November 2015
ds to light candle NEE D TO a KN OW I S TO R I E S rist’sD ebirthday an’s View By Very Revd Nicholas Henshall, Dean of Chelmsford WHEN I was 17, I caught a bus to Athens and started walking. It was an extraordinary year. I talked with long bearded monks on top of mountains. I visited Troy. I even found myself in Istanbul during the 1980 Turkish evolution. I was just young enough to find everything compelling and just old enough to survive the experience. Among the many extraordinary memories, there is one brief encounter that stands out. I was walking over the Pindus mountains in central Greece and had seriously underestimated the distance. Water was no problem, but I hadn't eaten for two days when I came down to the village of Metsovo - now a swanky ski resort, then a distinctive Albanian Vlach peasant community. I bought some bread, sat down on the ground and started to eat. Then a door opened behind me. An ancient Vlach woman came out, looked at me long and hard, and then gave me a 100 drachma note (about £1 in 1980). She said simply “for food”. I realised immediately that she had mistaken me for a beggar. I looked at myself - torn shirt, sandals held together CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
I A R E A U P D AT E S I E V E N T S N E A R Y O U
tmasstarts.com
www.chelmsford.anglican.org
All the fun of the Fayre Harlow church celebrates 900 years: See page 2
Tower of London ceramic poppies are dedicated to fallen heroes of Langford
Close Encounters of the St Mellitus College kind for new students
Page 7
Page 2
■ Diocese responds to refugee crisis with your generous support of £46,000: Page 3
2
THE MONTH November 2015
THE
month — Medieval Fayre launch for Saxon church's heritage booklet
Latton toasts 900 years
A SUNNY September day heralded the opening of the Medieval Fayre put on by Harlow's St Mary-atLatton church. Brightly coloured tents set up across the green, coupled with a strolling Tudor queen, medieval knight and many others in period costume (left). The 900-year-old parish church threw open its doors to welcome more than a thousand visitors who were invited to watch falconry displays, take part in archery, listen to the excellent choir and most importantly to learn more about the heritage of this beautiful building in the heart of the community. St Mary-at-Latton began life as a Saxon church and
Encounter is a stepping stone REVD ANDY POULTNEY
BY REVD ANDY POULTNEY Young Vocations Champion ENCOUNTER is about helping people, primarily those under the age of 30, to explore God’s call on their lives, especially to ordained ministry in the Church of England. It was launched in autumn 2014 following my appointment. God has always made good use of younger people for his purposes, and there is no evidence to suggest that this is no longer true. For many though, God’s calling is often quite a
The Diocese of Chelmsford is currently looking to fill the following post Education Support Officer
Full Time (35 hours per week) Would you like to work at the heart of our dynamic Education Team which serves 140 Church schools across the Diocese? Can you handle a busy workload responding to schools’ needs with tact; organising events, meetings and diaries; liaising with parishes; updating our website and acting as PA to the Director? We are recruiting an efficient and well organised full-time Education Support Officer to work in our Chelmsford office alongside a part-time colleague. If you can: • Communicate well with a wide range of people • Prioritise a range of organisational tasks • Relate comfortably to the worlds of education and church • Use Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel proficiently • Evidence education to A Level standard or equivalent We would love to hear from you. Salary: c£21,500 pa. subject to experience and qualifications. For more information and how to apply, please visit: www.chelmsford.anglican.org/about/staff_vacancies Closing Date: Monday 26 October 2015 Interviews: Thursday 5 November 2015
difficult thing to discern, as it can feel like just ‘the echo of a whisper of a call’ as Bishop Stephen Cottrell has described it. Encounter is designed to help young people understand that echo more clearly. There are three main aspects to Encounter: ● Growing Leaders: under development as a year-long programme for those beginning in leadership. ● Journey: support for those already in the discernment process. ● Residential: a gap year for those able to give a full year to work experience in a local parish setting. Encounter Residential comprises living as part of a community with my family and me, engaging in theological training via St Mellitus College, being involved in all aspects of a placement church, personal mentoring and discipleship. The scheme provides first-hand experience of parish ministry and is proving to be invaluable to participants seeking to pursue ordained ministry. Board, lodging and travel costs (pertaining to the scheme) are funded and participants receive a small living allowance. One of them expressed it as follows: “As I begin discernment, I cannot over-emphasise the value of the Encounter scheme. The placement element of the scheme in particular offers experiential knowledge of the realities of parish ministry which could be gained in no other way. In complete honesty, I could not imagine undertaking this process without having been part of a scheme like Encounter.” As such Encounter is a means of imagining ministry for the first time for many as well as reimagining ministry for others. ● For more information about Encounter email Revd Andy Poultney – youngvocations@ chelmsford.anglican.org
has evolved through the Middle Ages and Tudor times to become the vibrant church it is today serving the local people. A new full-colour heritage booklet was published especially for the occasion and gives a wonderful insight to the history of the building. Complimentary copies were given away to all who attended and are available in the church and at Harlow Museum. The event was made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund with funding secured by the church working in partnership with Spires Heritage (www. spiresheritage.co.uk). Revd Lynn Hurry, Vicar
of St Mary-at-Latton, said: “It was a massive amount of work for all preparing beforehand and involved on the day. "But it certainly paid off, as with great joy we saw so many people having so much fun together. "And even though our historic church now finds itself part of the New Town, there was a lovely village atmosphere about the whole event. "It was a really special day bringing the whole community together with a real sense of God at the heart of it all, doing the great thing God does, which is to welcome all people with open arms.”
Children took part in the many creative activities available and as they did so the food flowed in abundance, as visitors ate their way through 600 burgers and sausages, 350 candyflosses, 250 bags of popcorn, 400 slices of cake and tons of biscuits! And on top of that, more than 350 adults and many children lit candles of thanksgiving in the tiny church chapel. The place was a blaze with light and filled with prayer. One of the schools in the parish, Tany’s Dell Infant and Junior school, also took part and produced a great interactive display including children’s games throughout the ages.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS AT ST MELLITUS: New participants on Chelmsford Diocese's Encounter Residential programme — Aron Donaldson, Emma Girdlestone, Alexandra Perry and Augustine (Gus) Ihm, arrive at St Mellitus College where they will be training on Monday mornings.
The Month, incorporating NB and East Window, is the free circulation newspaper of Church of England in Essex and East London (Diocese of Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. anglican.org/themonth ● Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter @chelmsdio ● Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter @cottrellstephen ● Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese ● Like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/chelmsdio ● Like our Ask an Archdeacon Facebook www.facebook.com/ askanarchdeacon ● View our photostream on Flickr www. flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese ● Like us on Pinterest https://uk. pinterest.com/chelmsdio
Editorial Editor: Jon Longman Editorial and photographs for The Month should be sent to: themonth@chelmsford.anglican.org or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Bouchiers Place, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TY. Tel: 01621 810530. Mobile: 07860 769906 ● Digital photographs for publication:
Please take pictures at largest size, resolution and compression. Hi-res JPGs or Tiffs should be re-sized to min 7x5in at 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. Captions, your name and contact details should be embedded in the 'File Info' section if possible. If e-mailing many shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size of 8x6in. When submitting photos please confirm that written consent has been obtained from parents / guardians of children under age 16 for publication of photos publicising church activities in The Month. ● The inclusion of an advertisement should not be taken as implying endorsement of the objects of the advertiser by the diocese.
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3
THE MONTH November 2015
THE
month — Thank you for your heart warming support
Diocese responds to refugee crisis MARTIN MITCHELL, Chair of the Diocesan Refugee Resettlement Group, outlines the progress so far THE image of the dead body of young Aylan Kurdi on a Turkish beach in the first days of September cast a shadow across Europe. It was, in modern day language, a political ‘gamechanger’ as well as an appalling tragedy. The popular press changed the tone of their headlines immediately and the UK Government announced that it would accept a limited number of Syrian refugees, 20,000 over the life of this Parliament. In common with other parts of our communities, Christians across East London and Essex wanted to respond to this humanitarian crisis and Bishop Stephen announced an appeal for those wishing to donate financially. At the time of writing the fund is touching £46,000 after less than a month. He also announced the setting up of a local steering group for the diocese which will work on the practicalities of providing welcome,
'£46,000 raised in one month'
resettlement, mentoring, orientation, education and work opportunities for refugee families and partnering with local authorities and other faith and civil society groups in doing so. The group was set up in the latter part of September and I am pleased to have been asked to co-ordinate it. We comprise individuals with relevant skills from across the diocese and we are currently busy making arrangements to see the local authorities, notably the five London boroughs, Southend and Thurrock unitary authorities and Essex County Council which on its own serves almost half the diocese’s population. Meetings with councils started in October. The diocese has identified a small number of properties that may be suitable for the housing of refugees and so have some parishes and kind hearted individuals. To date very few refugees have reached the UK and a great deal of work is taking place in transit camps and other sites in mainland Europe to clothe, shelter and feed thousands of people and this is where the majority of voluntary activity is taking place. The diocese has already allocated small amounts of the appeal fund to churches assisting in this way and we expect that this is how early grants from the fund will be made. In due course we hope to be able to help with the settlement of refugees in the UK but they need to arrive first! The landscape is changing very rapidly and may have altered dramatically by the time you read this. Please be assured that your
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RELIEF: On the Serbian-Hungarian border a Syrian family take a much-needed rest on their journey. Ahmed Shaiah, travelling with his wife and two children, has made it to Hungary. He is one of thousands that have made the journey along the border in search of a safe refuge. Picture: Fekete Dániel/HIA-Hungary/ACT Alliance.
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Harvest supper raises £500
THE churches in Thaxted came together for their annual harvest supper and raised more than £500 for the Bishop of Chelmsford’s Diocesan Refugee Appeal. More than 70 people attended a service in the parish church followed by the harvest supper. The service was led by Revd Adrian Wright with Revd David Vincent providing the
homily. Janet Walker, who organised the food, said: “I am grateful to the many people who gave food, provided plates and helped set up and clear away the tables. "It was a happy occasion with people from all the churches and those just living in the area, attending a social event in the wonderful parish church." COLIN HARRISON
How you can support the appeal PLEASE give generously to the Chelmsford Diocesan Refugee Appeal so that we can give a heartfelt and generous welcome to those who are fleeing persecution and come to us in great need. The people & churches of East London & Essex are appalled by the horrors and indignities of the vast humanitarian crisis in Syria. Every penny will go towards supporting families as we discover what their needs are. ● Go to https://mydonate.bt.com/ events/chelmsdiorefugeeappeal and click on the ‘Donate now’ button to make your donation. ● Alternatively, send a cheque
made payable to CDBF with ‘Refugee Appeal’ on the reverse to Refugee Appeal, Diocese of Chelmsford, 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT. Download a Gift Aid form at http://tinyurl.com/ qz7lge3 ● To make a text donation, text CDBF14 followed by an amount of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070. Texts are charged at your mobile phone operator's standard rate. The charity will receive 100 per cent of your donation. You must be 16 or over and ask bill payer's permission. Full terms visit www.justgiving. com/info/terms-of-service.
donations will be used as effectively as possible. ● Individuals, communities and churches are being encouraged to hold a carol concert in December and raise funds for Christian Aid and the
Hands Up Foundation to support the refugees. The phone number for enquiries is 01869 233685. More information will be made available when it is received. ● Pennies for love: see page 12
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THE MONTH November 2015
THE
month — 32 volunteers rise to challenge of launching benefice choir
BY IAN McMILLAN
Hinckford on song with Ian
LAST November, as part of the diocesan centenary elebrations, our Team Rector, Revd Margaret King, asked me, a local professional musician (above), to consider forming a group of singers drawn from our 15 rural parishes that make up the North Hinckford Benefice. It was a challenge I couldn’t resist, given that we are situated in the furthest northern part of the Diocese, around the market town of Sudbury on the Essex/ Suffolk borders, but how to go about it? Firstly, we made a big announcement in our three benefice parish magazines and website, designed eye-catching posters and flyers to display in all the 15 churches, and contacted churchwardens and organists to ask for suggestions of anyone they knew had any singing potential in their congregations.
With the bribe of tea and homemade cake in the interval, and some lovely pieces of music selected from different styles and periods of English church music, we held four rehearsals conveniently on Sunday afternoons in October, resulting in four short concerts in November at four different churches covering the four compass points of the benefice called, Our Year In Song, with 32 volunteers. We began with a Magnificat (Noble in B) at Advent, and ended with the challenging Hallelujah Chorus for Christ The King, via music reflecting all the other seasons and services, including short reflective items to be sung at the start of a service and during Communion. From our repertoire, we can now revise pieces to enhance worship when we lead the singing at our occasional benefice services in all our different churches. We also provide items to
sing at weddings, funerals and baptisms - particularly some of the inspiring and popular pieces by church composer John Rutter. On Good Friday, we sang Stainer’s Crucifixion to a full church with two excellent soloists from Chelmsford Cathedral Choir. Now on All Soul’s Day (Sunday November 1) at 6pm, we sing Faure’s Requiem liturgically, as a Sung Requiem Mass, at Foxearth Church, a former beacon of the Oxford Movement when music and liturgy was at its peak in East Anglia. We are certainly enjoying coming together as a group, which is also helping unite our isolated small rural parishes, and to sing together is one of the most inspiring ways of keeping choral music alive in churches that usually don’t hear live choral music. ● Any reader interested in forming their own choir is welcome to contact me by email (theoldballroom@gmail.com).
Church secret revealed A GRANT of £7,000 from the Friends of Essex Churches Trust has saved a newly discovered 12th century West Door at St Catherine's church in East Tilbury. Priest in Charge Canon Paul Robinson said: "While building an extension for toilets, kitchen and storage at our Grade 1 church building, the contractors broke through a bricked-up doorway that was to become the connecting link between the new extension
and the church, and discovered the carved arches of a 12th century West Door [pictured above]. "It was very badly decayed and weathered and initially we could not be sure it could be saved. The extra cost was not in our budget. The Friends made a grant of £7,000 which met the substantial extra cost involved and this outstanding feature was saved and restored."
For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. De 4:31
THE MONTH November 2015
Talking Jesus THE
month — Two perspectives on new statistics
REVD CHARLIE KOSLA, Mission and Evangelism Adviser, analyses statistics published in a new report commisioned by the Church of England, HOPE and the Evangelical Allliance IT is generally thought and accepted that we are increasingly a ‘post-Christian’ nation where decreasing church attendance coincides with less knowledge of the Christian faith. Recent research carried out on behalf of the Church of England, HOPE and the Evangelical Alliance reveals this is not necessarily the case, and perceptions are not always as one might assume. Six in ten (60 per cent) of English adults believe Jesus was a real person and just under half of adults (43 per cent) believe in the resurrection of Jesus. A majority of English non-Christians know a Christian and 67 per cent report that they personally know someone who is a follower of Jesus — that is, someone they perceive to be a practising Christian. They also tend to attribute more positive than negative qualities to the Christian they know. So we are not always seen in a negative light – we are liked! On the subject of Christians
ACCORDING to the latest research published in the booklet ‘Talking Jesus’, just nine per cent of England’s population are practising Christians, and the latest Church of England statistics for mission state that just one million people attend services on a Sunday with year-on-year decline is running at one per cent across England. So in what ways can we reach those who don’t yet come to church and have little knowledge of the Christian faith? Or find church a strange and alienating place? How also can we make church more attractive for non-church goers? In the language of Transforming Presence — the strategic priorities for the diocese, how can we both inhabit the world more distinctively and evangelise more effectively? One way of achieving both of these is what is called Fresh Expressions of Church, by taking church outside both its traditional liturgical and its physical box. In Chelmsford Diocese, 8.4 per cent of our churches and 4.4 per cent of church attendance are from Fresh Expressions of
Rachel joins diocese team
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sharing their faith, just over half of English non-Christians know a Christian and have had a conversation with them about Jesus. It is the younger church members who are leading the way with nearly twice as many adults aged 18 to 34 saying they talked about their relationship with Jesus in the past month (31 per cent) compared to people aged 35 and older (17 per cent). Younger adults most often talked about Jesus with friends (45 per cent) and family (21 per cent). This research reveals we are faced with challenges and opportunities and prayerfully need to discern how to help others to recognise the personal significance of Jesus in their lives. Despite negative media images, Christians are generally seen in a positive light and people are interested to hear our faith story and what Jesus means. l The full report, short video and outcomes can be read or downloaded at www.talkingjesus. ONE-TO-ONE: A discussion outside the God Tent at the org. V Festival in Chelmsford
REVD VERNON ROSS, Mission & Ministry Advisor for the Barking Episcopal Area, reports on Pioneer Ministry in Havering
Church, and last year the Diocesan Synod approved a motion saying that every Mission and Ministry Unit (MMU) should have a Fresh Expression of Church. All this is, of course, set against the background in the change in patterns of ministry across the Church of England which shouldn’t be seen solely in the light of fewer stipendiary ordained ministers, but of a greater variety of lay, licensed and ordained minsters, many of whom will be self-supporting. The challenge is how can we enable this changing pattern of ministry to be as effective as possible, and where can we get those Pioneer Ministers who will make that aspiration for a Fresh Expression in every MMU a reality? One possible answer lies in Havering Deanery, where David Hague, the Area Dean, and I have been involved in setting up a Lay Pioneer Centre (St Cedd’s) at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Collier Row. This is an exciting new development as we work in partnership with CMS and local Pioneers in delivering training for authorised lay pioneer ministers. CMS bring their expertise in training Pioneer ministers and their knowledge and experience of cross-cultural mission and evangelism. Our local Pioneers and advisors bring their insights and practice
THE new HR manager for Chelmsford Diocese is Rachel Towns. Rachel (right) provides HR advice, support and guidance for the diocese and covers matters relating to diocesan staff, clergy office holders and staff employed by Sparrows Childcare. Rachel also deals with parish based employment queries. One of Rachel’s key priorities will be to
update, improve and standardise policies and processes. Rachel works three days a week, reporting to the Finance Director. A business graduate and chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Rachel brings extensive generalist HR and change management experience from the NHS, local government and aviation services.
from this diocese. Together we can offer people a broad and relevant training Pioneer ministry. This training is not just for the Havering Deanery but for the wider diocese. Geographically Havering is accessible to East London and the south and west of Essex. This brings together a vision that David Hague and I have, which is that we can have a Fresh Expression in every MMU, which is lay-led yet accountable to the local church, with training that isn’t overly academic but is inherently practical and contextual. This, coupled with the lay training for leading non-Eucharistic worship in the Epping and Ongar Deanery, are part of our response, not only to our need to evangelise more effectively, but to reimagine ministry in such a way that helps the Church communicate the Gospel imaginatively and effectively in the 21st century. l Bishop Stephen will commission the St Cedd’s Centre on November 1 at 6pm, and we will subsequently be running a taster five-week course during Lent next year (commencing week beginning February 14). l For more information, contact vross@ chelmsford.anglican.org or juliecaly@ thegoodshepherd.co.uk.
Her previous role as a divisional HR manager at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in Romford, carried responsibility for 1,400 staff, including pathology, radiology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff. ● To contact Rachel Towns call 01245 294427 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) or email rtowns@ chelmsford.anglican.org.
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THE MONTH November 2015
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month — 'Value for money, paying for what you get, using up-to
A thrifty dioce parishes to pr The Month talked to Mark about his approach to life
TM: What is the role of accountancy in an organisation like the Diocese of Chelmsford? MS: Accountants are not only concerned with recording financial history but more importantly with changing an organisation’s future. They can help a diocese be efficient and generate more funds to spend on mission. I love finance and all it involves not the normal portrayal of a drab accountant! TM: In your previous appointment you were the Finance Director of the Diocese of Canterbury. Tell us about your professional background before joining Canterbury. MS: After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with a practice in the Barking Episcopal Area I became a partner. I never much liked the audit side and so I mostly consulted on projects and IT implementation for clients. When we sold the practice nearly 20 years later, I became a short-term employee in the finance team at the Millennium Dome and then ran a financial services business for a former client. TM: When you went to Canterbury was this your first experience of charity or church work? MS: Church – no! My parents were church
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pastors and pioneers originally in the Cong and so until I went to university, church life was of a small congregation missional variety. I moved home in 1984 and that was my conversion to “Anglicanism” and involvement with PCC, Team PCC etc etc. After the Dome I project managed the extension of Church Langley church in Harlow where I am churchwarden and my wife Julie is Evangelism Enabler and then worked for a local Christian charity for 11 months. TM: Can the charity sector benefit from a more commercial approach? MS: Of course it can! Commercial realism value for money, paying for what you get, and using up-to-date information. You wouldn’t expect to do your weekly shop at Tesco but not pay for it. You wouldn’t expec Tesco’s to exist on information that is two years out of date. Why should our diocese have second-best? TM: Are you looking to change things in the diocese? MS: First off I want to acknowledge that Chelmsford Diocese has a great Finance team in Margaret Essery, our Chief
'Take me as I am – warts and a
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1 (ESV) Photo: www.sxc.hu
FROM FRONT PAGE with some colourful strips of cloth given me by some passing Roma a few weeks before. And I realised I hadn't had a shower for weeks. So I looked like a beggar. The old woman didn't shoo me away from her doorstep. And the money aside, above all she treated me like a fellow human being, without judgement. There was a quality of love in her simple action that imprinted that encounter in my heart, a quality of love, a quality of humanity. She saw me face to face. In the run up to Christmas, it’s her face, probably mis-remembered down the 35 years between, who
always comes back to me when I read of God being born on the road in the wrong place from the wrong kind of parents. Even Luke’s stress on the virginity of Mary is important – in the Old Testament virginity is always bad: the virginity of Mary tells us that she is useless, unfruitful, a beggar just like me – and therefore by the upside down values of the kingdom exactly the kind of person God chooses! Julian of Norwich speaks of the birth of Jesus as God’s great act of courtesy. She means exactly what Paul says in Philippians 2.5-11 – that he has stepped down, emptied himself to become one of us.
Bocking confirmations THE Bishop of Colchester, Roger Morris confirmed six candidates at St Mary’s, Bocking on September 27. The candidates, all from St Mary’s, varied in age and faith journey had been prepared using the Pilgrim Course. Jacqueline Hogger who gave testimony during the service expressed how important the course had been in preparation for confirmation and how much she had thoroughly enjoyed the varied discussions, leaving her with much to think through. Revd Rod Reid, Priest in
Charge, said: "I have been here at this church in the wonderful community of Bocking for just over a year and it was terrific to have Bishop Roger with us for this Confirmation Service. "For each of the candidates this has been a significant, and emotional step along their faith journey and I feel privileged to have been alongside. "This has been the first time that we have used the Pilgrim resource in the parish and a good number want to explore it further."
In one of my churches we used to sing chorus “Jesus, take me as I am: I can co way.” That is the Gospel truth at the heart of God at Bethlehem, where God himself co inhabit our humanity. Yes, Jesus – like th - takes me as I am, warts and all becaus cannot come any other way. That extraor discovery that God loves me not because or worthy or do the right thing but becaus child. N Dea
THE MONTH November 2015
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Accountant and her colleagues, and I am proud to have joined them. Working collaboratively is very important to me. As to your big question - I will try to affect what is in my direct remit and work with my colleagues on other matters. My approach is not to rush in but assess different scenarios and risks. One early change I am making, using my commercial background, is to save time and money by introducing a computerised statutory accounts production system. It’s a small but easy win. Bigger wins may take time. I really value the immense time and effort given by local volunteers and so I want to be seen in the parishes and deaneries and make mutual support, office and parish, a priority as we work together for Christ’s Kingdom. TM: What sort of changes did you help to make at Canterbury? MS: We improved the collection of fees and Gift Aid so that more money could go back to the parishes. The finance team stopped working in silos in the diocesan office, and as staff moved on we recruited people with the skill sets the diocese needed – commercial realism! We encouraged
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colleagues to be curious, ask questions and bring solutions. TM: Why does your new job include IT as well as Finance? MS: Strangely finance, data and IT fit closely together. We need to get more information out of our accounting system and also pool data from across the departments of the diocese so that we can support our parishes better. TM: And finally, speaking as a churchwarden what would you say are the biggest challenges facing the Church? MS: There are greater minds than mine that have difficulty with defining that! The challenge of connecting with people hasn’t changed from New Testament times – it just seems to have got harder with the increased competition for people's time and energy. I feel we need to be more adventurous in our forms of worship, claw back time from our own busy lives to be the church family we should be... and not be afraid to replace ourselves with the next generation.
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Nicholas Henshall an of Chelmsford
Dedication of Poppies FIVE ceramic poppies from the ‘Bloodswept Lands and Seas of Red’ display at the Tower of London, were dedicated in memory of five Langford boys who were lost in the Great War. Members of the Harvey, Thompson and Howlett families were there to dedicate poppies to Stanley Harvey, Frederick and ‘Jack’ Thompson, George Howlett and Frederick Joslin. The service was taken by the Archdeacon of Chelmsford, Ven David Lowman, and the Rector, Revd Peter Low.
The picture shows the dedicated poppies and their donors outside St Giles. A PCC spokesman said: "Grateful thanks go to David Lowman and Peter Low for their great help with this, and to all those who bought and donated poppies for the cause. "A permanent housing for the poppies is currently being made out of an old ‘blasted and burnt’ oak gatepost, which is a very appropriate setting. We hope this new housing will be in place in time for the Remembrance Day service."
IN BRIEF
Bishop's plea to reconnect with agriculture
PREACHING the sermon at the County Harvest Festival Service, the Bishop of Colchester, Roger Morris spoke of his family connections with agriculture and the need for people in all parts of Essex and East London to be reconnected with their origins as people of the soil. Bishop Roger said: “We need to be reconnected, we need to remember, and never forget, that we are people of the soil; dependent upon agriculture for the milk in our tea, for the butter on our crumpet, and for our daily bread.” The most important connection of all is that we belong to God, said Bishop Roger, adding: “That is the connection that ultimately broke down. The connection between us and God. And that is the connection that Jesus came to repair; coming to earth as a human, as a person of the soil.” l The full text of the sermon can be found at www.chelmsford.anglican.org
Alpha developer is Keene lecturer
CHELMSFORD Cathedral is this month hosting the Keene Lectures, held annually to discuss contemporary theological issues and delivered by distinguished speakers in their area of expertise. This year the three speakers are Sandy Millar, Lord Dannatt and Frances Ward on November 4, 11 and 18 respectively. The lectures are free and begin at 8pm. Sandy (right) joined the staff of Holy Trinity Brompton and oversaw the growth of Alpha from a small local parish resource to one used by thousands of churches around the world and will be speaking on the impact of the Alpha course. The second lecture will be given by General the Lord Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff and head of the British Army, on law, morality and armed conflict. The third lecture in the series is given by the Very Revd Frances Ward, one of the first women to be ordained priest in the Church of England who will be speaking on childhood today from a Christian perspective. l Full details can be found on the Cathedral website at www. chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk or from the welcome desk in the Cathedral.
Stars play Gosfield
BRITAIN’S new acoustic stars will play Gosfield Golf Club to raise funds for St Catherine's church, Gosfield. This is an intimate evening with Blackheart, UK Exposure Music Awards ‘Best British Duo’ winners at Gosfield Golf Club on Saturday November 28 – part of their ‘Beautifully Acoustic’ nationwide tour. Advance tickets are £10 available now from David Degnan on 01787 472291 or david@ddegnan.orangehome.co.uk and the concert runs from 7.30 to 10pm. Limited tickets may also be available on the door. Blackheart are multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington. Their unique music is a heavenly fusion of folk, rock and classical music.
Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community, offering a residential rehabilitation programme, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours.
Based on a 300 acre dairy farm in rural Devon, Gilead uses the Genesis Process Relapse Prevention programme with our clients. If you, or someone you know would like more information about Gilead or would like to make an application, please contact:
Laura Alm
Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520
laura.alm@gilead.org.uk
www.gilead.org.uk
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THE MONTH November 2015
“A young lady came to see us at the studios, with her baby in her arms. She told us she had listened to a testimony on Cross Rhythms Teesside, and as a result had decided to keep her baby – there’s a little child alive now because the programming touched someone’s heart and gave them hope in a very difficult time.”
Please Consider Supporting Cross Rhythms Teeside Our running costs are kept extremely low, and our not for profit radio station is currently entirely staffed with volunteers. We only need 40 supporters donating £30 per month to enable us to sustain and develop our programming, reaching the whole area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the Gospel. A gift, or monthly donation, of any amount, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Title:
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Please return this form to Cross Rhythms Teeside, c/o Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Plymouth, PL3 4PY
Cross Rhythms Teesside community radio station broadcasts 24/7 to Stockton-on-Tees and the Tees Valley. ‘That’s a long way from here’ you may be thinking, but hopefully the aims and values of this Community radio station will not be a long way from those of many in the church throughout the UK. The station engages with the community through radio using local news, discussions and interviews, with the latest contemporary Christian music providing the backbone to the sound and ethos of the station. Sharing the Gospel with a 21st century audience using 21st century means. One of the station’s founding DJ’s had this to say: “We’re often hearing from people who love the station, for the effect it has on the community if not the music itself. I’ve been a DJ for 10 years and my grandmother, who is 87 years old, supports what I do wholly. She can’t stand the music I play, but she supports what I do because she loves me and she believes in the project. The music may not be to the taste of older Christians. But it’s actually about seeing
Reaching a City with the Gospel
the bigger picture and saying, ‘It’s not necessarily what I like but I can see it connecting with a lot of people.’ That’s the starting point and everything else will fall into place around it.” The radio station is run as a not-for-profit organisation, and any income goes towards the ministry of reaching the local community with the Gospel, and engaging with local communities for social gain. During the recession, many of our projects with young people, especially around education and training, sadly ceased due to lack
of funding. Organisations that used to pay for those services had their budgets cut or removed, and as a result, the station has to find new income and support. But now for the good news: Effectively, the station ‘re-started’ in September 2014, with a new Station Manager and a new Station Administrator, Rafal and Ania Dupat. This young Polish couple arrived in the Tees Valley area sensing a call from God and not really knowing why. Rafal has extensive production and audio engineering experience, and Ania has managed a number of community projects. Ideal qualifications for a Christian Community Radio Station, although they had no idea it even existed when they came! Since getting involved, Raf and Ania have encouraged the growth, management and training of a new crop of more
than twenty volunteers to produce and present local programmes. They have also been meeting and engaging with the local community at large, and the Christian faith community especially, as well as community groups and organisations, and listener feedback is encouraging. “We’re working towards securing funding to develop more programming and training opportunities to reach what is one of the most deprived areas in the UK”, said Rafal. “We have developed a love for the Tees Valley area, and the people here, and we want to use the radio station to bring hope and light in difficult times. As an evangelistic outreach, this radio station is broadcasting to people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year – it’s a phenomenal resource for the church in its mission.”
A message from Chris Cole, co-founder of the Cross Rhythms ministry. It is fair to say that the Christian Faith has been the most ‘civilising influence’, globally, since the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. In the Western World, the printing of the Bible over 500 years ago on the newly invented printing press enabled our civilisation to develop our politics, economics, education, societal attitudes, major institutions and spirituality. All of these developments have been at the cornerstone, until recently, of our liberal democracies. It is now the development of the internet, digital satellite, FM radio and television communications that gives all of us who call ourselves ‘followers of Jesus Christ’ the opportunity to
share our stories on these platforms. In many ways this is probably the first opportunity people will have of witnessing powerful messages and testimonies of real life in God. We are often the first Bible people will now read. Cross Rhythms as a national ministry is growing with three Community radio stations licensed in the UK, (Teesside, Stoke on Trent and Plymouth), independently owned and operated but partnering together with similar aims and vision. Cross Rhythms Teesside is reaching young people who engage with the music – but it is asking older people with a passion for a lost generation for support. It is based in one of the
most deprived areas of the North East of England – but it is asking for help from people in this area who can see the vision and wish to support it. We now have a younger team developing around us who are very ‘media savvy’ and capable of maximising the amazing opportunities the Lord is giving us to ‘influence our cities for good’ by broadcasting the very best Christian Contemporary music with life changing messages. Your partnership is not only deeply valued but is part of our spiritual resourcing to influence the airwaves in a way that helps those who don’t know Jesus gain a glimpse of His offer of salvation.
Contact:
Rafal Deputat
Station Manager E: raf@crteesside.co.uk
Cross Rhythms Teesside is very grateful to Cornerstone Vision, who have kindly sponsored this page.
THE MONTH November 2015
THE
9
month — Come along to Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group
Saturday-Sunday, October 17-18 ● Art in the Church. St Mary's Elsenham. 10am-4pm. Display & sale of paintings by local artists. Refreshments. Free entry. Donations and 20 per cent of sales to St Mary's Fabric Fund. Sunday, October 18 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. Followed by book launch by Father Robert Beaken at 4.30pm. The book is called 'The Church of England and the Home Front, 1914-1918: Civilians, Soldiers and Religion in Wartime Colchester'. ● All Saints' Church, Epping Upland CM16 6PH. 3-5pm. Sunday Afternoon Teas. Come and enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst sampling delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. We are a dog friendly church and have water bowls and biscuits for our four legged friends. Tuesday, October 20 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, October 21 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. Thursday, October 22 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. ● Chelmsford. 5.30-9pm. Diocesan Office. Ladies Charity Fundraising Night. Relax with a drink and hot supper whilst listening to the inspirational Gayna Cooper author of ‘Know Your Colours’ and ‘Love the Skin you’re in’. Gayna’s fun talk and testimony cover self confidence, colours and styles that suit you, skincare and make-up tips.There will also be a raffle, second-hand bookstall and goody bag! Tickets £12 each includes donation to charity, from Andrea Smith at reception@chelmsford.anglican.org ● St Laurence church, Upminster. Lunchtime recital 1.05pm. Alto and piano recital. Retiring collection. Friday, October 23 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Susan Handscombe (recorders). Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available from noon, or bring your own if you wish. Saturday, October 24 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. Essex Police Choir concert, 7.30pm. Sunday, October 25 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland CM16 6PH. 3-5pm. Sunday Afternoon Teas. Come and enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst sampling delicious home-made cakes, tea & coffee. We are a dog friendly church and have water bowls and biscuits for our four legged friends ● St Catherine’s East Tilbury. Open afternoon when visitors will be able to view the improvements. 2pm-5pm. ● All Saints, Little Totham. 11am. Celebration service to mark All Saints day. For nearly 1,000 years people from this village have kept their parish church alive. Come and mark this achievement. Meet up with members of sister churches at Goldhanger and Great Totham to thank God for a millennium of worship – and stay for lunch. Tuesday, October 27 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. ● St James the Less, Hadleigh. 2pm-2.40pm. Julian Meeting (silent prayer introduced with words and music). Wednesday, October 28 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. Thursday, October 29 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. ● St Laurence church, Upminster RM14 2BB Lunchtime recital 1.05pm. Organ recital. Retiring collection. Friday, October 30 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Men2sing (Male voice choir). Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish. Friday, October 30 ● '900 Years of Architecture' day at All Saints church, Church Chase, Great Braxted. 9.45am3.30pm. Admission is free but donations on day would be welcomed. An interesting day of five illustrated lectures exploring the church and its history given by Dr David Andrews, Elphin Watkin, Dr Martin Bridge, Dr David Andrews and Dr James Bettley. To help the church catering, please book your place by contacting Ken Hornett on hornettk@ hotmail.com or 01621 891424 or Mike Puttick on michaelputtick@btinternet.com or 07805 697437. Sunday, November 1 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● The North Hinckford Benefice Singers sing Faure’s Requiem liturgically, as a Sung Requiem Mass, at Foxearth church. 6pm. Information: theoldballroom@ gmail.com (see story on page 4). Tuesday, November 3 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group.
BOOKSHELF THE Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group will be looking at Dave Tomlinson’s 'How to be a Bad Christian… and a better human being' at its November 4 meeting. In this immensely enjoyable and readable book, Dave makes the point that we often forget Christianity is about faith not belief and he has many real life stories of encountering God amongst people who would not attend church or call themselves Christians. He encounters God in the beauty of nature in spending time with family and friends and reminds us that God wants us to enjoy life – he’s no spoilsport. Each chapter is helpful and challenging. He covers guilt and making choices, heaven, prayer and the Bible and the book is shot through with compassion and love. The book is available from the Chelmsford Christian Book Shop at the special price of £7.75 (RRP £8.99) and if you purchase the book you will also be entered into a draw to win a Footprints Tea Towel. The Reading Group meets on the first Wednesday lunchtime of each month in the Library at the Diocesan Office at 1pm. Everyone is welcome and it is free to join in. For details and encouragement, please contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or email bookshop@chelmsford.anglican.org SALLY MATTHEWSON Bookshop Assistant Wednesday, November 4 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group. See details in story above. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. Keene Lecture: Bishop Sandy Millar. 8pm (see story on centre pages). ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. Thursday, November 5 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers' Union Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. ● St Laurence church, Upminster. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime recital by Ellis Ensemble. Free admission, retiring collection. Friday, November 6 ● Chelmsford Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime concert by James Kealey (organ), Royal Holloway University of London, Music department. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish Saturday, November 7 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● St James’ church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea (entrance through church hall in Tower Road). 3-5pm. Messy Church with ‘The Light of the World’ theme. We talk, have fun together and discover more about God. Crafts, games and stories suitable for children and their families, plus food. There is no charge, but donations are always welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For further details, contact Peter on 01255 429896 or e-mail p.kane.03@cantab.net ● Pick up early Christmas goodies and browse the bric-a-brac in the comfy surroundings of All Saints. Little Totham. The annual gift fair will between 11am and 4pm. Coffee and cake and light lunches will be served. Home-made marmalade and chutney, books and cakes. To book a stall, contact Vivienne Smith 01621 891660 or Lorna Key 01621 891667. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. The Sixteen in concert. 7.30pm. Sunday, November 8 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● Remembrance Service. St Mary's Buttsbury. 3.30pm. Tuesday, November 10 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, November 11 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on
Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. Keene Lecture: General the Lord Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff - head of the British Army on law, morality and armed conflict. 8pm. Thursday, November 12 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers' Union Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. ● St Laurence church, Upminster. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime recital by David Newsholme (Canterbury Cathedral). Free admission, retiring collection. ● Cheese & Wine Evening with a difference! Christ Church, 56 Colbert Avenue, Southend. 7.30-10pm. So, what’s different? There will be a display of local artists’ work with the opportunity to buy, together with a few select displays of jewellery, accessories and gifts including hand-made craft and cards. Tickets at £5 include a selection of cheeses with wine. For catering purposes please pre-book your place(s): 01702 588468 or email admin@christchurchsouthend.org.uk Friday, November 13 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Forest School Big Band. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available from noon, or you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. Saturday, November 14 ● St Mary's Church, Cable Street, London E1 OBQ (nearest station Shadwell DLR). 2-5pm. With One Voice: Unison Singing for Your Church. An afternoon event for clergy, music leaders and singers, particularly from churches with limited resources. Small numbers? Low budget? Not sure how to get started? Uncertain which music would be right for your congregation? Tom Daggett (OBE Organ Outreach Fellow, St Paul’s Cathedral) and Elizabeth Lil (Cantor, St James’s Church, Piccadilly) will lead you through the full range of options for unison singing, showing how people with little experience can use music to enhance their worship. Cost: £10 including refreshments. ● St Aidan's Church Hall, The Fairway, Leigh-on-Sea. Grand Bazaar. 10.30am-2.30pm. Bargains and gifts galore. Come and meet Father Christmas. Food available in The Old Chancel Cafe. ● St Nicholas church, Great Wakering. Quiz Night. 7.30-9.30pm ● Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore CM4 0RN. 7.30pm. The Stondon Singers, with guest accompanists and soloists. Tickets £12 and £6 (under 16). Available from: James Dace & Son, Broomfield Rd, Chelmsford: Allegro Music, High Street, Chelmsford: The Post Office, Blackmore: Members of the choir or on the door. Further information www.stondonsingers.org.uk and 01992 522300 or e-mail stondon_singers@fsmail.net ● St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Epping CM16 5DN. 7.30pm. Valentine Singers present Fauré : Requiem and Kodály: Missa Brevis. Conductor: Christine Gwynn, Organist: Simon Winters. Box Office: 020 8550 4657: Tickets: £12 / £7 (students and benefit holders) £14/ £9 on the door. Tickets available online from www.valentinesingers.org Or from Epping Bookshop, 71, High Street, Epping CM16 4BA. Sunday, November 15 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. Tuesday, November 17 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, November 18 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Keene Lecture. Very Revd Frances Ward, one of the first women to be ordained priest in the Church of England. She will be speaking on childhood today from a Christian perspective. Thursday, November 19 ● St Laurence church, Upminster. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime recital by Wren Trio. Retiring collection. Friday, November 20 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Michael Kidd (French horn) and Timothy End (piano). Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available from noon, or bring your own if you wish. Saturday, November 21 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. Waltham Singers Concert. ● All Saints, Messing. Friends of Messing Church Christmas Market in village hall (opposite the church). 11am-2.30pm. Selection of stalls and light refreshments. ● Christmas Fair. Christ Church Centre, corner of Colbert Avenue/Warwick Road, Southchurch. Noon-3pm. Entertainment for everyone: bouncy castle, games, toddler play area, raffle, toy tombola. Christmas Shopping: lots of opportunities to buy gifts or just treat yourself. Refreshments. Free admission. Details from 01702 588468 or admin@christchurchsouthend.org.uk ● St Martin's Chipping Ongar. Christmas Bazaar at Budworth Hall. 9am-1pm. Grand draw, refreshments and stalls with lots of gift ideas for Christmas. ● Corpus Christi College Choir Concert. All Saints Church, Church Chase, Braxted Park Road, Great Braxted. 5.30-7.30pm. Sunday, November 22 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 2.30pm. Christmas Lights switch on High Street (Girls’ Choir). ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong.
Tuesday, November 24 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. ● Julian Meeting. St James the Less Hadleigh. 2-2.40pm. Silent prayer, introduced with words and music. Wednesday, November 25 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. Thursday, November 26 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. ● St Laurence church, Upminster. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime recital by organ students from Birmingham Conservatoire. Retiring collection. Friday, November 27 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Chelmer Valley High School. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring your own if you wish Saturday, November 28 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am. Christmas Market. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. Caprice Concert. ● Althorne Church Hall CM3 6BY. 11am-3pm. Christmas Bazaar In aid of Church Funds. Stalls and refreshments. ● St Mary's, Maldon. 10am. Advent Day. A day of fun for children and young people exploring the meaning of Advent. ● St George's Church Hall, Ongar Road (near Robin Hood Roundabout), Brentwood. 10.30am-2pm. The Totally Reem Bazaar. Admission 50p. Stalls - handwork and handicraft, tempting cakes and sweets, books, toys and games, chocolate tombola, grand raffle, tin and bottle tombola, toiletries, presents galore & cards. Refreshments and Father Christmas will be there. Event in aid of church funds. Contact: 01277 213618. ● Village Hall (Room in the Rodings), Beauchamp Roding, CM5 0PF. 10am-4pm. Christmas Market to raise money for St Botolph's church funds. Gifts, refreshments, cards, gift wrapping, tombola, cakes, raffle, book stall and more. ● Christmas Fair at St James the Less Hadleigh. 10am-3pm. Father Christmas, homemade, refreshments, raffle and gift stalls. ● Friends of St Lawrence Church Bradfield. Christmas Craft Market, Bradfield Community Centre. 10am-4pm. Craft and food stalls, refreshments, raffle, tombola, plus Father Christmas. Admission £1 (accompanied children under 16 free). ● St Mary's church, Southminster Road, Burnham-onCrouch. Christmas Bazaar. 10.30am-3pm. Come & visit Father Christmas, listen to Christmas organ recitals while doing your Christmas shopping. Stalls will include St Mary's handmade greetings cards, Christmas decorations, cakes and preserves, gifts, tombola & many others. There will also be games for the children. ● Christmas Bazaar. St Mary Magdalene church, Church Lane, North Ockendon. Noon-3pm. Bazaar with refreshments, light lunches, various stalls with stocking fillers, decorations, raffle, books, toys, tombola in the church and adjacent church hall. Sunday, November 29 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 6pm. Advent Procession. ● St Mary's, Maldon. 6pm. Processional Advent Carol Service. ● All Saints' church, Doddinghurst. 2.30-3.30pm.The Diary of Richard Stonley: Life in Tudor Doddinghurst. Talk by social historian Zoe Hudson, who has been researching the life of Richard Stonley, patron of All Saints' church in the 16th century. Entry is £4 and will include tea and cakes. proceeds to church funds. Monday, November 30 ● House of Retreat, The Street, Pleshey, Chelmsford CM3 1HA. 9.45am-4pm. A BRF Quiet Day with Revd Dr Rodney Holder: ‘Behold, I am coming’. £30 (incl lunch). Dr Holder is former Course Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, where he is a Bye Fellow. He has written a number of books on the dialogue between science and religion. To book, contact us by post, or telephone us on 01865 319700. You can also book online at www.brfonline.org.uk/2015-programme/. Please send payment and provide full names of all who are attending. Contact Quiet Days, BRF, 15 The Chambers, Vineyard, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3FE. Tuesday, December 1 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, December 2 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. December 2015 diary deadline ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah Newman on 01245 294443 by November 1 for inclusion in The Month and on the diocesan website. Latest events ● You can find the latest events online at www. chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/whats-on
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THE MONTH November 2015
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Christ Church Bedford
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St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset
Ruxley New Church, West Ewell, Surrey
THE MONTH November 2015
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THE MONTH November 2015
THE
month — St Barnabas youngsters give their pocket money
IN BRIEF
Share deadline
RESPONSES to the diocesan consultation on the Parish Share Review are being gathered in. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 16. The proposals, a video presentation and the response form are online at www. chelmsford.anglican.org/parishes/ parish-finance/parish-share-review. Canon Jenny Tomlinson will answer questions from those who have still to respond. Email jtomlinson@chelmsford. anglican.org or ring 01799 500757.
Guy Harlings tours THE diocesan offices opened to the public for Heritage Open Days 2015. Some 77 people visited he historic Guy Harlings building in New Street, Chelmsford on September 12. This Grade II listed building dates from the early 18th century and is notable for the linenfold panelling in the entrance hall which may have come from a Tudor building. The building and grounds are owned by the Guy Harlings Trust and licenced on a rent free basis to provide offices for the diocese and Cathedral.
Metal theft cover
ECCLESIASTICAL Insurance will now pay claims for losses from the theft or attempted theft of external metal where an approved roof alarm has been installed up to the buildings or contents sums insured. Terms and conditions apply.
2016 Directory
THE 2016 Diocesan Directory goes on sale, priced £10, on November 16. Email bookshop@chelmsford.anglican.org, call 01245 294405 or visit the Chelmsford Christian Bookshop at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT.
'Pennies for Love' go to refugee children
IN response to the plight of the Syrian refugees, a sermon at St Barnabas Walthamstow asked the congregation: “What would be our Christian response?” Canon Steven Saxby, Vicar of St Barnabas, said: "With simple acts of kindness and charity, the Young Barnabarian children decided that day, and for the next few weeks, they would collect their pocket money as 'Pennies for Love', to donate to the refugee children. "The YBs talked about how the refugee children were like each of them, but were being forced to leave their homes and families because of conflict, and prayed for refugee children and adults. "For the next four weeks, the children decorated wooden money boxes to collect their pocket money. "The moneyboxes were returned on Harvest Sunday, and during the service I asked the YBs to bring their heavy coin collection to the altar for a special blessing." l The money collected by the YBs will be donated to the Chelmsford Diocesan Refugee Appeal, https://mydonate.bt.com/ events/chelmsdiorefugeeappeal l Refugee appeal: see page 3
FRIENDS CHRISTMAS CARD: The Adoration of the Magi – detail of the reredos in Waltham Abbey Church, 1876. The Friends of Essex Churches Trust Christmas card 2015 (left) is available to order now in packs of 10 at £5 per pack. Please send a cheque, made out to The Friends of Essex Churches Trust Events Committee with your name and address to Jo Pimblett, Parsonage Bury, Henham, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6AN. For postage and packing add £3.50 (1-4 packs) or £5.50 (five or more packs). l For more information, please call 01279 850150.
Regular Sunday Service 8.00am 9.30am 11.15am 3.30pm
Holy Communion Parish Eucharist Choral Eucharist Choral Evensong
C hristmas at C helmsfo rd c athedral Sunday 29 November 6.00pm Advent Procession Friday 18 December 12.30pm Christmas Carol Service Wednesday 23 December 6.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 2.00pm 4.00pm Nine Lessons and Carols 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 8.00am Holy Communion 9.00am Family Eucharist 10.30am Christmas Day Eucharist mo re info rmatio n at w w w .c helmsfo rdc athedral.o rg.uk
PENNIES FOR LOVE: The Young Barnabarians created money boxes to collect their pocket money to go the Syrian refugee children. Pictures courtesy of BinBin Valentine and Genevive Odeoemena.
PEDAL POWER: Revd NeilAllan Walsh, Priest-in-Charge of St Margaret with St Columba at Leytonstone, was joined by (left to right) Helen Beech, Urica Emile, Lily Collister and Belinda Collister for the Friends of Essex Churches 2015 Ride+Stride event on September 12. The group visited 34 churches and raised more than £400. This national event was started by the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and Essex joined it in 1983. Nowadays more than 30 counties take part on the second Saturday each September. l For more information about the 2016 event, please contact Fiona Nelmes at fionanelmes@ lineone.net or ring 01245 380365