Robin Harley, Countryside聽Officer聽for Bournmouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council, contacted his cousin the Revd Brian Harley, Minister of Shanklin 国产无码, to see if the church’s聽clock tower and bell chamber could host the birds.

According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Swifts are summer visitors, breeding across the UK, but are most numerous in the south and east.

Robin and Bob Lord, a colleague, and Brian joined forces with Hampshire Swifts, a wildlife organisation, to give the birds a new home at the church, installing a Shanklin nesting box behind the tower’s wooden louvres, above the clock and bell housing.

Breeding season is between May and October and if the project is successful, it may be expanded in 2025.

Bob said: “Our swift population is in trouble and declining.

“Swifts have adapted to living in holes in buildings, but these are being blocked-up as we move from timber to UPVC fittings, which don’t shrink and crack.

“New artificial spaces are needed.”

The RSPB website explains that Swifts migrate 3,400 miles twice a year. They spend winters in Africa, stopping off to refuel in places like Portugal and France along the way.

After a long flight back from their winters in Africa, Swifts have one thing on their minds 鈥� to mate. They pair for life, returning to the same site each year for a little nest renovation before laying and incubating their eggs. They鈥檙e favourite places to live are places like houses and churches, squeezing through tiny gaps to nest inside roofs.

Brian said: “We鈥檙e delighted to be doing our bit. “It is great we can offer a high-level safe nesting place for these tidy, clean birds.”

Images: Contributed to .

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The South Western Synod-based project also seeks to help with problems associated with social isolation and changing community dynamics.

In this reflection, Marie Trubic, the project’s Church Related Community Worker, highlights one of the initiatives taking place in the area:

“Cannington Yarn Bombers“ was formed during the Cannington 国产无码 Warm Space Initiative of 2023 to encourage more people to visit. This led to a member of the church suggesting that the village was 鈥測arn bombed鈥� as part of the Coronation celebrations. A Facebook post, highlighting the activity, encouraged a good crowd to see the spectacle which saw bollards and trees covered in creative yarn designs, alongside bunting and decorations for the event.

The yarn bombers has a core group of around 10 people who meet each Tuesday morning at Cannington 国产无码. Various works have since been completed including poppy cascades and knitted Christmas trees. The group reuse the work wherever possible; the Christmas tree, Coronation tree wraps, and bunting have been made into blankets and donated to local charities, for example.

2024 has seen Cannington Yarn Bombers go international with two panels being produced as part of an 80th Anniversary Day Landings Commemorative piece: 鈥淭he Longest Yarn鈥�. A total of 80, 1m x 0.5m, panels will form an exhibition in the cathedral at Caranten from May to September after which it will go on a tour of the UK and next year the USA.

Cannington Yarn Bombers decided to get involved to honour the men of the US 535th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion who were stationed at Brymore House (now Brymore Academy) from February to the end of May 1944. They left for Dartmouth, landing on Utah beach on D Day June 6th, 1944.

One panel shows the camp in front of Brymore House, the second the troops leaving through the village. The work has taken three months to complete, the actual time spent doing the knitting, crochet and embroidery is probably in excess of 500 hours.

The finished artwork is on its way to France where it will be displayed alongside the other panels ready for the end of May, when Normandy will again be invaded, but this time by the world鈥檚 dignitaries, veterans and their families and friends remembering the events of 80 years ago.

Learn more about Church Related Community Work.

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West Midlands Synod
The congregation of Shrewsbury 国产无码 received seven new members at a service held on 5 May. 聽From left, Ruth and Stuart were made members for the first time, Tom transferred from another 国产无码 church following his wife鈥檚 call to ministry in the newly formed 国产无码 Shropshire Pastorate, and Eileen, Ursula, Robin and David were made members from other denominations.

The Revd Mark Rodgers, Minister of Shrewsbury 国产无码, said: 鈥淚t was wonderful to receive new members and we are grateful they鈥檝e chosen Shrewsbury 国产无码 to be their new spiritual home.鈥�

Thames North Synod
The Revd George Watt, Moderator of Thames North Synod preached at Hounslow 国产无码 on 12 May for the 200th anniversary of its chapel. The service was led by the local church leader with contributions from the congregation. The church also bestowed a warm welcome to the town鈥檚 Mayor and two councillors who also attended.

East Midlands Synod
Members and friends of North Lincolnshire Area churches gathered at St. Columba鈥檚 Church in聽Lincoln, to raise money for communities in Uganda connected with children. The event involved a varied programme of dance, readings of poetry and comic prose, and music on guitar, flute and piano. Church member, Janet Turner will be visiting Uganda in the summer.

Eastern Synod
Burnham 国产无码 has been honoured for its community work at a civic award ceremony hosted by Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council. The congregation received the Mayor鈥檚 Award for 2024, which recognised the church鈥檚 Christmas Day lunch provided to the community in 2022 and 2023, its weekly food bank, and the 鈥楥ommunity in a Cup鈥� drop-in space. Burnham 国产无码 children鈥檚 and youth work was also praised.

The Revd Anne Sardeson, Minister of the church, said: 鈥淚t was a great honour to have our work recognised by the town and for some of our hard-working volunteers to receive a special thanks.鈥�

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Progressive rock icon Rick Wakeman shares his love for the United Reformed Church in this month鈥檚 Reform. He talks Henry VIII and funeral hymns, and tells the magazine he likes to consider himself 鈥渁 Christian who lives in the real world鈥�.

Also in the real world, 国产无码 Youth Moderator Heather Moore says faith and physics make sense together, and the Revd Al Barrett is inspired by the secret world of fungi. Geoff Felton makes a pilgrimage right around his Mersey Synod, and walking enthusiast Stephen Thornton reflects on 60 years of ministry and mountains.

Two aspects of Jesus鈥� ministry are explored by Graham Handscomb and John Cooper 鈥� the failed 鈥渂anality of evil鈥� demonstrated by Christ鈥檚 crucifixion, and the hard call to non-violence revealed in Jesus鈥� example of peace.

Plus all the regulars 鈥� thoughtful reviews, a challenging crossword, and columnist Paul Kerensa, this month revealing a great business idea and asking if anyone wants to go halves.

聽digitally or in print. For any queries, please聽email the听搁别蹿辞谤尘听迟别补尘.

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Nominated by Helen Bailey, the church鈥檚 young person鈥檚 leader, Alice Bagshaw gained the award for her charity work.

Alice was one of 21 students chosen by her school to travel to Sri Lanka for 10 days to support the (OST), a Fleet-based charity that empowers schoolchildren and communities through education.

Before the trip, Alice formed part of a school group that fundraised for a whole year, raising more than 拢3,000 through various means, such as selling crafts at Christmas fairs, baking cookies and muffins to sell at church and completing sponsored runs and cycling events.

In Sri Lanka, Alice was based in Batticaloa, a town on the east coast of the island which is also one of the poorest communities in the country. Alice helped to run activities in local schools, enjoyed sightseeing and meeting new people.

The 拢3,000 raised by Alice鈥檚 group went towards improving schools in the area and renovating a school鈥檚 music room, supporting feeding programmes and providing resources to sponsored children and preschools.

Alice said the best part about being involved in the work with OST was seeing the amazing impact the money she had helped raised and the charity has on communities in Sri Lanka. That seeing how much hope and joy was brought to the children is an experience she鈥檒l never forget.

When asked how she felt about the award, Alice said: 鈥淚 was so surprised to find out I was February’s winner as I had not been expecting to be chosen at all. It made me proud to think about what I had done as something God had planned for me to do, as it helped me to realise how much he values each individual and what he helps us to achieve.鈥�

Encouraging other young people to get involved with their charity work, Alice added: 鈥淚t feels wonderful to know that something small you have done can have such a wonderful impact on someone else. I will never forget the friendships I made in the time I was there.鈥�

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives 拢100. Alice is taking time to consider where this money will be best used.

Learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award.

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In an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the organisations say the Bill breaks international law and 鈥渁bandons our duty to share in the global responsibility towards those forced to seek safety鈥�.

The letter in full says:

Dear Prime Minister,

We write to express our shared outrage at the passage of the misleadingly named 鈥楽afety of Rwanda Act鈥�. This is a shameful and performatively cruel law that will risk people’s lives and betray who we are as a society.

We all want to be safe – and we want that safety for each other, too. As a country, we are proud to uphold our responsibility to support refugees. Given the chance, communities across our country go the extra mile to welcome those in need. The wider public do not support the Rwanda plan.

But this law would enable the government to forcibly expel people seeking asylum – including children and survivors of trafficking and modern slavery 鈥� despite concerns they could be put at grave risk of harm and human rights abuses. The Rwanda plan will force people who have fled violence and persecution into detention centres where they may face abuse and mistreatment, with no time limit. They will then be removed to a country to which they have no connection, despite our country’s Supreme Court ruling that it is unsafe for them. Through this law, the Government will put them at grave risk of mental and physical harm, and of being returned to danger in the countries they fled.

Despite the clear ruling from the Supreme Court, the government is rewriting the facts so they can shirk our responsibilities to refugees. In doing so, the government would break international law and further shatter the UK鈥檚 commitment to justice and the rule of law. While this is a targeted attack on refugees and migrants, an attack on one group’s rights is an attack on all of us.

Outsourcing our asylum system to other countries is never acceptable. It abandons our duty to share in the global responsibility towards those forced to seek safety. Instead of continuing down this dangerous path, the government must guarantee that asylum claims will be heard fairly on our shores, and open safe routes so that people are not forced to take dangerous journeys.

As organisations working towards a better future for all, we believe in kindness and compassion. The government must listen to the people, abandon this deplorable deal with Rwanda and similar plans with other countries, and protect those who need sanctuary.

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The Revd Dr Tessa Henry Robinson, Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly, also joined with leaders of other churches in renewing their commitment to caring for the most vulnerable, as legislation to enable asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda was approved by Parliament.

In a joint statement with leaders of the Church of England, Roman Catholic, Methodists, and Baptists, the leaders pay tribute to all those who 鈥渓ive out Jesus鈥檚 call to feed and clothe the poor, and to welcome the stranger, at times in the face of opposition and prejudice.

The statement voices concern that asylum seekers and refugees have been used as a 鈥減olitical football鈥� and that the kindness of churches and charities towards people fleeing war, persecution and violence has been 鈥渦njustly maligned by some for political reasons.鈥�

The statement in full:

鈥淲e retain deep misgivings about the Safety of Rwanda Bill, passed in Parliament last night, for the precedent it sets at home and for other countries in how we respond to the most vulnerable. This includes victims of modern slavery and children wrongly assessed as adults, whom we have a duty to protect.

As leaders in Christian churches we wish to express our profound gratitude to those who live out Jesus鈥檚 call to feed and clothe the poor, and to welcome the stranger, through their work with asylum seekers and refugees, at times in the face of opposition and prejudice.

We note with sadness and concern the rise in hostility towards those who come to these islands seeking refuge and the way in which the treatment of the refugee and asylum seeker has been used as a political football.

We are disappointed that the kindness and support offered by churches and charities to the people at the heart of this debate – those fleeing war, persecution and violence trying to find a place of safety – has been unjustly maligned by some for political reasons.

In their response to the tragic attack in Clapham earlier this year, some former 国产无码 Office ministers, MPs and other commentators sought to portray churches and clergy as deliberately facilitating false asylum claims. It was for this reason, at the request of Anglican leaders, that representatives of our Churches met the 国产无码 Secretary in February.聽 When asked, neither he nor officials could provide evidence to support the allegations of widespread abuse. 国产无码 Office Ministers have since confirmed this in a written parliamentary answer, and on questioning by the 国产无码 Affairs Select Committee. Follow-up meetings have since been agreed to promote closer cooperation and co-working between the churches and the 国产无码 Office.

Like so many in this country, we seek to support a system that shows compassion, justice, transparency and speed in its decisions. We grieve the appalling loss of life in the Channel today. There may be differences between our churches and Government on the means by which our asylum system can be fair, effective and respecting of human dignity, but we do agree that borders must be managed and that vulnerable people need protection from people smugglers. We have pledged to continue to work with the 国产无码 Office, and we do so in good faith.鈥�

The Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of The United Reformed Church General Assembly

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell

The Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

The Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun

The Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary, The Baptist Union of Great Britain

The Revd Gill Newton, President of the Methodist Conference

Image: Jametlene Reskp/Unsplash.

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The Newbigin Hub, hosted by Seedbeds at Lodge Road in Birmingham, is a joint venture between The United Reformed Church (国产无码) and the Congregational Federation and Church Mission Society which offers training in pioneer ministry.

Soobie Whitfield attended the Hub as part of the 2022-2023 cohort and obtained a Certificate in Pioneering Mission.

Soobie explains their experience:~

鈥淏efore commencing the pioneer course I was working in community聽arts, supply teaching and volunteering in my local community.

鈥淚 live in Birmingham, in a community house on the Firs and Bromford Estate, a welcoming but forgotten outer city estate. The community house is owned by Hodge Hill Church,聽where I now worship.

鈥淲hen asked if I would like to attend the new CMS Pioneer course in Birmingham, I was apprehensive. I didn鈥檛 see myself as a pioneer.

鈥淏ut over the next twelve months, my anxiety melted away as I was spiritually stimulated and refreshed by the course leaders and the diverse experience of my fellow pioneer trainees.

鈥淏eing already involved in my local community helped establish聽relationships which we are building on as we move forward with pioneering activities.聽For example, the community house has a garden, but it was dominated by an old, derelict garage. Alongside local community groups, I planned a project called 鈥淕reen Room鈥� 鈥� an outdoor space where neighbours can enjoy a bit of greenery, socialise, play, be creative, sit and share stories or just take time out.

鈥淭he garage has now gone, a new fence and gate have been built, and a sensory garden is planned. I continue to be actively involved in the local community here and have started to redevelop a local expression of church, FAB (Firs and Bromford) church with lifelong local resident and fellow pioneer Clare Maclean. FAB church is聽a friendly, inclusive group of neighbours living on the Firs and Bromford Estate who regularly meet together on the first Sunday of every month to share food and explore spirituality, biblical and faith stories in creative ways.

鈥淲e recently spent an afternoon pruning and weeding the overgrown planters and engaging in conversation with neighbours.

鈥淚 noticed that through local conversations and workshops, creation and creativity were having a positive impact on people鈥檚 mental health. A new mental health project on the estate is now keen to link in with us. Hopefully by next spring we will be ready to open the garden and welcome our neighbours in to find refreshment, inspiration, and spiritual nourishment.

鈥淚鈥檓 really glad I did the course, the support I received was amazing and I would encourage others thinking about gaining the certification in pioneering ministry to just go for it.鈥�

Applications for the Certificate in Pioneering Mission are now open. You also have the option to apply for 国产无码 Assembly Accreditation for Lay Pioneers. Apply for the 2024-25 programme by 6 September. For more information please email Ministries, or聽.

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Wessex Synod

Members of Immanuel Church in Southbourne recently gathered for their second weekend away. Blessed with a nearby Christian centre, the group enjoyed a selection of workshops, including making mocktails, entertainment, guided walks, and Bible studies. They also enjoyed meals together and time getting to know one another better.

Roz Bradbury, a member of the congregation, said: 鈥淭he weekend away was instigated by wanting to truly get to know one another more, especially those working or who might not be about during the week at other times.

鈥淲e had a lovely time seeking time out with God in a relaxed environment away from distraction. It was a huge benefit to all who attended,聽and we encourage churches, if they鈥檙e able, to organise their own day or weekend away.鈥�

Yorkshire

A group of Brownies has helped volunteers to plant 30 tree saplings at a graveyard at Heywood 国产无码鈥檚 graveyard in Northowram, near Halifax.

Each week, a group of 10 volunteers meet up to maintain the graveyard at the rear of the church.

Recent plans have been the creation of a 鈥渜uiet area鈥� at the request of families who regularly visit loved ones鈥� graves, plus an adjacent wildflower meadow which has brought vibrant coloured plants for visitors to appreciate.

The group, with the encouragement of the church meeting, approached the Woodland Trust which kindly agreed to donate a variety of 30 saplings.

Across Yorkshire Synod, Stainbeck 国产无码’s new youth pod has now been installed in the grounds of the church. The pod is a joint venture between Stainbeck 国产无码, InterACT and Thrive Leeds, two locally based youth organisations.

The pod will serve as a safe place for the church’s young people as well as being made available for local community use. .

East Midlands Synod

Congratulations to the Revd Dr Bachelard Kaze Yemtsa who was inducted to the new Mid Lincolnshire pastorate, comprising Boston 国产无码 and Sleaford 国产无码. May every blessing follow for Bachelard and for the congregations.

West Midlands

Six members of the 7^th Gloucester Boys Brigade (BB) and Guide Association based at Christchurch in Abbeydale have enjoyed a fun weekend away thanks to a 国产无码 grant.

The group received a grant of 拢350 which enabled them to attend the Gloucester Youth For Christ鈥檚 Break Away weekend.

Along with exploring faith and building community, the young people spent the weekend playing games, engaging worship, asking big questions, sports,聽delving into the Bible and taking part in a variety of other fun activities.

Youth For Christ gifted the young people with a torch light keyring as a reminder of the message of Jesus light of the world.

Diane, the BB leader said: 鈥淭he most notable outcome from the weekend is that every single one of the six young attendees indicated that they wished to further find out more about faith which we are now planning into our Boys’ Brigade programme with them.鈥�

Youth For Christ Seeing works to see young people鈥檚 lives changed by Jesus and is a worldwide Christian movement working. Learn more about .

Learn more about grant and funding opportunities from the 国产无码.

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David has served in pastoral charge of local churches since his ordination in 1999, and currently serves as minister of Maidenhead and Marlow United Reformed Churches, along with Bracknell and Windsor.

David started going to church as a teenager at St John鈥檚 Hill 国产无码, Sevenoaks, and grew up with FURY (the Fellowship of United Reformed Youth) serving it at local and national levels, including as a member of the National Youth Committee.

After a career in banking, he trained at Westminster College, Cambridge, before being ordained and inducted at Rectory Road 国产无码. He also served at Claremont, Little Eaton, Central 国产无码 Derby, Chaddesden, as Chaplain at Derby University, Alvaston, Carlton Road, Mackworth & Repton.

David said: 鈥淚t is a privilege to be called to share in the ministry of the South Western Synod. I have gained so much from the life of the 国产无码 and this call is very exciting. There is also a real sense that God is in this, which is also deeply humbling.鈥�

鈥淒uring my ministry, I have served on committees at Synod and national levels (from youth work to mission), served as a Street Pastor in Derby, and have recently been a leader in Aid for Ukraine, running from Maidenhead and Marlow which has so far sent over 拢180,000 of aid since the outbreak of war.

鈥淚 am looking forward to discovering the area, and I can鈥檛 wait to work with the team, not just in the office, but in all of the churches across the Synod.鈥�

Speaking on behalf of South Western Synod, Synod Clerk Rachel Leach said: “We are thrilled to welcome David to the South Western Synod to serve as our Moderator. We look forward to working alongside him as he leads us into the future.”

国产无码 General Secretary, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to welcome David鈥檚 nomination聽to serve as Moderator of the South Western Synod. David brings many gifts and graces to the role including an ability to spot opportunities, and to come alongside people in all kinds of situations. His wisdom and experience will be of great benefit to the Synod and to the wider Church鈥�.

The Officers of the 国产无码 General Assembly will be invited to confirm David鈥檚 appointment when they next meet.

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This year鈥檚 appeal runs from 12-18 May and is focusing on the charity鈥檚 work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa. Heavily reliant on agriculture, it鈥檚 also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid has been working in Burundi since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict. Now, alongside local partners, the organisation helps establish Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). These community-led groups mean people can save and borrow money, making small businesses possible, offering reliable and diverse incomes so families can eat regularly, get medicine when they need it, and build safer homes.

Thirty-five-year-old Aline Nibogora is the chairperson of a VSLA which supports some 25 families in a remote village, in Makamba Province. Aline escaped an abusive marriage only to find herself on the streets begging for a place to stay.

Her life changed when she went to a three-day, Christian Aid-funded community workshop. With a small start-up loan, Aline began trading avocados and peanuts locally. She鈥檚 now a grocery wholesaler and living on her own plot of land where she鈥檚 building a home for her family. In the next five years she hopes to expand, so one day she can buy a mill. This will provide a source of income without the need to transport heavy goods over long distances.

鈥淚 don’t want my children to have a painful life like mine, remembering it makes me weep,” Aline said. “I could never have dreamed I would one day have a brick house and be a successful businesswoman, able to feed and clothe my children. This is a plan and I will do it; I am a woman who is an achiever.鈥�

There’s so many ways to make a difference over the seven days of Christian Aid Week 鈥� whether that鈥檚 church services, special collections, Christian Aid Big Brekkies, or even a Bible readathon.聽For those who like a physical challenge there鈥檚 a new option for 2024 with the chance to take part in 70k in May. You can cover the distance in any way you like, take part by yourself or with a group, and share your progress on a dedicated Facebook page.

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