CRUX MEET OUR NEW REVS. Church for a different world. 25p. August 2017

Transcription

1 CRUX Issue Church for a different world 25p 47 August 2017 MEET OUR NEW REVS

2 Church for a different world A SPACE FOR GOD TO WORK NEW READERS One of the benefits of being the bishop is that I get to turn up and enjoy events that others have spent long months planning. One such was the gathering of all the licensed clergy in our diocese at Swanwick a few weeks ago. I arrived hot foot from the visit of the Prince of Wales to Manchester Town Hall. Yet as soon as the electric entrance doors parted to let me in out of the rain, I could hear that excited buzz in the atmosphere which shows all the hard work has paid off. Huge efforts had been made to ensure that as many clergy as possible were present, that the premises were welcoming and comfortable, and that first class speakers had been invited to address us. Professor David Ford and Christian Aid Chief Executive Loretta Minghella spoke from both the head and the heart, encouraging and challenging us. Bishop Irfan from Lahore and Imam Irfan from Manchester Central Mosque reflected on faith in a world of terrorist atrocities, showing they hold much more in common than the coincidence of their first names and a shared interest in the fortunes of the Pakistan cricket team. All of that, along with the high quality of the worship offered, created a space ready for God himself to work within us. And this was what was especially inspiring and heartwarming about our two days in Derbyshire; God was palpably present. Please pray for your clergy, especially in this month when many are taking well deserved holiday, that our time together at Swanwick may abide within them, and expand to all among whom they minister. Congratulations to our new Readers licensed on 18 June at Manchester Cathedral. Please remember them in your prayers as they begin this new stage of their ministry. Carole Barnet, St Mary the Virgin, Prestwich, Nick Campbell, St Andrew, Blackley Steve Gray, St Andrew, Blackley, Lee Higson, Deane, St Mary the Virgin Isobel Hinchliffe, St Anne, Tottington, Jane Hyde, St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale Elaine Simkin, Westhoughton Team STEPPING STONES Deepen your faith journey with a course on spirituality and prayer offered by Manchester Diocese with Katherine House. Wednesday evenings from 27 September. Details on our website or from Canon Alan Butler on PAGE 2

3 Church for a different world AFFIRMING THE GIFTS OF ALL PEOPLE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE CHURCH I wonder what your perception is for the requirements of ordained ministry? My youngest son, Jonathan, is severely autistic, with limited communication, a learning disability (he has no special skills if you think that s what autism is) and he has epilepsy. He is also good looking, inappropriately affectionate, vulnerable (he wants to give everyone hugs) and can be loud. Questions about my vocation and how I would cope with Jonathan s disability came not from those who tested my calling, but from my family and church family. While I empathised with those misguided concerns, my response was simple: in order to make a difference, I needed to challenge those perceptions and look beyond ignorance. After all, what does it mean to be made in the image of God when you have a disability. And, what do others think - particularly in terms of vocation and inclusion? God didn t heal, make perfect the protesting Moses for his ministry, Moses was already perfect and God simply said, get on with it. So, likewise, when asking the question of who we are, we can say who we are, is who we are in Christ, and wow! Jonathan, regardless of his disability, is amazing at moving people from inclusion to discipleship young or old. PAGE 4 Through the opportunity to encounter disability in church, Jonathan has inspired others, and done much to break down the barriers of disability. What I ve witnessed is when we expand our imagination and reimagine what it means to encounter disability and be a Christian in the midst of that, then we truly know what it means to love as Christ loves. This demonstrates fully that disabled people have much to offer to the Church and the plans God has - even ordained ministry. Revd Jackie Calow Vicar at St Michael s, Tonge-cum-Alkrington and All Saints, Rhodes OUR CHAPLAIN TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY The Revd Cathy Nightingale tells her story I was born deaf and went to my local parish church from an early age. I always felt close to Jesus and knew Him as a friend. As a teenager, it was hard to sit through and follow a church service as I was relying on lipreading. I became angry with God as I wanted a close relationship with Him but there were no options for me learn. I hadn t learnt to sign, so I was embarrassed that I couldn t communicate with other Deaf people. I told the chaplain at the Deaf church that I wanted to be a priest and he encouraged me. In my desire to try and get closer to God, I went on a Christian work trip abroad. This time, I didn t pretend to be hearing, I said I was Deaf and needed to see people s faces to lip read them. This was a turning point for me. One day my anger towards God was replaced by a huge sense of peace as I realised it was not God that was to blame for me being Deaf, But the Lord answered, Who makes people able to speak or makes them deaf or unable to speak? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Don t you know that I am the one who does these things? (Exodus 4:11 CEV) it was the attitude of other hearing people. For the first time I began to see that being Deaf was positive and part of the diversity of God s creation: After the holiday I learnt sign language, started going to Deaf church again, and began a discipleship courses. My call to ordination wouldn t go away. I got through selection and somehow through theological college and was ordained priest in As a curate I focused on working with deaf children as I felt it was important for them to have a positive Deaf role model. A big part of my job now is working with people who are mentally ill. They are often relieved that I am Deaf and that I can sign and understand what they say and that I can relate to their experiences. I see things visually so I don t need words, and enjoy creating informal visual interactive church services. When you are part of a marginalised group, it gives you a different perspective of the world and a different understanding of how power is used which is something I really value. It gives me a desire to stand with marginalised people, which I may not have if I wasn t Deaf. PAGE 5

4 Church for a different world MEET TWO NEW DEACONS Aaron and Sally are among our new deacons ordained in July. SALLY ROBINSON AARON JACKMAN Although it took me a while to admit it, I felt a call to some form of spiritual ministry from a young age. With a name like Aaron (!), and with a faith that was nurtured in a vibrant Pentecostal Church, it almost felt inevitable that I would end up involved in some aspect of Church life. However, it wasn t until I returned home from University and began attending an Anglican Church that I began to think seriously about the possibility of exploring a sense of vocation. I was initially reluctant to put my thoughts into action as I would be one of only a few BAME members to pursue ordination. However, I was encouraged by a friend who is now a vicar in Manchester not to give up, and after a conversation with my local vicar, the rest, as they say, is history. I will be serving my curacy in the benefice of Saddleworth. Being a Mancunian from the urban sprawl of Old Trafford, I m looking forward to the adventure of celebrating God s presence in a vibrant rural community that has a real sense of place. We re even getting sheep and chickens! I ve been to an ordination service once before as a Lay Sponsor - however, I ve got a funny feeling that the experience will feel slightly different as a new curate! With friends and family present, I m certain that the occasion will be overwhelming, incredibly emotional and full of joy. I was raised in the faith in my local parish of St Luke s, Heywood where I continued to worship regularly until my pre-bap placement at St Nicholas, Burnage. I felt strongly called to sacramental ministry from a young age but my schooling was taking me in other directions so when at 16 a local priest, and very dear friend, suggested that I might consider ordained ministry, I sent her a two-page letter of all the reasons God was absolutely not calling me to stipendiary ordained ministry! It brings her much joy, to see me now following the call of God on my life that she has discerned for so long. When I was told that I had to be 35 to be considered for OLM training (this has since changed) I assumed I would go off live another lifetime and come back again. I did, and after six years felt called to offer myself for full-time stipendiary ministry. By this point, I was a lone-parent to a rather complicated little girl. My daughter, who is an absolute joy, has a genetic condition resulting in severe disabilities. I may well be the first lone-parent of a severely disabled child the Church of England has ever ordained. It s rarely easy, usually complicated, and often seems ludicrous, but I have been hugely encouraged along the way by family and friends, colleagues, and the support of the diocese. I will be serving my curacy at St Michael s, Tonge-cum-Alkrington and All Saints, Rhodes and Parkfield. I look forward to living alongside the people there and joining in with what God is doing. PAGE 6 PAGE 7

5 Church for a different world OUR NEW PRIESTS AND DEACONS Congratulations to our new deacons and priests who were ordained at joyful services at Manchester Cathedral in June and July. Please pray for them as they begin a new stage of ministry as curates in our diocese. More pictures on our Flickr page. dioceseofmanchester/ PAGE 8 PAGE 9

6 Church for a different world ARCHBISHOP JOINS WHIT WALKS Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton BRIEF ENCOUNTER I THOUGHT MY FAITH WAS LOST FOREVER Debbie Dickinson was confirmed recently at a service at St Clement s, Ordsall. For Debbie, after many years burdened with financial hardship, relationship difficulties and ill-health, it is an especially joyous time. Notwithstanding a heavy shower as the churches gathered in Uppermill Park, and St Mary Greenfield managing to drop a banner on the Bishop of Middleton s head, the Saddleworth Whit Walks were full of joy! The event is quite unique, with processions led by clergy and brass bands from each community converging on Uppermill for an openair Ecumenical service on Whit Friday. The Archbishop of York led the procession from Dobcross, where he was joined by the parishes of St Chad, Saddleworth, St Anne Lydgate and Christ Church Friezland, and other ecumenical congregations. At Uppermill, Archbishop Sentamu entertained the crowds (numbering several thousand) with balloons, stories and an encouragement to trust in the work of the Holy Spirit. The brief rain did not dampen the renowned community spirit of Saddleworth as crowds lined the streets all day. The bands carried on marching and playing all afternoon, and in the evening the band contests continued well into the night in each village. It was encouraging and uplifting to see the support of the crowds for the churches act of witness. Whit Friday is a day when strangers become friends and the church is visibly welcomed as an integral part of what makes Saddleworth different. Although Debbie started life attending church with her mother and siblings, joining the choir and enjoying church life, it all changed as her mother s marriage ended. They moved to Manchester, having to live with extended family while her mother struggled to find a home for them all. Suffering from bullying and often going hungry, Debbie had no real friends as she moved from school to school and she lost her links with her beloved church and choir. Each night I would cry and pray to God asking for His help and protection but I felt deserted by the One in whom I had trusted with all my heart. I had nothing to sing about anymore and slowly God slipped out of my life. Debbie s first marriage ended in divorce after a year. Later she married again and had a wonderful two year marriage but sadly her husband fell ill with terminal cancer. Watching someone you love die from such a dreadful illness is heart wrenching. With his hand tightly held in mine he quietly passed away. The grief and loneliness was almost unbearable. Debbie retired from work due to ill health after such a difficult time but soon her mother began to need help and full-time care. It was at this time that Debbie started to take her mother to church at St Andrew s, Carr Clough. Each Sunday she sat with her mother and listened to the readings and joined her mother at the communion rail and accepted the blessing. As I heard the prayer and felt my vicar s hand on my head, I would rise to my feet biting back the tears. The Spirit of God that had been lying dormant inside me was now coming back to life. Debbie s vicar, Revd Lisa Battye suggested confirmation lessons and soon Debbie made the decision to be confirmed. I didn t realise until recently that God had been with me all the time, quietly giving me the strength to cope. God has waited patiently for me to return to Him, welcoming me back with open arms and without judgement. I am back with God now, I am back home. PAGE 10 PAGE 11

7 THE REVD CANON ALAN GAWITH RIP My friend Alan Gawith, who died in May aged 92, was a committed believer in the Church s role in communities and with disadvantaged people. He came to Manchester in 1974 and, as Director of the Manchester Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility, set up job creation programmes for young people that tackled inner city poverty. Alan supported the resource centre in Oldham, housing action groups in Leigh, worked with the diocesan Adoption Society, and in the 80s pioneered work to support people living with AIDS, becoming the Bishop s first adviser on HIV/ AIDS. ADVERTISEMENT He brought a lively understanding of new theological thinking to all his work and an insatiable interest in what faith means in the world. In retirement he helped support refugees. Above all, Alan put people at the centre of everything he did in real and practical ways. Alan was influenced and supported by his wife Kit: theirs was a real partnership of common sympathies. His love of theatre, poetry, flowers and art were continued enjoyments and contributed hugely to his thinking. Alan is survived by his wife, Kit, three children and four grandchildren. Judy Robinson We are the UK s Number one Church Heating Specialists Professional Gas Safe registered company offering quality church heating & plumbing providing installations and services throughout the UK, with the highest attention to detail, as well as a strong emphasis on customer service. We supply, fit, maintain and repair church heating systems across the entire country, and have access to church heating pay monthly schemes to help fund your church project. Call Now on for you Free Advice Quotation and Design APPOINTMENTS The Revd Kathryn Carmyllie, who holds Permission to Officiate in Blackburn Diocese, has been appointed as Healthcare Chaplain in the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. She will be the Lead Chaplain at North Manchester General Hospital. The Revd Mark Cowling, currently Young Adults Missioner for Bolton and Salford Archdeaconries, has been appointed Team Rector of Seven Saints New Bury with Great Lever. The Revd Ross Garner, currently Team Rector of Walkden and Little Hulton Team, has been appointed Team Rector of Eccles. The Revd Gary Kennedy, Healthcare Chaplain in the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, has been appointed in addition Lead Chaplain at Royal Oldham Hospital Hospital. The Revd Denise Owen, currently Curate at St Clement Spotland and St George Oakenrod, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Thomas Moorside. In addition she will be licensed as an Assistant Curate at St Barnabas Clarksfield and Holy Trinity Waterhead. The Revd Sue Morgan, currently NSM Curate at St Chad, St Mary and St Edmund Rochdale, has been appointed NSM Curate in the Benefice of Langley. The Revd Richard Sherratt, currently Assistant Curate in the parish of Heswall (Diocese of Chester), has been appointed Incumbent of St John Baguley (Brooklands). The Revd Gareth Thomas, currently Team Vicar in the Blackrod, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton and Wingates Team, has been appointed Rector of St James Hope and St John Pendlebury.. RESIGNATION The Revd Tim Thomas, currently curate in the Walkden and Little Hulton Team, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of St John Bowling in the Diocese of Leeds. RETIREMENT The Revd Dr Ian Carter, currently Incumbent of All Saints Hamer and Christ Church Healey, is to retire on 22 August PAGE 13

8 We want to hear your thoughts DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTIONS ABOUT DISABILITY? 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 Church for a different world. WHAT S ON THIS MONTH AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL? CAPTURE THE CATHEDRAL EXHIBITION 4 AUGUST 3 SEPTEMBER SMALL ADVERTS SHORT BREAK IN TWICKENHAM Flat close to station and stadium available for short breaks - sleeps 2/3 or a family of 4. Ten minutes stroll to Thames, 21 minutes train to Waterloo. From 50/night. mike.evans000@ yahoo.co.uk or ring TRANQUIL COTTAGE ON SHROPSHIRE WAY between Church Stretton and Ludlow. Ideal walking base or peaceful retreat. Sleeps per week. Tel: juliajmansfield@icloud.com VILLA TO RENT ORLANDO (Disney area) Spacious 4 bed, 3 bath, sleeps 8. South facing pool and spa overlooking conservation area. Quiet gated community. 15 mins Disney. Good golfing base close to numerous courses. The winners in each category and the overall competition winner will be announced at the launch of the exhibition on Friday 4 August at 6.30pm. 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. For more information call ; info@swallowsrest.org What would you like to see discussed in a future issue? Thanks for your feedback so far Continue the conversation Website: manchester.anglican.org Facebook: Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) differentworld@manchester.anglican.org For further details of services and events at the cathedral, please visit 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. Please make cheques payable to Manchester DBF and send to SimonAmbrose, Support Services Department, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH. Editorial: All editorial items to Ann Mummery, amummery@manchester.anglican.org Send to: Church for a Different World, Diocese of Manchester, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH Like us, search for Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) Follow us PAGE 15

9 FORTHCOMING TRAINING EVENTS 2017/18 GROWING YOUNGER GOOD PRACTICE AND SHARED LEARNING FOR PARISHES Please book with Helen Tyler on or on BAPTISM MATTERS Thurs 21st Sept pm (coffee from 9:30am) Church House How can we build on CoE research with the theme of Welcoming families through the gateway of baptism? Key findings from the research will be presented along with stories of good practice from around the Diocese. Make baptisms a joy and a mission opportunity. Reflecting on the National Society Toddler Project (2016) we ll consider what working with age groups means for our parishes and share good news stories from around the Diocese. There ll also be guidance, ideas and where to find resources when establishing new groups. WELCOMING FAMILIES WITH SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN Thurs 2nd Nov pm (coffee from 9:30am) Church House WORKING WITH UNDER FIVES Sat 18th Nov pm (coffee from 9:30am) Church House How can we provide, run and offer sustainable services for young families which are hospitable and welcoming in parishes where school attendance is a factor? We ll consider the opportunities this brings and how we can build genuine, lasting relationships with those we meet. You are invited to attend Messy Eucharist at Manchester Cathedral. Not only will you see MC in action, there will be a separate workshop to help attendees consider some of the wider questions surrounding MC, practical ideas of how to get started and sharing good practice. We will also join together for Communion during the morning. MESSY EUCHARIST Sat 13th Jan 2018 Morning (times tbc) Manchester Cathedral