CRUX EXCITING TIMES AHEAD. Church for a different world. 25p. August 2018

Transcription

1 CRUX Issue 25p 48 August 2018 EXCITING TIMES AHEAD

2 A MIX OF OLD AND NEW Our bid for money from the National Church has been successful. We now have over 2 million to spend on starting up small churches across the diocese and on trying out some more intensive work with school children and their families in the Bolton area. It offers a very exciting prospect, as we seek to become a Church that is both younger and more reflective of the diverse mix of modern society. New money can help us reach some of those groups in our society that the Church has been less successful engaging with, a vital task if we really believe in a God who loves each and every human being in his creation. But alongside this we will continue to put much of our resources into sustaining our parishes, MURAL MARKS NHS BIRTHPLACE To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS, a stunning Urmston Mural was unveiled in the town centre by Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston. The NHS was born at Park Hospital in Davyhulme, now Trafford General. chaplaincies and congregations. The record number of 23 deacons ordained last month in the cathedral will be part of our efforts, but it will take all our clergy and lay people together to continue to nurture and grow our longstanding places of mission and ministry. Whether we are a new form of being Church or a well established one, we are all of us a Church for a Different World. David Walker Bishop of Manchester The Urmston Mural was designed by Neil Roland (right). The artistic director was Kevin Murphy (left), who worked with students from Urmston Grammar, Wellacre Academy and St Anthony s Catholic College, creating an impressive piece of art that truly reflects Urmston s vibrancy and sense of community. FAREWELL TO MARTIN Canon Martin Miller, our Diocesan Secretary, has announced that he is leaving to become Chief Operating Officer of the Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. Martin was appointed Diocesan Secretary in He joined the Diocese in 2001 as Partnership Development Officer and was made Director of the Church and Society Department four years later. He has a passion for working collaboratively with other organisations and promoting diversity, equality and inclusion. In 2012 Martin was made an Ecumenical Canon of Manchester Cathedral in recognition of his contribution to the wider life of the Christian community across Manchester. Martin said, It has been an amazing time working for the diocese. I am grateful to the clergy and laity for the opportunities given to me to serve the Church here. I have received fantastic support in every role and I would like to thank Bishop David and Phillip Blinkhorn in particular for their support during my time as Diocesan secretary. And, of course, I could not have delivered any of my roles without the diocesan staff. They are a wonderful resource for local churches and schools. I have made not just fantastic colleagues, but friends. I assure you all that the diocese will always be in my thoughts and prayers. the DBF is accredited with Investors in People status. Martin has brought people together through Archdeaconry Events where people mingle, ask questions and share information. Bishop David said, Martin has been a great colleague in my leadership team. He has played an absolutely essential role in enabling us to focus the work of the diocese more strategically, as well as making many improvements to the organisational function. His contributions and insights will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best as he takes the next step along his journey. Martin leaves the diocese on 21 September to take up his new post. The process of recruiting a replacement has begun, and the vacancy will be advertised on the diocesan website. During his seven-year tenure as Diocesan Secretary, Martin has played a key role as a member of the Bishop s Leadership Team. He has galvanised attention to the changes that need to be made to ensure a sustainable future for the Church of England across Greater Manchester and Rossendale, which is encapsulated in the brand of Church for a Different World. He has made structural and cultural changes within the Diocesan Board of Finance to put it on a more professional business footing, with the result that PAGE 2 PAGE 3

3 MANCHESTER S AMBITIOUS CHURCH GROWTH PROGRAMME The Diocese of Manchester has been successful in its bid for 2 million from the Church Commissioners Strategic Development Fund to develop projects that will help grow a younger and more diverse church, particularly in areas of high deprivation. The money will be used to invest in two broad areas of work: SMALL CHURCH PLANTS Building on proven models of church planting that have been successful in other parts of the diocese, we aim to plant 16 small churches over six years in the poorest areas and those that currently have the lowest church attendance. The church plants will be on estates and in communities of deprivation, some ethnically diverse and others mainly White British. The church plant project will also create a network of church planters who will share their experience by training and mentoring others. WORK WITH CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS A range of projects will engage with children, their families and schools in the Bolton area, particularly when children reach the key points of moving into primary education or from primary to secondary education. It will focus on building strong links between the home, church and school to create discipleship pathways from toddler group to secondary school and beyond. PAGE 4 The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: I m delighted that the Diocese of Manchester has been supported with this award of over 2 million. It will enable them build on their proven success of growing small churches in the most needy areas, as well as engaging more deeply with children and families involved in Church of England Schools and pre-school groups. A church on the estate we can call our own Oldhams Church is a small church plant from St Pauls Church, Astley Bridge set up by Pioneer Curate, The Revd Ben Woodfield, in 2016 to serve the people living on the Oldhams Estate in Bolton. The new church now attracts worshippers at the Barlow Park Community Centre. This church has totally changed my life! Another example of a church plant that has brought people to faith is the Trinity Community Church Rusholme (TCC). Rusholme is a wonderfully diverse community, home to many people, cultures and languages. A bookshop on the high street, unique in Manchester for stocking a wide range of books in Arabic and Asian languages, attracts lots of people, who as well as finding something to read, find a warm welcome, friendship, support and people who share their Christian faith in their own language. TCC, with its informal worship style, meets in the Alexandria Library space at various points during the week, holding Bible studies in English, Farsi, Kurdish and Arabic. On Sundays the church uses a nearby community centre. One TCC member, Hatim, who was recently baptised, said, TCC is more than a place to worship: it s family. People invite you to their homes and share their food. I like the diversity, the different languages and countries that people come from. We re like one body, helping each other out. Curate at Holy Trinity, Rusholme, The Revd John Brett, has seen TCC grow and divide to form two distinct congregations, one in Rusholme and the other in nearby Fallowfield. He wants to see the model develop to produce more and more churches that reflect the makeup of the diverse communities they serve. Sadoon Al Shammari, another TCC member, said, I ve met people from different countries who have shared similar experiences to me. We help and support one another, and through the Bible studies I have changed my beliefs. This church has totally changed my life! Faith is the glue that sticks us together The extra money will also pay for workers in pre-school groups and schools in the Bolton area to strengthen the excellent practice that already exists. The Bishop Bridgeman School is a stunning exemplar of how a CE primary school can develop the discipleship pathway of its pupils, even if that discipleship pathway includes children of other faiths. The Ethos leaders (pupils) of Bishop Bridgeman School help embed Christian values into everyday school life by planning and delivering whole school worship based on the values. The group leads an annual Ethos Conference for staff and pupils from other schools. They also plan and deliver a monthly pop up prayer space which begins in church and moves into school. Members of the group say its impact has been to help people of other faiths become friends and that faith is the glue that sticks us together. At St James CE High School a drop-in style group meets on a Thursday lunch time led by the school s full time chaplain and a local youth worker. This is a great example of school and local parish working together to provide a voluntary group for young people in the school which is distinctively Christian and provides a space to grow in their faith. PAGE 5

4 DREAM BIG! MAP Officer, Canon Andy Salmon, offers some advice on creating a Mission Action Plan, and is available to help on the journey. Bishop David has asked every parish to have a Mission Action Plan by the end of November, so while many parishes have already done one, many will be working on a MAP in the autumn. The diocesan vision is for there to be a Worshipping, Growing and Transforming Christian presence at the heart of every community and our local Mission Action Plans are about how we can make that a reality in our parishes. If you are working on your MAP I d urge you to talk to me. I m here to help! There are some fantastic resources in our MAP Toolkit on the diocesan website, but it s a big document and sometimes it helps to talk it through with someone who can guide you to specific sections. As you start doing Mission Action Planning, always begin with prayer. Declare a month of prayer as you seek a new vision, or simply encourage people to pray for wisdom as you reflect on what you are doing and what God might be calling you to. It s also really valuable to involve as many people as you can in MAP - from the congregation, the connected groups and from the wider community. Your MAP will need to be written by a small group of people but you want ideas, wisdom and commitment from as many people as possible. When dreaming dreams, be bold! I was really impressed recently by a very traditional church who decided to try doing a monthly Family Service. For this church not using the BCP on a Sunday morning is a huge step even just once a month. It may or may not work but they re going to try it and reap the learning. We need to be parishes that take risks. PAGE 6 It s been really heartening to read the MAPs that people send into me. There are so many exciting stories of churches that are engaging with their community and are dreaming dreams. We have a fantastic privilege and responsibility to share the love of Christ with our communities and most of our churches take this very seriously. There are a lot of our churches that face big challenges, perhaps with the building, with ageing congregations, with lack of resources, but there are also many stories of parishes heroically serving their communities despite the varied challenges. So whether you re starting on your first MAP or about to do yet another one: pray; ask for help; be bold. Discover where God is at work and join in. Contact Andy Salmon at map@manchester.anglican.org or on Terry Clark, Area Deane of one of the Fit for Mission pilot deaneries, said, I am a recent convert to Mission Action Planning! MAPs are living documents that are open to where God is leading us. Having a good MAP can instil confidence in the PCC and congregation. 130 SCARECROWS ADORN BLACKROD! St Katherine s Blackrod hosted its 12th annual scarecrow festival, raising thousands of pounds for the church and village community. Organiser and PCC Treasurer Jean Hibbert emphasised that the festival, tried originally as a oneoff event, is now helping the parish to fulfil its Mission Action Plan. We re looking for new ways to encourage young people to come in, she said. Some people are a bit shy about coming through the front door this is a way to bring them in and once they realise that it isn t a fearful experience, hopefully they will go to something else. This festival is all part and parcel of that. The popular festival had over 130 scarecrows on display this year, with some people taking months to complete their spectacular creations! People are so kind and they make such lovely comments about the scarecrows, said Jean, adding: It s not a competition; it s just about taking part and loving it. The proceeds from the sale of programmes are given to the community of Blackrod each year while the four organisers, St Katherine s, the Blackrod Methodist Church and the two village schools, keep what they make from stalls and catering. Jean believes the success of the festival stems from the strong ecumenical links in the parish and the cooperation shown from the organisers, many of whom have rearranged their annual summer festivities to coincide with the scarecrows, a simple step that has ensured a big buzz around the weekend every year. PAGE 7

5 ORDINATION JOY Friends, families and supporters from parishes far and wide gathered at Manchester Cathedral for two beautiful and uplifting ordination services. We had a bumper crop of 23 new deacons and 14 new priests who will be serving in parishes across the diocese. We pray for all of our ordinands, their families, friends and supporters as they begin life in their new parishes. We pray that God gives them joy and blesses them richly. PAGE 8 PAGE 9

6 APPOINTMENTS The Revd Rod Bevan, currently Incumbent of St Anne Edgeside, has been appointed in addition as Area Dean of Rossendale. The Revd Kate Burgess, currently Priest-in-Charge of St Matthew Stretford, has been appointed Incumbent of St Matthew Stretford. The Revd Patrick Davies currently, Priest-in-Charge of St Crispin Withington, has been appointed Incumbent of St Crispin Withington. The Revd Peter Hibbert, who currently holds Permission to Officiate, has been appointed Assistant Curate (to be known as Assistant Priest) at The Ascension Hulme and St Werburgh, Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The Revd Graham Hollowood, currently Incumbent of St Mark with Christ Church Glodwick and Area Dean of Oldham East deanery, has been appointed 0.5 Incumbent of St Paul Royton and 0.5 Catholic Missioner for Oldham West deanery. The Revd Denise Owen, currently Priest-in-Charge of St Thomas Moorside, has been appointed Incumbent of St Thomas Moorside. She remains Assistant Curate of Clarksfield and Waterhead. The Revd Tim Wickham, currently Curate at St Mary Balderstone, has been appointed Student Minister at Holy Trinity Platt. RESIGNATIONS The Revd Michael Fish, currently Team Vicar in the Benefice of Swinton and Pendlebury, has been appointed Incumbent of Christ the Redeemer in the Diocese of Leicester. The Revd Nick McKee, currently Incumbent of St Paul s Astley Bridge and Area Dean of Walmsley Deanery, has been appointed Director of Vocations for Blackburn Diocese. The Revd Sheila O Flaherty, currently Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity Coldhurst and St Stephen and All Martyrs Oldham, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Mary Newton with Flowery Field in the Diocese of Chester. The Revd Martin Short, currently Incumbent of Middleton and Thornham, has been appointed Vicar of Honley and Brockholes in the Diocese of Leeds. RETIREMENTS The Revd Shirley Devine, currently Priest-in-Charge of St John Hopwood and St Luke Heywood, retired from her post on 15 July The Revd David Hawthorn, currently Incumbent of St Margaret Hollinwood and St Chad Limeside, retires on 19 August OPEN TABLE WELCOMES PRIDE Sacred Trinity Church in Salford is throwing open its doors to welcome people who are coming to town for Manchester Pride over the Bank Holiday Weekend. The church is hosting Open Table, ecumenical Christian worship that welcomes you, whoever you are and wherever you come from. It is a safe sacred space for LGBTQIA+ Christians and all who seek an Inclusive Church. Join them on Sunday 26 August at 6.30pm for tea or coffee, with the service starting at 7.15pm at Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel Street, Salford M3 7WQ. There will be a BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter. Open Table meets regularly in North Manchester at St Paul s, Erskine Road and Sacred Trinity Salford. Full details at on Facebook at Open Table Manchester, on Twitter. Sunday 26 August at 6.30pm Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel Street, Salford M3 7WQ PAGE 10 PAGE 11

7 HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE Due to overwhelming demand, six Year 6 Leavers Services were held at the cathedral this year, when we said goodbye to pupils moving from primary to secondary school. Around 3500 pupils and staff gathered to celebrate their years at primary school and give thanks for all those who served and cared for them. Pupils led prayers, readings and presentations on the Christian values of peace, courage and service. Children s Officer, Karen Beal, said, Pupils brought moving and powerful prayers and Bishop Mark Davies led us in worship, inspiring us to be encouragers as we pass on faith, hope and love wherever God may lead us. A pupil from St Paul s School in Oldham said, Many of us hadn t been to the cathedral before but found it to be a very inspiring experience. It was wonderful to see so many schools participating, enjoying themselves and delivering important messages. I feel hopeful for my future and what it might bring. Congratulations to our new Readers: Carole Gallagher, Pete Haslam, Abby Ogier and June Partington. LITTLE BEES BIG BUZZ! A hive of busy bees has landed in Manchester for the biggest public art trail the city region has ever seen. A colony of little bees, decorated by children and young people, can be seen inside Manchester Cathedral, a celebration of the generation s creativity. PAGE 12 PAGE 13

8 We want to hear your thoughts HOW IS YOUR CONGREGATION INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR MAP? What will we do with your comments? We will collate all the responses we receive and consider them as we develop our plans and priorities for the diocese. We will not be able to provide individual responses, but we will provide updates in CRUX on how your feedback is shaping. WHAT S ON THIS MONTH AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL? TERRIFIC TUESDAYS: BY THE SEA This summer there s FREE family fun, with a seaside flavour, at Manchester Cathedral every Tuesday from 24 July to 28 August. SMALL ADVERTS AN ORGAN SCHOLARSHIP ( 1,000 p.a.) and a CHORAL SCHOLARSHIP ( 500 p.a.) are available at Bolton Parish Church from September For further details, and to apply, contact Michael Pain, Director of Music at michaelpain18@gmail.com HOLY LAND TOUR Can-u-help? If Canon Lisa Battye can find just two more people for an excellent pilgrimage this November (for 1470 pp plus flights) it will release two free places for people without means. Full details from lisabattye@stjamesandemmanuel.org ST ANNE, ROYTON SEEKS ORGANIST AND CHOIR TRAINER Sunday morning service and occasional evenings, small choir, manual Hill organ; RSCM rates. Enquiries to Revd James Read or revjames.read@icloud.com FLOWER FESTIVAL Lest We Forget years on / September: St. Anne s Church, Royton, Oldham OL2 5AD/ Friday 28th: noon-7pm; Saturday 29th: 10.30am-5pm; Sunday 30th: 11am-4.30pm / Songs of Praise: 30th 6pm. Admission 3 inc. programme. VILLA TO RENT ORLANDO (Disney area). Spacious 4 bed, 3 bath, sleeps 8. South facing pool and spa. Quiet gated community. 15 mins Disney. Good golfing base close to numerous courses. What would you like to see discussed in a future issue? Thanks for your feedback so far Send to: Church for a Different World, Diocese of Manchester, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH Continue the conversation Website: manchester.anglican.org Facebook: Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) differentworld@manchester.anglican.org For more information, visit the Cathedral website www. manchestercathedral.org To advertise in CRUX contact: Simon Ambrose, sambrose@manchester.anglican.org The copy deadline is the first of the month prior to publication. Payment is in advance. Small ads cost 50 pence per word (maximum of 40 words) plus VAT. Editorial: All editorial items to Ann Mummery, amummery@manchester.anglican.org Like us, search for Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) ALTERNATIVE TOUR TO PALESTINE including the West Bank and Palestinian Christian Community June Contact Daniel Burton on / ashworthburton@hotmail.com MANCHESTER PILGRIMAGE TO OBERAMMERGAU AND THE TIROL June Draft programme available. Estimated cost: Expressions of interest to Daniel Burton on / ashworthburton@hotmail.com TRANQUIL SHROPSHIRE COTTAGE with garden views of Long Mynd. Sleeps 2-8. Comfortable year-round retreat, ideal for walkers. 320 per week. Tel: or juliajmansfield@icloud.com LAKE DISTRICT HOLIDAY LET A well-appointed and equipped 2 bedroom apartment in Bowness with parking and garage. Offering a balcony with views of Lake Windermere. org For more information call ; info@swallowsrest.org Follow us PAGE 15

9 ARE YOU A CHURCHWARDEN? WOULD TRAINING HELP YOU WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY? Monday 15 October 2018: pm Church House 90 Deansgate Manchester M3 2GH To book on either course, please contact Judith Popay, PA to the Archdeacon of Bolton by ing pa.archbolton@manchester.anglican.org CALLING ALL PCC SECRETARIES. DO YOU HAVE ALL THE SKILLS FOR THE JOB? Wednesday 19 September pm Church House 90 Deansgate Manchester M3 2GH