Ask Gary!
foundations
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Guide training day a success
Love Stow Minster! Matthew Cooper
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Ben Stoker
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good and rewarding time was had by all at the inaugural Diocesan Church Guide Training Day, which took place at The Old Palace and Lincoln Cathedral. The morning’s session prompted some lively discussion about church-guiding and what constitutes a good tour, as well as how to make a church welcoming to all. In the afternoon we saw all that the-
ory come to life as we were led around Lincoln Cathedral by the Dean’s Verger, John Campbell, in what was a master-class in church-guiding. Everyone was then able to have a go themselves, using the many wonders of the cathedral as their inspiration. Look out for information about the next Church Guide Training Day, which will be coming soon.
ore than 150 people have flocked to Stow Minster for an evening of fun and togetherness at one of the most important churches in the country. Those who came were treated to the sound of the Lincs Effect singing in the chancel; market stalls; a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses; medieval characters; hog roast; and a Mediterranean Piazza-style
arrangement in the nave, complete with trees provided by the local garden centre. Professor David Stocker entertained the crowd with his knowledge and wit in ‘Ask the Professor’ and the Church Buildings Council explained how they are helping to ensure that the church has an exciting future. The event marks a new chapter in the life of a much-loved Lincolnshire landmark.
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Winter planning Featured photog raph
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multitude of organisations in North East Lincolnshire have come together to establish a scheme that aims to ensure the wellbeing of elderly and vulnerable people during periods of extreme winter weather. As well as issuing information about what supplies to purchase in preparation for winter, this scheme encourages people to get involved, be good neighbours and support their local communities. The Bishop of Grimsby, the Rt Revd David Rossdale, said: “This is an excellent initiative which provides real support to the most vulnerable people in our community during a particular time of need. “It enables us to work to-
gether as a community to be inclusive and caring for all. “I fully endorse this campaign and hope that it will be well supported by people in every part of North East Lincolnshire.” If your church can help to disseminate information and deliver vital assistance to those who need it most over the winter period, please contact: Penny Burton (Healthier Communities and LINk Programme Manager, VANEL) Tel: 01472 315437 penny@vanel.org.uk If you are inspired by this initiative but don’t live in North East Lincolnshire, perhaps you could set up a similar ‘good neighbour’ scheme in your parish?
Maintenance tips from the SPAB Maintenance Calendar Things to Look For:
“The view from Somersby, St Margaret” sent in by Angus Beating. If you would like to submit a photograph to be featured in the next Foundations please e-mail us with your name, location, and a brief description.
Check masonry for signs of damage. Report any deeply eroded mortar joints or cracks or signs of movement. Check that snowboards and access walkways are in a good state of repair Check that the flagpole is secure. Check the roofs for damage. Debris on the ground from broken or missing slates and tiles indicates that there may be a problem.
Things to Do:
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and rainwater pipes regularly and check for any storm damage. Frequent attention may be needed if the building is surrounded by trees, or perched on by pigeons.
foundations
Which saint am I?
Martyred in the year 290, I was an Egyptian in charge of a Roman Legion.
My entire legion was made up of Christian soldiers who refused to punish other Christians. I was killed along with my legion in a town in Switzerland which is now a famous ski resort.
I’m the patron saint of cramps, the Swiss Guard, and Holy Roman Emperors.
Who am I? – answer at the bottom of the page!
Church hosts art day S
t Paul’s, Morton has played host to an informative and entertaining day where a diverse range of arts associated with parish churches was explored. Our very own Matthew Cooper spoke about how to ‘read’ parish churches; Dr John Lord talked about Sacred Art; Dr Matthew Godfrey explained how the ‘Heritage at Risk’ campaign is helping to
save our region’s important vulnerable buildings; and artists who practice church-related crafts shared their knowledge and experiences in the fields of stained glass, stonemasonry, painting, needlework and photography. There was also a chance for residents of the Trent Vale to arrange for the artists to deliver workshops in their churches.
Contact details Matthew Cooper Historic Churches Support Officer matthew.cooper@lincoln.anglican.org 01522 504028
Dr Matthew Godfrey talks at St Paul’s, Morton
Ben Stoker Lincolnshire Open Churches Officer ben.stoker@lincoln.anglican.org 01522 504025
Answer: St Maurice
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foundations
Gary the Gargoyle Event diary Metal Theft Seminars 12th October 7pm, Horncastle College 13th October 4pm, Lincoln, St John the Baptist (Ermine) Speakers from Lincolnshire Police, Ecclesiastical Insurance, English Heritage, SmartWater and the Archdeacons, as well as information provided by security companies E-Bound and Smiths of Derby. These seminars will provide your parish with advice on how best to protect your church from metal theft, and what to do if anything does get stolen. Each session will be no more than two hours long, refreshments will be provided. Please contact Matt Cooper to book (01522 504028)
Unlocking Potential Contact Ben Stoker or Matt Cooper
here to answer your questions! Dear Gary... I’m looking for funding information to help on a church repair project. Where should I turn?” Listless in Lincolnshire Well, Listless, your problems are at an end! Simply go to www.lincoln.anglican.org/historicchurches and you will find an excellent list packed full of grants for church buildings. Yours truly,
Ben and Matt provide training packages for parishes in a simple half-day programme. For everything from maintenance to creating a perfect welcome, we will provide a mixture of talks and exercises to help you unlock the potential of your church. Training days are free to book. Please call for details.
The wise and foolish builders
Gary. Dear Gary... My parish would like to open their church more regularly, but we don’t know where to start and are feeling a bit nervous about it. Can you help?” Nervous of North Lincs Don’t be nervous, Nervous! Check out www.lincoln.anglican.org/openchurches for all the advice and help you need. Best wishes and good luck,
Gary. Do you have a question for Gary? Write to him at foundations@lincoln.anglican.org
Matthew 7:24-27
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herefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” NIV