Welcome to the web site of Christ Church URC, Rayleigh
Community Involvement
Social Justice
Romania
Social Justice
Christ Church United Reformed Church believes strongly in campaigning for and promoting issues of social justice and below are examples of some of the ways that we do this:
Overseas Aid
We support Christian Aid Week by collecting house-to-house and also give financial support to a number of other organisations such as Sight Savers International, which finances cataract operations, and Commitment for Life, our current partner being Palestinian Territories.
Fair Trade
We regularly sell Traidcraft products in the church. We also supported Fair Trade Fortnight in March with a stall in Rayleigh High Street giving away free samples of Fair Trade products along with information. There was a great deal of interest from passers-by (particularly in the chocolate tasting) and many people were keen to find out more about how they could buy fairly traded goods. Christ Church has also committed itself to being a Fairtrade church by using fairly traded tea and coffee at its meetings and working towards using other fairly traded products. It is our aim to work towards Rayleigh becoming a Fairtrade town.
World Peace
Supporting activities organised by Southend Peace Group, the Week of Prayer for World Peace and One World Week.
Sustainable Development
For our Lent project, we collect 5p coins to donate to WaterAid. Small sums are able to relieve considerable suffering by the provision of clean water.
Harvest For The Hungry project
We supported Oxfam by collecting money to purchase animals and materials for use on farms in developing countries. We were also able to provide for the teaching to enable the best use to be made of these resources.
Trade Justice
Our church is supporting Christian Aid's Trade For Life campaign to bring about fair international trade rules that do not discriminate against poor countries. This is supported through sending postcards to key decision-makers such as the Prime Minister and Chancellor. We have, in the past, supported the Scales For Justice event, which involved lobbying our local MP to support the campaign and holding a tug-of-war in Rayleigh High Street to illustrate the inequality of international trade. Several members were closely involved in the Make Poverty History campaign.
Local Projects
We give practical support to such organisations as the Homeless Centre and Women's Refuge.
Environmental Issues
We are trying to make our church as 'green as possible, using study modules from the Ecocongregation. We are already recycling as much as possible and using energy saving light bulbs where we can. We aim to use as many eco-friendly products as is workable. Some of our house groups have been undertaking bible study using ecocongregation resources.
Solar Panels at Christ Church Rayleigh
As another way of showing concern for the environment, Christ Church is currently pursuing the installation of a Photovoltaic (PV) System to generate its electrical needs.
The Church is intending to install a 10.8kwp PV system on the ideal south facing roof of its 100 year old recently refurbished building. The overall cost of the project is over £80.000. After installation it is estimated that Church would be carbon neutral for electrical generation, as excess electricity would be sold to the national grid in times of peak generation. It has already received planning permission from Rochford District Council to proceed.
Part of the Church's objective is to raise awareness of energy sustainability and show its concern for the effects of global warming. Christ Church will do this in two ways:
First, by example – by actually investing in PV technology and reducing its own carbon footprint. Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics. The system quietly generates electricity from light without producing air pollution or hazardous waste.
Second, by actively pursuing efforts to educate the community. Part of the PV system includes a large public generation display showing the actual electricity generated and exported both currently and historically. This lends itself to be a tool to explain many of the issues regarding electricity generation.
As the buildings are used as a community resource by many groups, the display monitor, posters and publicity brochures would highlight both the need for sustainable energy and the outcome of the PV system.
The local press has already taken an interest in the project. The Southend Echo reported in September 2009 the move to install the PV system. It is expected further developments will also receive such positive publicity.
See Southend Echo article.
Romania
Members of our congregation are involved in the charity
Romanian Crestin Trust, which works with a Romanian sister
organisation called Inima Reginei.
The church has supported this work in Romania since 1994.
Please e-mail
for further information.
Registered Charity No. 1062964
Newsletter - JUNE 2010
“HELP US LORD, TO BE OPEN AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS”
Jean and Valerie`s day started at 3:00am, finally reaching Birlad at midnight. Friends were waiting at the station and after a short car journey the Tunaru family home was in sight. Waiting to greet them were mama and tata, after a meal it was off to bed.
ADOPT A FAMILY PROJECT
Part of our time in Birlad is spent visiting the families who we have come to know well over the years. The continued support they receive means so much to each one of them. Of course, the money helps them survive from day to day but most of all they look forward to receiving the letters, photographs and news from their sponsors. Knowing that people whom they have never met care for them really means so much.
The Roman family
Doamna Statie reading Hazel’s letter
THE INIMA REGINEI APARTMENT
What a pleasure it is to be able to visit the apartment once again. It`s been three years since we were there; Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel have all changed so much in that time. We couldn't help thinking of all those years ago when we first met them in the school room on the other side of town.
Now all have hope for the future. Mihai, Dana and Adina would all like to go to university when they have completed their high school education. Gigel has yet to make his mind up, but he has time.
Over the years their natural musical talents have been encouraged as well as the academic studies. In the Summer of 2009, their talents were recognised by the 50/50 charity when they visited Birlad. The charity were so impressed with their music and national dancing that they invited them to perform at a special concert in Dusseldorf Germany, all expenses paid. What a credit they all are to Doctor Adriana Tunaru.
Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel all take turns preparing the meals, doing the laundry and cleaning the apartment. Skills that will come in very useful in the future.
Adina cooking the evening meal
Dana - it’s her turn to do the dishes
CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE
Part of the Trust`s work involves liaising with a medical team from Wakefield, UK. The team visits Brasov, Romania and performs surgery on children with cleft lip and palate problems. The team is led by Sir Oliver Fenton, a consultant plastic surgeon. He has over the years been training the Romanian doctors. His September trip has had to be postponed until May 2011, and after that it is likely that only Mr Fenton will visit in an advisory capacity.
Please pray that this work will continue and the children will receive the care they deserve.
Throughout the week in Birlad, the presence of GOD and HIS continued guidance was felt in all that was achieved.
On behalf of the trustees and all the people we have the privilege of helping in Birlad, THANK YOU for your continued support.
If you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Val Byford
THIS LEAFLET WAS KINDLY SUPPLIED BY:
RICHARD POYNTZ ESTATE AGENTS, CANVEY ISLAND, ESSEX.
DESIGNED BY LAURA BROWN.
Romanian Crestin Trust – IN ACTION – Registered Charity No. 1062964
Social Justice
Romania
Social Justice
Christ Church United Reformed Church believes strongly in campaigning for and promoting issues of social justice and below are examples of some of the ways that we do this:
Overseas Aid
We support Christian Aid Week by collecting house-to-house and also give financial support to a number of other organisations such as Sight Savers International, which finances cataract operations, and Commitment for Life, our current partner being Palestinian Territories.
Fair Trade
We regularly sell Traidcraft products in the church. We also supported Fair Trade Fortnight in March with a stall in Rayleigh High Street giving away free samples of Fair Trade products along with information. There was a great deal of interest from passers-by (particularly in the chocolate tasting) and many people were keen to find out more about how they could buy fairly traded goods. Christ Church has also committed itself to being a Fairtrade church by using fairly traded tea and coffee at its meetings and working towards using other fairly traded products. It is our aim to work towards Rayleigh becoming a Fairtrade town.
World Peace
Supporting activities organised by Southend Peace Group, the Week of Prayer for World Peace and One World Week.
Sustainable Development
For our Lent project, we collect 5p coins to donate to WaterAid. Small sums are able to relieve considerable suffering by the provision of clean water.
Harvest For The Hungry project
We supported Oxfam by collecting money to purchase animals and materials for use on farms in developing countries. We were also able to provide for the teaching to enable the best use to be made of these resources.
Trade Justice
Our church is supporting Christian Aid's Trade For Life campaign to bring about fair international trade rules that do not discriminate against poor countries. This is supported through sending postcards to key decision-makers such as the Prime Minister and Chancellor. We have, in the past, supported the Scales For Justice event, which involved lobbying our local MP to support the campaign and holding a tug-of-war in Rayleigh High Street to illustrate the inequality of international trade. Several members were closely involved in the Make Poverty History campaign.
Local Projects
We give practical support to such organisations as the Homeless Centre and Women's Refuge.
Environmental Issues
We are trying to make our church as 'green as possible, using study modules from the Ecocongregation. We are already recycling as much as possible and using energy saving light bulbs where we can. We aim to use as many eco-friendly products as is workable. Some of our house groups have been undertaking bible study using ecocongregation resources.
Solar Panels at Christ Church Rayleigh
As another way of showing concern for the environment, Christ Church is currently pursuing the installation of a Photovoltaic (PV) System to generate its electrical needs.
The Church is intending to install a 10.8kwp PV system on the ideal south facing roof of its 100 year old recently refurbished building. The overall cost of the project is over £80.000. After installation it is estimated that Church would be carbon neutral for electrical generation, as excess electricity would be sold to the national grid in times of peak generation. It has already received planning permission from Rochford District Council to proceed.
Part of the Church's objective is to raise awareness of energy sustainability and show its concern for the effects of global warming. Christ Church will do this in two ways:
First, by example – by actually investing in PV technology and reducing its own carbon footprint. Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics. The system quietly generates electricity from light without producing air pollution or hazardous waste.
Second, by actively pursuing efforts to educate the community. Part of the PV system includes a large public generation display showing the actual electricity generated and exported both currently and historically. This lends itself to be a tool to explain many of the issues regarding electricity generation.
As the buildings are used as a community resource by many groups, the display monitor, posters and publicity brochures would highlight both the need for sustainable energy and the outcome of the PV system.
The local press has already taken an interest in the project. The Southend Echo reported in September 2009 the move to install the PV system. It is expected further developments will also receive such positive publicity.
See Southend Echo article.
Romania
Members of our congregation are involved in the charity
Romanian Crestin Trust, which works with a Romanian sister
organisation called Inima Reginei.
The church has supported this work in Romania since 1994.
Please e-mail
for further information.
Registered Charity No. 1062964
Newsletter - JUNE 2010
“HELP US LORD, TO BE OPEN AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS”
Jean and Valerie`s day started at 3:00am, finally reaching Birlad at midnight. Friends were waiting at the station and after a short car journey the Tunaru family home was in sight. Waiting to greet them were mama and tata, after a meal it was off to bed.
ADOPT A FAMILY PROJECT
Part of our time in Birlad is spent visiting the families who we have come to know well over the years. The continued support they receive means so much to each one of them. Of course, the money helps them survive from day to day but most of all they look forward to receiving the letters, photographs and news from their sponsors. Knowing that people whom they have never met care for them really means so much.
The Roman family
Doamna Statie reading Hazel’s letter
THE INIMA REGINEI APARTMENT
What a pleasure it is to be able to visit the apartment once again. It`s been three years since we were there; Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel have all changed so much in that time. We couldn't help thinking of all those years ago when we first met them in the school room on the other side of town.
Now all have hope for the future. Mihai, Dana and Adina would all like to go to university when they have completed their high school education. Gigel has yet to make his mind up, but he has time.
Over the years their natural musical talents have been encouraged as well as the academic studies. In the Summer of 2009, their talents were recognised by the 50/50 charity when they visited Birlad. The charity were so impressed with their music and national dancing that they invited them to perform at a special concert in Dusseldorf Germany, all expenses paid. What a credit they all are to Doctor Adriana Tunaru.
Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel all take turns preparing the meals, doing the laundry and cleaning the apartment. Skills that will come in very useful in the future.
Adina cooking the evening meal
Dana - it’s her turn to do the dishes
CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE
Part of the Trust`s work involves liaising with a medical team from Wakefield, UK. The team visits Brasov, Romania and performs surgery on children with cleft lip and palate problems. The team is led by Sir Oliver Fenton, a consultant plastic surgeon. He has over the years been training the Romanian doctors. His September trip has had to be postponed until May 2011, and after that it is likely that only Mr Fenton will visit in an advisory capacity.
Please pray that this work will continue and the children will receive the care they deserve.
Throughout the week in Birlad, the presence of GOD and HIS continued guidance was felt in all that was achieved.
On behalf of the trustees and all the people we have the privilege of helping in Birlad, THANK YOU for your continued support.
If you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Val Byford
THIS LEAFLET WAS KINDLY SUPPLIED BY:
RICHARD POYNTZ ESTATE AGENTS, CANVEY ISLAND, ESSEX.
DESIGNED BY LAURA BROWN.
Romanian Crestin Trust – IN ACTION – Registered Charity No. 1062964
Social Justice
|
Christ Church United Reformed Church believes strongly in campaigning for and promoting issues of social justice and below are examples of some of the ways that we do this:
Overseas AidWe support Christian Aid Week by collecting house-to-house and also give financial support to a number of other organisations such as Sight Savers International, which finances cataract operations, and Commitment for Life, our current partner being Palestinian Territories.Fair TradeWe regularly sell Traidcraft products in the church. We also supported Fair Trade Fortnight in March with a stall in Rayleigh High Street giving away free samples of Fair Trade products along with information. There was a great deal of interest from passers-by (particularly in the chocolate tasting) and many people were keen to find out more about how they could buy fairly traded goods. Christ Church has also committed itself to being a Fairtrade church by using fairly traded tea and coffee at its meetings and working towards using other fairly traded products. It is our aim to work towards Rayleigh becoming a Fairtrade town.World PeaceSupporting activities organised by Southend Peace Group, the Week of Prayer for World Peace and One World Week.Sustainable DevelopmentFor our Lent project, we collect 5p coins to donate to WaterAid. Small sums are able to relieve considerable suffering by the provision of clean water.Harvest For The Hungry projectWe supported Oxfam by collecting money to purchase animals and materials for use on farms in developing countries. We were also able to provide for the teaching to enable the best use to be made of these resources.Trade JusticeOur church is supporting Christian Aid's Trade For Life campaign to bring about fair international trade rules that do not discriminate against poor countries. This is supported through sending postcards to key decision-makers such as the Prime Minister and Chancellor. We have, in the past, supported the Scales For Justice event, which involved lobbying our local MP to support the campaign and holding a tug-of-war in Rayleigh High Street to illustrate the inequality of international trade. Several members were closely involved in the Make Poverty History campaign.Local ProjectsWe give practical support to such organisations as the Homeless Centre and Women's Refuge.Environmental IssuesWe are trying to make our church as 'green as possible, using study modules from the Ecocongregation. We are already recycling as much as possible and using energy saving light bulbs where we can. We aim to use as many eco-friendly products as is workable. Some of our house groups have been undertaking bible study using ecocongregation resources.Solar Panels at Christ Church RayleighAs another way of showing concern for the environment, Christ Church is currently pursuing the installation of a Photovoltaic (PV) System to generate its electrical needs. The Church is intending to install a 10.8kwp PV system on the ideal south facing roof of its 100 year old recently refurbished building. The overall cost of the project is over £80.000. After installation it is estimated that Church would be carbon neutral for electrical generation, as excess electricity would be sold to the national grid in times of peak generation. It has already received planning permission from Rochford District Council to proceed.Part of the Church's objective is to raise awareness of energy sustainability and show its concern for the effects of global warming. Christ Church will do this in two ways: First, by example – by actually investing in PV technology and reducing its own carbon footprint. Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics. The system quietly generates electricity from light without producing air pollution or hazardous waste. Second, by actively pursuing efforts to educate the community. Part of the PV system includes a large public generation display showing the actual electricity generated and exported both currently and historically. This lends itself to be a tool to explain many of the issues regarding electricity generation. As the buildings are used as a community resource by many groups, the display monitor, posters and publicity brochures would highlight both the need for sustainable energy and the outcome of the PV system. The local press has already taken an interest in the project. The Southend Echo reported in September 2009 the move to install the PV system. It is expected further developments will also receive such positive publicity. See Southend Echo article. |
Romania
Members of our congregation are involved in the charity
Romanian Crestin Trust, which works with a Romanian sister
organisation called Inima Reginei.
The church has supported this work in Romania since 1994.
Please e-mail
for further information.
Registered Charity No. 1062964
Newsletter - JUNE 2010
“HELP US LORD, TO BE OPEN AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS”
Jean and Valerie`s day started at 3:00am, finally reaching Birlad at midnight. Friends were waiting at the station and after a short car journey the Tunaru family home was in sight. Waiting to greet them were mama and tata, after a meal it was off to bed.
ADOPT A FAMILY PROJECT
Part of our time in Birlad is spent visiting the families who we have come to know well over the years. The continued support they receive means so much to each one of them. Of course, the money helps them survive from day to day but most of all they look forward to receiving the letters, photographs and news from their sponsors. Knowing that people whom they have never met care for them really means so much.
The Roman family
Doamna Statie reading Hazel’s letter
THE INIMA REGINEI APARTMENT
What a pleasure it is to be able to visit the apartment once again. It`s been three years since we were there; Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel have all changed so much in that time. We couldn't help thinking of all those years ago when we first met them in the school room on the other side of town.
Now all have hope for the future. Mihai, Dana and Adina would all like to go to university when they have completed their high school education. Gigel has yet to make his mind up, but he has time.
Over the years their natural musical talents have been encouraged as well as the academic studies. In the Summer of 2009, their talents were recognised by the 50/50 charity when they visited Birlad. The charity were so impressed with their music and national dancing that they invited them to perform at a special concert in Dusseldorf Germany, all expenses paid. What a credit they all are to Doctor Adriana Tunaru.
Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel all take turns preparing the meals, doing the laundry and cleaning the apartment. Skills that will come in very useful in the future.
Adina cooking the evening meal
Dana - it’s her turn to do the dishes
CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE
Part of the Trust`s work involves liaising with a medical team from Wakefield, UK. The team visits Brasov, Romania and performs surgery on children with cleft lip and palate problems. The team is led by Sir Oliver Fenton, a consultant plastic surgeon. He has over the years been training the Romanian doctors. His September trip has had to be postponed until May 2011, and after that it is likely that only Mr Fenton will visit in an advisory capacity.
Please pray that this work will continue and the children will receive the care they deserve.
Throughout the week in Birlad, the presence of GOD and HIS continued guidance was felt in all that was achieved.
On behalf of the trustees and all the people we have the privilege of helping in Birlad, THANK YOU for your continued support.
If you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Val Byford
THIS LEAFLET WAS KINDLY SUPPLIED BY:
RICHARD POYNTZ ESTATE AGENTS, CANVEY ISLAND, ESSEX.
DESIGNED BY LAURA BROWN.
Romanian Crestin Trust – IN ACTION – Registered Charity No. 1062964
Members of our congregation are involved in the charity Romanian Crestin Trust, which works with a Romanian sister organisation called Inima Reginei.
The church has supported this work in Romania since 1994.
Please e-mail
for further information.
|
Registered Charity No. 1062964 Newsletter - JUNE 2010“HELP US LORD, TO BE OPEN AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS”
Jean and Valerie`s day started at 3:00am, finally reaching Birlad at midnight. Friends were waiting at the station and after a short car journey the Tunaru family home was in sight. Waiting to greet them were mama and tata, after a meal it was off to bed. ADOPT A FAMILY PROJECT
Part of our time in Birlad is spent visiting the families who we have come to know well over the years. The continued support they receive means so much to each one of them. Of course, the money helps them survive from day to day but most of all they look forward to receiving the letters, photographs and news from their sponsors. Knowing that people whom they have never met care for them really means so much.
The Roman family Doamna Statie reading Hazel’s letter THE INIMA REGINEI APARTMENTWhat a pleasure it is to be able to visit the apartment once again. It`s been three years since we were there; Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel have all changed so much in that time. We couldn't help thinking of all those years ago when we first met them in the school room on the other side of town.Now all have hope for the future. Mihai, Dana and Adina would all like to go to university when they have completed their high school education. Gigel has yet to make his mind up, but he has time. Over the years their natural musical talents have been encouraged as well as the academic studies. In the Summer of 2009, their talents were recognised by the 50/50 charity when they visited Birlad. The charity were so impressed with their music and national dancing that they invited them to perform at a special concert in Dusseldorf Germany, all expenses paid. What a credit they all are to Doctor Adriana Tunaru.
Mihai, Dana, Adina and Gigel all take turns preparing the meals, doing the laundry and cleaning the apartment. Skills that will come in very useful in the future.
Adina cooking the evening meal Dana - it’s her turn to do the dishes CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATEPart of the Trust`s work involves liaising with a medical team from Wakefield, UK. The team visits Brasov, Romania and performs surgery on children with cleft lip and palate problems. The team is led by Sir Oliver Fenton, a consultant plastic surgeon. He has over the years been training the Romanian doctors. His September trip has had to be postponed until May 2011, and after that it is likely that only Mr Fenton will visit in an advisory capacity.Please pray that this work will continue and the children will receive the care they deserve.
On behalf of the trustees and all the people we have the privilege of helping in Birlad, THANK YOU for your continued support.
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