The PCC had a good day away last Saturday focusing on two vital aspects of the mission of God at St James by the Park. We considered feedback from all 7 mission focus areas as we put together our Parish Mission Action Plan (pMAP) for the next 4 years. We heard from the Buildings Development Group (BDG) as they work to ensure that our buildings are fit for purpose. They informed us of the process we need to follow to prepare St Johns for sale and for the next steps to allow for development of St James. The council have refused planning permission for a large side extension because the yew trees are part of a conservation order.    
 

​Lydia Caveney is now in her third year of uni at LSE. She writes about being involved in the Christian Union and running an ‘Events Week’ …
Our focus is to give everyone at LSE a chance to listen and respond to the amazing news of the gospel. LSE can be a stressful and intense place, with everyone focused on exams and internships and grad schemes. We want to bring Jesus’ love and light into the campus – so we put on a week of talks devoted to telling people the gospel. 
In the run up, we had an acoustic night, where members of the CU played worship and pop songs, and shared their testimonies.
In the week itself we had a coffee stall every morning, giving out flyers. At lunchtime we gave out free lunches and had a talk that engaged with a relevant topic and then the gospel - such as “Is there more to life than a LinkedIn lifestyle?” The room was overflowing each day!
In the evenings we joined with other CUs across London at All Souls Langham Place for more food and a talk on the topic of being “found”.
I’m Prayer Sec for the CU, so I organised and led the prayer breakfasts every morning (very early for a student!!!) During the day, I helped out as needed, chatting to people at the talks.
After the events week, we had an Alpha-like follow-up course. My overall highlight was seeing the younger CU members, getting stuck in and serving and loving people - that was so inspiring, and makes me so excited to see how the CU grows next year once I’ve graduated! 

Lydia (Left) with friends

Prayer changes things. As we pray, we grow to know the Lord more, our hearts are opened for him to work in our lives, and our eyes are opened to see more of his work in our lives of those around us.
 
There is power in praying together. The 24/7 prayer movement shows how God is more than ready to listen to our prayers and answer in amazing ways. (Read Red Moon Rising and Dirty Glory by Pete Greig to be inspired!)
 
Scripture and Church history suggest that missional growth is the result of prayer more than any other single activity. But in a world where church members seem ever busier how do we build a church that prays? What does a 21st century praying church look like?
 
On Wednesday 15th May we’re hosting a training day called Leading a praying church. John Dunnett from CPAS is leading the day. He says, “In my 18 years of parish ministry I saw again and again how intercession could be both released within the local church – and change the missional fruitfulness of its ministry. So I’m very excited to be able to help those in church leadership think through what we can learn from Scripture, church history and the example of others about how to lead a praying church.”
 
The day is open to people from any church, and is aimed at anyone who has a heart for seeing their church pray.
 
“We’ve run this day in a number of venues around the country – and feedback has been exceptionally good,” John says. “Do join us if you possibly can.”
Further details and booking information at..

The day starts at 10.00am (coffee from 9.45) and finishes at 3.30pm. Refreshments are provided but please bring your own lunch. Booking is essential. Contact the church office or book online

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.