CRUX JESUS THE HOMELESS SCULPTURE FINDS HOME IN MANCHESTER. Church for a different world. 25p. February 2017

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1 CRUX Issue Church for a different world 25p 47 February 2017 JESUS THE HOMELESS SCULPTURE FINDS HOME IN MANCHESTER

2 GOD S BELONGERS. HOW DO WE DO MISSION? This month sees the launch of the book, God s Belongers, which I was asked to write to make my research findings more accessible to anyone interested in the life and mission of their local church. It s an attempt to understand better how people, many of whom we don t see very often attending our services, may continue to have a Christian faith that matters to them. And then to offer ideas to engage with such Belongers in ways that help them to deepen both their faith and the practice of it. The book is published on 17th of this month. I m sure there will be aspects of it that some people will disagree with - in fact I hope there will be! We need a lively debate about what counts as mission and how we can be more effective at it. And it s a debate that needs to draw on the whole range of churchmanship within Anglicanism. Above all, that debate needs to be grounded in a real attempt PAGE 2 THY KINGDOM COME You can join in a number of events to support Thy Kingdom Come week of prayer from 25 May to 4 June. Make a note of these dates. There will be more details in next month s CRUX. to understand those around us. Too often, many of us have reduced mission to doing the things I like best really well, so others will join in and like them too. I ve sought to make the book very practical, full of examples of what churches can do in order to take the religious faith of those around them more seriously. And in keeping with our diocesan theme of joining in the conversation, each chapter ends with three or four questions for individual reflection or group study. I hope it will assist both our diocese and the wider church in taking forward the mission to which God has called us. David Walker Bishop of Manchester Saturday 27 May: Spiritual Pilgrimage to Walsingham at St Chrysostam s, Victoria Park Friday 2 June: evening event at St Peter s, Halliwell Sunday 4 June 3pm: Pentecost Songs of Praise at Manchester Cathedral BRIEF ENCOUNTER. I WAS RECENTLY BAPTISED IT S IMPORTANT AS A PROCLAMATION OF FAITH. Tom Phipps is the Youth Café and Under Fives Worker at St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury. He is involved with the Sunday groups and the weekday toddler groups as well as the Youth Café. The café is open every Friday night and is a great space for the kids to come and chill out at the end of the week. St James and Emmanuel also operate a Babies and Bumps group and Dads and Tots on a Saturday - all great ways of meeting people and building community. Tom was brought up in a Christian household with parents who allowed him to make his own decisions about his faith.tom says, When I was younger, I went to Methodist churches with my parents. By the time I was in my final year at Manchester University I was trying different churches and I immediately felt very comfortable here at St James and Emmanuel. Having had faith from a young age, I ve had times I ve had to grapple with it. My theology degree was very challenging a course at a secular university that led me to question my faith deeply I think it s normal and healthy but it was still difficult. Having previously trained and worked as a primary school teacher, Tom has been at St James and Emmanuel for a little over 5 years now. I ve been through some tough patches recently, going through personal loss and some quite challenging stuff. I think it s times like that which force you to wrestle with your convictions and to grow. I was only recently baptised. I d discussed it before but it never came to fruition. I m really delighted I was able to do it here as I ve never felt so at home anywhere. It s important not just for what it symbolises but as a proclamation of your faith. It felt like the right time. The people make this church a great home. It s a great community and there s a real acknowledgement that we re all on a journey. The inclusive side of the church is a big thing for me, along with an acceptance that we all have different perceptions about how God works and how the world works, and it helps to build a loving community. It s a place you come and grow. My faith governs how I work. I feel God has led me here, that I m where I m supposed to be. I feel I am doing the work that s laid out for me not just a job but a position that God has put me in. PAGE 3

3 NEW DIOCESAN WEBSITE! Look out for the diocesan website coming soon at The new website has a bright new look and feel, looks great on tablets and mobiles, and contains lots of information for the casual visitor, as well as for clergy and parish officers. The design uses our new branding and there is a whole section on Church for a different world to resource your church. The new website is a work in progress and new content will be added all the time. If you have any comments or suggestions for content, please comms@manchester.anglican.org Revd Freda Jackson honoured Congratulations to The Revd Freda Jackson who has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community of Middleton (church and education). Freda was a teacher for many years, rising to become head of Milnrow Primary School. She once jumped out of an aeroplane to raise money for new classrooms and the church roof when all other means of persuasion had failed! At 50 Freda became one of the first women to be ordained deacon in 1992, then priest in She has served Middleton parish ever since as Ordained Local Minister. Freda said she was flabbergasted to receive the award for just doing what I m here for. JESUS THE HOMELESS SCULPTURE FINDS HOME IN MANCHESTER A sculpture of a homeless Jesus sleeping on a bench will be erected outside a city centre church following approval of a planning application by Manchester City Council. St Ann s Church will install the artwork outside the grade I listed building to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people in the city. Jesus the Homeless is a near lifesize bronze sculpture by the Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. It depicts a figure lying on a bench, with its pierced feet indicating it is Jesus. Similar copies can be found in Madrid, Dublin, Washington DC and Vatican City. Westminster City Council rejected an application for a similar sculpture near the Houses of Parliament on the grounds that it would fail to maintain or improve the character of the area. Rector of St Ann s, The Revd Nigel Ashworth, said I am delighted to learn that planning permission for St Ann s to have Jesus the Homeless installed outside the church has been approved by the Council. In Manchester our Homelessness Charter is showing the way for a developing partnership between churches, the City Council, businesses and voluntary groups. Churches have responded to the growing homelessness crisis by developing a clear plan of action in partnership with others. Churches run a Winter Night Shelter and a Homelessness Task Group, supported by Manchester City Council. St Ann s is also currently working on its early morning-based pilot project for street homeless people called Morning Hours. Bishop David said Jesus is very explicit in the Bible; when we offer or refuse care to those in need, we will be judged as though he himself were the needy person before us. This sculpture casts Christ s words into metal. It links them directly to one of the most visible expressions of human need. Its identical twins can be found in other great cities around the world; a reminder that Manchester today is a truly global city. Colin Scott Memorial Lecture Dr Alan Storkey will be giving the inaugural Colin Scott Memorial Lecture at a conference entitled Things that Make for Peace to be held at Luther King House in Manchester on Saturday 11 March. The lecture has been initiated by the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship to honour the role that Colin Scott played as a peacemaker throughout his life. For details, visit PAGE 4 PAGE 5

4 FIT FOR MISSION. HOW ARE WE FACING OUR CHALLENGES? MAP: WHAT WORKS? The Fit for Mission programme is entering a new phase with pilots taking place in four deaneries. Ashton, Deane, North Manchester and Salford (one deanery from each of the four archdeaconries) will each look at implementing actions that will support Church for a different world in a range of contexts. The purpose of the pilots is to help work out how our vision to be worshipping, growing and transforming Christian presence at the heart of every community takes shape. Four project managers have been appointed who, in addition to their normal duties across all departments at Church House, will work alongside the Area Dean and Lay Chair. MAP officers and archdeacons will also offer support and advice. Actions will be identified at a local level by parishes and deaneries working on their mission action plans with support from these officers. Philippa Coslett, Fit for Mission Support Officer, said Following on from the Archdeaconry events last year, when we outlined Church for a different world, we are now beginning to implement plans and ideas. This is an exciting time of learning and opportunity. The pilots are expected to last for two years. They will constantly review what is working and issues that arise to develop principles that can be rolled out. CRUX will keep you updated as the pilots progress. Join the Conversation! See page 14 for details. Our Mission Action Planning Officers, Andy Salmon and Mike Chesterton, are often asked what works? when it comes to MAP. So they asked a few churches engaged in MAP for ideas that have worked for them that they can share. Whatever the idea, they have found that it s really important to work together prayerfully on your vision, values and mission. A desire to be working with God in mission to your community is essential. But then you will want to try a few ideas out. Some of them won t work but some might! Don t forget that you might also need to stop doing some things. Here are a couple of ideas. Look out for more in future issues. From Westhoughton We invited everyone we had married over the past year and those with weddings booked to a cheese and wine evening. We had key people there - organist, verger etc. - and found it to be a good time get to know couples and for them to meet each other. This will now be an annual event. From St James, Ashton We started a Café Church on a Wednesday afternoon which meets once a month. A class from one of our two church schools joins us each time to share something of what they have been doing. Parents attend and we usually have more than 20 adults and about 40 children, most of whom would otherwise not be in church Look out for more good ideas coming out of MAP in future issues of CRUX. PAGE 6 PAGE 7

5 ASIAN CANON A FIRST FOR NORTH WEST Falak is well known to the Muslim community and, as an Anglican priest, is regularly invited to preach and pray in Mosques. By building friendships, he has helped different ethnic communities come together and understand one another better. IS MANCHESTER READY FOR THE PASSION? The Revd Canon Falak Sher, Priest in Charge of The Ascension, Hulme and St Werburgh s, Chorlton, has been made a canon of Manchester Cathedral and becomes the first Asian member of clergy in the North West to be so honoured. Having first come to the UK in 1998 for major surgery after a diving accident left him with a damaged facial nerve, Falak trained for the ministry and has worked as a priest for 13 years with the Pakistani and wider Muslim communities in Greater Manchester. He said, I feel honoured to be recognised as a Pakistani Christian, and the Muslim community to whom I am well known are very proud of me! Falak has worked tirelessly to find imaginative ways to help build bridges with ethnic communities in the city. At St Edmund s, Whalley Range he was curate to Christians from the Pakistani community. They now worship at St Werburgh s in Chorlton, and the new Fresh Expression for young families, Global Harmony, offers a bilingual service that is attracting young families. In response to the homeless crisis in the city, Canon Sher has set up a Curry Club, and can be found on a Friday evening waiting on tables in his home, serving curries cooked by his wife, Rina. Money raised supports the homeless, and 70 rough sleepers were treated to a Christmas dinner in the church hall. Falak s latest project is to bring a Passion play to Manchester. With the support of his ethnic and interfaith contacts and the Passion Trust, the vision is taking shape. Manchester Passion will be held in the city centre on 8 April and will involve local churches and members of different ethnic communities. Falak said, I want to see the cross lifted up in the city, glorifying God! Jesus is hope for the Mancunian people. Plans are set for Manchester to stage a big, bold and colourful Passion in the city on Saturday 8 April Think Bollywood meets Manchester! Creative Director Geoff Millard (who directed the Bolton Passion) and Musical Director Wyan Ellington (winner of BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2016) have begun rehearsals of the production that includes a specially crafted script and original music. The production is on a big scale, involving hundreds of singers, including children from our church schools, Manchester Cathedral and a gospel choir. Community and ethnic groups will be integral to the show, which could include an Asian playing the part of Mary and a Jesus character from an ethnic minority. The script will address Jesus ministry to disadvantaged groups, including homeless and unemployed people, immigrants and refugees. Please make the event known in your parish and support it if you can. They are looking for: Volunteers to be part of the cast; backstage staff, stewards and technicians, etc. to be part of the production. Volunteers to help with marketing, administration and publicity. Finance to help with the venue hire, staging and sound equipment, etc. The event is estimated to cost 60-70k to deliver. Your prayers. To find out more, visit PAGE 8 PAGE 9

6 UNITY AND THE CHURCH IN TUNISIA Mark Ashcroft Bishop of Bolton FAMILY FOOD AND FUN The churches of All Saints and Martyrs, Bowlee and Birch, in partnership with local partners, provided over 300 low-cost meals for families and fun sessions for children during school holidays. As well as feeding families who would otherwise find it difficult financially during the school holidays, the sessions were fun for children and brought the community together to have a good time. Working with Burnside Community Centre, Riverside Housing, Living Well, the NHS, Rochdale Solutions and Fare Share, the churches organised arts and craft activities for children, together with curling and guitar lessons at the Burnside Centre. Health professionals and workers from a variety of professions, including debt counselling, were on hand to give information and advice. Two families with English as a second language subsequently attended the Talk English class at the Burnside Centre. Families with children on the autistic spectrum were also supported. Volunteers were trained in food safety and first aid to enable them to gain qualifications for the project. Three volunteers have since gained employment and others went on to further training. Joan Aspinall, Burnside Centre Manager I admit that it was a slightly mad decision to visit Tunis in August with temperatures in the 90s, but that was how we started my sabbatical. It was however, a great blessing. The hot weather made me slow down and rest, which is part of the point of a sabbatical. The church both ancient and modern was truly inspiring and challenging. So we came away refreshed and uplifted. Visit Tunisia if you can! During the third and fourth centuries, the church in (what is now) Tunisia was thriving, despite periods of persecution. We visited the ruins of one church, called the House of Grace, which was 200 feet long and nine aisles wide. No PA systems in those days but an amazing feat of architecture. Some of the mosaics in the churches and baptisteries were outstanding pieces of art. Sadly, a major controversy arose relating to how the church should treat those who, in one way or another, gave in to the persecutions that ravaged the church - and then wanted to come back in to the fold of the church as priests and bishops. Look up the Donatist controversy for more information! The controversy split the church, ended with the use of force and left the church weak when challenged by the Goths and in later years Islam. It stressed for us the vital importance of church unity. It also made us realise that even if one side of a debate is correct theologically or otherwise, the way disputes are resolved is just as important as getting the right result. There is a small Anglican church there which holds services in Arabic and English. Though few in number, the worship is heartfelt and they continue to reach out with the good news of Jesus. Every week they visit the prison, bringing snacks and company especially to visitors to Tunisia from overseas, such as students, who have ended up in jail for overstaying their visa. The church tries to help them link up with their families and embassies. We reflected that although we are often drawn to measure churches by the size of their congregation or the beauty of their building, what really matters is the largeness of the church s heart. We thank God for the church in Tunisia. PAGE 10 PAGE 11

7 FINNISH YOUTH CAMP 2017 APPOINTMENTS The Revd Mark Glew, currently stipendiary curate at Holy Trinity Rusholme, has been appointed to the 0.5 post of priest-in-charge of St Mary Haughton Green. The Revd Pauline Jones, currently OLM at Langley and Rochdale Archdeaconry SSM Officer, has been appointed to the House for Duty post of Associate Vicar of Bro Eleth on Anglesey in the Diocese of Bangor. The Revd Christopher Moore, Assistant Curate at Croydon Minster, has been appointed Incumbent at St Cross with St Paul Clayton and Ardwick Deanery Mission Enabler (both 0.5 posts). The Revd Phil Rawlings, currently Director of the Manchester Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam at Nazarene Theological College, has been appointed in addition to the 0.5 Mission Support Post of Interfaith Officer for Cheetham, Levenshulme and Longsight. PAGE 12 The Revd Stephen Smith, who currently holds Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Blackburn, has been appointed Incumbent of St Mark Chadderton with St Gabriel Middleton Junction. The Revd David Woodall, previously Warden at Foxhill Retreat and Conference Centre in Chester Diocese, has been appointed Incumbent of St James East Crompton. RESIGNATION The Revd Sandra Tauson has resigned as Chaplain with the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and as NSM Curate at St Chad, St Mary and St Edmund Rochdale. LONG SERVICE RECOGNISED Seventeen members of Tottington St Anne s Mothers Union were presented with Long Service Certificates by vicar Hugh Bearn at a special service. The Mothers Union branch leader for an amazing 46 years was Mrs Marion Sutcliffe, who is relocating to be closer to family. Revd Bearn thanked her for her invaluable support to the Mothers Union, the church and to him personally. The group photograph was presented to HM The Queen to mark her 90th Year. We are excited to be heading to Tampere for a Finnish-style Youth Camp from 26 July to 2 Aug A fabulous opportunity for young people aged who are interested in exploring their Christian faith and experiencing a new country, culture & adventure! Contact: Susie Mapledoram on / ; sum@manchester.anglican.org

8 We want to hear your thoughts HOW CAN I TAKE THE RELIGIOUS FAITH OF SOMEONE WHO RARELY ATTENDS MY CHURCH MORE SERIOUSLY AND SUPPORT THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY WITH CHRIST? What will we do with your comments? We will collate all the responses we receive and consider them as we develop our plans and priorities for the diocese. We will not be able to provide individual responses, but we will provide updates in CRUX on how your feedback is shaping Church for a different world. WHAT S ON THIS MONTH AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL? BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER SMALL ADVERTS HOWE BRIDGE CHURCH LEIGH ROAD, ATHERTON celebrate 140th Anniversary with an Open / Gift Day: Saturday 11 February: 11am 2.30pm. Over a century of church records, school and village memorabilia displayed. Café open all day. We extend a warm welcome. TRANQUIL COTTAGE ON SHROPSHIRE WAY Between Church Stretton and Ludlow. Ideal walking base or peaceful retreat. Sleeps per week. Tel: juliajmansfield@icloud.com VILLA TO RENT ORLANDO (Disney area). Spacious 4 bed, 3 bath, sleeps 8. South facing pool and spa overlooking conservation area. Quiet gated community. 15 mins Disney. Good golfing base close to numerous courses. Monday 6 February 12 noon to 3pm LAKE DISTRICT HOLIDAY LET A well-appointed and equipped 2 bedroom apartment in Bowness with parking and garage. Offering a balcony with views of Lake Windermere. For more information call ; info@swallowsrest.org What would you like to see discussed in a future issue? Thanks for your feedback so far Send to: Church for a Different World, Diocese of Manchester, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH Continue the conversation Website: manchester.anglican.org Facebook: Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) differentworld@manchester.anglican.org The Challenging Hate Forum will host a special public event at Manchester Cathedral in support of Hate Crime Awareness Week. We welcome faith groups and community organisations, the Cathedral community and general public. For further details of services and events at the cathedral, please visit Like us, search for Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) To advertise in CRUX contact: Simon Ambrose, sambrose@manchester.anglican.org Display rate card on request. Small ads: 50p per word (prepaid, 40 words max). Please print small ad and send, with cheque made out to Manchester DBF, to Simon Ambrose, Communications Office, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH. Deadline: 1st of the month prior to publication. Editorial: All editorial items to Ann Mummery, amummery@manchester.anglican.org Distribution: To order or amend, ring For distribution enquiries, ring Jon Golding, Published by the Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance (registered charity). Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance Follow us PAGE 15

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