A different sort of radical politics? Tues 26th Jan

In the wake of the expenses scandal and other issues, the next election will be a time when some people will not vote or will look beyond the main parties to see what other groups have to offer. The strongest of them are seeking to be part of the democratic process and being given appearances on “BBC Question Time”.

They are not about more of the same, they are radical in the way we say our Gospel is radical. Should we engage with groups who, like the BNP, say they are “the Christian Party”? Or should we help our churches make a clear witness against them and develop a dialogue as the Christian conscience of the mainstream?

This will be our first in a BCAN series for the election year. We are delighted that our main speaker will be Revd Dr Andrew Davey, the Urban Affairs specialist for the Archbishop’s Council of the Church of England. He has been leading in the preparation of a report concerning working within communities where radical parties are gaining support.

Andrew has wide experience of the church and urban mission and was a parish priest in Peckham prior to his current appointment. He is editor of http://urblog.typepad.com and author of Urban Christianity and Global Order. Theological Resources for an Urban Future, SPCK

Times: Arrivals 12.15 Start 12.30 Finish 2pm
Venue: Woodlands Church Crypt, Belgrave Road, Bristol BS8 2AA
Details: No Charge. Drinks provided – Please bring your own lunch

Download the poster

All About Me: A Critical Look at the Self-Esteem Movement Sat 23rd Jan

This event will explore the concepts of identity and self esteem, as well as how they are understood and taught in contemporary society: Glynn will critically analyse the modern approaches to understanding and promoting self-esteem. He will then present some biblically- based alternatives, considering how self esteem fits into the broader framework of Christian values. Lizzie will talk from her experiences of delivering the Hope's Place programmes on identity and self esteem to young people at risk of exclusion from school. She will discuss our pedagogical ideology and technique, sharing our story and stories from the lives of course participants.

Glynn Harrison works for the Academic Unit of Psychiatry at Bristol University, where he has the position of Norah Cooke Hurle Professor of Mental Health. Alongside his extensive research into mental disorders, including his most recent book‚ Recovery from Schizophrenia, Glynn is a lay minister at Christ Church, Clifton and lectures frequently on issues of psychiatry and faith.

Lizzie Thomas has been working for Hope's Place as an education programme facilitator since graduating over a year ago. She has a degree from the University of Bristol in Early Childhood Studies and is involved in the children's ministry at Christ Church Clifton. She is also currently training to be a counsellor with Network.


Cost: £25
Venue: Christchurch, 16 Mortimer Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4EY

Download the PDF brochure

Mental Health & Healing in the Life of the Church: Sat 21st Nov

On Saturday 21st November, we are privileged to be hosting Dr Jo and Rev Gavin Knight, authors of Disturbed by Mind and Spirit: Mental Health and Healing in Parish Ministry, as well as Marvin Rees, for a regional conference on Mental Health and Healing in The Life of the Church.

We will be joined by representatives of the national organisations Premier Christian Lifeline, Mind and Soul and Anorexia Bulimia Care in what will be a unique gathering of Christians who have a passion for mental health.

To download the information leaflet: http://www.bcan.org.uk/downloads/211109.pdf
For more info contact kate@wholeminds.org.uk

BCAN: USING BUSINESS TO FIGHT POVERTY & TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES Transformational Business Network, Thursday 8th October, 12~1.30pm

Thursday 8th October, 12~1.30pm
The Upper Hall @ Woodlands Church,
Belgrave Road, Clifton. BS8 2AA

Hosted by the Bristol Christian Action Network



The great non-conformist Victorian entrepreneurs showed how faith-based business could bring community transformation and tackle poverty. Can faith and business co-exist in today's economy and make a difference?

Transformational Business Network, a network of business and professional people who use business to alleviate poverty, is showing how it can. Since 2003, TBN members have created 13,000 jobs in 20 countries, providing a 'hand up' rather than a hand out.

Jerry Marshall is a 'Kingdom Entrepreneur' and General Manager of Transformational Business Network. He will present inspiring and challenging examples of how sustainable business projects are transforming communities.

Chris Egitto, a Bristol businessman and leader of the newly formed Bristol TBN group will talk about his involvement in Hagar, a project in Cambodia where businesses provide training and employment for ex-trafficked women, and TBN developments in the Bristol area.

Join the discussion and see you you and / or your church could be inspired and involved.

Parking can be limited (working day, lunchtime, etc) however there is good parking at the nearby Sainsbury's just a short 5 minute walk from Woodlands as well as some on street. The event is open to all who may be interested, so do feel free to share this with people.













(Mac users: Please control-click and “Download Link to Disk”)
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Download the PDF poster (3.7MB)
http://www.bcan.org.uk/downloads/tbn_081009.pdf

Media training Day, November 21

Media training Day, November 21
Bristol Evangelical Alliance Media Training Day, at St. Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford, on 21 November, 09.

"Do you want to see what your local church or organisation is doing covered in the local media?
Or perhaps you need to know how to keep the media at bay? Can you write a compelling press release? Or do you want to learn how to?"

Whatever the media needs you have, come along to the BEA Media Training Day. Speakers to be confirmed but will include Sam Holiday, Editor of The Bath Chronicle.
Cost - £10. Numbers are limited so book early.

To reserve your place please contact Ali Hull on 0117 904 8989 or email alihull@worthers.com

AN EVENING WITH STEVE CLIFFORD - Friday 16th October 2009

Friday 16th October 2009 at 7.15 p.m.
Easton Christian Family Centre
Beaufort Street, Bristol BS5 0SQ
(Refreshments and Exhibition For more details call 01275 399897)

Steve was appointed as the Alliance's new General Director with effect from April 2009 and has asked to come and share his vision with the churches in Bristol. He also chairs the Board of the national HOPE08 initiative, and is involved with Fusion, Spring Harvest and Soul Survivor. As part of the leadership of the Pioneer Network of churches across the UK and abroad, he is a member of the Inspire Core Group.

Dance Into The Night - 17 October 2009

Please find below information on ngm’s Dance into the Night event. We would be really grateful if you would publicise this in your church. As a church leader, if you wish to attend our VIP reception from 5 – 6pm on the day, please email zoewickham@ngm.org.uk. We would love it if you and your church could join us for this fantastic event.

Held on Saturday 17th October, matinee 2 – 4pm and evening 7 – 9pm, this is an event not to be missed. A chance to come and experience the work of ngm and hear the heartbeat of all we do. It is set to be an exciting, challenging and hugely entertaining event, held at ngm’s Caedmon Complex. Tickets are £5 (suggested donation) and available by calling 01454 414880

Fore more information go to www.ngm.org.uk

Fairtrade Fashion Show, 2010

Dear All
We are proud to unveil our new website for the Fairwear fairtrade fashion show 2010. Please check it out at www.fairwearfashionshow.org.uk

This event was such a hit last year we hope to make it even bigger and better in 2010. It will be held on Thursday 25th February at Bristol Cathedral and aims to demonstrate the range, affordability and availability of Fairtrade fashion. In a city that has just opened the 2nd largest Primark store in the country we want to offer sustainable alternatives to the fast fashion culture. Please spread the word and let me know if you're interested in helping in any way. And make sure you are there!

All good wishes

Jenny Foster
Bristol Fairtrade Co-ordinator

for more info bristolfairtradenetwork@googlemail.com

“Finding your purpose!”

Please join us if you are:
• At a point of transition in your life or career
• Thinking of making changes but undecided as to exactly which direction to take
• Addressing conflicts between your own values and those operating in your work environment
• Seeking to live God's purpose in your life

“Finding your purpose!” will give you the opportunity to:

• Step back from daily routine to reflect deeply on the areas of your life that are important to you

• Explore your life and career from different perspectives

• Gain clarity and purpose about your future direction

The programme is designed around 10 evening sessions and everyone has access to an exciting online vocational software tool (Creative Metier v-interactive - www.creativemetier.com) and/or a hard copy workbook with a section of associated Bible readings.

In group sessions everyone has the opportunity to share experience, reflect on the Bible and discover a life aligned with their deepest aspirations and in tune with God's purposes.
We have been achieving profound results for participants as they connect with their calling.

Course Leader – Roger Allen

Dates: From 7.30pm to 9.30pm every Tuesday from 29th September to 8th December 2009 (not 27th October: half term holidays)

Venue: Severn Ridge, 29, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, BS32 4HH

Commitment
Participants will be asked to work through one exercise in the software ahead of attending each session. Exercises take between 30 – 60 minutes to complete.

Cost (subsidised) - £150. Concessions negotiable.

For more information:

Contact Roger Allen

Telephone 01454 416 446

Email: roger.angieallen@blueyonder.co.uk

Places will be limited, so please contact Roger as soon as possible.

UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS: A WORKSHOP FOR CLERGY, YOUTH LEADERS AND THOSE INVOLVED IN PASTORAL CARE

Friday 6th November, 9.30am - 1pm, Trinity College, Bristol, Hope's Place in association with Anorexia Bulimia Care

kateguthrie@hopesplace.org.uk / www.wholeminds.org.uk for more information

Recent figures suggest that 1 in100 women has a clinically diagnosed eating disorder and over half have a 'serious issue with food' that wouldn't be clinically diagnosed but causes them significant trouble. Many sufferers find that the Church is sadly not as supportive as it could be, due to lack of understanding and ignorance. This workshop affords those in church leadership the opportunity to explore the relationship between church, spirituality and eating disorders and consider how the church could better support both sufferers and carers.

Download the leaflet & booking form

WORKING WITH EATING DISORDERS: A TRAINING DAY FOR COUNSELLORS, GPS AND THOSE INVOLVED IN PASTORAL CARE

Saturday 17th October, 9.30am - 3.30pm, Cotham Parish Church, Hope's Place in association with Anorexia Bulimia Care

kateguthrie@hopesplace.org.uk / www.wholeminds.org.uk for more information

This training day offers the opportunity to explore some of the less-discussed questions associated with eating disorders, such as how they relate to spirituality and the impact they have on men. Through a variety of lecture-style and discussion-based seminars, participants will be encouraged to reflect on how good practice in responding to eating disorders can be developed. We will also consider how partnerships between carers, service providers and churches can offer a better, more comprehensive care strategy and discuss how to recognise the limitations of each of these roles and when further help needs to be sought.

Download the leaflet & booking form

VENUE CHANGE - BCAN: 25/7/2009 Church's Response to the Recession - A follow up discussion

Please note there is a VENUE CHANGE to this event.

Date & Time: Saturday July 25th, 9.30 -11.30am. The event is free and open to all.

Venue: St Stephen’s Church, 21 St Stephen’s Street Bristol BS1 1EQ

For further information please contact CarolineVirgo@HopesPlace.org.uk. If you missed that, then don't worry but you can check out the MP3s from the first meeting at http://bcanblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/marvin-reesrecession-morning-audio.html

BCAN: 25/7/2009 Church's Response to the Recession - A follow up discussion

Please note that the is a venue change for the above. News will be posted here when it is available.

Apologies for any inconvenience

Stop the Traffik: North Bristol

An evening to raise awareness of people traffiking in Bristol and to find out what we can do to campaign against it. The meeting is this Thursday 25th June at 7.30pm. It's happening at Oasis Academy Brightstow (old Portway school) in Shire. There will be a police officer there who investigates traffiking in our city, and a woman who runs another anti-traffiking group in Bristol. Please come if you can and/or spread the word to anyone else who might be interested.

If you want to know more check out www.stopthetraffik.org and if you can't make this Thursday but would be interested in coming to an anti-traffiking group email sttnorthbristol@yahoo.com

Art on the Railings Wed 24th June

Art on the Railings

From 6.30pm - Wednesday, 24th June 2009

In the grounds of St Matthew's Church, Clare Road, Cotham, BS6 5TB

This promises to be a fantastic summer evening event for all the family. Come along for great art, music and food!

The evening includes:
- Local Artists
- Music by The Ambling Band
- Barbeque & bar
- Auction and Art Sale
- Ethiopian craft stall
- and much more...

Gates open for the exhibition at 6.30pm and the band arrives around 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and include a burger and soft drink.
For more details and tickets contact event@for-ethiopia.com or call 0117 973 3812.

All profits go towards our projects in Ethiopia. You can see more about the work of For-ethiopia on our website at www.for-ethiopia.com

Salvation Army: Hymns in the Park 14th & 28th June, 12th July

Sunday 14th June at 5.00pm - Hymns in St George's Park
An invitation to all to come and share in this community event at 5.00pm led by The Salvation Army, Bristol Easton Band & Musicians

Sunday 28th June at 5.00pm - Hymns in Kingswood Park
An invitation to all to come and share in this community event at 5.00pm led by The Salvation Army, Bristol Easton & Bristol Kingswood Bands & Musicians

Sunday 12th July at 5.00pm - Hymns in Keynsham Park
An invitation to all to come and share in this community event at 5.00pm led by The Salvation Army, Bristol Easton & Bristol Kingswood Bands & Musicians


For more information contact
Major Paul Doust - Bristol Easton Corps
Office Telephone: 0117 955 1600
The Salvation Army

BCAN 13th June : Church's Response to the Recession

Here is an Overview of the next event

Date: Sat 13th June
Time: 9.30am – 1.30pm
Venue: St Stephen’s Church, 21 St Stephen’s Street Bristol BS1 1EQ
Cost: free
Speaker: Marvin Rees


The event is aimed at faith leaders and activists, those with an expertise and those with a passion coming together to think and pray for plans on how the church in Bristol responds to the recession:

- Pastorally: preparing to meet the pastoral/mental health needs the financial strains will place on individuals, families and communities

- Practically: mobilising the church economy (financial expertise and money) to counter the effects of the recession

- Prophetically: drawing on Biblical insights to critique the prevailing system and ask if there is and if the church should be advocating another way of doing things


Outline of event

9.30am Welcome / Registration

9.50am Introductions

10.00am SETTING THE SCENE

10.15am S1: THE PASTORAL

11.05am Coffee Break

11.20am S2: THE PRACTICAL

12.15pm S3: THE PROPHETIC

1.00pm Plenary – Conclusion & Feedback



Sessions will run something like this:
- 5 min Session Introduction
- 35 mins Discussion Time
- 10 mins Communal Feedback


Download overview of the event:
http://www.bcan.org.uk/downloads/BCAN_13thJune.doc

PDF Flyer for Marvin Rees / Church's Response to the recession

Download the PDF Flyer (2.7MB)

BCAN: Church's Response to the Recession 13/6/2009

SPEAKER: Marvin Rees

VENUE: St Stephen’s Church,Bristol City Centre

COST: FREE

From 9.30am till 1.30pm

Churches response to the Recession: a spiritual and practical guide: This morning will seek to look at wider issues around the Bristol churches response to the current financial crisis. There will be an opportunity to consider fully whether enough action is being taken and what more might be done as a corporate body

Marvin Rees is a Programme Manager for the NHS Delivering Race Equality in Mental Healthcare programme.

He is a longtime Christian with interest in understanding the call of church in the world. He has worked with Sojourners, a US campaign group magazine looking at intersection of Faith, culture, politics and their editor in Chief Jim Wallis, author of God's Politics as well as working and studing under Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo.

Marvin has also worked for Tearfund and spent 5 years as a BBC journalist; he has completed Masters degrees in Politics of Black America and another in Global Economic Development.

RENOVARE DAY @ Trinity College 30/5/2009

On the Renovare Day, 30th May, 10am-4.30, at Trinity College, Bristol, James Catford, Chief Executive Officer of the Bible Society, and Joe Davies a church pastor, will help us explore 6 different traditions, based on Richard Foster's 'Stream of Living Waters': Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, Sacramental - and some of the spiritual disciplines connected with them - along with how we might integrate them into our own spiritual lives, with the support and accountability found in a small Spiritual Formation group.

Many have found Renovare has given fresh impetus to their spiritual lives and deeply enriched their relationship with Jesus.

The day will cost £9. Lunch can also be provided for an additional £6. For further enquiries or to book a place, contact Cathy Brodie: cathy@christchurchclifton.org.uk. Tel 0117 973 5189