-05-21T13:16:57.030Z2011-05-21T13:16:57.014ZChrist the Sower Summer Fete
Friends Together, the staff and pupils at
Christ the Sower School 
would love you to  join them for

Fun at the Seaside

at our Summer Fete
on Saturday 2nd July
11—2 pm 

BBQ    Military Vehicles   Raffle    
Refreshments    Stalls    Games 
 Bouncy Castle   Fire Engine
And much more…

Christ the Sower School,
Singleton Drive, 
Grange Farm

Entry 50p per adult
Children free

Come  along and have some fun

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comchristthesowersummerfete1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/38035495685790445692011-05-09T07:12:31.082Z2011-05-09T07:13:04.547Z2011-05-09T07:13:04.525ZMore Than Gold

April 2011
Issue 7
on track header

The signs are that the venues for the 2012 Games - and the systems to run them - will be ready in good time. We want churches like yours to equally be prepared. And this email brings you more news of training and resources to get you ahead of the game.  
 

In particular, please don't miss our On Your Marks tour coming your way in May and June - more details below. It is a mine of updated information about how the Games are going to impact your patch. And do please bring others from your church or other churches in your area.    
 

Meanwhile, here's a little advance notice. We are suggesting churches mark the countdown to the Games over the weekend of 17th and 18th September - with events, prayer, celebration or what works best for them.    
 

We are working on ideas and resources to help churches plan and deliver a great time. Watch this space.  
 

Thank you.    
 

Peter Meadows

Communications Director

In This Issue
Training to help churches run community festivals
'On Your Marks' events to spell out key areas for churches
Open youth forum launched with May 14 event
The Sandown Christian Resources Exhibition is a More Than Gold takeover
Don't miss the big four
Prayer points
 Training to help churches run community festivals

Girl and plate

THIRTEEN TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES to help churches run Community Festivals as part of their engagement with the 2012 Games take place over the coming months. The venues include London, Newcastle, Oxford, Reading, Preston, Croydon, Liverpool and Aylesbury.

On offer are two alternative models of festival. With training options that range from an intensive day to a weekend that includes involvement with an actual Community Festival.

The training is being run jointly by Fusion and Share Jesus International. Full information is atmorethangold.org.uk/festivals

It is hoped churches will work together to run a festival for their community either in the run up to the Games or during them. This includes the opportunity offered by the London 2012 seventy day Torch Relay that will run through much of the UK, the route for which is due to be announced in May.

'On Your Marks' events to spell out key areas for churches

Start line

THE LATEST ROADSHOW from More Than Gold helps churches discover how they can engage with their communities through the three key areas of the Torch Relay, Community Festivals and Sports Outreach.

The nineteen centre tour during May and June is essential for all wanting to make the most of the Games. So please be there and bring others with you.

For more information and to reserve places visit morethangold.org.uk/onyourmarks 

The dates and locations are:

Evenings are May: 12th Esher, 17th Oxford, 19th Wimbledon, 23rd Rochester, 24th Welling , 26th Chiswick. June: 6th Stratford, 7th Bristol, 8th Weymouth, 9th Worthing, 13thChelmsford, 16th Birmingham, 20th Leeds, 21st Manchester, 22nd Leicester, 22ndNewcastle, 23rd Cambridge, 30th Nottingham

Lunches for church leaders are May: 19th Wimbledon, 24th Welling and 26h Chiswick.

Open youth forum launched with May 14 event

Youth forum

YOUNG ADULTS ARE BEING asked to 'come and tell us what you think and create ways to involve young people like you in mission through the 2012 Games'.

That's the open invitation to More Than Gold's Youth Forum. With the promise of an action packed day where youth set their own agenda and have their voice heard.

The event takes place on Saturday 14 May from 10am to 5pm at Wesley's Chapel, City Road, London. It runs in parallel with a day of training in Community Festivals at the same venue. And it is hoped that some attending the festivals training will bring young people with them to take part in the Youth Forum.

Those wanting to register a place or request more information should contactgames@methodistchurch.org.uk


The Sandown Christian Resources Exhibition is a More Than Gold takeover

CRE Sandown

MORE THAN GOLD WILL BE splashed all over the annual CRE (Christian Resources Exhibition) at Sandown in May. Churches will come face to face with the opportunities the Games offer and have a first look at the resources available.

The involvement of the More Than Gold team includes -

  • A More Than Gold Café in the heart of the exhibition that features Spotlight, a fifteen minute chat show twice an hour, and a sports quiz twice a day.
  • Seminars every day on Your Church and the 2012 Games and Three Great Opportunities for Your Church.

Showcased will be the first catalogue of resources for churches to help them in their outreach.

Details of CRE can be found here.

Don't miss the big four

4 aces

THERE ARE FOUR SIMPLE things everyone supporting More Than Gold should do -

  1. Make sure their church has a Gold Champion (Church Rep) to receive regular updates especially for churches - sign up here 
  2. Be sure to be at one of the On Your Marks tour dates - for inspiration, input and update - click here for more 
  3. Be a friend on our Facebook to be part of the conversation -join us here 
  4. Sign up for our RSS feed so you always receive the very latest news - view the rss feed

It really is as easy as that.

Prayer points

Prayers

There are some big issues to pray for right now. For the latest information please go here

Meanwhile we hope the following is helpful.

  • Pray for the team working to help churches be ready for the London 2012 Torch Relay that will pass through most of the UK. In particular -

    • For ways to be found for churches to engage with the relay through outreach, hospitality and service
    • For partnerships to be established with the right people who can assist the team in resourcing and mobilising the vision
    • For individuals and churches to unite together and pray for the entire country as the Torch makes its journey through the UK
  • Pray for the contacts that will be made at the Christian Resources Exhibition and for churches to have their eyes and hearts open to the opportunity of the Games
  • Pray for more volunteers to help us with the workload at our Kings Cross office. And Matt Oliver, our Operations Director as he holds it all together

And give thanks to God for all he is helping us to do. Thank you.

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.commorethangold-11http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/24679793696442797812011-05-09T06:57:42.329Z2011-05-09T06:58:02.461Z2011-05-09T06:58:02.435ZCommunications Courses
Your church and the media
22 June or 7 October 2011, 11am-3:30pm
Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
£30 for delegates from Church of England churches
 
Would you like to help your church work with your local media? Are you responsible for communications in your church? Does your church have a communications strategy? This half day workshop will help you identify what you're trying to say to which parts of your community, and give you ideas about the best tools to reach them.
 
For more information and an online booking form go to http://www.churchcommstraining.org/churchandmedia.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
Getting to grips with Visual Liturgy Live
8 June or 22 November 2011
Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
£80 for delegates from Church of England churches
 
Visual Liturgy live is a unique and powerful service planning tool that provides everything you need to create inspiring, refreshing and well-planned worship. Spend a day learning how this powerful tool works, getting to grips with features such as service templates, styles and properties, and creating your own template to take home with you.
 
For more information and an online booking form go to http://www.churchcommstraining.org/visualliturgy.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
Mission in the Wedding Show marketplace
20 July or 29 November 2011
Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
£40 for delegates from Church of England churches
 
Wedding show are the perfect place for your church to meet couples and demonstrate just how much you would like to welcome them for their wedding. But the highly commercialised environment can be intimidating- how can the church compete with everything that other venues have to offer? This half day interactive workshop will give you need to run an effective and attractive stand, as well as the chance to share ideas with others involved in this work.
 
For more information and an online booking form go to http://www.churchcommstraining.org/weddingshow.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
Effective personal communication
12 October 2011 10am-5pm
Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
£100 for delegates from Church of England churches
 
Whether in one-to-one situations, with a small group, in a team or as part of a large organisation, we all need to be able to communicate effectively. This practical workshop will give you the opportunity to assess your communication style, build on your strengths and manage your weaknesses.
 
For more information and an online booking form go to http://www.churchcommstraining.org/personalcomm.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
Dealing with Challenging Interviews
10 November 2011 10am-5pm
Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
£140 for delegates from Church of England churches
 
If you are a spokesperson for your church or organisation there is a chance you will have to take place in difficult interviews. This interactive small group workshop will help you improve your interview skills and deal with tricky questions with confidence.
 
For more information and an online booking form go to http://www.churchcommstraining.org/challenginginterviews.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
Social media for the scared
29 June, 2pm-5pm or 20 September 10am-1pm
Church House, London SW1P 3AZ
£50 for delegates from Church of England organisations
 
Do you want to use social media to interact with your community, but have no idea how to do it? This half day workshop will give you the skills and confidence to get started.
 
For more information and an online booking form go to http://www.churchcommstraining.org/socialmedia.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
Writing for the web
Distance learning, enrolment deadlines 1 June or 28 October 2011
£25 for delegates from Church of England organisations
 
Writing for the web is different from writing for any other media, so how can you make sure the text on your site gets your message across? Learn the key techniques that will increase traffic and make sure your virtual visitors find the information they want.
 
For more information and an online booking form visit http://www.churchcommstraining.org/writingforweb.php or ring 020 7898 1465.
 
 
Suzanne Gray
Communications Officer
Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England

Tel: 020 7898 1465  
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comcommunicationscourses1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/74424358335557671722011-05-05T09:10:54.424Z2011-05-05T09:13:49.067Z2011-05-05T09:13:48.994ZThe E Word

the e word

ISSUE NUMBER 55 –4th MAY 2011

the e word is a twice-monthly news-sheet with information about events and local and regional information about living, deepening and sharing our Christian faith. It is emailed directly to all the ‘Champions’ as well as being copied to our Bishops, Archdeacons and many others across the diocese. If you have information that you would like to communicate to others, contact Janet Russell here .

 

‘Champions’ are people in each parish who have a passion for evangelism and will work with their Vicar to ensure that the topic (‘Making Disciples’) will remain on the church agenda.

 

BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY & HARVEST WELCOME: STORIES FROM 2010

Please email the Editor of The Door (ASAP!) with your stories about BTCS or Harvest Welcome last year.

 

THE GAMES ARE COMING OUR WAY – OXFORD DIOCESE & MORE THAN GOLD

The Diocesan response to the London 2012 Games will be launched on 17th May at 6.30pm in Oxford with Bishop John. “The Race Before us: community – hospitality – service”.  Details here 

 

More than Gold

Sign up for the MTG Gold newsletter - it suggests churches set aside the weekend of 17th & 18th September to strategically prepare and plan for their mission in 2012. See MTG website for timeline.

 

GDOP LONDON ANNOUNCES “WEMBLEY DAY” ON 17TH SEPTEMBER

Global Day Of Prayer at Wembley Stadium - a Strategic Prayer Summit. Read more

 

OXFORD Diocesan missioners

Diocesan missioners are now available to work with deaneries and parishes. See.

 

FX CONFERENCE IN OXFORD – MAY 6TH 2011, 10AM-4PM, £30

“Changing the landscape: making the mixed economy work.” For all denominations, for pioneers, practitioners, missioners, area deans, synod members and anybody else. Book here  

 

NEW WINE – TRAINING FOR YOUTH & CHILDREN’S WORKERS IN MAY

14 May in Cheltenham or 21st May in London. £10. 9.30am - 4.30pm “Kids workers training days” -

 

APOLOGETICS – “UNBELIEVABLE: THE CONFERENCE”

A day conference at Bloomsbury Baptist Church on 14th May, £20. presented by Premier Radio. and

 

COTSWOLD CHURCHES FESTIVAL 2011 14th -22nd May

The Festival gives Cotswold churches an opportunity to provide a warm welcome to visitors. See. 

 

 ‘The Holy Spirit in the World Today’ HTB conference 3 JUNE

For theologians and church leaders to think about the person, role and work of the Holy Spirit. See  

Pentecost FESTIVAL 3RD – 12TH JUNE IN CENTRAL LONDON

The dates for this London based national festival of outreach are at: http://www.pentecostfestival.co.uk/

 

LYCIG – HIGH LEIGH CONFERENCE 6TH -9TH JUNE 2011

£249 with reductions for under 30s and for groups. Booking form  (CMD grants available for ministers).

 

Pilgrimage UK 2011 – conference – “Developing Missional Communities”

From St Thomas Crookes and the Philadelphia Centre in Sheffield, a four day conference. 6-9 June.  See

 

 “Mend the gap” – WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE - JUNE 18TH

All are welcome to a day conference at The King’s Centre in Oxford on June 18th 2011. Speakers: the Bishop of Oxford and the Revd. Mark Griffiths. Cost: £5, including lunch. Booking here - and Information.

 

MESSY CHURCH MEMO FROM YVONNE MORRIS

A round up of the latest Messy Church related stuff – in two attachments:

 

FESTIVAL OF PRAYER – RIPON COLLEGE CUDDESDON – JULY 16TH

An opportunity to explore different aspects of Christian spirituality - £20. information and booking

 

SOUL SURVIVOR 2011

Get the basic details about the Soul Survivor summer events! Find out about the dates, a little history, what the five days are all about - and who the events are for. There is a video to watch too – here.

 

GREENBELT 2011 – 26th– 28th August

Music, performance, talks and visual arts, space to worship, film, comedy, all-age activities. See

 

RENEWED RURAL MISSION WEBSITE

The Rural Missions website has been replaced and improved.

 

ROOTED IN JESUS – DISCIPLESHIP MATERIAL FROM ReSource

A new course, currently in preparation, to help groups of people enter into a relationship with Jesus and to grow into active witnesses, dependent on the Holy Spirit. See

 

DATABASE OF COURSES AND RESOURCES: CALMonline

An ecumenical resource collating information to help develop Christian faith, see…

 

RE-INSPIRED

RE INSPIRED aims to make religious education exciting - and to help you engage with your local schools.

 

THE JESUS DECK – USED AT MIND-BODY-SPIRIT FAIRS

What is the Jesus Deck? How is it used? See http://thejesusdeck.blogspot.com/

 

More Information

For news of more books, courses and resources, see : http://www.oxford.anglican.org/page/eword/

 

And finally…

AV Pet: - the alternative vote (when things go wrong) see Auf Wiedersehen Pet  

And a Royal Wedding bonus: watch!

4th  May 2011

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comtheeword1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/51014859756636303582011-05-05T09:09:08.675Z2011-05-05T09:09:45.636Z2011-05-05T09:09:45.612ZDiocesan News
Don't forget it's this weekend that the Archbishop of Canterbury visits the diocese.  Clergy hoping to attend the teaching session at North Oxfordshire Academy on Saturday are reminded to inform the Bishop of Oxford's office -christine.lodge@oxford.anglican.org - so that your name will be on the list.  There will be a full report in The Doorand online afterwards.
 
Training / Courses
Ways to Pray
BRF are offering a day of seminars to explore ways to enhance your spiritual life - 10 May. Details ...

In-service study weeks at St John's, Nottingham - Details ...

MA in Mission and Ministry at St John's, Nottingham - Taster Session on 20 May -  Details ...
 
Transforming Clergy Leadership Conference - 6 to 10 June - Details ...

The Lighthouse Group are holding a Church Leader Day on 28 June from 11am - 3pm at St Paul's Church, Queen Street, London W6 9PJ. Details from david.horsfall@tlg.org.uk
 
Faith in Maintenance Training Days
Wednesday 20 July at St John the Evangelist, Fernham - details ...
Thursday 20 October at St Mary's Church, Wendover - details ...
 
Renaissance Ministry
A two part residential programme at Sarum College - Details ...
 
Events/Campaigns
Anniversary of King James Version of the Bible:
Manifold Greatness - Oxford and the making of the King James Bible - exhibition at the Bodleian Library now on.  Details here...
Event to celebrate the 400th anniversary of KJV at Merton College, Oxford on 19 May at 8pm. Details here...
The Bible in Voice and Verse - a special concert of words and music - 20 May and 28 May. Details here...

Oxford CYM (Centre for Youth Ministry) Open Morning and Book Launch - 10 May at CMS, Oxford. Details here...
 
Vocations Sunday - 15 May - Details ...

Cotswold Churches Festival - 14 to 22 May - Details ...
 
The Games are coming our way - 17 May 
Come and find out how your church can be part of the moment at our launch event in association with More than Gold. Details ...
 
David Stirling Golf Day - 2 June - Details ...
 
Christ Church Cathedral forthcoming services/events - Details ...
 
Concert by East Oxford Community Choir and Ensemble Vocal Interlude from Grenoble - Mendelssohn's St Paul - 3 June at 7.30pm at the Sheldonian Theatre. Details...

Mend the Gap - 18 June
A day to inspire and practically help you to start, develop or sustain work with children and young people. Details ...
 
Sea Sunday - 10 July
Support the Anglican maritime ministry - Sea Sunday packs available here...
   
Resources
For Creed and Creation Book
A simple guide to greening your church with practical suggestions for making your church more energy efficient. Details..
 
More ...
Hymn books available - 100 copies of Ancient Modern and Revised books plus 100 copies of Hundred Hymns for Today books are available as no longer being used - if you would like them please contact dan@ctmparish.org.uk

Details of vacancies within the diocese here... 
 
Prayers - the monthly prayer diary for the Diocese of Oxford is available here...
 
 
 

Debbie Dallimore 
Communications Department 
Diocesan Church House 
North Hinksey 
Oxford OX2 0NB. 
Tel: 01865 208225

The Oxford Diocesan board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England (No. 142978) whose registered office is at Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey Lane, Oxford, OX2 0NB, and is a Registered Charity (No. 247954) VAT registration number 630 6345 61

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comdiocesannews-11http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/25080313528206708112011-04-26T06:25:34.496Z2011-04-26T07:08:14.483Z2011-04-26T07:08:14.451ZSummer Time
I hope you had a really good Easter weekend and that you're still celebrating the resurrection as the season of Easter continues. For those of us who live by school terms, the holidays are already over and a new burst of activities has already begun... This is a brief note of the major Milton Keynes Deanery events that will be happening this term...

May 4th: Deanery Chapter
Deanery Chapter will be meeting in Wolverton with Janet Russell who will be talking about Evangelism.

May 11th: The Annual Visitation
Church Wardens will be invited to St George's in Wolverton on May 11th for the annual visitation at which they will be sworn in. Please make sure that new wardens have been told about this - and that their names have been sent to the diocese - and to the Jenni at the Deanery Office as well!

May 14th: First Annual Reflection Day for the Mission Partnership
The Mission Partnership is slowly adopting its new structures and procedures. The Reflection Day is a big part of this since it is an opportunity for those involved to stop and thingk about the direction of Ecumenical Mission in Milton Keynes.

May 22nd: Farewell to Jeremy Trigg
Jeremy Trigg, Rector of Wolverton, will be off to pastures new this summer and his last services will be on May 22nd. We wish him well for the future.

May 25th: Deanery Synod
The New Synod will not start officially until June 8th so this will be the final meeting of the old synod. The meeting will include presentations on the environment and the Food Bank.

House of Clergy Elections for Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee - by June 7th
There will be three clergy reps on the new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee. These will be elected by Deanery Chapter meeting by the 7th June. This election will happen first so that Synod can see which parishes will be represented by clergy.

June 8th: Deanery Synod
There will be a special open meeting of Deanery Synod on June 8th to discuss the issue of Women in the Episcopate. This will be the first meeting of the new synod and there will be information about the committees and groups to which new synod members could belong.

House of Laity Elections for Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee - June 8th to July 6th
There will be six lay reps on the new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee. Nomination papers will be issued at the Synod meeting on June 8th. The deadline for nominations will be June 22nd. Voting papers will be sent out on June 24th and votes counted on July 6th. 

Interviews for Director of Ecumenical Mission
There will be interviews for the new Director of Ecumenical Mission this term. This post will replace the Ecumenical Moderator as the key post in the Mission Partnership. It is hoped that someone will be in post by September.

June 23rd: Deanery Chapter Quiet Day with Bishop Alan

June 26th: Farewell to Mary Cotes
There will be a special farewell service for our Ecumenical Moderator Mary Cotes on June 26th at 6:00pm at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone. All are welcome at this opportunity to celebrate her time with us and say goodbye.

July 6th: Deanery Chapter
At 12 noon at the Well with Eucharist and fellowship time.

July 13th: Local Ministers Group - Summer Social
The second 'annual' social event for Associate Clergy, Non-Stipendiary Ministers, Licensed Lay Ministers, Accredited Lay Workers - and others - will take place at 3 Daubeney Gate from 7:00pm onwards...

July 20th: Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee
The first meeting of the new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee will take place on Wednesday July 10th. Please make sure that all business has been passed on to the Deanery Leadership Team by the 4th of July.

July 24th: Licensing of Keith Straughan
Keith Straughan, the Dean of UCMK will be licensed as an Associate Priest in the Deanery at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone. 
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comsummertime1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/35686805106771772892011-03-17T07:18:16.274Z2011-03-17T07:18:34.173Z2011-03-17T07:18:34.160ZDiocesan News
URGENT ACTION NEEDED BY PARISHES DUE TO CHANGE TO INSURANCE COVER WITH ECCLESIASTICAL. Information available here.

MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JOHN: 'Obviously our prayers have been with the people of Japan this week.  Such terrifying events remind us of the awesome power of nature and the care with which we must work with it.  When giving money isn't what is really needed, our compassion is best expressed in our empathic  prayer.  After all, prayer is our best way of loving people.  I know we will also show our concern to any Japanese people and any Japanese links we have in our parishes or other places of ministry.' - +John
 
Training / Courses

Listening Skills Week at St John's, Nottingham - 4 to 8 April. Details ...

Fundraising for Churches and other Places of Worship
Training day with Revd Maggie Durran in Bicester on 16 June. Details ...

Navigating the future
A gathering for curates and their families on 24 to 28 October. Details ...  Please contact CMS direct if interested.

CMS Pioneer Mission Leadership training course. Details ...

 
Events/Campaigns

Saturday 2 April at St Mary's Church, Thame at 7.30pm
JS Bach's 'St John Passion' performed by the Thame Chamber Choir. Details ...

Tuesday 5 April at 4pm at Christ Church, Oxford
Simon Walker is speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival on 'Cameron, Clegg, Miliband: why we are facing a leadership crisis today and what we can do about it.' Tickets £10 available here...

Saturday 9 April from 12 noon - 4pm
Free fun for the family at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road OX1 3PW. Meet live bats, owls, newts, beetles and bugs, shake a dinasaur's claw and much more...

Saturday 21 May from 9.30am - 1.30pm
The Association of Christian Writers invite you to a regional writer's day at St Mary's Church, Thame. Details ...

Thursday 23 June - Day of prayer for the Armed Forces. Details ...

 
Resources
For Creed and Creation Book
A simple guide to greening your church with practical suggestions for making your church more energy efficient. Details..

Biblefresh Newsletter - March 2011.  Details ...

The Weddings Project and resources - Details ...

'In-pew' entertainment
New resources available for parish service sheets. Details ...

Living Faith Resources
We still have copies of the following leaflets available: 'Reading the Bible' - a simple guide;   'Prayer' - - a simple guide and the new''Pilgrimage' - a simple guide.  You should also have recently received the new card 'An Hour Out' . If you want copies of any of the above please contact debbie.dallimore@oxford.anglican.org
 
'Passion for Real Life' edited by Alison Webster (Diocesan Social Responsibility Adviser)
A collection of prayers, reflections and stories for each day of Holy Week. Details ...

Printing and photocopying services available to parishes at special rates.  Details ...
 
More ...

Religious Broadcasts  from 19 - 25 March

The first renewable heat incentive launched to reduce emissions - details ...

Details of vacancies within the diocese here...

Prayers - the monthly prayer diary for the Diocese of Oxford is available here...

  
 

Debbie Dallimore 
Communications Department 
Diocesan Church House 
North Hinksey 
Oxford OX2 0NB. 
Tel: 01865 208225

The Oxford Diocesan board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England (No. 142978) whose registered office is at Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey Lane, Oxford, OX2 0NB, and is a Registered Charity (No. 247954) VAT registration number 630 6345 61



 
 
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Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comdiocesannews1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/39138571223131037972011-03-16T17:57:54.890Z2011-03-16T17:58:18.229Z2011-03-16T17:58:18.081ZDiocesan Newsletter 9th March 2011

DIOCESE OF OXFORD NEWSLETTER 9 MARCH 2011

Message from the Bishop of Oxford - 'Lent means many things. One meaning is that we prove to ourselves that we are not slaves to our needs and greeds, but able to take responsibility for our lives and actions.  One of my responses is to tackle the Tearfund Carbon Fast again (as the Government publishes the next stage of its carbon emissions policy leading to an 80% reduction by 2050).  I was only partially successful last year so aim to do better this year!  May Lent offer us a little more time for reflection and stillness in our inevitably busy lives.' - +John

COURSES
Summer 2011 'Learning for Discipleship and Ministry' Programme now available - here.
Climate Reach half day workshop introducing participatory approaches and tools on climate change - 15 March. Details here.
Amersham Millennium Lecture - 'The Empire Talks Back' on 30 March at 8pm. Details here.
'Spread the Word' - Sharpen your writing and media skills and get your message across - 30 March in Oxford. Details here.
Communications Training available from Church House, Westminster - a few spaces available. Details here.
Lent courses at The Well at Willen, Milton Keynes - Details here.
Holy Week at Sarum College - Reflection days from 18 to 24 April.  Details here.
History, Heritage and Contemporary Mission and Ministry - 9 May at Sarum College. Detailshere.
Christian Congregational Music Conference at Ripon College, Cuddesdon - 1 to 3 September. Details here.

RESOURCES
The new Clergy Handbook is now available. Details here.
The Clare Foundation - Details here.
Latest news from StillPoint - Details here.
Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Mothering Sunday resources available here.
'For Creed and Creation' - A simple guide to greening your church. Details here.
'On your marks - for the 2012 Games' - Reserve your place now. 'On Track' - More than Gold newsletter (keeping pace with the 2012 games) - here.

EVENTS/CAMPAIGNS
Concert of support for Christchurch New Zealand - Monday 14 March at 4pm in Christ Church Cathedral. Details here.
Faith goes wild - 27 March from 2pm at Aston Rowand National Nature Reserve. Details here.
The Narrow Road by Paul Birch will be performed by the Riding Lights Theatre Company on 19 April in Milton Keynes.  Details here.
Last chance to sign up for the Cotswold Churches Fesitval. Details here.
Celebrate the anniversary of King James Bible at Stowe Church, near Buckingham - Friday 20 May at 7.30pm. Details on website soon 
Creation Theatre will be performing 'Tales from King James' in Oxford from 13 May. Detailshere.
Mend the Gap - a day to inspire and practically help you to start, develop and sustain work with children and young people - 18 June. Details here.

MORE 
National Parish Magazine Awards 2011 and printing offers. Details here.
OxChurch Extra - City Centre parking charges - details here.
Religious Broadcasts from 12 - 18 March here.
Details of vacancies within the Diocese here.
Monthly Prayer diary for the Diocese here.

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comdiocesannewsletter9thmarch20111http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/28367711287780926702011-03-16T17:52:12.270Z2011-03-16T17:56:16.046Z2011-03-16T17:56:16.038ZBrother Samuel
Brother Samuel is back from his trip to Palestine and is starting his placement at Cornerstone. 

We are hoping to organise a special evening for him at the Well on the 15th April when he will be able to tell us more about Lesotho. More details will be available soon.
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.combrothersamuel1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/80439918581684549372011-03-16T17:50:16.321Z2011-03-16T17:50:58.705Z2011-03-16T17:50:58.689ZMore than Gold
Please see below further information from More than Gold for circulation. A note for your diaries is the On your Mark's tour that comes to Oxford 17th May and will also mark the Diocese of Oxford's own Olympic/ Paralympic launch event. Further information to follow.
 
Many thanks
Janet
Revd Janet Binns
Diocese of Oxford Olympic and Paralympic Games Coordinator
 

 February 2011
Issue 6
on track header
Newsletter

Please see below the latest information from More than Gold. You can receive this yourself by registering on More than Gold's website.http://www.morethangold.org.uk/

This as a once in  life time challenge to work together - churches, deaneries and networks motivated to collaborate and share in community mission opportunities.

Christians can be 'ahead of the Games' by being the catalyst to make things happen.

Why not start planning now!!

 

Thanks.
Janet Binns
Diocese of Oxford Olympics and Paralympics Games Coordinator

 

In This Issue
'On Your Marks' tour for May and June
Huge interest in Mission Teams from round the world
Cycle races take in Surrey and six London Borough
Only churches with a Gold Champion get it all
Something new almost every day - on our Facebook
A few words of thanks to our sponsor
Prayer Points
'On Your Marks' tour for May and June
On your marks

TO HELP YOUR CHURCH get ready to run, More Than Gold is on the road in May and June - with the latest information and an in-depth look at three key programme areas.

This is essential for every church wanting to make the most of the Games in reaching their community. So please be there and bring others with you for a packed evening of the latest information and including a detailed look at -

The Torch Relay: How it will impact your community and the part your church can play

Community Festivals: Why, how, and who can help

Sports Outreach: How to reach all ages and the resources that will be on tap

Evenings are May: 12th Esher, 17th Oxford, 23rd Rochester, 24th Welling, 26th Chiswick, June: 6th Stratford, 7th Bristol, 8th Weymouth, 9th Worthing, 13th Chelmsford, 16th Birmingham, 20th Leeds, 21st Manchester, 22nd Leicester, 22nd Newcastle, 23rd Cambridge, 28th London, 30th Nottingham.

Lunches for church leaders are May 24th Welling and 26th Chiswick, with a date for Wimbledon to be confirmed.

For more information and to reserve places visit morethangold.org.uk/onyourmarks 

Huge interest in Mission Teams from round the world

10,000 PEOPLE from a 100 nations could end up serving on mission teams through out the UK through Youth With a Mission alone. This could even include three Viking ships as backdrop for a large-scale evangelistic drama complete with Vikings in costumes.

YWaM's contribution to More Than Gold's Mission Teams will stand alongside hundreds of other agencies and individuals from around the world and the UK itself.

The registration process to take part in Mission Teams for More Than Gold is now open. Registrations can be made here.

Cycle races take in Surrey and six London Boroughs
Cyclists

THE NEWLY ANNOUNCED route for the Olympic Cycling Road Races takes in great swathes of Surrey plus six London boroughs - giving the churches there great opportunities to engage with their communities and spectators.

Scheduled for the weekend of 28 and 29 July, the first weekend of the Olympics, riders race through Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Richmond upon Thames, and Kingston upon Thames. 

They then head through Surrey's Elmbridge, Reigate and Banstead, Guildford, Woking and Mole Valley before the finish on The Mall in central London.

If you are anywhere near, start thinking about your response now. And look out for the dummy run this coming summer.

Only churches with a Gold Champion get it all
Medal

ARE YOU THE PERSON your church needs as their Gold Champion - Church Rep? Remember, until your church has a Gold Champion precious information keeps slipping through their fingers.

So how about stepping up to the plate for a role that need not be more than making sure what your church needs to know gets to the right person? But, if you can do more than that, we'll make is as easy as possible.

To get the picture and register just visit Gold Champions

Something new almost every day - on our Facebook
like

WE'VE PROMISED not to clog up your in box with information overload. Instead, you'll find the latest news and views on our Facebook page almost daily.

Here there's a constant drip feed of latest events, resources, cries for help and occasional funny stuff that's not to be missed. So be sure to 'like' us at Facebook 

A few words of thanks to our sponsors
UBM logo

PART OF WHAT is making More Than Gold possible is the practical and financial support from a growing number of Sponsors - over 20 at the last count.

For example, along with their financial support, United Business Machines have provided our photocopiers. They will also give a three per cent donation to us for all churches that sign up to their Prints 4 Charities programme. Check it out at UBM's website 

Prayer points
Prayers

AS YOU PRAY for More Than Gold, by yourself and with others, we hope the following is helpful.

Financial needs

  • Thank God that More Than Gold has experienced great generosity from people, organisations and denominations who have caught the vision. Which means, so far, we have balanced the books

  • Pray thatall involved keep focused on God as the one who provides and, as we see that happening, that it will encourage everyone to see how great he is

More Than Gold on the road

  • Thank God for the great attendance and response when More Than Gold visited over 14 towns and cities last year - generating lots of activity

  • Pray for all the details of the May/June On Your Marks tour - the planning, the publicity, the programme.

Staff and volunteers

  • Pray for the right replacement for Becky Woolley - leaving to get married - as Executive Assistant to our CEO. Check out or pass on - http://alturl.com/m6e3n

  • Pray for more volunteers to help us with the workload at our Kings Cross office. And Matt Oliver, our Operations Director as he holds it all together

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.commorethangold1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/18285737392783495022011-03-16T17:47:25.755Z2011-03-16T17:49:05.029Z2011-03-16T17:49:05.020ZSt George's Cafe Church is back!
St George's Cafe Church at St George's in Wolverton will be starting again this Sunday 6 March. We'll be starting earlier at 6pm and hope to hold a cafe church every first Sunday of the month. You'll find a list of the proposed dates and themes below.
 
Cafe church is a chance to meet, eat cake and talk about a few of life's questions.
 
6 Mar       Do we live in a fractured community?
3 Apr        Film night, Son of Man
1 May      Our environment, what's our role?
5 Jun        Crisis of capitalism, is there another way?
3 Jul         Film night, Grow Your Own
7 Aug       The great outdoors
4 Sept      History of the world in two and a half hours
2 Oct       Harvest supper, eating together
6 Nov       Everything is spiritual, Rob Bell
4 Dec       Christmas celebration 
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comstgeorgescafechurchisback1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/7922817177104278722011-03-16T17:46:26.323Z2011-03-16T17:46:52.513Z2011-03-16T17:46:52.448ZBridgebuilder Quiz

Hello all

 

Which church/team has the best brains of Milton Keynes this year at ourannual fundraising quiz??  Will you be part of the first team ever to be awarded Bridgebuilder’s new winner’s shield?

 

We would love to see you at our quiz on Saturday 26th March, 7 for 7.30pm, at Netherfield Chapel – come as a team or join one on the night.

 

Details are in our latest bulletin, which you may well have received in the post.  Poster with further information attached, just in case.  Contact me by e-mail or phone to book your place (£7.50 per ticket – which includes a delicious home-cooked meal and (Fairtrade) hot drink – bring your own wine/soft drinks & glasses).

 

I look forward to hearing from you – if you are unable to come/organise a team – please forward this e-mail to someone else in your congregation!

 

Kind regards and grateful thanks,

 

Gill

 

PS: My sincere apologies if you get this e-mail more than once.

 

Gill Bull Mott

Office Manager & Projects Administrator

Bridgebuilder Trust

( 01908 270670

office@mkbt.org.uk

www.mkbt.org.uk

Bridge House  1 Second Avenue  Denbigh West  Bletchley  Milton Keynes  MK1 1ED

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.combridgebuilderquiz1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/90645828344749911182011-03-16T17:45:22.550Z2011-03-16T17:45:40.897Z2011-03-16T17:45:40.875ZEucharistic Variety
EUCHARISTIC VARIETY

A training session for those responsible for leading
Communion services in our LEPs

Many get confused as how to lead Communion Services in a tradition or denomination
other than their own. So they go into the default position of what they already know. So a
request has been made for training and understanding in the actual doing of these services
in the four participating denominations – URC, Methodist, Baptist and Anglican. Each
denomination will be explained in turn led by a member that specific denomination with
some hands on activity.

Date 28th March

Time 9.30 till 2 (bring lunch, drinks provided)

Venue St Andrew’s Church Great Linford

Please let Peter Ballantine know if you are coming.

pballarev@yahoo.com

01908 605892
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comeucharisticvariety1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/18097287749748200112011-03-16T17:44:23.241Z2011-03-16T17:44:48.699Z2011-03-16T17:44:48.692ZScience and Religion
Milton Keynes Theology Forum

Science and Religion

Monday 4 April, 7.30 pm
The Well at Willen, Newport Road, Willen

An open discussion for thinking Christians
Introduction by Prof. Monica Grady,
Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, Open University

How should science and religion interface?  What are the strengths of the various models
adopted by Christians?  Are the two disciplines parallel ways of understanding or can they be
fully integrated?  What takes priority?  What about particular issues that divide Christians such
as creation or genetics?  Why are many ordinary Christians so wary of science?  What should
Christians be learning from scientific research?

Examining tough questions. Encouraging integrity. Enabling for mission.
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comscienceandreligion1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/42834150174264459092011-02-23T18:21:45.312Z2011-02-23T18:28:42.245Z2011-02-23T18:28:42.129ZRiding Lights: The Narrow Road
The famous Riding Lights Theatre Company will be coming to Milton Keynes in April with a presentation of The Narrow Road by Paul Birch.

Tuesday April 19th at 7:30pm
Stantonbury Campus Theatre
Stantonbury, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN
Tickets £10/£8 (concessions)
Box Office 01908 324422 www.ridinglights.org

"Amid the heat and beauty of ancient Palestine, a man stands on a dusty road. An extraordinary journey will take place; one which will re-trace the footsteps of Jesus into a world of miracles and madness, violence and liberation. As The Narrow Road is walked, this turbulent world is turned upside down; its inhabitants confronted by an unexpected and surprising vision.

Meeting the characters and re-living the events of the gospels, this passion story takes its audience back along that original road, through the place of the cross and into the challenge of a life beyond. Compellingly performed, The Narrow Road asks each of us to review the understanding and practice of our own faith in relation to that journey today.

At intervals, the performance creates space for other expressions of worship, music and reflection arising directly out of the drama." 
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comridinglightsthenarrowroad1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/65058913416620835962011-02-18T15:54:24.285Z2011-02-18T16:01:19.081Z2011-02-18T16:01:19.058ZCoffee@Cafe Vine

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comcoffeecafevine1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/54915860497207436902011-02-17T07:55:38.683Z2011-02-17T08:06:24.674Z2011-02-17T08:06:24.672ZWomen in the Episcopate - June Synod
As most people will be aware, our Deanery Synod has been asked to discuss the issue of Women in the Episcopate. We set a plan for this discussion - see Women in the Episcopate. 

Since then we have realised that this is a Synod election year (see Deanery Elections). We have also been asked to make this a special single issue meeting, so there will be a special open meeting of Deanery Synod on June 8th. More details will be available soon.

The last meeting of Deanery Synod asked that we find speakers to put the different viewpoints. Others have asked that we find a way of voting on the main motion. We will be working on this over the next few months...

In the meantime, please remember that parishes are invited to discuss the issue - if they want to. Resources are available for this (see notes).
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comwomenintheepiscopate-junesynod2http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/7123760097536974322010-11-03T13:06:34.153Z2011-02-17T08:05:24.321Z2011-02-17T08:05:24.319ZWomen in the Episcopate
As many of you will be aware, the Church of England has been discussing the issue of women as bishops for some time. General Synod has now referred the issue to Diocesan Synods for discussion. Oxford Diocesan Synod will be discussing and voting on the following motion at their meeting on 12th November 2011:

"That this Synod approve the proposals embodied in the draft Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure and in draft Amending Canon No 30"

Bishop's Council have asked that views be sought from Deaneries so Bishop John and Rosemary Pearce (Diocesan Secretary) have written to Area Deans to ask us to build the question in to our programmes for spring and summer 2011. They have not asked us to refer it to PCCs but are happy for us to do so. They have also indicated that briefing materials will be available before Christmas.

We are not being asked to make a formal decision, since the motion will be voted on by elected members of Diocesan Synod -  but we are invited to pass on "a straw poll, or reflections".

We are conscious that there are a range of views on this subject in Milton Keynes Deanery and are keen that all parishes should be heard. We are therefore going to give time for the discussion during 2011. We will also invite parishes to discuss the issue and feed their response into synod.

Our plan is as follows:

Deanery Synod January 26th : We will invite a speaker (or speakers) to come to Deanery Synod and talk to us about the issue. We hope that this will help members of Synod to feel informed about the issues concerned. We will open up this part of the meeting so that visitors can attend.

Discussion in Parishes: Parishes will be invited to discuss the issue and feed back their thoughts to Deanery Synod by the end of April. This is optional but we would encourage parishes to give time to understand the issues and express their views.

Deanery Synod May 25th (now changed to June 8th): We will have an opportunity for discussion at our Deanery Synod meeting in May - on the basis of the feedback given by the parishes. This will be our opportunity to decide how we want to respond to Diocesan Synod. (Note - this has now been changed to June 8th - see note).

Feedback to Diocesan Synod: We need to send our response to Diocesan Synod by September 16th.

Diocesan Synod November 12th: Diocesan Synod will vote on the motion.

We recognise that this is a tricky issue and that the biggest concerns for many is not whether there should be women bishops or not, but how we should treat those who are opposed to the change. It will therefore be important that we listen to each other and are respectful in these discussions. I hope that clarity about the process will be helpful.



Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comwomenintheepiscopate2http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/23849737438191785702011-02-16T18:40:15.204Z2011-02-17T07:37:43.586Z2011-02-17T07:37:43.551ZDeanery Elections
2011 is a Deanery Synod election year. New Synod reps will need to be elected at Annual General Meetings. We will also need to elect members of the new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee which will replace the existing Deanery Pastoral Committee. These elections are important because we will be appointing people who will make important decisions over the next three years.

Deanery Synod sets strategy and makes resolutions on behalf of the whole deanery. It is also the best place for us to learn and think together. This is the group to which speakers will be invited, and votes on big issues will be taken - eg about Women in the Episcopate or the formula used to set parish shares...

Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee deals with the implementation of the deanery plan and makes decisions about specific situations. For example, Synod has agreed a strategy for deployment, but the Mission and Pastoral Committee has to make the decision about a post if a vacancy arises - according to the general direction set by synod.

Deanery Finance Committee is an advisory group gathered by the three officers who are responsible for financial matters (the Lay Chair, the Area Dean and the Treasurer). Most members of this group are parish treasurers, but it would be possible for other interested people to join.

There are a number of important dates and events coming up, so this is a rough guide to the elections in Milton Keynes Deanery over this coming year...

New Synod Elected - 30th April 2011
Representatives for parishes on the new synod need to be elected at the Annual Meetings. These should have happened by the end of April. Please remember to let us know who you have elected!
Each parish has a certain number of lay representatives - and this number is calculated by the diocese according to a standard formula.
  • Bletchley     6
  • Calverton    1
  • Cornerstone    3
  • Fenny Stratford    2
  • Stantonbury and Willen    7
  • Stony Stratford    4
  • Walton    2
  • Watling Valley    4
  • Holy Trinity Wolverton    2
  • St George's Wolverton    2
  • Woughton    4
Old Synod meets for the last time - May 25th
The new synod doesn't start until June, so the existing members will remain in post until the end of May. We have a synod meeting booked for May 25th - when we will say farewell to those who are stepping down. This meeting will include presentations about the Food Bank and the Environment. We are not planning any major business for this meeting but if anything comes up only existing members will be able to vote. We will issue voting cards to those on the list.

House of Clergy Elections for Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee - June 7th
There will be three clergy reps on the new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee. These will be elected at the Deanery Chapter meeting on the 7th June. The election will happen at this meeting so that Synod can see which parishes will be represented by clergy.

New Synod meets for the first time - Special Meeting - June 8th
The new Synod will meet for the first time on June 8th for a special meeting at which they will be welcomed and prayed for. There will be information at this meeting about the committees and groups to which synod members could belong. This will also be an open meeting at which the issue of Women in the Episcopate will be discussed and a vote taken. Only new members of synod will be able to vote and we will use voting cards to make sure the vote is valid.

House of Laity Elections for Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee - June 8th to July 6th
There will be six lay reps on the new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee. Nomination papers will be issued at the Synod meeting on June 8th. The deadline for nominations will be June 22nd. Voting papers will be sent out on June 24th and votes counted on July 6th. 

First Meeting of the New Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee - July 20th
The new Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee will meet for the first time on July 20th. 

First normal meeting of the new Deanery Synod - September 28th
The new Synod will meet properly for the first time on September 28th. At this meeting there will be a celebration of Holy Communion.

Those who are elected this year to Deanery Synod and the Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee will be in post for three years - finishing in 2014.

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comdeaneryelections1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/81696131288736809802011-02-12T19:37:58.804Z2011-02-12T19:50:56.507Z2011-02-12T19:50:56.491ZBrother Samuel SSM
Brother Samuel Monyamane has arrived in Milton Keynes from Lesotho and will be with us until August. He is a member of SSM (the Society of the Sacred Mission) and has just finished his training for ordination. He is with us for a 7 month placement in the UK and will be spending time with churches in the deanery.

The Well at Willen is part of SSM and the order is active in Lesotho. We hope that this visit will be the beginning of a long term link between Milton Keynes and Lesotho - perhaps leading to more visits, exchanges or church twinning...

Brother Samuel's main placement will be at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, but he will also be able to visit churches across the deanery. Hopefully you will have a chance to meet him.

_________________________

Brother Samuel introduces himself...

Every story needs a listener...

How do we share our stories e.g. our lives, our jobs or works and the way we project our lives; tells who we are, our history, present and the future. Since I am in a journey let me share my story with you before I get to that allow me to share some of my thoughts on the famous story we are all familiar with from the Bible.

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary’. She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni’, that is to say ‘Master’. (John 20.16).

And we have all heard the story of the appearance of the Risen Christ to Mary Magdalene. It is a story of simplicity, wonder and respect: no fanfare of trumpets or public announcement. The first appearance of the Risen Christ was private and personal. It is the same in the other Easter stories: a garden, an upper room, an empty road, a lake shore. In each case the identity of the Risen Christ is first hidden from those he meets. He is mistaken for someone else: a gardener, a stranger on the lake shore, an ill-informed visitor to Jerusalem. The wonder of God’s power is revealed in the ordinary places and people of day-to-day life.

This is a time marked by excitement and sadness - a time of excitement as I look forward to new opportunities and to meeting new people, but a time tinged with sadness – as I know the new journey that lays ahead of me means saying goodbye to friends, familiar places and well known routines.

I have only been in Britain now for a week or two and I am staying at The Well with the brothers of the Society of the Sacred Mission which is an Anglican religious order for men and women but back home in our Southern African province it's only men. I have been a member of SSM for seven years and part of my visit to the UK is an ongoing exchange programme that is now taking place between the two provinces (SSM in Europe and SSM in Southern Africa). And I am hoping that I will be here until the end of August and return home and during my stay I am hoping to serve my placement at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone of which after having a couple of meetings with the administrative team of the church I feel this is the right place for me, and the fact that it is an ecumenical parish I think it is very exciting for me because this totally a new experience for me.

I have just completed my theological studies at a theological seminary in South Africa and I am hoping God willing my ordination will take place at the end of the year. And I must say that I am delighted to be given this opportunity to be part of the Church of Christ the Cornerstone.

Br Samuel Monyamane SSM

"Go out into the world, Find what is best worth
doing as God shall lead you. Work at it reverently
and carefully. Everything, big or little, has in it
the substance of eternal glory."
(Father Herbert Kelly 1860-1950)
 


Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.combrothersamuelssm1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/59431168526811495762011-01-19T22:17:48.295Z2011-01-19T22:35:28.858Z2011-01-19T22:35:28.856ZDramatic Acts
Dramatic Acts   As part of the StonyWords! Festival you are welcome to come to hear a dramatic group reading of the Acts of the Apostles Chapters 1-15, the true story of bravery and faith at the dawn of Christianity.  2.00 - 4.30pm (with interval) Saturday 29th January 2011,  at St Mary & St Giles Church, Stony Stratford.
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comdramaticarts2http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/26579958757257547902011-01-19T22:23:21.495Z2011-01-19T22:24:43.471Z2011-01-19T22:24:43.464ZThe Archbishop's 'Faith in the World' Competition

“If we want to nurture a really articulate public argument about the great issues of our times, we have to make sure that younger citizens have the confidence to make themselves heard.  One of the most depressing things that can happen to young people is a climate, whether in school or out of it, that gives them the message that they’re not worth listening to…And if you believe that religious faith is one of the things that quite rightly gets people talking, for and against, it is important to help younger people make the connections between the issues of the day and the ideas and ideals associated with faith.  They may want to argue furiously against it or they may discover that it has more to say to them than they expected.  But it is wonderful when there is an environment in which those connections can be made.”  Archbishop Rowan Williams, 15th January 2011.


Read the full article at:

 

Full details of the competition are available at: www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/3110

 

How to enter

To enter you need to write an essay in response to one of the titles for your age group. The competition is open to all young people who were aged 13-21 on September 1st 2010. There are three age groups and the length of essay you should write depends on your age group. You should enter the category that reflects the age you were on September 1st 2010. The closing date is March 11th 2011.

 

Judges

Archbishop Rowan will be joined by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Cabinet Minister and Conservative Party Chairman; Benedict Brogan, Deputy Editor of the Daily Telegraph; the Revd Lucy Winkett, Rector of St. James’s, Piccadilly; and Jane Williams, theologian and author; on the judging panel for this prize, which has been made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Lambeth Fund.

 

Prizes

The judges will award one prize in each age group, as follows:

Ages 13-15 - £250; ages 16-17 - £350; ages 18-21 - £500.

The winners will be invited to receive their prizes at a reception at Lambeth Palace. If the judges decide that there are other entries that also merit particular commendation, these entrants will also be invited to join the reception. Winning and highly commended entries will be published on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website and extracts may also be published in The Daily Telegraph.

 

Essay titles

Age 13-15 (800 words maximum)

·                  Do you need to be religious to be good?

·                  Does God care about global warming?

·                  The Bible says that ‘the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil’. (1 Timothy 6:10) Can money make you happy?

·                  What are school assemblies for?

·                  God cares for the poor. How can people of faith demonstrate this care?

 

Age 16-17 (1,500 words maximum)

·                  How can one person improve the lives of the world’s poorest?

·                  Why have chaplains in prisons?

·                  “Ecological questions are increasingly being defined as issues of justice” (Archbishop Rowan Williams, Ebor Lecture, 25th March 2009). Should this change how we respond to environmental problems?

·                  Should politicians ‘do God’?

·                  What’s the point of different religions talking to each other?

 

Age 18-21 (2,500 words maximum)

·                  Is believing more important than belonging?

·                  Does God believe in the existence of society?

·                  “That’s dialogue for me – the recognition of the serious.” (Archbishop Rowan Williams, Interview with The Hindu newspaper, 18thOctober 2010) What’s dialogue for you?

·                  What is "good news" for the poor? How can we be part of this?

·                  Is environmentalism a new religion?

 

 

Full details of how to enter and the entry form to accompany your essay can be found at: www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/3110

 

Please feel free to forward these details to any contacts you have who may be interested in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s ‘Faith in the World’ Competition.

Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comthearchbishopsfaithintheworldcompetition2http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/36389179596214334082011-01-19T22:21:21.209Z2011-01-19T22:22:42.098Z2011-01-19T22:22:42.080ZFresh Expressions: Changing the Landscape
Friday, 6 May, 2011

A national day conference exploring how the mixed economy can thrive in deaneries, circuits and synods. Working towards a church in which tradition and dynamism, established ministry and fresh expressions of church inform, energise and complement each other.

Hosted by Stephen Lindridge and Graham Cray, with a keynote address from Rowan Williams and interviews with practitioners, pioneers and those working with them, the day will also include plenty of round table discussion and the latest Fresh Expressions learning, thinking and resources. 24-7 Prayer will surround the day with a reflective prayer environment and lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The mixed economy is a term coined by the Archbishop of Canterbury to describe the way in which fresh expressions of church and more conventional expressions, such as traditional parishes, can work side by side in an area such as a deanery, diocese, circuit or synod. The assumption is that they will support one another, be equal partners in mission and respect each other's distinctiveness. The conference aims to explore how all that might look in practice, whatever the denominational setting.

The day is for Christians of all denominations and streams - or none - for pioneers and practitioners, missioners, area deans, circuit superintendents, synod members and anybody else with an interest in fresh expressions, the mixed economy or mission-shaped thinking.

When?

Friday 6th May 2011, 10.00-16.00.

Where?

The King's Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES.

http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk/changingthelandscape
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.comfreshexpressionschangingthelandscape1http://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mkdeanery/71707972245586494772011-01-19T22:18:22.162Z2011-01-19T22:20:58.432Z2011-01-19T22:20:58.417ZPastoral Care Course in MK?
Peter Ballantine is responsible for running the 10 week Rolling Programme course for the Diocese of Oxford after Easter - and the theme will be Pastoral Care. He would like to know if there are any churches who might have several candidates or might be prepared to host it on Tuesday evenings otherwise it wil be at Winslow. 
Tim Norwoodtim.norwood.mk@gmail.compastoralcarecourseinmk1