Annual Reports 2011

Diocese of Newcastle

www.newcastle.anglican.org Contents

2 Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee The Rt Revd Martin Wharton 3 Task Groups 3 Botswana Link 3 Children’s Work 4 Committee for Interfaith & Ethnic Relations (CIFER) 5 Continuing Ministerial Development 5 Cursillo 6 Deanery Development 6 Disability 6 Ecumenism 7 Environment 7 Evangelism 7 Higher Education 7 Local Ministry Development 8 Task Group Development 8 Tourism 9 Vocations 9 Winchester Link 9 Youth Work 10 Parish Giving Officer 11 Diocesan Advisory Committee 12 Diocesan Mission & Pastoral Committee 12 Houses and Glebe Committee 13 Inspired North East

BISHOP’S COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE

2011 saw the consideration of a number of weighty matters, including meetings in each Deanery to prepare the ground for the Diocesan Synod debate on the legislation covering the proposed Ordination of Women to the Episcopate. The presentations at these Deanery meetings were, I think, very helpful, and the Synod debate, when it came on 12th November, was marked both by the passion with which members spoke and also by considerable graciousness in the course of the debate. Synod voted by a substantial majority in favour of the motion seeking to give effect to the legislation covering the proposed Ordination of Women to the Episcopate, and the legislation will now be brought to the July meeting of the General Synod. Discussions have also taken place at Bishop’s Council as to how to prepare members of Synod for the forthcoming debate on the Anglican Communion Covenant. Over the course of the year, Bishop’s Council received reports on a number of matters: the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible (which was subsequently marked in various ways by the Deaneries), the 200th Anniversary of the National Society, a paper from Inspired North East on ‘Churches, Heritage and the Visitor Experience’ (with an action plan in support of churches and tourism in the North East), the introduction of a Clergy Handbook, the Mission Development Fund, and the Vacancy in See Committee. In November the Council received the draft plans for the election of a new Diocesan Synod in 2012. During the year, preparations were also made for an Open Synod Forum in September on the theme of Education. In addition, the Council has continued to receive regular updates on the ongoing work of the Diocesan Board of Education. Bishop’s Council has also continued to keep a close eye on the Diocesan finances and budget, receiving regular presentations and detailed updates, and being keen to offer support and challenge where needed. In May Nick Clarke from the Communications Unit at Church House, Westminster joined us to help us think through the implications of our Diocesan review of communications. And later in the year we were pleased to welcome Mr Martin Sheppard to the Diocese as our new Development Officer for Communication: Martin is already helping us to make a number of positive changes. During the year we said farewell to Audrey Elkington as she left the Diocese to become Archdeacon of Bodmin, and we welcomed Ian Flintoft as he took up the role of Bishop’s Chaplain and Diocesan Director of Ordinands. As ever, I am indebted to the members of the Bishop’s Council for their hard work and support during the course of the year, and to all those who contribute to the life of the Diocese through the Boards, Committees, and Task Groups.

+Martin The Rt Revd Martin Wharton, Bishop of Newcastle, Chairman

TASK GROUPS  Fr Syd Connolly and his wife Pat spent 3 months serving in the Parish of Francistown

in the north of Botswana. The new web-based planning for Task Groups is  A group from Newcastle Diocese visited in beginning to have an impact on how we work. May to look at various projects in Botswana It offers Task Group Leaders, some Task Group and make plans for the future. members (those signed up by their coordinator) and  Parishes in this diocese continue to support Administrators (eg Diocesan Secretary, Finance, Botswana financially. Archdeacon) an opportunity to see updates and share information with others. It also offers some Geoff Lowson clarity with regard to communication of ideas and events and an understanding of the range of work undertaken in the diocese by these groups. CHILDREN’S WORK The site falls into 3 main ‘files’; 'Budget’, ‘Task Budgets were presented for 2013 and 2014 based Group outline’, ‘Events and articles’. on a 3 year plan. Task Group Co-ordinators have made every effort to Work undertaken during 2011 included: use the system and to reflect on the work they have Messy Church Grants were given to undertaken during 2011. This has also included Allendale, Fawdon, Chollerton, Heddon-on-the- some careful task and budget based planning for Wall, St John Lee, St John’s Spittal, Benwell, 2012. Stamfordham, Chapel House, Whalton, Shilbottle, The reduced budget was the basis for 2 meetings of Kingston Park, Ponteland. the co-ordinators – where all budget requirements Other grants were given to were tabled, all rationales presented and decisions made corporately within the group based on their  Jesmond Dene fun day. needs and the reduced budget. The key to this is  Central Deanery Mission – Nativity the agreed overall impact and benefit of these tasks in the life of the diocese.  Kenton schools / Sunday school grants. Sue Hart  Newcastle Diocese CURBS Hub annual fee Help was given in setting up new Messy Churches to Whalton, Longhorsley, Benwell, Allendale BOTSWANA LINK Churches Together, Benton, Spittal, St John Lee / The group has: Acomb, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Chollerton, Stamfordham, Chapel House, Shilbottle.  Supported a group of young people from Newcastle on a visit to Botswana in the Some of the above churches are now established, summer who joined young people from the but some are still at the planning stage. Diocese of North Carolina and the Diocese of Botswana for a conference on HIV / AIDS.

Training days ‘Auschwitz Phase 2’ is now in the planning stage, with all of the major faiths involved. The project is  Puppet workshop was planned for intergenerational and is supported by many November but had to be cancelled due to Partners, including Newcastle Council of Faiths, the very few bookings. Civic Centre, Northumbria Police, North East  Jesmond Dene fun Day. The task group was Refugee Service, and the Council of Christians and involved in running the Messy Church Tent. Jews.  Members of the Task Group were involved

in an exploration afternoon looking at having a CURBS (children in urban situations) Hub in the Newcastle Diocese. A “…learning about the Hub is a centre which uses CURBS resources social isolation and in an urban area and is a resource to other urban parishes in how to work with children persecution…” in similar settings.  The task group decided not to put on the usual two training days this year as they had Some of the aims of the project include learning been poorly attended in the past two years. about the social isolation and persecution that We decided to have a rethink and listen to many communities have suffered, to be able to the needs of children’s workers from engage with issues related to the Holocaust which around the diocese before reinstating the are of particular relevance today, in their effect on training days in 2012. community cohesion, religious and political prejudice and discrimination; and to grow in Sandra Doore understanding ways in which the Holocaust has impacted on various faith communities. THE COMMITTEE FOR INTERFAITH AND ETHNIC ‘Faith and Human Rights – Speaking with One RELATIONS (CIFER) Voice or Many?’ The biggest project that CIFER has undertaken is the CIFER organised a conference on faith and human Auschwitz initiative which began last year, which rights, which was held at Northumbria University may have been the first time a bi-lateral inter-faith and chaired by the Very Revd Chris Dalliston. The trip had taken place. keynote speakers included professors of International Human Rights and Comparative From this a photographic exhibition, ‘They’re Only Philosophy, and the Very Revd Nicholas Coulton Pictures’ was developed and was launched at who spoke on issues around God, the Bible and Church House. Since then the exhibition has been Human Rights. shown at Newcastle and Durham Cathedrals, Sunderland Minster, St Andrew’s Church Corbridge The conference was well attended, by people from and Tynemouth Priory as well as being exhibited at other faiths as well as law students from many of several colleges throughout the region. the different universities in the region. Workshops included Asylum Seekers, Genocide/Holocaust, Marriage/Slavery, End of Life, the Right to Worship,

Who has Human Rights and Who Doesn’t, and of a new officer as well as being part of the Rights Responsibilities or Gifts. The aims of the interview process. conference were to pick out and understand some Catherine Pickford of the issues around the role and place that different religions and ethics have in some of the human rights debates. CURSILLO ‘Women in Conversation’ Cursillo is always lay-led but is for both clergy and This project is aimed at working with some of the laity. It offers a model of how clergy and laity can hardest-to-reach women from the many diverse work together to advance the Kingdom of God, faiths and cultures in the Diocese. An Inter-Faith everyone bringing their own different gifts and dialogue has been set up and the women have characteristics. made visits to several different places of worship, When Cursillo is started in a new diocese, it is including a visit to Holy Island where they learned always gifted from another diocese where it is about the rich faith history our diocese and region already established with an exchange of letters of has. permission from the relevant Bishops. National Inter-Faith Week Cursillo is active in most of the dioceses in the UK. CIFER was involved in setting-up and helping Cursillo is being gifted to the Diocese of Newcastle parishes, groups and individuals plan events for this by the Diocese of Ripon & Leeds and letters have important week. already been exchanged by the Bishops. Lesley Hillary

CONTINUING MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT “Sharing thoughts, The current CMD task group was formed as Colin experience, Gough was preparing to leave the post of CMD Officer. encouragement, Colin and the old group felt that a change of officer prayers…” was a good time for the group to be re-established and renewed. We chose a combination of members who were part of the old group to lend continuity Once a person has attended a Cursillo Weekend, and new members, asked particularly for their she or he is encouraged to join a local Group expertise and experience in areas of adult education Reunion of no more than five people, to meet and development. regularly for sharing thoughts, experience, The last 12 months has been a challenge for us as encouragement, prayers and to discuss and plan we await a new officer, but we have continued to future activities. meet regularly and have discussed reader training, Cursillo is open to all and fits seamlessly into any work consultancy, Leading From the Future, and the Parish community. CMD budget. We have also worked closely with

Peter Robinson on the criteria for the appointment

2012 planning included… meet with Senior Staff to review progress, get their response to what has been happening and to Group Meetings (Ultreyas) every three months or so discuss with them for the whole of the Diocese. These have the same structure as Group Reunions but are on a larger  Their view of how our parishes may be best scale and usually involve hymns and a Witness Talk served by Deaneries and are open to all.  How we can best support Deaneries in their Regular articles on Cursillo and publicity in The Link. work

Developing in general for 2012 by visiting various  The role of the Archdeacons in the process Churches throughout the Diocese to spread the We hope in 2012 plans will emerge that will provide word of Cursillo by having as many meetings as support and encouragement to the parishes and possible in different parts of the diocese to bring also allow the Diocese to have sight of what the the movement to the attention of as many important issues are at parish level for the future. congregations as possible. Carol Wolstenholme To recruit as many people as possible to attend a Cursillo Weekend and experience for themselves what the movement can do for them. DISABILITY Janet Proud The group has met several times and has undertaken the following work:-

DEANERY DEVELOPMENT  Agreed priorities for 2012 It is now two years since we launched the Deaneries  Mailed all PCC secretaries with a ‘disability Development process and much has been achieved planner’ to help them undertake an audit of in those two years, including:- requirements and make a disability plan for the parish  The issue of a Guide to Deaneries Development  Created a booklet for parishes on best practice and to help them to determine  A Task Group of Facilitators who work with and record disability measures agreed by Deaneries their PCCs  Deaneries Development Groups in nearly all Bill Rigby Deaneries

 Yearly meeting with Bishop Martin ECUMENISM  Signs of a planning process being in place in most Deaneries 2011 saw the retirement of the Ecumenical Officer, The Revd David Cant. The Revd Janet Appleby was  Positive actions and outcomes appointed as the new officer at the beginning of However, we think it might be time to review the January 2012. The main aim for the coming year emphasis and early in 2012 we will be looking at will be to establish the group. what the next steps might be. The first step is to

ENVIRONMENT  Instigated re-focus on vision of the group The publication of ‘Praying for the Earth’ in April Dorothy Robinson 2011 was well received in the diocese and beyond. A renewable technology ‘strategy meeting’ was held HIGHER EDUCATION in March, involving decision makers from within and beyond the diocese, which examined the Much of the first part of the year was spent in possibilities and difficulties of adopting renewable supporting the appointment process for a new technologies in church buildings. Chaplain at Northumbria University. Revd Andii Bowsher was appointed, and licensed at a service in The task group’s aim was to publicise examples of the University led by Bishop Frank, and supported good practice in The Link and Renewing Creation. by Cathedral choristers. Rob Kelsey Given that we were at a time of transition, a review was then undertaken of the role and purpose of the EVANGELISM HE Task group, as this had not been done for several years, and existing group members had Canon Dave Elkington left the post of Diocesan identified a lack of clarity of purpose, with some Adviser for Local Evangelism in June 2011. Canon overlap of remit with other groupings such as the John Sinclair was appointed to succeed him in LAGs. October 2011. It was agreed that the main purposes of the group During the year Task Group are to resource the work of the Anglican chaplains,  Funded three people to attend ‘Leading to communicate issues relating to Higher Education Your Church into Growth’ Conference and in particular to facilitate effective dialogue between the diocese and the chaplains.  Supported Newcastle Central Deanery’s Year of Mission It was suggested that the core group should arrange a reflective event in the coming year to bring  Produced another leaflet in the ‘Sharing together key stakeholders in universities and God’s Love’ series – In The home diocese, and that in addition, given the demography  Promoted Back to Church Sunday – 30 of the student population, and the ongoing issues of parishes signed up to the National Initiative faith, we should explore the potential for joint work website but very few posted feedback with the interfaith task group.  Through the adviser the group continued to Chris Dalliston help parishes with their Mission Action Plans (MAP) LOCAL MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT  Sport – Genesis Judo began in the autumn – sessions include team-talk with Christian At the start of the year, working between the content as in the initiative ‘higher sports.’ dioceses of Durham and Newcastle, the then Local The group helped to fund some of the Ministry Development Officer continued to support leader training. an increasing number of requests from incumbents

“The continual flow of  held 2 budget meetings were held to enable coordinators to share information and make new schemes has decisions about finance for 2012 necessitated some  worked with finance department to make a simple budget sheet available to all

ingenious networking…”  worked with archdeacons to ensure tasks are in line with diocesan priorities  used our budget flexibly to support start out to initiate and maintain local schemes (now over 40 groups, balance overspend and address schemes in the diocese). new tasks and issues In addition to identifying a need for further Gloria Cadman and Sue Hart mentors, the Task Group became aware that some existing mentors were offering types of support that were not helpful for collaborative ministry. TOURISM Accordingly plans were drawn up to train new and existing mentors. Contributed to the definition of the Inspired North East project, especially actions aimed in support of Following the officer’s resignation, these plans were churches, heritage interpretation and visitor put on hold and the Task Group worked with the promotion. Archdeacon on the details of a new post. The absence of an officer meant that the continual flow Support for networking of good practice, including of new schemes has necessitated some ingenious contributing towards, and drawing upon events and networking to keep up with demand. Inspired by guidance offered via the Churches Tourism learning from the National Conference for Local Association. In 2011, for example, this led to Ministry, the Task Group is keen to work with the Bellingham Deanery running a tourism event on the new officer to explore its sphere of operation within theme of spiritual routes, involving churches across its cluster of related Task Groups. the deanery. Robert Peers Supporting the reprinting of a trail leaflet ‘In the Steps of the Saints’ and continuing dissemination of

guidance materials on Welcoming Visitors to churches, previously commissioned for the group. In TASK GROUP DEVELOPMENT particular, advisory materials prepared in the past by Eileen McLean have proved to be amongst the Work of this ‘holding’ group included most popular documents via the CTA website (over  continued availability to all Task Group 1,000 downloads). coordinators to support their work Facilitating and contributing to wider discussion of  endeavoured to facilitate better possible actions to promote Christian Heritage and communications between coordinators and visits to churches linked to the planned Lindisfarne the diocese so all have access to tasks in Gospels exhibition in Durham in 2013. progress. Andrew Duff

VOCATIONS budget for the Task Group, but they do represent a very important contribution to the life of this Two of the main aspects this year have been: diocese.  preparation and printing of good quality Robert Gage leaflets promoting calling to Christian discipleship, Reader Ministry and Ordained Ministry. YOUTH WORK  sourcing of vocations stories from a wide The 2011 budget was clearly identified and well range of people. Gathering stories which ordered - although a visit to Botswana was made illustrate something of the range of possible possible by grants from beyond the Youth Budget, a vocations to which people may be called – good proportion of this was covered from within such as Reader, schools worker, the 2011 Task Group budget. churchwarden, church musician, funeral director, teacher. The Youth Development Officers during 2011 strove to encourage churches to see that a realistic and Ian Flintoft appropriate ministry of working for and with young

WINCHESTER LINK In 2011 the group “Working for and with  hosted the visit from Winchester Diocese to Newcastle last July, young people is possible  made an initial grant of £350 towards the forthcoming visit from St Nicholas Cathedral and fun and fulfilling!” to Winchester Cathedral next May.

 attended the farewell service for Bishop people is possible and fun and fulfilling! Michael Scott-Joynt at Winchester last May, representing both Bishop Martin and Apart from specific support to parishes and Newcastle Diocese. Both Bishop Michael deaneries, youth activities and events in 2011 and the Dean of Winchester paid warm included: tribute to the Newcastle Link during that  Two main Band concerts for young people service. in March at the Cathedral and in  Submitted substantial articles for The Link Cramlington in November. on the Winchester visit in July.  The main Summer Diocesan Youth event - During the last year we used some of the remaining 'Staying Alive' at Sea Houses Hostel in Winchester Fund to make two grants to the new August. In total 90 young people 'Coffee Plus' project at Northumberland Park, and participated. one to the new building at Chapel House – both  Club Ichthus, a Bands night, took place bi- projects inaugurated by Bishop Martin. These monthly in the north of the Diocese. important 'tasks' did not draw on the current

 A retreat for young people from Church the essential core, that Giving is inseparable from Academies was held in November at the our relationship with God. Hexham and Newcastle (Roman Catholic)

Diocesan Youth village.  Meetings for Secondary School chaplains “Giving is what we should were organised as were sessions for paid and voluntary Youth Workers. all do to give thanks  A basic youth work course was taught (in the summer and autumn) to God…”

 A Diocesan youth visit to Botswana took place in July and youth workers from the We have seen a growth in clergy becoming more Møre dioceses in Norway were welcomed in involved in campaign build up, preaching sermons September. on giving and asking questions about the mission  Events in partnership with other youth and ministry of their parishes. The answers to these organisations were organised throughout questions have helped to develop the way in which the year as advertised on the monthly the particular Giving Campaign is presented to the bulletin. congregation.

 Preparations were made to appoint ‘Youth The Stewardship Season set of initiatives is also Advocates’ for each deanery in 2012. becoming well-established, enabling parishes to look at our gifts of time and talent as well as

treasure. Other campaigns have highlighted the Andrew Shipton difference between Giving and fundraising, acknowledging that both are needed, but that Giving is what we should all do to give thanks to God with fundraising helping achieve other financial needs in the parish. It is my practice to urge every parish to run a small annual campaign with a bigger “top up” programme PARISH GIVING OFFICER every three or four years. I am very happy to offer 2011 consolidated the work achieved the previous advice on how a yearly campaign can be run and of two years with parishes taking the opportunity of course be even more active in the parish when it is running campaigns that used a much wider variety planning its larger programme. of techniques to get the Giving message across to Richard Gascoyne congregations. Using the existing range of programmes available each parish produced a programme that was unique for them; a programme that spoke in words their individual congregations could relate to without missing out

DIOCESAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE to speak about his researches into energy efficiency, Ms Yvonne Wilson of the National Association of The Committee continued to address its challenging Memorial Masons, Ms Sara Crofts of the Society for workload with the use of a Standing Committee Protection of Ancient Buildings (who later in the held, usually, some nine days before the Committee year presented a notably lively `Know Your proper. Eight full Committee meetings were again Architect’ day for churchwardens), and a party from held, this year averaging 19 substantial items per Hexham to speak of various matters including the meeting. I am extremely grateful to the members development of the Carnaby Centre. Our June and for their great expertise freely given, including their July meetings were held at the churches of Chapel time in visiting churches, in small groups, when that House and Brunton Park, respectively. is seen to be helpful. Naturally we have attempted to work closely with The weather for our annual tour after an Messrs Duff and Lovie of Inspired NE, an effort unpromising start with overcast skies quickly greatly assisted by our Secretary’s sharing of an improved to maintain our impressive record of wall- office with them. Events organised have notably to-wall sunshine. We visited the churches of Felton, included two on renewable energy sources, and an Berwick, Norham, Etal and Ford. Again the `energy choices’ network has now been formed. Committee benefited from visiting these church communities, and we remain committed to our The Committee was sad to lose the services of Miss concern for the Church’s mission and how it may, Barbara Harbottle, who resigned as our with care and goodwill from all concerned, be held archaeological member after fourteen years’ together with proper concern for heritage. This year sterling service, and sad to note the death of Mr Bill the Secretary was able to participate in Durham’s Carr, one-time heating adviser to the DAC, whose comparable tour, as part of our sharing of our funeral the Secretary was able to attend. Also Mrs common endeavour. Alison Campbell, a member of Church House staff, had to give up her part-time support of the Secretary in order to concentrate more fully on Houses. More pleasingly, at the end of the year the “We remain committed to Committee noted the success of Healey church in winning the prestigious Art & Christianity award for our concern for the its new windows, against competition of the highest Church’s mission…” national calibre. Average attendance this year was 66%. Canon Dr Geoffrey Purves The Committee’s annual dinner was held at the Chairman of Newcastle DAC Loch Fyne restaurant in Gosforth, where we heard from David Lovie of Inspired NE about the development of Trinity church, literally across the road. Just before Christmas we invited quinquennial inspectors of churches in the Diocese to a meeting, with a varied agenda, at Church House. Visitors to our DAC meetings have been Revd Andrew France,

DIOCESAN MISSION AND PASTORAL involved in different ways of expressing the COMMITTEE mission and ministry of the Church in the Diocese In 2011 the Committee met three times to  Discussing with the Archdeacons the complete formal business and twice to consider its strategic direction of the Diocese and how strategic role and direction in the diocese and learn the DMPC can support developments in more of how it can support and assist parishes. mission. 1. Formal business included 3. Personnel changes  The Pastoral Scheme uniting the parish of We were sorry to say goodbye to the Revd David Kirkwhelpington with Kirkharle and the Cant on his retirement, the Revd Dave Elkington on parish of Kirkheaton, creating the parish of his move south, and Mrs Alison Campbell moving to Kirkwhelpington with Kirkharle and other duties in Church House. We are grateful for Kirkheaton, to be part of the benefice of their contributions to the DMPC. Kirkwhelpington with Kirkharle and Kirkheaton, and Cambo, became effective Carol Wolstenholme on 25th February. Chair DMPC  A Church Representations Rule Scheme for North Tyne & Redesdale was prepared in

essence, for referral to the parish meetings and Bishops Council.

 Consideration of suspensions of presentation continued, and suspension of HOUSES AND GLEBE COMMITTEE presentation to Upper Coquetdale was lifted. A busy property year.

 The Diocese’s stock of closed churches was Severe winter weather in 2011 brought with it all kept under close review. sorts of challenges in terms of repair and maintenance. It was also a busier than normal year  Agreement to the release of Diocesan in terms of clergy appointments and moves. Pastoral Account money to enable the Consequently for the first time in my five years as purchase of a property to become the Chairman we ran slightly over budget. benefice house of Byker St Silas. Glebe land and properties continue to be a 2. Other business included challenge as we try sympathetically to maximise  Developing awareness and understanding returns and future potential. of the support that might be requested by The Committee continues to perform well. The Deaneries through discussion with Archdeacons have behaved, and Jennie Jones, Peter Newcastle West and Alnwick. Barton, Fiona Sample and Anne Purves have been  Inviting representatives of Shiremoor, good too. My thanks to them all. Willington Quay, The Great Park and St Luke’s, Newcastle to tell us how they are

Last but by no means least Ian Beswick and Alison churches, hugely increased the amount of cash aid Campbell have as always worked hard through it helped to secure for parishes and, finally, adverse circumstances. They are a most capable developed fruitful joint working with the newly- and happy team. My thanks to them both for their appointed Inspired North East staff in Durham enthusiasm and help and support over the past Diocese. year. In more detail, 10 training events were held Roger Windass attended by 350 people from Durham and Newcastle Dioceses and 28 churches were assisted Chairman with repairs and re-ordering that had not been helped before. Two churches were offered a total of £55k from the Diocesan Mission Development Fund and 6 other churches were offered a total of £82k

outright and a further £134k in principle in grant aid from English Heritage for high-level urgent repair work. INSPIRED NORTH EAST It has been a busy but rewarding twelve months for Started in April 2010 with funding from both the the Project in the Diocese – and jointly with the Diocese and English Heritage, the Inspired NE Inspired North East officer in Durham Diocese too. Project continues to employ two job-share This is the second year of a three year Project so in professionals to support parishes in maintaining, the final year, in addition to continuing the present repairing and re-ordering their church buildings. committed work, the Project will look to In addition, they also advise parishes on creative consolidating lessons learned and preparing the visitor welcome and fund raising strategies. From way and seeking the funds for similar support work the beginning, Project staff have set out to work to be continued into the future. WITH parishes rather than FOR them, as the David Lovie Project’s primary function is to develop the self-help capacity of parishes and church folk to secure a more viable future for our congregations.

“Project staff have set out to work WITH parishes rather than FOR them…”

Building on the foundations established in its first year, in 2011the Project extended the scope of its training programme, engaged with more fresh