‘Shine A Light' witness to Christian faith
Christians across the UK are invited to place a light in their window on 31 October as a sign to passers-by that they are followers of Jesus Christ. The initiative is called Night of Light and is the inspiration of Damian Stayne. He explained: ‘It is an international initiative to reclaim Halloween as a joyful Christian celebration.' Halloween is now the biggest commercial festival after Christmas and Easter, and it is time we reminded Christians of what it really is. On the evening of 31 October why not do something to make your faith respectfully seen and heard? Light a candle or display publicly another kind of light, for example, perhaps alongside an image of Christ. This could be a powerful way in which we can show people that we have hope in someone other than ourselves. The light will provoke questions and is a way that people can be signposted to goodness. I encourage everyone to participate.’ Pray: for groups and churches running alternative events for children and that a Christian light will shine out on Halloween. (2Co.4:6)
Community projects funded to tune of £½m
This week the Church and Community Fund (CCF) launches a new website, www.ccfund.org.uk, to promote its work and share the many good news stories of parish-linked community projects around the country, securing the £½million in grants each year. From adventure playgrounds and Street Pastors to Superkidz in Southwark, which works with youngsters drawn into local gang culture, the CCF is committed to supporting local projects as well as the central body of the Church. Some projects gain national interest like ASCEND in South Oxhey (linked to All Saints’ Church in St Albans diocese) that gives local people the opportunity to find a route to employment.The chair of CCF, the Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness, the Ven George Howe said: ‘I'm delighted to commend our attractive new web-site which clearly demonstrates how the Fund is helping the Church to engage more effectively with local communities, in imaginative and creative ways’. Pray: that in a climate of Government cuts, the CCF will continue its excellent work in the community. (1Ti.6:18)
Methodists gear up for Christmas giveaway
Shops are already stacking their shelves with Christmas cards and presents, hoping to make a profit from early-bird shoppers. But the Methodist Church is encouraging people to give a free gift to their friends and neighbours this Christmas. ‘A Gift of Christmas’ is a brand new booklet from the Methodist Church that celebrates and reflects on the story of Christmas. It includes Bible passages, stunning images from the Methodist Collection of Modern Art, prayers and reflections from a variety of authors, including John Byron, Valerie Collinson and Graham Kendrick. It’s the latest in a highly successful series that includes ‘A Gift of Peace’, which has already sold nearly 15,000 copies. ‘The birth of Christ is the greatest gift ever given to humankind and we want to celebrate Christmas by sharing that gift with others,’ said Deacon Eunice Attwood, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference and a contributor to the booklet. Pray: for such initiatives to reach the many who do not fully know the Christmas story. (Ro.10:17) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=468
Christian students condemn Government's plan for tuition fees
The Student Christian Movement (SCM) have reacted with anger to plans to lift the cap on university tuition fees in England. SCM, which is Britain’s oldest national student organisation, described its opposition to tuition fees as ‘an issue of justice’. SCM said a fee increase would deter students from lower-income backgrounds. They also contrasted ministers’ reluctance to fund higher education with government plans to spend billions renewing the Trident nuclear weapons system. The Movement’s comments follow the Browne Review into higher education funding, which recommended on 12 October that universities should be able to charge unlimited fees. Business Secretary Vince Cable said the government accepts the ‘main thrust’ of the proposals. The Coalition agreement allows Liberal Democrats to abstain in votes on university funding, but some have already said that they will vote against, raising the prospect of a defeat for the Government. The party's Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes, declined to confirm that he will abstain. Pray: that the conflict of finance versus educational opportunity is resolved amicably. (Mt. 18:1-14)
Christians in Parliament bulletin
This office received notice from Christians in Parliament asking the Church us to join with them in interceding for the Comprehensive Spending Review to be announced by the Government on 20th October. As the central Coalition measure to reduce the national budget deficit, this will have huge implications for the social, economical and cultural future of the UK. Christians in Parliament and Christians in Government invite us to fast and/or pray for politics and Government at this critical time. Please pray for God's wisdom in decisions relating to the priorities for cuts in the Government departments. As Westminster deals with the impact and nature of the cuts, please pray for wisdom for God's people and for justice and mercy to prevail. As Whitehall is affected, please pray for all those Christians who serve in Government. Pray: that, as the state is reduced, Government support for the vulnerable in society might be protected and that the work of the Church will be extended to meet this need. (Isa.25:4) More: http://www.christiansinparliament.org.uk/home/tabid/91/Default.aspx
The Dutch and legalisation of drugs
The Netherlands is learning that establishing red light districts and cannabis-selling coffee shops may not have been a great idea after all. For Paul Schnabel, director of the Social and Cultural Planning Office, a government advisory board, the move reflects a growing view that the tolerance policies have not controlled the ills associated with drugs and prostitution, rather a recasting of Dutch liberalism. The circumstances that led to the tolerance policies have changed in the past decade, as large-scale crime around coffee shops and the legal sex trade became more visible. In particular, the absence of legal means for coffee shops to obtain cannabis has highlighted their association with organized crime. The open-minded instincts that helped foster the policies are also being questioned. And it is not just the far-right opposing these coffee shops. The traditional parties of power on the centre-right, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal VVD, have also moved against the policies they once promoted. Pray: that Netherlands’ politicians arrive at sensible decisions regarding drugs. (Jer. 44:8)
The Dutch and legalisation of drugs
The Netherlands is learning that establishing red light districts and cannabis-selling coffee shops may not have been a great idea after all. For Paul Schnabel, director of the Social and Cultural Planning Office, a government advisory board, the move reflects a growing view that the tolerance policies have not controlled the ills associated with drugs and prostitution, rather a recasting of Dutch liberalism. The circumstances that led to the tolerance policies have changed in the past decade, as large-scale crime around coffee shops and the legal sex trade became more visible. In particular, the absence of legal means for coffee shops to obtain cannabis has highlighted their association with organized crime. The open-minded instincts that helped foster the policies are also being questioned. And it is not just the far-right opposing these coffee shops. The traditional parties of power on the centre-right, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal VVD, have also moved against the policies they once promoted. Pray: that Netherlands’ politicians arrive at sensible decisions regarding drugs. (Jer. 44:8)
New Serbian Patriarch crosses border
On 10.10.10 the new leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irenjy, was enthroned at the Patriarchate in Pec. The two-and-a-half-hour service was a unique blend of a highly formal and informal Orthodox liturgy. Three hundred people gathered in the church, which holds only 100 comfortably. Patriarchates from all over the Orthodox world were represented, from Moscow, Athens, Jerusalem, and elsewhere, alongside invited Roman Catholic and Protestant leaders, three Serbian Islamic muftis, and two Anglicans: Canon Jonathan Goodall, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ecumenical Secretary, and Canon Donald Reeves. The Pec Patriarchate, seat of the Patriarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church since 1217, is regarded as its spiritual centre. However Pec is in the independent Republic of Kosovo, not Serbia. No Kosovo Albanians had been invited to the service. To have done so would have been to acknowledge Kosovo as an independent state, no longer part of Serbia. Pray: for reconciliation between the Serbs and Kosovans through the Church in the Balkans. (Ac.7:26)
New Serbian Patriarch crosses border
On 10.10.10 the new leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irenjy, was enthroned at the Patriarchate in Pec. The two-and-a-half-hour service was a unique blend of a highly formal and informal Orthodox liturgy. Three hundred people gathered in the church, which holds only 100 comfortably. Patriarchates from all over the Orthodox world were represented, from Moscow, Athens, Jerusalem, and elsewhere, alongside invited Roman Catholic and Protestant leaders, three Serbian Islamic muftis, and two Anglicans: Canon Jonathan Goodall, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ecumenical Secretary, and Canon Donald Reeves. The Pec Patriarchate, seat of the Patriarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church since 1217, is regarded as its spiritual centre. However Pec is in the independent Republic of Kosovo, not Serbia. No Kosovo Albanians had been invited to the service. To have done so would have been to acknowledge Kosovo as an independent state, no longer part of Serbia. Pray: for reconciliation between the Serbs and Kosovans through the Church in the Balkans. (Ac.7:26)
Algeria: Christians face court
As in many Muslim democracies, hard-line Islamic fundamentalists in Algeria have secured the balance of power and are skilful politicians armed with Korans to achieve political gain and influence policies. Decades of Islamic terror have left many Algerians traumatised and disillusioned, and now Christianity is growing especially in the Kabylie region. This is attracting the attention of the Islamists. While persecution of Christians has escalated the Church is not alone for many Kabylie citizens and rights groups are equally concerned about advancing Islamisation, declining liberty, escalating intolerance and state repression. A new struggle for Algeria is heating up. In the Kabylie region four Protestant leaders will face court on the 10th October for 'practising non-Muslim worship without authorisation'. The fellowship is affiliated with the Protestant Church of Algeria a nationally accredited denomination with 30,000 believers, mainly in Kabylie. The Pastor who owns the property where the Church meets will also be tried for 'hosting a foreigner' (a French pastor). Pray: for the court's courage to uphold justice despite Government and Islamist pressure. (Mt.12:18)