Christian Concern for One World blogs

Prayers for the Horn of Africa

Maranda — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:09:57 +0100

There are many prayers that churches can use: three that you might find helpful are:

a prayer by the Rt Revd Robert Martin, Bishop of Marsabit in Northern Kenya from Christian Aid
two lines to fit into general intercessions from CAFOD
a prayer resembling a formal collect from the Church of England

You might also want to use one of these prayers for your offering:

A Prayer of Offering (I)

Beloved Christ

who knew what it was

To hunger and thirst

To wander homeless

And be at the point of death,

We know your care

For all whom You created.

Help us always to see

Each life as you do,

So important

That we cannot ignore your call

To share what you have given

With brothers and sisters in need,

Knowing that you would call them

To do the same for us,

For we are all neighbours.

A Prayer of Offering (II)

They were small gifts.

Five loaves, two fish.

Enough for one family,

Maybe,

If that ...

So little

That the disciples' first response is

"We have nothing."

Reading the Gospels

We can't tell

If that answer

Was meant to be final:

"What do you mean

'Give them something to eat?'

We can't possibly!"

Or said in expectancy,

Awaiting the impossible.

What do we know?

Only that He says

"Bring them here to me."

And they do.

And what can we do

But bring what we have,

Inadequate though it feels,

And pray that He will use it,

Now as then,

To meet people's needs

And as a sign of His glory and love.

For your prayers this coming week (Holy Week)

Maranda — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:39:24 +0100

To receive these bulletins as emails, please send a note to maranda [at] ccow.org.uk.

There will not be a prayer bulletin next week. We hope you'll have a Holy Week and Easter full of blessings.

Suffering, redemption and reconciliation

The themes of this week's Gospel are also the themes of these prayer points.

The Persecuted Church
Please pray for all who are persecuted for their faith. Pray especially for:

Christians in the Holy Land, the "living stones" whose presence diminishes year on year under the pressures of conflict in that region
Christians in Iraq, who face intense insecurity, with church bombings, kidnappings and assassinations
Christians in the rest of the Middle East, uncertain what the future will bring
Christians in the unregistered (not government approved) churches of China, who have been among many caught in recent government crackdowns on those perceived as a threat to those in authority. Give thanks for the apparent release of members of the Shouwang church arrested last week.
Christians in North Korea, where discovery can mean either killing or sentencing to labour camps
those who are working to ensure religious freedom worldwide

Give thanks for the steadfastness of Christians under persecution, and for their witness to the crucified and risen Christ.

A good summary of the situation of the Church in the Middle East, published in "Living Stones" can be found here.
An Easter devotional by the Archbishop of York, written for Christian Solidarity Worldwide's campaign on behalf of Egyptian Christians can be found here.
Easter will see the beginning of a week of prayer on behalf of those facing persecution in North Korea: for information on how to participate, click here.

Workers for Human Rights in Colombia
Working for human rights in Colombia remains an exceedingly dangerous occupation. Those who seek to protect rural communities in areas contested by both guerillas and paramilitaries, those who are labour activists, workers for women's rights, campaigners on the environment and others are frequent recipients of death threats -- and can even suffer assassination. Recently, paramilitaries murdered a man connected with a local peace community; paramilitaries had murdered another man, who had campaigned for victims of state-sponsored violence in the past, a few days earlier.

Please give thanks for the bravery of those who stand alongside the weak and who work to promote peace. Pray for protection for them and for their families. Give thanks also for international observers and accompaniers on the ground and international human rights organisations, all of whose support is so vital to those who are themselves taking immense risks.

If you would like to take action to support those who are working for human rights in Colombia, you can do so here.

Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The New Testament contains many stories of people moving to escape persecution: the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, members of the early church dispersing to avoid the persecution in Jerusalem that followed Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 8:1). Today, as well, many flee, leaving everything, often traumatised. Please pray:

for the 130,000 to 150,000 who have fled from the Cote d'Ivoire into Liberia, for the Liberian communities that are hosting them, and for the agencies that are working to get necessary resources to hosts and refugees
for those who have sought refuge from other conflicts and persecution; for those countries, often the countries closest to their borders, that have received them; and for those who are relegated to limbo in camps within countries that do not send them back, but do not wish to receive them (eg on the Thai-Burma border, and - in one of the more complex cases - in Camp Ashraf in Iraq).
for those fleeing persecution who arrive in the UK, that they may receive a fair hearing and a gracious welcome and begin to find healing from what they have suffered

Give thanks for church organisations supporting work with refugees globally -- such as Caritas, Christian Aid and Tearfund -- church organisations supporting work with refugees in the UK, such as Boaz Trust, Churches Refugee Network and Equip and churches and individual Christians supporting refugees through many different groups in our area.

If you would like something to help personal reflection on these topics, the video "Yurik's story" (and accompanying pdf) on the Churches Refugee Network section of the CTBI website is very powerful.
All the agencies who are working in the Ivory Coast continue to emphasise the need for financial assistance: see last week's email for links to appeals.
If you would be interested in connecting with a local group that works to assist refugees and asylum seekers, contact CCOW. In addition, Namaste, a new project in Oxford, is looking for hosts who would be willing to offer a spare room to an asylum seeker. Could you help? Email namasteoxford@yahoo.co.uk.

Government Repression
What is listed below is far from a complete list: there is much to pray about, for example, in Syria and Yemen, Libya and Egypt (and many other places in Africa --see here), Burma and North Korea, as well as the areas mentioned below.

Bahrain: Concern about the repression of protestors, opposition parties, and human rights activists in Bahrain is mounting. The past few weeks have seen many hundred detentions. There has been no news from many of those detained, and this past week saw the release of the bodies of some who died in detention, showing marks of torture. The government has also made it difficult for anyone who is injured to seek medical care, as those who are do are frequently detained (as have been many who provided care). Please pray for the government to respect the human rights of all its citizens, for an openness to dialogue with those who seek reform, and for resolution of the Sunni/Shia tensions in the country, which many feel have only been exacerbated by the government's actions.

Swaziland: Attempts by civil society and labour unions to organise protests this week were disrupted by the police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Journalists and activists were arrested (though most have been released). Please pray that King Mswati and those alongside him will be open to allowing political parties and having dialogue with those who seek reform. Please also pray for Swaziland more generally: it has an AIDS infection rate of 25.9%, an unemployment rate estimated at 40%, and is facing a vastly declining income because of loss of revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). And pray for the IMF officials who are negotiating with it, that they will show sensitivity to the situation in the country and avoid dictating unhelpful changes.

China: As mentioned above, the Chinese government seems to be intensifying a crackdown on dissidents and any who are perceived as a threat to those in power. Please pray for dissidents and all suffering persecution. Pray for more openness in the Government.

May God's Kingdom come in all these places.

Thanksgiving: Christian Peacemaking in a world of Violence

Earlier this year we asked you to pray for the Roman Catholic church in Mexico, as it engaged with a new campaign of peace-building amidst the violence that is wracking that country. Drug-fuelled violence continues to be a scourge in Mexico, but the peacebuilding campaign is growing. Last week, from 4 to 8 April, people young and old came together for training, examining theories and methodologies of peacemaking, engaging in theological reflection, and working through possibilities for the future in terms of personal, relational, institutional and political peace. Please pray that all who participated may receive courage and wisdom to bring God's Shalom into their communities.

And we end with a message from a reflection sent out by the Conference of Mexican Bishops to accompany the Easter Readings:

Let us not empty the Resurrection event of meaning and consequences. Our faith in it turns us into witnesses and agents of change who ought, with our lives, to lead people to understand that life is worth living well because death is not the last word; that we should live as brothers [and sisters], because according to God's perspective -- and that of truly mature human beings -- the true heroes of history are not those who take advantage of others and destroy them, but those who work for love, peace and brotherly [and sisterly] relations. And finally, because we believe in the Lord's resurrection, and our own, we ought to be witnesses and agents of change who are engaged with our [current] reality, so that it may become a life-giving environment, and not one of death.

For your prayers this coming week (9 April)

Maranda — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:36:14 +0100

For many churches, this week's readings focus on death and resurrection -- a people traumatically reduced to dry bones, but revived by God's spirit . . . the death and raising to life of Jesus' friend Lazarus. In the prayer points this week, we lift up areas of suffering and destruction and ask that the people and situations involved may be transformed by God.

Libya and the Middle East

In Libya, rebels and forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi continue to fight for control of key towns. The NATO-led forces have recently curtailed their activities in response to new strategies by Colonel Gaddafi's troops. Confusion also seems to remain about the interpretation of the UN mandate: the blurring of protection and military objectives is necessarily a concern. The current situation is something of an armed stalemate, with the country divided. Turkey has proposed a peace plan, but there has been no public Libyan response to it.

In Syria and Yemen, governments are using deadly force against large demonstrations by their citizens. Other Gulf states have proposed a solution to the political impasse in Yemen, but Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen’s president, is unwilling to relinquish power.

In Bahrain, the country remains in a state of emergency. The government is using its powers to silence opposition parties and demonstrators: the editor of the opposition paper has been forced to resign; opposition parties have been closed down; and key protesters and human rights activists have been detained.

In Egypt, there has been some frustration that Mubarak has not gone on trial; his allies remain in key posts; and the army is felt by some to have "hijacked the revolution." Large demonstrations occurred yesterday, and in the early hours of this morning, the army responded, driving protesters from Tahrir Square by beating them, using teargas and firing into the air.

Meanwhile, the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas (in Gaza) continues. Recently, one of the Hamas rocket attacks hit an Israeli schoolbus, critically wounding one student and wounding the bus driver. In response, Israel launched what its security forces described as a "massive" air strike. Overall the Israeli air strikes are reported to have killed 18 people, including eight civilians. World leaders have called for a ceasefire. Haaretz, an Israeli paper, reports that Hamas is seeking a ceasefire, and that Israel is waiting to see whether rocket attacks cease before agreeing. Public statements on both sides, however, remain belligerent.

Please pray:

for all who have been injured, detained or lost loved ones, and all who are living in fear as a result of the change and unrest
for all who are charged with responding to UN Security Council Resolution 1973 (authorising force for the protection of civilians in Libya), that they may do so wisely and in a way consonant with their mandate
for all who are working towards just and peaceful solutions to conflict, and especially all who seek to mediate between warring parties
that governments may respect the human rights of their citizens
that Israel and Hamas may agree a ceasefire, and that the ceasefire may be a step towards a just and peaceful solution to the area's tensions

A good (though not immediately up-to-date) briefing on Libya and the "Arab Spring" that was prepared for the Church of England can be found here.

Ivory Coast

The crisis in the Ivory Coast remains of the utmost severity. Fighters supporting Alassane Ouattara and those supporting Laurent Gbagbo both stand accused of atrocities. A Human Rights Watch report, researched over the past few weeks, documents murder, rape and pillage carried out by both sides (though with the majority from Ouattara's supporters) in the country's western area. In Abidjan, the city remains divided. Some areas are relatively peaceful; others are battlegrounds for the various militias.

The UN estimates that there are now 1 million internally displaced people in Liberia and over 130,000 who have fled to Liberia. Most of the latter are staying with host communities near the border. Agencies report that the host communities are generous, but that resources are stretched. Getting assistance to the communities in question is difficult, as the areas are remote. It is, however, happening and is a high priority.

Please pray:

for all those injured in and/or traumatised by the violence
for a just peace, and that violence targeting ethnic groups will not lead to further cycles of ethnically-driven violence
that any engagement by external actors (nations, the UN, ECOWAS) may be fair and effective

Give thanks

for the host communities of Liberia, and all those working to provide assistance to them and the refugees they are hosting.

Pray that supplies may get safely where they need to and that those who have fled, and all affected by the violence, may begin to experience safety and healing.

Tearfund, whose partners are working with people from the Western area of Ivory Coast and with refugees, has a powerpoint and a prayer for the situation. Might your church also wish to consider a collection to support the humanitarian work with refugees? Both CAFOD and Tearfund have appeals, as does Oxfam (one of whose officers filed this report from the border area).

*Last week's email offered some background to the situation. If you read French, SlateAfrique has also published a number of pieces exploring background issues, and in particular, ethnic tensions that underlie the fighting, and why Gbagbo refuses to concede. If you would like a translation, email us.

Bangkok and Climate Justice

The most recent UNFCCC talks on climate change, held in Bangkok this past week, made little progress. The final press release notes that "Parties to the Climate Change Convention . . . agreed an agenda to work towards a comprehensive and balanced outcome at the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban at the end of the year. Governments agreed that this outcome will both address the implementation of the Cancun Agreements and issues that were not resolved at Cancun but which are part of the comprehensive Bali Action Plan that governments agreed in 2007." Most of the week, however, had been spent wrangling over mitigation agreements, with developing countries annoyed that developed countries were unwilling to commit to extending Kyoto, and many developed countries insisting that major emerging economies must be brought into any new pact.

Please pray:

that all countries will take the necessary steps to reduce their carbon emissions
that the spirit of short-term self interest which so often seems to drive the major players may be replaced by a spirit of long-term global good and cooperation
that the funding promised to help developing countries adapt and move to low-carbon economies will be provided
that the funding involved will be additional to ordinary aid flows and will be disbursed fairly and effectively
for the people who are being, and will be, affected by extreme weather conditions related to climate change

Afghanistan

There has been much discussion of the violence against UN workers (and in Kandahar) at the end of last week. Many have debated whether such attacks will drive UN humanitarian workers yet farther from the people they are supposed to be helping, as safety issues restrict aid workers' movements more and more. Please pray for all who were caught up in the attack, and all who are assessing what the UN response will be.

At the same time, give thanks for all who are working with Afghan citizens to develop health services, education and safe and secure livelihoods . . . and particularly for small, specialised organisations, such as Afghan Action and the Afghan partners of major agencies such as Christian Aid.

"Living Proof"

Because there's so much that needs transformation, when we talk about world issues, we can sometimes focus on the "dry bones" stage. But there are profound stories of positive transformation to be told. Over the coming weeks, we'll be pointing towards places where we can see reasons for thanksgiving. And we'll start with the One campaign's new website devoted to telling the story of positive developments. It's called "Living Proof," and even at this early stage, there's a fantastic story about an Ivory Coast chief who gave his son the acceptance and strength needed to fight AIDS, news of a programme in Ethiopia that trains high-school educated women to become health extension workers, and more. Give thanks for all places where love of neighbour is made visible in the work that goes on. Pray that our churches may be inspired by love of God and neighbour to join in positive action!

And finally . . . as we pray for ourselves and our churches to have energy and strength to live out our love of God and neighbour:

"Each day, when I go outside, I experience the wonder of new life stirring after a long Winter. Grant me, also, new strength, O God!"

Another prayer from @twittagsgebet, which offers a daily Tweeted prayer at midday, courtesy of the Evangelische Landeskirche in Baden.

We are grateful for all comments on this prayer email. Please do let us know if you have any thoughts (positive or negative!) or if you would like to suggest an item for future issues. If you would like to receive this email on a weekly basis, send a note to maranda [at] ccow.org.uk.

For your prayers this coming week (13 March)

Maranda — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:54:34 +0000

Japan

As Japan begins to deal with the impacts of Friday's earthquake and tsunami -- and continues to suffer aftershocks -- please pray for:

those who are injured, who are missing or have lost loved ones, those who have seen homes and livelihoods swept away
those who are searching amidst the wreckage for survivors
those who are working to contain the damage at the nuclear power plants, refineries and other damaged facilities
those who are working to restore essential services and who are ministering to the injured, homeless and bereaved

Give thanks:

for the levels of preparation and training that saved so many lives in Japan
that the impact of the tsunami on other areas appears to have been relatively minimal

You may wish to adapt the prayer for Christchurch, which we sent out a few weeks ago: if you don't still have the email containing it, it can be found midway through the Earthquake Update document on the Methodist Church of New Zealand website here. The Sanctuary Centre suggests using the words (and/or music) to their song "Healer of the Nations," which can be found here. And there is a prayer from CAFOD here.

Please pray, too, for us as we watch events on our television screens -- that our hearts may be moved to regular prayer for those affected and that those of us who struggle with faith in the face of disaster may find guidance and comfort. (Some people may find this link helpful)

Libya

The last few days have seen the pro-Gaddafi Libyan forces launching an all-out attack, including air strikes, on cities held by the Libyan rebels. Several are now under the control of the pro-Government forces after intense fighting, and "momentum" has switched to the Government forces: Al-Jazeera suggests that they may move further into the rebel-held East towards Benghazi. This evening, the Arab League formally requested the UN Security Council to impose a "no-fly zone" in Libya.

Please pray:

for all caught up in the violence
that the unrest will lead to an increase of justice and peace in Libya
for wisdom for the world's leaders and governments, as they discern how to respond to the situation and, in particular, whether to impose a "no-fly zone"

As always, please look at our Middle East list on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ccowinfo) for the latest updates . . . as they may well change hourly.

Follow Ups: The Church in Egypt and the Ivory Coast

Over the past week, sectarian violence has erupted, as a church in Egypt was burned and a clash during protests that followed left 13 Christians dead. On Friday, Christians and Muslims joined in a march for unity, but tensions remain high. Please pray:

for a just and peaceful resolution to the tensions in the village of Sol, where the church was burned
that the new Egyptian state may safeguard religious liberties for minority religions
for wisdom and strength for the church, as it seeks to respond to and participate in the rapid changes in Egyptian society

The situation in the Ivory Coast continues to worsen. The latest reports indicate that following Thursday's recognition by the African Union of opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara's victory, Laurent Gbagbo is using heavy weapons to drive Ouattara's supporters out of some areas of the capital city. Please pray for those suffering from the violence -- and for a just solution to the ongoing election stalemate. Pray too for the international community, as it considers options for humanitarian assistance, as well as interventions in the political situation.

As Fairtrade Fortnight ends . . . .

In Oxford on Thursday, two women from the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative spoke energetically about the benefits that Fairtrade had brought to them and their 64,000 cooperative colleagues. As Fairtrade Fortnight comes to a close, please give thanks:

for the growth in sales of Fairtrade products in the UK (to £1.17 billion last year), and the benefits that growth has conveyed to producers around the world
for the clinics, schools, roads, hospital buildings, generators, wells and other projects that have been constructed because of the Fairtrade social premium
for the ways in which Fairtrade's emphasis on women's participation has enabled women to become more involved in the structures and management of businesses and communities
for the way Fairtrade has helped shift businesses towards more ethical practices in a range of areas.

Fairtrade Fortnight Events 2011

Maranda — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:22:05 +0000

Fairtrade Fortnight 2011: Events in Berks, Bucks and Oxon

If you know of other events, please do get in touch! Email maranda@ccow.org.uk, and we'll update the list.

Throughout Fairtrade Fortnight

Local Fair Trade shops @St Mary's (Wendover), Fair Trade @ St Michael's (Oxford), Just Trading (Wallingford), The Mustard Seed (Faringdon), The Windmill (Headington, Oxford), World Shop @ RISC (Reading) will be having events to engage with Fairtrade Fortnight. Many village and community shops (such as the East Hagbourne village shop) will also have special Fairtrade displays. Do visit the websites (and the shops) and see what's happening!

If you're in Oxford, you can also celebrate Fairtrade cotton at the Botanical Gardens. "Explore the tropical Palm House to see crops of cotton, find out the differences between a pair of Fairtrade jeans and a conventional pair, and why supporting Fairtrade cotton farmers is so important. See displays of clothes from ethical traders, as well as some unusual fibres such as 'peace silk' and 'naturally coloured cotton.' Palm House open during glasshouse opening hours, 10.00am – 4.00pm. Garden open 9.00am – 5.00pm. Entry, adults £3.80, children free. University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ, 01865 286690,www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

Specific Events

4 March -- WENDOVER -- Big Brew
In the @St Mary's Fairtrade Shop, 10:00 am onwards.

4 March -- OXFORD -- Wine Tasting
At the Co-op in Headington. 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

4 March -- GROVE -- Wine Tasting
At the Grovelands Co-op, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

5 March -- BANBURY -- Big Brew and Bunting
Opportunities to enjoy Fairtrade refreshments and to decorate (more!) bunting. With a display of bunting made "on the day" and some bunting made earlier by students at Banbury School. Town Hall -- contact maranda@ccow.org.uk for details.

5 March -- BICESTER -- Fairtrade Street Action
Bicester Fairtraders will celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight with a stall, bunting, leaflets, balloons and a stilt walker.

5 March -- BOURNE END -- Shopper's Refreshments Stall.
Tea/coffee/biscuits and honey tasting served to passers-by.Outside the Co-op Store in the Parade, Bourne End. SL8 5SS, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

5 March -- FARINGDON -- Fairtrade Bunting World Record Attempt
Come and decorate bunting! Under Faringdon Town Hall, 9:30 am to 11:30 am. All materials provided. More details from karen@vogt.org.uk/01367 241707.

5 March -- HOOK NORTON -- Fairtrade Tea
Held by St Peter's, with homemade cakes and biscuits. 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

5 March -- NAPHILL -- Fairtrade Tea and Coffee Tasting Event.
Drink as much as you like for £2. Traidcraft stall. Naphill Methodist Church, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

5 March -- NEWPORT PAGNELL -- Big Brew
URC Newport Pagnell, MK16 8ND, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

5 March -- SANDHURST -- Annual Quiz with Fairtrade Supper and Fairtrade Wine
Fairtrade hot supper, wine, quiz. Speaker Paul Chandler, CEO Traidcraft. St. Michael's Church, Church Rd, 7:00 pm. Reservations: jill-a-white@tiscali.co.uk/01344 774349.

5 March -- SHRIVENHAM -- Fairtrade Sale
Shrivenham Methodist Church Coffee Shop, 10:00 am to 11:30 am. All welcome.

5 March -- THATCHAM -- Big Brew
Tea and coffee morning with home made cakes and biscuits made with Fairtrade ingredients. Opportunity to help decorate bunting for the Fairtrade cotton campaign.Thatcham Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Thatcham, RG18 4JP, 10:00 am.

5 March -- WITNEY -- Annual Fair Trade Market
One of the biggest in our area. Langdale Hall, off Market Square, 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.

5 March -- WOODSTOCK -- Fairtrade Coffee Morning
Come to the farmer's market and enjoy Fairtrade refreshments, with an emphasis on honey, at the same time! Proceeds to a development project in Ethiopia. Sponsored by Sustainable Woodstock. Town Hall. Check here for further details.

6 March -- BANBURY -- Big Brew and Fairtrade Lunch
Enjoy Fairtrade refreshments and take the "honey quiz." St Francis Church, after the 10:30 am service.

6 March -- FARINGDON -- Fairtrade Sale and Big Brew Coffee
Catholic Church Hall (Blessed Hugh), 10:00 am to 11:00 am. All welcome

6 March -- FYFIELD -- Fairtrade Sale
St Nicholas church, 10:30 am (after the village service). All welcome.

6 March -- OXFORD -- Misa Campesina and Fairtrade from Nicaragua
25th Anniversary of the Twinning of the City of Oxford and Leon, singing of Nicaraguan Misa Campesina, and an exhibition of Fair Trade products from Nicaragua. Blackfriars Church, 64 St Giles, 11:00 am.

6 March -- SANDHURST -- Renewal of Fairtrade Vows
Using Just1's "Fairtrade vows" service . . . and making a banner. St Michael's Church. Contact: jill-a-white@tiscali.co.uk/01344 774349 for details.

6 March -- WARFIELD -- Fairtrade Focused Service
Quiz and DVD during the service, bunting, Fairtrade cakes, biscuits, etc. St Michaels Church, RG42 6GE. Contact church office for details.

6 March -- WOKINGHAM -- Carnival Sunday with Fairtrade Feast
After the 11:00 am service at the Cornerstone, Norreys Ave, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Tel: 0118 979 2797 for details and to register.

7 March -- DORCHESTER-ON-THAMES -- Fairtrade Coffee
11 Page Furlong, OX10 7PU, 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. For tickets contact Linda Hender on 01865 340032.

8 March -- OXFORD -- Celebrate All Things Fairtrade
Two producers from Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana will speak -- and there will be chocolate tasting, a Fairtrade fashion show, bunting to decorate, stalls and more! Town Hall, St Aldate's, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Midcounties Co-op. All welcome!

8 March -- SHRIVENHAM -- Fairtrade Pancakes
Pancake Feast at the Shrivenham Methodist Church, 10am-12midday. All welcome!

8 March -- THAME -- Wine Tasting
At the Co-op in Thame, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

8 March -- WENDOVER -- Pancakes!
Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with pancakes, served with Fairtrade honey, golden syrup or traditional lemon and sugar. Wendover Christian Centre, Aylesbury Rd HP22 6JG, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Contact 01296 625769 for details.

9 March -- MILTON KEYNES -- Celebrating Women and Fairtrade!
Local business woman, Susan Waters of Cotton Roots will be talking about her Fair Trade company and the impact Fairtrade has had on her supply chain. Fairtrade food and wine will be included in the price of entry and there will be campaigning and gift stalls to browse.
Greek Orthodox Church Hall in Stony Stratford, starting at 7pm. Places are limited, and confirmation is essential. To confirm your place please either email: enquiries@mkfairtrade.org.uk Pay on the door: £8 (or £5 unwaged)

10 March -- SOUTHMOOR -- Fairtrade Honey event
Free event organised by Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor WI to raise awareness about beekeepers in developing countries. Traidcraft goods for sale, plus refreshments. Southmoor Methodist Chapel, Hanney Rd, OX13 5HT, 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. contact Mel Gulliford on 01865 821087 or melissagulliford@yahoo.co.uk for further info.

11 March -- CARTERTON -- Fairtrade Wine Tasting
At the Co-op in Blackbourton Road, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

11 March -- CHESHAM -- Fairtrade Wine and Nibbles Evening
Selection of Fairtrade wines and snacks (each visitor will receive a free glass of FT wine or fruit juice of their choice) and talk by Veronica Pasteur, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation. Immediately preceded by Chesham4Fairtrade's first AGM at 7:30 pm. Emmanuel Church, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

11 March -- WENDOVER -- Fairtrade Brunch
Brunch promoting Fairtrade and locally sourced goods, plus a chance to design bunting. Wendover Christian Centre, Aylesbury Rd, HP22 6JG, 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Details: 01296 625769.

12 March -- CHESHAM -- Fairtrade Fair
Stalls with Fairtrade chocolate, sneakers, footballs and more. Displays, cafe. Speaker: Adam Gardner from the Fairtrade Foundation. Chesham Grammar School, White Hill Rd, HP5 1BA, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. 50p entrance fee for adults.

12 March -- DATCHET -- Big Brew
Come and help us 'Create A Buzz' We will be selling Fair Trade Tea, Coffee, Biscuits & Honey and the event is open to all. "The Bridge On The Green," 10.30am to 1:00.pm.

12 March -- GROVE -- Bunting Bonanza!
Fairtrade bunting afternoon -- pens, paints, sequins, sewing and bunting provided - just bring your imagination! Fartrade drinks and cakes available for purchase in the coffeeshop. Cornerstone Coffeeshop, 10 Savile Way, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

12 March -- OXFORD -- Fairtade Landmark Event
Anyone with bunting (or who wants to decorate bunting) is invited. We'll receive/decorate bunting from 10:30 onwards at Fair Trade @ St Michael's, then have a bit of a Fairtade sing, a talk from an Oxfam staff member, and sally forth to bunt key Oxford landmarks -- returning for a light lunch. St Michael at the Northgate, Cornmarket, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

12 March -- OXFORD -- Fairtrade Tea and Cake
Jericho Community Centre, 33 Canal St Oxford OX2 6BQ. 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

12 March -- THATCHAM -- Fashion, Food and Fairtrade Facts
Fashion parade by young people showing off cotton T-shirts designed to promote the Fairtrade message. Fairtrade cookery demonstration and tasting by chef who trained with Marco Pierre White. Traidcraft items to buy, a short talk and a game to play.For information call T: 01635 863592 Thatcham Park Primary School, RG18 4NP, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

13 March -- BUCKLAND -- Fairtrade Sale
St Mary's, after the morning service. All welcome.

13 March -- CHALFONT ST GILES -- Fairtrade service
Run by the youth group, with Traidcraft available. St Giles Church, 10:00 am.

13 March -- WOKINGHAM -- Fairtrade sale and refreshments
Regular Traidcraft stall, plus fairly-traded baked treats will be available to taste with teas and coffees. Donations to CAFOD. Corpus Christi Church, 60 Sturges Rd, RG40 2HE, after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am services.

14 March -- READING -- Fair Trade Fashion Show
Models showing clothes from People Tree and Bishopstone Trading as well as some High Street shops. Stalls selling other Fairtrade products. Tickets £3. Free Parking on site. Reading University Students Union, Whiteknights Site, Shinfield Rd, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

19 March -- STANFORD IN THE VALE -- Fairtrade Sale
St Denys Church, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. All welcome.

For your prayers this coming week (27 February)

Maranda — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 01:39:01 +0000

Libya and North Africa/the Middle East

(As in past weeks, the most recent information will be in the media or on our Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/ccowinfo)

The crisis in Tripoli continues to intensify. Please pray for a just peace to end the conflict, and for just and peace-loving leaders to emerge and to lead the country forward. Pray for all who have suffered death or injury in the conflict, and for their loved ones. Pray for all who have been displaced, or who are seeking to return to their homes in other countries.

Please pray too for people living in Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia and other locations where citizens and those governing (new and old) continue to clash. Ask God that there, too, those who mourn may be comforted, those who are injured may receive healing, and there may be positive, peaceful and just outcomes to the various situations. Pray that Christians and churches in all these countries may be a powerful witness to God's love and truth during these troubled times. Pray for the social ministries of the churches, that they may have the resources and strength to continue their mission.

Finally, please pray for the governments of the UK and other countries, that they may be granted wisdom and discernment in responding to the various situations, and may work together for the common good.

Aotearoa/New Zealand

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. . . ." (cited by Archbishop David Moxon, in his article below)

Please pray for

all who have suffered injuries or the loss of loved ones in the earthquakes in Christchurch
the rescue teams and those who are waiting news of the missing.
those who have lost homes and businesses, or who have had to be moved from damaged homes or care homes
all who are suffering trauma as a result of what they saw or experienced
all who are ministering to people who have suffered injury, loss or trauma
the churches, that they may be witnesses to God's love
speedy restoration of water and power.
the area to be spared further significant aftershocks.

"The people of God are responding with courage and resolve to the present state of emergency caused by the recent earthquake and aftershocks. Although debris and wreckage are in evidence on every street and both the army and emergency services are a constant presence, courtesy and consideration prevail. A very significant number of people have lost their home, business and/or church building, yet there is a sense of aroha, community care and outreach." ( from the Bishops' statement on the earthquake) The image of God in everyone – however tarnished, fallen or unrecognized – can be glimpsed in the good that we become capable of. (Archbishop David Moxon: "God in the rubble of Christchurch.")

Give thanks for all who worked to rescue others, for all who continue to work to stabilise buildings and to provide accommodation and essential supplies and services, and all who are offering ministries of care and healing.

Prayers for the people of New Zealand: Catholic Diocese of Christ Church, Church of England, United Reformed Church. NB: There will be two minutes of silence at 12:51 pm on Tuesday (New Zealand time, 11:51 pm Monday evening here).

Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight begins on Monday and lasts until 13 March. The growth of Fair Trade has brought dignity and hope to millions of producers and their communities. There are prayers and reflections on Bible passages in the Fairtrade Foundation's Church Action Guide for 2011. We have also attached some prayers from CCOW and Asha Handicrafts to this post.

One Voice

This week, Tearfund invites churches to join a Global Poverty Prayer Movement. Please pray that churches throughout the country and throughout the world may join in concerted prayer for an end to poverty. Click here for information and resources.

Teenagers

In the global effort to save children’s lives, we hear too little about adolescence. Given the magnitude of the threats to children under the age of five, it makes sense to focus investment there – and that attention has produced stunning success. In the last 20 years, the number of children under five dying every day from preventable causes has been cut by one third, from 34,000 in 1990 to around 22,000 in 2009. Yet consider this: In Brazil, decreases in infant mortality between 1998 and 2008 added up to over 26,000 children’s lives saved – but in that same decade, 81,000 Brazilian adolescents, 15–19 years old, were murdered. Surely, we do not want to save children in their first decade of life only to lose them in the second. (Anthony Lake, Executive Director of UNICEF, Foreword to "Adolescence: An Age of Opportunity")

UNICEF released a report this week dedicated to the world's 1.2 billion adolescents (10 to 19). The report pointed out that these youngsters need support as they move from childhood to adulthood and take on new responsibilities. This period should be -- and can be -- "An Age of Opportunity." All too often, however, policies and programmes are focused on younger children or on adults. The result? Much has been done to improve child health and mortality, but young people remain vulnerable to violence, trafficking and health risks, are often unable to access services and feel alienated from social structures. In particular, young people who are not in school and are unable to find productive work can find it hard to integrate into the community and can feel their potential is being wasted.

Please pray

for young people worldwide as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood
that they may find environments that are safe and secure
that their creativity and potential may be recognised
that they may find opportunities for work and relationships that will enable them to flourish
that they may grow in the knowledge and love of God

Aid

We are begining to hear about the results of DfID's "Multilateral Aid Review," in which the department has been assessing the contributions the UK makes to international bodies such as the World Bank; the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria; UN bodies; and the International Committee of the Red Cross. More information should become available this week. Early stories suggest that funding to some organisations is perhaps to be discontinued or reduced. Please pray for the process and for the organisations involved.

For your prayers this coming week (29 January)

Maranda — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:36:21 +0000

Situation in the Middle East

Anything we post here is liable to be out of date almost as soon as it's posted. Please follow the situation in the media (new or old) and keep it in prayer.

Food Prices and Food Security

In many churches this week, people will read about the widow of Zarephath, whose son Elijah raised from the dead (1 Kings 17) This widow is famous for having provided food for Elijah during a time of drought and famine -- in return, Elijah promised that by the grace of God her own supply of food would not run out.

Extreme weather events and crop failure have been a feature of this past year, too. In addition the world's rising population -- and relatively wealthy people's increasing appetite for dairy and meat -- mean that more food is required. Governments have engaged in export restrictions and panic buying. Many feel that speculation in food commodities is also having an impact. All in all, the Food and Agriculture Organisation's global Food Price Index has risen even above the levels reached in the crisis of 2008.

In Britain, we are seeing rising food prices in the shops and a higher rate of inflation. For the average person in the UK, it may mean thinking harder about what we eat. But for people on a relatively low income in the UK it means potential hardship. And for some people in developing countries, where the poorest households may already spend 70 to 75% of their income on food, the food price increases are potentially devastating. “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” (1 Kings 17:12)

Please pray:

for people who are suffering anxiety and/or hunger because of rising food prices
for those who work to provide support for them
that those who can afford food will eat in ways that are sustainable in the long term
for good weather for planting and harvesting this year
for farmers and those charged with thinking about ways to improve agricultural production
for the EC's moves towards regulating speculation in food commodities
for more and better aid and better policies to support marginal farmers and increase food security
for the will to tackle climate change, which is predicted, if unchecked, to lead to further crop failures and stresses on agriculture

For your prayers this coming week (22 January)

Maranda — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:46:51 +0000

Much of the world's attention is focused on Tunisia this week. Please pray for that country's new government, for stability and for fulfillment of the promises of reform that have been made. Pray too that in the relative freedom that follows the overthrow of the totalitarian government, groups that espouse peace, rather than those that espouse violence, may be in the ascendant.

This week we focus on countries where violence is causing grief and anxiety for many. These include Iraq, which has suffered several bombings, and:

Ivory Coast
The ongoing impasse over the disputed elections in Côte d'Ivoire may no longer be in the news, but the UN reports that violence and human rights violations are increasing, and there are growing numbers of refugees trying to make their way to Liberia. Please pray for peace in the Ivory Coast. Pray that Laurent Gbagbo, the defeated president, will cede power, and that all parties will be able to work together for a peaceful settlement. Pray for all who are suffering because of the violence and uncertainty, and pray that the hearts of those committing violence will be changed. Pray for all who are seeking to keep peace and/or to work with refugees and displaced persons. Tearfund is supporting partners in the Ivory Coast and Liberia who are working to help displaced people; please pray for their partners.

Mexico
Official statistics released recently indicated that almost 35,000 people have died in drug-related violence since 2006. The tide of murders, kidnappings, and massacres is blighting the lives of millions. Yesterday alone, a gun battle following an execution left five dead and two police wounded, while in separate incidents sixteen people were killed by organised crime across the country. Please pray for all those who have been injured, for those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, for those who live in fear.

Christians are taking an active stance against the violence. Recently, for example, the Roman Catholic church and CARITAS Mexico have launched a new campaign to encourage people to be "Ambassadors of Peace" In an earlier message, the Mexican bishops called on the government to secure justice, overcoming corruption and a culture of impunity, and to take on those things which strengthen the narcotics trade. They called on Mexico's citizens to become responsible for each other, mutually caring for and encouraging each other. They reassured the victims of violence that the church is standing with them, asking them to turn their gaze towards the crucified Christ and expressing the hope that, through forgiveness, they would transform their grief into the hope of new life. And "to all those who are involved in this dirty trade -- to the producers, traffickers, sellers and users-- we make a strong appeal: ENOUGH! Let them no longer do harm to themselves and no longer continue causing such harm and grief to our young people, our families and our country."

Please join your prayers for these points to those of Christians in Mexico, and pray for the success of all initiatives for peace.

Follow up on previous weeks . . .

Sudan
Give thanks for the relatively smooth running of the referendum in Southern Sudan, which has been widely praised as fair. Final figures will not be released until later this month (30 January), but early figures indicate an overwhelming vote for independence. Please pray for those areas which are still disputed territory (and particularly Abyei, where a prospective referendum was shelved), for minorities in both North and South, and for those who will have responsibility for the negotiations following on from the referendum. Pray also for the people who will need to guide the new country that emerges through considerable challenges.

Floods
Please continue to those who are affected by floods worldwide, including in addition to people in Australia, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka (mentioned last week) people in Southern Africa (and especially South Africa and Mozambique). For those involved with the Diocese of Oxford's link with the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman, please keep that region particularly in your prayers, as much of the flooding in South Africa is along the Orange River and in the Northern Cape.

Pray too for all who are working to assist those affected by the floods. If you would like to report back to your congregation with specific prayer requests relating to particular agencies, some are listed below:

Baptist World Aid Australia, which asked Australians to pray and give in solidarity both at home and abroad: http://www.catalystonline.org.au/index.php?catID=1&newID=25
Catholic Relief Services helping in Philippines: http://www.ucanews.com/2011/01/20/church-helps-philippine-typhoon-victims-pick-up-pieces/
Christian Aid allocations: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/areas-of-concern/index.aspx
CAFOD allocations: http://www.cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-updates/relief-after-floods-2011-01-18
Tearfund assisting Colombia: http://www.tearfund.org/News/World+news/Aid+sent+to+flood+hit+Colombia.htm

For your prayers this coming week (15 January)

Maranda — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:27:25 +0000

Floods
Queensland, Brazil, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Colombia

Flooding is affecting millions around the world this weekend. Queensland's travails have been widely reported, as have the mudslides that that killed over 500 and left thousands homeless in Brazil.

We also need to keep in prayer:

those affected by floods in the Philippines, which according to the BBC have killed forty and affected more than 1 million people.
the more than 1 million who, according the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Center, have been affected by monsoon floods in that country, where over 40 have been killed and about 14,000 houses partially or wholly destroyed.
and people in Colombia and Pakistan as they continue to attempt to recover after their own flooding disasters last year.

Please pray for all who have been affected. Please also pray not only for the present situation but also that governments and agencies will be able to addres long-term concerns about such things as (depending on the location) the loss of harvests, the contamination of wells, and levels of poverty that lead people to live on marginal and occasionally unsafe land.

The Methodist Church has a very helpful prayer that you may wish to use in your services.

Local Campaigners Take Part in the "Big Climate Connection"

Maranda — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:20:52 +0000

Around the Thames Valley, local campaigners took part in "The Big Climate Connection," meeting their MPs to discuss the UK's climate change policy.

In Maidenhead, Laura Bigoni from CAFOD and Simon Bond from the Maidenhead Quakers spoke with the Home Secretary, Teresa May, MP.

Laura explained the reason why she and Simon took part in the lobby:“The next international climate change talks taking place in Cancun in December are very important and we hope the UK government will show leadership in the global negotiations to help developing countries adapt to climate change, develop in a low carbon way and protect their forests. This needs to be done in a way that benefits the world’s poor in the developing world.”

“We had a good discussion with Theresa May on the issues and she told us that the Government is keen to deal with climate change and environmental problems in general, and on the UK being at the forefront of low carbon technology industries.”

Simon added “Developing countries around the world are getting more concerned about the changing climate because they can already see the impact on their populations, especially in the case of those who depend on the land. The world’s poorest communities are likely to be the ones that suffer the most from climate change.”

“We want the government to lead by example at home by including some really effective provisions in the forthcoming Energy Security and Green Economy Bill to help reduce carbon emissions from homes and power stations, in particular by enabling seven million UK homes to have an energy efficiency makeover. These will reduce our use of dirty fossil fuels and dependence on gas imports.”

Owen Jewiss has also sent in details of a lobby of Rob Wilson, MP, in the Reading East constituency. He writes:

In the Reading East Constituency five people, including two from Reading’s Christian Ecology Link, lobbied Rob Wilson MP on 5 November as part of the Big Climate Connection Stop Climate Chaos Lobby. We were cordially received and given over half an hour of his time. We reminded him that in the hustings prior to the General Election the first two questions were concerned with climate change and environmental matters and that the lobbyists represented the tip of an iceberg of concern among his constituents.

We brought four local initiatives to his attention asking for his support where needed.

1.The initiative of Reading Energy Pioneers to promote renewable energy installations to home owners and support them to bulk buy as a group. An idea spawned from an event organised by the Greater Reading Environmental Network (GREN).

2.A new initiative suggested by GREN’s board member on the Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP), a sub group of the Local Strategic Partnership, proposes a new public/private/voluntary company to undertake a major local initiative on energy efficiency/renewables installations in homes across Reading, particularly in the lower income/private rented homes.

3.Neighbourhood groups are forming across Reading as part of the Transition Town movement. Also GREN is working on a vision for a truly sustainable Reading. These have obvious links with the Big Society agenda.

4.Action is being taken by the Faith Communities; in particular Park United Reformed Church plans to install photovoltaic panels on its roof and a wood pellet boiler for its heating system.

We drew to the attention of the MP policy demands on home energy efficiency, an emissions performance standard for fossil fuel power stations and international finance.

Nationally we asked for the following to be included in the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill:

A strong Green Deal to ensure that by 2020 7 million homes in the UK have had an energy efficiency makeover, reducing their emissions by at least 60 per cent.
Minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector so that by 2016 the most unhealthy homes (below Band F and G) cannot be let.
Enabling legislation so that a strong Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) for fossil fuel power stations can be set to enable delivery of a decarbonised electricity supply by 2030.

Internationally we asked that at the Cancun International Climate talks in December the UK must:

Support the establishment of one common climate fund to help developing countries adapt to climate change, develop in a low carbon way and protect their forests.
Support and champion new and innovative sources of public climate finance, including revenue from measures to tackle aviation and shipping emissions, and a levy on financial transactions.
Guarantee that UK money for adaptation in developing countries will be provided as grants rather than loans, and push other donors to do likewise.

In particular we asked Rob Wilson to write to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State at DECC expressing support for these policies; we also asked him to work with us over the next year to ensure progress on this agenda and indicated that we wished to have further meetings to enquire about progress.
Rob Wilson spoke with confidence about the commitment of Mr Huhne, the DECC Secretary, enthused about the Green Deal and expressed his views on nuclear power which differed from those of most of the lobbyists. The MP did not know at what level the UK participation at Cancun would be.
Those present at the lobby were Paul Harper (GREN), Katherine Watts (WWF), Chris Burden (Friends of the Earth) and Rita Belletty and Owen Jewiss (Christian Ecology Link), each contributing to the exchanges.

Owen Jewiss
11 November 2010.

Did you take part in a "Big Climate Connection" lobby? If so, do send in your stories and pictures!