Diocese of Coventry eBulletin

Bishop John's Easter message If Christmas teaches us that God became human in Jesus Christ to demonstrate his love for us, Easter teaches us something more. At Easter we are reminded of the cost of that love to God. If we want to know how much God loves us, we have only to look at the Cross of Jesus, how he suffered and died but continued, even on the cross, loving and forgiving. In the suffering of God on the Cross we see that God is not remote or distant from us, but One who is with us always, in and through all the struggles, pains and suffering we face… Read more

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The Letter to the Romans Explore this powerful letter, examining the context into which it was written, some of its major themes, and applying its teaching to our lives today. When: 7th June – 5th July at 7pm Venue: St Mark’s Church, Bilton Read more

Sharing Stories of New Worshipping Communities We are documenting the stories of New Worshipping Communities from across the Diocese of Coventry; showcasing the great work they are doing, and sharing the stories of how they got started. Each one is unique, and we hope that as you watch their story unfold, you will find aspects of their story that inspire you. Hear about what happened when the team at St Laurence’s were inspired to develop their existing monthly Messy Church into a more regular opportunity for meeting and learn about how the team at St Matthew’s Church in Salford Priors turned a Mental Wellbeing course into a regular evening gathering Read more

Amazing Grace Learning Community A learning community committed to taking intentional action to promote race equality in our personal and ministerial contexts. Meeting once a month on Zoom. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th April. Read more

News Journeying Together to Develop Children's Spirituality An event for Clergy and Headteachers to build on the ‘Alive 2023!’ Church School Praise Party in June. Thursday 25 May, 09.30 – 12.00 – online via Zoom. Hosted by the DBE and facilitated by Anna Shaw from CPAS, this morning online event recognises that Clergy, Heads and laity all actually want to work well together – but that sometimes a little bit of careful input and the curation of a helpful space can make this partnership so much more effective. CPAS have run this training event before elsewhere and feedback has been: “The most inspiring two hour zoom meeting!” (Clergy person) “It is very useful and short enough to fit into a busy school day.” (Headteacher) “Do make the effort to attend. It was a very valuable event.” (Lay Leader) For more information or to book your place click here. Haseley Easter Flower Festival St. Mary the Virgin Church Haseley decorates its beautiful Norman church with flowers every Easter, attracting many visitors within the Ferncumbe Benefice as the display of the flower arranging team’s God given creative talents is legendary! This Easter we welcome visitors from all over the diocese whether by foot, bicycle or car to enjoy this quiet place of worship over the glorious Easter weekend. Open Saturday 8th to Easter Monday 10am to 5pm, Firs Lane, Haseley CV35 7LS. Creative day retreats at Breathing Space Coventry Over the coming months, Breathing Space Coventry is offering creative day retreats – some on Saturdays, others on a weekday: hands on, biblical, great fun, prayerful … and numbers are limited. Friday April 21st making bread Saturday May 27th revealing light Wednesday June 28th inspiring trees Saturday July 15th child’s play Weekdays August 22-24 creative families Saturday Sept 23rd creating with Nature’s resources To book, email: breathingspacecoventry@gmail.com Grants for community energy projects Up to £2,000 is available through the Heart of England Community Foundation for Coventry & Warwickshire community organisations investing in renewable and sustainable energy projects, provided they promote public awareness in environmental issues. The grant could be applied alongside the Diocese Church Improvement (Net Zero) Fund, which also aims to promote public awareness in environmental issues. Both funds require applicants to have a community engagement plan. For more information click here. Contact Andy Duncan for advice and help with grant applications: andy.duncan@coventry.anglican.org Church heating webinar The Church of England is hosting two webinars about church heating. Part 1 is entitled ‘To replace or not replace?’ and will take place on May 2nd, 4-5pm. Book here. Part 2 is entitled ‘Choosing the best heating solution for your church.’ There are two options to book onto to: May 4th, 4-5pm, book here. June 27nd, 2023 4-5pm, book here. Pray in May for Mary’s Meals Mary’s Meals is a global charity, serving nutritious school meals to over 2.4 million children living in 18 countries around the world, including Syria, Kenya, Haiti and Malawi. They provide a daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically hungry children into the classroom, where they receive the education that could be their ladder out of poverty. Since their humble beginnings, Mary’s Meals, has been built on a foundation of prayer and the many little acts of love from those who support them. Throughout the month of May Mary’s Meals are inviting churches to pray with them as part of their ‘Pray in May’ campaign. Praying that their work continues to flourish and grow, and that more children throughout the world will see their lives transformed by receiving a daily meal in a place of education. Find out more.

Diocesan Vacancies Vicar, St Nicholas with St Barnabas, Kenilworth St Nicholas with St Barnabas are looking for a priest rooted in prayer with the pastoral and leadership gifts that will continue to build the confidence of this church community to grow its missional capacity. Kenilworth is a historic and beautiful place with a vibrant community spirit a short journey away from Coventry, Leamington Spa and Warwick. We are looking for someone who wants to pass on God’s love to a new generation, with a passion for mission. Personal specification: – A pastor – with a caring personality who welcomes and includes everyone. – A leader with a vision – with leadership qualities who can lead a multi generational, multi style church. Who can help us be more outward focused. – An inspiring worship leader – to inspire with different ways to worship. Who understands the needs of older and younger generations. – Develop our gifts – inspire more people to offer their gifts and skills to God. To encourage new people into leadership. – Strategic – someone who can join the dots. Who can see the bigger picture and help us focus on being missional. Someone who can put a strategy in place and keep us informed. For more information, click here. Vicar, St John the Divine, Willenhall, Coventry St John the Divine is at the heart of Willenhall with the people of Willenhall engraved on their heart. The many projects developed though St John’s seek to meet real need, are creative, generous and have resulted in a relationship of trust between community and the church. We are a supportive church family with a heart for the community, ready to greet with warmth and welcome any who cross the threshold. We seek a vicar who will live among us and help us to grow as a church and as individuals. Someone who is prepared to meet people where they are and encourage them to come to know the love of Christ in their lives. Person specification: – Have a strong visible Christian faith rooted in prayer and be a passionate sharer of The Gospel. – Be a good communicator with the ability to engage all age groups. A gifted listener who will love without prejudice and lead inclusively. – Be collaborative and enable, empower and encourage others on their faith journey. – Provide pastoral care in different settings in our local care homes, community hubs and with those who come seeking care and compassion as they encounter problems in daily life. – Be an enabler of mission and teach discipleship that can be applied to the life of the church through small group teaching, lay leadership and outreach to the wider community. – Be committed to working with local schools, food bank, local businesses and other churches close to us. – Be organised – it is a busy parish with lots of occasional offices and involvement in community functions. – Be someone who has a sense of humour, a love for people and who eats cake. Closing Date for Applications: Noon Friday 28th April. For more information, click here

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