Crosslincs 34 by Diocese of Lincoln

Building discipleship

Broadcasting from Lincoln at Easter

The Bishop speaks of his desire for a deeper faith

Your chance to take part in a longrunning BBC Radio programme

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page 16

No 34 Lent 2012 FREE Diocese of Lincoln newspaper www.lincoln.anglican.org

Summer of celebration

PHOTOGRAPH: HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY

Edward Joyner hurches are being encouraged to use a host of major events this summer to their advantage, including the Olympics, the UEFA Euro football championship and the Queen’s Jubilee. The Diocese of Lincoln is helping parishes make the most of the events with the creation of a resources pack – to be released in early 2012 – that will both inspire and inform as churches make preparations for summer. “The summer of 2012 presents an unprecedented opportunity for churches across the Diocese of Lincoln to engage with their local communities by embracing internationally significant events,” said the Bishop, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson. “From the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee cele-

brations, through the Olympic Torch Relay, and on to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the UK will invite the world to unify in celebration of culture, sport, peace and participation. “And with the addition of UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine it is sure to be a full and fun-packed summer. “It is clear that these events present churches with opportunities for Mission. Having a presence in nearly every community throughout historic Lincolnshire, churches are ideally placed to play a central role in our county’s celebrations: bringing people together, promoting fellowship and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. “Of course, churches will need support in order fully to realise the potential of

Summer 2012. “The Diocese of Lincoln is providing this support through resource packs that will both inspire and inform churches across historic Lincolnshire as they and their communities prepare to celebrate Summer 2012.” The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in May and June will see lunches hosted across the country as part of The Big Lunch. Celebrating Summer is being organised by the Diocese of Lincoln’s Open Churches Officer, Ben Stoker, and the administrator for Churches Together in All Lincolnshire, Simon Dean. “The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act

of community, friendship and fun,” said Ben. “A mission-embracing church is a relationship-building church, and these summer events present a fantastic opportunity to foster and renew relationships and develop positive dialogue with your local community,” added Simon. “And, importantly, each event provides a platform from which to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through both word and action.”  Your pull-out guide on page 12  Sign the Diocese of Lincoln’s Thank You letter to the Queen: visit www.lincoln.anglican.org/jubilee  For further information visit www.lincoln.anglican.org/summer

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Living on a prayer curate is to spend a week living in a Grimsby church to raise money for a visit to help children in poverty in Gambia. The Revd George Huysse-Smith is depending on food provided by members of the congregation during the week in March. George will also go without what are, for many, the basic essentials of life: her mobile phone, the Internet, music, Facebook, and money, and will take just 12 items with her to the church. “I’m going to be living in St Michael’s Church in Grimsby for a week to raise money for a trip to Gambia with students from the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education,” she said. “I’ll have a lighter workload than usual so I can dedicate my time to praying in the church. “Just as our good Lord had 12 disciples, I will be taking 12 ‘friends’ into the church with me, by which I mean, 12 luxury items.”

Twelve friends Toothbrush and paste Foundation One change of clothes A loaf of bread A bag of apples

During the week, from 4 to 11 March, George will use anything inside the church, but rely on others for food. “I’m sure God will provide one way or another,” said George. “I’ll be delighted if people drop in for a chat during the day.” The trip to Gambia will aim to help children in a disadvantaged community. “We hope to work at St Joseph’s School in Banjul, SOS children’s home, the Royal Victoria hospital and in the local communities, as well as staying briefly with a Gambian family to experience their daily life,” said George. “In the school we will be decorating, doing woodwork putting in bench seating at the back of the library, providing tables and chairs, fitting electrical fans to classrooms, teaching, and fun activities!” In the run-up to the event, George is keeping a blog, which can be found at, www.livinonaprayer2012.blogspot.com which describes more about the visit to Gambia. She is also seeking sponsorship, which can be given in cash, by cheque (payable to ‘GIFHE/Gambia’ or by credit or debit card by telephone to the Grimsby Institute on 01472 311222.

civil servant from Lincoln, and Reader at St John the Baptist, Ermine, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list. Jackie Howell, an Executive Officer at the Jobcentre Plus, works in the Crisis Loan decision-making team and was nominated by her peers for the prestigious award. Jackie, who was born and raised in Lincoln, joined the civil service after leaving school. She has worked since then in the Department for Work and Pensions for more than 35 years. Her first role was as a short-term benefits rater, assessing claims for sickness and injury benefit, and after a spell in the debt department in 2000 she joined the contact centre for crisis loans in 2004, where she has worked ever since. As a crisis loan decision maker Jackie receives hundreds of requests for help every week by telephone, and has to make critical decisions which affect the lives of some of the neediest people in the country. “It’s challenging and can be quite draining,” said Jackie. “You’re listening to people for whom you are the last resort. A lot of the time the situations they’ve found themselves in are through no fault of their own and it can be very difficult to hear day in day out.” Jackie was informed that she would be honoured with an MBE in November. “There was a bit of confusion when I got the letter as it was addressed to Ms J Howell and my daughter’s name is Jessica,” she said. “Luckily though, I opened the letter as my daughter was away supply teaching, and rang the Palace to find out which of us it was for. I couldn’t believe it when they said it was me! “The Palace asked me to keep it a secret; it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I managed it. When the list came out on New Year’s eve I went to check it had been published and then showed the letter to my husband, who immediately thought I’d been summonsed to court! “I feel very humbled by the whole situation; that it was one of my peers who nominated me and recognised the contribution I make makes it extra special.” As well as her work for the Department for Work and Pensions Jackie has ministered as a Reader at St John the Baptist on the Ermine estate in Lincoln since 2007. Because of her work and time restrictions Jackie has chosen to do baptism preparation and visiting as her main area of ministry. “It’s challenging but rewarding at the same time; you get to know people and sometimes they do come back to church. “It’s good to talk and for people to see that I’m me, I’m Jackie, and just happen to go to church; sometimes people find you more relatable because you don’t have a dog collar on. “In my everyday job I do have to talk to people and listen to them, and that has definitely helped me in my ministry as a Reader.”

Will Harrison

A camp bed A sleeping bag A towel Shampoo A bar of soap A comb Hair wax

Honour for Reader

Cash for metal scrapped he fight against metal theft has intensified, after the Home Secretary announced new measures to toughen regulation and penalties. The Home Secretary, Teresa May, announced that fines for offences listed in the 1964 Scrap Metal Dealers Act would increase, and that cash payments for scrap metal would be banned in order to reduce “anonymous, low-risk transactions” and “poor record keeping” within the industry. Anne Sloman, Chair of the Church of England’s Cathedral and Church Buildings Council, described the decision as “excellent news.” “The Church has campaigned for a long time for legislation to outlaw cash transactions for scrap metal,” she said. “We are still suffering the theft of lead from ten church roofs a day, and every weapon the Government and the Police can use to help us combat this crime is greatly to be welcomed.” The Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette

Cooper, also said that proposals to increase fines and stop cash payments were welcome, but that the Government’s changes didn’t go far enough, and that the opposition would put forward more substantial proposals. “Wire theft is causing repeated power cuts, plunging communities regularly into darkness, and putting lives at risk,” she said. In recent years, many churches have suffered when lead has been stolen from roofs, while copper has been taken from telephone exchanges and construction sites. Metal thefts from railways have also increased, causing disruption to millions of passengers and costing more than £16 million per year. Churches in Lincolnshire have been given signs to show that they are protected by the Police. The signs will provide a further deterrent to thieves and have been funded by the Diocese, Lincolnshire Police and the Lincolnshire County Council.

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General Synod rejects compromise Edward Joyner he General Synod of the Church of England rejected further concessions for the opponents of women bishops at its meeting in Westminster in February. Following an overwhelming show of support for the consecration of women as bishops around the country (Diocesan Synod backs women bishop proposals, Crosslincs 33), the discussion turned to the mechanics of how to accommodate traditionalists who cannot accept their ministry and authority, without writing discrimination into the legislation. Currently, the draft legislation allows traditionalists in a diocese under the authority of a woman bishop the right to request the ministry of a male bishop. The female bishop would delegate some of her authority to a male bishop, while still legally maintaining authority in the whole of her diocese. Opponents of the draft legislation say that they cannot accept the authority of a woman bishop. They argue that if the authority is ‘delegated’ from a woman to a male bishop, this too would be unacceptable. A proposal by the Diocese of Manchester would have meant that any alternative bishops would have derived their authority from elsewhere, thereby easing the concerns of evangelical and conservative churches. Speakers at the Synod argued that any legislation which weakened the authority of women bishops would result in “two classes of bishops”, and undermine a woman bishop’s authority in her own diocese. The resulting vote appeals to the House of Bishops not to amend the draft legislation in any ‘substantial’ way. The final vote on the consecration of women as bishops will be held in July. Other agenda items included changes to parochial fees – the charges attached to weddings and funerals – an expression of concern regarding the work of the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying and consideration of the Church’s mission in healthcare settings. New fees for weddings and funerals will come into force in January 2013. The changes will mean a greater level of transparency and uniformity, which should help couples as they plan their weddings. Although the fees will rise, it is anticipated that many couples won’t notice a dramatic increase in expense. The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds explained

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

Rachel Beck, Sue Slater, Chris Lilley and Sylvia Pounds are among the Diocese of Lincoln’s representatives on General Synod

to the Synod that the changes merely reflected the “reality” of the costs, and that the changes would reduce confusion. The Synod voiced its concern at the recently published report on assisted dying by the Commission chaired by Lord Falconer. Speaking in response to the private member’s motion, the Archbishop of Canterbury said that it would be a “disaster” for society to change its position on the sanctity of life. The Synod voted overwhelmingly in support of the motion and agreed to “celebrate the considerable improvement in the quality of care of the dying brought about by the hospice and palliative care movements” and to “encourage the Church’s continued involvement in the wider agenda of the care of those approaching the end of their lives and the support of those caring for them.” The ministry of chaplains was warmly affirmed by the Synod, during a debate about mission and healthcare settings. The Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, told the General Synod: “As with much in life, the true value of our chaplains might only be appreciated if they were no longer present.” Dr Chris Sugden spoke about the role of chaplains in the mission of the Church and said that they should “be seen as an expression of the Church of England’s commitment to minister to all the community.”

Canterbury post for curate A Lincolnshire curate has been appointed as Chaplain to the Bishop of Dover and Archbishop’s Chaplain in Canterbury. The Revd Matthew Rushton is currently Assistant Curate of Nettleham and Riseholme with Grange de Lings, and also works in the parishes of Welton, Dunholme and Scothern. He is also an honorary Priest-Vicar of Lincoln Cathedral. As the Bishop of Dover’s chaplain, Matthew will be praying with and for him, attending him liturgically and at other events, and working together with the staff of the Bishop’s office and other Diocesan staff to assist the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry. Due to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s national and international responsibilities, his diocesan responsibilities are largely delegated to the Bishop of Dover – a position created by Henry VIII in 1534 – who is also known as

‘the Bishop in Canterbury’. The Archbishop’s main residence is at Lambeth Palace in London, but he is a regular resident in Canterbury, visiting parishes and attending events in the Diocese and at the Cathedral. When in the Diocese, Matthew will support the Archbishop’s diocesan ministry, planning his visits and fostering the working relationship between the staff at Lambeth and Canterbury. “I am thrilled to have been appointed to such a challenging and diverse role and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the Bishop, the Archbishop, and the people of the Diocese of Canterbury in this way”, said Matthew. Matthew is married to Elizabeth (who is undertaking doctoral research in environmental science) and they have two sons, Nathaniel (7) and Lucas (4).

Matthew Rushton

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BBC chooses Lincoln for Easter broadcast ing their thoughts and love together wherever they may be.” Diane said that she was eagerly looking forward to celebrating Easter Glory with people from around Lincolnshire and Sunday Half Hour listeners. “One of the things I love about Songs of Praise is the opportunity for outside events where the congregation is made up of the local community,” she said. “I would love to meet all the Sunday Half Hour listeners – that would make my day and year! “I hope we may be able to entice some of the Songs of Praise fans to come along too. “Any opportunity to praise God is a great one and celebrating in Lincoln Cathedral with its history, its magnificent building, and tremendous choir is going to be very majestic and fitting for the occasion.” Aric Prentice, the Director of Music at Lincoln Cathedral, said that he was relishing the prospect of the broadcast. “We are absolutely delighted that BBC Radio 2 has invited us to host this year’s Easter broadcast of Sunday Half Hour,” he said. “The choir always enjoys broadcasting very much and it’s lovely that we’ll be singing for a new audience this time. “We’ve worked with Diane Louise Jordan before on Songs of Praise, and she’s always really encouraging and good fun, so it will be good to work with her again. “Bob Chilcott has just composed a new Easter piece for the Cathedral Choir too, so Easter Glory will have its own world premiere.” Diane Louise Jordan said: “If you can get along to Lincoln Cathedral on 21 March I would be so delighted to see everyone, local people and Sunday Half Hour listeners alike. “It’s going to be a really uplifting, vibrant, spectacular event and together we’re going to sing the roof off,” said Diane. Tickets are free but they need to be reserved through the BBC Radio 2 website. The doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and the event will finish by 9.30pm.

Philip Craven long-running BBC Radio programme will visit Lincolnshire for its Easter broadcast. BBC Radio 2’s Sunday Half Hour was first broadcast in 1940, and is one of the longest-running programmes on radio. This year’s Easter Day hour-long special − Easter Glory − will be broadcast from Lincoln Cathedral, and organisers are hoping to fill the building with people from the Diocese for the recording on 21 March. The Sunday Half Hour series was originally created to link troops serving in World War Two with their loved ones at home, and continues to bring people together in listening to music, hymns, readings, and poetry, linked together and led by the show’s presenter. This year’s Easter Glory will also be the first time that Sunday Half Hour’s new presenter, Diane Louise Jordan, will host the event. The Songs of Praise and former Blue Peter presenter told Crosslincs that she was absolutely delighted to be following in the steps of Canon Roger Royle and Fr Brian D’Arcy in hosting the well-loved show. “I’m so excited to be involved with Sunday Half Hour,” said Diane. “I’m a great fan of radio and, with the radio, you really do feel part of a community; there’s something quite calming about it.” In its 72 years Sunday Half Hour has gathered a loyal and passionate following, and Diane reassures listeners that the show’s ingredients will essentially remain the same. “We’ll continue with the hymns we all love and perhaps there will be a few some listeners haven’t heard before, and most importantly, we’ll still be reading out letters from our lovely listeners who write dedications for their loved ones,” she said. “The letters and dedications from our listeners are a great uniting bridge: listeners are able to send their love or celebrate with loved ones who are sometimes on the other side of the world. “In that moment they know they’re shar-

PHOTOGRAPH: BBC

Diane Louise Jordan will present BBC Radio 2’s Easter Glory from Lincoln Cathedral

If you would like to attend please apply for the free, unreserved e-tickets through the BBC Radio 2 website at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/music-events/

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Memorial for priest service is to take place at a London church in memory of a Lincolnshire priest who died in the summer. The Revd Dr Alan Megahey died on Friday 19 August, and his funeral was held at Leadenham Parish Church, close to where he lived. After completing a degree at Cambridge and a doctorate at his birth town of Belfast, Alan spent a year at Westcott House before ordination in 1970. He spent most of his ministry in teaching and school chaplaincy, and served for ten years in Zimbabwe. He came to Lincolnshire in 2001, when he was appointed Rector of Brant Broughton with Beckingham, Welbourn and Leadenham. The Memorial Service will take place on

PHOTOGRAPH: NICK EDMONDS

Women pray for justice

Alan Megahey, 1944-2011 Saturday 10 March at 2pm in St Marylebone Parish Church, Marylebone, London.

N H O H C J A ST B N O I S S A P one of the most powerful and dramatic choral works ever written

Will Harrison eople around the world will join women in prayer for justice as part of an annual international event. Every year on the first Friday in March, the Women’s World Day of Prayer includes a service, this year written by Christian women of Malaysia. Organisers envisage a great wave of prayer sweeping the world, beginning in Tonga and continuing around the planet until the final service takes place, 35 hours later, in neighbouring Western Samoa. Malaysia is multi-ethnic and multi-religious, and throughout its history has attracted migrants from other parts of Asia and beyond. It is one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in South East Asia. Women have made important contributions to its social and economic development but, nevertheless, they still face dis-

crimination and violence at all levels of society. Malaysia is now the most popular destination country in Asia for migrant workers and human trafficking has become a sophisticated and organised operation. Malaysia’s multi-ethnicity has added to the rich heritage of its land and people but it has also given rise to many problems. In the service those issues of concern are named and the women voice their hope for the future. Justice for all is their hope, and their prayer is Let Justice Prevail. Although organised and led by women, this is essentially a day of prayer for everybody. It demonstrates our solidarity with our sisters and brothers in other countries. Visit the WWDP website at www.wwdp-natcomm.org for more about the movement and this year’s service.

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Snapshots for Christian Aid he children at St Andrew’s School, Leasingham have been busy taking photographs of their church for a Christian Aid project. The pupils will choose their best photographs and send them to a selection panel, which will select seven pictures to be used to create notelets, baptism cards and postcards, to be sold for Christian Aid. Christian Aid volunteer, Catherine Garsed, introduced the pupils to the charity, and explained how people who live in poverty are supported. Catherine’s presentation also included photographs from Christian Aid projects, and encouraged the pupils to share their thoughts on the way they had been taken. They also discussed the people and places in the pictures and how their lives were different to ours. This was followed by a short walk to St Andrew’s Church in Leasingham for a photographic workshop. Catherine encouraged the pupils to think out of the box and use items around the church as props to create a picture, or to look very closely at detail on

woodwork or fabrics. The recent snow added another dimension to photographs taken outside the church. The pupils at St Andrew’s have taken the lead on this project, which has been set up through the Diocese of Lincoln Youth Service, working in partnership with Open Churches and Christian Aid. The project is open to all young people and churches. There will be further Christian Aid presentations and workshops throughout the year in different parts of the Diocese. Some groups may wish to run their own photographic sessions and may request a photo brief. A selection panel comprising Ben Stoker (Open Churches Officer), Beth Reynolds (a young photographer), Suzanne Starbuck (Diocese of Lincoln Youth Service) and the priest from each church will choose seven photographs, which will be used to create personalised stationary for the churches and schools to sell. The best ten photographs from each church can be sent to Suzanne Starbuck at suzanne.starbuck@lincoln.anglican.org

Developing youth participation

Mark Eades-Jones joined the Diocese of Lincoln’s youth team in December after working for children’s charity Barnado’s. Mark has a passion for children and young people’s participation and has worked in the field for more than 20 years. Most recently he implemented a district-wide youth participation strategy in Bradford. Mark is based at The Old Palace, but will spend much of his time out and about in the Diocese. Photograph: Will Harrison

Church detectives artnership-working between the Diocese of Lincoln Youth Service, Heritage Lincolnshire and St Francis Special School produced the project Church Detectives. Six students from the post-16 group visited three churches under the guidance of Dr Matthew Godfrey and Natalie Hamilton from Heritage Lincolnshire to look at the architecture and monitor whether the churches were at risk. The churches, which were selected for their easy access and diversity, were St John the Baptist in Lincoln, St Mary

Magdalene in Bailgate, Lincoln, and All Saints’ Church in Nettleham. The students took photographs of different aspects of each church and completed their monitoring forms. They were even given the opportunity to ring the church bell in St Mary Magdalene’s. The post-16 students undertook this project as volunteers for Lincolnshire Heritage at Risk for part of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and their work can be seen in more detail by visiting the youth website www.lincshar.org where their Church Detectives newsletter can be read.

Exploring Godly play second themed taster day to explore Godly Play has taken place near Lincoln. Skellingthorpe Church hosted 16 participants, brought together from Anglican, Methodist and Groundlevel churches. The delegates explored and practiced Godly Play presentations around the Easter theme. Led by Judy Dickin, an experienced Godly Play Practitioner, the attendees were first given a presentation on the theory and practice of Godly Play, then experienced some of the stories before having the chance to practice The Faces of Easter and The Good Shepherd and the World Communion presentations. Capt Dave Rose CA, the Diocesan Children and Youth Officer, said that the event had been very useful.

“I should like to thank the Rector, the Revd Richard Billinghurst, for providing such a warm and welcoming venue,” said Dave. “I look forward to the next meeting in the Autumn. For those who wish to engage with Godly Play or Reflective Story Telling, a growing selection of resources are available in the area resource centres. For more information, contact Suzanne Starbuck at suzanne.starbuck@lincoln.anglican.org. Themes include The Holy Family, Jonah and the Whale, The Good Shepherd and The World Communion, and The Faces of Easter. Anyone with ideas for future Godly Play events, please contact Dave Rose at youth@lincoln.anglican.org or on 01522 504067.

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Support charity relaunched Will Harrison national charity which helps parishes to fulfil their mission through a variety of expertises has been relaunched. Living Stones comprises a group of Christian professionals drawn from various disciplines who provide impartial advice on areas such as leadership and management, theology and mission, vision, architecture and design, and finance and fundraising. The Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis, who is chair of the trustees of Living Stones, said that the charity aims to provide a complete service to parishes. “Our aim is to help churches to answer our key question: What is God calling you to do in this place?” said Bishop Tim. “We then partner them in responding to that call.” He said that one of the main objectives was to help church communities to reconnect with the society around them, and in doing so, find a renewed purpose in the Gospel. “We always start by arranging to come and see you, to meet as many of you as we can, to gain an independent and holistic

view of your church and community,” said Bishop Tim. “This initial visit currently costs £50 plus travel costs for a half-day and this cost is refunded when further services are commissioned from us. “Following this initial visit we provide you with a summary of what we found, and how we feel we might help you to move forward.” He said that although most believers are clear that the church is the people − the body of Christ − and not the building, the building does say a great deal about the people who use it and look after it. “It can also be a valuable resource for the community around it, and a means of meeting local people, getting to know them and their needs,” said Bishop Tim. “An attractive church building, which has been and is being cared for by an active and sensitive worshipping fellowship and is playing its part in the community around it is a positive sign of God’s grace to the world. “Presenting such a face to the world often requires change.” For more information, visit the website at www.living-stones.org.uk

Saintly talk for Gilbert ore than 70 people gathered at a south Lincolnshire church for an annual event in honour of a local

saint. The audience gathered for the fourth annual Saint Gilbert’s Day event in Billingborough Parish Church, which this year comprised three talks, and exhibition and a visit to Sempringham Priory − a scheduled monument. Glynn Coppack, an authority on monasteries, talked about the origins of Sempringham Priory in the context of all the other Gilbertine monasteries in Lincolnshire and beyond. Paul Cope-Faulkner of Lincolnshire Heritage Trust discussed the archaeological survey of 2006 which unearthed 27,000 artefacts. And the Revd John Wilford spoke about St Gilbert and his ministry.

The event was organised by Alison Greig of The Spring Wells Heritage Group and by the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. Saint Gilbert of Sempringham is England’s only native saint to have founded his own monastic order. He initially cared for a group of women in the 1130s, who became nuns, housing them on the north side of the parish church, now known as Sempringham Abbey. Later in the 12th Century he built a massive priory in the valley to the south, which was larger than Westminster Abbey. It was a double church with nuns on one side and canons on the other, completely separated – his shrine was built between the two. The priory was demolished by Henry VIII and the land was given to Lord Clinton, Lord High Admiral to Queen Elizabeth 1st who built a grand country house there.

A ministry in Lincolnshire former parish priest who ministered in two parts of Lincolnshire has died after an illness. The Revd Kenneth Littler was Vicar of The Suttons with Tydd from 1987 until 1990, when he became Rector of the Graffoe Group of parishes until his retirement in 1994. Born in 1934, Kenneth studied at Lampeter in the University of Wales, and served two curacies and held several incumbencies in Wales before moving to southeast Lincolnshire. Married to Caroline, who survives him, they had three daughters. After retiring to Lincoln, Kenneth assisted in the ministry of St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Bailgate, where his funeral was held on 17 February. He died in St Barnabas Hospice, Lincoln, on 4 February, aged 77 years.

The Revd Malcolm Kenneth Littler 1934-2012

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The morality of the markets Phil Hamlyn Williams he Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, with its soaring gothic lines, where the Canons meet, where Edward I held the English Parliament, where the Da Vinci Code and the Young Victoria were filmed: this was the setting for the first debate around the subject of the Common Good. Dr Mark Hocknull, the Chancellor of Lincoln, reminded the audience that this was the traditional role of cathedrals, as centres for debate and discussion. The airwaves have been filled with arguments over bankers’ bonuses, stripped knighthoods and the never-ending demands that the market makes on nation states. It was perhaps hardly surprising that Professor David Head began with reference to Dr Rowan Williams’ Dimbleby Lecture in 2002, where he had thrown his spotlight on the loss of power of nation states as a direct result of the free movement of capital across borders. David went on to set the scene drawing on writings about the Occupy protest and importantly the work that had been done by the St Paul’s Institute and its then canon, Giles Fraser, well before the protest took place. Much of this focused on those who actually work in the financial markets and what they actually think. At its centre there stands a blatant contradiction that what motivates bankers most of all is financial reward, but that reward itself is seen by many of them to be far too great. Questions and comments from the audience followed each speaker and, following Professor Head’s lead, the first round of questioners covered the well-rehearsed arguments. Markets were vilified as corrupt, and justification was found for the demands of investors for above average returns. What emerged though was an understanding that markets by themselves do nothing; it is investors who are empowered to make ethical choices. The MP for Lincoln, Karl McCartney, extolled plans for free and fair markets, responsible capitalism, enterprise and innovation. From his own experience of working in the city he recalled the active role of city guilds in philanthropy. He pointed his finger at the withdrawal of tax breaks for pension funds in 1997 as the trigger for their demands for higher investment returns. As to the recent crisis, he pon-

dered whether it might have been better to let at least one bank fail; the others may have quickly learned responsibility. This time questions ranged more widely. The imperative of care in the community, tax avoidance, the powerlessness of government when faced with massive bonus payments by state-owned banks. The previous over-confidence in pension funds and the pension holidays employers were forced to take. The almost unbelievable dependence of government on tax revenues from the banking sector, set in contrast with an economy that is mainly populated by small and mediumsized businesses. Mark Hocknull sought to draw the strands together and offered a theological reflection. Perhaps the problem was neither moral nor economic, but about process, about strange independent forces. The Tulip Bubble of 17th century Holland had already been referred to by more than one questioner; Dr Hocknull saw the valuation of things as more than they are actually worth as a constantly repeated pattern in history. He drew on Peter Selby’s introduction to the St Paul’s Institute Report where Selby focussed on the inherent contradiction that we had identified between bankers both knowing they were paid too much but needing the money for motivation. It is as if the system has a power of its own. As to theology, he explained that the New Testament is set in a world of principalities and powers; it was how former generations made sense of the world around them. Yet, powers can also be social and psychological and it is perhaps these that are at work in the financial markets. Profit has become the product and is no longer the result of providing valued services. There is nothing wrong with the accrual of wealth; the problem comes with how it is used: the missing side of Mrs Thatcher’s project was matching generosity. No government since then has had an ideology; what is needed is one espousing a vision of how wealth may best be used for the good of all. Dr Hocknull concluded by suggesting that things only change when there is a head of steam; it is a matter of people starting to recognise some of the things they truly want so that they may be articulated in the political arena. We are each other’s keeper; we must start to put humanity first. The text of the three talks are available at www.lincolncathedral.com

Places on Chapter wo new members of the Chapter of Lincoln Cathedral have been seated in the College of Canons. Canon John Patrick, formerly Rural Dean of Lafford and Vicar of Sleaford was installed as Subdean of Lincoln at the special service of Evensong in February. As Subdean, John has particular responsibility for the fabric of the cathedral, and pastoral care of the staff and congregation. John is also Chair of the House of Clergy of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Air Vice-Marshall Paul Robinson was one time Commander of the RAF College at Cranwell and brings a long and deep experience of organisations. He was invested as a lay canon, and will help to lead the cathedral’s strategy and mission as a member of the Chapter. In his charge to them, the Bishop urged them both not to stay in their separate worlds − the spiritual and the secular − but to work in both above all to foster a truly entrepreneurial ministry.

Olympic festival incoln Cathedral will this year host an event which celebrates the beauty and symbolism of flowers. The Cathedral is famed for the naturalistic carvings of foliage which feature throughout the building, and organisers say that makes it the perfect backdrop for floral extravaganzas. The art of flower arranging set against the backdrop of one of the finest gothic Cathedrals will be the combination at the Lincoln Cathedral Flower Festival in August 2012. The festival theme, Dreams of Gold, will reflect the aspirations and achievements of the 2012 Olympics. It will be held in Lincoln Cathedral over five days from Thursday 16 August to Monday 20 August, programmed between the main and Paralympic competitions.

Organised by Lincoln Cathedral and the Lincolnshire branch of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies), visitors will enjoy more than 130 arrangements depicting the games from their beginnings in ancient Greece to the modern day. Exhibits in the nave will feature the ancient competitions with horses, chariots and torches. Tributes to the Olympics will see a running track in the Chapter House and a swimming pool in the cloister plus depictions of cycling, sailing, equestrian sports and many other events. Other exhibits will focus on the Winter and Paralympic games. In all 26 local groups and 20 invited exhibitors will be involved in the festival.

Adults £10 | Concessions £8 (under 16’s free)

a place to...

EXPERIENCE

Fast track entry on advanced bookings. 10% discount on refreshments and tickets for group bookings (minimum of 12 people).

INSPIRING people in different ways

“ The very first time I entered Lincoln Cathedral I remember I just stood, gazing in awesome wonder.” PHIL HAMLYN WILLIAMS - CHIEF EXECUTIVE

To purchase tickets visit www.lincolnminstershop.com or call the Cathedral shop on 01522 561644 For other enquiries email: flowers@lincolncathedral.com

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Comment & letters

Church college’s Comment 150 years T Andy Wright incoln’s older higher education institution is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Bishop Grosseteste University College opened its doors as the Diocesan Training College in January 1862. A range of celebrations is taking place throughout this academic year to celebrate a century and a half of dedication to education. In January, students and staff enjoyed a light-hearted all-day birthday party with games, live music and party food which continued into the evening. The party was attended by current staff and students as well as by members of the Old Students Association. The party was a prelude to a more formal service of celebration for past and present governors, staff, students and friends at Lincoln Cathedral at 10.30am on 16 February and followed the honour of a Civic Dinner hosted by the Mayor of Lincoln in January. The college has been celebrating in other ways too: in September the Chair of Governors (and Chief Executive of the Diocese), Max Manin, jumped from an aeroplane and raised more than £2,000 for charity, and colleagues are building a map showing all the schools across the world where BG-trained teachers have worked. There will also be a Homecoming Weekend and Alumni Reunion from 4 to 6 May 2012. “Our 150th anniversary celebrations are now in full swing,” said Professor Muriel Robinson, BG’s Principal. “Just as important as 150 years of tradition is the future. The University College has a range of exciting developments in train. “Last month we opened BG Futures, a new facility supporting enterprising startup businesses, we are currently investing £2.5m in a new library extension, and plans to upgrade and extend our halls of residence are well advanced.”

Letters to the editor, Crosslincs, The Old Palace, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org A name and address and telephone number must be supplied with every letter and e-mail. Letters may be edited for style and length.

here is a world of difference between done for us, we offer our lives back to Jesus’ urgent call to be disciples and God. We order our lives in ways that what the institution of the Church so embody Christ’s life in our families, workoften teaches about discipleship. places, communities, and the world. Jesus does not call us to do churchy When Jesus was asked what the most things; He calls us to follow Him and do important commandment was, His His works. He does not define one set of response was: “You shall love the Lord works for “clergy”, and another set of your God with all your heart, and with all works for the “laity”. He calls us all to be your soul, and with all your mind.” fully alive and alert to what it means to Discipleship is about loving God. It is follow His path in our own world. more than an acknowledgement of God’s According to St Irenaeus, the second existence or a statement of belief regardcentury Bishop of Lyons, the glory of God ing God. It is total devotion, head-overis a human being fully alive. The Christian heels-in-love-with adoration. It is the contention has been and always will be deep desire to know God, to be one with that this full life is only to be found in a life God, and to worship God. lived in relationship with Christ. The second most important commandThat relationship is begun, symbolically, ment is to love our neighbour as ourby the act of baptism, which marks the life selves. Within the context of the Christian of discipleship or community, our commitment to neighbours are following and our brothers and learning from Discipleship is total devotion, sisters in Christ. Christ. Neighbours may head-over-heels-in-love-with Baptism is a also refer to the sacrament. The adoration. It is the deep desire to c o n t e m p o r a r y Sacramentum was know God, to be one with God, understanding of the oath that a those who live Roman citizen and to worship God near us; however, swore on enlisting from a Biblical perin the Roman spective, neigharmy. bours often include people whom we This swearing of the Sacramentum might not normally consider: strangers, changed the status of the man entirely. prisoners, people who mistreat us (who He was now utterly subject to his gener- are our enemies), people from other culal’s authority, and had thereby laid down tural and ethnic backgrounds, people any restraints of his former civilian life. We from different religious traditions, and ought to think of baptism as something people who irritate us and push the similar. It is an oath of allegiance to Jesus, boundaries of our patience. and a setting aside of the old life in favour Discipleship requires attention and sacof the life of a disciple. rifice. We have to pay attention to what is Something of this is captured in the happening around us in order to see our baptism service, when the newly baptised neighbours and to recognise their needs. are exhorted to continue as faithful sol- We must also consider their needs to be diers of Christ to the end of their lives. as important as our own in order to live Discipleship focuses on actively follow- faithfully. Loving our neighbour is more ing in the footsteps of Jesus. As Christian than random acts of kindness. It takes disciples, we are not passive spectators time, energy, and commitment. but energetic participants in God’s activiDiscipleship is a way of life carefully culty in the world. Because of what God has tivated in response to God.

The Comment is written by a different anonymous author each edition with the intention of provoking thought and debate, and is not necessarily the view of the Diocese of Lincoln. Letters are welcomed on any subject.

Banners could be lost From the Revd Ian Walker At a recent meeting of the Grimsby Branch of the Mothers’ Union, of which, I am the honorary chaplain, the matter of Mothers’ Union Banners was raised. It was recorded that sadly, several branches have closed over the years, and each branch had its own banner. Also we noted that the banner they had was still kept in the church, for which we were glad. However, we felt that some record of these banners should be kept. The best way was a photograph with details of the church, when the branch started and if it had closed, the date of the final meeting and closure. A former parish I had the pleasure to serve, Grayingham, has recently compiled a display folder of former clergy, some details of dates etc, and other historical details to help form a history of the church. I feel this is good idea, and one we could imitate. May I, through Crosslincs, ask if any churches have a Mothers’ Union Banner in their church, that they send me a photograph, along with details of the parish and any other relevant details of the branch and banner, so that a library may be started and a permanent record of our banners be kept for posterity. Ian Walker 48 Pretymen Crescent New Waltham Grimsby DN36 4PB 01472 826958

Readers are not the only accredited lay ministry From Capt Dave Rose CA While celebrating the ministry of Readers (I have an excellent Reader as a colleague, who is licensed to me at the moment), it is not quite true to say that Readers are the only nationally-accredited and canonicallygoverned lay ministry (Readers licensed, Crosslincs 33). Church Army Evangelists are admitted to the Office of Evangelist of the Church of England, and are governed under Canon E7. For more information visit the website www.churcharmy.org.uk Dave Rose Lincoln

Victorian church restorer explored From Mr Keith Halliday If you would like more information about the life of the Revd Frederick Sutton (Victorian nightmare or medieval dream?, Crosslincs 33) a new book is available from Old Chapel Lane Books, Burgh le Marsh. Email: r.pacey@virgin.net. Keith Halliday Lincoln

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Positive futures

Elected to Council

Will Harrison free day to help the large number of retired people in a Lincolnshire seaside town will see presentations from accountants, solicitors, health providers, beauty consultants, leisure activities, retirement homes and the Church. Organiser Linda Allaway said that people retire to Skegness and the surrounding area with the hope for healthy lives under sunny skies with fresh air in their lungs. “They look forward to being permanently on holiday, without any worries,” she said. “We hope that they will be able to have such a positive future but there are certain things that we all have to consider if we don’t want our nearest and dearest to have a dreadful time sorting out our problems when they arise. “For instance, do we know how we want our money used and how we can avoid giving most of it to the taxman? “Do we have plans for our health welfare? Do we know which care home offers the best for our needs. Do we have an up to date will, a funeral plan? Do we want to have life and have it more abundantly. “So many people are worrying about death that they forget how to live.” St Matthews Church, Lumley Avenue,

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our new members have been elected out of six candidates for places on Diocesan Council. The nomination process for the four lay places on Diocesan Council began in October, with the count taking place on 10 February. Tom Hunter, Michael Pemberton, Dr Brian Stagg and Dr Russell Walshaw were elected. The Diocesan Council is a tripartite body, combining the Bishop’s Council, the Board of Finance and the Mission & Pastoral Committee, thereby bringing together Policy and Finance. Its overall purpose is to shape Diocesan policy, finance and strategic planning; it makes strategic policy decisions, ensuring effective governance including trusteeship and financial management. Where appropriate, it acts as driver to the development of new policy and proposals through to the Diocesan Synod. The Council also plans the business of the Diocesan Synod; nominates members to committees; is the Board of Trustees of the Board of Finance; reviews arrangements for pastoral supervision in the Diocese and makes recommendations to the Bishop as appropriate.

Skegness on 26 April from 11pm to 4pm is holding a day entitled Positive Futures. There will be a short film, stands and presentations from accountants, solicitors, health providers, beauty consultants, leisure activities, retirement homes, and the church, showing how positive futures can be planned. Entrance is free, and lunch and refreshments are available. For more information, contact Linda Allaway on 01754 810507.

Reflection in the south series of reflective days has been entitled ‘Via Dolorosa − the Way of Sorrow.’ planned at a Diocesan-sponsored She will explore the place of suffering in retreat house in the south of the therapeutic healing with reference to the Lincolnshire. Stations of the Cross. The days at Edenham Regional House During Holy Week, former RAF chaplain begin at 10am, and divide into two ses- Fr David McKenzie will lead a quiet day sions – one before 12 noon and one after using both art and music on 3 April, and on lunch. 20 April the Revd Peter Garland will explore The warden of Edenham Regional House, ways in which artists have depicted the resCanon Andy Hawes, said: “There is, usually, urrection of Jesus. plenty of opportunity to be alone and On 11 May, Canon Ian Silk explores the quiet. prayer and teaching of Lincolnshire’s “Often there is worship at midday, and saints, including Guthlac, Hugh and on Fridays this is always the Eucharist. Edward King. “The days draw to a close with corporate During Lent, a course over five evenings prayer at 3.30pm. After this tea and cake is will explore the 350th anniversary of the available. Book of Common Prayer and will be led by “While there are no set charges at Andy Hawes. The course begins on 28 Edenham, the suggested contribution for a February for five consecutive Tuesdays. day, which includes lunch and refreshEach evening will begin with BCP Holy ments is £12.50, and guests give more or Communion at 7.30pm and end with less according to circumstances and incli- Compline. Evenings will examine the ‘call nation.” to unity’, ‘the call to penitence’, ‘the call to On Tuesday 13 March, Kate Austen of intercede and to praise’, ‘the call to be meet Christart leads a day on Painting and Prayer, partakers’ and ‘the call to hear and receive which organisers say will help participants the Word’. REGIONAL To HOUSE to engage in prayerful EDENHAM reflection through book a place or make an enquiry, painting. No previous experience is necesplease notify Bourne, of any Lincolnshire dietary requirements, The Vicarage, Church Lane, Edenham, PE10 0LS sary, and all the materials will be provided. Telephone: 01778 591358please call 01778 591358 or email Email:for athawes@tiscali.co.uk The suggested contribution this day is edreghouse@tiscali.co.uk. Further informawww.erh.org.uk £20, including lunch. tion can be found on www.erh.org.uk Edenham Regional House Trust Charity no. 1058116 Dilys Phipps, a psychoanalyst and spirituThe house is also available for individuals al director, leads a day on Friday 23 March to use for day or residential use – either

crosslincs is available in a recorded format for the partially sighted. Call Dorothy Selfe on 01507 603809.

see things in a new light…

EDENHAM REGIONAL HOUSE

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Trust seeks good causes

Big names booked for Theological Society T

Joseph and his brothers. Jesus’ handling of these tales and especially the parable's extraordinary punchline raise very radical questions about any notions of the people of God. The lecture takes place in The Robert Hardy lecture theatre at Bishop Grosseteste University College in Lincoln at 7.30pm on 14 March. On 22 May, Elaine Storkey will speak about ‘Gender: the debate so far’, and on 15 October his excellency Metropolitan Kallistos will give a lecture entitled ‘God and Orthodoxy.’ All lectures begin at 7.30pm, and tickets, which cost £5, are available from Lincoln Cathedral Shop, from Unicorn Tree Books in Lincoln Central Market, or on the door, and include glass of wine.

The tomb of the Revd Sir Frederick Arthur Gore Ouseley at St Michael’s College, Tenbury Wells − the school he founded in 1856. charitable trust established to continue the work of a choral pioneer is seeking more projects to support. The Ouseley Trust was set up to promote and maintain to a high standard the choral services of the Church of England, the Church in Wales and the Church of Ireland, and does so by making grants to cathedrals, choral foundations, parish churches, choir schools and other relevant institutions. The trustees of the Ouseley Trust administer the funds that arose from the closure and sale of St Michael’s College, Tenbury Wells − the choir school founded by Sir Frederick Ouseley. Martin Pickering, who is a lay canon of Lincoln Cathedral and director of the Louth Choral Society is a trustee of the Ouseley Trust. “We aim to promote the religious, musical and secular education of pupils attending any school in which instruction in the doctrines is given and the performance of the liturgy is observed,” he said. “Applications must be submitted by an institution and, in the main, this will be a

cathedral, parish church, choir, college or school.” Martin explained that applications fall into five categories: courses, endowments, fees for individual choristers at recognised choir schools, the purchase of liturgical music and other projects of an innovative kind which may, in exceptional circumstances, include commissions. “In every case, the trustees look for clear evidence that a grant would serve to promote and maintain a high standard of choral service,” he said. Since the trust was established, up to 40 grants have been awarded each year, ranging from £150 to purchase music to a £50,000 endowment of a cathedral choristership bearing Ouseley’s name. The trust has already distributed more than £2m. The trust also holds a comprehensive library of the music of Ouseley, who had an extraordinary talent in music, composing an opera at the age of eight years. For more information about the Ouseley Trust, which is based in Stamford, visit www.ouseleytrust.org.uk or call 01780 752 266.

Recital series in Lincoln erformers for the 2012 season of recitals on Lincoln Cathedral’s famous Father Willis organ have been announced. The programme includes well-known names from around the world as well as organists resident at the cathedral. The organ is the last example built by ‘Father’ Henry Willis, and was completed in 1898. It was dedicated on St Hugh’s Day, 17 November, 1898, before a congregation of 4,700, and was the first British cathedral organ to be blown by electricity. Entry to all recitals costs £5. Sunday 4 March, 5.30pm Charles Harrison (Lincoln) Sunday 25 March, 5.30pm Thomas Chatterton (Oakham School) Sunday 1 April, 5.30pm Edward Hewes (Lincoln) Monday 9 April, 7pm Carlo Curley (Melton Mowbray) Monday 7 May, 7pm Francis Jackson (York) Monday 28 May, 7pm Martin Baker (Westminster Cathedral) Monday 27 August, 7pm Peter King (Bath Abbey) Sunday 4 November, 5.30pm Nikolai Gersek (Friedrichshafen, Germany) Sunday 11 November, 5.30pm Claire Innes-Hopkins (Lincoln) Sunday 18 November, 5.30pm Alessandro Bianchi (Cantu, Italy) Sunday 16 December, 5.30pm Messiaen: La Nativite: Colin Walsh (Lincoln)

PHOTOGRAPH: GORDON PLUMB

PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HARRISON

revor Dennis, Elaine Storkey and his excellency the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Diokleia are the speakers in this year’s programme of lectures organised by Lincoln Theological Society. A lecture entitled ‘Jesus and Genesis’ begins the series, and will be given by Trevor Dennis, a Biblical scholar who always works from the original texts. According the Church Times, his “retelling of the Bible is exceptional in its range, from the mysterious and poetic to the down-toearth and funny... Trevor Dennis’s skill as a storyteller is undeniable.” He will explore Jesus’ parable of the two brothers, (usually called the story of the prodigal Son), as it is full of references to the Genesis stories of Jacob and Esau and

Musical assistance in print he Diocese of Lincoln’s Music Development Officer has compiled a series of services designed for village churches which are short of staff. The Village Services, which have been put together by Rosemary Field, require no instrumental music and are designed expressly for lay-leadership and unaccompanied voices.

The series of nine services are suitable for various seasons. Every word is printed out, and the orders are being made available via hard copy or downloadable from the website. “All churches need is a Bible for the readings,” said Rosemary. “They are peaceful, dignified and quietly-joyful acts of worship lasting about 35 minutes each.”

The Village Services have completed a year’s road-testing and have been wellreceived. The folksong and simple chants used are recorded onto a learning CD by Rosemary’s new colleague Steven Maxson for ease of learning at home, and a series of regional teaching events for lay-leaders will be announced in Lent. “All the services contain echoes of the

great liturgies of the Church which are inspirational and have been largely sidelined for many years, but are achievable in miniature by this means,” said Rosemary. You can invite Rosemary (south) or Steven (north) to come and demonstrate one, and help you launch. Contact Linda Wass on 01522 504018 (Thursday morning) or at linda.music@lincoln.anglican.org.

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t u o Pull e guid

Summer of Celebration www.lincoln.anglican.org/summer With a presence in every community, churches are ideally placed to play a central role in our county’s celebrations: bringing people together, promoting fellowship and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. Here are some ideas you could use in your church to celebrate summer in your community.

Ten steps to planning your own

Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch 1. Decide on the venue Your Big Lunch can take place anywhere: in the church hall, gardens, park, school or community centre. 2. Investigate road closures Some councils need up to 12 weeks’ notice to process applications for road closures so it’s best to check your local policy early. It’s usually someone in the Highways or Events department that you need to speak to. 3. Invite, invite, invite! People love receiving invitations. As well as personally inviting as many people in your church and local community as possible, distribute leaflets and posters widely. Resources for promoting the lunch are available online.

6. Decorations Decoration and bunting is a great way to involve children and families. Why not recycle by gathering together old material, plastic bags or the contents of your recycling box? Give the kids some chalk to decorate the pavement. 7. Music and entertainment Tune several radios to the same radio station and place them around your lunch for some easy background music. There’s nothing better than some live entertainment – perhaps local bands or choirs are interested? 8. Fundraising at your Big Lunch You could use your Big Lunch to raise awareness or funds for a cause, be it something that matters locally or for a bigger, national charity – or both!

4. Local support Local cafes, shops and businesses may be able to lend you things such as tables and chairs, donate food and drink and even donate prizes for a raffle. You’ll be amazed at how generous local businesses can be.

9. On the day tips Make sure that your entertainment, games and activities are suitable for all ages. If you have music, make sure it’s varied, not too loud and doesn’t go on too late. Set a time for lunch – it really helps to get the party started. Take photos, and most importantly, have fun!

5. Food Keep it simple! Ask people to bring their own picnics, to bring one dish to share – but make sure you find out what people are bringing so that you don’t end up with lots of the same thing! Simple “crowdcooking” recipes can be found online.

10. After the party Share your photos and stories with your community on your websites and in newsletters, and with The Big Lunch on Facebook and Flickr or e-mail yourstories@thebiglunch.com. www.thebiglunch.com

Source: Based on material from thebiglunch.com

Euro 2012 Football breakfast Why not kick-off with a breakfast to celebrate the start of the tournament? This could be anything from a cooked breakfast to cereal. Table football / Subbuteo Table football is a fun and easy way to play football without a pitch! People can bring their own sets or pitch in to buy a new one for the church hall.

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Crosslincs 01522 50 40 34 crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

The Olympic Torch Relay

KEY > Tuesday 26 June > Wednesday 27 June > Thursday 28 June > Tuesday 3 July > Wednesday 4 July

Immingham

Churches in the UK have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seize the moment, thanks to the 2012 Games being awarded to London. The Torch Relay will start on 18 May 2012 and continue to travel around the country, making its first appearance in the Diocese of Lincoln on 26 June as it makes its way to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Whether it’s as the torch passes through your community or throughout the duration of the Games, the mission is to taste the excitement of reaching communities in fresh ways. In late June and early July, the torch will pass through various parts of the Diocese of Lincoln. Churches in the Diocese could join with the local community and other churches and hold an event to keep the party going and make sure the moment is seized. The world comes together for the Olympic Games, but not everyone plays on a level playing field. As ever, the Church will be demonstrating a heart for justice in outreach.

Grimsby

Scunthorpe

Cleethorpes

Wrawby Brigg

Louth Withern Mablethorpe Trusthorpe Sutton-on-Sea

Legbourne Maltby le Marsh

Mumby

Saxilby

Hogsthorpe

Lincoln Ingoldmells Bracebridge Heath Skegness

Wainfleet All Saints Wrangle Sleaford

Boston

Grantham

For further information, visit www.morethangold.co.uk or contact Danita Beetge or Philippe How at the More Than Gold office on 0845 475 2012 or missionteams@morethangold.org.uk.

Holbeach Moulton Bourne

> Whaplode

Long Sutton

Spalding

Thurlby Market Deeping Stamford

Football tournament Not for the faint-hearted! If you have access to a playing field or grassed area, why not organise a football match, or a mini-tournament for the whole community?

Show Euro 2012 matches on a big screen If you have access to a big screen, or even better, a projector and a wall, why not show some of the matches at your church?

Service for local football teams If you have football teams in your local area, why not organise a special service for the clubs and their families?

European culture events With sixteen teams from around Europe competing, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate European culture – especially if you have a multicultural community.

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St John’s Church, Ermine, Lincoln, has won a second Eco-Congregation Award.

Green over glamour Terry Miller

LCS Environmental Chaplain

Simple steps can be the mark of an environmental disciple

t John the Baptist Church on Lincoln’s Ermine Estate recently received the Eco-Congregation Award for the second time, for its continuing work “greening” the church – but much of its focus has been the less glamorous task of insulation and promoting green issues. Next, the St John’s congregation is planning to improve the insulation of the huge expanse of glazing in their modern building. It is an example of doing things in the right order. There is much argument about the best environmental actions, and it mostly focuses on installing costly energy generation. Sometimes it is easier to pay large sums of money for complicated technology but miss the most obvious ideas first. Doing large projects can feel so much more satisfying than something as simple as insulating the roof. You can point to a roof with a sense of achievement – insulation is invisible, but it could pay for itself within a year. Our human propensity for the grand gesture may in fact blind us to simple victories, and more importantly, the really big challenges. Christian environmental discipleship is by no means something new; it would be good to be able to say that it was now part of what Christians do − and yet many ask what more they can do, and what specifically would make a difference. It is understandable that we don’t want to make significant changes, thereby disrupting our comfortable lifestyles, recreations and habits – so adaption and mitigation for climate change sounds emi-

nently sensible. Eminently sensible, as long as it doesn’t merely enable even more development and economic growth, while neglecting the big issues, such as our impacts on the planetary lifesupport system, the living planet that renews itself and sustains life, and also our ethical responsibilities towards all those who invisibly produce our consumer goods. The picture isn’t looking good. China alone increased its carbon emissions by 10.4% in 2010 and much of that was making the world’s goods: our clothes, electrical products and hundreds of other items that arrive on container ships to anonymous logistics centres − somewhere we don’t know, and mostly don’t stop to think about. The Living Planet Report produced annually by the WWF shows that our impact on the world’s life-support system − the “free” ecosystem services − is increasing year by year and we are in a state of overshoot − that is, we use more than nature can replace. We are using the earth’s capital, and in practical terms that means destroying the ecological integrity, taking from nature rather than working with nature. Our focus on fixing climate change may, in fact, be taking us away from the primary task of modifying our behaviour. The big challenge is to use fewer resources, and reduce our impact on the environment. This will help to maintain ecological health and use less energy − less energy equals less carbon emissions. But that’s the rub. We find it difficult to make do with less, and we have an eco-

nomic system that demands increasing input, growth and development. At some point, we have to grasp the nettle and set up a transitional economy. We are involved at both ends: we can reduce our demands and we can consume cleverly to be part of the transitional economy that can create local jobs. This reorientation of our economic lives is also the adoption of a new relationship. We could call it repentance, or metanoia; turning around to face in another direction and caring for nature − the health of our local environment could be a starting point: gardens, churchyards, planting new community woodlands, community food growing schemes. Then the consumer side can be addressed through sharing − thinking about what we consume, signing up for green energy, using car sharing schemes, supporting local business and being part of the local multiplier effect, and developing community energy projects. There are now many organisations that support these activities − such as EcoCongregations, A Rocha, Transition Towns, Christian Ecology Link, Shrinking the Footprint, Friends of the Earth, the local Wildlife Trust, Groundwork, and businesses willing to offer support. Throughout the churches some motivated people are becoming ‘Green Apostles’, an initiative which aims to help support their local environmental action. A local effort should not mean losing sight of the big picture; just the opposite, we should aim to fulfil the old adage and “act locally, think globally.” 

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Married to the job Linda Patrick hen I told my friends that I was going to marry a vicar, one of my closest said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;But you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to make a good fruit cake!â&#x20AC;? Well, recipe books to hand, I started to learn, and during my courtship with my future husband, I started to believe that I would be well prepared to be a vicarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife by the time we got married. Little did I know. When I arrived at St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Grimsby on our wedding day, I entered to see that more than 500 people had turned up to witness their vicar get married. I realised that perhaps life as wife to my future husband was going to be a lot more different from how I imagined â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and so it is. I soon became aware that the role and work of a vicar is different from any other job. Charles is definitely a vicar 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although he tries to take one day off a week, he is still the vicar, and there are members of the community that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really acknowledge that he has â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or is even entitled to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a day off. Sometimes the attitude is that he is their vicar and should be around to serve them

whenever they need him, whatever the time. As the number of vicars in the Church decreases, Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workload increases; I can only see our precious time together decreasing further. Living in a vicarage, privacy and time together can be hard to find. I still find it difficult to understand that our home is seen by some of the community as a place where you can simply knock and walk in. I remember the first meeting Charles attended after his induction at Middle Rasen; we had been in the house for two days. Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting was in the evening, so I settled down to watch television when the doorbell rang. Before Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d even left the living room a lady was in the house, wandering in Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, calling â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vicar, are you there?â&#x20AC;? Despite the lack of privacy, it is a wonderful feeling to know that we are living within a large, loving and caring family. As soon as we arrived in Middle Rasen I was overwhelmed by the number of people who already knew our names, that they wanted to be our friends, and were already praying for us. What can top that? Family life within a vicarage has to take plenty of knocks because of the demands of my husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job. He only gets four Sundays off a year, and when many local

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Linda Patrick with some of the baptism gowns she has made

and national events take place at weekends, we can miss out. Our daughter Claire is only seven years old, so she goes to school and is home at weekends; Charles works on weekends, so has limited time to be with her as on most evenings he is out at meetings. Again, there are many positives to look on: Charles is around in the day, he works from home, we share lunches together, he can visit school at parent evenings, go to sports days, and in emergencies he is there. The house, too, is a wonderful part of Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job; its size means that all three of our children have a bedroom each, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great for hospitality, and the repairs are done by the Church â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so when we wanted the toilet seat fixed, we had to discuss it with the Diocese first. Another great joy is working as a team in all sorts of ways: hospitality, church strategy, cleaning the church, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saturday

Club, parish lunches, and my favourite service of the year, the Christmas Nativity procession around the village. Finally, after being made redundant seven years ago, Charles has encouraged and supported me to set up my own business; I now design and create bespoke christening gowns, and Charles has a great input into that too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because every couple that he sees regarding a baptism is always hit with a sales pitch! It is a privilege to be married to a vicar, and although I am well aware that my husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first calling is to the Lord and his congregation, he still has more than enough love to share with me and our family. ď Ž Linda Patrick is married to Revd Charles Patrick, vicar of Middle Rasen Group and Priest-in-Charge of the East Barkwith Group. Her website is www.littledoves.co.uk

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Uniting our purpose

Three months into his public ministry in the Diocese, the Bishop outlines his plans to build a greater sense of Christian discipleship

oving from the bustling headquarters of the Church of England to the largest of England’s dioceses would always be a considerable professional upheaval, especially when moving from a relatively private ministry to a very public one. But the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, has found that the transition has been made easy by opportunity to travel around the Diocese meeting people from all sections of society. “Having spent the last six years working in the Church of England’s head office with lots of meetings the thing I’m enjoying most is going out and meeting people,” said the Bishop. “I’m a very encouraged by the welcome and the commitment of the people I’ve met.” And the Bishop has quickly discovered that people of historic Lincolnshire have a sincere and long-standing faith. “One of the things I’ve noticed is a calm, long-term understated commitment to the faith which goes back hundreds of years,” he said. “That is a fantastic bedrock but sometimes it needs to be chivvied up. I feel I’ve got something to bring to the role but I also feel I have a lot to learn about it from the faithful Christians of the Diocese.” The Bishop’s previous post of Director of the Church of England’s Ministry Division means that he has quickly got a sense of the ministry of the Diocese. “My experience of the Diocese has been very encouraging,” he said. “Progress has been made in developing ministry, both ordained and lay. And this

PHOTOGRAPH: ANTONY KELLY

Will Harrison

has been needed because of the large number of parishes in the Diocese and the demographic reach in the Church of England as a whole. “It seems to me faced with this change the Diocese of Lincoln has adapted to this challenge well.” However, the Bishop said that he has noticed a need across the Church of England to encourage and deepen discipleship. “The mission and the ministry of the Church are very important, and fundamental to that is the experience of every Christian expressing their love for Christ in their lives in the world,” he said. “This leads me to think that we need to focus on this fundamental way of being a Christian and what that means today. “Once the individual experience of discipleship has deepened things will naturally follow from that.” In the Bible, the Bishop explained, Jesus calls a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds to be disciples. Manual-workers were transformed by the love of Jesus to be missioners in the inhospitable context of first century Palestine. “That should resonate today,” said the Bishop. “Being a disciple isn’t only for those with a theology degree, or for those with personal resources to allow for a huge com-

Being a disciple isn’t only for those with a theology degree.

mitment of time. It’s for everyone. Everyone’s life can be deepened or transformed.” As the Bishop plans how to fulfil his vision of a deepened discipleship, he must also consider how that will effect the strategy and the budget of the Diocese. “There are knock-on effects for Diocesan policy,” he said. “Are we placing our resources in a way which enhances their ministry? That’s the fundamental purpose of the review of central services which I’ve instigated and which will report back later in the year.” The long-term benefits, however, would be remarkable, with greater numbers of people involved with the Church, and the Church has a great contribution to make to the community. ”New forms of ministry will naturally emerge,” said the Bishop. “Everything springs from this fundamental experience of Christ’s love.” He gave an example of a regular worshipper, who is on a Parochial Church Council and who helps in church ensuring that the worship is conducted well and everything happens to plan, but who is also a nurse working in the NHS in this challenging time. “The purpose of being a Christian disciple first would mean not only contributing to the Christian community but also taking that witness of the Christian Gospel into relationships, and other parts of her life − work, family, leisure,” said the Bishop. “It’s about the worship of God but that worship is a springboard into engagement with others. “Evelyn Underhill called it ‘being a conta-

gious Christian’.” And this could have wider implications for the Church, and the way it acts and is perceived. “It might also mean that we see the Church not as a great institution but as a body of pilgrims moving through the world in order to redeem it,” said the Bishop. “We move away from Church being seen in military terms but into a group of pilgrims to be witnesses. There are corporate implications.” Of course, local leadership comes from the clergy working in parishes and in chaplaincies, but the Bishop is keen that there is a return to the core ministry of the clergy. “One of the privileges of being a priest or deacon is to play a part in enabling this life of discipleship in others,” he said. “Clergy tell me that’s why they were called. However, the increasing bureaucracy has turned attention away from that calling. “One of my fellow Bishops has called for a ‘bonfire of regulations’, because we spend a lot of time feeding the machine. “However, for this to be authentic we need to have a spiritual life of our own. We need to pay more attention to a life of prayer.” I asked the Bishop if we could afford a big project, and the subsequent implications for clergy. “We need to reprioritise our use of money,” he said. “What really matters, and what makes us the Church of God in the Diocese of Lincoln should be out priorities. “When we know that we know how to resource our mission.” 

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Refreshing our understanding of discipleship Andrew Tyler

Discipleship and Lay Ministry Officer

cerebral, head-based, theoretical faith. It is living and active realised in the present moment and in full relationship with God and our fellow learning-disciples. It is enacted in prayer and worship, in the creative and out-going community and fellowship of the Church of all traditions and denominations, and in the context of the communities in which we live, work, play and relax. We are called by Jesus to be Biblical and radical, socially and politically earthed, engaging with suffering, celebrating and living resurrection, living corporately, with

humility, with depth and integrity, journeying, being mission-focused and ecumenical, in which giving − financial and otherwise − and self-emptying is a part. As one practical theologian, Andrea Hunton, has said: “In the past the world was ‘grounded, concrete and with boundaries’, and the enthusiasm of some clergy for trains operating to timetables, on their set tracks, going in one direction with a driver and a stoker and all the passengers well contained behind represented that. “Today so many things in life and the world are fluid, not just in cyber-space but

A disciple is a learner, and our faith is living and active, realised in the present moment.

dward King, the Bishop of Lincoln at the beginning of the 20th century, famously declared that what we need are more Christ-like Christians. The strange thing is that the word Christian is only used three times in the New Testament because the followers of Jesus were disciples or learners. The Greek word in the New Testament is mathetes from manthano, meaning to learn. The Latin word discere, to learn, gives us our word disciple. A disciple is a learner. Being a disciple means activity and, above all, an active, dynamic relationship with the person from whom we are learning. And how do we learn? As children we learn by being with or close to our parents or those caring for us, from the very moment of birth. We learn by being held, loved, valued and affirmed. We learn by seeing, listening, observing, responding, and imitating. We learn by doing and experimenting, by getting things wrong and making mistakes. We learn to be and to do, by being and doing. And so we establish our full identity and can launch out into the world. So we also learn as Christian disciples to become more Christ-like: through being close to God; through presence and practice; by exploring, by reflecting upon God made know in Jesus and alive today. Above all we learn by action and activity. Ours is not some form of individualistic,

What has distinguished the Church from the beginning is its ability to adapt and change in the power of the Spirit.

in the financial and economic world. Nowadays the challenge is to ride out storms, move with tides, steer a steady course and work as a flotilla of coracles or other vessels. Above which the wind turbines of the Spirit turn. “What has distinguished the Church from the beginning is its ability to adapt and change in the power of the Spirit, whatever has come its way.” So what were the major and lasting influences that nurtured and grew you in your faith? Radical discipleship is about roots – how did your roots grow? What do they look like? What did you grow in spite of rather than because of? And what do you need to become more Christ-like in your discipleship? These are things to pray about and reflect upon not only this Lent but in the coming months and years as we refresh and renew ourselves in our discipleship in this diocese; as we grow in our closeness to God made known in Jesus and continue to learn from Him. 

100 years ago From the Lincoln Diocesan Magazine, February and March 1912

The Object and Duties of a Ruridecanal Conference One of the needs which is especially and unceasingly felt in our Church to-day is that her laymen should have a greater sense of responsibility for, and a larger and more real share in, her life and work. Somehow the idea has taken firm root in the minds of our laity at home that the Church consists of the clergy, that they alone are responsible for her life and active work, and that it falls to them alone to carry it out. Now we know that this is not the principle of our holy religion as set forth by the Master and His Apostles, and taught by His Church.

The Church in Wales The Corn Exchange, Lincoln, was the scene of a great meeting of Churchpeople on Tuesday evening, January 30th, to protest against the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Church in Wales. The meeting was arranged by a large and repre-

sentative committee of the Ruridecanal Conference. Mr. H. J. Torr, of Morton Hall, presided, and was accompanied on the platform by some two hundred Churchpeople, nearly all laymen, and representative of all ranks and classes of people in every part of the City. The meeting, very largely composed of men, was most enthusiastic, and resolutions of vigorous condemnation of the Government proposals were adopted.

St Mary’s Church, Stamford The report, which has been made by Mr. H. F. Traylen, architect, of Stamford, and confirmed by the eminent consulting architect, Mr. F. Graham Jackson, of London, that “the present condition of the tower of St. Mary’s church, Stamford, is very serious,” and that “there are fissures on the east side running down both right and left of the tower arch and down the north-east pier, and that the whole of that angle has settled outwards, disturbing the construction of the broach above which unites the square of the tower to the octagon of the spire,” has caused gen-

uine alarm, not only to the parishioners, but to the townspeople of Stamford, on learning that this gem of the Gothic architecture of the early 13th century, of which they are justly proud, was in imminent danger of collapsing. In 1788 several strong iron bandages were fixed round the tower to strengthen it, and prevent the tendency to bulging out, which is again showing itself at the north-east corner at the present time.

Colsterworth On Saturday, February 17th, Mr. H. J. Torr gave a most lucid and interesting explanation of the scheme of Church Finance, as drawn up by the Archbishops’ committee, to the Corringham Ruridecanal Conference. The seven resolutions, as supplied by the Diocesan authorities, were subsequently discussed by the Conference, and carried unanimously with one or two slight alterations. Those members present were very grateful to Mr. Torr for his excellent address.

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Making disciples “The best way for someone to grow in their own discipleship is to be alongside folks who are further along in their own path. So the task of a Church leader is to help all folks grow in their own discipleship, because then there will be a natural, infectious, joyful, catching of what is great from those who are full of it.” This strategy of disciples living alongside one another is important in ‘incarnational mission’, a new strategy of reaching out to the people living in isolated and disadvantaged communities in the UK. One example is run by Tim Hyde, an evangelist with the Church Army, the Anglican initiative that seeks to make disciples of people who may never have engaged with the Church,

Heather Tomlinson

understand Jesus’ love and therefore seek it for themselves. “Through all of that access to individuals, the sort of relationships we’re building, we don’t see instant change or instant faith growing,” he said. ”What we do see is a change of attitude and a change of approach to life, a change of their understanding of their community, a change of understanding towards their neighbour. All of those values are Christian values. Our hope is that will continue. That’s what discipleship is, people have to learn over time. Jesus’ disciples learned over three years, then they understood the message.” Through helping out at the Church Army

ly different from those who are more accustomed to the Church and its doctrine. In addition, people may not even believe there is such a thing as right and wrong – especially in our post-modern society, which is generally suspicious of anything declared to be the absolute truth. “They [often] don’t know the basic Christian story, so they have no frame of reference for what we want to talk about in terms of the existence of God, his sending of Jesus, his desire that all people should know him”, said Pete Atkins. “There is often a world view that is relativist, with no concept of there being a separation between creator and created,

How do you make disciples of people who have rarely been to church in their lives? Heather investigates the methods of two initiatives in the Anglican Church: the Church Army and Fresh Expressions

he last instruction of Jesus that was recorded in the Gospel of Matthew was to make disciples, and to teach them to obey his commands. Until recently, in this country most of the population would have had easy access to this teaching from schools and probably, church pulpits too. But today churchgoing is not as common, and schools are sometimes less focused on Christian teaching. Two-thirds of the population has no connection with the Church or other religion (Tearfund, 2007). So how can ‘unchurched’ people become disciples through the Church today? The Anglican Church has several different approaches. Fresh Expressions is the Anglican/Methodist initiative that aims to reach people who are not accustomed to Church. Last year it is estimated that 30,000 people attended Fresh Expressions services around the country − people who do not attend a more traditional church. There are a number of Fresh Expressions projects throughout Lincolnshire, such as T-time church at St George’s, Swallowbeck in Lincoln, a number of successful ‘Messy Church’ initiatives, King’s Café in Stamford, Side Door in Grimsby, and Lincoln’s St Peter’s in the Pub. Designed for people not used to church, all the projects aim to make church informal and easy to relate to. “I think discipleship is about becoming more and more like Jesus in the way we live, through a relationship with Him,” said Pete Atkins, the Lincolnshire-based church leader who works for the team at Fresh Expressions.

PHOTOGRAPH: CHURCH ARMY

Tim Hyde is a Church Army evangelist in Southampton.

and possibly never even heard the gospel. Tim lives on a council estate in Southampton. His team has set up a new worship service and runs Bible study groups, but he sees discipleship as more than simply preaching from scripture. “The first thing to do before you ’disciple’ anyone is build a relationship with them; a valuable relationship,” he said. To this end, he works in the community, painting and decorating, providing food, setting up clubs for people with free tea and coffee. He doesn’t talk about his faith unless someone asks him. “We don’t force them to hear the Christian message. Because of what we do, they ask questions, like: ‘why are you doing this, when everyone else has rejected me, or charged me for doing it?’” he said. Through unconditional love and regard, Tim Hyde hopes that people will begin to

projects, such as cooking for a function or helping on an allotment, there are ways to learn and grow. “The majority of growth we’re seeing is self-confidence,” he said. “For me, discipleship is walking alongside someone and helping them to get a glimpse of God. “It depends on the individual, there are some who are really hungry and want to learn fast, it might be that someone within our groups would take on that person in a one to one discipleship role, for others it is to be part of a cell group to learn in a more gentle way. “We’re open to whatever is appropriate to that individual. We’re not going to force a square peg into a round hole”. In working with people who are not used to the Church, the project leaders are starting with a ‘blank slate’, which is entire-

or right and wrong which is absolute, that there is spiritual authority that is a given rather than what you want it to be. “So for us, I guess it’s really important that people not just hear the story, but experience God for themselves – either through the serving, caring, non-judgemental Church, or through some of the ways that God intervenes with people’s lives through his Spirit. It’s not just words, it’s actions and experience of God, which are all really important in communicating the truth to folks who have no church background,” he said. Both the Church Army and Fresh Expressions are growing and more disciples are being made. Jesus once told his disciples to witness “to the ends of the earth” – and now that is happening in urban Britain, as well as places further from home. 

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Octavia Hill and the Big Society Edward Joyner

he daughter of a corn merchant and former banker, Octavia Hill was born in 1838 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Her family was committed to social justice and to alleviating poverty, and from a young age, Octavia – or “Ockey” to her family – worked for the welfare of others, particularly in the area of social housing. Her father, James Hill, had founded Wisbech’s first newspaper, which focused on criticising self-interest and corruption in society. James Hill also founded a school for children, which was managed by Octavia’s mother, his third wife – he had been widowed twice – Caroline. By 1840 his previously successful business was in trouble, and he was declared bankrupt; he subsequently suffered bouts of mental illness and in 1851 Caroline moved the children to Finchley, just outside London, where she raised and schooled them herself. After Octavia’s early childhood in the countryside, the shocking conditions of impoverished urban London sowed the seeds of her lifelong commitment to social justice. Her maternal grandfather, Thomas Southwood Smith, who was supporting the family, was a prominent campaigner for the improvement of living conditions for poor people. During this time, the family was befriended by the Anglican priest and social reformer F D Maurice. Maurice encouraged and influenced Octavia, and inspired her confirmation into the Church. While working for the Ladies’ Guild at the age of 14, Octavia was appalled by the living conditions of the children in her classes. It is amazing and saddening to consider the burden of responsibility the young Octavia

PHOTOGRAPH: WIKIPEDIA/GORDON JOLY

A century after her death, Octavia Hill is largely remembered for her role as a founder of the National Trust – but she was just as influential in the area of social reform

took upon herself in caring for the children, some of whom were older than she was; teaching, taking them on outings, scrubbing the floors. From this young age, she developed strong opinions and spoke forcefully to support them. On one occasion, after debating with her at a meeting of clergy, Frederick Temple, the then Bishop of London – who went on to be Archbishop of Canterbury – wrote that he had “never had such a beating in all his life”. Despite her achievements in the sphere of social service, Octavia, somewhat surprisingly, opposed government or state action on welfare and old-age pensions. She also opposed giving women parliamentary votes, on the basis that they were unfit to determine matters of defence, budget and international policy; however, she did enthusiastically support women’s political involvement on a domestic level. Octavia soon began to work for the art

Octavia began to turn her mind to broader issues of living conditions for the poor of London.

critic John Ruskin at his gallery in Dulwich and at the National Gallery. Ruskin, disillusioned with the social order of the time and having inherited a considerable sum of money from his father, was persuaded to provide Octavia with financial support to set up her social housing project. A return of five per cent on capital was promised to any potential investors, including Ruskin. Octavia’s plan was to buy properties, clean and repair them, and then rent them to families – with one family in two rooms, rather than several families in the one room. Octavia’s approach was to manage the tenants and the buildings concurrently: “you cannot deal with the people and their houses separately”, she once said. Her friendly, personal and supportive management style provided affordable and wellmaintained housing, and revitalised the poor communities. Octavia’s volunteers visited the tenants each week, getting to know them and acting as social workers. Octavia was a strict and pragmatic landlord; late payments of rent were not tolerated, and she insisted upon high standards of cleanliness. Ruskin received the five per cent return, and the surplus was returned to the community in the form of investment in children’s playgrounds or classes. Ruskin, and other high-society figures who had heard about the scheme, then invested more, and the number of houses grew. By 1874, Octavia’s scheme had attracted fur-

ther investment, and housed approximately 3,000 tenants. As the scheme grew, Octavia began to turn her mind to broader issues of living conditions for the poor of London. Her belief was that the communities needed open spaces for recreation and exercise, as well as access to the beauty of life in both nature and art. She began to campaign for the creation of small parks, often transforming former churchyards and graveyards. As London grew, she fought against development on open spaces, failing to save Swiss Cottage Fields, but succeeding in saving Parliament Hill Fields. Octavia went on to campaign around the country, including the Lake District, where she met Hardwicke Rawnsley, with whom she went on to co-found the National Trust. Some twenty years later, many of the principles Octavia argued and campaigned in support of were embodied in the founding articles of the National Trust, which now has over two million members. Octavia Hill’s influence should be remembered not only when visiting a National Trust estate or wandering through one of London’s many small parks, but also when we hear about the work of local charities – and especially when we hear politicians talking about the “Big Society”. Octavia Hill’s work was, in essence, the “Big Society” concept, 150 years before the term was invented. 

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God on the rocks Jeffrey Heskins

Director of Ordinands and Vocations

A radiographer and Thomas Aquinas did battle for a young ordinand’s attention.

my first year of theological studies my attention for Biblical Criticism, Aquinas’s Five Ways and the Artifice of Ethics all competed with the attentions of a young radiographer from Bart’s. In the short term, the radiographer beat Aquinas out of sight and I recall one evening having, in the gentlemanly way of ordinands in those days, seen her home to Clapham, along with my good friend and fellow ordinand, needing to make our way back to the Seminary Hostel in Victoria. The face behind the grill at Clapham Junction told us to wait on platform three, which we did. And for hours trains came and went on all platforms except platform three. By the time we asked again a different face behind the grill told us it should have been platform five and the last train had gone. We began to walk. It was the early hours of the morning. We must have gone half a mile before a police car pulled up and out jumped two bright and energetic officers who asked us what we were doing at that time of the morning and could we identify ourselves. The answer was not a problem, yes we could; we were students. What were we

studying? Theology, we said. Oh Geology, that would be quite useful the policemen told us. We would be able to make a mint working for an oil company. No, we said, not geology; theology; we were holy ordinands training for the sacred priesthood. They could not get back into their car quick enough. Could they give us a lift to Victoria? No, they said, they had to check out Clapham Common. We got back to the Seminary Hostel in time for Morning Prayer. I gave Aquinas a miss that day. Exploring a vocation is a bit like navigating a multifarious terrain that would fascinate a geologist. It can also be a pretty rocky experience. It takes a bit of nerve to set out on it, but the qualities most desirable do not resemble a granite–like jaw, but rather more an open heart. In his lovely small book, A Year Lost And Found, Michael Mayne briefly describes the reticence of so many to engage the heart: “And yet such a reluctance to share our small experience of God and our deepest convictions about him in a personal and vulnerable way is reflected in whole libraries of sound but dead theology, and can be heard in a thousand distanced, objective sermons. It is not that the words are untrue, but somehow they fail to be earthed.” This rings out for me whenever I meet people who have had that strange experience of sensing something being drawn out of them and not knowing quite how to describe it, or whom to tell. I remember it so well the night it first happened to me and the consequences that accompanied my sharing it. I was 14 and a bit of a misfit who tried to fit with the other kids in the street. I played football, struggled with my hormones, did a paper round, but there was something different. My friends bought

records by David Bowie and my first album was Grieg’s piano concerto. I did church, and I prayed and one night as I knelt in my room there was a picture image in my head of someone laying hands on me. I told my vicar and my RE teacher and they were great, but it did feel a bit like confessing an abnormality. Word got out in my school and, at first I had a rough ride. Even some of the teachers thought it amusing. The person who saved the day was Sister Marjorie, the deaconess at our church who suggested that I go on a vocations weekend that the diocese was putting on. I did. I was the youngest person there but it was such a relief to discover that there were other ‘abnormal’ people on the conference who actually appeared quite ‘normal’ to me. Sharing with them the struggle for the words to describe what was happening to me and to be helped to ascribe this to God and nail it as a good thing – if, albeit a difficult one − was so helpful. I have never forgotten what I can now describe as the therapeutic relief of those two days. My sense of calling then was something I could go on to listen to without feeling like it was a teenage aberration I would simply grow out of, or that I would need psychiatric care for. I have remained grateful to the organisers and participants of that weekend. I needed to know that there were others who were struggling like me and I found them. It was an oasis. This was quite a formative time in my youth and one that I have only recently come to appreciate the fullness of, which is why my colleague Anna Sorensen and I are currently preparing a vocations day within the Diocese of Lincoln. Each year that we

have prepared these, people have emerged who have said things like, “I thought this was only happening to me, it is so good to meet other people who have had the same experience,” and “What I valued about the vocations day was the opportunity to share the thoughts in my head with others who were feeling the same and who I knew wouldn’t laugh at me.” Another said, “I have never thought of myself as academic and haven’t done any study since I left school, but the session on theological learning in the afternoon got me quite excited – if that is what it is like then I know I can do it!” That sort of stuff is music to my ears and is why I would encourage anyone reading this to think positively about attending this year’s vocations day at St Luke’s, Birchwood. It takes place on 28 April and there is no charge to come along and there will be no pressure when you get there; just the opportunity to listen to others who have been on the journey and to share with others something of your own if that is what you would like to do. In order to register for the event please contact Judith Johnson on 01522 50 40 26 or at judith.johnson@lincoln.anglican.org. This will help with planning and catering. We are suggesting that you bring a sandwich for lunch but that we will arrange some soup, so we need to know numbers in advance. For a full programme and directions to Birchwood go to the Diocese of Lincoln website and click on the link from the home page. In the long-term Aquinas and God beat the radiographer to the hold on my life. I have never regretted it. It was the best decision I ever made. Why not come and see if it could be yours? 

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Deanery Diary

See details of more events including a busy season of flower festivals at www.lincoln.anglican.org 23 March 2012 A concert by Harmony Lincs: At All Saints’ Church, Winterton at 7.30pm. Songs in the Barbershop style. Tickets £8 including refreshments. Under 16s free. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/winterton, and to book, please call 01724 734285

16 March 2012 Play by Weelsby Wanderers: At St Peter & St Paul Church, Tetney at 7.30pm. A play by Weelsby Wanderers, by kind permission of the author, Mrs Margaret Chisholm, followed by a supper. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/tetney, and to book please call 01472 814887

27 April 2012 Concert by the Ludensian Singers: At St Peter & St Paul Church, Tetney at 7.30pm. Admission charge of £6 will include light refreshments. For more information see lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/tetney

Scunthorpe

1 April 2012

Grimsby

Songs of Farewell: At St James’s Church, Louth at 7.30pm. A performance by Louth Choral Society of works by Michael Tippett and Charles Hubert Parry. Conducted by Martin Pickering and accompanied by Antony Pinel on the organ. For more information see www.louthchoral.co.uk. To reserve tickets, telephone 01507 463410

28 April 2012

Gainsborough

Market Rasen

Louth

Fauré Requiem and Karl Jenkins Gloria: Performed by the Choir of the Liedertafel and Lincoln Choral Society in Lincoln Cathedral at 7.30pm. Gabriel Fauré composed his Requiem in D Minor, Op. 48 between 1887 and 1890. It is sung in Latin to repose the soul. Gloria is a largescale festival piece. Soloists will be Rachael Cox (soprano) and Nick Epton (bass). For more information visit www.lincoln-choral-society.org

10 March 2012

Lincoln Horncastle Skegness

E-quip Training Day: at Grantham Christian Fellowship, Belton Avenue from 9.30am to 3pm. A training day for people who work with children in churches, or who would like to. We will be thinking about reaching more children in our communities. Keynote speaker: Helen Franklin from Scripture Union. For more information, or to book a place, contact Liz Boland on 07903 200204 or e-mail lizboland@yahoo.co.uk

from 4 March 2012

Sleaford Boston

Host of Angels Experience: At St Peter’s Church, Lenton (Sunday 4 March, 2012, then first Sunday every month, Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays. 2.30pm - 5pm. Parties of eight or more - any day/time by appointment.) A breathtaking exhibition depicting angels from almost 2,000 years of Christian art researched from the world’s most loved paintings and manuscripts. Re-created in the artworks and installations by Roger Heaton, filling the ancient village church. For more information see www.hostofangels.org.uk

28 April to 7 May 2012 Flower and Craft Festival: At St Peter & St Paul Church, Westhorpe Road, Gosberton. Open 10am to 5pm every day except the last day when it ends at 4pm. The annual Flower & Craft Festival this year has the theme Sixty Glorious Years. It includes craft stalls, cake stall, music, refreshments in the Church Hall (ploughmans, soup, sandwiches, desserts, cakes, cream teas). For more information see www.gosberton.org

Grantham

Spalding

Stamford

28 April to 7 May 2012 Flower Festival and Art Exhibition: at St Laurence’s Church, Surfleet. Beautiful flower arrangements, art exhibition, cafe serving hot meals. Various stalls including homemade cakes and marmalade, crafts, plants and tombola. Theme: Sixty Glorious Years. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information visit www.glengroup.org.uk

28 April to 7 May 2012 Flower Festival: At All Saints’ Church, Moulton, Spalding. Open 10am to 6pm daily. Theme: My favourite poem. Refreshments and gifts available. Tower tours. Songs of Praise Sunday 6 May 6.30pm. For more information contact Brian Smith on 01406 370805 or at brijes@uwclub.net. For coach bookings and meals, contact Pam Stanley 01406 371201

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Home from home Of young people who run away from home: One in six are forced to sleep rough or with strangers One in twelve are physically hurt or harmed One in eight are forced to beg or steal and Two-thirds of runaways are not even reported missing by their parents or carers St Stephen and St John Shalom in New Clee have unveiled their plans for a new emergency accommodation centre next to the church.

Philip Craven n a new report − entitled Make Runaways Safe − commissioned by The Children’s Society, Bob Reitmeier, the Chief Executive, says: “Every five minutes in this country a child runs away from home or care. “Even more shocking is that a quarter of these children, that’s 70 children each day, are forced out of their homes by their parents or carers. “They have no choice but to go it alone. Many more flee conflict, neglect or abuse in the home.” Earlier this month the Revd John Ellis unveiled plans for new and greatly needed emergency accommodation for Teenagers in Cleethorpes. Plans are at an early stage

and partners are being sought to help continue the fantastic work that has already begun. So far land has been bought for the project by the Diocese of Lincoln and architectural plans have been drawn up. John Ellis has been working with children and young people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes for many years and in 1972 he set up the Shalom Youth Project to reach children and young people at risk in the East Marsh area of Grimsby. In 2009 more work was undertaken with young people between the ages of 16 and 19 and in 2010 the 16+ project was launched. It was from this work with the 16+ project that it became clear that there was a real need for emergency accommodation. Make Runaways Safe focuses on what happens when young people, for some reason or other, became homeless; the report concluded “when a child runs away

from home they are immediately at great risk, often existing on the fringes of society.” Land has been bought adjacent to the current Shalom centre and the emergency accommodation will be tied very closely into its work. For John it is vital that the facilities be used by young people “as a route to learning new skills and getting back on their feet, and not as just a crash pad”. As such, rooms will be allocated by referrals and using the networks in place for helping young people in Grimsby. Architectural designs have been drawn up by Hodson Architects of Cleethorpes. On the ground floor of the new development there will be a classroom, garden room, changing rooms, a workshop area for mechanical training which will open onto a hard-surfaced yard, and raised beds for

growing vegetables. Accommodation will be on the first floor and it is hoped that it will feel secure but also homely. There will be en-suite rooms for ten people, laid out around a central kitchen and social area. There will also be an office and accommodation for supervisors. The project is still in the planning stage and in all it is expected to cost £750,000 to complete. John Ellis and the Shalom Youth Project are urgently looking for individuals and organisations that would like to partner on this most worthy of projects so that work can move ahead as soon as possible. If you would like any more information or if you or your organisation would like to partner on this project please contact Revd John Ellis at johnellis55@gmail.com The Children’s Society report is available at http://goo.gl/zXnuD 

the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.” The light exposes not just the surface deeds, but also the complex array of motivations that lie behind them. It is in bringing these hidden things to light – which is most certainly not public exposure – that they can be truly seen and understood, perhaps for the first time, and in being seen, be healed. Seen in this light, judgement is not

something to dread, but something to welcome and look forward to. It may cause short time discomfort, but its lasting eternal effect is our completion and fulfilment. Another idea that lies behind the concept of judgement is human freedom. Freedom is God’s gift to us in creation, and though we can lose that gift through sin, it is restored to us by Christ. Freedom expresses the original goodness of human nature. It provides a space and an inspiration to do good, and not just to avoid evil. It is our freedom that makes us accountable before God. If we are not free, then we cannot be responsible, and without responsibility, there can be no accountability. Freedom is a distinctive mark of human beings being made in the image of God. It is through the exercise of that freedom, with God’s constant support, that we grow more and more into that image. The ultimate goal of judgement, then, is to bring that process of growing into the likeness of Christ to completion once and for all. 

I believe in God Mark Hocknull Head of Ministry Training, Head of the Lincoln School of Theology and Chancellor of Lincoln

Mark continues his exploration of the Apostle’s Creed: From thence he shall come to judge ying behind the Creed’s pronouncement on the Last Judgement is a long and varied history. The idea of ultimate justice can be one that brings comfort and hope. One day all things will be put right. On the other hand, most of us experience the sense that we are far from perfect, and with this sense,

the idea of judgement shades very quickly and easily into a very different concept, that of condemnation. A young Jewish man and a young Christian went to the Rabbi and the Priest to confess their sins. Both were told they had been forgiven by God, but that they would still have to stand before the judgement seat on the last day. The Christian was anxious, but the Jew ecstatic. The difference? The Jew had grasped that at the Last Judgement, God would put all things right. Judgement is not so much a process of weighing our actions and motivations, but more a process of healing: final and ultimate healing. Too often, our instinctive image of judgement is that it is a process of exposure and condemnation as things hidden are brought out into the light. The image of God’s penetrating light is deeply rooted in scripture. In John’s Gospel for example, Jesus declares: “And this is the judgement, that

Freedom expresses the original goodness of human nature.

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Crosslincs 01522 504034 crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

Dropping in

Philip Craven Philip drops in to St Matthew’s Church, Skegness

pon seeing St Matthew’s for the first time you might be excused for thinking of the church as an island, standing tall and proud in the middle of Skegness’s tourism district. However, while the physical building of St Matthew’s might be located on what is effectively a roundabout, the church’s community, its team, and its outreach work are anything but insular. Malcolm France, the Priest-in-Charge, has a magnificent team behind him and has built up a real partnership with the local community and organisations. Chaplaincy is a central focus of the group, which runs four services for the local community and organisations: Bereavement, Workplace, Hospital, and Families & Schools chaplaincies. Malcolm sees chaplaincy work as central to the life of the church and community. “The bereavement chaplaincy we offer is really valued and gives support to widows and widowers and we make house visits to support the bereaved in their grief,” he said. “We also have candle corners around the church, which we see as an effective form of entry level worship.” As the chaplaincy for the Butlin’s workforce of 1,200 workers − 600 of which live on site − and the Hospitality Association among others, the team at St Matthew’s and the Skegness group are incredibly busy, and their care for the local people and organisations is invaluable. St Matthew’s also hosts regular business lunches for local organisations of all sizes and industries and often invites motivational speakers to promote value-based leadership in business. As well as their chaplaincy work St Matthew’s is in the middle of a long-term reordering of the church. Recently the font was moved from the rear of the church to a more accessible location in order to make baptisms a more central part of the church’s work and services, and several rows of pews

PHOTOGRAPH: PHILIP CRAVEN

Skegness

The Revd Malcolm France, Gwen Drury (Parish Secretary), Angela Baxter (Verger), the Revd Christine Anderson (Deacon), Rosemary Sharp (Workplace Chaplaincy Co-ordinator), and Terry Allaway (Churchwarden). have been taken out to make a space for a variety of uses. There are great plans for the chancel to make it an effective and useful concert or performance area: the use of staging and movable choir stalls will make it a truly versatile space. St Matthew’s inclusion this year as a venue in the ‘So Festival’ is a fantastic step forward for building the arts heritage of the church and in attracting new visitors. The parish team hopes to host exhibitions, productions

and concerts in the new space, and links with international communities, which have been sponsored in partnership with the Hospitality Association and local district council, promise to invigorate the church’s arts and events programmes. St Matthew’s also plans to create a heritage trail in partnership with the local council. The aim is for bike and walking trails to use St Matthew’s as a hub from which the town’s heritage can be accessed. The trail

will bring visitors to the church and also promote the town and the heritage of Lincolnshire more widely. The work being undertaken in the Skegness area and in the church of St Matthew’s is truly inspirational, and if anyone is looking for ways to help their church engage with the local community and foster interaction with their local population then the team on Lincolnshire’s coast can share their excellent ideas. 

Gazette Appointments The Revd Canon Nicholas Buck, Rector of the Bassingham Group of Parishes, Rural Dean of the Graffoe Deanery and Canon of Lincoln Cathedral also to be Priest-in-Charge of the benefices of Branston and Metheringham from 20 February 2012. The Revd Julia Hart, Non-Stipendiary Minister in the parish of Nettleham, has become Assistant Curate (NSM) in the benefice of Lincoln St Mary le Wigford with St Benedict and St Mark, Lincoln St Botolph, Lincoln St Peter-at-Gowts and St Andrew. The Revd Sister Liz CSF of the community of St Francis, San Damiano, Metheringham, also to be Assistant Curate to the parishes of Branston with Nocton and Potterhanworth, Metheringham with Blankney and Dunston.

Resignations The Revd David de Verny, Priest-inCharge of the Swineshead, Bicker, Donington, Wigtoft and Sutterton group of Parishes, to be Rector of Cheriton with Newington and Seabrook (Diocese of Canterbury). The Revd Matthew Rushton, Assistant Curate of All Saints, Nettleham and Priest Vicar of Lincoln Cathedral, to be Chaplain to the Bishop of Dover and Archbishop’s Chaplain in Canterbury (Diocese of Canterbury).

Deaths The Revd (Malcolm) Kenneth Littler, born 1934, deacon 1957, priest 1958, Curate Llaneli (St David’s) 1957-60, Curate Llandeilo Fawr 1960-61, Rector Puncheston, Lt Newcastle and Castle Bythe 1961-64, Rector Lampeter Velfrey 1964-68, Vicar Llanwnda w Goodwick and Manorowen 1968-74, Vicar Llanfynydd 1974-68, Vicar The Suttons w Tydd (Lincoln) 1987-1990, Rector Graffoe 1990-94, retired 1994, died on 4 February aged 77 years. See page 7 The Ven David Griffiths, born 1927, deacon 1985, priest 1959, Curate Northampton St Matthew (Peterborough) 1958-61, Staff at SPCK 1961-67, Chaplain Royal Navy Reserve 1963-77, Honorary Curate Bromley St Andrew (Rochester) 1965-67, Vicar Lincoln St Michael 1967-73, Rector Lincoln St Mary Magdalene w St Paul 1967-73, Vice Chancellor and Librarian Lincoln Cathedral 1967-73, Team Rector New Windsor (Oxford) 1973-87, Chaplain to the Queen 1977-97, Honorary Canon Christ Church Oxford 1983-87, Archdeacon Berkshire 1987-92, retired 1992, Chaplain St Anne’s Bede Houses Lincoln 1993-2000 has died. The Revd Canon David Pink, born 1934, deacon 1960, priest 1961, Curate Lt Ilford St Michael (Chelmsford) 1960-63, Lecturer Boston 1963-65, Vicar Kirton in Holland 196571, Vicar Spittlegate 1971-77, Ecumenical Officer 1977-85, Priest in Charge Canwick 1977-87, Rector Washingborough w Heighington and Canwick 1988-90, Canon and Prebendary Lincoln Cathedral 1977-05, retired 1990 has died.

Contact information The Bishop of Lincoln The Rt Revd Christopher Lowson  01522 534701 8 bishop.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grimsby The Right Revd David Rossdale  01472 371715 8 bishop.grimsby@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grantham The Right Revd Dr Tim Ellis  01400 283344 8 bishop.grantham@lincoln.anglican.org The Chief Executive Mr Max Manin  01522 50 40 30 8 chief.executive@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey The Venerable Jane Sinclair  01673 849896 8 archdeacon.stowlindsey@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Lincoln The Venerable Tim Barker  01529 304348 8 archdeacon.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org Diocesan offices The Old Palace, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU  01522 50 40 50  01522 50 40 51 8 reception@lincoln.anglican.org : www.lincoln.anglican.org www.facebook.com/dioceselincoln @CofELincoln www.flickr.com/dioceseoflincoln

crosslincs

Settling in Joy Schneider fter all the boxes were unpacked, the curtains fitted and the furniture put in place, there was still something missing at the new Lincoln See House. It occurred to Bishop Christopher that there was no sign that this fine Edwardian house is now the Bishop’s residence. So he commissioned a local conservator and artist, Nigel Leaney, and a Lincolnshire craftsman in wood, John Lord, to produce a lasting piece of work to mark not only the new house, but also the historical context of our 72nd Bishop of Lincoln. John (pictured right, with Nigel Leaney shaking hands with the Bishop), who appeared in the Autumn issue of Crosslincs, has produced a beautifully-carved Bishop’s arms, in Lincolnshire oak grown on his family farm at Hough-on-the-Hill. John’s passion for oak carving began with lecterns and collection plates, and has led to regular requests for new church furniture and restoration of artefacts. Nigel Leaney, the nationally-known conservator and painter, who has taught conservation and painting skills at both the former Lincoln Art College and the University, used original heraldic tinctures to recreate the vibrant reds, blues and golds of the coat of arms. The gilding gleams magnificently in the sunlight through the stained glass of the Bishop’s front door, and the lions even have traditionally blue or azure tongues. The heraldic description of the shield is: gules, two lions passant guardant or, on a chief azure Our Lady seated with her Child, crown and sceptre of the second. The coat of arms now has a prominent position in the entrance hall of the Bishop’s House – an elegant reminder in a new setting of its historic significance. 1

PHOTOGRAPH: JOY SCHNEIDER

he fabulous library of the late Bishop of Portsmouth has been acquired by the Bishop of Lincoln for him and his successors. The Rt Revd Kenneth Stevenson (pictured, inset left) with Christopher Lowson when we was Archdeacon of Portsmouth, was a renowned liturgical scholar. His widow, Sarah, officially opened the library, which is in the study of the Bishop’s new residence, and was joined by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and the Rt Revd David Tustin, formerly Bishop of Grimsby.

PHOTOGRAPHS: WILL HARRISON

Prize crossword The first correct entry to crossword number 31 to be opened on 5 April 2012 will win £25. Send to: Crossword, Crosslincs, The Old Palace, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU The editor’s decision is final. Photocopies acceptable. One entry per person

Across

Old ones may be decrepit or valuable (6)

Observe and approve comparative similarity (4,4)

Anything goes race for aquatic women (6,4,5)

Obtained old singers in a compact disc (8)

In which forgotten thing belong (8)

10 Left last word in expression of grief (6)

Boundary formed by sky (5)

11 Quiet booking follows creation in General

aka my shepherd AMNS 126 (4,2,4)

Thanksgiving (12)

number 31

I’m in giant green film monster making alarming sound (6)

12 Go out of doors with a song (4,3,3)

13 A hurried hyphen (4)

15 May predict 20 (9)

14 Float lob when playing perhaps (8)

16 Tram lane becomes motherly (8)

17 Seek peak as a memento (4,4)

19 Agree with the dog (6)

18 Wander over (4)

21 Siblings child (5)

20 Perhaps accompanied by flashy display and fall in

22 Finishes with the odds (4)

by Kettlebird

15 (12) solution number 30

23 Triangular sail not used in 24 (6) 24 Messing about in boats at Cowes perhaps (8) 25 Honestly azure and right-leaning (4,4) 26 Most unusually underdone (6)

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Scribble pad

Down

is published by the Diocese of Lincoln.

The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those held by the Diocese. Deadline for the next issue: Friday 5 April 2012 Editor Will Harrison Reporters Philip Craven, Edward Joyner Telephone: 01522 50 40 34 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Horncastle, Lincolnshire

crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org

Hard core of 1 (4)

Foolish fellow gets axed for tasty dish (5,4)

Congratulations to Mrs K E Maddison of Nettleham, the winner of crossword 30.

S H U D D E R I N G T A C K

O E V F

B U T C H E R Y

O L I H E D R E R

A G R G L A S E N K I N G S N T S A M O U W A N N L D B A L L R W T I M E D E E L D E E S

A F A S I N N E S F G O U T L E T C Y L I N T J O H A W T T O K N O E A S P A T E L I F L A T O U A I N S E C R A T T E L

E R O S N O W A N D T H E N