Dear Friends

 

A Happy New Year from the Global Aware team. We hope the new year, with all its challenges ahead, will inspire you to keep praying and acting for justice, to bring hope to people struggling in poverty and adversity.

 

We're really excited about the Global Aware Conference on 6th February - with world class speakers on Islamic State, Refugees and Sustainable Development Goals, this is such a relevant event and we hope you'll join us and invite others too (full details below). Please book your place today!

 

 

1. Syria - As stories of starvation and siege continue to reach us, it can seem hopeless, but let's continue to pray for those working within Syria and in neighbouring countries to try to build peace. Pray that 2016 will be the year that brings peace to this ravaged country, and that peacebuilding will take precedence over military action.

 

2. Sustainable Development Goals - As work begins in earnest on the new Global Goals, pray for all those working to make these goals a reality and pray for real progress in all areas, social and environmental.

 

3. Peace in Columbia - the peace process in Colombia is progressing slowly but surely, and they are planning to sign the Peace Agreement to end 50 years of conflict (the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere) on 23rd March. Please pray for all involved, that they will lay down arms and put the good of the citizens at the centre of the process.

 

 

 

1. Support Refugees this winter - with the cold weather sweeping across Europe and beyond, aid agencies desperately need supplies to help the million people who have left their homes in 2015. Donate through UNHCR's Winter Appeal  http://www.unhcr.org.uk/

 

 2. Become an Eco Church

This initiative from A Rocha, to challenge and equip you to care for God’s world in all areas of your life together, is being launched in St Pauls' Cathedral on 26th January. Sign up here: http://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/coming-soon/

 

3. Sign the petition against TTIP - the Bristol City Council petition closes THIS MONDAY - http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/epetition_core/community/petition/3175

For other areas, see War on Want's info http://www.waronwant.org/say-no-ttip

 

 

1. Global Aware Conference - Swords Into Ploughshares, Sat 6th February 9am-2pm

 

At Woodlands Christian Centre, Woodlands Road, Bristol, BS8 2AA.

Our news is filled with stories of refugees fleeing conflict zones and threats to security from extremist groups. How do Christians respond to this reality? Hear from Paul Valentin, Rachel Carnegie, Joel Edwards and more. You will also be encouraged and resourced to play your part in bringing peace to Bristol and the wider world by 25 attending charities. Book your place here: gaconference2016.eventbrite.co.uk

 

An e-flyer is available to download (Click Here and Here) and physical flyers are available. Please email bristolfairtradenetwork a_t gmail d_o_t com if you can distribute flyers at events or to groups.

 

2. Justice for Palestine - a Jewish Perspective, Wednesday 27 January 7pm

 

Organised by Bristol Kairos Community, this free open event will take place at  Trinity-Henleaze United Reform Church, Waterford Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4BT.

The Bristol Kairos Community works to promote a Christian response to the Israel/Palestine conflict. This meeting will include a workshop on the theme of Justice in Palestine seen from a Jewish Perspective, led by Lisa Saffron, a member of Jews for Justice for Palestinians. It is free, but there will be a retiring collection.

 

3. Genocide and the World at War: Conversation with Michael Darlow - Wednesday 3 February 6.15-7.45pm

This event is being held as part of Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations at Priory Road Lecture Theatre, Social Science complex, University of Bristol, BS8 1TH. The 'Genocide' episode shown during the landmark series 'The World at War' on British television in the 1970s, has widely been seen as ground-breaking in bringing the events of the Holocaust to British audiences. Director Michael Darlow will introduce a screening of this iconic piece of documentary film-making and talk about why he made it and share reflections on the aftermath of this screening some forty years later. The event is free, but you must register via Eventbrite here 

 

I hope to see you at the Global Aware Conference on 6th February - it's always inspiring to meet together and share the desire for positive change in our world, inspired by our Just and Loving God.

 

May the Lord bless you throughout 2016

 

Jenny

Global Aware Team