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Thursday 7 February 2019

Welcome to the February edition of Rochester Diocese's monthly e-newsletter.

Resources

Events and Training

One mission, many places - additional consultation

Last year we invited parishioners, clergy, lay ministers and PCCs to contribute their views to a consultation on Indicative Offers.

Called One mission, many places, people were asked to consider a development to the way the shared mission and ministry of the local Church is funded. We've listened to your responses and as a result, have made some amendments to the original proposal.

Now we would like your views.

Read more about the results of the original consultation, how the proposal has been amended and how you can take part, here

The consultation will close on 8 March, so make sure you have your say!

News in brief
Stories from around the parishes

NEW FOREST CHURCH
Church goes outside in Southborough. Read more

JOINING THE REVO-LOO-TION
St Mark’s feel flush after Biggin Hill becomes Toilet Twinned Town! Read more

STEPPING OUT OF THE BOAT
Pupils in Swanley push the boat out with artist in residence. Read more

ECO CHURCH EVENT
Churches in Tunbridge Wells gather to talk climate and the Church. Read more

Diocesan Update
All you need to know this month from the Diocese and National Church

BISHOP JAMES TO HAVE SURGERY
Bishop James has shared some personal news this month about his health. Read more here.

SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING
The Church of England has published bespoke guidance for PCCs, DBFs and Religious Communities on how to identify and report a Serious Incident. From 1 January 2019 PCCs should do so in accordance with this new guidance. View the guidance documents on the Parish Resources website here

IT'S YOUR CALLING DAYS

During the year the Vocations Team holds regular, 'It’s Your Calling' days, aimed at helping those exploring where God may be leading them them. Dates for this year are now available. If you, or someone you know would like to attend, speak to your local clergy first before booking. Everyone has a vocation. Find yours. More here

BISHOP SPEAKS-OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS
"The mantra of social media companies that they only provide a platform and are not responsible for content must be challenged, again and again" writes Bishop Simon Burton-Jones on Safer Internet Day. Read more

ADD YOUR EVENTS: Don't forget that you can now add your events to the What's On Calendar on the Diocesan website. A great way to let others, as well, as the Communications team know what is going on. Submit your event here.

IICSA TRUTH PROJECT: The Truth Project is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. The Truth Project offers victims and survivors the opportunity to share their experience in writing, on the telephone or in person. A poster available to put up in churches can be found here.

RIDE AND STRIDE - COORDINATED WANTED
The Friends of Kent Churches are looking for a new Area Organiser for Rochester. It involves two meetings a year and distributing paperwork around the 19 churches in the area to help galvanise support for this annual fundraising event. Anyone interested should contact Roland Niblett on: rolandniblett@aol.com

Video of the month: Week in the Diocese

Have you come across our weekly round-ups yet? If you post pictures of events and activities that take place in your church on social media and tag us on Facebook - @C of E Rochester - or Twitter - @SeeOfRochester - you may find yourself included.

A great way, every Monday, to see what's taking place across parishes. Catch up here

Safeguarding

The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our churches is of utmost importance and the Diocese takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously. We have a range of policies, forms and advice notes as well as a regular programme of training to assist parishes with their safeguarding needs.

C2: Leadership safeguarding training

Tuesday 09/04/19 (6.45pm) at St John’s Centre, St John the Baptist, Wrotham Road, Meopham DA13 0AA Book here
Saturday 15/06/19 (10am) at St John’s Church Centre, Amhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9LG Book here
Monday 08/07/19 (6.45pm) at St John’s Church, 251 Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3JN Book here

S1: Safer recruitment training

Wednesday 27/03/19 at (9.30am) Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SL Book here

Wednesday 27/03/19 (1pm) at Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SL Book here

C3 Clergy and Lay Ministers Safeguarding Training

Thursday 23/05/19 (10am) at Christ Church, Cross Street, Dartford DA1 3ET Book here

Online modules: The C0 and C1modules are available online and are recommended for anyone who needs a basic level of awareness of safeguarding

Find even more Safeguarding training dates online here

If you have any questions about Safeguarding, or need to report an issue, please contact the Safeguarding team here or call them on 01634 560 000.

Resources

Top resources to support you in your work, life and faith - or just to share with others.

LENT PILGRIM

The Church of England has now officially launched it's Lent and Easter resources. Focused on the Beatitudes, material includes a daily reflections book, a downloadable app, plus, sign-up to receive daily prayers via email. Find out more here

#SHETOO PODCASTS
#SheToo, is a seven-part podcast series from, The Bible Society, exploring some of the biblical texts that include violence against women. These 'texts of terror' have, at times, been used to oppress women or have just been ignored. But what happens if we take a closer look? Challenging and thought provoking. More here.

RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY
Racial Justice Sunday takes place on Sunday 10 February. Resources are now available from the Churches Together in England and Wales website. They can be used on Racial Justice Sunday or any time through the year. More here

#SHOWTHELOVE
Over the last four years, millions of people have joined in with The Climate Coalition's #ShowTheLove campaign on Valentine's Day - and throughout February - to support a future where the UK no longer contributes to climate change! Find specific church resources here or visit: http://showthelove.org.uk

Events and Training

View local and Diocesan events in our What's On Calendar. Add your own event too! Explore the courses available at the St. Benedict's Centre here and St. Augustine's College of Theology here.

Food for Thought Talk: Refugees and immigration detainees in the UK - Friday 8 February, 7.30pm St. Luke's Church Hall, Sevenoaks Speakers include B.Hamadeh and N.Haq. Discussion with audience and speakers after the talk. Visit www.stlukes-sevenoaks.org.uk/

Healing Service - World day of the Sick - Monday 11 February, 7.30pm, Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre, East Sussex Join the prayers of people around the world for the sick and for those who work to alleviate the sufferings of the sick at Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre. There will be an opportunity to receive prayer for healing, either for yourself or on behalf of a loved one. More here

Fostering and Adoption Evening with Billy-Jo O'Leary - Sunday 17 Feb, 6pm, Christ Church Beckenham. An opportunity to hear first hand how support in the church can change the out comes of those who have a looked after background, that has lead them into difficult situations and problems. Billy-Jo O’Leary, a Rochester Diocese Lay Minister, shares her life story and the work of Home for Good. More here

Steve Legg: Tricks and Laughs: 30th Anniversary Tour - 2 March, 7.30pm, All Saints Church, Isle of Grain. Steve Legg is an established Christian Comedian and Magician. His shows are full of fun, with some outreach too. Tickets £10. For more information or to book email mskudder@gmail.com

Messy Fiesta - Saturday 16 March, 10am to 4pm, Christ Church Orpington A day of celebration, conversation, creation and inspiration for anyone involved in, or looking to start, a MESSY CHURCH. With lots of opportunity for learning from other local groups. Led by Director and Founder of Messy Church, Lucy Moore. Cost £15 Book here

Splendour Remains - Saturday 6 April, 10am to 4pm, St. Benedict's Centre, West Malling. A day listen, reflect and create. With artist Nicola Rose and Rev Matthew Buchan. £25 incl materials & refreshments. Email bookings@stbenedictscentre.org

Vision and Aims

GROW - DISCIPLES

FUNDS NOW OPEN: Two significant funds within the Diocese, and developed out of Called Together are now open and welcoming applications. The Missional Property Fund aims to support projects which allow parishes to open up church buildings for mission. If you have a vision or an idea for children’s or youth work that needs some resource, then take a look at The Children and Young People's Fund.