A Happy Christmas to the People of Darnall!

In the Gospels Jesus asks his followers, 'Who do people say that I am?' Various answers are given but Jesus isn't satisfied until Peter tells him, 'You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.' Christians still stand by that answer, but for Muslims only the first part of Peter's reply is true.

The Muslim understanding of Jesus is simple. He was a man, born of a virgin, (the account in the Qur'an's third chapter is very similar to the account in some of the Christian Gospels). He was given prophethood by God from birth and performed miracles during his life by God's leave. Muslims do not believe that Jesus died on the cross; in fact the majority orthodox belief is that he did not die at all and will one day return. But Christians might ask, 'How is it possible to accept the virgin birth of Jesus and yet deny that he is part of what it means to be God?'

Despite these differences of opinion about Jesus, perhaps the fact that he is so important in both faiths can make him a bridge between the two at Christmas. To find out more about this debate, visit the Christian Muslim Forum website at www.ChristianMuslimForum.org.

Happy Christmas!

Art in the Park presents Art Bytes!

www.artbytes.artinthepark.org.uk

Art in the Park is an organisation which offers free environmental arts activities in parks and green spaces around Sheffield. We aim to develop links within communities and allow more creative use of spaces. You will be able to explore your creativity and have fun while working with our artists and volunteers.

Arts Bytes is an opportunity for adults to learn new art techniques and meet people!

This winter why not come join our arts and crafts activities; these sessions:

Are FREE!!
Are open to all adults (Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult)
Include a FREE trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Give you the chance to create your own online blog and step by step art guides

You don’t have to sign up for every week
You don’t have to have any arts or IT experience or be from the area where the sessions take place

This is a real unique and exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to learn new art techniques and get involved in a city wide project

If you would like to attend either just turn up or contact Luisa on 01142686813 or luisa@artinthepark.org.uk

Below are the full dates of all the sessions in Darnall - the technique mentioned will be the focus for the first four weeks. An update for the last five weeks will be sent out before Christmas!

Drawing & painting with a creative mark making angle. Looking at miniatures - a traditional Asian art form

Pakistani Muslim Centre, Woodbourn Road Every Wednesday 10-12.30pm Nov 25th, Dec 2nd, 9th, 16th, Jan 6th, 13th

MEETING ABOUT HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF NEW HEALTH CENTRES

NHS Sheffield has put forward proposals for LIFT developments to deliver new health centres for Darnall, Foxhill and Norfolk Park. If you are registered with one of the three GP Practices, or you are a resident in one of these areas, you are invited to share your views on the potential health impacts of the proposals. The purpose of a Health Impact Assessment is to identify the potential impacts that the projects may have on health, and to make appropriate recommendations.

The PCT is keen to ensure that members of the community are able to express how the project will impact on them, to ensure that potential health impacts and community views are included in our assessment. As well as a general presentation, we plan to organise as much of the meeting as possible around small group discussion so everyone can have an input.

The date for the meeting in Darnall is:

Thursday 10th December 2009, 2:00 pm - 4.30 pm at Living Waters, 81 Main Road, Darnall

Eid Mubarak

Today is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the Eid of al Adha (Eid of Sacrifice). For those on Hajj (pilgrimage) they will be coming to the end of their pilgrimage and Muslims throughout the world will be remembering the way of Abraham and celebrating Eid with family and friends. All of us at Darnall Forum would like to extend our sincere prayers or good wishes for a successful Hajj, and Eid Mubarak.

Eid al Adha is of particular relevance to the Christian and Muslim traditions, because the story of Abraham is shared by both faiths. Abraham's way is one that we are all encouraged to follow as Christians and Muslims. It is a story of trust, reliance and patience, shared by both faiths. Christians remember figures like Abraham as Advent approaches (this weekend) and they prepare for Christmas and its message of sacrifice and peace.

(Spiritual reflections courtesy of the Christian Muslim Forum)
www.christianmuslimforum.org

Darnall Library will be CLOSED for re-decoration

Darnall Library will be CLOSED for re-decoration from Friday 11 December and will reopen on Monday 4 January.
A mobile library van will visit the LIDL car park from 3 till 4.15pm on Wednesday 16 and Wednesday 23 December.
Borrowers can also take out up to 25 books over the holiday period.
The library service is sorry for any inconvenience caused and wishes everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Faith & Families' Fun day

Thursday 3rd of December between 9.00am and 4.00pm at Darnall Children’s Centre and Greenland’s Nursery and Infants School
Enjoy a day of fun packed activities for you and your family.
Arts and Crafts
Henna
Islamic Calligraphy
Puppet and Card making
Story telling
Cracker making
Learning and Information Stalls
and refreshments
For further information contact
Nazia or Shabana at Darnall Forum on 0114 249 0099.
Everybody welcome!

Free Health Checks on 25 November, 2, 9 & 16 December

On Wednesday 25 November, the first of four free health check session will be launched at the PMC (Pakistan Muslim Centre), Woodbourn Road, Darnall.

The sessions are open to men and women over 40 and include blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, weight checks and lifestyle advice and will run from 10.00-4.00.

The sessions are free and easily accessible, local people can turn up on the day to make their own 30 minute appointment, or to book in advance call 0114 2436091