The Ramryge Angels at Rochester Cathedral Sculpture Exhibition ‘The Ramryge Angels’ Bereavement Studies
An exhibition of Perspex sculptures illuminating the stages of grief ochester by Claudia Brown in Link The Lady Chapel, Rochester Cathedral
Thursday 10th December 2015 to Thursday 21st January 2016 www.ramrygeangels.co.uk
www.rochestercathedral.org
NOVEMBER 2015 See page 12 for details
Bishop Brian Reflects On 11 September 2001, Islamist extremists hijacked four planes. Two of them were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. Another was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed into a field, 80 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The attacks shocked the world and resulted in the deaths of over 3000 people.
for adults. He said, “Life and death are was an amazing event that I remember very close to each other. In Zambia, life fondly. It ended with 1400 balloons is finely balanced and you live on the being released from Rochester Castle. It edge. I think people there understand was amazing!” life better. We can take a lot for granted because death seems so very far away. 2015 has seen Bishop Brian leading Even before Zambia I was interested in a Challenging Poverty campaign. He the theology of death and dying well. said, “It’s been a joy and a privilege The basis of my PhD dissertation was to be part of this campaign. Perhaps to compare hymns around death. These the easiest thing for some people is to conversations are important. People give money. That’s great, but it’s not should write their will when they are enough. People have reflected deeply well, not when they are dying. Laugh on these issues and it has been very and cry about it. We need to remember moving to see how people have reacted to give people permission to grieve in to that.” this country, or that grief will come out in other, less healthy ways.” As his thoughts turn to packing boxes and maybe hiring a skip, Bishop Brian A keen traveller and cross country has given some thought to everyday life skiing enthusiast, Bishop Brian has in the Diocese. He said, “I live in an area visited many countries on vacation. where life is very driven; it’s frenetic. He said, “You only see what is on the People are very aware of all they have surface when you are on holiday. The to say and do. I want people to consider real blessing of our overseas links God saying slow down and enjoy life. I is that people open their hearts and say we have many gifts. Slow down and their lives to each other and they are delight in God and in one another and changed by the experience. The Church those on the outside that we may not ishop Brian Castle the beginning of faith and Mpwapwa and really opens doors so you can have a normally associate with.” Bhad only just been journeys. Licensing Estonia. Bishop Brian genuine relationship and I believe we announced as the new someone or being at a said, “Working with our gain more than we give. It’s important As a final reflection, Bishop Brian said, Bishop of Tonbridge at confirmation is a joy and overseas Dioceses has to understand that it’s not a financial “I look back at my years in the Diocese the time. He said, “The a privilege. This keeps been tremendous. The thing; people in this Diocese are very with thankfulness. It’s been great! I world fell apart in the me fresh and energised. Church outside of this generous. This is a mutual relationship have met a wonderful cross section of afternoon of 9/11. I now I have also spent a lot of country has always been and our link Dioceses always say people here and overseas; it’s been a wonder how much of my time working with people very important to me. it’s about the idea that they are not very stimulating time which has also interest in reconciliation through their ordination My six months of training forgotten. I am thankful that I have had enabled me to do some writing. It’s over the years has training. It’s lovely to be with the World Council these great opportunities to see other been really good.” been shaped by that. I with them as we help of Churches in Geneva people blossom and flourish.” focussed my work during them discern where was very formative; it Bishop Brian will be moving to my sabbatical on the God is calling them. was multi-cultural and The Diocese of Rochester celebrated Somerset with his wife, Jane. He Israel/Palestine conflict.” Ordinations are a time ecumenical and I later 1400 years of ministry in 2004 and a described himself as “helping with a of high emotions, with worked in Zambia as great many events were planned around bit of bishoping and teaching” whilst Fortunately, Bishop people cheering them a vicar.” that celebration. Bishop Brian was the pursuing a few interests of his own Brian’s ministry has been on. It’s great!” Chair of the organising committee. He like fly fishing, cross country skiing and varied and rewarding. Working in Zambia, said, “Some made a pilgrimage to Rome writing. Jane will continue with her He said, “The regular The Diocese of Bishop Brian conducted and it was fantastic! Some people had volunteer work training guide dogs for highlights of my ministry Rochester has a number as many funerals for an audience with the Pope and five the blind and working with riding for have always been of link dioceses including children under twelve thousand people attended a celebration the disabled. We wish them well with around being there at Estonia, Harare, Kondoa years of age as he did service in Rochester and the Cathedral this new chapter of their lives. wasn’t big enough to hold everyone! It
Copy deadline for the December issue of Rochester Link is 4pm on Thursday 12 November 2015. Copy to: [email protected] 2 ochester Link
Allotments And Commitments What’s on in November NOVEMBER PADDOCK WOOD Many churches in the Father Paul Prentice - Vicar SEVENOAKS 25 November. Training day on Dementia Inclusive Diocese of Rochester, other of The Cray Valley Benefice, 8 November. Come and Sing Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ at Worship at St Andrew Paddock Wood (from 10.00 am to than some in rural areas, comprising: St Andrew and The Drive Methodist Church, Sevenoaks, at 6.30pm. 3.30pm). Cost £20 inclusive of lunch. will have celebrated their St Mary - agreed with the Admission free. Retiring collection for ‘Help for Heroes’. Harvest Thanksgiving allotment holders that we Details from 01732 456345. ROCHESTER Services within the walls would hold the St Andrew’s Valerie Ruddle (Choir Director) 27 November. From 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. Memory Cafe in of their churches. Next Harvest Thanksgiving Rochester. If you have dementia, or are caring for someone with dementia, come along to your local Cafe, you’ll be to us, at the Church of St Eucharist in the Allotments. ORPINGTON very welcome. Your local Cafe meets every fourth Friday of Andrew on the borders of The allotment holders 12 November. Dementia Friends workshops at All Saints Orpington (from 2.30 to 4.30 pm, or from 7.30 to each month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Parish Centre at Orpington and St Mary Cray added to their generosity by 9.30 pm). Free of charge. St Peter, Delce Road, Rochester, ME1 2EH. in the London Borough of providing a barbecue and Please contact: [email protected] or Bromley, are the Lower refreshments. I believe the LAMBERHURST 07989 783447 or Pam Moss: 01634 721886 Road Allotments. Bishop idea to hold the Service on 13 November. Jong Gyung Park. 7.30 pm. St. Mary’s James visited the Lower the allotments to be inspired Church, Lamberhurst. www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk TUDELEY Road Allotment Society in and the enthusiasm with 28 November. The Baroque Singers at All Saints’ Church, October 2014. which were welcomed by GREENHITHE Tudeley at 7.30 pm. Performing seasonal music including and hosted by the allotment 14 November. Dementia Friends workshop at St Mary the “Great Mystery” Mass by Tomas Luis de Victoria and holders to be inspiring. Greenhithe (from 2.00 to 4.00 pm). Free of charge. the Gloria by Vivaldi.Tickets (£10 and £5 for under 16’s) online from www.baroquesingers.ticketsource.co.uk Continued on page 9 WATERINGBURY 14 November. 11am to 3pm at the Church of St John the Baptist, Wateringbury, ME18 5PA. Craft bazaar. From DECEMBER beads to bags, and plants to pashminas – over 20 stalls WATERINGBURY full of items by local craftspeople. Refreshments, mulled 5 December. 7.30pm Music for Advent and Christmas wine and mince pieces. Raffle, cake stall and tombola. conducted by Alan Vincent with soprano soloist Alice Brown, at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge GRAVESEND Road, Wateringbury ME18 5PA. Tickets at £10 14 November Christ Church, Echo Square, Gravesend is (£5 children/students) from Ros Diment 01622 813032, holding a Twelve Days of Christmas themed Christmas Rebecca Moate 07715 399320 and Wateringbury Bazaar at 10.30 am. Stalls including: jewellery, Post Office. CONTACT US gifts, decorations, cakes, books, toys and tombola. News and letters to the Editor: Refreshments available. Father Christmas will be there. 12 and 13 December. 2.30 – 4.30 pm at the Church of Entrance 60p, children free. St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury, [email protected] ME18 5PA. Visit the church to see nativity cribs and Telephone: 01634 560000 MEOPHAM angels, enjoy a cup of tea with angel cakes and biscuits. ADVERTISEMENTS 14 November. Christmas Bazaar from 10 am to 12 noon at Email: [email protected] Nurstead Court, Meopham. Stalls will include a tombola, GRAVESEND Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. Images Christmas gifts, toys and games, homemade cakes, classy 5 December. Christmas Fayre 10am to 2pm, St George’s must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital bric-a-brac, plus a basket of bottles raffle and Christmas Church, Church St, Gravesend DA11 0DJ. Free entry camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do the rest for you.) hamper raffle. Admission £1. Children free. Refreshments. and free face painting and children’s activities. Hot Typeset by JPS Designs - [email protected]. 07739 330996. refreshments, cakes, raffle, tombola, DVDs, jewellery, SEVENOAKS cosmetics, bottle stall. 14 November. “England’s Finest” - Concert by Temenos Chamber Choir, conductor Charles Vignoles, 7.30pm, at SEVENOAKS St Nicholas’ Church, Sevenoaks, TN13 1JA. Choral works 30 minute 12:30 pm recitals. Admission Free. by Tallis, Vaughan Williams and Gabriel Jackson, and Refreshments from 12:00. music for recorder and organ from Mary-Jannet Leith 4 November. Pupils from Sevenoaks School with Tau Wey. and Richard Moore. Tickets £10 (£5 students) from 11 November. Jean Bentley’s Old Tyme Dance Band. 01959 523765 or visit Sevenoaks Bookshop. 18 November. Pupils from Knole Academy. 25 November, www.temenos-chamberchoir.org.uk Trevor Brearley Organ. Venue: St Luke’s Church, Eardley Road.
GROOMBRIDGE Contact Us Submissions for Link should be emailed to: St Thomas the Apostle, 2 December at 7.30 to 9pm. Corseley Road, Social Responsibility. Speaker: [email protected] For the Lord your God is a Groombridge TN3 9SF. the Rev Dr Alan Le Grys, Cost: £3 per lecture on the Lecturer, University of Kent. We regret we are unable to door. Refreshments available. accept hand written submissions. merciful God. He will not Contact: Sharon Francis 13 January 2016 at 7.30 to 9pm. 01892 864265 Theology and Science: A new Copy deadline for the December leave you or destroy you [email protected] paradigm for the 21st century? Link is 1600 on 12 November. www.stthomasgroombridge.org.uk Speaker: the Rev Andrew or forget the covenant Bigg, MPhys (Oxon), BA, MA. Views expressed are not those of the editor or Diocese. with your fathers that he 11 November at 7.30 to 9pm. 24 February 2016 at 7.30 to 9pm. Facing Climate Change: ‘Our hearts are restless until Despair, Hope and Spirit they rest in you’: swore to them. Dr Judith Anderson, St Augustine. UKCP Psychotherapist. Speaker: Dr Margaret Lane De 4:31 ochester Link 3 On Being British
The deriding of these and other institutions, so Values are popular today, has diminished a sense of what mediated holds us together. Values are mediated through institutions; if the latter no longer matter, the through former must find another means of expression. Increasingly this is through global, digital media. institutions. This media is more demotic, less restrained and more prone to exaggeration. It is also prey to So what populist politics and religion, as we are discovering to our cost. Most of us probably like the ferment happens when of ideas, images and art which we can draw on so easily now from any source, but there is we no longer a reaction against such cosmopolitanism. The retrenchment into ethnic nationalism is becoming value the palpable across Europe. Some of this is benign; institutions? increasingly it is malevolent. The European project itself had the laudable goal of emptying its countries of poisonous nationalism. For some there are good reasons to abandon this project, but it would come at the cost of more chauvinism.
The goal of civic nationalism is preferred, where citizens can rally around a nation’s institutions and the public realm is open to all. If we continue to assault our institutions without any regard for hese are momentous days for What, then, is distinctive about Significantly, when people are praise where it might be due, we will struggle to TBritain and what we understand Britain and its contribution to the asked about what makes them develop an inclusive, egalitarian community with it to be. In the 2015 General world? France has its coherent British today, they are most likely places of common ownership and loyalty. Election, the Scottish National Party values of liberty, equality and to describe a set of values - fair made astonishing gains; neither the fraternity which cleverly balance play, tolerance, freedom of speech, In Britain the Church still has a considerable public Conservative Party nor now the Labour capitalism, socialism and nationalism democracy – which are shared by role which, if anything, feels like it has grown Party has any effective representation respectively. No-one visiting France many other nations and are thus not in recent times. Its primary loyalty will always north of the border. England belongs and seeing its municipal architecture distinctively British. What used to be to Jesus Christ. Part of this loyalty is to find largely to the Conservative Party, could fail to appreciate this. Anyone make Britain distinctive was regard ways of blessing the nation through a witness to with some cities and other places touring Britain would have a harder for its institutions – the monarchy, its Saviour which is rooted in truth, love and a remaindered for Labour and some feel time discerning values. For some Parliament, the courts, the police practical regard for the vulnerable. If there has the choice of Jeremy Corbyn to be this is seen to be a strength. On the service, the BBC, the armed services, been a particular British ethic before, its tone Labour leader will only reinforce this right, the preference for pragmatic the NHS, the Church of England, was largely set by a living or residual respect for pattern. A critical debate is underway solutions over ideological beliefs is trades unions and small businesses. the Gospel of Christ. This is a witness we should over the value and purpose of the believed to have kept us rooted in Though other countries fairly claim sustain in volatile times. European Union at the very moment tradition and incremental change; similar structures, these institutions an unimaginably large wave of on the left, diversity is championed were both informed by a particular by the Ven Simon Burton Jones, refugees is hoping to make their home more than national coherence and British ethic and helped to shape Archdeacon of Rochester in its countries. talk of distinctive British values is public values. often frowned upon.
Bishop James’ Diary - November 2015
Sunday 1 10am Confirmation, Sunday 15 6pm Confirmation, All Saints, Sunday 22 10.30am Confirmation, Farnborough All Saints Belvedere Orpington. 4.30pm Consecration of Memorial 3pm Evensong, Brenchley Monday 16 10am House of Bishops Standing Garden, Christ Church Erith 6pm Confirmation, Yalding with Committee, Lambeth Palace 6.30pm Confirmation, Dartford Deanery Collier Street Tuesday 17 12.30pm Senior Leadership Development Monday 23 9am Finance Committee Tuesday 3 10am Poverty and Hope Group Meeting Group Monday 23 to All Day House of Lords Duty 7.30pm Institution of the Rev Brian Wednesday 18 All Day Senior Leadership Development Friday 27 Senior, South Gillingham Group Tuesday 24 and All Day General Synod Wednesday 4 All Day Prison visits, Manchester 6.30pm ACEVO Annual Dinner Wednesday 25 Friday 6 9am The Granville School, Sevenoaks Thursday 19 12 noon King’s Hill Cluster Meeting Saturday 28 to Annual Leave 11.00am St George’s C of E Primary 7.30pm Confirmation, St Peter, Monday 30 School, Wrotham Ightham. 12.45pm Southborough C of E Friday 20 10am Police Chaplain’s Business Meeting Primary School 1pm What are Prisons For? Sunday 8 Deanery Visit, Malling Saturday 21 9.30am Affirming Catholicism to Sunday 15 3pm Commissioning, the Rev Pamela Wednesday 11 All Day Bishop’s Staff Meeting Davies, Sundridge with Ide Hill 7.30pm Dedication service, St Martin’s and Toys Hill Church, Eynsford Saturday 21 7pm Winter Shelter Launch, Sunday 15 3pm Collation, the Rev Alison St Augustine’s RC Church Newman, Biggin Hill Tunbridge Wells 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature
SignagePosters Cards Christmas Starts with Christ
THE RESOURCE Ruxley New Church, West Ewell, Surrey Ruxley New Church, West Dorset Beaminster, St Mary, Christ Church Bedford
enhancing church interiors across the country EVERY CHURCH Ronald Emett fi ne furniture 01308 868025 [email protected] COULD www.ronaldemettfurniture.com UPALONG • HURSEY • BROADWINDSOR • DORSET • DT8 3LN USE THIS CHRISTMAS ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE www.cpo.org.uk St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, CPO has been the home of church communications since 1957. Conference facilities and private stays. Theological Library may be available on request. Welcome Resources Banners Design Ranges For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9DJ 2015 Christmas Catalogue OUT NOW! Tel: 01235 763141 Order your free catalogue at www.cpo.org.uk Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 01903 263354 www.csmv.co.uk The Only Calendar with a Free Advent Activity Booklet.
The Real Advent Calendar is a great way New Design to share the Christmas story. Available Now The calendar comes with a free 32-page Christmas story activity booklet illustrated by Sophie Allsopp and designed to be used every day in Advent. Behind each of the 24 windows there is a Fairtrade chocolate and a line of the Christmas story. Help raise £15,000 this year We are the UK's only Fairtrade charity Advent calendar. For every sale a donation will be made towards the work of Limited stocks Traidcraft Exchange and the Funzi Baby Clinic in Kenya. Buy yours now A range of independent retailers, bookshops and cathedrals have stocks of the advent calendars. Traidcraft, TLM, Eden.co.uk and Embrace the Middle East also have stocks www.traidcra.co.uk and some can send bulk and singles.
RRP www.funzi.org.uk . Tesco is the only supermarket selling the calendar, £ but only in their larger stores. Visit us on
Recent surveys show that knowledge of the Christmas story is fading.* Among 5-7 year olds, 36% don’t know whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas. See website for details. Among adults, less than 12% know the full nativity story. *Survey findings from ComRes 2007, 2010, 2012. www.realadvent.co.uk/shop ochester Link 5
NATIONAL FRUIT Rochester Ordinations 2015 TREE SPECIALISTS One of the UK's largest suppliers of fruit trees and soft fruit plants including Cranberries and Goji Berries Saturday 26 September saw the Ordinations for the Diocese. Emotions run high in the run up to VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS Ordinations day, as people really come to terms with what they are about to commit to. These OF OUR LATEST SPECIAL OFFERS are some of the thoughts from the Rochester Ordinands just before they went on retreat prior NATIONWIDE DELIVERY to Ordination. DEACONS NURSERY Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW 01983 840750 (24hrs) Tel: 01983 522243 Fax: 01983 523575 Rev Rosheen Browning calm but excited in tandem. I will be Rev Carrie Walshaw Email: [email protected] or visit our website (St Andrew, Paddock Wood) continuing the work I have started (Pembury) www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk said, “I am completely overwhelmed!” in the parish, but now as an official, Carrie works as a singing teacher and ordained deacon which is great!” is a self-supporting minister. She said, BUILDING CONSERVATION (UK) LTD Rev Nigel Griffiths “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve (Southborough Team) Rev Ruth Peet:. not quite got it yet! I’m not quite into FOR MAINTENANCE Nigel previously worked in the field (St Mary, Bromley) the mood of not being at school. After of commercial medical research and Ruth previously worked as a partner in a couple of days on retreat, I’ll be in a ON CHURCHES AND clinical trials. He said, “I’m really her family business. She said, different place. It’s been on my mind LISTED BUILDINGS excited. This is the culmination of “I feel quite excited! It’s a very new for a very long time – I have been a Phone Free: three years of my life after a tangible feeling for me. I have been holding Readrer for nineteen years. It’s been call (to ordination) discernment and ordination at arm’s length for a few nagging at me for years. I am most 0800 052 1030 [email protected] training. It will be big and it will be a years and now that feeling has looking forward to seeing the parish www.buildingconservationukltd.com moment of affirmation.” dissipated. It feels like an essential in a new, more pastoral way. I will be Estimates free and next step, somehow.” working at the Hospice in the Weald without obligaition Rev James Harratt and Pembury Hospital.” (Rainham) Rev Nigel Poole CHURCH PEWS James previously worked as a library (Penge) Rev Dennis Woodward UNCOMFORTABLE? assistant at a theological college Nigel has previously worked as a (Beckenham) WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? in Cambridge. He said, “I’m a bit consultant in social housing. He Dennis originally hails from the Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, apprehensive and excited as well. said, “It’s been a 38 year journey Netherlands. He said, “I’m excited and Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN Ordination is both awesome and and apprenticeship for me. Work in still have a sense of being unworthy; www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail terrifying. There has been a long Social Housing does prepare you for I’m thinking, ‘why me?’ I feel humbled When phoning please quote RL1115 period of discernment. I’m really this calling. I am thankful for God’s and am looking forward to Saturday. excited about the possibility of serving faithfulness for seeing me through the My family and friends from the but slightly jittery too!” 38 years. Living and serving in the Netherlands will be there for me. It’s Metalsmith same place is something special!” amazing! - Bringing the Good News. I www.steelyourself.co.uk Rev Andrea Leonard think this is the right parish for me; we Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall (St Justus, Rochester.) Rev Matthew Robinson are on the same page.” provides new work and maintenance for a number of churches. Andrea previously worked as an (Sevenoaks) To join his list of satisfi ed customers inclusion manager at a secondary Matthew previously worked as a barrister 2015 Priests: call: 020 8850 7851 or 077 6666 2747 school. She said, concerned with family law and child Rev Cathy Knight-Scott; Orpington, “I feel a bit Maria von Trapp-ish! protection. He said, “I’m looking forward All Saints. Rev Mandy Young; Nothing comes from nothing. I to it. It feels like the culmination of a Snodland w Lower Birling. Rev Birchwood House am completely overwhelmed with long journey and the destination id the Mell Jemmett; Fawkham & Hartley. God’s goodness. I have an amazing right one. I have felt more and more Rev Wim Mauritz; Tunbridge Rest Home incumbent and have worked with her reinforced in my calling.” Wells, St James. Rev Andy Bond; Residential Home for and some really lovely people. I feel Beckenham, Holy Trinity. Rev Jane the Elderly like I have won the lottery!” Rev Karen Seggie Winter; Orpington, St Andrew. Respite care & short (East Gravesend Cluster of Churches) Rev James Crockford; Crayford. stay available Rev Michael Payne Karen previously worked in a special Rev Dorothy McGarvey; Eynsford A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set (Northfleet with Rosherville) needs school. She said, in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy w Farningham & Lullingstone. Rev reach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Michael previously worked as an English “I’m a bit nervous. The enormity of it Stephen Niechcial; Sidcup, St John • All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call teacher at Hugh Christie School in has hit me. I’m excited as well.” the Evangelist. Rev Nathan Ward; system. Lift to all floors. Tonbridge. He said, “I think I am feeling South Chatham. Rev Clive Wood; • Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered Belvedere, All Saints. Rev David for. •Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. Howarth; Bromley, Christ Church. • Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to the local church. Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TU Telephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559
TravelArranged for RochesterInsurance Link readers Real and friendly people... not machines! Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. BUY YOUR INSURANCE BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND BEAT THE PRICE INCREASE Call us now and get great prices for Annual, Single Trip and Long Stay cover with £10 OFF all policies if purchased this year. Annual (max. age 85) and single (no max. age) cover for UK, Europe and worldwide holidays Conditions apply FT TRAVEL UK Please call for details ~ BASED INSURANCE 0116 272 0500 Authorised & regulated by the FCA
ALGARVE SHERBORNE Luxury 3 bed villa Short breaks in Dorset (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near Carvoeiro. Own pool, Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, all mod cons.Situated on Pestana Golf Resort. Golf, apartment in listed building Tennis,Outdoor bowls. close to Abbey Church. Full details and brochure: Open all year. Brian Chambers Tel: 02380 265 683 Please ring for brochure: [email protected] www.casa-oleander.co.uk 01404 841367 6 ochester Link Jet Lag and Contentment
Sister Anne speaks of her life at Malling Abbey
Stereotypes are usually unhelpful; they are often a casual short-hand for those of us who either don’t have the time to be original or maybe can’t really be bothered to look more deeply into a person or situation.
Here is a challenge: Think about nuns in the UK. What’s the first image that comes into your mind? Doubtless, your mental picture had something to do with a white wimple and a black habit. Audrey Hepburn, perhaps? Maybe your visual image will have been around Mother Teresa and you will have envisioned an older lady wearing blue and white. But these things are not what a nun is – that’s simply what a nun wears. Lots of people think nuns are always Catholic but that’s not true. Perhaps you think that all nuns make vows that are something to do with poverty and chastity, but that wouldn’t be right either. Perhaps the first thing to remember is that all nuns are someone’s daughter. They have a family.
alling Abbey is a community Searching for some spiritual healing, to ‘get it out of her system.’ She said, Like any loving family, Sister Anne’s Mof Anglican Benedictine nuns. Sister Anne said, “At the time I cast “I had what I call my ‘oh sh*t’ moment. parents were very concerned that Sister Anne, part of the Community around in New Age healing; I had one There I was with a bunch of women she was doing the wrong thing. She living and working at Malling Abbey foot in the Church and at the same dressed in habits but I just felt that this said, “My parents thought this was near King’s Hill in Kent has a PhD in time I dipped into Buddhism. I had place makes sense. It has a very deep a disaster. They saw me as a very Computer Science from the University some difficulty in naming God as Jesus peace. The work the nuns needy person caught up with a bunch of Cambridge and spent a significant Christ. I can’t quite remember what do here nurtures that. Everything I of manipulative nuns who needed a part of her life earning a comfortable brought me back to Church. Whilst I need is here – even a holiday. It’s new recruit. But I had close friends who living as a software engineer. She said, was exploring the Buddhist tradition, gorgeous and it’s a way of finding understood exactly what was happening “When I studied for my PhD, I was just I was encouraged to find whatever contentment. I entered Malling Abbey and said, ’oh that’s what we have been one woman out of a group of 40 male spirituality was right for me. I trained formally in 2009.” seeing in you!’” PhD candidates. It was quite unusual in massage. I was trained in how for a woman. At the time, something to be with someone in a prayerful Sister Anne describes ‘coming alive’ at Since joining the community at like simple data entry was considered way and find healing, and there was the Abbey and said, “I really came alive Malling Abbey, Sister Anne feels as a suitable occupation for a women.” something about being a nun that was here in a way I had never known. It she has become more herself. She niggling at me although I didn’t know was ten years since my marriage had said,”There are obvious signs of visible Relaxed and comfortable in a guest any nuns personally. On a Buddhist broken down; I forgave my ex-husband conformity - like the clothes we wear room, Sister Anne reflected on her life retreat in 2007 I realised I needed to and I cried a lot. I was told not to make and there are constraints, but this is before the one she enjoys now in the commit to one tradition and that was my mind up in a hurry, but I knew I a total environment. We do pursue Abbey. She said, “I was brought up in to follow Jesus on the Christian path. had to do this. I had arrived at a point other things like crafts and music or the Church and I am drawn very deeply Shortly after that a friend suggested in my life with a sense of not living gardening. Perhaps the hardest thing into trying to understand the meaning that I should visit some contemplative my life as I should be. I was in a final was letting go of my daily timetable and of life. I wanted to do something of communities. I now know that the salary pension scheme and had a very I did struggle with that. I have found a value for the world. I was married Christian journey contains everything good salary; I had very marketable freedom from that though.” for sixteen years although I never for me.” skills and I knew at 50 that if I stepped Sister Anne asked to enter West Malling had children. After my marriage broke off, I wouldn’t be able to step back on. as a Postulant in September 2009 down, I was in pieces and I needed to Eventually, Sister Anne committed I am a resourceful, intelligent women having rented out her own home. Prior find some healing and reconciliation.” herself to staying with a contemplative and I decided now was the time to to that, she spent the summer visiting community in West Malling in 2008, just trust God.” friends and family and describes that ochester Link 7
as “rather fun.” She will carry me through. them. We celebrated way, but after a year said, “The day before I We are privileged to my mother’s eightieth as a full black veil arrived, I ate the most live in a beautiful and birthday in the guest novice, you make a expensive lunch I have peaceful place that house here last year promise to stay for two ever had, and spent protects us from the and it went really well. years and this is a two- £12.00 on an exquisite noise and distractions of They have seen that way thing. Then you glass of red wine.” life outside, but we still I am happy here and feel what it is like to worry about things like that it suits me. I did live your life under The day she arrived our ageing parents and feel the constraints a promise.” at West Malling, Sister how we will pay the bills of life here at first, Anne was met by – the normal things in but that soon passed. Sister Anne describes the Abbess Mother life. We open ourselves There was a letting feeling affirmed by the Mary David and the up to God in prayer. go of my personal community, but this Novice Guardian. At There is an agenda agenda and a freedom is not the same for all the time, she wore here – the centre of in finding that your women. Some come secular clothes and gravity is the work of own agenda is less and they leave after just started to live at God as carried out by important.” deciding that this life is the Abbey, joining in the community and we not for them. She said, with daily activities are bonded together as Sister Anne took her “Mother Mary David and chores. She said, that community.” Solemn Vows on 16 has grasped that things “I started with a half May 2015, with Bishop need to change here. time workload as a It was initially hard for Laurie presiding at the That was my biggest novice with vigils at Sister Anne’s parents ceremony and Bishop struggle – not the 0430. I felt like I had and her two sisters to James attending as a number of youngsters jet lag and was very accept her calling; they guest. These are not coming in. We need tired to begin with. I were angry and felt just vows of poverty, to re-order the estate. just needed to become rejected. But as time chastity and obedience, We have our own accustomed to the has passed, they have but include vows of guest accommodation rhythm of life here.” become reconciled to stability, obedience and the facility to the choice Sister Anne and conversion of life. provide hospitality Life in the community has made. She said, “It She explained, “I was but my struggle was is remarkable and was hard for me, but a Postulate for eight around what is going quite different from I knew I wasn’t doing months; then I took to happen in the longer life outside. Sister this to hurt them. One the habit in May 2010. term. There is a relief Anne said, “We are of my sisters is two I continued to wear a in trusting God and a all concerned with years younger than me white veil for two years belief in the community the needs, health and she is very good (some women wear it that I will be provided and strength of the at making connections. for three, depending for. I have disposed community. I feel like I She brought my on when you are ready of my possessions am stepping up to my parents to stay in a to take the next step.) and my house and my greatest responsibility bungalow here after You then let go the pension will come to as I approach my 60s. my first year. I really white veil and take the the community. It feels Abbess Mother Mary enjoyed seeing them. black one and take good now.” David has tremendous They were in their on a full work-load. energy and I feel as own space and I At this stage there is though God’s strength could spend time with no commitment either
The Rev Sharon Copesake The collation, induction made vicar for and licensing of the St Francis, Strood. Rev Sharon Copesake I am very much looking as Vicar of St Francis forward to serving the Church, Strood on people of Strood and 28 September 2015. working with them to Sharon is the first continue to build God’s female incumbent in kingdom here on earth the Strood Deanery. as in heaven.”
The Rev Copesake Sister Gill Martin said, “The licensing (Church Army) was a wonderful Associate Minister: occasion and it is a St Francis Church, great privilege to be Strood. 8 ochester Link
RELAX! WITH UP TO 4,000 USED CARS Patient Centred Care PRICE CHECKED DAILY, COMPREHENSIVELY CHECKED AND GUARANTEED at Burrswood Hospital Independent 40-bed (single ensuite rooms) Christian hospital, providing short-term We offer: YOU’RE SURE TO FIND medical and nursing care to patients of all • Rehabilitation following surgery faiths and none. or major illness YOUR PERFECT CAR! • Respite Care Personalised, compassionate clinical care • End of Life Care is provided with dignity and respect by our • Treatment for CFS/ME highly skilled team of doctors, nurses, • Spiritual & Pastoral Support physiotherapists, counsellors, chaplains • Counselling, Physiotherapy & BRAND NEW and support staff. Hydrotherapy on an inpatient and 12 REG CITROEN C1 1.0 VTi TOUCH 3 DOOR CHEVROLET SPARK outpatient basis 1.0i+ 5DR BLACK 23K NOW .00 PER • Burrswood’s healing ministry is NOW * ONLY £4686 ONLY MONTH offered alongside its clinical care £119 48 MONTHS (9+47) Burrswood, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY Reg. with the Care Quality Commission. Reg. Charity No. 1095940
11 REG 61 REG 12 REG VAUXHALL CORSA 1.7 CDTi 5DR VOLKSWAGEN GOLF NISSAN QASHQAI 1.6 To find out more visit our website www.burrswood.org.uk ECOFLEX EXCLUSIV SILVER 97K 1.6 TDi 105 S 5DR RED 69K (117) ACENTA 5 DOOR BLUE 42K NOW NOW NOW or call our Admissions Team on 01892 865988 ONLY £5915 ONLY £6999 ONLY £9800
PART FULL FLEXIBLE NATIONWIDE BRAND NEW EXCHANGE HISTORY FINANCE DELIVERY CARS AVAILABLE WELCOME CHECK AVAILABLE TO YOUR DOOR ALL MAKES There is none like you, O Lord, AUTOSAVE... SERVING THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS Call 0845 122 6910 and there is no God besides you, autosave.co.uk *Based on personal Contract Hire (PCH) payment profile 9+47. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/indemnity according to all that we have may be required. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers. We may receive a commission from them for the introduction. heard with our ears. 1Ch 17:20 (ESV)
ochester Link 9
Friends of St Paulinus Celebrate Success
The Friends of St Paulinus presented the Accounts Church held their Annual and the Secretary, Alan General Meeting in Baxter, gave a vote of the Church Hall on the thanks to Marilyn Evennett afternoon of St Paulinus’ for her five years of service Day and retiring Chair as Chair of the Friends. Marilyn Evennett, reported on a very successful She was also presented year for the Charity. She with some flowers thanked the Officers and in recognition of her Committee for their hard leadership. The Rt Hon work and support in raising David Evennett MP and money to help preserve the Rector, the Rev Canon Crayford’s historic church. Antony Lane, were among the guests at the AGM. A Valentine’s Quiz Night, Officers elected for Coffee Morning and an Old 2015/6 are: Time Music Hall were the D Pennington-Jones, highlights of the Friends J Holbrook, A Baxter, Fundraising activities. M Evennett, M Drew, Pictured are the new Officers and Committee with the Rt Hon David The Weekly Draw run by J Baxter, B Bunce, J Evennett MP and the Rev Canon Antony Lane. Margaret Drew was also an Dunlop, I Holloway, J important source of funds. Peers-Jones and Julie Burr. Treasurer John Holbrook Europe refugee crisis The Diocese in Europe has 300 Join Bishop Ridley Church Fun Day nominated Us to receive your donations. On Saturday 19 September, tea and cakes. Those who lucky to be located in the middle of The Green, the central point for Please hold a collection in your hundreds of people of all came along learned about Falconwood and our fun day was an opportunity for us to celebrate parish; your gifts will provide ages enjoyed a day of fun the activities Bishop Ridley being in the heart of our community. Our church is more than just at Bishop Ridley Church, Church organises for people a building; our church is the people who live in and serve the local emergency healthcare, food Falconwood. Visitors had fun of all ages, from babies and area. It was great to meet more of our neighbours and we look and shelter. on the bouncy castle, got toddlers, children and young forward to welcoming them back soon – our door is always open.” their faces painted, played people, families and adults old-fashioned family games to older members of the Donate at www.weareUs.org.uk/ and enjoyed BBQ food community, through a range and refreshments of displays in the church and europe or phone 020 7921 2200. chats with activity leaders. About Bishop Ridley Church The Community Fun Day, Stan Tither, member of Us. The new organised by the church, Bishop Ridley Church and name for USPG Services are held each Sunday Jesus in our community. We also included arts and event organiser, said: at 9am and 10:30am at Bishop do this through weekly Sunday Registered charity crafts, a treasure hunt, “Bishop Ridley Church is Ridley Church, The Green, services, midweek groups for number 234518 Falconwood, Welling, all ages, support for uniformed DA16 3PG. and other community groups as well as Bishop Ridley Church Bishop Ridley is an open and of England Primary School. You welcoming church on The are most welcome to come Green in Falconwood, Welling. along to one of our services Together we share faith and a and worship God with us. mission of sharing the love of
For more information, please visit: http://brchurch.org.uk/, call the church office on Director of Music 020 8303 9998 or email [email protected]. St Mary’s, Speldhurst is a village church near Tunbridge Wells with a wide range of worship styles. Can you help us grow our musical worship?
To fi nd out more please contact Allotments And Commitments Andrea Burgess, Parish Administrator Continued from page 2 [email protected] 01892 861187 One of the allotment holders announced St Andrew might have received a modern www.speldhurst.org/church that - amongst the many allotments in day parable, insomuch as we can only the Borough of Bromley - Lower Road be true Christians if we show ‘absolute Deadline for applications 29.11.15 Allotments Society had received seven dedication and commitment’ by letting God Payment in line with RSCM rates awards, including an award as the second act through us in our lives in the caring of best allotment in the whole of the Borough. his people and of his gifts. Two thoughts occurred to me. My first thought was that success by them in caring Malcolm Deering To advertise for their plots in those allotments requires Photograph by Evelyn Magee in this newspaper, contact Glenda or Michelle on absolute dedication and commitment. BE My second thought was that members of 01752 225623 or email SEEN [email protected] 10 ochester Link Advertising Feature
GenesisCars.org.uk Creating the ultimate car buying experience The 100% bespoke car buying service for the Christian community. BE
We aim to offer the best value for money whilst providing the highest level of customer service. SEEN
12 REG 09 REG 06 REG Vauxhall Insignia Vauxhall Astra Renault Clio 1.6, You can advertise in this newspaper with a monthly circulation of 2.0 CDTi SRi Estate 1.9 CDTi SXi Sport Privilege, 5dr Auto 18,000, at a very reasonable cost, reaching a great church audience 54K, Great Value! 3dr, Black Met, 60K Blue Met, 57K in parishes throughout the Diocese of Rochester which covers parts of Greater London and Kent.. NOW ONLY NOW ONLY NOW ONLY We can also help you to advertise in seven other Diocesan newspapers throughout the South of England and the Home £7995 £3995 £2995 Counties, with a total circulation of nearly 170,000.
Our team is ready to help you... To fi nd out more, contact Glenda or Michelle on Call 0800 230 0238 e-mail [email protected] 01752 225623 or email [email protected] or visit us online at genesiscars.org.uk RL
Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community,
Offering a residential rehabilitation programme, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours.
If you, or someone you know Based on a 300 acre would like more information about Gilead or would like to make an dairy farm in rural application, please contact: Devon, Gilead uses the Laura Alm Genesis Process Relapse Tel: 01837 851240, Prevention programme Fax: 01837 851520, [email protected] with our clients. www.gilead.org.uk ochester Link 11
St Augustine’s Gillingham Diocesan Pray-ers Organist and Director of Music Required from Autumn 2015 for this The Fellowship of Pray-ers [email protected] busy and friendly church community exists to provide prayer Similarly, contact the in North Gillingham to help enhance support to the work and Bishop’s Chaplain if you our mission and worship. worship of the Diocese of are interested in joining We have a small but growing Rochester, as well as to the Fellowship. traditional choir pray for those in urgent RSCM Category ‘B’ rates. need. Routine prayers More information can be For more information, a copy of the are submitted by deanery found under ‘Pray-ers’ within coordinator, but to ask ‘Prayers & Intercessions’ in job description or to arrange informal the pray-ers, urgently or the Ministry menu on the conversation, please contact confidentially, to hold an Diocesan Website: Revd Jonathan Jennings on event or person in their www.rochester.anglican.org/ 01634 850288 prayers please contact the Their calendar of prayer is Email: [email protected] Bishop’s Chaplain: in the same place under Lindsay Llewellyn-MacDuff, ‘Praying the Way’. Tel: (01634) 814439, PADDOCK WOOD CHORAL SOCIETY MUSIC DIRECTOR Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Required for September 2016
Owing to administrative and on the diocesan website The Society is a long established difficulties, November’s under intercessions. community choir with fty members, a cycle of prayer will not be registered charity and a liated member printed here, this month. I apologise for any of Making Music. Parish clergy should have a inconvenience this There are three concerts a year, one with copy of this quarter’s prayer might cause. orchestra and experienced soloists. Local calendar, which can be found music groups are encouraged to join us. at www.RochesterWorship. The Rev Lindsay Applicants should have experience in WordPress.com Llewellyn MacDuff developing and conducting a wide variety Bishop’s Chaplain of musical genres including the ability to conduct e ectively orchestral as well as choral music and plan programmes of music up to two years in advance.
For more information please see website Inter Faith Week www.paddockwood-choral.org.uk or contact chairman@paddockwood-choral. org.uk I am very honoured to have already taking place or tel 01892 522844 been asked to become elsewhere in such initiatives Bishop James’ adviser on as Scriptural Reasoning Inter-Faith Concerns. I began and the new Faith Centre at my one-day-a-week role in the LSE. Parish o Christ Church Bexleyheath, September, alongside my Rochester Diocese post of Priest-in-Charge of I would like to gather two parishes in Gravesend. news of existing inter-faith Director o Music As well studying other initiatives and co-operation faiths during my ordination across the Diocese, so £6,000 plus ees training, I have been a do please let me know of secondary school RE teacher, anything that is going on in We are looking or a Director o Music who is able to play the Organ and lead our and, in my years as a Church your area. If you would like well established and enthusiastic mixed Army officer in Dewsbury, to start something, especially robed choir o adults and children. RSCM served in a Church in a for Inter-faith Week a liated. We would also like to consider predominantly Muslim area, (15-21 November, candidates who have skills in organ playing being member of the North www.interfaithweek.org), or leading choirs. There is also an in Kirklees inter-Faith Council. and would like to chat it house team able to deputise - to support I have found that relating to over, or would like some lexibility in taking time o . We also have a people of other faiths whilst ideas about how to inform ine Hunter two-manual organ. holding onto Christian beliefs people about other beliefs, Detailed job description and is challenging, stimulating please be in touch at Application Form at: and of immense value. I [email protected] www.christchurchbexleyheath.org.uk hope that in my new role I For urther in ormation please contact can help others discover the The Rev Richard Martin Rev Trevor Wyatt: richness of such encounters, [email protected] Application are invited by end November 2015 Here is a prayer you might like to use in Inter-faith week: Heavenly Father Thank you for the many positive contributions which people of faith make to our communities. Help us to build good links with those who have Do your shopping different beliefs to ourselves, in comfort and confidence growing in understanding, working together for the at Cross Rhythms Direct. common good Music, books and DVDs for life... and reaching out to those who find belief difficult. Check out thousands of amazing books and DVDs... We pray through Jesus Christ, who reconciles the Thousands of CDs and DVDs at only £9.97 whole world to you And thousands of CDs and DVDs now have FREE POSTAGE Amen WWW.CROSSRHYTHMS.CO.UK/DIRECT OR CALL 01782 251000 12 ochester Link
The Ramryge Angels
Claudia Brown is a Hertfordshire- Your visit based artist who graduated from the Please take time with each angel. University of Hertfordshire with a BA Perhaps you are on a bereavement (Hons) in Applied Art. The theme of journey yourself, or recognise this work, which formed part of her the stages in others around you. final year degree project, concerns Bereavement is not just about loss the stages of bereavement. of a loved one, it can also be about the end of a relationship, a job, ill Claudia said, “The bereavement health, changes in circumstance process generally begins with and so on. Is there a stage that ‘Denial’ and proceeds through resonates with you and where you ‘Anger’, ‘Bargaining,’ ‘Depression’, are in your life right now? There is ‘Acceptance’ and (unofficially as a comment book at the end of the Claudia has added this one) ‘Peace’’. sequence in which you can leave Each angelic figure has been comments, prayers or thoughts that designed to emulate one of these occur to you. emotions. Often stone graveyard angels adopted such forms as if to identify and empathise with those who have lost a loved one.
The angels were created from If you would like more information, sheet perspex, hand-sculpted and please visit: designed specifically to fit into 6 Facebook: empty statue niches in the original www,facebook.com/perspexangel gothic Ramryge Chantry Chapel, Twitter @perspexangel The Ramryge Angels will be on display at the Lady located within St Alban’s Cathedral. Web: www.claudiabrown.co.uk Chapel in Rochester Cathedral from 29 November The etching on the body shapes is Email [email protected] stylised, to be reminiscent of the Telephone: 07714 761261. 2015 to 8 January 2016 curls of smoke that can emanate from a snuffed candle.” Sculpture Exhibition ‘The Ramryge Angels’ Royal British Legion Bereavement Studies
The Royal British Legion was formed and women, veterans, and their on 15 May 1921, bringing together families. We help members of the four national organisations of Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air ex-Servicemen that had established Force, Reservists, veterans and their themselves after the First World War. families all year round. We also campaign to improve their lives, The Royal British Legion provides organise the Poppy Appeal and lifelong support for the Armed remember the fallen. Forces community - serving men An exhibition of Perspex sculptures illuminating the stages of grief by Claudia Brown If you would like to know more or to donate to the in Royal British Legion, please visit: The Lady Chapel, Rochester Cathedral
Thursday 10th December 2015 www.britishlegion.org.uk to Thursday 21st January 2016 www.ramrygeangels.co.uk
www.rochestercathedral.org Help for Heroes o we do? What do we do? Help for Heroes was founded in We’ve estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals 2007 and they describe their mission as “to deliver deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 an enduring national network of support for our and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women wounded and their families. We will inspire and (and their families) may need our support in enable those who have made sacrifices on our the future. We will not let them fight these behalf to achieve their full potential. In the 12 battles alone.” months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery If you would like to know more or to donate Centres. The war in Afghanistan may be over, but to Help for Heroes, please visit: for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, www.helpforheroes.co.uk their battles are just beginning.