CROSSLINCS News from around the Diocese of Lincoln www.lincoln.anglican.org
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September/October 2018 – Free
Schools’ festival celebrates local learning The annual Year 5 Schools’ Festival held in St Mary’s Church in Barton upon Humber continues to provide local schoolchildren with an opportunity to learn, explore, have fun and meet and make new friends. Led by the Revd Alan Wright (Associate Priest at St Mary’s and the Chair of Governors at one of the schools involved with the festival), Alan is assisted by a team of volunteers in providing a programme of activities for the children to try.
Part of the thinking behind the festival is to give the children an opportunity to visit a church and hear of its history and current use ahead of their attendance at the annual Year 6 Schools’ Festival held in Lincoln Cathedral. This year, more than 70 children attended from Barton St Peter’s CofE Primary School, John Harrison CofE Primary School, Ulceby St Nicholas CofE Primary School and Wootton St Andrew’s CofE (VA) Primary School. (Continued overleaf...)
INSIDE...
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Introducing our deacons
Sharing the life of our churches
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Crosslincs is produced by the Diocese of Lincoln
Schools’ festival celebrates local learning (Continued)
The submission deadline for the next issue is 21st September 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
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Following a theme of ‘Jesus, the Good Shepherd’, the day opened with words of welcome, the presentation of school banners (pictured right), a song and an opening prayer, and then in groups the children followed a series of workshops located around the church. Some of the workshops included craft work (the creation of paper versions of icons and sheep), church exploration (learning about the church and completing factsheets), Godly Play, and drama based on Bible stories. Each group contained children from the different schools, offering them the opportunity to meet and make new friends, and this was extended to eating together at lunchtime and sharing in a closing act of worship that featured presentations of some of the material from the workshops. The concept behind the festival is one that could be picked up and adapted by other churches, and as Alan explains, the festival is a popular event in the life of these local schools: “I feel it’s very important for children at Church schools to know that churches are living buildings and not museums for use only on Sundays. Our Year 5 Schools’ Festival fosters that, and builds links among different schools and children. The concept is very straightforward, and I would be delighted to be contacted by anyone thinking of doing something similar. We were very pleased that Bishop Nigel Peyton was able to spend the day with us, and to offer the blessing at the end of our final act of worship together.”
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Supporting education Celebrating success together As Fran Brown (LAAT Governance Officer) reports, the inaugural LAAT Awards Ceremony offered an opportunity to celebrate learning in our diocese... The Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT) has hosted the first-ever LAAT Awards Ceremony – a celebration of excellence, exploration and encouragement. The event brought together pupils, parents, staff and governors to acknowledge and celebrate the tireless efforts and successes that help our schools and pupils to flourish. Staff and governors from each school were able to nominate colleagues for awards in 10 different categories, including: Teacher of the Year, Teaching and Non-Teaching Support of the Year, Governor of the Year, Unsung Hero and Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community. In addition, each school nominated a pupil to receive the ‘Pupil of the Year’ award (pictured below) in recognition of outstanding achievement and commitment to learning, and demonstrating the Trust’s values of justice and dignity, wisdom, hope and respect. Mr Jerry Woolner, Chair of Directors, gave the keynote address and the awards were presented by Bishop Nicholas, who also opened and closed the ceremony in prayer. The event was a great success, and a wonderful way to round up another successful year for the Trust. We are already looking forward to next year’s event! Further information may be found at www.thelaat.co.uk and on Twitter via @the_laat.
Can you help us to help others? As in previous years, staff from Edward King House plan to have a stall at this year’s Lincoln Christmas Market as part of continued efforts to raise funds for the Bishop of Lincoln’s Ready For School Fund. This fund aims to support schoolchildren who are lacking the things they need in order to access confidently the full life of school and the curriculum. Grants are made through the fund to head teachers so that they may seek to meet some of the identified needs of individual pupils, providing items such as coats, school uniform or PE kit, cookery ingredients or art or maths equipment. Popular items on the stall, which has been located in the Chapter House in Lincoln Cathedral, have included craft items such as handmade bags, knitted toys and various types of ornaments and decorations. If you can help, please contact Kay Clayton on 01522 50 40 32 or via email at kay.clayton@lincoln.anglican.org We also send our congratulations to Bishop Nicholas, the Revd Julie Wearing and the Revd Sam Durant (pictured below), who completed the 100-mile C2C2C cycle challenge in June in support of the fund.
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Faithful, confident, joyful Ordination services offer a time of great celebration in the life of the diocese The ordination services held over the weekend of Saturday, 30th June and Sunday, 1st July were occasions of great joy and celebration. The ordination of deacons took place on the Saturday afternoon in Lincoln Cathedral, and two services for the ordination of priests were held the following morning in St Botolph’s Church in Boston and in Grimsby Minster (pictured right and on the facing page). As in previous years, we thought that we would take the opportunity to welcome those ordained as deacons, and to offer them the space to share something of their life and faith to date with us. We hear from them over the coming pages...
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Introducing our deacons (David) Alan Jenkins St Botolph’s Quarrington I have lived in Lincolnshire for 34 years. Until last year I had served in the Royal Air Force for 35 years. I have served all over the world, done some amazing things and met some equally amazing people. During this time, I seemed to not be hearing our amazing God. Supported by wonderful, generous and honest people, I began to hear what was being said to me and began to explore vocation.
Paul Dickinson Brumby I am from Broughton in North Lincolnshire, where I live with my wife and our 12-year-old twins. I previously worked as a Clinical Psychologist, specialising in Learning Disabilities, for over 20 years, although a sense of calling (often suggested by others) was always in the background from the time I became a Christian at the age of 17. I finally got the sense that ‘now was the time’ to respond to God’s call at a friend’s ordination, at which the bishop urged anyone who might be feeling God’s call to service not to ignore it. When I eventually plucked up the courage to meet the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, he described the call to ministry as a ‘stone in the shoe’, which was very apt! I attended a Bishop’s Advisory Panel in 2015 and, after a year of studying part-time, I went full-time at Cranmer Hall in Durham as a weekly boarder. I have enjoyed being exposed to a wide range of traditions, from Anglo-Catholic to Charismatic Evangelical. I am delighted to have been invited to serve my title at St Hugh’s in Scunthorpe, which has the Scunthorpe Centre of Mission within its parish.
I began my studies at Lincoln School of Theology (LST) in 2015. The LST has had a massive influence on my life; educationally, spiritually and personally. The staff and students have combined to provide a community that is rich in tradition, worship and experience. In 2017 I left the RAF to concentrate on my studies and since then I have been a live-at-home student. I have learned new lessons, such as daily housework (after daily prayer) and a new discipline; shop less, study more! I have been married to Jayne for 30 years and she has provided me with a wealth of love and support. I am so excited to have been offered a curacy at St Botolph’s, and I am looking forward to what God has in store for Jayne and I as we begin a new chapter of our lives together. (Patrick) Evan McWilliams St Mary & St Nicolas Spalding I grew up in the southern United States and was raised by deeply devout Presbyterian parents. I eventually found my way into the Episcopal Church while training as an architectural historian with the intention that I would one day become a university lecturer. In 2011 I moved to York to pursue PhD work in the area of early twentiethcentury Anglican liturgy, ceremonial, and the arts. While there, I received a call to ordination and, upon completing the PhD, re-entered education to train for ministry at Cranmer Hall in Durham. I am looking forward to bringing my formal education and my vocation together in the service of the Church and the local community. (‘Introducing our deacons’ continues overleaf...)
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Introducing our deacons Arabella Milbank Robinson The Louth Team Ministry Following two years at the Lincoln School of Theology I completed a final year’s training at Westcott House in Cambridge. I was born in Lancaster, but my parents’ careers as university lecturers took me first to Cambridge, then to Charlottesville, Virginia, before we moved back to England in 2012 in time for me to take A-levels in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Prior to ordination I studied at New College, Oxford for my first degree in English and French, and I have just completed my PhD on religious fear in medieval literature at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. I am currently studying for an MPhil in Christian Theology, working especially on angels. I am married to James Robinson, a priest in this diocese. We have a three-year-old son, Aubrey, two cats, and three chickens. Other loves include poetry, art and music, especially choral and folk-singing. I play the harpsichord very badly. I am thrilled and humbled to have been ordained deacon. I am looking forward to almost every aspect of being a deacon, but perhaps most of all taking my first baptism. Mel Parkin Grantham and Manthorpe I was born in Brussels, Belgium and spent my early childhood in Alberta, Canada, before moving to the UK when I was 11, living in Lincolnshire for most of my teenage years and some of my early adulthood. I am a qualified Youth and Community Worker, and I have degrees in Biomedical Science and Youth & Community Work & Applied Theology. I have spent time working for a Christian organisation overseas, as well as for Coventry City Council, as the Mentoring Project Coordinator, for the Diocese of Leicester as Faiths Regeneration Officer, and for Market Harborough Street Pastors as Coordinator.
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Claire Mitchell Wolds Gateway I grew up in Tamworth, Staffordshire but I have always loved Lincolnshire. I have many fond childhood memories of day trips to Lincoln with my mum, sister and grandparents. I moved to Brigg in July 2006 and I live there with my husband, son and various pets. I am delighted to be invited to serve my curacy in the Wolds Gateway Group. I am looking forward to getting to know the communities as we encounter God together. I’m also keen to continue to learn and grow in this next stage of my ministry. As a non-stipendiary Assistant Curate, I will continue my employment during my curacy. I have always worked in Welfare Benefits, initially for the Benefits Agency and then moving to local government. Having been privileged to train for ministry locally at Lincoln School of Theology, I am thankful for the learning, support and nurture that I have received there. Learning to balance work, home and study has been at times challenging, highlighting the importance of resilience for future ministry, but I have loved it. More recently I worked for Churches Together in All Lincolnshire, which involved coordinating and teaching sessions on the mission shaped ministry course, while also helping to run a fresh expression of church in Lincoln and acting as Chair of Governors at a CofE Infant School. For the past two years I have been training for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge. This has given me the opportunity to deepen and further my passion for liturgy and mission, and broaden and stretch my existing theological knowledge. I spent last summer interrailing across Europe with my husband Jonnie and our two young children, Samuel, 11, and Abigail, 8. As a family, we are looking forward to our next adventure together, and I am delighted to serve my title post in Grantham and Manthorpe. I look forward to getting to know and learn with the congregations of both St Wulfram’s and St John’s and the wider communities they seek to serve.
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Introducing our deacons Rachel Revely Lincoln Cathedral
Alistair Ward St Peter in Eastgate, Lincoln
I grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, where I also did my first undergraduate degree in music before going on to do a Masters degree specialising in musicology.
I was brought up in Devon and worked in London for 15 years before relocating to Lincoln with Travis Perkins in 1996, at which time we joined St Peter’s Church. My wife, Erica, and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this year and have three children: William, Sarah and Matthew.
I thoroughly enjoyed singing in choirs throughout my time studying music and I fell into singing in church choirs. My experience of faith and love of music came together in the world of English choral music, which led me to have a greater understanding of the God to whom it was directed. This was where my sense of vocation to ordained ministry started to grow. While discerning my vocation I led a community choir in Edinburgh in a respite centre for people with HIV and Hepatitis C. During this time, I worked closely with the chaplain in coordinating the choir, and this was a place where I learnt the importance of God’s call to mission in our lives. After this, I became a pastoral assistant in the North Scunthorpe Group of Parishes for a year while I was discerning my vocation, and it was there that I developed a love for Lincolnshire. I trained at Westcott House in Cambridge over the past three years, and I am excited to be starting my curacy at Lincoln Cathedral. Paul Whiteley St Paul’s Spalding I was born and grew up in a small mining village just outside of Doncaster. Having attended the local comprehensive school, I left at the age of 16 and started working on a youth training scheme in farm work and then trained in horticulture, eventually going on to work for a Lincoln-based company for whom I helped to manage a large garden centre in Doncaster. It was during this period that I became a Christian and I was soon heavily involved in the life of my local church. Having volunteered as a prison chaplain and encountered the work
I became a Christian in 1984 at an evangelistic event in London and served voluntarily in youth work in the East End and also in discipling others in various Bible study and home groups at my church. It was at St Peter’s that I felt the call to ordained ministry and, after a discernment year at Lincoln School of Theology, I have been studying at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, for the past two years. Life at Ridley has been exciting, stimulating and challenging, and I’m excited by the prospect of returning to St Peter’s and working with the leadership team and congregation in its outreach to the local area, which will include St Peter in Carlton. I am passionate about bringing the good news of Jesus to people and encouraging and nurturing others in their faith. In my spare time I love walking, swimming and making ciabatta for my friends. of Church Army at home and overseas, I felt further called by God and was accepted to train with Church Army at the Wilson Carlile College in Blackheath. I have since completed three years of theological training and have spent the past 26 years serving in a variety of different posts in the London, Peterborough and Lincoln dioceses. Over the years I have always felt a real pull towards ordination and this has been affirmed. Now, having spent some time at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, I am looking forward to the prospect of continuing to serve the people of Spalding and the parish of St Paul’s. In addition to our deacons, we also pray as a diocese for those who were ordained priest on Sunday, 1st July 2018: Pat Barlow, Rachel Beck, Rachel Fowler, Sue Rose, Judy Shaw, Joseph Snelling and Claire Walker.
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Our churches Celebrating 800 years and a welcoming church community Charles Coulson reports on a fortnight of special events to help people of all ages celebrate the 800th anniversary of St Botolph’s Church in Quarrington... A fortnight of special events held in June offered local people and many visitors a taste of what life in the parish of Quarrington would have been like at the time of the founding of St Botolph’s Church in 1218. A significant feature of the fortnight was a medieval encampment featuring brightly coloured tents and people in authentic costume, plus a spice merchant displaying wares from around the known world of the time and an open-air kitchen (pictured below). A craft tent proved a popular venue for children, with many dressed as knights and princesses, and every young person was given a wrist Slap Band bearing the words ‘St Botolph’s Church 800 Years’. Together, we learned of the history of the parish and finds from the Bronze Age. In a talk on the history of the church, the stained-glass windows were given special mention, and the Sleaford Museum Trust kindly displayed a range of artefacts from the museum (an exhibition of artefacts from St Botolph’s Church is currently on display at the museum, which is open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10am–3pm and has free entry).
Bishop Christopher shared in the local celebrations on St Botolph’s Day.
At other times the church echoed to the music of recorder and crumhorn courtesy of Freshe Ayre, the Lincolnshire duo of Teri and Nigel performed from their folk-song repertoire, and the children of St Botolph’s CofE Primary School provided items for an exhibition that included a timeline of events in the parish, artwork inspired by Van Gogh, Kandinsky and David Hockney, plus a wall hanging of the church by the Reception children. The usual life of the parish continued uninterrupted by the festivities. A local couple were married by the Revd Mark Thompson, and the Sunday service moved to an al fresco setting. Here the children were tasked by ‘Granny Washbrook’ (a puppet) to search for the lost sheep, which was duly found in a clump of long grass. At the end of the service the day’s activities continued as the hog roast was ready and tea and coffee was prepared. A service to celebrate pets and teddies was attended by a small group of very well-behaved dogs and a hamster called Cupcake, and the teddies ranged in age from 39 to just a few weeks – all much-loved family members. On St Botolph’s Day itself (17th June), Bishop Christopher celebrated at a service of Holy Communion, and during his sermon he made reference to the parable of the mustard seed and its spread to provide shelter to numerous birds and animals. As we as a parish grow in terms of the number of residents, our mission is to provide shelter to those seeking spiritual comfort in a busy world. Our hope is that those who enjoyed the many and varied events during our 800th anniversary celebrations will return to join us and share further in our welcoming church community.
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‘Come and see’ Sharing the beauty, history and the life of our churches As this year’s Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival draws near, Linda Patrick looks forward to the offer of welcome and hospitality that will be extended to all... Following on from the success of the inaugural event held last year, the Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival will this year see 50 churches and chapels open their doors over the weekend of 8th and 9th September. With free entry offered to all, each building hides a story simply waiting to be discovered and offers a memorable encounter with heritage and atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on one side and the tranquil water of the River Witham on the other, what an ideal place to spend a late summer’s weekend retreat. This event brings together many rural communities, with churches offering activities such as homemade bakes and lunches, bell ringing, crafts, book sales and exhibitions covering subjects such as local history and children’s artwork. In addition, this year many of our churches will be commemorating two significant dates. This part of Lincolnshire is rich in aviation heritage and the festival will feature exhibitions celebrating 100 years since the formation of the RAF, with some villages also commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.
St Martin’s Church, Scamblesby with Cawkwell.
More than 100 volunteers will open up their churches and offer a warm welcome to visitors across the weekend, which coincides with the popular Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days event, meaning that there will be even more places to visit and explore. There is also another exciting reason to celebrate at these groups of churches. Thanks to the generous donations of lottery players, the National Churches Trust were able to receive National Lottery funding to deliver the Great Interpretations project. Focusing on the churches in the Horncastle area, the project aims to help people across Lincolnshire get to know their churches, record priceless treasures and promote their heritage to audiences far and wide. The Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival has been part funded through the Lincolnshire Wolds Small Grant Scheme and The Diocese of Lincoln Transformation Fund. More details are at www.horncastlechurchesfestival.co.uk and brochures and flyers will be placed in libraries, Tourist Information Centres and participating churches. These can also be requested by calling the office at St Mary’s Church in Horncastle on 01507 52 56 00.
All Saints’ Church, Holton cum Beckering.
Don’t forget... As featured in the July/August issue of Crosslincs, the second Holland Places of Worship Festival will also be taking place on Saturday, 8th and Sunday, 9th September. Further information, including a downloadable version of the festival brochure containing a guide to music and details of exhibitions, services and refreshments, is available from the festival website at www.hollandpowf.org.uk Alternatively, please call Cheryllyn Humphreys on 07796 01 03 19. DIOCESELINCOLN
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This Time on Monday What difference does faith make? The Revd Annabel Barber begins a new series that will introduce us to some of the people in our diocese and the role and impact of their faith in their daily lives... Our diocese is full of interesting people whose faith makes a real difference to how they live. We might 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. In this series, we’re going to be asking a few people what they will be doing at ‘churchtime’ on Monday. To begin, I caught up with Carl Fender. Annabel: Hi Carl, tell us about yourself, who you are and which church you go to? Carl: I’m 48 and I’ve been a barrister for nearly 25 years. I hail from the north-west, as does my wife. Work brought us both to this region. We have two children and worship at St George’s in Stamford. Annabel: How will you be spending your Monday? Carl: It depends – I could be travelling to court, or to Chambers. Sometimes I work at home. Professional life is hectic, and balancing it with family and church commitments can be difficult (I fail frequently!).
“I need a quiet place with God each day. There is no structure to when I find that place each day – just so long as I find it!” Annabel: How and when did you first come to faith? Carl: I had a faith early in life but I drifted away, and then reconnected in my late thirties when I did an Alpha course at St George’s. Annabel: What difference does your faith make to your life outside of Sunday? Carl: My work involves dealing with conflict in one guise or another. I do my best for the people I represent: for me, Christian service translates into public service. But I also realise there are different factors determining the outcomes to the work I do, and I only play one part in W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
the whole. Having faith gives you perspective on that. You cannot predict or control everything that happens, so I don’t beat myself up anymore when things don’t turn out the way I want. My faith makes me want to read something faith-driven during the week (not just the Bible but commentaries as well). A book called The Peacemaker helped me realise that conflict is in the heart of each of us. So resolving conflict isn’t always just down to people like me. And I need a quiet place with God each day. There is no structure to when I find that place each day – just so long as I find it! Annabel: What about the other way round? How is your faith affected by the work that you do? Carl: Prayer helps me reflect on myself and others. I find it encourages me to try and ‘work people out’ – How did this person get into this situation? Why did they do that? I study character traits keenly and this makes me wary of some people and I sometimes create barriers to friendship and engagement. This can be a challenge, but it comes from my faith, and that faith helps me rise to the challenge. Professional life can have hard edges and everyone needs their own way of protecting themselves. Annabel: Thank you Carl, it must be hard juggling such a difficult job, and a family and church commitments as well. I will remember you in my prayers.
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Children and youth New term, new opportunities Jonny Bell and Charlotte Bloom look to the range of opportunities that are presented by the month of September and the start of a new academic term... September offers opportunities to launch new initiatives or programmes aimed at reaching the younger generation. The thought of starting something new can be daunting, however, and so here we offer five simple steps to help anyone thinking of starting something new: 1. Build community. Research tells us that the younger generation are searching for places to ‘belong’ and to find refuge from the pressures of society. The activities we run can play a big part in this, and building a sense of community around any activity is really important. 2. Listen – Respond – Develop. Spend some time listening to God and to the needs of the community. What do the younger generation need? Youth work, after-school activities, toddler groups? Listen first, then respond and try some things out and let them develop. Never allow a group to stand still. 3. Authentic and honest. Young people want people to simply walk through life with them, and to develop positive role models. When we recruit leaders or volunteers we need to have this in mind. 4. Less is more. Families don’t have a lot of spare time. Focus on one or two projects really well, and invest in leaders, venues and resources. 5. Strategic thinking. Plan well. Seasonal events, holiday clubs, all-age worship services – ask how might everything fit together with the regular rhythm of church life?
These five steps can be applied to almost any project, and we are very happy to come and talk to churches or leadership groups about how to plan and develop a strategy for youth and children’s work. Light Party resources Churches have an opportunity to host events or services in October around the theme of ‘light’ as an alternative to Halloween. Scripture Union has some free resources – see https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/ Youth Gathering We are hosting a social event for youth groups and their leaders on Saturday, 15th September at Edward King House in Lincoln (3.30–5.30pm). The aim of this event is to bring young people together to meet other groups from around the diocese, for leaders to network and share some ideas, and for us all to have some fun. Get in touch for details. Save the date – Big Night Out Our Big Night Out 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 loads more, please get in touch if you’d 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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Fresh Expressions An opportunity to explore Messy Church with Lucy Moore The Revd David Bartlett, our Fresh Expressions Enabler, writes on a free Messy Church training event and also the forthcoming mission shaped ministry course... Messy Church is a fast-growing ministry that continues to engage and build relationships with thousands of people who haven’t normally attended church. It is aimed at being a church for all ages, and one that is fun, creative and interactive and which helps people to grow as followers of Jesus. It is not intended to be a stepping stone to other services but rather a congregation in its own right that is part of the wider church. It has at its heart the values of generosity, hospitality, celebration and creativity, and it is Jesus centred. Many congregations across the diocese now host a Messy Church, and we’ve heard some lovely stories of how, as a result, people are growing and developing in faith. These gatherings are often started ecumenically and are run by Christians from all backgrounds. In order to help Messy Church to further grow and flourish across the diocese, and to help others in thinking about whether it might be part of their mission planning, we are organising a free training day with Lucy Moore on Saturday, 10th November 2018.
Lucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church, and she is supported by Bible Reading Fellowship’s (BRF) Messy Church team. As Messy Church team leader, Lucy is responsible for ‘developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally – writing, speaking, reflecting and developing Messy projects’. This event will be held at St George’s Church, Swallowbeck, Lincoln from 9.30am until 3.30pm, and places may be booked by visiting goo.gl/khxqZr 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
mission shaped ministry Bookings have opened for an 18-month, part-time mission shaped ministry course that will begin in our diocese at the end of September. The course is said to be for: • those exploring how to begin, sustain and grow a fresh expression of church • experienced pioneers who want to reflect on what they are doing • those wanting to learn qualities of Christian ministry • Christians who want their churches to be more effective in mission • all denominations, traditions and ages • urban, suburban and rural contexts. Some of the course modules will include mission context, Gospel and culture, team roles and behaviour, discipleship, evangelism, and spirituality, worship and the sacraments. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
The course will be available in Sleaford and Market Rasen, with both courses set to start at New Life Church, Sleaford on Saturday, 29th September 2018 and conclude on 14th March 2020. To apply or request more details, please contact Churches Together in All Lincolnshire on 01522 27 11 41 or via email at admin@ctal.org.uk The Revd David Bartlett may be contacted on 01526 39 73 63 or via email at david.bartlett@lincoln.anglican.org
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Mission and outreach Showing endurance in the race that God has set before us In continuing our series looking at the links between faith and sport and wellbeing, Charlotte Bloom reflects on her life as a wife, a mother and as a triathlete... One of my favourite Bible passages is found in the first two verses of chapter 12 of Hebrews, which includes the line that says ‘And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us’. This passage reflects my life as a wife and as a mother of three living with a family of triathletes. Life is often referred to as a race! Triathletes train to race. The race combines three sports of swimming, cycling and running to form a single event contested over a variety of distances.
“While I am swimming, cycling and running I find myself at one with God: talking to him about my concerns and giving thanks to him for all that he has done for me. We sorted out many a problem during a bike ride or a run!” We train hard and we have to put in all the necessary work when no one is watching. For example, in my house, my boys get up at 5.30am to swim before school (I sometimes join them!), they then head off to school and upon arrival back home they go for a run or for a bike ride with our local triathlon club. We all belong to the club, including my daughter, Hannah, who can now no longer race and so helps to train the younger children. In order to reap the rewards you have to prepare for the race. We recently received the news that my eldest son, Will, has been chosen to race at the Inter Regional Championships which are to be held in September. He will be trained by some of the Olympic coaches in order to prepare him for this race and for others to come, and to qualify for this, Will raced at the ITU World Triathlon Series in Leeds, where the elite athletes race as a qualifier. I remember as a mum praying for him before he raced. I prayed that he would enjoy it, be safe and achieve his dream! He loves to race and he trains really hard in order to achieve his goal.
Charlotte Bloom and her family are all involved in the sport of triathlon.
The Christian life for me is so similar to that of a triathlon; it presents me with an opportunity to learn something about myself. Juggling the pressures of life, I often find myself in times of despair, exhaustion and with thoughts of giving up. But I had that goal I wanted to achieve and I wanted to reach that finishing line. While I am swimming, cycling and running I find myself at one with God: talking to him about my concerns and giving thanks to him for all that he has done for me. We sorted out many a problem during a bike ride or a run! It also provides unusual surprises, joys, triumphs and personal victories. There is no greater feeling than finishing that triathlon on race day and that sense of achievement. See www.lincoln.anglican.org/ministry-of-sport for more
News of seasonal resources The Church of England has launched downloadable worship and prayer resources to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. These resources are available at www.churchofengland.org/first-world-war-centenary Advent – advance notice of resources: #FollowTheStar is the theme of the Church of England’s 2018 Christmas campaign. A Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas reflections resource will be made available in booklet, social media and audio formats. More details to follow. The news pages of the diocesan website are regularly updated and are at www.lincoln.anglican.org/news DIOCESELINCOLN
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14 CROSSLINCS
Nature and nurture Considering our trees Helen Gamble, Project Officer with Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, provides the latest offering in our series looking at celebrating our local environment... Trees are wonderful – they provide habitat and food for so much of our wildlife, along with oxygen and shade for us within our churchyards and burial grounds. Many of the trees with our churchyards will probably be the oldest in the parish, and some of them, especially yew trees, might even predate the church itself. As much as we love large, old trees, however, they can be problematic to look after – but then so can self-set trees and young trees! A regular survey of trees is recommended to ensure that they are healthy and as safe as possible for visitors, neighbouring properties, the church and memorials. Advice should be sought from the Diocesan Advisory Committee at the diocesan office and a recommended arboriculturist must always be used. Before any work is undertaken on trees in a churchyard or burial ground, check whether the area is within a Conservation Area or if any trees have a Tree Preservation Order on them via the Local Authority. Also check with the Forestry Commission as to whether a felling licence is required before any works are undertaken. Contact the diocesan office during the planning stage of any tree work, and also seek permission from your archdeacon. But what if you’ve got, or are thinking about getting some new trees and shrubs – what things should you consider? • Space – is there enough? Not just height and branch span but also root span. Will there be damage caused by roots, which will spread as much as the branches can, if not more?
Images are © LWCS W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
• Location – will it be near anything? The church, other trees, existing or proposed burial plots, neighbouring property, roofs, roads, etc.? • Species – Look at local trees. Are there key species thriving? Also consider the issue of sap, fruits, seeds and leaves – will they cause problems? • Best start – All trees need care, and young ones especially. Ensure that they are protected from nibbling and browsing animals, and are kept clear of weeds but not damaged by grass-cutting equipment. • Wildlife – will it enhance it? Native species are best for insects and birds, providing important habitat and food. • Self-set trees – trees already growing via seeds, suckers or coppiced old stumps? These can be a problem if they don’t meet the requirements from the above list. Best to remove before major problems arise, but check for permissions, etc. Above all else, it is important to consider the following question: is it the right tree in the right place? Further advice is available from the national Caring for God’s Acre Project (www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk) and also at www.lincswolds.org.uk/library/churchyards.pdf
CROSSLINCS 15
Noticeboard Marking 35 years of service
Book review
Staff at Edward King House recently surprised Annie Gash on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of her starting work at the diocesan office...
Forty Reasons to Trust the Bible Martin Johnson, Jamie Austin and Kate Wiltshire Published by Onwards & Upwards (£11.99)
Annie, who is currently Properties Officer in the Finance and Properties team, first arrived as part of day-release work experience back in September 1982, and she later began full-time employment on 11th July 1983.
I read this book not only because I know one of the authors, Martin Johnson, who served in the RAF in Lincolnshire for many years, but also because I passionately believe that we need to find ways to encourage people to take the Bible more seriously. Martin gained his PhD while undertaking research in a senior management role in a large hospice, and then he became the Chief Executive of the Thalidomide Trust for some 14 years. During this time he undertook some vigorous and very successful campaigning at Westminster on behalf of victims, and he has also co-authored The Thalidomide Catastrophe with encouragement and cooperation from Sir Harold Evans, the international journalist.
A source of great help and advice to those living in diocesan properties, in looking back over her 35 years of service, Annie has said: “I have seen a lot of changes during my time with the diocese and I have worked with some wonderful people. I especially enjoy working closely with, and helping, the clergy and parishes in the diocese and the uniqueness of the ‘business’. I have come a long way from the shy 17-year-old who had never used a telephone before.” Annie is pictured below with Bishop Christopher, Nicholas Turner (Properties Manager), and the Revd David Dadswell (Diocesan Secretary).
This is a timely book. Even Christians might have a significant lack of knowledge of much of the Bible, other than the readings they might hear on Sundays. This work could therefore be most helpful as a means of encouraging Christians to explore the Bible in more depth and to be able to use it more confidently as a source of inspiration and as an aid to prayer. There is a chapter on 40 varied subjects, within the four categories of history, science, the text and prophecy. It is not meant to be a theological book but one that will attract the curious and the sceptical, and it should be very readable to a genuinely enquiring mind. The book offers some interesting facts and is a source of encouragement, and each chapter ends with references as an aid to further research.
Diocesan Spirituality Adviser – contact details As you may be aware, Canon Stephen Hoy is retiring in September, but he will continue to operate in his role as Diocesan Spirituality Adviser in a voluntary, part-time capacity for the next 12 months. Please note that Stephen will not be available at all from 23rd September to 1st November 2018, but after that time he can be contacted by email at stephenhoy39@gmail.com or on 07943 71 52 79. Stephen’s final service as parish priest at St John, Ermine (Lincoln), will be on Sunday, 23rd September at 10am.
If this book helps even a few people to think more seriously about the Bible, then perhaps it has succeeded. I found it to be a stimulating and interesting read on a variety of subjects, and I would imagine that it will be a very good way of encouraging everyone to explore the Bible more seriously. Perhaps it might also encourage them to think more deeply about faith, which is an exciting thought! Review submitted by the Revd Ian Walters, Vicar of the Gosberton Group of Parishes
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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER
Thursday, 27th – Sunday, 30th September (10am–4.30pm). Harvest Festival ‘with scarecrows in a world of flowers’ at St Denis’ Church, Silk Willoughby. To include light refreshments, plants, books and brica-brac. There will also be a Harvest Thanksgiving service in the church at 7pm on the Friday (28th September). Friday, 28th September (7.30pm). The Louth Male Voice Choir will be performing at St Mary the Virgin, Swineshead (Market Place, Swineshead PE20 3JL). For tickets (£7) call 01205 82 17 74 or pay on the door.
Celebration of Lay Ministries 27th October 2018 A Celebration of Lay Ministries is to be held in Lincoln Cathedral from 9.30–11.30am on Saturday, 27th October 2018. This free event will consist of worship, teaching and discussion, and will celebrate all forms of lay ministry, considering ‘our story so far and looking to the future of lay ministries involved in the mission and ministry of our diocese’. In addition, there will be an opportunity for re-commitment to existing ministries, plus a chance to share in the joy of licensing and authorisation of those new to ministry. Light refreshments will be served in the cathedral after the service. As an indication of possible numbers, please book a place by visiting goo.gl/ DuWzRd Anyone wishing to stay for the 12.30pm Eucharist service should email sally.buck@lincoln.anglican.org or call Sally on 01522 50 40 89 so that the cathedral staff are aware of numbers. W W W.LINCOLN. ANGLIC AN.ORG
OCTOBER
Friday, 12th October (7.30pm). Louth Male Voice Choir will be performing at St Swithin’s Church in Baumber. Tickets (£10) will include light refreshments and one drink. To reserve tickets please call 01507 57 82 40. Watch this space... The Community of St Hugh, which has been in a pilot phase since September 2017, is set for launch in the autumn. More information will follow. The Parish Giving Scheme is to be launched in November 2018 (dates to be confirmed). Venues: one in each archdeaconry (details to be confirmed). For more information, please contact: Hugo Cobham (Stewardship Officer) Tel. 01522 50 40 49 / M. 07870 66 33 53 Email: hugo.cobham@lincoln.anglican.org Details of more events are available at www.lincoln.anglican.org/events Don’t forget the Horncastle and Villages Churches Festival and the Holland Places of Worship Festival, which will be held over 8th and 9th September. See page 9 for details.
Notifications issued by the Bishop’s Office The Revd Chris Hewitt has been appointed Rector of the benefice of the Walesby Group. The Revd Graham Buckle has resigned his licence as Priest in Charge of the benefice of Castle Bytham with Creeton and Minster in Charge of the parishes of North and South Witham with effect from 30th September 2018. The Revd Jonnie Parkin has been appointed Interim Minister for Trinity Grantham and Grantham Deanery. The Revd Sudharshan Sarvananthan has been appointed Rector of Wyberton and Vicar of Frampton.
Peter – The Rock A musical journey into the life of St Peter. Performances to be held on: Saturday, 15th September 2018: 7.30pm at St Firmin’s Church, Thurlby & Saturday, 22nd September 2018: 7.30pm at St John the Baptist Church, Morton. Tickets: £8 adults, inc. refreshments; accompanied children under-18 – free. Tickets for Thurlby: please call Patsy Moore on 01778 42 35 05 or send an email to peterandpatsy@talktalk.net Tickets for Morton: please call Eileen Palmer on 01778 39 38 77 or send an email to palmer1856@gmail.com Also see www.rev-rice-oxley.uk
Festival of Remembrance at St Botolph’s Boston From 28th October until 11th November 2018
To include a Preview Concert on Sunday, 28th October, the festival is set to include Songs from the Trenches (1st November), lectures, music and workshops, leading up to Boston – Beacon For Peace (10th November) and Boston’s Remembrance Day (11th November). For more information, please see www.parish-of-boston.org.uk/events/ or call 01205 31 09 29. DIOCESELINCOLN
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