shareit! The Magazine of Church Army
31
Summer 2010
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
shareit! The Magazine of Church Army
Patron: HM The Queen President: The Most Revd Dr Desmond Tutu Church Army Evangelists share the Christian faith through words and action and equip others to do the same. Evangelists and staff are devoted to a wide range of service in Anglican churches, projects and teams throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Shareit! is the magazine of Church Army and it is available free upon request. Please let us know if you would prefer not to receive further issues of Shareit! or other communications from Church Army. Marlowe House, 109 Station Road Sidcup, Kent DA15 7AD Tel: 0300 123 2113 email: info@churcharmy.org.uk www.churcharmy.org.uk
Registered Charity Nos: 226226 & SC040457 Senior Editor: David Coleman 020 8309 3516 Editor: Richard Chambers 020 8309 3517 Design & Print: CPO 01903 264556 ISSN 1751-3960 If you have a story for Shareit!, or suggestions on how we can improve this magazine, then please contact David Coleman. The paper used is from sustainable forests and can be recycled. Printed by Bishops who have 14001 accreditation.
Evangelist Support Scheme This symbol identifies those Evangelists who, through the Evangelist Support Scheme, seek support for their ministry through prayer and giving. It may be that you are drawn to an Evangelist in this issue and would like to find out how you can partner with them in their ministry. To receive further information about the scheme, please email ess@churcharmy.org.uk or call 0300 123 2113
2 Shareit!
Love Chang Everything From the Chief Executive Dear friends, t was four years ago that I accepted the position of Chief Executive, and took on the privilege of leading Church Army. Since 2006, I have been committed to helping Church Army change, grow, and develop as a leading movement of Evangelists, committed to being a voice for the importance of mission and evangelism in our church. We have made much progress, seen significant changes in our training programme, the development of Xplore (our youth gap year programme) and we have become sharper in communicating our message both on paper and online. A key challenge of Christian leadership is listening to God prayerfully, taking time to discern His vision, and then to be obedient to the vision He gives. Church Army’s Board and my Senior Management Team have stood alongside me in this, and I know that Evangelists, staff and supporters (like you) regularly pray for us as we face difficult decisions. For this you have my sincere thanks. We have taken the decision to relocate the staff of our Sidcup office to the Wilson Carlile Centre in Sheffield (formally the Training College). The vision is to grow a “Minister for Evangelism”, a new home for Church Army. By early 2011, the Wilson Carlile Centre will be a living, breathing, missional community in the middle of Sheffield, containing our training, and support teams, and Christian conference centre with 24 ensuite bedrooms. The Centre will be a place where evangelism is researched, taught, led, supported and practised. This is a major moment in Church Army’s life, and I ask you once again to pray for everyone involved, as we work together to turn a vision of a new ‘home’ into a reality. Please pray as well for all our staff who are affected by this decision. In this issue of Shareit! the cover story is about our President, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who gives thanks
I
www.churcharmy.org.uk
nges
STOP PRESS! The phone number to use when contacting Church Army is now
0300 123 2113. This number will
remain in use when we have relocated to Sheffield, so please make a note of it today and use it in all your future communications with us. Calls to this number from both landlines and mobiles are the same as to a normal geographic number. Thank you.
for your response to the Spring Appeal: “Love Changes Everything” (page 8). I echo his thanks, because your continued support comes at a crucial time in the development of Church Army’s future. The variety of our Evangelists’ work is evident in articles about Louise Yaull (spiritual health, page 14-15), Martin Hartley (faith and breakfast, page 26), Myrtle Morrison (the forgotten city, pages 28-29) and Alan Park (church for homeless people, page 30). Our training section (pages 10-13) highlights a Centre of Mission for the first time and the Action Learning Networks – a new resource for Evangelists. This issue also highlights our commitment to the Soul Survivor and Greenbelt events (pages 20-21) where we will be promoting evangelism in general, and Mission-based Training, Xplore and Now a Christian in particular. May I also say a big thank you to over 500 readers who took the time and trouble to fill out and return a comprehensive survey from the last Shareit! The subsequent report was enough to give us all a very warm glow, thanks to your overwhelmingly positive comments. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to change the world, and bring in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. We thank God for you, With my love and prayers
Mark Russell Chief Executive www.churcharmy.org.uk/ceo
Shareit! 3
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
Contents
Shareit! 31 Summer 2010
4 Shareit!
8
22
31
News
Faith
Words
6 News The latest news from Church Army
14 Patients are a virtue Louise Yaull and the healing spirit of God
18 Shareit! survey feedback Your comments from the December survey
8 God’s love is for all Our President thanks you for your support 16 Archbishop opens the doors of Hope High praise for Welsh project
17 Proud to be retired – and active! Alan Cooper and the Retireds’ Update 22 In the midnight hour On the late-shift with the Street Pastors 27 Seeing the good in everyone Care and compassion in South London
ing Will A transform Rememb
er Churc
h Army in
your Wi ll
ion ble n and ena a n our visio come to y have bee people to Church Arm and tionship with in mission living rela pioneers . ist. since 1882 Jesus Chr evangelism ing this lists After read Our Evange ide of dec rt the hea et you may e minister at ss the leafl t to mak ities acro you wan commun ing that that will nd, help a decision UK and Irela . sform lives m lives by help tran to transfor not do the through We could sharing faith ational action. transform words and s to do, without early day work we From our ity of some of the generos the present, e leave a orters hav those who our supp rch rch Army ered Chu gift to Chu rememb e r Will; thes in their Will. Army in thei ain to sust gifts help
24 Seven Sacred Spaces What makes a healthy Christian community? 31 Go public! – Peter Graystone talks about events in the last word
28 A smile on the faces of Craigavon Winning hearts and minds in the forgotten city
Legacy Vis
d ciates’ Guil Van Asso s In 1939 the generou with the continued rs. Members supporte y gifts of our ed to “pra d committ give of the Guil work and van the for five shillings regularly no less than e four bus or collect ay, we hav yearly”. Tod we continue to and of the ministries e because differenc orters. make a our supp giving of sacrificial
Remembering Church Army in your Will can make a real impact on sustaining our vision for the future. We want to continue to work in places where we are needed most. Find out more about how you can make a memorable impact, by contacting James Archer –
y: Case stud
Captains
1939 on the road
Telephone: 0300 123 2113 email: info@churcharmy.org.uk ost: Church Army, FREEPOST WD1884, P Sidcup, Kent, DA15 7BR
www.churcharmy.org.uk
20
12 10
Action 10 Mission possible, Mission pioneering, Mission excitingi– Warwick Gates: Centre of Mission 12 Frontline Action Church Army’s latest work with Fresh Expressions 20 Summer of (God’s) love A packed programme of events in August 26 Church Army – good with food! Bedford and Breakfast with Martin Hartley 30 “I want this Jesus!” Church on the Bus two years on
16
24
26 Shareit! 5
churcharmy.org.uk
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
SHENA – Arts for God’s sake Shena Woolridge is now the Fresh Expressions Evangelist to the arts community in Scarborough. The town has many theatres, concert halls and galleries, and a large number of artists, musicians, writers and computer designers have their home there. Her church, St James’, responded by creating an Arts Centre and café which has brought
a large number of arts enthusiasts into the orbit of the church buildings, for dance classes, music making and art exhibitions. She will work in the professional arts community, as well as in the socially deprived areas of the town, where a more earthy approach to creativity is appealing in a way that church services are not.
CEA APPOINTS PETER GRAYSTONE
Church Army’s National Officer for Fresh Expressions, Peter Graystone, has been seconded part time to lead
in the development of Christian Enquiry Agency’s www.christianity.org.uk website, and the other work with enquirers. Peter says: “Someone wrote to the Christian Enquiry Agency recently thanking them for playing ‘a major part in me becoming a Christian – thank
you for … providing information and inspiration in times of need and hopelessness.’ It is going to be a privilege to work with a terrific organisation that enables people to wake up to the vast love that God has for them.”
STEPHEN – BUILDING COMMUNITY HOUSE BY HOUSE Stephen Plumb became the Fresh Expressions Church Planting Evangelist in Sittingbourne in March. Over 1,000 new homes have been built in North Sittingbourne, Kent. The local clergy anticipate that fear of the economic downturn and loneliness, due to isolation on these large estates, will be the two major issues facing residents. Stephen has identified places where he might
6 Shareit!
be able to build community: a medical centre, several sports grounds, a village hall, a community website, pubs and schools. However, at the start, the project will rely on friendships formed in homes. Stephen previously served in Willowfield, Northern Ireland. Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/ StevePlumb to see a short film of his work there.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS – IN PERSON!
In February, Val Thom and some of Belfast’s young people were invited to Belfast Activity Centre to receive their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The scheme had been run between the Centre and the Greater Shankill partnership, with Val taking a leading role. Imagine the award-winners’ surprise, on finishing their demonstration of caving, to be introduced to HRH Prince Philip himself. After a great lunch they waved the Duke off, with one of the young award-winners commenting “Boy – he moves fast for his age!” Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/ValThom to see a short film of her work.
MISSIONSHAPED EVANGELISM – BACK TO THE FUTURE
news
www.churcharmy.org.uk
A new book from Church Army researcher Steve Hollinghurst argues that the future for evangelism depends upon Christians taking the Gospel to places “beyond our church culture.” ‘Mission-shaped Evangelism’ emphasises that Christians must recognise that “lifestyle is far more important than dogma” in the 21st century. The early Christian church spread the Gospel across the known world by involving itself in other cultures. Steve argues that a similar approach is required today, as we now live in a country “that is no longer predominantly Christian”. For Christianity to become relevant in most people’s lives, Steve says: “Our message needs to address the questions being asked, not the ones we think should be asked.” ‘Mission-shaped Evangelism’ is published by Canterbury Press. Go to www.churcharmy. org.uk/SteveHollinghurst to see a short film about Steve’s work.
Shareit! 7
churcharmy.org.uk
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
God’s love is for all
In March, Church Army’s President, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, launched our spring appeal requesting increased prayerful and financial support for our Evangelists. Here he tells Shareit! readers why the compassion of Christ is at the heart of the appeal.
B
efore writing the ‘Love Changes Everything’ appeal letter, I discussed with Mark Russell, Church Army’s Chief Executive, how our Evangelists combine evangelism with compassion, and how this made us think about chapter 9 of Matthew’s Gospel. In Matthew, we see Jesus as an agent of forgiveness and healing. He is the son of a God whose love is poured out for us not because we are nice and good and worthy – quite the opposite: “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus even puts the resurrection at risk, because He cannot walk past people who cry out in their suffering, stopping instead to heal them. Matthew 9:30 says “Jesus warned them sternly, ‘See that no-one knows about this’.” However, the news about this amazing man spreads like wildfire, causing great concern to those who would have Him stopped,
8 Shareit!
thus putting Jesus’ journey to the cross in jeopardy. From these discussions the phrase ‘Love Changes Everything’ was born. If you go to www.lifetothefull.org.uk you will see the spring appeal film of the same name, featuring a handful of the hundreds of Church Army Evangelists who have put compassion at the heart of all they do. In Chesterfield, Alan Park has established Church on the Bus, specifically for the homeless community. Alan says quite simply: “I know there’s a God, that He loves me – and He loves these people.” Church on the Bus expresses this love by offering food, clothing, friendship, support and prayer to 50-60 homeless people a week (see page 30 for the feature article). Kathy Green works in Sheffield, providing a very popular lunch club for older people, where they can
enjoy food and fellowship. Andy Milne has turned a love of skateboarding into two youth churches in Bradford, where teenagers are being mentored in faith and leadership. Jenny Colby has hung a sign on the door of the Tea House café in Bracknell, which says “All are welcome.” Through tea, testimony and time given to dozens of people
“ send out workers into his harvest field” who use the café, she is proving to the community that “God’s love is for all.” What a wonderful phrase: “God’s love is for all”! It is this truth that leads Jesus to instruct His disciples: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” In other words, without people to deliver the message of God’s love for all, it will not be heard. ‘Love Changes Everything’ asks you for prayerful and financial support for Church Army’s ‘harvest workers’. Like all Christians, they have been called to evangelise and need to be equipped for a full-time vocation of
sharing faith through words and action with everyone they meet. May I take this opportunity to thank all of you who support the selfless, frontline work of Church Army Evangelists. Your response to this spring appeal, through your prayers and donations, makes it possible for our Evangelists to show those without hope that Love Changes Everything. It really does you know!
news
www.churcharmy.org.uk
Go to www.lifetothefull.org.uk to see the Love Changes Everything film featuring Archbishop Tutu.
? n I help the How ca ke a donation to a appeal can m
You thing es Every g e n a h C envelop Love us in the to it! it re d a n h of S and se this issue h it w d enclose
Shareit! 9
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
Warwick Gates: possible
Church Army Evangelists Roger Horsley and Paul Warren are the Training Enablers at Warwick Gates, in the Diocese of Coventry. Together with their Missionbased Trainees, Damien Hine and Dawn Hudson, they share something of how they are working to turn the vision of a Centre of Mission into a reality. Roger – Vision and Action
pioneering
exciting
10 Shareit!
Ever since becoming a Christian myself, I’ve found Jesus has switched things on in my life. I’ve wanted to help people, and I’ve wanted to serve. Church Army has enabled me to fulfil my passion, to get alongside people, particularly those who don’t belong to a church. My vision is to see Warwick Gates Community Church become an essential part of the area and to see Christian community built on the housing estate. I long for the day when the people on this highly populated estate feel like they belong, and are accepted unconditionally, instead of the current situation of people feeling isolated or lonely.
Damien – Training A Centre of Mission is a place where pioneer ministry and training can come together. Trainees and Evangelists grow in their relationships with God and others, developing in their confidence to explore their unique ministry. Church Army believes the success of a Centre of Mission depends very much on the individuals who are involved in the training. Each trainee serves as an apprentice alongside experienced Evangelists - the Training Enablers. This Mission-based Training is built around a professional qualification: a Foundation Degree in Evangelism. We will take up to four years to gain our qualification by being placed in the heart of communities where we can share the love of Jesus in pioneering contexts.
Centre of Mission “ We aim to provide a place where they can all grow in their knowledge of Jesus.” Paul – Work One aspect of our work is in the local schools, taking assemblies, Religious Education lessons and running an after-school family service called ‘Kidzone’. The stories of the bible I learned at Sunday school seem to have missed several generations. So I aim to tell those stories to the children, their parents and grandparents in a way that will help them come to an understanding of their need of a personal relationship with Jesus. I also run a youth group called Pizza and Prayer which has a strong spiritual dimension. We always have a slot in the evening where we try to answer the children’s questions about the bible, faith, or anything, and they bring along their prayer requests. The new community centre is owned by the church, and we have already established a toddler group called Ready Steady Grow. We aim not only to provide a place where parents or carers can bring small children, but a place where they can all grow in their knowledge of Jesus. We’re also hoping to use the building for drop-in centres and homework clubs, amongst other things. We are also using the local allotments to reach out to people of all ages. I hope and pray that by next harvest time we will be able to have a harvest allotment service and that it will become a regular part of our programme.
action
www.churcharmy.org.uk
Dawn – Transforming Lives I know that God is working through me to change people’s lives in this community. Recently, a friend and I prayed for a lady who had immense pain in her knee and was waiting for an operation on it. As we prayed I really sensed the power of God, but she hurried away afterwards, so I respected that, but wondered whether God had actually healed her. A few weeks later she rushed up to me to tell me that after witnessing to her surgeon about the heat on her knee after having the laying on of hands, she’d had no more pain. Together they excitedly discussed God’s power and healing. They decided to cancel the operation. She is still well today. Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/WarwickGates to see a film about this Centre of Mission, or www.churcharmy.org.uk/mbt to see a film about Mission-based Training.
? Centre n I help How ca like to support this ir n to the u would If yo donatio r n with a io s is supporte M f o contact e s r o a , le 3 p 211 ESS fund 0300 123 n o t n e . m y.org.uk develop urcharm h c @ s s e email
Shareit! 11
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
Frontline I
Jenny
Richard
son
Beth Keith
sponsibility rdson has re a h ic R y n n Je ithin Church Learning, w g n lo fe Li r fo aining on-based Tr Army’s Missi d at Keith is base Team. Beth re she Centre whe The Sheffield r g networks fo in rn a le s p lo deve . Action ssions Team re xp E sh e Fr the e latest tworks are th e N g in rn a Le ing people nt in support e m p lo e v e d sion. frontline mis engaged in
12 Shareit!
t is often said that mission is about seeing what God is doing and joining in. Church Army Evangelists and pioneers are out there on the front line, building relationships, engaging in mission, seeing Jesus transforming lives and communities, and creating Christian community ‘out there’…beyond the walls of church as it has been known. To do this, evangelists and pioneers are taking risks and being stretched to face challenges that are totally new to them. Their training has equipped them well, and they have plenty of experience to draw on. Yet they often find themselves in unfamiliar places and situations wondering “What’s going on here?” or “What should I do now?” So how do they move forwards, when there is not a text book to give a detailed plan to follow? Pioneers have to learn on their feet and respond to what’s happening on the ground. This requires intuition, ingenuity and a network of likeminded people to draw on, who can help them to reflect and plan ways forward. Church Army is working together with Fresh Expressions to support Action Learning Networks. • T hey are focused on the Action of those who step outside their comfort zones, to build relationships, share faith and create new Christian communities. • T hey are about Learning – deliberately stopping, reflecting and thinking about their roles before they put their insights into practice. It gives pioneers and evangelists a moment to catch breath. Putting a date in the diary to meet
Action
“ Church Army Evangelists, Ordained Pioneer Ministers and others are learning together”
with others to stop and think works well for those with busy lives. • And they are Networks – people in relationship with each other, connected and communicating, supporting and encouraging each other. The network gives a time and place for a small number of people to meet together, with a clear purpose. Each person shares something they are doing, and others probe and ask questions: How are you responding to people’s needs? What might be God’s perspective? What can you do differently? Busy people make time and space to reflect on their practice, to be faced with deeper questions they may not be asking themselves, and to hear about what others are doing. Drawing on research into church planting and new forms of church, they address new challenges in new ways and discover new insights together. Then they return to their situation to put their newly discovered understanding into practice. As one recent participant put it: “Having space to process thoughts as things were developing helped us to be more adventurous and creative. We shared stories and challenges and were able to build on each other’s experiences.” Church Army’s approach to training is based upon reflection of experience: involvement in local mission, time out to consider what is going on in the situation and in their response to it, and encouragement
action
www.churcharmy.org.uk
to try new approaches. Church Army Evangelists, Ordained Pioneer Ministers and others are learning together – and helping each other learn! There are new Action Learning Networks beginning to spring up in different places. If you would like to be part of one, or if you are facilitating one and would like to connect with us, then please get in touch. If you are not sure where to start, there is more information on networks at www.sharetheguide.org/networks where you will find details of existing networks; if you are part of a network there is space to upload information so that others can join you. Or visit the Share community if you want to join an online network. You could log on now and share your ideas and thoughts. Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/aln to see a short film about Action Learning Networks.
? n I help How ca that Church Army h se pray l establis
Plea ns wil xpressio E n h s re F of Actio and number g fit of in s e n a e re b r the an inc fo s, rk o here. Netw rs everyw e Learning e n io P sts and Evangeli
Shareit! 13
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
Patients are a virtue
L
ouise Yaull is married with three daughters aged between 10 and 19 years. She spent twenty years working as a registered nurse in NHS hospitals before she was called to train as a Church Army Evangelist.
“ God is using Louise’s ministry to touch the parts that medicine alone cannot touch”
14 Shareit!
”My nursing background made me increasingly aware of the spiritual needs of patients as part of their overall health needs, and this has influenced my calling to work as a Chaplain in GP practices, where so many people come for help and support. Whilst hospitals have had a long history of offering chaplaincy care, in general practices it is still comparatively rare. During my Church Army training to become an evangelist, I was able to pilot a chaplaincy placement in a large, city centre GP practice in Sheffield. The doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff referred patients to see me on a one-to-one basis. After being commissioned as an evangelist in 2007, I started working as a Chaplain in a smaller GP practice in Sheffield that is partnered by two Christian GPs. This has now expanded to working in two other GP practices, one of which does not have any Christian doctors working there. One member of staff told me that although she didn’t share my religious beliefs, she felt that the chaplaincy work was a real asset to the practice. The work is varied, but common issues that often arise are loneliness, depression, relationship difficulties and chronic
health problems. I see patients of any faith or none, and respect their wishes in relation to prayer and worship. Some of the patients that I’ve spent time with over the last few years have given the following feedback: ‘The great strength of these sessions as compared with counselling and therapy I’ve had previously was that I was not just left with all the difficult feelings that had been stirred up. Instead, we were able to pray together and ‘offer it to God’ and I left feeling peaceful rather than disturbed.’ ‘I felt for the first time that I was not just a patient and that wholeness was a possibility. I felt I was given permission to heal.’ Another exciting development has been the setting up of ‘Sacred Space’ sessions that now take place every Thursday morning in one of the GP practices. A small team of Christians from local churches and myself have set up a room in the practice each week with candles, quiet music and creative materials, for patients to call in without any appointment and find the space for quiet reflection or prayer. I also work alongside local churches, and several of the patients have started going to different church activities such as Alpha groups and bereavement drop-ins as a result of this. I’ve also taken funerals of former patients, and worked alongside the diocesan exorcist on a few occasions when there have been reports of ghost activity in the homes of patients. The need to provide spiritual care as part of whole person healthcare has long been recognised in the nursing, medical and other healthcare professions.
faith
www.churcharmy.org.uk
Louise with her family
There are wonderful opportunities to offer longer-term pastoral and spiritual support to patients in the community. There is also the privilege in having the opportunity to have contact with people who would not normally come to church, and give them the chance to encounter the love of God. I think that one of my patients puts it into perspective: ‘God is using Louise’s ministry to touch the parts that medicine alone cannot touch – to misquote an old lager advert. Well, in that case: who else is for a pint? Because it’s God’s round – He’s already paid for it – and there are so many out there thirsty for the same hope. The pints are all lined up and ready.’”
? n I help pport Louise How ca like to su S fund u would If yo to her ES onation d a h it w pporter ntact su o c 2113, e s a ple 0300 123 n o t n e m rg.uk. develop harmy.o rc u h c @ ess or email
Shareit! 15
news
churcharmy.org.uk
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
doors of Hope On 11 March, the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan, officially opened the new offices of Church Army project Valley of Hope.
V “ This project opens doors to people who feel shut out”
16 Shareit!
alley of Hope (in Aberdare, Wales) supports vulnerable people in settling back into the community. The project was set up to help clients with drug and alcohol dependencies along with exbroken and vulnerable people, in order offenders, who are so often ridiculed to help them rebuild their lives. by society for their given lifestyles. Ralph Upton, who leads the Valley Archbishop Barry praised Valley of of Hope project said: “Archbishop Hope with these words: “This project Barry has been a faithful supporter opens doors to people who feel shut of the work we do through Valley of out, offers friendship to those who hate Hope. The Team is eternally grateful themselves and gives fresh starts to for the funding that has been sourced those who feel they’re at a dead end. via the Welsh Assembly. By funding It is an inspiring example of the Christian these offices they are helping this message at work right in the heart of project to provide even greater help our communities. I am delighted to to those in need in this community.” dedicate this new office, and I pray it will enable the project to continue to To read more about the Valley of all with hope for a better world.” Hope project go to their official The spacious offices opened website www.valleyofhope.co.uk. by the Archbishop were secured for the project with significant help from the Welsh Assembly ? n I help pport Government. The offices will How ca e to su lik ld SS u o be a base for the team, n to his E If you w donatio a r h e it rt o w p h p but also include space for Ralp tact su ase con 2133, 3 2 1 0 ministry and groups to meet as 0 fund ple 03 . ment on y.org.uk develop well. They represent a major urcharm h c @ ss e or email facility with which the Valley of Hope team can reach out to
Proud to be retired
faith
www.churcharmy.org.uk
e v i ! t c a d n a
Alan Cooper was commissioned as a Church Army Evangelist in 1972. After sixteen years of active service spent in social work with the society, he retired having being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
“I
found the first few weeks of my retirement difficult. It was hard to come to terms with my disability, life in a wheelchair, and learning to cope with a lack of co-ordination. I was also missing my many friends and colleagues in Church Army. However, I continued (and still continue) with my ministry in our home church of St. Mary and All Saints Bingham after my retirement. Preaching was no longer possible, because of my poor speech and lack of mobility, but I was able to continue to lead intercessions and to help with much of the administration in our parish, where I am still PCC Secretary. I learned to use a computer and helped to establish the Church Army Website (www.churcharmy.org.uk). I worked with others to start Bingham Access Group, which seeks to improve access for disabled people and parents with prams or buggies in our town, for which I was awarded the MBE in 1999. At about the same time, I was involved with others in setting up DART, the Disability Awareness Resource Team which, to this day, helps schools
and community groups. Our aim is to show that disabled people have the ability to do a lot of things, and that what we can do is more important than what we can’t! In 1996 I began writing a monthly article for Church Army News to focus on retired Evangelists and staff. It is now known as the ‘Retireds Update’. Over 500 of our Evangelists and staff are able to keep up to date with both evangelistic and personal news of our retired colleagues, the majority of whom continue to be as active for the gospel in their retirement as they were during their ‘paid’ years with the society. I am proud to be a retired Church Army Evangelist, and value our great society and all my colleagues both active and active/retired!”
“ What we can do is more important than what we can’t!”
? n I help d How ca our Retire ll a r fo pray r
Please , and fo and staff ts lis e g g the n Eva producin continue to n la A Update. Retireds’
Shareit! 17
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
Shareit! survey
feedback
ent who s orters p p ! Your u it s Share r 500 f e v o o e u us help u” to st iss nor mo ankyo the la e h T s m n “ a ro e f told u een hug or m e. You ave b rvey f ith h in u z s s w t a e h n g h c e in t is ma omm in tou h t c u f d o o n y ture eps ws ack a the fu ort ne e it ke feedb the sh ecaus e plan b h w e t ! s h o it t a b like Share read to us t you t you value a a h u h t t o , y d rk an that y’s wo icles, h Ar m ure art t a r! e Churc f e v e o are and th er to c Ar my gitems m cov hurch ro C f cuttin e “ e b d in ri z n c a s a g , e ” a d m to ble about words , “relia ments ourite storal” m v a o a p y to f c “ r , You ailed ortunit ate” re det e opp assion o h p t m m n r o e u “c ak r yo e’ve t s. . As fo well, w these page edge” … e in z n a o g a em the m e of th y som displa , Turner nt u like? Jessie Assista do yo re s a e r C u r t r fea Dono
A
regula of our h ic h W
Jessie Turner
e. g magazin
couragin a most en it d n fi I
ct I find every aspe ulating, im st ly wonderful prayers especially having involve and actions that . the reader
This is so much better to read. It is lively, colourful, inform ative, exciting and inspiring. I really like it all and will now start to leave it in chu rch for others.
uild a h? o to b ch or Paris d y m r r u A h h C your Churc could ionship with What t er rela strong a visit to our Is it possible to have Can we fulfil e? vic church for a ser s? hip ions at rel stronger
As in the past it would
18 Shareit!
In the past we have had help from the CA with holiday clubs, perhaps again? And visit us and preach.
urch Army worker. be great to have a Ch
ing out to those who are Church Army does a wonderful job of reach h the Church but the throug work not reached in other ways - I always share God's word. to ways new seek and Evangelists are very brave
dinary in the life of or It is so grounded faith unities. It makes people and comm is d as challenging an exciting as well . le nt ge d nt an attractive, pertine
words
www.churcharmy.org.uk
the work u about o y s e ir p rmy? What ins Church A f o y tr is and min
I find the nu merous theat ways Churc h Arm of rea y has ching out to differ many ent pe ople ins piring.
The dedication of the Eva ngelists living in the area they minister to.
Please give any further comments you feel would help the team produce a better Shareit!
or Thanks for a maj it n pe ar sh effort to and e tiv ac tr up. It’s at ly ine nu ge a g, challengin . lp he spiritual
Much im proved layout. Needs to be e asy to when yo read u pick it up. Plen of huma ty n storie s.
d to rea ts aging r lis u e g o n c n ’ eva d e It’s e ir t he ‘re ! that t sy! ill bu are st
If you would like a Churc h Army Evang please call elist to prea us on 0300 12 ch in your ch 3 2113, or em uk. And plea urch, a il us at info@ se keep send churcharmy. ing in your co Church Arm org. mments and y, Marlowe testimonies House, 109 St to ation Road, Sidcup, DA15 7AD. again
ce Thank you on tions and es g g su ur for yo agement. ur words of enco
Shareit! 19
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
Communications Officer Richard Chambers outlines Church Army’s packed programme of events for August 2010.
F
ollowing last year’s successful fortnight at Soul Survivor, Church Army will be present again at the festival, between 11th and 20th August. Once again, Mark Russell has been invited to lead seminars covering a variety of subjects, including: making your mark in school; holding it together after divorce, and what would Jesus do about my church. As you can see, Mark is no stranger to some of the more difficult issues of Christian life... one of many reasons why Soul Survivor loves having him on board! And if our Chief Executive gets similar audiences to last year, then I’m confident that hundreds of festival-goers will be directed by Mark to the Church Army exhibition stand, where they can learn more about our work. This brings me neatly to the events team, led by fellow Communications Officer Bex Morton and myself, who will be present at our stand throughout the two weeks at
20 Shareit!
Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Our team contains some of the most dedicated young people Church Army has ever used to promote its public image. Thanks to them we were able to engage in hundreds of conversations in 2009, and give out free resources to a wide audience of churchgoers (including over 200 copies of Shareit!). However, the highlight of last year’s summer for the events team was signing up over 1,000 people to the Make Jesus Famous website (www.makejesusfamous.org.uk). This year we aim to sign up more members, so that they can upload ideas and information about how to share faith in ever more imaginative ways. There will also be the opportunity for new members to have their photos taken, which will be displayed at our stand – a very popular activity in 2009. In addition to Make Jesus Famous, we will be promoting our newest internet resource, Now a Christian (www.nowachristian.org) which is also free. This email-based course has already attracted around 700 people who want to explore what it means to follow Jesus, and we aim to demonstrate to festival-goers that this website can help them significantly in their faith journeys. Building on the
success of the recent Shareit! survey, we also want to get young Christians views on Church Army and will be handing out surveys at festivals to that end. Church Army will also return to the Greenbelt festival, at Cheltenham, on the August Bank Holiday weekend, with these resources and free copies of the Prayer Diary, Shareit! and Inspire magazine to give away, as well as advice on how to make evangelism a bigger part of your life. At both festivals, members of our Xplore global gap year will be on hand to talk about experiences they have had working alongside Church Army Evangelists around the world, and to encourage 18-25 year olds to consider this unique experience. Those who are exploring the possibility of becoming full-time evangelists will be able to discuss how Church Army approaches the business of training and equipping people to do so. Our Missionbased Training programme is fully established, and evangelists like Graham Nunn have a wealth of experience which they can share. Graham will also be demonstrating his skills as a magician, at Greenbelt, and Joe Ardern of Xplore has promised us some stand-up comedy! To complete the picture, we have Jenny Richardson (pages 12-13 of this magazine) and Steve Hollinghurst (page 7)
action
s ' d o G
running the Open Space interactive workshops – for pioneers creating Christian communities – and Peter Graystone (page 31) speaking on the subject of ‘Middle Eastenders – the Bible as a soap opera’. So, if you are attending either event, expect to find a warm welcome at the Church Army stand: in the Tool Shed building at Soul Survivor, and the G-Source tent at Greenbelt. Come and see us for a chat, free resources or a little bit of magic… just be prepared to have your photo taken!
“ Come and see us for a chat, free resources or a little bit of magic.”
? n I help urch Army How ca Ch ll a r fo rious se pray
Plea ed in va ts involv mer, and Evangelis this sum s ie it v ti c a r ous and outdoo sus Fam Make Je r end fo m p m u sign or reco ristian – le and h p C o e a p w g n No s to you te si b . e h rc these w your chu ristians in new Ch
Shareit! 21
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
in the midnight S
yd Henderson is based at the St Francis’ Community Centre in Hinckley, a town almost in the middle of the Birmingham-Leicester-Coventry triangle. He describes it as a small commuter town, “with a lot of heart, and a lot of brilliant people”, including many youngsters who have “the potential to do more than many would give them credit for.” Part of Syd’s role is to run a youth club, giving dozens of children access to sports, a pool table, computer games and the Internet. The club also has a healthy food tuck shop, which stocks Fairtrade products and provides free drinks. The enthusiastic youngsters at the club express particular preferences for “playing football and hockey”, “using the computer” and “hot chocolate”! From late evening until early morning, Syd becomes a Street Pastor, leading a team that works in
22 Shareit!
partnership with the council, the police, churches and the Elements nightclub. In partnership with the nightclub, the Street Pastors help to run ‘Baby Elements’ – a regular night for under18s, where they can get the experience of a nightclub without alcohol. The thinking behind this initiative is to educate young teens about the logistics of the nightclub experience. If they can be shown that everyone can have a good night out without resorting to alcohol – and without any resulting trouble – they will know what to expect (and avoid) once they are officially old enough to enter a nightclub whenever they please. Outside the club, Syd and the other street pastors are available throughout the night as a listening ear for young people needing someone to talk to, and a helping hand for those on their way home after a night on the town. The combination of ‘Baby Elements’ and regular presence of Street Pastors has drawn praise from the authorities. PC Clive Clarke, Beat Officer for
hour
“ Syd describes Jesus as being the first Street Pastor” Hinckley Town Centre, says that Syd’s work is “tireless” and that he is “a friend to the young people”, many of whom now recognise him on sight. Similarly, local Council Leader David Brill talks in terms of the “tremendous impact of Street Pastors” and how “the level of crime has been reduced, giving an increased level of reassurance that people feel whenever they’re in the town centre in the evenings.” For Syd, there is a direct spiritual connection between his faith and his role on the streets when darkness falls. He describes Jesus as being the first Street Pastor, because he went out and talked to people where they were, as did his disciples. He sums up his feelings thus: “We have a good rapport with young people because they see we’re there just for them. We’re here to get them to a taxi, and make sure they get home, or if they’ve drunk too
faith
www.churcharmy.org.uk
much get them something to eat.” The Street Pastors spend much of their time in general conversation, where a wide range of subjects arise, provoking debate and bringing forth questions that the team can help to answer. Syd sees his role as a Church Army Evangelist as offering hope to people, whether they’ve lost their job, experienced relationship or family problems, or are just looking for answers to the many complex questions that come from being a teenager. So when you go to bed tonight, remember that Syd and the team are probably just beginning their shift on the streets of Hinckley – and please say a prayer for them. Their dedication to be in the middle of town in all weathers is helping to transform young lives, in the midnight hour. Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/ SydHenderson to see a short film on Syd’s work.
? n I help treet How ca for Syd and the S y ra p se k to
Plea ey see am as th od Pastors te love of G e nicate th eir th r fo commu d an ley. people, of Hinck to young e streets th n o n o protecti
Shareit! 23
churcharmy.org.uk
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
7sacred spaces and healthy Christian community George Lings, the Director of Church Army’s Research Unit – the Sheffield Centre – believes we have much to learn from monastic communities.
W
hy do houses that work well for their inhabitants all seem to have dining rooms, gardens, cosy corners, private places and welcoming social spaces? Why do church buildings sometimes not work well as social spaces? In theory they are set up to worship God together, but the together part may never really happen. Throughout the centuries, various monastic communities found over time that their life together needed seven distinctively different spaces. This is broadly as true in Benedictine thought as Franciscan practice, or embodied in Celtic rules as in the texts of the Desert Fathers’ experiences.
24 Shareit!
So what are these seven spaces and what do they do? Cell is where a person meets privately with God, and meets their inner self. So the virtues needed here are honesty and courage. It might occur in a bedroom, a hut in the grounds or a secluded corner set aside for prayer. This is the only totally private place out of the seven, whereas all the others are shared. This reminds us that life in Christ is lived both alone and together. Chapel is the venue for public, corporate, shaped, worship. This kind is intentional, structured, measured, educative worship. It is prayer with and for others. Its rhythms and regularity create a familiarity to be passed through, not get stuck with. Its virtue might be patience. Chapter is where we make decisions together. Here leaders and members communicate, discuss, debate and disagree. Here both are accountable to the other. The virtue necessary is humility, which will lead us to listen and not to condemn others. Cloister connects. It links up the other places so people walk up and down them. They use this pace to change gear – say from eating to worship. The traffic makes it the place of surprising encounters. We may meet the person we try to avoid, needing virtues of temperance and charity, but to bump into a beloved friend we have not seen in a while will be a joy.
Garden is not so much the idyllic rest, as the place of work. It gives a balance to the other two areas of work done by monks, prayer and study. God has made us creatures who work; without it we become dull. With good work we are satisfied. Garden also provides food for the community’s table. Its classic virtue is diligence.
words
www.churcharmy.org.uk
Refectory is the eating place. It beats at the heart of community. Those we regularly eat with we become one with, and vice versa. It also extends community through hospitality. We eat to meet and greet. The delights of food and drink require the discipline of temperance, but doing it together also needs the virtue of glad serving. Scriptorium, or Library, is more about learning to pass on knowledge than acquiring it for its own sake. Originally scribes wrote to enable others to learn and pray – from the only text books that existed. The type of learning matters too. Slow, thoughtful, spiritual learning is about transformation of the heart not information for the head, so it is all about becoming more like Christ and His many virtues. Today you can still see these spaces alive and well: in older university colleges, cathedrals, conference centres and bigger traditional houses. Some have been adapted, as priorities between them have changed, but the inheritance is clear. Once more, wisdom from the past may help us live more healthily in the present. If you want to explore these issues in greater depth and find out what the ancients said in detail about them, visit our newly developed e-commerce Encounters On The Edge website and order issue 43: ‘Seven Sacred Spaces’ (£4.00) from www.churcharmy.org.uk/sheffieldcentre.
Shareit! 25
action
churcharmy.org.uk
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
Good Food Church Army
with
Martin Hartley is a Community Evangelist in Bedford, establishing fresh expressions of church amongst people who don’t necessarily see a place in their lives for ‘religion’. Here he talks about one proven method of reaching them.
O
26 Shareit!
n September 27, the team arrived at Oakley village hall to prepare for the launch of That Sunday Thing. All hands were on deck in the kitchen, and there was a great atmosphere with people buzzing round getting everything ready. As we moved closer to launch time the building was filled with the smell of cooked bacon…it was perfect! The hall was looking good, the quiet room was looking peaceful, and the kitchen was ready. Okay God, we’ve done all that we can – now over to you to get the people here that you want.” This was part of a prayer that was said by the team, as we met together to pray before the doors opened. By 10:15 a.m. we had welcomed 42 guests through the door, all of whom had enjoyed – or were still enjoying a good breakfast – while spending time together as a family, reading the newspapers and just having a relaxing chat. It was lovely to see families together and great to have a chance to chat with some of the dads. Our ‘Food for Thought’ slot, which lasted about 15 minutes,
gave us an opportunity to have some discussion about Christian spirituality, Christian values and the pressures and joys of family life. But most of all, it is an opportunity to share the love that God has for them.
“ it is an opportunity to share the love that God has for them.” The project has been running for eight months now, and we average around 65 guests each Sunday. They enjoy the now popular combination of a good cooked breakfast, family time together and the sharing of just how much love God has for them.
? n I help y for How ca you pra t a th s ask vision
ar Martin g, a cle day Thin d that n a That Sun ” rd r ay forwa praise fo for the w nks and a th e iv you “g r.” sses so fa its succe
faith
www.churcharmy.org.uk
Joan Lepper lives and works in the heart of south London, balancing her role as a full time Church Army Evangelist with that of a care worker.
Seeing the good in everyone J
oan’s ministry is based at All Saints Church, Peckham, from where she reaches out to a community that includes a large number of people from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Joan was brought up in Jamaica before coming to the UK, and openly describes herself as “not a very nice little girl”. However, because of the Afro-Caribbean community’s strong link to the church, Joan eventually met a Church Army sister who changed her life. “She impressed me so much that I wanted to be like her,” Joan says. “She saw the good in me and tried to bring it out.” This attitude transformed Joan’s own way of thinking, and she has been passionate ever since about seeing the good in everyone, regardless of their race or religion. Her work with All Saints is the perfect outlet for someone with such a warm and enthusiastic personality. People in the community are full of praise for the way she puts herself forward to serve them in any way she can. The word “encouraging” is used a lot about
Joan, and people speak of how she is always asking them if “there’s anything I can do” to help them. This is also a reflection of her profession. As a care worker with people who have learning disabilities or mental health problems, she puts her servant heart to great use. She may be employed primarily to help people with domestic chores and budgeting, but Joan has the ability to convince them that they can do a little more with their lives. Their response is often to leave the house for the first time in ages, with Joan accompanying them to the park, the shops or back to church. In turn, Joan gets great pleasure out of seeing someone who was about to give up on life achieve even the smallest thing. It puts a smile on her face to see them get fun and fulfilment out of life, proving that the love of God is at work in their lives. Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/ JoanLepper to see a short film on Joan’s work.
Shareit! 27
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
churcharmy.org.uk
A
sm
ile o
Myrtle Morrison
n th Brian Wisener
e faces of Matt Rowley
Myrtle Morrison is based at St Saviour’s Church in Craigavon, County Armagh, along with fellow Church Army Evangelists Brian Wisener and Trainee Matt Rowley. It is often said of Craigavon that it is ‘the city that never happened’, but the team have a heartbeat for mission there that is very much alive.
C
raigavon is a Church Army Centre of Mission. The city suffers from widespread deprivation, is rife with anti-social behaviour and is home to many people who are second or third generation unchurched. Not surprisingly, Myrtle talks about a desire to “put a smile back on the faces of the people of Craigavon, and help them discover the true meaning of life to the full.” The team aims to bring hope into people’s lives by giving them opportunities to engage with the gospel in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them. In being the signpost
28 Shareit!
that points people to Jesus, they hope to see the people of Craigavon being set free from past hurts, sickness and addictions, by discovering a new reason for living. In practice this has meant establishing a variety of small-scale projects such as a Kids Club and an Alpha Course. One Mum who brought her child to the Club was almost wordlessly shy at first. However, through general conversation, prayer support and the fact that she had time in which to become friends with other parents, she eventually completed the Alpha Course. She is now a Club leader.
Cr
v a g ai
faith
www.churcharmy.org.uk
n o
Myrtle is also the Church of Ireland Chaplain at Craigavon Hospital, where she spends time listening to some of the most lonely and vulnerable people in the parish. She considers it a privilege to explore where God is in their lives, and to ease their fears by reminding them how much he loves them. Brian and Matt are preparing to lead a team of young people from Craigavon on Xpression, a project taking place between 16th and 21st August. The project aims to show the servant heart of Jesus through community acts that the team will carry out, such as delivering food and tidying gardens. It will also maintain a focus on young people by delivering youth work, a children’s club and a Community Fun night to bring the whole project together in celebration of Craigavon. Matt is one of the first year of Church Army Trainees to undertake Mission-based Training, and he has a talent for showing people that fun and faith can go hand in hand: “Taking Jesus to the community is a major theme of our work here at St Saviour’s Craigavon. Last year we hosted our first Ladies’ Night with the aim of building good relationships and sharing the good news of Jesus. We had over 70 women including church members from both the Catholic and Protestant communities, and ladies who have no church connections.
“ quietly working small miracles through the grace of God” When we suggested repeating this event, the word spread and meant that we welcomed over 80 guests to Ladies’ Night 2010 – nearly half of them not professed Christians. We started with a four-course meal (where the ladies were served by some of the men from the church) then brought on the entertainment in the shape of Family Fortunes, The Price is Right and a Karaoke. The evening was then wrapped up with a challenging and encouraging gospel message, from our guest speaker Clair Holmes, who has been a missionary in Paraguay for 14 years. Overall it was a tremendous night of fun, food and fellowship and many people in the community are eagerly awaiting next year’s event.” The team’s varied and dynamic approach to building community through faith has been described by the Archbishop of Armagh as: “working where the spiritual and social are hardest to unite, quietly working small miracles through the grace of God.” Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/ MyrtleMorrison to see a short film about Myrtle’s work, or www.churcharmy.org.uk /mbt to see a film about Mission-based Training, which features Matt.
Shareit! 29
action
churcharmy.org.uk
to give to our work call 0300 123 2113
Two years ago, Shareit! began the story of a man who had lived on the streets for seven years before becoming a Church Army Evangelist. Arriving in Chesterfield with an unshakeable vision of a “green bus full of smiling people”, Alan Park set out to establish Church on the Bus.
“I want this Jesus!”
T
he project is now the living reality of Alan’s vision - a converted doubledecker bus which offers food, clothing, friendship, support and prayer to up to 60 homeless people each week. Alan’s deep faith and unquenchable enthusiasm has recruited over 50 volunteers, one of whom is the headmaster of a local private school. The headmaster initially responded to Alan’s request for donations in kind, but was so impressed by the project that he is now one of the bus’s drivers! Stories of transformed lives continue to come thick and fast, and it was a regular visitor of several years who said those simple words - “I want this Jesus” one night on the bus. This man had been homeless for 20 years
30 Shareit!
and finally found “something I want in my life”, thanks to the loving patience and friendship he found every time he came to the bus. A recent visitor was given help by the project team in obtaining benefits that were due to him, and commented: “I love this bus - I feel something different here from the outside world.” Another man found himself homeless after leaving prison, whereupon the team found him bed and breakfast accommodation. Alan attributes the success of the project to the unique atmosphere created on the bus: one of stability and peace that allows barriers to break down slowly. Once those barriers are down, Jesus Christ is making Himself known in the lives of homeless people - people from as far away as Matlock and Sheffield, who are now coming to the bus to find “this Jesus”. Go to www.churcharmy.org.uk/ AlanPark to see a short film about Church on the Bus.
? am n I help How ca for Alan and his te y ra p le where
op Please sus to pe ’. bring Je e streets th as they n ‘o : literally re a y e th
the last word
www.churcharmy.org.uk
Do this in order that future generations may know. Leviticus 23:42
S
ummer is here and it’s festival time. In August, Church Army will have a strong presence at two of the most joyful – the Greenbelt Festival in Cheltenham and Soul Survivor in Shepton Mallet. Bedrooms will be swapped for tents, pews swapped for grass, and bathrooms swapped for … well, it’s best not to think about it. The joy of a festival is that it’s big, colourful, and everyone notices. It makes faith public. That is true today, and it was true in Jesus’ day. At about this time of year, Jesus would have been preparing for Sukkot. It was and is a Jewish thanksgiving for a successful fruit harvest. For seven days, each family created a sukkah adjacent to the house – a kind of hut made of branches. Meals were eaten there and it became the home’s living area. Sukkot was a reminder that, when the Jews had been set free from slavery, they had been a people on the move, living without permanent homes for two whole generations. The festival was big, it was colourful and everyone noticed. It proclaimed the deeds of a good God to outsiders who did not know how much God loved them. The Book of Leviticus explained: ‘You shall live in booths for seven days
… in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt’ (23:42-43). Many Church Army Evangelists look for ways to tell the story in public places of what God has done. In this generation it is needed more than ever, because the facts are not known, and people are unlikely to venture into a church to find them out. For instance, Shena Woolridge uses the whole town of Scarborough as the backdrop to her evangelism, with open air Stations of the Cross, walks in which the witnesses to Jesus’ life are encountered, and sacred spaces on the beach. Can you join her in finding ways to allow people in public places to hear the story of all that God has done for his beautiful world – ways that don’t make people cringe or shy away, but are big, colourful, noticeable and put people in a festival mood?
Peter Graystone urges us to make God noticeable
Peter Graystone will be speaking at the Greenbelt Festival on “Middle Eastenders: the Bible as Soap Opera”.
Shareit! 31
FREE! Join over 700 people and sign up today for a short, email-based programme helping new Christians to explore the implications and understand the delights of following Christ www.nowachristian.org