www.oxford.anglican.org June 2017 no 292 thedoor

Lighthouse livens up the summer holidays - pages 8 Dr Keith’s passion for Meet our new Generous Bishop Steven’s tour and 9 Africa - page 16 Giving Adviser - page 11 continues - page 7 From Cookham to Ethiopia A journey towards a common vision by Jillian Moody scheduled before the end of June. The visits have taken in schools, churches, foodbanks, AROUND 120 people from across the businesses, a therapeutic gardening project, Oxford Diocese met last month to farms, a brewery and a community shop. start the formal process of exploring (See page seven for a round-up of the future direction for the Church Bishop Steven’s latest visits). in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Bishop Steven preached on the themes of contemplation, compassion and courage It builds on Bishop Steven’s year of and talked of how the church was at its best listening (blogs.oxford.anglican.org/a- when it is a community of the vulnerable. year-of-listening/). The group is made He said: “The more we dwell in Christ and up of people from across the leadership are contemplative, compassionate and community within the Diocese and from courageous, the more positive and hopeful specific areas of the church such as minority the future looks.” ethnic groups and larger churches. Bishop Steven said: “It’s going to be a privilege for me to listen to what people “I hope together we will think about the Diocese and how we can build on the huge amount of good that’s be able to build on the happening across our three counties. legacy of Living Faith...” During my deanery visits I have asked Children from Ethiopia celebrate the link with Cookham. Photo: Caroline Field two questions: what kind of Church is The conference, called Towards a God calling us to be and what are we A PARTNERSHIP between Holy Trinity CE School in Cookham and the Gende Tesfa Common Vision, started with worship. The therefore called to do together? Our call is School in Ethiopia is going from strength to strength. Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Ven. Olivia to be a Christ-like Church, a Church of the Recently two initiatives have been launched for the charity Partners For Change Graham told the group: “For these three Beatitudes. I hope together we will be able Ethiopia (www.pfcethiopia.org). Over Lent children were encouraged to donate days we will form a temporary group of to build on the legacy of Living Faith to find pennies for the Breakfast Club at Gende Tesfa. A Spring Clean for Ethiopia saw pilgrims. Together we will pray, listen, laugh good ways forward for the future.” 281kgs of clothes handed in, which raised £112.40. and exhibit compassion and courage from The link between Holy Trinity School in Cookham and Gende Tesfa School was The process of discerning the direction of a contemplative bedrock.” In his opening initially set up two years ago by PFC Ethiopia Ambassador Sarah Parfitt whose the Diocese for the next few years will take address Bishop Steven asked people to sons Joshua and Jack attend the school. Sarah first visited the community of place over the next six months or so and consider what God is doing in the Diocese Gende Tesfa in March 2015 and returned in November 2016. Since then the school, will include opportunities for clergy, laity at this time and said he had seen a huge Holy Trinity Church, Cookham Methodist Church and individuals have organised and others to help shape that direction. amount of good happening. 14 fundraisers and raised over £14,000. A #woman2woman2017 campaign was launched by PFC Ethiopia on International Women’s Day. Sarah says: “The idea is to Over the three days delegates took part offer small business training and a recyclable loan to all the parents of the children in discussions and workshops, with the at Gende Tesfa Breakfast Club. A donation of £100 funds a woman’s small business Bishops keen to hear people’s views on training and gives her a recyclable loan.” how the Church should move forward. Resources and updates will be If you are interested in becoming an ambassador, please contact Pete Jones Bishop Steven also shared some of what posted on a special diocesan web on [email protected] or call 07506 445515. To make a donation go to he’s heard since his deanery visits started page www.oxford.anglican.org/ uk.virginmoney.com/woman2woman. in December. The Bishop has so far made commonvision 21 deanery visits, with another eight

One place; many ideas:

Hand made One Village Worldshop ceramics from ON THE A44 IN WOODSTOCK Palestine OR SHOP WITH US ONLINE 2 News Eco classroom kickstarts school expansion Grants of £2,000 for by Jo Duckles church projects WORK on an innovative, modular eco- ANDREWS Charitable Trust (ACT) has classroom as part of a plan to expand an 20 Christian Innovation Grants of ‘outstanding’ church school in Oxfordshire £2,000 on offer for new community is well underway. projects led by local churches and Terry Morris recently joined the children Christians. to dig the first foundations of the new Each grant will provide essential classroom. Terry attended the school as seed funding for the 20 best ideas to a young boy, as did his father, son and come to life and grow, creating new grandson. ways for churches to engage with their local community. St Peter’s CE Infant School in Alvescot Successful applicants in the only caters for children aged four to seven. past have gone to be part of the Under the expansion plans, St Peter’s will Cinnamon Project Incubator, where become a full primary school, with pupils they received training and support staying until they are 11 and ready to move to help them grow to a point where up to secondary education. The school they can be replicated many times currently has 58 pupils from Alvescot and over. the surrounding villages and towns. A spokesman said: “We are looking As an infant school, in the past children for project ideas that offer better have had to leave St Peter’s when they solutions to local problems that make were seven and have transferred to many a positive difference to the most different schools. This means that after vulnerable and express the love of three years in school, pupils “may be split Jesus beyond church and out into the From left, Tom Fry, Building Surveyor for the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education, Darren from key friends, and the support and community.” security that they provide, as they move Pace, David Waters, Kerry Cook, Sam King, headteacher, Terry Morris and some children at the start of the building work. Photo: St Peter’s Alvescot. This year ACT is inviting churches on to their new school,” the report states. to take part in two rounds of This can also mean that two siblings can plans, which will be funded by the school learning.” applications. The closing dates for end up at different schools, making life and the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust applications are midnight on Monday complicated for families. Sam King, headteacher, said: “This is (ODST) a very exciting time for St Peter’s as we 3 July and midnight on Monday 27 November. The school, which has been ranked as The report added: “Admission numbers prepare to become a primary school. We Go to andrewscharitabletrust. ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED for the last over the past 10 years demonstrate the are delighted that the building work has org.uk/christian-innovation- decade, will be transformed into a full school’s ongoing appeal to local families begun on our new classroom and that we grants-2017/ or call 0117 946 1834 primary school, with four classes over the who value the school’s ethos, their will be able to provide our children with the to find out more. next four years. The school’s admission commitment to the individual child and the opportunity to remain at St Peter’s for all number will rise from 75 to 105 in the importance placed on developing a love of their primary years.” Tea parties “fill the gap” in NHS provision Bloxham School blossoms with success

A HUGE array of cakes are on offer as fill the gap and gives people the chance to BLOXHAM Primary a variety of people, many with mental socialise informally, without nurses and School is celebrating health problems, relax and chat together other health professionals around.” a string of national at Alice’s Mad Hatter Tea Party in Oxford. awards and the opening The tea party takes place on the second of its new Cherry Tree Alice Hicks, who herself has a diagnosis Tuesday of every month, 3pm to 4.30pm. Centre for families with of bipolar disorder, set up the monthly children under five. party at the Richard Benson Hall at St Mary and St John’s Church on Cowley First, an OFSTED Road. “It’s for anyone but most people inspection found the here are living with mental health issues school good, saying it in their lives,” said Alice. Read a fuller story by clicking on: had a “warm, open and www.oxford.anglican.org/teaparties supportive culture that Jenny, one of Alice’s friends and a enables staff and pupils regular at the party, said: “There have to develop confidence been cuts to day services and this helps and succeed in their work.” Matthew Ingall, head teacher, Michell Coles, Year 3 teacher and Tackling homelessness in the Thames Valley Then, less than a school music teacher with the Artsmark Gold Certificate, Julie fortnight later, the ACTION must be taken to tackle the hook. “It is a disgrace what is happening Oatridge, deputy head teacher. growing problem of homelessness and the now,” said Mary, who had earlier held up a school heard the lack of affordable housing in the Thames booklet on homelessness, printed in 2015. results of the Statutory lots of toys, a baby area and arts and crafts Valley. “Two of the people pictured on the front Inspection of Anglican and Methodist activities. That was the message at a day held by died at around the age of 47.” Schools (SIAMS) which said: “Bloxham is These achievements follow on from the the Diocese of Oxford to consider how an inclusive school, with a highly developed school’s excellent SATs results in 2016 and Christians can respond to rising numbers Christian ethos, which ensures rapid previous years which show that Bloxham of rough sleepers and soaring rents and progress in learning by all pupils.” Primary is consistently in the top 10 per house prices. The event was held on Read a fuller story and watch a Not long after this, headteacher Matthew cent of schools in the country. Wednesday 26 April. video on what churches are doing Ingall was recognised as a ‘National Leader Headteacher, Matthew Ingall, said: “We The Revd Mary Gurr, Oxford’s Chaplain to tackle homelessness here www. in Education’ under a Government scheme have so much to be thankful for here at to the Homeless, said we should never oxford.anglican.org/homelessness where the best school leaders and their Bloxham Primary School. We wouldn’t stop and let central Government off the teams offer support to other schools. have been able to open our new Cherry And then at the end of March the school Tree Centre without the support of our was awarded ‘Artsmark Gold’ which local parish councils, for example. I’d like to Church hosts hustings thank and congratulate everyone involved DIDCOT churches have organised an Election Forum for anyone in the celebrates schools that champion the arts with the school, not least our wonderful constituency to hear from and question the candidates standing in the General and strive for excellence in their provision. children and staff for all their hard work Election. It will take place at Didcot Civic Hall on Friday 2nd June - doors open Finally, the new Cherry Tree Centre and commitment.” 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start. A hustings is also set to take place at St Mary’s, Banbury, opened, replacing the Butterfly Children’s on Tuesday 30 May at 7.30pm. Centre which was closed following “The next big goal, apart from all our Meanwhile, the Archbishops have published a pastoral letter aiming to guide Government cuts earlier in the year. It usual academic, music, sports and arts Christians as they consider how to vote in the General Election this month. It can offers play sessions on Mondays and activities, is our very own Festival in the be found here: www.churchofengland.org/media/3977056/electionletter_text. Wednesdays from 9.30-11am for families playground, for music and fun on Saturday pdf with children aged five and under, with 17th June from 2pm to 9pm.” News 3 Men on a mission from Bucks to the Belgian battlefields FOR Terry Blacknell from Christ Church, Heath who are buried in Belgium. Only Flackwell Heath, in Buckinghamshire a three have known graves; the others are recent trip to the battlefields of Belgium remembered on panels on the Menin Gate was the chance to achieve a very personal in Ypres and at Tyne Cot Cemetery. mission. The Revd Chris Bull, the Vicar, said: “It For the first time he visited the grave of was a privilege to be able to stand where his grandfather, who was killed just nine they are remembered and read out their days before Armistice Day. “I have wanted stories and place a small cross on behalf of to go for some time. My two sons have got the village. Each night since 1928 the Last interested and we are going back, with the Post has been played at the Menin Gate grandchildren, as a family. It’s quite an in Ypres and we were able, on behalf of emotional experience. My grandfather had the Flackwell Heath Royal British Legion, died when Armistice had been declared the village and the parish church to lay and my grandmother didn’t get to know two wreaths in memory of our fallen.” about his death until November. She Chris said they also visited Talbot House, thought he was going to come home, a building behind the front lines where which makes it all the more poignant.” soldiers could rest and recuperate. Terry’s grandfather was 30 when he Chris added: “Thousands of soldiers died and the man in the next grave was attended the simple chapel on the top just 20. “He was also in the machine gun floor, many receiving their first and last corps. We think my grandfather would Holy Communion there. In the lounge have been in charge of a machine gun, downstairs we stood around a piano and and the younger man would have been sang as one of our pianists played WW1 the one loading it with ammunition,” he songs, eerily echoing a photo on the wall added. Terry was part of a group of 16 taken 100 years ago, remembering the men from Christ Church who visited the men who had passed through this place. Flanders Field Museum in Ypres as well as “What does one glean from such a cemeteries where they took in the horror visit: a glimpse at the futility, waste and of World War One, particularly the Battle awfulness of war, a greater desire to work of Passchendaele, the centenary of which for and pray for peace and reconciliation, a is remembered this July. They also visited remembering and honouring of the stories the memorials to eight men from Flackwell of courage and bravery.” Terry lays a cross on the grave of his grandfather. Photo: Chris Bull. PACT appeals for homes for disabled children Bridge yarn bombed with artwork ADOPTION charity Parents And Children of preparation and waiting until they met Together (PACT) is calling for people to their daughter. Nicola said: “The endless consider adopting a child with additional paperwork seemed so removed from a needs. living, breathing child and truthfully we PACT is particularly looking for people struggled to see a light at the end of the who can consider adopting children who tunnel. However, we knew there was a child have additional needs, including a physical out there for us, so we persisted. or learning disability. Nicola* and her “She may be disabled and she may be husband Mike* adopted Amelia*, who has adopted, but that is all just one part of who cerebral palsy, when she was 18 months old she is. She makes me angry, she makes us through PACT. The couple already had a sad, she makes us laugh, and she brings birth son who was four years old when they endless joy. first approached PACT in 2014. “The wonderful matching team at PACT Nicola said: “Our birth son was the were there for us throughout the process, result of seven years of IVF and we did reassuring us it was about the right child not feel we were able to go through that and not just any child. And, of course, they process again. We also felt our family was were right. We were eventually matched not complete, so we decided to adopt. We with a child that put us well out of our approached PACT as we had attended some comfort zone, but who is the most loving, of their local events and felt the ethos and sweetest addition to our family.” approach matched ours.” To find out more about adopting with Canoodling by Alison Livesey. Photo: Whitchurch Art Cafe. The couple, whose circumstances PACT visit www.pactcharity.org or call THE footpath across Whitchurch on Thames toll bridge was transformed into a meant their adoption journey was more 0300 456 4800. riot of colour recently. complicated than some, spent three years *Not their real names. THE Thames Path Together community art project, dreamed up by Art Café organiser Gill Williamson with the help of Alison Livesey of The Crochet Tree, Creating a buzz at Church House displayed panels of crochet and knitted designs, weaving needlework, painting CHURCH WARDEN Martin Knops and collage. The Art Café takes place at Whitchurch Parish Church. (pictured right) came to the rescue when Visitors were invited to make donations for community charities involved in the Art a swarm of bees caused a real buzz in the Café. They were also able to submit bids for the works on display. car park at Church House Oxford. Gill says: “The community has been working together since last October to create Despite being aware of the need to artworks based on the Thames Path. The starting point was yarn bombing – a encourage populations of honey bees, staff at the Diocese needed to find a way form of street art where public spaces are covered in knitting and crochet. By of making the bees, which were building a expanding the definition of yarn to mean any spun thread, artists, needle workers nest in a tree buzz off. and weavers, as well as individuals, art and craft clubs and community groups have Luckily Martin, the church warden at joined us to offer an imaginative display of artworks. Holy Cross Church in Shipton, happens “Pangbourne and Whitchurch on Thames are divided by a river and united by to be a bee expert. He was visiting Church a bridge. The Thames Path Together community art project is a celebration of House for a meeting, when he spotted the Whitchurch Bridge and the Thames Path that has brought us together to make and nest and immediately stepped in. exhibit art and to raise money for charitable and community causes.” The allotment is a church initiative that Whitchurch Bridge director Geoff Weir said the company was delighted to Martin used a feather and a smoke aims to bring the community together support the project. He said: “With many more people expected to be using the machine to encourage the honey bees out producing things and raising funds for the of the tree and into a special box. He then church. footpath than usual, safety issues had to be carefully considered and special signs re-homed them in a hive at the Holy Cross were in place to warn drivers.” Allotment in Thrupp. Photo: Jo Duckles. the Door, June 2017, page 4 Advertisement Feature Celebrating 60 years of service!

At St Andrews Bookshop we are delighted to be celebrating our 60th year of service and to mark the occassion we have totally refurbished our Great Missenden shop. We invite you to the o–cial reopening ceremony at the shop on 12th June at 10.30am. From the 12th we will celebrate for two weeks with free cake, tea & co ee, balloons and goody bags - we hope you will be able to join us!

Christian literature is a crucial ministry. Through it, people who do not know Jesus can be introduced to Him and the Church can be encouraged in their walk with God, as they seek to work out their faith in the world today. As we celebrate so many years of serving the Church through Christian Literature, we are thankful for all the ways God has both blessed us and used us to be a blessing. It is exciting to think of all the lives that have been changed both locally and across the nation as God has spoken through Bibles and through those authors and artists whose products we stock. The refurbishment of our Great Missenden branch is an investment in our ministry, designed to make the space more accessible and welcoming; a place to browse, to sit with a co ee and chat, to get information and advice, to make connections and to be resourced. We feel grateful to have one of the largest Christian bookshops in the country which means we o er a huge selection of products and in our newly refurbished shop we have been able to increase our range in almost every area. We are thrilled to o er an extensive range of Bibles covering all the most popular translations in their various formats from Study Bibles, Life Application Bibles, Travel Bibles, Gift Bibles, Parallel Bibles... from small print to super giant print we’ve got them all in stock! Of course we also have a thorough selection of time tested classics and new titles in areas such as, Christian living, biographies, fiction, children’s books, family life, health & wholeness, to name but a few.

Over the last year it became apparent to us that many of our customers enjoyed our modest second-hand section, so during the refurbishment we have grown our small section into a much larger area and now o er hundreds of second-hand books. It gives both us and those who donate items great pleasure to see well loved titles finding a new home. We also enjoy welcoming customers, some from many miles away, who come for our fantastic selection of cards and gifts for every occasion. Sadly over the last decade the number of Christian books being sold have dwindled, but we still have vision and passion for how God will use our ministry. Our Managing Director, Steve Barnett, writes: “The challenge ahead for all of us in Christian retailing is to help the Church to rediscover the value of Christian books. We want to dispel the myth that it is always cheaper and quicker to buy books online rather than from your Christian bookshop (we can often give a quicker and better ser- vice). We are also working to encourage church leaders to regularly recommend books when they preach, and to consider having suggested books to read with each teaching series. I believe that people are hungry to be fed but do not know what to read. When books are recommended, people buy them, read them and lives are changed!” St Andrews has always wanted to support the Church and this desire is as strong as ever, so we have plenty of resources to help small group leaders, alpha courses, lead- ers & preachers, theology students, youth & children’s workers. Combining our great range of products with our knowledge and experience, built up over the past 60 years, we hope to help every customer, individual or church, to find the right product for them. We hope to be able to welcome you to Great Missenden for our June celebrations or to see you in any of our shops one day soon!

Our Branches: St Andrews Bookshop St Andrew’s Bookshop St Andrew’s Bookshop Ltd 61-65 High Street, Great Missenden 57c St Clements, Oxford 31 High Street, Witney, Bucks, HP16 0AL Oxon, OX4 1AG Oxon, OX28 6HP Tel: 01494 862168 Tel: 01865 247567 Tel: 01993 709429 www.standrewsbookshop.co.uk Resources 5 Novel re-launch after movie success Win the latest book from Jo Swinney AFTER selling 20 million copies worldwide, JO Swinney’s exploration of the idea of the Door, Church WM. Paul Young’s 2007 bestseller The Shack home is a blend of personal memoir and House Oxford, has now been made into a major new movie. deep pondering. The book, entitled Home, Langford Lane, The DVD’s release is imminent and as a tie-in, is published this month. Langord Locks, Hodder & Stoughton have released a new Jo Swinney was born in the UK, but Kidlington, edition, complete with the author’s story of grew up in Portugal and France. She OX5 1GF or the book’s journey. went to an English boarding school, email your In his notes Paul Young writes: “It has been did a gap year in southern Africa and answers, with almost a decade since 11,000 copies of in her 20s studied theology in Canada. your name and The Shack were drop-shipped to a home in Interweaving a retelling of her own postal address California from a local printer. What began story with theological and psychological to reception@ with 15 copies printed at Office Depot, a insights, Jo’s exploration of home in all oxford.anglican. Christmas gift for our six children, became its forms is a call to find our home in the org. The deadline an unanticipated phenomenon that caught things that are truly of most value. for entries is Monday 2 June. everyone by surprise. Jo is an author and speaker, the editor “I never intended on becoming a published of Preach magazine, and a contributor to author. My personal vision was to pay bills Christian Today. She lives in southwest Competition winners and help feed and clothe my family, and I was London with her husband, an Anglican THE winners of the competition in holding down three jobs simultaneously to do priest, and their two children. The Door May’s issue of the Door are Claire that. Some of the work was hard physical labor has five copies of Home to give away to the Baldock of Milton Keynes, Betty Course and other work was Internet-based, and while winners of this month’s competition. To of Newport Pagnell and Paul Barnfather all of the jobs were low-paying, they provided be in with a chance of winning, answer the ‘enough’ to pay our rent and buy the basic following question: where did Jo Swinney of Reading. They each win a copy necessities. We were content, something money can never purchase. study theology when she was in her 20s? of Experiencing Christ’s Love by John Twisleton. “In the first thirteen months, May 2007 through June 2008, Windblown Media spent Send your answers to Home Competition, less than $300 in marketing and advertising and shipped almost 1.1m copies of The Shack. In June 2008, The Shack debuted on the New York Times bestseller list at Thinking of You: a resource for number one, where it remained for 49 weeks in a row. Every human being is a story, the spiritual care of people with and when we share the stories of our lives we are talking about Holy Ground.” dementia For more go to www.theshack.movie or www.hodder.co.uk/books. Joanna Collicutt Talking about Dying – Help in facing Bible Reading Fellowship death and dying £9.99 Philip Giddings, Martin Down, Elaine Sugden and Gareth Tuckwell. by Thelma Shacklady Wilberforce Publications. ementia is a topic which is £8 regularly highlighted by the media, not only as a subject n reading this book I learned to listen associated with the increasing to the authors rather than prejudge Dnumber of elderly people in our society them for their pronouncements but also with reference to well-known on theological issues with which I individuals found to be suffering from the disagree. condition. Joanna Collicutt’s inspiring I book is a timely, carefully referenced and The publication was born out of the deeply painful and personal experience annotated publication, providing helpful of Philip Giddings, who has been twice advice and dispelling misconceptions. widowed and has lost a child. His second Divided into four distinct parts, this resource begins with a medical approach to wife died suddenly while he was writing In Part Four dementia-friendly churches understanding dementia, first making two this book. Elaine Sugden’s experience as a are examined, the emphasis being on a important points; that in medical terms cancer doctor for both adults and children, community that is friendly to all. Practical dementia is a symptom rather than a Martin Down as parish priest and author suggestions, which will benefit both the disease and that occasional confusion and and Gareth Tuckwell as the former Medical physically and mentally impaired, are failing memory, not uncommon in older Director and CEO of Burrswood make this made to enable full inclusion. Also in this the distinction between fear of death people, need not be a sign of something an insightful book which is well worth section is a suggested form of worship and and fear of dying. This is a very nuanced more sinister. Using helpful diagrams, reading. a simple weekday service of celebration. issue which I encounter regularly in the the writer describes clearly and succinctly The taboo of talking about dying is Finally, in a chapter entitled ‘Safe enough hospice where I work. He also makes a very the various types of dementia and their addressed in a series of chapters on to play’ the writer discusses types of abuse dying and bereavement care. The book is practical contribution to thinking about physical causes. things like wills, planning a funeral and and the required response should there be punctuated with short anecdotes which Part two moves on from analysing the registering a death. evidence of this. draw our attention to different situations condition to considering the sufferer. Gareth Tuckwell’s chapter on praying Written from a Christian perspective, of death which may face us. Elaine Sugden Using the analogy of the airing cupboard, for healing is a pleasant surprise in a book this book is both informative and helps us to consider difficult diagnosis, the writer discusses memory, implicit and entitled ‘Talking about dying.’ He makes challenging. It evidences great skill in including a good discussion on the difficult explicit. She examines the phrase ‘trapped some excellent observations on the subject dealing with complex concepts clearly and decisions patients have to make around in the present’, comparing it to ‘life in and deals with the problematic tension comprehensibly, and is a resource which continuing /ceasing treatments. She writes God’s now’ and asking, ‘How are we to between a desire for physical healing and should be on the bookshelves of all clergy three good chapters covering infant death, make sense of the experience of dementia the reality of mortality. He gives no trite and those involved with pastoral care. old age and suicide. theologically?’ answers, just a sharing of a wealth of e Revd elma Shacklady is a retired The latter I can say, as someone bereaved experience and reflection on a difficult In Part Three, dealing with the spiritual priest attached to St Peter and St Paul’s by suicide, was spot on and I was pleased issue. care of people with dementia, the in Olney. e Revd Joanna Collicutt to see it there. Talking to children about word ‘re-membering’ takes on a new is the Spiritual Care for Older People I can wholeheartedly recommend this their own impending death and the death significance, with references to ‘person- (SCOP) Adviser to the Oxford Diocese. book to those of all faiths and none. It is of siblings, parents or other relatives centred’ psychotherapy, the principle of thought provoking and reminds me of one and friends is very tough. Elaine Sugden authenticity, listening to body language of the mantras a colleague uses: ‘for too speaks out of her own clinical experience and the importance of touch. Various aids long people have seen dying as a medical and gives some wise guidance. to re-membering are suggested, including event with spiritual implications when a this-is-my-life book and a memory box. A Thinking of You forum to launch Martin Down contributes a good in reality dying is a deeply spiritual event Incidentally, it is recognised that ‘being apologetic for the resurrection which, as with some medical implications.’ the book takes place on Wednesday I would expect, comes from a traditional there’ for a dementia sufferer has its cost, 14 June at Wesley Memorial Hall, The Revd Graham Sykes, Chaplain conservative evangelical position. His with a helpful section on dealing with Oxford. For more see http://tinyurl. Sobell House Hospice, Oxford. chapter on fear is very helpful making one’s own feelings. com/lgr2smb the Door, June 2017, page 6 Advertisement Feature

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SANDOWN PARK, SURREY www.creonline.co.uk 2017: A Year with Bishop Steven 7 Trains, cars and planes

Bishop Steven with the Revd Margot Hodson, Rector of the Wychert Vale Benefice Bishop Steven is served by the Revd Stephen Jones at Wootton Stores. Photo: Haddenham.net Photo: Ian Macdonald Aylesbury, Burnham and Slough and Woodstock were the deaneries Bishop Steven visited recently on his ongoing tour. his month’s visits had a much more urban theme. I was shown some of the vast new housing estates going up around TAylesbury. I learned about new initiatives and communities in both town and country. The deanery was bursting with life and creativity, it seemed. Woodstock (I was told) is most definitely a town not a village. The population of the deanery is focused in the south and looks towards Oxford. One of the surprising Chatting to Kathleen Atkinson, LLM in features of the day was a visit to the Owen training at St Michael’s, Horton, in the Mumford factory, which makes medical Burnham and Slough Deanery. Photo Alison instruments. Owen Mumford make Webster At Haddenham St Mary’s School. Photo: Haddenham.net around 1.5 million single use disposable instruments every day and are one of the largest employers in the area. One tenth of their workforce are in research and development: not a bad lesson for the Church to reflect on. “...creating a new church community by love and prayer and sheer hard work.” Burnham and Slough is one of our largest and most complex deaneries. Enjoying cake in the Aylesbury Deanery. Almost 200,000 live there – 160,000 in Photo: Caroline Windley. Slough itself (Woodstock, for comparison, I found the Church in Slough in very has a population of 25,000). Transport good heart: missional; hopeful; celebrating was one of the major themes of the day. fresh initiatives and new Christians. One It was noticeably slower to get around. of the highlights of my day was meeting Our routes would take us across or next Queenie and her family, members of the With children from St Mary’s Farnham Royal CE Primary School. Photo: Alison Webster to the M25. Crossrail is a major feature, extensive traveller community who have already changing the life of the town and recently been confirmed. creating a new church community by love areas: Milton Keynes, our largest, fastest and prayer and sheer hard work. growing centre of population; Maidenhead driving up property prices still further. The Church of England has remarkable and Windsor; Reading and, by contrast, This in turn puts pressure on families in reach. Contrast ministry in these three The old parish church in the centre Vale of the White Horse. many different ways: adult children find places: a tiny village of 600 houses north of Slough is a space where the poorest it hard to move out of the family home; of Woodstock with a much-appreciated members of the community shelter at both partners in a marriage work long house for duty priest who looks after three night because they have no homes. It hours. Slough is a place of many races churches in the parish. At the heart of the is a place where the Church sustains a and cultures and faiths. The possibility village is a community shop, staffed and lively, faithful witness in a fast-changing of the development of a third runway at led by members of the church. A secondary multicultural urban landscape. The Read more from Bishop Steven on his Heathrow will shape and reshape Slough school on the edge of Aylesbury with new Diocese of Oxford is amazing. 21 deaneries blog at blogs.oxford.anglican.org/ in a very significant way over the next housing growing up as far as the eye can behind me now but the journey’s not decade. see, where a young pioneer minister is over yet. This month it’s more urban Advertising 8 Turning on the Light It’s hard to imagine an overtly Christian event in today’s Gilead Foundations world that’s so popular it’s oversubscribed – with non- is a Therapeutic Christians literally queuing up to Community, attend. But that’s exactly what’s going on at ten children’s holiday offering a residential clubs attended by some 5,000 rehabilitation children across Buckinghamshire programme, called and beyond. KEY, for people ighthouse began when three Christians from different churches with life-controlling in Great Missenden felt God calling addictions, such them to work with children and Lyoung people. They began a joint summer as drug or alcohol holiday event using tents on the village abuse, homelessness, green. Soon they had the problem of too many children attending and created a gambling, eating Lighthouse event in nearby Hazlemere. disorders, self harm, Two years later Lighthouses sprang up using the same model of offering a five-day and other addictive children’s programme at the start of the behaviours. summer holidays in Princess Risborough Go-karting is all part fo the fun. and Burnham. From there it has grown Photo: Lighthouse Central to where it is today. Now there are 5,000 “It is exciting to see an event for kids which that need to be done. From cleaning the loos children attending and 3,000 leaders of all is unashamedly Christian but has proved to registration, to first aid, to helping with ages helping run Lighthouses in 10 different year after year to be oversubscribed as craft. There’s a variety of jobs and everyone locations. parents scramble to enrol their children,” can be used.” Esther Tombs, from the music Charles Vernon, Chairman, says: says former Chairman of Lighthouse High team says: “My favourite part of Lighthouse “Lighthouse offers to kids’ holiday clubs Wycombe, Kent Anderson. is seeing the kids smile as they come in and what Alpha offers to evangelism – proven just the way that they sing and dance and success based on easy resources. Lighthouse “I love the fact that give their everything.” brings together everything local churches Naomi Graham, special needs co-ordinator need to run their best ever non-residential Lighthouse is inclusive for says: “I love the fact that Lighthouse is holiday week for children. This includes inclusive for special needs children and that materials for drama, craft, sports, teaching, special needs children...” they can come and join in the fun as much as music and main stage as well as the anyone else.” experience to help a new Lighthouse.” So what do the volunteers say about Alex Hyde, from the craft team, says: their experiences? Ollie Bennet, children’s There is also room for each Lighthouse to “I like the craft. It’s like when they make worker, says:“It’s really fun. You get innovate. For example, some offer special something and they smile and you’re like to form relationships with the kids. I programmes for children with disabilities. aw! My favourite part of Lighthouse is the think they enjoy Lighthouse because it’s Lighthouse Cressex is in one of the most achievement.” deprived areas in Bucks with a high somewhere they are free and can meet with Based on a 300 concentration of minority ethnic groups. God. The songs are fun, they get to play Dan Simpson, from the sports team adds: Each year they give each child a gift such as games. There’s something for everyone at “It’s like helping out the community, helping acre dairy farm in a treasure box, a book or a shoe bag. They Lighthouse.” kids enjoy themselves, because you probably rural Devon, Gilead see this as a way of helping children to take Mary Peters, from the registration team, wanted that as a kid – to be helped out and uses the Genesis Lighthouse home for the whole year. says: “There are so many jobs at Lighthouse have fun – so you should really give it back.” Process Relapse Prevention programme Taking Lighthouse nationwide with our clients. e have seen God working consistently through Lighthouse over many years and seen thousands of children, young people and adults changed,” says Chairman of the new charity Lighthouse “WCentral, Charles Vernon. “We’d love to share what God has taught If you, or someone us so that you can see the fruit we have witnessed take place in you know would like your district, town or city as well.” more information about Lighthouse Central has just been set up to share the success of Gilead or would like to existing Lighthouse events with churches in villages, towns and make an application, cities across the UK. Lighthouse Central aims to help Christians everywhere shine Jesus’ love into the lives of children and families please contact: in their communities. A leader under the parachute. Photo: Lighthouse Central Laura Alm Lighthouse Central will provide all the materials and resources Tel: 01837 851240 required to set up and successfully run a Lighthouse in your area. “We have a 10-year plan to reach over 50 areas by the But what would that entail? establishment of over 200 new Lighthouses to reach between Fax: 01837 851520 Each local Lighthouse is set up as a charity by a group of 50,000 and 100,000 kids,” explains Charles Vernon. “We look [email protected] individuals from local churches and uses the materials from forward to seeing what God could do through Lighthouse in your Lighthouse Central to develop and run their own event. It is locally community.” owned and run but centrally resourced through a web-based Lighthouse Central expects the first new Lighthouses to open www.gilead.org.uk format. Lighthouse resources are made available based on a once their doors in July 2018 and are ready to talk to anybody who a year access fee for each Lighthouse and a per attendee fee. believes this could be a way forward for their area. Advertising Feature 9

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Work or volunteer andin the save church? 25%*. Take outinsurance Contents together and Buildings online On the Money 11 Generous giving WHEN Jonathan Farnhill saw Cambridge before going on to be a Jonathan has also delivered fundraising the advert for a Generous Regional Fundraiser for the Church Army. training and written a book, The Porcupine “I was then the Executive Director for Principle (and other fundraising secrets), Giving Adviser for the the Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey. published by the Directory of Social Diocese of Oxford, he found it I always seemed to hop between Change. It is now out of print but the irresistible. Jonathan started management, leadership and fundraising Kindle edition is still available. “There roles.” was a lovely book review that said: ‘If you his new job last month. As He describes St Luke’s Hospice in want a “how to” book on fundraising don’t he was settling in, he told Jo Plymouth, where he was Director of buy this but if you want to be inspired to Duckles what inspires him to Funding, as: “…an incredible place to try, there is nothing better.’ It’s heavily help congregations give wisely work and incredibly successful in terms of influenced by what I learnt through my fundraising. We had a major capital appeal MA about how we are called to make the and generously. to raise £1M in a million seconds which world a better place. Giving can be an t was a job that excited and was really successful and I loved being part important part of that.” intrigued me,” says Jonathan. of it.” “Encouraging generosity is a During his time in Plymouth Jonathan “I hope I can help people huge challenge, particularly in completed an MA in Applied Theology. “Ia diocese the size of Oxford.” Jonathan’s “That was incredibly influential in how to make a difference.” have the opportunity to focus full-time on first experience of stewardship was during I ended up here. For the last 10 years I encouraging generous giving and I hope I It was 18 months ago that Jonathan a six-month placement at Oxfam when have worked for a charity that provides can help people to make a difference.” was delighted to be invited to speak to he was studying for a Higher National education and care for deaf children. Jonathan lives in Oxfordshire and clergy at Southwark Cathedral, where he Diploma in Business and Finance. Throughout that time and all through my is a keen cyclist in his spare time and previously worshipped. “It was clear that career I have given advice on fundraising has recently completed a figurative He moved on to working for various the issue of giving is incredibly important to charities and voluntary organisations, sculpture course. He is also working on charities. He spent a year volunteering and I enjoyed the small part I played in and I was really keen to find a role that a second book for the Directory of Social full-time in a community centre in helping clergy with this challenge. I now enabled me to do this more.” Change. Divine compost Inspiring transformational generosity eeing ourselves as divine compost selfish, we means that, by focusing on our show our by Jonathan Farnhill mortality, we are given a different children how perspective on our present lives. to be selfish, hile the level of giving in This can probably be best explained by a and they the Church is increasing, S it is less in the Oxford quick dip into my own life history. I adored will in turn my Granddad and was incredibly sad when show their Diocese than many Wother dioceses, and that’s something he died at the fabulous age of 92. children. we are keen to change. Staying with my grandparents was When we a highlight of my childhood. I loved are generous My job has different aspects to it: everything about it: playing dominoes, and kind, there’s the nuts and bolts of giving, watching Dewsbury rugby league club we affect making sure people have access to lose or practising my golf putting on the generation materials and resources which they back lawn. I do not play dominoes, watch after need to encourage giving; there’s cannot be delivered because the funds generation. Dewsbury lose at rugby or play golf any the more intensive support I can give to aren’t there. Ongoing financial struggles What we more. However, I do try to be like him. a small number of parishes, benefices do matters. Giving money is not some can grind you down, and I see a key part pointless exercise to assuage comfortable, and deaneries (which inevitably will be of my role is to show people things can “...show how generosity middle-class guilt. It makes a difference quite limited as there’s only one of me in change and encourage people to keep and will continue to make a difference in a very large diocese) and there’s working going. ripples outwards.” perpetuity. How do you incorporate this with archdeaconry teams and bishops to I have also had the privilege to see He used to let me win at dominoes in a within your giving message? By making infuse all diocesan planning with ways to incredible generosity, and often from very clever way, so that I thought I had sure that you show how generosity ripples encourage generous giving. the most unexpected sources. While beaten him fair and square. I have learnt outwards. I’ll be looking out for success stories in encouraging giving can often feel a to do the same thing when playing table Do not stop at saying a donation will take the Diocese, and sharing those through hard slog, when I’ve seen it happening football with my daughters. I learnt from a homeless person off the streets. Talk training, articles and talks so that people it is humbling and inspiring. It is so him to be self-deprecating, to be stoical about what they will do when they are off can be inspired by what others have important to be open to being surprised and brave (better on the former than the the streets. Who will they meet and what achieved. I will also be working closely by God and to look expectantly for latter), to avoid histrionics, to accept who will they do? What acts of goodness will with my diocesan colleagues so that that transformational generosity. It I am and to be comfortable in my skin. I they now be able to do? Too often we end we can identify where we can work is wonderful to see that generosity’s think I can start to see some of these traits up talking about the process for achieving emerging in my own children. These traits change, not the change itself. But what collaboratively and achieve the greatest impact ripple out across communities, did not just appear as if by magic; they happens because of those processes? That impact. and indeed across generations. were inherited. is when the message gets interesting. Initially I’ll be getting out and about as Encouraging generosity in people will My Granddad is divine compost because much as I can, and I’m very much looking then encourage others to follow their he has grown these good things in his forward to getting to know the Diocese. example. Caring for the vulnerable and children and grandchildren. It is because I’m eager to see what the challenges are those in need not only changes them, we teach these things to our children that and what I can do to help meet them. but all those who know them. Seen in they will in turn teach them to theirs; the The above is an edited extract I know it can be really tough. Financial this way, giving isn’t somehow separate impact is eternal. from the Porcupine Principle by pressures can be extremely onerous for and distinct from who we are, and our What has this to do with giving? Jonathan Farnhill. www.dsc.org. parishes and benefices. I am keen to faith. Rather it is one of the outworkings Everything. What we do does not just uk/publications/the-porcupine- see first-hand some of the challenges of it. So by encouraging generous affect us, it affects everyone. When we are principle/ so that any advice I can give will be giving, I hope I will also be encouraging useful and provide real opportunities people to develop their faith and the Where to find help for improvement. Having worked within outworking of their faith within their The Diocese of Oxford’s 4 Community database is a source of potential funders for a charities throughout my working life, I community. wide range of projects. It is paid for by the diocese so it is free for anyone to use, and have regularly experienced the stress To get in touch with Jonathan call enables you to search for funders who may be able to support your project: www. and worry that an absence of money 01865 208757 or email jonathan. idoxopen4community.co.uk/oxford. The Parish Resources website also has heaps can bring. I know the real frustration [email protected]. of resources and advice on giving, as well as links to other useful websites. www. experienced when ambitious plans parishresources.org.uk/. the Door, June 2017, page 12 Advertisement Feature

WELCOME TO Christ Church Cathedral,

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Our regular pattern of worship at Christ Church Cathedral

The daily offering of worship to God is at the heart of Christ Church. Everyone is welcome to join the Cathedral’s worshipping community, whether for a single service or more regularly.

Sundays Weekdays

WELCOME 8am Holy Communion (1662) 7:15am Morning Prayer (CW) 9:45am Matins and Sermon (1662) 7:35am Holy Communion (CW) 11am Sung Eucharist (CW) 1pm Holy Communion (Wednesdays only) (1662) 23 6pm Choral Evensong (1662) 6pm Evening Prayer – Choral Evensong (1662)

Book a parish visit to your Cathedral

The Dean and Chapter of Christ Church warmly invite parishes in the Diocese of Oxford to visit the Cathedral, to share in its worship and discover its history.

The programme for the day is as follows: 3pm Arrive at Christ Church for a guided tour of the Cathedral 4pm Visit to the Treasury and Cathedral Shop Visit Christ Church Cathedral 4:30pm Afternoon tea in the Great Hall for a full programme of: 5pm Visit to Upper Library or Picture Gallery Worship, Concerts, 6pm Choral Evensong Educational Visits and Tours 7pm End of visit For full details go to: The programme runs during university term-times throughout the year: 15 January – 11 March / 23 April www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral – 17 June / 8 October – 2 December 2017 or call 01865 276155 Advertisement Feature the Door, June 2017, page 13 HOLIDAYS RETREATS CONFERENCES St Columba’s House Retreat and Conference Centre Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8AB

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SLOW GALILEE 2 May - 9 May ‘18 For a brochureLightline call 01992 576065 Lightline Pilgrimages, Coopersale Hall Farm, Epping, CM16 7PE www.lightline.org.uk Advertisement Feature the Door, June 2017, page 14 Comment News 15 ‘What value my yes if I never say no?’ The Revd Graham Sykes God may be calling you to be a disciple ponders the importance of in the workplace. That may mean signing up for a discipleship course. But to say yes prioritising in order to live a to that course, what must you say no to? fulfilled and effective life. You can’t do it all and maintain a good relationship with God and your family and ne of the wisest questions I friends. have ever been asked is ‘What value is my yes if I never say We may need the help of others in the no?’ I use it as a tool to apply process of discernment. Friends and to the question ‘would you consider family who know us well are a good place O to begin. They are people who know taking on this or that ministry?’ Value in God’s economy cannot be measured by what we are good at, who know where accountants. Storing up treasure in heaven our heart lies. God sends some strange is something that Jesus spoke of and it is angels to help. Before I was a Christian predicated by what we say yes or no to. I told someone they should go and work for the God they believed in instead Learning when and what to say yes and of selling their soul to their employer. no to is a life-long process. There are an That was bold, maybe arrogant, but it infinite number of things that I could turned out to be prophetic. That person do that are very worthy. However, my Graham enjoying a sailing trip. Photo: Clare Sykes has been ordained for many years, finds life is finite so an inability to say no has, fulfilment in being a parish priest and has at times, stolen the fullness of life that increasing demands of their employers to do. One example is that I am a natural been liberated from the many other, very Jesus promised. On those occasions I have for more hours and less money in case sailor. I have been sailing since I was four worthy things she could have done. become anxious, stressed, driven and they lose their job or career. It creates a and I love it deeply. I am also a story teller experienced deep feelings of inadequacy workaholic society filled with anxiety and who loves the company of young people and failure. Stepping back from ministry exhaustion. It makes us vulnerable to and helping them to explore the Christian “Every good ‘yes’ is for a year in 2012, I realised that is not the exploitation. faith. I have a calling to share my sailing by way God wants it. If we are not careful this cultural serving on a CPAS Venture — The Broads because we had the conditioning translates into the life of the Pathfinder Cruise. It involves sailing for a courage to say a good “Knowing our special church, where we become even more busy, week a year with a load of young people. driven, pressured, guilt ridden and unable In the evenings we worship and ponder ‘n o’ .” calling helps us to to say no to more and more demands. Jesus. We share stories of how God has I learned in economics that there is an worked in our lives. To say yes to that I Your local clergy and Licensed Lay prioritise...” ‘opportunity cost’ in everything. If I make had to say no to other things for which I Ministers could be a great help in figuring one choice then the cost is that there are was less well equipped. out your calling. The Diocese of Oxford He has a purpose for our lives. We all other things I can’t do. When someone answers a call to the has a team of vocations advisers and their have a vocation or calling and every one of So how do we discern our own calling? I ordained ministry they have to lay down work is much more than discerning who us is different. Knowing our special calling find a good place to start is to thank God other things. They need to find the time is called to ordained ministry. It is about helps us to prioritise and say yes to those for the gifts he has given me. I seek to see to study and train, making sure they helping people to discover themselves things that fulfil our primary purpose and myself as God sees me. Sometimes that also have time for friends and family. before God and say ‘yes’ to God’s purpose saying no to things which do not. It is a may mean I have issues to address and at Inevitably some things have to go. Equally for their lives. Every good ‘yes’ is because liberating experience because we can say other times I recognise that I am created your calling may be to be a teacher, a we had the courage to say a good ‘no’. no without guilt. by God with aptitudes to certain things doctor, a nurse or a civil engineer. You may The Revd Graham Sykes is a Team Jesus said to his disciples “My peace I and a lack of aptitudes in others. If I have be called to greet people professionally Chaplain at Sobell House Hospice give to you”. Yet our culture is predicated a skill that is God given then it is possible as a receptionist, to drive a lorry, taxi or in Oxford and Chair of the Editorial on fear and anxiety. In many workplaces that God has a purpose in that. So I start bus, to clean offices or homes or to serve Support Group for the Door. people fear saying no to the ever by consdering what God has equipped me customers in a shop. God in the Life of...... continued from page 16. and this one.” project. He initially responded to a call for Our curate said we were just going to “I can help some of the people I meet in Another of Keith’s many stories involves Whatever You Do prayer calendar look, listen, learn and pray, which seemed Africa, but changing the system is more a pregnant 19-year-old who had been in participants. His prayer points are: sensible. difficult,” says Keith. In 2014 Keith was labour for four days. It was 1993 in Sierra • Keith’s health “There was an African church half a mile in Liberia with a group of doctors and Leone, and she had no money to pay for • Future conferences and health and away from the hotel so we went along. We midwives from Basingstoke Hospital. a caesarean. Her name was Catherine safety for his teams. They met a woman in her 30s with a jaw Conteh and she would have died if Keith were the only white people there. They • The Gambia school project run by tumour, a common problem in Western hadn’t arranged for the operation. Five had 15 hymns and some of the group All Saint’s, Ascot had never experienced anything like that Africa. The woman had suffered for eight years later, the little girl, Regina, and her • The new Mercy Ship - final funding before,” he says. Keith also gives talks in years but couldn’t afford to see a doctor. parents met him and his wife when they and staffing. schools on Africa. “One student gave me Keith arranged for her to travel to Corsu arrived at Conakry Airport in Guinea. such a complimentary report I am using Hospital near Entebbe to see a surgeon — She was holding a sign which read “Uncle For more stories about Christians it in my publicity. It was very powerful a daunting prospect especially as it meant Keith, thank you for saving my life and making a difference see Whatever You coming from a pupil.” leaving her village to get into a car with mymum’s. You are most welcome.” More Do in the Doorway. recently Keith received a Whatsapp Keith is aware that he can’t help a white man to visit a city she had never message from Catherine, with a picture everyone in need in Africa. He tells the been to. She now finds other patients of Regina who had just passed her final story of an African girl who sees a shoal with similar problems to take to the same nursing exams. Catherine had passed her’s of starfish dying from dehydration on an hospital, 11 in 2016 and five more so far three years earlier. African beach. As she throws them back, this year. www.mercyships.org.uk she is asked why she is bothering when Keith finds friends and family in the UK Keith lives in Ascot with his wife www.all-saints-ascot.org/ she can’t save them all. She answers: “I can to help fund their operations. Starfish Fiona. He has two adult children, make a difference to this one, and this one, Enterprise is the name he has given to the Rebecca and Duncan and two grandchildren, Isla and Hamish.

Editor: Jo Duckles Tel: 01865 208227 Deadline for july/August issue: Monday 5 June 2017. Email: [email protected] Published: Monday 19 June 2017. Distribution Manager: Ruth Hamilton-Jones Tel: 01865 208225 Audio version Email: [email protected] The Door is published by Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance (Diocesan Secretary Mrs Rosemary Pearce). The registered office is Sight impaired people can get a free audio Advertising: Glenda Charitos Tel: 01752 225623 Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01865 208200. While every care is taken to ensure the reliability version of the Door by contacting the Editorial Support Group Chair: The Revd Graham Sykes of our advertisements, their inclusion in The Door does not guarantee it or mean that they are endorsed by the Diocese of Oxford. Oxford Diocese on 01865 208227. Email: [email protected] 16 God in the life of… RETIRED anaesthetist Dr travel to Liberia with eight other doctors Keith Thomson is completely and one midwife. “Liberia has a torrid history. I have been five times now. I have addicted to Africa. He told Jo friends there including Joshua Blayhi.” Duckles how he has used his Blayhi is a former warlord who sought medical skills to help people in forgiveness aged 24 and is now a preacher need on that continent. working with former child soldiers. “I help pay for Joshua’s children’s school fees e meet in Keith’s home in and now he’s doing fine but if he came to Ascot, where he lives with Britain or America I suspect he might be his wife and his daughter’s sent to the Hague to be locked up for war friendly spaniel, Max. Keith crimes,” says Keith. Whas been retired for three years but only “It is a challenge running conferences in took himself off the medical register last countries you have never been to before. I year. “I’m no longer a medic and it’s quite don’t now do any teaching, I leave that to hard because what you do is part of your my younger colleagues. I’m the logistics role in life. It’s challenging for me to no man.” The people who travel with Keith longer be a doctor after 40 years.” pay for part of their trip, and he applies for When he retired from Basingstoke grants to help them cover part of the costs. Hospital he gave a talk entitled Africa, Why Bother? More than 60 people attended as “Africans are he enthusiastically told stories about his experiences in Africa. “You either love or relationship minded...” hate Africa. It is sunny and vibrant and you meet remarkable, friendly people who They are given the opportunity to find have tremendous faith,” says Keith, who out if they are suited to working in African first went to Africa as a medical student cultures. Keith says: “I just feel a calling for three months in 1975. He returned Dr Keith Thomson. Photo: Jo Duckles to it. I feel I have a couple of gifts. One to the UK a more confident medic, is getting on with Africans. I don’t get having carried out lumbar punctures, and anaesthetists to work on board the still suffers the effects of radiotherapy he upset if things don’t happen immediately. circumcisions and caesareans. As a junior Anastasis during its first ever visit to West had in his mouth in 2005. But he doesn’t Africans are relationship minded and they doctor in 1983, Keith went back out to Afrcia. Six months later I flew to Ghana let that stop him working to help those in don’t forget you if they like you. They Africa with his wife and young daughter. and worked on board the ship as the need in Africa. also want to see you. Church services are His son was born during their time there. anaesthetist for three weeks. My wife had He is now a trustee of Mercy Ships and different. Two hours is a short service in read the same article and knew I would is very enthusiastic about a multi million Africa. People get dressed up for church “...you meet remarkable want to go. We went as a family on three pound new ship that is being built in and Sunday is an occasion where they get occasions over Christmas. This was a China. His work now revolves more around together with their friends.” valuable experience for all of us.” people who have running anaesthesia conferences, sharing Keith is less keen on the hero worship Over the next 20 years Keith would take British medical techniques with fellow he encounters, particularly at one church tremendous faith.” leave, sometimes unpaid, to spend two to African professionals. He has now run where he helped fund three toilets and three weeks on a Mercy Ship every year. these in 14 African countries. a wash basin. “People were leaving the Seven years later he got involved in “You are working in an extraordinary “Some of the nurses and doctors in Africa services because they needed the loo and Mercy Ships, which he describes as a community of several hundred people on do a remarkable job with a lack of drugs, not coming back. “God-given opportunity.” Mercy Ships the ship. There is no smoking or drinking equipment and even training. I impress on uses specially converted ships as floating I raised a bit of money and now the loo allowed on board. There are services and my (mainly British) team that we are not is named after me,” he says. Keith has hospitals to provide free surgical care discussion groups. It’s like a floating there to tell them what to do, but to share for those in need in Africa. These were been a member of All Soul’s Church in village. Only a third of the crew are doctors our knowledge and help them make better South Ascot since he moved to the village entirely staffed by self-funding medical and nurses and then we need people to use of what they have available.” and non-medical professionals. in 1990. “The church is very supportive run the ship such as engineers and deck Another of Keith’s objectives is creating of Mercy Ships. I’ve taken a group to the “In September 1990 during a flight to officers, volunteers to work in the galley, in the next generations of British medics who Gambia. I went through Thomas Cook for Manchester I read an article in a discarded hospitality and in a host of administrative are interested in the ongoing challenges the flights and accommodation and 12 of newspaper about Mercy Ships and that positions.” Keith’s last Mercy Ships trip faced by anaesthetists and midwives in us went. they were looking especially for nurses was in 2010. He is a cancer survivor who Africa. When we met, he was about to Continued on page 15...

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www.oxford.anglican.org Pull this section out. Keep it handy for your own prayers and involvement in the Diocese.

‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’

Church on Sunday can feel worlds away from our day-to-day lives. We asked Christians to tell us how their lives connect with their faith for our new Whatever You Do prayer calendar. DAVE Saunders, from All Saints, A key moment was after I had taken a become the churchwarden of St Mark’s Binfield, on how he came to phone call from a solicitor. I heard a voice and All Saints in Binfield. I accepted the in my head say: “Look around and see role because I’d learnt not to challenge know God after the Credit where you are.” I was on a roundabout what was in front of me but to accept Crunch left his career in tatters. in Ealing and I took stock of where I was and have faith. I’ve been doing readings before driving away. It took six months and intercessions and over the last 12 came to a place where I began to know before our house was sold and a person months I have been exploring a calling to God. I had spent 48 years of my life who had been harassing me was gone. ordination. running away from him and it’s only Some words came into my head on the My love and passion is helping people. in the last four years that I’ve found same roundabout where I had heard the him. There has been no Christianity in I have always done loss adjusting in I voice before. At that point I suddenly had catastrophes, helping people to get back on my family and I was quite successful in an urge to go to church. From the first life, in the financial sector as the Regional their feet again. I looked at my skill set. I day my wife and I attended church I felt can see God at work in my life. Manager of a banking organisation. everything that was being said by the Through my journey I have realised how In 2008 the Credit Crunch saw things priest at that time was aimed at me. I was important prayer is. We have all got stories change dramatically. I was heavily affected oblivious to everyone around me. It was to tell and I feel privileged because it has by that but being a guy I stuck my head in God talking to me. the sand and pretended everything was given me so much more to give back to Everything was wholly relevant to my people. okay. The state of my finances deteriorated life and past and what I needed to do in Please prayer for: • my wife and family who have been to a point where drastic action was the future. I did an Alpha course, got into on this journey with me. My wife required. I had kept it all from my wife, but a small group. I just had an insatiable • people, especially men, who see they and I came to faith together through it came out on 1 March four years ago. She hunger to learn about God. My hunger are in financial difficulties to ask this and I pray people will read the found out from a friend. When it all came was so great I joined St Melitas Theology for help with their situation before story and realise that sometimes to light my wife was understanding and we college. I spent a year and a half there and it consumes them you have to get to a low point, but made an action plan. I wanted to learn all the time. I wanted to • my atheist family to get to know that God has a purpose Once I started to do something about it understand the Bible in depth, to know God • for my meeting with the DDO in my life started to change. My wife, who whether this was true or just a story. The • the homeless initiative that my was absolutely amazing, said we should theology course helped me to frame my July as I explore a calling to the wife and I have started up. For all priesthood sell the house and press the re-start understanding and affirm my beliefs. of those who step outside their button. It was from there that I was asked to comfort zone to help those in need

LYN Gooch is a solitor working parish setting and that God was calling me journey with them for a while. My role is to disorientating, that they may find for Lightfoots LLP in Thame to something more. explain things patiently; to listen to what new friendships and a new way of is being said and what is not being said. At living and a Licensed Lay Minister This led me to become a Spiritual Director and through that I realised that times it is a gentle touch on the hand and • those seeking to put their affairs in serving in Bourne End, the ‘something more’ was something waiting for them to say something hugely order as they near the end of their Buckinghamshire. I was doing already; ministry in my important and healing. God always lets me life; that they may be at peace know when it is appropriate to talk about workplace. Part of my day job is listening • anyone facing an illness of hesitated before writing about being to people who are grieving the loss of faith or lack of it. a Christian in my workplace because uncertain outcome within their a loved one or grieving for their life as Alongside this is the time I spend family; that they may be supported lawyers don’t get much positive press they face a terminal illness. They may listening to colleagues, from everyday chat and are not shown in a very good light and comforted whilst offering be overwhelmed by sadness; loneliness; to the profound worries and difficult life strength and support themselve Iin the Bible. anger and all sorts of other feelings. experiences that I am privileged to hear • all lawyers who dedicate themselves About 15 years ago, I had had enough There may have been harsh words spoken about. Sometimes I can help with practical to doing the best for their clients of property transactions and decided to that cannot now be unsaid or apologies advice but often it is simply being there, in all areas of law; that they find switch to specialising in preparing wills rendered. Sibling jealousy which has been offering a shoulder to cry on and a prayer support and positive ways to relax and dealing with the estates of people who kept under control while the parent was for someone in need. and release the emotional burdens had died. I have never been a conventional alive can be unleashed with vehemence. I do enjoy my work and recognise that they carry eve ry day lawyer, falling into law by chance having I am privileged to be able to be alongside started my working life as a secretary. “I am privileged to be people at a vulnerable time. Although it Looking back, I can see that my desire to can be emotionally draining, particularly help people was part of God’s plan to call able to be alongside when there is family conflict, I am me into lay ministry and for that ministry often amazed at the coincidences that to be among my colleagues and clients who bring people into my professional life at Tell your story I work with every day. people at a vulnerable seemingly just the right time. I have learnt WE want to hear how your Christian Following the birth of my daughter in time.” God is always on hand and it can be very faith influences your day-to-day life 1996, I became heavily involved in church rewarding to know that a faltering faith an work. Send 400 to 600 words to life, serving on the PCC, editing the Some people cope by being so busy that has been given new life, through a brief [email protected] newsletter, running a bookstall, leading they don’t have time to think about their conversation at the end of a business the organising committees for fundraising loss. Others are weighed down by inertia, meeting. These stories can be found online and best described as wading through treacle. events, leading intercessions, leading Lent Please pray for:- the prayer points are tweeted everyday My paid role is to help them through and Advent groups and Quiet days and at @1CorTen31. If you are on Twitter preaching. Through all that I felt that I the legal complexities, but my pastoral • the bereaved, and especially those then please do retweet them. did not quite belong in the conventional role, which is God centred, is to walk this who are finding life lonely and Advertising June prayer diary WE CAN The following is for guidance only, please feel free to adapt to local conditions and, if you wish, produce your own deanery prayer diaries. Our purpose is to create a caring, DESIGN sustainable and growing Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford.

PRINT ‘Trust in the Lord for ever, DISTRIBUTE for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.’ YOUR Isaiah 26:4 Pray to the Father through the Son in LEAFLETS the power of the Spirit for: THURSDAY 1 Stony Stratford with AND MORE Calverton: Ross Northing. For our continuing mission and outreach to the largest single residential development in the UK, which is entirely within the • Design bounds of the parish. For our church school, its staff and pupils, following Our talented designers can give its taking on an additional local school, your business or event a great and as the original school looks to look. We can source images and expand from two to three form entry. proof read your print media. St Mary and St Giles Junior School. FRIDAY 2 Walton, Milton Keynes: Matt Trendall and Louise Webber. For All Saints Church, Milton Keynes Village, • Print as we launch an exciting new initiative on Sunday 25 June – ‘Go 4th Sunday’, and adopted; also for families where SATURDAY 10 The Claydons and We can manage the print of your which involves the whole church going leafl ets, business cards, stationery, someone may be terminally ill. For Swan: David Hiscock, Wendy Callan, out every fourth Sunday to serve the the community of Wolverton, as we Angela Mann and Diane Phillips. For and almost anything else. community with practical projects – continue to reach out with love and communities and churches greatly that God would bless our steps of faith compassion, that they will find God’s affected both now and for the future by We offer short runs as well as and lead us to those to whom he wants large quantities at great rates mercy, love and grace, as we strive to be the ongoing issues and problems being us to minister. For Christ the King better disciples and followers of Christ. caused by HS2. For staff, governors, including FREE UK mainland church for God’s guidance and wisdom parents and children and all who are WEDNESDAY 7 Woughton: Heather delivery on most orders. as we seek to appoint a new minister. involved with our many local schools, Pollard, Mike Davidge and Tony The church has recently suffered three facing many challenges. Marsh Gibbon Stanyer. Give thanks for the many and break-ins so we sense both spiritual School, Twyford School. attack and a clear sign that God is also varied gifts and skills which people use at work! Wavendon School. in serving God. For our ongoing work MONDAY 12 Winslow with Great • Distribution to reach out to the communities we Horwood and Addington: Andrew SATURDAY 3 Water Eaton: Wendy serve. Lightbown. Winslow School, Great We are able to insert your leafl ets Carey. For Catherine, to be our new Horwood School. into this and similar publications priest. We thank God for the visiting THURSDAY 8 Claydon Deanery: David Meakin, Andrew Lightbown, enabling you to reach a church priests and our lay ministry team who TUESDAY 13 Reading Deanery: Graeme have kept us going for so long. Ron Aspinall, Lorna Piper and Ben Fancourt, Peter Jeal, Joan Walker, audience in this and other CofE Whitaker. For the Rural Resource Mark Burton, Mark Laynesmith, dioceses. MONDAY 5 Watling Valley, Milton Roadshow being held in Whitchurch on Jacqueline Meachen, Roger Williams, Keynes: Sharon Grenham-Thompson, June 24 and for the life of the village Anna Knaggs and Ken Dyson. Give Mike Morris, Nick Adlem, Stephen churches in the Claydon Deanery. Pray thanks for the ministry of Peter Jeal, Mosedale and Derek Martin. For that we may find a new Lay Chair. our outgoing Lay Chair, and Stephen the new governance structures, Pullin, our outgoing Area Dean, and that they would enable us to work FRIDAY 9 Schorne: David Meakin, Mary Cruddas, Stephen Flashman, pray for wisdom for Graeme Fancourt, more efficiently and more closely our new Area Dean, and for the new together across the Partnership. For Jim Gorringe and Janet Bayly. For Great Lay Chair and Secretary. For the our discussions and deliberations Jacqueline Dove as she prepares to customer service begin her curacy in the Schorne Team. members of the groups implementing concerning mission, stewardship and the deanery priorities of developing discipleship. Christ the Sower School. For the work being done by the Team FREE Council to improve the way in which we leadership, deepening participation in estimates TUESDAY 6 Wolverton: Gill Barrow- are able to serve the villages in which parish churches, and focusing resources CALL Jones and Ann Kember. For families in we are set. North Marston School, on mission. Wolverton – for all who hold parental Quainton School, Waddesdon Academy, WEDNESDAY 14 St Andrew, responsibilities and for all children, Westcott School. Caversham: Nigel Jones. For our 01752 225623 especially those who are fostered mission partners, the Grow Hope Trust [email protected] www.cornerstonevision.com Services at Christ Church Cathedral

SUNDAYS: 8am Holy Communion; 9.45am Matins (coffee in Priory Room); 11.00am Sung Eucharist; 6pm Evensong.

WEEKDAYS: 7.15am Morning Prayer; 7.35am Holy Communion; 1pm (Wednesday only) Holy Communion; 6pm Evensong (Thursday Sung Eucharist 6pm).

Tel: 01865 276155 www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral Advertising

The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty The following is for guidance only, please feel free to adapt to local conditions and, if you wish, produce your own deanery prayer diaries. ‘England’s Oldest Almshouse’ Vacancies for Brothers

The Hospital, founded in 1132, is home to 25 retired laymen (‘Brothers’) and applications are welcomed. A registered Charity with a Christian foundation, the Hospital is situated a mile Jonathan Conrathe from 20 to 25 June. resource the wider church. Part of our south of Winchester. Each For wisdom and perseverance as we call is to help resource the wider church Brother lives independently implement our Apostolic Strategic Plan. in Reading through sending teams, and occupies a flat which St Paul’s School, St Agnes’ School. sharing expertise, church planting and he furnishes himself. sharing resources. We do this with a TUESDAY 20 St Barnabas, Emmer Green Further information and an with Caversham Park: Derek Chandler spirit of generosity. Our primary call is application form are obtainable from: and Elizabeth Gash. to do this here in Reading, but it also Clerk to the Trustees includes overseas mission. Hospital of St Cross WEDNESDAY 21 Loddon Reach: Paul Winchester, SO23 9SD Willis, David Little and Michael Dexter- SATURDAY 24 Holy Trinity, Reading: Tel: 01962 878218 Bob Simmonds. E-mail: [email protected] Elisha. For the development of a robust www.hospitalofstcross.co.uk Mission Plan for the benefice, and for MONDAY 26 Trinity, Earley: Jonathan Registered Charity No.202751 effective working relationships with Salmon. other agencies in our community. For continued spiritual growth within our TUESDAY 27 St Giles, Reading: David THE UNITED BENEFICE OF Harris, Sam McNally-Cross. For our churches. Grazeley School, St Mary’s HENLEY WITH REMENHAM School. Curate, Fr Sam McNally-Cross, who is leaving us for London, that God would THURSDAY 22 Christ Church, Reading: bless his new ministry. For our new Lay are seeking an Peter Day and Elizabeth Ratcliffe. For Pastoral Assistant, Andrew Day, that the successful completion of ongoing God would bless his ministry in Reading, ORGANIST AND projects and for further growth at Christ Photo: iStock and continue to make clear what his Church. For the continued recovery of vocation is in the Church of God. CHOIRMASTER/ Roger, our churchwarden. New Christ in Zimbabwe. For all children and Church School. WEDNESDAY 28 St John the Evangelist, young people connected to the church. Reading: Vincent Gardner, Gary Collins, MISTRESS FRIDAY 23 Greyfriars, Reading with Hamish Bruce, Richard Croft and Jeremy THURSDAY 15 Caversham Thameside for the Churches of St Mary, New Hope Community Church: David Thake. St John’s School. Henley-on- ames and Mapledurham: Mike Smith, Penny Walker, Joy Atkins, Sarah Eden-Jones, and Cuthbert, Judith Ryder and Philip Dan Bright, Heather Harper, Philip THURSDAY 29 St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn. For growth and renewal at Giddings, Christine Ledger, John Reading: Stephen Pullin and Judith St Nicholas, Remenham St John’s, Caversham as they explore Ledger, Dennis Parker and Heather Sumner. Full details are available the possibility of an exciting new Lewis. For boldness as we reach out partnership with another church, and FRIDAY 30 St Laurence, Reading: Chris from the Parish O ce, through mission in Reading. This is a Russell, Lois Archer, Christopher West  e Rectory, Hart Street for discernment for all those who God core part of our vision and involves us and Joy Hooper. For plans for summer Henley-on- ames, RG9 2AU is calling to be part of this. For our reaching out to the business community, Mission Innovation Team, leading our projects to engage many young people in the homeless, the growing number of the transforming life of Jesus Christ. For 01491 577340 work in working with and supporting university students and young working isolated and lonely people. the empowering of the Spirit to enable o [email protected] professionals, as well as the schools us to see the difference we long to see in FRIDAY 16 St Nicolas, Earley: Neil in the area. For generosity as we help young people’s lives. Warwick, Emma Major, Paul Haynes Casa Oleander Dartmouth Luxury 3 Bed Villa and Ben Kautzer. For continued trust Devon and growth in our relationship with Delighul ground floor flat Coming and Goings with glorious views across Sleeps 6/8, near local schools in partnership with river Dart. Carvoeiro, Portugal. REinspired. For the resources to Sleeps 4: double ensuite, Own pool, all Mod Cons e Revd David Lloyd will be retiring Wood is to take up post as Archdeacon of twin with bathroom, Golf, Tennis, Free Wifi. complete the building of the St Nicolas from his post as Vicar of Bampton with Loughborough in the Diocese of Leicester; all mod cons. Tel: 02380 265 683 [email protected]@brialdon freeservecouk Centre – a hub for our community. Clan eld in September; e Revd Rebecca e Revd Timothy Fernyhough is to Tel: 020 7223 5473 www.casa-oleander.co.uk Mathew will take up post as Vicar of St take up post as Rector of the Lambfold SATURDAY 17 St Peter, Earley: Philip Nicholas, Allestree and Priest in Charge of Bene ce; e Revd Dr Allan Barton is SHERBORNE Hobday and Hannah Hobday. For St Paul’s, Quarndon in the Diocese of Derby; to take up post as Rector of West Wycombe Short breaks in Dorset God’s guidance and direction as we e Revd Carolyn Bailey will take up with Bledlow Ridge, Bradenham and Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, draft our first Mission Action Plan. post as Rector in the bene ce of e Ness Radnage. apartment in listed building For our church school as it converts to Group in the Diocese of Lincoln; e Revd close to Abbey Church. Open all year. academy status. St Peter’s School. Dr Patrick Gilday will take up post as e following have been given permission to ociate: e Revd Wendy Biddington; Please ring for brochure: MONDAY 19 St Agnes, Reading with Rector of Benson with Ewelme; e Revd Dr Paula Cliord has resigned from her e Revd Georey Howell; e Revd 01404 841367 St Paul and St Barnabas: Vernon Dr John Findon; e Revd Nigel Orr, Leon Collyer and Indy Nottage. post as Vicar of Minster Lovell; e Revd John Goodman is to take up post as Vicar Knights Johnson. For a harvest from a mission, of Chalfont St Peter; e Revd Claire TravelArranged forInsurance The Door readers Impact Reading, with the evangelist Real and friendly people... not machines! Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. Our Bishops on Sundays READERS SPECIAL OFFER Mention this advert to receive your readers discount LONG STAY, SINGLE TRIP, AND CRUISE COVER SUNDAY 25 Bishop Colin con rming at Christ Church, available for holidays departing up to 31/12/2018 SUNDAY 4 Bishop Alan con rming at Claydon Deanery. Annual multi-trip cover (max. age 85) Abingdon. Single trip cover (NO max. age) SUNDAY 11 Bishop David Jennings con rming at St Ed- Conditions apply FT TRAVEL UK Please call for details ~ ward’s School, Oxford; Bishop Colin con rming in e Vale BASED INSURANCE A short guide to special Sundays and other events (with 0116 272 0500 Bene ce; Bishop Alan con rming in Wendover Deanery. a global focus) from Christian Concern for One World Authorised & regulated by the FCA that you may wish to pray for in 2017 is available at SUNDAY 18 Bishop Colin con rming at Bodicote; Bishop www.ccow.org.uk. Alan con rming at Aylesbury; Bishop Steven con rming at Pangbourne College; Bishop Alan con rming at Milton Keynes. Advertising thedoorpost Events in June

The Doorpost is a free service for churches to advertise their events and is designed to be hung on church noticeboards. Please send your events to [email protected] or by post to Church House. The deadline for the July/August issue is Friday 2 June.

SATURDAY 3 JUNE Fringford: Open Gardens, 1–6pm on both days this weekend. The church will feature floral displays themed around Whit Sunday. £5; under 16s free. Proceeds to St Michael and All Angels’ Church. SUNDAY 4 JUNE Sandford-on-Thames: Revd Canon Dr Edmund Newey, Subdean of Christ Church Cathedral, will be preaching the Alice sermon at Choral Evensong, 6.30pm, St Andrew’s Church. This event commemorates Lewis Carroll’s first sermon at Sandford. A Fringford garden on show this month Photo: Jane Petry MONDAY 5 JUNE (£5) from Lisa Mynheer (01865 The Lee: Traditional Church Fete, Reading: Café Theologique – 351340), or on the door. 2pm on The Green. Follow signs Crossing and Dwelling: Jesus’ from A413 between Wendover Chinnor: Concert for Christian healing miracles – political and and Great Missenden. interfaith perspectives. Revd Dr Aid: Vivaldi, Saint Saens, Fauré, Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Weber and Debussy. 7.30pm. Old Marston: Music For a Church Cathedral. Zero Degrees Tickets £10 from Manor Stores, Summer Evening, St Nicholas’ Blessed is the man who walks Bar, Bridge Street, 7.30pm. St Andrew’s Church Office or Church, 6pm. Musicians and Maggie Thorne: 01844 354626. singers from the local community. WEDNESDAY 7 June Retiring collection for the Divya not in the counsel of the wicked, Olney: National Gardens Scheme Aldworth: Afternoon tea at St Open Gardens Weekend, Cowper Shanthi Trust. Mary’s Church on Wednesdays nor stands in the way of sinners, and Newton Museum, Market SATURDAY 24 JUNE from 2.30–4.30pm until 30 Place, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Visit Childrey: Singing Workshop at St August. Explore the 14th century the home of William Cowper Mary’s Church with Emily Walker. nor sits in the seat of scoffers; effigies of The Aldworth Giants who, with John Newton, wrote Sessions on Celtic worship and and the Millennium Tapestry. For hymns including Amazing Grace. music of different communities more information call 01635 578 Admission £3, children free. but his delight is in the law of the 936. around the world. 9.30am – 12 Hambleden: The Windsor noon. £5. To book contact the Lord, and on his law he meditates FRIDAY 9 JUNE Box and Fir Company present Rector, Leonora: revd.lahill@ Horton cum Studley: Start of Under the Greenwood Tree. 18th btinternet.com or 01235 760112. century music by Arne, Handel, celebration weekend for the Kintbury: Jane Austen – The day and night. He is like a tree Harington, Corbett, Carey and 150th birthday of St Barnabas’ Kintbury Connection weekend J.C. Bach played on instruments church. Talks on the history of begins. Talks, Regency dancing, of the period. Church of St Mary planted by streams of water that the parish church, 7.30pm. adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, the Virgin, 7.30pm. Tickets £15, guided walk, etc. See www. Caversham: Christ the Healer under 18s free, from 01491 janeaustenatkintbury.co.uk or yields its fruit in its season, and Service, 6.30pm for 7pm, led 571588 or at the door. by The Order of Jacob’s Well call the Hungerford Bookshop (founded by Baron Williams TUESDAY 13 JUNE for more information: 01488 its leaf does not wither. In all that 683480. Proceeds to the church. of Oystermouth when he was Stoke Poges: John Tunesi of Bishop of Monmouth prior to Liongram (The Hon. Secretary Aldworth: St Mary’s Flower he does, he prospers. The wicked being Archbishop of Canterbury). of the Heraldry Society) will Festival both days this weekend, Caversham Methodist Church, speak on Heraldry: The Funeral 10.30am–5pm. Teas served. are not so, but are like chaff that Gosbrook Road, RG4 5AE. Hatchments of St Giles’, Stoke SUNDAY 25 JUNE SATURDAY 10 JUNE Poges. 8pm at St Andrew’s Church Centre. Booking essential, £5. Weston Turville: Cream tea, St the wind drives away. Therefore Caversham: Simply Jesus and Contact Maggie: 01753 642658 or Mary the Virgin Church, 3–5pm. God’s Healing Kingdom, 9.30am [email protected]. Contact Wendy Prestage, 01296 the wicked will not stand in the for 10am until 5pm. A day of 614699, or see www.stmaryswt. worship, teaching and workshops SATURDAY 17 JUNE org for more details. by The Order of Jacob’s Well. Abingdon: Concert by Wantage judgment, nor sinners in the £10 to include lunch. Details and Academy Brass, St Michael’s Aldworth: Music on a Summer’s booking: [email protected], Church, 7pm; part of the church’s Eve, St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm. congregation of the righteous; 0771 425 6272. 150th anniversary celebrations. The second half of Schubert’s Horton cum Studley: Flower Tickets £7, concessions £6, 16 Die Schöne Müllerin, followed festival during the day (and on and under free. Tickets available by songs from the musicals. for the Lord knows the way of Sunday); baroque concert by the from The Bookstore (Bury Street, Tickets £15 from 01635 578239, the righteous, but the way of the Hymnos choir, 7.30pm. Tickets Abingdon) or at the door. [email protected]. wicked will perish. Courses

Psalm 1 (ESV) Ellel Ministries Teaching and Ministry Day: Christians Against Poverty Money Course: A ‘Bringing the Essentials of the Healing Ministry series of three free sessions on Mondays that will of Jesus into the Local Church’ with David and teach you budgeting skills and a simple, cash- Denise Cross at the Clare Centre, Saunderton, based system that works. Starts Monday 19 June Saturday 3 June, 9.30am – 5.15pm. £28 including at The Mish, 57f St Clement’s Street, Oxford, Photo: www.sxc.hu lunch. Details from [email protected]. 7.30pm. Sign up at www.capmoneycourse.org. Advance booking essential.