Outlook magazine Summer 2019 by The Diocese of Canterbury

OUTLOOK

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Celebrating faith and life in Kent

Where are we heading? Voices from the frontline

ISSUE 39 Summer 2019 Farewell to Bishop Trevor | Taking it slow | Prayer apps

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Connected in prayer Prayer Network

As well as praying personally, I often find it helpful to pray with other people. Week by week, in churches across our diocese, we unite our prayers together, sending ripples of prayer and worship across our towns and villages. We do this in lots of ways. We say prayers of confession, seeking forgiveness for those things we wished we hadn’t done – or maybe wished we had. We seek to hear God’s voice through scripture and we bring our hopes, fears and desires to God through our prayers of intercession. At the table of Holy Communion we pray in remembrance of Jesus and all that he has done for us. We speak and sing praises to God for all that we have received, and we go out with God’s blessing to spread the word and the work of Christ. At the heart of all of this is prayer is communication with God. Praying together unites us as Christ’s body. We are not called to do this alone, rather we belong to one another as part of God’s family. A family called to be Christ’s body in the world - each of us uniquely gifted to do our part in bringing God’s love and mercy to those we meet. We can’t do this apart from God or each other - we need to pray regularly with and for one another. Jesus said whenever two or three are gathered he is there with them - how wonderful! And such prayer and connection is not just for Sundays. Each group that meets throughout the week can offer their time, gifts, commitment and fellowship to God - the musicians, the flower arrangers, the cleaners, the PCC, every group… don’t miss the opportunity to pray and hear from one another and God! Praying together lifts us up and helps us to hear God’s direction in all that we do. It energises us for mission and gives us confidence to proclaim God’s love and mercy to all. As a diocesan family, we can

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pray together too. Here are two simple ways you can be part of a much bigger wave of prayer… • Every day our diocese prays with and for specific people places or events. Our Calendar of Prayer highlights prayer requests for local mission initiatives and is available monthly in a variety of formats online at canterburydiocese.org/prayer. Using this calendar, each of us can connect and pray with and for each other every day. • Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage – 7-8 June 2019 You are invited to pray with everyone across our diocese for God to refresh and renew us all for mission. Together, across 24 hours, we can make a journey of hearts and minds, seeking transformation for ourselves and our communities through the Good News of Jesus Christ. Join our focused Hour of Prayer - pray wherever you are and however you can from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm on Saturday 8 June. Information, ideas and resources are available at canterburydiocese.org/dayofprayer The more we pray - on our own and with others - the closer we will come to knowing, loving and serving the God who transforms and equips us for mission and ministry. Barbara Wallace, Prayer Network Coordinator Changing Lives Prayer Network Praying to be the change God wants for the world

Transforming God You bring hope to broken dreams And show us new possibilities. Renew us with open hearts, open minds And open wills, ready to follow wherever you lead. Amen.

EDITORIAL

Contents Summer 2019

Issue 39

With the departure of Bishop Trevor (see p4) - and the expectation that a new Bishop of Dover will join us in due course - it’s a good opportunity to take stock, to think about our priorities as a diocesan family. Where are we heading and what do we hope to achieve in the years to come? Now, of course (to quote Woody Allen) if you want to make God laugh, simply tell him your plans. Despite our best efforts, life often doesn’t turn out quite how we expect or hope. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that dreaming, planning and taking steps to shape the future are pointless. In fact, the Bible is clear that God wants - chooses, in fact - to work with and through us to shape our church and our world for the better. To that end, this edition of Outlook looks both backwards - as we reflect with Bishop Trevor on his ministry (p16) - and forwards, as we consider how our vision for the future is already beginning to transform our churches and communities (p8-9). We’ll take a look at each strand of our diocesan strategy for growth and renewal and hear from local voices as they share the view from the frontline (p10-14). There’s plenty in this edition for activists, with a fantastic offering of summer events (p22) and information about our Diocesan Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage (p2) - with a range of ways to get involved. But if you need reminding to take a breath and slow down, turn to page 15 where Masami extolls the virtues of moving at God’s pace, rather than our own. Perhaps one of the prayer apps featured in our Review (p20) could help with this… So, as you take time to reflect on what has been, and to ponder on what may lie ahead for you and those you love, may you know God’s presence with you and trust in his guidance for the future.

Community News 4 Headlines News from across our Diocese

Features & Voices 8

Where are we heading?

Our vision and strategy

10 Ignite

It’s Church, but not as you know it...

Vision for teens

Youth hubs

The life-changing art of showing up

Prayer 13

Learning in community

Risky conversations

15 Masami writes

Slow growth

Resources 2

Connected in prayer

20 The Review

Prayer apps

What’s On Contact the editorial team Outlook is the quarterly magazine for the Diocese of Canterbury. Editor: Anna Drew | adrew@diocant.org Sub-editors: Marilyn Shrimpton, Nadine Miller

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22 Top ten things to do in Kent

We hope you enjoy Outlook magazine and the editor would welcome your comments: adrew@diocant.org

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Headlines Good news from across Kent

Farewell to Bishop Trevor and Margaret The Rt Revd Trevor Willmott has retired as the Bishop of Dover. He served in this role for nearly ten years, taking on additional responsibilities for the Channel Islands in 2014. Bishop Trevor concluded his public ministry by preaching and presiding at a service of Holy Communion in Canterbury Cathedral on 12 May. Paying tribute to Bishop Trevor, Archbishop Justin Welby said “You’ve given yourself - body and soul - in prayer, in preaching, in serving, in loving, in caring, in presence to this diocese.” Archbishop Justin praised Bishop Trevor for his “profound and deep care for those on the edge.” “He has led with courage and hope into the next stage of our diocesan strategy as we consider afresh the call to be transformed by Christ,” added Diocesan Secretary Julian Hills. See Interview, p16.

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New director The Communities and Partnerships team will welcome a new Director in June, The Revd Dr Jonathan Arnold. The team’s work has a significant impact because of their unrivalled presence in every community across Kent and their network of diverse, knowledgeable and passionate people. Before taking up the post, Jonathan was the Dean of Divinity and Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, and is an experienced theologian, chaplain and dean. Jonathan said: “I look forward to leading, promoting and facilitating the mission and work of the Framework. “Bringing theological reflection to bear on current issues, working with government and Church policy and aiming to safeguard the spiritual welfare of all those who work for the causes of social justice.”

Together Kent The official launch of Together Kent was celebrated on Thursday 30 May in Canterbury. Originally named Together Canterbury and funded by the Diocese of Canterbury and the Church Urban Fund, the project started in 2014. The work began on a local level and has now developed to encompass both east and west Kent. New projects will include Breaking the Cycle, working in partnership with Porchlight and Catching Lives to break the cycle of repeat offending through positive engagement with the local community.

Faith in solidarity The Imam of Canterbury Mosque and members of the city’s Islamic community made an impromptu visit of solidarity to the Cathedral during the Eucharist Service on Sunday 28 April. Imam Ihsan Khan brought flowers and a card offering good wishes after terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka that targeted churches on Easter Day. The Dean, the Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, interrupted the service to say: “What’s about to happen is as much a surprise to me this morning as it will be to you, but it’s a lovely thing, I’ve been handed a note which says: ‘On behalf of the Muslim community in Canterbury and Canterbury Mosque, we lay flowers in respect of our Christian brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Sri Lanka. We pray for the victims and their loved ones. Our condolences, Canterbury Mosque.’” The Dean asked the congregation to stand and applaud as he welcomed Imam Khan* and members of the Canterbury Mosque into the Quire to place the flowers at the Altar to commemorate those killed. *Imam Khan said: “At times like this I think it’s vital that, as the community in Canterbury, we show the rest of the world that no matter what faith, or of no faith we are, we are still brothers and sisters in humanity and that’s one of the things we need to push forward in Canterbury.

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Eco anniversary

540 miles in Lent

The Maidstone Deanery Environment Group has celebrated its first anniversary.

The Stour Downs Lent Challenge team raised £590 for the Ashford Winter Night Shelter.

Working with churches across the area and now other deaneries, they work to promote the benefits of the Eco Church movement and support one another in caring for God’s creation. This Easter they encouraged passers-by to decorate a barren cross with flowers from the Easter Sunrise service. Group Chair Revd Joyce Addison said: “It is really uplifting to see people coming together in the deanery to engage in creation care in such wonderful ways.”

Almost 70 people, aged from two to 80, took part in the event, walking 540 miles on a treadmill. Together, they travelled the distance from Durham Cathedral back to Ashford via 15 other cathedrals, including Canterbury. Di Dawson, one of the organisers, said: “Over the last few years we’ve cycled to Jerusalem, knitted 40 blankets and now walked from Durham to Canterbury then home. What next?”

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Walk for Peace Sunrise service There will be day of celebration in Sittingbourne on Saturday 29 June to mark the signing of the peace treaty that formally ended the First World War. The Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne is organising the event to honour the 1,150 local men and one woman who died during the conflict. People are being invited to take part and carry one of the banners bearing the names of those who died during WWI. Email richard@hrgs.co.uk for details.

Many churches across our diocese held dawn services to celebrate Easter morning. St. John the Baptist, Smallhythe, held a joint benefice service. All nine churches in the Tenterden, Rother and Oxney Benefice were invited to join and were led by Team Rector, Canon Lindsay Hammond. The service processed into the church for the lighting of the Paschal Candle, followed by a celebratory glass of fizz, hot coffee, tea and bacon butties.

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Where are we head Feature

No one can encounter God and remain unchanged. From Moses at the burning bush to Jesus himself at his baptism; from fishermen leaving their nets, to the women who first witnessed the resurrection the Christian story is a story of lives transformed. And the story goes on - we are called to partner with a generous God so that lives changed by an encounter with Christ overflow into families, homes and communities changed for the better: Changed Lives → Changing Lives. Over the next few pages you’ll discover some of the ways in which this vision is beginning to play out in our parishes and communities - ideas translated into action. We’re just at the beginning of this journey, but we’re trusting in God that the best is yet to come… www.canterburydiocese.org/strategy

Prayer We are all called to actively partner with God and be the change in the world he directs us to be. Prayer helps us grow closer to God who loves and is love. Prayer makes a difference and enables us to grow in love, generosity and wisdom - prayer changes lives. Our Diocese is already full of people who are faithful in prayer. The Changing Lives Prayer Network will build on our rich heritage to deepen our shared life of prayer in a more intentional way by: helping us to listen for God and one another, connecting people across our Diocese in prayer and equipping us to pray more and to pray more deeply. Find out more on page 12.

Prioritising Young People Many of our communities are already engaged in flourishing ministry with teenagers. Building on this, we’ll establish new youth hubs which will aim to increase the number of teenagers in our churches, nurturing them as disciples and leaders. The first hub will be established in Sittingbourne, with churches from across the deanery working together to help young people connect with faith and worship in new ways. With the aim of supporting this ministry across our diocese, we will be looking out for what learning and resources might benefit churches that are seeking to work with teenagers in a variety of contexts, as part of our commitment to being a multi-generational church. Find out more on page 11.

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ding?

Igniting hope Ignite is a worshipping community for those on the edges of our society, for whom ‘traditional church’ might not make much sense. There are already five Ignite congregations in the Diocese and, with additional funding from the Church Commissioners, we are well underway with planting a further seven across our Diocese and the Channel Islands. Although these first plants are aimed at particular groups of people, there will be lessons and resources from this project that can benefit churches in all contexts. The £1.4million project has been made possible thanks to a grant of £887,015 from the Church Commissioners, a national body that exist to support the work and mission of the Church of England. Find out more on page 10.

Changing Lives Conversations How is knowing Christ changing your life now? How can we better support one another to be seven-days-a-week disciples? These questions are designed to help us think about how confident we are in our faith, and in sharing that faith. If we want to share something of our experience of how Jesus has changed us, we need to be able to honestly speak of our experience of God and faith. But many of us, both ordained and lay, do not always feel confident about ‘God-talk’ outside church on Sunday. Across our Diocese, church and community groups will be meeting regularly to ask each other these questions, seeking to learn how we can better help one another to grow in confident faith. Find out more on page 14.

Missional Learning Communities Missional Learning Communities enable us to find God’s way forward in mission in our changing contexts and changing world - transforming the culture of the church. Rooted in spiritual practices, the process will lead to renewal - growth in numbers, depth and vitality in our churches. Local church teams cluster together to form each community with an initial commitment of three years. Find out more on page 13.

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Ignite

It’s Church, but not as you know it…

unique to each place and it reflects what the town is like. And because it’s about working with people who are on the edges of society and on the edges of church, even on the edges of their own lives, it’s always going to have a unique feel to it. I’d love to see Ignite go across all the different dioceses. I know in my own life I’ve moved from town to town to town and the Church of England is very good at having standard worship - I know that I can go to a certain type of church and say ‘I know what I’m expecting, I know what I’m getting.’ So, if I went on holiday to York I know I could find a church that would suit my kind of thing. But Ignite is a style of church that people are really able to interact with, something that makes sense for the place and the people. So in every town and place it’s different and you get a feel of exactly where you are - a real experience of each place. It’d be great to travel across different Ignite venues in the country and experience those changes in culture and tastes and the conversations with God. I’ve found very few people who’ve said that they’ve found the mix of people uncomfortable. There is a very vast mix of people and I think the spread of people that go to Ignite is what makes it successful. Everybody just gets on!

I’ve been involved with Ignite for many years, even before it was the Ignite we have today. It’s early days for our work here in Ashford, but people are beginning to come on board and be part of this new family. Ashford has been well provided for with services for those who may need support and there are a lot of provisions for those who need lunches, food parcels, clothing, housing help and so on. But we’re offering something different and people are just starting to see now that Ignite is all about building community. We’re plugging a hole people don’t often realise that they have. They have all those things that are a practical support but this is much more about helping people to discover who they are and how they can fit into a social community setting. Ignite is quite organic - even raw on occasion. It is about real people being real - and you see that straight away. It looks different everywhere as it’s

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“

In every town and place it’s different and you get a feel of exactly where you are - a real experience of each place...

”

We’re very much into levelling and breaking down barriers between people - there’s no difference between the doctor over there with the PhD and the guy over here who slept rough last night. Neither of them seem to know how many bricks in the Taj Mahal! We’re all equal in God’s eyes and as far as I can see Ignite does a very, very good job of making everyone feel valued. We’re all made in God’s image, nobody’s better than anybody else and Ignite celebrates that. Dawn Evans, Ignite Enabler St Francis, Ashford. »

Vision for teens Youth hubs

A moth-balled church in Sittingbourne, its future hanging in the balance, its purpose lost. This once High Church vibrant and overflowing, now empty and silent, the small congregation dispersed and watching as the possibility of it being turned into a set of flats seemed to be its fate. But that wasn’t the last word. A vision of it being resurrected was born - prayer, discussion and meetings to bring this building back to life for the glory of God to transform lives, reach our community and provide opportunities for people to encounter Jesus. This church would not look like its former sense, but be transformed into a youth hub for teenagers, locally and further afield. As well as serving the young people of local churches, it would also seek those young people, who despite all that the modern age offers them, are longing for something deeper, for authentic relationships and a place to belong.

and assemblies, supporting pupils with the tricky transition from primary to secondary school. We’ll go out onto the streets, chatting with young people and encouraging them, being positive and being available to them. But it’s not just a vision for Sittingbourne - from this small beginning we believe that churches across our diocese will be encouraged and resourced to work with young people in ways that make sense for their contexts. I don’t for one minute imagine it will be smooth sailing - we’re in for a bumpy ride! Teenagers, events, good intentions and more food you can throw a stick at… it will be messy! It won’t always go to plan, but this is Gods vision - not ours - and each day I shall remind myself that “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” May God help us all to share his good news with our world. Louisa Ley, Youth Hub Leader, lley@diocant.org

I came to the role of Youth Hubs Project Leader in February this year after being a foster carer for 11 years, caring for more than 35 teenagers - as well as working in schools and church youth work for 19 years. I’m very much at the beginning of this exciting project after others had the same vision I did two years ago. Our vision is of a safe place for young people, with a host of activities on offer. Leaders and volunteers will build relationships, showing young people that they are valued, they belong, they can find support for whatever they face in life. We’ll provide safe space for faith conversations as well as fun. We’ll support the local churches and rural communities to provide their own meetings for their young people and to access the hub’s resources. For young Christians we’ll have small groups, discipleship and young leader courses, we will provide mission opportunities to help them reach their God-given potential and to be an integral part of the life of their church. We will work in local schools, providing workshops

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The life-changing art of showing up Prayer

Brennan Manning was a Franciscan priest who belonged to the Little Brothers of Jesus, an order whose members lived a contemplative life among the poor. Much of his life was spent working hard in poverty-stricken communities, but his vocation also involved much time in prayer and solitude. Fellow author Larry Crabb once asked him what he got out of spending so much time alone with God, to which Manning simply replied: “I just figure he likes it when I show up.” In this productivity-driven world of ours, it’s tempting to evaluate everything by what we can get out of it. My new kettle boils 30

per cent faster, my mobile phone can do 10 things at once, and my friendly Personal Digital Assistant can switch on my electric blanket for me when I’m 300 miles away. (Admittedly I’ve yet to work out the point of that particular bit of technical wizardry.) Perhaps it’s no surprise then that we can view prayer in a similar way. We’ve heard sermons on how important it is; we’ve read books on how powerful it is; now, all we need do is find the most efficient way to upload it into our multi-tasking lives and all will be well. The trouble is, prayer isn’t first and foremost about productivity. It’s about presence. When Jesus’ three best friends fell asleep instead of praying, Jesus wasn’t saddened by their lack of productivity; he was saddened by their absence (Matthew 26:40). Astonishing as it may sound, it is our presence - our simply ‘being there’ - which most delights God’s heart. A few weeks ago, a friend and I sat on a riverbank in Canterbury with a young man who was deeply troubled. Neither of us

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knew what to say to help him, so we just kept him company in prayer. As we sat there, God’s presence became more and more tangible, to him as well as to us. And that’s the thing about ‘showing up’. When we choose to ‘be present’ in prayer, we open spaces in this troubled world for people to experience God’s presence.

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Astonishing as it may sound, it is our presence - our simply ‘being there’ - which most delights God’s heart...

”

Prayer changes lives, not because it’s a formula that works but because it’s a series of simple ‘showing up’ encounters through which the timeless, limitless love of God seeps into the fabric of our world. This is why prayer is so crucial for our direction as a diocesan family. While we’re tempted in so many ways to get caught up in the busyness and productivity of building God’s Kingdom, the Changing Lives Prayer Network will continue to call us back, to remind us to sit awhile with God - for ourselves and for our world. Lyndall Bywater, Canterburybased writer and speaker. »

Learning in community The first Missional Learning Community (MLC) began in 2019, comprised of teams from Maidstone, Folkestone, Kingsdown and Creekside and the Len Valley. Leadership teams from churches in different contexts have been meeting together, not just to talk about mission in their contexts,

Liz Maurice, a member of the Missional Learning Community team from St. Philip’s Church in Maidstone, writes… Until the last Saturday of January this year, St. Philips had little knowledge or experience of ‘Dwelling in the Word’. So, as we set off early to Ashford, our Mission Learning Communities Team was feeling rather apprehensive of what might be required of us - as well as what lay ahead over the next two years. However, as a group, we amazed ourselves. We quite quickly became enthusiastic to try out what we had learnt on that first Saturday by introducing our congregation to the practices, albeit in a very gentle way. Our first venture was at the monthly, non-Eucharistic, morning service when we centred on ‘Dwelling in the Word.’ In a presentation, and after an explanation of our MLC experience so far, a passage of scripture (Luke 10:1-12) was read twice and the congregation were invited to contribute anything that stood out for them or that they might like to explore a little further. Several brave people responded which led to some thought-provoking conversation.

but to share together in planning and shared ‘spiritual practices’. At the heart of MLCs are six Christian Spiritual Practices. The Practices are like leaven, with the power to transform the whole congregation. The first ones we teach are called Dwelling in the Word, Dwelling in the World and Announcing the Kingdom. The teams take these Practices back to their churches and use them until they become habits. In this way the culture of the local church changes so that the church is energised and held in God’s mission in a new way. Revd Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, sconeys@diocant.org Our second opportunity came when we introduced the three practices to this year’s Lent Group. Over the weeks, we developed each practice to give those attending a taster of what we were discovering at the MLC meetings and to encourage discussion on the challenges that we encounter as Christians in today’s world. A dedicated group of fellow ‘Dwellers’ has emerged

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As a group, we amazed ourselves. We quite quickly became enthusiastic to try out what we had learnt on that first Saturday...

”

over the last four months, which is encouraging for the future of ‘Announcing the Kingdom’ by St. Philips Church in our community. A practical example of that will hopefully be in May, when we have invited our local Nepalese community to share our Spring Fair, thereby developing friendships and sharing our mutual experiences of ‘Dwelling in the World’.

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Risky conversations “The thought of it makes me nervous and I don’t really want to do it, but I know it will be good for us and that we need to have these conversations.”

place of faith in each of our lives, I had to close the discussion down so we could move onto the business agenda! We had talked in a more personal way than ever before - and God had been at the heart of that discussion. Everybody spoke, and everyone listened with great care. Rather than the awkward silence I had feared, we had each shared our experience of God and we were each blessed by what we heard. How is God changing our lives? In big ways and small ways, in ways we can put into words and in ways we cannot possibly describe. In prayer, acts of service and a sense of calling on our lives. It’s different for each of us, but we all had something to say. We’re going to ask the same questions again when we next meet, and we’ll carry on asking them for the rest of the year - and I can’t wait to see what happens. Revd Hugh Nelson, Christ Church, Kilndown. ●

These were the closing words in a discussion at our PCC (church council) meeting as we decided whether to take part in the Changing Lives Conversations. And they captured what most of the people in the room felt - talking about our faith, and about how God might be changing our lives, makes us feel uncomfortable. We worry that we don’t have the ‘right’ kind of experiences, or the ‘right’ words - and anyway, we’re British and we don’t talk about this kind of stuff. But we know that somehow we still need to do it. We know that this matters, and if we those who stand up and declare our faith in church every Sunday - can’t talk openly and freely about God, why on Earth would anyone else? And so, two months later, at our next PCC meeting, we started by asking each other, “How is God changing your life at the moment?” and “How can we help each other be seven-days-a-week disciples?” I was a bit nervous about how the conversation would unfold - these were not the normal questions we discussed at PCC. Talking about property, events and even finance felt like much safer territory. I feared the awkward silence that might follow. Would anyone be brave enough to start? Would anyone say anything at all? 40 minutes later, after a profound discussion about God, prayer, the struggles and joys of life and the

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Slow growth Masami writes

In my childhood, I went through phases of really wanting certain things. There was a time when I wanted a dog so badly, and I didn’t want to wait. One day I saw a sign in a café about a dog that needed adopting and for the rest of the day I was going on to my parents about how we should adopt it. They would lovingly listen to me and let me talk about wanting a dog - but they also gently explained how practically that wasn’t possible at all for us. Even then, my desire was so strong that I really thought I could make it work. Now I’d agree with what my parents said, and I think it’s quite funny how hard I tried to persuade them. It’s always been a part of my personality to want things to happen straight away. Within the past year or so, I started to think about and question my beliefs on certain topics, that even divide Christians since there aren’t clear answers in the Bible. I wanted to have solid opinions on these things, so I thought lots and did some research, but it left me feeling overwhelmed. I think this was because I was rushing to develop my opinions and beliefs, when really, they can take time to form. I was rushing a process that was best to happen gradually and more naturally.

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They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream....

”

During a church event, we were praying for each other and my friend said to me, “You know those time-lapse videos of flowers growing you see on documentaries? I feel like God wants to tell you that your growth has been like that and it’s great, but

He also wants to tell you that slow growth is just as good. It’s okay to take things more slowly.” This encouraged me a lot. Sometimes God is like how my parents were when I wanted a dog - in His love for me, He gently tells me that it’s best to slow down.

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All we need to do is put our trust in Him. Then, as we wait for His timing, we’ll see wonders bloom and grow in our lives....

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I’ve been learning to appreciate where I am now, and embrace slow growth, in every aspect of my life, such as developing my opinions or deepening my friendships. These things take time, just like a seed can’t be planted and then grow immediately. It needs to be watered and given sunlight, and over time a beautiful plant will grow. The process of it growing is so exciting! I think God is like the caring gardener providing us with water and sunlight. All we need to do is put our trust in Him. Then, as we wait for His timing, we’ll see wonders bloom and grow in our lives. “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.” (Jeremiah 17:8, NIV) There is a field that I walk through every day. When I leave the house with enough time to enjoy the walk and not rush to get there, I’m able to appreciate what’s around me more. I love the feeling of the wind brushing past my ears. I love admiring the sky like a beautiful painting. I love watching the birds fly with freedom. Today, as I was cherishing these wonders, I couldn’t help but smile. Moments like these remind me that being present in the ‘now’, and taking things slowly, allow me to see the beauty in the journey, not just the destination. Masami Iliffe is a 15-year-old student from The Archbishop’s School. She and her parents are part of The City Church in Canterbury. ●

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The one who calls is faithful Interview with Bishop Trevor Willmott

In the six months since this announcement, there have been farewells aplenty as people from across the diocese and further afield have expressed their gratitude for the ministry of Bishop Trevor and his wife Margaret. But is six months really enough time to prepare to leave a place that has been ‘home’ - and a Church that has become ‘family’ for nearly ten years? There’s a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere in Upway - Bishop Trevor and Margaret’s home in Canterbury. A few removal boxes signal the ongoing work of packing up a life in preparation for the next stopping place, but all seems calm and reflective - including Bishop Trevor himself.

In October 2018, the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott announced his intention to retire as Bishop of Dover in May 2019. He has served in this role since February 2010, taking on additional responsibilities for the Channel Islands in 2014.

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“As we’re beginning to pack up our home here, thinking through what we need to take with us and want to take with us - it’s brought about a period of natural and rightful reflection,” he says, sitting in the window seat of his living room as the sun streams through. “My first reflection is actually the fact that discipleship has become so much part of our life in a way that it’s no longer just a word we talk about, or an aspiration, but something we take so seriously that we’re learning how to do it how to make disciples, how to encourage others to grow in faith. And the joy of confirmations, the joy of Sunday worship, the joy of being around in the Diocese is seeing people accepting the joy of living in Jesus Christ and then living it out. Living it out in their daily lives, living it out in the ways in which they’re joining in our communities, living it out so that the world can believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. So, thanksgiving and discipleship come together as I reflect on almost ten years of the huge privilege and joy of being bishop in this great diocese.” The end of a person’s working life is often a time to think about the beginnings of that work or ministry - and for Bishop Trevor, priesthood was never originally part of the plan. “I became a priest without, in one sense, seeing it as a possibility,” he says. “I was given faith in my teenage years, which was a huge gift, and I thought at that stage that I

would live out my faith through being a lay person of the body of Christ. I thought that I’d either become a lawyer or a chef - both of which fascinate me.” He points to a moment of trauma - a major road accident - as the turning point at which his call to ordained ministry began to emerge: “Facing and being faced with some of those huge questions - the ‘whys’ and ‘wheres’ of life - and out of that, with other people’s real input and encouragement, I began to see that a call to priesthood would be the path of my own discipleship. And I can look back now on 46 years of being a deacon in the Church of God with an overwhelming sense of the privilege of serving and the joy of being loved by God.”

“

I thought at that stage that I would live out my faith through being a lay person of the body of Christ. I thought that I’d either become a lawyer or a chef - both of which fascinate me...

”

Of course, being a priest - let alone being a bishop is never likely to be the most straightforward or easy path to tread. Were there ever times when he wishes he’d stuck with Plan A and become a lawyer or a chef? Did he ever feel the temptation to walk away from it all? Characteristically, in answer to that question Bishop Trevor returns - as he has so many times before - to the matter of God’s love: “I think, throughout my discipleship journey, I have never ever doubted the fact that God loves me,” he reflects. “At times, living out that love has been hard. Living it out in priestly ministry has been hard. And I think, particularly when I’ve felt the church has run the risk of looking in on itself, inevitably I’ve found that frustrating and difficult. But I’ve always recognised that the Church is called to be the embodiment of that love, the vehicle of that love. And so perhaps God’s love has always overcome any questions I’ve had… that love has helped me.” And, of course, there have been particular people over the years who’s companionship and guidance has helped to guide him in his ministry: “Particularly in those times when my own relationship with God has run the risk of being dulled or arid, it’s been those people who’ve listened to me and journeyed with me that have had the greatest effect, that have been the most powerful. It will be fun over the

weekend of saying goodbye to the Diocese that some of those people will be here. I don’t know how much they know (I suspect they know a lot more than I think) of how instrumental they’ve been in my own journey, and in our shared journey - Margaret’s and mine - of encouragement and love and support. Their love and care of us has been extraordinary. I think over ten years I could name those people who’ve just been there and listened, who’ve been with us and encouraged us.” It’s certainly no secret that one of Bishop Trevor’s favourite episcopal duties has been the confirmation of new Christians as they make public affirmations of faith in Jesus Christ. For him, that signals the beginning of a discipleship journey, rather than its pinnacle, and one of the greatest joys of his ministry has been witnessing the living out of those commitments. He speaks passionately about those times when the Church has shown to the world that it’s more than just the words it speaks: “Where the church has really been there with suffering people - not to seek glory for itself, but because that’s what it is to be a Christian - it’s to be there where people suffer. “Speaking of his many visits to the Church in Madagascar, which is facing some of the worst effects of climate change, he says, “To be with suffering Christians is so deeply humbling, but also so inspirational at the same time. For me, those experiences are the highlights - when the church is engaged and lives its words without any sense of ‘Look at us and how good we are,’ but actually a sense that this is just who we are. I think also where I’ve seen faithful ministry in our communities in this Diocese - against almost impossible odds. Where perhaps the heart or the energy of people has been drained away - and yet the Church says, ‘We’re still here and we aren’t going away. We’re going to serve.’”

“

The hardships have been infinitesimally small compared to the joys and the privilege of leading a diocese...

”

As a member of the House of Bishops, Bishop Trevor has seen the Church of England evolve over the years, as it has wrestled with issues of doctrine, practice and culture. He regards it as a privilege to have been engaged with such debates: “Discussions around what sort of society we are to be, how this Church of England can fulfil its calling with all of its diversity, and at times internal discussions - some

Summer 2019 Outlook Magazine|17

would say tensions. But actually still believing that we are a church for everyone, with everyone, and that Jesus Christ is Lord. These have been real powerful, high moments for me,” he says, “and I can touch them across forty years of ministry.” Whilst the call to be present with people in the midst of difficult times has been for Bishop Trevor a great honour, this has also been one of the toughest challenges of his ministry: “That suffering can often create bewilderment and anger, uncertainty. There has also been the challenge of helping us as a Church to see that we have a common purpose and that we should rejoice of that and find huge enjoyment in it.” But for him, ultimately, all is gift: “I would have to say that, I think, the hardships have been infinitesimally small compared to the joys and the privilege of leading a diocese. Because the joys are people turning to Christ, people living it out, people rejoicing in caring and loving and inviting me into their lives and allowing me to hold some of the most precious elements of their individual and community’s lives. It’s a huge privilege - and perhaps part of the hardship is being careful never to forget what a privilege it is to hold that life. It’s not hard, but it’s a challenge. Because, for reasons better known to everybody else, they entrust me with that life and that’s its joy and its challenge.” When people speak about Bishop Trevor’s ministry, they very often talk about his and Margaret’s shared ministry and it’s clear that from the start the couple have sought to live out that ministry together. “I think we’ve always tried to help people see that this house is home - home to the Diocese. Hospitality is written into our DNA,” he explains. “Margaret is very different to me - she’s much quieter, she doesn’t speak that often - but she has insights which I will never have. Margaret is

18 | Outlook Magazine Summer 2019

extraordinarily gifted at one-to-one ministry, and I think we make a pretty good partnership. Our marriage is fundamental to our lives, and the joy for me has been, week by week, Margaret and I coming to worship with and be part of people’s lives in our communities. And all of that I think has been a showing, I hope (if I’m allowed to say that) of our individual discipleships that find common ground together.” As the pair pack up their belongings and prepare to physically move away from Kent, it’s clear that a little piece of Canterbury Diocese will forever remain with them. But what kind of future does Bishop Trevor see for the diocese in the coming years? “I think my hope and prayer is that it will continue to flourish. And it will flourish in many different ways. For me, flourishing is perhaps those themes of community and discipleship. The joy of this diocese - and I think we sometimes don’t see it as much as others do - are our deep rootedness in community. And that I hope will continue. Secondly that we will continue to take the challenge and invitation to make disciples as central to our lives, whatever

“

Discipleship has become so much part of our life in a way that it’s no longer just a word we talk about, or an aspiration...

”

else we do. If we’re not making disciples, then I wonder what we are trying to do. So, I hope that discipleship work will continue to flourish. If we can get embeddedness, engagement and flourishing in discipleship, that would be my prayer for our life together in the future. And as I pray it for the diocese, I hope the diocese might pray it for us as well.” Bishop Trevor and Margaret will undoubtedly go with the prayers and goodwill of so many people in Kent, across the Channel Islands and further afield. And they’re being careful not to plan too much for what comes next: “We don’t quite yet know!” he explains. “We’re both sure that we should leave some space for what’s going to be new. We’re both sure that this is the next stage of our living. I shall continue as Bishop for the Channel Islands for a while- however long that’s required. I shall continue to be a bishop and a priest in the Church, so we will engage with our local communities. But we also see some new opportunities and we’ll hopefully see more

of our beloved daughter. What I describe to myself and to others is that there are some anchors to hold, but some new waters to venture on, if that’s not too mixed a picture.” Sitting in the window at Upway, as the sun creeps lower in the sky, gratitude is the enduring feeling of the day: “Did I ever imagine I would be bishop in the Diocese of Canterbury? No. And therefore, I can honestly and truly say that it has been an enormous privilege, blessing and joy. Even the times when it’s been hard and demanding, I’ve known that God is here with us and the one text I always hold - I’ve always done from the day I was given faith and the

day I was ordained - are some words from St. Paul, where he says ‘Faithful is he who calls, who will fulfil the same.’ And, of course, the ‘he who calls’ is the God of love. And I know that in due course, when both Margaret and I die and our mortal remains will lie here in Canterbury, that the God who is faithful will receive us.” Bishop Trevor concluded his public ministry by celebrating Holy Communion and preaching at Canterbury Cathedral on 12 May 2019. ●

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Summer 2019 Outlook Magazine|19

Prayer apps The Review

Technology seems to offer a solution for everything these days. As well as making phone calls and sending text messages, our constant companion, the good old smartphone, can give us directions, do our shopping, entertain us, capture treasured memories in photos and videos… and much more. But can it help with our spiritual lives, too? Can our phones assist us in prayer - or are they an unnecessary distraction from what really matters? We charged three intrepid pray-ers from our Diocesan staff team to check out some of the latest prayer apps and give us their verdicts…

PrayerMate

Thy Kingdom Come

Soultime

Discipleship Tech

SPCK

Soultime Media Limited

Free on iOS and Android

Offers in-app purchases

PrayerMate is designed to help you pray ‘more faithfully and more widely’ and - let’s be honest - there are always moments in life when a quick prayer gets you through a difficult situation. It also features a prayer feed from Canterbury Diocese, so you can pray with and for our diocesan family. The design of the app is modern and fresh, and I found it easy to navigate between different sections. I particularly liked being able to list specific people in my family to pray for. However, I didn’t like having to use my mobile phone to source prayers; sometimes the best prayers are spontaneous and come from the heart rather than a screen. Chloe Ewen Assistant Care of Churches Officer

20 | Outlook Magazine Summer 2019

This is a really easy-to-use app with loads of different options and tools - really good variety. It gives you a structure for prayer without being too instructive. It was really nice to begin with offering to pray for five people, as sometimes it is something I can often forget to do, but something I know I should do. I was able to explore and learn and I felt this might give my prayer habit a nudge in the right direction! Kathryn Janman PA & Administrator, Communities & Partnerships Team

Taking five or ten minutes out of your day for a bit of quiet reflection is always welcome and this app helps you do that. You can focus on different areas such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep, spiritual health and so on but it also allows you to keep check on how you’re doing in a journal. There are lots of sessions you can use for free, depending on what you feel you need that day. And while the app can help you explore lots of different paths, what surprised me most was how it made me stop and think. Nadine Miller Communications Officer

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN KENT Summer events

Diocesan Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage

Part of Thy Kingdom Come’s global wave of prayer. From Minster in Sheppey to Minster in Thanet, from Dover to Detling, from New Romney to Newington, from Allington to Alkham, we will be praying and making pilgrimage together as a diocesan family. Opportunities for everyone to get involved and a special beacon event at Canterbury Cathedral on 8 June. Details at canterburydiocese.org/dayofprayer Friday 7 to Saturday 8 June, 5:30pm5:30pm, across Kent.

Coffee, Canapes and Concert

An entertaining, secular programme of works by Rutter sung by The Canterbury Singers, directed by Adrian Bawtree, with Spencer Payne on piano. Tickets £10 in aid of homelessness charity Catching Lives. Saturday 8 June, 11am, St. Peter’s Methodist Church, Canterbury, CT1 2BE.

Death matters: time to talk

A series of short, informal talks to discuss and ask questions about dying and the end of life. Both taking place 2pm-4pm, the two events will cover the Church and faith, medical care, care homes, legal issues and funerals. Friday 14 June at Harrietsham Village Hall, ME17 1AP and Friday 5 July at Lenham Community centre, ME17 2QT.

Summer 2019 Up-to-Date & Events canterburydiocese.org 22 | OutlookNews Magazine

Minster Open Gardens

Wander around the beautiful open gardens of Minster Village. Lunches and refreshments will be served in the Old Schools Hall, next to St. Mary’s Church over both days. £5 entry in aid of St. Mary’s Church. Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 June, 10am-5pm, Minster in Thanet.

Up, Up and Away!

Ruckinge’s biennial country church Flower Festival returns with a theme that is both aspirational and practical. Don’t be afraid to look up! Floral displays will include those created by Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs as well as students from the local primary school. Refreshments will be served. Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 June, 10:30am4:30pm, St. Mary Magdalene, Ruckinge, TN26 2NU.

Jazz and Spirituals Concert

Chris Town presents the Kent Police Male Voice Choir, Burt Butler’s Jazz Pilgrims and Guests. A musical celebration of Chris’s 50 years at St. Martin’s. Tickets £10, including refreshments – email christownjazz@gmail.com to book. Saturday 22 June, 7:30 pm, St. Martin’s Church, Maidstone, ME15 7LP.

Kent County Show

The 2019 Show has something for the whole family - a wonderful day out with plenty of displays, entertainment and local food. Visit the Church tent for a moment of peace and reflection or cheer on the finalists at the Kent is Delicious cook-off at the Show Kitchen (6 July).

10.

Ride+Stride for Churches

A sponsored bike ride or walk between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside. The money raised helps to save historic churches, chapels and meeting houses for future generations. Get involved at friendsofkentchurches.co.uk/ride-and-stride Saturday 14 September, across Kent.

Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July, 8am-6pm, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF.

St Francis and the Sultan

Marking the 800th anniversary of the cordial meeting between St. Francis and the Sultan Al Kamil during the Crusades, Rochester Diocese will be hosting a day to learn more about early Christian-Muslim dialogue. Drama, talks, and a choice of workshops inter-faith relations today. £10 – book online at rochester.anglican.org/mission/ interfaith Saturday 20 July, 10am-2pm, Rochester Cathedral, ME1 1SX.

Cathedral Archives & Library Tour and Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea and a behind-the-scenes tour of Canterbury Cathedral’s Archives and Library. Two tours run on each date and all are welcome to stay for Evensong. £24.95 (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral). Call 01227 865350 or email events@canterburycathedrallodge.org to book. Friday 9 or Monday 19 August, 2:30pm or 2:45pm, Canterbury Cathedral. Want your event listed on our website? Submit it at www.canterburydiocese.org/submit For a full list of events, visit www.canterburydiocese.org/events

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Summer 2019 Outlook Magazine|23

PRAYER Transforming God, you bring hope to broken dreams and show us new possibilities. Renew us with open hearts, open minds and open wills, ready to follow wherever you lead. Amen.

Prayer by Peter Ingrams

24 | Outlook Magazine Summer 2019