Ubuntu4schools. The Queen, women bishops, parochial fees and much more By the Ven Clive Mansell

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1 Impressions of a study tour of the Holy Land 2012 by the Rev Canon Tony Powell P5 Holy Land MARCH 2012 Ubuntu4schools By the Rev Martin Henwood Schools are formally judged on the knowledge and skills they impart to students. Informally, as I meet head teachers in both primary and secondary contexts, they are just as concerned, however, as to what kind of student leaves school:will they be courageous, responsible, compassionate? Some educationalists fear that, amongst previous generations, what students actually learnt was how to duck and dive and get away with things, which meant that when they became adults, this learnt behaviour continued when they rose to positions of responsibility in their organisation. So what kind of adult or leader is our society calling forth and needing to face the new challenges that we are seeing around us? Someone who is collaborative, globally committed and culturally aware? Someone who has the wider concerns of his or her community at heart? And what is our responsibility and role as adults in the co-creation with young people of the leadership we will have in the future? If we do see it as our joint responsibility as adults to co-create with young people the leadership we need for the future, then some head teachers in north Kent can be seen to be truly taking up this challenge and responsibility, through the adoption of the Ubuntu4schools programme, an initiative that links their school with a school in South Africa, through which the spirit of Ubuntu and Ubuntu leadership is explored. What is Ubuntu? Desmond Tutu explains it as an appreciation of who I am arising out of who we are, in which our identity is formed through the sense of belonging to a part of a wider social phenomenon. You can hear him speak directly about Ubuntu in this video clip: Here is an example of an outcome of Ubuntu in practice. Saint George s Church of England School, in Gravesend, is developing a project that is benefitting the wider community and enriching the learning of students. Saint George s has partnered with Social Services, Health and Gravesend East Churches to research the needs of people over the age of 75, living on their own. The study includes researching the person s life and identifying links that can be made with the wider community. In a similar project that took place in Canada, involving people with early stages of Alzheimer s, the project helped students become inspired learners. It transformed the Alzheimer s patients back into wise elders. And it transformed the families, who once again had a cherished family member living with them. Teachers, classes and students all explore the spirit of Ubuntu with their wider community. Pupils interview adults that they admire and ask what their motivation in life is. Classes learn to delight in their differences. Teachers exchange resources with the wider community inside and outside schools. And all think about how they, as a member of the wider school community, can be taking up their leadership with Ubuntu as a guiding framework. Something shifts and the nature of that shifting force is explored with their link schools in South Africa. Ubuntu is discovered. The spirit of Ubuntu is released. I am because you are because we are becomes a joy, a delight, a dance. Further information for both church and state schools is available from the Rev Martin Henwood, Bishop's Advisor for Thames Gateway: mjhenwood@btinternet.com Tel The Queen, women bishops, parochial fees and much more By the Ven Clive Mansell The Synod began on 6 February, the 60th anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Thus, the Synod authorised a Loyal Address to Her Majesty to congratulate her on this anniversary and to thank her for her witness to the Christian faith and for her selfless devotion to the service of the Commonwealth and nation. Amidst a wide-ranging agenda, the Synod rejected attempts to change the law on Assisted Dying. The Synod held an Emergency Debate expressing grave concern at the plight of Christian communities and others in parts of Nigeria, following recent violence The Synod debated healthcare and the Church s mission (partly in the light of governmental changes to the Health Service) and called for a particular recognition of the role of chaplains in the NHS. The Synod welcomed the Archbishops Submission on the draft bill on House of Lords Reform. The Synod considered the latest versions of draft Eucharistic Prayers for use when a significant number of children are present (eg at a school s Eucharist). Other matters included legislation for the Diocese of Europe (a growing Diocese of the Church of England), the new draft Clergy Discipline (Amendment) Measure, presentations on Higher Education funding changes (which will affect the training of clergy and certain lay ministers) and on the work of the Anglican Alliance for Relief, Development and Advocacy across the world. The Synod approved new Parochial Fees for 2013 and These contain some increases, but seek to reflect more accurately the real costs of clergy officiating at marriages and funerals. The Synod had 4 sessions on the draft Women Bishops legislation, including one on a Draft Illustrative Code of Practice. In a major debate, the Manchester Diocesan Synod proposed a motion looking for improved provision for those with difficulties about the episcopal or priestly ministry of women. The Southwark Diocese argued for no change in the draft legislation. It was a long and tense debate. Both Archbishops sought for scope for the provision to be improved somewhat. Others disagreed. Eventually, the Southwark motion was amended in such a way as to allow some scope for the provision to be looked at again by the House of Bishops. However, in passing that motion, the Synod remained significantly divided (Bishops: for the motion - 26, against - 16, abstentions - 5; Clergy: for - 128, against - 64; Laity: for - 111, against - 85). The draft legislation can only come before the Synod for final approval in a form approved by the House of Bishops (as guardians of the doctrine of the Church of England). Mindful of the debate, of the voting figures above (and the need for a two-thirds majority in all three Houses at final approval) and of all that they have heard, the Bishops will now look to see whether the draft legislation should go forward in an unamended form or with some adjustments. PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the April issue of The Link is 15 March at 4pm

2 2 ochester Link The Bishop of Tonbridge s Diary, The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle March 3 March 0945 Churches Together in Kent Forum & AGM Christchurch Canterbury University 4 March 1000 Preside and Preach - St Mary Magdalene, Longfield 5 March 1130 Seminar for Vocations Advisers on Diaconate Diocesan Office 1930 Induction of the Rev Colin Terry, Holy Redeemer, Lamorbey 6 March 1100 SE Institute for Theological Education Council Meeting - London 9 March 1100 Mission Theology Advisory Group 14 March 1030 Hospital Chaplains Meeting 1945 Speak at Lent Course, St Stephen, Chatham 15 March 1000 Tonbridge and Malling Local Strategic Partnership meeting 18 March 1130 Confirmation Service Kent College, Pembury Old Church 19 March 1400 Agenda Planning Group 20 March 0930 Bishop s Staff Meeting, Rochester 21 March 1830 Burrswood Hospital Appeal 27 March 1000 Rochester and Canterbury Theological Meeting Canterbury 1300 Joint Governing/Academic Board Canterbury University 1945 Speak at Lent Course - St Mary, Kemsing 29 March 1300 Guild of Church Braillists AGM 30 March 1830 Confirmation - All Souls, Crockenhill TAX RETURNS ACCOUNTS BOOKKEEPING VAT PAYROLL Friendly, ethical and efficient service at a reasonable price. Let us help you claim what you are entitled to and take the stress of tax out of your life. Contact Trevor or Sharon on or info@trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk FREE SPECIALIST CATALOGUE AVAILABLE NATIONAL FRUIT SPECIALISTS Over 300 apple varieties on M26 (8ft) and many on M27 (4ft) Patio Trees, Upright Cordons, Family Trees of Cherry, Plum, Apple, Pear, Peach and so much more! Prices held from 2010 for the Olympic Year DEACONS NURSERY Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW (24hrs) Tel: Fax: info@deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk or visit our website What s on March Friday 2 March GRAVESEND St Aidan s Church will be hosting a Women s World Day of Prayer Service at 10am/ The speaker will be Angela Henderson from Hartley Reformed Church. All welcome gentlemen included. Saturday 3 March AYLESFORD Day of Prayer for Africa at St Peter and St Paul s Church 10am-4:30pm. In the morning we will look at general topics and in the afternoon we will be looking at particular countries. Contact Iris Neel Sunday 4 March BROMLEY A Song in my Heart recital by Anne Gardener (Soprano) and Carol Anne Wells (Piano) in St Mary s Church at 3pm. Free admission. Followed by tea and cakes. Contact Monday 5 March MAIDSTONE Guild of Church Flower Arrangers meeting at St Nicholas Church Allington at 7:45pm. Demonstration called New ideas St Nicholas by Jill Griffin. Saturday 10 March GREENHITHE Leading for growth - Supporting full time and voluntary leaders by providing dynamic leadership teaching from some of today s great leaders at Greenhithe Church Hall at 7pm. Visit ROCHESTER Safeguarding seminar Facing the Unthinkable: Child Abuse and the Church at St Justus, 9am 1:30pm. Attendance is free to all those with a relevant parish responsibility. Contact BROMLEY Bromley Philharmonic Choir will perform Pergolesi s Stabat Mater and Vivaldi s Gloria at 7:30pm at St Augustine s Church. Tickets 8 in advance or 10 on the door. Contact STROOD Book Sale 10am-12pm at St Nicholas Church. Books 40p. Contact Mr D Acott BEXLEYHEATH Fair Trade coffee and tea at Christ Church 10am-12pm, with goods to buy from the new Traidcraft catalogue and ethically traded items from East Africa and South America. Contact Sunday 11 March BROMLEY Piano and Organ Concert by Sevenoaks School at St Mary s Church at 3pm. Tau Wey presents the free concert followed by tea and cakes. Contact Saturday 17 March GRAVESEND Indoor boot fair at St Aidan s Church and Community Hall 10am-1pm. Admission before 11am 50p, after 11am 20p. SIDCUP Keep Calm and Carry on with a Wartime Boogie : An Evening of entertainment with a 1940s theme at St John s Church Hall at 7:30pm. Music of the 40s, food rations and black market extras, 1940s dress optional. Tickets 8 from Saturday 24 March LAMBERHURST The Royal College of Strings from the Royal College of Music at St Mary s Church at 7:30pm. Tickets 15 in aid of St Mary s Church. Contact BROMLEY Orpington Band play music from Abba to Zhivago in aid of Welcare in Bromley at St Mary s Church at 7:30pm. Tickets 6, or on the door. PETTS WOOD Quiz and fish and chip supper at Saint Francis of Assisi Church Hall at 7pm. Tickets 10 from Sunday 25 March ROCHESTER Mothers Union Lady Day and Passion Evensong at Rochester Cathedral at 3:15pm. RIVERHEAD Laudi alla vergine: a concert for Lady Day by Temenos Chamber Choir at St Mary s Church at 7:30pm. Palestrina s Missa Brevis and music to celebrate the Virgin Mary by Guerrero, Victoria, Poulenc and Verdi. Tickets 10 (students 5) or on the door. Monday 26 March WEST MALLING Quiet Day with the Rochester Retired Association for retired clergy, wives, widows and lay 9:30-3pm. Address by the Very Rev Wilfred McGreal. Contact or jukebox.short@btinternet.com to book. Saturday 31 March MAIDSTONE Mozart Requiem, Sacred Pieces and Concert Arias with Maidstone Choral Union at All Saints Church at 7:30pm. Tickets 10. DARTFORD Dartford Choral Society Concert at Christ Church at 7:30pm. They will perform Vivaldi Gloria, Gounod Messe Solennelle de Sainte Cecile and Ave Maria and Tavener The Lamb. Tickets 9, concessions 7 available on the door. BEARSTED Bearsted Choral Society presents an Easter concert featuring Stainers Crucifixion with music by Britten and Handel at 7:30pm at Holy Cross Church. Tickets 8, students 4 from NORTHFLEET Table Top Sale at All Saints Church Hall 10am-1pm. Free admission. Various SEVENOAKS - Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke's Church at 12.30pm - retiring collection. 7 Holly Bingham - Soprano & Dagmar Zeromska - Mezzo Soprano 14 Marjorie Ouvry Contralto, Suzanne Walker, Soprano, Alice Turner - Piano 21 Pupils from Granville School 28 Sophie Kochanowska & Kamilla Dunstan Mezzo Sopranos PEMBURY - Lent Talks 2012 at St Peter s Upper Church 7.30pm for 8.00pm. 7 March: Rev Canon Edmund Newell, Sub-Dean, Christ Church, Oxford: Our Response in Money and Possessions, 14 March: Rev Canon Jean Kerr, Bishop's Officer for Mission, Diocese of Rochester; Our Response in Mission:1, 21 March: Rev Susanne Carlsson, Co-ordinator of Spirituality, Diocese of Rochester: Our Response in Spirituality, 28 March: Rev Alan Le Grys: Our Response in Mission:2 WATERINGBURY Lunches for Lent at the Church of St John the Baptist on 7, 14, 21, 28 March 12:30pm- 2pm. Soup, sandwiches and drinks available. Call for more details. ROCHESTER Dido and Aeneas: An Opera by Henry Purcell at King s School at 7:30pm on 15 and 16 March. Contact Lynne Davies on or admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk For inclusions in April What s On please details to whatson@rochester.anglican.org by 15 March 2012 Back to Church Sunday Back To Church Sunday is 30 September The theme for 2012 is I m inviting you. There is a training event on 27 June at St Barnabas Church, Istead Rise 7:30pm-9:30pm. Even if you have been before, we would love to see you again and we are sure you can teach us something about your experience of BTCS. Contact Veronica Rees for more details on veronica239@solestreet.plus.com. A Spring Challenge St Mary s Church, Kemsing is holding their challenge walk in the North Downs on 12 May. Walkers can choose one of three different routes of about 11, 15 or 20 miles starting and finishing at St Mary s Church. Entry fee is 12 for adults and 5 for under 18s which includes light refreshments and a sandwich and cake at the finish. The profits will help major projects at St Mary s Church. The closing date for entries is 22 April. Contact Pauline Mallinson on or trevorpauline@tiscali.co.uk. Science meets Christian Faith Test the Faith is an accessible three part course on science and faith 10am on Saturday mornings 21 April, 19 May and 16 June at St James Church, Tunbridge Wells. Also a series of lectures by Dr Denis Alexander, Director of Faraday Institute, Bishop Michael Nazir Ali, President of Oxtrad and Professor Bob White, Associate Director of the Faraday Institute on 18 April, 26 May and 13 June. Tickets 10 for the course, 5 for lectures. Contact or visit

3 ochester Link 3..Who from our mother s arms has blessed us on our way.. By the Ven Clive Mansell In just over 2 years my wife, Jane, and I have experienced the deaths of our three remaining parents all of good ages - 91, 84 and 88.The landscape of our lives changed. Suddenly, we are the senior generation in the family tree. Sitting beside my father for the last 3 days and nights of his life, holding his hand, talking to him, praying beside him, ministering to him in practical ways this was a profound personal experience. My mother died suddenly, and we arrived moments after her death. My mother-in-law s health deteriorated suddenly before Christmas and she died in mid January, but we were able to spend time with her during that period. For each parent we give thanks. Through this period I have reflected on how our parents own respective lives have given us a background landscape through which we interpret something of our own place in life too. We have been caught up in their background stories, even though most of them occurred in the years before we were born. We owe to our parents not just the experiences (hopefully) of being loved and of wellbeing but also a setting which enables us to find our way into a wider world and landscape of life. March 18th sees the occasion of Mothering Sunday, in some places and for some people a significant and well-supported event in churches, in family homes and, indeed, in local restaurants! It gives us a chance to reflect on how our understanding of life is, indeed, seen through the prism of our parents experiences. To what extent does our being part of their story help us to find a place in the larger story of life and, indeed, of our existence? One of the themes of Mothering Sunday has also been that of Mother Church and, reportedly, at times in past generations people have returned to their home church on such a Sunday. If we can parallel the experience of Mother Church with that of our mothers and fathers, we might then ask to what extent does our experience of Church - and to what extent does our experience of people of the Church - in the first part of our lives give us a landscape and help us to understand our place in the wider setting of things eternal, the wider setting of the worldwide Church (and not just, perhaps, of the church of our childhood) and the wider setting of life in which things spiritual are to find their outworking. Do we give people an experience of Church in their early period of contact with our churches - whether as children or young people or, indeed, as adults coming into faith and into church life - in a way which is sufficiently deep and influential that it helps them to navigate their way forward when they move from that original setting of their original Mother Church? Do we take steps to help people make that sort of transition? For example, do we seek to The Ven Clive Mansell assist them to make contact with a new local church when they move house? Do we strive to sustain contacts with those in our secondary schools who were once close to church life in their primary school days? Do we take steps to re-connect with our young adults who have gone off to university and college, but who return to us in the college vacations? As medical advances overcome many impacts of ill-health, most people will live lives with as many years as those of my parents. Are we able to offer them as younger people an experience within the context of Mother Church which might parallel their experience growing up within their relationships with earthly mothers and fathers? I hope that, on this Mothering Sunday, many will be able to give thanks to God for mothers (and fathers), living or departed. I hope too that we will be able to give thanks for our experience of Mother Church and for those who, at earlier points in our lives, have helped us find a secure place in Christian faith. Bishop James Diary - March 1 March All day Lent Quiet Day Upper Church of St Peter, Pembury 2 March All day Housing Justice Board Meeting London 1930 Kent MSM Course Emmaus, West Wickham 3 March All day Churches Together in Kent Forum Christ Church University, Canterbury 4 March 1000 Preside & Preach: Longfield 5 March All day Lent Quiet Day: St Martin, Chelsfield G Stewardship Programme Launch St John, Meopham 6 March 1100 Civic Service The Lord Lieutenant of Kent Cathedral 7 March 1130 Churches Together in England: New Housing Euston, London 8 March All day Tonbridge Archdeaconry Training Day 1930 Licensing Service: St Mary with St Paulinus, Cray 9 March 1400 Medway Anglican School Headteachers Meeting - Burham CEP School 10 March G Stewardship Combined Meeting - St Luke, Sevenoaks 11 March 1000 Preside & Preach: Family Communion Service - St Alban, Dartford 11 March 1830 Confirmation Service: St John, Tunbridge Wells 12 March All day Lent Quiet Day: St John, Meopham 13 March 0830 London Church Leaders Breakfast 14 March All day House of Bishops Standing Committee London 15 March 1930 Confirmation Service: St Stephen, Tonbridge 16 March 1930 Licensing Service: St Barnabas, Beckenham 17 March All day Lent Quiet Day: Rochester Spirituality Network, Bromley & Sheppards College 18 March 0900 Sunday Worship St Paul Northumberland Heath 19 March 0900 King s School Rochester: Holy Week Lent Service 1400 Agenda Planning Group 20 March All day Bishop s Staff Meeting 1600 Collation/Institution Service - St Margaret, Rochester 21 March 1030 Consecration Service - London 1930 Feast of Thomas Cranmer - Lullingstone/Castle 23 March All day Lent Quiet Day St John, Hildenborough 24 March 1900 Rochester Choral Concert - Rochester Cathedral 25 Mar - 1 April Sevenoaks Deanery Visit 25 March 1030 Re-lighting Celebration Service St Mary, Kippington 1830 Praise Service St Nicholas Sevenoaks 27 March 0900 School visit: Westerham Primary School 1100 Study Day with Clergy, Readers and PAs 1800 Youth Café St John s Hill 28 March 1100 General Synod Business Committee London 29 March 0900 Knowle Academy Sevenoaks 1200 St Luke s Nursing Home 1400 Meeting with retired clergy, readers and PAs 1830 Evening of Q&A with Churchwardens and Synod Members - open to all 30 March 0900 Weald Primary School 1230 Lent Lunch with the North West Fellowship 1400 End of Term Service Sundridge & Brasted Primary School T.B.C. Meeting with the Ecumenical Social Concern Team 31 March 0930 Bishopscourt Quiet/Away Day

4 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature Thinking of taking a break? Holidays at Home Retreats CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE Set in the peaceful Oxfordshire countryside, Stanton House truly is a space for God. The house and its grounds is the perfect venue for individuals and groups to hold a retreat, enabling them to seek God, study, relax or simply regroup by taking time out from a busy life. For further information please call Stanton House on , office@stantonhouse.org.uk or visit CORNWALL Port Isaac Quality furnished holiday cottages and converted barn in Port Isaac,45 minutes from the Eden Project.Sleeps 2-6, linen & electricity included, pets welcome personal supervision by owners, for a full colour brochure contact Dennis Knight, Atlantic House, Port Isaac, PL29 3RE Tel/fax: Tel: info@cornishholidayhomes.net NORTH NORFOLK (Nr Walsingham) Traditional Cottage Sleeps 5+1 Every comfort for perfect retreat long or short break all year Perfect haven Tel: Sue Freya: Come to the Shropshire Hills A warm welcome awaits at our family-run cottages, maintained and equipped to a high standard. Beautiful location at Church Stretton in Shropshire, easy access to Ludlow, Shrewsbury & Ironbridge. Ideal for all the family. TEL for a brochure or visit SHERBORNE Short breaks in Dorset Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, apartment in listed building close to Abbey Church. Open all year. Please ring for brochure: Dartmouth Devon Delightful ground floor flat with glorious views across river Dart. Sleeps 4: double ensuite, twin with bathroom, all mod cons. Tel: LYNTON DEVON A warm traditional welcome welcome awaits you at Kingford House Silver Award Enjoy excellent home cuisine Ideally situated for coastal & Exmoor walks. Tel Tricia Morgan on for brochure and tariff patriciakingford@aol.com To advertise in the Rochester Link call Winter Edition Out Now THE SON is a bright, newsy and uncompromising tabloid newspaper which aims to put Jesus back at the centre of society. Written and presented in an easy to read style, based on the UK s biggest circulation newspapers, THE SON is an ideal tool to reach believers and unbelievers as well. The new edition of THE SON includes stories on Glen Campbell, Natalie Cole, Henry Olonga, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, plus much more It s an ideal tool for outreach. Why not use to reach your community? Order your copies today: or call The Son hotline on Holidays Abroad Lanzarote Playa Blanca Affordable family villa Ideal for Family Holidays & Long Winter Breaks Tel Our Loire Valley Tranquil riverside village house near Saumur is available from April to end September Simply furnished but with all mod cons; fishing from the garden; good food, swimming, cycling, tennis etc nearby. From 250 per week inclusive; reductions possible for Clergy etc... Sleeps up to 6+. Contact on Evenings: or Anytime: christine.zwart@btinternet.com ALGARVE Luxury 3 bed villa (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near Carvoeiro. Own pool, all mod cons. Situated on Pestana Golf Resort. Golf, Tennis, Outdoor bowls. Full details and brochure: Brian Chambers Tel: info@casa-oleander.co.uk Insurance ITALY Near Romantic Rome Self catering in rural tranquillity, sleeps 2-4. Wonderful views, historic village. Tel: villagirasole@hotmail.com Travel Insurance Arranged for Rochester Link Readers SUPERB TOP QUALITY ANNUAL, SINGLE TRIP AND LONG STAY TRAVEL COVER Available with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted. Specialist cover for people cruising and for high-cost holidays. Our insurance has a customer 24 hour helpline, full medical cover and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. HURRY - PRICE INCREASES DUE END OF MARCH 2012 SPECIAL OFFER: 20 off all annual policies and 5% off all single trip policies if purchased this month We are based in the UK and your call will be answered by a real person...not a machine!!! CAR Conditions apply FT TRAVEL HIRE Please call for details ~ INSURANCE Authorised & regulated by the F.S.A.

5 ochester Link 5 Impressions of a Study Tour, Holy Land 2012 By the Rev Canon Tony Powell, Borough Green It began with a view of gold. Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, then we walk in places whose names excite our faith; a gnarled garden that heard whispers of betrayal, an ancient gate with sung Hosannas. The Via Dolorosa crushes and exacts far more than any tired ecumenical gesture, for here you have to shout to pray, pestered by Arab tradesmen and watched by young Jewish soldiers, lazily slinging a rifle. But wherever we tread there is always music; a solo, our choir, voices echoing in such acoustic they still linger. The thump of the drum from the children s SOS village beating out a new life. The alien tones of the muezzin from the minaret, and listen, yes a cock crows! It really does. And always Nigerian pilgrims quietly saying Shalom, ever mindful of their brothers and sisters being slaughtered at home. It is a land of stone: crusader crenulations, and that wall of our time that strangles Bethlehem, like a snake with a coloured skin of graffiti. Banksiy was here! The star of Bethlehem fell to earth for now it shines in a grotto. There is a sepulchred quarry where they crucified Him; a rare glimpse of rock now hidden by gold, but queue and be patient for you too will touch the spot. Sunday; dawn, and the meshing of gears of ancient traditions, and bells, not just to waken the dead but to proclaim that the dead has risen! The familiarity of St George, where the Anglican Covenant seems OK, then a glimpse of the forty days and nights, with wilderness colours and contours, strikingly cragged, and swept by mystery. No sweltering heat, and water is scarce in the cavernous pool of Bethesda, but not for us, for rain so heavy that man-hole covers are lifted, then water into wine and the sun dodged lapping of Galilee, the pure spring of Mary s Well. A city on a hill: Sepphoris; which piece of pagan mosaic was carefully placed by a carpenter s hand? A city by a lake: Capernaum; the synagogue, the streets, the casting of demons and restoration of a mother in law who makes a meal. Our own meal, a Eucharist, beside the Syrian sea ; and so much food and too little Dominus Flerit, Mount Olives sleep, and always laughter, and on the bus and off the bus, but do not rest for they will build a church over you! And it ends as it began, with gold. Sun shining on sand and sea as we shared the Peace, and turned homeward. Soon, throughout the Diocese, we will pray the names and deeds, and places, but our thoughts will be different, crammed with such Western Wall - Wailing Wall privilege of experience, thankful to those who made this possible, who allowed us to earth, that what happened there then is why we celebrate Easter here now. If you have never been, you must. If you have, you will return, because it is such a precious Holy Land. Photos taken by Dennis Rink Fine furniture for church and home Ronald Emett ronald@emett.co.uk Visit me at Jay Ford Counsellor & Supervisor MACC (Accredited) Also available to under 16 s with consent Tel: Wide Range of Discounted Children s Books for Christmas Cards, Calendars and much more Sevenoaks Road, Pratt s Bottom, Orpington, Kent. BR6 7SQ Telephone Birchwood House Rest Home Residential Home for the Elderly Respite care & short stay available A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy reach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call system. Lift to all floors. Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered for. Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to the local church. Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TU Telephone: Langton ( ) 3559 St Mary, Shrewton, Wilts ORGANIST available as relief SE London/ NW Kent Sundays & Weekdays Traditional & Modern Music Contact Ron Smith TEL/FAX: Fee & Mileage Caesarea Maritima From the Greek Orthodox Monastery at St George, Wadi Qelt

6 6 ochester Link Diocesan Links Committee visit Estonia Friendship as a foundation Bishop James, Archbishop Andres Põder, the Rev George Davies: Vicar of Holy Trinity, Lamorbey; the Rev Alan Smith Vicar of St Stephen,Chatham; the Rev Canon Gordon Oliver, Vicar of St John, Meopham By the Rev George Davies In January, Bishop James; Bishop David Hamid (Bishop in Europe and Former Assistant Bishop in our Diocese), with three of our parish Clergy took part in the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELK) annual Clergy Conference at the north western Baltic frozen coastal resort at Roosta, near Haapsalu. It was an occasion to renew our link which has developed over the past 15 years. We arrived to a chilly (-6 C) snow covered Tallinn and were met by the Revd Gustav Piir, who on behalf of the EELK, had made arrangements for our hospitality in Tallinn at the Puha Vaimu (Holy Spirit Church, Hostel in the Old Town) and for the Rev Alan Smith and the Rev Canon David Kitley at the Mary Church (Maari Kirik) in Tartu. On Sunday, the Rev Canon Gordon Oliver preached at the Rahu Kirik (Peace Church at Nõmme a suburb of Tallinn). Alan Smith preached at the Maari Kirik (Mary Church) Tartu; George Davies visited St John Church (Jaani Kirik) in central Tallinn. David did not attend the Conference and returned to the UK after his Tartu visit. On Tuesday, we celebrated the Eucharist led by the clergy of the West Harju deanery at the Roostla Chapel before the Conference formally opened. The Clergy Conference Theme: Preacher and Sermon This year s conference was held at the Roosta (Puhkula) holiday resort set in an extensive pine and silver birch forest amid a snow scaped Baltic shoreline. Each day began with a celebration of the Eucharist, after which the keynote plenary academic presentations followed by Q & A from the floor. Throughout the visit, our long established Estonian friend, the Rev Gustav Piir acted as our translator. The afternoons were set aside for wide ranging workshops. Bishop James gave a power-point presentation about the Diocese of Rochester, commending the development of our link within the Porvoo Communion. Bishop David gave overview of the work of the Diocese in Europe. The Workshops: Prayers & homilies for radio; techniques in speech; religious articles for the press; Preaching in the Anglican tradition (led by Bishops James and David); homilies at weddings, at funerals, at baptisms; sermons for children/youth; short sermons; sermons without words On our last evening the annual Presentation Dinner took place - an occasion to mark anniversaries of ordinations, and the announcement of the winning vote for the clergyperson of the year! There were musical interludes and a valedictory speech by a long serving member of the clergy on the state of the work of the Church in Estonia. On our return to Tallinn we had a guided tour of the Cathedral, met with the Archbishop at the HQ of the Estonian Church, and Bishop James led an informal meeting at the Theological Institute, with the Archbishop s Advisors as we shared our hopes and reflections for developing a sustainable Rochester/Estonia partnership. Above: The mass grave where Aksel Vooremaa is buried Above: St Mary's Church Tartu 1941 after the Soviets set it on fire Left: Aksel Vooremaa's name at the mass grave

7 ochester Link 7 By the Rev Canon David Kitley Why do we as a Diocese have a link with the Church in Estonia? Surely they do not need us in the way that the Church in Tanzania and Harare does? Well it is true, theirs is a very different situation. But they value their relations with us more than we might realise. With their long memories they look back with gratitude to 1919 when our Royal Navy fought off the Russian Navy, enabling Estonia to gain independence for the very first time as a nation. Unfortunately this was only to last 20 years. In 1939 Hitler and Stalin signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop agreement, by which they shared out Eastern Europe like slices of cake. The Soviets occupied Estonia, deporting over 10,000 men, women and children in cattle trucks to Siberia; many perished there. In 1941 Hitler threw away his agreement with Stalin, the Nazis invaded from the West. As the Soviets retreated, they set fire to factories, railways, farms, and historic buildings. Aksel Vooremaa, the priest of St Mary s Church, Tartu was tortured and murdered, his church, like many others, was left to burn. Life did not improve under the Nazis; as elsewhere, Jews and gipsies were exterminated. The war began to turn against Hitler, whose forces began to retreat. The Soviets gradually returned during 1944 and stayed for nearly 50 years. Russian was taught in schools, Estonian culture repressed. Over 20,000 more citizens were deported to Eastern Siberia. St Mary, Tartu, was turned into a basket ball court. Independence gradually returned after 1990, though Soviet troops stayed till Estonia has joined the European Union, and looks to the West. But memories of so many years of Soviet occupation are very raw, and they fear still that the Russians could easily cross their Eastern frontier and return. The Church is now free to worship and to propagate their faith. Many buildings have been restored. St Mary, Tartu has been returned to the church, but needs massive repairs. There is a strong desire to see this come about in memory of their beloved martyred priest who is commemorated in Rochester Cathedral by having a Canon s stall dedicated to him. The younger generation are now learning English, and churches are keen to link with new friends and especially in line with our Diocesan Link. Would you or your congregation or deanery consider reaching out with the hand of friendship? Friendship is the foundation and essence of all our overseas links. You will receive much more than you give! It will mainly involve mutual visits. For further information please contact Canon David Kitley on kitley@clara.net or or any other clergy who visited in January. Above: A church in Estonia Above: Aksel Vooremaa Above St Mary's Tartu now CONTACT US News and letters to the Editor: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: NEXT COPY DEADLINE Thursday March 15th for April Link ADVERTISEMENTS roy@cornerstonevision.com Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by please. Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do the rest for you.)

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9 Queen s Diamond Jubilee Beacons 2012 ochester Link 9 Kent Fire & Rescue Service is in full support of the Queen s Diamond Jubilee Beacons celebration.we look forward to seeing people enjoying themselves safely at events throughout Kent and offer the following guidance for those who are planning any event to mark the Queen s Diamond Jubilee. The Diamond Jubilee Beacons celebration is being co-ordinated by the Government. Further information is available from: If you are organising a public event you should: Contact your council to see if a licence is required and get advice about this. Make sure that the event is planned to run safely, without the need for a fire engine at the site. Complete a risk assessment before the event and reduce any risks you identify. If you are planning a bonfire, follow these safety tips: Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire or burn items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries. Bishop dedicates heating The Bishop of Tonbridge, the Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, attended the newly decorated Christ Church, Snodland, at a service of dedication for the new heating system and chairs which have replaced the old pews. As you enter this building it wants to say welcome, it is good to have you with us, he said. He praised a great team effort in raising 57,000 at a time when finances are tight. It makes Christ Church physically more welcoming with the heating, decoration, kitchen area, boiler and chairs, he added. I thank God for what you have done. Congratulations and well done. The church used to have a hot air blower for heating which was considered inadequate. It is hoped that now the building is more comfortable and warm, with better access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, it will be used by more community organisations. Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, sheds, fences, hedges and overhanging branches. Keep bonfires to a manageable size and evenly built so they collapse inwards as they burn. Always check the bonfire s construction is safe prior to lighting it, that there are no children or animals inside and that no hazardous items have been thrown onto it. Bonfires should be lit after the firework display unless positioned sufficiently far away to ensure stray sparks from the bonfire cannot fall into the firework area. An adult should supervise the bonfire until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with water. Keep a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby in case of emergency. Calling young Organists The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) is offering organ scholarships to two young organists at the 2012 Summer Course for Young People at Bath. The successful candidates will play the fourmanual Klais organ in the city s splendid Abbey church; the setting for some of the choral services. They will assist the Course Organist in playing for rehearsals and services during the popular week-long event at Kingswood School; this year s course runs from August. The Bath Summer Course for Young People, directed by international church musician Geoff Weaver, draws over one hundred young singers from RSCM-affiliated choirs around the UK who return each year for its mix of specialist teaching, the chance to sing services and concerts in some lovely venues, and plenty of fun and friendship. The musicmaking reaches a high standard accompanied by experienced tutor and Course Organist Steven Grahl. Steven is Director of Music at St Marylebone Parish Church in London, and Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford. The two scholarships will be awarded to young organists aged between 16 and 21 and at Grade 8 standard or thereabouts. Speaking in an RSCM podcast about the course, last year s organ scholars are enthusiastic about the invaluable experience they gained for attempting organ awards at college chapels such as King s Cambridge or Magdalen, Oxford. Unlike other organ courses, there are just two of us, so we ve been able to focus on the organ playing Contact us: East Kent Group Office - (covers Whitstable, Thanet, Canterbury and Deal) Upper Bridge Street Canterbury Kent CT1 2NH, Mid Kent Group Office (covers Maidstone, Larkfield, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells) Loose Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9QB, North Kent Group Office (covers Medway, Strood, Sheppey and Swale) Watling Street Chatham Kent ME5 7HQ, South Kent Group Office (covers Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Romney Marsh and the Weald) Park Farm Road Folkestone Kent CT19 5LT, Left to right Jeanette Capon, Rector, Bishop Brian, John Levett. Back row: Val Fiddes, Gerard Lopez-Thornton, Helen Comber aspect and the choral accompaniment which is exactly the sort of thing you need to be doing for Oxbridge, says Peter Shepherd from Malvern in Worcestershire. Richard Parkinson from Goring-on-Thames agrees. Being able to play organ voluntaries is the nice part of it but everyone s doing that. This course helps to develop the extra skills and make you stand out. Richard has subsequently been awarded an organ scholarship by a Cambridge college chapel. Full details of the course and scholarships can found on the RSCM website or by calling The course runs at Kingswood School, Bath, from August 2012 and the closing date for scholarship applications is Friday 20 April Award winning church furniture makers Makers of the revolutionary Canterbury and York Lecterns CHURCH PEWS UNCOMFORTABLE? WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM S TOP QUALITY UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? 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11 ochester Link 11 Praying the way Diocese Please pray for Strood, Gravesend, Cobham and Dartford Deaneries organising prayer this month - part of the Diocesan Olympic Prayer relay. Bromley and Bexley Bromley Deanery St Augustine, Bromley Common: Thanks that over three quarters of the sum required for the refurbishment of our church has been raised St John, Bromley: God and Science Lent lecture, Lent Group studies on the Creed St Mark, Bromley: Lent course on the Passion of Christ Erith Deanery Northumberland Heath: A parenting course for parents with disabled children. Gossip the Gospel Lent course Sidcup Deanery Holy Redeemer, Lamorbey: Thanks for the appointment of the Rev Colin Terry St John, Sidcup: People living or working in the High Street Rochester Rochester Deanery Rochester Cluster: New Incumbents to Borstal and St Justus Chatham Cluster: Our joint Lent Course, clarity over future plans for buildings Walderslade Cluster: Filling a forthcoming vacancy. For attendance at Lent Meetings Cobham Deanery Meopham and Nurstead: The appointment of new churchwardens. The right people to be elected to both PCCs Snodland: Confirmation group Twinning visit to France during this month Dartford Deanery St Alban, Dartford: Sustained ministry and mission during the interregnum St Edmund, Dartford: The staff, doctors, and all who use the Living Well. Darenth: Those feeling isolated Gravesend Deanery Deanery Prayer and Praise afternoon St Aidan, Gravesend : The right person to serve here Holy Family with Ifield: A person of God s choice to serve here St Mary, Gravesend: Churches considering working together for a club for 6-11 year-olds Southfleet: Sick and bereaved members St Peter & St Paul Milton: Gossip the Good News course Strood Deanery St Francis, Strood: Experience Easter Tonbridge Sevenoaks Deanery Bishop James visit to the Deanery Knockholt with Halstead: New churchwardens; Leaders for youth and children s work St Luke, Sevenoaks: Thanks for completion of building project Intercession during March 1 March: Erith Deanery 2 March: Barnehurst 3 March: Belvedere All Saints 4 March: Belvedere St Augustine of Canterbury 5 March: Diocesan Education Team 6 March: The Diocesan Schools Committee and church schools in the diocese 7 March: Trinity School, Belvedere 8 March: Bexleyheath Christ Church 9 March: Bexleyheath St Peter 10 March: Bostall Heath 11 March: Crayford 12 March: Erith Christ Church 13 March: Bishop Justus School, Bromley 14 March: Bishop of Rochester Academy, Chatham 15 March: St Michaels School, Otford 16 March: Erith St John 17 March: Falconwood 18 March: Northumberland Heath 19March: Slade Green 20 March: St Olave School, Orpington 21March: Kings School, Rochester 22 March: Tonbridge School 23 March: Bennett Memorial School, The Cathedral Quire Stalls The Stalls in the Cathedral Quire, mostly occupied by the Honorary Canons of the Cathedral, are each named after significant characters in Rochester s long history. Zachary Pearce: Born in Ealing on 8 September 1690, Zachary Pearce was a distiller s son, educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge; onetime Vicar of St Martin s in the Fields (1724), Dean of Winchester (1739), and Bishop of Bangor (1748). He was installed as Dean of Westminster on 4 May 1756 and a month later enthroned as Bishop of Rochester. Declining translation to the See of London in 1761, he held the Deanery of Westminster until 1768 when he resigned from it as he felt that through old age he could not satisfactorily perform both duties. It is said to be the first time Dean had retired from office rather than died in it! He is recorded as being a zealous defender of orthodox theology and yet a thorough and consistent liberal, properly a wise man, a philosopher or lover of wisdom who disdains to submit his reason to the prejudices of custom, education, authority, interest or passion. Dr Johnson calls him that excellent prelate, and Bishop Newton refers to him as a wise and religious man who had long deserved his Bishopric. He published editions of classical authors, sermons and biblical commentaries, held public days in his palace in Bromley, died at the family house in Ealing in 1774, aged 84, and is buried in Bromley Parish Church. St Nicholas, Sevenoaks: Marriage Course. Quiz Night with Christians in Sport Shoreham Deanery Ightham: Pop-In centre Otford: 12 adults recently confirmed Kemsing with Woodlands: Young families. New worship times Shoreham: Those mourning Wrotham: Funds for new church boiler Tunbridge Wells Deanery Bennett Memorial School: Partnership with link schools in Tanzania and Ghana and preparations for visits in July. Teacher from Ghana visiting us this month. Students preparing for confirmation Burrswood: For staff; for patients to find healing Christ Church, Southborough: Prayer teams visiting streets and for contacts made Holy Trinity with Christ Church: Staff at New Manna Café; Manna events starting this month St Luke, Tunbridge Wells: Those exploring faith through courses St Mark,Tunbridge Wells: Re-opening of the café at Number One Community Centre on Showfields. Volunteers to pray for Street Pastors. Rusthall: Four separate Lent House Groups in the parish Prayer Requests For APRIL LINK to Judith Howard, 10 Mount Pleasant Road, Weald, Sevenoaks, TN14 6QE, , judithhoward@weald.plus.com by 25th February Tunbridge Wells, St John s School, Tunbridge Wells, Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells 24 March: Welling 25 March: Orpington Deanery 26 March: Sevenoaks School 27 March: University of Greenwich & University College for the Creative Arts 28 March: K College 29 March: Chelsfield 30 March: St Barnabas, Cray 31 March: St Mary with St Paulinus, Cray The current Canon to occupy this stall is the Rev Canon Alan Vousden. To advertise in the Rochester Link call Metalsmith Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall provides new work and maintenance for a number of churches. 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12 12 ochester Link That Loving Feeling. By the Rev Mandy Carr There was no shortage of that loving feeling as thousands poured into Bluewater shopping centre for the Wedding Fair on 9-12 February. Alongside the wedding dresses, reception venue providers, photographers and cake makers, the Church of England opened up its doors to the public in the market place, not only as a ceremony provider but as a place for pastoral engagement and all things before, during and beyond the Big Day. The Rev Canon Jean Kerr was in permanent residence each day and Bishop James came to join the fray on Saturday afternoon, with a rota of clergy covering the entire four-day period. Armed with Love Hearts sweets to give out, we were there to take an interest in, and applaud the commitment the couples were making in whatever way they were choosing to celebrate it Love Hearts were given out over that period (although the sweets with BYE BYE written on it, were tactfully consumed by those working on the stand). Each sweet represented a contact; a conversation; some information given out; a myth dispelled; a query answered; a potential way forward. For some couples it led to the solving of a problem; where to get married, how to contact their local vicar, which parish they were in, and how to explore the possibility of remarriage after divorce. For others, it was even more involved, as more complex issues or pastoral concerns came to light. We had the wedding packs to give out from the wedding project, helpfully directing couples to the website yourchurchwedding.org and prayer cards that we offered to fill in with couples, so we could pray for them for the wedding day and their marriage beyond. We filled out 84 prayer cards over the period and couples seemed delighted that we would take that opportunity to hold them in prayer, whether it was something that they would do for themselves or not. One of the best things about a wedding fair of this type is there is an opportunity to meet a real-life vicar in a non-threatening place and to ask all those questions that it might be difficult, or seem silly, to ask at the vicarage door. It s a chance to break down some of the stereotypes that exist about the Church and clergy. It s also an opportunity to encourage into the light that which can t easily be articulated, that sense of wanting something special, proper, traditional, even sacred. The Church has a fantastic ministry in this area and being confident of what we have to offer and being visible and accessible will do much to overturn many of the negative views held in our culture today. Although exhausting, the Wedding Fair at Bluewater was a great opportunity to engage with literally thousands of people. A good number of them will not have considered getting married in church before and this may even be the start of a journey of faith for them. Seeds are sown and we never know where they are going to take root. It is, without doubt, Kingdom business. At the very least it is a chance to be involved in celebrating what is important in the lives of others and, when that s about love, the Church most definitely needs to be in the centre of it all. The kindness of strangers By Louise Whiffin The Rev Gwyneth Williams was ordained deacon in 2010 and just after the ordinations she discovered some lumps in her breast. Gwyneth said, After going to the doctors my feet didn t touch the ground and I saw a consultant very quickly. Three weeks after the ordination I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a bit of a surprise because I d had a normal mammogram a few months previously and it was clear, so I was quite concerned. My mother had breast cancer, so I regularly attended mammograms. When I saw the consultant she said not all cancers show up on the test, which I think women need to be aware of. It became apparent after tests, including an MRI, that treatment would require a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Gwyneth said, It was an enormous shock. I think my initial reaction was complete disbelief. The consultants said they wanted to start treatment fairly quickly. I am not underestimating what happened, but I think overall I felt the presence of God. I don t want to make out I am terribly holy and don t feel things in the same way because I trust in God, but certainly my trust in God increased enormously. After the initial shock of knowing what was going to happen I did feel that it was in God s hands and it was going to be okay. I was also upheld with The Rev Gwyneth Williams loads and loads of prayer from people around me, so that when I didn t know what to pray for, they could. Gwyneth was well supported by close friends, and, one gave her a Celtic prayer that was incredibly helpful. She said, I would say the prayer when I woke up and felt panicky: Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ above me, Christ beneath me, Christ around me, now and forever. After a mastectomy Gwyneth started a course of chemotherapy for preventative reasons and was offered a cold cap treatment to help stop her hair falling out. She said, You sit under this circular helmet, which is absolutely freezing cold, for two hours before you have your dose of chemo. However, with the second dose of chemotherapy my hair just fell out, but again they had prepared me for this, so I had a wig ready in the drawer which I was convinced I would never use. Gwyneth suffered some difficulties with the line that her chemotherapy treatment was fed through: During the second dose of chemo I was in a service and suddenly I saw this piece of blue plastic coming down underneath my cassock. It was the line and my body had pushed it out. When the pick line came out it must have irritated blood vessels because my hand and arm then swelled up and I had thrombosis in it. So for the next 6 months I had to inject myself everyday with a blood thinner. During the chemotherapy, Gwyneth thinks there were some incidents of God working through people. She said, One of them was when they couldn t get the pick line back in, so the majority of the chemotherapy had to be directly put into my veins. This became more and more difficult each time and, when I had the penultimate one, I had a nurse who I hadn t had before. I d prayed about it not being difficult this time with a friend before going to the hospital. The nurse put the treatment in and she said thank you Jesus so I said to her oh so you are a Christian? and she said yes, I couldn t do this in my own strength, I knew I needed help to do this. So that felt like that was a real answer to prayer. After finishing the chemotherapy Gwyneth felt she needed a break from hospitals and took a holiday before starting radiotherapy. She said, People told me radiotherapy can make you tired. It was only 15 minutes at a time, but the worse thing for me was keeping still while lying down! They also had this terrible CD on every time but I knew when it was coming to the end of the treatment when I heard this particular track; I used to think thank God it s nearly finished! Gwyneth learnt a lot about herself during her treatment, and one thing she learned was the kindness of strangers. She said, Normally I hate asking people for help and I have had to. After I had finished the radiotherapy I did something, that was quite unconnected, to my shoulder and for about three weeks I was in a great deal of pain. I couldn t do things like bend down to do my shoe laces and I used to have to ask strangers in the street, and that for me was a real lesson. Gwyneth said, I feel I have been healed and I did feel that God was present throughout. So through my prayers and through other people s prayers my faith has grown. It has been quite a year and I am very glad now that I am in 2012, that I feel really well and that I am now on medication for the next 5 years. I will have to keep going to the hospital twice a year and there will be regular mammograms but I feel like I have been really blessed. It has made me think about my priorities; something like this makes you re-evaluate your life.