CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org
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March/April 2018 – Free
Our Learning Communities are surrounded in prayer The Learning Communities received their official launch at a very special service in Lincoln Cathedral in February. A congregation of 200-plus came together in worship, to hear more and to set our Learning Communities in prayer.
The service, which was led by the Bishop of Lincoln, featured contributions from around the diocese, including a choir from St Wulfram’s in Grantham and also a band from St George’s Swallowbeck in Lincoln. (Continued overleaf...)
INSIDE...
INSIDE...
A God-filled experience
Global concerns
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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln
The submission deadline for the next issue is 3rd April 2018. 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 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.com/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 Interim Diocesan Secretary The Venerable Mark Steadman T: 01522 50 40 32 E: interim.diosec@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 Archdeacon of Lincoln The Venerable Gavin Kirk T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org
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Welcome...
Shared learning and experience is very much to the fore in this issue, as we mark the launch of Learning Communities and share what’s been happening. Please do continue to share your news and stories with Crosslincs – in sharing news, experience and your ideas around the diocese we can learn together.
Our Learning Communities are surrounded in prayer
(Continued)
During his sermon, Bishop Christopher stated that, “As the church in greater Lincolnshire, our aim is to transform lives where they are less than they could be, where there is unfairness or loneliness or fear. In order to do this, we need to hold each other in love and converse deeply about what will build up our churches, projects and chaplaincies, as labourers in the harvest, as witnesses to the light, the salvation prepared in the face of every person. “As we gather with fellow Christians from contexts rather like our own,” Bishop Christopher said, “God will stand in our midst in the sharing and the learning, as we work out how best to join in with what he is doing in our villages and towns, our coasts and farms and estates. “The Learning Communities will be places where we can talk to each other about our hopes, ambitions and problems with a love that is not cheap in avoiding challenge or condoning what is less than the best. The hard, faithful work will be listening with love, questioning with love, praying supportively with love, and rejoicing with love when obstacles are overcome and gospel service given.” As detailed in the last issue of Crosslincs, our Learning Communities will come together from within six ‘character areas’ (the six main types of settlement in the three counties of the diocese): rural; coastal; urban; market towns; suburban villages; and housing developments. As shown on the facing page, six Learning Communities are underway, with representatives from these helping to lead a lantern procession at the end of the launch service, with more to follow.
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Learning Communities ‘The Market Town experience’ The Revd Richard Steel catches up with the Market Towns in Central Lincolnshire Learning Community, which has been running since the summer of 2017... As has been documented elsewhere in this issue, the Learning Communities are now underway, with six launched in Lincoln Cathedral in early February, and further enquiries being received at the diocesan office. There is one group, however, that has been running for eight months: Market Towns in Central Lincolnshire comprises Market Rasen, Wragby, Horncastle, Caistor, Alford, Louth and Spilsby. The Revd Steve Johnson (Priest in Charge of the Parish of St Thomas in Market Rasen) addressed the congregation at the Learning Communities launch service, and, in reflecting on this gathering from market towns, he stated that “Underpinning this is the belief that throughout our lives we are continuously learning new things, engaging with new ideas, trying new ideas out, recognising that we may not have all the answers. It is often said that ‘we don’t know, what we don’t know’ – and a learning community opens our eyes to the possible, to new ideas, to new approaches that will help us to grow.” As part of this Learning Community, lay and ordained members of each parish come together to share what is happening, and then return to their own parishes inspired by what they have received from each other and challenged to put it into practice. At a recent session, people from Spilsby and Louth shared stories, with common themes arising from both, and learning can
The Revd Steve Johnson shared some of the early learning from a market town context at the Learning Communities launch service.
emerge that prompts further discernment and exploration. For example, the Revd Nick Brown (Team Parish of Louth) has pointed to what the pre-Reformation monastic tradition might reveal about Church in the present – that is, through the starting place of prayer; the sense of collegiate responsibility; and a place where the Church, through its involvement with education and health, serves the community on all sorts of different levels. The market town meetings, held on Saturday mornings, begin and end with a time of prayer, and also include the sharing in a lunch together. Discussion has taken place on how a market town church could facilitate and encourage growth in different ways in different places, and an emerging issue has been whether the churches could be kept open during the day, without stewards or churchsitters in attendance. The general response has so far been ‘Why not?’, with some now doing just this, and others wishing to know more. Looking ahead, some churches are thinking about taking part in the Open Heritage weekend in September, and so some people from Horncastle are set to share their experience of their 2017 Horncastle & Villages Churches Festival Weekend. This shared learning is key, and as Mike Hieatt, a member of the group, has said, “When groups are facing the same situations, rather than puzzling it out for yourself it makes sense to learn from others.” Whatever sort of church and community you are, we believe that we can find others facing similar issues. The application form to join a community is available upon request and on our website, and please do contact myself (01522 50 40 30) or the Revd David Dadswell (01522 50 40 62) for further information. DIOCESELINCOLN
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Children and youth Helping young people in faith In this issue, Charlotte Bloom and Jonny Bell from the diocesan Children & Youth Team take a look at a helpful resource for use with groups of young people... One of the increasing challenges in youth ministry today is in finding new ways of engaging young people in faith. Research indicates that getting young people involved in groups where they are free to discuss life’s big questions in a relaxed and informal environment can help develop their knowledge of faith. The Alpha Youth Film Series is a free (yes, free!) resource that can do just that! Alpha Youth is typically run over nine weeks with the option of a weekend/day away. Each session usually involves some food (another great way of engaging young people!), an interactive talk to watch, and discussion questions in small groups. Each episode looks at a different question surrounding faith and is designed to create discussion and conversation. The course looks at the life of Jesus, the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, faith, the Church and telling others about the gospel message. When you register your course you can download each video week by week and also find a guidance sheet that contains helpful hints and tips, including discussion questions for small groups. At St Swithin’s Church in Lincoln we run a Life Group for young people. This meets during the week and aims to engage young people in faith in a very real way, a way that ultimately will change the way that they live their life. We have just finished Youth Alpha and we have taken around 20 young people through the course, which has been fantastic. Some of the young people have developed their faith and some have been discovering things for the first time, which has been hugely exciting to see. The course is very adaptable and can be used for midweek groups, Sunday clubs and mentoring, and it is great for young people who are new to faith. To access this great resource all you need to do is visit www.alpha.org/alpha-youth-series Here you will find more information and details about how to register your course and start sharing the gospel with young people. Charlotte Bloom may be contacted by calling 07908 70 38 64 or via charlotte.bloom@lincoln.anglican.org and Jonny Bell may be contacted at jonny.bell@lincoln.anglican.org W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
An opportunity to share in Spring Harvest at Skegness Spring Harvest returns to Butlin’s, Skegness from Monday, 2nd to Friday, 6th April 2018. Clergy and Readers are again invited to join Bishop David at a leader’s day (on the Wednesday) at a discount rate, plus there is an extended offer for the whole week. Clergy and Readers should have already received some information about this offer from the Revd John Leach (john.leach@lincoln.anglican.org). There is also an offer available for youth groups. Through a combination of a discount and a grant, the ticket price will be just £15 per person (lunch included) for that same day (4th April), and the leader of the group is offered the opportunity to attend for just £5. Youth leaders and youth groups that wish to attend should please contact Charlotte Bloom by email for further information (charlotte.bloom@lincoln.anglican.org). In addition, perhaps people from your church might be able to offer something to Spring Harvest this year? The event requires volunteers throughout the week in areas such as stewarding, prayer support, administration, and technical support, and further information may be found on the Spring Harvest website (when completing an application, please remember to write ‘Diocese of Lincoln’ on the top of the form to indicate that you are part of the diocese). All of the very latest programme and volunteering information is available at springharvest.org
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Thy Kingdom Come 2018 An opportunity to share in a global wave of prayer As Thy Kingdom Come 2018 draws near, the Revd Richard Steel reflects on what has been achieved to date and looks ahead to what is still to come... In 2016 the Archbishops encouraged people to pray for 10 days between Ascension and Pentecost. Some 100,000 people, including many in our own diocese, did just that. In 2017 this extended to millions of Christians around the world, and in our diocese there were parish events and a Beacon Event staged in Lincoln Cathedral. Earlier this year, I was at Lambeth Palace for this year’s Thy Kingdom Come launch event, and here I heard the Archbishop of Canterbury share his excitement, almost amazement, at how this idea has grown. As he put it: “This has to be of God. I cannot remember,” he said, “anything in my life I’ve been involved with where I have sensed so clearly the work of the Spirit.”
“We are encouraging people to come together for a joint event at deanery level, in a way that works for you” And it wasn’t just the Archbishop. Speaker after speaker, from the Roman Catholic Church (“We have the joy of making the Gospel a reality… we have Catholic champions for Thy Kingdom Come around the country”), to the Methodist Church (“Wesley said he saw nothing without it being an answer to prayer… at local level things are bubbling up”) and the Redeemed Church of Christ (“When we first heard about this we got very excited, and involved. For us as a church it has been an amazing time of prayer”) there was a sharing of what has happened and what will be happening from 10th–20th May this year. The Archbishop referred to a Christian-run Foodbank where a client had responded: ‘I came in to get food and I got love’. “This is the Kingdom,” he said. “It is not Anglican, it is not English, it is God’s project.” And so this year in our diocese, alongside the things that individual churches will be doing, we are encouraging people to come together for a joint event at deanery level, in a way that works for you. This fits with the whole ethos
that the Archbishop is encouraging: “We do not try to tell people how to do things, we say pray in your way, in your community, your culture.” Every parish is to receive a pack of the main Thy Kingdom Come 2018 resources, and the senior staff are making themselves available to be a part of the deanery events. The diocesan Mission Team is also available to help with training and to provide information on available resources. The key point that we are asked to remember is that this is not just about prayer; it is about prayer for empowering by the Holy Spirit that we might be effective in evangelism so that people might come to faith. As the Archbishop has said: “It is all about praying for people to become Christians… it takes us back to the Great Commission, praying for movement of God’s Spirit in people’s hearts – that Christians are moved to share faith, and those who aren’t Christians are inspired to come to faith. Nothing happens in terms of becoming Christians except through the Spirit of God. We are merely those who carry the message, it is God who converts.” And crucially he added: “Praying in this way turns us outwards. God’s Kingdom transforms individuals, society, the globe, the cosmos. The moment we start praying ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ we look outwards.” As we seek to develop our vision of ‘transforming lives across greater Lincolnshire’ will you pledge to pray for people you know and join with others to pray together? Resources are available at thykingdomcome.global DIOCESELINCOLN
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A community of prayer The Community of St Hugh: a pilot stage progress report It is now some six months since the launch of the pilot stage of the Community of St Hugh. Bishop David offers an update on how the pilot stage is going... Launched as a pilot at Stow Minster in September of last year, the Community of St Hugh is seeking to be a dispersed community where people actively try to live out the diocesan priorities of faithful worship, confident discipleship and joyful service in their own lives, and actively praying to see the kind of transformation in their lives and the lives of others that is at the very heart of what we say we are about as a diocese. Although it is still early days in the life of the community and the pilot, since the launch a regular community newsletter has been established, Bishop Stephen Cottrell’s How to Pray has become the community’s first recommended reading book (along with a reading plan and some suggested questions to think through), and a Quiet Morning at which the community can meet to pray and reflect on the life of the community so far is planned for April.
Early learning from the community suggests that we are on the right lines, but that we might have been too ambitious in our timeline for a wider, full launch at Pentecost – we anticipate that this will now be held later in the year. So, a good start, some good learning, and there’s more to come! For more details and the pilot resources, please see the community’s pages on the diocesan website, call 01522 50 40 50 or send an email to discipleship@lincoln.anglican.org
Intentional evangelism – sharing our story throughout our diocese Bishop David looks ahead to how our diocese is seeking to respond to an evangelistic challenge issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury... Responding to a challenge issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury to all the bishops of the Southern Province, over the next six months all three of the bishops within our diocese will be setting aside the equivalent of six days each to work with our second-year curates on intentional evangelism. The bishops will work with these curates and the teams that they have put together from their parishes to intentionally try to share the Jesus story in new and creative ways with those who might not have engaged with it before. Some of the events will involve building on contacts that the parishes have already made and established. Some, however, will see us breaking new ground. Forthcoming issues of Crosslincs will include reports on these events, but for now we are asking people to join with us in sharing this prayer:
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Almighty God, source of our hope and all good things You call us in love to share in your work of making your love known to all. Bless, we pray, all that we do in seeking to share the story of your love with those amongst whom we live, that through us they may catch a glimpse of the love you have for each one of us, and find their place within it themselves. Amen.
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Hospitality and welcome Churches festival is all set to be bigger than ever during 2018 The annual West Lindsey Churches Festival is set to hit new heights this year, with a record number of churches set to take part. Paul Howitt-Cowan looks ahead... The West Lindsey Churches Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for 2018, and what a festival it is going to be with a record 99 churches coming together to celebrate their rich diversity. There are churches of all sizes and denominations: some are churches serving small hamlets, others are buildings of larger stature serving our market towns. But all share one thing in common – a warm welcome will be offered to all over the festival weekends. This year the festival (12th–13th and 19th–20th May) is commemorating two significant dates in West Lindsey. First, it is 100 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force. West Lindsey is an area with a rich aviation heritage and a strong association with the RAF. During the Second World War there were 13 airbases in the district, although only one now remains active – at Scampton. But there is plenty of evidence of the RAF’s existence and none more so than in the churches of these parishes. Visit Welton St Mary’s with its memorial stained-glass window, or Faldingworth All Saints with its front gates serving as a reminder that the Polish Air Force were stationed there.
Stow Minster (above) and St Mary’s in Welton (below left) will feature.
It is also 100 years since the end of the First World War, and there is much to be found in these churches to commemorate those who gave their lives, whether in the form of plaques, stained glass, gravestones or war memorials. Over half of the 99 churches taking part in the festival are commemorating these two centenaries, with full details to be published in the accompanying brochure and on the website.
Photographs courtesy of Push Creativity
Other exhibitions will also be in full swing over the weekends: visit Rothwell St Mary Magdalene to see their wedding exhibition or learn about local history at Wickenby. Gainsborough St Thomas of Canterbury will have a display of period costumes, and Grayingham St Radegund will be exhibiting some of Bishop Edward King’s vestments, which will be on loan from Lincoln Cathedral. Once again you will be well-nourished at many of the festival churches as they put on a fantastic feast of refreshments and lunches – you will be very warmly welcomed. This year’s printed brochure is available by emailing churchesfestival.info@gmail.com, by calling 01673 84 38 52 or visiting www.churchesfestival.info DIOCESELINCOLN
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Celebrating together Greeting the new Chancellor of Lincoln and nine canons Early February was a time of celebration as family, friends and colleagues gathered in the cathedral for the investiture and installation of the Revd Dr Paul Overend as Chancellor of Lincoln and Prebendary of Stoke and the investiture and installation of nine new canons... As Chancellor, Paul Overend will lead the cathedral’s work of public theology and Christian education. He has previously served as an ecumenical university chaplain while studying for a doctorate in philosophical theology, and he later taught philosophy and ethics at Cardiff University and at Liverpool Hope University. Paul comes to Lincoln from Norwich, where he was the Lay Development Officer and Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands, and also a tutor in spirituality and ethics with the Eastern Region Ministry Course. The nine new canons are: • The Revd Edward Bowes-Smith – Incumbent of Lincoln St Peter-in-Eastgate • The Revd Philip Brent – Incumbent of Market Deeping and Rural Dean of Elloe West • The Revd Dr Neil Burgess – Ministry Team Leader and Ministerial Development & Review Officer • The Revd Penny Green – Incumbent of The South Lawres Group and Barlings • The Revd Paul Noble – Incumbent of Skirbeck St Nicholas and Rural Dean of Holland • The Revd Charles Patrick – Rector of the Horncastle Group • Mrs Henrietta Reeve DL – Chair of Lincolnshire Historic Churches Trust and a churchwarden • Professor Muriel Robinson OBE, DL – Emeritus Professor and past Vice Chancellor, Bishop Grosseteste University • The Revd David Rowett – Incumbent of Barton on Humber, Horkstow, Saxby All Saints & South Ferriby. Speaking about the service and this time of great celebration in the life of the diocese, Bishop Christopher said: “I am delighted to be able to acknowledge the contribution that these people have made to the life of our diocese, greater Lincolnshire and beyond. I know that their individual gifts and experience will help to further the ministry that is offered through our cathedral to the whole diocese.” W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
Announcements The Revd Susan Paterson has resigned her licence as Vicar of Deeping St James with effect from 5th May 2018. The Revd Anna Sorensen is to be licensed Rector (Designate) of North Beltisloe by the Bishop of Grantham and the Archdeacon of Boston on 5th March 2018. Anna previously served as Priest-in-Charge of the Billingborough Benefice.
The Revd Jeremy Green will retire from his post as Vicar of Haxey and Owston with effect from 30th June 2018. Jeremy’s last Sunday in the parish will be the 3rd June. The Revd Mark Kennard has been appointed Priest in Charge of The Digby Group (House for Duty). Please join us in praying for each of these people and for the people and parishes of our diocese.
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Across 1 Wild flowers (rung on sad occasions?) (9) 6 Bear returns from West giving loud cry (5) 9 I held out for Indian City (5) 10 Home of closed religious order (9) 11 Accommodation with stable alternative (3) 12 Stone I own (and whence it came) (7,4) 14 Hampshire town near I.O.W. (7) 15 Got thin after sundown (7)
16 Protective metal hat (7) 19 Captain behaving like lamb (7) 22 Take ease before downpour (like handcuffs or seatbelts) (11) 23 What do they do on a rainy night here? (3) 24 Hemmed in by frozen water (3-6) 26 Days associated with fasting and ordinations (5) 27–28 Well known coronation anthem (5,3,6)
T O J E R S E Y A I L E A K I N G E DWA R D E T C E D O E X T E R N A L F R S R R F E R E F A RM U T S P O R T SMA N C T I V ON I P O R T E R L O O O N L A NU S Y OG A A S T A E R Y P E A L E D
Solution to No. 23
PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 24 Set by Kettlebird 1
Winner of Prize Crossword No. 23: Mrs A. Snookes, Sleaford. To enter: please send completed entries to Crossword No. 24, Crosslincs, Communications Office, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU. Closing date: 3rd April 2018. A photocopy of the completed crossword is acceptable, if you prefer. Editor’s decision is final. The prize is a faith-related book.
Down 1 When it stops things may be knocked down (7) 2 Might be the downs oddly enough (7) 3 You can’t see your way round it (5,6) 4 Saintly young sheep to castigate (7) 5 Despatched (4,3) 6 Observed reverse and existed (3) 7 Hours of business (7)
8 Any temp might be working there for settlement (During 7D?) (7) 13 Once popular but cruel form of street entertainment (7,4) 16 Fantastique composer (7) 17 Oh! Hang it (7) 18 Small but pleasing item (7) 19 20 21 25
Pins led to small shaft (7) Spiritual allegory (7) Hits plants underground (4,3) Round which a yellow ribbon may be tied in song (3)
Might you be interested in compiling our Prize Crossword? We are looking for a possible successor to Kettlebird, who has indicated to us that he would be very happy to hand on the ‘Prize Crossword baton’ after many years of dedicated service to the Crosslincs readership. Please contact the Communications Officer (details on page 2) for further information. DIOCESELINCOLN
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Sharing and learning A ‘fascinating, awe-inspiring and God-filled experience’ Crosslincs invited Rachel Revely, a third-year ordinand at Westcott House in Cambridge, to look back on a placement based at an Anglican theological college in Hong Kong... Upon the completion of my Bachelor of Theology (BTh) course in my second year, I was given the opportunity to complete a postgraduate certificate in theology. This presented me with the time and space in the academic year to do a placement in Hong Kong. Westcott House has links with Ming Hua Theological College, and I have wanted to see Hong Kong since I was eight years old, and so I jumped at the opportunity to spend time there. “Hong Kong is possibly the most secular place on earth,” claimed my public theology lecturer, and over time I came to see that this provocative statement is both accurate and inaccurate. Walking through the streets of Hong Kong you could easily believe that you are lost in a world of commerce and trade. One of the most exciting aspects of the shopping malls, however, isn’t the delights on display; it is that the malls are connected via a series of tunnels across the entire Central district to keep the flow of Feng Shui. Thus, the pervasive landscape of commerce is inherently connected to a world of spirituality, and this is what I learnt most of all during my time in Hong Kong – that presence of the sacred is surprising but consistently present.
Small offerings of incense are intermingled with livestock for sale in markets and all of this brings the place to life. My arrival in October coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is a centuries-old festival that is believed to come from moon worshipping in ancient China. It is a time to be with family and friends and to eat mooncakes and make lanterns. One of the main features of this festival is a 67-metre-long dragon, made of incense sticks, which is carried and processed through the streets, sending embers and smoke everywhere. Seeing this ultimate mix of the secular and the sacred was an incredible experience. It drew people together and created community. Living as a member of an Anglican theological college within this culture has been one of the most fascinating, awe-inspiring and God-filled experiences. It has shown me how, even in Cantonese, sacraments are universal, that the churches experience some of the same challenges and also share some of the same hopes as anywhere else in the Anglican Communion, and that people endeavour to be as Christ-like as possible with their generosity and kindness. On Sunday mornings in my placement church, I failed in my attempts to speak basic Cantonese on countless occasions, much to the amusement of many congregants. The challenge of learning to sing ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ in Cantonese provided much joy for all, but as the incumbent of my placement church said: “We are not called to be right: we are only called to be faithful.”
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Celebrating lay ministry Have you considered lay ministry? As our ‘celebrating lay ministry’ series continues, a Reader and a new Authorised Lay Minister share their reflections on learning and sharing with others in mission and ministry... John Davies has been a Reader for nearly 50 years (congratulations John!) and Beth Bleaden has recently become an Authorised Lay Minister. Both John and Beth have lots of years of experience of worship and service in our diocese, and we invited them to share something of why being in recognised lay ministry roles is important to them. In August 1968, 50 years ago, I was licensed as a Reader at St Luke’s in Birchwood, Lincoln. At that time all Readers were men. Youth work was a key part of the ministry at St Luke’s. Once, when speaking at a large family service, I was surprised at the rapt attention my talk on hiding one’s light under a bushel was receiving. Then I smelt smoke. My visual aid, a trilby hat placed over a table lamp, had caught fire. In terms of attention, this was probably the most successful sermon I have ever preached.
During 40 years of worship at my village church, I have seen many changes in church life. Lay people are now involved in reading the scriptures, intercessions, setting up and distributing the sacraments, visiting and taking communion to people in their homes and, more recently, taking certain services. I feel that it is vital that these volunteers get support and training, which is why the Authorised Lay Ministry training that I have recently taken part in is so important. During the course I met many Christians from other churches. We shared experiences and many laughs, about our lives, our faith and where and how we worship God. It gave me the opportunity to look at my parish with fresh eyes and explore where and how I might make a difference. This training can help each individual to identify their own skills and interests and give them confidence to contribute more to the life of their church. It is important that these skills are recognised so that others will see that lay people can make a difference and will be encouraged to consider training themselves.
Times change. Our selection, “I have loved being a Reader. training and ongoing I would like to see all Have you considered education have given us churches with a ministry a new edge. I am now this role for yourself?” team that is comprised of privileged to serve as a ALMs led by their incumbent Lincoln Cathedral Reader where work is done by the and also to lead worship once a month at St Mary’s people with the skills best suited to the task and Church in Riseholme. An important part of my Reader where lay people take responsibility for the initiatives ministry has been my own personal reading, study, that they undertake. I hope, overall, that ALMs’ own attending training days and the leading of educational faith might be strengthened so that they are enabled sessions. Lately, the writing of Rowan Williams and to take the news of God’s amazing love into their own R.S. Thomas have been invaluable. The work of congregations and communities. Gordon Jackson, Lincoln’s famous and yet unknown Christian poet and translator, has been a companion for years. Poetry and music in life and worship are very If you would like to consider ways in which you might important. The Bible is full of each of them. learn, either with the possibility of training towards At the end of the Eucharist, we say ‘Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory’. Within their roles as practical lay theologians and members of the everyday world, Readers make – and are – connections, moving both into the church and out again into the world. I have loved being a Reader. Have you considered this role for yourself?
a licensed lay ministry as a Reader or as an ALM or simply for the enjoyment of learning alongside others in a study group, please contact a member of your local Ministry Team or the diocesan Ministry Team at ministry@lincoln.anglican.org
Don’t forget: on Saturday, 27th October 2018 there will be a Celebration of Lay Ministries in Lincoln Cathedral. DIOCESELINCOLN
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Nature and nurture Spring is finally here – so how might you celebrate? Stone erosion. Photograph is © LWCS
In the latest in our series of articles on engaging with the natural world, Helen Gamble offers some timely advice on caring for monuments in our beautiful churchyards... Birds are singing, bulbs are flowering and it feels as though spring is finally here. So how do many people celebrate? By giving things a good scrub and making them sparkle... STOP! Please think before you roll up your sleeves and pick up your cleaning products as serious damage can easily be done in your churchyard without the correct advice. Stonework, woodwork and metalwork monuments, gates, fixtures and fittings can be of historic and geological interest, as well as habitat for wildlife. Monuments are prone to damage from erosion, unmanaged vegetation or scrub, instability, vandalism, rearrangement and clearance. As a general rule, monuments should only be cleaned if the soiling is damaging the stone. Cleaning with chemicals and wire brushes is not recommended. This can make stone more prone to deterioration as it roughens the surface. It is better to appreciate the lichens and mosses growing on the monument. Churchyards might have features made of – or incorporating – metal or wood, along with different stones. Here are some examples. • Metalwork is generally iron, either cast, which is brittle and can crack, or wrought iron. Other metals include bronze, which is resilient and weathers to a green verdigris, suffering from superficial corrosion only, or lead, which is very soft and often detaches from monuments. • Wood features tend to be oak due to its strength and longevity, especially where the heartwood is used. Outdoor oak features are secured with timber pegs to prevent ‘ink stains’ between metal fittings and the tannic acid that gives the heartwood its strength. Oak is remarkable: it is very strong and durable outdoors and doesn’t require any preservative treatment. • Many older stone features will be constructed of local stone, from a variety of limestones, sandstones, ironstones and marlstone, some of which are prone to erosion. Be careful when grass cutting or strimming at the base of the stone as this is where most damage can occur if it is regularly knocked. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
You must obtain the necessary permission and take specialist advice before any work is undertaken on any monument, repairing or restoring woodwork or metalwork or moving anything from its original position. The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) would be the ideal place to start for advice. There are lots of other things that can be started during the spring – it is the ideal time to start surveying and recording the different species that you might have in your churchyard, or thinking about how your area could be made more accessible, perhaps by adding a bench or installing a notice board to let people know what’s happening. Again, contact the DAC first of all as these items require a faculty. For additional help, support and, where appropriate, a contribution towards costs, see: • Lincolnshire County Council – Community Wildlife Grant: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/communityand-living/community-and-voluntary-sector-support/ grants-and-funding/community-wildlife-grant/68680. article • North Lincolnshire Council – Community Grant: www. northlincs.gov.uk/community-advice-and-support/ community-rights-funding-and-grants/communitygrant-funding-community/ • Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership – Local Recording Fund: www.glnp.org.uk/getting-involved/ local-recording-fund/ Resources are also at www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk and www.lincswolds.org.uk/library/churchyards.pdf
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Global concerns Reaching out in love towards our planet and its people A new diocesan group, dedicated to sharing concerns and learning around environmental matters, is seeking contributions from people around the diocese... Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98.8–9 (New International Version – UK) It is a powerful and playful image – imagining the rivers clapping their hands and the mountains singing together as they welcome God’s coming to judge the earth. There is a feeling of joyful expectancy as all of creation unites in celebrating God’s transforming action. Mission takes many forms. Within the diocese a new working group is coming together to help the diocese in considering environmental matters, and we want to hear from you. Perhaps you’ve got experiences from the workplace in caring for an aspect of God’s creation, or perhaps you’ve simply got a passion for the beauty
“...it is a way of visibly sharing in God’s concern for all life”
and so our attitude to His creation can be seen as a reflection of our attitude to God Himself. As a form of mission it is something we can all get involved in, both as individuals and as churches, and it is a way of visibly sharing in God’s concern for all life (the fifth of the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission is ‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth’). Are you already involved in caring for the environment, in either a big or a little way? Were you once a ‘Green Apostle’ or do you want to be energised in encouraging your church to ‘Think Green’? Please get in touch, and come along to:
of the Lincolnshire coastland and countryside. We want to hear from you, and to support one another, as we seek to reach out in love towards our planet and its people. Why not drop us an email? You may contact us (the Lincoln Diocesan Environmental Working Group) via email at environment@lincoln.anglican.org or by writing to the group at Edward King House in Lincoln.
The Faith & the Environment Conference 2018 – Climate Change and Coast We will be thinking about the significance of climate change in terms of rising sea levels and the impact on our coastal county and beyond, and how we should respond. The conference will be held on Saturday, 12th May 2018 at St Giles’ Church in Lincoln (LN2 4EJ), and speakers will include Professor Edward Hanna FRMetS, Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology, School of Geography, College of Science, University of Lincoln. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you.
Looking at the news, it’s easy to recognise the earth ‘groaning’ (Romans 8) whether due to the build up of plastic, the pollution of our cities, or the wider climate concerns that Bishop Christopher has referred to following the USPG International Consultation held in Fiji in 2016. And yet we also have an exciting opportunity because creation is a reflection of the nature of God,
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ DIOCESELINCOLN
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Mission and outreach ‘Let’s use sport as the place of encounter’ A diocesan group is looking at mission through sport. The Revd Adam Watson reports from a national event and looks ahead to some possibilities in our diocese... History has been in the news a lot recently so let me start with a history question. Why was there no revolution in 18th- and 19th-century Great Britain? Everyone else had one. The French had at least a revolution a month for years. In Great Britain we had all the pre-requisites for a revolution – a corrupt aristocracy, the impoverished urban poor, slum dwellings in the new cities, a lazy Church, an out of touch monarchy. Why was there no revolution to clean it all out? These were the opening words of Bishop Philip North (the Bishop of Burnley) in his address at the third annual sports ministry conference. I wonder if you know why there was no revolution in 18th- and 19th-century Great Britain? Back in November, the Revd James Radcliffe and I joined representatives from other dioceses in the Southern Province to reflect on a shared vision and to explore how we might be able to engage with sports clubs and teams. Other speakers at the conference included the host, Bishop Tony Porter (the Bishop of Sherwood), and representatives of the Street Soccer Academy and Everton Football Club in the Community, and Graham Daniels (General Director, Christians in Sport).
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In our discussions and seminars, we heard of various experiences and perspectives, and Bishop Philip shared: “When I go round local churches in Blackburn, people complain about the struggles they have in parish ministry because of competition from Sunday sport. Frankly if I were a 12-year-old boy, given the choice between playing football with my mates and sitting still and quietly in church, it would be a complete no brainer. This is not a competition we are going to win. So instead of competing, let’s use sport as the place of encounter. Let’s use it as the shared space where we can engage.” Perhaps we can find some resonance in Bishop Philip’s words. Sunday sport has a huge draw in today’s culture. More than fifteen-million people are participating in sport every week. Many more attend gyms, health and fitness classes and clubs, or simply enjoy spectating, and so some of our churches are now hosting services at other times to those held on Sunday mornings. As a diocesan group, we are reflecting on the different ways in which a ministry of sports, health and well-being might contribute to the renewal of the Church in our parish contexts. We are looking to share our ideas as a resource for our parishes, and so, as they say, you might like to ‘watch this space!’ In the meantime, please look to our page on the diocesan website for some resources. And just in case you were wondering why there was no revolution in 18th- and 19th-century Great Britain... the answer is cricket! (You will find further explanation in Bishop Philip’s address, which is available on the website or upon request.)
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Noticeboard Your invitation to join Cursillo A Cursillo weekend can offer much joy, laughter and moments to reflect on your relationship with God. Crosslincs hears more about what’s involved... A Cursillo weekend offers the opportunity to take part in a range of services, meditations, talks and discussions. You are not required to do anything but let God do his work, and you will find that Cursillo weekends are full of joy, laughter and moments to reflect on your relationship with God. A Cursillo weekend has a team of experienced Cursillistas (people who have completed their weekend) who will be very supportive, and the weekend is always supported by prayer. After the weekend you will be encouraged to join a local reunion group, and in reflecting on his Cursillo weekend a Cursillista had this to say: “For some time, my wife and I had wanted to share more of our spiritual lives together than we had done, and Cursillo seemed a possible way forward. “We had no idea what to expect and were a little nervous. To say we were bowled over is an understatement. We were ‘surprised by joy’ and never before had either of us been so encompassed by such total unconditional love from those who staffed the weekend. Not knowing what was coming next was not only exciting but taught us a valuable lesson. Going to this event without a clue about the programme did require an act of faith. But it was an act of faith in God’s guidance that was richly rewarded.
Can you help?
The PCC of All Saints’ Church at Canwick, Lincoln, is actively seeking to appoint an honorary treasurer to administer the church accounts. If you feel you can help, please contact Geoff on 01522 52 98 06 or Susan on 01522 51 36 50. From St John’s Church, Washingborough: ‘we are looking for voluntary organists who would like to join our rota for occasional playing at services. Our Sunday services start at 11am and the church is a popular choice for weddings. You would also have the opportunity to play at special, seasonal, services. We hope to re-establish the support of four organists in total. For more details and to try the organ please contact Steve Townley on 01522 82 59 20’.
“Of course, as I discovered, the whole programme is planned in meticulous detail and requires great commitment from those staffing it. It was very significant that, at the end, there was no pressure to join. We were free to walk away. But we have stayed and have made deep and rich friendships, and our own spiritual lives have been immeasurably strengthened as well as bringing us much joy, especially in times of adversity. It is the total acceptance of where each one of us ‘is’ rather than where we ‘ought’ to be that is so refreshing and remarkable.” The next weekend is from 3rd–6th August 2018 at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, and more details may be obtained from the Pre-Weekend Rep Marilyn Reeve on 01472 82 45 98 or from the Cursillo website at www.lincolncursillo.org.uk
Voicing a vocation
Thank you to everyone who took part in the research into vocations carried out by the Revd Dr Sally Myers in May last year. This has now been released and is available at: www.dur.ac.uk/theology.religion/common.awards/funding/ myers/ Please contact Sally (sally.myers@lincoln.anglican. org or 01522 50 40 83) if you would like to discuss this.
Resources for Easter
Hope offers a magazine-based resource for Easter (see www.hopetogether.org.uk). One Friday tells the story of Good Friday through the 14 Stations of the Cross, in three different styles – photographs, graphic art and powerful contemporary paintings by artist Jenny Hawke. The artwork is available to view online at onefriday.info DIOCESELINCOLN
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CALENDAR APRIL
Friday, 27th April (7.30pm). A concert by Coningsby Military Wives Choir at St Mary and the Holy Rood Church, Donington, near Spalding (PE11 4UA). Tickets £10 (to include glass of wine and nibbles). Contact Carol Holt on 01775 82 02 48 or at ch27753@aol.com Saturday, 28th April (until 6th May). Flower Festival at St Mary and the Holy Rood Church in Donington. Church open daily from 10am–5pm, with refreshments in the church hall. Contact Jane Stanley (01775 82 15 15). Saturday, 28th April (until 7th May). Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church, Sutterton (PE20 2JH). Open 10.30am– 5.30pm daily, the theme is ‘Scarecrows visit the countryside’. Saturday, 28th April (until 7th May). Gosberton Flower & Craft Festival (10am–5pm daily). Theme: ‘Lincolnshire Personalities’, with the event to be opened on Saturday 28th at 10am by Scott Dalton of BBC Radio Lincolnshire. The church hall will be open to serve refreshments. MAY
Saturday, 12th May. Faith & the Environment Conference – Climate
Change and Coast. Exploring the significance of climate change on sealevel rise and its impact on the county and wider society and economy, and globally, and possible responses. To be held at St Giles’ Church, Lamb Gardens, Lincoln LN2 4EJ, speakers are to include Prof. Edward Hanna FRMetS (Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology, School of Geography, College of Science, University of Lincoln). JUNE
Wednesday, 6th and Thursday, 7th June. Three Legacy Workshops to be run by Eleanor Stead (Church of England’s Legacy & Funding Officer). One in each archdeaconry – details to be confirmed. For more information, please contact Hugo Cobham (Stewardship Officer) on 01522 50 40 49/07870 66 33 53 or at hugo. cobham@lincoln.anglican.org
Helping Holy Trinity Church
A reminder that you are warmly invited to join the Bishop of Lincoln on an eight-day pilgrimage based in Jerusalem and Galilee in November 2018.
Holy Trinity Collegiate Church in Tattershall seeks volunteers to be part of a project group for a major heritage and development project.
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JULY Wednesday, 11th July (7.30pm). Evensong and concert in Lincoln Cathedral. Chicago Master Singers – ‘Peace & Love’. Classic and contemporary choral works, featuring Herbert Howell’s ‘Requiem’, plus Rutter, Stanford, Taverner and more. Tickets: £10 and £8 (concessions) are available from the cathedral shop. Please call 01306 74 10 00 for further information. Saturday, 14th July (2.30pm–4.30pm). Traditional Garden Fete at Folk Moot, 39 School Lane, Silk Willoughby NG34 8PG.
Saturday, 9th June (7.30pm). Concert by Grantham Choral Society at St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham. The programme will commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Tickets (£12) will be available from the Guildhall box office, Grantham, Grantham Choral Society members and on the door.
Share in Holy Land Pilgrimage
Details and booking forms may be obtained from Mr Patrick Deeming (Pilgrimage Administrator), c/o The Archdeacons’ Office, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU (or call 07454 73 35 84 or email pilgrimage2018@lincoln.anglican.org)
Friday, 15th June (7.30pm). Sleaford Vintage Brass Concert featuring Summer music at St Denis’ Church, Silk Willoughby (NG34 8PD). Admission: £6 (to include a glass of wine and homemade refreshments).
If you have the skills, time and enthusiasm to help raise funds to conserve this Grade I-listed church building and to further develop the facilities for the use and benefit of all, then please contact the Revd Sue Allison on 01526 34 85 05 or email susan.333allison@btinternet.com
Will Harrison is Cathedral Chapter Clerk & Administrator Will Harrison is the new Chapter Clerk and Administrator of Lincoln Cathedral. As many readers will know, Will had worked for the Diocese of Lincoln since 2005, initially as Communications Officer and as the editor of Crosslincs, and most recently as Deputy Diocesan Secretary and Bishop’s Press Officer. A member of the Cathedral Choir at various times over the past 21 years, we would like to say ‘thank you’ to Will for his work at Edward King House, and we send him our prayers and best wishes for his new role. DIOCESELINCOLN
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