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Inclusive Church Newsletter September 
2024

The Inclusive Church Newsletter is a digital publication produced every month. It aims to provide supporters and members with the latest news and information from the life of Inclusive Church and our partner organisations.

From the National Coordinator

Hello everyone, and welcome to your monthly newsletter.

It's an exciting and humbling experience to write to you as the new National Coordinator (NatCo) of Inclusive Church. While I started with a few hours a week in August, primarily preparing for Greenbelt, I’m now fully committed to my 21 hours per week for IC — or rather, for all of you!

In the short time I’ve been in post, I’ve already heard many inspiring stories about the journeys many of you are on, both individually and as communities. I’ve been reflecting on the power we each hold to create a sense of ‘home’ — a place where we belong and where others can feel welcome. At Greenbelt, during the Sunday communion service, we were asked to move from our established spots, disrupting our comfort zones and challenging us to empathise with those who are displaced. This was a powerful reminder of how quickly community can be built, but also how easily it can be disrupted. It’s natural to want to protect what we hold dear, but the Holy Spirit calls us beyond comfort and into new spaces.

As someone who embraces change yet also feels a strong loyalty to my denomination, I navigate this tension daily. I hope to bring this experience to my role as NatCo, focusing on our need to celebrate progress, articulate challenges, and rejuvenate our vision. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is often necessary for growth and discovering new joys. There is always something to learn in the struggle.

With that in mind may I introduce you to:

The music of Flamy Grant who performed at this year’s Greenbelt. Here’s a link to one of her songs that I hope you will enjoy and find profoundly thought-provoking https://youtu.be/DiXscOjacIM?si=SymLKkeSMX3fjPIi 

A poem ‘Bridging’  by Ben Quant written in response to the distribution of bread for communion, which was done by throwing bundles of bread around, similar to how aid packages are often shared out. © Ben Quant 2024 http://odefortheday.art/2024/08/25/poem-272-bridging/ 

I want you to feel that Inclusive Church is not just something you signed up for, but an integral part of who you are and how you live out your faith. Part of my role is to help the trustees develop a forward-looking strategy, and I invite you to be a part of that conversation. Please take a moment to complete the ‘Are You In?’ survey using the link below, and share it with your church communities. The survey will be open until Advent.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. I look forward to what we will achieve together and hearing more from you. Maybe I’ll see some of you at Radical Love later this month?

Rev’d Chantal

‘Are You In’ survey

Please do share the link for the survey with your church communities, it is not limited to church leaders or those who are already part of Inclusive Church. There are also social media links on our facebook page you can share. If you’d like a printable poster for your church noticeboard there’s also one you can download here:

https://www.inclusive-church.org/are-you-in/

Greenbelt 2024 

It was great to meet so many of you at Greenbelt, and I want to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped at the stall, stopped for a chat, or simply passed on greetings. A network, church, or community is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Our collective ability to listen, learn, and grow into the inclusive church we aspire to be, is what will bring our shared hopes to life.

New Churches

July 2024

  • St Peters Church Harrogate
  • Nuthall Methodist, Nottingham
  • St Mary at Finchley (reaffirmation)
  • St James's New Bradwell, Milton Keynes
  • St Johns Smallwood
  • Rugby Methodist Church Centre
  • St Peters Church, Dorchester
  • St Thomas of Canterbury, East Clandon
  • Hadley Holy Trinity and Wellington Christ Church
  • Knaresborough Team Ministry
  • Mitcham Parish Church

August 2024

  • St Mary the Virgin, Merton Park (reaffirmation)
  • Benefice of Louth
  • St James Hebden Bridge and St Thomas Heptonstall
  • Parish of Three Saints 
  • St John the Baptist, Cardiff
  • Hadley Holy Trinity and Wellington Christ Church
  • St James’ New Bradwell church community
  • St Anne, Greenlands 
  • Derby Inclusive Fellowship 
  • Striling Methodist Church 
  • St Mary's, Partington & Carrington 
  • St Peters, Highfields Leicester
  • Penny Cross Methodist, Plymouth 
  • St Catherine, Preston-next-Faversham 
  • St John's Church, Moulsham St, Chelmsford 
Piano Donation

We are looking for a new home for a Yamaha GC1 baby grand piano which is still very much intact,  the dimension is "151cm by 146cm", it was last tuned some time last year, is just 3years old and in impeccable condition. 

Parishioner Elizabeth Joseph would like to make the donation in memory of her late husband Richard Joseph. 

If anyone would be interested, please get in touch with Divya in the office: office@inclusive-church.org

 

Events

Blessed are the Weary

Rest & Reflection on Disability, Value and God

Saturday 19 October/Sunday 20 October 2024

Our 13th annual conference on disability and theology, in partnership with St Martin in the Fields.

 

Saturday 19 October: In place of a zoom conference we're holding space to explore and embody rest, and to reflect on ideas of value. We're often judged by what we can do but what does this say about worth – and can rest be an act of resistance? We'll be practicing what we're preaching in a retreat day of meditation, creativity, theology and liturgy, using a private website and Facebook group.

 

Sunday 20 October: A special service from St Martin in the Fields will reflect on the conference theme, with liturgy written by members of its Disability Advisory Group. BSL available onsite. Then at teatime we'll gather on Zoom to share our experience and responses to the weekend.

 

Further details and registration coming soon. Follow us on social media or sign up to the conference mailing list :inclusive-church.org/disability-conference-updates/

 

Walk Through the Bible

The New Testament is well known, however the context can often be missed. On Saturday 19th October (9:30-4:30) at the Baxter Hall (EX20 3HQ), in Petrockstowe, 'Walk Through the Bible Ministries' will be leading an event guiding and encouraging us to see God's word through the 'Big Picture' in an interactive, fun, memorable and engaging way. Everybody is welcome. Book online at www.Bible.org.uk or contact David French at Petrockstowe Community Church 07502 115303. Cost is £14 which includes the course book, but please bring a packed lunch.

 

Deaf Ministry Training

22 October, 10am to 4pm, Old Deanery, Exeter
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Deaf ministry. The day has been organised by Rev'd Claire Reynolds, our Disability and Additional Needs Advisor. It will include training on understanding deaf culture, basic communication techniques and barriers and reflections on every day Deaf ministry and the national CofE picture. The day will include a Deaf-led service and a time of Q&A. Please click here to book your place.

 

Vacancies

Vicar of St Mark’s Broomhill, Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Walkley and joint Oversight Minister in the Three Spires Mission Area - The Diocese of Sheffield (anglican.org)

https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/vacancies/vicar-of-st-marks-broomhill-priest-in-charge-of-st-marys-walkley-and-joint-oversight-minister-in-the-three-spires-mission-area/
 
0.5 Team Vicar for the Hartland Coast Mission Community
Come and join the Ministry Team in rural North Devon; you’ll need wellies for the countryside, flip flops for the beach and good sea legs when you’re taking a service eleven miles out to sea on Lundy! If you are someone who can actively engage with the community beyond church walls, encourage worship that is spiritually enriching and inclusive, and support and celebrate lay ministry, then the team would love to hear from you! Click here for more information and to apply for the role. 
Closing date for applications: 12:00pm on 6th September 2024
Charity Commission Workshops

We are pleased to announce that the Charity Commission’s in person events taking place from October – December 2024 are now available to book via our Bookwhen page. These are free events hosted by the Charities Engagement Team available to faith charities.

Webinar/In person Events: October – December 2024

Managing your Faith Charity Workshops

The purpose of these events is to provide guidance on legal requirements and good practice to charities and how to apply these practically.

The Managing your Faith Charity workshop is a one-day, interactive, in person workshop that cannot be attended remotely. The event topics include:

  • Trustee Duties – your legal responsibilities;
  • Decision making and record keeping;
  • Conflicts of Interest – what are they and how to manage them;
  • Risks, and how to manage them;
  • What to do if something goes wrong.

We are dedicated to making the workshops informative, relevant and interesting so there will be opportunities for networking, discussion and questions throughout.

These events are free to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided free of charge.

The content is identical to Managing your Faith Charity: London so please do not book a place if you have already attended. Please consider carefully whether you are able to attend before booking a space so we can ensure that as many people are able to participate as possible. Ensure you check that you have correctly entered your e-mail address as all future communications relating to the event will be sent to the address that you enter on the booking form.

Managing your Faith Charity: Manchester

Date: Tuesday 8th October 2024 at 9.30am – 3.30pm

Venue: Chamber Space, Elliot House 151 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WD

Click here to book

Managing your Faith Charity: Cardiff

Date: Tuesday 12th November 2024 at 9.30am – 3.30pm

Venue: Leonardo Hotel Cardiff, 1 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3DN

Click here to book

Safeguarding in a Faith Charity Context – What are your Trustee Duties?

The purpose of these events is to provide guidance on legal requirements and good practice to charities.

Safeguarding in a Faith Charity Context is a half day, interactive, in person workshop that cannot be attended remotely. The event topics include:

  • Trustee Duties – your legal responsibilities
  • Decision making and record keeping
  • Risks, and how to manage them
  • What to do if something goes wrong
  • Signposting to external guidance and support

We are dedicated to making the workshops informative, relevant and interesting so there will be opportunities for networking, discussion and questions throughout.

The events are free to attend. Refreshments will be provided free of charge.

The content is identical to Safeguarding in a Faith Charity Context in February 2024 so please do not book a place if you have already attended. Please consider carefully whether you are able to attend before booking a space so we can ensure that as many people are able to participate as possible. Ensure you check that you have correctly entered your e-mail address as all future communications relating to the event will be sent to the address that you enter on the booking form.

Date: Tuesday 3rd December 2024 at 9am – 12pm

Venue: Broadway House, Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NQ

Click here to book

Just a reminder we also have the following webinars aimed at faith charities that are available to book onto via Bookwhen.

Webinars: September – December 2024

Wednesday 4th September 2024 at 12pm – 12.45pm:

Reporting Serious Incidents

This webinar will highlight guidance on Serious Incident Reporting for faith charities and includes the following topics:

  • What is a serious incident;
  • What to report;
  • When to report.

Click here to book

Tuesday 24th September 2024 at 12pm – 1pm:

Charities and Social Media

The webinar will be a high-level overview of the Charity Commission’s ‘Charities and Social Media’ guidance and will include the following topics:

  • Potential Risks;
  • Engaging with emotive topics;
  • Campaigning or political activity;
  • Staying safe online.

Click here to book

Wednesday 6th November 2024 at 12pm – 1pm:

Trustee Duties in a Faith Charity Context

This webinar will cover what your trustee duties are with regards to managing a faith charity. It will consider:

  • What being a trustee means;
  • The six main charity trustee duties;
  • The role of the Charity Commission, (including when things go wrong);
  • Common issues that can arise in faith charities and how to avoid them;
  • Signposting to where you can get further help and guidance.

Click here to book

Wednesday 20th November 2024 at 12pm – 1pm:

Safeguarding your Faith Charity: Charity Commission’s Expectations

This webinar will cover guidance on how to safeguard your faith charity against risks. It will give an overview of:

  • Guidance on safeguarding and protecting people who come into contact with your charity;
  • Criminal record checks available to charities;
  • How to report incidents and allegations if they arise.

Click here to book

Wednesday 27th November 2024 at 12pm – 1pm:

Protecting your Charity Against Fraud

The webinar will provide guidance to faith charities to help protect themselves against fraud. It will provide an overview of:

  • Developing a culture to protect your charity against fraud;
  • Internal financial controls;
  • Due Diligence on donors and partners;
  • Cybersecurity;
  • Signposting to where you can get further help and guidance.

Click here to book

Wednesday 11th December 2024 at 12pm – 1pm:

Understanding Charity Structures

The webinar will explain charitable structures and the steps to take to convert or incorporate your charity to a CIO structure. The following topics will be covered:

  • Charity Structures;
  • The benefits of incorporating or converting to a CIO;
  • What you need to do to incorporate or convert to a CIO;
  • Tips for registering a CIO.

Click here to book

The webinars will be delivered using Microsoft Teams Live Events. You will be unable to use your camera and microphone but can ask questions via the Q&A function. Joining instructions, including a guide on how to access the webinar via Microsoft Teams Live Events, will be sent to all registered attendees in advance. The webinar will be recorded and, subject to technical issues, the recording link and accompanying slide deck will be sent out following the event to all those who have registered.

office@inclusive-church.org (Divya)

07375 392285 (Dan)

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The content of the newsletter is drawn from a number of sources including individuals and partner organisations. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect a 'formal viewpoint' of the Inclusive Church trustees, individual members of Inclusive Church or registered inclusive churches.

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