CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org
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Jan / Feb 2016
The Diocese of Lincoln greets the new Bishop of Grantham, The Rt Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain
At a service held in Southwark Cathedral on Thursday, 19th November 2015 the Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Grantham by the Archbishop of Canterbury. For further details and photos of this special occasion in the life of the diocese turn to pages 4 and 5. FEATURE
DISCIPLESHIP
Parish news
Growing and equipping
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PAGES 14–15
Dementia-friendly status awarded to parish church
Developing disciples, contributing to communities, preparing for Lent
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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln
The submission deadline for the next edition is Thursday, 21st January 2016. Editor E: crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org Communications Officer The Revd Adrian Smith T: 01522 50 40 37 M: 07885 99 99 06 E: adrian.smith@lincoln.anglican.org Diocesan Offices Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU T: 01522 50 40 50 E: reception@lincoln.anglican.org www.lincoln.anglican.org www.facebook.com/Dioceselincoln www.twitter/CofELincoln www.flickr.com/Dioceseoflincoln The Bishop of Lincoln The Right Reverend Christopher Lowson T: 01522 50 40 90 E: bishop.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grimsby The Right Reverend Dr David Court T: 01522 50 40 90 E: bishop.grimsby@lincoln.anglican.org The Bishop of Grantham The Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain T: 01522 50 40 90 E: bishop.grantham@lincoln.anglican.org Diocesan Secretary Angela Sibson OBE T: 01522 50 40 30 E: angela.sibson@lincoln.anglican.org PA to the Diocesan Secretary Kay Clayton T: 01522 50 40 32 E: kay.clayton@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey The Venerable Mark Steadman T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.stow@lincoln.anglican.org The Archdeacon of Boston The Venerable Dr Justine Allain Chapman T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.boston@lincoln.anglican.org The Interim Archdeacon of Lincoln The Venerable Geoffrey Arrand T: 01522 50 40 39 E: interimarchdeacon.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Welcome to the first issue of Crosslincs for 2016 This issue is the first of a brand-new year, and as you read through the following pages you might be prompted to reflect on what has been and to think about and consider the future. The year of 2015 will be remembered for many good things, including being the designated Year of Discipleship in the diocese. As was stated during the year, the emphasis of this special time of focus and initiative was on ‘helping one another to grow as followers of Jesus; to become more faithful, joyful and confident’, and all manner of events and helpful resources were offered during the year. But it is important to remind ourselves that this time of emphasis does not end on the 31st of December 2015. You might recall, for example, that the Year of Discipleship officially began on the 18th of January 2015, and so, much as we might reflect on the year that is past at the dawn of a new year, perhaps the middle of January might offer time for us to reflect on our sense of discipleship.
“Please feel encouraged and invited to share your stories of faith with a wider audience in the diocese through the pages of Crosslincs during this year” For example, we might reflect upon how our faith has changed and deepened during the past 12 months. When and how has our faith been challenged? When has our faith and our sense of discipleship been enriched? Where, when and in whom have we seen God at work? When might others have seen God at work in us? Where is God leading us as people, as congregations and groups, as the body of Christ? How might we strive to create that sacred space so as to allow God to speak to us during the coming year? In introducing the Developing Discipleship Programme, Bishop Christopher made reference to one of his predecessors, Bishop Edward King, and his phrase of ‘Christ-like Christians’. As Bishop Christopher said, ‘Our personal commitment to be more Christ-like Christians is one of the toughest challenges we can set ourselves. It’s also one of the most rewarding, and it’s a challenge for us all, whether we’re a new member of the church or the Bishop of Lincoln.’ This challenge is as relevant for us in 2016 as it was for us 12 months ago. Therefore please do feel encouraged and invited to share your stories of faith with a wider audience in the diocese through the pages of Crosslincs during this year. Together, may we set out to use the gift of the time that lies before us to live and learn and grow together in our diocese, deepening our discipleship, sharing in fellowship and worship and following the call of Christ to reflect his light, his love and the joy of knowing him today. Blessings, The Revd Adrian Smith Communications Officer
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Interim Archdeacon of Lincoln announced The Bishop of Lincoln is pleased to announce that The Venerable Geoffrey Arrand has accepted an invitation to serve as interim Archdeacon of Lincoln until the appointment of a successor to The Venerable Tim Barker.
‘Messy Cathedral’ becomes a first for Lincoln and brings faith and fun to life
Geoff was brought up at Belton in the Isle of Axholme and educated at Scunthorpe Grammar School. He read theology at Kings College London, was ordained deacon in 1967 and priest in 1968, serving a first curacy at Washington New Town in the Diocese of Durham. Geoff returned to Lincolnshire in 1970 and served in the South Ormsby Group for three years before moving to be Team Vicar at St Marks in the Great Grimsby Team. In 1979 he moved to Suffolk to be Team Rector of the Halesworth Team Ministry, and in 1985 he went to Hadleigh as Rector, also serving as Dean of the Peculiar of Bocking and as Rural Dean.
Messy Church is now a well-established family-centred style of worship that focuses on hospitality, creativity, celebration and fun. There are many Messy Church groups in the Diocese of Lincoln, and back in August Lincoln Cathedral played host to its first ever Messy Cathedral to celebrate the work of these groups around the diocese. Gillian Georgiou, Lincoln Cathedral Schools Officer, reflects on this special event. Around 30 families came to the Cathedral to take part in Messy worship on the theme of ‘Creation’. After a welcome from the Revd Canon Gavin Kirk, the families took part in a range of craft activities around the Cathedral, including some Messy Science activities led by the Revd Kate Toogood and her team from Louth. The group then came together for worship led by the Revd Ian Walters and the Revd Steve Johnson, followed by a bring-and-share lunch. We were very glad to welcome visitors to the Cathedral who joined in on the day and who had great fun being introduced to Messy worship. This event was enthusiastically enjoyed by everyone who took part and it was a wonderful celebration of Christian hospitality. It could not have taken place without the support of the Cathedral Chapter, the regional coordinators of Messy Church in the Diocese of Lincoln, the Revd Philippa White (Succentor), and Messy Church volunteers from around the diocese and the Lincolnshire Methodist District. We hope to welcome many more families to Messy Cathedral in the future! If you would like to find out more about Messy Church, you can find lots of information on the Messy Church website, including details of local groups: http://www.messychurch.org.uk/
In 1994 Geoff became the Archdeacon of Suffolk, remaining in this post until his retirement in 2009 when he moved to Saxilby. In his ministry Geoff obtained experience in the training of curates, both stipendiary and self-supporting; he served as a pastoral selector and then chairman of bishops’ selection for ministry conferences; and for six years he was a non-executive director of Ipswich Hospital Trust and was involved for many years with the Order of St John in Suffolk (St John Ambulance). Since coming to Lincoln Geoff has been chairman of the Retired Clergy Support Group and spent many months acting as locum priest in the Diocese of Europe. His principal recreation is golf (he is vice-captain of the seniors section at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey). Geoff is married to Margaret, who is a willing support and who sings in local choirs (Foss Ladies, Lincoln Singers and Lincoln Choral).
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The ordination and consecration of The Bishop of Grantham The Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain was ordained and consecrated as Bishop of Grantham on Thursday, 19th November 2015 at Southwark Cathedral in London. The service took place on the Feast day of Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, a point that was highlighted in the sermon given by The Very Revd Michael Sadgrove (Dean of Durham, 2003–2015), with reference also being made to St Hugh of Lincoln, who was celebrated two days earlier. The new bishop was presented to the Archbishop of Canterbury by Bishop Christopher and The Right Revd Stephen Conway (Bishop of Ely), and the first reading (Ephesians 4.1–6) was offered by Joan Grenfell (Reader at St George’s, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne) and the Gospel (Luke 14.7–14) was read by the deacon, The Revd Jan Vasey (Associate Deacon, Great Grimsby Team). At the Sending Out, Bishop Christopher, together with the Bishop of Grimsby and archdeacons of the Diocese, and the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln Cathedral, stood before the Archbishop, and Bishop Nicholas was presented with a pastoral staff. After the final hymn of ‘Ye that know the Lord is gracious’ our three diocesan bishops then lead the procession through the Cathedral to the sound of sustained applause from the congregation.
The collection taken during the service was to be offered to CASY (Counselling and Support for Young People), an organisation that serves across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The full text for the sermon given at the service is published by kind permission online in the ‘News stories’ section of the diocesan website.
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Photos: Chris Vaughan Photography
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Viewpoint: Climate Change In November the Nobel Peace Prize-winner Professor Terry Callaghan gave a presentation on Arctic Climate Change and its Global Implications at the University of Lincoln. Organised on behalf of Churches Together in All Lincolnshire and Transition Lincoln, the event set out to prompt discussion about the issue of climate change, with Professor Callaghan drawing on his extensive experience of scientific research in the Arctic and role as a lead author of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Geoff Stratford, a retired science teacher and member of Transition Lincoln, offers his reflections on the proceedings. Professor Callaghan described the drastic changes in the Arctic: populations of iconic arctic animals have declined; boundaries of the characteristic vegetation of northern biomes have moved; polar sea-ice cover is declining; permafrost is melting, with the release of the potent greenhouse gas methane; indigenous human populations are impacted; and there is the potential of opening up polar sea routes and the exploitation of pristine wilderness for minerals. All of these are closely correlated with warming of the Arctic at a much faster rate than the rest of the globe. Average global temperature has risen by 0.80C since pre-industrial times. The Arctic has warmed by more than 20C since 1960. There is no room, the professor insisted, to doubt that these rapid changes are caused primarily by human activity. Evidence has proved that early IPCC predictions were underestimates of the seriousness of the problem. Much of his material can be found in the lavishly illustrated INTERACT: Stories of Arctic Science (2015), which is available for download at www.eu-interact.org The professor warned that his presentation was ‘doom-laden and scary’ and refused to be drawn on ‘What should we do about it?’ He insisted that, as a scientific adviser, his role is to inform the public and politicians about what is happening and why, advising as to what is likely to happen if we do this or that. Professor Callaghan spoke of ‘winners and losers’ from the potential exploitation of the Arctic for minerals including oil and gas. He identified short-term winners and losers, and fears the
A prayer taken from www.prayandfastfortheclimate.org.uk Dear Lord, you called your disciples to follow in your way: you are the Way, the Truth and the Life, and so we come, seeking to follow in your footsteps. Creator of the earth, as we journey, help us to walk lightly, treasuring the world you have given us and cherishing each other. And grant, we pray, that our walk may be part of your plan, to care for creation seeking climate justice and the coming of your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. effects of the increasing frequency of unpredictable, more extreme weather events and ocean surges. He was not overly optimistic that the UN climate talks in Paris would commit nations sufficiently to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. The only hope, he thought, lay in grassroots movements. There are many growing grassroots movements. Transition Lincoln is part of the Transition Network, seeking to promote local resilience. In the UK, Christian Aid, Tearfund, CAFOD, the RSPB and the Women’s Institute are part of a large broad ‘Climate Coalition’ (see www. theclimatecoalition.org). Adopting more sustainable lifestyles is valuable, but if humanity were to curtail CO2 emissions now, the planet is still committed to more warming due to the already enhanced CO2 levels in the atmosphere and positive feedbacks in the climate system. We need concerted international action. As Christians, we need to remember our responsibility to love our global neighbour and to care for creation. These responsibilities need to be informed by a sober and realistic assessment of the best scientific information available. We need to stay within a 1.50C global average temperature rise. This ambitious target will require significant changes to our lifestyle: a change to a better way of living in harmony with one another and the planet. How can we as Church contribute to this? Should it not feature prominently in our prayers? Professor Terry Callaghan is Distinguished Research Professor of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; Professor of Arctic Ecology at the University of Sheffield and Visiting Professor, National Research Tomsk State University, Russia. He is coordinator of INTERACT – International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic. He shared in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as one of the lead authors of the IPCC.
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Welcome and farewell The following appointments and a retirement have recently been announced in the diocese: The Revd Stephen Buckman, Non-Stipendiary Assistant Curate of All Saints Roughey or Roffey (Chichester), has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Corby Glen.
The Revd Dr Sheena Cleaton, Assistant Curate of St Peter and St Paul, Bourne, has been appointed Rector of Scartho, St Giles w St Matthew. The Revd Canon Terence Steele is to continue as Rural Dean of Calcewaithe & Candleshoe until 30 June 2017.
The Revd Andrew Roberts, Managing Chaplain (HMP Lincoln) has been appointed Rector of the Fen & Hill Group (0.5) and Diocesan Funerals Officer (0.5).
The Very Revd Philip Buckler, Dean of Lincoln since 2007, is to retire on 31st January 2016.
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Winners of Prize Crosswords No. 9 & 10: Mrs A. Ward of Heighington (No. 9) & Mrs Enid Fowler of Caistor (No. 10) How to enter: completed entries should be sent to Crossword, Crosslincs, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU. Closing date for No. 11: 21st January 2016. The editor’s decision is final.
Across 1 Boring but resonant tympanum (7) 5 Highlander p.m. (7) 9 Describes tough alpha male (5) 10 Bloody, tearful, hardworking, sweaty p.m. (9) 11 Rejects a bed (5,4) 12 Mad Cow Disease concealed within Norwegian playwright (5) 13 Wine from Tempranillo grapes (5) 15 Say lout is destroying body cells with own enzymes (9)
18 Smelly prickly pretty barrier (4,5) 19 Crazy alpen home of Gurkhas (5) 21 Raise objections (5) 23 Priest with crooked stipend (9) 25 Chap who is elderly senior member of college (3,6) 26 Mechanoid constructed from right boot (5) 27 Russian writer of War and Peace (7) 28 Seaside camps where 18D may be found (7)
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1 Wheelie small pet (7) 2 A car with heavenly body works for almond biscuits (9) 3 Crosses on screens (5) 4 Well-known old farmer and Labour p.m. (9) 5 Device to make better butter (5) 6 Well-known publisher and Tory p.m. (shot in hand at Battle of Loos) (9) 7 One of those that Cromwell knocked about a bit (5) 8 Unconnected with the sea but still a golf course (2,5)
14 Dislike payment for accommodation. Disgusting. (9) 16 Type of combat at Battle of Loos (6,3) 17 p.m. best ere autumn (9) 18 British soldier found in camps (7) 20 Ironic statement I shan’t be sorry to solve (7) 22 Scale version but may be tall and thin (5) 23 Design set into surface (5) 24 Blemishes which may devalue the 23D (5)
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Praying and caring for others
Since the conflict in Syria (together with neighbouring Iraq) rose to prominence during the summer of 2014 a small group of members of local churches in Louth have gathered at Midday Prayer each Saturday to pray for all those who suffer because of conflict or their faith, with a particular focus on the Middle East. When the issue of refugees gained more public attention earlier this year a group of people from churches across Louth got together to see what we might do to witness to our concern in this area. As a result of the initial work of this group, during Advent 2015 Churches Together in Louth and District encouraged members to reflect on how we might respond to the issue of refugees, particularly mindful of those affected by the violence in Syria-Iraq. We are aware that this is a complicated issue with a variety of opinions, and there are four aspects to what is suggested: • Remembering all those displaced by conflict in prayer, and interceding for peace and justice in our world. In particular, seeking to join in common prayer with the church in the Holy Land by using a litany developed by those at the Cathedral of St George in Jerusalem.
“We have gathered to pray for all those who suffer because of conflict or their faith” • Looking at how we can support those on the ground in the countries surrounding Syria-Iraq, particularly seeking to make connections with members of the Diocese of Jerusalem as, in their parishes and projects, they seek to respond to those in need – including them in our prayers and seeking to serve them as we are able. • Lobbying those in positions of influence to seek solutions to the issues that cause people to need a place of refuge, and to respond with charity to those in need, focusing on: • an increase in support, both financial and material, for those in refugee camps; • an increase in the commitment to take in more refugees from the camps to the UK, supported by a properly planned resettlement programme;
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Photo: Tim Elliot
The Revd Nick Brown, Rector of Louth, offers a perspective on efforts within his parish to continue to try to remember and to pray for others...
• the introduction of greater effort to lead the process of resolving the crisis on the ground in Syria. • Looking at how we might offer direct support to those affected and displaced by conflict, especially if Lincolnshire were to offer hospitality to those in particular need. As a result of this group’s work, there are some particular actions that churches in Louth are looking at going forwards: • Praying. We are keeping those affected by conflict in Syria-Iraq (and those seeking to help them) in our prayers, continuing with our weekly common prayer, including prayers in our Sunday worship during Advent and encouraging all the Church to remember them in our personal prayers, including prayer for peace and justice. • Acting. From this starting point we are planning to develop more significant personal links with some of those involved in the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem. The aim is to inform our prayers, make our giving more personal and build bonds of mutual support and fellowship with those undertaking a vital part of God’s work in another part of the Kingdom. • Giving. It has become the practice at the Parish Church of St James to devote 50% of the collections taken at special services during Advent and Christmas to the local work of the church, giving the other 50% to an aspect of the Church’s wider work in mission. In 2015 we would focus this giving on supporting the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem, which has projects responding to people seeking refuge in the countries surrounding Syria-Iraq. It is our hope that out of this initial effort we will see opportunities to engage more deeply with the issues involved and those involved in work to ‘welcome the stranger’, wherever that may be.
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News in brief New members of the College of Canons
Five new canons were collated and installed at a special service of Evensong held in the Cathedral on St Hugh’s Day (Tuesday, 17th November 2015). The new members of the College of Canons are: The Revd Canon John Carr (Milton Manor with Binbrook) The Revd Canon Stephen Hoy (Stow in Lindsey) The Revd Canon Christine Pennock (Milton Ecclesia) The Revd Canon Martyn Taylor (Biggleswade) Canon Tony Little (Gretton) The Revd Canon John Carr has been Rector of the Walseby Group of Parishes since 2001, and he also serves as Chaplain to three parishes within the Swallow Group. The Revd Canon Stephen Hoy has been vicar at St John the Baptist parish church on Lincoln’s Ermine estate for 17 years. He is also the diocesan Spirituality Adviser, which sees him hold responsibility for the management and development of our spiritual direction network.
The Bishop of Lincoln; The Revd Canon Christine Pennock; The Revd Canon Stephen Hoy; Canon Tony Little; The Revd Canon John Carr; The Revd Canon Martyn Taylor; and the Dean of Lincoln.
Interiors in Changing Times’ to be hosted by Historic England and the University of Leicester at Stamford Court over the 14th and 15th of December 2015.
The Revd Canon Christine Pennock served her curacy at Crowland Abbey and moved to the benefice of Ruskington, Evedon and Anwick in 2005, also becoming a mental health chaplain. The parishes of Leasingham and Cranwell were later added and the benefice took the name of the North Lafford Group. Christine became assistant rural dean in 2008 and then rural dean of Lafford in 2012.
Speaking alongside other speakers such as The Rt Revd John Inge (The Bishop of Worcester) and The Rt Worshipful Charles George, QC (the Dean of the Court of Arches), Matthew was to present a paper titled ‘James Fowler: friend or foe of the medieval church’, and Ben was to look at architecture as theology and in practice at the parish church of St John the Baptist, Lincoln.
The Revd Canon Martyn Taylor has served in the diocese since his ordination in 1996, and he has spent all of his ministry at St George’s Stamford. After previously serving as curate and Associate Rector, Martyn became Rector in 2003. He also serves on General Synod.
Prayers banners available for loan
Canon Tony Little was educated at Eton College and during his teaching career he taught at various schools in the UK, before becoming Head Master of Eton in 2002. Prior to his retirement Tony wrote An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Education (Bloomsbury Continuum).
The banners, which contain colourful artwork to help individuals and groups of all ages to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, are printed on strong PVC and have reinforced eyelets so that they can be secured on display boards, if required. They vary in size from 100cm x 100cm to 250cm x 170cm and could be used for prayer rooms, discipleship events, chapter and synod meetings, quiet days, conferences, within liturgy, in schools, training courses and/or alongside the use of the labyrinth. Activity sheets are available for each banner to offer ideas as to how they might be used according to context. For information please contact Stephen by calling 01522 52 56 21 or via stephenhoy39@gmail.com www.lindisfarne-scriptorium.co.uk
Members of diocesan staff lined up for Parish Church Interiors Conference As Crosslincs was preparing to go to press, two members of diocesan staff were preparing papers for conference. Matthew Godfrey (Historic Churches Support Officer) and Ben Stoker (Church Development Officer) were both due to speak at a two-day conference titled ‘Parish Church
The diocese has recently purchased several prayer activity banners from Lindisfarne Scriptorium that are available for loan from The Revd Canon Stephen Hoy.
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Church awarded dementia-friendly status People from the Church of St James the Great in Aslackby, which is part of the Gilbertine Benefice in the Deanery of Lafford, are celebrating the award of dementia-friendly status. This award, which is said to be the first that has been made to a church in the diocese, comes in recognition of the efforts made to ensure that people with dementia have a positive experience of attending events and services at the church. Representatives from the church were recently presented with the Dementia Friendly Communities symbol (a national symbol that is becoming recognised as an emblem of a place where people with dementia will be welcomed and understood), and also a certificate from Dementia Support South Lincs (DSSL) in recognition of the welcome that is extended to group members and the efforts made to make them feel a part of the church and the wider village family. In making the award, Heather Gilling, chair of both the South Lincs Dementia Action Alliance and DSSL, commented that ‘We feel that you epitomise what a dementia-friendly community is all about, and so please accept these symbols with our love and our thanks, and we look forward to continuing the happy relationship that we have with you.’ In response, Denise Gudgin, secretary to the PCC, said that ‘The whole community of the church is simply delighted to have been awarded a certificate of Dementia Friendliness. We have certainly benefited in so many ways from our links with DSSL; our community now feels much more complete, and our training has enabled us to understand how we can make small arrangements and adjustments within our regular activities to enable everyone to feel
equally included. We try to ensure that all-comers receive a personal and warm welcome, and our aim is to make everyone feel valued and at home. Becoming specifically dementia-friendly felt like a relatively small step, and one that every organisation could consider taking.’ A further member of the PCC, Kate Marshall, serves as the memory health care worker for DSSL and is also a ‘Dementia Champion’, which forms part of the prime minister’s challenge to create one million Dementia Friends in the UK by 2015. Work is ongoing to create ‘dementiafriendly communities’ by offering information in various contexts and settings so as to try and make life a bit easier for people affected by dementia. As Kate reports, ‘Our church holds several social activities throughout the year and through my connection has been inviting members of DSSL to some of our events. We first exhibited work at the church art festival and the association has blossomed since then. Members started coming to concerts, our film club and special services such as Remembrance Day. In fact, DSSL’s art group’s mural took pride of place in the chancel.’ The Revd Anna Sorensen was delighted with the award and also what the achievement of dementia-friendly status has involved: ‘Through engaging with all that being a dementiafriendly church involves, we have been able to deepen and enrich our understanding of what it means to be the Body of Christ in Aslackby. Our “many parts” are truly various, and we have discovered our interdependence in a new way, as we have enjoyed fellowship together, learned from each other and supported each other.’ For more details please see www.dementiafriends.org.uk and www.dementiasupportsouthlincs.co.uk
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Faith and Learning Students begin MA studies in Theology, Ministry and Mission The first cohort taking an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission through the Lincoln School of Theology (LST) began their studies in October 2015. As the School Principal Sally Myers explains, the programme offers both flexibility and a broad approach to learning. The award, as with all those taught through LST, is validated by Durham University, a world-class university renowned for theology. The MA programme adopted by LST is flexible and includes both taught- and research-based modules. This allows students to take a broad approach to several areas that will inform their ministry and mission, including liturgy, evangelism, rural theology and leadership, and/or focus on a particular theme throughout the programme, therefore looking at biblical, doctrinal and practical aspects of a particular topic. The latter pathway is designed to prepare and enable students to progress to research degrees in their chosen areas of specialism. The MA is taught part-time with students able to take between 40 and 80 credits per year, working towards the 180 credits needed. A typical route would involve two years of taught or guided modules worth 60 credits, and a final year writing up a dissertation worth a further 60 credits. There are no fees for those in recognised ministry roles within the diocese, although students will need to find funds for travel to Lincoln and any books that they decide to purchase rather than borrow from the excellent library. Independent candidates are welcomed. Fee information is dependent on circumstance and is available on request. Information about the MA and BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission offered by LST for an Autumn 2016 start will be published in the spring. However, please do get in touch with us before that if you have any questions.
Current MA students at the Lincoln School of Theology preparing to present a group mission and evangelism project.
Full contact details may be obtained by emailing the LST Principal at sally.myers@lincoln.anglican.org or by visiting the relevant pages on the diocesan website at: http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/education-training/ lincoln-school-of-theology/
MA in Theology and Religion Admissions enquiries are also welcomed by Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. A full- or part-time programme of study is offered that includes modules on religious thinkers from Plato to Pannenburg; theology in fiction, film and fantasy; religious fundametalism; the God question; philosophy of religion; religion in conflict and dialogue. Contact admissions@bishopg.ac.uk or see www.bishopg.ac.uk/study/courses/Pages/matheology.aspx Practicing Religious Education teachers (primary and secondary) can apply for a ÂŁ2000 bursary towards the costs of the programme. See http://www.cstg.org.uk/ grants/3forre/ for more information. DIOCESELINCOLN
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Education is changing – did you know? The Diocese of Lincoln has 142 Church of England schools allowing over 26,000 children and young people to hear about a God who loves them, to see what faith looks like in the lives of everyday people, to learn what part the Church of England could play in their lives and what part they could play in the Church of England. This is achieved alongside providing excellent academic opportunities. After the Education Act of 1944 we were specialists supporting schools in Church School matters; religious education, governance, church school distinctiveness and worship. Now we need to revert to the pre-1944 situation taking responsibility for the whole school, including standards in numeracy, literacy, leadership, finance and governance. This happens through the academies agenda. Your Board of Education has spent the past three years ensuring that we have the skills and capacity to do this job, working with • increased capacity in the team, including more senior school leaders and inspectors • a new database allowing us to track school data and know where and when to offer support • a Multi Academy Trust (LAAT) able to take in schools wanting (or needing) an academy solution • an expanding Service Level Agreement enabling us to further develop our offer to schools while also increasing our income.
“Your Diocesan Board of Education is working hard to ensure that... Church schools are still able to offer a distinctively Christian education” Proposed legislation – The Education and Adoption Bill – further changes the picture: • more decision-making power to the Regional Schools Commissioner supported by the Head Teacher Board (a board made up of a small number of academy heads) • a lack of clarity about the role of dioceses in ensuring the safety of a school’s Church of England foundation • a commitment on the part of the government for all schools to be part of Multi Academy Trusts. Included in the bill are regulations for ‘coasting schools’. These are yet to be defined but ‘indicative guidance’ states that:
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• coasting schools will be deemed Eligible for Intervention (EFI) • the Regional Schools Commissioner and Head Teacher Board will decide on the appropriate action to take, which may include forced academisation. • a school will be deemed EFI if it falls below floor targets for three consecutive years. The floor targets are rising and the guidance talks of the floor target for primary schools as being 85% of all children reaching the expected standards in reading, writing and numeracy at the end of Year 6 (age 11). A rough calculation indicates that this could mean that instead of 18 out of 142 of our schools being EFI, 83 out of 142 could find themselves in this group. The current challenge for the Diocesan Board of Education is to: • increase capacity so that the Regional Schools Commissioner is confident to allow more schools to join our own Multi Academy Trust (Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust – LAAT) • be as good or better than other local trusts when measured against Department for Education criteria • ensure that Church of England schools see our Multi Academy Trust as a viable route to academy status. Your Diocesan Board of Education is working hard to ensure that, despite these changes, Church schools are still able to offer a distinctively Christian education preparing children academically and spiritually for their futures. We are also working to protect this distinctive education for generations to come. Please support us with your prayers, with your skills and with your time. For more information and to find out how you might support us please contact Jackie Waters-Dewhurst, Lincoln Diocesan Director of Education. E: jackie.wd@lincoln.anglican.org
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New online facility for Faculty applications As a follow-on from the implementation of the new faculty jurisdiction rules and in line with the recommendations of the Archbishops’ Council Faculty Simplification Group, the diocese will be moving to the Online Faculty System (OFS) from 1st January 2016. The OFS will provide a more streamlined and speedier service, be user-friendly and easy to access. Information will be stored in one place, where it can be tracked, amended and actioned as the application progresses through the system. Many of the forms will be linked to the centrally held Church Heritage Records so these forms will be automatically populated drawing upon data from Historic England about listing grades and descriptions, conservation areas and other aspects of the church history. All involved in a faculty application will be able to contribute to and follow its progress. This will be recorded so that applicants know the status of their application and so that the process is clear, visible and transparent at each stage of the process. Another benefit of the OFS is that many of the forms will remain on file: for example, the Form 1A and Statements of Significance will be retained for each church so that they can be retrieved and re-used for any subsequent applications, thus saving time and typing. It is recommended that each parish nominates at least two
people who will register their church on the system and administer faculty applications on behalf of their PCC. All requests to register will have to be approved by the DAC secretary to ensure that only those who have a right to use the system can do so. Nominees could be parish clergy, churchwardens, the treasurer, PCC members or the parish secretary or administrator. The OFS can be accessed by going to the following link: facultyonline.churchofengland.org Please click on ‘Register’ at the top of the homepage, complete your details and submit. The DAC secretary will then receive an email and a member of the Church Buildings Team has to ‘approve’ your registration. Please note that when you register there is one tab saying ‘identity’ into which you write contact details and another labelled ‘profile’. On the profile section please write/select the church for which you are representing, otherwise you will not be able to start an application. Help and assistance can be found on the website by clicking the ‘help’ tab or by looking through the FAQs. Anyone experiencing real difficulties with their online application should contact the Diocesan Church Buildings Team. We hope that you will be encouraged by the OFS and see it as a step forward in achieving a more simplified faculty process, encouraging a more collaborative partnership between parishes, the DAC and Registry.
Cursillo invites 12 pilgrims to deepen their faith From the 4th to the 7th of October 2015 Cursillo held its 31st three-day event at The Old Palace. Twelve pilgrims took part and were offered an opportunity to deepen their faith and further experience the love of Christ. Some of the comments that were received from the gathered pilgrims included: “We were met at the door and the love started there.” “For the first time in my life, in the chapel, I received a vision from God that resolved a problem in my life.” “During the few days of the retreat I realised for the first time that I could be – and was – forgiven.” “Spending these few days with loving people made me realise how important it is to share your faith.” “I loved the variety of services we experienced.” Comments from members of Cursillo staff were: “It is such a privilege to watch people deepen their faith and to be a part of that development.” “What an experience!” The next Lincoln Cursillo event is to take place from the 17th to the 20th of June 2016.
If you would like more information on Cursillo please contact the lay director, Liz Lilley, on 01507 44 00 39 (liz.lilley@hotmail.co.uk), or the spiritual director, Jeff Wilson, on 01652 64 86 87. DIOCESELINCOLN
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Discipleship Discovering God at work in the development of disciples The Developing Discipleship Programme (DDP) is a key part of the long-term diocesan strategy to grow our churches. Rooted in prayer, the process is a cycle of reflection, action and planning with clergy and congregations working together. Mission Communities in 14 deaneries have already begun the DDP process, and new DDPs will begin in a further seven mission communities in early 2016. Each DDP is tailored for local situations to meet the needs of the wide variety of churches in the diocese. Here follows an example from the Parish of Louth, a diverse group of five churches in the town centre and surrounding villages. How does the DDP benefit a diverse group of churches? In the Parish of Louth we were already starting to work with a similar (but slightly different) process – planning our work separately in each district and across the whole parish. Whereas many Mission Communities may choose to do DDP as a whole community, we built on this existing approach on the basis that in our diversity we can build on strengths in each individual church, whilst also ministering to the wider community with a Ministry Team focused on the wider Mission Community (parish).
Where do you think you have been most aware of God calling you to grow? For us the biggest area for growth has been in non-Sunday morning worship, while we have also seen a growth in people from the ‘fringes’ of the church joining in occasional and festival acts of worship. One area in which we are investing time is in finding opportunities to grow in depth of faith – at all levels of the church community.
What has happened in your church since beginning the DDP? Over a period of three years planning has gradually become a part of the way we have begun to work – rather than the ‘big What has surprised you in doing the process? bang’ approach that may be more common when starting DDP Perhaps the most surprising thing has been how, in many from scratch. The fact that our planning started with a series cases, there seems to have been agreement about where of listening exercises over a period of several months means we have been called to work; that the process has generally that, despite this gentle approach, the plans were founded on aspirations that have come from the community itself.
“Since starting to consciously look at the direction of the church we have seen a growth – sometimes in raw numbers, but also in the depth and breadth of our engagement with the wider community”
Since starting to consciously look at the direction of the church we have seen a growth – sometimes in raw numbers, but also in the depth and breadth of our engagement with the wider community. Although the planning process has often only recorded things that were already aspired for, it has been useful in bringing thoughts to the fore and giving them shape. The coming year will see us (after three years) working in this way across the whole parish and it will be interesting to see revealed and helped us prioritise things that were already how this will shape our life in the time ahead. part of our life as a local church. Where is God most present in the process for you? Having used DDP as a way to reflect on previous plans as well as a way of seeking future direction, it has been fulfilling to see where God has already been within us in our life.
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Further details relating to the DDP are available online at www.lincoln.anglican.org/faith-discipleship/discipleship Alternatively, please contact the Revd Louise Vincer (DDP Coordinator) at ddp@lincoln.anglican.org
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Discipleship The Bishop of Grimsby issues an invitation to join him in attending Spring Harvest 2016 in Skegness Spring Harvest returns to the Butlins resort at Skegness from Monday, 28th March–Friday, 1st April 2016, and the Bishop of Grimsby has issued an invitation for people from around the diocese to join him in sampling all that the event has to offer. As the bishop says, ‘I have been attending Spring Harvest at Skegness for more than 20 years, and this event has played a pivotal role within my personal growth as a Christian and it has been highly significant in my calling from God to my current role as the Bishop of Grimsby. Spring Harvest offers an amazing opportunity to be refreshed and re-energised after Easter,’ he says. ‘The event offers a wide variety of styles of worship; there are superb activities for children and teenagers; and there is a wide-ranging programme of seminars, bible studies and exhibitions, all of which are of very high quality. Spring Harvest has resourced me in my ministry and, for my famiy and I, it has lead to further growth in our sense of discipleship.’ The bishop would very much like to share Spring Harvest with others and so he is encouraging people to visit and experience the programme of worship, bible studies, seminars and entertainment. The theme for 2016 will be ‘Game Changers’, which will include emphasis on taking time out to be inspired and equipped so as to be able to make a further difference for God in our communities. Further details are available from Simon Dean (Discipleship Officer) on 01522 50 40 80 (simon.dean@lincoln.anglican.org) Information is also available at www.springharvest.org
Lent resources in 2016
As you may have already seen in the previous issue of Crosslincs, the Diocese of Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral and the Lincolnshire Methodist District are working together to bring the highly valued Methodist Collection of Modern Art (MCMA) to Lincoln for Lent 2016. Described by the British art historian and critic Richard Cork as the ‘admirable Methodist Collection’, during Lent in 2016 works from the collection will be housed in the Chapter House of the Cathedral, with additional works to be on display at The Collection in Lincoln. In addition, a Lent study booklet, containing images of works from the collection, will be made available as a tool for individual and group study. It is hoped that this unique opportunity to see items from the collection will further deepen the response of those using the study materials in the setting aside of time for prayerful reflection on the works and some of the ideas that the respective artists have tried to convey in this way. Further details will be published soon and the Lent study booklet is to be ready for delivery in early January 2016. The exhibition will run from the 12th of February until the 27th of March 2016.
The Washing of the Feet by Ghislaine Howard. DIOCESELINCOLN
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CALENDAR FEBRUARY Friday, 12th February – Easter Day (27th March) Passion in Paint The Methodist Collection of Modern Art To be on display in Lincoln Cathedral and at The Collection, Lincoln Monday, 29th February – Sunday, 13th March Fairtrade Fortnight For resources and links and more information visit the following websites: fairtrade.org.uk/fortnight (for more information and downloadable resources to use during Fairtrade Fortnight) shop.fairtrade.org.uk (for merchandise, printed materials and a short film) fairtrade.org.uk/events (to add events to an online events map to aid publicity) fairtrade.org.uk/breakfast (resources to encourage the sharing of the Big Fairtrade breakfast) MARCH Saturday, 12th March (7pm) Lincoln Cathedral Choir is to perform
St John Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach. Tickets will be on general sale from Tuesday, 8th December 2015. Godspell The Concert – Spring tour dates: Tuesday, 15th March All Saints Church, Gainsborough (7.30pm) Friday, 18th March Grimsby Minster (7.30pm) Saturday, 19th March Ss Peter & Paul Church, Owmby-by-Spital (matinee performance at 2.30pm) Saturday, 19th March St Mary’s Church, Welton (evening performance at 7.30pm) Tickets for all shows will be made available online and from local sources. For more details: godspelltheconcert.com Thursday, 17th March (7pm for 7.30pm) Lincoln Theological Society Lecture at the Robert Hardy Lecture Theatre, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln LN1 3DY What makes a Saint? The Revd Canon Prof. Nicholas Sagovsky (Tickets £5 – available from Lincoln
Cathedral Shop, Unicorn Tree Books or on the door). Monday, 28th March – Friday, 1st April Spring Harvest at Butlins, Skegness (see article on previous page) APRIL Flower Festival at All Saints, Moulton Saturday, 23rd April – Monday, 2nd May 2016 From 10am–6pm daily Theme: ‘Elements of Life’ To include stalls selling handicrafts, plants, china, etc. Light refreshments will be available. For coach bookings, please contact Brian Smith on 01406 370 805 or via email at brijes@uwclub.net JUNE Tuesday, 14th June (7pm for 7.30pm) Lincoln Theological Society Lecture at the Robert Hardy Lecture Theatre, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln LN1 3DY The lost lady of the Jerusalem Temple Dr Margaret Barker (Tickets £5 – available from Lincoln Cathedral Shop, Unicorn Tree Books or on the door). Saturday, 25th June (5.30pm): Service for the ordination of priests in Lincoln Cathedral Sunday, 26th June (10.30am): Service for the ordination of deacons in Lincoln Cathedral
St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham recently hosted ‘ice’ skating and a Christmas Tree Festival.
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OCTOBER Monday, 17th October (7pm for 7.30pm) Lincoln Theological Society Lecture at the Robert Hardy Lecture Theatre, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln LN1 3DY What are the Gospels? The Very Revd Prof. Richard Burridge (Tickets £5 – available from Lincoln Cathedral Shop, Unicorn Tree Books or on the door).
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