360 Miscellany

News and views

Coping with anxiety – advice for parents

Lydia Monds from the Children’s Ministry Network has put together a useful, practical, faith-based resource for coping with anxiety, either for a parent with anxiety or for a parent supporting a child with anxiety.

Jill Hamilton, Connor Children’s Project Development Officer, said: “It really is a fantastic resource with activities that children will enjoy and that will enhance the parent-child relationship.”

Download the Coping with Anxiety resource from the Ripple Connor website.
[[] https://www.rippleconnor.org.uk/coping-strategies-for-anxiety-for-parents-and-children/ ]

Aurora Youth and Children’s Ministry Courses Start Online in September

Aurora Youth and Children’s Ministry Courses Start Online in September

The Church of Ireland Youth Department and the Children’s Ministry Network are encouraging leaders in youth and children’s ministry to sign up for the Aurora courses, starting again this September.

This time round, Aurora will be delivered fully online. The courses, provided by working with the Diocese of Sheffield and St Peter’s College, are a great opportunity to explore how you can develop your skills and ministry in this area; as the course is to be delivered online, applications are open to participants from across the island.

For more information, download and check out the following leaflets, visit [ www.auroratraining.org.uk/eire ] or contact Steve Grasham.

Religious sister dies in Beirut

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul reported that one of their members, Sr Sophie Khosrovian, died from her injuries. Beirut is the order’s provincial centre for the Middle East, and it is located less than a mile from the site of the blast. The blast badly damaged several neighbourhoods in East Beirut where mainly Christians reside.

Lauren takes on 100-mile challenge for Teenage Cancer Trust

Thirteen-year-old Lauren Bond, a member of Kildollagh Parish Church, is a real inspiration. She has set herself a challenge of running 100 miles during August to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.

“This charity does incredible things for children with cancer here in Northern Ireland,” Lauren said. “During lockdown, I got an insight into what kids my age with cancer go through every day.

“I’ve only been a teenager for a year and I’ve already had so much fun and so many experiences. I believe every teenager deserves that. The Teenage Cancer Trust works hard to ensure these young people are teenagers first and cancer patients second.”

Lauren said the charity works to improve the chances of survival for young people with cancer and to improve their quality of life.

“It’s been an eye opening experience, I’ve met so many people who have unfortunately had to battle cancer or are currently battling cancer, and many other Christians like myself,” Lauren said.

“I’ve also learned how the Teenage Cancer Trust supports patients when they have to miss religious holidays or events because of treatment and how they go out of their way to make life as normal as possible for these teenagers and young adults.”

Lauren is now 70 miles into her 100-mile challenge, and has to date raised £389 for the Trust.

“The support I’ve had during this has been unreal, however seeing what these kids go through everyday shows that they truly are the real heroes and everyone who donates is a hero too!” Lauren said.

“This money makes a huge difference in someone’s life and can even save someone’s life. I hate that some children have to go through this, but knowing the Teenage Cancer Trust is by their side makes every step worth it!”

Lauren said she had taken on some fun and challenging tasks as she has been clocking up the miles, including a half marathon.

“I also battled a run through Storm Ellen!” she said. “I’ve run all over Ireland from Ballymoney to Tramore and it’s been the best experience!

Lauren’s mum Sinead said: “We are extremely proud of Lauren’s determination and the selfless way she has chosen to use her time in lockdown.”

To help Lauren raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, you can visit her online fundraising page, or call her on 07484 806788.

‘Faith In Our Village’ reaches ‘viral fame’

The viral fame – which has seen more than 10,000 views in just a few months – has come as a surprise to those in the Benefice of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt in Wiltshire who are behind the project.

The benefice decided to use the name “Faith In Our Village” when they moved to an online-only model of worship due to Covid-19 restrictions.

With a growing audience for their online service the Rev. Andrew Evans, rector, decided to launch a discipleship course including information on how to become a Christian.

That bells may safely ring

New guidance was released yesterday from the C of E on how bells can be rung safely in churches. Ringing should be of limited duration and with social distancing between bell ringers. Read all the latest guidance for churches at [ http://cofe.io/Coronavirus. ]

Young Christians launch climate-justice campaign

A group of 25 young Christians from across the UK are calling on the Government to stop funding the extraction of fossil fuels overseas. Their campaign, “Stop Fuelling the Fire”, launched on Tuesday…

Two points from an ordination

“As a priest Shane’s responsibility is counter-cultural. Our society today places such an emphasis on self-fulfilment, on autonomy, on doing one’s own thing. As a priest of Jesus Christ you will proclaim his message, you will do so utilising your gifts, interests and insights but it will always be his message not your own preferences or prejudices.”

“Shane, the gifts that you receive in your ordination today are for service to God and the people of God. In your priestly ministry you will have the privilege of welcoming, working with and encouraging people who are open to and led by the Spirit. You will rejoice and celebrate with them as together you build up the Kingdom of God.” – Archbishop Neary

On the web

600 wickets – one for the cricket buffs. Wickets alone do not determine who England’s greatest ever bowler is… one who knows states.
[ http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/331/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/331/pub/331/page/116/article/75366 ]

Well said

Pointers to prayer

Gracious God, in a world where corruption, deceit, suspicion and ‘fake news’ regularly fill the headlines, we are full of gratitude for the gospel of Christ, which brings light, hope, truth and ‘good news’ into our lives.

Today we pray for Yemini children. As Covid-19 has amplified hunger in Yemen, child marriage, child labour and child begging has increased. We pray for protection for children, for an end to these practices and for provision so no one goes hungry.

Pray today for schools, where many pupils and teachers are returning to a very different place. May their day be full of joy, expectation and happiness, while they adjust to new ways of being a school community.

God in creation

Canterbury Cathedral