The Way The FREE newspaper of the Church in Cumbria, Spring 2017

The role of godparents ‘We all have in the life of a child God-given gifts’ PAGE 2 PAGE 14 MARCHING TO THE SAME BEAT

WELCOME to this new-look edition of The n God for All vision at the heart Way! Our hope and prayers are that you enjoy the of the new look for The Way re-branded ecumenical newspaper for the county of vision is fresh and exciting We explore how God is with Cumbria – more than ever. and we hope that’s conveyed us, all of the time, wherever At the heart of all the con- in this new and vibrant look we are. Stephen Wright, from tent is our county-wide God for The Way. the Sacred Space Foundation, for All strategy and vision: This edition features some of writes about the comfort of that by 2020 everyone in the amazing missional work feeling God’s love as he lay in Cumbria, of all ages and which is taking place right a hospital operating theatre. backgrounds, has had an across the county. And a new regular centre opportunity to discover From Fresh Expressions of page spread – Down Your more of God and God’s church being played out by Way – features mission and purpose for their lives, groups of Mountain Pilgrims, outreach which is going on in so that they will discov- through to the mum who specific parts of the county. In er more of Jesus and found God through Messy this edition we focus on the the Good News and Church, we’re looking at how west Cumbrian village of become followers of God is moving through people Moresby. Jesus within a in our towns and villages. Of course, we welcome Christian community. We also reflect on the further ideas for regular We’re bringing you wonderful pastoral work of features and content. You can a greater story count hospice chaplains, through the make contact with the editor and more people- eyes of Dorothy Derrick who Dave Roberts via details on centred content; every- has just retired after 10 years page 2. The beat goes on... Professional drummer Andy thing with God for All at with the Eden Valley Hospice’s We hope that you enjoy Kelly, pictured by Derwentwater, is working on a its heart. The God for All ecumenical chaplaincy team. the read! new Samba drum mission group with young people in Moresby. See pages 8 and 9 for more details... 2 The Way, Spring 2017 www.carlislediocese.org.uk INSIDE EVENTS AT A godparent’s for life, CARLISLE THIS CATHEDRAL EDITION not just for baptism APRIL Holy Week and Easter Services 2017 The Preacher for Holy Week will be the Rev Canon Michael Manley, Canon DANIELLE BENSON n Individuals provide Missioner, Carlisle Cathedral Sun 9 (Palm Sunday) - 10.30am, Clothes Bank advice, encouragement, Procession of Palms, the reading of the volunteer support and protection Passion Story and Eucharist sung by members of the Cathedral Choir; found faith 6.30pm, The Passion according to St By Sarah Hulme, Mark composed by John Joubert in Children & Families 2016 will performed by the Cathedral PAGE 4 Choir conducted by Mr Jeremy Suter Evangelism Enabler Mon 10, Tues 11, Wed 12 – all 7.30pm, Sung Eucharist. Preacher: Canon Michael Manley HAYLEY WISBEY CUMBRIA is at the top of the Thurs 13 (Maundy Thursday) - 11am, national league table when it The Chrism Eucharist sung by the comes to infant baptisms (often Cathedral Youth Choir referred to as christenings) and Preacher: Bishop of Penrith Thurs 13 (Maundy Thursday) - 7.30pm, Messy thanksgivings. The Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper Church to A third of all children born in sung by members of the Cathedral the county are being welcomed Choir followed by Watch of the Passion baptism PAGE 6 into the church before the age of Fri 14 (Good Friday) - 12 noon, A one; a figure which sits way above Meditation led by the Cathedral Youth the national average of 11 per cent. Choir; 1.30pm, The Good Friday Figures from the most recent Liturgy sung by members of the DOROTHY DERRICK Cathedral Choir. Preacher: Canon Jan Statistics for Mission (2015) show Kearton; 9pm, The Cross of Lights with that more than 1,500 were baptised music by the Cathedral Taizé Choir On her role across the county and, with chil- Sat 15 (Easter Eve) - 7.30pm, The dren having a minimum of three Easter Vigil & Confirmation by the as hospice godparents, that means we are Bishop of Carlisle sung by members of chaplain looking at more than 4,500 people the Cathedral Choir becoming godparents to children Sun 16 (Easter Day) - 8am, Said Holy Communion; 10.30am, Festival PAGE 12 in Cumbria just in the last year. Eucharist sung by members of the Why are godparents so impor- Cathedral Choir. President: The tant? A christening gives parents Christening: Parents want the best for their children Bishop. Preacher: The Dean; 3pm, CONTACT US the opportunity formally to involve CHURCH SUPPORT HUB Choral Evensong sung by members of other significant adults in their the Cathedral Choir. Preacher: Canon EDITOR: child’s life and faith. Parents view aging a relationship that will last at want their child to have the best start Michael Manley Dave Roberts least 20 years, probably a lifetime. in life and God’s blessing on them. Tues 18 to Fri 28 - South Aisle, Carlisle godparents as important for their Day Services Exhibition Tel: 07469 153658 child’s upbringing; available for In national research by the There are plenty of resources for Thurs 20 to Sat 22 - 5.30pm, Evensong Email: communications@ advice, protection, support and Archbishops’ Council, the biggest godparents to tap into, one being with the Clerkes of All Saints, York carlislediocese.org.uk encouragement. reason parents gave for wanting at www.churchsupporthub.org/ Sun 23 - 10.30am, Sung Eucharist with The choice of godparents often their child to be christened was to baptisms which also includes links the Cathedral Carliol Choir AD MANAGER: honours long friendships, and in ensure he or she had godparents. to more information about Sun 23 - 7.30pm, Shakespeare Event, Fratry Steven Bowditch choosing them, parents are envis- Linked closely to this, parents also Godparents’ Sunday on April 30. Tel: 01228 530159 MAY Sat 6 - 10.30am to 4pm, Tower Open The Way is the newspaper of the Church Day in Cumbria. It is produced in partnership WHY ARE GODPARENTS SO IMPORTANT? Sun 14 - 1pm, Duke of Lancaster between the Church of England Diocese of Regiment’s Thanksgiving Service Carlisle, the Methodist District of Cumbria, GODPARENTS are among Thurs 25 - 7am, Ascension Day Eucharist the United Reformed Church in Cumbria the most important people at and Churches Together in Cumbria. Sat 27 - 5.30pm, Evensong with Choir a christening; they make big of Oxton St Saviours Through Churches Together in Cumbria, promises to encourage their we ensure coverage of and distribution to godchild to grow in faith and Mon 29 - 5.30pm, Evensong with the the Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Choir of Chester Cathedral Quakers and independent churches. The commit to helping them editorial team is made up of representa- understand how to live their tives from across the denominations. life in a Christian way. JUNE The purpose of The Way is to reflect the We asked families around Sun 11 - 10.30am, Eucharist for Trinity Church in Cumbria to itself and to our Cumbria what having or being Sunday. Preacher: Archdeacon of communities more widely. We do not seek a godparent meant to them: Carlisle, The Venerable Lee Townend to promote any particular theological Sat 17 - 7pm, The Sixteen (7pm talk viewpoint, but rather aim to stimulate Christening of Esther Ladds debate by featuring writers from a variety of and 7.30pm concert) “Esther’s godparents are Sat 24 - 12.45pm, Lunchtime Recital church traditions and from society more amazing. We are so blessed widely. While we are happy to consider to have them in our lives. by Concord Women’s Chorus unsolicited submissions, we operate largely on a system of commissions and do We love watching Esther grow in relationship with Lifetime bond: Left, Esther Ladds, centre, with parents Yvette and JULY not guarantee to publish any materials Sat 1 - 2.30pm, Ordination of Priests received. them all. It is so special to us Martin Ladds, the Rev Phil Jackson, behind, and godparents, from The views and opinions of contributors knowing that she has people Sat 29 - 12.45pm, Lunchtime Recital and advertisers do not necessarily reflect praying for her, ready to left, Fran Houston, Vicky Allison, Chris Allison and Joelle Raby; by Altrincham Choral Society the views and opinions of the partners. answer questions and sup- right, The Rev Tim Cooke baptises Talwyn Thomas in Ullswater The publisher takes no responsibility port her on her faith journey Musiclive@lunchtime for losses arising from information in as she gets older.” grows older, I am looking for- so there is a merry team to family. I see my role as one All concerts are held on a Tuesday in advertisements in The Way. Parents Martin the cathedral; start at 12.45pm and last and Yvette Ladds ward to being able to chat help guide Talwyn. I chose of maintaining a close rela- and encourage her as I share family members I can depend tionship as he grows.” 45 minutes. Admission £5, £4 for mem- “Being a godparent to my Christian faith.” upon to always be there as Chris Hulme bers of Carlisle Festival, £2.50 students Esther is so wonderful; it Joelle Raby well as wise Christian friends and under 18s. Season ticket: £40. allows me to be closer to her to offer Talwyn spiritual guid- “I hope I can support Tal April 18 - Leah Nicholson (piano) The Way whilst helping her in a rela- “Being godparents mean ance and support in our throughout his life with some April 25 - Charles Edmundson (organ) tionship with God as she we have a very special bond Christian journey.” of the valuable lessons I've May 2 - Nelson Tomlinson School grows up.” with Esther; we aim to help Talwyn’s mother, learned on love, acceptance, (choir and Instrumental) Fran Houston her to grow in her faith and Rachael Cottam forgiveness and trust.” May 9 - Millbeck Quintet (wind quintet) Newspaper of also to provide practical and Nathalie Cottam May 16 - Solway Singers “Being a godparent starts emotional support. We hope “I will always look out for she will be able to turn to us Talwyn and give advice and “I am delighted to be May 23 - City of Carlisle Orchestra the Church with the promise I made at May 30 the baptism, to encourage my for help, advice and support try to guide him as best pos- Talwyn’s godfather; it's a - Scott Bradley (guitar) god-daughter to grow in faith in the future.” sible throughout his life.” great honour.” June 6 - Sheffield Academy Duo in Cumbria and help her to understand Chris and Vicky Allison Jasmine Passley Matthew Cottam (French horn and piano) what it means to be Christian June 13 - Jack Stone (organ) The summer 2017 edition and live for God. Praying reg- Christening of Talwyn “A godparent is a special “I hope I can be a good role June 20 - Brief Encounter Duo ularly for my god-daughter is Thomas position in a child’s life - model guiding him through life.” (trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, vocals will be available in July really important and, as she “I chose five godparents, important, yet different from David Montgomery and keyboard) www.carlislediocese.org.uk The Way, Spring 2017 3 A breath of Fresh Expression n Different groups of Mountain Pilgrims head outdoors to explore life and God in the hills

By Richard Passmore, NATURAL SETTING ALLOWS US TO RECONNECT Reach Team Fresh Expressions Enabler

WITH such an amazing landscape on our doorstep it seemed obvious that one place to develop a Fresh Expression of church was outdoors. So, about 12 months ago, a On a journey: The Mountain small group went for a snowy, wet Pilgrims group walk to chat about the idea; then went to the pub to talk some more. ning alongside the Mini Pilgrims. We realised we needed to be flexi- Here we walk and talk, exploring ble about what we were doing, but the theme. For example, when the keep it intentional so we weren’t Mini Pilgrims explored ‘being just another walking group. me’, our version of that theme was There are four key areas that ‘mortal’. We wrote our names on Fresh Expressions centre around: card in chalk that slowly rubbed formational (helping people grow), off as we walked. Then we went missional (not a cosy club for deep into one of the tunnels at Christians), ecclesial (intentionally Cathedral Cave and watched a trying to explore a new form of candle in a jar slowly burn out. church) and contextual (relevant to Finally we also have ‘Abbey’ the community being engaged). which meets twice a month and, After three months and gathering this season, is about prayer and the a few more people, Mountain rhythms of life. Each month we Pilgrims was formed. It was delib- meet for a walk and breakfast at erately not attached to a particular Wilf’s, a well-known hangout for church so it could be as creative people who like the outdoors. and flexible as possible. Nine We are a fairly ad hoc gathering months later and we couldn’t have with different people connecting imagined how it has developed. with different activities and groups Initially, we thought it would be – a bit like your traditional church a single group, walking and explor- offering different services – but we ing life and God in the hills. While also connect online via Facebook God and Creation are still at the groups where people will often heart of what we do, it has spun continue the conversations sparked out into many different forms. by various activities. As well as 4th Sunday Adventure Good mission is often about and Mini Pilgrims, which you can doing what is in front of you well. read about elsewhere on this page, If we had been too fixed about our the original Mountain Pilgrims now original idea, some of the growth consists of three core spaces. Each we are seeing would never have month we have ‘Active’, a happened. One exciting develop- walk/scramble to one of the moun- ment is that several other churches tain cathedrals that John Fleetwood and groups are interested in devel- – featured in the last edition of The oping their own versions locally. Way – identified as a part of the To find out more visit the web- new Lakeland Pilgrimage. site www.godforall.org.uk or We also have ‘Reflective’, a email richard.passmore@ Exploring: The 4th Sunday Adventures group in Martindale in the Lake District shorter walk around a theme, run- carlislediocese.org.uk.

WE’D noticed we were losing By Paul Rose, discover new characteristics and touch with people. Our church experiences of God that we had a great way of connecting Children’s & Youth Work T eam wouldn’t have in a church building. Fun for Mini Pilgrims too with parents with very young chil- Leader at Penrith Methodist We don’t deny the experiences of dren – toddler groups, dads’ Church and 4th Sunday God we’ve had in our more tradi- By Indianna Passmore, group, etc. We’d even seen some Adventures Leader tional setting; rather we allow Aged 10 families coming to church, these previous experiences to although they were the minority. inform and influence how we But once the kids started school, lies weren’t interested in church in encounter God in natural places. MINI Pilgrims is a part of or soon after, unless we saw them a traditional sense, but that they It’s encouraging to hear the con- Mountain Pilgrims and is a group at church on a Sunday morning, may be willing to explore the spiri- versations that go on though the of children and families walking we found we’d never see them tual side of life if re-packaged out- activities – sometimes inspired by and learning about God in the hills. again. side of a religious setting. a reflective practice we’ve done It is good because most kids like And so, once a month, 20 to 40 It was this experience, along together as a group; sometimes being active and not sitting down with a few other loose ends com- people gather and ‘seek to explore simply because people love to in a church, but we still want to ing together, and the development the transcendence behind the walk and talk. The sense of com- Making friends: Mini of Mountain Pilgrims, which mountains, valleys, hills and lakes: munity grows each time we meet. learn about God. prompted the emergence of the we meet in the Lakeland hills to As well as allowing the sights, “It’s exciting and you get to Pilgrims in the Lake District gathering now known as 4th better understand what it is that sounds, smells and physical make new friends,” said Norah, Sunday Adventures. draws us to the thin places - the encounters of the Lake District to seven. friends and family and some We recognised that the people places where we sense something reveal the creator and sustainer of Each time there is a theme friends from school have started we had connected with in the past more than the everyday.’ all things, we have activities that coming. still liked a good excuse to gather We strive to avoid religious lan- help us stop and look: hide-and- which makes it even more fun. So with others. We realised though, guage and yet to be intentional seek, orienteering and trying to put far we have looked at ‘being me’ Norah said: “I would rate its on its own, that wasn’t enough; about encountering God through into words what it is about a view and ‘patterns’. There has been a level of fun seven out of 10.” Edie we needed to provide something activity and one another. that makes us feel the way we do. walk to Cathedral Cave which was said: “I would rate it eight and accessible for parents and chil- This was primarily to make it On one hand it feels simple, but exciting three-quarters!” dren across at least the primary easily accessible for all, irrespec- we notice glimmers of the pro- “The walks are suitable for all You won’t go hungry on our school spectrum to entice whole tive of beliefs, but we also find found, and love the way we’re ages,” said Edie, 10. walks as we have snacks all families to come and join in. using non-religious language able to reconnect with people we We also recognised these fami- invites the Christians among us to thought we’d lost contact with. People who have been on the around and sometimes have lunch Mini Pilgrims recommend it to together at the end. 4 The Way, Spring 2017 www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk By The Way Putting clothes on people’s Take time this spring to appreciate God’s world I HOPE that you and I will find space as winter begins backs and faith in their lives to retreat and spring flourishes around us; time to rest and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Solway, to be refreshed by the growing warmth of the sun, to put aside all those things that bother and worry us, to n Community pastor Gill Grisedale on the church Clothes Bank serving those in need in Barrow relish the beautiful world our God has created and to realise that He is always close to us. MARY DAY, Allonby Beachcomber ST MARK’S Clothes Bank Monthly Village Newsletter began after what I term a “God instance”; when God put me in ALTHOUGH I have always looked at my role as a a particular place at a certain presbyter as being a two-fold thing of being and doing – one is ordained to the office (being) and work (doing) time. of a presbyter in God’s church – much of my value as I had seen this lady wearing a minister come from the work, the ‘doing’. maternity clothes for some time JOHN SIMMS, The Stricklandgater, Newsletter of the and presumed wrongly that she Stricklandgate Methodist Church Kendal was expecting another baby. The truth was she could afford to THE sad truth is that any church that becomes focussed on itself and inward-looking will fail to thrive. clothe her toddler but kept wearing It is only when we turn outwards and engage in her maternity clothes as she could mission that we begin on the path of growth. not afford to clothe herself. JACK KNILL-JONES, Proclaim, At church, we have a dance Parish Magazine of the North Barrow Team Ministry, group attended by women and I St James the Great and St Francis enquired there if anyone could donate good quality clothes for a THERE is a box at the back of St Mary’s for donations of toiletries to go in the emergency toilet bags which lady in need. And so it began. the MU provides for local hospitals. Required are We then collected clothing, small ‘travel-size’ bars of soap, face cloths, combs, shoes and accessories for men, toothbrushes, toothpaste and small hand towels. women and children to pass on to Gosforth, Nether Wasdale and anyone in need. Wasdale Head Parish Magazine From Monday to Friday, 10am WELL, it’s a new era in the life of our benefice – to 12 noon, we open our doors and ADRU. Alex is now officially retired. We wish him and welcome people in, to take what Val all the very best for the future and hope to see they need free of charge. At the Reaching out: Volunteer Danielle Benson, left, with Gill Grisedale in the Clothes Bank them both from time to time: they have given so much. same time, we run a free café with ADRU Benefice News, Aldingham, Dendron, drinks and snacks, where people We provide washbags and dren now attend church social Rampside and Urswick can meet in a safe, happy environ- clothes for people released from activities and services, and have THE VOLUNTEER ment and socialise. prison; we also provide night wear become part of the family of St IN the Bible the word ‘sin’ comes from an archery term I FIRST met Gill when she was meaning to ‘miss the mark’. That is why we are all sin- Friendships have been formed and washbags for people admitted Mark’s. into Furness General Hospital. We Some have committed their lives gathering information for a survey . I ners: none of us, no matter how hard we try, can live and needs met as we reach out in was invited to a yarn bomb that she up to God’s standards. However, how we respond to love to our community in our have provided wedding outfits, to Christ which is wonderful. organised at church. The outside of the problem of sin in our lives can vary greatly. parish and beyond, in one of the interview clothes as well as warm, If it were not for the Clothes church was covered with knitted SIMON BICKERSTETH, Connect, St James Carlisle most deprived areas in Cumbria. clean clothes for the homeless and Bank they may never have come items that they then gave away to We have seen more than 2,500 people in need. into our church. anyone who wanted them. OUR alternative Christmas card for Water Aid this I helped that day and started pop- year has raised £365 which, after gift aid is added, clients since we began. Many of the volunteers, who It really is a simple and ping into the Clothes Bank, then vol- amounts to £443.75. Very many thanks to all who We continually help the home- came firstly as clients, have grown effective way of evangelising by unteering there and also bringing contributed. less with dry, clean clothes and immensely in confidence. spreading the word of God, by our my daughter to Youth Café. I also The Parish Church of St Paul Grange-over-Sands attend a home group once a fort- then later with household items They now feel empowered, actions and compassion as called night and services at church. I can- when they move into a home. One running the café and Clothes Bank. to do in Matthew 25. not put into words the feeling and MONTHLY Messy Church continues to thrive and I young man we helped said we had It is a delight to see how they Reaching out to others blesses peace I feel in my life now; it has am very grateful for our helpers and those who regu- restored his faith in humanity. He have changed and grown; they are them but also blesses us, and we certainly changed for the better. larly give. This month we are being sponsored by the DANIELLE BENSON, St Mark’s Little Co-op, so I will be a doing a £20 trolley dash. successfully moved into a home giving something back to others. hope to continue doing God’s Clothes Bank volunteer Parish News, The Parish of Kirkby Stephen with and found employment. The volunteers and their chil- work here in Barrow. Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby

BRIGHAM Gardeners’ Club – Today we are thinking about our late chairperson, Joan Lawson, and wondering what we will do without her reassuring Centre chips away at debt-related issues presence, wide knowledge of plants and flowers and, perhaps most of all, the absolute pleasure of her company. By Donna Docker, St Bridget’s Parish News THE CLIENT CAP entre CManager , Barrow THE first time I observed Lent over 40 years ago, I I HAVE always struggled with my attended an Ash Wednesday service. Ashes were CHRISTIANS Against Poverty finances: I spend before considering applied to my head and words were spoken over me: the long-term consequences. This “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (CAP) recently opened a new debt means I am always without enough I learned in a new way that I am a mere mortal and at centre to serve the Furness area at for myself and family. the same time created in the image of God. Spring Mount Christian This led me to borrowing: first SUE WICKS, Harraby Viewpoint, The Parish Fellowship, Barrow-in-Furness. from banks, then payday loans. Magazine of St Elizabeth’s Harraby When I became desperate I sought There was much prayerful antici- out debt management services. I pation, with my colleagues from tried a couple, but CAP was differ- WE hear the story of the crucifixion so often that it Whitehaven, Carlisle, Penrith and ent. First of all, it was a Christian- sometimes fails to touch us. My prayer is that we Kendal praying for a centre in based company which was very make time during Lent for Bible study, prayer and attractive. They explained how they personal reflection especially in Holy Week itself – on Barrow for some time. would work. They offered prayer, what Jesus went through for you and me. We all know the statistics of they never judged my bad decisions STEPHEN RADFORD, Newsletter, Kirkby Stephen, poverty in Barrow, so CAP was and made me feel important on a Appleby and Tebay Methodist Circuit keen to open a centre here to start personal level. Thank you CAP.” chipping away at the debt-related Hope: Donna Docker and Bupe Tyson share a light moment BUPE TYSON I ENJOY my twice monthly visit to Youth Café. Why, problems caused by joblessness, at my age do I want to mix with teenagers? One illness, relationship breakdown, reason is that I remember my own teenage years and had been waiting in faith for Him God has opened every door I’ve where we feel they would benefit. how important it is to socialise with one’s peers. addictions, low income and poor to reveal how. When I was knocked on. By His grace, these It’s a privilege to be invited into SHEILA HUGHES, The Link, The United Benefice of financial education. approached about becoming debt services are putting their trust in us someone’s life and to bring some Lorton and Loweswater with Buttermere Initially, Spring Mount didn’t centre manager it appeared to be and referrals are coming through. hope into difficult situations, but a think we were the ones to take it the answer. Working with a team of befrien- double blessing if they allow us to LENT is a time for taking time to reflect on our lives forward, but every time we batted The first few months were spent ders, we have made relationships pray for them and point them and where we are going. Let’s all use it for our own it away God batted it back until we promoting our service. I have been with seven very different house- towards the hope they can have in growth, as well as that of our church as we do God’s really had to take a step of faith amazed at the wealth and quality holds so far, providing them with our faithful God. work in the community in which we live. JIM HYSLOP, that this was His will for our of services available to those in free debt counselling in the com- For help, visit www.capuk.org to The Observer, Saint John the Baptist Upperby church. Personally, I believed God Furness and the dedicated people fort of their own home and sign- see if CAP covers your area and had called me into His service and who provide them. posting them to other services then call 0800 328 0006. www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk The Way, Spring 2017 5 ‘Roz knew she was loved by God and that gave her peace’

Inspirational: Jon Greenwood with Roz Pate, who recently died of cancer DAVE ROBERTS

LIFE is a funny thing – there I took friends to see Roz and are constant highs and lows OpShop volunteer Roz Pate was featured in the last edition of we always came away both and not always where you The Way, reflecting on how her battle with cancer had brought amazed and inspired. She knew her closer to God. Sadly Roz passed away at the start of the COCKERMOUTH expect them. year. Jon Greenwood, the OpShop’s Business Development she was saved, she had no time Roz Pate, a volunteer at Manager, reflects on the impact Roz had on those around her. for regrets but only to enjoy Opshops who had grown to be her memories and trust in Him. a friend, had been suffering interested in her and what she out of sleep. This tiny lady who I don’t think she worried about with cancer. A big high for her thought. She had not had an asked for nothing, knew she Heaven and what it would be Stained Glass was to see her story in print in easy life and, unfortunately for was loved by God, and that like. Roz knew it would be The Way. She could see it but Roz, the cancer was winning; gave her an incredible peace. Heaven and she was loved. didn’t know what it said as Roz her already tiny frame shrank She would tell all visitors to Roz is gone but her influence couldn’t read well. before our eyes. get out and live their lives. It remains – encouraging, staying I will design, manufacture and I’d had the privilege of read- positive and very real. It has But Roz didn’t; the person was simple: “Just go and do install stained glass for your ing it to her when it was pub- who was Roz stayed large, fill- it!” Sometimes it takes that been a tough time for those lished and she was incredulous ing the room, even near the end kind of situation to realise who knew and loved Roz but windows and doors in a style of that other people would be in the hospice, drifting in and where our priorities should be. all of us are better for it. your choice

REPAIRS AND RESTORATION Young widow brings late WORK UNDERTAKEN Doug Smith, Cockermouth Stained Glass, Castle Yard Workshop, Isel Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9EZ. Tel: 01900 825576. Mobile: husband’s words to life 0776 3583721. Email:[email protected] n Morecambe, quit her job to slowing down and prioritis- Book on spiritual edit the book down to a size ing one’s relationship with life published after that a publisher would con- God and the inner life. sider and to add material Katherine added: “Robin author’s death from notes Robin had left. moved through life at a slow She recalled: “It was quite pace. He was an encourager. PSYCHOTHERAPIST daunting to begin with – to He did little things with a lot Robin Daniels was born In get your head around another of love, and he was Blackpool in World War person’s thought, and the immensely grateful.” Two. structure of the text. But it Roy Godwin, author of The Alongside his private prac- was a beautiful experience, Grace Outpouring said about tice, he ran a reflective group Close: Robin and his because it was contact with the book: “It is like having for hospital chaplains, a wife Katherine Robin’s mind. I could hear an amazingly wise old uncle Methodist bereavement his voice on the pages, often showing you how to live; to group and marriage enrich- of talks snowballed over the speaking into decisions I had truly be alive.” ment and preparation groups next 15 years into a book on to make.” Teresa Onions will lead a for the Baptist Church. But the spiritual life. The book, published by quiet day on the book’s subti- Robin Daniels’ main love In 2012, Robin died of Instant Apostle, explores the tle ‘Towards a Contemplative was writing. bronchopneumonia, leaving pressures of rapid change, View of Life’ at Rydal Hall In 1996, he had been invit- The Virgin Eye unpublished. stress, information overload, in November. It can be ed to lead a retreat day on the His widow Katherine impinging technology and ordered at bookstores or at interface between psychology Daniels, a play therapist then the rushed pace of life. www.mindfulnessforchristians. and the spiritual life. A series working for the NHS in Daniels makes a case for com (RRP £9.99). 6 The Way, Spring 2017 www.nwsynod.org.uk By The Way Because life’s never tidy Don’t let your earthly burdens get in the way WHAT burdens you? What gets between you and God? The whole point of Easter, of the cross and resurrection, is that God wanted to make the relation- ship with us right and yet so often we allow earthly things to get in the way of an eternal relationship. PHIL JACKSON, Link, Aspatria Methodist Church, St Kentigern’s Aspatria, St Mary’s Gilcrux, St James’ Hayton

WE would like to thank Bryan Rowe, retiring Rural Dean, for organising cover for church services over the last year and we now look forward to working closely with Tim Herbert who is taking over this important role. Parish News, St Michael’s The Parish Church of Workington

DEAN WI – Mrs Bonner introduced our speaker for the evening, Pat Martin from the Helena Thompson Museum. A fascinating talk followed about Nella Last, a housewife from Barrow who, in 1939, began a diary that was to continue for 30 years. LOUISE RICHARDSON, Dean Parish News

THE other day I got a notification in my Twitter account that read: “Interesting newsletter piece. Just interested in how a world so painful shows God?” Clearly I was delighted that someone is reading what I write, but obviously had to make a meaningful response which, because of Twitter’s limit on the number of characters, meant I had to keep it to the point. My response was: “I suppose a world so painful displays how out of kilter humanity has become if you Leading the way: At the first regional and ecumenical Messy training day near Kendal assume the creation works best in a certain way.” NIGEL DAVIES, Skelsmergh, Selside and Longsleddale Church and Community News n Messy Church gets THE first fruit of the Spirit is love. Sadly the word love MORE NATURAL ROUTE FOR HAYLEY’S FAMILY is often misused. In today’s society love can mean off to an encouraging anything from a cozy, fuzzy feeling; an ecstatic state; physical passion; or how much one likes start in Cumbria HAYLEY Wisbey moved to chocolate/wine/sport/clothes etc. The word covers a Wigton just over four years ago multitude of meanings but the Bible tells us By Sarah Hulme, with her family. As she was new to the area, a emphatically that ‘God is love’. Children & Families BARBARA IRWIN, New Life, Parish of neighbour invited them to Holiday Dalton-in-Furness, Newton and Ireleth with Askam Evangelism Enabler Club over the summer, which Hayley saw as a great opportunity PLANS for the Keswick area Mission Community are MESSY Cumbria has been for the children to start making under way. A MC Starting Group, made up of clergy friends before starting schools. and lay representatives from the churches involved, is launched at the first regional Through the family connecting meeting regularly and working well together. and ecumenical Messy training with various church-run clubs and STUART PENNY, Crosthwaite Parish Keswick day near Kendal. events, and a developing friend- As part of the event late last ship with Alan and Mim Rainford, KIRKBRIDE School - In January, our new headteach- outreach workers for Wigton er, Dawn Maxwell, joined our school. She has been year, Jane Leadbetter from Bible warmly welcomed into the Kirkbride community by the Reading Fellowship spent the day Methodist Circuit, Hayley got parents, staff, children and friends of the school. with more than 80 local Messy drawn in as an adult helper with Parish Magazine, St Bride’s Parish Church Kirkbride Church leaders, encouraging, various family outreach events. Declaration: Hayley prepares to be baptised and St John’s Newton Arlosh challenging and resourcing us on She tried attending Sunday our Messy journeys. morning church, but discovered declare publicly what she now I came up I felt clean and tingly. CHURCH-PLANTING is always a sacrificial enterprise Messy Church was a much sim- believes. It wasn’t something she “The baptism has started so for those involved – both in terms of time and energy – Messy Cumbria is providing a pler and more natural way for her found easy, as she’s always been many conversations since. I’ve as well as for those existing churches who provide support network for local lay and her whole family to relate to a quiet and private person. even been stopped and asked finances and send people to be involved. leaders of these fresh expressions God and grow in faith. Hayley said: “As I got into the questions in the middle of B&M! ROBIN HAM, Team Talk, of church, gathering events to In September last year, Hayley water all my nerves went, I felt a “It’s a complete turnaround for Magazine of the Parishes of St Aidan’s and encourage and give a sense of the decided to get baptised during a sense of calm and peace as I was me, being able to have natural St George’s with St Luke’s, Barrow-in-Furness bigger Cumbrian picture, special Messy Church to help her dipped backwards into the pool. As conversations about God.” OUR Messy Church this month was on the theme of networking opportunities and Epiphany. A great time was had by all. The children resources to help existing Messy in Cumbria. Fast forward seven had a choice of crafts, star-shaped biscuits to Churches flourish and new ones years and we now have 30 regis- decorate with icing (yes it got messy) and crowns to grow. tered nationally, and an additional Find out more... decorate with beautiful jewels and sequins. The aim is that each family in 13 hopefully starting soon – one of ANNA JONES, The Parish of Whitehaven Cumbria will soon have access to the reasons Messy Church is look- n For details on Messy Church, visit www.messychurch.org.uk LAST year we were able to improve the hall heating a local Messy Church. ing to expand the team of regional and repair the hall windows. We now move on to the Messy Cumbria members are co-ordinators to five across n keen to emphasise the benefits Sign up to receive a termly next phase; the windows will have secondary glazing Cumbria. Messy Cumbria newsletter – fitted in the same way as the church. from being part of something Why is Messy Church growing http://bit.ly/2niyspN ANDREW WOOD, Carver Calendar, countywide... “Messy Cumbria is and attracting families within our Carver Uniting Church, Methodist and awesome and should be about us local communities? Messy Church n Messy Cathedral Family Event: URC and the Windermere Centre working together.” “It’s exciting, is a fun way of being church for 2-4pm, May 20 at Carlisle pioneering, challenging. I’m hop- all ages. It’s about being Christ- Cathedral. Booking essential - THE parish church is not a membership club or Fun: A young family confessional society; it is a place of open welcome for ing to network with other leaders centred and focuses on three major http://bit.ly/2mpfJew those who know where they are going and have a and groups to share resources and enjoying Messy Church at themes: creativity, hospitality and n Messy Cumbria family outdoor sense of faith, but also for those who simply seek to ideas.” “It’s great to be part of St Mary’s, Harrington celebration. understand, belong and befriend and to be something gathering - 2-4pm, July 8 at Rydal something wider, partnering with This quotation from a recent Hall. Booking essential - of the body of Christ. It’s a pilgrimage for us all that others towards the same aim.” his adventures on Twitter and never ends. Messy blog by Lucy Moore http://bit.ly/2mmUb0B RICHARD LEE, Parish Magazine, The Benefice of These are just a few of the reasons Facebook. contains some clues to its appeal: n Egremont with Bigrigg and Haile given for signing up. It is really encouraging to see “Messiness is content with loose Messy Cumbria leader training Another draw is Marvin, the just how quickly things have been ends, unresolved issues, develop- and networking day - 10am-4pm, BRAVING the mud, our six new apprentices have Messy Cumbria mascot, who is moving over the last couple of ment, spontaneity, fluidity and September 9 in Penrith. Save the created a lovely new 250m long boardwalk forming a visiting local Messy Churches and years. When Syl Hunt started in tensions, because family life is full date! section of the Greenway Trail route across Rusland keeping a diary – giving a fun her role as the regional Messy of them and they are a vital part of Moss. It is worth a visit to see their good work. n For more, email Sarah Hulme Parish News, Holy Trinity Colton snapshot of each Messy Church Church co-ordinator, there were how we become who we are [email protected] around the county. You can follow only a couple of Messy Churches meant to be together.” www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk The Way, Spring 2017 7

Iconic: Anne Blamire and Dorothy Graham in Welcome! The School of Joy in Beit Sahour Commitment: Pilgrims renewed their wedding front of the Western (Wailing) Wall serves children of low academic achievement vows at a service in Nazareth Troubled land, but a special land

A 75-strong group from Cumbria has just returned from an ecumenical pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The trip in March was led by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rev Richard Teal, chair of the Cumbria Methodist District, and the Rev Andrew Mills, moderator of the North Western Synod of the URC. The Rev Robert Jackson, who organised and led the pilgrimage, reflects on what the pilgrims witnessed and experienced.

BACK home from pilgrimage, when you get a quiet moment, your mind looks back over the many experiences of the past 11 days: the places we went to, the moments when Jesus was so close, the people we spoke to and heard from. We recall those situa- tions and the question comes to us: ‘What do we do with all this?’ Yes, our reading of Scripture will never be the same again because we have stood in those places where Jesus taught and ministered, lived, died and rose again. How fortunate we are! How blessed we have been! What a wonderful experience! But, it is more than that. We have Blessed: A final group picture near the River Jordan at Jericho before the pilgrimage came to an end experienced, seen first-hand, the pain and division in the land where Jesus walked. ‘What can we do?’ I suspect there are three things. THE PILGRIMS RETURN WITH THEIR TALES We can pray. This always comes top of the list. Jesus has led us by the NICHOLAS STAINFORTH SUE O’LOUGHLIN hand through the Holy Land. He has opened our eyes, and now our prayers THE tour of the Holy Land has TOMORROW we go to Jerusalem, are more informed and personal. certainly reinforced my belief and and at this stage in our journey I am We can support. The organisations trust in our God through the power feeling dusty and dishevelled, per- that we visited, such as the School of of His Holy Spirit and His son, our plexed and excited, troubled and yet Joy, need our help to buy equipment Lord Jesus Christ. peaceful. resources and experienced teachers to I have always been conscious of It’s been suggested the way to go go over for a couple of weeks and my belief and trust due to the on a pilgrimage is to go like train their staff in dealing with chil- numerous times I have been Abraham, not knowing where you are dren who have special needs. We can rescued from incidents not of my going or who you will meet, suspend- certainly show our love by giving. design, such as saving me from a ing beliefs: to be open, to be still, to You can find out more about support- 1965 fatal car crash in Iran or wait, to learn to listen, in scripture ing Christians on the ground by visit- and sacrament, in silence and in ing www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk. leaving me with no more than a Sights: Six days suffering for the voice of the one who Finally, we can tell the story. We slight scar after rolling off Striding loves more deeply than we have our- Edge due to my inadequacy – an into the journey, can tell the story of our encounters the pilgrims selves; who asks the questions we with Jesus and his people. We can eye-sight problem since birth. haven’t dared to face and asks of us share our experience of walking in My most memorable moments visited the that which we would rather not give. Jesus’s footsteps and meeting with the were the services outdoors such Garden of So tomorrow I’m going to as beside Lake Galilee and people of that amazing country. We Gethsemane, Jerusalem with muddled expecta- can encourage people to go and see outside the tomb where Jesus tions and trembling heart. I’m going and experience for themselves that was buried – to name just two. I above; left, the to Jerusalem to walk where Jesus Holy Land. We all went, we all came have always found the outdoors - Church of the walked, to meet with God – Abba, back and never did we feel in danger places such as on Kentmere Pike, Nativity in Father; Jesus – Son and brother; and or at risk – we were welcomed and for example - just as easy for Holy Spirit – comforter and embraced by everyone we met. receiving God’s message(s) as Bethlehem at inspiration. I’m going to Jerusalem It is a troubled land, but it is also a inside a church. dusk with pilgrim brothers and sisters. special land. I can’t wait to go again. 8 The Way, Spring 2017 www.churchestogethercumbria.co.uk www.churchestogethercumbria.co.uk The Way, Spring 2017 9 By The Way DOWN YOUR WAY... IN MORESBY PARKS ‘We desperately want to believe in progress’ AS we look back across history we often try to convince ourselves that we learn by our mistakes. We desperately want to believe in progress. We celebrate Wilberforce, Gandhi and many oth- ers who did good things and made the world a better place but we can also point to people who have made it worse again. Is progress really possible? History is ambiguous. TERRY WILCOCK, Together Community Newsletter, provided by the churches of Matterdale, Watermillock, Patterdale, Greystoke, Penruddock and Mungrisdale

REFLECTION is both personal and corporate. Per- sonal, in that it is a time for us all to look at our own lives and ask ourselves how we can walk closer with God in our life journeys. Corporate, in that as a Church we ask ourselves how we are following, re- flecting and showing the light of Christ into our world. CHARLES HOPE, The Parish Church of Keswick St John

THE Binsey Mission Community was formally commissioned just over a year ago. It meant some changes in structures and governance, but being a Mission Community is far more than that. It describes the activity that we engage and share in together. The word mission is the key: it comes from 'missio' which means 'to send'. This shows us that at its heart, mission is something very active. So, therefore, being a Mission Community means we cannot be passive, we cannot stand still. TRICIA ROGERS, Binsey Link, Beat master: Drum tutor Andy Kelly leads the after-school club The magazine of the Binsey Team Mission Commu- nity, the churches of Allhallows, Bassenthwaite, Boltons, Embleton, Ireby, By Julie Rudman lagers gave us the starting Isel, Plumbland, Setmurthy, Torpenhow, MoresBEATS point for various activities. Uldale and Wythop It has been fabulous to meet OUR midweek, after-school making a great Samba sound. the children and their families, SOME clever clogs has worked out that once we’ve drumming club for junior age had our sleep there are120 hours a week in which we After just a few sessions the and we hope this group will are active. children began in November group was able to create continue to flourish with more On average we spend about 10 of those hours in last year with a group of some fabulous beat at our first appearances at future ser- the work and worship of the gathered church, so what excited youngsters making a do we do with the other 110 hours? Nativity service at St Mark’s in vices or events. The next step SUSAN BRICE, Living Stones, Whitehaven URC wonderful sound on Samba Moresby Parks. after building relationships at drums, tambourines and bells. This group is one of several MoresBEATS is to develop THE Rose Castle Foundation – Rose Castle has been Spreading the word: Some of the Under the expert tuition of community ventures set up in youth ministry more fully. buzzing since December with various events and it is Andy Kelly, local professional the village by St Bridget’s For more details, visit a real joy to be able to witness and share in the life younger members of the local that is being breathed back into the castle walls as community help publicise Marks drum tutor, we all have a go at Church after a survey of vil- www.stixpercussion.co.uk. more guests walk through the doors. in the Parks OWEN MAY, Raughton Head Parish Magazine Sharing villagers’ vision THE thought occurred to me that if [Syrian] families were re-settled in Whitehaven or Workington during the first part of this year, they might appreciate a day Marks in out in the countryside later in the summer. I wondered By Jim Barwise from the survey and how we could put the whether groups and organisations in the parish might In each edition of The Way we want to dedicate our centre suggestions and ideas into practice. work together to offer such a day out. the Parks After many prayers and much planning, IAN PARKER, Contact, Lamplugh, Kirkland and En- AFTER our Mission church in pages to great examples of mission and outreach which three new activities were started. nerdale Ecumenical Parish By Gabby Kerry Moresby Parks had closed we built a are going on right across the county. To introduce this To mark what had been achieved, we relationship with the local Methodist had a celebration at Christmas in the form HOW often have you heard someone say, ‘What did I regular feature – Down Your Way – we begin by looking at do to deserve this?’ or ‘Why should this be happening MARKS in the Parks is a celebration, all church, who let us hold Anglican of a Nativity walk. We walked around the to me?’ As if having faith, being Christian, will some- about Jesus, to help everyone explore the services at St Mark’s in the village. what is going on in the west Cumbrian village of Moresby village meeting Mary and Joseph, shep- how exempt you from the traumas of life! If only that good news of Jesus Christ together. It’s a During a prolonged inter-regnum, we through the Moresby Parks Ministry. herds with some real sheep, a bad-tem- were true, then our churches would be full to realised we had taken our eye off the ball. pered innkeeper and three wise men. overflowing every Sunday but they’d be full for all the place where anyone can listen to the same message Jesus preached, where anyone can The congregation was down to single In 2015, the Christmas celebration drew wrong reasons. fellowship and both churches having house, and many people said they thought four people; in 2016, the number was The Gateway, Parish Church of ask their questions, voice their doubts, share figures and closure looked likely. St Michael and All Angels, Beetham their experiences and explore what faith in We asked, if we played a bigger role regular meetings to monitor progress. it was a good thing that the church was more than 60. Jesus might look like for them. would it be possible to keep the church A new minister at St Bridget’s gave us a prepared to go out and ask people what Back at church we heard the Christmas CONSIDER our own circle of family, friends and ac- Our hope is that the afternoon is a fun open, reducing services to once a month fresh impetus, and we undertook a they thought. story, sang carols and enjoyed great fel- quaintances. We know their names but how well do until at least we had a new rector in doorstop survey in the village. We then held a ‘sharing the vision for lowship in a messy, straw-filled manger. we really know him or her as a person? So glib to say: time when people, particularly in the com- munity of Moresby Parks, can learn through place? The monthly services started with We were blown away by the response: Moresby Parks’. More than 40 people This celebration formed the blue print for “I know so-and-so”, but to remain unaware of that attendances averaging 22, with good we were averaging 15 minutes at each came together to consider the responses our new bi-monthly ‘Marks in the Parks’. mystery which is each soul, no matter how familiar the craft, games and singing. face. It’s an informal gathering where the Relaxed: People of all ages take part in the monthly lunch club How little we understand their secret hopes and activities – all themed around the day’s We have been over-subscribed fears and struggles, the hidden circumstances which Bible passage – last for about an hour. By Alison Bird have asked for in a village have shaped their personality. Moresby since starting up, so priority has By Martin Brion The News Magazine of the After that we all share a simple meal been given to those living in and Time for survey – a need we are ‘Heart of Eden’ Team Ministry together – that is, if the children have left us MORESBY Sparks is a weekly around the village. seeking to meet. Sparks THIS is a monthly lunch club grown-ups anything to eat! People generally playgroup held at St Mark’s on a Looking after babies and young Everyone Our aim is to make people BY the time you read this, the decoration of the find the atmosphere so friendly that this Tuesday morning. children can be a hard, tiring and for young and old, and feel welcome and at home community room should be almost completed. We time of sharing food and friendship can last We offer a warm welcome to everyone else in between. and to want to bring their are very grateful to Stan for all the hard work he is welcome and signing in, free play often isolating role and it can be a playing or a choir singing for more than an hour, which is really lovely. mums, dads, grandparents, child- real challenge just to get out the It’s held in a comfortable, us, and always a topical word friends. putting in. Our prayer is that through these celebra- minders and other caregivers who with the toys, singing nursery and Around Church, Ramsden Street URC front door some days. modern chapel in a relaxed from the Lord. And there’s And, if this is to help people tions, which happen twice a month on a bring along their children of pre- simple Christian rhymes and lis- tening to a short Christian story or So we want Moresby Sparks to atmosphere. We have soup plenty of chat, a lot to prepare to get to know one another, GOD is not absent. God has not deserted you or any Sunday afternoon, many more people will school age. served, various sweets and a for and served up by a it’s also to help them get to Each session includes time for learning a message be a really welcoming space – fun of us. In fact, God is hard at work getting things ready come to know the love, forgiveness and cuppa... or two. dedicated team. know Jesus, in line with our for what he’s about to do next. There’s also snack time for and friendship for all; a place to grace of Jesus; that Jesus will grow his children as well as hot drinks for There’s sometimes a We’re doing it because it’s parish motto – “to know Christ, Like a master gardener, God is getting things church; and that the people of Moresby build community, to share stories Left: The Moresby Sparks adults, with the sessions finishing feature, such as a guitarist one of the things that local folk and to make him known”. ready for what he knows is coming next. God is doing Parks will feel loved by Jesus and his people. and to be a venue to learn about a new thing! playgroup at Christmas off with crafts. and share in Jesus’s love. TIM COOKE, Penrith Circuit Magazine 10 The Way, Spring 2017 www.godforall.org.uk By The Way The choral tradition alive If we carry on in this manner, we’ll sink THERE have been many words over the last few and well thanks to Jeremy years about Mission Communities across Cumbria. Essentially, this is a challenge for us to think different- ly about how we ‘do church’. If we only carry on what we are doing we will sink; the downward trajectory is By Dave Roberts n Cathedral’s respected indisputable in all but a few cases. DAVID SARGENT, Penrith Beacon, The Magazine for Master of Music St Andrew’s Penrith, Christ Church Penrith, St John’s “AT A recent Evensong there Newton Reigny and St John’s Plumpton Wall were six boys present in the prepares for retirement choir. They are a super group CROSTHWAITE School – To develop our values, last and they really put their hearts Magdalen College, Oxford as June we sent a questionnaire to the whole school into it. It was truly wonderful organ scholar. community to find out which best represent our After a year as a post-graduate school. Children, parents, governors and staff were all to hear what these boys from at the University of Pennsylvania, consulted. From the feedback, six core values were Carlisle can produce and it was chosen. These are truth and honesty, friendship, trust, Jeremy took his first job as organ- love, responsibility and compassion. one of those moments where ist at All Saints, Northampton, Two Valleys Parish News, Cartmel Fell, you realise that things can’t get re-establishing a lapsed boys’ choir. Crosthwaite, Crook, Helsington, Winster, any better. I shall miss that There followed ten years at Witherslack and Underbarrow kind of experience very much.” Chichester Cathedral as assistant AS a new president, Donald Trump has promised Carlisle Cathedral’s Master of organist and director of music at much, including his self-acclaimed ability to make it the Music Jeremy Suter reflects on their choir school, before he took happen: “I will never let you down.” Yes he will his time in post – more than 25 up the post in Carlisle. because his leadership, at its core, is trusting in his years – as he prepares to retire just As Master of the Music he has perspective, his ability, his strength, his power, his after Easter. overseen numerous foreign tours control, his values, his dream. Appointed in 1991, Jeremy has with cathedral choirs as well as DEREK PRICE, Chatterbox, St Paul’s Barrow led significant change. When he three broadcasts for BBC Radio ANOTHER highlight of Christmas was the Messy first arrived there was just a cathe- Three’s Choral Evensongs. Christingle and Church Party. We had lots of people dral boys’ choir. Under his leader- He remains as passionate as ever coming to that, both from Messy and from Sunday ship, that has now grown to five about the choral tradition with Church and a great time was had by all. We made our choirs: boys’, girls’, youth, cantate Anglican Choral repertoire Christingles, shared excellent food and played and voluntary adult Carliol choir. remaining the staple diet. wonderful games. GRAHAM RANSON, The Grapevine, “What hasn’t changed is that if Jeremy says: “Music is important Newsletter of the Methodist Churches of Coniston, you go into the cathedral at five because it’s a language which is Swarthmoor and Ulverston thirty any week day, except on able to express religious experi- Saturdays, you will hear Evensong ences, thoughts and aspirations in a IT’S still strange to be talking about moving. The sung by one of the choirs,” Jeremy way that transcends ordinary lan- thought of leaving behind these wonderful churches is says. guage but which creates a new very difficult. We have come to love you all very much and you will forever hold a dear place in our hearts. “I think that’s important; I’m dimension. Just by listening to a We will not forget you. very proud that tradition remains. piece of choral music – even if you DAVID CRAVEN, Focus on Eden, There are other cathedrals who may not understand what all the Holme Eden and Wetheral with Warwick have not found it possible to do words mean – you can still have a that. The number of children and sense of the transcendence of God.” TO capture the wonder of Christmas in the faces of adults who are now involved in Jeremy and his wife Sue will 100 children as they processed up the aisle of the pri- ory with their lighted Christingle oranges was a mem- music-making at the cathedral has retire to Poulton-le-Fylde, with his orable start to Advent. Our Lanercost Mothers’ Union rocketed. That’s very positive.” final service on Low Sunday, the organised the service for the children and parents of The son of a clergyman based in Sunday after Easter. both Lanercost and Lees Hill CE schools. north London, Jeremy’s musical He adds: “Music - choral music ELAINE NIGHTINGALE, Writings on the Wall, journey took him from schoolboy in particular - is my life and the A Newsletter from the Anglican Churches of chorister at Westminster Abbey in closer I get to my retirement the Lanercost with Walton, Gilsland and Nether Denton the early 1960s through to student more I’m grateful for what I have “FLASHBACKS…. to times with Jesus” has been held organist under H A Bate at St been able to do. once again, this time at Ramsden Street. Many thanks James’s, Muswell Hill. “Haven’t I been lucky to have to them for hosting. A music scholarship at Harrow had this job, working with such Over three days at the beginning of March, 140 School followed before Jeremy lovely people and helping to make children from four primary schools were transported Jeremy Suter: ‘Just by listening to choral music, you can moved on to the Royal College of such wonderful music in such a back to the first century. LILIAN WOOD, Newslink, have a sense of the transcendence of God’ DAVE ROBERTS Music for two years, and beautiful place?” South West Cumbria United Area

THEN there is nature’s loveliest gift, that of friendship – the most under-rated of all forms of love, but something which across the world in time and space, Pair welcome an ‘exciting’ challenge and in every place summons up so much that is good in people. Every time you think of Philadelphia in the USA, TWO new Archdeacons to “As a church we are very good you are thinking of friendship, for the word just means Cumbria say they are excited to at saying how dark the world is; ‘brotherly love’, which is another term for friendship. GEOFFREY RAVALDE, help lead forward the countywide God for All gives us an News Bulletin, St Mary’s Wigton ecumenical God for All vision. opportunity to start lighting some The Ven Lee Townend is the new candles and transforming the IT won’t be long before I have been licensed and Archdeacon of Carlisle, while the darkness into light.” installed in the High Westmorland parishes and we Ven Vernon Ross has been appoint- Lee, 51, came to the post having will be living in the vicarage in Shap. We are both looking forward to joining you all soon ed Archdeacon of Westmorland served as diocesan missioner in the and getting to know you. Sharon is already settled into and Furness. Both were collated Diocese of Derby. Before her job as director of strategic operations at Carlisle and installed at a service at Carlisle ordination in 1998 he worked in Cathedral and I am in that odd state between leaving Cathedral in February. sales management and ran a one parish to start in another one, and anticipating all They will help lead the God for garden design business. the challenges and opportunities that a new ministry might offer. All vision as two of the three prin- Vernon, 59, was the mission and ALUN HURD, The Link, cipal strategy development officers ministry adviser for the Barking The Parish Magazine for Orton, Tebay and for mission communities, along- Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Ravenstonedale with Newbiggin-on-Lune side the Ven Richard Pratt, ‘Talents’: Bishop James, far left, and Bishop Robert, far Chelmsford. Ordained in 1991, he Archdeacon of West Cumberland. has a nursing background. PARISH Gala, Saturday, June 24, 2017 - Some folk right, welcome Vernon, second left, and Lee to the diocese have been asking what this is all about, so here is Lee, who with his wife Liz will The Rt Rev James Newcome, some background information. The idea is to create to be based in Plumpton, said: “It getting to know people and to see Vernon, who will be based in Bishop of Carlisle, said: “Lee and an event on the grass in front of the church that will feels like a great time for Liz and I the great things that God wants to Lindale with his wife Francesca, Vernon have shown tremendous and both attract and involve groups and folk in the area to be joining the diocese. The God do next in all our lives. We have a said: “I’m looking forward to demonstrable talents for missional but also provide an opportunity for those involved in for All vision is both exciting and God who can transform anything, working in an innovative and and spiritual growth as well as the ‘£5 Challenge’ to increase their £5. Parish Life, Holy Trinity Parish Church Kendal challenging. and many people are longing to exciting diocese, and sharing in the strategic oversight to bring new peo- “I’m really looking forward to experience that.” adventure which is God For All. ple to discipleship in Jesus Christ.” www.churchestogethercumbria.co.uk The Way, Spring 2017 11 n Communities already looking at ways to help others discover more of Jesus WHAT’S ON Moving Mountains well AROUND CUMBRIA Windermere Rambles Sun to Thurs April 9-13, URC Windermere Centre If you enjoy walking and would like to make new friends, in a warm Christian environment then this is for you. Daily walks, fun evenings and times of fellowship received at gatherings are all on offer. Led by Martin & Jackie Wrench. Pay what you can. Details at www.windermereurc.org.uk or at 015394 44902. By Rev Mike Talbot, Evangelism Enabler Living with the Mystics Tues May 2,10am for 10.30am to 3pm, Friends Meeting House, Elliot Park, Keswick SIX hundred people. Five Edwina Campbell leads a day focussing on St venues. One vision that, Therese of Lisieux. The cost is £5. Drinks are provided, across Cumbria, everyone but please bring your own lunch. To book, contact Bob should have the opportunity Morley on 016974 72644 or at [email protected]. to discover more of God ‘Where is God in Dementia?’ and his purpose for their Weds May 17, 10am to 3.30pm, Keswick Meeting lives so that they will dis- House cover more of Jesus and the A day of reflection and discussion on the theme of Good News and become spirituality and dementia. Speakers include the Rev Lucie Lunn and Dr Elizabeth Anderson as well as followers of Jesus within a group discussion. Places are limited to 25 so booking Christian Community. is essential. Cost is £10 per person (bursary available During February, those hun- on request). Bring your own lunch. To reserve a place, dreds of people from the please contact Cameron Butland on [email protected] majority of our churches came or send a cheque made payable to ‘CTiC’ to Bishop’s together at one of five differ- House, Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4DD. ent events to discover how we could make that vision a reali- One vision: Bishop James addresses a launch event at St James’s, Carlisle Card Mania ty through Moving Mountains. pening, in churches, chapel mothers have for children, and Thurs to Sun May 25-28, URC Windermere Centre It is a countywide opportuni- and corps across Cumbria, as the love that God has for each A workshop-style card-making course. You will learn ty for everyone to discover well as to begin to think about one of us. The strapline for new techniques and be inspired with many ideas, all in what it means to become a fol- ways in which each one of us Moving Mountains is friendly surrounding with great food. Suitable for begin- lower of Jesus. The focus will could be open to opportunities ‘Revealing the love of God for ners and experts alike. Pay what you can. Details at be from March 8-11, 2018, to help others explore what All’. How might your church www.windermereurc.org.uk or at 015394 44902. when we will be joined by faith in Jesus might look like. be able to show God’s love to Domestic Abuse Awareness Training around 35 teams from across Christian communities are those around you in a way Tues June 13, 9.45am to 3.30pm, Penrith Methodist the country, each led by a already thinking how they which prompts others to want Church senior church leader. them take a step forward in could make the most of to discover more about that This CTiC event is free of charge and open to clergy A variety of bishops, discovering more of Jesus. Moving Mountains. But this is love for themselves? and all involved in pastoral care in the church. CTiC Methodist district chairs, URC The five Moving Mountains not simply a one-off event in a n Have a look at the training programme in domestic abuse awareness has moderators and Salvation launch events saw people year’s time; it is an ongoing resources on the Moving already reached at least half the churches in our Army divisional commanders sharing their own faith stories response to the God for All Mountains section of the God county. To book, contact Helen Boothroyd on 07503 will each bring three or four and discovering how encour- vision to which every church for All website - www.god- 931196 or via [email protected]. Please include the people with them to work aged others were by hearing has committed itself. forall.org.uk/moving-moun- following details: name, church, email address (or alongside us, supporting and what they had to say. The March 2018 events run tains-2018 - or get in touch postal address if no email) enabling us to engage with our There were also opportuni- up to Mothering Sunday, with via email - mike.talbot@ local communities in helping ties to see what is already hap- its reminder of the love that carlislediocese.org.uk. Living from our Fullness: The Role of Prayer and Meditation Sat June 24, 10am for 10:30am to 3:30pm, Glenthorne Quaker Centre, Easedale Road, Grasmere, LA22 9QH MOVING MOUNTAINS PRAYER WALL John Martin Sahajananda leads this session. The cost is £20. Drinks are provided, but please bring your own lunch. To book contact Richard on 01946 862990 At each of the Moving Mountains or via [email protected]. launch events people were asked ‘…we can break out e in my to write a prayer for the mission. of ‘…the few peopl our comfort zone Living with the Mystics as Hundreds of people duly s, that we Tues August 1, 10am for 10.30am to 3pm, Friends own church – elderly reflected on what they wanted to can overcome Meeting House, Elliot Park, Keswick he see happen before, during and our lack they are – will catch t of confiden Jo Grundy leads this day focussing on Brother being after Moving Mountains. The ce in ta Lawrence. The cost is £5. Drinks are provided, but f mountains lking visions o prayers have been uploaded to about God’ please bring your own lunch. To book, contact Bob moved, by them!’ the God for All website under the Morley on 016974 72644 or via [email protected]. Moving Mountains tab. We thought you may like to see some of those personal reflections. The ‘…I have the prayer begins “As we engage ‘…God will in the Moving Mountains mission courage to ‘…further links ‘…it will ignite our I am praying that…..” speak and to Phone: 01768 868683 impact with a hearts with share my faith will be created between the Email: [email protected] ‘wow’ and His love’ with others’ ‘…all the churches in have a real and ion school and www.askins-little.co.uk our proposed Miss church’ lasting effect’ Community may have the opportunity to be involved in this’ ‘…we will ‘…we will see ‘…we see at least 100 ‘…our church have the co the Holy Spirit young people aged members become urage to move fo We carryP outhone all: stonework,01786 868683 lime pointing moving in this 11 to 18 come to more outward- rward ’ know God and en in mission’ andwww.askins-little.co.uk lime plastering to churches, county ter looking and grasp a disci Email: [email protected] pleship plan’ this opportunity’ memorials, listed buildings and homes 12 The Way, Spring 2017 www.godforall.org.uk NEWS IN BRIEF Hospice chaplain retires Thank you Lorna! LORNA Shaw, pictured, is stepping down as a distributor of The Way after decades of delivery. Lorna has helped distribute the newspaper since it was launched, in the early days alongside her husband Frank, who was the former managing editor of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald. Following Frank’s death in 2001, Lorna continued to deliver copies of The Way to churches around the Penrith Deanery. Lorna, who is in her 90s, said: “It’s a service which has been a real pleasure.” We are looking for a new vol- unteer to help distribute these bundles – collected from the Herald’s Penrith offices. If you are interested, please contact Dave Roberts on 01768 807764 or at communications@ carlislediocese.org.uk. ‘Extremely moving’: Dorothy Derrick in the grounds of the Eden Valley Hospice DAVE ROBERTS DOROTHY Derrick has a n Board of Education stand-out memory from her 10 Dorothy was a member of the 12-strong ecumenical team years of chaplaincy work at the A CARLISLE vicar – and former Eden Valley Hospice. I was later privileged to take his “There’s now a team of 12 – there to talk or pray or whatever teacher – has been appointed She has always had a policy of funeral.” Anglicans, Roman Catholics, you may want to do. The Rev Derrick has just retired Salvation Army, Quakers, Free “It can be quite tiring and the the new chair of the Diocese of knocking on people’s doors and Carlisle’s Board of Education. from her chaplaincy role – one of Church and an inter-faith minis- hard part of this work is being The Rev Andrew Towner is asking if they wanted to chat. 12 members of the ecumenical ter.” constantly open to listen.” vicar of St John’s Houghton with Dorothy explains: “I knocked on chaplaincy team which works out There’s a rota system of Dorothy says God’s presence St Peter’s Kingmoor. Before one door and the chap told me, ‘I of the Carlisle hospice. chaplains covering the hospice’s resonates in the hospice and its ordination, he taught maths at don’t do God’. I said, ‘Oh. I do. Ordained deacon in 1992 and day care unit, adult unit and the grounds. “God is all around there, schools in Kent and Essex. Shall we have a chat?’ It turned priest in 1994, Dorothy served a Jigsaw children’s unit. Dorothy it’s quite amazing,” she adds. Andrew said: “Schools are at out that this man was a fell-walker, parish in Oxfordshire until 2005. had a regular commitment to day “People sense that, and there’s a the centre of many communities, as was I, and so we had plenty to She and her husband of 52 years, care every other Friday. peacefulness when you walk in. and can therefore be significant talk about. hubs within our commitment to John, retired to Carlisle in 2004. She says: “That involved “It has been a huge privilege to enabling everyone in this county “While he said he didn’t do After taking a well-earned break coming alongside people and come alongside people in day care to learn more of God and his God, he was certainly angry with from ministry, she approached the talking to them and I always when they are ill or failing, and on purpose for their lives.” God, which was interesting. We hospice to see if her services could offered a service in the chapel for the ward when they are at the end of had a wonderful conversation and be used. After 10 years, Dorothy those who wanted to come. life. I have found it extremely mov- has now stepped down. “The chapel is a very important ing to see how courageous people “When I started there were eight member of the chaplaincy team. are – both patients and families.” of us on the team and that’s grown It’s a place where you can go on n For more information, visit amazingly,” Dorothy says. your own, or you can take people www.edenvalleyhospice.org. Bishop’s visit bolsters bond By Dave Roberts ship, so we are very keen to talk more with people from Cumbria AS CHALLENGES go, running a about God for All.” diocese, comparable in size to Bishop Nick, who was appoint- France and with only two paved ed suffragan bishop in 2009, and roads, is a tough one. his wife live in the north-west of But that is what Nick Drayson is Argentina, in a rural area which faced with as the Bishop of the holds around 90 per cent of the Diocese of Northern Argentina – diocese’s 150 churches. one of three Partnerships for Mrs Le Tissier has overseen the World Mission links that the Links: From left, Dave Holt, launch and co-ordination of Diocese of Carlisle has. AMARE, the Argentinian branch convenor for the Diocese of of the Mothers’ Union, which is A measure of that challenge can Carlisle’s Northern Argentina be seen by the vast distances set to expand to neighbouring link committee, Catherine Le South American countries. It Bishop Nick and his wife, Tissier and Bishop Nick Catherine Le Tissier, have to travel already has 1,000 members. to take their mission forwards. They DAVE ROBERTS “This is about helping women recently bought a new car – it to be affirmed, motivated and already has 90,000 kilometres on always important that we look to renewed in the spirit,” she said. the clock. maintain face-to-face contact The link between the dioceses Northern Argentina represents a whenever possible. We have com- will be strengthened with a visit to different missional arena, but mon concerns in mission, unity, Cumbria in May by a group of Bishop Nick says he can see many working with families and disci- pastors and young people from similarities with Cumbria. pleship. We can learn from each Argentina. And an annual prayer During a six-day visit to other in all of those areas. day, with people in Cumbria and Cumbria earlier this year, he said: “Very high on our agenda is the Northern Argentina joining in “Because our two dioceses are so creation of missional communities prayer, will take place on May 25, far apart geographically, it is and work on and around disciple- Argentina’s Independence Day. www.godforall.org.uk The Way, Spring 2017 13 So many get so much from this simple place Cumbria County Council

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Mike Angelo St Bega’s: Various reasons are given for visits and many Photography are making return trips CUMBRIAN NEWSPAPERS PRESS – PUBLICITY – PRESENTATIONS

Lakeland Seasons, Lakeland Life and Lakeland Calendar are three differing, 50-minute audio-visual presentations featuring the IT IS perhaps surprising that a By Rev Clare Spedding, – “my mother’s favourite place” in August wrote: “I love this annual beauty of Cumbria. small church in the middle of a – and many come, as June and place; it makes my heart ache.” field should attract as much Curate in the Binsey Philip did, “to pray for peace”. It is noticeable how many attention as St Bega’s does. Mission Community The most frequent reason remark on the atmosphere – These FREE entertaining and informative shows Last year, a New Zealand given is that people are making “holy”; “a thin place”; “I felt may be booked in advance by WI and MU. couple wrote in the visitors’ land, South Africa and Turkey. return visits. Like two from welcomed the moment I walked Music, poetry and narration accompany the book “well worth the journey”; Various reasons are given for Chesham: “Good to be back.” in”; “a warm beautiful feeling of spectacular images which have already been a couple from Berlin said “one visits. A group of friends came LC from the Wirral: “Here peace envelops you...”. appreciated at various venues. of our all-time favourite places to celebrate an 80th and three again like an old friend.” Gary One couple brought us a very over many years”; and, on mid- 50th birthdays. Some, like and Sandy have been visiting special gift. Barrington and Rita summer’s day, a choral society Rupert and Jenny, are looking for 27 years. And many return from Guyana gave us a copy of For details, phone/text 07813 085877 visited from Lake Odessa in the for family graves. Regularly, to the place where they were the gospels which Rita had or visit www.edenonline.net USA. People have also come people write that they have just married like the Robinsons who translated into their local from Australia, Austria, Canada, walked St Bega’s Way. Nicholas said: “Still WOW!” language, Akawaio. It joins the Eire, France, Guyana, Indonesia, and Lucy were happy to have Often people describe their collection of Bibles in many dif- Kenya, Macao, Malaysia, completed it and to enjoy “this reactions to this place. A visitor ferent languages, which remind Moldova, the Netherlands, remarkably spiritual place”. from San Francisco found it “a us that the good news about God Greetings from Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzer- Others come to revisit memories wonderful surprise”. Someone is for everyone, near and far. Grange-over-Sands Comfort of God’s love in

es.co.uk hospital operating theatre www.bayscap n there is nowhere that God is not, since childhood, it wasn’t that Mystic knew he had penetrating, being, the very unusual an experience, except ThornleigH nothing to fear as he atomic structure of everything. for its length and intensity. I feel my heart stop at one Mystics who thus connect with Christian Hotel went under the knife point, notice the increased level ultimate reality, God, are not of activity about me, the nausea always well accepted in 015395 32733 By Stephen Wright, as the drugs are pumped in and churches. Others may even sug- [email protected] www.thornleigh.org Director of the Sacred the painful ripple of electricity to gest admission to a psychiatric Space Foundation kick-start my heart. I am aware unit. That’s why we tend to of it all. If the sedation just keep quiet about it. SO, THERE I am, lying in administered ought to have When the veils of ordinary theatre... I haven’t been given stopped that, it didn’t work. I am reality slip away, in prayer or watching it all in wonder. I just sudden insight or an operating any drugs yet and I’m know what life is and what death theatre, we may sense the truth surrounded by uniformed Stephen Wright: ‘The veils of ordinary reality gave way’ is and that there is nowhere that of the Presence of God. carers, whirring and flashing God is not and there is Unconstrained by time or space, machines, wires and tubes scared? With all the stuff going absolutely nothing to fear and in all things yet contained by and a great metal shape on around me I keep breathing that I am utterly in Love. none, just that... Presence. looming over me – the the holy name, as is my prayer Sceptics will say such n The Sacred Space Foun- purpose of which escapes me. habit… Je-sus… in rhythm with experiences are from a rush of dation is a charity based in I ought to be scared. I’ve had my in-and-out breath. endorphins induced by fear or Mungrisdale with almost 30 extra hours of waiting, after all. I inwardly ask: “What’s going drugs. All I can say is that I years of experience in providing The operation list being delayed, on?” From somewhere in my was ‘seeing’ deeply, that noth- peaceful, confidential rest and I watched my roommates depart consciousness, the answer is ing was separate as the veils of recuperation for those who are ahead of me. In the blessing of clear: “Love is what’s going ordinary reality gave way to the exhausted, stressed, burned-out solitude, stillness and silence, on.” And it is. I look at and essential oneness of everything; or experiencing a sense of crisis. time for meditation and prayer. through equipment and people; a oneness that was not neutral It is currently looking to raise By the time I get to theatre all have a deep radiant quality. but a profound expression and £50,000 to extend its facilities. I’m noticing a great calmness No matter what’s going on, I emanation of Love. Visit www.justgiving.com/ and awareness. Why aren’t I know I am utterly safe and held; Being mystically inclined crowdfunding/stephen-wright-1. 14 The Way, Spring 2017 www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk By The Way How do we live out our life New friends made in big community effort LAST year Dalston was nominated to represent Cumbria as a Britain in Bloom finalist. It was a huge within the body of Christ? challenge, but groups and individuals rose to the privilege in large numbers of all ages. New friends were made and together we tackled the various tasks n and projects with great camaraderie and fun. The work of the vocations team, God for All, Moving Mountains... it’s all part of the same thing LIZ AULD, Dalston Parish Paper ENCOURAGING people to stories of calling. This is not IT’S great to see the laity – male and female – using so By Rev Peter Clement, think about what God is calling Diocesan Director of Ordinands something big and scary, but VOCATIONS many of their skills and gifts in the leading of our something everyday, and is services. Our latest welcome change is that St them to do. Asking how we & Vocations Development Officer ADVISERS CONTACTS George’s Church will soon be offering communion to live out our baptismal calling. happening all around us. God is baptised children before confirmation (with the Helping us all to think how we ing, and dare I say unrealistic, but working here and now. Let’s consent of their parents). This is something that has if we start doing little things then watch out for His gracious actions, North Archdeaconry been happening in many other churches for the last change our church culture to and join in! (Carlisle) 20 years, so it’s taken a little while for us to get there. get to a place where talking that changes. Co-ordinator: JEAN RADLEY, Parish News, St George Kendal It is wonderful how people are Another event that is happening Janet Cox about God’s calling is normal. becoming inspired by Moving to fit in with Vocations Sunday is 017683 62896 MANY of you will be aware that from May, our group All this is what we are here for Mountains, and this is not some- a Women’s Vocations event at [email protected] of parishes will be enlarging. The parishes of Askham in the vocations team; to encour- thing different from God for All or Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday with Lowther and Clifton and Brougham will be joining age parishes and Mission encouraging vocations. This is all May 6, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. South Archdeaconry us, and our ministry team will be covering them in Communities to do these things. (Westmorland and Furness) addition to our existing six parishes. Consequently, we part of the same thing. By taking This will be led by the Rev Dr We have a big obligation in the Kate Bruce, who helps train Co-ordinator: will be changing our name from the Leith-Lyvennet small steps we are starting to make Maureen Stevens Parishes to the North Westmorland Parishes. God for All vision to foster and significant progress in this vision. people for ordination and who is 01539 734358 Leith-Lyvennet News inspire many more people to I am delighted the vocations also a stand-up comic. This is not [email protected] consider their calling, their advisers in the county are begin- just for women, but all the THIS Easter weekend, the Friends of St Mary’s vocation, to live out our Christian Church are holding an art exhibition in the Sarah Losh ning to be well used. People are speakers will be women. West Archdeaconry Heritage Centre. The theme of the exhibition is based life within the body of Christ. going to see them to explore what To book a place at the Women’s (West Cumberland) on Sarah Losh, her life, her works, the village of If we look at the vision as a God might be calling them to do, Vocations event, please Co-ordinator: Wreay or the surrounding district. Artists within the whole “that by 2020 we want contact James Bober at admin@ Jonathan Falkner and looking at all sorts of things. 019467 21852 benefice and those receiving this newsletter are everyone in Cumbria to know Vocations Sunday is on May 7, cumbriachristianlearning.org.uk invited to create and submit work. [email protected] St Mary’s Church, Wreay more of God…” it seems stagger- and it is a great opportunity to tell or on 01768 807765.

THE Church Council met on January 24. Wendy told us of the nationwide shortage of Methodist ministers. In west Cumbria, two or more circuits might have to ‘I’ve been called to work with those on the margins’ join together in some way, depending on whether replacements are found for ministers finishing in the next year or two. Wendy also stated that she had offered to be a mission partner in an overseas church from September 2018. ALEC BOUNDS, Egremont Methodist Church

THIS is our good news story. Our church is growing and we just want to share some of the great things that happen and we want you to tell people about it too. As you know we have our three worship centres that enjoying being church family. The numbers are not huge but we are family. Well, our family is growing! The Link, Holy Trinity and St Barnabas with Sandsfield Fellowship

IT is now about three years since steering groups were being set up to form Mission Communities. This is now a worthwhile point at which to review where we are. The Christian Church struggles to move fast but in the three years that have elapsed since the groups were set up, progress has actually been made in Churches realising that if we make no changes at all we are on a downward trajectory. NICK MARK, Newsletter of Penrith and Penruddock URC

AS you probably know, ‘Christ’ is simply the Greek translation of the Hebrew word ‘messiah’. This helpfully reminds us that being a ‘good Christian’ is not first and foremost about living a morally upright life, but about being a follower of Jesus – a disciple. JAMES RICHARDS, St Martin’s, Bowness-on-Windermere

LAST Sunday, which was Homeless Sunday and also our first informal Café Church service, we heard the parable of the Good Samaritan and this reminded us that our neighbour is not necessarily someone like ourselves but anyone in need. Our collection then went to Shelter, one of the charities which help the homeless in the UK. ‘God-given gifts’: As a distinctive deacon, the Rev Sandy Pearl focusses on pastoral work DIANA NICHOLSON, Bampton Parish Newsletter THE Rev Sandy Pearl is the given along with my life experi- “I take a lot of funerals – that is Monday and then to church on a FOR me, hymnbook and Bible are intertwined. If, like myself, you were of the evangelical tradition, you not county’s first Anglican distinctive ences meant I was being called to one of my God-given gifts – and Sunday. It can take as long as it only carried a hymnbook to Church, but also a Bible. deacon. She was ordained deacon be a distinctive deacon, not a that has been helped by my needs to. But by coming back into My pocket money had to stretch to a leather-bound, in 2016, but has chosen not to be priest. I’ve been called to work experience as a nurse and as a the life and family of the church compact, zipped Bible that fitted into my handbag— priested. with those on the margins – the bereavement counsellor. they realise life is worth living.” King James version of course. Instead, she feels God’s call is sick, the elderly, the frail and the “I also do follow-on visits after She adds: “God does take you WENDY KILWORTH-MASON, In Touch, Magazine of for her, as a deacon, to draw lonely – and to minister to them funerals, and at some point I will out of your comfort zone. If you Seascale and Gosforth Methodist Churches alongside people pastorally as she and encourage people to know that ask people who may not be regular had said to me five or six years ST NICHOLAS’ Church, Nicholforest is an old and serves the benefice of Leith- God loves them and we love them. churchgoers to come along to a ago that I would be preaching humble parish church with nave, chancel and apse. Lyvennet in the Eden Valley. “Whatever they have done and Eucharist service on a Wednesday from a pulpit, I would not have There is a small wooden bell turret with a spire. There “I believe we all have God-given whatever they may do, God will morning. After a half-hour service, thought it possible. But I’m doing are many stained glass windows, all by John Stott and gifts, as it says in Corinthians 1, and continue to love them. people then spend two hours chat- that and I love it. It’s a privilege. Son, with a five-light east window depicting Christ the when we realise what those gifts “There’s more of a pastoral side ting in the café – it’s important for “I want other people to realise Good Shepherd flanked by the four Evangelists. are, we owe it to God to use them to the work of a distinctive dea- those who may be feeling isolated their gifts too and to have that The Esk Parishes, Arthuret, Kirkandrews-on-Esk and Nicholforest and not ignore them,” she says. con. I still take services, but it is or lonely. That can lead to them relationship with God in all they “I believe the gifts I’d been the pastoral side which is a focus. coming to a luncheon club on a do, rather than just on Sundays.” www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk The Way, Spring 2017 15 Prayer and community are key

By Rev Canon n New book looks at Cameron Butland, Chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle the spirituality of our ecumenical county TO BE missional is to live prayerfully. Only when we are turies, rooted in prayer, community rooted in a loving relationship and mission. In the final part it asks with God do we have the where the spirituality of the ecumeni- confidence to witness to Jesus. cal county may be taking us. The courage to do this comes from The book is dedicated to my being in community with others who colleagues with whom I have worked live prayerfully. Prayer and commu- on courses and events, and from nity are, I believe, the foundations of whom I have learned so much. I am mission. also indebted to those who have In January 2016, Methodist attended events that the group has District Chairman Richard Teal organised, especially the asked me to write a few notes about ‘Nourishing the Soul’ and the formation of the ecumenical ‘Introduction to Spiritual Direction’ county of Cumbria. Having written a year-long courses. The growth in short paper, I realised there was numbers wanting to be part of these much more to be said. The resulting courses and in those seeking spiritu- book is a personal reflection on the al direction has been one of the most journey of faith that has brought us encouraging parts of my ministry. to this point. Much of it is the culmi- The book is written to acknowledge nation of the last eight years work- the hundreds who, in all our churches, ing as part of the Cumbria are making the ecumenical county a Ecumenical Spirituality Group. reality. Cumbria is an exciting place Growing Spirituality is a personal to be, seeing not just the churches but reflection on the spirituality of also faith itself coming alive again in Cumbria and briefly tells the story of people and communities. the faith from the first Christians to It is in this spirit of revival that we those denominations that signed the can see growth again in our covenant partnership and supported it Christian fellowships. It is a ‘grow- in Carlisle Cathedral on November 27 ing spirituality’ rooted in prayer, last year. It reflects, too, on the spiritu- held in community and leading us al styles that have played an important into mission. part in shaping the county’s churches n Growing Spirituality costs £10. and is a story of the dynamism of Order from Cameron Butland via ‘Personal reflection’: Cameron Butland and, inset, the book that he has written Christ’s disciples over the last 16 cen- email [email protected]. Pilgrimage gives priest a better insight into parishes

LAST year, thousands of people Graham Dow, who strolls into the across Cumbria came together sitting-room and says that he in a great wave of prayer for the wants to join me for the day... evangelisation of the nation. Finally, we arrive at Ivegill The Thy Kingdom Come Village Hall, just as the school event saw the God for All part- children are going home. Bishop ner and companion denomina- Graham blesses me. tions come together from prayer relays through to prayer balloon THURSDAY MAY 12: I climb services and community prayer steadily on... A smiling farmer gatherings. We will be doing the shows me his sheds. Then I same in Cumbria again this year Immersed: The Rev Philip meet a man standing with his from June 4 to 11. dog at the gate of a pen full of As part of last year’s events, the Dorling on his walk bleating sheep. I feel as if I’m Rev Philip Dorling, from the pews. After breakfast, my wife seeing the parishes I work in for Inglewood group of churches, and I walk down to the River the first time. completed a week-long prayer Eden, through bright green fields pilgrimage, taking in each of his and spring blossom woods... I FRIDAY MAY 13: As darkness churches. Below are excerpts from have prayed all day for blessing falls, I make my way to another his reflections on that journey. on the land – that it, and the home for another wonderful meal, week, will bear much fruit. this time with the Inglewoods. SUNDAY MAY 8: With the Later, in the moonlight, I slip back Sunday services done, I packed TUESDAY MAY 10: ...down to to the church, through the trees. my rucksack, and, at 4pm, set out the River Eden and on to the for Ainstable. Down to the bridge spot where the fishing hut was SATURDAY MAY 14: Hutton is at Armathwaite and then up to washed away in the floods. beautiful in the silence of the Eric and Christine’s, arriving Everything is changing. Lord morning. It is gold and green. very hot, for a wonderful supper. teach us to pray... A quick swim This is what it is like, when no Then, on to church. Dust parti- in the river. Standing knee deep, one is here, but God. Today, cles dance in the sunbeams as I I imagine Moses, and Joshua, heaven’s eternity touches earth. pray my first pilgrimage prayers. Ezekiel, and John... and Jesus, as the water sheets past my knees. SUNDAY MAY 15: I rise early to MONDAY MAY 9: I woke late. go home. As I walk up the A6 in ‘Quick, get up!’....there are steps WEDNESDAY MAY 11: It is a the early sun, there is no traffic, on the path, and the voices of wonder to break bread again... but in the haze you can tell the three people coming to pray. The this time with the people who live wheat is pushing through the sun is warm in patches on the at Barrock Park, and with Bishop good earth. Thanks be to God! 16 The Way, Spring 2017 SHARING THE FAITH

Jimmy Dale: ‘I think one of the key issues is there is a lack of understanding around evangelism’

Please tell us a little bit Qabout yourself. n The Way meets the man tasked with promoting and

My name is Jimmy Dale and I work with the Church resourcing youth evangelism across the Church of England Aof England as their National Youth Evangelism Officer. I’m looking at youth evangelism I’m coming to people and asking them young people, but we need to married to Sarah and live in East keen to work with. what they are doing about youth remember they’re exceptions. London where I have been doing evangelism, to people contacting If you are faithfully working youth work for the past 10 years, How can we support me, asking what they can do about with three young people, journey- running a Youth for Christ centre young people in it. ing with them around what their for the last five years. Q Before that I actually lived in evangelism? faith looks like, then that’s amaz- Carlisle for a few years so I still How can we change ing. We need to get better at telling have a soft spot for it. I think one of the key issues Qmodels to enable young stories that give simple, achievable Outside of work, I am an avid Ais there is a lack of under- people to reach their and sustainable models of reaching Spurs fan, a running enthusiast and standing around evangelism, peers? young people. If we don’t, people a passionate advocate for Apple with it defined in most young peo- who are faithfully serving small products! ple’s minds as proclamational, I think it’s important to groups of young people feel that stage-based altar calls or con- Arealise there isn’t a silver what they are doing isn’t enough What does your new role frontational conversations around bullet. There are so many and become demotivated and can entail? faith, as opposed to part of a jour- resources out there that will give up. We need to change the Q Enthusiastic: Jimmy with his ney. Young people feel unequipped encourage and equip young people narrative. and unable to do this and so opt to to share their faith, but the only wife Sarah The role is a brand new role keep their faith personal. way this happens is with ongoing How can we learn from and has the remit to pro- existing ones. It can also consider I think one of the best things we discipleship, journeying in faith Qothers? Amote and resource youth resources, projects, fresh expres- can do is offer simple, relational with young people as they grow in evangelism across the Church of sions or wider strategies. It’s very and conversational models of shar- confidence in their relationship England. varied! ing faith so young people have with Jesus. There is so much shared Obviously that’s a really wide examples to imitate. Alearning. But the best people remit and covers everything from Who will you be working What are the opportuni- to ask are the people at the churches who want to engage with with? What goals are you Qties that we’re missing out grass roots, serving young people young people for the first time to Q setting? on? week in and week out. young people wanting to share Q I always encourage people to let faith with their friends to dioceses I’m working right across the We need to get better at me know what they see is wanting to look at youth evange- Church of England at all I think success is a hard telling the ordinary story. I working. Don’t wait for me to hear lism strategies. Alevels and with all church- thing to measure. I want to Alove a story where the about it or we’ll miss the It can look at creating new ini- manships. Asee a change in culture, whole school became Christians opportunity. Sharing what we’re tiatives or helping better resource Anyone who is interested in which sees a move away from me and now your church has 400 seeing work is so key.