Being circulated close to Easter gives me an opportunity to include an Easter reflection from the Canadian Rural Church newsletter and to wish you a Happy Easter.
Contents:
1. AN EASTER REFLECTION FROM THE CANADIAN RURAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER
2. RURAL MINISTRY FORUM: April 18th at Shrivenham
3. THE GREAT MILK DEBATE…join the WI in Bucks to discuss milk prices and their effect on the dairy industry
4. FARMING NEWS
5. STANDING UP AND TAKING PART: Participation and Rural Voluntary Action; the report
6. DEPRIVATION in Rural Norfolk.
7. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VILLAGE CHURCH TO THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY”
8. "STRONG COUNTIES AND VIBRANT RURAL COMMUNITIES"
9. OXFORDSHIRE RURAL FRAMEWORK
10. SUPPORTING Farm Crisis Network
11. A NEW GRANT SCHEME FOR VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE AYLESBURY VALE DISTRICT
12.OXFORDSHIRE TOURING THEATRE COMPANY: THE FALLING SKY DEBATE: Have your say!
13. RURAL YOUTH NETWORK CONFERENCE: ‘Change in the Countryside – Rural Youth Speaks Out’
14. WHAT IS RURAL?
Every good wish for your celebrations of Easter.
Glyn Evans Diocesan Rural Officer
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1. AN EASTER REFLECTION FROM THE CANADIAN RURAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER
Easter: Before and Beyond (Written by Joyce Sasse)
It was not God who was crucified. God did not die, though God was there: alongside the Son, hugging the mother, calming the disciples, giving voice through the brooding darkness. God was there, giving courage to those who carried the body to the tomb. But God's story begins long before Easter morning, and God's redemptive activities extend beyond the Judeo-Christian revelations of the Divine. The uniqueness of the Good Friday-Easter story is that it is understood to be a never-again statement, from a compassionate God, that life extends beyond death. "Be not afraid," angelic choirs sang at Jesus' birth. "Be not afraid," the angel told the women who entered the empty tomb. God's beloved goes from the tomb out into the Garden, and into the world, to show how love encompasses death. The Gospel writers, in telling the story, hear God saying through them "Here, let me show you the way it is." In the past, people covered their eyes and refused to see God's merciful activities. This time, out of the ashes of tragedy, God's love of all Creation affirmed itself through the intimacy of relationship. Truly, the Easter story is a key-stone for those who believe. But, for myself, I have to say more than "Jesus Saves". That affirmation needs to be seen in the broader context of God's on-going work throughout creation, and the redemptive activities that are being revealed even as we speak. As we journey through life, God's presence enfolds us, God's strength gives us courage to face even the darkest moments, and God's truths are channelled through us. For those who know and celebrate the Easter revelation, the strength of that love helps us overcome our deepest fears. The blessing of the Eternal God, the Resurrected Christ and the Ever-present Spirit be with us today and always.
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2. RURAL MINISTRY FORUM
This is an occasional meeting for those engaged in rural ministry; it is an opportunity to share information and swap ideas in our changing context of ministry and mission to and in rural communities. Drinks are available from 10.30am. Meeting commences at 11am. Bring your own lunch to eat at 1pm and continue enjoying fellowship. WEDNESDAY APRIL 18TH 10.30am ST Andrew’s Church, Church Way, Shrivenham SN6 8AN by kind invitation of Revd Richard Hancock.
For location, put post code in www.streetmap.co.uk or see http://www.acny.org.uk/5985/
Instructions from Richard….park on the High Street then walk up church land next to Raffus India Restaurant. A copy of the notes from the last meeting is available on request be emailing me
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3. THE GREAT MILK DEBATE…join the WI in Bucks to discuss milk prices and their effect on the dairy industry….
Did you know that British farmers are being paid too little for their milk? Over 1,000 Dairy Farmers lost their businesses in the last year. The loss of Dairy Farmers contributes to the degradation of communities and threatens the local infrastructure. Why do we keep buying milk from Europe?
WINSLOW WI - The Great Milk Debate Wednesday 25 April 2007 at 7.30pm Winslow Public Hall Winslow WI is hosting a ‘Great Milk Debate’ in the Winslow Public Hall on Wednesday 25 April @7.30pm. Come and hear the facts and sample the best from our local Farmers. There is to be a panel of industry representatives including dairy farmers, processors and retailers. Also included trade stands and farmers market. "Come and hear the facts, ask questions affecting you and your family, local community, environment and countryside and sample the best from our local farmers." Supported by the NFU and Why Farming Matters.
Similar evenings are also being held in Speen on April 26th and Bledlow on May 2nd; contact the local WIs for details.
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4. FARMING NEWS
Farmers in England face cuts in their Single Farm Payments totalling 17% from this year rising to 19% from 2009 onwards. 80% of the money raised will go to environmental schemes and the government has agreed to co-finance this at a rate of 40%. The rest will go to wider rural development. Concerns have been expressed that no other country in Europe except Portugal has opted for voluntary modulation.
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5. Standing Up, Taking Part: Participation and Rural Voluntary Action; the report The National Council of Voluntary Organisations has published a report of their recent Rural Policy Conference. It is available on: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/policy/rural/events/index.asp?id=4668 Of particular interest perhaps will be the report on the workshop Faith and Voluntary Action led by Véronique Jochum, NCVO and Richard Rowling, from The Churches Regional Commission in the North East.
NB: NCVO’s Rural Faith report will be published in May 2007. To order free copies please email: policy@ncvo-vol.org.uk
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6. Deprivation in Rural Norfolk.
An interesting report on deprivation in rural Norfolk is available with some though provoking reflections and statistics which may be of wider use. http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=3705
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7. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VILLAGE CHURCH TO THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY” RURAL THEOLOGY ASSOCIATION STUDY GROUP IN NORTH OXFORDSHIRE THURSDAY MAY 3RD .
A RTA study group meets three times a year in Chipping Norton – you don’t have to be a member of the RTA to come along. The next meeting is entitled “THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VILLAGE CHURCH TO THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY” There will be presentations by local churches about how their church is helping to build community life in their village and a discussion to follow. All are welcome. 7.30pm Coffee. 7.45pm to 9pm Meeting. We meet at Rock Hill Cottage, Chipping Norton by kind invitation of Felix Jaffe.. Maps available on request We would like to know please if you are intending to come. For maps and to book in email me or phone 07870405241 Details of the RTA can be found on the web site http://www.rural-theology.org.uk/
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8. Strong counties and vibrant rural communities. The Rural Issues Task Group of the County Councils Network has published an interesting report; it is available on the Oxfordshire Partnership website: http://www.oxfordshirepartnership.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/OxfordshirePartnership/Home/Partnership+news/OP+-+News+-+Rural+issues+report
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9. OXFORDSHIRE RURAL FRAMEWORK Oxfordshire County Council, in association with a wide range of interested organisations and individuals, is developing a rural framework for the county. A large amount of data is being collected as part of this work, and will provide a sound evidence base for the framework. This information, covering the topics below, will be posted on the Data Observatory as it becomes available. The Data Observatory can be accessed from the Oxfordshire Partnership web site. http://www.oxfordshirepartnership.org.uk and click on the Data Observatory tab.
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10. SUPPORTING Farm Crisis Network
Six people are running the London 10k race on Sunday July 1st sponsored for FARM CRISIS NETWORK. One of them is my wife Jane!(who vowed never to run again after completing the marathon five years ago!) If you feel you would like to encourage her running and support FCN please go to Jane’s fund raising page http://www.justgiving.com/janecevans
FCN have sent out this message to churches preparing for Rogation Sunday on May 13th…..
Rogation Sunday is on 13th May this year, and provides us with an opportunity to thank God for new life and to ask his blessing on the growing crops and the young animals in our care. Although many of our congregations are no longer linked closely to farming, most have gardens, keep pets and enjoy the countryside and certainly everyone eats the produce of the land! So the festival of Rogation is relevant to us all and a great opportunity to thank God for his wonderful creation and the new life that sustains us all. It is also a great opportunity to tell people more about the food they eat, the farmers who produce it, and of course the God who provides it! Rogation is also an opportunity to pray for our farmers and their families, and for FCN’s ministry in the farming community.
FCN’s workload continues to increase - calls for help to FCN rose by 60% in 2006. It is perhaps more important than ever that those farming people under pressure know where they can turn for an understanding ear, and pastoral and practical support. We have prepared some resources and ideas for Rogation services, worship and activities which are listed below. We may even be able to organise for someone to speak at your service or event, depending on location and how many invitations we get! How you can celebrate Rogation and support FCN
· If you are holding a Rogation service, tell people about the work of FCN with our farming communities and consider donating part of the offering to FCN. For Rogation resources please ask the FCN office or phone 01788 510866
· FCN’s visual presentation is available on CD as a powerpoint presentation, or as a series of colour A4 display panels for you to print from pdf (or ask us to print and post them to you if you do not have printing facilities). Ideal for use at Rogation and any other agricultural festival. For a free presentation CD please ask the FCN office or phone 01788 510866.
· Give FCN’s new leaflet “Why Fair trade Begins at Home” to your congregation to raise awareness of the issues around fair trade, local produce, the importance of farming and the work of FCN.
· Have a look at Country Living Magazine’s ‘Fair Trade for British Farmers’ campaign www.countryliving.co.uk which links in well to FCN’s new leaflet, and the NFU’s ‘Farming Matters’ campaign www.nfuonline.com/nfuwfmlive
· Why not have a Rogation Lunch of local produce! The churches have championed Fairtrade produce and can now do the same for local produce.
· Think about having a service on a farm, or farms walk - and if you are a rural church why not invite one of your local urban churches to join you in the countryside! Another opportunity is to link into Leaf’s ‘Open Farm Sunday’ on 10th June www.leafuk.org
· An alternative activity is to hold a sponsored ‘Welly Walk’ at Rogation time to raise money for your church and FCN, and to raise awareness of food & farming.
· If you are a rural church, we can supply you with materials to make available in the church so people who may need FCN’s help know how to contact us. Ask for posters, help cards or leaflets.
· Pray for us! Prayer cards are available. FCN’s ministry would not be possible without the support of churches, both urban and rural. We are grateful for the continued generosity of our churches in prayer, finance, raising awareness and supporting FCN’s volunteers in their local work in the farming community.
Details or further information from Glyn Evans, the South East Coordinator for FCN, email or phone 07870405241 The South East Coordinator of FCN is available to speak about Farm Crisis Network at Church services on Rogation Sunday, and is happy to come to local groups to talk about the work as well. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11. A NEW GRANT SCHEME FOR VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE AYLESBURY VALE DISTRICT
Launch of the Aylesbury Vale Community Chest Community and voluntary groups and parish and town councils in Aylesbury Vale will benefit from a new £5 million fund to support the provision of extra activities over the next 10 years. Project Grants of up to £25,000 are available to both new and existing projects that can demonstrate success in meeting local needs. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes including sustaining or developing the activities of existing community groups, supporting new projects or purchasing items of equipment. Micro-Grants of up to £1,000 are awarded to projects and groups for a range of different uses, for example running costs or organising a community event. Examples of eligible projects include improvements to community facilities, such as children’s play areas and community centres, local community support projects for older people and environmental projects. Later in 2007, long term revenue funding will be made available through a two stage application process. The first step being a simple form to check whether the Panel would be likely to favourably consider a full application from the organisation and the second stage giving more details about the service to be supported.
First stage applications will be invited in early July with a closing date of 28th September 2007. Applicants successful at stage 1 will be asked to submit stage 2 applications by 31st January 2008. Applicants will have to demonstrate how their project contributes to the Community Plan for Aylesbury Vale – more information is available from the Community Chest Grants Officer.
The first closing dates for Project Grant Applications are 8 June 2007, and 28th September 2007.
Applications for Micro-Grants may be submitted at any time.
For more information, to discuss your project or receive an application form please contact S
arah Rothwell, 01296 585 634 communitychest@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Anne Vujanic 01296 589 315 avujanic@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
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12. Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company: THE FALLING SKY DEBATE: Have your say!
An evening of lively debate about the issues that affect you in the countryside on Tuesday April 24th at 7.30pm Methodist Church, High Street, Witney Speakers will include Graham Harvey Agricultural story editor of ‘The Archers’ and author of “The killing of the Countryside” and “We Want Real Food”, and Alan Spedding, compiler of the RuSource briefings.
For further details and to reserve your free ticket [places limited to 100] please call OTTC on 01865 249444: www.ottc.org.uk
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13. ‘Change in the Countryside – Rural Youth Speaks Out’ Thursday 17 May 2007, The Riverside Centre, Derby The Rural Youth Network’s latest event will look at issues affecting young people and those who work with them in rural England. Speaker and workshop topics will include: housing issues and solutions for young people in rural areas the rural economy young people’s volunteering young people’s participation and involvement in their communities support for and integration with migrant worker communities The delegate rate is £65 including lunch and all refreshments.
To book online at www.ruralyouth.com/events.html
Alternatively ring Sarah Hope on 0116 242 7441 for a booking form or e-mail ruralyouth@nya.org.uk
Rural Youth Network, Eastgate House, 19-23 Humberstone Road, Leicester, LE5 3GJ Tel: 0116 2427441 Fax: 0116 2427403
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14. WHAT IS RURAL?
The Commission for Rural Communities has published their definition of rural areas in a useful easy to read fact sheet available from http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/files/what%20is%20rural.pdf
There are different definitions of rurality but all point to our Diocese having a significantly rural dimension; a fact not always recognised or appreciated.
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