CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org
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March / April 2016
Enriching our faith through Passion in Paint
Ghislaine Howard/The Washing of the Feet from the Methodist Modern Art Collection, © TMCP, used with permission.
Described as ‘one of the finest collections of modern religious art in the UK’, the diocese and the Lincolnshire Methodist District have been working together to bring the Methodist Modern Art Collection to the county. The exhibition, Passion in Paint, is based in Lincoln Cathedral and at The Collection, Lincoln, until Easter Day. For more details on this project, please see http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/news-stories/lent-resource-2016/ For more detail on the Collection, please visit http://www.methodist.org.uk/static/artcollection/index.htm
FEATURE
DISCIPLESHIP
Coming soon...
Developing disciples
The return of the Lincoln Mystery Plays and Jesus Christ Superstar PAGES 14–15
Experiences of the Developing Discipleship Programme in the Stickney Cluster PAGES 18–19
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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln
The submission deadline for the next edition is Monday, 21st March 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: 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 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
From the Bishop of Grimsby... ‘Alleluia, Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!’ So says the Easter Greeting, which at Cromer (where I was formerly the Vicar) would be accompanied by the pulling of as many party poppers as I could lay my hands on… much to the ‘delight’ of the churchwardens, who then had to deal with the resultant mess! ‘To the God’, says the apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesian Church shortly after those first Easter events we celebrate, who is able to do ‘abundantly more’, ‘immeasurably more’, ‘far more’ than we either ask or imagine (Ephesians 3.20). The question is, do we actually believe it? I recently had the privilege of attending a lecture at Lambeth Palace delivered by the Bishop of London that was entitled ‘London’s Burning’, and which looked at the recent growth the Church in that particular diocese has been experiencing. At the end he was asked to predict whether he saw that growth continuing. What he saw the Church as being like in 2050. Up to us, was his answer. It could be even more glorious. It could have faded away to nothing. Up, in part, to us, what we do now. It’s easy to be gloomy, the recently published statistics on how the Church is doing are not good, particularly here in Lincolnshire; but... ‘Christ is Risen’ and we have a God who is able and wanting us to do ‘abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine’ by ‘his power at work within us’. The question is, is that what we believe as God’s Church, his Easter people here in Lincolnshire – and if it is, what are we going to actually do to show that we do! The Rt Revd Dr David Court The Bishop of Grimsby
The Dean of Lincoln retires Just as Crosslincs was going to press, The Very Revd Dr Philip Buckler, Dean of Lincoln, was preparing for his retirement. The Dean’s final Sunday in office was on the 31st of January, on The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, when he was due to preach at a Sung Eucharist in the Cathedral. Ahead of the Dean’s retirement, Bishop Christopher paid tribute to Philip and thanked him for his deeply valued and significant contribution to the life and ministry of our diocese. As Dean since 2007, Philip has been the senior priest in the diocese and a greatly appreciated member of the bishop’s staff team. Our love, prayers, thanks and all best wishes go with Philip and his wife, Linda.
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Sharing Good News Telling the story of Easter The Lincoln Cathedral gift shop is to stock ‘The Real Easter Egg’ range once again this year. The Real Easter Egg is claimed to be ‘the first and only Fairtrade chocolate Easter egg to explain the Christian understanding of Easter on and in the box’. In looking back at the symbolism of the Easter egg, The Revd Canon Nick Buck commented that ‘From the first centuries of the life of the Church, eggs were included in foods to be “given up” for Lent. As the hens didn’t stop laying there would be a bountiful supply when the fast ended at Easter, and so eggs came to symbolise Easter, often painted and given as gifts. By the 19th century the tradition of coloured eggs had evolved into the beautiful Fabergé eggs and the more affordable chocolate egg. The egg’s association with new life makes it a fitting symbol of Easter. Chocolate adds to the joy.’ The Real Easter Egg company is said to aim to combine the joy of the chocolate egg with sharing the story of Easter. This year the story is told on an illustrated cross, and the Special Edition egg comes with an olive-wood holding cross keyring from the Holy Land. Speaking about the range, shop manager, Sam McKay, said ‘We stock the Real Easter Egg because not only does it tell the story of Easter, but the
chocolate is Fair Trade and the company donates some of its profits to charity – so far they have donated more than £200,000 to charitable causes.’ The eggs are available in the shop now: The Original Real Easter Egg is priced at £3.99; the Dark Real Easter Egg is priced at £5.50; the Special Edition Premium Easter Egg is priced at £9.99; and the Sharing Box, ideal for Sunday school, is priced at £30.00 (30 midi eggs with posters). The shop, which is free to enter via the main West entrance to the Cathedral, is open from Monday to Saturday (9.30am–4.45pm), and Sunday (10.30am–4pm).
Godspell returns for a third run of shows Buoyed by the success of two strings of dates during 2015, members of the Springline Parish Choir, directed by the actress Sue Hodge, are now preparing for a third run of performances of Godspell. As Crosslincs was preparing to go to press, rehearsals were well underway ahead of forthcoming dates in Gainsborough, Grimsby, Owmby-by-Spital and Welton, which have been organised as a result of the popularity of the two previous sets of shows. The new dates will see a new actor playing the role of Jesus, after The Revd Adam Watson, parish priest in the parishes of Welton, Dunholme and Scothern, agreed to succeed Tim Shaw in the role. Speaking ahead of the March shows, Sue, who famously played Mimi Labonq in the much-loved BBC comedy series, ‘Allo ‘Allo!, said that she has high hopes for this new run of dates: ‘Tim Shaw was so well received by everyone at every venue he played,’ she said, ‘I can’t believe we have been blessed yet again with his successor in the guise of The Revd Adam Watson. I am very excited about this. Do not miss this superb opportunity.’ Tickets for the shows are £10, with no charge for children under the age of 10. They are available locally and at www.godspelltheconcert.com
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‘Faithful, Confident, Joyful’ St Luke’s Church in Stickney is now home to some colourful and striking banners that serve as a timely reminder of the call for all in the diocese to be faithful in our worship, confident in our discipleship and joyful in our service. The banners were the idea of Angela Brady, Churchwarden, and here she takes up the story of how the banners were produced and how they have been put to use in the church. ‘These banners were a response to the question of “How can we show that we are a mission church?”, which was asked in a moment of inspiration at a PCC meeting back in January 2015. One banner was made for each service in January, February and March, focusing on the words Faithful, Confident and Joyful. (As an aside, we decided to use the fourth Sunday of each month in the year to focus on one of the three Faithful, Confident and Joyful themes in each of our churches.)
‘Faithful – the Wise Men were faithful to follow the star to Jesus’
For a few years a small group of us have attended craft classes at Olive Tree, the Christian Resource Centre situated near Old Bolingbroke. We explored new skills and we tried out some of our own ideas. Simple banners and altar frontals for the church seasons appeared in St Luke’s, Stickney, as a result. The three banners illustrated here came about because of materials that I had to hand: bath towels, felt and strong glue. Once the letters were in place, the rest followed. Hopefully by seeing them others might be inspired to have a go. When visitors enter our church buildings to explore and to breathe in the atmosphere, pictures, stained glass and banners express the stories and the statements of our loving, living faith. In this diocese we have new opportunities and new challenges to look afresh at how we are Christian. Our church buildings can also play a part and be open expressions of people in active service for our amazing Creator God.’
‘Confident – have confidence to build on the rock which is Jesus’
Faithful, Confident, Joyful Crosslincs is looking for your stories... If you have a good-news story that you would like to celebrate and share with others in the diocese, we would love to hear from you – we’re looking to develop a regular feature that showcases what is happening in our parishes. Please send your stories and photographs to the diocesan Communications Officer, The Revd Adrian Smith, using the contact details on page two. ‘Joyful – Joy comes from the rising of the Son’
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Around the diocese An event that attracted a great deal of publicity prior to Christmas was the BBC Radio Lincolnshire Carol Service, which was recorded at St Botolph’s Church in Boston on the 13th of December ahead of its broadcast on Christmas Day. More than one-thousand people attended the service, which featured the RAF Band, a Polish Choir and St Botolph’s Church Choir. In preparation for the event, BBC Radio Lincolnshire had asked people to knit stars in memory of loved ones or in honour of someone, with the dedications to be displayed along with the stars. St Botolph’s held a Knit and Natter group on Tuesdays and Fridays, and with stars arriving from around the county and from as far away as Boston USA and Australia, more than 3,600 stars were produced, exceeding the original target several times over. The stars were displayed on more than 20 Christmas trees kindly dressed by Oldrids of Boston, and the dedications were displayed on separate boards for people to read. The footfall over Christmas dramatically increased as people from all over the county came to see their stars on display and to take photographs for those unable to visit. Speaking about the event, BBC Radio Lincolnshire Producer Paul Russell said, ‘Our carol service is always popular and attracts people from all four corners of the county. Having the knitted stars there made it extra special and brought back memories and emotions for a lot of people.’ Photographs courtesy of BBC Radio Lincolnshire and St Botolph’s Church.
During the Christmas period you may also have seen the Bishop of Grimsby speaking about The Bishop of Lincoln’s Social Justice Fund on BBC Look North. The bishop was interviewed for a feature following the first round of Panel Awards, which were announced after the consideration of 40 applications from local groups and organisations. The total amount awarded on this occasion was £68,445, with grants awarded to: Bridge Church, Lincoln – £5000; Fusion Youth Theatre & Arts, Grimsby – £5000; St Luke’s Church, Lincoln – £8,445; Frodingham Youth, Scunthorpe – £7,500; The Storehouse, Skegness – £5000; Shalom Youth Project, Grimsby – £15,000; Grantham & District Poverty Action – £7,500; and Trinity Centre, Louth – £15,000. At the time of going to press, the second round of Panel Awards had just been agreed, and in future issues of Crosslincs we will publish features on some of the recipients of funding and look at the impact that the Bishop of Lincoln’s Social Justice Fund is having on their activities and services. In the meantime further applications are invited from churches involved in social justice activity, voluntary or community organisations who have clear links to a local church community, and locally managed groups.
If you have a project with aims that include the improvement of social cohesion, the alleviation of isolation and poverty, and service of older people and children and young people, please contact Ian Thompson at Lincolnshire Community Foundation for more details. T: 01529 30 58 25 E: ianthompsonlcf@gmail.com
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Hospitality and service in the Cathedral The current team of Duty Chaplains at Lincoln Cathedral fulfil a vital role in the ongoing ministry and mission of the Cathedral and its offer of welcome and hospitality to all who visit. Crosslincs spent some time with two members of the team to hear more about their role. It is clear upon meeting with The Revd Ann Mazur and Canon Jane Freebairn-Smith that they derive a great deal of satisfaction and fulfilment from their roles within the current team of Duty Chaplains at Lincoln Cathedral. Ann is the Duty Chaplain Representative, which means that she also has additional responsibilities ‘behind the scenes’ in terms of co-ordinating the team with the Dean’s PA, Rachel Woodward, and making sure that all runs smoothly, and Jane is a long-standing member of this team, having served since she was made a Canon in 2001. As Jane explains, ‘When I was first invited to become a Duty Chaplain I was still working in a parish. So I said that I could offer a certain amount and then, when I retired, I started to serve here much more frequently. People look for sustenance and help here, and not just Christians.’
“The role of Duty Chaplain is a vital part of the ministry and mission of the Cathedral” Ann has become involved with this ministry during her retirement, and she has come to really appreciate the beauty and peace of the environment in which she serves. ‘This is a holy place,’ she says. ‘As Duty Chaplains here we are a part of the welcoming team that looks to welcome all of our visitors, and we are also here to listen to people. In this day and age I think that this offer to listen is important.’ As Jane and Ann go on to explain, a typical day for a Duty Chaplain involves arriving at 10am and first speaking with the staff at the reception desk. The morning is then spent circulating in the Cathedral, talking to people and listening to them, before offering a short time of prayer from the Nave pulpit at midday. Ordained Duty Chaplains have an opportunity, if they wish, to preside at the Eucharist, which is held daily at St Hugh’s Shrine at 12.30pm. Lunch is provided, there is a further short time of prayer at 3pm, and then the day usually ends at around 4pm, although all Duty Chaplains are of course most welcome to stay and attend Evensong or Evening Prayer at 5.30pm. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
The Revd Canon Jane Freebairn-Smith
It is not uncommon for Duty Chaplains to find themselves blessing people and objects, such as rings, and celebrating with people who have ventured into the Cathedral on a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary. Ministry, mission, hospitality and pastoral care are all very much to the fore in such a role, and this was underlined by The Very Revd Philip Buckler, ahead of his retirement as Dean of Lincoln, who commented: ‘The role of Duty Chaplain is a vital part of the ministry and mission of the Cathedral, ensuring that there is someone to respond to the pastoral needs of the countless visitors who come – some seeking counsel, others finding their visit prompting questions that may surface unexpectedly. To all of these the Duty Chaplain may be called upon to offer help. Along with my colleagues and all of us at the Cathedral, I am deeply grateful to those who readily give of their time in this work, and who thus become a very real part of the Cathedral family’. To further strengthen this valuable ministry, it is now hoped that more people might consider offering some of their time as a Duty Chaplain. As Ann says, ‘We would love to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining the team. The commitment could be as little as one day a month, and we would be very happy to offer people a ‘taster day’ so that they may find out more about what the role involves’. It is clear in speaking with Jane and Ann that the role of Duty Chaplain in Lincoln Cathedral offers an opportunity to be and to serve in a holy place, meeting and serving God’s people as they rest awhile, explore and share with another. If the role of Duty Chaplain appeals to you, please contact either Rachel Woodward, PA to the Dean (T: 01522 561 611; E: dean@lincolncathedral.com) or The Revd Ann Mazur, Duty Chaplain Representative (T: 01673 85 77 20; E: ann@mazur.org.uk)
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Recent clergy appointments On 15th December 2015, The Bishop of Lincoln was pleased to announce the appointment of The Revd Canon Gavin Kirk, Precentor of Lincoln, as Archdeacon of Lincoln.
The Revd Adrian Smith, Communications Officer, was licensed as a General Preacher by the Bishop of Lincoln on Monday, 21st December 2015.
On taking up the post of Arcdeacon after Easter 2016, Canon Kirk will have particular responsibility for clergy recruitment, discipline and certain legal functions related to parishes in the Archdeaconry of Lincoln.
The Revd Lorraine Turner has accepted the nomination of the Bishop of Lincoln to serve as Rural Dean of Louthesk for a five-year term. The bishop commissioned Lorraine on Thursday, 7th January 2016.
The Revd Lorna Brabin-Smith, Team Vicar of the Fosse Team (Leicester), is to be Rector of Branston w Nocton and Potterhanworth.
We pray for each one of them as they take up these appointments, praying too for the people and the places that they will seek to serve.
PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 12 1
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– set by Kettlebird
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D R U M O A H O C H D D N S D O W N J A A U B L E H E D G O U R I N R N F E L L O N A S T O Y
Solution to No. 11: C A M E R O N H A U O U R C H I L L R M N I N I B S E N L K T O L Y S I S R A E E N E P A L N T I C U M B E N T H A M O W R O B O T A K E E R E S O R T S
Winner of Prize Crossword No. 11: Mr David Close of Welbourn. Thank you to all who entered. How to enter: completed entries should be sent to Crossword, Crosslincs, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU.
Closing date for No. 12: 21st March 2016. The editor’s decision is final.
Across 9 Fine on cake, not on wings (5) 10 Joseph’s gift. Shut by rolling stone (9) 11 Fruity hue (4,5) 12 Processing plant. First class when it’s not damp outside (5) 13 Rota muddle in C.I.D. supplying blood to brain (7) 15 Heard once by Peter after three denials (7) 17 Hear the accounts (5)
Down 18 Homer’s tonic! (3) 20 Produce of stations and wind farms (5) 22 Diminutive dam (7) 25 Seafarer or, a bit more north, a Lincoln-born maestro (7) 26 Sounds through the ether (5) 27 Where landlubbers lie in storm at sea (4,5) 30 Offspring of James II (before making a firm offer) (9) 31 Stocking material pre-war (5)
1 Eminence concealed in tendon by aces (4) 2 Immersed, stirred and cooked on low heat (8) 3 Eagerly expectant (4) 4 Ed dances and rose up (8) 5 Useful if you are first in and have got the bottle (6) 6 Clumsy shoe (10) 7 Baptised by John (6) 8 Exceedingly light illumination (4) 13 On bracelet for a spell (5)
14 Tall posts with images. Found in temples, too (5,5) 16 Carvings found to be less well done (5) 19 Cottage industry done by children (4,4) 21 Gusty girl on the pull (8) 23 Agreed by the head (6) 24 Prepared a bit of a function with limited means (4,2) 26 Pier has reached maturity (4) 28 Run away. Didn’t use the fastener? (4) 29 Seven holidays in east Kew (4)
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Social Justice In the last issue of Crosslincs, Jackie WatersDewhurst, Diocesan Director of Education, looked at forthcoming changes in education. Here, Jackie looks at the issue of social justice. The latest changes in education have got me thinking about the Parish–School partnership. As a diocesan adviser in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, I did a lot of training with both schools and parishes about what this crucial relationship might look like. In countless working groups we talked of hearing readers, starting knitting clubs and gardening clubs, and football and Bible clubs, joining the governing body, holding joint fund-raising events, attending each other’s worship, sharing artwork and artefacts, learning the same hymns and prayers, and shared prayer meetings. The list was as long as the skills and interests of the people involved in the discussions. But that was a long time ago. All of the above (and more) are still valid but I have a growing feeling that they are no longer enough.
“It is time for the Church to re-engage with social justice in our schools” In the beginning, Church of England schools were a matter of social justice. Everyone, no matter their social standing or income, should have the right to be educated. In 1944 the State took over the responsibility and the cost of that education and the Church was happy to do the bits at the edges. Matters of social justice were dealt with by the education system and the welfare state. With the recent changes in the welfare provision coupled with the falling schools budgets (likely to be 12% over this parliament) I have an increasing feeling that it is time for the Church to re-engage with social justice in our schools and through our schools into our communities. We will have an increasing number of children trying to learn when their home has been unable to provide them with the food, warmth, clothing or emotional security that they need. Schools will be unable to retain sufficient staff to deal with the family issues that take up so much staff time and both child and school will suffer. It is time to put
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down the lunchtime clubs and think more revolutionary thoughts about the parish–school partnership. Are there people in your parish, benefice or deanery who could start up a credit union in your primary school; offering advice and finances to parents, as well as providing financial education to pupils? Could those parishioners engage in work at the local foodbank, providing a means for schools to be able to refer families? Could you support a school by running a uniform/clothes swap session on a regular basis, or by gathering a clothes bank that a teacher could draw upon for pupils in need? What about church, school, parents and pupils growing and cooking food together to provide hot meals where and when they are most needed? This list is also limited only by the willingness of those who feel called to action. Advice centres gathering together Citizens’ Advice Bureau and debt services, parenting advice, health services and relationship advice are all possibilities. It is, of course, important that the people involved in such things are the right people with the right support and training – involving ourselves in the finances and family lives of others is a serious business with serious consequences if we get it wrong. But is that any reason not to start? Of course our schools all work in different contexts and some of the above will not be needed in the school near you. But do you know and how can you find out? If your church or school is interested in developing any of the above please feel free to contact me at Jackie.wd@lincoln. anglican.org and let’s see if we can take on the challenge of ensuring social justice for the pupils in our schools. In December the staff team at the diocesan parish support office, Edward King House, held a Sale of Work in the Cathedral Chapter House as part of the Lincoln Christmas Market. This was in response to an identified need to help raise funds to feed children who might be in need of a meal during the school holidays. Members of staff and family and friends knitted and sewed and baked and made an amazing range of creative things to sell, and they raised a total of £1279.29 towards the costs of feeding these children. Details of a possible follow-up event for this cause will be announced in due course.
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Agenda: forthcoming special events St Mary’s, Pinchbeck prepares to welcome The Queen’s Six during flower festival A forthcoming Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church in Pinchbeck will also include a performance by The Queen’s Six. Based at Windsor Castle, the group are also Lay Clerks of St George’s Chapel, and it is said that the familiarity of living and singing together every day in the Royal Chapel lends the group ‘its distinctive closeness and blend, as well as an irresistible informality and charm’. The Flower Festival displays will depict changes in village life over the 90 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, with the concert on Wednesday, 27th April at 7.30pm. Tickets will be on sale online at www.southhollandcentre. co.uk For more information, please contact Helen Banks on 01775 64 02 13 or email hmbanks@btinternet.com
International Christian singer-songwriter adds Barrow-upon-Humber tour date
Lincoln Cursillo sets date for weekend
Holy Trinity Church, Barrow-upon-Humber, is to host a date on the forthcoming tour by Dave Bilbrough, the international Christian singer-songwriter. Touring in support of his new album, The Song that I Sing, Dave will be making his fourth appearance at the church on Saturday, 23rd April (7.30pm; doors open from 6.45pm).
The next Lincoln Cursillo weekend is set to run from the 17th–20th June 2016. For more information please contact the Lay Director, Liz Lilley (E: liz.lilley@hotmail. co.uk T: 01507 44 00 39;) or the Spiritual Director, Jeff Wilson (01652 64 86 87 E: jeff.wilson@yahoo.co.uk) or visit www.lincolncursillo.org.uk
Speaking about this latest release, Dave says that ‘The focus on The Song that I Sing that makes this album distinct for me is that I’ve tried to put into music and words something of where I am in my stage of life. I’ve tried to journal, much like a psalmist would, what being a follower of Jesus is but not being afraid to highlight doubts and fears that I’m sure we all experience.’ Drawing on folk roots and world music influences, Dave is in demand as a troubadour and worship leader, and he has been a regular at Spring Harvest. He brings experience, innovation and the prophetic into the worship arena, and has over three decades of experience in Christian songwriting. ‘All Hail the Lamb’, ‘I Am a New Creation’, ‘Holy Ground’ and ‘Abba Father’ are among his many compositions that have been sung worldwide by all denominations. Tickets (£6) are available from Annette Cherry on 01469 53 16 13, and more information is at www.davebilbrough.com
Anglican Religious Communities – an event offering talk and discussion ‘Anglican Religious Communities: Why They Revived, Why They Thrived, Will They Survive?’ is the title of a forthcoming talk and discussion that is to be led by Dr Peta Dunstan. The event will take place at Lincoln Cathedral Centre on Wednesday, 11th May 2016 at 2pm. Admission is free, but you will need to book a place in advance by emailing Canon Fr Stephen Hoy: Fr-stephen@stjohnthebaptistparishchurch.org.uk Dr Peta Dunstan is a Fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, and has researched and written over many years on the Religious life among Anglicans.
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The Lincoln Mystery Plays return... The popular summer tradition of the Lincoln Mystery Plays returns in August, and tickets are available now. The plays – which are rooted in a Medieval telling of extracts from the Bible for wide-scale audience appeal – will this year be presented with fresh dynamism whilst respecting their long history. In addition, a glance at the 2016 Lincoln Cathedral events programme reveals that the Plays will be joined by a re-run of Jesus Christ Superstar, which proved so popular in 2015, thus offering a unique opportunity for people to experience the ‘Story of Christ’ from two very different perspectives. With the historic origins of the Lincoln Mystery Plays said to date back to the 10th century, Mystery Plays formed a significant part of the religious and dramatic life of cities such as Lincoln, Chester and York, presenting the story of mankind from the Creation to Doomsday. Now, in 2016, the organisers of this year’s production claim that the audience will experience ‘something special and meaningful, something that touches their inner concept of spirituality, something that satisfies their innate sense of good and evil, and something that confirms their belief in God and Man’. The Company for the 2016 Lincoln Mystery Plays has been drawn from people across the county, and they are very much looking forward to taking their audience into the plays themselves, sharing the greatest story ever told, employing vigour and a sense of humour, humility and humanity while exploring emotions such as jealousy, despair, burden, duty, pain, temptation, sorrow and hope. Meanwhile there are still opportunities for people to get more directly involved in this year’s production. Help would be welcomed backstage, in costume design, in set building, singing, acting, front-of-house and other skills, and so to express an interest in joining the team, please email the director, Colin Brimblecombe (colin@lincolnmysteries.co.uk).
The 2016 Lincoln Mystery Plays will be staged in the Cloisters at Lincoln Cathedral over nine nights from the 3rd until the 13th of August 2016 at 7.30pm (there will not be performances on the 4th and the 7th of August). Tickets are currently on sale through the Cathedral Shop and they are also available online by searching for Lincoln Mystery Plays 2016 at www.eventbrite.co.uk Links to tickets, background information and details of how to get involved may also be found at www.lincolnmysteries.co.uk
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...followed by Jesus Christ Superstar Following on from last year’s sell-out performances, Lincoln Cathedral has been delighted to announce that ‘the buzz is back’. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, will return this summer with performances running from 22nd–30th August 2016. With a company comprised completely of volunteers, more than two-hundred local people will once again join together to produce this legendary rock opera, working in every aspect of planning, rehearsal and performance, on stage and behind the scenes. In 2015 this event gave the Cathedral the opportunity to work with the wider community and facilitate – through funds, time and venue – the fabulous performance that was enjoyed by so many. Alexandra Schimmel, Events Manager at the Cathedral, is delighted that the Cathedral has been granted the licence for the show to return, and following the first auditions held on the 20th of January this year she reported that ‘Once again we have been overwhelmed by the community spirit and goodwill of the people of Lincoln. Over 250 people came to the first audition to offer their skills and talents. It is fantastic to be a part of this, with so much support from the local community. This promises to be another stunning performance.’ Commenting on the production, the Director, Ben Poole, who has agreed to resume his role as a volunteer producer
and director, said ‘It’s about building community, nurturing local talent and bringing a fresh generation of visitors to this beautiful building and city; all while raising much-needed funds for the Cathedral we love.’ The Cathedral, and the cast and crew, are very excited to have the opportunity to showcase this fantastic spectacle once again, and Alexandra commented that ‘Without the generosity of our sponsors, and of course the Cathedral Chapter, we wouldn’t be able to produce this show-stopper. We are very grateful to our sponsors for trusting us to deliver last year, and we look forward to working with our sponsors for another successful event.’ Chris Butterfield, Director, Evenbrook (a sponsor of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2015), said that ‘The setting, a passionate cast, and an exceptional performance produced an uplifting occasion for all of us. The final procession of cast and audience through the West entrance, below illuminated towers and a starlit sky, was inspired. We applaud some very energetic, creative and imaginative people.’ The production team is looking forward to welcoming even more hopefuls at forthcoming auditions and rehearsals – not only dancers, actors and singers, but crucially, joiners, electricians, costume makers and many more skills. If you are interested in joining the talented cast and crew of Jesus Christ Superstar, please visit the Cathedral website, or join the team on Facebook (see The Starring Lincoln Company). The shows will run from 22nd August–30th August 2016 (excluding Sundays), and tickets are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased via telephone on 01522 56 16 06, from the Cathedral gift shop, or by using the electronic booking system available at www.lincolncathedral.com DIOCESELINCOLN
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Caring for our churches Now in its 32nd year, The Church Repair Society for the Diocese of Lincoln counts amongst its almost 200 members a fantastic collection of spires and towers representing probably the widest range of architectural styles in the UK. Originally set up in the north east of the diocese in 1984 so as to try and address the need to encourage a culture of pragmatic forward planning in the care of churches and associated buildings such as church halls, the Society, a registered charity, has steadily grown to encompass the whole of the diocese, the equivalent of the original county of Lincolnshire. Terry Bowker, Interim Secretary of the Society, explains how the Society works. In its most basic form the Society encourages parishes to undertake their Quinquennial Inspection by offering a reward. This is possible as a result of an original investment and loan, which means that the Society has year-onyear managed to establish a fund that allows it to pay to parishes up to 50% of the fee, to a current maximum of £250, for the cost of a Quinquennial Inspection, provided that the parish has paid in to the Society over the previous five-year period. This currently involves a sum of £30 to be paid each year, resulting in a total of £150, and a potential saving of £100. Obviously the relative values have moved and will always be reviewed each year as the overall average of architects’ inspection fees changes, while at a more sophisticated level the Society offers an opportunity to create an investment fund, primarily to meet the annual expenditure requirements outlined in the Quinquennial Inspection. Several of the Society’s members elect to go further and pursue the objective of planning to meet the expected costs of work over the ensuing five years following the inspection. Here they ‘put away’ a regular amount with the Society, which can be called on to meet repair costs as they arise. Often this is regarded as a ‘bottom drawer fund’ away from normal parish running costs. At the point when it is necessary to apply for grants for work from outside bodies it is often useful to be able to demonstrate an ability to offer an element of matched funding, or to show a serious intent at fundraising in addition to any particular local restoration efforts. In some cases parishes encourage individuals to undertake this as their regular giving, which has other opportunities for incentives (for example, Gift Aid).
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St Peter’s Church, Claypole
These regular savings attract interest as the Society invests the combined monies, interest is subsequently allocated to each parish on a regular basis, and the Society regularly reviews at each Executive meeting the performance of the funds. In addition, the Society maintains a small loan fund to help those parishes that are undertaking work, have fulfilled most of their needs from grants and other sources but still have a shortfall. This facility is obviously limited and is subject to detailed consideration and review of annual accounts. The Society is not a grant-making body. One of the aspects of the Society’s activities that has developed over its 32-year life has been the networking and sharing of information and contacts. Lincoln Diocese has numerous smaller parishes, and specialist services can sometimes be hard to locate, and so with the Society’s contacts it is often possible to help out in some way. In terms of the governance of the Society, apart from the Annual General Meeting, which is held in the spring of each year and to which all members are invited, there is an elected Executive Committee. This meets every two months and reviews applications, Quinquennial Inspections, etc. Each inspection that has taken place is then allocated to an
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Protecting the future Executive Committee member to follow up and contact the parish concerned and offer any relevant assistance, often culminating in a site visit. All the officers and executive members of the Society serve on a voluntary basis, and in thinking about the future the Society is anxious to maintain a succession policy and to fill some of the current vacancies on the Executive Committee. The commitment involved in such roles might be about an hour-or-so every other month, plus some contact with a parish in-between meetings. If you are interested in becoming an Executive member, first get your parish to become a member of the Society. Apart from appropriate professional experience, an individual might have some PCC or church restoration work experience, or just be interested in church buildings. The reward is to see the continued growth of the Society from a few parishes in 1984 to more recent times, where, in 2015, almost 200 of the 631 churches in the diocese are members. There is also the opportunity to come across the fantastic range of church buildings in some amazing
All Saints Church, Belton
towns and villages across Lincolnshire, discovering their place in history and their valuable contribution to society. So please do contact the Society and at the very least see if your parish might consider membership, beginning the process of planning and funding for the future. Further details may be obtained from Terry Bowker, Interim Secretary, Croft House, 12 School Lane, West Butterwick, North Lincolnshire DN17 3LB. T: 01724 78 35 53; E: groffterry@aol.com
Furthering Fresh Expressions The Revd Jonnie Parkin is to serve as diocesan Fresh Expressions Enabler, so what does this role involve? In this extension to his current role leading a Fresh Expression, over the next six months Jonnie will be seeking to champion and to resource Fresh Expressions initiatives, or ‘new ways of being church’, across the diocese. In recent years there has been a marked increase in Fresh Expressions initiatives, such as Messy Church and Cafe Church, and as Fresh Expressions Enabler, Jonnie will use his experience in this area to raise awareness of the opportunities offered by such initiatives and, where appropriate, help those involved with existing projects and work with others to explore whether Fresh Expressions might be suitable for their particular context. Jonnie will also support the delivery of the Mission Shaped Ministry course (www.missionshapedministry.org), a oneyear part-time course that helps to prepare people for ministry in Fresh Expressions of church; he will identify and draw upon established best practice in other dioceses; and provide ongoing support and advice, as required.
In order to do this, Jonnie will be undertaking a mapping exercise. If you have a Fresh Expression operating in your parish please contact him as soon as possible with details. Please also contact Jonnie within the next six months if you would like some help and advice relating to the setting up of a Fresh Expressions initiative in your parish. You may email him at fxenabler@lincoln.anglican.org DIOCESELINCOLN
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Discipleship The Developing Discipleship Programme in the Stickney Cluster, Bolingbroke Deanery The Developing Discipleship Programme (DDP) is the key framework in our diocesan strategy for engaging with mission communities to grow healthy, vibrant and sustainable churches to transform lives in Greater Lincolnshire. It is a long-term process of prayerfully based strategic planning for clergy and congregations working together. Bishop Christopher invites every mission community to take up this diocesan support which can be tailored to suit different church contexts. Bishop David launched the DDP in the Stickney Cluster with a group launch service at St Jude’s, New Leake, in April 2015. Over the course of three group events held between April and June 2015, the group thought together about: • why are we here? • what are our values? • where is God calling us to grow? Through their work together they agreed the following statements for the group: our vocation statement (who the church is in this community) – as a mission community our calling from God is to make connections with every part of our neighbourhood so that everyone might discover what we have learnt about following Jesus, and feel that they can be part of it. Our values We are a welcoming, faithful and creative church working together in our mission to be Good Samaritans to our neighbours. Our 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. The three churches then identified different plans to put this group vision into action. Their annual reflection event is booked for July 2016, and we look forward to celebrating the Holy Spirit at work in God’s church.
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Here follows an account from authorised lay ministers of the experience of the DDP in the Stickney Cluster. How does the DDP benefit your group of churches? We are three rural churches forming part of the Bolingbroke Deanery Team Ministry and known as the Stickney Cluster. Prior to the DDP, although we were an established ‘cluster’ within the deanery, we did not really work together in a planned way. The DDP made us stop and think, and question what we were doing. We were encouraged to look at what was relevant today. Having a plan has helped us to take decisions and head in the direction of God’s calling – although it is slow progress. What has surprised you in doing the process? Sometimes it has been difficult to help people who were not there to understand why it is necessary to have a plan for growth. It is very tempting to shut ourselves away – welcoming people who come through the doors, but not really seeking to invite them in. The goals we set ourselves are challenging, but have opened new channels of communication with the local community which we can build on in the future. Where is God most present in the process for you? As we have listened to one another we have developed a sense of God’s vision for this community. We have a greater sense of His leading and guiding. We are no longer stuck in a rut. Each of our churches identified that we needed to develop in some way our sense of connection with God. It was something we all knew, but something we hadn’t really spoken about previously.
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Discipleship Where do you think you have been most aware of God calling you to grow? We have three schools in our cluster – a Church of England Secondary Academy, and a Church Primary School that is federated with an LEA Primary School. We have identified opportunities to work within all of the schools, developing links with the young people, their parents and the staff. We are also seeking to develop new forms and styles of worship through the reordering of our church buildings. This is going to take a long time and funding is a significant issue, but we are taking small steps and we are seeing where they lead.
“We have had a bit of a shake-up. There is a lot going on, and the DDP has been the catalyst for this” What has happened to your church since beginning the DDP? We have had a bit of a shake-up. We are beginning to think more naturally as a cluster and working together – particularly on raising the extra Parish Share for 2016! The PCC meetings are a useful place to revisit the plans. It is good to have some events in the diary that are specific to those plans. So, for example, at New Leake we planned to have a Pet Service for the local community, which is happening in August 2016. At Stickford we used the well-attended Carol Service to invite people back to a Christingle Service at the end of January. In Stickney, our plans to remove the defunct organ have been delayed – but they are still going ahead, opening a new worship area for development. There is a lot going on, and the DDP has been the catalyst for this.
Join with others at Spring Harvest 2016 Ever been to Spring Harvest? Why not consider joining with others from around the diocese in Skegness this year? The event takes place at the Butlins resort from Monday, 28th March until Friday, 1st April and it promises to be a fruitful time of reflection, equipping and refreshment. You can still book day tickets and event passes online at www.springharvest.org The Bible teaching will be delivered by Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology at St Aldates Church in Oxford. It is said that Simon’s ability to communicate and his thoroughness in Bible exposition have made him a popular figure at Spring Harvest and other Christian events in the UK and abroad. Other speakers are set to include Pete Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden; Cris Rogers, Vicar of All Hallow Bow in East London; and Katharine Hill, UK Director of Care for the Family. The diverse programme offers a choice of sessions to encourage and equip those attending. Highlights include Lyfe Course, a series of practical sessions based on the power of the spiritual disciplines; Big Questions Stream, an opportunity to delve into the complex questions of our day; and the Mission Stream, exploring how we can effectively communicate the gospel to those in our communities. As a diocese we have already issued an invitation to some of our key leaders to a day hosted at the event by the Bishop of Grimsby offering a chance to join him in sampling some of what the event has to offer. For those who would like to attend for the whole break, Spring Harvest has introduced a discount of £10 per person if a booking is made before the 1st of March, meaning that prices start from £129 each. Further information relating to this year’s event is now available online at www.springharvest.org
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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CALENDAR FEBRUARY Passion in Paint (until the 27th of March) The Methodist Collection of Modern Art (To be on display in Lincoln Cathedral and at The Collection, Lincoln) MARCH Thursday, 3rd March (10am–2pm) Social Issues in South Lincs meeting: The Impact of Poverty on Children in Education Long Sutton Market House, 9 Market Street, Long Sutton, Spalding PE12 9DD. Saturday, 5th March (10am) Latin for Beginners The Cathedral Centre, Lincoln. For details and enrolment please call 01452 73 11 13. www.lingua.co.uk/latin
Sunday, 13th March (3.30–5.30pm) Afternoon Tea at St Edith’s Church, Coates, in aid of The Eve Appeal Women’s Cancer Charity (Suggested donation of £5). 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 (7.30pm) Tickets for all shows are available locally or via godspelltheconcert.com
Thursday, 10th March (7.30pm) ‘This Life, Live it’: Question Time with a Christian panel St Mary’s Church Hall, Long Sutton, Spalding PE12 9JJ.
Thursday, 17th March (7pm for 7.30pm) Lincoln Theological Society Lecture at the Robert Hardy Lecture Theatre, Bishop Grosseteste University, 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).
Saturday, 12th March (7pm) Lincoln Cathedral Choir is to perform the St John Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach. For tickets call 01522 56 16 44 or visit www.lincolncathedral.com/shop
Friday, 18th March (7.30pm) The Jesus Story musical by Richard Rice-Oxley, performed by local choir and musicians Methodist Church, Harrowby Lane,
Faith and the Environment Conference Saturday, 7th May 2016 (10am–4.30pm) Edward King House, Lincoln An exchange of up-to-the minute information about environmental issues, and the opportunity to reflect together on how, as people of faith, we might respond. Speakers are to include Dr Ruth Valerio (Churches and Theology Director of A Rocha UK; arocha.org. uk); The Revd Leslie Batty (ecologist,
Anglican priest and environmental theologian); Mr Geoff Stratford (environmental activist and retired science teacher); The Revd Canon Alan Robson (Agricultural Chaplain); The Revd Dr Sally Myers (Principal of the Lincoln School of Theology and lecturer in Christian ethics); and Dr Terry Miller (Environmental Chaplain in Lincolnshire until 2013). There is no charge for this event. All are welcome. To book your place email LSTadmin@lincoln.anglican.org
Readers of the January/February issue may have noted that a production issue with a font resulted in three instances of a degree symbol and two instances of a subscript ‘2’ losing their styling within the article relating to climate change on page six. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Grantham. Tickets from jtrongar@yahoo. co.uk More details from rev-rice-oxley.uk Sunday, 20th March (4pm) The Jesus Story musical Edenham Village Hall. (See 18th March.) Tuesday, 22nd March 2016 at 11am Chrism Eucharist – Lincoln Cathedral All are welcome to attend this service. Monday, 28th March – Friday, 1st April Spring Harvest at Butlins, Skegness For details see feature on previous page. APRIL Saturday, 23rd April – Monday, 2nd May 2016 (10am–5pm daily) Flower & Craft Festival at St Peter & St Paul Church, Gosberton Theme: ‘Going for Gold’ Free entry: to include floral displays, craft stalls, raffle, tombola and refreshments Saturday, 23rd April – Monday, 2nd May 2016 Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church, Long Sutton Theme: ‘The Colour Wheel’ For more details, please call 01406 36 42 26 or email stmary.ls@btopenworld.com Saturday, 23rd April – Monday, 2nd May 2016 (10am–6pm daily) Flower Festival at All Saints, Moulton Theme: ‘Elements of Life’ To include stalls and light refreshments. For coach bookings, please contact Brian Smith: 01406 37 08 05; brijes@uwclub.net Friday, 29th April – Monday, 2nd May Flower Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church, Fleet To include refreshments and stalls. JUNE 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.
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