February news from Rochester Diocese

For a printable version which can be pinned to your noticeboard, please click here Thursday 1 February, 2018 Welcome to the February edition of Rochester Diocese's monthly e-newsletter.  News in Brief Your stories from around the Diocese Online disability forum gets 'real' A young parishioner has held the first 'real-world' event for an online disability network               he has founded for Medway. Read more Trust celebrates saint's day A successful Church of England Multi Academy Trust gets festive over its patronal feast. Read more This is a text block. You can use it to add text to your temlate. Building interfaith friendships in Bexley New interfaith forum launches to grow friendships and greater understanding across the faith traditions. Read more 'Generous' welcome in Chatham The Vicar and Mission Leader for Chatham, speaks about the exciting vision for the disused St. John's Church in a new series of Diocesan podcast. Read more Like what you're reading? Why not share with a friend? Share                        Tweet                        Forward                        Diocesan Update All you need to know this month from the Diocese and National Church New Youth Fund now open! Originally announced at the Called Together launch in November we're delighted to announce the new Youth Fund is now open for applications! Full details about how to apply can be found here. New online Diocesan course directory  A huge variety of courses are offered throughout the year in the Diocese for clergy and laity alike. This new online booklet offers a one-stop-shop, allowing you to quickly see what courses are available and who they are suited to. Additions and updates will be added each month, so do keep checking back. A permanent link will also be added to subsequent editions of the e-newsletter.  Called Together Roadshows Our three Called Together Roadshows are now ready to hit the road and are coming to an Archdeaconry near you. It's your chance to hear first-hand about the vision and what it means to you. Come with your questions as well as meet local organisations in the 'market-place'. Click one of the dates below to register your interest in attending: 25 February Tonbridge Archdeaconry  2pm-5pm, Trinity School, Sevenoaks 3 March Bromley & Bexley Archdeaconry 10am-1pm, St Olaves' School Orpington  10 March Rochester Archdeaconry 10am-1pm, St John's Centre, Meopham  GDPR - We've created a new page for information about GDPR. Take a look. Thy Kingdom Come -  It's been a busy time for the Thy Kingdom Come team, with official launches for the main event in May now having taken place.  In this video, the Archbishop of Canterbury talks about the aims of this global movement of prayer and how people can get involved. Resources Top resources to support you in your work, life and faith - or just to share with others. Prison Hope Prison Hope is a year of focus on prisons for churches in 2018. A collection of 40 testimonies from prisoners, ex-prisoners and prison chaplains has been compiled into a booked called 40 Stories of Hope.  An ideal accompaniment for Lent, readers can explore how all can find hope in Jesus, no matter who they are. With a foreword from the Archbishop of Canterbury visit cwr.org.uk/40stories for details and to order copies.   #LiveLent This national resource has now gone live. With an accompanying book, downloadable resources for individuals and church groups, as well reflections that can be received daily as a text, or via Facebook and Twitter, there are lots of ways to get involved.  Give up slavery for Lent An interesting idea here from The Clewer Initiative - a Lent Challenge to #giveupslavery. Remove the goods, products or services from your life that are touched by slavery.  Resources and daily reflections are available. Don't forget we have a number of Modern Slavery events taking place as part of Hope 2018 too. Forthcoming Events and Training Leaflet Drop - Zero Tolerance To Loan Sharks: Thursday 8 February, Chatham High Street: Part of the Hope 2018 series of events, all are invited to lend their support for Zero Tolerance To Loan Sharks by joining this leaflet drop to raise awareness and signpost people to help. From 12 noon to 1.30pm, High Street in/outside the Baobab Centre and Bookshop. More details email caroline.clarke@rochester.anglican.org                       Modern Slavery Training with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Tuesday 20, St Benedicts Centre, 9.30am to 1pm: Learn what kinds of modern slavery happen in the UK, how to can spot the signs, and who you should report your concerns to.  A pack of learning materials will be given to all who attend. To book please click here All Age Worship, 13 March 9.30am – 3pm, St. Benedicts Centre. Led by Rev Jane Hulme. Is it possible to create a meaningful and engaging All Age Worship Service that will enable all generations to come together to worship God? Space for God, 19 March 9.30am - 1pm, St George’s Weald. This session will help you explore silence and how to use it for prayer. There will be some input and time to explore silence together. Led by Susanne Carlson.  Book here  Vision and Aims Grow: Children and young people - Through our new vision, we seek to offer life-enhancing encounters with Christ to children and young people Watch:  A film with Cheryl Trice, Diocesan Children & Youth Work Adviser, offering a snapshot of the benefit youth work is bringing across our parishes. Youth Council -  Did you know we have a Youth Council?  Read what they had to say about their hopes for the future of the Church locally. If you know a young person who might like to become a member contact the Children and Young people team Find out more here Vacancies and appointments Positions vacant in each archdeaconry Archdeaconry of Bromley and Bexley Archdeaconry of Tonbridge Archdeaconry of Rochester Lay and Volunteer posts. Copyright © 2018 DIocese of Rochester, All rights reserved.