Near Neighbours supported Stospley Community Garden in Luton is open now

Near Neighbours supported Stopsley Community Garden in Luton is officially open now.

Rachel Hopkins MP for Luton South and Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain opened the garden on a sunny afternoon on Saturday 26th June 2021.

It was amazing to see 150 people turn up to support the garden official opening event. There were cakes, games, sunflower planting and lots of friendly people to chat with. Everyone had a lovely afternoon together.

Part funded by Near Neighbours Programme, Stopsley Community Garden Project has born out of the Stopsley and Putteridge community survey which took place three years ago. One of its findings was that people wanted to have more of a community feel within the Stopsley and Putteridge area.

Stopsley Baptist Church owns this piece of land next to The Greenhouse in St Thomas Road, which had been lying idle for more than 10 years. This wasteland now gets around 30 visitors a day.

The church hopes that the whole community including schools will use this garden and the vegetables and fruit grown in the garden can be shared with people who need it.

Research has shown the benefits of having a community garden.

Stopsley Community Garden will also provide a place to relax, a way to engage with nature, a spot to meet with others and to get active outdoors. It will bring people together of all ages, races and cultures.

This is a community focused, volunteer-led project with the aim of creating an outdoor space with seating space, a play area, vegetable patches and more – a space to be used by everyone in the area.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for 120 paving slabs and materials to go under a pergola as well as creating a pathway. The Church and all the volunteers thank everyone for their valuable donations.

To find out more about it: https://www.facebook.com/Stopsleycommunitygarden

https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2021-06-27/community-celebrates-opening-of-garden-created-on-luton-wasteland

The Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain with MP Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins opening the gardenCredit: Christopher Young

HRH The Prince of Wales awarded the CCJ Bridge Award

It has been a special week for the UK’s Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) nationally.

On Wednesday 23rd Jun’21 CCJ presented the Bridge Award to HRH the Prince of Wales for his efforts to build bridges and understanding between communities and also to recognise his interfaith work; to hold a groundbreaking student conference on faith and identity; and to host well-attended webinars and workshops at the International Council of Christians and Jews summer conference.

Receiving the award at the small ceremony at Spencer House, London, Prince Charles noted that 'the essence of CCJ's mission has never been more relevant than it is today'.

The Prince concluded his comments by quoting from Isaiah 26:3: 'Never, I would say, has the CCJ been more needed in our conflict-torn world. With God’s help, Christians and Jews – and, for that matter, Muslims – must continue to work together for peace and harmony. Words given to the Prophet Isaiah should perhaps be our inspiration: ‘Thou wilt keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee’.

Thanking the Prince for his work, Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, drew on Hasidic tradition, noting that Rabbi Nachman of Breslov 'famously taught that the whole wide world is a very narrow bridge and as we all walk upon it together'.

To read the full description of the event including the Chief Rabbi's speech and reflections on the award from our Trustees, click here

To read HRH The Prince of Wales words of thanks, click here.

Pictured: Above, HRH receiving the award from the CCJ Chair. Below, some of the event attendees. The guest list was kept small due to covid restrictions.

Inter Faith Relations & Election Campaigning: Statement from Inter Faith Network UK

https://www.interfaith.org.uk/news/statement-from-ifn-co-chairs-and-fcf-moderators-inter-faith-relations-and-election-campaigning

During election campaigns, symbols and images of different faith communities are sometimes co-opted and manipulated by organisations and/or public figures to justify or promote divisive political agendas. 

Slanted and inaccurate portrayals of religions and cultures can contribute to antisemitism, Islamophobia or hatred of other communities.

It is important we take care to nurture existing good relationships between different communities and speak out against politics of division which set communities against each other; rebutting misappropriation of our respective faith communities’ symbols, traditions and history; reporting any hate incidents; and encouraging informed dialogue and respectful expression of views at all times.

Please read the full statement here.

https://www.interfaith.org.uk/news/statement-from-ifn-co-chairs-and-fcf-moderators-inter-faith-relations-and-election-campaigning

Inter Faith - Opportunities & Challenges Event by St Albans Diocese

The Diocese of St Albans is a diverse diocese.  It includes a significant number of parishes where other faith communities comprise more than ten percent of the population. 

St Albans Diocese is committed to engaging with and partnering with members of other faith communities for the common good, pursuing mission in a global world. https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/faith/mission-in-multi-faith-areas/

Therefore, to support parishes, clergy, lay leaders and congregants, during Inter Faith Week 2021, Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford invites us all to reflect together on What is Inter Faith? Why do it? What are the opportunities & challenges in it? There will be opportunity to hear experiences of the 3 Diocesan Inter Faith Advisors.

Date: 17th November 2021

Time: 7pm

Please register to receive the Zoom Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-opportunities-and-challenges-tickets-156512484053

For queries and further info please contact bishopbedfordpa@stalbans.anglican.org / 01234 831432

PLEASE NOTE:

Subject to government guidelines, the intention is this will be a live forum. Venue details will be shared nearer the time. Please register in advance here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-opportunities-and-challenges-tickets-156512484053

Windrush Day 2021 Commemorated in Luton

Windrush Day takes place on 22 June - A special day to remember when around 500 migrants from the Caribbean arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex in 1948.

It's been more than 70 years since the Empire Windrush ship sailed to Britain, and now an estimated 500,000 people live in the UK who arrived between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries.

Many of them have experienced racism and discrimination. Still, their positive contributions are a testament to their resilience and fortitude.

Luton Cllr Jacqui Burnett said: "It is worth remembering that our NHS would not have survived without the Windrush Generation and its descendants.”

Luton North MP Sarah Owen said, “This year more than ever we’ve rightly paid tribute to NHS workers from home and abroad. I’ve applied for a parliamentary debate on the fantastic contribution of overseas workers to the NHS and will continue pushing this government to stop penalising people who come to this country to care for our sick, elderly and vulnerable.”

After raising the Windrush flag over the Town Hall on 22 June, in the Annual Civic Ceremony organised by African Caribbean Community Development Forum (ACCDF), Pas Vincent Cox of The New Testament Church of God said, “Thirteen days after that first Windrush arrival, the NHS was founded. My own parents worked in the NHS and London transport for over 40 years each. I am a legacy of Windrush. Despite facing overt and covert racism, oppression and stereotyping the Windrush legacy has become an integral part of British society, from culture to politics, commerce to sport and religion and the sciences.”

He concluded “Here in Luton, I want to encourage us to build on the Windrush legacy by developing our community bond, educational, economic & political strength and our civic duties. We are great; we are leaders. Let us lead.”

Pas Vincent Cox is also co-leading with other Church leaders in Luton an Interdenominational Commission on Racial Justice under the banner of Churches Together in Luton.

From L to R: Cllr Jacqui Burnette, Lorna Markland Founder of African Caribbean Community Development Forum (ACCDF), Luton, Pas Vincent Cox of The New Testament Church of God, Rhythm & Vibe Band

Luton raising the flag on Windrush Day

Just after Refugee Week https://refugeeweek.org.uk/ 14-20 June 2021 and today as we mark Windrush Day, it is heartening to see the following note that Luton North MP Sarah Owen https://sarahowen.org.uk/ has written on her Facebook page.

This year more than ever we’ve rightly paid tribute to NHS workers from home and abroad, unfortunately the boss of track & trace and the PM’s favoured candidate for the next NHS top job did not get that memo.

I’ve applied for a parliamentary debate on the fantastic contribution of overseas workers to the NHS and will continue pushing this government to stop penalising people who come to this country to care for our sick, elderly and vulnerable.

Debates are picked by a lottery system, but if successful it will bring a Minister to hear why this dog whistle nonsense from the useless Dido Harding - neither should be anywhere near our NHS.

To see her facebook page, please click on this link; https://www.facebook.com/SarahOwen4LutonNorth/posts/357998512330722

Luton Cllr Jacqui Burnett said: "It is worth remembering that our NHS would not have survived without the Windrush Generation and its descendants.”

https://www.voice-online.co.uk/windrush/2020/06/22/luton-raising-the-flag-on-windrush-day/

At 1pm on 22 June the Windrush flag will be raised over the Luton Town Hall.

https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/news/Pages/Luton-marks-Windrush-Day.aspx

Luton Town Hall

Windrush emblem designed by Seonaid Gowdie, a young artist from South London for Lambeth Council. https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/windrush-2021-i-am-here

Open Letter to G7 Leaders on Equitable Global Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines

https://www.cwmission.org/open-letter-to-g7-leaders-on-quick-and-equitable-global-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccines/

At its Annual Members’ Meeting, held electronically on 15-17 June 2021, Council for World Mission (CWM) reflected on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on peoples and countries around the world, with particular attention given to vaccine distribution. We issue this open letter out of deep concern for a more just and globally coordinated response to the pandemic, in general, and to the vaccine distribution, in particular.

CWM notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has, more than ever, exposed the inequalities within and between nations. Our own global community has witnessed an increase of deaths on the margins, due to shortage of medical infrastructure and supplies, governmental corruption, unemployment, fanaticism, mental health crises, fear, profiteering from the crisis, decisions about who should be left to die, hunger and so much more that we do not yet know.

Council for World Mission respectfully urges the United Kingdom and other G7 nations to:

1. radically rethink their financial contribution and sharing commitments towards controlling this pandemic

avoiding buying more than their own populations require avoiding profiteering at the expense of life

2. use the COVAX scheme, rather than distributing vaccines directly, to ensure proper process

3. where relevant, reinstate their commitment to a UN foreign aid budget target of 0.7% of GDP

https://www.cwmission.org/open-letter-to-g7-leaders-on-quick-and-equitable-global-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccines/

NJPN Conference: Action for Earth

https://www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference/

The National Justice and Peace Conference 2021 Planning Group met on 17th Jun’21 and continued its planning for what will be an In person Conference from 23rd-25th July 2021 at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick.

As climate changes, the biodiversity crisis and Covid-19 make clear, ecological conversion is becoming a matter of life and death. Decisions to be made this year at the COP26 climate summit and in the recovery from the pandemic are critical for salvaging a viable future. This is a year of opportunity the like of which we will never see again.

This Conference will take inspiration from Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti and secular thinking on integral ecology. It will seek to seize the moment of grace for the changes and choices now confronting us.

Following workshops will be part of the conference.  

1. A Global Green Recovery Towards Just Transition and the Glasgow COP

2. Growth and Debt

3. Pilgrims of Cloud and Fire: pastoral care for climate distress

4. Fossil Free Churches: Why and how your diocese should divest from fossil fuels

5.  PhoneCycle Game

6. Nonviolent Direct Action and Environmental Protest

7. Holding Water in your Landscape

8.  Conflict and the Environment

9.  Sustainable Development Goals

10. "Industrialised Farming, Animal Welfare and Biodiversity Loss"

11. Nature Explorer Walk with a Botanist

 For more details, please contact;

Geoff Thompson | NJPN Administrator | National Justice & Peace Network |

39 Eccleston Square | London | SW1V 1BX

Mob: 07365 838535 | Tel: 020 7901 4864

Email: admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk | Website: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/njandpnetwork | Twitter: www.twitter.com/NJandPNetwork  

Registered Charity No. 1114947 | Company No 5036866

World Refugee Day 2021 focuses on the power of inclusion.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's World Refugee Day campaign this year is calling for the greater inclusion of refugees in health systems, schools and sport. Refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world.

Background

Every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. There are several types of forcibly displaced persons:

Refugees

A refugee is someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”, according to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention. Many refugees are in exile to escape the effects of natural or human-made disasters.

Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers say they are refugees and have fled their homes as refugees do, but their claim to refugee status is not yet definitively evaluated in the country to which they fled.

Join with others this year on World Refugee Day and support refugees across the globe.

https://www.unhcr.org/609553414/world-refugee-day-2021-toolkit-pdf

Voices from Srebrenica: Online Book Event

Online Book Event: Voices from Srebrenica: Survivor Narratives of the Bosnian Genocide. With Professor Ann Petrila and Hasan Hasanovic

Joined by Dr Emir Suljagic, Director of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre and Allan Little, BBC War Correspondent.

Chaired by Professor Jon Silverman and Dr Helen Connolly, University of Bedfordshire.

Words of welcome by Professor Rebecca Bunting. Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire.

Thursday July 1st, 2021. UK 17.00 (GMT)Online Zoom Event

The University of Bedfordshire invites you to join us for this special event focusing on the voices and first- hand experiences of survivors of the Bosnian Genocide.

To book a place, please register with your contact details through the Eventbrite page link below and a zoom link for you to join in this online event will be sent to you.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-from-srebrenica-survivor-narratives-of-the-bosnian-genocide-tickets-159322246127?fbclid=IwAR27-P0pSFYWhxftmO4CPLuOy6an3xGb0f3yxcaWSiB-w_X1J5zZjvT79qk

Faith groups brief MPs on priorities for COP26

Members of the Make COP Count coalition have met MPs and Peers to brief them on faith groups’ priorities for the UN climate talks (COP26) in November.

A diverse range of faith groups came together with parliamentarians for the online event on Monday 14 June.

It was co-hosted with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Climate Change and the APPG on Faith and Society.

Faith leaders were joined by staff from faith-based organisations and young faith representatives who are passionate advocates for action on the climate crisis.

The speakers made the case for the UK government to take action on the current impact of climate breakdown on the lives and livelihoods of people around the world.

The Make COP Count coalition is campaigning for loss and damage to be on the agenda for COP26. It is also calling for an end to fossil fuel finance in the UK and abroad.

https://faithfortheclimate.org.uk/newsitem/Faith-groups-brief-MPs-on-priorities-for-COP26

The Great GET TOGETHER (Inspired by Jo Cox) 18-20 June 2021

https://www.greatgettogether.org/2021

The Great Get Together is an initiative inspired by the late Jo Cox MP, who was killed on 16th June 2016. In her first speech in Parliament, Jo said: “We have more in common than that which divides us.” So this initiative is designed to bring people together to celebrate what they have in common. Through the Great Get Together, it is expected people across the country will make new connections and promote Jo's message of unity.

Read more about The Great Get Together >

Luton Cllr Maria Lovell receives MBE

Our congratulations to Cllr Maria Lovell as she has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 in recognition of her work supporting Luton’s African community during the Covid pandemic.

She said, “I’m so delighted about my MBE in the #QueensBirthdayHonours list. My mum would be over the moon and I know she’s watching from above. It couldn’t have happened at a better time. This is for love of community.”

Being a former Mayor of Luton (2020-21), she describes herself as a proud Lutonian and proclaims “I love our diverse and dynamic town”. She was only the second black woman and the first of African background to hold mayoral office in the town.

Revd Canon David Lawson, Chair of GRASSROOTS Luton said, “I am in no doubt that her leadership and service to the community of Luton is invaluable.  In particular, we have valued her contributions and support to the Fairtrade campaign being led by GRASSROOTS in Luton. We pray that she continues to go from strength to strength and indeed greater things lie ahead!”

Read her fully story here. https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/news/Pages/Councillor-Lovell-awarded-MBE.aspx

Cllr Maria Lovell supporting GRASSROOTS led Fairtrade Campaign in Luton as Deputy Mayor (2019-20). In the following year, she was appointed as the Mayor of Luton (2020-21).

The Reverend TJ Wesley stepped into his next adventure

With sadness we share the news that Rev TJ Wesley, former Methodist Minister in Luton, passed away peacefully on 7th June 2021.

GRASSROOTS Luton expresses its sincere condolences to his family and friends and we pray that God's love enfolds and comforts them all through the pain.

We fondly remember his time in Luton with gratitude. He was a pleasant and yet challenging with his particular perspective born of a breadth of his experiences.

He was laid to rest on Saturday June 12, 2021 in Fort Collins (US).

TJ's obituary is here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ft-collins-co/tj-wesley-10225894

Rev. T J Wesley at Good Friday Walk of Witness of Bury Park Beech Hill Council of Churches in Luton on 14th April 2017

Refugee Week 2021: We Cannot Walk Alone

The theme of Refugee Week 2021, ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’, is an invitation to extend your hand to someone new. Someone who is outside your current circle, has had an experience you haven’t, or is fighting for a cause you aren’t yet involved in.

Whoever and wherever you are, join in making Refugee Week 2021 a bold, collective act of reaching out; a space for us all to listen, to exchange and connect.

Refugee Week 2021 is 14-20 June, and anyone can get involved by holding or taking part in an event or activity.

For more details, please see https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/

G7 Inter Faith event on the theme of “Building a better world after the pandemic”

CAFOD led G7 interfaith event on the theme of “Building a better world after the pandemic” brought people of all faiths together on 10th June 2021 in an act of witness, at an event streamed live from Truro Cathedral (Cornwall), to send messages and prayers to the G7 leaders that we expect green, sustainable and fair recovery plans from the crisis, which leave no one behind.

 Over 75 of Britain’s biggest charities through ‘Crack the Crisis Coalition’ https://crackthecrises.org/#join have mobilised over 80,000 people to join in the #waveofhope campaign to showcase that through collective action hope arises.

June 11th 2021, as the world leaders landed in Cornwall UK, to attend the G7 summit, Greenpeace was there to greet them in a way they hopefully won’t forget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJAJ5-WZnxI

Joining these national efforts, Luton also played its part.

In an ecumenical event of GRASSROOTS, reflecting on the Catholic Encyclical Laudato Si, Sr Maire outlined Pope Francis’s vision for an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, protecting nature and fostering sustainable development. Explaining ‘affective conversion’ she said we must move away from thinking too much and feeling too little. To protect the Earth we must love the Earth. We must create an economy that no longer idolises profit but the integrity of creation and the well-being of all the people.

Luton Council of Faiths brought together over 30 different faith leaders, to reflect on how can climate change be racist.

Jeremy Williams, Luton based Writer-Campaigner & Award-winning Blogger https://earthbound.report/ in his presentation, shared how the world’s richest countries with the highest carbon footprints will be least affected and the poorest countries with the least carbon footprints are facing the greatest risks. This is a major social and racial justice issue.

His book “Climate Change Is Racist: Race, Privilege and the Struggle for Climate Justice” is available online. https://uk.bookshop.org/books/climate-change-is-racist-race-privilege-and-the-struggle-for-climate-justice/9781785787751

CAFOD led G7 Inter Faith Event held on 10th June at Truro Cathedral (Cornwall)

Near Neighbours 10th Anniversary EVENT on Friday 16th July 11-1pm

You are invited to take part in person, in Near Neighbours 10th Anniversary event, to share the impact that NN grants and projects have had on your organisation and how NN has helped your work with communities, over the years. 

Time and Date:    11am-1pm on Friday 16th July 2021 (to include lunch-socially distanced)

Venue:                   High Town Methodist Church Hall, 47, High Town Road, Luton LU2 0BW

Parking:                 Pay & Display car parks on Wenlock St (LU2 0NN) and Brunswick St (LU2 0DG)

You can share through a power point presentation, photos, personal reflection and story sharing. Presentation time will be no longer than 5-7 minutes each please. A projector will be available for your use.

Please be assured that this event will be socially distanced according to the government's guidelines, and you will be required to wear a mask when moving about, sitting at your table/chair will not be required.

Due to restrictions, there will be limited spaces on a first come first serve basis, so please confirm with a definite YES as soon as possible to Kim Greig on 07930 601640 or email near.neighbours-luton@btconnect.com

CWM Europe Online Members Mission Forum June 2021

The Council for World Mission (CWM) is a worldwide partnership of Christian churches. The 32 members are committed to sharing their resources of money, people, skills and insights globally to carry out God’s mission locally. CWM was created in 1977 and incorporates the London Missionary Society (1795), the Commonwealth Missionary Society (1836) and the (English) Presbyterian Board of Missions (1847).

In a recently held CWM Europe Members’ Mission Forum (MMF) it was an opportunity for representatives from member churches to intentionally engage with, contribute to, and participate in the shaping of the missional direction of CWM.

A virtual tour of the significant work of GRASSROOTS in Luton was shared online with the delegates attending MMF. It can be seen on this link here. https://youtu.be/GdroEllVzyQ

In appreciation, Revd Dr Michael Jagessar, Mission Secretary CWM Europe Region said, “We express our profound appreciation for your time, presence and contributions to our recently concluded Members’ Mission Forum (MMF). The fruitful and energising online MMF held over two days is a reflection of the quality of your contribution and the commitment you gave to event and the Virtual Contextual Visit to Grassroots Luton.”

“You have contributed significantly to our endeavour to continue to live out God’s vision of just world where all can share and participate in full and flourishing life. As we continue to hold each other in prayers, may your own work and ministry continue to bring you delight and may God continue to bless and lead you in exciting and surprising ways.”

Watch the virtual tour of the significant work of GRASSROOTS in Luton here. https://youtu.be/GdroEllVzyQ

National Faith Action Briefing on Covid-19

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-briefing-for-faith-communities-registration-157604608627

In just a few weeks’ time (currently pencilled in for 21st June), we are set to move into the final phase of the Government’s roadmap, where remaining restrictions are scheduled to be lifted. However, it is looking increasingly uncertain whether this final transition will go ahead as planned, with talk of postponing this date or leaving some restrictions in place. Additionally, through our (FaithAction) frequent focus groups with different faith communities, it is clear that concerns still abound.

It is not yet clear, for example, what impact the ‘Indian variant’ of COVID-19 will have, or whether young people will step forward to receive the vaccine at the same impressive rate as the rest of the population. Regardless of when and how ‘complete’ the next easing of restrictions will be, there are many questions about best practice and what is safe that need to be addressed.

Moreover. if restrictions are indeed lifted as planned, without the benchmark set by the government’s places of worship guidance, and the onus then on each of us to exercise wisdom, it is important that we come together to discuss a course of action moving forward.

Join FaithAction at 7pm on Wednesday 16th June for a national briefing event for faith communities, where two members of the places of worship taskforce and public health officials will present some thoughts on how best to move forward through the final phase of the roadmap, followed by an opportunity for Q&A and discussion.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-briefing-for-faith-communities-registration-157604608627

Places of Worship (POW): Protective Security Funding Scheme

Please see link to Places of Worship Protective Security Fund relaunched.  Applications will be taken up until the deadline on Friday 2nd July, the maximum amount applied for within a single application will be £56,000.

 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme#history

For any further questions and/or support re application submission, please contact:

Sanjeev Kumar | Community Coordinator | Luton Borough Council

sanjeev.kumar@luton.gov.uk / Tel: 01582 548774 / M : 07734 370657