The Magazine of Church Army
42 shareWinterit! 2015/Spring 2016 Contents Welcome
Welcome Shareit! 42 Winter 2015/Spring 2016
ear friends, The past year has been a very busy one, filled with Dhard work but also many satisfactions. Our mission remains the same: to bring as many men, women and children across the British Isles to a living faith in Jesus. The new year promises to be full of activity, with the number of our Centres of Mission set to double over the next 18 months, particularly within the Celtic regions. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, let’s not forget about all the people in our society suffering from loneliness (page 8). Loneliness can strike at any age, whether 8 12 28 you are rich or poor, male or female, but we can take comfort in the message that we are never truly alone. As it says in John 14:18: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Amen! 4 News 16 The Rose of Westminster 26 Christmas evangelism On page 12, we hope you will be transported by our passionate commitment to All our latest stories A candid chat Making the most of with a pioneer this festive season evangelism, as our evangelists reach out to the most vulnerable members of society by bus, 8 Christmas appeal boat and bicycle. Ian’s journey out 19 Remembering Church 28 Emma’s story You can read an interview with the Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and of loneliness Army in your Will How the Marylebone Church Army Evangelist, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, on page 16. We also hear from Harry, a young A gift for future Project changed her life man helped by our Amber Project in Cardiff (page 24) and from Emma, who chats to us about 10 Be part of our mission generations how one night at our Marylebone Project changed her life (page 28). Meet two of our 30 Faith Pictures Looking back over the past year, I am so grateful for your continued support, prayers and newest members 20 Highlights from the Q&A with the author encouragement. Please continue to partner with us so that, together, we can transform even Annual Report of our latest evangelism 12 Transported by more lives. We wish you a Christ-filled Christmas and a 2016 full of peace, love and joy. The year in numbers resource evangelism Yours in Christ, Outreach by bus, 24 Harry’s story 31 The last word bike and boat From being helped A reflection from to helping at The Peter Graystone Amber Project
The Magazine of Church Army Canon Mark Russell 42 Chief Executive and Community Leader shareWinterit! 2015/Spring 2016 www.churcharmy.org.uk/ceo Is this the first time you’ve read a copy of Shareit!? Would you like to receive your own edition regularly? Patron: HM The Queen Shareit! is the magazine of Church Army To sign up and to find out more about our other resources, Church Army is a mission-focused community of and it is available free upon request. please visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/res Alternatively people who are transforming lives and communities Please let us know if you would prefer not email [email protected], telephone 0300 123 2113 through the work of evangelists, staff and supporters. We are committed to sharing the Christian faith to receive further issues of Shareit! or other or write to Church Army, Wilson Carlile Centre, through words and action in a variety of contexts communications from Church Army. If 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ. across the United Kingdom and Ireland. you have a story for Shareit!, or suggestions The paper used is from sustainable forests and can be recycled. Printed by on how we can improve this magazine, Colourwise who have 14001 accreditation. then please contact Michelle Pellegrino.
Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ Editor: Michelle Pellegrino 0300 123 2113 Front cover: Church Army Evangelist, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, pictured here on the terrace Tel: 0300 123 2113 Email: [email protected] Sub-editor: Bethan Hill www.churcharmy.org.uk Design & Print: CPO 01903 264556 of the Palace of Westminster. Rose is the first woman, as well as the first black Registered Charity Nos: 226226 & SC040457 ISSN 1751-3960 person, ever to serve as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
2 Shareit! Shareit! 3 News CHURCH ARMY EVANGELIST AWARDED BEM NEW CENTRE OF MISSION IN SOUTH WALES
Church Army Evangelist, of their lives to church and A new Church Army Centre of Mission has been ales Maureen Greaves, has been community work. launched in South Wales, in partnership with the awarded the British Empire In July 2013, at the end of Diocese of Llandaff. Medal (BEM) for services to a trial where one man was It opened in September 2015 and is based the community in North convicted of the murder on the Cimla housing estate in Neath. The Sheffield as part of the of Alan and another of Lllandaff Centre of Mission aims to establish new Queen’s Birthday Honours. manslaughter, Maureen said: models of Christian community, train individuals Maureen received intense “It’s through God’s mercy that across the diocese in mission and evangelism,
media attention following I have been able to extend and create links with the local community, P hoto by permission of M edia W the murder of her husband Alan real and true forgiveness.” particularly with schoolchildren and the elderly. (aged 68), on 24 December Following the news that she Church Army Evangelist, Andy Settle, has 2012, as he walked to church for is to receive the BEM, Maureen been appointed as the Lead Pioneer Evangelist the late-night Christmas service. said: “Alan is constantly in my for the centre. Alan was an organist and thoughts and I continue to miss The Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, lay preacher at St Saviour’s the life that we shared. I am said: “I am very grateful to Church Army, who Church, High Green, in amazed and humbled that the come with a proven track-record of mission, Sheffield. The couple married Queen should honour me in this for heading up this centre, working alongside in 1972 and have four children. way and I accept it on behalf the clergy and people in Neath. It forms a They both dedicated much of both Alan and myself.” Maureen Greaves very exciting and promising example of how The Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, and Bishop David Wilbourne have been pivotal in developing the a Ministry Area can open up possibilities and new Centre of Mission enable us to reach out.” Church Army Chief Executive, Mark Russell, News in innovative ways. We want to let people ELLIE GOULDING VISITS MARYLEBONE said: “We have a big vision, to work alongside know they are loved by God and find new ways others in Neath and to communicate the Good of helping people grow in discipleship.” Church Army Chief Executive, Mark Russell, said: “We are extremely grateful to Ellie and Streets of WELCOMING THE BLACK SHEEP London for their generosity. These funds will make a sheep, examines the founding of The Order of lasting difference to the the Black Sheep (TOBS), a church with rock and lives of vulnerable homeless heavy metal music at its roots, in Chesterfield. women, empowering them Author George Lings, Director of Church towards independent living. Army’s Research Unit, examines this Ellie’s visit really means a lot congregation and takes a look at the life of to the women at the project, TOBS founder, Mark Broomhead, and what as it sends a powerful led him to establishing TOBS. message that people do George explains why he chose to visit and care about their plight and write about this particular fresh expression of are willing to hold out a church: “When I visited, this young church A huge thank you to the she spoke to several of the helping hand to them.” impressed me. It shows depth in tackling homeless charity Streets women. She said: “It gave me The funds will go towards the issues, you sense ready acceptance by of London and singer Ellie lots to think about, especially Marylebone Project’s Women its community, and it exhibits freshness of Goulding who have donated when we all shared stories. into Work, a programme Founder of The Order of the Black Sheep, Mark Broomhead approach while respecting historic values. £15,000 to the Marylebone They are doing wonderful designed to train, support and Many people feel like a black sheep from Project, our centre for work here, giving women who guide women on their journey Snapshots – stories from the edge is a free time to time – now there’s even a church homeless women in London. find themselves in difficulty towards employment. Around downloadable booklet published every year for them.” Ellie visited the project the help they need to rebuild 110 women a year benefit that tells the story of a fresh expression of church. To read the full report, visit www.churcharmy. in October 2015, where their lives – truly awesome!” from the programme. The fourth edition, entitled Welcoming the black org.uk/snapshots
4 Shareit! Shareit! 5 News BEST PRACTICE FOR PIONEER CURATES SACRED SPACES REVISITED
By popular demand, Seven Sacred Spaces, written by the Director of Church Army’s Research Unit, George Lings, has been reprinted in colour and revised with up-to- date information. The book attempts to answer the question: “What makes a healthy Christian community?” George has travelled extensively, visiting Taizé and Cîteaux, and has stayed at Northumbria Community and with the Anglican Franciscans The Conference Planning Group in Hilfield, Dorset. George concludes that Conference Planning Group were also consulted. there’s a lot to be learned from monastic The fifth edition of Snapshots – stories from The authors decided to share these up-to- communities. the edge, called Good practice in deploying date experiences and the key points that His experiences – along with his studies of and working with Pioneer Curates, gives some emerged to assist the Church of England in monasteries throughout history – confirmed his guidelines on how best to deploy and map moving towards best practice. Pioneering is thoughts that healthy monastic communities the key relationships of Pioneer Curates and still a fairly new role within the church, with contain seven sacred spaces: cell, chapel, their Training Incumbents. some mismatches in expectations. chapter, cloister, garden, refectory and The booklet was co-written by the Director There are lessons for all parties, the incumbent, scriptorium. In his book, George analyses of Training for Fresh Expressions, Ali Dorey and the parish congregation, the pioneer and what characterises these sacred spaces, the Director of Church Army’s Research Unit, anyone else called to start a fresh expression of believing that this will help fresh expressions George Lings. Both of them were involved in church within their diocese. It covers the entire of church grow in a more balanced way. organising conferences in 2012 and 2014 for process of deployment, from when a pioneer is Seven Sacred Spaces costs £4. A incumbents and their Ordained Pioneer Ministers, first brought in, to eventual departure. downloadable version of the book is also where participants explored which processes Three editions of Snapshots are published available. To order your copy, please visit were proving helpful in the various contexts – each year. To read the full report, visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/sevenspaces and which were not. Other members of the www.churcharmy.org.uk/snapshots
RUNNERS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD RUNNING FOR AMBER 73-year-old Ken Cavanagh – who hit the Our congratulations and thanks go to Darren streets as part of The British 10k London Run, Evans and his BT colleagues who ran in the raising £3,500 for Church Army. Cardiff Half Marathon 2015, raising £835 for The team ran past some of London’s The Amber Project. historic landmarks including Westminster The Amber Project provides support to Abbey, Big Ben and Tower Bridge. young people aged 14-25 in Cardiff and the South African-born David Craig, who works surrounding areas who have experience of in our Sheffield office, said: “It felt fantastic self-harm. to share the day with so many people, both Darren, who works as Project Manager the runners and supporters were cheering for the BT Group in South Wales, said: “I’ve
each other on, creating a truly thrilling visited the project and had the chance to Darren Evans, pictured here with his BT colleagues, atmosphere. I heard shouts of ‘Go Church speak to some of the young people there. I’ve Leighton Evans (L) and Charlie Haydock (R) Army!’ which was incredibly encouraging. seen first-hand how dedicated and committed I’m happy to have played my part the staff are to the well-being of these young Coordinator, Caryl Stock, said. “The funds in raising funds for our life-changing work.” people, so I was keen to contribute in raising raised will go towards running a series of Church Army runner, David Craig, completed the London 10k run in 50 minutes If you would like to organise a race or any funds for this worthy cause.” evening theatre workshops for the young other sporting event in your local area to “We are very grateful to Darren for the people, with the aim of increasing their We are proud of our energetic team of six fundraise for us, please telephone 0300 123 time and effort that he has put in to help emotional resilience, confidence and runners – especially our retired Evangelist, 2113 or email [email protected] us with our work,” The Amber Project self-esteem.”
6 Shareit! Shareit! 7 Stories Fighting Loneliness: Ian’s story
it’s not too heavy or serious, and I thought, “Why not?”. I’ve been going ever since.
Maureen is an inspirational woman, even before the tragedy that happened to Alan (see News in Brief, page 4), and more so since. Everyone in High Green knows her because of her door-knocking, as well as the community projects and events she runs.
Through Maureen, I take part in Friday Feast, Ian with Evangelist, Maureen Greaves a weekly event offering local people a nutritious meal and a chance to socialise relationship with God is also getting better with each other. I’ve made quite a few all the time – I see myself as an apprentice friends through Snapshots and Friday Feast. Christian. I have a long way to go but that is the way it is, it’s a lifelong process.
“I see myself as an apprentice The way I define Jesus is that he’s a presence Christian” that stays with you: you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but you know he’s there, and that Ian, 55, lives in High Green, Sheffield. For the past 25 years, he Loneliness is a bigger problem at certain comforts me. There are times when I feel low, has been wheelchair-bound, as he suffers from Marfan syndrome, times of the year. Christmas can obviously be but with Jesus I know someone’s there on my a lonely time for many people. There is never team, on my side. I don’t think you’re ever a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Ian a day when I don’t think about my parents, really alone if Jesus is with you. lives alone but, thanks to Church Army Evangelist, Maureen Greaves, but it’s worse during the Christmas period. he’s now a lot less isolated. Here he explains what a typical day My Christmases tend to be a bit sombre. Ian was the focus of our Christmas appeal 2015. You can see a film is like for him – and why he can finally look forward to Christmas Thanks to St Saviour’s, the run-up to about Maureen Greaves’ work Christmas has become a happier time for online at www.churcharmy.org. I am an only child. I’ve never been married junkie’, and flick between the various me because there is so much going on. My uk/ChristmasAppeal and have no children of my own, but I was news channels. very close to my parents and grandparents. My parents passed away in 2001 and 2008. “My Christmases tend to be It was then that I asked myself: “What UK, the loneliness capital of Europe a bit sombre” do you actually believe in, Ian?” and I According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics in 2013: became involved with St Saviour’s Church. I’ve been housebound for many years. Because of my genetic disorder, I’ve It was actually Maureen’s husband, Alan, 7.7 Forty-five suffered a stroke, and had to have who got the ball rolling. He knocked on million Lonely people percent of those open-heart surgery. It has also caused my door in the spring of 2010. At that time people in are more at who live alone say me eyesight problems. I had two operations on the horizon, so I the UK live risk of high they feel lonely had to put plans of getting involved with in single- blood pressure, During the day I use my PC a lot. Like the church on the back burner. all the time many people with a disability, I find person dementia and that it’s a window to the world. I also Then Maureen knocked on my door in households depression spend a lot of time in front of the television early 2011. She suggested I might enjoy – I am what you might call a ‘news St Saviour’s Snapshots family service, as 8 Shareit! Shareit! 9 Community Be part of our mission
The mission community is a movement of Christians across the British Isles Charlie Kosla is the Mission and who are passionate about the Good News of Jesus Christ and want to Evangelism Adviser for the Diocese share it with their family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and those in of Chelmsford. He joined the Church Army Mission Community in June 2015 need within their communities. Our objectives are to encourage, resource and enable you to share your faith with others through words and action I live in Harlow, Essex, although I’m originally from east London. I am married We hear from two new members on why they decided to become part of our to Ann, who is a vicar, and we have three mission community family: daughters and two grandsons. I don’t come from a Christian background Robyn Fairey works as a volunteer in and create a warm, welcoming Christian and I didn’t used to attend church. It children’s ministry in Walton-on-Thames, community within the area. came as a big shock in my early twenties Surrey. She joined the Church Army to discover young people that not only Mission Community in March 2015 I’ve been familiar with Church Army and its work for a long time, as I knew several believed in God but enjoyed going to Church Army Evangelists in New Zealand. church! When I was 22, the “spiritual I was particularly struck by Sister Wendy penny” dropped, and I came to a living Charlie Woods in New Plymouth, who just faith in Jesus Christ. strength is in the quality of its people, seemed to shine with the love of God. It was then, that, for the first time in my life, so to become part of the wider I found out about the Church Army I got involved with my local church. I am community means connecting to Mission Community through Sheila and now ordained and work for the Diocese of a vast and supportive network of her husband, Patrick Samuels, who is Chelmsford as the Mission and Evangelism fellowship, experience and expertise. also a Church Army Evangelist. Both Adviser, teaching and encouraging Patrick and Sheila are members of the people in mission, evangelism and fresh One of my roles is to provide ongoing mission community. expressions of church. training and support to parish evangelism enablers within the diocese, and I’ve been Previously, I hadn’t realised that one I was familiar with Church Army and encouraging my colleagues to consider could become part of the mission its work through my commissioned joining the Church Army Mission Community. community without necessarily being a colleagues, so when I heard that Commissioned Evangelist. I attended one Church Army was about to become an Being part of the mission community of their Discovery Days in Sheffield to find Acknowledged Mission Community and means that as an evangelist you are not out more. I was so inspired that, shortly create new pathways for membership, doing things alone, but as part of a family after, I made an application to become a my first thought was: “How do I join?” who understand the challenges of sharing member. My First Promises service was really the gospel in today’s society and help you Robyn with some of the children she works with special, surrounded by my family, including Church Army has a great track record in ensuring that evangelism is given priority my husband, Anne-Klaas, and our son, in mission and evangelism and its within our churches. I’m originally from New Zealand but, for Joshua, as well as friends and colleagues. the past seven years, I’ve been working Are you passionate about evangelism? as a volunteer on the St John’s housing The advantages of being part of the estate alongside Church Army Evangelist, mission community are: a sense of Do you want to be resourced to share your faith with others? Sheila Samuels. belonging, a common purpose – knowing Would you like to meet with other like-minded people? that you are part of something bigger We run groups for toddlers and their than just your own journey – and a shared For more information about the mission community and how to become a member, please visit parents or carers, as well as a Messy vision of bringing people to a living faith www.churcharmy.org.uk/missioncommunity or email [email protected] Church. We work hard to build relationships in Jesus.
10 Shareit! Shareit! 11 Stories Transported by Evangelism Bringing people to Jesus by bus, boat and bike Church Army’s aim has always been to reach outside church walls and to give their children the love they need meal together, play sports outside on warm bring Jesus into the very heart of communities. Over the years, we have because of their own emotional baggage. evenings or play board games and watch found many innovative ways to share the Good News – including by bus, In some cases, one or both parents suffer from Christian pop videos on dark, cold evenings. addictions and violent behaviour patterns. We conclude each get-together by offering boat and bicycle. Michelle Pellegrino speaks to some of our evangelists from a time of personal prayer, and we have across the British Isles about the advantages of these ‘vehicles for evangelism’ “A lot of the young people come been delighted by the response: many from dysfunctional families” young people ask us to pray for them. A road full of twists and turns – Selby Centre of Mission’s bus project “The project currently reaches out to about “There are a lot of deep hurts. We try to 35 young people each week, and has led to help these young people by listening to us setting up a Youth Alpha on the Bus course. their problems and leading them to a We will shortly be launching a self-harm place where they can see God clearly support group for 11-16-year-old girls as well. and can experience his love and power “These young people really need love and at work in their lives. consistency in their lives and we are there “The advantage of having a bus is that for them to talk through things and help it’s very much a visible presence, it grabs them live their lives in the fullness that God people’s attention. We have a drink or a intends for them.”
Pedal power – Scottish Borders Centre of Mission
Paul Smith runs the Grafted Project from our depression or poor self-esteem. Our work is Scottish Borders Centre of Mission in the village also focused on people who live with a wide of Newcastleton. One of the main aims of the spectrum of mental health issues, as well as project is to encourage physical, mental and those struggling with drug and alcohol misuse. spiritual well-being through outdoor activities, “At the heart of this ministry is the opportunity for such as cycling. Paul highlights how cycling building trust and genuine friendship. Cycling can help to heal lives together is a special way to bond, have fun Our Selby Centre of Mission runs a bus project as part of its local community outreach “The countryside around the Scottish Borders and learn from each other’s experiences. These Centre of Mission is remote and consists of excursions create ample opportunity for honest Evangelists, Richard Cooke and Neil Walpole every Wednesday from noon to 9 pm. We moorland, valleys, rivers and streams. The conversations about personal challenges and have been building relationships with the welcome older people, parents and primary- local forest trails provide stunning routes to reflect on issues of faith. Naturally, getting fit Flaxley Road community in Selby for the schoolchildren, but the bus has been most for mountain biking, while the quiet country past nine years. They are investing in young effective in reaching out to local teenagers. lanes offer picturesque routes for road “Together, we face the climbs, descents people by leading assemblies, after-school “Through the bus project, we have gained cycling. During our excursions, we encounter and exposure to the elements…” groups, holiday clubs and their bus project. a much deeper understanding of young local wildlife such as deer, buzzards, Here, they talk to us about their ‘journey’ people’s needs. Many of them are struggling badgers and hares. is another great advantage! Together, we “Setting up our bus project led us along with low self-esteem, anxiety and anger; “Our cycling outreach is a befriending face the climbs, descents and exposure to a tough road, full of twists and turns. It took others are having underage sex and have ministry for those who are vulnerable. There the elements in our objective of reaching our us several years and a lot of hunting for to deal with unwanted pregnancies; some are no prerequisites in terms of gender, age final destination. Every time we go out it’s a suitable premises before we were able to have a history of child abuse or self-harm. or ability – many of the people we reach different experience. Cycling really is one realise our vision, in March 2015. Locals know “A lot of the young people come from out to are not experienced cyclists. Many of the most exhilarating ways to experience they can find the bus in the same location dysfunctional families, where parents struggle of the participants struggle with loneliness, the wonder of God’s creation. 12 Shareit! Shareit! 13 Stories
Transported by Evangelism A boat named Andrew – Chester Centre of Mission’s narrow boat project Bringing people to Jesus by bus, boat and bike (continued) The Chester Centre of Mission is based in struggling with broken relationships and other Ellesmere Port in Cheshire and is run by problems, young people from our bus project, Evangelist, Rob Barker. Together with James as well as people with learning difficulties. Wilkinson and Colin Harris, the team runs a “For many people, going out on a narrow number of outreach activities, including boat is a new and exciting experience. There’s a narrow boat project. Rob tells us more something about being in the water, surrounded “I felt a calling for a boat as a way of bringing by nature, which breaks down barriers and makes people together to enjoy God’s creation and people open up. Our team just wants to give sharing the Gospel with them. I prayed to God them an enjoyable day out, and let them know about it and, shortly after, I received a phone that we are here for them if they want to get things off their chest. We don’t judge them or “It’s a different way of doing preach to them, we simply share our faith and tell church” them how God has changed our lives. We have deep and honest conversations and try to answer call from a man in Bristol, saying he had a narrow their questions – it’s a different way of doing boat for us! The only condition was that he church that surprises a lot of people, who often wanted the boat to be called Andrew, as this have stereotypical ideas of what a Christian is like. was the name of his brother, who’d had Down’s “We also have a 14-foot RIB (rigid inflatable syndrome and had passed away. boat), kayaks and canoes to take members “My team and I have been taking out a variety of the community out in, and we regularly of groups on the narrow boat for over three organise adventure weekends. We just want years now. The groups we take out include everyone we come into contact with to feel members of Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics welcomed, loved and valued – by us and by Anonymous, people from local homeless God. We consider it a huge privilege to serve hostels, ex-offenders, men from the local pubs our local community through these activities.” (L-R) René, Peter and Kenneth, who take part in the cycling project at our Scottish Borders Centre of Mission, with Church Army Evangelist, Paul Smith
“One of the biggest challenges I’m facing “It’s so encouraging to see people grow in at the moment is getting the size of the confidence, trust, faith and friendship and I groups right: too big and there is a danger feel strongly that this is a ministry God has set of weakening the bonds between members; before me. My prayer is that God will continue too small and we run the risk of excluding to direct me to individuals who need to be those most in need. restored and renewed through Jesus Christ.”
Kenneth Peter René has struggled with depression is a Christian who has didn’t know how to ride for many years and remained been living with Parkinson’s a bicycle and Paul has isolated from the community. disease for a number of slowly been teaching him. Cycling has enabled him years. Paul obtained a René has lived with acute to build his self-confidence, trike for Peter, which has mental health issues all fitness and ability to establish given him much greater his life, so this has been a relationships with others. He now attends church, house freedom and confidence real opportunity for him groups and other activities in getting out and about. to challenge himself on a regular basis. Kenneth Recent research claims and learn a new skill. has also been writing poetry that cycling is beneficial for and short stories based on people with Parkinson’s. his cycling excursions. (L-R) Evangelists, James Wilkinson, Rob Barker and Colin Harris, taking some young people with learning difficulties on a narrow boat outing 14 Shareit! Shareit! 15 Stories The Rose of Westminster
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Church Army Evangelist, Rose Hudson- in 1994, which was the very first year Wilkin, has a pioneering spirit: she is that the Church of England allowed both the first woman and the first black female ordination. person to serve as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. Wilson Carlile Since 2007, Rose has also served as I have quite a few things in common with a chaplain to Her Majesty Queen Church Army Founder, Wilson Carlile: I am Elizabeth II, making her one of the a Prebendary at St Paul’s Cathedral and few who are invited to officiate and Rector of St Mary at Hill – just like he was! preach at the 400-year-old Queen’s Wilson was a courageous man who wasn’t Chapel next to St James’s Palace scared to try something new by stepping out of the church to reach out to people Blossoming beginnings and bring Jesus into their midst. I was born and raised in Montego Bay, Rooting out racism and sexism Jamaica. My family was definitely not rich – a pair of shoes had better last me I have faced many obstacles in my life, the entire year! We were poor, we had especially racism and sexism. I’ve nothing, but we were rich in the Lord. encountered a lot of people along my way who couldn’t see past a black face. Every “Her Majesty Queen time this happened, I would think to myself: Elizabeth II is such a lovely, “It’s not my problem, it’s their problem, it’s their own short-sightedness.” I don’t humane person…” see any walls in life that are impregnable. As it says in John 1:12: “Yet to all who did Growing up, I was influenced by the older receive him, to those who believed in generation, especially older women, who his name, he gave the right to become had such a deep spirituality and strong children of God.” Sexism is still very much a faith. I knew about Church Army from problem to overcome, both within society a young age, thanks to their presence at large and within the Church of England in Jamaica. When I was 14, I felt an – look at how the Church allowed women overwhelming sense of being called by to become bishops only recently! My God. At the age of 18, I left Jamaica to prayer is that people stop labelling each enrol in the Church Army Training College, other as different and recognise all that and it was there that I met my husband, we share in common instead. We all have Ken, who was a year above me. Ken now the same hopes and aspirations, each works as a chaplain at HM Prison Holloway one of us is created in the image of God. in London. We have three children, and we have recently become grandparents. HM’s sleep-over party, Windsor Castle I became a Church Army Evangelist at In 2008, I had the wonderful experience of Rose with photos of her predecessors. Rose is the 79th Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the first female Chaplain in its history. the age of 21. I was ordained as a priest being invited by Her Majesty for a sleep-
16 Shareit! Shareit! 17 over at Windsor Castle. There were about both the new and long-standing MPs, 10-12 guests and she managed to find attend receptions or conduct memorial Live Love Leave something connected to each guest in her services. It’s a long day – I typically finish library – for me, she had found a document between 10 or 11 pm – but I enjoy it. I also relating to the establishment of the Church take part in about three or four speaking of Jamaica, and we chatted about that. engagements a month, especially on The fact that she went into so much detail the topic of faith and politics. for each guest was truly amazing. The Queen also showed us around Windsor My role as Speaker’s Chaplain is to Castle; she was the perfect host. give spiritual guidance to everyone here who requires it. Around 5,000 people I am one of the Queen’s chaplains – she – from cleaners and security guards to has several and we take turns preaching the MPs and staff members of both or leading services in her private chapels Houses of Parliament – all of them are and generally being available to Her welcome to knock on my door. I lead Majesty. She is such a lovely, humane daily prayers in the Chamber of the person with a good sense of humour. She House as well as Holy Communion and also has a deep faith, and I suspect it Eucharistic services. was her faith that sustained her through the tough times she’s had to face. “They couldn’t see past It is an honour to speak at St James’s, but a black face…” my preaching is always about how to challenge God’s people. I like to think that My prayer for Parliament is that our MPs We all want to live well, to love and be loved and to leave my preaching is uncompromising because may have the courage to make laws not something for the future. it’s about finding out what God is saying according to what’s popular, but because Mary Rogers’ parents worked in the workhouse institutions and so, from an to us about how we live, how we share our these laws are honourable, just and early age, she felt an affinity with the homeless. Later on in life, Mary raised resources, and how we reflect his light. beneficial to the majority of the population. finance for a hostel, for young girls made homeless through pregnancy, where she befriended and helped many as they gave up their babies for Daily life at Westminster What about the rumours that I’m tipped adoption or moved on to life as single mothers. As a result of the work My typical day begins between 5 am to be among the first cohort of women Mary had dedicated her life to, she felt a strong connection Church Army’s and 6 am. I start my day with a time bishops in the Church of England? homeless projects and chose to leave us a gift of £5,000 in her Will. of quiet reflection as once I’m out, it’s Rumours are clearly just that, rumours! usually back-to-back appointments. Every I will need to see the writing on the wall “Being able to give some of her money to certain causes she felt Tuesday morning at 7:45 am, I lead the and then go where God tells me to go, drawn to reminds us of what a cheerful and loving person she was.” service at my church of St Mary at Hill where my soul will flourish and where I Marion Gerson (daughter of Mary Rogers) before heading off to Westminster. My can do the most good. Ultimately, that’s days are varied, I have meetings with what really interests me. Gifts left in Wills allow us to fund one in four of our projects and each of those gifts, whether big or small, makes a difference to lives of the people we work with. By leaving us Rose has served two terms as a member Committee of the Society for Promoting a small gift in your Will you will be helping to transform lives of the General Synod of the Church Christian Knowledge. In July 2015, Rose and communities into the future, leaving an eternal legacy. of England and has also served as was awarded the Jamaica Cultural To learn more about how you can leave a gift in your Will to one of the Panel of Chairs. Among Alliance Trailblazer Award for her role Church Army, please visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/legacies Rose’s string of achievements, she in promoting Caribbean culture and or alternatively contact Becky Forder by calling 0114 2521 657, has twice represented the Church history. She also participated in the or emailing [email protected] of England at the World Council of closing ceremony of the 2015 Special Churches. She has also served as Chair Olympic World Games at the Los at the Committee for Minority Ethnic Angeles Memorial Coliseum, meeting Church Army is a Registered Charity in England No: 226226 and in Scotland No: SC040457. Church Army is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England & Wales No: 37169. Anglican Concerns and the Worldwide several of the athletes. Registered Office: Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ.
18 Shareit! Shareit! 19 Annual Report Looking back on the year
We’ve just published our Annual Report for 2014/2015. There is much The Marylebone Project is our to praise God for, and we pray that we may continue to impact London-based project for vulnerable, increasingly more lives as individuals come to know God’s love homeless women and is one of the largest for themselves. Thank you so much for your continued support, of its kind in the United Kingdom. Last year we were able to settle 76 women back we couldn’t do what we do without you! into independent living. We were also able to offer 40,515 bed nights to women, with the four emergency beds occupied for 90 percent of the time, which equates to 1,314 Where we are doing evangelism The young people at The Amber Project taking nights of accommodation provided. This part in a theatre workshop year, the day centre had over 6,500 visits and supported 516 new clients. The Amber Project in Cardiff Activities in Scotland supports young people aged 14 to 25 who Six of our evangelists work in Church Army Residential have experienced self-harm. The project Scotland. The Grafted Project, Services is one of the few agencies aims to be a vital safety net for these based in Newcastleton and in Cardiff that provides accommodation high-risk young people by creating an Hawick in the Borders, is the main focus of our Scottish Borders and practical support for young homeless environment that is safe and welcoming Centre of Mission. In partnership people aged 16 to 21. It provided support and providing support tailored to their with the Diocese of Brechin, we to 86 homeless young people over the specific needs. The Amber Project currently also launched a new Centre of past financial year. helps around 30 young people each week. Mission in Dundee. Church Army
Scottish Charity Regulator.
Activities in Wales In addition to the Activities in Ireland Seven of our evangelists are based in Wales, together with evangelists recorded here, Church Army Residential Services for homeless young people one person works within the Twenty-six of our and the Amber Project for young people who self-harm, Diocese in Europe and 161 evangelists are based both based in Cardiff. The Valley of Hope project in the Welsh are retired from stipendiary Valleys worked mainly with homeless ex-prisoners but closed ministry, although many being in the Republic of are still active in their local Ireland. Review of Centres support. churches and communities. of Mission meant that Craigavon came to an end but we are extending our work in the Diocese Activities in England of Connor which will see Throughout England, we have 239 evangelists located across 40 dioceses. a new Centre of Mission Nine Centres of Mission were in operation in Bradford, Chester, Greenwich, launched in September Newcastle, Selby, Sheffield, Southampton, Thanet and Warwick. Centres are 2015, alongside the regularly reviewed in line with needs and our DARE strategy and so during the Lisburn Centre of Mission. year Warwick came to an end. Our work includes working with vulnerable Discussions with dioceses women and those involved in prostitution, and work with homeless people in the Republic of Ireland which includes the Marylebone Project in London, one of the largest homeless are underway to develop hostels for women in the United Kingdom. further Centres of Mission.
20 Shareit! Shareit! 21 Income £6,162,000
Investments £617,000 10% Housing Benefit for our 10% homeless projects £1,307,000 3% Supporting People Grants for our homeless projects £1,102,000 4% Other fees for our homeless projects £80,000 Legacies £766,000 Donations from parishes £700,000 9% 21% Individuals' donations £550,000 Donations from trusts £218,000 Donations to The Marylebone Project £185,000 Other £637,000 11%
18% 13% Annual Report
1% INCOME £6,162,000 EXPENDITURE £7,888,000 n 85% (£6.7m) of our total IncomeFinances £6,162,000 Expenditure £7,888,000 expenditure is spent on our 0.5% charitable activities with the n Church Army’s total income remaining 15% (£1.2m) spent on Investmentsduring the period 1 April 2014£617,000 Centres of Mission £1,683,000 governance costs, investment 10% Housingto Benefit 31 March for our 2015 was £6.2m Fresh expressions 10% £649,000 14% management and fundraising. (2013/2014: £6.8m), a fall of 9% homeless projects £1,307,000 3% Other field evangelism £462,000 21% The increase in the proportion Supporting People Grants Training £519,000 relating to fundraising is a 4% for ourn homelessThe main projects reason for the reduction£1,102,000 Homeless projects £3,417,000 consequence of a concerted effort Other feeswas for within our homeless income projectsfrom legacies £80,000 Generating funds £1,118,000 to increase our donor base but also Legacieswhich fell to £766k from the £766,000 Governance £40,000 for working hard to maintain and Donationshigh from level parishes last year of £1.4m, £700,000a 9% secure the existing donor loyalty 21% Individuals'reduction donations of 46%. The current£550,000 Donationsyear from level trusts is still very encouraging£218,000 n Expenditure on our Centres of 8% Donationsin whatto The is Marylebone becoming aProject highly £185,000 Mission has increased from selective process for donors, Other £637,000 £1.5m to £1.7m and represents with family and domestic needs 25% of total costs, a six-point 11% competing with many potential increase over last year charitable beneficiaries 6% 43% n Total expenditure is in line with the n Our donation income decreased 7% five-year plan to reduce the overall slightly this year by 0.9% (£18k) 18% operating deficit. This strategy was 13% from £1.94m to £1.92m. Individual approved by Church Army’s Board donations were down 9% (£52k) and Senior Leadership in 2012 and but the decline in church 1% is regularly monitored by local donations has slowed, with only management to ensure alignment a 2% (£8k) reduction against the with budget expectations previous year Investments...... £617,000 Centres of Mission ...... £1,683,000
n Gift Aid income achieved £69k Housing Benefit for our Fresh expressions...... £649,000 Expenditureagainst a£7,888,000 figure for the previous homeless projects ...... 0.5% £1,307,000 annualreport Church Army’s report and accounts, for the year ending 31 March 2015, year of £83k. This is in line with the incorporating the Strategic Report Centresreduction of Mission in individual donations.£1,683,000 Supporting People Grants Other field evangelism...... £462,000 Fresh expressionsWe have identified a number£649,000 of for our homeless14% projects ...... £1,102,000 Other fielddonors evangelism for whom we have no£462,000 Gift 21% Training ...... £519,000 TrainingAid declaration and it is now £519,000a Other fees for our particular target area to maximise homeless projects ...... £80,000 Homeless projects £3,417,000 this income stream Homeless projects ...... £3,417,000 Generating funds £1,118,000 Legacies...... £766,000 Governance £40,000 n 41% of the total income derives Donations from parishes ...... £700,000 Generating funds...... £1,118,000 from housing benefit and Supporting People Grants, from Individuals’ donations ...... £550,000 Westminster and Cardiff Councils, 8% Governance ...... £40,000 which fund our homeless projects. Donations from trusts ...... £218,000 This equates to £2.5m and is some £98k less than the previous year, Donations to The following programmed reductions 6% This information represents a summary extracted from the full financial Marylebone Project...... £185,000 statements of Church Army. The full accounts, signed by BDO LLP, are The full version of this year’s Annual by the local authorities 43% available on request from Church Army’s registered office. Copies of these accounts and the trustees’ reports have been filed with The Report is available on our website Other ...... £637,0007% Registrar of Companies. www.churcharmy.org.uk/annualreport
22 Shareit! Shareit! 23 Stories
From being help ed to helping The Amber Project: Harry’s story confident person. I feel better prepared to deal with the problems that life throws at you.
I’m doing other theatre-based work as well. I volunteer at the Sherman Cymru theatre in Cardiff, reaching out to people with learning disabilities through drama. We’re aiming to put on a performance to prove that just because you have disabilities there is no reason why you
can’t achieve your dreams. I have an Harry in action audition with a physical theatre company and if I am successful, I’ll get to perform who are going through the same emotions two shows in London. Physical theatre is a that I did. They listen to me because they form of theatre that emphasises the use know that I’ve been through the same of physical movement, such as dance things myself. Now, I can honestly say to and mime, for expression. Eventually, I’d other young people who are suffering: like to study drama at the Royal Welsh “It really does get better”. College of Music and Drama and become a professional actor. According to YoungMinds, one of UK’s leading charities committed to improving Three years ago, an unhappy teenager named Harry came seeking help “I felt like I belonged straight the emotional well-being and mental from The Amber Project, one of Church Army’s key projects based in Cardiff, away” health of children and young people, which supports young people aged 14-25 who have experience of self-harm. over the last ten years the number of young people being admitted to hospital He talks to us about his emotional journey of healing and self-discovery After attending the workshops for about because of self-harm has increased by a year, I started going to counselling. 68 percent. Since many people who When I was 16, I suffered from anxiety and in my bedroom and I just didn’t have the The Amber Project’s counselling sessions self-harm choose not to go to hospital or self-harm. I was doing my GCSEs and trying skills to communicate with others. The are the best I’ve ever had, they’ve seek medical attention, the real figures to find my own identity; it was a really Amber Project’s Coordinator, Caryl Stock, been really useful. are probably much higher. The Welsh stressful time for me. I hated myself and chatted to me about what was available Government has also highlighted that I wanted to punish myself: I used to cut at the project, such as the workshops. I’ve made a lot of friends at Amber. suicide is one of the highest causes of myself, I would sometimes go for an entire Somehow I’ve found it a lot easier to death among children and young week without eating, I wouldn’t take I started attending the theatre workshops make friends here than in other places. people in Wales. care of my personal hygiene… but initially they didn’t quite work for me. Everyone is so welcoming; I felt like I I preferred the arts and crafts workshops, belonged straight away. It’s nice to know The Amber Project’s theatre workshops “I just didn’t have the skills to as they gave me a chance to talk and get that you are not alone and that you can explore issues related to self-harm to know the others. Funnily enough, The be yourself without worrying about people through drama, a safe and powerful communicate with others” Amber Project made me realise how much judging you. When I first came here I way for young people who find it difficult I love theatre. I am now part of the Amber couldn’t say boo to a goose, but now I to verbalise their thoughts and feelings I’d been to counsellors but it hadn’t Creative Team (ACT) and help out at the can’t shut up! to explore difficult issues such as peer really helped, so our family doctor theatre workshops. They are great for pressure and bullying. recommended The Amber Project. I felt building confidence and learning skills that I wish I could go back in time and talk to really nervous the first time I went there, as help you cope with everyday life. Thanks my 15-year-old self. I can’t do that, but For more information, visit I’d been spending most of the time locked to Amber, I’m a much happier, more what I can do is help other young people www.amberproject.org.uk 24 Shareit! Shareit! 25 Top Tips
What better time than Christmas to share Jesus with members of your Top tips for Christmas evangelism community? Here are some evangelism ideas for the festive season
rapping up Christmas: chool arols by Candlelight nternational friendships: If you belong to a church Why not offer a free outreach: and Christingles: that is close to a university, take the opportunity to Wgift-wrapping service SYou could C Never underestimate Imake contact with international students who may at Christmas time in your local offer schools, the evangelistic potential be spending Christmas alone in their halls of residence shopping centre, providing both primary of Christmas – this may be away from their families. Offer to pair them up with a the opportunity to express and secondary, the only time of year people church family where they can enjoy the experience God’s love and extending an the opportunity are prepared to set foot in of a traditional British Christmas. invitation to your Christmas of hosting their a church. As part of your services. Carols or words of Christmas Christmas services, make blessing could accompany concert in sure the gospel is clearly et crafty: Host a Christmas craft morning in early this idea. your church. presented in an accessible December for those with young children in your way. Also, take the community. Think home-made Christmas tree opportunity to advertise G decorations such as stars and angels, Christmas cards any follow-up courses and, of course, plenty of glitter! During the event, take ince pie give-away: hank you for the music: If you are part of a local beginning in the new year, the opportunity to invite everyone to your Christmas Take to the streets band or music group, ask your conductor or leader and regular church groups services, particularly those aimed at families and children. M with free mince pies T if you can do a programme of carols or Christmas that are available for people during one of the weekends music at shopping centres or schools as part of service to get involved in. before Christmas when to the wider community. Offer to write the programme, people are busy shopping. perhaps including a simple and appropriate prayer Wrap the mince pies inside for the community. individually in cellophane and attach a sticker to them with a Bible verse and a weblink to your church website. This is an easy way to engage your whole church in mission.
hristmas dinner: For Cmany people, Christmas can be an ood hampers: In the run extremely lonely time up to Christmas, organise of year. How about hosting a Christmas Fa team of people in your ive nativity: Join dinner at your church church to collect for and together with other for those who put together food hampers churches in your area are vulnerable L for families in need. This is to organise a live nativity or marginalised? a great way of practically service in your local park. demonstrating the gospel.
For more evangelism top tips, visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/toptips
26 Shareit! Shareit! 27 Stories How the Marylebone Pr oject changed my life
My name is Emma, I’m 26, and staff members were attentive, caring and I live in London. compassionate. People who live on the street get judged so much and walked past all the time, so, to have someone When I was 16, I was going through a treat you like a human being, that’s really difficult time with my family, not really important. I was a young, vulnerable through any fault of their own, but “I was a young, vulnerable female and they were very protective of because of how I perceived certain me and made sure I didn’t have too many female and they were things and the choices that I made. people around, they let me take my time. very protective of me…” Even though this happened ten years ago, I ended up running away from home. things like that really stay with you. I worked my way round staying with different friends until I ran out of options A staff member took me up to my room and I ended up sleeping rough on the and there’s something really special streets of London. I’m very glad that this about being told this is your room, this is experience only lasted for about a week. your safe space – you can get a good
night’s sleep, have a hot shower, no-one “I survived on 20p crackers” is going to disturb you. I remember feeling
overflowing with gratitude. I only stayed I was desperate but resourceful – I survived at Marylebone for one night, after which I on 20p crackers, I would stay on tubes or was referred to a longer-term hostel. 24-hour buses to keep warm. You can’t really sleep when you are homeless, as you I know it can sound really clichéd to always have to have your wits about you. refer to it as “the night that changed my life” but it’s true: that one night was the My mind was just racing and I kept catalyst that led to other opportunities. I thinking: “This is all my fault, I could end up am so grateful to God for organisations like on drugs, I could end up in prostitution…” Church Army, which exist to help people Luckily, none of my fears were realised. I through really difficult situations. think God was really looking after me.
One day, I was standing outside a church, Emma currently works for a community- crying. A woman came out and asked focused church in central London, me what was wrong, so I told her. She which helps the most vulnerable decided to do quite a risky thing and said members of society, including the I could stay at her house overnight, and homeless and the elderly. Describing use her phone to call around and find a her faith, Emma said: “My first identity place to stay. I talked to the Westminster is as a Christian and all the other things Emma in the courtyard of Marylebone’s Bradbury House, where she was given hospitality ten years ago City Council and they told me that Church that make up who I am and what I do Army had an emergency women’s hostel “It’s strange to look back on a time in my life when I was homeless flow out from this. Jesus is at the centre called the Marylebone Project. of my life and I believe we are called to and desperate. I didn’t know who I was or what I was doing in life be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth.” and damaged a lot of relationships through poor life choices... I had never heard of Church Army before and I had no idea what they did, but I I think you can never underestimate the power of one conversation… was really desperate and I jumped at To watch a video of Emma’s story, and how one night can transform your entire life.” the chance. The Marylebone Project’s www.churcharmy.org.uk/emma
28 Shareit! Shareit! 29 The Last Word Resource The wonder of it all with Faith Pictures Author
Faith Pictures is our brand new resource, launched in November 2015. The downloadable evangelism course is rooted in the latest communication theory on the importance of story- telling and use of images, helping people to talk about their faith journey in their own unique way. Church Army Tutor, Mike Starkey, who created the resource, tells us more “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise ... Speak of the glorious splendour of his majesty, and meditate on his wonderful works.” Psalm 145:3-5 Why did you decide to call the resource Faith Pictures? hen I visit Church Army’s home us by surprise don’t come as often Lots of people struggle to find the right words in Sheffield, I usually travel by as we’d like. So, sometimes we when it comes to talking about their faith. train but, for reasons too boring need to create our own moments This downloadable course is based around a to explain, on one particular morning of wonder – and I’ve got three very simple idea. It’s about helping people I was driving. That’s how I came to be suggestions to bring all the glory of to come up with a picture or image that lets in a car park, dumbfounded, as the God into something commonplace. them talk about their unique faith journey sky turned pink, purple and orange. It’s First, light a candle. Stare at in terms of a concrete image. This could be Mike Starkey filming for Faith Pictures in Manchester the most beautiful thing that has ever the flame and amaze yourself by anything – a sunrise, buried treasure, wrestling happened at the Newport Pagnell remembering that there is another match or a pair of glasses, for example. How long will it take me to complete service station. of these some 150 million kilometres the course? What did I do? Just what you would away. It’s vastly bigger and we are Can you give us a taste of what we There are six sessions in total. It is designed can expect with this online course? have done. I stopped, watched and orbiting around it. And there are 100 to be run by groups over a six-week period, realised how glad I was to be alive. billion of them in our galaxy alone. It’s very accessible, there are no pre-packaged with one session a week. I know all about sunrises, of Secondly, look intently at a flower. “correct” answers or formulas and it uses no By Peter course, because Mr Harle dragged Ten years ago there was nothing, not jargon. Group leaders can download the Is the course difficult? Graystone me through GCSE physics. I found it even a seed. Just a smattering of guide and hand-outs, and there is a short The whole course has been designed to be incredibly dull, but I do still remember atoms and a determination to flourish. video for each session. For those who don’t as accessible, user-friendly and as simple the principles of Rayleigh scattering, And now there is this exquisite creation. have internet access, the materials will be as possible. Ease of use doesn’t mean and why more light from the red end Thirdly, eat an apple turnover. available from Church Army. the content is shallow or trivial, though of the spectrum reaches us when Pastry, cream and fruit – what kind – hopefully, it will prompt some deep Who is Faith Pictures aimed at? the sun is on the horizon. But that of genius first put these ingredients conversations. I hope that people will find It’s aimed at anybody who’d like help with morning by the M1, I didn’t care. together? Need I say more? the course’s emphasis on honesty and talking about their faith with friends and God can do it however he likes! In a world of infrequent wonders, openness to be liberating! colleagues. It’s particularly suited for small I’ve waited months to tell you this. take matters into your own hands. church groups and those churches that wouldn’t For more information, please visit Shareit! never seems to arrive quickly Celebrate being on a planet full of normally use words such as evangelism. www.faithpictures.org enough. These times when God takes the glory of a gracious God. 30 Shareit! Shareit! 31 soul[food] Making more of occasional contacts
Weddings Funerals What? Why? Who? When? Specials Baptisms
A great opportunity for your church to help people take a step from attending a service to exploring faith. Explore Christian faith through themed bite-sized thoughts sent via text or email.
Find out more: www.soulfood.me soul[food] is an initiative based at The Church of England - Birmingham