News (April 2010)
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Local Ministry: Is it the way ahead for the Church?
More than 120 people met at St. John’s in Percy Main last month for a special Synod Forum to explore the Local Ministry movement which is taking root across the diocese.
The event was billed as a chance to find out what Local Ministry actually is. What happens when you set up a Local Ministry team ? Why bother with it anyway? How on earth do you do it? Where is it going? Judy Hirst, Local Ministry Development Officer for Newcastle and Durham dioceses (pictured), admitted at the start of the meeting that she was astonished - but delighted - at the turn-out.
It seemed to show, she said, that many people already understood Local Ministry as being key to the future. She went on to say that at the heart of successful Local Ministry teams, a number of qualities could be discerned. Number one was the desire in a parish to pray and learn together about God, to “discover Christ at the heart of things”. Number two was a delight in the journey, a desire to celebrate the good things about parish life and build upon them. Number three was a recognition that Ministry needed to be the business of “the whole people of God working as equal and full members of the body of Christ.” Finally, there was commitment to drawing out the gifts and qualities of all the people in a parish.
Four parishes were then invited to share their own experiences of Local Ministry, and presentations were given by Christ Church Walker, St. Mary’s Monkseaton, St. John’s Snods Edge, and St. Mary’s Fawdon. Each had different insights to offer, but all were frank about their failures as well as their successes. Some initiatives – such as the attempt to set up “prayer triplets”, groups of three meeting to pray, had not taken off in one parish, and another parish had found itself with more initiatives than it could reasonably handle. But at the same time all four churches had experienced a growth in spirituality, and increased commitment by members of their congregations.
The Local Ministry initiative had led in some cases, the Forum heard, to special Mission Weekends, to parish celebrations – for example anniversaries or dedications – which aimed to draw in the wider community, and to participation in the Faith and Life courses offered through the Lindisfarne regional training partnership. The morning ended with a summing up from retired bishop the Rt. Rev. Michael Hooper who has been instrumental in promoting Local Ministry across the Church of England.
The Synod Forum, he said, had been “inspirational” in its approach to Local Ministry . In trying to be faithful to the image of God “as one who walked among us”, he said, it was vital to understand what sort of God we believed in. With a shared ministry, a ministry of service, and a shared leadership, with a community prepared to pray and wait on God, and then think and plan strategically, it was possible to see churches grow in confidence. “We’re all in it together,” he concluded.
For further information contact the Local Ministry Development Officer, Rev. Judy Hirst, at judy.hirst@durham.anglican.org or by phone on 0191 334 8540.
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Mothers’ Union joins up on the Bridge
Members of Newcastle Diocese Mothers’ Union joined up with other local women on the Millennium Bridge last month to celebrate International Women’s Day and draw attention to the plight of women around the world. President Jennifer Snowdon said: “Mothers’ Union shares so many of the goals of this day that it made sense that we joined the Women’s Institute and Women for Women and others in this very visible expression of our commitment to helping women throughout the world.”
She added: “We only need to look at some of the issues highlighted today and compare the plight of other women with our own lives to realise just how important it is that we redouble efforts and continue to develop our work. In the course of this year, we’ll be celebrating the 10th anniversary of both our Literacy and Parenting Projects. These are vital to the wellbeing of women throughout the world.”
Christian Aid, other NGOs and women’s protest groups also joined up on the bridge, and there was a silent march through Newcastle to highlight the tragedy of “50 million women missing in India”, the targets of sex trafficking, dowry agreements or acid attacks.
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Now is the time to ditch Trident
More than 200 people attended a talk by Keith O'Brien, Cardinal Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh (pictured), on "Trident, Viewed with the Eyes of a Twentieth Century Faith" as part of the "Hexham Debates 2010".
This second debate was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hexham. The Cardinal told his audience that Trident was the UK's own weapon of mass destruction, a hydrogen bomb system carried in submarines on constant secret patrol. Describing this as "an awesome force", the Cardinal reminded those present that just one of the four submarines carries a fire-power equal to 384 Hiroshima bombs.
Notwithstanding the UK's economic plight, and its pledge in the 1968 Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty to work for general and complete disarmament, the UK is currently renewing the Trident system at a cost of many billions.
In September 2009 the Cardinal was present at the United Nations General Assembly when President Obama undertook to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Gordon Brown supported the Motion, then almost immediately endorsed the Trident renewal. The Cardinal highlighted this contradiction, and outlined the work of the Scottish Catholic Justice and Peace Group, working closely with the other churches in Scotland, to draw attention to the inherent dangers and immorality of the Trident weapon.
He read to the audience the statement of Pope John XXIII back in 1963 that ' justice, right reason, and consideration for human life and dignity urgently demand... that nuclear weapons should be banned ' Lamenting the UK's reliance on Trident, the Cardinal said this constituted an immoral threat of undue force, the use of which would kill innocent civilians on a massive scale and threaten the very future of our planet. He labelled Trident a moral failure, a sign of weakness and a posture of bullying, and pointed out that more than 180 nations believe they are secure without nuclear weapons and the need to threaten instant genocide and destruction.
The UK, said the Cardinal, was ideally placed to take the great leap towards disarmament. Our current nuclear weapons system is already near the end of its life. We should honour the disarmament treaty we signed back in 1968. The Cardinal drew attention to Pope Benedict's description of the UK's nuclear deterrence policy as ' baneful and just plain wrong, based on a false premise of what security really means ', and reminded his audience of the forthcoming Papal visit to Britain. "Wouldn't it be something if the UK announced a decision to dismantle Trident in the week of that visit?" he asked. Far from being absurd, this would be a key move to disarmament and would allow the UK to speak with authority to other nations striving to copy our example and develop nuclear weapons. The Cardinal's hope is that "the light will dawn on our political leadership".
Questions which followed Cardinal O'Brien's talk underlined the public concern about Trident, which according to latest opinion polls is opposed by a majority of the UK population; it will be a key issue in the coming election. The Cardinal urged everyone to 'stand up and be counted' by raising their concerns with their MP, or by visiting the UK churches' Now Is The Time on-line petition against Trident.
Click here to read ‘The defence of the realm’ in the Comment section.
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Prison Fellowships – Catalysts in the community
Natalie Cronin, Chief Executive of Prison Fellowship, England and Wales, has urged the organization to be “ridiculously ambitious” in trying to touch the lives of every prisoner in England and Wales in future years.
Ms. Cronin joined over 250 delegates celebrating 30 years of Prison Fellowship England and Wales at their Conference in Hayes, Derbyshire, recently.
“We felt real strength rising,” Ms Cronin said. She reflected on some extraordinarily moving stories from both volunteers and former inmates. She said: “Volunteers spoke movingly about standing by someone whose life is in a dark place – and grace can flow through that. Being a volunteer is a powerful witness, causing other people to think about the work we do. They can be catalysts in their churches and communities.”
“Through our Sycamore Tree course, inmates come to realise the impact their crime has had on people’s lives and try to come to terms with it. We know that restorative justice works. As a society we need to get re-offending rates down.” Prison Fellowship operates two highly successful projects, Sycamore Tree and Angel Tree, which are based on collaborative working with different people and organisations.
“I want us to be ridiculously ambitious and reach all prisoners over the next few years, and we can only do this with more volunteers, and God’s grace. We can also work in closer partnership with churches. We are very energised after coming together as a body of Christians” Ms Cronin said.
Prison Fellowship England and Wales is currently represented in most English and Welsh prisons and involves 1,400 volunteers who pray for, and work with, inmates and their families in a wide variety of ways.
The charity is supported by Christians of all denominations and is experiencing real growth.
A new project called Patchwork Quilt was launched at the conference. Patchwork Quilt is a living archive of 30 years of Prison Fellowship’s work and is an interactive resource with an additional DVD available.
Click here to read 'Too many prisoners?' in the Comment section.
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Musical pulpits in Central Deanery?
"Are some of the clergy and Readers in Central Deanery playing musical pulpits?" asked one slightly surprised Church Warden. Well, not exactly but they are doing a good deal of swapping about in May when several Readers and clergy will be visiting one another's churches to preach on the theme of " To be called and to be sent."
The Area Dean, Revd. Philip Cunningham explains: "All Christians are called by God to mission. But how do we best live out our calling? - our vocation? In June Central Deanery is organising a morning to help all of us engage with our vocations. In May several of us are visiting one another to share our own stories and encourage everyone to join in.
"On 19th June 2010 at St. Columba's Wideopen, Central Deanery is offering the opportunity to explore vocation further . The morning, "To be called and to be sent ", is for everyone , young, old, men, women, teenage - whatever. It is not just about "being a priest". There will be a number of speakers; the format being a carousel so that small groups can meet and share with individual speakers for about half an hour at a time. During the course of the morning people could meet with two or three speakers. There will also be displays offering all sorts of opportunities and ideas for vocation and mission."
Speakers at "To be called and to be sent" will include: Canon Audrey Elkington who is the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, a brother of the Society of Saint Francis from Alnmouth, Professor Nina Laurie, Sarah McTimoney of "After Sunday", Ruth Hewitt who runs Ark in the Park, and Charlotte Mitchell, who is currently serving as Pastoral Assistant in a large London parish. Bishop Martin comments, "I am greatly encouraged to hear of the Central Deanery's initiative "… to be called and to be sent …". I hope that all those who attend will be challenged and enabled to explore their own Christian vocation more fully."
Everyone in the Diocese is welcome. The morning will be in the form of an extended Eucharist beginning with simple "Celebration of the Word" and ending with Holy Communion followed by a lunch. You can attend for all or part of the event. Do come along - and if you are in Central Deanery, look out for those musical clergy!
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Attacking violence against women
A new alliance to bring together Christians from around the world in a common goal to end violence against women is due to launch this summer .
After five years as International Director of Tearfund, Peter Grant will stand down this summer in order to co-lead “Restored”, which is a new Christian alliance focused on ending violence against women. He will be a Co-Director of the new organisation, alongside Mandy Marshall, Tearfund’s Gender Adviser.
Tearfund will ‘incubate’ Restored over the next three years, and host the new alliance as it builds up its own capacity and identity.
Over the last eighteen months, Peter and Mandy believe that God has been calling them increasingly to work on a Christian response to violence against women: ‘We are now in a position to launch Restored – a Christian alliance committed to transforming relationships and ending violence against women,’ Peter said. ‘We hope that many UK organisations and partners around the world will want to join Restored, and that we will find ways to stand together as men and women in the family of God to bring an end to the unacceptable abuse that many women face.’
Tearfund is one of the UK’s leading Christian relief and development agencies, working in over 50 countries around the world to tackle material and spiritual poverty, and has been involved in tackling stigma around gender for many years.
‘While we will undoubtedly feel the loss of Peter moving on to Restored, we share his excitement at this new development and we’re proud to be hosting such a radical and vital alliance,’ says Matthew Frost, Tearfund’s Chief Executive.
‘Violence against women takes many forms, and is clearly an issue for many of us here in the UK as well as in the poorest parts of the world, where Tearfund operates. We are honoured to be part of birthing Restored, and will continue to pray and work with the alliance for many years to come.’
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Afternoon Tea at St. Peter’s
A well-known local historian is to speak at a special Afternoon Tea Party to be held at St. Peter's Monkseaton later this month. Charlie Steel (pictured) will be talking about the history and background of the communities in Monkseaton and Whitley Bay.
St. Peter's congregation are holding the tea party in the Crosskeys Community Hall, Woodleigh Road, Monkseaton, on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 2.30 p.m. Proceeds to go to Crosskeys Project. Tea will be traditional - with a variety of sandwiches, scones and cakes available with your cuppa.
If you would like tickets please contact any of the following people: Sheila Horn. John Bowes, Olvin Redfern, Carol Gibson. Tel: 2964442 - 2511679 - 2527370 - 2528458
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The story behind Australian kneelers
Link recently reported on the visit of the Rev. Jean Skinner to Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia – where, on visiting the cathedral, she found an interesting reminder of home.
Now Link has learned how a kneeler showing St. Nicholas’ Cathedral in our own city of Newcastle came to find its way to Australia.
Liz Bowlby writes: “We were interested to read in February's 'Link' of the recent visit of Jean Skinner to the diocese of Newcastle, New South Wales. My husband, Bishop Ronnie Bowlby (then Bishop of Newcastle, UK) and I were there in 1979 on an 'exchange' visit. I had charge of the kneeler pictured in the Link, a gift from our Cathedral to theirs, and duly presented it to the congregation after morning service. We might have had difficulty in getting it through security these days - what a great way to smuggle small arms or white powder in the stuffing!
“During our visit we were based at Bishop's House with Bishop Alfred Holland and his wife Joy with whom we are still in touch, living in retirement in Canberra. They paid a return visit to our diocese the following year, and we have greatly enjoyed the contact and friendship with them and others.
During our visit we travelled around the diocese, visiting all the deaneries. This included a remote community in the Hunter Valley. We like to remember the banner headline on a newsagents’ board – Quiet Weekend on the Roads! But this was not reflected in the Church life, where there was much vitality.”
Link’s best wishes go to Liz and Ronnie in their retirement – with thanks for supplying the end to the kneeler story.
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Cathedral Comes Alive!
Forget the organ, the endless hymns and the choir… For a one night spectacular these traditional themes were pushed aside for the amazing performance entitled “Work in Progress” that was headlined by the Sheffield born singer and guitarist Phillippa Hanna!
The evening began like any normal concert - a warm-up act led by none other than guitarist Roo Walker, a man who is both professional and amazing (yes, at the same time.)
After a few songs, and a bit of a hiccup, the night really began, and as Phillippa took to the stage there was an uproar of cheers and whistling. After some fantastic singing and guitar work, Phillippa moved to a serious tone: Haiti. She told us the story of the time she was there trying to help the earthquake victims in every way. She went on to show the music video she has made along with the song “Ave to Love”, a moving performance which aims to raise funds to send out to the families affected in this horrendous earthquake. Then, after a 20 minute interval, we were in full swing again. The singing was more astounding and the feeling of love and compassion that was received around the audience was immense.
The night was a huge success with busloads arriving from as far as Alnwick and Hexham.
Huge congratulations go to Phillippa Hanna, whose tour was finishing that weekend and what better way to end than her very first concert in Newcastle!
For more information on this fantastic group visit:
http://www.philippahanna.co.uk
I speak on behalf of the audience and the band when I say thank you to the Cathedral staff for allowing us to use such amazing facilities, to Andrew Shipton who was in charge of the evening, and to the audience for attending. The Cathedral really came alive.
Shaun O’Brien
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Toasting Matfen’s spire
What do you use to toast the anniversary of your steeple? A specially-commissioned beer, of course! To mark the 150th anniversary of Matfen church steeple, High House Farm Brewery have produced a special bottling of one of their favourite beers, under the name Matfen Spire.
“The spire was completed in 1860, and we’ve just finished restoring the spire and the weathervane – so we have two great excuses for a celebration!” said Mark Nash Williams, the priest in charge. “We love High House Brewery’s beers, so we were delighted when they agreed to produce Matfen Spire for us: it’s a delicious, chocolaty bitter, and I’m really looking forward to my first pint after the end of Lent.”
The beer is just the beginning of the festivities: the church is planning a series of events to raise the church’s profile this year – not least an exciting concert on 10th June, with Recordion – a most unusual and highly gifted recorder-accordion duo, who play everything from medieval to jazz and folk music.
Matfen Spire ale is available directly from the visitor centre at High House Farm Brewery, Matfen, at £2.50 a bottle (see www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk for opening times). Alternatively, it can be ordered via Mark Nash-Williams 01661 886853 or Struan Wilson 01661 886592 (delivery to selected locations in the diocese may be possible).
Tickets for Recordion will be available from Mark or Struan in early May – see next month’s Link for details.
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First responder achievement
The Rev. Mark Edwards - who was recently awarded the MBE for community services in the North-West - has now qualified as a volunteer Community First Responder with the North-East Ambulance service for Dinnington Village.
Community First Responders are trained in basic life support, and are able to respond to emergencies in their own area. Volunteers can arrive at an emergency scene in a matter of minutes. They are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance via ambulance control, to attend only Category A 'immediately life - threatening' calls. These calls can include: cardiac arrest, diabetic emergency, an unconscious patient, breathing difficulties and seizures.
Mark says: " As the only First Community Responder for the village it will be impossible for me to provide 24 hour cover, ( one is not expected to) as I have other duties and responsibilities in the village and beyond with my role as police chaplain, as well as vicar of St Matthew's Dinnington and St. Cuthbert's Brunswick. However, during the times that I am on duty, having a community first responder on scene to provide basic life support until the paramedics arrive will give people an increased chance of survival – especially in the event of a cardiac arrest." Congratulations to Mark for his achievement.
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Prayer Book Society award for Newcastle pupil
The former Foreign Secretary and elder statesman Lord Douglas Hurd presented over 30 young people with their prizes and certificates at this year's Cranmer Awards finals held in the chapel of Sutton's Hospital at Charterhouse in the City of London.
The Newcastle diocese entrant, Rachel Coates from Kenton, was highly commended by the judges. The 17-year old, who attends the city’s Royal Grammar School, impressed the judges with her recitation of the Te Deum and Benedictus canticles from the service of Morning Prayer.
The annual contest, arranged by the Prayer Book Society, sees youngsters reciting, by heart, passages from Cranmer's great work, the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Now in their 21st year, the awards were the brainchild of veteran journalist Charles Moore, then editor of The Spectator magazine who went on to edit The Daily Telegraph. The contest had the judges, which included former winners, deliberating long and hard, and they congratulated all the young contestants on the very high standards achieved.
Presenting the prizes, Lord Hurd remarked on the very high standard of all those taken part and reflected on the importance of the Book of Common Prayer in his lifetime. He said it was vital to keep its tradition at the heart of worship.
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An Ecumenical Evening with a Difference
St. George's Men's Group at Cullercoats enjoyed an "Ecumenical Evening with a Difference" when members welcomed Fr. Karas, who is the local Coptic priest, to their monthly meeting. Fr. Karas gave a very interesting presentation on the history of the Church in Egypt and its current struggle against persecution. Fr. Karas is Egyptian himself, and he spoke with warmth about the Church and his great enthusiasm and hope for the future.
Geoffrey Short
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The Backworth Male Voice Choir and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers…
...will give a concert in St. George’s, Cullercoats, on Saturday May 8 at 7.00pm Tickets £5.00 This event is one of our main fund raisers this year in aid of the Roof Appeal. Make sure you have the date in your diary and come along and enjoy a spectacular evening. The concert includes a last night of the Proms finale. Tickets available from Blythe Johnson (0191 2912095) or pay at the door.
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Walking to help Haiti
The Haiti earthquake touched many people around the world, prompting them to ask how they could help. Staff and children of St. Bartholomew’s Church of England primary school were among them, and they discussed with the head teacher, Gillian Surtees, how they could help raise money to donate to the emergency appeal.
Mrs. Surtees asked the School Council to meet and they consulted with the children who decided they would like to do a sponsored walk around the school grounds on the last day of half term.
A letter was sent out to parents informing them of the event and Rob Nicholson, the deputy head teacher, talked to the children during a school service and showed them images of the disaster, raising awareness of the situation.
On the morning of the event, Mr. Nicholson marked out a route around the school. Year 6 children accompanied the younger children, ensuring they kept to the route, and a wonderful atmosphere was created. There was music and bunting and the walk became a jog/run which the children fully enjoyed.
Along with the sponsor money the children each donated £2 so they could have a non uniform day, and they were provided with a wrist band which was printed with ‘St Bart’s supporting Haiti’.
The school has been overwhelmed by the generosity of children and parents, and to date more than £3,300 has been raised, an outstanding amount for a small school.
Mrs. Surtees says: “I am always deeply moved by the care and sensitivity shown by our children in times of desperate need. This is a prime example of the children’s understanding and empathy for others who are less fortunate than themselves.”
A follow up service was held in school, and some Year 6 children took the message of the project for Haiti to the children’s worship session at the Newcastle Diocesan Education Board’s Annual Conference, held last month.
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Pilgrims of St Francis
The Pilgrims of St Francis are a small British Christian group, part of Compagnons de Saint Francois which is active in eight European countries. The movement was started in 1928 by two Frenchmen and a German catholic priest to bring reconciliation between France and Germany after the first war. Though it is primarily Christian, its activities are open to all people of goodwill.
Many people both in the UK and on the continent have found on pilgrimage a deepening of their spiritual experience which on their return they have shared with their home community. Events for 2010 include a meeting of the International Chapter at Soissons, in France May 22 - May 24, and meeting of the National Chapter in Bristol, May 1 - 3 . During the weekend we hope to continue our sharing together of this year’s theme: “Overcoming Fear”.
There will be an International Pilgrimage in The Netherlands at Enschede. Face the challenges, go into the unknown in the steps of Francis and Claire. Come and walk in peace, joy and companionship from 24 July to 1 August (leaving at breakfast on August 2). This year the National Pilgrimage will be from Shifnal to Worcester, from August 21 – 28.
Further details of all our activities including costs can be found on our website www.cdsf.org. Or send an e-mail to Ken Smith at quaint.macavity@waitrose.com. If you do not have internet access please send your request with a SAE to the National Guardian, Caroline Hannah, 11 Little Brook Rd, Ashford TN23 3HP.
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Helping children who run away
Two out of every 100 North East children ran away from home or care in the last year, new figures reveal.
In total 2,378 young people - aged 10 to 17 - were reported to have gone missing in the Northumbria Police area according to statistics just released for the period up to the end of March 2009. This is 1.74% of the 137,000 children in that age group within the region. Hundreds more young runaways go unreported each year.
In Newcastle alone, 500 young people were reported missing last year. They often run away in an attempt to escape abuse, violence and conflict.
The new figures were released to coincide with The Children’s Society partnership with Metro Radio’s ‘’Cash4Kids’’ campaign. The aim is to raise £100,000 for the charity’s SCARPA project that works to help children who run away. SCARPA provides them with a safe place, support to sort their problems out, help to give up risky behaviour and advice on getting out of relationships where they are being exploited. Projects like SCARPA are badly needed because every year in the UK over 100,000 children run away from home or care. But it urgently needs more funds to continue supporting these vulnerable young people.
Metro Radio’s Cash4Kids campaign is currently recruiting 25 listeners to take part in a ten day trek to Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas – in Peru to raise money for the project. Each of the participants, who will embark on the challenge on October 1 2010, must commit to raising a minimum of £4,000 each for this excellent cause.
The Children’s Society’s Chief Executive Bob Reitemeier says: ''One young runaway at risk on the streets is too many. We set up SCARPA to ensure that North-East children who feel compelled to run away are helped to stay safe and free from exploitation or harm.
''That is why we are delighted to receive the support of Metro Radio’s Cash4Kids campaign in raising funds so that the vital work that SCARPA does in the area can continue.’
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