There is still time to complete the Census

If you have not already done so, although Census weekend has passed, the key message is, ‘ There is still time to complete the Census’.

People are still able to complete the Census either online, or they can request a paper questionnaire., throughout April and even into May.

They can ask a family member, friend etc to help them complete it as well.

We will have House Officers knocking on people’s doors to support and help anyone complete the census from this week onwards, working in line with Covid regulations from outside the house.

I attach some information documents and details below, which will hopefully be beneficial for you and team and for some of the people you support.

We have a contact support center helpline tel- 0800 141 2021

We are also using the ESOL college in the Dunstable road as a support drop in centre over the Census weekend, to help people, it will also be open weekdays from 10.30am to 5pm all April.

We also have our language support services available, with over 30 languages and translations:-

https://census.gov.uk/help/languages-and-accessibility/languages

We have a language helpline, where interpreters will be available, appointments can also be booked in the case of an interpreter not being available at the time of the call.

The language helpline number is- 0800 587 2021

To request a paper questionnaire please call- 0800 876 6276-This will take up to 5 days.

Please see the resource link:-

https://census.gov.uk/downloadable-resources

Please do let me know if you have any questions or require any further information or support for anyone at all?

We appreciate your help.

Kind regards

Sam

Census Engagement Manager-Luton | Office for National Statistics |

+44 (0)7452939497| samantha.glicksman01@field.census.gov.uk | www.census.gov.uk

First ever British Indian Christian High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2021-2022

In April 2021, Mr Eric Masih Esq, has been sworn in as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2021-2022 at a virtual service of reading and prayers during which he was blessed by the Bishop of Bedford. He is the first ever British Indian Christian to hold one of the most ancient honourable and a ceremonial position in this county.

Congratulating and wishing him well, the outgoing High Sheriff Susan Lousada, whose entire year has been in the lock down, said that we have faced one of the darkest times in the recent history, but this year is also a reminder of just how generous and caring the people and communities of Bedfordshire are, who have helped her distribute over 1800 digital devices as part of her campaign to combat digital poverty. She said, “I leave with my heart bursting with pride and gratitude.”

Thanking Susan Lousada for her contributions, the newly appointed High Sheriff Eric Masih said, “I will promote the peace, wellbeing and prosperity of the county and all its people. The unforeseen effects of the Covid-19 have brought to the surface financial, social and emotional hardships faced by many throughout the county. The focus of my year will evolve around tackling poverty, promoting youth work and community cohesion. I passionately feel through the work of our local voluntary groups we can start to move towards the recovery phase.”

GRASSROOTS congratulates and wishes him well in his commitment to serve with integrity in this prestigious office. 

Mr Eric Masih Esq, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2021-2022

United Reformed Church (URC) Statement concerning Myanmar

Many voices in the United Reformed Church (URC) and wider world are expressing deep concern about the military coup and ensuing violence taking place in Myanmar. The Moderators of URC General Assembly, together with URC's Global and Intercultural Ministries, have issued a statement, urging continued action to help bring about a swift end to the violence and a peaceful, just and considered way forward for all Myanmar's diverse peoples.

https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3778-urc-issues-statement-expressing-shock-at-events-in-myanmar

Changing Paradigms in a Pandemic World

https://wfeb.org/press-release-global-summit-on-ethics-in-the-pandemic/

Changing paradigms in a pandemic world – 2 million viewers from 90 countries to attend global summit on World Health Day

WHO’s General Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Global Humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Heads of State, Health Ministers, Pfizer’s India CEO and UEFA’S CSR Director among the keynote speakers of this event that will welcome more than 100 speakers in dedicated keynote panels and in 23 in-depth workshop deliberations

Please read full press release here.

#HerFaithMatters ebook published

In its newsletter dated 31st March 2021, the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI) Web Editor published this report.

#HerFaithMatters is a collection of stories of women from different faiths reflecting of different issues facing women of faith in today’s society.

They wanted it to be a place to share their stories of joy as well as pain, of courage in the face of fear, of creativity even when others seek to silence.

And this is what we have. Stories of women working at the heart of their communities, generously giving something of themselves in their stories shared here with us, and in the work each of them continues to perform.

This book is a celebration of the faith women in society reveal through their lives and voices.

Ebook

#HerFaithMatters is initially available as an ebook via Amazon.

Call for end to anti-Asian Violence

In the wake of rising anti-Asian violence and hate speech in the USA, religious leaders and ecumenical coalitions in the nation are calling for an end to the violence—and the xenophobia and discrimination that undergird it.

Please read the full article by World Council of Churches here.

Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC

Easter Service by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire's Virtual Easter Service - YouTube

Easter is the most important Christian festival celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection, which reminds of the eternal hope that death does not have the last word on human destiny. This message has a particular significance in times like these when so many are left bereaved for the loss of their loved ones due to the pandemic.

Reflecting on the Easter message of rebirth and renewal Right Reverend Richard Atkinson, OBE, Bishop for Luton & Bedford said, “The Easter promise is not that challenges go away, but we are able to see through them with hope and promise. There is light in the darkness, decay does give way to new life. The risen Jesus inspires us to know that the story can be different; that good can and will triumph and that all can be made new.”

 In the last 12 months, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis has been keeping in touch with the people of Bedfordshire virtually through her weekly online messages, periodic virtual services and via regular contact with voluntary organisations, businesses, and faith, health & educational establishments.

In her virtual Easter service, she said, “In this moment of our history as we stand at the gateway to a new beginning, and at Easter, which brings the message of renewal, may we all reflect on the possibilities of changing our world for the better and the part that each of us can play. My thanks to all who have pointed the way to a better place. Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter.” 

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire's Virtual Easter Service - YouTube

Bishop Richard Atkinson and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada (below) at the virtual Easter Service kindly produced by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis (top).

Happy Holi to our Hindu and Indian community

Have a pious night of prayer.

Holi marks the beginning of spring after a long winter, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated in March, corresponding to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna

If you want to know more about this festival of colours click on this link

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z6vh8xs

Passover (Pesach) in the Jewish community

Happy Passover to our Jewish Friends and families in Luton.

Passover (Pesach) commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus.

Click here for more info

https://www.chabad.org/.../What-Is-Passover-Pesach.htm

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Message on National Day of Reflection

As we reach the anniversary of the first Covid19 lockdown today, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis shares her message of grief, gratitude and hope which can be accessed at:

National Day of Reflection Message from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis - YouTube

A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The World Council of Churches will observe a week of prayer from 22-27 March, one year into the COVID-19 pandemic.

The week will invite a time of prayer and reflection on both the lament and the hope expressed and experienced across the world during what has been a year of unprecedented suffering, but also one when churches have worked together in ever new ways to adapt, respond and accompany communities through mental, physical, economical, spiritual, and environmental crises.  

The week of prayer is convened with WCC member churches and ecumenical partners, and will share prayers and spiritual resources produced in response to the pandemic.

A global online prayer service with participation from the eight WCC regions will be convened on Friday, March 26 beginning 14.00 CET, and a collection of resources will be made available on the WCC website by 18 March 2021, in English, French, German and Spanish.

https://www.oikoumene.org/events/a-week-of-prayer-in-the-time-of-the-covid-19-pandemic

https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/publications/voices-of-lament-hope-and-courage

Near Neighbours Celebrate Women - International Women’s Day 8th March 2021

Near Neighbours Programme National Director Elizabeth Carnelley writes;

With 10 out of 10 local coordinators who are women, at Near Neighbours we celebrate International Women’s Day every day of the year!

We do it by recognising the achievements of women, their (too often unsung) leadership role in our communities, their resilience, and their struggle for equality.

This year we have an additional reason to celebrate IWD: Covid-19 and its negative impact on women and on gender equality.

The virus has hit harder those economic sectors (retail, hospitality) where women are overrepresented: as a result, though women make up 39 percent of global employment, they have accounted for 54 percent of overall job losses during the pandemic.

In addition, the lockdown has increased  the burden of unpaid care, which is disproportionately carried by women; women spent, on average, 62 hours per week caring for children (compared to 36 hours for men) and 23 hours per week doing housework (15 hours for men).

Finally, the Covid pandemic has produced a massive surge in domestic violence (with mainly women and young girls as victims).

For these reasons, we will continue to celebrate women every day of the year, and to support those who have been pushed to the edge of society and have been denied an active voice, identity or place in their local community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_dTh0AUt8U

Building Life Flourishing Communities - A Series of Webinar with CWM Europe

The Europe region of CWM facilitated a series of webinars aimed at creating spaces for CWM member Churches and ecumenical partners to reflect on CWM’s renewed emphasis around “Life-flourishing Communities, living out God’s promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth”.

Europe region worked on the strap-line ‘life-flourishing spaces’.

Its series of webinars started on 23rd November 2020 and lasted until 22nd March 2021.

In one of its Webinars on 22nd February 2021, a panel of speakers including David Jonathan, Director, GRASSROOTS Programme, were invited to reflect and respond to the question: ‘what would life-flourishing activism look like and mean?’

Europe Region Mission Secretary Revd Dr Michael Jagessar said, “We want to use this as an opportunity to critically explore some of the urgent issues before us and to also draw insights while exploring concrete ways that we can participate in, shape and grow life-flourishing spaces.”

With a view to keep the Webinar conversations insightful and energising, each of the speakers in the panel were asked to reflect on their personal faith journey and activism, its theological and faith under-girding sharing one theological paradigm-bible passage which is key to the activist heartbeat and why and finally asking each of the panelists to share what would they see-name as life flourishing activism/advocacy?

It was quite an enriching discussion. The recording of this webinar can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohgfBgaj-P8&feature=youtu.be

Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum (BCCF) Talk on Growing Green - Wed 10th March 7.30pm

Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum (BCCF) invites you to a talk on Wed 10th March at 7:30 pm by Iain Tolhurst on Growing Green - a vision of how farming could be in Britain. Very low carbon, environmentally-friendly, organic, soil-caring, and providing jobs in horticulture. A talk based on vision and practice: how his own small but highly productive farm runs. If only there were more farms like his around where we live.

He is one of the most inspiring speakers that I have ever heard, and hugely knowledgeable - literally "down-to-earth", of course.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/growing-green-animal-free-agriculture-wednesday-10th-march-730pm-tickets-143438114261

Please spread the word to anyone else that might be interested.

Also take a look at our BCCF website: https://bedsclimatechange.wordpress.com/

Just Vaccine Appeal - URC Partnering Christian Aid

We wonder how many of us have been fortunate enough to be offered the COVID vaccine - whether or not we have decided to accept.

 Many voices have been highlighting the inequalities exposed by COVID.  The COVID vaccine rollout is one latest example, with many poorer nations and vulnerable communities having no access to the vaccine or being charged up to four times the price paid by European countries.

Christian Aid has invited the United Reformed Church (URC) to partner with them in addressing this disparity.  The just vaccine appeal encourages us to appreciate our own opportunity to receive the vaccine by making a donation enabling others to receive the vaccine too.  Please see the link below.  Support if you can... and encourage others to do the same. 

https://events.tapsimple.org/page/christian-aid/united-reformed-church-supporting-a-just-vaccine-rollout

Blessings,

Global & Intercultural Ministries of The United Reformed Church (URC)

This appeal was initiated by the United Reformed Church in support of Christian Aid's work. All donations will support Christian Aid's response to the coronavirus pandemic in affected communities around the world, including our Commitment for Life partner regions.

Diverting to Digital Courses - NEAR NEIGHBOURS

Diverting to Digital is a pair of free workshops, both 90 minutes each, helping both yourself and your organisation/group to make the move online and harness the platforms and tools available.  

Diverting to Digital are information and signposting workshops, split between 2 sessions; Introductory and Advanced. 

The Introductory Session focuses on making the move online as an individual, and covers topics from how to use Social Media, setting up a Website and Online Safeguarding. THURSDAY 11th MARCH AT 11am-12.30pm (90mins)

The Advanced Session concentrating on organisational reach and includes Social Media analytics, Newsletters, Surveys and finding funding opportunities. FRIDAY 12TH MARCH AT 10am-11.30am (90 mins)
Each session will provide information and support in a flexible and informal manner, aiming to help you think about how the information could be tailored for your own approach.  Both courses follow a similar structure with the Advance Session building on information provided in the Introductory Session. Helping you to make the most of the amazing resources and platforms available.  

If you or your group are interested in attending, please let me know who would like to attend, which course you would like to attend, you can attend both, but you need to let me know, and I will send you the zoom link.

Please share among your networks,

Best wishes,

Kim Greig

Near Neighbours Coordinator (Luton)

near.neighbours_luton@btconnect.com / 07930601640

LENT - A Time of Reflection, Penitence, Repentance and Renewal

Lent – a 40 days period begins on Ash Wednesday. It is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter – resurrection of Jesus Christ. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. During this period many people engage in fasting and practice moderation or self-denial in order to focus on repentance and consecrating oneself to God.

 Why 40 days?

40 is a significant number in Jewish-Christian scripture:

·         In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain.

·         The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land promised to them by God.

·         Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the ten commandments on Mount Sinai.

·         Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.

Most Christians regard Jesus' time in the wilderness as the key event for the duration of Lent. 

Focus during Lent

Global

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Water Network invites all to use the season of Lent to reflect on God’s gift of water. Since 2008, the WCC– through its “Seven Weeks for Water” campaign – has been providing weekly theological reflections and other resources on water for the seven weeks of Lent and for World Water Day on 22 March (which always falls during the Lenten period). This year’s reflections and resources can be found at https://www.oikoumene.org/what-we-do/ecumenical-water-network#seven-weeks-for-water

While water has a strong spiritual significance in the Christian tradition as a gift of God, around the entire globe, human misuse and pollution threaten this essential resource, and billions lack any access to clean water.

Church voices have joined the chorus demanding respect for indigenous peoples’ rights and eco-justice in connection with Standing Rock, a location at the heart of the struggle against the proposed path of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) in North Dakota, USA. Photo: Steven D. Martin/NCCCUSA/WCC 

National

Recommending a Lent Study titled ‘The Poet’s Gospel’ at https://ctbi.org.uk/lent-study-2021/ Bob Fyffe, General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI) comments this year CTBI has partnered with John Alan Davis and his family to produce  The Poet’s Gospel – introduction to chosen sections, and is making the sound files available along with a hardcopy book and an e-book in order to engage with this journey. Each week can be read as a stand-alone unit whilst listening to the sound file as an introduction or, if you prefer, on a personal basis to read through the whole publication and listen to the sound files. This alone will make a fascinating Lenten pilgrimage. Bob Fyffe concluded “Some may find this approach somewhat unorthodox, but I believe in these unorthodox and strange times this gospel version, written as poetry, speaks to a situation, and is spoken in the style that many will feel able to engage with. We hope that however you use it, in Lent or across a longer time, this resource will bring you some comfort and reassurance.”

Local

Churches observe Lent in the 21st century as a time for prayer, penance and sacrifice reflecting Jesus' time in deprivation and in the wilderness. Each Christian denomination nationally announces a Lent focus and provides resources and reflections as listed below.

The Church of England

https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/livelent-2021-church-resources-gods-story-our-story

 The Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain

https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Lent-prayers

 The Methodist Church of Great Britain

https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/worship/lent-and-easter/lent-and-easter-resources/

 The United Reformed Church in the UK

https://urc.org.uk/lent

The Baptist Union of Great Britain

https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/369370/Lent_resources.aspx

Baptist churches are also being encouraged to take part in the Living Lent initiative (https://livinglent.org/) offered by the Joint Public Issues Team (http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/).

Locally, Churches of different denominations, Pentecostal Churches and Christians either follow their denominational resources or choose their own Lent focus depending on their respective spiritual journeys, using resources form the list above or beyond, whichever they may find helpful and inspirational.

Image Source: https://www.creativecommunications.com/Products/APBT/lent-2021-protestant-calendar.aspx

Fairtrade Fortnight 22nd Feb – 7th Mar 2021

Friends,

 Like every year, during the annual Fairtrade Fortnight 22nd Feb – 7th Mar 2021, the Fairtrade Foundation UK has announced its virtual Choose the world you want festival.

 Fairtrade Fortnight is a great time to make or renew our commitment to Fairtrade, pledging to buy and use Fairtrade products at work or at home.  

Fairtrade isn’t Charity – It is Justice.

To give people what they deserve – Support Fairtrade please!

Fairtrade helps disadvantaged farmers and communities in developing countries. 

 It guarantees them a fair price for their produce.

 It pays them an additional premium, with which they access education, healthcare, and sustainable farming methods. 

 So please buy products with Fairtrade Logo as seen above – teas, coffees, sugar, fruit, biscuits and chocolate are all widely available in most supermarkets. 

 By choosing Fairtrade, you will support 7 million people in 59 developing countries.

 Thank you for your support.

A Fair Deal - David Jonathan shares his success in taking action to challenge the exploitation of trade by business giants.

Racial Justice Blog published 10th Feb'21

http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/a-fair-deal/

A few years ago, I had the privilege of travelling to India. The cultural and culinary differences between the UK and India are plain to see, but I was struck by the sight of large shopping malls full of familiar, Western brands. The Indian people were buying their own products, made in India, but labelled as Western goods. And it was foreign companies who were making the profit.

It’s a sign of how Western Empire and colonial legacies continue to exert their influence. Modern globalization has initiated a new era of economic slavery and oppression. I thought such horrors would have been consigned to history in these enlightened times, but history sadly has a habit of repeating itself.

Please read the full article here http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/a-fair-deal/

SAFE - Home Office Security Survey

SAFE [Security Advice For Everyone] – is an initiative by Community Security Trust (CST) that aims to improve the security of the UK’s faith and minority communities.

SAFE has been asked by the Home Office to forward this request for support.

 Following the horrific terrorist attacks on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019, the then Home Secretary had announced a range of projects to strengthen the safety of faith communities, including a new faith security training scheme, and uplifting the funding for the Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme to £3.2 million in 2020/21.

 The Home Office understands that there is an important balance to be struck between worshipping openly and without fear and having security measure to protect worshippers. They are launching a research exercise to better support faith institutions to be a safe and welcoming place for worship and are asking for views and opinions on safety, security and counter terrorism within faith institutions.

 The link to the survey is https://www.plus4.co.uk/faith-governmentsurvey.

 We would appreciate your help in circulating the survey to relevant faith contacts. The survey will be closed to responses at the end of February.

Prior knowledge of security is not required but respondents do need to be able to answer on behalf of their faith organisation i.e. be a Faith Leader, Trustee, or other senior decision-maker for the organisation.

Thank you.