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DS17 07

Diocese of Newcastle

Annual Reports 2016

www.newcastle.anglican.org Contents

2 Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee 3 Rural Affairs 3 Local Ministry Development (LMD) 4 Local Evangelism 5 Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) 6 Church in Society 6 Together Newcastle 7 PARTNERS in Community Action 8 Newcastle Diocesan Education Board (NDEB) 10 Diocesan Mission & Pastoral Committee (DMPC) 10 Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) 11 Houses & Glebe Committee 12 Safeguarding 13 Readers 13 Parish Giving & Stewardship 14 Interfaith & Ethnic Relations 15 Pastoral Care & Counselling 16 Children & Youth 17 Ministry of the Retired Clergy 17 Ecumenical Officer 18 Task Groups 20 Inspired North East

Newcastle Diocesan Board of Finance. A Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity. Registered in number 650977. Registered office: Church House, St John’s Terrace, NE29 6HS Tel: 0191 270 4100 | E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.newcastle.anglican.org | Twitter: @NclDiocese

1 Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee

2016 was the first full year of my ministry as your Bishop and a year of great privilege as I got to meet so many people and witness the rich and diverse communities we serve during my visits to our twelve deaneries.

For the Bishop’s Council we started the year with a submission to the Dioceses Commission which required us to demonstrate the need for the first for the . After the Commission’s meeting held in March I was pleased to share the news that we had

received permission to revive the See of Berwick, which had been in abeyance since 1572. In the open

following months and helped by a small panel clergy and laity from across the diocese the process of discernment was completed and I was delighted that Canon accepted the invitation to become the suffragan . The Consecration in York Minister on 18th October was a significant day for this Diocese as we celebrated the start of the ministry of our first suffragan bishop. In December we welcomed Bishop Mark, his wife Lindsay and their children at services held in Newcastle and .

The Diocesan Synod met five times in 2016 and began in March with a well-attended Open Synod Forum for disability held at the Academy. In May the Synod travelled to where we gathered to say a formal farewell to Bishop Frank as he prepared for his retirement. In September we returned to for an Open Synod Forum supporting the introduction of the Companions of St Aidan and at a Finance Synod in October members helped to shape the Diocesan Budget for 2017. Returning to Ashington in November the Synod engaged with the Children and Youth Team to learn about the strategy supporting activities across

the diocese. engaged

2016 saw the start of some partnership working between the Diocese and the National Church Institutions who helped us to fund the development of a new strategic vision. This work engaged the Bishop’s Staff Team working with two consultants over the summer months as we met and worked through Bible study to discern a new vision underpinned by our strongly held values of generous engaged open. The results of this work were presented to the Bishop’s Council when it met for a residential at Shepherds Dene in November and forms the building blocks for work in 2017 and beyond as we launch a vision for growing church bringing hope.

I am indebted to all those who serve and have contributed to the life and mission of the Diocese through our respective Boards, Committees, Task Groups and in our parishes and it gives me great pleasure to introduce the reports for 2016.

The Rt Revd , Bishop of Newcastle generous generous

2 working towards the establishment of a Rural Church Rural Affairs Task Group as well as a network of 'rural champions', The period since my licensing to the post of Bishop's people with expertise, experience or interest in Adviser for Rural Affairs, which took place at the end different aspects of rural life. This work is now being of June 2016, has largely been spent getting to know shaped to fit with the rural strand of the diocesan the lay of the land both within the diocese – strategy, Growing Church Bringing Hope. geographically, demographically, organisationally and ecclesiastically – and further afield, not least by The Reverend Jonathan Mason establishing contacts in the wider Church of England Bishop's Rural Affairs Adviser and ecumenically. Much time has been spent talking E-mail: [email protected] to individuals – among them landowners, tenant Local Ministry Development farmers, agricultural workers, and staff in rural schools, as well as representatives of organisations – among them Natural England, the National Trust, the North East Farming and Rural Advisory Network (NEFRAN), Community Action Northumberland

(CAN), and the Farming Community Network (FCN). T Events attended have included conferences: one The LMD Task group priorities for this year organised by Caring for God's Acre, on the subject of encouraged continued support for the Diocesan LMD the care and conservation of churchyards; a NEFRAN Network and the 30+ parishes who are actively conference on rural businesses; a Warm Hubs event involved with developing their local ministry and organized by CAN and Together Newcastle, as well as mission through the LMD process. the CAN Annual General Meeting; a large national conference organised by the Arthur Rank Centre, the Our 2016 Quiet Day was led, in January, by Alison ecumenical Christian charity which serves 'both the Moore, who was the pastoral care and counselling spiritual and practical needs of the rural community officer for Durham before retirement. Alison offered through a programme of community and social reflections on the theme of ‘Calling’ and encouraged projects, resourcing and training'; the National Rural us to understand our whole lives, as well as all we do Officers Gathering, a ecumenical event with Church for the church in ministry, as flowing from God’s of England, Methodist and URC participants; as well unique calling to each of us. as visits to rural clergy across the diocese, and local Our annual networking event was held in July at Café shows as well as the 2016 County Show. Azure, . This year we tried a mission All the while, a picture of rural life in the Diocese of marketplace format which proved very popular. Newcastle has been developing. The rural narrative Groups from Kirkwhelpington, Upper Coquetdale, is always particular to a community or area, and Sugley, Blyth, , and the Great Park varies widely across the diocese. The narratives vary, came and shared what they had been doing with but many of the issues of concern to those who live ideas to take away. Bishop Christine was also able to and work in these places are the same: facilities, meet the Network for the first time. transport, communications, employment, housing. Other networking opportunities were offered in Learning about the issues has come through reading October on the theme of Baptism at Heaton, Riding reports, viewing websites, and talking to people who Mill and Belford. Groups shared their current live and work and exercise ministry in the Diocese of practice, questions and ideas around Baptism Newcastle. preparation, the Baptism Service and follow up with In the autumn of 2016, the of families that come to their churches. and I began a series of Rural Conversations around A new LMD Team handbook and resource sheets the diocese attended by both clergy and lay people. were also developed this year with the Task group These meetings, which are continuing in 2017, are

3 and are available to download on the LMD pages of Church into Growth course and with the Reimagining the Diocesan website. The bi-monthly LMD mailings Ministry in rural multi-parish benefices strand. continued. The Revd Rachel Wood As LMD Officer, I work with others to deliver those Local Ministry Development Officer processes and initiatives that embody the LMD core E-mail: [email protected] values of collaboration, mission focus and learning. www.newcastle.anglican.org/lmd This year these included: Local Evangelism

 Collaborative Training Day for Readers and Incumbents run with CMD and the Readers Exec. he year began with working on the  Discipleship – as a member of the Discipleship communication strand of Newcastle Task group, we delivered an action plan to T Cathedral’s Mission Action Plan. This work has Bishop’s Council which was agreed and is now continued throughout the year and a new being implemented. communications officer has been appointed. There  Community Mission and Development - The first, has been work on our branding and image. pilot Know Your Church Know Your Neighbourhood process run together with Steve I led sessions on Evangelism and outreach at the Forster, the Together Newcastle worker, at Blyth Newcastle and Durham diocesan IME residential in and Sugley came to an end in May. We evaluated Durham diocese. I worked with the Evangelism Task this and developed a streamlined version to run group on the “Faith Stories” confidence building in 2017 with St Mary’s and St George’s course which was rolled out across the diocese. We . also began preliminary work on our “Invitation”  Companions of St Aidan – this new initiative was course under the evangelism way ahead strand of launched in 2016 and has been received work. enthusiastically by many LMDT members. I continued to serve on General Synod and spent time Pioneer Ministry – The LMDT at Ulgham and working ecumenically with the Widdrington developed into a Local Ministry and Fresh Expression Area Strategy Team. The Mission Pioneering Development Team supporting the work Shaped Ministry course was planned to run again in of Revd Joanna Dobson in a new role with the The Holy Biscuit venue. Mission Shaped introduction parishes. The national Breakout Conference I courses continued to run through 2016. attended in September 2016 offered helpful insights into the Pioneer Minister model and how we might Work continued throughout the year with leading support Pioneer Ministry currently shown through parishes through the Healthy Church process. I led Joanna and Beth Rookwood in Morpeth Deanery and training with year 7 curates, from both Newcastle and develop this model further in the Diocese. Durham dioceses, on how to develop a shared vision for mission and outreach. I continued to be part of the LTNE and IME 2, leading sessions on mission and ’s evangelism reference group collaborative working for these groups. which involved help planning events at Bishopthorpe As the five-year development post for the LMDO palace on growth and evangelism in the northern comes to its conclusion in May 2017, LMD has province. undoubtedly been strengthened and is set to take a The year continued with Mission Weekends in key role as we embrace a new Diocesan Vision, , Sugley and . Events for Growing Church Bringing Hope and take up five young people and children as well as adults in the strategic actions. It is envisaged that LMD teams will church and wider community all featured. I was part play a key role in the follow-up to the Leading Your of the team working in evangelistic mission with the

4 northern bishops and archbishop across the diocese Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) of Blackburn. The CMD officer and task group have worked I attended training in media situations at Church together to create and implement a wide ranging House Westminster, which came in handy for the CMD programme for clergy and readers over the last BBC1 programme, The Big Question, where I was 12 months. A highlight was the clergy study day in invited to be part of the panel and speak on June, led by Rt Revd John Pritchard. Over 100 clergy evangelism in the Church of England. came and the feedback was very positive. Another I continued to work on the streets of Newcastle City highlight was the ‘I Daniel Blake’ screening at the centre with the Street Pastors every seven or eight Tyneside cinema attended by over 300 people in aid weeks until 4.00am. I continue as a trustee of the of Together Newcastle. Working in co-operation with Street Pastors and find the work and conversations the resources centre, we produced study notes on very rewarding. the film for people to take away and use in groups. I continued to speak to at outreach events, dinners We have tried as much as possible to be responsive and breakfasts from time to time. I gave the address to the expressed needs of Clergy and Readers and to at the Dame Allen’s Founders Day service in the give them opportunities to tell us what their CMD Cathedral. The work with MAP’s and healthy churches needs are. One result of our enquiries was two days, continued to run throughout the year. one in and one at church house, on computer skills in ministry. Another was a day on presentation The year was filled with the usual round of meetings skills. In response to popular demand, we also with Supporting Ministers group. My role as worked with Human Resources to run an event residentiary Canon of our Cathedral and a member of entitled ‘Next Steps’ for clergy anticipating a move in the Cathedral Chapter took up some of my time. I was the next few years. invited to preach and lead service across the whole diocese, taking the opportunity to remind We have been intentional in increasing our congregations of the important role of faith sharing partnership working. We have worked with one on one. I played a full part in my role as member Lindisfarne, the Resources Centre, and the Diocese of of the Diocesan Parish Development Group working Durham on a number of projects. We have also been with parishes often in interregnum. I was pleased to putting time and resources into communications. We meet with colleagues in the wider missioner network moved the CMD website onto the diocesan website and especially with the Northern province group. for easier access and we also send out a bi monthly letter to clergy and readers letting them know of This brief report can only be a snapshot with most upcoming CMD opportunities. things not mentioned. I am always As our part of the diocesan vision, we work on the happy to be contacted if you would like to discuss my ‘Leading Your Church into Growth’ strand with John work, or if you feel I could help in some way. Sinclair and Ian Flintoft. The first cohort of clergy and I said farewell to Bishop Frank as my supervisor and lay people meets in May. We may also become will miss his deep insight and wisdom. I look forward involved in the training and development aspects of to working with Bishop Mark in the future. Thanks to other strands as the vision progresses. Steve Dixon and the Evangelism Task Group as well as The Revd all in our great diocese who have made 2016 another Continuing Ministerial Development Officer rich and personally rewarding year. E-mail: [email protected] The Revd Canon John Sinclair www.newcastle.anglican.org/cmd Adviser in Local Evangelism and Mission

E-mail: [email protected] www.newcastle.anglican.org/evangelism

5 Church in Society the common good in what seem to be increasingly challenging circumstances. ne of the most engaging and exciting areas The Revd Dr Nicholas Buxton of my work as Church and Society Adviser Bishop’s Advisor for Church and Society over the past year has been around the on- E-mail: [email protected] O going development of Citizens. Since the launch at the end of 2015, we have Together Newcastle succeeded in appointing a very able and energetic Community Organiser, Sara Bryson, whose role now is to build a network of dues-paying member organisations committed to working together for the common good. At the AGM in December we were able to celebrate those who had pledged to join, including schools, churches and voluntary sector organisations. It is my It has been another busy year for the joint venture privilege to serve as Chair of the Leadership Group, between Church Urban Fund (CUF) and the Diocese. working with a great team of able and committed Our work over the past year has continued to involve colleagues. After a year of political and social us working with parishes and organisations across our turbulence, I am convinced that the coming year will whole Diocese; framed by the Tyne and Tweed. see Tyne and Wear Citizens having a very significant impact in our region. Together Newcastle is a resource to churches, individuals and groups that are wanting to get I am also on the board of the Newcastle Council for involved in some form of Community Activity, as part Voluntary Services, which directly and indirectly of their mission and commitment to Growing Church brings me into contact with a wide range of voluntary and Bringing Hope. We have seen congregations sector organisations. Through these connections, I discovering their gifts and finding creative ways by have established close working relationships with a which these have been put to use in so their number of VSOs. One of the most recent examples communities can flourish and thrive. has been ‘Canny City’, a collaborative initiative involving a wide range of people committed to In all our work we have continued to apply the making Newcastle a safer and more psychologically principles of Asset Based Community Development informed city for people experiencing vulnerability, (ABCD): start with what’s strong rather than what’s particularly around mental health. wrong; and never do for others that which they can do for themselves. Other areas of work have included continuing involvement on the working group for Newcastle City Our work continues to be exciting and varied and this of Sanctuary, building a culture of welcome and past year has seen us focus on a number of work hospitality for refugees and asylum seekers. I am also themes: a trustee of the Road to Recovery Trust, which Capacity Building: helping to discover and make use of promotes abstinence-based recovery from any kind the gifts and assets of congregations and of addiction, and has recently opened a ‘dry bar’ and communities and use these in response to unmet meeting space called ‘George Street Social’. And need in their community. Raising Awareness: talks finally, I have set up a social enterprise to run an sermon slots, workshops that high light current and independent high street meditation centre in central topical issues; Financial Inclusion: – working with Newcastle. Credit Unions (Community Finance Organisations) So, once again, it has been an exciting year, building Churches and Schools. productive relationships between the church and other civil society organisations, working together for

6 Some examples of our work include: Thank you Helping to set up and get Lifesavers underway, a We would like to acknowledge the commitment of saving scheme run by young people in their school clergy, parishioners and community members for the supported by teachers and local volunteers. This work they do in bringing their ideas and activities to piece of work is supported by Virgin Money and two life and helping communities to thrive and flourish. local Credit unions; following an official launch in the Thanks also to Diocesan staff for their support in autumn the scheme is well underway and there are helping to make things happen, and to CUF for their plans to expand the initiative into more schools ongoing financial support. Finally to our Board of across the North East. Trustees who give their time and much encouragement to guide and support all that we do. A special thank you to Margaret Nicholson and John Carr who both left the Board of Trustees this year, we will miss you.

Thanks also to Angela who works so hard and quietly Working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks in the back ground to make a lot of what we do and Community Action Northumberland in order to happen and also look good! set up Warm Hubs – an activity that uses the gifts skills and resources of local churches in order to bring We have another exciting year ahead and are already people together who are isolated and lonely into a beginning to develop our work plans and themes for warm welcoming space in order to enjoy friendship 2017 which include: and refreshments.  Financial Inclusion – on going work to establish Lifesavers scheme and the role out of our Working with local Credit Unions to increase capacity budgeting course – Cash Smart Credit Savvy and to develop a model of fairer finance for all.  Warm Hubs- continue to develop this work Helping several churches and organisations to find particularly within Newcastle and North Tyneside funding to enable them to start activities or sustain a  Ongoing activity to develop the work of much needed piece of work. Foodbanks and our concern for food insecurity  Continue to respond to requests for help to find Working with the Local Ministry Development Advisor resources; in particular funding! and two parish groups to undertake the Know our Church Know our Neighbourhood activity. Steve Forster, Development Worker E-mail: [email protected] Working with members of The Mothers Union and E-mail: [email protected] Changing Lives (formerly The Cyrenians) to explore E-mail: [email protected] how the two organisations could work together. We www.together-newcastle.org looked at the needs of people starting to live www.cuf.org.uk independently after a life on the streets and homelessness and began to match the skills and PARTNERS in Community Action resources of Mothers Union members. Working with the Diocesan Poverty Task group in s you will remember, before Bishop Martin order to plan and deliver a Food Bank conference. left, Partners sought to re-stock funds so that Our work in numbers January – December 2016 A we could continue the work of supporting  Activities and parishes supported: 17 churches in initiatives which involved working with  Training and workshop events: 13 and within their local communities. It remains a  Funding raised to support activities: £ 31.000 difficult time in which to obtain money for grants, in part because charitable donors prefer, in the present

climate, to give directly to a charity or project of their

7 own choice rather than through a third party (the Diocesan Education Board diocese in this case). Some parishes, and a few individuals who give monthly, were very generous in The Dioceses of Newcastle and Durham work together in education through the jointly employed their offering. However significant money did not education team. Both Dioceses are fully committed come into our reserves. This last year, then, the to the flourishing of all children and young people and Board have spent some time attempting to discern the part that education plays in achieving this. The the way forward. Advice has been sought and we 'Working Together in Education' paper sets out the believe we have an exciting and engaging way detailed joint vision for our specific work in education forward. We have been in discussion with a through church schools. We wish to offer the highest quality of education across the North East to ensure crowdfunding enterprise who will build for us a each and every child achieves their full potential ‘crowdfunding platform’. across all areas of the curriculum whilst having a lively Crowdfunding is a way of raising finance by asking a engagement with the Christian faith within the large number of people each for a small amount of setting of a Christian community. We wish to ensure money. Until recently, financing a business, project or clergy are fully equipped to serve their local schools, venture involved asking a few people for large sums that the church appoints skilled governors who are of money. Crowdfunding switches this idea around, able to ensure the school does the very best it can using the internet to talk to thousands – if not millions and that all staff flourish and develop to their fullest – of potential funders. We would be able to have a potential. ‘dashboard’ to give the history of Partners and to tell The team currently work to support 102 schools and recent stories of successful schemes who have are involved in bids for three further Free Schools one benefited from a Partners grant. Current projects, of which has just been announced for North . with their ‘story’ and perhaps a photo would be placed on the site so that those who wish to give This year we have been joined by two RE advisors who money would feel more closely involved. The church are supporting us to deliver a new RE scheme of work who had initiated the project would be able to keep which will support the teaching of the RE Syllabus in donors up to date with their progress. It would also all of our VA schools / academies. The funding for be possible to continue this relationship with the these posts was through a successful bid to both church and donor through invitation to the church on Durham and Newcastle Diocese as well as the Hild the completion of the project, and to services and organisation that has funded us in the past. events following on. We have also recruited a Mental Health Consultant, To set this up we will need start-up money. Also to Gill Hedworth, who is working in our schools to administer it, which is why we value all the more support staff and leaders with the challenges we are those who are prepared to make continuing and ‘no facing with an increasing number of children who are strings’ donations. Nor will the salary of the struggling to cope. Gill is highly respected in her field Development Officer be covered by this method. and, despite only joining us several weeks ago, is Obviously when we are prepared to launch this new already operational in a number of our schools. way of working, which will be to the end of this year, Two of the biggest challenges we face in the Diocese we will need to ‘advertise’ it, through road-shows, the currently are around the viability of our small rural LINK, Facebook etc. Please continue to pray and schools and finding ways of working in partnership support us through this transitional time and look out with community schools –particularly in areas of for the Launch governance. This year we have helped to deliver the The Revd Frances Wilson, Development Officer Newcastle East Academy Mixed Multi-Academy Trust E-mail: [email protected] which is an academy trust made up of one Church of www.newcastle.anglican.org/partners England Primary School and four community schools including one secondary. Using the Church model

8 company documents a Trust has been formed which funding and registered our concerns nationally with works in true partnership with community schools Church of England Education Office. where the ethos of both the community and church As a team we strive to offer the best possible advice schools has been protected both now and into the and support to our schools. We are working in a future. On the back of this success we are now constantly evolving world of legislation and challenge, consulting on similar projects in and however, the feedback we receive is overwhelmingly Morpeth and have also been approached to assist in positive. If successful, over the next academic year other partnership areas which are at an early stage of we should have delivered two more mixed academy discussions. These are significant achievements for trusts and supported several more of our schools out the team and have demonstrated to the wider of Requires Improvement from Ofsted. community the church’s commitment to education for all in the North East of England and also built and The Ven Peter Robinson, Chairman developed trust in our team in the wider education Mr Paul Rickeard, Director of Education setting. E-mail: [email protected] www.jointeducationteam.org As the Director I now sit on a National Forum for Rural Schools looking at ways of protecting the future of Diocesan Mission & Pastoral Committee those which are viable and able to deliver an effective curriculum. As a team and a Diocese we do not look (DMPC) to actively close any school – however, where 2016 proved to be yet another busy year for the children are not making progress and the school DMPC. Meetings were held, as usual, in February cannot financially survive we are facing tough (Annual ‘Away Day’), May, July, September and decisions. November, with an additional meeting in December to undertake the annual review of those benefices Our links to Ofsted and the Regional Schools where suspension of presentation was in place. After Commissioner, as well as the ten local authorities we more than a year in post as Secretary to the DMPC, it serve are strong. We are seen as a credible partner has been a pleasure to have the support and by all stakeholders in driving improvement and increasing expertise of Carol Hepple to call upon both standards across all of our schools. in and between meetings. We continue to deliver training across all of our Membership of the Committee. The Revd Charles schools. This year we have had a heavy focus on Hope left the diocese to become Vicar of Keswick in SIAMS and Governance. All of the training has been the diocese of and the Revd Diane full to capacity with the majority of our schools Westmoreland to become Vicar of Boroughbridge in attending. This has also been the first year ALL the diocese of Leeds. Both were thanked for the diocesan schools have bought into the partnering contributions they had made to the working of the agreement delivered by the team. This term we are DMPC and the Revd Stephen Herbert and the Revd also hosting a Christian Character Conference with Steve Wilkinson joined the Committee bringing speakers from the National Team in London and also different but complementary skills and experience leading a conference on Mental Health in schools. with them. The funding crisis that is ever present in the news is a Suspension of presentation was invoked for the living reality for schools in the North East. The vast benefices of: Ashington Holy Sepulchre; and majority of our schools are seeing a real fall in their Mickley; the Glendale Group; ; Mitford funding and this in turn will genuinely effect the and Hebron; ; Seaton Hirst; standard of education that our children receive. I have responded to the consultation on school

9 and Spittal; Tweedmouth; Ulgham and Widdrington; involvement over the recent past and catch up with and Whittingham and with Bolton Chapel. old friends. Committee members made 10 site visits to parishes and there was also a special meeting at St. Suspension was renewed for: ; Newcastle Thomas’ in the Haymarket in June where there was a St ; and . chance to witness first-hand the envisaged Suspensions were revoked for: Byker St Anthony; refurbishment programme. There is much to be Byker St Martin; Byker St w St Lawrence; thankful for. Byker St ; and St Sadly Geoffrey Purves decided to stand down as Schemes which received attention included: Chairman of the DAC during the year although he has Bedlington, and Sleekburn: this scheme was agreed to remain a member of the committee. His published providing for the union of the benefice of invaluable knowledge and expertise is essential to the Bedlington and the benefice of Cambois and smooth running of the process. Also retiring during Sleekburn. Much work was carried out looking at the the year were Revd Peter Barnham, Mrs Jane Brown development of schemes for the future pastoral care and Mrs Grace McCombie, their contributions are of Blyth, Newcastle St Barnabas and St Jude, and the sadly missed. New expertise has been recruited and parishes of the Glendale Group. we welcome Mr Chris Cotton, Very Revd Michael During 2016 the Committee: Sadgrove and Mr Ian Ayris who have already started to make a significant contribution. The committee at  Continued the care of the closed Churches of present has a vacancy for a nominee from Historic Dalton and Lynemouth. England. Lucy Burfield continues to be the bedrock in  Considered a Bishop’s Mission Order for mission her role as Secretary to the DAC and ensures the focussed structure of the parishes of the smooth running of the committee and its work. Glendale Group.  Oversaw refurbishment works to the Vicarages at This year saw a new procedure introduced by the Holy Island and at St George’s, Jesmond. Church of England to control the maintenance and  Received a presentation from the Bishop of development of its buildings. This is an attempt to Newcastle who shared her vision for the future streamline the way in which permissions are sought pastoral care of the Diocese. and given and hopefully streamline the faculty  Considered the impact of Terms of Service and process. Certain categories of work are designated to the Draft Mission and Pastoral etc. (Amendment) be List A, List B or faculty items. List A items do not Measure on the work of the DMPC. require permission, and List B can be authorised by  Approved grants and loans to St the after referral to a DAC member. and Balkwell St Peter for refurbishment The Committee continues to consider many projects works. of varying size and significance where parishes are The Revd Canon Paul Scott, Chairman seeking to apply to the Registrar for a Faculty. In 2016 Ms Carol Hepple, Secretary to the DMPC the total was 74 items asking for formal advice. This E-mail: [email protected] is down on the previous year due to the new procedure, and 50 items considered by the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Archdeacons under the List B process. Care of Churches (DAC) This year also saw the national introduction of an online faculty application process. Although in its he Committee met 8 times at Church House in initial stages, it is already evident from the 2016 and also enjoyed a day’s tour in August of applications received so far that there is much T Our Lady, Delaval; Holy , Widdrington; St. potential in this system, which is designed to make Cuthbert’s, ; St. Mary’s, Newton-by-the-Sea life easier for both parishes and the committee. More and Holy Trinity, Embleton. It is always a joy to visit places where the committee have had some

10 information is available from the DAC Secretary, Lucy opportunities, which led to some interesting Burfield. discussions over the year. Our regular annual meeting of Quinquennial The consequences of the storms at the very start of Inspectors was delayed from last year and was held the year brought one such challenge which impacted on 9th February 2016. It has been decided that a number of houses, particularly the older properties wintertime is perhaps a more suitable time of year to situated in rural locations. More external repairs were hold this annual event and therefore future meetings undertaken than we usually anticipate often requiring will be held in February. Our annual Dinner was specialist contractors with extra tree works needed hosted by our then Chairman Dr Geoffrey Purves, it too. was also delayed until 8th February so that members of the committee could welcome our recently At the beginning of the year it was also a time of appointed special guest Bishop Christine. change for the committee. It was sad to say goodbye to a couple of members and we are especially grateful The Archdeacons continue to ease the work of the for all their contributions, gifts and enthusiasm over DAC through their careful and helpful liaison with the years. However, it was pleasing to welcome two parishes who apply for a Faculty and I would like to new people to the committee, a young cleric and a lay thank them for helping to smooth the work of the member (architect). They have both brought fresh DAC. insight and skills which have added well to the Finally, I would also like to thank all members of the breadth of experience and abilities within the group. Committee for their expert advice when considering The care and repair of clergy housing forms are large schemes that come before us. On a personal level, I part of the committee’s responsibilities so it would particularly like to thank Cyril Winskell for encouraging to note that a number of improvements standing in for me during my wife’s prolonged illness. have been undertaken too. One significant project The Diocese is lucky to have the benefit of so many commenced on St George’s Vicarage in Jesmond at high quality opinions willingly offered at our the end of the year. This parsonage lacked a second meetings. reception or dining room which made hospitality very Canon Roger Styring, Chairman difficult. The bedroom accommodation was also Mrs Lucy Burfield, Secretary to the DAC poor, so it was agreed to provide a two storey E-mail: [email protected] extension to the rear of the property to make it much www.newcastle.anglican.org/dac more suitable. It is hoped that this extra accommodation will also enable the study and

Houses & Glebe Committee welcome space to remain separate from the private he work of the committee is to administer the or family areas of the vicarage. maintenance of clergy housing and undertake Another project of note was the hunt for a new wise stewardship of the glebe holdings which suffragan see house which demanded a number of T houses to be inspected and evaluated. The fall under the care of the diocese. Each benefice has committee was particularly grateful for the work of a a designated parsonage which is often is not only small task group in formulating the brief, developing used as a home but a place within the community in a workable criteria and for visiting a number of which hospitality, study and ministry can be offered. houses in the process. Understandably, finding a There are many different types, ages and styles of potential property of a suitable size in the right houses with the glebe holdings compromising of location was not so easy, especially with the need to small pockets of land in Northumberland with a small provide extra administrative space too. Although number of retail, residential and commercial there were some disappointments during the search the committee was able to recommend a property property. Dealing with such a broad range of property located in Pegswood and which was duly purchased. and land does present some challenges but also

11 This was felt to be a good property which would, recent years and outlined what further work is following some modification, meet the main required in the come year or so. requirements for such a house. Training- we delivered: Supporting clergy in their move continued to be an  12 two and a half hour foundation sessions for important element of the committees work laity including church wardens PCC members, throughout the year. There were more clergy moves Parish Safeguarding Officers, those working with this year than normal which included those moving children, young people and adults who might be in, away or within the diocese - this affected close to at risk, retired clergy and readers, forty clergy houses. During these interregnums  3 two and a half hour parish based sessions tenants are often sought for the vicarages which  8 three hour sessions for clergy, readers and helps to bring some additional income, whilst those with Bishop’s licence removing some of the weekly parsonage  1 two hour Parish Audit session responsibilities off the churchwardens’ shoulders.  1 two hour Safer Recruitment session This was an especially productive year with a higher In total approximately 500 training places were than anticipated return in rent which was most provided. This number is lower than for 2015 as a welcome. result of us capping the attendance at sessions to As always we are indebted to Ian Beswick and Alison around 25 to improve the quality of the training Campbell for their excellent work throughout what experience. proved to be a challenging year. DBS- we signed a Service Level Agreement with APCS Canon Roger Windass, Chairman who are helping us roll of DBS online across the Mr Ian Beswick, Secretary Diocese. E-mail: [email protected] Advice, Guidance and Case work- the DSA continued to offer advice to parishes about their safeguarding Safeguarding practice and concerns on a regular basis.

At any given time the DSA has her own caseload and As part of the national Audit programme of during the year worked on approximately 30 cases. safeguarding arrangements in Diocese’ the Social These include risk assessments of offenders who wish Care Institute for Excellence undertook Newcastle to worship and DBS certificates that are ‘blemished’. Diocese’s Audit on 1-3 November 2016. The Diocese also commissioned 3 independent risk Preparation for this started as soon as we assessments and 1 lessons learned case review volunteered to bring our date forward from June following the conviction of a retired priest. 2017 and administrative support was put in place from June 2016 to establish robust systems and pull The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has together the considerable documentation Auditors continued but its impact on Diocesan workload was required to them coming on site. As part of the minimal with only a couple of information requests Audit, 21 safeguarding cases taken from the last 4 and clarification on information submitted in 2015. years were audited as were a sample of Blue Files and The LINK-articles about safeguarding began in June staff files. The final report and resulting action plan is 2016 initially as a way of preparing for the SCIE Audit now published and available on the Diocesan and but also to raise awareness about safeguarding Church of England websites. This process gave issues. encouragement on all that has been achieved in Ruth Rogan Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser E-mail: [email protected] www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding

12 informal mentoring. The Vocation Day for Reader Readers Training takes place in June, and applications are Newcastle Readers are licensed by the Bishop to welcome in the spring. Anyone who thinks this may preach and teach the gospel, to lead worship, to be their calling should contact the Secretary in the develop a supportive ministry for those exploring first instance. Our ‘away team’ offers support and their faith, and to energise others to be drawn to God input tailored to individual requirements, and clergy through all that they are and do both inside and wanting to encourage Reader or other lay ministry outside the church. can also contact the Secretary for more information. The number of Readers held steady in 2016 at about By way of balance, two of our Readers, David Gray 160, about 130 of whom are in active ministry of and Douglas Vigor reached their 60 years in Reader many kinds. They worked with young and elderly ministry in 2016 – an extraordinary achievement. people, in formal and informal worship, as part of At our licensing service in October we said a fond their church leadership teams and in ecumenical farewell to our Warden, Bishop Frank, and as 2016 partnerships, in churches, schools, various came to an end we welcomed Bishop Mark as our community settings and even the outdoors. Readers new Warden. were also active in supporting the development of diocesan work including the safeguarding The Rt Revd Mark Tanner, Warden of Readers programme, developing discipleship, exploring Dr Hilary Elder, Secretary to the Readers’ Board ministry with older people through the Gift of Years E-mail: [email protected] initiative, contributing to the development of the www.newcastlereaders.co.uk diocesan strategy, in Deanery development and in many other areas of work. 2016 saw the 150th anniversary of modern Reader ministry in the Church of England, and Newcastle

Readers took part in national celebrations. Instead of our planned Day Conference, to mark this we held a Parish Giving and Stewardship mission day for the diocese, working with friends and partners to create A Canny Day Oot in Newbiggin-by- he last few years have seen many changes in the-sea. This joyful day celebrated the landscape, the way we have engaged with parishes. From history, culture and Christian heritage of our diocese, the early days of helping PCC’s with their parish with activities for anyone and everyone to enjoy. The T funding, to the development of Jigsaw and the day culminated in a thanksgiving service at St reinvention of TRIO, we have always tried to find new Bartholomew’s Church. and inventive ways of looking at Giving and The renamed fellowship and study series, Reading the Stewardship. Signs of the Times, was attended by Readers, clergy Today parishes are able to engage with and and anyone interested, and explored topics including encourage their congregations to renew their sport, visual images, Road Movies and Doctor Who, commitment to God and His church through the asking how the church can engage with these aspects Stewardship, Worship, Renewal Programme. And it is of popular culture in its mission and evangelism, and with thanks to all those parishes involved in its the annual Middlemiss Dinner welcomed Karenza conception, that it is now a tried and tested way for Passmore who inspired us with her reflections on film each parish to develop their particular strategy to and religion. ensure their financial viability. We licensed 3 new Readers in 2016 and were It is an ideal vehicle to explore the ways that our delighted to welcome 6 people to begin Reader congregation can give, but it can do so much more. It Training. We are strengthening our support for those is ideally placed to help launch or enhance the Parish considering a call to Reader ministry, offering Giving Scheme or as part of the Giving in Grace

13 Initiative. It can outline how individuals can make a program that seeks to heal rifts that have opened lasting life affirming gift by leaving a legacy to the between the Jewish and Christian communities in church. Over the last few years it has shown that it Newcastle around the whole Israel/Palestine debate. works on many levels. The initiative is steered by myself and a group with representatives from the Diocese of Newcastle, the The Developing Stewardship Group continued its work Roman Catholic Diocese of and Newcastle, in 2016 and were joined by Rachel Jobes, the Group’s the United Reformed Church, the United Hebrew Project Manager. The Group introduced a pilot for Congregation and the Newcastle Reform Synagogue. the Parish Giving Scheme ahead of the 2017 launch The first element of ‘Pathways’ was a research visit to and continued to work on resources to help parishes, Israel, which was funded through grants and including a blog, tools for treasurers and a refreshed charities, the second element will involve a number section on the diocesan website. of meetings designed to address some of the We are available to help you plan your own questions and issues around the different programme. To get started all you have to do is call interpretations of the situation that now exists and Richard Gascoyne and he will arrange to meet with the impact manifesting those views have on local you and the PCC or whoever you feel is best placed to communities. The third element will involve a make your own unique plans. Our experience is that Christian/Jewish visit to Israel. The aim of Pathways most parishes have different Stewardship need. As a from Abraham is to make a significant contribution to result, as you take responsibility for running the Christian/Jewish dialogue which hopefully will be programme, you will be able to tailor your needs to respectful, sensitive and accepting of the complexity fit the model. Together we will ensure that what you of the contemporary Israeli/Palestinian conflict. do in your parish, works for your parish. Together we Voices of Faith is a project that arranges inter-faith will make it work. dialogue sessions that are held bi-monthly in different Richard Gascoyne, Parish Giving Officer places of worship. It focuses on developing a deeper E-mail: [email protected] dialogue with people from other faiths on a number Rachel Jobes, Project Manager, Developing of issues including, Why Blame Religion? and How Far Stewardship is Faith Inherited? This initiative continues to attract E-mail: [email protected] 20 – 30 individuals to each session which explores www.newcastle.anglican.org/stewardship theological, philosophical and ethical topics. A Peace and Unity Group was set up to bring those together Interfaith & Ethnic Relations (CIFER) in the diocese who are probably the hardest to reach

and the most in need. This group partnered by The his annual report is given in the form of a Red Cross and The Riverside Project and has 3 City summary of the main areas of my work, the Councillors and an Imam on the steering group. An work of the Committee for Inter-Faith and event was held in December for refugees and asylum T Ethnic Relations (CIFER) and Newcastle Council seekers, over 150 people attended gifts of toys of Faiths. selection boxes and hats and scarves were donated. Pathways from Abraham is an important initiative that It was a good event which helped people to enjoy an was set up to try and understand different peoples’ evening of activities and food. As part of my work for attitudes and standpoints on the Israel/Palestine Newcastle Council of Faiths I was involved in setting question. Relationships in Newcastle had been left up and helping clergy set up a number of events ‘fractured’ by some of the activities that have taken during National Inter Faith Week at a number of place. It aims to foster greater understanding places of worship and assisted in the Annual Peace between those on all sides of the religious, political Walk preparations. Holocaust Memorial Day events and faith spectra by providing a safe space in which have been marked in many more places. The annual dissenting voices can be respectfully heard and visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau also took place with 20 debated. ‘Pathways’ is a unique and ground breaking people mostly school teachers and clergy involved,

14 participants self-funded or secured funding from Provision of counselling is, in essence, about creating external sources. A weeklong series of events were a safe and healing space that enables individuals to arranged in a local school on Judaism with over 570 set aside pressures and stresses so as to explore their students taking part in activities. My Task Group difficulties and do so with the help an other person CIFER has continued to work with and engage with who can help provide a level of containment and yet local, regional and national inter-faith organisations, enable some greater objectivity. A safe and for example, Council of Christians and Jews, West End confidential relationship is one where individuals can Refugee Service and the Church of England’s reflect on their lives and their experiences with the Presence and Engagement Network. I have also been facilitative help of a counsellor, tell their stories, involved in arranging study days and visits to places sometimes for the first time, and have them heard of worship for Cranmer Hall students and Readers and witnessed. Sometimes the task is to create a new who are interested in finding out more about the and coherent narrative that provides a means of different faith groups in our diocese. stepping into the future with a new and unfolding story. Our stories are an important indeed essential I respond on a day to day basis on all kinds of issues aspect of what it means to be human and they hold from forced marriage to advising some clergy on key aspects of our meaning. It is said that God created Baptism or marriage when it involves someone from human beings because God loves stories. another faith. I write many funding bids to allow projects to take place and attend many meetings My Providing that safe space is paramount when working engagement with clergy, parishioners’ and others with individuals experiencing overwhelming anxiety, helps me to develop my work and so bring a greater living with serious depression or dealing with an hope that our growing church is confident enough in addiction. Strange as it may seem, while there are itself to engage with those from other faith and sources of knowledge and expertise which we can cultural backgrounds. draw on as therapists, the most important attitude to hold is one of not knowing how to proceed. I and my Lesley Hillary counsellor colleagues are not there to ‘fix’ a person Interfaith & Ethnic Relations Adviser but to provide that safe space and relationship where E-mail: [email protected] www.newcastle.anglican.org/interfaith the security of love can be engendered as we work together for ultimately it is love that is the decisive healing factor and agent. As one therapist put it, “how Pastoral Care & Counselling can you hope to help someone if you don’t love

them.” He then went on to say to the other therapists s I set out to write an annual report that sums present “of course, you don’t act it out.” It is A up my work over the last twelve months or so I important, in other words, to register that you must am conscious that I am unable to go into details not act out that love in ways that may be experienced because so much of the work is inevitably by a patient as intrusive, abusive, conditional or confidentiaI. harmful to their well-being in any way whatsoever. I need another angle so I begin by thinking about a That, of course, why we work within what is called an connecting theme, a kind of thread that runs ethical framework. throughout the the whole of the last twelve months One of the positive aspects of this work and the and more. The word that comes to mind is ‘safety’. I system which we operate in the Diocese is that I or am reminded of one of my clergy colleagues my colleague Frances Dower are able to put repeating to me words that she had spoken to one of counselling in place within a matter of hours and her children, “stay safe”. One of my key tasks as the sometimes less than that. We have a team of Bishop’s Adviser in Pastoral Care and Counselling is to counsellors, male and female, all of whom are highly provide a confidential counselling service that is skilled and thoroughly professional in their work as available to the clergy and their families and also, therapists. I am also grateful to Frances who acts as where possible, for lay members of the Diocese too. my deputy as well as providing some of therapy. We

15 meet together regularly and try to keep a pastoral eye Children & Young People and ear on the health and wellbeing of clergy. We are always pleased to hear from members of the clergy ‘Growth and Fruitfulness’ Children’s and and also members of congregations who need advice Youth Strategy or help with regard to the putting in place of counselling and psychotherapy, or simply the The final part of the process of devising a strategy for proverbial listening ear. children’s and youth work took place in early 2016, when consultations took place with around 100 I was reminded recently that one of the meanings of children and young people. Following this, the pastoral is to do with nourishment and this takes me findings from all the consultation activities were to another aspect of my work which is focussed on brought together, a Task Group was formed and ministry development which is often expressed in one ‘Growth and Fruitfulness’ was accepted by Synod in to one work in what I call therapeutic spiritual November. ‘Fruitful and Gigantic’, a celebration of direction or work consultancy. I work with what is the children and young people of the diocese, took often referred to as the health and wellbeing agenda place as part of the strategy launch in June 2016 and where the task is both to encourage clergy to provide attracted over 300 participants. good self-care for themselves and also use the opportunities available to develop good and resilient Enabling Parishes ministerial practice. It is easy to forget in a busy During 2016 members of the team visited or met ministerial life that a key element of that self-care can representatives of almost every parish in the diocese; be expressed through learning. For me, the the number of people asking to receive the team’s watchword is ‘Learning as a way of being’ - this is eBulletin now numbers 180, representing around 70 essential in the task of keeping ourselves fresh and parishes/benefices. Our Facebook page has 255 vibrant rather than allowing ourselves to become followers. During the year 20 parishes were stale in the life and tasks of ministry. I also think we represented at ‘Open the Book’ training, 14 people need to hold together in a creative tension the attended a Godly Play introduction day (3 basic Godly themes of vocation and profession - vocation is the Play ‘kits’ were assembled for use in the three ‘soul’ word and is linked to the source of our ministry ‘regions’ of the diocese covered by the 3 officers), 40 while being professional is about how we meet and people from 15 parishes attended ‘Christmas Comes engage with the reality of the outside world. Early’. I simply add that it is a very positive and responsible Some parishes applied for and received small start-up thing to seek help and support when it is needed. Safe grants for activities like Messy Church and mid-week spaces are available and because they provide that groups. safety they enable change, growth and the possibility of human flourishing. It is the task of the therapist to Nurturing Disciples provide the nourishment of a safe and loving Parishes were subsidised in order to support young environment for those who seek help and the people to attend ‘The Big Night Out’ at Light Water potential outcome of our work is that those who Valley; the Staying Alive youth residential attracted 80 come for whatever reason find support, teenagers and young adults; financial support was encouragement and ultimately joy, for joy is always a provided for a youth pilgrimage to Walsingham. touch of heaven come down to earth and an expression of healing and an intimation of wholeness. The diocesan policy for ‘Admission to Communion’ was revised and promoted and plans were set in The Revd Canon Peter Kenney motion for a training day to take place in February Adviser in Pastoral Care and Counselling & Ministry 2017. Development Officer E-mail: [email protected]

16 Networking may be made, for our stimulus as well as the upbuilding of the Kingdom. There has been ongoing contact with national and regional networks, other denominational children’s The Pensions Board goalposts continue to move so far and youth officers, university chaplains, other as the provision of retirement housing is concerned. diocesan groups eg the Discipleship Task group, It's now plain that earlier promises that housing will Developing Stewardship Group, Education Board be provided on retirement for stipendiaries is not officers and the God Calling network. Links continue going to be honoured in the future and that people with the Resources Centre, Hostel, are being left to their own devices. Some may well Scripture Union and Youth for Christ. feel that as stipend levels were geared to that assumption, the time is upon us to work towards Judith Sadler higher stipend levels that reflect the need to make Children's & Young People's Work Support Team provision earlier in ministry for one's own retirement E-mail: [email protected] housing. www.newcastle.anglican.org/youth As reported last year, those offering self-supporting Ministry of the Retired Clergy ministries (SSM) face a particular range of issues

when they decide to move from Licence to We are grateful to our Deanery Officers for Permission to Officiate. A document drawn up after maintaining contact and offering pastoral care when consultation by Bishop Frank called 'Working with required through the year. John and David Associate Clergy in a Parish Setting' is now available Cant ( West and Morpeth) have now handed from the SSM Steering Committee and should be over to John Holland and Gillian South but we thank consulted by SSMs and their parishes prior to their them all. We are also grateful to Gwenda Gofton who retirement. In order to try to ensure that clergy think continued to organise the Easter lunch for retired about these things whilst retirement is still only a glint clergy and spouses at Shepherds Dene. in the eye, the Bishop's Officer is hoping to be invited The invitation to gatherings twice a year is developing to Chapters sometime during 2017 - at the end of a faithful following. The topic for May 2016 was which he himself will be retiring for the second time! liturgical, with Richard Giles stimulatingly The Revd Canon Colin Gough encouraging us to use the liturgy and preaching in Bishop’s Officer for Retired Clergy ways that will resonate. The regional gatherings in E-mail: [email protected] December with Bishop Christine and Archdeacons www.newcastle.anglican.org/retiredclergy happened in December and were very well attended. It was a privilege to be invited to share at that stage with the developing Diocesan Strategy, about to be Ecumenical Officer launched. In May 2017 Bishop Mark will be helping us think through a contemporary apologetic and in Ecumenism is a complex and constantly changing December, An Advent Quiet Day in the Cathedral will landscape which both provides a wealth of be led by the Ven on Dec 8th. opportunities for collaboration and requires significant time and effort to keep abreast of the It's now clear that participating in Safeguarding many changes and challenges. training is required for all clergy who have PTO, so the sooner one begins the programme, the better. There This means that, inevitably, a large part of the are over 200 retired clergy living in the Diocese, of Ecumenical Officer (EO)’s job is to attend meetings in which 80% are still active in ministry. This is a valued order to facilitate the communication essential to and huge resource of which perhaps, even better use enabling the mission and ministry of the universal church. In particular, a notional one day a week for this voluntary role means that there is little time left

17 for the vital task of promoting and enabling greater of the Reformation; and raising the profile of collaboration wherever it is appropriate. Ecumenism in the Diocese. This latter aim involves encouraging collaboration with other churches in our This year I have met regularly with the other EOs Mission and ministry whenever appropriate, in order locally (from the traditional denominations), both to that the whole of God’s church in this region can work discuss mutual issues and to undertake necessary together in ‘growing church and bringing hope’. administrative and managerial work with the many existing LEPs (of all 6 types). In February, this EOs The Revd Janet Appleby group also met with the regional church leaders to Ecumenical Officer discuss our role in facilitating more effective working E-mail: [email protected] together, including with the ‘new’ churches. I also www.newcastle.anglican.org/ecumenism went to the northern meetings of EOs in March & July, and the national conference in November. Task Groups

As well as the Ecumenical Task Group I attended meetings of the Supporting Ministers, DMPC, Møre ask Groups are the way in which the Diocese Task Group and the Evangelism Task Group. Mission articulates some of its work. They are both and Evangelism is an area where we could work more Tsh ort and long term groups who set 'tasks' and effectively with other churches whenever achievement dates and targets. Details of activities, appropriate or convenient. I would hope that such planned and completed, as well as contact details are collaboration could be more effective in future. available on the Diocesan Task Groups’ website at: Other areas of work included supporting the www.dioceseofnecastletaskgroups.co.uk remaining local Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnerships (SCLEPs) at , Battle Hill & If you would like more information or to join in any of Pegswood. I also advised, where appropriate, in the the work do make contact with any of the Task Group process for appointing a new Minister at Battle Hill conveners. and then in producing a suitable licensing service. This year I revamped the page on the Diocesan Some of the work completed in 2016 included: Website, renaming it ‘Ecumenical Matters’ and BOTSWANA TASK GROUP providing updated information and a more user- The diocese continued to support the work of St friendly interface. I also worked on raising the profile Augustine’s Theological School. The Reverend Colin of Ecumenism in the Diocese and one outcome is that Gough went out to Gaborone from mid-August to the Prayer Diary now contains specific prayers on mid-October and worked through two modules on Ecumenical matters and events every Thursday. the Acts of the Apostles with students there. And as Other activities included advice and support for he returned Bishop Christine and Roger Hardman individual clergy, including on technical matters such went with Revd Allan Marks on an extensive visit to as when and how to offer hospitality to other Botswana Diocese, visiting from Gaborone up to churches, especially new independent churches who Francistown and surrounding areas. Students from are increasingly asking to use our buildings for their Northumberland Academy were visiting at the same worship. It is often difficult to discern whether this is time and during their visit did some interior and appropriate, especially when they are not part of one exterior decorating for one of the HIV Centres. New of the church groups recognised by CTE – a list which publicity to further stimulate projects for the diocese grows longer every year. is being worked on as a result of these visits. Some early planning has already been done for the Mission Priorities for 2017 include making sure ‘Thy Kingdom visit by Bishop Mark and the Revds John Sinclair and Come’ is promoted ecumenically (as is happening Ian Knox later in 2017. The Exchange Visits focusing nationally); helping to plan and deliver a suitable ecumenical event to celebrate the 500th anniversary

18 on the Women’s Groups had to be rescheduled to list number 40+ individuals and 15-20 people 2017 and plans are in hand for early September. generally attend our quarterly gatherings. VOCATIONS TASK GROUP We began 2016 by exploring the new Baptism 2016 saw the continuation of a number of pieces of liturgies and how they may work in our settings. We work and the beginning of some new tasks. The God met with the Revd Canon Ian McNaughton in a Calling Network continued to be a valued part of our consultation on Evangelism in urban and estate areas offer to young adults, and its leadership team has as the Church-wide strategy on Evangelism is being been refreshed. The Church of England Ministry formulated. Experience Scheme, for which Newcastle was one of Nine people attended the National Estates Church the pilot diocese, continued and for 2016-17 has two Network Conference in Rotherham where the topic participants who are enriching the mission and dealt with the development of spirituality in urban ministry of the placement parishes and gaining much areas. good experience. The Task group learnt more about Our final session for the year was a meeting and the successful nurture group run in one parish, and discussion with Bishop Christine about our joint made plans to promote the idea of vocational nurture priorities and ministry in urban and estate areas groups more widely. Two members of the Group have been engaged in a wide-ranging consultation and DEANERIES DEVELOPMENT TASK GROUP information-gathering exercise with deanery It proved difficult to encourage Deaneries to be chapters on the themes of discipleship and vocation, places of energy and support for the parishes they and we expect that the consultation will provide food serve in a year of change at National and Diocesan for thought and action for the coming year. level, with a new vision and priorities emerging and Reform and Renewal beginning to impact on parishes POVERTY TASK GROUP financially. However, task group members have had During 2016 the Group focussed on these issues: the opportunity to discuss Diocesan and National  The beginning and development of Tyne and issues. Wear Citizens UK (The work of Nicholas Buxton An event for Area Deans and Lay Chairs with Bishops and sponsored by Newcastle and Durham and Archdeacons was organized at which Bishop Anglican Dioceses, the Catholic Diocese of Christine revealed the new Diocesan Vision and Hexham and Newcastle and other partners); direction. Also an event for Area Deans and Lay Chairs  keeping in touch with the provision for Syrian to discuss their roles and consider what they might refugees in Newcastle and Northumberland want in the future took place, though a number of  Contact with food banks in the area covered by Area Deans were not present. The event stimulated the Diocese and the organisation of a Food Bank discussion about roles and relationships. A priority in Conference Day which was a very productive 2016 was to liaise with the Diocese and other Task occasion ; Groups to ensure the Group relates to the strategic  Financial Champions and other money and debt direction of the diocese and understands the role of issues ; food poverty and its effect upon children. other task groups in the Deaneries. This was achieved ESTATES & URBAN TASK GROUP through task group leaders’ meetings and discussions This Group exists to gather clergy and layworkers in with leaders of task groups whose work intertwines especially difficult and economically deprived areas of with that of this group. The Group used its £500 the diocese to share ministry practice, learn from budget and received an additional £200 which was good practice in other parts of the country and inform used to fund training research and a national the diocese of special issues and concerns that conference. influence ministry in our areas. The group’s contact DISABILITY TASK GROUP Throughout the year the Group has been raising the profile of disability and emphasizing the fact that

19 term embraces a far wider range of conditions – both support service. While funding needs are the typical visible and invisible – than is often thought, through first point of contact – and we have supported speaking with individual members of the church and churches to access funding from a range of sources a number of articles in LINK. including the HLF, The National Churches Trust and other funders. We also advise on many other matters, The standout event for the group was the Open including developing churches as more sustainable Synod in March 2016. Through a number of and flexible spaces for wider community use. One workshops we sought to: example is St ’s, Newbiggin Hall where Inspired  Raise greater awareness of disabling conditions North East participated in community consultation  Highlight how these can result in barriers to events and is supporting a project to install toilet and inclusion and full participation in the life of the servery facilities in this 1960s church, allowing it to church meet the new community challenges of the 21st  Suggest ways in which church communities can century. either remove these barriers or alter their ways of working so that barriers can be avoided. Funding for Stage 2 of the innovative Inspired Futures Project was confirmed by the HLF in April, and a new The group also produced a list of people and Project Officer (Ian Bapty) commenced work in organizations who could offer advice on the various August. Over a 3 year period, Inspired Futures is areas of impairment. aiming to use a combination of training and We ensured that our professional consultancy to facilitate sustainable Open Door Access project development for the 18 churches in areas Audit, Questionnaire ranging from repair programmes to Business Planning was in the public and heritage presentation. 72 people attended the domain on the diocesan website and highlighted the initial Stage 2 training events which included the importance of individual churches completing it. We Project Launch in July, the Volunteering and Heritage stressed that members of the task group would be Activity Workshop in October, the Informed Change happy to attend and assist in doing this if required. Workshop in November, and the Evaluation Toolkit The task group came to an end of a chapter with the launch in December. In addition, a series of initial retirement of its leader, the Revd Bill Rigby, along consultancy support meetings with the churches took with a number of staunch members. This led to a place in September, and a range of resources thorough review of our work, of how full Access and (including the Evaluation Toolkit) were created and Inclusion for all disabled people who are connected made available on the Inspired North East website. with the church in any way can continue to be actively September saw the retirement of David Lovie and promoted across the diocese and how we might Andrew Duff, the joint Inspired North East Project attract more people to be involved in this work. Officers for the Newcastle Diocese since the inception Details of activities, planned and completed, as well of the project in 2010. This report would not be as contact details are available on the Groups’ complete without wishing the ‘Heritage Gentlemen’ well for their retirement, and thanking them for all website at: www.dioceseofnecastletaskgroups.co.uk their commitment and hard work.

Inspired North East Ian Bapty Inspired North East had another busy year in 2016 Inspired North East working both to support the care of all the church E-mail: [email protected] buildings in the Newcastle Diocese and to deliver the www.inspirednortheast.org.uk innovative Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant aided ‘Inspired Futures’ project. 32 churches in the Newcastle Diocese were directly assisted in the year via the Inspired North East

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generous engaged open engaged generous

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