Visitation News
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Diocese of Canterbury archdeacons’ visitation news Spring 2020 - issue 19 Dear Churchwardens Bishop Rose writes The role of the bishop is often equated to that of a shepherd. and PCC members So as a new bishop, it is naturally John’s gospel that I reach for – that now most Changed Lives ➞ Changing Lives… changes everything! infamous passage where Jesus declared “I am the good 2020 is a year we will never forget! There is not much in the rhythm of our church shepherd” (Chapter 10). year that has not been changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin, then, by As such, he would be single- saying a HUGE thank you to you as Churchwardens, and to your PCCs, for your minded in his care for the sheep; the sheep knew him and would continued faithful and care-filled service throughout this very challenging time. respond to his call. There would We know that, with many delayed APCMs, so many of you have continued in be nothing covert or hidden about his role as the shepherd office much longer than you expected. Thank you! and he is no mere hireling either – he would lay down his life for the sheep, if it came to that. In verse 10 of Chapter 10 we We know also that our closed church doors have inspired a creativity and care in read, “I have come that they may have life and have it in all its mission which has flourished as, also in partnership with others, you have continued fullness.” Jesus the Good Shepherd had a great love for the to serve your communities. We have enjoyed worshipping with you online and we sheep given into his care. He was committed to them and his know that this is one place you have seen growth in those connecting with you. desire was for the sheep to flourish. What has not changed throughout 2020 is our God who is love and who continues I am deeply privileged to have been called to the role of being to journey with us in our changing world. He calls us to be people who, knowing your shepherd – and I have committed myself to getting to God’s transforming love in our own lives, seek to be bearers of it in our communities know you in every corner of our diocese where you are to and God’s world. be found. The coronavirus pandemic has prevented much of our physical gathering – but I am willing to be with you In light of all this in the months ahead, with Bishop Rose, we look forward to praying virtually until it is possible to be with you in the flesh. Together and talking together as we seek to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. we will explore how we will truly become the people of God in our parishes, benefices and teams, living abundant lives. How is God calling us to shape God’s church to grow faith, flourish in mission Together, our changed lives will change and shape the lives Changed Lives ➞ Changing Lives and be sustainable for the future? … changes of others through the power of the Holy Spirit – in our homes, everything! our churches and our communities. I am excited about being on this journey with you here in the Canterbury Diocese. Thank you again for all you do as Churchwardens. We hope that APCMs can go ahead later in 2020 and we will be in touch about Archdeacons’ Visitations. My mission priorities are for us to deepen our prayer lives; We look forward to seeing you and please be assured of our prayers and support. to become more mature in our faith as we study scripture together; to develop a generosity of life, springing from Jo Kelly-Moore, Darren Miller, Andrew Sewell and Stephen Taylor God’s generosity, and to become more confident in sharing our faith (telling the Good News of Jesus Christ). Together we can change the story of our diocese to one that is flourishing spiritually and financially! I look forward to getting to know, to love and to serve you. Bishop Rose Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury Produced and printed by The Venerable The Venerable The Venerable The Venerable Darren Miller Jo Kelly-Moore Stephen Taylor Andrew Sewell Archdeacon of Archdeacon of Archdeacon of Acting Archdeacon Ashford Canterbury Maidstone of Maidstone www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters We are very grateful to Ecclesiastical The Stewardship Adviser writes for its help in producing this newsletter at no cost to the Diocese. We would also like to express our sincere thanks Contactless Giving to Allchurches Trust for its grant of £123,000 in 2019, which greatly As we seek to be Changed lives ➞ Changing lives, Bishop Rose benefits the mission of our diocese. is calling us, in her four priorities, to live generously. At this time of COVID-19, we give thanks for all the ways in which we have seen communities living generously to care for one another. In the months ahead, we are here to support you as you focus on generosity in your parishes to ensure that your ability to serve your communities is sustainable into the future. I hope that many of you were at Diocesan Synod in July to hear more about how to make generosity part of our DNA, as well as hearing about a number of new initiatives to support you in this. In the wider charitable sector, new forms of giving are growing fast. This is particularly true Archdeacons’ amongst younger givers, but many older givers give through digital giving means as well. Visitations Although regular, planned giving is the bedrock The arrangements for the Archdeacons’ of support for most churches, one-off donations Visitations will be issued as soon as are a very useful addition to this. Enabling possible. people to make a one-off donation by card can really increase the amount your church can raise for specific appeals and one-off events. percentage of the transaction. While many of the card readers need a Wi-Fi or 3G Training The ability to receive contactless donations can phone signal to work, some can store the be particularly useful for fees, concert tickets, transactions to be downloaded later. Opportunities cups of coffee, or for taking donations at services and events when you have people who The card readers are purchased through are not regular members of the congregation. parishbuying.org.uk, and further information New Churchwarden These might be weddings or baptism services, can be found by contacting me at: Training Dates Christingle and other Christmas Services; [email protected], or at: Easter or Mothering Sunday. https://www.parishresources.org.uk/ As soon as dates are agreed for the digital-giving/receiving-card-payments/ There are a number of different card readers Visitations, training dates for new available. Some can be rented while others Liz Mullins Churchwardens will be issued. are purchased outright. All charge a small Stewardship Adviser Churchwarden Training Saturday 10th October The Safeguarding Team writes Venue: The John Wallis Academy Millbank Road, Kingsnorth Ashford TN23 3HG The Safeguarding Team has been working of working to combat radicalisation and hard to offer advice and support and to modern slavery. We have also launched the Further details of the training will raise awareness of safeguarding across new training framework and since January be provided later in the year but our diocese. The culture of our churches we have trained well over 100 clergy, please save the date. is changing, as evidenced by the excellent licenced ministers and lay leaders in our uptake and engagement in training and face-to-face courses, with many more of the many things that you are doing in your churches to make them safer places. you completing online training. Leadership This has continued through lockdown as training will soon be delivered online and many of you have contacted us for support dates for this training will be communicated and advice. It is fantastic to work with so through our diocesan website in due course. many of you who really understand the You can find information about safeguarding importance of keeping safeguarding at the heart of all that we do. and contact details for the team at: canterburydiocese.org/safeguarding So far this year, we have held a very or call 01227 459401. successful annual conference where we welcomed speakers from PREVENT and Fiona Coombs & Paul Brightwell Border Force who shared their experiences Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers promotionalContains We have donated more material than £325,000 to churches around the UK Trust130 is a special promotion to increase our support to local churches and their communities. 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