News

Do you know of a property which could be rented out (managed at no extra charge by an experienced property manager) and could also benefit local refugees?

Sanctuary is looking to connect a property owner who wishes to receive rental income and at the same time support people who have just been given their refugee status with a very experienced property owner and manager who is already successfully managing other properties with refugee tenants and other vulnerable adults.  If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, please contact us on info@sanctuaryeastbourne.org

Many of you will know that the Home Office is granting asylum to individuals from countries where there is a proven track record of civil war, persecution and torture.  The difficulty is that these individuals, when they receive their refugee status, only have between 7-28 days to find somewhere to live and a means of financially supporting themselves.   Sanctuary is working with these individuals in partnership with other agencies and organisations to help them to find work, financially support themselves and find somewhere to live.  Despite some successes, it is very difficult to achieve this in such a short time and, as a result, some are sadly forced to sleep rough.  Where we have supported the individuals to find housing and employment, they have been able to contribute positively to the local community and to support themselves effectively so we know that housing is a key contributor to success.  The property manager who is willing to take on an additional property in Eastbourne already manages several properties with refugee tenants and other vulnerable adults and has a transparent, effective and supportive system in place which is working well.  Your support in helping us to find housing for refugees could literally change someone’s life for good so please have a think about your network in case there is anyone you know who might like to get involved.  Thank you.

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Abuse begins on 25th November until 10th December, calling for an end to violence and abuse around the world. Please join our Global day, hosted at All Saints’ Church Centre on Saturday 25th November from 11am for refreshments followed by a Service at 11.30am. and possibly a Speaker from our local Refuge – if not, a member of our church family is reading a prepared talk from Restored – Christian Charity working with Survivors of Domestic Abuse in the Church. There will be a retiring collection for the local Refuge and the opportunity to bring toiletries for the women and children. Do wear something purple too, if possible.

Assembling outside at 12.45pm we will be marching up the pavement with our banners to the Town Hall to hold a minute’s silence at 1.03pm for the 1 in 3 women around the world who are victims of violence and abuse. Either dispersing from there, or for those who would like to, we will return to All Saints’ Church Centre for refreshments and packed lunch. I have a friend attending who is a brilliant photographer, so look forward to recording the event! Our local Christian MP is hoping to join us at the Town Hall.

A red chair will be in Church during these 16 Days to serve as a visual symbol of the lives lost to gender-based violence, globally.

Mothers’ Union has launched their new campaign RISE UP Against Domestic Abuse campaign and aims to play its part in combating domestic abuse, 365 days a year, through awareness raising, resources, and support for those affected by domestic abuse, as well as fostering a culture of empathy and empowerment within our churches and communities.

RISE UP is an acronym for Respond, Inform, Support, Empower, Unite and Pray.

• Posters from Mothers’ Union’s website about domestic abuse with details of their local domestic abuse helpline are now displayed on the back of our Church toilet doors.
• Please commit to pray for those affected by domestic abuse, including victims, survivors, perpetrators and those who work in the field of domestic abuse
• We have connected with our local domestic abuse support organisation, Clarion Housing Group, and are offering to provide money vouchers and collect items based on their needs.

For more information about Global Day and Mothers’ Union “Rise Up Against Domestic Abuse” challenge or our other work, including how to become a member of our movement, please visit our website at www.mothersunion.org or contact Kathryn Anderson on 07932720747.

HELPING OTHERS IN GRIEF

Is your church is bereavement-friendly? Sarah-Jane Bell, who trains Beachy Head Chaplains, is the speaker at a free training day on grief on Wednesday 15th November, 10am-3pm at St John’s Church, Meads, Eastbourne. The day entitled ‘Helping others in Grief’ will cover Foundations of Grief, The Six Needs of the Grieving, and How to be with Others in Grief.

The event is an opportunity to make our churches bereavement-friendly and to encourage people who feel called to bereavement ministry. The day is free of charge; refreshments will be available; bring your own lunch. There is no need to book. Just turn up.

Street Pastors reprasentative Bob Clarke will be speaking on the work being carried out by Street Pastors in our area at a meeting at Christ The King church hall, Princes Road, Eastbourne on Monday 20th November commencing at 7.30 pm.

The meeting has been arranged by Eastbourneand Bexhill Newman Circle. All are welcome to attend.

John Carmody (on behalf of Eastbourne and Bexhill Newman Circle).

New events are planned for the 4th of November and the 2nd of December.,

One of the biggest Christian book and Bible distributors in Europe, Kingsway CLC Trust, are thrilled to announce that Mission Worship, an annual worship event, will be returning for its first face-to-face gathering in three years. The event will take place on 17th-19th November 2023 – their 27th year of equipping the Church.

Mission Worship will be held at the Kings Centre, Eastbourne, drawing together church leaders, worship pastors and those with a passion to worship God; to experience times of praise and worship, faith-building and receiving of the Word.

This year’s gathering entitled Fresh Encounter dives deep into the core of the Christian faith with specialist seminars including:

Worship Evangelism: A two session seminar – one teaching how to approach worship evangelism, followed by a session in Eastbourne town centre, putting into practice what has been learnt.

Song Writing Stream: Teaching on crafting new songs by guest song writers and Integrity Music’s A&R Manager, along with practical song writing sessions where delegates have the opportunity to create a worship song, with the guidance of international worship leaders.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: Discover the intersection of faith and mental health, and how they can support one another.

Shifting Culture: Glen Scrivener will share fresh insights into how we can maintain a Christian worldview, in the ever-changing landscape.

With over 20+ seminars, others include new songs, master classes, harmonising & backing vocals, men’s, women’s and prayer. There will also be times to gather together for celebrations on the Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Jarrod Cooper who will be bringing the Word said “I am so excited and expectant to be at Mission Worship. We are all in such a turbulent and pivotal time in history, and we need a fresh touch from Heaven – so I am praying for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit to be poured out upon us all!”

Emmanuel Smith who will be leading worship on Saturday night alongside Aaron Keyes said, “I’m excited to be part of a group of Kingdom people who are hungry to seek the face of God and to release a sound into the earth.”

Mat Owen – Chair of Mission Worship said “Even though Mission Worship has been gathering online for the past few years there’s something so special when we come together in large numbers singing songs of praise and worship – we just know God will bring the blessing”

Go to missionworship.com for more details, and an exclusive 10% discount using code: MW10

Hi Folks

Our next breakfast is on the 11th November at the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club at 8.00 when Kate Dilloway, a retired teacher who worships at St John’s Eastbourne will be sharing her Thought for the Day.

For newcomers, the breakfast is a full English breakfast served buffet style, the cost is £12.00, cash if possible, cards will be taken if required.

The breakfast starts promptly at 8.00 to finish at 9.00, please arrive around 7.45 to collect a coffee or tea from the drinks station.  With the increased number of guests an early arrival does help to smooth entry.

For newcomers who might be interested in attending, please let me know.

For our regular attendees, if you are unable to attend, please give me your apology by midday, the Thursday prior to the breakfast, the number I submit is the number I can be charged for.  I do hope to see you there.

Our December speaker on the 9th is David  McLean, a retired teacher, worshipping at St Saviour’s Church, Eastbourne.

God Bless

Dennis
Email: dennisthompson618@gmail.com
(M) 07808 731166
(H) 01323 749329

Anglican lay leader and the editor of many Christian classics, Richard Herkes, has news of his own persoanl writing project.

Following on from the e-book release of my novel Ariel: No Name Under Heaven, I’m delighted to let you know that the book is now available in paperback. I’ve been encouraged by the responses so far to the digital edition, but I know that many folk wanted to wait for the printed version.

In order to keep the price down, it is currently only available on Amazon. You can purchase it here:

At 740 pages, it’s been a challenge to keep the price down. If I do eventually widen distribution through bookshops, the price will have to rise by almost half as much again.

If you decide to purchase it, I’d love to hear from you. All comments welcome – it would be great to get some conversations going (see Chapter 18…). And my thanks to those sharp-eyed readers of the digital edition who alerted me to a few issues that need fixing or smoothing.

From the very start of writing this, I’ve seen it as a story that could get conversations going across the spectrum of religious belief, or none. If it proves useful in that way (as well as providing an entertaining read), I’ll be content.