On Saturday June 14, the Bishop of Lichfield is hosting "For Richer, For Poorer" at the Beacon International Centre, Stafford, from 10am - 3pm.
Four church partnerships - Tividale with Kinver/Enville, Ashmore Park with Pattingham, Fulbrook with Streetly, Cobridge with Barlaston - will be sharing their experiences. It's a chance to hear first-hand stories of peoples struggles, and be part of a discussion about how churches can respond together and make a difference.
"This Poverty Hearing is an important moment" says Ruth Clay, project worker on For Richer For Poorer. "The four partnerships will be sharing what they have learned by listening together to their communities. The next wave of partnerships will be launched. And other agencies in the voluntary and public sector will be adding their input."
"We are discovering, alongside material poverty, a poverty of loneliness, isolation, a lack of networks. We want to see quality of life raised in significant ways, giving people a part to play in finding solutions. Churches can empower people to make changes, raise dignity, and stay in it for the long haul."
David Primrose, Director of Transforming Communities for Lichfield Diocese, says: "the tradition of churches responding to local need is well established. A church grounded in the life and experience of the marginalised sees its thinking take a journey away from abstraction and into the concrete realities of life."
"Our diocese is within the ten most economically deprived dioceses in the country. For adults without a single qualification, we are number one. We believe in a generous God. We must be part of the journey of aspiration, mutual support, solidarity and transformation."
Over 150 people have signed up already. Lunch will be provided, and you can register now by contacting David Primrose on tc@lichfield.anglican.org