Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees Summer Concert May 20

 ​

Fundraiser concert for Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees: Saturday 20 May 2023

A triple bill of outstanding artists from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

To help Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees raise funds to help support the Syrian, Afghan and Ukrainian refugee families now resettling in the Sevenoaks District area you might like to support their fundraiser concert on Saturday 20 May at 7 pm (doors open 6:15 pm).

Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is putting on another night of amazing international music and dance. As well as all the magical performances there will also be a fundraising auction and raffle, and beautiful items for sale. They would love you to join them for this magical evening!

CULTURES TOGETHER IN HARMONY:  A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC & DANCE

Featuring members of The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians; Milad Yousofi and Sulaiman Haqpana from Afghanistan; and the Prolisok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

Tickets and more details available at Eventbrite.com from £5 to £30. Discounts available – please see the Eventbrite page.

The concert is at Walthamstow Hall Senior School, Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3UL.

Lent Talks at St Thomas of Canterbury, Sevenoaks

 

LENTEN TALKS AT St Thomas of Canterbury R C Church

12 Granville Rd, Sevenoaks TN13 1ER. Talks at 730pm.

‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’

With these word Ash Wednesday (February 22) encourages us to return to the beginning, to take a step back and gain perspective over our lives and over our faith to prepare ourselves for Easter. Make the most of your Lent by coming to these Lenten talks and prepare well for Easter.

 

March 2, 2023- Getting the most out of Lent by Fr Matthew O’Gorman, PP Corpus Christi Church Brixton Hill.

Fr O’Gorman will base his talk on the powerful witness of St Catherine of Sienna (1347-80). This remarkable Saint could scarcely read or write but is a Doctor of the Church and in her short lifetime was listened to by the most powerful people of the world like Kings and Popes. How can she help us to get the most out of Lent?

 

March 9, 2023- Signs of Hope in a broken world by Sr Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ, Sister of the Congregation of Jesus, Director of the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge. We live in a world rife with injustice and conflict. How do we find hope this Lent?

 

March 16, 2023- Consolation of the Cross by Fr Lawrence Lew OP, PP & Prior of St Dominic’s Priory, Haverstock Hill. Fr Lawrence has recently written the CTS booklet ‘Lenten Devotions’, with photos and meditations on the Stations of the Cross, and the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross. He reflects on the consolations we receive from our Crucified Saviour. 

 

March 23,2023- Preparing for Holy Week by Fr Tom Lynch, PP Church of English Martyrs, Strood. Holy Week is the most important sacred week for Christians throughout the world. Holy Week is a time when Catholics gather to remember and participate in the Passion of Jesus Christ. How do we prepare for it?

Christian Aid Frugal Lent lunch

 

 

Spiritual Care at the end of life

February news from Rochester Diocese

 

Monday 14 February, 2022

Welcome to your weekly Digest

Upcoming dates Events and Webinars

Together magazine - next edition now available

The latest edition of the diocesan magazine, Together, is now available online. Find out about the sporty church initiative in Chatham engaging with those who might not usually associate with the Church. We explore how people are taking part in the Living in Love and Faith conversation, and we discover the beautiful tapestry, which after twenty-years of dedication, has been restored to Rochester Cathedral. Plus we have our usual great mix of news and personal faith stories. Read, download, or share a link in your church mailings

Livestream of Archdeacon Paul's retirement service   Join us for a live-stream of a special service to mark Archdeacon Paul's retirement this Sunday, 20 February. Taking place within Evensong at Rochester Cathedral, the service will begin at 15.15 and will be streamed onto the Diocese of Rochester Facebook page. Visit the Rochester Diocese Facebook page

Thy Kingdom Come - online launch   Plans are underway for the 7th annual Thy Kingdom Come – the global ecumenical prayer event, initiated by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York – taking place from Ascension to Pentecost (26 May to 5 June). This year, the campaign will host an online launch event on 28 February at midday - unveiling resources and plans for this year’s campaign.  Register to join the webinar

Mothering Sunday   Mothering Sunday can be a day of many mixed emotions and experiences, which can make it difficult for churches to navigate. Christian fostering and adoption charity, Home for Good, want to equip churches to be welcoming and sensitive places for all individuals and families.  Download their free PDF for ideas, videos and a new congregational prayer that you can use in full or adapt to your setting on Sunday 27 March 2022.

National Day of Reflection In 2021, churches across the country marked the anniversary of the beginning of the first lockdown, joining their communities in a minute to reflect and a moment to connect. This year, Marie Curie are asking partner organisations including the Church of England to connect with the bereaved and to be beacons of hope. Taking place on 23 March, churches can get involved to support people locally in very simple ways. See a selection of ideas to choose from and a wealth of free resources to help you.

Upcoming dates at a glance

24 February - Security-minded communications training 28 February - Thy Kingdom Come - online launch 2 March - Ash Wednesday 5 March - It's your calling day, St Andrew's Paddock Wood 23 March - National Day of Reflection 24 April to 22 May - “The Leaves of the Trees” a reflective memorial at Rochester Cathedral 24 May to 12 June - Gaia at Rochester Cathedral 26 May to 5 June - Thy Kingdom Come 2 to 5 June - Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend ** Diocesan Fixed dates - calendar of diocesan meetings and key events. ** National Church Social media calendar - organise your social media with the national church's digital content calendar

Events and Webinars In-person and online sessions from the Diocese, the National Church and other organisations

Visit our Events and Training page to see a full listing of all forthcoming Diocesan event

Children, Young People and Families Network Zoom, Thursday 24 February, 7pm to 9pm If you would welcome support, guidance and advice with your ministry and outreach to children, young people and families, then the Children and Young People's Mission and Ministry Team would be delighted to see you at their next Network Zoom. It is open to anyone connected to Children or Young People's ministry.  This is an opportunity to network, glean some fresh ideas, be supported in your ministry, and to look ahead to Lent and Easter.  Click to book Churchwarden: leading worship, various dates February/March Did you know that as a Churchwarden, if the incumbent/Priest in Charge is unavailable -  and there are no other clergy or licensed lay ministers/Readers available – you would have authority to lead the service? In this dedicated training for churchwardens, you will gain an overview of how a service of worship is planned: what is essential,  what is optional, and some resources that can be easily used at short notice. Click for dates and venues

Security-minded communications, 24 February Churches 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. Learn about the small, simple changes they can employ to help protect colleagues, parishioners, and visitors. The training will be led by Alan Burns, Counter-Terrorism Security Advisor for North Kent, Swale & Medway, to discover Click for more details and to book Ministry of Administration, 6 April, 10am to 3pm Parish Administrators are often on the front line of parish ministry responding to all kinds of enquiries, from baptisms through to building repairs. The work of an administrator is skilled and requires great sensitivity. It can often be a lonely role, everyone expects an answer from you but you may have no one to turn to for advice.  This day aims to give them the space to engage with God and to affirm them in their ministry.   Led by Archdeacon Andy Wooding Jones. Cost £20. Please bring your own lunch. For more details and to book please email: bookings@stbenedictscentre.org

Don't miss out on online training   Many of the national teams are producing fantastic webinars and resources to help church leaders and laity reflect on a number of important issues. From the environment and generous giving, to evangelism, life events and digital. It can be overwhelming, but don't miss out. Sign up to regular mailings from each team as well as see all their forthcoming webinars on the links below: Evangelism and Discipleship Building a Generous Church  Environment Digital

News from Rochester Diocese Children & Young People’s Mission & Ministry Team

New –

 

Next Door Hextable Café Manager, based at St Peter’s Church, Hextable – deadline for applications – 5pm 1^st November.  If hospitality, people & faith are your passion they’d love to hear from you! They’re excited to be starting the search for their first ever Cafe Manager at the soon to be completed community venue.  Recruiting — Next Door Hextable

 

 

In the Diocese of Rochester –

 

Children and Family Minister full-time.   Christ Church, Beckenham.  Vacancies – Christ Church Beckenham (ccb.org.uk)  Deadline for applications 1^st November.

Children and Families Pastor (part-time) – St Peter and St Pauls, Shoreham - Recruitment_apply | shorehamchurchkent  Deadline for applications 22^nd October.

 

Project Lead, Volunteers and Youth Support Workers – required for Emerge, Advocacy, to work in Kent.  Jobs at Emerge Advocacy - Emerge Advocacy

 

 

Outside the Diocese –

 

BRF Messy Church Co-ordinator - Messy-Church-Coordinator-job-description-Oct-2021.pdf (brf.org.uk)  Deadline for applications 5pm on 29^th October.

 

Salisbury Diocese – Board of Education Vacancies — Diocese of Salisbury (anglican.org) -

 

Community Hub Development Advisor Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

Community Hub Development Advisor Children and Young People’s Engagement

 

 

Gloucester Diocese - Mentoring Programme Co-ordinator & Manager - The Door.  Join The Team - (thedoor.org.uk)

 

Sports Coach, dance coach, mentor, chaplain – KICK - KICK-Job-Advert-July-21.png (558×866) (anglican.org)

IMAGO, have a number of vacancies – some for children, some for other work - Work with Us (imago.community)

Interns - St Luke’s Maidstone – Jobs - St. Luke's Maidstone (stlukesmaidstone.church)

Beacon Activity Centre Instructors and other vacancies, Lee Abbey, Devon - Senior Activity Centre Instructor – Lee Abbey Devon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Youth Work Training - If you’re looking to find information on training courses for Christian Youth Work then go this site - cywt - Christian Youth Work Training | CYWT

 

 

 

 

CYP Team Event - Let us Serve You

 

Pause, Reflect and Chat - Children, Young People and Family Ministry – on 4^th November, the CYP Team will be at St Benedicts Centre, West Malling Abbey between 3pm – 7pm with a range of resources, ideas and great cakes.  Pop in to enjoy the beautiful peaceful surroundings and let us serve you with conversation, ideas, and possibilities for your ministry with CYPF and of course the great cakes!! There will be some specific resources within the range focusing on Advent & Christmas. Look forward to seeing you then.

 

CYP Team Event – Living in Love with Faith Zoom for Children and Young People workers

 

An information zoom will be being hosted by the CYP Team on Tuesday 16^th November 2.30pm – 4.00pm. As part of the session, we will be sharing some good practice and the recently published young people friendly sessions that work alongside LLF.  To book go to - LLF Zoom for CYP workers (myiknowchurch.co.uk)

 

 

CYP Team Event – FOR TONBRIDGE ARCHDEACONRY ONLY

 

Afternoon tea, Sunday 21^st November, 3 – 5pm at St John’s Church, Hildenborough.

This is a time for the CYP team to say “thank you” to anybody connected to Children and Young People in the parishes of Tonbridge Archdeaconry.  RSVP is required – contact Sarah Cabella, sarah.cabella@rochester.anglican.org

A flyer is attached.  Please circulate / add to your parish newsletter / noticeboard.

 

 

Seminar for children's volunteers on "Reaching a Digital Generation” led by Doug Horley (Duggie Dug Dug). Saturday 23^rd October.  10 – 11.30am at St Paul’s Parkwood.  To book email - stpaulschildrensteam@gmail.com

 

FREE Circus Praise Party.  Led by Doug Horley (Duggie Dug Dug).  Saturday 23^rd October.  3 – 4.30pm at St Paul’s Parkwood.  To book your place go to – stpaulschildrensteam@gmail.com  Circus Praise party poster attached.

 

Riding Lights Theatre – online and face to face “Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet” play.  Special rates for group viewings.  Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet (ridinglights.org)

 

Christingle Service – Rochester Cathedral.  Saturday 11^th December, 12.30pm.  Flyer attached. 

 

National Youth Agency Youth Work Week – starts 1^st November.  For more information and how you can take part go to - Youth Work Week 2021 – NYA

 

Cultivating the Spiritual Core – an Interactive Learning Summit.  Two sessions are being held, 4 – 9pm on 10^th and 11^th November.  Learning Summit Registration (jotform.com)

 

 

 

Symposium on the Spirituality of Children – online event, 21 and 22^nd October.  An online gathering for advanced study of and discussion about the spirituality of children. One of the keynote speakers will be Jerome Berryman, the founder of Godly Play.  Symposium on the Spirituality of Children Tickets, Thu, Oct 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

 

Medway African and Caribbean Association is pleased to announce its latest workshops for young people, ages 6 - 25 in Kent and Medway. The programme has been made possible through funding received from Youth Music, National lottery Good causes  and Arts Council England.  To book go to - Young People | Medway African and Caribbean Association (macacharity.org.uk)

 

COP26 Climate Change – Tearfund are promoting ways in which you can help leading up to the Conference held in Glasgow.  It includes a church march and a church service.  COP26 climate summit - Tearfund

 

Lifting the Lid on Spirituality – via zoom.  17th November 2021 - Lifting the Lid on key moments, those special times with God and 12th January 2021 - Lifting the Lid on families, connecting with God at home.  Book Now | Hand in Hand Conference

 

Brief Intervention Counselling Project – run by the Youth Service at Medway Council.  The service will provide up to 6 sessions of counselling per young person, including an assessment session.  It is not used to replace CAMHS or NELFT.   If you are interested in putting someone forward please email - youth.service@medway.gov.uk

 

Back to School Prayers – have been written by Nick Harding for children returning to school in September. Prayers+for+September+2021-converted.pdf (rackcdn.com)

 

The Church of England are holding their second annual Research Conference on 23^rd November 2021 and the team are keen to engage at a large range of academic levels, including those leading in university departments, postgraduate research students, and teachers and leaders in schools, colleges and Dioceses.  To either submit a paper or to attend the conference go to - Research Conference 2021 - Foundation For Educational Leadership (cefel.org.uk)

 

National Youth Ministry Weekend – 12 – 14 November 2021 at Resorts World in Birmingham.  National Youth Ministry Weekend 2021 | Youthscape

 

Luminosity 2022 – July – August at Peterborough Showground.  LUMINOSITY - Christian Youth Festival | Luminosity | England (weareluminosity.org)  Discounted tickets are available if you book now.

 

Re-imagining Schools Work – Exploring a new normal for schools ministry - Boost conference Saturday 12^th March 2022, run by the South East Partnership, this event is being held at the Emmanuel Centre in London, it is for all ages.  To book and get the “super” early bird price go to - BOOST Conferences | separtnership

 

Living in Love & Faith

As part of our Diocesan response to LLF, the BeYou Project are offering support service to young people from parishes across Kent and Medway. The sessions are for Medway and Kent and information can be found here -https://thebeyouproject.co.uk/

 

For further information of the Diocese’s young people’s resources that work alongside the LLF material please do contact the CYP Team.

 

Satellites 2022 – Youthscape - Satellites | Youthscape

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

   

Youth Evangelism Fund – for under 18s to apply for funding for anything up to £2,000, to help reach their friends know Jesus.  Youth Evangelism Fund | The Church of England           

 

Rochester Diocese Children and Young People (CYP) Fund -  parishes can apply for anything up to £5,000 with the possibility of more if working collaboratively with other local parishes.  Fast-tracked applications for funding requests of under £1,500. 

Next application deadline 19^th November.  For more information either contact the CYP team or go to - Diocese of Rochester | Children and Young People (CYP) Fund (anglican.org)

 

Kent Community Foundation have a number of funds that are available for children, young people and families – for more information go to - Funding Available for Local Charities - Funding Organisation (kentcf.org.uk)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part of the Big Church Read, Rachel Turner, from Parenting from Faith, has written a book called Comfort in the Darkness.  Comfort in the Darkness - The Big Church Read

 

Halloween Resources from Parenting for Faith - Halloween | Parenting For Faith  and a Facebook Live session on Tuesday 19^th October talking about Halloween - Parenting For Faith - BRF - Home | Facebook

 

Bishop Auckland parish have produced an InterGen YouTube video, based on a Sunday gathering, a story and a chat – worth a look - (8506) Intergen Church - A Story and a Chat - YouTube  

 

Youthscape, available from 1^st October, have some free resources entitled BRAVE which is an online library of free resources (available to download on the Youthscape site) covering four key topics and challenges that young people face in today’s world. It’s a free library of information, containing videos and articles - helping you as a leader to create bespoke sessions for the young people you work with.  Youthscape | Youthscape

 

For those who are starting University – a students freshers welcome pack to help them move on.  New Student Freshers Welcome Pack (Pack) - 10ofThose.com

 

Blackout Prayers – have been written by Austin Kleon particularly designed for youth age.  Pandemic prayers - Austin Kleon

 

Godventure Sticker Advent Calendar – now available and half price using the code: AdventinAugust.  GodVenture Sticker Advent Calendar | GodVenture.co.uk    Or if you use this code - FREESAC21 you will get your pack of 10 calendars for free – so get in there quick !

 

Worship for Everyone - new book written by Nick and Becky Drake. Worship For Everyone - Nick Drake|Becky Drake - SPCK Publishing  If you use this code - WORFOREV1099 you can get the book for £10.99 instead of £12.99, valid until the 31^st October.

 

The God Files book, by Andy Robb – NIV Bible for Primary age children, on sale from the 23^rd September.  The God Files by Andy Robb | Hachette UK

 

Parenting for Faith – have some “going back to church” resources for the family that are downloadable and free.  Going back to church | Parenting For Faith

 

Tales from the Miracle Book – is a collection of fun and engaging short films, designed for the teaching of RE in Primary Schools.  Tales from the Miracle Book

 

Bible Buds – a mission focussed curriculum for Toddler and Early Years Groups.  https://www.biblebuds.co.uk/ and at the moment, groups can get a 10% discount if they use the code: getready

 

Whistlestop Tales – ten action packed stories, featuring how God uses people from all over the world in his global adventure.

 

Climate Change – Bible Resources – brf have produced some Bible based materials to use in families and churches on changing the climate.   Changing the Climate: Applying the Bible in a climate emergency – BRFonline

 

BRF Parenting For Faith have produced a series of Podcasts for parents/carers & churches to “Love Church once again”. They have been broken down into age related streams. For more information - The Parenting for Faith podcast | Parenting For Faith

Urban Saints have produced some articles on relevant topics, to include Gareth Southgate Redemption, following the Euros 2020.  To read this one and others go to - In the News: Bitesize | Now | Energize

 

Revd Dr Sally Nash has written this article which appears in the current edition of Anvil which you might find interesting. https://churchmissionsociety.org/resources/perspectives-on-shame-in-mission-and-ministry-with-young-people-sally-nash-anvil-vol-37-issue-2/

 

The Ugly Duckling Company (which has produced a range of Table Talk Resources) has received funding from the All Churches Trust and has published a course for use in schools or youth groups to help explore the impact and benefits of spirituality on mental well-being: https://www.1010.org.uk/

 

Can we love God and not be Green?  Bible Reading Fellowship are offering some Bible reflections in relation to the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference taking place this November.  Grounded in hope - The Bible Reading Fellowship (brf.org.uk)

 

Don’t forget, the Diocese CYP Team have some resources that you can hire, to include books / DVDs on holiday clubs / games equipment like giant jenga, giant 4 in a line, parachutes.  To hire any of these please get in contact with Sarah Cabella – sarah.cabella@rochester.anglican.org  A list of games equipment for hire can be found here -  Diocese of Rochester | Resources Children and Young People (anglican.org)

 

 

 

 

 

Rural Parishes Youth Services

Many of our parishes in the Diocese are considered to be a rural parish. The NYA has just published its report on the lack of rural youth services – however they do write of the importance of connectivity, They conclude:

 

When young people have a sense of belonging, communities are stronger. Without a youth service, out of school activity or other amenities within walking or cycling distance from where they live, young people can feel powerless and disconnected as a consequence from living in a rural area. Yet if a community is to be truly sustainable, it needs young people not to move away to access services, whether that is in education, employment, sports or a wider social life. Government recognises the value of spaces for young people in both rural and urban areas: a place of trust and safety that provides high quality information, advice and guidance alongside positive activities that can help young people to develop skills, improve wellbeing and participate in their communities. A cross party review of youth work supports a focus on the quality of the relationship between the young person and youth worker, and skilled adult volunteer that makes the greatest difference. This provides a focus that is inclusive of urban and rural services, statutory, voluntary sector and community groups. What is missing is a sense of urgency of action to protect, build and grow youth services to support young people in rural areas. Without such investment to build back better, 2.25m young people will be left behind living in predominantly rural areas, living in villages, towns and coastal areas.

 

The National Children and Youth Adviser Rev Mary Hawes poses the question:  How can our churches help provide that sense of belonging and connection?

 

This indeed is a question for both rural and urban parishes.

 

 

Early Years – The Early Years Commission report has just been published.  CSJJ8647-Early-Years-Commission-report-210706.pdf (centreforsocialjustice.org.uk)

 

 

 

 

 

The South East Partnership, who run the Boost events, have produced a survey to help plan their in-person event planned for March 2022.   Please fill it out - BOOST: RE-IMAGINING SCHOOLSWORK Exploring a New Normal for Schools Ministry (onlinesurveys.ac.uk)

 

 

Archbishops Commission on Families and Households – Call for Evidence.  Please complete this questionnaire, it will be running for 6 weeks.  Families and Households - Call for Evidence | The Archbishop of Canterbury

 

 

 

 

Hoppers in Kent (Five Oak Green, near Tonbridge) used to be a hospital for hop-pickers and before that it was a Beer House. Hoppers consists of two houses connected by a kitchen/dining room. The old main house has thirteen beds and the newer cottage has six beds. The ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users. It’s a very special place that children and young people love. The weekend rate is £580 and the daily rate (incl. overnight) is £185. All the need to knows are on the website www.hopperskent.org

 

 

 

Sarah Cabella

PA to the Children & Young People’s Mission & Ministry Team

 

T:    01634 560000

M:  07525 831342

 

 

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Twitter -@rochestercyp  https://twitter.com/rochestercyp