s
October 2017
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
In My View
those who bring it from fields
ing in July, turn into a field of…
What seemed to take forever
and orchards to our tables.
nothing. Suddenly the crop that
to emerge is gone in a flash.
Every day of the year I walk
By ROBIN KING, Archdeacon of Stansted ABOUT this time of year many churches across the diocese will be holding harvest festival celebrations. It’s good opportunity to thank God for his provision for us and to thank
was there the day before has
Earlier this summer the
with our dog through fields of
gone – completely. There’s
Diocese was able to host some
wheat and barley and see the
nothing but stubble left behind,
of our friends from the link
crops gradually emerge from
an empty field.
Dioceses in Kenya. Bishop
the earth and grow over the
It happens every year, but I’m
Qampicha (from Marsabit),
seasons. It’s a process that
still surprised by it – it all
reflecting on his first visit to
takes time and seems to hap-
happens so quickly. There is
Britain, said that he thought we
pen almost imperceptibly. But
such a brief opportunity for the
were very good at hospitality
every year I go out one morn-
farmers to gather in the harvest.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Four-page education special: See Pages 2-5
andle
Power of wisdom
www.chelmsford.anglican.org
OFSTED inspector says Pebmarsh school is 'a vibrant, colourful place' Page 5
Children at Sparrows All Saints Nursery have been learning how plants grow Page 5
■ Order your free cards now to help teaching of the Lord’s Prayer!: Page 4
2
THE MONTH October 2017
THE
month — Focus on work of diocese for schools, children and young people
High quality education supported by all faiths NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS: Members of the Newham SACRE at their meeting in June
By Ruth Everett Religious Education Adviser Chelmsford Diocese EVERY local education authority has been required to have a Standing Advisory Council on Education (SACRE) since 1988. Chelmsford Diocese is represented on eight SACREs. Though legislation sets out both the structure and the remit of a local SACRE — principally, overseeing religious education (RE) and collective worship — in practice every SACRE has developed its own particular style and character. SACRE representation includes the Church of England, Christian denominations other than the Church of England, other world faiths, teachers and local authority councillors.. Newham's SACRE took second place at the National Inclusivity Awards 2017 celebrating religious co-operation and the Newham SACRE has received a NASACRE (National Association) award to undertake a project on religious bullying with the Student SACRE.
LITTLE GREEN FINGERS AT SPARROWS ALL SAINTS By Ann Sharp, Early Years Adviser THE children at Sparrows All Saints in Goodmayes have been learning how plants grow and what they need to survive. They have been looking at how all living things need sunshine and water. The setting have been really busy growing and planting sunflowers, strawberries and other vegetables. They have been caring for and nurturing
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
editorial Editor: Jon Longman Editorial and photographs for The Month should be sent to: themonth@chelmsford.anglican.org or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Bouchiers Place, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TY. Tel: 01621 810530. Mobile: 07860 769906 ● Digital photographs for publication: Please take pictures at largest size,
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the plants every day, reminding the staff that they have to “water the plants”. The children have taken great care in the hot weather to ensure they have enough water. The children have been watching the plants grow especially the sunflowers and they have compared sizes, extending their mathematical language saying: “They are bigger now and much taller.” Manager Katheryn Daly said staff have been encouraging the children to compare the different sizes to their own heights. Some of the children returned in September to see the sunflowers in bloom. The whole project has been a rewarding activity recognising God’s creation and growing in His love.
NURSERY
More church school governors are needed
FOUNDATION governors are appointed by the Church – at local and diocesan level – to the governing boards of Church of England schools. There are about 18,000 church appointed foundation governors serving our schools across the country with more than 850 in our diocese. It is a very demanding voluntary ministry and sometimes schools struggle to fill every vacancy. Perhaps you or someone you know might be able and willing to consider becoming a governor, not necessarily in your own parish? ● Please contact our Governance Consultant Phil Preston at philipdpreston@googlemail.com. ● See also the panel at the foot of the 'Help shape our diocese' feature on Page 9 for more information about volunteering to be a school Governance Consultant Phil Preston governor.
THE MONTH October 2017
THE
month — Focus on Education
Promoting life in all its fullness
By Revd Tim Elbourne Director of Education
JESUS came to bring life in all its fullness (John 10.10). Our task, as his disciples, is to be his co-workers in promoting such fullness. This is the core purpose of the Church’s work in Education. It underpins both our national and diocesan mission for education.
'About one million pupils attend Church schools' About one million pupils attend Church of England schools – 30,000 or so in our diocese in 139 church schools. But the task of the Diocesan Board of Education is to make a contribution across the piece - wherever there are children and young people. We are called to make a positive difference by supporting local churches, schools, colleges, and pre-schools of all kinds. Last year, the Church’s national education office published a landmark Vision for Education called 'Deeply Christian,
Serving the Common Good'. Our Board of Education has adopted it and it was the focus of June’s fantastic School Leaders' Conference. We explored together the four pillars of that Vision: ● Educating for Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills. ● Educating for Hope and Aspiration. ● Educating for Community and Living Well Together. ● Educating for Dignity and Respect. In the light of this, we have renewed our own diocesan education mission statement (right). You can find out more about the work we do in several ways. We have two websites: www.cdbe.org.uk which covers all our work and www.saltshaker.org.uk which offers a resource for all involved in Children's Ministry. We publish e-bulletins about four times each term – you can subscribe from the website: www. cdbe.org.uk/news or from www.saltshaker.org.uk. On these pages of The Month's Focus on Education feature are a few examples of the work the Board of Education is involved in with our partners.
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DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: Revd Tim Elbourne
DIOCESAN EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Education is to: ● Promote life in all its fullness through Education across Essex and East London. ● Support transforming presence that offers life enhancing encounters with Jesus Christ. ● Provide schools of Christian character for the common good. ● Our priorities are to resource and equip schools, colleges and parishes to: Go more deeply. Range more widely. Relate more closely. ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? Children from church schools across Essex and East London came together to enjoy Bible stories in Chelmsford Cathedral
COVER STORY WISE WORDS: Children looking at gifts from the Wise Men during a church schools day in Chelmsford Cathedral with our Children’s and Families Missioner Emma Anderton
Help shape our diocese: See the advert on Page 9
ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and flexible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays. Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily office in St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel. For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU Tel: 01235 763141 Email: guestwing@csmv.co.uk www.csmv.co.uk
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4
THE MONTH October 2017
THE
month — Free offer for our readers from the diocesan Education team
Learning to say the Lord's Prayer
THE Lord’s Prayer is a muchloved, much-used prayer. It is familiar to many and is recited, often daily, with words, actions and images. The diocese's Education Department has produced an A7 fold-out card (pictured right) with the words of the Lord’s Prayer, accompanied by icons, for use in schools, churches and homes, with children and with families. It is ideal for those who might be unfamiliar with the words or who value visual stimulus to accompany the prayer. If you would like to offer these cards as a gift to schools or to baptism or wedding groups, to children’s groups, uniformed organisations or for use in services, please contact Steve Kersys with your contact details and numbers required. The cards are free but the diocese asks that you make a contribution towards postage. ● Steve Kersys can be contacted at steve@saltshaker. org.uk or 07541 240607.
5
THE MONTH October 2017
month — Focus on Education: Relating more closely
Diocese and local authority together turn Pebmarsh around
By Lallie Godfrey Schools Adviser Chelmsford Diocese THE Education Team focuses on School Improvement supporting schools which, for a variety of reasons, find themselves in a vulnerable position. The Diocesan Education School Improvement Lead works closely with the Local Authorities and Multi-Academy Trusts to consider what support would be beneficial for the school to enable it move forward as quickly as possible. There have been many schools which have shown rapid progress given the support that was needed at the time including St John the Baptist CE Primary (Pebmarsh). The Diocesan Education School Improvement Lead, Local Authority, new Headteacher and the Chair of Governors met and it was agreed that an Improvement Board would be formed to support the school to move forward rapidly. The Diocese and the Local Authority worked closely together to ensure that support was tailored to the needs of the school and this was very well received by the headteacher, staff and governors who worked hard together to put all
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recommendations into practice. As a result, when Pebmarsh was inspected again in March 2017 was judged to be 'Good'. The OFSTED inspector said: "When you (the Headteacher) first arrived, published past performance information showed that standards were not good enough. "You set about addressing their concerns with rigour, diligence and a sense of real urgency. "The school improvement partners from both the local authority and the diocese have been instrumental in supporting you to raise standards at the school. "They have been frequent visitors,
offering advice, support and challenge to you, staff and governors. "You have actively absorbed this advice and used it to transform the school’s academic ethos quickly and sustainably." As a result the children at St John the Baptist now have a ‘vibrant, colourful place with a welcoming community atmosphere’ and Christian ethos where each and every child has the support, opportunity and challenge to thrive and achieve to the best of their abilities.
DIDN'T WE DO WELL: Pebmarsh School pupils celebrate an encouraging OFSTED report (above) and enjoy an interactive history lesson with an 'ancient' visitor (left)
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DIOCESE FIRST: Bishop Peter Hill meets students (right) on the Aspire programme (below) at LDEUTC where technical specialism features design and building (left)
London Design and Engineering University Technical College CHELMSFORD is the first diocese to co-sponsor a University Technical College – the London Design and Engineering UTC in Newham (LDEUTC). There are more than 30 UTCs up and down the country, with more in the pipeline. The concept has been developed to bridge the skills gap by linking industry with education. Pupils are aged 14-19. As well as receiving a full academic education, 40% of time is dedicated to a technical specialism including design and building, working in teams and problem solving. LDEUTC opened in September 2016 and was over-subscribed. The diocese’s contribution is the Centre for Theology and Community with a vibrant chaplaincy. In its first year, nearly half the students chose to become involved in the life of the chaplaincy. The chaplaincy resources the Aspire programme (right), the college’s community and leadership programme.
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6
THE MONTH October 2017
In My View
Kenyans point out the challenge of scripture CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE and building relationships, but he wondered why we sometimes appeared reluctant to tell people more about how they could find true life in Jesus Christ. He thought we were good at drawing alongside people in all sorts of pain and difficulty, but we didn’t always tell them about the person who could best help them. In other words, we were good at creating opportunities but not so good at seizing them; we are patient enough to watch the harvest grow, but not so good at doing the actual gathering in. Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.” (John 4:35) And St Paul, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2). In other words, if you’re wondering ‘When?’ the answer is probably, ‘Now. Vincent Donovan, in his classic book ‘Christianity Rediscovered’, went to the villages in Tanzania after years of service to the communities and asked if he could now talk to them about God, and the answer he got every time was, “If that is why you came here, why did you wait so long?” I wonder what the church would look like if we all had a better understanding of how quickly the moment for harvest can come and go. I hate to think how many opportunities I have lost because I was still expecting the crop to be there tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that. More than once I have suddenly discovered that someone I met regularly out with the dog has now moved away and I’ve lost the chance to tell them all I wanted to. We know that Jesus is the answer. The challenge from scripture, from the church, from our friends in Kenya, is now to let everyone else know. ROBIN KING, Archdeacon of Stansted
THE
month — Biographical details of Deacons to be ordained Jackie-Dee Thornton The Chignals, Mashbury, Great & Little Leighs, Little Waltham, Great Waltham with Ford End
Malcolm Green St Mary-at-Latton
MALCOLM Green has lived in Harlow all his life and now shares his home with his brother Kevin and their Staffie-cross Moses. Malcolm has three brothers and one sister, and was baptised at St Mary-atLatton church where, apart from "a short break of some 30 years", he has continued to worship. He attended Tany’s Dell Junior and Burnt Mill Comprehensive schools before leaving to start work at a local motor retailer where he progressed to assistant office manager. As a Locally Deployed SelfSupporting Minister, he will remain in his full-time job of finance manager for a family firm based in Hoddesdon, whilst also becoming Assistant Curate to St Mary-at-Latton. Malcolm is keen to continue developing the Christian presence in his workplace, supporting the values of an inclusive church with an increasing awareness of social injustice around the world. He is also particularly interested in issues of animal welfare and in compassion in world farming.
Polly Kersys-Hull St John’s Leytonstone
POLLY was born in Lancaster before moving to Danbury with her family where she grew up. Before studying theology at Canterbury Christ Church, she travelled to Kenya which taught her volumes about the gift of hospitality and unending grace. It also began to stir the calling to serve God and His people in her heart. Polly has been studying for ordination at St Mellitus College alongside serving as Children and Families Worker at St Michael’s church, Galleywood. Prior to that Polly worked as a fundraising assistant for a small charity that partnered with children's projects across East Africa. Polly is married to Matthew and they both thoroughly love travelling and exploring new places, sharing meals with friends and she says they can nearly always be found drinking coffee. Both Polly and Matthew are delighted to be joining the community at St John’s in Leytonstone and are expectant and excited to see what God has in store.
JACKIE-DEE was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa and has many childhood memories of holidays spent exploring Zimbabwe and its wildlife. Jackie-Dee says: “I didn’t grow up in a Christian home and had a rather turbulent home life but came to faith in my teens through the loving kindness shown to me by my best friend’s mum. “My faith journey has had many twists and turns and it wasn’t until I joined Meadgate Church, Great Baddow in 2009 that I truly began to understand God’s deep and healing love in my life and walk THE MONTH meets the new Deacons who will be ordained by Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, at Chelmsford Cathedral on September 30, in the final part of a three-part series. Canon Philip Need, Director of Ordinands for the Diocese of Chelmsford, said: “It is wonderful that all these people will be ordained. "It is so exciting to work with the wide range of people who are offering themselves for ordained ministry these days as they seek to live out their baptismal calling and offer themselves afresh to God. "These days there are so many ways in which we can serve him and my Team are constantly trying to make it possible for different people to answer this call in new and exciting ways. If you have any sense of a feeling that perhaps God might be calling YOU to ordination, speak to your local clergy. Who knows? This could well be you in the coming years.”
Jackie's schoo daily as a follower of Jesus Christ. I know the difference that a relationship with Jesus and fellowship with other Christians has made in my own life and long to see people who don’t yet have this discover it for themselves. “I believe that the Gospel is Good News for everyone and that God longs for each of us to know His perfect love for us and then extend it to one another. “I am passionate about communicating the Christian faith in creative and engaging ways and before curacy was working for SYM (Schools Youth Ministries) within Chelmsford’s secondary schools." She is excited about connecting with
th c a m s b fo
h (1 to d s a m
Class
Adam Childs Walthamstow Team Ministry
ADAM was born in Barking and grew up in Dagenham. He has one brother and two sisters and went to school at Goodmayes Primary and then St Edward's secondary. Adam worked in a pre-school, a primary school and an after school club. He is married to Becky and they have a eight-month-old son. His sending church is St Chad’s Chadwell Heath where he led youth work and was on the PCC and leadership team. He found his faith through working with young people and believes that God has been guiding him towards ordained ministry through people he has met and opportunities that he has had. Adam says: "I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for key people who have guided me." Adam enjoys going to the cinema, filming, drumming and remote-control drones.
Dan Barnes-Davies Romford St Edward the Confessor DAN was born and raised in north Essex with one sister, five Wheaten terriers and many puppies. He went to school in Chelmsford and university in Southampton, where he studied philosophy, was a church intern and trainee teacher. It was through his chaplain’s ministry that he
PAT WALLSON
SUE DIPLOCK
ADAM CHILDS
DAN BARNES-DA
first started to discern his vocation. Since then, he has been a chaplaincy and parish assistant in London before training for ordained ministry full-time at Westcott House, Cambridge. Dan was a member and trustee of the Student Christian Movement, where his faith matured into a calling to speak out for inclusion. He’s a feminist and socialist, and has been a trustee of Inclusive Church for four years. With recent diagnoses of dyspraxia and ADHD, he has a passion for church accessibility. He is also a peace activist, amateur techie, board gamer and "unrepentant geek". While living in a Christian community in Vauxhall for two years, he enjoyed walking around the city.
Paul Grover North Hinckford Benefice
PAUL was born in Southend, one of three children, and was brought up in Thundersley, attending King John Secondary Modern.
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THE MONTH October 2017
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he local schools, organisations and communities where she will be serving as a curate and thinks that one of the most important questions to ask is the same question which Jesus asked the blind man: “What do you want me to do or you?” (Mark 10:51) Jackie-Dee is married to Andy, and they have two children Tiffany (13) and Luke 12). In their free time they love travelling o newdestinations, eating good food and drinking a good wine. Jackie-Dee says she enjoys a good workout at the gym and running and hopes to complete a marathon before she is 40!
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s of 2017
training, she believes God has proved that He is a God of surprises. Pat seeks to know more of him and make Him known to others. Fundamentally she says she needs to listen for God’s voice in everything she does because He is the one who will keep her on track. She enjoys travel, the arts, particularly photography textiles and interior design.
Sue Diplock, St Peter’s-in-theForest, Walthamstow
AVIES
PAUL GROVER
Having left school at 15, he served in the Army for five years, before working as a police officer In Essex for 25 years. Other jobs included Offender Management with Essex Probation and seven years as an Inspector with the Health and Safety Executive. He was awarded a BA Honours degree in philosophy by Essex University in 1988 and returned to complete an MA in philosophy in 1992. Paul was raised as a Christian and settled into the Church of England around nine years ago and has been a member of the ministry team in the North Hinckford Benefice. This involvement eventually led to his seeking ordained ministry as a response to God’s call. He is married to Helen and their leisure interests and activities are largely outdoor but much time is devoted to seven children and eight grandchildren.
Patricia Wallson St Gabriel’s, Aldersbrook
PAT loves London where she has lived and worked all her life. She has rich experiences in working in education in London schools. She believes and values difference and inclusivity for all. Coming to faith in her teens, Pat’s experiences on her journey of faith have led her to a variety of churchmanships within the Anglican Church. She trained to become a Licensed Lay Minister at St Mellitus College, serving in the Diocese of London. She has spent the last six years working in palliative care at a local hospice, volunteering as part of the chaplaincy team. This is an area that Pat feels particularly drawn to. "Being called by God to be ordained has always been within me," says Pat. "It is in finally trusting God and not hiding behind excuses that brought me forward." Amid the formation process of the ordination
COMMUNION LINEN
SUE was born in England and grew up in Wales but has lived happily for most of her life in Walthamstow, East London. She grew up with the church but left for 20 years or so, finally coming back and finding herself at home at St Peter’s. Since she loves walking in Epping Forest St Peter's is the obvious church for her. Over the years she has worked in the City, been a mum-at-home and then an ESOL teacher in further education. She retired to train as a Reader/LLM and finally found herself called to ordination, which she still feels is rather amazing. She has been a volunteer with the chaplaincy team at Whipps Cross Hospital for many years and also helps with chaplaincy at Snaresbrook Crown Court – all work she feels strongly called to. She has two daughters, two grand-daughters and two grandsons.
Elise Petersen All Saints Woodford Wells
ELISE is proud to call the UK home, but it is a fairly new home as she was born and raised in California. Before moving to the UK in 2013, she lived in Portland, Oregon, where she worked in public relations and communications for a major technology firm. Elise grew up very involved in her church and she first felt a call to ministry in the church whilst she was at university in San Jose, California and for many years fulfilled that call as a layperson in her local church as part of youth and women's ministries. Whilst a sense of call to full-time ministry persisted the shape was still unclear. After completing her Masters in Ministry and Leadership at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, she felt God calling her to England to pursue ordination. Elise began the selection while studying theology at Trinity College Bristol, which continued when she moved to London to work as Director of Operations and Church Life at All Saints' Woodford Wells. Now, having completed her Masters in Theology and Ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham she is looking forward to once again applying learning to ministry and life in the parish. Elise's interests include walking in the "gorgeous English countryside" and hiking in the mountains.
Hazel Greenland
Hazel completes the cohort of 31 ordinands.
Take a break
John Saxon, Saffron Walden and Villages team ministry
JOHN is from North London, but has lived in Colchester for more than 30 years. John met his wife Dawn at St John’s Church, Colchester, where they have worshipped and served for all this time. They have four grown up children, although two still live at home. He has been involved in different areas of ministry at St John’s, including home group leadership, heading up the children’s groups and as project chairman for a new community centre. John has also served as churchwarden, including in two interregnums, and this has been part of his call to ordination, along with completing the course in Christian studies. In his working life, John has been a paramedic and latterly a teacher in Special Needs education. John believes in building an inclusive community where Christians are empowered to live out a Christ-centred life of love, reaching out in grace to others and this will be an important part of his ministry. John enjoys cooking and walking the dog and he likes to jog early in the morning to keep fit and have time to reflect.
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Elizabeth Price, St Michael and All Angels Loughton
ELIZABETH was born and raised in the East End of London, the youngest of four children. Elizabeth attended Central Foundation Girls’ School in Spitalfields, going on to work in merchant banking in the City of London until she got married. Elizabeth has two children, Graham and Elaine, and two grand-daughters. She has spent much time abroad, firstly in India where she studied for a diploma in yoga and remedial massage, then in Spain where she taught English and ran a yoga centre. It was there that her interest in ministry was awakened and on her return to the UK in 2005 she enrolled in the Course in Christian studies. She has been a Reader for seven years, the last four of those at St Michael’s, Loughton where she is also churchwarden, and an Assistant Chaplain at Whipps Cross Hospital. She loves to cook, swim, walk, dance, read, write poetry and travel. ● The Month apologises for the errors in the first biography and the embarrassment this has caused to Elizabeth, her family and friends.
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THE MONTH October 2017
THE MONTH October 2017
THE
9
month — Good opportunities with Chelmsford Diocese for volunteers
Working for a good cause has its benefits
THE advertisement on this page for volunteers invites readers to make good use of their talents. Three of our current volunteers describe what volunteering with Chelmsford Diocese means for them.
schools and to provide the Board with some insight into the pressures and priorities schools have to address. "Hopefully this contributes to the Board's dialogue with schools and to establishing its own priorities and direction.
Sharon Quilter works in the City and serves on the Investment Committee. Sharon (right) says: “I spend a few hours each quarter on the Diocesan Investment Committee. I'm a risk manager by profession and find my skills are complementary to those of the other members. "I bring a different thought process to meetings, thinking of the risks and challenges we face in the situations we discuss and the decisions we make. "I was taught that activities outside of work are helpful and beneficial for development in work and vice versa.
"It is particularly satisfying and rewarding as a now retired headteacher to see at first hand the concern the Board has for its schools and the care with which it exercises its responsibility. The Diocesan Board of Education is active and decisive as it seeks to fulfil its responsibility. "Its range of responsibilities is broad, including providing support and challenge to schools in terms of standards, Christian distinctiveness, helping schools to consider academy status and guiding schools as they maintain and improve their buildings. "It's therefore a privilege to serve in this way and I would encourage all would be members of any board or committee to 'give it a go'." Chief Executive & Diocesan Secretary John Ball said: “Our executive team really
“The confidence I gain in sharing and learning from the wide variety of skills and experience of my colleagues, enables me to bring confidence to my dealings at work� "So the confidence I gain in sharing and learning from the wide variety of skills and experience of my colleagues, enables me to bring that level of confidence to my dealings with the executives at work. "This role helps me to see and appreciate the life and work of the diocese from a completely different angle. "It also gives me the opportunity to use the gifts God has given me, in His service and the service of those who live, work and worship in the Chelmsford Diocese. Not forgetting it's not all work, we do have fun spending time with God and each other too!� Steve Miles works in the construction industry and serves on the Houses Committee. Steve says: “When I was asked to consider becoming a member of the Houses Committee I didn't hesitate. "Chief Executive John Ball outlined the aims and objectives. The post interested me and, in today's parlance, ticked a lot of boxes.
“It is rewarding to see the care with which the Board exercises its responsibility�
"I ran the idea by my Managing Director at Hutton Construction – it's not as though we don't have a hefty workload – but he gave me every encouragement to take it on. The company is very supportive. "Serving on the Houses Committee is not an onerous task or particularly time-consuming – we meet every three months – but it stretches me to think about the bigger picture, to use my knowledge of construction and professional skills to help the diocese. "In return, I get to meet a group of stimulating and interesting people and to do something positive to serve.
“I get to meet a group of stimulating and interesting people and to do something positive� "I've been involved since June 2014, and I would encourage anyone to give such an appointment serious consideration. I come away from every meeting with something to think about which is different from my day-to-day work; a sense of doing something worthwhile; and a feeling of giving something to the church community and the wider community, connecting with the work of a number of parishes. If you are asked, do give it a try.� Andy Jones is a retired headteacher who currently chairs the School Organisation and Resources Committee. Andy (above) said: "For several years I have been a co-opted member of the Diocesan Board of Education. "When I was first invited to join the Board I was Head of a Church of England Aided Primary School and since retirement have continued as a Board member, latterly as chair of the Strategy, Organisation and Resources Committee. "Being a member first as a serving and then as a retired headteacher has enabled me to both represent the interests of church
RECRUITING SCHOOL GOVERNORS EFFECTIVE schools need good governing bodies. Our Diocesan Board of Education is also looking for new volunteers to serve as church-appointed governors of CofE schools. Governors have a vital role overseeing and supporting the work of the school, and to secure, develop and maintain its Christian distinctiveness. They are an essential link between the diocese and the local church. Full training is offered to new and continuing governors. â—? For more information, please contact: Jill Smylie at education@chelmsford. anglican.org or see www.cdbe.org.uk/schools/governors/foundation-governors
value the support and expertise that comes from the volunteers on these groups. "The aim of this recruitment process is to find fresh talent to broaden and strengthen our collective skills and support succession planning. "There are a number of openings supporting different aspects of diocesan life. “Current volunteers include both the recent retired and those of working age. Through this process we would like to ensure these groups reflect the full diversity of the diocese, and draw on the fantastic talents."
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Help shape our diocese Can you help to strengthen the groups that guide our diocesan work? We are particularly looking for experience in the following areas:
& " & ! % ! & ! & % " & % ! % eg: Marketing/General Management & ! eg: senior experience in Social Care, Health, & & ! %
The commitment is typically 4 - 6 meetings a year. Roles are voluntary but reasonable expenses will be met. We aspire to see all diocesan bodies
! % ! % ! $ ! ! ! For an information pack or an informal discussion, please contact: John Ball, Chief Executive & Diocesan Secretary, jball@chelmsford.anglican.org or 01245 294409. A safer recruitment process will be followed for all roles.
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THE MONTH October 2017
The Home of Devenish Weymouth Dorset
There are 23 Bungalows and 2 flats available to widows of clergymen of the Church of England or widows of officers of the armed services (excluding Territorial Army and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) providing they are members of the Church of England.
Each property has 2 bedrooms, is unfurnished, occupied rent free and is centrally heated, decorated and maintained free of charge. Council tax is also paid by the Charity. They are not warden controlled.
For further information or an application form please contact:
Mrs J Kemmis-Betty, The Home of Devenish, Manor Coach House, Stottingway Street, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 5QA
Telephone: 01305 813895 www.homeofdevenish.org.uk Registered Charity No. 202400
Home of Devenish provides free accommodation to widows of clergymen or officers of the armed forces The Home of Devenish is an independent registered charity founded in 1961 providing free unfurnished accommodation to members of the Church of England who are widows of clergymen of the Church of England or widows of officers in Her Majesty’s armed forces. The Trust is funded from a bequest from the late Major John Devenish, the former president of the local Devenish brewery. On the Jurassic coast at the edge of Weymouth the Trust has 23 bungalows and 2 maisonettes on three small estates. Each property has two bedrooms, a kitchen, sitting room, shower room, and a small sunroom.
The residents have neither rent nor council tax to pay. All properties are provided with free background heating and the Trust also pays for internal and external repairs and painting. Whilst there is no warden, each resident is linked to a local telephone emergency system. Residents live independently and may have friends and family to stay. They only have to pay for their contents insurance, telephone, electricity, TV licence and the repair of their own domestic equipment and furnishings. They also have the opportunity to do a little gardening if they wish, although the Trust is responsible for looking after the gardens.
THE MONTH October 2017
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THE MONTH October 2017
THE
month — We must safeguard creation and sustain and renew the earth
New environment champion will take balanced approach THE Month asked new ordinand and the diocese's new environment champion Christine Newmarch about her background and her new role
TM: What are your qualifications for the role of environment champion? CN: I am a chartered town planner and also a chartered surveyor. For 12 years I worked as a government planning inspector, examining plans, which local authorities propose for adoption, and deciding appeals against the refusal of planning applications, mostly for residential and commercial developments.
Environment champion Christine Newmarch
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
TM: What do town planners do? CN: Town planners uphold the public interest in the development of the built environment; they uphold the common good. Town planning is about making the best of the present, without compromising opportunities in the future. TM: What is it about town planning that makes it significant for the environment? CN: Town planners are concerned for nature conservation and avoiding damage to sites of special scientific interest as well as conserving our built heritage. They uphold policies in favour of sustainable development, such as well located and designed buildings which will have positive economic, social and environmental roles. These are not just nice things to do; they are about making the best of our legacy without harming the future for our children.
TM: When you were a planning inspector, did you act as a Christian at work? CN: I aimed to be a Christian in the way I did my work. I saw it as my duty to listen compassionately to everyone regardless of whether they were legally represented or not. I gave people time, heard them out and I was determined to decide cases fairly.
TM: Is it true that planning inquiries are places of great conflict? CN: Whether it is a proposal for many houses to help meet our chronic shortage of housing, or a neighbour’s extension, the issues are often contentious. Participants have strong feelings about them. Legal issues may also arise, but as a planning inspector you listen to the voices of many people to elicit the information needed to reach a decision. TM: So how did you come to a decision? CN: Openness, fairness and impartiality are essential so you have to remain dispassionate and make decisions objectively on the facts, balancing any harm against the likely benefits, in the context of the legal planning framework and relevant policies. TM: Aren’t there many different Christian views on the environment? CN: Views have converged in recent years. As scientific knowledge about the interconnectedness of everything has progressed over the centuries, Christian attitudes have developed from plundering the earth to nurturing it. For Anglicans, it’s all about our Fifth Mark of Mission – 'To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth'.
We cannot fulfil the other marks of mission unless we safeguard creation and sustain and renew the earth. Creation is God’s and it should all be honoured as such. TM: Is caring for the environmental a luxury we can’t afford when we are running churches flat out? CN: Caring for the environment is essential, but there’s always the need for balance. For example, there’s a balance between maintaining your churchyard and encouraging biodiversity. There’s a balance between installing solar panels to reduce your heating and lighting bills and maintaining the appearance of your ancient building. Often people want a greener outlook but lack the resources they need. TM: As the new environment champion are you going to tell us what to do or can we make sensible decisions about the environment for ourselves? CN: I hope my role will be to help people rather than tell them what to do! It will include updating and expanding online information to the parishes about green issues, such as buildings and heating and lighting, and so that people can ask questions and find answers about how to reduce their carbon footprint as individuals and parishes. TM: How much time will you be able to give to your new role? CN: I shall be volunteering as the environment champion one day a week. On the other days I shall be a self-supported locally deployed curate in the Witham and Villages Team Ministry.
Christine's fellow ordinands in the Class of 2017: Pages 6-7
John's sailing kit donated to trust
WHEN Bishop of Bradwell John Wraw died, his widow Gillian donated his sailing gear to the Cirdan Sailing Trust. Cirdan’s general manager Leonie Back is pictured right with Bishop John's red wet weather kit which he wore on the six-week first leg of the Round the World Clipper Race 2009-10 when he sailed on the Cap Breton Island 62-foot yacht from Hull to Rio. Gillian Wraw said: “John became a trustee of the Cirdan Sailing Trust shortly after we moved to Essex. “The Trust combines his
passion for sailing and his deep-seated conviction that if you give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds responsibility it can have a positive effect on the whole of their life. “When John died, I realised the only, right, thing to do with his sailing gear — of which this wet weather kit is only a small part — was to give it to Cirdan so that the amazing skippers of Duet, Faramir and Queen Gladriel could continue to benefit from them.” ● Find out about Cirdan’s work at www.cirdantrust.org.