Hi
Welcome to the March 2019 edition.
Join us and..
- Reflect with Corin Pilling as he urges us to look beyond our divisions and remember the universal need for mercy and grace.
- Be reminded by Naomi Graham that God’s love surpasses knowledge - and catch her passion for accessible churches.
- Be challenged by Jim McManus to explore the Bible’s wholistic approach to mental health and consider the Church’s historical and contemporary response.
- Be encouraged by the growth in local church community involvement.
- Be inspired by the story of how one church in Newcastle decided to go beyond the foodbank.
Introduction and reflection
‘We all need a little mercy now’, recognising the universal need for grace
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In the midst of potentially overwhelming national and local circumstances, Corin Pilling reflects on the difference it would make if, instead of focusing on our differences and categorising people, we remembered our shared need for mercy and grace. He also shares the powerful song that has encouraged and inspired him to stay engaged and look beyond some seemingly intractable situations and stay hopeful.
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Love Surpassing Knowledge: More Than Ramps. Understanding & Implementing Accessibility
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Dr Naomi Graham is Head of Accessible Church Ministry for New Wine. In this extract from her book ‘Love Surpassing Knowledge’ she shares her passion that building an accessible church community is about enabling everyone to have a deep knowledge of God’s love – a love that surpasses the things we can cognitively know or explain. A love that does not depend on ability, but on the character of God. A love that sees value in each and every
individual.
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Christian Churches
contribution to mental health
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Jim McManus explores the theological & practical church response to mental health, starting with the Bible’s wholistic approach to body, mind and spirit and God’s desire for human beings to flourish. He believes the world, as well as the church, needs to hear the Christian view; but that we all need to pay more attention to the gap between what we say we believe and what we actually say and do.
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Church of England report on local social action
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This new report reveals the extent of work being done by Church of England churches in their local communities. 80% of congregations are now involved in at least one form of social action.
60% (nearly 8,000 churches) are involved with foodbanks; 32% run or support parent and toddler groups; 26% lunch clubs; and 22% community cafes. Holiday clubs and breakfast clubs are supported or run by nearly 17% of churches.
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Going beyond the foodbank - the story of the Byker Pantry
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The Byker Pantry (which is run by the Life Vineyard Church) offers a different model to a foodbank. People do not have to be referred - it is open to anyone. Money is exchanged for points - which is how all items are priced - with everything at least half supermarket prices. Other items are sourced as needed. Read the story from the Chronicle and watch a short video about the vision and how it works.
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Events supporting community
work
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9-13 April, Spring Harvest Minehead
15 April, Spring Harvest Harrogate
8 September, your church!
Meet the team and save the date!
Livability will be running celebrations and workshops for people with learning disabilities at Spring Harvest in Minehead and Harrogate. If you’re planning to go - do come and meet the team.
Also - don’t forget to put Ability Sunday on 8 September in your diary. We’d love your church to run a day of inclusion and participation in your community, with special consideration for the needs of disabled people.
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// Find out more and book online
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Accessible Church 1 Day Conference
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27 April, Bristol
This one day conference, lead by Naomi Graham (whose book features in this edition) will empower church leaders and volunteers to make church more accessible and inclusive for individuals with a range of additional needs. The day will include both teaching and practical application on how to make your local church accessible for all. Livability’s Charlotte Overton-Hart will lead a session on enabling people with dementia to remain a part of your church community.
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// Find out more and book online
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Annual Meeting & Conference 2019
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11 May, Leicester
This is the annual event of Pilgrims' Friend, the organisation dedicated to supporting older people and shaping the issues that affect them. The theme is ‘Firm Foundations for Later Life - Equipping and inspiring churches for ministry with older people. Among the speakers are Dr Jennifer Bute & Louise Morse (who co-authored Jennifer’s book featured in the eNews last month).
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// Find out more and book online
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The Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Comic Relief are offering grants to help those projects that use technology to deliver their services exploit digital technology. Projects must address Comic Relief’s four core issues. The deadline is 25 March.
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Small registered charities can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for projects working with young offenders and ex-offenders or young disadvantaged people aged 5 – 30. The deadline is 31
March
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Les Mills Fund for Children
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The fund is offering grants of up to £1,000 for projects improving the education, physical or emotional wellbeing of children. It can be used for equipment or amenities. The deadline is 30 April.
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// Read more
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