Jan 13 Tone & feel & repetition tools Ian G.
20 Quotation/allusion tool Nick G.
27 Bible time line tool Adam W.
Feb 3 Share & prayer Ian G.
10 Who am I? & so what tools? Arnold A.
17 Half Term
24 One2One Jn 1:1-18 Wes
Mar 3 Share & prayer Ian G.
10 One2One Jn 17:11-44 Wes
17 One2One Jn 12:20-26 Wes
24 Share & prayer Ian
Racial Equality – Holy Redeemer Church, Streatham
We were asked by the PCC to talk to the church family about their experiences of racial Equality in our church and the wider community following the death of George Floyd and the inequalities and unconscious bias, which was highlighted in society.
The aim is to enable us to preach the gospel more effectively, conscious of the effect our words have on our diverse congregation. Also, our aim is for the words Jesus preached to be endorsed by the church family; to be loving, caring and help one another.
So, we asked ourselves ‘What is racism?’ It could be defined where someone treats you differently because of your colour, ethnicity, nationality, or race. This could mean that they treat you differently or unfairly. This could be a learned stereotype that is automatic, unintentional, deeply ingrained, and able to influence behaviour. It can range from subtle comments to overt action and hostile, derogatory, negative racial slants and insults.
We are all aware of the inequalities in the wider community. We hear it on the TV everyday which affect the lives of minority groups in our society.
Saying we are not racist is no longer good enough, we all need to do more to eradicate racism. This means standing up as an ally and actively promote equality. We must speak up as racial inequality is not acceptable in our society today.
Our findings within the Holy Redeemer Church:
We contacted the congregation in the newsletter and the church notices, contacted members by email, WhatsApp, and telephone. Face to face communication was difficult because of Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions it has put on us all. Between us we received responses from approximately 20% of the congregation.
Most of our findings were positive, and we found that most people think racial inequality does not exist and they have not experienced it within the church setting and they feel included in the church. Some people found it difficult to talk about racism and some found it emotionally draining and did not want to talk about it, as it could affect their mental state. One comment was that we need to be careful of our teachings and some of the stories used from commercial books that occasionally depict black in the negative and white in the positive context (especially in a Sunday school setting).
Below are some of the questions asked and answers given.
| Questions | Answers Given |
| Do you feel comfortable to express your cultural ethnic identity in church? e.g. dress code. | Responses were that they were comfortable to express their cultural identity. However, disappointment was expressed with some who were not happy with those inappropriately dressed when they are playing an active part in services. |
| Do you feel you can discuss racial issues with (a) church leaders (b) congregation? | Responses were that they feel they can approach Ian and the PCC members; many have done so in the past. They think Ian is open to discussion. It was also felt that the Church would be a constructive place to discuss racial issues. |
| Have you experienced any racial discrimination within the church or at events? | Most people did not experience and racial discrimination in church. |
| Do you feel as though you are a valued member of the church? | Everyone we spoke to felt they are valued and included within the church family, which has improved over the years. |
| Do you feel opportunities are made available or are accessible to you to have an active role in the church? | The majority we spoke to felt opportunities are made available but fearful of lack of support or being thrown in at the “deep end” which can be embarrassing. Others responded that opportunities were available to a certain extent and more could be done to involve more people in different ministries and it was felt that the church leadership did not have confidence in the congregation although this is slowly changing. |
| Do you feel the church is sensitive to or recognises racial issues? | The replies were that the church may not fully understand the sensitivity to racial issues and how it affects people from minority groups daily. Also, that the church recognises racial issues, but the subject is not given much airtime. |
| Do you feel the church understand or emphasise with racial discrimination that ethnic groups face? | We found that the leadership has a limited awareness of the experiences that minority groups face, as different groups face different types of discrimination. As a church we could do more to listen to each other’s experience and other prejudices such as ageism. |
| Do you feel that your race plays a part in how you are welcomed or interacted with at the Holy Redeemer? | We found that everyone is welcomed and greeted equally, and that race did not come into it. |
| Do you think that you have enough knowledge about race relations and discriminations? Would you like to learn more? | Some people said that they did not have enough knowledge about minority groups, race relations or the history. Others said they had enough knowledge about it. Some said they would welcome more information as there is no limit to how much we should seek to understand each other’s experience, our own prejudices and repent on them. |
| Have you ever witnessed racism within the church? | Some people said they come to church to worship and leave. If it is there, they would not know, and they have not seen it. Others said they have not witnessed it in the church but have in the wider community. |
| Would you feel comfortable to challenge racism? | Some people would challenge racism. Some would challenge in the church and at work, but in the community, some were reluctant because of safety and depending on the situation. |
Suggested recommendations:
Summary:
We hope the PCC members find this information useful, so that it can assist us in the various ministries within the church.
Report prepared by:
Shirley Wallace & Velma Robinson
Updated: 13 September 2020
Ministry Reports -Year ending 31 December 2019
** Copies of the Annual Accounts available on request, please email the office**
Vicar’s Report 2019-2020
It has been a year of two halves. The first half seeing new ventures with the Men’s w/end at Shatterling Barnes, and the Church family w/end planned at the same venue together with the away day with Andrew Sach, and a Church family holiday at the Keswick Convention planned. Only the men’s w/end took place before Covid hit us all. The family w/end away and Keswick had to be cancelled and the away day held on zoom. Our Church’s 5 year plan has been formed and presented.
Since Covid, 7 months ago, the Church family has moved ‘online’ for our Sunday and midweek meetings and coffee after Church, and we are grateful for the time and technical skill, and creative ability that John and Lizzy have poured into our online meetings, together with all who have been recording prayers, readings, interviews and talks for these.
During the year, it has continued to appear that the project to reorder the main building has been neglected. This is not the case. The PCC has been working tirelessly to progress the planning applications for Eardley Road, and in May this year, Permitted development approval was given. We are still progressing the full planning application for the Hall and end of terrace house. And considering an extended Permitted Development application which would allow for the hall to be redeveloped allowing for 100% more units. Work on the flat rooves of the main building has been set back by very bad work done by Acrypol, and this needs now to be re-done. Acrypol have sold to Cromar. They recognise that the work needs to be re-done, but we are one of many badly done jobs and it remains to be seen what will happen. We are working on the tower repair and inspection and repair of the internal ceiling of the Church in the hope that we will be able to have a Carol service in there this Christmas.
Our thanks to Hiba Cameron and Jon Lee, our wardens, John Sanni, our treasurer, and Heri Cameron who has been our secretary for over 5 years, and has just handed over to Tania Loke. Our thanks are due to the home group leaders, members of the PCC, children’s teachers, and to the musicians, caterers and all who make HRS the Church we are. Our thanks also to Celeste Mupanduki who keeps us running, and to Lois Haggar for her one to one work and small group work with the women of our Church. And finally, thanks to Denise, for patiently looking after the Vicar and acting as unofficial women’s and children’s worker.
It has been great having Paul Greenhalgh’s ministry while he was on placement with us for his Cornhill training. Paul has moved to do a PGCE in Cambridge, and teaching the children at STAG Church Cambridge.
Looking ahead, we are hoping to be able to have a holiday club in the second week of the Easter holiday, and a holiday Keswick 2 this summer.
PCC Report
The PCC met 15 times while the Standing committee met 5 times this year. The PCC discussed the Church’s 5 year vision to Reach (proclaim Christ); Grow (make disciples); Serve (the community); and Support (resource ministry). We have been working on the planning applications to maximise the value of the Eardley Road Hall, and looking at ways to get back into the main building. We explored an application from a couple from the US interested in joining the ministry team, but COVID -19 pandemic prevented this. Due to restrictions brought about by the COVID -19 pandemic, the PCC has also discussed and implemented online Sunday service via Youtube, online mid week bible study meetings and youth meetings via zoom. The PCC meetings are also now being held via zoom.
Please give thanks to God and pray for all who have served on the PCC this year (Ian Gilmour our vicar and chairman, Hiba Cameron and Jon Lee, our Church Wardens, John Sanni, our treasurer, Heri Cameron our PCC secretary, Lynn Andrews our safeguarding officer, Julia Wallace, Elizabeth Lee, Lois Hagger, Sumbo Adeyemo, Velma Robinson, Shirley Wallace, Nick Grindle, Cecil Devonish and Coral Devonish, Paul Greenhalgh and Steven Oakley). We are thankful too for Sumbo Adeyemo and Heri Cameron who are retiring from the PCC.
Home groups
God tells us to ‘consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ (Heb 10:24). Acting on God’s instructions, 3 evening groups and 3 day time groups have met over the last year. During C-19, a central group has met on zoom for meditations on the Psalms in lockdown. There have also been three Christianity explored / evangelistic groups meeting, the last of these online. In our home groups we’ve followed the Sunday sermon series (John 13-17 & Colossians 3), trained in explaining the good news of Jesus (Two ways to live) and enjoyed digging into the prophecy of Zechariah. Our home groups are the primary pastoral care network of the Church, and C-19 has shown their value more than ever, as leaders and members have cared for each other.
Special events
The pandemic has stopped many things, among them the Church w/end away at Shatterling Barnes and a Church family holiday at the Keswick Convention in the Lake District. But we’ve enjoyed a men’s w/end at Shatterling Barnes in October, and we’re hoping to arrange a holiday at the Keswick convention 24-30 July 2021. Our 2020 holiday club had to cancel, but we’re hoping to run one in the second week of the Easter holidays 2021. Please pray for these and put the dates in the diaries.
Safeguarding – Lynn Andrews
The Safeguarding Team consists Rev Ian Gilmour and Lynn Andrews who are joint Safeguarding Officers for the church. Church Safeguarding is a permanent item on the PCC agenda when general issues of safeguarding are discussed. The Holy Redeemer’s Safeguarding Policy is available on the church’s website. Those who have a role in leadership in the church whether through children’s ministry, Pop-in and are expected to complete the Southwark Dioceses safeguarding training
As a church we want to ensure that the children and vulnerable adults in our church and community are protected and we recognise the calling and duty to love and care for the vulnerable and marginalised and protect all from abuse.
Women’s Ministry – Lois Hagger
– Co-led a weekly morning women’s group with Denise on either Tuesday (winter) or Wednesday (autumn) depending on who could make it. We studied Revelation, Christian Concern material, Colossians and sermon prep for John’s gospel. We averaged 3 – 6 ladies each week.
– Led a fortnightly evening Wednesday women’s group which started in autumn. I used the material prepared for the morning bible study.
– Met with 3 – 5 women to read the bible and pray.
– Organised the Welcoming team, and ran a training morning. I’m usually at the door each week to assist in this ministry.
– Joined Ian in January to assist with Christianity Explored
– Attended the Tuesday Horizon group for the Bible talk and exercise after with the aim of evangelism and encouragement.
– Assist in kitchen duties at Little Nippers on Monday
Horizon Club
The Horizon Club has become very settled and has made satisfactory progress in terms of attendance. There has been a continuous increase in the numbers attending the Bible Discovery session and also in the Exercise session. Regarding the Bible Discovery session there has been on average 14 to 15 attendees and 27 to 29 for the exercise session. Unfortunately due to COVID-19, these meeting came to an end in March.
Friday REDS & aLIVE – Paul Greenhalgh
Praise God for another great year with our Friday groups. REDS (5-11s) and aLIVE (11-18s) grew both numerically and in spiritual maturity throughout 2019.
Our c. 15 Friday REDS enjoy learning a Bible truth each week, singing their favourite songs (Super Saviour being their chart topper), hearing about Christian heroes of history, eating their body weight in custard creams, and burning it all off with energetic games.
Later in the evening our 15-20 aLIVE group members come along to chill out at the end of a busy school week. A new pattern of meeting began in the autumn term. We have regular features including Bible study, discussion groups, addressing common questions asked of Christianity, team challenges, and book recommendations. Perhaps most encouraging of all have been interviews with various members of the church family, and the chance to ask them questions about living the Christian life. Thank you to those who have subjected themselves to a grilling!
In 2019 both groups followed the same teaching pattern: Christianity Explored for Youth (Mark’s gospel); 1 & 2 Samuel; and a Bible Overview, based on Vaughan Roberts’ excellent book God’s Big Picture.
One off events for the REDS included the Knights of the King Holiday Club in July and our annual Autumn Light Party in October. The former was massive fun for the 50 children who came, and for all the leaders too. This was despite temperatures soaring to 38℃ on our second day!
Some of the aLIVE Group enjoyed a week of teaching from John’s gospel at Quantock 3 Summer Camp. Later in the year, we also enjoyed a trip to Westminster Chapel and Capital Youthworks Sorted event in November. It was a smashing day of teaching from Romans 8, and an encouragement to meet with hundreds of other 14-18s from across the south-east.
As ever, huge thanks go to all those who have been on the team leading the groups each week: Lynn Andrews; Katy Brock; Rosie Egena; Ian & Denise Gilmour; Erin Goddard; Carol Lake; and Steph Tonna.
Cornhill – Paul Greenhalgh
My studies on the Cornhill Training Course continued throughout 2019, first completing F1 and F2, before starting Cornhill Core from September. Cornhill shares Holy Redeemer’s conviction that when the Bible is taught, God’s voice is heard. The course then aims to equip people to unashamedly and faithfully teach God’s word. In practice this meant receiving lectures to familiarise us with Bible books and key doctrines. Personal highlights in 2019 included studying Isaiah, Ephesians, Revelation, and the Sovereignty of God.
Throughout 2019 I was also regularly preparing and delivering Bible talks to a small group, where we seek to offer useful feedback to sharpen each other as preachers. I am grateful for the feedback I’ve received on talks in Colossians, Ecclesiastes, Exodus, Isaiah, John, and Romans.
Our learning at Cornhill is designed to dovetail with opportunities to put it into practice in the local church. At Holy Redeemer this has meant continuing to teach the children and youth, and the opportunity to preach occasionally. I’d like to record my thanks to Ian especially for allowing me these opportunities, and his godly mentorship throughout 2019. Thank you too to all the church family at Holy Redeemer for your patience, encouragement, and prayers.
Trips and Visits – Paul Greenhalgh
During the Easter holiday a number of the church family enjoyed a day out together to Greenwich. The sun shone as we enjoyed a boat ride down the Thames from London Bridge to Greenwich Pier. After investigating the foot tunnel under the Thames, we whiled away a happy few hours picnicking and playing games in Greenwich Park. After an hour in the National Maritime Museum it was time to head home, but not without first stopping to enjoy an ice-cream!
Around 30 adults and children also enjoyed the early May Bank holiday at Bible-by-the-Beach in Eastbourne. We enjoyed excellent Bible teaching for all ages from speakers including Don Carson, Lee Gatiss, Ed Drew, and Mark Pickles. There was also plenty of time to chat over what we’d heard and share our lives together for a few days.
Little Nippers
There has been good attendance at Little Nippers over the last year averaging 30 children and their carers. It has been especially good to have church members attending the group – Lisa Oakley and Ian Andrews has started a regular social gathering after the group which meets at the Railway. This opens more opportunities for building relationships and evangelism. Rosamunde Ganpatsingh, Eileen Ahmed, Joyce Welcome and Lois Hagger have continued as faithful helpers in the kitchen.
Sunday Reds
Sunday Reds has grown since last year which is both very encouraging and presents some challenges. There is limited space in the Vicarage now. 3-5’s meet in the Vestry, 6-11’s and 11-14’s meet in the Vicarage. The Sunday School teachers have been wonderful and have put a lot of preparation into their lessons and faithfully taught the children over the year. We have about 14 teachers but will lose about 4 of them for various reasons by the Summer. We are talking to various people about taking up the roles that will be vacant. We are still using the Click curriculum for under 11s, and the 11-14s have changed over to the Mustard Seeds curriculum. We have had a Sunday School training session in October.
This poster might be old, but this is a rolling course and a new one starts every term. Please use the contact details below.
Dear Church family,
What does the future hold?
We all have that uncomfortable sense of not really knowing what’s ahead, don’t we?
We’re at a critical stage of the battle. The lockdown is gradually being lifted. But will it cause another spike? We remain alert, respecting each other’s different views, decisions and circumstances.
One thing seems clear – social distancing is with us for some time, and that means ongoing changes to education, transport, work, health care and aviation.
Schools have to rethink the way children come and go and learn; new timetables; new exams; more risk assessments; extra communications with staff, students and parents, and more cleaning.
In the workplace, 54% are working from home. Others are travelling into work, or shielding at home.
The transport system is operating at one fifth capacity; so, ‘rush hours’ are out; flexible traveling and working hours are in.
More health care happens online and over the phone.
The changes are bewildering and we wonder what will the future be like? The answer is we don’t know. But we do know who holds the future: God.
And He is the God who said to His people, who’d recently been exiled to an unknown, foreign land:
“I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Your brother in Christ,
Ian
If you are self-isolating or become infected and need shopping/medicines delivered to you, we’d love to help.
Just complete the form below with your specific need and we’ll be in touch to try and arrange something for you.
If you are worried, anxious, or otherwise would appreciate being prayed for please complete this form and you’ll be prayed for regularly by the church family.
Coronavirus update
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Many of us feel ‘on the horns of a dilemma’ – on the one hand the need to meet together to encourage one another, and all the more as we see the Day (of Christ’s return) approaching (Hebrews 10:24). On the other hand, those who are more vulnerable or have vulnerable family and friends, are conscious of the additional risk of coming to Church.
There is no right or wrong answer. Our circumstances are different. After prayerful thought we need to make our own decisions.
We are working on Live Streaming our Sunday service and will have this option available as soon as this Sunday or next. While this is a good thing in this emergency, it is much better to meet face to face to encourage one another, pray, sing and to hear God’s Word together. The Church is people, and people meeting together is better than meeting remotely. Please pray that this virus increases our commitment to meeting together because it shows us what a privilege it is to be able to do this.
Christ Jesus has given us (John 13:34) ‘A new command: love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ The virus gives us a great opportunity to do this. Pray and seek out 2 or 3 other members of the Church; arrange to contact each other regularly (weekly?) and pray for each other. And ‘adopt’ a vulnerable brother or sister and pray for them, checking up on them regularly.
Many are frightened by the danger to life and health that the virus poses. Many more are worried about the financial implications of losing their incomes as businesses slow down or even close down. Let’s be praying for each other, and for our neighbours. Only those who trust in Christ are able to pray to God as Father. This is a time to ask our neighbours if they might like us to pray for them?
We have the security of eternal Life with Christ Jesus, and are ‘always to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have, and to do this with gentleness and respect.’ (1 Peter 3:15) Lets pray that we live through all these fears and worries so differently that we’ll be asked to explain who makes us different.
Your brother in Christ
Ian Gilmour
We are currently doing the 2 Ways to Live series on Sundays, as well as in our Home Groups.
Here is a taster of what its about.
|
Month |
Event |
Date |
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September |
Volunteer Celebration |
23rd September |
|
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Back to Church Sunday & Harvest – Bring and Share Lunch |
30th September |
||
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November |
Families Lunch (for all involved in raising children) |
4th November |
|
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Remembrance Sunday |
11th November |
||
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December |
Women’s Wreath Making Event |
1st December |
|
|
Advent Sunday, Bring and Share Lunch |
2nd December |
||
|
Carols in the community |
12th December |
||
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Carols by Candlelight |
16th December |
||
|
Children’s Carol Service |
24th December |
||
