INSIDE: October 2020 Page 3 Summer of change Page 4 Harvest Generosity Week Page 6 Welcome to the new Archdeacon of Page 6 Going for Green Page 10 Wellbeing – Patterns or Choices? “In the midst of everything God’s call and gift to us is not diminished, by anything”

Bishop Christine

A message from Bishop Christine. households will be a particular cause of past. This is an uncomfortable reality we about the situation that we are all living deacon’s team, and to our Honorary sadness for many of us, particularly must live with. It is very important that with, and I am particularly aware of the Assistant Bishops, for making all of this he challenge and fragility of those of us who live alone. we also remember that there is another ordinations of Deacons and Priests at possible, and to the ordinands them- our current situation has been reality that we live with, and this is that Michaelmas. Already postponed from selves for being patient in the midst of a brought home yet again with Many questions remain for all of us in the midst of everything God’s call and their usual dates at Petertide, they are period of change and uncertainty at the the recent announcements about how we journey together through gift to us is not diminished, by anything. now to be held at eight services in differ- beginning of their ministries. fromT the Government of additional re- the autumn and the winter, given the This is the truth and foundation for our ent churches across the Diocese - partly strictions in our region, and for the restrictions placed on us for the next six hope as we look to Advent and Christ- due to the closure of the Cathedral for Please join with me in praying for country. The next six months will be months, and perhaps beyond. Plans we mas, and the Christian festivals which refurbishment, but also to enable each each of them as they prepare to be hard for all of us as we each play our part make for gathering together to mark the follow, regardless of the restrictions on ordinand to have as many guests as pos- ordained in the coming weeks. in keeping our communities safe. Not significant events of life now need to be our lives. sible under the restrictions for ordina- being able to socialise with friends and held lightly with a flexibility for change tions. I am very thankful to all of the host For details of the ordinations please family members who live in other that was not normally expected in the There is much in my prayers as I think churches, the DDO’s team, the Arch- turn to page 3. 2 generous engaged open

Bishop’s Diary October This is not a full list of the Bishop’s engagements but includes the items COVID CASH we think might be of particular interest to you. Under the present circumstances there is a possibility of cancellations or meetings changing to virtual meetings. RECOVERY 1st 5pm Deacons’ Evening Retreat Meal, Shepherds Dene Want to help make a difference in your local 2nd 5.pm Priests’ Evening Retreat Meal, Shepherds Dene community? Our COVID Cash Recovery 3rd 9.30am Ordinations, Hexham Abbey course will train you to help others who have 2.30pm Ordinations, St Mary, Willington Quay been financially impacted by Covid-19. 4th 11am 100th Anniversary of Foundation Stone, Together Newcastle is now Holy Trinity, Jesmond delivering this FREE training course 6pm Confirmation, St Cuthbert, Elsdon designed to help YOU to help others 5th 8.30am Diocesan Secretary who have been financially impacted 1pm Consecration of Cemetery, Haltwhistle by Covid-19. 6th 8am Ecumenical Prayers COVID Cash Recovery is a free 2-hour course, delivered over Zoom, which upskills 7th 9.30am Senior Staff Meeting churches, charities and community workers to help individuals recover from the financial 8th 10am ‘How to Chair a Meeting?’ Church House problems that have arisen due to the coronavirus. 10th 9.30am Ordinations, St George, Jesmond COVID Cash Recovery is an information and signposting course which divides into three 2.30pm Ordinations, St Mary, Monkseaton sections: 11th 1.30pm Ordinations, ■■ Empowerment 5.30pm Ordinations, Norham ■■ Strategy 14th 11am Area Dean and Bishop’s Staff Meeting ■■ Dealing with deficit 18th 9.30am 150th Anniversary, Amble The course covers everything from general entitlements, rights, government and 2.pm Anniversary of Consecration of charitable support, to budgeting, help with bills, loans, debt, and money strategies for St Mary Magdalene Cemetery, Prudhoe making it through these next few months. 19th 9.30am House of Bishops The information and resources we provide through the ‘train-the-trainer’ model allows trusted members of the local community to signpost and provide accurate information to 7.30pm Institution of Catherine Macpherson at St Mary, Blyth people in a flexible, non-advisory manner - equipping those trained to reach and help as 20th 8.30am People and Places Meeting many people as possible. Our resources are regularly updated to reflect changes to 12noon Area Deans and Lay Chairs’ Meeting legislation or support as they happen. Once you are trained, you receive a password which 3.30pm Sons of the Clergy, Bishop’s House gives you access to all of the resources and materials you need to keep up-to-date and continue to support members of your community! 21st 10am Lindisfarne AGM, Church House Together Newcastle is delivering online COVID Cash Recovery Train the Trainer 22nd 10am Regional Bishops’ Meeting, Bishopthorpe sessions 10.00am - 12.30pm on the following dates: Goings ■■ Wednesday, 30th September Comings & ■■ Tuesday, 6th October ■ The Revd Barrie Keith Cooper, currently Assistant Curate (SSM), Lesbury ■ Wednesday, 14th October with , is going to be Assistant Curate (SSM) in the benefice of ■■ Further regular dates to follow! Lesbury with Alnmouth and Longhoughton (including Boulmer with ■■ Email: [email protected] Howick, held in plurality), and in the benefice of Embleton with to indicate your interest for future dates. Rennington and Rock, with effect from 16 July.

The Revd Audrey McCartan, currently Priest in Charge (HfD), St Andrew, Heddon-on-the-Wall, is going to be Priest in Charge (HfD), St Helen, Book now at https://bit.ly/32CiwWE Longhorsley, with effect from 30th August.

The Revd Preb Dr Catherine Ann Sourbut Groves, currently Vicar, Bath (St Barnabas) with Englishcombe, is going to be Archdeacon of Gospel Readings Lindisfarne. Thursday Luke 10.1-12 Bishops, Martyrs, 1555 Luke 12.1-7 Friday Luke 10.13-16 Saturday, Ignatius, Saturday, George Bell, Bishop, Martyr, c.107 Luke 12.8-12 Bishop, Ecumenist, 19th Sunday after Trinity Matthew 22.15-22 CONTACT US peacemaker 1958 Luke 10.17-24 Monday Luke 10.1-9 17th Sunday after Trinity Matthew 21.33-end Tuesday Luke 12.35-38 The Link, Church House, St John’s Terrace, Monday Luke 10.25-37 Wednesday Luke 12.39-48 North Shields. NE29 6HS. Tel: (0191) 270 4100. Tuesday Luke 10.38-end Thursday Luke 12.49-53 Email: [email protected] Wednesday Luke 11.1-4 Friday Luke 12.54-end Facebook: m.me/ncldiocese Twitter: @ncldiocese Thursday Luke 11.5-13 Saturday Luke 13.1-9 Instagram: @NclDiocese Friday Luke 11.15-26 Last Sunday after Trinity Matthew 22.34-end Link is produced ten times a year by the , with joint Saturday Luke 11.27-28 Monday Luke 13.10-17 issues for August/September and December/January. Views expressed 18th Sunday after Trinity Matthew 22.1-14 Tuesday Luke 13.18-21 are not necessarily those of the Diocese or the editor. Monday Luke 11.29-32 Wednesday John 15.17-end The editor is pleased to consider articles or letters of not more than 350 words for publication. Where possible, articles should be accompanied by Tuesday Luke 11.37-41 Thursday, James a good-quality digital photograph of 250dpi or higher. Please contact the Wednesday Luke 11.42-46 Hannington, bishop, editor before submitting obituaries. Thursday Luke 11.47-end Martyr, 1885 Luke 13.31-end For advertising rates and deadlines see www.newcastle.anglican.org/link. Friday, Nicholas Ridley Friday Luke 14.1-6 Copy date for November 2020 issue: Monday, October 12. and Hugh Latimer Saturday Luke 14.1, 7-11 growing church bringing hope 3

Continued from page 1 For those to be ordained Deacon: Summer of Change By Bishop Stephen Platten at St Mary, Holy Island on the 3rd October. Samantha Quilty, to serve in the ben- efice of St Mary, Holy Island. Thomas Sample, to serve in the bene- fice of Holy Trinity and St Mary, Ber- wick.

By Bishop Christine at St Mary, Wil- lington on the 3rd October. Paul Rusby, to serve in the benefice of Morpeth. Kim Wears, to serve in the benefice of Willington.

By Bishop Mark Bryant at St Gabriel, Newcastle on the 3rd October. Yvette Daniel, in the benefice of St Francis, Newcastle. Alan White, to serve in the benefice of St Gabriel, Newcastle.

By Bishop Christine at Hexham Abbey on the 3rd October. Oliver Dempsey, to serve in the bene- Summer of Change team Allison and Jaqueline give out food bags fice of Cowgate and the benefice of Newbiggin Hall. o much is different since the start of what now? We could wait to put on another the year, as you all know, but this arti- by Revd Allison Harding, programme next year in the summer holidays Samuel Lochead, to serve in the ben- cle is about my change in perception of but what would happen to those who are in efice of Corbridge with Halton & New- my parish, arising from being involved Vicar, Parish of Newburn severe need now? Benwell foodbank is only a ton Hall. inS the Summer of Change Keep Safe pro- few miles away but there is no direct bus route gramme. and the fares would be only slightly less than By Bishop John Packer at St Michael, for over three years and knew poverty existed the value of a food parcel. on the 4th October. From arriving in the parish of Newburn, I - but it was hidden! was aware that it has many distinctive fea- In Newburn Parish there is support from Phyllis Carruthers, to serve in the ben- tures, which can be endearing, frustrating or The response to the programme was over- the PCC to do something to provide school efice of Bamburgh, Belford and Lucker. both. There is the semi-rural setting and the whelming. One parent emailed “Please pass uniforms and food to those in need, inspired John Storey, to serve in the benefice of wonderful outdoor space, shops being closed on my gratitude to the team of fabulous peo- partly by the Growing Church Bringing Hope Upper Coquetdale. at lunchtime, the large number of people who ple who took such good care of my girls dur- – Next Steps reflection written by Revd Rob can’t access the internet and the dependence ing the activity games and for providing them Saner-Haigh. We have a very good relation- For those to be ordained Priest: on the 22 bus for access to Newcastle. New- with such inspiration.” ship with the West End Foodbank, who we burn Parish is certainly not affluent but it is support financially. The Methodist church in not known to be deprived or in poverty. Other parents shared the difficulties they’d Lemington have been able to partner with the To be ordained by Bishop Christine at been having during Covid - one had had to Foodbank to provide food to local people, so St George, Jesmond on the 10th Octo- Then came the Summer of Change pro- sell their car. Others were grateful for the there is a model there for the churches further ber. gramme, in which people from our church activities that their children had been involved to the west. Derek Avery, serving in the benefice of worked in partnership with Youth for Christ, with, the laughter and joy that we heard was St George, Jesmond. amazing. Scripture Union, Street Games, Talbot House The difficulty is, of course, resources. New- Beverley Davies, serving in the bene- Trust (who loaned a minibus for four weeks burn Parish doesn’t attract funding for being a completely free of charge) and Holy Spirit One family didn’t speak English but each disadvantaged neighbourhood. There are fice of All Saints, Gosforth. Denton, in the person of the brilliant Jacque- week when we took food they put their hands church members who are incredibly generous line Atkinson. together in a prayer of thanks and blew kisses, with their time and other resources, but we To be ordained by Bishop Christine at as Jaqueline and I held back tears. One young are limited by the small numbers who can St Mary, Monkseaton on the 10th We worked between the parishes of Holy person at the end of an activity day in Denton drive or are able to get online. So trying to October. Spirit Denton and Newburn, delivering activ- asked “are ya comin back tha morra?” When I launch a new initiative would be challenging Benjamin Jarvis, serving in the bene- ity packs, putting on activities in open spaces said yes he turned to his friends and said in any circumstance, but particularly in the for young people and delivering food parcels ‘That’s mint!” current time when so many activities are more fice of St Mary, Monkseaton. to families who needed them. time consuming as a result of Covid-19. Malcolm Railton, serving in the bene- When faced with such vulnerability and fice of Tynemouth Priory. The number of people in my own parish – gratitude I feel a whole range of emotions: I’m So this article is not to point to an exciting both refugees and the indigenous population humbled by the response, angry that people new development that we should all thank To be ordained by Bishop Christine at – who were in need of food was quite striking! in the West End of Newcastle have to live like God for – although the Summer of Change St Mary, Monkseaton on the 11th this, grateful to God for demonstrating the was just such a development and we are Parents took food bags home after their need but bewildered as to how it can be met. thanking God for all that he did and I know October. children had finished the outdoor activities through his spirit is continuing to do. Instead Lynn Caudwell, serving in the bene- and when the minibus arrived, people from It was amazing working in partnership and Jacqueline and I are left with the question: fice of St Andrew, Corbridge. different households came and asked for par- it did not cost our churches anything other How can we respond to a need when we don’t Emily Watson, serving in the benefice cels. I was surprised as I’ve been in the parish than the time of the staff and volunteers. But appear to have the resources to do so? of Willington.

Young Voices of Faith together, to keep our links and friendships As we pray for those to be ordained, let National Inter Faith Week strong. We plan to make a video for us remember our own callings to follow Voices of Faith is a group that began many National Inter Faith Week, to hear the Christ, and that the history of our faith years ago to bring together people from voices of young people from different shows that the Gospel of Jesus Christ 8th – 15th November 2020 across all faiths and none, to enable people faiths reflecting on their views of the last knows no bound or restriction, save for few months, on the main issues that National Inter Faith Week will take place from to meet and develop a deeper dialogue the faithfulness and imagination of the between each other. The planning group is concern them, and their hopes for the Sunday 8th – Sunday 15th November. Its aims future.” Church. are to: chaired by Revd Richard Bryant and ■ supported by Lesley Hillary the Diocesan With every blessing and ongoing ■ Strengthen good inter-faith relations. Interfaith and Ethnic Relations Advisor. The video, ‘Young Voices of Faith’ will be ■■ Increase awareness of different and distinct available to everyone in the Diocese to prayers, faith communities in the UK, in particular Lesley said: “During the Covid-19 view and use, with the hope that it will be + Christine celebrating and building on the contribution pandemic we have had to find new ways seen across the region and may be used as their members make to their neighbourhoods of working, to keep bringing people a resource to raise discussions about the Read next month’s edition of Link for a concerns of young people in our area. and to wider society. closer look at some of those being ■■ Increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. Find out more at https://www.interfaithweek.org/ ordained. 4 generous engaged open Proper Northern Pioneers The Harvest By Beth Rookwood, Generosity Week Bishop’s Advisor for Pioneer Ministry and leader of The Roost Community

Newcastle Diocese is thrilled to be supporting people from across the region in beginning the CMS Pioneer Ministry course at their new Northern Centre in Penrith. 18 people from across Cumbria, the North East and beyond are beginning this, aptly named, ‘Proper Northern Pioneers’ learning journey, and their first teaching weekend has just taken place.

As well as theological reflection, studies into mission and pioneering, students will be encouraged to begin, or develop a new project centred around listening for the call of God in their context and then building a response to that call - it could be around loving service, a new expression of Christian community, a new business bringing transformation... or anything!

Do be praying for them, especially the seven involved in our diocese - that they may learn and grow with God in every way and that the Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash ministries they serve bring Christ’s life to the people and place around them. week of resources running any given Sunday to Sunday: By Joanne ■■ Eight daily audio reflection podcasts from Christie, a range of voices across the Church of Generous for your congregation to listen to. ■■ Service content packs with a range of Giving material for service leaders to include in two Sunday services, one focussing on grace and Adviser one on gratitude. @JoanneCTweets ■■ Liturgy for a week’s Morning Prayer services for services in person or online. e believe in a generous God, a God who gave us everything. Giv- ■■ A small group study session with a guide ing and generosity are inextrica- for leaders, including a biblical reflection and bly linked with the living out of discussion questions based on the material ourW Christian faith. from one of the Sunday services.

As a church we need to encourage generos- If you’d like to take part, please download ity, and there are certain times of the year time to think and reflect on what God is calling the resources from www.parishresources.org. which especially lend themselves to generous us to create. These resources and materials uk/generosity-week-harvest and share the giving. To help support parishes the National can be used over the course of a week during podcast links with your church. Giving Team have created The Harvest Gener- the Harvest season and throughout the osity Week. Eight days of service and worship autumn to encourage people to live generous- The Generous Giving Team here at the Dio- materials for churches to use during Harvest ly. We hope our churches will join in and share cese would also be delighted to support your to encourage people to live generously. this time to grow our understanding of God’s church directly with anything relating to generosity and how it enriches our daily lives. encouraging giving and generosity. Please get Harvest is a time to gather what we have, a in touch with us on 0191 270 4155. We wel- time to thank God for all he has given us, a The Harvest Generosity Week includes a come calls! growing church bringing hope 5 Welcome to Patty Everitt, Counselling Advisor (Interim)

atty, a Registered Neurolin- tic Programming which, in turn, led on guistic Psychotherapist with to a Diploma in Neurolinguistic Psycho- the UK Council for Psychother- therapy and accreditation with UKCP in apy (UKCP), Clinical Hypno- 2017. therapistP and Supervisor, has recently been appointed into a six-month inter- Patty volunteered for six years as a im post to lead the Newcastle Diocese Bishop’s Reviewer in Liverpool Diocese Counselling Service. and as a volunteer counsellor for three years with Chester Diocese Counselling But she had a different life before all Service, before moving to the North East this! and settling in Alnwick in 2018. She joined the Newcastle Diocese Counsel- Her educational background is in ling Team, led by Rachel Hudson, in physics and maths, with a 30-year career 2019. as physicist, software engineer, IT Pro- ject Manager and with a stint in (non- She is married, has one cat and a love financial) Internal Audit. She has of archaeological tours and Latin danc- worked for SMEs and FTSE 100 compa- ing! nies, national and international organi- sations in technical, project and mana- Patty is easy to talk to and is happy to gerial roles. talk, in confidence, to anyone who wants to explore whether counselling Her route into psychotherapy started might be helpful to them. Contact Patty with an interest in coaching leading to at [email protected] opportunities to train in Neuro Linguis- Patty Everitt

The walls of Newcastle Cathedral once we have choristers attending from a wide Evensong, but we can welcome all via the again resound to the sound of the variety of schools across the local area. This Cathedral’s YouTube channel. Our intention Cathedral Choir. This is far from a return means that in no way can we call ourselves for the time being is to live stream Sunday to normal, it is logistically difficult, but a ‘bubble’. Instead it has been essential that Evensong and record two Evensongs the circumstances also present some we have various additional measures in during the week that will be streamed on interesting opportunities, as Ian place. the following day. This means that you Roberts, Cathedral Director of Music can attend online Choral Evensong from explains: The choristers have reacted with Newcastle Cathedral on Thursdays and View from the Lantern understanding and maturity when it comes Fridays at 5.30pm and on Sundays at 4pm. It’s now become a well-worn cliché, but to the new rules. The new regime includes The recordings will also be available for a the global pandemic and its associated with Ian Roberts, Cathedral Director of Music the wearing of face coverings when moving while after so that those who would like can lock-down was and remains unprecedented around the building and at break times, join in with Evensong at a time that suits in so many ways. Some commentators have went home. For our Cathedral musicians, and the strict two metre rule on all sides their schedule. rightly stated that, for the Cathedrals of as I know was the case for musicians and ends when singing. To achieve this the England, this period has been the longest across the diocese, this was a difficult and choir is presently singing at the east end of For us at Newcastle Cathedral this will without choral music since 1662. For us disorientating time, made worse by the fact the Quire, with all singers facing west. be a new departure, and we have had to at Newcastle Cathedral, 2020 was always that singing went from being perceived be rather resourceful and invest in some going to be an unusual year. The building as a ‘good, healthy activity for the whole Another aspect of the guidance is that new equipment to make this a reality. work would have proved a challenge for the family’ to a ‘high risk activity’ overnight. the singers should not face each other, and Ultimately, I hope and pray that the ease sustaining of daily music in the Cathedral, Technological possibilities were a real to this end we are not using the choir stalls. of availability of Choral Evensong from but we had worked long and hard so that bonus, yet I was keenly aware that the Other precautions include one-way systems Newcastle Cathedral will bring a greater it would be possible to continue offering plaintive cry of the psalmist in Psalm 137 and tape on the floor reminding choristers number of people to this beautiful act of children the unique musical education in all seemed so very apt: ‘How shall we sing the about safe distance and the spot on which worship. its richness. Lord’s song in a strange land’ they should stand. With this comes the need for extra staff and volunteers. Therefore, out of a difficult six months As we all know, in mid-March this all Fast forward to mid-August and we that have proved challenging in so many needed to change abruptly. A week before rejoiced at the change of guidance relating I’m writing this article the day after ways, springs an exciting and new initiative. we’d welcomed children from across the to choral singing. Now we could actually we sang our first Choral Evensong in six I do hope that you might be able to join North East for our Chorister Experience begin to think about working with the months. The music was comparatively us for Evensong on YouTube, and that you Day, and we were knee-deep in rehearsals choristers ‘in person’. It was immediately simple as we got used to using the space will tell your friends. If we can help and for a CD recording which we were about apparent that a return would not be very differently, but the occasion was very inspire just one more person that otherwise to undertake (but of course ultimately logistically easy, and any sense of sliding special and moving. Because the majority wouldn’t have discovered the Cathedral, its had to cancel). Circumstances demanded back into the ‘normal routine’ impossible. of the Cathedral remains a building site, we music, or indeed the Christian Faith, it will that we, quite literally, downed tools and Unlike foundations with Choir Schools, can’t welcome congregations ‘in person’ for be well worth the effort. 6 generous engaged open Bishop of Newcastle appoints the next By Mark Nash-Williams, Bishop’s Advisor for the Environment Pot pouri This month, we bring you an environmental Archdeacon of pot pouri: environmental issues in the news, an event, new resources, a reason to be hopeful and a prayer. News Lindisfarne Environmental issues have featured in the media more prominently than usual in the ishop Christine is pleased to announce past few days, as the latest activities of that the Reverend Prebendary Dr Cathe- Extinction Rebellion, and Christian Climate rine Sourbut Groves is to be the next Arch- Action, have disrupted life in the cities, and deacon of Lindisfarne. temporarily impeded the delivery of B newspapers. The media seem increasing Catherine, 52, is currently vicar at St Barnabas hostile to XR’s prophetic voice, and the Prime and St Peter’s in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Minister and Home Secretary are even Photo by Markus Prebendary of Wells Cathedral, and takes over from calling for their activities to be designated as Spiske on Unsplash the Venerable Peter Robinson, who earlier this year Serious Organised Crime! This suggests to moved to become Dean of Derby. me that XR is beginning to win hearts and – sample them at www.doxecology.org. Just minds – and those who benefit from the about every format is available – CD, digital, Her appointment comes at both an exciting and status quo are fighting back. David scores, backing tracks… as well as a study challenging time for the Diocese of Newcastle as it Attenborough’s latest programme, about guide and service outlines. continues with its five year vision: growing church mass extinction, is also creating a stir: bringing hope, inspiring growth in worshipping perhaps the tide is turning at last. Being hopeful communities across , all of which I hinted at the beginning that the tide of are coming to terms with the challenges created by Event public opinion may be beginning to turn: the coronavirus pandemic. Have you considered becoming an Eco this week the UK Climate Assembly came up Church, but aren’t sure where to start? Or are Bishop Christine said: “Catherine is a joyful and with some significant policy positive person, with a lived faith and a passion to you already on the Eco Church journey, but recommendations. Do the build understanding and relationships with the could do with a boost or some new ideas? Or recommendations go far enough? Probably people she works with. Her ministry in the Diocese have you never heard of Eco Church, but are not – the Assembly’s brief was to consider of Bath and Wells has been a creative and fruitful intrigued by the concept? how to get to net zero by 2050, which is too one as incumbent at St Barnabas, Bath, and St If so, you may be interested in an exciting late. But still, it’s an encouraging step which Peter’s Englishcombe, and as part of the diocesan online conference being offered by the shows that, given proper information and vocations team and Magnificat Parishes group. I Dr Catherine Sourbut Groves Diocese of St Albans on Saturday 3rd the opportunity to reflect, members of the am delighted that she will be joining us as Archdea- October. With inspirational speakers and public are more ready to embrace con of Lindisfarne. farne was needed. practical workshops, as well as current Eco meaningful action than government. Read Churches sharing their experience, this looks their recommendations, and see the expert “Alongside the usual duties of an Archdeacon, “Having grown up in Yorkshire, I also realise I like a really worthwhile experience. Book at speakers, here https://www. Catherine will be taking the lead role for the Rural have lived in the South of England for far too long! https://bit.ly/35BoDN1 climateassembly.uk/ strand of our Diocesan strategy, and will be work- So a return to the North East fills me with both the ing closely with all of the parishes in the Lindisfarne excitement of new beginnings and a sense of Resources Prayer Archdeaconry as we seek to take the next steps returning home to the North. I’m really looking for- A new publication from Church House To finish, a climate change prayer from the together in growing church bringing hope so that ward to getting to know the people in the diverse Publishing, A Time for Creation brings Anglican Church of Australia: our ministry and mission to the communities we hamlets, villages and towns of Lindisfarne Arch- together a wealth of liturgical resources for Holy God, earth and air and water are your serve will grow and flourish.” deaconry, learning about what God is doing among creation and the environment – some creation, and every living thing belongs to you: you and the ways you are engaging with that, and gathered together from existing Common Commenting on her appointment, Catherine have mercy on us as climate change confronts playing my part in supporting the clergy and lay Worship provision, as well as some new said: “When I think of Jesus, among the many posi- leaders in their mission and ministry. us. Give us the will and the courage to simplify tive adjectives that come to mind, ‘open, engaged material. It contains complete services (daily the way we live, to reduce the energy we use, to and generous’ are at the top of the list. And when I “For now, I will mostly be based in the Archdea- offices and Eucharist), prayers for the share the resources you provide, and to bear contemplate the abundant life Jesus lived and con’s office at Church House in North Shields, and environment, thematic resources for the cost of change. Forgive our past mistakes offered us through his death, then I dream of will be meeting people via Zoom, WhatsApp, Creation Season and more. and send us your Spirit, with wisdom in present vibrant growing communities, filled with hope and phone etc, but I’m praying for a slowing of the virus Musically, Resound Worship have created controversies and vision for the future to which sharing that with all around them. So the values and an easing of restrictions so I can get out and some worship songs with an environmental you call us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. and vision of Newcastle Diocese resonated with me about in the archdeaconry and see as many people theme, under the lovely name Doxecology as soon as I heard that a new Archdeacon of Lindis- as I can face to face as soon as possible.”

Change and the Any change naturally brings feelings of Challenge – hesitation, refusal, even fear. However, the Safeguarding TOWARDS A challenge always is to see not what might learning in a new way be lost, rather what can be gained from that change! As with so many things, the coronavirus SAFER CHURCH pandemic has challenged the Church on the with Mark Bagnall, Safeguarding Training Officer We are very much looking forward to way it presents its safeguarding training. All meeting and learning with colleagues face-to-face training was suspended, so the www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding booked on future programmes. Here are National Safeguarding Team (NST) designed some quotes from the August participants: a whole new Safeguarding Leadership those procedures and principles are firmly “Well-presented and worked well on Module. This is based around dialogue, It was challenging for all of us; being embedded within our church communities.” Zoom.” shared experience, personal reflection and is comfortable with Zoom, knowing when to How great is that! “I found the Safeguarding Leadership delivered via Zoom. It focuses on behaviours speak and so on. However, it was good to training engaging and relevant.” and values for leadership and how we hear people share their own learning and At the end of the module we sent a “I found the participative nature very respond well to survivors of abuse and those understanding of safeguarding. Better still short survey to the participants and 88% effective and engaging.” making a disclosure. was the listening to and learning from each of respondents either agreed or strongly “This was an excellent and challenging other. As one participant said “This is not agreed that after the programme they felt course.” In August, we hosted the first groups about gaining a certificate of attendance ‘more aware and confident as a safeguarding “I was impressed with the quality of the to participate in this new way of learning in safeguarding. This is a course that takes leader.’ So, a good first attempt at a new way training material.” and 37 delegates in total completed the us beyond establishing procedures and of learning. There is room to improve and “I found the Leadership Learning a very programmes, which are offered on different principles as a reaction to a situation, but we are working on that with our September positive and collaborative experience.” days of the week and at different times. makes us look at a cultural change in which groups. growing church bringing hope 7 Bamburgh Bones wins a top category at the prestigious UK Heritage Awards he Accessing Aidan project, with its newly opened crypt of St Aidan’s Church in Bamburgh, won the ‘Hid- den Gem’ category at the awards, whichT celebrate the best historic houses, gar- dens, museums and sites around the UK.

In November last year the beautiful 12th century crypt of St Aidan’s church was reo- pened to the public once again to enable the public to visit the new Bamburgh Ossuary and to learn more about the remarkable story of Anglo-Saxon Bamburgh.

An interpretive display and animation together with a unique interactive digital ossuary at St Aidan’s Church and Crypt in Bamburgh, tells the story of 110 skeletons dat- ing back to the 7th and 8th centuries unearthed from what is believed to be the burial ground for the royal court of Northum- bria.

The judges of the UK Heritage Awards praised Accessing Aidan for ‘furthering sci- ence and education’, for mixing digital ele- ments with archaeology and for the strength of the volunteer and community involve- ment.

The Accessing Aidan project is a collabora- tion between the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, St Aidan’s Parochial Church Council, Durham University, Bam- burgh Heritage Trust and Northumberland County Council. The project has been made possible thanks to a £355,600 grant from The Bamburgh Bones National Lottery Heritage Fund Bishop and clergy Pictures: Crest Revd Louise Taylor-Kenyon, Vicar of St Aid- an’s Church said “It is wonderful to be able immensely proud that our hidden gem - the crypt of St Aidan’s church is open to the pub- Ossuary, with further information panels and tell the story of our earliest Christian history, crypt and our amazing Anglo-Saxon story - is lic once again.” the digital ossuary available in the church. and to be reminded that people have always now open and accessible to all.” travelled, settled and been welcomed here. St The 12th century crypt below the chancel is It is hoped the Bamburgh Ossuary will help Aidan served all people, whatever their status Northumberland County Councillor Jeff a true hidden gem as difficult external access spread the word about an under-represented and nationality, showing us an inclusive liv- Watson is Chair of the Northumberland Coast meant the crypt had been closed to the public period of Bamburgh’s history – namely the ing faith.” AONB. He said: “This is fantastic news for this for the last 30 years but now new stairs enable regional, national and even global role it truly unique Northumberland project, and access to the main crypt below, from where played in the spread of Christianity and Anglo Jessica Turner, the Accessing Aidan Project very well deserved. “With the help of new ​ the second crypt with its neatly stacked ossu- Saxon culture. Among the startling revela- Officer said “We are absolutely thrilled to be technology, the secrets these ancient people ary boxes containing the bones, can be tions is that far from being a quiet, rural vil- recognised with this fabulous award. This has took to their graves 1,400 years ago have been viewed. On entering the crypt, visitors are met lage, Bamburgh was a thriving and cosmo- been a great partnership effort and we are unlocked and brought to life for a 21st century with a short linocut animation film that tells politan hub drawing people from across audience. I am so pleased that the beautiful the story of the ancestors now interred in the Europe to live and work – including St Aidan, who travelled from Iona at the invitation of King Oswald to establish Christianity in the area and founded a place of worship in 635AD on the site of the present church that bears his name.

Due to the current Covid-19 restriction the crypt and main body of the church are cur- rently only open on designated days so check the website before planning your visit. It is also possible to arrange a private tour of the crypt via the website. The digital ossuary is available online through a new dedicated website bamburghbones.org​

The project has been made possible thanks to a £355,600 grant from the National Lottery Interpretation in St Aidan’s church A visitor watching the crypt projection Heritage Fund 8 generous engaged open Rest in Peace Revd Bishop Christine Canon Philip blesses the launch Cunningham and Revd Sue Joyner

It is with great sadness that we inform you of of St Cuthbert’s the death of the Revd Canon Philip Cunningham on Thursday 27th August and of Revd Sue Joyner on Tuesday 2nd September. The Revd Canon Philip Three-Church Trail John Cunningham RIP

St Cuthbert’s Corsenside Philip with his faithful friend Ebba

Philip was ordained Deacon in 1995 and Priest in 1996 in York Diocese where he served at St Luke York, St Olave w St Giles York, and in Haxby (St Mary) w Wigginton. In 2002 he joined the Diocese of Newcastle and served in Gosforth, St Nicholas, until 2018 when he retired. During this time he also held the post of Area Dean of Newcastle Central Deanery, and was an Honorary Canon of Newcastle Cathedral from 2011.

Philip retired in 2018 and lived in Hexham, where Bishop Christine with Revd Dr Susan Ramsaran at the end of he continued to faithfully support the clergy and the trail. Picture: Jill Swaile Churchwarden St Peter’s Falstone St Cuthbert’s trail pilgrims parishes of the Hexham Deanery, and further afield, throughout his retirement. ishop Christine joined the many pil- es, communities and our St Cuthbert’s herit- continue with us on our journey, others to grims that set out from St Cuthbert’s age. encourage and support friends on their way. Philip’s funeral, a Requeim Mass took place at Elsdon on Saturday, 5th September to Undeterred by a sharp shower, we continued 11.00am on Thursday 10th September, at bless the official launch of the St Here’s an account of the launch walk and across country. On a bridge where the River Hexham Abbey. Cuthbert’sB Three-Church Trail. trail blessing, written by St Cuthbert’s Three- Rede meets the North Tyne we stopped for rest Church Trail Group Project Manager, Marie and to listen to the story of Cuthbert and the Please remember Philip’s wife Ann, their two The walking route links the three St Cuth- Ness: Otters, who lovingly warmed Cuthbert’s feet daughters Rebecca and Hilary, and their families bert’s churches, travelling from Elsdon to Cor- after he had sought solitude in the sea. senside and Bellingham. As we set off across the village green and up in your prayers. into the hills we stopped to remind each other Eventually we emerged from the Riverside The St Cuthbert’s Three-Church Trail Group of Cuthbert ‘stories’. We recalled how Cuthbert path to arrive at “Cuddy’s” Well Bellingham, a The Revd were awarded a grant of £1,634 from Revitalis- himself had seen a light in the sky and the next natural spring said to have never dried up ing Redesdale to write and produce a guide day had learned Saint Aidan had died, and so since St Cuthbert blessed it, and linked to Susan Diane book, to help visitors appreciate the culture, prompted Cuthbert followed his vocation and miraculous cures over the centuries. Most of Joyner RIP nature and history of the landscape they pass joined the monastic community at Melrose. the pilgrims certainly partook of the metallic Sue was ordained Deacon along the way. tasting water to quench their thirst. After a in 2008 and Priest in 2009 Unfortunately after a wet August we were blessing at the Well we ascended the steps to St in the Diocese of The Group worked in partnership with Revi- not able to cross Smoutel Ford, which is pass- Cuthbert’s, Bellingham where we had prayers Newcastle, and has served talising Redesdale to provide waymarkers able when the is low. However in including special thanks for Revd Dr Susan her whole ministry in along the Trail and improve the river crossing blessing the newly installed Ford, Bishop Ramsaran who has played a major part in the The Revd Susan Upper Coquetdale, Alnwick at Smoutel Ford. The Group are currently in Christine also reminded us that in life, just as Trail’s creation and has written the St Cuth- Deanery. Recently retired the process of raising money for the installa- Diane Joyner on our pilgrimage walk, we often are faced bert’s Three-Church Trail booklet. Susan as Headteacher of tion of steps and a pathway to connect Cuddy’s with barriers that we have to overcome and retires after St Cuthbert’s Festival Weekend. Well and St Cuthbert’s Church Bellingham. find ways around. Harbottle First School, she ■■ If you would like a copy of the St Cuth- also served as a Trustee of the Diocesan Joint Bishop Christine expressed her strong sup- In the distance we could see St Cuthbert’s bert’s Three-Church Trail booklet (mini- Education Team. She was a much-loved priest port for the work, emphasising that it will Corsenside on the top of the hill, and were mum donation £5 + p&p) please e-mail and will be missed by many. encourage more visitors and importantly fur- rewarded in our detour with deep conversa- Marie Ness [email protected] ther the development of spiritual pilgrimage in tions with new and old friends, more Cuthbert Sue’s Funeral service was held at St Michael & All Northumberland. stories, wondering paths and rushing streams. ■■ If you would like to make a donation to Angels Church, Alwinton, on Wednesday 16th Up the hill we walked once more on the steady the further development of the St Cuth- September at 11.00am. The three St Cuthbert churches are working climb up to the simple peace and tranquillity bert’s Three-Church Trail and the sustaina- together on the Rural Churches for Everyone of St Cuthbert’s, Corsenside. bility of the St Cuthbert Churches at Bell- Please remember her husband Peter and their project, and the Trail and the installation of ingham, Corsenside and Elsdon you can wider family in your prayers steps at St Cuthbert’s Bellingham is very much Fortified by our picnic lunch in West Wood- donate via the Diocese Donate page https:// part of the sustainable future for these church- burn, where many friends joined us, some to www.give.net/3churchtrail/oneoff growing church bringing hope 9

LIKE A Floral tribute to NHS and key workers at St Bartholomew’s, Newbiggin METAPHOR Tim Hardy (formerly of the Religious Resources Centre) writes at www.timbo- baggins.co.uk and spends the rest of his time raising his young daughter and riding a bike around Leamington Spa. Nights drawing in It's getting dark appreciably earlier in the day than even a few weeks ago - certainly much earlier than it did two thirds of the way through June. It leaves our evenings strangely truncated, especially after a summer of long solo walks or bike rides once we'd put Anwen down for the night, and we haven't yet adjusted to the not-yet-here Picture: Janet Bennett winter nights-in. It seems that nature is similarly confused - the odd tree here and Unable to hold their usual annual fair and official reopening of the Church Centre and local community after what has been an there has dumped its leaves all around its flower festival for the first time in 50 years, shop, after many months of lockdown. incredibly difficult year for everybody. roots and over the footpath, but mostly St Bartholomew’s instead decided to put Fr Anthony O’Grady, vicar of St Viewing took place on Saturday, Sunday they've remained just as green and pleasant together a floral tribute to thank the NHS, Bartholomew’s said: “The churchwardens and Monday and given the crisis, we had as they've seemed all year. key workers, carers and emergency and I decided to put something in place to a reasonable number of people who services. mark our summer fair and respond to the attended - and all of whom accepted the I have friends with allotments who have Over the August bank holiday weekend current crisis. social distancing measures we had to have been over-run with courgettes, and other they hosted the floral tribute as part of the “We did that to boost morale in the in place.” friends who make jellies and jams, I've been teaching Anwen about picking brambles as we walk, but most of us no longer need to spend time preparing for the winter - harvesting, laying down supplies of food to last us through - in these days of plenty, Songs, stories and prayers for Willington’s toddlers these are no longer part of our annual lives. Left, Revd Julie There's a long time until winter is actually Mooney with Sheila here. In the meantime, there are hours of the Sheep on YouTube, and below, light to enjoy every day that won't be here Joan and Dave later in the year, there is plenty of greenery Cottiss celebrating that hasn't faded and fallen yet, but I can't 55 years of marriage shake the awareness that we're entering autumn merely as a transitional season on the way to a more real-feeling winter.

Likewise, in terms of the church year, there's quite a lot of green up ahead of us. We're about half way through a long period of Ordinary Time, leading from the feast of Pentecost to the beginning of Advent.

I'd usually take this chance to celebrate the fact that, as a church, we have these long periods of normality between the more- exciting, appealing and engaging seasons of celebration and repentance. I would note that it's good to acknowledge how most of our lives in this world will be fairly mundane (for want of a better word) and it's good that the church year reflects this - we don't exist in a perpetual state of giddy excitement, nor one of sorrow and self-examination, but most of the time, things are fairly, well, Church of the Good Shepherd, prayers to the toddlers and ordinary. Willington have devised a plan to their families using online connect with their toddler group resources. our toddlers and their However, with limited numbers of online. Before lockdown the baby and families as this, for many of them, is churches currently reopening (and, even toddler group, Little Shepherds had on This has started with a video on their only link to church.” then, in very restricted ways), nothing much average 25 regular attendees who YouTube about ‘Sheila the Sheep’ feels normal at the moment. It's hard to enjoyed play, Bible stories, songs and starting nursery school and a God The Willington Team’s twice weekly picture how things will be in a fortnight or prayers. This is a wonderful group and version of the classic nursery rhyme ecumenical services have proved so so, let alone two and a half months; we know valuable outreach to the community. Old MacDonald had a farm, by Revd successful for sharing worship with that Advent (and therefore Christmas) is Emily Watson. the congregation, that parishioners on the way but it's hard to see how we'll be During lockdown the church has Joan and Dave Cottiss asked for a getting there. Which, I guess, is the point of kept in touch through text and Revd Julie Mooney said “We have celebration service to give thanks for Ordinary Time - the putting of one foot in WhatsApp but with the ongoing received wonderful feedback about their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Julie front of the other, noticing what's changing, social distance restrictions preventing our toddlers watching and singing said “It was a wonderful celebration growing and ready to harvest as we go, and the group gathering in person, they from their own home with requests to that allowed their family and friends to trusting God in the small, personal, day- have recently begun working on a watch again and again. We are thrilled safely gather online and take a role in to-day things that make up the ordinary plan to deliver songs, stories and that we can continue to engage with the service.” seasons of our extraordinary lives 10 generous engaged open

ACROSS HAVE YOUR SAY 1. New pupil initially taking Link Crossword 166 Compiled by Mary Sutton preacher’s place (6) Anything catch your eye in 4. Inferior, the French ship this month’s LINK? This month we are including the crossword for anyone looking for something used with hesitation (6) Something on your mind? to keep them occupied during lockdown but just for fun (sorry, no prize this 8. High Church member Or in your prayers? month). Please DO NOT submit crosswords to Church House. giving coaching to all, possibly (5-8) Send an e-mail, message or 10. Competitor’s admission letter to LINK and we’ll (5) publish the best of them: 11. Bob, e.g., hit a cur accidentally (7) Have your say. LINK, 12. Belittling woman’s father Church House, St John’s ranting (11) Terrace, North Shields 16. Blokes not at first serious NE29 6HS. Email us: making us carve (7) link@newcastle. 17. Nut about to be found in anglican.org enclosure (5) 18. Secret organized tour – it is super (13) 19. The rod unexpectedly glowing with heat (3-3) 20. Average boy becoming clergyman (6)

DOWN 1. Intercession for quiet man appearing with hesitation (6) 2. Pale fellow at home with German man inclined to steal (5-7) 3. Tusk substance in one verse Roy corrected (5) 5. Repeating point about house in Gateshead (7) 6. Second little creature tricks Conservative with debts, Patterns or Choices? Some typical ways of recognising you are embarrassed (4-9) running a pattern: 7. From memory, repeat Noticing our patterns of thought or behaviours ■■ You know at the start that this will end in the aloud one found in Crete, gives us the chance to look again at how we feel “usual way”; and how we think. When we know what our ■■ You remember that you feel anxious, possibly (6) patterns are, we can decide how well they serve us. defensive, or angry around this person or in that 9. Repulsive ringleader in a We can challenge them, make changes, develop situation; or British house getting new patterns and ways of thinking. We learn that by Patty ■■ You feel trapped because nothing changes. we have choices when, maybe, we thought we had payment (9) none. Everitt, Here are some basic ways of changing a pattern: 13. Able cop arranging fake ■■ When you notice that you are running We all have established patterns of thought, a pattern think back to what started that treatment (7) feeling and behaviour; they become reflex and Counselling response: a person, a situation, a word? You 14. Person who edits crones’ we don’t realise that we have a choice in the may find this difficult to start with or you may broadcast (6) matter. Advisor recognise what is happening straight away. Persist and congratulate yourself when you 15. A French boy admits one We develop patterns throughout our lives, many (Interim) do notice regardless of the point at which you in complete agreement (6) during childhood, as we learned how to “be” in notice. our family and in our world. Some patterns 17. Bread – mine is given to developed before we had words to explain even And yet, as adults we could choose to behave Plan how you would like to respond in future: volunteers (5) to ourselves what was happening. differently. We have a rich experience which we ■■ Focus on your behaviour: Remember – you could choose to use. We do not have to can only change your behaviour; you cannot Some patterns contribute to our survival: continue well-worn and reflex responses. change anyone else’s. How do you want to Answers to looking before we cross the road, paying behave? Crossword 165 attention to traffic lights and flashing lights on And if we did behave differently then – oh, my ■■ Focus on how you want to feel about the way level crossings. Some contribute to our goodness – we could get a different response! you handled the situation. acceptance into our community: being polite or ■■ Focus on what you want your outcome to ACROSS: 1. Old Testament queuing. Just think about times when people behaved be. Remember, this must be regardless of what 8. Basic 9. Mariner 10. Tie differently toward you when you were expecting others do or say because you cannot control 11. Unanimous 13. Extra However, some of our patterns are out-of-date; a “typical” response from them. How did you feel their behaviour or response. circumstances have changed and yet … about that? Pleasantly surprised? Confused? ■■ Now, take a metaphorical step back. Imagine 14. Gutsy 16. Carpenter Wrong-footed? responding in this new way. Notice how you 17. Oar 19. Precede 21. And yet we continue to respond in the same behave, the words you use, the way you feel Yearn 22. Dictatorship way as we have always done. We seem to be When we choose a different response then the before, during and after. You can always tweak especially prone to repeat patterns relating to situation changes! Others will respond your response and work it through again. DOWN: 1. Orbit 2. family. differently to us. ■■ Cut yourself some slack if it doesn’t go to plan Dissenter 3. Encouragement at first! You are learning new behaviours and As circumstances change then our old patterns We can do something different and get a that takes time. 4. Tomcat 5. Morning Prayer of thinking and behaving may not be different response and our experience of our If any of the above feels familiar and you would 6. Nun 7. Trusty 12. appropriate, and we may get unexpected or world can change. like to have a chat about it, please contact Patty at Osteopath 13. Escape 15. unpleasant results. [email protected] Street 18. Run-up 20. Eli

Visit https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/events/category/all-events/ for events taking place across the Diocese growing church bringing hope 11

News from Christian Aid North East with Helen Cunningham, Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer (North East & Cumbria) In times of crisis, love unites us all hrist calls us to reach out for generations. munities with different initiatives to our neighbours with love. and projects, from school vegetable By being good neighbours, Angela Zelaya is a farmer in Santa gardens to gender workshops. One of we can change the world. Rosa. She is married and has two the main ways they are helping farm- C daughters, Johaira and Ariana. Ange- ers protect their livelihoods is by When crisis arrived on our door- la’s coffee farm used to provide a shifting from coffee production to steps this year, neighbourly love good living for her family. But now climate-resistant cocoa, helping peo- helped us through. she’s facing a crisis. The changing cli- ple like Angela to secure a better mate in Nicaragua means her coffee future. We’ve all witnessed communities harvests are shrinking every year. coming together to face the challeng- Coffee farmers used to lose only 5% Angela said: ‘With the cocoa pro- es of the Covid-19 pandemic. Across of their crop. Now it is 30%. ject, we received loans and cocoa the world, this same neighbourly love plants. I received 700 cocoa plants. is helping some of the most vulnera- Angela explains: ‘With climate The technicians came and visited us ble communities overcome crisis. change, the coffee suffers from many and told us what to do. We also diseases and pests. The sun has received tree saplings to help shade ‘You shall love your neighbour as scorched the coffee beans, we cannot our crops.’ yourself.’ Mark 12:31 sell them and we’re losing more every year because of climate change. While trained technicians show In Nicaragua, the farming commu- When I was a kid, the weather was farmers how to improve their farms, nity of Santa Rosa has grown coffee totally different. It’s been changing a youth promoters from the local com- for generations. But now that could lot and we don’t know when it’s the munity help to make it a success. come to an end. The crop is strug- rainy season or the dry season.’ They visit the farmers to record their gling to grow as the climate crisis progress and share know how. It’s rages on. Nicaragua is the second At the same time, coffee prices helped build trust between the gen- poorest country in Latin America and have fallen globally. Facing this crisis erations. one of the countries most affected by has brought the community together climate change. Around 80% of the to work as a local cooperative to share Angela’s daughter Johaira is one of population depend on agriculture for resources and knowledge and the youth promoters in Santa Rosa. survival. Many grow coffee as their urgently protect their livelihoods. She said: ‘Sometimes I feel nervous main source of income. Now, their about telling farmers what they need Cocoa is giving Angela, Ariana and Johaira hope for the future. future looks more and more uncer- ‘I feel proud to be part of a cooper- to do, but as a promoter I feel good tain. ative and we have the opportunity to and am always learning more. ■■ Give to help communities around ■■ Pray for our global neighbours share ideas and learn from each the world come together to overcome facing crisis in all its forms. But there is hope. Farming com- other,’ Angela said. This autumn, Christian Aid is ask- the crisis of poverty. munities are coming together to ing supporters to reach out to our ■■ Act by calling for the cancellation Find out more about how your share tools and knowledge. United, The cooperative is supported by global neighbours and help more of debt repayments for low-income church can get involved at they can make the urgent changes Christian Aid’s local partner, Soppex- communities overcome crisis. The countries during the coronavirus cri- www.caid.org.uk/neighbours needed to help their family farms last cca. They help coffee farming com- charity wants people to: sis.

balance in our English The Rural Strand common life. by Helen Savage, Pastoral – a Vicar of the Earlier, he backs up Moorland Group his argument by love story and of Parishes quoting the Bible: the call in Leviticus 19: When you reap the a challenge seemed to have found a way through to control of parts of his land; but I am utterly harvest of your land, enjoying the wild things about him and taking with him in his contention that ‘the idea James Rebanks, the ‘Herdy Shepherd’, has you shall not reap to pride at ‘doing things right.’ that land must be either perfectly wild or the very edges of your written a new book. ‘English Pastoral: An perfectly efficient and sterile is unwise and Inheritance (Allen Lane). field, or gather the ‘Progress’ is an honest and open critique of how blinding; it is a false and unsustainable gleanings of your economics and agrochemicals combined to simplification.’ harvest … you shall It’s a love song to rural life in the North marked create the ‘new farming’ with bigger units to by that wonderful combination of gritty leave them for the poor grow cheaper food, but increasingly lower Just as timely, as we are invited to think and the alien … honesty with genuinely poetic use of language margins, soil exhaustion and the loss of flora and pray about how we manage our that made his first book, ‘The Shepherd’s Life’, and fauna. It’s the story of ‘how the economics environment and plan what we can do to published five years ago, truly memorable. But I We may rightly make of farming made it virtually impossible to opt help protect and sustain life on our planet, much of the need for and joys of a think that in many ways this book is even better. out.’ It was unnatural, it was destructive, but was Rebanks reminds us that the need to re-imagine It moved me deeply. personal faith in Jesus Christ, but we must there a viable alternative? farming here in the North should be the always remember that the overwhelming business of all of us who live here: ‘Restoring the message of the Bible is that our wellbeing – It’s a personal story about the land, our use of it ‘Utopia’ presents a tentative work in progress. countryside’, he says, ‘isn’t about destroying and how farming and community are, or should physical, pastoral and spiritual comes in and It’s the story of how Rebanks has rediscovered communities and traditional ways of life, or at through our participation in community. be, inseparable. It provides rich food for the smell and taste of the soil on his own small least it shouldn’t be. It’s about building strong thought, not least for all of us who in this upland farm in Cumbria and with it, the re-birth new rural communities that respect both the diocese seeks to discern a sustainable, but Rebanks’s new book offers a challenge to all of of diversity of life on the land, a process that he old and the new.’ He argues that ‘local food who live in rural communities to think deeply transformative way forward in response to the hopes will bring sustainability. It’s not an matters – and so does local farming because Gospel of hope and love. about how we can work with everyone of good approach taught, he says in the country’s what we eat is too important to be pushed out will to build sustainable communities – in the leading agricultural colleges, they are still of sight and mind - we need to see the food we Like, ‘The Shepherd’s Life’ it’s autobiographical. present Covid crisis and beyond a deeply concerned with how to run a ‘profitable eat and how it’s produced – and question and pressing concern (and with Brexit just around It’s divided it three parts. The first is ‘nostalgia’, in business.’ For them, ‘tradition, community or challenge this when we need to.’ which Rebanks looks back to his boyhood and the corner). Surely the church should be (as ecological limits,’ ‘he says, ‘don’t count.’ indeed it is, I believe) taking a lead in this. how he first discovered a deep love of the land, Rebanks ends with a vision of society that ought and his farming inheritance under his He won’t win any prizes for what he’s done (well, to warm to hearts of us all. Tired of the grandfather’s guidance, as he sat on the back of But it’s not just a book for those who live in the maybe the odd literary award), and there’s a fine absolutes, extremes and the angriness of this rural North. Its message and challenge should his tractor; and how despite the desperately line when it comes to allowing nature to take age he calls for more kindness, compromise and hard graft that defined his life, his grandfather give us all pause for thought.