WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR CATHEDRAL? GOOD NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF | August 2018

DIOCESE BIDS The Very Revd Jonathan FAREWELL TO Greener, REGISTRY CLERK CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD

he 5th of August 2018 is an important day for give the Bishop a seat, a spiritual home, and to be a : it is the day we install our focus for mission and worship throughout the Diocese. Three new schools will transform education in new Canon Chancellor, Dr Chris Palmer. Building good relations with every church, offering a warm welcome, modelling good practice, coming out The first reason this is important is that and about - these are all part of what it means to be a ChrisT will complete the new Cathedral clergy team. cathedral. BUILDING Exeter Cathedral has been through choppy waters, but a good deal of healing and re-shaping has gone on, Chris’ appointment marks a new start; it’s a and Chris’ arrival marks the end of the transition period. commitment to engaging more effectively with THE FUTURE We’re back to full strength, we have a big job to do and everyone across the Diocese. Give us a bit of time, and Three new Church of England Presiding over the now we must get on and do it. then please come and tell us. What do you want from primary schools are opening in the ceremony, Bishop your Cathedral? Of course, we will not, or cannot, do Diocese of Exeter, transforming the Robert said: “It is clear The second reason Chris’ arrival is important is it all. But what you think and what you need really face of education in both urban and to me that Trinity is the focus of his work: pastoral care of the cathedral matters. rural communities, and bringing a school in which community, and outreach to the Diocese. That doesn’t

much needed improvements for everyone is valued, Dolphin Photography Will mean he is personally responsible for doing all the twenty-first century learning. and this provides will move into its new building in the work, but it is his job to champion those two vital areas Diocesan staff said that ‘significant an excellent foundation to develop new year. of cathedral life, and to keep us up to the mark. funding’ had been allocated to grow an outstanding school. Church of Diocesan Director of Education, the family of church schools and to England schools sit at the very heart John Searson, said: “We are delighted Pastoral care in any cathedral is not simple, because help improve those with inadequate of communities, and I am delighted that the family of church schools alongside a core congregation, there tend to be many buildings. to see the close partnership between is growing and that some schools more people who come now and then, and a goodly Trinity Primary and Nursery School the school and the local parish which that have put up with inadequate number who turn up with pressing needs. Our constant in Exeter, which is the first to be can only enrich what schools offer.” buildings in the past are benefitting quest is to make this a place where all our congregations opened by Devon County Council Another new school is from significant new funding to and visitors are welcomed as Christ himself, and where since 2012, will serve the community Primary, on Dartmoor, which will create twenty-first century learning God’s love is experienced in practice. of Newcourt and grow to educate cater for up to 210 children living environments. 420 primary pupils. It will also offer in Chagford and the surrounding “Our church schools serve their Serving and reaching out to the Diocese is not simple much needed nursery provision villages. local communities so as to raise either. We cover a huge area, so how can we engage and create a hub where people can The new purpose-built school aspirations and improve life chances effectively? One thing that’s certain is that a cathedral come together to build community replaces the old 1930s secondary by delivering excellent educational makes no sense apart from the Diocese: our role is to networks. school building that the primary opportunities. On behalf of the It was opened by the Bishop of school had been occupying. Diocesan Board of Education, I Exeter, the Right Revd , The third school, in , thank them for all that they do and EXETER.ANGLICAN.ORG and chairman of Devon County will open its doors to the first 15 pray that they are enjoying a well- Council, Cllr Caroline Chugg, in June. reception pupils next month, and deserved relaxing summer break.” @CofEDevon Diocese of Exeter cofedevon EXETER.ANGLICAN.ORG @CofEDevon Diocese of Exeter cofedevon A longing for young people 49 YEARS AND OUT! to catch a glimpse of the ‘life Alan Barr has retired as Manager/Clerk of the Exeter giving joy of the Gospel’ is a Diocesan Registry after 49 years working for the key inspiration for each new Diocesan Registrar. He started work with Michelmores as a junior day at school for Jonathon Conveyancing Clerk and transferred to become the Ross-McNairn; the first full- Registrar’s Clerk in the Diocesan Registry in 1969. time chaplain at Trinity School Since then he has assisted the Diocesan Registrar in providing legal advice to the Bishop, Archdeacons, in . We caught Clergy, PCCs and lay people. He has also prepared the up with Jonathon on a busy legal documents for clergy ordinations, appointments, school day... institutions, churches and churchyards and the administration of the faculty system, not forgetting Common Licences for Marriage. He once opened up the office rather urgently on a Saturday morning to issue a licence for a couple due to be married later that countless suffragan bishops as well as archdeacons day. and incumbents. Conversations He has worked with three Registrars, J F G Michelmore, After nearly 51 years working at Michelmores (49 in Richard Wheeler and Martin Follett (who also recently the Diocesan Registry) he will be sadly missed. We wish retired) and has known five diocesan bishops and him a long and happy retirement. with God OBERAMMERGAU 2020 NEW MAGAZINE TEAM In 1633 the villagers of Oberammergau, Austria, promised It’s all change in the Communications department as that if God spared them from the effects of the plague we say goodbye to Rebecca Paveley and the Revd Nicky onathon was a commercial property solicitor some of the ways Jonathon encourages everyone to sweeping the region, they would perform the Passion of Davies. Taking over the editorial content of the Diocesan before a dramatic ‘Damascus Road’ conversion speak and listen to God. He said: “There is one main aim Christ every 10 years. The village was spared, and the play Magazine is Abigail Meeke, who has been a journalist experience whilst on an Alpha course turned - to enable people to personally connect in prayer with continues to be staged every decade, involving around for 16 years. She has degrees in Theology and Creative his “world upside down!” He then clearly heard God.” 2,000 local residents. Writing. The magazine is being designed by Sophie West, God tell him to “leave the law and go and get As for Jonathan he prays best when he is out for a run. Having been at the last two performances, Caroline who has degrees in Modern Languages and Linguistics, Jordained.” A message he found to be both “exciting and He said: “It’s monastic in a way. The ‘work’ of running and Chris Padget, experienced tour leaders, are leading and joined the Diocese as Executive Officer in 2014. terrifying!” enables me to connect with God through prayer and - a trip to Oberammergau 2020 with McCabe Travel. The We’d love to hear what’s going on in your part of the He was ordained in 2011 and is now in his fourth vitally - to listen to what the Spirit may be asking me to trip will run from 18-25 June 2020; for full details, email Diocese! If you have a story for the magazine, please academic year at the school which he is clearly enjoying. do or say or often let go of!” He also values praying alone [email protected] or call 01404 46452 or email [email protected] Prayer is fundamental to Jonathon’s work in the school chapel, a place he 07775536288. in the school as he supports and encourages “The young people describes as ‘very special’. both pupils and staff in “their own personal are curious about He finishes: “The young people FAMILY FEST 2018 relationship with God.” are curious about the world A number of parishes collaborated to organise a He is currently trialling a new initiative the world and as and as spiritual beings I want weekend camp of fun, faith and family for over called ‘Conversations with God’. He explains spiritual beings to create platforms for them 100 participants. that it promotes everyday conversations: “We to grow in that. I do use story- Family Fest took place in the River Dart Country can talk to God at anytime and anywhere. I want to create telling and encourage questions, Park, and attracted people from all backgrounds. If you were sitting in a room and God was platforms for them silence, humour, creativity and With solemnity in the right places and opposite (just the two of you) what would participation.” huge amounts of fun around everything that you say? What would you ask for?” to grow in that.” It is clear that Jonathon is doing happened, participants enjoyed activities, He adds: “There is no set formula to praying. all he can to support the prayer- games, workshops, music and worship - not to Fr David Way, Fr Peter March, Fr David Bailey, Fr & Fr No magic words! We are called, as Jesus said, life and spiritual development Chris Epps enjoy the festivities! mention a barbecue and fish and chip supper! to pray in a childlike way. With honesty and rawness.” of the young people and sees his role there as a huge Fr Nick Debney, one of the event organisers people gathered together in community like this it Interactive prayer stations and a prayer tree are just delight and privilege.” said: “I admit it’s tough to organise, but when you see makes everything worthwhile”.

EXETER.ANGLICAN.ORG @CofEDevon Diocese of Exeter cofedevon