Celebrating 20 years of women in ordained ministry

See pages 6-7

May 2014 Royal visit to Yalding By the Rev Paul Filmer and running (our local Indian Restaurant has personnel, and as a rest centre for rescued church with access for trained individuals. A suffered from a drop in bookings from the villagers. A lot of our activity was made up as good number of individuals came to help serve assumption that they were flooded out and we went along, in response to needs as they tea etc but, once Maidstone Borough Council HRH the Prince of Wales & the still closed) but we also wanted to say that the arose. Practice makes perfect they say, and got its act together, we were not needed, and Duchess of Cornwall visited St problems did not go away with the receding there are a number of things we could have this will hopefully happen quicker next time. Peter & St Paul’s Church, Yalding flood waters. Many villagers are still in exile, done better, which we will deal with in case of waiting for properties to dry out, loss adjusters a repeat emergency in the future. Finally, we want to thank all those on 19 March to meet with owners to settle insurance claims and builders to work of local businesses and residents through long lists of properties requiring work. Although safe on high ground, the church who have sent money, individually who had been seriously affected by The Prince was keen to offer practical support was not immune and suffered a power cut or from church collections, for through his patronage of a small business along with the rest of the village. We intend our flood relief fund. This is now the winter floods. enterprise (don’t know the name - trying to to purchase a petrol generator, to ensure we find out) which was responsible for setting up have essential power, and perhaps get a land being used to help replace vital After an informal roadside chat with well the visit. line installed, as Yalding is not blessed with a equipment in flooded homes and wishers, including children from Yalding good mobile phone signal. There was a near has provided a witness to the love school, the royal couple spent an hour in It was fitting for the church to be used fright when one villager reported chest pains, church meeting with individuals and listening as the venue as it played a big part during and this has made us explore the idea of and concern of the wider church. to their stories. The organisers were keen the evacuation of flooded properties, both holding a defibrillator at the church. This will to emphasise that local businesses were up as a central meeting point for emergency probably be in a secure cabinet outside the

Photo by Ruth Bollen PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the June issue of Rochester Link is 16 May 2014 at 4pm. Copy to [email protected] 2 ochester Link

The Bishop of Tonbridge’s Diary The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle What’s on May May 2014 music in its social context. This choir will be entertaining Saturday 3 at Wateringbury Church for approximately 40 minutes. 3 May 1300 Walk of Witness – 20th anniversary of BRASTED Concert by Temenos Chamber Choir with Tickets cost £5 and can be obtained from the post office or priesting of women – Westminster Abbey Chelys Consort of Viols at St Martin’s Church at 7.30pm. at the door and include a sandwich lunch with tea or coffee. 1600 Attend Service to mark 20th anniversary Programme of music for voices and viols by Gibbons, Further Info: 01622 813032 of priesting of women – St Paul’s Cathedral Tomkins and Purcell. Tickets £10 (£5 students) from 4 May 1100 Confirmation at St Botolph, Lullingstone Sevenoaks Bookshop or by phone 01732 810063 Sunday 11 6 May 1000 Attend Area Deans’ Meeting www.temenos-chamberchoir.org.uk STANSTED Youth Alpha: A 10 week course exploring – Garth House, Rochester Christianity Starting 11 May. Vigo Village Hall Sundays 7 May 1100 Attend Faith and Order Commission meeting Saturday 3 - Monday 5 6-8pm. It’s totally free, open to any young person aged – Church House, London ROCHESTER The Friends of the Parish of Rochester. 10-18. For more info please contact Helen de Georgio on: 8 May 1100 Address Training Incumbents’ Meeting – Land, Sea and Air. An exhibition of transport - buses, trams, [email protected] or 07895052945 Diocesan Office, Rochester aircraft, ship, trains, barges and more at St Margaret’s Saturday 17 1300 Preside at Staff Service – Rochester Cathedral Church, Rochester - 10am to 5pm. Tickets are just £2 - BECKENHAM - Jonathan Veira - Larger Than Life - 1400 Attend Cathedral Africa Day meeting accompanied children free. Refreshments available all day. The Tour at St Paul’s Church, Beckenham, BR3 1RB at 11 May 1030 Preside & Preach, Christ Church, Luton The 15th Century tower will be open to visitors. 7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm). Ticket Price: £10 - email 11-18 May Visit to Rochester Deanery . [email protected], telephone 020 8658 7702. Further 18 May 1000 Preside and preach, St Justus, Rochester Monday 5 information: www.stpaulbeckenham.org.uk 1830 Confirmation, St Philip and St James, Chatham STANSTED Cloisters Bike Ride. This ever popular, professionally organised bike ride is back! Three routes, BEXLEY “Maytime Melodies” at St Mary’s Church, 28 May 1000 Attend Burrswood Trustees meeting, Burrswood Bexley at 7:30pm. Tickets £8, including a glass of wine and 29 May 1930 Confirmation – St Margaret, Horsmonden starting & finishing in Stansted, Kent, on 5 May 2014. For more information and to book your place please visit: nibbles, available from Deidre Allard on 01322 525629 or 30-31 May 1630 Attend Burrswood Trustees’ Residential www.cloistersbikeride.org Sheila Thompson on 01322 522071. - Crowhurst Friday 9 FAWKHAM & HARTLEY is holding a traditional May Fair SEVENOAKS Conspiracy of Love, Gareth Hewitt in from noon until 4.00pm, at St Mary’s Church Meadow, concert at St Luke’s Church, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Fawkham Road, Fawkham, DA3 8EQ. The event will CONTACT US feature a variety of stalls and activities, plus a fun dog show, News and letters to the Editor: OCHESTER TN13 1XT at 8pm (doors open at 7:30pm). Tickets £8. [email protected] Refreshments available. Booking Office 01732 743045 or classic car display and live music by the band ‘Jazz Force.’ Telephone: 01634 560000 [email protected] Tempting pastries, ice-cream and burgers will provide ADVERTISEMENTS added pleasure, as will the opportunity to win a Bluewater LinProclaiming the word & wokrk of God Email: [email protected] Saturday 10 voucher worth £200 first prize in the fair’s Grand Draw. A Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted contribution of £1 upwards per vehicle will gain entrance by email please. Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. BROMLEY Ecumenical Singers - Mozart Requiem from (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do the rest Scratch (conductor Anne Greenidge) at St Augustine’s to ample car parking. for you.) Church, Southborough Lane, Bromley, afternoon rehearsal 2.30 pm, evening performance 7.45pm. Cost: singers £10 MEOPHAM Christian Aid Sponsored Walks 2014. The (scores may be hired), evening performance free with a two walks start from St John’s Centre in Meopham. For the retiring collection. Contact 020 8697 0759. fit and hardy, a 15 mile circuit departs at 9.30am, while a pretty, shorter 6 mile walk begins at 1.30pm. The routes TESTON Plant Sale at Teston Village Hall from 10am are well marked and maps and notes are provided. For till noon. Good quality plants and gardening goodies. more information visit the website: www.cadswalk.co.uk, Refreshments are available. look out for our posters or contact Peter and Jill Kettle on 01474 8113632, e-mail [email protected] SOUTHBOROUGH DeepaSoul in Concert at Christ Church, Prospect Road, Southborough, Kent TN4 0EG. SEVENOAKS Methodist Church (The Drive Sevenoaks) Doors open 6:30pm with performance at 7:30pm. £10 is hosting a concert by the Imperial Male Voice Choir, per adult and £7.50 under 16. Ticket enquiries to Christ starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets at £12 (£6 for children) are Church Office 01892 513680 available from The Drive Methodist Church c/o 2 Bosville Drive Sevenoaks TN13 3JA or at the door. Any queries ring WATERINGBURY The Marsh Warblers at noon at 01732456345 or email [email protected] the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury. This Choir sings sacred and secular music Sunday 18 which amateur singers and musicians performed in the COBHAM Cobham Gardeners’ Society is organising a Georgian period. The Marsh Warblers’ repertoire is drawn Garden Safari in Sole Street in aid of the refurbishment of from printed and manuscript music books from the southeast St Mary’s Church Room. Gardens will be open 11.00am to of England. The musicians perform in costume appropriate 6.00pm - Adults £5 school children free. All are welcome. to the period and include anecdotes and readings to set the Saturday 24 Women Priests – Calling, Cost & Celebration ROCHESTER City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra Saturday 28 June 2014 (CRSO) at 7.30pm at The Central Theatre. Marking the A celebration of 20 years of women priests in the CofE 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare. The CRSO 3.15pm Eucharist at the Rochester Cathedral. The Bishop celebrates the life and works of William Shakespeare, with of Rochester will preside and preach. music from Elgar - Falstaff, Weber - Overture to Oberon This celebration is open to everyone and Berlioz - Scenes from Roméo et Juliette. Tickets Drinks afterwards in the Cathedral Garth from £10 (Adults) and £1 (Under 18yrs). Box office: Wateringbury www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or 01634 338338. Flower Festival and Plant Sale ‘Dreams of Chelsea’ at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Photocopier seeks new home Wateringbury Bishop Graham Cray is due to retire next week (30th Saturday 24 and Monday 26 May 10.30am – 5pm April) and will be moving to North Yorkshire in May. This Sunday 25 May 2pm – 5pm means that his office in Harrietsham will be closing. Lunches, Homemade Cakes, Clotted Cream Teas We have a large photocopier, which is owned outright, Entry: Free and for which we pay a monthly copy/service charge of Further Information: 01622 813076 approximately £46. Bishop Graham no longer needs the Lunchtime Recitals photocopier and wonders if someone in the Rochester at St Luke’s Church, Eardley Road. Sevenoaks. Every diocese may have a use for it. Wednesday at 12.30pm It is a Rex Rotary Aficio MP 2510. It enlarges/copies up to A3 size and will print double sided as well as To advertise Admission free. Lasting 30 minutes. Refreshments from in this newspaper, 12 noon collate. Anyone taking this wouldn’t necessarily need to contact Glenda or Michelle on May continue with the copy/service agreement, although it BE does include all servicing, repairs and toner. 7 Sandra Lissenden – Mezzo Soprano, 01752 225623 Georgina Drewe - Piano If you think any of your parishes may be interested in or email 14 Elsa and Ingrid Cusido – Viola and Piano having this, or would like further details, please would SEEN [email protected] 21 Sue Casson – Singer/Songwriter you be kind enough to contact Gill Powell by email gill. 28 Annabella Ellis - Soprano [email protected] ochester Link 3

Such is the life of a Dean!

By the Very Rev Dr Mark Beach Alongside the frustrations of the building project I am constantly struck by the number of people who tell me what a gem Rochester, The last few months in the life of its Cathedral, Castle and High Street are. ‘The the Cathedral have been somewhat best kept secret in the South of England’ is frustrating. First, we experienced how I describe it. The building project will help to put us on the map, but even more can be delays in the completion of the achieved by gentle gossiping about the place! designs for our major building project, then several shortlisted That of course is part of my role in life, to tell people about the wonderful building we contractors pulled out and finally have, the warmth of the welcome others will when we got the tender returns in experience if they come to see us, and how they were 30% over budget. the building can speak volumes about our faith in a world of short term fixes and instant Such is the life of a Dean! gratification.

The project will go ahead, however, and Here we have something that tells a we are working hard to trim the specification completely different story. One of seeing the of the project without spoiling it and to raise long term view and of allowing things to additional money to cover the deficit. So, mature. This is an important part of the story although I had anticipated the new Exhibition we can tell, a story for generations of faithful Space and Library being opened by the end of people who have joined together to worship this year, it looks as though it will be February God in this place. 2015. Just in time to celebrate the key part played by the Textus Roffensis in the writing I wonder if you will join me in the gentle of the Magna Carta. You see every cloud has gossiping about the wonders of Rochester a silver lining! and help us to share its beauty with our friends and neighbours? Passion play at Tonbridge Image by David Hodgkinson www.sweetmoon.com

Image by David Hodgkinson www.sweetmoon.com Bishop James’ diary - May 1May 0900 School visit - St Mary’s Island, Chatham 1600 Institution of the Rev Trevor Wyatt – Bexleyheath, Christ Church 1230 Visit - Thames Gateway YMCA 18 May 1000 Confirmation – Gillingham, St Mary Magdalene 3 May All Day 20th Anniversary of Ordination of Women to the Priesthood: national 19-20 May All day House of Bishops - York celebration – Westminster Abbey & St Paul’s Cathedral 21 May 0830 Assembly & visit – Gad’s Hill School, Higham 4 May 1000 Confirmation – Tudeley, All Saints 1430 Diocesan Finance Committee 1830 Confirmation – Rusthall, St Paul 1930 Diocesan Synod - Cathedral 6-7 May All day Bishop’s Staff and Area Deans 22 May 1000 Diocesan Youth & Children’s Workers’ day 8 May All day House of Lords 1500 College of Canons & Evensong – Cathedral 9 May 1900 Christian Aid Parliamentary Lecture – House of Lords 23 May 1100 Preach: St Dunstan’s College Commemoration - Southwark 10 May 1000 Speak: St Stephen Chatham men’s breakfast Cathedral 11 May 1030 Preach: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Gravesend 1400 General Synod Business Committee - London 1500 Diocesan Celebration of Lay Learning – Paddock Wood 25 May 0800 Preside – Chatham, St Stephen 1830 Confirmation – Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 1030 Preside & preach – Chatham, St Stephen 12 May 1100 Chair working party on minority ethnic clergy & senior church 1700 Confirmation – Stone, St Mary appointments – Manchester 26 May All day Biblica charity golf day – Denham, Buckinghamshire 13 May 1130 Visit St Dunstan’s College – Catford 27 May All day Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ Golf Day – Neville Golf Club 1930 Kent Workplace Mission AGM – Larkfield 28 May 1400 Bishops’ senior leadership group – Lambeth 14 May 1100 Consecration of Bishop of Lewes – Westminster Abbey 1600 250th Anniversary of Chapel Restoration – Bromley College 1400 House of Lords 29 May 2000 Shoreham Deanery Ascension Day service - Kemsing 15 May 1030 Bishops’ Leadership Development - London 30-31 May All day Episcopal cell group - Yorkshire 17 May All day Bishopscourt Open Garden for Christian Aid 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature CRE Stand T19 Spotlight on the CRE May 13-16

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Ronald Emett fine furniture 01308 868025 [email protected] www.ronaldemettfurniture.com To advertise in the Rochester Link please call Glenda on 01752 225623 The Grace Book Chevening St Botolph’s CEP School week also has a photograph taken or chosen SARUM COLLEGE has written a ‘Grace Book’ to help by the children. IN SALISBURY’S CATHEDRAL CLOSE our learning and help our belief. We have put this on a website for anyone We are a small Church School in to download for free. (It is also possible to buy Warm hospitality paper copies at cost price so that as many Sevenoaks, Kent. We have an act people as possible can have one.) It has been En-suite bedrooms, some with of worship every day, we open the a great project to be involved with and helps uninterrupted Cathedral views Bible at the start as it is God’s word; us to remember all of God’s gifts. I hope the Conference venue idea spreads. we also light the candle because Meeting rooms Jesus is the light of the world. You can find the Grace Book here… http://thegracebookcalendar.weebly.com/ On-site theological library and The Grace Book was made specifically for uploads/2/2/8/4/22843980/grace_book_ bookshop with mail order facility everyone that struggles to remember to be final_as_pdf.pdf and online shop grateful for all of God’s gifts and for people who like saying ‘thank you’. There are so many You can find all our digital books here… Four postgraduate programmes incredible things to be thankful for and you can http://thegracebookcalendar.weebly.com/ Great variety of one-day, evening read our ideas in the book. downloads.html and short courses The way you use it is:- every day of the week Nicky (aged 10) you read a prayer; not for what we want, but Class 6, Chevening St Botolph’s CE (VA) 19 THE CLOSE, SALISBURY, SP1 2EE for what we have - apart from Sunday, where Primary School [email protected] | WWW.SARUM.AC.UK instead you get a space to write your own 01722 424800 prayer and then possibly draw a picture. Each 6 ochester Link Celebrating 20 years of women in ordained ministry The Church of England - all things to all people! The Rev Sue Fauchon-Jones is currently through an army assault course!” Sue describes her first curacy as, “quite an moving house to allow her to live and work in interesting experience” and said “I think some the community at Horsmonden. A committed She explained, “Extroverts in the Church people found it curious that an Asian woman Evangelist, Sue said, “Coming from a Hindu of England are few but we need a balance to would be ordained. People would speak with background, I am aware that spirituality is alive represent the world we live in. I have always me on the phone, but when they meet me, they and active in the world but not always labelled thought that my personality may push buttons really did not expect…well…me! I was green as religion. for some people. But it is right to be tested. behind the ears but out to win the world during During that time, I was always asking myself, my first curacy. The Rev Canon Michael Howard initiated ‘should I really be here, God?’ And thinking that my training as an Evangelist. At the time, I others deserved it more than me.” “It was all new, wonderful and exciting. I have knew there was something deeper stirring in a need to reinforce my deep sense of calling my heart, something niggling there, but I never Eventually given a conditional offer, Sue and I am in love with the Church. People can wanted to address it. I had to think about my went to SEITE for a year. She said, “Training be very caught up in their own communities husband, the fact that I hadn’t been a Christian was a love/hate thing. Why is it that women and never look beyond that. Sometimes you can very long and the fact that women were not take such responsibility for the house, food live with the ghost of the previous incumbent. I really thought of as ordinands circa 1992.” shopping and the children? I was both excited have a background steeped in healing ministry and anxious, wondering how I could maintain and my role in Burrswood gave me a deep Once Sue expressed her desire to be being a wife, mother and pre-school teacher understanding of mission and evangelism. ordained, she found the church community and needing to be away at weekends.” By There, everyone openly shares their faith – it was largely supportive, but explained that her then, Sue’s twin boys were about 10 years hard to leave. I grew so much in understanding husband Dudley was unsure and yet” not old and husband Dudley shouldered more of the rawness of suffering. It’s very profound to surprised” whilst her brother and sister were the domestic responsibilities. She said, “In feel God’s presence and I feel really privileged confused but supportive. Sue said, “My brother hindsight, I can see there was some tension that I have had those experiences.” and sister just couldn’t understand my deep there regarding how I brought balance to home sense of calling. Dudley was confused and and traning. I was in a role where I was really, Sue feels that there has been a thinking unsure at first – we both were. I went to speak really happy, but I was back being a student around males in leadership which has affected again, with deadlines and I was needed by to the Rev Canon Liz Walker and she was very some of her ministry. She said, some people priesthood. Some people need to get past my the family too. I found finding new places very supportive. That’s when I really began my faith have found it difficult as I exercised my ministry background and see me for the priest I am – the difficult and stressful, until I found others to pal journey. I spent about two years exploring my as a priest. It did make me sad at first, but priest who has met God. I am a story-teller and up with so we could travel together. I was trying faith.” the Grace of God washed over me and I felt my background is always a good talking point. to juggle family time, travel, study and finishing a huge forgiveness growing in my heart. . They I’m pretty normal really, I like to dress well and assignments on time. Is it harder for women? I Selection for ordination training is deliberately said I had transformed their understanding of I like my pint of ale!” rigorous, and Sue described it as “like going think men and women are just different.” Never apologise for who you are Curate Rachel Wilson says she didn’t come my journey was truncated. I wrongly assumed to stereotype men either – male clergy can be clergymen view this as ‘look! Rachel needs to faith until her mid 30’s. She said, “It kind of that ordained women had been around forever, fathers, but all that tea time stuff just seems to help.’ I know they genuinely want to help, but if crept up on me and was not entirely welcome! but then I met Justine Allain-Chapman who happen by osmosis.” I turn that down I think I am seen as ‘chippy’ or Within three years of coming to faith, I felt God as one of the first women to be ordained, ungrateful – they see it as a personal rejection. did not want me to bask in the knowledge of was approaching the 20th anniversary of her Rachel works from Chatham without a car, It isn’t.” his love and not do anything about it. I went to ordination. I couldn’t believe it! It’s such a short and is likely to be a full time incumbent soon. an “It’s your calling” day, hoping I may be called period of time – just 20 years. No time at all.” She said, “My disability has made a difference In the wake of what happened after the to reader ministry, but everything was calling to my life. The children have had to learn to be women bishop’s debate, Rachel noticed a lot of me to ordained life. I felt like everyone else was Not originally from a Christian family, Rachel very organised. I was born with my disability and comments on social media from women clergy better equipped than I – they had been running said, “My family was quite concerned about managing to be in my own skin was more about discussing their pain and distress. She said, church groups from an early age, or talking me when I mentioned ordination training. They managing my disability than about my gender. “This isn’t a criticism, because that pain and about ordained ministry forever – and I hadn’t.” thought I was having some kind of breakdown! In my head, that has always taken precedence distress was very real; it was raw, legitimate They have come to realise that this is what I over my gender. I don’t mean my sex is not an and it was right that it should be expressed. Prior to ordination, Rachel worked in the am supposed to be doing.” Rachel has two issue. I mean it’s less about my gender than However, these are the very same messages voluntary sector, for the Bank of England and children, a daughter (18) and a son (14) and it would be if I were on my feet. There are all that disabled people have heard over the ran a disability equality consultancy. Rachel said, “Although my children are proud of me, kinds of misconceptions about my disability years. One can’t behave as though this level of said, “Not doing anything about ordination they also want me to be their Mum. They want but I can’t be certain that people would react distress is unique. One learns to live with pain, training was making me really ill. I had to to know what is for tea! They are good, but differently if I were a man. There can be a frustration and anger. I think this is why I have explore it, and in the end, ordination training there are times when I think they must resent tendency for people to “mother” me which can always had a visceral rejection of things that felt like a natural progression for me. I began the time that others want from me. I think be awful. I am poorly coordinated and life is are ‘for women’. My female friends have asked my ordination training with SEITE in 2009 but that’s a pressure men don’t have. I don’t want manifestly different for me but I am aware that why the women bishop debate doesn’t make some people are wondering, ‘can she manage me angry. Well, it’s nothing new. You need to this?’ and ‘we’re not certain this person can pick the things you are going to be vocal about, be a proper priest.’ Some people know I am otherwise you are not heard.” a disabled, lone parent but I can watch them struggling with it. There is a thin line between Certainly Rachel is conscious that her being kind and being patronising. I can see disability can be the focus of unwanted people trying to be kind, but I don’t need 55 attention, but so can her gender. She said, “I mothers! My congregation ‘got it’ straight away. know when I preside at an important service My male colleagues not so much. There’s there is an element of being watched. When I something quite oppressive about group help. I make a mistake (because we all do) half of the can’t escape it. Literally.” men will be thinking, ‘bless, it’s because she’s a girl’ and the other half are thinking it’s because Rachel is very sanguine about her life and I am disabled. I try to anticipate their objections said, “I don’t mean this like a catalogue of all and answer them before they ask them.” the things men are bad at. It’s just that they don’t hear the warning note in my voice. I don’t The mother of a daughter, Rachel added, “My have this problem with my female colleagues. If daughter has grown up with a very solid sense women offer help and I don’t need it, they are of her own identity as a woman. It never occurs fine with that. When men offer help and I say I to her that there are things that she cannot do don’t need it, they will often insist. Sometimes I because she is female. She knows never to will take a helper with me to (say) a conference apologise for the person that she is.” and they act as an extra pair of hands. I think ochester Link 7 Celebrating 20 years of women in ordained ministry Pioneer ministry Sue Vallente-Kerr works as the pioneer was pregnant, even though it was likely to and homophobic. I work with a group of 20 curate for Strood deanery. The daughter make training harder, so she opted to take a and 30 year olds. And the conversations are of ordained parents, Sue first thought about year out. Offered jobs in pioneer ministry, Sue all about women bishops and gay priests! I see ordination at just 9 years old, at a time when said, “I was told by a couple of people that how churches in other places are at the heart women could be deacons but not priests. Sue under no circumstances was I to have any more of the community and how the church really has was also reluctant to follow in her parent’s children during this time. It was especially an impact on peoples’ lives. That’s what we footsteps and she didn’t want to move house all hard because during this time, some of the should all be striving for.” of the time. She said, “When I was 18, I thought men I was training with had pregnant wives about ordination again, and I was told, quite and everyone congratulated them and (rightly) Women have been ordained in the Church bluntly, to, “Go and get a life! So I did that. I celebrated the births of their children. It still of England for 20 years and in that time have had a degree in youth and community studies hurts now.” conducted countless weddings, baptisms and and I worked in Gillingham with children with funerals. Sue said, “The nature of my pioneer special needs. I met my husband and together By 2011, Sue was deaconed, and instantly work gives me access to normal people and we did mission trips. We sold everything – the faced opposition. Sue said, “It’s weird. It was their lives. I work with them to prepare for house and the car and went to work in Selly quite shocking. I thought I was tough. I had weddings and baptisms, or even to prepare for Oak (Birmingham.) During that time, we were grown up watching my Mum cry over the way their own death or the funeral of a loved one. posted to Jakarta (Indonesia) and I fell very ill women were treated – I had cried with her. I They are open to the Church when perhaps with pneumonia, so returned to the UK.” thought I could handle it and I don’t cry in public, at other times they wouldn’t be. My work feels but there have been plenty of private tears and like a real privilege. I have a real heart for the Inspired by her parents vocation and her this was one of those times. It’s part of my job Medway towns. It reminds me of Manchester. mother-in-law suggesting Sue should really to work with new housing developments, but I The area is quite deprived and people share consider ordination training, she chose to study can’t help people in the parish when I am not their lives. It feels like home and the people are at St Mellitus in London, because it focussed welcomed. It’s frustrating because I work with part of the family, especially in Hoo, where I feel on the pioneer side of ministry. people who struggle with the Church. They very welcome.” In 2009, Sue was delighted to find that she think the Church is old-fashioned, sexist, racist The Church of England stole my wife! Complementary ministry to catch up emotionally, not academically. For The Rev Mandy Carr spoke candidly about Mandy has a refreshingly sensible approach example, I have known a 2-hour debate after the challenges and triumphs she has enjoyed in to her work and said, “One of the best things a priest retired, just to establish that they on her journey to and through ordained ministry. I have at the moment is a wonderful male would appoint the person God wanted. When She said, “I was ordained here in Rochester colleague. He is a different age and has different that (man) also retired, there was no such in 2004. I was not from a church background churchmanship from me, and together we make discussion.” but had been a Christian since I was 12. I a great team and we are the stronger for it. had been working as a social worker but in my An obvious example would be the marriage “There are different rules for men and women late 20s felt a call to Christian ministry. The preparation days that we run together; the but we are heading in the right direction and process of discernment took forever because grooms have someone they can relate to and we should recognise that there is still a way to Patrick and I had started a family.” the brides do too.” go. I was the first woman curate in Bromley in 1993 and the first woman incumbent in 2006. Like many people, Mandy and Patrick In most walks of life in the UK, men and Now there are six women out of the sixteen struggled to manage juggling full-time paid women work alongside each other and take it benefices. It’s changing and it’s working well. employment with the childcare commitment that for granted. Mandy said, “This isn’t about the That said, there is still a prejudice under the young children inevitably bring. Mandy said, “I feminisation of the Church. Let’s get on with surface. Women are judged by things like just couldn’t manage the children, the demands bringing people to the Kingdom. I’m a bit bored what they wear. I have been told ‘now you look of theological college and paid employment. I of the arguments now to be honest. Surely like a proper Rector’ just because I have been therefore gave up paid work and chose to study the Church has more relevant and crucial work wearing a black suit!” part time and attended residential weekends to be getting on with? I am delighted that the away. Financially it wasn’t comfortable, but it working party under Bishop James has made The Rev Canon Katrina Barnes was deaconed The women bishops’ debate has yet to be worked for all of us.” such good progress on the women bishops’ in 1993 and priested in 1994. She has spent all resolved, but Katrina said, “We are part of a debate, which is extraordinary. of her ordained life in the Diocese of Rochester. Church where we can disagree with each other Practicalities aside, Mandy has had to tackle Married in 1973, Katrina explained that her and yet work together. We are better together other obstacles over the decade of her ministry. After ten years of ordained life, what does calling came “out of the blue.” Sitting in the and we need to respect our differences. As She said, “I was aware that I would face other Mandy feel will be next for her? She said, “I church of St Augustine in Bromley, she was Area Dean, I have oversight of some churches difficulties, but I wasn’t necessarily ready when have just started my sabbatical, which is really enjoying the service when she heard a voice that won’t accept my ministry. I don’t take it some of them came. On Ash Wednesday, fabulous. I have enjoyed the creative freedom saying “one day, you will be doing that” and she personally because I respect where they are around the late 1990’s, the vicar said “all evil that a parish ministry gives. After this…who knew it didn’t mean singing in the choir! Katrina coming from. The best job to have is that of a comes from women getting above their station.” knows? It’s up to God in the end.” said, “I spent the next 12 years running away. vicar. There is a fantasy about what constitutes I understood this was his theology about The I was married with three children, but each an ideal vicar, and what really needs challenging Fall, but I needed to know if he would support time I came up with a reason why I couldn’t be is this idea of the typical vicar from forty years me as a woman going forward for ordination. ordained, God just dealt with each one. ago.” Sadly, in the end we decided it was right to move to another church. Katrina explained that she couldn’t be a Katrina acknowledges that it takes time, stipendiary priest unless she was deployable, persistence and persuasion to align people on Mandy can be very pragmatic about life but after 5 years Bishop Michael suggested controversial issues. She said, “I long to be part in the Church of England, but there have she work full time. Husband John was invited of a Church where those who radically disagree been occasions when this has been difficult. to speak with people who were thinking about with each other can minister alongside each She said, “Sometimes we have to agree to being married to an ordained women and he other with grace and generosity, reflecting the disagree and that’s fine. However, in my work started the talk by saying, “The Church of vastness of God’s love. The question we have as discernment advisor, I have interviewed England stole my wife!” but he is still engaged to ask ourselves is ‘what sort of Church do we candidates who feel called to ordination, who with youth work and is very supportive and wish to be?’ There is a frustration in trying to in the course of the discussion have said things encouraging. work within a system and structures that have such as they wouldn’t let a woman speak in evolved over decades, and reflects values, ‘their’ church. I can’t challenge their theology, Katrina said, “When women were first motivations and views of a male majority. There but I have sometimes questioned their pastoral ordained, it was frightening because we didn’t approach! I have to be very gracious and is no hope of reconciliation where one or other have any role models but it was also liberating. understanding but at the same time, people part remains a victim.” I have never tried to emulate the men – I have need to have an awareness of the impact of just tried to be me. It takes a while for people their approach.” The national celebration service to mark twenty years of women in ordained ministry will be held on is on Saturday 3 May at 5pm at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Diocese of Rochester will be holding a special event on Saturday 28 June which begins with a service of celebration at Rochester Cathedral at 1000 and everyone is welcome to attend. This will be followed by lunch at Bishopscourt for invited guests 8 ochester Link

ST. MARY’S CONVENT MARTIN K CROSS WANTAGE Church Organ Builders St Mary’s Convent is set in a tranquil location in the shadows of the Lambourn Downs. Providing comfortable and fl exible With nearly 90 pipe organs in our care within accommodation and facilities. Home cooked the Diocese of Rochester and a well-established, food using fresh wholesome ingredients. fully equipped workshop close to the Dartford Suitable for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Including conference facilities and Crossing, we can cater for every aspect of private individual visits. your pipe organ requirements. Contact us for:- The Guest Wing is a calm still place enabling peace and spiritual refreshment for all. Tuning & Maintenance Cleaning & Overhaul For further details please contact: Historic Restoration Rebuilding St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9DJ The Church Organ Works : Foxton Road : Grays : RM20 4XX Tel: 01235 763141 Telephone : 01375 380703 / 07831 509114 Email: [email protected] Email : [email protected] www.csmv.co.uk

Pilgrims Friend Society Are you on a Pilgrimage too? We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to join our local Support Group (The Weald Auxiliary) In Matthew 25:40 (KJV), Jesus told His disciples: “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me.” What a huge privilege!

NEW NOVEL from K L COLE Auxiliaries are groups of local believers appointed by the General Board of Pilgrims’ Friend Author of The Purple Veil Society to raise funds and support the work of the Society. The Weald Auxiliary are organised mainly around parts of East Sussex and West Kent and raises support for our home in Tunbridge Wells, as well as the wider Society. Our supporters play a vital part in our ministry. They volunteer their time and energy to organise fund-raising events and make the Society better known among churches in their region. Activities can range from sponsored walks, bicycle rides, fetes and sales of work to musical evenings and winter fayres. We welcome supporters from every denomination. So if you live in or around East Sussex FAITHFULNESS or Kent, you may be able to help. IN RELATIONSHIPS If you are called to help in this way and need more information about getting involved, please speak to Elizabeth Fermor (Secretary) in the first instance on 01892 664552.

also available as paperback on Amazon ochester Link 9

Easter Extravaganza Holidays at Home By Jane Mata, St Phillip’s Church More than 500 Tonbridge people and Abroad followed the Easter story trail and enjoyed an Easter Extravaganza at DOMFRONT Tonbridge Parish Church in March. LOWER NORMANDY Volunteers from the whole parish acted as story tellers, set creators and craft helpers for 300 children who came during the week of 24 – 28 March. Two bedroom cottage in rural setting, 70 miles from Caen. Shops in local villages. Twin room/family room/cot. Starting with a crowded Palm Sunday down the aisle and finishing later at the empty tomb, Tel. 01935 814324 Email. [email protected] they engaged with various parts of the Easter story. Many of them rarely, if ever, come into church, but ALGARVE Luxury 3 bed villa ITALY (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near Near Romantic Rome Carvoeiro. Own pool, “However distracted the children might be”, all mod cons.Situated on Self catering in rural said one story teller, “they were always quiet Pestana Golf Resort. Golf, tranquillity, sleeps 2-4. Tennis,Outdoor bowls. Wonderful views, historic and attentive (you could have heard a pin Full details and brochure: Brian Chambers village. Tel: 07836 650834 drop!) for the breaking of bread and pouring of Tel: 02380 265 683 [email protected] [email protected] wine and when Jesus said ‘don’t forget, I have www.casa-oleander.co.uk www.villettagirasole.com rescued you!’” saved himself; another whether Jesus ever Scalectrix, making eggs, cards and mother’s SHERBORNE One leader of a group of handicapped adults did die “for real”, and many school children day gifts and getting painted! Short breaks in Dorset LYNTON DEVON that visited the trail said “It was visual, and it returned with their families for the open-to-all Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, A warm traditional welcome struck chords with stories they’d been told in Extravaganza on the Saturday. This is the second of Gloucester Diocese’s apartment in listed building awaits you at the past, and when they might have been to “Experience” events that we have run and close to Abbey Church. Kingford House Open all year. church with their families. It really got them Blessed with a beautiful day, the Saturday the engagement it gives us with schools and Enjoy excellent home cuisine ideally Please ring for brochure: talking”. Children were equally responsive, Extravaganza for the whole town saw people community has encouraged us to make a situated for coastal & Exmoor walks. 01404 841367 Tel Tricia Morgan on 01598 752361 one Cub asking whether Jesus couldn’t have going round the stations, up the tower, playing 2-year plan to incorporate the series. for brochure and tariff Dartmouth [email protected] Jericho new film Devon www.kingfordhouse.co.uk Delightful ground floor flat with glorious views By the Rev Mandy Carr across river Dart. To advertise in the Sleeps 4: double ensuite, Rochester Link call ‘A man was going down from twin with bathroom, Jerusalem to Jericho’ is how Jesus all mod cons. Glenda on 01752 Tel: 020 7223 5473 225623 starts his story. We know it as the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Study Tour of the Luke 10: 30-37. The familiarity of life and times of the story and the cultural distance Savonarola, Italian empties it of much of its cutting Reformer. 4th - 10th edge power. Staying in a fifteenth September century monastery in It often becomes a story about being kind San Gimignano, visiting to others, particularly those who were in Florence, Pienza, unfortunate circumstances. Jesus’ original audience however would not have missed Volterra out on its punch. The cultural divisions and Lectures throughout, prejudices between Jews and Samaritans were so keen at that time that it would have been £645 not including flight. uncomfortable, even offensive, to hear. That www.luthertour.com Tel: 020 85303029 was the point. It was about modelling God’s radical love even for our so-called enemies. immigration. Interweaved in the drama is a We should finish filming by the end of What if we took this story and put it in a 21st young Romanian immigrant who works at a April and we hope to enter the 30 minute Century British context, what would that look local Residential Care Home where Henry’s drama into the UK Christian Film Festival this like? Cross-Sparks Film Co-Operative have mother lives. I won’t give away all the plot year at Sandown Park Christian Resources attempted to do this very thing. During my here, but will say that it follows the Parable Exhibition. Like ‘The Rule Breaker’ we have Sabbatical, we have been filming a short drama very closely. It is an uncomfortable story that brought together a number of talented actors I wrote called ‘Jericho Way’. It centres around raises many questions and sticking to the and technicians and hope that we will have a Henry Clarendon, an up and coming politician original shape of the narrative reveals Jesus as resource that will be widely used at the end who hopes to be elected as a candidate for the a master story-teller. of it. New Right Party on the ticket of combatting Foundation training sessions Janice Keen, Bishop’s Adviser - Responding Appropriately to Domestic 12.30pm and also on Tuesday 21 October at Abuse Chislehurst Christ Church from 10am to 1pm. on Safeguarding Children and - Responding Positively to those who have Vulnerable Adults, is leading two Suffered Sexual Abuse Bookings can be made on the diocesan To advertise in the further foundation training sessions - Safer Recruitment June 2013 website: www.rochester.anglican.org. Please ensure a separate booking is completed for Rochester Link please introducing the five diocesan These training events which are open to all each person who wishes to attend. If you safeguarding policies and guidance clergy, readers, pastoral assistants, evangelists, have any queries about these sessions, please call documents: churchwardens, parish disclosure officers, contact Janice by emailing her at janice.keen@ - The Protection and Safeguarding of parish children’s representatives, safeguarding rochester.anglican.org Glenda on 01752 Children adults’ representatives and youth and children’s - The Protection and Safeguarding of Adults workers will take place on Saturday 17 May 225623 when they are Vulnerable at Paddock Wood St Andrew from 9.30am to 10 ochester Link Advertising Feature What will you do this Christian Aid Week? The Bible is unequivocal in its call to help the poor and suffering, and this season after Easter gives us opportunity to consider what it Blessed are the means to bring resurrection hope to a broken world. One way to do this is to get involved with this year’s Christian Aid Week. peacemakers Throughout his ministry on earth, Jesus consistently demonstrated concern for the This year, Christian Aid Week is focusing on the work poor. He showed compassion to those who Christian Aid does to bring peace to communities had little, and anger at those who exploited them. It is his example that drives Christian decimated by confl ict. Where lives are torn apart by Aid Week, this year running from 11-17 war, Christian Aid is there to walk the long road to May. Christian Aid Week challenges us in restoration. It’s not an easy path. our churches to step up and take action on behalf of the world’s poorest. One of the most striking stories Christian Aid is telling about In the face of 1.4 billion people living in its work this year is about 9 year old Edile, who extreme poverty, we can feel overwhelmed lives in Colombia. Born into a warzone, he knows are more by the scale of suffering in our broken world. about guns and soldiers than any child should. Christian Aid Week offers us the opportunity His dad was killed by paramilitaries, and his whole village to tackle this scandal head on, as part of a fl ed, surviving in the mountains, the jungle, nationwide movement for justice. or in nearby towns. Meanwhile, their land was taken over There are hundreds of ways to get by multinational companies who refused to give it back. involved – from traditional house-to-house Christian Aid, through its partners in Colombia, has collecting to abseiling down a church tower helped Edile’s grandmother to take their case to national – but the most important thing is to do and international courts, and now they live in a safe- something. zone which all armed groups are forbidden to enter. The involvement of international organisations like Christian Aid guarantees the safety of Edile and his playmates, so A Christian Aid that they can enjoy what is left of their childhood. It is in this context that we are called to support Week prayer Christian Aid Week: a world in which violence traumatises children, forcibly throws communities from Walk with me God, as I step out onto the their homes, and greedily looks to its own interests. streets to show your love. May each stride Our God challenges us not to ignore the orphans move us closer to a fairer world. Move hearts to fi ll envelopes with change and the widows among us, but instead to seek his to transform lives. blessing by becoming peacemakers. And through every smile exchanged ‘So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around and every doorstep conversation, help me your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, to be a messenger of Good News in my and as your shoes the readiness to announce the community and for the world’s poor. 9-year-old Edile Beite Chaverra with a painting of the violence he has Good News of peace.’ Amen witnessed. Credit: Christian Aid/M Gonzalez-Noda Ephesians 6:14-15 (GNT)

Christian Aid Week! Why not bake a batch of buns to sell after to put the fun into fundraising. You can get local musicians Some ways you church on Christian Aid Week Sunday? involved or uncover the hidden talents in your church and community. Rise to the challenge Find resources, tips and plenty more ideas at can get involved Do something special and collect sponsorship for it. You could undertake a sponsored silence, a swim or even a radical haircut. caweek.org Take part in a house-to-house collection Alternatively, challenge someone else in your church – but you’ll Speak to your church rep or contact your local Christian have to put your hand in your pocket and sponsor them! Aid offi ce to fi nd out how you can lend a hand in your local collection. Going house to house is a great way for your Food glorious food church to be seen in the community and allow everyone in your Everyone loves sharing food together so why not hold a neighbourhood the chance to contribute to the fi ght against Christian Aid Week breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea poverty. or dinner? From breakfast bacon butties to rich man/poor man dinners, there are plenty of ways to share food and Bake cakes! raise funds. You might want to try a ‘safari supper’, visiting a Estimates suggest that 500,000 cakes will be baked for different church or home for your starter, main and pudding.

Sold to the highest bidder! Auctions are a great way to raise funds, whether it’s promises from members of your church and community or objects and artefacts. Get in touch with your local auctioneer to see if they will volunteer to hammer the gavel and start bidding on those lots! Christian Aid supporters take on a sponsored walk in Loughborough. All the world’s a stage Credit: Christian Aid/M Gonzalez-Noda Concerts, talent shows and karaoke nights are a great way ochester Link 11

FOR ALL Praying the way CHURCH MAINTENANCE Bromley & Bexley DECORATION & ROOFING Beckenham Deanery www.churchrestorationukltd.com Anerley, Christ Church & St Paul Those [email protected] on short-term mission in Brazil, Congo, Nigeria and Ghana Phone Free: 0800 052 1030 Beckenham, Christ Church Street Pastors’ training Beckenham, St George Those who participated in “Pilgrim” Lent course; “Arts @ St George’s” events Beckenham, St Paul 17 Concert BEYOND EXPECTATION Bromley Deanery • Bespoke Church Furniture Hayes, St Mary the Virgin Plans for future • Church Interior Design ministry; appointment of 2 churchwardens; • Interior Space Planning thanks for retiring Reader and churchwarden. • Stacking Pews & Chairs

Erith Deanery T: +44(0)1454 218 535 E: [email protected] Bexleyheath, Christ Church Thanks for www. sffurniture.co.uk appointment of new Vicar Bostall Heath, St Andrew Tea afternoons Organist and Director of Music for community work with homeless in Dartford. Brasted St Martin Monthly Family Service Swanley, St Mary Interregnum starting 18 St John the Baptist Penshurst Orpington Deanery Wilmington Thanks for SSM the Rev Trevor Kippington St Mary 18 - Plants sale – Wyatt Organist and Director of Music required at Chelsfield Thanks for ministry of John Tranter community event St John the Baptist Penshurst (with fine Cray, St Barnabas Thanks for ministry of Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 11 - Confirmation restored Walker organ) and St Peter, Vicar moving to new parish; interregnum Gillingham Deanery Service, 21 - Women’s Banquet Fordcombe. Three main services per month

Orpington, Christ Church Men’s ministry Gillingham, St Barnabas Guidance re Weald 3 - Church and village Safari Supper (Sung Eucharist), festivals, weddings, etc. Orpington, All Saints Messy Church possible closure of church RSCM affiliated choir. Salary according to RSCM guidelines. Ramsden, Unity Church Protection against Gillingham, St Luke For increased contact Shoreham Deanery vandalism; Befriending group; 2 volunteers for with students For volunteers to be parish prayer Please apply to the choir secretary. mentoring scheme for young people. Gillingham, St Mary Magdalene Re-ordering representatives [email protected] plans Ightham St Peter Thanks for Messy Church Sidcup Deanery Wigmore, St Matthew Pastoral Care Team Shoreham St Peter & St Paul For plans for Blendon, St James Confirmees Bredhurst, St Peter Launch of Explorers’ • TAX RETURNS inside of church building Lamorbey, Holy Trinity 18 - Confirmation group • ACCOUNTS Stansted, Fairseat and Vigo Pastoral Sidcup, Christ Church Training in sharing . • BOOKKEEPING Group Jesus; wisdom to develop our building Gravesend Deanery • VAT Platt, St Mary For the future of all 4 churches Sidcup, St John Children and young For HOPE 2014, for all elected as church • PAYROLL in Team. people’s work officers; all doing exams; Gravesend Street Friendly, ethical and e cient service Pastors at a reasonable price. Rochester Perry Street Interregnum Tonbridge Deanery Tunbridge Wells, King Charles the Get in touch today with no obligation and we Cobham Deanery Greenhithe, St Mary Community Café Drop- will be happy to talk about how we can help you Martyr For evolving relationship with Nourish Ash and Ridley Giving thanks; prayer for in Contact Trevor or Sharon on 020 8090 9646 those doing exams. Community Food Bank or email [email protected] Cobham with Luddesdowne For visiting Tonbridge Tunbridge Wells, St Luke Confirmation www.trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk each home Malling Deanery candidates; Spring Fayre Fawkham Summer Fete Snodland Prayer Walk and May Fayre Tunbridge Wells, St James Tearfund Istead Rise 24 - Prayer Ministry Training Day evening meal and fundraiser The Christian Bookshop Meopham Christian Aid Week activities Paddock Wood Deanery Rusthall, St Paul Confirmation candidates Yalding with Collier Street Recovery after Southborough, Christ Church Messy Dartford Deanery floods Church and Tea and Toys outreach THINKING OF USING Continued prayer for Swanley Foodbank and Sevenoaks Deanery Burrswood THE INTERNET? Prayer topics for June should be sent to Lorna Kahan by 4 May at 26 Wallis Close, Wilmington, www.thechristianbookshop.co.uk Dartford DA2 7BE - 01322 271657 [email protected] for all your church supplies

or contact us at Intercession during May Sevenoaks Road, Pratt’s Bottom, Orpington, Kent. BR6 7SQ 1 May Sidcup, Christ Church 13 May Istead Rise, St Barnabas 23 May Darenth, St Margaret; Horton Kirby, 2 May Sidcup, St Andrew Kent Workplace Mission: AGM this St Mary and Sutton-at-Hone, St John Telephone 01689 854117 3 May Sidcup, St John the Evangelist evening the Baptist: parishes now being 4 May Rochester Archdeaconry: Simon 14 May Longfield, St Mary Magdalene linked together Burton-Jones (Archdeacon) 15 May Meopham, St John the Baptist with 24 May Dartford, Christ Church Birchwood House 5 May Adviser for Spirituality and Spiritual Nurstead, St Mildred 25 May Diocesan Pray-ers: Lorna Kahan, Accompaniment: Susanne Carlsson 16 May Southfleet, St Nicholas Jenny Smith & Judith Howard Rest Home 6 May Area & Rural Deans: meeting today 17 May Institution of Trevor Wyatt at (Archdeaconry Co-ordinators) Residential Home for and tomorrow Bexleyheath, Christ Church The ministry of Intercession across the Elderly 7 May Mission and CommunityEngagement: Open Garden in aid of Christian Aid the Diocese Respite care & short Canon Jean Kerr and team at Bishopscourt 26 May All who work in our schools: for stay available 8 May Training Incumbents: meeting today 18 May Dartford Deanery: Richard Arding refreshment during the half-term A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set 9 May Ash, St Peter & St Paul & Ridley, (Area Dean); Jim Tuhey (Lay Chair) break in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy St Peter 19 May House of Bishops: meeting this 27 May Dartford, Holy Trinity reach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. 10 May Cobham, St Mary Magdalene with week in York 28 May Bromley & Sheppard’s College: • All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call Luddesdowne, St Peter & St Paul 20 May Crockenhill, All Souls 250th Anniversary of Chapel system. Lift to all floors. and Dode 21 May Diocesan Finance Committee: restoration • Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered 11 May Christian Aid Week: for a passionate meeting this afternoon 29 May Ascension Day: that our lives may for. and prayerful response to the needs Diocesan Synod: voting on legislation be ‘hidden with Christ in God’ •Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. of the world re women as bishops today 30 May Dartford, St Alban • Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to the local church. Cobham Deanery: Jim Fletcher (Area 22 May Employed Youth & Children’s 31 May Dartford, St Edmund Stockland Green Road, Dean); Norma Crowe (Lay Chair) Workers: meeting today Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TU 12 May Fawkham, St Mary and Hartley, College of Canons: annual meeting Telephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559 All Saints’ today 12 ochester Link Always welcome

By the Rev Martyn Saunders church officers), and keep it up to date with information about what’s on regularly and “It is better that a few small things coming up. Some of your visitors will be locals. 6. Think about having welcome signs are stolen from our churches, than before people get to church door perhaps on a whole church is stolen from its the entry to village / area. community – because that is surely 7. Accessibility – an access statement wrong.” would be really helpful especially if it is on your website so that people can work out their How good is your church at welcoming needs in advance. (So for example: the church visitors? How about in the middle of the has level access from the street, with two week? On Saturdays? Whatever the style of steps to the communion rail.) your church, whatever the size, it’s possible to provide a genuine and good welcome to all 8. Create a welcome table near the visitors, whether they pop in because they are entrance with flowers which look alive still, passing, or because they set out on pilgrimage nice leaflets, beautifully arranged. You might to your church or because it’s an add-on to well want a visitor’s book for people to record another visit. Here are twenty top tips for how their visit and their thoughts. to do it well: 9. Prepare the building as if you are 1. Be open and make clear on the actually expecting people to visit – so hide the notice when the church is open – a nice clear mess, clean the brasses, and make sure there sign which is accurate and welcoming is a are supplies of candles (if you want to enable great start. people to do that).

2. Make sure people know how to get 10. Rather than have a leaflet which in – yes the door needs to be open, but do takes you on a tour of the church, have people know which door? Do you need to explanation cards at the relevant points around light a candle – be creative. 15. Toilet. If at all possible, make sure have signs at the entry points to the church the church. A4 laminated is usually fine, with there is one accessible to visitors. It is possible grounds to guide people to the right door? a co-ordinated look from one card to the next 12. Try to engage children too and to convert a box pew or a have a loo pod – same font size and type, same location of a make sure the offer is good and positive and without being connected to the mains water or 3. Have a notice which tells clearly photo etc, same part of the card for younger engaging. drains. when you are open (which days and hours) visitors. Do remember visitors may not have that people can read when the church is shut. any prior Christian background so explain 13. Have some gospel tracts available 16. Think about a gift shop however small, It needs to be positive and welcoming. the symbolism. Good interpretation is really (include something appropriate for children) people will often buy something – a postcard important in telling the story as visitors move on your welcome table. Some people will visit of the church, or a book about faith, or locally 4. Money – don’t demand on entry but around. because they are curious about faith. produced honey or the parish magazine. offer an option for donations on exit – perhaps a discrete wall box near the signing book 11. Do have things to touch, smell, and 14. Hospitality – offer something if you 17. There is a cost in terms of time to get would be great. do as well as read. For example, a bowl of can – self service tea and coffee with a jug of set up and going, and finding volunteers to lock water, and an offer to re-enact baptism, or to fresh milk daily is easy enough and often much and unlock each day, but it is so good when 5. Install information boards with sign self with cross; maybe an opportunity to valued. However, then you will need a ... local churches are open to the public. lots of photos of church family (not just add your prayer to a cross, or a prayer tree, to 18. Keep the church clean! And chuck out the junk… take pride in what you have to show to your visitors.

19. Websites – a whole other set of things to think about here, but do help people to know that you are there with an up to date, welcoming website. Why not add a few photos of the inside of the building too?

20. The key concept is about dwell time. Do things that keep people in the building – things to read and do, tea to drink, visitors book to sign... At times how about building up a scene (or scenes) over a number of weeks perhaps during advent or lent, or around harvest and perhaps people will come back again and again, and on Sundays and join the church and find faith. It all starts with a genuine welcome.

Challenged by this, but you are not the vicar? Then why not give this article to them, and then find some friends and start creating some explanation cards, and create a welcome table, get the PCC on board and remember that the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is very keen on churches being open in the day. Need help? Then you are welcome to contact the Mission and Community Engagement Team of the Diocese.

This article is based on a day conference run by Church Care “Always Welcome”

Josephine Payne a Volunteer at Rochester Cathedral