Diocesan Rural Advisor
Rural Churches Adviser
Greetings!Considering the mission of your church in a rural part of the diocese?
Wondering what resources are available to rural churches?
Looking for information on current issues of concern in the countryside?
If the answer is 'yes' you might like to contact me, whatever the denomination of your church. I am Reverend Barbara Bridges, the Rural Churches Adviser to the Diocese. You can find me at:
5, Churchill Place
Fairford
Gloucester GL7 4JT
Tel: 07813 242144
Email: ruralchurches@aol.com
Farming Disease Alert
The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease last year hit the headlines across the country. You may not be aware that farmers across the country are struggling with a number of infectious diseases affecting livestock. Bovine TB is a constant threat and since last year cases of Blue Tongue have been found in this country. Information on the current threats and any quarantine areas or other special zones can be found on DEFRA's website, www.defra.gov.uk/.It is hoped that local clergy and pastoral teams will keep alert to incidences of disease in their locality and offer support and friendship to livestock keepers and farmers affected. Many of the animal diseases faced by farmers are highly contagious and careful attention to biosecurity is needed when your pastoral ministry brings you into contact with farms and animals. It is advisable to make contact with a farm prior to a visit by telephone or email. Ask the farmer what biosecurity measures you need to follow. These may include disinfectant mats. Don't forget to wash your boots between visits and clean mud off your car.
The Farming Help organisations are available to provide help and support to those who are anxious or affected. Details of these are available on the website - www.farminghelp.org.uk
The Farm Crisis Network Helpline is available from 7am to 11pm every day [out of hours answer phone] 0845 367 9990 Callers are put in touch with local volunteers. Volunteers on this Helpline can also put callers in touch with the other Farming Help organisations.
A local organisation, Gloucestershire Farming Friends can be found at www.gloucestershirefarmingfriends.org
PLEASE REMEMBER the farming community in your prayers over the summer. The following prayer may be useful:
Creator God, Hear our prayers for farmers and for all who are deeply affected by outbreaks of animal disease and the restrictions this brings to their work and lives. Bless all efforts to prevent the spread of the diseases. To those who are stressed and anxious bring comfort and hope; To those entrusted with decision-making give wisdom and discernment; To your Church in its ministry to all, grant a watchful eye, a loving heart and a prophetic voice in the service of your Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Current Information you may find useful
I receive information of interest to rural parishes from a variety of sources. Please download the latest digest below - which includes links to useful web sites and contact details for other organisations.
News this month (26 KB)
Announcement from Welsh Assembly Government (25 KB)
Update on Blue Tongue (190908)
Blue tongue virus (127.39 KB)
Protection Zones (542 KB)
Rural Banners
A set of four banners illustrating aspects of being a church today. Ideal for attracting attention at flower festivals, special events and fairs. Available free of charge to all churches and Churches Together groups.
Churches who used them in 2006 say:
“ … colourful and visually attractive, they provided a means for Thornbury Together to constantly witness to what it means to 'be church'..”
“..succinctly depict the various ways in which the church community is interwoven in the wider community..”
“They made an interesting and stimulating background to the event”
To book them for your event, please ring me (contact details above).
Knowing your community
Thank you to all those who answered the questions in the Archdeacons Enquiries about your links with the community. They make interesting reading and show how involved the majority of churches are with those who live in the community. Ready, Steady, Grow, the Lent Course in 2007 encouraged churches to look around at their community and reflect on how the programme of the church connects with the concerns of the local population. The course is still available and can be used at any time of the year.For copies contact the Department of Social Responsibility
on 01242 253162
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