#33 June 1992 by Diocese of Oxford

The Diocese of Oxford Reporter: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

Number 33

June 1992

DIOCESAN CLERGY CONFERENCE

How we were encouraged aid Bishop Ed Salmon of South Carolina, one of the main speakers at the 1992 Oxford Diocesan Clergy Conference: "If you asked me what we did at Swanwick, I would say we encouraged people". The conference, which is held every three years, took place at Swanwick in South Derbyshire from May 5-8. The 374 delegates included some three dozen parish deacons, a handful of nonstipendiary ministers a cross-section of Diocesan Officers and 320 parish clergy. It was the largest conference the Diocese has ever held. The Bishop of Oxford greeted allcorners from a sunny spot on top of a litter bin by the registration hall. Inside, in scenes reminiscent ofwartime evacuations at London's principal railway stations, clergy and suitcases jumbled to find who was sharing what with whom. The theme of 'Re-imagining the parish in the Decade of Evangelism' had brought the clergy together to examine the priorities both for theirministries and for their own response to the calls of the Church for a period of heightened awareness towards evangelism and potential growth. To this end there were workshops on subjects ranging from all-age worship and non-eucharistic worship, to drama and story telling; from sex and gender as issues of power, to the concerns of the worldwide Church. The two main conference speakers were Elaine Storkey, who surveyed the sociology of he Church in Britain today.

against which all our own individual ministries are played out, and Bishop Salmon, who with 76 parishes in his diocese, has worked closely alongside his

ble study based on the first 15 chapters of Acts, led by Bishop John Taylor, the former Bishop of Winchester, who now lives in Oxford. Wearing his scholarship

Photos by Nicholas Cranfield

by Nicholas Cranfield

Bishop Richard takes up his welcoming position at the Swanwick Clergy Conference (see story) clergy to build them into a diocesan team. At Swanwick his chief concern was to encourage our ministries, and to recognise the valid amount of love and work which already surrounds many parishes. There was a daily Bi-

lightly, he led us into the growth and development of the early Church which then opens out again to the fulness of covering the world. The message behind both Bishops' talks was that growth in the life of the Church

is not a goal, but a fruit to be cherished and nurtured but which may never appear in our own lifetime. Many found that the auxiliary parts of the timetable provided the richest resources. In particular, the base groups allowed members of the Conference to reflect together in deanery gatherings at the end of each day, and to compare the day's expectations with the needs of their own parishes. In some cases these groups have already re-vitalised the work of some deanery chapters, and this will have long-term consequences. The final Eucharist on the Friday morning was a truly Diocesan family occasion. All our bishops took part, and after lunch sent home some with renewed vision for their parishes, and others with alonging for the wide open spaces of South Carolina. But almost all left with a sense of new hope. Perhaps Richard Thomas, the Diocesan Communications Officer, summed it up for everyone when he said after the conference: "The high level of morale amongst the clergy struck me mostâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;generally, the high level of confidence in the Christian Gospel and in the Diocese's faithfulness to it. Perhaps this shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. It was very encouraging." â&#x20AC;˘ The Revd Dr Nicholas Cranfield is currently Principal ofthe Berkshire Christian Training Scheme, but leaves the Diocese in September to take up a new appointment as Chaplain of Selwyn College, Cambridge.

Inside The DOOR God in the life of Tenniel Evans, actor and priest More impressions of Swanwick Martin Peirce, Director of Ordinands, asks do we value our ordained ministers Find out if you are being called? Fly a kite for Pentecost YOUNG DOOR goes to South Africa

'Stimulating and refreshing' I arrived at Swanwick with some misgivings. As a lay industrial chaplain would I find a clergy conference on 'Re- imagining the Parish' altogether too clerical and too parochial? In reality it proved a stimulating and refreshing experience. Bishop Ed Salmon was such a stimulating and gifted communicator that his sessions were a delight. He stressed the ecclesial mission model of the Church with shared ministry, a community of stewards, existing for others. He also spoke of 'mind set' - that way of thinking which overrides others - and repeatedly the mind set he exposed was of the parish as church building and congregation. This was not

Bishop Ed Salmon chats to a delegate at Swanwick disputed by his audience. Is this how we seethe parish? If it includes all who live within its geographical boundaries it is more than this. My local parish surrounds the trading estate where I work- this did not seem to fit Bishop Ed's model. In one workshop on communicating the Gospel we explored our language and to talk about our faith in words which would be understood by our neighbour in the pub. As someone whose work is mainly among unchurched people I wondered how many parish priests really get to know people who are not in some way connected to the Church. Mrs Jo Saunders, GFS Industrial Chaplain, Slough (More impressions of Swanwick on Page 5)

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haring the Good News in the Decade of Evangelism

2 The Door, June 1992

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Very soon after having been ordained, I did an ITV epilogue programme, and when they asked me what I wanted to be called, I said "Tenniel Evans, Actor and Priest". One of the other clergy in Beaconsfield who had seen it said: "Why actor and priest, surely priest and actor?" I said that was the whole point: I am an actor who happens to be a priest, not a priest who happens to be an actor. I never didn't believe in God.

of Norwich, and we slotted in and felt quite at home there and that started me off. Then I began to get feelings of wanting to be ordained. I didn't have a 'Road to Damascus' experience. I just felt strongly that I was an articulate communicator, and that I ought to use the gifts I had to tell people about God. It sounds terribly naive and silly - but it was like that. I went to see Peter Knott, and he said: "Oh, don't be so silly, you're much too old, go and play

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Even when I was a member of the Communist party at University, I felt that Communism was Christianity in action and that they were denying Christ. It was one of the reaons why I didn't last very long, because it didn't tally at all. When I arrived in England, my uncle was the Rector of a village called Allesley outside Coventry. Then he moved to Byfield near Daventry, so I was very -familiar with the way the Church worked. My aunt gave us Sunday lessons, and at my prep school I learned great chunks of the Bible. We had quite good Confirmation classes at Christ's Hospital, but like in a lot of schools, Divinity was very boring. After school I never quite floated away - we always went to church at Christmas - but religion wasn't central to my life. Taking it seriously

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Yet it was never that far away, and when we moved here my wife and I began to feel that we had got to the stage when we ought to start taking it seriously. We tried all sorts of things. We tried the Quakers, because this is a Quaker area. We tried the Catholic advisory postal service, and got as far as the infallibility of the Pope and stuck. Then, in about 1972 we both decided that it was time we gave something a real go. We didn't have a church in the village, so we felt free to shop around and we went to Beaconsfield when Peter Knott was the Rector. He's a wonderful preacher, and is now Bishop

of..

no good." Everybody was so splendidly hand-in-glove with God, and I thought: "Well there just isn't any room on Jesus' lap for me." But you're not allowed to escape, and then I found that! was one of only three who had been selected out of fifteen. I was ordained in 1984. It wasn't really by accident, but it was like a kind of calling against my will, because I feel very strongly that the theatre is my vocation. The secular world always thinks that actors are rather foolish and bitchy, but I've found that they are very caring, very loving people, and I am enormously inspired by them. Although a lot of them tease me

Tenniel Evans

you're playing lago, you have to love lago in the sense that you have to understand him. So you get an enormous sense of how people tick, which teaches you a lot about God and His purposes for the world, and makes you realise that we are all on this extraordinary journey together. For me the most important things are loving God and loving my neighbour as myself, not denying people the right to their religious life because they can't find their way to the idea of a bodily resurrection. Using talents I think the Church could use NSMs much more than they do. Here you are with professional men and women — business consultants, teachers, actors -who have all sorts of talents. The Church could direct us much more and say: "We want you to do so-and-so, because that's your talent," but they don't seem to quite know what to do with us. I'm not whingeing,. because I have a lovely time and the team in Beaconsfield are marvellously supportive when I have to go away anddo other work. In the world I believe very strongly that the non-stipendiary ministry is not so much taking the Church into the world, but bringing the world into the Church. I always feel that in ASB Rite A, where we say: "Let us pray for the Church

trains." Years later he said that he had been playing the devil's advocate, but I was very crestfallen at the time. However, four years later when I still had the same feeling, I went to Bishop Simon (the Bishop of Buckingham) and said: "Look, I'm a Christian. I'm an actor and I'm a communicator, and I sometimes think that the clergy could be helped to put it across a bit better." He said: "What a very good idea, but why don't you become a pro yourself, then they might listen to you." I said: "Oh, don't be silly. I can't, I'm much too old," and he said lwasn't too old for the non-stipendiary ministry, and he put me up for that. When I went to my selection board l felt l didn't stand achance. I rang my wife up the first night, and said: "Take me away, this is

because I'm ordained, there's a great groundswell of response to what I've done. Whatever you play, whether it's a goodie or a baddie, you have to love the person you're playing to play it properly, and if

and for the world," I want to say: "Let us pray for the 9 Church in the world."

Tenniel Evans is willing to conduct reading and speaking workshops for clergy and/or lay groups. Tel: 02407 3165.

Tenniel Evans is an actor and a non-stipendiary priest. He was born in 1926 in Kenya, where his father was a farmer. At the age often he came to live with an uncle in England in order to take up a scholarship at Christ's Hospital School. His father died, and he didn't see his mother again for 20 years. After university and drama school his first professional job was as the Archangel Michael in the York Mystery Plays. For many years he worked in 'rep', mainly in Northampton. There he met Evangeline, the actress daughter of the actor Leslie Banks, and in 1953 they were married and have a son and a daughter. As well as 25 years in the popular radio programme, 'The Navy Lark', his many stage and television parts have included appearances as the falconer in the BBC television series 'One by One' and as Perce in 'The Two of Us'. He was ordained an NSM in 1984, and is a member of Beaconsfield Team Ministry.

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The Door, June 1992 3

Music made in heaven.

An Archbishop's Commission has called on the Church of England to make a commitment to excellence in music. Worship is the most vital of all church activities and of the individual, says their report,Jn Tune with Heaven Specific recommendations include the provision of structured in-service training for church musicians under a co-ordinated national scheme; and the recognition of the Royal School of Church Music as the Church's body for church music. Cathedrals are urged

to take on a diocesan role, teaching, experimenting and leading, while churches must find the will to increase their resources for music. Although some churches find it difficult to recruit organists and choirs, the report highlights a burgeoning of new musical expression and the easy availability of a wide range of traditional and electronic musical instruments. "It has become imperative to take stock of

where we are," say the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in their preface to the report. "Music is as important in worship as it has always been, perhaps more so." Patrick Salisbury, who lives in Oxfordshire and is Secretary to the Commission, will write about the Report in the July issue. Meanwhile copies are available at f8.50 untilfuly 31 and £10 after that, from Church House Bookshop, 31 Great Smith Streeet, London SWIP 3BN (p and p £1.50).

Profit: means not end, says B1*shop The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Richard Harries, has spoken in support of the Archbishop of Canterbury's statements on industry. Dr Carey raised the question of the purpose of business, which was, he said: "To serve people by creating things of use and value to them". Bishop Richard, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day, quoted from the constitution of a large American corpo-

ration, saying: " Profit is our reward for serving society well. Profit is the means and measure of our service - not art end in itself." He pointed out, however, that although many people spend practically their whole working lives in business or industry, the average church service almost totally ignored this aspect of their congregations' lives. "The market economy reflects

'This is our faith' Two priests from the Diocese are helping to organise a 'Festival of Faith' as a prelude to the Synod vote on the ordination of women in November. The Festival will be held at Wembley Arena on Saturday, June 13, and will bring people from all over the country by chartered bus and special trains. Jointly organised by Cost of Conscience, Women Against the Ordination of Women) and the Association for Apostolic Ministry, it promises to be one of the largest Eucharistic events for many years. "We want the members of the General Synod to know, as they prepare for the momentous vote, that those of us opposed to the ordination of women to the priesthood and apprehensive about its effects on the unity of the Church of England are not the 'tiny minority' which it is sometimes claimed, but comprise a substantial loyal and committed body of devout women and men," said a spokesman for the organisers.

The Revd Michael Wright, Vicar of St Barnabas, Oxford, who is one of the organisers, says he is concerned that people treat the Festival as a celebration and not as a protest meeting: "It will be a celebration of our orthodox Christian faith," he said. The Revd Michael Brewin from St Andrew's, Headington is also on the committee. The chief concelebrant will be the Bishop of Chichester, but there will be others from both the catholic and evangelical wings of Anglicanism. The preacher will be the Archbishop of Sydney and other bishops from as far away as Japan, Africa, the West Indies and America will also be taking part. Tickets cost £5 each in advance onO8l-900l234oratthe door. Transport is being arranged from towns in the Diocese by the Diocesan co-ordinator, Father Stephen Purnell, Vicar of Terriers St Francis of Assisi, High Wycombe (0494 520676).

Social Responsibility Officer, Dr Anne Borrowdale, will be a member of the working group to be chaired by the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Alan Morgan, who is Vice-President and former Chairman of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. "At a time when the family is under pressure as never before, we will try to say something both constructive and distinctively Christian," he said. "So Biblical perspectives will be particularly important." Contributions are invited from individuals and organisations. Write to Alison Webster, Secretary to the working group, Church House, 31 Great Smith Street, London SWIP 313N. The Oxford Diocesan FLAME group will be following the enquiry closely. FLAME is involved in running parenting courses for church groups, and anyone wanting information should contact Anne Borrowdale or Penny Nairne at Church House, on 060 876 456.

The Church of England's Board for Social Responsibility is launching an 18-month enquiry into the family. The first stage will be a consultation document and a series of papers will follow.The Oxford Diocese's

Planting a new idea

certain important Christian values, like free choice and personal responsibility, but it also has negative features, like all human institutions. This includes the Church. It expresses the will to power, greed and human aggrandisement," said the Bishop. "Those of us who live and operate in a market economy always need to be on the alert for the way it can harm those least able to stand up for themselves." Bishop Richard said that Christ was the Lord not only of churches and monasteries, but of the markets and exchanges of the world as well. "The pressures and conflicts of business do not make this easy. But it is an exciting and creative context in which to serve." A new book by the Bishop of Oxford, Is there a Gospelfor the Rich ?A Christian in a Capitalist World, has just been published by Mowbrays at £12.99.

charisinatics all Far too many people believe the Charismatic Movement is the sole domain of Protestant religious traditions, writes the Revd Martin Flatman, Vicar of Cowley St John, Oxford, in the latest edition of Anglo-Catholic Charismatic News, following the recent Anglo-Catholic Charismatic Convention. "At the International Charismatic Leaders Conference last summer, the largest group was Roman Catholic. One sign of God's presence in this movement is the way Catholics and Protestants are overcoming past divisions."

New look for retreat

Lady Carrington, President of Bucks Association for Gardening With Disabled People, and wife of the former Foreign Secretary, planted a memorial tree at the opening of the Oasis Garden for the disabled at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Aylesbury on May 2. The garden was constructed on a piece of waste land beside the church, and has been designed with a ramped entrance and raised plant beds that are easily accessible to wheelchairusers. The church foyer has been converted into a lounge for those using the garden. The Oasis is intended for all disabled people, whether church-goers or not, and was

Work has begun on the refurbishment of Burford Priory's retreat and pastorai centte. The Priory is the only 'double' Anglican monastory for men and women in the country, and its pastoral mission is carried out through its ministry of hospitality and spiritual direction. Groups and individuals, come from all over Britain to stay at the Priory. The refurbishment of the Old Rectory adjacent to the Priory is funded by an appeal launched last year. It has already passed the half-way mark, although more fund-raising events, including a concert, are planned. The Appeal's Honorary Secretary is Dr Mary Welstead who would be delighted to hear from individuals or parishes wanting to contribute, at: Burford Priory, Burford, Oxon OX18 4SQ.

funded by donations from the local Harding Trust and Aylesbury Vale District Council, together with funds raised by parishioners. The Association can be contacted on 0844 292249. Pictured with Lady Carrington are the Revd Ron Hart, Vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Revd Angela Cooke, former Parish Deacon, Roger Lacey who suggested the scheme, and the Rt Revd Simon Burrows, Bishop of Buckingham.

by Chris Sugdon

IN MY VIEW

Celebrating our conimuni I have lived and worked in the Oxford Diocese as a lay person and as a clergyman for a total of 15 years. I have two challenges to make to my fellow Christians in the Diocese. First - can we take seriously the need for developing our psychological health as a body of Christian believers, and give proper expression to all three levels at which Christians need to meet? We have the cell group (home groups, Lenten Bible study groups) by and large in place. We all have the congregational level. But a further level is enshrined in our Anglican structures and even buildings, but is rarely given expression. That is the level of community celebration. After all, we have a mother church for the Diocese,the Cathedral, and a focus of unity, our Bishop. The .reason for the celebration level is to show that the Christian faith is more than the faith of our group. Paul is clear that in Jesus Christ people from different groups, male, female, slave, free, Jews and Gentiles are reconciled and come together. Our parish

Anne's part in family study

system often means that parish churches are mono-cultural. We live in the areas that housing policy directs, such as council estates or owner-occupied estates. Long-time residents of Oxford will know of the Cuttleslowe Walls which once physically separat-. ed one from the other. Our churches are also territorially based in the parish system. This system has many strengths. But it does mean that we tend to meet in mono-cultural ghettoes. What we need is a gathering where people from Cowley to Pangbourne, and from Reading to Charlbury all meet together. Can we have an expression of this in a Diocesan-wide gathering? I will be told we had a Diocesan Eucharist in Broad Street some years ago. My problem with this was its timing as a Sunday afternoon extra. We need an event whose importance we signal by suspending normal morning worship in parish churches for one Sunday. Otherwise, we will add an extra service which people

will only see as an optional extra, and only the few 'keen' types will go. We need a celebration where every church plans to go and contribute its richness. A football stadium or a large park might be needed to hold everyone! Second, growing out of the same concerns of St Paul, can we take seriously the comprehensive nature of our Church which allows for the proper expression of varied traditions, all valid within our life? The fact of the matter is that a number of major churches in the Diocese are of the evangelical Anglican tradition. Yet for some reason, the programmes and materials sent out as Diocesan events seem to reflect very little evangelical input. lam imputing no blame on any party and will readily concede that this is a problem with many facets to it and perhaps a considerable history on all sides. But can someone, somewhere, set a more positive trend for the future? The Revd Chris Sugdon is Director of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. He and The DOOR will welcome your comments.

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TIME FOR TEA We hope to repeat our 'Church Teas' guide in the July DOOR. Whether you can offer teas or coffees and biscuits to visitors occasionally or regularly during the summer, please let us have the details by June 7 and we will do our best to include them. Please make sure you give precise opening times, details of what you offer and whether or not there is wheelchair access.

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The steamboat 'President' will leave Ellesmere Port in Cheshire on May 24, for a 257-mile journey of mercy along the canals to Little Venice in London, where it will arrive on June 12. It is 72 feet long, and the only working steam narrowboat in Britain, and will be towing a 'butty' (provisions ) boat which it is hoped will be filled with tins and packets of food for a children's hospice in Romania. The boat trip is an initiative of Romania Children's Aid. Their Secretary, Janet Cheal, tells us that the President will be passing through our Diocese on its way to London. The Canal Basin, Aylesbury on June 8 from 2-4pm is an official stopping place, but the crew are also willing to collect provisions at any of the 301 locks along the way. So consult your waterways map for your nearest! "This is a wonderful opportunity for people to help our hospice project in a practical way. I hope some of your parishes (and maybe the Sunday schools and uniformed organisations) may be willing to help us engender some local interest in this project." The St Laurence Children's Hospice in Cernavoda is already caring for its first patients. It is important that food, for both children and staff, is tinned or in packets, and that it should not be out of date.

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WE NEED LINK FAMILIES The Western Corner Project supports children with disabilities. Every family benefits from the support and friendship of relatives, friends and neighbours. Families of children with disabilities need this support even more. We are looking for special families, keen to offer friendship and support to children with disabilities. If you could offer occasional overnight stays, then Western Corner's Link Family Scheme would like to hear from you. Previous experience is not needed. We will train you and pay your expenses. Do you have the time and energy for this?

For more information on the Link Family Scheme please contact: RACHAEL SHERRATT on Witney 772973 or 706404

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EUROPEAN UNITY & MINORITY GROUPS The place of minority religious and ethnic groups in the new

Europe. Speakers include: Rabbi Albert Friedlaner, Dr Barbara Marshal and Fr Allan While OP Further details available from: MRS ESTHER ROBINSON The Ammerdown Centre Radstock, Bath BA3 SSW Telephone: 0761 433709

Softly, softly, catchee vicar? A recent letter to this paper repeated the common complaint: "Why do we have to wait so long for our new Vicar?" It is NOT because 'the Diocese' (that shadowy body!) allows vacancies to run on in oder to save on the stipend bill. Vacancies are filled by patrons, either individuals or corporate bodies, and patrons are always anxious to press on with their task. However, because a 'living' is a piece of property, no patron can take steps to fill a vacancy, let alone offer it to a successor, until the sitting incumbent has formally resigned it or moved to another appointment. That is the root cause of delay. It would disappear if the 'parson's freehold' were to be abolished. It must be borne in mind that patronage has become more complicated. Gone for good are the days when the Bishop or other patron sent a man to fill a vacancy, with no questions asked. The introduction of parish representatives, (with power of veto), parish profiles (not to be drawn up till the last Vicar has gone!), and the multiplicity of patrons as a result of the merging of parishes, not to mention advertisement, short-listing and interviews, and nine months is

quite a normal length for a vacancy. The best thing a parish can do is think positively and plan boldly. Then it might attract a really good candidate. Frank Weston The Venerable Frank Weston is the Archdeacon of Oxford. In this new column he will write about practical matters ,and would welcome suggestions for possible topics.

Illustration © Graham Jeffrey(1992) is reproduced from Handle with Prayer: A Church Cleaner's Notebook by Graham Jeffery (Church House Publishing, £2.50) by permission of the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England.

Wanted: co-ordinator for neighbourhood centre The Blackbird Lays Neighbourhood Centre in Oxford has just been offered a Church Urban Fund grant for a part-time administrator and are now looking for someone adaptable and willing to work 75 hours a month to co-ordinate and develop its facilities. A day at the Centre starts at 8.30am with prayers for church staff and ends, perhaps, with an

evening community art class or a meeting of the new City Farm steering group. In between, you could be helping to prepare a pensioners' lunch, liasing with the Credit Union committee or popping in on the Saturday school mainly for Caribbean children or a keep-fit class. For more details, contact the Revd James Ramsay on 0865 778728.

The Door, June 1992 5

More from the Diocesan Clergy Conference • More from the Diocesan Clergy Conference • More from the Diocesan Clergy Conference

Swanwick

Reclining figures

Bishop Ed Salmon from South Carolina, whose enthusiasm as he addressed the conference each morning was infectious, gave Graham Smith, Rector of Kidlington, some of his own impressions of Swanwick... "Iwould say I helped encourage people to connect themselves to each other, so that they have a base on which to stand to deal with frustrating and painful issues in their local situation. If you don't talk to each other you will be in isolation and - I can only speak for myself - I don't think isolationists ever deal well with pressures and problems. By 're-imagining' I think we were talking about a change of attitude. We expected that at Swanwick we . plan for dealing with them Caught in the moment of relaxation: Terry Landsbert (below), Secretary of the Diocesann Board of Finance, writes up his diary, and (above) the Revd David Cook (Newbury).

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'Re-imagining the parish' led us slightly into the trap of thinkinj a lot about the Church, and I was glad to be able to choose two enlarging workshops. The one on our relationship as Christians with those of other faiths avoided polarisation, and explored how Jesus is the Way in which we show neighbourliness, tolerance and a readiness to speak of the hope that is in us. The Sexuality Workshop was more messy, but at least the voices of gentle men and gentle women were heard. Elaine Storkey started us off brightly on Day one. She spoke of listening to the radio news every hour to be globally aware, but not realising her neighbour had been rushed to hospital several days earlier.

If you can imagine a bishop called "Ed", also imagine someone who could tell stories like Bob Newhart, and who brought a professional polish to pastoral care. He challenged the vagueness of our pastoral approach, which lets people come and go. Bishop John Taylor was for many of us the star of the show - championing as he did, with gentleness and humour, the Divine open approach. I shan't forget his highlighting Jesus' sight of the sea, the immensity of which proclaimed the immensity of God. God must be God of all, and reimagining the parish involves looking on men and women, Christian and those of other faiths, bishops of England and America, and the world as much as the Church, in a new way.

St MARGARET'S CHURCH LEWKNOR

A flower festival (Shene Hymns). On July 1Oth/11th/12th at 1O.00am-8pm, refreshments available. The Revd John Samways (capt of the Oxford Diocese Cricket Team) will speak at the closing Songs of Praise at 6.30pm on July 12th

What we actually did was have a plan for dealing with 'us'. If you want to transform a parish, you transform the leadership, and that will be true not only of ordained leadership but of lay leadership too. How the leadership functions determines how the body functions. We have a sixyear strategy for the Diocese of South Carolina, which involves training by an outside group of people in Chicago. My impression of the Oxford Diocese is that you have leadership that knows what it wants to accomplish. You have a new newspaper. You have a Bishop who has appointed a priest to work

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( hpP John Taylor's Bible studies were a highlight for me . The lectures by Bishop Ed Salmon in many ways highlighted the difference between the American and English Churches and also between urban and rural churches. The opportunity to share with others in workshops was a good one although I think it might have been better if we had chosen only one workshop which could have lasted two days. The Revue on Thursday night brought tears of laughter to my eyes. It was excellent entertainment and dealt lightly with some of the frustrations of the conference. The final Eucharist sent us out believing whatever difficulties we face we are not alone- large though it is I believe we have a good Diocese and I' m proud to work in it. From The Revd Jo Stoker, Parish Deacon, Farnham Royal

No-one faces the prospect of spending four days in a confined space with 350 clergy with much pleasure, but it just goes to show how the Holy Spirit can transform even the bleakest of outlooks! I had a marvellous time and feel re-charged, re-inspired and reaffirmed to go forward in parish ministry. Unity was an underlying mood for me. We were as much united in our enjoyment of Bishop Ed Salmon's sharp humour, and in our gasps of amazement at what he and his congregation at St Louis had achieved, as we were in our thirst for the pearls of wisdom and insight from Bishop John Taylor's Bible studies on Acts. But for me, for the first time at a clergy conference, there was a sense of unity among the clergy - men and women. We recognised one another as-fellow ministers sharing a common task in our various parishes.

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on a programme to help clergy talk to each other, so that they can learn about themselves and find support. You have Bishops who are willing to receive constructively critical information, and to hear and use it. So I think you are looking at some very impressive leadership. I found that when people started to tell others what they were doing, they were already doing what we were talking about. Just discovering that empowered the other people in the room. I felt that all the gifts necessary for every kind of transformation and struggle that the clergy can imagine are already here."

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6 The Door, June 1992

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main lawns or badminton, or if none of these appeal then you could always opt for a game of tennis on the superb 'Entout-Cas' court. Play squash in the new court with its own viewing gallery, followed perhaps by making use of the indoor swiming pool, saunas and jacuzzi or by treating yourself to a session on the sun beds or steamtubs all housed in the leisure-spa complex in the lower ground area of the house. Let us not forget the children whilst you are enjoying all of this - for the younger ones there is an enclosed play garden with swings, slide, see-saw and climbing frame, whilst the older ones have an alternative in putting, croquet or use of the indoor recreation facilities. Finally it goes without saying that the resident managers are happy to welcome you to Widworthy Court and to do everything they can to make your stay a happy and enjoyable one.

All correspondence THE MANAGER, WIDWORTHY COURT WILMINGTON, Nr. HONITON DEVON EX14 9jN Telephone: 0883 744845

The Door, June

THE PETERTIDE DEACONS

All members of God's family Family connections seems to be the theme of the Petertide group

Nicholas Church, Newbury. At Milton Keynes, the candidates

of Deacons to be ordained at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford,

are: William Gammon (Chalfont St Peter), Simon Reed (Holy Trinity, Aylesbury), William Townsend (Hazlemere) and Derek

on Sunday June 28 by the Bishop of Oxford. Two of the ordinands are engaged to be married, nine are married (two to each

Walmsley (St Mary, Bletchley). They will be ordained by the

other!), one has just finished his training to find that his father is

Bishop of Buckingham.

now following the same course— and they have a total of 15

At Newbury the candidates are: Michael Halsall (SS Mary &

children between them! Music is a common interest, closely

John, Cowley), Richard Harrison (St Giles, Reading), Geoffrey

followed by walking, but only one admits to an interest in

Morgan (St Agnes w St Paul, Reading), Kenneth Singleton

competitive weightlifting!

(Grove) and Stephen Whitmore (St Nicholas, Newbury). They will be ordained by the Bishop of Reading. Please also remember in yourprayersioy Porter (Chipping Norton) and Julie Ramsbottorn (Bray) who were ordained deacons last year.

Your prayers are asked for all new deacons, and for those who will be ordained to the priesthood on the same day at the City Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes and at St Stephanie Bullock trained as a doctor in London, and has worked for the last ten years in Oxford in pre-natal diagnosis. She is married to David, also a doctor, and they have three children, Ralph, 16, Emily, 14. and Laura. 11. Stephanie was brought up in a Christian family and had a growing commitment to Christ. However, the call to the ordained ministry took her by surprise. That element of surprise is still with her, although she says she has a deeply felt trust in God. She will serve at All Saints, Cuddesdon, and at Ripon College.

Philip Goodey,.31, is married to Sandra. and they have an 18 monthold daughter Megan, and another baby due in July. Philip was born in Lydney in Gloucestershire but spent most of his early years in North Devon. Before training for the Ministry at Trinity College, Bristol, he worked as a computer programmer and consultant. He enjoys all sorts of music and plays folk guitar. Please pray for him as he moves house, starts a new job and has a baby all in the space of three weeks!

Glen Hocken comes from the South-East, and went to school in Ardingly in Sussex, and studied accountancy and computing at Kent University. He worked asacomputer consultant in London, before training as a school teacher. He says that he was "filled with the Spirit" when he was Confirmed as a schoolboy. Glen is engaged to Jenny Child, a microbiologist in Birmingham. They both enjoy country walks, music and sailing.

Brought up in a Dundee Congregationalist family, Ross Collins, 27, is still in touch with his old church despite having moved on to Anglicanism at school. He studied philosophy at Edinburgh University, and went on to Ripon College. He enjoys music and competitive weightlifting. Ross taught for two years in Paraguay with the South Amercian Missionary Society, and recently spent six months in Rome as an Anglican Exchange student at the Roman Catholic English College.

Michael Fuller was born in Surrey and grew up in Nottinghamshire and Essex. He has a BA and a Doctorate in chemistry at Worcester College, Oxford. As well as teaching chemistry and English, Michael has also worked in a hospital, a juice factory and an office! His main hobbies are music, literature and walking. He says that he also enjoys exploring the relationship between science and theology. Michael studied for the ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge, and will serve at All Saints', High Wycombe. Julia Wilkinson was brought up and went to school in Oxford, where her parents still live. She trained as a teacher at Bedford College of Physical Education, and taught Physical Education and Art for a number of years. She then went to University College, North Wales, to read theology. This was followed by a wonderful year' working in an inner city parish in Birmingham, before she began training at Lincoln Theological ColIge. She will be serving her title at St Ann and St Peter's Church, High Wycombe. After completing an honours degree at Bulmershe College of Higher Education in the sciences and drama, Dean Fostekew, 29, spent three years teaching young children at a school in Basingstoke where he was responsible for drama and religious education. In 1989 he left to train for the ministry at the Theological College in Chichester. He gained a Ceru.icate in Theology in 1991,and has recently completed the Chichester Certificate in Ministerial Theology. He will serve his title at All Saints, Boyne Hill in Maidenhead.

John Simmons, 38, is a Lancashire lad who says he is pleased to be coming as a missionary to the South to spread an appreciation of all things Northern: fish and chips, Oldham Athletic, mountains, flat caps, Rugby League and the like! Formerly a maths teacher, John has worked for the Church Pastoral Aid Society for the past 11 years, writing, preaching, training youth leaders and producing Bible teaching materials. His wife Helen has somehow kept the family sane in Warrington ('vodka country) for the three years that John has been training on the Northern Ordination Course. Jennifer, 9, Alison, 6, Andrew, 4 and Fiona, 3 months, complete the Simmons household. Being able to,train from home was very important to John as it enabled him to stay in touch with ordinary life and to continue at his local church. The move south to Thame will enable the Simmons' to see more of Helen's family, who live in Guildford. John is also looking forward to working as part of the St Mary's team: "We have visited Thame twice and the welcome has been amazing," he said. On June

28, following his ordination at Christ Church Cathedral, Ox-

ford, John's baby daughter Fiona will be baptised in Thame. Jeff Wattley comes to Greyfriars Church, Reading, from Trinity College, Bristol, with his wife Sheila and their three sons Daniel, 6, Jonathan. 3, and 18 month-old Ben. After University in Wales, Jeff spent six years as a civil servant in Whitehall before moving to the Church Pastoral Aid Society where he was responsible for Pathfinder Camps anc CYFA houseparties. He and Sheil have continued to lead an outdoor activity camp in Cornwall. Theit hobbies include caravanning squash, dance and crafts and sailing Chris van Straaten, 36, come) from Zimbabwe. He studied Eng. lish at Bristol University, returning to Africa to teach. Four years late) he left to work as a teacher in Asun outh cion, Paraguay, with the SnuffAmerican American Missionary Society. Hers he met and married Kathy who was, as Chris puts it, responsible for 'orientating' him. They moved to Spain as lay workers in an Anglican Church in Alicante.They returned to England in 1989, and Chris has just completed two years at Oak Hill training for ordination. They have two children, Joy, 5, and Patrick,2.

Jonathan Millard comes from Hale in Cheshire, and went to school in Manchester. He read for a degree in management at Aston University in Birmingham and studied for the Bar.He practised as a barrister for almost five years in Manchester before going to Wycliffe Hall in Oxford to study theology. He met his wife Jill in Oxford. They were married last year in the US. Jill is completing her teaching studies and is looking for a job. Jonathan enjoys music, photography and walking, as well as skiing and travel.

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Now completing training at Cranmer Hall,Durham, Simon Justice looks toward to serving his title at Si Michael's, Tilehurst. His fiancée, Michele, will be joining him there following their marriage in September. Simon spent several years in Germany before attending school in High Wycombe. He went on to read Divinity at St David's University College, Lampeter. He took one year off in California before studying for a Master's degree in theology in Edinburgh. Simon's father Keith has followed in his son's footsteps and has been accepted at Wycliffe Hall.

A Scot by birth, Andrew Duff has travelled widely in his 34 years. As a medical technician he has worked in military and civilian hospitals in the UK and abroad. Alison Duff trained as a nurse in Inverness. They have two daughters, Karma, 12 and Rebecca, 11. Before training with Andy at Salisbury and Wells Theological College, she worked as an Administration Officer for Bucks Age Concern. Andy is a keen plane spotter, while Alison loves singing.

1992

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' p 8 The Door, June 1992

From the Bishop of Oxford Shortly after I became an ordinand I went back to my ancestral village in Wales. As I walked down the street, a shopkeeper hurried out of his shop, and, vigorously pumping my arm up and down, he said over and over again: "Oh, Richard, I'm so glad you've got a calling." And a calling was precisely what I felt I did have. I like the word 'calling'. It suggests a balance between fate and meaninglessness. A fatalistic view of life assumes that everything is pre-determined. In contrast to that, as Christians, we know that we are genuinely free, within limits, to choose. But we also know that it is not our choice alone that is involved. There is a purpose of God with which we can cooperate. We learn about that purpose through a calling. Something is said which we are free to hear. A direction is suggested which we are free to take. A role is offered which we are free to assume. Cardinal Newman once wrote: "God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I may never know it in this life; but! should be told it in the next. He has not created me for nought." Sometimes it is very difficult for people to discern what it is that God wishes them to do. They hear no voices. They see no visions. Nothing seems clear. But some people do feel a clear sense of calling. We have a rising number of ordinands. We have a good body of lay readers, and a good number of religious houses. Yet most Christians work out their vocation as lay people. However wonderful it is to be a priest or a deacon, a monk or nun, there are not two classes of Christians. To be a Christian teacher or mother is every bit as good; indeed, if that is the path God has called us to walk in, anything else is second-class. At the beginning of the Ordination service the Bishop prays: "Hear our prayer for your faithful people, that each in our vocation and ministry may be an instrument of your love." God's Holy Spirit will lead us in His way if we let Him.

NORWICH ORGAN 395 Sprowston Road, Norwich NR3 4HG

The bricks are waiting to be delivered, but...

WM we build? I

've got a load of bricks, guv'nor. Any use to you?" The bricks are men and women in our Diocese who are interested in ordained ministry in our Church, ready to offer themselves as deacons or priests. There are plenty of and them at the moment they're good bricks, too. It's exciting. The guv'nor is the Church, you and me. Are these bricks any use to us at the moment? Are we needing bricks for new building, or for repairs, or for replacements? When I was ordained 25 years ago, Iwas one of about 600 men that year. In 1992, we expect less than half of that number, 275 men, will be ordained as stipendiary curates in the Church of England. But that is not the whole story. Sixty-five women will be ordained this year, too. And that is not the whole story either. Non- stipendiary ministry did not exist in its present form 25 years ago. Nowadays, around 100 men and women will be ordained each year to minister within and beyond their local churches, through the context of their working lives. Many of them come from our own Diocese, and serve us here when they are ordained. But the net effect is clear. The number of parochial ministers in our Church, men and women together, is going down, and will go down further unless there -

from among its own people? And is a startling and sustained increase in the number of candishould the limited number of stidates we take on to train for pendiary clergy be highly trained ordination. So, surely, we can consultants, teachers and resource make use of those who offer people, not normally attached to individual parishes? themselves, and indeed look for more? We may hear more of such proposals, but they have not There is a wide variety of people interested -undergraduates aroused much enthusiasm so far. and experienced working men It seems that we still prefer to and women, married and single have parish clergy as we have (but more and more married), done in the past. This is not just catholic, liberal and evangelical nostalgia. If you are excited by the new (but more challengevangelihe es the cal). They Church come Thirteen men and women will faces in from town ordained in this Diocese on be this decparishes June 28, but the overall and rural ade and national picture is one of a beyond, parishes shortage of ordination you may (but more candidates. Canon Martin Peirce, well from the hope for towns). Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Over the asks the challenging question are a new kind of last 20 we really ready to provide the leaderyears, the money and support for the ship, but Church's ordained ministry9 still want strategy he a recoghas been nisable to maintain the ministry as best we can, parish priest. stretching our limited resources. So it sounds as if we do want Our rural parishes know what more stipendiary clergy. But how much do we want them, and what this means sharing your next vicar with yet one more neighof the cost? The cost is frightenbouring parish. There have been ing people at the moment. Some proposals for a different way of dioceses have hinted that to save using our stipendiary clergy. money they may be forced to find Should we give up trying to mainjobs for fewer curates than are tain a stipendiary parochial minready to be ordained. This was istry? Should the local church worrying to hear in the Diocese provide its own sacramental and of Oxford, where many of our pastoral and teaching ministry candidates usually do go to other -

The DOOR is published 10 times a year by the Diocese of Oxford Editor: Christine Zwart. Sub-editor: Ian Smith Distribution Manager: Tim Russian. Editorial Support Group: Jane Bugg (Brill), Frank Blackwell (Dorchester), John Crowe (Chairman), Richard Hughes (Whitchurch-onThames), John Morrison (Aylesbury), William Purcell (Botley), Tim Russian (Long Crendon), Richard Thomas (Communications Officer), John Winnington-Ingram (Cottisford), David Winter (Parish Resources). Editorial Address: Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey, Oxford OX! ONB. Tel. 0865 244566. Advertising:Goodhead Publishing Ltd., 33 Witney Rd., Eynsham, Oxon. 0X8 1PJ. Tel. 0865 880505. The DOOR is published by Oxford Diocesan Publications Ltd (Secretary, T.C. Landsbert) whose registered office is Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey, Oxford OX1 ONB The copy deadline for the July issue is June 8 for features, June 11 for letters, What's On and news, and June 22 for advertising. There is no August issue of The DOOR.

Canon Martin Peirce dioceses. The Bishops of our Church have responded firmly to these anxious thoughts... "The financial pressures facing the Church should be seen as an opportunity to be exploited, and not a signal for retreat." They agreed to continue to put forward for training and ordination all whose call to ordained ministry has been successfully tested. "They are the seed corn for the future of the Church," their spokesman said. But it is the whole Church, not just the bishops, who must provide the resources. Are we ready to support their hopes? In 1992 our Diocesan contribution to the central fund for training the Church's ordinands is £309,000. In addition, we shall be spending about £140,000 in providing modest support for the

God Almighty challenge us. Challenge our hearts with your love. Challenge our wills with your

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June 7 (Pentecost) : Our Archdeacons Frank Weston, David Griffiths, John Morrison; those who work in trade unions; Bishop Keith Benzies, Madagascar (linked with several parishes). June14 (Trinity Sunday): The DOOR and of all journalists; Oxford Diocesan Partnership in World Mission. June 21 (Pentecost 2, Vocation Sunday): Vocations Advisers; teachers in theological colleges in the Dioceso Ripon, Wycliffe, St Stephen's House, Oxford Ministry Course; all ordination candidates in the Diocese; people thinking about changing work and those starting work for the first time; David and Elizabeth Bishop in Zimbabwe (from St Clement's, Oxford). June 28 (Pentecost 3): Deanery of Amersham; those who work in administration; the work of the Diocesan Ministry Department; those being ordained today (see page 7); Fiona Matthew's Murree High School for Girls, Pakistan (from St Clement's, Oxford)

Amen (After David Adam) Brought back from Malton Parish Church by Bob and Maureen Stone.

Each Sunday, the Diocesan Prayer Diary includes: a deanery or some aspect of Diocesan life, an area of public concern or employment, part of the world Church linked to the Diocese.

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Martin Peirce is Diocesan Director of Ordinands and PostOrdination Training, anda Canon of Christ Church.

Diocesan Sunday Prayer Diary

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families of our growing number of married ordinands who are in residential training. If the Church will show that it is delighted to spend all this, and more, on training its future clergy, this may be the sign of confidence which encourages the candidates we hope will come forward. Bricks or seed corn these metaphors are too passive. Our potential clergy are already our neighbours. They sit next to us at church, and they know how we are thinking. They need to hear from us all whether we need them, and whether we shall value their ministry.

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The Door, June 1992 9

Sex and the Mothers' Union An article on cohabitation and mention of a discussion document on the issues surrounding prostitution, in the June issue of Home and Family, the Mothers' Union magazine, seems to have surprised and shocked some of the general public, though it delighted the media. Yet I believe it should not have surprised them. The aim of the Mothers' Union is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life; this will include how we express our sexuality. Members uphold the ideal of Christian marriage as a lifelong partnership, whilst acknowledging that it is often hard work to hold on to that ideal. Reviewing social issues is part of the regular work initiated by members of the Social Concern Department of the Mothers' Union. Some members and their friends, for instance, are considering the implications of processes which allow parents to select the sex of unborn children. Others are exploring the basic principles involved as we consider 'the value of human life'. Dicussions reflect our concern to promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life, and to help those whose family life has met with adversity. We hope to follow Jesus' example of unconditional love, compassion and practical help as part of our Christian service to the community, each using our own individual gift in an appropriate way. If there is anyone who would be interested in hearing more about these discussions, perhaps they would get in touch with me. Rosemary S.Peirce Diocesan President, The Mothers' Union, Priory Room, Christ Church, Oxford OXJ IDP.

Well done! I picked up the May issue of The DOOR yesterday, and am keen to write to you straight away with admiration and congratulations. The whole issue, including your excellent editorial, is very fine: clear and forthright in its values and commitments, interesting and informative in its reporting and factual descriptions, and throughout stimulat-

Your letters are welcome. Please keep them concise, and don't forget to include your name and address.

ing and challenging without being at all threatening. I hope very much that this issue is widely read and acted on not only in the Oxford Diocese but further afield. With good wishes for all your work and hoping that The DOOR continues to flourish. Robin Richardson, Director, Runnymede Trust, London, E 1.

Racial justice I should like to congratulate you on devoting the May issue of The DOOR to the topic of racial justice. You cannot have known when you went to press how topical it would be, as news of the worst racial violence the United States has ever known only hit the headlines on May 1. Therefore, to touch on some of the issues involved was both timely and prophetic. It is only by the grace of God that copy-cat demonstrations which spread through American cities did not erupt on this side of the Atlantic. It could happen here! If colour is the greatest test God has set mankind, as you say, Christians should be prophetically witnessing and challenging our attitudes and the laws we make. Bishop Kalilombe reminded us that in the last century English missionaries took our language and culture to the colonies and remote parts of the earth. They were "made welcome in many places including those countries from which immigrants have since come". Coming in search of education or work, immigrants expected to find the same Christian hospitality. Sadly, they have often been disappointed. Today even genuine refugees and asylum seekers are being turned away.

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According to the Guardian, the number of applications for asylum fell last year to 44,840 well below the level of two years ago. I suspect that this is not because there are fewer genuine refugees looking for a home, but because they know that they will not be welcome here. This is nothing for us to be proud of. If God is giving us a second chance to redeem our history, as Bishop Kalilombe assures us, perhaps the first thing we have to do is throw out the Asylum Bill. Shelagh Ranger, Oxford.

Thank you I was pleasantly surprised on visiting.Bibury to find that the Gloucester Diocese actually thanks its parishioners for completing their quotas. What a change it would be for us in Oxford Diocese, if instead of being treated as if we were gas board consumers with a monthly computer readout, we received a letter signed by the Bishop saying "Thank you - haven't you done well!" But no - I searched through my archive suitcase, and all I could find was a postcard from a few years back making the first demand. Doesn't Oxford know how to say thank you? In this computer age it shouldn't take much for the Bishop to be able to sign appropriate letters to parishes as quotas are achieved. Alan Rothery, Leafield PCC,West Oxon

Synod report I waited with eager anticipation to read the report of the last Diocesan Synod in your columns, fascinated to see if your reporter

could create a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Not surprisingly, the task proved impossible. Following some well-aimed arrows at those who manage our financial affairs for us, the morning was taken up with a long debate on the Old Testament principle of tithing. It included some moving testimonies by Evangelicals, and an important reminder that the Gospel requirement was actually much more rigorous. But there was no debate on the creation of wealth, and only one mention of it in the list of six sections of the motion moved by the Lay Chairman of the Synod. This is not only unrealistic but odd in a Diocese where the Diocesan Bishop is one of the few Christian leaders seriously to address this question in writing. Though I raised my hand six times to speak on this matter, those who habitually speak in Synod were the only ones called by the Chairman. I don't agree with a member who said afterwards that the procedure was 'rigged' but I do wish that we could be more realistic in our thinking and in our debating! The Revd Michael Wright, St Barnabas, Oxford.

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Ordinand Sandy Hayter (see below) greets bride Emma Gaynor and her father before marrying Emma to Richard Gardener at St Peter's, Burnham

The Reader + The Church Army Captain + The Deacon

I was the very last to know'

'God placed a burden of love'

In the early days of my Reader training, I looked back at how I had arrived at that point. My friends knew where I was going before I did! After three years as a church warden I was aware of a void ahead of me in my Christian life. Where should I go next? When I started a course with the Newbury Christian Training Scheme I was asked: "Are you training as a Reader?" "Oh no, not me. Not me, God." Yet the Spirit was there, working away within me, until I asked my Vicar about training. His reply: "Keep going as you are". It seemed that he, too, knew where I was meant to go!

I started to realise that maybe God was calling me to some sort of ministry while at college in Croydon in 1984 with several Muslim friends. As I talked to them about Jesus, it had a profound effect on both them and me. It was as though God had placed a burden of love upon my heart for my friends, and for all Muslims. After I moved back home to Hanslope, North Bucks, and got a job, I started to wonder what God was doing, because every avenue seemed to close. I talked to the Oxford Diocesan Director of Ordinands, who advised me to do an extension course, and write to missionary societies. As Istruggled to understand what God was doing, it was the small things that seemed to be most significant: the only extension course I could find on Evangelism was run by the Church Army, and a prayer sheet from the South American Missionary Society asked me to consider whether my calling was to this country or to overseas. I realised God was calling me to mission work here, and to the Church Army. In 1987 I was accepted for training, but before startingl got married. While travelling around Europe on our honeymoon, my wife Vreni and I visited Morocco. This, and three months in Pakistan, convinced me I was called to work with British Muslims. Now Jam in Oldham, where there is a large percentage of Asians - helping the local Christian community know its neighbours and communicate its faith in Jesus. Istill struggle to know what God is doing; maybe when this involves others' hopes and fears, and not just my own, the struggle is even harder.

Joy and relief On acceptance as a Reader candidate there was a great sense of joy and relief; a door had been opened, with a world to serve for the rest of my life. The training continued through NCTS, giving tremendous group support to everyone. My future ministry will be what God wills, but at present it is mainly with younger age groups-pram services, family services, and youth Confirmation courses. So many of these people have been through my 'hands' that I feel like the community midwife in Thatcham! There have been times of testing as I have moved deeper into faith, but there have always been friends to help and encourage me. Marion Fontaine Marion is a Reader in the Parish of St Mary, at Thatcham, inBerkshire.

Jeremy Beake

'Signs all along the way'

The NSM

'Something missing fmm myilfe'

It is ten years since I took my Asked the question: "Where and when did a sense of call, of first step towards seeking ordivocation, begin?" I have to an- nation as a Non-Stipendiary swer: "Long before the actual Priest . Before that, it had never moment of recognition and ac- entered my head that the possiknowledgement." For as I look bility existed for me. I had been actively involved in back over my life, I can see there were various signs along various forms of lay ministry for the way, some more clear than about nine years as I grew in others. faith and commitment to God However, the turning point and His Church, and although I came some 20 years ago when couldn't define it at the time, my daughter's baptism led to something was missing om my my own commitment to Christ life, leaving me restless and frusand to my Confirmation.! felt trated. very much as though I had On reflection, I would say that 'come home', and was in the there was too much of me in my right place -the place where life and not enough God, and God wanted me to be. Gradu- since the day when I offered ally, I became increasingly in- myself for consideration as an volved in the life of the Church ordinand, I have come to rely and discovered a growing and more and more on His grace, developing ministry both with- having to return again and again in the Church and in the wider to the cross of Christ to receive community. Somewhere deep forgiveness, strength and peace. Whatever form of ministry we inside, I felt that call to Deaconess ministry, a call affirmed find ourselves drawn into, it can only be effective God is alby the Vicar and others. Thus, my journey along the lowed to work thiuugh us. The selection process began, an im- vertical and horizontal aspects portant and necessary time of the cross must pass through when my vocation was tested, the centre of this ministry, breakdiscovered and recognised. Af- ing our self-centredness and alter training for three years at lowing Jesus Himself to be the Salisbury & Wells Theologi- focal point. It is after all, His ministry. He cal College, I was made a Deaconess and later ordained Dea- is the instigator of our calling con. The three parishes where and commission, and the source I have served have been very of power which brings healing different, and enabled my min- and wholeness to us and the world istry to develop and broaden. we seek to serve. May He be Now, as Team Minister in the magnified. Burnham Team Ministry, the on Ball sense of rightness continues. My ministry is both full and The Revd Vernon Ball is a fulfilling, and always a privi- maintenance technician at the lege. The life is demanding, National Westminster Bank's challenging, exciting and won- training college at Heythrop derful, and! would not change Park, and a member of the it for the world! Banbury Team Ministry. He was Sandy Hayter

ordained in 1990.

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The Door, June 1992 11

G CALLED'*? Our Vocations Network Like most others, our own Diocese has people to encourage individuals to find the vocation that is right for them. Special events are also being held in 1992. The network also assists the Diocesan Director of Ordinands in the early assessment and interviewing of candidates who have made an approach to their parish clergy. Parishes are being encouraged to pick out possible vocations amongst church members, and several have their own system of dealing with these. The bishops have recently stressed the importance of the Church's parish system. Not only priests and deacons, but men and women in lay posts, particularly teachers, are needed as much now as ever before. New forms of lay ministry are emerging, and training is being prepared for them. Watch in The DOOR for events - others have, and the vocation days have already benefited from these advertisements. Your local vocations adviser will be preparing some event in your area. A fellowship of vocation, called Oxford Vocations, has started in Oxford and meets twice in each University term. Similar groups may be formed in other centres in the Diocese. Christopher Hewetson (Diocesan Council for Ministry, Chairman, VocationsNetwork)

g rn k my ordiliary iever )OSS1-

'edin ry for W in God ugh I time, n my frusy that n my and fered is an rely race, again ceive eace. ry we it can is alThe pects ough reakid ale the y. He tiling urce aling vorid le be Ball is a 't the ink's hrop f the e was

The Ordinand

The Religious

So what is Lay Ministry?

1amstill the same person'

'The call would not go away'

My initial vocation was as a civil engineer, and I was content with my lot. It wasn't that I had never considered a different vocation-.-- Ijust didn't think I was the right sort of person to be a priest. God would have to give me a Road to Damascus type of vision if he wanted me to change, and I was confident that that would never happen. And it didn't -but God's calling to the Priesthood came, nevertheless. It all started through a 'Vocations Day' and Ibegan thinking, questioning, talking—initially with my wife. No, it couldn't possibly be that God wanted me to do this, and I would heave a sigh of relief— until the next time a word from a lesson or a sermon seemed to speak directly to me. After a year, I realised that this feeling wasn't going to go away on its own and so began the process whereby this was tested by the Church. Interviews over a number of months with my Vicar, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, and finally the Bishop, culminated in a residential selection confereice. As a result, I was recommended for training for the stipendiary ministry and am now in my first year at Chichester Theological Collee. Don't get me wrong -I'm still the same person I always was, it'sjust that God seems to be calling me to something new. Might that be the same for you? John Tomlinson John is at Chichester Theological College .His home parish is St John's, Woodley,, Berks.

The first indication I had of a call to the religious life came during my selection for training to the ministry of Deaconess. In interviews, I was twice asked: "How do you see your future ministry?" Each time the interviewer remarked: "I can see you in community". At that time the word did not conjure up 'religious' community for me. Three years later, that dimension was added and for the first time I seriously considered a vocation to the religious life. At first busy parish life and ordination as a deacon pushed the immediacy of the call into the background. Yet it would not go away, there was Divine restlessness and a sense of something different for me, and a need to move on - but where to? For years my Area Bishop asked the same question: "How do you see your future ministry?" After discussion with him the process of discernment began. I nibbled at various religious and lay communities, under the guidance of a spiritual director, and after ten months of searching, I decided to test my vocation in the Society of All Saints, Oxford, where my diaconate is affirmed. I became a postulant, and after four months I received a very real assurance about and becoming a novice. There are many areas of ministry open to a Religious. This will include for me personally, I believe, ministry to the dying and bereaved and, at some stage, spiritual direction - all within a coliritiunity that seeks to do work relevant to the needs of its present day context. Revd Sister Jean Davina N., Society ofAll Saints

Lay ministry is surely the ministry of every baptised Christian, and yet when we refer to 'lay ministry', we often mean that ministry which has been authorised in some special way such as the ministry of Reader or Church Army officer. With churches up and down the country developing 'every member ministry', and encouraging the use of people's gifts in pastoral care, worship and teaching, and with an increasing shortage of clergy, there is a growing wave of interest in authorised lay ministries. For many years the recognised avenues were as Accredited Lay Workers, Church Army Officers and Readers, or as members of a religious community, and we can thank God that the Church is finding an increasing need for these forms of service. The Diocese has a

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Do you have a sense that God may be calling you to some new or deeper service? Is that service in the sphere of your daily work or in your local community or congregation? Will you need further training? Are you called to some form of professional ministry, ordained or lay, full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid? First, talk to your Minister or some other experienced person in your church. Look out for the leaflet in your church: IS GOD CALLING YOU? and contact your local Vocations Adviser. We will be happy to discuss your sense of vocation with you, and try to help you discern where that might be leading. Hilary Unwin Hilary isAmersham Deanery Training Officer & Vice Chairman of the Vocations Advisers Team. Telephone: 0494-725228.

Lay worker Ann McKay prepares a mother and son, for Baptism in the Buckinghamshire parish of California wonderful band of 350 Readers, with about 50 more in training, and there is a small but important group of Church Army and Accredited Lay Ministries. However, more and more parishes are using women and men in roles that hitherto would have been seen as primarily served by the clergy. In Baptism visiting and preparation, Confirmation groups, administration, pastoral care, counselling and healing ministries, hospital visiting and 'sick Communions', children's and youth work - where parishes deem it to be appropriate, the area bishop may be approached to authorise and commission suitable people for specialised lay ministries in the Church. Where such potential ministry is envisaged, there are various matters to be considered. Has the parish identified and described the ministry required? Are there adequate resources to sustain this work? What personal attributes are to be looked for (personality, character, faith, vocation, quality of mind, relationshiops and spirituality)? What are the training needs? If you want to know about lay ministry, contact me at Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey, Oxford 0X2 ONB (0865 244566) or at Kintbury Vicarage, Newbury, RGI5 OTS (0488 58243). Martin Gilliam Martin is Warden of Readers and Diocesan Adviser for Authorised Lay Ministries.

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The home is very comfortable and avoids the institutional feel of so many other homes. The rooms are spacious and residents are encouraged to bring in their own furniture and memorabilia to make them feel at home. There is a high ratio of staff to residents. The staff are excellent and the residents well cared for. We currently have a vacancy available and should you be interested in superior accommodation during your retirement we strongly recommend that you came and visit. For further details contact: Proprietors: MRS K.H.I. BURDEN, SRN, SCM,

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The Door, June 1992 13

Spadework for evangelism Many people (including clergy) find evangelism difficult, as it seems to rely so much upon the individual skills and attitudes, and special gifts of personality,of the evangelists. In contrast, a proven strategy for mission and one which is essentially corporate and co-operative, is church planting. Don Brewin, Team Rector of Walton, Aylesbury is convenor of a day designed for those who are concerned for strategic evangelism in the 1990s and might consider the possibility of planting a new congregation in their area. This is an opportunity to do some spade work in preparing for such a plant. The keynote speaker is the Revd George Lings, Vicar of St George's, Deal. He has made a detailed survey of Anglican church planting in the UK, and has just returned from a sabbatical leave studying church plants in Singapore and New Zealand. If you would like to attend this day please get in touch with Gill Pratley, the Diocesan Institute, Church House, North Hinksey, Oxford OX2 ONB. Tel: 0865 244566. Or if you want to know more about it, then have a word with the Revd Don Brewin on 0296 82068. Vincent Strudwick Principal, Diocesan Institute

Sea Sunday July 12 is Sea Sunday, when special thanks and prayers are offered for seafarers and the Church's ministry to them. The Missions to Seamen is sometimes the only point of contact for the 1.5 million seafarers whose work takes them away from their homes and families for long periods. Sea Sunday teaching packs available from Angela Murray 071 248 5202.

Bishop in Court! • RAE Abingdon officially closes on July 31, and to celebrate its '60 proud years' St Mary Magdalen Church, Shippon, is holding a festival of flowers on that theme from June 12-14. The church is unusual because for 50 years it has served both the local community and the RAF station, and has been looked after by the RAF Chaplain in Charge. • The Revd Jane Durrell retired recently after 25 years in the Diocese of Oxford and 27 in full-time ministry in the Church. At a parish farewell in Banbury she was presented with a 'This is your life'bookabouther 13 years

Jane Durrell as Parish Deacon in the town, and received a video message from the Bishop of Dorchester. The Diocese said goodbye at a party on her 60th birthday, when she was presented with a piece of illuminated calligraphy and a pen "to write her memoirs". While working as a qualified social worker in the East End of London, Jane took responsibility for a brother and sister. Now the boy is married with a family in Norfolk and Jane is their "honorary Granny". She has retired to Norwich to be near them. • Dorothy Fox is an assistant in the Diocesan Department of So-

cial Responsibility. She has been a member of the Church of the Holy Family in Blackbird Leys, Oxford since it was built. In 1990 she agreed to produce an article about the parish for the church magazine but she became so interested that she decided to write a more detailed history. The result is Blackbird Leys: A Thirty YearHistory (3.50, illustrated). She subtitles it: 'The story of an ecumenical church growing out of nothing on a new council estate built in the 60s' because it covers not only the first 30 years of the church, but the first 30 years of the community, too. "I feel privileged to have been part of the vision linking the church and the community and hope that this booklet may help to strengthen those links," she writes. Her book is available from Doreen Wright, Holy Family Church, Blackbird Leys. OX4 5JH. • The Revd Richard Ames, Rector of St John's Episcopal Church of Hollywood, Florida, is looking for someone who might like to do a clergy exchange in the summer and early autumn next year, for two to four months. His parish is 20 miles north of Miami and four hours away from Disney World. The parish is well endowed with a retired priest, and so the duties would be very light. His clergy home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and has a solar panelled and heated swimming pool, and comes with a large and overly friendly Doberman Pinscher named Luke! Contact Mr Ames at 5512 Cleveland Street, Hollywood, Florida, 33021-4616, Telephone 0101 3059663769. *The Rector of Rotherfleld Peppard, the Revd 'Bob' ButlerSmith, and more than 60 memI AM A CHRISTIAN with 10 years' computer and PC support experience and am looking for work In either a Christian or secular organisation. For further information please phone 02357-66849.

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Office (0235 520144). • Newport Pagnell Festival gets bigger and better, and this year offers nine days of entertainment ranging from a donkey derby to folk dancing in the church aisles. The festival is billed as a town attraction, but is organised by the Parish Church Restoration Group in aid of its £195,000 appeal. The appeal itself will benefit from a series of concerts in the church, a festival ball, a classic car rally and four exhibitions, and on the first Saturday the bellringers will give conducted tours of the parish church roof and tower to show the work that has been done. Programmes from the Secretary on 0908 610282. • We are getting closer to Europe! At least the Diocese of Oxford is. The new Team Vicar in the Dorchester team Ministry is the Revd Mervyn Puleston, the former Anglican Chaplain of Geneva in the 'Diocese of Europe'. DAVID WASLEY M.A. ATC AMGP ARTIST IN STAINED GLASS. CONSERVATOR and FERRÁMENTA specialist. Tel: 0494 523978. Somerset House, 145 London Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 1BT.

subjects including Memoirs, Religion, Poetry, Children's Stories and Fiction. New authors welcome. Write for details to: ADELPIII PRES.S (Dept. A. 24)

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SPEND A DAY of poetry, music and meditation in the Chiltern Hills, 14th July lOam-4pm. Only 10 places, £20 inclusive of lunch. Tel: 0296

624480 for further details.

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On page 13 of the May DOOR we published a list of the Diocese's 450th anniversary celebrations. We apologise for leaving out some of the events, and here is a revised list of the June and July dates: June 6/7 St Peter's Church, Drayton, nr Abingdon, have a flower festival. On the Saturday there is to be a musical evening with 'Swinging Samson' an1 there will be tea on Sunday. July 11 Christ Church Cathdral, Oxford - the Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers Annual Festival Service, followed by a month of special ringing events. July 11/12 St Nicholas Church, Earley, Reading—Flower and Garden Festival.

Deaf Choir Please note, too, that the special service at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes celebrating ten years of the Di. ocesan Deaf Choir is on Sunday, June 21 at 3pm, not June 24 as stated on page 13 of the May issue. Sorry!

Advertisers' conditions All enquiries concerning advertising in this newspaper should be directed to the publishers (OxfordDiocesan Publications Limited) through its printers (Goodhead Publishing Limited). Advertisements are accepted and published upon the Conditions of Acceptance published from time to time by Goodhead Publishing Limited as if in those conditions the name of Oxford Diocesan Publications Limited was added to that of Goodhead Publishing Limited and references throughout the remainder of the document amended accordingly; copies of the Conditions of Acceptance are available from Goodhead Publishing Limited upon request. In addition Oxford Diocesan Limited and G9odhead Publishing Limited forthemselves, their servants olagents reserve the right to make any alteration it or they consider necessary or desirable in an advertisement and to require blocks or copy to be amended to meet its or their approval.

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bers of the choir and congregation of All Saints' Church sang Eucharist and Matins at Guildford Cathedral on Low Sunday, April 26 during the cathedral choir holiday. • 'Upstairs and Downstairs' devotees should head for Hambledon church near Henley on June 6, when a concert there will include readings by local actress Jean Marsh who played Rose in the popular television series. • To celebrate the completion of work on its magnificent medieval painted ceiling and to raise more money for its appeal, St Helen's, Abingdon is holding an unusual sight and sound evening. On June 20 at 730pm Dr Mary Remnant will be giving a lecture recital on 'Instruments in Chaucer's England'. Not only will there be a rare opportunity to hear the instruments, but there will be slides and a chance to see the ceiling if you haven't seen it already. Tickets f-5 ,concessions £3, at the door or from the Church

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The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd John Bone, recently visited Emmbrook Court, a sheltered accommodation development in Reading. He celebrated the completion of some new apartments, and also received a Bible from Mr K. Speare, of Gideon's International, on behalf of the residents of Emmbrook Court - in memory of Mrs Sylvia Bull, the wife of the Revd Robert Bull who has close ties with Emmbrook Court. The Bishop spoke about the important of the elderly in our society, and what a significant contribution they make through their experience and insight. Photo courtesy of Reading Newspaper Co.

Dates for the anniversary

Security, safety and care in a beautiful setting Emmbrook Court, a unique new development by Retirement Security Ltd in Reading, is specifically designed for retired people who are finding it difficult to manage in their own homes, but do not wish to give up their independence and

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Very sheltered accommodation means that if you purchase a retirement home at Emmbrook Court you will not have to move out even if you become very frau or disabled. You will be completely independent, but friendly staff will be there every day of the year, 24 hours of the day, should you need them. At Emmbrook Court, there is a dining room offering very good reasonably priced meals, so that if you don't feel like cooking for yourself, you won't have to. Emmbrook Court is managed by local Reading people with a wide knowledge of services for retired folk. The development is close to shops, but quiet and spacious, fully covered by the new National House Building Code for Sheltered Housing. Owners at Emmbrook Court can also feel safe and secure since the developers have taken advice from both police and the fire authority. Pets are welcome, and the development is set in three acres of attractive, private woodland. Apartments available from £ 73,800 (shared equity scheme). A brochure and full information is available from: RETIREMENT SECURITY LTD

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14 The Door, June 1992

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Two sixth formers from St Augustine's School in Oxford recently cycled to Aylesbury, in a 50-mile sponsored tandem ride to raise money for a trip to Tanzania to help African school children Emily Barnes (17) and Sharon Murphy(18) heard about the project to bring fresh water to a group of Tanzanian children when the Roman Catholic Lasallian Brothers gave a talk about it during an assembly. The girls plan to live and work with

local people during their visit later this year, and may do some teaching. They expect to help in a project to provide fresh water for the children there— many children lose up to two days at school every fortnight, because they have to walk to collect water. St Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic/Church of England Aided Upper School is one of very few joint Anglican/RC schools in England.

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Hi There, Well, we've had Lent journies, living Easter messages, and now we come to another of God's wonderful gifts, the Holy Spirit. The day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit is called Pentecost, or Whitsun (June 7), Acts 2:1-12. Last year I wrote about the power of the Holy Spirit - how quite often, He helps us do things we wouldn't have thought possible (as long as we believe that the Holy Spirit comes from God!). We also need to keep in touch with God through prayer, and to ask for His help. Then, by the power of His Spirit we can have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control ( Gal. 5:22). To help people understand the Holy Spirit, we sometimes use the example of the wind. We cannot see it, but we can see what it does, like rustling the leaves on the trees or whipping up the waves. In the same way we cannot see the Holy Spirit, but if we know someone is a Christian, we can see what the Holy Spirit does in that person's life (love, joy, peace etc). Just think of a kite. With no wind, flops around on the ground with no 'life', but with a good breeze, it flies. There is a special sort of excitement when we hold on to a kite which is way up in the sky,

and we feel its power pulling at us, as though it's urging us to go with it. This is how the Holy Spirit can urge us to go with Him in our life, and we 'take off' not into the air you understand, but into the rest of our life! Roger Fray

Here is a kite to make: You may need he/pta make sure the measurements are correct. If it doesim 't work first time - dont give up. Tn' again. That's what God wants as to do. Have a good time!

stk 'on-pa. .3

door Use. o

v.x.n-Esm l\v'rer

lzwo d.owei. Cul.

ItcdC\Wcl ifS Ken.1c k0 150&t, o.coj a'Ze

The Door, June 1992 15

YOUNG DOOR.. reports from a war-torn South African township

Good News'midst the bullets uring visits to townships and squatter camps, the feeling we got was that while people have got used to their living conditions over the years, the effect of recent violence and low intensity conflict is most unsettling and damaging to local communities. We learned that while ten years ago hospitals were well used to dealing with knife, axe and club wounds, they are now having to cope with the effects of the arms which were originally made and supplied from South Africa to Mozambican rebels, and which have flooded back on to the South African black market. You can, for instance, buy an AK47 for 300 Rand (60) on the black market, and so local friction, whether politically or covetously motivated, is frequently fatal. We felt it was no coincidence that the two places of which we saw most have witnessed the evacuation of large numbers of families to legal settlements, otherfamiliesor to become refugees, because they were frightened of being a target for the next round of shooting and looting. It would be bad enough with a cavity brick wall between you and the bullets, but in the townships it is often as little as a piece of cardboard or corrugated iron. We spent some time in the wartorn Alexandra township where the shacks don't even have gardens. It does seem that the Interim Crisis Committee (ICC) have succeeded in bringing together those who are responsible for keeping the peace, but what is needed is a major investment in housing. A focus for violence are the hostels built at the height

Alexandra is a black township just outside Johannesburg, in South Africa. Like all the townships it is wracked by violence and bloodshed. Yet on Good Friday this year, our Diocesan Youth Officer, Peter Ball, and Joc Chappell and Lynette Morrison from the Diocesan Youth Assembly's South African Group, went there with a group of young black and white people - and to the amazement of the watching soldiers, proceeded to read the Bible and to sing hymns around a cross The three were on a two-week visit to South Africa, which it is hoped will be the start of a series of exchanges. Here, Joc Chappell gives some impressions of their remarkable trip. 7:-

of apartheid to house migrant workers. The hostel in Alexandra is called 'MI' or 'Madalla', and was built to house 2000 and presently accomodates 1200 men. Can you imagine living in a building with 1199 other men?

Good Friday worship in Alexandra township But provision of new accomodation is a politically sensitive issue, and needs to be attractive to the Inkhatha Freedom Party who see the hostels as their territory and stronghold - literally! On previous raids, apparently, the security services and ANC observers have found the hostels practically impregnable. Earlier in our visit, we enjoyed a spiritual retreat with a dozen or so young adults, some of whom will be visiting us in the Oxford Diocese in the summer. As part

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South Africa Group The Oxford Diocesan Youth Assembly's South Africa Group was formed three years ago after an international conference of young Anglicans in Belfast. The South African visit was supported by the Revd Dr Liz CarMichael, Spiritual Director to the Johannesburg Dioceses. Armed with the Cross We stood as a sign of love We stood as a sign of hope We stood as a sign of Peace This was part of our meditation for the Good Friday service in Alexandra.

at that time. Peace lived on in Alexandra for the next week, but by the following weekend we had received a call from an ICC representative reporting a mass ANC attack with scores dead and dying and masses of shacks burning. One shack had been petrol bombed, causing a dozen more to go up in flames. A man had driven through the township shooting a man in the head and a boy in the hand and buttock. The boy lived, but several more families became refugees. So the prayer for Africa which you may already know became very real for us. Please join us in praying it regularly, and also pray for the group from Johannesburg who will be visiting us in August. God bless Africa Guard her children Guide her leaders And give her peace For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen

Autumn visit for TaizĂŠ pilgrimage Lynette Murray (City), Carmel Andrew (City). Diana Herman (City), Walter Mojapelo (Alexandra), Helpy Makhatemele (Soweto), General Smuts Buthelezi (Mohlakeng) from South Africa will be visiting us is the Oxford Diocese from August 8 to September 1, and travelling with us to Taize for the Archbishop of Canterbury's Pilgrimage (August 22- 31). Please pray for them.

DYAT needs your help The Diocesan Youth Action Team (DYAT) is a network of 15-25 year olds who are committed to helping parishes reach out to their young people, and to showing young people the wide opportunities that their church can offer to them. In practical terms this is carried out in the form of Action Days which are held in the parishes. These involve activities such as drama, art or music workshops, combined with prayer, discussion and worship. To be able to effectively cater for the whole of the Diocese, DYAS is in desparate need of extra helpers and leaders. Therefore, if you feel that you could give your time and energies to DYAT's mission please contact Simon Billenness on 02406 5843 or write to him at 20 Westrich Walk, Prestwood, Great Missenden. Bucks HP16 0R2. Your help will make all the difference.

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developed our film for us when his didn't turn out. Before we even got out of the vehicles two casspirs (large armoured vehicles) had arrived to supplement the one serving as a temporary police station.The service started with the soldiers making their presence felt at some proximity, and ourselves singing choruses with Bible readings (in several languages) and praying around a cross with those who had joined us. When we walked in procession the reactions of people

watching us ranged from sheer incredulity and amazement to no small degree of cynicism. Significant, though, was some real gratitude that we had actually bothered to come. Some people were so pleased that they joined in - exuberantly! And so our numbers increased to 30, 40 or 50 at each of the stopping points. We passed a soldier behind an armoured pick-uptruck, and his face had on it apicture of complete amazement. I guess he never thought white people could survive without guns in Alexandra, especially if they were singing choruses and bouncing down the street! When the hostel people saw us, they were both amazed and cynical, and as we emerged from the tunnel-like entrance to the central part of the hostel, a gunshot rang out. I was carrying the cross with Peter Ball at the front of the procession, and we both stopped momentarily but carried on to what I thought was a safer grass area. Before we ever left for Alexandra we had prayed for "His spirit of peace to so live in our hearts.." and it was

quite amazing how He used us despite our obvious weakness. As in the township, so in the hostel, and a couple of dozen people joined us for a service. I think we were all encouraged that we were welcomed, not just because we had bothered to go there on Good Friday but also because we were there to be prayed with. It was tremendous when, at the end of the final service, one man actually passed within the circle around the cross to greet another man from "the other side", and apparently a group from each side got together after we had left. Even more telling, was a man and wife who joined the group until we began to pray - when the man left, saying to his wife: "You can stay to pray if you like, but it won't do you any good." So she did stay to pray a beautiful prayer. It's a funny old world, but! could have been in a dozen different places

We are the oldest established association for schizophrenia in this country and one of the first in the world. We celebrate our 21st birthday this year. In the interveningyears we have learned a lot about schizophrenia. Write to us for help, advice or information. 0

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16 The Door, June 1992

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The Door, June 1992 17 /

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18 The Door, June 1992

Vocation: called or collared.? It is Francis Dewar's conviction that "God calls every human being, if only we can learn to listen" and in Called or Collared: An Alternative Approach to Vocation (SPCK, £6.99) he develops

these twin themes with clarity and wisdom: what it means to be "called" by God, and how we may learn to listen. So often today our work, and indeed our worth, is defined by others, and Dewar argues convincingly that we need to respond to the inner nudgings of God, not just to external events. Unfortu-

nately, the Church is often unhelpful because it sees vocation almost exclusively in terms of ordination or the religious life. Not only are these inappropriate for the vast majority but, by concentrating on a limited number of ready-made niches, it may stop us from exploring further afield and inhibit our expectations of God. Called or Collared, therefore, draws a distinction between the role of the ordained minister and the personal vocation applying to each one of us. At the heart of the book are

practical exercises designed to awaken or deepen our response to God's calling. Crucially, they also help us to understand and accept who we are for, as Dewar succinctly puts it, "Basical!y your gift is you". God's call involves all of who we are including our pain, pleasure and dreams, and builds upon this. The exercises are centred on reflections on the Book of Exodus, and this is a section of the book to which the reader can refer again and again I know I shall! I do have two reservations, but

Deacons as a third order In November the General Synod will be voting on the proposed legislation on the ordination of women to the priesthood. Currently, both men and women may be ordained deacons. Yet, after one year as a deacon, it is only men who may be ordained priest. Whichever way the vote goes, the Diaconate is an important and integral part of the Church of England's ministry, but it is a subject that has often been neglected or referred to only in the vaguest of terms. The Deacon's Ministry (Grace Wing, £7.95) is a collection of essays that raises this point, and challenges one to think about the idea of the deacon "the one who serves", especially in relation to the present situation. Christine Hall, in her introduction, sketches two pictures of ministry, the "solo performer" priest and the "lay ministry" plus priest team, a model that is "may-

be in danger of depriving both clergy and laity of their significance in relation to each other." By looking at the history of the Diaconate - the pastoral and liturgical role, as well as the legal and theological aspects - a strong case is put forward in the book for the Church to look at and think about the establishment of a permanent Diaconate. It would be a clearly defined third order for both men and women, rather than a stepping stone to the. priesthood, a temporary title for some (men) and a permanent state for others (women). This continuous thread of thought means that one never feels lost in this book even though it tackles a range of subjects in selfcontained units. For as well as Anglican perspectives there are chapters contributed by members of those Churches that do have a permanent order of Deacons; dea-

cons whose "life is a dance..which moves continuously between world and altar in a way that unites them." These contributions from the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions give a breadth to the argument put forward in this extremely readable and challenging book that not only raises issues but also resolves some of those questions to which you feel you ought to know the answers but never quite know where to begin looking for them. Julia Wilkinson After reading for an arts degree with the Open University and a theology degree at University College, North Wales, Julia Wilkinson is now finishing her training at Lincoln Theological College. She is to be ordained as a deacon at Petertide and will serve at St Anne's, High Wycombe.

Essential reading for the big day

primarily for what it omits. Discussion of ordination is almost wholly in the context of parochial ministry. On the few occasions where non-stipendiary ministry at work is mentioned, it is dismissed as a "desperate remedy" arising as a consequence of the shortcomings of our concept of vocation outlined in this book. Such a generalisation and simplification of this area of ordained ministry doesn't do it justice, and renders the book less helpful to those contemplating the non-stipendiary ministry. Secondly, although the book identifies shortcomings in the way the Church

800K STALL views vocation, the solutions are almost wholly personal. I would have liked more ideas aimed at the Church as an institution. Nevertheless,Called or Collared is a successful book in its stated aim of challenging our assumptions and providing clear practical guidance to enable us to hear God's call more clearly. Nick Read Nick is the Senior Technical Advisor for the Central Region of theNationalFarmers 'Union. He has recently been recommended for training as a Minister in Secular Employment and after ordination hopes to focus his ministry on the farming community.

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The Door, June 1992 19

St9o/n's, J-4q/ Wycombe

'The DOOR opens on:

The extended team o maintain the current level of Clergy and Readers each church with 200 members needs to produce approximately one stipendiary and one other minister every 25 years. Yet, in the 25 years leading up to the year 2000, St John's will certainly have produced three stipendiary clergy, three non- stipendiary clergy and five Readers. There are also a number of other people at various stages in the selection procedures for both the ordained ministry and Readership, so the final total could possibly rise to 16. This flood of vocations started when Graham Hendy was the Team Vicar, and he encouraged one of his Readers, Peter Viney, to go forward as one of the first on the new Oxford Course, and to be ordained as an NSM. Graham also set up a leadership team at St John's, but then left! During the ensuing 22 month interregnum many of the congregation took on areas ofministry, and when Anthony Priddis arrived as the new Team Vicar he found four trainee Readers and a further NSM ordinand. During the next few years two other people joined the church to complete their Reader's training and one, Beth Monk, went on to train as an NSM. Beth was ordained in September 1991, but as her husband's job means that they are currently living in Boston, USA, she is serving her curacy as an occasional lecturer on the Oxford Ministry Course. Further vocations have continued during the current incumbency of Paul Bayes. Two of the original Reader candidates were my wife, Rose, and me. We trained and were licensed together, and I eventually felt called again and was accepted for training for the stipendiary ministry. I am currently commuting to Wycliffe Hall to train. Most of the vocations have been of 'mature' people already involved in the leadership of St John's, but there has been one younger vocation, Simon Justice, who was already studying theology at University College Lampeter. Simon has since completed a Masters degree and is now at Durham finishing his ordination training. He will be ordained this summer to a curacy at St Michael's, Tilehurst, Reading. In the meantime his father, Keith, has also been accepted for training and is on the same course as Steve Williams at Wycliffe Hall. Does this mean that St John's has a very high view of the ordained and licensed leadership, and is always pushing people in this direction? Quite the

reverse. The teaching at St John's has always been about 'every member ministry' with the whole congregation being encouraged to identify and undertake the role that God has for them in the body that is His Church. Having identified a ministry, St John's has endeavoured to encourage its development by providing training and opportunity for its exercise. From this many people have found themselves in roles they would not have thought possible. Only some of these have lead to public ministry. St John's has benefited from three successive team vicars who have encouraged these developments, and have been willing to share their own ministry, even when they could probably do the job better themselves. So what is St John's? Is it an exceptional Church? Those who belong to it would not think so. It was planted by the parish church at the beginning of the century, and one of the original planters remained active in the church until her death in her 90s a couple of years ago. The electoral roll is just over 200, and the worship in recent years has centred around the Family Eucharist. There is a choir, servers, vestments and a thriving Junior Church. St John's has become known as a 'friendly church'. Within it many traditions are represented - catholic, liberal, evangelical, and recently many have been influenced by the renewal movement. In 1988 the annual meeting agreed a set of objectives for the church. The General Purpose stated: "We believe that God has called us together in order to glorify Him - by opening ourselves to His love, as shown in Jesus Christ; by sharing His love with those we come in contact with." This led to the church's priority becoming "to be open to our community, so that we can share the good news of Jesus Christ". This is printed at the head of the notice sheet each week. Last autumn, the Church Council spent a day together and concluded that they were failing in their priority. In particular, this related to the main worship.which was getting longer and longer as different things were added. Those coming from outside looking for traditional worship found many unfamiliar additions, while the increasing number with no formal church upbringing found difficulty with traditional liturgy and music. After consultation throughout the church the Council decided on a year's experiment with a new Sunday morning pattern, and this started in March.

94 Southview Avenue, Caversham, Reading, Berks. RG4 OBB. Tel: (0734) 567289.

Our guest reporter is Steve Williams. Steve was born and brought up in High Wycombe. After university he lived and worked in London and met his wife, Rose, at All Souls, Langham Place. Anew job found them back in High Wycombe where they have belonged to St John's for the last 14 years. During that time they trained together to become Readers. Before starting training for ordination, Steve was the Computer Services Director in a large consumer magazine publishing company. They have three children. The existing service has been'brought slightly forward, and is now always ASIJ Rite A' Sung Eucharist. A new, less formal, service to run alongside the Junior Church fills the later part of the morning. Unlike most services whih start in the church and then send the children away, this service starts with everybody in the Junior'.Church for shared worship, and it is the parents who are sent out for their teaching and prayer. The criterion for the success of the new pattern is, in line with the church's priority, not whether the members like the new services but whether those with no church commitment are attracted. As yet it is early days, but after six weeks there is already some growth.

The 'Every Member Ministry' is captured in these photographs by Frank Blackwell: on the left are ordinands Steve Williams (right in the picture) and Keith Justice, at Wycliffe Hall. Above is Ruth Wooster, a Reader. Below left is Kale Bayes, the vicar's wife, with the Rose Myrton memorial window which she designed and made.

Parish: Part of the High Wycombe Team Ministry which also includes All Saints', St Andrew's, SS Anne and Peter, St Birinus, St James, SS Mary and George. History: The first St John's (1883) was an iron church. The present building was opened in February 1903, and since then the west end has been altered and now includes a porch. Clergy: The Revd Paul Bayes, the Revd Peter Viney, NSM, the Revd Michael Pragnell. Readers: Mrs Rose Williams, Mr John Bustin, Mrs Ruth Wooster. Wardens: Mr Peter Ebsworth, Mrs Val Bruton. Electoral roll: 223. Sunday Services: 8am - Holy Communion(said): 930am - Choral Communion (creche); 1045am Family Focus (creche and junior church) ; 6pm Evensong; 8pm - Open to God. Other services: Wednesday, 930am. Holy Communion; Healing prayer is offered at all services. Hymn Books: Hymns for Today's Church, Junior Praise, Songs of Fellowship, copyright obtained for use of Vineyard Songs etc. Choir: Mixed choir of 15 - 20 sings at 930am choral Communion and occasional Evensong. Also Music Group. Junior Church: Meets at 1045am during Family Focus. Starts with Junior Church and then splits into groups. 115 children aged three 1014 and 24 teachers. Youth Group: Wednesday evenings fortnightly. 1520 members and five leaders. "Flourishing!" Other Activities: House groups; disciple groups; 'Delvers'group which meets in members homes weekly and fortnightly; day time house groups; wives group; Mothers' Union group; mother and toddler group; healing prayer team; newcomers visited; bookstall three times a year. Urban link: With St Mark's, Siddal in Yorkshire.. Missionary link: John and Jane Maire - Wycliffe Bible Translators; CMS Link Missionary.

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mages of urban Britain JUNE Mon 1-Thurs4SWAN WICK. National Retreat Association's first conference 'Sharing God'. Speakers: Bishop Richard Holloway and Sister Lavinia Byrne IBVM. Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. Cost £78.00. Contact: Conference 1992 Secretary, National Retreat Association, Liddon House, 24 South Audley Street, London, wry 4DL, Tel: 1 493 3534. ues 2 AYLESBURY. St Mary's Church,7.30pm. Music by Cohn Cowles for string sextet and saxaphone. Tickets £4. Concessions £3. Also Sat 6: The A.mabile Quartet, 730pm, £5. Wed 10: Madrigal Singing, 8pm. £3. Thu 11: Drama. 730pm. Sat 13: St Mary's Festival Fete in the Vale Park. Anne Holt: 0296 622238. Tues 2 OXFORD. African Church Music. A talk, with music, by Dr David Dargie, research fellow, Lumko Institute, Southern Africa, 730pm at St Michael's Church, Lonsdale Road, Summertown. Information: Dr Janet Hodgson 0844 279373. Wed 3 HIGH WYCOMBE. 'Leading House Groups', first of three weekly meetings, the essential course for house-group leaders led by Rev Keith Lambdin (Head of Parish Resources Dept, Diocese of Oxford). Stiohn 's Desborough Road 8.00 - 9.45pm. f8 (course). Details/enrolments: Chiltern Christian Training Programme 0628 819099 ext 246 (Weekdays am). Thurs4 OXFORD. Oxford Jewish Centre, Richmond Rd....10pm - 645pm. Reception to welcome Michael Latham as new Director of the Council of Christians and Jews, and to celebrate the CCJ Jubilee. Tel: Paulette Grant, 778595. Fri-5-Sun 7 REMENHAM. St Nicholas Whitsun Festival. Friday 8pm-9.30pm Bible readings, meditation, chants and compline. Saturday 6pm.9.30pm Family Fellowship Adventure Barbecue. Admission by tickets in advance from Philip Challis tel: 0491 578342. Sunday afternoon: Family Fellowship picnic tea by the ,river. Christian Fellowship Adventuring from 5pm, venue according to weather. Sat 6 EAST HENDRED. St Augustine Church. Fete at Cowdrays, Cat Street 2pm. Beautiful garden. Sat 6 SHIPPON. The Psalms. A theatrical exploration of major themes in the Psalms of David performed by Paul Alexander. 8pm at The Manor School, Faringdon Rd. Sat 6 TUBNEY. Church fete at Tubney Lodge 230pm. Information: Revd KJ Triplow 0865 390803. Sat 6 DORCHESTER. Growing up in the Holy Land. A conference at DorchesterAbbey Guest House. Also Garth Hewitt in concert, 730pm at Dorchester Abbey, for Medical Aid for Palestinians. Tickets £4. Information Gill King, 30 Church Road, Bicester. Sat 6 OXFORD. Conference on Christian Ethics by The Whitefield Institute, at Wycliffe Hall, Banbury Road. 1030am 400pm. £10.00 inc lunch. £6.00 OAPs, students and unwaged.0865 310869.

WHAT'S ON Sat 6 MARLOW Concert at 730pm All Saints Church by The Heath Singers. Tickets £4.Telephone 0628 471610. Sat 6 HAMBLEDEN. Concert by Clive Conway (flute) and David Watkins (harp) withiean Marsh (speaker) 730pm in Parish Church. Excerpts from Vivaldi, Debussy and Shakespeare. Tickets £5.50 at the door. Sun 6 CHARLBURY. Taize service at St Mary's, 630pm preceded by said Evensong. Sat 6 - Sun 7 BERINSFIELD. Flower Festival at Church. Saturday: 10am-4pm with fete. Sunday: 1230pm - 6pm. Sat 6-Sun 7 FAWLEY. Fete and Flower Festival 2.30-6pm. Celebrating 'Queen Elizabeth II, 40 Glorious Years,19521992'. Tel 0491 573402. Sat 6-Sun 7 DRAYTON. Flower Festival at St Peter's Church. Musical evening Saturday. Information: 0235 531372. Tues 9 MILTON KEYNES. 'Prayer Power' at Christ the Cornerstone Church Centre 10.15am-3pm. Organised by The Mothers' Union to deepen faith and pray for Decade of Evangelism. Speakers include the Revd Chris Neal and the Revd Rachel Stowe. Admittance by ticket only (l.50) from Mr DTaylor, New inn Cottage, London Rd, Blewbury, OX I 9PD. Tues 9 OXFORD. 'Prayer for All'. Led by Anne and Peter Faulkner, Peter Ball and John Swarbrick. St Andrew's, Linton Road. 10.30am-4.00pm. £4.50. Bookings: Annette Nixon, Tel: 0734 669116, Thu 11LITFLECHALFONT. Musical evening at St George's Church. Admission free. Information Lance Stephens. Fri 12-Sun 14 MINSTEAD. Prayer Weekend led by Sue Wiggans, House Guardian at Minstead Lodge, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hants S043 7FF. Tel: 0703 81 2297. Sat 13 LONDON. Festival of Faith.Wcmbley Arena 1pm. Organised by Cost of Conscience, Women against the Ordination of Women and the Association for the Apostolic Ministry. Sat 13 READING. St Barnabas, Elm Road. Church fete at 2pm. Sat 13 WESTCOTE BARTON. Dome Valley Dog Show and Fete. 2pm. information: David Hughes 0869 47294. Sat 13-Sun 14 SHiPPON. Flower Festival St Mary Magdalene Church and RAF Abingdon. Saturday from 2pm. Organ recital 730pm. Sunday 1030am parish communion, 6pm- Festival Service, Preacher the Ven David Griffiths, Archdeacon of Berkshire. Sat 13 - Sun 14 EASTHAMPSTEAD. Flower Festival with craft fair and art exhibition. Saturday: lOam - 5pm, bell ringing and music, refreshments available all day. 730pm concert in church. Sunday: 1 lam-5pm. Evensong at 6pm Sun 14 SOUTH MORETON. Seven gardens and decorated church open in aid of St John Baptist fabric fund. 2pm-6pm. Entry to all gardens £2, children free. Sun 14 BISHAM. Recital of anthems and organ music for Trinity Sunday.

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630pm at All Saints. Refreshments available. Tues 16 HIGHMOOR. 'Help Highmoor Hall'. A slow walk through the gardens to identify plants and their habits, followed by practical work and a meditation on 'God the Gardener'. £5.00.10.00am 500pm. Max. ten. Tel: 0491 641543. Tues 16 OXFORD. St Thomas's Church, Beckett Street 7pm. 'Thomas Chamberlain: a forgotten Tractarian' - a lecture by Revd PG Cobb, Vicar of All Saints, Clifton, Bristol, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Chamberlain's arrival at St Thomas'. Wed 17 WANTAGE. Healing Eucharist service at SS Peter and Paul 8pm. Sat 20 BEACONSFIELD. 'Evangelism through the Arts': workshop for imaginative outreach led by Church Army evangelist Celia Jones. St Thomas' Holtspur 10.00am-4.00pm. £8. details/enrolments: Chiltern Christian Training Programme 0628819099 ext 246 (Weekdays am). Sat 20 FENNY STRATFORD. Church Fete at the Vicarage, 2pm. Brass bend, bouncy castle,.re freshments. 0908372825. Sat 20- Sun 21 HEMEL HEMPSTEAII. St Mary Magdalene, Flaunden, Flower Festival "For all the Saints". 11am - 6pm. Cream Teas, Craft Stalls, Exhibition in Village Hall. Tel: 0442 833079. Sat 20 THE LEE. nr Great Missenden. Church fete on the Green to be opened by John Craven at 2pm. Dancers, classic cars. Sat 20 CUBLINGTON. Garden fete at Old Rectory 2pm. Sat 20-Sun 21 WROX1'ON. Flower Festival at All Saints'. Sat: teas 2pm - 4pm. Sun: Songs of Praise 6pm. tel: 0295 730354. Sat 20-Sun 21 TACKLEY. Church fete on the Green. Gardens open. History trail. Tel: 086983 761. Sat 20-Sun 28 WOODSTOCK. Festival of Arts in St Mary Magdalene Church. Daily 10.30am-6.30pm. Sundays 12.30pm-6.30pm. Exhibition and sale of paintings, sculpture, woodcraft, pottery and needlecraft. Proceeds to church funds. Sun 21 MILTON KEYNES. Ecumenical signed service of praise at Christ the Cornerstone 3pm. The Diocesan Deaf Church Choir will lead the signing of the hymns. Sat 21 June BURFORD. Blue Cross Pets' Service, St John's Church 3pm. Sat 21-Mon 23 BLOXHAM. Flower festival, St Mary's Church, craft exhibition, Third World trade fair, gift stall, dance/ drama/music, refreshments. Admission free. Mon 22 SLOUGH. Alan Christmas Memorial Lecture 730pm at Trinity Reformed Church, Windsor Rd. Speaker Brenda Dean, GPMU on 'Unions and Human Potential'. Details: 0628 663302. Tues 23 COOKIIAM DEAN. Bridge Tea will now be held on 29 JULY. See below. Tues 23 LONDON. 'Music on the Church's Agenda'. The Bishop of Portsmouth and other Commission members explore the implications of their report

published March 1992. St Peter's, Eaton Square, SWI. Cost: £14. Bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea provided. Tel: PRAXIS, Philip Chester, 071 873 2373. Thur 25 OXFORD. Deaf Awareness Day 10am-4pm at St Ebbes. Free. To understand the nature of deafness and learn about the Deaf Church and how to communicate with deaf people. Speakers include social workers and Revd R Williams. Chaplain with Deaf People. Fn 26- Sun 28 SUTTON COURTENAY. 'Ecology, Christianity, Spirituality'weekend/workshop at The Abbey with Revd Dr Susan Cole-King and Peter Cox. Details: 0235 847401. Sat 27 GLASTONBURY. Glastonbury Abbey Pilgrimage.12.00pm: Solemn Eucharist. 330pm: Procession and Evensong. Tickets from: The Secretary, West of England Pilgrimage Association, The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL. Sat 27 OXFORD. 230pm. Garden Fete in St John's Home, St Mary's Road. Stalls, teas. Tel: 0865 247725. Sat 27 KINGHAM. Fete with Chipping Norton Silver Band, lunches, teas and pony rides. From 11am. 0608658678. Sat 27 HAGBOURNE nr Didcot. 800pm JAZZat St Andrew's, Hagbourtie. Played by 4 leading London Club musicians. Tel: 0235 850719. Sat 27- Sun 28 CROWMARSH GiFFORD. Flower Festival 10am-6pm. Evensong Sunday at 630pm. Information Heather Thorn 0491 35492. Sat 28 - Sun 5 July NEWPORT PAGNELL. Festival '92 in aid of Church restoration appeal. Concerts,jazz, choirs, Gilbert and Sullivan, flower festival. Details and programmes (1.20) from Gerald Stratton: 0908 610526. Sat 27. Sun 28 APPLEFORD. St Peter and St Paul Flower Festival to mark450th anniversary of Diocese. Sat 27- Sun 28 BUCKLAND. 13 Gardens open, two flower festivals, classic cars and agricultural equipment. 1pm 5pm. Saturday: Fete with children's play area. Sunday: Morris Dancers. Admission by programme ( adults £3. children £2 or family £8) at the free car parks. Sun 28 HENLEY-ON-THAMES. Annual festival of Friends of St Mary's with exhibition of church history and display of kneelers. Festival Eucharist at lOam followed by wine and snacks in the Chantry House. Meeting at 12.00. Sun 28 THE LEE. nr Great Missenden. 'Music fora Summer Afternoon' with the Damon Singers and Oboe Trio to celebrate the 450th Anniversary of the Diocese, the Patronal Festival of St John the Baptist and National Music Day. In church at 3pm. Tickets £5 or £3 concessions including cream tea. 0494 774885. Sun 28 BOARSTALL. Summerconcert in aid of Church. BOaritall Tower. 730pm. Information: Peter Storey 0296 770284. Mon 29 BEACONSFIELD. 730pm. Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship Dinner Meeting at the 5th Avenue Restaurant, Maxwell Road. Speaker: Peter

The Good Life At the height of the Munich Crisis in 1938, Mr Neville Chamberlain delivered himself of the aphorism that "the old know what it is to have been young and foolish, but the young do not know What it is to have been old and wise". I was reminded of that saying by a perceptive article in The Times of April 11, reporting on a study of the elderly, sponsored by the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. They came to the conclusion that pensioners, of whom I am one, do not necessarily regard themselves as a depressed class or a drain on the Exchequer or, indeed, unhappy with their lot. They were glad not to be young, unduly impressionable, consumed with anxiety about marriage and career. Apart from cases of serious disability, the elderly "rated their lives as satisfactory", and were content with the simple pleasures which remained available to them. Many of them had regained a sense of the importance of moral values in society, and not a few had recovered a vital interest in a religious view of the world. So, it could be that the elderly have an increasingly important role in society, helping to safeguard well-tested moral values, representing continuity in a world subject to massive change, and preserving for future generations a certain wisdom more enduring than the latest bright idea or madcap notion. So we could find ourselves in much the same situation as the sages of Israel, for whom the grey head was a "crown of glory" (Pro 16,31) and "the glory of the young man is his strength, the beauty of the old man is hisgrey hair" (Pro 20,29). The Times article was headed 'The good life' and it ended with the enigmatic words: "There is no such thing as the good life, only good lives", Neville Chamberlain was probably wrong in his handling of the Munich Crisis, but he may have been right in affirming the value of experience and the virtues of old age.

Lord Blanch Lord Blanch is the former Archbisllop of York and is the author of mwty books. He lives near Banbury.

'Faith in the City' is a national touring exhibition of 30 photographs, such as the one above, showing the work of projects supported by the Church Urban Fund. The exhibition, which will be displayed in cathedrals around the country between May and December, is striking portrayal of life in England's inner cities and outer estates. The photographs, by documentary photographer Sam Tanner, were taken around the country in areas where there are CUF projects. Our nearest opportunities to see the exhibition are: Salisbury Cathedral, May 22 to June 5; Gloucester Cathedral, Junv49; Worcester Cathedral, November 13. preckley. Solicitor. Bookings tel: 02407 4689 Bob Sutton. Mon 29BURNHAM,nrSlough. 745pm. 'Glory Be' - a celebration through spirituals and the blues with Sarah Spencer's New Orleans Band. Vocalist: Michael Burns. Readings: James Platt.Tickets £3.00. Cheques to PCC BURNHAM. Enclose SAE to: Mrs L Ford, Cornerstone Office, St Peter's Church, Church Street, Burnham, Berks, SL1 7HX. Tues 30 Jun - Wed 1 Jul HIGHMOOR, nr Henley-On-Thames. Two-Day full board residential retreat let by Patsy Myatt. Painting, prayer, awareness and rest. Some art materials provided. £40.00. Max 9. Tel: Anne Persson, 0491641543.

JULY Thurs 2 OXFORD, St Andrew's, Linton Road. 730pm. AGM Council of Christians and Jews and talk by Dr David Patterson on 'Jewish Studies Today'. Details: 0865 778595. July 3 WHITCHURCH, nr Aylesbury. YELLOW BRACES '92. Friday 630pm - Sunday 4pm. Drama, prayer, games, music etc. for 12-16-year-olds. £19 inc. meals. Details inc. possible financial help: Peter Ball, on 0865 244566. Fri 3-Sun 5 SHAW-cum-DONNING. TON. Local history pageant for St Mary's 150th anniversary in grounds of Shaw House. Fri, Sat at 730pm, Sun 4pm. Reserved enclosure £2. 0635 40796. Sat 4l OXFORD. 'Window ofOpportuni-

ty'. Summer youth event for 16-plus at Wycliffe Hall, organised by Mid-Africa Ministry, to explore 'Partners or Patters'. lOam - 5pm. £5. 071 261 1370. Sun OXFORD. 'Trading Pla.es - Linking Lives'. Ideas day for One World Week. 12-4pm, Lime Walk Methodist Church, Headington. Details: 0869 38225. Mon 6-Sal Ii OXFORD. 1992 Summer School on 'Theology and Communication'. Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Write: OCMS, P0 Box 70, Oxford 0X2 oHB, or tel: 0865 56071. Wed 8 HIGH WYCOMBE. Chiltern Christian Training Programme annual celebration service, with Garth Hewitt, Union Baptist Church, London Rhad, 8pm, with shared supper. 0628 819099, ext 246

NOTICES OXFORD JEWISH CONGREGATION. Exhibition of history of Jews in Oxford before 1842, and the modem Congregation. June 1 3-Aug8,Tues-Sat, l0am5pm, Museum of Oxford, St Aldates. Guided tours arranged. Barbara Lewis: 0865 515440.

DIOCESAN CRICKET TEAM. Mon June I v. Leicester, noon at Banbury; Mon June 8v. Birmingham, noon at Stowe School; Mon June 15 v. Lichfield, noon at Rugby School; Mon June 22 v. Coventry, 2pm at Bloxham. TWO NOTICE BOARDS. 4ft square on 7ft posts. Donation only. Telephone: 0753 523175.

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