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Dear Guest,
Last week I was reflecting on Jeremiah 17:7-8. It speaks of a tree planted by a river. It’s roots growing out under the water, so it has no fear when the land is dry and parched…instead it is always fruitful. Today as the sun beats down that image feels particularly refreshing and delightful. I wonder if you’ve found a cool spot with greenery and water in the last few days and seen the life that is thriving in those places? Jeremiah’s words give us a visual picture of what it looks like when we trust in God and draw strength from him.
We see this in our own ministries. It can feel tiring and parched, especially when we are relying on our own strength (verses 5&6 has this image). But when we trust in God and draw from his strength we are replenished, even when the ground around is parched.
We know that we send a variety of opportunities each fortnight to grow and be fruitful in your ministry (at church, work and in your community), but we also know that underpinning that is a reliance on God’s strength and nourishment. I wonder where you are relying too much on your own strength? And how you might invite God in to draw from his strength?
Anna Naish
Lay learning and training lead
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‘Zero Interest’ is the Net Zero Podcast series from Coventry Diocese. Opening the airwaves to hear different voices, young and older, expressing hopes and fears, ideas and faith.
In this episode, Revd Canon Grace Thomas and Revd Charlotte Jackson speak with Colin Angus about how we move from Climate Anxiety or ambivalence to actions in line with our Christian faith.
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Many ministries involve a team (or would be made easier with a team). This session will explore:
- The culture of a good team (this might be a pastoral team, refreshments team, children’s team, PCC etc etc)
- How we can expand and invite people into teams in helpful ways.
- How we can foster support if there is a lone person in a role.
This course will be led by Anna Naish and Lou Peet.
Monday 7th July, 7pm – 9pm, St. Margaret’s Church, Wolston.
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Called: Mission, Ministry & Me
This course is open to all. It provides a space to think together about what it means to be called by God, to take our place in the mission of God, and to give opportunity to explore both lay and ordained Christian vocation. It will include teaching, discussion, guest speakers and some time for reflection and prayer. We hope it will be enjoyable, encouraging and helpful to you in identifying your next step, whatever that may be.
Saturday 12th July, 10am to 4pm on Zoom
Led by Revd Mark Norris
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Children and School
When churches and schools have a positive relationship, everyone benefits. This session will look at the breadth of ways we can develop positive relationships with children, families and staff. It will look at the impact these relationships can have on staff wellbeing, opportunities to be involved with the school and children exploring faith.
Wednesday 16th July, 7-9pm, St Mary’s, Walsgrave.
This session will be led by April Gold and Anna Naish.
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Upcoming Courses & Events
Click the titles of any of the below courses and events to read more about it.
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Preaching is all about communicating. This session will explore fundamental techniques and principles of good communication that can make sermons more engaging and more effective. This is relevant both to people new to preaching and those who are looking for a refresher or fresh insight for their preaching.
This session will be led by Rob Harrison.
Wednesday 2nd July, 7pm-9pm, St Thomas Church, Keresley & Coundon.
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This session will help you think about how you plan, shape and lead funeral services. It will cover the practicalities you need to know as well as important conversations around how you include the family, tailor a service to the needs of the community and how to include God in a helpful way. There will also be space to consider cremations and the burial of ashes..
This session will be led by Anne Richards and Jo King.
Wednesday 2nd July, 7pm – 9pm, St John the Evangelist, Kenilworth.
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In this session James Henney, the Diocese of Coventry Growing Faith Enabler, will explore the principles that underpin the Growing Faith ethos of the Church of England. There will be opportunity to discuss why these principles are important to a church’s health and growth, and to consider practical ways that we can strengthen and deepen our engagement with children, young people and their families.
For Clergy and Lay Leaders.
Wednesday 16th July, 2pm – 4:30pm, St Thomas Church, Keresley & Coundon.
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Boost your knowledge about climate crisis and find out how you can help to care for God’s creation. Be inspired and informed as we work together to reach net zero carbon. Join in via an excellent new course created by the Church of England’s Environment Programme team.
Multiple sessions available.
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All of our upcoming courses and events can been seen on our calendar.
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Worshipping God |
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Making new disciples |
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Transforming communities |
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Worshipping God |
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Making new disciples |
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Transforming communities |
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