INSIDE: October 2019 Page 3 Summer Camp Page 4 Follow the Star Page 5 Living Wage Page 6 Going for Green Page 9 St Francis and the Sultan

Cathedral Church of St Paul in Dunedin, New Zealand

HE Reverend Dr Tony Curtis, vicar of St Mark’s Shiremoor, is about to take up an exciting new role – 11,000 miles away! Tony, who has been at Shiremoor since 2013, has been appointed the new Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Paul in Dunedin, New Zealand. It follows theT retirement of the Cathedral’s former Dean, the Very Reverend Dr Trevor James last year. Farewell North Tony, his wife Rachel and their two children Gabriel and Ziva are hoping to move from the North East to New Zealand as soon as visas and accommodation can be arranged. “Over the years I‘ve found myself saying to people that just when you think you’ve got things sorted, and you’re quite comfortable, God comes around and turns things upside down and says ‘No, forget that, I’m going to send you somewhere new, give you a new challenge, and it’ll East, Kia Ora be great,’” explains Tony. “Having said that to everyone else, I thought it would be a bit rude if God came along and did it to me and I didn’t listen.” Tony says of St Paul’s Cathedral that “it’s a beautiful building right in the heart of the City Centre, with lots of potential for outreach, and the Diocese and the Cathedral community have already given us a very warm wel- New Zealand! come, so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Read more at: Newcastle.anglican.org/newsandevents Reverend Dr Tony Curtis 2 generous engaged open Bishops’ Diaries October Wellbeing for clergy This is not a full list of the Bishops’ engagements but includes the items we think might be of particular interest to you. By Revd Rachel Hudson, spiritual practice of the examen, noticing and experiencing at the end of the day. It does not BISHOP OF NEWCASTLE Counselling and Wellbeing Advisor deny the hardships and challenges of life, but 1st 8.00am Ecumenical Prayers choosing mindfully to appreciate what has been Morpeth Deanery Walk (1) good in each day is a great practice. For myself the 2nd 7.30pm Institution, St. Paul, Cullercoats Gratitude discipline exercised over a five-year period now of 3rd Diocesan Education Board Day I love it when modern psychology and the finding three things to be grateful for each day has 5.00pm Legal Year Service, Newcastle Cathedral been transformative, and seen me through many 6th 9.30am Killingworth St. John, 150th Anniversary scriptures coincide so clearly! We shouldn’t be 4.00pm Resource Church Launch, St. Thomas the Martyr surprised, but too often we can separate them and challenging times and life experiences. 7th 12.00 noon Meeting of Area Deans & Lay Chairs sever connection. Paul’s letters are full of gratitude, Any new practice takes time to master, but (Lindisfarne Archdeaconry) no more so than in Philippians, where the tone is starting simply with mindfully noticing some 2.00 pm Citizens Advice 80th Anniversary Afternoon Tea, one of thanksgiving in, and despite, the positives in each day and writing one bullet Newcastle Cathedral circumstances. Even from the prison Paul finds point. Perhaps it was a meal that tasted good, the 8th 12.30pm Clergy Induction Day – Church House things to give thanks for. David, too, and other colours of the sky or created world, a moment 9th 9.30am Bishop’s Staff Meeting, Newcastle Cathedral psalmists and wisdom writers, focus their minds on of pleasure in a friendship or relationship, or a 7.30pm Section 12 Meeting, Hexham Abbey aspects for which they can be grateful in the midst task achieved that brought satisfaction. Nothing 10th 12.00 noon Meeting of Area Deans & Lay Chairs is out of bounds! Over time this builds into a (Northumberland Archdeaconry) of struggles. 6.30pm Newcastle Council of Faiths The creation of a gratitude journal has been record of the goodness of God day by day which 11th 10.00am Meeting of Newcastle University Senate & Court widely encouraged to support and enhance strengthens our hearts and our faith, whatever 7.30pm Cathedral Dinner good mental wellbeing. The calling to mind of other challenges we may face. Contemporary 12th 11.00am Readers AGM positive aspects within each day that brings research into the value of written (or even online 2.00pm Readers Licensing Service, Newcastle Cathedral hope is a great practice: Writing them down to social media posting) gratitude is clear about the 13th 10.00am Longbenton, St. Bartholomew produce a record and a reminder which builds up benefits in terms of wellbeing. 3.00pm Chollerton and Bingfield Ministries Launch, is even better. There are similarities to the ancient Why not start today? St. George’s Church Wall 14th State Opening of Parliament 15th House of Lords – Prisons’ Week Reception 16th 10.30am Church Commissioners Mission and Pastoral Committee Gospel Readings 7.30pm Marshall’s Charity Trustees’ Annual Dinner 17th 5.30pm Prisons’ Week Evensong, Newcastle Cathedral 20th 10.00am Stannington St. Mary, Confirmation Tuesday Luke 9.51-56 Ignatius, bishop, 4.00pm Institution Newsham and Horton Wednesday Luke 9.57-end Martyr, c.107 Luke 11.47-end 21st Morpeth Deanery Walk (2) George Bell, Bishop, Friday Luke 10.1-9 22nd Newcastle West Deanery Walk 23rd 5.30pm Riddell Memorial Lecture Ecumenist, Saturday Luke 12.8-12 24th 9.45am Newcastle Common Purpose peacemaker, 1958 Luke 10.1-12 18th Sunday after Trinity Luke 18.1-8 5.30pm Riddell Memorial Lecture 27th 9.30am Blyth St, Cuthbert – Confirmation Friday Luke 10.13-16 Monday Luke 12.13-21 28th Hexham Deanery Walk Saturday Luke 10.17-24 Tuesday Luke 12.35-38 30th 10.00 am Deanery Conversations Meeting, Berwick House 3.00 pm Newcastle Diocesan Sons of the Clergy AGM 16th Sunday after Trinity Luke 17.5-10 Wednesday Luke 12.39-48 Monday Luke 10.25-37 Thursday Luke 12.49-53 BISHOP OF BERWICK Tuesday Luke 10.38-end Friday Luke 12.54-end 1st Morning Evangelism Task Group Wednesday Luke 11.1-4 Alfred, King, Scholar, Parish appointments Thursday Luke 11.5-13 899 Cedd, Abbot, 2nd Regional Bishops’ Meeting Friday Luke 11.15-26 Bishop, 664 Luke 13.1-9 6th Resource Church Launch 9th Bishop’s Staff Meeting Saturday Luke 11.27-28 Last Sunday Evening Ministry Council 17th Sunday after After Trinity Luke 18.9-14 10th Morning Praying round the deaneries – St Mungo’s Noon Northumberland Area Deans and Lay Chairs Trinity Luke 17.11-19 Monday John 15.17-end 12th Reader AGM and Licensing Monday Luke 11.29-32 James Hannington, 13th Morning Holy Trinity Jesmond Tuesday Luke 11.37-41 Bishop, Martyr, 1885 Luke 13.18-21 Evening Confirmation, Ford 14th Morning Bishops’ and Archdeacons’ Meet Nicholas Ridley and Wednesday Luke 13.22-30 BAP interviews Hugh Latimer, Bishops, Thursday Luke 13.31-end Evening Clergy Dinner Martyrs, 1555 Luke 11.42-46 15-17th National Larger Churches Consultation 17th National Selection Oversight Group Retreat 29th Morning Reader Meeting 30th Morning Deanery Conversations Group Comings & Goings Afternoon Ordinands’ Association Evening Clergy dinner 31st Morning Praying round the deaneries – Cornhill APPOINTMENTS The Revd David Michael Gray, who holds PTO in this Parish appointments The Revd Ian Chadwick, currently Assistant (NSM), Diocese, has been appointed Interim Team Vicar, Whittingham and Edlingham with Bolton Chapel is to be Cramlington Team Ministry with effect from 1 November appointed Assistant Curate (NSM), Embleton with 2019. Rennington and Rock, with effect from 1 October 2019. The Revd Elizabeth Jane Nattrass, currently in CONTACT US The Revd Fiona Maria Collin, formerly Team Vicar, Durham Charge, York City Centre Churches (All Saints Pavement, St North (St Cuthbert), is now Chaplain, Newcastle upon Denys, St Helen, St Martin, St Olave, Holy Trinity Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with effect from 9 Micklegate and St Lawrence), has been appointed Vicar, The Link, Church House, St John’s Terrace, September 2019. Gosforth St Nicholas, and Area Dean, Newcastle Central North Shields. NE29 6HS. Deanery with effect from 5 December 2019. Tel: (0191) 270 4100. The Revd Dr Anthony Gordon Curtis, currently Vicar, St Email: [email protected] Mark, Shiremoor, has been appointed Dean, Dunedin The Revd Dr Pauline Hilary Pearson, currently Honorary Facebook: m.me/ncldiocese Assistant Curate (SSM), Newcastle St George and St Hilda, Twitter: @ncldiocese Cathedral, New Zealand. Commencement date to be announced. has been appointed Team Vicar, Christ the King Team Instagram: @NclDiocese Ministry, with effect from 25 November 2019. The Revd Peter David Dobson, currently Vicar, Monkseaton Link is produced ten times a year by the Diocese of Newcastle, with joint The Revd John Vilaseca-Bruch, currently Assistant Curate, issues for August/September and December/January. Views expressed St Peter, has been appointed Residentiary for Berwick Holy Trinity and St Mary, has been appointed are not necessarily those of the Diocese or the editor. Outreach and Discipleship, Newcastle Cathedral, with The editor is pleased to consider articles or letters of not more than 350 effect from 7 December 2019. Vicar, Tynemouth St Paul Cullercoats, with effect from 2 words for publication. Where possible, articles should be accompanied by October 2019. a good-quality digital photograph of 250dpi or higher. Please contact the The Revd Canon Ian Hugh Flintoft, currently Director of editor before submitting obituaries. Discipleship and Ministry for Mission and Associate Priest RESIGNATIONS (SSM), Cowgate St Peter, has been appointed Vicar, The Revd Lesley Chapman, currently Priest in Charge of For advertising rates and deadlines see www.newcastle.anglican.org/link. Newsham and Horton, with effect from 20 October 2019. Riding Mill and Bishop’s Adviser in Spirituality and Copy date for November 2019 issue: Monday 14 October Spiritual Direction, and Area Dean of Corbridge Deanery, is to resign with effect from 30 September 2019. growing church bringing hope 3 School was out for summer but St Wilfrid’s was there with

Our generation is faced with the fragility and a summer camp to keep precarious nature of our world in ways that have not been seen for many years, and with regards to our environment, never been seen before. There have been many wonderful advances in all kinds of children happy and healthy... things over the last seventy years, not least in healthcare, education, and the standard of living for more people than would have been thought By Henry Brandon, possible in the earlier decades of the twentieth century, and yet we now live in a time of great Children and Families Missioner uncertainty, division, and fear. In the midst of all of this, we can try to kid wrote in May about the exciting plans ourselves that that we can control the outcome of ahead at St Wilfrid’s in Newbiggin Hall. most things in our lives, but when we think about Now summer has come and gone, but it, we see the clear reality that this isn’t entirely what a time we’ve had. For five weeks of accurate, if at all. Many things happen to us over theI holidays we ran summer holiday camps which we have very little control or influence, some for children aged 5-12, from Tuesday to Fri- personal and close to home, and others global. day, 10am-3pm. Hurling us out of the familiar, these things can Running from Gala Fields Centre, part of make us feel as though we are being tossed about Newcastle Community Asset Trust, we aimed in a tiny boat on a vast and angry sea, disorientated to offer 60 places a day. We started with and lost. It is in these wilderness times when we are around 40 children, however a great first week confronted with where we have looked for our core created a flurry of interest through word-of- security in life. mouth, and we increased to 80 places per day Security, our society tells us, can be found in to meet demand. By summer’s end, over 140 things such as money, possessions and power. But children had been to camp at least once, these things are as temporary, and no more certain, many came most or every day. than that we have just lost. If held wisely and The activities brought faith based and secu- with generosity, they are not bad in themselves, but if we allow them to become the centre and lar sessions together and activities included Whitehouse Farm Summer camp making making pizza and cookies, painting rocks, source of our being, we will be building our lives making puppets, playing netball with a for- on shifting sands. Knowing this, the Devil tried to mer England international player, cycling service of celebration and invitations to the ‘Newcastle’s Best Summer Ever’, and here in divert Jesus from his true path by tempting him in skills with British Cycling, football, cricket, regular Children’s Church and Little Flock Newbiggin Hall we’ve certainly had a blast! the desert with all manner of worldly things, but dodgeball, archery and nerf guns. Something sessions. Little Flock is a story and arts and Now the work begins again as we launch lega- Jesus resisted, knowing where his real strength and for everyone! On Wednesdays we took the crafts-based session, similar in some ways to cy programmes like a new Toddlers’ Group, wholeness came from - the gift of the Holy Spirit, children on brilliant days out to The Hancock Messy Church. Typical attendance is between Sporty Church, a netball club in partnership and an eternal promise found in the heart of God, Museum, Saltwell Park, Life Science Centre four and six people but the summer session with England Netball, and a new Musical The- not in the things of the world. and Whitehouse Farm. benefited from contact with families and atre and Choir group – keep your eyes peeled The spiritual journey prompts us to find this The children participated in Godly Play ses- numbers increased to 17 children accompa- for the Christmas production in the newly for ourselves, and grow in our trust in God as the sions each week supported by five North East nied by ten adults. renovated church. source of life and love. Through scripture, and the Godly Play practitioners. Many children loved Although St Wilfrid’s was the co-ordinating We have learned so much this summer but liturgy and symbols of the church, the Holy Spirit these sessions, which gave them a great way to organisation, many more organisations and if I was to highlight just one thing, it is this – stirs our hearts and points us to where home is get to know Christianity. The wondering and people were involved in making this work. An summer camps offer churches an opportunity to be found. It is a powerful thing to allow God’s exploring that Godly Play allowed was unique amazing team of staff, all working or living in to engage with lots of families in their com- word to rest in our hearts, or take the communion and very different to what they experience in Newbiggin Hall, many employed in the local munity for longer periods of time than nor- bread in our hands, and the wine to our lips, for in school and at home. It wasn’t only the kids schools, came together to make possible all mal, enabling depth of relationship to grow. these things we encounter the love of God for us who enjoyed the sessions, staff also enjoyed that’s happened. Additionally, the local co- Immediate and large impact on ‘bums on through Jesus Christ, the source of freedom and the this ‘new’ way of exploring faith and spiritual- operative nursery provided staff, parents vol- seats’ may not be evident, although there have giver of new life. Growth in this as our strength is ity. unteered, and members of the church helped been new people – families and unaccompa- found through a continuing rhythm of prayer and A condition of the funding grant was to pro- with the celebration afternoons and on trips. nied children – attending services, but imme- a returning to word and sacrament with an open vide one hour of sport and a healthy meal We partnered with several organisations to diate impact on lives, community and con- heart. This will not take away the challenges of life, each day. We partnered with Newcastle City offer the wide range of activities available. nection between the church and the but it will help to ground our being into something Council who delivered nutritious packed This really was a team effort, a project for the community, yes! substantial and unchanging, from which we are lunches daily. Leftovers were offered to chil- community by the community. The exciting I enthusiastically encourage churches to better equipped to lovingly contribute to the lives dren and their families to take home with thing through the summer and now going for- explore this opportunity and would happily of others, and turn our attention with new eyes of them. ward is the buzz around the place and talk about this to leaders from around the Dio- compassion and justice to the issues of the world. Opportunities to come to church have been amongst families on the estate. cese. opened up with group visits during camp, a The Street Games funding was billed as

Newcastle United 4 generous engaged open

Follow the Star - the journey of the three wise men

HRISTMAS will soon be here and to give them to those who attend your Christmas twelve days. The reflections have been written leaflets which contain a short summary of each many parishes will already be thinking services, the reflections will not be half way deliberately to be accessible for those who are day’s reflection and a link to the App- again with ahead to Christingles and carol servic- through the sequence before they even get them not church goers, while still providing a level of an eye to something that can be given out to es. in their hands! challenge for those who are. Each day provides a Christmas visitors in larger numbers. CDue to popular demand, the Church of Eng- This year the reflections will follow the jour- scene setter, a Bible passage, a reflection, and a Books and leaflets can be bought online from land’s Christmas campaign will once again be ney of the wise men, with each day’s theme challenge to think about or do. Church House Publishing and look out for infor- ‘Follow the Star,’ though this year there will be an based on a word from the chorus of ‘We Three Materials are available as printed booklets or mation about the App in future mailings! entirely new set of reflections and also a daily Kings:’ Star, Wonder, Night, Royal, Beauty, as a free App, which will also include an audio activity suitable for families and children. What Bright, Leading, Proceeding. The final two days version of the reflections and links to the family ■■ Sign up for updates at: is great about these materials is that they are will look at ‘gifts’ and ‘discovery’ and will help to activities and other resources. People can also https://www.churchofengland.org/ written to begin on Christmas day and continue focus attention on what the reader themselves opt to receive the reflections via email. Addition- followthestar until 5th January. This means that if you choose has discovered about Jesus over the previous ally, this year churches will be able to purchase

The One World Shop at St Thomas’, have the knowledge that your choice of Haymarket will be selling Fairtrade Christmas cards really will show you care, Make your festive wishes meaningful Christmas cards from October. They have as a percentage of the profits from the a wide variety of designs from traditional sales of all the cards goes directly to several nativity scenes to contemporary - sparkly, deserving charities that help to make a fun and quirky. Whatever your taste there valuable difference throughout the world. with a Fairtrade Christmas card will be something for you! Moreover, you’ll growing church bringing hope 5 Resource Church update and official launch

N Sunday 8th September Bishop Mark li- censed Lee Kirkby as Resourcing Minister at St Thomas’ and he confirmed six people in a joy-filled service with lots of young people Kate Sussams, Director of Operations, writes from present.O This marked the start of the new weekly 4pm the mother church of the Diocese of Newcastle service at St Thomas’. St Thomas’ officially launches as the Diocese of New- castle’s first Resource Church on Sunday 6th October at 4pm, with refreshments served from 3pm. You are invit- ed to join Bishop Christine at St Thomas’ for this signifi- Kate Sussams, Newcastle Cathedral’s Director of cant occasion in the life of the Diocese. Operations, talks about the Common Ground in Sacred Space project and working together with universities and regional heritage organisations. STRONGER TOGETHER Here at Newcastle Cathedral we are well underway with our exciting Common Ground in Sacred Space project. As well as appointing new staff (Learning and Activities Officer, Heritage Forum Co-ordinator and Volunteer Co-ordinator) we have been busy appointing companies to undertake really important pieces of work for us, such as developing our interpretation scheme, designing/building a new website, creating new signage, among other things (like the small matter of finishing the design scheme and appointing a builder!). Alongside all this, we have been working extremely hard to build on all the opportunities out there to work with organisations, companies and groups who will help us develop our space and our mission. As news of our story spreads, we are discovering more and more people want to come on board to help us shape a very exciting future. For a long time now, the universities have played an important role in our city and region, developing centres of excellence and attracting bright young people to live and study here. Increasingly, these institutions seek to create meaningful links with their city, providing opportunities for students to become involved with workplaces, learning new skills, adding capacity and enriching both student and workplace. The Cathedral has developed strong links with Northumbria University where our Assistant Director of Music is engaged as their Director of Campus Music. He is successfully developing new music programmes, teaching students and leading performances. The success of this symbiotic relationship has led to a broadening out of this remit and we are actively working across all faculties to recruit New Generous Giving Advisers amazing student placements, link up with research projects, help in Continuing Professional Development programmes and provide a centre By Shane Waddle, the last seven years, I for study days. We’re really very proud of this work Diocesan Secretary have divided my time and it just shows how institutions like the church between two part time and universities can successfully work together. roles: Project managing One of our recent achievements through the We are pleased to announce the a big local programme Common Ground in Sacred Space project is that appointment of two part-time in Gateshead and also Generous Giving Advisers, Joanne part the Cathedral continues to lead on developing working as a lay chaplain at Durham and nurturing the Newcastle-Gateshead Heritage Christie and Andrew Tinkler. The posts are University, a role I will retain. I am passionate of Living Wage Week. It is fully funded from the generosity of Allchurches about social justice, putting my faith in to currently £9.00 in the UK, with a higher rate of Forum. This non-constituted group is testament to Trust Limited, the parent body of Ecclesiastical practice, working with people, and look £10.55 for London, reflecting the higher costs the strong desire for many of the heritage venues Insurance. forward to the challenge of being one of our of living in the capital. and organisations in the region to come together Joanne and Andrew will lead on the Generous Giving Advisers.” Over 4,700 organisations, including other and develop a common voice. It’s a fledgling promotion of generous giving with a range Please pray for Joanne and Andrew as they dioceses, voluntarily choose to pay the real group, but the appetite for it to grow is enormous. of resources and programmes which can be prepare to take up their new posts serving Living Wage because we believe that a hard Real ‘at-the-coalface’ organisations like the used by lay leaders and clergy in parishes parishes across our wonderful diocese. day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. You can Castle, Mining Institute, Victoria Tunnel and and deaneries to equip people with an find other organisations who pay the Living Wage here: https://www.livingwage.org.uk/ St Mary’s Heritage Centre (to name a few), understanding of generous Christian giving. We are delighted to come together to discuss best practice, shared Joanne, who takes up her post on 23rd announce that the living-wage-map This commitment applies to not only marketing, joint volunteering opportunities and September, says: Newcastle Diocesan also to create interesting events that showcase “Hello, I’m Joanne Christie and I’m delighted directly employed staff but also to our third Board of Finance is now the city’s amazing heritage. One of these events to be embarking on this new role. Having lived an accredited Living party contracted staff. The Board of Finance and worked in Newcastle all of my life, I’m Wage Employer. This is committed to ensuring that third party has just taken place – the Merchant Quarter passionate about our region and I’m excited to means that every contracted staff are also paid the real Living Festival – run by NE1 (focusing on the Bigg be working with parishes across the Diocese of member of staff working Wage. Market) in conjunction with the Cathedral and the Newcastle. I hope to meet with as many people for the Board of Finance will earn a real Living We are really proud of this commitment and Castle, with a host of things happening between as possible over the coming months and look Wage. would love you to share the good news. all three locations. Working together created a forward to getting to know you and supporting The real Living Wage is higher than the And please look out for the Living Wage bigger and more impactful event. We look to build you where I can.” government’s minimum, or National Living Week 11-17 November. We will be represented on this successful joint initiative and pave the Andrew, who takes up his post on 2nd Wage, and is an independently calculated at events to be held with other Accredited way for a wider telling of all our historical stories. October, says: hourly rate of pay that is based on the actual Living Wage employers. You can find out more about the Living Wage Here at the Cathedral we are grateful to have the “I have worked in the voluntary and cost of living. It is calculated each year and is opportunity to help in this way. community sector for almost 20 years. For announced by the Living Wage Foundation as by visiting www.livingwage.org.uk. 6 generous engaged open

Here Be Dragons - Youth Work and Mission Off the Map

Authors Richard and Lorimer Passmore the requirement to humbly step out into an unknown ‘landscape’, confident in who we are – – with additional material from James Bal- and in our story; but also prepared to look for and lantyne and the StreetSpace Community of celebrate God at work in those with whom we are Practice. (Frontier Youth Trust 2013) engaging. It is all about mutuality and community – A book review by Judith Sadler, Children and recognising that, since each one of us is created AVE you been celebrating the Season right for Christians to engage in civil disobedi- Youth Team Leader and Development Officer by God, we are interdependent on one another. of Creation in your church? If so, I ence, disobey the law? Over the centuries Chris- This book about ‘detached’ youth work is My wholeness is dependent on the wholeness wonder if you have been challenged tians have often done just that, for example in published by the ‘Frontier Youth Trust’ which of others – and vice versa. To become whole or inspired to do something for the campaigning against slavery or apartheid. When ‘serves to empower and bring about justice with together requires humility and respect; we have environment?H Perhaps you’ve held an open-air authorities are acting in ways that are demon- young people, and to equip those working with to be prepared to be vulnerable and to have the service; you may have planted some bee-friend- strably unjust or against the common good, our young people on the margins of the Church and courage to let go of our individualism in order to ly plants, joined the Eco Church scheme or calling to work for the coming of God’s kingdom society…’ (P10) embrace community. It also requires long term switched to a green electricity supplier. You may may require us to resist. Having been clear about the distinction commitment for us to stay around and to be between ‘detached’, ‘outreach’ and ‘mobile’ youth faithful to the young people. have written to your MP or even joined the Cli- Is the climate emergency a situation which work, the authors devote almost half of the book Key themes of detached youth work described mate Strike on 20th September. Here on Alston demands prophetic direct action of us? CCA cer- to detailed practical advice on how to begin and here may seem very obvious (and transferable Moor, St Jude’s Church in Knaresdale has just tainly thinks so: they describe themselves as “a develop detached youth work. Identifying nine to other contexts), but are so often overlooked. held its first Messy Church, on the theme of Our community of Christians supporting each other stages, the authors describe them in the context They include the importance of really immersing World, so the churchyard now boasts a bug ho- in acts of non-violent direct action (NVDA) and of their own long-term experience, ourselves in the context and culture of tel! And next week the churches and Extinction public witness, as a way of following Jesus Christ with quotes from practitioners and those whom we hope to serve; the Rebellion will be creating a symbolic Funeral for in the face of climate breakdown.” Others will frequent references to behaviour preparedness to give adequate a Dying Planet in Alston, complete with a New disagree. And it is problematic for a church to modelled by Jesus. time to build trust and invest in Orleans-style jazz band! support civil disobedience officially, even if A first element of learning is the real relationships; the hard work of The Diocese has taken the opportunity to con- many of its members believe God is calling them reassuring reminder that no one entering into ‘proper’ conversation; sider a new environment policy, which will com- to act. wanting to work amongst young the willingness to take the kind of people ever needs to worry about risks that give space for young people mit us to taking real, meaningful action to tackle But whether it’s engaging in NVDA or building being ‘out of touch’ with youth to connect with their spiritual selves. our own carbon footprint: by the time the next a bug hotel in the churchyard, we can all make a ‘culture’ (ideas, customs and social We have to be willing to be part of Link comes out, we will know if Diocesan Synod difference – and as Christians, we act trusting behaviour)! The reason being that a process that integrates a culture of has approved the policy – watch this space. that our future is ultimately in God’s hands. As a if we are honest, very few of us mutuality within a properly prepared As we approach Extinction Rebellion’s Octo- parent pointed out at Messy Church today, as have any hope of keeping up with and managed structure, with policies ber Rebellion, some of us may be considering our children learn about climate collapse at youth culture because it is shifting and procedures; managing the tension more radical action – going to London to join school, they can become overwhelmed by the and moving all the time - and it of engaging in mutuality, whilst Christian Climate Action (CCA) and others on threat – but if we address it in church, we can does so as quickly as the sand in recognising boundaries and knowing the Faith Bridge, for example. Events such as this give them the resources to face it with hope. the desert! where responsibilities lie. We also have can raise uncomfortable questions: is it ever Much more important is our willingness to to be prepared to balance a willingness engage fully with whatever is going on amongst to expect the unexpected at the same time as young people, whatever their ‘culture.’ As with measuring how this practice leads to changes any other relationships that we hope might in identified capabilities of the young people be meaningful, our genuine interest, humility, amongst whom we work. willingness to actively listen and learn enables us The authors are passionate about the to venture into a whole new territory that brings potential for change and renewal in the Church as much change for us as it does for them. Setting God’s when youth work practice is carried out in an If the Church is prepared to engage in youth attitude of mutuality, and they hold a confident ministry without an agenda or prescribed expectation of the possibility of something outcomes, but in the hope of discovering more unexpected and new emerging. This confidence about how God works through the experience is based on an expectation that the process itself People Free – of others – experience often beyond our own is as important as any outcome, and that its imagination, then maybe we will find ourselves effectiveness is measured as much by changes noticing anew ‘something distinct and holy in us as it is in changes in those amongst whom happening.’ (p13). we work. They truly believe that if we can take This apparently simple and agenda-free the risk of working in this way, a new kind of Where are we up to? approach is not to be mistaken for non- community emerges – a new shape of Church. intentional, unstructured and casual practice. ■■ Here Be Dragons is available at the North East On the contrary, it requires competent practice Religious Learning Resources Centre By Carol Wolstenholme and effective policies. The hardest part is https://www.resourcescentreonline.co.uk/ Setting God’s People Free (SGPF) is an exciting initiative launched by the and adopted by Newcastle Diocese to help lay people live out their faith confidently in everyday life – at work, school, home, and with friends and family as well as on Sundays, and to encourage and support the whole people of God (lay and clergy) to work together as equal partners in the mission of the church. Over the last eighteen months 25 dioceses have been involved in three Discipleship Learning Communities with the task of working out how to implement in their contexts the cultural shifts called for in the SGPF report. Newcastle has been a part of the first Learning Community and our plans for the future have been influenced by the ideas and feedback we received there. Bishop’s Council have wholeheartedly endorsed our approach. Some things for you to try: Here are some ideas and resources that we are working with that may help you. ■ And coming soon: ■ Web page and resources ■ If you want information about the ■ A directory of resources is being produced programme and some ideas to try out please and will be published in the autumn…. look out for it!! go to ■ https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/SGPF/ ■ Everyday Faith 2020 ■■ Video In January 2020 the national church will A LICC recommendation from the nation be launching the first full #Everyday Faith church that might inspire you. campaign. This will offer digital, print and https://youtu.be/4E_dSz_yd6c social media resources to support a 21-day ■■ Calling All God’s People journey of finding and following God in This publication offers some theological everyday life. reflection on the whole church serving God’s If you have any comments or questions mission. Copies can be purchased from about SGPF please email us at sgpf@ Church House Publishing costing £3.99. newcastle.anglican.org growing church bringing hope 7 Young People Speaking

An introduction from Judith Sadler, Children and Youth Team Leader and Development Officer... EARLIER in 2019, 16 people aged between 8 and 19 from eight churches situated between the Tyne and the Tweed met together for an afternoon. Fa- cilitated by peers, they shared views on what they wanted to celebrate about their experience of Church, and what they would like to change. Their recommendations can be found in the report, ‘Lis- tening to the Voice of Young People in the Church.’ (Available from Judith at [email protected] can.org). In the report, we learn that: ■■ Those young people really appreciate the friend- ship, love and community of their churches. ■■ They want to make a difference in their local community and in the world. ■■ They are keen to get involved and to take respon- Cameron Hudson-Lively has been sibility for organisation. part of the Diocese of Newcastle for a ■■ They love spending time with their peers, includ- few years now through the yearly ing those from other churches. Staying Alive youth residential. He’s ■■ They want to know more about the Bible. recently moved from Birmingham to This month we hear from Cam who is training the North East to start a year of with MINE Youth. training with Mission Initiative Newcastle East (MINE). Having lived so far from many of his Christian friends, social media has played a large role in his faith over the years. Here’s some of Cam’s reflections in his own words that may be useful for churches thinking about how social media might help them in their work with young people. “Social media helps me in my faith in many ways but there are three key ways that I want to talk to you about. The stages are communication, education and sharing.

Communication: “I am able to communicate with other Christians around the world to see how they live their lives for Christ. Communication is really important for Christians, especially Sharing: young ones!! I personally believe “When I started using social media that more Christians should use to outwardly show my faith it was social media to communicate with great. I was able to share the love others and share our lives with other of Christ with others and I was able children of God. This also benefits to share my story with other young our mental health because we are Christians (I hope they found it interacting with positive people and useful!). Many people say that social love through the means of social media is a negative thing with its media. cons of not always being able to control what you see, however as a Education: young person I believe that we can “Social media can also educate make the world of social media and us on ways to worship. It allows the world of real-life a much better churches and individuals to make place through the things we post. posts, whether that be pictures or For example, the Instagram for MINE videos on what we are doing and Youth, we are able to share what we how we are doing God’s work. This is are doing in the local community and great as we can learn from different this is a great feeling for me. I can see ways of doing things and doing it in a the change of the amount of people fun but very much faith-based way. that will show up to what’s on due to social media.” 8 generous engaged open

Pilgrimage to Celtic Christian Sites in Ireland All Creatures Monday 8 – Saturday 13 June 2020 Great and Small By Margo Haldane

N animal blessing service took place on Saturday 3rd Au- gust at St Paul’s Church, Seaton Sluice when, in the tradi- tion of St Francis, we celebrated animals, wild and tame, that make our lives richer because of their presence. ARevd Karen Charman welcomed nine extremely well-behaved dogs and their families to a short service of worship and thanksgiv- ing for all animals in creation; for the fun and friendship we have with animals and the love and joy we receive from our pets. Each dog received an individual blessing (and a treat); candles were lit to remember those pets we have loved and lost and whose names were placed on the rainbow. Afterwards, whilst refreshments were served in the hall, the dogs were able to play safely outside on the enclosed terrace and in the gardens. We hope this will become an annual event when more creatures great and small will be brought along for a blessing. We were asked in the sending out message, “To go in the peace and gentle wisdom of God, to care for all God’s creatures, with feathers, paws, tails or fur, with a grateful heart and loving hands. Amen.” This unique opportunity to join people from Bellingham Deanery in making a pilgrimage with an expert guide (Peter Ryder), in the context of Celtic Morning and Evening Prayer (led by Revd Elaine Ryder), and in the comfort of coach travel (via ferry to Larne) and hotel accommodation, is open to anyone interested from 1 October. Cost £759 pp in twin rooms. (Very few single rooms at £175 supplement.) To see and hear about this, and ask questions, you are welcome to come an open meeting on Well-loved stuffed toys were not forgotten Friday 11 October at 7.30 pm in St Peter’s Church, Humshaugh NE46 4AA. For the Pax Travel brochure and an expression of interest form please contact Revd Elaine Ryder [email protected] or The Vicarage, Otterburn NE19 1NP. Good news in an age of fake news? The place of mercy in a post-truth society Lucy Winkett, of St James’s, Piccadilly and a regular contributor to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, is delivering the Riddell Memorial Lectures in Newcastle University’s Curtis Auditorium. They take place at 5.30pm on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October. Admission is free and all are welcome. In the first lecture, “Mercy and truth are met together”, she will consider the absence of Blessings for loyal pets Karen blesses a dog vital to its owner’s wellbeing mercy as a public value or social norm. The Christian teaching on mercy is absent from a public discourse that both valorises the exercise of power by the powerful, and for the rest of us, also insists we repeat the brittle mantra that we are great as we are and no one should tell us any different. Hymns and Pimms “The quality of mercy is not strained” is the By Lorna Turner, Churchwarden title of her second lecture. She will contrast St James South Charlton the mercilessness of contemporary public discourse. With the Scriptural characterisation of mercy, to be exercised with decisive patience Last year, at the end of the Bishops’ Mission to and revolutionary forgiveness. Could the northern Northumberland, the weekend finished in quality of mercy transform contemporary St. Maurice’s Church, Eglingham, with a celebration public debate? And if so, how? called ‘Hymns and Pimms’, hosted by Revd Marion Bryan Vernon, Chair of the Riddell Memorial Penfold. On the anniversary of that inspiring Lectures Committee, says, “We are delighted weekend we repeated Hymns and Pimms; this time that Lucy Winkett has agreed to give these two in St. James’ Church, South Charlton. A year on, we lectures. She is a thoughtful and challenging continue to be inspired with a sense of Mission and speaker: she could hardly have chosen a more we were encouraged by so many supporters, their relevant theme than Mercy.” enthusiastic singing and the feeling of united praise around the church. growing church bringing hope 9 Bird collection box Royal Northern Sinfonia on on Holy Island your doorstep By Max Whitby and Ian Kerr

OASTAL gardens with good cover are always wonderful places for mi- grants. Along the east coast of Eng- land few have a greater reputation forC turning up mouth-watering rarities than the Vicarage garden on Holy Island. The Northumbrian island, famed as the cra- dle of Christianity in the north, the Lindis- farne Gospels and the first Viking raid on Eng- land, is a hotspot during autumn and spring when it has the reputation of turning up many sought-after species. Over the years, the Vicarage garden which slopes down to the beach, has hosted a superb list of rarities. Although the garden itself is pri- vate, the stone wall on the south side is at ideal elbow height for resting binoculars. It’s usual- ly the first spot to be checked by birders visit- ing the village. In autumn it can be wonderful if wind and weather are favourable. It’s not unusual for its mature sycamores to hold up to half a dozen Hear Royal Northern Sinfonia, the professional Yellow-browed Warblers at a time, hyper- orchestra of the North East, in a church this actively searching through the crumbling leaf October, this time with a programme including a cover. Other goodies on the garden list include special ensemble arrangement of Mahler’s ‘Titan’ Dusky and Arctic Warblers, Red-flanked Blue- Ian Kerr and Revd Canon Dr Sarah Hills with the newly installed collection box at the Vicarage garden symphony. Feel the full force and energy of this tail, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Firecrest, Com- mighty symphony from just fifteen players mon Rosefinch and Great Grey Shrike. In absolutely giving it their all. Wagner’s intensely addition, it has all the common and regular All are within sight and sound of birders at “For years I’ve thought it would be a good warblers and northern thrushes and finches, the garden wall. Now Canon Dr Sarah Hills, idea and I’m delighted that the idea has been personal Siegfried Idyll and Strauss’ opulent for which the island is such a magnet. who took over as vicar of St Mary the Virgin, taken up. It will certainly give everyone a Capriccio Sextet complete this programme of In spring the garden can be equally reward- the island parish church, earlier this year is chance to show their appreciation of this three giants of classical music. ing, having hosted Red-backed Shrike, Subal- hoping birders can give something back to the wonderful facility. After all, a good rarity is Royal Northern Sinfonia undertake four pine and Marsh Warblers and Firecrest and a community. worth a bob or two of anyone’s money,” he regional tours of churches in the North of supporting cast of all the common migrants Birders checking the garden are being invit- added. England each year, including the ever-popular which pass northwards. ed to drop a donation into a collection box The box has been donated and installed by Christmas by Candlelight concerts. This autumn, The Vicarage has even attracted species not which has been installed at the wall. Contri- Dr Max Whitby, co-founder of BirdGuides, join us for Mahler One: Titan in St George’s, normally associated with gardens, including butions will help the upkeep of the church and now Chairman of NatureGuides, who has Cullercoats (Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm), Common Kingfisher and European Nightjar. which dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period a home on the island. St Cuthbert’s, Darlington (Friday 18 October, At the bottom of the garden is the beach and, and which, like all old buildings, needs almost Ian’s book is available at the island Post 7.30pm) or Hexham Abbey (Sunday 20 October, 50 metres away, St Cuthbert’s Island which constant repair. Office and Heritage Centre or from www. 3pm). provides a high tide roost for hundreds of “We are extremely lucky to have such a natureguides.com. It provides a comprehen- Tickets for each concert are £15, or £5 waders. wonderful garden which attracts so many sive account of island’s history and its natural- for Under-18s and are available from Sage Stretched out behind is the rich Lindisfarne birds. We want birders to continue enjoying ists down the centuries from St Cuthbert to Gateshead’s Box Office on 0191 443 4661 or at National Nature Reserve. Its avian celebrities, them and if they can help a bit, all the better,” modern-day visitors. There are full seasonal sagegateshead.com. If we have any tickets left the Svalbard Pale-bellied Brent Geese, are she said. accounts and details of 337 species recorded there may be some available on the door, but always present between September and Vicar Sarah is being supported by island up to publication. An update, bringing the early booking is recommended! We hope to see March along with thousands of other wildfowl author Ian Kerr whose hardback guide, The species list to 341, is now available as a free you there. and waders and huge gatherings of “singing” Birds of Holy Island, is now in its second download from the publisher’s website. Grey Seals hauled out on the sandbars. updated edition. St Francis’ Heaton marks the 800th anniversary of the saint meeting the sultan On 17th September St Francis’ High Heaton, and the Society of St Francis 3rd Order, marked the 800th anniversary of St Francis meeting the Sultan with Eucharist and Homily for the Feast of the Stigmata of Francis and a visit to the Heaton Mosque and Islamic Centre. The group were warmly welcomed at the Mosque where they were given a tour of the building by Mr Sadjid, the Mosque’s treasurer and charity trustee. Together they talked about peace and unity, and shared the story of St Francis and the Sultan. In September 1219 St. Francis accompanied the armies of western Lynda with pupils from St Andrew’s Primary School Europe to Damietta, Egypt, during the Fifth Crusade to speak peacefully with Muslim There was an emotional farewell as Lynda Henderson, office manager, people about Christianity. After an initial retired after 33 years’ loyal service to Heddon-On-The-Wall St Andrew’s attempt by Francis and the sultan al-Kamil Primary School. A special celebration took place just before the summer to convert the other, both quickly realised holidays as staff and pupils said farewell to Lynda, and also their Year Six’s that the other already knew and loved God. (pictured). Good luck Lynda! The meeting is a paradigm of interfaith Revd Martin Gillham, Society of St Francis 3rd Order, Mr Sadjid, dialog in present day. priest G F Usmani, and assistant priest Ejaz Ahmed 10 generous engaged open

ACROSS HAVE YOUR SAY 1. King seen after day with Compiled by Mary Sutton brother (4) Link Crossword 156 3. Tell of royal meeting European Anything catch your eye in nobleman (7) this month’s LINK? 8. Cheat in no French class first becoming dissenter (13) Something on your mind? 9. Joke making us choke (3) Or in your prayers? 10. English royal house Send an e-mail, message or identified by head of department during organized letter to LINK and we’ll tours (5) publish the best of them: 12. Ten deer unexpectedly went in (7) Have your say. LINK, 14. Quits about autographs (7) 16. Some Far Eastern regions (5) Church House, St John’s 17. Criticize vessel (3) Terrace, North Shields 20. New tenet silly man presented emotionally (13) NE29 6HS. Email us: 21. Organize a selection, say (7) link@newcastle. 22. Guide wanting heavy metal anglican.org (4) DOWN 1. Member of the clergy first introduced to collier (8) 2. Sister reportedly getting no part (4) 3. Umpire and upstart, e.g., turning up needing shelter (6) 4. Changing it, I can try his religion (12) 5. All that is from island in a French poem (8) 6. Sound of disapproval over upstart’s short skirt (4) 7. Cheat is seen with man at one being shown people in church (12) 11. Creator having resigned unexpectedly (8) 13. Alarmed woman having second month with journalist (8) 15. Second player initially in this place gets ball (6) 18. Continent, a Southern one, I initially approached (4) St Bartholomew’s celebrate 19. Unhappy Conservative (4) ANSWERS TO musicals with flowers CROSSWORD 155 ‘Celebrating Musicals’ was the theme of this year’s flower Across: festival, which formed part of the St Bartholomew’s Church 1. 4. Banner 8. Fair weekend. Sixteen musicals were superbly depicted in Globetrotting 10. Eaten 11. Weather flowers in the church, ranging from Evita to Jailhouse Rock. 12. Retaliation 16. Excerpt 17. Agree 18.Steppingstone 19. Modest 20. Deadly Down: 1. Degree 2. Apostlescreed 3. Ocean 5. Attract 6. Neighbourhood 7. Regard 9. Rewritten 13. Apropos 14. Jetsam 15. Heresy 17. Aisle

Our Crossword is sponsored by St Thomas the Martyr Church, One World Shop (at The Haymarket, Newcastle upon Tyne). A voucher to spend in the Shop will be sent to the Crossword winner. Many thanks to the Master of St Thomas and Staff at the One World Shop.

Revd John Vilaseca spent his last week in Berwick as Assistant Winner of crossword 155 is Curate to Berwick Holy Trinity cooking his national dish paella at the Roger Mowbray of Whitley Bay. Slow Food and Drinks Festival, held at Berwick’s historic Barracks. Barcelona born John will become vicar at St Paul’s Cullercoats in Closing date for entries to October where we hope to see more of his culinary delights! crossword 156 is Monday 14th October 2019 growing church bringing hope 11 Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber LIKE A METAPHOR Tim Hardy (formerly of the Religious Resources support Lent course Superstar! Centre) writes at www.timbo-baggins.co.uk and spends the rest of his time raising a two year old and riding a bike around Leamington Spa.

adds to her enjoyment and her TELL ME THE enthusiasm shows little sign of OLD, TOY STORY abating. Familiarity is not breeding contempt. It was a blisteringly hot summer and, The films look beautiful, are in an effort to escape the heat, we brilliantly voice-acted, full of went on a family trip to the cinema. engaging characters and tell stories Ros and I thought that the latest that bear repeated viewing. And are, instalment in the Toy Story franchise consequently, almost-constantly might be a good choice for Anwen’s engaged with. first big-screen film and we looked Jesus used stories to talk about forward to sitting for a couple of the Kingdom of Heaven, they hours in a cool auditorium. Sadly, drew his listeners in and engaged the temperature wasn’t as low as them with both familiarity and we’d hoped but, as we roasted, imagination, revealing the truth in a Anwen was introduced to sheriff roundabout fashion. Centuries later Woody, space-ranger Buzz, cowgirl they can still delight and entertain Jessie, Bo Peep and the rest of the us if we approach them in the right toys, along with a whole bunch of frame of mind. new characters. And she loved it. So More widely, we begin our much so that most of her birthday engagement with the story of God money has been spent on Toy Story after so much has gone before. The memorabilia - she has a Woody Bible takes us back to the start of outfit, a cowboy hat, and her pride the story and reading it, jumping and joy - a Woody action figure, around in time, filling in some of the complete with removable hat. gaps as we go, we can start to build As a follow up, we watched Toy up part of the bigger picture. Some Story 2 at home (it was the only parts of it can become so familiar one I owned). Then we picked that, knowing it by heart, the impact up and watched a second-hand can be lost - how can we find ways copy of the original film. We’ll be to interact with the story of the Bible borrowing a Toy Story 3 from a that interests and excites us today? friend in the next week or so. So, Dressing up as a saint or playing Anwen has been introduced to the with Bible-based action figures films in a higgledy-piggledy order, might not be options available to The York Courses’ forthcoming Lent Course for bishop’s wife), Steve Chalke MBE (broadcaster and enjoyed them all the same. She everybody... 2020, Superstar, has been written with the and social activist), Stephen Wigley (Chair of the was able to get on board with the God has continued to be active in the centuries since the Bible was generous encouragement of Tim Rice and Methodist Church Wales’ Synod) and Carmody latest chapter, jump back part way through the series, and finally go written and we can look back to see Andrew Lloyd Webber, and is based on Jesus Grey (Assistant Professor of Catholic Theology at back to the beginning and see how what he has been doing through Christ Superstar. It explores themes from its Durham University and Tablet columnist). the whole thing started. At Anwen’s post-biblical history all the way up iconic lyrics in the five sessions of this course, One of the unique advantages of York Courses request, we have re-watched the to where we have chosen to get focussing on Christology, Miracles, Psalms, is that you just plug in and play and the House available films several times and involved, recognising that we too Suffering, and the Church as Christ’s resurrected Group effectively runs itself. even managed a repeat visit to are characters in the story God is the cinema to watch the fourth telling. body. It is available on a CD, which includes Further details available at film a second time. Each viewing To infinity, and beyond! contributions from Catherine Fox (author and www.yorkcourses.co.uk/product/superstar/

Noticeboard Riding Lights Theatre Company with their the door. Free admission for under 18s accompanied Royal Northern Sinfonia visit churches this Eco Messy Church, Saturday 19th October, Kaleidoscope Tour, 2nd October, 7.45pm at St by a ticket holder (limited to 3 per ticket holder). autumn, join them for Mahler One: Titan in St 4pm, Newcastle Cathedral. Crafts and activities for Luke’s Church, Newcastle, NE2 4AH. Can the rich George’s, Cullercoats (Thursday 17 October, all the family around the theme of God’s creation kaleidoscope of the good news of Jesus reveal new Autumn Quiet Garden Day, Saturday 5th 7.30pm), St Cuthbert’s, Darlington (Friday 18 followed by party tea and drinks. Please book by patterns which are life-changing in the 21st century? October, Holy Rood House. A day for refreshment October, 7.30pm) or Hexham Abbey (Sunday 20 emailing [email protected] or 01661 Is there an influencer we can trust to tell us the truth? – finding peace. From 9.45-4pm. Come and relax with October, 3pm). Tickets for each concert are £15, or 886 853. Delight in us for who we are and help us build a gentle creative input from Helen Warwick, chaplain at £5 for Under-18s and are available from Sage community that values everyone? All welcome, free Holy Rood House. www.holyroodhouse.org.uk Gateshead’s Box Office on 0191 443 4661 or at www. From the beginning: An exhibition of knitted admission. sagegateshead.com. scenes from the Bible. 25th – 27th October, St A Musical Miscellany, Saturday 5th October Bede’s Newsham. Friday and Saturday Nikolsky Ensemble on tour from Russia, St 12.30pm. Margaret Huntington (Organ/Piano), Creative Weaving and the Holy Weaver’ Retreat, 10.30am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Refreshments in the Augustine Church, Front Street, Alston, CA9 Rachel Jeffers (Flute). Free entry, with retiring Friday 18th October -Sunday 20th October, Parish Centre. 3QW, Friday 4th October at 7.30pm. “Nikolski collection. Tea and coffee available from 11.30am. Holy Rood House. From 4.30pm Friday to Ensemble sing a cappella “Our voices are the only Saint John the Baptist Church, Grainger Street, 2.30pm Sunday. This informal retreat led by Helen North Northumberland Spirituality Network: instruments we use!” As a rule, the first part of our Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JG Warwick, will be a chance to explore the creative and Praying for Liturgy, Saturday 26th October, concert is devoted to Russian Orthodox Church music www.stjohnthebaptistnewcastle.co.uk , sjohnsmusic@ rhythmical way of weaving. Suitable for all levels and 10-3.15pm. A day to consider how in our worship written by our famous classical composers since 17th gmail.com or 0191 232 0483. all materials provided. Includes connecting with the we can engage further with the resources available to century. In the second part, we sing Russian folk and Holy weaver (an aspect of the Devine feminine) us and be more open to the Spirit. More info at secular songs. Tickets £9 adults/ £5 children/ £22 Readers’ Annual Admission and Licensing through quiet chapel space, discussion and creative https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/ family available from Alston Local Link / Service, Saturday 12th October, Newcastle weaving. www.holyroodhouse.org.uk events/2019/10/26/praying-liturgy/ Eventbrite/ [email protected]. Cathedral. Takes place at 2pm and all are welcome. Booking required, £10, contact Lyn.phillipsuk@gmail. Seven new Readers will be licensed and all the A Day with Meister Eckhart, Sat 19th October, com or 07702 022 501. Humours and Delights, Saturday 5th October, Newcastle Readers will renew their commitment. 10-4pm, Church of the Holy Nativity, Chapel Hexham Abbey Great Hall. Music from 17th House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1DR. Christian Advent Retreat, 30th November – 1st Century England, France and Germany for voice, lute, Todden Quartet, Wednesday 16th October, meditation in the North East. The eternal birth of God December, Holy Rood House. Dreaming dreams bass viol and organ. With music by Tobias Hume, 7pm, Norham Church. Shostakovick: Quartet no 3 in the soul. Led by Bridget Hewitt, cost £10. To book for advent, with Veronica Whitty. www.holyroodhouse. Henry Purcell, John Dowland, Robert de Visée and Op 73. Dvorak: Quartet no 12 in F major Op 96. please contact: [email protected] or org.uk others. Tickets to raise money for roof appeal are £12 01434 602897. from Hexham Abbey gift shop 01434 603057 or on Keep up-to-date and see more details at www.newcastle.anglican.org/events 12 generous engaged open growing church bringing hope Adele’s sponsored head shave raises over £5,000 in memory of husband John

Adele with her late husband John Nearly done...

On 25th July Revd Adele Phillips the cancer returned and sadly John money for other cancer sufferers shaved off her hair in memory of her died on the 7th January 2019. is my birthday present to my husband John to raise funds to Adele pays tribute to John and wonderful husband.” support the work of the unit in the the RVI saying “John was remarkable ■■ The Northern Oesophago Gastric Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) where throughout. He carried on with life Cancer Fund directly supports the he was cared for so well. as normally as he could for as long work of the unit and pays for life In the Spring of 2017 John was as he could and he made it his aim saving equipment for patients like diagnosed with cancer of the to help other people undergoing John. To date Adele has raised over oesophagus. In an effort to save treatment for cancer. He received £5,000 from generous donations. If his life he underwent months the most amazing care in the RVI.” you’d like to donate please visit Just of chemotherapy and a massive Adele chose the 25th July for the Giving: operation. While this greatly sponsored head shave because it https://www.justgiving.com/ Cheers! improved the quality of John’s life, is John’s birthday and said “Raising fundraising/Adele-Phillips1

News from Christian Aid North east with Helen Cunningham, Regional Co-ordinator for Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Will Aid OD has given us so much! ties, including Christian Aid. We celebrate His love and During November, partici- generosity. This involves pating solicitors charge POETRY AND MYSTICISM: A making the most of the nothing for making a will. CONVERSATION AT THE RRC WITH thingsG that He has given to us. We Instead they ask for a sug- show our gratitude by using His gifts gested donation to Will Aid FATHER PHIL HUGHES In this Conversation, Father Phil Hughes will be discussing well, for our wellbeing and for the (£100 for a single basic will, his book on the Metaphysical poet Richard Crashaw, If wellbeing of others. Traditionally £180 for a pair of basic mir- God had granted me a Son. this has been called stewardship. ror wills), which is split He will be reading some poems, discussing how he has Making a will is an important part across the charities. So, the been inspired by Crashaw and the relevance of poetry and of stewardship. It involves us mak- charities – and you – get all mysticism to us today. ing good decisions about how we the benefit. Copies of the book will be able to be purchased at the want what we have on earth to be Sara Frost, partner at instead. event for £10 used at the end of this life to be a Nicholson Portnell Solicitors of When: Thursday 3rd October 2019 6:00 – 7:30 pm blessing to others. Making a will is Hexham said “We are very pleased We find that it is a really good way of contributing something Where: Church House, Percy Main, North Shields, also a great blessing to our loved to again support the Will Aid pro- NE29 6HS ones because we’re making things motion. We feel that by using our to the local community. We recom- as easy as possible for them after staffs’ expertise in this way, we can mend that everyone should seri- we’re gone. We’re ensuring that they make a meaningful contribution to ously consider making a will. We are HOW DOES IMAGINATION OPEN UP (OR CLOSE don’t have to deal with any legal the charities supported by Will Aid.” also delighted that our time and DOWN!) THE BIBLE? complications or difficulties, so Also participating the scheme, hard work will help to transform This experiential workshop will explore the RRC’s Read and Respond resource. Inspired making a will is a loving and caring Mark Pentecost of Sanderson lives for those living in poverty by Godly Play and Deep Talk, this approach may be adapted to explore any Biblical act. McCreath & Edney in Berwick, said across the world.” narrative. No previous experience of Godly Play is required, just the willingness to come In spite of all of this, many of us “We are once again very pleased to ■■ You can find a participating along and take part! put off making a will. This Novem- donate our time towards Will Aid solicitor in your area at Participants will experience three biblical texts, reflect upon their own learning ber, however, is a perfect time to this year. In past years we have www.willaid.org.uk or by calling responses, explore their skills as facilitators and share how the resource might be used in remedy this by taking part in Will embraced the Will Aid scheme, pre- 0300 0309 558. You can then con- their own contexts. Aid. You can gain peace of mind for paring wills during the month of tact your local solicitor to make an When: Wednesday 4th March 2020 1:30 – 3:30 pm yourself and your loved ones while November, giving our time for free appointment for a date in Novem- Where: Church House, Percy Main, North Shields, NE29 6HS also supporting nine leading chari- and taking donations for Will Aid ber. All are welcome! Places are limited and must be booked in advance. To book, please contact the RRC: 0191 375 0586 or [email protected]