inside - Diocese of Newcastle

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INSIDE: Page 3 – Benwell foodbank (Part II)

June 2017

Pages 4&5 – Ordinations 2017 Pages 6&7 – Pilgrimage in pictures Pages 8&9 – Cathedral HLF award

Our Bishops and their Diocesan Pilgrimage S

serving and always pointing to Jesus. The pil- in making a difference - sharing the hope we grimage was a small symbol of the great truth have, which is the power of God to transform us Bishop Christine: Bishop Mark and I wanted that God is alive and active in our communities. and our world. Bishop Mark: For me personally, it was a realto do something together to express our shared For Bishop Christine, the pilgrimage was a ly prayerful way to reflect on the events of Holy responsibility and care for the people of this wonderful Diocese of Newcastle. We are both chance not just to walk, but to stop along the way Week and prepare for Maundy Thursday, Good keen walkers, and so a pilgrimage walk seemed a and talk with people, asking them about their Friday and Easter Sunday. I loved meeting many very special thing to do. An outward physical joys and sorrows, their fears and hopes for the different people along the way, and praying in journey is a wonderful way of discovering more future. For Bishop Mark, the pilgrimage was also many different churches around the Diocese. The whole thing was a great prayer journey about the inner journey of life and faith. Particu- a poignant prayer journey. around this fantastic Diocese. larly because, although there is a personal eleBishop Christine: We have recently launched ment to faith, it is also a journey that we go on in Although initiated by the Bishops, the pilgrimcompanionship and communion with other our renewed vision and strategy. This vision is the beginning of an adventure. And so, like pil- age was very much a joint undertaking involving people. Bishop Mark: For me it was the walking, pray- grims, we are on a journey together as a Diocese. the churches, communities and people in all the ing, visiting, and spending time with people and The new vision is summed up in just four words: places they visited. To reflect this, we have used communities. God’s love is not contained within growing church bringing hope. This expresses a the pictures and comments that you sent in to Recently, the Link editorial team caught up the walls of any church; it is living, free, unpre- deep longing to see our worshipping communi- make a collage that describes the pilgrimage with the bishops, and asked them about what dictable, adventurous, and constantly seeking ties growing in numbers, in prayer and disciple- from your point of view. Turn to pages 6 and 7 made them think of doing a pilgrimage, and the lost. We need to be out in our communities, ship, in serving our communities, and above all to see the result!

tarting on Palm Sunday, Bishops Christine and Mark undertook a fourday pilgrimage around the Diocese. They were joined by people from the communities they visited, who either met them at the churches, or walked with them. The routes were planned to take in as much of the Diocese as possible, while being manageable and sensible. As a result, they visited eight out of our twelve deaneries, and called in on a number of parishes currently in vacancy. They followed some of the most obviously beautiful paths in the region, such as the stunning coastal path between Embleton and Alnmouth, but also travelled through urban Tyneside, visiting places such as Balkwell, Wallsend and Byker.

what it meant to them. Here is what they said:

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Bishops’ Diaries This is not a full list of the Bishops’ engagements, but includes items that might be of particular interest.

BISHOP OF NEWCASTLE’S DIARY 1st Buckingham Palace Garden Party 3rd 2.00 pm Newbiggin Hall, St. Wilfrid – 50th Anniversary 7.00 pm “Thy Kingdom Come” Beacon Event, St. Nicholas Cathedral 4th 10.00 am Chapel House, Confirmation 7th 8.30 am Bishop’s Staff Meeting 8th 7.00 pm St. Michael & All Angels, Felton 11th 9.30 pm St. John Whorlton, Confirmation 13th House of Lords 14th 10.00 am Diocesan Safeguarding Group 6.30 pm Annual Rutherford Dinner, Northumbria University 15th Bishop’s Study Day, Linden Hall 17th 2.00 pm Messy Church Goes Large, St. Nicholas Cathedral 18th 9.30 am Blyth, St. Cuthbert, Confirmation 21st 7.00 pm Ordination Supper and Swearing of Oaths 22nd 11.00 Consecration York Minster 23rd 11.00 am Church House, Westminster 24th 12.00 noon Bishop’s Ordination Charge, Shepherds Dene 4.00 p.m. Ordination of Deacons, St. Nicholas Cathedral 25th 10.00 a.m. Ordination of Priests, St. Nicholas Cathedral 26th 3.30 pm Garden Party, Bishop’s House 7.30 pm St. Cuthbert, Amble Licensing 27th 3.30 pm Garden Party, Bishop’s House 28th 9.45 am Church Commissioners AGM

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ast month we printed an interview with Kathy Germain, who is part of the Benwell foodbank team in Newcastle upon Tyne. This month we conclude with an exploration of how Kathy’s faith motivates her work. The interview was conducted by Chris Hudson, a Reader in the Diocese who is also a schools worker with the Bible Reading Fellowship. An RE and Literacy lesson based on the complete interview is available online at www.barnabasinschools. org.uk/taking-responsibility-others.

June

29th 11.00 am St. Hilda’s Trust Meeting 5.30 pm Newcastle City – Annual State of the City Event

ASSISTANT BISHOP OF NEWCASTLE’S DIARY

When you’re at the foodbank, does being a Christian make a difference to how you treat people? When I first became a Christian, I asked myself, ‘Hold on, what should I be doing, as a Christian?’ I wondered where God would lead me in this new life. Because it is a new beginning, and a new start. Now, I feel I’m in the right place. God gave me this heart to recognise things, and motivate people. He shows me the ones who are really desperately in need, who are depressive or have mental health problems. We get people in the foodbank who just need to talk to someone who understands them. God also says to me ‘Don’t judge.’ And I definitely do not judge. I say to people, ‘I don’t care what you’ve done, if you come to me for help, I’ll do my best to help you. Even if I condemn what you do, I’m condemning the action, not the person.’ That said, I’m not blind to the ways of the world. I’m not somebody who just falls for anybody’s blarney. I feel for the people using the foodbank, yes, but I won’t be walked over. They know that too. I’m empathetic, not sympathetic. If you’re empathetic, you’re can understand how they’re feeling. If you’re sympathetic, you’re looking down on them in some way.

1st Deanery Visit – Bellingham 3rd 9.00am Readers Away Day 7.30pm Beacon Event, Thy Kingdom Come, Cathedral 4th 9.30am Confirmation, Cowgate 6th Deanery Visit – Bamburgh & Glendale 7th 8.30am Bishop’s Staff Meeting 8th 2.00pm NECAT Trustee Meeting 9th 10.00am Mentoring Group, Pegswood 9th – 11th Mission Weekend, Shilbottle 11th 1.30pm SSM Steering Group Meeting 12th 11.00am Diocesan Evangelism Officer 13th 10.00am Northern Church Leaders Group Meeting 2.00pm Bishop Christine 15th 9.30am Bishop’s Study Day, Linden Hall 17th 9.00am Reader Selection Day 18th 9.30am Morning Service, Ovingham 20th 8.00am Bishop & Archdeacon Meeting 4.30pm Evangelism Task Group Meeting 6.30pm Local Ministry Development Meeting 21st 10.00am School Leaver Service, Cathedral 7.00pm Ordination Supper, Bishop’s House 22nd 10.00am Consecration, York 25th 10.00am Ordinations, Cathedral 27th 9.00am Deanery Visit – Hexham 29th & 30th TEI Retreat, Lambeth

CONTACT US The Link, Church House, St John’s Terrace, North Shields NE29 6HS. Tel: (0191) 270 4100. Email: [email protected] Facebook: m.me/ncldiocese Twitter: @ncldiocese Link is produced ten times a year by the Diocese of Newcastle, with joint issues for August/September and December/January. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Diocese or the editor. The editor is pleased to consider articles or letters of not more than 350 words for publication. Where possible, articles should be accompanied by a good-quality digital photograph of 250dpi or higher. Please contact the editor before submitting obituaries. For advertising rates and deadlines see www.newcastle.anglican.org/link. Copy date for July 2017 issue: Monday 12 June.

How did you become a Christian? I was about two when I first thought about it, after my sister took me to church. I remember hearing the words in the service saying, ‘Do not fear, for the light of Christ comes into this world’… and a candle was lit. But I had a horrendous upbringing. Once, aged three, I was thrown in the coalhouse, the door was locked, and it was pitch-black. I was terrified. But then I remembered the church, and the

Kathy Germain – as seen in ‘I, Daniel Blake’ An interview in two parts Part II: The Faith behind the Facts. words: ‘Look for the light’. So I did. Then I saw a chink of light under the door, and suddenly I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t on my own any more: Christ was there in the room with me. So, I‘ve always believed in him. Many years later, my husband Dave passed away. I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I hated God, and I told him so. But a year later, I said, ‘Ok, I give up! I know you’re still there; I still feel it.’ So I walked into the church near where I lived. Inside, a lady said ‘Come and have a seat. What do you need?’ I said I needed to be alone. She replied, ‘If you go and sit at Kathy and the back, no-one will bother you.’ So I just sat colleagues making there, crying and crying, asking God, ‘Why up food parcels have you left me alone?’ And suddenly I felt so peaceful, but it was more than that. I found God was actually in me, he was part of me. It felt so wonderful. It was the kind of peace that around here, I’m either ‘Aunty Kathy’ or passes all understanding. Now, I would rather ‘Mum’, because they know I’ll stand by them. lose every penny I’ve got and be homeless on the streets than be without God. And finally, what made you want to become a Reader? Why did you train with the Citizens’ Advice People know I’m a Christian, so some ask, Bureau (CAB)? ‘Can you pray for me?’ A while ago, I began to People sometimes come up to me and tell feel that God was pushing me somewhere. me they’ve been in prison, or something simi- And I felt I needed to know more. So I applied lar. I just say to them, ‘Ok. So what do you to train as a Reader. I knew it was going to be need now? What do you need me to do? I’ll do hard, because I’m dyslexic, but I still went – anything in my power to stop you going back and it was wonderful! I learned so much about into prison.’ But to help them properly, I need- my faith, about people, and about me. I didn’t ed to have the right knowledge. So I became a pass the University degree, but I got to where I CAB worker. With both knowledge and empa- needed to be. thy I can really help people – when I walk For example, there was a lad that no-one would sit and talk to because he was ‘all over the place’. So I sat with him and said ‘Let’s talk’. We talked for at least an hour, and after that he said, ‘Thank you very much. You made me feel human.’ And that’s the crux of it. It’s putting the humanity back. That’s what God put into me, and that’s what he gives me to do. He said ‘These are my people. I love them. You love them too.’ And that’s it. It’s not about me. You don’t pick your life, but you try to make the most of it. I don’t give any money, but I give myself. God gave me a gift, and I use that gift. ■■ What you can do: ■■ Items frequently needed: flour, oil, shampoo, other toiletries. ■■ The kids love chocolate and sweeties! ■■ You can deliver food to the foodbank on Mondays 9-12 and Thursdays 10-4, or to any of the supermarkets shown in the table.

Comings & Goings Appointments The Revd. Susanne Cooke, Rector of the Upper Tas Valley Benefice in the Diocese of Norwich is going to be Vicar of Doddington, Ilderton, Kirknewton and Wooler

The Revd. Richard Fillingham. Vicar of Newburn retired on 7th March, 2017

Vacant Parishes Cramlington TR Cramlington TV North Shields TR The Revd. John Carr, currently Bywell St. Peter, Stocksfield & NSM Assistant Curate Mickley Jesmond Holy Trinity & Seaton Hirst Newcastle St. Barnabas & St. Monkseaton St. Mary Jude is going to be HFD Wylam Assistant Curate, Cornhill w Prudhoe Carham & Branxton Embleton & Rennington & Rock Retirements Byker, St. Silas The Revd. Judith Grieve, Vicar Bolam w Whalton and of Whorlton St. John, Chaplain Hartburn w Meldon and All Saints College and Netherwitton Diocesan Vocations Adviser Mitford w Hebron will retire on 31st July, 2017 Blyth St. Cuthbert

Ovingham North Tyne & Redesdale Team (HFD) Tweedmouth, Scremerston & Spittal (HFD) Shotley (HFD) Bamburgh & Ellingham Shilbotel Cresswell & Lynemouth Sugley Chollerton w Birtley & Thockrington Warkworth w Acklington ■■ Expressions of interest for any of the above vacancies would be welcomed by the Bishop and Archdeacons

I am sitting at my desk with two documents open in front of me. On one side I have the collection of things people have written for me about why they want to be confirmed at the confirmation service I will take tomorrow. I always ask people to tell me why they want to be confirmed and the answers are deeply precious as confirmands describe the way Jesus has changed and filled their lives, and their desire to follow Him. These are wonderful encounters with the living God of hope… ‘I was going through a low time; inexplicably I decided that reading the Bible might help… the more I read, the more uplifted I felt...’ ‘I only found my faith recently, but it has already made a big impact on my life. Knowing God is with me has helped me… given me courage and confidence…’ ‘I want to learn to trust God more and more in my life’ God is living and active, and bringing life all around our Diocese! On the other side (actually in the corner of my computer screen) I have the e-mails that I have just sent to the leaders of the different Christian denominations around the North East about ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ (3 June, 7pm, Newcastle Cathedral – you’re all welcome!). One of the things we are asked to include in this great festival of prayer is ‘a few stories of things God has been doing in people’s lives’, and so I have asked my colleagues if they know of people who might have stories to tell. It will be really interesting to see how (and whether) people reply to this. Sometimes we get a bit cautious when people ask us questions like that. Our faith can feel very private, and although we know that God is with us, it all sounds a bit odd when we try to put it into words. I feel a bit like that for myself often, but the odd thing is that I never tire of hearing about the things God has been doing in other people’s lives, even when they think it is just ordinary. God is living and active, and the stories of what he is doing in real lives are encouraging, uplifting, and really helpful. They are a blessing to people who already follow Jesus, and they are often the way that people who haven’t found faith come to realise it is for them. So I have a simple question for you, and don’t worry – I’m not asking you to stand in front of a crowd as you answer! What has God been doing in your life in the last few days and weeks? And are you willing to talk about it when people are interested? And how good are you at asking what others are experiencing of God’s life-giving love? Stories matter! Your story matters! God is at work among us, so let’s be people who tell His story and ours and invite others into their place in His greatest story… the story of new life.

Gospel Readings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

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Thursday John 17.20-end Friday John 21.15-19 Saturday John 21.20-end Whit Sunday John 20.19-23 or John 7.37-39 Monday Mark 12.1-12 Tuesday Mark 12.13-17 Wednesday Mark 12.18-27 Thursday Mark 12.28-34 Friday Mark 12.35-37 Saturday Mark 12.38-end Trinity Sunday Matthew 28.16-end Monday John 15.12-17 Tuesday Matthew 5.13-16

14. Wednesday Matthew 5.17-19 15. Thursday John 6.51-58 16. Richard, Bishop, 1253 Joseph Butler, Bishop, Philosopher, 1752 Matthew 5.27-32 17. Saturday Matthew 5.33-37 18. 1st Sunday after Trinity Matthew 9.35-10.8 [9.23] 19. Monday Matthew 5.38-42 20. Tuesday Matthew 5.43-end 21. Wednesday Matthew 6.1-6, 16-18 22. Thursday Matthew 6.7-15

23. Friday 24. Saturday 25. 2nd Sunday after Trinity 26. Monday 27. Cyril, Bishop, teacher of the faith, 444 28. Irenaeus, Bishop, teacher of the faith, c200 29. Thursday 30. Friday

Matthew 6.19-23 Luke 1.57-66, 80 Matthew 10.24-39 Matthew 7.1-5 Matthew 7.6, 12-14 Matthew 7.15-20 Matthew 16.13-19 Matthew 8.5-17

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A bumper year for deacons 2017 will see the ordination of the largest number of deacons in this Diocese for many years. At 4pm on Saturday, 24 June in her Cathedral Church, Bishop Christine will ordain 14 people to the diaconate – a cause for real celebration. Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Canon Ian Flintoft said, ‘It is a huge encouragement to us that so many people are being ordained this year, and we give thanks to God for his gracious action in calling these women and men, from all ages and backgrounds, to his service in ordained ministry.’ After ordination they will serve various parishes and communities across the entire Diocese. Here follows, in alphabetical order, a short profile of each ordinand: please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for and begin ordained ministry.

Waldemar Nion

Rachel Hudson

Leanne Bell Helen Lunn

Alice Ward

Darren Bell

Alice Ward

– to serve at Holy Trinity Jesmond and St Luke’s Spital Tongues I’ve had a sense of God’s calling from a young age. When I was eight, I wanted to be a nun. I then had ‘glimpses of glory’ and of Jesus’ reality when I was confirmed as a teenager. As a student at Durham I decided to commit my life to following Jesus, thinking it would last three weeks, like most of my hobbies! Here I am, several decades later, about to be ordained. As I look back I can see how the Lord has been with me through all my life experiences: raising a family, working as a therapeutic counsellor, serving on the boards of organisations, starting a ‘Fresh Expression’ with my husband, Robert. I initially tried to ignore God’s call to ordained ministry, but I ended up on Ian Flintoft’s doorstep. I became more and more excited as I explored the possibilities, though with moments of apprehension. I was thrilled to be selected, and to train at Cranmer Hall. I’ll be serving as part-time curate at Holy Trinity Jesmond, and will also be rejoining the team at St Luke’s ‘Fresh Expression’ in Spital Tongues. I’m looking forward to discovering all the Lord has in store for us at both churches.

Darren Bell

– to serve at Holy Trinity Seghill and St Mary Holywell Looking back at my early life, I now know that God was always there for me, but it wasn’t until the birth of our youngest son that we became church-goers. After his baptism, it seemed like all the pieces fitted together and church life quickly became part of normal life. We were lucky to find a loving church community at Shilbottle near Alnwick. As my faith deepened, I got ‘the calling’ that people going into ministry often talk about. However, I needed to make sure that this was right, both for me and my family, so it was another three years before I began training. For the past few years we’ve been living at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. Training has been a real mix of emotions. It’s a mix of theology, mission, worship and formation. Formation is the key part that nobody tells you about. It comprises talking to tutors, fellow students, and visitors, and includes chance encounters on placement. It’s defined my time at Cuddesdon, and will make me a better deacon. I’m looking forward to serving the people of Seghill, Seaton Delaval and Holywell. I

know it will be an enormous privilege to serve as deacon but also an enormous responsibility; I’m equally excited and terrified.

Morten Grindvoll

Rachel Caro Gill Alexander

Gill Alexander

– to serve in the parishes of Haydon Bridge and Beltingham with Henshaw I was born and brought up in South Shields and the CofE, but left both to go to university. After an initial career in academia, a heart for social justice drew me to work in the voluntary sector and local government. I eventually moved back to the north-east, and have been privileged to serve as a public servant here for over 20 years, first as Director of Education and Director of Children’s Services in North Tyneside, and currently as Chief Executive of Hartlepool Council. I live in Hexham with my partner Bev and daughter Kate. Returning home has somehow led me back to the CofE; I served as a Church Warden and Lay Chair at Hexham Abbey for 10 years, and as a Lay Canon at Newcastle Cathedral. Ultimately, I could not ignore God’s tug towards ordained ministry. It has been an unexpected journey, and through the Lindisfarne programme I have met some amazing people who have helped me keep my feet grounded in God. I’m drawn to rural ministry in the Tyne Valley, and feel honoured to serve as a non-stipendiary curate in my new parish. I look forward to exploring the richness of God’s love for us, and the fullness of life into which God calls us.

Helen Lunn

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– to serve in the parish of St Michael and St Lawrence, Byker I spent my first thirty years of life growing up in a Christian home in London. I occasionally drifted a little, but never completely lost faith. I came to Newcastle in 1994 to take a one year course in Tourism at Northumbria University, and have been based here ever since. For a long time I told myself I didn’t feel called to ordination, despite questions about this from many people. I think living abroad made me realise that, despite its imperfections, the Anglican Church is where I belong. But only God knows why, when someone asked me five years ago if I had considered ordination, I began to explore. Now I’m amazed to find myself being ordained a deacon. I owe many thanks to St

Joanna Porter

Nicholas, Gosforth, my church family for over a decade, who have been supportive, interested and prayerful. It has been great to be part of The Lindisfarne Regional Training Partnership. Without them it would not have been possible for me to train, combining study with my job as a support worker for vulnerable adults. Now I look forward to my curacy in a new parish. I expect to learn lots and to be busy, and will aim to share God’s love with everyone I meet.

Judith Dobson

Jonathan Cooper

Joanna Porter

– to serve in the parish of Holy Sepulchre, Ashington I’m a West Country girl, being born and brought up in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, where I attended a United Reformed Church. I moved to Reading aged 18, where I met my husband, Neill. We married in 1993, and have three children: Ruth, Hugh and Owen. After moving around the country, we arrived back in Reading and lived opposite St Nicholas CofE church. We began to worship there, and I was then confirmed there. In 2006, we moved up north; my faith journey continued at St Mary’s Monkseaton. With young children, I stopped working and focused on studying with the Open University. I completed modules in religious studies, and graduated in 2010. I went on to complete several courses with Lindisfarne Regional Training. At the same time, I was part of a nurture group at St Mary’s, led by the Revd Canon Eileen Noble: a safe space where my calling to ordained ministry was supported and developed. I started training at Cranmer Hall in 2015. I’m delighted to be going to the Parish of Holy Sepulchre to continue growing in faith and to share Jesus’ teaching of love through servant leadership with the Parish and wider community.

Jonathan Cooper

- to serve in the parish of St Francis, High Heaton I grew up in the West Midlands and first thought God might be calling me to be an ordained minister in his Church at 15. Terrified,

I decided to go and read Chemical Engineering at Cambridge University, hoping God would leave me alone. Although I generally enjoyed my studies I had a deep sense it wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. I felt most ‘alive’ when singing in chapel, not in the lab. It was also through singing in chapel that I met my wife Sally. I decided to give God a go: I moved to London and spent a year working for a busy team of churches in Camden. The experience was transformative: I had found what I was supposed to be doing. God was calling me to be a deacon and priest. The Church decided I should train for ordination, and I moved to the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. The rhythm of prayer and study and the community life there has been incredibly precious and formative. Sally and I married at the end of my first year. We’re both excited to find out what God has in store for us in this new phase of life in High Heaton.

Judith Dobson

– to serve in the parishes of Doddington, Ilderton, Kirknewton and Wooler I’ve lived in Northumberland for most of my life, and in Glendale for the past 36 years. I come from a tradition of middle to high Church. I’ve been a Reader for the past six years, and have enjoyed my Ministry immensely, particularly having the privilege to minister to people during a bereavement, and taking funeral services. I look forward to my Ordination as I know this is my real calling, although it has taken me a long time to come to terms with God’s wish. I shall be

staying in the new Benefice of Doddington, Ilderton, Kirknewton and Wooler. I look forward to extending my Ministry to the people I know so well, and hope they will help me in my new role in the community at large. I will Neal be able to fully serve the Churches in Terry the Benefice and I would hope to play my part in extending the Mission of the Church in the surrounding area. Thomas We’re blessed to live in a beautiful part Sharp Northumberland, with many visitors to the area. I look forward to serving residents and visitors with the Nordic alike, in all aspects of Parish life. Lutheran Churches, so my later transition was smooth. Leanne Bell I studied in Oslo for two years before moving – to serve in the parish of St Peter Monkseaton to England, where I’ve now been for four years. After a career spent in law, first as a solicitor I spent one year studying at Cranmer Hall, and and then as a lecturer, becoming a priest was one year serving as a Pastoral Assistant in North the last thing I expected to be doing. I wasn’t Shields. It was here that I met my wife Judith. brought up a Christian, and although my She’s a proper Geordie lass, so I consider myself husband and I frequently discussed going to an honorary Geordie (or ‘Nordie’, if I may). After church, it was the baptism of our youngest child marrying, we moved to Cambridge, where I that provided the catalyst for our journey to spent two years studying theology at Westcott begin. Almost immediately, the sense of calling House. After so much studying, I feel very ready to ordained ministry surfaced, but I couldn’t to start my curacy! My main joy in ministry imagine ever being the person who wore is pastoral work, particularly meeting and the robes and stood at the front of a church. engaging with people, home visits, and music However, over the next few years God made it and liturgy. clear that first, it’s not about being at the front, it’s about being alongside people, and second, Neal Terry He’s calling me to do it. Looking back, I can see – to serve in the parish of St Mary Magdalene God was working in my life all the way through, Longbenton whether I was aware of it or not. I’m looking Originally from St. Matthew Newbottle forward to loving and serving the people in in Houghton-le-Spring, I trained in youth my new parish. On a personal level, it will be and community development, and worked wonderful for me and my family to be near the as a youth worker before taking the post of sea again after two years in beautiful but landDiocesan Youth Officer in Newcastle. At St. locked Oxfordshire. I’m excited to see what God Mary’s Longbenton I’ve undertaken various has in store for us and those we will be serving roles on PCC, spent ten years as churchwarden, over the next few years. and been active in teaching, worship, pastoral visiting and outreach. My particular passion Morten Grindvoll is for theology in film and the Old Testament; – to serve in the Christ the King Team both have featured regularly in Advent and I grew up in Kongsvinger (lit. ‘King’s Wings), Lenten study groups in the parish. For the past a small town in Norway. I initially studied sales eleven years I have worked at Newcastle College, and customer service, and was planning to open principally as a learning mentor supporting my own shoe-shop. But God had other plans young people facing challenges to participation for me! There was a significant moment in my and achievement in education. I’m now a faith life when I felt called to become a priest. Safeguarding Officer with lead responsibility After reflecting on this calling and talking to for promoting equality and diversity within the a local priest, I began studying at a Lutheran college, including transgender support and seminary in Oslo. The CofE is in full communion being responsible for multi-faith prayer rooms.

This utilises my previous voluntary experiences in international exchanges and interfaith youth work in the EU, including a post as regional chair for the British Council regional youth committee and with Toc H in Germany. Training with Lindisfarne has been an invigorating experience that has deepened and enriched my reflections on my own spirituality and my ministry in parish. I appreciate the opportunities this next step in my journey will afford.

Rae Caro

– to serve in the parishes of St Martin and St Anthony, Byker Before I began the discernment process, I was a scientist. I studied at Bath University, and gained a PhD in Reproductive Immunology from Glasgow University. In 2012, I began to feel more strongly that God was calling me to something else. I moved to Newcastle to be with family and explore the possibility of ordained ministry while worshipping at Holy Nativity, Chapel House. One summer I worked at Marygate House retreat on Holy Island. It was an incredible experience, and where I met my husband, Craig. I then spent a wonderful year as a pastoral assistant at Christ Church and St Augustin’s, North Shields working especially with children and young people. For the past 3 years I completed my formation training at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham. I have enjoyed the varied nature of the study and placements that I have undertaken there immensely. In October we had our daughter, Nyssa, and we’re so happy to be able to raise her in the North East. We would like to thank all the family, friends, clergy and congregations who have supported us so far with love and prayers. We can’t wait to start the next chapter and get to know and serve the people of Byker.

Rachel Hudson

– to serve initially in the parish of Morpeth My approach to ordination is rather later in life than I ever imagined even possible, let alone desirable! Age seems to be irrelevant to God! My sense of God’s call came unexpectedly and somewhat dramatically in 2014. Since then I’ve had to learn to love the CofE in a new way as I trained at Cranmer Hall. It has been something of a ‘return home’, having grown up in an Anglican clergy household. A former teacher, youth worker, and for the past 20 years counsellor and psychotherapist, I’m passionate about helping people grow spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. Morpeth parish was my sending church, so I’m returning to join

a ministry team that includes my husband Chris, who is a Reader. We have two adult children and a teenage grandson. Our ‘God of Surprises’ provides so many examples of the way in which we can meet and grow in faith if we allow ourselves time and space to explore. I love to help grow and develop friends and followers of Jesus through reflective prayer, retreat days and spiritual experiences.

Thomas Sharp

– to serve in the parish of Holy Nativity, Chapel House Although I’ve fallen in love with the NorthEast, I grew up in Winchester, in the deepest, darkest south. Through singing as a chorister at Winchester Cathedral I got to know large chunks of the Bible pretty well, especially the psalms. The music spoke to me deeply – I don't know what it was exactly, but there were some bits of sacred music I just couldn't get out of my head. When I started secondary school in Southampton, all that music and scripture stuck with me. I studied law for three years at University, but quickly realised it wasn't for me. I eventually went to spend 13 months with the Franciscans at Hilfield Friary in Dorset. After a good year of gardening, cooking and singing, I went to work at Pembroke House, a church and community mission just off Old Kent Road in South London. I loved the people there, and the life of the parish (which was loud and very colourful!). I’m now completing three years of study at Cranmer Hall, but will continue to study at Chapel House. I’m excited about getting to know my new parish; please pray for us all, and for my family who are split between Newcastle, Durham and Winchester.

Waldemar Nion

– to serve in the parish of St Peter, Cowgate Born in Normandy, I grew up in the southern France, and studied Neurosciences for two years before doing a BA in Roman Catholic Theology. As an altar boy in my home parish of St Sauveur (Holy Saviour) in Manosque, I felt God’s calling to the priesthood before even being baptised. The journey towards ordination has been long and incredible. When I left the Roman Catholic church at age 14, I was a teenager with a faith but no church and a calling that felt more like a burden than a gift. Eight years passed, during which I studied and worked in catering, as an RE teacher, and as a bar manager in night clubs. In 2013 I once again heard God’s calling in Durham Cathedral, and finally accepted the challenge of ordination within the CofE. I worshipped with the Anglican chaplaincy in Strasbourg, and started my discernment process with the Diocese of Europe. In 2014, I found a home in the Diocese of Newcastle, and worked as a pastoral assistant at St Peter’s Balkwell in North Shields before starting my training at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield. I’m now thoroughly looking forward to living out God’s calling in my new parish.

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generous engaged open

growing church bringing hope

Newcastle Cathedral Wins Donald Trump promises to make America great again, to facilitate a return to employment for redundant coal miners, and to expose global climate change as a myth or a malicious hoax. His intention is that the USA, a major emitter of carbon dioxide, will withdraw USA’s commitment to the Paris Framework Convention on Climate Change (2016), which commentators believe will render it largely ineffectual. At the same time Kim Jong-un of North Korea promises that his country intends to become a military power more than capable of holding its own on the global stage. Releasing such power into a theatre of war in South-East Asia would no doubt have serious consequences beyond human suffering, including potentially catastrophic environmental damage. It isn’t difficult to add to my short list, a list which is based on the egos of the influential few, and on a hunger for status in a competitive world. These silly games are played out on the field of God’s creation without concern for the destructive outcomes. As Christians, why do we stand by and let such events unfold? We have in our hearts Christ’s teaching on peace and love and, above all, on humility (Jesus’ own words in Matthews 5: 5 and Paul’s words in Colossians 3: 5 – 12). Yet we are to remember that we are not to stand on the touchline as judges (Matthew 7: 1 – 2) or to stand aloof, but to bring the will of God into a creation which will only be freed from its ‘bondage to decay’ (Romans 8: 21) when we exercise the power that humility gives us to change the world’s priorities from self-importance to self-awareness. Self-aggrandising power needs to be fuelled, and that fuel is drawn from the well of our indifference, because indifference implies approval. Many Christians are actively engaged in expressions of disapproval, such as longterm divestment in fossil fuel companies and careful purchasing choices – they will be blessed by their humility. Others, however, including many professional clergy amongst us, are more concerned with establishing management control in parishes. When ‘I am your vicar’ carries with it images of a managing director, privileges of status, and performance statistics, and not the humility of one who is the servant of his/her people. A church based on management criteria alone will serve only to provide fuel for the ego-hungry and will not change the world. Only when we re-learn the power of humility will we reverse what threatens to be a headlong charge towards global-scale environmental disaster – and this learning process involves all of us, in every aspect of our lives.

■■ A protestor dressed as US President Donald Trump takes part in a demonstration outside the US Embassy, in London, against Trump’s stance on climate change

National Lottery support

Newcastle Cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of Newcastle and the ‘mother church’ for the Church of England Diocese of Newcastle, has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant to help work on plans for a £5.8M project.

A

vision to return Newcastle Cathedral, Church of St Nicholas, to the community hub role it played for centuries has been given crucial initial funding. The HLF has awarded a £358,000 development grant for the Cathedral to work up the details of its £5.8M ‘Common Ground in Sacred Space’ project. This envisages extending the use and appeal of the Cathedral for a wide range of events, functions and activities, as well as making more of its history. This will link the historic building closer to everyday mainstream city life, and generate revenue to help preserve and protect the Cathedral for a sustainable future.

The Dean Chris Dalliston explains plans for the ‘Common Ground in Sacred Space’ project at the Cathedral Panoramic view of the proposed new nave

Aerial view of the Cathedral as it looks now

dominated the city skyline since the 15th cen- Mining Institute. tury. Internally, the Cathedral contains one of The Cathedral vision is ‘to bring 900 years of the largest collections of monuments and history into the 21st century by reviving the ledger stones of any Cathedral in England. It medieval role of Newcastle Cathedral’s also boasts medieval heraldic bosses, a fine unique building as a distinct space for worwooden font cover with elaborate Gothic trac- ship, events, and activities. The transformed ery, a superb collection of 19th and 20th cen- Cathedral will be a dynamic hub for commutury stained glass, and other outstanding nity engagement as well as a special place of examples of local craftsmanship. Two such prayer and spiritual discovery.’ In these finanexamples are the wooden screens and choir cially-challenging times, the Cathedral also stalls, carved in medieval style by Ralph Hed- needs to be financially sustainable, so transHistory and heritage of England’s northern- ley in the mid-19th century. forming the interior into an attractive and most cathedral viable events space is considered vital. The Newcastle Cathedral is a Grade One listed The project – next steps proposals include: building dating back to the early 12th century. The Cathedral now has up to two ■■ A new nave floor, with moveable seatWith the contemporary Newcastle Castle, years to submit a fully developed ing and under-floor heating to create built by Robert Curthouse, on its doorstep, project proposal before bidding an open and flexible space amid a hisand a thriving market town all around it, the for a further £4.2M HLF award. The toric backdrop. medieval Church had a very significant part to project will build on work that is ■■ Historic ledger stones – inscribed play in the life of the town. Its history and her- restoring Newcastle’s medieval slabs which were laid over graves inside itage are inextricably linked with the mer- heart. Other ventures include the Cathedral – will be prochants and industrialists who dominated the opening the adjacent Black tected, preserved, and country’s wool and coal trades; the latter Gate, upgrading the Castle their stories revealed. fuelled the Industrial Revolution and, in the Keep, and plans to enhance ■■ Attractive public spacearly post-medieval period, made Newcastle the Bigg Market. The proes around the Cathedral, the third most important town in England ject will further increase created by landscaping after London and Bristol. momentum for the area, the Amen Corner area Substantial extensions in the 14th century which has been further between the Cathedral gave the Church much of the form it has now. strengthened by a and Milburn House and Chris Dalliston Aesthetically, it boasts one of the finest lan- £600,000 HLF developland to the east, currently is over the moon tern towers in the country. This tower has ment grant for the nearby used as a car park. at the news

News from Lindisfarne Regional Training Partnership

www.lindisfarnertp.org

Hilary Elder talks to Phyl Carruthers, an independent student with Lindisfarne RTP As an independent student, Phyl Carruthers attends evening classes for a range of different courses. I asked her to tell me about the joys and challenges this brings. One of the challenges she highlights is returning to academic study after many years, or even coming to it for the first time: ‘it’s the same as everyone faces: using your brain to tackle a subject in an organised way.’ Support, from staff and from the course materials and the Resources Centre, is vital, and an important part of what is on offer. For Phyl, the best thing about studying with Lindisfarne is ‘joining with others who are on their Christian journey – it’s a real pleasure to meet other people of faith with a desire to make their faith accessible to others.’ But students don’t just do book-learning; the opportunity to do a placement has been invaluable to Phyl. Placements take place in a bewildering variety of settings, from prisons, food banks, with a funeral director to shopping centres and with businesses like the airport. Phyl is doing her placement at St Oswald’s hospice, and she says this experience has been both rewarding and profound: ‘if I did nothing else, I’d do that all

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over again.’ The mix of theoretical and practical learning is central to the course’s ethos. I asked Phyl what advice she would give to anyone thinking about becoming an independent student. She told me, ‘If you haven’t studied for a while, try a discipleship course like Pilgrim or Faith & Life first. I got into it because of Faith & Life, which gave me a taste for it and a desire to learn more.’ She also says, ‘take it seriously. It’s a proper commitment. You’re giving time and energy and making

a financial contribution, so you’ve got to be committed: the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.’ But if you have a longing to find out more about your faith and to move forward on your Christian journey, this could be just the pathway for you. Lindisfarne RTP trains people preparing to be priests or readers in Newcastle and Durham, but also trains a cohort of ‘independent’ students. These are people who want to explore their faith and discipleship as fully as they can. Their course of study is very similar to the trainee ministers’. They learn about the Bible, about church history and doctrine, and they learn the key skill of ‘theological reflective practice’ – thinking and praying about what you are doing in a structured theological way, to help you move forward with more knowledge, understanding and confidence. You can study to Certificate, Diploma or BA Degree level, with classes taking place in the evenings. The next academic year of study will begin in the autumn, so if you want to find out more, contact Lindisfarne RTP on enquiries@ lindisfarnertp.org or on 0191 270 4144.

■■ New visitor facilities in the Cathedral Hall complex. ■■ New interpretation will tell visitors of the history of the Cathedral and its civic role throughout the centuries. ■■ A programme of activities and events will aim to involve schools, community groups, and city-wide organisations. The provisional timetable for Newcastle Cathedral’s Common Ground in Sacred Space project is expected to be as follows: ■■ Development phase including consultation with stakeholders: approximately 18 months. ■■ Submission of Stage Two Application to HLF: Autumn 2018. ■■ All the capital / physical work (changes to the Nave, churchyards etc.): Easter 2019-Easter 2020. ■■ Official launch of the Common Ground in Sacred Space project: May 2020 – lasting for three years with activities, events, exhibitions, etc. and then continuing after spring 2023. Wider comment The Dean of Newcastle, the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that the National Lottery has given us this support. Our project will deliver a sustainable future for Newcastle Cathedral, an incomparable and historically significant building whose full potential is gravely jeopardised by failing infrastructure. In partnership with Newcastle’s Medieval Quarter and the wider city, we will capture the Cathedral’s historic role within the community, meeting the needs of new and diverse audiences including the vulnerable, residents, and tourists, and reclaiming its role as “Common Ground in Sacred Space”. This really now puts what was the medieval core of Newcastle on the map.’ Adrian Waddell, Operations Director at NE1 Ltd, explained the importance of the HLF support to the Cathedral for the city and wider community: ‘It is great news that another city centre project has attracted National Lottery funding. It is a mark of the city's architectural heritage and importance to the whole of the UK that it has been granted four major HLF grants in recent years: the Bigg Market, the Castle Keep, the Mining Institute, and now the

An artist’s impression of the cathedral square (by night)

An artist’s impression of the entrance Cathedral – all in close proximity to each other so really building on the area’s cultural importance.’ David Lawrence, a congregational member of Cathedral Chapter, added, ‘This is very welcome news for Newcastle Cathedral, and an incredible boost for the heart of the medieval city. The Cathedral has been very generously supported by so many over the years, and we are extremely grateful to all those who have made initial transformative work possi-

– Watch this space Due to space constraints this month we have postponed our pages on the Diocesan Vision. However, work is continuing on the 5 strands of the Vision, and we will be back next month with a report on the latest updates, particularly regarding Strand 3: Impact.

ble. Now, with significant financial support from the HLF, Newcastle Cathedral will be able to move forward to the next level of regeneration and bring our exciting redevelopment plans to life.’ ■■ To find out more and to get involved in the Cathedral’s Common Ground in Sacred Space project, please register your interest by emailing: [email protected] or telephoning: 0191 232 1939.

Loving God, We thank you for our bea uti and the many wild and wo ful Diocese of Newcastle, nderful friends You have made here throu gh the years. Help us to grow in Your like to welcome everyone You ness; call; to bring Your hope to our communities; and to share Your love wit h all. We ask all this through the power of Your Spirit, and in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A prayer from the yo people of St Mark’s, Shire ung moor

Well, it’s been a long time coming and sometimes we thought it would never happen but now at last, and at the third time of asking, we have finally had the good news: a Stage 1 pass for a Heritage Lottery fund bid for £4.75 million towards our nearly £6 million project ‘Common Ground in Sacred Space’. Following the success of our earlier HLF funded project, ‘Illuminating Stories’, which enabled the Cathedral to be rewired and relit, we have been developing an even more ambitious project to bring about a step change in our mission. This new project will transform the both Cathedral’s interior, with a renewed and re-ordered nave, and its exterior setting. This will enable us not only to be more creative in our worship but more imaginative in our events and the range of activities we can host. This will connect us more closely with the rest of the historic heart of Newcastle. We plan to engage with a range of ‘audiences’ who would not previously have thought the Cathedral was a place for them. We will look to greatly strengthen our work with schools and young people, and use the space we have to enrich our welcome and develop a more sustainable future for this great building. It’s very clear, however, that while we will invest in the fabric of the building, our main concern is to bring it alive for the ‘living stones’ – God’s people from near and far. The Cathedral’s primary rationale of course is expressed in its name: it is the location of the Bishop’s seat and the focus of her ministry to the Diocese. The Cathedral is Mother Church, with a special duty of care to pray for the Diocese and its parishes as well as to host key Diocesan occasions such as the Chrism Mass, ordinations, services of licensing, study days and much more besides. We take this role very seriously, and it is our particular duty and joy to offer hospitality to all who visit from the parishes of the Diocese for whatever reason. As the project progresses and we seek to define more clearly all that the future holds, we will very much want to engage with clergy and lay people from around the Diocese to discern how best we can be of service. We want the Diocese to be proud of its Cathedral, but also for the Cathedral to be of use to the wider Diocese. So do let us know what you think; share your ideas with us, and come and see what we are seeking to be and to do. And because we know it’s not always easy for members of our far-flung Diocese to get into Newcastle, we would be really delighted to visit you, to tell you more about our plans and to listen carefully to your comments and ideas. Although we already seem to have been on this journey quite a long time, the success we have achieved is in reality just the beginning of this new chapter in our history. We must now draw up the detailed plans to ensure our dreams become reality in the second stage bid. This must be submitted within the next 18 months. So please continue to pray for us, for our amazing staff, our wonderful project team, and for all who will be involved in the months and years ahead.

10 generous engaged open HAVE YOUR SAY

Link Crossword 133

ACROSS Compiled by Mary Sutton

What caught your eye in this month’s LINK? Is something on your mind? Or in your prayers?

3. Clothing for head of department about to meet ship (5) 7. Restaurant first introduced to brother (6) 8. It’s loaned for the time before Easter (4) 9. Cruel woman not completely in charge (8) 10. Quietly we returned small seats (4) 11. Girl – one on about tax – with member, unknown, of Christian organization (9,4) 15. Mean girl stealing (5-8) 16. Fibber left one beside a river (4) 18. Writer of Spanish article first seen after a month (8) 20. Fellow on time producing receptacle in church (4) 21. Chris unexpectedly receives European’s wealth (6) 22. Some peer I encountered is weird (5)

DOWN

Let us know, and we’ll publish the best submissions. Post: Have your say, LINK, Church House, St John’s Terrace, North Shields, NE29 6HS Email: communications@ newcastle.anglican.org Facebook messenger: m.me/ncldiocese Twitter: @ncldiocese

#DigitalDiocese – Launching #nclprayer and Link as a PDF

1. Man with a newspaper initially entering priest’s house (8) 2. Cigarette remnant in small container (4) 3. Party poster, new, showing thick slice of bread (8) 4. Record – one about long poem (4) 5. Careless hit-and-run (8) 6. Head of school at present finding wintry weather (4) 12. New vet near ecclesiastical leader for worship (8) 13. I move Ron upsetting one that eats a variety of food (8) 14. Member of the clergy – one seen in large church (8) 17. Hero being lazy, we hear (4) 18. New organ that’s close (4) 19. Decorative fabric left with expert (4)

Answers to Crossword 131 By Laura Ball Many of you have been asking if Link is also available online. The answer, as of last month, is: YES! We now have a link to a PDF version of the printed newspaper that you can view online and/or download. You can find this link on the Diocesan website under ‘News and Events’ then ‘Link Newspaper’. We would welcome your feedback on whether you like this PDF version, and how useful you find it. Our email address is below. On Twitter, the Diocese has a new hashtag: #nclprayer. We’re using this to tweet parts of the prayer diary on a daily basis, and to gather prayer requests from around the Diocese. Bishop Mark (@BishopofBerwick) already tweets the prayer diary entries for the Diocese as part of his prayer ministry; the rest of the prayer diary is now split between @NclDiocese and the Stewardship team account, @GenGrowingChrch. We tweet daily, so feel free to use these tweets as a resource for your morning and evening prayers –

search for #nclprayer to find the relevant tweets. Additionally, if there is anything you would like us to pray for, in your church or parish, or relating to people you know, send us a tweet using #nclprayer. All prayer requests will be prayed for at the Monday morning prayer services at Church House. Other hashtags we regularly use are shown below. Look out for posts with them, and invite others to join in the conversation: #prayforunity #ncldiocese #nclsynod #growingchurchbringinghope #nclcofejobs (for vacancies in the Diocese) ■■ If you would like advice or support with setting up or managing digital platforms, please contact the Communications Team at Church House on communications@newcastle. anglican.org. Resources are currently limited, but we will do what we can to help

ACROSS: 1. Resurrection 8. Scrum 9. Trainer 10. Nap 11. Necessary 13. Sauna 14. Roger 16. Elephants 17. Imp 19. Galilee 21. Image 22. Synchronised DOWN: 1. Risen 2. Scripture 3. Roman Catholic 4. Entice 5. Transgression 6. Own 7. Prayer 12. Anglicans 13. Sledge 15. Endear 18. Plead 20. Lay ■■ Our Crossword is sponsored by St Thomas the Martyr Church, One World Shop (The Haymarket, Newcastle upon Tyne). A Voucher to spend in the shop will be sent to the crossword winner. Many thanks to the Master of St Thomas and Staff at the One World Shop. ■■ Winner of Competition 131 was Mrs Lois Heslop of North Shields. ■■ Completed entries should be sent to: Competition 133, Church House St John’s Terrace, North Shields, NE29 6HS. ■■ Closing date Friday 7 July 2017

growing church bringing hope 11

Inspired North East

Noticeboard With Ian Bapty and Ian McCaffery

www.inspirednortheast.org.uk

Unexpected stories that unlock funding

When allocating grants, funders often prefer to support people and communities, and can view church fabric as secondary – a means of delivering benefits to people rather than an end in itself. Direct pleading for building repairs, however urgent, may not be convincing enough. This is where heritage can draw out the stories associated with our churches, and provide ideas for wider community benefits. Using these ‘hooks’, a narrative can develop that is attractive to funders and can unlock their funding. As an example, I was recently fascinated by a visit to the Roddam Mausoleum, which stands in the churchyard of the St Michael’s in Ilderton. The mausoleum has fallen into disrepair; the required refurbishment costs run to several tens of thousands of pounds. But there is a story here: Admiral Roddam, for whom the mausoleum was built, lived a long and active life in the 18th century. There are numerous stories of his swashbuckling sea missions during his naval career. This is an example where a funding application could include a community project around this local hero, researching his life and family connections with the church and local area. The mausoleum’s restoration could be part of a much wider activity plan. I found a second example when visiting Rock St Philip and St James. Here, my attention was drawn to an unusual and beautiful gravestone, which turned out to be the work of Nicolette Gray for her friend, Helen Sutherland, who died in 1965. Resident at Rock Hall in the 1930s and beyond, Helen Sutherland provided patronage to many leading artistic and literary figures of her time. She also supported the local ‘Pitmen Painters’ in the north east. A funding application here could focus on the artistic heritage and link to the Pitmen Painters, with potential to attract visitors and provide educational resources. Funding to maintain the churchyard could be part of this wider project. So next time you go to church, look around at the stones, the windows, the walls and floor. They often conceal unexpected that stories offer a rich tapestry extending beyond the immediate church community. This can potentially draw in a wider audience, and unlock funding for the future of your church. Ian McCaffery

■■ Portrait of Admiral Robert Roddam by Lemuel Francis Abbott (c. 1783, National Maritime Museum)

Update on GPOW closure

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has now confirmed they are closing the Grants for Places of Worship (GPOW) programme. Applications for the last round must be submitted by August this year. In future, church projects will either be channelled through the ‘Our Heritage’ programme (for smaller projects up to £100,000) or into the main HLF ‘Heritage Grants’ programme for larger projects. ChurchCare, the support resource provided by the Church of England’s national Church Buildings Council, have now published a briefing for dioceses in the light of the GPOW closure. This is available from the ChurchCare website and under ‘Latest News’ on the Diocesan website. If you currently have a project under development, particularly in the higher cost category of over £100,000, it is recommended that you get those ready for submission to the final August GPOW round to make best use of GPOW while it is still available. Needless to say, if Inspired North East can help in this situation, please do get in touch with us. We are also able to advise on other sources of funding that might be relevant regardless of the GPOW scenario. Ian Bapty

CONTACT DETAILS

Ian Bapty, Inspired North East Project Officer Tel: 0191 2704123 Email: [email protected] Ian McCaffery, Inspired North East Project Assistant Tel: 0191 2704116 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.inspirednortheast.org.uk

Thurs 25 May, 10.30, The Great Hall, Hexham Abbey. Mothers’ Union – Lindisfarne Archdeaconry Festival. With Guest speaker in the morning Margaret Sentamu, wife of the Archbishop of York and Mothers’ Union member. Booking essential so please contact Sheila Walker:smwalker59@ btinternet.com or 01434 322369. Thurs 25 May, 19.00, Brinkburn Priory, Ascension Day service – Choral Eucharist. Please join us and Corbridge Choir for our Ascension Day service. The preacher is The Revd Dr David Wilkinson. Everyone is very welcome. Fri 26 May, 11.00, St Mary’s Church, Stannington. ‘An Apologetic for Now’ – event for retired clergy. Bishop Mark will lead us in thinking about how we can shape an apologetic suited to today, for our conversations and teaching. We will gather at the church at 11.00, and later adjourn to the Ridley Arms. Please email Colin Gough at [email protected] if you would like to attend. Sat 27 May, from 19.00, New Life Christian Centre, Morpeth. Gather: Nights. An opportunity to deepen your relationship with God together in worship and prayer. For enquiries, call Jonathan on 07875 136 711. Sat 3 June, 19.00-21.00, Newcastle Cathedral. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ 2017: North East Beacon Event. One of ten beacon events in the UK. Families, friends, and neighbours from across the Diocese and beyond are invited to gather together at Newcastle Cathedral to worship and to pray for the empowering of the Holy Spirit for effective witness. Sat 3 June, 19.30, St Mary’s Church, Ponteland. ‘A Summer Serenade’ by Tyneside a capella, in aid of guidedogs.org.uk. Tickets are £8, including wine & light refreshments, available from Parish Office (01661 824 470) and on the door. Thu 8 June, 12.15-17.15 Resilience Workshop for those in Ministry: Developing Resilience and Performing Under Pressure. A half-day workshop for clergy and

lay ministers. The session will start at 13.00, preceded by a light lunch at 12.15. For further information and to register, please contact Peter Kenney on 0191 257 9512 or [email protected] Thu 15 June, 19:30, Prudhoe Methodist Church. Climate change is it real and does it matter? Dr David Golding, Newcastle University.  Free admission. Further information: bigquestions-anyanswers.org Sat 17 June, 14.30-17.300, Newcastle Cathedral. Messy Church Goes Large!!!! For all ages, especially if you’re new to Messy Church. T-shirt printing, icing gingerbread men, henna art and chalk art on the Cathedral floor. To register, please contact the Revd Rachel Scheffer on 01661 886 853 or r. [email protected] Tue 20 June, 18.00-21.00, Café Azure. Annual Diocesan LMD Network Event We will begin with food, worship led by one of the LMD teams and then a ‘market place’ format. All are welcome, even if you’re not a ‘signed up’ LMD parish! Please register your interest with Rachel Wood (r.wood@newcastle. anglican.org). Wed 21 June, 19.00, St Paul’s Church, Seaton Sluice. Supper event: Translation or Paraphrase. Find out more about these two processes, and discover which is the one church-goers tend not to understand. All welcome. £10.00 ticket includes a two course meal with wine. To reserve your place, contact Christine Bryars at cebryars@ btinternet.com. Sat 24 June, from 19.00, Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle. Gather: Nights. An opportunity to deepen your relationship with God together in worship and prayer. For enquiries, call Jonathan on 07875 136 711. Fri 30 June, 19:30, Knott Memorial Hall, Heddon on the Wall. Science and Christian faith - age-old enemies or natural allies? Professor Bill Clegg, Newcastle University.  Free admission. Further information: bigquestionsanyanswers.org

Keep up-to-date and see more details at www.newcastle.anglican.org/events

Ross Adamson: Over half a century as Churchwarden at Healey Ross Adamson has just stepped down as Churchwarden at St John’s Healey after 53 years of continuous service. He succeeded his mother, who herself served well over twenty five years. Together they were in post for over half the life of St John’s. 53 years ago, Ross was reluctant to stand, but the other warden, the indomitable Major Julian Warde-Aldam, insisted. Off they went to the swearing in at a freezing Hexham Abbey – it was always cold in those days. For some reason, the Bishop himself, Hugh Ashdown, preached. Afterwards, the Major turned to Ross and said, ‘Well, Ross, I hope you understood that?’ ‘I’m sorry Major, but I didn’t’ stammered Ross. ‘Thank God for that,’ came the reply, ‘because neither did I!’ The bond between them remained close until the Major’s death, when a new partnership was forged with Jamie Warde-Aldam, from the next generation. From 1964 until his retirement, Ross farmed nearby at West Minsteracres. He took over from father, who, fed up with the snows of 1963, bought a house in Cumberland and announced to

Ross’s mother that he’d had enough of the farm. She was livid. In those days whole families came to church and had to sit still for the entire service. Ross and his wife Chris (pictured) had five children. If they wriggled, old Mrs White in the pew in front would turn round and glower. Ross remembers that the farmers would fill St John’s at Harvest and Rogation-tide, but the break-up of smaller farms hastened the break-up of that community. Looking back, Ross cheerfully confesses to having enjoyed it all hugely, even when he was asked to bring a shotgun to PCC meetings to knock off a few pigeons in the vicarage garden. ‘The incumbent was very partial to pigeon pie - as well as rabbit pie, jugged hare and even crow pie’ he recalls. Ross was certainly kept busy. It was with a few twinges of regret that Ross decided to step down, but he and Chris will not give up on St John’s; on 30 April this year, they celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary with a special Eucharist at the church. As a sign of their affection, the congregation presented them with a garden bench.

12 generous engaged open

growing church bringing hope

Inherit the Earth: Matters A New Christian Aid Exhibition on Bolivia

Work with Canon Glyn Evans of Newcastle City Centre Chaplaincy

Did you hear the joke about the bin? It was rubbish! But at least the Council took it away… We recently held interviews for a new caretaker. I did something, and I can’t work out whether it was ethical or not. Perhaps you can help me with my dilemma? The door to the office where the candidates were being interviewed was right next to a bin. I decided that I would place a big piece of litter near the door, so it was obvious to anyone who came to that door. My purpose was to see who, out of the six candidates we were interviewing, picked up the litter and put it in the bin. So how many of them do you think picked it up? That’s right: None! Now, I was brought up watching the Wombles, so I don’t know if it was their influence, but I always pick up litter. So was I being ethical in trying to catch those interviewees out? Would Jesus have picked up the litter? The reason I did what I did was all about taking responsibility for our environment, and especially the one the caretaker was going to work in. As the saying goes ‘If it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility!’ Yes, the reason we all need to be responsible for each other, and where we are, is that we are all in the same boat! I love the fact that the roof of a church is built like an upturned boat. And that the word ‘nave’ and the word ‘navy’ both come from the Latin for boat, which is ‘navis’. But what about the word ‘responsible’? For me, this word has been hijacked by business. Some of our big companies have won awards for being responsible. Of course we celebrate with them, but what about those irresponsible businesses? Being responsible is not an add-on. I sometimes think we have started to accept irresponsibility, but we must continue to challenge it. We must all be good ‘care’ takers.

The Gift of Years

Incorporating Anna Chaplaincy Task Group Chair The Gift of Years Steering Group are in the early stages of setting up a task group and are looking to fill the role of Chair.

The Chair will have a strategic role to play in representing the vision and purpose of the task group and will provide direction and support. If you have an interest of working wither older people and experience of leadership please request a role description and background information from [email protected] Closing date for applications will be 30th June 2017

Visiting forest farmers in Bolivia

Y

ou and your church can show the impact of Christian Aid’s work in an easy, visual and accessible way with our new exhibition. Focusing on Bolivia, our exhibition is available, in its entirety, for churches in the North East to host. In October 2016, three supporters who have given to Christian Aid, either through a gift in a Will or in memory of a loved one, visited Bolivia to see the work of Christian Aid. The exhibition is based on their experiences. Christian Aid has been active in Bolivia for over 30 years. Due to the recent classification of Bolivia as a middle-income country, many agencies have finished or reduced their aid programmes to the country, leading to the withdrawal of several NGOs. This has, however, only sharpened Christian Aid’s resolve to remain in Bolivia to tackle the deep inequalities and pockets of appalling poverty that the figures often hide. Despite some growth in prosperity, there is still much to be done to bring about change for poor communities in

Listening service for adult survivors of abuse

We offer a confidential listening service to all survivors of abuse, particularly those who have experienced abuse within the church environment. Our professionally trained Authorised Listeners are available to support adults who need a confidential space to consider the issues they may be facing as a result of abuse. The service is free, and all Listeners have skills and experience in: ■■ Counselling; ■■ Managing sensitive and difficult information; ■■ Assessing and identifying needs for specialist support, and knowing where to find such support; ■■ Safeguarding children and adults at risk. ■■ They are also familiar with the church environment. If you have been abused, particularly within the church, or if you know of someone who has been abused, this service is available for you. If you feel the time is right to ‘tell your

Bolivia. In face of these challenges, the strength of the Bolivian people is sustained by faith and individual acts. Whether we see seeds being sown in a garden, or a community working to develop a flood response strategy, every day there is evidence of transformation. And this transformation is being brought about through support for Christian Aid partners and local communities. To place the exhibition in context, the Bolivian Amazon covers nearly 230,000 square miles (equivalent to nearly 2.5 times the size of the whole of the UK) and is home to more than 30 indigenous communities who call the

Amazon their ‘big home’. More than 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced here, and over half of the world’s estimated 10 million species (plants, animals and insects) live here. At the same time, the Amazon region is notable for its high levels of inequality and vulnerability. This relates in particular to the rights of indigenous and forest farming communities. These groups are also particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. During the past decade Bolivia has experienced the worst floods since records began. These floods have directly hit the communities where we work. For this reason, strengthening resilient livelihoods is at the heart of our programme there. ■■ If you are interested in learning more our work in Bolivia, hosting the exhibition, making a gift in memory of a loved one or leaving a gift in your Will please contact Emma in the Newcastle Christian Aid Office on 0191 228 0115 or [email protected]

TOWARDS A SAFER CHURCH

With Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Ruth Rogan

www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding story’, and have it witnessed and believed, you can talk to one of our Authorised Listeners. A Listener will offer three sessions. Together with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, they can also help and support you should you want to report your abuse to the police or your local authority – particularly if you have never done this before. If, as a result of being listened to, you decide you need ongoing counselling, the Listener and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will be able to put this in place for you. To access this service, please contact Ruth Rogan (contact details below). Alternatively, talk to a member of the clergy

who can make contact with me on your behalf. Further information can be found on www. newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding This listening service is a small step. We know there is more we can do, and we want to do more. We would like to develop our responses in partnership with survivors, so if you are an adult survivor of abuse, and have views about how the Diocese can respond appropriately and sensitively to your needs, please do get in touch. [email protected] 07825 167 016