September 2017
N E E D TO K N OW
ndle
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
In My View By REVD TIM ELBOURNE Diocesan Director of Education I LISTENED recently in the car to an old comedy radio programme, first broadcast 25 years ago, called ‘People should start school at 35’. It consisted mainly of anecdotes about how awful the
Bishop Stephen leads the tributes to Bishop John Wraw: Page 3
presenter’s experiences of
to be taught more
school with childhood. But
school as a child had been in
interestingly.
should we? Our diocesan programme,
the 1970s – a bit like that of
Perhaps there was some
Billy Casper in the film Kes.
prescience in this: in June this
School for Disciples, suggests
year, the Government published
every church in Chelmsford
suggested were that by the time
a controversial league table of
Diocese should be a school for
we are 35 we would actually
university teaching quality – the
disciples.
know what we wanted to learn
Teaching Excellence Framework
and that if we were all mature
– awarding each university a
Jesus is the lifetime challenge. St
adults by the time we went to
gold, silver and bronze ranking.
Benedict, the founding father
The main positive reasons
school, the lessons would have
Of course we associate
Learning to be a disciple of
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Defined by the life of Christ www.chelmsford.anglican.org
Alphamstone will be warmer thanks to grant from Friends of Essex Churches
Spiderman's antics at popular Cirque du Bocking are a showstopper
Page 4
Pages 6-7
■ Reading the Bible together after Bishop Stephen switches on light bulb: Page 2
2
THE MONTH September 2017
THE
month: Reading the Bible together as a parish
Light bulb switched on! 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
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The Church of England in Essex and East London Diocese of Chelmsford
By SARAN OPENSHAW Kelvedon PCC member
WE don't really read the Bible at St Mary's Kelvedon. Well, of course, we follow the Lectionary in services and all that sort of stuff, but we do not read it together, or even apart. There will be people reading their Bibles at home alone, but that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about together. So what changed? We went to Bishop Stephen's School for Disciples and had a light bulb moment. Archdeacon Robin suggested we should have Bible study before PCC meetings...we huffed and puffed and put all the obstacles we could think of in the way of such a radical change. It would waste valuable time when we could be discussing fabric matters or new kneelers. We always say a quick prayer before meetings, wouldn't that do? No, according to the Archdeacon, Bible study
SARAH OPENSHAW would transform our meetings. We are trying to be a Transforming Presence, so we thought we would give it a go. At the next PCC, we will study Matthew 5 verses 13-16. It's actually on the agenda, we are encouraged to read it before we arrive. Wow! That's not all, we thought we shouldn't keep this for PCC, what about the congregation and beyond? So we have suggested in the next parish magazine,
that people might like to read the Beatitudes. We gave Lectio Divina instructions. We will have a different Bible reading each month and see what comes out of it. The readings are also on our website. With a growing church social media following, we asked if there might be an interest for a social media Bible Study group. We are at the foothills, but yes, there was interest from those on the edges of our church community. Not quite dipping a toe into a service, but just liking to know we are there in case they need us and seemingly pleased that we can communicate at all levels, modern and ancient. So what next? We are planning a St Mary's Church Kelvedon What's App Bible study group (needs a snappier title) but...we are making amazing progress. Thank you for the idea Bishop Stephen, sorry we had to be told to do it. Now it seems a no brainer. Why not do it?
Expressions of Interest
New Editorship We are inviting Expressions of Interest in the Editorship of a new publication. As part of our vision for communities to be transformed by prayer, we are aiming to invest in a quarterly prayer diary with features on major activities and events. This is an opportunity to be involved from the start. You will have excellent editorial, planning, organisational and design skills together with an eye for detail. If you are available from November, we would like to hear from you. Please describe how you will meet our brief and provide examples of your previous work. Expressions of Interest are invited by 29 September 2017 by email to: internalcomms@chelmsford.anglican.org Interviews will be held on 17 and 19 October. For more information and an informal discussion please call Ralph Meloy, Communications Director, on 01245 294424.
THE MONTH September 2017
THE
3
month — 'Church needs to reach out and change society'
Bishop Stephen leads tributes to Bishop John Wraw
THE Bishop of Bradwell, Rt Revd John Wraw, died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early hours of July 25. Bishop John had been diagnosed with muliple myeloma in 2014. He leaves a widow, Gillian, and four grown-up children. Bishop John said at the time of his installation as Bishop of Bradwell in 2012 that he believed the Church of England needed to “reach out and change society”. He unpacked this theme in his 2016 Lent lecture when he said: “Ministry is not about serving the Church. It is about serving God in the world”. Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, said: “Bishop John was a wonderful servant of the gospel and a fantastic colleague.
COVER STORY
dean of Rotherham and an honorary canon of Sheffield Cathedral, and he chaired the faith and justice committee in the Diocese of Sheffield. As Archdeacon of Wilts, he was a board member of the Wiltshire local strategic partnership and chair of the successor body, the Wiltshire Assembly. He also chaired the diocese’s Learning for Discipleship and Ministry Council, which was responsible for training clergy and licensed lay ministers and for lay learning programmes in Salisbury.
'I could not have wished for a better colleague' "As an archdeacon in Wiltshire, he was known to be dependable and creative. As a bishop serving in this great diocese of Chelmsford, these qualities blossomed and bore fruit as he helped take forward our diocesan vision for growth and renewal. He quickly won the confidence of the clergy and the love of the people he served. “When he was diagnosed three years ago, despite the obvious shock, he was determined to carry on with his ministry. Many people would have simply retired. Bishop John just got stuck in, teaching the Christian faith, visiting the parishes he served, and refining his understanding of the gospel so that his life now matched his ministry in a way that was humbling and inspiring to experience. He not only spoke about the wonderful inclusive hospitality of God's love, he lived it to the last. I could not have wished for a better colleague. We will miss him hugely. “Please hold Gillian and their family in your prayers.” The Bishop of Ely, Stephen Conway, who was Bishop of Ramsbury in the Diocese of Salisbury when Bishop John served as Archdeacon of Wilts there, commented: “John’s
LOVE OF WATER: Bishop John had a lifelong love of water. From the age of 13 he was involved in rowing eights. In 2009, he was the first archdeacon to participate in the Round the World Clipper Race, taking part in the 6,000-mile Hull to Rio leg. He took to sailing well, except for the sea sickness.
abundant faith and trust in Christ meant that he never contemplated being defined by waiting to die: as always, he sought to be defined by the life of Christ, crucified and risen.” Bishop John called for change in the Church, especially in the encouragement of vocation among people God is calling to ministry. In a blog on vocations in October 2016 he wrote: “The Church and its processes… need radical change to value and create space for those whom God is calling.” Bishop John was very encouraging to young people and young adults. The Encounter scheme in Chelmsford Diocese, which has given young people an opportunity to explore their vocation, was his initiative. He served as the Chair
of the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Education, acted as a mentor to a group of young disciples, and hosted Take Over Challenge days with young people. John was born in Hampshire and grew up in Chester. He studied Law at Lincoln College Oxford, and trained for ordination at Fitzwilliam College and Ridley Hall Cambridge. He was ordained in 1985 and served in Hereford and Sheffield dioceses before becoming Archdeacon of Wilts in 2004. He was involved in community development and social justice in Sheffield and in Rotherham where he served on the strategic partnership board and chaired the local voluntary and community sector body. John was appointed area
'Many would have retired. He just got stuck in' In 2009, he took part in the first leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from Hull to Rio de Janeiro. He was consecrated as a Bishop by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at St Paul’s Cathedral and installed as Bishop of Bradwell by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, at Chelmsford Cathedral in January 2012. His Funeral Eucharist was held in Chelmsford Cathedral on August 7. Donations can be made online to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, St Luke’s Hospice of The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
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4
THE MONTH September 2017
THE
month — Alphamstone church awarded major grant for improvements
Grant gives hope to village church Ride your bike to help Essex churches THE Friends of Essex Churches Trust have set the wheels in motion for their annual sponsored bike ride on September 9. Find out more about opportunities for cyclists, sponsors, walkers and church hosts at www.foect.org.uk/ rideandstride. Half of the money raised goes to the church of your choice, and the other half is credited to the charity’s grants fund for churches in need of repair, maintenance and improvement. ● More information at www.foect.org.uk/ rideandstride/ publicityandforms. php.
THE ancient church of St Barnabas in Alphamstone near Halstead (right) has been awarded a grant by the Friends of Essex Churches Trust to help keep it fit for the local community to enjoy for many years to come. The £10,000 grant from the Friends will go towards a new heating system and flooring. The church has been Alphamstone’s pride and joy for centuries. It stands on a site where worship is thought to have been practised for longer than any other site in Essex, a spot where an Anglo-Saxon Minster once stood. It now falls to today’s villagers and volunteers to keep the church in good shape. Welcoming the grant, Mark Maley, treasurer of the Friends of Alphamstone church, said: “We are only a community of 150 people but we have raised £46,000 by our own efforts. “The grant from the Friends of Essex Churches Trust closes the gap on the £78,000 we need to raise and it encourages us to hope that we will reach our target. We are now only £22,000 short. “Over the years we have worked immensely hard to make our ancient church structurally sound. Our focus has now switched to the church interior. We want the church to be enjoyed by the community for many years to come. “We are planning to make the
Three medieval churches on study day tour THE Friends of Essex Churches Trust will be visiting four interesting medieval churches, each one in an attractive rural setting, on their Autumn Study Day. Led by Dr Christopher Starr, the Study Day will be held on Saturday 7 October and will visit Fobbing, Corringham, Horndon-on-theHill. The cost is £7 for members of the Friends and £10 for non-members. All are welcome and more details can be found at www.foect. org.uk/studydays. php.
church more accessible, comfortable and pleasant. We hope to put in a floor made of herringbone oak blocks that is all
on one level. We aiming to install efficient heating and restore and redecorate the walls.” This latest grant brings the total
awarded by the trust for church improvements, preservation and maintenance so far in 2017 to £165,350.
5
THE MONTH September 2017
THE
month — Temporary church found a permanent home
Heaven and earth moved Essex church to West Yorkshire St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset
FORMER Month columnist Canon Don Cardy made the surprise discovery of an Essex link to a parish in West Yorkshire while visiting relatives near Bradford. Don said: "I was in Baildon, West Yorkshire, for a bit of a family get-together. "We asked our youngest daughter, Rachel, who had moved there from Hampshire, just a year ago, where we might go to worship on the Sunday. "She suggested the little wooden church of St James's in her parish which she said had come from Essex. "The church had been built as a temporary structure in Great Warley in 1892, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and then was moved to Baildon in 1904. "A new church was opened in Great Warley at about the same time. "Apparently the wooden church was owned by the then Rector of Great Warley, Revd H R Bailey, and bequeathed to the parish of Baildon when he died in 1900. I was told he had hoped to retire to Baildon. "In 2007, St James's was a striking landmark but was becoming delapidated so it was decided to dismantle the church and rebuild it 100 feet away from its then site. "This would free up land for development and help fund the restoration of the church. "As is often said, 'It's a small world' and, as my pictures (right) show, our wooden church from the 1900s remains a landmark in Baildon and is much loved by the Christians who worship there."
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'Education Sunday is not just for pupils — it's for all'
FROM FRONT PAGE
of Western monasticism, described his Rule as establishing a ‘school for the service of the Lord’. And he was writing for adults deeply serious about serving God. We hear much these days about becoming lifelong learners. Sometimes this is code for having to learn new skills as we go along, to adapt to keep up with evolving working patterns. The purpose of learning — and of schools and universities — can too easily be reduced to equipping people to become more effective and well paid in the marketplace. Such reductionism reduces education to purely economic and financial purposes. We can become just consumers of education as of any other traded commodity. But, of course, in a phrase probably
IN MY VIEW misattributed to Einstein: ‘Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.’ We go to school not just to develop our skills and acquire knowledge, but to develop our character, to discover our potential as a person cast in the image of God and to grow in hope and wisdom. This starts at the very start of life. And it certainly doesn’t end when we leave school, college or university. Maybe school after 35 years is not such a bad idea and churches are wise to insist on the ‘all’ in ‘all-age’. For more than 100 years, churches in this country have observed Education Sunday. Its timing has varied, and the date suggested for 2017 is September
10 to mark the beginning of the school year. More people in our churches work in education than in any other single occupation (including the retired and unwaged). It is good to thank them and pray for them. It is good too, of course, to celebrate the pupils and students of the schools and colleges of our parishes. Education Sunday is a chance to deepen relationships and focus on the why as well as the how of education. Whether or not you do so on September 10 or another convenient date is not the main thing. If the local church is a school of the Lord’s service, Education Sunday is not just for them; it is for all of us, whether we look forward or back to being 35 years!
REVD TIM ELBOURNE DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
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THE MONTH September 2017
THE
month — One for the album as the 2016 Deacons reflec
.
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Cirque du Boc JULY'S Cirque du Bocking, a family fun day event drew a crowd of more than 250 visitors to the rural village of Bocking. Held in the beautiful setting of St. Mary’s church, this one-off event was created by the team behind St Mary’s Messy Church. It offered visitors circus and trampoline shows every 15 minutes, with children’s workshops running in between. Little Circus Stars wowed the crowds with trapeze and rope acts and local trampoline club Dimensions Elite provided shows from their juniors, seniors and their competition squad Dimensions Elite. Craft marquees and games provided further amusement for children and adults alike and the church served home-made cream teas. Master of Ceremonies, Revd Rod Reid, Priest in Charge at St Mary’s, donned a ringmasters red coat and top hat for the occasion (inset). Organiser Jeremy Southgate said: “It was tremendous to see so many youngsters trying out new skills in this unique setting. "It was the first time that Dimensions had performed outdoors, making it extra special for the young performers. "The many hours of rehearsals really paid off and made for a thrilling event. "We are so grateful to everyone who
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Keene lecturers reflect on THE Keene Lectures 2017 are entitled Luther’s Heritage with a film night and three lectures commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 1517 and interpreting its significance for today. The four events take place in Chelmsford Cathedral on October 31, November 8, 15 and 22 — all starting at 8pm. Edward Carter, the Canon Theologian at Chelmsford Cathedral, says: “Significant 500th anniversaries don’t come round very often, and the moment when Martin Luther nailed his theses to the door on 31st October 1517 has affected the church in the west ever since. “So I’m delighted that our three Keene Lecturers this year will be reflecting on that moment and helping us think about what it might mean for us
today. Duncan Morrow, Judith Champ and Sarah Perry all bring tremendous expertise in their different fields, as well as having excellent reputations as engaging speakers. “This year the series starts with a film night on the actual anniversary day, to whet our appetites. “I look forward very much to welcoming you to Chelmsford Cathedral, starting with a film featuring Luther (2003) with Joseph Fiennes as Martin Luther. “The evening, on the exact 500th anniversary of the public proclamation of Luther’s 95 theses, will start with a short introduction discussing a variety of films that have been made over the past century about Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. “The 2003 film, with Fiennes in the title role, received many plaudits.
"It portrays Luther as a man turmoil—emotional, charismatic with self-doubt. The main even all incorporated” Dr Perry will end the series o addressing ‘The Women and th Gothic Novelist’s take on The E and Foxe’s Book of Martyrs’, Dr Perry was born in Essex in PhD in creative writing from Ro has been a writer-in-residence Library. During January and Fe the UNESCO World City of Lite Residence in Prague. Her first novel, ‘After Me Com the East Anglian Book of the Ye Her second novel, ‘The Essex S
THE MONTH September 2017
7
ct on their calling to be ordained as priests
Ordinands prepare for Priesting with a July retreat at Pleshey DIOCESE of Chelmsford Ordinands pose for the traditional photograph on Retreat at the Diocesan House of Retreat in Pleshey, Essex, on Saturday July 1, the eve of their Ordination as Priests, with Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, With Bishop Stephen on the front row are Rt Revd Peter Hill Bishop of Barking, Rt Revd Qampicha Daniel Wario – Bishop of Marsabit (Kenya), Revd Dr Miranda Threlfall-Holmes - Retreat Conductor, Vicar of Belmont & Pittington & Area Dean of
Durham, and Revd Hilary Le Seve - Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands. l Southend Archdeaconry - Neil Dalley, Emma Wylie, Christopher Giles, Terry Brown, Clive Lucas, Susan Croucher and Jacqualine Lindoe. l Chelmsford Archdeaconry Faye Bailey, Julie Hardy, Matthew Houghton and Julie Willmot. l Harlow and West Ham Archdeaconries - Lydia Petitt, Barbara Read, Sara Batts and Benedict Atkins. l Barking Archdeaconry -
Christopher Cozier, Jonathan Deja, Kenneth Perkins, Roger Clarke, Ian Elliott and Hayley Morris. l Colchester and Stansted Archdeaconries - Wendy Pagden, Lea Williams, Colin Fairweather, Robert Stone, Susan Hurley and Tracey Harvey. l The Ordination of the 2017 Deacons in the Diocese of Chelmsford will take place on Saturday, September 30. Further profiles of this year's Deaconst will appear in the October edition of The Month.
cking is a whirl volunteered and to everyone who came along on the day." The aerialists included costumed performances by Elsa from Frozen (Diana Entwistle) on trapeze, who beamed as she twisted and contorted herself And many eyes lit up at the sight of Spiderman (Fern Butler Korro) who ascended a high rope with ease and returned to earth with a series of head first jolts that had the audience on the edge of their seats (right). Dimensions Trampoline Club is based in Braintree and Halstead with members aged 7-18 years. Two competition bed trampolines, each with end decks, provided opportunities for synchronised displays (left). Little Stars Circus, based in Chelmsford, provide circus fun for children from five years old to adults. The club is led by Dr Diana Entwistle, who appeared as Elsa from Frozen. Revd Rod Reid added: "It was fantastic to organise and put on these community events. Just a few weeks ago we hosted the Bocking Bake Off and today we have our Circus Extravaganza. "We couldn’t do it without a great team, and lots of helpers. We feel St Mary’s should be at the heart of this community and so it has been great to welcome so many to these events." l Pictures: Iris Images Photography
PASTORAL ASSISTANTS The Society of the Sacred Mission (SSM) is a religious order in the Church of England. Based in Milton Keynes, the religious community at St Michael’s Priory has a life centered on daily Eucharist and prayer. Our community life is inclusive, and our mission and ministry with local churches and other organisations are central to the daily life of the Priory. Building on the success of our first year, SSM is seeking to recruit young people as Pastoral Assistants (PA) to help with the life and mission of the Priory. We encourage applications from those who might be interested in religious life, ordained or lay ministry, or who simply wish to learn by sharing the life of the community. We provide a stipend, good accommodation, meals and will support relevant education and training. St Michael’s Priory, The Well, Newport Road, Willen, Milton Keynes, MK15 9AA. Telephone 01908 241974, email ssmlondon@yahoo.co.uk www.stmichaelspriory.org.uk
impact of the Reformation
full of psychological c, and often filled nts of Luther’s life are
on November 22, he Common Men: A English Reformation
n 1979 and has a oyal Holloway. She at the Gladstone ebruary 2016, she was erature Writer in
mes the Flood’, won ear Award in 2014. Serpent’, was
Waterstones Book of the Year 2016 and won the British Book of the Year Award earlier this year. The book was also shortlisted for the Costa Best Novel Prize 2016 and the International Dylan Thomas Prize 2017, and longlisted for the Baileys and Wellcome Book Prizes. She lives in Norwich. Dr Champ’s lecture on November 15 is entitled ‘History as Propaganda? Catholics and Protestants rewrite the Reformation’. She follows Dr Morrow addressing ‘Causing suffering for righteousness sake? Religious division and political violence in Ulster since the Reformation’ on November 8. l For further information, log on to www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk. l Picture: Jamie Drew
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THE MONTH September 2017
A wonderful opportunity to make new discoveries “Once you were a child. Once you knew what inquiry was for. There was a time when you asked questions because you wanted answers and were glad when you had found them. Become that child again: even now.” So wrote CS Lewis in ‘The Great Divorce’, and the advice holds true today. Whatever age we are, however learned we may have become, it stands us in good stead to remember the childlike approach to the world that can increases our ability to learn. The whole of life is a wonderful opportunity to make new discoveries, learn new skills, widen our understanding and develop our ability to understand. Knowledge built on wisdom is a wonderful pursuit, and there are so many different areas to explore. Whether you’re looking for a school for children, seeking vocational qualifications for development or even a new career, or widening your joy of life by learning and developing musical skills, faith based organisations have much to offer. There are some ideas in this paper, and many more organisations online – perhaps you want to become like a child again and start something fresh?
THE MONTH September 2017
THE
9
month — What's on in September in Essex and East London
Sunday, August 20 ● The Rectory, All Saints, Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood CM15 0NJ . 2.30pm4.30pm.Cream Teas at the Priest’s house. In aid of church funds. Contact Revd Ann Coleman annvcol@gmail.com. Wednesday, August 23 ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concert by Naomi Kilby: Soprano. For information www.stjohnse15.co.uk Saturday-Monday, August 26-28 ● St John the Baptist church, Church Hill, Finchingfield CM7 4NN. 10am-4.30pm. Flower festival: theme Lights, camera, action! There will be over 25 beautiful floral displays around the church to admire. Admission is £1 per adult and children come in free. There will be teas and light refreshments available over all three days, a raffle and a bric-a-brac stall. Organ recitals throughout the weekend too. A Songs of Praise service will be held on Sunday evening at 6pm. ● St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, Ramsden Bellhouse, Chelmsford CM11 1RT. Flower Festival Weekend. Sat: 2pm-4pm, Sid Bolan Big Band concert 5pm. Sun: 11am-4pm followed by Festival Songs of Praise 4pm. Monday: 11am4pm. Also Ploughmans lunches, light refreshments and various stalls open on Sunday and Monday. ● St Giles, Old Church Lane, Mountnessing CM13 1UN. 2-6pm. Flower, Art and Craft Festival with refreshments, tombola, book stall and plant stall. Free entry and free parking. Saturday-Tuesday, August 26-29 ● St Peter's Church, Church Green, Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1UD. Sat, Mon and Tues 10am-5pm. Sun: 11.45am-5pm. Coggeshall Flower Festival. This 30th anniversary year spectacular floral interpretation depicts stories in the Bible about the life of Jesus, including his birth in a stable, his baptism in the river Jordan, his death on the cross and his ascension to heaven. St Peter’s has established a well-deserved reputation for outstanding flower festivals and preparations for this year’s festival began back in January. 37 flower arrangers will work over four days to put the festival together, creating more than 140 arrangements in 28 displays. The Festival also offers a treat for music lovers. Musical recitals will take place in the church during the weekend. Saturday 7.30pm there will be a concert of chilled out Jazz with Martin Dobson’s ‘Midnight Oil’ (tickets £12, Concessions £10, under 16s £2). Sunday: Sung Eucharist service at 10.30am and a ‘Songs of Praise’ style service at 5.15pm. Delicious homemade cakes and light lunches will be available in the Church for the duration of the festival with preserves and produce stall. Entry is free – although donations towards the upkeep of the church will be warmly welcomed. For further information regarding the Flower Festival please contact: Judy Crawford on 01376 561389 or jandacrawford@btinternet.com. For tickets for the Saturday evening concert, please contact: Sarah Wickens 07974 802304 or Florum 01376 561229. www.coggeshallflowerfestival.org.uk. Saturday, August 26 ● St George's Church Grounds and Hall; Ongar Rd (near Robin Hood Roundabout), Brentwood CM14 4XU. Noon-4pm. Fifth annual Dog Show. Entrance is free for dogs and owners- but each class costs £1.50. And there are Raffles - light refreshments are on sale - and there is a book stall. The event is in aid of St George's Porch Fund. TV personality Tommy Walsh is coming to help judge. Registering is at 12 noon - and the judging starts at 1pm. Wednesday, August 30 ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concert by Bayswater Saxophone: Quartet Saxophones. For information www. stjohnse15.co.uk Saturday, September 2 ● Folk duo Jonny Dyer and Vicki Swan at St Mary’s church, Little Dunmow CM6 3HT. 7pm 9.30pm. Concert in aid of Church fabric fund, this duo performed at the Cathedral this year. Vicki plays a nyckelharpa. Tickets £12 each include canapés and a glass of wine. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and bring & buy. Saturday-Monday, September 2-4 ● St. Peter's, South Hanningfield CM3 8HW. Flower Festival: 'The Roarin Twenties' on
Regular events Every Sunday unless otherwise stated ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. See advertisement on back page for complete list of main services in the cathedral. ● Afternoon Teas at All Saints’ Epping Upland. CM16 6PH.Come and enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. We are dog friendly and have water bowls for our four-legged friends. 3pm-5pm Monday-Saturday ● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Lexden, Colchester. Monday-Friday 10am4pm; Sat 10am-2pm. Every Wednesday ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1pm-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, Corringham. 10am-4pm. Church will be open every Wednesday for visitors, to see this historic building, there is a Saxon wall, Norman tower, 13th century tombstones, Medieval stained glass and more. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Group (term-time only). ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concerts. For information www. stjohnse15.co.uk Every Thursday ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual health and well-being. Every Friday from September 6 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert. 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. The performers for each concert can be viewed online at www. chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events-diary. Saturday and Sunday: 12noon-5pm. Songs of Praise and Verse on Sunday at 5pm. Monday: 11am-3pm. Wednesday, September 6 ● Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group. 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 ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1pm3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. ● Donkey and Buskins, Layer de la Haye, Colchester CO2 0JH. Noon-1.30pm. Men’s Pub Lunch. A friendly bunch of men from Layer de la Haye and nearby villages enjoy a pub lunch, a drink and each other’s company. It's simple, totally informal, no strings and we each pay for our own order. In odd numbered months we meet at the Donkey and Buskins, Layer de la Haye. In even numbered months we meet at the Fox, Layer de la Haye. Please e-mail jonsmith@ supanet.com or 'phone him on 01206 738 759 by the Sunday before the lunch if you're coming (so he can sort pre-orders if need be). ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concert with Tonie Berger, Mezzo Soprano. For information www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, September 7 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers' Union Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.05pm. Free lunchtime concert. Retiring collection. Car parking available. Thursday-Sunday, September 7-10 ● Heritage Weekend - St Mary’s with St Leonard’s Church,Church Green, Broomfield CM1 7BD. History of St Mary's Church from the
11th Century onwards Thursday - Saturday 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm; Sunday 10.30 (service - all welcome) and 2pm-4pm. Free-ofcharge Geology tours available on Saturday. Refreshments available all days. Car parking and disabled access and facilities. Saturday, September 9 ● Chelmsford Cathedral.7pm. London Community Gospel Choir and the BIG Sing gospel chors perform a selection of gospel favourites. Get tickets early as this proved to be a very popular concert last year. Tickets: £17 (£14 concessions) from billetto.com or the Cathedral Book Stall. ● Friends of Essex Churches Trust Ride+Stride event. See story on page 4 and further details can be found at www.foect. org.uk/. Saturday-Sunday, September 9-10 ● St Martin’s Church Flower Festival, Little Waltham CM3 3LJ.The theme is Fairy Tales and visitors will see Snow White, the Sleeping Beauty and lots more depicted in flowers. The arrangements are created by village groups and members of the congregation and the money raised supports the parish’s ancient churches. Entry is free but donations would be appreciated. The church is open from 11am-5pm on Saturday and from 2pm – 5pm on Sunday. Stalls to browse. Lunches on Saturday at the church, teas at St Martin’s Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Sunday, September 10 ● Pet Service at St Mary with St Leonard Church, Church Green, Broomfield CM1 7BD. 3pm. Bring your pet or a photo of your pet along to an outside service on Church Green. The service will be in the church if the weather is bad. ● St George the Martyr Church Hall, Ongar Rd (near Robin Hood Roundabout), Brentwood CM14 4XU. 2.30pm - 4.30pm. Our special Tempting Teas event happens every two years and Brentwood's (and maybe Essex's) only Art Deco church will be open. It was designed by Brentwood born and educated architect, Laurence King OBE. Note this is part of St George's Heritage opening - the church is also open on Thursday and Friday September 7th and 8th from 10am-12 noon and Saturday 9th from 10am-5pm. Wednesday, September 13 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm Theological Society. 'Minding the Gender Gap: how can theology help women and men work well together?' led by Revd Dr Alison Green Chapter House, £3.50 payable on the door. ● PCCs for ‘beginners’. Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT. PCCs for ‘beginners’ is a workshop for any ‘new’ PCC members. Two sessions are available: 2.30pm – 5pm or 7pm - 9.30pm. The aim of the workshop will be to help new PCC members and anyone wanting a refresher, to understand their role both as charity Trustees and as part of a leadership team, promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church. We will be considering formal responsibilities, as well as looking at tried and tested good practice. The workshop will be with: Jenny Tomlinson - Mission and Ministry Adviser (Colchester Episcopal Area) Martin Wood - Mission and Ministry Adviser (Bradwell Episcopal Area) Michael Minta – Director of Development and Property (CDBF) Mark Spraggins – Director of Finance (CDBF). A free event but please register by contacting Jill Smylie at projects@chelmsford.anglican.org or ring 01245 294441, giving names of individuals and the PCC concerned. ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concert by Philip Bricher, Organ. For information www.stjohnse15.co.uk Saturday-Sunday, September 16-17 ● Southminster Art and Craft Exhibition. St Leonard's Church, Southminster CM0 7EW 9.30am - 6pm both days. The ninth year of an annual exhibition of art and craft to support local artists and to enable the Church to welcome visitors from near and far. Many items will be for sale. Ploughman's Lunches are served on Saturday and cream teas on both days Saturday, September 16 ● Youth Ministry: Nuts & Bolts Day. St Mark's College, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JD 10am - 4pm. A day exploring the essentials of youth ministry including: first aid / health & safety
/ residentials programme planning / resources / mentoring plus more. This event is aimed at volunteers and clergy but all are welcome. There is a cost of £10 per person for this event. Book in via Eventbrite (click website link) or email Mark Tiddy (Bradwell Area Youth Adviser). Your ticket price includes lunch and each organisation will get a goodybag worth £25. Sunday, September 17 ● The Rectory, All Saints, Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood CM15 0NJ . 2.30pm4.30pm.Cream Teas at the Priest’s house. In aid of church funds. Contact Revd Ann Coleman annvcol@gmail.com. Wednesday, September 20 ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concert with Ingrid Kvale, Accordion. For information www.stjohnse15.co.uk Saturday, September 23 ● Coffee Morning at St Mary Magdalene, Church Street, Great Burstead CM11 2TR. 10.30am 12.30pm. Coffee morning with various stalls: free parking. Event is in aid of church funds Sunday, September 24 ● St Mary’s Buttsbury Harvest festival. St Mary's Church, Ingatestone Road, Buttsbury CM4 9NZ 3.30pm. Harvest festival service with afternoon tea served afterwards. Wednesday, September 27 ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Concert with Andy Losq, organ. For information www.stjohnse15.co.uk. Thursday, September 28 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. Saturday, September 30 ● One community 1,000 years. Ingatestone Church CM4 9DU. 7pm - 9.30pm. A night of modern worship music.. Sunday, October 1 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 11.15am. A County Celebration of Harvest. Full deails on back page. Wednesday, October 4 ● The Fox, Layer de la Haye, Colchester CO2 0JH. Noon-1.30pm. Men’s Pub Lunch. A friendly bunch of men from Layer de la Haye and nearby villages enjoy a pub lunch, a drink and each other’s company. It's simple, totally informal, no strings and we each pay for our own order. In odd numbered months we meet at the Donkey and Buskins, Layer de la Haye. In even numbered months we meet at the Fox, Layer de la Haye. Please e-mail jonsmith@supanet.com or 'phone him on 01206 738 759 by the Sunday before the lunch if you're coming (so he can sort pre-orders if need be). ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1pm3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. ● Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group. 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 Saturday, October 7 ● Chelmsford Cathedral..7.30pm. Essex Police Choir Annual Charity Concert. Special guests: Essex Police Band An evening of musical entertainment with a selection of songs from stage and screen, all-time hits and brass band classics. All proceeds in aid of Farleigh Hospice and SNAP charities. Tickets: £10 available from Mark Lawrence tel: 07802 414793 ● Friends of Essex Churches Trust will be visiting four interesting medieval churches, each one in an attractive rural setting, on their Autumn Study Day. Led by Dr Christopher Starr, the Study Day will visit Fobbing, Corringham, Horndon-on-the-Hill and North Ockendon. The cost is £7 for members of the Friends and £10 for non-members. All are welcome and more details can be found at www. foect.org.uk/studydays.php. October 2017 diary deadline ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. anglican.org/events/create by September 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/events/ calendar ● Cathedral events can be viewed online at www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/ events-diary.
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THE MONTH September 2017
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THE MONTH September 2017
Unlocking people... releasing potential
Summer Update
The problems in society that Gilead addresses are not going away...
26 years 70% For
August/September 2017
Staff and clients outside Grace Lodge, Gilead
Gilead has helped hundreds of people get free from addictions and establish new lives. The
demand for our services remains high; lack of funds is the main obstacle to delivering them.
of people who are restored during their time at Gilead maintain healthy, stable lifestyles after they leave us. These are just a few of the comments made by people who found freedom
The benefits of Gilead’s work
through Gilead’s work:
As well as helping people break free from addiction, we provide accommodation and skills training, basic accredited courses in literacy and numeracy, catering, administration, farm work and horticulture, and support for their restoration process. Additional benefits from our work include helping people stay out of the Criminal Justice System, and lessening their dependency upon Health Services. In England in 2014/15, there were 8,149 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug related mental health and behavioural disorders; and 295,224 individuals were in contact with drug and alcohol services. (Statistics on drug misuse England 2016, Health & Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC)). Between a third and a half of new receptions to prison are estimated to be problem drug users (equivalent to between 45,000 and 65,000 prisoners in England and Wales). Drug-related crime costs an estimated £13.5 billion in England and Wales alone. (‘Reducing Drug Use, Reducing Reoffending’ UK Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC))
“The work therapy and training helped to stabilise and train me for life outside Gilead. I never thought I would be happy living a ‘normal’ life, but I am.” – Pam “It feels as though I’ve woken up from a living nightmare. I have been given the tools to recognise and change the compulsive behaviours that have caused so much pain to myself and those around me.” – Steve “I am not the same person I was. I see my Mum nearly every day, and my family is being restored. I got married in 2012, and we’ve recently been approved as foster parents. Gilead is why I am here today.” – Mark “Gilead made me feel safe. They believed in me, and gave me the hope to believe in myself.” - Carolyne (now a qualified Psychotherapist, working with ex-offenders)
Our Twelve12 Partners are vital to the ongoing success of this ministry – please consider signing up yourself or passing this on to someone else – you could change a life, for good. YES! I WANT TO BE A TWELVE12 PARTNER! Title:
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Twelve pounds, for 12 months, to change a life for good...
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By donating £12 a month for 12 months, you can support Jonny*, or someone just like him, as they make their difficult 12 month transition into a restored life, at Gilead.
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We would also value your prayers for everyone at Gilead, so as a Twelve12 partner we can email you monthly prayer updates too.
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To join in our Twelve12 campaign and help restore someone’s life for good, please fill out the partner form and send it to us via the address below. We’ll send you a ‘loyalty card’ with the name of the person you will be supporting at the start, and you can mark off the 12 months as you go (a handy reminder if you become a prayer partner!)
Postcode: Account No: Sort Code: Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £12 or £ (amount of your choice) from my account on (dd/mm/yy): / / Then monthly until [dd/mm/yy] / / (12 months) Pay this sum to Gilead Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Signed
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Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email: admin@gilead.org.uk www.gilead.org.uk Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909
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12
THE MONTH September 2017
THE
month — Bid to join Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme
IN BRIEF
Let your creative skills run riot
By CLARE BROOME CHELMSFORD Cathedral is open every day during the school holidays and this summer is running a free drawing event. Called the Summer Draw and running until September 1, it is a free activity for children, parents, grandparents or carers. If you have never visited the cathedral before, come in and see the stained glass, artwork and other interesting objects inside. Alongside the bookstall you will find several draw bags containing everything an artist needs to start sketching. You may wish to sketch the stunning ceiling, the whole building or maybe something small and tucked away that people often don’t notice such as the carvings surrounding the south door. When you have finished, simply return the bag to the welcome stewards in the cathedral, or leave it by the book stall and your picture will be displayed in the cathedral throughout the summer. The entire event is free and you can visit as many times as you like. So come and visit us this summer and let your creative skills run riot.
PCCs for starters
PCCs for ‘beginners’ is a workshop for any ‘new’ PCC members. Two sessions are available on September 13 at the Diocesan office at 2.30pm to 5pm or 7pm - 9.30pm. The aim of the workshop will be to help new PCC members and anyone wanting a refresher, to understand their role both as charity Trustees and as part of a leadership team. This is a free event but please register by contacting Jill Smylie at projects@chelmsford.anglican.org or 01245 294441.
Worship & Prayer at Chelmsford Cathedral A warm welcome to your cathedral, serving Essex and East London
Sunday
8.00am 9.30am 11.15am 3.30pm
Holy Communion Parish Eucharist Choral Eucharist Evensong
Daily Services
7.45am 8.15am
Morning Prayer Holy Communion (also Weds at 12.35 and Thurs at 10am)
12.00pm Midday Prayer 5.15pm Evensong (sung on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri)
www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk
Churches ready to support refugees
BISHOP PETER
MONEY from the successful Chelmsford Diocese Syrian Refugee Appeal to support families fleeing the Middle East conflict has been earmarked for a scheme that will allow churches in Essex and East London to support a refugee family directly. Peter Hill, the Bishop of Barking, has reported that £30,000 of the £108,000 raised through the appeal has been spent so far. Bishop Peter said: “We are anticipating further similar costs as more families arrive in the next two to three years “In particular, significantly more costs will be incurred if we are able to qualify for the Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme, whereby local church groups can directly support a family. "While the authorities have concentrated on the provision of
goods and services, our actions have focused on refugee ministry, welcoming traumatised and vulnerable refugee families, helping them to resettle and feel part of the community, and enabling them to fulfil their desire to contribute to society. "We have been working in partnership with members of other denominations." The expenditure so far: l Aid sent for child refugees in Calais and other parts of Europe through Diocesan supporters £800. l Family support for the 13 Syrian refugee families housed within the Diocese £18,500. l English Language support £4,000. l Funding for counselling sessions due to trauma (part spent) £2,000. l Contribution to the National Church of England Refugee Support Co-ordinator £5,000.
Particular successes have included the delivery of language courses and welfare advice through DNA Networks in Colchester and Essex Integration, and a drop-in centre at Chelmsford Cathedral which has reduced social isolation and made connections for people who have been displaced, developed their language skills, and encouraged cultural assimilation. The appeal closed at the start of 2016. Chelmsford Diocese has also provided vacant diocesan accommodation to refugee families on short-term lets. l Martin Mitchell, the Chair of the Chelmsford Diocesan Refugee Group, has been awarded the Order of St Cedd for services to the diocese and community, by Bishop Stephen Cottrell on his retirement from Bishop's Council.
Susan goes the extra miles
DIOCESAN finance team member Susan Mumby needed a stern talking to before going on to complete the gruelling Essex 100 mile ultra-marathon on July 15. Susan ran, walked and crawled an 8.6 mile out-and-back loop of a fast, flat stretch of the Flitch Way between Felsted village hall and Rayne 12 times. Susan completed the Challenge Running race in 28 hours 55 minutes 6 seconds, uncomfortably inside the cut-off time of 30 hours. “There were options of dropping down to 30 or 50 miles if you were struggling on the day,” said Susan. “But once you went over those distances, you had to carry on. So it was a case of either finish or get the dreaded ‘Did Not Finish’ by your name. “I nearly dropped down to 50 miles and considered not finishing the race at 86 miles as I was struggling with fatigue, but on both occasions the race director gave me a stern talking to and sent me off again. I am so grateful he did.” This was Susan’s 48th marathon. She is aiming to join the 100 Marathon Club for runners who have completed 100 or more races of marathon distance or longer.
RACING AHEAD: Susan Mumby tackles the misty Beachy Head Marathon. Picture: Sussex Sport Photography
Cathedral hosts County Celebration of Harvest
By CLARE BROOME Chelmsford Cathedral Communications and Services Manager A COUNTY Celebration of Harvest will take place at Chelmsford Cathedral on Sunday, October 1 at 11.15am. Representatives of farming groups from across the county will take part in the service and the procession of gifts will be led into the cathedral by two tractors (left) loaned by an Essex agricultural machinery suppliers. Revd Janet Nicholls, Rural Advisor and Agricultural Chaplain, says: "Information about farming organisations will be on display and locally-produced
refreshments will be served after the service. "Everyone is warmly invited to what will be a service of celebration and thanks for the food produced by the farmers and producers of our diocese. "There will also be an opportunity to donate hand-tools that are no longer required, to Tools with a Mission. "The charity refurbishes and distributes tools to projects around the world." l For further details about the charity and the event, please contact Revd Janet Nicholls, Rural Advisor and Agricultural Chaplain, at jnicholls@ chelmsford.anglican.org