Christmas starts with Christingle

May 2017

NEED TO KNOW I STORIES I AREA UPDATES I EVENTS NEAR YOU Bring the kids to light a candle In My View setting up tables and brewing prayer, simply enjoying the were a blessing to each other. for Christ’s birthday tea for 'Welcome on warmth. Surely that's part of the point Wednesday' - a pop-up café for Church buildings really are for of the incarnation - God comes By Very Revd Nicholas Henshall, marginalised and often all that - and so much more! to share our ordinary lives, the Dean of Chelmsford homeless people. You don't find medieval village places we live and work, the MY favourite moment here at And in one of the chapels at halls because the main body of places we meet up with friends Chelmsford Cathedral is the back Dave, a local the church WAS the village hall. or do the washing up, the Wednesday lunchtime. Pentecostal, is leading four There was no sense of places where we pray and play. A simple Eucharist going on hours of 24/7 prayer. There are division between sacred and But we forgot all that around the main altar; a few groups of people coming in and secular - they both belonged sometime in the 19th entury meters away a small group out, lighting a candle, saying a together in the same place, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

www.chelmsford.anglican.org christmasstarts.com Top trainer retires after 33 years: Turn to Page3 Terry closes diocese account See what is Highly Good Shepherd Commended by launches business the judges in the network and hits DAC Awards community target Pages 6-7 Page 12

■ Archbishops encourage participation in Thy Kingdom Come prayer wave: Page 12 THE MONTH May 2017

THE month: Chaplain Janet Nicholls understands farming problems Family difficulties ‘cause deepest upset’ for farmers FAMILY problems cause the FARMING VOICES: Revd Janet Nicholls assists deepest upset for farmers, Bishop Stephen on Plough Sunday and the farming according to Essex farm community enjoy the Morris dancing (right) chaplain Revd Janet Nicholls. Despite the big national concerns over Brexit and uncertainty over farm incomes, she finds in her job, which started in 2015, that the closeness of relationships in farming families means that tensions can come to the fore. Janet said: “Farming families can often live together, work together and socialise together. "This is fine when all is going well, but if difficulties occur in any one of those areas, it can impact on all three, escalating into something that can feel inescapable. “Such difficulties can cause underlying distress that can welcoming responses to the something reassuring about unsettle and destabilise chaplaincy” since she took on having a person whose job farming communities. the role. includes praying for them,” she “There is clearly a lot of Janet, who is also rural said. anxiety around the adviser to the Diocese of “Listening with care and uncertainties of Brexit and Chelmsford, comes from Great without judgement is at the continued low farm incomes. Bardfield and grew up on the core of my work. I sometimes But it’s often the personal and family farm. She now lives in drive away from farms, feeling family issues that farmers raise Shalford. rather embarrassed by the with me. She provides pastoral simply sitting and listening. But “Sometimes, just sharing support and care to the I’ve realised that many people and verbalising these farming community, of any faith in our multi-tasking, difficulties with someone or none, and organises a smart-phone world, have lost the skills of careful, attentive, outside the family, who range of agricultural services uninterrupted listening. So, across the county. understands the unique with an understanding of “When I was licensed to this problems of farming, can help farming issues, I simply to ease the situation.” role in Chelmsford Cathedral, I provide a neutral and Providing a neutral, listening promised that I would pray for compassionate listening ear.” ear for people is often very the farming community and I ● This article was welcomed, she said, and she have done so every day since. published first in the Dunmow has been “humbled by the Whether people are of faith or Broadcast and is reproduced overwhelmingly positive and not, there seems to be with kind permission.

resolution and compression. Hi-res JPGs or Tiffs should be re-sized to min 7x5in at Bishop Stephen unpacks 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. Captions, your name and contact details The Month, incorporating NB and East should be embedded in the 'File Info' Window, is the free circulation section if possible. If e-mailing many Archbishops’ invitation newspaper of Church of England in shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size THE Archbishops’ invitation for unity, ministry and mission of Essex and East London (Diocese of of 8x6in. When submitting photos please a “radical new Christian the church. It is sometimes a Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. confirm that written consent has been inclusion in the Church… that heavy load to carry, but I anglican.org/themonth is founded in scripture, in want you to know I carry it ● obtained from parents / guardians of Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter children under age 16 for publication of reason, in tradition, in theology joyfully, believing it is where @chelmsdio and the Christian faith as the God has called me, and that ● photos publicising church activities in The Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter Month. Church of England has even in our disagreement we received it… and based on are proclaiming something @cottrellstephen ● The inclusion of an advertisement ● Subscribe to our YouTube channel good, healthy, flourishing vital to the world; for in should not be taken as implying relationships, and in a proper virtually every other walk of www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese endorsement of the objects of the ● Like us on Facebook: www. 21st century understanding of continuity and communion life disagreement leads to advertiser by the diocese. enmity and worse. But this facebook.com/chelmsdio being human and of being with the Church in every time ● sexual” was the subject of an and place. also means that I am not at Like our Ask an Archdeacon advertising address by the Bishop of "The sad divisions of liberty to merely speak for Facebook www.facebook.com/ Chelmsford at Chelmsford Christian history and our own myself. I therefore make no askanarchdeacon ● Please contact: Glenda Charitos, Diocesan Synod. impaired communion in apology for wanting us to be View our photostream on Flickr www. Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Bishop Stephen (above) response to recent debates a church that finds ways of flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese Peverell,Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY. said: "As a bishop in the over the ordination of women living together with our Tel: 01752 225623. Fax: 01752 673441. Church of God it is my to the priesthood and the disagreements, and not editorial e-mail: [email protected] particular responsibility and episcopate has stretched and letting them drive us apart. my heartfelt desire to sometimes even contorted “…I am planning to meet with Editor: Jon Longman represent and proclaim afresh this fundamental principle of gay and lesbian Christians in distribution the faith that is revealed in Catholic and Apostolic order. the diocese to listen to their Editorial and photographs for voices more closely … I The Month should be sent to: Holy Scriptures and set forth "Nevertheless, through our For distribution contact: in the Catholic Creeds. The baptism, we are still one already meet regularly with [email protected] [email protected] bishop is the focus of unity for Church reaching towards that representatives from other or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Bouchiers Tel: 01245 294443. the Church, the person full and visible communion constituencies who may take Place, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TY. Tel: Your newspaper will normally be through whom the sharing in which is Christ's prayer for a more traditional view on this 01621 810530. Mobile: 07860 769906 available from the third Sunday in the issue.” ● the apostolic ministry of his whole church – so that Digital photographs for publication: month. Any further changes will be Christ is continued, and the the world may believe. ● The whole speech is Please take pictures at largest size, advised to distributors. guarantee that the Church in "In this diocese I carry the available by going to www. this time and place is in responsibility for the ordering, chelmsford.anglican.org. THE MONTH May 2017 3 THE month — Parish Finance Officer closes diocese ledger

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CHURCH PEWS UNCOMFORTABLE? CASHING UP: in diocese WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY Colleague Steve UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Kersys and his Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN camera caught up www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 with Terry at his Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail retirement bash finances When phoning please quote TM0517 ONE of the best known Terry was awarded the faces in the diocese, Terry Order of St Cedd last year. Gray, Parish Finance The honour recognises Officer, retired at the end of distinguished service given March after 34 years of by lay people to the Organist/Choir service. diocese. Terry is the Bishop Stephen Cottrell, longest serving diocesan the Bishop of Chelmsford, employee, having worked said: "Terry Gray has been in the Finance team since Director a fantastically loyal and faithful member of the November 1983. Chelmsford team. We Terry is still active away thank God for his service." from the diocesan office in Terry's boss, Mark Chelmsford as he is a St Mary-at-Latton, Harlow is an Spraggins, the diocese's Reader and the adviser for Director of Finance added: Readers in the Colchester inclusive liberal Anglo-Catholic "Terry will be sorely deanery. missed. It will be church in Harlow. impossible to replace him." ● Terry, pictured left with Colleagues celebrated Alison, his wife, was with Terry over drinks and presented with the Order of We are seeking someone to lead nibbles in the library on St Cedd by Stephen Wednesday, March 29. They presented Terry Cottrell, the Bishop of our small, but committed choir, with a scrap book featuring Chelmsford, last year. colleagues' funny stories This honour recognises through Sunday practice at 9am and Terry's jokes that they Terry's phrases that noted over the years were distinguished service given had collected over the by lay people to before the service which is a years. friends and colleagues also appreciated. Chelmsford Diocese. Sung Eucharist at 9.45am, plus special services at Holy Week and Friends of Essex Churches Christmas. Our worship includes a choir anthem, and a balance grants joy for nine parishes of traditional hymns and modern ST BOTOLPH'S church in Hadstock (left) is one of nine worship songs. churches to be awarded a share in £79,350 from the Friends of Remuneration within RSCM Essex Churches Trust for repairs or improvements. guidelines plus fees from occasional ● Find out how to apply for a grant for your church at www. services. foect.org.uk/grant_application. php. Join the Friends for their AGM and Gepp Lecture by John For further information, contact Goodall on May 17 at St Mary's [email protected] or Church in Saffron Walden at 7.15 pm. 01279 424 005

● Details of all events can be found at www.foect.org.uk/ events.php. 4 THE MONTH May 2017

THE month — Collier Row Network Forum members get down to business Shepherd strikes a goal THE leaders of the Church of the Good Shepherd in GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Collier Row, were Collier Row businessmen and delighted to launch the women at the forum launch. Collier Row Business Inset: Julie Clay with colleague Network Forum on Lee Thornton, Councillor Jason March 30. Frost and Councillor Dilip Patel One of the Good Shepherd team's five Community Transformation goals is to support, encourage and pray for all the local businesses in Collier Row where the church is situated. Having spent a number of months speaking to local shop and business owners, building up a database and speaking to the council, the forum has now been launched and having initiated it, the church plan to facilitate the forum to really build up and support a church they are future events and attendees and hope that the community of Collier passionate about local networking opportunities more businesses will join businesses and support throughout the year with in as it builds momentum. Row. ● Speaking at the launch, their local High Street. keynote speakers and The forum can be Julie Clay, Integration Collier Row is often topics for discussion found on Facebook Leader for the Church of seen as a place to pass suggested by those who (Collier Row Business the Good Shepherd and through. The church really attend. Network Forum) and more lead organiser for the want to see it as a place Julie will be collating information is available by forum, shared the vision of destination. all the information gained emailing julieclay@ 4118for theFF_Spring17_Cornerstone forum and how as The170x261 plan is[1]:Layout to have 1 4/4/17at the launch 08:21 from Page all 1 thegoodshepherd.co.uk.

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Work or volunteer andin the save church? 25%*. Take outinsurance Contents together and Buildings online THE MONTH May 2017 5 THE month — Comunity abandoned the medieval church 'Bold West Bergholt is a shining example' FROM FRONT PAGE and tragically decided - for the first time in Christian history - that church buildings were simply for worship. A really bizarre idea - as if you would spend all that money building and maintaining these wonderful places if that's all you were going to do. Up to that point church buildings were home to the widest possible range of activities - party places and prayer spaces. Some large churches even had people living and working in the building. It was the natural place for social and religious life to flourish. When we forgot that - and that's when the villages halls St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset came along. The church had turned its back on the community, enhancing church interiors retired into its ghetto and lost a fundamental part of its mission Ronald Emett fine furniture field. www.ronaldemettfurniture.com We are still living with that 01308 868025 legacy today - especially in those parts of the diocese where the Normans intentionally built churches next to the manor house and several fields away from the community! One of my favourite churches is West Bergholt - not because it's particularly CHANGING TIMES: The medieval St beautiful - but because more Mary's church at West Bergholt (main over 100 years ago the picture), located next to the manor house, community had the courage is now in the hands of the Churches to abandon the medieval Conservation Trust while its successor church and build a new (insets) is making the most of its central church in the centre of the village location to advertise the Alpha village - and today the 'new' Course. Pictures: JON LONGMAN church is open every day and a thriving centre of worship and mission. I've spent most of my ministry in extreme inner city communities, where the only possible future for church buildings is to rediscover their purpose as community hubs, home for everyone, and not simply a dedicated place of worship for an hour or two on a Sunday. BEING BID READY It's great to see both rural and urban churches in this diocese Registration has opened for ‘Being Bid Ready’, focused proposals increasing their success embracing that future. a diocesan bid writing workshop at All Saints’ rate. Back here at the cathedral, church in Woodford Wells on July 15. Providing a very brief overview of Capital maybe the most surprising The cost is £5 each or £10 for three Campaigns, training will focus on the Private weekly event is 'Faith and Fitness' - 90 minutes of prayer participants per parish – numbers are Phase of a Campaign helping you secure grant and aerobics every Thursday. limited to 50. funding for your church building project. But that's just the tip of the This workshop will provide ● For more information or to register, please iceberg! delegates with practical bid writing contact Jill Smylie at projects@chelmsford. Come to me, NICHOLAS HENSHALL techniques, enabling them to produce anglican.org Dean of Chelmsford all you who are weary and A120 mission drive Marathon carrot burdened, and THE Anglican churches along successful candidate's MICHAEL Minta, the diocese's of endurance, if I exceed my target I will give you the A120 corridor from experience. Director of Development and of £1,000 (before Gift Aid), I will Stansted to Takeley have ● For full details of how to Property, is supporting the run the J's Chelmsford Marathon rest. combined their funding and apply, please go to www. Chelmsford charity The J’s in October." Hospice by riding in the Prudential are now planning to recruit a connect120.org.uk or contact ● To find out more about what RideLondon-Surrey 100. School and Community Sue Humphries on 01279 Michael is doing and The J’s Missioner. 871754. Michael said: "That’s 100 miles Matthew 11:28 Hospice, please visit http://uk. They are offering a annual The closing date for and includes big hills. salary in the range £25,000- applications for this new "Living in Essex that may mean virginmoneygiving.com/ 28,000 depending on the position is May 12. it is even more of a challenge for MichaelMinta and maybe even me... and to make this a real feat consider sponsoring him. 6 THE MONTH May 2017 WE CAN THE month — Ahead of the awards ceremony on May 25: a selection of entries that caught the eyes of the judges DESIGN PRINT DISTRIBUTE Before and after: the YOUR LEAFLETS DAC Awards portfolio AND MORE 2017 Highly Commended winners will inspire • Design ST MARY, LITTLE THURROCK H0LY TRINITY, PLESHEY

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THE month — Ahead of the awards ceremony on May 25: a selection of entries that caught the eyes of the judges Holy Trinity Church Rayleigh ORGANIST / CHOIR DIRECTOR An exciting opportunity for a enthusiastic ST CATHERINE'S,EAST gifted musician and choir director with an TILBURY understanding of the Christian faith, liturgy and musical tradition to provide leadership for our traditional worship services. Enthusiastic mixed age choir keen to Before and after: the develop further. Working within a lively parish supporting a wide range of music. Salary guided by RSCM terms (approx. £4500) plus fees for weddings and funerals. (approx £4200 in 2016) This church is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children. It expects all staff to share this DAC Awards portfolio commitment. Enhanced DBS check will be required. For job description and further details contact: Jacky Wragg 07837486896 [email protected] or Rayleigh Parish Offi ce Rectory Garth, 2017 Highly Commended winners will inspire Rayleigh, SS6 8BB closing date: 31st May 2017 H0LY TRINITY, PLESHEY

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8 THE MONTH May 2017 We’ve been there for refugees since 1945

We’re not turning our backs now. When a Christian Aid Week envelope lands on your mat, please give to help refugees get the safety and support they desperately need.

We believe in life before death caweek.org/month Eng and Wales charity no.1105851 Scot charity no. SC039150 UK company no. Christian 5171525 Aid Ireland:NI charity no. NIC101631 Company no. NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no.The 426928. Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Christian Aid is a key member of ACT© Christian Alliance. Aid February 2016. Photos: Christian Aid/Joseph Cabon. J23901. F8026E.

J23901 CAW17 Announcements TRADITIONAL v1.indd 3 03/03/2017 14:24 THE MONTH May 2017 9 THE month — What's on this Spring in Essex and East London

Every Sunday unless otherwise stated ● Chelmsford Cathedral 7.30pm. The Welsh Society to take your craft activities home in. [email protected] ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. See meets in the Chapter House. Chelmsford Cathedral 10am-12 noon. Cathedral ● St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Stapleford ● advertisement on back page for complete list of main St Augustine, Thorpe Bay. 7pm.School for Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy Abbotts RM4 1ES. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm, services in the cathedral. Disciples 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. entrance £5, payable at the door. Concert, entitled Monday-Saturday open up discussion, part of the Transforming Presence Sunday, May 7 'Steppin' Out' featuring the 'Saint Francis Hospice Choir ● ● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Lexden, initiative. These stimulating and challenging events are Afternoon concert at St Mary with St Leonard Church, & Friends', directed by John Morris. Proceeds to Saint free of charge and there is no need to book. Church Green, Broomfield. 3pm. The musicians of Colchester. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm. Francis Hospice and St Mary the Virgin Church. Every Wednesday Friday, April 28 Chelmer Valley High School Tickets £5 available on the ● St. Nicholas Church, Great Wakering, High Street, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Chelmsford Cathedral 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime door or call Jill in advance.. Great Wakering SS3 0AG. Noon-4pm. Summer Fete. Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Concert by Chelmsford Male Voice Choir. Admission is Monday, May 8 There will be lots of attractions to enjoy including Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. free, but we welcome your contributions, which are ● St Margaret’s Church, Stansted Road, Berechurch, dancing and juggling, bouncy castle, face painting, tin ● St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, Corringham. divided between various charities and Cathedral Colchester CO2 8RA. 7pm Refreshments. 8pm can alley, Krazy Kitchen, Coconut Shy, BBQ, Cream 10am-4pm. Church will be open every Wednesday for expenses. Light refreshments are available in the Service .Visitation Centre for Colchester Episcopal Area visitors, to see this historic building, there is a Saxon Cathedral from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish. Colchester Archdeaconry Deaneries of Colchester and Teas, Beer & Wine tent and an Art Exhibition and Music wall, Norman tower, 13th century tombstones, Medieval ● LUNCHTIME LIVE! St Thomas of Canterbury, Witham. in the Church. ● stained glass and much more. All welcome.. Brentwood CM14 4DF. 1:00 -1:45pm. Essex Tuesday, May 9 St George's Church, Ongar Rd (near Robin Hood Every Thursday Chordsmen (Barbershop choir). ● St Gabriel’s Church Rectory Road Pitsea, SS13 2AA. roundabout), Brentwood CM15 9HR. 7.30-10pm. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Saturday, April 29 7pm Refreshments. 8pm Service. Southend Brentwood Christian Aid Quiz Night. Rack your brains A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and ● Beauchamp Roding Country Market.The Room in Archdeaconry Deaneries of Basildon and Thurrock. and support Christian Aid. To order tickets and find out abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout the Rodings, Dunmow Road, Beauchamp Roding. Wednesday, May 10 their price, ring: 07952222911. and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual 10:00am .Plants, Cakes & Produce, Refreshments, ● Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Monday, May 22 health and well-being. Crafts, Bric-a-brac, Books and more. All proceeds to St Group. ● St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Earls Colne CO6 ● Saturday, April 15 Botolph Beauchamp Roding Church funds. St. John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime 2RB. 7pm Refreshments. 8pm Service. Visitation ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral 7pm. Easter Vigil and Springtime Serenade at St. John the Baptist Church, Concert by Francis Bassett: Jazz Piano. For information Centre for Stansted Archdeaconry Deaneries of Confirmations. Please email Canon Simon Pothen if Church Lane, Loughton IG10 1PD7:30pm .Three www.stjohnse15.co.uk Braintree and Hinckford. ● you wish to be confirmed. Valleys Male Voice Choir. Sing songs from the shows, All Saints Church (Woodford Wells), Inmans Row, Tuesday, May 23 ● 60's hits, plus well known opera pieces.Tickets are £10 Holy Trinity Church, Takeley (CM22 6QL). 9am. Woodford Green IG8 0NH. 7pm Refreshments 8pm ● The Church of Our Saviour, Ashton Place Chelmer Dunmow & Stansted Deanery Walk. Monthly walk in and are available on the door or in advance from the Service. Visitation Centre for West Ham Archdeaconry Village, CM2 6ST. 7pm Refreshments. 8pm Service. 2017 Together on the Way with Christ programme. Parish Office - 020 8532 0060 or 020 8508 3539. Deanaries of Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Bradwell Episcopal Area Chelmsford Archdeaconry Members of other denominational churches welcome. Interval refreshments will be available. Thursday, May 11 Deaneries of Brentwood, Chelmsford North and Refreshments followed by short service from about ● St Katherines, Church Little, Bardfield CM7 4TT. ● Chelmsford Cathedral 2pm. Mothers' Union Chelmsford South. 10.15am open to non-walkers. Suitable footwear 3-4.30pm. Prayer Book Society annual service of Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. advisable and dogs welcome. Contact Sue Humphries evening prayer with Choirs. ● Wednesday, May 24 Chelmsford Cathedral 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. A ● at [email protected] Saturday-Monday, April 29-May 1 free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Wednesday, April 19 ● The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Group. ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on High Beach IG10 4BF. Flower Festival – “Beginning and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual St. John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean with Eve …” .Saturday and Monday: 10am to 5pm, health and well-being. Concert by Arun Menon: Viola. For information www. Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. Sunday: 1pm to 5pm. Lunches on Saturday and ● St Margaret’s Church, The Broadway/North Street, stjohnse15.co.uk ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Monday 12noon to 2pm. Tea/coffee and home-made Barking IG11 8AS. 7pm Refreshments. 8pm Service. ● St Margaret’s Church, Lime Avenue, Leigh on Sea Group. cake served at all other times. Visitation Centre for Barking Episcopal Area Barking SS9 3PA. 7pm Refreshments. 8pm Service. Southend ● Turku Cathedral Youth Choir sing at St Mary the Saturday, May 13 Archdeaconry Deaneries of Barking, Dagenham and Archdeaconry Deaneries of Hadleigh, Southend and ● Virgin church, Overton Drive, Wanstead. 7pm. Building St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Stapleford Havering. Rochford. on the Parish of Wanstead choir's link with Turku Abbotts RM4 1ES. 6pm. Choral Evensong, sung by the Saturday, May 13 Thursday, May 25 'London Gallery Quire'. Refreshments will be served ● Cathedral - Finland's largest and oldest cathedral, Anu St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea ● Chelmsford Cathedral 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. A after the service. Aberg brings her wonderful Youth Choir to Wanstead. (entrance through church hall in Tower Road) CO15 free fitness class with a difference for all ages and The concert will feature works by several Scandinavian Sunday, April 30 1LE. 3-5pm. Messy Church. Church – but not as you abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout composers, including Jean Sibelius. Entry to the ● St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Stapleford know it! We talk, have fun together and discover more and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual concert is free and tickets are not required. On April Abbotts RM4 1ES. 6pm. Choral Evensong, sung by about God. Crafts, games and stories suitable for chil- health and well-being. 20th, at 5 pm CYC will be the Visiting Choir for the 'London Gallery Quire'. Refreshments will be dren and their families, plus food. There is no charge, ● Chelmsford Cathedral 7.30pm. The Welsh Society Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral. served after the service. but donations are always welcome. All children must be meets in the Chapter House. Saturday, April 22 Tuesday, May 2 accompanied by an adult. Please bring a bag to take ● St Winifred's Church, Manor Road, Chigwell ● St John the Baptist Church, High Street St John’s your craft activities home in. Saturday-Monday, May 27-29 ● IG75PS. 10am-4pm. Spring Fair Family day Craft Road, Epping CM16 5DN. 7pm Refreshments. 8pm ● St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Stapleford St Andrew’s Church, Wormingford. Annual Flower stalls Model railway, plant stall, refreshments. Free Service Visitation Centres Harlow Archdeaconry Abbotts RM4 1ES. 10am-2pm. Plant Sale plus various Festival ‘Essex is the only way’ celebrating all things admission. Deaneries Epping Forest & Ongar Harlow.. stalls including, books, bric-a-brac, homemade cakes Essex. Just across the road from the Church in the ● Chelmsford Cathedral 6pm. The Cathedral Youth Wednesday, May 3 and preserves and clothes. Refreshments will be availa- Wormingford Community Education Centre which Group are holding a quiz to raise money for their trip to ● Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and Toddler ble throughout the sale. Free entry. occupies the old school buildings, lovely teas and cakes Sweden. Tickets available by emailing steven.conroy@ Group. ● St Laurence & All Saints Church, Junction of Aviation and other refreshments and Bric-a-Brac sale. chelmsfordCathedralorg.uk ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Way and Eastwoodbury Lane, Southend-on-Sea Saturday, May 27 ● St John the Baptist Church, Ipswich. 7.30pm. Theology. Meet at the Food Court. SS2 6UN. 2.30pm-5pm. Up, Up and Away! Friends of ● All Saints church, Little Totham. Annual car and ● Trianon’s Choral Concert conducted by Adrian Brown, Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, St Laurence church present a talk by Peter Pearce on motorbike rally featuring vintage and veteran vehicles and will feature Church-related music: Sir Hubert Parry Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian his personal experiances whilst in the R.A.F. Entry is on the Little Common. - Blest Pair of Sirens: Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 5 Bookshop Reading Group. Everyone is welcome and it free. Refreshments provided. ● Little Baddow Open Gardens in support of St Mary in D, Op 107 (‘Reformation’ – chosen to mark the 500th is free to join in. For details and encouragement, Sunday, May 14 the Virgin Church. 11am-5pm. A lovely day out during anniversary of the Protestant Reformation started by please contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or ● Christian Aid Week the bank holiday weekend. Adults £5 in advance, £6 on Martin Luther in 1517): Puccini - Messa di Gloria. Visit email [email protected]. ● Ashdon, Saffron Walden CB10 2ET. 11am-5pm. the day Under 16 free. For information call Peter 01245 www.tmg.org.uk for more details.. ● Church of the Good Shepherd, Collier Row. 7pm. Open Gardens with local arts and crafts exhibitors. 223624, Malcolm 01245 225089, visit www.littlebaddow. Sunday, April 23 School for Disciples 2017. Roadshow around the Refreshments and lunches. Tickets are £5 per adult. org.uk or follow us on facebook. Tickets in advance from ● Brentwood Deanery Service of Evening Prayer diocese to open up discussion, part of the Transforming Children are free. All proceeds to All Saint's church. Meacock & Jones, Danbury 01245 222856 or Shenfield St George's Church, Ongar Rd, Brentwood.6:30pm Presence initiative. These stimulating and challenging ● St Mary the Virgin, Great Henny CO10 7NL. 3-4pm. 01277 202240. On the day, tickets available from all Come and pray for England that she will know the events are free of charge and there is no need to book. Concert by Carola Darwin opera singer and friends ● open gardens and the Memorial Hall. Risen Jesus as her living Lord and Saviour again. All St. John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Classical music concert. Wednesday, May 31 welcome - whether you are in the Deanery of Concert by Katya Schneider: Piano. For information Tuesday, May 16 ● Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Brentwood or not! Tel 01277 213618. www.stjohnse15.co.uk ● St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church, Church Square, St ● Group. St Peter’s, Sudbury. 4.30pm. St George’s Day Gala Thursday, May 4 Osyth CO16 8NX. 7pm. Refreshments. 8pm Service. ● ● of British Light Music Favourites from Stage, Screen Chelmsford Cathedral 10am. Mothers' Union Visitation Centre for Colchester Episcopal Area Chelmsford Cathedral 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on and Radio. A Last Night of the Sudbury Proms Finale. Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. Colchester Archdeaconry Deaneries of Harwich and St Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean ● Lyston Voices Soprano Marilyn Hill Smith (BBC Radio Chelmsford Cathedral 8pm. Mothers’ Union Osyth. Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. 2) Introduced & Conducted by Ian McMillan. In aid of Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. Wednesday, May 17 ● St. John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime ● HELP FOR HEROES. Tickets: £15 (£10 for Under 16s) Chelmsford Cathedral 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. ● Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Concert by Geoff Hobbs: Organ. For information www. Inclusive of songsheet and Union Jack to wave! From A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Group. stjohnse15.co.uk Sudbury Library Tourist Information Centre. Advanced abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout ● St. John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Thursday, June 1 Reservations from thebritishlightmusicorchestra@gmail. and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual Concert by Dr. Martin Patzlaff: Organ. For information ● Chelmsford Cathedral 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. A com health and well-being. www.stjohnse15.co.uk free fitness class with a difference for all ages and ● Wednesday, April 26 St Mary’s, Burnham on Crouch. 7pm. School for Thursday, May 18 ● abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Disciples 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to open ● Chelmsford Cathedral 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. A and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual Group. up discussion, part of the Transforming Presence initia- free fitness class with a difference for all ages and health and well-being. ● Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am-3pm. Essex Mind tive. These stimulating and challenging events are free abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout June 2017 diary deadline and Spirit Conference. Spirituality and Dementia. of charge and there is no need to book. and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual ● ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. St. John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Lunchtime Saturday, May 6 health and well-being. ● anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah Newman Concert by Milene Dziuk: Mezzo-Soprano. St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea Saturday, May 20 on 01245 294443 by May 1 for inclusion in The For information www.stjohnse15.co.uk (entrance through church hall in Tower Road) CO15 ● Holy Cross Church, Felsted (CM6 3DQ). 9am. Month and on the diocesan website. Thursday, April 27 1LE. 3-5pm. Messy Church. Church – but not as you Dunmow & Stansted Deanery Walk. Monthly walk in Latest events ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. know it! We talk, have fun together and discover more 2017 Together on the Way with Christ programme. ● A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and about God. Crafts, games and stories suitable for Members of other denominational churches welcome. You can find the latest events online at www. abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout children and their families, plus food. There is no Refreshments followed by short service from about chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/calendar and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual charge, but donations are always welcome. All children 10.15am open to non-walkers. Suitable footwear ● Cathedral events can be viewed online at www. health and well-being. must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a bag advisable and dogs welcome. Contact Jo Pratt at chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events-diary. 10 THE MONTH May 2017

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16 vs 3 (NRSV)

ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE The Home of Devenish St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible Weymouth Dorset accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private There are 23 Bungalows and stays. 2 flats available to widows of Everyone is welcome at the clergymen of the Church of Eucharist and Daily offi ce in St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel. England or widows of officers of the armed services (excluding For further details please contact: Territorial Army and Royal St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Naval Volunteer Reserve) Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU providing they are members of Tel: 01235 763141 Email: [email protected] the Church of England. www.csmv.co.uk

Each property has 2 bedrooms, is unfurnished, occupied rent free and is centrally heated, decorated and maintained free of charge. Council tax is also paid by the Charity. They are not warden controlled. YEAR 7 ADMISSION SEPTEMBER 2018 MUSICAL APTITUDE ASSESSMENTS For further information or an application form please contact: for MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS & PLACES Mrs J Kemmis-Betty, The Home of Devenish, Entries close Friday 14th July 2017 Manor Coach House, Stottingway Street, Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School is a popular and successful Catholic school Weymouth, Dorset DT3 5QA with Academy status that has an outstanding reputation for musical excellence. Music Scholarships & Places will be offered to 17 of the Year 7 places for admission Telephone: 01305 813895 in September 2018, on the basis of musical aptitude. Music Scholarships & Places are www.homeofdevenish.org.uk aimed at supporting talented musicians who will enrich the musical life of the School. Applicants for Music Scholarships & Places do not need to be from the priority areas or Registered Charity No. 202400 be Catholic, but would be expected to respect the Catholic ethos of the School and take an active part in musical and liturgical life. Any prospective Year 7 student for September 2018 entry is eligible to apply and applicants will be invited to take part in the musical aptitude assessment process in early September 2017. Parents wishing to apply to should submit the appropriate form (available to download from the website www.brentwoodursuline.co.uk or direct from the School). There is none like you, O Lord, Completed forms must be sent to the School by Friday 14th July 2017. Please and there is no God besides you, note that this deadline only applies to Music Scholarship & Place applicants. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the School. according to all that we have Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School Queen’s Road, Brentwood heard with our ears. Essex CM14 4EX Tel: 01277 227156 Fax: 01277 229454 1Ch 17:20 (ESV) THE MONTH May 2017 11 This newspaper can save lives We’re so grateul that many people have responded to the real lie stories that we have published in this paper, over the years. O en that is with  nancial support, and prayer. In the case o Jonny Jones, his lie may have been saved as a result o a church leader reading about Gilead… Revd Will Pearson-Gee is the rector o Buckingham Parish Church. He was reading his Diocesan newspaper, when he came across a page like this one; he copied the page, and emailed it to the leader o Well Street Church in

Jonny when he arrived at Gilead Buckingham, who he knew was caring or Jonny Jones, an alcoholic. Jonny was duly dispatched to Gilead, and is now completing two years o rehab.

That’s the short story – explains Jonny, “I had a relationship with my partner at the age o
20, and she le„ Revd Will Pearson-Gee the journey that Jonny, me; I was always drinking and spending “I’ve known Jonny
or 7 years. He used Will and others have money.” to come in
or one o
our
ree meals, every week. He was the local drunk and taken has had a ew Jonny held on to his job as a Postman. because we share a little bit o
military At the end o
each day’s work he would background (Will is an ex-In
antry Major, surprising twists and be seen in one o
the local pubs; he did Jonny an ex-Sergeant in Army Cadet turns. This is Jonny’s not bother anyone, and he was known Force), we developed a rapport.” as a happy drunk. The pro
essional term story…
or it would be a ‘
unctioning alcoholic’, It was this rapport that enabled Will to “I had a happy childhood with lovely someone who just about lives a normal con
ront Jonny about his alcoholism. “I parents,” says Jonny, aged 52. “I’m very li
e but who is nevertheless addicted. o„ en challenged him about his drinking. sociable and I was
ascinated by the pub His quality o
li
e steadily deteriorated as For me, time is short. I lost my wi
e and atmosphere since I was 16. I enjoyed the demands o
his habit increased, over young son in a car accident in the ‘90s, meeting people and enjoyed drinking.” twenty years. I’ve seen a lot o
li
e in 18 years in the Sadly, alcohol addiction can creep up on Army, and my own conversion to a living anyone, and that’s what happened to One day, sitting on a bench with a
aith in Jesus in 2004 is very real.” Jonny. carrier bag
ull o
cider, he was given an Revd Will Pearson-Gee invitation. “A young lady, pleasant, came A„ er two years o
trying to help He drank
requently, and his wage and sat beside me and talked to me,” Jonny decide to do something about writing his wishes down on a napkin. It packet became the means to
uel his says Jonny. “She invited me to the local the problem he had, Will turned to an was a bit o
banter, engaging his dark increasing drink habit. “Drink took over,” church and gave me a leaŠ et. So, I went.” unconventional approach. “I saw him humour, but I was serious.” at a church lunch
ollowing yet another alcohol related A&E admission. So I The seeds o
change were sown, and approached him and said, ‘We’re going to it was soon a„ er this exchange with Will PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEAD WITH A I enclose a one-off gift of £ plan something.’ ‘Oh,’ said Jonny, ‘what’s that Jonny began his journey through DONATION OR REGULAR MONTHLY GIVING. Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations that?’ ‘Your
uneral.’ I said, and
or the rehab at Gilead, inspired by the article in If you have any questions about our work, please contact I would like to become a Partner Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions Please fill in this form next ž „ een minutes, that’s what we did, the Diocesan newspaper. about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973. Name YouPLEASE can CONSIDERalso visit www.gilead.org.uk SUPPORTING GILEAD to find WITH out A more I enclose a one-off gift of £ Jonny’s time at Gilead aboutDONATION us and OR donate REGULAR online. MONTHLY GIVING. Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations Name of your bank If you have any questions about our work, please contact I would like to become a Partner “I went to Gilead in March 2015. I In another twist in this remarkable Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions Please fill in this form Iabout am a makingUK taxpayer a larger and donation I agree to or Gileadinterest Foundations free loan to the Bank address was supported by Well Street, and Journey, Will recently visited Gilead, Charityministry, (GFC) please claiming contact tax Chris on Coleall past, (Trustee) present on and 07957 future Buckingham Parish Church. People and when he arrived he was invited 433973. Name donations I make to the charity. Please treat my donations You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more Postcode prayed
or me, wrote me letters, and the to preach at their Sunday service. asabout Gift us Aid and donations. donate online. I confirm that I am paying or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover Name of your bank church gave ž nancial support. He was ready, having
elt God lay the the amount GFC and any other charities or Community message on his heart be
orehand. “It Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will reclaim for the tax year Account No. Sort Code “About 8 months in, I relapsed. I made sounds crazy, but that’s how it was,” says (6I am April a UK one taxpayer year to and5 April I agree the tonext Gilead year). Foundations Council Tax and BankInstruction address to your bank: Please deduct £5 / £10 / £25 / or £ VATCharity do (GFC)not qualify claiming towards tax on Gift all Aid.past, GFC present will andreclaim future 25 from my account on (dd/mm/yy) / / a trip back home to see my sister, had a Will. “I preached on the need to make a pencedonations of tax I make for every to the £1 charity. that has Please been treat given. my donations Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead cider on the train, then went to the pub decision. Jonny looked to the cross, and Postcode as Gift Aid donations. I confirm that I am paying or will pay Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 and I was hooked. I spent three months has
ound li
e. His drinking partner, back an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Signedthe amount GFC and any other charitiesDate or Community so
a surž ng, until a
riend spotted me in Buckingham, did not. Despite all our Account No. Sort Code AmateurPlease add Sports my details Clubs to (CASCs) the Gilead will mailing reclaim list for the tax year Signed Date and took me back to Gilead.” attempts, he re
used help. His
uneral (6 April one year to 5 April the next year). Council Tax and Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £5 / £10 / £25 / or £ recently took place.” VATTitle do (Mr, not Mrs,qualify Rev, towards other) Gift Aid. GFC will reclaim 25 from my accountSurname on (dd/mm/yy) / / pence of tax for every £1 that has been given. Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead Will saw Jonny at a Remembrance First Name Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 Day Parade during this time. “I really Will is generous in his praise
or Gilead. Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Signed Date gave him what
or,” recalls Will. “In
act, “Many people struggle with things that

PleaseAddress add my details to the Gilead mailing list Signed Date what I actually said to him is best not to only somewhere like Gilead can help reprint!” them through. I
we believe what we Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other) SurnamePostcode read in John’s gospel, chapter 10v10, First Name For Jonny, the return to Gilead was then people can be set
ree. When I was Organisation / company (if applicable) not easy. “I was welcomed back, but there, the atmosphere o
grace and Address it was harder
or me starting
rom the
orgiveness, restoration and hope was Telephone Number bottom again.” At that time, Jonny made palpable. Gilead is worth supporting, Email Postcode a decision. He developed a ž rm belie
even just in prayer.” and
aith. He worked at his rehab, and Organisation / company (if applicable) Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ developed his interest in gardening Revd Will Pearson-Gee’s message at the
arm. “Gilead has helped me to had a sobering e¥ ect, in every sense, Telephone Number You can also donate online. DIO0417 replace things in my li
e I don’t need, with on those working through their rehab Email things that I do,” he comments. with Jonny, at Gilead. His tough-minded, Please return this form to tender-hearted relationship with Jonny, 01837 851240 Jonny is now nearing the end o
his and the support o
his church
riends, Gilead Foundations,Tel: 01837 851240 RisdonFax: 01837 Farm,851520 Email: Jacobstowe, [email protected] Okehampton, www.gilead.org.uk EX20 3AJ Registered in EnglandYou No: can 2608644 also Limited donate by Guaranteewww.gilead.org.uk Registeredonline. Charity No: 1002909 rehab, and is planning his transition probably saved his li
e. We are playing into independent living, and will be our part in that story, with Jonny and volunteering to help others, particularly many others, here at Gilead. We hope through his interest in gardening. you can support us.

Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email: [email protected] www.gilead.org.uk Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909 12 THE MONTH May 2017

THE month — Bishop Roger plans Colchester prayers Thy Kingdom Come Worship & Prayer at Chelmsford Cathedral campaign invitation A warm welcome to your cathedral, A NATIONAL prayer campaign gets under way this month with a number of events in serving Essex and East London Chelmsford Diocese. Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement, which invites Christians around the Sunday world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost for more people to come to know 8.00am Holy Communion Jesus Christ. 9.30am Parish Eucharist What started out as an invitation from the 11.15am Choral Eucharist Archbishops of Canterbury and York in 2016 3.30pm Evensong to the Church of England has grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer. Everyone is invited to join in a 'wave of

prayer' from May 25-June 4. Daily Services Sign up to be part of Thy Kingdom Come by

7.45am Morning Prayer making a Pledge2Pray. You can make a 8.15am Holy Communion pledge as an individual, as a family or pledge (also Weds at 12.35 to hold an event in your church. and Thurs at 10am) 12.00pm Midday Prayer "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be 5.15pm Evensong my witnesses …to the ends of the earth. (sung on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri) When he had said this…he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight… Then they returned to Jerusalem … and were constantly devoting themselves to prayer… wwww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.ukww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit... and that day about three thousand persons were added." Acts 1,2 "I’m pledging to pray for more people to by the Holy Spirit, finding new confidence to be In Chelmsford Diocese, Thy Kingdom Come know the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ. witnesses for Jesus Christ. will be led by Roger Morris, the Bishop of That’s why I’m asking you to join me in “In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all Colchester. Bishop Roger plans to walk pledging to pray as part of Thy Kingdom commit to playing our part in the renewal of through the Colchester Episcopal Area, East to Come.” the nations and the transformation of West, from Saturday, May 27 to Thursday, The hopes of the Chrurch of England communities." added Archbishop Justin. June 1. leadership are: The walk will involve blessing places and ● ● People will commit to pray with God’s You will be able to find the latest Thy also blessing the waters at Brightlingsea on Kingdom Come events online at May 28, when dignitaries of the Cinque Ports worldwide family - as a church, individually or as a family. www.chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/calendar and civic officials will gather on board a ship. ● ● In a new video, Archbishop of Canterbury Churches will hold prayer events, such as Watch the video at http://ow.ly/ Justin Welby says: “The most important thing 24-7 prayer, prayer stations and prayer walks, DSRb308M6yq. I’ve ever done is to become a follower of across the UK and in other parts of the world. ● #Pledge2Pray @thykingdom_come on your Jesus. ● People will be empowered through prayer social media.

Blessed is the man who walks 'How many days off are spent not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, recovering from working too hard?' nor sits in the seat of scoffers; MAY! The month of two Bank Rather than working and but his delight is in the law of the Holidays. then resting, they rested and What a delight it is to know NATALIE'S MUSINGS then worked. Lord, and on his law he meditates that our month will be day off you’ll be rested and It might seem like semantics day and night. He is like a tree bookended with having have a proper day off.” but it can be a significant shift Mondays off work, especially It can be really tempting to in life. planted by streams of water that as the weather warms up and see time off as recovery from When we see rest as summer feels close at hand. work, but actually that’s not something we do to energise yields its fruit in its season, and It can be tempting to see the healthiest or most positive us and prepare us for work, it its leaf does not wither. In all that these additional Bank Holidays way to see it. changes how we value that as permission to work harder, The Genesis account of time and what we do with it. he does, he prospers. The wicked knowing that there’s extra days creation gives us some insight For those of us who have are not so, but are like chaff that off coming up where we can into how we should see rest Sunday as a day off, we will recover. and work. often see it as the last day of the wind drives away. Therefore How many of us find our days And whether we see the the week. off are basically used up creation account as However, maybe we need to the wicked will not stand in the recovering from working (too) historically accurate or as a take back the historical view judgment, nor sinners in the hard? form of truth not required to be that Sunday is the first day of Or even worse, catching scientifically accurate, there the week. congregation of the righteous; up on all the jobs we haven’t are valuable insights into As you enjoy the May Bank been able to do, because we’ve humanity that can be found Holidays, why not see them as for the Lord knows the way of been saving them until our day within it. an opportunity to rethink how the righteous, but the way of the off? Church leader and author you see rest and work, and I was at an event recently Mike Breen has pointed out maybe begin using your time with Dr Rachel Jordan, the off to energise and prepare for wicked will perish. “If you’ve been working hard, that although God rested on National Mission and work, rather than seeing it as don’t have your ‘recovery day’ the seventh day of creation, Psalm 1 (ESV) Evangelism Adviser for the recuperation and recovery? on your day off," she said. His seventh day was Church of England. "Instead have it at work, actually the first day for human She shared a really good NATALIE COLLINS and yes, you may be less beings. piece of advice a colleague had 2016 National Sermon Photo: www.sxc.hu productive, but then on your The first action humans did shared with her. was to rest. of the Year winner