www.oxford.anglican.org February 2018 No. 299 thedoor

Bishop Steven on banning the Lord’s Prayer Win a book page 5 the Door: tell us what you think page 15 God in the Life of Joseph page 16 WEDDINGS MINISTRY THRIVES ACROSS By Jo Duckles

CHURCHES in the Oxford Diocese are bucking a national trend as couples queue up to tie the knot in our historic buildings. Recent research by the national shows that couples are positive about saying their vows in a sacred place where people have been doing the same before them for hundreds of years. The research will be explored in detail on March 13 at a national CofE conference entitled Engaging the Engaged. Nationally, church weddings declined by 10 per cent between 2011 and 2016 with the Oxford Diocese seeing a decline of 13 per cent in that time period. The Door talked to three of the many across the Thames Valley where a welcoming and joined up approach has had positive results. In Wasing, Berkshire, the partnership between St Nicholas Church and the Wasing Estate, which includes a reception venue, is a huge success. “The sense of purpose the wedding ministry has given our church community has been phenomenal,” says Joshua Dugdale, of Wasing Estate. “People might come and A happy couple enjoy the picturesque surroundings at St Nicholas’ Church, Wasing Photo: Studio Rouge enquire about a civil ceremony, but they then go for a church wedding and before you know it, they are turning up to church Little Chalfont, Latimer and Flaunden church weddings. “Couples have to attend nearby Soho Farmhouse, which is often services. Wasing is full to the rafters with Benefice in Buckinghamshire. church before we marry them, but on the used as a wedding venue. people of all ages.” John was told to expect two to first Sunday of the month is a relaxed, “I was told to expect to do two or three Sam Cave’s job as weddings three weddings per year. But a welcoming informal all-age service and that’s the one weddings a year, but I did 13, including adminstrator for the benefice was created approach, and working with a nearby they usually come to.” wedding . We don’t have a huge because of demand for weddings in hotel reception venue, has seen that population in Great Tew, but it’s the Aldermaston and Wasing. “We have four number increase to 23. I was told to expect to nearby Soho Farmhouse that people use parishes, but between Aldermaston and “The organisers in the hotel now ask as a venue for their receptions. We had Wasing alone we have between 45 and people who are looking for a secular do“ two or three weddings a seven in 2017 and I have around that 48 weddings every year. We have a great wedding if they would like a church year, but I did 13…” number booked in for this year.” relationship with Wasing Park.” wedding. If they say yes, then the organisers When the Rt Revd John Went retired recommend they come and have a chat.” Engaging the Engaged takes place in as he received Often, he will dispel myths, The Revd Ginny Thomas, the of Solihull on March 13. Sign up here Permission to Officiate and became part particularly for people who have been the Great Tew Benefice in Oxfordshire, www.weddingsconference.org of the team in the Chenies and divorced and those with children, about has also seen an increase due to the 2 News £10k grant for vital roof repairs at St Mary’s ST MARY the Virgin church, Buckland, grant-making bodies whose generous has received a £10,000 funding boost for contributions have made this huge re- vital roof repairs. roofing project possible for this church, Once the repairs are carried out, St and have helped us to ensure we can hand Mary the Virgin will be removed from the it on to future generations.” Historic England At Risk Register. There has been a church on the site The church is one of 93 churches and of St Mary the Virgin in Buckland since chapels in England, Wales and Scotland set before the Domesday Book. The church to benefit from rescue funding of £680,230 has a 12th century Norman nave while from the National Churches Trust, the UK’s the , tower and transepts are 13th church support charity. It is one of only century. The Yate and Throckmorton 2.5 per cent of UK listed buildings that are families from the adjacent classified as Grade 1, which means they are Buckland Manor regarded the north of ‘exceptional’ interest. transept as their family chapel, and the The roof of St Mary the Virgin currently church had a Catholic patron until 1910. leaks and the urgent repairs will make The tower houses eight bells, some it watertight - and safe. After the roof of which date back to the 17th century. has been repaired, the next project is to Bell ringers encourage the faithful to improve the heating which is conspicuously come to church and they are much in poor for a large church. As a result, old demand at weddings. people and the very young children do not Huw Edwards, Broadcaster and attend the church in winter. Journalist and Vice-President of the The Revd Talisker Tracey-MacLeod, National Churches Trust said: the Vicar, said: “The ancient church of “I’m delighted that St Mary the Virgin St Mary the Virgin is at the heart of this church in Buckland is to be saved for the small, rural Oxfordshire village and is future with the help of a £10,000 National loved and valued by the community. Churches Trust Repair Grant.” This will Our fundraising efforts to re-roof this help ensure that this church rich in church have involved the entire village architectural details and packed with local community, and many people from the history, remains open and at the service of wider benefice.” local people.” “The PCC is very grateful to the St Mary the Virgin, Buckland. Photo: The National Churches Trust National Churches Trust and to other www.cherbury-gainfield.org.uk Remembering World War Two in Newbury EXPLOSIONS ricocheted through family. They were having their tea at the Newbury leaving 15 dead, 43 injured and time. They thought the explosion, was a several buildings, including St John’s vehicle collision, until they realised the wall Church, flattened. at the end of their house had been blown off. The time was 4.35pm on 10 February His father popped his head out and saw the 1943 and among those killed were children, rubble that was, a few minutes earlier, the a teacher and a caretaker left in the town’s church. “We were very lucky,” Michael says. school. A special service takes place on 11 A row of glasses on a pub shelf was intact February at 3pm to remember that day. but the roof was blown off. For survivors, the memories are still Doug Brindley, was 14 at the time and poignant. “For me it was a plume of was at work when the red warning light smoke. I suppose it was a mixture of came on and he went with his colleagues smoke and dust, which went right up to the shelter. The walls shook violently into the sky. I was home from school as the bombs went off. Doug and his then, and playing on Wash Common,” brothers were members of the choir at said one. St John’s. His way home that afternoon Another man recalls hearing the took him past the ruins of his church and bombs drop; the huge explosion, as he surrounding streets and homes. Several was heading home from school on his years later, Doug and his wife Mary bike. His first, reflex thought was: “Oh were to be one of the first couples to be good no school tomorrow,” followed, married in the newly rebuilt St John’s. instantaneously, by the awful thought of Everyone is welcome at the service at what could have happened. St John’s Church, which is thought to be Newbury bombing: Two elderly women stand amid the ruins of the Almshouse that had been their home Michael was in the Wellington pub, the only church in the diocese to be totally in Newbury following the bombing on February 10 1943. Photo: Shutterstock. where he was born, and lived with his destroyed in WW2. Volunteers needed to help combat poverty VOLUNTEERS are needed to help manager says: “The more volunteers we #GodWithUs reaches 6.8m at Christians Against Poverty debt have the more clients we can see and the A NATIONAL initiative that featured videos of a High Wycombe church has been declared counselling centres across the Thames greater the impact we can have in our a huge success. Valley region. communities.” The December edition of the Door ran a story urging churches and individuals to CAP provides debt counselling, helping Ronnie had been part of an initiative help make the #GodWithUs national campaign a huge success. The aims were to share a people to pay off crippling loans and credit at St Paul’s Church in Slough, where the Christian message with the public, encourage people to attend church and to ensure a cards. Nationally 78 per cent of CAP clients CAP centre is based, which saw volunteers series of Your Christmas Journey reflections were read as widely as possible. with children had been unable to afford to put together seven Christmas hampers for Three videos produced at All Saints, High Wycombe were aimed at those who feed or clothe them. Before working with clients. don’t go to church regularly and showed the joy of gathering as a local community to CAP, 65 per cent of clients skipped meals Get in touch to find out how you can celebrate Jesus’ birth. Those reflections received two million views across Facebook, due to debt and 36 per cent had considered get involved helping CAP clients local Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. or attempted suicide. Ninety per cent of to you by emailing Ronie Twumasi on The scheme brought together print and digital resources and its launch coincided CAP clients successfully become debt free, [email protected] or calling 07763 with the re-launch of A Church Near You, the church-finder website. Nationally the on average within 21 months of signing up 527 042. campaign had a reach of 6.8 million. to the charity’s services. Ronie Twumasi, Slough CAP centre www.capuk.org To read more see www.churchofengland.org/christmas News 3

THE Rt Revds Andrew Proud and Colin Fletcher joined 50 graduates of Beata St Mary’s College in Ethiopia for their graduation ceremony in January. The graduates have been studying more than four years but their total theological training is fifteen years. Their white head gear is one piece of cloth which represents the shroud of Jesus. See the photos and listen to audio reflections from Bishop Andrew on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/dioceseofoxford/

Children urged to learn about Shine, Winslow, shine Global Neighbours CHILDREN at Hazlemere CE School in Buckinghamshire took part in the pilot of Global Neighbours, a new Christian Aid initiative. The scheme, which is now being rolled out nationally, aims to help primary school children to tackle social injustice. The scheme has bronze, silver and gold levels to encourage youngsters to reflect on issues such as climate change and gender inequality. Susan Brice, RE co-ordinator at Hazlemere, said: “The children chose to look at the situation with refugees. We investigated words like refugee, asylum seeker and migrant and put together a letter to our local MP Steven Baker about what Britain is doing about Syrian refugees.” The children gave presentations in groups, looked at the idea of Jesus as a refugee when he was born and were delighted to receive a reply to their letter to Mr Baker.

www.christianaid.org.uk/schools/accreditation-scheme

Back from left, Derry French, Bishop Alan, Andrew Lightbown and Cazz Colmer. In the front row are Alice, Rowan, Florence, Maisie, Darcy and Harry. ‘LET your light shine’ is the new message from St Laurence Church to fund the being shared at Winslow CE School. bookmarks and support the school. The Rt Revd Alan Wilson, the Bishop of Cazz Colmer, headteacher, said: “We are Buckingham, spoke on that theme at a a school that is rated good by Ofsted and special service attended by pupils, staff, our inclusive Christian ethos welcomes and parents. The choir of St Laurence all children aged three to 11. Each child Church led by Derry French, their music is unique, reflecting some of God’s light director, joined in. every day in what they do and on those A competition saw 350 pupils design they meet. Each one will find excitement, artwork on that theme. The winners, discovery, warmth and friendship here in Maisie from year five and Florence from the glow of that light. These bookmark year four, had their designs turned into designs are just one example of our pupils bookmarks, produced by the nearby flourishing as individuals and engaging Waddesdon CE School. Special thanks with each other. Such light dispels all Children give presentations as part of the Global Neighbours scheme. were given to Waddesdon, a nearby kinds of darkness, bringing clarity, hope secondary school and to the Revd Andrew and purpose to our school and to the local Lightbown, who set up a chaplaincy community.” Beware email scammers In brief CHURCHES are being warned to be on following statement, warning parishes their guard against fraudsters sending about potential scams: email requests in a bid to steal cash. “Please be aware that these attacks Former diocesan base is sold pointing out that abuse of spiritual authority Sophisticated scammers are cloning are becoming more sophisticated, THE former Diocesan Church House in and power falls far short of the obligations email addresses in a bid to trick treasurers the fraudster may send the email in North Hinksey, Oxford has been sold. and duties of those in Holy Orders. into making large payments from church the name of a member of the PCC or The building, which was home to the He said: “The behaviour and actions of coffers. clergy – increasingly they are using the diocesan staff for more than 50 years, has Tim Davis during this period are in no way One benefice that could have fallen information publicly available online been sold to be developed as affordable reflective of acceptable church practice. We victim to a scam was The Brickhills and about an organisation, and they may have housing for staff from a computer game fully support the findings of the tribunal and Stoke Hammond, near Milton Keynes. viewed your website to find out development company in Oxford. now await their decision as to the penalty to Two fake emails were sent to treasurers, details about you – and then searched be imposed.” appearing to be from the , the Revd online to find out more about you and Vicar guilty of spiritual abuse John Waller, and asking for large amounts your fellow PCC members from social LAST week the case of the Revd Tim Davis Footprints service for bereaved parents of cash to be transferred. media. Similarly you may be contacted hit the headlines when the Vicar of A REMEMBRANCE service for anyone “The messages appeared to be from me by phone with requests for online Church, Abingdon was found guilty of who has lost a child takes place next and on the surface were quite convincing,” banking log in details.” misconduct and spiritual abuse. month at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, said John. “The emails were specifically The case relates to the intensity of the Medmenham. targeted at our treasurers and it seemed mentoring Davis provided to a 15/16-year- The Footprints service is for anyone who like a bit of work had gone into them.” https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ old boy whose family were members of has lost a child during pregnancy or at any Luckily, the treasurers were on the https://actionfraud.police.uk/ Christ Church. Davis was found guilty at a stage of life or has been affected by such a ball, realised the emails seemed odd and Contact the finance team on 01865 Bishop’s Disciplinary Tribunal in January. loss, whether parent, grandparent, teacher, contacted John to query them. 208206. In a statement, a spokesman for the friend or family member. The service takes The diocesan finance team issued the responded to the case by place on Friday 2 March at 7.30pm. the Door, February 2018, page 4 Advertisement Feature Resources 5 Imagining the Divine Why do we assume Jesus had a beard? That is one of the questions posed by Imagining the Divine, an exhibition at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. The exhibition has been described as “unmissable” by the television classicist Mary Beard. THE VEN. MARTIN GORICK was one of the preachers who used the exhibition as inspiration for a sermon series at Christ Church throughout January. Here are his reflections.

etween 1-1000AD, systems of belief developed In the centre of the open palm is a multi-spoked across and Asia. The images associated wheel, a common Buddhist symbol. Powerful and with them were forged not in isolation but in compelling in its own right it made me think of hands a vibrant exchange of ideas and in the contact in Christian imagery and Christ’s painfully open hands Bbetween different societies and local traditions. One of often shown with the mark of the nails in the centre of the earliest known depictions of Christ shows a young each palm. man bearing a striking resemblance to a classical god, Religions are different, but they also connect. The not the bearded holy man we know today. Before the human longing for God goes back to the dawn of time, invention of a cross-legged figure in meditation, the and the ways that longing has been expressed are Buddhist faithful were inspired to worship merely by an many and various. The exhibition reveals connections impression of the Buddha’s footprints. from the past that I was unaware of, and helped me to reflect about what is common and what is particular in The human longing for God goes Christian imagery. As the diocesan interfaith adviser I have many opportunities to meet and talk with people back“ to the dawn of time” of other faith traditions. I have learnt much about life, love and God through those encounters, and have always Each week we have taken a favourite image or object found that they bring my own Christian faith alive to me from the exhibition and woven a sermon around it. I was in new and exciting ways. drawn to a 2nd century hand of the Buddha from India. This exhibition is ticketed and runs until 18 Feb. Entry Carved in red sandstone, the hand is from a larger than is free for Ashmolean Members. life statue. The hand is raised in a gesture of reassurance known as Abhayamudra. The Ven. Martin Gorick is the of Oxford.

Reflections on the raising of Lazarus Found Out: Transgressive faith and Following the success of Exploring the take with you. sexuality by Alison Webster Beatitudes published last autumn, a new A resource booklet written by Bishop Steven looks for young Darton, Longman The honest, unfiltered voices of the women again at what it means to be a Christ- families has and Todd are heard clearly and as readers we are like Church… and what it means to be also been £12.99 drawn into the complex and deeply painful human. Published in time for Lent the launched. areas of real life. This in turn invites us to 44-page booklet is on sale now, alongside Co-published By Wendy Wale reflect on our own lives and beliefs, and a children’s book co-published with as part of the perhaps to re-examine our theology and GodVenture. hugely popular ssues of human practice. GodVenture sexuality and I appreciate the fact that while Found Out Our world faces many challenges. As children’s the church aren’t does not attempt to simplify or conclude such, the world and our nation need us series, going away any of the stories told, it does allow the to be the best Church we can be. We are GodVenture and arguments readers to continue the journey with the called to be a Christ-like Church; the through the Iappear to go round women (reclaiming spirit, recreating faith and Church of the Beatitudes. story of Lazarus is a 32 page, full colour in the same circles remaking love). The ongoing narratives allow Whereas Exploring the Beatitudes was family activity sticker book designed to with each ‘side’ becoming more entrenched us to explore some of the positive theology, written for use by small groups, you encourage families to dwell in the word in polar opposite views. Found Out offers spirituality and faith experiences emerging don’t need to be part of a small group and explore the Lazarus story together a huge breath of fresh air to its readers as for individuals and groups of people. to study Abundant Life. In this booklet, in an accessible way. it invites them to share the stories of real If you are looking for an ordered biblical Bishop Steven draws on one of the Both publications are available to people, seeking to live real lives of faith. defence of same-sex relationships or a set most powerful stories in the , order online, starting at £2.75 incl. p&p Alison Webster has collected of simplistic answers to tough sexuality the raising of Lazarus. It’s a story conversations and stories from women questions, then this is not the book for that reveals Jesus as contemplative, Abundant Life – reflections on the ‘young and old, black and white, lesbian you. However, if you want to gain a greater compassionate and courageous. raising of Lazarus order online at and straight, trans and cis’. The women understanding of the experience of real Bishop Steven offers us a reflection store.oxford.anglican.org include clergy and lay people and some people, seeking God in their lives when for 18 days (six on each theme of are survivors of various forms of abuse, they don’t fit the normative expectation of contemplative, compassionate and GodVenture through the story of including sexual abuse. ‘heterosexuality’ associated with church, courageous). There are prayers and Lazarus order online at The book is placed in the context of social then this is an accessible and powerful read. reflections for each ‘seventh day’, ending godventure.co.uk/shop/ change in the UK since the 1970s– in which And finally, don’t judge this book by its with a question, a thought or a prayer to Alison draws on her own history of activism cover. It does nothing to convey its depth to reflect on the intersectional nature of and importance. gender and sexuality. She argues that ‘the Prize Draw winners combination of colonialism and racism, male The Revd Wendy Wale is of The winners of the prize domination of public space and discourse, Wadham College, Oxford and an assistant draw in the December economic inequality and heteronormativity at St Bartholomew’s, Yarnton and St issue of the Door are Julie still impose a heavy burden on most people.’ Michael’s, Begbroke. Alison Webster is the Morgan of Slough, Ann She observes the difference in the speed of social responsibility adviser for the diocese. Beaton of Milton Keynes cultural change compared with that within and Susan Cuthbert. They the mainstream church. each win a copy of A Good The core stories are told as complete in Win a book Year (SPCK, edited by Mark themselves. Although Alison offers some The Door has three copies of Found Out Oakley). reflection, she does not seek to interpret to give away in this month’s prize draw. them for her readers. “As the author I cannot For the chance to win email reception@ The following people have know your experience, and do not want to oxford.anglican.org or send your name won Divine chocolate: Mrs try and direct or dictate the connections and address to Found Out competition, G. Burston of Bourne End, that you will make. You will not find me The Door, Church House Oxford, Mrs Elizabeth Runnacles of explaining what the stories mean or why I Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. Cookham and Louise have chosen to tell them. That is your work.” The closing date for entries is Monday Stallwood of Widmer End. They are not intended to offer us a 12 February. theology or to ask for our sympathy. the Door, February 2018, page 6 Advertisement Feature System Revival Limited A spiritual approach to technology... 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Treat yourself to a great read Fair Trade Feature 7 Mildred’s story

Mildred, a supervisor at Eswatini Kitchen Nicolle John St Maranda in Swaziland, stands by a cupboard full of the company’s trademark jams, sauces, chutneys, and honey, writes Maranda St John Nicolle.

quiet woman, Mildred is supporting not only herself and her mother, but also her late brother’s children as they go through school. SheA explains how Eswatini offered opportunities to an older worker – something she implies is not commonly the case – and how her career has grown over the six years she’s worked there. “They accepted me when I came here,” she says, relating how she started in the kitchen, but moved to the honey department and about a year later progressed to being its supervisor. Eswatini Kitchen is one of the oldest and best established Fair Trade enterprises in Swaziland. Founded in 1991 by Manzini Youth Care, it was designed “to create employment for disadvantaged women and to provide a market for small local farmers and rural families who harvested wild fruit.” From a small kitchen with a few employees, it’s grown through its association with Fair Trade into a business that even without operating at full capacity, employed (as of summer 2017) 23 staff year round. It creates a wide range The wooden spoons, too, that go in the from transparency and accountability painting it” benefits from the process and of gourmet natural foods, some of which it company’s gift packs are carved by people to providing a fair price, fair trading understands how their work fits into the sells locally, and some of which it exports with disabilities in isolated mountain conditions, and good working conditions whole. Like everyone involved with Fair – including to companies like Oxfam and areas: Eswatini brings them wood and for all involved. Trade in Swaziland, she emphasises the Traidcraft in the UK, hoping to grow sales collects the carvings. skill and love put into products: “there’s and expand further. In a country like Swaziland, what …up to international standards love from the people of Swaziland from Eswatini is doing matters. The tiny SWIFT emphasises that finding markets start to finish.” In a country like kingdom, surrounded by South Africa remains Swazi businesses’ biggest When we visit the Eswatini Factory, and Mozambique, has an unemployment challenge – but states that buyers should I don’t need to be told about the quality “Swaziland, what Eswatini is rate estimated at over 25 per cent and an look at Swaziland because they are of their goods – I’ve been eating them doing matters.” estimated 63 per cent of the population producing high-quality goods that are for years. (I’m a special fan of the lime living below the national poverty line. genuinely competitive in the world market: pickle.) But talking to the Eswatini staff Poverty in rural areas is a major issue – and “We are up to international standards” emphasises how each spoonful of an Eswatini’s growth has enabled it to businesses that can provide employment SWIFT’s Business Development Manager, Eswatini product is making a far greater provide its employees not only with and income generation are limited. Ayanda Sigudla, says. difference to people’s lives than one might wages but also a range of benefits, from Eswatini is part of a wider Swazi Fair The story of Fair Trade for her is that imagine. It’s an inspiring thought ... a help with transport (they run a bus to Trade movement that is working to tackle “the quality is never compromised” and reminder of how powerful the everyday bring workers to the factory) to health these issues. The Swaziland Fair Trade that every person involved “from the decisions we make on purchases can be .. education. The company also continues its organization (SWIFT) brings together person who goes to pick up the grass and yet another example of why Fair mission to generate additional income for 77 members who employ over 2,975 [for a basket] ... to the person who starts Trade matters. local communities in as many ways as it producers across Swaziland. Founded can. It now grows some of its own fruit – by five of Swaziland’s largest fair trade there’s a large mango orchard surrounding employers, SWIFT works on the World the factory – but it still buys in fruit and Fair Trade Organization’s ‘Ten Fair Trade Re-launching Fairtrade Churches honey from local farmers and families. Principles’ – which cover everything Fair dealing in trade is a vital part of living out the command that we love our neighbours. As Dewi Hughes says, “Since Jesus asks us as Christians to love our Maranda St John Nicolle John St Maranda neighbours as ourselves, and our neighbour is any other human being with whom we come into contact, the demand to love must prevail when we shop.”

How can churches support Fair Trade as a way of showing the love of God and neighbour? One way is by signing up for the Fairtrade Churches programme. This programme, run by the Fairtrade Foundation alongside partner agencies and denominations, sets churches three simple targets: to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee as and when they serve beverages, to use other Fairtrade products where possible, and to promote Fairtrade, both during Fairtrade Fortnight and throughout the year. It’s a simple scheme, with flexibility that enables both large and small churches to take part – and over the past twelve or thirteen years more than 450 diocesan churches have signed up. This Fairtrade Fortnight sees the first step in a relaunch that will make it even easier to sign on and will provide support for churches doing so. A new online registration form debuts around Fairtrade Fortnight – and the diocese, the Foundation, and other agencies will be releasing materials that help to show how Fairtrade works, the positive changes it brings for producers and consumers, and creative ways for churches to show their support. For more information, go to www.oxford.anglican.org/fairtrade or get in touch with Maranda St John Nicolle on 01235 851763 or [email protected]. Advertisement WE CAN 8 Safeguarding: protecting ourselves and others Safeguarding can be an area of uncertainty and anxiety for us all, not least DESIGN because it requires us to consider the unthinkable. Individuals of all ages may be seriously harmed or hurt by others, and those causing the harm may be well known to those who are harmed. JOHN NIXSON explores PRINT how we can all work to ensure children and adults are protected. DISTRIBUTE hen we take the time to Diocesan Safeguarding Panel during learn more, to develop safe February and to Bishop’s Council in May. working practices and to We’ll be sure to share the outcome from YOUR identify how to respond those presentations later in the year, but, well to concerns, it’s clear already, we know that areas for attention Wthat safeguarding is a positive and creative relate to five key themes: LEAFLETS opportunity to live out the gospel. • Improving our communication of Scripture reminds us that the Church’s safeguarding best practice. AND MORE mission includes: • Improving Governance, Quality – Being near to the broken-hearted Assurance and oversight by the Psalm 34:18 independent Diocesan Safeguarding – Doing things justly, loving kindness, Panel • Design walking humbly Micah 6.8 • Building closer relationships with other – Becoming like children, letting the stakeholders and organisations across the Our talented designers can give children come Matt 19.14 diocese your business or event a great • Widening the reach of safeguarding look. We can source images and It’s also essential that everyone within training a church understands the importance • Responding well to individual cases. proof read your print media. of responding well to those who have experienced abuse, so that they are What to do if you’re worried that a child protected from further harm and the or adult has been abused appropriate steps are taken. The most important thing to remember is • Print that protection is everyone’s responsibility. remember is that protection is about telling SCIE report progress – what is the Don’t think that if you know or are worried, the right people. It is not your responsibility We can manage the print of your diocese doing? then someone else either knows or is to intervene, investigate, or make a proper leafl ets, business cards, stationery, An audit report into safeguarding in thinking the same thing. It’s much better assessment. It is simply your responsibility and almost anything else. the Diocese of Oxford was published in for two or more people to report a concern to tell the appropriate people who can October last year. Published by the Social than everyone thinking somebody else has effectively intervene. We offer short runs as well as Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), the made the call. If you think that someone is at large quantities at great rates inspection was part of a immediate risk, you should tell the police including FREE UK mainland safeguarding initiative and you can see how The most important without delay. It is appropriate to dial 999. we fared here: www.oxford.anglican.org/ A good guide to whether you are in this delivery on most orders. mission-ministry/safeguarding/audit/ thing“ to remember is that situation is to ask yourself this: is it safe for Since October a working group of the protection is everyone’s this person to go home? (Or to be at home Diocesan Safeguarding Panel has been right now if they are already there?) If your working hard to develop a detailed action responsibility.” best answer to that is ‘no’, then you should • Distribution plan to take forward the recommendations phone the police. from SCIE. This will be presented to the The second most important thing to Even if you do not think that there is a We are able to insert your leafl ets into this and similar publications enabling you to reach a church Oxford Diocesan Safeguarding Team audience in this and other CofE We offer advice, support and guidance to Meet the team: . anyone in the diocese about all aspects of John Nixson Rebecca safeguarding – Diocesan Norris-Bulpitt Safeguarding – Safeguarding • Advice and support: telephone, email Adviser john. Assistant & and face-to-face consultation about a nixson@oxford. Training Officer range of issues anglican.org rebecca.norris- 01865 208290 bulpitt@oxford. Great • Policy and practice: signposting to anglican.org customer service national and local policies and practice 01865 587041 guidance FREE John joined the diocese in January 2017 Rebecca brings experience from charity, • Training: safeguarding training to clergy after working as a local authority social education and health care settings. estimates and other leaders, churches and individual worker, an independent practitioner, Rebecca joined the diocese last year, CALL church members, including face-to-face trainer and consultant. His experience moving from Sobell House Hospice, where training and on-line resources includes residential care, managing she managed the voluntary services safeguarding services, chairing child department and led their training 01752 225623 • Casework: management of complex protection conferences and reviews programme. Alongside supporting the work [email protected] cases, joint-working with statutory for children in care, multi-agency risk of the safeguarding team, Rebecca’s role www.cornerstonevision.com agencies, consultation and advice assessment and risk-management. He involves developing safeguarding training maintains a clear focus on individuals who across the diocese. • Support for survivors: direct support need safeguarding, those who support and advice, provision of Authorised them and those who cause harm, so Linda Carpenter – Safeguarding Listeners that responses are timely, effective and Administrator linda.carpenter@oxford. proportionate. anglican.org If you are unsure about anything, or A key aspect of his role is helping to don’t know where to turn, please get in develop a culture of confident safeguarding Linda recently joined as safeguarding touch with us. We promise to respond as practice across the diocese. administrator after more than 20 years quickly as we can and we always start from working in schools’ administration. Linda the principle that there is no such thing as is a churchwarden and is looking forward a silly question. After all, it’s better to be to bringing her skills and experience to the safe than sorry. team. Advertisement Safeguarding: protecting ourselves and others 9

kind of thing. The most important thing is to listen, don’t question. Believe what they are saying and tell them this. It may have taken months or“ even years to ‘open up’” St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset Victims of abuse can be confronted with lots of choices. Should they report their enhancing church interiors assault? Ask for counselling? Get checked out at a clinic? Allow them to be in control Ronald Emett fine furniture and ask how you can help. It is important www.ronaldemettfurniture.com that they come to their own decision of 01308 868025 what the next steps may be. However, you should always be clear that if what they tell you indicates a child may be at risk as well, you will have to report what they say to the relevant authorities.

I am worried that my church isn’t following proper safeguarding practices Two basic principles help in responding to this concern: safeguarding is everyone’s This portable music box stores and plays over 2880 responsibility and the welfare of the child or traditional hymns and popular worship songs - all at the vulnerable adult is paramount. touch of a button! Our churches must be places of spiritual Easily create play lists, control the tempo, change the key nourishment where all can safely flourish. and even choose your instrumentation. You must raise these concerns so that they With over 7300 hymn book can be addressed. entries indexed to 10 risk of immediate harm, you should still What to do if you’re concerned about You may choose to raise them initially favourite hymn books speak to an official who can help as soon as someone you know within the church itself - either to the parish (upgradeable), the great possible. Try to speak to them, if it is safe to do this. priest, the PCC or (more likely) the Parish sound of Hymnal Plus has While you can always contact a member Tell them why you are concerned and ask Safeguarding Officer. We would expect and made it the choice of churches across the UK. of the diocesan safeguarding team, we are them what they want you to do about it. encourage those with whom you have raised not an emergency service. Always try to get them to agree to getting the concern to speak with the diocesan In the case of children, you should help. safeguarding team to understand what has approach your local children’s services If somebody has told you that they have happened, what can be learned and what department before approaching the been abused, it is likely to have been one needs to change. For more information: diocesan safeguarding team to seek advice. of the most difficult things they have ever If you have already raised your Then, depending on the advice you receive, said. It may have taken weeks, months or concerns within your church and failed report your concern. You can do this years to ‘open up’ about what has happened to receive adequate answers, or feel you without giving your name. You should to them. cannot raise these concerns as you are make a note of your concerns, what has It is understandable for you to feel unsure concerned about reprisals, you can and happened and anything you have done about what to do, most people have little should contact us directly using any of the about it prior to calling. experience of helping someone through this numbers below left. The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty Safeguarding Training ‘England’s Oldest Almshouse’ Vacancies for Brothers by Rebecca Norris-Bulpitt should be refreshed every three years. They can be accessed through the Church If you currently deliver safeguarding of England’s Safeguarding Training Portal: The Hospital, founded in 1132, You may have noticed recent changes in training under an alternative arrangement https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ is home to 25 retired the safeguarding training sessions available within your parish then please let me. The C0 Basic Awareness e-learning module laymen (‘Brothers’) and applications are welcomed. across the diocese, and the requirement for It is important that we can ensure all is recommended for anyone who needs a A registered Charity with a particular roles within parishes to attend. safeguarding training being delivered is basic level of safeguarding understanding Christian foundation, the These are in line with guidance from the using up-to-date materials and meeting the and is also completed before attending other Hospital is situated a mile House of . Church of England’s requirements. core modules. south of Winchester. Each We are working towards creating a Church The C1 Foundation e-learning module Brother lives independently which is safer for everyone and it is exciting Safeguarding for leaders can be completed by those who are unable and occupies a flat which to hear the passion that so many of you have, Our C2 safeguarding training session is to attend the C1 face-to-face sessions being he furnishes himself. accompanying us on this journey. required for anyone who has safeguarding held across parishes. It details the different Further information and an Further information, and the 2018 leadership responsibilities or responsibility types of abuse of children and vulnerable application form are obtainable from: Safeguarding Training Programme, can be for leading activities with children, young adults and the possible indicators of these. Clerk to the Trustees found under Safeguarding on the Diocese of people and/or adults who may be vulnerable. Further information for accessing the Hospital of St Cross Oxford website. This includes roles such as the Parish e-learning can be found under Safeguarding Winchester, SO23 9SD Safeguarding Officer, Church Warden, PCC Training on the Diocese of Oxford website. Tel: 01962 878218 Safeguarding Training at Your Parish Safeguarding Lead, Leaders of those working (See above.) E-mail: [email protected] www.hospitalofstcross.co.uk A team of volunteer safeguarding trainers with children or vulnerable adults and Choir Registered Charity No.202751 are available to deliver a C1 safeguarding Leaders. Our Safeguarding Training Team Needs training session at your parish. The two-hour The training equips parish officers to You! session situates safeguarding in the context embed healthy parish safeguarding practices Are you experienced in delivering training? of the Church and equips participants with and explore their roles in implementing Are you passionate about creating a safer To advertise in the knowledge and skills to effectively parish safeguarding procedures and Church? recognise and respond to possible abuse. The responding to serious situations. We are looking for new volunteers to join safeguarding of both children and vulnerable The C3 safeguarding training module is for our Safeguarding Training Team. Training, the Door please call adults is considered during the session. all clergy and licensed lay minsters and they support and out-of-pocket expenses are This training module is required for will be contacted directly by the diocese. provided for the role. If you would be Glenda or Michelle anyone who has safeguarding responsibilities interested, and available one day per month or who has contact with children or adults Safeguarding E-Learning to deliver training, please contact Rebecca who may be vulnerable through their role Some safeguarding training modules can Norris-Bulpitt (Training Officer) – rebecca. on 01752 225623 within the Church. Safeguarding training now be completed through e-learning. [email protected]. the Door, February 2018, page 10 Advertisement Feature 11 Candlemas

The Presentation in the Temple fresco in Basilica di Sant Agostino (Augustine) by Pietro Gagliardi. Image – Shutterstock On the Presentation of Christ in the Temple As has been in an age where we can seemingly have There is provision in Common Worship was believed that after forty days both observed, the Feast everything we want almost immediately. for a Candlemas Procession, during would be out of any potential harm’s of the Presentation Being prepared to wait is seen as an which people go to the font or the door way. This title reminds us of the theme of Christ in the irritating hindrance and Anna and Simeon’s of the church. The carrying of lit candles of dependency and of how Jesus was Temple is unusual demeanour can serve as a useful corrective reminds us of John’s gospel where Jesus dependent on his mother. Across the in having four to a view that can so often be about us as says that he is the light of the world and gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles alternative titles. individuals, focusing on ourselves. that whoever follows him will never walk we see how Mary responded to Jesus in a Each title emphasises How wisely did the priest and poet R. in darkness but will have the light of range of ways, which could be summarised something S. Thomas conclude his poem Kneeling life. The end of the procession includes a as embodying responsiveness and different, reflects with the words, “The meaning is in the responsory that reminds us that we are faithfulness. Like Mary we are surely the REVD CHARLES waiting”. Often it is in times of waiting to bear Christ’s light as we say Let us shine to reflect on what it means for us to be CHADWICK. that we can develop and grow in our with the light of your love. faithful to Christ and to respond to him. appreciation of God, his creation, one Each of the titles for this feast, as Jesus is presented by his earthly parents another and ourselves. The Purification of the Virgin well as the reading from Luke and the at the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after This title also reminds us that God A further title for this feast is The characters found in it, can speak to us of his birth (See Luke 2 vs: 21-40). This was cannot be ordered to meet us when we Purification of the Virgin. This had its how we might respond to Christ in our a requirement ‘according to the law of think it is convenient. He has, to put it origin in the Jewish practice of attending own lives. Moses’. Mary and Joseph’s fulfilment of simply, his own sense of timing, he will the Temple in Jerusalem to thank God this can remind us that doing our duty not be rushed. He is not at our beck and and pray for both the health of the child Charles Chadwick is the parish development and being faithful to what tradition call. Rather, we are to be like Anna and and for the purification of the mother. It adviser for the Dorchester area. requires of us is an important aspect of Simeon and believe that he will come the Christian faith and life. This sense of to us. We are to be open and alert to obligation is captured well in Common recognise him and his work in our world Worship which says, “It is indeed right, it and in our lives, which can so often be is our duty and our joy, at all times and in through encountering other people. This all places …’. includes people of other faiths. We are is not simply a matter of reminded of this in the story of Jesus’ choosing what we like, or what suits us. encounter with the Roman centurion who There are essential requirements for us to wanted his servant healed. And when he fulfil towards God. is challenged by the Canaanite woman whose daughter was unwell. The Meeting of the Lord Another traditional title for this feast, The Candlemas Meeting of the Lord, connects with the A third title given to this feast is encounter of Simeon and Anna with the Candlemas. Tradition maintains that this infant Christ child. Their story reminds us title connects it with the Roman custom Candlemas use: Worshippers enjoy a Candlemas of the importance of faithfulness and of of lighting candles, recalling the lights in service at Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral. being prepared to patiently wait. We live the Temple at Jerusalem. the Door, February 2018 page 12 Advertisement Feature

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Letters of no more than 300 words should be sent to jo.duckles@ oxford.anglican.org. The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions.

Two letters responding to Bishop Colin’s article on making a difference in the world

For more than 15 centuries, Church and state in Western Europe have both claimed worldly authority, sometimes in harmony, sometimes not (think Henry VIII). This was Christendom. It ended 50 years ago when a post-modern worldview deprived the Church of its power. Far from a disaster, this was a great and release because God’s power is not the power of this world. Therefore we have been faced in comparatively recent years, with reshaping the Church in a Christ-like way, without worldly power or authority. I contend that the Church seems to soldier on in the old way, albeit recognising that it has been reduced to a kind of sub- culture in a secular society. I believe fulfilling our gospel vocation is too big and fulfilment of writing the God in the Life Of slots. radical a task to attempt at ground level. A fundamental A brief history of the Door Rebecca wrote: “Interviewing people for the God in the rethink is required which, initially, needs current church Life Of page was, at its best a shared journey, and was often leaders to work with theologians who have systematically by Jo Duckles a great encourager, for my own faith.” I wholeheartedly studied and reflected on this radical situation to provide agree. Writing those features is the best bit of the job. a properly grounded view of how to proceed; modestly N a foggy December day back in 1989 three people The one aspect of my role that the previous editors did and realistically in learning to look in a different way at Osat in a Little Chef near Oxford, trying to think of a not have to consider is the other channels we use to tell ourselves, the Church and the World. Bishop Colin, of name for a new diocesan publication. our stories. Most of the content from the Door is shared course, is not claiming to attempt anything so grand. The first editor, Christine Zwart, was part of that trio over social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter as HAMISH PRESTON, Reading who came up with the Door, standing for the Diocese of well as on the diocesan website. It’s the God in the Life Of Oxford Reporter. features that get the most likes and shares! Like Bishop Colin, my world stretches from local to The Door’s objective is always to be an instrument of The relationship between a print publication and global. I have taught palliative care in about 50 countries unity in a diocese that is diverse in terms of Christian evolving internet media is fascinating and exciting. and, despite being 77, I have ongoing international tradition and geography. Times have changed massively However, the principles of good journalism remain the commitments. Because I still regard palliative care as my since 1989, when the Door would have been produced same. Regardless of the channel, it’s about building good primary calling, this often prevents me from becoming using ‘paste up’ rather than desk top publishing software relationships with people and telling their stories. It’s involved in more local pressing issues. (DTP) on a computer. about people, not computers. The technology is just the However, I was disturbed that Bishop Colin wrote “I won’t As changes in production took place, so did staff tool we use to tell those stories. get dragged into the political questions surrounding this.” changes. Rebecca Paveley took over from Christine How the Door will evolve will depend on what our I firmly believe that Christianity and politics must mix, and in 2003, with Sally Jarman as Acting Editor. I joined readers tell us they want to read, and where they want to therefore hope that, in the future, the diocese will adopt a in August 2008, just as the newspaper was being re- read it. I’d urge you to fill in the survey and send it back more outspoken political stance. As Desmond Tutu said: “I designed. A special supplement in May 2010 celebrated to us, to help us to continue to provide a quality news don’t know what Bible people are reading when they say the 21st anniversary of the Door. I contacted Christine, service for the Diocese of Oxford. (See below). religion and politics do not mix.” Rebecca and Sally, who all wrote short reflections. And of course, if you have a story, please send it in to It seems to me that the Bishops collectively may be Christine and Rebecca both also wrote about the [email protected] or call me on 01865 208227. relying too much on speeches and debates in the House of Lords. As governments almost routinely ignore dissenting voices, this generally has little or no lasting effect. Church Have your say on the future of the Door reports on social concerns generally only get fleeting attention. What is necessary is a cascade effect down to With newspapers across the country changing the way • Do you read every page, or skim through? diocesan and parish level. Thus, in relation to child poverty, they publish we also need to take a moment to look at • In your opinion, what is the best story in this edition I would like to see placards with slogans like “End child how and why we publish the Door. We’re keen to hear of the paper? poverty now. For Christ’s sake, don’t vote Conservative” from you about what you like (and don’t like) about the • … and which story is the least interesting? outside every church during the next General Election Door, and your ideas for what might be improved. • If you could make one improvement to the Door, what campaign. These should come with leaflets detailing how The best way to have your say is to fill in a would it be? the Conservatives since 2010 have deliberately and callously questionnaire on our website – oxford.anglican.org/ targeted the poor and disadvantaged. Unfortunately, I have the-door – but if you don’t have access to a computer, There are a few more questions for those responding been told that the diocese is not allowed to be political. If or simply would rather write to us, then we’d love to online. Letters should be addressed to the Door Survey, this is correct, I believe that we are denying Christ. I hope for hear your thoughts on the following: Church House, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, a change in practice - and for a more courageous church, as • How often do you read the Door? OX5 1GF to arrive by 23rd February. called for by Bishop Steven. DR ROBERT TWYCROSS, Holy , Headington Quarry

called to mission and joined a Jews for before he was called to Anglican Ministry. Witness to Israel (CWI), a 175-year-old God in the Life of... Jesus music evangelism group called the After theological training at Trinity mission to Jewish people. ...continued from page 16. Liberated Wailing Wall. College in Bristol, Joseph moved to Joseph is married to Naomi, who is “There were seven of us performing Chigwell and was ordained. He worked in also a Jewish believer in Jesus, and he My father gave me a terribly pained look evangelistic concerts worldwide. It was the the Church of England for a decade before has three grown-up children. He lives and I just went out into the cold and beginning of my ministry. I have always another stint working for Jews for Jesus. in Witney and works in Eynsham. If you cried.” seen myself as a missionary,” he says. Eventually he became Director of Mission are interested, why not find out more For the next six years, Joseph says After completing a course in missions Stewardship for the Church Mission by contacting CWI on 01865 887831 or his relationship with his father was all and Jewish studies in Chicago, Joseph Society. Then, three and a half years ago, emailing [email protected]. but dead. At age 17 he moved in with came to the UK and worked as a the opportunity arose for him to take a Christian family. Soon after, he felt missionary for Christian Witness to Israel on his current role as CEO of Christian As told to Jo Duckles.

Editor: Jo Duckles Tel: 01865 208227 Deadline for March 2018: Monday 5 February 2018 Email: [email protected] Published: 19 February 2018 Editorial Assistant and distribution: Ruth Hamilton-Jones Tel: Audio version 01865 208225 Email: [email protected] The Door is published by Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance (Diocesan Secretary Mrs Rosemary Pearce). The registered office is Advertising: Glenda Charitos Tel: 01752 225623 Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF. Sight impaired people can get a free audio Email: [email protected] Tel: 01865 208200. While every care is taken to ensure the reliability version of the Door. Call 01865 208227. Editorial Support Group Chair: The Revd Graham Sykes of our advertisements, their inclusion in the Door does not guarantee it or mean that they are endorsed by the Diocese of Oxford. Email: [email protected] 16 God in the life of… THE REVD Joseph Steinberg is a untouchables. “I remembered that the Jewish man who talks here about book of Leviticus states a leper is ‘unclean’ how recognising Jesus as the Messiah and should live alienated and alone so influenced his life and career. as not to contaminate anyone. But Jesus touched the leper and instead of being Joseph has been living in the UK for 30 made unclean, the leper was made whole!” years but grew up in a Reformed Jewish The way Jesus performed these miracles family in North America. His great- changed the way Joseph saw him. grandparents moved to the US in the late The turning point came as Joseph 1800s as refugees from Russia who passed began to see Jesus’ death differently. “I through Uzbekistan and Turkey. had thought of him as weak, but I could Born in Miami, Joseph grew up in see in the gospel that this wasn’t true. He Richmond, Virginia, an area with 10,000 was giving his life up on purpose, with Jewish people and three synagogues. determination. I began to see how his “We were Reformed Jews which meant life matched up with the Old Testament we had a strong cultural identity but prophecies. Here was a Jewish man who weren’t religious. We would go to the seemed to fulfil Jewish prophecies...and synagogue on high holy days and celebrate yet I was afraid to follow him because I the Jewish festivals but, in an area that knew my family would be devastated.” was mainly Christian, our main identity was equally rooted in being against Jesus. …I was afraid to follow He was someone I despised even from a young age, because for 2,000 years our him.”“ people have been killed in his name. I thought he was the antithesis of what I Despite his fear, at the age of 14 aspired to be.” Joseph accepted Jesus as his Messiah. When Joseph was 13, Bar Mitzvah age “I went from despising Jesus to loving for a Jewish person, he met a 15-year-old him, despite the fact that all my life I’d Christian named Mark. “My father was been told he wasn’t for me because I was working in our front garden. Mark tried to Jewish. Strangely, it only took me a few share the Gospel with him and my father days to find out there were actually other threw him out of the yard.” Jews who also believe in Jesus,” he says. For six months Joseph was terrified I was amazed by Jesus.” of telling his parents. This was Bible belt America where everyone was expected to turn up at church in their Sunday best. “ Joseph Steinberg. Photo: Jo Duckles Not to be deterred, Mark returned to “I couldn’t just don a suit and go off to the house a week later with evangelistic church on a Sunday,” says Joseph. He pamphlets, to be met with a similar Mark challenged Joseph to read the Joseph came across Jeremiah chapter knew he had to say something about his response when Joseph’s mother answered Bible to discover what God expected from 31, verses 31-37 where the prophet says faith. the door. him as a Jewish person so Joseph got hold God will make a New Covenant with the After an initial attempt to tell his It was in the summer holidays that of his father’s Tanakh (Old Testament) Jewish people, giving them a new spirit mum left him tongue tied, Joseph finally the bored teenage Joseph agreed to play and read it every day for a year. and a new heart. This drove Joseph to managed to break the news during a basketball with Mark. Challenged by the Scriptures, Joseph want to discover more about Jesus so he regular Friday night family trip to a “After about three minutes, as he held kept asking Mark questions. He would dusted off the Gideons’ New Testament he pizza restaurant. “We got into a religious onto the ball, he told me he had moved quiz his parents too, but their answers was given at school. conversation, which we didn’t do very to the area two years earlier. His parents were often non-committal.“ I was reading Joseph devoured the Gospel of often. I said that if Christians believe had divorced. He was unhappy and had and the Scriptures were affecting change Matthew in three afternoons. “I was in Jesus, then I guess that makes me a got into some trouble. Then, about a year in my heart,” says Joseph. “I became amazed by Jesus. If God were to become Christian. The way I phrased it was wrong later, he had come to Christ through envious of Mark’s faith but I had been a man he would do the things that and what my father heard me saying was a television evangelist and since then brought up to believe that you couldn’t be Jesus did.” He was inspired by the way that I had gone to the other side. I just couldn’t help but tell everyone about how Jewish and believe in Jesus.” Jesus performed his healing miracles, didn’t want to deny Jesus. Jesus had changed his life,” says Joseph. But after a year of daily Bible reading, often touching those who were the …continued on page 15

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www.oxford.anglican.org Pull this section out. Keep it handy for your own prayers and involvement in the diocese.

Seven reasons to ban the Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful spiritual human beings who are therefore our Shutterstock tool. Powerful enough that BISHOP sisters and brothers. Only someone who STEVEN can understand why, from the has found this new identity can stand perspective of global corporations and against the advertising culture which consumer culture, there could be good night and day seduces us to define who we reasons to ban it from public life. He are by what we spend. reflects on the reasons why. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done Back in 2015 the Church of England on earth as it is in heaven” produced a 60 second commercial. The Second, this prayer gives us the courage to only words are the words of the Lord’s live in an imperfect world. Prayer, said by children, the bereaved, The world is not as it was meant to be. people at work and so on. It’s a beautiful It is distorted from its true purpose. But film, Certificate U. God is at work to redeem and transform The plan was to show the film before this world, to establish his kingdom. Christmas at screenings of Star Wars to The Lord’s Prayer invites us not to help everyone think about prayer and to retreat from the world in fear and pain, pray. What could be more simple? The to anaesthetise or indulge ourselves. distributors declared it unsuitable for The Lord’s Prayer invites us to join the screening. They believe it carried the risk struggle to see justice and peace prevail. of upsetting or offending audiences. Cue indignation from the press, debates It teaches contentment, about free speech, a possible challenge in the courts and a storm on social media. the“ most subversive virtue of But wait just a moment. Suppose the them all.” cinema chains got this one right? I disagree with their decision and I disagree with the reasons they have given. This Third, and most powerfully, the Lord’s is a prayer said by billions of people Prayer teaches us to live with just enough. every day in every language on the This is the most dangerous reason why it planet. In every single moment in time, could not be shown with the adverts at the someone is praying these words. They cinema. It teaches us not to want more. It without expensive presents, without we know that God dwells with us and in us. are the first words of prayer we learn as teaches contentment, the most subversive going into debt, without credit. People are children and the last words we say at the virtue of them all. not made happy by more things, another “For the kingdom, the power and the moment of death. consumer lie. The greatest happiness glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen” “Give us this day our daily bread” comes from relationships. The key to And seventh, the Lord’s Prayer tells us These words shape This is not a prayer for more. This is great relationships is reconciliation how the story ends, how this life is to be a prayer only for what we need. Every and forgiveness. lived and lived well. lives,“ families and whole other advert in the cinema is there to The prayer returns as it begins to the communities…” encourage us to spend money in pursuit “Lead us not into temptation but deliver praise and glory of the living God. Our of happiness. This one restrains our greed. us from evil” hearts return to their origin and source, Fourth, the Lord’s Prayer teaches me Sixth, the Lord’s Prayer builds resilience the one who created us. Life is to be lived The Lord’s Prayer is powerful for a to live with my imperfections and the in the human spirit. When you say this to God’s praise and glory, not to satisfy reason. These words shape lives and imperfections of others. There is a way to prayer each day you are prepared for the our own small desires. We are beings with families and communities and whole deal with the rubbish in our lives. bad days. a higher calling and a greater purpose. societies. When we say this prayer we remind There are only 63 words in the Lord’s There are real reasons why the Lord’s “Forgive us our sins” ourselves that we are not living in a Prayer. It takes less than a minute to Prayer has been banned by the demigods Consumer culture holds before us the Disney fairy tale, a saccharine creation say them. of consumer culture, in the boardrooms of image of perfection. We cannot be happy of film makers where every story has a Yet these words shape our identity, the cinema chains. Here are seven, one for until we look like this person, live like happy ending. give purpose to our lives, check our greed, every line. that one. Each image is a lie. We are living in a real world of cancer remind us of our imperfections, offer a First, this prayer gives to those who The Lord’s Prayer acknowledges human and violence and difficulty, where we way of reconciliation, build resilience in pray it an identity and a place in the world imperfection and sin, daily. The Lord’s are tested, where bad things happen for our spirits and call us to live to the glory and a countercultural community. Prayer offers a pathway to forgiveness, no clear reason. We live in that world, of our creator. daily. The way of forgiveness cannot be confident in God’s love and goodness No wonder they have been banned in “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be bought. It is a gift. Grace. Grace subverts and help, even in the midst of the most the boardrooms of consumer culture. your name” the whole culture of advertising. challenging moments of our lives. Faith is It opposes the myth that we are random for the deep valleys as much as the green The Rt Revd Steven Croft is the Bishop of specks of matter floating through space “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those pastures. We may not have the answers but Oxford and time. It opposes the myth that our who sin against us” lives do not matter. It opposes the myth Fifth, the Lord’s Prayer offers a way of To view the Lord’s Prayer film go to: https://youtu.be/vlUXh4mx4gI of fragmented humanity. reconciliation. We are not meant to feud To view the Just Prayer website go to: justpray.uk We are created and loved and called or live in hostility or rivalry. We are meant For the Pilgrim Course on the Lord’s Prayer see: into friendship with God who is our father to forgive and be forgiven, to be reconciled http://www.pilgrimcourse.org and into community with our fellow to each other. That reconciliation happens Advertising February prayer diary The following is for guidance only; please feel free to adapt to local conditions and, if you wish, produce your own deanery prayer diaries.

Our purpose is to create a caring, FRIDAY 2 Burchetts Green: Keith TUESDAY 6 Dedworth: Louise Brown. sustainable and growing Christian Nicholls, Tina Molyneux and Teresa Give thanks for the ministry of our vicar, presence in every part of the Diocese Kennard. Give thanks for the really Louise, over the last twenty-four years in of Oxford. encouraging number of parishioners Dedworth. For the church as we prepare who joined in our Christmas events and to appoint her successor in May. My heart is steadfast, O God, my services; that the Christmas message will heart is steadfast; I will sing and make not be quickly forgotten but will take WEDNESDAY 7 Furze Platt: root in people’s lives. That the gradual David Short and Ruth . For our melody. Awake, my soul! changes we are making to our worship to Explore evenings; that people would Psalm 108:1 make it more accessible will be welcomed. come to faith through the Alpha course, Burchetts Green Infant School. and that others would grow in their Pray to the Father through the Son in faith through our Discipleship course. the power of the Spirit for: SATURDAY 3 Clewer: Rosie Webb. For For our Youth and Children’s Ministries, the ongoing building development of St including the youth weekend away THURSDAY 1 Bray with Braywood: Andrew’s and for St Agnes’ as a centre next month. Lynda Jones and Penny Murray. for mission and outreach. For the PCC as Give thanks that God our Father has we discern a new group of members who THURSDAY 8 All Saints, Boyne Hill, welcomed each one of us in Jesus and will help to lead the parish through the Maidenhead: Jeremy Harris. For Rachel called us to be his body in this place; Partnership for Missional Church. Clewer Juden, our gap year student: for her may he send us his Holy Spirit, at this Green First School and St Edward’s study with the Church Mission Society time of uncertainty and change, to guide Royal Free Middle School, Windsor. and her mission with our families and us, and fill us with vision, energy, and young people in Maidenhead. For the Year faithfulness in prayer as we seek to move MONDAY 5 Cox Green: Joan Hicks. For of Mission 2018-19 in conjunction with forward in our planning. For God to the launch of a Year of Mission shared our neighbouring parishes of The Good strengthen our fellowship and guide us with All Saints and St Luke’s, including Shepherd, Cox Green and St Luke’s. All with his heavenly wisdom and lead us in preparations for welcoming the Riding Saints Junior School, Altwood School and loving obedience to his Son, our Saviour, Lights Christian theatre group during Boyne Hill Infant and Nursery School. Jesus Christ. Braywood First School and Passiontide. For the special groups and Holyport Primary School and Foundation activities that will take place during Lent FRIDAY 9 St Andrew and St Mary Unit. and for a growth in faith and fellowship Magdalene, Maidenhead: Will at this time. Stileman, Jon Drake, Dave Atallah, Blessed is the man who walks not in the Photo: Shutterstock counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Services at Christ Church Cathedral Lord knows the way of SUNDAYS: 8am Holy Communion; 9.45am Matins (coffee in Priory the righteous, but the Room); 11am Sung ; 6pm . way of the wicked will WEEKDAYS: 7.15am Morning Prayer; 7.35am Holy Communion; perish. 1pm (Wednesday only) Holy Communion; 6pm Evensong (Thursday Sung Eucharist 6pm). Psalm 1 (ESV) Tel: 01865 276155 www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral Photo: www.sxc.hu Advertising

The following is for guidance only; please feel free to adapt to local conditions and, if you wish, produce your own deanery prayer diaries. Expertise in Church Clocks Clock Servicing Experienced Clockmakers Katherine Wheatley, Simon Eves, Jill Clock Restoration Palfrey and Sam Brewster. For Sam Coming and Goings Dial Restoration Delivering Value Brewster as he leaves us in the summer to Night Silencing National Coverage pioneer a new congregation in Henley. That Revd David Wilbraham has appointed Chaplain to Oriel College, Clock Hammers Member of the our congregations may make the best use been appointed National Police Chaplain; Oxford; The Revd Miriam Keen British Horological of our church, in the heart of Maidenhead, The Revd Marian Needham has retired has been appointed Rector of West Auto Winding Institute following our recently completed building from the post of Associate , Downland; The Revd Jonathan Meyer Auto Regulation CHAS Registered project to make the church more accessible Chase benefice; The Revd Sally Horner has been appointed Rector of Winchelsea and flexible; may they bring more people to has been appointed Chaplain to Oxford and Icklesham in the Diocese of hear the good news about Jesus. Health NHS Trust; The Revd Hannah Chichester; The Revd Philip Sutton has Cartwright has been appointed been appointed Associate Minister of the SATURDAY 10 St Luke, Maidenhead: Assistant to Littlemore; The DAMASCUS benefice.

Sally Lynch, Terrie Robinson, Nicola Revd Robert Wainwright has been St Mary’s Church, North Leigh Blenheim Palace Hulks and Sonya Clarke. For our mission as we aim to use our new facilities most w: www.timeassured.com effectively. For our growth both spiritually e: [email protected] and numerically as a church family. St recently introduced monthly Messy Church FRIDAY 23 Shelswell: Alice Goodall, t: 01623 627 850 Luke’s School. service and Little Roots, our weekly parent/ Bill Muncey, Liz Welters, Penny Wood carer and toddler group. We give thanks for and Amanda Houston. For the continued MONDAY 12 New Windsor: Ainsley the blessing of our new building, The Tree flourishing of the work of our children Swift, Margaret Bird and Kate Harrison. House, without which these activities could and families worker and for funding of COMMUNION LINEN For the new team that will be recruited as not take place. White Waltham Academy. this post in the coming years. For our members of the current clergy team move. home groups and study groups and for The finest purificators, palls, lavabo May God give us wisdom and discernment SATURDAY 17 Bicester and Islip growth in discipleship across the benefice. towels, corporals – at affordable prices as we plan for the future. The Queen Anne Deanery: Stephen Griffiths, Mike Finmere Primary School and Fringford Royal Free First School and Trinity St Dockrey, Karen Stoddart, Caroline Todd, Primary School. Made by Zimbabwe Mothers’ Union Stephen First School. Claire Hartropp and Andrew Foran. For In support of its outreach work in the resourcing of church growth in new SATURDAY 24 The Ray Valley: the Anglican church there. TUESDAY 13 Old Windsor: Adel housing developments and in the rural Steve Hayes, Victoria Mellor, Lucy Thirtle, MATABELELAND CHURCH LINENS Shokralla, Roger White, Lynne Thorogood, church. Lisa Holmes and Glenys Edwards. For the 11 Margetts Close,Kenilworth,CV8 1EN Mary Hutchinson and Anne Beer. For God four schools in our benefice, including Email: [email protected] to lead us in our journey as we join the MONDAY 19 Akeman benefice: the church schools Charlton on Otmoor Partnership for Missional Church this year; Gareth Miller, Brian Wood, Paul Clifford, Primary School and Dr South’s School, may he help us to root our church vision Kevin Lovell, Jo Cropp, Mike White, Islip: for students, teachers, parents, St Columba’s House in him. Give thanks that we are blessed Bob Wilkes and Joanna Clifford. For governors and assistant staff this year Retreat and Conference Centre with a good number of young people in our work with young people. For us as we and especially as new pupils are integrated. our benefice; may we continue to grow our are developing new patterns of worship For continued contact with those who Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8AB youth ministry in the parish. St Peter’s and also as we plan for our benefice away came to church over Christmas and with Middle School and The Royal School. day. Bletchingdon Parochial School, those who have been baptised over the Chesterton Primary School and Kirtlington last 12 months. WEDNESDAY 14 The Cookhams: Primary School. Nick Plant, Helen Chamberlain, David MONDAY 26 Aylesbury Deanery: Joynes, John Ainslie, Joanna Ellington, TUESDAY 20 Bicester with Bucknell, David Williams, David Lilycrop, Tania Charles Walmsley and Richard Simmonds. Caversfield and Launton: VerenaBreed, Dovey, Ann Beaton, Carole Hough, Susan For our two new mission initiatives to Ian Biscoe, John Bentley, Peter Wright, Lucas, Antony Rablen and Phil White. For engage with young families: 4th@4 and Erika Biscoe, Carol Hill, Peter Hill, our pioneer posts within the deanery in First for Families. That we may make April Beckerleg, Elizabeth Taylor, Colin northern Aylesbury (in response to new Christ known in the benefice of The Cockshaw, Mary Roe, Christopher Young housing) and church planting. For the Cookhams as we follow the Mission and Mandy Bentley. For Peter Wright as interplay and interdependence of resources Action Plan. Holy Trinity Primary he prepares to take up his post as team that we are encouraging across rural and School, Cookham and Cookham Dean vicar with special responsibility for urban benefices. 10 Meeting Rooms Primary School. Bucknell, Caversfield and Launton. For 31 Beds the church family at St Edburg’s as we seek TUESDAY 27 Aylesbury: THURSDAY 15 St Lawrence, Waltham: to grow new disciples and to grow in our Douglas Zimmerman, Peter Wheeler, Chapel and Oratory Charles Mason. For us as we join the Parish discipleship. St Edburg’s Primary School, Gareth Lane, Julie Willis, Luke Lee 01483 766498 Giving Scheme, which we plan to launch at Bicester and Launton School. and Rainah Madzorera. For our benefice www.stcolumbashouse.org.uk the end of April. For a good take-up for our as we are facing significant financial [email protected] Lent course. WEDNESDAY 21 Cherwell Valley: challenges and as we focus on the vision Stephen Griffiths, Geoff Price and that God has for us to live into. St Registered charity in England and Wales No. 240675 FRIDAY 16 White Waltham with David Taylor. For David Taylor as he Mary’s Combined School, Aylesbury, The Shottesbrooke: David Andrew, Carole undertakes training alongside Aylesbury Vale Academy and Berryfields Perkins and June Brayne. For a deepening his ministry. That we may create a culture Primary School. of our continued relationship with St of evangelism in the benefice. Fritwell Mary’s Church in Maidenhead. For Primary School. WEDNESDAY 28 Bedgrove: continued growth in our work with Martin Kuhrt, Nick Collard, Kate Watt children and families, particularly the THURSDAY 22 Rousham: Richard Smail. and Marie Carey.

Our Bishops on Sundays Links Blessed are SUNDAY 4 Bishop Steven conrming at St Edward’s School, Prayers from Christian Concern for One World: the peacemakers, Oxford. www.ccow.org.uk/weekly-prayer-email for they will SUNDAY 11 Pray for Bishop Colin, on sabbatical. Topical prayers from the Church of England: www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical- be called SUNDAY 18 Pray for Bishop Andrew. prayers.aspx children of God. SUNDAY 25 Bishop Humphrey Southern conrming at Christ Church Cathedral. Matt 5:9 Advertising

Dartmouth thedoorpost Devon Events in February Delighul ground floor flat with glorious views across river Dart. The Doorpost is a free service for churches to advertise their events and is designed to be hung on church Sleeps 4: double ensuite, twin with bathroom, noticeboards. Please send your events to [email protected] or by post to Church House. The all mod cons. deadline for the March issue is Monday 5 February. Tel: 020 7223 5473 SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY Casa Oleander Luxury 3 Bedroom Villa Bicester: Afternoon Concert with Trinity Camerata, 3.45pm, St Edburg’s Church. Featuring Sleeps 6/8, near Carvoeiro, Portugal. Brahms’ Hungarian dances; Own pool, all Mod Cons Golf, Tennis, Free Wifi. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto; Tel: 02380 265 683 TravelArranged forInsurance The Door readers [email protected]@gmailcom Nielsen’s Helios Overture; Real and friendly people... not machines! www.casa-oleander.co.uk Smetana’s Vltava; Sibelius’ Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical Finlandia. Tickets £12 on the door, cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. £10 in advance from Coles Books. STOP PRESS - JANUARY SALE EXTENDED SHERBORNE £20 off any annual policy & £10 off any single trip policy Short breaks in Dorset www.trinitycamerata.org. Long stay winter specials up to £40 off per policy Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, LONG STAY, SINGLE TRIP, AND CRUISE COVER apartment in listed building Wantage: The 11th Wantage available for holidays departing up to 31/12/2019 Annual multi-trip cover (max. age 85) close to Abbey Church. Come and Sing Messiah at St John Single trip cover (NO max. age) Open all year. Vianney Roman Catholic Church, Conditions apply Please ring for brochure: Please call for details ~ 2–5pm. Tickets £12 for singers Snowdrops at Long Wittenham. See 10 February for Cowley’s snowdrop weekends. UK 0116 272 0500 FT TRAVEL 01404 841367 and audience, £6 for under 18s, BASED Authorised & regulated by the FCA INSURANCE accompanied under 14s free. Call 01235 763756 or email wantage. 12.30pm (bring a packed lunch), SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY [email protected]. talk at 1pm. Donations to cover expenses are welcome. Contact Oxford: Christians in Science MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY Judith Baker 07981 345125, Ann Student Conference on Science and Stedman 01865 559179 or email Faith: The View Up, In and Out. Reading: Café Théologique [email protected]. The King’s Centre, Osney Mead, (organised by the University of 9.30am–4.30pm. www.cis.org.uk/ Reading Chaplaincy) with Revd Oxford: Counting the Clouds, a conferences/student-2018/ Graeme Fancourt on All together new one-act play by Nigel Forde, Tickets £10. Different: Ministry after Brexit. followed by conversation with Venue: Zero Degrees Bar, Bridge leading scientists. St Andrew’s SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY Street. 7.30pm. No charge, no Church, 7.30pm. Free tickets from booking, all welcome. ridinglights.org/fitq. For further Hambleden Valley: Lent Evening information call 01904 613000 or Service Programme 6pm. See TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 01865 311212. www.hambleden-valley-churches. org.uk/Lent_2018.htm. ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE Benson: Part two of the Janaway SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY lecture trilogy on the English FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible at St Helen’s Cowley: Snowdrop weekends begin accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £7 at St James Church, Beauchamp Oxford: Unicorn Ecumenical Group Also, Conference facilities and private stays. (students £5) can be obtained Lane (also weekend of 17/18 hosts The Ven Godfrey Stone, Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily offi ce in from Derry’s Den in Benson or by February). Saturdays: 10.30am – speaking on Post-Denominational St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel. calling 01491 200737/835927. 3.30pm; Sundays: 2– 4pm. Protestant Christianity in China. See 9 February for venue, time and For further details please contact: THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY Aldworth: Concert at St Mary’s further information. St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU Church, 7pm, with works by Faringdon: God or the Big Bang? Schubert, some old favourites, and Winslow: Choral Evensong, 6pm, Tel: 01235 763141 talk by Revd Dr Rodney Holder at a selection of chamber music. Max St Laurence Church with The Email: [email protected] the Corn Exchange, 7.30pm. Free Fane – Tenor; Richard Ingrams Very Reverend Jeffery John, the www.csmv.co.uk entry and refreshments. – Piano; Ross Montgomery – Dean of St Alban’s Cathedral, on Clarinet. Tickets (£15) from 01635 Martyrdom. FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY 578936 or 01635 578239 and [email protected]. SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY Oxford: Fiction and Gospel Truth: For the Lord your God is a Can Novels Tell Godly Stories? SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY Oxford: Bishop Steven and Ian Priest and novelist Revd George Macdonald, diocesan youth adviser, merciful God. He will not Pitcher at the Vaults and Garden Winslow: Choral Evensong, 6pm, host a Youth Forum at St Andrew’s Café, 7.30pm. Organised by the St Laurence Church with The Very Church to enable young people leave you or destroy you University Church. Reverend Jeffery John, the Dean to contribute to and shape the of St Alban’s Cathedral, who will diocesan vision and mission. 10am or forget the covenant Bicester: USPG Regional Day, speak on Martyrdom. – 2pm. For further details contact open to anyone interested in [email protected]. with your fathers that he the work of USPG. Emmanuel Oxford: After Eight at Christ org or call him on 01865 208253. Church, 12-4pm. Free lunch and Church Cathedral, 8pm. Melvyn swore to them. refreshments. Contact Elizabeth Matthews speaks on A Company Reading: Shut up: A spotlight on Taylor on etaylorsjut@gmail. of Voices: Anglican Spirituality prisoners of conscience. Start of a com or 01869 243479. Contact Today. Melvyn Matthews is the weekend organised in association Deut 4:31 Rebecca Woollgar with any dietary author of Both Alike to Thee: The with Amnesty International requirements: [email protected]. Retrieval of the Mystical Way. Free at Christ Church. See www. uk or 020 7921 2220. event. christchurchreading.org.uk.

To advertise Oxford: Unicorn Ecumenical FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY Milton Keynes: Bringing Hope Group hosts Dr Zoë Waxman, into Prisons. Milton Keynes in this newspaper, senior research fellow at the Oxford Bloxham: Start of Church Times Prison Fellowship invites you BE contact Glenda or Michelle on Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Festival of Faith and Literature: to find out how you could bring Studies. She talks about her book Building a New Jerusalem. hope to a prisoner. 2–5pm, 01752 225623 Women in the Holocaust: A Feminist bloxhamfaithandliterature. Water Eaton Church Centre, or email History. The House of Saint Gregory hymnsam.co.uk or phone 0845 Drayton Road, Bletchley, MK2 SEEN [email protected] and Saint Macrina, 1 Canterbury 017 6965. 3RR. To register please email Road. Refreshments from [email protected].