Church Links

Church Links Newsletter

Bulletin 20: September 2009

This, and previous newsletters, can be downloaded in pdf format from our archive page.

Inside this Issue

• Orthodox Church celebrates 100 years
• Faith in Action Workshop St Paul’s successful bid for roof repairs
• Awards for All Workshop
• Theology Course
• Toolbox
• Church Hall Marketing Scheme
• Churches Directory

Orthodox Church in Palfrey Celebrates 100 years

The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Sun Street, Palfrey celebrate 100 years since the laying of the foundation stone of the Vicarage on the 8th September 1909. The foundation stone of “St. Mary’s” the original Anglican Church was laid 8years before in 1901. The church itself was built as a permanent replacement for the “Tin Tabernacle” of the 1870’s. This remarkably remained in use until recently and many local people remember it with affection for the weekly dances held there.

To commemorate this anniversary there will be an open day on the 19th September at which old photographs of the Church and its various activities will be on display. There will be an opportunity to look round the Vicarage which is virtually unchanged, the gardens, including the new “Breathing Spaces” garden and the church.

Along with stalls covering plants and jams made from the fruit grown in the Vicarage garden, there will be opportunities to view the new mosaics installed on the outside of the church, the plans for the refurbishment of the inside of the church and the “Carbon Neutral” heating system.

The Church, Vicarage and Gardens will be open from 12noon till 4.00pm

Faith in Action Workshop Comes to Walsall

Church Urban Fund in Partnership with Lichfield Diocese and Livability introduce

Faith in Action Workshop.

Want to find out how your Church can be more active in your Community? Want to know how to make the most of your Church Building? Want to know how to manage Volunteers? Want Funding Advice? Want to know how to keep your Christian distinctiveness?

THEN THIS COULD BE FOR YOU!!

Highlight this date and book your ticket for Tuesday 6th October 2009 at St. Matthew’s Centre.

The day begins at 9.45am and finishes at 4.00pm

Price on the Door £10.00/person (including lunch)

Workshops include sessions on:

• Managing Volunteers
• Funding Advice
• Building good relationships with Statutory Services
• Keeping your Christian distinctiveness
• Making the most of your building
• Setting up a Job Club in your Church

To book contact Charles Adams, Lichfield Diocese on 01543 306053 or email charles.adams@lichfield.anglican.org

DON’T MISS OUT BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

CHURCH LINKS DOES IT AGAIN!

Congratulations go to St. Paul’s on securing a grant from Cory Environmental Trust for crucial repairs to their roof. Once more Church Links has helped to gain a sizeable grant of some £33,500 for vital work to ensure that a major Church Project in Walsall can continue to serve the local Community, provide suitable premises for commercial enterprises and a centre for community activities as well as a welcoming place of worship.

Awards for all workshop

Following on from the Church Urban Fund Conference we offer YOU the chance to discover the secrets of writing successful bids to 2 of the Big Lottery Programmes:

AWARDS FOR ALL & REACHING COMMUNITIES

Wednesday 14th October 2009 At St. Matthew’s Centre 9.00am to 4.00pm lunch and refreshments included

We will discuss successful bid writing, What AWARDS for ALL is looking for in an application and how to tell the difference between an Outcome and an Output.

To Book YOUR Place call Fiona on 01922 722062 Or Email: Fiona@church-links.org.uk

The Orthodox Church in Palfrey Celebrates Sixth Year of Running Theology Courses

This year sees the sixth year of the successful Theology courses run at the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Palfrey. Set to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Life and Teaching of the Church from biblical times to the present day, together with more detailed study of the key periods and writings.

The whole programme is firmly based on the biblical and patristic foundations of the faith and much of the course is therefore focussed on the earliest writings of the Apostles and their disciples.

The ‘Certificate Course” runs over a two year period this is followed by a further two years at “Diploma” level. The courses are ratified by the University of Wales, Lampeter, and students can progress to a degree.

However those who do not wish to write assignments and gain certification can attend as “hearers”

The courses are run at the church in Palfrey on the second Saturday of the month from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

For further details contact Father John Nankivell on 07891 903 518

Toolbox resource day

A day full of ideas for all those who work with children and young people

Saturday 26th September The Millennium Building St Peter’s Collegiate School Compton Road West Wolverhampton WV3 9DU

For further details and a booking form contact:

Mark Hatcher—Lichfield Diocesan Youth and Childrens Advisor on 01782 502822
Rachel Lander—Methodist Youth Co ordinator 07931 619957
Laura Handy—T6 Youth Project 07921 524394

Church Hall Marketing Scheme

This service consists of Church Links extending our current data base to include a detailed list of the facilities at each hall, the timeslots that may be available for hire, the rental charges and the main contact name for bookings.

We also offer a booking service for potential users which will include a small administration fee. We can search out and arrange suitable venues for individual requirements.

The overall aim of the scheme is to increase individual Churches revenue.

Churches Directory

We are currently working on Updating the Directory that Church Links keeps of all Churches in the Walsall area. This Directory is available via our Website, and will be available through the Reference Library. It provides information on Services and Activities that Churches hold so that members of the public know what you offer and where to find you.

Some of the information in the current Directory is now out of date, and we would encourage any Churches that have not returned their up dated forms to do so soon, as work has begun on inputting the new information.

If you cannot find the forms that we have sent you or are unsure whether they have been sent back, please contact Beryl on 01922 722062 who will be pleased to assist you.

This, and previous newsletters, can be downloaded in pdf format from our archive page.