Focus on Shipston Deanery Prayer Diary We have a great deal to thank the Lord for in the southernmost deanery of the diocese. House groups are shooting up all over the deanery which is a sure sign that November 2013 the Spirit is moving here, a real answer to prayer. has just had a wonderful away day at the Chapel in Oxhill which was very encouraging and everyone went away with great hope for the future. In Butler's Marston a family focus group The Gift of Tears - Have we forgotten how to weep? produced exciting plans for altering the church to enable outreach work.

Jesus said ‘Blessed are those who weep…’ Luke 6.21 In SW7 the men's and women's breakfasts go from strength to strength attracting up Tears are a gift of God and essential to spiritual health. Tears are a sign that we are alive to 45 people who meet in the local pub and golf club. As a direct result there has and that our hearts have not been hardened. Our hearts can be calloused by cynicism, been Christianity Explored courses as well as a series of mid-week evening talks led unforgiveness, bitterness or even by complacency and self-righteousness. Again and by Andrew Dow in Feldon Valley Golf Club. These evenings have taken the form of a again God warns us ‘harden not your hearts’ (Ps.95.8,Heb.3.8;4.7) So it is that St twenty minute talk, time for questions and answers, followed by supper. These have Irenaeus of Lyons wrote ‘Keep your hearts soft and tractable, lest they lose the imprint of been very popular and attracted up to 60 people and a third series is about to start God’s fingers.’ To be alive to God, to be alive in God is to have the gift of feeling. entitled ‘Real Christianity’. SW7 is also planning a Passion for Life week, to be held Jesus, as he journeys into Jerusalem for the last time, sees the city next Easter with other North Cotswold parishes. and weeps over it. Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus. The letter to the Hebrews exhorts us to consider Jesus who ‘offered up In Long Compton the GAP service is gathering momentum. This is an informal prayers with loud cries and tears.’ (Heb.5.7) Jesus commends the Sunday service held at 4pm to attract young families. There is teaching, prayer and woman who washes his feet with her tears. Paul writes to the singing accompanied by various instruments, followed by food. There is a crèche for Corinthians ‘with many tears’ (2 Cor.2.4) He tells the Ephesian the very young and separate activities for 4-11yrs in the back of the church. It is elders on leaving them how he served the Lord ‘with tears’. becoming a real family service as all ages attend and enjoy the social afterwards.

There are natural tears that flow from human emotion. But there are After a visit last Harvest time from Gavin Kibble, chief also tears that flow from the Spirit of God at work in us. Such tears can flow when we organiser of the Coventry Foodbanks, the parishes of experience the love of God, often in the context of prayer ministry or worship. These and SW7 have committed themselves to sending tears are healing. The Holy Spirit softens our hearts, or to borrow from Ezekiel, takes food to the Coventry Foodbank and more and more away our hearts of stone and gives us hearts of flesh (Ezek.11.9). Sometimes tears are people are becoming aware of the problems and ‘given’ us which perhaps express something of the grief of God himself at what is donating generously. happening in His world, tears that help us to see our lives or the world as God sees them. But tears are not the end of the story. ‘Those who sow with tears will reap with In the midst of all this good news, we still have the songs of joy’. (Ps.126.5) God promises to wipe away the tears from our eyes. problem of many beautiful churches in need of high (Rev.7.17; 21.4) Tears of contrition and repentance are the doorway to joy. We maintenance, and small elderly congregations that are cannot of course simply ‘turn tears on’ but we can pray that God will soften the dwindling in places. We need prayer that young people hardness of hearts, that we can be sensitive and responsive to the working of Holy will join the church and that our energy is not sapped by Spirit and so to be in the world as He would have us be and to do in the world what the arduous job of keeping the buildings fit for purpose. Janet Owen He would have us do. Lay Chair of Shipston

Page 1 Page 2 We pray for the ministry of BORCAS - Bishop's Officers for the Retired Clergy Cycle of Prayer - November 2013 Fri 8 and Spouses. We pray for members of the team including Bishop David and Dorothy Evans, Mary Crameri and Clive Harper as they seek to care for and With a focus on parishes and schools in Shipston Deanery keep in touch with 320 retired clergy and spouses across the diocese.

*The Saints and Martyrs of Brailes Primary School. Headteacher: Sarah Plaskitt. We pray for God's We pray for governing and decision-making bodies in the Church of England;

Fri 1 blessing on all the children, teachers, staff and governors at this school. Sat 9 for General Synod, Church Commissioners, Archbishop's Council and the We remember all those people who have been influential in our faith journey many other committees and groups that serve the national Church. All Saints’ Day who have now died and we give thanks for them. We pray for all those who We pray for Diocesan Synod which meets today. grieve that they may know comfort, peace and hope. *Margery Kempe, Mystic, c.1440 We pray for the Mother's Union 'Lets Make Waves' day being held in We pray for all those who will come to church today for Remembrance

Sat 2 Kenilworth today. We thank God for Di Sliwinki (MU President) and her Sun 10 Sunday. Pray that God would help us to welcome and care for those who recent visit to Madagascar and for all that will be shared and considered with remember and grieve today. We pray for all those who are involved in 3rd Sunday other members today. conflicts around the world. *Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) before Advent *Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith, 461 Tysoe Primary School. Headteacher: Sarah Slatter. We pray for God's We pray for the candidates due to be confirmed today by Bishop John at Sun 3 Mon 11 blessing on all the children, teachers, staff and governors at this school. St Paul's, Foleshill. We pray for the church at St Martin's, Finham as they celebrate their 75th *Richard Hooker, Priest, Anglican Apologist, Teacher of the Faith, 1600 4th Sunday anniversary service today and for Bishop Christopher who will be preaching. *Martin of Porres, Friar, 1639 before Advent *Martin, Bishop of Tours, c.397 Newbold and Tredington Primary School. Headteacher: Carl Upton. We pray Brailes, Sutton-u-Brailes, Tysoe, Oxhill, Whatcote. Clergy: Nicholas Morgan,

Mon 4 for God's blessing on all the children, teachers, staff and governors at this Tue 12 Martin Leaton, Bill Rolfe, George Warner, Tom Moffatt. Reader: David Fenton. school. We remember all facing long term illness, particularly those receiving We pray for Mike Eaman as he is licensed as Priest-in-Charge at Potters treatment for cancer. We pray for the recently bereaved - may they be Green today by Bishop John and Archdeacon John. surrounded by love both human and divine. Primary School. Acting Head: Hilary Kemp. We pray for God's Ettington Primary School. Headteacher: Jo Jennings. We pray for God's

Tue 5 blessing on all the children, teachers, staff and governors at this school. Wed 13 blessing on all the children, teachers, staff and governors at this school. We pray for the Fire Service at this very busy time of year. We ask for safety We pray for the candidates who are due to be confirmed by Bishop and protection for all those using fireworks or having bonfires tonight. Christopher at St Wilfred's, Arley today. We pray for the Bishop's Study Day which takes place today. *Charles Simeon, Priest, Evangelical Divine, 1836 We pray for Messy Church congregations across the diocese. Give thanks for Wed 6 We pray for Sheila Bridge as she is licensed as Minister-in-Charge for the Thu 14 Conventional District of St Peter and St John. this creative ministry with children and families. We pray for good ideas, *Leonard, Hermit, 6th century resources and training for all those involved and that many would come to *William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher of the Faith, 1944 know the love of God through these initiatives. *Samuel Seabury, first Anglican Bishop in North America, 1796 During this National Adoption Week we give thanks for the adoption services The South Seven. Clergy: Stuart Allen, Anthony Wells, Jill Evans,

Thu 7 in this country. We pray for all those children who await families in which Fri 15 Hugh Williams. Readers: Lesley Gubbins, Clare Wells, Sarah Jones, Elaine they can belong permanently. Hobday. We pray for God's blessing on the parishes of Barcheston, Barton on We pray for the Bishop's Core and Extended Staff teams which meet today. the Heath, , Cherington with Stourton, Long Compton, *Willibrord of York, Bishop, Apostle of Frisia, 739 and Wolford. Page 3 Page 4 Sat 16 We pray for the Diocesan Choir Festival being held at the cathedral and for all Sun 24 We praise God for Christ the King! We pray for Bishop Christopher as he the choirs that will be singing evensong at 4pm there today. preaches at the Kaiser-Wilhelm Church, Berlin (a Cross of Nails partner) in a *Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Philanthropist, Reformer of the Church, 1093 service that commemorates the 70th anniversary of the destruction of the *Edmund Rich of Abingdon, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1240 Christ the King Church.

We pray for the continuing conversations regarding Women Bishops in the We reflect on Isaac Watt's hymn 'When I survey the Wondrous Cross'. We

Sun 17 Church of England. We thank God for on-going dialogue and understanding. Mon 25 pray that we might be renewed in our love and commitment to God. We pray for graceful and purposeful resolution to difficulties and for the best "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." 2nd Sunday legislation and practice to be agreed. *Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4th century before Advent *Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200 *Isaac Watts, Hymn Writer, 1748 Today marks the beginning of Anti-Bullying week. Pray that together we can Shipston on Stour with , Honington and . Clergy: Andrew

Mon 18 stop bullying and create safe environments in which children and young Tue 26 Coleby, Jill Tucker, Mike Harris. Readers: Alison Tomkinson, Helen Winnifrith, people and those in the workplace can live, grow and learn. Colin Beatty. Give thanks for a successful ecumenical children's Holiday Club We pray for General Synod and for the session of meetings which start today. and for 'Holiday at Home' over the summer which we hope to follow up this *Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess of Thuringia, Philanthropist, 1231 autumn. Please pray for our outreach to young families. We pray for those who will be gathering with Bishop John in the Stourdene We pray for all those studying for the Bishop's Certificate in Discipleship and

Tue 19 Group for a day on healing. Wed 27 the Bishop's Certificate in Mission and Ministry. We thank God for those who We pray for the Glebe Committee which meets this afternoon. are training and facilitating these courses and pray that they would provide *Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, 680 environments for rich learning and growth. *Mechtild, Béguine of Magdeburg, Mystic, 1280 We pray for the Diocesan Finance Group which meets this morning. Ilmington, Tredington and neighbouring parishes. Clergy: Chris Goble. Read- We pray for those candidates due to be confirmed by Bishop John today at Wed 20 Thu 28 ers: Malcolm Davies, Anthony Nichol and Roz Wakefield. Thank God for St Michael's in the Caludon team. schools work, developing lay ministry, and good relationships among church- *Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870 wardens. Pray for the appointment of an Associate Minister and that we *Priscilla Lydia Sellon, a Restorer of the Religious Life, 1876 might rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Benefice of the Stourdene Group. Clergy: Catherine Vickers, Ali Massey, John We pray for all those who are facing a difficult financial time in the lead up to

Thu 21 Horton. We pray for the parishes of , Butler's Marston, Etting- Fri 29 Christmas. We ask that other non-money-focused ways of celebrating ton, Halford, Newbold on Stour and with Pillerton Priors. We Christmas might feel possible and desired amongst friends and families. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local communities. pray that the good news of Jesus would shine most brightly in these weeks. We pray for Bishop Christopher on a visit to Berlin for the next few days. *Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary Work of the Church During this Alcohol Awareness Week we pray for all who have difficulties with We give thanks for the example of faith and obedience we see in Andrew the Fri 22 alcohol. We pray for those who need support with these challenges, and for Sat 30 Apostle. God help us as we seek to follow you. We pray for all clergy and lay all the people and agencies involved in providing care and treatment for those leaders preparing to begin the season of advent tomorrow. May they know seeking to stop drinking alcohol. Andrew the the strength and inspiration of God in all that they do. *Cecilia, Martyr at Rome, c.230 Apostle

Sat 23 We pray for the candidates who will be baptised and confirmed by Bishop John at Coventry Cathedral today. We thank God for the on-going witness to

reconciliation that the Cathedral provides in Coventry and further afield. *Clement, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c.100

Page 5 Page 6 First Impressions... Godly Play in Stourdene Benefice

After being ordained deacon at Coventry Cathedral on The Rector of the Shipston Benefice, Andrew Coleby, shares some of his Sunday 30th June this year, I started work at the reflections on moving to a rural benefice Stourdene Benefice as curate on Monday 1st July.

There’s one good thing about spending most of your I had visited two of the churches prior to my ministry working in places where the Church is very appointment and had met with my training incumbent, marginal, sometimes even fighting for it’s life: if you Cath Vickers several times, but really didn’t know what then come somewhere like the Shipston benefice, to expect of full-time rural ministry in a multi-benefice where the Church still has a clear place in the parish with 6 churches. community, it feels like entering a warm bath, after a Since then, it has been for me an incredible time of long and arduous cross-country run. And so it has felt mixed experiences and emotions. It has been a joy for me, after a ministry spent largely in poorer urban assisting at weddings and conducting my first baptism, areas, a new university and the Further Education along with the difficulties and opportunities of funeral sector, to then arrive in Shipston. ministry. It has been an absolute privilege to be with people at the very best and the worst of times, trying to bring the good news of But of course, even warm baths have their hazards, God’s outrageous love to people in times of grief or celebration. The members of the like falling asleep for instance! church family have been very gracious and supportive in their welcome and already I feel part of the Stourdene family. The big challenge to the mission of the Church here is to turn mild support from the community into deep personal commitments. A lot has already been done in that Another joy has been the opportunity to work with the two Church of England area here but the task is a big, even a daunting one. Primary Schools in the Benefice. I have been welcomed into the schools to share sacred stories and liturgy using the medium of Godly Play. Godly Play is a system On the positive side, there are huge opportunities for outreach here. I have been that allows those with little or no church tradition to engage with their innate warmly welcomed into the primary school and also, in a different way, into the high spirituality by giving the space, time and vocabulary to engage with the sacred in an school: this despite the fact that neither is a church school. There are also great accessible way. church-based things happening for children and young people in Shipston and I’m Using story, simple resources and the opportunity to reflect on the story, Godly Play doing my best to support these. can encourage really deep conversations about the meaning of life, our place in the world and God’s love for each and every part of God’s creation. In the space of just a There is also quite a lot of scope for church-based social action and quite a history of few short weeks we have already explored Creation, the liturgical year and the story it as well, which I appreciate particularly given one of my former positions was as a of Noah. I am also looking forward to sharing Godly Play in our Messy Church Social Responsibility Officer. There is rather less happening from the centre of the services held in Newbold on Stour and Halford and I’m hoping to encourage others to diocese than there was in St Albans diocese in that regard. The onus is very much on join me in this ministry. us at the local level to make things happen. So life is never going to be dull here! For further information on Godly Play, you can contact me at [email protected] or see the website www.godlyplay.org.uk Andrew Coleby Ali Massey Rector of Shipston Benefice Curate in the Stourdene Benefice

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