Colchester Christ Church News – Spring 2021

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Christ Church Anglican Congregation Vision Statement “Through our worship, mission, nurture and service we want to enable all people to enter into a living relationship with Jesus Christ”

In this edition of the Parish News:

• The Rector writes • Lent at Christ Church 2021 • Introducing the new Bishop of • News from the – Setting the record straight • A prayer for 2021 • Advent Appeal 2020 thank you • Prayer Walking and Prayer for the Nation • Walking with God • Lockdown stories • News from Traidcraft • Traidcraft Easter Eggs and Products • Traidcraft – Out History • Fairtrade Almond Chicken • Climate Change: Our obligation to lead the way • Latest gardening thoughts for the church grounds • Flames, Time Together and FRoG • Activities for Lent

The Rector Writes – Lent and Easter 2021 ‘Priorities, Priorities – whose priorities?’ The COVID-19 pandemic is now make of the idea, we will all be faced nearly a year old and it would be an with a new set of priorities which will understatement to say that no people shape the now and the not yet of our group, nation, family, work place has lives. been unaffected by this silent and Some of you may recall that I sophisticated menace. Life has preached about Jesus setting His changed and our priorities have to priorities as he began His ministry. To reflect this new reality. get us thinking about this, Glyn and I shared our ‘priorities of life’ at A recent report in the UK says that morning worship live and to our only 9% of Brits want things to return surprise we were more or less to ‘normal.’ Most have appreciated speaking from the same ‘priority deeper connections, more home- sheet’! I also asked a friend to do the cooked food and cleaner air. Love, same and once again we were all in relationships and work have been the same ‘ballpark’ – to love God, brought into an care for family, entirely new balance. serve Christ, His It may teach many of church and us the art of the community, care possible – and build for self, work for our collective the good of all, rest, confidence in laugh, love and not contracting entirely to take ourselves new terms of life. too seriously! Avivah Wittenberg- These priorities Cox CEO of 20-first. seem to flow naturally from our faith in God and the ‘terms of life’ which he The idea of ‘contracting entirely new faithfully brings to us as we seek to terms of life’ may seem a bit walk and live in His ways. ‘highbrow’ or ‘management speak’ but this is what we are all facing at the Of course, this is perhaps what might moment as we navigate the closing be expected of us as Christians – a chapters of ‘Book One of Covid 19’. mixed point of understanding. Some There will be other books to be priorities are the same but others written for sure! But whatever we different. We have different roles,

views, and reflections on what is on Yes, and for those who heard Jesus ‘the list’, at the top or bottom. But, preach, their lives were transformed when we set our priorities do we fully and for those who were healed or consider their implications and released from captive demonization, effects? Are they about the good of they had their vocation renewed, me or the good of another – or both family and community life restored. even? Do our priorities flow naturally For the disciples who ran after Jesus from our faith in God and the ‘terms to discover him in prayer, their lives of life’ which he faithfully brings to us and motives were challenged too – is as we seek to walk and live in His this what we must also do? ways? What might those ‘terms’ look And for us as we navigate these like. uncertain days, Jesus brings wisdom in the way we set our priorities. As we Early in the gospels of Mark and Luke, approach Easter, Lent brings Jesus sets down his priorities for all to opportunities for us to learn together, hear and experience. He has come to to allow Jesus to bring healing, to preach, to heal and to pray, all with refresh those parched places in our amazing outcomes. lives, to lead us into the solitary places of prayer and renewal in the In Mark’s gospel, Jesus begins his Father’s love. All this especially as we ministry, with his Baptism, the Spirit’s reflect on the past year of ‘Covid’ power and Father’s love coming upon barrenness and loss. him. Then tested in the wilderness he overcomes worldly power to be the Are we getting ready yet? It may servant Christ and then starting out, mean that we need to change our building his team, sharing with them priorities over the next 40 days or so his manifesto. to create space and opportunity to find refreshment and ‘contract into “The Time has come. The Kingdom of some new terms of life’ with God. God is near. Repent and believe the good news”. Luke’s gospel shares Therefore, if our priority is to be more, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, faithful to God first, let that be true because he has anointed me to... this Lent. Give him the time and (read on Luke 4:18-19) To preach, space to allow Him to bring his heal and pray – three priorities of teaching to refresh and renew our Jesus. relationship with Him. If it is to be with family, then let us come together to acknowledge the fullness of God’s

intention for each one, to learn, to I pray that we will have a fruitful Lent bring to God our needs and hurts. built on the priorities of Jesus that as And yes, for ourselves, rest for the we receive His word, His healing and soul taking time to be still, be strength giving prayer will lead us to renewed and strengthened for the Easter, the resurrection and the life. ‘next need or encounter’. Lastly, let’s have some fun, laugh, love and Yours ever thankful praise together. Let’s Paul acknowledge all we have received, the words of life and encouragement, of balm and up lifting joy in our NB. There are many opportunities for relationship with Jesus, who comes to us be refreshed this Lent which is in a preach, to release captives and all ‘virtual format’. Please see the note flowing from His Father, our Father to following. receive overflowing and abundant life

From the Rector - Lent at Christ Church 2021

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 17th Lent studies – Small Groups February 2021 As part of our ‘virtual lent’ we are also offering two lent studies running Although we are full of hope that the across five Zoom groups. For those church will at some stage be able to unable to use Zoom via a computer resume face to face services and device, courses can be attended via a meeting together, Lent comes at a Zoom telephone connection. More time when we are still required to details will be provided when Zoom work within the restraints of the meetings are set up. The courses are: Covid 19 pandemic. This means that we will be offering a ‘virtual Lent’ this Living In Love And Faith Course year. Of course, in this rapidly This course aims to help us think changing situation we will look to be more deeply about what it means to nimble in our planning and be human and about how to live in preparations for Holy Week and love and faith. Easter but hope as many people as wish to can join us. All around us we see changing understandings of human identity, Ash Wednesday changing patterns in relationships I will be offering a ‘virtual’ service of and families, changing sexual Penitence, Reflection and Ashing via attitudes and activity. What does it Zoom at 10.00 am and then at 7.00 mean for followers of Jesus to walk in pm. A service order will be provided love, faith and holiness today? Each of via email or in print for those who the five sessions explores a particular usually receive service details in this topic. An opening reflection about way. With regard to ashes, these will learning together is followed by two be made available and delivered on sections of teaching, time for request. I will need your requests by discussion, and a Bible study. The Monday 15th February at the latest sessions end with an invitation to please. reflect on our learning, bringing it to Contact [email protected] God in prayer. or tel. 01206 563478.

Meeting God In Mark: Reflections For Meeting God In Mark: For The Season Of Lent Reflections For The Season Of Lent A fresh look at the message and Sara Humphreys (evening group): meaning of Mark's Gospel by one of [email protected] the world's greatest living Julia Nelson (evening group): theologians Based on his popular [email protected] Holy Week talks, given to a public audience in Canterbury Cathedral Lent Reading Highly recommended reading during I realise that some of us may not be Lectionary Year B Focus on the able to access or join a ‘virtual Lent’ Passion narrative makes this an ideal study group this year and so in book to read or give during Easter (in addition to our lent groups, I am 2015 and beyond) Rowan Williams recommending to the church the explores the essential meaning and ’s Lent book purpose of St Mark's Gospel for Living His Story by Hannah Steele. complete beginners - as well as for those who've read the Gospel many In this book Hannah asks, how can we times before and want to see it in a convey the love of God to our fresh light. neighbours in a post-Christian world that has largely forgotten the gospel If you would like to join one of our of Jesus Christ? In answer, she Zoom Lent studies please contact uncovers liberating and practical the following group leader. ways of sharing the gospel story afresh. With warmth and For Living In Love And Faith Course encouragement, she shows us how Revd Canon Paul Norrington (day we can live Jesus’ story in our own time group): lives simply by being the people God [email protected] made us and allowing people to be Clive Joyce (evening group): drawn to him through our natural [email protected] gifts.

Sheila Godwin (evening group): The book costs £9.97 but a discount may be available. [email protected] To order a copy please email or telephone Sheila Godwin as soon as you are able to ensure books arrive in time for Lent.

Revd Canon Paul Norrington

Introducing the New

Downing Street has announced that the Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis- Dehqani will be the next Bishop of Chelmsford, succeeding the Most Reverend , who became earlier this year.

Bishop Guli is currently in the , a post she has occupied Bishop Guli will be introduced to the since late 2017. diocese through a series of videos, online meetings and online worship. Speaking about her appointment, Bishop Guli said “It is a great privilege Commenting on the plans for her to be appointed as the next Bishop of announcement, Bishop Guli said “This Chelmsford. I know there are many has been the first selection process challenges ahead both in the church for a diocesan bishop that has taken and wider society, not least as a result place entirely on Zoom and I will of the pandemic. However, I am continue to be using Zoom today as I hopeful about the future. am introduced to people across the diocese. However, I’m very much As Christian communities, I believe looking forward to visiting and our task is to be faithful; to share the East London in the New Year, to good news of Jesus Christ and to meeting people face to face and continue serving the world; to work discussing how we build on the well together and in partnership with outstanding work that our churches others. In doing this, we’ll discover have done to support their the extent of God’s love. communities during the pandemic.”

“I want to thank my friends and Most Reverend Justin Welby, colleagues in Leicester Diocese where Archbishop of Canterbury said: I have been very happy. I will be sad “I am delighted that Bishop Guli will to say goodbye, but at the same time be the new Bishop of Chelmsford. I am very excited about this next Her love for the local church, chapter in my ministry” combined with her international experience and commitment to

justice, will be a gift to this diverse among us and assure her of prayers and exciting diocese. as she prepares to take up this new Bishop Guli and her family will be in and demanding role. She and her all our prayers as they prepare for family will be a wonderful gift to the this new chapter. It will be a privilege .” to serve alongside her in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ." The Right Reverend , the and currently the Bishop Guli’s predecessor as Bishop Acting Bishop of Chelmsford also of Chelmsford, Archbishop Stephen welcomed Bishop Guli’s Cottrell said: appointment: “It is with great joy that I welcome “It is great news for East London and the appointment of Guli Francis- Essex that Bishop Guli will be joining Dehqani as the next Bishop of us as our new diocesan bishop in Chelmsford. Guli will bring to the 2021. exciting diversity of the Chelmsford Guli brings with her a passion to be diocese her breadth of vision, her outward looking in sharing the good international experience, her love of news of Jesus, in serving our the gospel, her pastoral heart, and communities and caring for those in her passion for justice. East London need. I know too that she has a track and Essex have an exciting new record of deep concern for the well- bishop.” being of the clergy and lay leaders of God’s church. The , the Right I am privileged and excited to Reverend said: welcome her on behalf of the whole “Bishop’s Guli’s contribution to the Diocese of Chelmsford to this new Diocese of Leicester has been hugely adventure in ministry and significant. She has championed our leadership.” work with people of BAME heritage and grown our links with a number Canon Robert Hammond the Lay of partner organisations. Chair of Chelmsford Diocesan Synod She has renewed our vocations work commented: and helped to support clergy “Bishop Guli brings an amazing range through the demands of the of gifts and experience to the pandemic and lockdown. And Diocese; from her first-hand alongside all of this, she has knowledge of being part of a contributed extensively to national persecuted church in Iran and and international church bodies. I arriving in the UK as a refugee, her

give thanks to God for her ministry great musicianship, her work with

people from all ethnic backgrounds Church. May God richly bless the and establishing the role as the first Diocese of Chelmsford and Bishop Bishop of Loughborough. Guli in her new ministry." On behalf of the laity in Essex and East London, I welcome Bishop Guli, Guli Francis-Dehqani Lee and their family to Chelmsford Bishop Guli became the first Bishop of Diocese as our new Bishop. We’re Loughborough, in the Diocese of looking forward to working with her Leicester, in late 2017. to build on the good work already being done in our churches to share As well as assisting the Bishop of the Good News and be involved in Leicester in all geographical areas social action, supporting the across the Diocese of Leicester, her marginalised and addressing injustice specific responsibilities include across the diocese and beyond.” overseeing and supporting the vocations of those called to lay and The Chair of the Committee for ordained ministries. Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC), Rogers Govender said: Bishop Guli is currently Vice- "On behalf of CMEAC I send warm President of the Conference of congratulations to Bishop Guli on her European Churches, Vice Chair of the appointment as the next Bishop of Board of the Church Army and a Chelmsford. Her appointment is very contributor to BBC Radio 4s Thought significant as a BAME appointment for the Day.

to a major See in the Church of Before she became Bishop of England and in one of England’s Loughborough, Bishop Guli led Curate largest dioceses by geography. Training in the Diocese of It is also a diocese that is part of the Peterborough. area which is significant in itself. CMEAC has called Born in Iran, Guli’s family left the for greater inclusion of BAME clergy country in the wake of the Iranian and laity in senior leadership roles Revolution in 1980, when she was 13 and we see this is a positive sign. We years old, and to date she has been are aware that there is still much to unable to return. be done in this area and we look forward to working with Bishop Guli She is married to Lee, also a priest and and our Archbishops in supporting they have three children. BAME candidates into senior leadership within the life of our

News from the Church of England – Setting the record straight!

For our interest and encouragement, sight of a discussion paper that was the following piece comes from The circulated to the dioceses called, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell Money, People and Buildings. This following various mainstream and discussion paper, though sobering, fringe media articles as to the fate of does not as Church Times readers will the church following the COVID-19 now be aware, contain any actual pandemic. proposals. It is a first go, designed to stimulate creative discussion at The Church of England still needs gathering perspectives from across clergy - Archbishop Stephen writes in the Church of England as we discern th the Church Times 4 February 2021 how best to move forward. Foremost

There is concern this week that the in all our minds is the long-term Church of England is about to flourishing and health of the Church. abandon its network of parish Covid has merely accelerated some of churches, leading to what The Sunday the key discussions that were already Times called “the sale of many underway. But, understandably, this vicarages, the departure of priests article has led to some anxiety, and the end of an era when churches particularly among ordinands and were rooted in communities”. Strong curates. Let me try to sort out the fact words, and understandably alarming. from the fiction. I want to set the record straight. We are all concerned for the future. It Church attendance has been in is highly likely that some dioceses are decline for many years. Like every having to reduce the overall number other organisation in the country, of stipendiary clergy. No one wants to COVID presents us with huge do this but our key priority is to make additional challenges, not least sure it is done in a prudent and financial. It would be irresponsible sensitive way. To put it simply - clergy not to be discussing how we adapt are not being pushed out but the and change as a result of this. Many preference seems to be that as some options are being discussed. But no retire and move on, some posts are firm proposals have yet been made. not being filled. Even without Covid, we have known for some years that The Sunday Times has aggregated there would be a big bulge of clergy information and discussions from retirements. We also know that in part of these discussions when it got some dioceses, particularly in the north some posts have been hard to whom the church calls for ordination fill. We therefore still need clergy. have pathways into fruitful, sustainable ministry. There are no The good news is that God is raising central plans to cut clergy numbers. up vocations to ordained ministry. In Decisions about deployment are recent years’ vocations to stipendiary made in dioceses and we continue to ministry have increased by over 40%. gather information and perspectives This year will see the largest number on this and its implications for the of new stipendiary clergy for 25 years. whole church. We seek to work We also need self-supporting together for the common good, ministers with their distinctive remembering our common vocation ministry and a huge flourishing of lay to be the Church for all of England. ministry. This is happening, not least in the diocese of Chelmsford where I What the church is doing collectively used to serve. But it presents an is finding money to support curates additional financial challenge. The and to encourage vocations and to Church Commissioners is therefore make sure that every penny spent making funds available to help administratively goes to support the dioceses pay for additional curacies. life and mission of the church in the Careful planning about numbers, as communities we serve. To suggest described above, aims to ensure otherwise is mischievous and there will be posts of first misleading. It will be tough. It is very responsibility for them to move into. challenging. But developing a mixed ecology of parish, parish priest, So the Church of England is having to chaplaincy, digital, and new forms of change. The changes we are making Christian community supported by now have been a long time coming more effective support and and accelerated by Covid. We are administration we will better serve having to become more effective. We the communities of England. That is must avoid duplication. Dioceses will the aim, to be simpler, bolder and need to collaborate and share humbler, serving the mission of God resources much more. But there will in England. still be priests and people ministering together. Ordained ministry will serve Further comments from Bishop Peter the ministry of the whole people of the acting Bishop of Chelmsford and God as the Ordinal itself make clear. William Nye Secretary General, But the real message is this. Let me Archbishops’ Council can be found on repeat it. We need clergy. We are the Church of England Website. working hard to make sure that those Revd Canon Paul Norrington

Prayer

WALKING WITH GOD

Like me do you enjoy a walk now status to the importance of all living more than you ever did? Recently a things. Trees are important as the OT friend said to me,’ You know when I’m prophet Jeremiah recognised, out for a walk I feel very close to God.’ We all admire the creation especially ‘But blessed is the man who trusts in during the enforced stillness of the the Lord, whose confidence is in him. pandemic but do we honour it? He will be like a tree planted by the water.’ Ch.17 v7. ‘Hello Citizen Tree, good morning Mr. Bat and good day to you Madame The Costa Rica policy would no doubt Butterfly.’ Uttering these salutations be approved by a resident of the small while walking Umbrian hilltop town down a Colchester of Assisi. It was St. street will Francis who probably provoke proclaimed eight a few strange hundred years ago, looks from passers-by. But ‘Be praised my Lord not if you happen through all your to be in a suburb of creatures.’ the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. Francis showed unqualified love for

More and more people live in cities the natural environment and all its and while there is a general respect inhabitants. He was well known for for nature there is little appreciation breaking off during missions and pilgrimages through the countryside of what is on their door step. The green spaces in the capital’s suburb, to talk to his friends the birds. He Curridabat, are treated as understood the unity and infrastructure and the key roles of interdependence of the creation, pollinators such as insects are something of which we have lost supported by creating green ‘bio- sight. In 1979 John Paul II declared corridors through the city thus Francis the patron saint of ecology enabling their survival and because,’ He offers Christians an movement. So in Curridabat the example of genuine and deep respect diversity of all plants and animals has for the creation. St. Francis was a been awarded citizen ship thus giving champion of the poor because poverty arises from a lack of respect for the creation. It is said that St. The epitome of discipleship is love Francis was heavily influenced by and respect for all creation. This is the hearing a sermon based on message from mediaeval Assisi to Matthew’s gospel dealing with the modern Costa Rica. sending out, On your next life enhancing walk with ‘Do not take money with you, don’t God, remember that each shrub, take gold silver or even small copper plant and animal you meet is a fellow coins.’ Ch.10 v.9 citizen of one creation.

Rod Green

Lockdown stories curiosity made a note of them. I have been reading Mark’s gospel in Looking back, it struck me how the ‘Message’ version, starting at directly the parables and accounts of chapter 1. Jesus’ words map onto our experiences in lockdown – and so I read a paragraph or two each day how timelessly appropriate the with breakfast, no special goals, just gospel is right here, right now. what matches a bowl of porridge and cereal. (Yes that’s right I mix them, You might like to check out these sorry if that upsets you!) chapters if, like me, it’s been a while since you read them, and see how Each day I have been noticing a your response feels. phrase that stands out, and out of January 3rd - Mark Chapter 2 ‘Sick bodies and tormented minds’ ‘Why are you so sceptical?’ 4th – ‘The Sabbath is to serve us’ 5th – Mark chapter 3 ‘ So many making demands on him there wasn’t time to eat’ 6th – ‘The person who obeys God’s will is my mother and brother and sister’ 7th – Mark chapter 4 ‘ Be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you to get on in the world’ 8th - Mark Chapter 5 ‘Daughter you took a risk of faith’ 9th – Mark chapter 6 ‘Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this – you are the equipment’ 10th - Mark chapter 7 – ‘Why does this generation clamour for miraculous guarantees?’ Kate And so on… Hope this means something to you too,

News from Traidcraft

Last Saturday I attended a webinar to only too pleased bring us all up to date with Traidcraft to drop one and Traidcraft Exchange. through your letterbox. Just let Everyone at HQ is so grateful for all me know if you your support during a very difficult would like one, time. The period between October especially if and December was amazing; instead you’ve never of packing about 3,000 parcels a seen one before. week, on one Monday they found 3,500 orders had arrived over the As another Christ Church News is not weekend! All staff were redeployed planned till about Easter, can I just to the warehouse and worked mention that a variety of delicious fair overtime to process them. They also trade Easter eggs, cards and gifts will managed to give (temporary) all feature in the new catalogue. And employment to several people who during Lent how about trying one fair had lost their jobs. The result is that trade staple? sales over those 3 months were up 19% compared to last year. Tea/coffee/pasta/rice/cookies/sugar /dried fruit/muesli/chocolate, or a Traidcraft Exchange is focusing its Bio D cleaning product with no efforts on supporting 2,000 farmers in harmful chemicals. Happy to deliver Malawi and Bangladesh in its within the locality as part of our daily “regeneration appeal”. They are exercise routine! helping them apply practises that will mitigate against flood, drought and Thank all of you who bought products deforestation due to climate change. as Christmas presents and as regular As an example, £50 will plant an acre groceries! of trees in Malawi. I would love to hold a coffee morning in the spring, Clare when the government is giving matched funding to any funds raised to support this work.

The new catalogue is due to arrive in

about 2 weeks’ time and I would be

Fairtrade Almond Chicken This is an English dish and serves 2 good portions.

Ingredients 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 4 chicken breasts 1 FAIRTRADE lemon 20 ml Zaytoun FAIRTRADE olive oil 5 ml FAIRTRADE curry powder2 to taste FAIRTRADE freshly ground black pepper 60 gm ground almonds 100 ml plain yoghurt

Method Peel and chop the onion into small to medium pieces. Peel and chop fine the garlic. Slice the chicken into strips. Slice the lemon in to quarters.

Gently fry the onion and garlic in the oil until the onion is softened but not colouring (5 - 7 mins). Add the curry powder and stir round (it will form a layer on the bottom of the pan). Sprinkle in a few drops of lemon juice from one of the lemon quarters and add a little more oil if you think it needs it. Add the chicken and stir fry over medium heat until the chicken is starting to go crispy or golden at the corners (5 mins). Turn the heat to low and stir in the almonds. Take the pan off the heat, stir in the yoghurt and turn out onto the plates.

To serve Serve with plain or turmeric rice and the lemon quarters for squeezing.

Stop Press! Latest gardening thoughts for the church grounds!

Hi everyone, in the last few days we have been offered some dogwood saplings by a kind neighbour in Ireton We are aware that maintenance is road. We would like to add them to our responsibility, and will take good the back boundary of the church care of any saplings we plant, garden, along Cambridge Walk, ensuring they do not become too tall where we currently have a lovely or block access. mixture of ground cover including forget-me nots planted last autumn, The Woodland Trust have more about and self-sown cyclamen. dogwood and the insects and birds that benefit from it. Please go to their Dogwood is pretty and does not site for details: create dark shade, it can be cut down https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/t annually to regrow its beautiful rees-woods-and-wildlife/british- glowing red stems, trees/a-z-of-british- as shown below. trees/dogwood/

We have also been Please get in touch offered hazel with one of us if you saplings – and have ideas for the would like to use garden. We welcome one to replace the all suggestions from dead ash tree that both congregations! was removed by the Council last year, from the same area. If the Council are happy for us to do so, we Bev, Clare, Jean and Kate will add some dogwood and another hazel on the path side of the fence along the back of the church. We have asked if that is Ok and await their approval.

Rector: Revd Canon Paul Norrington (01206) 563478

Church Wardens: Church Treasurer: Judith Cronshaw Nigel Humphreys (01206) 543178 (01206) 579379 Jean Taylor (01206) 827207 Church Office: Ordinand Liz Bird Dan Cant (01206) 542307

07960 069284 [email protected]

www.colchesterChrist Church.org.uk 01206 542307 [email protected] www.facebook.com/ChristChurchcolchester