Crossslincs November/December 2018 issue by Diocese of Lincoln

CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org

Dioceselincoln

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November/December 2018 – Free

An invitation to share in Journeys of Faith A group of ‘modern-day pilgrims’ has recently employed various modes of transport to complete the first in a series of three ‘Journeys of Faith’ pilgrimages around the diocese. Travelling on foot, on bicycles and motorbikes, on four wheels and over water, the group made its way from St James’ Church in Louth to Lincoln Cathedral.

Set to themes of social justice and freedom, the Journeys of Faith pilgrimages will take in routes in the Epworth and Boston areas in 2019, and an initial guidebook for the Louth to Lincoln route includes directions and maps, background information and photographs of featured churches, plus texts to prompt moments of reflection. (Continued overleaf...)

INSIDE...

Celebrating our parish churches

A life-changing Christmas journey

PAGES 4–5

PAGE 10

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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln

The submission deadline for the next issue is 23rd November 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 Instagram: diocese_of_lincoln 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 The Revd David Dadswell T: 01522 50 40 32 E: diocesan.secretary@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

W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG

An invitation to share in Journeys of Faith

(continued)

It is said that Journeys of Faith can be enjoyed by anyone of any age and of any faith, is being facilitated by the National Lottery-funded Lincoln Cathedral Connected project, and is aimed at bringing people together to reflect on the spiritual paths they’re taking as they traverse the physical path of the pilgrimage. The Very Revd Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, has said: “Networks of ancient pilgrim routes are being rediscovered and reimagined all over the world and we’re thrilled to bring Journeys of Faith to Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire has a fantastic, rich history; its people founded a monastery, negotiated the Magna Carta, marched in thousands against the dissolution of the monasteries,

“It’s a great opportunity for people to share their stories and experiences with each other” sailed across the Atlantic, and composed hundreds of hymns. The Journeys of Faith pilgrimage embraces much of that local history as well as the people, places and events that have shaped religious freedoms and social justice over the centuries. It’s a great opportunity for people to share their stories and experiences with each other – like a modern-day Canterbury Tales.” The Louth to Lincoln pilgrimage also takes in South Elkington, Welton le Wold, Ludford, Tealby, Market Rasen, Legsby, Hainton, South Willingham, East Barkwith, Langton by Wragby, Wragby, Apley and Fiskerton. All three pilgrimages may be enjoyed by people travelling on foot or by various means of transport, and the initial guidebook may be obtained from the Lincoln Cathedral shop or from the ‘books’ section of the website (https://lincolncathedral.com/shop/). More details are in the news section of the diocesan website. General enquiries may be made to Alan Wilson, Journeys of Faith Team Leader, at rma@lincolncathedral.com

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Remembering together Give thanks and pray for peace The Revd Kathryn Darby reports on how people of all ages have come together to contribute to a special project to mark the centenary of the end of WWI... Lots of churches and chapels have been making special displays of knitted poppies as part of their commemoration of the ending of the First World War in 1918. At St Andrew’s Church in Kirton in Lindsey, our vision of a ‘poppy cascade’ was born about three years ago, when I was shown pictures of a display of knitted poppies outside a church in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire. I took the idea to our church council and it was decided that we should wait until 2018 and make it a big display of poppies falling from the top of the church tower. I served in the military many years ago, and so I asked for help from 53 Battery 5 Regiment Royal Artillery, who used to be based in Kirton in Lindsey and who are now based in Catterick. They were very pleased to be asked to support us and gave us invaluable assistance, even offering soldiers to help to erect the cascade.

“We have made wonderful new friends and have been given opportunities to speak about our Christian faith and our hopes for the future” The clergy and churchwardens wanted the primary aim of this project to offer a focus for prayer in our community: prayers for peace in our time and an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of so many people during the two World Wars and the years that have followed. The whole community was asked to take part and it wasn’t long before we were inundated with poppies – all shades of red, knitted, crocheted and felted. Some initial problems had to be overcome, however. For example, the weight of poppies when wet was calculated, as we didn’t want our tower to fall down! Many mathematical calculations later we decided we needed to coat the poppies to make them semi-waterproof, and metres of camouflage netting also arrived following a local appeal to help with the display (the netting also had to be weighed and considered as part of our risk assessment).

Our Wednesday morning ‘Open Church’ became a poppy fixing workshop, the local primary school got involved, with every child making a poppy of some sort for the display, and The Royal British Legion arranged to offer displays in the church for us. We were thrilled to hear that they had succeeded in obtaining a grant to buy ‘there but not there’ statues to be used in church. A service of dedication was planned for 17th October 2018, during which the cascade would be ‘hoisted’ into position, with veterans from all of the uniformed services in attendance and a sounding of the Last Post. We lost count of the number of poppies once we reached the 7000 mark. The church will be open for much of the time until 12th November, offering people an opportunity to come inside, look at the displays, pray and perhaps light a candle to pray for peace. Prayer cards have also been produced for people to take away with them. Some people have asked what will happen to the display when the commemorations are over. Well, our local community fire officers have volunteered to take it all down and, if possible, to hose and dry it. The response to this initial idea has been truly overwhelming – never underestimate the power of prayer! We have made wonderful new friends and have been given opportunities to speak about our Christian faith and our hopes for the future. Take this opportunity to pray for peace, remember those who died as a result of war and conflict and give thanks that we live in a world where we are free to worship. DIOCESELINCOLN

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‘Come and see’ Photos: National Churches Trust/Push Creativity.

Celebrating our parish churches Fran Bell, Church Development Officer, looks back on the success of two recent festivals in our diocese and how we might further celebrate our parish churches... Two major festivals, the Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival and the Holland Places of Worship Festival, took place over the weekend of 8th and 9th September and both events were a great success, enabling many people to explore the inspiring church buildings that we have in our care, each with their own story to tell. These events follow on from the popular and well-established West Lindsey Churches Festival, which ran for the 22nd time back in May, attracting its highest visitor numbers to date. Although these events are fantastic for raising the profile of our church buildings, both as fascinating heritage buildings but more importantly as places of worship, it is possible to attract people to visit churches other than during festivals and for special events. There are so few places of calm and quiet in this increasingly busy world.

“Carefully placed prayer resources, a clean and tidy interior and an intentional welcome all help to make our church buildings accessible to those who need them but may not wish to come to a service” An open church door allows anyone who wants or needs to, to find space to pause, ponder, say a prayer or rest in the presence of God. Many churches have more visitors through the week than are in the congregation on a Sunday morning. Carefully placed prayer resources, a clean and tidy interior and an intentional welcome all help to make our church buildings accessible to those who need them but may not wish to come to a service. Remember that many visitors will look at your online presence first, and so do make sure that your online listing at A Church Near You (www.achurchnearyou. com – see facing page) is kept up-to-date alongside any existing parish website or social media pages. I can also supply parishes with a Welcome Audit, and I can help people to work through this to enable the church buildings to be open more often. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG

St Margaret’s Church, Langton and Old Woodhall.

Some parishes have understandable concerns about the potential issues that could arise from opening the church. However, if someone is intent on getting into a church building for the wrong purposes, they will do so, and they will cause more damage if the building is locked. Ecclesiastical Insurance has updated its guidance note about opening churches and, subject to sensible precautions, prefers church buildings to be unlocked during daylight hours. As its website states: ‘There is no impact on the church insurance premiums if a church is open during daylight hours and proper risk assessments have been completed’. Another reason to have church buildings open is that it is easier for the visitor to leave a donation. A rural church in this diocese leaves simple refreshments for visitors, which are often walkers using the nearby Viking Way. They had attracted over £300 in donations before the summer season this year. In addition, the use of online and text-giving services enables the visitor, who is more likely to have their smartphone with them than a £5 note, to make a donation with the Gift Aid attached. There are various services available but unless a parish signs up, this option of additional income will not be available. More information is available from the Parish Resources website: www.parishresources.org.uk/digital-giving/ If you would like some further help in considering the options when opening the church buildings, I would be very pleased to talk with you. I may be contacted on 01522 50 40 18 or via fran.bell@lincoln.anglican.org

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Hospitality and welcome These churches ‘mean so much’ Linda Patrick offers her reflections on the 2018 Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival... “Very lovely and welcoming… a beautiful church with a wonderful feeling of community… Thank you for the refreshments…. A lovely church, glad you were open…” Just some of the comments that were left in visitor books at churches in and around Horncastle that welcomed people as part of the Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival over the weekend of 8th and 9th September. The event was hailed as a great success by the many volunteers that greeted visitors, enabling them to explore these amazing church buildings. Thanks to the generous donations of National Lottery players, the National Churches Trust was able to receive funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to provide help in the marketing and promotion of the event. As a result, most churches were amazed by the numbers of visitors that their small parish churches attracted. In speaking about this year’s festival, the Revd Canon Charles Patrick, Vicar of Horncastle, has said: “It was lovely to be part of something so positive for our churches. These little churches mean so much to our communities and to share their stories with others is

wonderful. As a result, some of our parishes are already looking to open their church doors permanently so they can offer that welcome to all every day of the week.” From wedding gowns to vintage tractors, afternoon teas to puppet shows, spinning demonstrations to folk singing, there really was something for everyone. More information on each of the Horncastle Festival churches, including events taking place throughout the year, can be found at www.explorechurches.org, and more details on the Holland Places of Worship Festival may be obtained from www.hollandpowf.org.uk

Why your church should be using A Church Near You Every Church of England church has a page on A Church Near You, the Church of England’s tool to help people to find the nearest church to them... The website currently receives around 10 million page views a year, with 50% more traffic recorded in December 2017 when compared with December 2016. Many of these visitors are using the site for the first time (82%), and a lot of the enquiries that churches receive through the site are for weddings and baptisms. A Church Near You is completely free to use, and by using it as the parish website it is possible to free up money for other church projects. In addition, the site is said to meet modern security and accessibility standards, and so can save local churches lots of time and resource.

Further features have recently been added to help parishes enhance their listings, and these include the ability to add news stories, notice sheets and a photo gallery, and the option of using a current page as the parish website by forwarding the domain name to A Church Near You. It is also possible to view how many people have visited a page by week, month and year. For further help, please look for the help centre at www.achurchnearyou.com or contact the diocesan Communications Office (contact details are on page 2). DIOCESELINCOLN

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This Time on Monday ‘My faith keeps me grounded’ The Revd Annabel Barber offers the second article in our new series that introduces us to some of the people in our diocese and the impact of faith on their daily lives... Our diocese is full of interesting people whose faith makes a real difference to how they live. We may only meet on a Sunday, but on Monday we all take the gospel message with us into our daily lives, making a difference to our homes, workplaces and communities. Last issue I caught up with Carl Fender, and in this issue I’m chatting with Peter Hilton. Annabel: Hello Peter, please tell us a bit about yourself, and which church you go to. Peter: I grew up in Manchester and then Sheffield where my father was a parish priest; he’s now retired. I went to university in West London and I have worked as a Project Manager for the last 25 years. I worship at St Guthlac’s in Market Deeping, where I am one of our churchwardens. Annabel: Have you any family? Peter: I’m single, although most of my family now live locally, having realised during visits what a lovely part of the world Market Deeping is! Annabel: How will you be spending your Monday? Peter: I am currently working on a project to install the IT and telecoms infrastructure into a new office that has been built for Peterborough City Council. Monday is usually a day of meetings, reviewing what the team achieved the previous week and setting objectives for the next week. Life is always busy, which keeps me out of trouble! Annabel: How and when did you first come to faith? Peter: Church was always part of my life, growing up in a Rectory. I did slightly drift away for a few years while at university, but I came back to faith in my mid-twenties when I moved to Market Deeping. Annabel: What difference does your faith make to your life outside of Sunday? Peter: Working as a Project Manager it can be quite easy to lose perspective and allow small problems to take on much more importance than they warrant. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that there are always solutions to even the biggest problems. I believe my faith helps me take a calm approach when dealing with issues. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG

Annabel: What about the other way round? How is your faith affected by the work that you do? Peter: I’ve always believed that being a Project Manager is mostly a ‘people’ job, helping them to achieve their objectives. We work to some very tight timescales and I am constantly impressed by the way that the people I work with are able to pull together when issues arise, identify the source of the problem, agree a solution, and then implement that solution. People’s ability to overcome problems constantly affirms and strengthens my faith. Annabel: What do you find yourself praying about, and can we pray with you? Peter: My daily journey into work involves walking through the centre of Peterborough. I am always struck by the number of young people who are sleeping rough. I wonder what has happened in their lives that has brought them to where they are and pray that they find a safe place to stay. It is outrageous that people have to sleep on the streets in a prosperous country in the 21st century. If people would like to pray with me, please pray that a solution can be found so that young people have a safe place to stay. Annabel: Thank you Peter, it’s been really interesting hearing something of how you spend your Mondays! I shall join you in praying for those young rough sleepers that you see on your journey into work.

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Fresh Expressions ‘A form of church for all ages’ The Revd David Bartlett, our Fresh Expressions Enabler, looks ahead to a forthcoming Messy Church training day to be held in Lincoln with its founder, Lucy Moore... Messy Church is a fun, all-age creative gathering where people can explore the story of Jesus and the Bible so that they can grow and develop in their faith. It typically includes a welcome, a period of creative time to explore the biblical theme through getting messy, a short celebration time involving story, prayer, song, games and similar, and then a sit-down meal together at tables. All elements are for, and should include, people of all ages, adults and children, and all abilities. The activities often include crafts, puzzles, experiments and challenges to help people to explore the theme or story of the day. It often works best when those who attend are also invited to become involved in the planning and running of the session.

to another form of church. It might also meet at a time (and sometimes in a place) that suits people who don’t already belong to a church.

Hospitality and welcome are really important, from the quality of the food we serve to the friendliness and welcome of the team. Ideally, the meal should be shared by all who come as it is in this that we hope to demonstrate and show good ways of growing as a family: a nuclear family, an extended family, and a global and local church family.

If you would like to explore the possibility of starting a Messy Church in your local area, why not come and join us at the free training day (or even bring a small group) that is to be led by Lucy Moore on Saturday, 10th November at St George’s Church in Swallowbeck, Lincoln (9.30am–3.30pm, with lunch provided). To book your place, please go to goo.gl/bw39Dp or contact me at david.bartlett@lincoln.anglican.org

Messy Church is a form of church for all ages, and invites everyone, children and adults, to be actively involved in creativity, celebration and hospitality. It is a fun place to be, and it can be for people who don’t already belong

Messy Church UK is affiliated to the international Messy Church movement, whose home is with BRF, a Christian charity based in Oxfordshire. For more information on the work of BRF, visit brf.org.uk

Save the date – Big Night Out The Big Night Out, organised by the diocesan Children & Youth Team, will be in Lincoln Cathedral on Friday, 7th June 2019. A night for youth groups to share in a time of worship, reflection, games, refreshments and lots more, please get in touch with the team if you would like more information. Jonny Bell and Charlotte Bloom are the diocesan Children & Youth Team. Jonny may be contacted on 07816 41 61 49 or via email at jonny.bell@lincoln.anglican.org, and Charlotte may be contacted on 07908 70 38 64 or via email at charlotte.bloom@lincoln.anglican.org DIOCESELINCOLN

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Announcements The Revd Adrian Smith has been appointed Half-time Incumbent of Lincoln St Mary Magdalene with St Paul in the Bail and St Michael on the Mount. (Adrian will continue in his role as diocesan Communications Officer on a part-time basis.) The Revd Aran Beesley has been appointed Rector of the benefice of the Uffington Group. The Revd James Robinson has been appointed Rector of the benefice of Legbourne and Woldmarsh. The Revd Neil Knox has been appointed Interim Minister of the benefice of the Billingborough Group. The Revd Neil Griffiths has been appointed Rector (Designate) of the benefice of the Colsterworth Group.

The Revd Canon Philip Brent has been appointed Vicar of the benefice of Frodingham and New Brumby. The Revd Neil Bullen has been appointed Rector of the benefice of the Ringstone in Aveland Group. The Revd Elisabeth Ward has been appointed Vicar of Skirbeck, Holy Trinity and The Revd Ian Ward has been appointed Curate of Skirbeck, Holy Trinity. The Revd Canon Paul Noble has been appointed Vicar of Lincoln, All Saints. The Revd Canon Christine Pennock will retire from her post as Rector of the North Lafford Group and Rural Dean of Lafford with effect from 1st February 2019. Please join us in praying for all of these people.

PRIZE CROSSWORD

Set by Ariq

Following our recent appeal for a possible successor to Kettlebird, we are very pleased to introduce Ariq as the new compiler of the Crosslincs ‘Prize Crossword’. It is good to hear that the crossword continues to be popular with our readership, and we trust that you will continue to enjoy this regular feature of the magazine. To enter the Prize Crossword Please send completed entries to Prize Crossword, Crosslincs, Communications Office, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PU. Closing date: 23rd November 2018. A photocopy of the completed crossword is acceptable, if you prefer not to cut up your copy of the magazine. The editor’s decision is final, and the prize will be a faith-related book. Across 1 Huge moon sure to collapse (8) 5 Sound like I need glasses to see these little bits (6) 10 Fear the strange adder (5) 11 Clean inside the head? Cleanse your thoughts (9) 12 Unscrupulous lawyers might chase this (9) 13 Cold house (5) 14 Leaky? Sounds like we’re not wealthy enough to fix it (6) 15 Conceal movement re bus co (7) W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG

Down 18 Holy, holy, holy (7) 20 IT Alice briefly writes stylishly (6) 22 Is diminutive 17D the prom queen? (5) 24 One word sounds the same as another (9) 25 Alight on master of property (9) 26 Singular shepherds’ partners in song (5) 27 Recipe to conclude in cooker (6) 28 Indeed BSc demoted (8)

1 Partly spend early days becoming loved (6) 2 Why the balloon burst (9) 3 White lines’ type of music (6,2,3,4) 4 Straightens up (7) 6 Wood/graphite pointer (6, 9) 7 Don’t walk or swim (5) 8 Are groups of fish trained? (8) 9 Look out, bowled, in summer shelter (6) 16 Not told no-no when dressed as a policeman (9)

17 Is a ringer a Queen of Spain once? (8) 19 Inscrutable Egyptian (6) 20 One metre to French sea set shortly for the plunge (7) 21 I may be crazy, but I know the way (6) 23 A knight would need a clean break (5)

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Nature and nurture Does your church have bats?

All bats hibernate from late October/early November until around mid-March, and then dip in and out of hibernation for the next month or so, until the weather properly warms up. But what is hibernation? It is described as ‘going to sleep’ for the winter, but it is much more than that. A bat’s strategy for inclement weather during the active season is to go into ‘torpor’, which means their temperatures cool down, they feel cold to the touch and they are very lethargic. But it doesn’t take them more than 5–10 minutes to warm up. Grounded bats found during the morning will often be in this state, leading people to be surprised when, come the afternoon, their sick bat isn’t quite as sick as they thought, though it will probably be badly underweight, and so still in need of care! (Think of the human difference between 3am and 10am, for a comparison.) Hibernation is quite different. During the autumn months bats pile on a lot of weight in the form of fat, and this is their reserve to see them through the winter. When it is time to go into hibernation, which is governed very much by decreasing night-time temperatures, everything starts to shut down: their heart beat drops to barely ticking over, their breathing slows right down, and their temperature drops to that of their surroundings. A hibernating bat will feel icy cold to the touch, and take up to three-quarters of an hour to warm up to functioning temperature, rendering them totally helpless. For that reason even those of us who are licensed to undertake bat surveys are not allowed to disturb them in hibernation.

Annette Faulkner, County Bat Recorder and a member of Lincolnshire Bat Group, considers the hibernation habits of bats found in churches and churchyards...

In terms of where bats hibernate, think of a fridge. A fridge needs energy to keep the temperature down, but using energy burns fuel – which in a bat’s case is fat. Given that that fat has to see them through the winter they need to make use of somewhere that is already as cold as possible, and we regularly find them in temperatures of 1–8 degrees Celsius when we survey hibernation sites.

Bats undoubtedly hibernate in churches. A church is a big cave, providing everything a bat needs throughout the year, so they will tuck themselves into cracks and crevices in the stonework, under lead flashings, under slates, and anywhere else suitable on the north side of the building. This is why the recommendations from Natural England frequently state that work to be done on the north side of a church should avoid the hibernation period. If a disturbed bat is found it can be taken into temporary care, but most will not be found, though disturbed nonetheless, and this will require energy to put them back into deep torpor, using up fat that they need to get them through to the spring. With little to eat if they do come fully out of torpor they then could die from starvation. Therefore, if you find a bat on the ground, at any time of year, please put it in an escape-proof box (handle with gloves or scoop up with a cloth) and call the Lincolnshire Bat Helpline on 01775 76 62 86 for assistance. If a hibernating bat is spotted in a crack or crevice it should not be disturbed. Further helpful advice and information may be obtained from the national Caring for God’s Acre Project (see www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk) and Lincolnshire Bat Group on 01775 76 62 86 (www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk). DIOCESELINCOLN

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#FollowTheStar Inviting others to take the life-changing Christmas journey The Archbishops of Canterbury and York look ahead to #FollowTheStar, which seeks to invite people into a church service or event to share in the joy of Jesus’ birth... For many of us, Christmas brings up so many emotions, memories and expectations. We have one nativity story, but it can seem like we all have very different Christmases. For you it might be a time of joy and togetherness. Or perhaps it’s all about planning and todo lists. Many others can find it a sad and lonely time – nagged by the feeling that your Christmas is not like those ‘perfect’ ones on television. But just like the unexpected assortment of people who were invited to meet the baby Jesus, #FollowTheStar doesn’t ask you to be perfect. It says: come just as you are to take the life-changing Christmas journey. Wherever you are this Christmas, you are invited to be with Jesus. You are welcome. You are deeply known and truly loved. Mary and Joseph and all those caught up in the Christmas story were surprised by the astonishing way that God chose to live among us. Each Christmas we are reminded of God’s longing to surprise us with his gift of joy, love and new life. It’s the greatest present we can receive and share with others! The Church of England suggests the following ways in which churches around the country can get involved... • Order the #FollowTheStar: A Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas booklets. This offers 14 reflections, one for each day from Christmas Eve throughout the 12 days of Christmas, ending with the Feast of the

Marking 30 years of service Staff at Edward King House recently gathered to join Gavin Dix-White in marking 30 years of service at the diocesan office. Gavin, who currently serves as Assistant Pastoral Secretary and is pictured here with Bishop Christopher and the Revd David Dadswell, commented: “I was very moved by this unexpected recognition, and I am very glad to have been able to help the mission and ministry of the church for so long, making many good friends along the way.”

• •

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Epiphany. Each reflection includes a theme, a picture, a short passage from the Bible, a reflection on the day’s theme (focusing on a particular stage of the Christmas journey), a challenge to help the reader consider how they might act or live differently, and a prayer. (From late November 2018, users can also sign up to receive the daily reflections by e-mail and through an Android or iOS app.) Download or buy posters, logos and other resources. Update the church page on A Church Near You. Make sure that services are ‘tagged’ with ‘FollowTheStar’ as well as ‘Christmas’, ‘mince pies’ ‘mulled wine’, ‘Advent’ and ‘Christmas carols’, as appropriate. Become a ‘star church’ by displaying stars prominently. Churches are encouraged to share photographs of their stars on social media on Friday, 21st December to be part of the ‘night of the stars’. Share the Church of England’s Christmas videos and social media posts, and look out for an interactive family Advent and Christmas calendar and videos.

More details are at www.churchofengland.org/christmas

CALENDAR NOVEMBER

Saturday, 10th November (1.30– 4.30pm). Crafts by candlelight in St Denis’ Church, Silk Willoughby. Also bric-a-brac, plants, books, raffle prizes and refreshments. Free entry – proceeds to go to the church. Saturday, 10th November (2.30pm). Music & Words performed by The Humberston Singers to commemorate the end of World War I. For tickets (£5; accompanied children aged 16 and under are free) call 01427 82 24 17 / 01427 84 04 50.

Saturday, 24th November (12 noon– 4pm). Christmas Craft Fair at Stickford Community Centre. Free entry, with proceeds to go to Stickford Church Water Fund. Friday, 30th November (7.30pm). A concert of song by Harmony Lincs at St Peter’s Church, Navenby. Love songs, songs from the musicals, ballads, and a touch of Christmas. For tickets (£12), please contact 01522 81 15 49 or send an email to ruth849@btinternet.com DECEMBER

Saturday, 17th November (7.30pm). There’s Something about Mary – The Lincoln Chorale presents a concert of sacred Marian music throughout the ages to herald the season of Advent. St Nicholas Church, Newport, Lincoln. Tickets (£10) are available from Bailgate Post Office and on the door. Saturday, 24th November (12 noon– 4pm). Christmas Fair at St Andrew’s Church Potterhanworth. To include Christmas Victorian teas, light lunches, Santa’s Grotto and much more.

Remembering in West Deeping A service to be held at St Andrew’s Church in West Deeping will commemorate the men from the village who fought in World War I (Sunday, 4th November 2018, from 10.30am). The WWI Memorial Board commemorating the 32 men who returned safely home has recently been restored and will be rededicated during the service. Family and friends of the men named on the memorial will be attending and local organisations, including The Royal British Legion and War Memorials Trust, will be represented. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG

Saturday 1st December (10am–2pm). Christmas Fair at St Guthlac’s Fishtoft. To include cakes, handicrafts, Christmas gifts, and refreshments. From Saturday, 1st December. Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary and the Holy Rood Church, Donington, Spalding (PE11 4UA). The church will be open daily from 10am–3pm. Saturday, 8th December: Christmas Fayre in the church (10am–3pm). For details contact Carol (01775 82 02 48) or Jane (01775 82 01 58).

Friday, 7th – Sunday, 9th December. Fairtrade at Lincoln Christmas Market. Fairly traded gifts, cards and crafts from Traidcraft. Lincoln Cathedral Chapter House (subject to the cathedral opening times). For more details, please contact Liz Stephenson on 01673 85 84 90 or at liz_langton@ yahoo.com Saturday, 8th and Sunday, 9th December (10am–4pm each day). A Christmas Tree Festival & Yuletide Fayre at St James’ Church, Freiston. There will be over 30 real Christmas trees decorated to a theme of ‘Musicals’. Plus craft and gift stalls, entertainment provided by local schools, and homemade refreshments. Saturday, 15th December (7pm). Christmas Joy – Lincoln Orpheus Male Voice Choir with guests, at St Andrew’s Church Potterhanworth. Tickets (£5) on the door. Santa will be there to greet you! All proceeds in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. For more forthcoming events in the diocese see www.lincoln.anglican.org

Grantham Choral Society looks ahead Grantham Choral Society has reported ‘a magnificent 2017–18 season, crowned by the World War One Memorial Concert in June’. It has been said that the Jonathan Dove ‘For an Unknown Soldier’ was a challenge for all involved and yet the response matched the effort required, with many audience members said to have been deeply moved and the choir finding the experience to be a truly memorable one. The first concert of this season will be on Saturday, 3rd November 2018 in ChristChurch, Finkin Street, Grantham, and the main work will be Howard Goodall’s ‘Eternal Light’. Goodall is perhaps best known for the theme tune to The Vicar of Dibley. In addition, there will be an anthem by Philip Lank (the society’s founder, who died this year) as well as the BBC anthem for 2018 in memory of the suﬀragettes. The concert will be directed by Philip Robinson, with soloists Rachel Cox (soprano) and Jake Muffett (bass baritone), with Jeffrey Makinson (organ). Tickets (£12) may be obtained from Grantham Guildhall Box Office or choir members. Further information about the choir, including contact details, is available at granthamchoralsociety.co.uk DIOCESELINCOLN

@COFELINCOLN