The next ecumenical Introduction to Spiritual Direction training course run by the Spiritual Direction (SpiDir) Network for Berks, Bucks and Oxon begins in October 2020, and finishes in June 2021. Training can be offered to those living outside the three counties.For further information please see the website:www.spidirnetwork.org.uk. I have attached a leaflet to send with your communications if this is appropriate.
Registered Charity no. 1154800Job Vacancy at the Food BankWould you like to join the friendly Food Bank team in Bishop’s Stortford? We are expanding and adapting to meet the demands of the Coronavirus situation, and are hoping to employ a Part Time Administrative Assistant/Secretary to help us in our work. As Administrative Assistant, you would be based at the Methodist Church in Bishop’s Stortford, where you will provide administrative support for the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank Co-ordinator. In addition, you will act as Secretary to the Food Bank Trustees, attending trustee meetings and taking notes. This is a paid post (£10 per hour), and is for 9 hours a week (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10am – 1pm), with a possibility of further hours as agreed. You would also be paid for the time required to attend trustee meetings (which usually take place in the evening) approximately four times a year. The post is fixed term for a 6 month period, to assist the Food Bank through this challenging period.For further details of the position, please see the attached job specification If you feel that you are the right person for this role, please contact bsfoodbank.coordinator@gmail.com for an application form. Visits to the Food Bank prior to interview would be warmly welcomed. If you would like to call us for more information, please ring Jane Towns on 07747 181813. We look forward to hearing from you.Please visit our websitewww.bishopsstortfordfoodbank.com
Dear FriendThere’s no doubt that as a nation we’re facing tremendously challenging times – perhaps the most critical in our history since the Second World War. As Christians, praying with and for our nation and political leaders is vital. ‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ 1 Timothy 2.1–2 (ESV)This year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday 30 June will be held online. For the first time ever, everyone is welcome to attend. You can join MPs and Peers as well as Ambassadors and church leaders as they pray and speak on the theme of ‘Hope and peace in a time of fear and suffering’.Find out more and register for freeFollowing the Prayer Breakfast, Bible Society will also be hosting a seminar entitled, ‘Mission during lockdown and beyond’. So, if you’re interested to know more about the implications of the coronavirus crisis for the church and the world, make sure you sign up for the free seminar too. We hope you will make the most of this unprecedented opportunity. Please spread the word as widely as possible and why not encourage your local MP by telling them you are supporting them in prayer?Blessings Esther King Digital Communications Officer
Dear Friends,Churches Together in England have now produced a candle poster which is now available at www.cte.org.uk/prayersofhope and we would be most grateful if you would publicise this as widely as possible and as soon as possible. The poster come sin many forms and includes one that can be coloured in.Churches Together in England have released the following statementAs our nation faces the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, Churches Together in England (CTE) is encouraging Christians across our nations to continue uniting in prayer, praying #PrayersOfHope in their homes at 7.00 pm each Sunday evening.Following the overwhelming response which the National Call to Prayer and Action received on Mothering Sunday, CTE has prepared a candle poster for those who would like to place a permanent symbol in their front windows of Christ’s light shining in the darkness. Visit www.cte.org.uk/prayersofhopeThis poster has been made available due to our awareness of the potential fire risk posed by lighting live candles, particularly on windowsills. We are keen to avoid adding any pressure to our emergency service personnel, particularly at this difficult time.‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' John 1:5Please join us prayer at this challenging time.With warm wishesDoral
