Together march 2014
News from
the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds
Thanksgiving Cathedral photo calls as Bishop of Leeds announced challenge Nick Baines, Bishop of Bradford, chosen to lead West Yorkshire and the Dales
What will you bring to Ripon?
The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, has been appointed as the first Anglican Bishop of Leeds to lead the new Diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales. The announcement was made on February 4th by Downing Street, and just a few moments later, 200 miles away in Leeds itself, Bishop Nick was introduced to the media, civic, church and community representatives and faith leaders at a launch event held at Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane.
Churches across the diocese have been asked to send representatives to Ripon Cathedral on Mothering Sunday, March 30th, and challenged to bring an object which represents their church’s special contribution to ‘the wider community’. It has left clergy and PCCs scratching their collective heads to come up with ingenious and unique ideas for the special Service of Thanksgiving for the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds taking place at 5pm.
As television cameras and press photographers vied to catch the first glimpse of the man chosen to lead the new diocese, Bishop Nick told the audience that he was delighted and honoured to have been chosen: “It is a great honour and privilege – as well as an enormous responsibility – to be nominated
to this post. I’m fully aware of the challenges this brings, but am confident that this new diocese will thrive.” The Diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales will come into existence on Easter Day, April 20th, but the new diocesan bishop will not formally take up his duties until the summer. On Pentecost Sunday,
Bishop James is co-ordinating the Thanksgiving Service and told Together, “The wider community may mean something local, the village or (Continued on Page 2) June 8th , at a celebration for the new diocese in York Minster hosted by the Archbishop of York, Bishop Nick’s nomination will be confirmed, and enthronement services will be held in each of (Continued on Page 2) www.riponleeds.anglican.org
Inside this month’s Together: p II p VIII
Bishop John’s thanks Business minister
Plus - Special insert West Yorkshire and the Dales Transformation News I
News... News... News... News... News... News... News......News.....News.....News.....News.....News History made at Ripon
Bishop John
A landmark service took place at Ripon Cathedral last month, strengthening Anglican-Methodist relations at the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Bishop John and Barbara Packer have written to Together asking us to pass on their thanks for the generous farewell gifts they received.
History was made when the President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Ruth Gee, preached and presided at a service of Holy Communion on Sunday January 19th.
Church in 2003. Bishop James, who took part in the service, said, “It is an historic occasion. More than that it is a practical expression of personal and collegial relationships that are developing and flourishing through the Covenant between our churches. This is about doing something in order to be part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer ‘that they may be one, that the world might believe’.“
The Service for Christian Unity reflected the Covenant signed between the Church of England and the Methodist
Revd Ruth Gee (centre) is pictured with Bishop James Bell and Canon Elizabeth Sewell.
They write, “Our dining room in Whitley Bay has Leeds Town Hall on one side and Wensleydale on the other, overseeing us as we eat. The money has been put to book-cases, wardrobe and bedside tables created by ‘Keyenterprises’, a Tyneside workshop for those with mental health and learning difficulties. They will be a permanent reminder of the privilege of working with you all in Ripon and Leeds and of your generosity.”
New Bishop welcomed
Thanksgiving
(Continued from Page 1) the three cathedrals of the new diocese, probably during July.
(Continued from Page 1) town or city, or it may mean the region or the nation, or, indeed, the world! We hope people will come to church that morning having thought about the contribution that they most want to celebrate.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, was at Leeds to announce the name of the new Bishop and told the media, “Bishop Nick Baines brings energy. He is a great communicator of the Gospel, connecting with people outside the church as well as with parishioners. We have a lot to look forward to in Leeds, West Yorkshire and the Dales.” II
Later in the day Bishop Nick and his wife Linda Baines travelled to Ripon Cathedral where Bishop James introduced them to local civic representatives and church leaders, and Canon Keith Punshon led a service of prayer for the new bishop. Canon Keith said, “Our community very much welcomes the appointment of Bishop Nick. We will be praying for him and for his family in these challenging times, and look forward to playing our full part as one of his three cathedrals.”
“Young people from schools will also be invited and involved. There will be a scratch choir who will meet earlier in the afternoon to rehearse. The event will include a sharing of food, stories and worship and will conclude with a procession out into the city.”
March 2014 edition
The Transformation Programme for the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales
www.wyadtransformation.org
Bishop Nick Baines nominated to lead new diocese Bishop Nick Baines, the Bishop of Bradford, says that he feels ‘privileged’ to have been chosen as the first bishop to lead the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales which will be created at Easter.
again, meeting staff at each of the three diocesan offices at Leeds, Wakefield and Kadugli House in Bradford Diocese.
in Bradford, Ripon & Leeds, and Wakefield Dioceses to join me in praying for Bishop Nick, and for Linda his wife, as
The first Bishop of Leeds is an avid supporter of Liverpool FC, a prolific online communicator and broadcaster, and is fluent in German and Russian. He has 8,000 followers on Twitter and his blog – ‘Musings of a restless bishop’ – has attracted over 1.6 million hits and is read by over 5,000 people a week. In his blog, on the day of the announcement, he wrote: “I am looking forward with confidence and curiosity to working with colleagues across the new diocese as we do something unique for the Church of England.”
Press launch The announcement of the appointment on February 4th was made by Downing Street and simultaneously at a press launch in the centre of Leeds, at Holy Trinity Church. It was followed by visits to Wakefield, Bradford and Ripon Cathedrals where Bishop Nick and his wife Linda met civic leaders, journalists and local clergy. The next day they were on the road
The Archbishop of York, who introduced Bishop Nick at the Leeds press launch, said in a statement, “I am delighted and am rejoicing in the nomination of Bishop Nicholas Baines to be elected as the first Bishop of Leeds, in West Yorkshire and the Dales.
“Well-grounded” “Bishop Nick brings a wellgrounded understanding of the area he will serve, together with the vision, energy, and experience in strategic change, which will equip him for his ministry leading the church in mission across the new diocese … I call on everyone
they prepare, with you, for this exciting new beginning.” Nick Baines, who is 56, has been Bishop of Bradford for three years, and before that was Bishop of Croydon in the Diocese of Southwark. He read German and French at Bradford University and, before ordination, worked for four years as a Russian linguist at GCHQ. After ordination and curacies, he became Vicar of Rothley in Leicester Diocese, where he served for eight years, before becoming Archdeacon of Lambeth in 2000.
III
Listening
Steering the changes
I am writing on the day that our new Bishop of Leeds has been announced. As someone who has worked with Bishop Nick over the last three years, I can honestly say that the heart of his leadership is about finding the best way of doing the job of making Christ known in our communities and in God's world. If that means difficult decisions, then he is prepared to make them.
As the transition into our new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales continues, the Programme office team who help plan, co-ordinate and support the activities linked to the creation of the diocese.
Ven Paul Slater Archdeacon of Richmond & Craven
As the Richmond and Craven Archdeacon-to-be, I am excited at the prospect of the people of Ribblesdale, Airedale, Wharfedale, Wensleydale, Swaledale and Teesdale tuning in to the Chris Evans show to listen to their Bishop - we will just have to make sure that we give him lots of stories to tell! In a diocese this big, our sense of connectedness will not always come through faceto-face encounter. However, the next phase of our life as a diocese-inembryo is to begin to discern the structures for the diocese and Episcopal Areas which will best equip, resource and support our parishes for the work of mission on the ground. We will need to listen carefully to each other and to God. Bishop James and Bishop Tony are leading our listening programme through Lent. When I was doing some IV
training in mediation, the importance of listening with quality attention was impressed upon me. This means: "giving your complete attention to the other person and what they are saying..... it means allowing yourself to listen to what someone is saying with an open mind..." (Doherty and Guyler). This may mean listening a little longer than comes naturally to most of us. The result of GPs listening a little longer is significantly better outcomes: "Doctors often interrupt patients after the initial concern, apparently assuming that the first complaint is the chief one, yet the order in which patients present their problems is not related to their clinical importance" (Beckmann and Frankel). I sometimes hear the lament that "we have not been heard". What is meant is that what we want has not been implemented. But not everything can be implemented. The important thing is the quality of our listening to each other....that in itself will engender trust. Ven Paul Slater
The team consists of Programme Manager, John Tuckett, his P.A. Jane Butterfield (pictured centre) and Programme Planner Vicki Barrière (left). It is based in Leeds at the Leeds diocesan office. Contacting the team The Programme Office, Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Office, St Mary’s Street, Leeds, LS9 7DP Tel. (0113) 2000 567 John Tuckett: 07712 829 427 john.tuckett@ churchofengland.org Jane Butterfield: 07808 041 538 jane.butterfield@riponleedsdiocese.org.uk Vicki Barrière: 07808 041 539 vicki.barriere@riponleedsdiocese.org.uk
Have Your Say: Come and help shape the priorities of our new diocese together in prayer to shape things afresh here and we really want to hear the views and ideas of the people in the parishes about what things we already do well and what we can do better.”
Local churches are being invited to help shape the agenda for the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales. A series of Lenten visits have been announced by Bishop Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract (pictured left) and Bishop James Bell, Bishop of Knaresborough (pictured right) – both of whom will become area bishops in the new diocese. With the season of Lent at the heart of the visits, prayer will play a key part as Bishop James and Bishop Tony hold meetings in each of the twenty seven deaneries that make up the new diocese. Bishop James said: “These Lenten visits are quite unique in the history of the Church of England. For the first time we have an unprecedented opportunity
Bishop Tony added: “Lent provides us with the space to re-focus on Jesus Christ as we prepare to celebrate his death and resurrection at Easter. As we do that this year, we also look forward to the creation of the new diocese. Bishop James and I look forward to the deanery meetings, to meeting new people, praying with them and exploring the new opportunities offered by the new diocese.” For more details of venues and times, please visit www.wyadtransformation.org
Timetable of Deanery Meetings Bishop Tony
Bishop James
Deanery
Date
Deanery
Date
Bowling & Horton Calverly Otley Allerton Richmond Ewecross and Bowland Airedale Ripon Armley South Craven Wensley Headingley Harrogate Whitkirk
March 10th March 11th March 12th March 13th March 17th March 18th March 19th March 20th March 24th March 26th March 27th March 31st April 2nd April 3rd
Brighouse & Elland Birstall Dewsbury Pontefract Calder Valley Wakefield Huddersfield Barnsley Kirkburton Almondbury Skipton Halifax
March 6th March 10th March 11th March 13th March 24th March 26th March 27th March 31st April 1st April 2nd April 3rd April 9th
V
The Inauguration of the new Diocese Sunday – June 8th News......News.....News.....News.....News.....News
Pentecost celebration at York Minster The Archbishop of York (pictured right) is calling on churches across the region to come to York Minster on Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, at 4pm for a service of Inauguration and Celebration for the new diocese. Dr. Sentamu will be hosting the event and writes: “Dear Friends, I would like to invite you all to York Minster on Pentecost Sunday, June 8th. Pentecost is rightly thought of as the ‘birthday’ of the Church - the day we read about in Acts Chapter 2 when the Holy Spirit fell upon the early disciples in the Upper Room. So what more appropriate day could there be to celebrate the birth of the new diocese and to welcome your new bishop?
New Bishop will be welcomed “At this service, the Confirmation of the Election of the first Bishop of Leeds will take place when your newly elected bishop will receive my formal and legal assent as Archbishop of York. This is a day for expectant prayer and celebration for the new diocese and for thanksgiving as we look ahead and allow God’s Spirit to shape our future. I hope that church members from all corners of the new diocese will make the pilgrimage to York Minster on June 8th for this historic occasion.” VI
Praying for the new diocese “I believe the formation of the new diocese will substantially enhance the ability of the Church to respond to the challenges of mission - to individuals, to communities
and to the structures of society. But structures are not enough – we need together to seek God’s renewing and life giving Spirit, to breathe new life and energy into the dry bones! This service of Inauguration for the diocese is a time to seek God’s vision and God’s anointing for the mission and ministry to which we are called in this new diocese with its five Episcopal Areas. Please plan to bring groups by rail or by coach as we gather together on the day of Pentecost. “This is an enormously exciting time for us all in the Northern Province, as we look
to God and set out on this pioneering journey. May God direct and empower us as we look together to these new horizons. We are an Easter people and Hallelujah is our song!” +Sentamu Eboracensis
Focus on Prayer Loving God, pour upon us, we pray, your Holy Spirit and prepare us for the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales. We pray for our new bishop and pray you will lead and encourage us, bind us together in love and faith, and open our hearts and minds to new possibilities of welcome, witness and mission. In Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Diaryy Dates Your guide to events
in the Diocese of Ripon & Leeds
March 1
Diocesan Synod, St Aidan’s High School, Harrogate, 9.30am-12.30pm
1
Step forward – a day to explore vocation at Bishopthorpe Palace, York, 11am4pm. With the Archbishop of York www. stepforwardanglican.org.uk
1-2
The Annual Snowdrop Weekend with displays at St. Mary’s Church, Wakefield Road Swillington, LS26 -10am-3.30pm Saturday and 12noon – 4pm Sunday – creaft stalls and refreshments
4
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races at Ripon Cathedral, 11am
5
Ash Wednesday – Act of Repentance by WYEC Church Leaders, 1pm, outside Wakefield Cathedral. Please join WYEC in this act of witness with the theme of repentance for ‘Food for All’. Details www.wyec.co.uk
8
Discipleship and Mission Workshop, Kairos Resource Base, Harrogate in partnership with 3DM Europe, www. weare3dm.co.uk. For more information email helenaskew@gmail.com
1113
Leading Your Church into Growth, Residential conference, Hinsley Hall, Leeds. Book early via Ann Hemsworth, (0113) 293 7494 or email: annhemsworth01@ btinternet.com
15
Mental health and the church’s care - a morning to learn, share and reflect upon
a range of mental health issues and how church communities best serve those in need. 9.30am – 1.00pm, Abbey Grange C. of E. Academy, Butcher Hill, Leeds LS16 5EA Free, but early booking essential, gail.matthewman@riponleeds-diocese. org.uk or (0113) 200 0558 15
Aspects of Restorative Justice. Speaker: Martin Wright, Former Director of The Howard League for Penal Reform. 9.30am -1.00pm, Carlton Hill Meeting House, 188 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9DX Free Judy Kessler of Leeds Quaker Criminal Justice Group (0113) 2624711 or judyed. kessler@sky.com
16
Friends Lecture at Ripon Cathedral, Dr Arthur Faulkner. 3pm
21
Engaging RE - Bradford and Ripon & Leeds Religious Education Conference, Hollins Hall Hotel Baildon. Conference fee £80.00 per person, for schools/academies in the Partnership with Church Schools, £95.00 others (01423) 817553
25
Mothers’ Union joint Lady Day service Bradford Cathedral, 7.30pm
30
Diocesan Thanksgiving service - Ripon Cathedral: 5.00pm - 7.30pm – A celebration for the 178 years of life and witness in Diocese of Ripon/Ripon & Leeds. The event will include a sharing of food, stories and worship and will conclude with a procession out into the city. Please put the date in your diary. VII
A new minister to business In May, Adel curate, the Revd Ian Johnston will be licensed as Minister to Business, picking up and developing church involvement in the business life of Leeds begun by Revd Rob Hinton. Ian, who entered ordained ministry after a career in business, talked to Together. The Leeds City Region is the UK’s largest economy and population centre outside London, generating 4% of national economic output and employing 1.3 million people.
people, having conversations, an ‘incarnational’ ministry.”
The Revd Ian Johnston is convinced that the church needs to be amongst the businesses of the city, where people are, supporting and coming alongside those who are in often stressful environments. Ian, an NSM curate serving in Adel and Ireland Wood , will be licensed by the Ven Paul Hooper in May to work six days a month in the city as Minster to Business. He says there are probably four parts to the role. ”Firstly, I will be a Chaplain to Business, based in the city centre, meeting
The second area is in supporting Christians at work. “Many Christians feel on their own and would really appreciate fellowship and support as they seek to be salt and light in the business world.” Thirdly, says Ian, the church
Moves and Notices Revd Andrew Robert McKean Cromarty, Curate of the United Benefice of Upper Weardale in the Diocese of Durham, to be Vicar of the Benefice of Hipswell Revd Paul Anthony Crabb, Priest in Charge of St Paul Hanging Heaton and St Thomas Batley in the Diocese of Wakefield, to be Priest in Charge of Bramley and Rodley VIII
Canon Gabrielle Ibberson RIP. Readers of Together will be saddened to hear of the death of Gabrielle Ibberson, an honorary lay canon of Ripon Cathedral and churchwarden at St Hargaret’s Horsforth.
should be taking its place in the city with city institutions and business leaders and he will hope to encourage and help church leaders to engage with people of influence. And, fourthly, there is the need to support parishes. “That might mean encouraging congregations to support business people in the church, recognizing their work as a valuable ministry. But it’s also about helping churches engage with the businesses right on their doorstep. Many small businesses are based in homes, where it can be very lonely, especially when work dries up. “ Ian can be contacted by email at revianjohnston@gmail.com or 07914 750969. David Brighton Editor (0113) 2000540, email:Together @riponleedsdiocese.org.uk John Carter Managing Editor (01423) 530369, email: jhgcarter@aol.com Cost and delivery enquiries: Julie Milbourne, Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Office, (0113) 2000540