The Cinnamon Network. Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

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1 Bennett Memorial Diocesan School See pages 6-7 April 2014 Candlelit prayer vigil By World Vision Thank you so much for the generous support your church gives to children living in fear. As Lent begins, I would like to ask will you and your church stand with the children of Syria by holding a candlelit prayer vigil? Absi, aged ten, is one of the many children who has grown used to hunger. Each day, he carefully eats half of his sandwich, given to him at school, then wraps up the rest, claiming he is full. His mother told us that he brings home the other half to help her. The family barely has enough food, and he wants to bless them too. On 15 March it will be three years since the conflict in Syria started and led to Absi and millions of other children fleeing from their homes. For many families living as refugees their situation is desperate, sleeping in tents during winter with no way to stay warm and dry. Like Absi, many children have only one meal a day. Men and women of faith around the globe are joining together in a prayer vigil in the week leading up to 15 March will your church join in? So many children like Absi have been living like this for months or even years. During this time of Lent, we would love your church, prayer groups or small groups to join us and The Cinnamon Network The Cinnamon Network is granting over 500,000 in micro-grants to local churches in England, Scotland and Wales to start recognised church-based community projects. The Cinnamon Network is trying to make it as easy as possible for local churches to serve those people who are most at need in their communities. Local churches can choose from a menu of twenty-five best practice community projects including well known initiatives such as Street Pastors, CAP Debt Help, Trussell Trust Food Banks and Night Shelter, as well as lesserknown projects such as MakeLunch, which helps churches to provide a meal a day for children who would otherwise go hungry pray that 2014 will be the year when the conflict ends, the year when Syrian children can start to go home. We have three easy steps towards your own candlelit vigil: STEP 1: Agree a date STEP 2: Download your resources here our-work/syria-crisis-update including: A video you can show in your prayer group or church Prayer cards to remember Absi and other children s stories Prayer points STEP 3: Upload your images to World Vision UK on Facebook or Tweet At your prayer vigil, please pray for an end to the violence, for an end to blocks on food, water and medicine being delivered, and for a renewed commitment to reconciliation and peace. We re so thankful to have amazing supporters like you who pray with us and give so generously to help protect the world s most vulnerable children. For more information visit during the school holidays, because there are no free school meals. In addition, The Cinnamon Network offers micro-grants of 1,500-3,000 to local churches, or to groups of local churches, to help with the start-up costs of a church-based community project. In the UK, there are currently 3,219 local churches leading a Cinnamon Network recognised project, mobilising 49,050 volunteers and serving over 705,000 beneficiaries every year. This is an increase of 300% in 2 years. The Cinnamon Network founder Matt Bird said, We are living at a time of great opportunity for the UK Church to step up and step out to serve those people who are most at need in our communities. The Cinnamon Network is doing everything it can to try to make it as easy as possible for local churches of every denomination to serve the poor as Jesus Christ would. Prime Minister David Cameron, who has given an award to The Cinnamon Network, has said, By supporting churches to address the most pressing issues in their neighbourhoods, The Cinnamon Network is transforming communities for the better. For more information about Cinnamon Network regional events and micro-grants please see cinnamon-network-regional-events For further enquiries, contact David Simmons, Communications Officer: davidsimmons@cinnamonnetwork.co.uk PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the May issue of Rochester Link is 18 April 2014 at 4pm. Copy to linknews@rochester.anglican.org

2 2 ochester Link The Bishop of Tonbridge s Diary The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle April 1 Apr 1000 Estonia Working Group Meeting Bishop s Lodge 2 Apr 0930 Bishop s Staff Meeting, Bishopscourt 1730 Bishop s Council Meeting, Diocesan Office 6 Apr 1000 Preside and Preach St Mary, Hadlow 8 Apr 1230 Attend Almshouse Association Appeal Lunch, Penshurst 9 Apr 1000 Conduct Quiet Day at St Barnabas, Joydens Wood 10 Apr 1330 Chair AGM of Guild of Church Braillists - London 13 Apr 1800 Confirmation St Paulinus, Crayford 17 Apr 1030 Christ Eucharist Rochester Cathedral 18 Apr 1000 Take part in Passion Play St Peter & St Paul, Tonbridge 1200 Lead Good Friday meditations St Peter & St Paul, Tonbridge 20 Apr 0500 Confirmation Rochester Cathedral 30 Apr 1700 Attend Confirmation of Election of Bishop of Exeter Lambeth Palace CONTACT US News and letters to the Editor: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: ADVERTISEMENTS glenda@cornerstonevision.com Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted OCHESTER Link Proclaiming the word & work of God 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.) THEOLOGY FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Ordained Ministry Students Readers in Training Independent Students Choice of three modes of study: Part-time through weekly evening classes in central London or Canterbury Part-time through teaching days Full-time mixed-mode combining evening classes, teaching days and supervised ministerial practice Please contact us for more details: administrator@seite.co.uk Telephone: Website: What s on April 2014 Saturday 5 BROMLEY Choir Workshop on Olivet to Calvary by J H Maunder in St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG, led by Michael Sherwin. The Workshop runs from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m., and is free to all singers. For more information call CANTERBURY - Church Music: Spirited Performance at Christ Church University. During the conference speakers and delegates will consider a number of related questions - for example, whether a musical performance during a service is itself an act of worship. The cost of the conference is 25 (including all sessions, refreshments and buffet lunch), and students may attend without charge. More information about the conference may be found here: spiritedperformance.php or at the university web page from where you will be able to book your place. TUNBRIDGE WELLS, at St Paul s Church Centre, 23 Rusthall Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8RE at 7pm. A Musical Meditation for Lent in aid of Canon Andrew White s projects at St George s Church, Baghdad, with music from Iona and Taize Communities, readings from Canon White s books and visual presentations of his work. Refreshments, Bring and Buy, and Canon White s books for sale. Further details: phone Sunday 6 BROMLEY Full Choral Mattins, with settings of the canticles by Stanford, at a.m. in St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG For more information call Friday 11 STANSTED Free Easter Egg Hunt For Under 11 s. Meet Outside Bluebell Café, Trosley Country Park, Waterlow Rd, Vigo Village, Gravesend DA13 0SG at 11am. Follow the Easter Bunny to find the clues and win Easter Eggs!! Followed by Arts, Crafts, Tea and Cake at Vigo Hall from Children will remain the responsibility of their parents at all times. Wellies and suitable clothing recommended! Saturday 12 LOWER HALSTOW Spring Craft Fair at St Margaret s Church, Lower Halstow From 2pm to 4pm. Join us for a wide selection of local crafts at possibly the prettiest location around. Refreshments available. Sunday 13 BROMLEY The Passion, a sequence of words and music for Holy Week, at 6.30 p.m. in St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG For more information call For all members of Rochester Retired Clergy Association Friday 4 ROCHESTER Tour of the Cathedral for all members of Rochester Retired Clergy Association. Meeting up in the North Transport at 2.30pm, tea will follow in the Cathedral Tea Rooms at 4.15pm and evensong starts at 5.30pm. Those who would like to come are asked to make contact with Chair, the Rev Paul Plumley, by phone or by to pauljplumley@gmail.com or the Treasurer, the Rev Mary Watts by 1 April. Members spouses are welcome to attend. Friday 11 WEST MALLING Quiet Day for present members of Rochester Retired Clergy Association at West Malling Abbey from 9.30pm to 3pm. The Rev Canon Alan Vousden, formerly Domestic Chaplain to the Bishop of Rochester, will be leading the day which will include 3 addresses and three of the daily offices which will include a Eucharist celebrated in the Abbey Church. Members who would like to come are asked to make contact as soon as possible with the Chair, the Rev Paul Plumley either by phone or by to pauljplumley@gmail.com or the Treasurer the Rev Mary Watts tel; Maximum number attending is limited to 30. Please make contact with either Paul or Mary by Saturday 5 April. Friday 18 BROMLEY Olivet to Calvary by J H Maunder, a sacred cantata for Holy Week, with St Mary s Festival Choir and soloists, directed by Michael Sherwin with organist Anne Clements. The free performance begins at 7.30 p.m. in St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG; there will be a retiring collection. Saturday 26 ROCHESTER Gravesham Choral Society and Orchestra present French Favourites at Rochester Cathedral at 7.30pm. The favourites are Gabriel Fauré s well known and much loved Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, but this concert also includes two less familiar though equally appealing works, a serene extract from Poulenc s Mass in G and Gounod s Messe Solenelle de Sainte Cecile, which is brimful of expansive melodies and colourful orchestration. With soloists Michelle Jarman (soprano), Edward Hughes (tenor), and Matthew Hargreaves (bass-baritone). Conductor Alan Vincent. Tickets 16 ( 5 fulltime students). Call May 2014 Saturday 3 BRASTED Concert by Temenos Chamber Choir with Chelys Consort of Viols at St Martin s Church at 7.30pm. Programme of music for voices and viols by Gibbons, Tomkins and Purcell. Tickets 10 ( 5 students) from Sevenoaks Bookshop or by phone www. temenos-chamberchoir.org.uk Monday 5 STANSTED Cloisters Bike Ride. This ever popular, professionally organised bike ride is back! Three routes, starting & finishing in Stansted, Kent, on 5 May For more info and to book your place please visit: Friday 9 SEVENOAKS Conspiracy of Love, Garth Hewitt in concert at St Luke s Church, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XT at 8pm (doors open at 7:30pm). Tickets 8 Refreshments available. Booking Office or admin@stlukes-sevenoaks.org.uk Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke s Church, Eardley Road. Sevenoaks. Every Wednesday at 12.30pm Admission free. Lasting 30 minutes. Refreshments from 12 noon March 2 Leonard Ross Organ 9 Poetry and Music for Lent 16 Fauré s Requiem New Benedict Singers 23 Gabrielle Lewis Organ 30 Marjorie & Jonathan Ouvry Mezzo Soprano & Bass Baritone, Patricia Williams Piano Lunches for Lent Wednesday 2 and 9 April between and 2pm At the Church of St. John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury. Why not pop in for a chat over soup and bread, or cheese, tomato and bread? Sandwiches available for children and tea, coffee, squash and small cakes will also be on the menu. Everyone welcome. Voluntary Donations invited for either: 1) The Blood Runners (SERV), emergency riders who give up their free time to transport emergency blood between hospitals. This charity is run entirely by volunteers who receive no compensation for their time or expenses and receives no government funding. 2) A village defibrillator to enable volunteers to give fast lifesaving treatment in advance of emergency ambulance arrival. Transport available if needed locally. Further info:

3 ochester Link 3 Pontius Pilate s part in my faith! By The Ven Clive Mansell Why is Pontius Pilate mentioned in the Creeds? That was the question put to me by the chaplain who prepared me for confirmation when I was 12 years of age. Why is Pontius Pilate mentioned in the Creeds? I mumbled some attempt at an answer, but it was not a very good attempt and it was not the right answer. Pontius Pilate is mentioned in the Creeds because he dates for us the events at the heart of our faith. These things happened in real flesh and blood human history when Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judea. I had never thought that I would ever owe a debt to Pontius Pilate! However, every time I, and countless millions of others across the world, recite the Creeds of the Christian faith and come to the words under Pontius Pilate we are being reminded that the events at the heart of our faith took place in real flesh and blood human history. Jesus Christ suffered and was crucified under Pontius Pilate it is not just the Gospels of the New Testament which tell us this. The Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian, Josephus, tell us the same thing. When Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judea, Jesus Christ was crucified and the Nicene Creed will remind us that it was for us that he suffered under Pontius Pilate. On the third day after his crucifixion we are told his followers and friends found the place of his burial tomb empty of all but useless grave clothes, and soon people began to encounter Jesus risen from the dead. Pontius Pilates dates these things at the heart of our faith for us. These things happened in real flesh and blood, human history. The message of the chaplain rang through my being at the time they were first spoken. I suppose that I had always somewhat accepted that these things had happened, but his declaration that these things had, indeed, happened in real flesh and blood human history and that Pontius Pilate dated them for us gripped me in a fresh way and still the message of these events grips me. This month, April, we, together with Christians numbering a third of the world s billions of people, will mark again those events which not only took place in real flesh and blood human history under Pontius Pilate, but which we believe transformed human history and indeed transformed the potential story of every human being and, indeed, of existence itself. When we witness the birth of a newborn child, we can have hope for him or her because of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who died and rose again in flesh and blood human history. When we wait at the bedside of a frail figure, feebly finding the way through the final days and hours of earthly human life, we can hold before them the hope of life eternal and the forgiveness, where necessary, of things past, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in real flesh and blood human history. C S Lewis - in his famous Narnia novels speaks of a moment when death itself would start working backwards. There he gives us an image which can point us toward the whole transformation and renewal of existence flowing from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in real flesh and blood human history. This month, may you and I, with Christian people of every place and age, whether their faith be strong or their faith be feeble, rejoice that the events at the heart of our faith, which took place under Pontius Pilate, still reach out to us now and prompt our response of thanksgiving and our songs of hallelujah. Bishop James diary - April 1Apr 0930 Open new classroom: St John s School, Sevenoaks 1400 Introduction into House of Lords 1930 Institution of the Rev Tim Saiet: Hildenborough 2 Apr 0930 Bishop s Staff Meeting 1730 Bishop s Council 3 Apr 1000 Prisons Meeting - Lambeth Palace 1600 Meeting with developers and planners: King s Hill 1900 Overseas Links supper with Archbishop of Tanzania 4 Apr All day With Archbishop of Tanzania 6 Apr 0930 Morning Worship & Baptism: Ryarsh, St Martin of Tours 7 Apr 1930 Confirmation: Hever, St Peter 8 Apr 1230 Almshouse Association Appeal event - Penshurst Place 9 Apr 2000 Licensing of the Rev Tom Nash: Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 11 Apr All day Visit Betel UK prisons projects - Birmingham 13 Apr 1030 Centenary Celebration Service: Chatham, All Saints 1800 Institution of the Rev Sue Fauchon-Jones: Horsmonden Apr All day Holy Week quiet days 17 Apr 1030 Maundy Thursday: Chrism Eucharist - Cathedral 20 Apr 1030 Preside & Preach Cathedral 1800 Confirmation: Erith, St John the Baptist 23 Apr 1100 Speak: Criminal Justice Alliance - London 24 Apr 1230 Retirement lunch for Theresa Harrison 27 Apr 1830 Confirmation: Slade Green, St Augustine Apr All day Diocesan Bishops Meeting - Leeds 30 Apr 1030 Meeting: Jeremy Wright MP, Minister for Prisons 1400 Bishops senior leadership group Lambeth Palace

4 4 ochester Link ST. MARY S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary s Convent is set in a tranquil location in the shadows of the Lambourn Downs. Providing comfortable and flexible accommodation and facilities. Home cooked food using fresh wholesome ingredients. Suitable for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Including conference facilities and private individual visits. The Guest Wing is a calm still place enabling peace and spiritual refreshment for all. For further details please contact: St Mary s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9DJ Tel: guestwing@csmv.co.uk Advertising Feature School of Preaching WeeK th 20th June 2014 The Perils of Preaching MARTIN K CROSS Church Organ Builders With nearly 90 pipe organs in our care within the Diocese of Rochester and a well-established, fully equipped workshop close to the Dartford Crossing, we can cater for every aspect of your pipe organ requirements. Contact us for:- Tuning & Maintenance Cleaning & Overhaul Historic Restoration Rebuilding The Church Organ Works : Foxton Road : Grays : RM20 4XX Telephone : / martincross1@hotmail.co.uk A blend of workshops, biblical expositions and lectures Expert teaching Practical tips and insights Exclusive access to Wycliffe faculty and students Book Online: Wycliffe hall The Evangelical College in the Heart of Oxford A Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford Registered Charity No Where will you buy yours? Special Edition RRP 9.99 NEW DESIGNS It s time to buy your Real Easter Eggs now. You can buy online at ww.realeasteregg.co.uk, from Traidcraft and some independent shops. Three supermarket chains have limited supplies. For availability list see Sharing (20 eggs & stories) About the campaign For availability list or to buy visit Original RRP 3.99 The Real Easter Egg campaign aims to establish giving a Real Easter Egg as a tradition. The supermarkets don t stock enough, so last year more than120,000 were sent through the post directly to churches and individuals. To date more than 450,000 eggs have been bought by churches and over 120,000 has been donated to charity. About the eggs Out of the 80 million chocolate Easter Eggs sold each year, The Real Easter Egg is the only Fairtrade one with the Easter story in the box and its charitable. Original Real Easter Egg -new design (150g RRP 3.99) 3 crosses on the box, comes with Mark s Resurrection text in lid, 24 page Easter storybook, milk chocolate egg, pack of our Chunky Buttons 25g and a donation to Traidcraft Exchange. Available as listed above. Special Edition Real Easter Egg (280g RRP 9.99) Celtic crosses with gold finish on the box, comes with a Holy Land Olive wood holding cross, extra thick milk chocolate egg and a Meaningful milk orange bar. Available online, from independent shops and Tesco. Sharing Box (400g - 20 eggs at 20g each RRP 19.99) Designed for services, assemblies and events, comes with 20 Christ is Risen foiled 6cm midi-milk choco- late eggs and 20 copies of the Easter story - 8 page booklet. Not available in supermarkets.

5 Lent with Church Housing Trust Church Housing Trust is a charity dedicated to the rehabilitation and resettlement of homeless people of all ages and backgrounds. By tackling the longer-term issues that perpetuate homelessness, rather than providing quick fixes, Church Housing Trust offers new beginnings for homeless people of all ages. Its ultimate goal is to help homeless people regain their independence and resettle in the community, by supporting residents in over 80 projects including hostels, projects for people with drug/alcohol problems, women s refuges, temporary housing for ex-service personnel, accommodation for people with learning disabilities, young people s foyers, mother and baby projects, and day centres. Like many others, before Lent began this year on 5 March you would probably have chosen to give up a luxury you don t need, something basic you can go without, or to get rid of a bad habit for good. Church Housing Trust provided a helping hand, with suggestions on our Twitter and Facebook feeds of something small to do every day (which you can also view on the Contact page of the website). These range from the simple but effective give up screens, where you take an evening off from television, to the more soul-searching: give up your time to volunteer, or finally plan something you have always dreamed of doing. In taking these modest actions you ll be making choices that many homeless people don t have the chance to make. But the hostels we support provide safe housing where people can regain the right to choose how they live their lives. Once food, heating and a place to sleep are taken care of, these people have a chance to sort out their problems and look forward to a better future. Projects provide more than a warm bed and nourishing meals; they give hope, encouragement and opportunities. Whatever you are doing, please think about combining your activities with donating to homeless people, who don t have a choice about what they give up. Now more than ever, take time to think about not only what you can give up, but what you can give. We hope you will join us for a successful and rejuvenating Lent! Contact Nicole Holgate at nicole.holgate@ churchhousingtrust.org.uk, Sally Isaacs at sally.isaacs@churchhousingtrust.org.uk, or call To donate use the Donate button on our homepage: Or alternatively can call us on for a one-off card donation, or for information on how to set up a standing order. National Churches Trust repair grants programme Churches, chapels and meeting houses seeking funding for repairs and modernisation can apply to the National Churches Trust grants programme, which re-opens on 1 February The National Churches Trust supports a wide variety of projects through its grant programmes. From repairing a roof to helping to install an accessible toilets its grants enable places of worship to continue to serve their local communities. Churches, chapels or meeting houses in England, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or Northern Ireland, open for regular public worship and belonging to a denomination that is a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are eligible to apply for a National Churches Trust grant. Key National Churches Trust grants include: Repair Grants help places of worship to become wind and watertight. Community Grants help towards the cost of installing essential facilities, such as kitchens and toilets and for improving access. The National Churches Trust also works with local churches trusts on Partnership Grants which can provide funding for urgent repair projects. In January 2014, the National Churches Trust announced a 645,000 rescue package for 45 of the UK s most historic and community minded Christian places of worship. Details of churches, chapels and meeting houses to be awarded grants from the current round of applications are likely to be announced in June The National Churches Trust, founded in 2007, is the successor to the Historic Churches Preservation Trust (HCPT), created in Its patron is HM the Queen. The Trust receives no income from government or church authorities, and relies on voluntary contributions to undertake its work. Full details and online application forms are available on the grants section of the National Churches Trust website. ochester Link 5 The Christian Bookshop THINKING OF USING THE INTERNET? for all your church supplies or contact us at Sevenoaks Road, Pratt s Bottom, Orpington, Kent. 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6 6 ochester Link Secretary of State visits Bennett Memor Year 8 philosophy class The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Neither the fog nor slow commuter traffic or even his heavy cold prevented the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education, from honouring his commitment to visit Bennett Memorial School in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday 13 March. Welcomed by head girl Anna Sutton (17, studying French, German and psychology) Mr Gove attended the school primarily to open the new sixth form centre, but also to take a tour of the school and to meet a variety pupils. Opening the centre, he said, You have my congratulations. In Ian Bauckham you have an outstanding head teacher. He has done a fantastic job in this school. the Royal College of Music, and musician and singer Will Desmond who recently appeared in the school s production if the musical Oliver! He went on to meet lower sixth form pupils George Gathercole, who is studying A level history, geography and English literature with a view to studying law at university and Anna Pitts (17) who is studying maths, French, Spanish and textiles and hoping to go on to complete a maths degree. Chatting with Joseph Hook- Way who hopes to go on to be a vet, Mr Gove exchanged views on the relationships dogs have with their owners, saying, I understand dogs have quality relationships with us as individuals. Witnessing a year 7 Latin lesson, Mr Gove was confronted with the following challenge on the smart-board (which we think you will want to have a go at). Head boy James Knapp and head girl Anna Sutton On the way here, I passed Chartwell, Winston Churchill s residence. Winston Churchill s great recreation was brick-laying. We shape buildings and they shape us. This school is inclusive and ambitious. I am delighted to be here to celebrate the teachers and the pupils who are a fantastic example of what young people can and will achieve. Mr Gove then presented gold Duke of Edinburgh awards to three young people, Elliot Fox, (17) Jo Williams, (17) and Connor McCoy (18) Mr Gove congratulated them on their fantastic achievement and confessed that he had reached silver standard but never completed the gold award. Prior to visiting the sixth form study hub in the new centre, Mr Gove met several pupils including Matthew Gear from Year 12 whose recent music composition is to be published by Change the sentences below from singular to plural: Puella dominum laudat Femina gladatoram spectat Pictor pingit Leonem canis timet (Now we don t have the answers, but we are sure that form teacher Mr Richard Bryant will!) From a Latin lesson to a history group, where Mr Gove met year 12 students. He asked, Which text book are you using? When are you taking your A level? And Do you have a choice of periods? before moving on to a

7 ochester Link 7 ial Diocesan School, Tunbridge Wells year 8 philosophy class to join Jerry Joy (12) in discussion about ethics and utilitarianism. Mr Gove s visit concluded with a rousing rendition of Handel s Hallelujah Chorus performed by the chamber choir and boys choir together. Mr Gove said, This is a busy and dedicated school and you are rightly proud of your achievements. Nothing could match what you have done today. It s been amazing tremendous! It s been an absolute treat to hear your wonderful voices thank you. Head boy James Knapp (18, studying English literature, history and religious studies) thanked Mr Gove for his time, explaining that the day would live long in the memory of the school. Chair of the Board of Governors, the Ven Clive Mansell, Archdeacon of Tonbridge said, The Secretary of State s visit gave us a great opportunity to share with him something of the life, commitment, care and talent of those involved in the Bennett School community. We were very grateful to Mr Gove for finding the time to come to the school. We appreciated his interest in and personal warmth towards the students whom he met. He recognised the Christian ethos and inspiration at Bennett and we hope that he will long remember the wonderful and rousing performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel s Messiah which was performed for him by a combined boys and chamber choir. Diocesan Director of Education, Alex Tear said, I was delighted that the Secretary of State was able to visit one of the Diocese s outstanding Church schools and be able to experience first-hand the excellent education which our Church schools provide. I know that he was impressed by the achievements of the students and staff that he met at Bennett, as well as the wider contribution that the school makes to the community of Tunbridge Wells and beyond. Head teacher Ian Bauckham said, As Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove has always strongly promoted strong school sixth forms and progression for young people through to good universities. That is why I was so pleased that he was able to accept my invitation to open the sixth form building today. The centre has been designed to be similar to a university research and study library. Senior government ministers are very busy people - we were honoured he was able to come out to Tunbridge Wells specifically to visit Bennett today. Mr Michael Gove and the Ven Clive Mansell Year 7 Latin Class The chamber choir with the boys choir

8 8 ochester Link BE SEEN To advertise in this newspaper, contact Glenda or Michelle on or NEW NOVEL from K L COLE Author of The Purple Veil FAITHFULNESS IN RELATIONSHIPS also available as paperback on Amazon Europe s leading Christian Resources Exhibitions CRE International SANDOWN Sandown Park, Esher Featuring Tony Campolo Freddie Kofi David Hathaway May 2014 For up to date information and to buy tickets go to CREonline.co.uk To receive a 1 discount off your ticket price simply visit CREonline and quote promotional code rolsan14d facebook.com/creonline Book Awards with Pam Rhodes Jennifer Rees Christian Resources Exhibitions is part of Bible Society (Charity Reg. No ) Tel David Pawson and much, much more... Information correct at time of going to press

9 Ecclesiastical Ministry Bursary Awards Ecclesiastical has once again opened its annual Ministry Bursary Awards for entries. The awards are open to all clergy in Anglican Christian faiths and aim to provide financial support to members of the clergy for sabbatical breaks and projects undertaken in The awards were established to celebrate Ecclesiastical s centenary year in 1987 and have, to date, supported over 1,100 members of the clergy and provided financial support for awards for a wide range of extended leave projects and plans. The sabbatical projects that have received financial support have varied greatly over the years and range from traditional and modern-day pilgrimages, to study visits, spiritual retreats and pursuits of lifelong dreams and hobbies. A record number of 70 bursary awards in the total amount of 50,000 were handed out to clergy in late 2013 for sabbaticals planned for The bursary recipients projects in 2014 vary greatly and range from programmes exploring poverty in today s world, programmes looking to strengthen links between the City and the Church and investigating ethical investment opportunities for the Church, to programmes for personal creative development in arts, crafts and music. Our Ministry Bursary Awards have been supporting those who serve our communities for more than a quarter of a century now and we are extremely proud of this tradition. Our lives seem to have become increasingly busy in the 21st century, so it s becoming harder and harder to fit in time for personal News from St John, Bromley Parishioners arriving for Sunday worship at a Bromley church one morning in February thought they had stepped into Aladdin s cave by mistake. An army of volunteers at St John s Church Bromley had turned the interior of the Victorian building into a Mesopotamian palace, complete with potted palms, shimmering banners, King Nebuchadnezzar s throne and even a den of lions. development and reflection. Such development and reflection, however, are vital for our clergy to continue to perform their important role in our society. Ecclesiastical s Ministry Bursary Awards for 2015 are now open for applications until 31 August Judging of the applications will take place in October and awards will be made during November To find out more about the Ministry Bursary Awards, eligibility criteria and to download an application form, please go to ochester Link BEYOND EXPECTATION Bespoke Church Furniture Church Interior Design Interior Space Planning Stacking Pews & Chairs 9 T: +44(0) E: declan@sffurniture.co.uk www. sffurniture.co.uk CHURCH PEWS UNCOMFORTABLE? WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM S TOP QUALITY UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN Freephone Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote RL0414 FOR ALL CHURCH MAINTENANCE DECORATION & ROOFING enquiries@churchrestorationukltd.com Phone Free: NEW ONLINE SHOP sarumcollegebookshop.co.uk Theological books, church candles and more Enter FIRSTORDER at the checkout for 15% off SARUM COLLEGE BOOKSHOP, 19 THE CLOSE, SALISBURY SP1 2EE BOOKSHOP@SARUM.AC.UK For the past four years St John s Church has run a holiday club during the February half-term, aimed mainly at children from Scotts Park Primary School, which has strong links with the church. Running for three mornings at a cost of just 5 per child per day, the club provides a funfilled morning for primary school children and a low-price childcare option for parents in the local community. This year s holiday club was entitled uproar in Babylon, and featured the story of Daniel, with songs, sketches, games and craft activities run by a team of a dozen church members decked out in Ali Baba-style costumes. It was attended by over 50 children aged from 3 to 12, most of whom came back the following Sunday along with their parents to show off their dance moves and lion masks. It s lovely for us to see so many children and young families in church, said Margaret Ambler, who has been a member of St John s Church for 40 years. We re so glad that they enjoy coming here and learning about how much God loves them. Teachers at the primary school are also Your parish in the Rochester Link newspaper - 3 easy steps. enthusiastic about the St John s Holiday Club. It s a wonderful initiative, said Amanda Buck, Head Teacher of Scotts Park Primary School. When the children come back to school after half-term, they can t stop talking about holiday club and singing all the songs. It really shows the church and the school working well together. People do like to see their parish or their vicar in the Rochester Link, celebrating the good news and sharing it with the rest of the Diocese. We know that there are plenty of good news stories around the Diocese that never make it to our offices, which is a shame. By sharing our stories, we can inspire and motivate others. We want to help you share your good news. Just follow these easy steps and you should be seeing your parish in print soon! To advertise in the Rochester Link please call Glenda on Check the copy deadline ion the front page of Link. Submit your story before this date. 2. Send your story and a good quality image together in one to linknews@rochester.anglican.org 3. Check the diocesan website for copy writing and photography guidance at: -> Communications -> Guidance -> Photography Tips

10 10 ochester Link Advertising Feature NEW ISSUE OUT NOW It s an ideal tool for outreach. Why not use The Son to reach your community? Winter p Oscar s winning ways at Paralympics See story on page 14 Russell Crowe to star as Noah in new epic movie See centre pages JANEY LEE GRACE: HOW GOD HELD ON TO ME SEE PAGE 3 A top neurosurgeon has stunned the scientific world by claiming he has proof that heaven exists. For years Dr Eben Alexander, a respected academic, dismissed near-death revelations of God and heaven, saying they were explained by the way the human brain is wired. But then in 2008 Dr Alexander contracted bacterial meningitis. The deadly infection EVERTON STAR STEVEN PIENAAR SENDS A MESSAGE TO FOOTBALL FANS See Back Page PROOF OF Neurosurgeon r eon world with his revelations THE GOOD NEWS FOR JULIE ETCHINGHAM SEE PAGE 2 HEAVEN soaked his brain and sent him into a deep coma underwent his journey, he could not reconcile lasting seven days. In the days that followed his his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief life was slipping away, but Dr Alexander says in heaven, God, or the soul. that he was living intensely in his mind. Today he is a doctor who believes that true He claims he journeyed beyond this world and health can be achieved only when we realize encountered an angelic being who guided him that God and the soul are real and that death into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine transition. is not the end of personal existence but only a source of the universe itself. Dr Alexander s story is not a fantasy. Before he See story on page 7 Dr Eben Alexander... experienced a spiritual journey during a seven-day coma The Son. We love him! Call The Son hotline on Burrswood is a Christian hospital (licensed by the Care Quality Commission) and place of healing. Founded in 1948, it has become known for its unique combination of physical, spiritual and emotional care. Set in beautiful grounds, this non-surgical hospital has 37 en-suite bedrooms, outpatient department for physiotherapy, counselling, hydrotherapy and medical consultations, a six room guest house and a church. Volunteer Chaplains We are looking for volunteer ministers to join our ecumenical Chaplaincy team, offering pastoral care to patients and guests within a supportive interdisciplinary clinical team. We would love to hear from you if you can offer us at least two half days a week. This is open to authorised ministers of all denominations. For further information please contact Judith Donald on or judith.donald@burrswood. org.uk. Further information can also be found on our website Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community, Addiction Counselling Training School If you, or someone you know would like more information about ACTS or would like to make an application, please contact: Laura Alm Tel: , Fax: , laura.alm@gilead.org.uk offering a residential rehabilitation program, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours. Based on a 300 acre dairy farm in rural Devon, Gilead also offers the following training in addiction counselling: - Restoration Ministry (11 courses) 150 hours - Recovery Support Counselling (17 courses) 280 hours - Addiction Studies (23 courses) 350 hours Gilead Foundations is also offering - Biblical Systematic theology - The Holy Spirit - The Person of Jesus Christ At Gilead Foundations we use the Genesis Process Relapse Prevention programme with our clients. This training and the Genesis tools are used throughout the programme at Gilead: We also have a correspondence course on counselling by Jay Adams Registered Charity No

11 ochester Link 11 Praying the way Bromley & Bexley Beckenham Deanery Anerley, Christ Church & St Paul Discipleship courses Beckenham, Christ Church Street Pastors Beckenham, Holy Trinity Amazing Grace Penge and Living Well Penge, St John the Evangelist Little Fish for adults and toddlers Bromley Deanery Bromley, Christ Church Children s Holiday Club Chislehurst, Christ Church Holiday Club and Children s Leader Keston Parish Church Organ re-dedication on 5 Erith Deanery Bexleyheath, Christ Church A new vicar Bexleyheath, St Andrew Mission for the local community Sidcup Deanery Foots Cray, All Saints North Cray, St James Parish Away-day Lamorbey, Holy Redeemer Plans for new hall and café area Lamorbey, Holy Trinity Faithful keeping of Holy Week Sidcup, St John New PCC members and parish officers Rochester Cobham Deanery Fawkham with Hartley Good Friday project Meopham Thanks for new Priest in Charge Southfleet, St Nicholas Lent courses and Easter services Dartford Deanery Thanks for Swanley Food Bank. Work of Dartford churches with the homeless. Services over Good Friday and Easter Dartford, St Alban Community Centre on Fleet estate, damaged in the winter storms Dartford, St Edmund Thanks for Messy Church. Funding and wise use of money. The Bridge community Swanley, St Mary Thanks for Fr James Mowbray. Blessing on his new parish. The interregnum and right person for the new incumbent Gillingham Deanery South Gillingham, Bredhurst, St Peter Couples preparing to marry Gillingham, St Augustine Business Community Breakfast Gillingham, St Barnabas Blessings as we await a decision on closing our church Gillingham, St Mary Magdalene All Age Services. Confirmation classes South Gillingham Wigmore, St Matthew Our team rector. All who have ministered to us during her absence. Gravesend Deanery Plans for events supporting Hope Street and Prayer Pastors Chalk, St Mary Link with Hands of Compassion Greenhithe, St Mary Drop-in Centre Swanscombe, St Peter & Paul Growth following ministry to pubs Tonbridge Paddock Wood Deanery Yalding with Collier Street All who are experiencing after-effects of floods Sevenoaks Deanery Knockholt and Halstead Good Friday Holiday Club Kippington, St Mary Plans for flower festival in June Intercession during April Riverhead, St Mary Home groups and Caring Concerns Course Seal, St Lawrence and Underriver, St Margaret Those being prepared for confirmation Sevenoaks, St Luke Work with teenagers Sevenoaks, St Nicholas Mum and Co. Babies Club on 17. Marriage Course M.O.T. on 30 Weald, St George Mother and Toddler Easter Service. Easter Tea Party Shoreham Deanery Volunteers to be parish prayer representatives Platt, St Mary A youth worker Shoreham Healing ministry and Family Service Stansted w Fairseat and Vigo Our pastoral group. Our Sunday Club Tonbridge Deanery Chiddingstone Upcoming weddings Crockham Hill Our youth worker Hever, Four Elms and Mark Beech Development of baby and toddler group Hildenborough Induction of the Rev Tim Saiet, our new vicar, on 1 Tonbridge, St Peter & St Paul Passion Play on Good Friday Tunbridge Wells Deanery Burrswood All patients, staff and volunteers Prayer topics for May should be sent to Judith Howard by 4 April, 10 Mount Pleasant Road, Weald, Sevenoaks, TN14 6QE, Tel , judithhoward@weald.plus.com 1 Apr Bishop James as he takes his seat in the House of Lords. Institution of the Rev Tim Saiet at Hildenborough 2 Apr Bishop s Council meeting this evening 3 Apr Archbishop Jacob Chimeledya, Bishop of Mpwapwa and Archbishop of Tanzania; giving thanks for his visit to our Diocese 4 Apr Crofton, St Paul 5 Apr All who teach and work in our schools as they begin the school holidays; for their strengthening and refreshment 6 Apr Passiontide: that in these days of our Lord s Passion, we may enter more fully into the mystery of Christ s suffering 7 Apr Cudham, St Peter & St Paul; Downe, St Mary Magdalene 8 Apr Farnborough, St Giles; Farnborough, St Nicholas 9 Apr Green Street Green, St Mary; Pratts Bottom, All Souls. Licensing of the Rev Tom Nash at Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 10 Apr Orpington, All Saints 11 Apr Orpington, Christ Church 12 Apr Ramsden Estate, Unity Church: for the flourishing of this Bishop s Mission Order initiative 13 Apr Palm Sunday: that in this week we may walk closely with Christ in the way of the Cross Collation of the Rev Sue Fauchon- Jones as Rector of Horsmonden 14 Apr Holy Week: for all who lead services and reflections during this week 15 Apr Holy Week: for opportunities this week to share with sisters and brothers of other Christian traditions 16 Apr Holy Week: for all who attend service, gatherings and acts of witness over these days that Christ Crucified may draw them to himself 17 Apr Maundy Thursday: that we may live by the example of Christ, who washed the feet of his disciples 18 Apr Good Friday: that Christ Crucified may be the focus of our faith 19 Apr Easter Eve: for grace to watch, wait and pray 20 Apr Easter Sunday - Alleluia, Christ is Risen: that we may walk with Christ in his risen life. Petts Wood Vicar: the Rev Robert Lane 21 Apr That in these days of Easter, we may continue to rejoice in and proclaim the resurrection of Jesus 22 Apr Orpington, St Andrew 23 Apr Petts Wood, St Francis 24 Apr Bexley, St John & St Mary 25 Apr Blendon, St James the Great 26 Apr Footscray, All Saints with North Cray, St James 27 Apr Sidcup Deanery: the Rev Colin Terry (Area Dean); Madeleine Waggett (Lay Chair) 28 Apr Joydens Wood, St Barnabas 29 Apr Lamorbey, Holy Redeemer 30 Apr Lamorbey, Holy Trinity ORGANIST/PIANIST AT ST MARY THE VIRGIN, HAYES, KENT We are seeking a new Organist/Pianist to further develop music at St Mary s. We are an active, welcoming church with a range of music styles. There is a fine manual Mander tracker action organ, a robed choir, RSCM affiliated, a separate singing group in formation and a small piano-led instrumental group. The successful applicant will play a key creative role in shaping and enabling the use of music in worship. Salary negotiable + generous fees and professional development support. We will consider all applicants. Further details from Mrs Carol Truelove, Church Administrator, on stmarys.hayeskent@ btinternet.com Web: Holidays at Home and Abroad DOMFRONT LOWER NORMANDY Two bedroom cottage in rural setting, 70 miles from Caen. Shops in local villages. Twin room/family room/cot. Tel patatkinson11@gmail.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 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: Study Tour of the life and times of Savonarola, Italian Reformer. Staying in a fifteenth century monastery in San Gimignano, visiting Florence, Pienza, Volterra Lectures throughout, 645 not including flight. ITALY Near Romantic Rome Self catering in rural tranquillity, sleeps 2-4. Wonderful views, historic village. Tel: villagirasole@hotmail.com LYNTON DEVON A warm traditional welcome awaits you at Kingford House 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 Glenda on th - 10th September Tel:

12 12 ochester Link Who Let the Dads Out? Take tray-loads of bacon butties, throw in dozens of dads and their pre-school children, add a church full of toys, an urn full of steaming coffee and what have you got? A recipe for a great morning of fun & laughter! Sound like heaven? Well, once a month, on a Saturday morning from 10am, this is the world of Who Let the Dads Out? With groups meeting up and down the country, our group meets at St Stephen s Church in Tonbridge. The Who Let the Dads Out? name and branding is all part of a fantastic nationwide movement which aims to inspire, resource and support churches to develop initiatives that will give dads, father figures, and their children the opportunity to spend time together, have fun and engage with the church St Stephen s Church has had a group for over 6 years now, with the current team leader, Graeme Warwood, running it since mid He commented We d just finished the complete refurbishment of the church building and as part of our vision to open up the It s off to work we go! At last things are moving at St Andrew s Church Bromley. On Thursday 20 March Bromley Demolition Company joined Standage Construction Co to begin the demolition of the old hall which has given good service since it was built in It has not been fit for purpose for some time, and had to be closed last summer. The new hall has long been awaited by both church and community. Thanks to the prayers, pledges and generous donations of many people and the huge amount of work by many more, the new hall is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. It will provide much needed space for drama, scouts, pre-school and other activities of benefit to the local community as well as being a hub for church outreach. church for more use throughout the week, so we decided to move the group in from our community centre. It has been a fantastic success and the space is incredible. One of our objectives is to ensure that mums have a morning off so we cater for dads and male carers with young babies, toddlers and any older siblings (typically up to age 6). We have a bouncy castle, ride on toys, Photo by Tony Isbitt. Caption: The Rev Angela King, Priest in Charge of St Andrew s Church, with Jamie Watkins and Paul Proctor. a roller coaster, toy railway, play dough and craft table for the children. For the dads, good quality coffee and bacon rolls seem to tick all the boxes! OUR GROUP AIMS TO Give dads the opportunity to spend time with their children in a fun environment helping to strengthen families Provide a setting where dads get to meet with other men in a similar situation to build friendships and ultimately invigorate the community Demonstrate the Christian faith in action, showing love for our community and fellow brothers Invite dads to men s events and other appropriate wider activities involving the whole family, with the aim of bringing them the good news of Jesus Like to know more? Are you considering launching something similar in your church? Why not get in touch with Graeme Warwood at graeme@warwood-family.co.uk. As well as being a Church Warden at St Stephen s Church in Tonbridge, he is also the regional Kent & East Sussex representative for Who Let the Dads Out? ( Turning the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers Malachi 4v6