June is shaping up to be quite a month! With the G8 summit hosted by Britain, the Enough Food IF campaign is lobbying hard, and you can be a part of it. And closer to home, Big Green Week in Bristol has a fabulous line-up of events and speakers - see below and attached for my selection. So many opportunities to learn more and to speak up for the world's poor - take part and make a difference!

 

 

 1. Syria - Syria has been on our prayer bulletin for many months. But as violence escalates and the sides become more entrenched, please pray for an urgent diplomatic solution. Pray too for the thousands of refugees, and those who have been left orphaned, homeless or maimed by the war. Pray for the agencies trying to respond to the needs of so many, that they will be adequately resourced.

2. Religious tolerance - In light of recent attacks on soldiers and the retaliatory attacks on Muslims, pray that we may lead the way in seeking peace and understanding between different cultures and religions. Pray for inter-faith agencies, that they may raise their voices of common humanity, love and respect above the extremist shouting.

3. G8 Summit in Belfast, 17th June - Pray for the leaders as they gather in the UK, that they may be inspired by the Enough Food If campaign to take positive action on tax evasion and transparency.Give thanks that these issues have now been put on the agenda thanks to public pressure. Pray for positive outcomes that will really impact on global poverty. 

 

 

 

1. Be part of the IF lobby in Hyde Park London, Saturday 8th June

Add your voice to the thousands calling for an end to global poverty and the causes of poverty by sending a clear message to the G8 leaders meeting in London.

There will be an ecumenical service at Westminster Methodist Hall at 11am, with the activities in Hyde park starting at 2pm.

Coaches are going from Bristol, Bath, Taunton and other south west locations. Full details and how to book a place are here: www.enoughfoodif.org/transport

2. Be part of the micro-finance success story - Providing small loans at low interest enables people in developing countries to work their way out of poverty - and so few can access this funding from banks. Organisations such as Five Talents and Shared Interest offer an excellent way to offer support without aid - and the money can be re-invested once it has been repaid.

www.fivetalents.org.uk , www.shared-interest.com/

 

 

 

BIG GREEN WEEK! 15th-23rd June in Bristol

Be part of this incredible week long environmental Festival - a chance to learn, meet inspiring people and be equipped to take action to live sustainably.

Full programme of events here: www.biggreenweek.com

The Food and Faith group have their own programme of events within Big Green Week, specifically looking at vital issues of food production within a faith context, with excellent speakers and debates - this programme is attached.

 

Highlights:

1. FareFashion - Saturday 15th June 7.30-10.30pm, Bristol City Hall

Bristol Fairtrade Network and FareShare South West partner up to give you a unique Gala launch event to Big Green Week, sponsored by the Co-operative membership, promoting vital and topical issues of ethical fashion and food industry waste.The evening starts with a free drink and a chance to browse the 'Fashion's Dirty Secrets' exhibition direct from London.

Then enjoy a delicious banquet from FareShare followed by a sustainable Fashion Show, and inspiring speakers - Jacqui Reeves, Project Director of FareShare South West and Tamsin Lejeune, Managing Director of the Ethical Fashion Forum.

Tickets are £25 and include dinner, Fairtrade drink, beautiful goody bag, Fashion Show and all entertainment. Concessions and group tickets available.

Please come and invite friends (flyer is attached) Full details and to book:

http://biggreenweek.com/session/farefashion-big-green-week-launch-party/

 

2. The People and the Olive - Tuesday 18th June 6-8pm, Lecture Theatre 1, 3-5 Woodlands Road, Univ of Bristol

An inspiring true story of fair trade olive farmers in Palestine and a team of runners who crossed the West Bank planting trees.The film will be followed by a talk from Zaytoun, a Fair trade organisation supporting farmers in Palestine.

Tickets: £5.00 / £3.50 concessions (includes Fairtrade refreshments) pay on the door.
http://biggreenweek.com/session/the-people-and-the-olive-film-talk/

 

3. How to Feed the 10 Billion without destroying the Planet, Wednesday 19th June 11am-12.30pm, Bristol Cathedral

Starvation and obesity, famine and food waste are contradictions that also threaten the future of the planet and its environment. As the world’s population grows and resources diminish, how are we to feed hungry mouths without trashing the planet? Tim Gorringe, Lecturer in Thelogy at Exeter University leads the debate.

The talks and debate will be followed by lunch in the Cathedral cafe for anyone interested in taking further action as a result of what they have heard.

Bookings encouraged, please contact city.canon a_t bristol-cathedral d_o_t co d_o_t uk

http://biggreenweek.com/session/feeding-the-worlds-10-billion-without-destroying-the-planet/

I hope and pray we may all find inspiration and hope, to work together to bring positive change in the name of God.

Yours in Christ

Jenny