the
Diocese of Guildford
The newspaper from the Church of England for everyone in the Diocese of Guildford
December 2013/January 2014 - Issue 71
CofEGuildford
@CofEGuildford
www.cofeguildford.org.uk
The Lord giveth...
...and the Lord skateth away! Let us play! St Paul’s was transformed into a skate park and attracted over 180 local daring youngsters
St Paul’s Church, Addlestone, took 72 boards of plywood, 900 screws, 100 straw bales, four tons of skate ramps and a significant leap of faith when it was transformed into a playground paradise for fans of skateboarding and scooters. In return, over 180 (mostly) young people enjoyed a muscle-burning 26 hours of skating over three days – in a place that most would never set foot (or skate) in. Some as young as eight-years-old dropped in to have fun, finetune a fakey or hone their half-pipe skills in a wide range of appealing sessions for all ages over three days. Ramps, supervision and tuition were provided by local company www.suttonrampevents.org at a special rate for the church. “I got the idea from Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire where they have been running this sort of thing for five years,” said the curate Revd Andy Reid. “They quickly noticed a change in the perception the local community had for the church – it became more relevant and something they could connect with.
“St Paul’s is 175-years-old this year and has always tried to be a church in the community for the community. The response to the event has been fantastic and it is fair to say that it has been a great success. “It’s been wonderful to see so many young people coming along and then come back again for more. One young lad, who initially came for two sessions, ended up doing seven sessions across the three days bringing his parents with him. Many others joined four or five sessions. “We’ve seen boys and girls from eight to 22-years-old – that’s if you don’t include me having a bit of a go at 46 and the wonderful Jean Smith, who’s age shall remain simply over 22! We are already being asked when we are going to do it again.”
Come back David Copping, whose nine-year-old son Toby skated at St Paul’s, summed up: “The whole event was well organised and inclusive. Everybody was friendly and welcoming. Toby had a brilliant time and would definitely come back.” An upstairs viewing gallery, church café and a skaters’ tuck shop completed the picture and added to the success of the event.
“Get on with it….!”
The Bishops of Guildford and Dorking were short and succinct in their response to General Synod’s approval this November of fast-tracked proposals to introduce women bishops. Bishop Christopher, speaking at his very last General Synod – where he was also awarded a Lambeth degree (Doctor of Divinity) by Archbishop Justin - simply said: “Get on with it and goodbye!” Bishop Ian who will lead the diocese following Bishop Christopher’s retirement at the end of November until a successor is appointed, said: “I am delighted that Synod has given this legislation such a huge welcome and overwhelming endorsement.” Proposals before Synod include a mandatory disputes resolution procedure for those who do not recognise the authority of women bishops. All proposals will go before full Synod in February 2014, clearing the way for a possible vote on final approval later in 2014. For more information visit: www.churchofengland.org
Inside: Nigeria Link Visit - page 2 • Christmas News - page 3 • Prayer Walks - pages 8 & 9