Hope 14 begins now!

HOPE is about local churches doing more together in words and action – so we want to hear what churches in the Chichester diocese are doing so that we can encourage others.

HOPE starter kit
Not sure where to start with HOPE 2014 – there is ready-to-use stories, logos and a one-page ‘Engaging Communities’ mission planner for you to adapt to your local needs – you’ll find them in the HOPE practitioners’ HOPE Starter Kit dropbox.

Hope together ~ your urgent response needed
One question which needs your response: will you distribute HOPE car stickers? They weigh just 16g and will be available from late November. In 2014 the HOPE brand becomes public-facing. The car-sticker will announce ‘HOPE is here!’ with a HOPE web address for a non-church audience linked to www.christianity.org.uk. Please  contact 'Hope together' @ let me know by 28 October how many car stickers you can distribute.

Resources from HOPE
Hope are working with different partners to provide resources and to run events to make 2014 a year when sharing Good News in words and action is a natural part of Christian life.

• WHO? – The Story of Jesus – the life of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, Mark and Luke in one easy-to-read narrative. WHO? – The Story of Jesus is now available at only 75p a copy.

• THE BIBLE – soon-to-be released resources from Damaris and Biblica to accompany Channel 5’s December screening of the epic mini-series THE BIBLE.

• Bags of HOPE – encourage church members to give away Bags of HOPE to children calling to ‘trick or treat at Halloween – order your supplies from UCB at www.ucb.co.uk/bagofhope.

• Greater Love – resources for the First World War commemorations to point to Jesus and his ‘greater love’ – watch the video introducing Greater Love here.

• Sharing Jesus – a training manual on how to put faith into words published in November in partnership with UCB, Crossing London and Share Jesus International.

• Stadium carols - Sports chaplains around the country are working with HOPE to hold Christmas carol events in December as fans and communities gather to celebrate Christmas in 60 of the country’s sports stadiums. Download details of how to stage a stadium carol event. In December 2014 the stadium carols theme will be Silent Night – linking with the WW1 Commemorations.

Strengthening our partnership

• Why not add HOPE to your church and inter-church websites with a link to our website?

• Please use the HOPE logo in your publications and online to highlight our partnership.

• Display a HOPE banner at your events. Banners can be bought online from CPO


Stories of Rural HOPE
HOPE wants to see churches across the UK reaching the whole country for a year of mission during 2014. In 2008 the idea was put to the test and 1,500 churches joined together and shared faith at the heart of their communities.

The Arthur Rank Centre are encouraging rural churches to get involved, and have put together a selection of stories to give you a few ideas.

From beer and carols in the local pub to adult holiday clubs, meditation trails and school prayer spaces, there should be something here for everyone! You can access all the stories on the Arthur Rank Web site, http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/library-of-good-practice/item/9239-stories-of-rural-

 

Chichester Diocesan Mission Fund Fast Track   Alongside applications for larger grants The Mission Fund now offers Fast Track Grants of up to £2,000. The same form needs to be completed but can be sent at anytime to Archdeacon Roger who will put this before the Committee by email.   This Fast Track could be the perfect way for you to get some extra help with your   Hope 14 project. Applications need to be made by the end of January and the end of July each year in time for Assessment Panels in September and February. Full details and an application form can be obtained from the Mission Fund Chairman, Archdeacon of Horsham, 3 Danehurst Crescent, Horsham RH13 5HS, tel: 01403 262710 or through the ‘search box’ on the diocesan website www.chichester.anglican.org