Simon Barrington-Ward has

died Prayer Diary The Right Reverend Simon Barrington-Ward, former Bishop of , has died at the age of 89. May 2020

The current Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend said: Waiting "On Holy Saturday, Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward died. Simon I began writing this reflection in Holy Week, as we walked the way of was Bishop of Coventry from 1985 to 1997, and was dearly the cross; marveling at the love of our Lord for us, drawn to worship in loved. Indeed, he remains in people’s hearts across the Diocese. Many people across the tears, because of his suffering for us. In Easter season once again, we were ordained or first licensed or confirmed by him. Bishop John now celebrate resurrection hope, rejoicing in God’s ‘power to save’, worked closely with Simon during his curacy and, like many of us, has many stories to tell the wisdom of God displayed two thousand years ago, but as relevant of Bishop Simon’s faithful and loving ministry. today, as ever. The risen Jesus told his disciples to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which would be given at Pentecost. Before coming to Coventry, Bishop Simon was my Spiritual Director and, throughout my time as one of his successors, Simon’s example has been an inspiration. I learnt so much The promise of the Father came to ‘birth’ the church, filling Jesus’ followers with the life, love from him and I join with the Diocese of Coventry as a whole in being indebted to this kind and power of the Spirit. and holy Father-in-God. In ‘lock down’ we are waiting with an eye on the future, when we will emerge into our more Bishop Simon taught me to pray a very simple prayer, called "The Jesus Prayer". He told usual daily routines. Perhaps in this ‘waiting time’, we like the early disciples could be me that, like him, I would need to use it during the day as bishop "to come up for air". We pondering, thinking, praying, and asking Jesus to fills us afresh with the life of the Holy Spirit, give thanks for this person of prayer who knew how to dwell in the presence of God, and that we might respond again to his commissioning of us, to share his life with others in new who will now breathe the sweet and pure air of the new creation. And we pray for his ways. dear wife Jean, for their daughters, Helen and Mary and for the whole family." Jesus said “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, After his retirement from Coventry, Bishop Simon continued as a bishop with pastoral and have it abundantly”. John 10.10 care of the University of Cambridge, and an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Coronavirus has felt like a thief that has broken into the daily lives of most of the planet; Ely, indiscriminate in nature, no respecter of age, social standing, wealth, privilege, rank or

wealth of a nation. A thief that has disrupted family life, all social norms, caused hundreds of Bishop Simon returned as an honorary assistant chaplain of Magdalene College, where thousands of deaths, serious illness, even robbing families of being able to properly bury he was an honorary fellow since 1987, and a chaplain to the staff of Ridley Hall, their dead. In the midst of this it has been moving and humbling to see the church grow in Cambridge. new ways of loving and serving our communities.

He was knighted as a Knight Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George These months will be etched in the collective memory of a generation, but as we emerge (KCMG) in 2001. may we be encouraged and empowered by the One who breathes his life into all who desire it; and so speak afresh of the reason for our hope. Archdeacon Missioner

Page 8 Page 1 Looking out for people in need five Saturday Breakfast at St Paul’s,

doors down Foleshill

St Francis of Assisi in Coventry has started a new Our breakfast has been running for several years, project to encourage the people of North Coventry providing free hot food and community to 100 to look out for others and be good neighbours homeless or vulnerable people each week. This is a during the coronavirus pandemic. Named ‘5 Doors short report made by BBC CWR last year. As the coronavirus situation worsened, we had to shut Down’ the project asks people to look five doors our building, but knew we needed to continue the down in each direction (or up and down if living in essential provision if safe and possible. flats) to see if anyone needs help or assistance. For the last two weeks we have provided a People are encouraged to drop a note through stripped-down version of the breakfast, still with their neighbour’s door to offer assistance if they hot food and drinks, but to take away during a one are able, or to give the helpline and email of the 5 Doors Down project -hour time slot. We serve from the carpark, with a minimal number of volunteers gathered ([email protected] / 07555607575). A dedicated group of now from different local churches, as several of our usual volunteers are aged over 70. It has volunteer drivers are working for the project to deliver supplies to those in need. The been an amazing exercise in faith building, working out the risks and logistics of socially emergency parcels include food basics, toilet paper, soap and nappies for those with distanced provision, but knowing that those who come may not have hot food otherwise. babies. This is what some of our guests have said:

As well as delivering emergency supplies, the project also offers other methods of “The other places where we normally get food are closed, so this is a lifeline” support. There is a dedicated helpline for those who are struggling (07555607575) which is operated by DBS trained support workers deployed from St Francis’s usual “I’m in emergency housing provided by the council, but there is nowhere to get hot food or projects. The volunteer team can also help with practical support such as sorting out drink. We need you to keep going!” benefits, assisting with Food Bank referrals and calling GPs / pharmacists. “I’m so grateful that you’re doing this for us”.

All the volunteers working for the project are “The shops are increasing their prices and I can’t keep up” following health and safety precautions including Those we serve are vulnerable both physically and mentally to Covid-19, and continuing to be wearing gloves and staying 2 metres away from a presence that feeds their bodies and brings encouragement feels like an essential activity other people. of the body of Christ, and a privilege.

If you would like to find out more about the We are working out what it means to be church in a time of crisis, and therefore we can’t project see their Facebook page, 5 Doors Down. reproduce our old ways of ‘doing’ and need to listen for God’s prompting and wisdom. This time reminds us of our own fragility, and that God will use us broken as we are. Please pray for us as we respond to growing need.

Ali Hogger Gadsby Vicar of St Paul’s Foleshill

Page 2 Page 7 We thank God for all the headteachers who lead schools Sun 24 across the diocese. We pray for them and their staff as they support the Cycle of Prayer - May 2020 children of key workers and children with special needs in school and also Seventh provide work for children who are currently being home-schooled. With a focus on parishes and schools in Rugby Deanery Sunday of Easter *John and Charles Wesley, Evangelists, Hymn Writers, 1791 and 1788

Mon 25 Dunchurch Boughton Junior School. Headteacher: Ian Dewes. We pray for Fri 1 Provost Williams Primary School, Ryton-on-Dunsmore. Headteacher: Claire God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school. Hall. We pray for God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in *The Venerable Bede, Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian, 735 Philip and James, this school community. *Aldhelm, , 709 Apostles Wolston St Margaret's Primary School. Headteacher: Julia McLeod. We pray Tue 26 Sat 2 Clifton-on-Dunsmore, Newton and Brownsover. Clergy: Interregnum. Reader: for God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school. Catherine Hammond. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members *Augustine, first , 605 and the local community. *John Calvin, Reformer, 1564 *Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the Faith, 373 *Philip Neri, Founder of the Oratorians, Spiritual Guide, 1595 Bilton Junior School. Headteacher: Alex Norton. We pray for God's blessing on

Wed 27 Bagington, Bubbenhall and Ryton-on Dunsmore. Clergy: David Wintle, Penny Sun 3 pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school community. Hughes. Reader: Rosemary King. We pray for God's blessing upon the church We pray for the chaplains serving at HMP Onley and HMP Ryehill: Sarah Fourth Sunday Gillard-Faulkner, Rosemary Lowdon, David Spademan, Peter Ireson, Kate members and the local community. of Easter Hitchcox. May the Lord bless them and the prisoners they work with.

Thu 28 The Revel Group. Clergy: Interregnum. Reader: Charon Hall. We thank God for Mon 4 Leam Valley Benefice. Clergy: Anne Hinks. Readers: Karen Hatch, Alec Parker. all the lay leaders in our 6 churches. Please pray for a successful search for a We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local new Rector in challenging times. community. *Lanfranc, Prior of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Scholar, 1089 *English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era

St John’s Hillmorton. Clergy: Steve Gold, Margaret Simmons, Lindsay Hughes, Leamington Hastings CofE Academy. Headteacher: Suzanne Marson. We pray

Fri 29 Ted Lyons. Reader: Paul Thomas. We thank God for continuing growth in our Tue 5 for God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school. church family, and the completion of a new servery and accessible toilet. This week is Deaf Awareness Week. One of the aims of this week is to Please pray for wisdom for next steps in our children and families ministry, promote social inclusion for deaf people. We pray that our churches are and to build on widening connections in our community with God's love. places where deaf people can feel included and welcomed. Knightlow Primary School. Headteacher: Jill Vavasour. We pray for God's Clifton-Upon-Dunsmore Primary School. Head of School: Lisa Bernard. We

Sat 30 blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school community. Wed 6 pray for God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school *Josephine Butler, Social Reformer, 1906 community. *Joan of Arc, Visionary, 1431 We pray for everyone currently working from home. We pray that they find a *Apolo Kivebulaya, Priest, Evangelist in Central Africa, 1933 good balance between work and home life. Harris CofE Academy, Rugby. Headteacher: Roberta Harrison. We pray for

Sun 31 God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school Thu 7 Draycote Benefice. Clergy: Interregnum. Interregnum. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local community. The Visit of community. Mary to We thank God for our brothers and sisters who serve and worship in other We pray for the Bishop's Council which meets today. Elizabeth Christian denominations. Page 6 Page 3 The Revel Primary School, Rugby. Headteacher: Mr A Edwards. We pray for Fri 8 Dunchurch with Thurlaston. Clergy: Pat Townshend. We pray for God's Sat 16 God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school blessing upon the church members and the local community. community. *Julian of Norwich, Spiritual Writer, c.1417 *Caroline Chisholm, Social Reformer, 1877

Rugby St Peter and St John. Clergy: Sheila Bridge. We thank God for the St Gabriel’s Houlton. Clergy: Steve Gold, Margaret Simmons, Lindsay Hughes, Sat 9 Sun 17 completion of Phase 2 of Project Welcome meaning we have a new front Ted Lyons. Reader: Paul Thomas. We thank God for the new families God has door where there was no door before. Also we were awarded £26000 from blessed us with this year. Please pray for the continued development of the Sixth Sunday of ASDA which has helped us put in a new boiler. Pray for us to recover after the relationship between school, church and community as Houlton grows. Easter current pandemic crisis. Today is World Lupus Day. Lupus is a global health problem that affects May the blessing of God be upon our farms and on all the cereal crops of our

Sun 10 people of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, genders and ages. However Mon 18 countryside. May they receive rain to swell the grain and sun to ripen it. We many people have not heard of lupus and do not know its symptoms and the pray that the harvest be safely gathered in and stored, and may we see Fifth Sunday of impact it can have on sufferers lives. We pray that today will help raise ourselves as harvesters for eternal life - "For look! The fields are already ripe Easter awareness of lupus. for harvest". Amen. Rugby St George. Clergy: Alan Scrivener. Readers: Carol Davies, Mike Iredale. St Matthew and St Oswald, Rugby. Clergy: Alan Hulme, Jane Hulme. Readers:

Mon 11 We give thanks for our wardens and all those who are helping to keep the Tue 19 Mervyn Hill, David Long, Mairi Mowbray. We thank God for the appointment ministry of our church alive during this difficult time. Please pray that as we of Alan and Jane as our ministers. Please pray for a deepening of our stream our services and try to support the housebound we might sustain the corporate prayer life and dependence on God as he leads us into new things. faith and hope of our church family. *Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, Restorer of Monastic Life, 988 Wolston and Church Lawford. Clergy: Kevin Flanagan, Paul Simmonds. Newbold-on-Avon with Long Lawford. Clergy: Paul Wilkinson, Diane Bussey,

Tue 12 Readers: Jayne Flanagan, Helen Simmonds, Isobel Wickens, Jayne Hayward, Wed 20 Peter Beresford, Sara Bowie. Reader: Jonathan Broom. We thank God for a David Gadsby. We give thanks for the completion of the restructure of St visible deepening of many people's faith within our churches during the last Margaret’s and the joy of moving back to the church building. We pray for year. Please pray for us as we try to deal with significant financial difficulties. the safety of both clergy and congregations during the present crisis. *Alcuin of York, Deacon, Abbot of Tours, 804 St John’s Hillmorton. Clergy: Steve Gold, Margaret Simmons, Lindsay Hughes, St Matthew's Bloxam Primary School, Rugby. Headteacher: Anita Timson. We

Wed 13 Ted Lyons. Reader: Paul Thomas. We thank God for continuing growth in our Thu 21 pray for God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school church family, and the completion of a new servery and accessible toilet. community. Please pray for wisdom for next steps in our children and families ministry, Ascension Day We pray for the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches. and to build on widening connections in our community with God's love. *Helena, Protector of the Holy Places, 330 St Andrew's Benn Primary School, Rugby. Headteacher: Abi Huggins. We pray Bilton. Clergy: Tim Cockell, Jonathan Smith. Reader: Glenn Lowde. We pray

Thu 14 for God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school. Fri 22 for God's blessing on this parish. We thank God for our the way in which This week is ME Awareness Week. ME is a long-term neurological condition people have responded to the current crisis with offers of help and support. Matthias the that can cause many symptoms including debilitating pain and fatigue Please pray for the parish as it learns to adapt to new ways of working and Apostle 250,000 people in the UK suffer from it. We pray for all those with ME. further integrates the use of technology in online worship St Oswald's CofE Academy, Rugby. Headteacher: Hillary Lorimer. We pray for

Fri 15 God's blessing on pupils, teachers, staff and governors in this school Sat 23 Rugby St Andrew. Clergy: Interregnum. Readers: Gwyneth Hickman, Wendy community. Coleman, Sue Goddard. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members We pray for all the NHS staff and care workers who are working tirelessly to and the local community. care for the sick, elderly and vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic. Page 4 Page 5