The Month July 2016

Christmas starts with Christingle

July 2016

N E E D TO K N OW

I S T O R I E S I A R E A U P D AT E S I E V E N T S N E A R Y O U

Encounter team rise to Swedish challenges

Arc hdeacon’s View

By Venerable ELIZABETH SNOWDEN Archdeacon of Chelmsford AS I write this it is not yet three months from the Sunday when I was collated as Archdeacon

at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Moving home, leaving one ministry and taking on another ministry is a strange chaotic time, both physically and emotionally. In many ways a whirlwind of unpacking boxes, organising a new home, driving unknown routes to unknown towns and villages, entering new churches and meeting new people, learning a new way of being as I begin to inhabit a new role. Many of you have asked me: “What does it feel like to be here in the Diocese of Chelmsford.”

My answer has been along the lines of “I feel very welcome, people have been very supportive” or “It has been great to visit parishes and meet the congregations that worship there", "It is exciting to be working as part of a supportive team” or “this is a beautiful county".

Indeed, all of this is true, for this has been my experience. The welcome that we have received has been amazing, as has the hospitality offered to us. To be provided with breakfast on a Sunday CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Bring the kids to light a candle for Christ’s birthday

Youth vocations students share christmasstarts.com experiences of visit to Karlstad link diocese Feature: page 2 Scarecrow Festival is a strummimg good way to raise funds for Copford church...

Page 12

www.chelmsford.anglican.org

... while the Saffron Walden team went the extra miles to John O'Groats!

Page 12

■ Counting down to the revamped Bradwell Festival: Page 5 ■ Diocese events diary: Page 9

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THE MONTH July 2016

THE

month — Swedish challenges for diocesan visitors on youth trip

'They prayed out loud for the first time' EARLIER this year, myself and six others (five being a part of the Encounter scheme in Chelmsford Diocese) flew to Sweden in order to capture an idea of how church is in their culture and environment.

Along with seeing how Jesus works across the nations, we were introduced to many abstract activities that were common in Sweden, one being 'LARPing'.

This acronym stands for Live Action Role Play. Being a unique activity that I have witnessed before, it was interesting to see how young people were able to enter into a game, and leave any troubles from home behind.

On the first day we went to visit a church, which provided a walk-in cafe for the refugees of Sweden; Sweden has promised each

refugee a permanent place within the country, therefore the church has set up a cafe for them involving people volunteering to help the refugees to learn the Swedish language. I was extremely encouraged by the service the church provided for the community.

Nearer the end of the week, we spent a day retreating and focusing on Jesus. We looked at the question of 'how precious is Jesus to us?' We spent three hours in silence, and the rest of the day in prayer and reflection. As an extrovert I felt I would struggle with this; however, I felt connected with God greatly and received a lot from the experience.

A highlight of my week was meeting with a group of young people on the Wednesday night for a meal at a restaurant in Karlstad.

It was a great evening getting to know the

young people within this town and seeing how I can connect with people from across the nations. At the end of the meal a joke was exchanged about coming back for dessert to where we were staying. Much to our surprise the young people genuinely did surprise us with chocolates at the place in which we were.

In this moment I was extremely shocked and couldn't help but laugh, however the night ended remarkably. We were about to spend some time praying together, following some liturgy and having space to pray freely for one another. We offered this to them, in which later discovered they are not used to praying out loud for one another, nor have they heard much charismatic worship music before.

By the end of the night, they had all prayed out loud freely for one another, as well as

sharing with them 'Good Good Father' by Chris Tomlin and 'My Lighthouse' by Rend Collective. They were very moved by what we had shared with them, and it was amazing to see how God used us in that situation. It was a real genuine moment of being able to see the body of Christ from across the nations connecting and sharing with one another.

Overall, I feel our trip to Sweden was a great success – we were able to visit and explore churches within Sweden. However, alongside that we experienced a different culture, connecting with brothers and sisters in Christ that we didn't know we had – and left feeling spiritually uplifted.

Emma Girdlestone (pictured on cover) ● For more information, go to www. encounteryoungvocations.org.uk

Swedish idyll has cracks REVD ANDY POULTNEY, Young Vocations - Chelmsford, and two girls from the visiting party look back on a visit to the Swedish link diocese of Karlstad

WHEN people ask me at Church how my trip to Sweden was I usually open with something along the lines of “it's an introvert's paradise” followed by a commentary on how beautifully vast the countryside was and how sparsely populated the roads were.

However, I think Sweden is a country of two sides, the sadder, more morose of which I chose to edit out of polite chats over cups of tea.

This dual-nature seemed to be woven into every day of our visit.

On our first day I was astounded by the inspiring work of the language cafe in Kristinehamn parish. Here a well-funded church (boasting over thirty members of staff!) threw their arms open to hundreds of refugees, providing them with food, childcare and language lessons.

However, we learned that these were uncertain times since the Church had recently separated from

COVER STORY SWEDISH ENCOUNTER: Bishop Esbjorn greets Chelmsford visitors the state. This meant that parishioners were no longer obliged to pay tax, and those that continued to do so expected public services to be provided.

This in turn meant that many church workers were facing the possibility of losing their jobs and those that remained would be under pressure to provide a secularised service to appease the expectations of the parishioners.

“How to be church?” seemed to hang in the air as the Swedish

The Month, incorporating NB and East Window, is the free circulation newspaper of Church of England in Essex and East London (Diocese of Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. anglican.org/themonth ● Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter @chelmsdio ● Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter @cottrellstephen ● Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese ● Like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/chelmsdio ● Like our Ask an Archdeacon Facebook www.facebook.com/ askanarchdeacon ● View our photostream on Flickr www. flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese

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Church navigated this new territory they've found themselves in.

On Wednesday we visited a state-run and financed youth club the likes of which we had never seen before. It was cavernous.

Known as “Uno” it provided young people with the opportunity to explore their creativity via fashion (creating clothing and showcasing it at their own fashion show – complete with catwalk music and lighting) and music (with state-of-the-art instruments and recording facilities).

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For the more laid-back young person there was a cafe, a cinema, Playstation rooms, X-box rooms, somewhere to meet with friends and areas to work collaboratively on homework.

This seemed like Mecca for youth-work. Which is why it was confusing to hear from a tear-filled Bishop on the same day that depression and other mental health issues were major problems amongst young people in Sweden.

This was further confounded when I asked some people from The Church of Sweden Youth what they thought of Uno. Not one of them liked it.

One person thought the people there were too “cliquey,” another added that it was “ok when he was younger,” but after a couple of years it had become boring to him. A ripple of appreciative nods accompanied his statement.

On Thursday we didn't visit anywhere and elected to stay at Sandvikengarden for a day of reflection.

Towards the end of the day I learned that there was a sauna.

The opportunity to experience a

Swedish sauna seemed too good to miss.

Afterwards the Swedish man who prepared it for us asked us all, with a wide grin, whether we enjoyed the “Souwwna.” On the surface, all seemed very light-hearted.

However, earlier that day the same man lingered uncomfortably with us in the dining hall. After many uneasy silences he went on to tell us about his recent divorce from his wife.

Suddenly he had gone from being the jolly Swede sweeping the path when we arrived to also being a lonely and morose soul wandering around Sandviken garden.

In conclusion, my impression of Sweden was that of expansive countryside, expansive resources and expansive roads.

When I looked closer I found the openness concealed a deeper malady.

Whether that's the Church of Sweden looking towards a future of open questions, the youth feeling jaded in the face of great resources or a man becoming used to a life on his own, not everything was as idyllic as the wide-open backdrop initially suggested.

'Gazing in wonder' EARLIER this year the young vocations residential scheme Encounter for the Diocese of Chelmsford went on tour.

Our trip took us to our partner diocese Karlstad in Sweden. It was an enriching and varied experience in which we all grew in our relationship with God, each other and members of the Karlstad diocese.

One of the focuses of our trip was to find out about youth projects and build relationship with young people.

One such project was set in a medieval village which built in a woods on a hill by a group of church young people and their youth worker.

This village consisted of four buildings which were the bases of four tribes as well as other buildings including a tavern and latrine.

At weekends young people come to the village and become part of one of these tribes and takes part in an activity which is known as LARPing that is live action

role play. Each person becomes a character and is part of one of the tribes, act as that character and take part in games which consist of each tribe fighting each other. We enjoyed a welcome that included a ransoming, a delicious lunch cooked on an open fire and being given charter names some which were flattering and others which were less so.

Also on our trip we met up with young people form the Church of Swedish youth for dinner. We had a lovely time over dinner and then they followed us back to our accommodation, without our knowledge, and joined us in our evening prayer. It was a privilege to spend time with them talking and praying about issues that were important to each of us.

Meeting with Bishop Esbjorn for lunch and hearing his journey of faith, clinging onto God, was a huge privilege. The young people we met said they will be sad to see him go when he retires

which I think says a lot about how inspirational he is.

We spent one of our days in retreat, praying, listening and reflecting on what God wanted to say to us. This was a peaceful time in which we were surrounded by God’s wonderful icy creation.

In the evening two of us sat peacefully by the frozen lake as the sun set. It was an amazing sight which made us just gaze in wonder at the bright changing colours.

We reflected on the theme we had been given to us to think about, the preciousness of Jesus. We looked at some frozen icicles beautifully formed, they looked precious despite just being made of hydrogen and oxygen.

Then we ponded on how infinitely more precious Jesus is. He died to take away our sins, because he loves us and us to be in relationship with him.

This trip has been a highlight in what has been a truly transforming year.

Alexandra Perry

THE MONTH July 2016

month — Runner Edd overcomes food poisoning

Marathon effort THE

SOUTHEND vicar Revd Edd Stock completed the London Marathon in April with food poisoning to raise more than £4,200.

Edd, a curate at St Lawrence and All Saints, Eastwood, joined 38,000 other runners to take part in the London Marathon, raising money for Christian Aid. "I wanted to challenge myself to do something mad, Edd said. " I wanted to support the vital work of Christian Aid that I am so passionate about."

Edd also made use of an unusual training partner – his two-year-old daughter!

"I use a running buggy and we do short runs together in the field behind our house. She loves pointing out horse poo we pass," added Edd.’ Although Edd says this was his first and only marathon, he sees the

benefits running has to his job as a Curate.

"Running gives me the headspace that I need to do ministry, particularly on difficult days in the parish.

It’s a great release."

Edd raised money by asking his friends to sponsor him, as well as holding whiskey tasting evenings for friends.

"I’m passionate about drinking whisky, not baking cakes, so it’s great to use that passion to support Christian Aid. "I especially appreciate how Christian Aid works with any organisation and community to deliver God's love through social justice and change - they don't discriminate."

On the day, Edd completed the event in five hours two minutes 20 seconds, with his wife Katie and two young children cheering him on at Tower Bridge.

"Unfortunately I ran with food poisoning so it

was not quite the race I was hoping for, but I feel great to have done it! A big thanks goes to my wife, and everyone who supported me, who gave me the strength to go on," he added.

Edd raised an incredible £4206.20.

You can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/ RevEddStock.

Christian Aid Week is Britain’s longest running door-to-door fundraising week.

This year, Christian Aid Week asked the British public to love every neighbour and support poor communities around the world, who often are forced to live without the basic needs of food and shelter.

"Together, we could help give some of the world’s poorest people enough to eat and a safe place to call home," added Edd.

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MARATHON MAN: Revd Edd Stock shrugged off the effects of food poisoning to collect his London Marathon medal

Diocesan staff tuck into a Big Brekkie

STAFF at the Chelmsford Diocese office tucked into Big Brekkie on April 20.

The workplace breakfast took place ahead of Christian Aid Week, and raised funds to help change the lives of people around the world living in poverty.

This year’s Christian Aid Week, Britain’s longest running house-tohouse fundraising week, invited the British public to love every neighbour and raise money for poor communities around the world by hosting a Big Brekkie fundraising breakfast.

Whether serving porridge, pancakes or pastries, hosting a Big Brekkie gave some of the world’s poorest enough to eat and a safe place to call home.

Increasingly warmer and wetter weather can force families to flee their homes, causing homelessness and hunger. As climate change continues to affect communities around the world, including Bangladesh, it is the poorest that are bearing the brunt.

For the 80 per cent of Bangladeshis whose lives depend on agriculture, this unpredictable weather is making it much harder to grow the food they need and communities barely have time to recover from losing family members, homes and livelihoods before the next disaster hits.

Christian Aid local partner organisation, Gana Unnyan Kendra is supporting families,hit by annual floods. A Christian Aid Home Safety Package provides an earth plinth, raising a home 6-8ft above water, creating a safe place for a family to rebuild their home and safely keep livestock. The package also includes a goat, seeds and a wormery, all of which will provide a long-term income.

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BREAKFAST MENU: Diocesan communications executive Sarah Newman puts the finishing touches to the Big Brekkie spread in the diocesan office at Chelmsford.

Joey Knock, Regional Co-ordinator for Essex said: “It was a fantastic morning. I really enjoyed meeting and sharing croissants and chat with Diocese staff, hearing about their incredible work and getting them geared up for Christian Aid Week.

“We asked everyone to help make bunting and wite how they will love every neighbour this Christian Aid Week, from feeding their neighbour’s cat to showing extra care for everyone around the world.”

“Christian Aid Week unites over 20,000 churches every year to achieve incredible things to support our global neighbours in need, who are often suffering through no fault of their own, and this is a great opportunity for the people of Essex to do their bit.” ● You can help to change the lives of climate-affected families in places like Bangladesh by donating online at www.caweek.org calling 08080 006 006, or texting ‘SAFE’ to 70040 to give £5.

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THE MONTH July 2016

THE

month — Cameron fails to tackle UK-sponsored corruption

Prime Minister misses chance

DAVID Cameron missed his best chance to stop secrecy in UK-controlled tax havens while other world leaders announced plans to introduce public registers of company owners in their own countries, Christian Aid warned as the Prime Minister’s Anti-Corruption Summit ended.

“This was David Cameron’s best chance to stop the UK’s network of tax havens profiting from secrecy, but he has failed to take the action he urged on others,” said Toby Quantrill, Principal

Economic Justice Adviser at Christian Aid “Soon countries like Nigeria, Kenya and Afghanistan will be more transparent than UK-controlled tax havens. Mr Cameron’s failure to clean up the UK’s own back yard is a missed opportunity that he must address with the utmost urgency.”

Alvin Mosioma, Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, said rich countries including the UK must stop their tax havens helping the corrupt.

“Some African governments have shown commitment to tackle corruption within their borders and the Nigerian government’s recent announcement of a public register of beneficial owners is a good example,” he said.

“However, these efforts will not yield the intended results if governments including the UK, which should be considered as the hotbed for global corruption, are only paying lip service while providing the getaway

cars that allows funds to be siphoned out of Africa.

“Flowery political statements by rich countries’ leaders’ must translate to concrete action, with them cleaning the corruption swamps in their own back yards.”

Countries including Holland, South Africa, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya and Afghanistan have all announced plans for publicly-accessible registers of companies’ true owners,– inspired by the UK’s public

register which begins next month. Others, including Ireland, have agreed to explore such public registers.

Toby Quantrill said: “The Prime Minister has said he thinks all company registers should be public, yet he has chosen to shield the UK’s overseas jurisdictions from the same ‘gold standard’ of public transparency that the UK is pursuing.

"UK territories have been peddling secrecy services which grease the wheels of corruption

for decades, causing untold suffering and deprivation as developing countries are drained of resources, “The Prime Minister deserves credit for putting transparency on the global agenda in 2013.

"The Anti-Corruption Summit shows others are following his lead and the Summit could prove worthwhile, given the many announcements that will help continue the fight against corruption in the years to come.

“The UK has moved a long way in three years and even now has decided to shine a light on the ownership of businesses that knowingly facilitate financial crime, as well as ending their impunity, “These are small pieces in a much bigger puzzle and Mr Cameron’s failure to stand up to UK tax havens, whose total population is the same of a small UK city, leaves us questioning why he is unwilling to do so.”

Bishop blesses Messing

THE Bishop of Colchester, Roger Morris, visited Messing for the first time and rededicated All Saints church, after a £12,000 facelift, and dedicated a lectionary to a popular village son's memory.

The Friends of Messing Church raised the money needed to repair and repaint the walls of the church with traditional limewash.

Bishop Roger dedicated the church's new lectionary (right) bought to honour the memory of Reg Brown, watched by his wife Trudy (left) and vicar Revd AnneMarie Renshaw (centre).

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There is none like you, O Lord, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

1Ch 17:20 (ESV)

5

THE MONTH July 2016

THE

month — New dawn breaks for Bradwell Festival

Traditional pilgrimage gets makeover different starting points and journeys we take as Christians, as well as the different walks of life from which we come.

The traditional pilgrimage walk through the village of Bradwell-onSea will begin at St Thomas’s church at 11 am, while a second route, starting at the same time from The Green Man pub at the Marina, will follow the sea wall by the Blackwater Estuary.

Christian resource-writer AislingBlaise Gallagher has written a guide for the pilgrimage which will enable people to reflect and pray at various points, taking inspiration from the local landscape.

On arrival at the site of St Peter’s Chapel at different times and from different places, people will be led in worship by John Pantry, the West Mersea musician and broadcaster.

Music is a key part of any festival and booked to perform are comedy folk band and Greenbelt favourites Folk On. Also appearing

on the main stage is another Greenbelt regular, London-based Irish singer-songwriter Andy Flannagan.

Another main stage set comes from Leigh-on-Sea based band The Famous Potatoes.

There will also be the Performance Cafe at the main building of the Othona Community.

Vintage jazz trio The Daisy Bowlers will provide musical accompaniment to those visiting the cafe and the nearby merchandise village.

The Speakers’ Tent boasts an interesting line-up. The Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell will be speaking, as will the Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral, Very Revd Nicholas Henshall, actor-priest Richard Syms, cartoonist Dave Walker and Essex author Jane Dolby.

For those seeking peace and stillness over the festival weekend, the Northumbria Community will be saying their Daily Office in St

Peter’s chapel and the chapel will be open as a space for prayer and reflection throughout the weekend.

St Thomas’s church will also be open and will be serving cream teas on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Sunday at the festival will be more chilled, with overnight campers having the opportunity to watch dawn break over the estuary, followed later in the morning by an ecumenical service.

The festival will close with an evening service at St Peter’s chapel at 6.30 pm, led by the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre.

Entry to the Bradwell Festival is free and donations are welcome, but please book your free ticket via website: www.bradwellfestival.com.

You can also find more details about the festival, including catering, transport, overnight camping and updates about the line-up on our website.

Bold Connie clocks in for 90th party celebration THE QUEEN has made 90th birthdays special occasions in 2016 and Connie Hume (pictured left and right) has just celebrated her big day.

Connie has been attending Great Maplestead's St Giles parish church for the past 85 years and the PCC believe could be a record for the diocese.

Connie has lived in the Essex village all her life and still takes an active role with the church, the Woman's Institute, the bowls club and is also a keen member of the Knitting Circle.

More than 100 villagers came together to celebrate Connie's 90th Birthday and Jill Newton, chair of the Women's Institute and churchwarden of St Giles (above left), said that Connie was "a local treasure".

Connie attended St Giles' Church of England School in the village and recently shared her

IN MY VIEW

Morning Prayer with others, I understood a different answer to “What does it feel like to be here?” After the Bible readings we sat in silence and reflection before sharing what had spoken to us. I left that time with a verse from the Psalm of the day that resonated deeply with me.

“You have set my feet in a spacious place” Psalm 31:8 ( NIV) Sitting in silence reflecting on Scripture is a gift from God. In that silence we need not do anything, or prove anything but simply be willing to attend, to be fully present in that moment, open to the God who speaks.

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According to local tradition, Connie reputedly changed the school clock to allow her friends out early but was spotted by the local farmer who reported Connie's misdemeanour to the headmistress. Connie is very coy about the outcome!

What does it feel like to be here?

FROM FRONT PAGE morning on more than one occasion is just one example of the kindness and generosity extended to us.

Geoff and I feel very privileged to be here and thankful for the kindness and generosity that has been shown to us by so many different people. This has helped, supported and encouraged us particularly as we have visited different churches Sunday by Sunday.

As we have shared in your worship and chatted after worship, we have glimpsed something of the life of different worshipping communities across Chelmsford Archdeaconry.

But the other morning as I was sat in the Sanctuary at Farleigh Hospice praying

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By REVD HANNAH BUCKE THE BRADWELL Festival is gearing up for its inaugural weekend of July 2 and 3.

The successor to the annual pilgrimage at Bradwell-on-Sea for many years, the festival will extend the opportunity for Christians from different traditions to come together to enjoy a programme of events and activities.

The Bradwell Festival’s tag line, ‘Connect. Celebrate’, sets the tone for a festival that is rooted in ecumenism: it will offer a place for Christians to connect with one another through pilgrimage and worship, to be inspired and challenged by different speakers, to enjoy a variety of music, and simply to have time and space to be together, and celebrate with one another.

The pilgrimage itself will begin the weekend’s activities. This year, for the first time, there are two different routes, reflecting the

Through attending to another and what they say and particularly in listening to what God has said to them, we are enriched ourselves.

That particular morning I heard what this verse meant for someone else and discovered its meaning for me.

Our God, who we meet through Jesus is the one in whom I find meaning for my life.

The broad and spacious place is the place where I encounter God, a spiritual space that is God’s gift.

For me this is also physical as I find my feet literally set in this particular place in the Diocese of Chelmsford and it is unexpected, a gift and it feels good.

Ven Elizabeth Snowden Archdeacon of Chelmsford

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6

THE MONTH July 2016

THE

month — Life stories of the Deacons ordained by Bishop

Ordination surprise for nurs Julie Willmot – Maldon All Saints

Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community, offering a residential rehabilitation programme, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours.

Jacky Lindoe Prittlewell

JACKY grew up in Thundersley with two older brothers and a younger sister.

After leaving school with four O-levels, she joined HM Customs & Excise and after many different jobs and a few promotions she took early retirement after 38 years in 2012.

Jacky (above) was married to Jack for 32 years until his death in 2011. They had two wonderful children – Samantha, who is married and working as a Christian youth worker, and Bryin, who is studying for his Master's degree in architecture.

Jacky has been a member of St Peter’s in Westcliff for 28 years.

Attending church began as a desire to find a community with whom they could share raising children.

Jacky says: “It was somewhere we could all find friends. As a family we have been involved in all aspects of church life, I have been on just about every rota, served two terms as churchwarden, both of which had a period of interregnum.

“It has been through these many opportunities to serve and with the encouragement of a number of special people that God has gently brought me to faith and to ordained ministry.”

JULIE (right) was born in Salford, Lancashire but moved with her parents to Wanstead when she was two and subsequently attended Christchurch C of E Primary School followed by Nightingale High School.

After sixth form, she worked with the Halifax at various branches in the city and Essex, including time spent in the personnel department.

Julie married Nic in 1987 and they have two adult daughters, Carrie and Aimee, and a son Joe who is 16. They lived in

If you, or someone you know would like more information about Gilead or would like to make an application, please contact:

Laura Alm

Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520

laura.alm@gilead.org.uk

www.gilead.org.uk

Faye Bailey – Ascension with All Saints, Chelmsford

FAYE (above) grew up in Canvey Island.

After finishing school, Faye spent nine years working at Blossoms Healthcare in London. Her work as practice co-ordinator gave her much valued experience in customer service, management and accounts. Faye left her job in order to start her training towards ordination.

Faye is married to James and they have a two-year-old daughter Isla.

Aged nine, Faye started to attend the 2nd Canvey Girls Brigade which introduced her to church parades and regular Sunday worship at St Nicholas church.

There was an early sense of a call to ministry, aged 10. However, it was following a conversation in 2011 that Faye embarked on the process of discerning her vocation.

During the 19 years she has worshipped at St Nicholas, Faye has served at the altar, administered the chalice, read the epistle, led intercessions, preached sermons and led services. Faye is grateful for the continued support of Revd Canon David Tudor, who has been a valued mentor to her.

Faye will miss the people of Canvey Island greatly, but is excited for what the future will bring with the people of the Ascension with All Saints, Chelmsford.

Dean siona band In h walki or wa Jul minis for so side. placi path here than

Deacons PROFILES

THE MONTH meets the new Deacons who were ordained by Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, at Chelmsford Cathedral on June 25, in the second of a three-part series to be continued next month.

Canon Philip Need, Director of Ordinands (DDO) for the Diocese of Chelmsford, said: “It is wonderful that 30 people will be ordained in Chelmsford Cathedral in June.

"My work as DDO sees people constantly making connections between their faith and wanting to offer themselves to God. There are so many ways now in which we can serve him as faithful members of the church and we are trying to make it possible for people to answer their sense of calling in new and exciting ways.

"If you have even a slight flicker of the idea that God might be calling YOU to ordination, speak to your local clergy. Who knows? You might be on this ordination list in the coming years.”

Roger Clarke Romford

Based on a 300 acre dairy farm in rural Devon, Gilead uses the Genesis Process Relapse Prevention programme with our clients.

Barkingside for 28 years but have recently moved to Maldon.

Following 13 years as a full-time mum, Julie has worked as a nursery nurse at Newbury Park Primary School for the past 11 years. She has attended St Laurence, Barkingside since 1992, completing 15 years as a Sunday club leader and earning a Bishop’s Certificate in Children’s Ministry. Julie has been on the PCC with time also spent as secretary. She has led services and lay assisted at communion, been on the prayer team, the welcomers’ team, been a

ROGER was born in Ilford and grew up in Barkingside with his two sisters and they attended the local church.

Having studied computer science at school, Roger embarked on an IT career in the city, went to university part-time and met his wife Julie.

Roger says: “I initially worked in the IT department of a money broker and then the IT head office of HSBC and now I work for a web development and hosting company near my home.

“Julie and I got married in Barkingside at the church I grew up in, and we now have three children. We were involved in the children's and youth work of the church in Barkingside, and we led a home group.

“We moved from our flat in Ilford to a house in Romford and attended the local church where I was involved in the children’s work and

Ken Perkins

Roger Clarke the Sunday services. I enjoy cycling, football and camping with the family. Family members and friends have all encouraged me in my faith journey; my mother, wife and all of the vicars from my childhood years to adult years have helped me discern the call to ordained ministry.”

Tracey Harvey Coggeshall

TRACEY was born in Southend-on-Sea and has lived in and around the town all her life.

Tracey says: “So when I leave the area to take up my new curacy it will be quite a step!

“I left school at 16, going straight to work.

After a variety of retail and office jobs and some time out caring for relatives, I eventually joined the Civil Service at the Southend Jobcentre.

“After ten years there I answered the call to Ordination, a call I had felt since the age of 13, and trained at St Mellitus College in London.

“Whilst training I have been on a really enjoyable three-year placement at South Shoebury learning on the job. I will be very sorry to leave a lovely group of people there.

“In 2004 I married my wonderful husband

Lea Williams

T

7

THE MONTH July 2016

p Stephen in Chelmsford Cathedral during June

sery nurse

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nery Synod representative, an occaal preacher and also a vocalist in the d. her spare time she will be found ing her West Highland Terrier Toby atching a good movie. lie says: “My call to ordained stry was a slow growing ‘niggle’ that ome time I was able to brush to one . God, however, was persistent, ing several visual prompts in my which I could no longer ignore and I now find myself, more surprised ever.”

Dave, who has been a huge support to me in my ministry. We have two beautiful surrogate children, Bella and Meg, commonly known as cocker spaniels!”

Wendy Pagden Marks Tey and Aldham

WENDY is a daughter and sibling, wife and mother, learner and teacher, servant and leader, British and African. Born in Malawi, she grew up in Zimbabwe and began teaching in 1980: a year of regime change: Rhodesia to Zimbabwe.

Wendy, Robin and two young daughters, moved to Colchester in 1999. Leaving family and friends, they never imagined that they would put down roots.

Having taught at Colchester VI Form College for ten years, Wendy is, again, a student, enjoying the challenge of ordination training and an MA and through St Mellitus, London.

In her leisure time, she enjoys tennis, cycling, holidays and a good read. Her sending church was St John’s, Colchester; her placement church, St Michael’s; she is looking forward to serving her curacy at Marks Tey and Aldham.

Wendy says: “The constant throughout the change is my relationship with the Changeless One. My longing is to know Christ intimately and to make Him known, for it is He who transforms lives and communities, enabling flourishing.

Ken Perkins Gidea Park

KEN was born and grew up at Clarkenwell in central London.

He left school in 1973 with a few CSEs and became an apprentice refrigeration engineer and in 1977 became a refrigeration service engineer with the same company.

Ken met his wife Chris in 1982 and they married in 1984. They now live in Cranham and have two children – Louise born in 1986 and Michael born in 1989.

In 1986, Ken and other members of his family set up a company to service, install and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning

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Barbara Read Loughton

BARBARA grew up and was educated in Chingford alongside her brother.

Her working life was always in retail, varying from pharmacy through to beauty therapy.

Barbara (above) has been married to David for 47 years and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Her church is St John the Baptist in Loughton where they have worshiped continuously.

Barbara has taken on many roles in the parish, but six years ago she trained to be a Reader and has spent four years thoroughly enjoying this role.

But God came a calling for a second time, so she started to explore a vocation to the ordained ministry.

Barbara has also recently been professed into the Third Order of St Francis.

When she is not working Barbara loves spending as much time as she can with her grandchildren. She says: “They live life to the full and give me unconditional love and a zest for life.”

equipment. It is still based in London’s Smithfield Market.

Ken says: “I did not regularly attend church until 2007. After a few months Chris and I attended an Alpha course where we both gave our lives to Jesus. Our lives have been radically changed. We went to India on mission with Operation Mobilisation and we became involved in the life of Moor Lane church.

“I became involved with a homeless ministry called Above Us Only Sky? and also with people with addictions, setting up a Biblical recovery course at St Luke’s. During this time people told me I would one day be ordained but it was not until 2012 that I felt the call. In 2013 I pursued this call and I attended St Mellitus.”

Lea Williams Great Dunmow with Barnston

LEA is a ‘Shropshire Lad’, born and raised in Lilleshall. The eldest of four children, Lea began attending his local parish church, along with his family, as a result of his parents completing a ‘Good News Down the Street’ course. There they found a ‘spiritual home’, were nurtured in the Christian faith and became active members. It was here, at the age of 11, that Lea first felt a call to ordained ministry.

Following undergraduate studies in Social Policy and work with the London City Mission, Lea moved to Glasgow to read theology where he met and married his Czech wife, Petra.

In 2010 Lea was appointed Children’s Worker at St Michael’s Braintree, a position he very much enjoyed, in particular spending time in the parish’s schools. It was here that their children Olivia (4) and Theodore (2) were born.

While training at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford, Lea has undertaken research into childhood spirituality.

He also spent the summer of 2015 gaining ministry experience in the Diocese in Europe, spending time with chaplaincies in Prague and Moscow.

Lea enjoys long walks with the family dog and is determined to master the Czech language. Lea and his family are thrilled to return to north Essex.

Hayley Morris St Andrew’s Ilford

HAYLEY was born in Dhekelia, Cyprus where her dad was stationed in the RAF. She grew up at Leyland in Lancashire as the eldest of three children.

Hayley (above) enjoyed a happy childhood where church and Christian friends were an important part of her life.

After studying economics at Sunderland University and studying for a PGCE, she moved to Ilford and began a teaching career working in primary schools in Barking and Dagenham where she still works four days a week.

Hayley began worshipping at St Andrew’s in Ilford almost 30 years ago where she has been encouraged to use the gifts God has given and felt a call to ministry whilst recuperating from surgery.

She has been a Reader since 2011 and has trained for ordination part time for two years at St Mellitus.

Hayley is looking forward to the next part of the adventure with God and serving her curacy in the community and parish of St Andrew’s Ilford.

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Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1 (ESV) Photo: www.sxc.hu

8

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE MONTH July 2016

Free to pursue her dream

– Sarah’s story Before I came to Gilead I was suffering with anxiety and depression, as I had for much of my life. I had been using alcohol and self-harm to cope. A situation in my workplace tipped me over the edge and I knew I needed help. I already had a friend down at Gilead’s farm, and she encouraged me to apply for the programme. Within a few weeks I was packing up for a new life! I wasn’t sure what to expect, or if I would cope with living in a community, but something had to change and I took the opportunity.

It was difficult to adjust to living and working with lots of people.

But I soon learned it was a very important part of the healing process. I was welcomed into the community as a member of the family. Ian and Bron showed me God’s love and grace in a whole new way. It was their love and care towards me, even on bad days when I was fighting the programme and wishing to leave, that kept me going.

I worked through the Genesis process with Bron and began to learn about the root causes of my problems. I enjoyed the work therapy part of the programme, as

it made me get up in the mornings and gave me responsibility. Initially I helped milk the cows, helped with childcare and in catering.

Later on I began to work in the administration department, and though I was skilled in this area and good with computers I felt completely out of my comfort zone covering reception and answering the phone. However I was encouraged and supported by the staff and soon settled in. I completed an NVQ level 2 and 3 in Business Administration. This was a big achievement, as since leaving

school I had quit several college courses and lost confidence in my abilities to study.

During the last phase of the Gilead programme I St John Ambulance volunteering Working in Gilead’s dairy volunteered out in the community still struggling with some issues from a first aider. I have been on the with St John first aid team at the festivals for my past, and began counselling.

Ambulance. This re-ignited a desire the past 6 years, and love it. I have I was unsuccessful with the job I had as a child to work in the even been involved in the church applications, and began to get health care services, and initiated pantomime! disheartened, I didn’t understand a dream to be a paramedic. I also Recently I have joined a dance why I was getting nowhere. achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’s company, Terpsichore Dance I found a church, Soul Survivor gold award, an incredible challenge Company Watford. It has brought Watford, which I could belong to, and opportunity I wouldn’t have had me so much freedom to be able to somewhere I could go deeper in elsewhere. dance again, continuing to build my my relationship with God. Similar to I completed the programme confidence. I continue to volunteer my time at Gilead, I was supported and stayed for another year as a with St John Ambulance, now as an and encouraged beyond what I ever community member. I no longer Emergency Transport Attendant. imagined possible. It is a very big needed the support and structure I know God has his hand in my church, and it stills amazes me that of Gilead Foundations, and so I life, and when the time is right I this shy girl can be a part of it and decided to pursue my dream to will pursue my dream to train as feel comfortable there. become a paramedic, and moved a Paramedic. Until then, although Building on my experience at away to begin studying. I still needed I am still on the road to recovery, Gilead, I volunteer in the church help to heal completely, so I got I feel closer to God and closer to office once a week, and help out in touch with a local charity that finding myself than I ever have with the toddler group during the supports women, and they helped before, and I am hugely grateful week. I also help at various events, me over the next two years to build like the Saturday celebrations as confidence and apply for jobs. I was for Gilead Foundation’s part in this.

Terpsichore Dance Company Watford

You can be sure that whatever you give will be used to bring hope and a new start in life to people like Sarah – she and others like her, are the reason we do what we do.

If you have any questions about our work, please contact Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973.

You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more about us and donate online.

I enclose a one-off gift of £

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Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate Gift Aid is reclaimed by the Gilead Foundations from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a current UK taxpayer.

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25 years bringing freedom and hope Gilead Foundations Charity was established in 1991, by Ian and Bron Samuel. It’s been an amazing journey, with impact that is growing every year. Eighty five percent of those who complete their rehab overcome addiction and establish long term, healthy lifestyles.

People are set free to pursue their dreams, (like Sarah is doing), and families are restored.

A lot of grace and love …

Postcode Organisation / company (if applicable) Telephone Number Email

Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email: admin@gilead.org.uk www.gilead.org.uk Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909 DIO0716

01837 851240 www.gilead.org.uk

We place a lot of emphasis on the ‘family’ model we have, with Clients (also known as Students) and staff living and working together on our farm. It takes a lot of grace and the love of God, but the challenges and blessings of living together in a therapeutic community, together with our relapse prevention course, ‘Genesis Process’, help people to understand and overcome the root causes of their addictive behaviour.

Prepared for the future …

Skills training and the routine of work therapy on our free-range egg and dairy farm and in administration, build confidence and stability, provide qualifications and prepare people for their future. As they gradually

develop a clean and healthy lifestyle, we encourage and help our Students to find employment, accommodation, and support for life after rehab.

You can help …

Our founders, Ian and Bron Samuel, are still involved on a daily basis, along with their family and a team of committed, qualified staff and volunteers. Gilead’s ministry has helped hundreds of people who have lost hope. We provide subsidised and free bed spaces for some people who cannot get other funding.

We are asking for regular monthly donations, large or small, from people who want to help us in this work, contributing valuable financial support as traditional sources of ‘official’ funding are drying up.

You can use the form on this page, or donate at www.gilead.org.uk. If you would like to find out more about Gilead, please contact Lois Samuel on 01837 851 240.

You can be sure that whatever you give will be used to bring hope and a new start in life to people like Sarah – she and others like her, are the reason we do what we do.

THE MONTH July 2016

THE

9

month — What’s on around you in Essex & East London during July

Until July 1 ● South Weald Festival 2016. The theme: 'God’s beautiful countryside'. Events include an art and flower exhibition and the local school fete.

Friday-Monday, June 24-27 ● The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Danbury CM3 4NG. 10am-5pm. Sun: 12 noon-5pm. Flower festival: 'For all the Saints'. Refreshments available.

Friday-Sunday, June 24-26 ● St Andrew’s, Althorne CM3 6BZ. 10-5pm each day.

Theme: 'World of Music'. In aid of church repair fund.

Friday June 24 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime concert by the Choral Scholars. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses.

Light refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring your own. ● St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood. 1pm.

Lunchtime concert. Lydia Caines & Harriette Platt (violins). Retiring collection. Details: 01277 218121.

Saturday-Sunday, June 25-26 ● Little Totham. Village open gardens & flower festival. ● An exhibition celebrating 90 years in the life of The Queen at All Saints, Leyton. Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 2.30pm-5.30pm Saturday-Monday, June 25-27 ● St Peter's Aldborough Hatch, Aldborough Hatch, Ilford IG2 7QN. Flower Festival 2016 Theme: Brush up your Shakespeare, 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare.

Sat: Church open 10am-6pm; Craft Market open 10am5pm; refreshments available 10am-5pm; The Barnabas Band on the Green at 11am; Oaks Park High School an acoustic set from Year 12 BTEC Music Performance Students on the Green at 1pm; 'Bells Aloud' Bellringers from St Margaret's Barking on the Green at 2pm; Choral Music The combined choirs of local churches will give a recital in Church 3pm; The Palmerstone Dancers on the Green at 4pm; Service of Compline in the Church at 6pm. Sun: Holy Communion 9am; Church open 10am-5pm; Craft Market open 10am5pm; Refreshments available 10am-4.30pm; Bob Allder at the keyboard on the Green noon; Naomi Hinds local singer-songwriter performs a unique type of folk songs on the Green 1pm; The Palmerstone Dancers on the Green 2pm; Combined choirs of local churches will give a recital at 3pm. Mon: Church open 10am-6pm. ● St Andrew's Church, Church Hill, Earls Colne CO6 2RG. Earls Colne flower festival and open gardens.

The theme will be '90 years' marking the Queen's 90th.

Saturday, June 25 ● St Mary Magdalene, Great Burstead.11am. Fete in the church grounds. Entertaining programme of arena events, activities to suit all ages, displays in the hall and a wide variety of stalls and refreshments. Proceeds go towards maintaining the landmark medieval building. ● Billericay Rectory CM12 9LD. 6-10pm. 'Gig in the garden'. ● Church Green, Church Road, Terling CM3 2PQ. Noon. Traditional Village Fete. Stalls - including bric a brac, books,cakes,toys, crafts, local honey Children's Games Dog Show Model Aeroplanes Karate, Dancing and Singing Displays BBQ, Tea, coffee and cake. ● St Nicholas church hall and meadow, New Road, Great Wakering SS3 0HX. 2.30-4pm. Barling & Wakering Guides Cream Tea Afternoon. ● St Mary's, Kelvedon. 7pm. Summer Concert by The Dunmow Wind Band. Adults £10, children £4. All profit to restoration and repair of St Mary’s church. ● Crowstone Christian Centre, Crowstone Road, Westcliff-on-Sea. 7.30pm. Christopher Wood's Requiem and Mozart's Coronation Mass. The Southend Festival Chorus, directed and conducted by Robbie Jacobs, accompanied by Reverie Ensemble with Philippa Murray (soprano), Jessica Gillingwater (alto), Ruairi Bowen (tenor) and bass (TBA).

Sunday, June 26 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm.

Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream Teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Velostreams. For more information see panel. ● St Catherine's church, East Tilbury. 1-4pm.

Annual garden fete with stalls, sideshows and various refreshments. The Grays Town Band will be playing during the afternoon. Take the opportunity to visit the ancient church of St Catherine's in East Tilbury village which has recently been extended and refurbished. ● Burnham-on-Crouch. 2-6pm. Open Gardens ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7pm. An Evening with singer/songwriter Doug Anderson, a relaxed evening of music and song for all – ‘young & old’. Tickets - £10 (students & under 16’s - £6) available from The House of Retreat & The Chelmsford Diocesan Bookshop, New Street. www.dougandersonmusic.com All proceeds in aid of The House of Retreat Building Fund. For more details: tel: 01245 237251 email:retreathouse. pleshey@virgin.net www.retreathousepleshey.com.

Tuesday, June 28 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester.

12-2.15pm. Friendship Group.

Wednesday, June 29 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am-12noon. Baby and Toddler Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series: Cynthia Hall, organ. Free entry. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, June 30 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness.

A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual health and well-being.

VELOSTREAMS are inviting you to join them on "a journey of discovery with God on two wheels".

"The vision is a cycling community who also want to know God better, and to reach out to cyclists, families, and young people alike," says Velostreams' joint organiser Colin Baldwin of St Stephen's, Prittlewell.

"This is a new venture, and a new thing, a fresh expression of exploring how we, as a church do mission and evangelism. Please prayerfully consider if you would like to be a part of this community. Join us as we ride on the slipstream of God." ● Contact Colin on 07789 511910 or Jeremy Blenes on 07538 545120 for details of the rides on June 26, July 31 and August 28.

Saturday-Sunday, July 2-3 ● Bradwell Festival (see story on page 5). For details log on at www.bradwellfestival.com.

Saturday, July 2 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● Messy Church at St James’ church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea (entrance through church hall in Tower Road) CO15 1LE. 3pm - 5pm. ● St Mary’s, High Road, South Woodford E18 2PA. 7.30pm. 'Happy and Glorious' with Valentine Singers.

Conductor: Christine Gwynn; Piano: Tim Smith; Narrator: Martyn Richards.Tickets: £12 (£7 students/ benefit holders) £14 (£9 on the door). Information and tickets: 020 8550 4654. Available online or from Mayfair Stationers, 80 High Street, Barkingside. Full details at: www.valentinesingers.org info@valentinesingers.org. ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.

6.30pm. Organ Concert by Winifried Bonig, Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Admission £8 - Free car parking. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. Concert by Chelmsford Singers and Cantate Domino. Programme includes Haydn: Little Organ Mass; Fauré: Requiem; Holst: Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda (third group). ● St Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon. Summer Garden Party to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday. All the usual stalls, raffles and tombolas plus a royal selection of games as well as the 'Queen Vic' beer tent and barbecue. Contact: Simon Prideaux (01376 571436) .

Sunday, July 3 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm.

Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Liston church, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 7HT. Liston Midsummer Music Day! Midday-3pm. Picnic Jazz In The Garden (of The Old Ballroom) with Man OverBoard – the international 5 piece Jazz Sensation.

Bring your own picnic and chairs, tables or rugs.Tickets £20 & £10 (16 or under). 6pm Choral Compline in Liston Church sung by Liston Church Choir followed by Solo Cello Music by JS Bach played by Yalda Davis followed by Pimms & canapes. Admission free, but a retiring paper collection to cover costs. For further details and to book your Picnic Jazz tickets, please email theoldballroom@gmail.com ● St Botolph’s church, Hadstock. 9.30am. Service of Reconciliation: 1016, 1916, 2016 Commemorating the centenary of another battle in a conflict that shaped our lives: the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and remembering those from Hadstock who died there.

This is part of the celebrations to mark the Millennium of the Battle of Assandun. ● A service of commemoration of the Battle of the Somme at Hornchurch St Nicholas. 9.30am. ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm.

Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre bring the Bradwell Festival to a close.

Tuesday, July 5 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester.

12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. ● Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ongar Road, Stondon Massey, CM15 0LD. 8pm. William Byrd Anniversary Concert by the Stondon Singers.

Refreshments will be served during the interval. Tickets £12 and £6 for under-16s. Available in advance from James Dace & Son (Chelmsford), Allegro Music (Chelmsford), Blackmore Post Office, or any choir member. Also at the door on the night. Advance purchase recommended. Telephone 01992 522300 or e-mail stondon_singers@fsmail.net for information.

Website: www.stondonsingers.org.uk Parking available near the church. Toilet facilities available.

Wednesday, July 6 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am-12noon. Baby and Toddler Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. ● Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group. Everyone is welcome and it is free to join in. For details and encouragement, please contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or email bookshop@chelmsford.anglican.org ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. St Francis School Choir. Free entry.

Retiring Collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, July 7 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers Union Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness.

Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.

Friday-Sunday, July 9-10 ● Solid Youth Festival. Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster. More information at www.solidfestival.org.uk.

Last date to book is June 30.

Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10 ● St Nicholas church, Harwich. 11am-4pm. Harwich Secret Gardens. The church will be open for tickets and refreshments on both days. More than 20 gardens to visit. Tickets £5. All proceeds to local charities. ● St Mary the Virgin Priory Church, St Mary's Place, Little Dunmow. 10am-5pm. Flitch Wedding Dress Exhibition of local dresses from 1940 to present day with refreshments to coincide with the Flitch trials. This historic church was where the original Flitch Trials took place in this area. See the first ancient Flitch chair and kneeling stones. Donations in aid of church fabric fund.

Saturday, July 9 ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.

6.30pm. Organ concert by James McVinnie, St Andrew’s church, Holborn. £8. Free car parking. ● St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. 1.30-3.30pm. Church Organists’ Afternoon with internationally renowned recitalist and teacher Gordon Stewart, who will be presiding over an electronic organ in the Cathedral’s Song School to engage with delegates on a wide range of issues. In addition, there will be opportunities to play the Cathedral Organ and refreshments will be available between the workshop and Gordon’s recital. There is no charge for this event.

Registration now available on the Cathedral Website (deadline for registering is Saturday, June 25). Please return completed forms to James Thomas, Director of Music, Cathedral Office, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1LS or email dom@stedscathedral.org. Supported by the Derek Marsden Memorial Fund. ● Little Totham. 12.30pm. All Saints village fete. Essex Falconry will be there with a selection of birds including owls. Hot and cold food will be available and a beer tent. 12.45pm Powercheer - a Maldon-based group of cheerleaders - will perform the first of their two displays.

This will be followed by the ever-popular dog show and then the line dancers from Langford. There will be live music throughout the afternoon, children's games, a grand raffle and the grand finale will be the tug-of-war.

Stalls will include jewellery, bags, books, cakes, bric-a-brac and tombola. ● St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Epping CM16 5DN. Epping Church Choirs' Association Summer Concert including Schubert Mass in G and Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo. Conductor Simon Winters and accompanist David Winters. 7.30pm. Free admission, programmes £2.50 and retiring collection for choir funds. www.eccachoir.org.uk ● St Leonard's, Lexden. CO3 4BL. Summer Fete.

11am-2.30pm. The fete will be opened by MP Will Quince. As our way of celebrating the 90th birthday of the Queen, the fete will be graced by the presence not of Her Majesty but of Queen Elizabeth I, with her entourage - the Tudor Roses, frequent visitors to Layer Marney and Castle Hedingham. Entertainment will be provided by the band 1st Class Brass, alternating with Matthew Brown on jazz piano. Stalls, games, real ale bar, lunches in church and activities for the children. ● Ilford Hospital Chapel, Ilford Hill. 10am-2.30pm.

Open Day. Stalls will include greetings cards, jewellery, bargain CDs and DVDs, Memorabilia and bric-a-brac.

Free guided tours. Refreshments available. ● The Comrie Singers at Copford church. 7.30pm – 'Music for a Summer’s Evening'. Conducted by Pam Garland, The Comrie Singers will perform a selection of tradional and modern music, with piano and other instruments, plus solos. Tickets must be purchased in advance as numbers are limited: £7 (accompanied children free). Contact Anne on 01206 212486 (email thewhistlers4@tiscali.co.uk or Barbara on 01206 210079 (email mulberrylodge32@tiscali.co.uk). ● Great & Little Tey church summer fete. CO6 1AH. 2-4.30pm.

Sunday, July 10 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm. Revd Sandra Sykes.

Tuesday, July 12 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester.

12-2.15pm. Friendship Group.

Wednesday, July 13 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am-12noon. Baby and Toddler Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Dr Jane Gamble, organ. Free entry.

Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk. ● Chelmsford Cathedral, St Cedd's Hall in the Chapter House, Chelmsford, CM1 1NX. 8pm. Theological Society lecture “Shooting the Wounded: the work of a Christian photo-journalist in post-conflict zones” by Gareth Barton. The 2016 programme of lectures explore the Christian faith. The speakers bring a wide range of interests and expertise and the variety reflects some of the many ways to consider the Christian faith and "do theology". Admission to the lectures is £3.50. A video of the lecture will be available on Youtube after the event.

Thursday, July 14 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers Union Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness.

Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session

will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.

Saturday-Sunday, July 16-17 ● Marks Hall Gardens & Arboretum, Coggeshall. Noon.

Charity Garden & Country Show in aid of Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex Air Ambulance and Colchester Rotary Club. More information at http://www.markshall.org.uk/ events/marks-hall-garden-and-country-show/ ● Flower Festival at St Michael and All Angels Church, Leaden Roding. Lots of stalls selling items including bric-a-brac, books, plants and cakes, and a great choice of food available. All proceeds are going to the church.

Saturday, July 16 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-4pm. Service to celebrate 140 years of the Mothers' Union (MU), 135 years of the MU Cathedral branch admission service and dedication of restored cathedral MU banner. Food after the service. ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.

6.30pm. Organ Concert by Johannes Trumpler, Dresden Cathedral, Germany. £8 - Free car parking.

Sunday, July 17 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas.

Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Hadstock Village Hall. 12.30pm. Village picnic and hog roast. Tickets: facebook.com/HadstockVillageHall.

Part of the celebrations to mark the Millennium of the Battle of Assandun.

Tuesday, July 19 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester.

12-2.15pm. Friendship Group.

Wednesday, July 20 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am-12noon. Baby and Toddler Group in St Cedd’s Hall. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Ifeatu Okoye (accompanist: Paul Riley) tenor. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk.

Thursday, July 21 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness.

Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.

Saturday, July 23 ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.

6.30pm. Organ concert by Loreto Aramendi, San Sebastian Cathedral, Spain. £8 - Free car parking.

Saturday, July 23 ● Festival of Flowers at St Mary the Virgin Church, Stapleford Abbotts RM4 1ES. Saturday: 10am-3pm; Sunday: 11am-3pm.

Sunday, July 24 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm.

Confirmation Service with the Bishop of Bradwell & Cathedral Girls’ Choir.

Tuesday, July 26 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester.

12-2.15pm. Friendship Group.

Wednesday, July 27 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Bayswater Clarinet Quartet, Wind Band.

Free entry. Retiring Collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, July 28 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness.

Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.

Friday, July 29 ● Lunchtime Live at St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood. 1pm-1.45pm. Andrew Smith (clarinet) and Peter Arnold (piano).

Saturday, July 30 ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.

6.30pm. Organ concert by Richard Brasier, St Laurence church, Upminster. Admission £8 - Free car parking. ● Fobbing. 11am-3pm. St Michael’s Village Day. Stalls, refreshments and plenty of fun.

Sunday, July 31 ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm. Revd Carol Smith. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Velostreams bike rides. Details: see panel above. ● Afternoon tea and cake at St Catherine's church, East Tilbury. 2pm- 5pm August 2016 diary deadline ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah Newman on 01245 294443 by July 1 for inclusion in The Month and on the diocesan website.

Latest events ● You can find the latest events online at www. chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/whats-on

10

THE MONTH July 2016

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12

THE MONTH July 2016

THE

month — Copford stages seventh Scarecrow Festival to raise funds

Report reveals few Anglican converts ONLY two per cent of Anglicans in England and Wales are converts, a new study suggests.

In a group of 100 Anglicans, 93 will have been brought up as such, five will have started life in another Christian denomination, and only two would have belonged to no religion.

The director of the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Dr Stephen Bullivant, has gathered statistics on religious affiliation from the annual British Social Attitudes surveys.

His report, Contemporary Catholicism in England and Wales, was launched in the House of Commons, deals mainly with the Roman Catholics, but looks at other denominations for comparisons.

The sample group was 1681 Anglicans.

Overall, 48.5 per cent of the population of England and Wales said they did not belong to any particular religion; 44 per cent identified with some form of Christian denomination. The largest is Anglican, at 20 per cent, down from 44.5 per cent in 1983. The second largest is an undifferentiated 'Christian' group, selected by 12 per cent of the population. Roman Catholics were 8.3 per cent; non-Christian religions 7.7.

The suggestion that the Churches in England and Wales are attracting almost no one from outside their own ranks is borne out in other studies.

Interviewed in January 2014, after the publication of the research report From Anecdote to Evidence, Dr David Voas, a professor of population studies at the University of Essex, said: “A lot of people think of decline in terms of people stopping attending. The major factor underlying numerical change is that people never start attending in the first place.” ● Full report - http://www.stmarys. ac.uk/benedict-xvi/ contemporary-catholicism.htm

COPFORD Church's fundraising Scarecrow ‘Musical’ Festival – with the theme 'Music Magic Mayhem' – is an unusual family and community event (pictured left and right) from June 4-19.

Organiser Sarah Grealis said: "This will be the seventh annual scarecrow festival.

"It’s a fun and sociable celebration for everyone.

"All the village can get involved, making scarecrows of all shapes and sizes!

"This year's theme is a musical one – anything from Handel to Hendrix!

"The brief was to create a musically-themed scarecrow in their favourite music genre, solo artist, band or soundtrack."

Pictures: JOSHUA LONGMAN

John O'Groats cycle trek raises £22,000 INTREPID cyclists Revd Canon David Tomlinson, Rector of Saffron Walden, and churchwarden Steve Hasler, completed their ride from Lands End to John O’Groats on May 30.

After leaving Lands End on May 16, they rode for 15 days, averaging 70 miles per day. In total they cycled 1,052 miles, climbing nearly 50,000 feet as they rode up the west side of Britain. Over 15 days they had a total of one hour of rain, which they said was "amazing".

David and Steve are raising funds for new facilities in St Mary’s church, Saffron Walden,

Worship & Prayer at Chelmsford Cathedral A warm welcome to your cathedral, serving Essex and East London

Sunday 8.00am 9.30am 11.15am 3.30pm

Holy Communion Parish Eucharist Choral Eucharist Evensong

Daily Services 7.45am 8.15am

Morning Prayer Holy Communion (also Weds at 12.35 and Thurs at 10am)

12.00pm Midday Prayer 5.15pm Evensong (sung on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri)

www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

PEDAL POWER: Revd Canon David Tomlinson (right) and Steve Hasler arrive at John O’Groats on May 30.

and their total sponsorship to date exceeds £22,000.

David said: “We felt so supported as we cycled north.

Many were praying for us, following the blog and more than 170 people had already sponsored us. It was an epic journey with many wonderful memories." ● David and Steve are still accepting sponsorship at https:// mydonate.bt.com/teams/ davidstevelejog2016 ● Details of the ride at http:// davidandstevelejog2016.blogspot. co.uk