CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org
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July / August 2016
A warm welcome to the Dean of Lincoln: the Venerable Christine Wilson
It has been announced that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of the Venerable Christine Wilson as Dean of Lincoln. Christine has been Archdeacon of Chesterfield in the Diocese of Derby since 2010, where she has developed and delivered strategies for mission, ministry, recruitment, finance and property, and led on a significant project in developing and reshaping the deaneries as a key strategic structure in the mission of the diocese (continue reading on page two)...
NEWS
ENGAGING DISCIPLESHIP
Serving the Church and community
Putting Horncastle on the map
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Giving thanks for service
Celebrating art and music
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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln
The submission deadline for the next issue is 22nd July 2016. Editor E: crosslincs@lincoln.anglican.org Communications Officer The Revd Adrian Smith T: 01522 50 40 37 M: 07885 99 99 07 E: adrian.smith@lincoln.anglican.org
Welcome...
Welcome to the July/August issue of Crosslincs. In this issue we highlight some recent events around the diocese, including the appointment of a new Dean of Lincoln and a popular arts and music festival in Horncastle, and offer content to help and inspire us all in our shared ministry. As we were going to press, we were looking forward to the ordination of deacons and priests in the Cathedral. There will be more on this in our next issue, plus a look at overseas projects and stories. Enjoy the issue. Adrian Smith
A warm welcome to the Dean of Lincoln (continued from page one)
Diocesan Offices Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU T: 01522 50 40 50 E: enquiries@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 32 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
Photographs of the Dean of Lincoln: Chris Vaughan
A full biography relating to Christine’s life and ministry to date was published at the time of the announcement of her appointment as Dean of Lincoln, and speaking of her appointment she commented: “I was thrilled, and a little daunted, to be offered the post of Dean of Lincoln. Recently I have begun to build associations with Lincoln, and the fabulous opportunity to lead a world-class cathedral in inspiring worship, ministry and mission is one that I will, with the help of God, and of the whole community, be delighted to undertake.” The Bishop of Lincoln said: “I’m delighted that Christine has accepted the post of dean, and I know that she does so with the very firm conviction that God is calling her to minister in Lincoln Cathedral and in the diocese. Christine comes to us with a rare combination of gifts; she has spiritual depth, a heart for God’s Mission and significant leadership experience.”
The Archdeacon of Boston The Venerable Dr Justine Allain Chapman T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.boston@lincoln.anglican.org
The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, also commented, saying: “Christine has made an outstanding contribution to the leadership of our diocese. We shall miss her wisdom, energy and colleagueship. She will bring an impressive range of skills to this new opportunity.”
The Archdeacon of Lincoln The Venerable Gavin Kirk T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org
The Venerable Christine Wilson will be installed Dean at a special service on 22nd October 2016, at 5.30pm, after which she will be styled The Very Revd Christine Wilson. Please hold Christine and her family in your prayers.
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Focus: serving the Church and community In recognition of service to Church and community It was wonderful to hear expressions of joy and surprise as individuals around our diocese were awarded Maundy money. One such recipient, Margaret Blaydes, who attends St Mary’s Church in Welton, reflects on a very special day... This whole adventure started with a letter arriving in early January. It bore the stamp of Buckingham Palace and it informed me that I had been nominated by the Bishop of Lincoln to receive Maundy money from the Queen in recognition of service to the Church and community. This year’s ceremony would take place at St George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle on 24th March. Can you imagine my surprise, excitement and feeling of privilege at being accorded such an honour? The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony, stemming from Jesus washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday. The first monarch to take this up was King John, who gave clothes and money to the poor of Knaresborough in 1210; by 1363, under Edward III, the tradition had evolved towards the ceremony that we can recognise today. Latterly, Queen Victoria distributed Maundy money at Westminster Abbey, but our present Queen wished for it to be given out in different places, with the recipients being chosen from the local diocese. This royal service was held at Lincoln Cathedral in the year 2000, and the last time that it was at Windsor was in 1959. The day finally came, and we were seated in the rows of four, full of anticipation, ready to receive the Maundy coins. The ceremony ran seamlessly, but it was so filled with pageantry, colour and music that it quite took your breath away. Looking radiant in turquoise, the Queen was charm itself, giving each of the 90 men and 90 women – to reflect the monarch’s age – a warm smile all of their own. The Maundy money comprises two purses, with this year the red purse containing a £5 coin to commemorate the Queen’s 90th birthday, and a 50p coin to mark the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. The white purse contained uniquely minted coins equating in pence to the Queen’s age. Historically, the sum of £5.50 was made up of £3 for clothing, £1.50 in lieu of provisions and £1 for the redemption of the sovereign’s gown. Although it is legal tender, the unspoken expectation is that it should be kept rather than spent.
After the ceremony we were all conveyed to the state apartments for the reception given by Her Majesty, and hosted by the Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle. Then it was all over, and we left clutching our official programme and guidebook, presented to us as souvenirs of a wonderful day. So many elements of the place, music and pageantry will be forever etched on my memory, but most of all, the graciousness and sincerity of a kind and smiling monarch.
A further recepient was Jeanne Campion (above), who worships at St Martin’s in Grimsby. Reflecting on a wonderful day, Jeanne told Crosslincs: “To begin with I didn’t really know what the Maundy money was. But, as I found out more, I came to see that this was all about ‘service’: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and the Queen vowing always to serve the people. This is all very relevant to us today. It is the Queen saying, ‘I am here to serve you’.” In addition to Margaret and Jeanne, Michael Haynes of Boston and Ted Roberts of Market Deeping were also receipients of the Maundy money, and we send each of them our congratulations and gratitude for their years of service to the Church and their local communities. DIOCESELINCOLN
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The 2016 Church Schools Festival The recent Church Schools Festival in the Cathedral was a time of learning and great joy and celebration. This year the festival took on even greater significance for all at Scampton Church of England Primary School. The headteacher, Charlie Hebborn, explains why... The Revd John Pryor, a great friend to our school, died earlier this year. For over 30 years, along with his wife Sheila, he served the school in a number of roles, including Chair of Governors, as local priest and as Bishop’s Visitor. A former headteacher, teacher trainer, Section 48 and Section 5 inspector, he was a true asset to the school community. Many pupils who have attended the school were baptised and even married by John. One of his passions was the annual Church Schools Festival. Since it began, John and Sheila were regular supporters of the event. Here, each school proudly displays their banners. It was fitting therefore that we made a new banner for the school in his memory. Our School Council met to discuss ideas and (including suggestions from Mrs Pryor) developed a design that included the values of our school as the roots of a tree from which pupils grow. The hands are those of the youngest children in the school, a rainbow represents our hopes, there is a dove to symbolise peace and alongside the tree is a Bible. John loved books – this was his favourite. Many children, our craft club, friends, parents, grandparents and staff were involved in making this banner. It was a real team effort. Our Year 6 pupils were so proud to have the banner blessed by Bishop Nicholas on its first outing and then lead a parade of banners through the Cathedral at the Church Schools Festival. The Revd John Pryor was most certainly part of the event... and smiling!
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Year 6 pupils from Scampton CofE Primary School with their new banner, prepared in loving memory of the Revd John Pryor
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News from around the diocese The Diocese of Lincoln Ladies Choir took time out from its busy rehearsal schedule earlier this year to celebrate its sixth birthday. The choir is currently working on a new programme of music under musical director Tom Stockwell, and is planning to give a series of concerts at venues around the diocese over the coming months. In addition to its musical contributions at local church services, the choir has been working on a performance of Fauré’s Requiem, and has recently welcomed several new members. A strong bond with a sister choir, La Chorale in Sweden, is maintained and it is hoped that the choir will host a visit by its Swedish friends in 2017. In the meantime, the choir welcomes any enquiries regarding potential performances in churches across the diocese. In addition to contributing at regular services or giving musical recitals, the choir is also available for weddings, funerals, confirmations, christenings, etc.
The choir may be contacted via dolladieschoir@gmail.com or via Lynn Shaw at l-shaw@hotmail.com You can also make contact and find further information through the choir’s Facebook (search for ‘The Diocese Of Lincoln Ladies’ Choir’) and Twitter (@LadiesChoir) pages.
The bishop commented on the valuable role that Cursillo plays in promoting discipleship in the diocese, and during the service he said, ‘Sandra, will you seek to be faithful in all that you do as lay director in the Diocese of Lincoln?’ Sandra replied ‘I do’, and I know she will indeed give 110% in God’s strength and with our love and prayers of support. Sandra took over from Liz Lilley, who was decommissioned at the start of the service, with the bishop ending by saying, ‘Liz, as you journey onwards in the life of faith, free to serve God in new ways, know that you do so with our love and thanks’. Liz has served faithfully as lay director for the past three years, as well as also taking on the roles of lay rector and safeguarding officer at different times during her time in office. We wish to thank Liz and send her our love as she now enjoys a well-earned rest. Lincoln Cursillo has a new lay director, Sandra Smith. Janet Shephardson reflects on the commissioning service and the ministry that is offered by Cursillo... What a privilege it was to be asked to come, along with Kath Wells, and our spiritual director, the Revd Jeff Wilson, to support our dear friend Sandra Smith, as she was commissioned as lay director of Lincoln Cursillo. The service took place in the much-loved St Hugh’s Chapel at Edward King House, which sits in the shadow of the beautiful cathedral, and was conducted by the Bishop of Lincoln.
Anglican Cursillo is a movement of the Church providing a method by which Christians are empowered to grow through prayer, study and action, and enabled to share God’s love with everyone. For details of our next weekend, at which pilgrims are invited to experience Cursillo for themselves, please contact the pre-weekend rep, Marilyn Reeve (01472 824 598); lay director, Sandra Smith (01469 530 065; smithsandra1971@gmail.com) or spiritual director, the Revd Jeff Wilson (01652 648 687; jeff_wilson13@yahoo.co.uk)
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Celebrating the life of the diocese Wilksby All Saints celebrates refurbishment with Clypping Service for the community The beautiful and very small church of Wilksby All Saints has recently been refurbished with the help of a grant of £80,000 from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The Revd Andrew Roberts, Rector of the Fen and Hill Group, reports on how the church celebrated... To celebrate the work and the spirit of mission of Wilksby All Saints, a Clypping Service was held and led by the Bishop of Grimsby. This form of worship has pre-Christian roots and was popular in the Middle Ages. On the day of our service a congregation of more than 150 crammed into the little church and filled the churchyard, sitting on straw bales. As part of the service, the congregation surrounded the church, holding hands, and this symbolised the people looking inwards to their church building and outwards to the community. Wilksby is a lovely church community. The church might only be small, but the congregation is committed to mission throughout the district, and the number of people who came to this service shows just how hard they work. The church is surrounded by fields, with no nearby houses, and future services will reflect the agricultural nature of the community, and emphasise the place of the Church in rural life. For more information see www.wilksbychurch.org.uk
Second photo courtesy of Angie Cooper
St Mary’s Church in Horncastle was our venue on a lovely evening for a joyful Service of Welcome for the Archdeacon of Lincoln, the Venerable Gavin Kirk.
Photo: Chris Vaughan W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Drawing upon the readings of Genesis 8.15–9.7 and Mark 4.1–20, in his sermon the archdeacon spoke of the centrality and quality of worship and summarised our vocation as Christians in this diocese in this part of the twenty-first century as follows: ‘to respond by being faithful in our worship, putting God first, to be confident in our discipleship, knowing that the mission is God’s and the outcome is in his hand, and to be joyful in our service, recognising and honouring God’s image in each and every person’.
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News of appointments The Revd Richard Steel, formerly Rector of St John the Baptist Kirkheaton (West Yorkshire and the Dales), has been appointed Mission Team Leader. Canon Stephen Simcox, currently Vicar of St Edmund’s, Tyseley (Birmingham), is to be Minister in Charge of St John the Baptist, Spalding. The Revd Dorothy Freeman is to be the next incumbent of the Benefice of Withamside. Known as Dee, she has recently served as Associate Priest of St George’s Church, Swallowbeck, Lincoln. The Revd Mark Thomson is to be the next incumbent of the Benefice of Quarrington with Old Sleaford. He has recently served as Assistant Curate with special responsibility
for the parishes of Barholm, Braceborough, Greatford, West Deeping and Wilsthorpe in the Uffington Group. The Revd Richard Holden is to be the next incumbent of the Benefice of The Skegness Group. He has recently served as Priest in Charge of Old Clee with Christ Church and Priest in Charge of St Aidan’s in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The Revd Michael Doyle has resigned his licence as Rector of the North Beltisloe Group, and The Revd Julie Timings has resigned her licence as Vicar of the Benefice of the Elloe Stone Parishes. We were very sorry to learn of the recent death of the Rt Revd Donald Snelgrove, a former Bishop of Hull and an honorary assistant bishop of our diocese since 1995.
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Winner of Prize Crossword No. 13: Mrs Lynn Thorp of Immingham. Thank you to all who entered. To enter: completed entries should be sent to Crossword no. 14, Crosslincs, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU. Closing date for No. 14: 22nd July 2016. The editor’s decision is final.
Across 5 N.W. alto composed music for Henry V (6) 6 & 10 Sung at matins (2,4,8) 9 Roman trader conceals vedic hymn (6) 10 See 6 11 Look like a nob (4) 12 Its true. Bat has characteristics (10) 13 Noveau riche parent begets early
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French composer (11) Down Like a drunkard? Irregular 1 Greek biographer wrote ‘Parallel Lives’ (8) movement from bar to bar (10) 2 Saw son at a concert (6) End on back to big brass 3 One opposed to RE (8) instrument (4) 4 Not a new experience? (4,2) Illuminates late small meal (6,2) 5 Goes pop in City Road (6) Schubert’s sad fourth (6) Milton’s ‘Blest Pair’ may be 7 Predatory puss (6) alarming ‘at a solemn music’ 8 Pulled out to create a bigger volume (3,3,5) composed by Parry (6) Musicians forming a petset (6) 14 Gropes in resting state (8)
15 Music whilst they change the scenery? (8) 16 Sung to music (6) 17 Plays ‘an ill wind that no one blows good’ (6) 19 Division of Roman army (6) 20 Minim with extra half (6)
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Faithful, confident, joyful Horncastle’s arts and music festival brings the community together in a celebration of gifts An inaugral arts and music festival staged at Horncastle’s St Mary’s Church proved to be an undoubted success, prompting a buzz and great excitement around the town. Linda Patrick looks back on the genesis of the festival and reflects on some of the highlights... Music was certainly the food of love recently at the firstever arts and music festival at Horncastle St Mary’s. From the 14th until the 21st of May a joyous occurrence took place at the church, as Horncastle was regaled by the talents and gifts of its local people. Why did such an event happen? Well, during the winter, we participated in the Diocesan Discipleship Programme (DDP) under the guidance of the Revd David Bartlett and the Revd Fran Jefferies. As a result, we ascertained that our mission was to be ‘a joyful, caring community, delighting in God, serving our neighbour and walking in Jesus’ footsteps’. The need to establish St Mary’s as the ‘community centre’ of Horncastle was very strong and we committed ourselves to ensuring that future activities would be inclusive and welcoming, making people feel comfortable to enter our doors. A strong believer in partnership working, since his arrival in Horncastle in February 2015 the Revd Charles Patrick has quickly established strong links with all four schools. He has always had a passion for art and for many years wanted to explore how art and worship could work
St Mary’s Church welcomed over 1600 people to the festival
together. The result was the the vision for a communityfocused arts and music festival, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we sought to be faithful, confident and joyful throughout the process of setting up and running the week. Faithful Faithfully we were inspired by the confidence of Charles in delivering such a project. Faithfully we prayed during the week of prayer leading up to Pentecost. And through those prayers we believe that our work was inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. We witnessed the talent and gifts of our young people. From the youngest of choirs, who remembered songs, to drums that made our rafters and ears ring as older pupils taught younger pupils how to pound Japanese war drums! Heavenly harps, brass bands, male voice choirs and soloists of such quality were surrounded by over 500 pieces of artwork of creditable imagination and skill, provided by our schoolchildren. Confident We could not have embarked on this sort of event without confidence. Confidence from the teachers who gave time and energy to encourage students to produce amazing artwork and wonderful musical performances. Confidence, too, from the organising team, whose confidence in delivering the festival never faltered, and from professional musicians and artists who participated. We also became confident as the week progressed. We saw opportunities for our schools to grow; opportunities to develop and showcase their talents; and to come together in cooperative activities. We saw senior school pupils supporting primary school pupils, and pupils being allowed the time to explore their creativity.
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Encouraging discipleship
We overcame some obstacles: as changing temperatures in the church encouraged paintings to drift gently to the floor, so stronger sticky tape arrived, and our Big Town Map grew extensions as people requested their roads to be included! All artists and musicians gave of their time freely, local supermarkets provided refreshments, and businesses sponsored competitions. All of this enabled us to offer 50 activities at free admission, ensuring that everybody could take part. Joyful We have seen the joy on parents’ faces whilst watching their children perform. We have seen joy on the faces of our young people as they tried out new experiences and grew in confidence. And the whole community joyfully embraced the challenge to create ‘The Big Town Map’ (above), with drawings of their houses being added daily. As Charles commented, “Months of planning culminated in a wonderful occasion. It was just beautiful to witness such energy and enthusiasm. We saw children overcome nerves as they performed, sometimes, for the first time in their lives. The success of the festival was mainly due to the wonderful partnership working between the church and the schools. The church is increasingly becoming a community centre for the town, a place where people can feel comfortable to enter and witness the power of the Holy Spirit at work. As a result, more than 500 people participated in the activities, and over 1600 people attended the event.”
Faithful, confident, joyful – qualities of the disciples thousands of years ago, replicated in Horncastle by everyone involved, who have been seeking through everyday actions to make and develop relationships with their community. We can have confidence that what may come from this is in God’s hands, moving in his time. As confident disciples we just need to continue growing our faith so that our community can see that we don’t just believe but we are joyfully committed to take actions to show that God is good and that we Christians are OK!
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Published resources In the first of a new regular feature, we are delighted to offer reviews of two published resources. In this issue we look at a title with a particular focus on ordained ministry and a resource for preaching. of asking how clergy can support each other and develop good practice in what they are doing. It could also be read profitably by lay people, as a way of understanding the world clergy inhabit and the principles underlying what they do; it is easier to trust and support people if their work is understood. A useful and thoughtful resource for everyone in ordained ministry. Reviewed by Neil Burgess Jamie Harrison & Robert Innes [eds]: Clergy in a Complex Age; London, SPCK, 2016. This book discusses the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy, first promulgated in 2003 and most recently updated in July 2015. Put like that, the topic hardly seems one to grip the imagination; to many people, guidelines for anything seem to be something to be read occasionally, incompletely and perfunctorily, if they are read at all. Why produce a book about them? This is a collection of essays by ten contributors, including three bishops, several clergy and two lay people, all having a concern for the practice of ministry. Writing collections of essays is a very Anglican way of ‘doing theology’, which allows different voices and perspectives to be heard and considered; and this is applied theology, asking about the ideas and principles which underlie ordained Christian ministry in the Church of England, seen through the lens of the Guidelines. The essays underline the point that these are not simply directions or proscriptions to be followed, but arise out of a recognition that clergy now work in a very different social context to their predecessors of even 20 or 30 years ago. Social attitudes have changed, not least in terms of the way public figures, including clergy, are perceived; new social phenomena have arisen, of which the internet and social media are prime examples; and concerns about the treatment of children and vulnerable adults have given rise to safeguarding structures of which everyone needs to be aware. Good practice in ministry is not just a matter of pragmatism, but needs to be rooted in a theology of ministry, of the Church and of the calling of all Christians to seek the Kingdom of God. This the essays seek to do. So who should read this book? Certainly all clergy should not only read it, but should reflect on the contents and their implications for their work in ministry. Deanery Chapters should find time to consider its thinking and use it as a way
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Ministry Team Leader & Ministerial Development & Review Officer
Kate Bruce: Igniting the Heart: Preaching and Imagination; London, SCM Press, 2015. In reviewing this title I feel it only fair to declare that Kate Bruce was one of my tutors at theological college in Durham, and I can still remember the first time I heard her preach, such was the impression that her sermon made on me. Kate has an undoubted gift and passion for words and preaching, and so it comes as no surprise to find that her readers are presented with a very detailed (the book is approaching some 200 pages in length) but readable volume that offers a wealth of practical advice for preaching both well and with imagination. Kate argues that sermons need to ‘ignite the heart’, and so here, for example, she explores a theology of imagination, considers the importance of analogy, simile and metaphor, and unpacks the sacramental potential of preaching, guiding the reader and preacher to reflect on their current practice and offering plenty of food for thought and encouragement. A helpful appendix offers sample sermons on John 11.38–44, Matthew 3.1–12, John 20.1–18, Luke 8.22–39, and Ezekiel 37, and an extensive bibliography is also provided. As Kate later concludes, ‘There is no room for preaching that is dull, pointless or irrelevant, if indeed there ever was’. Igniting the Heart seeks to direct preachers away from such labels. Reviewed by Adrian Smith
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Thy Kingdom Come 2016 Praying for one another and for our local communities as part of Thy Kingdom Come It was a delight to see and hear of events and activities around the diocese in response to ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, the invitiation issued to churches by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to pray for the evangelisation of the nation during the week leading up to Pentecost. The Revd Margaret Done, from the Bain Valley Group, shares her reflections of time spent in prayer in some of our church schools... I shared a prayer walk with children and staff from Holy Trinity Tattershall Church of England Primary School around the school field. We started under the trees with the school prayer and finished with the Lord’s Prayer. As we stopped at different places on the field we included prayers the children had written, and ended our walk in the quiet garden behind Pine Class.
Dear God, Thank you for all the trust and forgiveness in the world. Thank you God. Thank you for all the flowers in the world. Thank you God. Thank you for all the nature in the world. Thank you God. Thank you for all the hope you give us. Thank you God. Thank you for all the happiness. Thank you God. Thank you for all the prettiness. Thank you God. Thank you for all the people in the world. Thank you God. Thank you for all the love that we have. Thank you God. Please can you stop the fighting in the world? Amen. What a special time we had as we shared together to thank God for creation, one another and all his blessings.
It was such a special time to be together and thank God for all his blessings. Meanwhile the Revd Sue Allison shared a prayer walk with the children around the school field at Coningsby St Michael’s Church of England Primary School. It was a really special time shared with the children of the Christian Council as they prayed in many places around the school field and playground. They chose where to stop for prayer and were eager and enthusiastic. I also shared in a prayer walk with children and staff at Kirkby on Bain Church of England Primary School. We used the School Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer, plus prayers the children had written themselves, including this one; ‘Maple’:
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fresh expressions In the third of his fresh expressions columns, the Revd Jonnie Parkin, Diocesan Fresh Expressions Enabler, considers how we might see real and lasting growth in fresh expressions in our diocese... This is a big diocese, with lots of churches and lots of deaneries. That penetrating piece of analysis will not be a huge surprise to anyone, although you may be wondering what the point of it is. Allow me to elaborate. In a diocese so big and so diverse, we can sometimes lose our sense of connectedness to each other. We talk about ‘the diocese’ as though it were somehow other than us; ‘them up the hill in Lincoln.’ We talk about ‘the diocese’ to mean those who work at Edward King House and at 103 Newport. I say we, which is of course a huge projection, because I mean, in fact, I. Since returning home to this diocese five years ago I have often caught myself talking ‘of the diocese’ in those terms.
“The question for fresh expressions is how can we, as a diocese, resource each other?” There is an ironic twist. Since starting as temporary Diocesan Fresh Expressions Enabler in January I have been busy visiting parishes, deaneries and fresh expressions across the diocese. One of the startling things I have encountered is the perception that I am now ‘from the diocese’, and have been introduced as such. In poacher turned gamekeeper fashion this has caused me to wonder what perceptions and images this phrase conjures up. What I would like the phrase ‘the diocese’ to engender is a sense of togetherness, of mutual support and koinonia – joint participation in a common vision and goal. I would like it to conjure up an image of mutual resourcing, a sharing of wisdom, experience and resources. I would like it to engender a sense of anticipation about shared journey and adventure, companions sharing bread for the journey along the road. After all, we are all ‘from the diocese.’ I suspect that this is not always the perception, but it could be. The question for fresh expressions is how can we, as a diocese, resource each other? The national fresh expressions team, the team that advocates for and promotes and resources fresh expressions of church on a
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national level, has adopted five areas of focus that I feel are also pertinent for this diocese. The five areas are inspiring vision, networking strategically, connecting geographically, resourcing learning and supporting practitioners. Inspiring vision Inspiring vision is about big picture and smaller picture. It is about helping each other to see God’s vision for the role of fresh expressions in our diocese, nation and world, as well as our parishes, networks and communities. The big vision helps to shape and give coherence to the little visions, and the little visions in turn make up the big vision. That vision has to be focused on the Kingdom of God, on participating in God’s mission in the world, on seeing the world through God’s eyes, and loving the world with God’s heart. This has to be underpinned by regular and disciplined prayer. It also requires open conversations and mutual trust as the vision is shared and grows. How does the vision for fresh expressions fit in with the wider vision of the diocese? What would a truly mixed economy of parish churches, chaplaincies and fresh expressions working together to further God’s Kingdom look like? Let’s dream dreams together.
“Networking strategically is not only effective, it also reminds us that we cannot go it alone” Networking strategically Networking strategically is about intentionally seeking out people and organisations with overlapping aims, vision and values. Who are the people we need to work with
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Five areas of focus to further God’s Kingdom? Who are the people who can support, encourage and inspire us along the way? Who are the permission givers and the blessers? Who are the resourcers? Who has tried something similar to what we want to do? Networking strategically is not only effective, it also reminds us that we cannot go it alone, that the Kingdom we are working for is always bigger than our ability to grasp it, that all of God’s children are made in God’s image, with an inbuilt instinct to seek home. Connecting geographically Connecting geographically is similar to networking strategically, but here the emphasis is on working with people in a geographical location rather than network. Much is made of the importance of networks, and rightly so, but geography is still important. God has already pitched tent in the neighbourhood you want to build community in. Find the people he has pitched tent with. This might involve working with secular agencies, other faith communities, ecumenical partners, or even other Anglican churches in the area! At the very least you want to avoid treading on each other’s toes. At best you will dance God’s dance together.
“We are the Diocese of Lincoln. If we want to see fresh expressions grow in our diocese then we need to make it happen” Resourcing learning Resourcing learning takes seriously the insights and wisdom of both success and failure. One of the key ways that we resource learning about fresh expressions is through the mission shaped ministry (msm) course. This course is classically taught over a year by a range of local and national practitioners, experts and permission givers. In this model, members of different communities come together one evening a month to be taught and reflect together, with additional day sessions and a residential.
In addition, the Pioneer Community in Lincolnshire provides an excellent opportunity for lay and ordained pioneers from different denominations to come together for learning, mutual support and fellowship. Part of our vision is to set up regional hubs of the Pioneer Community to cut down on travel times. Supporting practitioners Supporting practitioners is essential. Pioneering can feel like a lonely business. I have been gradually building up a contact list of potential mentors and I will be in touch with them so as to try and develop a coordinated system for practitioner support. This will include listening, advice, advocacy and critical challenge. It also involves helping practitioners to develop a healthy life rhythm. We all have rhythms, some are life giving, some are life draining. A good balanced rhythm will allow the various aspects of our lives to flow and enrich both ourselves and those around us. The diocese is not a strange and remote command and control centre scrabbling for space in an overcrowded building on top of an ancient hill. We are the Diocese of Lincoln. If we want to see fresh expressions grow in our diocese then we need to make it happen. We know from the evidence that those dioceses that have seen growth are the same dioceses that have embraced fresh expressions. I hope that when I leave the diocese this summer a new Fresh Expressions Enabler or equivalent person is appointed, to work towards building a healthy and vibrant diocese that sees the world through God’s eyes, loves the world with God’s heart, and celebrates God making all things new. Jonnie is due to leave the diocese at the end of August, and so we thank him for his valuable ministry in this area. Please do continue to correspond with us on matters relating to fresh expressions via email at the following address: fxenabler@lincoln.anglican.org
As well as classic msm, the msm course can also be taught flexibly by a coach or mentor in the context of one community seeking to grow and reflect together. Here the onus is on the learning community to set the agenda and pace of learning together to fit their needs as they arise.
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The Developing Discipleship Programme (DDP) Developing a Growth Plan so as to aim to transform lives in our diocese Following on from our recent features detailing the Developing Discipleship Programme (DDP), in this issue the team takes us through the background and aims of a church Growth Plan. ‘Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?”’ Luke 14.28 We all know the importance of planning in our personal lives – for example, how much simpler and quicker it is to go shopping with a list rather than randomly wandering the markets, high streets or supermarkets for inspiration, and hoping not to return home having forgotten vital items. Planning is important, but often less recognised or practised, in church life too. As they make their visitations around the diocese in the coming months and years, the bishops and archdeacons hope to discuss the plans your parish has to develop and deepen its discipleship and grow the church.
“Growth Plans are designed to be living, working documents at the heart of church life” The DDP can be understood as a process of prayerfully based strategic planning to grow the church. Thinking about who you are as a church and the role God is calling you to take in your communities naturally leads to the process of making plans to make that vision a reality. Writing a Growth Plan as a church helps everyone know and join in with the direction in which God is moving you. Growth Plans are designed to be living, working documents at the heart of church life. Once written they can be reflected on year-by-year so that learning can be used to shape future plans (see the May/June issue
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of Crosslincs for stories of places where reflection has influenced the plans of churches). Below are examples from three mission communities where the DDP has already begun. Perhaps they might inspire your church to begin to write its own Plan... St Helen, Stickford (Part of the Stickney Cluster, Bolingbroke Deanery) Vision: In five years’ time we will have a more recognisable role in our communities in order that: • more people will be involved in church life • there will be an increased sense of unity and cohesion across community groups • our communities will experience transformation. St Helen’s identified three long-term goals, one of which was: we will use the Christmas carol service as an opportunity to invite people to a subsequent event in order that they experience more of what the church can offer. First steps: Invitations were given at the carol service to come along to the Christingle at Candlemas. This resulted in a congregation of 13 (double the normal congregation). Invitations were then given to the May Fest, which was run in conjunction with the local pub. Supportive relationships are being built up within the village community.
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Planning for growth South Lafford Parish, Lafford Deanery Vision: In five years’ time God is calling us to be an all-inclusive, vibrant, Christ-centred church, embracing all ages: nurturing, informative, lively and spiritual. The parish has three long-term goals, one of which is: to make our worship more lively, vibrant and spiritual in order that we can increase our regular congregation by 50% over five years. They have identified two first-year priorities to work towards this: • to involve more people in leading worship so that worship can become more varied and spiritual. First step: meeting of volunteers. • to develop a new music group so that more varied and informal worship can take place. Success will be measured by seeing the Music Group regularly leading services. St Michael’s, Waddington (Graffoe Deanery) Vision: Looking forward to five years’ time, we believe that God is calling us to grow in numbers and develop our faith. We anticipate a flourishing congregation, drawn from all sections of the parish, who value St Michael’s as a true centre of Christian spirituality, worship and practice. The parish identified six five-year goals to work towards its vision, one of which was: to ensure that our building is accessible, welcoming and worshipful, with good
facilities (e.g. for tea and coffee) in order that we have an attractive, well-functioning building that fulfills our vision of welcoming everyone (including those with disabilities). First-year priorities include creating a priority list of work that needs to be done at the church: • door closer and sound system • upgrading the lighting system • redecoration • floor recovering. All of this will ensure that the door will be fit for purpose, easy to open for those with walkers/mobility scooters, but able to keep cats, birds, etc. out and heat in. Those with hearing difficulties will be able to hear during services, concerts, etc. It will be easier for people to see, and the church will be a bright, inviting, cared-for environment. Success will be seen if the door closes, the sound system is installed, and movement is made on the second, third and fourth points. The team of Developing Discipleship Advisors can help your church write a Growth Plan. There is a template Growth Plan on the diocesan website for you to use, or your parish may have developed its own. Whichever you use, we hope you will send in your plan to help us all, as Bishop Christopher has put it, to ‘foster our sense of being one diocesan family engaged in mission to transform lives in Greater Lincolnshire.’ Please contact DDP Coordinator Louise Vincer at ddp@lincoln.anglican.org for more.
Crosslincs – A talking newspaper Crosslincs recently visited Sleaford to watch and listen to a recording of the May/June issue of the magazine as a talking newspaper... A team of volunteers gathers upon the publication of each issue to read and record the content of the magazine and prayer diary, with the recordings then sent out on USB sticks to recipients who are registered as blind or partially sighted. The team would be pleased to hear from blind and partially sighted people in the diocese who might wish to receive the magazine in this way on a regular basis. Please contact Crosslincs in the first instance (on 01522 50 40 37) and we will be happy to put people in touch and help more people to benefit from this very valuable and much-appreciated service.
Recording the May/June 2016 issue of Crosslincs with Barry Clay, Brian Summers, Linda Peberdy, Victoria Clay and Bob Brookes
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CALENDAR Friday, 15th–Sunday, 17th July. This Life... Live it! Events organised by the Churches of Long Sutton, Lutton and Dawsmere: Friday at 7.30pm: Leicester’s De Montfort Choir at St Mary’s Church, Long Sutton. Sunday at 12.30pm: Family BBQ, followed at 2pm by Songs of Praise with the Bishop of Grimsby and Boston’s Salvation Army Band at St Mary’s Church Hall. All events are free, with donations welcome. Tuesday, 26th July (10.30am). Messy Cathedral, Lincoln. A morning of craft and Messy Science activities, finishing with lunch. Theme: stories Jesus told. Free admission.
JULY Friday, 8th and Saturday, 9th July (10am–5pm), and Sunday, 10th July (1–5pm). Celebration in Flowers at St Nicholas Church, Newport, Lincoln (LN1 3DP). Celebrating 175 years of the church, together with other anniversaries, including HRH the Queen’s 90th birthday; 150 years of Anglican lay readership; 140 years of the Mothers’ Union; 100 years of Cub Scounts and 150 years of Beatrix Potter. Cream teas available. For more please contact the church office on 01522 540 614 or email stnicholaslincoln@gmail.com
AUGUST Saturday, 6th August. Historian Nigel Burn is to give a talk at Swaton St Michael’s (NG34 0JP) about Nicolaa de La Hayde, who was wife of the Lord of the Manor of Swaton and defended Lincoln Castle for King John. Tickets, which include a two-course meal, are £10. For more please call 01529 421 278 or 01529 421 930, or email candwkerby@gmail.com Tuesday, 9th August–Saturday, 13th August (10am–2.30pm). Flower Festival & Mothers’ Union Displays. St Benedict’s Church, High Street, Lincoln. 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th–13th August Lincoln Mystery Plays. Lincoln Cathedral. For more see the short article below.
Monday, 22nd–Tuesday, 30th August Jesus Christ Superstar (Lincoln Cathedral) – tickets sold out! Friday, 26th–Tuesday, 30th August The Parish Church of St Mary, Whaplode, hosts a Flower Festival – Famous Art & Sculptures. Flowers and fresh produce, bric-a-brac, displays by local groups, zumba and line dancing demonstrations, live music and children’s activities. Open 10am–6pm each day (until 2pm on the Tuesday). For more please contact rs.aw42@btinternet.com Saturday, 27th–Monday, 29th August Flower Festival at St Guthlac’s Church, Fishtoft, near Boston. The theme is the Queen’s 90 years. The church will be open from 10–6pm, with refreshments available. For more information please call 01205 760 657. OCTOBER Thursday, 6th October (10am–2pm, including lunch). Social Issues in the Fens – the subject will be the use and importance of sacred space, with the main speaker being Geoffrey Court, Honorary Director of The Circle Works (Reflective Zone, The Royal Foundation of St Katherine, London). Meets at Long Sutton Market House, 9 Market Street, Long Sutton, Spalding PE12 9DD. Find more events online at http://www. lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/events/
The 2016 Lincoln Mystery Plays will soon be upon us. To be staged in Lincoln Cathedral Cloisters, there will be nine evening performances running from the 3rd until the 13th of August. Board member Jason Hippisley describes what audiences might expect: ‘The Plays open up all aspects of humanity, exploring a wide range of emotions and responses that connect deeply with our lives today. For 2016 the historic plays will be presented with fresh dynamism and feature a county-wide cast. They will also present a rare opportunity to sit back under the stars and the majesty of Lincoln Cathedral’s towers to experience stories as ancient as time itself’. Tickets may be bought via www.lincolnmysteries.co.uk and from the Lincoln Cathedral Shop on 01522 561 644.
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