Diocese of Coventry eBulletin

A word from our Diocesan Secretary I have only recently joined the Diocese, this is my fifth month in post, and I have been warmly welcomed by everyone. The Diocesan team are working hard to support our mission and ministry in a number of ways and I am conscious that there has been lots of change, with familiar faces being replaced by new ones. To help you navigate these changes, we have updated our contacts list and will be working on how to better signpost to the various teams and departments. In particular, I would like to welcome Steve Lee, our interim Finance Director who is currently navigating the challenges of introducing a new accounting system and putting together the 2023 budget for Diocesan Synod to approve in November. Another key appointment is Clive Hicks who recently joined as our Healthy Churches Development Enabler and I am sure he will be out and about across the Diocese in the coming months. Read more

How can churches respond to the cost of living crisis? Many of us will be feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis. In the last few years, costs have been steadily rising, with inflation at a 30-year high and food, fuel and energy prices increasing with wages and benefits not keeping up. For some the result of this is devastating, with rising numbers unable to meet their basic living needs such as adequate heating for the home, appropriate clothing or good nutrition. As Christians, we are called to help those in need. So what can churches do? Sadly, churches do not have the resources to lift all out of poverty or to change the structures that have led to the cost of living crisis. However, churches can help alleviate suffering and be a central hub for the local community. Here are a few suggestions of ways to help… Read more

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Worship Leaders Breakfast Do you have a role leading others in worship? We would love for you to come and gather with other worship leaders for pastries and a cuppa, as we share together some of the joys and the frustrations of the role we play in church life. We will get to know each other, and have space for sharing any struggles – being heard, and maybe helping each other find a fresh perspective! We will also spend some time thinking about how we can pursue worship for ourselves, and discuss ways in which we can inspire a culture of passionate worship within our congregations. Read more

Diocesan News Astley Church Heritage Open Days Astley Church Heritage Open Days took place from 9th-11th September 2022. Here is some wonderful feedback received from a visitor: “What a wonderful and beautiful Church. The scenes from outside the Castle are picturesque. On entering we felt calm and peace. Especially the day after we heard the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The flowers were beautiful and background music just right. The Church has been lovingly looked after. The history of the Church is astounding to hear from the lovely volunteers who care so deeply about this church and preserving its history as well as the function of a House of God. Thank you all for opening your beautiful Church for us to look inside. We came away happy and glad we came for a visit to share some time there” MODEM Conference 2022 - Uncharted Journeys The 2022 conference is being held in person at Sarum College from 20th-21st November, in association with Sarum College. As we chart our way through the Pandemic many are seeking certainty and direction but are finding that the only certainty is uncertainty. MODEM’s 2022 conference is an opportunity to explore, from a range of perspectives, our journey forward into the future. The conference theme – ‘Uncharted Journeys’ – mirrors the title of Margaret Heffernan’s book ‘Uncharted: How to Map the Future Together’, published in 2020, and we are delighted that Margaret is able to join us as our keynote speaker this year. For more information, click here. St. Marks Academy Annual Lecture St. Marks Academy Annual Lecture with Ed Stetzer: The Mission of God, Church Planting and the Cosmos (Thursday 13th October, 7:30-9:30pm) We invite you to join us Join us for an incredible evening, to expand your vision, be equipped for mission, and meet a group of people keen to make a Kingdom impact.  Ed Stetzer one of today’s best thinkers on how the church engages with the world. He a professor and dean at Wheaton College, who has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, trained pastors and church planters on six continents, and written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. Tickets £5. FREE to students. For more information click here. Prisons Week 2022 For nearly 50 years, Prisons Week has encouraged Christians to pray for all those affected by crime and imprisonment. This years week of prayer begins on Sunday 9th October 2022. The Prisons Week team has provided a guide for prayer through the week which you can find by clicking here. Newfield Charitable Trust seeking a Trustee Set up in 1977 from the proceeds of the sale of the former Newfield School Coventry, this small charity supports women and girls aged 40 years and under who are permanently resident in Coventry or Leamington Spa. At each meeting, Trustees receive an investment report and discuss wider issues as well as any current applications. Trustees can be drawn from the clergy or laity, and typically remain in the role for many years because they find the work rewarding. If you would like more information about this role, please contact the Clerk to the Trust, Mrs M Allanson m.allanson@rotherham-solicitors.co.uk.

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