gnfn Harvest 08.qxd 16/09/2008 16:12 Page 1 GOODFOR NORWICH NEWS Harvest 2008 Norwich pastor talks of cancer battle ■ in brief ■ Pastor Tom Chapman of Surrey Chapel in Norwich "Jesus never said that we should expect an easy life. Norfolk leads says that faith in Christ has given him help, hope We know that God has a purpose for everything that and a sense of humour through his recent brain happens in our lives. This last year has really tested cancer diagnosis and treatment. out whether we really believe what we say we way in prayer With the help of his wife, Suzanne – and his believe, helped us to put our faith in him and talk redundant radiotherapy mask – he's been talking to about him more freely." Surrey Chapel's Activ8 Women's group about his After a good response to a six-week course of for schools experiences. radiotherapy, and a great deal of prayer, Tom is now Tom first felt symptoms in summer 2003. "I had symptom-free and fully back in action. Although the ■ Norfolk has been chosen as one of become the pastor of a large church at the age of 30 future remains unclear for him, it is simply a more the first regions in the country to launch and was bringing up a young family," he said. "It was intense form of the mortality we all face. So Tom and a new initiative seeking to bring real easy to dismiss my occasional odd mental episodes Suzanne are keen that other people should get to change in the nation's schools. as symptoms of tiredness and stress." hear how God has helped them through this time. Christians from across the area are But an MRI scan and biopsy last year revealed "To be diagnosed with cancer is not the worst being invited to Norwich Cathedral on the full truth. A large tumour – low grade but thing that could happen," Tom says, "and to be cured October 13 to hear about the idea malignant and inoperable – was growing in his brain. of it would not be the best thing. The best thing has and begin to form groups to pray "It affected the part that thinks, reads and speaks," already happened to me – I know the love of God – strategically for their local schools. he said, "which as a pastor, I rather need!" and I want others to know him too." Pray for Schools is a partnership Tom and Suzanne Chapman. "Yes, being told you have a tumour that may well Tom and Suzanne would be happy to consider between CARE, Youth for Christ, kill you in a few years is as horrible as you imagine – face these things alone, we don't face these things speaking at other churches and groups if invited and Scripture Union, New Generation, like a physical kick in the stomach – and it is still for nothing and we don't face these things for ever." they are very grateful for the support and prayer schoolswork.co.uk and Churches easy to feel gloomy," says Pastor Tom, who has "All through this awful experience, we've never received from the wider Christian community in together in England. The heart of the three young sons. "But because of Christ we don't once had to ask the question 'why?'," says Suzanne. Norwich. Contact: 01603 619555. partnership is to inspire and release ongoing prayer for schools in the UK, initially through a series of events and online networking. The event in Norwich is being co- ordinated by Norwich Youth For Christ. Mark Tuma, NYFC Director, said: "It is Norwich Resource exciting for Norfolk to be leading the way in an initiative like this. I believe it is vital for our country that schools are given high regard by the church, and one excellent way of putting that into action is to be committed in praying meaningfully for our local schools. I Centre resurrected hope that Christians from every church in the region will get involved in this partnership, and pray for God's blessing back to the communities of Norwich in every one of our schools." By KEITH MORRIS and Norfolk." The evening will give people a vision "Over the past months, an of the possibilities of such a co-ordinat- new Norwich Christian immense amount of prayer and ed prayer strategy, and reveal resources Resource Centre is set to goodwill has been given to the to help local groups continue in their prayer. Fittingly, for an event designed open its doors on October 1, revitalisation of a totally ecumenical A to inspire prayer, there will also be times at St Michael-at-Plea Church, Christian resource centre, that had of prayer and worship. become a meeting place; a platform Redwell Street, in the city, site of the For more details contact Norwich for stimulating discussion and former SPCK bookshop, after a Youth For Christ on 01603 620678. successful rescue plan has come to debate; a peaceful and welcoming www.norwichyfc.co.uk fruition. refuge for refreshment, open to The directors, led by former SPCK visitors of faith or none. We thank bookshop manager Steve Foyster, God that we are now so close to have negotiated a lease with the bearing fruit," said Steve. Government faith landlords, Norwich Historic Following a recent appeal on the Churches Trust, who are said to be Network Norwich website the new minister in city delighted to have the building used team were delighted to receive ■ Government faith minister Stephen for the local community once more. donations of over £750, plus a free Timms (right) MP has agreed to meet NCRC has been registered as a fax and computer with inkjet with leaders of faith-based organisa- non profit-making Community cartridges. tions, communities and churches in Interest Company with five "The amount of goodwill and Norwich in December. directors: Steve (who will also prayer has been sometimes over- The meeting has manage the centre), Clive Bolton ( St whelming," said Steve. "The money been organised by Paul's Hellesdon), John Gill (Oak raised will be used towards new cafe YMCA Norfolk Grove), Ian Walters (Braydeston) and equipment and a full computer/till chief executive Ray Wharton (Bergh Apton). network as these items had been officer John Drake in his new role Virtually all the ex-shop and cafe removed by the previous occupier. co-ordinating the staff who were sacked by St Stephen The centre will have extended opening hours to 8.30am to 6pm (the churches' dialogue the Great Charitable Trust (SSGCT) with Norwich City cafe closing at 5pm). when the shop closed in May, will Council under the They also have other plans and return to work at the same venue Transforming Norwich banner. they helped create in 2004, when it hopes including revitalising the "I am pleased to report that Stephen traded as SPCK Norwich Resource garden space, more events, inter- Timms, the 'Government's minister for Centre. faith events and a non-alcoholic juice faith', has agreed to meet with leaders Lynton Johnson, Nigel Waller and bar for teenagers. of faith-based organisations, Sue Thompson will serve in the The new company would still be communities and churches to Forget-me-Not Cafe, with Jim pleased to receive further donations encourage dialogue with local Channell, Roger Triffitt, Gill Prior via [email protected]. authorities and government-funded and Ann Walters behind the shop Steve Foyster opens the gates at the new Norwich Christian Resource Centre. Anyone wishing to be on the events procurers of services,” said John. counter. centre. He has stayed in constant "I am delighted to be able to mailing list can also contact Steve at If you would like to attend, please e- Steve, who managed the SPCK touch with suppliers and many ex- return to manage once again what this email address. mail to Susie Knights at Centre until June 2007, when he left customers of the centre, who have all had almost become a second home To find out more about the centre [email protected] to set up a new online Christian been amazingly supportive of the for me," he said. We wanted to give and the events it has planned visit: The date and venue are still to be bookshop, will manage the new new project, he said. a well loved and frequented resource www.norwichchristian.co.uk confirmed. Caribbean mission – 2 : Hope on the streets – 3 : Academy opens – 8 : Postie to toastie – 12 gnfn Harvest 08.qxd 16/09/2008 16:13 Page 2 2 Good News for Norwich, Harvest 2008 NEWS latest Norwich Christian news at www.networknorwich.co.uk GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH A dead tradition or heaven’s encore? ■ Good News for Norwich is published by ■ “This is a first for me – writing an article for rising. His routine might be due, not to a lifeless- Festival Norwich, 48 St Giles St, Norwich, Harvest. What fresh perspective can I, a city boy Goff Hope ness, but to a rush of life. The thing I mean can NR2 1LP. born and bred, bring to the occasion? lead elder be seen, for instance, in children, when they find ■ Website: www.networknorwich.co.uk Many of us have all but lost the connection Kings some game or joke that they especially enjoy. ■ Editorial (01508) 488318. Send copy to Pear between farming of the land and the food on our Community They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown- Tree Farmhouse, Wymondham Road, tables as we fill our trolleys at the supermarket.