Chaplain’s Blog – St. Julie's Chaplaincy

Chaplain's Blog

18.10.19 – Row-a-Thon @ Coast

19/10/2019 Mike Anderson

It was a pretty special day today. It goes back to a few weeks ago when I was in Coast

Chaplain's Blog

17.10.19 – Never a bad time ….

17/10/201917/10/2019 Mike Anderson

Yesterday, I wrote “It’s never a bad time to do a good thing” which I suppose is a bit of

Chaplain's Blog

16.10.19 – World Food Day

16/10/201917/10/2019 Mike Anderson

Food – the very stuff of life! Give us this day our daily bread! You are what you eat! Today

Chaplain's Blog

15.10.19 – football racists and a long overdue first!

15/10/201915/10/2019 Mike Anderson

I write today about something that happened last night. My son called me into the lounge to see what was

Chaplain's Blog

A Link in a Chain

14/10/201914/10/2019 Mike Anderson

Yesterday was a rather special day in Rome. It was the day a certain John Henry Newman was canonised –

Chaplain's Blog

First Friday – only it wasn’t!

13/10/201913/10/2019 Mike Anderson

What a great start to the day it was on Friday! Around 50 people gathered in the Chapel for our

Chaplain's Blog

At last!

10/10/201910/10/2019 Mike Anderson

Well, here it is – the new Chaplaincy website with a whole host of resources to reflect on and celebrate

October 2019
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
	1 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Feast of St Therese of Lisieux 01/10/2019 Our Therese Forms are named after this saint! Here are three videos which tell her story: VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 VIDEO 3 Read more International Day of Older Persons 01/10/2019 Between 2017 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 46 per cent (from 962 million to 1.4 billion) globally outnumbering youth, as well as children under the age of 10. Moreover, this increase will be the greatest and most rapid in the developing world. Population ageing is poised to become one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century. Older people have always played a significant role in society as leaders, caretakers and custodians of tradition. Yet they are also highly vulnerable, with many falling into poverty, becoming disabled or facing discrimination. As health care improves, the population of older people is growing. Their needs are also growing, as are their contributions to the world. The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing in today’s world. God of all creation, you are timeless and beyond all ages. We who are growing old give thanks for the years you have given us – for family, friends and all those who have enriched our lives. We who are not yet old give thanks for the older people in our lives: for grandparents, loved ones, friends and all who generously offer the wise counsel of their years. We who are growing old pray that we may be patient with our ageing limbs and difficulties in everyday tasks we once did much more easily. We who are not yet old pray for patience and kindness towards those who do not move as quickly as we would sometimes like. We who are growing old pray for good health in our later years, and forbearance when our health fails us. We who are not yet old pray for good health for those we love and compassion towards those who suffer ill health. We who are growing old pray for prudence and sweet timing, in offering our wisdom to the next generation, while respecting their energy and creativity. We who are not yet old pray for openness and humility in receiving the advice and guidance of our elders. We who are growing old pray that we may face our death with serenity and dignity. We who are not yet old pray that we affirm the sacredness of each person’s life and accompany those who are dying with gentleness and deep respect. God of endless love, help us to understand that we share a common life journey, a call to live life to the full and to strive to enable all creation to come to the fullness of the Cosmic Christ. Amen Read more	2 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Birthdate of Mahatma Gandhi 02/10/2019 A 2 minute video about the Father of the Nation - India. GANDHI - what did he say? Read more International Day of Non-Violence 02/10/2019 International Day of Non-Violence Read more The Holy Guardian Angels 02/10/2019 Read more	3 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more	4 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more CAFOD Harvest Fast Day 04/10/2019 Read more Feast of St Francis of Assisi 04/10/2019 Read more	5 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more World Teachers’ Day 05/10/2019 World Teachers’ Day Read more	6 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more
7 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more	8 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more	9 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more World Post Day 09/10/2019 World Post Day Read more	10 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more World Mental Health Day 10/10/2019 It's good to know the facts! Click here for a short informative video (no sound). You're invited to pray for those who are feeling fragile using THIS VIDEO. A powerful reflection (devised and performed by some of our wonderful Y8 students) on asking: Are you OK? Read more	11 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more International Day of the Girl Child 11/10/2019 International Day of the Girl Child Read more	12 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more World Arthritis Day 12/10/2019 Here's a link to the Versus Arthritis YouTube channel which has lots of short and informative films about this condition. VERSUS ARTHRITIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL Arthritis is not a condition faced just by older people. This LINK takes you to an excellent resource about young people living with arthritis! A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY Loving God, we place before you all who are living with arthritis: we ask for your comfort when times are hard; when the pain is intense; when everyday activities are impossible; we pray for all who care for those with arthritis; that their compassion will be a source of strength; we pray for all who encounter people living with arthritis; that they will seek to develop their understanding and respond kindly and justly; we pray for medical professionals - especially those researching treatments and cures; that they will be relentless in their quest to make life better for others. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN St. Julie: pray for us, protect us and bless. Read more	13 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more International Day for Disaster Reduction 13/10/2019 International Day for Disaster Reduction Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more
14 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more Mission Statement Theme - Respecting and Embracing Diversity 14/10/2019 CLICK HERE to take the opportunity to reflect on this week's Mission Statement Theme. Read more	15 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more International Day of Rural Women 15/10/2019 International Day of Rural Women This day recognizes the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. Rural women and girls play a significant role in agriculture, food security and nutrition, land and natural resource management and unpaid and domestic care work. Women also collect firewood, process foodstuffs by hand, and collect water; 80% of households without piped water rely on women and girls for water collection. Rural women are at the front of the battle lines when natural resources and agriculture are threatened. Just imagine not being able to go to school because you have to walk 5 miles to collect water for your family. Just imagine being late every day for school because you have to scavenge for firewood in increasingly far distant places. Just imagine not being able to do your homework because there is no lighting in your village. Just imagine facing the prospect as a young girl of being denied education because you have to marry someone much older than you. AN INVITATION TO PRAYER You are invited to pray: for rural women and girls - that helpful technology and infrastructure will help them in the daily tasks they undertake for their families; for access to education where this is denied for whatever reason; for attitudes towards equality to spread and develop that all people might benefit from the riches of this world. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN St. Julie: pray for us, protect us and bless us. Read more	16 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more World Food Day 16/10/2019 World Food Day Food - the very stuff of life! Give us this day our daily bread! You are what you eat! Here's what the Pope tweeted on 16th October 2019! It's World Food Day and it's always uncomfortable to be reminded that children will go to sleep hungry to night! Here are just a few statistics from the Food Aid Foundation: Some 795 million people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life. The vast majority of the world's hungry people live in developing countries, where 12.9 percent of the population is undernourished. Asia is the continent with the most hungry people - two thirds of the total. The percentage in southern Asia has fallen in recent years but in western Asia it has increased slightly. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest prevalence (percentage of population) of hunger. One person in four there is undernourished. Poor nutrition causes nearly half (45%) of deaths in children under five - 3.1 million children each year. One out of six children -- roughly 100 million -- in developing countries is underweight. One in four of the world's children are stunted. In developing countries the proportion can rise to one in three. If women farmers had the same access to resources as men, the number of hungry in the world could be reduced by up to 150 million. 66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone. HAVE A LOOK at this 30 second video. It seems so big but we can do stuff. We can contribute to charities that work overseas. CAFOD springs to mind. Maybe, we could consider buying one of their World Gifts for someone this year - https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/ Maybe we need to consider how much food we waste and re-align our behaviour. Maybe we could eat more healthily ourselves in appreciation of how fortunate we are. Don't forget too that we can contribute to the local Micah Foodbank for our local people who go hungry - often unnoticed. You might think it's all too big a problem to make a difference but change starts with the individual and it's never a bad time to do a good thing!!! God bless! Read more	17 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 17/10/2019 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Read more	18 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more	19 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more Week of Prayer for Prisoners October 13-19, 2019 CLICK HERE FOR a 2 minute prayer video on this theme. Read more	20 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more World Mission Day 20/10/2019 This is the day in the Church Year when we are reminded to live out the final words of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. That's a pretty awesome challenge but we start in the here and now - where we are and who we're with simply by 'treating others as we'd like to be treated' and by helping them 'live life in all its fullness.' We take comfort from the promise that Jesus is with us always - to the end of time! A PRAYER FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Loving God, you call us to proclaim your Good News. Help us to respond with joy to this call. Guide us and give us strength to follow you in all our encounters with our fellow human beings especially those at the margins of society and those that suffer in mind and body. Through our loving words and actions may we continue to become messengers and co-creators of your Kingdom. May the Holy Spirit inspire us through the model of our Holy Father, Francis, who shows us the way. Amen Read more
21 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more Mission Statement Theme - Faith, Prayer and Reflection 21/10/2019 CLICK HERE to take the opportunity to reflect on this week's Mission Statement Theme. Read more	22 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more	23 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more	24 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more United Nations Day 24/10/2019 So, what do the United Nations do? CLICK HERE for a 1:41 video answering that very question! Do you think the United Nations is working well? Why do you think this? What are the challenges facing the UN at the moment? What can each of us do, as individuals, to support the work of the UN? Can you think about how the world would be different without the UN? In 1948, the UN passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. CLICK HERE for a 1:41 video outlining these! A PRAYER FOR TODAY We are invited to reflect on our fellow citizens of the world; each with amazing potential; each with emotions; each with the same basic needs. We pray for all of them and resolve to work towards that day when all people of all nations will indeed be united in working for the common good. AMEN United Nations Day Read more World Development Information Day 24/10/2019 World Development Information Day Read more	25 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more	26 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more	27 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more One World Week October 20-27, 2019 The theme for 2019 is: CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT This is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching! This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to! A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Lord of all creation We thank you for all the wonders of the universe. We give thanks for the opportunity to come together in One World Week as part of the family of all humankind. May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources now and for future generations. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. AMEN More information Read more World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 27/10/2019 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage Read more
28 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more	29 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more	30 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more	31 Black History Month October 1-31, 2019 A video of black female firsts! (1 mins 26 secs). CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:56) about ROSA PARKS introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. CLICK HERE for a Horrible Histories clip (2:10) about MARY BOWSER introduced by Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing. A PRAYER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Loving God, in Black History month we reflect on: The centuries old trauma of the slave trade and the legacy of slavery; The decades old exploitation and oppression of the newcomer; The simmering resentment felt by some for those who may appear different. But we choose to shine bravely, reflecting your glory, we choose to reject the lies of racism, we choose to dance… make music … share pain … spread joy … wake up, and be wonderful. We choose to conquer our fears. We choose to fight every day to dismantle racism because we are of the earth and of the stardust. We are precious, loved, and called to shine bright like the stars we are made of. And we ask for your blessing on our choices and your help in living them out! AMEN Read more All day: World Cities Day 31/10/2019All day World Cities Day Read more

Just imagine not being able to go to school because you have to walk 5 miles to collect water for your family.

Just imagine being late every day for school because you have to scavenge for firewood in increasingly far distant places.

Just imagine not being able to do your homework because there is no lighting in your village.

Just imagine facing the prospect as a young girl of being denied education because you have to marry someone much older than you.