Christmas starts with Christingle
March 2016
N E E D TO K N OW
I S T O R I E S 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
Arc hdeacon’s View By ROBIN KING, Archdeacon of Stansted IN my attempts to be a disciple of Jesus, a question I’ve always had in my head is, ‘Which is best, being right or being together?’ Before we got married, I can remember someone telling us there were no arguments in a marriage worth winning – the damage done far outweighed the benefits of having the right colour curtains. When it comes to being a disciple, the same question is still there. Is it worth holding on to what I believe is right at all costs, or does there come a point when disunity undoes any benefit from ‘being right’? Of course, the argument goes the other way too – can we go on compromising what we believe to be true, whatever the cost? I’m a bit of a lone sportsman these days (running, cycling, etc.). I have recently joined Sudbury Rowing Club and try to get out on the river on days off, which usually means Friday morning, when nobody else is around. It’s great to have the river to myself, but doing it alone, especially over the winter months, can be hard work. But there was good news recently - I was asked if I could fill in when a crew of ‘veterans’ needed an eighth man. It was a CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
T h a n k Bring the kids to light a candle s for Christ’s birthday D a v i d Friends create picture to say christmasstarts.com farewell to the Archdeacon of Chelmsford: See Page 3
www.chelmsford.anglican.org
Aid volunteer Sandra witnesses plight of fleeing refugees on Greek island of Lesvos
Archdeacon John Perumbalath tells his life story to The Month
Full story: Page 5
Interview: Centre Pages
■ New Bradwell Festival weekend replaces traditional pilgrimage — Full story: Page 3