News (July/August 2010)

Back to menu

Holy Nativity – A miracle in the making
Second pilgrimage planned
Cathedral prayer vigil planned
Open House at Shepherds Dene
Godly Play Taster Sessions hit the road again!
Summer with Inspired North East
Heritage Day at Ancroft
Guides celebrate Centenary
Mitford Church celebrates its long history
A Day in Galilee
St Bartholomew’s Church Fayre
Heroes Past and Present Music and Flower Festival
Church and Community in a Quilt
Holywell Celebrations
All fired up for Pentecost!
Wall Hanging Dedication
Golden Day for Jack and Pat
Lindisfarne - Vielen Dank!
Lindisfarne – Coming Soon…
Vetting and Barring Scheme goes on ice
Tinker, Tailor…

Holy Nativity – A miracle in the making

Work has begun on the ambitious “Holy Nativity Inclusive Community” project at Chapel House in Newcastle – a project Deacon Anne Marr describes as “a miracle in the making.”

It was 2002 when “the church hall started to drops to bits” while at the same time, local doctors’ surgeries reported insufficient room for patients. People objected when the NHS wanted to move the GPs off site, so to help save the heart of Chapel House, shops and all, the church engaged the Primary Care Trust and local authority in consultations.

“The journey was slow but we steadily unraveled the complexities and became part of a committed regeneration team, comprising Dementia Care Partnership, the local GPs, the Primary Care Trust, City Planning, local Ward Councillors, the developer for the Medical Centre and our two architects,” Anne Marr recalls. “An innovative ‘Integrated Medical & Community Regeneration Initiative’ was born.”

Out of necessity, congregation members have had to acquire new skills including setting up a web-site and learning computer know-how – “not bad for a church without a phone or an office!” They wrote the business plan and applied for lottery funding. It was celebration time when the Big Lottery applauded the project and committed a maximum capital grant. New community rooms will be built and the church improved for more versatile use.

“Holy Nativity made a significant decision as part of its mission and ministry – to exploring and encouraging ways of working between faith, community, voluntary, statutory and business organisations for the benefit of the whole community. It may sound obvious, but it is an approach often overlooked when the church is managing very well. A bit of difficulty can often be the grit to seed a pearl, and in Chapel House, we have managed over several years to collect our various bits of grit and make a small oyster farm,” says Anne. “Our experience of working collaboratively with others convinces us that it works and is the best way of approaching community issues, despite the frustrations, delays, disappointments and difficulties.

We found that faceless developers and bureaucrats became helpful human beings when we met and worked together. We built trust and made friends. We discovered that the willingness of all parties to listen and to compromise is a valuable tool in community development.”

In April the church was faced with a big shock. The tender quotes for construction work were much higher than anticipated. Even after many savings were identified there was a shortfall of £55,000 (and that was without the chairs, furnishings, equipment and garden walls!). Then “a week of miracles unfolded.” To help save the project the congregation collectively pledged over £20,000 and in response to this commitment, two trust funds sent cheques totaling £35,000. “At Pentecost we offered thanks, submitted the figures to the lottery and set our faces towards church closure,” Anne says.

Now construction has started. “We bless the church and look forward with some trepidation to our pilgrimage ‘in exile’ and to hospitality from the neighbouring primary schools, RC church, and local pub. And we hope to secure the extra funding needed to equip the new buildings in time for a 2011 New Year opening!”

Second pilgrimage planned

A second diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land will go ahead next March. Last year 60 people from across the diocese stayed in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee, walking, praying, talking and singing together as they traced the footsteps of Jesus.

So enthusiastic were the pilgrims who returned that there were calls for another pilgrimage to be arranged. Now the brochure has been published, and bookings are being taken.

As last year, the pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Martin who says: “We plan to visit the traditional holy sites as well as some new ones, and also experience examples of Christian living today.”

The all-inclusive cost of the pilgrimage is £1,695 per person. Further information from Canon Audrey Elkington at Bishop’s House.

Cathedral prayer vigil planned

A Prayer Vigil for the General Synod debate on Women Bishops' legislation will be held in St George's Chapel, Newcastle Cathedral, on Saturday 10th July from 9.00am - 12.30pm

The purpose of the vigil is to support the General Synod in prayer as it meets to discuss the Women Bishops' Legislation and other matters. People from the breadth of Anglican tradition and representing the wide range of opinion have been invited to support and contribute to the Vigil. Prayers will be led by members of The Society of St Aidan and St Oswin, W.A.T.C.H., Society of Catholic Priests, and other individuals, including Bishop Stephen Pedley and the Archdeacon of Northumberland, Geoff Miller.

Those attending are asked to focus on those things Anglicans hold in common - "our love for Christ, our mutual concern for Christ's body the Church, our calling to care for one another and the world in which we live."

The vigil will begin at 9.00am with a communion service led by Canon Peter Strange and will be followed by short periods of gathered prayer at 15 minute intervals. Dean Christopher Dalliston has issued the invitation to prayer, with the support of Bishop Martin and the Bishop of Beverley, Martyn Jarrett.

Bishop Martin writes: "I am very pleased that the General Synod debate on women in the episcopate will be undergirded by the prayers of the people of Newcastle, and not least through the prayer vigil at the Cathedral, as we seek to discern the mind and will of God for the Church of England."

Bishop Martyn writes: 'I am delighted there is to be a prayer vigil supporting the General Synod debate on admitting women to the episcopate. May we see the face of Christ ever more clearly in each other and so behave in such a manner that the world might then see more clearly Christ's face in the life of our Church.'

You or your church are invited to contribute to the prayer vigil by leading some of the prayers on the day, submitting prayers or meditations for inclusion in the prayer vigil booklet, sending your prayer requests to the Vigil c/o Revd Canon Sheila Bamber, or simply coming along during the Vigil.

For more information please contact: Canon Sheila Bamber, 0191 2321939,
sheilabamber@stnicnewcastle.co.uk;

Revd Allison Fenton, 0191 2815639, allison@fentonius.net; or the

Cathedral Secretary, 0191 2321939, office@stnicnewcastle.co.uk

Open House at Shepherds Dene

The doors are thrown open at Shepherds Dene over the weekend of 17 - 18th July for a friends and supporters weekend.

There is free hospitality and accommodation in return for some help in the grounds. The Director, George Hepburn, hastens to add that everyone is welcome, irrespective of strength or gardening prowess, and that "moral support from deckchairs is needed as well." There will be a BBQ and a closing communion service on the Sunday afternoon. The weekend is to help the new gardener, Kim Sinclair, restore the grounds to something like their former Edwardian glory. The special task for the two days is to clear an area opposite the front door where a new woodcarving by Richard Caink, a wood sculptor from Ryton, will hopefully be erected over the weekend. The photo shows the tree trunk, recently felled for safety reasons, awaiting Richard's attention. There will be other jobs and indoor tasks as well to suit everyone's interests.

George explains: "We have been so grateful for all the offers of help since Shepherds Dene reopened after refurbishment last year. We want to thank everyone and make some new friends as well. We are keen to build up a circle of friends in both Dioceses and hope this weekend will give us a chance to talk about the best way to do so."

Friends are welcome just to turn up on either day but prior notification to Kathryn on 01434 682 212 would be helpful and overnight accommodation, on a first come, first served basis, must be booked in advance.

Godly Play Taster Sessions hit the road again!

After the successful Godly Play Taster morning at Henshaw, there have been further sessions at St. Paul's North Sunderland, St. Mary's, Stannington and the Church of the Good Shepherd at Battle Hill.

Groups of people have attended these sessions to experience Godly Play presentations and learn about its methodology; look at the background and underlying principles of Godly Play; explore the applications of Godly Play and its impact on ways of working with adults and children. Special thanks go to those who attended the sessions and to Rev. Jane Wood, Canon Colin Gough and Rev. Janet Appleby for facilitating the running of these mornings.

My work for Godly Play North comes to an end in August after a temporary one year contract and will be moving back to a base in St. Nicholas's Cathedral under the auspices of Canon Sheila Bamber where it will continue to play a vital role alongside other approaches to education and spirituality. The Schools Project with Mary Cooper at the helm will continue until April 2011 and any C. of E. schools interested in a free Godly Play presentation should contact her on 01912525707.

I would personally like to thank all the people, particularly the numerous volunteers, who have worked so hard to support and further the work of Godly Play over the last year. The profile of the valuable contribution Godly Play makes in helping develop spirituality has been kept high and many new people have become interested in using it in schools and parishes. I would also like to thank the staff at Church House who have been so helpful and supportive and in particular Adrian Patterson who has come to the rescue on so many occasions with help with publicity and copying! Thank you one and all! It has been a privilege to work with you this last year.

Jan Bryce

Summer with Inspired North East

The coming of summer’s lazy days doesn’t mean any let up for Andrew Duff and David Lovie of the new Inspired North East project.

“We are already getting around the Diocese” reports David, “and we are in the process of providing advice to ten churches contemplating various kinds of development, ranging from visitor welcome to substantial reordering.”

Time to lay out the welcome mat?

The summer season offers increased opportunity for us to show off our wonderful legacy of historic churches.

“Visitors are coming in increasing numbers, staying in places all over the region – and at least half of them are likely to poke their heads into a church if it looks open and welcoming” says Andrew. “National tourism research (Visit England 2009) reveals that 55% of people on leisure trips visit a church as part of their day out. So, how can we respond to this opportunity to welcome people within our doors?” Some ideas are offered on a new web page – see below.

Getting practical about workshops

Inspired North East is keen to promote practical workshops to help all involved in getting church development projects off the ground. Possible topics include: maintenance, planning new projects, new approaches to adapting church space, interpreting your heritage, and welcoming visitors. Your views on these workshop ideas are wanted, so please take a look at the online survey – see below.

“One workshop we’d heartily recommend is the SPAB “Faith in Maintenance” course” says David. “We recently took part in one in Newcastle – it was a great opportunity to learn about how church buildings work and how to solve basic maintenance issues.

Sounds boring?

“Not a bit!” said Andrew, “the thought-provoking statement that ‘sandstone has an ambition to be sand again...’ typifies the lively as well as practical style of the day.”

The course is good for church wardens and indeed anyone interested in the care of church buildings. If two or three people from one church take part (it is free, after all!) this will multiply the benefits: you will be better informed, less fazed by the issues and more confident in looking after your church. The next course is at St Michael's Church, Alnwick, on Saturday 17th July – at the time of going to print there are still some places available. Details here www.spab-fim.org.uk/events/00102.html or via the Inspired North East web pages.

And finally...

Why not visit some of the many fine churches in your own Diocese for a change this summer? Of our 240 parish churches, two-thirds are ‘listed’ for their architectural and historic interest, over 50 are of substantial visitor interest, and all have interesting stories to tell. Making a goal to visit some that you have never been to before over the summer – including some of our marvellous remote ‘hidden gems’ - could become an unforgettable experience for you and the whole family.

www.InspiredNorthEast.org.uk

Heritage Day at Ancroft

A fascinating glimpse into the history of St Anne’s Church in Ancroft with a chance to go up its ancient pele tower will be on offer at an Open Heritage Day at the church on Saturday July 24. Formerly a chapel of Holy Island, the church was built at the end of the 11th century by its monks. Its tower, added in the 13th or early 14th Century, is of particular interest. Built up from the vaulted west end of the church which forms the entrance, it was not only defensive but provided living quarters for the monks.

Another unusual feature of the church is the headstone of the ‘Poor Clares of Rouen’ in its churchyard. The story of the 10 nuns, who had been lodging at Haggerstone Castle after returning to England from their community after the French Revolution, will be the subject of one of the lectures given during the Open Heritage Day. It which will last from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, and there will be additional lectures on the church and the village. Refreshments will be available.

Ancroft is three miles south of Berwick on the B6525 road to Wooler and the church is signed. Further details from Ruth Turner, 01289 387351

Guides celebrate Centenary

One hundred years of Guiding is a great achievement which was why every member of Guiding in Northumberland was invited to a Family Fun Day held at Gosforth Park racecourse.

The afternoon began with a dance presentation by Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony performed by Mrs. Mary Main, Northumberland’s County President.

Guiding was started when a few enterprising girls attended the Crystal Palace rally in 1909 and asked Lord Baden Powell for ‘something for the girls’. Since then, millions of girls’ and young women’s lives have been shaped and changed by being members of Guiding as they accepted challenges, opportunities and adventures.

Popular with guides were the fairground thrills including the Walzter and Frog that certainly got the adrenaline flowing. Brownies put on hard hats and challenged themselves to get to the top of a Climbing Wall. Rainbows enjoyed watching the Punch and Judy show and marvelled at the animals that they were able to stroke. Parents as well as children were able to try a wide range of circus skills.

Division leaders offered the opportunity to test skills at a range of fairground style games. An incredibly talented group of adults demonstrated their hobbies with great enthusiasm and encouraged everyone to try out a variety of crafts. And finally, a taste of Guiding in Northumberland was given in an exhibition that displayed the past, present and future of the county.

Ann McDougall

Mitford Church celebrates its long history

The Church of St Mary Magadalene in Mitford is hosting a Flower Festival in July, the latest in a summer-long series of events and entertainments, which have included social evenings, concerts and a pageant, to celebrate the church’s 875 years of history.

The Flower Festival, which will run from Thursday July 22 to Sunday July 25, is the first flower festival in the village for a decade, and it will feature arrangements from dozens of local people, both within and outside the congregation.

The celebrations, however, will not stop there. It is hoped that among future events will be a visit by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire in September to launch her autobiography in the village. Formerly Deborah Mitford, and the youngest of the famous ‘Mitford Girls,’ the Duchess has been a regular supporter of the church over the years.

St Mary Magdalene, which is situated in the heart of the village, was built in 1135. Thanks to an assault in 1216 by King John whose troops set fire to it, all that remains of the original church are the pillars on the south side of the nave, the projecting corbel on the south side of the chancel arch and the priest door into the chancel. One thing which did survived the fire, however, was the church bell, now thought to be the oldest in the country.

Refreshments will be available during the Flower Festival. The church will be open all day except for mid-day on Friday when a lucky couple will be getting married among the flowers. Further details of the festival from Clare Clemence, 01670 511489

A Day in Galilee

Pupils, parents and staff from Archbishop Runcie First School went back in time 2000 years for a special Day in Galilee with the whole school transported back to the time of Jesus.

Inside and outside it had changed into Galilee with all the different places where people worked or played. The school caretaker had leprosy. All the adults and the children had to wear costumes. We sang “Shalom” which means ‘peace be with you’. We also painted on scrolls in Hebrew. We learned about Shabbat, we platted Havdalah candles and shared Challah bread and learned that when three stars appeared in the sky, Shabbat had ended. Havdalah means separate. Lighting the candle at the end of Shabbat separates Shabbat from the rest of the week days. After a while we were disturbed by the “leper” begging. We chased him away because we didn’t want to catch his disease. I think Jesus would have been nice to him and cured him.

Another room was made like a potter’s house and we had to make oil lamps out of clay. Outside in the yard we played games – jacks with pebbles and skittles with wooden balls. “It’s quite hard but still really fun,” said Milly Donkin, from Year 1. We learned a wedding dance. Everyone loved the campfire in the wood. We sat round the fire and talked to the shepherds who told us stories about Jesus and how they looked after their sheep. We toasted pitta bread and dipped it in honey and olive oil.

In Year 4 we met two fishermen called Peter and John. They were sitting by the lake and told us Jesus had asked them to be fishers of men. Everyone made mosaics out of the pebbles on the shore. In another place we platted sea grass by the lakeside near Peter’s house and made head bands for the wedding with ribbons. We listened to a story teller who was Jesus’ mum, Mary. She told us all about the wedding at Cana and how the wine ran out.

At the end of the day we had a wedding in the hall. The rabbi married Jessica and James and they stood under the Chupah. The bride had to go round the groom seven times. It was funny when the rabbi broke the glass. We all danced and sang ‘we shall go out with joy’. It was a great day!

Alex Armstrong, Ruby Sturgess and Rachel Rees (Year 4)

St Bartholomew’s Church Fayre

St Bartholomew’s Church, Newbiggin by the Sea, will be staging their annual Fayre over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event begins with free admission for a preview of the Flower Festival to be held in Church on Friday August 27 at 7pm. Refreshments will be available. This year’s theme is ‘The Church Year in Colour’ – and viewing times over the weekend will be:
Saturday August 28: 10am – 4pm;
Sunday August 29: 12 noon– 4pm;
Monday August 30: 11am – 4pm.

On Saturday August 28, entries will be welcomed from 7.30am onwards up until 10.30am for ‘The Village Show’ which is held in the Church Centre before judging will take place at 11am. (Entries predominantly for large quilts will be accepted on the Friday from 2pm – 3pm). There are many classes open for the show including Vegetable, cake, arts and crafts, flowers, photography and a children’s section which will include a ‘garden in a tray’ on the theme of Alice in Wonderland. This year a new cup is to be introduced for the best photograph submitted from the three colour photography sections on Northumbria, Wonderland and The Tall Ships.

Entries for a piece of creative writing – which has been a recent successful addition to the schedule – is again listed but material must be handed in by August 21.

Children from the John Dobson and Jackie Milburn campuses – formerly Windsor and Moorside First Schools respectively - are to participate with artwork entries on Alice in Wonderland and they will be displayed in the Church Centre.

Viewing times for the Village Show will be 1pm – 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Refreshments – excluding luncheons - will be served all day in the Centre.

On Sunday August 29 (in Church), the Parish Communion will take place at 9.30am and a service on a theme of Northumbrian Saints will be held at 6.30pm.

The Medieval Pageant - on the theme of The Fishing Tradition - will be held at 2pm at the Piazza.

On Monday (Bank Holiday) August 30, the Church will hold ‘The Fayre’ in the Church Centre from 11am – 2pm with a variety of stalls, and sale of produce. Refreshments will be available from 10am onwards.

Meanwhile a Northumbrian Crafts display, including stick dressing, spinning and patchwork will be on show in the Church Centre Cottage over the weekend.

On Saturday September 4, events draw to a close with a dinner at Newbiggin Golf Club. Tickets are available from Bill Sampson on 01670 817440 – and during the course of the evening, the Grand Prize draw will take place.

Heroes Past and Present Music and Flower Festival

St Nicholas Cathedral will be the setting for the opening of the Heroes Past and Present Music and Flower Festival in Newcastle from July 13th to the 18th. The Festival, in Aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association ( SSAFA) and the Army Benevolent fund, will be officially opened in the Cathedral on the 13th, and will be followed later that day by a reception and Gala Evening at the Sage, Gateshead.

The Flower Show will open the following day in the Cathedral. It will be accompanied by an evening music concert each day, with an afternoon performance on Sunday. Full details on the Cathedral website:

www.stnicholascathedral.co.uk

Church and Community in a Quilt

After a full year of hard work from many people in the parish of Holy Saviour Tynemouth, , Pentecost saw the completion and dedication of a quilted wall-hanging representing many aspects of life in the village. The quilt has 49 squares worked by many different individuals and all sorts of groups, ranging from the Lifeboat to the Holy Saviour Eco Group and from the local schools to the church cleaning team. Some of the work was done by experienced embroiderers, but other squares were from folk doing needlework for the first time.

One square was a copy of a church window and was painted onto the fabric. The project has been called Church and Community and it is hoped the quilt will tell something of the place of the church in this community for generations to come. The work of putting the quilt together was in the hands of Doreen Hood, Betty Wall, Margaret Bell and Elizabeth Brown.

Geoff Lowson

Holywell Celebrations

As part of the ongoing Parish Mission and 125th anniversary celebrations at St. Mary’s Holywell, called "Reaching Out In The Power Of The Spirit", church members have just held a hugely successful flower festival which attracted hundreds of visitors.

The weekend also included three separate services: a wedding, an afternoon Baptism, and a Songs of Praise service held in a packed church. Councillor Margaret Richards opened the Flower Festival which also included a competition between two local First Schools, Seaton Delaval First and Seghill First. “Everyone is talking about the church again, and I have never seen it look so beautiful,” Coun. Richards said.

During the weekend, parishioners put St. Mary’s Mission Newsletter through every single door in the three village parish. The celebrations also included a one-off opportunity to see the village’s Holy Well, dedicated to St Mary. More than 40 people, including children processed from St Mary`s after a short service, to the Holy well site (on private ground) with the kind permission of the owner.

All fired up for Pentecost!

Flames and sparks really were present at the open air service held at Townley Hill, Stanton, to celebrate Pentecost. Members of the five Benefice churches of Bolam, Hartburn, Meldon, Netherwitton and Whalton gathered at the top of Townley Hill for a service which saw the lighting of the beacon there as a mark of God's eternal light in the world.

Members of the community choir which meets regularly at Middleton village hall led the singing accompanied by our musicians who valiantly carried their instruments up the hill! Special thanks go to Cathy Anderson for organising the music and to all those who turned up on a gloriously hot morning to give thanks and praise and enjoy fellowship.

It was lovely to have a mix of all ages and for families to enjoy their picnics afterwards.

The Revd. Michael Bryce would also like to thank Judith and Chris for allowing us to use the site near Townhead Farm.

Wall Hanging Dedication

Members of St. Peter’s Church Wallsend gathered at a special service to dedicate their new wall hanging depicting St. Peter and St. Luke. The banner was created by members of the church’s craft group as part of the bicentenary celebrations of the church.

Golden Day for Jack and Pat

Jack and Pat Hay are pictured cutting their golden wedding anniversary cake at St. Andrew’s, Corbridge.

Both, Northumbrians born and bred, with fathers who worked as miners, Pat and Jack got engaged after Jack became an ordinand, training at Bishop’s College, Cheshunt.

His first curacy was at St Anthony’s, Byker and after three years he went to be Priest in Charge of St Paul’s, Dudley, where his annual stipend of £444 was enhanced by £50 for the extra responsibility.

From there he took on Cowgate and later Woodhorn and Newbiggin where, despite “hating the sea”, he stayed for 19 years. Retirement took the Hays to Corbridge, and Jack is well known by so many people in the village as he walks his two whippets and exercises what he calls his “street ministry” – stopping to talk to the folk he meets. He served 14 years as chaplain to the Charlotte Straker Project – a retirement home in Corbridge, and is unofficial chaplain to Halton chapel where he celebrates the Eucharist once a month. He is also often to be seen out and about in the Corbridge Deanery helping out during vacancies and clergy holidays.

Jack and Pat have two daughters and a son, one granddaughter and three grandsons. Next year they celebrate another “50th” milestone – Jack’s anniversary of ordination to the priesthood at Michaelmas.

Lindisfarne - Vielen Dank!

Lindisfarne Ordinands have recently returned from their Summer School with the Lutheran Church in North Germany.

The group was based at the Lutheran Seminary at Ratzeburg about an hour's drive east of Hamburg and close to the former East/West border.

Ratzeburg is a small island city – now connected to the mainland by three causeways. It was here that the group attended Sunday worship at the magnificent 12th Century Cathedral. Ordinand Derek Brown writes: 'I was prepared for a difficult hour at the prospect of a service entirely in German - even more so when I knew that it wasn't to be Eucharistic, where the liturgy helps you to know what's happening, whatever the language. In reality I found I was able to engage and I had a real sense of being part of the worship, except perhaps for the sermon!'

After spending a day at the seminary in Ratzeburg, the group headed off to Hamburg, where they met Fred who has lived on the streets of Hamburg for 17 years. He agreed to give the group an 'alternative' tour of the city, taking a morning off from selling Hinz & Kunzt (the Hamburg equivalent of the Big Issue) to guide them around 'Hamburg from below'. Fred told the group that it is common practice in the city for businesses to support the homeless with drop-in services; the police do not 'move them on', he said, if they choose to spend the night in doorways as businesses regard homeless people as unofficial 'silent night watchmen'. At the end of his tour he said to the group: 'It seems to me that the only difference between you and me is that I have a much larger living room.' Teresa Laybourne, ordinand and head teacher says: 'Fred is continuing to touch the hearts of others, even in our school, where I've shared some of his wise comments with staff and pupils.'

Over the next couple of days the ordinands went on to visit a range of other projects in the city. In Germany, people who earn over 17,000 Euros, and who attend church (or support its work) pay a Church tax which amounts to 8% of their total income tax. The tax is applicable to people from a range of religious communities, and the money goes to the faith group to which they are aligned. This provides funding for a wide range of activities and social services, including kindergartens, hospitals, young people's projects and community programmes.

After the short stay in Hamburg, the group returned to Ratzeburg, where the Anglican ordinands spent time with a group of Lutheran trainee pastors.

Already having a Masters Degree in theology, those training for ministry in the Lutheran Church in Northern Germany are parish-based during their ministerial training, returning to the seminary for block teaching sessions. The two groups shared in Bible study and in discussion on a range of issues, as well as in worship. Students reported that saying the Lord's Prayer in unison - hearing Vater unser alongside Our Father - was a truly uplifting experience.

On their last day together the group prepared a Eucharist using both German and English, at which Paul Philipps, Director of the Seminary, presided.

Of course there were social times together too, plenty of excellent food, a lot of fun and laughter - and even, for some, a swim or two in the lake. Ordinand Lesley Jones commented, "I will remember with fondness the warm hospitality of our Lutheran colleagues, the liveliness of the trainees we worked with, the energy of the Director, Herr Philipps, and the way in which we were received and guided. We didn't have to worry about where to go, where to eat, which bus went where. We could simply take things in, breathe in the culture, see the Lutheran Church in mission, ask the awkward questions and have space to reflect."

June Barras to be ordained this Petertide, summed up the trip: 'A very friendly welcome, beautiful place, fascinating history; a moving experience of worship in two languages, yet a strong sense of being at one with each other as we joined hearts, hands and voices, united in the presence of God. I returned home touched, challenged, inspired and encouraged.'

Lindisfarne – Coming Soon…

'The Journey of Forgiveness - a steep and rugged pathway.' A six session course.

Stephen Cherry, author of the course writes:

As I write this article, the people of Cumbria are coming to terms with the death and trauma caused by Derrick Bird. Meanwhile, across in the United States president Obama is furious with BP. Week by week the church offers forgiveness in the name of God to all who 'truly repent' and when we say the creed we say we believe in 'the forgiveness of sins'... Forgiveness is not only a core Christian belief but also one of the most decisive ways in which faith and life connect. And yet forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we are challenged to engage in. Forgiveness is a BIG subject!

People of Ryton Parish have just tried the course . This is what some of them have said:

'It is taking us deeper than usual, but we are learning a lot.'

''… informative, thought provoking, and a blessing.'

''I didn't realise there were so many different facets to forgiveness.'

''Meaty stuff, not always digestible!'

''… I didn't know there was so much hard work in forgiveness.'

Lindisfarne is looking for parishes/deaneries to pilot this course. We invite people interested themselves in facilitating or pastoring a group to come to either of two information and training sessions at Prior's Hall, Durham Cathedral on Thursday 2 September 7 - 9.30pm and Saturday 4 September at the new St Nicholas Centre, Newcastle Cathedral from 10am - 12.30pm.

To book a place please contact Lindisfarne's Administrator, Jenny Crawford
jennycrawford@lindisfarnertp.org or 01912704144.

Vetting and Barring Scheme goes on ice

The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has announced that the commencement of voluntary registration with the new Vetting and Barring Scheme has been halted.

In a statement released by the Home Office, Mrs May said: "The safety of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance to the new government…however it is vital we take a measured approach in these matters."

The entire scheme will therefore be reviewed and brought back to "common sense" levels. The Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow, said: "Protecting the most vulnerable people in society is a basic duty of any government. While we must be confident that the systems we have in place are up to the job, we must also be sure they are proportionate."

The new Vetting and Barring Scheme was due to be phased in from July this year coming into full force in November . This will not now be going ahead. The Home Office has stated that the Vetting and Barring Scheme will be "fundamentally remodeled", in order to protect vulnerable groups "in a way that is proportionate and sensible."

In the meantime, the current arrangements, whereby the Independent Safeguarding Authority is able to bar from "regulated activities" those considered unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults and have appropriate cases referred to it, will continue to apply. How the scheme will be "remodeled" remains to be seen. Further details on this will be communicated to parishes and groups once the Government has made this clear.

Criminal Records checks will remain available for those eligible to receive them, and will continue to be required for certain posts. Parishes should continue with their current child protection practices and apply for CRB disclosures for any new people in appropriate roles.

Geoff Miller

Tinker, Tailor…

The gathering of candidates at Church House, Percy Main on a recent Saturday included two doctors, two community workers, two teachers a lawyer, a pharmaceutical scientist, a nurse, a linguist, a charity organizer and a social worker. The youngest was 25 years old and the oldest in her 60s.

There was an air of nervous tension amongst the group as they were met by Archdeacon Peter Robinson, Warden of Readers, two incumbents and six readers. In the introductions which followed it was explained that the selection process for training to become a Reader had similarities to other selection processes, but that it was also very different. This was not a competition for jobs but the opportunity for each of them to talk about their calling to the Reader ministry.

During the day each candidate attended four different sessions where he or she was asked to talk about faith, vocation and spiritual life as well as individual character, personality and relationships with others. In addition their knowledge and views on the various traditions within the Church of England were sought.

It was also a process which allowed them to get to know their fellow candidates. There was a buzz within the group and a growing awareness of the varied and rich skills that each person brought to the day and, if selected, would bring to the Reader ministry.

As each candidate left Church House they were asked to reflect upon the selection experience. Their comments included: “I really enjoyed it”….” It was wonderful to explore my faith not only with selectors but also the other candidates”… “I came feeling calm about selection but I leave with a slight anxiety, as I now know I really want to be a Reader.”

After the candidates left, the group of selectors considered who they should ask Peter Robinson to recommend to Bishop Martin for Reader training. Those recommended will start their three-year training in the autumn and each Reader’s discernment will continue through that period until a decision is made whether or not to license them.

Roger Lowans
Telephone: 01434 632545
Email:roger.lowans@
stonehouse.entadsl.com