News (March 2010)

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Why’Aye Man – it’s the Archbishop
Inspired Heritage appointment
Christmas Appeal thank you
Debt Counselling Centre Celebrates First Anniversary
Bishop Paul Richardson
General Synod Report
Ark in the Park
Mother’s Union Officers Commissioned
Holy Sepulchre Mother’s Union branch opens
New MU members at Belford
Murder in the Cathedral
St George’s heritage grant
Menzone to hold guest service
Ponteland CofE School Shines Brightly
St Bartholomew’s - Forging links
Who built the Ark?
Reader Applications 2010
School communities celebrate diversity together
Does it ever get cold in Botswana?
Bible marathon launches ‘The Big Read’
More Healing Opportunities

Why’Aye Man – it’s the Archbishop

The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, visited the Newcastle Diocese recently to see first- hand the work of Church members and their partners, and to deliver the inaugural “City of Peace” address at the Civic Centre.

Welcomed into the banqueting chamber by Newcastle’s lord mayor and told that on delivering his address he would become an honorary Geordie, the Archbishop replied: “Why’Aye Man!” in an impeccable local accent.

In his speech entitled “Tolerance versus Gracious Magnanimity”, the Archbishop warned that tolerance was in danger of becoming a “negative virtue” resulting in “narrowness” and “oppression”.

“Tolerance has become a restricting quality – a grudging ‘putting up - with’ rather than a positive means of building a caring, peaceful society,” he said. “The problem with this is that it does not give us the means of voicing and dealing constructively with differences. We give people private space but do not encourage public discussion and debate on key areas which are seen as ‘difficult’ such as religion, immigration, and the optimum funding for public services. In consequence, these areas of difference are thrust into the margins where they do not go away but instead, tend to fester.”

The Archbishop said it was necessary to assert the “rationality of belief in God” and the right for religion to play a part in public life and policy-making in the face of those who were trying to ghettoise religion in a “ferocious and insidious way”. He said that tolerance was not enough but that a common vision was needed for society to function and operate effectively.

“This is a vision rooted in our need for God, our need for each other and recognition of our interrelatedness,” he went on, “We cannot say ‘I can do without you’, for we all rely on each other for our wellbeing. It’s not a question of merely ‘putting up with’ or tolerating each other for this is merely a negative virtue. Unless we are all involved in developing and achieving a new vision, it will not work.”

Dr Sentamu then called for “gracious magnanimity” as a means of tackling differences and building peaceful communities. “The person who is graciously magnanimous knows that there are times when a thing may be legally completely justified and yet morally completely wrong,” he said. “A person has the quality of gracious magnanimity if they know when not to apply the strict letter of the law, when to relax justice and introduce mercy.”

Inspired Heritage appointment

Parishes in the Newcastle diocese have two new champions to help them make the most of their churches – whether they be historic places of worship or more recent buildings facing the challenge of changing times.

Andrew Duff and David Lovie will share the role of Development Officer for a new “Inspired North East” project jointly funded by the diocese and English Heritage. They will be employed on a job-share basis as part of a national scheme to offer support to congregations which care for historic buildings. Andrew and David will develop a strategy for the long-term support of Newcastle Diocese’s historic churches and will help all the congregations of the diocese to understand, care for and make the best use of their buildings.

David Lovie, a heritage consultant and writer, who initiated the Grainger Town regeneration project in Newcastle and is the author of a guidebook to Newcastle Cathedral, says: “I am looking forward to making use of my skills to help churches develop as special places both socially and culturally.”

Andrew Duff, a tourism and heritage consultant who has worked for the former Northumbria Tourist Board and Visit Britain, set up the Hadrian’s Wall Tourism Partnership. He says: “I hope to help churches map a way forward for their buildings and to find a sustainable future as part of the area’s heritage.”

The Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, Peter Robinson, says: “We are looking forward to working with Andrew and David on this strategic project. Their skills and enthusiasm will be available to all our parishes and they will start work by identifying some priority church buildings. It’s an exciting moment for all who have been working hard on maintaining and developing church buildings in communities right across the diocese.”

Carol Pyrah, English Heritage’s Regional Director for the North East, says: “English Heritage recognises how important places of worship are in bringing the community together. We are delighted to be supporting the congregations of the region in caring for and using these buildings, and we welcome Andrew and David to the role.”

The “Inspired North East” project is planned as a joint venture between the Newcastle and Durham dioceses. David and Andrew will be working in Newcastle’s parishes for the time being, but it is expected that the project will expand into the rest of the North-east at a later date.

The Support Officers project, part of English Heritage’s on-going Inspired! campaign, was launched in December 2008 by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Andy Burnham. Since then English Heritage has part-funded 30 Support Officers to help congregations of all faiths all over the country. Andrew Duff and David Lovie will begin their work in the diocese on April 12.

Christmas Appeal thank you

West End Refugee Service (WERS) would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Bishop's Christmas Appeal. We were absolutely delighted to receive a cheque for £2,558 which comes as a most welcome boost to the hardship fund. The number of destitute clients supported by WERS has sadly risen again - 121 men and women are currently receiving weekly food parcels and £10 payments from the hardship fund. Thank you for giving us the resources to continue to support destitute asylum seekers in Newcastle. All good wishes from everyone at WERS!

Lindsay Cross
Project Director

Debt Counselling Centre Celebrates First Anniversary

As the UK continues to struggle under the mounting pressure of personal debt, Christians Against Poverty’s specialist debt counselling centre in Morpeth is celebrating its first anniversary.

Established last year in response to the acute financial needs of people in south east Northumberland, the dedicated CAP centre has since helped over 35 families who were struggling to repay their debts, in partnership with Morpeth Baptist Church. Using the charity’s approach to sustainable and practical debt solutions, CAP centre manager Rachel Hudson and her team of support workers have been able to combat the negative consequences of debt in the local community.

Almost half of the UK adult population has suffered anxiety directly related to the effect of debt, but residents in Northumberland now have access to the support and advice necessary to get their financial affairs in order.

Andrew Naylor is just one of the people who has been helped by the Morpeth CAP Centre.

Andrew says: “It was scary to be carrying so much debt with me when I moved to Morpeth, and had so little to live on. When CAP became involved, they created a budget for me, dealt with all my creditors and offered me ongoing support and care. As a result I am able to see ahead with hope. I’ve fewer worries about money, and I’ve found new friends and purpose. They even enabled me to get a holiday for the first time in years. I would encourage anyone with money worries to work with CAP – they will find a solution and hope for the future.”

Rachel Hudson, CAP Centre Manager in Morpeth said: “I’m delighted that our CAP Centre in this area has been able to help so many people over its inaugural year in partnership with Morpeth Baptist Church. “However, we’re aware that so many more in the local community still live under the shadow of debt and I would urge anyone in need to contact us on 0800 328 0006 if they are at all worried about their financial situation.

“Our specialist advice is completely free and we work with anyone, whether they’re Christian or not, so please call.” For more information, visit www.capuk.org or call on 0800 328 0006.

Bishop Paul Richardson

Bishop Paul Richardson, who retired as Assistant Bishop of the Newcastle Diocese last year and subsequently moved to London, has been received into the Roman Catholic Church.

Bishop Paul, who served in the Diocese from 1998 until 2009, was ordained priest in 1972, and spent much of his ministry overseas before coming to Newcastle. He was Bishop of Aipo Rongo in Papua New Guinea from 1987 until 1995, and Bishop of Wangaratta in Australia for the following two years. However, he joins the Roman Catholic Church as a lay member.

He explains: “I was received into full communion with the Catholic church in January. “It has nothing to do with the ordination of women, it’s really a journey I’ve been on for some time. It’s just like coming home.”

Bishop Martin says: “ I was not surprised to learn that Bishop Paul Richardson was received into the Roman Catholic Church on 25 January , the day the Church celebrates the Conversion of Saint Paul. His move is not due to recent events in the Church of England. Rather it is the direction in which he has been moving for many years. Bishop Paul retired from his ministry in Newcastle towards the end of last year, having served this Diocese faithfully for the last eleven years. We wish him well for all that lies ahead in his new spiritual home.”

General Synod Report

The General Synod met in London last month, discussing a great many subjects, including: Children and young people Synod discussed Going for Growth, the Board of Education’s strategy for working alongside children and young people, which offers both a theological framework and priorities for practical action at diocesan and parish level.

Mission

Synod considered research from the Mission and Public Affairs Council into the growth of the ‘mixed-economy Church’, and carried a motion encouraging further development of pioneer ministers and the making of Bishops’ Mission Orders. The Rt Revd Graham Cray, Archbishops’ Missioner and Fresh Expressions Team Leader, gave a presentation on Fresh Expressions.

TV coverage of religion and ethics

The Synod carried a motion expressing appreciation of the vital role played by those engaged in communicating religious belief and practice through the media, while also articulating deep concern about the overall reduction in religious broadcasting across British television in recent years.

Legislation

Synod completed several items of legislative business – including approving the Ecclesiastical Fees (Amendment) Measure, which introduces a new framework for the making of orders for parochial fees. Synod also approved two codes of practice setting out the capability and grievance procedures that will apply to clergy holding office under ‘Common Tenure’ when that is introduced early next year.

Clergy pensions

Synod approved changes to the Clergy Pensions Scheme, subject to the necessary statutory consultation with members, and approved the recommendations of a report on changes to ill-health retirement provision. Synod also carried a motion requesting changes to the pension scheme’s rules to remove the remaining differences between the pension benefits for surviving civil partners and surviving spouses. Science and religious belief Synod carried a motion urging the House of Bishops to promote a better public understanding of the compatibility of science and Christian belief.

Church buildings

The Synod carried a motion calling on government for a substantial increase in the amount of money available for the repair of listed church buildings, including a commitment to continue the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. Relations with the Anglican Church in North America Synod carried a motion expressing its awareness of the distress caused by recent divisions within the Anglican churches of the United States of America and Canada, and recognising and affirming the desire of those who have formed the Anglican Church in North America to remain within the Anglican family. The motion asks the Archbishops to report back to the Synod on the issue in 2011. Other Private Members Motions and Diocesan Synod

Motions

Synod carried a motion expressing concern about the potentially damaging effects on young people of computer games containing violent and sexual content, congratulating the government on the action it has taken in this area and calling upon it to continue to keep under review the regulatory system for advertising video games. Synod also carried a motion requesting dioceses, deaneries and parishes to undertake initiatives to celebrate and teach the Bible to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Version.

Women bishops

The Bishop of Manchester updated the Synod on the work of the Revision Committee on Women in the Episcopate, explaining that having undertaken a considerable amount of work, the Committee was not yet at a position to bring forward revised draft legislation. It is anticipated that such material will be prepared in time for debate at the July Synod.

Other addresses

The Synod heard from:

§ The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who gave a Presidential Address on the nature of human freedom.

§ The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd David Gamble and Dr Richard Vautrey.

§ The most senior chaplains representing each of the Armed Forces, who gave a joint presentation on the role of chaplains in military operations overseas.

Background papers for each debate, alongside links to an audio archive of each session, are available at:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/feb2010/index.html

Ark in the Park

The “Ark in the Park”, a pioneering initiative to help Newcastle’s Great Park transform from a collection of houses into a thriving community has been launched with a special blessing from Bishop Martin .

The “Ark” is really a large home at the centre of the suburban estate, the aim being to create a hub for social and communal activities which will draw in people of all ages. Funding for the project has come mainly from two sources. Firstly the initiative is part of a wider diocesan programme to develop a Christian presence in new housing developments within the diocese. In North Tyneside another project is already underway at Northumberland Park.

Secondly, the diocese has received support from the Church Commissioners in its recent decision to offer grants for work in new housing and other development areas throughout the country. As the initiative takes shape, it is envisaged that local parishes and members of the community will share in the work.

At the blessing, Church Community Worker Ruth Hewett welcomed civic guests, her team vicar Canon Andrew Shipton and many members of the local community, from pensioners to children. Ruth explains: “There are nearly 700 houses in the Great Park, one school and no community facilities as yet. The Ark in the Park project will provide a hub that the community needs. It is a modern Christian Mission that will help to make this a truly great place to live, fostering and nurturing the social values that bind people closer together.”

Ruth’s work includes establishing a range of social networking initiatives at the Ark and beyond, from running art and craft courses, to book groups and children’s activities. Her remit also includes promoting Christian values such as green living and Fair Trade and exploring ways to peace and fulfillment for people of all faiths and none. In addition the Ark will issue a regular newsletter to all 700 households and oil the wheels for special community events.

Blessing the house in Featherstone Grove, Bishop Martin said: “The Ark in the Park represents a wonderful opportunity for the Church and especially for the people of Newcastle Great Park.” This community now has a focal point to help foster a real sense of belonging and companionship among those families who are moving here to start new lives.”

Mother’s Union Officers Commissioned

The new MU diocesan president Jennifer Snowdon was commissioned along with her officers at a special eucharist service in St. Nicholas cathedral last month. Our picture shows Jennifer with Bishop Martin who presided at the service. Members of the new team include Margo Haldane and June Oliver, who both become vice presidents. A range of other officers were also commissioned into diocesan team roles.

“These are exciting times for Mothers’ Union,” Jennifer Snowdon said, “And I’m very much looking forward to working with the diocesan team – both new and returning members – and our chaplains - to build on the work of the outgoing president, Canon Pat Johnson, and her team. With the economy, with continuing poverty and natural disasters throughout the world, the work of Mothers’ Union never ends. It just becomes more and more important.”

She added: “We’ll be working hard to support Mothers’ Union projects across the world and closer to home. Worldwide projects include literacy, development and parenting programmes, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.

More locally we help needy families take a desperately needed rural holiday through our ‘Away From It All’ scheme. Mothers’ Union members are always busy knitting hats for homeless people and premature babies, and preparing emergency bags for people admitted to hospital. I’m keen to continue our Operation Dolly Mixture project of filling shoe boxes for our troops in Afghanistan, supporting women in Women’s Refuges and helping at prisons and Youth Offending Institutions.”

In addition to this work, Jennifer said, the diocese had seen new branches opening and old ones being resurrected in the past couple of years as more and more Christian women found that Mothers’ Union offered a means to express their faith in very practical ways.

“Finally, I want to say that I passionately believe in the ethos of Mothers’ Union, promoting Christian marriage as the best place for raising children, but also helping those with difficulties. I feel privileged to belong to a worldwide Christian organisation with these principles at its heart.”

If you’re interested in Mothers’ Union, then don’t hesitate to contact your local Mothers’ Union branch or Jane Pannell on 01289 388321. Email janepannell@aol.com

Holy Sepulchre Mother’s Union branch opens

It was a happy day when the congregation at Holy Sepulchre, Ashington, celebrated the opening of a Mothers` Union branch.

Previously there had not been an MU branch at Holy Sepulchre for 30 years. Our picture shows (far left), the Revd. Elizabeth Bland, vicar, and (far right) the Revd. Lorna Beadle, curate. To her left is Edna Maddison, Morpeth deanery leader, and to her left is the branch leader, Chris Wynn. Behind her, is the new diocesan president, Jennifer Snowdon.

New MU members at Belford

Belford Mothers’ Union recently celebrated the first anniversary of its reestablishment in style. With the service reflecting the hymns and prayers of a year ago, four new members were enrolled by the vicar, the Revd. John Beckwith.

Our pictures shows the new members with the vicar, the branch leader Sylvia Hickey, and Jane Pannell, Diocesan Marketing and PR Unit Co-ordinator.

Murder in the Cathedral

Who says crime doesn’t pay? Murder in the Cathedral, a murder mystery night in Newcastle Cathedral hosted by detective novelist Ann Cleeves raised over £1,000 for choir funds.

The Dean, the Very Rev Christopher Dalliston, the Cathedral Secretary, Elspeth Robertson, gift shop manager Heather Gunn, and organ scholar David Quinn all did a highly convincing job playing themselves in a script specially written for the occasion by Ann.

The mystery centred around the body of a volunteer discovered in the Cathedral crypt. The audience of more than 100 listened to all four Cathedral staff explain in a speech why they couldn’t have done it.

They were then able to cross-question the suspects in the interval, before visiting the Cathedral crypt to have the scene of crime explained by forensic scientist, Helen Pepper, a friend of Ann Cleeves and forensic adviser on a number of her novels.

None of the four suspects knew from their scripts whether they were the murderer, ‘an unnerving experience’ according to the Dean.

What surprised Cathedral Secretary, Elspeth Robertson was how sharp — and fierce — the cross-questioning was in the interval by members of the audience, many of whom were dedicated who-dunnit fans.

“They asked questions like are you right handed or left-handed and made me write something just to show I wasn’t lying.” The murder mystery night came about thanks to Meryl Sharpe who has two grand-daughters in the choir and is on its fund-raising committee. “We’re old friends and she was very persuasive,” Ann laughed.

In a nice twist at the end, the guilty party turned out to be organ scholar David Quinn who took the revelation that he was murderer in good part.

Only one person managed to work out that David was the killer and walk off with the prize. It was Sarah Haynes, wife of the Cathedral administrator and a health and safety officer - which might have helped! “It was a very good night and a fun way to raise money,” said the Dean. “But more than that, it brought people into the Cathedral who would not otherwise be there.”

Watch out for Ann Cleeves’ novel Hidden Depths which has just finished filming with Brenda Blethyn in the title role of the Northumberland detective, Inspector Vera Stanhope. It will be shown on ITV in Spring 2011.

St George’s heritage grant

A seaside church battered by wind and spray from the North Sea for over 100 years is getting help to repair weather damage.

The landmark St George’s Church in Cullercoats, complete with 180 foot tower and spire, has stood in a commanding position overlooking the Longsands beach since 1884.

The £74,000 grant is all part of the £15.5 million announced by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support urgent repair work to 150 Grade I and II* listed places of worship across England. The grants were awarded under the organisations’ joint Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme.

The work at St George’s includes reroofing the nave, south aisle and part of the apse. In addition, the opportunity will be taken to repair and replace damaged rainwater goods. Nationally, since 2002, thousands of grants have been awarded to Grade I and II historic places of worship through the partnership scheme, which is the largest single source of funds to help congregations to care for historic churches, chapels, and synagogues.

Father Adrian Hughes said: “We are a very busy church, open daily both for worship and for the many visitors who come to see the fine example of the vaulted roof which was John Loughborough Pearson’s signature work as an architect. Keeping the church in a good state of repair is a vital part of ensuring that people continue to enjoy and appreciate the building.”

Carol Pyrah, Planning and Development Regional Director of English Heritage in the North East said: “As well as being a well-known landmark, St George’s Church also has a prominent role in the community both spiritually and for the range of activities on offer. We are pleased to help with its continuing restoration against the elements and would encourage other churches to submit similar bids.”

Lesley Hehir from the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “The spire of the 19th century church was used as a navigational aid by the fishermen of Cullercoats as well as by major shipping approaching Tynemouth. It is a fine building and we are happy to be supporting its upkeep.”

The church received £53,000 from the scheme five years ago to support repair work on the eroded stonework as well as repointing masonry.

Menzone to hold guest service

Calling all men in the diocese! How would you like to get together for a special guest service involving food, fellowship and the celebration of the Eucharist in a men-only group called MenZone? MenZone at St.Mary’s Monkseaton is holding its annual guest service and supper on Wednesday May 5 at 7.15pm when the president will be Canon Robin Greenwood, vicar of St. Mary’s. The preacher will be the Revd. Geoff Lowson, vicar of Holy Saviour, Tynemouth.

The Menzone group was started seven years ago at the suggestion of the then Vicar, Chris Knights, arising out of ‘The Way Forward’ discussion, action groups and their reports. Meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday of each month (except January and August), at 12 noon at the Whitley Bay Golf Club, when we have a speaker and share a buffet lunch. Average attendance is about 15 men and reports of the meetings are published in the parish magazine.

The range of topics varies, with both religious and secular content, and occasionally we have days away. For example we have spent a day at Alnmouth Friary, All Saints College, West Denton, and most recently Boldon School, where a member of St. Mary’s congregation, Elizabeth Hayes, is Head Teacher. At Christmas we have a dinner to which wives/partners are invited and in 2009 the venue was The Oak Room at the Grand Hotel, Tynemouth. For the past few years we have been on retreats to venues such as Shepherds Dene and Rydal Hall, Cumbria. This year, 11th – 13th June, about 14 men from St.Mary’s will be going again to Shepherds Dene when the retreat will be led by Archdeacon Geoff Miller.

The idea for the annual eucharist and supper guest service for men came from Delaval parish men’s fellowship which had held such a service for many years, until the fellowship closed down. Bishop Martin preached at their closing service in 2008, and St.Mary’s took it on from there. The Bishop also preached at St.Mary’s in 2009, and it was he who suggested that the guest service should be advertised more widely. There are many men’s clubs in this area. For example, the secular Willow Club meets every week at St.John’s Methodist Church, Whitley Bay, and they have over 100 members, but it appears there are very few church based fellowships for men in the diocese.

Derek Burton, Reader Emeritus, St.Mary the Virgin, Monkseaton. Please contact Derek if you would like to go to the guest service, not later than April 26.
Telephone - 0191 2512064

Ponteland CofE School Shines Brightly

A Church of England school in Ponteland, has been awarded top marks by Ofsted. Richard Coates CoE Middle School in Ponteland was judged to be “outstanding” by government inspectors in an inspection earlier this year.

The report, which has just been published, goes on to say that the school “exudes a vibrant and positive ethos which is firmly rooted in its Christian values.” The inspectors made particular mention of the “excellent behaviour” of the pupils and “high aspirations” that the teachers have for their pupils.

The school’s safeguarding procedures are described by Ofsted as being “exemplary in the meticulous way they are implemented.”

Ofsted also noted that “This outstanding school has made excellent progress since the previous inspection.”

In a letter to the pupils at Richard Coates, the Lead Ofsted inspector says that “You will be delighted to know that we have judged your school to be outstanding and that your school does some things that other schools can learn from.”

The letter also notes that the strengths of the school include the fact that pupils are well taught, the curriculum is excellent, that adults look after all pupils exceptionally well, and that the school is extremely well led and managed.

Headteacher Paul Rusby said that he was delighted that the school had been awarded the highest possible Ofsted grade. “This report is a direct result of a fantastic whole team effort. We are very blessed to have such motivated and caring pupils and a wonderful team of extremely dedicated and hard working staff and governors. Our school motto, ‘Let Your Light Shine’ is taken from St Matthew’s Gospel, and we are thrilled that Ofsted have been able to witness how brightly the Richard Coates Middle School light is shining.”

St Bartholomew’s - Forging links

St. Bartholomew’s Church in Newbiggin is forging links with the new Northumberland Church of England Academy, and our picture shows four pupils from the Grace Darling site who came to church on Education Sunday to help celebrate Candlemas. Left to right, Shelley Wealleans, Brooke Adlington, Molly Common and Alanya Wilson. Alanya wrote a special prayer for the service.

Pupils from all three sites, Grace Darling, John Dobson and Jackie Milburn, came together earlier for a special Christingle service on the last day of term “It was a bit of a squash, “vicar Judith Grieve says, “But hugely enjoyable both for us and for the Academy pupils.”

Who built the Ark?

We would like to invite you to join us for the St James’ Noah’s Ark project.

The idea is that people commit to making a pair of animals (or more than one kind of animal) in wool, which go together with everyone else’s to create a big Noah’s Ark exhibition in the summer at St James’ Church, Benwell, which will be celebrated with a launch event and a picnic. The plan is to involve as many local people, groups and organisations as possible in creating an ark and the animals to go in it. We would like all ages to take part.

What does it involve?

All you have to do is decide which animals, birds or other creatures you would like to make, and check with us that no-one else is already making that particular pair. You do not need to attend project meetings or sessions – the work of making the animals will be done in people’s homes, groups, schools and centres. The only requirement is that you use wool in some way. It can be knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, or any other way your imagination can find to use wool. Support will be given if needed in the form of help, advice and materials.

The animals are not restricted to those that strictly speaking should have been on the biblical ark – so you can have birds, fish, insects etc. Also we are not looking for precise replicas – you can have pink elephants with yellow spots if you want. Any method of making them is okay as long as it uses wool in some form (which can include felt, for example).

What’s it for?

The ark itself will be built at St James’ Church, as a foretaste of the sorts of activities that could take place there if the current plans to create a centre for culture and heritage there work out as we hope.

This is a project that celebrates belonging to a local community, and also shows how many different groups and organisations make up that community. At the end of the project, all the animals will be displayed at St James’, together with the ark itself, and the public will be invited in to see it. Participants’ names and accompanying information will be attached to the display. We would encourage participants to take photos of the process of making their animals, so that the project can be documented and individuals’ contributions illustrated.

What’s the timescale?

We are asking people to let us know what animal(s) they plan to make, and check that noone else has already claimed that particular animal. There will be a launch party early on in the process to bring people together to meet and share ideas.

The deadline for finishing your animals or other creatures will be the end of June. There will be a big event at St James’ Church in July for everyone involved where we will bring everything together in an exhibition that will be a visible celebration of local community spirit and creativity.

For further details and an application form contact: Judith Green, c/o Search, 74 Adelaide Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9JN, tel: 0191 2528675
Email: judith.green@unn.ac.uk

Reader Applications 2010

Readers, men and women of all ages and backgrounds, are actively witnessing and ministering throughout the country and within our Diocese. The particular work of the Reader is to teach the Christian faith. They communicate their faith in many different ways and in a great variety of places. Readers are chaplains, teachers, work in hospitals, involved in youth and community work, part of parish ministry teams and are involved in many other callings.

Above all their role is to:
Proclaim the word
Make sense of the world for others with whom they come into contact
Help people to learn and grow as Christians
Prepare and lead worship
Care for the people they serve
Work collaboratively with others

The selection process is underway for 2010. The Closing date is 31 March 2010 and the Selection Day is on Saturday 8 May 2010. If you would like to know more, or feel you are called to this ministry you should get in touch with your parish priest.

Application forms and information about the selection process can be obtained from Roger Lowans, Reader Recruitment and Selection Coordinator
Telephone: 01434 632545.
Email: roger.lowans@stonehouse.entadsl.com

School communities celebrate diversity together

Children from Henshaw and Wark C.of E. First Schools came together to celebrate National Interfaith Week recently. The two schools now share the same head teacher, Mrs. Denise Henry, and the purpose of the event was to bring the two school communities together to compare and celebrate diversity.

For the oldest, Key Stage 2 children from the two schools, Mr Craig Moore, who chairs the governors at Wark School, facilitated a workshop about the European Union, and in particular the subject of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The youngest children from both nursery and reception classes shared in a multicultural celebration of the festivals of light; Divali, Hannukah, and Christmas.

Children from Key Stage 1 shared a Godly Play story response time in the Godly Play Classroom at Henshaw. The children listened to and watched the story of the Exodus and spent time discussing and wondering about it. They then enjoyed a response time together exploring story materials illustrating many Christian stories, and working with a variety of art resources.

The two school communities ate lunch together in the dining hall and worshipped together before the children and staff from Wark School set off back on their coach. It was a wonderful opportunity for two of our diocesan schools to come together and share their differences and similarities.

Other schools are welcome to visit Henshaw C.of E. First School to use the Godly Play Classroom. Contact Mary Cooper, Lead Practitioner for The Godly Play North School Project, to arrange a visit or to find out more about training opportunities in the Godly Play method. cooper.mary@blueyonder.co.uk Tel.001912525707. Visits can also be made to your own venue or school Jan Bryce

Does it ever get cold in Botswana?

Answer, yes, it gets chilly at night in the winter – which of course, is our summertime, from June through to August. But these children are nice and cosy in blankets provided by Winnie Harkis from the Church of the Ascension in Kenton, all ready for those winter winds when they blow in from the Kalahari.

Winnie has been an active church person all her life. Now at 94 she is housebound, with poor sight and hearing, but she still knits blankets and soft toys for orphans in Botswana.

Our picture shows two recipients of Winnie’s blankets, delivered by the former dean of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Gaborone, the Very Revd. Nick Darby, who was on a recent visit to the country.

Bible marathon launches ‘The Big Read’

The world’s most popular book – the Bible - was read aloud from beginning to end at Durham Cathedral last month, launching the North-east's “Big Read” in which members of many different churches are coming together to explore and enjoy St. Luke’s Gospel during Lent..

The entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation, mostly read but sometimes dramatised, was on offer at the Cathedral for three weeks, setting the scene for a series of book groups across the region . Members are meeting during Lent to study the Gospel with the aid of the Bishop of Durham, Tom Wright , who has written a new guide to accompany St. Luke. The Bishop is also speaking about the meaning and relevance of Luke for today in a variety of locations ranging from Alnwick to Barnard Castle.

Bishop Tom says: “The idea for Christians of all denominations getting together to read the Bible is exciting. It is a great sadness that there are some things we can't do together but no church has ever said we shouldn't read the Bible together. So, Christians from all denominations in the North East have planned various events for Lent and Eastertide, focused on our shared reading of Luke. And Luke's gospel is an ideal book to be reading because it was written for everyone.”

The full Bible reading at Durham Cathedral involved some 400 people, from schoolchildren aged eight to pensioners in their 80s, drawn from diverse Christian denominations including Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostalists, members of the Bethany church, the United Reformed Church, and the Salvation Army. The Bible Read was co-ordinated by Pat Francis, a member of the Cathedral congregation, and she took her turn to read a few verses of 2 Chronicles at the launch event..

Bishop Martin and Bishop Seamus Cunningham, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, were among others who contributed to the reading, and among the invited guests were several civic leaders including the Mayor of Durham, who also read from Chronicles, and his wife, and the Mayor and Mayoress of South Shields.

Visitors were welcomed to the launch service by the Dean of Durham, the Very Revd Michael Sadgrove, and Bishop Tom spoke about the Lent book 'Lent for Everyone - Luke' which he has produced for the Big Read. He also revealed that the idea for an ecumenical Bible study during Lent came out of his time as Anglican representative at the Catholic Bishops' synod in Rome two years ago. Bishop Mark Bryant, the Bishop of Jarrow , who has had the responsibility of organising the Big Read, then read a passage from Bishop Tom's book which featured the story of the Prodigal Son.

More Healing Opportunities

As interest in Christian healing grows around the diocese, there will be additional opportunities this year to learn more about the Christian healing ministry and to experience services held in different places in the diocese. The regular diocesan healing and wholeness service will normally be at St Michael’s New Hartley (come and see! All welcome) but some changes are planned (details below). These changes will allow the team to support individual parishes with their own developments and also take account of two important events.

The first, organised by North-East Churches Together, is on Saturday 8 May at Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle and will include the amazing story of the Healing on the Streets programme that has been so successful in Newcastle and elsewhere in the UK. One of the leaders Ged Downey writes:

“Healing on the Streets (HotS) started on Tyneside in October 2008 and there has been a team out in the centre of Newcastle every week since then. This ministry is co-ordinated by Together in Christ Tyneside, a group of 50 local church leaders from various Christian denominations.

Over 300 people have attended training sessions for this ministry and more than half of these from over 40 different congregations are actively involved. There is a rota, however, there are no hard and fast rules on attendance, some members go out nearly every week, whilst others attend about once a month.

After prayer time at Brunswick Methodist, the HotS team will be either at The Monument or on Northumberland Street and offer prayer to passers-by between 2pm and 4pm. Those who accept are shown to a chair where a team of 2-4 will pray for their specific needs – physical, emotional or spiritual. We have seen many wonderful healings through this ministry – Praise God!

The second event is the annual Healing and Wholeness training day at Kingston Park on Saturday 16 October. The much loved, well-known author Adrian Plass will be coming to lead and teach us.

This year’s programme is therefore as follows:
2 March 7.30pm St Michael’s New Hartley

8 May 10 am NECT training day “Healing on the Streets”, Brunswick Methodist church, Newcastle

9 May 6 pm St Michael & All Angels Newburn (all welcome)

6 July 7.30 pm St Michael’s New Hartley

7 September 7.30 pm St Michael’s New Hartley

16 October 10.00-16.00 St John Kingston Park, Annual Diocesan Healing training day with Adrian Plass

2 November 7.30 pm St Michael’s New Hartley

If you would like the team to visit your parish, or for further information about these services, please contact the Bishop’s Adviser for Healing and Wholeness, Rev Dr Peter Bryars on 0191 237 1982 or at pjbryars@btinternet.com