THE FEBRUARY 2020 Find out more on See MAGAZINE back page JOURNAL OF DIOCESE: THE CHURCH OF IN When I first met Jo Gould, Vision Champion for set by the Vision. Christ Church Wesham, one of the first things We started with prayer and we held a lay-led Inspirational she said to me was: ‘Vision 2026 works!’, writes Sunday Evening prayer service to focus on Carolyn Barton, our Vision Coordinator. seeking God’s will for our Church. From this, Jo is a member of a church which, following ideas grew and every member of the church was change with faithful prayer, is seeing transformative change. asked to contribute to our Vision for the Church. I felt it was an important story as it The prayer service became a praise service, Vision 2026! demonstrates how proactive application of the exploring different styles and forms of worship, Vision principles can make a real difference to enabling us to grow as disciples. We started the life of a parish. Christ Church Wesham small, but we were determined that the service started with all-important prayer coupled with a continued, irrespective of numbers. focused drive to ensure they were making The key ideas of Vision 2026: becoming a disciples. healthy transformative church, growing Along the way their story shows how change disciples, being witnesses and growing leaders attendance is increasing and we have started a (even a clergy vacancy which can often be a were all important to us, but we focused first Junior Church in freshly renovated rooms which difficult period in any parish’s life) can galvanise upon growing disciples and seeking God’s will has had more than 25 different children attend. and create new opportunities. for Christ Church in Wesham. The Church has had building work completed Of course, changes don’t happen in isolation. We participated fully in the Crossroads Mission enabling new growth and the Sunday night in September 2016, hosting an event we called service continues. Vision 2026 has been From support from outside the parish (such as a embedded into the everyday life of the church. succession of visiting preachers); participating in ‘A Bit of a Do’; playing to the strengths of our congregation and reaching out to our We continue to pray for revival in our parish, wider diocesan events (such as Crossroads in our deanery and our Diocese. 2016); plus much more – all of their work has community. We had more than 120 people combined to create a new sense of purpose. attend which gave us a real boost. Most “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a importantly the Gospel was preached. mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, In the piece that follows Jo shares the story with 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. readers of The See magazine … Being in vacancy we had the help of very gifted visiting priests who had differing styles; we Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew It started with prayer, regular learnt that change can be good. 17:20 heartfelt prayer, from a small We began to grow together into a real team,  Do you have a similar story to tell from your and committed group who asked parish? Get in touch with Carolyn to tell her for God’s help in our parish. each with their own role to play. For some time we focused on Corinthians 12: unity and more at carolyn.barton@blackburn. Christ Church Wesham had had a diversity in the body; that we were all a part of anglican.org and we may be able to feature tough few years; falling numbers the body of Christ. your story in a future edition. of regular attendees, being unable to pay the parish share, Jo Gould When the time came to write the Parish Profile, and the departure of our we went on an away day held in a neighbouring incumbent. We knew that the future of our Parish Church, beginning and ending with an act church was in question. of worship. We had gained an honest idea of where we were but more importantly where we We knew we needed help. We knew we needed wanted to go. change. So, where are we now? We have an When Vision 2026 first began I was appointed as inspirational, enthusiastic Vicar who felt called Vision Champion. I attended all the PCC to be with us. meetings I could and was inspired by so many committed Christians with different practical Last autumn we held an Alpha Course with 20 Members of the parish attended a special away ideas about how to implement the challenges people attending. Our regular weekly day to write their new parish profile

People from parishes across the diocese are video message for the parishes of our Diocese being encouraged to attend the Installation and which can be viewed on our Diocesan YouTube All welcome to Collation Service for our new Archdeacon of channel (search online for YouTube and Lancaster, The Venerable . Blackburn Diocese). attend our new The venue is Blackburn on February 4 In the video David says: “I’m so looking forward at 7.30pm and following the service to joining you and getting to know you all Archdeacon’s refreshments will be served. better; sharing with you in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and our Vision 2026.” David, who is married to Cathy, was previously Installation . . . in the Diocese of Julian said: “David brings a wealth of Southwell and Nottingham. The initial experience and we will all benefit from his skills announcement of his appointment to his new at what is a real time of God’s favour for our role was in October last year. Diocese in terms of the work that many people are doing. Please remember David and Cathy in David, who was installed as the Archdeacon of your prayers.” Newark in 2012, studied for the priesthood at Lincoln Theological College. A full biography can David’s fellow Archdeacon Mark added: “I'm be found on the Diocesan website www. delighted to welcome David to the team here in blackburn.anglican.org as part of the ongoing our Diocese. I am really looking forward to news coverage of this story. working with him. In the meantime, I will be praying for David and Cathy as they make the In addition, David has also recorded a short move." Archdeacon David with his wife Cathy. The See can also be found on the Diocesan Website: www.blackburn.anglican.org under News, or scan the ‘QR code’ on the back page with your smartphone to be taken to the Diocese website page which contains the current and archive editions of The See. COMMENT: BISHOP JILL / NEWS

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is It’s so easy to slide down the slippery sweet and so are you. slope to imposter syndrome. We listen to ‘Be who the lies of the evil one, rather than the February brings Valentine’s Day. voice from the open heaven: “You are God called In the dreary post-Christmas months, my own dear son / dear daughter and this brings a chink of light to our retailers with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3 / you to be’ and restaurant owners. But I reckon for Matthew 3) most of us, it brings a shiver down your The Spirit of God is endlessly, spine. For me it is of early teenage immeasurably creative. He brings a memories of being “left out”. myriad of different colours, voices, Why is it that in those impressionable tones, gifts. If we truly believe that Jesus teenage years, none of us feel confident was fully man and fully God, then the about how we look, talk, think, are. more filled we are with the Spirit of Imposter syndrome is rife. Jesus, then the more ourselves we become. And so life continues. The sermon at the last House of included a As Oscar Wilde brilliantly put it: “Be confession of imposter syndrome. When yourself, everyone else is taken.” persistently encouraged me to be myself. I was the Director of St Mellitus College A significant healing of imposter I have found this incredibly freeing. To North West, this was one of our most syndrome for me has come from joining be a bishop in a way that’s not been common issues for our students. Blackburn Diocese. done before. And the incredible thing One trainee vicar, a woman in her 40s, seems to be, as I am more myself in In theory the stats might have been had resisted a sense of call to ordination leadership this frees others to find their stacked against me: one of only four for many years. own voices, styles, colours, ways of Dioceses who voted against the leading and being. “I didn’t think I was a leader,” she said, ordination of women; only the 13th “because I wasn’t like Donald Trump.” female bishop in the . As Catherine of Sienna said: “Be who God called you to be, and you will set the We all breathed a sigh of relief: “We are But in a wonderful gift of God’s grace, world on fire”. glad you’re not like Donald Trump!” Bishop Julian and Bishop Philip have Bishop Jill

This article contains important current The PCR2 will be a central part of the Diocese information about safeguarding for all our of Blackburn’s ongoing and proactive ‘Past Case parishes, writes Sharon Hassall, Diocesan approach to identifying any occasions where Safeguarding Adviser. abuse allegations have not been managed Review 2’: appro-priately or safely; or where the needs As you know, we always want to ensure that of the vulnerable were not at the centre of our churches and church-related activities are Important decision-making. as safe as possible for children and for vulnerable adults. Then, from May this year, Independent Message Reviewers (IRs) will start reviewing files in the An initial ‘past case review’ in The Church of Diocese. England took place around a decade ago to identify any ongoing risks to children and The IRs will inform the DSA immediately if young people. they identify any issues that require specific action to: All Dioceses, including our Diocese, have now been asked to extend the review in 2019-20  mitigate risk to include children, young people and  report offences to the police vulnerable adults.  report concerns to the local authority or This latest process is known as Past Case another body Review 2 (PCR2).  or provide support to an individual who The PCR2 process is welcomed by our Diocese has previously asked for help and where and Bishop Julian, our diocesan bishop, is In providing these contact details, we also there is no evidence that appropriate sending letters to all parishes very soon. recognise this option may not feel safe for support was offered. those with direct experience of abuse from The letter will ask all incumbents to check within the Church. that all known instances within their parish, Anyone wanting further information or to both recent and non-recent, have been make disclosures of church-related abuse can Because of this, a dedicated telephone notified to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. make direct contact with me and the helpline, operating independently from the Please note that all parishes must engage safeguarding team on 01254 503088 or Church, has also been set up for those with and take necessary action in response 07711 485170 or 07817 550224. affected by issues which may arise as a result to the letter. If you feel it would be easier to email, then of PCR2. The Safeguarding Team has also written to please do so to using the following addresses: The number is 0800 80 20 20 (‘Past Cases the three local authority areas we work with [email protected] or Review 2 NSPCC Helpline for Children and in this diocese, to inform them of the process. [email protected] Adults’).

PEOPLE AND PLACES Forthcoming events promote Fairtade in the churches and has We are visited Ghana. The event is open to all. For Do you get the popular new Diocesan Parish always on the more information contact Christine on 07984 Update ebulletin? This -e bulletin is sent to all lookout for 004973 or Julie on 07914 926 422. clergy and officeholders across the Diocese via original ways ‘MailChimp’, but anyone who wants it can get a of engaging All parishes of The Church of England in copy. Just email karen.ashcroft@blackburn. people in Lancashire can have a page on ‘A Church Near anglican.org to be added to the recipient list. church … and You’ (www.achurchnearyou. com) which is a Parish Update features specific help, advice and here is fantastic resource created by the national information and resources from the Diocesan something different– alpacas! Rosemary church. Ongoing research shows it is a very staff teams. Cummins, children’s worker at Balderstone St popular and well-used site and it is an especially Leonard’s Church, told us that for their powerful tool at key times of year such as Easter 'Spirituality and Dementia Care; A Gospel Epiphany All Age Worship service in early and Christmas. Recent changes in functionality Message of Hope' is an event run by The Church January, they began with a procession from on the site mean it can also double as a website of England in Lancashire to be led by Sr Siobhan their local school to church which was led by a for your parish. All parishes must ‘own’ their O’Keeffe on Tuesday March 3. For more star, three kings and some alpacas! The own page and can get help if needed via the details see the Diocesan website events animals proved to be a great attraction. They ‘Editor Help Desk’ link at the bottom of the site’s calendar at www.blackburn.anglican.org Venue were owned by a family local to the church. home page. There is also a local information is Lund Church Community Hall, Church Lane, and advice Clifton, Preston PR4 0ZE. 10.30am-4pm, with page on www.blackburn.anglican.org coffee from 10am. Cost £20. (Please bring ‘Vocations For All: Exploring, identifying and packed lunch). equipping God’s people for ministry’. The Situations vacant or wanted remaining dates are January 30 in Lancaster; The Allchurches Trust Limited, which is the February 4 in Leyland and March 2 in Burnley. Do you know a boy or girl in grade 3 or 4 who owner of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, has More details, including venues and booking likes singing or plays an instrument? Blackburn made available (via the Board of Finance at the links, can be found via the relevant entries on Cathedral has outstanding singing opportunities Diocesan Offices of The Church of England in the events calendar at www.blackburn. and is looking for new choristers. Also the Lancashire) £35,000, which will equate to anglican.org Cathedral is on the look-out for excellent £1,000 for 35 churches, to assist and encourage volunteer ATB singers for the Choirs. With a churches to install a roof alarm system to Why not become a Friend of the retreat centre world-famous acoustic, highly appreciative, protect, prevent and minimise the theft of lead for The Church of England in Lancashire at encouraging Clergy and congregation, and a on church roofs. To apply for one of the £1,000 ? The ‘Friends of Whalley Abbey’ vibrant music tradition, the Choirs sing to a grants please complete the application form to is a registered charity established to assist with professional standard. Please contact John be found at www.blackburn.anglican.org/grants the preservation and improvement of Whalley Robinson, Director of Music, at john.robinson@ th -and-funding Abbey’s 14 Century ruins and grounds. blackburncathedral.co.uk for more information Members also support the other charitable ‘Open the Door’ is the theme for this year's activities of the Abbey. As a Friend, you are Clergy updates Children’s Ministry conference from the entitled to FREE entry to the beautiful abbey The Revd Mark Soady, Vicar of Diocesan Board of Education for The Church of grounds on most days of the year. You will also Abergavenny St Mary, Abergavenny Holy Trinity England in Lancashire. Delegates will consider be invited to a special Friends’ quiet day each with Llanwenarth Citra, Area of how to share the Gospel with children currently year and to a small number of social and Abergavenny, Prior of Holywell Monastic outside of church families. Keynote speakers fundraising events. Membership is only £10 per Community and Residentiary Canon of include Stela Stansfield (Safeguarding and year (£15 couple or £20 for a family). Monmouth Cathedral in the Diocese of Management Consultant), Rob Steward Email: [email protected] for more Monmouth, has been appointed Rector of (Scripture Union) and Ruth Hassall (our own details. Rufford and Tarleton. Diocesan Director of Discipleship). The Award-winning Wingates Brass Band open this conference will also have a range of workshops The Venerable David Anthony Picken will be year’s Ribble Valley Music Festival with the First and takes place Friday/Saturday, February collated as by the Night of the Ribble Valley Proms. The 28/29, 2020 at the Barton Grange Hotel in and installed as programme includes popular light classical, Preston. Tickets are £38 - £110 per person. Archdiaconal Canon by the swing and pop music with a rousing proms Email [email protected]. on 4 February 2020 at 7.30pm at the Cathedral finale at 7.30 pm on 7 March at St Peter’s org for more details. Church of St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn. Church, Ribchester Road, Salesbury BB1 9HU. 'Step Forward' is a vocations event for 18-30 £10 tickets include refreshments and can be The Revd Christopher Noel Casey will be year-olds, hosted by the at obtained by calling 01254 384893. All proceeds instituted by the Bishop of Blackburn and Bishopsthorpe on the outskirts of York. It is will be donated to the church. inducted by the as open to all in Lancashire. Younger adults from Vicar of Holme-in-Cliviger St John the Divine St Silas’ Church, Preston New Road, Blackburn across the country will gather on March 7, with Worsthorne St John the Evangelist on 5 BB2 6PS, is holding a Saturday Morning Café 2020, from 11am to 4pm to think about who March 2020 at 7.30pm at Worsthorne St John. and what God is calling them into. It’s free, Concert on Saturday 15 February. Coffee and great fun and you do not have to be formally biscuits are served from 10.15am with Organ The Revd Keith Benjamin Ashworth, who was exploring your vocation with your parish or the music played by Marc Murray, Director of Music retired, with Permission to Officiate in the diocese to be eligible. To find out more visit at Bury Parish Church, and of The Rawstorne Diocese, died on 9 December 2019. A Service www. stepforwardanglican. org.uk Singers. Marc will play a short 40 minute of Celebration was held on Friday, 20 December programme from 11am. Entrance is £5 and at All Saints, Anchorsholme followed by a On February 29 at The Xaverian Centre, 169 Everyone is welcome. Service of Committal at Poulton Crematorium. Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8HE, After a career in the textile industry, Keith was Fylde Fairtrade celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight Desert Prayer: a day exploring the spirituality of ordained in 1979 in the Diocese of Manchester and are holding two events on Tuesday 3 March the Desert Fathers. Arrive 10am for coffee, then and served all of his ministry in Manchester, to promote Fairtrade within the area. Between 10.30am-4pm. Cost £20. Bring a packed lunch. until his retirement in 2001 when he was 2pm and 4pm at Freckleton Methodist Church To book, please email Donna: drworthington@ granted Permission to Officiate. After moving and between 7pm and 9pm at Ansdell and live.co.uk to Thornton Cleveleys in 2006, Keith was Fairhaven St Paul’s church, Clifton Drive, granted the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in The annual Clergy Study Mornings around the Lytham St Annes FY8 1BZ. The speaker is Arton the . Keith is survived by Diocese continue. The theme this year will be Medd who has worked with the Diocese to his wife Myra.

NEWS News? Feedback? [email protected] Our Diocesan Board of Education has developed a new podcast series for children and their Learning the parents to engage with together. ‘Bible Podlets’ is a Bible study and discussion Bible using podcast with a difference. The aim is to encourage parents to take an active approach at home to discussing and studying the Bible with our ‘Podlets’ their primary school-aged children. The episodes are between 15 and 20 minutes children and offer Children’s Workers new ways long and contain fun games and activities, an to open the Bible in their Church groups. We engaging Bible reading and a deep discussion hope you like it!” with application and prayer points to reflect on. ‘Bible Podlets’ will be launched at the Open the The podcasts can also be used as a Sunday Door Children's Ministry conference on 29th School resource and to aid Children’s Workers. February 2020 and will be available to download There are free discussion notes available to for free from www.bdeducation.org.uk (where download online which contain all activities and Sarah Earnshaw, Children’s Work Adviser for the you can find about more about the conference games as well as the Bible reference, themes, Board of Education and one of the podcast’s and book a place) and many other podcast session aim and discussion questions. presenters said: “Our aim is to equip parents directories like Apple Podcasts and on Spotify. with the tools to explore faith with their The Diocese is trailblazing a new national children to be pilgrims for the pilgrimage initiative with a new designated day.” New pilgrimage walking route from Whalley Abbey to Blackburn The national project, by the Cathedral. Association of English The route is 8.5 miles long and links the in the country and the British route for cathedral with one of the most important Pilgrimage Trust to mark ‘2020 Rev. Canon ancient Christian settlements in Lancashire – Year of Cathedrals, Year of Dr Rowena Lancashire made more significant by the planning Pilgrimage,’ provides for a Pailing underway to relaunch Whalley Abbey as a pilgrimage route to every Church Centre of Christian Prayer and Discipleship. of England cathedral. of variety, and gives ample opportunity to reflect on our Rev. Canon Dr Rowena Pailing, Canon Missioner And recently the Rev Jonathan Carmyllie, Vicar Christian heritage; as well as at (pictured) said: “We are of St Mary’s, Whalley (pictured outside the encountering some of our delighted to celebrate the long tradition of cathedral) became the first person in the industrial heritage. Arrival at the pilgrimage in a new way with 2020 as the Year country to complete one of the new nationwide Cathedral does bring with it a of Cathedrals and Year of Pilgrimage, especially pilgrimage routes after they were officially sense, not just of the end of a Jonathan connecting the two Christian sites of Whalley launched. walk, but of the completion of a arrives at Abbey and the Cathedral, and also through our He said: “The pilgrimage walk provides plenty stage in a longer journey.” Blackburn education programme which enables school Cathedral The Diocese will be bringing two very special This 90-minute groundbreaking drama is the performances of ‘The Mark Drama’ to life in perfect way to begin Lent in 2020 and focus our Bishops taking February/March 2020 with the help of our heads and hearts towards the cross at Easter. Bishops. It is also a fantastic mission opportunity. ALL Staged at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday those attending are encouraged to buy a ticket to the stage! February 29 and Sunday March 1, the cast will for themselves and another to give a friend an be led by Bishop Julian, Bishop Philip and Bishop opportunity to hear the Gospel message in a Jill along with some other members of the unique way. But please note the production is Bishop’s Leadership Team including the Dean, not suitable for children aged 8 and under. The Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones. Bishop Julian said: “It’s always good to be able Collectively they will be creating an amazing and to impart the Gospel in new and different ways impactful dramatisation of Mark’s Gospel in an and this is an exciting and innovative event which is being produced in partnership production. As amateur actors we will be with Buckshaw Village Church. trusting wholly in God to shine the light of His The Mark Drama is a fast-paced, innovative way message through us! of experiencing the Gospel of Mark and “I hope as many people as possible will take the Bishop Philip, Bishop Julian and Bishop Jill will all communicating it to others, performed as opportunity to attend and– importantly – to star in 'The Mark Drama'. Get your tickets now! theatre-in-the-round. Created by Andrew Page, bring a friend with them who may not have since its inception the show has been performed heard the Gospel message before.” February 29, 2020 and Sunday March 1, 2020; both starting at 7.30pm in the Cathedral. right across Europe and throughout the world. In The Mark Drama, the journey of Jesus and his Last year Buckshaw Village Church, under Rev. followers will be mirrored in the setting of  Tickets are available to purchase via James Gwyn Thomas, became the latest place to Blackburn Cathedral; starting at the west door Eventbrite links on the relevant dates on perform The Mark Drama successfully – which under the ‘Christ the Worker’ sculpture by John the events calendar at led to James making the invitation to the Hayward and finishing under Hayward’s ‘Crown www.blackburn.anglican. org Don’t miss Bishop’s Leadership Team to join them in a of Thorns’ which hangs above the high altar. out because they were going fast as The See went to press! special new version this year. There will be performances on Saturday, Helpful information about 'The See' Deadline Want to submit an article or event for inclusion in The See? Check the deadline on the left and email for [email protected] the We'll always do our best to feature what we receive. For the online archive; more information about deadlines and how to submit articles, visit the website March www.blackburn.anglican.org (search 'The See') or just scan the QR code on the right. edition Sight loss problems? Access the online version of the latest issue on the website and adjust the page size as required using the + and is - buttons on the right of the screen, or hold down the keyboard 'Ctrl' button and press the + or - key to adjust as required. February 4, The See is edited by Diocesan Communications Manager Ronnie Semley. 2020 For new orders of ‘The See; or to change delivery address or quantities received contact Karen Ashcroft on [email protected] or 01254 503070.