Morning Forum on Urban Mission and Ministry

The Urban Priority Action Group (UPAG) of the Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility (BSR) would like to extend a warm welcome to you to attend a  Morning Forum on Urban Mission and Ministry.
Theme: 'Arts-based activity and social transformation'
with guest speaker Rev Pam Wise
Rev Pam Wise is vicar of South Oxhey, a large, peripheral estate on the edge of Watford, where the BAFTA award-winning BBC2 series, The Choir, was filmed recently. The inspirational choir leader, Gareth Malone, worked to form a choir on the estate, and Pam Wise will tell the story of how this transformed (and continues to transform) both individual lives, and the estate itself - to national and international acclaim.
On Tuesday March 16th, 2010, 10am to 1pm
Ending with A FREE LUNCH
Venue: St Clement’s Family Centre, Cross Street, Oxford, OX4 1DA
(more information on how to find the family centre can be found on their website: http://www.stclements.org.uk/oldsite/finding.htm - the closest bustops are shown on the Google map. 
Why this Gathering?
Since a consultation with Bishop John in 2007, UPAG have been exploring ways to better support clergy and lay people across the Diocese working in urban areas – particularly in contexts where there are significant levels of economic deprivation. They are planning regular informal gatherings for mutual support and story-sharing, and this event is our second.
They have asked two people who work in urban areas within the Diocese to come along and share their stories also, and this will form the basis for further discussion amongst participants on the whole theme of the role of arts and music in social transformation and the building of community life.
We therefore invite you to come along to:

Share the joys and concerns you have about working in urban areas
Give your input to the Board for Social Responsibility about how the Diocese can best support you in your work
Listen to the stories of others in the diocese, and share your own
Be inspired by our guest speakers

Who might attend?
Anyone with an interest in and a passion for urban life is welcome. However, we are hoping that clergy and lay people with a ministry in urban areas will attend, along with those who work in a paid or voluntary capacity in church-related community projects.
Please pass this invitation on to those you think might be interested, including colleagues from other denominations who you think might value the opportunity to participate.