INSIDE: June 2020 Page 3 Archdeacon of Lindisfarne to become next Dean of Derby Page 4 Introducing the new Rector of Hexham Pages 6&7 Our schools during Covid-19 Page 9 Fundraising ideas Page 9 Wellbeing: Dealing with change The Bishop of Berwick, the Right Revd Mark Tanner to become 41st Bishop of Chester he Right Reverend Mark Tan- events, where members of the public ner has been named by will be invited to watch and partici- Downing Street as the next pate via Facebook and Zoom. Bishop of Chester, succeeding The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right theT Right Reverend Dr Peter Foster Reverend Christine Hardman said: “‘It who retired last September. has been a real joy to work with Mark Bishop Mark has been Bishop of as a key member of the team here. I Berwick since 2016 and is expected to give thanks for his time amongst us, take up his post in the autumn, practi- for his friendship and counsel, his calities permitting. kindness and great sense of fun, and “It will be hard to say goodbye to the most particularly, for his focus on North East,” he says. ”But those whom we are called Lindsay and I are excit- to serve as Christ’s ed to return to Chester You can watch a church today. He has where I was ordained video of Bishop Mark been instrumental in and both of our chil- talking to Bishop helping us establish our dren were born.” Christine about his Resource Church and Mark says: “I am so new appointment on imagine new possibili- grateful to be part of the YouTube at https:// ties in terms of ministry life of the Diocese of bit.ly/BishopMark and mission, and has Right Revd Mark Tanner Newcastle. This is such served us well as Bish- a special part of the op of Berwick. I know world and it will always the Diocese of Chester leadership and experience as a theo- for today. I know his deep prayerful- College in Durham and a non-resi- be part of us. God is not will be blessed through logical educator have prepared him ness in the Spirit and thank God for his dentiary Canon of Durham Cathedral, finished with us yet and his ministry there. In well to be the Chief Shepherd of the joyful faith. The whole diocese has a post he occupied until his move to I look forward to cele- these challenging Diocese of Chester. Bishop Mark and been praying, and we thank God for the Diocese of Newcastle to become brating what He leads times, where it is not his family will continue to be in my answered prayer!” Suffragan Bishop of Berwick in 2016. you all into in the possible for endings prayers.” Mark was ordained deacon in 1998, Mark has been a member of the months and years to and beginnings to be The Bishop of Birkenhead, the Right having served as the Youth Worker at General Synod since 2015, with a come. It is an honour to what we would want Reverend Keith Sinclair said: “It is a Holy Trinity in Coventry and then break when he became a bishop. He is be appointed to the Dio- them to be, Bishop Mark, great joy to be able to welcome Mark trained for ordained ministry at Cran- a member of the Church of England’s cese of Chester at such a key time in Lindsay, and their family are in my and Lindsay back to the Diocese of mer Hall in Durham. He served a cura- Ministry Council and has led the the life of our communities, nation prayers as they prepare for this next Chester. To be ordained deacon and cy at St Mary’s Upton on the Wirral renewal of the Church’s processes for and Church. In Christ, God offers a gift season in their lives.’ priest here and then be called back as before moving to Doncaster as Vicar of discerning call to ministry. He is a of hope beyond our imagining and we The Archbishop of York, the Most bishop is a special gift of God. Mark St Mary’s. In 2007, he was appointed contributing author to a number of get to share it in practical service and Reverend and Right Honourable John brings fresh eyes and energy to a dio- Vicar of Holy Trinity, Ripon, and there publications, writes occasionally for profound worship. God is here for all.” Sentamu said: “I am glad that Her cese in which he is no stranger. He he also served as Area Dean and an the Church Times and is the author of Bishop Mark and his wife, Lindsay, Majesty the Queen has approved sees God working in our life here and Army Chaplain. In 2011 he was ‘The Introvert Charismatic’ and ‘A will be introduced to the Diocese of Bishop Mark Tanner to be the next is ready for the challenges we face in appointed as Warden of Cranmer Hall, PCC Member’s Essential Guide’, Chester via a series of live-streamed Bishop of Chester. His formation, living and speaking the gospel of Jesus and later, Vice Principal of St John’s among other titles. 2 generous engaged open A personal VE Day reflection The Vacancy in See by Canon Alan Hughes MBE TD, Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Northumberland

I was sad to mark the 75th Committee elections anniversary of VE Day on May 8th isolated at home, in front of a map of the world instead of involved in a public gathering supporting the High Sheriff.

Hostilities did not fully cease until some months later on August 15th, VJ Day, when the war ended in The Far East and my wife’s father and his comrades could return home to family.

The months following were full Elections are taking place for the Vacancy in See Committee, which is a of optimism, after a harrowing committee that only meets if the See of the Bishop of Newcastle is period in which so many “knew vacant. The Vacancy in See committee is an important, permanent their duty and did it’ soldiers, fixture of the Diocese, as it needs to be available if a vacancy for the sailors, airmen, all the support services at home and abroad position of Bishop of Newcastle is announced. Nominations are open we shared in the two minutes until noon on Thursday 4th June. Licensed clergy and laity who are on a including doctors, nurses, first aiders hospital and stretcher bearers. silence at 11am, listened to The unit made up of civilian NHS staff, parish electoral roll and take communion are welcome to stand as Queen’s broadcast on BBC at 9pm, so naturally I also gave thanks for candidates for election. Those elected will serve until 31st December Though physically, emotionally and sang ‘We’ll Meet Again’ on our the NHS in all of its facets then and 2021. and financially exhausted, optimism doorsteps. Susan and I once sang today. I prayerfully thanked them led to confidence and opportunities this with Vera Lynn and The Queen and all who have been positive to reset society. Folk now knowing Mother at an event in London to through these times, for being It may seem an oddity of the Church of England to have a committee honour Victoria Cross holders. that might never meet, but at least the time commitment is minimal – what was really important in life, life a generation which also knows itself, not only for them but also for its duty to others and does it, even when the committee does sit, it tends to only hold two to three others. On 8th May we gave thanks for regardless of the cost. meetings! When it meets the committee plays a pivotal role in the the lives and sacrifices of those first stage of selecting the next bishop, discussing the needs of the On May the 8th, those with who ensured that we could live in May we too pray for a reset of Diocese and producing a statement of what the Diocese of Newcastle memories of grandparents or a free world and raise a family with society after this present crisis is freedom of thought. I first served requires from our next bishop. This statement of needs is then given, parents involvement in World War over. 2, whether as servicemen and as a regular soldier almost 60 years alongside any other information about the Diocese required, to the ago, then later as a Territorial Army A message from the High Sheriff: Crowns Nomination Committee (CNC). Members of the Vacancy in See women or in essential occupations at home had their own thoughts, as chaplain, at one point to a field Page 12 committee elect, by ballot, from their members people to sit on the CNC to give a perspective from members of the diocese. It is the role of the CNC to shortlist candidates and interview them, before referring their choice to Downing Street and the Crown. The CNC is also made up of the Archbishops and other elected members from General Synod. Gospel Readings June

Nominations for candidates are open until noon on Thursday 4th Monday 1st June Tuesday Matt 5: 43- end June. The current vacancies and eligibility are: Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth Wednesday Matt 6: 1-6, (transferred from 31st May) Luke 1: 39-49 16-18 As the Committee discusses the needs to the diocese in the process Tuesday Mark 12: 13-17 Thursday Matt 6: 7-15 of appointing the next bishop, we want to encourage people to stand Wednesday Mark 12: 18-27 Friday Matt 6: 19-23 who represent different aspects of our ministry and mission. If you are Thursday Mark 12: 28-34 Saturday Matt 6: 24- end interested in representing the diocese in this way and fulfil the criteria Friday Mark 12: 35-37 above then get in touch with us. For nomination forms and more Saturday Mark 12: 38-end 2nd Sunday after Trinity Matt 10: 24-39 information please contact [email protected] Monday Matt 7: 1-5 Trinity Sunday Matt 28: 16-20 Tuesday Matt 7: 6, 12-14 Monday Matt 5: 1-12 Wednesday Birth of John Tuesday Matt 5: 13-16 the Baptist June Wednesday Matt 5: 17-19 Luke 1: 57-66, 80 Bishops’ Diaries Thursday Corpus Christi Thursday Matt 7: 21- end Diary commitments are as yet not confirmed for June. Bishop John 6: 51-58 Friday Matt 8: 1-4 Friday Barnabas the Saturday Matt 8: 5-17 Christine will be on House of Lords duty (probably remotely), Apostle between 22-26 June John 15: 12-17 3rd Sunday after Trinity Matt 10: 40- end Saturday Matt 5: 33-37 Monday Peter and Paul, Apostles 1st Sunday after Trinity Matt 9:35-10:8 Matt 16: 13-19 CONTACT US Monday Matt 5: 38-42 Tuesday Matt 8: 23-27

The Link, Church House, St John’s Terrace, Comings & Goings North Shields. NE29 6HS. Tel: (0191) 270 4100. Appointments Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, is going to be Dean of Email: [email protected] Derby Cathedral, commencement date tbc. Facebook: m.me/ncldiocese The Revd Audrey McCartan currently Priest in Twitter: @ncldiocese Charge (HfD), St Andrew, Heddon-on-the-Wall, is Instagram: @NclDiocese going to be Priest in Charge (HfD), St Helen, Retirements Longhorsley, commencement date tbc. The Revd Canon Stephen Edward Herbert, Link is produced ten times a year by the Diocese of Newcastle, with joint currently Vicar, Byker St Martin and Byker St issues for August/September and December/January. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Diocese or the editor. The Revd Catherine Ruth Pickford, currently Priest Anthony, and coordinator, Mission Initiative The editor is pleased to consider articles or letters of not more than 350 in Charge, Stannington, and Officer for Continuing Newcastle East (MINE), will retire on 24 July 2020. words for publication. Where possible, articles should be accompanied by Ministerial Development, Diocese of Newcastle, is a good-quality digital photograph of 250dpi or higher. Please contact the The Revd Ian David McKarill, currently Vicar, editor before submitting obituaries. going to be Archdeacon of Northolt, Diocese of London, commencing on 7 September. Lesbury with Alnmouth and Longhoughton For advertising rates and deadlines see www.newcastle.anglican.org/link. (including Boulmer) with Howick, will retire on 31 Copy date for July 2020 issue: Monday 13 July 2020 The Ven Dr Peter John Alan Robinson, currently August 2020. growing church bringing hope 3 The Archdeacon of

Lindisfarne to become I write to you from lockdown.

I write to you, quite possibly for the last time.

I write to you with my attention focussed very next Dean of Derby much on you, but also with the call of another world echoing in my soul, and I confess I find myself torn between the love and fellowship we he Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, the share here in Christ, and the hopefulness and Venerable Peter Robinson is to leave “Peter has served as Archdeacon of Lindis- invitation of what lies ahead. his role after nearly 25 years in the farne with outstanding dedication, and his Diocese of Newcastle to become the contribution to the senior leadership team So the Apostle Paul wrote as he addressed the nextT Dean of Derby. and to the life of the Diocese of Newcastle has Churches around the Mediterranean in the 1st been very significant, and deeply appreciated. Century... although, you will recognise that they Peter has been Archdeacon since 2008 and Peter will be greatly missed, and he and Sarah are also words that I am writing to you now. worked in the oil industry before being leave us with our love and prayers as they ordained in 1995. The Lindisfarne archdea- move to Derby.” It has been a big month for us as we take conry was extended when Peter became arch- The Right Reverend Libby Lane, the Bishop deacon to include the seven deaneries of of Derby, said: “I am delighted to welcome shelter in our homes for protection against the Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Glendale, Peter as Dean of Derby. He is a man of inspir- coronavirus, and various clergy moves have Norham, Corbridge, Hexham and Belling- ing faith, with a remarkable breadth of minis- been announced, not least Catherine Pickford ham. terial and professional experience. Peter is moving to be Archdeacon of Northolt in London, someone with a combination of deep love for Archdeacon Peter moving to be Dean of Derby, Currently, Peter is chair of the Newcastle people and place, and the capacity to think and my own appointment as the 41st Bishop Board of Education, which oversees all and act with strategic clarity. of Chester. For each of us there comes the Church of England schools in the diocese, is excitement of a renewed call, along with a deep the lead for community engagement in North- “I look forward to working with him in the sadness at the prospect of moving further away umberland, and is responsible for the rural city and across the diocese. We are very bless- from this part of our Christian family… delivery of the diocesan vision, growing ed that God has called him to serve among us. church bringing hope. He has been an Honor- I ask you to join me in praying for Peter and ary Canon at Newcastle Cathedral since 2007. Sarah as they prepare to move, and for our- ...and yet we are not alone, and it does seem selves as we seek God’s Kingdom together.” that God is in the habit of working through times On the announcement of his appointment of challenge and change. in Derby, Peter said: “It will be hard to say Peter trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall farewell to the North East which has been our in Durham and served his curacy in North St Paul wrote most of his letters from prison family home for 30 years now, but I have a Shields. Following his curacy, he became (the comfort of my desk chair, even after hours strong sense of call to Derby Cathedral and priest in charge at St. Martin’s, Byker - where of ‘Zoom’ meetings would have been luxury to Derby Diocese. he was highly successful in bringing together The Venerable Peter Robinson him). He wrote not knowing when he might face a challenging inner-city community, design- conviction or even execution. Mostly, though, “I am grateful to the Bishops under whom I ing a new church building and attracting a have served for the opportunities to work in Following news of his appointment, the visit from the Home Secretary to showcase the he wrote with His eyes fixed on that which lies some wonderfully rich and fruitful places - Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend community’s achievement. He has also been ahead for all of us who are called to life and hope suburban North Shields, inner-city Byker and Christine Hardman said: “The Church’s dis- director of the Urban Ministry and Theology in Christ Jesus. rural Northumberland. I have had the privi- cernment that God is calling Peter Robinson project in Newcastle before his current role. lege of helping to pioneer new forms of church to be Dean of Derby will evoke mixed feelings There is so much for which I want to thank and theological education and also to lead on for all of us. Delight for Peter, and this exciting Peter will take up his new position in the you. So much I celebrate and treasure about the rural strand of the diocesan strategy. We new chapter in his ministry, and also a sense summer once the coronavirus restrictions the life of the Diocese of Newcastle. The most will miss our many friends and colleagues as of loss as we say goodbye to someone who has allow him to do so. precious thing, though, is the life that we share we depart for this exciting role in Derby. I served in this diocese for nearly twenty-five in Christ, and the sharing of that life with others hope we can keep in touch!” years. in hope and joy. Some of you reading this will be thriving in these strange times. For others life will be really tough. In every season though – be that in Northolt, Derby, Chester, or here in the by Revd Rachel Scheffer wonderful North East – God is faithful and calls Chalkboard Prayers and Teatime Church us onward and upward in faith hope and love. With churches being closed we wanted So remain in that love. Rely on that love. Grow a simple way to offer prayers that didn't in that love. Give it away in generous abandon involve people feeling they needed to and see how Christ fills you up and calls you join the Zoom church service or indeed forward. So will the Lord bless you and bless know what to pray for themselves at any others through you... and we will inhabit the joy given moment. The idea was simply to which he calls us in every season of life. that as people were out for their walks they could spot the board and be With much love and ongoing prayers thankful for whatever was mentioned on the board or be prompted to think +Mark about what they could be thankful for at that moment. It is proving very popular and some families are even making sure their daily walks go past the board to Monthly E-bulletin... see what is being prayed for today. Have you signed up to our monthly Diocesan I’ve also got together over Zoom for a Teatime Church conversation e-Bulletin? Delivered with Beth Rookwood, Bishop's Adviser straight to your inbox for Pioneer Ministry and Kathryn on the last Friday of Brown, a parent and team member each month. from Tea Time Church, Morpeth. You can watch this informal discussion You can sign-up at: on @newcastledioceseyoungpeople www.bit.ly/ebulletin-resub Facebook page or on YouTube https:// bit.ly/teatimechuch or via our Facebook page @ncldiocese 4 generous engaged open Introducing the new Rector of Hexham

he Reverend David Glover has and to serve the Abbey and the people of been formally instituted into his this wonderful community and I pray role as the new Rector of Hex- that together we can bring hope and ham by the Bishop of Newcastle. comfort in these difficult times and fash- T ion a future which is joyful and life-giving The institution service led by the Right and full of God’s love.” Reverend Christine Hardman would normally have taken place inside Hex- The Bishop of Newcastle, the Reverend ham Abbey, but instead was carried out Christine Hardman said: “David’s over the video conferencing platform appointment is good news for Hexham Zoom. Abbey and its role within the community of Hexham, and it is good news for the David has been Rector at Holy Trinity Diocese of Newcastle. Endings and in Washington and from Thursday suc- beginnings are so difficult in the circum- ceeds Canon Dagmar Winter who left the stances in which we are currently living, Abbey last year to become Bishop of and I am very mindful of how strange it Huntingdon. will feel for so many people to gather online rather than being together at Hex- Reflecting on this week’s institution, ham Abbey to celebrate David’s institu- David said: “When I was appointed Rec- tion as Rector of Hexham. tor a few short months ago, I couldn’t have imagined that my Institution would “I am very much looking forward to be via Zoom with the congregation working with him, and he and his wife spread over so many living rooms in Hex- Emma are in my prayers as they settle ham and Washington and elsewhere, into their new home and David begins and all linked by the magic of the inter- this exciting chapter of his ministry.” net. So much has changed in these last few weeks and our communities have Hexham Abbey is one of Northumber- faced enormous challenges and a great land’s most culturally and religiously sig- deal of pain. nificant sites attracting 120,000 visitors and pilgrims each year. Established near- “But amidst the change, I still feel the ly 1,400 years ago, it is one of the earliest deep calling of God to be here in Hexham sites of Christianity in England.

I must confess that for the past few It’s built into the online Parish Returns between worlds. We invite you to meet weeks, addressing climate change and system, but you can have a look at the fellow Christians, online or by telephone. heading for net zero haven’t been at the pdf version here https://tinyurl.com/ We will hear from contemporary writers top of my agenda. y9e44ada. reflecting on the Coronavirus pandemic. We will hear from ancient monastics But fortunately other people have If you’re feeling more ambitious, who also made the prophetic choice to been more diligent – not least Catherine Climate Stewards have just launched be ‘alone together’: like them, we will Ross and Jo Chamberlain, the Church a more comprehensive 360°Carbon let this time of social distancing change of England’s Open and Sustainable Footprint Calculator for churches – have us, for the sake of the world. And we will Churches Officer and National a play with it here https://360carbon. find our own voice, so that others may Environment Officer – so there are lots org. hear about the worlds that are possible, of new resources for us to explore and if we allow God’s reign to break in.” use. Practical action is great – but it’s good to underpin it with some deeper Finally – as summer approaches and First, Catherine has produced a really reflection, to build a clearer vision of we begin to look towards the possibility helpful document, ‘The practical path the kind of world we want to live in. If of gathering for worship again, outdoor to net zero carbon for churches’. Just you are hungry for something like this, worship is an attractive option – a good two pages long, it’s essential reading Green Christian’s new Radical Presence way to connect our environmental and a great place to start https:// (https://radicalpresence.org.uk) concern with our spiritual lives, and tinyurl.com/y77bqvzs. It’s worth may be just what you’re looking for. to raise awareness of God’s good reading this alongside the Energy Described as “a platform for Christians creation (without the need to disinfect Efficiency Guidelines https://tinyurl. to develop mission and advocacy church buildings!) – while maintaining com/yasyy8pn and the new Heating for a world at the ‘tipping point’” it is appropriate social distancing and Guidance https://tinyurl.com/ a new course of seven online group observing all the guidelines, of course. yck4rnse. conversations on the pandemic and its Catherine and Jo are compiling a list of aftermath, which aims to equip church useful resources for outdoor worship to The Church of England has also now groups to harness the national mood for put on the Church of England’s national launched its church Energy Footprinting social change. The writers say: website, so if you know of any good Tool. This simple tool is a good way to resources, do let me know by emailing get a basic idea of your church’s energy “Radical Presence is a short [email protected] footprint, based on your energy bills, programme of conversations, in which – I’ll pass them on, and share them here type of fuel and church attendance. we’ll listen for God’s word in this time next month. Cross of roots in the outdoor woodland chapel at Snods Edge growing church bringing hope 5 Obituary: Cyril Winskell MBE, FRIBA, FRSA, Written by August 1932 - 28th April 2020, died aged 87 Geoffrey Purves

View from the Lantern

With The Very Revd Geoff Miller, Dean of Newcastle

The thing about Covid-19 world is that it all too easily gets very depressing. I don’t know about you but I never really knew what ‘cabin fever’ felt like but I think I am learning fast – and it’s not that much fun! But enough about my very small, and minor hardships. More important after a deep concern for all those who are suffering and heroically caring – is the way all this affects the Cathedral and its project. We were, after all, right on the cusp of a different, sparkling future and the work was brought to a rude halt and we all went into lockdown.

Fortunately, not everything had to shut or stop: Asbestos continued to be removed and as of this week it’s all gone; drains and demolitions in the hall basement and east end could still be sorted (you wouldn’t recognise the old ladies’ loos, actually you couldn’t even find them now as they are gone!) and after the announcement by the Prime Minister, work can now gain a bit of pace, hopefully!

The problem with ‘cabin fever’ is that it sucks everything into a black cloud. As an antidote I amused myself for a wee while pondering what good things (if any?) may have emerged from what is a fairly dire situation. Of course, in the wider context of society we have all delighted in stories of self-sacrifice, courage, Cyril Winskell, pictured with some of his work on display at an arts expo in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice at St George’s church hall healing and dogged determination. There have been so many remarkable acts of kindness, communities have come out to clap in yril Winskell was born in North the report about the townscape of the Can- oping cityscape ideas in conjunction with gratitude and pride, people have talked across Shields in August 1932, over a pub ning Street Conservation Area in Liverpool for Newcastle City Council – many of which have where his father was the publican. English Heritage following the Toxteth riots in been fulfilled with big improvements to the fences, and smiles abound from previously Cyril was baptised in Christ Church, 1982. This cemented his reputation as a Con- city as a consequence. He was influential in ‘private’ neighbours. NorthC Shields and was later married there to servation Architect. the success of Grainger Town 1997-2003 and Patricia, and they had five children; Cy, Scott, wrote the Grainger Town Shopfront Design And even in the closed Cathedral there Patricia and twins Dave and Mark. He was a member of the Urban Design Guide. Also, a Committee Member of Europa are new things for which to be grateful: Our Panel of the Grainger Town City Centre Part- Nostra he and his wife Patricia would regular- streamed services are reaching ever widening He was educated and practised as an archi- nership until it ended in 2003 and he contin- ly attend their conferences in European cities audiences. Over 30 people join us for Morning tect on Tyneside throughout his working life, ued to retain the role of Inspecting Architect of culture and heritage to debate conservation Prayer each day and our Reflections and with an interlude of National Service at Christ- for a number of churches in that area. As an and environmental issues and enjoy the fel- Sunday offerings are reaching hundreds and mas Island. Later in his career he became the Accredited Conservation architect, he lec- lowship of like-minded professionals. in some cases over a thousand. My colleagues Quinquennial Inspection Architect for Christ tured on what part the past and present use of (like me) have upskilled ourselves in ways we Church, and his career developed into an historic buildings plays in their conservation, In addition, he found time to devote much would have thought impossible a few weeks interest and concern for the conservation of as illustrated by his work at the Tyneside Cin- energy, and a massive contribution as Vice- ago. Now I am Zoom expert, I can film and buildings. ema and Jesmond Towers in Newcastle. For Chairman, to the Newcastle Diocesan Advi- record podcasts and short videos and publish the Tyneside Cinema, he was commissioned sory Committee (DAC). His wide experience them on social media. Never again will I be Cyril told a story about being encouraged to prepare the conservation plan which serviced the Committee well and he would trekking to London for an hour’s meeting by his father to take a job in a bank on Grey included matching modern paint colours to always have a sketch book in his pocket on the when it can be done from my study with a cup Street. The bank manager at the interview old – which led to a decade of regeneration Annual DAC Tours. Bishop Martin recalls “his of coffee on hand. worked out that he wasn’t interested in bank- work. devotion to St James, Benwell, and the people ing and asked what he really wanted to do; there. Despite the terrible condition of the But perhaps the greatest gift of lockdown is when he said ‘be an architect’ the manager From an early age he produced a stream of church and the fact there was no money to do told him to follow his dream. He did so, study- sketches, capturing the place he was visiting, very much in that deprived part of the City, … that never again will I take my little bubble for ing architecture at Newcastle University. including painting abstracts in the style of Ben and that Cyril was able to make a little go a granted: the shop assistants and the cleaners, Nicholson. Fascinated by the culture and tra- very long way – almost single-handedly he the refuse collectors and the metro staff, the I met Cyril when I joined the Napper Part- ditions of the North East, he would refer to Lee managed to restore the grave of one of my pre- Cathedral team. I’m learning gratitude and yes, nership for my first job after university and he Hall’s popular play ‘The Pitman Painters’ in decessors, Bishop Lloyd, in the churchyard at I would have preferred a different teaching became a mentor – someone to ask advice on which Ben Nicholson features as the young St James, Benwell”. method but what the heck! an issue or awkward matter, and he was a man who baffles most of the hobby painters good friend and professional colleague for with his ‘circles and squares’. Cyril was also persuaded by Bishop Martin, over 50 years. Always self-effacing but shrewd, when he was Chairman of the Governing he was generous with his time and involved He also acknowledged the influence of his Body of St Chad’s College, Durham, to work himself with many organisations, charitable art teacher, Harry Stephenson, at South on some ambitious building projects which bodies and professional activities. Awarded Shields Boys’ Grammar School. ‘He had a big made a lasting contribution to the life of the the MBE in 1983, he was a Fellow of the RIBA influence on me because he taught art, history College. Bishop Martin goes on to say: “… and and Royal Society of Arts. and also touched on architecture.’ See here in the Church Hall at St George’s, Jesmond https://bit.ly/CWinskell for a special record of (where he was such a faithful member) after In a long career he was involved in major his art and architecture, which was assembled refreshments following a confirmation service restoration projects in Newcastle and Liver- for an exhibition of his work in aid of St Cyril was to be found in the kitchen, tea towel pool. Working for several local practices Oswald’s Hospice, at St George’s church hall in hand, doing the washing up. The last per- including Nappers, Couves, Barnett Winskell, in 2016, which celebrated his 50-year career. son to leave. No task too great or small for him Greenall Winskell Kish, he launched his own …” A fitting epitaph for Cyril. practice, Cyril Winskell, in 1971 before finally Professionally, his extra curriculum activi- transferring his business interests and current ties covered a range of appointments and Acknowledgements: - project portfolio in 2014 to Xsite Architecture. activities: Chairman of RIBA North (1980-82), Tim Bailey, xsite architecture LLP Very Rev Geoff Miller, Dean of Newcastle, at His ideas were behind the restoration of the St President of Northern Architecture Associa- David Whetstone, Newcastle Journal Newcastle Cathedral Thomas’ area in Newcastle and he also wrote tion (1990-93), leading a working group devel- Rt Revd. Martin Wharton 6 generous engaged open growing church bringing hope 7 While the country is in lockdown, Church of England schools have remained open for those who have needed to attend. A snapshot of two schools during We caught up with the headteachers of two of our schools; Humshaugh CE First School, a small rural school in Northumberland and Cragside CE Primary School in Cramlington, the coronavirus pandemic to get a snapshot of school life during the pandemic.

Cragside Church of England Primary School, a personal account by Paul Rusby, Headteacher and National Leader of Education Humshaugh Church of England First School Paul Rusby at the gates of Cragside CE Primary School

n 20th March 2020 we met Good Friday, the whole of the Easter own jobs, families and now the extra umshaugh CE First Pupils in school are set the same for my small team.” together as a staff on the holiday, groups of children have burden of being a teacher at home. School, in the North Tyne work as those undertaking home eve of lockdown. The date is come into school. Day after day “It’s tough,” one of the parents said to Valley near Hexham, is a schooling, so after an initial chat The Head keeps in touch with par- Diocesan Director praises hard still etched deep in my taught and supported by the most me on the phone. “I remember hating small rural school teach- about their weekends, the children ents with weekly updates emphasis- mind.O At the end of the staff meeting wonderful group of staff you can fractions at school-I still hate them ingH children up to Year 4, predomi- settle down to work through their ing the importance of open commu- work and commitment of staff we prayed. I remember using the old imagine. now when I’m teaching them”. We nantly from Humshaugh and the tasks. The school day is time-tabled nication saying “I feel it's really Celtic blessing which ends…’until we laugh! Then there are the other phone neighbouring villages and hamlets of to help maintain a basic routine but important to be proactive in keeping Diocesan Director of Education, Paul Rickeard meet again, may God hold you in the From the playground you can see calls about family illness, bereave- Wall, Chollerford, Colwell and Lin- in the glorious sunny weather they in touch with our parents, to offer shows his appreciation of the work of staff in hollow of his hand.’ The words seemed Cramlington Hospital. The parents of ments and struggles-tears are some- coln Hill. During lockdown it has have been enjoying extended breaks support and guidance, remind them all Durham and Newcastle dioceses’ Church poignant, the words seemed apt as we many of the children who come into times shared. It’s what you do when been operating with a small team of outside in the school yard, building that we are all still a school commu- of England schools, saying: were about to step into the unknown. school each day work directly with you are in a family. staff to keep the school open for dens and whizzing round the yard on nity and to encourage them to come “I’m proud of all of our headteachers School, as we know it, suddenly patients struggling with the effects of those children who absolutely need scooters. to me with any queries or concerns.” and staff who are working hard to meet changing for many children, from Covid-19. We clap for them each A rota of teachers and support staff to attend. the challenges presented by this difficult classroom desks to tables at home. Thursday. I had a lump in my throat come in every day. On the days they While pupils are busy, staff carry Jude is a ‘teaching head’, so as well situation. I thank them for their when one of them said they clap for are not in school they are planning At this time pupil numbers in out tasks preparing home learning as her administrative duties, she’s commitment to keeping schools open for At Cragside CE Primary School in us. As a school we open to ensure that learning activities, checking on the school are very low and some days packs for the next summer half term, been providing learning support to the children of key workers, and for their Cramlington we have almost 380 chil- these incredible medics can do their wellbeing of children and families there are as few as three pupils working on the assumption at this her Year 3 and 4 home school pupils dedication in supporting those children at dren and nearly 50 staff. Logistically amazing jobs. We open because we, and replying to emails. Many of them attending, so the main hall has been stage that school will not have through email and telephone calls, this was a huge step. Emotionally our children, staff and parents are all balancing this with the teaching of adapted into a classroom to keep resumed, and also carrying out their and she plans to give her leavers the home. even greater…as we waved the chil- part of one big family-the Cragside their own children at home and sup- everyone together but has plenty of usual planning for September. send-off they deserve: “I am working with my team to understand dren off on 20th March, tears were family. Each day, as I walk around our porting their own families and neigh- space for pupils and staff to spread how we can manage the safe return of a shed as we all wondered when we school, I can hear the ambulance bours. I count myself blessed to work Wilkinson who died just before East- On it, amidst the swirl of blue paint out and keep to social distancing. Teachers working from home “Looking ahead, the school is very greater volume of children to our schools over would be together again. sirens making their way to Cramling- within such an amazing team. er. We all miss him hugely-he was a was a single word…‘breathe’. On days remain connected to the school and conscious of the important mile- the coming weeks and months.” Paul Rickeard ton hospital. On the tough days, it is a friend to all in our school. Children when it feels that everything is com- We recently caught up with Head- collaborate on which resources to stones that Year 4 pupils will be miss- Weeks have gone by since that day. salient reminder about why we are At the front of our school we built a and staff paint pebbles and leave ing at me at once, I hold it and listen teacher Jude Long and she said: “It use across the three school classes ing if school doesn't resume before School has never closed. School has open. I say a quiet prayer and contin- peace pole and created an area filled them in the peace garden when they to my breath. Stilled in the presence still feels very strange to be in such a for home-schooling for the next half they are due to move to middle Service or show, even if that means with their own families. Jude reflects: been open every single one of those ue with the day. with white gravel. The peace pole are walking by. Many have rainbows of our loving lord, I pray that the God changed school without the sound of term. Small staff meetings still take school and we are making plans to coming together on Saturday morn- “While these are difficult times for us weeks. Children whose parents are contains the words, ‘peace be with painted on them; others have words who is holding our school family in children throughout, but the three place and give the opportunity for still celebrate these pupils and their ings to rehearse.” all in many ways, I am grateful for the critical workers, and some for other For the majority of children, learn- you.’ It is a blessing for all who leave such as hope or love written on them. the hollow of his hand might have a who are in today are full of giggles staff to catch-up and support one time at the school, with plans to extra time together as a family and reasons, coming into school each day. ing takes place at home with an army our school. It also reminds us of our little space in his hand for me. I and chatter, which is lovely to hear.” another. Jude says “It is nice to see bring them all back together in the The school day ends at 3pm and the reminder to appreciate the many Half terms, bank holidays, VE Day, of parents who are balancing their ex-chair of Governors, Revd Steve One of our staff painted one for me. breathe and carry on. some other adults and I am thankful autumn term to put on a Leaver's the pupils and staff head home to be blessings that we have”. 8 generous engaged open Virtual Church Choir of volunteer singers Thy Kingdom Come revamp due to Covid-19

hy Kingdom Come (TKC), ings, reflections and care actions; for launched on 21st May, under- families, the Digital Family Prayer went a revamp this year due to Adventure Map, created with Missional Covid-19. Generation, to aid children and young T people explore prayer in a fun way. TKC was tailored to enable churches, families and individuals to pray and wor- The campaign also relaunched its ship in their homes, through a suite of award-winning app, to enable anyone adapted resources, in line with social dis- with a smartphone to access the content tancing guidelines. and journey through the 11 days of prayer. The app has been translated into In our Diocese St Thomas’ Newcastle eight languages and last year was down- hosted daily reflections on their website loaded in almost 100 countries world- with the Bishops of Newcastle and Dur- wide. ham dioceses, as well as their Roman Catholic counterparts and regional lead- The Archbishop of York, John Senta- ers from the Methodist, Baptist and Free mu, who started the movement with Churches. www.stthomas.church/ Archbishop Justin, said: thykingdomcome “As we pray ‘Thy Kingdom Come’– for On Pentecost Sunday (31st May) St the fifth year as a nationwide and now Thomas’ will host a regional TKC Beacon worldwide season of prayer for people to service that will be available on YouTube come to a living faith in Jesus Christ, and Facebook @stthomasncl. All the again I am bringing my ‘five’ to God – the denominational leaders will be involved, five for whom I am praying that they will including Bishop Christine and Bishop know the abundant life that is in Jesus Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham who will Christ. It has been a joy each year to see be preaching. friends encountering Jesus Christ and beginning a new life. Now in its fifth year, TKC began as a call to prayer for evangelisation within “This year because of the Anglican Communion in the period COVID-19 so many people from Ascension to Pentecost, but now are searching for meaning draws thousands of Christians and hope, as well as dis- together, across different denomi- covering afresh the nations and traditions, to pray for importance of real, their friends, family and neigh- self-sacrificial love. bours to come to know the love of May the Holy Spirit Jesus. equip us all to share that love, and to speak of For the first time this year, Chris- Jesus Christ, and of the tians were not only encouraged to love of God our Father. pray for others to know the love Come, Holy Spirit!” of Christ, but to also practically demonstrate their love and https://www. Over the last few weeks, while and by anyone else who would download and use them as long care through action dur- thykingdomcome. Newcastle Cathedral’s whole find them useful. The “Virtual as they have the appropriate ing the 11 days, an initia- global/ music team has been Church Choir” recordings can copyright licenses. tive called ‘Prayer and furloughed, and unable to be found at https://tinyurl.com/ Care.’ rehearse or sing for services, VirtualChurchChoir The Cathedral’s Sunday Clare MacLaren, Canon for morning worship is online In addition to this, Music and Liturgy, has brought New tracks will be added at https://tinyurl.com/ the campaign also together a ‘Virtual Church Choir’ to this folder as they are NclCathedral and is now also developed several of volunteer singers from recorded each week - usually available to listen to, for those new ‘Thy Kingdom churches across the region. on a Saturday morning. Some who do not have internet Come despite Lock- will also come as a set of access, for the cost of a local down’ resources to Recording their voices PowerPoint slides that can be phone call. The number to ring equip people to remotely, at home, they are used if you ‘share screen’ in a is 0191 814 4142 and each worship at home, being mixed together to Zoom service. week’s service will be uploaded including an provide three or four hymns by 12 noon every Sunday. Upper Room – vir- tual prayer room each week for use in the Anyone, of any Please pass this number on to for churches; a The Archbishop of York, Cathedral’s online worship - denomination, is welcome to anyone who might value it? Prayer Journal Dr John Sentamu with Bible read- growing church bringing hope 9 Virtual fundraising by Revd Rachel events during Hudson, Counselling and social lockdown Wellbeing Advisor By Andrew Tinkler, Generous Giving Adviser CH...CH...CHANGES key part of the remit for the Gener- ous Giving Team is to encourage For many people the idea of change is very people to be generous with their threatening and a source of fear, even when time and to enable financial gener- there may also be some excitement involved osityA to flow from a sense of discipleship and too. Both positive and negative changes can mission. Fundraising encapsulates both ele- be sources of stress. Our diocese is seeing ments of this; it has people working together many changes right now, with the departure to help support their church, or a charitable cause that is close to their heart. of a number of senior staff off to new and, hopefully, exciting things. Whether as a During social lockdown most of the tradi- Bishop or Archdeacon being called to a new tional church-based methods of fundraising, diocese, or as an individual Christian, we such as social events, collections, or themed may become aware of God’s call to us to campaigns, have not been possible to organ- make changes in our lives, our motivations ise in the same ways. The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly made many aspects of church- and our obedience. This is no easy task, and life far more challenging, and it may have sometimes God may have to call persistently been easy to surrender to circumstances and and loudly! write-off our fundraising efforts during social lockdown. However, it is encouraging when Our society too faces so many potential we learn that people and churches are adapt- changes as we move through this time. ing to enable their mission and charitable efforts to continue to happen. One way of Our desire for things to go ‘back to normal’ allowing our fundraising to continue is to may well expose our fear of change and switch to virtual events or to promote a cam- loss. What has been precious to us in the paign using social media. Efforts such as past may need to be appreciated, mourned these are taking place in different guises and allowed to let go, as we seek the new across the diocese. thing that God, through Isaiah 43:18-19 ( and frequently Bishop Christine too in her Near the end of the month churches in the Bamburgh and Glendale deanery will be reminder of Isaiah’s words) is calling us to. working collaboratively to organise their first If we are honest, our desire is based usually virtual church fundraising event. Though on our false concept of control. When life realistic in their expectations that it may raise changes, we are moved out of being able a relatively modest amount, it is also about to control things, and we may find this the process of people working together in threatening. This surely is where our faith in new ways to support their churches. Area Dean Louise Taylor-Kenyon commented the good purposes of the character of God that: “Many of our churches have seen a drop must impact our thinking – the one who in fundraising income so we really wanted to is described as unchanging in his loving organise something that gave our parishion- faithfulness to us, still calls us to embrace ers the chance to address this in a new change and watch for the new things. All way. One of our churchwardens (Brenda life forms require change for growth. The Frier), came up with the idea of a virtual cof- fee morning for the deanery which will be resilience shown by so many in recent days something new for us and hopefully it should now needs to be earthed in embracing be fun as well!” change, whether we actually like it or not. Christian maturity embraces change – Likewise, another aspect of being generous valuing and appreciating what God has as Christians is to consider supporting chari- done, and the gifts that tradition has offered table causes, alongside supporting our us, but seeing that each day and each year churches. It has recently been Christian Aid Week. Many churches across the diocese brings a newness for us to choose. May we have traditionally supported this work, and grow in openness to change and seek God’s many have adapted how they run their cam- leading. paigns and raise donations.

Robert Lawrance, Area Dean for Newcastle have not been able to celebrate or fundraise event soon – even if we can’t do it in person, East, told us “As we’re not doing a house-to- for Christian Aid Week in the normal ways we can do it together”. house collection for Christian Aid, I logged this year, but at St Nicholas, Gosforth, we on to their website and followed the links to were determined to do all we could to sup- Although it still feels like we are living in an set up a Facebook Charity Fund Raiser and port the vital work of Christian Aid. Our solu- altered world it is encouraging to see people filled in some script and set a target - £1500, tion may seem quite novel, but in these showing resilience and creativity. Indeed, it is which is the amount we usually raise, and strange days is becoming more common- great to see churches bouncing back and ena- then advertised it. Within a week we had place. Last Saturday morning we held a par- bling people to get involved. If you would like raised £1429, so we altered the target to £2000 ish brunch for Christian Aid, but we all stayed to learn more about virtual fundraising please and when it closed a week later we had raised at home and joined each other on Zoom or by get in touch with the Generous Giving Team. £2029.” telephone. There were conversations, cook- We also have several pieces of information on ery tips, and quizzes, and it was a very wel- our website about virtual fundraising and Area Dean for Central Newcastle, Jane Nat- come opportunity for us all to chat and raise sustaining donations during COVID-19. trass, also told us about the work of Revd funds; we gave out details of how to donate https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/ Michael Douglass who commented that: “We directly. Please consider having your own Generosity/Covid-19/volunteering/ Crossword: page 15 10 generous engaged open

Laura Peace

A new Diocesan Tim Gittins legal team very diocese in the Church of legal team for some time, Simon as Depu- 1990, and practiced there for twenty-five England is served by a legal team, ty Chancellor, and Laura as Deputy Regis- years in Crime and Regulatory Law, In- comprising of Chancellor and trar, and we are very grateful that they are quests and Professional Disciplinary Deputy Chancellor, and Dioce- able to take this experience into their new hearings. He was appointed as a part- sanE Registrar and Deputy Registrar, and roles. We welcome Tim as he joins the time Crown Court Judge (a Recorder) in Newcastle Diocese has been very fortu- team. 2008, before appointment as a Circuit nate to have had an excellent legal team Judge based at Newcastle Crown Court in for many years. Following some recent 2015. Tim has served as a member of a and significant changes, it is clear that Simon Wood, PCC, and as Vice Chair of Governors at St this will continue to be the case into the Diocesan Bartholomew’s Church and Primary future. School, Longbenton for the last 18 years. Chancellor He has also served for eighteen years as On the 23rd April, after seven years of Simon started practice on the North Deputy Chancellor for Durham Diocese. service, Euan Duff retired as Chancellor Eastern Circuit from Chambers in New- Tim holds particular oversight of the for the Diocese of Newcastle, and on the castle in 1982. He was appointed as a Deaneries of Bellingham and Newcastle 24th March, Jane Lowdon stepped down part-time Crown Court Judge in 2000, East. from her role as Diocesan Registrar after and as a Circuit Judge specialising in care twenty-five years’ service to be Deputy work in 2008. In 2011 he was appointed as Registrar through the hand over to the Deputy High Court Judge (Queen’s Bench new Registrar until Jane’s retirement in Division), and in 2013 appointed as Dep- Laura Peace, the summer this year. Euan and Jane have uty High Court Judge (Family Division). Diocesan both made an outstanding contribution Simon was appointed Deputy Chancellor to our Diocese. We are very grateful for the for the Diocese of Newcastle in 2013. Registrar ways in which they have done this, not Serving as a trustee for a number of char- Laura is a Partner in the real estate team only for their professional services, but ities, Simon has also served as Governor at Sintons law firm in Newcastle, and is also for the wisdom and grace with which of Royal Grammar School. Committed to head of their faith-based institutions they have guided us through issues which the church for many years, Simon has team. Before her recent appointment as at times have been very challenging and served in a variety of capacities at New- Diocesan Registrar, she was appointed complex. castle Cathedral, and as a Lay Canon of Deputy Registrar for Newcastle Diocese Durham Cathedral. in 2016, and is also Diocesan Registrar for In consultation with the Dean of the Carlisle Diocese. Her team’s faith-based Arches and the Lord Chancellor, Bishop work also includes work with other Chris- Christine appointed His Honour Judge tian denominations and other faiths. She Simon Wood to succeed Euan as Chancel- Tim Gittins, is a member of the Ecclesiastical Law So- lor for the Diocese of Newcastle, and Diocesan Deputy ciety and the Ecclesiastical Law Associa- Simon has appointed His Honour Judge tion. Timothy Gittins to be his Deputy. To suc- Chancellor ceed Jane, Bishop Christine has appoint- Born and brought up in the region, ■■ For church legal enquiries, clergy ed Laura Peace as our Registrar. Simon where he lives with his family, Tim joined can contact Laura at laura.peace@sin- Simon Wood and Laura have been part of the Diocesan Trinity Chambers on the Quayside in tons.co.uk growing church bringing hope 11

Confirmation of Election of Setting God’s Bishop Stephen Cottrell as People Free the 98th Archbishop of York by Carol Wolstenholm

what it’s like to not be part of the Christian - Thursday, 9 July, 2020 community. What inspired me to follow ishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell Jesus is that vision of a new humanity that I will be confirmed as the 98th see in him. Following in the footsteps of my Archbishop of York at 11am on many predecessors, I look forward to serv- Thursday 9 July 2020, in a service ing our nation and bringing the love and broadcastB entirely via video conference peace of Christ to our world, especially here due to the coronavirus restrictions. As Pre- in the north.” siding Judge, the Archbishop of Canter- bury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, has The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin granted permission for the virtual service Welby said: “Like so many across the to take place. Church of England and Anglican Commun- ion, I am looking forward to welcoming The service, which had been due to take Bishop Stephen to his new ministry with An exciting initiative launched by the national place in York Minster, will be in two parts: a joy, thanksgiving and hope. He radiates the Church and adopted by Newcastle Diocese to love of Jesus Christ wherever he goes, and legal ceremony with readings, prayers and help lay people live out their faith confidently music; and a film marking the start of Bish- along with my fellow bishops, I look for- ward to serving alongside him. These are in everyday life – at work, school, home, and op Stephen’s ministry as Archbishop of with friends and family as well as Sundays and York. difficult times for everyone, and frightening and painful times for many. But we believe to encourage and support the whole people The service will include music from York as strongly as ever that Jesus is the light that of God (lay and clergy) to work together as Minster Choir and Manor Church of Eng- shines in the darkness. I pray that this new equal partners in the mission of the church. land Academy School (York). Young people beginning for Bishop Stephen as he from across the North of England, will read becomes Archbishop of York is also a Time on your hands? a letter written by the medieval religious moment that refreshes our hope, deepens If the coronavirus lockdown has meant the scholar Alcuin of York. Bishop Stephen will our faith and sends us out with new energy luxury of having a little more time than usual to love and serve others in Christ’s name.” offer his first address as Archbishop of York. at your disposal, you might like to consider Prayers will be offered for the Archbishop, one or two options that encourage our the Diocese of York and the Northern Prov- Commenting on behalf of the Bishops of the Northern Province, the Bishop of New- development. ince of the Church of England as well as for Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell the wider world in these difficult times. castle, Christine Hardman said: “The Bish- ops of the Province of York welcome Bishop Everyday Faith we’re all having to re-imagine how we live Commenting on the service, Bishop Ste- Stephen to his new ministry and look for- A Church of England discipleship campaign our lives and how we inhabit the world. phen Cottrell said: “I am looking forward to ward to working with him in serving com- offering 21 days of reflections, prayers and These are difficult times. My hope is that beginning my ministry as the 98th Arch- munities across the north and in building stories to help you find and follow God in through this service the love of God that is bishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imag- confidence in the good news of Jesus everyday life. given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, per- ined it would begin. It is certainly the first Christ.” haps even to those who while never attend- Access at https://www.churchofengland. time an Archbishop’s election will have ing a service in York Minster, might have a org/about/renewal-reform/setting-gods- been confirmed via video conference. But The service will be available on the look online. I can still just about remember Church of England website. people-free/everyday-faith A new Diocesan Directory of Resources Faith in Children – A conversation with Children's Ministry adviser and author Ronni Lamont Thursday 28th May 2020, 11:00-12:00 Conversation reserve your place today by emailing enquiries@ resourcescentreonline.co.uk. Places are limited. Participants will Would you like to join renowned receive details on how to join the Zoom chat once their place Children's Ministry adviser and has been confirmed. author Revd Ronni Lamont in a Zoom conversation about her How to make a Hunger Cloth with RRC Director new book, 'Faith in Children' on Karenza Passmore Thursday 28th May 2020 Wednesday 10th June, 13:00-14:00 11:00-12:00? Join Karenza Passmore, Director of the Religious Resources For ministers and educators, Ronni Lamont's writings have Centre, to explore what a Hunger cloth is and how it might be long been a welcome source of practical and theological used and learn how to create a Hunger Cloth (on any theme) inspiration. Faith in Children builds on her previous work, with groups (of almost any age and size!). This will be an extensive experience and new empirical research to offer a informal Zoom session from Karenza's house with plenty of window into how children think and grow in faith. With rare time to ask questions and interact. insights into a range of teaching methods, learning styles and the unique spirituality of children, Faith in Children illustrates Participants will also need: Plain white paper, pens, colours, how adults can learn from children as they learn from us. and anything else you would like to work with, e.g. fabric, playdough, card. There is now a Newcastle Diocese Directory Ronni will be answering questions including: of Resources available that you might like ■■ How should we value children's spirituality? To join, reserve your place by emailing enquiries@ to try, available on line at https://www. ■■ What's the point of play? resourcescentreonline.co.uk. Places are limited. Participants will newcastle.anglican.org/SGPF/Directory/ ■■ Kids in Church - what's the deal? receive details on how to join the Zoom chat once their place If you have any comments or questions has been confirmed. about SGPF please email us at sgpf@ To join Ronni, Karenza Passmore, (RRC Director) and others in newcastle.anglican.org 12 generous engaged open growing church bringing hope TOWARDS A SAFER CHURCH With Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Ruth Rogan www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding

North East and North to stop us losing any life to suicide and complements the wider public health Cumbria Suicide approach. Prevention Network launch new website The Suicide Prevention Network is especially focused on people in Coping with the current pandemic isn’t our communities who are more at easy, for most it is a challenge, but for risk and already struggling, and for some the impact has been much greater. whom the current situation poses a is a key objective of the Network and is help and advice about suicide and Deterioration in mental health continues potential increased risk. People who are especially important during this current mental wellbeing, guidance for those to be a concern as this crisis continues. vulnerable and finding social isolation crisis. who have sadly been bereaved by even more difficult may be feeling suicide, and signposting to a library of The need to focus on the general there is less support available, so we As part of the varied approach to this, professional resources for those working mental health and wellbeing, is are all working together to make sure the Suicide Prevention Network are in suicide prevention. already recognised as a public health people are aware of and can easily launching a new website, covering the priority. The aim of the North East and access the support they need to stay whole North East and North Cumbria Information on the Suicide Prevention North Cumbria Suicide Prevention mentally safe and well. Making good area. The website will provide a new Network can be found at the new Network is to do everything possible information easily accessible to people community resource for people seeking website: www.stopsuicidenenc.org

Pioneer Ministry: Doing things differently by Revd Joanna JL Dobson

Joanna’s Rainbow Church at home

St Brendan’s Day (May 16th) is an where they sit in the pews. their reflection, bringing to their averaged 100 a week. Even more appropriate time to be writing for But what about the non-church minds the possibility of God being exciting, people are ‘liking’ the the Pioneer column. He was known attenders? Those with whom, interested in them, of God being service or messaging me showing as Brendan the Navigator who or for whom, I pioneer, regularly with them in these difficult days, their appreciation and saying how journeyed reputedly in a little meeting at the pop-up café, or the of faith being the scaffolding, the helpful and reassuring it is at this coracle (boat) landing on small community garden project, or the support system to help them live, of time. These are people of all ages islands off Ireland and Scotland parents and staff I see at school and Jesus being the person they can trust who previously have said to me ‘I sharing the Christian faith there. He in the shops? For me this has been and follow in the context of their don’t ‘do’ God’, or who never come allowed the winds and waves (the the biggest challenge. To go ‘beyond lives, right where they are now. to church, but are now engaging Holy Spirit?) to guide him. He prayed, the familiar and into the unknown’. I at some level. Online services are ‘Lord I will trust You, help me journey have had to leave ‘old’ ways behind So to attempt to meet some of helping people anonymously access beyond the familiar and into the and break fresh ground with God these needs I reluctantly began to faith in the comfort of their homes, unknown. Give me the faith to leave and here is the nub of it. This Covid- offer an online YouTube service on a bypassing the fear of walking into old ways and break fresh ground 19 experience has compelled me Sunday morning. ‘Church at Home’ a church not knowing what or who with You’. How even more to break fresh ground with God. has begun. It’s not what I normally they will find there, nor when they appropriate that I write as a priest To come to Him and admit I feel offer on Sunday but there are hymns, should stand up or sit down. They and pioneer minister working in stripped of my role without the usual prayers, a bible reading and video don’t need to arrange child care, or lockdown when our church activities. What I most need now is clips that help expand the theme alter their weekend habits, but turn buildings are closed to the public. If to come to God in prayer, and ask and a short talk spread throughout up and view when they can during there was ever a time for the church I cannot call-in on them, have him to show me how I can still help the 35 or so minutes. I am pleased the week. to be pioneering, to be breaking small study groups in houses, nor people see or find Him in their lives, the congregations are watching fresh ground and leaving behind the take services? So, like many of my in their very difficult lives right now. and appreciating it. I send the script I am trusting the Holy Spirit to familiar and venturing into the colleagues up and down the UK of the service to those who don’t work in their lives, as the winds and unknown it is now. I returned to pen and paper, sent Pioneering isn’t about getting use computers so they still can be waves buffet them, as we continue cards, prayers, short sermons, service people to come to church, to nourished hopefully. each week, and as we look to the I was trained to lead services in booklets and other information engage there with what we as future of our churches, that we can church, and now I cannot. I initially through the post. I ring those I Christians find helpful, (but now I am surprised however at the further engage with them. Might found this disorientating and even cannot email or meet for zoom also cannot access), but rather it is number of other people who are they be the new worshipping debilitating. How could I meet the coffee after church. I have specifically about building relationships and watching. About 45-50 people community I was licensed to needs of my congregations during prayed for them (I’m sad to confess) trust, helping people who wouldn’t in total usually attend services, establish in Widdrington Station the coronavirus pandemic when more than ever before, visualising think of coming to church, guiding but in the last month we have when I arrived in August 2016? growing church bringing hope 13 A message from Tom Fairfax, High Sheriff of Northumberland, 2020-2021

Tom Fairfax, High Sheriff of Northumberland, playing bagpipes on VE Day

It’s a great honour to be appointed High fashioned concept, but it lies at the The extraordinary circumstances current lockdown. People getting on Like most of you, instead of Sheriff of Northumberland - particularly heart of so much of the incredible work of recent months mean that my year with life not, perhaps, as usual - but supporting public events, my chaplain at this moment. that is going on at present to combat in office is likely to be very different stepping forward and getting on with and I had to mark VE 75 Day in isolation. Covid-19. to a High Sheriff's normal year. I am things anyway. As a piper I joined in ‘The Battles O’er’ My aim, over the coming year is to working with a range of people to initiative and played that pipe tune and add value where I can. I am particularly Whilst we are experiencing find ways to support the ‘doers’ in the Finally - spare a thought for those also one composed especially for VE focused on helping those volunteers challenging times, we are lucky to community safely, without getting in on the front line of this battle, many 75 in the foothills of Cheviot, whilst my who step forward to serve and help be part of a stunningly resourceful the way of critical operations. of who continue to fight the virus chaplain Canon Alan Hughes kept the others, particularly in the challenging community, and with determination, under high intensity conditions. Let’s two minutes silence and played The times we are experiencing. common sense coupled with a touch I have already been humbled by the keep them in mind as we manage our Last Post and Reveille in Berwick. of imagination and lots of hard work, stunning and imaginative initiatives own challenges - and ensure we don't Tom Fairfax, High Sheriff of Duty of Service is, perhaps, an old there is little we cannot achieve. that are springing up to address the inadvertently contribute to theirs. Northumberland

News from Christian Aid North East with Revd Jane Nattrass An egg-straordinary event for Christian Aid Week or obvious reasons, we have not However, the high point was a practical been able to celebrate Christian cookery demonstration by Simon Dou- Aid Week in the normal way this glass, the chef at Rosie’s Bistro and Patis- year. No house-to-house collec- serie in Gosforth. You may think that tions,F no coffee mornings, lunches or poaching an egg is a simple task but so other get togethers, but at St Nicholas, many people struggle to do it without it Gosforth, we were determined to do all falling apart or going solid. Simon let us we can to support the vital work of Chris- into the professional secrets as well as the tian Aid. making of hollandaise sauce (much bet- ter than going to the supermarket), and Our solution may seem quite novel, then made us all envious with eggs Flor- but in these strange days is becoming entine, eggs Benedict, and eggs Royale. more commonplace. Sadly, he then disappeared with his girl- friend, Emma, to scoff the lot! Last Saturday morning we held a par- ish brunch for Christian Aid but we all The work of Christian Aid continues all stayed at home and joined each other on year round and not just this week. Please Zoom or by telephone – and I suspect one consider having your own event soon – or two may have kept their pyjama bot- even if we can’t do it in person, we can do toms on. There was a very welcome it together. We gave out details of how to opportunity for us all to chat and catch donate direct to the charity. Donations up, and two slightly tricky quizzes – one can be made online at https://www. Chef Simon on the Bible, and one on general knowl- christianaid.org.uk/ Douglass edge. 14 generous engaged open A vicar’s life during Covid-19

by Revd Mark Edwards MBE, become the village observing social distancing! Vicar of St Matthew’s parson in the tradi- Dinnington and tional sense. This lockdown period has been St Cuthbert’s Brunswick challenging, but presented us with I have enjoyed the ways of engaging with our churchgo- daily disciple of getting ers and the wider community. On ince the pandemic out the vicarage and Easter Day, my wife and I delivered crisis, I have been even engaging with people, over 65 gift bags to every member of busier in the parishes I helping to bring hope my congregation with spiritual serve, Brunswick and and reassurance during resources, the palm cross, prayers Dinnington,S than I was be- a time when there is so and small treats. They were so grate- fore. I have literally walked much fear and uncer- fully received that I have continued miles and spent hundreds of tainly around. Even folk every few weeks to take these gift bags hours walking around the who claim not to be reli- around the congregation as a way of parishes dressed in my cas- gious have said they keeping us together and providing sock. It has never been worn appreciate seeing the resources to help them in their daily so much since I was or- reassuring presence of prayers. With my members being dained! The reason I wear it the parish priest on the scattered across the far flung recesses is to stand out, and be a vis- beat. It has helped them, of Newcastle, it’s a task that takes a ible representation of the they say, to remain opti- while, but to see the look on the faces church - to remind people mistic and hopeful during of those who receive the gift bags is that neither God nor the the lockdown. priceless. One of my members liter- Church has abandoned ally burst into tears! them. I have also been part of the parishes has been over- the Dinnington Parish The church is not closed, it’s just On the colder days, I wear my cape, whelming. On social media, people Council’s scheme of delivering food been redeployed. I have always been and again it has never been worn so have commented that it is so lovely to parcels to the elderly and vulnerable. community minded and feel it’s much, with a large pocket to store my see the local vicar walking around It has been wonderful to witness and important for the church to engage coffee flask. I wear my old school bringing good cheer and lifting see great community spirit as people with its communities at a grass route badge which says in Latin: “In this morale, stopping and talking to eve- come together to support their neigh- level. The pandemic has just expand- sign is my hope”. Very poignant in this ryone, which of course adhering to bours. During the VE Day celebra- ed what I have always been doing, Above, Revd Mark Edwards MBE and time of national crisis. social distancing. It is not that I didn’t tions, I walked around the parishes and will continue to do once our right his school badge motto ‘In this used to that before the pandemic. My wearing flags to show support for all churches re-open. sign is my hope’ The response to my walks round daily walk has been an opportunity to street parties taking place, again

The Rural critic of The Times. If so, church buildings may be well placed to allow low-cost Church, venues with adequate space for social Sustainable The Rural Strand by distancing, but before then we will have Tourism and the Helen Savage, Vicar to figure out how we are going to unlock of the Moorland them and use them in any way at all. If ‘New Normal’ a ban on larger gatherings means that Group of Parishes church buildings remain off-limits we will When we held our ‘contextual workshop’ have to wait longer before we can begin in Bamburgh on 28 February we did not to re-engage with the first tentative to recover. Tom Burridge, BBC Travel visitors to the countryside. discuss the likely impact of Covid-19 on Correspondent wrote on 30 April that our topic – the rural church and there are likely to be fewer flights and In the longer term, if we can survive sustainable tourism. There were then just higher prices. Not all airlines will survive twenty confirmed cases of Covid-19 in and find a way of weathering the and restrictions at airports and the need next couple of very difficult years, the UK and although its spread was for social distancing at all times is likely already beginning to dominate the the churches may once again be in a to mean that international travel will be position, arguably an even stronger headlines, and there was the start of talk for the few not the many. This will have about possible closures of schools and position, to pick up the threads explored two effects on the local economy: few, on 28 February in Bamburgh, with the cancellation of large sporting events, if any of the high-spending overseas it was still widely perceived as someone an even stronger emphasis on the visitors will come to the region but more significance of local partnerships and else’s problem. What a difference ten local visitors will have little alternative weeks makes! on the need to serve the needs of local but to holiday closer to home. The big communities and nearby populations. question that cannot yet be answered is, The quality of the stories we tell, the On 31 March Visit Scotland published what level of service will they find? What the result of a survey of 2,243 businesses appropriateness of the welcome we offer will they do and who will feed, lodge and and the warmth by which we do it all will carried out over the previous 10 entertain them? days. The outlook was gloomy. Most be more important than ever. Initiatives businesses across hotel/B&B/guest such as the diocese’s Rural Churches for Rural societies in turn may, at first Everyone Project, once it can begin work houses; activities and attractions The County Hotel Hexham is an example of the many businesses forced at least, feel very nervous about an and food, drink and retail, and across to close during Covid-19 again, may be able to help communities influx of visitors, especially from the be better equipped to do this. all sizes of business, estimated that urban North East. The infection rate without support they would not survive industry more widely. Even in the United States, church leaders of Covid-19 has risen markedly in the The way in which the churches have for more than three months. Those have agreed that whatever form the ‘new North East, especially in poorer parts who responded to the survey almost On 27 April the Guardian reported that normal’ takes, the churches, if indeed already responded in taking a lead in the of the region. On 4 May Public Health community response to the Covid-19 universally dismissed the idea of loans, ‘tourism hotspots could face the worst of they survive, will not be the same after England figures were reported to show even interest free, because with the post-lockdown job losses’, with a possible coronavirus. pandemic has helped to regain us a that the North East overtook London position of trust, one which we will need cancellation of the peak holiday season 33% overall reduction of employment. as the region with the highest rates of of 2020, the prospect of not receiving The hardest hit were likely to be those One key reason for this decline, to respect and nurture; and we will need Coronavirus infection in the country. to continue to work with partners to any income until March 2021 would aged 16 to 24. 80% of employees in hotel anxiety apart, is that household incomes In other parts of the country, but even leave them unable to repay. and food sectors were furloughed and have been hit. According to a joint re-build a local economy that will need here in the North East, there has been support for a long time. Our allies must 68% in arts and recreation. Visit Britain report by Newcastle University’s Centre evidence of growing hostility to second On 20 March the Chancellor of the estimated that the cost to the UK tourism for Rural Economy and Rural Enterprise be local food producers, farmers and home owners, as there was also towards retailers as well as a hospitality industry Exchequer, Rishi Sunak announced the industry in 2020 alone would amount to UK published on 20 April, Covid-19 is those who broke regulations to flood setting up of a job retention (‘furlough’) £15bn, with 22 million fewer visitors. The ‘impacting household incomes and that will struggle to get back onto its to beauty spots in the early stages of feet. scheme, which on 17 April was extended NewcastleGateshead Initiative estimates rural businesses in every sector within the lockdown. The latest trends in the to the end of June, and then again on 13 that the North East visitor economy our diverse rural economies, as well as spread of the pandemic are not likely to All this will certainly not be the May until the end of July, and in a more alone will lose up to £3bn this year if charitable and community organisations. assuage those fears quickly. limited form until the end of October, lockdown continues into the summer Some of these impacts will also be future we envisaged back in February, but there can no guarantee that this months. medium or long-term.’ They also point but it may be greener, more local, One brighter consequence of the friendlier (once the nervousness born can continue indefinitely. Limited grant out the knock-on effect of this on visitor adoption of a new normal may be that funding to businesses was announced Another phenomenon of the economies to many rural areas. of social distancing is overcome), make there will be a limited flowering of the more imaginative use of social media on 3 April. Village halls and other small pandemic has been a sudden drop in local arts scene - an idea suggested both businesses have benefitted from this, donations to charities, including to the Most analysts agree that whenever and electronic communications and by Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor and ultimately be more truly sustainable. but the impact is limited on the tourism churches which also depend on the use and however the lockdown is lifted, also by Richard Morrison, the chief music of their buildings to maintain income. travel and tourism will take a long time growing church bringing hope 15

ACROSS HAVE YOUR SAY 1. Sweet-smelling actor I am Compiled by Mary Sutton spoiling (8) Link Crossword 163 5. Combination of governments Anything catch your eye in seen in fab location (4) this month’s LINK? This month we are including the crossword for anyone looking for something to keep them occupied during lockdown but just for fun (sorry, no prize this 9. Set of moral values held by Something on your mind? Elizabeth, I conclude (5) month). Please DO NOT submit crosswords to Church House. 10. Bird disturbing nice pal (7) Or in your prayers? 11. Gift from wise man, candid, Send an e-mail, message or meeting with anger (12) letter to LINK and we’ll 13. Class with man – a member of the clergy (6) publish the best of them: 15. A Conservative with a small amount of money revealing Have your say. LINK, stress (6) Church House, St John’s 17. Corrupt agents I tried to Terrace, North Shields break up (12) 20. Dull male, French one, with NE29 6HS. Email us: Scandinavian (7) link@newcastle. 21. Change reportedly taken from table in church (5) anglican.org 22. Some rich efficient cook (4) 23. Undergarment found by chaps initially trying robe (8)

DOWN 1. Blokes appearing after a prayer’s final word (4) 2. Different parent missing the beginning (5) 3. Rearranged dance, say, is on the 40th day after Easter (9,3) 4. One married couple revealing damage (6) 6. Parasites, Northern, initially collecting every permit (7) 7. Cheat, cold, accidentally tore musical composition (8) 8. Defender, about 50, getting present mentioned berry (12) 12. Wrong acid came for scholar (8) 14. Fundamental nature of Eastern scenes, possibly (7) 16. Royal always last to arrive for worship (6) 18. Article about it involves Together during the breaks between former tax (5) songs - again, something that 19. Unruly child – first to buy Alone LIKE A METAPHOR was unique to the setting. rodent (4) Tim Hardy (formerly of the Religious Resources This is the third column I've Centre) writes at www.timbo-baggins.co.uk and My parents are over seventy written since the coronavirus spends the rest of his time raising a three year and self-isolating in a more Answers to became a nationally recognised old and riding a bike around Leamington Spa. drastic way than the rest of Crossword 162 problem. The ensuing lock- the family. Their groceries are ACROSS: 1. Epistle 5. Overt down has been a terrible same physical space that is - because the groups were delivered from a couple of 8. Evangelical 10. Sect experience for many of us - important. Some of us feel too assigned at random, we ended local shops, and one of their 11. Recorder 12. Warren isolation and quarantine are worn out and broken to see a up encountering people we'd neighbours delivers fresh- 14. Easter 16. Stubborn difficult things and that's before way forward. never met before (St Paul's has baked pies and cakes a couple 18. Icon 20. Nicene Creed the tens of thousands of a sizeable congregation) - in of times a week. They hadn't 22. Saint 23. Spiders bereavements, problems But. a way that would not have previously used those shops acquiring basic supplies and the happened under normal much or really been more than DOWN: 2.Piece 3. Starter deprivation already brought On Sunday morning, along circumstances. Disabled people passing acquaintances with the 4. Leg 6. Vicar 7. Relieve about by job loss in the wake of with thousands of other have reported finding streamed neighbour but these kinds of 9. Lectern 11. Run down businesses closing. People are people around the world, my services more accessible than connections are being made all 13. Antenna 15. Stipend experiencing trauma on a family took part in morning in-person attendance and over the country. 17. Bacon 19. Order 21. Cap national level and, while the worship from home. We began several churches are reporting government is discussing in the kitchen, watching the higher levels of engagement Things might be grim but easing the restrictions, this is online video service that had online than they had before the there is still light. God is at work likely to continue well beyond been prepared by the church lock-down. - in the examples above and Noticeboard the point when the last leadership team, joining in countless besides; even in the The planned silent darkness where hope is hard inessential shops are allowed to with the prayers, singing along A few weeks ago a much retreat for clergy reopen. Some of us have with the songs, and making smaller number of us to find, God is with us. As we developed unhealthy coping a coffee whilst listening to 'congregated' for a living-room begin to consider the kind of spouses, scheduled mechanisms. Some of us are the sermon, then adjourning performance of new material status quo we will be returning for 22 - 25 June at suffering intensely from not to the living room for "coffee by an artist that we support to, what lessons can we learn Shepherd’s Dene, has being able to meet up with after the service" during which financially online - there was a and what new practices should been cancelled friends and family - as good as we used video-conferencing group text-chat that continued we continue to ensure the new because of the video calls may be, there's software to chat with a couple throughout the concert with normal is a kinder, better one? something about being in the of clusters of other worshippers the singer able to respond coronavirus restrictions. Visit https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/events/category/all-events/ for events taking place across the Diocese