Features (September 2009)
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Community: a vital part of faith
This month Graham Barnard joins the Diocese of Newcastle as its new Diocesan Secretary, a job which will see him out and about in the parishes and deaneries as well as running the show from Church House. Sue Scott talks to Graham about the challenges ahead and his journey from property solicitor to chief diocesan administrator.
“Church,” says Graham Barnard, “Has always been quietly there in the background, a source of strength, a second family, a place where you can feel you belong...”
Even at university, he explains, a time notorious for cutting loose and ditching the home rituals, he still drifted toward the chaplaincy for Sunday services, although he didn’t make a big thing of it. Rather, it was simply something which felt natural and right, a way of keeping faith with his past and his roots. Graham Barnard is reflecting on the process which has led him to leave a partnership at the top city firm of Dickinson Dees to take on a rather different kind of job, one which will see him negotiating the nuances and fielding the foibles – tricky tasks for one and all - of the Church of England.
“I knew it was time for a change,” he says, at the same time paying tribute to 27 happy years with his old firm, “And for me the economic downturn was somewhat fortuitous. Suddenly there wasn’t a great deal of property work, and the questions I’d been asking about my future coincided with being told about the advert for this post...”
However, there was more than a little continuity. As a long-term member of St. Nicholas, Gosforth, and a PCC member, he knew plenty about Church life and its challenges, and at Dickinson Dees he had gravitated toward “pro bono” and charity work, becoming involved in advising charitable organisations looking to invest in property. His skills and insights into the workings of charities and property law are surely assets from which the diocese can only benefit.
For the moment, however, he’s engaged in observing how business is done in the Diocese of Newcastle, and he jokes that nobody need watch to assess how he’s matching up to Obama’s “100 days”. Rather, he wants to take time to see how the operation functions, and build on the “strong sense of commitment” that he has already identified at work in Church House. It’s a learning process, he says, and one that he means to pursue diligently.
He will be part of the backroom team at an institution he has already come to love. Baptised a Congregationalist, he soon found himself a member of the Church of England, with all the joys, he recalls, of growing up among a real church community.
“I was a Scout,” he says, “And our Scoutmaster was the curate. He was fantastic – he taught all the boys to drive!”
At the same time he attended Norwich School – he was born and brought up in the Norfolk city - and every morning school assembly was held in the nave of the cathedral. The school playground backed on to a 16th Century chapel, and his whole school life was steeped in a sense of place and church history. And not just church history – Admiral Lord Nelson was an old boy of Norwich School, a glamorous fact which may have contributed to Graham’s interest in naval and military exploits.
After Norwich, he says, “I slowly worked my way up the country,” arriving in Newcastle in 1982. It was to prove a happy move for he soon joined the staff at Dickinson Dees and through hillwalking friends met his wife, Jane, who is now a consultant at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. They have two children, Kirstin, aged 14, and Lucy, who’s 11 – and they still go hill walking when they can.
An important part of their relaxation and social life, however, centres on St. Nicholas in Gosforth. Both are active church members – Jane has helped script the parish pantomimes over the past few years and both were involved in the highly successful performance of the Mystery Plays in 2007. They live in the Victorian terrace next to the church, both their daughters have been confirmed, and the joy of their involvement in St. Nicholas’s is, as Graham puts it, “the strong sense of a very diverse community there.” He adds: “It’s just great to have something beyond your immediate family and your work colleagues that’s important to you. Community is such a vital part of faith – for me it’s at the very heart of church life.”
He will be bringing that belief in the value of community to his new job, as well as an abiding interest in buildings – especially churches and church halls – and the ways they can be used for the benefit of all.
Among the challenges facing the diocese, and church people generally, he sees a period of continuing economic difficulty ahead. “We still face a number of years ploughing through the economic downturn,” he says, “And that means we will see a considerable number of people out of work for some time yet. This in turn means a role for the diocese and for parish churches in helping both individuals and communities. There will be financial challenges and social challenges to work through.”
He’s interested in exploring new opportunities arising from what he sees as “secular politics trying to engage with the faith communities” and believes the time may be ripe for parishes to look anew at their buildings and ask how they might be better used.
He’s an optimist by nature, and thinks that much of what he sees in the Church of England is very good – while beyond the church doors, he feels that people are waking up to the real benefits of spirituality and faith. Mental health is one example he cites – the growing idea that faith and a spiritual approach to life can aid the fight against depression and other mental problems.
On the debates rattling the Church of England nationally – and internationally – at the moment, he is conciliatory. Women bishops ? “I’ve got no problem with that, but I recognise that some do.” Gay bishops ? “I don’t have strong views, but I do feel that we’re in danger of upsetting the applecart on this one issue. We seem to have spent far too long on it...”
For all that, he adds, he’s not sure that the quarrels will necessarily result in any great damage in the long term. “I think we’ll still go on talking to each other, and there will always be affection when we meet up. Ultimately, I suspect, none of these issues will turn out to be that important.”
So what does Graham Barnard see as being truly important in the church of today ? He thinks hard before he puts it into words, but the vision he eventually presents is one that will surely resonate with others in the parishes.
“I’m not a great one for saying grace,” he says, “But I do believe in simply saying thank you for the many gifts we have – food, energy, petrol, all those things which make life comfortable. We have so much, and if we stop to give thanks for all that, we will surely be led to look at environmental and global issues in a different way...” It is, perhaps, the partner to that joy in community he holds so dear – the desire to make the world a little better for others less fortunate – which lies behind his decision to pitch in his lot with the Diocese of Newcastle.
“We’re not here because of the profit margin, or because of any clients,“ he says seriously, “It’s a different driver altogether.”
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Staying Alive - they did it again!
by Simon White
What a weekend! Three days and nights of fun-packed, Godinspired, awesome worship and great fellowship.
Yup it's Staying Alive, and it was even better than last year. The comments on the comment wall said it all: Amazing, should be longer , Amazing as usual, Brilliant time, Staying Alive was really good - I'm definitely coming next year, I loved every minute of it, The last night should be Cry Night, Fantastic connection with God - and one I didn't understand at all: Simon is bald!
With almost 90 people in attendance it was just great. We shared together, laughed together, got wet together, cried together (although I think I cried more than most, along with John and the catering team).
As last year, we sent teams out to bless the communities and we must thank all in those places who fed and looked after our young people. Thanks have to go to the teams at Bamburgh, Belford, Beadnel, Seahouses, Alnwick, Amble and Alnmouth. Young and old alike had a great time sharing together.
The all new talent show was a big hit thanks to Gary and Shaun, and it's a definite for next year. The team leaders and assistants were great although their competitive nature came out with the "let's get wet event" organised by Matthew and Chantal! As in previous years, we started on Thursday night with the fish and chip supper and amazing worship from RE Born who joined us again. Thanks guys! Morning prayer, which started at 8.30 drew almost 30 young people together on the beach, (who said young people didn't get out of bed before 9.00?). The Saturday evening was as awesome as ever and God was very gracious.
Sunday morning, which we shared with St Paul's congregations was just fab, worshipping as the family of God together would bring a tear to any eye and it did mine (nothing new there, then!) We have had so many requests to extend the event that there may be a possibility of an extra day next year, so watch this space!
Next year's dates have had to be moved due to some booking clashes, so put them in your diary now: August 19 - 22. There are too many people to thank for all their help, but the Revd. Ed Butlin and Val Cowan should be high on the list so thanks to them, the catering team from St. Mary's Fawdon, all the group leaders, band, workshop leaders, assistant leaders, chaplains, helpers and organisers from the parishes and anyone else missed off. Photos will be on the youth page soon. God bless! See you all next year!
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Questions of Faith...
Have you been keeping the lid on your curiosity? Been wondering whether to go deeper with something you’re interested in? The autumn is coming, and a whole range of courses are starting with Lindisfarne, so now is a big opportunity to check out what there is, and if you find something that’s right for you, to sign up for it .
If questions of faith intrigue or perplex you, then one of Lindisfarne’s short courses may be just what you’re looking for.
The short courses are for local use according to demand, and they’re either six sessions over a number of weeks, or two Saturdays. They have one local facilitator, and one from the Training Partnership. It needs 8 – 10 people to form a group, and sessions are usually free of charge!
Courses available or soon available include:
LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY, an introduction to different styles of prayer, the Lord’s Prayer and ways of finding ‘space’ with God;
MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE FOR TODAY, an overview of the scriptures, relating the Bible’s story to our stories. For those who know some bits of the Bible only, this offers a wider map;
CHRISTIAN CALLING, the question of ‘calling’ affects each of us. But how? In what ways does God call me? ;
STRUGGLING WITH SUFFERING, How do we relate to suffering in our own and other people’s lives? No glib answers here! But in the midst of deep questioning faith can be rekindled;
SCIENCE AND FAITH, A host of scientists who are Christians find that faith and science go hand in hand, and the course offers a chance to deepen our understanding, however much or little our previous knowledge (in Newcastle and Tynemouth this autumn);
SUNDAY INTO MONDAY, different Christians see the workplace in different ways: e.g. some as a mission-field, others as a place where God is at work, others as a place where there are ethical issues. How do we best apply our faith in a ‘work’ context?
If you see a theme you like, please ask your vicar or minister. Or contact Alastair Macnaughton for details on 01912340371 and leave a message or e-mail: enquiries@lindisfarnertp.org
LONGER COURSES
Faith and Life begins on Thursday September 24, 7p.m at St John’s Kingston Park, and continues afterwards at Berwick, Morpeth, Hexham, Fawdon and Wallsend.
Living Theology Today is based in Durham, so just in range of Newcastle and the lower Tyne Valley. We aim to explore Christian theology in an allround way, engaging with the heart, not just the head. People from all walks of life have found these series to make a big difference with regard to personal faith, understanding the Bible, and their sense of purpose in life. Enquirers’ evening is 7th September 7pm at Durham. Others from Newcastle are attending.
Lindisfarne Open Day - 06 September 2009, 10:00 am 3.30p.m at Church House, Percy Main. This is for anyone who is wondering about joining any of our universityaccredited modules. There will be worship, something on study skills, lunch, a presentation on the different modules and an opportunity to meet students who are currently studying for Reader / ordained ministries as well as a number of independent students. Please let us know you are coming (see above) And come when you can on that day!
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