More and more tragic cases of abuse linked to churches have been uncovered by the police or media in recent years. How are we, as part of the Church of England, responding?
 Rosie Brooks is our ‘Parish Safeguarding Officer’ - she helps make sure that we implement the ever-stricter guidelines about who can work with children or vulnerable adults. She also liaises with the PCC and leaders of activities to help make sure that safeguarding guidelines are followed. 
 Everyone involved in church leadership has to be safely recruited and complete several levels of safeguarding training, and everyone who works directly with under 18s or vulnerable adults has to be recruited and trained appropriately. That doesn’t just include Junior Church leaders – it includes (for example) band leaders where there’s an under 18 playing in the band.
 Some people think safeguarding is just about DBS checks. Rosie explains: “Those shouldn’t be used in isolation. We have to take up references and follow safe recruiting procedures as well.”
 Training courses are available online and in person, and help staff and volunteers alike ensure good practice, recognise situations where someone might be at risk, and know how to respond when a situation arises.
 If you have any safeguarding concerns, there are signs in all the church buildings for contacting Rosie, or you can look at stjamesbythepark.org/safeguarding – which also has our safeguarding policy.
 We are very grateful to everyone involved in safeguarding, who together help make sure that everyone who attends is safe and secure. If there’s a form you haven’t yet completed or training you haven’t yet done, please do!
 If you have been the victim of abuse and would like to chat confidentially, you are welcome to chat with Rosie or one of the clergy.

We know our country's political future is in a mess. How should we respond? In prayer. Here's some suggested prayers from the Church of England:

A prayer for everyone to use
God of hope,
in these times of change,
unite our nation
and guide our leaders with your wisdom.
Give us courage to overcome our fears,
and help us to build a future
in which all may prosper and share;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Archbishop of York’s Prayer for the UK Parliament
God of eternal love and power,
save our Parliamentary Democracy;
protect our High Court of Parliament and all its members 
from partiality and prejudice;
that they may walk humbly the path of kindness, justice and mercy.
Give them wisdom, insight and a concern for the common good.
The weight of their calling is too much to bear in their own strength,
therefore we pray earnestly, Father,
send them help from your Holy Place, and be their tower of strength.
Lord, graciously hear us. 
Amen.
© Archbishop Sentamu 2019

The Archbishop of York’s Prayer for the European Union
God of all Hopefulness,
Upholding and Renewing your Creation:
Give your Grace abundantly to our
European Union Leaders, that they may
Lead with Wisdom and Insight,
With a Willingness to Lead and be Led.
In your mercy cast out, in us, all fear,
godlessness, sin and love of money;
And help us to live Truth, Justice,
Peace, Compassion and Joy.
To the Glory of your Name. 
Amen.
© Archbishop Sentamu 2019

Some responsive prayers to be used with others
God of life and hope,
we pray for our nation and for the guidance of your Holy Spirit,
that you will give wisdom and courage to our leaders
that together we may work for the common good.

Lord, come to bless us,
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the peace that your Holy Spirit brings:
in these days of change protect us from anxiety
and keep us confident of your love.

Lord, come to bless us,
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit:
where there is division or discord in communities,
we ask you to bring reconciliation and peace.

Lord, come to bless us,
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit:
as we move into a new chapter in the life of our nation
we ask you to equip us for all that lies ahead.

Lord, come to bless us,
and fill us with your Spirit.

\Petal is the name for the social venture we partner with to support sustainable washable sanitary towel manufacturing in Bupadhengo ( our link Parish) We are also in partnership with Ascension Church in Bittern Park. The project has had 3 visits from Bradley and Adam who are employed by Wessex Social Ventures from University of Southampton http://wsv.global/ They have sourced materials, repaired sewing machines and trained entrepreneurs. The team in Bupadhengo have updated the pattern used for the sanitary towels which are now being used in other projects in both Kenya and Uganda! They are however struggling with sales, as we are aware, there just isn’t much cash around, and girls’ sanitary products are not a priority ( over food or rent). We are in discussion around how to progress, either with a sponsorship system, to subsidise production, or to develop a sewing school, so the girls can make their own at cost price. Do pray for the right decisions to be made.
There is a team visiting from Bittern Park in the next few weeks, and Bradley has relocated to Kenya to support the projects more closely. Pray for him.
Working with the team in Uganda has made me consider my own impact on the environment and changed my monthly routine- too much info for Grapevine? No apologies!!! Man up!!!
There are lots of sustainable products on the market now- washable and reusable. I’m a complete convert, so do talk to one another and here’s some of the companies you might find useful.
https://topsydaisy.com/
https://www.shethinx.com/pages/btwn
http://lunacups.com/

Ps. There are some great ways to recycle your electrical goods too- or repair them- talk to Mark Hilliard.
​

Josh Cook, our youth worker writes …
There are currently nearly 30,000 young people aged of 10-19 in Southampton. A huge proportion of these are in secondary schools across the city. Just over 700 of them attend the school that is in sight of our church building at Upper Shirley High school (USH).
Over the course of the last few months, there have been significant developments in the relationship with the school and opportunities for the church to be involved in the school. The foundations of these developments were laid in the faithfulness of the USH prayer group which has met termly over a number of years to pray for all aspects of school life.
In recent months, we have worked in partnership with the school on a Remembrance project for year 7 students, researching and honouring the lives of men from Shirley who fought in the First World War.
In the meantime, a partnership has also been developing with Young Life international, a worldwide organisation which aims to bring the message of hope of Jesus Christ to every young person, everywhere, and has been working in local schools in other parts of Southampton.
Over the course of the next few months, there will be opportunities for me to work more frequently in the school in mentoring young people, working with young people who struggle with the everyday normalities of school life and providing a Christian influence into school life.
It would be great if you were able to join with me in praying for this growing and developing ministry area. Please pray for an openness and receptivity to both the message of hope that is faith in Jesus and to me personally

 ‘On the 11th February, we received the sad news that Retired Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze of Busoga had passed away. He had been battling cancer for some time. Cyprian was the inspiration behind many of the links between Southampton and Busoga, including our link with Bupadhengo, He was instrumental in setting up the Busoga Trust together with other initiatives in support of development for the people of his Diocese. The family will struggle to meet the funeral costs so any contributions towards them would be very much appreciated. You can do this by writing a cheque to Enable Busoga or, if you prefer to make a direct transfer, please email enablebusoga@outlook.com and we will send you the bank details.