Priority Areas news

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Priority Areas news

April 2022

Spring is here and Easter is only around the corner, with the message of new life. In that spirit, we are pleased to offer a taste of our latest learning programme in this month’s newsletter. We are highlighting some of our learning events taking place over the next couple of months that we have developed in response to what you have told us about your needs.

We also feature a number of funds and resources, as usual, alongside signposting ways in which we are called to make a response to the war in Ukraine.

Don’t forget we meet online every Friday for a Wee Conversation at 10:30am, which is always another good way to feel part of our network. Look forward to seeing you soon!

Facing the Hard Truths with Real Solutions

Monday 25 April, 10am - 4pm
Wallacewell Church, Glasgow

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” - Leo Tolstoy

This is a full-day creative and interactive workshop consisting of two morning sessions and one afternoon session. It will enable participants to use their learning from the morning sessions to develop an action plan for their own parish/community. This is an opportunity to explore God’s design for ourselves and our communities as you answer questions such as “What’s in your hands?” or "What do you see?"

These are questions we find being asked in Scripture of some of our faith heroes. What often seems obvious or sounds like a silly question can lead to a new perspective and creative solutions. How would you answer these questions today in such uncertain and ever-changing times?

Bring along your church’s Statistics for Mission pack which can be found on the Church of Scotland website (by searching for your church) as a reference tool to help you develop your ‘Blueprint for Change’.

*If your church already engages with community partners, then bring them along too. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Book now

The Emotionally Effective Leader

Thursday 28 April, 10am - 4pm
Gorbals Parish Church, Glasgow

Emotional intelligence impacts every single thing we do. As leaders it has an enormous impact on the people around us, and the effectiveness of the work we lead.

Alternating between group activities and individual reflective exercises, this engaging workshop encourages leaders to focus on their leadership strengths and areas they can develop further. Together we will:

Create an understanding of emotional intelligence using the EQ-i 2.0 tool
Identify specific areas in our own EQ-i 2.0 leadership reports and build an action plan to work on areas to develop and enhance our strengths
Apply what is learned in the session by developing a personal Leadership Effectiveness Framework

Book now

Ukraine update

We know that many in our churches and communities are voicing their concerns about the situation in Ukraine. The Church of Scotland has dedicated pages on the website with useful information about how we can respond.

Homes for Ukraine, the scheme to provide housing for Ukrainian refugees, is developing rapidly. At an online meeting this week hosted by the Church's Ukraine Response Group, congregations were able to come together to hear more about how to get involved. A recording of this meeting is available on the Church of Scotland YouTube channel.

Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees has produced an up-to-the-minute briefing to support actions that you can take.

Pioneer Practice Tour

Jonny Baker is director of Mission Education at the Church Mission Society in Oxford, and a renowned writer and inspirer on ‘pioneering’ forms of mission and ministry. He is touring with musician and artist Gav Mart – and working with local pioneers – to explore key themes of ‘Pioneer Practice’, the name of his recent book.

Join one of the sessions to explore the exciting potential of pioneering forms of Christian mission and church:

4 May: Paisley 7pm-9:30pm
5 May: Dunbar 10:30am-3.30pm
5 May: Edinburgh 7pm-9pm
6 May: Ellon 6.30pm-9pm
7 May: Perth 9.30am-12pm

Booking is essential so register now to secure your place.

Book your tickets

Baillie Gifford Multi-Year Awards

Deadline: 28 April 2022

This fund is aimed at supporting grassroots community organisations across Scotland. Grants are available of up to £15,000 over three years (i.e. up to £5,000 per year).

Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate a fit with one of the following priorities:

Reducing isolation in Scotland’s communities: this includes all forms of isolation whether due to health, disability, rurality, or projects which aim to tackle barriers to inclusion.
Supporting financial inclusion: this can include food poverty-related projects and those that seek to maximise the income of families that may be struggling due to the impact of Universal Credit, disability, in-work poverty, and so on.
Overcoming homelessness: this includes any work to tackle homelessness in our communities.
Improving employability and enterprise, particularly in young people.

They clearly state: "religious groups may apply for funding for non-religious activity that will benefit the wider community beyond their own specific congregation and is open to all on a non-denominational basis."

Find out more and apply

Didymus

Deadline: 30 April 2022

Didymus supports work in the United Kingdom, Africa, Central and South America which fulfils one of our five goals:

Encouraging social inclusion
Advancing education
Developing the arts
Advancing equality and diversity
Promoting religious understanding.

Find out more and apply

The Claremont Trust

Deadline: 30 April 2022

The Claremont Trust seeks to support groups that give practical expression to their faith in the life of society in Scotland and overseas (e.g. small innovative faith-based enterprises seeking to tackle social need and promote inclusion at local level).

The Trust is ecumenical and was founded on strong convictions of Christian social responsibility. It welcomes applications from any faith group, and supports initiatives of groups that are working towards a fairer and more just world.

Find out more and apply

Life and Work: Easter offer

Life and Work magazine has an Easter offer running until the end of April with savings for either an annual print or digital subscription:

- Print: 12 issues for the price of 10. Offer price: £30. Enter promotion code EAST22 to receive a £6 discount. New subscribers only and delivered to UK addresses.
- Digital: 12 issues for £14.99 (normally £20.99). No code required – simply select the introductory offer option.

Vacancies within Priority Areas

Parish Assistant - Drumchapel: St Andrew's

Phone:
759 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8DS

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