Diocese of Coventry eBulletin

Bishop Christopher speaks on migrant tragedy The 22nd – 25th of November 2021 saw the Bishop of Coventry’s second House of Lords duty week of the year.  In the immediate aftermath of the migrant tragedy in the English channel, he made the following speech in a debate led by Baroness Hoey: My Lords, I too am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Hoey, for securing this debate, especially at this time. I was helped this morning by the “Thought for the Day” from my colleague, the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Leeds, in which he said that this is a time to dig deeper into our emotions and face the grief we feel at the loss of humanity. It is that sense of grief, our common commitment to the preservation and dignity of life, as well as to a passion for justice for those suffering the ills and evils of the world, which unites us. The noble Baroness, Lady Hoey, demonstrated that. Our shared grief is the proof we do not really need of the humanity and vulnerability that unites us. These common concerns, which underpin both our aim to stop migrants making dangerous journeys and our grief today, are the same concerns and moral instincts that require us to sit back and face the reality that a policy that does not go beyond deterrence is not sufficient. Read more

Bishop delivers lecture on European solidarity At a ceremony on December 11th 2021, the Coventry Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN) was awarded an ‘Ecumenical Prize’ by the Munich Katholische Akademie.  The prestiguous award, which recognises the Community of the Cross of Nails’ transformative work in worldwide reconciliation, but especially within Germany, was accepted by the Dean of Coventry, John Witcombe. It will enable the CCN to further expand its mission, particularly with young people.  Representatives from the German Community of the Cross of Nails, including chairman Dr Oliver Schuegraf, were present to convey the story of the CCN and its work through different churches and institutions in Germany, including, closest to Munich itself, Dachau Concentration Camp.  Reinhard Caridal Marx, the Archbishop of Munich and Freising and a previous recipient of the prize (in conjunction with Lutheran Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm) was also present to share his appreciation for the work of the CCN. Read more

Calendar of Dates for Prayer and Action A 2022 Calendar of Dates for Prayer and Action has been collated by CCOW (Christian Concern for One World). In this calendar, ‘Special Sundays’ and days around which individuals and churches might like to focus prayer and action are listed in bold type, with resources for those days in regular type. Green listings indicate dates relating to environment, agriculture and food; dark blue Fair Trade and trade; orange, refugees and asylum; light blue, peace and peacemaking; red, health; and purple, the persecuted church and religious freedom. Read more

Director of Ministry and Leadership Archdeacon Barry is pleased to announce that The Reverend Rob Harrison has been appointed as the next Director of Ministry and Leadership. This is a key role in helping the Diocese of Coventry to deliver its ambitions for a culture change in making and growing new disciples. It involves developing a more mission-focused approach to the planning and deployment of resources in order to launch and grow 150 new worshipping communities by 2030. Rob is currently Vicar of Neasden in the Diocese of London. Archdeacon Barry said: “I’m delighted that Rob will coming to join us as a colleague in the Diocese. Rob has a great depth of experience in ministry and will be able to draw from a deep well of wisdom and knowledge to work with us in ministry development. I look forward to welcoming Rob in the near future and working with him.” Read more

The Equip Hub The Online Learning Platform from the Diocese of Coventry. Once you've signed up, this email will contain personalised recommendations for topics you are interested in exploring.     Sign Up Now

Changes to BCDM modules Due to unforeseen circumstances we have regrettably had to make some changes to the face-to-face BCDM modules which were due to take place this term. Jesus and the Gospels has been cancelled and will hopefully be rearranged for a later date. The Book of Revelation will now run from 1st March – 29th March. Creation Care is still running from 13th January – 10th February but will now take place via Zoom. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. If you have any concerns or queries please contact dawn.emery@coventry.anglican.org All upcoming BCDM courses, both face-to-face and online, can be viewed and booked via the Equip Hub.   See all courses

Living Generously: Lent and Easter Workshop What does it mean to live generously? Why does it matter? This year the Diocese team are exploring how we can respond to Christ’s generous act of love on the cross by living generous lives ourselves. We are currently creating a range of resources and ideas for the Lent and Easter season that you can use and adapt to your context. This will include materials to use in small groups, prayer days, personal devotion and services. Jen and Anna (from the Serving Christ project) are running this workshop to share the resources and create a space to share ideas and think about how they might work in your context. Book now

Children in the Lead Children and young people are not just the future of the church. They are already on a spiritual journey and are forming their ideas of faith and the church through their experiences. This means they are also our ‘now’, so how do we journey alongside children and young people hearing their voices, offering them leadership and growing in faith together? This workshop will be focussing on three ways we can support our children and young people to: Lead in worship with others (e.g. services, collective worship, family devotions) Develop a faith they own. Have a voice in decisions and direction.  Throughout the workshop April Gold and Anna Naish from the Growing Faith team will be sharing principles and ideas for how this might look at home, in school and in church. Please note our aim is not that you go away with lots of new things to start but that we explore what the next step or shift is for you. Book now

Mission and Discipleship Course Dates - Jan-April 2022 Wondering what training, courses and events are happening this term? Why not have a look so you can see what is coming up. Feel free to share this with others so they can have a look too. Download

Diocesan News Coventry Initiative to Reduce Violence The ROC Conversation Coventry was held on 25th November and successfully launched CIRV (Coventry Initiative to Reduce Violence). They’ve now arranged three local ROC Conversations taking place in January, following up on the launch and bringing local action to local communities. Woodend, Henley and Manor Farm – 7-9pm Tuesday 11th January. Click here for more information. Canley & Tile Hill – 7-9pm Tuesday 18th January. Click here for more information. Hillfields – 7-9pm Tuesday 25th January. Click here for more information. Grant Opportunity for Organisations in Warwick District Warwick District Council is offering grants of up to £12,500 to organisations that have been adversely impacted by Covid national restrictions and/or other factors associated with COVID-19. The application window closes on 25/02/2022. For more information, click here. As always, Andy Duncan is available for help preparing applications: andy.duncan@coventry.anglican.org DBE Election Results Following the statutory voting period, the following people have been duly elected to serve on the Diocesan Board of Education for a three year term beginning 1st January 2022: Mr Roderick Clark Mrs Emma Griffiths Ms Sharon Jones Miss Claire Russell New Guidance on Deterring Hostile Reconnaissance Religious groups regularly publish detailed information about their venues and events which, whilst useful for their congregation and community, can also be useful for another audience – those wishing to undertake a hostile act against their venue, event or people. These acts could range from petty criminality, such as theft, to ideologically, religiously, or politically motivated acts, like terrorism. This new guidance from the CPNI is important for all those who have contact with the public; the more interaction a member of clergy, staff or volunteer has with the public, the more opportunity they have to inadvertently provide information that would be useful to a hostile. For more information, click here. A church for children and families with additional needs or disabilities St Nicholas Kenilworth is seeking to help the church reach out and encourage families with children who have additional needs / disability. 90% of families with special needs children don’t access church, and we want to see this change so that everyone feels welcome and can access the church family. Capacity in many communities makes this sort of provision difficult. Would you like to join our working group with Clare Edwards, to see what is possible? Clare is a qualified teacher with an SEN speciality and has a real passion for this outreach. For more information, email her at kids@stnicholaskenilworth.org.uk Good Neighbours - Volunteers Needed Loneliness is an increasing problem, and Good Neighbours have seen demand skyrocket for people to chat with and, hopefully, make friends with older people. Many older people can go weeks without speaking to anyone in person. It only takes 30 – 60 minutes, weekly or fortnightly. They match volunteers with people close to where they live in Coventry and Bedworth and ensure there is something in common. Many volunteers have developed wonderful friendships with the people they visit. If you have half an hour and would like to make a difference in an older person’s life, contact 07563 902 904 or goodneighbours@hopecoventry.org.uk

Diocesan Vacancies Rector - South Warwickshire Seven Benefice These seven beautiful Cotswold village churches, joined together in one Benefice administered by a Joint PCC, share one vision – to know and worship Jesus Christ and to make Him better known as we work to serve our local communities. We are looking for a new Rector to: Inspire and lead effective ministry in our multi-parish Benefice as we seek to fulfil our vision. Develop the progress made by the Joint PCC amongst the seven churches to work closer together, enhancing our outreach, whilst increasing effectiveness. Lead pastoral care in the Benefice, working with the laity to respond to those needing support. Develop and coordinate effective youth and children’s ministry, as well as building on the existing links with Long Compton school. Encourage Bible study and prayer in the various groups in the Benefice. For more information, click here. Priest-in-Charge - Alveston Alveston is a forward-thinking parish near Stratford-upon-Avon, with a strong focus on contributing to the spiritual health of its community. With two churches and a committed congregation, the parish is aware of challenges ahead to grow its spirituality, strengthen ties with the community, work collaboratively with neighbouring parishes and ensure a sustainable future. We are seeking a Priest-in-Charge to: Develop and promote a strong and inclusive church community through spiritually engaging and inspiring liturgy, preaching, and other parish activities. Work creatively with the Children and Families worker and with schools linked with the parish, to nurture children, young people and their families. Identify and develop imaginative responses to missional opportunities around the parish, using a range of approaches to communicate the gospel – especially with individuals and community organisations where involvement with the Church is currently limited. Work collaboratively to nurture faith and build confidence amongst churchgoers and the wider community, leading them to a more fulfilling spiritual life. Be committed to the continuing development of the parish’s music tradition and Eco-Church credentials. For more information, click here. Youth Worker - St John’s Church Kenilworth St. John’s Church Kenilworth is looking for a passionate and dynamic Youth Worker to continue the youth work that has been built over the last few years. The Youth Worker will be committed to seeing young people’s lives changed by Jesus. The role will include: Leading and developing a disciple-making culture, Seeing new disciples made and developed into disciple-makers, Connecting strongly with the local secondary school, Partnering with Kenilworth Youth For Christ and other Christian agencies, Growing a volunteer base. School term time plus the equivalent of an additional 3 weeks. £23-25K per annum (dependent upon experience) plus up to 5% matched pension contribution. For Application form and Job Description please contact admin@stjohn316.co.uk Children and Young People’s Worker - St Margaret's, Whitnash St Margaret’s, Whitnash, are looking for a Children and Young People’s Worker who would like to: Serve the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly, Reach out to those who do not yet know Him, Build up those who do by prayerful, loving, clear Bible teaching, Use the gifts He has given to His glory, Follow your heart for a specific group/place, Work with a Church family longing to encourage and support you. If you are willing to follow the above, reaching out to Children and Young People in Whitnash with a supportive church to work with you, for a salary of £12,500pa for 20 hours per week (with 4 weeks’ holiday)- they would love to hear from you. Further details from Associate Minister Rev Steve Davies at davies1877@gmail.com or 07790 538876. Deadline for applications (by letter and CV) – 6th February 2022. Church Administrator - St John's Church Kenilworth St. John the Evangelist Church Kenilworth is looking for a dynamic Church Administrator. The primary purpose of the role is to facilitate the day-to-day administrative operations of the church. The Church administrator is the first point of contact for those making enquires and will be responsible for maintaining and updating Church records. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and be confident in handling computer systems for communication, record keeping and basic bookkeeping. The Church administrator will work closely with the clergy and other members of the small staff team and the Churchwardens. This is a part time role of 30 hours per week (0.8 full time equivalent) with a salary of £17K-19K per annum plus up to 5% matched pension contribution. Closing date for applications isThursday 27th January 2022. To apply please send a CV and covering letter (making reference to the role profile) to vicar@stjohn316.co.uk

External Vacancies Why do we advertise external vacancies? Voluntary Action Coventry and Warwickshire Community & Voluntary Action Based within the infrastructure organisations of WCAVA (Warwickshire Community & Voluntary Action) and VAC (Voluntary Action Coventry) the newly formed VCSE Community Mental Health Team will ensure that the voluntary and community sector is effectively engaged in shaping the transformation of community mental health services.  Working collaboratively with other sectors towards an enhanced, easily accessible service providing integrated and seamless care and support for people experiencing mental distress. They are currently recruiting for the following four roles: Community Mental Health Transformation  Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Programme Lead – 37 hours per week, – £32,000 per annum. Community Mental Health Transformation Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Mental Health Liaison Officer (Coventry) – 37 hours per week, – £28,000 per annum. Community Mental Health Transformation Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Mental Health Liaison Officer (Warwickshire) – 37 hours per week, – £28,000 per annum. Community Mental Health Transformation Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Mental Health Administrator – 37 hours per week, – £21,500 per annum. For more information, click here.