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eNews 8 October, 2021

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New Start Initiative

Bishop James has, this week, written to clergy about a new initiative to support those benefices and parishes struggling to recruit clergy when in vacancy.

The New Start Team will initially focus on the Maryport Team which becomes vacant in mid-October following the retirement of the Rev Susan McKendry. It will look to support other similar parishes in the coming months. 

The Ven Richard Pratt, the Archdeacon of West Cumberland, will co-lead the Team alongside the Rev Stewart Fyfe, currently rector of the North Westmorland Parishes and Rural Dean of Appleby. From the end of January, Stewart shall job-share with Richard, both as Archdeacon and in leading the New Start Team.  

  • Click here to read Bishop James' letter to clergy.

           Covid Latest Guidance       

        
The Church of England has this week issued three new FAQs on its coronsvirus website page to further support churches.

The new FAQs are:

  • Are there specific restrictions for Remembrance Sunday services?
  • Will churches use vaccine certification / vaccines passports?
  • How do I get a flu vaccine?
  • Click here to view the FAQs.
Cumbrian Vicar's New Book

A Cumbrian vicar’s first book – which people are encouraged to read in the run up to Christmas – is being promoted across the UK and America.
 
Last year the Rev Robin Ham, who ministers at St Paul’s, Barrow, wrote a 74 page daily Advent devotional book, Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies.
 
Originally, he self-published the book, with 500 copies being printed to help raise funds for local ministry. But now it has been picked up by Christian publisher, 10ofthose, who have chosen to promote it internationally. The book includes 25 daily reflections based around the Old Testament book of Ruth.
 
Robin, who has lived in Barrow for six years with his wife, Zoe, with whom he has five young children, said: “I originally came up with the idea to preach on Ruth as it’s a book which is so rich in Advent themes. It’s a story which leads to the birth of a baby who will be an ancestor to Jesus.
 
“I really feel it resonates with the world in which we’re living at the moment: there’s sadness, tears and death but also hope which is found in even the darkest of places.
 
“I know that people who had read the book locally had found it helpful so when I was then contacted by 10ofthose who said they were keen to publish it that was equally affirming.”

  • Click here to read more and click here to order a copy.

                Diocesan Synod       

The first sitting of the new Diocesan Synod will take place tomorrow at St John's Houghton, on the outskirts of Carlisle.

Members will receive updates on the God for All vision and strategy as well as receiving the Diocesan Board of Education's annual report and being invited to formally approve the diocesan budget.

The afternoon session will include opportunity for members to debate a Kairos Palestine Solway Deanery Synod motion. 
 

Safeguarding Sunday

This weekend churches are encouraged to engage with Safeguarding Sunday.

Congregations are invited to use their regular Sunday service to explore together what safer places look like, and to thank all those working behind the scenes to make our churches safer for all.

The ecumenical initiative from specialist safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight provides bespoke resources including films and animations, prayers, preaching notes, children's activity sheets, hymns and songs and a safeguarding pledge. 

        Cumbria Christian Learning
 

This year has seen the formation of a new Theological Education Institution, Emanuel Theological College, of which Cumbria Christian Learning forms part.

To mark the end of CCL and to celebrate the work of both CCL and its predecessor organisations, a celebratory event will be held at Rydal Church and Rydal Hall on 2 December 2021. There will be a service of thanksgiving at Rydal Church commencing at  2pm, led by the Bishop of Carlisle, followed by refreshments at Rydal Hall served at 3pm.
 
Those who have a studied with, taught at, or have another connection with CCL or its predecessor organisations, such as Lancashire and Cumbria Theological Partnership (LCTP) and Carlisle and Blackburn Diocesan Training Institute (CBDTI), are warmly invited to attend.
 

  • Please click here to confirm your attendance and any dietary requirements you may have (by Friday 19 November 2021).
General Synod Elections

A reminder that voting for diocesan elections to the General Synod's House of Clergy and House of Laity closes tonight (Friday 8 October) at 11.59pm.

Seventeen people have put themselves forward as candidates: eight proctorial candidates for the House of Clergy and nine for the House of Laity.

Voting has been conducted online for the first time and is open to clergy and lay Deanery Synod members only. The count shall take place next week and the results shall be posed in the next eNews.

  • Click here to view the candidates' addresses.

     Bishop James's Teaching Days
 

Details of forthcoming teaching days to be given by Bishop James have been released.

This year Bishop James will continue the ‘What is…….?’
series with an in depth look at What is Glory?

The aim is to build confidence in the Christian faith, and it is intended to complement the teaching that already goes on so faithfully in our Parishes and Deaneries.

The days will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm on:

  • 6 November – St Thomas’ Church, Kendal
  • 27 November – St James’ Church, Carlisle
  • 4 December – Ulverston Parish Church
  • 11 December – St Michael’s Church, Workington

To register your interest (stating which of the four events you are coming to) email here or contact 01768 773430. Please bring your own lunch. Drinks will be supplied

•   Click here for further details.
Christian Hope For Working Life

As the furlough scheme comes to an end and employers rebuild their businesses after the restrictions end it is understandable that people fear unemployment.

If you live in the countryside or in a town with high unemployment, the options for getting a job may seem limited. Lock down gave people time to think and many are taking the risk of switching to a new line of work.

In this session from Engaging Theology in Cumbria, Dr Helen Cameron reflects on Christian hope for the working life, looking at six fears and how the church can be a community of hope.

It will be held on Zoom on Monday 11 October from 7.30pm to 9pm.

  • Click here to book a place.  

            Climate Change Event
 

You are invited to attend a special climate change event in Carlsile city centre next Friday.

Churches Together in Cumbria is working closely with Food Carlisle to host the event at which you can hear from pilgrims who are passing through the city on their way to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

It takes place on Friday 15 October from 12 noon to 2pm at St Cuthbert's Church in Carlisle city centre.

  • Click here to book your place and for further queries contact Jo Phillips.
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