changing changing church church for for aa changing changing world world
National Day of Pilgrimage “For nothing will be impossible with God� Luke 2.27
forming fresh expressions of the church in a sacramental and contemplative tradition
Celebrant and Preacher The Most Revd. Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury Coventry Cathedral Monday, 8th December, 2008 The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 10.30am to 4pm
You are warmly invited to join the Archbishop of Canterbury in a day of pilgrimage and prayer on Monday 8th December in the striking setting of Coventry Cathedral. In recent years, the Church of England
Renewal in mission comes through
has discerned a vocation to form
returning to our roots. The day will
fresh expressions of the church in a
therefore focus on opportunity for
time of significant cultural change. In
prayer and reflection centred on the
fulfilling this calling we stand in the
Eucharist and prayer in different parts
great missionary traditions of Paul, of
of the Cathedral.
Hilda and Bede, of Clare and Francis, of Keble and Newman, of Roland Allen
Archbishop Rowan
and Vincent Donovan.
writes: “Each of
us promises in the This
day
opportunities
will
focus
and
on
challenges
the of
Anglican formularies to proclaim the faith
forming fresh expressions of church
afresh in each generation by the grace
within the catholic tradition of the
of the living God at work within us. To
Church of England. As pilgrims we
do this well in our own day involves
will gather to journey together and
a willingness to go to every part of
unite
the
our changing culture and, often,
Eucharist and the Exposition of the
to work with the Spirit to form new
Blessed Sacrament, as we recall the
communities of word and sacrament
beginning of Mary’s adventure in
in fresh and imaginative ways. I hope
saying ‘Yes’ to God and pledge
and pray that people from every part
ourselves to develop the mission of
of the anglo-catholic tradition will be
the Church in our days.
able to join me in this day of prayer
ourselves
in
praying
and pilgrimage as we seek God’s renewal in our common mission”.
The Order of the Day 10.30am : The Gathering at the font and Renewal of Baptism Vows 10.50am : Coffee and welcome 11.10am : An Address from the Archbishop of Canterbury
A reflection from Abbot Stuart Burns, OSB
Eucharist 12.30pm : Lunch (provided in the Cathedral) 1.30pm : Quiet hour with stations for prayer telling the story of catholic and contemplative fresh expressions of the church 2.30pm : Exploring fresh expressions from a Catholic and Contemplative perspective (see panel below) 3.30pm : Closing reflections 3.45pm : Blessing and sending out
The afternoon groups include workshops and discussions which will cover various aspects of fresh expressions and the catholic and contemplative traditions. These include What is Pioneer Ministry? How to be catholic and focused on mission? A step into contemplative practice for busy people. Technology and worship. Body prayer workshop. Why bother with fresh expressions? The ministry of healing through the anointing of oil. There will a chapel set aside for silent prayer for those who have heard too many words.
The day will draw on the expertise of a number of fresh expressions of the catholic and contemplative traditions including Blessed, Contemplative Fire, Feig, Glorious, mayBE, Moot, Nightchurch and Visions.
Booking information The day is designed for up to 300 people only. Advance booking
i
s
essential. There is a nominal charge of £5.00 to cover some of the expenses of
the
day. Lunch will be provided. You can book online at www.freshexpressions.org. uk/pilgrimage
Directions to the Cathedral can be found on the website and will be sent out by email in advance of the day.
Commendations “Whether you like the language of fresh
“Sacraments, or at least a follow on strategy
expressions or not, catholic parishes in
to introduce people to meeting Christ in the
the Anglican tradition have always been
Sacraments, must be at the heart of any
in the forefront of mission, often in the
‘fresh expression’ if the ‘freshness’ they offer
toughest places. This day gives us another
is to be faithful to the vision of the Church
opportunity to learn about how we can
presented to us in the New Testament. This
engage in this sort of mission today and
insight is the great and essential contribution
we hope that many priests and lay people
those with a catholic heart have to offer the
will want to come and find out more. We
Church as we seek to proclaim Christ in our
have a lot to learn. But we also have a lot
generation. The day planned for Coventry
to offer: after all, the best buildings have
with the Archbishop sounds like a helpful and
the surest foundations.”
hopeful occasion to reflect together and
The Rt. Revd Stephen Cottrell,
encourage one another in these things.”
Bishop of Reading The Rt. Revd Tony Robinson,
The Rt. Revd Lindsay Urwin OGS,
Bishop of Pontefract
Bishop of Horsham Priest Administrator (Designate) of the
“Join us for a pilgrimage where we
Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
will experience the richness of our Tradition in a fresh way.”
Jonathan Clark, Chair of the Board of Affirming Catholicism
Company no 3598030. Registered Charity no 1080103. Fresh Expressions Ltd, Lambeth Palace, London, SE1 7JU Correspondence: 15 Fyfield Road, Oxford, OX2 6QE
changing church for a changing world
www.freshexpressions.org.uk email: pilgrimage@freshexpressions.org.uk Telephone 0300 365 0563 (10am-4pm)