Spotlight Nov/Dec 2019 New Church begins A brand new model of church is coming to New Church will work closely with Telford. Telford New Church will be established other local churches to provide a missional in the heart of the town centre at Meeting Point base and energy for Christians locally. Its New House and in smaller New Church Communities Church Communities will meet in homes and on Telford’s growing housing estates. community venues on current and new housing estates as Telford’s population continues its It will be the first church in Lichfield Diocese rapid expansion. They will also gather on several to pioneer this ‘gathered and scattered’ model Sundays a month at Meeting Point House for and is part of the diocese’s commitment to formation, nurture, celebration and worship. discipleship, vocation and evangelism. The inter-generational project will strongly The ground-breaking project is being launched focus on reaching children and young people following a successful bid for funding from through engagement with local schools with the national Church of ’s Strategic several of the Communities devoted to this. Development Fund (SDF). It will be led by the Revd Matt Beer who was licensed at a service at The Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Revd Sarah Holy Trinity in Wood, Telford. Bullock, said the time was ripe for such an exciting

Julie Jones (Diocesan Secretary who oversaw the bid), Bishop Sarah, Emily & Matt Beer, Bishop Michael.

continues on p2 ->

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern and the lack Country Telford churches develop #FollowTheStar <- continued from p1 project in Telford. “Telford Matt, who has People will be encouraged to #FollowTheStar As well downloadable posters, logos and prayer New Church is a carefully thought through project moved to Telford to their local church this Christmas. Advent cards, a new tool will allow churches to create to reach new people with the good news of God’s after serving as services are often the most popular of the videos to spread the word about Christmas love in this complex and emerging town,” she Senior Curate at St year with churches and cathedrals at their services. explained. “There will be 200,000 people living Mary’s Bletchley, busiest over the festive period. in Telford by 2031 and great opportunities for said: “This is Churches are also encouraged to again display the Church to build and enrich both new and such a wonderful After the success of 2018’s national Advent stars on their buildings and tag this on A current communities. This is a long-term missional opportunity for campaign, #FollowTheStar returns, offering a range Church Near You which has over 12m page project which will work with people of all ages Christians in Architect’s impression of how the resources including Twelve Days of Christmas views a year. It’s essential that local Christmas new worship space could look and backgrounds – especially those young people Telford. We will Wonder booklets with brand new reflections. These services and events are added, using special who currently have no contact with church. It spend the coming months networking with local will also be available as daily emails and in a tags including ‘FollowTheStar’, ‘Advent’, ‘mince represents a confidence in the Gospel and a churches, schools and community organisations free app, alongside family craft activities. pies’ and others as appropriate. committed desire by the Church to bless Telford and listening to their hopes for the area. This and all of its communities.” will be a locally rooted project focused on knowing and loving our communities, and The next 12 finding where God is already at work. As it months will see develops, Telford New Church will also have a ground-laying visible presence at the heart of the town centre by Matt and a where we envisage the majority of its members will small leadership come from non-church backgrounds.” team before meetings The diocese has been working closely with begin in neighbouring Hereford Diocese, which also December 2020 covers part of Telford, on the project. It has at the newly secured £1.69m from the SDF over a six-year refurbished space in Meeting Point House, which period until 2025, with the rest of the funding will also be a resource for the whole diocese. coming from Lichfield Diocese. ...as confirmed in

Ahead of the bid announcement, A Day of Prayer for Telford was Meanwhile, the diocese’s #CHADLiving team held at Holy Trinity Church in have been thinking up practical ways for Wrockwardine Wood for the new people to celebrate Christmas which don’t venture. cost the earth. They’ve produced a short video on how to spruce up second-hand jumpers Bishop Michael at St Matthew’s Tipton (photo: Express & Star). Over 90 adults and children came rather than buying a new Christmas knitwear. together to take part in craft, fun, This is part of the Re:Dress project to raise faith and food as part of a Messy awarenesss of the human and environmental Church Celebration which also cost of the ‘fast fashion’ industry. featured prayer stations for all ages. The day climaxed with ‘Messy Watch the video, and find out more about #FollowTheStar resources, at confirmations’ by Bishop Sarah of lichfield.anglican.org/Follow-The-Star-2019/ two of the church’s members.

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Climate Change day of action across the diocese

Thousands of people a climate change pledge which they are striving from churches across our to uphold and some parents also did this at diocese – including over home. One child now takes bags on her daily 600 at Lichfield Cathedral walk of their dog and fills these with litter which – joined to call for climate she then recycles at home! Pledges include justice. They stood in switching off taps, turning off electrical devices, solidarity with many recycling and reducing use of plastics. I am young people and adults proud of the passion and knowledge which our throughout the world children shared.” who made their voices heard on 20 September. Clergy across the diocese and diocesan staff were Some joined local encouraged to step aside Bellringers joined the bishops’ call to School children, bishops and media gathering at Lichfield Cathedral ring the (ecological) changes - this demonstrations, including from their usual duties team met at St James’ Church, Barton- members of Trinity to participate in events, under-Needwood Over 500 local Churches in Meole Brace, activities and advocacy. we stand in solidarity with primary school Shrewsbury. Their vicar, the them, working for justice as children plus Revd Phil Cansdale, said: Bishop Clive, diocesan people of hope. We need teachers and “It was great to see people lead on environmental matters, added: “It to keep this momentum going, calling people others took part from Meole Brace – and was wonderful to see so many people at the to sustained action and prayer in the coming in a special service other local churches – get cathedral and in churches across our diocese months. It is not too late – we can all make a at the cathedral. involved in the Shrewsbury leading calls for climate justice. As we follow difference in big and small ways.” They voiced their Earth strike. With Sunday Jesus, we are called to love the whole world and concerns about sermons and youth provision our neighbour, including the world’s poorest Lichfield Diocese is committed to taking climate breakdown, we’d been spending people who are most affected by climate change seriously. In March a new St Lawrence’s forming a giant ring around the cathedral to call September exploring all things Eco Church, and climate breakdown. Church, Biddulph Diocesan Environmental Policy and Action for climate justice and planted wooden lollipop so this felt a really practical way of joining our Plan was passed. Dozens of parishes across sticks containing green pledges. The event took voice with that of many others across the town. the diocese are registering for Eco Church – a place with the full support and involvement of We were particularly struck by how it is younger national award that recognises and supports the schools of the children attending. people taking the lead in this, including churches who are working to become more from the church. We all have so environmentally friendly. Across the diocese, over 30 events much to learn from them, and hosted by or involving churches how the gospel really can be or Church schools in Shropshire, good news for God’s earth.” The creation theme will continue Staffordshire and the Black at this year’s Selwyn Lecture at Country took place. These Children from Rugeley’s 10am on 14 November at Lichfield included community clothes Churchfield CE Primary Cathedral. The cathedral’s former and toy swaps, prayer walks Academy, a member of St Canon Chancellor, now Bishop of and stations, petition-writing, Chad’s Academies Trust, took Sheffield, the Rt Revd Pete Wilcox, planet pledges, vigils, banner- part in activities including will speak on ‘Human beings in making, worship services and bottle top collection for “Care of creation should be at the centre of time and space: Genesis 1-2 and craft making. At least a dozen recycling. “We had reports the Church’s mission – not the margins. Young the challenge of climate change.’ local churches rang their bells for of our children collecting people are leading the way and as a Church All are welcome. climate justice. A full list is at bottle tops as they walked to school!” said www.lichfield.anglican.org/climateactionday/ Headteacher Johanna Nickolls. “Each class made See a video from the event at www.lichfield.anglican.org/news/2019/09/20/thousands-join-climate-action/

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Word on the Street Chaplains come together

How do chaplains use the language of driven to asking the ‘big questions’ about vocation to help others and build the themselves and what they are for. Vocation is kingdom? That was the question at the heart clarified by prayer and encounter with scripture, of the first meeting of Lichfield Diocese’s new so a rich vocational conversation can become Community of Chaplains, inaugurated by the evangelistic too. Bishop of Lichfield in October with a day of study, prayer and rest.

Twenty-five chaplains from 19 chaplaincies gathered. Between them, they represented education, prison, health, workplace and other settings. The day-to-day tasks of chaplaincy vary widely across such settings. The Community of Chaplains therefore uses the language of discipleship, vocation and evangelism to explore Christians from across the Black Country together. We were talking and learning about what unites chaplains at a deeper level. Many celebrated the work of their churches in a some of the big social issues, the hard ones to attending were surprised to see how much they The chaplains reflected on the story of special evening with the Mayor of the West solve – homelessness, youth unemployment and had in common with each other. Zacchaeus, asking ‘what does this reading say Midlands, Andy Street. mental health. It’s great to have the experience about chaplaincy?’ and ‘what does this reading of all these groups brought to bear together. Chaplains minister outside the church. Chaplains say about vocation’. In another session they St Matthew’s Church in Wolverhampton hosted Faith communities play an incredible role in therefore have to think carefully about how to call looked at the different roles of the chaplain: as the Christian Community Conversation which binding communities together. The Christian upon the specific language of the Christian faith. pastor, prophet, missioner, sacramental presence, allowed the Mayor and his team community plays a leading role in that effort.” and leader of worship. In the final session those to hear first-hand the ideas groups have to tackle present explored how to shape encounters some of the big issues of our time. It featured The conversation was organised by Transforming around vocational questions, and for some round-table discussions on mental health, skills Communities Together (TCT) – Lichfield Diocese’s chaplains at least, this was the most valuable and youth unemployment and homelessness. joint venture with Church Urban Fund – in moment as the theory became practice. partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country Churches Engaged. Chaplains have traditionally been ordained and TCT’s Chair David Primrose said: “It was stipendiary, but there are other modes too. wonderful to see so many people from local Some who gathered were parish priests with an churches at the event sharing a real confidence additional chaplaincy role, for example to a local in the gospel and a love for our communities. fire station or school. Increasingly, chaplaincies It will help provide an evidence base, moving With this in mind, the inaugural meeting of benefit from lay volunteer chaplains too, who forwards, to make sure that the work we carry the Community of Chaplains investigated often have a wealth of experience to offer. out reflects the richness and variety of these the language of vocation which has become Whatever the mode, chaplaincy offers a space communities as we seek the common good central to Lichfield’s shared direction of travel. where their faith can be put into practice and together, working for justice as people of hope.” Many people have a deep but maybe hidden developed further. Around 100 people participated, representing sense of vocation – the idea that their life has a churches, charities and other faith groups at The event also hosted a marketplace which purpose. If such a sense can be recognised as Called to chaplaincy? The Community of Chaplains the evening who will help form a peer Christian featured some of the great work involving potentially a call from a God of love, this gives continues to grow as we discover those in Lichfield social action network in the Black Country. churches across the region, including fruitful territory for a conversation between with a chaplaincy role. To join the community, or to organisations like Black Country Urban a Christian chaplain and someone they meet. explore the vocation of chaplaincy, please contact Andy Street said: “I thank the communities Industrial Mission, Places of Welcome and Often in chaplaincy settings such as prisons [email protected], Chaplaincy from across the Black Country for bringing this Dementia-Friendly Churches. and hospitals, people we meet are already and Mission Strategy Enabler

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country The ‘E’ word Letters pray

A series of new short videos filmed with people supports that by So often, when life gets tough, people might in our diocese seeks to show how sharing our providing: say a prayer. Whether or not you would say faith need not be as hard as we sometimes fear. •• News, learning and you believe in God, it’s something that lots of the latest issues people still do - but many find it difficult, or would Evangelism is one of our and good practice prefer someone else to say one for them. three diocesan priorities •• Knowledge, skill - along with discipleship and processes All Saints Church in Wellington, Telford, have and vocation. The four development for those in our frontlines recently installed a new prayer postbox, called ‘Say videos feature people •• Facilitation and support for teams and networks one for me’. People can simply take a card from from local churches, •• Insight and resource to senior clergy and staff; the holder, write a prayer, and post it - and the including young adults •• An interface with the national Church. team from the church will pray it in confidence. from the Church Hill Praise congregation at St Matthew’s In Walsall. Lindsey Hall, Discipleship, Vocations and Revd David Sims, curate at All Saints, says: Evangelism Strategy Enabler, said: “Reflecting “I am really excited about this opportunity to They explore what evangelism is, good and the diversity of God’s creation, we recognise show something of God’s love to the people of bad experiences of it and how people arrive at that each school, parish, fresh expression and Wellington, and Telford & Wrekin. I believe that faith. The videos are ideal for use as discussion chaplaincy has its own unique context and whether or not people would call themselves a starters in small groups or church services and community, as of course, does the cathedral. Christian, God loves them, longs to hear their are freely available on Youtube and at www. Mission and evangelism are therefore particular heart, and listen to their prayers’. lichfield.anglican.org/DVE/ and distinctive in every setting. We want to work A harvest yarn They were released to coincide with the launch collaboratively with of the diocese’s new Mission Team. Based people as experts in A plan to plaster the insides of a church at Three Spires House in Lichfield, the team their own mission building in wool went down a bomb in the works with the diocese’s schools, parishes, field. Discovering Black Country. fresh expressions, evangelism and chaplaincies, along mission in context Nine months of knitting by the Place of Welcome, with Lichfield can be joyful as well Craft Club and Ladies Fellowship at St Mark’s Cathedral, to energise, as challenging and we look forward to sharing Church, Shelfield and High Heath, led to the ‘Yarn resource and support and supporting the diocese’s frontlines in that.” Bombing’ which raised £300 for St Giles Hospice. them in mission and evangelism. Mission Find out more by emailing Mission Coordinator Harvest was the theme for the knitted squares and evangelism are the calling of all forms of Richard Barrett richard.barrett@lichfield. which including a farmyard, aquarium and safari Christian community and ministry. The team anglican.org or ringing 01543 622592. and covered the altar, piano, pillars and other

areas of the church, coordinated by Sue Jewkes and Ann Vaughn and dreamt up by Angela Ball. Local children from Greenfield Primary School also contributed a knitted Noah’s ark and food was collected for Walsall North food bank. Following the harvest festival, the squares will now be resewn into blankets for adults and premature babies in Rwanda.

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Focus on building projects A builder’s vision

A new part-time role has been created to help •• Understanding A tourist visiting Italy came across a safely, have a roof over their heads, food on their parishes get more focussed support with their building construction site. “What are you doing?” the plates and an education that will enable them major church building projects. conservation tourist asked the three stonemasons. to do what they want to later in life. Surely, this and design “I’m cutting the stone,” answered the first. unites me with all other grandparents? Church buildings are issues i.e. what “I’m cutting stone for 1,000 lire a day,” the a physical expression works may be second said. Once shared vision is established there needs of the Christian possible in a “I’m helping to build a cathedral,” said the third. to be discussion as to how this vision can be faith, designed and listed church turned into a reality. A vision without a task is constructed as places •• Developing I like this anecdote because it speaks to me of the a dream. A task without vision is drudgery. But of worship and the necessary importance of vision. The third stonemason was the two together are the hope of the world. We community. They are documentation able to life his eyes above the daily routine of his need to think and pray about the specific roles also a tangible link for faculty/ work to envisage the final result. His contribution that we can play in this process. Perhaps too with the past and are planning was a part of something much bigger and many of us are content to ‘cut the stone’ rather recognised as having applications together all of those involved in the project would than ‘build the cathedral’. national historic, •• Identifying produce something tremendous and beautiful – cultural and artistic funding sources a cathedral dedicated to the Glory of God. This is going to be a long process but a significance. for listed church journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single building projects I was reminded of this when I read recently step and I would encourage every worshipping As custodians of listed church buildings, many •• Understanding building fabric repair issues that the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona congregation in our diocese to pray about the parishes must balance the needs of their and prioritising repairs identified in a QI is finally due to be finished in 2026. The first contribution that you are going to make in this church community, their building’s needs report. stone was laid in 1882 and its architect, Antoni process of reconciliation. and the requirements of heritage For more information and contact details: Gaudi died in 1926 and is buried in the crypt. conservation. Helping parishes to lichfield.anglican.org/church-buildings-team/ His vision has been ‘caught’ by others who have We are working on a shared vision for our achieve this careful balance is the continued his work and taken his ideas forward. diocese to guide us during the coming decade. purpose of the Church Buildings This ‘Direction of Travel’ is a work in progress Development Officer, Kristina For ‘vision’ to be successful it has to be shared and there is much consultation, reflection and Williamson (previously DAC by others. That is why a good Mission Action prayer still to happen but it is already exciting Secretary). Plan needs to evolve out of a Parish Away and offers all sorts of possibilities. Day where all have had the opportunity to Kristina will offer help and contribute their ideas and suggestions. As Ann and I move on to the next phase of our advice in respect of larger ministry, we are thrilled that we are leaving a parish projects involving Our nation at this time is lacking in a clear diocese that is in such good heart and positive church buildings shared vision. Consequently people want to about future growth. We are less thrilled at of heritage value. go in their own direction and are critical and leaving so many wonderful friends but are really Specifically, she can help ungenerous about other possibilities. We have grateful for the privilege of being able to be those parishes whose to be honest and say that wherever we are in part of the journey and can only thank you for churches are listed with: the continuing Brexit saga, our nation has been your love, support and prayers. torn into shreds and it will take time before we From the Editor have a sense of being reunited. May God bless you as your vision enables you to build As we prepare to celebrate the coming Advent, check out local services and events in As a Church we have a role to play in serving not a cathedral but God’s of Emmanuel - ‘God With Us’, I hope your area on the A Church Near You website our communities by bringing people together Kingdom! you’ll have a few minutes to enjoy (achurchnearyou.com). And a very Merry to share their vision for the future and to help this edition of Spotlight. If you’re Christmas to you all! identify common threads. For example, as a Rt Revd Geoff Annas thinking of visiting church over grandfather I want my grandchildren to grow up Bishop of Stafford

Spotlight is publishedFollow by the usLichfield on Twitter Diocesan @Lichfield_CofE Board of Finance, Regular updates on our websiteSt Marys www.lichfield.anglican.org House, Lichfield WS13 7LD. 10 t: 01543 306292, e: [email protected] 11 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country in the footsteps of St Chad in the footsteps of Come follow Christ Everyday Faith trinitychurches.org/everyday/ Trinity Meole Brace. Tickets (£8) from www. Saturday 16 November, 10am-3.15pm - Holy Ludlow and Shrewsbury. returns hosted once again by the Bishops of The biennial Shropshire Churches Conference DIARY

greenhouse lichfield.anglican.org/ Book via 01543 622592 or Aldridge Parish Centre - 16 November, 10am-4pm at Expressions team) and David Cundill. Heather Cracknell (from the national Fresh With Bishop Michael, Michael Moynagh/ Learn how it works and to be involved. Greenhouse Launch

[email protected] lichfield.anglican.org/events events in the Diocese, visit events by email to Let us know about your For a full listing of For a full listing of

afterwards. Learn how to use it here! funeral and keeping up with the families steps leading to a wedding, christening or boost parish ministry, helping catch all the Imagine a simple bit of software that can Life Events Diary training

Thursday 9 January, 9.30am-4.30pm - Beacon Centre, Stafford. £20 - book via lichfield.anglican.org/LED2/ lichfield.anglican.org/selwyn2019/ 1.15pm, Lichfield Cathedral. More at Thursday 14 November, 10am- of Sheffield, Rt Revd Pete Wilcox. of our cathedral and current Bishop be given by former Canon Chancellor The annual lecture will this year change’ the challenge of climate 9.30am-12.30pm - St John the Saturday 30 November, national leader of New Wine. Fellowship) with Paul Harcourt, (Lichfield Diocese Evangelical Holding to Truth and Love and space: Genesis 1 -2 ST16 3RP. Free admission. Baptist Church, Westhead Avenue, Littleworth, Stafford ‘Human Beings in time Selwyn Lecture -

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