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 - October 2009
For our annual visit to Barlad in Romania, I had the pleasure and company of our dear friend and long time supporter Wendy Norris. The word 'contrast' often appeared in our conversations during our time in Barlad as we travelled around the district visiting various people.
I am once more privileged to share with you a brief update of our work, which continues in three main areas:
Our major project is working with disadvantaged youngsters at 'the Apartment' in Barlad. Sadly, one of our girls, Diana, decided to leave earlier in the year and her younger brother Adrian returned to their family in Barlad.
Adina, now 16, Dana and Mihai both 19, continue to enjoy the privileges, comforts and responsibilities of family life, although like all youngsters of their age, we have our disagreements, especially with the older generation!
Adina, Dana, Adriana, & Mihai
Doctor Adriana and three staff continue to provide comfort, discipline and security around the clock.
Education plays a primary role in our work and separate reports are sent to folk who directly sponsor the project. If you would like to join them, please let me know.
Doing what comes naturally!
The Adopt a Family project began in 1996, but sadly owing to the lack of human resources in Barlad we have not been able to increase our involvement. However, those who do receive our spiritual and financial support are very grateful.
For example, our dear friend Ruxander, now aged 80 and suffering from multiple physical problems and grieving for her son who died earlier in the year.
To visit and talk with such a lady is truly a humbling experience.
Adriana and Ruxander
Our work with children who have Cleft lip and palate problems continues to flourish.
Mr Fenton and his surgical team were in Brasov earlier in the month when he saw six children from our district.
Various operations - two alveolar bone grafts, palate and lip operation, check ups and a major reconstructive operation were on the agenda!
The latter involved young Mihaela (pictured right) whom you may remember came to the UK for surgery in 1999. It is wonderful to witness the fantastic work and be involved in their future development.
A major part of our ongoing commitment is to finance orthodontic treatment in Romania for these children, and would ask you to continue to pray for Mr Fenton and his team, the foster parents and of course the very special children!
Mihaela
Travelling around the countryside visiting the foster families of the children with cleft problems is a great privilege and pleasure.
On the return journey of one excursion, Wendy and I visited a monastery in Bujoreni, which is at the end of a very long, unmade track through a forest.
The car suspension suffered a little, as did our nerves at times, but at the end of the rough, uncomfortable ride, we enjoyed the experience!
Wendy and Nicu, our friend and chauffer
On behalf of our trustees and all the folk we have the privilege to help in Romania, we wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year
John and Wendy
If you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Colin Smith Val Byford
This leaflet was kindly supplied by Richard Poyntz, Estate Agents. Canvey Island, Essex.
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 - October 2009
For our annual visit to Barlad in Romania, I had the pleasure and company of our dear friend and long time supporter Wendy Norris. The word 'contrast' often appeared in our conversations during our time in Barlad as we travelled around the district visiting various people.
I am once more privileged to share with you a brief update of our work, which continues in three main areas:
Our major project is working with disadvantaged youngsters at 'the Apartment' in Barlad. Sadly, one of our girls, Diana, decided to leave earlier in the year and her younger brother Adrian returned to their family in Barlad.
Adina, now 16, Dana and Mihai both 19, continue to enjoy the privileges, comforts and responsibilities of family life, although like all youngsters of their age, we have our disagreements, especially with the older generation!
Adina, Dana, Adriana, & Mihai
Doctor Adriana and three staff continue to provide comfort, discipline and security around the clock.
Education plays a primary role in our work and separate reports are sent to folk who directly sponsor the project. If you would like to join them, please let me know.
Doing what comes naturally!
The Adopt a Family project began in 1996, but sadly owing to the lack of human resources in Barlad we have not been able to increase our involvement. However, those who do receive our spiritual and financial support are very grateful.
For example, our dear friend Ruxander, now aged 80 and suffering from multiple physical problems and grieving for her son who died earlier in the year.
To visit and talk with such a lady is truly a humbling experience.
Adriana and Ruxander
Our work with children who have Cleft lip and palate problems continues to flourish.
Mr Fenton and his surgical team were in Brasov earlier in the month when he saw six children from our district.
Various operations - two alveolar bone grafts, palate and lip operation, check ups and a major reconstructive operation were on the agenda!
The latter involved young Mihaela (pictured right) whom you may remember came to the UK for surgery in 1999. It is wonderful to witness the fantastic work and be involved in their future development.
A major part of our ongoing commitment is to finance orthodontic treatment in Romania for these children, and would ask you to continue to pray for Mr Fenton and his team, the foster parents and of course the very special children!
Mihaela
Travelling around the countryside visiting the foster families of the children with cleft problems is a great privilege and pleasure.
On the return journey of one excursion, Wendy and I visited a monastery in Bujoreni, which is at the end of a very long, unmade track through a forest.
The car suspension suffered a little, as did our nerves at times, but at the end of the rough, uncomfortable ride, we enjoyed the experience!
Wendy and Nicu, our friend and chauffer
On behalf of our trustees and all the folk we have the privilege to help in Romania, we wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year
John and Wendy
If you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Colin Smith Val Byford
This leaflet was kindly supplied by Richard Poyntz, Estate Agents. Canvey Island, Essex.
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 - October 2009
For our annual visit to Barlad in Romania, I had the pleasure and company of our dear friend and long time supporter Wendy Norris. The word 'contrast' often appeared in our conversations during our time in Barlad as we travelled around the district visiting various people.
I am once more privileged to share with you a brief update of our work, which continues in three main areas:
Our major project is working with disadvantaged youngsters at 'the Apartment' in Barlad. Sadly, one of our girls, Diana, decided to leave earlier in the year and her younger brother Adrian returned to their family in Barlad.
Adina, now 16, Dana and Mihai both 19, continue to enjoy the privileges, comforts and responsibilities of family life, although like all youngsters of their age, we have our disagreements, especially with the older generation!
Adina, Dana, Adriana, & Mihai
Doctor Adriana and three staff continue to provide comfort, discipline and security around the clock.
Education plays a primary role in our work and separate reports are sent to folk who directly sponsor the project. If you would like to join them, please let me know.
Doing what comes naturally!
The Adopt a Family project began in 1996, but sadly owing to the lack of human resources in Barlad we have not been able to increase our involvement. However, those who do receive our spiritual and financial support are very grateful.
For example, our dear friend Ruxander, now aged 80 and suffering from multiple physical problems and grieving for her son who died earlier in the year.
To visit and talk with such a lady is truly a humbling experience.
Adriana and Ruxander
Our work with children who have Cleft lip and palate problems continues to flourish.
Mr Fenton and his surgical team were in Brasov earlier in the month when he saw six children from our district.
Various operations - two alveolar bone grafts, palate and lip operation, check ups and a major reconstructive operation were on the agenda!
The latter involved young Mihaela (pictured right) whom you may remember came to the UK for surgery in 1999. It is wonderful to witness the fantastic work and be involved in their future development.
A major part of our ongoing commitment is to finance orthodontic treatment in Romania for these children, and would ask you to continue to pray for Mr Fenton and his team, the foster parents and of course the very special children!
Mihaela
Travelling around the countryside visiting the foster families of the children with cleft problems is a great privilege and pleasure.
On the return journey of one excursion, Wendy and I visited a monastery in Bujoreni, which is at the end of a very long, unmade track through a forest.
The car suspension suffered a little, as did our nerves at times, but at the end of the rough, uncomfortable ride, we enjoyed the experience!
Wendy and Nicu, our friend and chauffer
On behalf of our trustees and all the folk we have the privilege to help in Romania, we wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year
John and Wendy
If you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Colin Smith Val Byford
This leaflet was kindly supplied by Richard Poyntz, Estate Agents. Canvey Island, Essex.
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 - October 2009For our annual visit to Barlad in Romania, I had the pleasure and company of our dear friend and long time supporter Wendy Norris. The word 'contrast' often appeared in our conversations during our time in Barlad as we travelled around the district visiting various people.I am once more privileged to share with you a brief update of our work, which continues in three main areas:
Our major project is working with disadvantaged youngsters at 'the Apartment' in Barlad. Sadly, one of our girls, Diana, decided to leave earlier in the year and her younger brother Adrian returned to their family in Barlad.
Adina, now 16, Dana and Mihai both 19, continue to enjoy the privileges, comforts and responsibilities of family life, although like all youngsters of their age, we have our disagreements, especially with the older generation! Adina, Dana, Adriana, & Mihai
Doctor Adriana and three staff continue to provide comfort, discipline and security around the clock. Education plays a primary role in our work and separate reports are sent to folk who directly sponsor the project. If you would like to join them, please let me know. Doing what comes naturally!
The Adopt a Family project began in 1996, but sadly owing to the lack of human resources in Barlad we have not been able to increase our involvement. However, those who do receive our spiritual and financial support are very grateful. For example, our dear friend Ruxander, now aged 80 and suffering from multiple physical problems and grieving for her son who died earlier in the year. To visit and talk with such a lady is truly a humbling experience. Adriana and Ruxander
Our work with children who have Cleft lip and palate problems continues to flourish. Mr Fenton and his surgical team were in Brasov earlier in the month when he saw six children from our district. Various operations - two alveolar bone grafts, palate and lip operation, check ups and a major reconstructive operation were on the agenda! The latter involved young Mihaela (pictured right) whom you may remember came to the UK for surgery in 1999. It is wonderful to witness the fantastic work and be involved in their future development. A major part of our ongoing commitment is to finance orthodontic treatment in Romania for these children, and would ask you to continue to pray for Mr Fenton and his team, the foster parents and of course the very special children! Mihaela
Travelling around the countryside visiting the foster families of the children with cleft problems is a great privilege and pleasure. On the return journey of one excursion, Wendy and I visited a monastery in Bujoreni, which is at the end of a very long, unmade track through a forest. The car suspension suffered a little, as did our nerves at times, but at the end of the rough, uncomfortable ride, we enjoyed the experience! Wendy and Nicu, our friend and chauffer On behalf of our trustees and all the folk we have the privilege to help in Romania, we wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New YearJohn and WendyIf you would like to know more about our work in Romania, please contact one of the trustees:
Colin Smith Val Byford This leaflet was kindly supplied by Richard Poyntz, Estate Agents. Canvey Island, Essex. Romanian Crestin Trust – IN ACTION – Registered Charity No. 1062964 |