thedoor
www.oxford.anglican.org April 2018 No. 301
What did the teenagers say to the Bishop ? page 7 RE: why does it matter?
centre spread Find out more about St Francis page 11 Win a book page 5
Former lap dancing club “redeemed for the Gospel” By Jo Duckles A FORMER lap dancing club has been “redeemed for the Gospel” after being leased and renovated by a neighbouring church. The Pennyfarthing, as it is now known, is being used for children’s and youth activities, and an international student ministry training course. It is hoped that over time it will be used more and more for community events. Historically the building, which is outside the city’s dramatically redeveloped Westgate Centre, was a pub and more recently a nightclub known as the Lodge. In 2010 it became a lap dancing venue. Church leaders, among others, lobbied the city council, asking for it to re-think amid concerns for churchgoers, particularly families, children and students. Before it became the Lodge, the Revd Vaughan Roberts, the Rector of St Ebbe’s, had fond memories of evangelistic events in the pub, formerly known as the Parrot. “The Parrot was overflowing with people, mainly non-Christians. They could buy a drink, smoke, listen to Christian talks and lots of people came to faith,” says Vaughan. He remembered the pub eventually becoming a nightclub which he described as “a bit dodgy.” “Eventually they turned it into a lap dancing club. We tried to fight it but in the end the legislation was such that it was no more difficult to get a licence for a lap dancing club than to get a licence for a tea dance,” says Vaughan. Since then, St Ebbe’s has set up the Littlegate Trust, a charity which is raising funds for the Building for Growth project – set up to support the thriving church as the size of the congregation increases. In a video on the Building for Growth section
The Revd Vaughan Roberts outside the new venue. Photo: Jo Duckles
of the St Ebbe’s website, Vaughan had urged people to pray that the Lodge be “redeemed for the Gospel”. “Once the Westgate re-opened this became a main route into the city. This building gives us a much better opportunity to show warmth, hospitality and Christian service to people in
Oxford,” Vaughan added. “It’s very moving to be back in there, remembering the great days when it was a pub, and the sad days when it wasn’t a place of light.” Building for Growth has also seen a new gallery built in the church itself, to accommodate 180 extra people as the
previous capacity of 350 was too small. The grand-reopening of the church following the work took place just before Christmas. stebbes.org
2 News
“Fabulous” re-ordering turns St Luke’s into a fantastic facility
Pictured is Orlando Riviere receiving his prize from Quentin Letts. Photo: the Prayer Book Society
Oxford pupil wins a prize in the national Cranmer Awards contest A PUPIL at Oxford’s Magdalen College School, Orlando Riviere, has won a top prize in the national Cranmer Awards competition. Run by the Prayer Book Society, the contest introduces young people to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer created by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, during the Reformation. Orlando, 17, who won the £150 senior
second prize, memorised and spoke by heart the Collect, Epistle and Gospel for the Feast of St Peter in front of an audience of more than 100 parents, teachers, clergy and members of the Prayer Book Society. More than 300 school pupils entered local heats and 27 competed in the finals held at Old Palace in Worcester. The prizes, as well as a certificate and a copy of
The Book of Common Prayer, were presented by the journalist, theatre critic and author Quentin Letts. Describing the Prayer Book as “a deep well of history, poetry and philosophy which teenagers relish,” Mr Letts criticised those who say “no one will be able to understand that old language.” “That’s rot!” he said. “Our contestants today not only understood it; they made it soar.”
Church a-spires to connect to the web CHURCH spires could play a key role in bringing Wi-Fi, broadband and mobile access to rural areas through a new agreement between the Church of England and the Government. The Church of England has signed an accord with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), setting out how churches and other church properties could host a new digital infrastructure. Two thirds of Church of England parishes are in rural areas including some of the remaining mobile and Wi-Fi ‘blackspots’. The Archdeacon of Dorchester, the Ven. Judy French, said: “I welcome this as
Wi-Fi and mobile access is very important, especially in rural areas. Of course, it all depends on how this sensitive equipment is attached to the fabric of our historic buildings.” Canon Adrian Daffern, the chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, said: “This is a wonderful way in which churches can provide a service to their community in an entirely new way. Good communications matter more than ever, especially in rural communities.” The Revd Val Plumb, the Area Dean for Mission and Rural Development, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Church to bring a much-needed service to rural communities. It seems
entirely appropriate that the Church should support a project that offers better communication between family and friends, support to those who work from home and attempt to break down some of the isolation that rural living can bring.” The Revd Ros Roberts, the Vicar of the Lenborough Benefice and the Area Dean of Buckingham, said Wi-Fi equipment was first installed on churches in her area five years ago. She said: “It’s allowed people to work from home. People need access to the internet for business use and children’s homework is often internet based and many people need the web for their shopping. It’s really important to be connected, especially in rural areas.”
“WOW, this is fabulous,” was the exclamation from one homeless person at a recent community lunch at the newly refurbished St Luke’s Church in Maidenhead. The church has undergone £150,000 of work and was re-dedicated by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, in a special service in March. When the Revd Sally Lynch became the vicar seven years ago, there was already a working group looking at how to make St Luke’s a more flexible space for worship and for mission in the community. Now their hard work has come to fruition. The project has created a new area with comfy seats for parents with small children at the front of the church, rather than having them stuck at the back. The former parish centre is now the parish office. Previously the church administrator worked in a screened off area within the church itself. “The office is now a warm, welcoming area where people can talk confidentially,” says Sally. Working with Acanthus Clews architects, the church has installed a new servery and fellowship area, new storage cupboards forming a horseshoe around the back of the church and the kitchen has been enlarged. There are tables and chairs that are used for events including the monthly community meal. “People at the nearby mosque cook the food and bring it over here. Lots of people, including the homeless, come in and we all eat together. Our Muslim brothers and sisters are very happy being here. It is now a beautiful, big, airy church,” says Sally. “We have new glazed doors so people can see from the outside that St Luke’s is a welcoming place. Instead of wrestling a heavy wooden door, they can see it is easy to come inside. We have a space for people who want to reflect or light a candle and they are really welcome.” Previously a screen had been necessary, blocking part of the memorial chapel as it was being used as a vestry. Now the chapel, which contains the names of those who died in the First World War, is more open. It will be used later in the year when the centenary of the end of the war is celebrated A new carpeted area in the nave means that two stretching and breathing classes can take place in comfort at St Luke’s during the week, and it is hoped that the building will soon be used for a host of other activities. CORRECTION
IN the March edition of the Door we reported that three people were admitted to the Order of St Frideswide at a recent service at the Cathedral. In fact, four people were admitted to the order, during the service which was held in late January.
New Diocesan Synod members needed THIS year is an election year for Diocesan Synod and every parishioner in the Diocese of Oxford is invited to consider standing for election, writes Steven Buckley. We’re particularly keen for Christians from under-represented parts of the Church to put themselves forward. Could that be you, or someone you know? The Diocesan Synod is the governing body of the Church of England in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Members of synod gather three times a year - usually on a Saturday to discuss issues facing the Church and to share experience from across the diocese. Synod members can also put themselves forward for membership of boards and committees, such as the Bishop’s Council.
The diocesan bishop has a duty to consult the Diocesan Synod on matters of general importance and concern to the diocese and, in turn, the Diocesan Synod provides a connection to Deanery Synods and PCCs. As such, members of Diocesan Synod find themselves at the heart of discussions about the mission and ministry of the Church. This is a great moment for anyone wanting to see the Church respond to the challenges that face us all. The start of a new triennial (new members are elected to Diocesan Synod every three years) aligns with the next stages of the Common Vision process as we journey towards a more Christ-like Church... the best Church we can be for this generation.
Celebrating books in Milton Keynes FAMILIES enjoyed a delicious breakfast while getting to enjoy the pleasure of reading books together at Christ the Sower Ecumenical School in Milton Keynes recently. They joined hundreds of schools and individuals across the Thames Valley to celebrate World Book Day in March. Instead of letting cold weather get them down, they enjoyed the celebration of all things to do with reading, literature and books. Dr Huw Humphreys, the headteacher, says: “Twice a year we try and have a book
breakfast, linked with some event – World Book Day or something else. It takes a bit of setting up, but families come in for 30-40 minutes at the start of the day, have toast and jam and coffee and tea, and curl up with their children in the hall, which is set up with a myriad of cushions, comfy chairs and rugs. This morning we had about 30 families who came in out of the snow, plus many teachers and teaching assistants enjoying books together and reading to one another.”
Photo: Christ the Sower Ecumenical School
Lay members of Diocesan Synod are elected by Deanery Synods and elections will conclude by July this year, ready for induction in September. We want to see a Diocesan Synod that’s truly representative of the diversity of our people and parishes. So, if you’re keen to make a difference and interested in standing for election, then why not visit the website to find out more. Steven Buckley is the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Oxford. oxford.anglican.org/diocesansynod/
Book quickly for the Living Waters clergy conference AROUND 300 clergy from across the diocese gather in Derbyshire at the end of April for the 2018 Clergy Conference. It’s a moment of blessing for hard working clergy to be personally refreshed and renewed, away from the day to day busyness of their parishes. The theme for four-day conference, is ‘Living Waters’. With a rich mix of worship, teaching, fellowship and workshops, the team behind the conference have worked hard to design an event that will provide the time and space for clergy to reflect on their ministry and to be refreshed in mind, body and spirit. Bishop Steven will lead a daily teaching session looking at Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. He is joined by His Grace Archbishop Angaelos, First Estates Commissioner Loretta Minghella, and the Revd Rachel Mash, the Environmental Co-ordinator from the Anglican Church of South Africa. Together they will explore the marks of a Christ-like Church: contemplative, compassionate and courageous. Alongside sessions on the environment, new worship styles and interfaith dialogue, optional workshops include a chance to try out worship through art and photography, get active outdoors or even try out LEGO® Serious Play®! A new clergy wellbeing booklet will be launched at the conference. The booklet explores the challenges and pressures of ministry, and signposts where to find help before experiencing harmful levels of stress.Only a handful of rooms are still available. Clergy who would like to attend but have not yet booked are encouraged to email sheila.townsend@oxford.anglican. org as soon as possible.
Inquiry aims to provide better child protection THE Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) was entering the second week of its public hearing into the Church of England as the Door went to press. IICSA was set up in 2015, following serious concerns that some organisations in England and Wales had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children. The Anglican Church in England and Wales is one of the 13 areas being investigated, focusing on the Diocese of
Chichester as a case study. Archbishop Justin Welby, one of those who originally called for the inquiry, has said that the investigation is ‘a necessary examination that the Church of England fully supports’. IICSA has the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and it will make practical recommendations to ensure better protection for children in the future. In the first week of the inquiry the panel heard evidence from two survivors of clergy abuse,
News 3
church officers from Chichester Diocese and several independent experts. The national safeguarding team recognises it is a difficult time for all in the Church when survivors, who have been brave in coming forward, share their stories. But listen we must. Full transcripts from each day’s hearing can be found on the IICSA website below. iicsa.org.uk/investigations/
Church hosts the first ever Mouse Fest MICE are not always welcome in church. But at Holy Trinity, in the Buckinghamshire village of Drayton Parslow, they are more than welcome. In fact, there will be a special festival to celebrate them. A group of craftswomen in the village have been busily knitting and stitching mice which will go on display during the weekend of 14 and 15 April from 1.30pm each day. The festival will primarily raise money for a much-needed toilet and kitchen extension but some funds from the sale of mice will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. Teas and homemade cakes will be available in the village hall from 2pm. There will also be a second-hand book sale and a free children’s ‘make a mouse’ craft session.
Church calls for tighter gambling laws The General Synod (the Church’s national governing body) has called on the Government to reduce the maximum stake on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) to £2 in a debate where members heard of the “huge suffering” caused by the machines. Members unanimously backed calls for the Government as a ‘matter of urgency’ to bring forward proposals to lower the maximum stake on FOBTs for a single game from £100 to £2, in an amended motion brought by London Diocesan Synod. The motion spoke of ‘widespread public concern’ over the large amounts being wagered on FOBTs in high street betting shops and the ‘destructive’ impact of the machines on the lives of families and whole communities.
Read the full story: tinyurl.com/ybhaaqb2
the Door, April 2018, page 4
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Festival goers urged to fasten their seat belts
Mark Oakley (left) and Rachel Mann (right) Photos: KT Bruce.
THE REVD TONY LYNN reviews the fifth Bloxham Festival of Faith and Literature
THE Festival was headlined with three words: Faith, Literature and Jerusalem. Grand words that interested me for I “do” God, I read, and I’m concerned about that benighted city. But would a festival mean loud and discordant music, muddy fields, odd food and odder smells? Certainly not! It was an extraordinary and wonderful occasion. I’m ready to book for the next one! My sadness was that I was only able to attend the first day, and could fit in merely three sessions of the huge number
on offer. Mark Oakley, a canon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, based his engrossing talk on Nutshell, the latest novel by Ian McEwan which describes a baby hearing the muffled sounds of its mother, sounds which are comforting and increasingly familiar. Just the way we can hear God, even as we prepare for The New Jerusalem “when we shall see God face to face”. It was a talk, a lecture, that had humour, learning, poetry and anecdote: utterly compelling. For me, it contained so much that, not only did I have to buy both Nutshell and Oakley’s latest book, A Splash of Words – and what a good bookshop was
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on site! But I also needed time to think and reflect on what I’d heard. Plenty of places for that: a splendid cafeteria, a coffee bar (so many buttons to press!), and a warm chapel. Rachel Mann, in her talk, concentrated on cities, moving from the “crowd that flowed over London Bridge” (T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land) who were “dead” and on to cities as places of glory, liberation and flourishing, culminating in “The New Jerusalem”. It was a tightly-packed argument that, again, needed time to consider. A discussion on action and prayer was offered in the session entitled Finding a Path to Peace, in which we heard from young Palestinians and Jews who are part of Kids4Peace. How articulate, fascinating, moving and optimistic they were, as they described the charity’s careful programme of reaching out to all the young in the Holy Land, because Jerusalem is “the city we share. It’s for everyone.” Oh, that others would recognise the truth of that. At the start of one session, the presenter admitted she had lost her safety notes, but, in the manner of an air hostess, pointed out where the exits were and then added: “Please fasten your seat belts. Or something.” Very wise words for the whole experience was, for me, mindblowing, taking me on a journey that was inspiring, enriching, and in the Diocese! The Revd Tony Lynn has permission to officiate in the Dorchester Archdeaconry. He is one of the founder members of the charity Playgrounds for Palestine. Playgroundsforpalestineuk.org
Your chance to create an icon IN January 2017, the Cathedral Education Department held an event, dedicated to Icons, for adults. There were 32 people who thoroughly enjoyed meeting professional iconographer, Dr Irina Bradley, who presented a range of icons and iconography styles and traditions and explained the processes involved in ‘writing’ an icon. She spoke about her own personal and spiritual journeys which resulted in the icon of St Frideswide, (pictured) which will be the main focus of Irina’s next course in May. The full day was so successful that the next course will last for a week. The cost will include all materials, including 24 carat gold leaf, all tuition and refreshments. For further information, please contact: Jackie Holderness, cathedral Education Officer (01865-286003) jacqueline. holderness@chch.ox.ac.uk
Book now for Yellow Braces youth camp WATERBALLOON volleyball? Night hike? Late night worship? The best apple crumble in the world. July 6–8 sees the annual diocesan youth camp Yellow Braces happening at the Hill End Centre near Oxford. It’s a weekend of faith, fun and community for secondary school aged young people, as well as a training opportunity for young leaders. For more information and for booking contact bev.higgs@oxford.anglican.org The winners of the competition in the March Door are Miss E Stroud of Reading, Monica Harris of Flackwell Heath and Patricia Pulford of Kidlington. Each wins a copy of Songs of the Spirit by the Revd Dr Megan Daffern.
A Franciscan Way of Life by Arthur Howells BROTHER Ramon’s wisdom has been largely hidden from a whole generation. Gregarious hermit, evangelical Franciscan, Baptist minister, Anglican priest, pacifist, nurse and writer, Brother Ramon was unique. And now, 20 years after his death, the Revd Arthur Howells has written A Franciscan Way of Life (published by BRF) to tell Brother Ramon’s story afresh. Arthur, the former chancellor of Brecon Cathedral and a canon missioner, says of Brother Ramon: “He possessed that rare quality of complete trustfulness. You knew that you could depend on him to give you sound advice, and that when he promised to pray for you he would indeed keep that promise… There was a boyishness about him as he excitedly immersed himself in the God-created world. Like Francis, he recognised God in the natural world around him and gave him praise from his heart.” The new book is endorsed by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Wales, John Davies and includes a foreword by Canon David Winter, a long-term contributor to the Door and a writer, broadcaster and evangelist. The Door has three copies to give away. For the chance of winning, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the Oxford University Professor of Economics who founded the Order of St Francis around 100 years ago? See the feature on page 11 for the answer. Send your entries to reception@oxford.anglican.org or Brother Ramon contest, the Door, Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. The closing date for entries is Friday 11 April.
the Door, April 2018, page 6
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Is that hat comfy, Bishop? OVER 100 young people from across the Diocese of Oxford gathered in St. Andrew’s Church, North Oxford for a morning of listening and reflection as part of our common vision process last month, writes BISHOP STEVEN.
As the young people came in, they were invited to write up “Questions for the Bishop” on a large whiteboard. There were too many to answer on the day – so here are the questions and some very short answers. Is the hat comfy?
Not really. It stays on because it grips the head. After about five minutes I get a headache. How do you address the bishop?
Print out a label and stick it on his forehead with a stamp. More seriously – I answer to anything polite and don’t really mind. Do you think God wants us to wear clothes and if so what’s your favourite company?
Undoubtedly yes, especially in February. Fat Face.
What is your opinion on the circles of hell?
The best quotation about hell I know is from C.S. Lewis: “If the gates of hell are locked, they are locked from the inside”.
Do you feel the Church is being inclusive when not everyone understands the words contemplative, compassionate and courageous?
I think so. I think most people do understand compassionate and courageous. Contemplative takes a bit longer to explain but it’s worth the trouble on both sides. How did you become a bishop?
I believe God called me. Humanly speaking, you get a letter from the Prime Minister. What is the best reason for God to exist?
I think you mean the best reason to believe God exists. That would be the wonder of creation, the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, and that sense we all have of right and wrong and that there must be something more. If you wouldn’t be a bishop what job would you have?
Probably a vicar but if you mean not a vicar, I love to write. Are you going to try to convert us today?
No. That’s God’s job. But I am going to listen to you. Why are we here?
At this event: so that young people can have a bigger say in the life of the Diocese of Oxford. In life: to know God and enjoy God for ever Why do you wear a long gown?
Clergy wear robes as a sign of our office. Some people find it helpful. Others not so much. What denomination of Christian are you?
Church of England. That’s the Church I grew up in but I’m also an Anglican by conviction. Were you clever at school?
I did okay but was blessed to have parents who encouraged me, two very good schools and some great teachers. Why did you want to become a bishop?
Bishop Steven in his hat. Photo: KT Bruce.
Bishop Steven gives out holding crosses. Photo: Steven Buckley
Teenagers left ‘buzzing’ THERE was a huge energy from the moment that the young people and their leaders arrived, writes IAN MACDONALD. There were doughnuts, graffiti questions for Bishop Steven and funny, creative pictures in a photo booth. Bishop Steven helped on the welcome desk, giving each participant a holding cross. We started with worship, led by the Eynsham Youth Band and some icebreaking fun. The young people broke into groups to explore what they wanted Bishop Steven to know about their world, and what they wanted to express about faith and the church. Everyone then came back together
and the Bishop was asked some of the questions from the graffiti board. (See the main piece for some of those questions, and the Bishop’s answers.) Bishop Steven then talked about faith, the church, and his thinking about contemplation, compassion and courage. Back in the peer groups, everyone was asked to respond to what Bishop Steven shared. The day ended with a Eucharist and everyone sitting down to enjoy a meal (burgers) together. We are still working on digesting all that the teenagers shared and explored. What is coming through strongly though are the deep challenges and stress young people feel. These revolved around school as well
I wanted to do what God was calling me to do – whatever that was.
about 16 through a local church youth group which started with just 3 members.
How did you know you wanted to be a bishop?
Have you ever questioned your faith?
You have to test a call through lots of prayer and conversation and really listen… What are we to you?
A great gift. People loved by God. The Church of the present and the future. Were you always a Christian?
I can’t remember not believing in God. I became a committed Christian when I was
Yes – especially when I was younger and still today when life is difficult. Do you enjoy your job?
Most of the time yes, enormously. I get to work with some great people. Can God change his mind?
According to the Bible, yes. Read the story of Jonah. Prayer is very important.
as social media and mental health. There was lively discussion about contemplation, compassion and courage (not everyone liked the wording). One thing that shone strongly through several groups though was a desire to be involved in Church; in decision making, in being listened to and in conversation with different generations. A huge thanks to everyone involved, especially the Eynsham Youth band, and the teenagers that led the 10 discussion groups. A lovely comment came from one mum who said that her teenager had been reluctant to go but came back ‘buzzing!’
Ian Macdonald is the diocesan youth adviser. What do you do with your free time?
My two favourite things are baking and spending time with Josiah, Judah and Joshua, my three grandsons. Have you ever put your hat on backwards?
Yes but it’s embarrassing. The tippets hang down over the eyes.
Listen to some of what Bishop Steven said on the day: tinyurl.com/yaczwcx3 This is an edited extract from Bishop Steven’s blog: blogs.oxford. anglican.org/is-that-hat-comfy/
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RELIGIOUS Education is regularly in the news. National reports have highlighted the difficulties with RE and religious literacy in wider society, writes ANNE ANDREWS.
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n December 2015 the Woolf Institute in Cambridge published Living with Difference – Community, Diversity and the Common Good. The report demonstrated the lack of religious awareness in society and made recommendations for what needs to change: “Education about religion and belief is essential because it is in schools and colleges that we have the best and earliest chance of breaking down ignorance and developing individuals who will be receptive of the other, and ask difficult questions without fear of offending.” RE for REal, the future of Teaching and Learning about Religion and Belief (Goldsmiths, University of London 2015) recommended the need for a discussion about the purpose of RE, the content and structure of courses, the creation of a national framework and the removal of the
right of parents to withdraw their children from RE. The National Association of Teachers of RE published its State of the Nation report in September 2017, revealing the extent to which schools are failing to abide by the legal requirement to ensure that every pupil receives their entitlement to RE.
What is religious education? When the 1944 Education Act made RE compulsory, it was assumed most people in the UK had a Christian background, and the subject focused on teaching about Christianity. Later there was a realisation that for some people this would not sit well with their religious or non-religious worldviews and hence the right to withdraw was introduced. In 1988 the introduction of teaching
about other world faiths became statutory. Since then schools have had to teach an RE curriculum that recognises that the “religious traditions of Great Britain are in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.” Most RE syllabuses require the teaching of Christianity in every year group, alongside Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism with other faiths included where appropriate. More recently there have been moves to include nonreligious worldviews such as Humanism and Secularism.
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There is a lot of debate about the purpose of RE.” There is a lot of debate about the purpose of RE. A Commission for RE is currently conducting a wholesale review. An interim report published in October 2017 repeated calls from previous reports and has set out a call for a national entitlement to RE, again
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Understanding Christianity THE language, traditions and customs surrounding Christianity can be baffling to someone who has never been exposed to church or church culture. So, a new national resource aiming to help school children learn about the Christian faith is being rolled out across the Diocese of Oxford. The aim of Understanding Christianity is to help raise the standard of teaching in Church schools. The Bayne Benefactions has funded training for the first 100 schools in the Oxford Diocese. By the end of summer 2018 around 110 of our 283 Church of England Schools will be using the materials. With fantastic feedback so far, Understanding Christianity has been developed by the Church of England Education Office in partnership with RE
calling for an end to the right to withdraw. It will be interesting to see what the final report, due out in the summer of 2018, will say.
What is the Diocese of Oxford doing about RE? Within the diocese, RE in schools is taken very seriously. We work to a definition of RE that focuses on helping children to understand a range of religions and will enable them to be able to engage in informed and balanced conversations about religions and beliefs. Each of the Church schools undergoes a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection in addition to OFSTED, examining the Christian distinctiveness of the school. RE in Church schools follows the same criteria as community schools and there is a diocesan scheme of work for the primary phase that covers the main faiths as required by the locally agreed syllabuses. Diocesan schools constantly perform well
Today, Culham St. Gabriel’s, The Jerusalem Trust and The Sir Halley Stewart Trust. Nationally it has been used in classes to teach more than 600,000 pupils in more than 22,000 classrooms across 4,000 schools. Kirtlington CE Primary School in Oxfordshire is about to celebrate being ranked as Outstanding by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools. Kirtlington’s RE co-ordinator, Pat Vincent, finished the Understanding Christianity training just before Christmas. She says: “I thought it was excellent training and it’s a really good resource with lots of suggestions for ways of teaching Christianity to children at a greater depth. “We’ve got the core learning section and the digging deeper section, so that we can pick and choose which parts we use for our own classes. It tells the story of Christianity
very clearly. I’ve done the training so I can teach the staff here how to use the resource.” Other schools nationally have also given positive feedback. One teacher said: “Understanding Christianity has given me the confidence to deliver fun and engaging RE. Our early years children have really grasped the concepts so far and have shown a much deeper understanding than I would have expected at such a young age. I asked my class about the new RE lessons so far.” The responses, from children as young as four, were: “It made me feel like the world is amazing.” “When I went home I saw the creation in the walls and the trees and the grass and in the sky.” “I love learning it.”
against the inspection criteria. The diocese supports schools with a dedicated RE adviser, who visits schools to offer support with curriculum planning, teacher training, monitoring and evaluation. The diocesan adviser is also involved with the Church of England Education Office training programme and works with advisers from other dioceses to ensure that Oxford remains in the forefront of developments and provision.
establish the biennial RE competition, which allows schools to showcase their RE. They have also helped to set up a new RE Ambassador scheme. Students from four secondary schools are being trained to go into their primary schools to give presentations on an aspect of faith or belief. This enables secondary pupils to gain confidence in talking about religion and to promote faith and belief in primary schools. Every two years, the diocese also hosts an RE conference with national speakers. The next conference is currently in the planning stage and is scheduled for March 2019. Details on the weblink below.
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Diocesan schools constantly perform well against the inspection criteria.” There are three diocesan initiatives to promote RE further. With funding from the Bayne Benefaction schools are offered a discount on training on a new resource that aims to improve the teaching of Christianity. The Bayne Benefaction also helped to
understandingchristianity.org.uk
www.oxford.anglican.org/schools/re/
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Vacancies for Brothers The Hospital, founded in 1132, is home to 25 retired laymen (‘Brothers’) and applications are welcomed. A registered Charity with a Christian foundation, the Hospital is situated a mile south of Winchester. Each Brother lives independently and occupies a flat which he furnishes himself. Further information and an application form are obtainable from: Clerk to the Trustees Hospital of St Cross Winchester, SO23 9SD Tel: 01962 878218 E-mail: clerk@hospitalofstcross.co.uk www.hospitalofstcross.co.uk Registered Charity No.202751
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the Door, April 2018, page 10
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The residents have neither rent nor council tax to pay. All properties are provided with free background heating and the Trust also pays for internal and external repairs and painting. Whilst there is no warden, each resident is linked to a local telephone emergency system. Residents live independently and may have friends and family to stay. They only have to pay for their contents insurance, telephone, electricity, TV licence and the repair of their own domestic equipment and furnishings. They also have the opportunity to do a little gardening if they wish, although the Trust is responsible for looking after the gardens.
11 “Join the Revolution!” “Yes, but which one?” THE REVD LEIGHTON THOMAS describes how the Order of St Francis was created in a time of depression and revolution in Europe.
T
HE Russian Revolution was getting underway 100 years ago. The Czar Nicholas II and his family had been mercilessly despatched, the peasantry had been ‘released’ and Vladimir Lenin, with his wife and children made the Kremlin their home. In March 1918, under his leadership, The Russian Communist Party came into being. Religious institutions were closed or desecrated, their clergy were humiliated or killed and atheism became the creed for the new socialist republic. These were violent times. There were at least two attempts on the life of the Chief Commissar and what followed in the subsequent reign of terror resulted in the loss of 20 million Russian citizens and a Cold War that at one time threatened the annihilation of the entire world. The opiate of religion was forcefully removed. The state insisted the peasantry should live without the Christian faith or the once-revered Orthodox Church. At the same time time in the United Kingdom the spark that Karl Marx had once hoped would ignite the fires of revolution never happened. The Church of England continued its traditional ways, innocuous, kindly and somewhat bland. Everyone in the pews and nearly everyone outside of the Church were quite prepared to state their religion as Church of England. The local vicar might be ready to concede that most of his flock lacked some understanding of the faith. But he had equal confidence that his fellow countrymen would carry within themselves the infection of good courage, and some of them would take it, in some cases, to distant parts of the Empire. However, embers of a different kind were being kindled within the Church. These embers were “fiery and sweet as honey…,” to quote St Francis. The Revd Douglas Downes (Brother Douglas, as he wished to be known) was a Professor of Economics at Oxford University. He was distressed to see countless homeless and hungry people because of the depression and in the aftermath of the First World War. With a group of volunteers, he sought out and befriended those people.
“
…the SSF has become a radical and impressive movement.” When a Dorset landowner, Lord Sandwich, offered them a small farmhouse in Hilfield, Dorset, they developed their ministry to the destitute. Brother Algy later joined them – he had a much better idea of the nature of religious communities and life. The Society of St. Francis (SSF) came into being, reviving within the national Church the vision, practice and disciplines of the Franciscan Order. This included the three conditions of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience for the First Order and the Three Ways of
A statue of St Francis. Photo: Shutterstock
Service in Prayer, Study and Works. In its own way, the SSF has become a radical and impressive movement, pointing to the continuing love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a revolution of sorts. At the other end of the European continent, Vladimir Lenin, a lover of radical change and maximum upheaval, was making a name for himself. But in England and in sharp contrast, Brothers Douglas and Algy were invisible on the world stage. Their reforming zeal was softened by the humility that was the very foundation of their new life. They wished to recapture the Spirit of Christ as it was demonstrated in the life of Francis. They were aware that Francis knew little theology. Of books, he needed only the Bible. Of preaching we should “use words if necessary.” He looked beyond ecclesiastical structures and ‘high offices’ and drew to himself men and women whose work was their daily prayer. He claimed nothing and yet seemed to possess all things. His witness was jubilant and spontaneous, particularly when circumstances required an immediate, courageous and loving response, and especially when weak and sick friends were intimidated by authorities and bullies. He revelled and rejoiced in being “a fool for Christ’s sake” (taking up that image of St Paul in 1 Corinthians 4.10). He was prepared to make a complete ass of himself in public, even to be regarded as a godly clown if such behaviour brought to others the gracious and merciful figure of Christ. Vladimir Lenin once made a throwaway remark reflecting his arrogance towards his peasant sympathisers. They were polenzi durak – “useful idiots.” He saw them as ignorant souls who knew nothing
of the complexities of the doctrine. They were however, useful enough to join the common ranks; and, if necessary, to shout and fight for the cause. This suggests Lenin was not entirely committed personally to the social harmony that he formally espoused. The haughtiness of the first Communist leader lies in sharp contrast to the joyous spirit of il poverello (the poor man), or St Francis. I imagine Francis giving a wild huge cheer, with laughter and hearty approval. He would say: “Yes, if you like, ‘one of Christ’s useful idiots’. Why not? Does not Christ himself demand of us a humility and joyfulness that is rooted and grounded in the love of God.” But the political agitator had other ideas in mind.
“
I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours.” The revolutionary moment for Lenin was clear: “It was that point at which subjects are unwilling to go on living in the old way and the rulers unable to go on living in the old way.” Neal Ascherson writing in The Observer in 1989. PETER DIXON is the European Provincial Novice Guardian for the Third Order of the Society of St Francis. (TSSF). TSSF is part of the Society of St Francis, an Anglican Society under the protection of the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell. There are 1,800 members in the European Province. The Oxford area has around 40 to 50 members. TSSF consists of people who follow ordinary lives but do so under the vows and discipline of the order.
Francis would have nodded in acknowledgement. Apart from that – and that both had been born into rich, middle-class families – that is all they had in common. They were bound to go their different ways. The Marxist revolutionary fought, suffered, killed and ultimately failed to establish the Soviet state of which he dreamed. Francis, after 700 years of travel continues his journey, modestly, quietly and with merriment and laughter. He leaves us with his final words; “I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours.” “The wagon is not far from here. I’ll try to hitch a lift. He is making for the Kingdom.” Leighton Thomas The Revd Leighton Thomas is a retired priest who has permission to officiate in the Oxford Diocese and a Franciscan Tertiary.
For more on Franciscan Tertiaries see hilfieldfriary.org.uk; franciscans.org.uk, email: novguard@tssf.org.uk, phone: 01865 556982 Peter says: “Our vows are threefold: to make our Lord known and loved everywhere; to spread the spirit of love and unity throughout the created order; and to live simply. St Francis is our model. We particularly value the fruits of the spirit of humility, love and joy as being indicative of the Franciscan charism.” For more see tssf.org.uk, or if you are not on the internet call Peter on 01889 569722.
the Door, April 2018, page 12
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15 Comment letters The Door – thanks for the feedback
15 Letters of no more than 300 words should be sent to jo.duckles@oxford.anglican.org. The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions.
Thank you for lighting a Christingle
The Door readership survey closed just as this issue was about to go to press. Over 270 of you wrote in, with an even spread of responses from each of the four areas in the diocese. While most of you value the Door and want to see a print publication continue, it’s clear from what you’ve told us that changes are required. While you appreciate nearly every section of the paper, the design and layout need attention, and you want to read a wider range of stories from right across the diocese. Not all the survey findings are so clear. Some people
feel the Door would benefit from a smaller format with shorter articles. Others want to see more of every section together with national news and in-depth teaching resources. Of course, readership surveys often leave the publisher and editor with new questions to answer and that’s all part of the fun of delivering something you all want to read! Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking in detail at what you’ve said and working up our plans for later in the year. We’ll be sure to share our thoughts with you in future issues. Watch this space…
Fig 1: Should we continue to publish the Door?
Fig 2: How often should we publish the Door?
No, it should stop Monthly (11 issues)
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A LIGHT shone across the Diocese of Oxford this Christmas as armies of volunteers prepared 1,000s of Christingles; juicy oranges, candles, red ribbons and sweets on cocktail sticks. Parishes opened their doors to the community, inviting in schools, uniformed groups, the elderly and the young. For many, it’s the one time of year they step into church – a family tradition that brings in the start of the Christmas festivities. It’s an opportunity for the Church to share the wonderful news of Christ, the light of the world. Across England there is much darkness where that light needs to shine. At the Children’s Society we are working with the most vulnerable children who are victims of child sexual exploitation, who live in poverty, who suffer mental health or the effects of a parent’s solvent abuse. Young people who are carers for adults, young refugees living in fear and children who go missing, running from the darkness that brings sadness and pain. Christingle is a celebration of Christ and an event that raises awareness and funds supporting those young people we work with across the country. On behalf of The Children’s Society, I want to thank you, your army of volunteers and those who support your Christingles. This year we are celebrating 50 years of Christingle. It’s 50 years since The Children’s Society introduced the service to England in 1968 with the purpose of supporting vulnerable children, and I invite you to join us. Think big, think 50, think orange and sign up for our free resources at christingle. org/50 or contact me directly. RACHEL BROCKIE. Relationship Manager for The Children’s Society for Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire
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An incredibly helpful article
Re: THE Rt Revd Steven Croft’s Seven Reasons to Ban the Lord’s Prayer (February 2018). I found this article incredibly helpful. At first, when I saw the title, my immediate reaction was of annoyance. I thought: “Here we go again, someone else telling us what to disregard!” Then I read the article and found it to be truly wonderful. I had not, before reading, ever thought of the Lord’s Prayer in terms of shaping our identity, giving us purpose and all the other points Bishop Steven raises. It has opened a new channel of understanding of why Jesus was so succinct with these words – as indeed it covers everything we need as his followers. Thank you so much and I fully agree with the comment: “No wonder they have banned it in the boardrooms of consumer culture.” Long may we continue to use it and teach it to our children. ENID FROST. Adderbury, Oxfordshire
God in the Life of... In the trust’s secure units, including Littlemore, some inpatients may have been referred through the court system. When asked how he deals with the difficult circumstances he encounters and the circumstances of some patients, Guy says: “All I can say is that from personal experience and professional practice, I have discovered God in the depths and the chaos. It’s about going through the disturbance and distress and holding on to hope and the possibility of change. My experience is that change does happen.” Guy says that the best part of the role is working in so many different circumstances.
“It’s engagement, not knowing what you are going to engage with each day and being with people in different situations and scenarios. Equally, it’s a challenge to juggle everything, different roles and responsibilities and there is an up and a down to that. I see a lot of people on a one-to-one basis. I link up with a lot of people. One of the great things is having a senior role and being affirmed in that role. We have strong support as a team here. My line manager is the director of nursing and is very supportive.” Strong external supervision helps protect Guy and his colleagues from the pain of the circumstances they are
Editor: Jo Duckles Tel: 01865 208227 Email: jo.duckles@oxford.anglican.org Editorial Assistant and distribution: 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
encountering. His hobbies, gardening and walking, also help. “This is a very rich and rewarding and equally challenging period of my history. It’s a vision I have had from the age of 18 in a strange way, but I wouldn’t have been able to articulate it then. “What the Church sometimes forgets is it is not about ‘us and them’ but we are all on a continuum with our mental health. One in four people will have a diagnosable mental illness in their life while one in five will have depression at any one time. The statistics are getting worse and unemployment, health and increasing homelessness all contribute.”
Deadline for May 2018: Monday 2 April 2018 Published: 16 April 2018 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.
As part of his work, Guy has secured funding for Elaine Ulett, a half time development officer working for OCSW and is applying for funding for a research fellow for the centre. Guy has two children. He lives in Oxfordshire and worships locally.
oxfordcentrespirituality wellbeing.co.uk/
Audio version
Sight impaired people can get a free audio version of the Door. Call 01865 208227.
16 God in the life of… THE Revd Dr Guy Harrison tells Jo Duckles about his journey from a job as a maintenance man, through to becoming the Head of Spiritual and Pastoral Care, Consultant in Staff Support and Director of the Oxford Centre for Spirituality & Wellbeing (OCSW) within an NHS trust covering five counties and employing 6,300 staff.
W
e chat over coffee in Guy’s office in the Littlemore Mental Health Centre in Oxford. He describes the varied, challenging role that he clearly loves, helping patients, chaplains and staff in the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. “I’m approaching 60 and it’s as if everything has come together in a way that I wouldn’t quite have believed,” says Guy, who was born in Leeds and grew up in Co. Durham. The vicar’s son joined the Lee Abbey Community in London, an ecumenical base for students in the capital. Guy joined the maintenance team, fixing doors and doing odd jobs, when he left school. He moved on to St George’s Crypt in Leeds, (a charity that works with the homeless, the vulnerable and those suffering from addiction) and then ran a reception centre for Vietnamese refugees. Deep down Guy says he always knew that despite leaving school with no qualifications, he would find a role that incorporated both theology and psychology. After those early jobs he first applied for ministry training with the Church Army. “There was a strong emphasis on social action. That was what I was drawn to. I worked in community development, firstly in Bradford and then in West London, where I was working with a parish priest who was diagnosed with cancer and died in post. “That was a formative experience for me. With a very supportive bishop, I informally became a lay person in charge of two churches. It was a challenging time and out of that it became quite clear that ordination was a possibility. That was confirmed and I trained at Salisbury and Wells Theological College.” (Now Sarum College.)
The Revd Dr Guy Harrison Photo: Jo Duckles
Partly due to his own challenging experiences as a teenager, Guy realised he wanted to work on the edges of the Church. He began chaplaincy work in a hospice, where he met his wife, the Revd Dr Victoria Slater, who is now the project researcher for the diocese’s Living Well in the End Times project. From there he moved to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, where he was responsible for the chaplaincy team at Buckinghamshire’s hospitals. During that time Guy did psychotherapy training, and subsequently took a senior post in a mental health
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chaplaincy based in West London. The trust included Broadmoor in Berkshire. (See the November 2017 edition of the Door for a feature on the Revd Jonathan Bush, a Broadmoor chaplain.) Guy was appointed to his current post in 2012. He recently completed his PhD, looking into the relationship between spiritual and pastoral care, and psychotherapy. “It was a fascinating professional doctorate. It had to have a practical element, especially as I am not a natural academic,” says Guy. Following the doctorate, Guy has founded the Oxford Centre for Spirituality
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and Wellbeing. “There is an increasing recognition of spiritual care and health care contexts, but not enough. Training and development needs to be informed by research. For health care staff to have a developed ability to talk about spirituality and care, they need to have had some opportunity to explore for themselves how it affects their wellbeing,” he says. The centre is part of the Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research based at Oxford Brookes, where Guy says the staff are very committed to developing links between Oxford’s two health care trusts and two universities. On a day-to-day basis, Guy’s role involves patient care, supervision, facilitating staff support and reflective practice groups, co-ordinating the psychological de-briefing service, staff training and generally advising the trust on all matters related to spiritual and pastoral care in a complex organisation. The trust provides mental health services for Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, both in patient and community services. It also provides Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) going as far as Swindon, Wiltshire and Bath. In Oxfordshire it is also responsible for the physical health care services not covered by the John Radcliffe or Churchill hospitals Guy recognises that, when faced with profound illness and disability, patients often ask questions of meaning and purpose, what gives hope and raise questions about faith, belief and transcendence. “It’s about going back to mission, engaging with people where they are and an opportunity to enter into dialogue with a whole range of people, staff, patients and carers. In parish ministry, you wouldn’t be able to do that,” says Guy. “In that encounter it’s about service and it’s about understandings of God that are relational. It’s helping people to discover God in some of the most difficult and challenging circumstances.” …continued on page 15
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April 2018
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Pull this section out. Keep it handy for your own prayers and involvement in the diocese.
Fear can go to hell
Canon Adrian Daffern. Photo: Blenheim Palace
CANON ADRIAN DAFFERN reflects on the meaning of St Mark’s account of the resurrection
M
y experience as a priest has taught me that there are some things we are all afraid of. Dying. Loneliness. Pain. And Mark’s account of the resurrection leaves us in a fog of fear, real fear, not manufactured, or written in to provide a bit of dramatic tension, a bit of textual dry ice and high-pitched strings. No. This is cold fear. Real fear. “Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.” (Mark 16 vs 8) None of the other Gospel writers use Mark’s word that we translate as trembling. It means so frightened you can’t control yourself. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever been so scared that you can’t stop shaking? And the word we translate as bewildered means beside themselves, displaced, not sure who they are any more, not certain what their ground is. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever been so scared you’re not sure you’re you anymore? This is how they felt, those faithful women, who had come early to anoint Jesus’ body. But in the sunlight of that Sunday morning there was no mistaking what met their eyes – the stone (which was massive) had been rolled away.
“
Have you ever been so scared you’re not sure you’re you anymore?” They go in. They would have had to duck to get inside a first-century tomb in Palestine. There’s a young man in there – not Jesus, but an angel. We read that they were ‘amazed’. Utterly terror-stricken would be a better translation. Have you
A tomb similar to the one Jesus’ body was laid in. Photo: Shutterstock
ever felt like that? Have you ever been so scared by something you’ve encountered, by shattered expectations, that you have been shaken to your core? The angel seeks to be reassuring. My translation goes ‘Be not utterly terror stricken’ (as if they had much control over utter-terror-stricken-ness.) “Jesus, the one you are seeking, the Nazarene, the crucified. He’s raised, not here! Look at the place where he was laid. Never mind that though, go now and tell his disciples (and Peter) that he is leading the way for them to Galilee – there you will see him just like he said.” (See Mark 16: vs 6-7.) The Easter proclamation is immediate, breathless, exciting, demanding, urgent, cosmic, missional, in every sense. It’s evangelistic. And it is entrusted to three women who are trembling, bewildered, and amazed. They flew – we get our musical word fugue from the word Mark uses to describe their flight. Three subjects whose melodies are silenced by absolute terror. The angel told them to pass on a message.
But they said nothing to anyone. For they were afraid. Mark’s Gospel breaks off in mid-flow, like Bach’s Art of Fugue, funnily enough, leaving us also trembling, bewildered, and amazed.
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Resurrection love rolls away the stone of fear for ever.” Should we be critical, then, of these women? These three women, entrusted with the most extraordinary news in the history of the world, the most astounding, exciting, life (and death) changing information ever imparted? No, we shouldn’t. Because, as it happens, they didn’t keep the news to themselves after all. Because otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. Rowan Williams puts it this way: “The women clearly did say something because Mark’s Gospel has been written. It did turn out to be possible to find words for what they thought they would never
be able to talk about. So, if you are baffled, dismayed and silenced by the mystery of the cross and resurrection, don’t despair. Words were found, lives have been lived in faith, because somebody found it possible to talk about it. And so, might you.” Rowan Williams, Meeting God in Mark (London: SPCK 2014), p. 65. ‘Do not be afraid’ is the most common phrase in all of scripture. I think that’s because we just can’t hear it often enough. Our lives are full of fears, some acknowledged, most brushed under the nearest carpet. Well, Easter says that fear can go to hell. Love drives away fear. Resurrection love rolls away the stone of fear for ever. That’s news that you and I ought to be willing to share with world. So, let’s do it. A world full of fear needs to know that we have a Gospel to proclaim. Canon Adrian Daffern is the Assistant Archdeacon of Dorchester, the Area Dean of Woodstock and the Vicar of Woodstock and Bladon.
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April prayer diary
The following is for guidance only; please feel free to adapt to local conditio Our purpose is to create a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford.
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Isaiah 25:1 Pray to the Father through the Son in the power of the Spirit for: MONDAY 2 Upton-cum-Chalvey: Andrew Allen, Alistair Stewart, Linda Hillier and Robert Walker. For our work with other faiths, especially on the back of the Jihad of Jesus event. Pray that people will have the courage to stand for office at our AGMs in the light of all the extra training that will be required. Slough and Eton Business Enterprise College and St Mary’s Primary School.
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)
Photo: www.sxc.hu
TUESDAY 3 Britwell: Neil McCathie and Griff Griffiths. Pray that Craft Church, now being held each half term, will continue to develop well. Give thanks for the night shelter that was hosted from January to March and pray that the guests accommodated might be found suitable housing.
WEDNESDAY 4 Farnham Royal with Hedgerley: Graham Saunders, Gordon Briggs and John Turkington. For the united benefice as it prepares for incumbent vacancy from August. For our self-supporting ministers: The Revd Gordon Briggs, The Revd Jan Clark and Mr John Turkington. St Mary’s Farnham Royal Primary School. THURSDAY 5 St John the Baptist, Manor Park and St Michael, Whitby Road: George Howard. For our project to build a new church. For our outreach to the community in north Slough, in partnership with our local Methodist church. FRIDAY 6 St Paul, Slough: Mike Cotterell, Nadeem Azam, Sarwat Azam, Helen Broadbent, Ronie Twumasi and Judy Giles. For the church renovation and building project to start this summer and for the necessary contractors and resources. SATURDAY 7 Stoke Poges: Andrew Parry and Tracey Jones. For the parish and the ministry team during our vacancy. For the incoming incumbent. MONDAY 9 Iver: Robert Gooding, Jim Dashper and Rachel Nikolay. For the successful appointment of a new parttime children and families worker. For God to guide us in our efforts to attract younger families into the church.
St Wilfrid’s Messy Church in Cowplain Photo: Lucy Moore
Services at Christ Church Cathedral SUNDAYS: 8am Holy Communion; 9.45am Matins (coffee in Priory Room); 11am 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 www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral
TUESDAY 10 Iver Heath: Andrew Montgomerie. For more leaders for our children’s clubs. For the Jam Café – a project to launch a fresh expressions congregation. WEDNESDAY 11 Wexham: Mary Kent, Ted Kent, Jill Bell, Susan Edwards and Sandra Horth. Pray that we will be effective in reaching out to the local community at our quarterly Discovery Café, an activity morning for all ages; at our Community Fair on 5 May; at our regular services in the local sheltered accommodation, The Pines and at the Oak House nursing home. That we will be able to raise the funds needed to repair the plaster in our beautiful old building, built in the days before damp courses. THURSDAY 12 Cowley Deanery: Tim Stead, Tony Phelan, Margreet Armitstead, Ross Martin, Guy Harrison, Robin Ward and Margaret Whipp. For a changeover of area dean as Tim steps down at Easter. For our deanery Mission Plan, as we seek to shift some resources to deanery wide mission activities, supporting especially: poverty, schools work, eco initiatives, loneliness and mental health issues, interfaith relationships and fresh expressions. FRIDAY 13 Blackbird Leys: Heather Carter, Sr Anne Proudley and Denise Morrey. Pray for us as we transition from having a community musician,
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ons and, if you wish, produce your own deanery prayer diaries. Expertise in Church Clocks Santiago; for him as he moves on to new things; and for us to find ways of building on his music ministry over the last year. For the possibility of having a community worker, project managing our new building development and the ongoing ministry here. SATURDAY 14 Cowley: Geoff Bayliss, Richard Chand, Alison Lockhart, Mandy Watts, David Benskin, Mark Oxbrow and Tony Beetham. For an increased awareness of God’s calling and guidance as we continue to grow a team of lay and ordained ministers. For God’s guidance as we strive to be a blessing in the community that lives and works in Cowley and East Headington. St Christopher’s Primary School, St Francis Primary School and St James Primary School, Church Cowley. MONDAY 16 St John, Cowley: Philip Ritchie, Petronella Spivey, Ben Williams, Sabina Alkire, Robert Wright, Susannah Campbell-Reide and Graeme Napier. For our work with the community through our church halls. For initial plans for the Link project as we think about how our building can best serve the community. St Mary and St John Primary School. TUESDAY 17 Headington Quarry: Tim Stead, Rob Gilbert, Joan Walding, Anne Tarassenko, Felicity Wallendszus and Chris Matthewman. For the church community at Holy Trinity as it seeks to sustain the ministry and mission during the vacancy, which will begin soon after Easter. For the process of finding and appointing a new vicar. WEDNESDAY 18 St Andrew, Headington: Darren McFarland, Tim Howles and Jenn Strawbridge. For the development and growth of our monthly family service. For the parish’s ministry to St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School. THURSDAY 19 St Mary, Headington: Eric and Lynn Bossward. For our new curate, Ben Baker, starting in June, and his wife Johanna. For new initiatives: After School Club, Coffee and Craft and the Age UK Late Spring Bereavement support group. For our plans to reorder St Mary’s. FRIDAY 20 Highfield: James Cocke, James Larminie, Eve Vause, Peter BoultonLea and Bernard Dagnall. For the annual meeting of parishioners and the annual parochial church meeting. For those elected at the above meetings: that they will receive the inspiration that they need.
Coming and Goings The Revd Sally Horner has been appointed Chaplain to Oxford Health NHS Trust; The Rt Revd Roderick Thomas has been appointed Honorary Assistant Bishop; The Revd Peter Wright has been appointed Team Vicar of Bicester with Bucknell, Caversfield and Launton; The Revd Jennifer Jones has resigned from her post of Associate Minister of Sunninghill and South Ascot; The Revd Gillian Rowell has been appointed Vicar of St Catherine of Siena, Tilehurst and St Birinus, Calcot; The Revd Jennifer Sistig has resigned from her post of Chaplain of St George’s School, Ascot; The Revd Paul Collier has retired from his post of Associate SATURDAY 21 Iffley: Andrew McKearney, David Barton, Graham Low, Bill Beaver and Sarah McKearney. For the work of Community Cupboard, run ecumenically with Rose Hill Methodist Church, providing essentials and support to those who come. For the work of Living Stones, our education programme in celebration of the history and purpose of Iffley Church. MONDAY 23 Littlemore: Margreet Armitstead, Teresa Morgan, Hannah Cartwright, Ross Martin, John Lewis, Benjamin Johnson and Max Diaz Butron. For our many funding applications to be successful so that we can open our church to the wider community during the week. For all our people to become more engaged with God’s vision of our church. The John Henry Newman Academy and The Oxford Academy. TUESDAY 24 Marston and Elsfield: Skye Denno, Stephanie Bullock, Joel Denno, David Blair, Ben Knighton and David Cranston. For our benefice youth group, Pulse, that it will continue to be a safe and inviting space for young people to develop their relationship with God in the doing and in the fellowship of being together. For Marston parish away weekend in June, that in the planning meetings we will consider all ages and have wisdom to know what to include and what is needed to grow as a church and to deepen our faith. WEDNESDAY 25 New Marston: Elaine Bardwell and Alison Salvesen. For the parish while we try to develop our strategy for growth. For the PCC, who are currently
Our Bishops on Sundays SUNDAY 1 Easter Day Bishop Steven preaching at Christ Church Cathedral Easter Eucharist. SUNDAY 8 Bishop Alan attends the Rededication of Works at St Edmund’s Church, Maids Moreton. SUNDAY 15 Bishop Colin confirming in the Vale Benefice; Bishop Rod Thomas confirming at St Andrew and St Mary Magdalene, Maidenhead. SUNDAY 22 Bishop Andrew confirming at Wargrave; Bishop Colin confirming at All Saints, Didcot and in the Akeman Benefice.
Minister, Hazlemere; The Revd Janet Henderson has resigned from her post of Rector of Ellesborough, The Kimbles and Stoke Mandeville; The Revd Charles Trefusis has been appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity, Walton; The Revd Diana Rowlandson has been appointed Vicar of Earlham in the Diocese of Norwich. The following have been given permission to officiate: Revd Sister Margaret of the Sisters of the Poor, Revd Mark Meynell, The Revd Jennifer Jones, The Revd Paul Collier, The Revd Canon Martyn Griffiths. carrying extra responsibility since we sadly lost one of our church wardens. St Michael’s Primary School. THURSDAY 26 St Clement, Oxford: Rachel Gibson, Philip Lockley, Theresa Gray, Dave Burt and Fiona Livingstone. Give thanks for continuing improvements that enable our church and churchyard to offer an even warmer welcome. Pray for God’s guiding as we seek to extend that welcome into our local community, so that we may grow together, with God. For inspiration and enjoyment in our preparations to express God’s welcome and love to all who visit our church in Artweeks in May.
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FRIDAY 27 Sandford on Thames: Robert Morgan. For the success of the refurbishment and wider use of the church building. For the community café. SATURDAY 28 Deddington Deanery: Philip Cochrane, Hilary Campbell, Annie Goldthorp and Lynne Philpott. For discernment of vision, priorities and strategic planning. MONDAY 30 Adderbury: Stephen Fletcher. For the expansion at Christopher Rawlins Primary School; for the teachers and children and for all involved in education and in providing a safe place in which to learn. For the Mental Health Foundation, the St Mary’s outreach charity for 2018; for all who suffer anxiety and distress, and for those who work in mental health.
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SUNDAY 29 Bishop Colin confirming at Long Hanborough and Cokethorpe School.
Links Prayers from Christian Concern for One World: www.ccow.org.uk/weekly-prayer-email Topical prayers from the Church of England: www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topicalprayers.aspx
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matt 5:9
thedoorpost Events in April
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 May issue is Monday 2 April. SUNDAY 1 APRIL Cookham: Easter Choral Evensong,
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
Holy Trinity Church, 6.30pm. WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL
Oxford: Godspell performed by
award-winning Musical Youth Company of Oxford, Oxford Playhouse until Saturday 7 April. This joyous, high-spirited show dramatises the teachings and last days of Jesus in a variety of musical styles including rock ‘n’ roll, R&B and ragtime. Box office 01865 305305. Quote ‘Church’ for discounts for church groups of 10+ at selected performances. SATURDAY 14 APRIL
Drayton Parslow: Church Mouse Festival weekend begins. Over 200 knitted and stitched mice with a mouse baptism and wedding, circus mice, Princess Frozen mouse, Elvis mouse, etc. Holy Trinity Church, 1.30–6pm. Adults £3, Children £1, Under 5s free. In aid of a church toilet and the Alzheimer’s Society. Oxford: Experiencing Resurrection: An exhibition of paintings by Nick Mynheer and Robert Wright. St Giles’ Church, OX2 6HT until 20 May. Weekdays 12–2pm, Saturdays 2–5pm (not 12 and 19 May), Sundays 12– 4pm.
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SATURDAY 21 APRIL Leafield: Celtic Christianity Workshop led by David Cole, who
A production of Godspell comes to Oxford on 4 April. Photo: Hannah Veale Photography
regularly leads retreats teaching on Celtic Christianity. Village Hall, 10am – 4pm. Programme: What is Celtic Christianity?; Learning to read the two books of God like the Celtic Christians (scripture and creation); Living Christianity like the Celts. £10; please bring a packed lunch. For more information contact Josie Waters 01993 878349 or Simon Salomé-Bentley 01993 878000. www.waymarkministries.com. FRIDAY 27 APRIL Steventon: Quiz supper to raise
money for the 2019 Abingdon Passion Play. Village Hall, 7– 10pm. Tickets £15 (hot food included). For enquiries contact
joyceekelly@btinternet.com or davidpope@mac.com or go to abingdonpassionplay.org.uk. SATURDAY 28 APRIL Benson: Come and sing the
Mozart requiem at St Helen’s Church. Registration for singers 1.30pm, start 2pm. Places for singers are £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s. The concert, which will also include other works by Mozart, will start at 6pm. Audience £6 on the door. Registration forms with information about scores can be obtained from judithanneward@ aol.com or from www. achurchnearyou.com/benson-sthelen.
Courses and training Old Testament in Context:
This ten-week evening course in Abingdon, starting on 11 April, aims to deepen understanding of the Old Testament and how we might best engage with it as Christians today. Areas of focus will include Job and the Psalms, as well as thinking about how we might study the Old Testament and use it in prayer and worship. Tutors: Revd Dr Adam Carlil (Vicar, St George’s and St Mary’s, Tilehurst), Revd Dr Keith BeechGrüneberg (Ministry Division), Revd Dr Phillip Tovey (Deputy Warden of Readers, Oxford Diocese). The course is designed for those who have already attended an Introduction to the Bible course or similar. See Eventbrite.co.uk for more details.
Christian Discipleship: Tenweek evening course running in Oxford, Reading and Gerrards Cross. What does it mean to live as a Christian today? How can we grow in our faith? This course,
organised by the Diocese of Oxford, aims to help you review and deepen your Christian life, as well as to understand more about your faith and how to nurture others. It will include thinking about worship, different ways of praying, making decisions and practical service. See Eventbrite. co.uk for more details. PCC Tonight, 24 April, Bristol:
How’s your PCC doing? Focused, fun and fruitful? Or a little different to that? This CPAS event clarifies the purpose and place of PCCs, explores some common dysfunctions, and introduces material you can use to shape its life. Intended for all PCC members, 7.45–9.45pm, doors open at 7.15pm for refreshments. £12 each for the first booking, £3 for each additional member from your PCC. For the discount to apply, you will need to make a group booking. See www.cpas.org.uk/ events-and-programmes.
Healing Ministry: This course,
on Saturday 28 April, will consider both pastoral and liturgical aspects of the ministry of healing. It will explore how this ministry might best be practised in a parish, and address some of the issues which may arise. Tutors: Revd Dr Phillip Tovey (Deputy Warden of Readers, Oxford Diocese) and Revd Dr Sam Muthuveloe (GP and Assistant Curate, St Mary’s Bletchley). Open to Licensed Lay Ministers, ordinands and other interested learners, £20. 10am – 4pm, Church House Oxford (in Kidlington). See Eventbrite.co.uk for more details.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Training:
A free course at Church House Oxford on Friday 13 April for parishes and deaneries. This is a practical session working with the guidance published by the Church of England on the new GDPR to help you understand it and adapt it for use in your parish. Register at oxford.anglican.org/events