June 2015
with Christingle
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
Bishop’s View By Rt Revd Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester AMONG the many exciting things about coming to the Diocese of Chelmsford has been the link that we have with the great spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill. Evelyn was a frequent visitor to Pleshey where she conducted many retreats during the 1920s and 1930s. She said that the house ‘seems soaked in love and prayer’. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of Evelyn Underhill’s death and that should give us further incentive to revisit the teachings of the one person who, according to Archbishop Michael Ramsey, ‘did more than anyone else to keep the spiritual life alive in Anglicanism’ during the inter-war years. Evelyn said that ‘you don't have to be peculiar to find God, but you do have to make a willed commitment to make Him the centre of your life, all aspects of it!’ She suggested that we should set aside a specific time, preferably in the morning, for adoration, spiritual reading, and meditation. ‘Old fashioned practices,’ she said, ‘but it's the only way!’ She said that so many people don't understand that this regime of prayer is the ‘spiritual food that sustains and nourishes’. She offered this advice to a friend: "Try to arrange things so that you can have a CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Time to Talk
Bring the kids to light a candle for Christ’s birthday
christmasstarts.com
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Diocesan conference report and pictures: Page 3 www.chelmsford.anglican.org
Cathedral will host movie premiere of ‘Around the World in Half an Hour’
Bishop Roger confirms seven candidates during Thaxted service
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■ Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Centre pages ■ What's on in Essex and East London: Page 9
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THE MONTH June 2015
THE
month — 'Specialist care that is completely free of charge'
Bishop Stephen visits two hospices THE Bishop of Chelmsford visited two hospices on April 28 to see at first-hand how they are helping children and adults with life-limiting illnesses. Stephen Cottrell spent the morning at Little Havens Hospice followed by an afternoon at Fair Havens Hospice. During his visit he was shown the facilities at Little Havens in Thundersley which includes a multi-sensory room, chapel, swimming pool and extensive gardens before making his way to Fair Havens in Westcliff where he met nurses and patients in day care. A special service was held in the chapel, led by head chaplain Jane Guest with a blessing from Stephen. Stephen said: “Today has been fantastic. I have known of the work of Havens Hospices for a while but this was the first time I have been able to see first-hand how they are helping those in need and meet the staff and volunteers who BISHOP TOURS HOSPICE —Left to right: Trustee Dennis Rensch; Havens Hospices chief make that happen. "They do a fantastic job and I will be keeping executive Andy Smith; head chaplain Jane Guest; Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell; director of them and those they care for in my prayers, care Wendy Dodds and chairman of trustees David Forster.
especially as they move forward with plans for a new adult hospice in Southend.” He was accompanied on the visit by Havens Hospices chief executive Andy Smith, chairman of trustees David Forster, trustee Dennis Rensch, head chaplain Jane Guest, director of care Wendy Dodds and head of in-patient services Catherine Wood. Andy said: “We were delighted to welcome the Bishop to Havens Hospices and very proud to show him round our hospices. "Bishop Stephen was interested in the charity’s history, the breadth of specialist care we provide and our plans for a new Fair Havens Hospice. "Havens Hospices incorporates Fair Havens Hospice and Little Havens Hospice. By providing specialist care that is completely free of charge, the hospices support patients and children living with an illness that could limit their life, as well as being there for families, too." l To find out more information on the care provided by Havens Hospices, please visit www. havenshospices.org.uk or call 01702 220350
Help transform Evelyn sets example lives by having a frugal Poverty Sunday lunch
POVERTY Sunday is a national initiative encouraging local churches and community groups to reflect, raise funds and respond to issues of poverty affecting communities in England. The Church Urban Fund is inviting readers to take part in a Poverty Sunday Service followed by a Frugal Lunch on Sunday, June 21, or a day or time that suits you. A CUF spokesman said: "The Frugal Lunch is a great way to encourage people to share, identify and pray together about issues affecting deprived local communities. "It is also a way to encourage and motivate others in your community to respond in a practical way to the issues of poverty in England by donating the cost
FROM FRONT PAGE reasonable bit of quiet every day and do not be scrupulous and think it selfish to make a decided struggle for this. You are obeying God's call and giving Him the opportunity to teach you what He wants you to know, and so make you more useful to Him and to other souls." But Evelyn Underhill also said that a fixed period of prayer is not the only time of union with God. She believed that every bit of work, every thought and action, done for God and in His name, is a prayer. She said: "Never let yourself think that because God has given you many things to do for Him… that all these need separate you from communion with Him. God is always coming to you in the Sacrament of the Present Moment. Meet and receive
of their normal Sunday lunch to the work of the Together Network and Church Urban Fund. The programme of activities and resources is available to download for free on the website and include: ● Church resources: CUF has produced sermon notes, worship reflections and prayers. ● Frugal lunch resources: Poverty Sunday placemat and poster. ● Video resources: Mel’s
Vicar of Baghdad speaks
CHURCHES Together in Billericay have secured a visit from Revd Canon Andrew White, dubbed the 'Vicar of Baghdad'. Canon Andrew will speak at Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road, Billericay on July 12 at 6.30pm. Billericay Team Rector Revd Paul Carr said: "It is a challenge to secure a visit from Canon Andrew. He is much in demand and his life is well unusual. When he has an engagement he wants to raise funds for his charity Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East and sell his books. "Canon Andrew will no doubt have much to say in respect of being a Christian in an area of the world that is increasingly seeing significant persecution of Christians."
animation story, explaining the work of the Together Network and CUF, and Dave’s story of healing through a church project in Southwark Diocese. ● General CUF presentation: briefly outlining the work of CUF and the Together Network. ● Children’s Resources: Placemat for Frugal lunch (to come) and KS1,2,3 lesson plans, youth group session and form reflections that concentrate on explaining the Web of Poverty to different age groups. The CUF spokesman added: "Spread the word! We are excited about the potential that Poverty Sunday has to get Christians around England reflecting on and acting to tackle issues of poverty in our country." ● To find out more, visit www. povertysunday.org.uk and register to download a free resource pack, or email hello@cuf.org.uk to request a resource pack.
Him there with gratitude in that sacrament; however unexpected its outward form may be receive Him in every sight and sound, joy, pain, opportunity and sacrifice." In wonderfully human terms she added: "Even when the sacrament of the present moment may take a rather
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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knobbly sort of form, still God is in it and it is there that you have to find a way of responding to Him and receiving Him." I believe that Evelyn has much to say to us about how we might inhabit the world distinctively and how, through a rich life of prayer and devotion, God might also make us "more useful to Him and to other souls". It is therefore very exciting to see the further development of the Retreat House at Pleshey (with the work on the Orangery now completed) and a very exciting programme of quiet days and retreats coming up. Even if we can’t make any of those, perhaps we can set aside some more time for the old fashioned practices of adoration, spiritual reading, and meditation. Bishop Roger
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3
THE MONTH June 2015
THE
month — Deanery delegates deliver views of diocese
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Conference maps the way ahead
A CONSULTATIVE conference called 'Time to Talk - mapping the territory' was held on April 25 at the Brentwood Centre. More than 700 people from across Chelmsford Diocese took part in the consultation (above). They were joined by ecumenical representatives and a party from Karlstad, our linked diocese in Sweden, led by Biskop Esbjorn. The theme of the conference was mission planning in line with the strategic priorities for the diocese set out in the publication, 'Transforming Presence'. Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, said the challenge was "transforming the Church for the transformation of the world." The gathering took stock of the journey from the first Time to Talk conference three years previously, focused on the priorities, reviewed progress and considered where energies should be applied. Delegates identified desirable next steps and important questions before meeting in deanery groups to discern progress and priorities for the future. Participants spent the day engaging with scripture, in prayer and in
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CANDID CAMERA: Street Pastor Phil Norton is caught in the act of taking a selfie by Bishops Roger, left, and Stephen. Cover: Reader Andrew Merchant reports for BBC Essex. Inset: Bishop Stephen has lunch with th Time for Youth delegates discussion around tables. The next steps will be further learning and planning events held in the deaneries. In a lighter moment, Deanery teams envisaged the future of their deaneries by creating models in plasticine. l An album of pictures from the day is under construction on ‘Flickr’ – www.
TRANSFORMING READERS: The Chelmsford Christian Bookshop bookstall did a roaring trade at the Brentwood conference
flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese. l For more reports of the Brentwood conference videos and information about Transforming Presence, including our new booklet, 'Mission & Ministry Units - A simple guide,' please visit our dedicated website: www.transformingpresence. org.uk
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THE MONTH June 2015
THE
month — Caring for God’s Acre charity is dedicated to conservation
Cherishing churchyards opportunity
WHY not celebrate the beauty of your churchyard or burial site with your community during National Cherishing Churchyard Week from June 6-14? Caring for God’s Acre, the charity dedicated to the conservation of burial sites of all kinds is promoting National Cherishing Churchyards Week and helping people to organise events which celebrate these special places in our communities. A rich diversity of plant and animal life can be discovered in burial sites and they often contain distinctive and veteran trees such as yews, the oldest living things in Britain. The stonework of the memorials and boundary walls provides a home for a mosaic of mosses, ferns and lichens. Burial sites are also important places for archaeology and history, providing an accessible resource for community learning and a tranquil place for remembrance and quiet reflection. Events offered during Cherishing Churchyards Week could include activities for families such as a quiz, a mini beast safari, tree bingo, letter or leaf rubbing, making gargoyles out of clay. Open days could be held with guided tours. Volunteer activity days such as making compost
areas, scything grass, memorial recording, bramble clearing, nest box making. Special workshops could be organised in dry stone walling, memorial safety and care, plant identification, geology, tree care or creative writing and art. The Caring for God’s Acre’s website at www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk has a wealth of information to support Cherishing Churchyards Week. Visit the conservation advice/advice sheets for download section on the website for information on activities for young people, how to attract volunteers, health and safety and the special Cherishing Churchyards logo "There’s no better way of involving people, young and old, than through events with a difference such as those you an put on during this special week," said Andrea Gilpin, Cherishing Churchyards Week coordinator Cherishing Churchyards Week is supported by the charity's Heritage Lottery funded national project, which is running conferences and training events. l For further information on Cherishing Churchyards Week or the work of the charity, Caring for God’s Acre, take a look at www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk
Bishop confirms seven THE Bishop of Colchester, Rt Revd Roger Morris officiated at a service of the Eucharist with Baptism and Confirmation in Thaxted parish church. Also taking part in the service were Fr Christopher Brown, Priest-in-Charge at Thaxted, Fr Philip Tarris, Priest-in-Charge at the Sampfords, Radwinter and
ST. MARY’S CONVENT
Hempstead, and Revd David Tomlinson, Rural Dean and Team Rector at St Mary's Saffron Walden. There were five confirmation candidates from Thaxted, one of whom was also baptised, and two from Saffron Walden. Pictured are back row (left to right): Reader Adrian Wright, confirmation
candidates Tom Walker and Alan Bassett, Fr Christ Brown, Rt Revd Roger Morris, Fr Philip Tarris, candidates Andrew Wardle, Alan Hills and Benedict Kennard, the Rev David Tomlinson from Saffron Walden. Front row (left to right): candidates Corrina O'Neill and Janet Wright. Picture: Walden Local.
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Charts reveal parish and deanery picture However, since 2001, we have been processing the adult attendance for each parish on both Sundays and weekdays in a consistent way for use in Parish Share calculations. After first dealing with 'blips', we combine the attendance numbers and the Electoral Roll numbers and then use a rolling average over three years to arrive at a 'DSS Members' (Deanery Share Scheme) estimate. Thus for each parish, starting in 2003, there is a series of adult membership numbers readily available for analysis. From the ten year period from 2003 to 2013 total DSS membership fell by 10%, say 1% per year. However, as with ER, there was significant variation from parish to parish as shown in this new 'beach diagram' (top right) with one third of parishes growing and two-thirds declining. The average membership in 2003 was 88 per parish and with an average for those growing of 82 and for those declining of 90, it seems that size is not a significant factor in whether a parish is more likely to grow or decline. Significant numbers of parishes have changes exceeding 25%. Charts such as this are likely to be an important tool as we aim to be more accountable for mission and ministry and our use of resources. There are also significant differences between
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Charts such as this are likely to be an important tool as we aim to be more accountable for mission and ministry and our use of resources. There are also significant differences between deaneries as shown in this second chart which has exactly the same framework as the previous “beach diagram”. Recalling that the decline in DSS membership averaged 10% over the period 2003 to 2013, 12 deaneries declined at a rate less than this and 12 at a greater rate. Three deaneries showed small growth and one only slight decline. There are other activities such as fresh expressions not taken into account in the present DSS membership calculation, and given time these should change the longerterm picture. However, our commitment to be more accountable suggests that we should attempt to learn more about what lies behind these present numbers at both deanery and parish level. Diocese of Chelmsford Deaneries
(% change in DSS Members 2003 to 2013) 30%
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LAST month we explored some very recent measures of church attendance and noted that, even when overall numbers don’t change very much, either up or down, large changes do occur in individual parishes. This was illustrated using the changes in the Electoral Rolls (ER) of parishes from 2007 to 2013, both years being those when the rolls were renewed. Whilst ER totals had dropped overall by 11% we could see that about a third of parishes had actually grown their rolls whilst about two-thirds had declined. A chart in the form of what some have called a 'beach diagram' showed that for individual parishes the changes could be quite significant. Measuring change from year to year is difficult when church attendance is volatile, so to measure change over a period we often need to deal with 'noise' in the data. One simple method is to take the average of the attendance for the first three years in the period and then for the last three years in the period and to take the difference between these two averages. Measuring change is also difficult if, over a period, additional data is recorded and incorporated in the analysis whilst other items are discarded. It will therefore take time for some of the new measures derived from our Statistics for Mission forms to produce a useful data series.
THE MONTH June 2015
(% change in DSS Members 2003 to 2013)
% decline
Retiring Chair of diocesan budget subcommittee CANON DON CARDY continues his look at membership
% growth
month —
% decline
THE
per year. However, as with ER, there was significant variation from parish to parish as shown in this new “beach diagram” with one third of parishes growing and two-thirds declining. The average membership in 2003 was 88 per parish and with an average for those growing of 82 and for those declining of 90, it seems that size is not a significant factor in whether a parish is more likely to grow or decline. Significant numbers of One inhave three parishes parishes changes exceeding 25%.is growing
deaneries as shown in this second chart (above) which has exactly sameCardy framework as CanontheDon the th previous 'beach diagram'. 30Recalling April that 2015 the decline in DSS membership averaged 10% over the period 2003 to 2013, 12 deaneries declined at a rate less than this and 12 at a greater rate. Three deaneries showed small growth and one only slight decline. There are other activities such as Fresh Expressions not taken into account in the present DSS membership calculation, and given time these should change the longer-term picture. However, our commitment to be more accountable suggests that we should attempt to learn more about what lies behind these present numbers at both deanery and parish level - a theme to which we will return. l Your views are very important email statistics@chelmsford. anglican.org
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PARISHES can save money on energy bills by purchasing energy in the ‘Parish Buying bulk Energy Basket’ along with other parishes, cathedrals and schools. The Basket gives parishes a competitive edge because each parish is not buying energy on its own. The 2013 Basket represented a total energy spend of
£7m and we saved those that joined around £750 000! For the 2014-15 Basket the CofE’s Parish Buying service purchased energy at a cheaper rate than in 2013, securing wholesale electricity at 5% and wholesale gas at just over 12% lower than before. For the new Basket of 2015-16 they have already purchased 70% of
the wholesale gas at approximately 13% lower than for the 2014-15 Basket! l To find out more visit the Parish Buying website www.parishbuying. org.uk/categories/ energy/energybasket. Parish Buying helps parishes to save time and money, buy with confidence and plough savings into mission.
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? Ex 15:11
6
THE MONTH June 2015
THE
month — Biographical details of Deacons to be ordaine
'His work took them to Nig before commuting from R Simon Lewis Becontree St Mary
Andy Finn Ingatestone and Fryerning ORIGINALLY from Folkestone, Kent, Andy is a former primary school teacher. He has been involved in his local church since a very young age. He has been involved in both worship and youth work, becoming a full-time youth worker for St Mary's Saffron Walden in 2009. It was during this time that he felt a call to explore full-time ordained ministry. He began studying at Ridley Hall in 2013. Andy is married to Tamar and they have two children, Reuben and Caleb. His hobbies include music (piano, violin and guitar), Formula 1, reading, films and musical theatre. Andy will be serving his curacy in Ingatestone and Fryerning where he looks forward to getting to know the community and working alongside them, sharing God's love with them.
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DAVID was born on the sunny isle of Barbados along with three siblings, two sisters and a brother who was a Pastor before his death. He was fortunate to have two Godly grandparents who worshipped at different denominations (Anglican and Methodist). The implication of that was, he had to attend two churches every Sunday. Furthermore, having acquired the skills to play the organ, he was obliged to played the organ at both churches. His love for the word of God led him to study Christian Theology at Codrington College, Barbados. David is married to Bernadette and they have one son Benjamin. Presently David is employed as a funeral director. David worshipped at All Saints Church Forest Gate for more than 20 years. There he served as organist/choirmaster, Church Warden and a member of the PCC. In addition, he became a Reader having sensed that God was propelling him into to that ministry. However, God's Spirit remained alive and active and he recognized the call to ordained ministry. David studied at St Mellitus College and graduated with a BA honours degree in Theology and Ministry. Currently, he is completing a MA in Pastoral Theology at Heythrop College, University of London. David will serve as curate at All Saints church, Forest Gate.
BORN in Camberwell, Simon grew up in Shropshire on the Welsh borders. He returned to London to study art history at Goldsmiths' College. He met his wife Keren at 14 in Sunday school and they married at 20. Leaving university they moved to
Coventry to work for the International Centre for Reconciliation based at the cathedral. His work took them to Nigeria but not before commuting from Ramallah in the Palestinian Territories. In 2007 they established Reconcile Consulting with a contract to support the development programmes of the Episcopal Church of Sudan. In 2008 they moved to Bristol and had
The class PROFILES
THE MONTH meets the new Deacons who will be ordained by Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, at Chelmsford Cathedral on June 27, in the first of a two-part series. Canon Philip Need, Director of Ordinands (DDO) for the Diocese of Chelmsford, says: “Here we are in the ordination season once again, seeing some of the fruition of the work done by DDOs and Assistant DDOs over recent years. But this isn’t the end of the story, nor should it be. "Ordination services need to remind the whole church of the ministry of the people of God and, as we celebrate our response to our baptismal calling, the stories of those being ordained challenges others too. "Many ask 'Why do we need deacons and priests?' and the answer is so that we have people in focal positions of leadership and service, people who walk with the church and take others by the arm, providing a sacramental, pastoral and prophetic ministry in today’s world. "Priesthood is the church’s gift to the world and the priest’s role is to head up the church’s ministry of the Word, of calling, holiness, worship, reconciliation, Eucharist and blessing, to serve the servants of Christ and be signs of the kingdom. "We affirm those who will be ordained this Petertide in the Cathedral and in Ordination Services across the Areas in early July and once again the Diocese and the Church says, 'What about you? Do you think YOU could be ordained?' If there is even a flicker in your heart – speak to your local clergy or the Area Ordination Adviser.”
Caroline Martin, Berechurch St Margaret
CAROLINE was born near Colchester to Ray and Christine Giles and enjoyed an adventurous childhood in Alresford with her sister Helen, attending the vibrant St. Andrew’s church and was involved in preaching, singing, youthwork, housegroups, charity work and prayer from my early teens. Caroline studied English Literature at York University, while also auditing large chunks of a BD at Heythrop College, London, with her husband Rhys Martin. After graduating, she gained a PGCE at Cambridge and he was ordained and they became the classic vicar-teacher combination for the next 15 years. They had two children, Danielle (now 12) and Thomas (now 10), and ministered together in various Essex parishes. Then the calling she had felt in her teens reasserted itself and Caroline found inspiration and a spiritual home in the generous orthodoxy of St. Mellitus College. When Rhys died of leukaemia in 2012, her relationship with God became not only the air she breathed but the scaffolding beneath her
Caroline Martin
Lorraine Smart
too. She enjoys theology, poetry, singing, music, writing, preaching, books, creative prayer, silence, travel, fun with others, walking, Greenbelt Festival, good food and single malt whisky. She is thankful for God’s grace and the support of loved ones as she moves forward.
David Bates, Mardyke Team Ministry
DAVID was born in Stepney Green, on the top floor of a three-storey town house typical of East London. It was home too for parents, grand parents, three sisters, half-adozen cousins, their parents and a tin bath. David was married to Karen at the age of 18 and they are wonderfully blessed with both children and grandchildren. David grew up in Dagenham, first as a schoolboy and later as a science teacher. Left alone for more than five minutes, David can be found in front of a computer screen, writing a computer program. Educated through University College London, King's and finally St Mellitus, David has been Reader in Stifford since 2009 and a Methodist children’s worker since 2012.
Lorraine Smart, St Michael and All Angels, Loughton
LORRAINE Smart has lived in Loughton for most of her life. She is married to Chris and they have two grown-up children. She has been a part-time teacher in a local school for the past 20 years but now only works there occasionally. Lorraine has been a member of St Michael’s church, Loughton since she was five. Her family were not church members but, when the newly arrived vicar asked if she could attend church to keep their daughter, of the same age, company her mother agreed. Lorraine and her husband went to the same
THE MONTH June 2015
ed by Bishop Stephen in Chelmsford Cathedral
geria but not Ramallah'
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s of 2015 youth club at the church and this is where they got together. She became a Reader 12 years ago and felt God’s calling to be ordained on reading the paper ‘Re-imagining Ministry’ presented by Bishop Stephen. She is looking forward to this next stage of her faith journey.
Ray Descombes, Becontree South, St Albans & St Martin
RAY, the middle child of seven, was born in Dagenham but moved away to Boreham Wood when he was two. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness he was very active, becoming a full-time pioneer and elder. He met his wife Helen at a JW gathering. Married for 42 years, they have three daughters and eight grandchildren. Becoming convinced that the JWs were mistaken, they left and found Christian fellowship in an evangelical charismatic church in Dagenham. After theological training in Wales he became their full-time teaching elder for five years. As his faith developed he found his present spiritual home in the Anglo-Catholic St Martin’s church - the parish where he was born. Ray has a BA in Philosophy and studied with Helen at Heythrop College on the Philosophy and Religion MA course. For 24 years he was the community development officer for Barking Council. He is a governor of two CofE schools and a keen cyclist. He has trained for ordination for one year at St. Mellitus.
Stuart Hull, Springfield Holy Trinity, Chelmsford
BORN in Hampshire, Stuart grew up in Essex before going on to study International Relations and Politics at the University of Essex. It was whilst attending university that he had the opportunity to further explore his faith and
The Transforming Gospel Us conference 20-22 July 2015 High Leigh Conference Centre
their first child Thea while continuing to work with the church and governments in various parts of Africa. In 2011 after ten years of working with the church on development an ignored call was awoken and Simon began the discernment process. He trained for Ordination at Trinity College, Bristol where their second child Eira was born.
Ray Descombes
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Richard Attew Tye Green and Netteswell A WOODEN floor and Come & Praise — this is how Richard first heard about Jesus. He grew up in Woodford, where school assemblies had these ingredients. Curious, he took himself to All Saints' aged 9. He left to attend Ridley Hall 21 years later. Along the way Richard was a missionary on St Helena, worked as a primary school teacher, scored goal of the season for the church football team, lead the luncheon club ministry and after hours cafe, and married a Harlow girl, Karen. All Saints' was wonderful for a long time; Ridley for a short time. Training has provided a vibrant and faithful community, prayer, study, and memories. And the accolade of three-time pancake race Champion! God blessed them with a daughter, Hope. Now Harlow beckons and Richard is looking forward to serving at St Stephen's. They are excited about what God is doing. It's like sitting on that wooden floor again!
Dave Scott delve deeper into scripture, visiting the many Anglican churches in the area. It was during this time of development for both his study and spiritual life that Stuart felt the call to ordained ministry. After university and as part of his discernment process for ordination, he moved to South Wales to serve at a church there and had a great time being blessed with the opportunity to preach and lead Bible studies. Staying in contact with and worshipping at his local church in Ingatestone has always been of great support to his walk of faith and his ordination training in particular. Stuart greatly looks forward to serving his curacy in Chelmsford and the opportunity to minister in an area he knows well and has been blessed to grow up in.
Dave Scott, Collier Row Good Shepherd
DAVE was born in Inverness, the middle of three sons. His father, then a chaplain, moved to parish ministry, serving with his mother in three parishes in the Lake District. A friend shared his faith journey with him and Dave put his faith in Christ during a mission at his father's church. He then studied Physics at Girton College, Cambridge, where he grew alongside several Christian friends. After a year of voluntary work in a church in Liverpool he trained and taught secondary-school science. Whilst attending New Wine Dave sensed God calling him to Egypt. Dave met his wife at Bible college and they then worked together in Cairo and later in an international church in London. God has blessed them with two sons, now 7 and 10. Whilst at St Paul's Hammersmith, Dave sensed God leading him to train for ordained ministry and they are looking forward to this new phase of ministry that lies ahead.
Hilary Musker St Laurence church, Barkingside
HILARY lived in Chingford until she married Charlie at All Saints (Chingford Old Church) in 1983 and moved to Barkingside. A few years later they joined the congregation at St Laurence church where they have worshipped for the last 28 years. They now live in Woodford and have two grown-up children. Hilary worked for many years as a hospital pharmacist and was responsible for the training of hospital pharmacy staff across two NHS Trusts. She was employed as Redbridge Deanery Youth Adviser in 2007 and is currently working as children youth and family work adviser for Wanstead Parish. Prior to this she had been a church volunteer working with children and young people for over 20 years. Both Hilary and Charlie have been on the leadership team of Leiston CPAS Venture (an action packed Christian holiday for young people aged 11-14) for the past 15 years. Hilary is serving her curacy at St Laurence Church in Barkingside.
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News of the Essex Federation WEA Summer Festival of Learning Over 90 people attended the study day delivered by Cambridge academic and author Dr. Henry Tam on the topic “Politics: What Is It Good For” at the Anglia Ruskin University (Chelmsford) on Saturday 11th April. After lunch animated group discussions took place on how to re-engage people with politics. The following Thursday John Morgan delivered to an audience of 40 at Oaklands Park Museum, Chelmsford, a highly entertaining and informative afternoon’s talk entitled “A Medieval Adventure”. He brought along some of his extensive collection of arms and armour, demonstrated their use (in so far as Health and Safety regulations would allow!) and talked about the Battle of Agincourt. Before retiring as caretaker of the Castle Methodist Church, Colchester, John had been a miner in the Midlands who took part in the Miners’ Strike of the 1980s, Sacristan of Tewkesbury Abbey and a prison warder. He has given talks on all these life experiences. Nearly 150 people enjoyed the three One Day Schools held in Feering on Saturday 25th April. Popular Essex WEA history tutor Roger Cooke set out to present Magna Carta in its true place in the history of the English and of liberty itself; Professor Anthony Lane came from Wales to give the real story of the role and experiences of British and allied Merchant Seamen in World War Two; and Professor Chris Green explored European music and art leading up to World War One. As part of the national programme for Adult Learners’ Week and the Eastern Region Festival of Learning, the Federation is again running six threeday Summer Schools in Colchester and Chelmsford, as advertised in this edition. Once more by popular demand retired WEA tutor Dr. Rosemary Williams returns from Wales, this time to put the Battle of Waterloo in perspective, and there are courses delivered by other experts on the history of crime and criminality in East Anglia, on spy and detective fiction, on economic, social and political change in Chelmsford, and on the Post Impressionists. www.wea-essex.org.uk
8
THE MONTH June 2015
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THE Month photographic competition judge Paul Starr of Chelmsford photographers StarrPhotos picked a picture caption 'He made their glowing colours' as this month’s winner taken by Freda Rhodes. Paul saiid: “My winner for this month is this low key diagonal composition with pleasingly minimal depth of field, which opens up the more you look at it. Firstly you see it’s a hymn book, but then you notice the ladybirds and wonder about their significance to the book, especially as they appear so small in the frame. “Then when you realize that the page is open at ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Great and
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PHOTO COMPETITION Small’, all becomes wonderfully clear. The photograph makes you think about why we all gather together to attend church and why we all love to sing these beautiful hymns that praise the wonder of life. “All of this is captured in one simple photograph: a book and two ladybirds.” Each month a winning photograph, taken according to a fixed theme will be printed in The Month and as many contributions as possible will be showcased on our new Pinterest board www. pinterest.com/chelmsdio. The entrant judged to have
submitted the best photograph of the year will be invited to a masterclass with Paul Starr of photographers and videographers Starrphotos. To enter the competition, email your photograph (one per reader) with the caption and your name to photos@ chelmsford.anglican.org. Next month’s subject is 'Church celebrations'. The closing date for entries is June 5, 2015 at midday. The winning picture will appear in the July issue of The Month. Terms and conditions are online at www. chelmsford.anglican.org/ photocompetition
THE MONTH June 2015
THE
9
month — What’s on near you in Essex & East London
Thursday, May 21 ● St Laurence, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.50pm. Lunchtime Recital by Tiago Gomes de Matos (guitar). Free admission. retiring collection. www.upminsterparish.co.uk Friday, May 22 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by the Whitgift School Pianists. 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. Saturday-Monday, May 23-25 ● St Winifred’s Church, 115 Manor Road, Chigwell, IG7 5PS. 80th Anniversary Flower Festival & Craft Fair. Sat 10.30am-5pm: Sun 12.30-5pm: Mon 10.30am-5pm. Free admission. Refreshments available throughout. Craft Fair Saturday & Monday. “Antiques”, Bookstall & Plants, History of St Winifred’s. Sunday 4pm - Worship Group. www. stwinifredschurch.co.uk Saturday, May 23 ● All Saints Church, Little Totham. Annual car rally. All Saints. Church Lane, Little Totham CM9 8LU. Car and Motorbike Rally. 11-30am-4-30pm. Admire much cherished vehicles and meet their owners on a fun day out. Beer tent, tombola and barbecued food available. Admission free. Venue is the Little Common in The Street (CM9 8JQ). Exhibits range from a 1933 Hupmobile Cabriolet to a 2008 Alfa Romeo Type 939 Spider. For further details or to bring a vehicle contact Dave and Hilary Oram on 01621 788688. ● Seventh annual St Helena Hospice Midnight Walk. Places are still available for the much anticipated female-only St Helena Hospice Midnight Walk. The entry fee is £15. Walkers are encouraged to take up the dress code of trainers and tiaras. The walk is approximately seven miles starting and finishing at Colchester United’s Weston Homes stadium. To encourage mothers and daughters to walk, the minimum age has been re-duced to 11 years and the new start time of 10.30pm makes it more manageable for younger people. Registration can be made online at www.sthelenahospice. org.uk/midnightwalk15 or by phoning the St Helena Hospice Fundraising Office on 01206 931468. Final registration closes at noon on Friday 22 May or when 1,000 walkers have registered, whichever comes first. Sunday, May 24 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm – Evensong. ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF. 2-5.30pm. Sunday afternoon teas. Come and enjoy home-made cake, tea/coffee in the tranquillity of Epping Forest. Please contact Revd Gill Hopkins 01992 760492 for further details. Monday, May 25 ● Holy Trinity, Rayleigh. 10am-5pm. Tower Open Day (last tour at 4.30). Views of Canary Wharf and QEII Bridge/Tower Tours incl. Ringing Chamber £3 and £1 Children over 8. Old Rayleigh Exhibition. All day Refreshments. www. parishofrayleigh.org.uk/TheFriendsofHolyTrinity Tuesday, May 26 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. ● St James the Less, High Street, Hadleigh. 2.40pm. Julian Meeting. Contemplative prayer introduced with words and music. Wednesday, May 27 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St John’s Church, Stratford E15. 1.10-1.50. Concert by Luigi Pignatiello, Classical Guitar. Free Entry. Retiring Collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, May 28 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. Restoring A Coach with John Lloyd Williams. ● St Laurence, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.50pm. Lunchtime Recital by Edward Taylor (Carlisle Cathedral). Free admission. Retiring collection. www.upminsterparish. co.uk Friday, May 29 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by the Billroth String Quartet. 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. ● St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood. 1pm. Lunchtime Live ! Ken & Rachel Bartels (flute & harp duo). Admission free - Retiring collection. For further details: 01277 218121. Saturday, May 30 ● St George's Church grounds and Hall, Ongar Rd (near Robin Hood roundabout), Brentwood. 1.30-4pm Magnificent May Festival Of Fun. Free Admission. Plant & Book Stalls/ Bouncy 'Frozen' Castle/ Score a goal against Tottering Tottenham 'Football shoot out'/ Side shows/ Tempting teas/ Toys & Games/ Smash the crockery/ Raffle/ Face painting and the 81 year old Church is open. Event in aid of Church Funds. Tel 01277-213618. ● St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 10am-4pm. Quiet Day - Cost £18 including art materials, lunch and refreshments. Making Our Own Way led by Chris Macallan. This will include experiential art and prayer using our own feet, a collage and hopefully a labyrinth on the beach. No artistic experience necessary. For further information: Revd Brigid Main tel: 01621 776438 - email: stpeterschapel@ outlook.com www.bradwellchapel.org Saturday-Sunday, May 30-31 ● St Mary’s Church, Becontree. Flower Festival. Sunday, May 31 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm – Evensong. ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF. 2-5.30pm. Sunday afternoon teas. Come and enjoy home-made cake, tea/coffee in the tranquillity of Epping Forest. Please contact Revd Gill Hopkins 01992 760492 for further details. ● St Mary's, Ingatestone Road, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone. 3.30pm. Bruce Pennick and the Vesper Singers sing Evensong - with tea and cake afterwards. Tuesday, June 2 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, June 3 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. ● St John’s Church, Stratford E15. 1.10-1.50. Concert by Philip Bricher, organ. Free entry. Retiring collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk
Thursday, June 4 ● 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, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.50pm. Lunchtime Recital by Nathan Richards & Richard Brasier (Trumpet and Organ). Free admission. retiring collection. www.upminsterparish.co.uk Friday, June 5 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by David Goodenough, Organist, Fettes College, Edinburgh. 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. Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7 ● Little Totham. Flower Festival and Open Gardens. Sat 12-30-5pm: Sun 12-30-5pm: Mon 10-30am-3-30pm (Flowers only). Spot your favourite watering hole as our flower arrangers use their creative skills to illustrate pub signs from around the county. Admire our 1,000-year-old parish church bursting with blooms and awash with colour. Collect your gardens map and tickets from All Saints, Church Lane, CM9 8LU. Light lunches, cake and book stalls, tombola and display of old village photographs. Then enjoy a drive through quiet country lanes to visit a number of varied gardens including those of professional award-winning gardeners. Admire the designs, buy some plants and enjoy a cream tea. Cost £3.50, concessions £3. Children free. Tickets valid for the whole weekend. Saturday-Tuesday, June 6-9 ● All Saints Church, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch. Flower Festival & Fayre. Sat 10am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm. Flower Festival only Mon and Tues 10am-4pm. Admission free. Saturday, June 6 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● All Saints’ Church, High Street, Maldon. 7.30pm. 'Fiddle and Faff'. Musical evening with Violin and Voice. Tickets available on the door - £8 including refreshments. Sunday, June 7 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm – Evensong. ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF. 2-5.30pm. Sunday afternoon teas. Come and enjoy home-made cake, tea/coffee in the tranquillity of Epping Forest. Please contact Revd Gill Hopkins 01992 760492 for further details. ● St Nicholas, South Ockendon. 2-4pm. Grade I listed building, masonry architecture from c. 1180 Open day. Refreshments available. Historical information display changing each month. Free [Sundays] commuter car park two minutes away. ● Chappel and Wakes Colne. 11am-5.30pm. Open Gardens. About 12 beautiful gardens. Admission by programme £4.00 (children free) from Chappel Church (off A1124). Refreshments and plant stall. In support of village Churches. Contact Tel 01206 210 799 or email richdcb@aol. com Tuesday, June 9 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, June 10 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St John’s Church, Stratford E15. 1.10-1.50. Concert by Viva Boyer, Piano. Free entry. Retiring collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, June 11 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers' Union Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. ● St Laurence, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.50pm. Lunchtime Recital by Jeremy Lloyd (Peterborough Cathedral). Free admission. Retiring collection. www. upminsterparish.co.uk Friday, June 12 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Charlotte Rowan – Violin. 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. Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14 ● St Osyth. Open Gardens. 11am-5pm. In aid of the Tudorarced parish church. Gardens round the village including a National collection, a long garden railway and a mediaeval manor house. Entry brochure £3 pp. Saturday-Sunday, June 13-21 ● The Swan, Little Totham CM9 8LB. Beer Festival. Chance to taste craft beers served correctly as well as real ales, perries and ciders. Food available all week. Live music, local bands, Morris dancers. Check out on Facebook The Swan, Little Totham or Twitter @theswanlt Contact Phil Cornell on 01621 331713. Saturday, June 13 ● St Mary's, Ingatestone Road, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone. 2-4.30pm. Open Afternoon with Cream Teas. Sunday, June 14 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm – Evensong. ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF. 2-5.30pm. Sunday afternoon teas. Come and enjoy home-made cake, tea/coffee in the tranquillity of Epping Forest. Please contact Revd Gill Hopkins 01992 760492 for further details. Tuesday, June 16 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, June 17 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Chapter House. Chelmsford Cathedral Theological Society. ● St John’s Church, Stratford E15. 1.10-1.50. Concert by Zoe Lethbridge and Richard Black, Soprano - Piano accompaniment. Free entry. Retiring collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, June 18 ● St Laurence, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.50pm. Lunchtime Recital by Cassi Hamilton (Violin). Free admission. retiring collection. www.upminsterparish.co.uk Friday-Friday, June 19-July 3 ● South Weald Festival 2015. A fortnight of challenges. We
have so many fun free and ticketed events going on throughout our fortnight of challenges. Book now for the following ticket only events: Becket Keys & St Peter’s school concert, charity golf day, family games night, art exhibition & flower preview evening, fun run. Full details at www. southwealdfestival.co.uk Friday, June 19 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by The Cathedral 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-Sunday, June 20-21 ● St Anne & St Lawrence Church, Church Road, Elmstead Market. Friends of Elmstead Church Art Exhibition. Sat 10am5.30pm: Sun noon-5pm. Refreshment available, including ploughman's lunches from noon-2pm (both days). ● St John's Church, Mount Bures CO8 5AS. 10am-4pm. Flower Festival. A chance to admire the old church and the charming level crossing of the Bures to Sudbury railway. Includes open garden, plant stall and opportunity to buy metal artwork and garden furniture. Treasure Hunt Nature Trail and fun activities for children. Scrumptious cakes, and homemade refreshments in the village hall with book stall, name the teddy, bric a brac and raffle. Guided talks on the history of St John Church, Bluegrass music and Morris Dancers! Songs of Praise service on Sunday evening at 5pm. Tel: Jan Hughes 01787 227649 or Janethughes5@hotmail.com ● Holy Trinity Church, Hatfield Heath. Flower Festival with music, stalls and refreshments. Sat: 10-5pm and Sun 11-5pm in conjunction with the Hatfield Heath Midsummer Festival. Free entry and parking. Saturday, June 20 ● St Mary’s Church, High Easter (postcode CM1 4QW). The June walk in the series planned by the Deanery of Dunmow and Stansted for 2015. Walkers meet at 9am at the church where parking will be available and walk for about 1¼ hours, returning to the church for refreshments. This is followed by a short time for prayer from about 10.30am to 11am. People not wanting to walk will be most welcome to join in with refreshments at 10.15am. Everyone will be most welcome and may certainly bring dogs with them. Contact Allison Ward on 01245 231798 e-mail parishadministrator@thesixparishes. org.uk ● St James’ Church Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea (Entrance through church hall in Tower Road). 3-5pm. Messy Church with ‘Joseph’ 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 please contact Peter on 01255 429896 or e-mail p.kane.03@cantab.net ● All Saints Church, Church Avenue, Highams Park E4 9QD. 7.30pm. Spirituals, hymns and jazz standards with Bob Dwyers Traditional jazz band. Tickets £8.50, Concessions £7.50, includes a free glass of wine. Further information from Roger, Tel: 0208 531 3502 or email roger@lestrang.freeserve. co.uk ● St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Rd, North Ockendon. Noon-3pm. Garden Party, Free admission, children's crafts, refreshments and barbecue, games and stalls. 12th century church will be open for viewing during the afternoon. ● All Saints Church, Belhus Park - Foyle Drive, South Ockendon. Noon-3pm. Summer Fete. Many stalls including craft, cakes, bric a brac, books, Jewelry , knitteds, bath bombs/soaps, children's tombola and refreshments. ● St James the Less, High Street, Hadleigh. 7.30pm. An Evening with Allergo Singers. Tickets are £10 with all proceeds going to charity. Sunday, June 21 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm – Evensong. ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF. 2-5.30pm. Sunday afternoon teas. Come and enjoy home-made cake, tea/coffee in the tranquillity of Epping Forest. Puddings for Father's Day will be on sale and there will also be two walk in concerts at 2.30 and 4.00 which are free with a retiring collection. Please contact Revd Gill Hopkins 01992 760492 for further details. ● Writtle Gardens Open Day. Noon-6pm. Opening on The Green at 12 noon by our Patron The Lord Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex. 20 Village Gardens open, Children’s Scarecrow competition. Refreshments available around the village, Extra parking at Writtle College’s Lordship Road car park and Brewhouse Hoppit (behind Co-op). Admission by programme: £4 per person on the day from The Green. Accompanied children under 16 free No dogs please. Writtle Gardens Open Day is organised by The Friends of Writtle Parish Church, a charity that raises funds to help maintain the fabric of All Saints. Information: Jean Pinkney 01245 421503, Peter Pegg 01245 420200, Sue Field 01245 423176. ● The Friends of St Lawrence Church Bradfield CO11 2US. 11am-5pm. Gardens Open Day” 10+ gardens open to visit, Refreshments and lunches available, Cakes and plants stalls. Admission by programme available from the village shop in advance and also on the day at St Lawrence Church. Adults £3 each with accompanied children free. Telephone 01255 870681 for further details. Tuesday, June 23 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. ● The Julian Meeting. St James the Less, High Street, Hadleigh, Essex. 2.40-3.40pm. Contemplative prayer introduced with words and music. Wednesday, June 24 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St John’s Church, Stratford E15. 1.10-1.50. Concert by St Francis School Choir. Free entry. Retiring collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, June 25 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. Annual Meeting with entertainment and supper. Resumes September 24 after summer break. ● St Laurence, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. 1.50pm. Lunchtime Recital by Richard Brasier. Free admission. retiring collection. www.upminsterparish.co.uk Friday, June 26 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by the Choir of Christchurch Cathedral, New Zealand. 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. ● St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood. 1-1.45pm. Lunchtime Live! With Tim Smith (piano). Admission free Retiring collection. For further details: 01277 218121.
Saturday-Saturday, June 27-July 11 ● Large programme – Have a look! St Mary’s Church / All Saints Church, Maldon. The Maldon Festival 2015. Tickets from Maldon Tourist Office information centre: 01621 856503. Full details www.maldonarts.org.uk Saturday-Sunday, June 27-29 ● St. Peter's church, Aldborough Road North, Aldborough Hatch IG2 7QN. Flower Festival 2015 Theme: Two of a Kind. Sat: Church open 10am-6pm; Craft Market 10am-5pm. Refreshments 10am-5pm (including hot and cold drinks, salad lunches, strawberries and cream teas). 11am St Barnabas Band on the Green; Robert Pyatt at the keyboard on the Green at 1pm; ‘Bells Aloud’ bellringers from St Margaret’s, Barking on the Green at 2pm; Choral Music The combined choirs of local churches will give a recital in Church at 3pm; The Palmerstone Stage School Dancers on the Green at 4pm; Service of Compline in the Church at 6pm. Sun: Service of Holy Communion in the Church at 9am; Church 10am6pm; Craft Market 10am-5pm. Refreshments available from 10am-4.30pm; The Palmerstone Stage School Dancers on the Green at 2pm; Choral Music The combined choirs of local churches will give a recital in Church at 3pm. Mon: Church open 10am-6pm. Saturday-Sunday, June 27-28 ● St Mary’s church, Church Lane, Sheering. Flower Festival. Sat: 11am-5pm Sun: noon-5pm. Stalls include local produce, homemade cakes, books, a tombola. Refreshments available. Celebration services Sunday 11am and 6pm. ● St Margaret’s church, Castledon Road, Downham. Summer Fete and Flower Festival. Stalls, games, refreshments and entertainments outside. Sat: 1-5pm. Sun: 11am Flower Festival Sung Eucharist; 2.00pm Flower Festival and Cream Teas. See our Facebook page for more details www. facebook.com/downhamchurch Saturday, June 27 ● St Mary Magdalene, Great Burstead. 11am. Church fete in the grounds of a medieval church once used by the pilgrim fathers. There will be an entertaining programme of arena events, activities to suit all ages, displays in the Hall and a wide variety of stalls and refreshments to please all tastes. Free Entry, Free Parking, Prize Draws. Proceeds from the church fete go towards maintaining the landmark medieval building. Any enquiries to normanmaxwell@btinternet.com ● St Mary’s Church, 207, High Road, South Woodford. 7.30pm. Concert by Valentine Singers with Conductor: Christine Gwynn and Pianist: Tim Smith. 1215 and all that ~ musings on the Magna Carta. Featuring Gilbert & Sullivan; Trial by Jury and Vaughan Williams In Windsor Forest. Box Office 020 8550 4657 Tickets: £12 / £7 (students and benefit holders) £14 / £9 on the door. Also available online from www. valentinesingers.org or from Mayfair Stationers, 80, High Street, Barkingside or contact us at info@valentinesingers.org Sunday, June 28 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm – Evensong. ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF. 2-5.30pm. Sunday afternoon teas. Come and enjoy home-made cake, tea/coffee in the tranquillity of Epping Forest. Please contact Revd Gill Hopkins 01992 760492 for further details. ● St John’s Church, Stratford E15. 5pm. Organ recital by Geoff Hobbs. Free entry. Retiring collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk Monday, June 29 ● St Mellitus College, St Judes, Collingham Road, London SW5 0LX. 6.30pm. Young vocations evening, of interest to those, including clergy and those who work with young people who may be exploring a vocation to ordained ministry. This is a free event from CPAS, Diocese of London and St Mellitus College. RSVP youngvocations.eventbrite.co.uk Tuesday, June 30 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Wednesday, July 1 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. ● St John’s church, Stratford E15. 1.10-1.50. Concert by Maryland School Choir. Free entry. Retiring collection. Visit St John’s website www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, July 2 ● Chelmsford 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. Friday, July 3 ● Chelmsford Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert by Cappella Musicale Corradiana Cathedral choir from Italy. 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. ● St Mary Magdalene, Great Burstead. Summer Concert. Any enquiries to normanmaxwell@btinternet.com Saturday, July 4 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● All Saints, Little Totham village fete. 1pm on the Little Common in The Street(CM9 8JQ). Country fete with live music, plenty of food, beer tent, games and pony rides. For more information contact Lorna Key on 01621 891667. ● Walcotts Hall, Great Tey, CO6 1AH. 2pm. Great & Little Tey Church Summer Fete being opened by Archdeacon Robin King. Enjoy a traditional summer fete in a beautiful garden with refreshments, cakes, stalls, games & swimming for children. For more details contact Mrs Freda King on 01206 211056. Parking is available. ● St Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon. 3pm. Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit for the summer fete celebrating 150 years of Alice in Wonderland.All the usual stalls, raffles and tombolas plus a Wonderland of games as well as beer tent, barbecue and Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Contact Simon Prideaux (01376 571436) for more information. Afternoon teas every Sunday ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. Every Sunday up to and including October 25. Come and enjoy the lovely rural setting and fantastic views. A warm welcome and a fine selection of homemade cakes await you and tea and coffee. July 2015 diary deadline ● Forward details to Sarah Newman, internalcomms@ chelmsford.anglican.org, 01245 294443 by June 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 June 2015
Celebrating 70 years of serving remote and isolated communities ‘The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.’ Psalm 126:3
We go the extra miles www.maf-uk.org/70years Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)
® Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915
THE MONTH June 2015
Building on the successful completion of Grace Lodge Psalm 68 says that ‘God sets the lonely in families’, and right from the start of Gilead’s ministry we knew this was a key to successfully rehabilitating people suffering from life-controlling addictions. The new bungalows we are building allow us to work with people in as close to a family environment as we possibly can, and this model is what has transformed so many lives. People with addiction problems often have deep seated emotional or mental health problems relating to childhood and family difficulties, and by unlocking these problems we can deal with the root causes of addiction and prevent relapse. We provide a model of rehabilitation with an 85% success rate*, in a safe, ‘family’ environment. Residential rehab which gets to the root of their problems, uses work therapy
PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEAD A gift towards our building costs helps us ‘set the lonely in a family’ where they can receive help as they restructure their lives for freedom. Grace Lodge could not have been built without the financial help of donors just like you. If you would prefer to become a regular financial Partner, we welcome donations of any amount but would suggest £20 per month. If you have any questions about our work, please contact Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973. You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more about us and donate online.
I am a UK taxpayer and I agree to Gilead Foundations Charity (GFC) claiming tax on all past, present and future donations I make to the charity. Please treat my donations as Gift Aid donations. I confirm that I am paying or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount GFC and any other charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will reclaim for the tax year (6 April one year to 5 April the next year). Council Tax and VAT do not qualify towards Gift Aid. GFC will reclaim 25 pence of tax for every £1 that has been given. Signed
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as well as one to one and group counselling, giving skills training and practical as well as emotional, mental and spiritual hope; with experienced, qualified staff from support workers through to our on-site mental health nurse – this is what Gilead does best. To build on what has already been achieved in the last twenty five years, our second new bungalow is underway. Faith Lodge will become the home of up to 8 female clients, providing a superb environment for their restoration into a new life, for them and their families. The foundations and groundworks of ‘Faith Lodge’ are already in place. We are getting various quotes for the rest of the work, choosing the right builders and suppliers. The cost estimate is around £500,000, and this would translate into a valuable asset on the balance sheet once the building is Any gift you give will be used for the work of Gilead Foundations. If you wish to restrict this for the building fund, please tick this box I enclose a one-off gift of £ Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations
I would like to become a Partner Please fill in this form
Name Name of your bank Bank address Postcode Account No.
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Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £ from my account on (dd/mm/yy) / / Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Signed
Date
Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other) First Name
Surname
Address Postcode Organisation / company (if applicable) Telephone Number Email 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
Risdon Enterprises is registered with Care Quality Commission Reg No. 1-1230639748.
DIO0615
01837 851240 www.gilead.org.uk
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...to this with your help
completed. But more than a sound financial investment for us, it is an invaluable investment into people’s lives, and society as a whole, for many years to come. Grace Lodge, our first new bungalow, was completed only because of the generosity of grant making trusts and individuals who sowed their finances into the vision of ‘unlocking people, releasing potential’. The benefits from that building are already adding up, and we want to provide more people, like Valerie (see below), superb quality rehab in our next new bungalow. Please consider making either a one off
donation or interest free loan to help us as we steadily build this second ‘ideal home’ over the coming months. Or become one of our regular monthly Partners who sponsor the rehabilitation of our Clients. There is a form on this page – please take a few minutes to fill it out with whatever you can afford; or go to www.gilead.org.uk where you can find out more about us and donate online. Your financial partnership with Gilead changes lives every day. Thank you. *85% success rate for people measured up to two years after successfully completing Gilead’s rehab programme.
From abuse, depression & drugs to fulfilling my dream Valerie Parsons*, 25, is starting a Mixed Agricultural Apprenticeship at Risdon Farm, fulfilling her dream of working with animals. At Gilead she has overcome significant difficulties and begun to turn her life around from a pattern of self-destructive, addictive behaviour to a more mature and hopeful future. This is her story … I grew up in a town in Cornwall, living with my Dad till I was 9 years old. Dad had short fuse, brought on by drug use which worsened a mental health condition. He also abused me. My Gran became concerned for me so she invited me and Dad to go live with her and Grandad. She could see I was neglected, and she suspected something more. She got Social Services involved, and I finally admitted to them what was happening to me. Dad was made to leave our home and I stayed with my Grandparents. I always wanted to become a vet, but I couldn’t keep up my studies. At school I was bullied. I didn’t know how to relate to people, so I started to drink. I drank to fit in but also as part of ‘acting out’ the feelings I could not understand or cope with. From the age of 14 I got worse. Skiving from school, drinking, getting stoned. I was clever, so I just about scraped some GCSE’s. But my behaviour was too much for my Grandparents and they had to ask me to leave. I became depressed at 16, due to the guilt attached to the abuse, and I became quite promiscuous, which is typical of some abused people, putting myself into positions with men that were exploiting me. I fell pregnant at 18, and wasn’t able to cope. I had a breakdown and pre-natal depression, and I was in a psychiatric unit until I went to maternity. I had Lisa, and just knew I would not be able to give her the life she deserved so with social services I put her up for adoption. I’ve heard she’s doing really well. I felt guilty about Lisa and everything else, and I became addicted. I took anything I could get my hands on, and eventually overdosed so badly that I was in a coma for three weeks and in a really bad mental state for four weeks afterwards. My Grandad came to see me, and said ‘Valerie isn’t even here’. He was accompanied by a Pastor who ran a soup run that I used. I was scared, and asked the pastor to help me sort my life out. He organised for me to go to Gilead. I found it tough, they told me things about myself
I didn’t want to accept about my own resentments for example. I couldn’t handle the relationships around me so I ran away, back to my addictions, for a year. I was working with horses on a farm in the middle of nowhere. The boss was a difficult person who also couldn’t relate to people, so the two of us together was a nightmare. About this time my Gran was dying and I wanted to make her proud somehow. So I headed back to Gilead, I literally packed my bags and began hitching. I got a lift from a kind man who dropped me at a train station, paid my fare and gave me some money too. This time at Gilead I am more determined; it’s been a year, I have almost finished the programme, and I have my apprenticeship on the farm and at Duchy College. Ian Samuel has found a way to lovingly confront me, give me space to think about it, and then help me deal with my problems. My Gran died, and where in the past that would have been reason to go off the rails, I have dealt with it maturely, obviously still sad but keeping on with my new life. I am working on how to relate with people all the time. But my love for animals has found a great outlet here. The farm director, Ben, has encouraged me lots in my farm work, and his belief in me really helps, as does the whole experience at Gilead. My next step is to stay in the community here while I do my apprenticeship. I’d say to anyone who is thinking of supporting Gilead “Please do!” There are people here worth supporting, you continually see talents and gifts come out of people, they’re not just addicts, they’re troubled and they need help to handle life’s problems in a mature way and they’ll be alright. *some names have been changed for confidentiality
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THE MONTH June 2015
THE
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 12.00pm 5.15pm
Morning Prayer Holy Communion
(also Weds at 12.35 and Thurs at 10am)
Midday Prayer Evensong
(sung on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri)
www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk
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
month — God movie celebrates the Christian faith
Around the World in Half an Hour premiere
CHELMSFORD Cathedral will host the movie premiere of ‘Around the World in Half an Hour’ on Saturday June 6. During the past two months a group of people have been meeting to make a new movie… not just any old movie – a movie about hobbies and passions and what makes life good… and a movie that includes God, and how God is part of life. Cathedral communications and services manager Clare Broome said: "All are welcome.
Doors open at 7pm and the evening will end by 8.30pm. Drinks and light snacks will be provided and entry is free." Canon Edward Carter who is running this project added: “I created the God movie project two years ago and it has proved to be a really creative way of celebrating life and discovering more about the Christian faith. "I’m really hoping more Churches might give it a try over the coming year”
MOVIE STARS: The group who are making the latest movie.
Three generations of Cottrell family run in John's memory
by DAVID TRAYNER THE Bishop of Chelmsford ran 10km along Southend seafront with three generations of his family in memory of his father. Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell and half a dozen members of his family, including his 83-year-old mum, Eileen, raised more than £1,000 for HARP by jogging from Chalkwell Shelter to Southend Pier and back on May 9. Bishop Stephen's dad, John, who died two years ago, was a trustee of the Southend-based homelessness charity for more than 30 years. The Anglican bishop, who is from Leigh, said: “It was really good. It was fun to do it with the family. “There were three generations of us running – or walking – which was fun. It was nice to do it for such a good cause and it was a lovely afternoon.” Bishop Stephen’s sister Linda Hollands, who still lives in Leigh,
Plea for inter-faith dialogue
THE Bishop of Barking attended an event organised by Faizen e Islam mosque in Walthamstow and spoke about the need for all faith communities to work together. Also in attendance were Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, local councillors, and other local Anglicans including Canon Steven Saxby and Sue Diplock, both active in inter-faith work in Waltham Forest. The event in April was hosted by Shaykh Gullam Rabbani, whose mosque is soon to open a new centre for prayer, teaching, community service and cohesion. "What we share in common is faith," said the Bishop, "and faith means prayer and action". He spoke of his committment to work with local Muslim organisations for the common good across his episcopal area.
COTTRELL RUNNING BROTHERS: Bishop Stephen with brothers David and Richard after the Southend run his brothers David and Richard, his wife, Rebecca, and his sons, Ben and Sam all did the run. His nephews – Daniel Cottrell, Luke, Jacob and Isaac – all also took part.
Bishop Stephen had not taken part in a running event since he was at school, but Ben, who is a personal trainer, helped him prepare. The Bishop trained by running around Chelmsford,
where he now lives. John Cottrell was a HARP trustee for much of his retirement and there is a room named after him in the charity’s headquarters, the Bradbury Centre, in York Road. Bishop Stephen added: “We decided to do it because my father, who died two years ago, was a trustee for Harp and raised a lot of money for them. “As a family, in his memory, we thought we would do something for them as well.” HARP treasurer Peter Thorn, of Marine Parade, Leigh, who came out to watch the run, added: “It’s absolutely fantastic. "I knew his father personally and he had a great passion for homeless people and people less well off. He would have absolutely loved today.” If readers would like to give there is a JustGiving page at www. justgiving.com/David-Cottrell1 l Reproduced by kind permission of the Southend Echo
Second quake rocks Nepal
CHRISTIAN Aid emergency workers in Nepal and partner organisations were getting relief through to the area worst hit by the May 11 earthquake as The Month went to press. The US Geological Survey said it measured 7.4 on the Richter scale, compared to the April 26 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8. The epicentre of the second earthquake was Namche Bazaar, the last major settlement before Everest basecamp. Christian Aid emergency programme officer Yeeshu Shukla, already in Nepal to help co-ordinate relief efforts after the first earthquake, was in the Sindhupalchowk region some 40 miles away when the building he was in began shaking. “For a moment, I felt that the building I was in would come down. We rushed out. Everyone was out on the street, some of them panicking, with mothers
screaming, looking for their children. There were four or five severe after-shocks and some buildings collapsed. “Travelling later towards Kathmandu the roads were lined with people too scared to re-enter buildings, with heaps of rubble where some had structures had collapsed. “Now the race is to get relief through to the worst hit areas – clothing and other essentials. There is a shortage of drivers, however, many of whom have returned to their homes to be with their families.” Nick Guttmann, Christian Aid’s Head of Humanitarian had just arrived in the country to monitor the progress of Christian Aid’s initial relief efforts. He was visiting a partner agency in Kathmandu before visiting a distribution point when a slight tremor ran through the building. Everyone stood up, and then everything began moving.
“Outside, the ground looked like it was rippling,” he said. “We didn’t know where to go and stayed under some corrugated iron.” An hour after the earthquake, he said, “people were walking round the streets, not knowing what to do, I heard one woman ask ‘What is happening to Nepal?’.” Since the first earthquake struck, Christian Aid has worked through partner organisations in Nepal distributing blankets, tarpaulins, food, water purification equipment and water purification tablets to communities struggling to rebuild their lives. The Disasters Emergency Committee, of which Christian Aid is a member, revealed on May 10 its appeal for Nepal earthquake victims had raised more than £50m. At the same time, Christian Aid’s own appeal for Nepal has raised more than £1.2m. l Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can do so by visiting www. christianaid.org.uk