Diocese of Leicester - News

Celebrating Spirituality As Mission

23/11/2009

SPIRITUALITY ADVISERS MEET FOR FIRST TIME IN 10 YEARS TO CELEBRATE ‘SPIRITUALITY AS MISSION’

The Consultation programme was the culmination of a years’ careful planning and included speakers from alternative spiritualities – The Revd Steve Hollinghurst and The Revd Simon Small – opportunities for conversations about Spiritual Direction, regional gatherings, prayer, worship and meditation. It followed a series of regional meetings in the spring, in which Spirituality Advisers nominated by their Diocesan Bishops were invited to give their input into the programme.

Chair of APR and Warden of Launde Abbey, The Revd Tim Blewett, commented "We are delighted to have provided a forum for engaging in spirituality for which there is such a growing need in our churches and communities." He added, "The Consultation has been a place of open sharing, dialogue and listening, to which the response of Spirituality Advisers had been overwhelmingly positive and from which we have already made plans to set up regular gatherings of this kind both nationally and regionally."

The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Woolwich and President of APR, took an active and leading role in the event and commented that there had been a "generosity of spirit and a genuine openness with which people engaged with the Consultation and explored the meaning of spirituality in Church and society today." He also spoke of "sowing the seeds that will bring new life" to the significant and growing ministry of Christian spirituality

Fifty Women of Faith Celebrate Interfaith Week

23/11/2009

Fifty Women of Faith celebrate Inter Faith Week!

The event which was organised by Raheema Caratella, Youth Engagement Worker at St Philip’s Centre, was open to all and included armchair aerobics and salsa demonstrations led by local fitness experts. Women of various faiths, ages and backgrounds celebrated the event which also included information about how women could find out about ways to healthier living. With the award of a grant from the Faiths in Action Fund, St Philip’s is now able to offer badminton and short tennis sessions in the church hall.

Kathy Morrison of St. Philip’s Centre said, “We work continuously to build friendships and understanding across all our faith communities. St Philip’s has pioneered inter faith sporting events for men and we are now moving to balance this with sports for women, who often form the backbone, if not always the leadership, of the faith communities..” Special guests.included Cllr Manjula Sood, Chair of the Council of Faiths, Freda Hussain, from the organizing committee for the Special Olympics and Zara Jurenko, winner of three gold medals in the Special Olympics, who gave an inspirational talk to the gathering.

St Philip’s Centre has been involved in numerous activities as part of Inter Faith Week. On Friday 20th November, an inter faith indoor bowling event takes place in Coalville, involving local people and multi faith participants from Leicester. A Hindu-Christian friendship charity dinner takes place on Friday evening at St Philip’s Church. On Saturday 21st November, a Christian – Muslim dialogue stall will be present in Leicester city centre and on the same day at 4pm, an inter faith football tournament will take place at Judgemeadow Community College

Interfaith Week

19/11/2009

There were also speakers from national, regional and local inter-faith organisations, and all of the guests at the event signed the Charter for Faiths in Leicester and Leicestershire, including the Bishop.

For information about the events see Inter Faith Week at: www.leics.gov.uk/faith

Join Leicester's Biggest Choir

19/11/2009

So we need your help!

All it means is an hour or two of your time on Children in Need day to turn up at Leicester Cathedral at 11:00 and sing.

If you have sung before that would be great - but if you are a beginner and would like to be part of the choir you are more than welcome.

The event is all part of "Sing Hallelujah" a nationwide BBC project encouraging folk to discover the joy of singing.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of George Frideric Handel's death
The idea is to involve as many people as possible from individual beginners to experienced choirs and it all forms part of the celebrations surrounding the 250th anniversary of Handel's death in 1759.

Lay Congress

17/11/2009

Evangelism, how we feel about it and how we can be evangelists in ordinary life was Bishop Stephen’s focus, and he gave much encouragement and food for thought on a day which many regarded as the best Lay Congress in some years. Bishop Tim and Bishop Stephen responded to questions during the afternoon session, ranging from the war in Afghanistan to the use of relics(!).

In among the Q&A was a dramatic presentation from members of the Bishop's Youth Council on the theme of bearing witness to faith amidst the pushes and pulls of daily living - an engaging and imaginative mini-play which captured some of the themes Bishop Stephen had touched on earlier in the day".

All in all a resource-ful, illuminating and energising gathering. Bishop's Stephen's talks are available for download from here

We Will Remember Them

10/11/2009

The service was organised by two members of Support Our Soldiers, Amanda Crowden and Helen Gray. Helen spoke at the service about the life of her son Chris Gray, who died serving in Afghanistan at the age of 19. She said "I wanted to talk in public about him and how proud I am of him and how proud of I am of what he did".

More photographs of the event can be seen on our Flickr pages

New Bishop of Peterborough announced

05/11/2009

The dates of Donald Allister’s consecration as a bishop (which will take place in London) and his installation in Peterborough are as yet undecided but it is hoped that they will be in the early spring.

As his role was announced, Archdeacon Donald said, “I am overwhelmed by this new job but believe it is the Church’s call and God’s call to me. I’m looking forward to leading the Diocese of Peterborough, and getting to know the people, churches and communities there.”

The Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, the Very Revd Charles Taylor, said “I very much look forward to welcoming, installing and working closely with Donald Allister. He has a great loyalty and love for the Church in all its diversity, a breadth of pastoral and administrative experience, a heart for mission and a care for the community.

“His track record reveals a man who, while firm and confident in his faith, has not clung to fixed positions but shown himself willing to travel with others. He will, I am sure, be a bishop for the whole diocese, for people of faith and people of none.”

The Bishop of Brixworth, the Rt Revd Frank White, who has been acting diocesan bishop since the illness and death of Bishop Ian, also welcomed the news. “I am honoured to welcome Archdeacon Donald as he becomes our bishop,” he said. “As the leader of the diocese he will bring fresh ideas and new energy helping us all live more hopefully in a world which needs God’s healing love.

“He will draw on his wide experience as an archdeacon, an excellent foundation for the more public role of the Bishop. As his colleagues in the diocese we look forward to welcoming him and his family to the area.”

Archdeacon Donald says that his first priority will be to listen to the clergy and lay leaders of the diocese, “and hearing from them how they see what’s going on in their areas and the needs and opportunities of the Church. My chief aim is to be a bishop for all the people and parishes of the diocese,” he adds.

“I also relish the opportunity given to me in this new appointment, of sharing faith with people for whom it might be a new thing and of encouraging them further along the road towards knowing God for themselves.”

A biographical summary is appended, and a feature-length biography detailing his current views and experience and including additional comments and quotes is already available on the diocesan website www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/people/donaldalister.htm

Updated - Archdeacon of Loughborough installed

04/11/2009

In a service held at Leicester Cathedral on November 1st, All Saints Day, David was supported by many people from Emmanuel, clergy from across the Diocese, and Church House Staff with whom he'll be working, in addition to members of the Cathedral congregation. Among the well wishers were Lady Gretton, Lord Lieutenant, The High Sheriff and the Chief Constable. The Choir were in good voice and Emmanuel Church Music Group contributed to leading the worship, and the Lord's Prayer was beautifully sung by tenor David Morris.
David is looking forward to his new role in the diocese. Asked what he thought he expected of the job he said “Known, and yet unknown; familiar yet new; of Loughborough but no longer in Loughborough…. its exciting to be working in the diocese where I have been for twelve years, but now in a completely new role, and I look forward to meeting people and seeing places from a new perspective in the days ahead.”
Selected images from the service can be seen on our Flickr site - here

All Age Worship Event

02/11/2009

Churches are being encouraged to use this event in place of their normal Sunday evening service - or as one if you don't already run one. So please get behind this & give your support - let's show just how great our God is! 1,000 voices: all ages, joining together in common worship for 2 hours - make sure you remember where YOU were on the evening of October 11th 2009! See you there! See website: www.greatandgloriousweekend.info
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Contact: Tim Warner at St Luke's Church Thurnby on 07803 951 784, or by email info@greatandgloriousweekend.info

Archbishop visits St Philip's Centre

23/10/2009

In the course of a difficult week, the Archbishop managed to do what he does so well, to listen to and engage with people who may not agree with him but respect him enormously. In a speech described by the media present as ‘inspiring’ he spoke of inter-faith dialogue, that it should not be ‘exotic’ but the norm.

To a group of over 150 people, including faith leaders and civic leaders, he said” What kills community relations is mistrust and even the littlest amount of trust is better than none.” He indicated that what we have in common is of more value than what divides us. In a remarkably candid and personal moment he spoke of his parents generation, and the way that what was acceptable opinion and language has changed and developed since he was a child. We can be confident that society does have different standards now, and should build on this fact.

There were wide ranging questions from the audience, seeking his advice and opinion, and later led a celebratory Eucharist at the church. The Archbishop said that coming to Leicester was always a pleasure and he very much enjoyed being part of St Philips.

Pictured (left to right): Canon Guy Wilkinson, Archbishop's Interfaith Advisor; Ven Richard Atkinson, Archdeacon of Leicester; Most Revd Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury; Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester; Canon Alan Race, St Philip's Church; Canon Andrew Wingate, Director St Philip's Centre.

Called Together

19/10/2009

A congregation of over 400 heard the Rt Revd Gordon Murcell, Bishop of Stafford, speak of us being called to be Evangelists, Ambassadors and Failures, the themes of the readings from Acts 2, 1 Timothy 1 and Genesis 45.

As we gathered the organ was played by Daniel Illiffe, son of Alison, who has been learning with Jonathon Gregory for the last few months, and very good he was too!
After the service 'Brass Wind and Fire' played to the assembled crowd.

Those admitted as Readers and licensed are:
Vivienne Froggatt, The Ascension Team
Alison Illiffe, Kibworth with Smeeton Westerby and Saddington
Janet Harding, The Fenn Lanes Group
Ann Ling, Leire with Ashby Parva and Dunton Bassett and Claybrook cum Wibtoft and Frolesworrth
Rosemary Nicholls, Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon, and Copt Oak
Sheila Langley, Syston Team
Patricia Jeannine Underwood Ashby de la Zouch, Breedon on the Hill and Coleorton
John Harrison, Sileby Cossington and Seagrave
Ann Flower, Kibworth with Smeeton Westerby and Saddington

Contract Signed for the £2.5 Million Renovation of Launde Abbey

16/10/2009

Ian Neale project manager for the Launde Abbey renovation works is pleased to be working with W W Brown and Sons, “Browns put in a very competitive tender for this work and subsequently have worked with us to help to reduce the overall budget. With fundraising still continuing to ensure the long term future of the Abbey this help from W W Brown is invaluable.”
W W Brown and Sonshave experience of working at Launde Abbey having recently carried out works on the stable block and carefully moved the Oxford and Cambridge Hermitage to its new site. This understanding of and sympathy towards the work of the Abbey is added bonus to them winning this high profile work, particularly as the Abbey will remain open throughout the project.
Mark Brown is rightly proud of the heritage of the family business that was established in 1900, “we pride ourselves on personal service with the family directly involved. As well as our own highly skilled employees who will be carrying out the general building works we will be using a variety of specialist firms. As with all Listed, historic buildings the work will be carried out to the highest possible standards.
The building work is now due to commence in November, while the fundraising teams are working as hard as ever to make certain their target of £1 million is achieved before Christmas.

All welcome to Service of Installation

16/10/2009

The service will be at 4.00 p.m. and will form part of our Evening Worship. Light refreshments will be available after the service. It would help us enormously if you would confirm your attendance to Julia Unna at julia.unna@leccofe.org or contact the Cathedral Centre on telephone number 0116 2487 456. Clergy and readers are welcome to robe for the occasion (Choir robes), this will take place in the Visitors’ Centre. To ensure that the list of those robing is as accurate as possible please could you indicate in your reply whether you wish to robe for the Service. The Dean and Chapter look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to the Cathedral for what promises to be a very happy occasion.

The Unit celebrates 1st birthday

14/10/2009

The Friday-night clubs were particularly challenging.

In Spring 2009 we modified our weekly programme, replacing Friday night with a deliberately quieter Monday session.

We aimed to increase the ownership of the clubs by listening to young people’s ideas and requiring them to ‘sign in’ to our attendance register. Each club session aimed to look at a general theme, but, on the most part activities centred around table tennis, pool and computer games.

In this manner we made links with 80 or so young people.

Continuing on our learning curve into the summer, we benefited from Ruth Peake’s experience and energy in coordinating a programme of creative and adventure activities. There are examples of crafts and photos of the action around the room today.

This has led to a new style of clubs from September 2009 in which young people attend, knowing what to expect from the session. At present we’re running two 6-week clubs on Mondays and Tuesdays on cooking and famous people. Tom Cufflin and Mike Mcallister lead these - with support from Becka Leedham and Hope Hamilton Church volunteers. Numbers of young people have sometimes been fewer, but a sense of purposefulness has emerged. I won’t forget seeing 7 lads tucking with enthusiasm into vegetable soup they’d just made, complete with a slight crunch from the not-completely-washed leeks!

On Friday evenings we are working in partnership with Leicester City Council Youth workers (Gafar and his team). There have been some events in the unit, and some detached work in the Hamilton neighbourhood. We particularly look forward to lots of ongoing support from our local police beat officers on Fridays.

We have set up a Youthwork Oversight Team and continue to pursue our youth work strategy, which is:
1) Understand. U’ our local young people better, their hopes, dreams and needs.
2) Provide. P’ activities, openings, chances for young people to thrive and develop skills – for example in achieving goals, or getting involved serving the community.
3) Be. We aim to Be role models for the young people we rub shoulders with here at the Unit and on our estate.
4) Offer. We are a Christian church. We aim to offer young people opportunities to explore faith alternatives for their lives.

When Hope Hamilton Church opened the Unit last October, we dreamed it would be both a space for young people and a hub for community in Hamilton.

Has the Unit become a hub for community?
Yes, it is becoming so, though it has taken longer than we expected. The Joint Action Group and the New Hamilton Residents’ Association committee have met here.
We have hosted several charity events, raising support for Samaritan’s Purse, and Macmillan Cancer Support. The Big Lunch in July took place here. Hope Hamilton Church’s monthly litter picks and graffiti removal have used the Unit as a base.
A cross-section of the community has hired the Unit for family and children’s parties.
Regular classes have been held – a screen-printing course in March, and currently the community weight loss challenge on Monday evenings. The Garden Club meets here monthly on a Saturday morning.

And the future?
Tesco is planning to redevelop the Hamilton site, and have promised a new Unit as part of that development, fitted out by Tescos. Nick Gellatly, from Tesco, was with us at the birthday party. He told us at the party that plans have been stalled due to internal difficulties, and he was unable to give us a timescale for the new development. However Tesco is committed to working with us in the future and to providing a new space for the Unit.

Farewell to Phil and Anne White.
Approx 2 1/2 yrs ago Phil suggested the idea of using this vacant unit for youth work. Various communications bounced back and forth between Bishop Tim and Sir Terry Leahey. A year later we gained permission to start work, and, with the help of many set up the Unit.

Nick thanked Phil for his leadership along this journey.

Over the past 6 years Phil has led Hope Hamilton Church. With the initial core of church members, he saw the importance of building links in and around the local community – with local builders, the police, local church leaders, Tescos and many more agencies and individuals. He is an obligate networker… he lifts the energy of those he meets with his infectious enthusiasm. I guess there is no-one in this room who has not had an inspiring encounter with Phil. And he does not miss the chance to seek out resources too.

Phil and Anne have worked as volunteers and occasional session leaders of youth club meetings, and have played a big part in supporting youth workers serving in and through the Unit.

We presented Phil and Anne with flowers and a card.

It was great to welcome our funders, local councillors, members of the Resident’s Association, local police and school representatives, friends from other Leicester churches, youth workers and young people to our party on 7th October.

As we look towards the future, we seek commitment from all our partners to working together for young people in Hamilton.
Please stay linked up with us. For more information: unit.hope@googlemail.com

Nick and Ros Henwood, Oct 09

Cathedral Square update

12/10/2009

The things that need sorting are basically to finalise a Business Plan which demonstrates how we expect the place to run successfully, and on the back of that to persuade the relevant bodies that it’s safe to release their money to us for the purposes for which they’re offered it – in other words to satisfy what the legal people call ‘due diligence’. So we hope, in the words of either Bob or Barack, to be able to say a resounding ‘Yes, we can!’

Prayer Pointer – pray for all the processes and people involved in the finalisation of the Business plan.

To read more and to keep up to date with this major project:

- don’t forget to check the website, www.cathedralsquare.org.uk - in particular the ‘News Page’

Bishop Tim in Japan

28/09/2009

Koran Girls' School in Tokyo (St Hilda's School) – was established in 1888 by Bishop Edward Bickersteth to enhance women's education based upon the spirit of Christianity.

Bishop Bickersteth was sent to Japan by then SPG in 1886 and was instrumental in jointly implementing the missionary activities of CMS and SPG in Japan. He was consecrated to Bishop by the Church of England in 1886 just before he came to Japan and went on to become the second Primate of NSKK.

Koran Girls' School is for girls aged12 through to 18 and its current enrolment is about 1,000 students.

The Archbishop's full sermon is available here: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/2537

Bishop Tim on YouTube for Back to Church Sunday

21/09/2009

Back to Church Sunday is a national initiative with special services being organised at thousands of churches for people who haven’t been to church in a while, or ever.

Commenting on his time in Mountsorrel, Bishop Tim said, “It was a real joy to spend time in Mountsorrel, hearing from people their views on the church, Jesus, what would help people to come to church, and why some people recently have joined the Christian community. Many people seemed to be receptive to Jesus, but more hesitant about the church. Over the years many have felt something pushed or pulled them away from church, or that it wasn’t always connecting with their lives. Back to Church Sunday is a great opportunity to give us another go. Our hope is for each person in the city and county to experience God’s transforming love revealed in Jesus, but realise that over the years sometimes the church hasn’t always been very good at sharing this with others. Where we’ve let people down or got in the way of God’s message, we are sorry, and would love to welcome them again.”

The video can be viewed below or by clicking on this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBg7FcCz7qQ

Why not try your local church on 27th September – Back to Church Sunday. Or for more details of your closest Back to Church Sunday church contact Carol Gibbons

Photograph © Clive Rasin 2009

Protect the Poor, Pressurise the Politicians

21/09/2009

...As Christians we are called to love God, follow the path of Christ and love our neighbour as ourselves. From these aspects of Christian vocation and witness we derive an ethic and practice of care for God’s creation and action for justice and peace in safeguarding the environment on which all depend, which belongs to God, and which is in our care as faithful stewards and servants of God.

As a Church we recognise the gravity of the ecological problems facing our world and the need to deal with them in ways that offer justice, hope and sustainable livelihood to the poor of the earth. We are committed in the spirit of the Christian faith to work with others, especially those of other faiths, for sustainable development – development that brings justice and decent living standards to the poor and marginalised, that uses wisely the resources of the earth, that safeguards the richness of God’s good Earth for future generations.

With less than four months to go before the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, in December 2009, this year’s Time for Creation provides an obvious occasion for the Church to join with others across Europe in prayerful reflection on those political decisions that need to be taken by governments to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation.

Securing an agreement capable of limiting global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels will require an extraordinary effort that is without precedent in global environmental politics. It will also require a radical change in mentality and awareness in society as a whole. Now more than ever the Church is called to demonstrate its visible commitment to care for the integrity of creation, by living simply and sustainably itself and by pressing governments to provide effective leadership internationally.

Energy saving toolkits launched on 11 June 2009 as part of the Church of England’s Shrinking the Footprint initiative provides a valuable new resource to assist the whole body of the Church to meet its stated ambition of reducing its environment footprint by 80% by 2050. The launch this week of the Climate Justice Fund – a web based tool that enables individuals, parishes and dioceses here in the UK to calculate their own carbon footprint and pay compensation for anything over their share – reminds us that important though mitigation is, our actions can’t begin and end there.

We have a responsibility to protect and assist those vulnerable communities that are already experiencing, through no fault of their own, the devastating impacts of a changing climate. Leaving the world’s poor to sink or swim with their own meagre resources in the face of the threat posed by climate change is clearly morally unacceptable. That is why at its heart climate change is an issue of global justice.

These initiatives, together with the significant Church of England and Anglican Communion statements, and commitments already made by the General Synod, have been assembled by Theos, a Christian Think Tank, for presentation at the Copenhagen Conference and publication on the Shrinking the Footprint website.

Taken together, these efforts illustrate the Church’s understanding that responding to the challenge of climate change requires both changes in lifestyle and also financial compensation to those most affected. Whilst it will be for governments meeting in Copenhagen in December to agree an ambitious and deliverable successor to the Kyoto regime for global reductions in carbon emissions, we have a part to play by joining with others across the world in providing political leaders with an ambitious and compelling mandate to act justly and responsibly.

Climate Justice Fund

17/09/2009

The web-based resource www.climatejusticefund.org managed by aid agency Tearfund helps churches and individuals to calculate their carbon footprint and compare it with what is considered to be their ‘fair share’ of emissions. Any additional carbon usage will be calculated into a financial equivalent. Churches and individuals can then opt to pay this amount into a unique fund supporting Anglican churches in developing countries to help their communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “Communities around the world know that climate change isn’t an issue for future generations, it’s an issue for now. At the heart of the Climate Justice Fund is the knowledge that every one of us can make a difference, whether from helping individuals or demanding an ambitious agreement when the world gathers in Copenhagen this December.”

The Fund will support Anglican dioceses in Africa to respond to disasters caused by climate change, such as flooding. It will also support work to develop sustainable agricultural methods in areas where changes to the climate have affected crops, as well as funding reforestation and development of environmentally sustainable cooking methods.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd James Jones, said: “The Climate Justice Fund gets its income from those saving money by reducing their carbon footprint and gives it to those who are struggling to cope because of climate change. Instead of waiting for Governments to come up with an international agreement we can take power into our own hands and start making a difference. In a world where some emit 20 tons of carbon into the atmosphere each year and others emit less than a tenth of a ton there is no climate justice. We can make the world more just by joining the Climate Justice Fund.”

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, chair of Shrinking the Footprint, said: “Today's launch of the Climate Justice Fund as part of Shrinking the Footprint, the Church of England's national environmental campaign, is yet further evidence that for the Church environmentalism is more than just about saving money by changing a few light bulbs, welcome though that is, but a living out of that most basic Christian vocation to love our neighbour justly and sustainably in the 21st century. The Climate Justice Fund shows the capacity of the Church to behave and communicate symbolically in a way that will hopefully enlarge the room for political manoeuvre and heighten public consciousness as to the challenges that we face by an ever changing climate."

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, welcomed the launch of the Fund: “Climate change is something we have been discussing a great deal in Oxford Diocese. The launch of the Fund is a significant statement in the run-up to the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in December. It’s easy to take part and the effects on the ground will be real and long-lasting: it is another brick in the wall that says we must stop climate chaos.”

Visit the webite here

Climate Change – Are there any Green Solutions for our Communities

15/09/2009

...All the talking, all the documentaries, all the international negotiations have resulted in a net achievement of less than nothing: global emissions just keep going up and up.

As it says in the ‘documentary’, The Age of Stupid, "We wouldn't be the first life form to wipe itself out. But what would be unique about us is that we did it knowingly." And there's the crux of it. We are the most intelligent creature ever to evolve. The first to understand how the overstretching of resources to extinction pathway works and the first with the potential to use our big brains to jump off that pathway before it's too late.

To maximise our chances of preventing runaway climate change, we must quickly and massively cut global emissions. To quickly and massively cut global emissions we need a binding international treaty and the last chance we have to get that treaty within the timescale of the physics of the planet is the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December this year.

Clearly the treaty isn't just made up on the spot; they've been working on it for years.

The best deal currently on the table is that from the EU, which calls for a 30% reduction by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels). If this deal were to be accepted (which is a very big if, given that Japan argues for 8%, Australia for 5% and America for between 0%-6%) and if the emission cuts were then carried out (which is an even bigger if), this would give us about a 50/50 chance of not hitting the dreaded two degrees. Two degrees is where we trigger runaway climate change: two leads to three, three to four, four to five, five to six … by which time it's about over for life on Earth.

In other words, our elected leaders are giving us – at best – a 50/50 chance of avoiding catastrophe. It is hard to imagine a more total failing of our political system.

All of which means that we non-politician human beings who depend on the climate remaining habitable had best jump into action and get the politicians moving.

Fundraising Continues as Launde Abbey Restoration Gets the Go Ahead

11/09/2009

A remarkable £150,000 has been donated during a nine day cycle of prayer which ended on 9th September. This brings the total donated close to the £800,000 mark and has demonstrated to the trustees of the Abbey and the Synod that there is a public will to save the historic retreat for future generations.

The Synod decision is also based on a robust business plan that will ensure the independence and self funding of Launde Abbey in the long term. The news means that essential renovations to bring the building up to health and safety standards and to enhance the facilities can go ahead, while fundraising continues.

Bishop of Leicester, The Rt. Revd. Tim Stevens is delighted with this news, “We have received tremendous support from within the Church of England and from individuals and companies in the wider community. Gaining the approval of the Synod at this stage is a big thank you for those who have worked so hard to generate the funds needed, and brings the target into sight. With just over £200,000 still needed we must continue to push forward to ensure we can complete the work to secure the long term future of this historic and beautiful retreat.”

To donate to the Abbey fund go to the website, www.savelaundeabbey.co.uk

Assistant Bishop welcomed to the Diocese

07/09/2009

Bishop Christopher was welcomed at the West door of the Cathedral , symbolising the welcome of the diocese, and greeted by representatives of the diocesan family. He was anointed for his new ministry and made all the declarations required of clergy starting a new role. Bishop Christopher was also installed as a Canon of the Cathedral by the Dean. The service was a joyful occasion, including spontaneous African dance by a small group of members of the Mother's Union from Zimbabwe. Bishop Christopher spoke of the contrasts in life that he was getting used to once again, and how important it is to belong to each other, in communion. His sermon can be read here. Food and drink was shared afterwards, courtesy of St Catherine's Burbage, to the sound of the Emmanuel Academy Gospel Choir.

Bishop Christopher Boyle was born and grew up in Birmingham. He attended Kings College London and was ordained deacon in 1976. He worked in the Diocese of Birmingham from 1976 to 2001. His ministry there included as Bishop's Chaplain, Parish Priest, Area Dean, and Canon of the Cathedral. In 2000 Bishop Christopher was elected Bishop of Northern Malawi, where he has served for the past eight years.
Bishop Christopher is unmarried and will bring his many pastoral, spiritual and theological gifts to the diocese.

Called Together

03/09/2009

All are very welcome, and members of those congregations who have lay ministers being admitted or authorised are particularly encouraged to attend – tickets are NOT required. Following the service there will be refreshments and musical entertainment to which all are cordially invited.

Bishops Certificate in Youth Ministry

03/09/2009

The six modules cover such topics as;

Young people and worship
Detached work and work on the streets with young people
Self harm
Challenging behaviour
Theologies of youth work
Youth work in open youth clubs
Growing ourselves as youth work practitioners

The course has been designed to fit the needs of frontiers within the Diocese of Leicester, and as such will be run on both Saturdays and Evenings. The times for Saturday sessions will be 9:00am - 3:00pm, and three evening will be needed to correspond to one Saturday.

Participants on the course can swap evening or Saturdays to suit their own particular needs.

We are also pleased to announce that the course is now available to do on-line. Through a web resource we are able to offer interactive teaching which will include the online PowerPoint’s, and an audio conversational facility with a tutor in a virtual classroom. This online option is at no extra cost and may suit those for whom travelling to different parts of the Diocese might be difficult. The online option can be offered during the day at different times.

The overall cost of the course is £75 and we are able to offer bursaries and group discounts if finding this whole cost is a problem.

To register or for more details please call 0116 2487 400 and ask to speak to either Robin Rolls or Catherine Xavier.

Bishops walk and pray to save Launde Abbey

01/09/2009

This Sunday at 10.00 am, the Bishop of Leicester will set off from his home just outside Leicester city centre and walk to Launde Abbey, set in the rolling countryside around 16 miles away. The Suffragan Bishop of Brixworth will leave St Peter’s Church in Belton, Rutland at 1.00 pm headed for the same destination.

Once there, Bishop Tim will start a cycle of prayer that will last, unbroken, for nine days. At the end of that time the Abbey’s trustees will have to conclude whether they can renovate the building and keep it open, or whether they will have to lock the doors and leave them closed for good. The decision will hinge on a special fund-raising team reaching the £1 million mark before the deadline. The fund has received generous donations from up and down the country and currently stands at a little over £600,000. The appeal has received the vocal support of both the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Accompanying Bishop Tim on his journey will be Launde Abbey Warden Tim Blewett. Revd Tim is an active member of the fund-raising team, and recently offered Leicester shoppers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city’s high streets with his ‘contemplation couch’ - an impromptu public demonstration of the benefits of visiting a peaceful haven like Launde. Despite its unusual nature, the ‘spiritual settee’ as some shoppers dubbed it received a fantastic reception, and the two Tims believe that saving the Abbey will be well worth the effort they are currently exerting.

Revd Tim commented: “The doors of Launde Abbey have been open to people of all denominations and social circumstances for over 51 years. The mental and spiritual well-being of thousands has been enhanced by the total tranquility in which to reflect that this place offers and it would be an absolute travesty if the trustees were forced to close it for health and safety reasons.

“We are still a long way short of the salvation threshold, but remain hopeful that there will be a good ending to this latest chapter in the Abbey’s history. I would certainly stop short of saying we need a miracle, but intervention would be divine. It can only be hoped that the Bishop’s journey and prayers will prompt a good Samaritan to intervene in our hour of need.”

The Bishop’s walk to Launde comes at the end of a four-month campaign to raise £1 million to secure the Abbey’s ongoing future. Although self sufficient in its day-to-day running, modern health and safety regulations mean that the 16th Century house, attached to a 12th Century Chapel, must undergo extensive renovation work to include a total overhaul of plumbing and rewiring, new catering facilities, new staircase and a lift for disability access, to remain open to the public.

Blasphemy law in Pakistan: open petition

25/08/2009

Christians and Muslims around the world as well as people of other faiths and those who do not adhere to any religion will have been hearing with real concern, the news of the attacks on the Christian villages of Gojra and Qorian in Pakistan resulting in the deaths of at least seven innocent men, women and children. This was the latest in such attacks over many years and has attracted international condemnation from religious and political leadership in Pakistan and internationally.

One of the causes of such attacks is the ability of extremists and others with private motivations, to incite attacks on Christians and on occasion also on Muslims; and the inability of the police and local judiciary to protect innocent people. The blasphemy laws currently in force in Pakistan provide such people with the means to incite violence and seem to have played a part in the recent incidents which led to the death of a number of Christians.

Following widespread discussions with Christian partners and correspondents in Pakistan, Christian and Muslim organisations in the United Kingdom and with the Pakistan authorities, there is a desire amongst many people to express their concerns to the Government of Pakistan and to press for change in the blasphemy legislation and for the protection of Christians and others who are suffering from its abuse. To this end a petition is now available to be signed electronically and can be reached by clicking here and following the instructions.

The petition is signed by the Rt Revd Michael Jackson, who chairs the Anglican Communion Network for Inter Faith Concerns and by Dr Musharraf Hussain the Chair of the Christian Muslim Forum.

The petition will be delivered to the Pakistan Government and is intended to assist in their efforts to prevent further attacks. The more people who sign, the more effective the petition will be and we urge you to take action now by:

signing the petition yourself
by putting this letter prominently on your own and as many other websites as possible.

It is by actions such as these that people of faith and of goodwill can show their active concern for the good of the world and in this case their support of the Christian community of Pakistan.

Please do sign today - one click makes it possible!

http://pakistansignnow.petitionhost.com/

The Contemplation Couch on tour

14/08/2009

Church Offers Family Friendly Weddings

14/08/2009

This is the first summer season since the Church of England initiated a change in the law to make it easier for couples to marry in church. They have more churches available to them - not just their local parish church - since the Church's General Synod decided that the existing law was too restrictive in a mobile society, and changed it last October. Many churches are already reporting a corresponding rise in weddings.

Now the Church is turning its attention to extending an extra welcome to couples with children, following Archbishops’ Council’s Weddings Project research in Bradford and Buckinghamshire, which found that one in five couples who come to church for a wedding already have children, together or from a previous relationship.

This is backed up by the latest research published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), showing for the first time that for many couples having children is the first major milestone of adult life, ahead of marriage, in contrast to their parents’ generation. Statistics also show an increasing number of couples now live together before their wedding day.

As a response to this, the Church of England has produced two new service guidelines which merge the marriage service with a thanksgiving for the gift of a child or with baptism. The Church hopes these new ideas will help churches show their welcome for couples with children, and give the whole family a special occasion and a new beginning.

Marriage and Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child is ideal for a couple wishing to celebrate their wedding and thank God for the birth of their child on the same occasion.

Marriage and Holy Baptism offers guidance where couples wish to have their child christened - welcomed into the wider church family - on their wedding day.

Welcoming the new guidelines, the Bishop of Wakefield, Stephen Platten, Chair of the Liturgical Commission, said: "Baptism normally is celebrated in a Sunday act of worship - but patterns of relationship and marriage within society are presenting new opportunities for the Church. We are therefore offering guidance on how Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child, or indeed Baptism, might be incorporated within a Marriage service so that the church can respond pastorally to our changing world if a priest feels it would be advisable to offer this option."

Revd Tim Sledge, vicar of Romsey in the Diocese of Winchester, has been asked to ‘merge’ wedding and baptism services several times. He said: “It has been lovely to give couples this flexibility to enjoy an extra special celebration for the whole family. Now the guidelines are available online, the Church can ‘say yes’ and offer an even warmer wedding welcome to couples with children.”

The Church has published guidelines online today at: http://www.cofe.anglican.org.

Q&A's around the new services can be found here

The new guidelines are available at: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/socialpublic/marriagefamily/marriageanddivorce/marriagebaptismthanksgiving.pdf

Gill Jackson visits Tanzania

10/08/2009

In July I visited Tanzania to represent +Tim at the consecration of Isaiah Chambala as the first Bishop of Kiteto. My trip to Tanzania took place during their winter and the dry season. I arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport at night, and I was thankful to be met by Martha, the wife of the Bishop of Mount Kilimanjaro’s, accompanied by a driver. After loading the luggage, the Land Rover refused to start. However, several men sauntered over to offer their support and advice, and with a push from six of them we set off for the city of Arusha.

Arrangements had been made for me to stay in one of the two guest houses within the Bishop’s compound, which I shared with the Bishop of Nairobi and his wife. The first morning I awoke at 4.30am to the ‘call to prayer’. The north of Tanzania is predominantly Muslim - the Christian community is mainly made up of people who have migrated into the city for work. Relationships between the various faiths appeared to be relaxed.

After having a day to ‘orientate’ myself, we set out on Saturday for the nine hour journey to Kiteto. The party consisted of myself and Martha; the Bishop of Nairobi and his wife, and one of the Rural Deans and his wife. The Land Rover journey was extremely arduous, with only one break. It mainly took place on dirt roads, (there is very little tarmac in Tanzania and no train network), which in places resembled a beach, and on other occasions was akin to a rocky (and therefore extremely bumpy) dry river bed. Breathing was sometimes difficult, as dust swirled inside the car with each passing vehicle. I now understand why women wrap their scarves around their faces.

As we continued our journey, the roads were mainly being used by lone children, sometimes as young as two, herding goats ‘in the middle of nowhere’; children and women carrying water and food on their heads; and men on bicycles laden with wood and animal feed. There was also the occasional passing bus or lorry with names such as ‘Judgement Day’ and ‘Final Destination’ - each crammed with people in every available space. There were very few other cars. My abiding memory is one of driving past of a child whom I judged to be three years old. He was herding animals with a stick, whilst balancing a bucket of water on his head. He was utterly alone - except for a young baby which he had tied to his back.

During the journey, much of the passing terrain was brown, parched semi-desert. The crops have failed for the fourth year running and there is a severe shortage of water. The current situation was viewed by everyone I met to be a direct consequence of global warming. We passed extremely long queues of women waiting patiently to fill their plastic containers from a trickle of water – a task that could take them the whole day. Poverty was rife, and people are hungry and struggling to find enough to eat. Whilst conditions have not reached famine proportions, we did occasionally pass a starving naked child standing in a mud yard.

This wide spread poverty is also affecting pastors, who are paid by their congregations. This means that pastors have no idea of their income from one week to the next. In the areas hit most severely by the drought I was informed that a pastor’s salary had fallen as low as 500 T shillings (25p) per week. In response to this we took sacks of grain, maize and vegetables to the houses of several pastors with children we passed en route.

On arrival in Kiteto, we headed straight for the Cathedral. I presented +Isaiah with a ring and cross purchased as a gift from our diocese, and he was delighted and immensely grateful. We were then taken to the hotel where I was staying, together with the Bishops and their wives.

The shortage of food and water was very apparent at the hotel. For a significant proportion of our two day stay there was no running water or electricity. At night, lit candles were placed perilously close to the blankets on our beds as we struggled to find our way round in the pitch black. On our second morning, the staff struggled to find enough food for us for breakfast. After waiting for about an hour we were each given a cup of hot water and a boiled egg.

The day of the consecration of Bishop Isaiah went extremely well. It was attended by what I estimated to be over 1000 people. People were standing in the aisles and spilling out of the door. I was frequently informed during my visit that the Anglican church in Tanzania is growing. A number of basic wooden churches have recently been hastily erected in areas previously without a church.

The service for +Isaiah was in Swahili. It lasted seven hours without a break - a marathon even by African standards! There were choirs from various tribes which each performed with much stomping, dancing, drumming and whistle blowing. This was followed by a shared lunch. The men of the town had been out hunting. It was unclear exactly what they had killed – but it all tasted delicious!

On returning to the hotel, I had a conversation with a member of the kitchen staff. He informed me that many people in Tanzania are currently living on less than a dollar a day. The young man I spoke with earned about £1.25 per day for his work in the kitchen. Both his parents were dead - HIV/Aids is wide spread and life expectancy is getting shorter – and he was responsible for providing for several younger siblings. However, like all Tanzanians I met, he was desperate to gain an education. This is seen to be the only route out of poverty. The annual fees for secondary school are about £50, plus the cost of books, uniform etc – and he simply didn’t have the money.

As conditions worsen in Tanzania and people struggle to survive, corruption appears to be on the increase. This was evident when, on the way down to Kiteto, we were flagged down four times by the police. I was told by my hosts that the police were seeking bribes. They knew, however, that clergy were unlikely to offer them money. After going through the motions each time, the police allowed us to proceed on our way.

Increasing crime, fuelled by poverty as well as drug and alcohol abuse, is also a growing and serious problem. Towards the end of the week I visited the Bible College at Mungu Ishi, where the Korean couple managing the college appear to be doing an exceptional job in very challenging circumstances. Coffee is no longer grown on the farm because the coffee trade has collapsed in Tanzania and it is no longer cost effective. They have therefore diversified into pigs, cattle and vegetables. However, the couple were having to find funding for three night watchmen to protect the farm, as well as asking students to sleep in the fields to guard the crop of maize to prevent it from being stolen.

Later that day I boarded a plane for home. The trip has given me much to think about and reflect on.

Gill Jackson
Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Leicester
July 2009

Archbishop's Statement on Pakistan

06/08/2009

Christians in Pakistan are a small and vulnerable minority, generally with little political or economic power. They are disproportionately affected by the draconian laws against blasphemy, which in recent years have frequently been abused in order to settle local and personal grievances. They need to be assured of their dignity and liberty as citizens of a just and peaceful society. Their good, their security, is part of the good of the whole Pakistani nation. Those of us who love Pakistan and its people, whatever their faith, feel that the whole country is injured and diminished by the violence that has occurred.

I appeal to the Government of Pakistan to spare no efforts, not only in seeing that justice is done in the wake of these terrible events, but also in continuing to build a society in which all faiths are honoured and in which the most vulnerable can be assured of the protection of the law and the respect of their fellow-citizens.

Icons of the Incarnation at Leicester Cathedral

29/07/2009

The evening will also include a performance by Leicester Cathedral’s Assistant Organist Simon Headley of three movements from La Nativite du Seigneur. Tickets £7 on the door (includes refreshments).

There will also be talk on and performance of Oliver Messiaen's music on Tuesday 18th starting at 7pm

The exhibition will then be open daily between Thursday 13 until Sunday 23 August.

Cathedral Service for Special Olympics

22/07/2009

...For more information: Canon Barry Naylor 07757 853 621

Summary of General Synod July 2009

22/07/2009

Finance
The economic downturn provided a challenging context for a debate on Christian Stewardship, after which the Synod commended Giving for Life, a report from the National Stewardship Committee, and an accompanying parish guide. The Synod reaffirmed its challenge to church members to give 5 per cent of their after tax income to and through the church, and a similar amount to other work that helps to build God’s kingdom.

The Synod heard a presentation by the Clergy Pensions Task Group on the future options for the Clergy Pensions Scheme. Their report forms the basis of a current consultation .

Synod noted the report on the Archbishops’ Council’s spending priorities for the period 2010-2015; approved the Council’s budget for 2010; and considered the annual reports of the Council and the Church Commissioners.

Legislation
Synod revised the draft Ecclesiastical Fees (Amendment) Measure, and approved the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations. It gave final approval for two draft Measures dealing with issues relating to Crown appointments, for a number of changes to the Rules of the Funded Pensions Scheme and the Past Service Scheme, and some detailed changes to the Church Representation Rules. Synod also gave First Consideration to two draft measures consolidating current legislation on pastoral reorganisation and on the care of cathedrals.

Governance
Following debate, a motion from the Bradford Diocesan Synod calling for reductions in the numbers of bishops and other senior clergy was amended to call for a progress report on changes to the pattern of dioceses and episcopal deployment, in light of the re-establishment of the Dioceses Commission. Synod also requested a report on the exercise of senior leadership in the Church, complemented by biblical and theological perspectives.

A Diocesan Synod motion from London, supported by a similar motion from Chelmsford Diocese, expressed concerns about the pastoral implications of the Clergy Discipline Measure. Synod invited a report from the Clergy Discipline Commission on whether there is a case for bringing forward draft legislation to amend the Measure or the Code of Practice.

Proposals from the Constitutions Review Group to replace the existing Boards and Councils and restructure the way in which work is done on behalf of the Archbishops’ Council were rejected. The Synod requested revised proposals providing for the fuller participation of elected Synod members.

The Archbishop of Canterbury made a presentation about the recent meeting of the Anglican Communion Council in Jamaica, and answered questions from Synod members.

The Church’s ministry and the community
Synod considered a response prepared by the Archbishops’ Council’s Mission and Public Affairs Division to The Children’s Society’s ‘A Good Childhood’ report . The report before Synod highlighted areas where Christian churches and agencies could offer distinctive responses to the report’s findings. In taking note of the report, Synod also carried a motion renewing its commitment to enriching childhood by helping young people to discover the Christian faith.

The Rt Revd Stephen Lowe made a presentation reflecting on his three years’ work as Bishop for Urban Life and Faith and answered questions from Synod members.

Synod commended guidelines in ‘Opening the Doors: Ministry with People with Learning Disabilities and People on the Autistic Spectrum’ for consideration by dioceses and parishes. The report highlights examples of good practice for the inclusion of people with learning disabilities in the life and work of the Church.

There was also a presentation and group work for Synod members on a report from the Council for Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Advisory Group, on the report of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission on Life in Christ.

Background papers for each debates, alongside links to an audio archive of each session, are available at: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/july09/

A longer summary is available here: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/july09/gsjul09summ.rtf

Petertide Ordinations

07/07/2009

...DIOCESE OF LEICESTER
Petertide Ordinations 2009

Priests
(Leicester Cathedral. 1730 Saturday 4 July 2009. By the Bishop of Leicester)

Elizabeth (Liz) Patricia Angell Syston Team Ministry

Alison Susan Wray Booker Countesthorpe with Foston and Peatling Magna

Andrew (Andy) Paul Cain Hinckley West, Holy Trinity with St John the
Evangelist

Stephen Robert Gamble Loughborough All Saints with Holy Trinity

Rebecca Jordan Ling Leicester, St Christopher

Trevor Richard Parkerson Ashby de la Zouch and Breedon on the Hill

Jane Wood Kirby Muxloe

Deacons
(Leicester Cathedral. 1030 Sunday 5 July 2009. By the Bishop of Leicester)

Martin Roger Castle Leicester, Martyrs

Stephen Andrew Crofts Birstall and Wanlip

Bonnie Jean Evans-Hills Leicester, Resurrection Team Ministry

Carol Ann Lacey Leicester, St Anne, St Paul and St Augustine

Nicola (Nicky) Jane McGinty Barrow-Upon-Soar with Walton-Le-Wolds, Wymeswold, and Prestwold with Hoton

Harriet Grace Orridge Ironstone Villages Family of Churches

Rhona Margaret Passey Hugglescote, with Donington le Heath, Ellistown and Snibston

Andrew (Andy) Craig Rhoades Hexagon Group

Christopher (Chris) Drewett Taylor Shepshed and Oaks in Charnwood

Alison Claire Thorp Bosworth and Sheepy Group

Chloe Ann Mary Willson-Thomas Leicester, Knighton

The Big Lunch

07/07/2009

New Calendar of Prayer issued

30/06/2009

Here is a direct link to the Calendar of Prayer for July to October

July to October

You can find the all the Calendars of Prayer here

MP backs church campaign for asylum seeker

24/06/2009

It has now been revealed that he was due to be deported on June 5, but at the last minute his solicitors got the deportation stopped on the basis that evidence of torture he had been subjected to in the Congo had been overlooked.

Last month British authorities put him on a plane to send him back, but Constant protested so much on being bundled on to the aircraft that Air France refused to take him.

Speaking from a detention centre near Oxford, where he is being held, Constant said: “I fear for my life if I am sent back. I hope people will see what I have been through and let me stay.”

Constant – who is regarded as a political activist in the Congo – lost his two sisters who died in the Republic after being arrested in 2007.

Leicester South MP, Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “It is clear he and his family have been persecuted over a long period of time. There is a very real danger he will come to harm if he goes back. It is now down to the courts to decide his fate.”

Both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, the Bishop of Leicester, are backing the campaign to stop the deportation.

Solicitors now want a judicial review after medical reports detailing burns, scars and wounds he allegedly received before fleeing the Congo, were overlooked.

The story is reproduced from:
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=4599

Urban Fete

23/06/2009

We are also looking for people interested in running a stall

We provide the tables – you fill them! We’re looking for a wide variety of different stalls, to make it interesting, and look forward to receiving a few novel applications as well as the traditional cakes & bric-a-brac variety. Get your thinking caps on folks !

Tables will cost £15.00 for a 3ft and £25.00 for a 6ft to rent and you may keep any profit made for your own worthy cause. Free parking will be provided for stallholders either at Church House or in the St Nicholas Building car park.

Whilst we would love to accept EVERYONE’s applications, we clearly have limited space available and will be aiming at variety rather than “first come, first served”.

If you are interested, please complete the attached Application Form and return it to Stephanie Henderson-Barrett (Stephanie.barrett@leccofe.org) by 10th July 2009.

Link to application form:
http://leicester.strawberryadmin.co.uk/swat/resources/216-Application%20Form%20for%20stallholders.pdf

And also ...... a link to the poster – please help us advertise our “village fete in the city!”
We want it to be a huge success for the Cathedral Square project.
COME AND BE PART OF IT!
Click on:
http://www.leicester.anglican.org/lod/urbanfete3.pdf

Passion opens its doors

15/06/2009

Passion is the Diocese’s first ever ‘youth church’ and speaking at the event, Bishop Tim said ‘this is a profoundly exciting day for the people of Shepshed, right here we can see the generosity of the people of God in action, and this is a very exciting venture to be part of!”

Robin Rolls who is Director of Youth Ministry for the Bishop of Leicester and has brought the centre into being said ‘this has been a fairly brief but exciting journey for many of us, and to be here now inside this amazing place is really a great moment. The community have all come together to unite around young people as one of our greatest gifts!’.

Passion has been funded by the Diocese of Leicester, and is being run by Youth Missioner Mads Morgan, who came into post in January.

Pandemic Flu

12/06/2009

The current pandemic seems to be moderate and causing mild illness in most people.

The H1N1 (swine flu) virus first emerged in Mexico in April. It has since spread to 74 countries. Official reports say there have been 28,000 cases globally and 141 deaths and figures are rising daily. It is the first flu pandemic in 40 years - the last in 1968 with Hong Kong flu killed about one million people.

The UK situation

11 June 2009, 3pm: Department of Health Statement "25 further patients under investigation in England have today been confirmed with swine flu. Together with the 47 cases in Scotland announced yesterday (June 10 2009) by the Scottish Government, this brings the current total number of confirmed UK cases to 822.

The localised cases of swine flu found in the UK have so far been generally mild in most people, but are proving to be severe in a small minority of cases.

We are continuing to work to slow the spread of the disease and to put in place arrangements to ensure that the UK is well-placed to deal with this new infection."

General Advice: Check the Department of Health website for latest advice.

Action to be taken by clergy

The WHO has asked organisations to prepare to implement pandemic protocols.

This work is underway in the UK and diocesan guidance on maintaining pastoral care during the pandemic will be sent shortly.

The following website and documents contain more information:

Department of Health Pandemic Flu website

NHS Pandemic Flu website

DirectGov website Pandemic Flu pages

Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu : Guidance for faith communities and local influenza pandemic committees.
The House of Bishops' guidance on Hygiene and the Chalice (still current).

Clergy should continue to follow general good practice guidelines when visiting. Simple hygiene precautions are the most effective safeguard against spreading this type of virus. See the NHS Choices website for more details.

Catch it – always carry tissues and use them to sneeze or cough in

Bin it – bin the tissue after a single use

Kill it – wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water often

Please check this website on a regular basis for updates and information. Also check your local media. Information will be released at the appropriate time by email to clergy and on this website if the threat level increases further.

New Report on Destituition in Leicester

05/06/2009

Seventy-one of the people interviewed had health problems, with 23 describing symptoms of stress and depression. 36 people said they were caring for children.

The report, entitled Destitution in the Asylum system in Leicester, is being launched today (Friday 5th June) at the office of the British Red Cross in Leicester.

The forum is making a number of recommendations to government policy-makers and the voluntary and community sector in Leicester to try to tackle this crisis.

Aidan Hallett, co-chair of the forum and Area Manager of Refugee Action Leicester, who coordinated the survey, said: "The problem with the current system is that it treats asylum seekers as if they are all in the same situation. The government says they should go home, but some are simply too scared to return or are from countries that are so dangerous they cannot be returned there. We want to see those people given temporary leave to remain. One thing that this survey has confirmed is that destitution is not forcing people to go back to their countries, it is merely making people desperate and vulnerable and is pushing them to the margins of society. It is appalling that there are so many people who have been living like that for so many years."

The report reveals that almost half of those surveyed had become destitute because their asylum claims had been fully refused. However, 12 per cent had become destitute due to administrative problems or delays within the UKBA support system and 11 per cent because they could not find a lawyer to represent them.

Aidan said: “Asylum seekers should receive proper legal advice so their cases can be fully and fairly heard. Those who are refused should be supported or be allowed to work until it is safe for them to return to their country of origin. It is unacceptable that we force people, including children and sick people, into destitution in the UK in 2009.”

The launch of the fifth report will take place at the British Red Cross Offices at 244 London Road, Leicester from 10.00am. Refugee Action is organising the media launch on behalf of the Forum. To organise an interview or photographs please call Julia Ravenscroft, press officer at Refugee Action, on 0161 233 1956 or at juliar@refugee-action.org.uk or alternatively Aidan Hallett, Area Manager, Refugee Action Leicester on 0116 261 6205 or aidanh@refugee-action.org.uk.

For more information contact Julia Ravenscroft, Press Officer at Refugee Action, on 0161 233 1956 / 07771 748 159 or Juliar@refugee-action.org.uk.

Wandering Leicester Vicar makes Clergy Twitter Top Ten

03/06/2009

But Simon is no ordinary vicar who will simply walk 500 miles, contemplating the meaning of life on the way. He is a technologically savvy clergyman, who uses a blog and Twitter to make sure everyone can follow his journey. Daily updates on his adventures, mishaps and progress have gathered a number of followers over the last month and have made Simon one of the top ten clergy “tweeters” by the number of tweets. The top ten has been compiled by the Church Mouse Publishing Blog website that follows all the tweets of Bishops and clergy in the Church of England. Visit http://www.simonwalkshome.blogspot.com/ or http://twitter.com/SimonJHarvey/statuses/1657409075 to read Simon’s latest updates and follow him on his way home.

Simon is grateful for the support: “I can’t thank everyone enough for the comments I receive via Twitter and my blog. They make me smile and mean a lot now that I'm far away from family and friends. It's great to connect with everyone back home - it feels as though I have travelling companions!”

Ecclesiastical presented 52 Ministry Bursary Awards this year. Since 1987 more than 650 clergy have received a grant to support a work-related project, study course away from a demanding ministry or research in the UK or abroad. The awards are open to all members of the clergy in full time stipendiary ministry in a Christian Church.

Use your Cross: Vote for hope not hate.

26/05/2009

June 4th is European and County Council Election Day.

Leicestershire Church Leaders are deeply concerned that British National Party election publicity suggests Christians should vote for them.

We disagree with the BNP. In fact, BNP policies would have turned Jesus, Mary and Joseph away from their party and from our shores when they were fleeing from Herod and seeking asylum.

Christ’s command that we should love our neighbour is not something that the BNP would apply to everyone in our communities – despite the biblical teaching that we are all made in the image of God.

The Christian vision of society is one where each person is treated with dignity and respect, whatever their race or religion. It is a vision of hope.

Churches Together in Leicestershire are totally opposed to the BNP’s attempts to stir up racial and religious hatred, use false and distorted claims to exploit people’s fears, and create suspicion between communities. We reject their message of division and conflict. To defeat racist policies and platforms, a high turnout on June 4th is vital. This is especially true in the European elections which are decided by proportional representation.

Leicestershire is part of the East Midlands constituency where BNP candidate Rev. Robert West (of an independent church) is standing. He only needs 8.4% of the vote to be virtually certain of a seat and the money and public platform that goes with it.

We urge all our congregations and communities to use their vote for one of the other parties in the elections and so ensure that the British National Party do not get a seat in the East Midlands.

In the words of Edmund Burke: ‘It is necessary only for the good to do nothing for evil to triumph’.

Peter Yates
Director of Social Responsibility
Diocese of Leicester

Michael Hockaday
Chairman
Churches Together in Leicestershire

Earlier Statement jointly signed by the Presidents of Churches Together in Leicestershire

We represent Christians in Leicestershire who belong to our Church congregations and fellowships.
Our care is not only for our members, but also for the communities in which we and they live, work and worship. We are charged with pursuing the common good of all people, but especially those who are in particular need and who find themselves marginalised and disadvantaged in our society. We cannot stand by when groups and individuals are maligned, misrepresented and singled out for verbal or even physical abuse.

In a democracy it is even more alarming when prejudices founded upon country of origin, race or religion become part of a political platform, and are offered to the electorate for endorsement.
So we wish to express in the strongest terms our distaste for any political platform which has the effect of destabilising communities through the use of misinformation, scare stories and inflammatory rhetoric and which should be resisted and not rewarded, be it via the ballot box, silent assent or public endorsement. The presence in our communities of a significant number of people who have arrived in this country, often fleeing their homes in fear, and who now think of our country as their home, undoubtedly raises issues which have to be addressed. However, these issues must be addressed in an informed and balanced way according to the highest standards of civilised society and mutual respect. There is now sufficient evidence to confirm that the overwhelming majority of those who arrive in our society are vital to the economic well-being of our region, and they can also greatly enrich the cultural life of our communities if encouraged to do so.
Finally, and for the avoidance of doubt, we confirm that no Ordained Ministers from any of our Churches will be standing as BNP candidates in the forthcoming elections. We further confirm that the core beliefs and policies of the BNP are inconsistent with the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.
Signed: The Revd. Alison Tomlin, Chairman of Northampton Methodist District
The Revd. Tim Wooley, Director of Mission, Northampton Methodist District
The Rt. Revd. Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester
The Revd. Terry Oakley, Moderator of East Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church
Major Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander, East Midlands Division of the Salvation Army
The Rt. Revd. Malcolm McMahon, Roman Catholic Bishop of Nottingham
The Revd. Dianne Tidball, Regional Minister, East Midlands Baptist Association
Mr Michael Hockaday, Congregational Federation

For the Presidents, Churches Together in Leicestershire

Enter your Church into the Surefish Church website of the year awards

22/05/2009

The Surefish Church Website of the Year Award is sponsored by Christian Aid and Church Times and has six specific categories, five of which will be judged by a panel of experts.

The overall winner of the 2009 Local Church Website of the Year, will be voted for by visitors to the Surefish and Church Times websites.

Andrew Jackson, editor of Surefish, Christian Aid’s community website, says: ‘We are particularly keen for entries from Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed Church and Catholic sites to match the large number of Anglican Church entries that we have received.

‘We would also like more entries into the regional website award, for dioceses, synods and districts, and the national category, for the websites of denominations.’

The six categories are:

2009 Local Church Website of the Year
2009 Regional Church website of the Year
2009 National Church website of the Year
Best Christian Blog
Best Christian Youth Website
Most Innovative Christian website

The winners of five of the categories will be made at a special judging day which will also decide the shortlist for the Local Church Website category.

The winner of that award will be decided by an online vote...

Paul Handley editor of Church Times, said: ‘The awards are showing the immense talent that people bring to their church and community websites. Some of the entries are very strong and the panel of judges will have a tough time deciding on the winners.’

The awards are also sponsored by the Christian think-tank Ekklesia, which is offering a consultancy day worth up to £300 as a prize, Christian Technology, which is offering free web hosting for a year for each of the six winners, worth up to £1,500, and Divine Chocolate, which has donated a hamper of fair-trade chocolate for each of the winners. The winners will also receive a trophy and certificate. The overall winner will also receive a family ticket to the Greenbelt festival, worth £231.

The award ceremony will take place at Christian Aid headquarters in London on Tuesday 9 July.

Church 'ad agency' launches five year campaign

20/05/2009

Mike Elms, former CEO of advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, and trustee of ChurchAds.Net, said; “For years churches across the UK have produced posters to promote Christmas, but no one has run a full campaign, with a long-lasting slogan that runs and builds year on year. This December, for the first time ever, churches will be able to gather under a united campaign with the slogan “Christmas Starts with Christ”. Each year ChurchAds.Net will produce different posters, radio ads and downloadable church resources using the new slogan.”

The ChurchAds.Net Christmas campaign for 2009 will have three elements: a bus stop poster, radio ads and downloadable materials for use in local churches.

Poster
From September churches will be able to go to www.ChurchAds.Net and for £100 buy their local bus stop advertising space for the campaign poster. The poster will be displayed for two weeks in the run-up-to Christmas. The 2009 poster will feature a painting by Andrew Gadd of the nativity set in a bus stop. The poster was piloted in 2008 and received an endorsement from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Radio ads
Churches will also be able to buy space on radio stations for the specially produced radio ads. The radio ads will be released in September.

Resources
Churches will shortly be able to download, free of charge, resources including small posters, graphics for service sheets and web material, all designed to help churches grow their congregations.

About ChurchAds.Net
ChurchAds.org, formally know as the Churches Advertising Network (CAN), has secured the services of some of the UK’s top award winning advertising executives and designers, who give their work to the church for free.

Unsung Heroes competition- get your entries in

20/05/2009

The competition will be seeking the volunteers who keep rural churches, chapels and churchyards thriving and at the centre of their communities. The aim is to highlight the wide range of voluntary activities taking place in and around those buildings – from maintaining the fabric against all odds to developing and taking forward an imaginative community use of the building.

As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, writes in a special Country Life article to launch the competition: “In our countryside, armies of unsung heroes are keeping the circulation going in the community’s body. They are organising community celebrations and simple local services like mothers and toddlers groups or drop-in centres. But they are increasingly stepping into the gaps that have opened up in rural society in the last ten years or so.”

The Easter Country Life will include all the details of the Unsung Heroes competition, an entry form and instructions on how to submit nominations. Groups of church or chapel members can get together to nominate their own special Hero.

In previous years, Country Life has run competitions about churches being used to serve the wider community. “This year’s is quite different: it is about people,” says Archbishops’ Council member Anne Sloman. “It is about the volunteers who keep country churches alive. That might be the organist, the flower arranger, the cleaner, the person who keeps the churchyard under control.

“Their heroism might be linked to children's activities or anything else taking place in the building: but it isn't about projects so much as the heroes who run them.”

The competition aims to highlight the wide range of voluntary activities taking place in and around churches and chapels and their churchyards, ranging from maintaining the historic fabric to developing or managing imaginative community initiatives. And all this in addition to being places of worship and vital oases of calm and reflection in a busy world.

Nominations are sought for volunteers who:

o have initiated and taken forward projects which support the church building directly such as fund-raising activities or rejuvenating the churchyard; or

o help keep the building open as a valuable community resource by organising events such as weekly community lunches or concerts inside the church; or

o manage the setting up of a community shop, farmers’ market or post office, again inside the church or its grounds.

Competitors may nominate themselves, or be nominated by their parish collectively, minister or priest.

For more information, 'phone 020 7898 1621 or email louis.henderson@c-of-e.org.uk.

Download your entry form here

All entries have to be in by the end of May.

Diocesan Presence at the County Show

12/05/2009

People seemed genuinely pleased to find the Church out and about and many were willing to talk about their own churches and the need for those churches to set an example in ‘Greener Living’. While the limitations of the buildings were recognised, most felt that everyone could do something to help the situation of Climate Change.
On an individual level an encouraging number of people said that they were trying to be more environmentally aware and they recycled as much waste as possible. Sadly there are still people who proudly state that they think the whole idea of Climate Change and Global Warming is a con. and do not recognise any problem facing Our World.
Mind you, two days freezing at Melton Airfield and, doubts begin................
How green are you? Visit www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/greengames
And try a fun quiz to find out just how environmentally friendly your life is.
We must extend our thanks to the organisers of the show for their invitation to us to have a stand and to provide morning worship each day and a family service on Sunday afternoon; next year we look forward to seeing you all there!

Archbishop's Zimbabwe appeal raises almost £300,000

11/05/2009

In a joint statement, the Archbishops said:
“The support of the general public has been overwhelming, and we have been humbled by the response so far. We know that rebuilding Zimbabwe is a long-term aim, and this short intervention is still only reaching a small number of the many millions in need. Thank you for enabling us to do this.

“Our brother Bishops in Zimbabwe have highlighted the need for immediate relief activities to address the cholera epidemic and starvation, but also that we support programmes that provide long term solutions to poverty. So at their request we will be providing seed-corn for crops in time for the planting season which normally starts end of October.

“More of the dioceses of Zimbabwe are expected to send in their specific requirements in the next few weeks, and they have told us that their focus will be on the most vulnerable in their communities; those living with HIV, the elderly as well as children.

Staff from USPG and Lambeth Palace have just returned from meeting with the Zimbabwe bishops and their staff to hear their long terms plans for community work in the areas of health, agriculture and peace building.

“Whilst we know that food is the first priority we have also committed to buy medicines, initially for six clinics, and we expect the first of these vital medical supplies to be dispatched in the next weeks.

Three dioceses, those of Central Zimbabwe, Masvingo and Matabeleland, are the first ones to roll out the supplementary feeding programme in schools, and Easter week saw the first food distributed through the Church schools.

The Rt Revd Michael Doe, General Secretary of USPG; Anglicans in World Mission said:
“We’ve been astounded by the response of the General Public, and we thank all those that have supported the Archbishops’ appeal over Lent – we know of many more churches and dioceses who have pledged to support the appeal in the Easter season and beyond.”

The Archbishops’ appeal (which is being administered on their behalf by USPG: Anglicans in World Mission) will be accepting donations for the rest of 2009

Statement from Bishop Tim on the announcement of the death of the Bishop of Peterborough

08/05/2009

Writing to Bishop’s Ian’s wife and colleagues, Bishop Tim commented, “I know I speak for the diocese of Leicester in writing to say how sad and shocked we all are to hear the news of Bishop Ian’s death. He had been unswervingly brave in facing his illness during the last 18 months and had continued to play his part in the house of Bishops and elsewhere. We shall miss him very much in this diocese as a friend and partner, especially in our recent collaboration at Launde Abbey.”

Bishop Tim has asked churches in the diocese to remember Bishop Ian and his wife Jo and their family in prayers over this weekend.

Be part of BBC's 'the Big Questions'

08/05/2009

To give you some background, The Big Questions is the BBC’s flagship ethical and moral debate programme. It is hosted by the experienced television and radio presenter Nicky Campbell, and airs live on Sunday mornings from locations all around the country. The show addresses tricky moral questions facing the nation today, consulting panellists, front row experts and a select studio audience. Beliefs, informed opinions and personal stories are all aired during three lively debates. As an audience member, you may even get the chance to contribute to the discussions yourself, although due to the number of people in the audience we can’t guarantee this.

If you’d like a seat in the audience, please contact me as soon as possible, making sure to leave a contact phone number. You can reach me on rmayer@mentorn.tv, or on 01865 811139. If you are applying for more than one ticket, please include names and contact details for all the people interested in attending.

Diocese wins 'Green Life Award'

08/05/2009

The Diocese was also awarded a Rhamnus frangula – Alder Buckthorn to plant as a permanent mark of the achievement.

The overall award winners were Leicester College for their Carbon Reduction, food initiatives and building improvements; Konnect 9 for their re-distribution of surplus goods to disadvantaged people; and the top prize went to Transition Leicester for their Awareness raising work.

Constant Moussavou Update

05/05/2009

The Church of England in Leicester has been fighting his case as he is part of the congregation at St Margaret's Church and has volunteered as a street pastor.
They have been given a boost with the news that a Home Office approved expert in Paris has said crucial documents in the case are genuine.
Mr Moussavou's solicitor has now instructed a barrister to take on the case.
But there is still a long fight ahead and his supporters are mystified as to why he has now been moved from Oakington Detention Centre, Cambridgeshire, to Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre, in South Lanarkshire.
Canon Barry Naylor, of St Margaret's Church, said: "This expert, who is approved by the Home Office, has said as far as she can see these documents are entirely authentic.
"It is a boost we have this new evidence. But we just have to wait and see what happens. Everything takes a very long time.
"For reasons no-one seems to be clear on, he has been moved to Dungavel House, which is in the Scottish countryside far from anywhere. The conditions are a little better – but it is very far away.
"He has told me he was heartened by the number of church members at St Margaret's who sent him Easter cards.
"He said it was like his birthday."
The documents that have been authenticated are the death certificates for Mr Moussavou's sisters and an arrest warrant proving Mr Moussavou, 33, is wanted by the government in the Republic of Congo.
The certificates give no cause of death.
They were, however, sent with a letter from one of Mr Moussavou's friends who testifies that when he went to identify their bodies they had been badly beaten. They were previously rejected by the Home Office.
But Mr Moussavou's supporters hope the new testimony, by this expert in African documents, will have an impact on the case.
Peter Yates, director of social responsibility for the diocese of Leicester, said: "We are hoping the court will acknowledge he has a real fear for his life if he is returned.
"There is also the fact we are now at the end of April and he has been detained since November.
"This has been going on for six months. Why could he not have been on bail?
"He has not committed any crimes."
During his five years in Leicester, Mr Moussavou integrated himself into the community, learning English and going to St Margaret's Church.

Statement about Influenza A, H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu)

01/05/2009

As media and public interest in the Influenza outbreak grows, I feel it is important to let clergy and others with responsibility throughout the Diocese know of our involvement in the plans if this outbreak escalates and becomes the predicated Pandemic.

We have been working for some time with other agencies through the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Resilience Forum to ensure than the emergency plans for such an outbreak are robust. Local clergy will play an important role if a pandemic is declared and as emergency plans are put into operation. The Archdeacons will be the lead staff in this Diocese and will co-ordinate our response.

As this stage it is important to underline that a pandemic has not been declared. The Diocese will wait on the formal declaration from the Government should this occur, and we should all be ready to follow the instructions given to us in that situation. Clergy and other leaders are encouraged at this stage to ensure that church members and others they come into contact with are following the good practice regarding to help stop the spread of germs issued by the Government through the NHS and Health Protection Agency, which can be found on their websites.

The national Church have today issued prayers to be used in churches from this weekend, for those affected by this situation. These can be found elsewhere on the Diocesan website, or though this link http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr4709.html

The Diocesan website and Diomail will continue to be the place where updates about our response will be posted.

+Tim

Prayers for use in connection to Influenza outbreak

01/05/2009

FOR THE PEOPLE OF MEXICO

Sovereign God,
the defence of those who trust in you
and the strength of those who suffer:
look with mercy on the people of Mexico:
   bring healing to those infected with the virus,
   give wisdom and insight to doctors, nurses and health professionals,
   and bring calm and peace to all within the nation,
through our mighty Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRACTED THE VIRUS

The almighty Lord,
who is a strong tower for all who put their trust in him,
whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth obey,
be now and evermore your defence.
May you believe and trust that the only name under heaven
given for health and salvation
is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.

May our Lord Jesus Christ,
who healed the sick and brought comfort to those in need,
by his risen presence be with all who have contracted this virus,
take from them all that harms and hinders them,
and fill them with his healing and his peace.
Amen.

GENERAL PRAYERS

Heavenly Father,
giver of life and health:
comfort and restore those who are sick,
that they may be strengthened in their weakness
and have confidence in your unfailing love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Creator and Father of all,
we pray for those who are ill.
Bless them, and those who serve their needs,
that they may put their whole trust in you
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The general prayers and prayers for those who have contracted the virus are adapted from ‘Common Worship’, published by the Archbishops’ Council.

Save Launde Abbey Appeal Goes National

01/05/2009

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/5251072/12th-century-Church-retreat-house-faces-closure-because-of-health-and-safety-finest.html

Tony Blair Faith Foundation "Faith Acts Fellows" Announced in UK

22/04/2009

Bilal Hassam from Leicester has been chosen as a remarkable and noteworthy young leader who will now dedicate 10 months of his life towards mobilising faith communities to combat deaths from malaria.

Bilal said, “From a local to an international level people of faith have an incredible amount to contribute to the challenges that our societies face. As a Muslim, I am looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate the mutual faith I share with communities across the UK and direct that zeal and passion to help eliminate deaths caused by Malaria, Africa’s biggest killer. It is through engagement and initiatives like the Faiths Act Fellowship that people of different faith communities can come together and work towards the spiritual, moral and intellectual development of a united British and global community.”

The Faiths Act Fellowship, launched in partnership with the Interfaith Youth Core, comprises of 30 outstanding young people of diverse faiths aged between 18-25 from the UK, US and Canada. From August 2009, they will embark on a ten month journey of interfaith service. Working in interfaith pairs, they will reach up to tens of thousands of people of faith through outreach activity, informing them in person and online about the devastating impact of malaria and the opportunities open to faith communities to work together to save millions of lives.

St Philip’s Centre in Leicester will be a host organisation for the Fellows, and will help them make contact and work with local faith communities.

Riaz Ravat, Faith Training Development Manager said, “St Philip’s Centre is delighted to be working with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s Faiths Act Fellowship by hosting a pair of Fellows, and it is particularly timely with World Malaria Day on April 25^th coming up. Interfaith activity is ever more important in an increasingly uncertain and globalised world. The purpose of our Centre is study and engagement in a multi faith society. Therefore, Leicester will be an ideal base for the fellows as they interact with the diverse faith communities in our city and county which the Centre works with on a host of programmes.”

Malaria kills a child in Africa every thirty seconds. Pregnant women and children under 5 are the most vulnerable. Yet it is entirely preventable. Places of worship are present in every village in every part of Africa, forming effective networks in practical ways to reach people in need everywhere. The Faiths Act Fellows will galvanise faith communities in the developed world to support those in Africa, and demonstrate that if faiths work together, they can do even more than what has been achieved apart.

Tony Blair added, “I am delighted we have been able to select such an outstanding and admirable group of young people from the hundreds who applied for a position in the Fellowship. I am certain they will accomplish a tremendous amount. Faith communities around the world have historically achieved great things to combat global problems. I believe that by faiths coming together to tackle the problem of malaria deaths, as part of a global coalition, we can really prevent this disease.”

Big Audience for Christ in the Centre 2009

16/04/2009

Actor James Burke-Dunsmore, who directed the drama and plays Christ, said this year’s event achieve fresh heights, and praised the hard work of the amateur cast, which included many members performing in the event for the first time:

“It was wonderful to see such a big crowd celebrating the Easter story. It is a great thrill to work with such an enthusiastic cast and see them draw such inspiration from the drama – they bought the whole story to life.

“The reaction generated in Leicester is exceptional. The explosion of emotion at the resurrection scene has always been extraordinary, while the hush during scenes like the Last Supper is astonishing – you are standing on stage before thousands of people and you can barely hear a breath.

“As an actor, I have experienced yet more evidence of the potential of this story to transform lives. Jesus’ life is the greatest example to us all”.

Canon Barry Naylor, who chairs the organising committee, was delighted by the success of the 2009 production, especially given the financial constrictions that organisers had to overcome:

“We made substantial cuts to the event budget – moving from using three venues and stages to just two - but still managed to produce a very moving and inspiring drama.

“Presenting a major outdoor event like this still requires a lot of co-operation, and we received excellent support from the Festivals Unit of Leicester City Council, and from everyone at HighCross Leicester.

“During the year we made several appeals to the public to help with funding the event, and the people of Leicestershire responded generously, which demonstrates how much they value and appreciate the event. Their support gives us a firm basis for starting to plan the 2010 and future events”.

* A full gallery of photos of Christ in the Centre 2009 - taken by Rob Marsh – is available on http://www.ordermyphotos.co.uk/jalbum/107168103330A/index.html

Archbishop's Easter Sermon

14/04/2009

“It’s worth remembering that Paul of Tarsus joined the Christian community not as a well-meaning religious enquirer but as someone who had been the equivalent of a terrorist gunman, someone who had supervised the activities of a private militia devoted to abducting and imprisoning members of the Christian sect. He is a perfectly intelligible figure in the back streets of modern Beirut or Baghdad. And he has to find his ‘heaven’ by going, undefended and unvouched for, to the people he has been trying to silence and kill. Can anyone live like this? If the Colossians or Corinthians or Philippians had asked this, at least Paul would have been able to say yes: I have lived it, or, It has lived itself out in me and in those who were my victims.”

The Archbishop suggests that our present day fascination with monastic life is one sign that people may be looking to find ways of living their faith, finding in shared silence and prayer a form of witness to live in peace and according to a spiritual discipline:

“those who freely decide to live lives of continence and poverty in the first monastic communities, the men and women who tried to live out the life of heaven in the daily discipline of life together, giving themselves time to discover their most deeply hidden failings and fears, their most deep-seated difficulties with themselves and other people and not running away but letting the action of God through the life of the community heal them bit by bit. We’re still fascinated by this life – we joke about it, yet have an uneasy respect for it, as a whole series of television presentations will confirm.”

The Archbishop goes on to urge the Church to encourage and pray for those seeking to explore the monastic life, and give greater recognition to those who have chosen “the path of contemplation”. He argues that this is especially timely in the current financial situation - which has shown that human fulfillment cannot be measured by material effects:

“The present financial crisis has dealt a heavy blow to the idea that human fulfilment can be thought about just in terms of material growth and possession. Accepting voluntary limitation to your acquisitiveness, your sexual appetite, your freedom of choice doesn’t look so absurd after all as a path to some sort of stability and mutual care. We should be challenging ourselves and our Church to a new willingness to help this witness to flourish and develop.”

The challenge, he says, remains for us all:

"When all’s said and done, the call is to every one of us. We need to hear what is so often the question that’s really being asked when people say, ‘How do you know?’ And perhaps the only response that is fully adequate, fully in tune with the biblical witness to the resurrection is to say simply, ‘Are you hungry? Here is food.’"

Lent Appeal

14/04/2009

Don't forget this years Bishop's Lent Appeal, Positive about fighting HIV

How would we feel if these were our children and young people?

In reality, they are our brothers and sisters in our link diocese, and they need and deserve our support.

The HIV/AIDS Awareness, Attention and Alleviation Project, based at the Dr Anne Booth Mission hospital in Dharapuram, is doing stirling work in educating people (young and old alike) about HIV and challenging stigma and the resulting isolation of those living with the virus.

It also offers HIV testing in a safe, confidential environment, which encourages people to find out about their HIV status so that they can receive appropriate medical care and hopefully live much longer.

• A gift of only £3 can provide a simple HIV test
• £100 is sufficient to fund one community awareness programme
• £200 can fund a screening camp in a village.

If your Parish is holding any fundraising events over the coming weeks please let us know and we can highlight them on the website. Groups and inviduals should contribute using the attached form

To donate please download and fill in the form here:

http://leicester.strawberryadmin.co.uk/swat/resources/712-lent%20appeal2%20nonprint.pdf

Lent Pilgrimmage

On Ash Wednesday , 25th Feb, the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, started his Lent Pilgrimage for this year. Following the successful walk of many miles around the Diocese in 2008, this year the Bishop is focussing his thoughts and actions on the communities where people are struggling most, sharing in acts of care and service as well as taking time to listen.

Read his blog here

Acting on the Biblical imperative to care for the poor, the widowed, the orphaned and the exiled, Bishop Tim will spend time visiting communities where people are struggling the most. He will visit the elderly, the sick, the young, the unemployed and the addicted during an extended timetable of action in the six weeks of Lent, including ten full days of visits. Where possible the Bishop will use public transport to travel to the days’ venue where, in addition to service users, he will meet with local clergy, volunteers and the professionals working in the community.

The theme of this time of action is ‘Strengthen our Hands’, a theme taken from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah (Chapter 6, verse 9). A manual has been produced for the pilgrimage to enable everyone to share in the experience through prayer and an increasing understanding of the problems. In his foreword Bishop Tim writes,

“We now know that we are entering some of the most difficult economic times since the second World War. Although this will be challenging for most of us, the difficulties which some of the most vulnerable in our communities will face deserve our attention, prayer and concern .… Lent is a time for questioning our priorities and reflecting together on the use of our resources. I hope that the pilgrimage will help me to do that and also to share my thinking with the wider Diocese”.

Copies of the Bishop pilgrimage manual are available for collection free from Church House reception, 3-5 St Martin's East, LE1 5FX and online at www.leicester.anglican.org

Highlights of the Bishop’s pilgrimage will also be available on www.leicester.anglican.org

Also this Lent, Christian Aid is inviting you to take part in an online pilgrimage through the Holy Land and it was launched this week with many leading clergy from all denominations including Bishop Tim.

The Pilgrimage takes us from Bethlehem to Nazareth to Jerusalem and we will go beyond hearing about the people of the region and hear from them instead, we will not only pray for them but with them.

Local Christians, Jews and Muslims will tell their stories to help us understand how the conflict touches the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians, and how hard many people are working for peace.

The interactive blog will be updated daily with short videos, podcasts, photo galleries, prayers and stories to bring the Holy Land alive over the Lenten period. Read the stories, see the sights, share with us your thoughts and prayers as we reflect on what our faith has to tell us about this troubled part of the world.

For more information and to sign up for this special journey click on the Advert on the home page or visit: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/lent/journey-to-jerusalem.aspx.

Archbishops’ appeal for Zimbabwe launched Nationally

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have launched a joint appeal to help counter the humanitarian crisis and deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe.

The Archbishops’ appeal for Zimbabwe highlights the support needed by churches, which are struggling to feed the hungry and heal the sick, and are suffering alongside their communities.

In a joint article in today’s Times, the Archbishops have said:

“We have been witnessing the slow death of a people. And slow death is only intermittently newsworthy; nothing to report except more of the same, so that the temptation is to switch off. But this doesn’t mean that the need for hope is any less urgent on the ground.”

“With about fifty per cent of the population now estimated to be in danger of starvation, with cases of cholera rising to nearly 75,000 and a fatality rate of one in twenty, with AIDS still a mass killer and no antiretrovirals available, with raw sewage pumping into streets, the humanitarian situation is as bad as it could be.”

“The Church remains a trusted deliverer of aid at grass roots level, capable of getting food and medical supplies to those who need them, and we urge everyone, inside and outside the Christian Church, to give it their strong support. And for Christian believers, we want to repeat the Primates’ call for prayer and fasting especially today, Ash Wednesday – accepting our responsibility to stand alongside all who are suffering in Zimbabwe.”

The Archbishops’ Zimbabwe Appeal is being administered on behalf of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York by USPG: Anglicans in World Mission.

To make a donation through USPG

Online: donations can be made online at www.uspg.org.uk - Select the donate tab from the main menu for details. If donating online, select ‘Archbishops’ Zimbabwe Appeal’.

Easter videos from Monday to Maundy Thursday

06/04/2009

Monday: Jesus clears the temple

Tony Watkins talks about the surprising display of anger shown by Jesus as he cleared the temple courtyards of merchants. He discusses why Jesus took such offence to what he saw, and what that might mean for us.

See...

See also...

Zechariah 9: 9

Tuesday: Jesus discusses the end times

Anna Robbins explores some of the issues raised by Jesus' teaching about the future, which he gave in the temple courts soon before his death. What does it mean that Jesus will return, and how should we live in the meantime?

See...

Wednesday: Jesus is anointed with perfume

Rob Parsons talks about an anointing in Luke's Gospel which has parallels with a similar situation that occured in the days leading up to Jesus' death. He discusses the ideas of love and forgiveness presented in the story.

See...

See also...

Luke 7: 36-50

Maundy Thursday: Jesus prays before he is arrested

Nick Pollard talks about Jesus' prayer in the garden of Gethsemane on the night of his arrest. He discusses the significance of this, and what the command to the disciples to 'watch and pray' might mean for us.

See...

See also...

John 17: 1-18: 14

Videos from Good Friday to Easter Sunday

06/04/2009

Good Friday: Jesus is crucified

Andrew White talks about the importance of Jesus' death on the cross on our behalf. He discusses what this means for his ministry of reconciliation in Iraq.

See...

See also...

2 Corinthians 5: 18-19

Holy Saturday: Jesus' body lies in a tomb

Pete Greig talks about where God was on the day that Jesus lay dead in a tomb. He discusses our experiences of feeling in this inbetween state, and the hope that we can cling to.

See...

Easter Sunday: Jesus returns to life

Krish Kandiah and Peter May talk about how Jesus' resurrection from the dead gives us hope when considering what happens when we die.

See...

See also...

1 Corinthians 15: 54-55

Samworth Time Capsule - A Glimspe of the Future

01/04/2009

Samworth Academy’s Principal, Mrs Pat Dubas wielded a shiny new spade, and shovelled the first spade full of Leicester soil onto the capsule. After much huffing and puffing, a large boulder was levered into place over the Time Capsule. Mr Brucciani (Chair of the Governing Body) spoke about how the Time Capsule will “still be here” when the five year-old primary pupils will be drawing their pensions.

Rev. Alison Roche, Vicar of St Christopher’s, said a prayer which set the moment, referring to the past, present and future and speaking of “hope” for the future. Mr Brucciani hoped that when the capsule was opened people would be impressed by what had been happening in 2009 and would see around them the presence of Samworth Enterprise Academy pupils at the fore front of society.

Bishop of Leicester re-opens village shop

01/04/2009

Lesley Pendleton, Chairman of the Leicestershire Rural Partnership and Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, said: "We all know how important local village shops, post offices and community facilities are to the well-being of our rural communities. I'm delighted that our Vibrant Villages programme has been able to support Somerby Stores particularly since it recently lost the village post office."

This year the Bishop is focusing his thoughts and actions on the communities where people are struggling most, sharing in acts of care and service as well as taking time to listen. So far he has visited the elderly, the sick, the young, the unemployed and the addicted during ten full days of visits. Where possible the Bishop is using public transport to travel to the days' venue.

For more information about Vibrant Villages ring 0116 305 5673 or e-mail: ruralgrants@leics.gov.uk

Further details, including the full funding criteria and an online application form, are available at: http://www.oakleaves.org.uk/vibrantvillagesgrantsprogramme.html

G20 leaders must not forget promises to the poor

31/03/2009

The Archbishop of Canterbury The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams said "The G20 meeting takes place in an atmosphere of high expectation: many people believe that this is a moment for the world’s leaders to reaffirm their moral commitments to the welfare of all, especially the poorest, and to the care of the planet for future generations, as well as responding to the immediate challenges of securing a degree of financial stability. As religious leaders, we shall be praying that these expectations will be met and that the gathered politicians will be inspired to share a word of hope with all of us.”

His Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said “At a time of economic difficulty, it is important for all political leaders not to forget their promises to the world’s poor. We pray for the poor, vulnerable and marginalised and also for the political leaders in their deliberations this week as we seek to create a more just world.”

The Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Sir Jonathan Sacks said "Our prayers are with the world's leaders that they be blessed with the wisdom and courage to begin the journey from recession to recovery, and from the old world of national pride to a new age of global responsibility."

The full text of the communiqué is below:

Religious Leaders Communiqué – G20

We write as religious leaders who share a belief in God and the dignity of human life. We wish to acknowledge with realism and humility the severity of the current economic crisis and the sheer complexity of the global and local challenge faced by political leaders. We pray for the leaders of the G20 as they prepare to meet in London this week. They, and we, have a crucial role to play in recovering that lost sense of balance between the requirements of market mechanisms that help deliver increased prosperity, and the moral requirement to safeguard human dignity, regardless of economic or social category.

Many people are suffering as a result of the economic crisis. The World Bank estimates that 53 million more people could fall into absolute poverty as a result of the crisis. The likelihood is that more will face significant hardship before it comes to an end, and those who are already poor suffer the most. Along with the leaders of the G20 we all have a duty to look at the faces of the poor around the world and to act with justice, to think with compassion, and to look with hope to a sustainable vision of the future.

We wish therefore to draw attention to some of the promises made by the international community in recent times - with our wholehearted support - that risk being postponed by the pressing concern to rectify market failures. We need to be properly conscious that all communities include, and must pay special attention to the needs of, poor, marginalised and vulnerable people. To forget their needs would be to compound regrettable past failures with needless future injustices.

Some aspects of this crisis will require technical economic solutions. However those solutions alone will not be enough to address all the questions that we face. At the roots of this crisis lie important moral issues.

We are concerned for people and the work they do. We believe there is a need to consider the aspirations of both rich and poor; to examine our own expectations and how realistic they are; and to root future global patterns of work in our understanding of human dignity. We recognize that people who have lost jobs, savings, or homes, or who now live with the worry of what the future might bring are in need of immediate help. Their hope is for sustainable employment and not continuing job insecurity.

The international community has made important commitments to the developing world. The Millennium Development Goals are of fundamental importance and cannot now be forgotten. Even in these difficult times we strongly urge the leaders of the G20 to hold fast to the commitments they have made to the world’s poorest people. We still need to find ways to enable poorer countries to trade their way to prosperity. We hold that promises made to the poor are especially sacred.

When we spend now, we have to pay later. This also applies when we use up the resources of the natural environment. Morally binding commitments to cut carbon emissions and so to slow the devastating effects of man-made climate change have been made in recent years. They should not be forgotten or postponed. We call on the whole of the international community to hold firm to commitments already made. Most recognise that even more radical commitments will need to be agreed in the near future.

The leaders of the G20 countries are concerned to recover stability in the global economy. We support those efforts. And we pray that as they deliberate they will be mindful of the need to protect the vulnerable from unintended injustice and to respect the commitments they made in easier times.

The Archbishop of Canterbury was interviewed on the BBC R4 Today programme this morning, explaining why world leaders attending the G20 summit this week should not forget their promises to the world’s poorest. To hear the interview, click on the audio link listed by the feature, which was broadcast at 0732hrs:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7973000/7973456.stm

Church Lead Stolen Yet Again

31/03/2009

The Revd Jeff Hopewell, Vicar of the church, said:

Lead was stolen from the roof back in November 2007 and it cost nearly £10,000 to repair the damage then. It is really disheartening to find that the church has been targeted once again. The value of lead has halved since its peak and the thieves will only have got a few hundred pounds for their trouble. However, it will cost us nearly the same amount as before to get the roof repaired, let alone all the inconvenience and distress that has been caused. Insurers are now unable to cover metal theft for the full amount so we are seriously considering replacing the lead with stainless steel. This has a much lower scrap value so it will no longer be worthwhile anyone trying to steal it. We are once again asking people who live in the village to be on the alert for anything suspicious.

Archbishop of Canterbury visits Leicester

26/03/2009

You can read about the visit to St Aidans here

and see some of the national press reports about the Archbishops talk in the cathedral

The Daily Telegraph: here

The Guardian: here

To see a photo slideshow from both events click here

To watch or download the talk click here (windows media video)

To listen or download an audio file of the whole afternooon talk and Q&A click here

To watch or download the Archbishops sermon from St Aidans click here (windows media video)

To watch or download a short clip from the service at St Aidans click here (windows media video)

Simon Harvey's Walking Home Blog

26/03/2009

Bishop Visits Braunstone

26/03/2009

To read the full story and to find out more about St Peters in Braunstone visit their website here

Gaza Appeal Update

05/03/2009

This is a tremendous expression of sympathy for the people of Gaza and a vote of confidence in their future. Each donor has so far had a receipt and letter of thanks outlining our partners’ work and directing them to our virtual Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and including some prayer material.

Regards,

Sue Richardson - SRichardson@christian-aid.org

And the nominees are..

03/03/2009

Winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place at The Case Restaurant, Leicester on Monday 23rd March. Further information is available from www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Leicester Comedy Festival 2009 featured over 300 events in 10 days and is the longest running comedy festival in the UK. Over 160 promoters work with festival organisers to arrange the programme which is enjoyed by people from across the UK. Sold out shows this year included Jimmy Carr, Barry Cryer, Comedy Heaven, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year competition and Ed Byrne. New venues for the festival included Gilded Balloon at the City Rooms, The Criterion, National Space Centre, Curve and Broughton Astley Village Hall. Local community groups get involved in the festival through the Make Me Happy programme, supported by John Lewis Leicester.

This year the majority of the awards have been decided by a group of members of the public who applied to become judges. 7 comedy fans were selected to see over 120 shows and visit venues across Leicester and Leicestershire in order to decide the winners. The judges will help present the awards at the ceremony, along with special guests and VIPs.

On hearing about their nomination for Best Show, The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre said "We are amazed and surprised and delighted to be nominated. We've never been nominated for anything before and will be keeping our fingers crossed. Well as crossed as you can when you're a pair of socks".

Comedian Jim Smallman, who has been nominated for Best Debut Show, said “This is all rather surprising, to be honest. I merely wandered onstage and confessed a lifetime of sin and wrongdoing to an audience and everyone seems to be misinterpreting it as comedy. But it's all very nice, especially after having had such a lovely festival this year".

Al Pitcher, nominated for Best Show, said “I’m really blown away, cheers for the nomination. I would like to announce my own nominations for best audience at a festival I’ve ever performed at... Leicester 2009. This show is such a hard one because it’s different every day and involves wandering around the city for hours beforehand, but this nomination makes it all worth the effort. Thank you so much, I’ve never been nominated for anything. I’m full of clichés, but I’m genuinely delighted!”

This year Leicester Comedy Festival have announced a new award, for the venue with the lowest carbon footprint. The festival have formed a partnership with Leicester City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Team to present the award, titled “The Green Room”. One of the nominees for the inaugural award is The Quarter Restaurant, Leicester. Janice Gordon from The Quarter said “we are keen supporters of Leicester Comedy Festival and all it does to promote Leicester. We are honoured to be nominated for the Greenest Venue Award.”

Leicester Comedy Festival Director, Geoff Rowe, said:

”So many people get involved in the annual Leicester Comedy Festival, it’s important that we reward them and recognise we simply couldn’t do it without them. This year was an incredible 10 days and we look forward to seeing everyone again at the award ceremony.”

Leicester Comedy Festival took place from 6-15 February 2009.

The complete list of nominees is:

Best Show
Hans Teeuwen
Al Pitcher
Carey Marx
Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre
Milton Jones

Best Debut Show
John Robins
Teakshow
UFI
Jim Smallman

Best New Venue
Gilded Balloon at the City Rooms
Criterion
Curve

Best Established Venue
Loughborough Town Hall
Little Theatre
Bambu
Bowies

Best Participatory Project
Gujarati Comedy Group
Pieces
Speak for Yourself
Back in Time School Was Fine

Contribution to LCF 09
Mark and Reach Marketing
Hollie and Marie for the Criterion
Tess Booth and One Leicester
Arthur Smith

The Green Room
Bowies
The Quarter
Leicester Cathedral
Loughborough Town Hall

St Mary's Freeby Awarded English Heritage Grant

03/03/2009

St Mary's, Freeby, has been awarded one of the grants.

The majority of recipients this year are Anglican churches, but there are also buildings belonging to other denominations and faiths. These range from the impressive New West End synagogue in London to St John’s Methodist Church in St Austell, Cornwall.

All the buildings have rich histories. St Mildred, Whippingham on the Isle of Wight, was used by Queen Victoria when she was at Osborne House and contains a special royal pew. It will receive £208,000 for repairs to the tower, roof and the interior, including the royal pew. The Victorian United Reformed Church at Saltaire in Yorkshire, at the heart of the model village built by Sir Titus Salt for his mill workers, will receive £152,000 for roof repairs and restoration of his mausoleum. All these grants will be a massive boost to fundraising efforts to allow crucial and expensive repair work to take place, supporting local initiatives that can be particularly difficult for small communities.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said “From the rural parish churches of Norfolk to the splendour of the New West End Synagogue in London’s Bayswater, England’s places of worship face some serious challenges. These grants will fund urgent repairs so that these wonderful buildings which are so central to this country’s heritage and identity can remain in use.”

Carole Souter, Director of HLF, said: “These wonderful buildings are often central to community life and play an important role in people's everyday lives, but maintaining them is always a challenge. This substantial investment will help fund the vital repairs necessary to secure their long-term futures.”

Rabbi Geoffrey Hisler from the New West End Synagogue, Bayswater, London said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this grant. It is not just important to our Jewish community, but important for the whole of England to have historic buildings, like our magnificent synagogue, that we can be proud of. We are open to the public every day and have hundreds of visitors every week from all over England and abroad.”

Diana Evans, English Heritage’s Head of Places of Worship, said: “Each of these buildings, like the thousands of Places of Worship throughout the country, has huge local and national significance. English Heritage greatly admires the faithful work done by volunteers to care for them, keeping them in use for worship and countless other activities that sustain the buildings and enhance community life.”

Since 2002, £107.7 million of grants have been awarded to almost 1,200 Grade I and II* historic places of worship through the partnership scheme, which is the largest single source of funds to help congregations to care for historic churches, chapels, synagogues and other historic places of worship. Even so, the scheme remains heavily oversubscribed, with twice as many applications each year as can be funded.

English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund have jointly supported places of worship for more than 10 years and both organisations recognise the importance of enabling much-needed repairs to take place. This year the total amount available under the scheme is £25 million. £7.5 million of this will go to Grade II places of worship in May.

New Local Ministry Team Commissioned

02/03/2009

This new initiative will help to promote the ministry and mission in the parish and will be able to help many more people to make their own contribution to that ministry.

The Team is comprised of Dee Reed, Pat Ward, Rosemary Bateman, Austin Hoyte, Chris Florence, Mary Souter, Linda Snutch, Janet Grant, Roz Burch, Robin Martin, Suresh Kumar and Chris Burch.

There are more photos here

The Pancake Bell

24/02/2009

At Leicester Cathedral, Picks Organic Farm cooked up fresh pancakes, made with locally sourced ingredients – Whissindine Flour, Picks free range organic eggs and Lubcloud Dairy milk. Eaten with lashings of Lubcloud cream and Leicestershire honey.

There was also a short Eucharist at 12.30 – a time for quiet meditation, communion and connection with your neighbours and friends at Leicester Cathedral.

For more information please contact Claire Recordon, Leicester Cathedral Marketing & Development 0116 2487 468 claire.recordon@LecCofE.org

Eco team spring projects with St Mary's, Melton Mowbray

24/02/2009

Other forthcoming Eco-projects at St Mary’s are a second Computer Recycle where we will collect end of life computers from the congregation, these are then professionally refurbished and sent to the third world, or sensitively recycled. We are launching a project to Exchange Unused Unwanted Printer Cartridges and on Saturday 28th March we will be holding our second Film Evening where will we be showing the film ‘A Crude Awakening’, complete with locally sourced refreshments of course!
Now the weather seems to be turning a little more clement we will be Planting a Themed Border of perennial plants in the Garden of Remembrance in St Mary’s churchyard – the plants having been selected by the ‘Melton in Bloom’ organisation and donated by the Grange Garden Centre as part of the ‘Green Award’ the church won last year. Two Bird Boxes have also been put up in the churchyard to provide our feathered friends with squirrel proof nesting places. In addition popular weekly ‘Eco-tips’ continue to be published in our pew slips.
Further Information Sue Hooper 01664 561 499

Cut the Carbon This Lent

23/02/2009

Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change is joining the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, chair of Shrinking the Footprint, and the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd James Jones, to launch Tearfund’s Carbon Fast this Wednesday (Feb 25). Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams is also supporting the Fast which is calling for a cut in personal carbon use over the 40 days.

Banking boss Nick Robins Head, of HSBC’s Climate Change Centre of Excellence, is one of the high profile speakers at a series of events run in Southwark Diocese (Merton Deanery) at Holy Trinity, South Wimbledon to promote Green Faith in Lent. St Mark’s Wimbledon, also part of the deanery, has set up its own Christian Ecology group and has distributed free low-energy light bulbs around parishioners claiming state benefits. The group is also drafting a green-focus leaflet for Christians across Wimbledon with helpful environmental tips.

In Exeter Diocese, St Paul Gulworthy, a 19th Century Grade II Listed building, has installed a new wood-fired boiler using pelleted timber from the local area. Churchwarden Mrs Mary Ann Furze said the small church believed that combating climate change was part of its Christian mission for future generations. She said the project had taken a lot of hard work but everyone was thrilled with the results. Exeter Diocese has also produced new guidelines to help congregations meet 21st Century environmental challenges in ways that work with their historic buildings.

Churchgoers across Newcastle are Treading Lighter During Lent by cutting down on carbon as part of a new diocesan initiative. All churches have been provided with a resource pack which has been handed out to congregations as part of a Lenten drive to encourage ‘new habits for holy living’. The Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Revd Martin Wharton, said: “It’s good to see the Energy Saving Trust and the Diocesan Environment Group working together on an initiative that combines practicality and spirituality. The office at Bishop’s House will be taking part, and I invite you - either as an individual or as a church - to join us in using Lent as a means of becoming more aware of our own carbon footprints, and of treading lighter on the earth.”

David Shreeve the Church of England’s environment adviser said: “Whilst Lent is a time of withdrawal, penitence, reflection and discipline it can also be a time to consider these in practical terms. Reducing our demands on finite and often non-renewable resources should be an all-year aim, but it is good to have a special time to take stock of ourselves and our churches as Shrinking the Footprint is encouraging this year.”

Bishop's Fareshare Day

17/02/2009

FareShare Leicester is the local franchise of FareShare, the national food charity working to relieve food poverty by taking quality surplus food from the food industry for redistribution to those in need. Locally, non perishable food is collected from the FareShare Birmingham depot, supermarkets and transported to Leicester. It is distributed to community groups that meet the FareShare criteria of serving vulnerable people suffering from food poverty.

The Right Reverend Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, said “My visit to FareShare is taking place at a time of severe financial crisis, when those in need are struggling even more to provide themselves with the basic necessities in life. This year my Lent pilgrimage will involve visiting disadvantaged communities throughout the city and county. Spending a day with FareShare Leicester is a good lead into the pilgrimage”.

John Willetts, Project Director of FareShare Leicester said, “We know that there are many demands made on the Bishop’s time and we are delighted that he has agreed to give a whole day to our project. I know is expecting to roll up his sleeves, help with unloading the van and moving the boxes.”

The Bishop added “FareShare Leicester is a Diocesan project, which offers practical support and hope to homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged people by collecting and distributing good quality surplus food. I am very much looking forward to meeting FareShare volunteers, learning more about the work they do and visiting some of the many projects they support.

As you can see from the photographs the Bishop got his hands dirty and experienced all aspects of the FareShare service, collection (talking to suppliers), distribution (experiencing the hard work of volunteers driving, carrying, loading etc.) witnessing the receipt of the goods (meeting community project workers) and finally visiting community projects to see the benefits of FareShare food.

For further information, contact John Willetts, Project Director, FareShare Leicester – tel. 07867 527 063

The Latest From Synod

13/02/2009

Find out more by visiting the CofE website: here

Rain Tax Campaign

11/02/2009

If this is rolled out nationally it will cost the Church of England £15 million. Ofwat the regulatory body say it is fair even thought businesses such as Rolls Royce in Knutsford now pay less that the local church. The Scouts say it will cost them £1.5 million and last week St Ann's Hospice, in Greater Manchester, identified that the new charges would pay for ten days worth of care to dying patients.

A campaign site has been set up at www.dontdrainus.org Posters, facts and figures and a fantastic video of a church protest outside the Rolls Royce showroom can be viewed-look out for Henry the Dog he is a star! While you are at the site please sign the Downing Street petition, which is the no 1 petition with over 41,000 signatures.

If the Synod votes in favour of the motion, it then puts pressure on the Government to switch back to the old lower charges that used to apply to churches, charities and clubs. The debate takes place today at 2.30-3.30 do please pray/promote/help us work towards a good outcome.

This campaign is a real example of the Church speaking for the whole sector as reported in Third Sector Magazine http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/Article/877591/Campaign-against-new-water-charges/

Copy of debates speeches, photos all downloadable at www.dontdrainus.org

Journey to Jerusalem – Come on a virtual pilgrimage this Lent with Christian Aid

10/02/2009

The Pilgrimage takes us from Bethlehem to Nazareth to Jerusalem and we will go beyond hearing about the people of the region and hear from them instead, we will not only pray for them but with them.

Local Christians, Jews and Muslims will tell their stories to help us understand how the conflict touches the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians, and how hard many people are working for peace.

The interactive blog will be updated daily with short videos, podcasts, photo galleries, prayers and stories to bring the Holy Land alive over the Lenten period. Read the stories, see the sights, share with us your thoughts and prayers as we reflect on what our faith has to tell us about this troubled part of the world.

For more information and to sign up for this special journey visit: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/lent/journey-to-jerusalem.aspx.

From the beginning of lent you'll be able to take part in the Pilgrimage from our own homepage as well as being able to follows the Bishops progress on his own Lent Pilgrimage 'Strengthen Our Hands'

Archbishop’s Holocaust Memorial Day statement – ‘Rediscover the depths of real humanity’

06/02/2009

The religious leaders met at Lambeth Palace with students from around the country who had accompanied them on the trip, which was arranged in through the Holocaust Educational Trust and included representatives from all the Faith communities of this country.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams says that “One of the most deeply shocking things about the Holocaust…when you see Auschwitz-Birkenau, is that so many people thought this was natural. The call is to rediscover the depths of real humanity as held in the hand of God, with all the dignity, all the capacity that goes with that.”

The Chief Rabbi , Sir Jonathan Sacks remarks that “The fact that we can come together…people of all faiths…to experience [an] environment where one faith was persecuted – isn’t that a measure of how far we have come for the good?”

“[The Holocaust] was a crime that was meant to be concealed and denied, as if the perpetrators realised that Holocaust remembrance would defeat what they were trying to do. That in itself tells me that we are right to remember and to encourage everyone to remember.”

“When we are able to come together, as we did on this wonderful and moving occasion – we have won a certain victory, and we must keep winning because the danger never goes.”

“The Holocaust has the power, if we can face it without fear, to teach us that we must not be silent in the face of oppression...individually and collectively we can act to prevent future tragedies.”

Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield describes the visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau as “one of the most moving” of his life. He says "We have somehow to…redeem the meaningless suffering by turning that experience of inhumanity and evil into one of humanity and good.”

Richard Atkinson in Banglasdesh

06/02/2009

• The invitation to visit Bangladesh and the Church of Bangladesh came from the Bishop of Kushtia, Rt Revd Paul Sarkar, following his pre-Lambeth Conference visit to the Diocese of Leicester, when he and Janet stayed in our home.

• The two week trip offered an extensive insight into the Church of Bangladesh and its Social Development Programmes; as well as the country and its many challenges. The visit included time in Dhaka, Kushtia, Rajshahi, Meherpur, Khulna (including a visit to Mongla and the edge of the Sunderban Forest) and Jessore.

• I preached on both Sundays, attended Friday worship in Dhaka (some churches follow the national Muslim week), and spoke at remembrance prayers for a deceased son in a local home; I helped open a primary school, presented certificates to trafficked and/or abused women who had completed a tailoring course, I visited many schools, hostels, hospitals, training projects, children’s programmes, and St Andrew’s Theological College; I toured both Bengali and Tribal Christian villages; I met the staff of both Dhaka and Kushtia Dioceses, central and local Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programme staff, national and diocesan lay leaders, several clergy and both Bishops; and I visited among other places the National Memorial, the Mujibnagar Memorial, Rabindranath Ragore’s Lodge, Lalon Shah’s tomb, and had a whistle-stop tour of Dhaka.

Key Issues - Society

• New Government – Everywhere there was a sense of excitement and expectation following the General Election on December 29th when the Awami League headed by Sheikh Hasina (daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) and their partners won a crushing victory gaining 263 out of 300 seats. After recent political crises and the previous Bangladesh Nationalist Party led government there was pleasant surprise at how well the elections had gone. The fear is that the new government won’t be able to deliver on their promises of lower prices and combating corruption, although they were quick to reduce the price of fertiliser and consequently the price of rice, and the papers reported allegations (and some evidence) that former ministers had siphoned off huge amounts of money for their own use. There was also widespread delight that the number of women cabinet ministers had risen in addition to the prime minister. They include the Foreign Secretary and the Agriculture Minister.

• Radical Islam – Another key loser in the 2008 election was the Jamaat-e-Islami party who were the BNP’s main partner. Bishop Michael named radical Islam as one of the main threats to the future of the country and was more worried now that they were out of government, than when they were in. Another person referred to a conversation that they had had with a senior banker who spoke of the amount of foreign money from the Middle East and elsewhere that had entered the country prior to the election in support of Jamaat-e-Islami and their partners. Others spoke of their continued concern about Pakistan who remain perceived as a continuing threat.

More generally in most places, whilst there was some distinctive Islamic dress (Burkas are however often brightly coloured) and the omnipresent call to prayer from speakers on modest mosques, it felt as if Islam (over 85% of the population) was relatively low key, although there was concern about what was taught in Madrassas. An exception was the Islamic University which was described by my companion as the home of ‘terrorists and fundamentalists’. In contrast I met a Muslim metal worker who was producing metal work for a new church incorporating a cross. The church schools and projects served all communities (I visited a Hindu Dalit community). There was a hope that the new government would progress a more healthy ‘secular’ society. Younger clergy are more open in their inter-faith dealings.

• Climate Change – The challenges of climate change were high-lighted in many ways, not least through posters, the work of development programmes, and in conversation. Bishop Michael was as passionate as he was when speaking in Leicester Cathedral last summer. The emphasis on adaptation and mitigation is significant, not least the planting of trees. And yet the ability of Bangladesh to make any real response to the major threats to their country and well-being is minimal. The challenge and responsibility lies with the West and their industrial neighbours, especially India and China.

A visit to the ‘Sidr’ congregation outside Mongla high-lighted the impact of global warming. The village has been blown down by the 2007 cyclone; its water supplies are increasingly saline and undrinkable; it experiences flooding; its fishing is threatened by storm warnings; and within our life-time it may disappear under the oceans. The Roman Catholic Church has already bought land further into the country as an alternative location for their people.

The link between climate change and world security, discussed at General Synod in July 2008, is very much the agenda in Bangladesh. Potentially 30 million people will be displaced within an already over-densely populated country.

• Development – The Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programme covers the majority of the sort of programmes that are being delivered by NGO’s across the country – micro-credit; education; skills training; sanitation; income and employment; environment; health; women’s empowerment; and community development. More recent priorities, which are also being favoured by funders, include HIV/Aids prevention; anti-trafficking activity; climate change; and disasters and emergencies preparedness.

Whilst in Bangladesh I read ‘Creating a world without poverty’ by Muhammad Yunus the founder of the Grameen Bank, champion of the potential of micro-credit and Nobel Peace Prize winner. At the same time I was hearing that some funders and NGO’s are moving away from micro-credit on the grounds that there are potentially more effective ways of helping the poorest, such as directly providing a cow. Salil Tripathi summarised what are described as ‘fatal assumptions’ about micro-credit – that the poorest wish to be self-employed; savings and insurance are more important than credit; that micro-finance automatically translates into successful micro-business; that micro-finance shouldn’t be given to those just above the poverty line; and that all micro-finance institutions can become self-sustaining. Others told me how their micro-finance schemes were now self-sustaining and they still valued its impact.

Bishop Paul raised other questions about the development programme of the church and the extent to which it could continue with its dependence on external donors (donors who are currently feeling the pressures of the world economy ). As in Britain there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and a social enterprise model. There were also particular issues about some pieces of work. For instance Rajshahi Mission Hospital under its wonderful director, Dr Andrew Roy, was at one time the only hospital in the City. There are now seventy. As it begins to face significant refurbishment and rebuilding costs there were questions as to whether this remained an appropriate focus. There was a suggestion that resources should be focused on outreach primary health care.

One other particular issue for the Church was the decision of KNH, a German children’s charity, to move away from the funding of Hostels (to accommodate poor children from out-lying villages while they attend school) to more community based work with children. The Church had successfully argued that there was still a place for the girl’s hostels, but there were some examples of where the loss of sponsorship for a Boy’s hostel was having a serious impact. Most notably it threatened the ability of the excellent training school in Jessore to offer technical training (automobiles, electrics, carpentry, welding and machines) to poor and alienated boys and young men.

Another issue is the ability and desire of some NGO’s to pay high salaries for development managers etc. These cannot be matched by the church. The same is true of medical staff, where the problem of appointing staff is compounded by the relative lack of Christian doctors and an unwillingness to serve in rural areas.

Overall there was appreciation of funders and, apart from the inevitable concern about the project proposal process, the way they worked. Occasionally there was a mismatch of priorities between the funder and the local setting; at times continuing needs such as the problem with arsenic in water supplies (there are an estimated 29 million people at risk) are neglected in favour of more high-profile issues; and there was some concern about the reduction by some funders of their staff within Bangladesh. The Director of the Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programme did ask why Christian Aid were increasingly funding Muslim projects – this was not understood and was felt to be reducing funds available to Christian bodies.

• Water – In addition to the threats of flooding, the increasing salinity of water supplies, coastal erosion and arsenic poisoning, there is also the control of the Ganges (Padma) by India. At times of excess water they release it into Bangladesh; at times of less water they retain it in their dams. This, plus the demands of irrigation, is reducing the availability of water.

• Corruption – One of the key factors behind the election of the new government, corruption infects every part of Bangladeshi society. More than one person spoke of the need to ‘pay’ brokers, intermediaries and staff if one wanted justice, visas, employment etc. There was a feeling that it also affected the life of the church.

• National Identity – One especially powerful image from my trip was the commitment by most people to the nation. Fostered by the experience of the war of liberation, fed by their poets and writers, celebrated through statues and memorials, and rooted in their language (for which people died) there is a strong sense of unity (which possibly explains the lack of desire to look to religion or other factors for identity).

Key Issues – Church of Bangladesh

• Spirituality – A number of people spoke about the need for spiritual renewal in the church. At one level there was a great deal of commitment to their Christian identity, but at another there was evidence of some casualness about faith. Recently ‘Alpha’ in Bangla has been received and it is intended to explore its use.

• Capability of Clergy – A major priority for the new Moderator, Bishop Paul, is to build the capability of his clergy (there are 31 priests and several Catechists). Each year one or two are studying for a higher degree (either a BD in Calcutta or a Masters). However many of his clergy lack the leadership skills that he desires. A priority is to find someone to work with the clergy both the develop them and to support them. Bishop Paul is in negotiation with the Church of Scotland. Many congregations are also relatively unskilled. Another concern is the move away from pastoral care by the clergy to service on committees. Bishop Paul is taking steps to change this (to the annoyance of some of his clergy). He also has plans to review and reform the staffing of the Community Development Project.

• Christians and Society – Whilst there has been little overt persecution, and most people seemed content about their place in Bangladeshi society, there was repeated comment that Christians are discriminated against. The Synodical treasurer spoke of how Christians do not get government jobs and are excluded from major contracts. He has previously owned a shop which had been ransacked following the election of the BNP in 2001. He was clear that his Christian identity was responsible for his shop being targeted. Once again Bishop Michael was concerned for the future and that the mischief that the Islamist parties might make now that they were out of government.

• Finance – Most of the church is poor and rural and the Diocese of Khustia, for instance, can only raise 40% of its costs. Bishop Paul is however clear that the age of major subsidy is coming to an end and that the church must learn to live increasingly on its own resources. Whilst committed to the poor he wondered out loud about their mission to the rich.

• Mission – Mission remains indirect in a country where explicit conversion is illegal. A key priority is on the value of service as mission and indeed Bishop Michael exalted this over evangelism. However there is some evidence of a growing commitment to ‘indirect’ evangelism. A new partner is Compassion International who are working with the church on outreach to children. The project director has a clear desire for conversion, although Bishop Paul says that Compassion International recognise the limits on explicit evangelism.

The church is establishing a mission desk in order to focus on the Chittagong area where there are possibilities with tribal groups. In addition there is a neglected Baptist congregation who wish to come into the Church of Bangladesh. Overall the church is growing especially amongst the Santali and Garo peoples. There is a strong possibility that the next Bishop of Khustia will be a Tribal.

• Young People – A number of people highlighted concerns about young people, drugs and life-style. In particular a real concern was the number of girls who fell for Muslim young men (said to be more enterprising and attractive than Christian boys), not least because these relationships often broke down after five years or so. The church had recently voted to receive back those girls who have these ‘accidents’. Another threat is the move of young people (and others) to the city in search of work.

• Christian Unity – Several people named this as a major challenge for the churches. Although I saw good examples of partnership (e.g. the Catholic Cathedral in Rajshahi) more often than not Christians found it hard to work together.. Christian fundamentalism (especially American) was another major concern for Bishop Michael who felt that their activities potentially threatened the place of all the churches.

• Property – Whilst the Church of Bangladesh is not embroiled in major litigation like many Indian Dioceses, there is a repeated frustration that several major pieces of land previously owned by the church during the British Raj, are no-longer available to them since title cannot be proved. In particular there is a vacant piece of land opposite the Sheraton Hotel in the centre of Dhaka which if owned and sold would provide a major endowment.

• Episcopal isolation – Both Bishops spoke of their loneliness and isolation. Opportunities for retreat and renewal are limited. Too many people also look to them for patronage and favour.

Conclusion

• This was a very rich and special trip under-girded by the warm hospitality and welcome of the Church of Bangladesh – a church that receives relatively few visitors and has no link with a Church of England Diocese. Although a very small province in the Anglican Church it has the opportunity to challenge us and teach us. It is a friendship that I intend to maintain.

RA – 26.1.09

Christ in the Centre 2009 Gets Go Ahead

16/01/2009

The go-ahead was given after the event’s organising committee accepted the proposal for a less costly version of the event produced by a working party which assessed whether it was possible to stage a reduced event on a budget of £25,000 – virtually half the cost of 2008’s event.

Christ in the Centre is a dramatic presentation of the Easter story and concludes with Christ’s passion, crucifixion and resurrection. It has been staged in the heart of Leicester each Good Friday since 2003.

In recent years it has attracted a crowd approaching 10,000 people, making it the biggest such event in Britain, and spawning similar events in several other locations, but leading to significant extra costs to ensure the entire audience can both see and hear the production.

With the credit crunch taking its toll, organisers were forced to re-examine the options open to them, which included cancelling 2009’s event. Canon Barry Naylor, who chairs the organising committee, says members were determined to proceed if at all possible:

“Everyone is determined to see Good Friday marked appropriately in the centre of Leicester, and – thanks to some generous donations and pledges – we have sufficient funds to proceed, although further donations are always welcome.

“Committee members are now working hard with the relevant authorities to finalise the arrangements, and will announce these as soon as we can.

“The main proposed changes are the use fewer stages, a procession that does not cross roads, and a design that brings the audience closer to the stage and so negates the need for a screen.

“We are delighted to be starting at Highcross, a significant new retail development that is doing so much for the city. It is an opportunity to bring the Easter message to a significant new audience.

“We are confident of presenting a really thought provoking and inspiring performance to the standard the audience now expects, that bears witness to Christ’s passion, crucifixion and resurrection”.

Christ in the Centre, c/o The Cathedral Centre, 21, St. Martins, Leicester LE1 5DE
More information: www.christinthecentre.co.uk
Registered Charity Number: 1111310

Bishop Tim requests collection for Gaza

14/01/2009

As President Elect Obama takes office this coming week, I believe it is important that we all pray for him and for the situation in the Middle East and for our own and European governments as well as for those immediately involved in decision making on the ground. Please also pray for those in our own communities who are anxious or under pressure at this time, especially the Muslim and Jewish communities. As you may have seen a Christian Aid Clinic was destroyed this week with all its scarce medical equipment with just a 15 minute warning given before the attack. As a Diocese we could demonstrate really effectively our prayerful concern for this dreadful situation by sending our donations to:

Mrs Sue Richardson
Christian Aid Office
70-72 Market Street
Ashby De La Zouch
Leicestershire
LE65 1AN

+Tim

Celebrating 150 years of the Parish Magazine

14/01/2009

“We owe our gratitude to all those who labour lovingly to produce this regular shop-window for their church or parish. As a team or solo, with a generous budget or an alarmingly fraying shoestring, this is a ministry we need to recognise and to support.”

The site comprises:

Commendation from the Archbishop of Canterbury
150 not out: A historical sketch
In praise of church magazines . . .
Tributes from the Editors of the Church Times and Church of England Newspaper
Prayer for magazine editors
Links to on-line resources

No-one is quite sure exactly when the modern parish magazine was born, but despite claims for Frome's The Old Church Porch (first published 1854), it is generally thought that Erskine Clarke's Parish Magazine of January 1859 probably marks the real start of the genre.

There is great potential for collecting information from site visitors about other early magazines, and the Church of England web-master has no wish to find himself celebrating the wrong date. So if any readers know better, they are invited to contact him right away!

“These much-maligned publications could be the secret weapon of ‘the mission-shaped church’”, says Peter Crumpler, the Archbishops’ Council’s Director of Communications. He goes on to suggest four key actions to give parish magazines a future:

Look good;
Be a vital part of your church’s mission;
Know your readership – and encourage them to take part;

Faith Leaders Pray for Gaza and Israel

09/01/2009

The Faith Leaders also jointly released this statement:

It is with deep sadness that we celebrate this New Year of 2009, against the backcloth of so much violence in the world. But our television screens make us aware especially of the sudden escalation of violence in Gaza. The suffering is clearly immense, whatever the past long term or immediate causes. Our deep sympathy goes out to the hundreds of families bereaved and to those who have family members injured or traumatised. This present conflict is the fruit of decades of neglect by local leadership, and international powers. We call now for an immediate end to the fighting, both the Israeli invasion, and the Hamas rocket attacks. We call for conditions to be stabilised to allow for the resumption of aid and medical support from outside. And above all, we call on our own Government, the EU and the US administration, to put pressure on those in leadership in Israel/Palestine and in the wider Middle East, to settle once and for all, the political and national issues in the region. Only then, can Jews, Muslims and Christians live in peace and confidence in the so called Holy Land., which can then become again a place of pilgrimage for us all.

Archbishop’s New Year Message - the treasure that is our fellow human beings

05/01/2009

A little before Christmas I visited a new academy in Scunthorpe named after St Lawrence. Lawrence was a Christian minister in Rome in the days when you could be arrested and executed for being a Christian, nineteen hundred years ago or so.

When he was arrested, he was told to collect all the treasures of the Church to be given up to the courts. He got together all the homeless, the orphans and the hungry that the Church looked after in the city, and presented them to his judges, saying, ‘These are the Church’s treasures.’

Like any really good school, St Lawrence’s treats its children as treasures. In the last few months we've had to think a lot about wealth and security and about where our ‘treasure’ is.

But it set me thinking - what would our life be like if we really believed that our wealth, our treasure, was our fellow-human beings? Religious faith points to a God who takes most seriously and values most extravagantly the people who often look least productive or successful- as if none of us could really be said to be doing well unless these people were secure.

And as we look around in our own country as well as worldwide, this should trigger some hard questions – whether we think of child soldiers in Africa or street children in Latin America, or of children in our midst here who are damaged by poverty, family instability and abuse, street violence and so much else. Children need to be taken seriously, not just as tomorrow’s adults but as fellow-inhabitants of the globe today, growing human beings whom we approach with respect and patience and from whom we ought to learn.

One of the most damning things you could say about any society is that it’s failing its children. That’s why I was really encouraged recently to be invited to open a project in Springfield in Birmingham – a church-based initiative supporting children and their parents from across the whole community. Here the church community took the brave decision to open up their church building for work with local families and to seek funding for further buildings and resources from the local authority. What’s more, they’ve worked throughout in close collaboration with the local mosque and have a joint programme with them for young people. There’s a community with its eye unmistakeably on its real treasure.

So what about a New Year in which we try and ask consistently about our own personal decisions and about public polices, national and international, ‘Does this feel like something that looks after our real treasure, something that keeps our real wealth safe – the lives and welfare of the youngest and most vulnerable?’

Jesus said where our treasure is, that’s where our hearts will be. Our hearts will be in a very bad way if they’re focused only on the state of our finances. They’ll be healthy if they are capable of turning outwards, looking at the real treasure that is our fellow human beings. A very happy and blessed New Year to you.

An Unusual Christmas Service

22/12/2008

A carol service with a twist took place in Orton on the Hill, a service which included the whole village. At about 3.30pm villagers met at the far end of the Main Street, children dressed in traditional nativity costumes, and on the arrival of a real live donkey we strolled the mile or so to the church where we celebrated Christmas with carols, a reading of the Christmas story, a poem and some prayers, all followed by mince pies and drinks all round. A true village affair!

Elsewhere across the country

Parish churches and cathedrals across the Church of England are preparing for their busiest week of the year with puppets, beach huts, wrapping paper and live animals all playing their part in telling the story of Christ’s birth.

“Church isn’t just for Christmas, but clearly the festival is one of our main opportunities to present a life changing message to a huge number of people,” explained the Revd Lynda Barley, Head of Research and Statistics for the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England.

“Churches have always looked for ways of bringing alive the Christmas story in ways that relate to modern life – that’s why we have had carol services in community centres and supermarkets for many years – and there’s no better time of the year for experimenting with ideas for reaching out to the local community. It’s great to see so many fresh ways of celebrating the lasting good news and hope of Christmas, particularly in times of uncertainty.”

Many Church of England churches are promoting their Christmas services on A Church Near You (www.acny.org.uk), a website which helps people find their nearest Anglican church alongside details of services and other activities.

Churches are using increasingly inventive ways of communicating the ‘world’s greatest ever story’ in fresh ways to their local communities, including:

All Saints Thorpe Acre, Loughborough are planning a family carol service on Christmas Eve dubbed ‘Bethlehem’s Got Talent’, where ‘contestants’ from the Christmas story will include singing angels, kings doing a magic act and the inn keepers performing stand-up comedy. The judges include King Herod, who takes on the ‘nasty judge’ mantle. The stories that the contestants tell will take the congregation through the Christmas story – and the real star of the show is of course the baby Jesus.
A ‘Carols and Nativity in the Barn’ service took place on 21 December at a farm in Preston Wynne, just north east of Hereford, where the congregation crammed into a Victorian stable complete with large manger. Local children read poems and Bible stories, and dressed up for the Nativity, while the farm’s animals proved unwitting extras – including horses putting their heads through the stable door. Parish priest, the Revd Heather Short, comments: “This is the third year that we have held this service, which is growing in popularity each year. It is absolutely freezing in the barn, but everyone seems to like that - we have hot punch and mince pies after the singing!”
Cathedrals in particular are bracing themselves for a busy week of services, with many laying on extra carol services to cater for demand. In St Albans, the cathedral held a series of ‘drop in’ thirty-minute carol services every hour on the hour from 11am to 4pm on 20 December, aimed at tourists and shoppers visiting the city. 2,500 people attended in total.
A city church in Nottingham offered shoppers laden with presents a free gift wrapping session on 20 December. Priest-in-Charge at St Saviour’s in the Meadows, the Revd David Hammond explained: “It’s about offering something in the tradition of Christmas free gifts, just like Jesus was a gift to us. Personally I'm a terrible wrapper, I always forget to buy paper and ribbons and I’m often doing it late on Christmas Eve. So this is exactly what I’d appreciate for myself – as we try and do for others like we’d want them to do for us.”
Clergy led an evening carol service at a Manchester donkey sanctuary on 10 December, when children rode donkeys round candlelit paddocks and listened to a specially written Christmas story, accompanied by a brass band. The sanctuary, based in Debdale Park, Gorton, is run by The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys.
St Saviour’s Brookwood, Surrey has been running two crib services to cater for demand on Christmas Eve for the last few years, featuring puppets operated by local teenagers. The special services broadly follow the format of a regular monthly service called 20:20 where young children and their parents can attend a brief service where they can see puppets, sing songs, do some craft and pray.
The management of Brimsmore Garden Centre in Yeovil invited St James and St Peter’s Yeovil to offer a Christingle service to last-minute shoppers at one of the centre’s late opening nights on 16 December. Music was supplied by Yeovil Town Band, who led a congregation of approximately 70 people among the gardening equipment and spring bulbs.
St Mary’s, Far Cotton, is situated on one of the main roads leading into Northampton and has taken advantage of this position to create a special event on the Friday afternoon before Advent Sunday. This year is the second Advent that the church has invited passers-by into the candlelit garden to light a small candle and say their own prayer for peace – and then join church members for a warming cup of hot chocolate.
Every day during December on Brighton and Hove’s seafront, a beach hut opens its doors at 5.30pm for an hour to reveal a festive display highlighting one of the themes of the Christmas story. The lifesize variation on the traditional Advent calendar is believed to be the first event of this kind in the world and is organised by BEYOND, a new initiative funded by the Diocese of Chichester which uses creativity and the arts to stimulate people to think about spirituality.
Finally, St Leonard’s Streatham, South West London, will join a growing number of churches offering ‘Blue Christmas’ services for the first time this year, on 22 December. This type of service pays careful attention to the music and prayers selected, so that those who find Christmas a painful time of year for whatever reason can mark the season without the need to wear a ‘fixed grin’ during the service.

Lutterworth Churches Together - Big Picture

18/12/2008

This Christmas message has had a huge impact on all who have seen it so if you in Lutterworth please take the time out to take a look

Be Part of the Action

09/12/2008

The painting is by Royal Academy Gold medal winner, Andrew Gadd. The oil painting is on canvas and depicts the holy family, with halos, in a dark bus shelter. The shepherds and wise men are replaced with fellow passengers waiting for a bus. Some are watching the nativity intently; others appear oblivious and are checking the bus timetable and flagging down a bus.

Francis Goodwin, the Chair of CAN, says: "We are very used to the Renaissance image of the Nativity. But what would it look like if it happened today? Where would it take place? We want to challenge people to make them reassess what the birth of Jesus means to them. By using a powerful and contemporary piece of art, from a world renowned painter, we can create an enduring image for our own times."

He adds: "It is important for the churches to re-establish in this generation the wonderful story of the Nativity."

Andrew Gadd, the artist, says: "At first I didn't like the idea of painting a nativity scene in an urban setting. However, once it was explained that it was to be designed for bus stops, it gave me an idea... this idea. The bus stop when simplified is like a stable. It is after all a shelter; a place people go to but never want to be. So where better to stage a nativity? How unlikely! The image reflects the environment it will be shown in, and therefore includes the viewer. Which is what it is all about."

The poster can be downloaded from http://www.churchads.org.uk/index.html

It's never too late

08/12/2008

Charles is 94 years of age and has recently become a keen and regular attender at Rothley. His public committment to Christ is a reminder that it's never too late for us to step out in faith.

The Deanery service, led by Richard Hopkins, Rector of Sileby, was a really moving event and included testimonies from some of the Confirmation candidates, hymns and songs chosen by the candidates and a great sermon by the Bishop on the importance of putting Christ at the centre of our lives.

The wide age range of the candidates ( from 13 to 94) is a reminder that the love of Christ extends to all and that there are no barriers of age in coming to know Him and witnessing to him.

Bishop of Leicester and Archbishop of Canterbury urge support for detained Asylum Seeker, Constant Moussavou

05/12/2008

Constant has attended St. Margaret's church in Leicester for the last five years having arrived in Leicester after frightening experiences in his homeland, Congo Brazzaville, where he was beaten, burnt with cigarettes and kept in inhumane conditions, as a result of his political activities.

Since his arrival in 2003, Constant has settled well into Leicester and has become a valued member of the community and his local church, where he was elected on to the Parochial Church Council in 2007. He is very active in his Church, administering Holy Communion, acting as a steward and is always willing to help with general tasks, including organizing community events and cleaning.

Constant's desire to live out his Christian faith is also manifest in his work as a Street Pastor in Leicester City Centre, where with others he has this year joined other Street Pastors patrolling the streets of the city centre at nighttime, working amongst the clubbers, homeless people and others in vulnerable and difficult situations. This is a ministry praised by the Police, the Home Office and recently by the Prince of Wales. Constant often speaks of his desire to serve the community and live out his faith by sharing in this ministry.

Constant’s appeals to stay in this country have all been turned down by the legal authorities. As a person who fled unimaginable horrors in the Congo, Constant has now formed a new life in this country. For five years he has been allowed to remain, and he has become an excellent role model to other young men and women with whom he comes into regular contact. Having contributed so much I believe he has the strongest possible moral case for being allowed to remain and continue his contribution to our society and city. If he is forced to leave this country, he will almost certainly face imprisonment and most likely, death.

I urge the Government, local politicians and all people of good will to show mercy and compassion and support Constant in his case to and his plea remain here.

Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester

Rediscover the benefits of waiting this Advent

01/12/2008

The website, www.WhyWeAreWaiting.com features an introductory film of the Archbishop of Canterbury and an Advent Calendar with a difference, made up of reflections, podcasts, waiting tips and a quiz on the social networking site Facebook.

Podcasts will include the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu, Oxford Professor of Psychology, Dr Mark Williams, TV presenter Mark Dowd of Operation Noah and theologian Dr Jane Williams.

Reflections are taken from three recently published books that all explore the theme of waiting. They are: Finding Happiness – Monastic Steps for Fulfilling Life by Christopher Jamison, Roman Catholic Abbot of Worth Abbey; Do Nothing: Christmas is Coming by the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading; and The Meaning is in the Waiting by Dr Paula Gooder, Canon Theologian at Birmingham Cathedral.

Through a series of seasonal hints the website suggests ways of waiting for your wallet, waiting for your soul and waiting for the environment.

Bishop Stephen Cottrell said: “This Advent Calendar is a timely resource as we approach Christmas in the credit crunch. It offers people a breathing space in what is often a busy and stressful time of year so we can all consider how best to use our resources.

“We hope the website reminds people that waiting is not a waste of time but, as we see in nature, a time of change, growth and transformation. Advent is the season in which the church celebrates waiting as an essential part of human experience – it is much more than the countdown to Christmas or the season of shopping.

“This website will remind people that having to wait for what you want isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes you realise you don't want it after all and save yourself some time and money. Other times, what you want is even more welcome for having had to wait.

“Many Advent calendars offer daily chocolate – what this website offers is a daily dose of chocolate for the soul.”

Archbishop's World AIDS Day Video

01/12/2008

He says “Our hope and our prayer today is that the excellent work that’s done, not just in developing countries but here at home too by the Churches will continue and deepen and be strengthened by our prayer and our commitment.”

“Recognising that people living with HIV is us not them, whether it’s leaders and congregations, congregations and ’outsiders’ - it’s us. It’s all of our business...Church leaders and Church congregations taking responsibility for educating the wider public.”

There are currently 30 million people worldwide living with HIV.

If you would like to find out about some of the ways Anglican organisations are seeking to combat HIV and support and empower those living with HIV, please visit the Archbishop's website.

This video, along with all other Lambeth Palace videos, can be viewed at the Lambeth Palace YouTube channel - http://youtube.com/lambethpress

Cathedral Square Project gains £2m Synodical backing

25/11/2008

In moving the motion David Newman, chair of the House of Clergy and also rector of Emmanuel, Loughborough spoke of his commitment from a context outside the city of Leicester to a mission project at the heart of that city. He believed that we “cannot divorce local mission from the wider context”. The Synod agreed, by 78 votes to 5, to reconfirm its commitment to “renewal for mission and ministry and the strengthening of the local church and mission focus of all parishes”, alongside the “vision for the Cathedral Square Project”. It also agreed ”to underwrite the development work on the St Nicholas Building up to a maximum of £2m”.

Other aspects of the overall Project, both the development of the Square itself, and the refurbishment of the Cathedral, were also affirmed, but are expected to be funded from different sources.

The debate, which unusually was chaired by Bishop Tim himself, was preceded by to presentations. The first, from Archdeacon Richard Atkinson, took Synod through the many mission opportunities before the diocese, of which the Cathedral Square is one, albeit the largest in scope. This was followed by a masterful survey of the financial position from Stephen Barney, newly appointed chair of the Board of Finance. Against the backdrop of the present global financial context, Stephen outlined the encouraging figure of £6.2m of non-fixed diocesan assets (at the end of 2008), alongside a total asset base of nearly £60m, which would enable Synod to make this commitment if it wished.

In debate many speakers spoke of their support for the purchase and development of the St Nicholas Building, as previously outlined and most seemed very content to support it financially as well. Some concerns were voiced over the risk that ‘underwriting’ might deter possible future funders, but the eventual voting figures showed that these concerns were not widely shared. Crucial to the decision was a renewed commitment to keeping increases in parish share down. this was confirmed when in a later vote the Synod approved a budget for 2009 which included a net reduction in overall parish share requirement of 3.5%.

Pete Hobson
Cathedral Square Project Director

Students Celebrate Success

25/11/2008

Over a buffet reception tales of lost books, difficult essays, and being made to think hard were interspersed with stories of strong friendships, supportive families, growing faith and excellent tutors as CCD students reminisced and reflected on the course.

This year 24 students were awarded a Certificate in Christian Discipleship from the University of Wales. The result of two years of part-time study, the students were finally able to celebrate their achievements. For some this had been a long journey – and gaining a full University Level Certificate was a significant milestone.

Hilda Lewis, one of the oldest participants on the course, said ‘This has been the best thing I have done, and I have gained so much from the course’.

Students were also awarded ‘Lay Foundation Certificates’ which were the result of one, or two years part-time study. Some of these students are going on to complete the full University Level Certificate. For all of them it was an achievement to be celebrated.

Many of the students are now engaged in further study or training, for example, as Pastoral Assistants, Readers, or through the Fresh Expressions Mission Shaped Ministry course.

The awards were presented by Dr Augustine Casiday, from the University of Wales, and Canon Mike Harrison.

Students were also mindful of our partners in Theological Education, and £180 was donated to Theological Education by Extension, in the Dioceses of Mount Kilimanjaro.

If anyone is interested in attending the CCD, or exploring further some of the ways in which they can develop and explore their faith and how they can use this within the Church then further information can be found on the School for Ministry Web pages.

A Short video of the evening can be seen also be seen on the CCD page in the School of Ministry section or on youtube

Young People of Hamilton Now Have a Place to Belong

25/11/2008

The Unit was donated by Tesco, and refurbished using grants and funds organised by the Church, Hope Hamilton, and the local community. The Unit will provide a wide range of activities for young people currently with no provision in the area, including an afterschool club and a youth club.

The ceremony was attended by many well known people, including the Bishop, the Chief Constable, two senior managers from Tesco, and representatives of Riverside Housing and Young People First.

Ros Henwood, manager of The Unit, is thrilled. “For so long the young people round here have had nowhere to meet, talk and feel cared for. Thanks to the liaison between the church and the community, and with the generosity of Tesco, we have been able to bring something really special to Hamilton.”

The Unit is currently open after school two days a week, and on Friday evenings, and facilities include a kitchen, table tennis and snooker, and staging for shows!

Watch the video ...

Training Scheme For Organists!

25/11/2008

So far, it is the Skills programme for organists which has just been launched; other units for choir directors, cantors and ensemble leaders will follow over the next twelve months. The programme is based on distance learning, and combines practical skills with supporting studies on a number of relevant topics. “The authors of the learning materials and the course tutors are all highly regarded experts in their field,” says Esther Jones, the Director of the RSCM Church Music Skills programme which is open to musicians both in the UK and abroad.
For organists, the scheme offers help with the playing of hymns, songs and choruses, as well as accompanying psalms, anthems and settings. The associated studies explore everything from choice of music and repertoire, to copyright and managing a budget. To measure progress, participants may, if they wish, work towards a Church Music Skills Award. Alternatively, there is a flexible study scheme for those church musicians pursuing their own personal goals and at their own pace.
For much of this year, more than 50 students all over the world have taken part in a pilot scheme prior to the launch. “We know it works,” says Esther Jones. “Those who took part have provided valuable feedback; we have been delighted that it has been very well received by people of all ages and abilities.” David Brookes, an organ teacher at Dilworth School in Auckland, New Zealand, put forward his organ pupils to take part in the pilot scheme. “One young player has made rapid progress, and has mastered basic pedalling techniques using the scheme’s learning materials,” he said.
Other participants have also welcomed the new scheme; “I cannot congratulate you too highly on the contents of your units – it is a wonderful comprehensive and practical course.”

The Church Music Skills programme is one of three training programmes run by the RSCM. For further information including prices, go to www.rscm.com/education/skills.php or contact the RSCM on 01722 424843.

Six of the Best for St Philips Centre

18/11/2008

The St. Philip’s Centre in Leicester has been selected as one of only six national projects by the Institute of Community Cohesion (iCoCo) as a finalist for the Award for Bridging Cultures (ABC). Funded by the Baring Foundation and delivered by iCoCo, the award will reward grass roots, community and voluntary organisations for local schemes and projects which promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. The ABCs will identify and celebrate schemes and activities that are making a real and meaningful contribution to the development of a mutual understanding of cultural differences and through this, building bridges between communities and cultures.
The St Philip’s Centre which officially opened in 2006, has achieved major successes to date. On the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it set up the UK’s first ever Imams Vs Clergy annual Cricket match as a way of uniting communities to commemorate the victims. The match has taken place each year ever since. The Centre runs a series of dialogue groups to build friendships and trust between different faiths, stages inter faith charity dinners to raise money for needy causes, provides courses for members of the public and organisations such as Leicestershire Constabulary and Leicestershire County Council to learn more about different religions and hosts several international groups who want to find out more about the Centre’s
work. In February this year, HRH Prince Charles visited St Philip’s Centre to offer his support.
As part of the nomination, staff have spent the week producing a special DVD of their activities which will be shown at the awards ceremony later this month.
Canon Dr. Andrew Wingate, Director of St. Philip’s Centre said, “This award is testimony to the hard work of our staff and the enthusiasm of everyone who has come into contact with our Centre. From sport to dialogue, training to engagement, we have prided ourselves on building a city and county where we celebrate difference and stay faithful. Since 2006 countless numbers of people have become familiar with our Centre’s work and we are delighted that this has been recognised at national level. Everyone who lives in Leicester and Leicestershire should be proud of this nomination. Whatever the outcome, St Philip’s Centre will not rest on our laurels because we will continue to develop our vital work to build bridges across and within communities”.
Jaspreet Kaur, resource person at St Philip’s Centre added, “To make the shortlist for this major, national award is a significant achievement for the Centre in such a short space of time. The Centre has a distinctive approach to promoting positive and lasting relationships between different faiths and cultures which I trust will now be adopted by organisations in other parts of the country.”
The winning organisation will receive prizes including a trophy and £10,000. The announcement will be made at a special ceremony in Central London on 26th November

UK Faith leaders join students on visit to Auschwitz

13/11/2008

The visit by the UK’s faith leaders will demonstrate their solidarity in standing against the extremes of hostility and genocide which Auschwitz – Birkenau represents and which are represented in Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda in modern times. The Holocaust Educational Trust is taking 200 students on the visit and over the past twelve months alone has taken over 2000 students on the Project which explores the universal lessons of the Holocaust.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said: “Auschwitz, as many have said, reduces us to silence. But to say this and no more is to shy away from the challenge it poses. If we are truly committed to hearing and learning, we have no choice but to seek to grow in our ability to identify where these are present today. Our hope is that in making this journey together we also travel towards the God who binds us together in protest and grief at this profanation.”

The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, commented: “The Holocaust did not happen far away, in some distant time and in another kind of civilization. It happened in the heart of enlightened Europe in a country that prided itself on its art, its culture, its philosophy and ethics. However painful it is, we must learn what happened, that it may never happen again to anyone, whatever their colour, culture or creed. We cannot change the past, but by remembering the past, we can change the future.”

Now in its tenth year, the Lessons from Auschwitz Project is based on the premise that “hearing is not like seeing”. The participants will first visit Osweicim, the town where the Auschwitz death and concentration camps were located and where before the war, 58% of the population was Jewish. They will go onto visit Auschwitz I seeing the former camp’s barracks and crematoria, and witnessing the piles of belongings that were seized by the Nazis. Finally they will spend time at the main killing centre of Birkenau where the day will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony and reflective readings by the students, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Chief Rabbi, to remember all who died as a result of the Holocaust.

Following the visit, the students will use the experience to commemorate and educate others about the Holocaust in their schools and local communities.

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Lessons from Auschwitz Project is an integral part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s work as it gives participants the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the dangers and potential effects of prejudice and racism today. We are pleased that the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Chief Rabbi, together with representatives from the UK’s major faiths, are joining us on this visit to demonstrate the importance of Holocaust remembrance and of joining together to stand up against discrimination in whatever form it may materialise.”

Lest We Forget

04/11/2008

Abseiling St Catherines, Burbage

03/11/2008

A crowd of onlookers saw them safely descend whilst raising a healthy sum to add to the appeal fund.

Archbishop's Diwali Message

28/10/2008

To friends and co workers for peace in the Hindu communities

As the progress of the year brings you once again to the festival of Diwali, I offer you my greetings and my warm wishes that this will be again a time of celebration and of renewal of goodwill and faith.

In both Christianity and Hinduism, we dedicate times of the year to the renewal of our lives and of our faith. We seek to reflect on what has gone before and to reconnect with the light which lies within us and which is at the heart of all that is. Christians know this as the Light of Light and can appreciate and share in the ways in which at Diwali you celebrate your awareness of the inner light. Together, and through the celebration of our festivals, we can increase our consciousness of the ways in which light can triumph over darkness and good over evil. We can recommit ourselves to be light in the world.

It was in this spirit that Professor Anatanand Rambachan spoke profoundly to Hindu and Christian leadership about ‘Celebrating friendship and facing challenges with hope’ in his Lambeth Inter Faith Lecture in May this year; and it was also in this spirit that Hindu leaders joined the bishops of the Lambeth Conference in witnessing to our common commitment to the Millennium Development Goals. How important it is in this Diwali and for Christians in the coming Advent and Christmas season, that we hold to this vision of justice and transformation for all, especially for the poor and excluded, in face of the present economic crisis in which the temptation is to fall back upon ourselves and our own interests at their expense.

It is in this spirit that I shall be visiting the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple next month. I warmly welcome the invitation by the Trustees of the Temple, and at this time of year my visit will carry particular significance and many hopes for the year ahead.

My hope for this year ahead is that in this spirit of looking to the light, we shall be able to find reconciliation where there has been division and hurt; to work for peace and the rejection of all resort to violence; and that together we may appreciate and enjoy each other’s festivals as a common sign to the world of our commitment to mutual goodwill and faith in each other.

Nation's children reveal most heroic job in run-up-to Halloween

28/10/2008

Today, the Rt Revd Mark Davies, the Bishop of Middleton, revealed the results of the on-line poll to find the most heroic job in the UK at a ceremony in Manchester Cathedral. Out of the 25 jobs nominated by a selection of school children, the poll revealed that the UK’s most heroic jobs were:

- First: Parents with 25% of the vote.
- Second: Fire-fighters with 13% of the vote.
- Third: Soldiers with 12% of the vote.

The Rt Revd Mark Davies said, “The National Hero Poll is part of the Church of England’s efforts to help parents who are not keen on their children dressing up as murderers or taking part in trick or treating, to find alternative ways of marking Halloween in a more positive and fun way.

“The Church sees the 31st October as 'All Hallow's Eve', which is the night before 'All Saints Day', when we celebrate our own religious heroes. The survey was a way of finding out who children consider as today’s secular heroes. We hope the poll results might encourage young people to look to everyday heroes around them and celebrate all who lead their lives in the service of others.”

Commenting on the results, the Bishop said: “Each of the 25 nominated jobs is heroic, but it is great to see parents, fire-fighters and soldiers receive this special recognition from children.

“Parents are rightly recognized for the sacrifices they make in the dedicated service of their children. Parents give lots of love and care, and will often go without so their children can have opportunities.”

“Fire-fighters risk their lives every day responding to calls for help. They work as a team, often putting those in danger before themselves.”

“Soldiers, I am sure, have been recognized both for their role as peace-keepers in countries across the world, and for the sacrifices many in the Armed Forces have made in defending the nation from threat.”

Children from across the UK will have a chance to celebrate heroes this Halloween by attending one of around 500 child-friendly parties that have been organised by churches, many of them with assistance from resources produced by The Children’s Society. The parties, known as Halloween Choice events, offer parents and children a choice about how they celebrate Halloween, with kids dressing as their heroes and enjoying fun games while also raising funds for the important work of The Children’s Society.

The Halloween Choice website, www.halloweenchoice.org, includes resources for parents, schools and church congregations, many of whom are running the alternative Halloween ‘bright’ events this week. In previous years, the Halloween Choice campaign led some of the country’s leading retailers to offer more positive Halloween products in addition to the usual fare of monster masks and costumes based on horror movies.

Almost half (45 per cent) of the parents polled for the campaign in 2007 felt ‘strongly’ that there should be a choice of alternative Halloween goods for children, while among the youngest people interviewed (aged 18-24) the figure rose to nearly six in ten (58 per cent).

For more information on the results of the poll or to take part in the alternative Halloween 'bright' events, please visit the website, www.halloweenchoice.org.

November News and Views available to view online NOW

27/10/2008

Click Here to read the latest News and Views Online

New Church of England Area Dean for Hinckley and Bosworth

20/10/2008

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On Tuesday the Archdeacon of Loughborough, the Venerable Paul Hackwood, licensed the Rev’d Dr Tom Meyrick as Area Dean of Sparkenhoe West in a service of welcome at the Church of All Saints, Kirkby Mallory.
The new Area Dean is Priest in Charge of the parishes of Newbold Verdon and Kirkby Mallory. In a sermon during the service, he spoke of the importance of the deanery as a place where parish clergy and lay ministers from the different churches could collaborate together in the service of God’s people. Lay people and clergy from across the deanery welcomed him in his new post.

Called Together - Sermon at service for licensing of lay ministries

20/10/2008

Leicester Cathedral
11th October 2008

Readings
"Oneness in Ministry" Ephesians 4: 1-6
"A Common Sending Out and Returning" Numbers 13: 1-2, 27-33
"Particular Returnings" Luke 10: 17-20

If those bible readings were chosen to set the scene for this celebration of rich and varied Christian callings then have you noticed one important ministry seems to be missing today?

Where are the spies?

In that first reading – after the long years of preparation and journeying God’s people are looking over into the land they have been told will be theirs to enter – they about to become, in today’s language, fresh expressions of mission and ministry.

- but it started with commisioning spies ….

Well I have yet to hear of any diocesan training course or commissioning service for Christian spies. But presumably they’re secret. Spies usually operate undercover. So perhaps they are here, disguised among us, collars up, behind a pillar, muttering secretly into hidden microphones at regular intervals - ‘I will the Lord being my helper’.

But can I play with this idea a bit further….?
I am not suggesting adding an ‘espionage ministers’ to the list today – (something I think the church last officially endorsed during the Spanish Inquisition …)

But I am talking about a quality of character all Christian living requires in whatever ways we offer faith and ministry ….

To be a Christian is to be called to go exploring - to go asking, seeking, knocking – to be spies of God.
I think that is a quality – a way of life – the world needs to find in us today almost more than any other.

We need to be spies because in this world the things that really matter, the clues that guide us, the resources we need for the journey are often elusive.

Jesus often taught that the most important things in life don’t lie on the surface. They are buried, off the main track, glimpsed just out of the corner of our eye …. like treasure hidden in a field or the pearl concealed in an oyster in the depths of the sea.

You have to be willing to be distracted, to go out of your way, or you won’t find them.

God is never so revealed as to be obvious. In the bible the main difference between idols and the true God is that you can’t see him.
If God has heard of Google he has clearly chosen not use it.

For the times we live in, we need sending out as spies ….
We too are entering unfamiliar country. We haven’t been here before ….

We are a church urgently seeking new ways of being present to a culture adrift from any spiritual roots and unable to recognize its loss. In the face of steady church decline, the search is on for imaginative strategies for growth. To this end there is a bewildering variety of ‘emergent’, ‘fresh’, ‘liquid’, ‘ pioneer’, ‘café’ ways of being of church. There are brave and imaginative initiatives among them and much to give thanks for. The ministries here today are part of that exploring – and we are very grateful.

But it is not easy.
We must take a road less traveled.

Our Christian identity is so deeply interwoven into this culture and history that we struggle to imagine ourselves any other way.

For many the familiar landmarks by which we navigated and knew ourselves in the world and before God are no longer there or seem to have lost their meaning.
Whole patterns of belonging are changing.
What kind of church (or world) will emerge from this is not revealed.
‘We do not see what we shall become’ (1 Jn 3.2).
We will be exploring and experimenting for the foreseeable future.

How this feels depends partly upon our temperament.
Some find this very exciting and energising …. others deeply unsettling.
For most of us it is mix of both.

And it is not surprising, with so much at stake, that those first spies came back to the people of God with such conflicting reports.

One group says – that land is wonderful, this is a real opportunity. The people are friendly and welcoming. There’s a hall available for our Alpha suppers, there’s a John Lewis and a new shopping mall. Come on – let’s claim it all for God.

The other group says – there’s no way we move in there. Get real. The land is huge and scary, The people there are unfriendly and built like Russian weight lifters. Traffic is a nightmare and their football team won only one game all last season.

Versions of this debate are played out whenever the church tries to talk about mission …
The opportunities are real but the challenges are easily overwhelming.

And it is not just churches that are facing this.
Turbulent and volatile changes are now rapidly re-shaping our society. Our most basic abiding securities are being violently shaken to the foundations.

The call to be spies of God is a missionary call.

Spies are those willing to search beyond the familiar - they immersing themselves in the languages, stories and cultures outside their own, cost what it may … seeking the connections, tracing the real story …..

It is about a call to live at a generous depth.
To a deeper life in God … one that can sustain, renew and re-direct lives in turbulent times.

To those being licensed today - whatever the particular gift and ministry title is yours – let this shape your calling above all else.

Be people who are reaching out - seeking, exploring, digging deep, among us and beyond us …
And teach us in our turn to be spies … kindle our curiosity, deepen our attentiveness, help us to search the clues, spot the signs, to trace the strange conspiracies of grace that reveal another story being told, just beneath the surface – of a greater presence - a place to stand in hope and trust - while all on the surface is so overwhelming and chaotic ….

Like the people in the first reading – we are stepping into the unknown ... and we too will be caught between terror and excitement .
But like them we are part of a story much bigger than ourselves – a reality scarcely glimpsed but compelling - that we are choosing to trust with our lives.

Stepping out

So here we are - stepping out – bold and fearful by turns.
And as we do we will discover again and again the overcoming and transforming life of God in the midst of all this.
So we pray that you may know your empowering and return with joy – telling us that even the demons will be subject to us in his name. (see third reading)

But our security will never be in results, titles or reputation.
One of the great teachers in the early church used to say – ‘truly to see God is never to have one’s fill of desiring Him.
The reward of the search is to go on searching.’

We will always be the spies of God – in worship, prayer and whole hearted living - searching into the height, width and depths of the love that holds all this in being and will yet bring us to his kingdom of justice and peace
- and at last to the secret of his face.

Thanks be to God

David Runcorn iss formerly Director of Ministry Development in Lichfield Diocese.
He is now a freelance speaker, writer and consultant in areas of personal, spiritual and ministry formation.

He can be contacted at: davidruncorn@mac.com
His website is: http://web.mac.com/davidruncorn

Church Honours Awarded

20/10/2008

This is a high honour offered for long and exemplary service to the diocese and the wider church. The title of Honorary Canon is usually awarded to clergy or lay members who have distinguished themselves in some way or on whom the bishop relies for specialist advice or support.
Pictured are: The Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, with Revd Canon Beverly Stark (Rector of The Benefice of The Ironstone Villages Family of Churches), Lay Canon Penny Russell (recently retired secretary to the Bishop and his two predecessors) and Revd Canon David White (Team Rector of Syston Team).

Bishop of Leicester's tips help vicars welcome brides-to-be as the Church takes a stand at the National Wedding Show

13/10/2008

Couples are welcome to arrange a wedding at many more churches since the law changed on October 1 and the team was specially briefed to pass that on to as many as possible of the 15,000 visitors.

Bishop Tim said "People seem to be really pleased to find the Church in this context. Of the people I've met 80% are planning or hoping to marry in Church. A Wedding Show is an easy place to ask questions and get assurance and confidence."

"The Church is recovering its sense of core mission. The vast majority of people assume that the business of the Church is just this: being available at life's critical points. I don't think people tell us this because they are being polite, or trying to make us feel better. The public expects it: the Church must rediscover it."

The team from Leicester included: the Revd Canon Jane Curtis, the Revd Richard Curtis, the Revd Julie Ann Heath, and the Revd Dr Peter Hooper.

The vicars were answering questions about a new law that means a church wedding just got easier. They will introduce couples to the new online church wedding planner www.yourchurchwedding.org from the Church of England.It features an online ceremony planner, a choice of wedding music and real wedding stories from couples who married in church.

The Church of England team from Leicester joined 300 other exhibitors at Birmingham’s NEC for the National Wedding Show (10th-12th October) to offer advice on getting married in church and help people get in touch with their special church.

Thousands turn to online prayer and advice as financial situation worsens

09/10/2008

The Matter of Life and Debt website section - containing a new ‘debt spiral’ feature so visitors can work out if they are one of the many families who will be seriously affected by the credit crunch, and useful advice for those worried about debt - has seen a 71 per cent increase in traffic in recent weeks.

It can be viewed by visiting www.cofe.anglican.org/debt.

A new Prayer for the Current Financial Situation has been viewed nearly 8,000 times since it was published online in September - increasing traffic to the popular Prayers for Today section by 28 per cent.

It can be found online at www.cofe.anglican.org/prayers.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, recently said: “At this time of international financial turbulence, it is important that the Church should be offering the opportunity for prayer and reflection.”

Prayers for Today also contains many other useful contemporary prayers - covering issues such as exam stress, and world peace.

Prayer for the current financial situation
Lord God, we live in disturbing days:
     across the world,
     prices rise,
     debts increase,
     banks collapse,
     jobs are taken away,
     and fragile security is under threat.
Loving God, meet us in our fear and hear our prayer:
be a tower of strength amidst the shifting sands,
and a light in the darkness;
help us receive your gift of peace,
and fix our hearts where true joys are to be found,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fresh Expressions Night A Great Success

08/10/2008

Cqlyfe - a fresh expression of church, supported by Churches Together in Leicester City Centre, met last night in the Lallie Bella Bar, in the heart of the developing Cultural Quarter of our city centre.

About forty people who had picked up our advertising material from local bars, churches or via maildrops in city centre apartment blocks came along to see what it was all about.

We listened to a live Christian jazz band, enjoyed good conversation and socializing. The prayer and reflection room (employing visual images, a light labyrinth and a prayer board) was used by nearly everyone who attended. it was a great first public evening and will be repeated on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.

Website: Cqlyfe.co.uk

Info: info@cqlyfe.co.uk Canon Barry Naylor

Bishop Receives Keys to Old Grammar School

25/09/2008

The Diocese has been able to purchase the building following the school’s relocation, taking up a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop the St. Nicholas Centre and create what will be called ‘Cathedral Square’.

Work on transforming the building will begin early in 2009, together with development of the open space in front of both the St Nicholas Centre and the Cathedral as an inspiring and welcoming public space. The vision for the whole area is to offer new hope and life to the people of Leicester and Leicestershire in the way this space is developed and used.

The St Nicholas Centre will provide and cater for the Diocese and many other people and partner organisations through hospitality and welcome. There will be a focus on young people, to both develop their work skills and provide a place to meet, plus a Music for Life Centre, business partnerships and administration facilities, making this a centre of mission for the diocese. One major development will be excellent facilities for conferences, meetings, performances and seminars.

Come and See is a Great Success

24/09/2008

The day began in earnest with a “Big Brother”-type interview with Bishop Tim which was, by turns, humorous, moving and thought-provoking. We learned what inspired him, how he met Wendi, what the first record he bought and who had influenced him most in his life… which turned out to his wife and children.

Bishop Tim then addressed the Assembly, explaining how the title, “Come and See”, echoed the words of Jesus in John 1.39 and was in part about celebrating the abundance of God’s graciousness towards us in the life of the family of churches that make up the Diocese.

Following Bishop Tim’s address, a group of young Christians from New Generation Ministries performed “Luv Esther”, a musical production based on the book of Esther – a story of passion for God and of courage and commitment to others.

A variety of workshops were available to participants, all of which sought in various ways to resource attendees in mission, worship and discipleship. Between workshops a fabulous hot lunch was provided by the Academy in the cafeteria and throughout the day there were displays to browse which advertised some of the ways in which God’s Spirit was at work in the Diocese through Partnerships, congregations and individuals. In the afternoon a brief Q & A with the Bishop’s staff was followed by a wonderfully uplifting Eucharist accompanied by Kaine Gospel choir and an excellent band drawn from churches of the Diocese.

And here’s what some participants said….

“The best thing about the day was being together with so many others – it is always a great encouragement to faith to meet with brothers and sisters in Christ. All of it was much appreciated”.

“I was engaged throughout – an uplifting and memorable day”.

“Excellent. Food very good…too good”

A DVD will be available showing highlights of the day and conversations with some of the participants. To receive a copy e-mail keith.cousins@leccofe.org

Back To Church Sunday

23/09/2008

More than 30,000 ‘VIPs’ are set to grace the red carpet leading to 3,000 local churches this Sunday (28th September) following a mass co-ordinated effort led by the Church of England to encourage churches to offer an extra-special welcome to newcomers and ‘returners’.

In Leicester the initiative was launched this weekend as part of the diocesan assembly called 'Come and See', where 500 claergy and parishioners gathered to meet each other and see the vast range of ways in which the church is active in the area.

During the coming week, bishops across the country will be extending a special invitation to people who used to go to church – but have stopped for whatever reason – to come back this Sunday, Back to Church Sunday. Their efforts will be supported by thousands of churchgoers doing the same, asking back friends and neighbours to rediscover their local church community with a ‘VIP’ invitation card.

Thirty eight Church of England dioceses from Cornwall to Newcastle will join in the initiative – now in its fourth year – totalling around 3,000 participating churches. In addition, Churches Together in Scotland, the Church in Wales, Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed churches nationwide, Elim Pentecostal churches and Anglican churches in New Zealand and Canada are also taking part.

The simple idea of extending a personal invite back to church on a particular Sunday began in the Diocese of Manchester in 2004 and has been growing steadily ever since. Organisers predict that this year’s event could see 30,000 people return to church this Sunday in the Church of England alone, based on an average figure of ten people returning to each church that has previously taken part in the event. The concept builds on research that recently revealed three million people (six per cent of the adult population) would come back to church if they received a personal invitation.

Church of England attendance figures have been relatively stable since 2000, with weekly and monthly attendance falling by one per cent or less between 2004 and 2005. This followed two years in which the numbers increased or held steady. The latest figures suggest that around 1.7 million people attend Church of England church and cathedral worship each month, while around 1.2 million attend services each week – on Sunday or during the week - and just under one million each Sunday

Fairtrade Factor

Back to Church Sunday is fairly traded too, thanks to sponsorship from Traidcraft who provide resources for churches to advertise their invitation and welcome. Participating churches buy a Back to Church pack, with invitations, posters, prayer cards, balloons, and ‘welcome’ T-shirts made of organic fairly traded cotton. Participating dioceses and denominations are additionally supported with multimedia training resources and ‘top tips’ style factsheets to use in ‘welcome workshops’ over the summer.

And Back to Church Sunday’s global reach looks set to continue, with some of Traidcraft’s Indian suppliers hoping to extend the franchise to their own church.

Fairtrade Alliance Kerala coffee farmers – who supply Traidcraft with coffee for its Medium-Roast brand – have been so impressed with the campaign they are considering an Indian-run project along the same lines as Back to Church Sunday.

Coffee farmer Devasia ‘Baby’ Tharayil has been farming in the Kerala region of India for 40 years and hopes, through Traidcraft, that churches will use fairtrade coffee at Back to Church Sunday events. “I feel a fair return to the producer is a Christian value,” he said. ‘Baby’ and his son Adeep (picture available) hope to introduce a Back to Church Sunday initiative at St Thomas RC Church in Kerala, where they are members.The participating dioceses, denominations and provinces are:
Bath and Wells; Bradford; Blackburn; Bristol; Carlisle; Chelmsford; Chester; Chichester; Coventry; Derby; Exeter; Ely; Guildford; Hereford; Leicester; Lichfield; Lincoln; Liverpool; London; Manchester; Newcastle; Norwich; Peterborough; Portsmouth; Ripon and Leeds; Rochester; St Albans; St Edmundsbury and Ipswich; Salisbury; Sheffield; Sodor and Man; Southwark; Southwell and Nottingham; Truro; Wakefield; Winchester; Worcester and York. Other dioceses are planning similar events of their own in September 2008.

Churches Together in Scotland including the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Salvation Army Scotland; the Church in Wales; United Reformed Church; Methodist Church; Baptist Union of Great Britain; Baptist Union of Wales; Elim Pentecostal Church.

The Anglican Dioceses of Wellington in New Zealand and Algoma, Canada.
For more see: www.backtochurch.co.uk

Listen to the Rev'd Canon Dr Sam Wells lecture on Ministry

17/09/2008

To listen or download the lecture follow the link to the School of Ministry

Once this page opens find the link for Ministerial Development in the green box and then scroll to the foot of the section where you will find the links broken down into smaller sessions.

To listen online simply click the file once.

To download each file to listen at anytime, right click on the file and select Save Target As

http://www.leicester.anglican.org/diocesan-info/subsite/school-for-ministry.aspx

Church of England Launches National Hero Hunt

17/09/2008

There are 25 jobs to choose from and they include taxi drivers, supermarket workers, journalists, doctors, air hostess, soldiers, footballers and parents.

The results will be announced on 27 October when representatives of the 25 job types will attend an award ceremony to hear which job has been voted the most heroic in the UK. Schools are being encouraged to download application forms or children can vote individually at www.HeroVote.org .

The national Hero Poll is part of the HalloweenChoice.org campaign, which is working to shift the celebration of Halloween away from the anti-social supermarket produced version of the festival, into a more fun event. This year it is being run in conjunction with The Children's Society. Church and school resources are available at www.HalloweenChoice.org or you can see the full list of nominated jobs at www.HeroVote.org

The Rt Revd Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, said: “I was delighted to see so many jobs in the list. It will be interesting to see which job is the UK’s most heroic. I hope as many children as possible will take part.”

The list of jobs used in the poll was supplied by children from different schools. The children aged 10-15 were asked to nominate jobs which they most admired or thought were heroic.

The list of nominated jobs:

Parents

Fire fighter

Police officer

Doctor/Surgeon

Nurse

Midwife

Ambulance/paramedic

Life guard

Carer (e.g. for mental patient)

Soldier

Navy

RAF/Pilot

Charity worker

Air hostess

Chef

Social worker

Taxi driver

Teacher

Journalist

Supermarket worker

Bomb disposal people

Politician

Prime minister

Footballer

Pop star

www.halloweenchoice.org

Worshipping the God of the Gospel

16/09/2008

The Church of England yesterday (Monday 15th September) hosted the first in a series of consultation events with worship leaders from leading evangelical Anglican churches. The event explored how churches within the evangelical tradition can make the most use of the worship resources available to them and share from each others’ experiences and experiments, as well as from the wider Church.

The ‘Evangelical Worship Consultation’ was organised by the Liturgical Commission – the body charged with promoting the development and understanding of liturgy within the Church – at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, with keynote addresses from the Rt Revd Dr Chris Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry, and the Revd Prof Jeremy Begbie, Thomas A Langford Research Professor in Theology, Duke University and Associate Principal at Ridley Hall.

The event is part of the Transforming Worship programme, an initiative launched in June 2007 to encourage and resource everyone involved in planning and leading worship that is worthy of God and transforming of people’s lives. At yesterday’s event, around 40 worship leaders, musicians, song writers, theologians and authors gathered to discuss the shape and content of evangelical worship.

The Revd Tim Lomax, a member of the Liturgical Commission, comments: “A momentum of change within evangelical worship has brought about considerable development over the last few decades. This exciting project provides the opportunity to affirm the many positive aspects of contemporary worship as well as exploring areas for development.”

The consultation event focused on four main discussion topics:

The need for a developing vision for evangelical worship – what can and ought it to become?
The role that songs play – the need for them to provide breadth (exploring more themes), depth (providing rich and trustworthy biblical content), and height (lifting worshippers beyond themselves to fill their vision with the attributes of God).
The shape of our worship – exploring structures that facilitate journeys of transformation for the Church.
Ways that the conversation can be continued – how the participants can continue to learn and share together.

Those present were enthusiastic about trying to bridge the gap between liturgical provision and the evangelical worship scene by setting some of the core texts from Common Worship in worship song style.

The Revd Peter Moger, the Church of England’s National Worship Development Officer, comments: “There is a genuine desire amongst many evangelical Anglicans to rediscover the liturgical riches of the church. We are confident that this consultation has been a vital step towards resourcing the whole church to develop worship that changes lives.”

Richard Curtis completes Nottingham Marathon

15/09/2008

Racial Justice Sunday

12/09/2008

Racial Justice Sunday

“The Lord Almighty will prepare
a banquet for all the nations of the world
-a banquet of the richest food
and the finest wine.”
Isaiah 25:6-9

A banquet for all peoples

Sunday 14th September at 5.30 pm

Christ the King,Beaumont Leys
Speaker: Ven. Dr. Michael Ipgrave

A service to celebrate our diversity
and reflect on injustice

All Welcome!

Read Bishop Tim's Account of the Lambeth Conference 2008

05/09/2008

Back to Church Sunday

05/09/2008

Local Vicar Richard Hopkins (Sileby, Seagrave and Cossington) has posted his own video, advertising Back to Church Sunday on youtube.

You can watch it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kagCNZxDgsI&feature=email

Anglicans rediscover Bible’s treasures

05/09/2008

Leaders of Anglican churches across the country can help their congregation rediscover the Bible’s riches with this year’s free Bible Sunday resources.

On Bible Sunday, Anglicans are challenged to put the credit crunch aside and discover the Bible’s treasures. They can invest the Bible’s assets in their lives, share it with people around them, and help end the wait for those who want its transforming message.

This year’s theme is Buried Treasure? which is based on Psalm 119. Young and old are invited to unearth the riches of the Bible in order to know God better and live his way.

A treasure trove of creative and inspiring free resources are on offer to help create an engaging and memorable experience – including youth resources, drama sketches and an inspiring DVD. Bible Sunday takes place on 26 October, but churches can celebrate the Bible on any Sunday.

Bible Society is encouraging Anglicans to share the treasure they discover in two ways:

One is to take part in Bible Monday – Bring Your Bible to Work Day – on 27 October, the day after Bible Sunday. From students and home-makers to make-up artists and construction workers, Christians can make the Bible part of everyday life by taking its message with them. ‘These days people can have Moses on their Motorola, listen to God on their iPod, read Matthew instead of the Metro or look up Isaiah on the internet. The Bible’s treasures are there waiting to be discovered and there are many opportunities to do so,’ said Beth Read, Bible Society’s development officer.

The other way to share the Bible’s treasures is by giving to help young people access its message. This year, funds raised will provide Bibles for children – like those in Jamaica’s Sidewalk Sunday Schools.

It’s all part of Bible Society’s mission to make the Bible heard, by connecting it with everyday life and giving people around the world access to its life-changing message.

Last year Bible Sunday was held in 6,000 churches to celebrate the importance of the Bible’s message.

Bible Sunday resources can be downloaded or ordered from www.biblesunday.org or by calling 01793 418222.

Bringing The Passion to life

05/09/2008

Anglican churches and schools can now bring The Passion to life with The Passion resource pack, available exclusively from Bible Society.

Containing all four episodes of the highly-acclaimed BBC series in a two-DVD set, the pack also includes cast interviews and a host of easy-to-use resources on CD-ROM.

Together, they will:
- give Christians a fresh perspective on the Passion of Jesus Christ
- give church leaders new ideas and resources for worship
- spark discussion and debate within church groups.

The Passion is also available with a teachers' resource pack, featuring a range of RE learning activities produced by top educational writers and advisors.

Screened on BBC One across Holy Week 2008, The Passion was an epic and dramatic retelling of the last week of Jesus' life that captivated millions of viewers.

It begins when a young religious teacher enters Jerusalem for Passover in a manner promised by centuries-old prophecies of the Messiah. This dramatic account intimately portrays the key players right up to the climax of Jesus' mission.

The series on DVD and resource pack is available from www.biblesociety.org.uk/thepassion from mid September; priced £19.99.

Christingle, The Children’s Society and The Church of England – 40 years of shining light into darkness

05/09/2008

In 1968, John Pensom of The Children’s Society first introduced the Christingle service to The Church of England as a symbol of Christ’s light and love. Forty years on and 6,000 churches, schools and groups around the country join the celebrations each year from Advent through to Candlemas.

With nearly 600,000 children involved in Christingle celebrations last year and over £1.2million raised, this candlelit celebration with children at its heart, is an ideal opportunity for parishes to welcome the wider community into church, forge stronger links with local schools and youth groups and explore, together, the cornerstone messages of the Christian faith.

Join the celebration…
As The Church of England and The Children’s Society celebrate 40 years of Christingle together, help make this anniversary year the best ever by encouraging parishes in your diocese to hold their own celebrations. The Children’s Society can provide a range of free, useful and inspiring resources including:

Interactive activities and ideas – arts and crafts, discussion ideas, reflection and games, developed by the Church’s Children’s Work Advisers around the theme of ‘Jesus, the Light of the World’ and suitable for exploring Christingle with children and young people;

Christingle making and fundraising materials – free wax candles and red tape, collection candles and envelopes, invitation and safety posters and stickers to hand out at your celebration;

All-age worship materials for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany – thought provoking Christingle service outlines and suggestions, hymns and readings, developed with the National Worship Development Officer and our colleagues in the Church.

The Create-a-Christingle pack contains information on how to order materials and be part of the celebrations and can be ordered by calling 0845 600 8585 or visiting www.christingle.org. The website also holds many extra resources and fundraising ideas, including video clips and information about Christingle and the work of The Children’s Society with children and young people to make their childhood better.

Together, through Christingle, we can continue to shine a light into the darkness of thousands of children’s lives, putting the Christian value of charity into action.

Christingle originated in the Moravian Church in 1747.

Stand together to continue the work of the bishops' walk of witness

05/09/2008

In July, Micah Challenge helped 650 bishops and their spouses from across the Anglican Communion to walk through London to as a challenge to world governments to keep their promises on eradicating extreme global poverty. Gordon Brown said the march was ‘one of the greatest demonstrations of faith that this great city had ever seen’, and praised the influence of the Church in using its voice to bring an end to injustice.

For the first time in history we have the technology, resources and know-how to end extreme poverty. In 2000, nearly 200 world leaders promised the poor that they would grasp this chance and agreed to a set of targets – the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – to measure progress towards this. These shared goals provide us with the best opportunity we have ever had to see extreme poverty ended, but urgent action is needed if we are to see them achieved by 2015.

Now it’s our turn to carry the march on to 2015.

On 25th September in New York world leaders will meet at the UN for an emergency meeting on the Millennium Development Goals. During this and other meetings in the months ahead world leaders will decide whether they will keep their commitments to the world’s poor or will allow them to become broken promises.

As the bishops’ march clearly showed, the Church is a worldwide network that is able to help people across the globe speak out in unity. If it continues to raise its voice on this issue then it can be a catalyst for wider civil society around the world to do the same, and we can see the MDGs achieved. Across church backgrounds or traditions, whether from the global South or the global North, Micah Challenge is bringing the Church together to speak out in this united way.

There are two ways that parishes might like to consider showing their support for our campaign against extreme poverty:

Stand together with thousands of UK Christians during Think:Fast: a period of prayer culminating in a fast on Wednesday 24 September, initiated by the Bishop of London and Micah Challenge, during which we will ask God to move the hearts of world leaders ahead of the UN emergency meeting.

Stand together with thousands of churches worldwide by marking Micah Sunday at your church this autumn, to say that our promises must not be broken. The official date is 19 October, but you can hold a Micah Sunday any time this autumn. By marking Micah Sunday you can be a part of the worldwide ‘Stand Up’ campaign, which last year saw a record 43.7 million people take a stand against poverty. Go to www.micahchallenge.org.uk/micahsunday and be a part of Micah Sunday.

Together we can make a difference.

Muslims Call For Peace and Unity in the India and UK

05/09/2008

The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) strongly condemns in the strongest terms, the rampant violence and carnage that has taken place in the Indian state of Orissa. Reports from Indian media sources have claimed that extremists who have aligned themselves with the Hindu faith have so far destroyed 600 homes and 17 Churches. In addition, 50,000 people are in hiding in some parts and nearly 13,000 people have been fed by relief camps following a heavy spate of murder and aggression targeted at the region’s Christian community.

Suleman Nagdi MBE DL, Publicity Officer for the FMO said today, “Violence in the name of religion is unacceptable. As Muslims we have received considerable publicity attacking our faith and associating it with acts of terror. We therefore understand how the Hindu community must be feeling right now because the acts of a mindless few will affect the reputation of the majority.

“The world should treat those individuals responsible as criminals who must be made to answer for their terrorist activities. We should not make the same mistake of blaming the whole community as we have done in the past with other communities.

The reports have suggested that the hardline groups have forced Christians to convert to Hinduism. Mr. Nagdi added, “Article 2 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights guarantees freedom of religion and belief. This universal right must be respected. I am disturbed that the world’s largest democracy has witnessed murderous acts of violence which is normally associated with despot regimes.”

Mr. Nagdi has offered a way forward for members of local Christian and Hindu communities. He said, “Leicestershire is known for its harmonious relationships between its various faith communities. Despite this, we cannot rest on our laurels and assume difficulties will not take place here. One way forward is increased dialogue between Hindu and Christian communities with an independent mediator. We in the Muslim community are willing to facilitate this dialogue if asked. Public symbols of unity can be very powerful and I would urge both Hindu and Christian faith leaders to work together on this.”

Suleman Nagdi

Archbishop Releases Statement About Violence in Orissa

03/09/2008

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who is currently on holiday following the Lambeth Conference, has expressed profound distress at the extreme violence being used in Orissa in recent days against the lives and property of Christians there. Such violence cannot be justified and this, together with the murder of Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati, should be especially abhorrent to people of faith, whether Christian or Hindu. He has called for intense prayer for the suffering churches and for an end to the violence and harassment. He hopes that Christians and people of faith around the world will make known their horror at this violence, their support for the rebuilding of lives and the churches, orphanages and schools destroyed, and for work towards future reconciliation.

Below are the accounts from Rt Revd Bijay Nayak who recently visited Leicestershire after Lambeth;

The Old Dalby group of churches played host in August to the Rt Revd Bijay Nayak, Bishop of Phulbani in the Church of North India, and his wife Rita. They had been attending the Lambeth Conference, held at Canterbury once every ten years for the bishops of Anglican churches from all over the world, and were even introduced to the Queen at a garden party at Buckingham Palace. They took the opportunity of staying with the Revd Jeff Hopewell and his wife, Margaret, for a week to meet with the people of Old Dalby and the surrounding villages and to see a bit more of England.

The Bishop had been to stay here before, in 2006, but this was Rita’s first visit to England. She was amazed at the level of home comfort we enjoy in England, with electrical appliances she could only dream of. One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of Belvoir Castle, with the Revd Stuart Foster, chaplain to the Duke, as guide. The Shires shopping centre in Leicester was also a source of amazement!

Over Christmas last year, many of the Bishop’s people had suffered greatly during a frenzy of anti-Christian rioting, with hundreds of homes and over forty churches being burnt down, many people injured and some killed.
In the period between Christmas and Easter the Old Dalby group had raised £3,000 to support the people, some of whom are still living in a refugee camp, and help them rebuild their homes and lives. The Bishop expressed his great gratitude for all that had been done for them.

During his stay he attended a service of Holy Communion at Old Dalby, preached at services at Saxelbye, Nether Broughton and Six Hills, which was the first time he had ever given a sermon in English, came to a baptism at Grimston and was guest at a dinner at Wartnaby held in his honour.
The Bishop said “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very warm welcome to us and I want you to know how much it means to my people that Christians far, far away are concerned for us in our remote part of India.”

Sadly since the Bishop’s return to his diocese there has been further anti-Christian violence. On 23 August a Hindu religious leader, Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, and four others were killed by 20 armed men, thought to be Maoist guerrillas (Naxalites). In response, the right-wing Hindu party (VHP) called a strike across the whole state of Orissa in protest. Such strikes inevitably lead to civil disorder. The anti-Christian violence around Christmas was inflamed by the Swami’s preaching and Christians are being blamed for his murder, although there is no proof of any Christian involvement.

Bishop Bijay sent this distressing e-mail on 25 August,
"Situation is very critical. More than 15 people are killed, among them 7 are from our church from Barakhama and Udayagiri. Many church buildings are destroyed and still going on. Many many people are in jungle out of fear. Balliguda hostel, udayagiri boys and girls hostel children were in the jungle last night. Continuously they are destroying the people’s houses. Mr.Mathew Naik is killed at Kritangia village near Raikia. He was boys hostel superintendent for many years and at present he was Diocese executive member. They caught and put him in the water and cut into pieces and burnt in front of the Church. They have also targeted the Christian leaders of the district. All the leaders are hiding. I request you with tears kindly organize the prayer for us."

Please continue to hold him and his people in your prayers.

Further details have emerged in this report:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/2640145/Hindus-and-Christians-clash-over-burnt-churches-in-India.html

Church advertises prayer for ‘Moody Monday’ as survey speaks weight of September burdens

01/09/2008

The Church of England has taken the unprecedented step of taking out advertising space in a major newspaper to soothe commuters travelling into work this morning – as schools and workplaces get back to the daily grind after the summer holiday season. Today (1st September) marks the start of a new season in the workplace and at home, too, according to a new ICM poll.

A survey conducted for the Church of England has found that September heralds a heap of extra pressures for many, with one in three expressing a desire to make changes to improve their lifestyle this autumn, and a similar number stating concerns about their working lives.

The poll of more than 1,000 working UK adults suggests that one in three people are expecting work to be “very busy” over the coming months, and as many as one in eight are “dreading” the prospect of returning to a new season at work. The survey reveals:

People in the South East appear to be the most stressed out as September kicks in, with 37 per cent anticipating an extra-busy period at work and 35 per cent planning significant improvements to their lifestyle, while the more relaxed Wales and South West reports 30 per cent and 25 per cent respectively;
Four in ten 18-24 year olds are planning a lifestyle improvement – such as more regular gym trips – suggesting that September may indeed be the ‘New New Year’ for younger people;
18 per cent of women are craving the routine that returns with September, while only 12 per cent of men agree.

The results have moved the Church to issue a new prayer on its website, and publish it in a quarter page colour advertisement in Metro, a free daily morning newspaper distributed to around 1.4 million commuters each day.

The prayer asks for God’s help in dealing with everyday concerns of home and professional life, including “love life issues, bills to pay, delicate egos at work to deal with, and an overflowing inbox”. It encourages weary commuters to relish every moment of every day as a gift from God, rather than seeing every day life as a challenge to conquer.

The newspaper advertisement also promotes Back to Church Sunday, an initiative which encourages churchgoers to invite friends and family, who used to go to church but have stopped going for whatever reason, back to church on Sunday 28th September. Church leaders hope that the 32 per cent of those surveyed who said that they saw September’s arrival as a chance to make changes to their lifestyle might consider trying out church again as part of that ‘New New Year’s Resolution’.

Among them is the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd David James. To help spread the message that almost every parish church in the Diocese of Bradford is taking part in Back to Church Sunday, the bishop will greet commuters at Bradford’s Forster Square rail station with a copy of the newspaper this morning.

Bishop David will encourage those returning to work to turn to the prayer as a source of both reassurance and energy: “Now that everyone’s back to the daily grind, the nights are beginning to draw in and there’s not much holiday left before Christmas, life can suddenly seem a lot less rosy than it maybe did a few weeks ago. This prayer aims to show people that God is there for the long haul and always ready to listen. He’s ‘always on’, just like the church is ‘always ready’ to welcome people who are seeking spiritual guidance and a place to explore the difficult questions of life,” he comments.

This year, 38 of the 43 Church of England dioceses from Cornwall to Newcastle will join in Back to Church Sunday, along with Churches Together in Scotland, the Church in Wales, Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed churches nationwide, Elim Pentecostal churches and Anglican churches in New Zealand and Canada.

The prayer printed in Monday’s edition of the Metro reads:

Dear God,

You know me. Don't you? I’m not just a person on a bus or a train.

I’m not just another face on CCTV; or just another login name.

I’m me, and I have stuff going on.

Love life issues; bills to pay. Egos at work to deal with; an overflowing inbox.

So please, give me strength. Guide me to focus on what's really important. And help me make the most of every moment of this new day in this new month.

Thank you.

Amen

Laude Abbey Three Peaks Challenge

29/08/2008

The Revd Tim Blewett, the Warden of Launde Abbey, within the 24 hours set, went up the three highest mountains in Britain. This challenge, known as the Three Peaks Challenge, saw Tim Blewett ascend Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales in 22hours 20 minutes.

He set off from the foot of Ben Nevis at 5pm on the 16 August and completed the challenge at the foot of Snowdon at 3.40pm on the 17 August. The three Peaks have a combined height of 3407metres and the distance travelled by road between them is 466 miles! The hardest part of the Challenge Tim Blewett said was Scafell Pike, in the Lake District, which he went up starting at 4am in the dark and the rain. Scafell was made harder as it involved a river crossing due to the heavy rain that had fallen in the previous 24 hours. The weather conditions at the top were also very poor with thick fog!

This strenuous challenge was all for the benefit of Launde. The event managed to raise over £2,000 for the Diocese of Leicester’s Retreat House.

He was supported by two members of the Territorial Army unit – 101 FS Bn REME – that he is the chaplain to.

Next year he plans to undertake an even more arduous adventure for Launde.

Indian Bishop Returns to Tragedy

29/08/2008

The Old Dalby group of churches played host in August to the Rt Revd Bijay Nayak, Bishop of Phulbani in the Church of North India, and his wife Rita. They had been attending the Lambeth Conference, held at Canterbury once every ten years for the bishops of Anglican churches from all over the world, and were even introduced to the Queen at a garden party at Buckingham Palace. They took the opportunity of staying with the Revd Jeff Hopewell and his wife, Margaret, for a week to meet with the people of Old Dalby and the surrounding villages and to see a bit more of England.

The Bishop had been to stay here before, in 2006, but this was Rita’s first visit to England. She was amazed at the level of home comfort we enjoy in England, with electrical appliances she could only dream of. One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of Belvoir Castle, with the Revd Stuart Foster, chaplain to the Duke, as guide. The Shires shopping centre in Leicester was also a source of amazement!

Over Christmas last year, many of the Bishop’s people had suffered greatly during a frenzy of anti-Christian rioting, with hundreds of homes and over forty churches being burnt down, many people injured and some killed.
In the period between Christmas and Easter the Old Dalby group had raised £3,000 to support the people, some of whom are still living in a refugee camp, and help them rebuild their homes and lives. The Bishop expressed his great gratitude for all that had been done for them.

During his stay he attended a service of Holy Communion at Old Dalby, preached at services at Saxelbye, Nether Broughton and Six Hills, which was the first time he had ever given a sermon in English, came to a baptism at Grimston and was guest at a dinner at Wartnaby held in his honour.
The Bishop said “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very warm welcome to us and I want you to know how much it means to my people that Christians far, far away are concerned for us in our remote part of India.”

Sadly since the Bishop’s return to his diocese there has been further anti-Christian violence. On 23 August a Hindu religious leader, Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, and four others were killed by 20 armed men, thought to be Maoist guerrillas (Naxalites). In response, the right-wing Hindu party (VHP) called a strike across the whole state of Orissa in protest. Such strikes inevitably lead to civil disorder. The anti-Christian violence around Christmas was inflamed by the Swami’s preaching and Christians are being blamed for his murder, although there is no proof of any Christian involvement.

Bishop Bijay sent this distressing e-mail on 25 August,
"Situation is very critical. More than 15 people are killed, among them 7 are from our church from Barakhama and Udayagiri. Many church buildings are destroyed and still going on. Many many people are in jungle out of fear. Balliguda hostel, udayagiri boys and girls hostel children were in the jungle last night. Continuously they are destroying the people’s houses. Mr.Mathew Naik is killed at Kritangia village near Raikia. He was boys hostel superintendent for many years and at present he was Diocese executive member. They caught and put him in the water and cut into pieces and burnt in front of the Church. They have also targeted the Christian leaders of the district. All the leaders are hiding. I request you with tears kindly organize the prayer for us."

Please continue to hold him and his people in your prayers.

Further details have emerged in this report:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/2640145/Hindus-and-Christians-clash-over-burnt-churches-in-India.html

Want to know the true meaning of Christmas, ask a teenager?

29/08/2008

Mobile phones may be a must-have accessory for Britain’s much maligned youth, but now teenagers are being challenged to put their phone and video cameras to good use: to reveal their deepest thoughts about the true meaning of Christmas.

In a new national competition launched today and backed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, the YouTube generation is being asked to film their own short video clips showing what they believe Christmas is really all about.

The TrueMeaning competition is the brainchild of Gloucester-based Ecclesiastical Insurance, the UK’s leading insurer of religious buildings. Its launch has been timed to coincide with retailers beginning to display their Christmas goods and cards – over three and a half months before the festive season.

Anyone can submit a one minute-long video clip filmed using a mobile phone, web camera or video camera, although it must be endorsed by their church leader or youth group leader. Entries will be judged by a panel including Peter Ball, Head of Youth Ministry for the Church of England, and film-maker Dominic Green, with a top prize of £3,000 going to the winning church or faith group.

Once a video has been filmed, entrants will be able to upload it to a specially created website www.truemeaning.co.uk where all clips will be available to view.

Supporting the competition, Dr Sentamu’s message to youth groups is: “It’s your film. It’s your story. It’s your chance to express your thoughts.”

John Coates, Church insurance manager for Ecclesiastical, said: “Many video clips posted on the web are the sort of things that give teenagers a bad name but we wanted to harness a medium that young people relate to, to enable them to produce a message that is central to the Church.

“There’s no escaping the fact that Christmas has been taken over by the commercial world, but particularly this year, when so many more families will struggle financially to afford all the trappings of Christmas, we’re giving young people the opportunity to promote what they believe is its true meaning.

“People can make any kind of video they want – a poem, a song, a play or a piece of reportage. We’re asking teenagers to let their creativity run wild.”

To encourage the maximum number of entries, Ecclesiastical Insurance has stressed that video clips will be judged on creativity and content rather than technical prowess.

The competition is open to all faiths and denominations. The closing date for entries is October 10 and full details of the competition can be found at www.truemeaning.co.uk. Winners will be announced at the final on Friday 21 November.

Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, London opened its Christmas World section at the beginning of this August.

Ecclesiastical Insurance has been running an annual competition for churches since 2002.

Launde Abbey Wild West Party A Roaring Success

28/08/2008

Visitors started arriving early to take in all the attractions laid on to the accompaniment of brass bands and country and western music. Children played games, enjoyed the bouncy castles and took part in a variety of activities throughout the day. The Launde Sheriff was also on hand to keep the visitors in order and with the help of a number of small deputies, managed to lock up several ‘outlaws’ in the town jail. Parents and other ‘suspicious looking’ adults were locked up for short periods and charged for the privilege – all in aid of Abbey funds, which will enable the ongoing renewal of facilities for the benefits of its many thousands of annual guests in years to come. Some of the money raised will also be put towards the major refurbishments planned in 2010 to bring the Abbey’s Elizabethan/ Jacobean Main House accommodation up to date, including more facilities for disabled visitors. The Abbey, a charitable trust, is self-sustaining financially and relies wholly on donations and fund-raising efforts to enable it to continue to offer quality accommodation for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Launde Abbey’s Warden, the Reverend Tim Blewitt said: “The success of this year’s event was amazing and everyone had a wonderful time, playing wild-west games and visiting the many craft stalls laid on for the party. We are really pleased that we were able to welcome back many of our previous guests as well as so many new visitors who had never been before. “

Mr Blewett continued, “Launde is a wonderful resource for young and old alike and we are keen to dispel the myth that the Abbey is only for people with a church connection. Whilst we do offer religious retreats throughout the year, we also have many events designed for families and the Open Days help us to showcase Launde to a much wider audience of people who perhaps have no other connection with the church.”

‘For richer for poorer’ most wanted by brides and grooms to be

28/08/2008

Couples preparing for their wedding day want the vows be at the heart of their planning more than anything else – according to new research by the Archbishops’ Council’s Weddings Project. Extensive research among newly weds – published in this week’s Church Times – also reveals 9 out of 10 rated their church wedding experience as good to excellent.

The findings coincide with the launch of the Church of England Marriage Measure, which means couples have more churches to choose from after October 1. As many more people will be getting married far away from home, and also in line with what couples want, the Weddings Project has developed a single session approach to marriage preparation for test in two trial areas in the first year of the new law.

The challenge to listen to couples and respond proactively is revealed in an exclusive article in this week’s Church Times (dated 29th August), written by the Church of England’s marriage advisor, Sue Burridge.

“The Church is in a unique position. In its marriage preparation, it offers something couples cannot get in a hotel or stately home, and tries to demonstrate its care about not just the big day, but all the days afterwards,” underlines Sue in her article, which also discloses that 44 per cent of the general population agree the Church should support marriages before the wedding day (as well as after the day too). This is just one finding from new detailed research involving 411 engaged couples and 176 clergy in the Dioceses of Bradford and Oxford, as well as ordinands from two Cambridge theological colleges, and 1,800 brides-to-be at the National Wedding Shows.

The findings indicate that marriage preparation has had to change to meet the modern needs of couples who have perhaps spent several years together before the big day.

“When the researchers asked newly-weds about their church’s preparatory sessions,” Sue Burridge continues in the article, “they discovered a clear mismatch between what couples wanted and what was on offer. Many had already lived through the life lessons that the Church was eager to teach them, especially if, like most, they had lived together before marriage.”

Among the clergy surveyed “there was a strong sense that the vows work extremely well as a teaching vehicle; that the couples’ attention is very much on their wedding day; and that ‘prep works best when you focus them on what they are promising’”.

This is why, from September in the Dioceses of Bradford and Oxford, couples will be offered a single-session focussing on the wedding service itself and concentrating on the vows couples will make.

“In the study of newly-weds,” Sue writes in the Church Times, “the most popular option among several choices of preparation was ‘an opportunity to think about our wedding service and the vows we would make’ (43 per cent), followed by ‘a single-session course about marriage’ (30 per cent).”

She adds that the Weddings Project has also developed weddings workshop invitation cards for churches, to invite couples to a discussion that will offer time and space for them to think about their vows and the difference they will make.

Diocesan Assembly: Book NOW!

08/08/2008

'COME and SEE'
Don't miss it! Book Now! Call Carol on 0116 248 7411

The Diocesan Assembly: Saturday 20th September at Samworth Academy.

What will we see?
The Bishop in conversation with Riazat Butt,Religious Correspondent of The Guardian newspaper.
A rock opera called 'Luv Ester', the story of Old Testament Ester's engagement with God and society.
Many displays about life and activities in and around the parishes of the diocese.

...and do?...
many workshops are available from which to choose.

There will be a Eucharist at the end of the assembly, and we'll be launching Back To Church Sunday.

GOOD NEWS! PARKING has been made available to all those attending this event at three locations on Trenant Road and the Saffron Lane. If you have not yet sent back your booking form please do so at the absolute latest by 31st August to Carol Gibbons at Church House
(Carol.Gibbons@LeCCofE.org, tel. 0116 248 7411)

Young People ensure their voice is heard throughout the Church of England

28/07/2008

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams today promised to begin the process to have youth representation on the Archbishops’ Council.

Dr Williams was responding to a challenge from young people who were reporting from last week’s “The Lambeth Talk”, an international youth event in the Diocese of Leicester. The event brought young Anglicans from all of the world to discuss their experiences as young people in the Church and in the world.

While the room might have been stuffy, the atmosphere wasn’t as the Chair Matt Rusk and Vice Chair Becky Jackson of the Youth Council of the Diocese of Leicester explained how their Diocese was making a fundamental shift to make a place for them.

The Diocese of Leicester, under Bishop Tim Stevens, has allocated a significant amount of its budget to employing youth workers, and has set up a Youth Council which meets with the Bishop every two months, and is given a voice at the diocesan synod. Its purpose is not simply to meet the needs of young people but to incorporate them and their ideas into every area of church life.

“Bishop Tim puts his heart and soul in and listens to what we want to do,” Miss Jackson said. “Without his support a lot of what we try to do wouldn’t be possible.”

Both Miss Jackson and Mr Rusk asked Dr Williams to consider whether a similar model of engagement with young people could be adopted on a national scale, with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York meeting at least once a year with members of the Church of England Youth Council, and youth representation on the Archbishops’ Council.

“I’m going to step up to the plate and say yes to the both of those challenges,” Dr Williams said, when all bishops present were asked to make a pledge to do one thing to make a difference to youth in their area of responsibility, “To meeting the Youth Council in the next twelve months, and starting the ball rolling on youth representation on the Archbishops’ Council.”

Pledges from other bishops included a commitment to have youth representation on all diocesan committees, and a promise to implement the recommendations of a report into the needs of youth in a diocese.

“We need you to lead us”

There are many active young Anglicans, but they face challenges to their commitment to the church.

“The first thing I felt in my parish church was that I was the only person my age. I love the old people, they’re really cool, but it’s also quite lonely and I feel in a minority,” said Miss Jackson.

And when you’re a minority, it’s hard to change things, said Mr Rusk.

“You’re not always regarded as an important part of the church, but in fact the youth are the future of the church,” he said.

During the session, participants from The Lambeth Talk, including Millie Dewasi from Tanzania, took the attending bishops through games to illustrate issues that face Anglican youth around the world. In one game, Miss Dewasi invited a volunteer, Suffragan Bishop of Aipo Rongo, Denys Ririka, to engage in a life-sized, blindfolded game of snakes and ladders, where he was led by two young people around a “board” of life events that took him backwards or forwards.

“How does it feel when to be led blindfolded?” Miss Dewasi asked the bishop.

“I feel safe when you are leading me,” he replied.

“That is how young people feel in the church,” Miss Dewasi said. “You need to lead us.”

Commissioning of Local Ministry Team

21/07/2008

Published 21st July 2008

Commissioning of Local Ministry Team – 20th July

The latest Local Ministry Teams were commissioned on Sunday July 20th by the Venerable Richard Atkinson, Archdeacon of Leicester at St Mary’s Church Bottesford. The East Vale and West Vale Teams are the latest ministry development of the Vale of Belvoir Benefice and will bring an increase to the churches mission in their communities. The members Commissioned are Mike Chaldecott, David Robinson, Krista Daniel, Peter Daniel, John Bartlett, Judith Wells, Henry Clark, Richard Hedley, Elizabeth Jones, Paul Towns and Anne Wheatley. The Revd Stuart Foster was in attendance.

Cricket helps faiths comes together

18/07/2008

For the 3rd year running a good crowd gathered to strenghten the bonds of friendship across faiths in a cricket match at County Hall, the offices of Leicestershire County Council.

Representatives of the County Council, Police and faith communities gathered for an afternoon of sport, as firstly young people played Quick Cricket, and then the main match saw local clergy and imams play.

As in previous years, the Imam's were the successful side.

The video below has a more detailed report of the event.

Lambeth Bishops - hospitality in the Diocese

14/07/2008

The Bishops of Kushtia and Dhaka in Bangladesh, Central Newfoundland in Canada, Utah in the USA, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Trichy-Tanjore in India are visiting the diocese from July 10th-16th ahead of the Lambeth Conference.

Bishop Tim and Wendi Stevens have organised a varied programme of events to welcome the Bishops and their spouses incluing time at Launde Abbey, receptions at Bishop's Lodge and County Hall, and a celebration service at the Cathedral focussing on Climate Change.

The Bishops have also attended the Lambeth Talk to hear from young people from around the world. For details of this event see another news story.

Lambeth Talk underway

11/07/2008

27 young people from Leicester, Leicestershire and several other countries are gathering at the Peepul Centre, Leicester for the next 5 days. By Monday there will be 60 young people, 30 Bishops and 4 Archbishops from 17 different countries all with their faith in Jesus Christ as the commom denominator.

They meet to discuss Faith, Life and Power, and how it affects their lives as individuals and as communities, and how this relates to the future of the Anglican Communion.

Later this month, key representatives will take the results of the discussions to the Lambeth Conference to present them to Bishops from many other parts of the world.

Hathern's got the X Factor!

10/07/2008

Music Café rules ok!

Last weekend Hathern hosted an Open Gardens and Village Festival

On the Saturday evening Hathern Music Café bands took part in entertaining the crowds at a barbeque in the pub grounds. Hathern Church is very proud of its three youth bands. These have developed out of a monthly Music Café on a Sunday evening in church, ably led by Bill & Jan Leivers.

Music Café brings together young people aged between 8 and 16 to play music – as loud as they possibly can – and they do! The church wants to engage with young people in the local community and show that the church is a community building as much as a place of worship.

Music Café has three regular groups of young people. The youngest group, Hot Frost, played together for the first time at the Music in the Marquee event. Then we have Severed Edge, heavy rock and mean T-shirts. Our resident boy band is Blue Horizon, who sang covers as well as their own music. This band has just cut their first CD which they are commendably selling for charity.

We don’t provide music lessons at Music Cafe, but we do welcome all young people to come along and listen, have a cup of Fairtrade Chocolate or juice and a chocolate bar. It is the first step in enabling the youngsters to feel welcome inside a church building.

Over the same weekend the church held an art exhibition and a coffee morning for the elderly. The exhibition was to a very high standard ranging across the generations. Some of the paintings were traditional, others modern and others caricatures. It brought a variety of people into church and highlighted local talent. I can send you some pictures if you would like them.

Come and See: Assembly Launched!

08/07/2008

"Come and See" is the Diocesan Assembly on Saturday 20th September 2008.

Plans are well underway for the "Come and See" event - Leicester's first Diocesan Assembly on Saturday 20th September at the Samworth Enterprise Academy - an opportunity to be inspired, energised and encouraged by seeing the many ways in which churches and groups are living out the Gospel in service and wirtness as well as being a time for learning more about the different dimensions of mission and ministry in the Diocese.

This is a day to discover how you can help shape the future of the Diocese. This exciting event is open to all members of churches, and includes a wide range of stimulating and entertaining activities.

The Bishop will be interviewed by Riazat Butt, religious corresepondent for the Guardian.
'LUV ESTER' is a musical rock opera based on the moving story of Ester
Workshops on many themes from eco to youth, funding to interfaith.
An exhibition of many of the mission and other themes around the diocese.

Breakfast and lunch included!

Please print off, complete and return the form attached indicating the workshops you wish to attend before the end of July. The day will be held at the Samworth Enterprise Academy, Trennant Road Leicester.
Send it to: Helen Van Roose, Church House, St Martin's East, Leicester LE1 5FX

Booking Form for 'Come and See'

Ordination of new Priests and Deacons

03/07/2008

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, has ordained eight new priests and seven new deacons into the Church over the weekend of June 28th and 29th.

Leicester Cathedral saw large congregations for both occasions as family and friends, and members of the congregations where they serve attended alongside the Bishop and diocesan clergy and staff. The Revd Alison White, CuratesTraining Co-Ordinator in the Diocese of Peterborough, preached at both services after having led the ordination retreat at Launde Abbey.

Pictured with Bishop Tim are the Reverends Steve Delaforce, Jane Kennedy, Emma Davies, Hazel White, Julia Hargreaves, Linda Shuker, Christine Coldicott, and Phil Hughes who were ordained Priest, and the Reverends Stephen Gamble, Trevor Parkerson, Liz Angell, Andy Cain, Jordan Ling, Alison Booker, and Jane Wood who were ordained Deacon.

Bishop Tim commented, "This is a wonderful occasion for the Diocese of Leicester as we welcome into the ordained ministry of the Church these new Priests and Deacons. Many in our society want to suggest that the Church of England is in decline, but these ordinations and the enthusiasm of those who offer themselves for ministry refutes that."

Leicester Diocese commits to FareShare to share food

01/07/2008

Leicester FoodShare will now be known as FareShare Leicester, after the project accepted a franchise from national food charity FareShare.

It will start distributing food weekly, rather than fortnightly, from this month.

The project was started 15 months ago by the Diocese of Leicester and collects surplus tinned and boxed goods from the food industry, from a depot in Birmingham.

Volunteers distribute items to community groups that help people suffering from food poverty in Leicester.

Since it started, the project has distributed over 30 tonnes of good-quality food, with 20 groups collecting food fortnightly.

FareShare Leicester will gain extra resources from being a franchisee.

FareShare chief executive Tony Lowe said: "This franchise will allow us to reach even more vulnerable people in a region and a city where we know there is a great need for the provision of quality food to people who cannot afford a healthy diet."

The Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Tim Stevens, said: "The gap between the rich and the poor in the UK is now wider than in most western countries in the world except the USA.

"As the poorest families in deprived areas of our city and county struggle to cope with the rise in the cost of living, FareShare Leicester offers vulnerable people practical support and hope."

The project aims to raise sufficient funds to set up a full-time depot that would serve Leicestershire and the East Midlands.

Lambeth Talk Announced!

26/06/2008

“For God’s sake listen to us!”

Young people from around the world challenge Bishops to listen at the Lambeth Talk.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens, will head a delegation of archbishops and bishops from all over the world coming to Leicester ahead of the Lambeth Conference. They will hear the hopes and aspirations of a group of over 40 young people drawn from across the worldwide Anglican Communion. This is part of the Diocese of Leicester’s programme before the Lambeth Conference.

The consultation event, organised by the Diocese of Leicester’s Department of Youth Ministry with help from The Children’s Society, will give the invited young people a chance to air their views on issues of Faith, Life and Power, and influence the bishops of the Anglican Communion’s discussions. Topics to be discussed include family and relationships, education and employment, poverty and wealth, and the environment and economy, and why the Church won’t take young people seriously.

The Lambeth Talk will take place from Thursday 10th – Monday 14th July, at the Peepul Centre in Leicester. The first two days are for the young people to meet, talk and plan, and the final day with see the results delivered to 3 Archbishops and more than 40 bishops from all over the world. This will be followed by a meeting open to all at the Lambeth Conference itself.

Other bishops attending sessions during the event include Simon Makundi from Tanzania, Francis Mori from Japan, Carolyn Irish from the USA and Michael Baroi from Bangladesh.

The event’s themes have been specially designed to echo those of the Lambeth Conference, to enable the bishops to amplify the voices of the representative young people within the main conference programme, which begins a few days after the Lambeth Talk weekend. The key findings of the consultation will also be fed in to the conference through a dedicated session on the afternoon of Tuesday 22nd July, where the 600 bishops attending the Lambeth Conference will get the opportunity to hear directly from some of the young people who attended the earlier event.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has written in support of the event, commenting: “I’m delighted to commend The Lambeth Talk. It will be a welcome opportunity to bring youth perspectives to topics for discussion at the Lambeth Conference”.

Robin Rolls, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Leicester, comments: “The Lambeth Talk presents an amazing opportunity for us to hear young people’s views on a range of issues. We’re hoping it will act as a megaphone for young people’s concerns and dreams about the future of our communities, our churches and our world, that the bishops will ignore at their peril. We’ve had terrific backing from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and many other bishops, and we’re confident that this gathering will make a real impact on the wider Lambeth Conference at a key time for the Anglican Communion.”

The young people’s travel fares will be covered by the conference organisers, and hospitality will be provided through the families of Leicester’s Bishop’s Youth Council. Gracie Walsh, 17, a member of the Bishop’s Youth Council in Leicester is delighted. “I’m so looking forward to the Lambeth Talk. Knowing so many young people are travelling so far to meet and talk with us is mind blowing! Often we feel as though we can’t do or change anything, but now perhaps we can”.

The Diocese of Leicester is pleased to be supported by The Children’s Society throughout this event.

Robin Rolls, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Leicester, is available on 0116 247 7442, or 07908 508882 robin.rolls@leccofe.org

For interview requests or further information, please contact Ben Wilson at the Church of England Communications Office, telephone 020 7898 1326; or Liz Jepson, Communications Officer for the Diocese of Leicester, telephone 0116 248 7402, liz.jepson@leccofe.org

Notes

The Lambeth Conference is one of the global Anglican Communion's ‘Instruments of Communion’ and takes place every ten years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is an occasion when bishops can meet for worship, study and conversation. For more information, see: www.lambethconference.org.

A press conference will be held at 1330hrs on Monday 14th July at The Peepul Centre, Leicester, where the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Leicester will introduce some of the findings of the conference.

The Children's Society is a leading children's charity committed to making childhood better for all children in the UK.

Revd Gill Dallow moves on

25/06/2008

Celebrating Children's work

This summer, the Revd Gill Dallow moves to a new stage in ministry as freelance children’s ministry consultant based in London after serving 10 years in the diocese of Leicester as under 25s training officer and priest in charge of St Giles Barlestone. As a pioneer and advocate for’ the younger church’ of the first order, it’s fitting that the culmination of her work in the Diocese of Leicester was celebrated in a service of thanksgiving in the Cathedral led by the Rt Revd Tim Stephens, Bishop of Leicester on Friday 20 June.

Gill has championed the cause of children's ministry at national and local level working as an RE teacher, a School's worker with Scripture Union and RE Advisor in Bath and Wells Diocese. Later, as Director of Training at the London School of Theology she developed one of the first children’s ministry training courses as part of the degree of Bachelor of Theology. In her work in Leicester Diocese she trail blazed one of the first authorized ministry training courses for under 25s advisers. Her call 'look to your heart beat - the work amongst children' has been a driving force in her ministry in raising the profile and practice of children’s work in churches. The publication of her training manual ‘Touching the Future’,dedicated to volunteers and children in the Diocese of Leicester, was a landmark in the provision of good training material based on a theological framework and is now used across the UK and beyond.

Gill says "I’m glad to have been part of Leicester Diocese… for all the practical experience I have gained in applying my thinking and strategies… for those who have encouraged my pioneering spirit and the many volunteer leaders across the diocese trained to nurture our children. Of all the tasks facing today’s church the most urgent need is reaching our children and young people that means providing professional and appropriate training. I welcome the opportunity to move forward to a fresh challenge in a new role as a consultant and trainer to envision and enable churches and agencies to keep the ‘heart beat of the church’ alive and the younger church treasured and encouraged so that as it says in Psalm 78 ‘We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s power and his great deeds, so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children.’

Dedication of New Copes at Cathedral

20/06/2008

On the evening of June 19th the long awaited new copes were dedicated by the Bishop.The brief was thorough and reflected the life of Leicester's textile trade and vibrant, diverse communities. There are ten copes, in five pairs, and are designed to be worn either all together or in smaller combinations in the main body of the Cathedral not the side chapels, for major ceremonial occasions.

They were designed and made by Judy Barry and Beryl Patten from Manchester, using fabric by Laurent Garigue produced near Huddersfield.

The funds to pay for the copes was the result of the inspiration of Wendi Stevens.

Details of the patterns and colours are available in the attached booklet.

Cathedral Copes

Visit to Whetstone Pastures Farm

19/06/2008

The work of the Africa Student Forum (Uhuru) at the University of Leicester.

I wish to share some news about a student group I have been involved with - the Africa Student Forum (Uhuru) at the University of Leicester.

On Saturday 14th June 2008, I led the group on a visit to Whetstone Pastures Farm owned and run by Anthony and Sandra Herbert and a popular site for students and other groups in Leicester that want to learn about farming, take part in a social, pick strawberries or buy some homemade jams, soap, and other items. In a number of African countries the Herberts are known through the programme Send-A-Cow with its headquarters in Uganda. Started by a group of Christian dairy farmers in 1988, Send a Cow with an annual budget of £5 is one of the UK's mainstream development charities in Africa. Its programmes based on livestock and sustainable agricultural systems are having a significant impact on the problems of poverty and malnutrition in Africa today.

The Africa Student Forum currently meets under the auspicies of the Chaplaincy and brings together students to share experiences, socialise, and deliberate upon issues affecting Africa. The group recognises Africa's cultural, religious and ethnic diversity as well as its numerous conflicts. The unity of Africa is therefore not to be taken for granted. The group is exploring the meaning of vocation and how to make a difference with the education they are getting. The group visit included three doctoral students.

Finally, the name! Africa Forum - Uhuru. Uhuru is Swahili for freedom or liberation. The group is not exclusive to Black-African students, but brings together those who have a concern for a continent, which is often not given priority of place in University debates and public lectures.

Rev'd Amos Kasibante - Co-ordinating Chaplain, University of Leicester
University Road, LEICESTER, LE1 7RH
Tel: 0116 285 6493
Email: ask11@le.ac.uk

A Roundabout Way of Traffic Calming

19/06/2008

A ROUNDABOUT WAY OF TRAFFIC CALMING!

Two vicars were stopping traffic on 12th June 2008 by sitting quietly on the roundabout opposite St Nicholas Church in Leicester to help publicise the Retreat Association’s “STOP … in the name of God” campaign. Reverend Tim Blewett, Warden at Launde Abbey and Canon Barry Naylor, Priest in Charge of The Abbey, Leicester and Urban Canon of Leicester will be watching the world go by from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm in an attempt to make people aware of the need to take time out and appreciate the need for retreat. They were joined by children from Ravenhurst Primary School. The photograph shows them joined by Jo Leadbetter, Communications Assistant, and Revd Mike Harrison, Director of Mission and Ministry.

The Reverend Tim Blewett said “We want to draw attention to the fact that retreats are available for anyone needing to spend time away from the ‘busyness’ of life. In fact, for some people they are an essential part of life. Retreats aren’t just for those involved in the church - from time to time we all need space to look at the way our lives are going and to listen to what God is trying to tell us. Unfortunately, we can’t always hear God’s voice when we are trying to juggle home, school, work or worries. At the moment many people are suffering financial and emotional hardship and can’t see a way out. Retreats can often help us to reconsider our priorities and get things back into perspective – and more importantly, no experience is needed. Come to Launde! This is an ideal opportunity for those who have never visited a retreat house before to experience the peace and hospitality that can be found in these houses around the country. We have a wonderful resource here in Leicestershire and it would be great to think that we can raise awareness of the need to escape for a while, just by sitting on this roundabout.
People can come and enjoy the grounds, have a picnic and take part in the Service – there can’t be a better way of stopping and having some time to yourself, with friends and with God.”

Enquiries to the Reverend Tim Blewett, Warden on 01572 717254 or tim@launde.org.uk

Liz Jepson
Diocesan Communications Officer
Church House St Martin's East, Leicester LE1 5FX
www.leicester.anglican.org

Opening of Samworth Enterprise Academy

06/06/2008

The Samworth Enterprise Academy was officially opened by Martin Johnson CBE on Thursday April 17th 2008.

The opening included audience of the local community, civic leaders and representatives from the city and county and from central Government. Guests were invited on a tour of the new facilities, and then took part in an act of worship and saw Martin Johnson unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening.

Martin Johnson spoke of his own background at school in Leicestershire, and how school had eneabled him to grasp the opportunities presented to him to make the most of his life. he suggested children at the new Academy ought to make the most of the new facilities they had and to have high expectations for themselves.

Licensing of new Diocesan Ecumenical Officer

28/05/2008

In a service led by the Archdeacon of Loughborough, the Diocese's new Ecumenical Officer, Peter Yates, officially took up office.

In this role, Peter has a responsibility for advising the Bishop of Leicester on all Ecumenical issues, including relationship with other Christian churches at diocesan and county level, as well as the development of local Ecumenical working at in parishes.

Further resources can seen here.

Happy New Year Churchwardens!

28/05/2008

The Archdeacons of Leicester and Loughborough have been busy this month touring the diocese for their annual round of Visitation services at which Churchwardens, newly elected at parochial vestry meetings, are admitted to office.

At the Visitation at St Mary's Lutterworth on May 19th, the Archdeacon of Loughborough presided over a service of 160 people from all over the diocese. Archdeacon Paul Hackwood delivered an inspiring sermon in which he encouraged all to serve by being themselves and using the talents they were given.

Rwanda subject of Univeristy lecture

27/05/2008

The lecture was given to an audience of 100 that included students, staff, members of the churches in Leicestershire and representatives of other faiths, including from the Markfield Institute. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Bob Burgess, was in attendance and gave a vote of thanks after the lecture.

Born in Burundi and educated in Rwanda and Britain, Meg Guillebaud has divided her life between Africa and the UK. She was a sergeant in the London Metropolitan Police before training at Cranmer Hall, Durham. She was ordained priest in the Church of England in 1994 and in 1996 went to work in Rwanda with the Church Mission Society. She is the founder and Director of the ByumbaBibleCollege.

The question of reconciliation and forgiveness is gaining religious and political significance at the local, national, and international scene. The genocide in Rwanda is particularly relevant for shedding light on the interplay of factors in this human tragedy - not just ‘tribalism’, but also population pressures and the struggle for land, structural adjustment policies, and colonial legacies.

Meg’s talk was powerful coming from one who has personally been engaged in processes of forgiveness and who herself lost friends and acquaintances during the genocide. Meg narrated stories of suffering that continue in post-genocide Rwanda and mentioned that the whole nation is still traumatised. But hope was in the stories of healing and forgiveness to which she has been a witness.

Meg’s books, Rwanda – the Land God Forgot? and After theLocusts and a collection of crafts made by Rwandan women were on sale after the lecture. Also on sale was the Diocese of Byumba Integuza Choir DVD featuring the people’s hope in the resurrection through song and dance.

Rev Amos Kasibante

Co-ordinating Chaplain

Knit one, Save one

27/05/2008

Save the Children UK are appealing for knitted hats for babies.

They aim is to produce 10 million hats in 2008, which will be sent throughout the world to where they are needed to keep new born babies warm. There is a tag to fill in with each hat which will go to Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street to highlight the appalling death rate among new born babies in many parts of the world.

Any baby hat pattern will do or you can get the ‘knit kit’ at www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/docs/knit-kit.pdf.

At OpenChurch, at BishopStreetMethodistChurch, Town Hall Square, Leicester, we have copies of the tag and pattern, and will be knitting these and other items, 11.30am to 1.30pm each weekday, but with a knitting focus especially on Thursdays.

You would be very welcome to bring your knitting and join us.

"Save our Churches" campaign launched

21/05/2008

Launched on May 16th, the Telegraph stated

"Britain's places of worship provide a vital service to their local communities but are under threat as never before. They need to be saved for the sake of this and future generations."

They are campaigning for more Government funding and grants, and a restriction on disused churches being turned into pubs or nightclubs.

More information can be found from the Save Our Churches website.

Archbishop of Canterbury’s Pentecost Letter to the Bishops of the Anglican Communion

19/05/2008

The Feast of Pentecost is a time when we give thanks that God, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, makes us able to speak to each other and to the whole world of the wonderful things done in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a good moment to look forward prayerfully to the Lambeth Conference, asking God to pour out the Spirit on all of us as we make ready for this time together, so that we shall indeed be given grace to speak boldly in his Name.

I indicated in earlier letters that the shape of the Conference will be different from what many have been used to. We have listened carefully to those who have expressed their difficulties with Western and parliamentary styles of meeting, and the Design Group has tried to find a new style – a style more reflective of that Pentecost moment when all received the gift of speaking freely about Christ.

At the heart of this will be the indaba groups. Indaba is a Zulu word describing a meeting for purposeful discussion among equals. Its aim is not to negotiate a formula that will keep everyone happy but to go to the heart of an issue and find what the true challenges are before seeking God’s way forward. It is a method with parallels in many cultures, and it is close to what Benedictine monks and Quaker Meetings seek to achieve as they listen quietly together to God, in a community where all are committed to a fellowship of love and attention to each other and to the word of God.

Each day’s work in this context will go forward with careful facilitation and preparation, to ensure that all voices are heard (and many languages also!). The hope is that over the two weeks we spend together, these groups will build a level of trust that will help us break down the walls we have so often built against each other in the Communion. And in combination with the intensive prayer and fellowship of the smaller Bible study groups, all this will result, by God’s grace, in clearer vision and discernment of what needs to be done.

As I noted when I wrote to you in Advent, this makes it all the more essential that those who come to Lambeth will arrive genuinely willing to engage fully in that growth towards closer unity that the Windsor Report and the Covenant Process envisage. We hope that people will not come so wedded to their own agenda and their local priorities that they cannot listen to those from other cultural backgrounds. As you may have gathered, in circumstances where there has been divisive or controversial action, I have been discussing privately with some bishops the need to be wholeheartedly part of a shared vision and process in our time together.

Of course, as baptised Christians and pastors of Christ’s flock, we are not just seeking some low-level consensus, or a simple agreement to disagree politely. We are asking for the fire of the Spirit to come upon us and deepen our sense that we are answerable to and for each other and answerable to God for the faithful proclamation of his grace uniquely offered in Jesus. That deepening may be painful in all kinds of ways. The Spirit does not show us a way to by-pass the Cross. But only in this way shall we truly appear in the world as Christ’s Body as a sign of God's Kingdom which challenges a world scarred by poverty, violence and injustice.

The potential of our Conference is great. The focus of all we do is meant to be strengthening our Communion and equipping all bishops to engage more effectively in mission; only God the Holy Spirit can bind us together in lasting and Christ-centred way, and only God the Holy Spirit can give us the words we need to make Christ truly known in our world. So we must go on praying hard with our people that the Spirit will bring these possibilities to fruition as only he can. Those who have planned the Conference have felt truly touched by that Spirit as they have worked together, and I know that their only wish is that what they have outlined for us will enable others to experience the same renewal and delight in our fellowship.

This is an ambitious event – ambitious for God and God’s Kingdom, which is wholly appropriate for a Lambeth Conference. And our ambition is nothing less than renewal and revival for us all in the Name of Jesus and the power of his Spirit.

May that Spirit be with you daily in your preparation for our meeting. As Our Lord says, ‘You know him, for he lives with and will be in you’ (Jn 14.17).

Rowan Cantuar

LightLive

19/05/2008

10,000 free online activities – with 650 more added every 3 months!

It is designed by Scripture Union to help you tailor material to the specific needs of your children and young people’s group(s) or congregation.

Go to http://www.lightlive.org/ – and remember, it’s absolutely FREE!

            - access the bank of activities and ideas
            - enrich your programme with multimedia resources
            - search, save and print – all from one website
            - plan and manage your group programme like never before

Sainsbury’s Fosse Park SHARE surplus food!

19/05/2008

The Department of Social Responsibility’s project, ‘Leicester Foodshare’ has been operational now for over twelve months and is proving to play a major role in working towards reducing poverty in the Diocese of Leicester. Twice a month volunteers hire a van, drive to a Fareshare Depot ( www.fareshare.org.uk ) in Birmingham to collect food and then bring it back to St Paul’s Worship Centre in Leicester’s West End. The food is then distributed to the many groups who provide assistance and support to socially and economically deprived individuals living in the Diocese.

Groups that collect food from Leicester FoodShare include the Red Cross, the Centre Project (Central Baptist Church), Leicester Welcome Project, Women’s Welcome Project, and Age Concern.

So, Leicester FoodShare not only helps people in need, it also uses up surplus food from the food industry, which, from an environmental point of view, reduces the huge amount of waste being sent to landfill every year.

Leicester FoodShare is keen to grow and develop but as we are self funding it is very difficult. Contributions from local parishes would be very, very welcome as would donations from anyone in the local community.
Leicester FoodShare is always looking for volunteers to help out with the distribution of food. If you could spare a couple of hours every other week then we would love to hear from you. Again, please contact Simone Connolly on 0116 2786961 or 0787 864 5219.

To learn more about the very important and much needed work that Leicester Foodshare is doing please contact the project co-ordinator, Simone Connolly, on 0787 864 5219 or by email at simone.connolly@leccofe.org.

Make Them Laugh! The vicar is human after all....

19/05/2008

He writes:

I was thrilled to be part of a terrific event for the community, young and old, put together by the Bottesford Living History Group www.bottesfordhistory.org.uk . They heard about my theatrical bent (I was recently pantomime dame in Harby), so asked me to be Stan Laurel, along the writer of the sketch, David McCormack, who played Oliver Hardy. The sketch recreated the duo's visit to the Bull Inn at Bottesford, which Stan's sister Olga Healy ran in the 1950's. L and H were on their farewell European tour at the time.

The event on May 4th was called A Grand Day Out or Mr Dewey Takes Charge, taking the 'audience' round the village recreating happenings from 1952, as if a school class led by the then headmaster, Mr Dewey. His actual son was with us on the day, as were May-pole dancers featured in a period photograph.

After we performed as L and H, I was accosted by a man wielding an autograph book featuring their monikers, and a set of L and H photographs, including one taken at the Bull back then. He then explained that he is Stan Laurel's nephew! I am delighted to report that he gave us the seal of approval for our performance. It was noted that even small children were giggling at our portrayal, so a little of the L and H magic must have been with us. As they were childhood heroes of mine, it was quite an honour, and quite spooky having our photographs taken beside theirs in the pub.

As a vicar such antics help people to appreciate that their parish priest is not holier than thou, but in fact a human being with a sense of humour, and therefore more approachable.

Robin Stapleford [rdstapleford@tiscali.co.uk]

Ash Wednesday Service

19/05/2008

On Ash Wednesday 200 people gathered for a service of penitence to mark the beginning of the season of Lent. Everyone was marked with the sign of the cross of Christ, in ash, on their forehead.

Looking forward to the Lambeth Conference

15/05/2008

The Archbishop of Canterbury today set out his hopes for this year's Lambeth Conference in a video message addressed to Bishops and Dioceses across the worldwide communion.

"Every ten years the Bishops of the Anglican Communion worldwide meet for the Lambeth Conference."

"The Archbishop who began the Lambeth Conference, Charles Longley, was somebody who had a vision of the Anglican identity, the Anglican way of being Christian, as something that was no longer just confined to the British Isles or to North America but that was in principle becoming a universal reality and he wanted Bishops speaking for those new communities, those different Anglican communities across the world, to be able to share with one another what their priorities were, their concerns and their hopes, and that has always been at the very heart of the Lambeth Conference."

"What I would really most like to see in this years Lambeth Conference is the sense that this is essentially a spiritual encounter. A time when people are encountering God as they encounter one another, a time when people will feel that their life of prayer and witness is being deepened and their resources are being stretched. Not a time when we are being besieged by problems that need to be solved and statements that need to be finalised, but a time when people feel that they are growing in their ministry. And for that to happen once again, we are going to need the prayers and the support of so many people around the world."

"And that is why I have encouraged people across the Communion to prepare for the Lambeth Conference not only by praying for Bishops as they gather but also by sharing some of the material that has been provided for Bible study at the Conference- sharing in reflection on St John's Gospel - so that Bishops and their people and their clergy will in the months ahead be going through the same kinds of processes of thinking and praying around St John's Gospel that will lay the foundations for what we hope to achieve at the Lambeth Conference.

So please pray for the Conference and please share in that process of preparation, that reflection of God's word in the Gospel of John that will open up to us the horizons that we need in order to be better Bishops for the sake of a better Church."

See the video on youtube

Pre Lambeth Conference Hospitality

15/05/2008

As the Lambeth Conference 2008 approaches, Bishop Tim and the Diocese are preparing themselves for the visit of a number of overseas Bishops.

Bishop Tim will also be attending the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury from July 16th.

Bishop Tim said "I am very much looking forward to welcoming Bishops for all parts of the Anglican Communion to the Diocese of Leicester. We are fortunate to have Bishop's visiting us from India, Canada, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Japan and the United States, and I know we will give them all a very warm welcome."

The Bishops will spend their time in our diocese acclimatizing to the UK and getting ready for the conference. They will visit different aspects of the life of our diocese, including taking part in a major celebration in Leicester Catehdral on Sunday July 13th at 4pm, entitled

“God's Fragile World: Global views of climate change”, which will be an opportunity to celebrate our life and faith together, and join with the Bishops in a debate about climate change.

For more information please see the Lambeth Conference page on this website, which can be found under Bishop Tim's own page

Pilgrimage Diary

06/03/2008

Crossing the Diocese - the Pilgrimage

Week 1: Melton Mowbray to Bottesford

6 February – Ash Wednesday

A small gathering at the Cathedral for the Ash Wednesday service. It had all the benefits of intimacy, sensitivity and warmth. The liturgy included the imposition of ashes which I felt touched people deeply. Compared with some thirty years ago, the Church of England seems to be getting used to this sign of penitence in Lent and there was a strong sense of people being deeply moved by the words “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return”. They were particularly poignant for me, remembering that Bishop John had first agreed to do the Lent pilgrimage with me in the Cathedral fifteen months ago.

At the end of the service there was a sort of ceremony of being got ready for the walk. It included disrobing, a strong sense of handing over some present responsibilities in order to be free for the walk. That put me in touch both with how unsettling that can be, but also what a relief it can be.

As the congregation left, there was a strong sense of their identifying with that piece of ritual. I gave each one of them a little wooden cross and it evoked a significant response.

Thursday 7 February

The day begins with the Leicester Radio car arriving at 7.30am. There is a live interview with Ben Jackson all about the walk. The young lady managing the radio car throws her arms around me after the interview, telling me how exciting she thought it was and what a wonderful idea. I gave her a little wooden cross and she burst into tears!

So onto St Mary’s Melton. East Midlands TV were there doing an interview. We were joined by Rosemary Austin which made it especially moving, since I had a feeling she was there walking on John’s behalf for the first day of the pilgrimage. We left St Mary’s with the TV cameras following our first few 100 yards – until I discovered I still had a live microphone attached to my lapel!

The first mile was through the country park in Melton and then to the Visitor Centre where the manager provided tea and coffee. She is a member of a local New Wine church and talked animatedly about the Visitor Centre, the people who come and the plans for the future.

Then on two or three miles to Scalford. We arrived at least 45 minutes early. There was time to sit in the church yard and look at the crocuses. The church treasurer, a life long worshipper at Scalford, joined us telling stories of the village and of her father’s time as church warden before her. Her deep emotional attachment to the church had made the recent debate about removing all the pews and creating space inside the church for the children from the church school and other groups to use it was clearly a hot issue in the village. Eventually the school children arrived and Beverley Stark led an imaginative assembly with them, giving each one a chocolate in the shape of a heart which they were not to eat until they had seen a sign of God’s love.

We moved onto the pub in Scalford where 20 of us gathered around the table for lunch. Animated conversations about the sale of Scalford Rectory many years ago, about country life and about why I was doing this walk. After lunch I spoke to the Leicester Mercury to update them on the progress I was making.

Then we moved onto Wycombe where there is no church but where one of the residents, walking with us, lives in the former Methodist Chapel. He now calls it the Mission House and he emerged at the front door with a bottle of Famous Grouse whisky which two or three of us were encouraged to enjoy!

Then walking on, with six of the school children, to Chadwell. The boys seemed to be enjoying the walk with us – each wearing a little wooden cross on a cord around their neck which they proudly displayed to any passer by. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact this walk has made on them, but I have a feeling it is something they will remember for a long time. At Chadwell church the rest of the school joined us again and the children were asked to say whether they had eaten their chocolate and what signs of God’s love they’d seen that afternoon. There were some very telling answers. That was followed by a question and answer session with some really penetrating questions from the children, including “why is there so much evil in the world if God is a God of love?”

Eventually we left and finished the journey to Waltham church across the fields. This was the most attractive part of the walk, taking us through some of the loveliest Leicestershire countryside. At Waltham church we said evening prayer using their new electronic projection system which they are getting used to using. The church has been reordered at the front to create an open space for worship and it was possible to see how transformational that could be in a traditional church.

There was time after Evening Prayer for an hour and a half of space before getting ready to go out to the evening gathering in Waltham village hall. Here some thirty or forty people had gathered for dinner. After dinner I spoke to them all and invited questions. This was perhaps the most animated part of the day with questions from a number of invited people who are not churchgoers and wanted to ask about Islam, the absence of young people from church, whether the Church of England is in decline, what we should do about gay people etc. I could see the real benefit of these kind of events with invited non-churchgoers, especially in rural areas like this. Eventually we got home at 10pm.

Friday 8 February

During breakfast in Beverley and David Stark’s house, Mike Smith arrived with news of the row breaking over Archbishop Rowan’s remarks about Sharia law. Radio Leicester wanted an interview and back in the office there was some concern about the fact that Prince Charles was due to visit the St Philip’s Centre today. It feels as if the routine demands break in even when out and about on the walk. As soon as breakfast was over I did a live interview with Tony Wadsworth on Radio Leicester as the top news story at 9 o’clock.

Immediately into Waltham parish church where the children from the village school had gathered. The story of Moses was told using overhead DVD projected onto a giant screen. It was all very well done and followed the theme of pilgrimage.

As we left Waltham we made our way past the village Post Office, popping in to chat to the proprietor and noticing that every single newspaper was leading with the storm of the Archbishop on its front pages. From there we walked on to the village deli where we were given two flapjacks for the journey! Then to the village hairdresser who told me that I had confirmed her in Bottesford church five years ago. As we walked on I talked with one of Beverley’s parishioners who is going off to a Bishops’ Advisory Panel to seek selection for training for ordination. She was a remarkable lady, telling me as we walked about her life’s journey and her questioning about whether she should be ordained.

We arrived at Stonesby where we bumped into a local farmer, a Methodist, whose family had farmed nearby for eight generations. Then on to Saltby walking and talking as we went. My companion on the way had been churchwarden at Sproxton and had spent his time in retirement renovating a narrow boat. Next month he is planning to spend nine months on the boat touring all the canals of England and told me about his plans. We walked across stunning open farmland bathed in warm early spring sun and were serenaded by a skylark as we went.

Then into Saltby where I telephoned my daughter Rachel in Paris, celebrating her 30th birthday. We had lunch in the converted Methodist Chapel which is now used as a community centre and where about twenty people gathered to eat and send us on our way.

And so onto Croxton Kerrial. On this part of the journey two ladies each with two dogs joined us and we made good headway, finding ourselves with enough time when arriving in Croxton Kerrial to pop into the local village school. The children were intrigued to see us as most of them had seen us on the regional television news the day before.

So finally we made our way to Branston. Another group gathered at the church to greet us as we said a brief Evening Office. Paul Botting took us to his house for a shower and a cup of tea before returning to Branston for dinner in the pub. We had a very good meal and were brought a round of drinks by a group of strangers at the bar. People were generally intrigued to see us and there was much conversation about how the walk was going and why we were doing it. We distributed one or two wooden crosses and talked a bit about what we were up to. Then into the parish church again where about twenty five people had gathered with glasses of wine. We talked about the walk and about the pilgrimage and then got into conversation about people’s experience of living in the countryside. In the group was a farmer, a doctor, and a village school head teacher. Each of them had a perspective on what was happening in the countryside and it gave us a chance for an animated conversation about the speed of change and the place of the church. We brought the conversation to an end at about 8.50pm with a prayer. It had been another good day, with a series of people genuinely delighted to see us and a day’s walking in beautiful sunshine and some of the nicest Leicestershire scenery.

Saturday 9 February

Breakfast with Paul Botting and a chance to look at his extraordinary Manchester United shrine in his living room - full of photographs of Alec Ferguson and the “Busby Babes”. At Branston church we are met by a small group of parishioners and Archdeacon Richard and Helen Atkinson joining us for the day. Richard brought news of yesterday’s visit by Prince Charles to the St Philips centre in Leicester which had all gone extremely well.

From Branston we made the short walk to Eaton where, up on the hill, we could see the church and hear the bells welcoming us into the village. We were greeted with coffee and biscuits and croissants before a short time of prayer. Walking on towards Stathern, we took our leave of David and Beverley Stark at the parish boundary and then followed an hour’s walk towards Stathern where we arrived to be greeted by John Deave in the churchyard. By the time it had got to 11.30am some thirty or forty people had gathered in the church (this being Saturday lunchtime) for a brief midday prayer. I was asked to dedicate some new seats in the chancel. After an attempt to speak briefly to everyone in church we walked through the village to the Village Institute, stopping on route to have a word with the proprietor of the local Post Office. By the time we got to the Institute, lunch was all prepared for all of us and, as usual, I tried to make my way round talking to everybody and then saying a few words after lunch. Telephone calls were arriving from the media trying to arrange an interview in response to the story about the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is clear that the media management of this Archbishop’s crisis has been an enormous task for the London staff.

At 2.30pm we made our way out of Stathern on our way to Knipton, walking up a steep hill and then through woods for an hour and a half in dappled sunlight. By now we were reduced to a little group of Paula, Helen and Richard and there was a chance to walk and talk in a slightly different way. Half way along we were joined by Rachel Ross (plus dog) who accompanied us all the way to Knipton. After a brief pause and another cup of tea and a biscuit, we finished off the final hours walk to Belvoir Castle, making our way through the grounds and up the hill to the castle in stunning evening sunlight. Carpets of snowdrops were everywhere and as we got to the top of the path, the cannon was fired from the veranda. Stuart Foster walked into the castle with us and there was just time for a quick bath and change before meeting the Duke for dinner in the Manners Arms.

It was then back to the castle for the evening concert, which was given by a group called Chrysalis who Stuart had invited along with an audience of about sixty people who were on the fringe of church life. I think they were slightly puzzled about what they were doing in the castle along with a Bishop who was on a pilgrimage, but the music kept everybody lively and at the end I was able to say a few words of explanation. It has been an extraordinary day of visiting the simple churches of the Vale and walking through beautiful scenery ending in this weird experience in the castle. It is clear that there are considerable expenses needing to be met on the castle and all the surrounding grounds. Perhaps some pictures will have to be disposed of in order to make that possible. But that is a conversation we did not get around to last night!

Sunday 10 February

After a cold night with temperatures dropping to -5, I managed to make the old iron bath in the corridor work in order to get warm before breakfast. At 7.45am Stuart Foster and Paula met me for us to make our way into the main drawing room to meet the Duke and Duchess before breakfast. We talked about maintaining the castle, the drop in visitor numbers, the difficulty of attracting significant coach loads to north east Leicestershire. The Duke showed us some of the paintings of his ancestors and talked about the possibility of needing to dispose of some of the more valuable paintings in order to fund the maintenance of the castle.

Breakfast was seated at the great dining table and served by the Butler – an enormous cooked breakfast which was served up without negotiation! I failed to eat all the black pudding! During breakfast Radio Leicester called in for an update for the Sunday morning show and added the inevitable questions about the Archbishop’s furore.

We set off at 8.40am with Paula Hollingsworth and I making our way on foot to Redmile church in bright early morning sunshine. On arrival we were greeted by Robin Stapleford and Stuart Foster and made our way into the church with a standing ovation from the congregation gathered from the whole Vale of Belvoir team. At this point it was clear that the concept of walking through the parishes was beginning to capture peoples imaginations in a very genuine way. I spoke briefly in the homily slot about pilgrimage, about our experiences on the way reminding everyone that Archbishop Rowan Williams is also a pilgrim like us, perhaps sometimes losing his way but still seeking to follow his Lord. And I tried to make clear that the media and a secular society has absolutely no understanding of what that means, feeling free to vilify, persecute and attack him. Even more frightening is the fact that leading voices from our own church behave in exactly the same way. We walked on from Redmile along the canal side in what was becoming almost a summer’s day to Barkstone. There another thirty people had gathered for midday prayer, and then eight of us went to the local pub for lunch. Stuart had brought in two young men in their late thirties who he is training up to be churchwardens. Stuart is exploring the possibility of buying the pub as a base for mission and outreach in the Vale. Again an inspiring vision of how to find new ways of engaging with the community.

The final walk was a three or four mile stretch into Bottesford from Barkstone. Here again there was opportunity to talk at length with Stuart about his life and work in ministry. These conversations have been amongst the richest and most fruitful part of the walk so far. We arrived at Bottesford church (via a brief loo stop in the house of a clergy widow) to find another thirty people gathered for the Evening Office. I said a few words at the end and realised that speaking to these little gatherings is going to be an important part of the pilgrimage pattern in the weeks ahead. They will need to hear from me about my experience and about how it can become an experience in which they can share. The signs are here that there is potential in this walk for transforming the experience of episcope in the diocese for the next few years ahead.

Tim February 13th 2008

Pilgrimage Diary Week 3

06/03/2008

Bishop of Leicester’s Lent Pilgrimage 2008

Week 3: Market Bosworth to Desford

Day 1 : Thursday 21 February
A small crowd gathered at Market Bosworth parish church to see us off, including three or four children from St Peter’s school who presented me with a teddy bear. After saying the morning office we set off down a gated road to Sutton Cheney to be met by three faithful parishioners. The church is undergoing repairs and much of the plaster is being removed from the walls. We could not help feeling that the burden of upkeep of these tiny country churches falls very heavily on a small and faithful group of people.

We then walked on to the Battlefield for a welcome cup of coffee. Very quickly a discussion began about lay leadership in the church, how training was to be provided, and how the clergy could liberate the energies of lay people to do more in the life of the church.

With these issues unresolved, we walked on, meeting a group of Battlefield guides as we made our way from the Visitors’ Centre. The path took us on towards Dadlington past what is now felt to be the Battlefield site, a few hundred yards beyond the one that has historically been demarcated.

The village of Dadlington clusters around a small village green and the church is attractive. We were met by another small group of parishioners, stopped for prayer and conversation and then set off again towards Stoke Golding.

This parish church is a place of real distinction, dedicated to St Mary of Antioch. We were joined on the final stages of the walk by the High Sheriff, Barry Jackson and his wife and Alan Davis the acting Area Dean led the prayers. We crossed the road into Stoke Golding village school where we were greeted by the Head Teacher, given lunch and heard much about the changes and developments in the school since the new Head arrived. There was just time for a quick visit to all the classrooms to give each room a little cross and to talk to the children about what we were up to. Once again the idea of someone making a long walk to see them seems to capture their imagination.

From Stoke Golding we made our way on towards Hinckley. We arrived to be received by a standing ovation from a group of fifty or sixty people in the parish church. Once again a number of the St Mary’s School children had come into the church to meet us and we had an opportunity to talk to them and share our crosses and the story of the walk so far.

The walk from St Mary’s to St Catherine’s was joined by a number of people from both churches, including one from St John’s Hinckley. Discovering how those two parishes connect and overlap by walking from one to the other was instructive. Arriving at St Catherine’s we were greeted by David Jennings and another group of parishioners. Here there was an opportunity to dedicate a new set of choir stalls recently made for the church and costing £20,000.

A marvellous dinner with David and Anne Jennings during which we discussed amongst other things, the way in which weddings are provided and costed at St Catherine’s. Just gave us time to make our way to the Constitutional Club to meet a large group of people. They had come to meet the Bishop, in some cases to question and argue but the atmosphere was uniformly warm towards the church and appreciative of the idea of this walk.

Day 2: Friday 22 February
The day began with morning prayer at St Catherine’s and a walk to Aston Flamville. This day was led by Bob Stephen who set a good pace, kept us to time and enabled us to feel that we would make it from one destination to the other without having to be under pressure.

In Aston Flamville we were met by the Church Warden and given a short history of the village. The church is interesting because the sanctuary area is lower than the aisle, one of only a small number of churches in England designed in that way. We saw the grave of the Dominican Priest who had used Aston Flamville church as his place of worship before the emancipation of the Catholics.

Then on to Sharnford, to be greeted at the parish boundary by Gwynne Jones and Mick Norman. Sharnford has a wide central aisle, created by the pews catching fire sometime ago. It makes a great difference to the feel of the church to have a significant circulation space in the middle of the aisle. Again we were met by a significant group of people, warmly welcomed and found much appreciation for the walk.

From there we made our way, continuing on the country lanes to Frolesworth where we had a brief stop before continuing on to Leire. A large number of people had gathered outside the church together with a banner emblazoned with the words “Welcome Bishop Tim”. There were well over 40 people in the church so we decided to sing “Guide me O thou great redeemer” before leaving the church and making our way to the local pub.

Here the landlord greeted us and had provided soup and cheese for everybody. He told me that it was hard going trying to make a living out of a pub like this, but he could not have been more welcoming.

From there on to Ashby Parva where we were greeted by two school children who had baked a cake with my name on and a picture of a mitre in the icing.

Then to Bitteswell to see the marvellous new church extension just completed and to greet many of the school children who had come in to the church at the end of the school day.

The final leg of the day was to Lutterworth where again 30 or 40 people were in the church for the evening prayer and a short talk about the pilgrimage so far.

After dinner we returned to the church for an evening gathering of representatives of the wider community. Here there was a question and answer session including questions about social cohesion, Archbishop Rowan Williams’ remarks, the need for the church to speak out on poverty, the nature of church buildings and whether they can be used as centres of community life. It was a lively and worthwhile conversation.

Day 3: Saturday 23 February

As usual, after a good breakfast and prayers with a dozen or so in Lutterworth church before we were waved off on our way to Gilmorton.

The walk to Gilmorton was by road, accompanied by Colin Entwistle from the Cathedral. This was an experience of walking in a threesome for the first time, an opportunity for more reflection, quiet and thinking. We diverted for the last mile across fields into Gilmorton, taking us on a path which involved a close encounter with four large Boxer dogs behind a fragile fence. Martin, our guide, exercised heroic courage by interposing his body between me and the dogs! But it was clear that locals no longer like using the path because of a genuine fear that these dogs might one day get out. It is sad that people feel the need to keep animals that are a real threat to others in this way.

After all the noise of the dogs we found peace in the Garden of Remembrance in the churchyard where we waited for someone to arrive to open the church for us. Eventually the church was opened, along with the village hall in case we needed a loo. And finally some 20 people turned up having only heard about our visit 24 hours before. I was delighted that we had made the detour to Gilmorton because we were so warmly welcomed and there was clear appreciation of the decision to try to take in at least part of the Avon Swift group of parishes.

From there, we walked further by road to Dunton Bassett, this time accompanied by half a dozen or so people. I gave an interview to Leicester Hospital Radio just as we were crossing the M1. On arrival at Dunton Bassett, 20 locals had turned up for the prayers, although word had got out that we would be praying half an hour later and a further 10 arrived afterwards having missed the prayers.

So we made our way to the village hall for lunch comprising of four kinds of soup and an opportunity for conversation. We said the pilgrimage prayer in the village hall and I was joined by Wendi and Rachel who came along for an afternoon’s walking.

So on to Broughton Astley where the timetable provided nearly 45 minutes wait for us. A lot of people turned out from the parish and we were addressed by the vicar, David Shaw, who made special mention of Bishop John Austin whom he had known in the Birmingham diocese. David had clearly appreciated Bishop John’s pastoral ministry enormously and it was good to remember him in our prayers. Sadly, he also saw fit to refer to the Rugby defeat of England by the Welsh!

The final leg of the day took us into Cosby, by which time we had completed about 10 miles in the day. The centre of the village is attractive with a river running through the middle and the church bells welcomed us. Again, a significant group of people joined us for the prayer and showed evident delight that we had come to Cosby not just for a visit, but for an overnight stay.

I was given a delicious dinner by Mary Freer, whose family have lived in Leicestershire for at least 4 generations. Then to the Bunning Hall to hear the Cosby Church Choir entertain us for half an hour in the presence of a cross-section of community representatives. Finally there was a glass of read wine and a good night’s rest awaiting me.

Day 4: Sunday 24 February

The day began, as usual on Sundays, with the 9.15 am Eucharist bringing together the Cosby and Whetstone congregations.

The choir again led the music beautifully and there was a real sense of togetherness, prayerfulness and support in the service. We distributed crosses to a large congregation before leaving with warm farewells and deep appreciation that I had been part of the community overnight.

We made a hot pace to Narborough, trying to arrive before the end of mass. The Eucharistic prayers was still being said on arrival, and we waited until after communion before I was invited by Fr Nick Burton to address the congregation. I spoke about the pilgrimage and then was asked to give a blessing.

We left quickly in order to make our way immediately to Huncote where there was a more informal encounter with a dozen or so who had been to mass earlier in the day. We shared the prayers with them, answered questions about the walk and were grateful for the “Welcome Bishop Tim” sign tied to balloons at the gate.

And so on to Thurlaston. The walk nearly produced a fatality with a car veering out of the way of Francis, my guide, just outside the village. 40 or so had gathered in the village hall and we had a good Sunday lunch. The tradition of Thurlaston is the diametric opposite of that in Narborough and yet I had walked between these two communities with their different understandings of God, of the Christian tradition and of the meaning of the Eucharist.

From Thurlaston we moved on past the giant Caterpillar plants, making our way to Desford. The road was dangerous and a number of drivers expressed indignation that pedestrians were getting in the way of their cars!

Fortunately, we survived in one piece to arrive in Desford village hall where some 40 or so had gathered for tea. They were eager to hear tales from our walk and to ask their questions about how it was going.

The last leg of the journey on Sunday was to visit Desford parish church and to see the excellent work that is in progress in removing some of the pews and creating a community meeting space inside the church. It seemed a very good example of the kind of adaptation and flexible church use which we need to model throughout the diocese.

Pilgrimage Diary Week Two

06/03/2008

Crossing the Diocese - the Pilgrimage

Week 2: Market Harborough to Wigston

Day 1: Thursday 14 February

After an early morning interview with Ben Jackson on Radio Leicester, we set off for Market Harborough at 8 am. About 15 people were gathered in the church for prayer at 8.45 am and, although it was only a brief stop, it was good to see members of the Harborough Team coming together to see us off.

We walked from the parish church through the town and made our way to HM Prison Gartree, accompanied by five or six others. We were met at the prison by the Governor who talked about developments at the prison. There has been a major building programme which continues to disrupt the life of the prison although the extra accommodation makes a considerable difference. The chaplaincy has been relocated and is slightly less in the centre of things, but well appointed.

The Governor explained that these days there are far more prisoners with indeterminate sentences, people whose actual period in prison is determined by the Parole Board on the basis of assessments done during the course of their sentence. This has significantly changed the atmosphere and the dynamics of the prison, with a lot of men not knowing how long they have to serve, feeling unsettled and edgy.

The visit was a very moving experience. We saw the new kitchens and were shown all round, meeting a number of prisoners who work in the kitchens. Everyone was pleased to see us, received a little wooden cross and wanted to know what the pilgrimage was about. The most moving part of the visit was to the hospital wing. Some of the men were obviously unwell, and had serious mental health problems. Perhaps the most poignant memory was of a prisoner under 24-hour surveillance in a cell with a transparent front door and a Prison Officer watching him 24 hours a day. The prisoner was pacing the cell constantly and yet we were free to walk out of the prison and continue our journey. We shall remember him in our prayers.

Leaving the prison we made our way to Foxton where a dozen or so people had gathered in the Church for the midday prayers. Then on along the canal-side to Foxton Locks where we stopped for hot soup and bread rolls.

Leaving Foxton we made our way on across the fields to Gumley where we were able to admire the stunning new east window recently installed after a Consistory Court. Then on to Saddington where we were met by the incumbent and six or seven members of his congregation who were delighted that we had come to see them.

The final part of the walk was mainly on roads to Shearsby. We were under some time pressure at the end but managed to get to the church by 4.40 pm. We were astonished to find 40 or more people waiting for us for the evening prayer. I was given hospitality in the village by a couple whose background was in the mining industry. It was fascinating to hear stories of being in the Leicestershire mines 30 or 40 years ago.

After dinner, back to the village hall for a gathering of another 40 people. There was a lively question and answer session including much interest still in the Archbishop’s remarks last week. It is clear that sensitivities are running high. Later in the evening I watched Question Time and realised that this is a story which still shows no signs of going away.

Day 2: Friday 15 February

Breakfast with the hosts at Shearsby included a wonderful plate of bacon and eggs in the company of their two excitable dogs. There was much to be learned about life in that part of the county, including the way in which the benefice is trying to encourage people to join together for services. The reluctance of rural congregations to travel remains a considerable challenge to mission in the rural areas.

We walked down to Shearsby church for the morning prayer, looking at the churchyard which is kept in trim by a flock of sheep. From the church porch entrance you get a wonderful view across the roofs of the village seeing the layout as if it was a model village.

After morning prayer in the church, we set off across fields to Fleckney. We were joined by MP for Blaby with his young and half-trained dog, Tavy. There was much discussion en route, not least about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s remarks on sharia law.

On arriving in Fleckney we were welcomed into the parish church were some 20 people had gathered. We used a short office and prayed at the statue of Our Lady which had been brought back from Walsingham.

Then on across the fields again to Kibworth. Suddenly a hurrying figure caught up with us, he turned out to be the Leicester Mercury photographer trying to get a picture of the group! It is good that we continue to have such a lot of media interest for this journey because it helps us build a sense of the diocesan pilgrimage together.

The prayers in Kibworth were joined by another 30 of 40 people. Central TV were also there, picking up the story and wanting to film the Bishop talking to parishioners in the church and handing out crosses. Eventually we made our way to the Coach and Horses in Kibworth accompanied by Central TV, filming in the pub and interviewing me in the saloon bar.

We walked on to Church Langton, again across fields, often having to find a path across a ploughed and sown field and being reassured that we would not do damage to the crop. Arriving in Church Langton we could hear the splendid organ being played by the new incumbent. This instrument was built to offer the accompaniment to the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Church Langton.

Then on the Thorpe Langton to be greeted as we crossed the final field by a welcoming peal of bells. Evening Prayer in Thorpe Langton church was followed by a welcome opportunity for an hour’s rest at my host’s house. Following another delicious meal we made our way back to Church Langton and to the Hanbury Trust hall for an evening gathering. This comprised representatives of the local Parish Councils, most not Church members but people who were involved in the life of their local villages. The conversation turned to the whole question of village schools, the provision of community space in small villages and the opportunity for the churches to adapt church buildings. But the question of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s remarks on Muslims came up again and once again I realised how strong feelings are still running. Eventually we reached the lovely converted farm house in Tur Langton where I am to spend the night.

Day 3: Saturday 16 February

The day began with an enormous breakfast after which we made our way by car to Thorpe Langton for the beginning of the day’s walk. Here again we were met by a small group of villagers one of whom told me that when she first met me she had said that she came from Thorpe Langton and it was too small a place for the Bishop to visit. So she was delighted that I was there as indeed was the other little group of villagers.

We were joined again by other walkers to make our way first to Stonton Wyville, where we stopped for prayers and then on to Tur Langton (where I had stayed the night). In the beautiful Victorian red brick church with bright sunlight streaming into it, we were accompanied on the organ as we sang the hymn, “We love the place, O Lord”. We made our way across the road to the village pub where we were offered tea and coffee and cake by a roaring fire.

Then in bright sunlight we walked on to Stonton Wyville once again the church bells being rung to greet us. We saw the grave of Jack Townsend who had been instrumental in establishing the Care Village in Shangton that we were later to see. Then walking on to Shangton we came to the Care Village and were welcomed into one of the homes by the residents. This village was established 30 years ago and has housed people with disabilities in a warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The readiness of the residents to allow us into their home was extraordinary. There was an atmosphere of openness, trust and warmth which was tangible. We said the Midday Prayers with the residents and joined them for lunch. Plans are afoot for relocating the Care Village and there was clearly concern about the effects of this on the residents.

From there we walked on across fields to Carlton Curlieu. Making our way along the tiny lane which marks the route of an early Roman road. We were met by three men dressed as Roman soldiers. This was one of the more bizarre encounters of the walk. They belong a group of people who live out the history of the country and these three men and one woman we walking the Roman road in original costume simply as a way of spending a Saturday afternoon together. They had come over from Oxford and were going back once they had completed their walk. We shared a pilgrimage cross with them and made our way on into Carlton Curlieu church.

In the late afternoon sunshine we made our way to Burton Overy for a brief time of prayer and then to Great Glen where a dozen people joined us for the Saturday evening prayer. This gave an opportunity to see the new church extension and the toilets being built onto the church as well as the new kitchen which has been installed at the back of the north aisle. These kind of improvements will open up the church as a place of meeting and offer possibilities for growth and development. Dinner at Great Glen vicarage gave an opportunity to hear more about developments in the village and changes in the church.

Later in the evening, about 40 people came to the village hall for drinks and a “meet the Bishop” session. We had about 45 minutes of questions and discussion and I had a sense that most of the group were not Church members. They were a little reticent about asking questions but it provided a valuable opportunity for the Church to engage with the wider community.

Day 4: Sunday 17 February

Morning Eucharist at Great Glen was attended by the whole benefice including those who had travelled from Burton Overy and Carlton Curlieu. The early communion people were coming to a service later than usual and the main morning people were coming to an earlier service. I could sense the general feeling of the unfamiliar – not least in having a Bishop dressed in walking gear sitting in a pew! I preached about the spiritual value of the unfamiliar – the discovery that Nicodemus had to make about the wind blowing where it wills.

The journey took us on to St Giles, Great Stretton across the fields. We could see the commanding site of the new Grammar School as we walked – an enormous building dominating the skyline to the west. The conversation was all about the way in which this will change traffic patterns in Great Glen. The combination of the effect of the Grammar School and the possibility of an eco-town is already creating a sense of anxiety in this part of the county. Eventually to Great Stretton – a tiny church in the middle of a field (with no path leading to it!). On arrival we met two people who happened to be visiting a grave in the churchyard and were somewhat flummoxed to find a visiting Bishop turning up in the middle of nowhere. Walking on towards Houghton on the Hill we passed the airport in brilliant sunshine with many light aircraft taking off and circling. This is the key piece of land which could form the basis of the proposed new town.

We were met on the edge of the village of Houghton by pilgrims from Hungarton who had had an early morning service and had come down to greet us. The service was just finishing at the parish church and I was able to greet the people, share some of the story with them and distribute crosses. Lunch was in the pub at Houghton before the walk across the fields to Thurnby. Here the views into the city were stunning and in the distance we could see Thurnby church and Stoughton church as well as far away Kings Norton. At Thurnby we walked past the Rose and Crown which had been set fire to a couple of years ago and is now restored. In the church eight members of the congregation greeted us and led the prayers before we set off for Stoughton.

In the bright sunlight Stoughton church was an amazing experience. The church is filled with light from plain windows all around. In the spring sunshine it was one of the most impressive churches we had seen. We went into the village hall where some 20 – 30 people were having afternoon tea and scones – specially laid on for our visit. By now we were running late so there was only time to say a prayer and greet everybody before we walked on towards Oadby.

At this point we had been joined by the Area Dean and there was opportunity on the road to talk to him about the deanery and many of the developments I had observed during the previous days. In Oadby parish church there was a Fresh Expressions service taking place at 4 pm. Here were Mums and children singing songs from the musical “Joseph”, an enormous tea and cakes was all laid out on a table at the side. We greeted them, said a prayer, handed out crosses and walked on to Wigston where there were 30 or so people gathered for a service of Evening Prayer and a brief reflection.

So came to the end the fourth day of the second week. It had been quite different walking from the first week in Bottesford. A mixture of market town, tiny village, suburban church and finally the urban environment of Wigston. We had different kinds of reception in different places. There is a sense that the more remote the community is from the centre, the more impact the visit seems to make. Once again this has been an immensely rewarding week with a really warm greeting everywhere we have been and a strong sense of people entering imaginatively into the experience.