CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org
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May/June 2018 – Free
Preparing to share in Thy Kingdom Come 2018 People all over the world are preparing to share in Thy Kingdom Come 2018. A global prayer movement that invites people around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus, what started in 2016 as
an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York has since grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer, and this year the dates are Thursday, 10th May (Ascension Day) to Sunday, 20th May (Pentecost). (Continued overleaf...)
INSIDE...
INSIDE...
Cycling 100 miles to help others
Travelling to the heart of our faith
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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln
The submission deadline for the next issue is 1st June 2018.
Welcome...
There is a lot to look forward to in this issue and in the life of the diocese, as we prepare for Thy Kingdom Come 2018, the West Lindsey Churches Festival, The Lincolnshire Show 2018, a charity cycle ride, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and so much more. Please do keep sharing your stories.
Editor E: crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org
Preparing to share in Thy Kingdom Come 2018
Communications Officer The Revd Adrian Smith T: 01522 50 40 37 M: 07885 99 99 07 E: adrian.smith@lincoln.anglican.org
An invitation is extended to all to take part, as individuals and/ or as churches, and it has been said that ‘During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who participates will deepen their friendship with Jesus, bring others to know Jesus or know him better, and come to know that every aspect of their life is the stuff of prayer’.
Diocesan Offices Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU T: 01522 50 40 50 E: enquiries@lincoln.anglican.org www.lincoln.anglican.org www.facebook.com/Dioceselincoln www.twitter.com/CofELincoln www.flickr.com/Dioceseoflincoln The Bishop of Lincoln The Right Reverend Christopher Lowson T: 01522 50 40 90 E: bishop.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grimsby The Right Reverend Dr David Court T: 01522 50 40 90 E: bishop.grimsby@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grantham The Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain T: 01522 50 40 90 E: bishop.grantham@lincoln.anglican.org Interim Diocesan Secretary The Venerable Mark Steadman T: 01522 50 40 32 E: interim.diosec@lincoln.anglican.org PA to the Diocesan Secretary Kay Clayton T: 01522 50 40 32 E: kay.clayton@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey The Venerable Mark Steadman T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.stow@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Boston The Venerable Dr Justine Allain Chapman T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.boston@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Lincoln The Venerable Gavin Kirk T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org
W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
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As published in the March/April issue of Crosslincs, the diocesan Mission Team has been helping parishes with regard to obtaining Thy Kingdom Come resources, and an accompanying website (www.thykingdomcome.global) contains a bank of resources for use by churches, individuals, and families and young people. As this issue of Crosslincs was heading to press, a music video, filmed in St Paul’s Cathedral in London, had just been published online, and more events were being added to an online map to show the range of planned activities. As a diocese, we look forward to sharing news and photographs from this year’s invitation to take part in this global ‘wave of prayer’. Please do get in touch with us by contacting the Communications Office (see left for details). As we look forward to Thy Kingdom Come 2018, we are pleased to share the following poem, ‘When Will God’s Kingdom Come’, by Allan Lewis of Spalding. Come Come and see the celebration For the new King and His birth Bringing hope and expectation To God’s people here on earth. Kingdom Come He is also bringing promise That He’ll rule on earth one day, So mankind needs join together And, like Him, prepare the Way. God’s Kingdom Come For it’s not an earthly Kingdom, Though in part on earth will dwell,
All are equal, master, servant, Which He came to earth to tell. Will God’s Kingdom Come Though its day is long expected, Just as prophets told His birth, So the Prophet, like the angels, Promised Peace, Goodwill on Earth. When Will God’s Kingdom Come So His people, faithfully waiting, Work towards a common goal, That, through acts of common goodness, This, God’s world, may be made whole.
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Sharing our story The Prince of Wales meets the people of Tattershall The local community in Tattershall were delighted to welcome the Prince of Wales as part of a recent visit to Lincolnshire, and to share their story with him... His Royal Highness visited The Collegiate Church of The Holy Trinity in Tattershall towards the end of a day spent in Lincolnshire that had earlier included visits to Louth Livestock Market, Freshtime UK Ltd, Age UK in Boston and Tattershall Castle. Upon his arrival at the church, the Revd Sue Allison, Rector, introduced The Prince to the churchwardens and ministry team, the trustees of the Almshouse Association, and also representatives of Lincolnshire Churches Trust, of which he is the Patron. A tour of the church then followed, which included discussion about the church’s extensive resident bat population and also the church’s popular recent addition, ‘Tatty Bat’, who is the subject of a book for young people (as featured in the July/August 2017 issue of Crosslincs). The Prince was then introduced to volunteers at the church’s Heritage Centre and Tea Bar, before taking up an invitation to take part in a hands-on bell-ringing demonstration with the bell-ringing team. Prior to his departure, The Prince also took the time to meet local children of all ages and other members of the community, and many people spoke of their delight at welcoming a member of the Royal Family to their parish church.
The Revd Sue Allison takes The Prince on a tour of the church.
Looking back at this special occasion, the Revd Sue Allison has since said that, “It was an honour and a privilege to be able to share with His Royal Highness our beautiful building and our plans and aspirations for the future. Most importantly, it was so nice to be able to introduce him to all the local people who make the building come alive as the body of Christ, with the greatest joy being to have so many children and young people there to share the experience too. Hopefully a memory to treasure for many of us.” One of the local schoolchildren, Daisy, a Year 6 pupil at Holy Trinity CofE Primary School in Tattershall, has since written: “It was such an amazing visit! It was incredible to meet the future King of England. I felt honoured to be chosen to meet him, he was so nice. He asked us a lot of questions. He had a lot of plain-clothed policemen. His questions were amazing and he was so kind to everyone. I liked watching Look North and seeing myself on there!”
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Serving our communities Scunthorpe Centre of Mission: sharing the story so far... Following its official launch in July 2017, Scunthorpe Centre of Mission has been busy serving local people. Crosslincs hears of some of the developments so far... Launched in partnership with Church Army, Scunthorpe Centre of Mission was established with a vision for ‘Transforming Communities, Building Church’. Set in and around the communities of Riddings, Westcliff and Berkeley, Captain Sean Andrews (Lead Evangelist) and Captain Paul McDonough (Pioneer Evangelist) serve ecumenically and alongside local colleagues, seeking to enable and resource people to share in mission.
Work has been taking place at the Church of the Reconciliation, Westcliff.
Based in Berkeley, Paul (pictured below, left) has so far been leading school assemblies and has become chaplain to the Forge Centre Project, which seeks to reduce the effects of poverty and homelessness in Scunthorpe and the surrounding areas. He also provides support to a fortnightly ‘Kids Church’ and he has offered a wellreceived Pet Service and a Christmas Eve Christingle Service. Sean, meanwhile, is based at the Church of the Holy Spirit on the Riddings, and here he is involved in working with young people at the local youth centre and he helps with a Church Lads & Church Girls Brigade. Sean and Paul also report that a lot of their time has been spent at the Church of the Reconciliation in Westcliff. Here they have been working to bring the building back into use and, with the help of the Community Payback team, the building has been made ready for use and currently hosts a children’s group and serves as a distribution point for a local foodbank. An acre of land to the rear of the building has become a nature and conservation area for use by local schools and groups, and plans are taking shape for a ‘Mossy Church’, which will help local people to attend and learn more about nature and faith. Looking ahead, there are further opportunities for people to get involved, and more information may be found on a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ ScunCofM W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
The building now serves as a distribution point for a local foodbank.
The Church of the Holy Spirit, Riddings and its famous blue steel spire.
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mission shaped ministry Helping one another to move from prayer towards action The Revd David Bartlett, our Fresh Expressions Enabler, looks ahead to the mission shaped ministry course, which is set to begin at the end of September... It is exciting to see how the Scunthorpe Centre of Mission is applying some of the principles that were outlined in the January/February issue of Crosslincs: that is, the idea of listening to God, to the people and location of our situation, and also ourselves, so that we might prayerfully look for how we can begin to be a blessing in our community, partnering with others to make a difference and help to change a community. For many of us the idea of moving from prayer to action can feel slightly uncomfortable. We are often worried about doing it right, and concerned about how others will receive our efforts. We also can lack the confidence to tell our Christian story alongside the care and participation that we offer so that others might see the love of God for themselves and their part in His story. The mission shaped ministry Course (MSM), which began in Lincolnshire, is designed to help us move from ideas to action. It can help us to begin to explore how to listen prayerfully, develop projects that can make a difference, and gently but confidently create the space so that mission and the local church might develop.
We are making some changes to the way the course works. It will run over 18 months with two different ways in which people and churches might access the course: • Stream One will be the Classic MSM course, in a central venue, with monthly gatherings for teaching and training. There will also be coaches/mentors who will work alongside groups to help clarify and develop projects. • Stream Two will be a local (flexi) MSM for a church or group with a particular project in mind, with tailored sessions and coaching to help bring projects to fruition. Both groups will meet together for six Saturdays across the 18 months to hear from national speakers and help encourage and support each other. There will also be support available for previous MSM participants, who are welcome to attend. The next course will start at the end of September – look out for ‘taster evenings’ in the summer – and if you would like to know more about hosting the course in your parish or registering a group please email me at david.bartlett@lincoln.anglican.org
Come and join us at this year’s Lincolnshire Show If you are attending The Lincolnshire Show, why not come and find us at Stand DZ03 (Stand number 3 in the ‘Discovery Zone’). This year the diocese will have a marquee adjacent to the Lincoln Cathedral marquee, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages. As Crosslincs was going to press, plans were well underway for the range of activities to be offered in our marquee, and this will include Archdeacons’ Visitations on both days (20th and 21st June) at 11am and 3.30pm. More details on the show are at lincolnshireshow.co.uk DIOCESELINCOLN
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Children and youth Helping churches in their work with children and young people This issue’s column offers a couple of examples of some resources for use with children and young people... One of the things we want to do is to help churches across the diocese discover the best resources to engage children and young people. If you have got a small group of young people or are looking for material for work with children, here are two great resources that should help. Freedom In Christ The Freedom In Christ course for young people is a powerful resource that is designed to disciple young people and radically change the way they see their faith. The course is made up of 13 sessions and tackles themes such as identity, spirituality, big choices, forgiveness and handling emotions. Whether you’ve got a small group of young people meeting on Sundays or during the week, this great resource takes young people on a journey from understanding who they are in Christ to how their faith can affect them and the people around them. The session material is easily adaptable and provides lots of options depending on the young people and the size of the group you’re working with. More information can be found at www.ficm.org.uk/fic_for_young_people
Faith and the Environment 2018 The Faith and the Environment Conference is almost here. This year the conference will be held on Saturday, 12th May at St Giles’ Church in Lincoln (LN2 4EJ). This year’s gathering has a title of ‘Climate Change and Coast’, and the speakers and attendees will consider the significance of climate change on sea-level rise and its impact on the county and wider society and economy, plus global concerns and some possible responses. One of the speakers will be Prof. Edward Hanna FRMetS (Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology, School of Geography, College of Science, University of Lincoln), and more details may be found on the conference website at faithandenvironmentlincoln.wordpress.com W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Click Finding material for groups can sometimes be a challenge. Click is an easy-to-use resource for kid’s groups from 3–5, 5–7 and 8–11 years – it is ideal for Sunday groups or holiday clubs. It covers a whole range of themes and topics, with plenty of teaching options to choose from, plus craft activities, games and memory verses. Each session has a clear teaching point, notes for leaders and printable resources. It is great for offering a picture of how the stories in the Bible all fit together and can be adapted for groups of varying sizes. Click can be found on the Good Book Company website, together with other resources for children and young people: www. thegoodbook.co.uk/children/click Charlotte Bloom and Jonny Bell are the diocesan Children & Youth Team. Charlotte may be contacted on 07908 70 38 64 or via charlotte.bloom@lincoln.anglican.org and Jonny may be contacted at jonny.bell@lincoln.anglican.org
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Sharing and learning ‘It was wonderful to see them having such a positive experience’ The Revd Pat Barlow reports on a new venture between Grimsby Minster and a local school, and the opportunity to celebrate good news and the joy of learning together... The children of Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe recently had the opportunity to experience the wonders of Grimsby Minster courtesy of two very different events. The school’s three Y2 classes had a sleepover in the Minster, and the entire school later attended an end-of-term Celebration of Work. Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe offers its pupils the chance to participate in residential visits in order to enrich their experiences and broaden the curriculum in a fun and exciting way. The trip to Grimsby Minster was ideal for the 6–7-year-olds as it was just a short journey from their school and it fitted perfectly into their Religious Education programme. It also gave the children an opportunity to appreciate some of the rich heritage of Grimsby. The pupils were able to experience the awe and wonder of such a beautiful building, and they were thrilled at having the opportunity to camp out overnight under the watchful gaze of the multitude of figures on the walls as well as their members of staff. The youngsters were particularly impressed with the stained-glass windows, which looked stunning as the morning sun shone through. The children were given a tour of the Minster by members of the clergy and were also given the opportunity to have a close look
Guided tours helped the children to discover the features of the Minster.
at the stunning vestments and altar frontals. The teachers planned various activities for their classes, including designing their own stained-glass window. Later in the same week, all 450 pupils filled the nave of the Minster along with staff and parents. The sound of Taiko drums resounded throughout the church and around St James’ Square as class after class filed into the Minster. Each year group then presented a short piece of work to demonstrate what they had learned during the term, with acts including Victorian and Tudor dances, World War II poems and songs about the stone age. The service concluded with a beautiful performance by the school choir, and a display of work in the Minster allowed families and members of the congregation to see the work that had been produced by the children. Both events were considered a great success, and Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe and Grimsby Minster are hoping that it will be the first of many future collaborations. Speaking afterwards, Katie McGuire, Headteacher at Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe, said: “Where better for our end-of-term celebration than the most beautiful building in Grimsby? We wanted our children to experience the awe and wonder of the Minster, and understand that it belongs to them.” For many children it was the first time they had been in a church and so it was wonderful to see them having such a positive experience. Taylor was heard to say afterwards: “It made me feel special because our parents and families were there.” Two of the year groups are now hoping to return to the Minster and spend a whole day studying in there, and this is at the request of the children! DIOCESELINCOLN
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Our diocesan family 100-mile challenge seeks to support our schoolchildren The Revd Julie Wearing, Vicar of St Faith & St Martin with St Peter at Arches in Lincoln, looks ahead to a 100mile bike ride from Lincoln to the coast and back again... Bishop Nicholas, the Revd Sam Durant and I have entered the Castle-to-Coast-Castle (C2C2C) 100-mile challenge. A 100-mile sponsored bike ride from Lincoln Castle to the coast and back again on 28th June 2018, we will be cycling in aid of the Bishop of Lincoln’s ‘Ready for School Fund’. This fund supports the needs of individual children who are lacking various items that would help them to fully engage with the various activities in school. This might be a school uniform that fits, a PE kit, a lunch box or other equipment. In order for children to reach their potential, it is important that their basic needs are met, and this fund seeks to help.
“In order for children to reach their potential, it is important that their basic needs are met, and this fund seeks to help” In Lincoln, St Faith and St Martin Church of England Junior School, St Faith’s Church of England Infant School and St Peter in Eastgate Church of England (Controlled) Infant School are looking to organise some events to help support this fundraising effort with a ‘100-challenge’. This challenge will encourage children to take part in an organised ‘100 challenge’, which might be 100 laps of the playground or for the children to think up one of their own.
Bishop Nicholas and the Revd Julie Wearing are preparing for the C2C2C.
You might also wish to consider ‘100’ events in your local parish or your local school to support us in raising money for our ride. We would be very pleased to hear of any fundraising efforts as the event draws near – you may keep up-to-date with us on Twitter via @CofELincoln and @RevJulieStFaith and the hashtag of #Bishopsbikers If you would like to make a donation, please go to https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/readyforschool2018 or alternatively please send a cheque (made payable to LDTBF Ltd) c/o Bishop’s Bikers C2C2C Ride, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Further information on The Bishop of Lincoln’s Ready for School Fund, including how to apply to the fund, may be found at www.lincoln.anglican.org/ready-for-school-fund
Announcements The Revd Michael Rose has resigned his licence as Incumbent of the Carr Dyke Benefice with effect from 30th April 2018. The Revd Chris Boland has resigned his licence as Priest in Charge of Grantham Harrowby with Londonthorpe and Rural Dean of Grantham with effect from 3rd June 2018. Chris’ last Sunday in the parish will be 20th May 2018. He will be licensed as Vicar of Christ Church, Fulwood, Preston (Blackburn) on Monday, 4th June 2018. The Revd Ian Blake will retire from his post as Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Skirbeck with effect from 4th May 2018.
The Revd Susan Paterson (Vicar of Deeping St James) is to serve as Rector of Whippingham and East Cowes and Schools Adviser in the Diocese of Portsmouth. The Revd Stephen Harrop has been appointed Half-time Parish Priest of The Harlaxton Group. The licensing service will take place on Monday, 14th May 2018 at St Mary and St Peter’s Church, Harlaxton (7.30pm). The Revd Canon Alex Whitehead has retired from his post as Incumbent of Lincoln St Mary Magdalene. Please join us in praying for each of these people and for the people and parishes of our diocese.
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17 Drunk from vessel which may Drink fortified wine to be stormy (3) prevent 29A (7) 19 Wheelie useful receptacle (3) Where servant of the Lord 20 What’s in a name? Oscar waits when not skating Wilde’s play explains (10) (AMNS 150) (6) Requiring careful handling (8) 22 Preserved allium (7,5) 26 Departs or allows to remain (6) Back of neck (6) Coveted sporting neckwear (7,5) 27 Biding ones time (8) 28 Lavish when not in (6) Fictional Central European 29 Little horse in gas (flow setting for Prisoner of Zenda reversed) is not firm (7) (10)
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Solution to No. 24
PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 25 Set by Kettlebird 1
Winner of Prize Crossword No. 24: Robert Dowlman, Heighington. To enter: please send completed entries to Crossword No. 25, Crosslincs, Communications Office, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU. Closing date: 1st June 2018. A photocopy of the completed crossword is acceptable, if you prefer. Editor’s decision is final. The prize is a faith-related book.
Down 1 Used in washing and whisky (4) 2 May assist your elevation to 12A (4) 3 Have close encounter of the lippy kind (8) 4 N. America coloured 2 (5) 6 Whence Remigius came to Lincoln (6) 7 Like the waters of Noah (10) 8 Take off in layers (10) 11 Father of Nanki Poo (6)
13 Crustacean fruits (very sour) (4,6) 14 Fast stroke sounds slow (5,5) 16 Damson dispensed and wandering (6) 18 Enables rowers to stay together (8) 21 Now – the crimson petal now the white (Tennyson) (6) 23 Amphibians found in northern stew (5) 24 Antipodean fruit (4) 25 Eagerly expected (4)
Might you be interested in compiling our Prize Crossword? We are looking for a possible successor to Kettlebird, who has indicated to us that he would be very happy to hand on the ‘Prize Crossword baton’ after many years of dedicated service to the Crosslincs readership. Please contact the Communications Officer (details on page 2) for further information. DIOCESELINCOLN
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Our churches St Botolph’s Church prepares to celebrate 800 years Founded in 1218, St Botolph’s Church in Quarrington will provide the setting for a range of special events in June to mark 800 years. Charles Coulson looks ahead... The people of St Botolph’s Church in Quarrington are preparing to celebrate the founding of the church in 1218. The celebrations, which are to take place in June, will see Bishop Christopher bless the recently refurbished lychgate as part of the 11 o’clock service on Sunday, 17th June. Before then, and over the previous weekend of 9th and 10th June, the church will host The Knights of Skirbeck, a medieval re-enactment group. The group will camp in the field next to the church and they will show visitors what life would have been like at around the time of the founding of the church. During the weekend there will also be an open-air service (10th June) amongst the tents of the encampment, and children are being encouraged to dress up in medieval costume to add to the atmosphere. St Botolph’s Church has close links with St Botolph’s Church of England Primary School, and the school will be involved with the celebrations. In addition to art work inspired by the church buildings depicted in collage, a photo montage in the style of David Hockney and an interpretive dance of the building of the church, the children are researching a history of Quarrington, and this is to be presented in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry. The results of their activities will be displayed in the church during the celebrations.
St Swithun’s, Long Bennington: ‘Making our heritage live’ St Swithun’s Church in Long Bennington has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a £252,888 project involving essential structural repairs. It is reported that HLF will initially grant Development Funding of £16,900, to permit the planning and design of the work to be undertaken, with detailed proposals to be considered at a later date, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £159,700. Part of the Saxonwell Group of Churches (www.saxonwellchurches.org.uk), a central part of the project will be to stabilise the north aisle wall and repair and recover the chancel roof. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
The Sleaford Museum is to put on a display of artefacts of significance to the Parish of Quarrington during the past 800 years, and this will be in conjunction with an evening of Lincolnshire Words and Music to be held on 12th June. There will also be an evening of medieval music performed by the group Freshe Ayre (10th June), and there are plans for a Pet and Teddy Blessing Service on 16th June. Children are also being asked to design a shield, make an ugly gargoyle or make a picture with knights, castles, royalty and mythical creatures, with The Knights of Skirbeck set to adjudicate and award prizes. We pray for fine weather and we look forward to welcoming many visitors to come and share in our celebrations. Further information may be obtained from our website at www.quarringtonchurchsleaford.co.uk or by calling 07964 754 393.
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Past, present and future Sharing the stories of our buildings and welcoming all Fran Bell, Church Development Officer, is looking to hear from churches that might be marking the centenary of the Royal Air Force and the end of the First World War... As the nation marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, our churches have various opportunities to share in Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire, which is the theme of the RAF100 Campaign, and also to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. As was highlighted with reference to the forthcoming West Lindsey Churches Festival in the March/April 2018 issue of Crosslincs, we have a rich aviation heritage and there is a strong association with the RAF, and just some examples of forthcoming events include exhibitions at RAF Scampton and The Collection in Lincoln, plus a Royal Air Force Centenary Concert at Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday, 24th May. In addition, and later in the year, there will be a series of events to mark the centenary of the Armistice, including Ringing Out for Peace, which will see church bells rung across the country at 7.05pm on Sunday, 11th November (see brunopeek.co.uk for details). We would be interested to hear of any plans that you might have, and so please do get in touch either by calling 01522 50 40 18 or by email at fran.bell@lincoln.anglican.org
The War Memorial outside St Mary’s Church in Welton.
Don’t forget: West Lindsey Churches Festival 2018 The 22nd annual West Lindsey Churches Festival is set to take place over 12th–13th May and 19th–20th May. This popular festival, which is said to be one of the largest of its type in Europe and which regularly attracts around 10,000 visitors to the area, will this year feature a record 100 churches and chapels, including St Mary’s in Claxby (pictured left) and St Mary’s in Welton (above). Many of these churches and chapels will be offering refreshments and lunches, ranging from tea, coffee and biscuits to ploughman’s lunches, bacon butties and cooked breakfasts. In addition, and thanks to the Lincolnshire Organists’ Association, visitors can also enjoy an Organ Trail of 14 live music recitals spread across the two weekends. Look out for copies of the festival brochure (copies may be requested by calling 01673 82 83 15), and further details may be found at www.churchesfestival.info DIOCESELINCOLN
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Holy Land Pilgrimage 2018 An invitation to share in a journey to the heart of our faith The Ven. Mark Steadman issues an invitation to share in an eight-day pilgrimage with Bishop Christopher to the Holy Land, which will take place in November... I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord. And now our feet are standing within your gates O Jerusalem – Psalm 122 Saint Jerome is reputed to have described the pilgrimage to the Holy Land as the Fifth Gospel. Four Gospels we read and the fifth we understand through our journeying to the places in which Jesus was born, lived, ministered, died and rose from the dead. This year a special opportunity exists for us to explore the places most deeply associated with our faith, by travelling under the leadership of Bishop Christopher, to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the river Jordan and the Galilee. Staying by the city walls of Jerusalem and overlooking the Sea of Galilee, we are offered an opportunity to travel to these most fascinating places. Our pilgrimage will take us to the most important places associated with Jesus’ life and ministry, as well as offering us a chance to walk the way of his cross and celebrate the joy of his resurrection. We shall pray in places long associated with particular events in our faith
The Garden of Gethsemane.
and hear the Scriptures afresh in the areas in which they first came to pass. But pilgrimage is more than spiritual tourism. Rather it is an invitation to journey to the heart of our faith, to travel in order that we might experience the events at the heart of our beliefs in new and fresh ways. So part of our pilgrimage will be a conscious effort to meet with the local Christians – the so-called ‘living stones’ of the Holy Land. We will be guided by local Palestinian Christians, all of whom grew up in the Old City of Jerusalem; they will bring alive for us not only the past but enable us to encounter the reality of this land which has always been marked by conflict. When you ask the Christians of the Holy Land what is the most important thing we can do to support and encourage them the response usually is ‘Come and see us, come and pray with us’. That is exactly what we will seek to do. We will worship in a variety of places, including the Anglican cathedral in Jerusalem and the Anglican church in Nazareth. We will also have the opportunity to see at first hand some of the work that is being done to support the fragile communities in this beautiful land.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Further details about the pilgrimage are available at www.lincoln.anglican.org/news/pilgrimage-2018 and both the Archdeacon of Lincoln and I are happy to talk to anyone, or any groups who might be interested in coming. And for those who are unable to make the journey then we will encourage you to follow the pilgrimage in a variety of ways – watch this space!
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Mission and outreach Exploring the Christian faith with friends and team-mates Lauren Herbert, a student at the University of Lincoln, has received a Fusion award related to the sharing of her faith. Lauren shares her story with Joseph Snelling... I grew up in a Christian family and I have always been around church and God. I am studying Psychology at the University of Lincoln, and my chosen subject reflects my love for people, which comes from my faith. I love understanding people and building relationships with them. Finding a church when I came to university was quite hard but when I came to St Swithin’s in Lincoln I loved it. There is so much support and the teaching and worship are great. At the end of my first year I got baptised when I went back home for the summer. My faith has grown massively and has really become my own – I’ve had to make my own choices about how I live and how I spend my time. Being plugged in at St Swithin’s and serving on the worship and kids’ team has really helped with this.
“Being a Christian on the rugby team has actually not been as difficult as I thought it might” I was always interested in going on an Alpha course but the timings never really worked. During one term, however, we did Alpha as our Student Life Group and so I went along. Although I couldn’t make it along to all of the sessions because of rugby training, I got a flavour for it and I really wanted to invite my team-mates. Being a Christian on the rugby team has not been as difficult as I thought it might. I had heard so many horror stories about socials and initiations but there has been such respect for the way I live my life, even though I am trying to live differently. The weirdest thing has been being out on a social event and having team-mates ask if they can come to church on a Sunday. I haven’t invited them but several of them have asked me if they can come along. It has just come out of living alongside them and being friends with them! I have still had to challenge myself to live differently and to talk about my faith and what I believe in. Some of the team have a background in Christian schools or have family who go to church. They have been able to see that it is possible to play rugby and have fun and be part of a church.
I couldn’t get the timings to work for the rugby team to come to Alpha at church and so I decided to run it myself. Fusion is a movement working with students and churches to help prepare and inspire students for a life of mission and discipleship at university. They have a tool called ‘Mission Styles’ and this helps you to think through how you might best share your faith. Last year I was nominated for the ‘Talk With Me’ award in their Student Mission Awards. In the run up to this I had talked about doing Alpha with my rugby team. I then won the award and so that made me accountable to actually doing it! I have a lovely glass plaque, which sits on my desk and reminds me to keep sharing my faith, and we were given some money towards the student work at St Swithin’s. I was convinced that no one was going to come to Alpha when I started running it at my house. Even when people said they wanted to come I didn’t believe that they would actually turn up! Six people came on week one, nine came the following week and by week three we had 11 – it just keeps growing! On the team we are generally either playing rugby or on nights out together, which isn’t actually that great for building deep relationships, and so Alpha is an amazing opportunity for us to talk about some of the deeper questions of life. Because we all know each other the team just wants to discuss the questions with one another – someone will pick on their friend to see what they think! It makes my job as a host really easy! I am really excited to see what comes out of this Alpha course – I hope to bring everyone along to the next student social event at church. See www.fusionmovement.org/sma for more information. DIOCESELINCOLN
@COFELINCOLN
14 CROSSLINCS
Nature and nurture Recognising local beauty The Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation and the Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership look at how we might help butterflies to flourish and share their beauty...
If you are unsure as to which species are present in your churchyard, a good first step is to undertake a survey. Butterfly Conservation promotes a number of schemes for volunteers, ranging from complete beginners through to more experienced recorders. These vary from single counts to weekly transects and could be a great way to get the local community involved with the churchyard. Being aware of which species are present, or absent, can then help to inform your future management of the area.
“More than just being beautiful in terms of their appearance, butterflies play an important role in the food chain and also act as plant pollinators” The caterpillars of many butterfly species are dependent on specific larval food plants for their survival. For example, a number of commonly observed species, such as small tortoiseshell, peacock, painted lady and comma, all lay their eggs on nettles. Identifying an existing patch of nettles to retain, preferably in a sunny spot, can therefore help to support these species. If your churchyard doesn’t have any nettles or you are concerned about them encroaching into other areas, try planting some in the ground in a container to stop them spreading. Some species, such as small tortoiseshell, will have more than one brood each year and prefer young nettle growth, so cutting some of the nettles back around mid-June can help to encourage a flush of new leaves, which are perfect for laying eggs on. The holly blue can often be found in churchyards because of the common presence of its two main food plants: holly and ivy. The species is unique amongst British butterflies in that the caterpillars of its two W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Photograph is © Margaret Holland
Churchyards can provide a valuable wildlife haven for a variety of butterflies. More than just being beautiful in terms of their appearance, these insects play an important role in the food chain and also act as plant pollinators. Unfortunately, recording programmes have found many species to be in decline.
broods have different food plants. The first eggs are laid on holly, and the second are laid on ivy. Other species that you might be likely to see include the wall butterfly, which enjoys basking on headstones in sunny spots, brimstone, which likes to lay its eggs on buckthorn, or orange tip, which is one of the first species to emerge in the spring and lays its eggs on the flower stalks of plants such as garlic mustard and cuckoo flower. In addition to requiring larval food plants, butterflies will also visit to drink nectar from flowers. Ensuring that you have a good spread of flowering plants from March through to November is important so as to ensure that a continuous supply of nectar is available as different species emerge. One way to do this is to identify a particularly flower-rich area of grassland within the site and reduce the cutting frequency to just once or twice per year. A neatly mown path through the area could be kept short for tidiness but will otherwise allow species to flower and provide a valuable nectar supply. Further advice and information is available online from the national Caring for God’s Acre Project (www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk) or from Butterfly Conservation (www.butterfly-conservation.org), which also includes details of the Lincolnshire branch. See also www.lincswolds.org.uk/library/churchyards.pdf
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Noticeboard Valuing the gift of one another The Revd Mark Holden, Rector of The Wragby Group of Parishes, reflects on a project to bring people together... The memorable chorus of ‘Bind us together, Lord’ includes the words, ‘bind us together with cords that cannot be broken, bind us together in love’. These hopes seem particularly timely in our world today with intolerance, inequality and loneliness on the rise. It was with this in mind that cords and threads of silk, cotton and wool, together with other fabrics were crafted into applique squares by people from the communities of our parishes. Children and those 80 years older, people with advanced stitch-work skills and complete beginners, those who are able to get out and about and people unable to leave their homes, have all spent the past year making an applique square. Under the expert guidance and encouragement of Mrs Ann Stalley, all of the different squares have been joined together to create a display that speaks of the importance of each member of our community. It also speaks of how
The Bike Ride & Stride needs your help The Bike Ride and Stride, which takes place on the second Saturday in September (Saturday, 8th September 2018), is the major fundraiser for the Lincolnshire Churches Trust. This event encourages people to be sponsored to visit as many churches as they can by walking, cycling, running, riding, etc, and any money received is then divided between the participant’s chosen church and the Trust.
God values every individual – each is unique and wonderful. The display has been travelling around local churches and meeting places as a sign of what is good in community and as a symbol of the cords of love that build up the Kingdom of God. The photograph (above) shows the squares in front of the altar at All Saints Church in Wragby, together with shoeboxes containing gifts prepared for children in need overseas at Christmas time. These walls of friendship are signs of God’s care, embrace and protection of people in our communities and across our world. The event is co-ordinated by Deanery Organisers, and volunteers are currently required to cover the following areas: Axholme, Manlake (Scunthorpe), Yarborough (Brigg), Grimsby, Christianity (Lincoln) and Holland (Boston). It is said that the role is not particularly onerous, and more information can be supplied upon request. To find out more details, please contact Sarah Roberts by email at Roberts.sarahm@gmail.com or call Nicholas Ridley on 01476 55 00 55.
Bookshelf: The Flight of the Bumblebee Described as ‘an inspirational tale of hope and repair for anyone who has experienced a stress-related illness and their supporters’, C.C. Neish’s narrative centres on Liluya, a bumblebee who discovers ‘therapeutic counsel’ in the form of Air, ‘an unseen comforter who sustains all life’. The tale is organised in 10 short chapters, with each set alongside an accompanying reflection for use by Bible study groups. The reflections make reference to passages from Luke’s Gospel and offer readers a ‘conversation starter’, discussion questions and a prayer, and the title concludes with some of the author’s thoughts and questions relating to bumblebees and ongoing efforts to help them to flourish.
Although The Flight of the Bumblebee is available in downloadable form via Amazon, the author has stated that they would like their work to be available as widely as possible so as to offer help and support to others. For details of how to obtain a free copy of The Flight of the Bumblebee, email catherine.c.neish@ gmail.com DIOCESELINCOLN
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CALENDAR APRIL/MAY
From 28th April until Monday, 7th May. A Fantasia of Flowers – a flower festival at All Saints Church in Moulton (PE12 6QB). Open daily from 10am–6pm, there will also be stalls and light refreshments available. MAY
Sunday, 13th May (3pm). Haven Singers Concert, with instrumental items from young people from Stickford, at St Helen’s Church, Stickford. Admission is £5. Friday, 18th May (7.30pm). A cheese and wine evening at All Saints Church in Laughton. Tickets are £7.50 (to include a glass of wine). Friday, 25th May – Monday, 28th May. God’s Beautiful World – a flower festival at Fleet. Open daily at 10am. Further information can be obtained via fr.adrian.mason@gmail.com or from Gill Graper on 01406 42 38 03. Saturday, 26th – Monday, 28th May (11am–5pm). Tathwell Art Exhibition at St Vedast’s Church, Tathwell, Louth LN11 9SR. To include a preview on Friday, 25th May (7–9pm), there will be framed paintings, unframed prints, greeting cards, pottery, jewellery, plants, second-hand books, homemade cakes and preserves for sale. Demonstrations by craftsmen, plus refreshments and cream teas. JUNE
Friday, 1st June (7–9pm). A preview evening at Grimsby Minster for the North Lincs Art Society’s Annual Exhibition. Thereafter, the event will be open each day, excluding Sundays, from 10am–4pm until Thursday, 14th June (closing at 2pm). The exhibition will include paintings and drawings in a range of media, plus prints, greeting cards and hand-painted ceramics, produced by members. Admission is free, and some of the exhibiting artists W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
will be present and will be happy to chat to visitors. For more information please see www.nlasart.co.uk Friday, 8th June – Sunday, 10th June. A flower festival at St Martin’s Church in Ancaster. Open daily from 10.30am– 4.30pm, the theme will be ‘simple pleasures’. To include refreshments and stalls, the festival will close at 4pm on the Sunday with a service featuring the Loveden Festival Singers. Saturday, 16th – Monday, 18th June. St Andrew’s Church in Hannah-cumHagnaby will be holding its annual flower festival, with this year’s theme being ‘Do you remember when....’ Refreshments available each day. Hannah is on the A1111, two miles from Sutton-on-Sea. Open on the 16th from 11am–5pm; from 11am–2pm on the 17th, with Evening Prayer at 3pm; and then 11am–4pm on the 18th. Sunday, 17th June (2–4pm). Cream Teas at St Helen’s Church in Stickford. Friday, 22nd – Sunday, 24th June. Flowers and Rhymes Festival at St John the Baptist Church, Baston. To include refreshments, light lunches and a cake stall, the festival will be open from 2–4pm on the 22nd and 10am–4pm on the 23rd and 24th, with
a Songs of Praise service to be held at 6pm on the 24th. Free admission; donations invited for the maintenance and development of church facilities. Saturday, 23rd June (1–4pm) and Sunday, 24th June (10am–4pm). Ingoldsby Mid-Summer Flower Festival and Scarecrow Trail/Competition. Also to include needlework art, cake stall, plant stall and cream teas. Saturday, 30th June (1–4pm). Deeping St James Rose and Sweet Pea Show and Village Fete, a major fundraising event for the Priory Church. To be held in the Priory, Community Hall and Garden, all are most welcome. JULY
Wednesday, 18th July (7.30pm). Tutbury Castle comes to Graffoe: come and hear the story of Mary Queen of Scots, who is said to have loathed the castle. To be held at St Peter’s Church in Navenby, tickets are £15 (including refreshments) and may be obtained from Beth Devonald, 21 Blind Lane, Coleby LN5 0AL (T: 01522 81 00 30; E: devonald@btinternet.com). Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for postal orders. (Please note: parental guidance is required for those who are aged under 16 years.)
Mothers’ Union Triennial Service To be held on Wednesday, 4th July 2018 at 2pm, the Mothers’ Union Triennial Service is to be held in Grimsby Minster. Lynne Tembey (Worldwide President) will be speaking at this service, which will have the theme of ‘In the footsteps of Mary Sumner’. Mothers’ Union banners and tokens of work in the diocese are set to be on display, and all are most welcome. Further information on the Mothers’ Union in our diocese is available at www.lincolnmothersunion.com DIOCESELINCOLN
@COFELINCOLN