Clergy Mailing - February Contents

Transcription

1 Clergy Mailing - February 2016 Contents 1. Nifty Notes. 2. Cover note from Bishop Tony 3. Ad Clerum - Healing & Deliverance Ministry 4. Bishop s Lent Appeal Faculty Fees

2 Niftynotes news & information from the Diocese Compiled by Nicola Mellors Launch of the Bishop s FEBRUARY nicola@southwell.anglican.org Welcome Fund for Refugees The Bishop s Lent and Confirmation Appeal for 2016 will see a fund established to support the work of churches and projects welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the city and county. The need is great and likely to become greater as people continue to flee violence and persecution. Mary, Joseph and Jesus had to flee Herod s murderous death squads. They fled into Egypt with no notice and no support. They were refugees and were dependent on the welcome and generosity of the people of another nation. How did they manage with a different language and culture, no home and certainly initially no means of income? People of all ages and nations are similarly fleeing to our country to avoid war, conflict and oppression. For a number of years, churches, charities and projects in our diocese have been offering hospitality and supporting such people. The complex legal processes can leave many asylum-seekers destitute in our neighbourhoods. Offering legal support, safe housing, signposting, language skills, and food parcels are just a sample of the ways we can respond. Continued on page 2 In this month s issue: 2 News in brief 4 Events & information 5 Prayer Diary ` 9 Training Courses 11 What s On 12 Comings & Goings

3 2 February 16 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... Bishop joins comedian Jim Davidson to help military veterans at HMP Nottingham The Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter, joined Comedian Jim Davidson OBE, and fellow members of UK charity Care after Combat at Nottingham Prison to discuss a project aimed at reducing re-offending amongst military veterans. Continued from page 1 Care after Combat was founded in November 2014 by Jim Davison OBE, (Chairman) Simon Weston OBE and Goose Cryer MC, and provides professional assistance for the well-being of the forces veteran and their family. Bishop Tony said he is very happy to be involved with and support the work of CAC : It gives soldiers who are in prison a genuine opportunity for a second chance, which they deserve. Personally I ve never been on the front line or been involved in the theatre of war or witnessed my colleagues being blown up, so I cannot begin to comprehend the mental stress being experienced by these soldiers. As a nation we should do everything we can to give these soldiers a second chance. He visited HMP Nottingham with Jim, Goose and consultant psychotherapist, Jane Jones from CAC to talk to the Governor, Dave Bamford and Head of Reducing Reoffending, Claire Hussey about Project Phoenix, which aims to reduce re-offending in the veteran prison population. Continued on page 12 Compassionate action should be our natural response of joyful obedience as disciples of Christ, said Bishop Paul Williams. The Bishop s Welcome Fund is a timely opportunity to respond positively to the plight of refugees in our midst. In the coming years there will be more people and greater needs. Churches and projects will be able to apply to the Bishop s Welcome Fund for grants to support and extend their ministry of hospitality to refugees and asylum seekers. Welcoming the stranger, offering hospitality and practical acts of generosity and kindness will be needed even more - please support this initiative with your prayers and your giving. Cheques should be made payable to Southwell & Nottingham DBF and sent to: Jubilee House, Westgate, Southwell, Notts, NG25 0JH (please mark cheques Lent Appeal 2016 ). Photo (L-R): Jim, Bishop Tony, Governor Dave Bamford, Jane Jones, Goose Cryer and Claire Hussey outside HMP Nottingham.

4 Niftynotes 3 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... The egg that shares the Easter story This year The Real Easter Egg range has had a makeover and each single boxed egg includes a unique copy of the Easter story in the shape of a pull out 37 cm high cross illustrated by Helen Cann. The Original milk chocolate egg includes images of spring and three crosses on the box with Mark s resurrection text under the lid. It also includes a Fairtrade milk chocolate Yummy Bar. The Special Edition egg this year comes with an olive wood holding cross keyring from Bethlehem and an orange milk chocolate bar. Ten tips from Parish Buying Each year treasurers, administrators, wardens, and PCCs make buying decisions for their churches which add up to over 147 million across the Church. To help with all these procurement decisions, the Parish Buying team has put together buying tips from the experts to help you make the most of your budgets. Included in the top ten tips is advice on energy costs, photocopier contracts, contingency plans and ethical buying. Not enough space for Easter eggs Every year, 80 million Easter eggs are sold in the UK. But with Easter day falling on 26th March this year, it means there is not enough shelf space available in shops or enough time for online retailers to post them all out leading to shortages. So if you normally buy your Real Easter Eggs online, from supermarkets or a local shop, then act now. Tastes good and does good The Real Easter Egg remains the only Fairtrade chocolate Easter egg to have an Easter story booklet in the box and to make a charitable donation from sales. Since its launch in 2010, the number of Real Easter Eggs sold has been rising. The volume of sales means that production of Fairtrade chocolate has had to be moved from Europe to the UK. This is a great success story which churches and schools have played a part in making happen. In addition more than 200,000 has been donated to charitable and educational causes. Parish Buying says its aim is to save the Church 10 million a year through better procurement decisions; avoiding high costs, misleading contracts, and unnecessary spending. For more information about Parish Buying, and the deals it offers, call or info@parishbuying. org.uk Where to buy Please note that the Dark egg and Special Edition are not being sold in supermarkets but can be bought from independent stores or ordered online. This year, you can buy from Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons or from independent stores, bookshops and Cathedral shops. See the full shop list or order at

5 4 February 16 Events & information... Events & information... Events & informatio Generating excitement at youth event Southwell Minster Choir Association presents: Come and Sing STAINER S CRUCIFIXION Workshop and Concert led by NEIL PAGE Saturday 27th February Southwell Minster 12 ( 5 for under 18s) Generate is a new diocesan event for young people to gather, pray, and worship together. Generate happens three times across the year and the next is on Palm Sunday, 20th March at St Jude s, Mapperley, 6pm to 8.30pm. Generate starts at 6pm with a café style gathering - drinks, games and quizzes. After that we move to a time of youth relevant worship and teaching, prayer spaces and contemporary music. Two similar services have been well attended and the event on Palm Sunday will encourage young people who are starting to explore faith, or are seeking to deepen their relationship with God am Registration Workshop with break for lunch (not provided) 3.30 Performance For more information contact: Simon Hogan adom@ southwellminster.org.uk Generate is headed up by one of our diocesan youth ministry advisers, Dave Keetley, and developed with youth workers from across the diocese. David said: We want to provide opportunities for as many young people as possible from across the diocese to gather, relax and make friends, have a laugh, and together worship and pray. For more information youthadviser2@southwell.anglican.org

6 Niftynotes 5 Prayerdiary Compiled for Nifty Notes In March we pray for... Tue 01 Mar Wed 02 Mar Thu 03 Mar Fri 04 Mar Sat 05 Mar Sun 06 Mar Mon 07 Mar Caythorpe, St Aidan Misson Church; Gunthorpe, St John the Baptist; Gunthorpe Primary School; Lowdham, St Mary the Virgin; Lowdham Primary School (Carol Tainton) Banks & Torres - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd Alfred Worek Netherfield, St George (Vacant: Area Dean: Phil Williams, Lay Chair: Richard Turner; Churchwarden: Lillian Barnett, Patricia Bird) Bari - (Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Idris Zubairu Nottinghamshire Constabulary (David Henson) Barrackpore - (North India) The Rt Revd Brojen Malakar Porchester, St James (Phil Williams) Bath & Wells - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Peter Hancock Bath & Wells - Taunton - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley Woodthorpe, St Mark (Matthew Roberts) Bathurst - (New South Wales, Australia) The Rt Revd Ian Palmer Mothering Sunday - we pray for all mothers and carers PRAY for The Church of England The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury NOTTINGHAM NORTH DEANERY (Area Dean: Elisabeth Snowden; Lay Chairs: Anne Walters & Sue Dunster) Bauchi - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Musa Tula

7 6 February 16 In March we pray for... Tue 08 Mar Wed 09 Mar Thu 10 Mar Fri 11 Mar Sat 12 Mar Sun 13 Mar Mon 14 Mar Tue 15 Mar Wed 16 Mar Thu 17 Mar Fri 18 Mar Sat 19 Mar Aspley, St Margaret; Nottingham Bluecoat School (Jon Hutchinson) Belize - (West Indies) The Rt Revd Philip Wright Basford St Leodegarius with St Aidan (Richard Shaw) Bendigo - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Revd Andrew Curnow Director of Education for the Diocese, Claire Meese and her colleagues Benin - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Peter Imasuen Bestwood Emmanuel with St Mark (Elisabeth Snowden, Chrissie Little) Bethlehem - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Dr Paul Marshall Bestwood Park/Rise Park Ang/Meth LEP (Chris Easton, Pioneer Missioner, Nigel Rooms) Bhopal - (North India) The Rt Revd Robert Ali The Chancellor of the Diocese PRAY for Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui The Most Revd Dr Paul Kwong Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Hong Kong Island Church of Sweden: Diocese of Karlstad, Bishop Esbjorn Hagberg Bestwood St Matthew with St Philip, St Matthew-on-the-Hill; St Philip (Andy Morris) Bida - ( Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Jonah Kolo Bilborough, St John the Baptist; Bilborough, St Martin of Tours with Strelley, All Saints (Mandy Cartwright, Dan Corcoran, Gill Hall) Birmingham - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd David Urquhart Birmingham - Aston - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst Blackburn - (York, England) The Rt Revd Julian Henderson Blackburn - Burnley - (York, England) The Rt Revd Philip North Blackburn - Lancaster - (York, England) The Rt Revd Geoffrey Pearson Broxtowe, St Martha (June Kirkham) Bo (Sierra Leone) - (West Africa, West Africa) The Rt Revd Emmanuel Tucker East Midlands Ambulance Service (Kevin Charles, Jon Shaw) Boga - (Congo) The Rt Revd Mugenyi Bahemuka Bulwell St John, St John the Divine (David Gray & Bob Stephens) Bolivia - (South America) The Rt Revd Raphael Samuel Bulwell St Mary, St Mary the Virgin All Souls, St Mary s Church of England Primary Nursery School (Vacant: Area Dean: Vacant; Lay Chairs: Anne Walters & Sue Dunster; Churchwardens: Elizabeth Dyer, Martin Walton) Bondo - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Johannes Angela

8 Niftynotes 7 In March we pray for... Sun 20 Mar Mon 21 Mar Tue 22 Mar Wed 23 Mar Thu 24 Mar Fri 25 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sun 27 Mar Mon 28 Mar Tue 29 Mar Wed 30 Mar Thu 31 Mar Retired Clergy (David Edinborough, Chaplain to the Retired Clergy ad Widows Officer) Jerusalem - (Jerusalem & Middle East) The Rt Revd Suheil Dawani Evangelical Lutheran Church in Latvia: Archbishop Janis Vanags, Bishop Einars Alpe, Bishop Pavils Bruvers Cinderhill, Christ Church (Phil Thomas) Bondo - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Johannes Angela Kimberley, Holy Trinity (Barbara Holbrook) Bor - (Upper Nile, Sudan) The Rt Revd Ruben Ngong Nuthall, St Patrick (Barbara Holbrook) Botswana - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Metlhayotlhe Belemi MAUNDY THURSDAY - that we may show the love of Christ in the service of others Brandon - (Rupert's Land, Canada) The Rt Revd James Dusan Njegovan GOOD FRIDAY that we witness to the power of Christ crucified in our Churches Brasilia - (Brazil) The Rt Revd Maurício Araujo De Andrade HOLY SATURDAY - Sherwood, St Martin (Sylvia Griffiths, Jane Walker) Brechin - (Scotland) The Rt Revd Nigel Peyton EASTER DAY Alleluia! CHRIST IS RISEN! Church of Sweden: Diocese of Lund, Bishop Johan Tyrberg Stapleford St Helen, Stapleford, St Luke (Peter Huxtable) Brisbane - (Queensland, Australia) The Most Revd Dr Phillip Aspinall Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force - (Australia) The Rt Revd Ian Lambert Brisbane - Northern Region - (Queensland, Australia) The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Holland Brisbane - Southern Region - (Queensland, Australia) The Rt Revd Alison Taylor Brisbane - Western Region - (Queensland, Australia) The Rt Revd Cameron Venables Trowell, St Helen; Trowell Church School; Awsworth, St Peter; Cossall, St Catherine; (Andrew Lord, Paul Whitehead, Brenda Brown) Bristol - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Michael Arthur Hill Bristol - Swindon - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Lee Rayfield Wollaton, St Leonard (Tim Pullen) British Columbia - (British Columbia & the Yukon, Canada) The Rt Revd Logan McMenamie NOTTINGHAM SOUTH DEANERY (Area Dean: Karen Rooms; Lay Chair: Robert Cleave) Bujumbura - (Burundi) The Rt Revd Eraste Bigirimana

9 8 February 16 World links news - Holy Land Dr Maher Ayyad, Medical Director of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Gaza, gives a personal account of medical care in a time of war: Compiled for Nifty Notes Medical care in a time of war As a doctor and surgeon I see a lot; if someone comes to the hospital they are in pain and misery. In my 30 years at Arab Ahli Hospital I have tried to make sure this pain is healed even if the care process is prolonged. My role of caring is driven by my faith in Christ. I can do all things through him who gives me strength Philippians 4:13 During times of war my work gets even more challenging, not only in terms of the streams of people who are rushed in but in the complexities of the cases. I have witnessed three wars in the past six years; in 2009, 2012 and Each has had its pains but the one in 2014 was one of the most challenging, and one of the cases remains with me to this day: I was about to complete an operation on a wounded man but got an urgent call; I walked into the operation room to see a fiveyear-old boy with fifty percent burns over his body. Doctor, please take care of this boy, he is my neighbour, said a man standing by the boy. I thought where are his parents? It is not unusual during war to have non-family members with patients but for children, and especially this one, I had the urge to ask. He was the only survivor of his family after an FI6 aircraft bombarded their house, his parents and his three brothers and sisters all were killed, the man continued. I stood for a moment not knowing where to start: to comfort him emotionally or treat him physically? I was speechless. I found out that he had undergone major abdominal surgery for a congenital biliary malformation and was living on supportive medications. He cried constantly, refusing to eat he wanted his mom and dad to feed him. It was painful and unforgettable. I don t ever remember crying while trying to help a patient but in the case of this boy I could not help it. Not long ago I saw him at the hospital. He had returned for follow-up care he was of course much better but his emotional scars will be deeper. Southwell Minster, the Bishop s Lent Appeal and Southwell Lions have all supported the hospital in the past year. For further details about the Holy Land link contact: David Lane, lane@waitrose.com

10 Niftynotes 9 Training... Training... Training... Training... Training... Training... Growing Disciples Training for Ministry & Mission February , 8, 15, 22 Finding Direction Through Prayer 7, 14, March A very practical course for anyone who wants to deepen their prayer and faith journey. Would you like to deepen your relationship with God through prayer? Do you want to grow in your ability to hear God in your faith journey? Would you like to explore new ways of praying? Would you like to learn to listen attentively to the faith journey of others? Then this course is for you! This 6 session course is a well-established Diocesan resource to encourage listening skills in prayer to listen to God, to listen to ourselves and to listen to others. It is an experiential course, rather than an academic one and will draw on a varied and individual experience in prayer of the participants, as well as times of input and guidelines from the tutors. It is open to anyone who would like to attend and anyone wishing to consider the Diocesan course on Spiritual Direction scheduled for 2017 should consider attending this course if possible. Led by Sylvia Griffiths, Jean Sims & Hazel Robinson 10am-12:30pm St Martin s Church, Sherwood 6 The Desert Way: a Preparation for Lent In this traditional Quiet Day, we will spend time together in silence and reflection, as we take time to pray and prepare for the season of Lent. Led by John Moses 10am-4pm 20 (BYOL) Sacrista Prebend, Southwell To book contact Sacrista Prebend directly on or e- mail sacrista_prebend@btinternet.com 11 Resources Library Open Evening The Resources Library will be open and available for anyone to browse and borrow books, CDs, resources and DVDs. The library has resources to support many areas of ministry including music and worship, prayer, Reader ministry, children and youth, community and RE in schools. Light refreshments will be provided. No need to book just come along pm Jubilee House, Southwell 24 New to the Diocese Day Led by Diocesan Senior Staff pm Jubilee House, Southwell Contact: Catriona Gundlach , catriona@ southwell.anglican.org Mothers Union marking 140 years of Christian service The Mothers Union this year marks 140 years of faithful Christian outreach to families of all faiths and none. Since 1876, when Mary Sumner first brought together parents in her own parish to build their confidence in bringing up their children, it has grown to an organisation of over four million women and men in more than 80 countries of the world. This year more than 500,000 people will benefit from Mothers Union support for family life, and many more will be helped by members who support families in prayer and with practical support. There has never been a more challenging, or more exciting time to be part of the Mothers Union. It hopes to train more members to help more families; to encourage greater outreach across those countries and communities where family life is under greatest threat. The MU is appealing for help to continue and expand its work. To find out more call the Supporter Care line on or communications@ mothersunion.org

11 10 February 16 What s On Items to be included in What s On for Nifty Notes should be sent to Nicola Mellors at nicola@southwell.anglican.org in February to Mar 13, The Art of Mary, art exhibition. In various locations in Southwell Minster. Friday Lunchtime in the Cathedral pm, Southwell Minster. Messy Minster pm in Trebeck Hall. 2 suggested donation per child to cover crafts, drinks and food, and remember it s OK to arrive late! St Mary the Virgin, Plumtree, at 7.30 pm. Music by Candlelight, sung by Schola Cantorum. Organist John Keys, directed by Neil Page. Retiring Collection and Refreshments. Sacrista Quiet Day The Desert Way: a Preparation for Lent the Very Revd Dr John Moses. 10am-4pm, Sacrista Prebend Retreat House. Four Choirs Evensong (Southwell, Coventry, Derby and Leicester Cathedral) 5.45pm, Southwell Minster. Youth Confirmation Social Event for all candidates.9.30am pm, Jubilee House. Further details: Dave Keetley youthadviser2@southwell.anglican.org, Church Action on Poverty Sunday. Cake stall Let them eat Bread after the 9.30am service, Southwell Minster. Art Exhibition 'Words of forgiveness and hope' paintings to pray for the healing of our world. Iain Mckillop. Southwell Minster. Further details: Caroline Jarvis, administrator@ southwellminster.org.uk, All Saints Church, Babworth. Annual Snowdrop Weekend. Visit the welcoming Church in the Woodland and walk the trail through the abundance of snowdrops. Discover the historical connection with the Pilgrim Fathers. Refreshments, fresh and home made produce for sale. Disabled facilities, car park and toilet. Saturday 10am 4pm: Sunday 12noon 4pm after Holy Communion service at 11am. Informal Craft Drop in Day with Donna Selby. 10am-1pm in the State Chamber of the Archbishop s Palace. Tuesday Eucharists in Lent 7.30pm, Southwell Minster Churches Together Ladies Choir start rehearsals for the Women s World Day of Prayer service, 2pm. Southwell Minster Branch MU AGM followed by Bible study led by Jenny Derbyshire. 2.15pm, Trebeck Hall. Justice Group. 7.30pm, Sacrista Prebend. Friday Lunchtime in the Cathedral Helen Askey-Murray (flute) and Lauretta Bloomer (piano) 12.15pm, Southwell Minster. Youth Confirmation Rehearsal at Southwell Minister followed by pizza at Jubilee House pm. Tuesday Eucharists in Lent 7.30pm, Southwell Minster. Come and Sing Stainer s Crucifixion am-5pm, Southwell Minster. SMCA Hungarian Evening with Quiz. 7pm, State Chamber of the Archbishop s Palace.

12 Niftynotes 11 March... March... March... March... March... March... March... March & Could It Be You? There are many ways to use your skills and talents in your church and community. What can you do or learn to do? 10am-2pm, St Barnabas, Ranskill. Followed by worship in celebration of Lay Ministry. Market Stalls of information, presentations. People to talk to from deanery and diocese about fulfilling your call. From arranging flowers to leading worship. This event is encouraged and supported by the Archdeacon of Newark who will be present. Refreshments are served throughout the day. Youth Confirmation Service, 7pm, Southwell Minster. Sacrista Quiet Day Mystery of the Great Sabbath. 10am-4pm, Sacrista Prebend Retreat House. There are two alternative opportunities to attend this day as it is offered on 15th and 19th on the theme of: Holy Saturday: When Jesus was Dead, Resting in God. Mansfield Choral Society 7.30pm, St Mark s Church, Mansfield. Stainer s Crucifixion, (including refreshments) Booking: , Men invited to Bishop s breakfast meeting The next Man Alive breakfast meeting takes place on Saturday 5th March at Betel Community Church, in Rawson Street, Basford NG7 7FR. The format will be the same as last time breakfast at 8.30am followed by worship, a short talk and then various workshops. The gathering will conclude at 10.30am after a time of prayer and worship. The breakfast events have been pioneered by the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter, who wanted to bring together men from across the diocese to share food and ideas relating to men s ministry. If you are interested in going, or simply want more information, contact Alan Stuart at alanstuart@virginmedia.com The Desert Way: a Preparation for Lent led by John Moses Saturday 6 February 2016 This Quiet Day on the last Saturday before the beginning of Lent will follow a traditional pattern with addresses, silence and prayer, exploring what the desert way might mean in our discipleships. The Very Revd Dr John Moses, formerly Dean of St Paul s, who lives in Southwell in retirement, will lead this day. He is the author of a book for personal use day by day in Lent entitled The Desert: An Anthology for Lent. 10am-4pm, coffee is available from 9.45 am. A donation of 20 is requested. Please bring a packed lunch, drinks are provided. More details: , Please note the deadline for the March 2016 issue of Nifty Notes is: 14th FEBRUARY 2015

13 12 February 16 Comings and Goings... Comings and Goings... Comings and Goings The Revd Gill Page has been issued with Permission to Officiate with effect from 23 November 2015 within the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. The Revd Susan Bloomfield, currently outreach worker to the Deaf community in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, to be Missional Chaplain to the Deaf in Southwell & Nottingham and the Diocese of Derby. Continued from page 2 Claire said: We currently have around 40 men, about 3.8 % of our population, that have identified themselves as ex-forces when they entered custody, however we suspect there are a lot more. Working with Care after Combat we hope that more veterans will have the confidence to identify themselves, get the help and support they need and then reduce their chances of reoffending on release from prison. Governor, Dave Bamford added: We re glad of the help. This is a serious cause close to Jim s heart, but naturally he made a light hearted quip: When I went to Winchester prison they shouted: Come to pick a cell Jim? He is also very impressed with the hopefulness demonstrated by veterans, when they feel they have let the side down. This is a reflected in a comment by CAC Trustee, Simon Weston: You just don t turn from being a proud warrior into a criminal without a reason we hope to find the reasons and deal with them. The project became operational in May 2015 and is available to all veterans who are serving the final 18 months of their sentence. Following the initial visit, veterans are invited to attend a general forum and, if in agreement, join the project. Those who are in their final 12 months of sentencing may join immediately whilst those who have 18 months remaining are invited to attend the general forum which is held on a six weeks basis. A mentor is provided during the last 6 months in prison and for a year upon release. The forum also serves as an opportunity to explore health issues together with an education programme. A Consultant Psychotherapist is in attendance. To date a total of nine veterans have been released, several are employed and none have reoffended. Issues which concern veterans include homelessness, unemployment, poor health (generally as a result of service experience), war pensions, accessing/setting up bank accounts together with the immediate period of time following release. HM Government has recognised the importance of the work of CAC, and as a result the number of prisons has gradually increased. It is envisaged that the project is likely to become available across the prison estate (Category B,C & D) in Nottingham born CAC Trustee, Gary Goose Cryer served with the military for 22 years (Parachute Regiment), and is well known amongst the biker fraternity nationwide. A churchgoer in Hull presently - he has Bible verses emblazoned across his American Victory Kingpin motorbike. I think it s important that the military community are looked after when they leave their units; the cohesion they re used to sometimes falls apart. I ve worked in the security sector and the armed forces so I understand both aspects. It s important for those who fall through the cracks to be reached out to For more infation: / Friday, 26 February until Saturday, 19 March Snowdrop Spectacular Enjoy a walk through the snowdrops and other Spring flowers at Launde Abbey, and then reward yourself with a delicious cream team in the cosy Dining Room. 2 pm-4pm Price: 6 per person Bring stout shoes or boots as some areas of the walk may be muddy. No need to book unless you wish to bring a large group. For more information, contact Launde Abbey , info@launde.org.uk or visit:

14

15

16 The students then work with the volunteers in small groups, though one-toone tuition is offered to those that need it. There is a loyalty card scheme to motivate students - after attending ten sessions they receive the gift of a book or an item of stationery. Those that can pay 50p per session, which goes towards refreshments, heating and lighting at St Christopher s, and the attendance prizes. Students can also borrow books from a library of books designed for adults learning to read English. The college was named after the Sunflower Café that is run at St Christopher s; it opens once a fortnight, on a Tuesday, and serves up tasty food at very reasonable prices. Making Donations Cheques should be made payable to: Southwell & Nottingham DBF and sent to: Jubilee House, Westgate, Southwell, Notts, NG25 0JH (please mark cheques Lent Appeal 2016 ). Bishop s Lent Appeal 2016 Bishop s Welcome Fund for Refugees It is one of the most dramatic migrations of the modern age hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing their homelands to escape violence and persecution. Some are heading for the UK and this year s appeal will support churches and projects in Southwell & Nottingham working to help the new arrivals Joining together in the Transforming Mission of God

17 The Bishop s Lent and Confirmation Appeal for 2016 will see a fund established to support the work of churches and projects welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the city and county. The need is great and likely to become greater as people continue to flee violence and persecution. Mary, Joseph and Jesus had to flee Herod s murderous death squads. They fled into Egypt with no notice and no support. They were refugees and were dependent on the welcome and generosity of the people of another nation. How did they manage with a different language, no home and certainly initially no means of income? People of all ages and nations are similarly fleeing to our country to avoid war and oppression. For a number of years, churches, charities and projects in our diocese have been offering hospitality and supporting such people. The complex legal processes can leave many asylum-seekers destitute in our neighbourhoods. Offering legal support, safe housing, signposting, language skills, and food parcels are just some of the ways we can respond. Compassionate action should be our natural response of joyful obedience as disciples of Christ, said Bishop Paul Williams. The Bishop s Welcome Fund is a timely opportunity to respond positively to the plight of refugees in our midst. In the coming years there will be more people and greater needs. Churches and projects will be able to apply to the Welcome Fund for grants to support their ministry of hospitality to refugees and asylum seekers. Welcoming the stranger, offering hospitality and practical acts of generosity and kindness will be needed even more - please support this initiative with your prayers and your giving. Breaking through the language barrier One of the projects in the county already helping refugees and asylum seekers is Sunflower College, based at St Christopher s, in Sneinton, Nottingham. Here, upwards of 30 people gather on Tuesdays to learn English under the leadership of Liz Harrison, a qualified teacher, who is supported by a team of 15 volunteers. Learning English helps the students in many ways; they find it easier to mix and make friends; it helps them to integrate and play a wider role in society; it improves their chances of getting a job, or moving on to formal education. Not everyone at Sunflower is a refugee or asylum seeker but there are students from at least 20 different countries working in small groups to improve their conversational and written English, and at the same time making new friends and building up their confidence. People can just turn up, it s a drop-in thing, said Liz, though most people drop in and then start coming regularly. I had a definite call to set this up I had a belief that it would grow. Liz, who worships at St Christopher s, said Sunflower opened in September 2011 with just a few students for the first two years, but then the numbers started to grow: Our numbers have grown but I don t think it s only because of the greater need, it could be that we are now established and people are telling friends and neighbours about what we are doing. The atmosphere is informal and the teaching is based around weekly topics, which are introduced using Powerpoint, mime, objects, games, or demonstrations; for instance, when the subject was cooking the students were introduced to cooking vocabulary through the icing of cakes. Living Worship. Growing Disciples. Seeking Justice

18 Amanda Redgate LLB Bishop s Legal Secretary and Diocesan Registrar January 2016 Dear Colleague Faculty Fees With effect from 1 March 2016 the faculty fee payable on submission of a petition will be The faculty fee is for private faculties and Reservations of Gravespaces. The fee for a private faculty which can be administered by the Archdeacons will be The fees are set out in the Ecclesiastical Judges, Legal Officers and Others (Fees) Order 2015 which come into effect on 1 March Kind regards Yours sincerely Amanda Redgate Diocesan Registrar