Christmas starts with Christingle
October 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
Arc hdeacon’s View By VEN JOHN PERUMBALATH, Archdeacon of Barking MOST of us want to feel, to sound, to be credible. And it is imperative that the Church is credible in the society we live in. Without credibility, speech is mere rhetoric and writing is pure literature. For the word to reflect the person, for the speech to be life and for the writing to be testimony, there must be authenticity, sincerity and credibility. Credibility is power: it is the essential force that makes people believe a particular person or a group. Credibility does not mean that others should believe and agree with what we say; rather they must see that we believe in what we say. It has to do with honesty and integrity. Credibility comes from transparency. When we are transparent we are ourselves; when we are ourselves we are credible. Our lack of transparency reveals to us the dark spots in us that we are afraid others may find out, because we ourselves fear them and avoid them. In so far as we are not transparent, we are opaque. And to be opaque is not to be. There is harshness, insensitivity and CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Salt shakers Bring the kids to light a candle for Christ’s birthday
Self-confessed 'scruffy' christmasstarts.com Manchester lad reveals the reasons for sharing good ideas around the diocese: Pages 6-7
www.chelmsford.anglican.org
Why was popular character actress Sheila Hancock cutting a ribbon?
Is Silver End the only thatched parish church in the diocese?
Page 4
Prayer Diary: Page II-III
■ Meet the Sermon of the Year winner Natalie: Page 5 ■ What's on this autumn: Page IV
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THE MONTH October 2016
THE
month — Clients invited to make a voluntary donation to charity
Have you made a will?
FUNDS FOR CHARITIES THROUGHOUT November, solicitors will take part in Will Aid, an annual fundraising campaign involving nine of the UK’s leading charities which encourages people to have their Will drawn up by a qualified professional solicitor whilst at the same time supporting charity. Solicitors donate their skills to draw up a basic Will for clients without charging their usual fee. Instead, clients make a voluntary donation to Will Aid. Donations are then shared amongst the Will Aid charities. Find out more at www.willaid.org.uk. ● The C of E has developed a new legacy toolkit to encourage this valuable source of giving. Take a look on the Parish Resources website www.parishresources.org.uk/legacies. STAFF CHANGES EMMA Anderton has been welcomed to Barking episcopal area of the diocese as children and families missioner. The Colchester area has said farewell to Rachel Brett who has been appointed as the director of
CARDS ON SALE AT TRUST FAIR THE Friends of Essex Church Trust Christmas card for 2016 will be available at the Friends' Christmas Fair in October and also by post. These glossy cards (128 mm by 178 mm) come in packs of 10 at £5 per pack. Postage and packing £3.50 (1-4 packs) or £5.50 (5 or more packs). Please send your name and address and a cheque made out to The Friends of Essex Churches Events Committee to Mrs Jo Pimblett, Parsonage Bury, Henham, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6AN (tel 01279 850150). The image (pictured left) is a detail of the east window of St Andrew's Church, Good Easter (photo by Simon Knott). ● The Christmas Fair takes place at Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ on Thursday October 13 from 10am-3pm. Entrance £5 including coffee and biscuits. Light lunches and wine available. Ten per cent of all sales goes towards repairing and improving Christian churches and chapels in Essex and East London.
NEWS IN BRIEF
the Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services. YOUR CALLING THE diocese's Echo Event on Saturday, November 19 is aimed at young people and young adults who are looking, even at the very earliest stages, to explore God's calling on their life, especially to ministry in the Church. It is being held in the Cathedral from 9.30am-12.30pm. Under-18s will need to fill in a parental consent form. ● For more details and to sign up, please see the Cathedral website chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk and go to the Book Events menu under Cathedral. EXCITING NEW ROLE JIMMY Dale has been appointed as the C of E's first national Youth Evangelism Officer In response to the Archbishop of Canterbury's focus on evangelism. Jimmy comes to the post having worked as Centre Director and founder of Newham Youth for Christ. Jimmy will take up the role
in October. He will hold a national remit to develop and disseminate models of evangelism among 11-18s. This new role aims to promote the mission of the church to and by 11-18 year olds. In collaboration with dioceses, Jimmy will develop, pilot and evaluate effective models of youth evangelism that enable young people to reach their peers with the Gospel. Working alongside bishops, clergy, youth advisers and youth workers, he will then ensure that parish leaders have ready access to those models. Jimmy said: "I'm so excited about this new role and the potential it brings. It's brilliant to see young people as they evangelise to their friends and support them in that, and helping churches reach young people with the good news of Jesus. I am really looking forward to working with people as we seek to support and promote where youth evangelism is working well, as well as dreaming together of new ways to reach young people with the gospel."
Diocesan Print Unit, Chelmsford create quality bespoke Christmas cards Provide us with your image and wording and we will do the rest! Sending cards from your parish? Why not advertise all your festive services?
Diocesan Print Unit give a competitive rate on monthly parish magazines, saving you time and money For further information and a quotation, please contact:
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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,
resolution and compression. Hi-res JPGs or Tiffs should be re-sized to min 7x5in at 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. Captions, your name and contact details should be embedded in the 'File Info' section if possible. If e-mailing many shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size of 8x6in. When submitting photos please confirm that written consent has been obtained from parents / guardians of children under age 16 for publication of photos publicising church activities in The Month. ● The inclusion of an advertisement should not be taken as implying endorsement of the objects of the advertiser by the diocese.
advertising Please contact: Glenda Charitos, Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell,Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY. Tel: 01752 225623. Fax: 01752 673441. e-mail: glenda@cornerstonevision.com
distribution For distribution contact: internalcomms@chelmsford.anglican.org Tel: 01245 294443. Your newspaper will normally be available from the third Sunday in the month. Any further changes will be advised to distributors.
THE MONTH October 2016
THE
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V-Fest holiday atmosphere
REVD Robert Beaken, priest in charge of Great & Little Bardfield, attended his seventh Chelmsford V Festival in August as chaplain to St John Ambulance. In addition to supporting their personnel, Robert spent time in the God Tent, where church volunteers were putting on creative activities for festival-goers. “I enjoyed my time at the V Festival enormously," said Robert. "I saw a lovely, relaxed, holiday atmosphere throughout.” In this picture Dr Beaken is surrounded by clouds of dry ice. ● Have you taken a picture that would tell a story to Month readers? Send your picture to themonth@ chelmsford.anglican. org today.
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4
THE MONTH October 2016
THE
month — 'An opportunity to come together and pray for peace'
Cathedral hosts healing service
CHELMSFORD Cathedral is hosting a service of reflection and renewal for all living with life-limiting illnesses and all those who care for them. The service, which is being held on Sunday, October 16 at 6pm, will be an opportunity for people to come together and share experiences, support one another and pray for peace. Chaplains from hospitals and hospices are also invited and there will be an opportunity during the service for them to renew their commitment. However, all who live with or care for family and friends with life limiting illnesses are very welcome to attend. ● For more information, please contact Clare Broome on 01245 294498 or email clare.broome@ chelmsfordcathedral. org.uk
Sheila snips ribbon to reveal tapestry CHELMSFORD Cathedral hosted the very popular Quaker Tapestry exhibition in August and September; the first time the exhibition had come to Essex from its home in Kendal. More than 2,000 people visited the tapestry after the opening by actress Sheila Hancock (left) who is a Quaker. Twenty of the 77 panels travelled to Chelmsford displaying panels
ST. MARY’S CONVENT
focusing on conscientious objection, the railways and prison reformer Elizabeth Fry. Created between 1981 and 1996, the panels are the work of 4,000 women, children and men from around the world. The collaborative way in which the panels were made continues to inspire others to make their own tapestries to commemorate special events.
FROM PROPAGATION TO PARTNERSHIP
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
For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deut 4:31
As Us returns to the well-loved USPG, the P in our name has changed! It might seem a small change but it’s an important one. It’s the way we do mission now - inclusive, empowering, forward-looking.
UNITED SOCIETY PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL
5
THE MONTH October 2016
month — 'I entered in obedience to God'
By NATALIE COLLINS IN 2015 the Sermon of the Year competition was announced as a partnership between Preach Magazine and London School of Theology. I saw it mentioned on social media and considered entering it, not for the reasons one might assume. I am a Gender Justice Specialist and work to increase the representation of women in public life. This has included leading Project 3:28 (www.project328) to collate statistics on the number of women and men on the national Christian platform. It currently is 66% men and 34% women; while the UK church is 65% women, quite a staggering disparity. In my work, I have done research on why there are more men on the platform and it turns out that the solution is much more multi-faceted than having quotas for events. Women often have less time and energy than men due to caring responsibilities (known as the second, third and fourth shift). Christian leadership networks are dominated by men and Christian culture can often leave women excluded due to fears around sexual impurity or inappropriate relationships forming. Another issue is that girls and women are socialised to be less ambitious. Girls with a leadership gifting are negatively labelled as “bossy” and women who lead may be quickly seen as aggressive or emotional. Men exhibiting the same traits are perceived as efficient and passionate. Alongside this, girls and women struggle to be what they can’t see. As a result of my wider work, I was sure that less women would enter the Sermon of the Year competition, so as a woman passionate about women and girls gaining full representation in all areas of life, I thought I had best lead by example and submit a sermon to the contest. Submissions were invited that were up to 2,000 words on “Reason For Hope”. My focus as I wrote the sermon was on the complacency that is rife in Western Christianity. We have a reason for hope, but no need of that hope.
Bold Natalie pens sermon of the year
to Revd Colin Hopkinson and St John’s and St Mary’s in Langdon Hills who have always been encouraging and supportive as I NATALIE Collins (left) is a follow the call of God to preach. Gender Justice Specialist. The competition culminated in a She works to “preach off” at the Christian enable individuals and Resources Exhibition in May organisations to prevent and 2016, with two finalists in each respond to male violence against women. She is also the category (under 21 and over 21). After preaching to an “audience” Creator of the DAY Programme, and panel of judges, I was an innovative youth domestic abuse and exploitation announced as winner of the over education programme. 21s category and received the She speaks and writes on prize of an engraved perspex understanding and ending block and a year’s free study at gender injustice nationally and London School of Theology. internationally. My sermon was also included in ● You can find out more about a book of the top ten sermons her work and contact her at entered into the competition. This www.nataliecollins.info. is available from www.cpo.org.uk As a result of the competition I will begin a Masters in Integrative Theology with London School of Theology in September. This is all the more amazing as I don’t have a first degree. I have also Authorised Local Preacher, I have preached on the BBC Radio 4 Sunday Service. attended the Course in Christian I entered the competition in Studies and the Preacher Training obedience to God and with Course organised by Chelmsford Diocese. I had previously attended awareness of the way patriarchy a number of continues to oppress women and non-denominational free girls and have been really blessed churches and the process of being by the outcome! What is it that enabled to preach was based on God could be calling you to do? personality and whether a person What injustice is God asking you “fitted” (there were few opportuni- to get involved in? Perhaps this ties or encouragement for me to year’s competition might be for preach at all). I have been so you! blessed by the Anglican Church’s ● You can find out more and process that has enabled me to enter at www.preachweb.org/ pursue preaching and am grateful sermon-of-the-year.
PROFILE
We live comfortable lives where hope is not required. It is simply a nice extra as we exist in content complacency, avoiding the call of Jesus to pick up our cross daily. This was not the first sermon I had written. Over the last seven years I had occasionally preached while visiting various churches around the UK as part of my work. Then in the last three years, since starting to attend St John’s Langdon Hills, I began the process of becoming an Authorised Local Preacher. As part of becoming an
Credibility comes from transparency
FROM FRONT PAGE lifelessness. Credibility calls for humility. We must know what we are and should not pretend to be what we are not. We should not pretend to be all knowing and all powerful. If we want to be know-all, we will end up by knowing nothing, or at least by having nobody to rely on what we say. Those who want to be credible have to confess that they are vulnerable. We should let the people see us as we are: our vulnerable, wounded and unbridled self. Our credibility increases as we learn to speak out of experience. The contents of our talk are normally second-hand or third-hand materials, thoughts and concepts. If the contents are devoid of first-hand experience, personal knowledge or authority, the speech does not come across as authentic. We should be coming of age in personal reflection. There should be a transition from quotation to experience. Closeness and access are necessary requirements of credibility. Credibility is not
IN MY VIEW
hidden but known, seen and felt by others. It is through closeness and access others come to know our reliability. We must let people know us. They should feel near to us and we must feel near to them. Nearness bestows authenticity, and sharing life with others confers authority to speak to them and speak about them. Credibility is the greatest need of the church in our time We shall get lost in the maze of the mass, knock on the doors, share confidences, and feel a friend to others, be a member of our community and a citizen of our country. We will, then, have a sense and value to whatever we say or write. Credibility is the greatest need of the Church in our time. We seem to be fast losing our credibility in a changing society. We seem to be outdated and irrelevant in our own cultural and political context.
The gap keeps on increasing between teaching and behaviour, between official statements and daily living, between the original vision and the current motive. The rapport between the leaders and the community is weakening. The awesome consequence is that many with clear conscience quietly drift away. If we are attentive to this call of the hour to be a credible people, we will approach the Throne of Grace in confession, renouncing our secret and shameful designs, our arrogance and our boasting, our masks and make-ups, and seek genuine experience, rapport and closeness to God and others. Credibility is earned by being, not by doing. It should be our joy to build a network of trusting and supportive relationships where we are not afraid to be ourselves. Change starts with each one of us. Will you be a part of this change today?
VEN JOHN PERUMBALATH, Archdeacon of Barking
St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset
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THE MONTH October 2016
Organist and Choir Director
St Mary-at-Latton, Harlow, are seeking an organist as current one begins ordination training. To play 9.45am Eucharist on Sundays, directing our choir, who are a competent group with wide repertoire at little notice and reasonable sight readers. We sing a variety of hymns/songs, which you are not required to choose, but will select suitable anthems for the choir. 6 Sundays off a year. Festivals and very occasional evenings. Opportunity of weddings and funerals. Choir practice immediately before services. We have a new organ. We’re straight off the M11. There’s some cover when the organist is on holiday. We’re a non-stuffy, growing, inclusive Anglo Catholic Church, exploring new ways to use our church building and the possibility of an additional building. We have new families joining us, plenty of church and community events, good team of priests and other ministers. So exciting times for us! The Remuneration and fees within RSCM guidelines depending on experience and agreed job description. Enhanced DBS required. For an informal discussion contact: Revd Lynn Hurry 01279 424 005 | revlynn@btinternet.com
CWA365
By CWA365
Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community, offering a residential rehabilitation program, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours.
'People need and some enc
THE
month — 'Have you any ideas of how every child in this d
COVER STORY
by STEVE KERSYS, Children's & Families Adviser - Chelmsford Diocese and Editor of the SALTSHAKER children’s resources website, www. saltshaker.org.uk SO how does the third of four boys, a scruffy lad born in the backstreets of Manchester, the son of a refugee raised on an overspill sink estate find himself serving in the Diocese of Chelmsford? How does a frustrated artist, turned aeronautical engineer, turned primary teacher, pastoral counsellor, student worker and adult educator end up right here, right now? We could each ask similar questions and arrive at similar head-scratching conclusions. For many, calling is a clear-cut thing. I’m 54 years old and I’m still trying to work out mine. I’m fairly sure that my calling isn’t as a priest, nor is it as a children’s, youth, or families worker or adviser. For me, at the moment, to my best understanding, my calling is to serve. It just happens to be that for the past 35 years I’ve served as a children’s worker, a schools worker, a youth leader, a minister, a teacher, lecturer and trainer in all things children and families and in all likelihood I’ll continue doing so until some new light shines. But whatever I do and wherever I do it, I think I’m called to serve. Sometimes I do ok, sometimes I’m
TOP TEAM: Steve and Mary Kersys
PROFILE
CWA365 My current role takes me to schools,
Bychurches CWA365 and community groups around the
pretty rubbish, sometimes I have no idea what to do next and blunder forwards with good intentions, but I try to serve. And therein lies the adventure.
diocese to meet with clergy, children’s leaders, teachers, school leaders, school children, parents, carers and community groups. I usually go where I’m invited but sometimes
Here are just two of the met or worked alongsid
Based on a 300 acre dairy farm in rural Devon, Gilead uses the Genesis Process Relapse Prevention programme with our clients. 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 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)
I HAD a lovely time with the good people of Harlow Deanery looking at Children's & Family Ministry. Some great, enthusiastic, creative, passionate people with brilliant ideas. Thes photo is of Naomi, left, who runs Pyjama Church, Carpet Church, runs mentoring programmes for children... and the list goes on. I could have taken a dozen photos of a dozen people doing dozens of great things. Thank you Harlow Deanery.
7
THE MONTH October 2016
confidence couragement'
diocese might have a life-enhancing encounter with Jesus?'
where I’m uninvited and I try to help. At first I thought helping was talking a lot, having great presentations, teaching people and imparting some wisdom or experience. However, I’ve discovered that people rarely need more information. Perhaps what’s needed is a little confidence, some encouragement and some help to continue, to try, to dare or to see beyond what is to what might be. Perhaps it is to take heart in the good that is already happening and to build on it. I heard a quote recently from the late Leonard Bernstein, who said: “I keep looking for the good in people... and you know, I keep finding it”. And that’s been my experience of travelling through the diocese. There’s a whole load of good in need of recognition and celebration. Yes, there’s always more that could and should be done, there are things that could and should be better, and we strive for these too. Recently I’ve had the privilege of meeting and learning from people like Naomi (see below), who runs Pyjama Church and Carpet Church and Adrian (see below) who is offering his rich resource of assemblies for publication on the Education Department website. There’s Pauline, an inspiring school leader who takes her whole school, children, teachers and support staff and as many parents as possible, on an annual pilgrimage to St Cedd’s Chapel at Bradwell. There’s Paula, Heather, Paul, Nick, Sam, Ann, Stella, David, Alex... and so many more with exciting stories of what God is doing. It is my privilege to walk alongside, join in and spread the good practice as an advocate.
This wonderfully complex Diocese is home to 3,102,000 people. More than 500,000 of these are aged under 18. We have 600 churches, 456 parishes, 138 church schools and many more wonderful schools without any religious affiliation. Nationally, we know that nearly 50 per cent of our clergy hold services for schools at least monthly and 29 per cent of clergy do this either weekly or more frequently. The Diocese of Chelmsford has around 4,500 volunteers in children’s ministry. We serve somewhere in the region of 5,700 children in church on Sundays and a further 30,000 children attending church schools each day. About 4,000 children attend church for a service through school each Monday to Friday. We know we have meaningful contact with 110,000 children and young people on a regular basis.
'Be a good storyteller with the great God story we all share' Nationally, the Church of England holds 2,200-2,400 baptisms each week. These numbers inform us that we are engaged in a huge amount and wide variety of ministry and the opportunities for more are mind-bogglingly vast. My work is to support, encourage and resource those involved in these ministries. The National Church has a policy for
e many remarkable servants I’ve de over the past few months... I HAD a great time visiting Adrian, Chaplain at Brentwood School. Adrian is a remarkably talented and active character who is building a worshipping community alongside the regular duties of a large, full, active school community. There are great things happening here and it's fantastic to listen and learn. Adrian, left, is pictured here in the chapel of the school with one of the altar frontals made by pupils at the school.
children and young people titled Going for Growth. We have adopted the key recommendations from this policy for our work here in this Diocese. In summary, I work in partnership with parishes, deaneries, episcopal areas and the diocese as a whole:
To work towards every child having a life-enhancing encounter with Jesus Christ. To work towards transformation both in the church and the world, and to recognise and enable the capacity of children to be the agents of change both for themselves and for others. To provide professional support and development for all those working with children in the name of the Church, so that they might demonstrate the highest qualities in their practice and personal life. I’ve told you a little of my story but what about yours? What’s your story? How has God shaped and guided you in your ministry? And how are you helping to give shape to the God story in others? Be a good storyteller with the great God story we all share and with your own personal God-story. This is an exciting ministry. If you have any ideas of how each and every child in this diocese, however young or old, might have a life-enhancing encounter with Jesus Christ please let me know. Let’s work together on this. The scruffy young lad from Manchester is now the scruffy grey haired lad from Danbury. I look forward to meeting up with you whenever possible. Thank you for your service. Thank you for bringing hope to all ages at all stages in all places of our Diocese. Here are some re-assuring verses from the book of Ephesians: “Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” Steve is married to Mary, PA to Bishop Stephen, and they have two daughters, both married. Their elder daughter, Polly, is an ordinand in this Diocese and their younger, Rosie, works for an organisation training youth workers and helps to lead a very new church plant in the heart of York. If you would like Steve to come and visit your church to discuss ministry amongst children and families, offer training or help with resources please email Steve (steve@ saltshaker.org.uk). If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive regular updates on children’s and families ministry in this Diocese please contact Steve (steve@saltshaker.org.uk). If you would like to keep up with Steve’s daily photo blog check out www.blipfoto.com/ CWA365.
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THE MONTH October 2016
THE
9
month — Diocese is looking to recruit safeguarding volunteers
by SIR ROGER SINGLETON, Chair – Chelmsford Diocesan Safeguarding Reference Group ABUSE of children, especially sexual abuse, is a topical issue. For years our newspapers have reported occasional stories of abuse by a music teacher during piano lessons, a scoutmaster at the annual camp or a choirmaster after choir practice. But the revelations relating to Jimmy Savile and other celebrities have propelled the issue into a new state of public awareness. Growing concerns about the power of the internet and social media to view, download and transmit pornographic images of children have caused fresh attention to be focussed on enhanced opportunities for child sexual abuse. The Church has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that it provides safe and secure environments in which children and young people can engage in its activities. Yet the Church itself has a less than enviable record. There have been cover-ups. A series of high profile reviews has shown clear evidence that some clergy and church members have abused children in the past. They had not been reported to the police or referred to the statutory authorities and some priests had been quietly transferred elsewhere by their superiors. Survivors of abuse had either been ignored, put off or had not received responses to their disclosures. Legal mechanisms had been deployed to frustrate efforts to get at the truth. The Church has something of a shameful record. This is now being acknowledged. The Archbishop of Canterbury has made strong statements about the Church’s commitment to safeguarding and protecting children. Our own Bishop Stephen says: “It is the joy and responsibility of the Church to welcome children and ensure that the community of the Church is a place where they can grow and flourish. In order for this to happen it must be safe.” However, fine words butter no parsnips and it is good to know that here in Chelmsford the Bishop’s commitment has been under-scored by the appointment of a Reference Group to advise the Diocese on safeguarding matters, the creation of a strong, qualified and experienced safeguarding team, the development of safeguarding policies and a programme of on-line and face-to-face training which focuses on what to do if a child tells you that he or she has been or is being abused or you suspect that they are being neglected. But safeguarding is ultimately about what happens in our churches and parishes. One of the difficulties is that most clergy and parochial officials, thankfully, will never have to deal with allegations of abuse against themselves, a fellow priest or church worker, or have to confront the delicate task of managing
Safeguarding – the Church’s shameful record is acknowledged number of clergy are attending the training; they are well informed; they ensure there is a parish safeguarding representative; and they are prepared to tackle reluctance within the PCC. Some are fortunate enough to have an experienced professional as their safeguarding representative. Others, sadly, do not engage or demonstrate discontent or impatience with safeguarding practices. Eyebrows raised towards heaven when child protection is mentioned or agonised cries of “Whatever happened to trust?” are not behaviours calculated to give appropriate leadership to minimising the likelihood that it could happen here. SIR ROGER SINGLETON Edicts emanating from the Diocesan Office can sometimes appear out of touch and irritating. As someone who worships in a how a sex offender can safely small rural parish which at be welcomed and integrated present has no regular into their church. This fact can activities for children I do easily breed the attitude of “It realise that it is not easy to can’t or won’t happen here”. recognise the importance or So sensible and proportionate even relevance of child measures which can help to protection guidance. But prevent unsuitable people children have been abused in from gaining access to the most unlikely and children are neglected. Sound surprising circumstances and recruitment and selection by people who have previously methods for work with children been trusted. are not adopted. References So the burden of my song is are not sought. Appropriate to encourage the taking of ways of engaging with sensible basic child protection children are not made clear. precautions. The diocesan CRB checks, now known as website has useful materials DBS disclosures, are not (www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ sought because of the alleged safeguarding) which every bureaucracy, delays or PCC should consider. There is occasional stories of ludicrous online training and the application of the vetting rules diocesan Safeguarding Team such as those clumsily applied are providing opportunities for to flower arrangers at all clergy to receive face-toGloucester Cathedral in face training – training which 2010. Others satisfy has received many favourable themselves that normal comments – “… despite my recruitment procedures can general lack of compulsory be dispensed with because of training I found it to be helpful long-term acquaintanceship, and informative”. believing that to be ample Most importantly, there is a evidence that their friend may 24-hour hotline which can be not have a darker side. accessed by anyone in need The leadership of the parish of urgent advice — telephone priest and local church 01245 294444. But we do need extra help officials is critical. to make our churches as safe Many are keen on the as we would all wish them to practical measures to protect be. If you have child protection children. An increasing
or adult safeguarding experience as a professional and are willing to offer yourself either as a volunteer trainer or to serve on the Diocesan Reference Group please respond to the advertisement which appears on this page. I conclude with a survivor’s story. Julie was silent about the abuse she suffered as a teenager. Last year she described in the Church Times what she
had been through. “I told no one,” said Julie. “I thought that no one would believe me. But more than this, I had no idea how I could tell anyone what was happening to me, what I could possibly say... I agonised over whether the priest was repeating his behaviour with other victims.” When she came forward 25 years later, Julie had no difficulty recalling the abuse, because it was haunting her as though it had happened the
day before: “The problem was not that I couldn’t remember the details of what had taken place – the problem was that I could. And remembering was very painful.” The Church must continue to acknowledge and address the shortcomings of the past and be uncompromising in its commitment to safety both now and in the future. We must listen to the voices of survivors like Julie and avoid further suffering.
The Diocese of Chelmsford is currently looking to fill the following posts
NEWS FILE
Volunteers in Safeguarding The Diocese of Chelmsford is seeking people who have a professional background in child protection and/or safeguarding vulnerable adults and are willing to contribute some time to providing training courses for clergy, parish safeguarding representatives and local church officers. Suitable materials and full preparation will be provided. The time commitment can vary with each person’s availability. Additionally, from time to time vacancies occur on the Diocesan Safeguarding Reference Group which advises the Bishop on safeguarding and child protection matters. Members are expected to have relevant experience in a professional capacity. The positions are unpaid but expenses will be reimbursed. These are voluntary roles and the sensitive nature of the work will require there to be a selection process in accordance with the Church’s safer recruitment practices including an appropriate DBS check. If you feel able to offer the knowledge and competence we need, please send an interest letter, by 21 October 2016, outlining your relevant experience to John Ball, Chief Executive, Chelmsford Diocese, 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT.
10
THE MONTH October 2016
What will the next generation know about the Bible?
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Find out how you can get involved: biblesociety.org.uk/nextgeneration
THE MONTH October 2016
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12
THE MONTH October 2016
THE
month — Taking punches the hard way as a Pioneer Ordinand
'I am finding out where God is working and joining in...'
David Harrigan is a Pioneer Ordinand based at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Collier Row, near Romford. He has completed the first year of a three-year course with the Church Mission Society in Oxford. He also helps to run the St Cedd Centre for Pioneer Mission. THE Month asked David about his faith and work. TM: How can you be both a Pioneer Ordinand in Collier Row and a student in Oxford? DH: I travel to Oxford for my training with the Church Mission Society (CMS) one day a week. CMS are the specialists in cross-cultural mission. This training course is about discovering who God is, what he is doing and what this looks like for the community you live in. The process involves listening, understanding community and culture, forming discipleship, finding out where God is working and joining in. TM: Do you live, as well as work, in Collier Row? DH: Yes, in Prospect Place. My family is here. I am married to Hayley and we have two children, Luke (11) and Grace (6). We have lived here for 11 years. I met Hayley at 18 and we had a child by the time I was 20. TM: What does a Pioneer Ordinand do? DH: For the past five of the nine years I have been a Christian I have been exploring how to live differently – caring for and helping people, and gathering people together. I am working on three community projects, and I also have a role in developing the St Cedd Centre for Pioneer Mission which serves Chelmsford Diocese but is based at my church. The vicar of my church, David Hague, gives me a lot of
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PROFILE
support. He encourages me to explore my vocation and take risks. This is very important for a Pioneer Ordinand to do. Being a Pioneer feels the right fit for me. TM: How did you become a Christian? DH: Hayley was already a Christian, although it is fair to say that she did not go to church very much in the past. She told me she would say a prayer after I broke my leg. I was due to start my training in the army but my broken leg put paid to that. I didn’t believe in prayer but Hayley said she would pray anyway. Then I took our kid to a toddler group in the church hall. I got talking to the only other man there, and asked if he had been before. This man told me he was there every day. He turned out to be the then vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Ray Sammé. TM: Was it at the toddler group that you became a Christian? DH: No. I had loads of questions to ask. Ray would come and find me in Tesco’s where I worked. He invited me to come to church. I said yes I would, but I did not mean it. Then I thought to myself, lying is bad enough, but lying to a vicar is worse. So I did go to a service. But it seemed weird to me. The people at the service were waving their hands in the air. So I asked Ray, ‘What is wrong with these people?’ He told me that they had a relationship with Jesus and I could have one, too. I said, ‘How can I have a relationship with a guy who is dead?’ Ray told me to pray and to read the Bible. I did, because I wanted to prove him wrong about Jesus. But I found out it was my attitude that was wrong. Ray would knock on my door once a week, and over a six month period we walked the whole of Collier Row, talking about Jesus. TM: Did you feel the vicar was hounding you? DH: It was no hardship. Ray was for real. My past did not matter to him. TM: Did anyone find your growing preoccupation with Jesus odd? DH: Some members of my family were fearful of the church at the time. But my wife and my friends told me I was becoming different around people. Once, when there was a fight in the street, I stopped the fight and helped a guy get up. Ray told me its sounds like you are becoming a Christian. It seemed normal to me, like hair growing you don’t. It is not something you notice yourself. TM: When did you know you wanted to be ordained? DH: I always felt drawn to be ordained as soon as I became a Christian. Jesus transformed my life and gave me a heart for people. I saw things differently. Ray
SPARRING: David takes a punch at his boxercise class
encouraged me and also following Ray, David has been there for me and encourages me to explore my vocation. But I needed to gain experience in ministry; so I worked in a local schools project with the Graceworks Trust for four years. I helped set up prayer rooms, Christian unions and lunchtime clubs. Being a Schools Worker gave me a chance to be creative. TM: What is it like being a Pioneer Ordinand? DH: I am Romford born and bred. I find it easy to connect with people and I love living here, but even so it has taken me a long time to build up trust. The attitude is ‘I’m sorted. I’m alright. I can do it myself. I don’t need any help.’ Most people do not have time for the church. For whatever reason, whether it is to do with a past experience in their family, school or whatever, people are suspicious of the church and will not go to church. It is very hard for people to recognise that church is OK.
'I didn’t believe in prayer but Hayley said she would pray anyway'
TM: Have the barriers come down at all in the community since you have been there? DH: Yes, some of the barriers have come down. I have conversations with people in the stairwell of the flats where I live and when I take the rubbish down for them. Nowadays some residents even give me the keys to their flat when they go on holiday. We have just had a community barbeque which was great time to get together with neighbours and hear their stories and share life together. The other day, a man in my ‘boxercise’ class shared a baby scan picture with me. I was really surprised that he felt able to share that with me being that we did not know each other all that well. 36 men have taken part in the year that the class has been going. The charge is £2 a session. I was only training one person to start with but then the class took off when the guys were looking for things to do in the winter and did not fancy wasting time driving into Romford. Praying was awkward at first but now we finish each class with a prayer and it has become normal for the group because this is what we are about, not just boxing. We are all pretty exhausted by the end of the class. Guys I have got to know through the class text me and we go out for a drink. We had a Maundy Thursday service in a
curry house. I took bread and wine and laid out postcards with messages like ‘Where would you sit in relation to Jesus?’ Some experiences have worked out better than others. I am learning all the time. TM: Has anything gone wrong? DH: When I started I could see a need for a ‘Christians Against Poverty’ debt management centre in Prospect Place. I thought I could run a CAP centre from my flat. We put invitations through all the doors and we prayed about it. I waited in. But not a single person came. All the other residents carried on as normal, keeping themselves to themselves. That taught me the fundamental importance of making good relationships. I am sure there is still a need for a CAP centre and I will look into offering it again in the next 12 months. TM: You mentioned three projects. So if Prospect Place is one project, and Boxercise is another, what is your third project? DH: I am working with the London Borough of Havering to help transform part of King George’s Playing Fields into allotments where the community can cultivate vegetables. I played in that park when I was a kid but sadly it got rather overgrown. Church volunteers lived through six months of setbacks with the Council, carrying on putting in flower beds and painting bollards and a youth shelter. But now we are entering into a proper partnership agreement to look after the park, and I am looking forward to bringing the local schools on board to bring transformation to our local community working together. TM: How is the St Cedd Centre for Pioneer Mission going? DH: 72 people came to our taster course this Lent, and following a discernment process 15 of them will be doing 18 months’ training for authorisation by the Bishop as lay pioneers. Each trainee will be running a practical project alongside their training. On completion of the training they will be empowered by their incumbent for a specific local purpose. We are looking at putting on a roadshow about lay pioneer training next Lent and it will be visiting each Archdeaconry. TM: Will you be staying in Collier Row after your eventual ordination? DH: I certainly hope to! ● Watch a short video made by David Harrigan about his work and find out more about the St Cedd Centre at www.chelmsford. anglican.org/ministers/fresh-expressions/ mission-ministry/pioneers. ● Find out about the work of the Church Mission Society at www.churchmissionsociety. org.