#294 September 2017

www.oxford.anglican.org

September 2017 no 294

Bishop Steven reflects on his tour - page 7

thedoor Meet our new curates pages 8 and 9

On the money - schools page 11

Win a book - page 5

Bishop considers the appliance of science

by Jo Duckles

CHRISTIANS must think seriously about the implications of developments in artificial intelligence (AI).

That is the message from the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, as he joins the Government’s Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence. AI is a relatively new field where machines develop some of the qualities of the human mind.

“I think it’s really important for the Church’s voice to be heard on contemporary issues which are going to change the whole nature of society, and this is one of them. Artificial intelligence is going to change all of our lives. Lots of us interact with Siri and Alexa,” said Bishop Steven.

Siri is the voice control system on iphones and ipads. Alexa is a voicecontrolled Bluetooth speaker that, as well as streaming music, can be used to create shopping lists, check the weather, surf the web and even order takeaways.

“Our data is made available to multinational companies and sometimes we are not aware that is happening. There are privacy issues, but probably the biggest impact is to be on the future of work. It will affect all of us and our children and grandchildren,” said Bishop Steven.

“There was a news story in July about a robot vacuum cleaner, which sounds like a helpful item for the home, but it was making maps of our houses and sending them to big companies. When that happens it becomes a tremendous invasion into our privacy. Then I read a really interesting book last year that stated that every advance in AI is raising questions about what it means to be human. The Church must be at the forefront of helping people with this. God became human and our faith has profound things to say about being human.”

The Select Committee has been appointed to consider the economic, ethical and social implications of advances in artificial intelligence. It will start taking evidence in the autumn and report back by 31 March 2018. Bishop Steven took his seat in the House of Lords as the Bishop of Oxford last year. He has been one of the 26 Lords Spiritual (Bishops who serve in the Lords) since 2013.

In the meantime, Bishop Steven has urged church-goers to keep informed about advances in AI. “It is a rapidly developing field. I think there will be legislation in this Parliament about data protection and it’s important to keep on top of that. We are going to be reflecting as a diocese this year about what it means to be a more contemplative, compassionate and courageous Church. At the heart of that reflection we will be thinking about what it means to be more human and more like Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Steven has also been invited to a conference exploring how science can be a resource in the professional work of religious leaders and theological educators.

The conference takes place this month at Oxford University. It is the final event of a project funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and will explore how science can be enriching to faith in God. A ‘robothespian’ named Artie is one of several artificial intelligence projects at Oxford Brookes University Department of Computing and Communication Technologies. Artie can interact with humans, sing and act out scenes from films. Bishop Steven met Artie and other robots and saw projects under development during a recent visit to Brookes. These include projects to help medical and military professionals do their jobs more safely and efficiently.

The Bishop has also been invited to the Oxford Robotics Institute, part of Oxford

Bishop Steven meets Artie the Robothespian at Oxford Brookes University. Photo: Jo Duckles

University, which is also developing pioneering technologies and robotic systems, including driverless cars and

robots that can guide people, robots for transportation and delivery services and even long-range planetary exploration.

Find out more: •

Brookes University: cct.brookes.ac.uk/research/isec/artificial-intelligence/

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The Royal Society is examining the potential of machine learning in the next five to 10 years. For more see: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/ machine-learning/

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The Government Select Committee on AI www.parliament.uk/ai-committee

•

Watch the Oxford Brookes robots here: www.oxford.anglican.org/robots

Oxford Robotics Institute: http://ori.ox.ac.uk

2 News Youth camp is a “knockout” weekend of fun and faith

THE diocesan youth camp “Yellow Braces” was a glorious weekend of faith, fun and community at the Hill End Outdoor Centre near Oxford.

Young people from around the diocese threw themselves into the activities of the weekend, literally when it came to the “It’s a knockout” obstacles (pictured above).

As well as the traditional waterballoon volleyball and other madcap activities there was time in dorm groups exploring life and faith; and our worship gathering where we looked at a ‘life fully lived’ looking at what it meant to be Christ-like in contemplation, compassion and courage.

Next year’s Yellow Braces is 6 to 8 July. Ian Macdonald (Diocesan Youth Adviser) is very happy to come to your group or church to chat about how you can be part of it.

Email youthofficer@oxford.anglican.org to contact Ian. Photo: Ian Macdonald.

Summer holiday fun for children

Diocesan schools trust continues to grow

PICTURED are business managers from 25 of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust schools. These included managers from Dr Radcliffe’s CE School in Islip and South Moreton Community School.

The photo was taken at a summer training day at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.

David Locke, the chief operating officer for ODST, said: “The school business managers and support staff at the schools are a talented group of individuals who are essential to the continued progress and sustainable development of our family of schools.” Since the training day Kidmore

End CE School and Deddington CE School have joined ODST, taking the total number of schools in the trust to 27. Celebration ceremonies will take place at the schools that have recently joined the trust in September.

For more on the trust go to www.odst.org.uk/

Awards for high performing academy A PRIMARY school has been awarded silver and bronze awards for the work it does around RE in the curriculum.

Curzon Church of England Combined School in Penn Street, near Amersham, was assessed by an RE Quality Mark inspector in early summer. The school’s regular RE lessons gained high praise, as did the Christian distinctiveness of the institution.

Pupils also demonstrated knowledge

of a wide range of religions and, through the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), enjoyed visits to a Mandhir, a Sikh Temple, and a Jamia Masjid Mosque in the Slough and Maidenhead areas. This also enabled strong links to be forged for the school.

The school also credits recent improvements to courses attended by staff, led by schools advisors from the Diocese of Oxford and the local authority.

Building work underway in Bedgrove

Knights entertain children in Charlbury. Photo: Paddy Gallagher

ALMOST 50 holiday clubs gave children the chance to have fun and learn about the Christian faith at churches in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire over the summer holidays.

Knights and castles was the theme of a club at St Mary’s, Charlbury, west Oxfordshire during the first week in August. The club, organised by Churches Together in Charlbury, saw St Mary’s converted into a castle using a huge amount of cardboard donated by the community. Around 70 children took part.

In Eynsham, also in Oxfordshire, a holiday club run by churches had not taken place for 15 years until it began again last year. More than 50 children attended “Maker Fun Factory” in the mornings of the first week of the school holidays.

A team of 30 teenagers, sixth formers, students, teachers and seniors was drawn from Anglican, Baptist and

Catholic Churches in the benefice which covers two villages. On arrival children passed through a ‘car-wash’ with bubbles. An ‘assembly’ with songs started the mornings off. Each day had a bible memory verse, illustrated in twenty minute sessions of games, a craft imagination station, homemade snacks, a video and dramatic retelling of bible stories such as the spies in Jericho, and Gideon and the 300. Crews won points for effort, noise, memory, saying ‘thank you’, original handshakes and winning races.

For more photos see www.oxford. anglican.org/2017holidayclubs

From left are: the Revd Martin Kuhrt, the vicar; Bishop Steven; Paul tofield (the building contractor; Roger Harwood the architect and Robin Scott, church warden.

BUILDING work is underway at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Bedgrove in Aylesbury. Earlier in the summer Bishop Steven blessed the project to turn the

church into a hub for the community.

When completed it will have a new entrance, a new kitchen/servery, disabled toilets, lounge and upper room.

Returning from Embo TWO members of Church House Oxford staff, Caroline Todd and Claire Barratt, recently visited the Embo Community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as part of a volunteer team with the charity Medic Assist International.

The trip was led by John Earwicker who was featured in the Door in June 2016. The charity’s vision is to provide access to healthcare to those in need where it is currently not available and one of their projects has been to work with the church in Embo since 2009 to provide much-needed care to those with HIV, Aids and tuberculosis.

In 2014 MAI facilitated the building of a clinic in the church grounds which now has over 3,000 treatments per month and recently completed an extension allowing tuberculosis patients to be seen separately. See www.oxford.anglican.org/ supporting-medic-assist-international/ for a fuller report.

News 3 Twyford’s Jenny named “Citizen of the Year”

South Africa summit to explore discipleship

From left, Fr Tefo Motaung, Fr Elias Tsabeng, Revd Heather Steenkamp and Maranda St John Nicolle in Kimberley and Kuruman. Photo: Catharine Morris

From left, Daniel Taylor, Chairman of Twyford Together, Jenny Hay, receiving her award, and John Bowley, Vice Chairman of Twyford Parish Council. Photo: Chris Hay

JENNY Hay, who worships at St James, Ruscombe in Berkshire, was awarded Twyford Parish Council Citizen of the Year 2017. She has served as a Piggott Senior School governor, church warden at both St Mary’s, Twyford and St James, Ruscombe, at different times, served on both the PCC as lay vice chair and Deanery Synod in addition to previously being the church accounts bookkeeper and the Mother’s Union branch leader. For many years, she was also a Polehampton Swimming Pool supervisor on a Friday afternoon.

Her daughter, Lizzy Steele, said: “I believe that her nomination for this award is due to long service helping and serving the community through Noah’s Ark Toddlers Group, a church-supported and run initiative held at Twyford United Reformed Church on Tuesday mornings. Jenny has been doing this since before Matthew, her grandson (now nearly 13), was born. She unlocks the church and gets toys out before the committed team serve drinks and snacks, read stories and play games before it is all tidied away once again.”

WHAT does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? And how do people in very different contexts walk together as partners in the gospel?

These are the questions that over fifty people from our diocese and our link diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman will be discussing together at a summit in Kimberley, South Africa, from 14-18 September. The summit brings together representatives of linked parishes, young people, and people with leadership roles within the link and within the two dioceses, including both diocesan bishops.

Participants will engage together in prayer and Bible study. They’ll visit different parishes for Sunday worship and explore the history of Kimberley so as to better understand the context of the Kimberley and Kuruman Diocese today. And they’ll discuss a series of questions relating to

Shoe donations put Kenyan pupils’ education on a solid footing A SLUMLAND school in Kenya has been helped by a Buckinghamshire school after a fundraising effort by pupils and staff.

St Paul’s Church of England Combined School in Wooburn Green has forged strong links with the Walk Centre church and school in Nakuru, Kenya, which is a not-for-profit organisation helping children of the Hilton slums by providing the basic human rights of education and regular meals.St Paul’s school supports the Walk Centre by collecting shoes and clothes that are taken to Nakuru children by members of St Paul’s church.

The Harvest Festival service in October was focussed on the centre, with each pupil donating a second-hand pair of shoes and new pair of socks. These items

were taken out to Nakuru in April where they were gratefully received by the children. From September, St Paul’s School will be sponsoring a child from the Walk Centre to attend high school, and complete the next stage of their education.

Pictured right is Wullie Wilson, the chair of governors at Wooburn Green, with a van of shoes and socks collected at last year’s Harvest Festival and bound for Kenya.

Welcoming Grant in his dual role with the diocese and cathedral A NEW Diocesan Canon Precentor will be installed at Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral this month.

The Revd Dr Grant Bayliss has been Director of Theological Studies at Ripon College Cuddesdon since 2011, before which he was Chaplain of St John’s College, Cambridge. As Diocesan Canon Precentor he will be taking on a new role with dual responsibility for the cathedral’s liturgy and for theological education and formation across the diocese as a member of the team for Initial Ministerial Training.

Grant will be joined at Christ Church by his wife Chris and their daughters Beth and Sarah. His installation takes place on 2 September. The Dean of Christ

Church, Martyn Percy, and the Director of Mission for Oxford Diocese, Andrew Anderson-Gear, said “We are delighted to have appointed Grant to this new post. He is an experienced theological educator, and has done a marvellous job in running the liturgy at Cuddesdon during his time there. He will be a great asset to the cathedral and the wider diocese.”

The Revd Dr Grant Bayliss writes, “I’m excited to be called to this new role which combines two of my great passions for worship and for formation. I look forward to working with the excellent teams in the mission department and the cathedral but also to forging new relationships across the diocese.”

mission: Why and how do we cherish God’s creation? What are the things in our church life that engage - or don’t engage - young people? How do we discuss and respond to inequalities that distort right relationships in our families, church and society?

Our prayer is that the time together will deepen both diocese’s understanding and love of God and each other, help us to grow as disciples of Christ, and make our partnership both deeper and wider.

All are welcome to join in through using the conference prayer at http://pwm.oxford.anglican.org/ oxford-kimberley-kuruman-link/ and following #KandKOxford and #JourneyingTogether on Twitter, and looking on the front page of www. oxford.anglican.org for the latest news.

Join Ride and Stride 2017 AS fans gear up to watch the pro cyclists speed through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire during the Tour of Britain race, another high profile event to raise money for historic churches will be taking place across the Diocese of Oxford.

The annual Ride and Stride will take place on Saturday 9 September when people of all levels can pedal, hike or horse ride around as many churches as possible. For historic churches trusts, this is the major fundraiser of the year and brings in vital funds for churches in need of repair. Last year Oxfordshire fielded their youngest ever participant, threemonth old Sebastian, (aided and abetted by his mum) while at the other end of the spectrum, 94-year-old Muriel walked to twelve churches around Oxford.

Joint patron, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading, says: “Wherever you go in our counties, on hilltops, nestling in the folds of hills, or on the bends in rivers, you will find a beautiful, historic church, waiting to be discovered. Ride and Stride is a wonderful way to enjoy some of our beautiful countryside and discover some of these gems for yourself. Please help us keep our churches open, not only today, but for our grandchildren’s children, too.”

Information is available on the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust websites or via the national Ride and Stride website www.rideandstrideuk. org.

the Door, September 2017, page 4

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Resources 5 Win a book to get you chuckling

Re-connect with Paradise Lost

Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews is written by Gary Alderson.

Published by BRF, it sees Alderson, a vicar and blogger, cast a wry eye over the pinch points of church life, from children to money to committees to music.

Alderson’s writing is accompanied by illustrations from Church Times cartoonist Dave Walker.

To win a copy simply answer the following question: where are Dave Walker’s cartoons usually published?

Send your answers to Writes of the Church competition, Church House

2017 marks the 350th publication of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. Seizing the opportunity to re-connect with the poem, the Milton Mummers’ theatre group has created a production that will introduce audiences to the crafty plotting of the likes of Belial, Moloch and Beelzebub.

The poem is based on the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. The Mummers’ production, directed by Thomas Bewley, will feature a backdrop to the creation of Milton’s masterpiece in the turbulent 17th century.

There will be six performances in Oxfordshire, starting at the John Wesley Methodist Church in New Inn Hall Street on October 5, followed by the New Barn, Christ Church, North Abingdon (October 12), St Mary’s, Witney (October 14), St Helen’s, Abingdon (October 17), St Peter and St Paul in Wantage (October 18), and finishing at the Friends’ Meeting House in St Giles, Oxford on October 20. An additional reading will take place on October 7 at Milton’s Cottage in Chalfont St Giles.

For details about times and tickets, go to http://www.thomasbewley.com/ paradise-lost.htm Image of Adam and Eve by Tom Bower

Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. The closing date is Friday 8 September 2017.

Writing contest launched by publisher THE Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) is offering aspiring writers the opportunity to write The Upper Room series of Bible reading notes.

The Upper Room is published in 33 languages and read by an estimated three million people across the world every day. Contributors from a wide range of backgrounds and locations share their faith experiences and biblical insights. The aim of each day’s meditation is to help people make a connection between their lives and what God is doing in the world.

BRF, the Abingdon-based publishers of the UK edition, is launching a competition

to encourage new writers to contribute to the series by writing a short meditation on a Bible verse, rooted in their own experience.

The winning entry will be published in a future edition of The Upper Room and the winner and runner-up will receive a year’s subscription to the series. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 31 October.

Competition winners For further information about how to enter and for tips on writing a meditation, go to www.brfonline. org.uk/urcomp

The winners of the competition in the July/August issue are R.E. Wilkins of Hurst, A. James of Long Hanborough, Dr Richard Bainbridge of Holton and Su Mcarthur of Wokingham. They win Messy Parables by Martyn Payne.

Light up your church with LAMPS theatre FINDING new ways to engage the local community at Christmas and Easter can be hard for churches. Booking a LAMPS production is a wonderful way of offering a night of laughter while at the same time telling the story of God’s love for everyone.

The Christian theatre group is touring two hilarious Christmas shows. Choose between Babs of Bethlehem (imagine a hybrid of the traditional nativity, Babushka and Fawlty Towers!) or Scrooge, a mad-cap musical version of A Christmas Carol.

While you are planning ahead, why not also take a look at their Easter production of The Passion? This powerful re-telling of the Easter events takes you on a journey that engages heart, mind and soul. An audience member from Christ Church, Abingdon said: “The humility and integrity of the performance took us way beyond the acting and into the place of encounter.”

Jo Duckles, editor of the Door, saw the Passion at Easter and Babs of Bethlehem last Christmas.

She said: “The Passion was a very clever, contemporary way of remembering the events that led up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. It was moving, disturbing, but absolutely brilliant. Babs... was hilarious. I’d completely recommend LAMPS productions. The only one I’ve not yet seen is Scrooge.

For an informal chat or to book a show contact tour coordinator, Gillian Corrigan on bookings@lampscollective.com or 07452 982705. For more information and video clips of LAMPS shows visit www.lampscollective.com. You can also follow LAMPS on Facebook and Twitter.

Read Jo Duckles’ review of Babs of Bethlehem here: tinyurl/babsofbethlehem Above is Emma Ramsden as Mary Magdalen in The Passion.

“Who knew that the New Atheists could make the Old Testament so appealing?”

Who needs the Old Testament? Its enduring appeal and why the New Atheists don’t get it.

Katharine Dell SPCK £9.99

T

by Megan Daffern

he New Atheists of recent years have contributed more to a lively and robust theology in the Church than they might have hoped. The writings of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have prompted reasoned, thoughtful, and compelling responses from a number of theologians in different fields. Katharine Dell’s recent book is an excellent example of this from the field of Old Testament studies.

In Part One she demonstrates that she has listened carefully to the arguments of Dawkins and Hitchens in particular, and cites them closely and thematically.

From Marcion to McGrath, she explains a range of theological ideas in a remarkably straightforward way. The debates provide a framework within which she gives an effective summary of many Old Testament themes relevant to any Christian who encounters these texts.

She tackles difficult questions with sincerity and learning in an easy and readable style, ably turning Dawkins and Hitchens into witty conversation partners.

She punctures their arguments with gentle subtlety or lets their mischief speak for itself. In her hands, the New Atheists seem rather to be relishing the trickiness of the Old Testament, even having fun with it, while she introduces nuances that are alien to the detractors of the Hebrew Scriptures.

In Part Two she brings in more texts which the New Atheists have overlooked.

She openly turns to some of the parts of the Old Testament which seem to

be more easily aligned with Christian teaching. Even-handedly, however, she also highlights some passages which no doubt the New Atheists could well have chosen for their own ends. In the case of every text she discusses, she explains questions about the texts’ origins, sources, growth, development, and how they might fit into their ancient context. Her last two chapters look at the place of Old Testament scholarship within academia and the Church, thus closing the book with an unapologetic Christian perspective.

This book is to be recommended to anyone who has ever questioned the Old Testament or its value to the Church today. It is an immensely enjoyable book which sneaks in a great deal of helpful teaching. Who knew that the New Atheists could make the Old Testament quite so appealing?

The Revd Dr Megan Daffern is the Chaplain at Jesus College in Oxford.

the Door, September 2017, page 6

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2017: A Year with Bishop Steven 7

Contemplative, compassionate, courageous...

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, the Bishop of Oxford, reflects on his tour of the diocese.

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hank you for such a very warm welcome across the Diocese of Oxford during my tour of every deanery. We began in Abingdon back in December and finished in Henley on 20 July.

Each day began with a Eucharist for the clergy of the deanery followed by lunch and dialogue together. That means I met most of the clergy of the diocese – well over 500 in total. Every afternoon was spent in community visits: to schools, food banks, community cafés, a prison, RAF Brize Norton, farms, a flour mill, two factories, a job centre, and some really imaginative community projects. In the early evening I shared a simple supper and conversation with about a dozen lay leaders from across the deanery and met around 350 people in that way.

Each day ended with an open evening for all who wanted to get together across the deanery. We prayed together, I gave a short address and the floor was open for questions.

“...a call to be a more contemplative, compassionate and courageous Church...”

We didn’t keep an exact count but I guess about 3,000 people came to those meetings. We were standing room only in Henley after moving to a much larger space. The questions ranged widely over all that is happening in the Church and the world and the kind of Church we are now called to be.

The tour has been a wonderful introduction to the Diocese of Oxford and I’m grateful to all those who made it possible – especially our lay chairs and area deans, and to all those who gave up time to be there. My aim in this initial year has been very simple: to begin to get to know the diocese and begin to be known.

We’ve also begun to shape and discern together a common vision for the future.

In almost every deanery evening I have shared my very deep sense of God’s call to us to become a more Christ-like Church in this next period of our life together and for this to be our shaping vision for the Diocese of Oxford.

Meeting enthusiastic pupils from St Edburg’s CE School, Bicester. Photo: Yvonne Morris

I have returned again and again to the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew as the source of that vision: the call to be poor in spirit, mourning for the suffering in the world, meek, hungry for justice, full of mercy and kindness, peacemaking, pure in heart and willing to bear the cost of our discipleship. We have tried to summarise all of this vision in just three words: a call to be a more contemplative, more compassionate and more courageous Church across this Diocese as we move forward. In this next year, I am asking every deanery and benefice, parish and small group, every school, every chaplaincy and every church organisation to think about these themes and consider what it means to be more contemplative, more compassionate and more courageous in the life of the Church as the next stage of developing that common vision. We will be developing resources to help this process and there will be development days and other events in each area. But at the heart of this is a very simple call to reflect again on what it means to be a Christ-like church: to return to the source and to the centre of our faith – to read the Beatitudes, to reflect on them and to live them together.

Hear a recording from Aylesgury: tinyurl.com/aylesburygathering.

More details of the next stage of our common vision here: www.oxford. anglican.org/commonvision/

People gather expectantly for the evening get-together in Bicester. Photo: Yvonne Morris

At the Sue Ryder wood near Henley, where the bereaved can plant trees in memory of their loved ones. Photo: Jane Hemmings

Stephanie Conebay of Fitzwaryn Specialist School for children with autism and learning difficulties shows Bishop Steven their Geodesic Dome ‘Sun’ centre. Photo: Marian Green

At Hampstead Norreys Community Shop with the Meet and Eat group. Photo: Raymond Obin

Curry is served in Reading. Photo: Maranda St John Nicolle.

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Introducing ou

A FORMER soldier, British Airways cabin crew member, teachers, scientists, and a chartered surveyor are among the 28 new deacons ordained at Christ Church Cathedral in July. Here are photographs and a short biography introducing each of them.

Jacqueline Dove – the Schorne Team I was born in Zambia to a British father and South African mother and have lived in Britain, South Africa, Mozambique and France. From riding a horse to school, raising two children in rural Mozambique and working as a chaplain in a Methodist care home, my experience has been eclectic.

Lyndon Drake - Te Tai Tokerau Diocese in New Zealand Lyndon is being ordained on behalf the Te Tai Tokerau Diocese in New Zealand, part of the Māori stream of the Anglican Church there. Lyndon is hoping to complete a DPhil in Hebrew Bible at Oxford. He is married to Miriam, and they have three children.

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Could you help a child in need?

Whatever your age, occupation or background, fostering offers a fantastic way to help a child or young person in need.

In Buckinghamshire we currently have more than 400 children looking for a loving and secure place to call home. Without local foster carers to look after these children they often have to go and live far away from friends, school and everything they know.

You don’t need any special qualifications or experience to foster, just a spare room and enough time and commitment to help that child or young person find their feet and thrive.

Nigel Featherston – Wychert Vale Dorchester ordinands, from left, Wendy Middleton, Ross Meikle, Jackie Barr, Stewart Morgan, Emma Hopegood-Jones, Bishop Steven, Paula Smith, Bishop Colin, April Beckerleg, Karen Hyde and Mike Reading. Photo: Jo Duckles

John Ainslie – The Cookhams I graduated as a scientist from Queens’ College Cambridge, and have become an acknowledged expert in the field of renewable energy. In my time in training at Cuddesdon I have been totally captivated by the power of story to convey even deeper truths than are available through science – whether stories from scripture or stories of the transformation of the lives of countless Christians.

Hugh Barne – Wargrave with Knowl Hill Hugh has finished three years of training for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, and his wife Grace has been the youth worker at St Ebbe’s Church. Country-dwellers by background (and at heart), they have both been in Oxford for nine years and look forward to continuing to enjoy country walks, cycling and live music near Wargrave.

Jacky Barr – Chinnor, Aston Rowant, Sydenham and Crowell I’m looking forward to living out my faith

by serving my curacy in the United Parish of Chinnor. Before and during ordination training I enjoyed sharing and teaching yoga to a wide variety of people, aged from three to 98, as well as being a mum to three almost-grown daughters.

April Beckerleg - St Edburg’s, Bicester April lives with her husband, two dogs, chickens and a cat. She has three grown up children. She was a primary school teacher and governor at her local secondary school, as well as a PCC member and churchwarden.

She is now very excited to be assistant curate at St Edburg’s church in Bicester.

Sue Cady – St Agnes with St Paul and St Barnabas, Reading Sue is married to Paul. They have three adult sons, Daniel, Andrew and Stephen, and a dog called Eevee. Prior to training for ordination Sue worked as a hospice physiotherapist and taught with the family learning team in Buckinghamshire. She is an associate of the mission organisation Interserve.

Here at Buckinghamshire County Council we offer all the training and ongoing support you need and carefully match our children to the right home. In addition to knowing that you are helping a child to grow and achieve, we also offer a competitive allowance and benefits package.

Sarah Foot – Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Sarah has been a residentiary lay canon of Christ Church Cathedral for almost 10 years, holding that post with the professorship of Church History in Oxford University. Her vocation to serve as an ordained minister has grown out of that experience, nurtured by the wider Cathedral community.

Chris Gercke – Great Chesham I received theological training at Trinity College, Bristol. Prior to training I worked as a chartered surveyor, consulting on commercial and residential property, although for a brief period I also worked for a humanitarian organisation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am married and have two children.

Jason ‘Griff’ Griffiths – St George’s, Britwell Griff is married to Rowena, and has two teenage daughters which he believes is the reason for his grey hair. He served 24 years in the army prior to training at Wycliffe Hall, then St John’s Nottingham. He enjoys cycling, swimming, running and the outdoors. Griff believes he has a wealth of experience to bring to his future ministry.

Paul Henderson – Chalfont St Giles, Seer Green and Jordans Paul has spent a career in banking and has been a church warden in his parish life where he has taken an active role in leading services of worship and occasionally playing the organ. Paul and his wife Frederique have three grown-up children and one granddaughter. Paul enjoys sailing in his spare time.

Could fostering be right for you?

There is a lot to think about but ultimately, you could be the one to make a difference and change a child’s life for the better.

Get in touch with us today on 0800 160 1900 or visit www. buckscc.gov.uk/fostering

I am very much looking forward to my ordination and to serving in my home Benefice of Wychert Vale in Buckinghamshire where I live with my wife, Joy, three of my four sons, my daughter-inlaw and my grandson.

Emma Hopegood-Jones – Hanborough and Freeland Berkshire and Oxford ordinands, back, from left, Hugh Barne, Tim Howles, Matt Pope, Joel Knight, Bishop Steven, John Ainslie, Steve Tuck, Philip Lockley and Steve Turville; front, from left, Lyndon Drake, Serena Tajima, Sue Cady and Sarah Foot. Photo: Jo Duckles

Emma was born in Bath and was a chorister at Bath Abbey before studying music as a choral scholar at King’s College, London.

ur 28 new deacons

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St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset

Prior to training, Emma was a children’s worker, and has a particular interest in nurturing children’s spirituality. While training for ordination, Emma married Christopher, a chartered accountant.

Tim Howles - St Andrew’s, Headington, Oxford

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I’m delighted and humbled to be called to serve as assistant curate in Headington. I come to the post after eight years in the publishing industry and then some work in theology, where I asked what God might be saying to us through climate change. I’m married to Sarah, a surgeon working in the Oxford hospitals, and we have two young children.

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Karen Hyde – the Damascus Group Studying biochemistry led to a research career in molecular genetics in Oxford where I met my husband. We are blessed with four wonderful teenagers. My love of wine evolved into a passion for teaching others through wine courses before being called to explore ordained ministry. Another exciting chapter begins…

Joel Knight – St Ebbe’s, Oxford I was born in Liverpool but uprooted to the south as a toddler. After three years in the Midlands for university I’ve lived in Oxford since beginning my training for ordination.

I’m excited about serving the town as I join St Ebbe’s Church in sharing the good news of Jesus.

Philip Lockley – St Clement’s, Oxford Philip was a Junior Don at Oxford University. After five years of teaching, he learned that God has much to say to the insecurities and self-doubts brewing below the ‘surface confidence’ of today’s university life. So he left to train for ordination and returned for ministry in St Clement’s Church, Oxford.

Elizabeth Lowson – Great Missenden with Ballinger and Little Hampden When my manager at work asked whether I was going to be a priest, I realised God’s call could be ignored no longer. I grew up worshipping God in the beauty of liturgy and sacred music at Canterbury Cathedral, and enjoy exploring all responses to God’s love – especially action songs.

Ross Meikle – the Witney Benefice

Buckingham ordinands, from left, Jason ‘Griff’ Griffiths, Nigel Featherston, Roland Slade, Bishop Steven, Paul Henderson, Liz Lowson, Chris Gercke, and Jacqueline Dove. Photo: Jo Duckles

Peppard, Kidmore End and Sonning Common Stewart moved from Kent into the Benefice of Rotherfield Peppard, Kidmore End and Sonning Common in 1987. After a long and successful career in the automotive field he completed a BA Hons degree in Theology and Religion and has enjoyed serving as an LLM over the past four years.

Matt Pope – St Ebbe’s, Oxford I became a Christian 20 years ago when I realised that Jesus was real and the only hope anyone has for life beyond the grave. I am married to Helen. She loves adrenaline sports and is therefore well suited to being a curate’s wife. My children are Eva, 10, and Judah, seven, who help me relax and keep me fit chasing them around. I am looking forward to starting my curacy at St Ebbe’s Church, Oxford.

Mike Reading – Thame Benefice Mike was a headteacher for nine years before commencing ordination training.

During training a disecting aortic aneurysm nearly killed him on holiday in the Canaries, but with only a ridiculously small chance of recovery, God’s grace has allowed him to return to normal, complete a 40 mile cycle ride and commence his curacy.

Roland Slade – Great Marlow with Marlow Bottom, Little Marlow and Bisham

Ross studied for ministry in Durham. His first degree was in Writing, Directing and Performance from York University. Ross lived in Kenya for three years as a teenager when his dad worked for the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Ross is a writer and storyteller of fairy tales.

Roland taught in a nursing faculty in Tanzania, and then worked in recruitment for the Church Mission Society before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He is married to Caroline, supports Leinster rugby team and is also a skilled musician. He joined Marlow Area Team Ministry as assistant curate in July.

Wendy Middleton – Goring and Streatley with South Stoke

Paula Smith – Deddington with Barford, Clifton and Hempton

I am married to Robin, who I met while we were both bell ringing, and we have two adult sons. I work part-time in the village primary school, and enjoy mountain walking and all things creative in any spare time. I am looking forward to serving in my home benefice.

I have worked as psychiatric nurse, foster carer, teacher and recently as an outreach worker in a children’s centre. Through the joys and challenges Jesus has been my companion and guide to God and I look forward to my future servant ministry. I have four lovely children, all flown the nest.

Stewart Morgan – Rotherfield

Serena Tajima – St Luke’s with St

Bartholomew’s, Reading I was born in Yorkshire but finally ended up in Maidenhead, where I have lived for most of my life. I began going to St Luke’s Church in Maidenhead from the age of 10 when I joined the church choir. I worked for British Airways for 11 years as cabin crew and have a degree in Archaeology and a Masters in Building Conservation.

Stephen Tuck – St Matthew’s, Oxford I am married with four school-age children.

I was born in Wolverhampton, raised in Birmingham and lived in the US and Cambridge. I am now living and working in Oxford. I enjoy the outdoors, mountains and football.

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Steve Turville – Wargrave with Knowl Hill I am Sussex born and bred, but have lived in Twyford for 26 years. I have been married to Lesley for 31 years and we have two grown children. We support a children’s home in South India, which we visit regularly.

Exploring your vocation THERE are many different vocations; whether it’s paid work, a role you play in your church, in your family or in a voluntary organisation.

However, if you feel you would like to explore a vocation to ordained ministry, the best place to start is by talking to your vicar or chaplain. Or you can make contact with one of our vocations advisors.

There are also regular events held across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire for people from all walks of life to find out more about vocations in the Church of England.

These are advertised on our website and in the Doorpost section of the Door.

For contact details and for listings of more events see /www.oxford. anglican.org/mission-ministry/ vocations/

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the Door, September 2017, page 10

Unlocking people... releasing potential

Summer Update

The problems in society that Gilead addresses are not going away...

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Staff and clients outside Grace Lodge, Gilead

Gilead has helped hundreds of people get free from addictions and establish new lives. The

demand for our services remains high; lack of funds is the main obstacle to delivering them.

of people who are restored during their time at Gilead maintain healthy, stable lifestyles after they leave us.

These are just a few of the comments made by people who found freedom

The benefits of Gilead’s work

through Gilead’s work:

As well as helping people break free from addiction, we provide accommodation and skills training, basic accredited courses in literacy and numeracy, catering, administration, farm work and horticulture, and support for their restoration process. Additional benefits from our work include helping people stay out of the Criminal Justice System, and lessening their dependency upon Health Services.

In England in 2014/15, there were 8,149 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug related mental health and behavioural disorders; and 295,224 individuals were in contact with drug and alcohol services. (Statistics on drug misuse England 2016, Health & Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC)).

Between a third and a half of new receptions to prison are estimated to be problem drug users (equivalent to between 45,000 and 65,000 prisoners in England and Wales). Drug-related crime costs an estimated £13.5 billion in England and Wales alone. (‘Reducing Drug Use, Reducing Reoffending’ UK Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC))

“The work therapy and training helped to stabilise and train me for life outside Gilead. I never thought I would be happy living a ‘normal’ life, but I am.” – Pam “It feels as though I’ve woken up from a living nightmare. I have been given the tools to recognise and change the compulsive behaviours that have caused so much pain to myself and those around me.” – Steve “I am not the same person I was. I see my Mum nearly every day, and my family is being restored. I got married in 2012, and we’ve recently been approved as foster parents. Gilead is why I am here today.” – Mark “Gilead made me feel safe. They believed in me, and gave me the hope to believe in myself.” - Carolyne (now a qualified Psychotherapist, working with ex-offenders)

Our Twelve12 Partners are vital to the ongoing success of this ministry – please consider signing up yourself or passing this on to someone else – you could change a life, for good.

YES! I WANT TO BE A TWELVE12 PARTNER! Title:

First Name:

Surname:

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Twelve pounds, for 12 months, to change a life for good...

Postcode: Organisation/Company (if applicable):

By donating £12 a month for 12 months, you can support Jonny*, or someone just like him, as they make their difficult 12 month transition into a restored life, at Gilead.

Telephone: Email:

We would also value your prayers for everyone at Gilead, so as a Twelve12 partner we can email you monthly prayer updates too.

Name: Name of Bank: Bank address:

To join in our Twelve12 campaign and help restore someone’s life for good, please fill out the partner form and send it to us via the address below. We’ll send you a ‘loyalty card’ with the name of the person you will be supporting at the start, and you can mark off the 12 months as you go (a handy reminder if you become a prayer partner!)

Postcode: Account No: Sort Code: Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £12 or £ (amount of your choice) from my account on (dd/mm/yy): / / Then monthly until [dd/mm/yy] / / (12 months) Pay this sum to Gilead Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Signed

Date

DIO0917

Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate Gift Aid is reclaimed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a current UK taxpayer. In order to Gift Aid your donation you must tick the box below: I want to Gift Aid my donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to Gilead Foundations I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please notify the charity if you: want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address, or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email: admin@gilead.org.uk www.gilead.org.uk Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909

Schools

A

S central government funding is squeezed, the range of services the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education provides for the 285 church schools it serves is becoming even more vital.

Just one per cent of money collected from parish share is used to fund ODBE and that funding is used to enhance the educational experience of thousands of children across the Thames Valley.

Fiona Craig, Acting Diocesan Director of Education, said: “We are working with clergy and parishes far more than we have ever done before. The DBE team is continuing to support our church schools to improve experiences for pupils. Local churches also have a real role to play in supporting their schools and where this works well schools are hugely appreciative of it. As more schools are becoming academies there is a real chance for churches to get together and employ chaplains and think about other support services.”

Here are some stories that demonstrate the work ODBE and the schools it serves make a difference to the lives of children in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

On the Money 11

Year Six pupils enjoy “Love is...”

ALMOST 400 Year Six pupils from church schools across the diocese enjoyed the annual “Love is” days of crafts, music and drama.

The event culminated in services at Greyfriars in Reading, Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford and Dorchester Abbey.

For a full selection of photos and a video go to tinyurl/loveisschool

Church funds still helping as Bodicote school celebrates half a century AT BISHOP Loveday CE Academy in Bodicote, a fund set up by the village church helps the school provide an excellent education for pupils.

The fund was set up by the PCC of St John the Baptist, when the school, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, was built. It invites gifts from parishioners for “financing the new school and subsequent improvements.”

Jane Ridley, the headteacher, explained that among other projects, the fund pays for the Service Level Agreement with the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education. “It also pays more widely for the advancement of education within the parish,” she added.

One example is Achieve Maths, a resource that enables Year Six pupils to do maths online at home. “They can watch a little video clip of a teacher explaining how to do an exercise they may have done at school,” said Jane. “They do a quiz and

take a test. Teachers and parents can easily see their progress.”

She explained how this is really useful when children are poorly. “One girl was off for three days. She was recovering but because she had been sick she couldn’t come back to school for 48 hours. I suggested to her mum that as long as the girl was up to it, they could watch it together and do the project and the test. It meant she wouldn’t fall behind.”

The school is considering investing in a similar resource for grammar and punctuation. At the end of the summer term the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher attended a special 50th anniversary assembly. He unveiled a plaque naming a new building after Henry Blencowe, a former chair of governors who is still involved in the life of the school. Bishop Loveday CE School recently became an academy by joining the Warriner Multi Academy Trust.

First diocesan governors’ conference

THE River and Rowing Museum in picturesque Henley-on-Thames was the venue for the first ever diocesan School Governor’s Conference.

More than 40 school governors joined the event, which was an opportunity to celebrate those governing bodies that have completed Excellence in Governance, a two-year governor training programme run by the Oxford Diocese.

The programme has been deemed a huge success with over 900 places booked over the last two years. St George’s; the Blake,

Kidmore End; Dr South’s, Islip; St Ebbe’s, Oxford; Shiplake; Marlow Infants; and Waddesdon schools were all awarded with their Excellence In Governance plaques.

A complete report and more photos from the conference are online at www.oxford.anglican. org/governorsconference

Types of church schools OF THE church schools in the Diocese of Oxford, 62 are academies, 92 are Voluntary Aided (VA) and 131 are Voluntary Controlled (VC). VA and VC are still maintained by the local authority but with VA there is a greater church influence. Academies are independent state schools ultimately accountable to the Secretary of State.

For more see: http://tinyurl.com/schooltypes

Bishop Colin unveils a plaque at a new building at Bodicote’s Bishop Loveday Academy. He is pictured with Henry Blencowe, left, and Jane Ridley, right.

Plaques for “outstanding” schools

Bishop Colin, Fiona Craig and Lesley Turville with heads and governors at the awards ceremony.

Below is the specially designed plaque. Photos: Jo Duckles

MORE than 24 ‘Outstanding’ church primary schools have received special plaques to recognise their hard work.

The schools were all deemed ‘Outstanding’ by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS). To celebrate, the education team at the Diocese of Oxford ran a competition, calling on church school pupils to design an ‘Outstanding SIAMS’ logo and a plaque. SIAMS manager for the diocese, Lesley Turville, arranged the competition and a SIAMS Outstanding Awards Ceremony.

The plaques were funded by the Bayne Benefaction, which exists to support clergy and schools in the Diocese of Oxford.

Schools that have so far been awarded plaques are Binfield; Finmere; Tackley; Mortimer St Mary’s; Abingdon St Nicolas’s; Shiplake; North Leigh; Shellingford; Holy Trinity, Cookham; Earley St Peter’s;, Hazlemere; Wroxton; The Batt, Witney; Lewknor; Amersham St Mary’s; Great Kimble; Cookham Dean; Bloxham; Ashbury; Monks Risborough; Brimpton; and St Luke’s, Maidenhead.

the Door, September 2017, page 12

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A wonderful opportunity to make new discoveries “Once you were a child. Once you knew what inquiry was for. There was a time when you asked questions because you wanted answers and were glad when you had found them. Become that child again: even now.”

So wrote CS Lewis in ‘The Great Divorce’, and the advice holds true today. Whatever age we are, however learned we may have become, it stands us in good stead to remember the childlike approach to the world that can increases our ability to learn.

The whole of life is a wonderful opportunity to make new discoveries, learn new skills, widen our understanding and develop our ability to understand.

Knowledge built on wisdom is a wonderful pursuit, and there are so many different areas to explore. Whether you’re looking for a school for children, seeking vocational qualifications for development or even a new career, or widening your joy of life by learning and developing musical skills, faith based organisations have much to offer.

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the Door, September 2017, page 13

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the Door, September 2017, page 14

The Home of Devenish Weymouth Dorset

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The home of expert advice

Comment, letters The cost of inclusion

I

Letters to the editor are very welcome and should be sent either by email to jo.duckles@oxford.anglican.org or by post to Letters at the Door, Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. Letters sent electronically will be more likely to be published. Letters should be no more than 300 words.

by the Revd Mark Bennet

t’s the start of the new school year. Since the summer term ended, secondary pupils have received anxiously anticipated exam results and primary schools are waiting for their “progress” scores. Schools live in a high stakes culture where these things matter – reputations are made, jobs are lost, pupils are moved.

I am a governor at a church primary school and a community secondary school. I wonder how the judgements we make of pupils and schools relate to the judgement that we expect from God? When Bishop Steven came to our deanery he was asked by a sixth form philosophy student how we could be fairly judged if our prayers were answered. Answered prayer is God’s work, not our own, and how is it fair if some people are judged based on what God has done? Bishop Steven remarked that, against the perfect standard, we all fail the test and need God’s grace. In Jesus we see the desperate throw of the dice. God wants to say yes to all of us, and look at the cost. Somehow our school culture lives and dies by highstakes judgements, but perhaps it doesn’t understand the cost.

On the other hand, our schools, and church schools as leading exemplars, have managed to build remarkably inclusive communities in a way that puts the wider Church to shame. They live in the world of young people who just don’t get some of the cultural barriers we put on inclusion. At a recent theology conference I heard of a church welcoming refugees and migrants in Amsterdam. It was when the refugees joined with others who distributed the Eucharistic bread and wine that the community truly became inclusive. At the end of term, Thatcham Park School gave out Key Stage 2 awards. It was evident from names and faces that pupils from different backgrounds had played a full part in the life of the school.

The cost of building an inclusive community is high.

We ought to know that, as church, because every time we take Communion we bear witness to the cost of building the ultimate inclusive community. That cost was the price Jesus paid on the cross and was for everyone who was ever born and we are to do our best to include everyone in our communities.

If we have drifted into thinking it is easy, or into comfortable relationships with people much like us, we have not taken on board how inclusive Jesus calls us to be.

We do not see as many young people in our churches as we would like. But they are in our schools and our schools are a great example to us of what is possible.

Some people have been working since Easter to make sure that the new school term starts with a bang, with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. As our church year begins in Advent, it is perhaps now time to think about how we might kick off our new year with a suitable kingdom-building impetus.

It strikes me that in our church communities, through the Eucharist, we live with a perspective on judgement which might help and enrich our schools. In parallel, equally unnoticed, our schools have learned to build inclusive communities in a faith context which meet the challenges many of our congregations are just beginning to face. Let’s learn from each other this year, and use what we learn to do more than simply pray for God’s kingdom to come.

The Revd Mark Bennet is the Area Dean of Newbury and the Team Rector of the Thatcham Benefice.

Editor: Jo Duckles Tel: 01865 208227 Email: jo.duckles@oxford.anglican.org Editorial Assistant: Ruth Hamilton-Jones Tel: 01865 208225 Email: ruth.hamilton-jones@oxford.anglican.org Advertising: Glenda Charitos Tel: 01752 225623 Email: glenda@cornerstonevision.com Editorial Support Group Chair: The Revd Graham Sykes Email: graham@thesykes.plus.com

15

News

Dr Keith — “a true inspiration” I HAD to write to say I really enjoyed the article on Dr Keith Thomson. (God in the Life Of, July/August Door.)

The doctor is such a true inspiration. I know of the Mercy

Ships through a Doctor, Alan Budd, who is a friend of mine. These are the people that deserve awards from the Queen as they are truly men of the people. I wish Keith and his family all the very best now and for the future.

Miss R Woodman, Woodley, Reading.

Bishop Steven answers children’s Big Questions

B

by Carol Meunier

ishop Steven was given a place in the ‘Mastermind’ chair at a recent REinspired session for primary school children at Lower Earley Baptist Church in Reading.

“We have been working with the Year 6 children of Hawkedon Primary School since they were in Foundation,” says Julia Jones, Project Director of REinspired. “All of our sessions meet the needs of the RE syllabus. But this session is different as it is the children who set the questions and we then design the session and activities accordingly.”

The bishop ready to be quizzed by pupils from Hawkedon. Photo: REinspired Some of the pupils asked questions about what happens when we die. Leaders As always, teachers were invited to feed back their introduced the topic using the story of Water bugs comments on every session. The Hawkedon teachers and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney, which led to deeper reflected: “REinspired have organised this session well discussions in their small groups. The pupils were given with a good pace. We were happy with the delivery, an opportunity to respond by using art and craft. setup and safety of the session. It covered useful aspects Pupils gathered as one group and Bishop Steven settled of PSMSC (Personal, Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural himself down into the big Mastermind chair. With two education). The children were engaged and thoroughly minutes on the clock, the bishop answered 11 questions enjoyed questioning the Bishop.” fully and successfully before the bell went. These REinspired, based at St Nicolas Church, Earley, is included: “What do you do when you wake up?” With a an ecumenical group of Christians in Earley and East smile he answered: “I get out of bed, have a coffee and I Reading delivering RE sessions to schools. The sessions pray.” “Will Jesus always be with you?” The bishop firmly started 15 years ago when a primary school asked a local replied: “Yes, including in death and beyond death.” minister for help with RE. The Churches Together in “If God is real why is he not helping people in need?”

Earley and East Reading team embraced the opportunity and REinspired was born. The aim is to meet the Thoughtfully, the bishop answered: “I think God is requirements of the locally agreed RE syllabus and bring helping people in need a lot. God calls us to help these RE to life. Having started with one class in one school, people and has given all we need to do so.” The pupils then had the opportunity to question the bishop directly. REinspired now supports every class in all 11 primary schools as well as two secondary schools.

They eagerly put their hands up. One question was: Carol Meunier is from REinspired.

“If you could change anything in the world what would it be?” Bishop Steven answered: “It would be war and conflict.”

Turn peas into profit this Harvest AS HARVEST approaches, Christian Aid is urging Christians to help farmers like Frank (pictured right) from Malawi.

Frank found that, because of climate change, his traditional crop maize failed when the rains didn’t come, bringing hardship and malnutrition to his family. “It is very pathetic, as a father, to feel helpless like that, to feel like you cannot provide food for your children, and that there is nothing you can do to make them better when they are crying,” says Frank.

Christian Aid’s partner, the Evangelical Association of Malawi, has been helping Frank to grow a special variety of pigeon peas, a remarkable protein-rich crop and ideal for southern Malawi’s dry soil. They Photo: Richard Nyoni are forming farmers’ clubs, to learn business skills and plan their planting, which will ensure a good A fun Frank and the Pea Stalk fairy tale is a way of telling balance of crops and generate profits.

Frank’s story to children. To download a PDF go to www.

For more visit caid.org.uk/harvest. christianaid.org.uk/schools/harvest-school-resources

Deadline for October 2017 issue: Monday 4 September 2017.

Published: Monday 18 September 2017

Audio version

The Door is published by Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance (Diocesan Secretary Mrs Rosemary Pearce). The registered office is Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. Tel: 01865 208200. While every care is taken to ensure the reliability of our advertisements, their inclusion in the Door does not guarantee it or mean that they are endorsed by the Diocese of Oxford.

Sight impaired people can get a free audio version of the Door by contacting the Oxford Diocese on 01865 208227.

16 God in the life of…

Alison Le Cornu has always been interested in all things involving money. She tells Jo Duckles about her life and why she decided to join the board of the Oxfordshire Credit Union.

Democrats who is livid about Brexit.

Alison spent time working for the South American Mission Society and spent 18 months at the United Evangelical Theological Seminary in Madrid. On her return, she started a career in higher education, working at the London School of Theology.

B

orn in Jersey, Alison grew up in a Methodist family. “They were very involved in the Methodist Church.

I swapped to Anglicanism in my teens as that was where my school friends were,” says Alison, who worked as a music teacher, a coach driver and taught English as a foreign language, before moving into higher education. Her first degree was in music, and a few years later her church in Jersey paid her fees to complete a theology degree at Oakhill College.

“You have to belong to a community to belong to a credit union.”

“I was brought up in an evangelical environment with a strong financial ethos.”

Learning has become her specialism and her career has seen her running distance learning masters and bachelors programmes at universities including the London School of Theology and Oxford Brookes.

Alison first heard about credit unions around four years ago when the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, began promoting them. “When I think about commercial loan bodies I get angry,” she says.

Her professional career saw Alison becoming freelance following redundancies and she now works from home in Oxford.

A recent extension to her house provides her with a spacious office with shelves stacked with an array of books on a wide range of topics. “I do lots of work for the University of Gibraltar. I’ve got lots of things going on really, some involving the Church. I’ve done a project with the Archbishops’ Council looking at the areas of research linked to theological

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Alison Le Cornu. Photo: Jo Duckles

and ordination training conducted in theological and religious studies departments in universities. “I enjoy the flexibility of the freelance lifestyle but I miss the collegiality of an office based job.”

Despite her specialism in education, money has been a theme that has run through Alison’s life. She remembers her parents’ altruism towards the poor. “My mother read an account in the Guardian newspaper of a woman who had written an article on how difficult life was financially. Mum was so moved she got in touch, formed a friendship and helped her. When I went to theological college my church paid my fees. I was brought up in an evangelical environment with a strong financial ethos. It had a very strong emphasis on tithing and generosity.”

Oakhill supported a college in Uganda which gave Alison the opportunity to see a

different economic model in operation.

“It was a college that had nothing. The library had half a dozen books. It was a society where corruption was rife.”

“When I think about commercial loan bodies I get angry.”

While she was travelling to Uganda, all her belongings were stolen. Alison had to find people who could help her in an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous place. But it was Uganda that really sparked her interest in politics. “I am interested in the differences between the UK’s two main parties and in what the Liberal Democrats do in the middle of it all,” says Alison, a member of the Liberal

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Her interest in credit unions was sparked when Hector Sants, the Chairman of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Task Group on Responsible Credit and Savings, gave a talk at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford. Alison and friends St Mary’s considered how they might respond. Annette Mountford, the wife of the then vicar, the Revd Brian Mountford, was already running a charity helping people, some of whom were badly in debt.

Contact with the Blackbird Leys Credit Union in Oxford highlighted how closely linked unions were to the theological notion of community.

“You have to belong to a community to belong to a credit union. To join the Oxfordshire Credit Union you have to live in Oxfordshire and the C of E started up the Churches Mutual Credit Union.

You could even start a credit union for members of a particular golf club, so long as there is something that bonds people and they borrow and save through it. If you then borrow and don’t pay back you are effectively stealing from your next door neighbour.”

Alison lives in West Oxford.

For more on the Oxfordshire Credit Union (OCU) go to oxfordshirecreditunion.co.uk/. OCU is part of the Credit Union Solutions consortium (www.cus.coop/) alongside five other credit unions based in and around the diocese.

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September 2017

www.oxford.anglican.org

Pull this section out. Keep it handy for your own prayers and involvement in the Diocese.

‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ Church on Sunday can feel worlds away from our day-to-day lives. We asked two Christians to tell us how their lives connect with their faith for our Whatever You Do prayer initiative.

HAIRSTYLIST Shirley King enjoys giving her clients the chance to feel good about themselves at the salon she runs with colleagues in Bicester. Shirley, a member of St Edburg’s Church, talks about her work at the centre of her community and her faith.

V

isiting the salon gives our clients the chance to have a relaxing, fun time. They get away and talk about what is going on in the world and in their lives. Some of the older ladies don’t see anyone from one week to the next. They get their hair done and they go to the shops, but they don’t see anyone else. It’s the chance to really make a difference for them. It helps make them feel like they are a person, especially when they are on their own.

I wanted to be a hairdresser since I was eight or nine. My aunt was a hairdresser and I used to watch her do my mum and dad’s hair. I run the salon with Francesca and Gemma, and Karen is our shampooist.

It is hectic sometimes but I don’t mind that. It’s when it gets quiet I find myself

Scott Paul Johnston explored a possible vocation to the priesthood, but after a careful discernment process decided to stick with his role as a senior statistician for the civil service.

He talks about how trying to be a good role model in a pressured, secular environment is so important.

M

orning prayers and the Eucharist every day at Westminster Abbey help set me up for a day’s work. I live in Didcot, so four days a week I get up at 3.50am, do a bit of exercise, have my breakfast, and get ready for the first train to London at 5.40am, in the office for 6.40am.

I’m leading on some aspects of Brexit, so it’s high pressured and my day can finish any time between 3.45pm and 6pm, or beyond. When you are working 12-hour stints tempers can get frayed, and the morning prayer reminds me how to conduct myself every day, standing out from a society that can be selfish and narrowly objective focussed. In addition to the technical and strategic aspects of my

getting a bit lost. The best part is when someone thanks you for listening to them.

The salon is friendly and 80 to 90 per cent of the people who come in are regulars.

Some clients know that I go to church and they ask questions. Some people don’t want to talk about religion because they don’t understand it. Others are open to talking about things. If clients have friends or family who are poorly I ask if they would like me to add them to the prayer list. People take the list home from church and pray for the people on it. Clients started asking me about going to church years ago when I got confirmed.

When I first started going to church I started doing the Revd Rachel’s hair.

She was a young curate and I would ask questions and she would help me see different ways of thinking about things.

Sometimes it takes talking to someone else to help you clarify how you see things.

Being a Bicester girl is really good. I grew up here and I know a lot of the families.

Some of our older clients seem to think I am their age and talk about their friends as if I know them because I am local.

One of the challenges I have faced is going self employed. Gemma, Francesca and I moved to the new salon in January.

I was salaried before but now we all work for ourselves. I really don’t like all the extra paperwork. St Edburg’s was very supportive when we moved to our new salon. We have always had people from church coming in to get their hair done, but we have had even more new clients from the congregation. People who aren’t involved in church also come in to ask me what’s happening, particularly if they see scaffolding around St Edburg’s. I feel really privileged that God is all around me, supporting me and giving me patience.

Sometimes I might get flustered at work and Gemma tells me to calm down, but I feel very blessed having God around me.

I’m looking forward to going to Walsingham again in September. I went for the first time a couple of years ago when my father died. I needed a boost.

Walsingham wasn’t what I expected it to

work, I lead a team of five junior analysts.

They all have different personalities, and it’s about motivating them and helping them to deliver. I think Jesus was not a nice guy, but a good guy. He didn’t treat his disciples with kid gloves. He is a good role model if you are looking to be a leader.

bit weird. There are better ways of getting the message of the gospel across than forcing it down people’s throats.

There are big and small ways where God is at work in my environment; people working together and helping each other, checking in and helping colleagues manage their workload. The civil service is very responsive and open to discussions about faith. I used to be on the steering group of Christians in Government until early this year, but I decided it wasn’t for me.

I’ve been in Didcot 13 years now. I came to Oxfordshire for my partner, but became single a few years ago. I’m trying to follow more of a Benedictine lifestyle, reading work by Sister Joan Chichester that was recommended by my spiritual director.

I want to have a very prayerful lifestyle, but at the same time be able to interact in the real world.

“I prefer to demonstrate faith through action...”

The regular Communion service gives me an inner strength, even a sense of invincibility that helps me to do things I think are beyond my capabilities. I came from a charismatic evangelical background, but I don’t feel I fit quite easily within a particular faith tradition.

I prefer to demonstrate faith through action than to evangelise through words.

It’s more useful to be a good role model.

Part of that is educating people that it is impossible to reach Jesus’ standard. It’s also about letting them know it’s okay if they see you involved in activities they think Christians should abstain from.

They might challenge you going for afterwork drinks, but Jesus had a drink or two with his disciples. Sometimes the Church conveys its message in ways that are abnormal and that is what puts people off exploring their faith; they see it as a little

Photo: Jo Duckles

be. When I stepped into the grounds there was an essence of something enveloping you. It was so peaceful. It’s a wonderful feeling when you go there.

Prayer points: • • • • •

For all those starting up new business ventures For the community in the town of Bicester For the elderly who may be lonely as they are on their own For the repairs to the tower at St Edburg’s For the pilgrimage to Walsingham

Photo: The Guardian

Prayer points: • • • • •

For the world, and especially our nation; For Her Majesty The Queen, her Government, and her Loyal Opposition; For the civil service and public sector; For the Church, especially for more unity and understanding; As a personal request, that a spouse and family will be forthcoming in the near future.

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September prayer diary

The following is for guidance only, please feel free to adapt to local conditi Our purpose is to create a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford.

‘Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it – the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.’

Jeremiah 33: 2–3 Pray to the Father through the Son in the power of the Spirit for: FRIDAY 1 Wendover and Halton:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1 (ESV)

Sally Moring, Beryl Pearn, Joe Groat and Glenys Newman. Give thanks for the arrival of our next incumbent, Revd Sally Moring, as we celebrate her institution, installation and induction as our new vicar at St Mary’s on 6 September. Pray for a smooth transition for Sally and her family and for both church and town to be richly blessed. Give thanks for the generosity of volunteers at our fairtrade shop, which also houses the church office, in the High Street, making both ideally located for outreach. Wendover Junior School.

SATURDAY 2 Weston Turville: David

Wales, Susan Fellows, David Blackmore and Anthony Eccleston. For the growth and development of our Celebrate Eucharist on the first Sunday of each month. For our SWIFT project to expand our facilities here. Weston Turville School.

MONDAY 4 Sonning Deanery: Julie

Ramsbottom, John Smith, Bridget Crossley, Sharon White, Michael Johnson, Tim Novis and Bob Simmonds. For the new communities which are growing up across the deanery; that we will help to build communities of love and welcome.

For us, as individuals and as church communities, to remember our first love, the God who called us into relationship and calls us now to flourish and dance.

TUESDAY 5 Arborfield with Barkham:

Piers Bickersteth, Ben Thorndike, Julian Bidgood and Matthew Taylor.

Give thanks to God for the first six months of Church at the Green, a church plant from Arborfield and Barkham into the new development of Arborfield Green. For us to be committed to God’s mission and to be unashamed of the gospel; that ‘it is

WEDNESDAY 6 Crowthorne: Lisa Cornwell, David Ramsbottom, Gillian Gyenes, Hazel Berry and Lewis Simmons. For our Autumn Mystics Ancient and Modern course. For the successful completion of our organ renovation project. Crowthorne School.

THURSDAY 7 Finchampstead and California: Julie Ramsbottom, Julian

McAllen, John Edwards, Hannah Higginson, James Lawbuary and Catherine Clayton. Finchampstead School.

FRIDAY 8 Owlsmoor: Catherine Vaughan, Penny Crane and Lesley Hewlett. For us, as a whole church, to develop a clear vision for who and what God wants us to be and to be excited about serving him to bring that in to being. For all our children and our youth work, that it will help our young people come to know more about Jesus’ love and purpose for them.

SATURDAY 9 Ruscombe and Twyford with Hurst: Anita Leigh, Paul

Minton, Paula Pocock, Becci March and Connor Heath. For Revd Anna Harwood, who will be joining the benefice in November, as she prepares for the move; for our benefice as the

Services at Christ Church Cathedral SUNDAYS: 8am Holy Communion; 9.45am Matins (coffee in Priory Room); 11.00am Sung Eucharist; 6pm Evensong.

WEEKDAYS: 7.15am Morning Prayer; 7.35am Holy Communion; 1pm (Wednesday only) Holy Communion; 6pm Evensong (Thursday Sung Eucharist 6pm).

Tel: 01865 276155 Photo: www.sxc.hu

the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes’ (Romans 1:16).

The Coombes Primary School.

www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral

excitement of Anna’s arrival draws nearer and for those in leadership who have worked so hard during the interregnum. For our hearts and minds to be open to God’s vision for us. St Nicholas School, Hurst, Polehampton Infant School and Polehampton Junior School.

MONDAY 11 Sandhurst: John Castle

and Angela Harper. For St Michael’s fledgling Sandhurst Youth project which is co-funded by Sandhurst Town Council: for guidance about future priorities and personnel, both professional and voluntary. For God to guide us as we seek to develop spirituality among families within and on the fringe of our church community.

St Michael’s Primary School.

TUESDAY 12 Sonning: Jamie Taylor

and Bob Peters. For our new associate vicar, the Revd Kate Toogood, who will be licensed on 3 September. For the development of a new outreach programme in our new parish hall.

Sonning Primary School.

WEDNESDAY 13 Wargrave with Knowl Hill: John Cook. For Steve Turville

and Hugh Barne, recently ordained and serving in this parish, and for a new evangelistic thrust to engage with more children, teenagers and families in Wargrave. For wisdom in all we do at Knowl Hill so that Christ is made

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ions and, if you wish, produce your own deanery prayer diaries. known and people of all ages might encounter him. Knowl Hill Primary School, Crazies Hill Primary School, Robert Piggott Infant School, Robert Piggott Junior School and The Piggott School.

THURSDAY 14 Winnersh: Patricia

Smith. For the future of St Catherine’s and St Mary’s churches in Winnersh.

For a priest of God’s calling to come forward to lead the parish.

FRIDAY 15 All Saints, Wokingham:

David Hodgson, Anna Harwood, Colin James and Kat Allwright. For wisdom as we progress mission plans involving re-ordering of the parish church. For deeper awareness of, and engagement with, what God is doing in the parish.

All Saints’ Primary School and Nursery.

SATURDAY 16 St Paul, Wokingham (including Woosehill Conventional District): Richard Lamey, Michael

Johnson, Patrick Mukholi, Judi Hattaway and Julie Mintern. That we will continue to relish the challenges of Partnership for Missional Church and grow through them. For God to surround us with his love and protection and hide us under his wings until the storm is past. St Paul’s Junior School.

MONDAY 18 St Sebastian, Wokingham:

Andrew Marsden, Ian Seymour, Jill Bright, Rachel Jeremiah, Suzanne Powell and Russell Shipton. For the appointment of a new family and youth pastor for St Sebastian’s Church: that God would lead us to the right person for the post. For Martin Gater, the new headteacher at St Sebastian’s School, as he takes up his post, and for God to continue to bless the relationship between the church and school.

THURSDAY 21 Hanslope with Castlethorpe: Gary Ecclestone. For

the Ebbsfleet Lay Congress: ‘We are all Missionary Disciples’ and for ongoing renewal and growth in the benefice.

For our Sunday schools, under fives groups and youth group beginning a new academic year.

FRIDAY 22 Lamp: Richard Caddell, Wendy Reidel, Joe Geary and Priscilla Parry.

SATURDAY 23 Lavendon with Cold Brayfield, Clifton Reynes and Newton Blossomville: For all who take services

across the eight churches: Christa Pumfrey, James Howson, John Berry, Rod Cannon, Steve Marriott and the ‘home teams’. For Spirit Level at Lavendon school as it starts again in September. For all house groups and their leaders. Newton Blossomville School.

MONDAY 25 Newport Pagnell with Lathbury and Moulsoe: Nick Evans,

Christopher Huxtable, Karen Goff, Mervyn Evans and Colin Taylor.

TUESDAY 26 Olney: Claire Wood, Coralie Mansfield, Rena Partridge, Andrew Geary and David Richbell. For the ministry team, churchwardens and congregation at Olney as they bid farewell to Claire and for wisdom and discernment as they prepare for a new incumbent. For the success of the Mission Canada and other SoulTime projects in Claire’s absence.

WEDNESDAY 27 Sherington with Chicheley, North Crawley, Astwood and Hardmead: John Fielding. For God to

TUESDAY 19 Newport Deanery: Tim

Edwards, Janet Gamlen and Roger Hull. For Claire Wood, our outgoing Area Dean, who has been appointed Archdeacon of Loughborough in the Leicester Diocese. For grace and wisdom in the appointments of a new Area Dean.

WEDNESDAY 20 Gate: For all who take services across the eight churches: Christa Pumfrey, James Howson, John Berry, Clifford Izod, Ray Porter and the ‘home teams’. For the ongoing building projects in Stoke Goldington Church and Gayhurst Church. For house groups and their leaders. Stoke Goldington First School.

unite us as we enter a new phase for the parish. For wisdom, compassion and mutual discernment as we move forward together, united in a shared vision for growth. North Crawley School and Sherington School.

THURSDAY 28 Vale of White Horse Deanery: David Williams, Peter Foot,

Jane Venables, John Seedell and Penny Hockley. For the schools throughout the deanery; for their pupils, staff and governors, and for the developing partnership between our church and school communities. For our outreach to children and families, and for the continued flourishing of Messy Church and Café Church across the deanery.

FRIDAY 29 Cherbury with Gainfield:

Talisker Tracey-Macleod and Richard Waterhouse. For our Open the Book team as they prepare for their second year in Buckland school. For the community library, recently set up in St Mary’s Church, Longworth, to serve the benefice now that the county mobile library service has ended. Buckland Primary School.

SATURDAY 30 Great Faringdon with Little Coxwell: Stephen Bellamy, Graham

of Hitcham; The Revd Sheila Walker has been appointed Associate Minister, Rotherfield Peppard, Kidmore End and Sonning Common; The Revd Vanessa Whiffin has been appointed Team Vicar of Witney; The Revd James Crockford has been appointed Assistant Priest, St Mary the Virgin, Oxford; The Revd Colin Smith has been appointed Associate Minister, St Hugh, Banbury.

The following have been given permission to officiate: The Revd Wayne Lautenbach, The Revd James Howson, The Revd Janet Wales, The Revd Timothy Hewes, The Revd Peter Bestley, The Revd Barry Ashdown, The Revd Jane Lewis, The Revd Anne Hartley.

We recall with sadness the death of The Revd Michael Westney.

Links

SUNDAY 3 Pray for Alison Webster, Social Responsibility Adviser.

Prayers from Christian Concern for One World: www.ccow. org.uk/weekly-prayer-email/

SUNDAY 10 Pray for Bethan Willis, Assistant Social Responsibility Adviser.

Topical prayers from the Church of England: www. churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topicalprayers.aspx

SUNDAY 24 Bishop Colin confirming in Bicester; Bishop Alan confirming in Aylesbury Deanery.

Based in Milton Keynes, the religious community at St Michael’s Priory has a life centered on daily Eucharist and prayer. Our community life is inclusive, and our mission and ministry with local churches and other organisations are central to the daily life of the Priory.

Building on the success of our first year, SSM is seeking to recruit young people as Pastoral Assistants (PA) to help with the life and mission of the Priory. We encourage applications from those who might be interested in religious life, ordained or lay ministry, or who simply wish to learn by sharing the life of the community. We provide a stipend, good accommodation, meals and will support relevant education and training.

St Michael’s Priory, The Well, Newport Road, Willen, Milton Keynes, MK15 9AA. Telephone 01908 241974, email ssmlondon@yahoo.co.uk www.stmichaelspriory.org.uk

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Our Bishops on Sundays

SUNDAY 17 Bishop Colin confirming at Ladygrove in Didcot; Bishop Alan confirming in Wendover Deanery.

The Society of the Sacred Mission (SSM) is a religious order in the Church of England.

Scott-Brown and Helen Wilson. For our Vision group as they attend two days of a Lead Academy Learning Community for Market Town Churches in September and then have a shared morning with the All Saints PCC seeking God’s priorities in mission for us. For us to find the right person to lead us forward, as our director of music, as we look to grow in wholehearted praise and worship.

Coming and Goings The Revd David Allsop has resigned from the post of Rector, Chenies and Little Chalfont, Latimer and Flaunden; The Revd Dr Robert France has resigned from the post of Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Stokenchurch with Ibstone; The Revd Martin Williams and The Revd Tim Harper have been appointed joint Area Dean of Amersham in addition to their existing roles; The Revd Alastair Blaine has been appointed Naval Chaplain, based in Plymouth; The Revd Dr Tess Kuin-Lawton has been appointed Chaplain of Magdalen College School; The Revd Dr James Lawson has been appointed Vice Principal and Charles Marriott Director of Pastoral Studies at St Stephen’s House, Oxford; The Revd Duncan Weaver has been appointed Chaplain of Bloxham School; The Revd Sue Sampson has been appointed Vicar

PASTORAL ASSISTANTS

Anglican cycle of prayer: www.anglicancommunion.org/ resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspx

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Proverbs 16 vs 3 (NRSV)

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Events in September

The Doorpost is a free service for churches to advertise their events and is designed to be hung on church noticeboards. Please send your events to doorpost@oxford.anglican.org or by post to Church House. The deadline for the October issue is Monday 4 September.

ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and flexible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats.

Also, Conference facilities and private stays.

Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily office in St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel.

For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU Tel: 01235 763141 Email: guestwing@csmv.co.uk www.csmv.co.uk

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER Upton: Village Fete, 1pm at the Recreation Ground. Blewbury Band, Bake Off competition, donkeys, cartoonist, car boot sale, dog show, gymnasts, Juggling John. Entrance £1. General enquiries: Jessie@blueshapes.com; Car boot/dog show enquiries: Gloria 07845 761560. In aid of St Mary’s Church/Upton Village Hall.

Buckingham: Organ Recital with

Robert Tucker performing works

by Handel, Bach, Marchand and Mendelssohn. St Peter and St Paul’s Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (under 18s free) from the church office, 01280 821509. Proceeds to developing community outreach.

Saunderton: Ellel Ministries

Training Day: ‘Bringing the Essentials of the Healing Ministry of Jesus into the Local Church’ with David and Denise Cross. The Clare Centre, 9.30am – 5.15pm. £28 including lunch. For more information or to book contact roy.be@phonecoop.coop.

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER Penn: Holy Trinity Church Heritage Open Day, 11am – 4pm (also Friday 11am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 1–5pm, bell tower from 2pm).

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FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Chinnor: Free Art Exhibition and sale of watercolours by R. K. Scopes in aid of Chinnor Christian Aid. Methodist Church, 62 Station Road, 10am – 4pm with refreshments and light lunches.

Also on Saturday 9 September.

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER Tilehurst: Last Night of the Proms in the St Michael’s Morlais Room, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50 per person or £20 for a family of four, to include supper. Contact Eileen White, 0118 942 0629, to book.

Chearsley: Country walk and pub lunch for clergy spouses organised

by OxonSpice, the clergy spouse network. See https://oxonspice. wordpress.com.

Bicester: St Edburg’s Church

Heritage Day, ‘History Comes to Life’, 10am – 5pm. Family and adult trails, displays, historical re-enactments at 2.00 and 3.30pm.

Refreshments. Free entry.

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SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER Oxford: Social Justice Fair at Summertown United Reformed

Bisham Concert Band , performing on 23 September.

Church, 10am – 3.30pm. Stalls by Asylum Welcome, Getting Heard, Prison Fellowship, Emmaus, Community Emergency Food Bank, NOAAH, The Porch, Gatehouse, Aspire, Oxford City of Sanctuary and others. Talks, music, film, cakes, children’s activities.

Botley: Food Fayre, St Peter and

St Paul’s Church, 10am – 4pm.

Quality artisan and locally sourced food, children’s entertainments, a baking competition, cookery demonstrations and live music.

Entry £1, under 16 free. Proceeds to the church and Helen and Douglas House. For further information contact Judith on 01865 435343 or judithdtbowden@ virginmedia.com.

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER Spencers Wood: Carnival Praise service in the Marquee on the Rec, Clare’s Green Road, 11am.

St Michael and All Angels and Shinfield Baptist Church join together to celebrate being part of the community and to thank volunteers at Caf’Active.

FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Watlington: Harvest Barn Dance, 7pm, St. Leonard’s Church. Tickets £10, children £5, family £25, on sale at Watlington High Street Dropin Centre or www.ticketsource. co.uk/stleonardschurch. More details from 01491 612082 or moreeventsstleonards@gmail.com.

Bicester: Start of three-day Flower

Festival ‘Nations within our Community’, Catholic Church and John Paul II Centre. 10am – 5pm on Friday and Saturday, Sunday Multilingual Mass, 11am, followed

by Food from Around the Globe lunch and Songs of Praise at 4pm.

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER West Wycombe: Concert by the Bisham Concert Band in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, St Lawrence Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £12, £10 concessions, £1 under 16s, available from Alison Rimmer: alir08@hotmail.co.uk.

SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER Weston Turville: Cream teas at St Mary the Virgin Church, 3–5pm.

Contact Wendy Prestage on 01296 614699 for more information or visit www.stmaryswt.org.

Sonning: Young Voices Festival.

Choristers aged 7 to 16 are invited to an afternoon of singing using the RSCM festival book Songs of Praise the Angels Sang.

Church choirs, school choirs and individuals are all welcome. Free, but places must be booked in advance. For further details see www.rscm.com/area/berkshire/ or contact mary.delaney@btinternet. com or phone 0118 9403121.

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Buckland: Playgrounds for Palestine (UK) Singing Day. Ladies are invited to rehearse for a day, and then give a free concert in St Mary’s Buckland at 6pm. £30, including lunch. Further details: nicky@tcsp.net.

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER Woodley: Musical Spectacular at Woodley Baptist Church, 7pm. Starring award winning A440 choir, and young finalists from Woodley Music Festival.

Tickets £10 in advance from 0118 327 7909 or £12 on the door.

Proceeds to Urban Saints, a charity supporting 13 young people from Woodley going to build a house for a family in need in Soweto.

Musical Opportunities Langtree Sinfonia is a friendly, non-auditioning orchestra. We meet on Wednesday evenings in Woodcote and provide an entertaining, encouraging atmosphere in which to play classical music. We give two concerts a year, in Dorchester Abbey and St Mary’s, Wallingford, and have an annual workshop and a patron’s evening of music and socialising. For more information see www.langtreesinfonia.co.uk or contact Nick Kiff, 01491 833515.

The Sine Nomine Singers of Oxford welcome new

choir members. We occasionally sing evensong in churches in the diocese. We also sing at private celebrations, patronal festivals and conferences. We are a small, friendly group. We practise on Friday nights in Headington, 7.15–9.15pm. If you would like to join us, please contact director Richard Moller on 01865 763281 or 07986 235585 or Christine Kennell on 07962 798474.