Spirit Level - August 2011

"Called to the Big Society?"  Advance notice of a conference being run by CRC on Friday 4^th November from 10am. Watch here for further information. The conference is aimed primarily at church leaders and those engaged in Christian mission in local community settings. It is likely that some people will attend from other third sector organisations. They day will include a) How the government wants us to understand the Big Society; b) How the development of the Big Society will play out variously in different parts of Yorkshire and the Humber; c) Reflections of the Big Society in relation to the Common Good and other theological themes. The overall objective of the conference is to offer a clearer view of what the Big Society is and how this fits with Christian mission in Yorkshire and the Humber. It will also give an opportunity to build on the soon to be issued CRC policy paper ‘Christian Mission and the Big Society: A Policy Paper for Churches in Yorkshire and the Humber.’

Thriving, not just surviving: Christian community projects in a time of cuts. On 21 September 2011 9:45am-3:30pm (we will start promptly at 10am) at St Clement’s Church, 294a Barkerend Road, Bradford, BD3 9DF. Churches and Christian projects are increasingly feeling pressure to reconfigure themselves in the light of deep funding cuts.  Livability, works with churches in just these situations and this day aims to help people build and maintain strong community projects in the midst of the stress of decreased funding opportunities. This day will help church leaders and Christian community project workers reconnect with the deepest priorities of their mission, unearth the hidden resources in their churches and projects, and re-shape their priorities for the future. There will be a chance to learn from the example of the Anchor Project, based at St Clement’s Church, who have consistently run low-budget and yet high-quality projects. The day will also include ways to release potential assets in the church and the community. The day will be interactive with chances to raise and discuss your issues as well as share your learning and experience. Costs  £20 per person, including lunch. Book and pay online

2011-2012 Ebor Lectures: The Good Society? Re-invigorating Public Life. There has been recent political debate about the importance of re-invigorating society, and increasing the engagement of citizens in public life. As part of this debate, the Government has proposed the development of the Big Society, encouraging people to engage in neighbourhoods and communities. They propose a shift of power from the state to communities, through support of social enterprise, charities and co-operatives. Some argue that the Big Society represents a retreat from state provision. Within this context the 2011-12 Ebor Lectures, in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, ask fundamental questions about the nature of the ‘good society’, and the role of citizens, government, faith communities and voluntary organisations in the re-invigoration of civic life. 5^th October 2011 Julia Unwin Chief Executive Joseph Rowntree Foundation & Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. The Common Good what does it mean for people and places in poverty? 30^th November 2011 Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks Biblical insights into the Good Society 8^th February 2012 Dr David Halpern Director of Behavioural Insight Team No.!0 and the Cabinet Office ‘The hidden wealth of nations  also 14^th March 2012 others in April and finally 13^th June Rev Dr Malcolm Brown , Director of Mission and Public Affairs, The Archbishops Council ‘Moral Communities in a Social Strangers, turning social themes into practical politics.

Love thy Neighbourhood: Creating sustainable Christ-like community work. A residential event facilitated by Dave Andrews. Find refreshment and renewed passion for your life, work and ministry with Livability’s Community Mission team and Australian community worker Dave Andrews. Dave led our retreat in 2008 and is back by popular demand. The event will include a mix of teaching, reflective activities, sharing, personal time, optional workshops and fun. From Wednesday 19- Friday 21 October 2011 at  Hothorpe Hall, Theddingworth, Leicestershire, LE17 6QX. Shared room cost £145/person including all meals and en-suite room with early booking discount, £20 more after 30 June. Single rooms are £195/person including all meals and en-suite room with early booking discount, £20 more after 30 June. In response to the current financial challenges, Dave Andrews will invite us to rediscover our calling as committed community development workers; break through the barriers of fear, selfishness, futility and spitefulness; build bridges with others in our communities; raise up community leaders so that our work is sustainable and be Christ-like, not just use Christian distinctives. You can expect practical, down-to-earth teaching from an experienced urban community worker; the chance to share and learn from people with similar work and life choices; worship and reflective activities as well as time to think and pray; fun – We guarantee that you will laugh at least once or your money back. For further details contact Jill Clark on 0207 452 2018 or email jclark@livability.org.uk.

Be the Change: A day with activist and community worker Dave Andrews. If you want to see transformation in your community, then come and learn from someone whose life speaks even more eloquently than his words. Livability, together with Tearfund, Church Urban Fund and St George’s Centre Leeds, are bringing you a unique and exciting opportunity to learn from and reflect with activist and community worker Dave  Andrews. Dave has many years’ experience in India's slum communities but now lives and works in his native Australia. He has written several books on community development, including Not Religion but Love, Compassionate Community Work and Plan Be. Date: Thursday 13 October 2011. Time:  10.45am – 3.30pm - starting promptly at 11am. £10 per person, including lunch. At St George’s Centre, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3BR. Book & pay online at  www.communitymission.org.uk or contact Jill Clark on 020 7452 2018 This day is for you… if you are a Christian in one of our Northern cities or towns and want to see transformation in your community. We have subsidized the event in order to allow more people to attend and really hope you will be able to join us. The key issues that Dave will address. How do we get the whole church on board with community action? How do we deal with welcoming difficult people in our community? How can we prepare the church for action and change? How can we stay energised to transform areas affected by poverty? Are we ready for personal change? What gets people together and involved in their communities?

Funding help. The next edition of the Funding Bulletin is now available to download from the News page of the York & North Yorkshire Funding Advice Network website via this link. In this months issue you will find funding opportunities which are new, updated or have deadlines within the next three months.  They have been placed into separate categories to make it easier to read. Also, the information was been refined so you can quickly see whether it's the right funding for your organisation/project.

Textify. We all love connecting with mates on the go and most of us have our eyes fixed on our phones. every spare moment of the day. It’s now time to use our phones to start talking about Jesus. Textify is a youth campaign launching this week and being profiled at loads of youth festivals and camps this summer. It’s a massive initiative. Between the 12th and 30th September, thousands of young people will take the Textify challenge and start stepping up their conversations about faith. Participants are encouraged to take a week to pray daily for their three chosen mates, think through their ‘God’ story and use text messages to kick off a chat about what Jesus means to them. Young people can use social media platforms to share their progress, comments and stories. You could distribute Textify reminder cards or just encourage youth to be involved. Email office@hopetogether.org.uk Follow @TextifyHope on Twitter or ‘Like’ the ‘Textify Hope’ page on Facebook.

Grants for Interfaith Week – Interfaith Youth Trust. The Interfaith Youth Trust (Alma Royalton-Kisch Trust) has now launched its Grant Programme for 2011.   The Grant Programme is specifically to fund young people’s interfaith events for Interfaith Week in November 2011.  The deadline for applications is 16 September and the maximum grant is £500.  Further information and an application form can be found online at www.ifyouthtrust.org.uk.

'Racial Justice Sunday Service' taking place on 11 September 2011 at 5.30 pm at Westgate Baptist Church, Carlisle Road, Manningham, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 8BY

Never too Young to Grieve. The day will be interactive using instances of child grief ranging from a few weeks old to teenage experiences of loss, illustrating the positive or negative responses by parents, schools, peers or families which help or hinder a child’s grief. On Saturday 1^st October 2011 from 10am – 3:30pm. Cost £16.50 includes lunch and refreshments. It is led by Revd Brian Cranwell. For more details contact Rachael Salmon, The Mirfield Centre on 01924 481920 email centre@mirfield.org.uk (www.mirfieldcentre.org.uk)

The Reflective Disciple. Roger Walton's book 'The Reflective Disciple' (Epworth, 2009)http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reflective-Disciple-Roger-Walton/dp/071620648X raises questions not only about disciples themselves but about what sort of church enables disciples to flourish. He looks at how the church can be a community called to operate with a ‘built-in pedagogical dynamic’.

Celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Churches across the country should get geared up to be at the hub of community celebrations ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations next year. hat’s the rallying call from HOPE and the Evangelical Alliance, following Buckingham Palace’s announcement that the Big Lunch would be part of the official royal programme for the four-day national holiday. The aim to see more than a million people celebrate together on their streets has caused HOPE and the Evangelical Alliance to encourage churches to prepare for the party. “The scale of the recent Royal Wedding celebrations all over the country proved that the public love street parties,” said Steve Clifford, Chair of HOPE and General Director of the Evangelical Alliance. “Communities really come together over a national celebration like this. In many places people were getting to know neighbours they had never spoken to before and creating a shared local spirit. Christians can be at the heart of all this.” To help build a bigger sense of community, churches, small groups and  individuals can get involved with street parties and lunches on their own streets,wherever they live in the UK. This could be just the start of 2012 community engagement with the Olympic celebrations following on. As churches are one of the few institutions that are in nearly every single town, village and city it is hoped that members of every denomination will use creative ways to get involved or possibly offer their catering facilities. The Big Lunch has taken place on the first Sunday in June for the past three years. Organised by the Eden Project, a conservation charity, the 2012 event will see thisjoin in with something much larger as the public gather their community together to commemorate the royal occasion. HOPE and the Evangelical Alliance will provide practical advice and inspiration to encourage church involvement over the coming months.

Mission Action Planning (MAP) The churchmaps site is growing in popularity, and the time has come to give it a facelift and bring it up to date. We know that many of the documents are old and we are aware that some dioceses have replaced them. So please would you take a look at what is on churchmaps for your diocese, let us know what we can take off, and send us any files that you are happy to share with others. National MAP Facilitator's Day. Bishop Alastair and Maureen Cole of the Diocese of Derby are hosting the National MAP Facilitation Day on Monday 17 October, 10.30am- 3.00pm, at the St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor. Mike Chew, who has organised these MAP days in previous years will also be attending. The day will be useful for Missioners, MAP facilitators or any church members who are considering using the Mission Action Planning Process. During the day there will be an opportunity to get an update on what is happening nationally, hear how MAPs are impacting local churches and attend workshops which will be based on topics that are requested by those who book. The price will be £10 and a buffet lunch will be provided. To book, visit www.churchmaps.co.uk and send us an email by clicking “email us” with “MAP day” as the subject, or for more information, contact: maureen.cole@derby.anglican.org  http://www.ctbi.org.uk/CB/14

Heritage Inspired shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Best Tourism Experience’ section of this year’s Welcome To Yorkshire White Rose Awards. They have been shortlisted specifically for our innovative Heritage Festival, which involves heritage faith sites across South Yorkshire each June.  The event involves at least 75 heritage faith sites (of all faiths and denominations) - all throwing open their doors to visitors, organising wonderful events and activities and providing homemade local produce and refreshments.  It also includes explore coach trips, which explore four heritage faith sites with enthusiastic local heritage officer.  The festival attracts around 25000 visitors each year. HI works with all heritage faith sites in South Yorkshire, and now some areas of West Yorkshire.  They currently have over 150 partner sites, of all faiths and denominations.  We work with them to develop their interpretation, publicity and visitor welcome.  We also organise events, of which the festival is just one.  There is much more information on our website www.heritageinspired.org.uk

Mama Fairtrade visits York. Monday 5th September at 3pm St Michael le Belfrey Church. Patricia Mutangili’s neighbours call her Mama Fairtrade because she spreads the message everywhere she goes.  And she’s coming to York! Patricia is a tea farmer from the slopes of Mount Kenya.  She sells her tea to Ndima, which supplies tea used in the Traidcraft range. She’ll be visiting St Michael le Belfrey Church on Monday 5th September at 3pm, and explaining why every cup of her tea we drink makes a difference.  Entrance is free of charge.

Knocked about but not Beaten is the title of our NECN conference this year. Speakers include Doreen Massey - well known for her work on why our urban situations are as they are. Doreen Massey is one of the great thinkers in the sphere of radical social geography - feet on the ground and a passion for justice for the poor. Doreen will be helping us with our thinking and so will others who have experiences and ideas to share. We'll all be sharing our own Estate experience - the problems and the joys - and learning ways forward for the Kingdom of God in our own places. If you are brand new to Estate life or know all about it, come and share and learn together. All denominations lay or ordained, all are welcome.  Come and meet with others who live, work and worship on Housing Estates. It's a day of hearing what others are doing - the pitfalls and the successes - and learning together what we can do to make our Churches really connect with our localities and witness to the deep truths of the Gospel.  Birmingham is easy to get to by train and the venue is a short walk from the station.  Parking is straight forward too in the city. We'd love to see you.  There are joys and there are sorrows. In Housing Estate ministry we often feel bruised but we are certainly not beaten! Come and talk together with others who know how it feels. The conference costs £25 - including good refreshments (and if there is more than one in the group it costs only £20) Why not book now?  On http://necn2011.eventbrite.com  If you’re unable to book online, please send a cheque to “NECN” for £25 (£20 per person if more than one of you is coming from the same church/group) along with details of your name, the names of those coming with you , any dietary or access requirements and the name of your church or organisation. Please send this information and your cheque to: National Estate Churches Network, Sue Rusholme, Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Office’s Mary's Street, Leeds LS9 7DP

St Wilfred Lecture – The Question of God. The fourth of these lectures will be given by Catherine Pepinster on 22^nd September on ‘God and the human person’ . The final lecture will be given by Mono Siddiqui on 10^th November. All lectures take place at Ripon Cathedral Admission is free but by ticket only. To book a ticket contact the Cathedral Officer: judithbustard@riponcathedral.org.uk (01765 603462). 

The Challenge of Leadership in a Changing Church. An exploration of understandings of leadership and oversight in the Yorkshire Churches placed in a national and international context on Tuesday 4^th October 2011 2.00pm – 6.00pm at York St John University. The aim of this symposium is to focus on the challenges which face the leaders of religious organisations in a rapidly changing world. We are aware that some significant pieces of research have been done on this subject and can now offer the opportunity to share and explore these in some depth. Keynote speakers include Most Rev & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, Rev Gareth Powell, Canon Malcolm Grundy, Professor Sebastian C H Kim. This costs £12 per person for a place.The cost is £12 per person for a place, including refreshments. Alternatively for £25 you would receive a copy of the book, Leadership and Oversight: New Models for Episcopal Leadership by Canon Malcolm Grundy in addition to a place and refreshments at the symposium. Book online. For more information contact Canon Malcolm Grundy  m.grundy@yorksj.ac.uk and admin queries j.erstic@yorksj.ac.uk : 01904 876254

400^th Anniversary of the King James Bible. Tues 27 Sep 2011, 5pm in Committee Room 1, ground floor, Guildhall: HERI's next meeting is for the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible 1611-2011. A discussion of the cultural and ethical role of scriptures through the centuries will be opened by Dr David Bagchi of Hull University's History Department. All welcome.

Christian Engagement with Islam: Context and Developments in England.  A day specially intended for those less comfortable with or new to Christian-Muslim Relations . Tuesday, 11 October 2011, 10.30 – 16.00 Hinsley Hall Leeds, LS6 2BX. Speakers includeRt Rev Tom Butler “Reflections on the Inter-faith Landscape Today” Dr Philip Lewis, Islam in England: “Who's who and where?” Dr Helen Reid, “Christian perspectives on Islam in the last 50 years” Anjum Anwar, Julian Bond “Working together for a healthy society” Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Julian Bond “Mission vs. dialogue?”. There will also be workshops on Dialogue and Witness – are they in conflict? What are you doing on the ground? -shared social action Less visible leaders? Women’s role in developing dialogue Getting to know you better – opportunity for questions The bigger picture - politics and international impact  Cost: £40 waged £25.00 unwaged inclusive of lunch and refreshments. Contact LorraineShannon (lorraine.shannon@cte.org.uk), tel: 020 7529 8131 for further information and to book for this event.www.churches-together.net            www.christianmuslimforum.org

Revelation: An exhibition of paintings by Judith Gilbert that interpret the rich story telling of the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation. Held at Bradford Cathedral from Saturday 10^th September until Saturday 22^nd October.   Opening reception on Friday 9^th September at 6.30pm All welcome. Free entry – donations appreciated. Contact 01274 777720 for further details.

Village SOS Competition. The Village SOS Competition will give around 250 awards of between £10,000 and £30,000 to kick start community businesses. They want to support inspiring business ideas that will bring people together in villages across the UK and support activities and enterprises that will tackle the challenges they face. They're particularly interested in giving money to enterprising ideas that will use the skills of local people, and the area's natural resources, land and buildings. Entry forms will be available to Village SOS members from 24 August. There are three main entry requirements: You must be a community enterprise  Your village must be in a rural area and have fewer than 3,000 people living in it *They can only accept one entry per village. The competition is a two-stage process: 1. Entry Stage. You will be asked about your idea, how you know it is needed and how you have consulted with your community. The deadline for this stage is 6 October.  2. Application stage: Around 500 entrants will be invited to participate in this stage, involving more detailed application form, including details such as the project's budget and how it will be managed. Villages will have around three months to complete this part of their entry as forms will need to be submitted by February 2012, with grant offers being made from May 2012. They expect a high demand for funding. In order to have the best chances of success, use all the resources Village SOS has to offer, including the Community and Advice Line on 0845 434 9123.For more information visit the website: http://www.villagesos.org.uk/village-sos-competition

Let My People Go! An open evening when we consider the Old Testament story of the Exodus and ask ‘did it happen, and does it really matter?’ With Dom Henry Wansbrough, OSB on Thursday 29^th September 2011 from 7:30 – 9:00pm. Free but booking essential. Contact Rachael Salmon, The Mirfield Centre 0194 481920 for further information.

Olympics 2012. CHURCHES ARE FREE to show BBC coverage of London 2012 on big screens with no need for a special licence. That's the assurance from the BBC's Editor of 2012 live sites, Tim Plyming, 'so long as the content is not changed or charged for'. The BBC is committed to making every event available through digital technology. This also offers churches a way to serve those from other countries or with an interest in specialised sports. As part of their commitment to encouraging big screens, the BBC is to identify the likely 'golden moments' when people will want to share the experience. The Corporation is also working with LOCOG, the Games organising committee, on a practical guide for those planning to hold big screen events. 'We hope thousands of churches will seize the opportunity,' says Marty Woods leader of More Than Gold's Festivals Team. 'They could run a series of events that put them at the heart of the community.

Amnesty International Dedicated Service. Saturday December 10th 5.15pm York Minster. Amnesty International York is to mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary by a special evening service at York Minster on Human Rights Day, Saturday December 10th at 5.15pm. In its 50 years, Amnesty International has grown to be the world’s largest human rights organisation. It provides a unique blend of local, national and international campaigning. Amnesty York has been part of this human rights campaigning since 1976. In its 50 years, Amnesty’s achievements have included the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for its work against torture, and successful campaigning for an International Criminal Court. Amnesty’s famous logo – a candle surrounded by barbed wire – was inspired by the Chinese saying “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Over the past 50 years, Amnesty has strived to curse the darkness of human rights violations and we have seen the great impact the organisation has had in that time. Amnesty International York the churches in York to join them at the Minster and be part of the celebration. If you would like to attend please contact Barbara Lodge via martha_uk@tesco.net  with some indication of how many people are likely to be in your party. This information will help York Minster in its practical arrangements on the day.

Learning Legacy. Yorkshire Forward have recently completed a piece of work called the 'Learning Legacy'. It is a series of 17 reports that captures knowledge, achievements and lessons learned from twelve years of regional economic development in Yorkshire and Humber.  The reports are available to download via the Yorkshire Futures website: - http://www.yorkshirefutures.com/news/yorkshire-forward-release-learning-legacy-documents

"Disability and the Cuts: the effect of public spending cuts on disabled people". A public meeting organised by Church Action on Poverty in Sheffield and Sheffield Centre for Independent Living (SCIL). Speakers include Simon Duffy (Centre for Welfare Reform; Campaign for a Fair Society) and Andrew Crooks of SCIL. Thursday 29th September, 7-9pm, Quakers Meeting House, St James Street S1. All welcome, disabled access; leaflet to follow."

Open Public Services White Paper is out. The long-awaited White Paper on public service reform - Open Public Services < http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/open-public-services-white-paper > has been published. It 'aims to deliver more freedom, more choice and more local control by applying five principles of choice, decentralisation, diversity, fairness and accountability.'

Understanding and Using Outcomes – Many funders such as the Big Lottery, Comic Relief and councils are now outcomes funders.  They want to support organisations that can demonstrate they make a difference within places like North Yorkshire.  This 2 day course running on 21^st September and 5^th October is a great opportunity to find out how you can introduce an outcome focus to your organisation.  The course costs £125 per organisation and two people should attend.  Early booking is advised by contacting Ellen Cross on 01347 825 710 or 07738456784 or ellen.cross@nyyforum.org.uk

Talktalk’s Digital Heroes awards has launched again, with a nationwide search to find people using digital technology to do amazing things for their communities. The awards, which are run in partnership with Citizens Online and supported by Race Online 2012, aim to recognise inspirational people who use technology to benefit their community. Twelve winners, one from each region of the UK – voted for by the public – will each get £5,000 to enhance their digital projects, with one overall winner getting £10,000.In addition to the main awards, Martha Lane Fox will also present a special award to the project that most exemplifies the aims of Race Online 2012, a campaign to make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the internet. The Awards are now open for submissions at www.talktalk.co.uk/digitalheroes and the deadline is 11th September 2011.

Christian Engagement with Islam. Churches Together in England and the Christian Muslim Forum invite you to: A day specially intended for those less comfortable with or new to Christian-Muslim Relations on Tuesday, 11 October 2011, 10.30 – 16.00 at Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2BX.  Speakers include Rt Rev Tom Butler “Reflections on the Inter-faith Landscape Today” Dr Philip Lewis, Islam in England: “Who's who and where?”  Dr Helen Reid, “Christian perspectives on Islam in the last 50 years” Anjum Anwar, Julian Bond “Working together for a healthy society” Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Julian Bond “Mission vs. dialogue?” with a variety of workshops.  Cost: £40 waged £25.00 unwaged inclusive of lunch and refreshments. Contact Lorraine Shannon (lorraine.shannon@cte.org.uk) for further information and to book for this event. You will receive an invoice once your booking has been confirmed.

Utility Aid UK are offering free energy audits to charities and not for profits organisations in the UK. Each year Utility Aid helps hundreds of charities and businesses save money on their energy and it all starts here; a no obligation, free energy audit which will give you peace of mind that your organisation has everything under control. They will ensure that VAT has been calculated at the correct level, Climate Change Levy has been calculated at the correct level, each site is on the most appropriate tariff, you are not overpaying for your energy, you are in a suitable contract and that your bill has been correctly calculated. When complete, Utility Aid will provide you with a summary of anything else we may notice as being unusual and make helpful recommendations on things you may like to consider doing differently. They will check the rates you currently pay and see if there is a better deal they can find you. They will show you what savings can be made by moving to a lower rate, but remember - there is no obligation to move! Visit our website to find out more information about our company and all the people we help.

York Mystery Plays.The York Mystery Plays make a return to the Museum Gardens in a spectacular outdoor production by Riding Lights Theatre Company, York Theatre Royal, and York Museums Trust from the 2 to 27 August 2012. A purpose built theatre with covered seating will transform York Museum Gardens, allowing an audience of 1400 people to enjoy this epic event under the summer skies, with the beautiful St. Mary’s Abbey ruins as the backdrop to this story. The Mystery Plays have not been produced on this scale in the Museum Gardens since 1988. Adapted by Mike Kenny, who also adapted The Railway Children for York Theatre Royal’s Olivier award-winning production, this will be a new interpretation of the medieval plays that have been embedded in the City’s cultural heritage since the middle of the fourteenth century. From Creation to the Last Judgement, these plays form one of the greatest stories ever told. Ticket prices range from £12 to £42 and can be bought by calling the Box Office on 01904 623568 or visiting www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.  There is also a dedicated website for the York Mystery Plays www.yorkmysteryplays-2012.com which has more information about the plays and allows people to register interest in getting involved.

The Challenge of Leadership in a Changing Church: A Symposium at York St John University.  Our aim is to focus on the challenges which face the leaders of religious organizations in a rapidly changing world. We are aware that some significant pieces of research have been done on this subject and can now offer the opportunity to share and explore these in some depth. Speakers include: The Most Rev & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and Chancellor of this University; Rev Gareth Powell member of Faith and Order Committee of the Methodist Church; Canon Malcolm Grundy, recently published Leadership and Oversight: new models for Episcopal leadership  and Professor Sebastian Kim, Professor in Theology and Public Life at York St John. Held on October 4^th 2011 from 2pm – 6pm at York St John University this Symposium is a significant new initiative for the University. The cost is £12 per person for a place, including refreshments. Alternatively for £25 you would receive a copy of the book, Leadership and Oversight: New Models for Episcopal Leadership by Canon Malcolm Grundy in addition to a place and refreshments at the Symposium. Your application can be completed online at www.yorksj.ac.uk/changingchurch.

Access to Stream In June this year North Yorkshire County Council, along with other public sector partners including York City Council and North Yorkshire Police, launched STREAM, a statistics, research and mapping system funded by the Yorkshire and Humber regional improvement and efficiency partnership. STREAM provides a 'one stop shop' for information, statistics, research and mapping. It provides organisations and members of the public with online access to population, employment, economic, community safety, health and education data from local and national sources. Users are able to look at trends in the data and create maps, charts and area profiles for use in reports, funding applications and strategic documents. STREAM can be accessed at www.streamlis.org.uk   For more information contact stream@northyorks.gov.uk

Tour of Guisborough and District Churches.  Roy Thompson has arranged a tour of the several of the churches of Guisborough and district on Wednesday 12th October 2011. The programme is: 10.00am St Nicholas Parish Church, Guisborough Coffee and Tour of Church. 11.45am St. Paulinus Catholic Church, The Avenue Guisborough. 12.30pm Kings Head, Newton under Roseberry Lunch. 1.45pm St Oswalds Church, Newton under Roseberry 2.30pm All Saints Church, Great Ayton. You would be very welcome to join Roy on this FREE visit and also to discuss your own church tourism initiatives with him. Email Roy Thompson

Mobile App for Charities. Charity Technology Trust (CTT) is considering adding Mobile Apps to our portfolio of services and we’d like to know how your charity would use an App and what options you would like to see when considering mobile Apps. Fill in their quick survey here.

North Yorkshire Funding bulletin. The next edition of the Funding Bulletin is now available to download from the News page of the York & North Yorkshire Funding Advice Network website via this link: http://www.ynyfundingadvice.org.uk/index.php/news.html

Challenging Society? Society is not broken but it is more divided and unequal than ever. In the face of increasing individualism, competition and consumerism how can we develop equality, social justice, collective action and collective empowerment? Do current community policies and practices challenge or maintain the status quo? Friday 23 September, 10am – 3pm Norcroft Centre, University of Bradford For the latest details and to book, please visit www.yhep.org.uk  Or contact COGS on 0113 373 1751 mail@cogs.uk.net  Speakers  to include Phil Coppard CEO Barnsley Council  Liz Richardson Manchester University. There will also be workshops to present innovative practice and consider the principles and values on which approaches are based. There will also be opportunity for a lively debate of the issues and challenges related to both power structures and inequalities as well as our own practices. The conference is being subsidised by the University of Bradford to keep the costs as low as possible however, there will be a charge ranging from £30 (unwaged and local activists) to £60 (for large community, voluntary, public and private sector organisations).

Creating Changes. This project offers free community development training, so you can improve your practice in supporting small groups and networks. New courses are being added to the FCDL website as they are being confirmed in different parts of England. 

Back to School Conference. Saturday 8th October, 10am-4pm. Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road YoYo and the Archbishop of York's office are organising a conference in October called 'Back to School'. The conference is to equip and inspire those people who already work or wish to work in their local schools whether it be in assemblies, lessons, clubs, as a governor, etc. The date is Saturday 8th October and it is being held at Joseph Rowntree School in York. See this flyer or go to http://www.yoyotrust.org.uk/backtoschool  Further information and application forms will become available in due course.

Christian ministry and mission among Muslims and reflect with others who are involved. A short course for Christians in leadership offered by Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity. It is based around two separate study days placed three months apart. Participants are asked to feedback on issues arising in their ministry during this time and the second session directly addresses these issues. So the overall aim is to support sustained reflective practice and provide teaching input in short and focused bursts. Contact time includes Christian and Muslim speakers, opportunities for visits, looking at resources and group reflection. Highlights include making sense of Islam and understanding Muslim communities, a Mosque visit, leadership in Muslim communities and establishing methods for looking at other cultural and religious issues, Christian ministry and mission among Muslims, theology and practice, Biblical resources for ministry and mission For further details contact 01274 668312 e-mail:bcdd.admin@btconnect.com

Heritage Open Days 2011  Thursday September 8^th – Sunday 11^th September.- St Helen and the Holy Cross, Sheriff Hutton, York. Talks and tours on the history of the Grade 1 listed St Helen and the Holy Cross, early C12th church with connections to Richard III and featuring the tomb of Edward of Middleham, the only Prince of Wales buried in a parish church. Public transport - Bus - 181 from York to Castle Howard via Sheriff Hutton; from Malton to York, via Sheriff Hutton, change at Castle Howard. Thursday Church open 0900 – 1700 Friday Church open 0900-1800; BBQ and Big Sing at 1800-2100 Saturday Church open 0900 - 1700; history talks at 1400 and 1530; visit Sheriff Hutton Castle 1700-1900. Sunday Church open 0900 -1800; talk at 1400; Evensong with the Bishop of Selby at 1800. Refreshments available on Saturday and Sunday Contact: Roy Thompson, Churchwarden email: roythompson2@btinternet.com 01347 878644

March for Justice. This October, walk in solidarity with over 10,000 poor and marginalised people in India, who are marching 320km to claim land rights they have been promised by the Indian government. There is a walk in Ripon on Saturday 8^th October.Two walks through beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, visiting the Studley Royal estate, and walking in the footsteps of the monks who founded Fountains Abbey. Choose from a full day 13-mile route or a family friendly 6-mile walk. Walk in solidarity with over 100,000 poor people in India who are marching 320km to claim their land rights.  For further details contact Steph Cooper on Christian Aid.

Historical perspective and awareness of major social trends can inform the identity, mission, ministry and strategy of dioceses and parishes in the present. The event is being run by members of the Building on History project: www.open.ac.uk/buildingonhistory Speakers include: Professor John Wolffe (Open University); Professor Arthur Burns (King’s College London); Professor Edward Royle (York) and Sarah Slinn (Borthwick Institute). The event will have a significant practical dimension, including an introduction to the idea of ‘history audits’ for individual congregations. Tuesday 11th October 2011 11.30am-4pm £15.00(includes lunch and refreshments)

'Beyond Belief: Religion and Belief in Professional Practice' Keynote speaker: Professor Linda Woodhead from Lancaster University, Director of the AHRC/ESRC Religion and Society Programme Wednesday 7 - Thursday 8 September 2011 University of Bradford, England All welcome For more info or to book please visit:http://www.brad.ac.uk/study/cpd/belief/

Love food? Want to help your community waste less and save money? The York and North Yorkshire Waste Partnership is looking to work with local groups to increase the number of people aware of the Love Food Hate Waste campaign (www.lovefoodhatewaste.com) by holding two training sessions in North Yorkshire. Training will take place on Saturday 17 September, 9.30am to 1pm, at Northdale Horticulture, Northallerton and Saturday 22 October, 9.30am to 1pm, at Jennyfield Styan Community Centre, Harrogate. These sessions will be delivered by a member of the partnership staff and can be attended by anyone who is interested in the campaign, and would be willing to deliver activities within their group to promote the campaign further. For further information and to register email wastecampaigns@northyorks.gov.uk or contact 01609 532512. More information is available at www.letstalklessrubbish.com. Reducing food waste is delivered through the national campaign, Love Food Hate Waste. www.lovefoodhatewaste.com which you may have heard of.