Fine Cell Work exhibition at Bishopscourt

P9 Fine Cell Work

SEPTEMBER 2012 Trinity School’s mission to Tanzania By Ed Holloway

In July a group of five Trinity fantastic job of organising activities for the children including English lessons, games, Sixth Form students, Harriette songs and art. Artwork now hangs in the Dowsett, Faith Brackstone, Daniel churches of the villages. Pastor Festo, the and Joshua McDonald-Smith and pastor of the villages, who has eight churches, was amazed by the way that the students Antalia Terblanche, together with interacted with the children and the impact Ed Holloway (Assistant Head they had. He said that he wanted the Teacher) and the School children’s teachers to learn from what they had experienced with Trinity students. Chaplain, the Rev Nicky Teverson Our participation in the worship at the travelled to Mpwapwa Diocese Cathedral was a special time; we learnt some for a two week mission. Swahili to introduce ourselves to the congregation and sang during services! This Our aims were to work with orphans in was nothing compared to the choirs that we the villages of Chitemo and Nhyinila, to had the privilege to hear whilst in worship with strengthen the link between the Dioceses the community. The services in the Cathedral of Rochester and Mpwapwa and to support were inspiring to all of us and gave strength the work already being done by the Rev to our mission. Yolande Marcussen and Linda During our time in Tanzania we were able Wanniaratchy through the charity to spend some time with Bishop Brian (who “Seeds4Tanzania”. was also visiting the Diocese) and Bishop We were, from the outset, given an Jacob, Bishop of Mpwapwa. At a very special amazing welcome wherever we went! service in the Cathedral on Sunday 8 July, Following a long flight with little sleep, we Mpwapwa and Rochester 7 Years On Bishop Jacob baptised and confirmed loaded the vehicles with our 27 cases (we Harriette during a service in which Bishop had brought donations of gifts and school By Bishop Brian Brian ordained two deacons. What an event! equipment) and drove to Mpwapwa, a Nicky and Ed now have a God-daughter – 9 hour drive away. Throughout the often Three hours’ drive from Dodoma, the capital Bishop had asked if I would ordain as deacon something very special for Harriette, Nicky bumpy drive, people waved, smiled and city of Tanzania, the Cathedral of Mpwapwa two of his ordinands. And so, 7 years to the and Ed, the mission as a whole and the shouted “Jambo” – a truly magical bore witness in a powerful and moving way to week on which the companionship link had relationship between Rochester and welcome. The views as we drove were the the growing and deepening companionship been launched in Tanzania, on a Sunday Mpwapwa. beginning of an experience that would be link between the Dioceses of Mpwapwa and whose theme, designated by the Province of Tanzania is an amazing country, with life changing for the students. Rochester. Tanzania, was ‘Partnership in Mission’, the incredible people who have deep faith. The We undertook a wide range of activities; The link was formally launched in 2005 and Bishop of Mpwapwa baptised and confirmed time we spent there is something we will working in the villages with children who there has been an emphasis on developing a young person from Rochester and a Bishop never forget and we hope it will be the had lost their parents and were being cared relationships. It began with links between from the Diocese of Rochester ordained two beginning of a long term link between our for by a Christian community with deep parishes and extended to whole communities. young deacons from Mpwapwa. In a service school and the people of Mpwapwa. The faith was truly inspiring. The students did a There have been regular exchanges between filled with joy and stillness, with vibrant experience will stay with us forever. the two countries with close friendships being singing from local choirs as well as the forged. All involved in such exchanges have students from Trinity School, three young found their lives touched in profound ways. people committing themselves more fully to Over recent years the relationship has Christ symbolised how close the two First Lay Canon at Kondoa Cathedral developed further with Trinity School, Dioceses had grown and pointed towards a Belvedere and Bennett Memorial School, future in which they could grow even closer. Linda Wanniaratchy first visited Tanzania in Tunbridge Wells sending small parties of 2005. Representing Mothers’ Union, Linda, young people to experience the culture and who worships at St Augustine, Bromley faith in Mpwapwa by engaging with young Common, went on the visit to establish the people and schools in local villages. In a link between the Tanzanian Dioceses of recent visit, Harriette Dowsett, with the party Kondoa and Mpwapwa with Rochester. Since from Trinity School, Belvedere, decided to then Linda, who is on the Link Committee, has make the step of being baptised and done an enormous amount to strengthen and confirmed in Mpwapwa Cathedral. Harriette, a extend the link and has encouraged many former Head Girl at Trinity (who left last year others in their involvement with Tanzania. for university) and a member of her local Linda was recently part of the small group parish, had been contemplating this which visited Kondoa with Bishop Brian and, commitment for some time, but her to her surprise and delight, was told by experiences in Mpwapwa moved her to take Bishop Given of Kondoa, that he wanted to this significant step in her life’s journeying: she make her a lay canon of Kondoa Cathedral. was baptised and confirmed in his Cathedral Bishop Given, who became Bishop in May, by the Bishop of Mpwapwa. wants to introduce lay canons into the It so happened that I was visiting Cathedral and Linda is the first. Mpwapwa Diocese at the same time and the PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the October issue of The Link is 14 September at 4pm 2 ochester Link What’s on September couples at 6pm. Contact 01622 871272. Saturday 8 September HORTON KIRBY – Flower Festival: A Celebration of Take part in the Friends of Kent Churches Ride and Stride Charles Dickens at St Mary the Virgin 7-8 September to raise money for your church or chapel. Visit as many 10am-6pm and 9 September 12pm-6pm. churches as possible by bike (or walking). Visit TONBRIDGE – Heritage Open Days at St Peter and www.friendsofkentchurches.co.uk. St Paul’s Church 8 September 10am-4pm and Sunday PERRY STREET – Table Top Sale at All Saints Church 9 September 11am-4pm. Refreshments in the coffee Hall 10am-1pm. Free admission. Proceeds for the Church lounge and a craft exhibition to enjoy. Restoration Fund. For October Link please email What’s On events to SHORNE – Shorne Church Open Day at St Peter and [email protected] by 14 September St Paul 10am-6pm. Free conducted tours 2, 3, 4pm, no need to book. Afternoon teas 2:30pm-5pm. Information from [email protected] or 01474 822280. Celebrating Evensong at Rochester Cathedral From 28 September to 31 October 7:30am-6pm (5pm BECKENHAM Charity Concert in aid of Multiple on Saturday) an exhibition of 16 banners illustrating the Sclerosis Society at St Barnabas Church at 7:30pm. visual journey through Choral Evensong by Ruth Dent Vivaldi’s Gloria with the West Wickham Choir and the will be displayed at Rochester Cathedral. The display Beckenham Concert Band. All welcome. Contact coincides with the 350th anniversary of the 1662 Book 020 8650 3393 or [email protected] of Common Prayer. Ruth will be in the Cathedral each WILMINGTON – St Michael’s Church Open Day 12pm- Saturday and Sunday from 2pm 4pm. A BBQ at 12:30pm and afternoon teas at 3pm, plus performances by Phonenix Theatre Group and Wilmington Players. At 7:30pm a Celebration Concert with Northfleet Vocation Roadshows Brass Band. Concert tickets £5 from Sharon Richardson Here I am Lord: Archdeaconry Vocation Roadshow on 07749 615516 or visit www.stmichaelswilmington.org.uk 27 September at St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge at 7:30pm, 1 October at St Luke’s Church, at Wednesday 12 September 7:30pm and 2 October at Mascalls, Paddock Wood at HAYES – Hayes Philharmonic Choir: An open workshop 7:30pm. Everyone welcome. on Gilbert and Sullivan at 8pm at The Old Church Schools, 86 Hayes Street. Free admission. Metalsmith Overseas Links Service with guest preacher the www.steelyourself.co.uk Fancy a day out? Saturday 15 September Conscientious and reliable, Take part in the Friends of Kent Rt Rev Given Gaula, Bishop of Kondoa Ian Marshall provides new WATERINGBURY – Harvest Fayre at Wateringbury work and maintenance for a Churches Annual Sponsored 12pm-4pm. Including hog roast, children’s Come and celebrate our Overseas Diocesan Links with number of churches. art competition, fruit, veg and baking competitions, face Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Estonia on Sunday 14 To join his list of satisfied October at 6:30pm at All Saints Church, Oprington. customers painting and games stall. Entry £1 for adults, children free. call: 020 8850 7851 Saturday 8th September 2012 Focusing on Tanzania and featuring the Furaha or 077 6666 2747 10am to 6pm GILLINGHAM – Training Day with guest speaker Dr Tanzanian Choir, plus guest preacher the Rt Rev Given Details from your local church or from Rebecca Nye 10am-4pm at St Matthew’s Church, Gaula, Bishop of Kondoa Diocese, Tanzania, Carolyn Millen on 01622 843383 Wigmore. The day includes childhood spirituality, accompanied by his wife Lilian. Led by Bishop Brian To advertise in communion with tots, toddler groups in prisons and how the Rochester Link e-mail: [email protected] with Bishop James in attendance. www.friendsofkentchurches.co.uk to capitalise toddler groups. Tickets £5 with cooked lunch call 01752 225623 FKC Registered Charity No: 20721 provided. Contact 01634 230834. BROMLEY – Gratia Piano Trio (Bernard Brook, Amanda Thorpe and Noriko Motomatsu) play music by Schubert and Shostakovich at 7:30pm at St Mary’s Church. Admission £7 on the door. Contact 020 8464 1239. Sunday 16 September WEST FARLEIGH – Boot Fair by All Saints Church and the Sports Club at 2pm by the football field off Charlton Lane. Pre-booked pitches available for £10. Saturday 22 September CHATHAM – Affirming Catholicism Rochester is holding an open meeting at St Stephen’s Church 9:30am- Youth and Children’s Ministry Training 12:15pm. The Rt Rev Jonathan Clark, Bishop of Croydon, This course is run over three evenings from 7:45pm at will speak on the theme ‘Being catholic and radical in the St Mary’s Church, Leigh, TN11 8QJ on 19 and 26 21st century. September and 3 October. The aims of these sessions are to reflect on why you work with children BROMLEY – Birthday Concert by Carol Anne Wells or young people, explore learning styles, programme (Soprano), James Hay (Tenor) and Anne Clements (Piano) planning and resources and be aware of the basics in at 7:30pm at St Mary’s Church. Admission £6 on the safeguarding and good practice. To book contact door. Contact 020 8464 1239. Sarah Cabella on 01634 560024 or Saturday 29 September [email protected]. BROMLEY – 2-S-P Jubilee Concert with music by Masters of the Queen’s Music from Purcell to Bliss, and by Mendelssohn and Britten at 7:30pm at St Mary’s Christian Aid Tax Justice Bus Church. Admission £6. Contact 020 8464 1239. The Tax Justice Bus is a bright red double decker, Sunday 30 September which will be travelling through the UK and Ireland LAMORBEY– Mothers’ Union Sing for your Supper Finale this autumn, raising awareness of the impact of tax with refreshments 4pm-6pm at Holy Trinity. dodging on the poor and will be calling at two places in the Diocese: Various 15 September: 3.30-5pm, SEVENOAKS – Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke’s Church Tonbridge Methodist Church - at 12:30pm. Free admission. Refreshments from 12pm interactive exhibition on the bus 5 Ingrid Cusido – Piano and find out how your church (RL 09/12) 12 JCT Acoustic Jazz and Blues Trio: Jan Baker – can get involved. vocalist, Colin and Tony Baker - guitars 16 September: 6.30-8pm, St 19 Rosie Bird – Soprano, Vanessa Smythe – Piano Luke’s Methodist Church - join 26 Clare Graydon-James – Singer/Songwriter us for a service reflecting on NETTLESTEAD – Celebration of 60 years of weddings at Tax Justice with time for St Mary the Virgin 1-2 September. Open Sat 10am-6pm, conversation afterwards. Sunday 12:30pm-6pm, thanksgiving service with wedding ochester Link 3

What China’s rise could mean for the Global Church

By the Ven Simon Burton-Jones

Will China really rule the world in nations to the Washington consensus of free group; unity, harmony and stability will be the twenty first century? markets and onerous conditions for borrower cherished, with shame, not guilt becoming the nations. chief indicator of sin. According to projections made by It is hard to see the Chinese Communist Western Christianity has been so neatly Goldman Sachs, the Chinese economy will be Party maintaining its existing grip on a ensconced in a Western view of the world almost the same size as the US economy by burgeoning middle class, though the Party’s that these changes would be unsettling. We 2025 and by 2050 almost twice its size. The coherence with the traditional Confucian value should not fear a Sino-centric Church, magnitude of a national economy is usually a of a strong hierarchy is often overlooked by however, as it may bring a new and welcome predicate of its global influence so we might Westerners. The Church in China is growing slant to the faith we share. A compelling expect China to be calling the shots in due at exciting and formidable rates, though argument can be made that the Church in the course. largely in the unregistered sector. If this West has become too undisciplined and Some commentators (like Will Hutton) Church were to obtain essential freedoms in splintered by faction. The expression of faith dispute the sustainability of the Chinese time, its influence on the global Church would as a means of self-fulfilment is more important model of capitalism without the infrastructure be marked. If the last century belonged to than commitment to the group; individual of personal liberty which has marked the American Protestant Christianity, the shift in entitlement is preferred to sacrifice. There may Western approach; others (like Martin global power may lead to a more Sino-centric be an element of caricature in this description, Jacques) believe China’s influence will grow Church. but it is uncomfortably close to the truth to not just economically but culturally. There From this distance it is not clear what this warrant attention. remains a blithe assumption that as countries would look like, but it is reasonable to A fresh emphasis on discipline, harmony develop, they inevitably become more western suppose that its faith will be influenced by and the priority of the group may be an in outlook and appearance, but Jacques traditional Confucian values like Western attractive antidote to the slow descent from contends the West may become more Christianity has been shaped by liberal ones. liberalism into licence we are witnessing in the Chinese as a consequence of its ascendancy. If so, we might expect to see a more West. There are already signs that developing disciplined and hierarchical Church, with Welcome to Christianity with Chinese nations prefer the Beijing consensus of stronger authority being exercised. The characteristics. The Ven Simon Burton-Jones managed capitalism, where few questions are individual may become less important than the asked about the internal affairs of other

Bishop James’ Diary - September 2 Sept 1100 Preside & Preach: Halling 10-12 Sept College of Bishops – Oxford 23 Sept 1400 Wedding Fair – Bluewater 3 Sept 0930 Bishop’s Staff Meeting – Bishopscourt 12 Sept 1400 House of Bishops – Oxford 24 Sept 1030 Minority Ethnic Working Group – Lambeth Palace 4 Sept 0800 Kent Church Leaders’ Breakfast Meeting 15 Sept 1500 Collation of the Rev Helen Burn – 1930 Confirmation – St Lawrence, Seal 1930 Licensing of the Rev John Caster St Justus, Rochester – St Barnabas, Tunbridge Wells 1830 Ordination of the Rev Pam Rink as Priest – 26 Sept 1100 General Synod Business Committee – 5 Sep 1330 Ordination Rehearsal – Rochester Pilsdon at Malling Church House, Cathedral 16 Sept 1130 Royal Engineers’ Memorial Service – 27 Sept 1030 Dedication Service – Cheltenham 7 Sept 1000 Housing Justice Board and Staff Meeting – Rochester Cathedral College, Cheltenham London 1830 Confirmation Service: All Saints, 1930 Licensing of the Rev Rob Ryan – 1800 Ordination Retreat – Crowhurst Christian Belvedere Gillingham Deanery Healing Centre 17 Sept 1700 Bishop’s Council 28 Sept 1230 Welcoming of New Headteachers to the Diocese – Bishopscourt 8 Sept 1100 Ordination of Deacons – Rochester 18 Sept 1130 Churches Together in : New Cathedral Housing Meeting – London 29 Sept 1600 Confirmation – Malling Deanery at Wateringbury 1600 Ordination of Priests – Northfleet 19 Sept 1930 Licensing of the Rev Dylan Turner 9 Sept 1030 Patronal Festival – St Mary the Virgin, – Longfield 30 Sept 1000 Back To Church Sunday: Rusthall Hayes 20-21 Sept Rochester Leadership Programme – 1415 HMP Rochester – Closing Service for 1430 Hoppers Celebration Service – Five Oak St Andrew’s Monastery, Bruges Freedom4 1700 Diocesan Link Visit of Bishop Simon Green 22 Sept 1030 Preaching: Fellowship Day – Oketch – Western Kenya 1800 Collation of the Rev Dr Jeremy Ive – Burrswood Hospital Tudeley 1830 Re-commissioning Diocesan 23 Sept 1030 Preside & Preach – Barnehhurst Evangelists – Rochester Cathedral

Music@Malling

St Mary’s Church, West Malling, Friday 28 September: Saturday 29 September: Sunday 30 September St Lawrence’s Church, Mereworth and the The Carnival of Animals - Chamber Domaine’s Mendelssohn, Bingham, Watkins and Mozart Mozart and Mendelssohn - Sacconi Quartet Barn Chapel at Pilsdon are gearing up to Schools Concert at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm - Korean Soprano Yeree Suh joins Chamber with soprano soloist Yeree Suh at 1pm at play host once again to the Music@Malling at St Mary, West Malling.Tickets £5. Domaine at 1pm at Pilsdon, West Malling. St Lawrence, Mereworth. Tickets £15 International Music Festival from 27-30 Tickets £15. Chopin meets contemporary - Chamber Exultate Jubilate - Candle-lit concert at September. Domaine at 1pm at Bradbourne House, East Meet the composers - The opportunity to ask St Mary, West Malling with Chamber This year marks the 200th anniversary of Malling. Tickets £15. Judith Bingham and Huw Watkins about their Domaine and Jonathan McGovern at 7pm. Charles Dickens birthday and some of the music and inspirations at 6pm at St Mary, Tickets £20. composers Dickens most admired, Meet Charles Dickens - An hour of music and West Malling. Free. Mendelssohn, Mozart and Chopin, are in words at 6pm at St Mary, West Malling. A special pass for all events is available for focus along with the contemporary music of Tickets £10. Octet - Sacconi Quartet and Chamber £80. Box Office: Tonbridge and Malling Huw Watkins and Judith Bingham. The Domaine at St Mary, West Malling at 7pm. Tourist Information, Tonbridge Castle James Pearson and his band - At St Mary, programme includes: Tickets £20. O1732 770929 or www.musicatmalling.com West Malling at 8pm. Tickets £20. 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature

Finance Director £50,000 plus Benefi ts Near Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Founded in 1948, Burrswood is a Christian Hospital (licensed by the Care Quality Commission) and a place of rest and healing. As the only independent hospital in Britain which integrates medicine and Christian ministry, we provide a unique combination of physical, spiritual and emotional care which is well regarded for its treatment of patients including those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME. This is an exciting time to be joining us. Our extensive 10 year modernisation programme is now complete and we are looking to the future. Set in beautiful grounds and gardens, our state of the art facilities now include a 40 bed hospital, outpatient department for physiotherapy, counselling, hydrotherapy and medical consultations, a six room guest house for rest and personal retreat, and a church where services are regularly held. You will have a key role in preparing the strategic plan for the organisation as well as ensuring that an appropriate fi nancial policy framework is in place to guide our fi nancial decision making. You will provide accounting services to other line managers and advise the board and senior management team on the likely fi nancial consequences of all courses of action. You will also contribute to our capital development and fundraising strategies. Our Finance Director will be a committed and practising Christian with a CCAB qualifi cation. As an experienced manager, you will also need the strategic ability and hands on fi nancial management experience to secure a sound future for our organisation.

For further information about Burrswood, please visit www.burrswood.org.uk

For further information about this role, please contact Laura Spurgin or Rob McCargow of Cadence Partners on 020 7947 4963.

To apply, please email a copy of your CV and a brief supporting statement outlining how you meet the requirements of this role to [email protected] Closing date: 17th September 2012 OUT NOW! Burrswood Registered Charity no 1095940 The Latest issue of The Son

THE SON is a bright, newsy and uncompromising tabloid newspaper which aims to put Jesus back at the centre of society. Written and presented in an easy to read style, based on the UK’s biggest circulation newspapers, THE SON is an ideal tool to reach believers and unbelievers as well.

Why not use THE SON to reach your community? The Son hotline on 01752 225623 ochester Link 5 Seeking a new trustee for Hand of Compassion By Wendy Ely Despite living in such indescribable poverty, children have a glimmer of Award winning hope and better future through the church furniture makers work of Hands of Compassion Makers of quality bespoke school situated in Chipulukusu, a Church Furniture shanty township near Ndola in Zambia. The school works in partnership with the www.fullersfinerfurniture.co.uk Anglican Diocese of Central Zambia, and is designated as a Church School, registered Birchwood House with the Zambian Ministry of Education. Paul is one of their sponsored Grade 11 Rest Home pupils at High School, his sister Violet is in Residential Home for Grade 7. She is a School Prefect and leads the singing in the daily school assembly. Their the Elderly father died when they were very young, their Respite care & short grandmother was beaten to death two years stay available ago by local residents and their mother A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy committed suicide. reach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Paul and Violet moved to stay with their Verses1,2 These words are a comfort to Paul access to other basics such as clean water • All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call remaining grandparent who lives near to the and Violet as they trust God for His strength and safe accommodation are major issues. system. Lift to all floors. school. She has to look after four other Our children are now displaying a capacity to • Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered and help each day. for. children and survives by selling ground nuts at Director of Hands of Compassion, Wendy laugh, love and praise God” the local market in order to raise money for • Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. Ely says, "The situation is appalling, parents The Board seeks a further Trustee. If you • Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to food. Life is a real struggle, Paul and Violet die and so the children are left behind to fend are interested, or would like more information the local church. have had to endure such terrible hardships in for themselves. The lucky ones have a about Hands of Compassion, please contact Stockland Green Road, their young lives. grandparent, but hundreds are totally alone Wendy Ely, tel. 01474822683, email Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TU God is our refuge and strength, an ever with many older children caring for their [email protected] or visit Telephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559 present help in times of trouble” – Psalm 46: younger siblings. Severe malnourishment and www.handsofcompassion.org.uk St Martin’s Weekend

The anniversary of the consecration of Saint Martin as Bishop of Tours was marked on the weekend of 30 June and 1 July in the small community of Ashurst, a village consisting of fewer than 200 residents situated right at the edge of the Diocese. An ‘Open Gardens’ day was held on the Saturday. The drizzle and wind of the morning finally made way for sunshine and some scattered cloud and visitors from all around rolled up to visit the varied gardens on show, to view the recently restored Church of Saint Martin of Tours and to Michael Willoughby-Jones, Bishop James and Jeremy Syers have a cream tea in the specially erected marquee. Over £700 was raised in aid of Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester, officiated at a singing during the whole service was judged St Martin’s funds. Family Communion service attended by many to be some of the best that has heard in the The Ashurst Art Group added to the from the village as well as others from the Church for a number of years. A ‘Bring and event with a lovely exhibition in the Village wider parish. The specially-formed choir, Share’ lunch followed the service, a fitting, St Dunstan’s Hall which was open for the whole augmented by the Bishop for the occasion, enjoyable and appropriate ending to St Mayfi eld, weekend. sang the anthem ‘Iste Confessor’, composed Martin’s anniversary day, and to what had On the Sunday the Rt Rev James by Scarlatti in honour of Saint Martin, and the been a most successful weekend. East Sussex is seeking a Children and Music Makers Required – All Ages!! Families Worker to develop and support We live at a time when the relationship musicians from all areas and persuasions are music, and the important role music plays in between the Church and British culture is work with young people in meeting to make music, not just for personal worship, few would doubt that statement. Do the Parish. increasing fractured. Our culture, shaped by benefit but to support churches and charities. we believe in a God whose love reaches public holidays marking the Church’s year, Meopham Brass was formed some while beyond the four walls of our church buildings? The post will be part time for an initial period of 3 years. used to bring people to the Church’s door. ago to bring together Christian and Meopham Brass and Meopham Community Prayer and hymns were learned in school non-Christian musicians. Ages range from Choir form part of a bridge-building exercise This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement creating an overlap between Church and 16 to 80 and classical, non-classical and reaching out to society today and you could for the post holder to be a Christian. For culture. These days, British culture leads only Christian music form the basis for concert further details, please visit our Church be involved! Website at www.stdunstansmayfi eld.org.uk. a minority to the Church’s doors and a performances. Tuition is available and brass players, majority to many other doors. The Church’s Recently director of music at St John’s musicians and singers of all abilities (and Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 19th September 2012. worship, now has to play its part in the Church, Michael Wicker has formed Meopham none) are welcome. Contact St John’s Centre changing context of mission’. Interviews will take place on Friday, Community Choir. Wherever you are located Office on 01474 813106 or e-mail 28th September. In today’s increasingly fractured society you can join either of these groups. [email protected]. music can have a healing and unifying effect. It is often said ‘music is a God-given gift’. This post is subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure. Based at St John, Meopham, singers and With the beauty of Church and classical 6 ochester Link 25th Anniversary of the ordination of w

By the Rev Pamela Ive

The Rev Pamela Ive has been a contacts with guides and brownies, I listen to distinctive deacon at All Saints what they want. My message is, "This is your parish". I think the priest looks after the church in Tudeley for 13 years. gathered church, but I am out in the Previously a primary school teacher in community identifying needs. I have a different Cornwall, Pamela was ordained deacon in focus from the parish priest. The most the Diocese of Exeter 22 years ago. She challenging aspect of the work is encouraging said, "The role of distinctive deacon is children's work. When my children were 3 and becoming clearer. We are the go-between. 5 years old, they were the only children in We operate in the margins of society often. church! It's been very rewarding to see that This is a missional, ambassadorial role - part of the church growing. It's very satisfying deacons and pioneers are similar. For helping people in the community meet God in example, I work in "messy church", I have a way that's easy for them."

In 1987 the as time progressed deaconesses were to be ordained women as clergy into the found in other extra parochial jobs. areas. Helen Barnes, a Rochester-trained order of Deacon. It is that 25th deaconess was appointed in 1895 to the anniversary which we celebrate this Naval Depot in Chatham working with the year. wives and children of sailors and helping sailors with domestic troubles. There was a 2012 sees two significant anniversaries in deaconess attached to the naval base in terms of ministry. 25 years ago the first Chatham until 1958. A Chatham orphanage women were ordained as deacons. Their was relocated to Gillingham and run by a ministry was certainly made easier by the Deaconess. The work of the Rochester women whose ordination took place 150 Diocesan House further diversified as other years ago although then the ordination was deaconesses, trained in the Rochester not clerical ordination but lay. On 18 July institution which was so highly regarded, went 1862 was ordained as a to work in India, China, Japan, New Zealand Deaconess by Bishop Tait, Bishop of London. and Australia as well as other dioceses in The restoration of an Order of Deaconesses England. was the Church of England's response to the In 1905 when the Diocese underwent social conditions of the time. The Diocese of reorganisation; the Deaconess House, now in Rochester had a significant part to play in the Clapham, was renamed The Rochester and restoration of the Order and in encouraging Southwark Diocesan Deaconess House and and developing the ministry of these held in people’s homes in neighbourhoods During the 2nd World War one woman, this later went on to be named Gilmore pioneering women. where the residents felt uncomfortable Kathleen Pratt, was ordained as a deaconess House. It is in Southwark Cathedral, not In 1886, the Bishop of Rochester, Anthony entering church or were unable because of so that she could serve in the parish in which Rochester, that Isabella Gilmore is Thorold, reviewing the Diocese, recognised lack of shoes or clothes for the children. In her husband was incumbent. A theology commemorated. that it presented challenges. It was made up one church, when baptisms were required, a graduate, she had served as a missionary in During their early years the deaconesses of rapidly growing urban areas in London dark evening midweek service was arranged China but her husband was required to work carried out social action for the church and south of the river as well as the more so that the women could come out in ragged as an Intelligence Officer in the War Office. In had few duties within the church and the prosperous rural areas in the south. He clothes as they would have been ashamed to his absence, she took services except for liturgy. As times changed and other agencies wanted to introduce the ministry of be seen in a Sunday service. The Communion for which there was a visiting took on social action, so deaconesses' focus deaconesses to assist the clergy in the poorer deaconesses were the pioneers of their day, priest. Legal changes had made it possible by of ministry changed. Over time, society took areas and sought a suitable candidate to run working in the community in what we might then for Deaconesses to conduct Morning on more social care, the deaconesses’ jobs the diocesan deaconess house. He invited now term Fresh Expressions but their role was and Evening Prayer, and to preach at these changed and the training given reflected this. Isabella Gilmore, a naval widow, to take on still limited in terms of taking part in the liturgy services as well as to baptise at "private" What we today would call Continuing this role. Her call was confirmed in a service in Sunday church services. The work of the baptisms in the absence of a priest. Ministerial Development was also expected of of Morning Prayer and later she wrote "it was Deaconesses in the poorer areas was partly As the deaconess training houses closed, the Deaconesses by Isabella Gilmore. The just as if God’s voice had called me, and the funded by monies raised by the wealthier so deaconesses began to be trained with men Rochester House had led the way in intense rest and joy were beyond words." parishes of the Diocese to whom Isabella who would be ordained as deacons, before expecting high intellectual standards of the Having accepted this call, the Rochester Gilmore appealed. being priested. The training for clergy began deaconesses. In 1893, the Rochester Deaconess House was established and During the 20th century there were to have more pastoral elements as well as Institution had introduced Christian Evidences Isabella was ordained by the Bishop in 1887. significant changes to the job of the theological ones. to the subjects which deaconesses were Deaconess Gilmore was determined that deaconess and their work became far more As time progressed and women were seen expected to cover. The general standard of her deaconesses should be trained properly in church based but still often working with exercising a public ministry, deaconesses education was rising, people were questioning order to minister effectively. They were women, children and preparing parents for were, in some parishes, far more involved in more and Isabella Gilmore thought it expected to have knowledge of the Poor Law, Baptism. When new housing was built in the liturgy and yet it still remained a lay order. necessary for her deaconesses to be able to the Health Act, Sanitary Officer’s Work, and 1930’s with large estates of people relocated Other denominations began to open clerical answer the theological questions which they elementary nursing. They did not carry out all from the cities and cut off from the support of ordination for women. The Congregational encountered. Whilst there may have been an the social work but could direct people to families, deaconesses would often find work Union ordained the first woman minister in emphasis on social work, Isabella was quite other agencies where help could be found. there, again in a pioneering situation. Other 1917, the Baptists in the 1920’s, the clear that it was not just nursing that These women worked long hours in the deaconesses worked with women in the Methodist’s first female presbyter was deaconesses were carrying out; deaconesses parishes to which they were sent. They services, were hospital chaplains and worked ordained in 1974 but it was not until 1987 were there to minister to people’s spiritual worked under the authority of the incumbent in education establishments such as teacher that the Church of England ordained women needs also . There were midweek meetings of the parish, often having to win approval, but training colleges and girls' schools. as clergy into the order of Deacon. It is that ochester Link 7 women as deacons

25th anniversary which we celebrate this year. world-wide as they develop a Distinctive remains a deacon is "distinctive". This is symbolic of the focus of diaconal ministry and In a church with a threefold order of Diaconate. In the Bible, there are instances of because there is a distinctive focus to their a deacon is expected to bring a prophetic Deacon, Priest/Presbyter and Bishop, men and women in the early church being ministry. Deacons from the time of the early voice to the gathered church, helping it to Anglican deacons had become almost entirely referred to as deacons or doing "diakonia". It church have had a particular relationship with carry out mission. The go-between dynamic is a transitional order. After one year of ordained is often difficult to decide whether this is as the bishop who, in an understanding of the interesting as the dynamic of going out but ministry, the men ordained as deacons would an ordained deacon or simply as a form of deacon as an ambassador, is the one who coming back is one which we see which we then be ordained as priests. But in 1987 service which Jesus’ disciples are expected to gives the deacon with a particular task. In can see with Christ himself, going out into the when women were ordained deacons there do. But Collins’ study into more ancient some dioceses and in other parts of the world but always returning to the Father. The was no legislation which enabled them to be writings in Greek helped to define what the , bishops have positively Mission and Ministry of the Whole Church ordained as priests and yet many women felt focus of an ordained Deacon should be. encouraged the ministry of Distinctive report of 2007 sees this dynamic ministry of called to priesthood. There was no pattern for Deacons and people doing diaconal things in Deacons. In the Exeter Diocese, the role is deacons as being akin to pioneers which is, in a permanent diaconate, and they were not ancient writings were often go-betweens, particularly understood to be that of an some sense, what the deaconesses were, deaconesses in the previous sense. Until ambassadors from an important person to ambassador. Going from the church and “The Ordained Pioneer Ministry that is now 1994 when they could be ordained as priests, others. A good example Collins quotes is to working in the community, one in a hospital, being developed in the Church of England some clerically ordained women lived in an be found in classical Greek literature; Hermes another with a prison ministry, whilst others appears to lend itself to the ministry of ecclesiastical no-man’s land. But at the same the messenger of the gods, is often exercising work with those on the fringes of the Church deacons….. As those who cross boundaries, time there were other things happening in the diakonia on their behalf. In the New community as well as the un-churched. make connections and bring people together, world of deacons, not just in the Church of Testament, deacons are mentioned working The important factor is diaconal ministry is deacons are well placed to move into the England but elsewhere. with bishops and with presbyters (priests). to be that of a go-between, operating both in challenging new contexts, with their network In 1990, an Australian academic, John N They did not necessarily carry out humble the wider community but also playing a relationships, of mission and evangelisation.” Collins published the results of his work into service as is often the focus which people distinctive role in the liturgy. This liturgical role In reflecting on the anniversaries of both the word diakonia. This Greek word is give deacons, but often in the early church, has historically been in preparing the table at women deaconesses and deacons it’s clear to translated variously as "ministry" and "service". deacons might have been given the task of Communion, reading the Gospel, calling see how both ministries changed and evolved Collins’ work was to transform the administering charities on behalf of the bishop people to repentance in the prayers of over time as the Church has responded to the understanding of what a Distinctive Diaconate or acting as an ambassador between penitence and leading the intercessions, as mission to which all are called by God. should be. How he redefined the diaconate churches. well as preaching. These are tasks which are has been taken on-board by denominations The preferred term for a deacon who shared with laity and priests but they are

St Paul’s Church, Anerley – Urban Beach 2012 St Paul’s Church, Anerley, part of the Anerley Team Ministry (with Christ Church Anerley) – held an Urban Beach in their church car park, from 7-12 August. A team from the church under the leadership of the Rev Cathy Gardiner converted the church car park into a beach with over 14 tons of sand, so that the local community can come together and enjoy all the fun of the beach in their own backyard. All the activities were free and included sand castles, games, face painting, hair braiding, candy floss, food and, above all, the beach. Cathy said, “Our vision at St Paul’s CONTACT US Church and in the Anerley Team Ministry is News and letters to the Editor: for our community, a place where everyone /#(%34%2 is included and making a contribution and Email: [email protected] above all reaching their God given potential Telephone: 01634 560000 – we have been excited and encouraged by the number of people, over 100 on Thursday 0ROCLAIMING THE WORD  WORK OF 'OD alone, who have simply come because NEXT COPY DEADLINE ,INK they’ve seen the beach from the street and September 14 for October Link wanted to join in the fun.” The beach event ended on Sunday with ADVERTISEMENTS an open air “beach service” followed by a community BBQ – Cathy clearly sees this Email: [email protected] as just the beginning: “We have an exciting Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. Images must be submitted idea for the community this Christmas”, she as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting said. and we will try to do the rest for you.) 8 ochester Link New for September

Tom Wright’s distilled meditations on the practice of prayer. tb

Available at all good bookshops and online. www.spckpublishing.co.uk ochester Link 9 Fine Cell Work

Fine Cell Work is a social enterprise that trains convicted prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the hours spent in their cells to foster hope, discipline and self-esteem. Across the UK, prisoners are filling their days embroidering highly-crafted cushions, rugs, cards and patchwork quilts. The work is St Mary, Shrewton, Wilts of a superb quality, as prisoners are taught Fine furniture for church and home and supported by volunteers, many from the Ronald Emett Embroidered Guild. Craftwork can help prisoners discover a 01308 868025 [email protected] more constructive side to themselves. They Visit me at can learn new skills and help support their www.ronaldemettfurniture.com families with the money they earn. Fine Cell Work gives prisoners a brighter outlook on CHURCH PEWS their future. Tapestry pieces include professional commissions for artists, UNCOMFORTABLE? WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY designers and public organisations. UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Some Fine Cell Work pieces have also been Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, created for institutions such as the V&A, Tate Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 and Royal palaces. Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail From personalised wedding ring cushions When phoning please quote RL0912 to ecclesiastical orders, prisoners make handmade tailored pieces, gifts and artworks. An opportunity to support They can work to your design, or are happy to help create designs in a wide range of styles. a church as Organist at a Fine Cell Work commissions have a meaning and provenance and there is nothing time of change and growth quite like them available. The Parish of Hoo St Werburgh on the Hoo Ex-prisoner Carl (now 41) said, "I was in Peninsula wants to develop the gifts of the choir prison for seven years. When you are in and congregation. prison, you are angry with everyone. You are You will be a skilled musician with experience in sitting in a cell, thinking about what has been leading worship with the organ and the piano. You just eight days." If you would like to visit the exhibition and will be happy to lead worship in a range of styles, taken away from you and you are angry about The painstaking work needs diligence and sale in Rochester, please visit Bishopscourt, both traditional and modern. The ability to build up what has been taken away. I first started and motivate a choir will be an asset. The Vicar and motivation. Carl said, "When I started, there 24 St Margaret's Street, Rochester, ME1 1TS Church Wardens are happy to consider somebody tapestry cushions to earn some money so I were not many people doing this. It was between 10.00am and 4.00pm on Saturday looking for their fi rst appointment as an organist. could contact my children. It was just about regarded as a bit 'girlie', but I'm a big fellow, 15 September. If you would like to be the money at first, but it's not a lot of money. You can either commit to every Sunday or you may so I didn't get too much stick! After a while, I involved in Fine Cell Work, visit want to job share offering one or two Sundays a In the beginning, one cushion could take me found that the work helped calm me down - it www.finecellwork.co.uk To watch the Fine month. Payment will be based on RSCM rates. six to seven weeks, working seven to eight A CRB check will be required. was a calming influence. It's a great thing to Cell Work film, visit www.rochester.anglican.org hours a day. In the end, I could finish one in do to rejuvenate your life. Once you have and look under Noticeboard. If you are interested please contact done it for a while, it's second nature and you Reverend John Smith on 01634 250291 or [email protected] can think about anything you want. I also made some cushions and quilts for my children. I think it teaches you that you have to make an effort in life to achieve anything." Carl became so accomplished that, for his last two years, he was a teacher for the programme. He said, "I can teach people to make tapestry cushions, bags and quilts, but the funny thing is I can't sew a button on a shirt! You do get a lot of satisfaction from the work - one of my pieces is on display America. It's good to know your work is out there." An ex-offender, Carl is now working full time, has a new partner in his life and has regular contact with his children. MELROSE BOOKS Established 1969 DO YOU HAVE Stewardship Clergy Training A BOOK TO By Alan Strachan, Stewardship Advisor PUBLISH? Please contact Mrs V. Potgieter for details of our comprehensive publishing package - Tuesday 23 October 2012 at to John Preston. We will be holding one of Melrose Books (Ref: RL) St Andrews Church Paddock Wood these events in each of our Archdeaconries, St Thomas’ Place, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4GG - Wednesday 23 January at St Justus and we have agreed with Archdeacon Clive Telephone: Church Rochester Mansell that Tonbridge will be the first one. 01353 646608 - Wednesday 6 March at Christ Church, As John spends much of his time travelling Email: [email protected] Chislehurst the country talking to other dioceses on what practical steps you can take as a PCC • TAX RETURNS The theme for these days will be ‘Nurturing Chairperson on stewardship, Archdeacons • ACCOUNTS a Culture of Generosity’ and will be run by Clive, Simon and Paul do urge you to attend • BOOKKEEPING the Church of England National one of the sessions within each of the • VAT Stewardship Officer, Dr John Preston. If you Archdeaconries. These sessions are • PAYROLL would like to know more on how to take a recommended for all clergy whether you feel Friendly, ethical and efficient service at a holistic view of generosity in your role as a uncomfortable talking about giving or you reasonable price. Christian leader, and you would like more have regular stewardship discussions in your Let us help you claim what you are entitled to information on teaching, preaching and parish, one of these days is for you and and take the stress of tax out of your life. giving for your mission and ministry as a should not be missed. Please complete the Contact Trevor or Sharon on 020 8090 9646 preacher then you do not want to miss out application form on line via our website under or email [email protected] on this unique opportunity to listen and talk learning then courses. Dr John Preston www.trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk 10 ochester Link Advertising Feature

Open Morning Saturday 22nd September 2012 10.00 am - 12.15 pm The Headmistress and students will talk at 11.00 and 11.45am Walthamstow Hall Senior School is a selective Independent Girls’ Day School in Sevenoaks for pupils aged 11–18 years.

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We offer an enriched curriculum delivered knowledge, skills and personal qualities that they through inspired teaching and further enhanced need to excel in life. by a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities. This is provided in a supportive Christian setting Our bursary scheme provides financial help with which has outstanding facilities. Recent additions school fees based on a family’s financial circum- to our campus include a 25 metre swimming stances. The scheme includes our Founders’ pool, a Drama Studio supporting our existing Bursary, which pays nearly 100% of a pupil’s theatre, a suite of 4 Mathematics classrooms, a school fees throughout their time at the Senior Design Technology Classroom and a large Music School. Scholarships and other financial awards, rehearsal space. worth up to 50% of fees, are also available to those students who demonstrate exceptional potential Our School’s success is evident in our outstand- academically or in music, drama or sport at 11+, ing 2008 ISI Inspection Report and 13+ and 16+. well-established record of exceptional public Walthamstow Hall Senior School examination results (we teach GCSE, IGCSE, Holly Bush Lane A level and Cambridge pre-U courses). Most Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3UL importantly our students are motivated and 01732 451334 interested girls who develop confidence in their For more information and own abilities and leave school at 18 secure in the the latest news from school visit www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk ochester Link 11 Praying the way

Back to Church Sunday St Luke the Evangelist, Gillingham: Thanks 30 September for a good response for the new people, for outreach young families. Bromley and Bexley Strood Deanery Bromley Deanery Cliffe: For confirmations on 17 October. For all those in interregnum Cuxton and Halling: Bishop James’ visit on St Augustine, Bromley Common: For our 2 and 29 September. musical talent in morning worship. St Mary, Bromley: For our parish primary . Christ Church Bromley: For the Ventures Sevenoaks Deanery Summer Camps. St Nicholas, Sevenoaks: Centrepoint Houseparty. For the Marriage Course. Erith Deanery Kippington: Thanks for Diamond Jubilee Fete Northumberland Heath: Messy Church, and for a generous donation from a church Parade Service, Muddy Boots and Muddy member for it. Shoes, Churches Together. Chevening: For Curate Sophie Sutherland. Christ Church, Bexleyheath: For our Mission Weald: Service and run on 2 September. Action Plan. Holiday Club Day, talk from a Palestine St Augustine, Belvedere: For Fr Clive Jones’ Christian, Harvest Supper. new ministry to London City Airport. Tonbridge Deanery Orpington Deanery For all our clergy and youth leaders. Snodland: For our new prayer walk, proposed Church of Unity at Ramsden: For all Tonbridge Parish Church: Parish Away Day. dementia group and for our church hall outreach events. For our young people in new beginnings. All Saints, Orpington: Thanks that families project. Tunbridge Wells Deanery from Tots Group are coming to baptism. Dartford Deanery Burrswood: For Dr Gareth Tuckwell retiring Chelsfield: For Harvest Festival, gifts to the For the Foodbank, organised by the churches. Rusthall: For our Mission to Seafarers on Foodbank. For those in an interregnum 16 September. St Barnabas, Cray: For opportunities to Stone: For fund-raising for our new church St Mark, Tunbridge Wells: For Brian and serve the community. hall. Jenny Fortnum, retiring on 16 September. Christ Church, Orpington: For the St Edmund, Dartford: For The Bridge Bennett Memorial Diocesan School: For the appointment of a new youth team. development & the moving of the Holy Spirit. start of the new school year. Sidcup Deanery Gillingham Deanery St John, Bexley: For our new Curate, Julie Rainham: That our ‘Day of Vision’ will Holidays at Home Bowen. encourage us to step out in faith. Prayer Requests Christ Church, Sidcup: For the Christianity St Matthew, Wigmore: For the 139 Club and For OCTOBER LINK to Jenny SHERBORNE Explored Course. the work with the young families. LYNTON DEVON Short breaks in Dorset Smith, Flat 1, 52 High Street, Rochester St Paul, Parkwood: For links through ‘Messy A warm traditional welcome Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, Play’ and The Hub. welcome awaits you at apartment in listed building Cobham Deanery Chislehurst, BR7 5AQ, St Mary Magdalene, Gillingham: For the Kingford House close to Abbey Church. Nurstead: For continued growth in our ✰✰✰✰ Silver Award future work with children and young people. [email protected], Open all year. worship services. Enjoy excellent home cuisine Ideally St Mark, Gillingham: For the forthcoming 0208 467 6499 by 2 Sept. Please ring for brochure: Meopham: For our new Messy Church situated for coastal & Exmoor walks. ‘Gossip the Good News course.’ Tel Tricia Morgan on 01598 752361 01404 841367 project. for brochure and tariff To advertise in the [email protected] Rochester Link call www.kingfordhouse.co.uk Intercession during September 01752 225623 1 September: Strood St Francis PCC Secretaries & Treasurers 20 September: East Peckham with 2 September: Coxheath, East Farleigh, 11 September: Leybourne Nettlestead Hunton, Linton and West Farleigh 12 September: Mereworth with West 21 September: Bromley & Sheppards 3 September: Residential and Nursing Homes Peckham Colleges 4 September: Ditton 13 September: St George’s RAF Chapel of 22 September: Huggens College, Northfleet Come to the Shropshire Hills 5 September: Development of collaborative Remembrance, Biggin Hill 23 September: Hadlow A warm welcome awaits at our family-run cottages, maintained ministry teams in the Diocese 14 September: Those serving in the Armed 24 September: Horsmonden and equipped to a high standard. Beautiful location at Church 6 September: East Malling, Wateringbury and Forces, Forces Chaplains and the work of 25 September: The Church Army Stretton in Shropshire, easy access to Ludlow, Shrewsbury & Teston the Garrison Church, Chatham 26 September: The Additional Curates Ironbridge. Ideal for all the family. 7 September: Larkfield 15 September: West Malling with Offham Society TEL 01694 722869 for a brochure or visit 8 September: Those being made Deacon in 16 September: Paddock Wood Deanery 27 September: Lamberhurst and Matfield www.botvylefarm.co.uk the Cathedral today. Those being priested 17 September: Brenchley 28 September: Paddock Wood in parishes today 18 September: Parish and Detached Youth 29 September: Pembury LAKEWOOD COTTAGES 9 September: Those being priested in Workers 30 September: Yalding with Collier Street Recent barn conversion into four self-catering holiday parishes today 19 September: Clergy with Permission to cottages, picturesque lakeside/woodland setting in 10 September: Churchwardens, Officiate the Lancashire countryside. Contact/Brochure, Alec & Christine Sayer, Cragg Hall Farm, Galgate, Lancaster, LA2 0HN. Tel: 01524 751053 The Cathedral Quire Stalls www.lakewoodcottages.co.uk The stalls in the Cathedral Quire, mostly They were condemned because they refused occupied by the Honorary Canons of the to call the Holy Catholic Church their Mother, Insurance Cathedral, are each named after significant as this was not written in the Scripture, and characters in Rochester’s long history. because they declared that the bread and Travel Insurance Joan Beach - Joan Beach was one of a wine in the form of the sacrament on the altar Arranged for The Rochester Link readers number of Protestants burnt in Rochester ‘were not the very body and blood of our TOP QUALITY ANNUAL AND SINGLE TRIP COVER Available with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted. Specialist during the persecutions of heretics that saviour in substance, but only a token and cover for people cruising and for high-cost holidays. followed the accession of Mary Tudor to the memorial thereof’. Joan was burnt in Our insurance has a customer 24 hour helpline, full medical cover and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. English throne. Joan was a widow from Rochester on 1 April 1566, together with FREE MEDICAL SCREENING SERVICE AVAILABLE Tonbridge, Nicholas Hall a bricklayer from John Harpole. The site of their execution at SUMMER OFFER 10% OFF any single trip policy (no age limit!) and Dartford, and John Harpole a citizen of the the bottom of Crow Lane is marked with a £20 OFF any annual multi trip policy (max age 85!) parish of St Nicholas, Rochester. The plaque on the Baptist Church found there. But Hurry you must pay before 30th September. Please note age restrictions apply to annual cover only The current Canon to occupy this stall is CAR common charge brought against them was Conditions apply FT TRAVEL HIRE that of heresy. Joan Beach and John Harpole the Rev Canon David Kitley. 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Curate ministry

It's easy to under-estimate the why I feel more comfortable as an Anglican. work that goes into training a We have more space to discern how we should live our lives." curate. Maybe most of us don't even Initially reluctant to take on the role of have cause to think about it. But for training incumbent, Marcel said, "I was several incumbents in the Diocese concerned about what I could bring to the role, but I have a lot of 'emotional intelligence' of Rochester, life is about to change which is a useful skill. After I spoke with and the training of a curate is now Bishop Brian who had approached me, I the focus of their attention. thought this could be a wonderful opportunity for me to grow and for them to learn the ropes Rochester Link spoke to just three of them, in a very good parish. They need space to as they were going through the training tailor their own ministry and their gifts and incumbent's first week of instruction, held at strengths. St Edmund's church is holistic - it's Worth Abbey near Gatwick Airport. important that the whole needs of a person Marcel McCarron, Vicar at St Edumund,, can be met; mind, body and soul can be Dartford celebrated his 10th anniversary in the nurtured. There is a huge amount going on at priesthood during the Queen's Jubilee. He has St Edmund's and the curate will be able to spent 7 years in a seminary. Marcel said, give things a go!" "Bishop Desmond Tutu said something along A curate is still learning and is not a fully- the lines of we have freedom in order that we fledged incumbent. Marcel said, "I think the might learn from our mistakes. I think that's biggest challenge for a curate is in becoming The Rev Brian Senior comfortable with their role and their person. Going from curate to vicar can also be quite total control over the future or any curate. This not a case of 'don't do as I do, do as I say'. I traumatising. It's important to know what the is a wonderful moment for Rachel and if she am having to reflect on why I act the way I do. issues are in those early months. You have to can leave us prepared and enthusiastic, I will Things have changed a lot since I was a be comfortable with the role and wearing the be pleased. We are all excited about curate. I didn't have the care and support dog-collar." welcoming her to the church and I'm sure her which the Diocese now offers incumbents. Training incumbents have to balance the presence will be very enriching." As a church, we have thousands of people needs of the parish with the extra demands of The training incumbents’ course was led by through the door every year - for weddings, having a curate working with them. Marcel the Rev Canon Chris Dench and the Rev baptisms, funerals and times like Christmas. explained, "Rachel Wilson is my curate and I Trevor Gerhardt who is responsible for We don't have to go looking for the public want everything to go well for her. I want her curates' training. face at St John's. St John's is about traditional to be happy, ready to succeed and to be Trevor said, "Research has indicated that 'vicaring' and recognising the mission value in deployed anywhere. I want her to see struggle many problems later faced as a priest can be that. St John's is a good place to be." and failure in positive terms. We never stop traced back to a bad curacy. The importance Simon Taylor has been with Brian Senior in learning and my issues are not hers!" of a good curacy therefore is crucial and St Phillip's church, Tunbridge Wells for 18 Marcel added, "My depth of understanding training for such an important role is therefore months as an ordinand. He will stay with Brian has now increased and I have no great fears vital. The success of the future curate is a for his curacy. or anxieties. Now that I am on the course, I direct reflection of the training incumbent and Brian said, "Simon is currently a judge and have a great sense of training and support. is a hugely rewarding experience." a self-supporting minister (SSM). The We have regular opportunities to give Prior to his ordination in 1993, Scott Lamb challenge for a self-supporting minister is The Rev Marcel McCarron feedback to Chris and Trevor. We do not have was a civil servant. He has now been at St around how to protect their time. They can John's church, Bexley for three years. Scott neither be fully absorbed by secular life or said, "Bishop Brian's phone call inviting me to ordained life. It takes a maturity to handle the Bishop Brian’s Diary - September consider becoming a training incumbent came difference between working as a judge and as a complete surprise. It was a case of great! then being humble as a curate in a learning We have a curate! That will be very exciting. 3 September 0930 Bishop’s Staff Meeting position, when you may not be in the driving Oh wait...how do I do that? God is at work seat! Simon is a great guy with a desire and 4 September 0800 Churches Together in Kent – Church Leaders’ Breakfast - here. So, Julie Bowen joins us in September, openness to learn." Maidstone and although she knows about church life Faced with a new challenge as a training 1330 Roundtable on Zimbabwe – Lambeth (Julie is married to a vicar), this will still be a incumbent, Brian said, "I think the most 6 September 1930 Licensing of the Rev Richard Martin – Holy Family, Gravesend transition for her." challenging thing for me is to ask: 'Can I do with Ifield Recognising that this is a big step for Julie, this? Can I make this the best experience this Scott added, "I think the most challenging 7 September Attend Ordination Retreat can be? Will he come out of this as a fully- thing for a curate is being recognised as an formed priest?' My overall sense of this is that 8 September 1100 Ordination of Deacons – Rochester Cathedral ordained person. There's a whole package of it is a privilege to help shape a new curate. I 1600 Ordination of Priests – St Nicholas, Chislehurst things around your identity. Things change will be giving him the opportunities he needs 10-13 September College of Bishops – Oxford when you put a dog-collar on. People in the to help shape his ministry. Simon comes to us community will just engage Julie in 14 September 0835 Licensing of the Rev Charlie Moloney - Tonbridge School from a professional background and St conversation, which is a good thing, yet it can Phillip's church is in an area where 28% of 15 September 1200 Preach – Weald of Kent 50th Anniversary be challenging too. We deal with life and children live below the poverty line. We were 17 September 1730 Bishop’s Council Meeting death, but we don't necessarily know all the delighted when our church became the parish answers but we do have to trust in the grace 18-19 September Faith and Order Commission Residential – Foxhill, Cheshire church and when our vicar became the Rural of our orders. The dog-collar is an invitation to Dean. This is very affirming. The Parochial 20 September 1030 Faith and Order Commission – Senior Church Leadership engage and the role in St John's church, Church Council (PCC) is part of the training Project at Lambeth Palace Bexley is one of a parish church with a public process here and a real part of the diocesan 23 September 1030 Preside & Preach at Service of Holy Communion – Crockenhill role." family. Anything which says we can be part of The training incumbent has the 24 September 1400 Diocesan Links Meeting – Bishop’s Lodge the bigger picture is very affirming. Having responsibility of ensuring the curate is Simon is part of this, and a very positive 26 September 1930 Collation of the Rev Julie Conalty - Erith welcomed and well-trained, to carry on their thing!" 27 September 1100 Mission Theology Advisory Group Meeting - London ministry once they move on. Scott said, "I'm Ordinations in the Diocese of Rochester quite settled in my ways, so I am having to 30 September 1030 Preach and Preside – Shortlands will take place on 8 September. We wish all question what I do and why I do things a 1600 Preside at Eucharist for Readers and PAs Quiet Day – Paddock of the curates and training incumbents well on particular way, like funerals for example. It's Wood their journeys of discovery.