Crosslincs - Issue 29

No 29 Christmas 2010 FREE Diocese of Lincoln newspaper www.lincoln.anglican.org

Set me as a seal

Churches helped

Christmas on the Lincolnshire coast

Realising the potential of our heritage

page 19

page 11

crosslincs

Thank you, Bishop Tributes as the Bishop of Lincoln retires: pages 4, 5, 9, 11 and 12

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

2

crosslincs

News

A new school for a new community T he first official meeting of the temporary governing body for a brand-new school in North Lincolnshire has taken place.

The governing body of St Peter and St Paul Church of England Primary School, due to be built on Scunthorpe’s Lakeside development, discussed plans for opening this brand new school in September 2012.

The school, which will serve the development in north Scunthorpe, will play an important role in establishing a strong and flourishing community in which everyone is involved and has a voice.

The Diocese of Lincoln’s Deputy Director of Education, Paul Thompson, said: “At full capacity, the school will be a one-form entry school for 210 pupils aged between four and 11 years.

“The school is planned to open in stages with effect from September 2012. Initially it is expected that there will be 90 places, with provision for 13 pupils in all year groups.”

Paul added that the vision for the school is clear with the overarching aim of all pupils attending the school become confident, successful learners and, ultimately, responsible citizens.

Plans for the new school on the Lakeside development in Scunthorpe include a wood-chip boiler.

Paul Thompson “This shared vision and desire to establish an institution with a Christian ethos inspired by clearly articulated Christian values, will enable the governors to deliver a school that meets the needs and aspirations of this newly emerging community,” he said.

At the recent governors’ meeting, the architects presented their initial designs and plans for the school, which were carefully considered to ensure they were in line with the vision for the school.

“The hall will be a very special place where the whole school community comes together for daily collective worship in addition to all the other exciting activities that will take place there,” said Paul.

In establishing the leadership and management of the school, it is the aim of the governing body over the coming months to recruit an outstanding headteacher with a proven track record of leadership and a commitment to Church School education.

The costs for establishing the school are expected to be £3m which is to be funded

by North Lincolnshire Council’s capital programme.

“It will be a school that serves its community, with a distinctively Christian ethos welcoming children of all faiths and none,” said the Bishop of Grimsby, the Rt Revd David Rossdale, who is chair of the Diocese of Lincoln Board of Education.

3

crosslincs

Crosslincs 01522 504034 crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

News

Will Harrison he working group tasked with drawing up a statutory code of practice in response to the decision to ordain women as bishops includes an Archdeacon from the Diocese of Lincoln.

The Ven Jane Sinclair, Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, has been appointed as a member of the working group, which must produce a draft code of practice for the General Synod’s House of Bishops by the beginning of 2012.

The group, convened by the House of Bishops, comprises a mix of points of view, and a mix of General Synod members and non-members.

The primary legislation to make women bishops has gone through the first stage of General Synod, and is now to be debated at Diocesan Synods, and in the Diocese of Lincoln, also at Deanery Synods.

“The work we will be doing in the working group will be parallel to this legislation,” said Jane.

“We will draft a statutory code of practice which will spell out how the Church is to moe forward with this legislation.”

The need for the code of practice arises out of objections to the ordination of women as bishops. Both the evangelical and Anglo-Catholic traditions have objections based on specific Biblical passages, and on the traditions of the Church. The document to be produced by the working group will address these objections, and put in place arrangements for parishes and individuals who cannot accept the ministry of a woman bishop.

Church of England statistics published at the end of October show that 363 parishes in England (including four in the Diocese of Lincoln) are seeking to receive oversight from a complementary (or ‘flying’) bishop − an overall increase of nearly 23 per cent over ten years − because they cannot accept the ministry of a woman priest.

“The working group will have to consider arrangements for consecrations and ordinations, because for some there will be implications if a woman is involved in these services,” said Jane.

“There will be arrangements for the support of both women’s ministry and for those opposed to women bishops.

“We will be seeking to make the legislation work while honouring the diversity of the Church of England.”

T

The group will be chaired by the Rt Revd Nigel Stock, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, with the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Whitby, Dame Averil Cameron, retired Warden of Keble College, Oxford and former chair of Cathedral Fabrics Commission, the Ven Christine Hardman, Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Revd Angus MacLeay, Vicar of St Nicholas Sevenoaks, Mrs Caroline Spencer, Chair of the Diocese of Canterbury House of Laity and the Ven Jane Sinclair as members.

The work of the group will remain confidential until the papers are presented to General Synod in the early summer of 2012.

“I think it is a challenging piece of work to do but very important to do as robustly and as generously as possible,” said Jane.

“We want the Church to have a code of practice that will really work will for the mission and ministry of the Church.

“I have every confidence that we will be able to draw something up that will do the job.”

The final decision regarding the approval of the document will be made by General Synod.

The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, the Ven Jane Sinclair, is part of a working group tasked with drawing up a way satisfying the traditional wings of the Church when women will be ordained bishop.

Connecting classrooms

Sponsor this page.

Advertise your business* and support Crosslincs.

Contact 01522 504033 or crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org for more information. *Terms and conditions apply. Call for more details.

PHOTOGRAPH: ROB SAVAGE

Responsibility for Code of Practice

contingent of teachers from Uganda have visited a Church school in the Lincolnshire Wolds as part of a global exchange scheme, arriving just in time for a harvest supper of bread and homemade ‘magic’ soup.

All deputy or headteachers from schools in Uganda, Godfrey Szerwanja, Byakika Nantume Juliet, Sister Immaculate Nabukalu and Beatrice Lando Sjeny attended a Harvest Festival service as St Adelwolds, Alvingham before travelling to North Cockerington CofE school to sample the special soup prepared to a secret recipe by Chair of Governors, Anne Stratford.

And the African visitors, the first representatives of a partnership which also includes three schools in Nigeria and nearby Donington-on-Bain and East Wold, were immediately impressed with what they saw of the school, citing classroom organisation and teaching-group sizes as the biggest areas of difference compared to their home school environments.

A

“Everything is very well structured here,” said Godfrey, explaining that in Uganda classes contain a mix of ages, and that there could be as many as a hundred children in a class with just one teacher.

“I think this is a lovely school, and I have learnt a lot already from being here,” he said.

And North Cockerington headteacher Jean Stark said that the difference in facilities made her reflect on how lucky English schools are.

“It’s very humbling,” she said.

“We have several computers in a classroom, but a Ugandan school may be lucky to have one at all.”

The project, called Mvoakraba (a name made by combining the three traditional trees of the Uganda, Britain and Nigeria, mvule, oak and araba) is part of a global scheme − Connecting Classrooms − run by the British Council, which aims to build a sustainable three-nation partnership, promoting knowledge and understanding different lives and cultures.

4

crosslincs Crosslincs 01522 504034 crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

News

Hard work in retirement

Bishop John’s charities Charities of which Bishop John is patron, president, or closely associated:  Boston Woods Trust

“Impressive” Bishop will be missed

Rewarding chaplaincy

W

Canon Michael Silley Bishop of Lincoln’s Chaplain

Tony Worth Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire here are many things that I will remember of Bishop John. I attended his enthronement and met him for the first time that evening.

His easy manner at a first meeting was sure to endear him to the Diocese of Lincoln. His remarkable ability not only to recognise a face, but also to put a name to it has been something which we all admire. In that respect he was, and remains, almost infallible.

I have come to know him so much better in the last few years, since I took on the role of Vice Lord-Lieutenant and subsequently that of Lord-Lieutenant. The boundaries of his diocese and those of the Lieutenancy are the same, so we start with something very much in common.

He has, as predicted, endeared himself to the people of Lincolnshire, and has spent an enormous amount of time visiting parishes, giving sermons on special and not so special occasions, and always accompanying the central message with an amusing story.

Lord-Lieutenant, Tony Worth

PHOTOGRAPH: ROB SAVAGE

T

Even when given a text to read, he would always put his own stamp on it and add a personal observation which invariably produced a laugh from the congregation. He has a well developed sense of humour.

In addition to his ecclesiastical duties, he was very much interested in what else happened in the county. He would take time to visit farms and factories and offices, not only to meet the people, which was his first objective, but also to understand what made the county tick.

That has stood him in good stead as he has chaired the Lincolnshire Assembly since its inception.

Since becoming a member of the House of Lords, he has taken on an interest and responsibility as a spokesman on Flood Defence and Land Drainage.

Given that much of Lincolnshire has been either reclaimed from the sea or from flood plains in over the centuries, his responsibilities have been well placed.

With an interest in those aspects of the rural scene myself going back many years, I have found Bishop John’s speedy grasp of the issues and facts impressive.

Bishop John and his wife, Jackie, will be missed when they leave us in the New Year. I wish them both every happiness in their new home in Haverfordwest.

hen I leave the office at Bishop’s House on an evening and Bishop John is in his study, I always pop my nose round the door and bid a “good night.”

Without fail his response is always, “Good night and thank you!”

On some occasions he qualifies the “thank you,” adding a reference to a particular happening we have both been involved in or a piece of work that I have done.

More often than not though, it is just an all encompassing “thank you.”

But it is not merely a “just.” To me, working with Bishop John over the past six years those two small words have meant so much as I am sure they have to many others, for I know I am not the only one to receive those words of affirmation and encouragement said with sincerity.

As I am sure many of you are aware, Bishop John doesn’t ‘do computers’. “That’s what I’ve got him for,” he said, pointing towards me, as a visitor was leaving after spending an hour in his study.

“I’ve been trying to work out what is different about your study. You haven’t got a computer!” she exclaimed. The fact that he doesn’t have a computer has meant that I’ve been asked to do some rather interesting research projects.

Perhaps the first and most memorable was one morning when I had just arrived he came into my office and asked me to Google The Chainsaw Massacre!

And did you know that, allegedly, the oldest public lavatory still in use in Lincolnshire is on the corner of Church Lane and Bailgate in Lincoln?

It has been extremely rewarding working with Bishop John as his Chaplain and PA, but at times quite exhausting as I have tried, and often failed, to keep up with him physically and more especially, mentally.

He has a wonderfully active and alert mind and an incredible memory for people’s names, which so many have commented to me on: “How does he do it? I haven’t seen him for two years, but he greeted me by name and even remembered my children’s names and asked after them also.”

As a colleague and confidant it has been a great pleasure and a privilege to work with both Bishop John and Jackie and so rather than say “Good night,” I say “Farewell” to them both, and “Thank You.”

Enjoying long standing relationships with our clients...

Streets has been associated with and has looked after the Diocese of Lincoln for nearly 100 years

 Candles  Centrepoint Outreach  Citizens Advice Bureau  Community Larder  Community Lincs  Contact  Council of Christians and Jews  Credit Union  Downs Syndrome Support Group  European House of Arts  Friends of Lincoln Cathedral  Girl Guides  Girls Friendly Society  Homestart  Hospice − Lincoln  LACE (Housing Association)  Lincoln Historic Society  Lincoln Society of Arts  Lincolnshire Churches Trust  Lincolnshire Faith in Nature  Lincolnshire

Home

Improvement

Agency  Lincolnshire & North Lincolnshire Inter-Faith Forum  Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance  Lincolnshire Partnership Trust  Lincolnshire Rural Support Network  Modern Churchpeople’s Union  Mothers’ Union  Multiple Sclerosis Society  NOMAD  Polio Fellowship  Positive Health  Probus  Relate  Rotary  RSPCA  Shepherd Food Ministries  St Matthew Housing  SCM (Student Christian Movement)  Tennyson Society  War Widows Association  YMCA

We are delighted to support Crosslincs For a brochure and further information please call 0845 880 0320 or visit www.streetsweb.co.uk

5

crosslincs

Crosslincs 01522 504034 crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

News “I’m going to write,” he said.

“I want to write more about Søren Kierkegaard, and do some more reflections on a theme.”

He said that his recent book − No Faith in Religion − was really a prequel to the work he will do in retirement.

But it won’t all be about words. Bishop John hopes to pick up new skills too.

“I’m going to learn to cook, he said.

“I’ll go on a course. Jackie isn’t convinced; she is worried about the state of the kitchen when I’ve finished in there!”

And another ambition − to sing in a performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass, might also be realised.

“I’m going to join a choir,” he said.

“Dyfed Choir is looking for members, so I’ll see if they’ll have me.”

Living in Wales, Bishop John may have to learn some Welsh if he is going to lead services, but he is undaunted by the challenge.

PHOTOGRAPH: ROB SAVAGE

“ Personal and professional team: Bishop John and Jackie Saxbee Will Harrison retirement in west Wales awaits the Bishop of Lincoln after almost nine years in the Diocese.

The Rt Revd Dr John Saxbee was installed Bishop of Lincoln in March 2002, and quickly become a very popular and energetic figurehead locally for the church, as well as the region. From parachute jumps to reverse-bungee rides, he has always been willing to engage in daredevil pursuits in aid of local good causes.

A

In retirement, Bishop John and his wife − and secretary − will move to Haverfordwest, in Pembrokeshire.

“I’ve always advised clergy not to move to places where they go on holiday − and now I’m not taking my own advice,” said Bishop John.

“Jackie comes from south Wales, and each house we’ve lived in 46 years of marriage has been a Church house, so I wanted her to have a choice of where we retire to.”

Moving out of the Bishop’s House in Lincoln will mean cutting back on furniture, and books.

“We’re downsizing big time,” said the Bishop.

“Every house we’ve moved into has always been bigger. We’re furnishing from scratch, which is something people usually do when they’re newly married.

“We’re doing it as we’re retiring.”

Inevitably, Bishop John has no plans to be idle in retirement.

“” The Bishop of Lincoln has been a good friend to have and the roller coast ride of the past nine years has been all the more exciting and creative: just don’t ever take him to a football match!

The Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis Bishop of Grantham

Equally at home with a five year old asking a question about his 'hat', chatting with a pig farmer about the price of pork, or charming the members of the Lincolnshire Assembly, Bishop John has shown a remarkable capacity to win the hearts and minds of the people of the diocese and to draw the very best out of them.

Many will miss Bishop John's infectious smile, the ever-ready quip, his robust faith, his sheer humanity and his unflagging energy. The Church in the Diocese of Lincoln has been privileged to enjoy Bishop John's enthusiastic and creative leadership − as well as his unforgettable line in football stories and jokes!

Jane Sinclair Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey

”

An extended rail holiday in Europe is also on the Saxbees’ list, and also the promise of being able to participate in Christian festivals without leading them.

“We plan to spend Holy Week in Gloucester and be ministered to,” said Bishop John.

“Since I have been ordained I have been ministering every Holy Week, so it will be good to receive that ministry.”

For the last two-and-a-half years, Bishop John has had a seat in the House of Lords as one of the Lords Spiritual − 26 senior Church of England bishops.

When I met the Bishop in the House of Lords in November, he explained that he believes the work of the Bishops is vital.

“No-one else in the Lords really represents a geographical area like the Bishops do,” he said.

“I think it’s very important that we are not only there to help to provide a conscience, but also to help represent the needs of people in specific areas.”

St Martin Vestment Established in Established in 1973 to to provide provide good good quality quality vestments vestments to to members members of of the the clergy, clergy, St. St. Martin Ma rtin Vestment Vestment has has built built a strong strong reputation reputation for for its its high high standard standard of of workmanship workmanship and and reliable, re liable, personal personal service. service.

We also also make: make: Readers’ Re aders’ and and Choi Choirr Robes Robes • Altar Altar Frontals Frontals • Pulpit Pulpit Falls Falls • Banners Banners • Altar Altar Cloths Cloths • Communion Communion Linens Linens and an ds supply upply a wide wide range range of fabrics fabrics and and trimmings trimmings

While the Lords is lavish in its decor and hospitality, serious work is conducted there. During my visit, the Bishop met the recently elected MP for Grantham and Stamford, Nick Boles, to discuss education, the Big Society and the role of the Church, and was able to provide a picture of a county to which the MP is new.

Bishop John has spoken regularly in the Lords’ Chamber, particularly on schools as Chair of the Church of England Board of Education, and on other topics particularly pertinent to Lincolnshire, such as flood defences and migrant workers.

“The Lords has proved much more effective than I thought it would,” said Bishop John.

“An awful lot of useful conversations happen outside of the chamber, and the Bishops really can and do make a difference.”

Although he will retire as a Lord Spiritual, Bishop John will have access to the House of Lords for life, and continue to make a difference.

There have been many highlights of Bishop John’s episcopacy in the Diocese of Lincoln, but for him, several events stand out.

“The visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury was obviously a great highlight,” said Bishop John.

“We were able to showcase a lot of what goes on in the Diocese, and we had many good things to share with him.

“And the celebrations of Bishop Edward King were wonderful.

“I’m also very proud of the work of the Lincolnshire Assembly, which came out of the crisis in Lincolnshire County Council in 2002. I doubt that would have happened without me, as Bishop, chairing it. It has proved to be a really important thing.”

The daredevil antics have always been popular with the press and the public, and Bishop John has raised many thousands of pounds through his fearlessness.

“I loved doing those sorts of things,” he said.

“They were all done with charities. I got involved with so many good causes.”

But the work in the Diocese is closest to his heart, and he is proud of the achievements made during his time here.

“Lay ministry has taken off, and I’d wanted to see that happen,” he said.

“I wanted to restore Lincoln as a place of theological excellence, and we now have that with the School of Theology.

“But the real work has been making a difference; taking the trouble, remembering people’s names.

“I need to pay tribute to my excellent colleagues. The Bishop’s Staff is an exceptional, hard-working group of people. We laugh a lot. We don’t always see eye-to-eye, but it would be a shame if we did.

“The Diocese is in safe hands.”

We’re We’re pleased pleased to to support support

Cr Crosslincs osslincs The Flaxmill, Flaxmill, Flaxmill Flaxmill Lane, Lane, Pinchbeck, Pinchbeck, Spalding Spalding PE11 3YP Tel: Tel: 01775 768846 768846 Email: Email: s.norton@st-martin-vestment.co.uk s.norton@st-martin-vestment.co.uk

www.st-martin-vestment.co.uk www.st-martin-vestment.co.uk

6

crosslincs

Long life of learning Nick Edmonds he funeral has taken place in Lincoln Cathedral of an Education pioneer and former Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College.

Joyce Skinner, MA (oxon), CBE, DLitt, DEd, who died aged 90 in Ermine House Care Home in Lincoln on Sunday 31 October following a period of ill health, was born in Lincoln in September 1920 to working class parents. A gifted student, she won a scholarship to Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School aged ten, and then read history at Somerville College, Oxford in 1938. She taught history in a number of schools, numbering among her pupils a young Margaret Thatcher, before taking up a post as Senior Lecturer at Homerton College, Cambridge in 1952, becoming deputy principal in 1960.

Four years later, Joyce returned to Lincoln to become Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College. Under her leadership the college became co-educational after 100 years of being women-only, and its first degree course in education was introduced.

Joyce Skinner 1920-2010 From 1974 until her retirement in 1984 Joyce was then Director of the Cambridge Institute for Education, and in 1975 was recognised for her services to education with the award of a CBE. She was subsequently awarded two honorary doctorates.

After retirement, Joyce returned to Lincoln, but remained active, particularly within the cathedral community, editing the quarterly journal of the Lincoln Cathedral Community Association and

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

T

In the sumptuous surroundings of St Hugh’s Choir, four new Canons have been installed in Lincoln Cathedral. New canons are installed every year on St Hugh’s Day, and this year Canons Martin Pickering (a member of the Cathedral Chapter), Peter Godden (Rector of Hackthorn and Priest of the Springline Parish), Jeffrey Heskins (Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations) and Nick Buck (Rector of the Withamside Parish and Chair of the DAC) were given their place in the college, and a stall in the choir.

more recently acting as a Steward on the Information Desk. She also chaired the Diocesan Board of Mission and Unity, and continued her role as a Bishop’s Inspector of theological colleges and courses.

The Rt Revd Humphrey Taylor, former Bishop of Selby, gave the address, saying that it was appropriate that the funeral of a notable academic should take place on the feast of St Hilda, the seventh-century abbess of several monasteries acclaimed for the wisdom that drew kings to her for advice. He also called to mind his two-anda-half year spell as chaplain of Bishop Grosseteste in the 70s.

“Joyce’s achievements over her long career were quite remarkable,” he said.

“And although ill health afflicted her at the end of her life, even receiving an honorary doctorate from the university of Hull aged 77, she was still at the very peak of her powers.”

Current Principal of Bishop Grosseteste, Professor Muriel Robinson said that Joyce’s modernising impact on the University College could still be felt today.

“I only met her when I started in 2003 but since then have grown to have a great regard for her,” she said.

“And staff who worked here under Joyce always speak of her open and facilitative style of leadership.”

“I shall miss her support and encouragement and only wish I had known her for longer.”

A private cremation followed the wellattended service.

Youthful energy mprovements to a town’s churchyard are the result of hard work by a group of youngsters under a project organised by Humberside Police.

The Lifestyle project is an initiative which challenges young people to spend their summer holidays helping out their local communities.

The churchyard at St Andrew’s Church in Immingham was closed some time ago, and is now in the care of the local authority. While the grass was regularly cut, and the area kept tidy by the council, the youngsters Matthew, Adam, Jack and Alex (pictured below) set about restoring the graveyard to its former glory.

I

Mary Leitch, a PCC member, said: “The boys spent a total of 88 hours working in all weathers.

“They cleared paths, and generally put things in order.”

She said that the biggest task they completed was the restoration of the Victorian grave of a former vicar.

The rusted iron railings were cleaned and painted in black paint “scrounged” from a local company.

The boys also manned a stall at the church’s summer fete.

Sponsorship money, and contributions raised at the fete by the four boys, totalled more than £330.

7

crosslincs

Episcopal leadership Boost to homeless project through music continues in vacancy Diocese of Lincoln bishop has combined forces with his sons to make music for 150 people to raise money for a church homeless project.

The Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis swapped a pectoral cross for his trusty guitar as he sang hits, including some by Bob Dylan and Donovan, with sons Christopher and Simon, for one night only as the Bishop Tonight Three.

In hosting the event, called An Evening with Bishop Tim, the bishop brought together the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and ukulele virtuoso Canon Jeff

A

Will Harrison

T

The Bishop of Grimsby istry of Church during the vacancy to ensure that the pastoral life of the diocese continues and is vibrant while we await the arrival of our next diocesan bishop.”

An announcement about the appointment of the next Bishop of Lincoln is expected to be made next summer.

Two years of excellence

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

he Bishop of Grimsby will maintain the episcopal oversight of the Diocese of Lincoln and continue the functions necessary during the vacancy of the See. As the senior suffragan bishop in the Diocese, Bishop David Rossdale has been delegated almost all of the powers held by the Bishop of Lincoln from the end of January for a year, or until the appointment of a new bishop.

“My job is to ensure the continuity of mission and ministry while we look for a new diocesan bishop,” said Bishop David.

“The Church of England is an Episcopal Church, and a Diocese cannot be in a position where is doesn’t have a bishop providing oversight.”

Under the terms of the delegation of powers, there are two areas which Bishop David will not be able to decide on: first, the decision as to whether or not women may be ordained in the Diocese (a decision made many years ago). The second is whether or not someone who has divorced and re-married may be ordained in the Diocese.

“I’m looking forward to us working together to continue the mission and min-

Heskins, close-harmony group The Lincs Effect, and Tim Williams, the organist and choirmaster of Grantham Parish Church, who entertained with jazz on the piano at St Mary le Wigford Church in Lincoln.

The church runs a project called BeAttitude, which supports homeless and vulnerable people by supplying hot meals and clothing, organised by the parish priest Jeremy Cullimore and the curate, Liz Jackson, along with a team of volunteers.

The evening raised more than £1,200, which will help feed the Be-Attitude community over the winter.

The Bishop Tonight Three croon hits from the 1960s to help raise more than £1,200 for a homeless project.

Two years old: the team behind Community Spirit celebrate success. parish magazine hailed as an example of excellent communication has celebrated two years of production.

Community Spirit is the parish magazine for the Middle Rasen group of parishes, and is edited by curate Chris Harrington.

The magazine began life in November 2008 with a 16-page publication that cost £300 for 800 copies.

“We soon found the circulation rising to 930 and then to 1300 in April this year when we incorporated the parish magazine from the Barkwith Group,” said Chris.

“This year our circulation has increased from 930 to 1,300 copies which are delivered free of charge.

“The number of pages has also increased from 20 to 28 and of course costs have risen

A

too from £350 to over £570 per issue.”

Diocesan Head of Communications, Will Harrison, said that he used the publication as an example when consulting parishes on developing their magazine.

“I always tell parishes that their magazine is a primary tool for mission, and is their window to their community,” said Will.

“Research suggests that more people read parish magazines than read national newspapers, so it is very important that standards are constantly monitored and improved.

“Community Spirit is an excellent parish magazine, because it also includes plenty of information relevant to the community beyond the church.

“That way the church can speak to local people and engage them in its mission.”

8

crosslincs

Singing with confidence t’s 9am on a cold November morning, and Stephen Clay is about to begin an hour’s singing session with 37 seven and eight-year-old pupils in a Lincolnshire school.

The children enter in an orderly way, but their expressions, and a certain buzz in the room, indicates that what they’re about to engage in is energetic, enjoyable and entertaining.

As the session begins, smiles appear on faces that only a few weeks ago were cowering in shyness, and as Stephen and Ben Clark, his accompanist, both singers in Lincoln’s Cathedral Choir, engage the children with a vocal warm up, they continue to learn the vocal techniques that they’ve been working on over the past seven weeks.

This lively opening feels far from the traditional view of learning that happens sitting at desks in the classroom.

This school is one of 33 schools that Lincoln’s Chorister Outreach Programme has worked with over the three and a half years that the scheme has been running.

The nationwide programme has influenced more than 28,000 pupils since its inception and, despite Government funding being discontinued, many programmes are continuing with funding from elsewhere.

In Lincolnshire the project now relies on funding from the schools themselves with some support from the Diocese’s Education Trusts. Involvement for one term can cost as little as the equivalent of three days’ teacher cover and can benefit the school and its pupils for years to come.

Charles Harrison, the cathedral’s Assistant Director of Music, has overseen the project since it began. During its time, the number of schools visited in a year has increased, widening the impact on Lincolnshire children.

To date, Lincoln’s scheme has influenced around 1,000 pupils throughout the Diocese, although Charles and Stephen are keen that more pupils feel the benefit of the project.

The recruitment of schools is not always easy.

“As primary schools consider how to improve literacy and numeracy, and how to prepare for the SATs, it’s easy to see how music can seem like a low priority,” said Stephen.

“And although many teachers want to include singing in lessons, they just don’t feel that they have time within the pressures of the curriculum.”

Fortunately this is changing. Teachers across the country have embraced Chorister Outreach and similar initiatives, realising that singing can help concentration, self-esteem and academic results.

Teachers realise that singing also offers lots of cross-curricular opportunities, whether this is in terms of faith with gospel and spirituals being used to develop their understanding of the Good News outside of collective worship, or songs from a particular historical, geographical or cultural perspective.

“It’s had a huge impact on everything from their spiritual development to their social interaction and confidence,” said David Gibbons, Headteacher of Nettleham Church of England Junior School.

“I’ve been so impressed by the quality

I

and enthusiasm of the children’s singing.”

At Uffington School, there has been a real improvement in boys’ attitudes to singing, dispelling the belief that boys just don’t sing. They have even started to take the lead in the singing.

In another school, a boy who had previously said singing was ‘uncool’ is actively involved in school singing, and is proud of the recently released Chorister Outreach Programme Christmas CD that his school took part in, along with nine other childrens’ choirs.

Visiting a school for a programme of at least eight singing sessions, the scheme culminates in a concert in Lincoln Cathedral where more than 200 pupils sing together.

“It was a golden moment to see our children perform at Lincoln Cathedral,” said Sandra Crowhurst at William Stukeley Primary School in Holbeach.

“I was so impressed with how quickly their singing came on in such a short time.

The end result was out of this world!”

“Many children have never been to the Cathedral and so they remember the experience for a long time,” explained Stephen.

“Schools also use the visit as an opportunity for pupils to discover more about the building and its heritage, and children have commented that they learnt a lot about the cathedral, why it’s there and what goes on in it every day. “ Stephen is keen to stress that the benefits of the scheme are not short term.

“Chorister Outreach Programme work doesn’t finish with the cathedral concert.

Teachers and Teaching Assistants are present during the school sessions so that they can gain skills and confidence which enable them to continue the singing after we’ve left,” he said.  To find out more about how to be part of the Chorister Outreach Programme, please contact Stephen Clay at lincoln_outreach@btinternet.com.

There is also more information on the websites of the Choir Schools’ Association (www.choirschools.org.uk) and Sing Up (www.singup.org/aboutus/sing-up-programmes).

Pupils at Nettleham Church of England Junior School are taking part in the Chorister Outreach programme

Bear one another’s burdens

Diocese of Lincoln Reader, who is also a pain specialist nurse, is set to spend time in the Philippines voluntarily to support young people with facial deformities.

Jean Coates, who works at the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston and a Reader in the Spilsby Group, will be joined by a small group of English nurses with an anaesthetist, also from Boston, as part of a larger multi-ethnic group of health professionals to help youngsters with harelips and cleftpalates.

“There is a high incidence of facial deformity in the Philippines and the factors influencing the incidence spring from a number of sources,” said Jean.

“Heredity, high birth-rate, inbreeding, indiscriminate use of insecticide and poor nutrition are all contributing factors.”

In recent years the Spilsby Group has support the Mending Faces project, which is run by Uplift Internationale − a charity

A

established in 1989. Not only has the parish, along with the Deanery and Rotary Club, financed some travel expenses but also contributed towards the refurbishment of two paediatric wards in a hospital.

“Many local people from a very poor area of the Philippines have benefited from these donations with new cribs and equipment that replaced dilapidated and rusty beds covered with cardboard,” said Jean.

“While the families are undergoing treatment, there is no cost to the patient for the surgery or medical care but they are expected to pay for their own food and travel to the hospital.

“It is important to realise that the average income may be only two pounds a weeks and while attending the hospital they will not be earning anything or be able to receive any assistance from the state.

“I want to say a real thank you and to ask if people will once again support my joining in with the 2011 mission.”

9

crosslincs

Letters to the editor, Crosslincs, Church House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org A name and address and telephone number must be supplied with every letter and e-mail. Letters may be edited for style and length.

Comment & letters Inspirational Bishop will be greatly missed From the Ven Tim Barker Walking across the campus of York University during General Synod, in the strange period between the nomination of John Saxbee for appointment as Bishop of Lincoln and the public announcement, I found myself walking with the said John Saxbee.

He showed great interest in me and in the Diocese of Lincoln, even though he knew nothing about his forthcoming appointment. As we have all discovered, John is a shepherd who knows his sheep and is interested in them.

Tim Barker Archdeacon of Lincoln

From the Very Revd Philip Buckler Every day in the Cathedral we pray for John our Bishop, and quite often our prayers are answered – for there he is, sitting quietly attending Evensong!

As he has drawn upon these spiritual resources to nourish his ministry, so we have been grateful for the ways in which he has nourished our ministry. It is noticeable to all how much warmer is the relationship between the Bishop and his Cathedral... than in the days of Bishop Grosseteste.

Philip Buckler Dean of Lincoln

From Canon Derek Wellman It was my pleasure and privilege to work with Bishop John as Diocesan Registrar from the time of his arrival among us until I retired. I recall that at his enthronement service someone who had known him previously told me that I would find him “quite quick and lively” and this certainly proved to be the case.

I never ceased to be amazed by his tremendous physical and mental energy and his ability to grasp with ease the fundamental issues in the sometimes very complicated legal matters which arose.

He was always tireless in seeking the achievement of what he believed to be right and in encouraging others to do the same. He has served the Diocese of Lincoln well and will be greatly missed.

Derek Wellman Former Diocesan Registrar

From the Revd Georgina Huysse-Smith Bishop John must be the most fun Bishop in the Church! He’s always cracking a joke and brings fun to any proceedings!

We’ve also been lucky to have a Bishop who’s so down to earth, easy to talk to and caring. He always supported my sense of vocation to ministry and I thank him for reassuring me that God calls us as the different individuals we are and therefore that we shouldn’t change to a one-size-fits-all model.

Georgina Huysse-Smith Curate, Great and Little Coates

Comment f The Vicar of Dibley presented the Church of daydreams and Father Ted was a vision of the Church of nightmares, Rev probably got it as right as it could be without abandoning a reasonable story-line.

I was struck by one scene in particular – the now-famous one where Adam, fresh into his new parish, is verbally abused from on high by a builder. Nothing in his previous parish has prepared him for this, and all he can do is hurl a few choice words skywards.

Preparation is an interesting idea, partly because it’s ambiguous. In management speak, we prepare by developing plans and strategies and mechanisms.

Such preparation has an external focus, and is about controlling known variables and making sure everything’s kept tight wherever possible.

That’s legitimate, but it risks crowding out something far more important, that preparation is also about – even mainly about – serious engagement with what one is becoming.

In physical contexts it’s an unremarkable observation – armchair sportsmen are figures of fun – and the image of the athlete in training is a commonplace in Scripture as a metaphor for Christian formation.

It’s part of Benedictine culture, the conversio morum, the change of manners,

I

Bats defence is bats which is nothing to do with saying ‘please’ but is nothing less than the radical re-modelling of one’s life.

In the rush to control outcomes, the thought that we may need to change and grow at least as much as we seek to shape and direct the situation before us is easily avoided. Adam (probably) cannot change the builder, he can only change Adam.

I recall a retired priest saying that the hardest thing of all was being a somebody one day and oddly status-less the next. Preparing (or trying to prepare) ourselves for that sort of experience is the only preparation possible once the house and the pension are sorted. What is futile is to try to prepare the context as a substitute for preparing the self.

While there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with management, where is the encouragement to this other, radical, perhaps painful preparation? Does the Church provide it − or are we too really only comfortable with the devising of schemes?

Mediaeval pilgrims prepared for their journey, not by booking beds ahead, but by making their confession and by writing a last will and testament. Is there something of (perhaps unwelcome) significance in that for a culture in which the individual appears happier to change others than change themself?

The Comment is written by a different anonymous author each edition with the intention of provoking thought and debate, and is not necessarily the view of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Unity or Orthodoxy?

From Dr James Davison I will be interested to hear what church worshippers in this Diocese think of the proposed Anglican Covenant, if anything.

While the intention of such a covenant is to bind the various Churches within the Anglican Communion more closely together, and provide a framework for use in future disputes, the result, I believe, will be damaging to the church and its mission.

Our diversity is what defines us.

The breadth of practice and expression that has defined Anglicanism for so long would be replaced with a definition of what’s acceptable and what isn’t; toleration and inclusion replaced with coercion and exclusion.

The range of expression just within our own Diocese provides us with a forum for discussion and understanding.

Our diversity is what defines us. To rule certain expressions out in favour of a standard form of acceptable Anglicanism would, I believe, erode the very nature of our Church.

James Davison Lincoln

From the Revd Malcolm France Many churchwardens and members of PCCs across the Diocese will have, like me, been depressed at the view of the DAC secretary that “...churches can represent one of the few remaining constant habitats for bats.” (Crosslincs 28).

It was reported in the Church Times (17 September 2010) that The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Tony Baldry MP, recently stated in Parliament that damage caused by bats to church buildings is “incalculable” and “irreversible”.

It is a fact that bats do untold damage to the fabric of our built environment for worship. If the cathedrals of shopping, supermarkets and shopping malls, were similarly designated then the Health and Safety Executive would close them down.

Yet our prime asset in mission in the parish is allowed to be covered in bat excrement. This situation cannot and must not be allowed to continue; the church is not a zoo.

I would urge your readers to visit the website www.nectonallsaints.com and support the campaign to bring about a change in the designation of Churches under the law, that would result in giving places of worship the same status as dwelling houses. Together we can rid our churches of the menace of bats.

Malcolm France Skegness

10

crosslincs

iPadre Nick Edmonds he digital age has reached the pulpit of a Church in the south of the diocese, with the addition of one of the year’s ‘must-have’ gadgets.

Pictured (right) with his brand new Apple iPad is Revd Charles Sowden, priest in charge of Wyberton St Leodegar near Boston, who is planning to use the new system as an all-purpose Bible, prayerbook and sermon transcript.

“I’ve been fed up with carting so many books into services for some time,” he said.

“And when a friend showed me an iPhone Bible ‘app’ it just got me thinking about how else we could use technology.”

And Charles feels that he has come up with a solution to what is sometimes a needless tendency to stick to traditional forms and tools of worship.

“In his time, Jesus used every means at his disposal to spread the word, and we are letting him down if we don’t follow suit,” he said.

Charles plans to use the new system for real at some point before Christmas.

Theology thriving he inaugural lecture of a new theological group is set to take place in the spring.

The newly-formed Lincoln Theological Society will hold its first lecture on Thursday 3 March next year in the Robert Hardy Lecture Theatre at Bishop Grosseteste University College in Lincoln.

The lecture, entitled Allies or Opponents?

Secular and Religious Voices in the Public Sphere will be delivered by the Rt Revd the Lord Harries of Pentregarth, formerly Bishop of Oxford.

Tickets for the lecture, which cost £5 and include refreshments, are available from the Cathedral Shop on 01522 561644.

Lectures will also be given by Canon Dr Stephen Dawes on 3 May, on the theme Can a Christian really read the Old Testament, and the Revd Dr Joseph O’Hanlon will talk about The Historical Jesus on 19 October.

PICTURE: NICK EDMONDS

T

T H E E D WA R D K I N G CENTRE

T

crosslincs is available in a recorded format for the partially sighted.

Call Dorothy Selfe on 01507 603809.

Welcome and Hospitality • Peace and Quiet • Reflection and Prayer In the heart of Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter, the completely refurbished Edward King Centre hosts a series of retreats and quiet days throughout the year

Retreats and Quiet Days 2011 Monday to Thursday, 21 to 24 February Clergy Retreat led by the Revd David McCormick

Saturday 11 June Quiet Day (Eve of Pentecost) led by David Redrobe

Saturday 5 March Quiet Day before Lent led by the Revd Elsie Butler

Tuesday 12 July Quiet Day led by Pat Dale (Acorn Christian Healing)

Tuesday 12 April Quiet Day before Holy Week led by Canon Angela Pavey

Saturday 10 September Quiet Day with music led by Canon Peter Godden

Holy Week − 18 to 24 April Stay at the Edward King Centre and join the Cathedral in the Holy Week liturgy

Friday to Sunday, 7 to 9 October Weekend retreat led by the Revd Stephen Hoy

Friday to Sunday, 13 to 15 May Weekend Retreat led by the Revd Carolyn James

Saturday 19 November Quiet Day led by Nicola Slee Tuesday 6 December Quiet Evening led by Tracey Byrne

The Edward King Centre | The Old Palace | Minster Yard | Lincoln | LN2 1PU T: 01522 504075 www.bishopedwardking.org

11

crosslincs

Understanding church buildings wo new appointments in the Diocese of Lincoln will help to secure the future of our historic buildings, and encourage people to visit them.

Ben Stoker has recently been appointed Lincolnshire Open Churches Officer at the Diocese of Lincoln. Ben previously worked as a researcher in the History of Art department at the University of Leeds and was one of a small group of curators who put together the Tennyson Transformed exhibition at The Collection museum, Lincoln in 2009.

While studying at university he worked for the Usher Gallery, Lincoln and the Transport Department of Lincolnshire County Council.

Ben’s responsibility will be to support parishes to open their church’s doors and provide a warm welcome to local people as well as visitors from further afield.

“Churches are an integral part of the built heritage of Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, yet they have not fallen into history; they are current and vital,” said Ben. “Of course churches are places of worship but that’s not all they are, or can be. It will be my job to encourage parishes to think creatively about expanding the use of the churches in their care: perhaps a church would make an ideal venue for concerts or art exhibitions; a hub for community life; a fascinating destination on a tourist’s church trail; or something altogether different.

“I’m really looking forward to travelling around the Diocese and meeting with people who love churches and want to see them prosper.”

Matthew Cooper has been appointed Historic Churches Support Officer − a post part-funded by English Heritage. He will be working to support vicars, churchwardens, PCCs and anybody needing assistance with the management of historic church buildings.

Lincolnshire has more Church of England churches than most counties, and the great majority of these 647 are listed buildings.

Though the idea of keeping track of so many old buildings could seem a daunting task, to Matthew it’s an exciting opportunity “Lincolnshire has the most extraordinary collection of church buildings in the country,” he said.

“It’s a heritage people are justifiably proud of, and I have already encountered a great many inspiring people who work tirelessly to protect their churches.”

It is these people that Matthew is here to support. Unlike castles and stately homes, parish churches are looked after by small groups of local people. These volunteers give up their time and energy to maintain buildings that are often large, ancient, and very costly.

Matthew’s task is to make this task a little easier. Whether it’s through advice and

Unlike castles and stately homes, parish churches are looked after by small groups of local people.

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

T

Matthew Cooper and Ben Stoker information, working on a particular project together, helping to identify and complete funding applications, or simply to help understand and interpret these sometimes puzzling buildings.

Matthew’s background helps fuel his passion for church buildings.

“I have studied history and history of art, and even wrote my Master’s thesis on medieval parish church architecture,” he said.

“It’s an absolute joy to be working with so many people who are committed to preserving their historic churches for the next generation and beyond.”

Matthew’s previous work has been in galleries, museums, an auction house, and with a charity which recruits students to work as summer tour guides for European cathedrals.

“Working in churches, you meet the most inspiring people in the most inspiring places,” he said.

This role is supported by English Heritage’s Inspired! campaign to protect historic places of worship. As a result the role is well timed to coincide with a national focus on our spiritual and architectural heritage. > Both Ben and Matthew are keen to hear from parishes who might have a need they can assist with.

Contact Ben Stoker on 01522 504025 or at ben.stoker@lincoln.anglican.org, and Matthew Cooper on 01522 504028, matthew.cooper@lincoln.anglican.org.

12 An Episcopate in Pictures. Since becoming Bishop of Lincoln in 2002, The Rt Revd John Saxbee has turned his hand to everything from Bungee-balling (see front cover) and a flight with the Red Arrows to mucking in with the toilet cleaning at Lincoln Cathedral. Surrounding the 2010 portrait of John and Jackie at home in Lincoln is a selection of the many photo opportunities the outgoing Bishop has afforded during his nine-year service to the diocese.

crosslincs

Action h

crosslincs

hero

13

14

crosslincs

Back from the dead

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

Will Harrison

A Lincolnshire church came out of retirement to host a wedding.

Now the congregation is growing.

n a quiet village north of Lincoln, the parish church was doomed to be locked up, gather cobwebs and birds nests, and eventually be sold off to someone wanting an unusual house.

In 1966, it was thought the church of St Michael, Newton by Toft, near Market Rasen, has reached the end of its useful life, and could no longer sustain its tiny congregation, with a very similar church building just three-quarters of a mile away.

But eight years after being mothballed, St Michael’s was opened again for a wedding, when 18-year-old Irene married Richard Corrigan in February 1974.

Now a Churchwarden of St Michael’s, Irene explained that preparing the church took several months.

“The church was knee-deep in bird muck, and everything was covered in dirt and cobwebs,” she said.

“A group from the Youth Offenders Group came to help clean up, and to paint the walls.

“I have to say it wasn’t my idea to get married in there − it’s just that we lived next door to the church and my parents thought it would appropriate to use it.”

A church has stood on the site in the tiny village of Newton by Toft since Saxon times.

The nearby village of Toft next Newton has a very similar church, which initially was intended to serve the communities, together with the much larger Newtoft − the estate comprising housing from the former RAF Faldingworth − form Toft Newton, the civil parish comprising the three communities.

With St Michael’s reopened, the decision to close the church of St Peter and St Paul in Toft next Newton was made, and it was sold in the 1980s, and is now a house.

The congregation at St Michael’s, however, was rarely above three or four faithful regulars during the next three decades.

Recently, however, that has all changed.

The curate of that (and ten other parishes), the Revd Chris Harrington, was given

St Michael’s, Newton by Toft re-opened for the wedding of Irene and Richard Corrigan in 1974 (left). Today, Irene is a Churchwarden, and is pictured (above) with curate Chris Harrington.

I

edge of the estate.

“Instead of adding another Sunday service each month, the church has instead started to use the Social Club for meetings on a Thursday evening,” said Chris.

“We’re in there every week for something.

“We have run Alpha Courses and the Just 10 series in there.”

Chris also runs a guitar group, which meets in the club most Tuesday evenings.

Now, planning permission has been granted to rebuild the club, and the events in the club are helping to boost

the specific task of engaging with the Newtoft estate when he joined the Middle Rasen Group in 2008.

With guitar in hand, Chris has led services at St Michaels once a month, attracting new people from the Newtoft estate. To help to get to know people living on the former RAF base, Chris began using the estate’s social club − a rather ramshackle prefab on the

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

Alive and well: St Michael’s Newton by Toft was reprieved from the threat of becoming a house.

the congregation at St Michael’s.

“Earlier in the year, two adult members of the congregation were baptised and three adults were confirmed,” said Chris.

“Refreshments are now served after each monthly service, and the growing congregation recently got together to give the church a good clean.

“It’s a real resurrection story. St Michael’s has come back to life after closure, and we want to encourage its continued growth.”

Fund-raising events have happened for the first time in many years, including an art exhibition, a Christmas fair and a summer fete.

“All this has demonstrated to the community that the church is alive and open,” said Chris. 

15

crosslincs

30

Advent: Build-up or trailer?

John Saxbee Bishop of Lincoln

Is Advent the build-up to the big event or a trailer for it?

uild-ups look to the future in the light of past experience and present knowledge. So we tune in a couple of hours before the Cup Final to be reminded about how the teams got to Wembley, and what their current form and tactics can tell us about how the big match might go.

On the other hand, a trailer brings the future into the present by giving us a glimpse of the big feature sufficiently tantalising to make us sure to show up or tune in for the full works at our local multiplex or on TV. So Advent as build-up sees us rehearsing the story of the people of Israel as their Patriarchs, Prophets and Kings journeyed from Exodus and exile with the renewal of Messianic expectations culminating in the mission and ministry of John the Baptist pointing beyond himself to the One who is yet to come. Thus the big build-up sets the scene for the fulfilment of all that has gone before, with enough pointers and portents for the pundits and preachers to chew on as they raise the tension to a pitch of anticipation.

Meanwhile, Advent as trailer sees us showing clips and edited highlights of the event itself through Christmas Cards, Carol Services, Advent Calendars, and so on.

While there is a risk that folk will decide on the basis of the trailer that they have seen enough and do not want to see any more, or settle for the trailers and not bother with the real thing when it comes along, there may well be others who are drawn into the drama and will not want to miss out on the

B

full experience when it comes their way.

This will be all the more likely if such trailers are well-crafted and skilfully put together.

Both Matthew and Luke worked to the slogan “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet” when they put together their respective Infancy Narratives. While Matthew sets the birth of Jesus within the context of Israel’s hall of fame and shows how this birth trumps them all, so Luke talks up the extraordinary birth of John the Baptist and then recounts a birth even more remarkable in its manner and consequences.

They provide a build-up, but also a trailer insofar as those who watch trailers are being encouraged to conclude that even though they have seen something of what is to come, still “they ain’t seen nothin’ yet” and so must be there for the big event in the fullness of time.

We do well to keep reminding ourselves of Advent as build-up because there can be a tendency to skip over God’s long period of patient preparation of His people for the coming of Christ. We must always be ready to challenge the impatience which refuses to wait for what is all the more wonderful because we have waited for it.

But there is also something to be said for Advent as trailer cutting together clips of Christmas and edited highlights of a fullfeature drama already in the can but not to be opened until Christmas Day. So, introductions and commentaries to preChristmas Carol Services, Nativity Plays and Christingles can make it clear that what we shall be sharing together is but a preview

of what is yet to come.

The story is told, but in such a way as to encourage those present to discover for themselves, as Christmas approaches, the contemporary significance of what they have seen. The trailer draws people into the bigger picture – and leaves them wanting to know more.

Just as we tend to omit the final verse of “O Come all ye Faithful” if it is sung before Christmas Day, so we can major in the preChristmas season on those Carols and verses of Carols which set the scene for events yet to unfold. For example, “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Once in Royal David’s City” offer highlights from the Christmas story, with an invitation to come and worship at the time appointed and in an appropriate way.

It is quite usual for Crib scenes during Advent to depict an empty manger until the Christ-child appears on His birthday.

Because people notice this – and generally assume the Baby has been stolen! – we have a good opportunity to explain that the Crib scene is but a preview of a promise soon to be fulfilled. As with all good trailers, there is enough to whet the appetite but not sufficient to spoil the surprise.

If we can think of Christmas Carols in Advent as trailers for the big event yet to come, then we might not need to beat ourselves up quite so much about colluding with the commercial imperatives of contemporary culture. As with so many other compromises, when we see them as opportunities they can be used to good effect. 

16

crosslincs

Singing praises Nick Edmonds olourful lights adorn the nation’s streets and shop windows. Christmas trees tower into the sky and the minds of children across the land turn, in time-honoured fashion, to thoughts of Advent calendars, mince pies, and − perhaps most importantly − what Santa’s sack will contain. Meanwhile, 40 pupils from a Lincoln school are preparing for the busiest period of their working year.

While classmates break up a full week before Christmas day, the holidays only really begin for these 20 boys and 20 girls at the end of 25 December, once the final notes of evensong have echoed away into the gothic vaulting. They are, of course, the

C

separate front lines of boys and girls, aged between seven and 14. All of the choristers attend neighbouring Lincoln Minister School with the support of a generous choral scholarship, and have to balance the normal pressures of school-work with the daily morning rehearsals, and eight weekly choral services of which the front lines sing four each.

“I actually think singing makes it easier to do your homework,” said 11-year-old Stuart Milne, whose elder brother Scott is also a chorister.

“Because both of us have to be in the same place at the same time we know we only have so long to get it all done.

“I think that’s easier than having a long time, and you get into a routine.”

And this is something that current choir

tion of seniority, marked by the wearing of a special black robe over the normal cassock and surplice.

“You get so used to being busy in the choir, especially at Christmas,” she said.

“It was probably harder at the beginning, but now my family can’t imagine Christmas without all the singing.”

“One of the best things is seeing all your friends on Christmas morning. Not many people get to do that.”

But, soon Phoebe will be faced with a big change, as Christmas day 2010 will mark her final service with the choir.

“It’s going to be miserable next year! I’m still going to come and listen to all the services though,” she said; before judiciously adding: “except maybe evensong on Christmas day!”

And for many of the mums and dad, chorister parenthood clearly means more than simply bringing and fetching. Many attend a healthy share of the Christmas services, and support the choir in everything from mending cassocks to membership of the Cathedral Choir Association fundraising panel, and stewarding in the Cathedral.

But for Lincoln Cupples, 14, Christmas day not only marks the beginning of the holidays, but also the first time the aptlynamed chorister will get to see his family for some weeks, as he is one of the six boy and three girl choristers who board during term time. But Lincoln shrugged off thoughts of sentiment, as he described the atmosphere in the boarding house after term has ended and non-chorister boarders have gone home: “It’s quite good fun once term has finished, because we get to watch videos and go shopping.,” he said.

The Choristers’ favourite carols Phoebe: O Magnum Mysterium (Lauridsen) Stuart: The Sussex Carol (arr.

Wilcocks) Sophie: Noel Nouvelet (arr.

Jackson) Lincoln: While Shepherds Watched (to the tune of The Lincolnshire Poacher)

boy and girl choristers of Lincoln Cathedral Choir, for whom Christmas starts early − when the Advent music first appears on the rehearsal schedule.

“It might not happen straight away,” said Sophie Waddie, 12.

“But once you’ve rehearsed a few carols, you start feeling Chistmassy, even though it’s only November!”

Lincoln Cathedral has most probably had some form of choir since very soon after its completion in the 11th century. At any rate, it is certain that there was a Precentor in place by 1092 and that a dedicated songschool was built in 1148 to house the music department. Choral provision was then firmed up in the 13th century by Bishop Richard Gravesend, who was responsible for setting up the first formal emolument, thus ending the choristers’ reliance on ‘scraps thrown from the canons’ table’. Since then, under the leadership of an impressive succession of choirmasters including the iconic William Byrd and the notorious Thomas Mudd, there has always been a Cathedral choir in place to sing daily office in the building.

These days, the choir is made up of a back row of 11 professional men, and two

director, Aric Prentice, who is also Director of Music at the Minster School, has also noticed.

“Because they’re doing such an important job so early in life, choristers get an early education in time-management skills,” he said.

“And when they leave, it stands them in really good stead.”

But, during the festive season, the already-busy routine swells to accommodate carol concerts and special services, culminating in a blistering final 24 hours of term, which contains no fewer than five choral services. So while their classmates are tucking into a second mince pie and settling down to watch a repeat of Harry Potter, it is almost surprising to discover that there is still nowhere else these choristers would rather be.

“Not at all!,” said Phoebe Kirrage when asked if singing took up too much time at Christmas.

“I get really bored in the summer holidays when there are no services.”

At the age of 14, Phoebe is something of a choir veteran, and this year will clock up her eighth Christmas in its ranks. She is also one of the choir’s ‘cope’ choristers, a posi-

The 20th century catchphrase made famous by the Eurhythmics went: behind every great man, there stands a great woman. If outdated, this phrase could be adapted to choir life as follows: behind every successful chorister stands a heroically supportive family. Uphill Lincoln’s one-way system can test one’s nerve at the best of times, but when your chorister son or daughter needs collecting from school at 4pm, feeding, transporting back for a rehearsal and carol service at 6pm, and then collecting again at 8pm, patient selfsacrifice is a prerequisite − especially while doing battle with 2,000 congregation members vying for approximately 30 car parking spaces around the cathedral.

“We don’t find it difficult, we just do it,” said Sophie’s mum, Nikki, who is also a lay representative on the Cathedral Chapter.

“We were regular members of the congregation before Sophie became a chorister, so we make the commitment to Christmas in the Cathedral a priority for the whole family,” she said.

“We’ve always considered the importance of the Christian aspect of the season far more significant than the secular and this is just a natural follow on.”

“I’ve been doing this for a few years now, so I know what to expect,” “I like to look after the young ones too.

And Lincoln explained that his mum and dad move Christmas day to Boxing day, so he doesn’t miss out on the family celebration.

“I don’t mind that it’s not Christmas day,” he said.

“As long as I see my family, that’s all that matters.”

So, as they prepare for the whirlwind of Christmas, Stuart, Sophie, Phoebe and Lincoln’s diligence will hopefully allow them reap the many benefits the unique world of choral singing has to offer. Some of their predecessors, however, have demonstrated more of a taste for mischief in the fulfillment of their duties, something which has not escaped the notice of Cathedral Librarian Dr Nicholas Bennett: “There is one instance of a chorister who appears to have run away and attempted to sell his choir robes,” said Nicholas, who himself was a member of the choir’s back row for 25 years.

“Probably because he felt he wasn’t being paid enough!

But woe betide another boy, who is on record as audibly addressing the Subdean of the time as ‘baldpate’!

“But I’m certain… well I hope that none of today’s choristers would be foolish enough to follow in his footsteps!”  > For opportunities to hear Lincoln Cathedral Choir in action this Christmas, please see the service listings on page 21.

17

crosslincs

New Synod has tough decisions Nick Edmonds iscussion of The Anglican Covenant, “The Big Society“ and a rousing farewell to the Bishop of Lincoln all formed part of the first General Synod of a new quinquennium, attended by newly-elected representatives from the Diocese of Lincoln.

With around a third of Synod members being brand new to their positions, a day’s training preceded the two-day meeting. The first day-proper began with a service of inauguration in Westminster Abbey, attended by the Queen, who then visited Church House to make a speech to being the new, ninth, General Synod.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Presidential address then set out three themes: to take forward the spiritual and numerical growth of the Church of England; to reimagine the Church’s ministry for this century, ensuring growth and sustainability of Christian witness in every community, and to focus resources where there is both greatest need and greatest opportunity.

The main item for discussion on the first day was that of “The Big Society,” the flagship scheme from the Conservative party’s 2010 manifesto. Synod concluded that The Church of England is in a strong position to help the coalition government roll out this scheme, as it tied in with long-held Christian values and mission objectives.

Canon Chris Lilley observed, “we’ve been doing this for rather a long time!”

“It’s significant that the Government is keen to work with us and is seeking our help.”

On the second day, the main item on the agenda was the Anglican Covenant – the ruling by which the Archbishop of Canterbury hopes to maintain dialogue and relationships in the face of threatened schism over the issue of gay bishops. No bishops voted against the Covenant, and it was passed by 331 votes to 57, and a final

D

General Synod members Clergy The Ven Tim Barker, linking with Yarborough and Horncastle Deaneries The Revd Canon Chris Lilley, linking with West Wold, Haverstoe, Calcewaithe and Candleshoe The Revd Canon Gavin Kirk, linking with Graffoe, Grantham, Lafford Laity Miss Rachel Beck, linking with Isle of Axholme, Manlake, Christianity, Loveden Mrs Sue Slater, linking with Stamford, Elloe East and West, Holland Mrs Carol Ticehurst linking with Corringham, Lawres, Beltisloe Mrs Sylvia Pounds linking with Grimsby & Cleethorpes, Bolingbroke, Louthesk

draft has been sent to every province of the Anglican Communion for approval. There remains a possibility that General Synod could yet reject the Covenant when it returns from the Dioceses.

In his final speech to the Synod, the Bishop of Lincoln made a typically punchy contribution to the debate on the Covenant, reiterating his view that the process of discussion was a good thing, but that he hoped resolution would never be achieved in the form of a Covenant.

Bishop John said that a two-tier Communion would designate second-class Anglicans, who would be forced to “stand in the corner until they have seen the error of their ways and return to the ranks of the pure and spotless.”

The Bishop’s speech drew prolonged and warm applause even from those who disagreed with him, but this only anticipated the farewell from the Archbishop of Canterbury which prompted even lengthier applause, with Jackie Saxbee also present in the public gallery.

Called to serve

`The Diocese of Lincoln’s General Synod members (left to right) Carol Ticehurst, Sylvia Pounds, Chris Lilley, Rachel Beck, Sue Slater, Bishop John, Tim Barker and Gavin Kirk at the inaugural service at Westminster Abbey, attended by the Queen.

100 years ago From the Lincoln Diocesan Magazine, December 1910 and January and February 1911

Charles Hodgson Fowler It was with great surprise and the deepest regret that a very large number of people in the Diocese heard of the death of Mr. Hodgson Fowler. It was not generally known that he was seriously ill. During a recent inspection of Rochester Cathedral, where he was consulting architect, he was suddenly taken ill and obliged to return home. There seemed to be some progress towards recovery but a relapse occurred, and he passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The son of the Rev. R. Fowler, Vicar of Rolleston, near Notts, he served his apprenticeship with the late Sir Gilbert Scott, and assisted him in the restoration of Durham Cathedral.

Numerous parish churches in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Durham were designed by Mr. Fowler.

Mr. Hodgson Fowler possessed in large measure many of the gifts which go to the making of a great architect, a real sense of the high vocation of a builder of churches for the worship of God, an intense delight and interest in the work, a great reverence for the past, a personality strong and devout and reverent which stamped itself on every portion of his work. No one could have the most passing relations with him without being aware of his fine courtesy, his unfailing kindliness and his real strength of character.

Widows and Orphans

ore than 40 people attended a day aimed at helping people to explore their sense of vocation.

Organised by the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations, Canon Jeffrey Heskins, Called to Serve was the theme of the annual event, help at St Luke’s Church, Birchwood, in Lincoln.

M

Participants heard from the parish priest of a group of churches, who described her complete failure to thwart God from calling her to ordination, and testimonies of calling from a Deacon, a Reader, and an Ordained Local Minister. > For more information about vocations, visit www.lincoln.anglican.org/vocations

Owing to the alterations and changes that have been made in many of the Deaneries throughout the Diocese, there is just a chance that some confusion may arise as to whom the subscribers to the Lincoln Diocesan Clerical Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund are to pay their subscriptions. I should like the whole of the collections to be made under the old arrangement, until the end of the present year 1910. Then I hope to have stewards, old and new, in all the fresh Deaneries.

Lay representation It is to be hoped that the clergy and laity throughout the Diocese will give a very careful consideration to the “enquiries” that are now being circulated as to the operation of the present system for securing the representation of the laity in the councils of the Church. It is a very real opportunity for all Church members to make their views known in this most weighty matter.

It has long been agreed that the Church cannot hope to do her work efficiently if she continues to rely as extensively as she has done in the past on the work and the enthusiasm of her ordained members alone. It is equally certain that the days are past when the enthusiasm of the unordained members can be secured by the old methods of allowing them to pay for the different Church objects which are commended to them by their clerical leaders, or even by encouraging them to discharge the functions often assigned to them as Sunday school workers, mission workers, lay readers, church decorators, &c.

St. Swithin’s House The Matron offers her thanks for many welcome gifts during the last year:— Parcel of Clothing: Lincolnshire Needlework Guild.

Clothing and Boots: Mrs. Dashper, and the Misses Gipson and Misses Young.

Dripping: Mrs. Dashper.

Swing: Mr. Rainforth.

Stammerers Stammerers, and all interested in the subject, should read a Book by one who cured himself after suffering forty years.

“STAMMERING “: ITS TREATMENT AND REMINISCENCES OF A STAMMERER. Post free. B. Beasley, Dept. K. Tarrangower, Willesden Lane, Brondesbury, London.

18

Missing the goals Terry Miller

Environmental Chaplain he Nativity of Jesus can remind us of the poverty of his beginnings. In his teaching and ministry he emphasised a bias to the poor, drawing from a rich Jewish Biblical legacy of concern for the widow, the orphan, the sick, and those adversely affected in life.

On 10 October (10/10/10) many people around the world took stock of the progress of humanitarian and environmental initiatives, sending a message to political leaders of passionate concern and proactivity for the wellbeing of life on earth. Some chose to celebrate the day as ‘Micah Sunday’ reminding us of the key sentences from Micah 6 v.8: “He has told you O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” While some live in comfort, about half the world remains in dire poverty. One billion people worldwide live on less than 80p a day; many millions of children (especially girls) do not go to school; 8 million children are dying under the age of five every year; women do not receive support, and so die in childbirth; HIV/Aids, malaria, TB and other diseases remain major killers; the world’s forests, major ecological habitats and biodiversity continue to deteriorate rapidly under human pressure, and CO2 emissions continue to rise, bringing closer the risk irreversible climate change.

Buildup play The challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa are historically deep-rooted. Progress seemed to occur in the 1960s and 70s, but things then slipped backward as depicted by the UN report, ‘Our Common Future’ (1987).

This important document emphasised a

T

bias to the world’s poor, and to development “within the bounds of the ecological possible and to which all can reasonably aspire.”

To this end, a transfer of wealth from rich to poor became imperative. This, of course, was unlikely to be acceptable to the developed countries even though a similar scenario had been outlined by the British economist John Maynard Keynes in 1944, but ‘Our Common Future’ fed directly into the famous Rio ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992, for which high hopes were held both in terms of environmental action and humanitarian support. The most important outcome was probably ‘Local Agenda 21’ which

dedicate 0.7% of gross domestic product.

The goals were to be achieved by 2015.

I was able to be at the World Summit (WSSD) in Johannesburg in 2002 and experienced first-hand the context of the Millenium Development Goals were about.

Not two miles from Sandton City, the wealthy high-rise urban hub hosting the Summit, lay Alexandra Township, an established shanty town of makeshift homes constructed mostly from discarded materials. And on the edge of the city to the north was Deep Sluit, a huge transitional settlement even more raw than Alexandra, with many thousands of people living in little more than garden sheds without sanita-

embraced government, business, and civil society right down to local community level.

By 1997, half way toward the next world summit, the failure of Agenda 21 was apparent. But the Millennium provided an opportunity to tackle these intractable problems, by means of a renewed global solidarity and determination to act. Thus, in October 2000 in New York City, the Millennium Development Goals were born, with an ambitious eight-point plan, and the leading developed nations agreeing to

tion, running water or electricity.

While rubbish filled the streets, I found the people dignified and determined to maintain standards. Even as they queued at the water lorry with plastic jerry cans, they were well-organised and hopeful for the future, as children laughed and played in the filthy streets or picked their way across the fetid marshes, often in clean school clothes. Experiencing this first hand had a powerful impact.

Clear-cut chance In late September at the UN Summit,

I believe in God Mark Hocknull Head of Ministry Training, Head of the Lincoln School of Theology and Chancellor of Lincoln

Mark continues his exploration of the Apostle’s Creed : Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary

e come to perhaps the most controversial of the statements in the Apostles’ Creed, at least to the modern reader.

All of the statements preceding this one

W

require a robust faith and affirm a number of direct divine actions. This one goes even further, but more than that it seems to suggest that the early Christians were obsessed with notions of purity and abstinence.

The important point in this statement however is contained in the two little words ‘by’ and ‘of’. Together, they underline the fact that both divine and human factors are essential and come together in the incarnation.

The very fact that this article is included in the Creed might indicate a very early battle over the true nature of Christ. The Creed is unequivocal: the divine and the human elements are essential.

The person of Christ is not understood correctly if we neglect either one of these elements. He is both God and human. He is neither God in human appearance nor a human being inspired and used by God for a particular purpose. He is God enfleshed.

There is a danger though of introducing

this idea of conception by the Holy Spirit.

Greek mythology contains many examples of the gods descending to earth to father children through sexual intercourse.

The language of conception by the Holy Spirit could easily be misrepresented. The introduction of the word ‘virgin’ into the Creed excludes this possibility. It stresses the fact that the incarnation is an asexual event and thus wholly different from earlier tales of gods begetting children.

Given the danger of the language one might wonder what prize would be worth so great a risk. The answer lies in the purpose or the goal of the incarnation for the salvation of the world. The reality of salvation, and indeed the reality of Christ himself, depends utterly on the humanity of Jesus, for in Jesus Christ, God reveals himself in a human way.

For the early theologians, the Virgin Mary was the essential assurance of the fact that Christ had real flesh. Without this his suffering, death, resurrection and ascension are meaningless.

The contemporary Christian can share the intention of the Creed. In the first

crosslincs

with ten years gone and five years to go, world leaders gathered to hear the latest reports on the Millennium Development Goals. It made for sombre listening. Many countries had failed to achieve the 0.7% of GDP, with the global economic downturn an aggravating factor. Sub-Saharan Africa remained well behind in all indices, with some having gone backwards.

Progress on gender equality was slow, the gap between the poorest and richest remained enormous – most conspicuously in maternal health – and only about half of the developing world had experienced improved sanitation. Nevertheless the target to half the number of those whose income was less than 80p a day looked like being met, with 1.8 billion in 1990 diminishing to a projected 920 million by 2015. It was recognised at the Summit that something special would be needed to make more progress, to which end $40 billion was been pledged for women’s and children’s health and $11.7 billion to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. At the same time, a meeting at Nagoya resulted in new commitments to Biodiversity, and at Cancun nations are closer to limiting and verifying carbon emissions.

Playing at Home So, despite recognition that some Goals will not be met in 2015, activity is intensifying. For most of us, this seems remote, but a large amount of work is undertaken by non-governmental organisations that we can support directly. We can also make sure governments meet their commitments and raise awareness of the importance of the MDGs. Within our own Diocese, there is a dedicated project called U2charist working with churches and schools, holding regular services enlivened by the music the band U2. The project is centred on the MDG concept of local justice, and encompasses the ‘Beattitude’ cafe at St Mary le Wigford, Lincoln, which supports local people in need. 

place, its intention is to show the essential identity of the Son of God with the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth: in this person God has uniquely bound himself to a human being and through him to the whole of humanity.

This goes together with a further point, that Jesus did not only become Son of God at some particular point of time during his lifetime, but was and is always from the beginning the only Son of God, the mediator between humanity and God. Seen in this way the virgin birth is an expression of the final nature of the revelation of God in Jesus. It is a revelation that cannot be surpassed because in Jesus, all that can be known of God is to be found.

Modern critics of the Creed who argue that virgin birth is impossible or nonsensical miss the point. The Creed is not a scientific hypothesis.

The intention of the Creed is to attest to the uniqueness of Christ and to the purpose of God in Christ. God became human in order that we in turn might become like God. Despite all its, to modern eyes, weaknesses, this article of the creed is irreplaceable. 

19

crosslincs

A coastal Christmas teers and filled by sponsors, all of which goes towards making the day a happy one.

“It is good to be part of a team and to be helping, for even if we only have one person attend then I feel that it is all well worth the effort, as giving something back to the local community is so rewarding.”

If we follow the coastline a little further north again we reach Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary. Much-loved by locals and visitors alike during the peak season, the hard work of the Sanctuary continues throughout the year.

Adrian Smith

Much-loved by locals and visitors alike, the hard work of the Sanctuary continues throughout the year.

Life goes on in Lincolnshire’s east-coast towns after the hectic summer, and Christmas is a busy time for businesses and attractions.

he summer season might be over but life continues apace on the east coast.

In an area in which tourism is vital for the local economy, Christmas sees a further variety of fare on offer for residents and visitors alike.

The Bacchus Hotel in Sutton-on-Sea is a prime example in that preparations for another busy time of year have been well under way for some time. As manager, David Smith explains the Bacchus welcomes residents for three- or four-night breaks from 23 December, but the hotel will also see many local people come and enjoy a Christmas dinner on Christmas Day itself.

“We are here for those who want to get away and for those who might wish to spend the day in the company of others,” said David.

“The people who join us for Sunday lunch throughout the year will also often join us for their Christmas lunch, and at various times many people say to us that they are pleased that we are here.

“It is perhaps often overlooked that although the hotel must operate as a business, it also serves a vital role within our local community.

“Several community organisations meet here, ranging from a knitting group to the local Rotary club, and at this special time of year we all try to celebrate the occasion, to make time for our families and to serve our guests.”

Meanwhile, and a few miles further up the coast, we find a further example of hospitality and welcome. Here, at the OAP Hall in Mablethorpe, a group of volunteers will serve lunch to people who might otherwise find themselves on their own or unable to manage on Christmas Day. Organised by the Open Circle of Friends, (which is part of St Mary’s Church) and

PHOTOGRAPH: ADRIAN SMITH

T

Paul King of Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary has plenty to do over Christmas, even though the sanctuary is closed to visitors. assisted by the generosity of local businesses, such as Dave’s Restaurant, the lunch extends an invitation to come and share in a meal and fellowship.

As one of its organisers, Bunty Walker explained that this annual event has grown since it was originally staged, with the help and support of the Boatshed, a local multiuse centre, and a local councillor, Tony Howard.

“This year will be our third year,” said Bunty.

“We’re hoping to improve it by having some entertainment, in the form of a singer, and there are a lot of people making their own contribution, such as in goody bags that will be made by one of the volun-

Where there is so much activity, both on land and at sea, it seems fitting that we make time to ensure that we take time out to prepare, rest, reflect, respond and celebrate.

As Sanctuary Trustee Paul King points out, Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year for the Sanctuary, but also in many respects, the most rewarding.

“In the past 30-odd years my wife Linda and I have usually managed to give everyone else Christmas Day off,” said Paul.

“Although we normally have four people to get through a day’s work, a little bit of planning means that two people can manage.

“However, in recent times the increasing number of grey seal pups that require our care during this period has stretched things a bit. Last year, for example, we were looking after so many that one of the other staff had to come in for the morning so that we could carry out the intensive care needed when looking after sick animals.

“However, when we eventually do get home and we are able to settle down for a Christmas meal it is all the more appreciated.”

Although the Sanctuary is closed to the public during the Christmas period, there is much to be done. All of the other animals are given a special clean in the days leading up to Christmas Day and extra supplies are held.

“Until recently we have only had enough freezer space to hold enough supplies for a week,” said Paul.

“In the past we have had to rely on the weather being cold enough for fish not to defrost too quickly. That system was manageable when we only used a few kilos but now we spend up to £2,000 a week at the busiest times, and so we have had to install a bigger walk-in freezer, made possible thanks to the tremendous support we have received from volunteers, donors and workers at our shop in the centre of town.

“The ultimate reward in all of this comes from knowing that we have done our best for the animals. Admittedly, it happens throughout the year, but at Christmas, after the last seal has been attended to, there is also the uncomplicated pleasure of doing nothing at all!”

In an area where there is so much activity, both on land and at sea, it seems fitting, then, that, at this busy time of year, we make time to ensure that we take time out to prepare, rest, reflect, respond and celebrate. 

20

crosslincs

Out of the darkness Georgina HuysseSmith

Understanding darkness is a good thing to do, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

s we begin the season of advent, most of us are already preparing for Christmas, preparing for the coming of our Lord, for the light of the world to enter our world, our lives and our hearts.

However, as we move towards the light at Christmas day, dare anyone look back into the darkness from where we have come? Since, to be authentic in welcoming the light and love of Christ into our world, surely we need to acknowledge the darkness many of us travel through to find this light.

I enjoy heavy metal music and value that the music and its surrounding ‘community’ do not ignore the darkness in this world and do not pretend all is well; rather, it recognises the existence of darkness and by doing so offers hope; a hope that once we acknowledge that darkness exists, we can begin to move on from it. This bold recognition of darkness, negativity, sin, evil or whatever you label it, challenges us all to do the same.

Should we not, like our heavy metal brothers and sisters, openly admit the existence of dark times and our rejection of them? Surely we do not want to be accused of covering up and therefore allowing, or at worse encouraging, darkness to exist.

Thankfully some Christians have dared to tackle the topic of darkness. Saint John of the Cross, a 16th Century Spanish poet and Roman Catholic mystic, for instance, wrote a poem around this theme.

In the ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, he tells the story of a soul leaving its body to find rest

A

with God. This happens literally in the darkness since it takes place at night and metaphorically in the darkness since the soul meets many difficulties on the way.

Eventually, after a long journey through the darkness, the soul finds light in union with God. The soul’s journey is like each individuals painful journey through the ups and downs of life.

What Saint John of the Cross seemed to understand, is the darkness many people live through at some time in their lives. His poem does not seek to question what the darkness is or why it exists; instead, by admitting the darkness is there, it somehow seems to give its readers permission (in the same way heavy metal gives its lisExtracts from ‘Dark Night of the Soul’: All in the dark went right, Down secret steps, disguised in other clothes, (O coming of delight!)

In dark when no one knows, When all my house lay long in deep repose.

I stayed there to forget.

There on my lover, face to face, I lay.

All ended, and I let My cares all fall away Forgotten in the lilies on that day.

teners permission) to admit to themselves and others that they too have seen, felt or known this darkness.

It reminds us that even Jesus may have experienced a moment of darkness when He cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

So what is the point in all of this? My point is simply a reminder that life does include darkness. It is naïve and misguided to think otherwise, but, in British society, we still feel the need to hold the stiff upper lip and be cheerful in the face of any disaster.

Yes, of course there is no point wallowing unnecessarily in doom and gloom, but it is okay to take time out when we need it, when the darkness (whatever that may be) seems to be closing in on us. Indeed, if we close our eyes to the darkness and pretend it is not there we may be in danger of it creeping upon us and attempting to surround us and engulf us completely, leaving only the dullest light remaining – that is my second simple point, that light always shine through, even when we do not seem to experience it ourselves.

There is always light and therefore always hope. Even when we travel slowly and agonising through the darkness, often seemingly without comfort, release or joy, even

then we know there is light somewhere and so hope of release from the darkness sometime, somewhere, somehow.

When the heavy metal community express their recognition of the darkness, within that conviction is the notion that they are better off than mainstream society since at least they see the darkness which wider society does not. Unsurprisingly, they have formed a ‘community’ seeking to exclude darkness by rejecting negativity and a hurtful way of being and encouraging happiness and love.

Since this coexists with the constant reminder of darkness existing, many ‘outsiders’ wrongly conclude heavy metal is a celebration of darkness and fail to see its fans longing for love to prevail over hatred and darkness throughout the world.

It is ironic that a music subculture which seems to be focused heavily on darkness, can teach us to persist in looking for the light. It is even more ironic, that to look for the light, it seems we must first notice the darkness. But this is actually what we do each Christmas time.

Each Christmas in the dark, cold, unpleasant British winter, we look for, wait and then celebrate the light of God coming into our world. It is more than ironic − it is a miracle. 

21

crosslincs

Advertise your event in the Deanery Diary for free.

Visit www.lincoln.anglican.org/yourevent

Deanery Diary See more events at www.lincoln.anglican.org

14 January 2011 Barton Community Brass Band in concert at All Saints’ Church, Winterton, at 7.30pm. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/winterton

4 February 2011 Millennium Eagle Jazz Band in concert at All Saints; Church, Winterton, at 7.30pm. Return visit by popular demand of this superb traditional jazz band. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/winterton. Contact information: Tickets £10 including light supper and wine, available on 01724 734285

10 to 13 December 2010 Christmas Tree Festival at Caistor Parish Church. Opens Friday at noon; Saturday 9am to 4pm; Sunday 11.30am to 5pm; Monday 10am to noon. A display of more than 20 Christmas trees, sponsored and decorated by local business, schools and organisations. Refreshments available during the festival. Proceeds shared between the church and St Andrew’s Childrens Hospice, in Grimsby. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/caistor Grimsby

Scunthorpe

18 March 2011 Louth Male Voice Choir in concert at St Peter & St Paul Church, Tetney, at 7.30pm.

In aid of church funds; all tickets £6, including light refreshments. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/tetney. To book tickets, call 01472 211442 or 01472 814887

18 and 19 December 2010 Gainsborough

Market Rasen

Louth

A Christmas Festival of Displays ‘Childhood and Christ’ at St Peter’s Church, Saltfleetby. Saturday 10am to 4pm; music, tombola, refreshments. Sunday 11am Holy Communion, 6pm Carol Service. In aid of The Children’s Society.

19 December 2010 Carol Service and Organ Concert at St John the Baptist Church, Belleau at 6.30pm. Featuring Oxford Organ Scholar, Padraig Staunton who will play seasonal pieces along with traditional carols for all to join in. Mulled wine, homemade mince pies and the opportunity to win a Christmas hamper.

Lincoln Horncastle

17 to 19 December 2010 Skegness

Christmas Festival at St Helen’s Church, Mareham-Le-Fen. Friday 17 December 7pm to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm; Sunday noon to 4pm. Floral displays, Christmas Trees and Candles. Cake stall, raffle etc. Festive refreshments. Punch and Mince Pies on Friday evening. Carol Service 4pm Sunday. Toilet and parking facilities.

December 2010 Sleaford

Boston Grantham

Spalding

Stamford

Services and events at Lincoln Cathedral: Friday 10 7.30pm: Christmas Concert: Band of RAF College Cranwell Saturday 11 7.30pm: Concert by the Cathedral Choir Monday 13 7.30pm: Lincolnshire Co-operative Carol Concert Wednesday 15 7.30pm: A Concert of Carols by Candlelight (Cathedral Choir) Thursday 16 7.15pm: St Mary’s Preparatory School Carol Service Friday 17 12 noon: Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School Carol Service 2.30pm: Lincoln Minster School Carol Service 7.30pm: Lincolnshire Police Carol Service Sunday 19 6.30pm: Organ Recital by Colin Walsh Tuesday 21 7.30pm: Rotary Club of Lincoln Festival of Carols Wednesday 22 7.30pm: Lincolnshire Healthcare Carol Service Christmas Eve Friday 24 7.30am: Mattins 8am: Holy Communion 12.30pm: Holy Communion 4pm: Christmas Eve Carol Service 11.30pm: Midnight Eucharist and Blessing of Crib Christmas Day Saturday 25 8am: Holy Communion with carols 10.30am: Procession and Sung Eucharist 12.30pm: Holy Communion 3.45pm: Solemn Evensong and Procession

27 February 2011 Fairtrade Covenant Service at Sleaford Parish Church (St Denys), Market Place, Sleaford. The annual Fairtrade Covenant Service is to be held at 6pm on the eve of Fairtrade Fortnight 2011. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/sleafordstdenys

Advertise your event for free. Visit www.lincoln.anglican.org/yourevent

22

crosslincs

Prayerful presence Nick Edmonds

Pray with us: The daily prayer cycle at San Damiano Morning Prayer 7.30am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7am Sunday Eucharist 8am Tuesday, Thursday 6.30pm Wednesday 12.15pm Saturday Midday Prayer 12.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12 noon Saturday Evening Prayer 5.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday Night Prayer 8.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday Guests are invited to join the community for any service, except on Mondays, when the house is closed to day-guests.

nhabitants of a Lincolnshire village have reacted with intrigue to the arrival of a unique group of residents who have recently set up home in the village.

And the arrival at the former parsonage in Metheringham of the Sisters of the Community of St Francis means that they are now the first representatives of an Anglican religious order in the entire diocese for many years.

The Community appears to be settling in well. However, the peaceful calm exuding from their new home on the bright quiet autumn afternoon when Crosslincs visited belied a whirlwind of activity that had gone into preparing the parsonage for the visit of 70 guests for its blessing by the Bishop of Lincoln.

“In the past weeks, I’ve done a fair number of jobs I thought I’d never try,” said sister Liz, a Franciscan of seven years who has overseen much of what has effectively been a house-move from previous quarters

Sisters Liz, Maureen and Judith pictured underneath the Tau Cross which has also made the journey from Somerset. in Compton Durville, Somerset, to the building in Metheringham.

“The house had been empty for a year previously, and there was a lot to do!” said Liz − also an ordained priest − who has turned her hand to digging, painting and even plastering, as serious renovation work has included damp-coursing, underpinning of walls, and refitting of a drainage system that had become so clogged with mud it was decided to retain a fragment for a new life as a flowerpot.

PHOTOGRAPH: GORDON PLUMB

I

PHOTOGRAPH: NICK EDMONDS

Three sisters have come to Lincolnshire with their prayers for the Diocese and the community in which they are now living.

San Damiano

But with the renovations all-but complete, Sisters Liz, Maureen and Judith are looking forward to realising their vocation in a new setting which has received its finishing touch with the arrival of a Tau Cross (named after the Greek letter it resembles) which formerly adorned the exterior at Compton Durville.

And the new home, named San Damiano, was chosen only after careful consideration.

“An important factor was that we wanted to start another rural Community to replace Compton Durville,” said Sister Maureen, who has been a Franciscan Sister for 27 years.

“But also, we identified the need to be able to travel easily to the other houses around the country, and to nearby urban centres.

“Metheringham has a railway station and is close to Lincoln, and so seemed the perfect spot.”

Franciscan Communities live together under vows of poverty, chastity and obedience (the sisters are just that: sisters, but not nuns, as they are sometimes mistermed). They are far from an enclosed community, however, and seek actively to

serve the needs of their local and wider communities. Guests are free to wander round the grounds of the house, join the daily fourfold cycle of prayer in the chapel or attend the retreats which the sisters organise and facilitate. The house also welcomes working guests who stay and share in the life and work of the community for a period of time.

And, immediately recognisable by virtue of their distinctive brown habits, the sisters have wasted little time in meeting and greeting their neighbours, and familiarising themselves with the surrounding area.

“There have been a number of inquisitors, both in the village and further afield” said Sister Judith, who has been in the order for 20 years.

“When I was waiting for the bus into Lincoln, I began talking to a woman from the village who was heading in to do some shopping.”

“As we got off the bus in Lincoln, she said ‘right, you head off and do your things, and I’ll do mine, and I’ll meet you back here for coffee!’ which was fantastic.”

And Sister Liz has sensed an appetite for the retreats and quiet days, both private and guided, which will form an essential part of life at San Damiano.

“With an ever-increasing pace of life, there is more and more of a need for people to take time out of their daily lives,” she said.

“And first indications are that there will be a good uptake of what we can offer.”

Following the blessing, the Bishop of Lincoln described the arrival of the Community as “an absolute tonic.”

“I gather that in looking for a new home they had made contact with a few places,” said the Bishop.

“All we said was ‘we’d like you to come and pray’, and I think that struck a note with them.”

“Now at last they are here, a lot of people are going to benefit from a new warm, prayerful presence in the Diocese.” 

23

crosslincs

Crosslincs 01522 504034 crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

Dropping in Winterton

Nick Edmonds Nick drops in to All Saints’ Church, Winterton, to find out how a rich physical heritage is being sculpted into provision for the future.

ituated between Scunthorpe and the south bank of the Humber, the small but well-appointed town of Winterton boasts views of the Humber Bridge, and a history of significant Roman discoveries including human remains and large mosaic floors.

As with many churches of its age, All Saints church, in the heart of town, has undergone various changes over the centuries. However, with the exception of a later North Porch, the original wall-plan is unaltered since around 1245.

Now though, plans are underway for significant re-ordering of the historic church, equipping it to serve congregation and community under the banner ‘All Saints’ Forward’. To find out about this project, and what else is going on, we met with Parish Priest Alice Nunn, PCC Treasurer Robin Shawyer, Ordained Local Minister Jane Whitehead, and head of fundraising Ida Liversidge, during weekly ‘Open Church’, which takes place every Wednesday afternoon.

S

Service Style All Saints’ church hosts a variety of services, centred around weekly parish Eucharist

at 10.45am most Sundays (but at neighbouring Winteringham on the first Sunday of each month).

If there is a fifth Sunday in the month, then a joint service takes place between the Winterton group and the neighbouring Alkborough group, who together, Alice explained, are unofficially termed the ‘North Manlake Group.’

In addition to Sunday Eucharist, however, Taize services, Songs of Praise, weekend morning Communion and joint services with the Methodist chapel all form part of active parish worship, as well as the building hosting a Roman Catholic Mass on a Saturday. Plans for the future include a special service for Education Sunday in February, and even a pets’ service.

What’s going on?

At the core of the ‘All Saints Forward’ initiative is the church’s Statement of Purpose, which was drawn up in consultation with experts, church officers and over 60 parishioners. This was then honed to a list of bullet points based around the themes of Sacrament and Hospitality, with important emphasis on the preservation of physical heritage. Whether preserving the fabric of the building, retrieving the medieval font from a nearby farm where it was being used as a cattle trough, or deciding how to display the collection of 18th century ‘west gallery’ woodwind instruments (the precur-

sor to the pipe organ in many churches) it is clear that the fabric and artefacts of All Saints will form a key part of the reordering.

However, Robin is keen to emphasise that despite the commitment to heritage preservation, the church is no museum – a fact borne out by a wide range of extra curricular activities.

Three local schools, including the CofE Winterton infants school, enjoy close links with All Saints, and Alice has received an enthusiastic response from the respective head teachers to plans to build the church into a wide spectrum of the curriculum, from RE and history to scientific study of the church’s architecture. In addition, the church regularly hosts concerts and events such as craft fairs and lunches. The PCC also fund an ‘Organ School’ scheme, which provides an external tutor for anyone wishing to learn.

“We decided that if we didn’t do something to encourage people to consider participating in church music, who would?” said Robin Outside the church walls, the “Cornerstone” café in town is run in tandem by volunteers from both the Methodist church and All Saints’.

“The reordering of the building is an opportunity to get things right, both in terms of what we have already, and where we would like to be,” said Alice.

That is why we decided on the project slogan “Participating in the future, encouraged by the past”. 

Gazette Appointments The Revd Mary Vickers, Assistant Priest at St Michael and All Angels, West Andover (Diocese of Winchester) and Visiting Sports Chaplain, Loughborough University (Leicester) has become Urban and Industrial Chaplain for North East Lincolnshire (Lincolnshire Chaplaincy Services) and Licensed General Preacher.

The Revd Judith Dunkling, Team Vicar, St Mary Tenbury Wells (Hereford Diocese) is to be Priest-in-Charge of the Parishes of Sutton Bridge, Sutton St Edmund, Sutton St James and Tydd St Mary from 31 January 2011.

The Revd Janet Donaldson, Rector of the Knights and Hospitallers Parishes (Chelmsford Diocese) is to be Priest-inCharge (Part-time) of Deeping St James from Monday 10 January.

PICTURE: NICK EDMONDS

The Revd Canon Christopher Andrews, Incumbent of Grantham St Wulfram, also to be Priest in Charge of the Parish of St John the Evangelist, Manthorpe, from 6 March 2011.

Robin Shawyer, Alice Nunn, Ida Liversidge and Jane Whitehead are working hard to take ‘All Saints Forward.’

The Revd Canon Dr Jeffrey Heskins, Director of Ordinands and Vocations, has also become ICME Officer (in succession to the Revd Canon Dr Mark Hocknull).

Contact information The Bishop of Lincoln The Right Revd Dr John Saxbee  01522 534701 8 bishop.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grantham The Right Revd Dr Tim Ellis  01400 283344 8 bishop.grantham@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grimsby The Right Revd David Rossdale  01472 371715 8 bishop.grimsby@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey The Venerable Jane Sinclair  01673 849896 8 archdeacon.stowlindsey@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Lincoln The Venerable Tim Barker  01529 304348 8 archdeacon.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org Diocesan offices Church House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU  01522 504050  01522 504051 8 reception@lincoln.anglican.org : www.lincoln.anglican.org The Chief Executive Mr Max Manin  01522 504030 8 chief.executive@lincoln.anglican.org

24

crosslincs

Father Ted calls time on Punch-up

PICTURE: NICK EDMONDS

A

retired Lincoln Priest is hanging up his puppets after more than 70 years of Punch and Judy perform-

ance.

But Canon Ted Barlow, 81, of Washingborough who has been animating the story of the infamous Punch’s endeavours since receiving glove puppets in his Christmas stocking while a small child, said that there was still a part for ‘P & J’ in today’s society.

1

2

3

4

5

9

“It has really supported me in my ministry,” said the former priest of St Giles church in Lincoln, who made his first performances during the street parties organised to celebrate the end of the Second World War. “In a world of stricture, Punch reminds us that it’s sometimes ok to enjoy a little naughtiness!”

Ted explained that the origins of Punch and Judy can be traced to 16th century 6

7

8

Italian commedia dell’arte, and further back to folk drama which grew out of the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, but denied that the pugnacious antics of the impish Punch delivered the wrong message.

“In my experience, when children see Punch’s behaviour, they know that it isn’t something to be copied,” he said.

And Ted, installed Canon of Lincoln Cathedral during the Episcopacy of Bishop

Bob Hardy, is now looking for somebody to adopt his treasured puppets, including the well-loved Sammy the monkey (pictured) who was part of Ted’s original set of Christmas presents.

“I’ve had enormous fun, but if somebody feels inspired to continue the tradition, I’d love to hear from them.” > Ted can be contacted via Crosslincs at crosslincs@lincoln.anglican or 01522 504034.

Prize crossword The first correct entry to crossword number 26 to be opened on 4 February 2011 will win £25.

10

Send to: Crossword, Crosslincs, Church House, The Old Palace, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU

11

The editor’s decision is final. Photocopies acceptable. One entry per person 12

13

Across

4

Saint. One of the 21d 24s (5)

1

24 where wine and cake are produced by

6

Piercing spike (6)

Republican faction? (7)

7

Appropriate frame of mind when canvassing (1,5,4)

5

See cap providing freedom (6)

8

Sex sent per order showing skill (10)

9

24s of diminutive mounts (8)

11 Much ado with a large rear extension (6)

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

10 Leave the scout gathering (6)

13 Used on galley floor (7,3)

12 Suitably hatted to face wind from a 21d direction

14 Captures image (in a flash?) (5,1,4)

23

(2,1,9) 24

26

27

28

25

16 Turn no LSD when the stock was this (6)

15 Not enough for a dean quite troubled (10)

18 Found enough money (8)

17 24 a TT chap (3)

21 24s said to be irresponsible (6)

19 Stick used in play we might hear (3)

23 Exotic but ‘e left it noxious (5)

20 K9 24 in London (4,2,4)

24 Producing lies and surrounded by water (4)

22 After which one may be a lesser 17a (12)

25 Beware the middle of March (J. C.) (4)

29

number 26

by Kettlebird 26 Type of fibre less fit than 17a by the sound of it (6) solution number 25

27 Attacked by O2 (8) 28 Seafaring comic character (6) 29 Applied to brains to good or ill effect (7)

crosslincs

Down

Scribble pad

1

Untidy eatery (4)

The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those held by the Diocese.

2

Act both ways (4)

Deadline for the next issue: 4 February 2011 Editor Will Harrison Reporter Nick Edmonds

3

A dweller on 24s (8)

is published by the Diocese of Lincoln.

Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Horncastle, Lincolnshire

Telephone: 01522 504034

crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

Congratulations to Mrs P L Pethybridge of Stickford, the winner of crossword 25.

H E A D G E A R

E C O R N C R O R N D E

A I M I S I I D I S

F K L E O I C A K U S E M A A V O N I C B Y H U E T R E S N T Q U I E M R

C C A L C E D O O N I A I N S T

F R O U S E L R H O L E R I A C N P K R S I V A N C H I N G R I D S I G H T E I A K E N N E T S I E C A N A L S W