bath & wells: the bath & wells 'grapevine'
January 2008
_________________________________________________________________
Don’t put your Christmas away in a box
Bishop Peter Maurice, Bishop of Taunton,
guides us into the New Year
“Christmas is being put away
The Kings in a cardboard box
Mary stashed in tissue paper
Joseph wrapped in a silly hat
And the infant Christ in a nylon sock
All tucked away under the stairs
We'll climb another year
Up to bed and down to breakfast
And somewhere in the pantry of my thoughts
A wistful coil of questions
Goes unanswered.”
James Purnell’s poem always seems so poignant at the beginning of the New Year.
We have had our fill of Christmas celebrations and now it is time to get back to the routine of every day and to get on with life as best we can. It is as if we really do not think that what we have celebrated at Christmas will make any real difference to who and how we will be in the days and weeks that follow.
I am told that the American novelist Henry James once said to his son: “Three things are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.”
As we begin a new year we cannot help but remember
‘This time last year….’As you remember the gift of last year, give yourself a moment to ask: ‘What was the kindest thing someone did for me last year, and what was the kindest thing I did for someone else?’
Please do not put your Christmas away in a cardboard box until next year.
God’s gift of life and hope and love in Jesus does not come with either a ‘sell by’ or a ‘best before’ date. Rather, it is a gift to be unwrapped afresh each and every day.
Three things are important. The first is to be kind, the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.
May God give you the grace and courage you need for whatever the New Year brings.
_________________________________________________________________
PEOPLE – CHANGING LIVES
Confirmed in the faith
CONFIRMATIONS THROUGHOUT the Diocese are continuing to change lives.
The presentation of eleven children at St. John’s, Midsomer Norton was a special time for the Vicar, Revd Christopher Chiplin. He had Baptised most of them and watched them grow up through the Sunday School until they were ready for preparation by him for Confirmation.
Christopher also prepared the other four people from his Church who were Confirmed during the morning Eucharist on the Feast Of Christ The King by Bishop Barry Rogerson.
There was standing room only in the Church as parents, godparents, friends and the congregation joined in supporting the candidates.
The Bishop met the candidates more informally at a reception held later in the Church Hall.
THREE ADULTS and five children were Confirmed by Bishop Peter Maurice at St. Michael and all Angels Dinder.
The Confirmation at Midsomer Norton with Bishop Barry Rogerson
The Confirmation at Dinder with Bishop Peter Maurice
One journey – two missions
A TEAM of three women has just returned from a visit to South Africa with a double mission.
Revd Francis Miles, Parish Priest of Chewton Mendip with Ston Easton, Litton and Emborough, Mrs. Mary Smallwood, churchwarden of St. John’s, Churchill and Revd Cathy Horder, Team Vicar in Yatton Moor Team Ministry, travelled there to raise funds for The Children’s Society with a sponsored trek and to work in a children’s home in the black township of Kayalitsha, Cape Town.
The home provides care for 135 HIV/AIDS orphans and abandoned children ranging in age from one month to 21 years.
And while there the group built a wall to enclose and secure the children’s home.
They are happy to give illustrated talks to groups about the project when donations to The Children’s Society or Baphumelele Children’s Home are appreciated.
To arrange a talk contact Francis on 01761 241644, Mary on 01934 852589 or Cathy on 01934 833152.
Picture shows Francis, Mary and Cathy at work on their wall
Commitment – key to success
YOUNG WOULD-BE ringers are always a welcome addition to the tower at St. Mary’s, Yatton and now the team there is celebrating the success of two who have proved their metal over several years.
Matthew Gardiner has come first in the competition run by the Bath And Wells Association Of Change Ringers for under 18s and Robert Hunt was second.
“Both have worked extremely hard to progress their ringing,” said Ringing Master Bernard North.
“Along with several other youngsters in the band they show tremendous commitment and are always ready to take part in whatever is on offer.”
Picture shows Matthew and Robert in the bell tower. Photo: Bernard North
And for my next challenge . . .
A FORMER army captain who just cannot resist a challenge is to honour the memory of his mother by making an attempt on the world record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic in a rowing boat - because he has ‘done deserts’.
PJ Luard is currently part of a team of 14 rowing from Gran Canaria 3000 miles to Barbados to raise money for St. Michael and All Angels, Stawley, where his late mother Julia was organist, and St. Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, where, he says, “she was fantastically looked after”.
The team aims to cross the ocean within 35 days and eight hours, the record set by a French team 15 years ago, in a very light but very strong boat.
“PJ likes a challenge,” said his father, Captain James Luard. “He has already run across the Gobi and Sahara deserts for charity, so he has done deserts. He did consider swimming the Channel this time, but he is not a very good swimmer so he decided on rowing, although he has never rowed before.”
PJ , who is now a plumber, had already raised over £6000 for the ocean crossing before he started it.
Stawley Church is raising money for a new roof.
His brother, David, is equally keen on a challenge having just walked 350 miles from Wellington to London, the equivalent of a marathon a day for 11 days, to raise money for the Church and also in memory of his mother.
__________________________________________________________________
All Good Gifts
GOODIES GALORE poured into centres across the Chew Valley as parishes and schools filled boxes for children in trouble in over 100 countries through Operation Christmas Child. Among the organisers was Sandra Nicholson who has collected the boxes through St. Andrew’s, Blagdon and Blagdon Stores for over ten years. She received well over 150 boxes from people in Ubley, Blagdon and Chew Stoke. Sarah Lear and Lesley Lambert invited others to join them in wrapping and packing the gifts from Ubley and Chew Stoke.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS Child began back in September for Mel Jameson of Chew Stoke parish who held a coffee morning to publicise it, showed a sample box to show what was needed and handed out leaflets. The £152 raised went towards transport expenses for the boxes.
Mel, who has been organising the boxes for three years and this time collected 51, said: “Just to give a child a bit of pleasure costs nothing and is such fun to do.”
MRS ANN Roscoe’s collection of boxes has risen from 23 four years ago to 133 this time, some made up by children from Stanton Drew Primary School.
She says she had always wanted to be organiser for the boxes, having contributed to those of others, and got the backing of her Rector’s wife to start her own organisation.
____________________________________________________________
Cathedral begins its Prayers for Healing
WELLS CATHEDRAL has introduced an occasional Service of Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing, the next one being on Saturday 12 January at Noon in the Lady Chapel.
“This is a simple, said Eucharist with the invitation to receive Laying on of Hands and Prayer, which may be received on behalf of others not present or for oneself,” said Archdeacon Nicola Sullivan of Wells.
“The Prayer of the Church for healing, reconciliation and restoration is integral to the Gospel and we hope that others from across the Diocese, as well as within the Cathedral congregation, will feel welcome at this Service to receive God's grace and strength.”
The Healing Services will take place at Noon in the Lady Chapel on:
12, January, 9 February, 29 March; 12 April; 7 June; 5 July; 2 August; 13.
February Grapevine will include an article from Canon Russell Bowman-Eadie on the Church’s Healing Ministry.
___________________________________________________________
Preparing for special guests
BISHOPS FROM various parts of the Anglican Communion will be entertained royally by Bath and Wells as they prepare for the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury from 16 July to 4 August.
“This gives us a chance to welcome our overseas guests to England, get to know them better, hear their stories of how God is at work in their Dioceses and allow them to see something of God’s mission here in Bath and Wells,’ said World Mission Adviser Jenny Humphreys.
The five Zambian Bishops from the Link Dioceses will come with their spouses plus others from those without formal UK Links. A group is coordinating a programme for them to include a welcome barbecue, dinner party, Garden Party at the Palace and a service in the Cathedral.
___________________________________________________________
Spotlight on Lambeth
TEAM MEMBER behind preparations for the Lambeth Conference in July, Dean Canon Charley Thomas of Lusaka Cathedral, was keynote speaker the World Mission Group Away Day at the Community of St. Francis Compton Durville. He told how he and others from around the world are working on a document for all Bishops and their Dioceses to use before the Conference, with his remit being the Skills In Listening Section.
He also spoke on his role as Director of the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation, Zambia, a Pan African Learning Institution that has trained many key people for prominent roles across Africa and in the United Nations and other agencies.
The Group watched a DVD of an interview with film maker Richard Curtis, driving force behind Comic Relief and Make Poverty History, showing how Churches could be a much greater force for change than they realise.
The picture shows Canon Charley with World Mission Group members.
___________________________________________________________
Bishop Honoured
BISHOP PETER Price was among the main speakers at a major international conference on tolerance and reconciliation in Saltzburg, Austria. The Conference, organised by the Vienna Migration Group, St. Virgil Education Centre, Saltzburg and International Organisation For Migration, a part of the United Nations, also included ambassadors, former ambassadors, a Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop and other Bishops
His subject was Tolerance And Reconciliation: A Dialogue In Prevention And Pacification.
“I am very honoured to be asked to speak among such distinguished company, “ said Bishop Peter. “This subject has been very important to me for many years and I hope had something important to contribute.”
Bishop Peter is a former General Secretary of the mission organisation USPG and was awarded the Coventry Cross Of Nails in 1999 for his work in reconciliation, particularly through his involvement in Northern Ireland, Latin America and Iraq.
_____________________________________________________________
PAM – YOU’RE A GIFT
THE DEDICATION and faithfulness of organist Mrs. Pam Field is regarded as a gift to all at St. John’s, Highbridge and everyone was delighted to help her celebrate the 30th anniversary of her appointment there.
Pam took over as organist soon after she and her late husband, David, moved to Burnham-on-Sea from the London area on his retirement. They joined St. John’s as they knew the then Vicar, Father Norman Wells.
She had begun organ lessons at 19 and two years later became organist at St. Saviour’s, Highbury after taking pity on the Vicar, who was playing the organ and taking the service simultaneously. Since then she has played in 30 to 40 Churches.
St. John’s parishioners gave her a bouquet and jigsaw puzzle of the organ at Wells Cathedral with a CD of it in use.
Vicar, Revd Robin Lodge, said: “It is a joy to work with Pam. Her dedication and sheer faithfulness are a real gift to us all here.”
Picture shows Pam at the organ
_____________________________________________________________
SCHOOL OF FORMATION
Strictly come learning
By Brian Pearson
I Begin with the confession that I not only remember the original Come Dancing TV programme but even recall some of its earliest presenters - Peter West and, bless my grey, receding locks, Peter Dimmock.
And, you youthful twirlers, as popular and rivetting as today’s Strictly Come Dancing obviously is, one magical ingredient has not survived the years:that grand finale, the deciding round between the likes of Home Counties South and the Northeast, the great spectacle as The Formation Dance Teams took to the floor.
Divine mystery
Hold that image in mind and then turn 180 degrees and take your partners for a quite different experience of formation: not
formation as a collective, regimented act but rather an individualised shaping of each Church member.
St Paul wrote about us not being shaped or formed by the world’s ways. Rather we are to be, to become, to be formed into the members of Christ's Body, His Church, that He desires us to be.
But here we encounter a bit of divine mystery for our own, individual, formation will also shape us to discover our place within the Body that we know as the local Church, the place where we exercise a complementary and distinctive ministry alongside others.
However, it stands to reason that other people -like us and maybe not at all like us- from other Churches - like ours and maybe not at all like ours - will be on a similar journey of formation. And that is rather exciting, if a touch daunting at first.
But, trust me, it will become an enriching, stimulating and fulfiling experience.
Spiritual Senses
Yet : “Is it really for me?”, you may ask. Well, frankly, I hope so because it is meant to be. The Diocese's School of Formation came into being to help each of us to mature in faith and to sharpen our spiritual senses.
The natural outcome should be a more effective contribution within the life of our Churches.
Good theory
Many years ago I sat - not entirely willingly - in the observers’ section of a Diocesan Synod in America. The business was familiar until the Bishop laid down a challenge: “My great desire and hope is to see every Church a seminary”.
As he developed his theme, he laid before his audience the need to take seriously the call to be disciples. These he described as life long students, though not ones who merely absorbed more knowledge or understanding but who applied it and thereby made a difference.
It is a good theory, you may agree, but how true is it for the parishes of Bath and Wells? That is precisely what I am setting out to discover and then to share with you in this column over the coming months.
So, if you wish to offer me insights from your experience, I would be delighted to hear from you.
CANON BRIAN Pearson writes on the idea behind the School of ormation. Brian is a familiar figure in Bath and Wells from his time on the staff of former Diocesan Bishop George Carey. He continued on his staff when Dr. Carey became Archbishop of Canterbury. Brian then became Director of Coventry Diocese’s Training Scheme and Parish Priest in South Warwickshire.
Introducting the team
THE SCHOOL of Fornation has developed over 80 short courses for Church communities and is running four leadership coures for clergy, Readers and lay leaders.
The team behind it has toured the Diocese with learning fairs and forged ecumenical links and been closely involved with Bishop Peter Price’s Changing Lives - for Good DVD.
Staff members are: Principal: Graham Dodds; Dirctor Of Local Ministry Group Development: Steve Annandale; Local Ministry Group Programme Manager: Jennifer Cole; Reader Formation Chaplain: Anne Ward.
For details contact Dawn Hickman at The Old Deanery on: 01749 685106.
Picture shows the team, l to r: Graham Dodds, Anne Ward, Dawn Hickman, Steve Annadale and Jennifer Cole.
_____________________________________________________________
Christ centred youngsters change lives
Onward Christian soldiers
THE ‘CHRIST centred’ approach of a group of 18 young people is helping change the lives of youngsters in Yeovil and surrounding villages.
Urban Warriors, set up by Christians in the town, is based at Yeovil Community Church with other Churches giving it prayer support, financial and other backing.
One of the group, Tom Bullock, explains in St. John and St. Andrew’s parish magazine that Urban Warriors:
*works with small groups of primary school children, selected by discussion with the schools, to help with ‘social and emotional development’;
*runs a Youth Cafe in St. Peter’s Church Hall giving a safe and enjoyable environment for socialising, relaxing, doing homework and having fun;
*runs youth groups involving over 100 young people;
*goes into skate parks and recreational areas to talk, pray if people wish, introduce Christian role models.
One of the youth groups is CYFA at St. John’s where Tom is pleased to be involved as he himself joined it six years ago.
“The young people are an absolute power house,” said the Rector of Yeovil with Kingston Pitney, Revd James Dudley-Smith. “We give them support with our prayer and giving.”
Frances Croxford of St. John’s and Yeovil Youth Trust said some of the Urban Warriors came from other countries and she has previously supported their work by offering accommodation for members.
“All benefit greatly from their ministry - parishes, the town, youth clubs, schools and Yeovil College.
“They provide a special presence in the town for young people.”
Tom, who attends the Methodist Church with his family, explains the Warriors make a point of not preaching at the young people but, he adds: “We ensure that we seek God and the Bible for help.
“We have all experienced the power of praying before whatever we do and we can see that the young people clearly benefit as a direct result.
“As a group we are very successful and I feel that this comes down to one big thing - our Christ centred approach.”
_______________________________________________________________
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
‘Diversity – not one size fits all’
CHURCHES THROUGHOUT the Diocese are preparing to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity as the emphasis shifts from creating ‘some big universal Church’ to celebrating diversity, says Bath and Wells Ecumenical Officer, Nick Williams.
The Week runs from Friday 18 to Friday 25 January, which is the celebration of the Conversion of St. Paul.
“The movement for Unity is changing,” says Nick,. “It is a far cry now from many earlier attempts that struggled with a concept of one size fits all.
Difference need not lead to division but instead, by celebrating our difference, or diversity, we can value the whole variety of creation and all people and as God has made them.”
He says division hurts mission whenever squabbles hide the Christian imperative to love one another.
And he calls on people to pray for unity at all times but to use this 100th week of Prayer For Christian Unity as a focal point for that prayer.
“Jesus prayed that we might be one as He and the Father are. The unity of the Trinity is about the unity of the Trinity while Father Son and Holy Spirit have different functions within the unity that Jesus prayed for.”
________________________________________________________________
Time to say goodbye
A CHILDREN’S Choir with a record of successes is looking for someone to replace a very special duo.
The youngsters from the United Parish of East and West Harptree with Hinton Blewett have just heard their joint leaders, Dr. Andrew Day and Annabel Attridge, are to leave at Easter after coaching them for 12 years. During that time the choir, which is always ready to welcome new singers from year 2 upwards, has notched up many successes, including Royal School Of Church Music Awards and Dean’s and Bishop’s Awards.
Parish Priest, Revd Tim Daplyn, praised Andrew and Annabel’s enthusiasm and dedication and said the search was on for a replacement.
Picture shows the choir, sad at hearing of their leaders’ departure
________________________________________________________________
Super fund raisers top their target
THE SMALL parish of St. Bridget’s, Chelvey has not only reached a £100,000 fund raising target for restoration in ten months but also has money over for two other projects.
The congregation had always aimed to limit the appeal to restore the 900 year old Church to one year and they have organised events aimed at good local involvement.
“Such has been the groundswell of support that we have not only received helps from trusts, local businesses and personal donations but have had sell outs for all our fundraisers”, said a spokesman.
These included a hog roast, coffee morning, Spanish night, strawberry tea, promises auction, male voice choir concert and Flower Festival.
The fund raising was launched with a party in honour of St. Bridget and will be ended with a Patronal Service and Festival Supper during the first weekend in February.
The extra cash will add toilets and a small catering facility to the Church, which had always been on the wish list as it will mean St. Bridget’s can extend activities held there.
Repair work should start in March.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BUS WITH NO FUEL IS THE BEST
TWO PARISHES with a green agenda have won major awards for imaginative efforts to protect the environment.
St. Barnabas, Queen Camel gained its accolade in the Church Times National Green Church Award. for Action Within The Community and Holy Trinity, Cleeve, having received its Campaigning To Cut Carbon award, was also named Best Of The Best. at the awards ceremony in St Mary le Bow Church, London.
St. Barnabas recognised the local need for an allotment space and used the reserve churchyard plot to create it.
The Rectorr, Revd Michael Perry, said: “The awards were a celebration of the really good things going on in Churches across the country and were a joyous affair - a good pattern for environmental work in our Churches.
“The allotment scheme was in line with our Church's green strategy,' arising particularly from our young people, to celebrate God by caring for the environment.”
Cleeve won through its walking bus, which encourages children to walk to school.
Team Vicar, Revd Cathy Horder, said:”We started in April 2006 with five children. We now have 24. The bus runs three days a week and involves 12 members of the Church and saves potentially 50 mile-long car journeys every week.”
Cheques for £500 and certificates were presented to both by the Bishop of Ely and Cleeve also received another prize including an environmental makeover of the Church.
The Diocesan Environment Group says it is always interested in hearing about environmental events and projects from around the Diocese, particularly work being done in individual Churches and Deaneries.
Information should be sent by email to:brianckellock@brianckellock.plus.com
Picture shows the prize winning congregation at Holy Trinity, Cleeve
_________________________________________________________________
History plus football equals a great day out
WELLS CATHEDRAL’S 900 year history came to life for 45 Year 8 students on a visit there from St. Augustine’s joint Anglican-Roman Catholic Secondary School, Taunton.
Father Bob Rainbow, the school’s Roman Catholic Chaplain, said: “The students were a credit to the school by involving themselves in a range of activities under Cathedral Education officer Miranda Young, which fleshed out its history, heraldry and worship.”
The activities included plotting the Cathedral’s timeline, watching the extraordinary 800 year old clock strike the hours, a guided tour and an Act Of Worship in the Lady Chapel.
Lunchtime was enlivened by use of the Cathedral Green for football.
The school features in Bishop Peter Price’s Changing Lives - for Good DVD with its work for restorative justice and was featured in April Grapevine with its The Word Made Fresh evening promoting its Christian outreach into the community.
Fr. Rainbow has been part time Chaplain there since being appointed to Wellington parish two years ago.
Picture shows students enjoying a lunchtime kick around on the Cathedral Green.
_________________________________________________________________
|
