Ely Diocesan Board of Lay Readers

Ely Diocesan Board of Readers e-newsletter

The Ely Reader Number 7 June 2012

First of all it was good to see a good turn for the AGM and Study day, a large increase on the previous year. I would welcome your comments if “Wicken was a winner” as so aptly put by Kate Aylmer. Various reports from the day can be found on Bishop David’s Blog.

Can I remind you that we still need Area Reps for Cambridge North, Cambridge South and Ely/ Wisbech areas? Please contact your Area Sub-warden if you are being called to be on The Board for a period of three years. We welcome Jennie Tombs (Cambridge South) and Roger Cresswell (Huntingdon) to be your new Area Reps.

Finally a reminder that next Sunday 17th June at the Cathedral Evensong at 4pm, we will be

celebrating the licensing of Canon Tim Alban-Jones as our new Warden. We are required to robe

and therefore need to be in the Lady Chapel by 3.30pm. I look forward to seeing another good turnout of ‘Blue Scarves’ representing the Lay Theologians of the Diocese of Ely.

Steve Mashford Chair of the Readers’ Board

Training information Forthcoming Events

September/October 2012 Help with training costs! Bible Study for Preachers Any LLM who wants to attend a training event Looking at Lectionary readings for the Principal can apply for an in-service grant of up to £100 Service on the Sunday following the meetings. More information on page 8 towards costs.

October 2012 If you are interested contact Les Oglesby

[email protected] Exploring the Old Testament

for further information. A series of sessions arranged by Revd Dr Paul Andrews, in St Neots.

More information on page 5

Mental Health Conference November 2012

th Bishop Stephen Conway, Saturday 17 November (9.45 - 1.00 pm) Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health Living Doctrine: Meeting God in Ordinary Life and many other speakers. This session is part of the Doctrine Module for the initial training course. Look on page 4 for more details. See page 6 for further information.

Looking forward

The ministry of Licensed Lay Ministers - like all other ministries of the Church - is constantly evolving. Whether it is in the pulpit, the home group, the community, at work or at home, the Church needs those who respond to the call to bring the message of the Gospel afresh to each generation. Within that vocation to a 'preaching / teaching' ministry there is an important collaboration between lay and ordained ministers.

As I come to the end of my stipendiary ordained ministry (at the end of September) I rejoice that my first vocation was to just such a lay ministry (in the Methodist Church) - September is the fiftieth anniversary of receiving a Note to Preach from my local Circuit Superintendent Minister.

The contribution I have sought to make to the development of LLM in Ely diocese over the last decade has been possible only because it has been part of a team effort. I (and the whole LLM community) owe a considerable debt of thanks to Chris Worsely, for leading and developing the training, and to Stephen Tooke, Elaine Levitt and Steve Mashford, in chairing the Board.

It felt rather early - at the AGM in May - to be saying farewell, with four months to go in post. The Acting Dean and Chapter have generously offered the opportunity for there to be a farewell service at Evensong in the Cathedral on Friday 14th September at 5.30pm for any who would like to join the congregation on that occasion.

Thank you for what we have shared and I pray that God will continue to give all the

'needful gifts of grace' for your ministry to flourish.

Les Oglesby Director of Ministerial and Adult Learning

What did you do for the Jubilee?

Did you enjoy the Jubilee?

Were you outside partying in the street or glued to the TV watching the Pageant and the concert?

Why not send some photographs to the Ely Reader and share your memories of this once in a lifetime occasion?

If you look on page 8 you can see what happened at All Saints’ Hartford when cold and miserable weather affected the Jubilee Hot Dog Lunch!

Elaine Levitt

KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY RETURNS

Move over Olympics! 2012 sees Kairos re-established here - Cause for celebration!

Kairos is a ministry serving the prison community. Halted in England & Wales a few years ago, its return got underway at the end of May. HMP Whitemoor #1 was a four and a half day event at HMP Whitemoor, the category ‘A’ men’s prison at March. We hope it’s the first of many.

Whitemoor #1 was a tiring but fabulous experience and of the 18 men who accepted the prison chaplain’s invitation, 16 completed the programme. A team of 21 volunteers visited the prison daily from roughly 8am till 7pm, to run the event. Initial stilted conversations on Monday evening began to relax on Tuesday and by Wednesday discussions and joking were much freer around our tables. The ‘open mike’ session on Thursday afternoon led to some courageous and heart- warming testimonies as men spoke briefly about what Kairos had meant to them so far. That evening we had a forgiveness ceremony when we could put behind us the weight of any unforgiveness we’d been carrying; people who had hurt us, and/or people whom we had hurt. By Friday we felt like we had made new friends and there were more testimonies at the closing ceremony. Hugs all round as the participants left to return to their cells, while our team leader promised to be back in a few weeks with some team members to begin follow up meetings. The chaplaincy team had already arranged a course starting the following week and most, if not all participants signed up to it. One man said that the chapel felt like home. It’s a really good church, an oasis in a hard place. Please pray for the men who participated and the Whitemoor chaplaincy team, as they continue onward in their Christian journey.

The Greek word kairos means something like ‘the right moment’. Kairos is ‘God’s special time’ when we can share his love with people who aren’t used to being valued. We offer a non- judgemental space where participants are listened to and can ask questions, review their direction, reflect on their beliefs and spirituality, drop their defences a bit, face the pain they’ve felt and/or have caused others, and find hope. A key principle is: LISTEN, LISTEN, LOVE, LOVE. It’s for prisoners of any faith or none and has a proven track record of benefits for prisons as well as individuals, including reduced reoffending rates and less violence in prisons that host Kairos regularly. If you click this link http://www.kairosuk.org then you can see some video testimonies.

Kairos is a ‘three-day’ movement like the Anglican ‘Cursillo’ and the Methodist ‘Walk to Emmaus’. It has a basic framework that is similar to those movements. A discipleship method based on the three elements of spirituality, discovery through study and Christian action; regular faith-sharing gatherings and a ‘weekend’ (or in our case, week long!) event including talks, meditations, singing and ‘family’ table discussions with optional artwork, all under-pinned by prayer. Kairos also has unique characteristics that suit the prison environment. Being ecumenical, it focuses on Christ, friendship with God, and forgiveness - and avoids distinctive denominational practice. It’s brilliant! continued on page 4

The Kairos ministry holds prisoners, their families, prisoners who are released into the community and prisons, in love – hoping to build an environment where they can experience support rather than being ostracized or avoided. For Kairos at Whitemoor, churches scattered across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk are involved already, plus the national Kairos UK Board and people who have experienced Kairos either in Ireland, farther abroad or in England some years ago. Recently, an East Anglian Regional Committee was formed. For Whitemoor #1, we involved as many congregations as possible in prayer and other support. An outside team helped with logistics, prayer, accommodation and hosting the team’s daily breakfast/supper together. The inside team included people from the region and farther afield, including at least four nationalities; varying types of churchmanship; people who had served time in prison or done prison visiting/work and others for whom it was the first time inside. We got on well together.

Could YOU and or your congregation help take Kairos forward?

We would love new volunteers and helpers for Whitemoor #2 and we also hope to go into a women’s prison in this region before too long.

Please contact me on 01353-721752 for more information or just to talk about Kairos.

Helen Randall

Wicken & Soham Benefice

Living Doctrine: Meeting God in Ordinary Life.

Saturday 17th November 9.45 am – 1.00 pm

Leader: Canon Dr Alan Hargrave.

This session is part of the Doctrine Module for the initial training course. Alan will explore themes from his book An Almighty Passion, recently re-launched by SPCK.

Alan writes of the book: “As I grow older I believe more and more in less and less: Less and less in the secondary issues of faith (which are often divisive). More and more in the great doctrines of Trinity, Incarnation, Passion and Resurrection, which not only define our understanding of God but also make sense of my life and the lives of other”.

The session promises to be valuable and challenging for all involved in a ministry of preaching and teaching.

The venue is to be confirmed and more details will appear in later editions of the Ely Reader.

A date for your diary in 2013!!

Saturday 16th March 2013 – a Study Day on the Bible and Preaching

The focus will be on the Acts. The session will be led by the Revd John Proctor, Director of Studies at Westminster College, Cambridge. Further details in the Autumn.

Lent for LLMs

On Tuesday March 13th LLMs were invited to a Pilgrimage in the Cathedral arranged by Jan Payne and John Marshall, starting at 7.30pm and about 20 LLMs met in the West Porch.

Bishop David and Canon Hargrave led the Pilgrimage, beginning at the Labyrinth near the West

Door. We had the Cathedral to ourselves, we were comfortably warm (we had been advised to wrap up warmly) and were led quietly round the Cathedral, stopping at various points for input and having the chance for quiet prayer and lighting of candles.

The Pilgrimage concluded with us joining other members of the public in the beautifully candle-lit Lady Chapel for a Sung Compline led by a visiting choir. The whole evening and the drive home across the Fens was very quiet and an important pointer to us as we moved through Lent.

th On Tuesday 27 March, LLMs were invited to join clergy from the Diocese in a time of reflection and quiet in the Cathedral. This “Early Good Friday” arranged by Dr Bridget Nichols, was intended to be helpful to all who would be giving so much of themselves in Holy Week. After coffee the whole morning was given to readings and reflections by The Revd Dr Stephen Hampton, interspersed with music played by Anil Umer on the ‘cello and hymns accompanied by our new

Warden, Canon Tim Alban Jones. The morning concluded with a buffet lunch served in the Lady

Chapel and the whole event was thought provoking and I’m sure gave everyone focus for the coming week.

LLMs were invited to robe on Maundy Thursday 5th April and some of us took part in the Chrism Eucharist. There was provision for LLMs to renew their commitment to ministry. After the service Bishop Stephen and Bishop David invited clergy and LLMs to be anointed and blessed for their individual ministries.

As the Lent and Easter Seasons become ever busier for LLMs, I would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone who arranged these events and strongly urge my colleagues to take advantage of all that is offered to us. These times of preparation and support helped me to say with joy on Easter Day “Christ is Risen - He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia!”

Daphne Calvert

Bible Study for Preachers

October 2012 Starting in October – a series of sessions exploring the Old Testament. These sessions are being arranged by Revd Dr Paul Andrews and will be held in St Neots. Sessions are open to Licensed Lay Ministers and others and places will be limited so they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you think that you may be interested, please get in touch with Paul directly for more details by phoning him on 01223 843859 or by clicking the link [email protected]

I am hoping that there will be at least one other OT study group in a different venue and will let you know details as soon as possible. Christine Worsley

The Bishop of Ely invites you to a day conference to explore current concerns, and avenues of support, for those who are caring for people suffering from mental ill health.

Mental illness will affect one in four people at some point in their life yet it remains an area where misunderstanding, prejudice and spiritual pain are frequent. Those who are involved in caring for the mentally ill can often feel isolated and frustrated, suffering anguish themselves in their turn. This is an issue which affects the whole community, and all age groups. In this day of discussion and reflection we hope to share some of the problems, celebrate recovery, and to look at means of Christian healing and support.

This event is open to carers, clergy and lay people, mental health professionals and any other interested groups subject to space. In order to achieve a balance of representation there will be a quota for each category. Sponsored places are available for full time carers but applications for all places must be made in advance.

Refreshments and a buffet lunch provided.

Admission by ticket only*.

Speakers include

• Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ely: • Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health: ‘Spiritual Pain and Powerlessness’ ‘The Human Face of Government Policy’

• Juliet Snell, Director, Centre 33 Cambridge: • Annabel Shilson-Thomas, ‘Young Carers’ Chaplain, Michaelhouse,Cambridge ‘The Church Community as Support’

• Christina Rowland Jones, former Chair Friends of Fulbourn Hospital and David Jordan, Chair Cambridge Rethink Carers Group: ‘Caring for the carers –older carers and the Bereavement Project’

• Chris MacKenna, Director, Marylebone Centre for Healing and Counselling: ‘Healing and Mental Health’

The Conference Chair Alan Hargrave, Canon Missioner, Ely Cathedral; Chair, Ely Diocesan Board for Church in Society

*There is an application form on the next page of this newsletter.

Bible Study for Preachers Thursday 6th September and Thursday 4th October 2012

These sessions will focus on the Lectionary Readings for the Principal Service on the Sunday following the meeting. The session on 6th September will have a particular focus on the Old Testament reading for Trinity 14 – Isaiah 35:4-7a, although each of the readings will be discussed. There will also be an opportunity to explore questions and issues related to using the OT in preaching generally.

The session will be led by Revd Dr Anthony Moore, Chaplain at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. Venue is to be decided.

The session on 4th October will have a particular focus on the New Testament readings for the 18th Sunday after Trinity – Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 and Mark10:2-16. Discussion of the OT reading will be explored and there will also be an opportunity to discuss any questions that you have about using the NT in preaching generally. This session will be led by Revd James Blandford –Baker and will be held in Histon.

If you would like to share in either or both of these sessions, please contact Chris Worsley (by clicking on this link, [email protected] or by telephone on 01353 652733) as soon as you can. There are 6 available places for each session.

Weather problems? Remote Control When the weather wasn’t nice, we just She speaks to me brought the party indoors!!

My lovely new companion

In her dashing red dress,

Flamenco by name

Passionate by nature.

When I summon her

She responds in an instant

Flashing her bright eyes at me.

I can always see her

Amongst a crowd of others.

She’ll never leave me

When she’s on her own.

She’ll always be there for me,

My adorable new Peugot 206.

Beryl Johnson

Valuing Age – A Study Day in May – A report and follow up

th A number of Licensed Lay Ministers attended the 19 May study day led by Revd Canon Dr James Woodward. During the day James challenged us to value the gifts and wisdom of the elderly within the church. He believes that the Church is often fixed in a ‘caring for’ mode in relation to the elderly instead of seeing them as disciples who, with us, are called to share in mission and ministry.

For me, one of the most memorable and important things he said was: “We can re-write the narratives of old age as stories of harvesting and not primarily of decline”.

This is not to deny that life includes decline, but to acknowledge that within that process we all have gifts to give and receive at each of the different stages of our lives.

Presentations of good practice of work with the elderly also formed an important part of the day. Teams from Bar Hill, Ramsey and Impington described imaginative and creative work within their communities. Sue Evans a Parish Nurse in Burwell talked of her work in community amongst the elderly by presenting (with permission) a specific case study of a person with whom she had worked.

th . Whether you were able to attend on 19 or not, you may be interested in pursuing some of the ideas from the day further via a recent document produced jointly by the Archbishops’ Council and the Methodist Church. The report is entitled: Going on Growing – Older People Today: Society and Church and is available on the Church of England website by typing; www.church of England.org/media/1374769/goingongrowing.pdf into your browser. The website link is broken.

. There are lots of good resources on working with older people available from the Leveson Centre for the Study of Ageing, Spirituality and Social Policy click: http://leveson.org.uk/

th . Some of those who attended on 19 said that they would be interested in meeting together from time to time to share ideas and good practice. If you are interested in sharing in such a group, please let me know by clicking on [email protected]

Christine Worsley

Would you? Could you? They did!!

Thanks to Helen Randall, Daphne Calvert and Beryl Johnson for their contributions to this edition of the Ely Reader. Could you do something for the next edition?

You might

 review or recommend a book

 pass on a tip about ministry

 review or recommend a resource

 write an article for the e-letter

 send an intriguing photograph

Please send any contributions to Elaine – ideally by email – everything is welcome!!

mailto:[email protected]