The Church of England - Birmingham

Paryushana Parva 💐

The night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. 'The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, on this date, is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples…
find out more at https://bit.ly/4dQCwqh

Understanding how to better support neurodivergent individuals in their spiritual journeys is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Here is an article you may wish to read and reflect on 👉 www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/16-august/comment/opinion/research-is-needed-into-neurodivergence-and-formation

Bishop Mark Santer 1936-2024

The family of Bishop Mark Santer have announced with sadness that he died at home on Wednesday 14 August. Bishop Michael has sent prayers and condolences. Mark was the 7th Bishop of Birmingham, holding office between 1987-2002. 🙏

A website has been set up to honour Bishop his memory. https://marksanter.muchloved.com

Blessed International Youth Day! 🌟

Today, we give thanks to God for the incredible energy, creativity, and potential of the young people in our community.

Let us pray for and empower the next generation to build a brighter, more inclusive future. Through God's grace, together, we can create a supportive environment where young people thrive and prosper.

🙌 Here are some resources that are helping support young people in our communities:

Flex foundations
Flex Foundations is our brand new piece of training for youth and children helpers, which will be ready for you to start in October 2024. Get involved here 👉
https://www.cognitoforms.com/Cofebirmingham/FlexFoundationsRegistrationForm

St Martin's Trust
Offers grants to create opportunities for young people to deepen their faith and discipleship and discover vocation through a range of experiences. Apply here 👉 https://www.cognitoforms.com/Cofebirmingham/StMartinsTrustApplicationForm

Bishop Youth Synod
Bishop Youth Synod is a group of young people who come together to find ways for young people's voices to be heard more clearly across our diocese.
If your interested get in touch with Emma Sargeant at [email protected]

Happy Book Lovers Day! 📚

Let's celebrate the joy of reading and the wisdom gained from a good book. Whether you prefer stories of faith or tales from around the world, take a moment to nourish your spirit through the written word. 📖

Our Taizé 2024 Pilgrim's Progress is Complete 🙌

Thank you Taizé for the blessing that you are!

UK riots: Division and hate have no place in our communities...

Jesus once said, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." What does living life to the fullest look like in later years?

Cofton Park Manor Care Home, which opened in January 2023, is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual well-being of its residents. With the help of staff, family, and the congregation, the home expanded its communal space to hold the monthly communion service. ⛪️

The service includes hymns, Bible readings, prayers for the world, and communion, offering residents a welcoming environment to foster their spiritual growth. 🎶📖

"We are delighted that one of our congregation will be onfirmed in the home on 4th September by Bishop Maurice." - Rev Sheri Gidney, Lickey Parish.

Let's take a look at the Taizé 2024 Pilgrim's Progress so far 👀✝️

A group of 18 young adults and leaders from Church of England Birmingham will travel to Taizé in France on Saturday 27 July led by Bishop Anne and Emma Sargent. They will be joining an international gathering of thousands of young adults where they will spend a week with the Taizé community.

Please pray that they encounter God profoundly as they join in worship, prayer, and fellowship with other young adults from around the globe. 🌍

Aston University has awarded the Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston, an honorary doctorate. 🎉

Bishop Anne was recognised for her significant contribution to the promotion of positive intercultural and interfaith relations, diversity, inclusion and addressing issues of inequality. 👏

What an incredible day at the JQ Jazz Festival! 🎷✨

A day full of music, joy, and unforgettable performances. The talent on stage and the enthusiasm from the crowd made it truly special. 🎶

You're invited... to the screening of the new documentary 'Zero Hunger' 🎬

Screening on Thursday 18 July at 6.30pm at St Ambrose Barlow Church, Lakey Lane, Birmingham. ⛪️

Filmed in Tigray, Ethiopia and London, Zero Hunger powerfully explores Ethiopia's devastating and escalating hunger crisis. 🌍

This compelling documentary highlights how the dangerous mix of war, poverty, and drought has contributed to the looming threat of a new famine. In the years following Live Aid's efforts to support the people in this region, we need to consider what our response should be and what measures are necessary to prevent the next preventable disaster.

A fantastic day of celebration 🙌 ✝️

TOMORROW is the Ordination of Priests & Deacons at Birmingham Cathedral ⛪️

Saturday 13 July:

Ordination of the Priests
⏰ 10:30 am

Ordination of Deacons
⏰ 15:30 pm

▶️ You can livestream the service here: https://birminghamcathedral.com/event/ordinations-of-priests-deacons/

The Church of England's Energy Footprint Tool closes for the year at the end of July 2024.📆 🌳

This data helps churches understand their carbon footprint and progress. Completion of the tool is necessary for eligibility for CofE Net Zero Carbon grants, including the new Quick Wins Fund.🙂

It should only take about an hour to complete a return with the church's utility bill information.⏰

Anyone with access to the Parish Returns portal can submit the return on behalf of the church. ⛪️

Synod is joining in prayer as the session comes to a close.

The next meeting of the General Synod will be in London in February 2025.

Find out more about Synod at cofe.io/Synod.

The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England, and is meeting in York over the next few days.

You can follow along live at cofe.io/SynodLive.

Loving God,
We pray for all those newly elected to political office.
Give them wisdom and courage to act in the interests of all.
May they seek a fair and compassionate immigration system, de-escalation of armed conflict around the world and be active in encouraging reconciliation, peace-making and the building of a sustainable future.
For this we pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Amen

Bishop Michael, Bishop of Birmingham

Gracious God,
We give thanks for the opportunity to take part in the General Election.
May we participate with grace, compassion and wisdom
We ask your blessing and protection on all who offer themselves for service in political office.
For this we pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Amen

Bishop Michael, Birmingham

COMMISSIONING OPPORTUNITY
A&H are honoured to be supporting to commission a new Nativity set that will be shown within Birmingham Cathedral during the Christmas season – to launch in December 2025. We want to focus specifically on makers/craftspeople/blacksmiths/jewellers to bring to the fore the specific trades and specialisms of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
 
This is an exciting opportunity to make a substantial work that reflects on themes of centring marginalised voices from across the world and bearing witness to global events. Birmingham Cathedral is entirely open to ideas and concepts and looking forward to working with artists on this important project.  Selected artists will receive R&D funding for further development of their ideas.
 
For more information please click the link in our bio.

Every generation faces new challenges as technology evolves.

We pray today for scientists and all those developing new technologies; for safety online for the young and vulnerable; for good fruit and the avoidance of harm.

Follow our reflections at cofe.io/PrayYourPart.