Being the Vicar of Baghdad

Transcription

1 Being the Vicar of Baghdad See page 6 October 2013 Ordinations 14 September 2013 The Ordination of Priests Saturday 14 September 2013 Photo shows: Bishop Brian, Rev Sharon Copesake, Rev Stephen Boon, Rev Stephen Broadie, Rev Simon Taylor, Bishop James, Rev Julie Bowen, Rev Sophie Sutherland and Rev Rachel Wilson. (Photo taken on Wednesday 11 September 2013.) The Ordination of Deacons Saturday 14 September 2013 Photo shows: Simon Couper (St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge) Rev James Read* (St Peter, Tunbridge Wells) Andy Fearnley (St Nicholas, Sevenoaks) Chris Kilgour (St Mary the Virgin, Chalk) Tina Kelsey (St George, Beckenham) Bishop James, Bishop Brian, Andy Hobbs (St Augustine, Bromley Common) Pam Alexander (St Peter with St Margaret, Rochester) and Laurence Powell (St Nicholas with St Mary, Strood.) * Rev James Read had already been Ordained in South Africa. PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the November issue of Rochester Link is 11 October 2013 at 4pm

2 2 ochester Link The Bishop of Tonbridge s Diary The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle October 1 Oct 0930 Bishop s Staff Meeting and Newcomer Lunch at Bishopscourt 3 Oct 1030 Hospital Chaplains Meeting and Lunch, Bishop s Lodge 4 Oct 1245 Guild of Braillists Committee Meeting, London 1900 Churches Together in Kent Supper, Bishop s Lodge 5 Oct 1000 Attend Reader Service, Rochester Cathedral 6 Oct 0930 Parish Eucharist and Lunch, St Nicholas, Chislehurst 8 Oct 1030 Speak at Research Conference 9 Oct 1900 Curates Supper at Bishop s Lodge Oct Speak at Leadership Course, Bruges Oct Malling Deanery Visit 13 Oct 1830 Confirmation, St Mary, West Malling 14 Oct 1000 Thanksgiving Service, Walthamstow Hall School, at St Nicholas, Sevenoaks 21 Oct 1530 Agenda Planning Group at Bishopscourt 22 Oct 1000 Area/Rural Deans Meeting, Bishopscourt 24 Oct 1000 Poverty and Hope Meeting, Bishop s Lodge 1430 Visit Medway Maritime Hospital 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 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.) OCHESTER Link Proclaiming the word & work of God 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. Assistant Chaplain (part-time) We are looking for a part-time Assistant Chaplain (for a minimum of 15 hours per week) to provide spiritual and pastoral care to our patients at Burrswood and to lead worship and preside at the Eucharist. This will include on-call cover on an ad-hoc basis to cover holidays and sickness. It is essential to be able to exercise listening skills and to assess the depth of personal and spiritual needs of our patients and guests. This role is open to Ordained Anglican Priests and Methodist Ministers. Closing date Friday 12 July Volunteer Chaplains We also have vacancies 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 What s on October 2013 Saturday 5 BROMLEY Prayer Breakfast Praying Together. Continental breakfast from 8.30 am in Front Room of St Mary s Hall, College Road, 9.15 talk and practice on praying in groups. Part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations of St Mary Church. For more information call CHISLEHURST Worship team training with Graham Kendrick and Musicademy Friday 10 LONDON Clergy training day on 10 October at Holy Trinity, Swiss Cottage, from 10.30am to 4pm. John Fisher, CPAS Patronage Secretary, will be leading a training day to help clergy address the tricky subject of moving jobs. The course will explore the biblical framework to the discernment process, and look at the practicalities of making good applications and handling interviews well. The day costs 28. To book visit details/2300 Saturday 12 BROMLEY. Charity concert at St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG at 7:30pm. Concert by Bromley Symphony Players, directed by Bernard Brook. The programme includes early symphonies by Mozart and Haydn. Admission on the door is 7 with interval refreshments. For more information, call ORPINGTON training day with Lucy Moore, the founder of Messy Church worldwide, 10am to 3pm. Open to Messy leaders, team members and all those interested in starting a Messy Church. Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment. Book online at or contact Carol Evans: SHORNE Orlando Jopling s Cello Pilgrimage at Shorne Parish Church, 8pm. Unaccompanied cello recital featuring Bach Suites in aid of the Roof and Tower appeal. Refreshments will be available and there will be a pay bar with Prosecco. Tickets 10 (children under 12 free). For tickets or more information contact Rosemary Moore on or ramoore@btinternet.com Saturday 12-Sunday 13 DARTFORD 17th Wilmington Charity Model Railway Exhibition at St Michael s Church, Church Hill. Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7EG from 10am to 5pm. Admission: Adults 3.50, Children/concessions 3, Family (2&2) 10, under 5 s free. Raising funds for the Railway Children, Demelza Children s Hospice, Cherished Memories & St Michael s youth work. Details: the Revd Richard Arding Disabled access, refreshments, on-road parking. Many layouts of all major scales, displays and trade stands and a full size steam lorry in action! Donations of model railway items for sale or auction would be most welcome. Sunday 13 BROMLEY. Victorian harvest festival all-age service at St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG at 10:30am. For more information, call Wednesday 16 LONDON Fundable yet Faithful A conference for Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke s Church, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks. Every Wednesday at 12.30pm Admission free. Lasting 30 minutes. Refreshments from 12 noon OCTOBER 2 Jean Bentley s String Quartet 9 Harry Cooper Jazz Piano 16 Hugh Ockendon Piano 23 Jackie Sanjana Horn, Arran Keith Piano 30 Jean Bentley s Old Tyme Dance Band Christian Charities and Churches focussing on Christian distinctiveness and fundraising. Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London on Wednesday 16 October, 10am - 4pm To book call Anne on Friday 18 - Sunday 20 BROMLEY. Art Exhibition at St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG curated by Bromley Art Society. Paintings to view and to buy. Free admission, with live music and refreshments between 10 am and 5 pm on Friday, and on Saturday, and 12 noon to 5pm on Sunday. For more information, call Saturday 19 BROMLEY Philharmonic Choir Autumn Concert. At Christ Church URC, Tudor Way, Petts Wood at 7.30pm. Britten Centenary Concert including St Nicholas, with Bromley Boy Singers. Tickets: 8.00 in advance, on the door. Box Office: BROMLEY. Return of the Clergy at St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG features many of the clergy both incumbents and curates who have served at St Mary s over the past 50 years. There is a service at 12 noon followed by refreshments, when each of the past clergy will say a few words. For more information, call BROMLEY. Concert at St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG at 6:30pm by Gary and Jane Sieling on organ and cello. Admission on the door is 6, with interval refreshments. For more information call Friday 25 BECKENHAM Fine Dining and Jazz at St Barnabas at 7:30pm. Join us for an evening of fine dining and jazz. To join this event, do please secure your place quickly as seats are limited. Dress code: lounge suits and cocktail dresses. Tickets include a glass of fizz on arrival, music by 5 to the bar Jazz band, a 3 course meal, ½ a bottle of wine. A bar will also be available. Cost: 50. Contact events@stbarnabasbeckenham.org Saturday 26 BROMLEY. Come and sing Handel s Messiah with us in historic Bromley College pm (Performance only 6pm). Those new to choral singing, and experienced singers, all welcome. Details: petermorris203@btinternet.com BROMLEY. Barn Dance at St Mary Warwick Hall, College Road, BR1 3QG at 7.30 p.m. with March Hare Band. Tickets 8.50 including Ploughman s Supper from Carole Beale Thursday 31 WATERINGBURY Shining Bright Party at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury from 4:30-6:30pm. A Fearless Knight themed party for school children between the ages of 4 and 13. Join us for lots of fun, crafts, games, including the popular churchyard treasure hunt. Come dressed in your brightest clothes or as a knight or princess and be prepared for lots of treats and sweets! For a booking form please contact Lisa on November Saturday 2 PADDOCK WOOD - Fairtrade Christmas Event at St Andrew Paddock Wood from 12 to 4pm. Customers will be able to purchase fairly traded goods: from jewellery and textiles through to household goods, Christmas cards, decorations, wrapping paper and a vast selection of foods. There is plenty of free parking and a café-forthe-day offering home made soups and cakes. Put a little humanity back into your purchasing choices by supporting this event. More details are available from Katharine Garland on Saturday 16 MEREWORTH Autumn Fair. Please come and join us at St Lawrence Church, the Street, Mereworth, Kent, ME18 5LS from 11.00am-3.00pm. Lots of stalls, raffle and refreshments

3 ochester Link 3 By Christianity I see everything else By the Ven Clive Mansell I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. Those words come from C S Lewis, the Oxbridge don and the writer of the famous Chronicles of Narnia. They are amongst a host of quotations from his writings that still find their way into books and to articles and websites on the internet. Next month, November, will see the 50th anniversary of the death of C S Lewis, an event which coincided with the assassination the American President John F Kennedy and which, in consequence, was almost lost in the media coverage at the time because of the dramatic events in Dallas, Texas on that November day. Do take an opportunity at some point to Google Quotations of C S Lewis and scan through some of the things which then appear on the screen of your computer, your laptop or your tablet. Most of the quotations would indeed be in some way or another related to the Christian faith and his outlook on life flowing from his Christian faith. As he puts it in that quotation: by Christianity I see everything else. There are those around us who wish to push Christianity and indeed all religious faith to the very margins of society or into the privacy of peoples minds, but certainly away from the public sphere. That is the very opposite to where C S Lewis placed it. Christianity was not an add-on, an optional extra or, in some way, a hobby on the side. It was central to how life was to be seen, experienced, lived and approached. Those who would push Christianity into a corner either fail to understand it or fear to let it make the impact on their lives which, by the grace of God, it can. The vision of the Christian faith is enormous. Just read some of the opening paragraphs of the Letter to the Ephesians in the New Testament! The impact of the Christian faith is revolutionary. It seeks to put God at the centre of existence and not ourselves (something uncomfortable for all of us who so often feel that we want to be the centre of our lives and to have control over what happens - and something very uncomfortable for a culture which lays much emphasis on ideas of self fulfilment and personal choice). Historically, the impact of Christianity changed the ancient world into which it came and thereby human beings, even at their most frail and feeble, took on a value and a dignity, which previous societies too often had denied them. From the womb to the tomb and beyond, they were precious, made in the image of God, intended to be children of God, destined for an eternity with God. Christianity opened up provision for reconciliation and restoration, which were only possible by an understanding of reality which was honest about failure and confident in the potential and possibilities which could flow from the powerful work of God. To quote C S Lewis again: To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. Perhaps the most famous challenge of C S Lewis to those who would wish to diminish or marginalise the figure of Jesus Christ is found in his volume Mere Christianity. There he claimed that people could not just say that Jesus was a great moral teacher and not accept his claim to be God. The things which Jesus said did not leave that option open. He was either (to summarise C S Lewis s words) mad or bad or God. The challenge of those words rings true today and can still prompt thought amongst those who would casually lay aside the Christian faith and the one who is central to it. One of C S Lewis s other sayings is that To enter heaven is to become more human than you ever succeeded in being on earth. That again reflects his vision for who we are as people and who we are intended to be. He sees everything else and everyone else through his Christian faith. Do use the opportunity of these weeks leading up to the anniversary of C S Lewis s death to access some of his writings and sayings and to reflect upon what they can still say to us now, 50 years later, and what they can say to those around us. Bishop James diary - October 1Oct 0930 Bishop s Staff Meeting 2-4 Oct Bishops Leadership Development course 5 Oct 1430 Admission & Licensing of Readers - Cathedral 6 Oct 1100 Preach Unity Church, Orpington 1830 Institution of Judy Henning as Incumbent - Rainham 8 Oct 0830 London Church Leaders meeting, 1100 Chair: Churches Funerals Group - London 10 Oct 1800 Kent Community Foundation dinner Oct Chair: Women Bishop s Steering Group - London 13 Oct th Anniversary of Consecration St Paul, South Gillingham Oct Lead: Rochester & Gillingham deanery chapters residential 17 Oct 1000 Chair: Women Bishop s Steering Group - London 18 Oct All day HOPE Conference Bennett Memorial School 20 Oct 1000 Preside & preach Hildenborough th Anniversary of Consecration Holy Redeemer, Lamorbey 22 Oct 0930 Area & Rural Deans meeting Bishopscourtl 1430 Diocesan Finance Committee Oct HOLIDAY

4 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature A NEW WAY TO SHARE THE CHRISTMAS STORY THE ONLY CHARITY ADVENT CALENDAR WITH A FREE CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK The Real Advent Calendar is a great way to share the real meaning of Christmas. There s a line of the Christmas story and a chocolate star behind each window. Behind the final window is a 24-page Christmas storybook. A charitable donation is made to The Children s Society and it s Fairtrade. Charity donation Christmas Starts with Christ campaign It might be difficult to believe but recent surveys show that knowledge of the Christmas story is fading. Among 5-7 year olds, 36% don t know whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas and 72% don t know Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Among adults less than 12% know the full nativity story and 51% say that the birth of Jesus is irrelevant to their Christmas. This is a tipping point. The Christmas Starts with Christ campaign hopes to reverse the trend by telling the Christmas story in new ways. To support the campaign we have produced The Real Advent Calendar. The Real Advent Calendar is a new and fun way to share the Christmas story. Tesco have put the Christmas story at the centre of their range this year by stocking it. We hope you will buy one. You can read more at *survey findings from ComRes 2007, 2010, 2012, Children s Society HOW TO BUY... From 2nd September, churches with a Traidcraft rep can order through them or individuals can arrange for home delivery by calling or online at Independent shops Select independent retailers, Christian bookshops and some Cathedral resource centres also have limited supplies. Details can be seen on our Google map hunter at Tesco is the only supermarket that will be stocking The Real Advent Calendar this year as it has ordered enough to offer a national church in-store collect and home delivery service. It has supplies in most stores. See below on how to get yours. Tesco - individuals From 7th October, individuals can pop in to virtually all Tesco stores and pick up smaller quantities, but supplies are limited. You can also order online for home delivery. See Tesco - church, school bulk order When you are ready to make a bulk order give your local Tesco a call to reserve your supply and pick up your calendars from the store or use itshome delivery service. To find your local Tesco phone number calling and give your postcode or visit Order by 7th November

5 ochester Link 5 How often should we have our lightning conductor tested? By the Rev Christopher Miles The simple answer to the question is once every four years in normal circumstances. Now for the more complicated answer. Although the old British standard BS6651 was withdrawn in 2008, it is still permissible to continue to test to that Standard a lightning The Rev Christopher Miles Diocesan Lightning Protection protection system designed to the old Standard. That Standard stated that all systems should be visually inspected and tested at least once every 12 months and recommended a slightly shorter periodicity (for testing) to vary the season. The Standard was in fact a Code of Practice, in other words for guidance rather than being a mandatory requirement. The Diocese decided that for churches for which it has responsibility (not the Cathedral) once every 5 years, to line up with the quinquennial inspections, would be, in ordinary circumstances, sufficient. This was published in the previous DAC guidance leaflets on lightning protection over many years. The new Standard BS EN varies the periodicity of the inspection according to the protection level and separates the visual inspection from a complete inspection (i.e. visual inspection and testing). For levels III and IV systems, the two lower levels of protection which would include all our parish churches, a visual inspection is required every two years and a complete inspection every four years. All the detailed maintenance requirements including these periodicities are contained in an informative annex of the Standard. In this Diocese we have now adjusted the testing (complete inspection) periodicity to four-yearly to line up with the Standard, with an annual visual inspection performed by a churchwarden or other authorised person using the checklist at the end of the diocesan leaflet. Details of maintenance are given in paragraphs 20 to 22 of the diocesan leaflet, to be found on the diocesan website. There is often a degree of commercial pressure for an annual test. It is the view of the Diocese that annual testing is not normally necessary. However it is also good practice to have a lightning protection system tested within 12 months of a new or upgraded installation, after a known or suspected lightning strike and after replacement of conductors following theft. Ecclesiastical Insurance accepts our maintenance policy. Helping the homeless - Tunbridge Wells Churches 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 & generous discounts DEACONS NURSERY Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW (24hrs) Tel: Fax: info@deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk or visit our website 10% off till 31/10/13 with code autumn10 Metalsmith Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall provides new work and maintenance for a number of churches. To join his list of satisfied customers call: or TAX RETURNS ACCOUNTS BOOKKEEPING VAT PAYROLL Friendly, ethical and efficient service at a reasonable price. Get in touch today with no obligation and we will be happy to talk about how we can help you Contact Trevor or Sharon on or info@trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk FOR ALL CHURCH MAINTENANCE DECORATION & ROOFING enquiries@churchrestorationukltd.com Phone Free: The Christian Bookshop THINKING OF USING THE INTERNET? for all your church supplies or contact us at Sevenoaks Road, Pratt s Bottom, Orpington, Kent. BR6 7SQ Telephone EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS NOW ON SKY EPG 589 Radio is on EPG 0147 On five nights each week, volunteers drawn from churches in and around Tunbridge Wells (some from some distance away), gather in the Crescent Road car park, Tunbridge Wells, to provide a point-of-need contact for the homeless and disadvantaged in Tunbridge Wells with the aim of providing food and warm clothing for all those who need it. The Tunbridge Wells Churches Street Teams, as they call themselves, have been around in their current format for about 4 years, though under the umbrella of the Bridge Trust, they have been operating for much longer, since Currently there are over twenty five volunteers who serve food and beverages, the majority of which are supplied as donations to the activity. In the very cold weather, food vouchers were distributed last year. As the economic crisis has deepened, demand for help from the teams has increased. At present it is not unusual for there to be between 20 and 30 customers seeking help each evening. The Bishop of Tonbridge recently visited one of the Street Teams and comments: One concrete way that we can show our commitment to Jesus Christ is by helping the poor and needy and this is precisely what the Street Teams do. My last visit to the project was during the winter when the One of the Street Teams food and fellowship was deeply appreciated. It s a great project, there s a real sense of community and many needs are being met and it reminds us all that there are pockets of poverty in the most unexpected places. Please help if you can. If you think you could help on one night a week, then the Teams would be most interested to hear from you. Similarly, if you would like to donate in any way, we would be pleased to let you know what our current needs are. Items such as warm, clean clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries, dry food, tins of soup goods etc. are generally in demand. Do feel free to us at: Twstreetteams@ yahoo.co.uk or phone: Nic Wright or Vicky Stewart Live TV at total cost for equipment and installation With no monthly costs For information & free monthly programme call GLOBAL CATHOLIC NETWORK CHAIRS and HYMN BOOKS? WOULD YOU LIKE 25 WOODEN, INTERLOCKING AND STACKING CHAIRS. ALSO ABOUT 75 MISSION PRAISE HYMN BOOKS. Contact: Bob Kneller, C.W. Fawkham & Hartley kneller@talktalk.net

6 6 ochester Link Being The Vicar of Baghdad The Rev Canon Andrew White, the Vicar of Baghdad, lives a somewhat different life to clergy operating within the UK. During a recent visit to St Mary s Church, Hadlow, he shared some of his experiences with Rochester Link. Danger lies around every corner and it s the prospect of bombs, murder and poverty that he faces on his afternoon rounds. Rochester Link caught up with him on one of his few whistle-stop visits to England. Being Christian in the UK and in many parts of the world is an accepted way of life, but in Baghdad, following the Christian faith can be a death sentence. The dangers facing Canon Andrew White, his Iraqi curate, the Rev Faiz Jerjees, parishioners and the church of St George are very real, but it is their faith that keeps them strong. St George s Church is the only Anglican Church in Iraq and is based at the heart of Baghdad s red zone meaning an unsafe area. Despite being surrounded by blast walls and guarded by 35 soldiers, the church has been bombed five times in the past three years. The peaceful way in which we are used to walking into church here in Britain, is something Iraqi Christians can only dream of. Most members are collected and taken to the church by private bus to avoid kidnapping and all worshippers are subject to a body search on the way in to detect and deter suicide bombers. However, one Sunday, a suspected suicide bomber managed to get in. Thankfully they were removed by security before they could detonate their explosives. Andrew and the congregation take enormous risks simply by being at St George. Andrew said: It s so dangerous to be Christian in Iraq. Once I had 13 people who came to me and wanted to be baptised - 11 of them were murdered the following week. We tell everyone who wants to be baptised that there could be consequences and that they could be killed. In response they simply say, we don t care, we want to follow Jesus. We have had so many of our own church members killed; my whole church council was killed in one afternoon. Andrew was once at the centre of a man hunt which resulted in him being urgently flown home via private jet. He said: I remember the ambassador telling me I had to leave, he said there are hundreds of posters with your face on all around Baghdad saying wanted dead or alive. They had a plane waiting for me it was the Queen s plane. I don t know how they got it but the difference between this plane and others was the blue carpet in the toilet. Andrew returned to his home to find that police had moved his wife and two sons to a safe location in case they were targeted. Despite being a wanted man, he soon returned to Iraq. Regardless of the dangerous reality that faces Andrew in Baghdad, he continues to return and has been there since He said: I can honestly say the church is the most wonderful and loveliest place I ve ever been in. I know I am where I am supposed to be. Not only do the Christians of Baghdad rely on the church for faith, but also for food, healthcare and education. We often have clinics in the church hall where there s a dentist, a doctor, we can do x-rays, cardiology, paediatrics what a wonderful use of a church hall said Andrew. And the clinics are not just for Christians, they are for everybody. Have you ever gone to church to get your teeth fixed? I have. Food packages containing rice, lentils, flour and bread are also given out once a week to help poverty stricken families. On his daily rounds Andrew witnesses the conditions in which his parishioners live and he sees how essential the food parcels are. He said: In the afternoons I do parish visits and I have 38 security guards with me. It s quite interesting doing your parish rounds with guards, an armoured vehicle at the front and one at the back, and lots of guns. But we have to go and see our people. Their conditions are terrible but on Sunday, when they come to church, they all make an effort. I go to their houses and there are rats and chickens running around in the living room, and that is their only room. One of the families I visit has 13 people living in one room, and I know if I do not take them their food they will have nothing. Andrew White in the church He said: We now have a purpose built school dedicated to teaching the young people, it s wonderful. Inter-faith work is central to what goes on at St George, in an attempt to break down barriers between different religious groups. So much of my work is dealing with the kind of people who want to kill you, said Andrew. The inter-faith work is often with the guys who are involved in the killing and we are enabling them to become friends. There isn t one religious community in Iraq which is not at risk, but together we can stay firm, together we can show the love of God and that s what we try to do. They always look so happy though and when asked why they re happy they say we have lost everything, Jesus is all we have left. It was Andrew s goal when he first arrived in the country to set up a school for the children of Baghdad, something which has now materialised. It s hard but we do not give up. While Andrew is bringing the Christian faith to the people of Baghdad, his wife and two sons are at their Hampshire home living a more normal lifestyle. Andrew said: When I am away I miss my wife and children. It is hard leaving my family in England and I always say that they have made a real sacrifice for me, but it s all they have ever known.

7 ochester Link 7 The differences: UK v. Iraq During his ministry in Baghdad, Andrew had to adjust to a different way of life. Not only is he surrounded by danger and poverty, but he also has to deal with extreme temperatures. He said: You never get used to the heat. Recently it was 60 degrees centigrade, so hot that the traffic lights were melting. Another thing that s different in Baghdad is they have most of their meetings sitting on the floor, which is very uncomfortable. Also, Synod is very unlike any Synod meeting in Britain, there is no discussion whatever the priest says goes. When Andrew arrived in Baghdad 15 years ago there was something about the church that he wanted to change. He said: When I arrived all those years ago I wanted to get men and women sitting on the same sides of the church, did I manage that? No. Something which is not likely to change anytime soon is the ordination of women. There is no concept of having women priests in Iraq said Andrew. We are a thousand years away from that happening. Hungry for More How churches can address the root causes of food poverty According to the Church Urban Fund, It is estimated that more than 500,000 people in the UK are now reliant on food aid. The extraordinarily high number of people turning to food banks to make ends meet has brought media and policy attention to the issue of food poverty. The Church Urban Fund has been asking the question, What are its underlying causes and what are the most appropriate responses? In many ways churches have been at the heart of this recent focus on food poverty, with hundreds setting up or supporting food banks, helping to mobilise teams of volunteers to give out food to local people in need. Research conducted by Church Urban Fund sought to explore church-based responses to food poverty, looking in particular at the proportion of churches responding to the issue and the nature of those responses. The survey found that church-based responses to food poverty are currently focused on emergency activities, such as food banks, rather than work that seeks to address underlying causes: 81% of respondents indicated that their parish church supports a food bank, in one or more ways. Just 30% of churches are running an organised activity to address one or more causes of food poverty. There may be several reasons for these results: food banks are relatively cheap to set up, do not require specific professional expertise to deliver and they help to meet an immediate need. Churches may also feel unsure about how to address structural problems such as the rising cost of living, low income or benefit changes. According to the Church Urban Fund report, while food banks help to support people in Andrew White in the parade crisis situations, they do not tackle the underlying causes of those crises. Furthermore, for those who find themselves unable to buy food, visiting a food bank can be a humiliating experience that reminds them of their inability to make ends meet. The survey results suggest that, if churches are to contribute to a long-term solution to food poverty, there is a need to rebalance church-based activity away from emergency crisis support and towards long-term work that tackles the underlying problems. A new framework for responding to food poverty In making this change, the framework devised by two international development experts, Corbett and Fikkert, can be a useful resource for churches. In their book, When Helping Hurts (2009), they propose that all povertyalleviation work falls into three categories: relief, rehabilitation, and development. Three case studies show how these categories can act as a useful framework for churches seeking to respond to food poverty. A relief response, such as a food bank, provides support during a period of crisis when someone is unable to feed themselves or their family. A rehabilitation response works with people to restore the positive elements of a pre-crisis situation for example, a debt advice centre helping people to pay down their debt so that they can afford to buy food in the future. A development response, such as a cookery course, tackles underlying problems such as poor nutrition, but also helps to build relationships and break down distinctions between helper and helped, changing and shaping all those involved. For more information go to:

8 Waleed Badir has experienced both personal and political unrest, as he s struggled with his severe deafness in the West Bank part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Volunteer Israeli doctors working for Christian Aid partner Physicians for Human Rights Israel are striving to bring healing to patients like Waleed and between communities as they work for the right to healthcare for all. living in conflict. christianaid.org.uk/christmas Donations to Christian Aid s Christmas 2012 appeal will be used to support Christian Aid s work around the world, including work with partners like PHRI. UK registered charity no Company no Scot charity no. SC NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid; Poverty Over is a trademark of Christian Aid. Christian Aid August 2012 Photos: Christian Aid/Tabitha Ross J541 Printed on 100 per cent recycled paper F1969E christianaid.org.uk/christmas christianaid.org.uk/christmas Add 25 per cent to your gift 8 ochester Link Advertising Feature Healing in this Holy Land Could your church help bring the gift of healing to communities across the world this Christmas? Please order your resources to hold a Christian Aid collection as part of your celebrations. He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 Order your Christmas resources online, by phoning or by returning the form below. christianaid.org.uk/christmas05 Your name Church/group name Address Town County Postcode Please return this form to Christian Aid, PO Box 390, Grays, RM17 9DG. I told Waleed that not all Israelis are soldiers Rufaida, Waleed s mother Share the peace of Christmas by bringing urgent care to children Healing in this Holy Land Christmas poster-leaflet (F1969E) Qty Healing in this Holy Land Prayer cards (F2101E) Qty healing at christmas time Gift envelopes (F1968E) Qty Christian Aid will not pass your details on to any other organisation. If you already receive information from Christian Aid we will continue to send it unless you tell us otherwise by writing to us at PO Box 100, London, SE1 7RT. If you are new to Christian Aid, please tick here if you do not want to receive information from us. A UK registered charity no Company no Scot charity no. SC NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Photo: Christian Aid. Christian Aid August J1784

9 ochester Link 9 Support needed this coming winter The first reference to the present organ was a petition dated 17th July 1880 by the Rev P Howard Moneypenny for a faculty (found recently in the archives at Canterbury), requesting permission to build a new chamber on the side of the church, with a large opening into the chancel to house the organ. The organ had been offered as a gift by Ernest Hargreaves in January 1880, with the cost for the new chamber given as 500. The Lay Rector had given his permission for the opening in the chancel wall, and the faculty was granted on 3 September 1880, with the condition that the old organ was sold to help pay for the new chamber. Interestingly, a recent search of census records revealed that Ernest Hargreaves married the Rev Moneypenny s 17 year old daughter in June 1880!! A note on the Visitation of 1890 reports: A handsome organ presented to the church has led to the erection of an organ chamber which is a considerable addition to the capacity of the church. The three manual organ with 35 speaking stops (including a 32ft Contra Bass) was built by Alfred Monk of Camden Town and installed temporarily in the North West Nave aisle, and then moved to the new organ chamber in Alfred Monk was regarded as a quite fine and well regarded organ builder with those built in the 1880s as his best period. It is a tracker organ with the action still totally mechanical. (the organist needs to be fit to play using full organ!). The two organ bellows were hand pumped by the organ blower (paid 5 per annum). Parish records from 1916 state: One day the organ commenced to play and quickly ran out of air, the organist ran round and found the As autumn approaches and (dare I say it?) we are starting to think about the winter months and Christmas, Church Housing Trust would like to remind you that we have written our annual letter to every PCC in the Diocese requesting much needed financial and prayerful support. The hostels we work with up and down the country not only offer a roof and a bed. Residents are given health checks, help with their addictions, housing and employment advice and the opportunity to learn skills such as cooking and use of IT that will help them when they are able to move on and resettle on their own. Our funding provides the added value that ensures that as many people as possible receive these opportunities and do verger fast asleep. The hand pumps were replaced in 1936 with the current electric blower which is still in use. The console was lit by two gas lamps; the lamp holders now support the mirrors used by the organist to see what is happening. The Cambridge Historic Organ database details the technical specification of the organ. Your parish in the Rochester Link newspaper - 3 easy steps. People do like to see their parish or their vicar in the Rochester Link, celebrating 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! 1. Check the copy deadline in 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 not go back to their unsettled way of life on the streets or in temporary accommodation. Your consideration for Harvest or Christmas collections would be appreciated, or you could run an event such as coffee morning, cake sale, jumble sale or a sponsored event on our behalf. Every donation, however small, is appreciated and helps to make a difference to someone s life. Please look at our website ( for more information, or give us a call. We can provide newsletters, posters, leaflets and articles for your church magazines and you can follow us on twitter (@ChurchHousing) or find us on Facebook. Celebration of the historic Alfred Monk Organ at St Mary s Church, Hadlow Hadlow organ The organ is still used every week to accompany the choir to lead the congregation in services including a choral Eucharist. A recital to show off this fine instrument is being given on Sunday 13 October at 3.00pm by Matthew Morley, Assistant Director of Music from St Bride s Church, Fleet Street. ~ in harmony with tradition ~ Ronald Emett fine furniture ronald@emett.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 RL1013 Personal Tax Return Service for Ministers of Religion, the Self Employed, Individuals with Letting Income and Individuals with Multiple Incomes Angela Kendall FCCA ATT angela@kendallsreturns.co.uk Payroll and Bookkeeping also available 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

10 10 ochester Link Advertising Feature VOICE TRIALS for boys aged 7 & 8 9 November 2013 A COURSE FOR THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY STEPHEN COTTRELL STEVEN CROFT PAULA GOODER ROBERT ATWELL Pilgrim is a major new evangelism and discipleship course to help you travel through life with Jesus Christ. Its unique approach encourages you to learn by doing by practising the ancient disciplines of biblical reflection and prayer. Pilgrim can be used at any point on the journey of discipleship and by every tradition in the Church of England. Substantial scholarships are awarded and choristers enjoy the superb and extensive facilities of St Edmund s School. Choir House OPEN DAY 12 October 2013 The Master of Choristers, David Flood, is always pleased to meet and advise parents and their sons. For further details please telephone davidf@canterbury-cathedral.org The Pilgrim course is a journey to the heart of God and to a living, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York Find out more at The Fellowship of Meditation We practise and teach Christian contemplative meditation at residential and day courses at our centre in Dorchester and at other retreat centres in the UK. a Christian-based organisation We use meditative sentences to still the mind, to focus our attention on God, and to serve as channels through which the power of the Spirit can enter our hearts. Our members also gather in local groups. For further details please contact: The Secretary, The Fellowship of Meditation 8 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1PW. Tel: (01305) E: fellowship.meditation@virgin.net W: UK Reg Charity No: Quiet Waters Christian Retreat House Is a peaceful 9 bedroom Georgian house, on Suffolk-Norfolk border, set in 2 acres beside the river Waveney. Available for groups of 17 or individuals. Bed only to full board. House available for Self catering groups. Enquiries: mail@quietwaters.org.uk Flixton Road, Bungay NR35 1PD Poole - Dorset Green Pastures is an Ecumenical Centre. We are a Christian team, providing excellent hospitality in a prayerful place. Throughout the year there are led Quiet Days and Conferences. It is also a place for rest and quiet reflection. Full Board from pppn 17 Burton Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6DT Tel: info@green-pastures.org ST. MARY S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary s Convent offers a variety of facilities and flexible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays. Theological Library may be available on request. For further details please contact: St Mary s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9DJ Tel: guestwing@csmv.co.uk Abbey House Glastonbury Diocesan RetReat House situated in the grounds of Glastonbury abbey Ivy House Retreat Centre Autumn/Winter Retreats: October: 7 day IGR. Anna Desch Oct 1 Nov: Struggling with Forgiveness. Rev David Self Nov: Exploring Children s Spirituality. Diane Craven Dec: Advent Retreat. Canon Peter Ball Jan 2014: John Bell Retreat Warminster BA12 8PG T: E: stdenys@ivyhouse.org

11 ochester Link 11 Praying the way Bromley & Bexley Bromley Deanery Bromley, Christ Church Thanks for summer camps Bromley, St Mary Christmas Journey for local schools; Messy Nativity in High Street. Hayes 6 - Harvest Festival; new organist and choirmaster Erith Deanery Belvedere, All Saints 6 & 7 The Rev Canon Jean Kerr speaking Parish Quiet Day Bexleyheath, Christ Church Interregnum Orpington Deanery Orpington, All Saints Thanks for large number of baptisms Sidcup Deanery Sidcup, Christ Church Establishing new believers; redeveloping our building Lamorbey, Holy Redeemer Redevelopment decisions Joydens Wood activity Blendon 48-hour Prayer Room Sidcup, St John Appropriate care for all Rochester Cobham Deanery Pray for our new beginning in Cobham Deanery - may we be led by the Spirit. Southfleet 13 - That Harvest Service, Supper and Barn Dance may reach out to community; New Locally Commissioned Minister being commissioned today. Istead Rise Alpha group just started; 13 - Harvest Service with Annual Memorial Service in afternoon; 19 car washing. Meopham with Nurstead That mission and ministry will be kept faithful during interregnum. Cobham with Luddesdowne Church finances; 20 Traidcraft stall in Luddesdowne after service. Dartford Deanery Food Bank in Dartford and one starting in Swanley. 8 Swanley Churches Together conference; wisdom for all Councillors and MPs in decisions about another river crossing at Dartford; for all hospital staff, especially in A and E departments. Gillingham Deanery Gillingham, St Augustine Thanks for recovery of the Rev Jonathan Jennings Gillingham, St Luke New pre-school nursery starting in Church Hall South Gillingham Bredhurst Harvest; Wigmore - Thursday Club team Gillingham, Holy Trinity Children; interregnum Rainham The Rev Judy Henning s ministry Gravesend Deanery For the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and churches holding a Blessing of Pets service St Botolph on 6. For Gravesend Street Pastors and those being trained. Tonbridge Paddock Wood Deanery Brenchley Alpha; Baby and Toddler Service Horsmonden Swift resolution to difficulties besetting our Vicar and parish. Lamberhurst and Matfield Stewardship Appeal; all farmers Yalding Confirmation classes Sevenoaks Deanery Kippington Generous giving for Harare at Harvest Festival Seal, St Lawrence and Underriver, 5 and 6 - Meals and services during Harvest Weekend Sevenoaks, St Luke Music outreach events this autumn Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 2 - Marriage Course starts, 6 - Lady Boswell Annual Service, 12 - Evangelistic Men s Breakfast; guest speaker Rico Tice Shoreham Deanery Stansted with Fairseat and Vigo Funds for extension Platt Youth Worker needed Tunbridge Wells Deanery Rusthall 20 - Service - Prayer Ministry for Laying on of Hands at St Paul s Church and Burrswood. Southborough, Christ Church Youngsters who made commitments at Soul Survivor Southborough, St Thomas Children starting at Junior School Tunbridge Wells, St James For Vicar and PCC - short-staffed; Matt, new youth worker. Tunbridge Wells, St Mark Our new Vicar and family Sm@Sch at St Mark s Church 20 - Thanksgiving Service for Loved Ones. To advertise in the Rochester Link please call Glenda on Prayer topics for November should be sent to Lorna Kahan, 26 Wallis Close, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7BE; lorna.kahan@hotmail.co.uk by 2 October. Intercession during October 1 Oct Bishop s Staff meeting today 2 Oct Advisers for Youth and Children s Work: Cheryl Trice and Elaine Stanford-Beale 3 Oct Brasted, St Martin 4 Oct Chevening, St Botolph 5 Oct Readers within the Diocese: those being Admitted & Licensed today 6 Oct Many will celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving today: pray for all who work on the land and in the food industries; for the care of creation 7 Oct Adviser for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns: The Rev Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy 8 Oct Kippington, St Mary 9 Oct Knockholt, St Katharine with Halstead, St Margaret 10 Oct Riverhead, St Mary with Dunton Green 11 Oct Women Bishops Steering Committee: Bishop James chairing that group today 12 Oct Seal St Lawrence 13 Oct Sevenoaks Deanery: Mark Griffin (Rural Dean); Ian Dobbie (Lay Chair) 14 Oct Seal St Peter and St Paul 15 Oct Sevenoaks, St John the Baptist 16 Oct Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 17 Oct Sevenoaks, St Luke 18 Oct St Luke s Day: the NHS; local hospitals and health centres; all whowork in medicine and healthcare 19 Oct Cathedral Council meeting today 20 Oct Our link Diocese of Kondoa (Tanzania): Bp Given Gaula & Lillian 21 Oct Sundridge, St Mary with Ide Hill, St Mary and Toys Hill 22 Oct Area & Rural Deans meeting today 23 Oct Underriver, St Margaret 24 Oct The Clergy Charities 25 Oct Weald, St George 26 Oct Westerham, St Mary 27 Oct Shoreham Deanery: Stephen Jones (Rural Dean); Charles Willsher (Lay Chair) 28 Oct Borough Green, The Good Shepherd 29 Oct Eynsford, St Martin with Farningham, SS Peter & Paul and Lullingstone, St Botolph 30 Oct The aid agencies, their staff, partners and supporters 31 Oct Light Parties and similar events being held today or this week LYNTON DEVON A warm traditional 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 NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS Travel Insurance Arranged for Rochester Link readers BANK INSURANCE STOPPED? - CALL US FOR A QUOTE Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. FREE EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS SCREENING SERVICE AVAILABLE NEW - Annual UK cover - Great Prices 20 OFF per policy on annual cover this month UK BASED Conditions apply Please call for details ~ Authorised & regulated by the FCA SHERBORNE Short breaks in Dorset Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, apartment in listed building close to Abbey Church. Open all year. Please ring for brochure: FT TRAVEL INSURANCE

12 12 ochester Link All You need is. Friends When considering the future of our church buildings many of us do ask the question: What is so special about our churches and why are they worth preserving not only for us but for future generations? This is usually followed by a further question: How can we help lift the heavy burden of maintaining our church buildings from our congregations and spread the financial load of looking after them in the future? These are not easy questions to answer and there is no quick and easy fix to solve this issue. However there is one action that any church can undertake which, if constructed properly, can make a huge contribution to the upkeep of your church buildings. Forming a Friends Organisation can help to raise funds to maintain the fabric of the church building. Such a scheme can enable a wider group of people help share the burden of ensuring that their parish church building is in a reasonable condition to hand on to the next generation of Christian worshippers. Our church buildings are historic with many having a wonderful architectural heritage and cultural landscape. They are a sacred place for committed and not so committed Christians to pray, worship and seek the presence of God. They are the shop windows of the Christian faith. Many people have a great deal of goodwill towards their church building and although they may not wish to contribute to the religious aspects of the church, they may be willing to support part of their local heritage. A Friends Scheme is one way in which a parish church can encourage help of this kind from a wider community. Why a Friends Scheme? They can widen the pool of people who will help support the fabric of the church building. The Friends Scheme can help with the maintenance, repairs and preservation of the fabric of the building but NOT the running costs of the church. The Friends Scheme can help and assist with the maintenance or replacement of major assets within the church buildings, for example the heating systems, lighting, sound systems window refurbishments and organs. Design a Christmas Card Competition In general only a small minority of Members of the Friends Scheme (15-20%) will be active worshippers in the church, the balance being people who are not active churchgoers and others who may be outside the parish but who want to help preserve the architectural and historical aspects of the church building in their local town or village. The aims and objectives of the Friends Scheme need to be made clear at the outset and enshrined in the founding documents. The terms of reference must not fight shy of the fact that the church exists for the practice and advancement of the Christian religion. There are some different options for the setting up of a Friends Scheme, but, whichever route is chosen, the care, maintenance, repair and insurance of the church remains the responsibility of the PCC and all work done to the church is still subject to faculty jurisdiction. Categories 1. Pre-schoolers 2. Aged Aged Aged Aged Abbreviated Terms and Conditions - Guidelines 1. Schools must be situated within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Rochester. 2. The closing date for entries is Thursday 28 November. All entries submitted must be clearly marked with the sender s name and address, plus the age of the entrant and the category they are entering. 3. A maximum of 1 design may be entered for the competition by each individual. Group entries are not permitted. 4. The entrant must own the copyright of the image. It is the legal responsibility of the The task of the Friends Scheme is not to provide funds for the general housekeeping of the church, as these remain the Christian responsibility of the worshipping community. Some members of the church community may wish to join the Friends but their primary contribution to the work of the church should be through regular giving to general funds to contribute to the day to day mission of the parish. A wider role beyond funding should also be considered for the scheme, particularly where the church is a heritage site. This should include promoting the knowledge and understanding of the work of the church and its role in the Christian faith and the development of the community around it. One important aspect for any Friends scheme would be helping in the publicity to attract visitors to the church. Whatever the precise role of the Friends Scheme, it must be capable of drawing in additional people and support for entrant and the not the Diocese to comply with copyright requirements. 5. By entering the competition entrants agree to the reproduction of their image in the Rochester Link, on the diocesan website at and any other appropriate media. 6. The copyright will remain with the entrant. However, entrants agree to winning designs being sold in aid of a named charity in 2014 only. 7. The design for the card must not have been entered for any other competition. 8. The Diocese reserves the right to cancel the competition or amend these rules and prizes at any time without prior notice. 9. Winners will be notified by Monday 2 December and a full list of winners will be announced in the Rochester Link. Please note the full terms and conditions appear on the diocesan website at: All Saints, Brenchley the church than might otherwise be available. The key to a successful Friends Scheme is to find and motivate local people with commitment to their local community. If a Friends Scheme is constituted in the correct way it can be very successful and play its part in contributing to the running of a dedicated and growing church community. All our churches could benefit with just a Little Help from our Friends. If you would like further information regarding setting up a Friends Scheme please contact Alan Strachan the Diocesan Stewardship Adviser on or by alan.strachan@rochester.anglican.org