News from around the diocese
Eighteen new lay ministers licensed, May 2008
Polish, Romanian, Somali and Swahili speakers teach simple phrases at a coffee morning hosted by Christchurch, Northampton More
Unity College invites primary schools in for Candlemas
A new face to welcome you at Bouverie Court
Racing ahead with releasing ministry theme
Hope launched in Peterborough and Northampton
First Anglican Chaplain post at University of Northampton
Congregations bring friends Back to Church
Young people spend “unforgettable” day at Lambeth Palace
Church members spearhead Oundle’s Fairtrade achievement
Diocese backs “Back to church Sunday”
Unity College invites primary schools in for Candlemas
Unity College, the Church of England secondary school in Northampton, played host to hundreds of pupils from 30 church schools in Northamptonshire on Tuesday 5 February, when they took part in a special service for Candlemas.
There was an African feel to the worship which was led by a gospel choir made up of pupils from Unity College, St James, Clipston and Wilbarston Primary schools and conducted by Gareth Fuller. Pupils from Brackley Junior School performed African drumming.
During the service, Bishop Frank and Archdeacon Christine retold the story of the prodigal son, with the help of giant puppets created and steered by pupils from All Saints Northampton.
In preparation for the service the children had not only practised songs but also learned to “sign” the Lord’s Prayer using British Sign Language. This they did in silence, following the lead of expert BSL practitioner, Jackie Hutchinson.
At the end of the service two children from each school received a lighted candle from Bishop Frank to represent God's light in the world. The candles were taken back to the schools for use in worship.
The service was one of two organised by the Diocesan Board of Education. The other was at Peterborough Cathedral on Friday 1 February. "The services were an uplifting experience for the 2000 or so youngsters from 60 church schools that took part," said Dr Stephen Partridge, Director of Education.
Racing ahead with releasing ministry theme top
Silverstone motor racing circuit is the backdrop to a DVD that will arrive in parishes this month to illustrate our theme for 2008, releasing ministry. The 20 minute DVD features Bishop Frank talking with people from our congrega tions whose calling has led them to follow a particular path.
Among those speaking are Fiona Banham (in the pit lane) a musician who is helping to develop an “electric church” service at Syresham; Sarah Brown (on a hairpin bend) from the Farm Crisis Network; and Becks Niemiec (in race control) who is training for youth work at St John’s College, Nottingham.
The aim of the DVD, as well as the Lent meetings to be held this month, is to help churches to encourage one another to use and celebrate the gifts God has given to one of us. Rather than just thinking of church ministry in the traditional sense, part of the emphasis is on helping us to be God’s people in our homes, workplaces and local communities, in word and deed.
The releasing ministry theme was launched in churches on Sunday 27 January with an audio message from Bishop Ian.
Hope launched in Peterborough and Northampton top
Around 900 people of various denominations attended a New Year’s Eve service at Peterborough Cathedral to launch the ecumenical “Hope” initiative. They pledged to work together to make a difference to people around them and in their neighbourhoods. A prayer walk in Northampton on 5 January provided a similarly encouraging start to Hope 08. For more details see www.hopenorthamptonshire.org.uk
www.hopepeterborough.org.uk
A new face to welcome you at Bouverie Court top
Paul Downing arrived in December as the new Centre Manager at Bouverie Court, the diocesan resource centre in Northampton. He will be the first port of call for the many people who use the meeting rooms, conference space and offices there and will help to ensure that the facilities are running smoothly.
“I think the Centre is a fantastic location as a place for Christian ministry,” says Paul. “It is easily accessible from the road network yet has wonderful, calming views over the lakes. My aim is to ensure that those who use the centre enjoy the experience and sense the presence of God here.”
Paul and his family worship at Christ the King in Kettering and for many years he and his wife, Linda, helped with the organisation of the Sunday school there. Taking up the post with the diocese has been quite a change for him but one that he is looking forward to.
“My previous working life has been spent either with East Midlands Electricity or RS Components (suppliers of hi-tech spare parts), mostly in customer service roles. Before I applied for this job I had been praying about how my passion for God and my work skills might be used for God’s purpose, then someone sent me a copy of the advert!”
Bouverie Court is primarily a resource for the diocese but can also be booked by external organisations for meetings for up to 50 people. For details call Paul on 01604 887000 or email paul.downing@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
First Anglican Chaplain post at University of Northampton top
Stuart Mousir-Harrison finds himself in the unusual position of working in one of the newest and one of the oldest institutions in the diocese within the same job.
In the Autumn Term he began work as the first ever stipendiary Anglican Chaplain at the University of Northampton. The University was awarded full university title and the power to award research degrees only two years ago in 2005. The other half of his post is as Priest in Charge at St Mary’s Dallington, which celebrated its 800th anniversary in October.
The University is a secular foundation but the half-time chaplaincy post has been negotiated and funded by the diocese to develop this important area of mission.
“Being a student is such an open and questioning time,” says Stuart, who gained three geography degrees before training for ordination. “Student ministry is about getting to know people and being available for them. The Chaplaincy is a place of hospitality - we aim to have it open every day of the week.”
The University has around 10,000 students and hopes to increase that number by 20% in the next three years. The Multi-faith Chaplaincy has a network of honorary chaplains. Stuart joins Methodist Lay Minister, Heather Greenwood, who also has a half-time paid post as Chaplain.
Coming to a 13th century church like Dallington has been a bit of a culture shock for Stuart, who was helping to set up a new church in a large, recently built housing development in Rochester Diocese before he moved. “It’s a welcome reminder of the deep roots of Anglican tradition,” says Stuart. “My grandparents lived in Northampton, so there are familiar places here too.”
The 800th anniversary celebrations at Dallington began with a thanksgiving service and were expected to continue with an exhibition, concerts and a quarter peel of bells.
Congregations bring friends Back to Church top
“Great success ... much better than expected ... great atmosphere … the church seemed fuller and more vibrant; a lot of people came to the buffet afterwards including three new adults.”
Just some of the responses from the 190 churches across the diocese who took part in Back to Church Sunday - a national campaign encouraging those who have drifted away from the church to come back.
Several churches in the diocese reported a 30% increase in their numbers as regular attenders brought friends and neighbours with them. Even those who reported smaller numbers were struck by the impact that a return to church could have.
In one instance a mother and daughter came who had not been to church since their son and brother’s funeral 17 years ago. They were moved and delighted at the welcome they received. Many congregations gave out goody bags stuffed with information about church life, stories from people who had returned to church and Fairtrade chocolate.
“I am delighted by the way that so many churches have responded to Back to Church Sunday in varied and creative ways, but particularly in simply inviting their friends who used to come! It has proved that evangel¬ism is not scary or tricky but just about creating a culture of invitation.” said Revd Tim Sledge, Diocesan Mission Enabler. “Now, I hope that we will keep accompanying and inviting friends to the weekly festival of “Stay at Church Every Sunday!”
Church members spearhead Oundle’s Fairtrade achievement top
“It was the Christian Aid committee in Oundle that had the idea of applying for Fairtrade town status for Oundle”, says Eleanor Rayden, local Christian Aid co-ordinator and a member of Oundle St Peter’s. “We had achieved Fairtrade status for the church and it seemed the logical next move. We set up a steering committee with people from the regional Co-Op, the local Oxfam shop and someone from a new Fairtrade café in the town. The Fairtrade Foundation give you a target for the number of Fairtrade outlets and businesses offering Fairtrade tea and coffee to their staff are needed, based on the size of the town’s population. The support of the Town Council was essential, as was media coverage.” For more information visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
Diocese backs “Back to church Sunday” top
“Back to Church Sunday”, an idea from Manchester Diocese that has been used successfully by many parishes over the last three years, is to be a focal point in our diocese during 2007. The designated date is Sunday 30 September and churches are being encouraged to invite friends and neighbours who haven’t been for a while to come back and join them.
The scheme is being supported nationally, and colourful printed invitations, prayer cards, balloons and T shirts are available. Training sessions for those who would like to run a “Back to Church” service will be offered in deaneries during June.
It is estimated that 30% of the population are “open to inherited church” and would welcome an invitation to come back. The experience of St Mary’s Wollaston, who ran such a service in 2005, supports this. “People were glad to be given permission to walk into the building again,” said Adrian Moreton, Vicar at Wollaston. “A number said they had found it increasingly difficult, as years went by, to come back. This made it easier for them to do so.”
It was a similar picture at St Michael’s Great Oakley when they held a Back to Church Sunday last year. “One lady said she read about it in the local paper and had wanted a reason to come to church for a long time. Another had lapsed and needed an excuse to return,” said Vivien Watson, churchwarden.
At Wollaston the congregation went from 30 to 90 which was a tremendous boost for the existing congregation and demonstrated how easy it is to increase numbers. “A few people have stayed and become committed members of the church, which is excellent”, says Adrian.
Although the numbers involved were smaller at Great Oakley, Vivien Watson thinks this may have been an advantage. “The scenes of friendship after the service were amazing. People renewed old acquaintances, signed up for the travelling crib and made arrangements to collect and deliver it. In the month after the service most of the people have revisited the church and one lady has come each week. Perhaps it was better to have a few people as it allowed us to make them really welcome. Back to Church Sunday was certainly a heart warming experience.”
More information about Back to Church Sunday will be sent to parishes soon. In the meantime see www.backtochurch.co.uk or call Tim Sledge on 01604 887043. |
