bath & wells: the bath & wells 'grapevine'
june 2008
Let’s build something beautiful for God
Bp Peter Price on building a temple
During a few days in Barcelona I visited the great unfinished Cathedral Church of Sagrada Familia - the Sacred Family. It is the vision of the Catalonian architect, Antoni Gaudi. Begun in 1882 it is due for completion in twenty years or so. It is work in progress.
Inside the building today all is scaffolding and masons’ workshops - craftsmen using the many different types of stones to create a magnificent monument to the praise of God.
St. Peter writes about Christians being living stones. He says that Christ is building us into a spiritual temple. Peter has a vision of a world in which all humanity lives in harmony, despite our many differences.
One of the things that struck me most forcibly was the number of different types of stone being used in the construction of the Sagrada Familia. Each stone has a particular property. Some are sandy and soft, and used for scenes like the nativity and the passion of Christ, others are colourful and vulnerable and used to depict the saints while still others are valuable, like the marble from Iran, which is used to model the Dove of the Spirit, and the Cypress tree of peace.
Stone has three properties. It has colour and texture - each different, but in the whole contributing to colour and feel.
Stones also have the capacity to be resistant to the various structural pressures they come under.
Finally, stones are durable. Though each is not as strong as the other, there is something about them that enables a building to last for many centuries.
Gaudi observed: “Religious buildings essentially have to endure in the same way as the religion they house.”
Like the stones of the Sagrada Familia, all human beings, indeed all Christians, are different. Yet each has a place. Some are ornamental, easy to work with; others are vulnerable, yet giving the appearance of strength; others give evidence of durability; some are resistant to change, others able to absorb it. Each has its own colour, texture. Whatever, each contributes to the whole, and, by accepting the other, even when there is no agreement, we offer a beauty, an aesthetic if you like, that enables others to see something of Christ.
Gaudi spoke of the stones he used in his building as ‘evidence of the past, used in the present, and history for the future.’ What better description of Christians and their role in the world in bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation, and making him known.
Let us allow Changing Lives to build us into a spiritual temple.
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We’re changing rural lives
THE WHOLE of the countryside and its varied community is now very much part of Changing Lives with a fresh approach from the Diocese’s rural team.
And at the centre of the strategy is a change of name from Rural Affairs Group, dubbed by its chairman Revd Richard Kirlew as ‘outdated’, to the more inclusive and encompassing Rural Life Group.
Richard explains that the Group is becoming far more attuned to matters rural, while at the same time viewing the whole of the countryside through the lens of Changing Lives.
Rural Life Adviser, Revd Robert Widdowson, said: “In Changing Lives we seek to become focussed and relevant to the countryside as a whole.”
The Group has lately been involved in campaigning against Post Office closures and is pressing for an increase in affordable rural housing”.
The name change has been approved by The Council For Mission, of which it is a part.
Group members have specialisms. Rob Waldron is Lay Rural Officer for Crewkerne and Ilminster Deanery and Revd Chris Keys joins in the new post of Chaplain to Sedgmoor Rural Business Centre from Lincolnshire. Others focus on transport, health, faming, community life and education.
Members are available to speak on their work to PCCs, Synods and other groups and to invite them contact Robert on 01749 841688 or Richard on 01963 350000.
Picture shows: Rob and Richard meet farmers George Stevens and Anne-Marie and Philip Cottrell at Warren Farm, Masbury.
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SPREADING THE WORD BY BLOG
TWO PRIESTS who have embraced the blog idea in a big way are using it as a tool for the Fresh Expressions mission plan of reaching out into the community. David Keen, Associate Vicar at Preston Plucknett and Steve Tilley, Associate Vicar at Holy Trinity, Nailsea use their blogs - abbreviation of web-log - as a sort of Vicar’s letter, commenting on events as they happen.
“David’s blog is a mixture of missional thinking, statistics and thoughts about life, leadership and Doctor Who,” said Steve. “Mine is more whimsical and tries to be amusing - if offended you were probably meant to laugh.”
He manages two other blogs, one for his Church and one to support local Fresh Expressions.
He adds other Churches use blogs for Church notices, study notes, prayer updates.
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THE WORLD OF BLOGS
By Steve Tilley
BLOG IS a publicly visible journal.Why should anyone want to share their diary with the world? There are things best left private but many Church folk use blogs to share news and discuss ideas. For some the blog is a new Vicar’s letter.
Putting your thoughts in a blog is a way to get an instant reaction. If you are planning to do something new, there will be someone who has done it before and learned lessons.
There are blogging politicians, newspaper, radio and TV blogs. Making a comment on an event has never been easier and ‘from the blogs’ often become a magazine article in itself.
You can measure how many people visit your site and where they are from. Our current visitors include some from Argentina, Pakistan, Thailand, Mecca and Lesotho.Every blog has links to others. It’s a crazy, joined up world. Why not surf around?
http://davidkeen.blogspot. com and http://stevetilley. blogspot.com
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Oberammergau
THERE ARE still places remaining on the visit which Bishop Peter Price and his wife, Dee, are leading to the Oberammergau Passion Play in July 2010. The visit from 19 to 26 July is to watch as villagers of the German village re enact the Passion Story in a day long presentation.
The trip will include a holiday in the Austrian Tyrol. Cost is £995.
For details contact Julia Hedley at the Bishop's Palace, Wells BA5 2PD.
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PETERTIDE ORDINATIONS
SEVEN MEN and four women are to be ordained Deacon in Wells Cathedral on 29 June at 10.30 pm by Bishop Peter price.
Among them are married couple Robert and Julia Hicks - to serve in separate parishes in Bridgwater.
DEACONS
Lydia Avery, married with two adult children - Pilton with Croscombe, North Wootton and Dinder; Nicholas Fridd, barrister, married with two adult children, NSM St. Thomas’s, Wells with Horrington; Bruce Faulkner, married with two sons - Somerton with Compton Dundon, The Charltons and Kingsdon; Bridget Guzek, married with three adult children - NSM United Benefice East Clevedon; Julia Hicks, married - United Benefice St. Mary, Bridgwater and Chilton Trinity; Robert Hicks, married-St Francis, Bridgwater; Adrian MacConnaughie, married with three children - Bath Abbey with St. James’s; Peter Mead, married with one adult child-Holy Trinity, Yeovil with Barwick; Michelle Parkman, married-Holy Trinity, Nailsea; Mark Wallace, married with four children-Trull with Angersleigh; George Clapham, married with four children-St. John’s, Wellington.
Fifteen Deacons are to be ordained Priests at three Churches on 28 June.
PRIESTS
St. Augustine’s, West Monkton, 11am (Bp Peter Maurice): Val Hoare, St.Mary’s ,Chard, Sue Hounsell, St. Augustine, West Monkton; Deidre Fyfe, South Petherton with the Seavingtons; Liz Mortimer, Minehead.
Bath Abbey, 11am (Bp. Peter Price): Jane Burgess, Holy Trinity, Frome; Jane Chamberlain, Blagdon with Charterhouse, Ubley and Compton Martin; Stephen Faux, St. Michael’s Without; Philip Hawthorn, Somerton with Compton dundon, The Charltons and Kingsdon; Valentine Inglis-Jones, Holy Trinity, Combe Down; Sandra Lovern, Lakeside Group Ministry; Candice Marcus, St. Mary’s, Timsbury with St. Luke and St. Andrew’s, Priston; Catherine Sourbut, Saltford, Corston and Newton St. Loe.
St. John’s Highbridge, 4pm (Bp. Peter Maurice): Gilly Bunce, Worle TM; Christine Judson, St John’s Highbridge; Julie Sims, St. James’s, Winscombe with All Saints, Sandford.
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RESOURCES
The following have recently been bought by the Education Resource Centre and are available for loan (01749 685129, email: resourcecentre@bathwells.anglican.org)
Nooma DVDs. Rob Bell. Zondervan. A series of 18 short films - about 15 minutes - that has made quite an impact over the past two years, particularly with young people. Compact and concise, each touches on an issue relevant to the way we live today. Presentation is slick and American: you either love it or it leaves you cold. Many have come to understand more about God through the films. Each can be borrowed individually.
Mission-shaped Questions. ed. Steven Croft. Church House Publishing 2008. In 2004 Mission-shaped Church presented a challenge to the Church. Now this addresses the big theological and practical questions that have arisen. What exactly is Church? Can we develop Churches that can transform culture? Can we be mission-shaped and kingdom focussed too? There are some rich insights into this timely volume.
An ABc For The PCC. John Pitchford. Mowbray 2008. This fifth edition of a handbook for PCC members has been revised and updated to take into account recent changes in canon and secular law. It was first published in 1979 and has proved to be an invaluable resource for PCCs, churchwardens and clergy.
Planetwise. Dave Bookless. IVP 2008. This is not another book on green issues to make you feel guilty or an off putting list of dos and don’ts but offers the opportunity to explore the global issue of the environment in theological and practical ways. It is accessible, helpful, biblical and passionate: prepare to be challenged.
Adventures In Odyssey DVD. These animated adventures for 7-11 year olds are now available in DVD format.
Pilgrim’s Progress Game. Lion 2008. This board game for two to six players, aged from five, is an updated, illustrated version of the book, useful for wet evenings in the summer holidays.
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AND ALL THAT JAZZ
PEOPLE ARE invited to bring the family and take a picnic for a summer evening of jazz at the Bishop's Palace Wells on Tuesday 15 July. The Jazz Picnic will feature the Quorum Septet of musicians from around the area, specially formed for the occasion, and a barbecue.
For tickets contact the Palace Visitor Centre, Wells Tourist Information Centre or The Palace Trust Office, 01749 678691.
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HEARTFELT THANKS
AN ECUMENICAL Service at the Chapel Of The Tree Of Life, Musgrove Park Hospital,Taunton dedicated gifts celebrating its work.
Michael Parsons’ donation for seasonal tapestries and an altar cloth was saying ‘thank you’ for the care given his late wife Anne, and Michael Grigg of Taunton URC had used his carpentry skills to make three tables in gratitude for the care he and his wife, Jean, have received over many years.
Taking part were Bishop Peter Maurice and Revd Carla Grosch-Miller, Pastoral Adviser of South Western Synod of the United Reformed Church, who both later visited the newly opened cardiac care centre with some of the chaplaincy team.
The picture shows Michael and Jean, Carla, Bishop Peter and Michael.
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ABBEY HOUSE PLANS AN EXCITING FUTURE
THERE WERE winners all round when Glastonbury Abbey House announced its imaginative plans for refurbishment and extension.
Abbey House itself expects the plans to make it “among the very best retreat and conference centres in the Church of England,” and is consequently very confident about its future.
Parishes and Church Groups will benefit from the even better service offered.
And Assistant Bishop in the Diocese, Andrew Burnham of Ebbsfleet, was a special winner.
Questionnaires went to all Diocesan clergy and users of Abbey House asking for their views on the scheme and the names of all who answered were put in a draw. Bishop Andrew won a dinner and night at Abbey House.
Warden David Hill said the views given would form an important part of the planning for the future of the House as it continued in its mission to be a place for changing lives within the Diocese, wider Church and all who came to Glastonbury as part of their spiritual journey.
WHILE THE PALACE OPENS NEW DOORS
SALLY THOMPSON, wife of the late Bishop of Bath and Wells, Jim Thompson, has opened new offices and a meeting room at the Bishop’s palace converted from an old brewhouse and laundry.
The Palace, home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years,is now also workplace for Bishops Peter Price and Peter Maurice and their staff plus the Palace Trust, a charity responsible for opening the Palace and gardens to the public.
Bishop Peter Price said:”This is a magnificent house and we are working hard to ensure its future for the people who live and work here and the thousands of visitors we are glad to welcome.”
THE PROGRAMME:
A FULL programme of events is planned for the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens:
Dining At The Palace: 28, June, 19 July, 9 Aug.20 Sept; Medieval Banquet: 14 June;
Jazz: 15 July; The Tempest, 25 July & King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table, 10 Aug - Charterhouse Theatre Company; Music For The Mind - Gospel Choir: 24 Aug; Emerald Ensemble: 25 Sept.
Activities include archaeology, medieval medicine, a Tudor experience and Have A Go At Croquet Day on 14 August plus exhibitions and free guided tours.For details and to book contact Helen Garrett on 01749 678691, or visit www.bishopspalacewells.co.uk
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A FIRST FOR THE BISHOP
DEEP IN concentration Bishop Peter Maurice enjoys his first ever experience of the art of ten pin bowling, (pictured).
The visit to Hollywood Bowl, Taunton was part of the tour of Taunton Deanery by the Bishop and Bishop Peter Price and he went along there with 32 youngsters ranging in age from 12 to 18.
And afterwards they all enjoyed a pizza at Bathpool Chapel.
PHOTO: KEN MARSHALL.
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School of Formation
VAT is Good News
By Brian Pearson
HERE IS some financial advice. Do not come to me for financial advice. It is some comfort to know that currently even the experts are shrugging their shoulders when asked about a good return on your investment.So let us forget such inponderables and look for a different sort of investment that might yield a guaranteed benefit. But where to look?
My suggestion, following an intriguing chat with Revd John Pescod, is Cary and Bruton deaneries where I discovered folk actually singing the praises of VAT - which here, I should explain, stands for Value Added Training.
This is how it works: first, identify a local need - in this case developing lay people to lead worship; second, take an appropriate off the shelf School Of Formation course to cover some of the essentials; third, and here comes the added value, design some specific extra elements.
What John and his Curate Richard did was to employ a SWOT analysis to clarify strengths and weaknesses in the area of worship leading and from this concluded that some additional input in two areas would add value to an already very useful course. Some sessions dealing with the use of equipment such as microphones, visual aids and multi media, and the preparation and delivery of informal worship emerged.
By doing this, not only was worship for Church based services in its several forms considered but the increasingly important out-of-Church opportunities were given serious attention.
Once the word spread around the deaneries the first cohort was signed up and the enhanced course took off. Early signs are of a great success, with both general principles and specific aspects being well received. And, as John says, the additional locally developed units are now available for wider use and can be banked with the SOF as an additional resource so that others around the Diocese can now share the benefit.
It strikes me this is a very sound investment. And my advice? Go for it.
THE SCHOOL of Formation offers over 80 short courses and four leadership courses. For details contact Dawn Hickman on 01749 685106 email: dawn.hickman@bathwells. anglican.org
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SYNOD REPORT
BISHOP SPELLS OUT HIS
HOPE FOR LAMBETH
THE LAMBETH Conference was designed to prepare the Anglican Comm-union Bishops for mission but it would not be possible without controversy, Bishop Peter Price warned in his Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod.
He described as “regrettable” the fact that, although many Bishops would attend, others will not be but will hold an alternative conference in Jerusalem and Jordan.
He said some wanted those “perceived as having deviant theological outlooks” to be punished but he thought “once we get into the need for legislation or tribunals, monitoring or punishments, we lose the meaning of communion.”
He added: “What has kept the Communion together is not institutional structures but mutual consultation, respect for differences and commitment by Church leaders to pray for and support each other.
“Some will want to maintain communion by creating instruments for monitoring, coercion and repression. I think this is a bad alternative.
“It is my hope and prayer that the Conference will forge a new vision for mission.”
The crisis in the Communion appeared to most to have been shaped by the debate over homosexuality but, although issues of sexuality had played a part, the issue for many was one of power, of a rejection of all that associates with colonialism both of the English and of American hegemony.”
Post office; use it, help save it
USE YOUR local Post Office was the message sent out from Diocesan Synod to Christians following a debate that stressed the importance of that service to Church and community.
Synod also called on the government to consult widely about future proposals about closures; called on deaneries and Parish Churches where closures are imminent to “look at new and imaginative ways “ of serving the community; and called for the encouragement of relationships with other organisations to “promote the community cohesion role local post offices bring to their community.”
“Local government, voluntary sector, Church can all do more to sustain our post offices and shops,” said Revd David Gent, Senior Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity, Yeovil with Barwick where the post office is likely to close.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
THREE LINKED Child Protection questions put to Diocesan Synod by Revd Geoffrey Fenton of Glastonbury Deanery, and their answers by Bishop Peter Price, were:
WHY the latest Diocesan Child Protection Policy had not been brought to Synod as required by the House of Bishops?: it would not be wise to subject to votes and amendments in Synod the best measures possible to safeguard children as the Diocese had to be guided by professionals;
HAD progress been made on a policy re Vulnerable Adults?: a working party was developing advice for parishes on Vulnerable Adult issues;
WOULD a Diocesan policy on Dignity At Work concerning bullying and harassment be brought to Synod?: when the Archbishops’ Council report was issued the Diocese would take up recommendations “in the most appropriate way”.
EXTRAORDINARY STORIES
THE CHANGING LIVES DVD is stirring people into action, Bishop Peter Price told Diocesan Synod. “Almost daily come stories, anecdotes of people who have been stirred into action,” he said. “People touched by the extraordinary stories of ordinary people, opening their eyes to their neighbours in new and imaginative ways.”
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HOW ROMANTIC
THERE WAS more than a touch of romance about the Diamond Wedding celebration organised for Ken and Doris Wheadon of Combe St. Nicholas Parish Church by their family.
The couple, having been married in Chard, spent their honeymoon in Clevedon and so the family arranged for a brass plaque to be placed on Clevedon pier to mark the occasion.
Ken, former member of the Chard Squadron of the Air Training Corps, was a Bevin Boy in Nottinghamshire coal mines during the war where he met Doris.
The picture shows Doris and Ken at Clevedon.
PHOTO: D.J.WHEADON.
CONGRATULATIONS TO A VERY SPECIAL PAIR
THE BELLS of St. Etheldreda’s, West Quantoxhead rang out with gusto to announce a very special wedding there - that of their two very active Readers, Dr. Winifred Kingsbury and Gordon Anderson.
People from all the eight parishes of the newly formed Quantock Coast Benefice turned up for the service, taken by retired Rector of the original Benefice, Revd Andrew Stevens, and the recently appointed Rector of the new one, Revd Philip Rahilly.
And what was so special about that? says parishioner Ken Everard and answers: “Winifred and Gordon are in their mid 80s and so full of energy they put us youngsters to shame. We wish them every happiness.”
Picture shows: Winifred, Gordon and some parishioners
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MEET THE TEDDIES
SEVERAL OF Blagdon's Guides - and at least one grandmother - are spreading cheer among hospitalised children in Africa through the Teddies For Tragedies scheme, knitting to a simple pattern with charming results.
Several teddies made an appearance at a coffee morning the guides held recently with Blagdon Brownies and Rainbows, which raised £150 for Blagdon Tsunami Support Project giving assistance to a small community in Sri Lanka affected by the disaster.
The guide unit has spaces for girls aged 10 to 14 and for details contact Janet Hellier on 01761 462039.
Picture shows: Back, l to r, Guiders: Janet Hellier, Katie Barker, Tracey Huggins, Anne Wibberley. Front: Guides Deanna, Justine, Amelia and Kezzy.
PHOTO:ROS ANSTEY.
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Changing Lives: The Fundraisers
Colin goes that extra mile - again and again
THE INVETERATE walkers of St. Barnabas, Southdown, Bath have a truly fruitful project this year - raising money to buy fruit and walnut trees through the charity Save The Children.
Over the years congregation members have raised thousands of pounds joining the Wessex Walkers scheme, walking the 24 miles to their nearest Cathedral, Wells.
Colin Ellis, an altar server and the first of this year’s St. Barnabas contingent to reach his destination, the Bishop’s Barn, was greeted by the Mayor of Wells David Anderson. He has been making the walk almost every year since 1977 and is grateful to the many generous businesses and individuals in Bath and Frome who have enabled him to raise over £800 this year.
The Barn was a hive of activity at the end of the journey for up to a thousand walkers, from toddlers completing a two and and a half mile circular walk around Wells to those arriving from such places as Bath and Weston-super-Mare.
Sacristan John Bailey, his wife, Pat, and Church Treasurer, Ken Bailey, and his wife, Jean, have organised the walks for many years.
Save The Children raises money to work for the rights of children, both overseas and in the UK, to health, education and welfare.
Picture shows: Colin Ellis meets David Anderson after his Wessex Walk.
THERE WAS ONCE A POET
CALLED ELIZABETH
SHE MAY not be sporty and her poetry is not in the Wordsworth class, but Elizabeth Perry is ready to give both a go because she feels so passionately about the need to deliver positive change to some of the world’s poorest.
Elizabeth from Queen Camel is to cycle over 300 miles from London to Paris in four days to reach her target £3000 sponsorship money for Christian Aid.
“I’m not a naturally sporty person and need all the encouragement I can get as I train for this challenge. But I am determined,” said Elizabeth. “I’ve worked part-time for Christian Aid in Somerset for the last three years and have seen the fantastic work Christian Aid does to combat poverty, working through accountable, local partners who know what is needed to provide a sustainable way out of poverty.
“I’ve met some of the people delivering positive change on the ground and seen some of the projects Christian Aid funds in Zambia. That’s why I’ve taken on this challenge. I want to do all I can to help eradicate poverty.”
And to sum up her efforts she has written these verses:
It’s hard to look luscious in lycra
when you’ve gone 40 and over the hill,
when your thighs are like tree trunks, your waist-line has sagged
and your figure can no longer thrill.
I don’t care I look lousy in lycra,
I’m wearing it in a good cause,
cycling to Paris to raise funds for the poor;
I need its support - and your’s.
The 80 or so people taking part in the ride arrive in Paris the day before the Tour de France ends and will be there to see the final laps. To sponsor her visit: www.justgiving.com/elizabethperry1.
A fund raising event for the ride, Around The World In 80 Minutes, featuring the wildlife and travel photography of Tim Abell, takes place at Queen Camel Memorial Hall on 14 June at 7.30pm.
Picture shows Elizabeth preparing for the ride
Songs of Praise the parish sang
A SPONSORED hymn singing marathon at St. Lawrence’s, Westbury-sub-Mendip, brainchild of its choirmaster Malcolm Mogford and his wife, Linda, raised over £500 for The Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity bringing hope to many desperately ill children.
The Church choir was joined by the Westbury Singers, St. Lawrence’s Church of England Primary School choir and village residents in singing 50 hymns ranging from the Victorian to the most modern.
The congregation and other villagers, friends and family sponsored favourite hymns.
School pupils chose the Songs Of Praise Nation’s Favourite Hymn finalist Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord.
The charity was founded in 1971by Shirley Nolan and maintains a register of bone marrow donors essential for children suffering from leukemia.
Her own son, Anthony died before a suitable match could be found.
Anyone wishing to give to the charity should contact Malcolm or Linda on 01749 870817.
Picture shows: Some of the young singers taking part in the hymnathon.
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UP, UP AND AWAY
The children’s prayers
PRAYERS WAFTED into the air as pupils of Staplegrove Church of England Primary celebrated Ascension Day outside and in style.
Each class attached a prayer to a helium balloon after they had prayed it with the others.
“Each prayer label had on it a return address and we hope our message will be spread far and wide and they they might be returned to us,” said headteacher Kirsti Nelson.
“A white balloon was released for the whole school with a school prayer on it.”
The school’s choir took part with five other local primaries in the Rainbow Spectacular at Temple Methodist Church. They all learned ‘colour’ songs and performed them together that evening.
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