Local Appeal – Winter Relief for Rough Sleepers

Biscot Faith Partnership community workers Melissa and Mary have partnered with UpRising’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Board in Luton, to provide backpacks full of essentials and food to local people who are sleeping rough this winter.

Last year Luton was one of the top ten places with high numbers of people sleeping rough in England, with 53 known rough sleepers. It is difficult to record an accurate number of rough sleepers as many hide away to protect themselves, which is especially true for women.

They are fundraising and collecting items now and will distribute backpacks throughout December. Just £30 will provide 1 backpack! You can give any amount online here.

Do you have any of the following items to give?

• backpacks, umbrellas
• scarves, hats, gloves
• new socks, emergency blankets, rain ponchos
• sanitiser, wipes, sanitary products
• cereal bars, water etc

If so, please contact Melissa on 07757 081120 to give items or monetary donations. You can also follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Come and join us for the final Circle Dancing sessions of 2016!

It's cold outside and the sun is chancing, so come inside and join us dancing!

Circle Dancing is traditional folk dancing from countries such as Greece, France, Russia, Israel, The Balkans and Celtic Britain, together with more recent choreographed dances to contemporary music.

The music is wide ranging from across the world. We dance together in a circle so no partner is needed. The steps are taught before each dance. Circle Dancing is good exercise and fun. It can also be meditative. Beginners welcome.

Classes take place at: 

Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church Hall (Blenheim Crescent)
Tuesday Afternoons from 2.30-4.00 pm
8th Nov / 13th Dec

St Anne’s Church Hall (Crawley Green Road)
Tuesday Evenings from 7.30-9.30 pm
18th Oct / 15th Nov / 20th Dec

Hockwell Ring Community Centre (Mayne Avenue)
Wednesday Afternoons from 1.00-2.00 pm
These are weekly and Term Time only

High Town Methodist Church Hall (High Town Road)
3rd Wednesday of the month 3.30 – 4.30 pm
19th Oct / 16th Nov / 21st Dec

Each of the sessions in December are CHRISTMAS SPECIALS! 

All sessions cost £3. If you would like further information please: 

• Call Ann Hyde on 01582 725266 or 07722 677280
• Email annhyde204@msn.com

Get your tickets to A Multicultural Christmas - on sale now!

A Multicultural Christmas event featuring food and entertainment from around the world will be taking place on:

• Date: Friday 25th November 2016
• Time: 7pm onwards
• Cost: Tickets cost £10 and places must be booked in advance
• Venue: Holy Ghost Parish Church Hall, Westbourne Road, Luton, LU4 8JD

You are even invited to wear your own cultural dress!

To register your interest or to book a place please contact us:

• Call us on 01582 967265 / 07957 450624
• Email crcwsmiles@hotmail.co.uk
• Download the poster here!

20th Annual Peace Walk: One to remember!

GRASSROOTS was proud to once again support the 20th Annual Peace Walk organised by Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) which was held on 24th September 2016 starting at 2pm at the Luton Town Hall War Memorial. The planning and work had started way back in January 2016, bringing together key faith leaders and engaging them with schools and the community. This year’s hosts were Shree Ravidaas Bhawan Sikh Temple on Cardigan Street, Luton Central Mosque on Westbourne Road and All Saints Church on Shaftesbury Road.

 
Primary schools namely St Martin De Porres, Chantry Academy, St Joseph Catholic, Maidenhall, Beech Hill, Hillborough Junior, Farley Hill Junior, St Margaret of Scotland, St Matthews, Wenlock CofE Junior, Ramridge and Bushmead responded positively to the school engagement programme set by LCoF during the summer term. Over two thousand pupils benefited, especially in the school assemblies by discussions held in a BBC style show, on the Religious Education (RE) theme ‘what will make our town more respectful?’ This has been a ground breaking initiative where we have had panels of local faith leaders to demonstrate how they are working together for the common good, hence providing an alternative to the negative portrayal of our town and of religion provided by the media, focusing only on war and extremism. During the panel discussions, tough questions were asked by the pupils such as ‘When will religions Unite, why do you argue or fight?  Do you always agree? Why are we different etc? 

Many schools also joined as a collective in the Character and Value Development Workshops. These workshops were delivered by screening the Kung Fu Panda movie to prompt discussions around what lessons could be learnt and practically applying them to one’s life journey. 

The most iconic activity however, has been the ‘Breath of the Compassionate’ mosaic tile artwork made from scratch and led by Artist-Potter Moriam Grillo, with a William Morris inspired theme. Children learnt about William Morris and come with inspired drawings to be printed on the tiles. The sessions cut across art, history, geography, maths and science showing the children combining arts, culture and sciences into a beautiful piece of art. Nearly 5000 pieces of tiles were made with communities across Luton, who participated in this activity with great enjoyment towards the end of summer. 

The Peace Walk day was a showcase of these great community initiatives and many more, giving participants an opportunity to expand their horizon, by also visiting different places of worship that people would probably never have had a chance to visit and ask questions about. Great hospitality was extended on the day at each place of worship, thus sharing cultures and blending into British traditions at All Saints Church with a range of activities, from unveiling the mosaic artwork in the newly developed Peace Garden and looking at community allotments, to letting one’s little Robin Hood dream come true by having a go at Archery provided by local community coaches from Shooting Stars Archery Club, also established by Luton Council of Faiths. 

To see many more photos of the day and places of worship, find Luton Council of Faiths on Facebook! 

Twenty-First Century Theologies of Religions - Book Launch

Twenty-First Century Theologies of Religions, a new book co-authored by friend and previous GRASSROOTS team member, Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi, is being launched on 5th October 2016.

Within Christian theology, debates on the theology of religions have intensified over the last thirty or so years. This book surveys the field and maps future directions in this expanding and important area of research.

Both established experts and new voices address typological debates, comparative theology, multiple religious belonging or identity, and how dialogue between different religious traditions affects our understanding of these issues. Different perspectives and traditions are represented, and, while focusing upon debates in Christian theology, voices and perspectives from a range of religious traditions are also included. This book is an essential tool for research students and established scholars working within the theology of religions and interreligious studies.

The book launch is taking place at the Ecumenical Institute for Study and Dialogue (EISD), 490/5 Havelock Rd. Colombo 6, Sri Lanka, on Wednesday 5th October 2016 at 4.30 pm. Whilst this launch is being held overseas, copies of the book are available in the UK.

For more information or to enquire about purchasing a book, please email shanthi.hettiarachchi@gmail.com

Why Interfaith? A new book launch with GRASSROOTS contributors...

Why Interfaith? is a new book launched this week in Luton. It is a compilation of stories, reflections and challenges from recent inter faith engagements within Northern Europe by the Poorvo Communion - made up of Anglican and Lutheran Churches.

Following a conference held in Norrkoping (Sweden) in 2014, Co-Editors Revd Pernilla Myrelid (Church of Sweden) & Revd Dr Andrew Wingate (Church of England) drew together contributions from Christian scholars, including Rt Revd Dr Richard Atkinson (Bishop of Bedford), Revd Bonnie Evans Hills (CofE St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor) & David Jonathan (Director GRASSROOTS, Luton).

The Archbishop of the Church of Sweden Antje Jackelen says, “Several inspiring examples, of how people of different faiths come together to meet the challenges of our world, provide a convincing answer to the question raised in the book’s title – Why Interfaith.”

Copies of the book can be purchased from GRASSROOTS:

• Call us on 01582 416946
• Email us at jgrassroots@btconnect.com

Luton Peace Walk - 24th Sept 2016

Join us for the 20th Annual Peace Walk 2016 – an annual public demonstration of community solidarity to build a stronger Luton by fostering better understanding.

This is an opportunity to:

• Ask questions and learn about various cultures and faith traditions
• Make new friends
• Taste a variety of snacks ending with an English Afternoon Tea
• See the inspiring 6 months journey of community and schools engagement

We will also unveil 5000 mosaic tiles made from scratch by the Luton community with William Morris inspired artworks by over 500 school children at the newly developed Peace Garden.

This year's annual Peace Walk will take place as follows:

• 1.50pm - Gather at Town Hall War Memorial
• 2.30pm - Visit the Shree Guru Ravidass Temple on Cardigan Street
• 3.50pm - Visit the Luton Central Mosque on Westbourne Road
• 5.00pm - Finish at All Saints Church on Shaftesbury Road 

The event is taking place on Saturday 24th September 2016, from 2-6pm. Please do put the date in your diary! For more details please contact us: 

• Call us on 01582 416946 / 547866
• Email info@lutonfaiths.org
• Download promotional flyer here!

Eid Fairtrade Hampers - Available NOW!

Once again we are pleased to be able to offer Eid Fairtrade Hampers! You can give an Eid Fairtrade Hamper to your loved ones or a neighbour, and why not someone of a different faith to share in the joy of Ramadan?

As we are aware, Fairtrade is not charity but it is about justice. Astonishingly, despite producing 70% of the world's food, over half of the world's hungriest people are small producer farmers in third world countries. Purchasing their products in fair trade terms means they can have a better training, tools, education, health care and clean water.

Hamper A: £31

• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil 500ml & Za'atar sachet 20g
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Medjoul Dates 500g
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil Soap - Pomegranate
• Local Honey
• Fairtrade Candle + Ceramic Holder
• Fairtrade Moroccan Style Lamp
• Free Fairtrade Pill/Jewel Box
• Packing comes with a beautiful Olive Ribbon and Eid Mubarak Sticker and a Fairtrade compostable plate.

Hamper B: £19

• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil 250ml
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Medjoul Dates 250g
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil Soap - Pomegranate
• Fairtrade Zattar 80g
• Local Honey
• Fairtrade Candle + Ceramic Holder
• Free Fairtrade Pill/Jewel Box
• Packing comes with an Eid Mubarak Sticker and a Fairtrade compostable plate.

Hamper C: £12

• Fairtrade Medjoul Dates 250g
• Fairtrade Olive Oil Soap - Pomegranate
• Fair Trade Candle + Holder
• Packing comes with an Eid Mubarak Sticker and a Fairtrade compostable plate.

For further enquiries or to purchase, please email info@lutonfaiths.org or call the GRASSROOTS office on 01582 416946.

Brexit and Fairtrade: Now it’s up to us

The following is a statement from Michael Gidney (Chief Executive, Fairtrade Foundation) issued on 29th June 2016:

The result of the European Union referendum won't just affect the UK.

It will have a huge impact on the lives of the farmers and workers in developing countries who grow our food, too. 

How that plays out – positive or negative – is in part down to all of us.

Put simply, as the UK begins to reshape its relationship with the EU, it will need to renegotiate how it trades with other countries, both in Europe and the rest of the world.

That could put farmers and workers in a vulnerable position.

Too often in the past, trade has been structured and regulated in a way that has given too much to those with power and wealth and too little to those who are powerless and poor.

Your support is needed now more than ever.

Fairtrade has shown that trade and business can be incredible forces for good, if the benefits are shared fairly. That way, everyone involved has the chance to earn a decent living, and protect their health, rights and the environment.

Over the coming months, and even years, we will need to work hard to ensure our politicians keep in mind the interests of poor farmers and workers as much as our own.

Together we will need to support them to get a fairer deal, so that they can send their children to school and invest in their futures, build strong communities and withstand the ravages of climate change.

I know that all of us who believe in a fair and just world can come together and fight harder than ever for exactly that. 

As always, thank you for your support.

A Vigil in Memory of Jo Cox

The murder of Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, is shocking and depressing. In a country where democracy and freedom of speech is heralded, a senseless killing of a person like Jo Cox who was passionate about refugee and women's rights, who had campaigned against modern slavery, and was a former head of policy at Oxfam, is intolerable and disgraceful. 

Jo’s husband Brendan Cox said; "we all must unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous."

Keeping with the spirit of above words, a Vigil is being held on Monday 20th June 2016 at 5pm at the Luton Town Hall War Memorial. 

YOU ARE ALL ENCOURAGE TO JOIN IN STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST HATRED & VIOLENCE. 

Visit by Secretary of State Greg Clark MP to Luton

On Wednesday 8th June 2016 colleagues from GRASSROOTS joined others in welcoming the Secretary of State Greg Clark MP to Luton.

Meetings took place with local leaders and projects, particularly those involved in Near Neighbours projects.

Those present were from Medina Mosque and All Saints Church, Khayaal Theatre, Ghar Se Ghar Programme, Nehemiah Luton, GRASSROOTS and Luton Council of Faiths.

To see more photos of the visit, please visit our Facebook page here!

UPDATE: Greg Clark has kindly written to us to say thank you - read the letter here!

An Invitation to Eco Iftar!

Following the first successful Eco Iftar held in Luton last year, it will be held once again this year by All Faiths & None (AFAN), with support from Luton Council of Faiths (LCOF), GRASSROOTS and in conjunction with host venue St Margaret's Methodist Church.

AFAN Director Raheed Salam said, "In promoting positive community relations, we feel it is necessary for people to come together, not just to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, but also our shared concern around issues of justice and common well-being."

Date: Tuesday 14th June 2016
Venue: St Margaret’s Church, Montrose Avenue, Luton, LU3 1HT
Time: 7:45pm

For seating and catering purposes, it will be extremely helpful if you would kindly confirm your attendance no later than Friday 10th June 2016. 

Call us on 01582 416946 (or text 07886 350854)
Email jgrassroots@btconnect.com
Download promotional flyer here!

Exploring Justice and Fairness Event

Join us for a series of three workshops where we will be examining:

• What is Justice and Fairness?
• What do these values say about your faith, your morality, about our social and collective conscience?

This is an opportunity to discuss how you can positively engage in your community using critical thinking, self-reflection and mindfulness/spirituality. Refreshments will be provided and these workshops will take place on:

Dates: Tuesday 24th May, Tuesday 31st May and Tuesday 14th June 2016
Venue: Starting at St Margaret’s Church, Montrose Avenue, Luton, LU3 1HT
Time: 6-9pm
Age: 14+

To find out more information or to book a place please contact us:

Call us on 01582 416946
Email info@afan.uk.net or info@lutonfaiths.org
Download promotional flyer here!

This event is a partnership between The Methodist Church, AFAN (All Faiths & None), Luton Council of Faiths and GRASSROOTS.

Catalyst - FREE Leadership Training for 16—30 Year Olds

Catalyst is one of the UK’s most dynamic and interactive young leader training programmes. Run by St Philip’s Centre in Leicester, it aims to build the confidence of and make real, the potential of young people so that they can change their communities for the better. Catalyst involves a range of activities and learning opportunities based on themes such as: Networking, Leadership, Teamwork, Inter Faith, Communication and Community.

THERE ARE 3 LEVELS TO CATALYST: Gold, Silver and Bronze

Young people work through the different levels to learn new skills, culminating in the achievement of the Catalyst Gold standard. Participants must commit to all training days for each level. Dates will be on:

12th, 13th, 14th, 19th & 20th July 2016

Venue: All Saints' Church Hall, Warwick Road West/Shaftesbury Road, Luton, LU4 8AH
Cost: Attendance on this course is free but places are limited so must be booked in advance

For more information or to reserve a place please contact:

Call us on 01582 416946
Email near.neighbours_luton@btconnect.com
Download the registration form here - or the brochure here!

Catalyst is run by St Philip’s Centre in partnership with GRASSROOTS and the Luton
Council of Faiths. It is funded by Near Neighbours through the Department for
Communities and Local Government.

A Dialogue about Islam

On Tuesday 29th March 2016, the URC Church in Potters Bar hosted a dialogue about Islam. GRASSROOTS facilitated the event by inviting young leader Amjid Hussain from Luton Central Mosque as the main speaker, supported by Ryad Khodabocus from Luton Council of Faiths.

The event dispelled a lot of myths about Islam whilst also focusing on humanity and brother/sisterhood. The main frustration that was raised was why good Muslims are not vocal enough about ISIS. However, it was explained that much is and has happened, to the extent that a Fatwa (Islamic Ruling) by mainstream Muslim scholars has been issued condemning ISIS but sadly this does not get much media attention.

It was also noted that many Muslims are the victims of terror attacks across the world. One needs to know that a billion people (1/6) of this planet follow the Islamic faith and traditions and people are still co-existing. They key outcome identified was to continue working at a grassroots level, connecting hearts in a plural society while the Muslim community continues its on going struggles alongside others for a more peaceful and just society.

Easter Attacks in Lahore - A Letter from Bishop Atkinson

In response to the saddening attack in Lahore on Sunday 27th March 2016, a letter addressed to the Asian Christian Fellowship in Luton by Richard Atkinson (Bishop for Bedford & Luton) and Bonnie Evans-Hill (St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor and member of the GRASSROOTS team) was written stating:

28th March 2016

We share in the sorrow and concern of those deceased and affected by the brutal attack on innocent children and adults in Lahore, gathered for Easter celebrations on Sunday 27th March 2016. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with them, but also with you all in Luton, as you would personally know some of those affected by this unfortunate incident. 
 
At Easter time, when we celebrate HOPE in Christ’s resurrection, we greet you all, in the name of that Christian hope. 
 
Atrocities such as the one in Lahore yesterday and in other parts of the world e.g. recent attacks in Brussels & Turkey, have the capacity to undermine our trust in God, and in God’s creation, which God loved so much that He gave His only begotten Son for. 
 
May Christ’s hope help us and strengthen us to contain our anger and frustrations, one more time, and bring it all, before God in prayer, who, we believe understands well, the pain and suffering of being persecuted, attacked and tortured. 
 
We write this to express our solidarity and share our concerns with you all and with all the Christians in Lahore, Pakistan. This is to assure you that you are not alone and that we in St Albans Diocese uphold you all in our thoughts and prayers.
 
We offer our prayers for constrain, solace, healing and courage to nourish our fellow Christians here in Luton, in Lahore (Pakistan) and worldwide.

Signed:

+ Richard Atkinson (Bishop for Bedford & Luton)
+ Bonnie Evans-Hill (St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor)

The full letter can be read here.

The Sunni Council of Mosques and Luton Council of Mosques also wrote a letter of condolence and support to Bishop Atkinson, Luton Council of Faiths and other Christian colleagues in Luton. This letter can be read here. 

Good News from Good Friday in Bury Park

On Friday 25th March 2016 in Bury Park, Luton, there was a new twist to the traditional Good Friday Walk of Witness by local churches. As the large group of Christians passed Central Mosque on Westbourne Road, Muslim members of that mosque and others in Luton gathered to greet them and pass out gifts of candles carrying the message of peace in both English and Arabic. A number of them then walked in solidarity with their Christian neighbours up the hill to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

A video of the walk can be found here.

Greeting the group, Ashfaq Ahmed from Central Mosque said "We are gifting you with these candles which say 'Peace'. This really has become the theme and strength of Luton now".

“Today is a great example of how faith communities can live alongside each other in a spirit of mutual respect” said David Kesterton, Church of England Vicar of All Saints and St Peters and whose parish covers a large part of Bury Park. “Muslims and Christians are developing closer ties of friendship and trust in our part of Luton. In the light of recent events in Brussels and elsewhere, it is important we witness together to the desire for peace that is at the heart of both our faiths.”

Rehana Faisal who initiated the event said: “We have had enough of outsiders and extremists like Britain First dominating conversations around our town. Today, we wanted to highlight the good relationships that we have built in Luton and our ongoing commitment to living peaceably alongside one another"

Lots of people had heard of the initiative, and there were warm greetings as the church group made their way through the busy shopping area. Some shop keepers offered food and drinks, but church leaders explained Good Friday is a quiet and reflective part of their tradition.

Around the nation in towns and villages churches often join together on Good Friday to carry a cross around their neighbourhood. In Luton things are no different – despite the common story that it is a no-go zone for Christians. Around the town walks took place in Leagrave, Limbury, Farley Hill, Stopsley, Bury Park and the town centre. In the town centre six churches joined together, and the procession with the cross, accompanied by the Salvation Army band, made its way to the Town Hall and on to St Mary's Church where the cross was planted in the ground. 

Fairtrade Fortnight 2016

Like every year, the annual Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 (from 29th Feb – 13th Mar) came up with a very noble theme: SIT DOWN FOR BREAKFAST, STAND UP FOR FARMERS. According to the Fairtrade Foundation, smallholder farmers produce more than 70% of the world's food supply, yet shockingly they represent over 50% of the world's hungriest people who produce our food, missing meals or, worse, facing a year-round struggle to get enough food to eat.

During the Fairtrade Fortnight, campaigners were encouraged to support, promote, organise and participate in Fairtrade Breakfasts in their communities – and wake others up to the challenges facing farmers and workers, so that more and more people can make, informed and responsible choices in terms of buying fair trade products. Thousands of people across the UK made it count by adding their initiatives on http://fortnight.fairtrade.org.uk/learn-more/#breakfast-map showing they care about the farmers and workers who grow our food.

Colleagues from the Fairtrade Steering Group in Luton attended a special Fairtrade Breakfast

In Luton, the Fairtrade Fortnight saw again a series of initiatives around the town pushed by GRASSROOTS and Luton Council of Faiths for people to have morning Fairtrade Breakfast or Lunch at work. The Fairtrade Town group also Joined in a Fairtrade Breakfast held by Harpenden Fairtrade in Cornelia’s Coffee Shop, St Nichloas Church Halls, Harpenden, AL5 2TP. A range of activities were also organised by the University of Bedfordshire with a Fairtrade themed Film Screening and a social media campaign with students taking selfies and tweeting with Fairtrade products to promote Fairtarde within the University network(s).

While we ask people to support Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight, we are actually encouraging people to make Fairtrade a part of their daily life routines. So please remember, if you’re grabbing a Fairtrade coffee on the go, munching on your Fairtrade muesli at work, sipping a Fairtrade cuppa at home or enjoying a Big Fairtrade Breakfast or meal with friends and family or in your community - it is all doing justice to farmers and workers by thinking globally and acting locally. To find out more about Fairtrade please visit the Fairtrade Foundation website.

Christian Muslim Storytelling

Following two successful events already held in Luton, Khayaal will be presenting two sets of performances of neighbourliness from Muslim and Christian faith traditions on two more occasions, featuring Stories from History and Stories of Wonder! 

The first of these final performances will be held at:

• Date: Thursday 10th March 2016
• Time: 6:30pm until 8.30pm (to include refreshments)
• Location: St Mary's Church, Church Street, Luton, LU1 3JF

The second of these performances will be held at:

• Date: Thursday 17th March 2016
• Time: 6:30pm until 8.30pm (to include refreshments)
• Medina Mosque, 128-130 Oak Road, Luton, LU4 8AD

Admission is free! Performances are suitable for both adults and children (7+).

For more information or to book please contact Khayaal:

• Call 01582 535840
• Email info@khayaal.co.uk
• Visit their website at www.khayaal.co.uk

Precious Pearls - International Women's Day

'Women Sowing Peace'

GRASSROOTS is happy to announce that it's annual 'Precious Pearls' event will be taking place for International Women's Day, where you can:

• Share the talents of Luton women 
• Meet women from different backgrounds
• Enjoy yourself with different cultural entertainment
• Enjoy the refreshments provided!

This event will take place on Thursday 10th March 2016 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A WOMENS ONLY EVENT

For more information please contact Ghar se Ghar or GRASSROOTS:

• Call 01582 416946  
• Email gharseghar@btconnect.com
• Download the poster here!