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New chief - 3 Act of faith - 4 New churches - 6 Spiritual battle - 9 GOOD NEWS ▲ FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Easter 2014: FREE Church pioneer - 10 Norfolk Who Cares? mission is ready to go

■ NORFOLK: Christians were trained for the sessions on how the mission will be conducted. After the data has been analysed, it will Who Cares? mission at the end of March, and are Advice was given on how to ask people the be made available to churches so they can now equipped to transform the lives of Norfolk question 'What hurts the most?', including role understand the responses and take action based people by listening and responding to their play of different situations and video clips of how on the needs raised. Examples of how to respond concerns. Over 150 people from Norfolk churches the conversations might go. include Alpha courses, sermon series to attended the training held at the King's Centre in Some churches might choose to leaflet-drop specifically address the top issues raised, Norwich on March 29 and 30. their local area - or approach people directly. pastoral visiting service and special events. Rob Delegates were guided through the two stages Some respondents may answer the question Tervet asked people to be thinking about creative of the mission: the Listening Phase whereby face-to-face, others anonymously through the ways to respond to the results of the survey. local people are asked the question "What hurts Who Cares? website. A softer way to answer the Rob Tervet and Toby Skipper of King's the most?" and the Responding Phase when question is 'What's the one thing in life you find Community Church, Julian Bryant of Tearfund UK, churches address the concerns raised in specific hardest to handle?' Ailsa Magee, from Newday, Lucy Parker, Ian and relevant ways. The key to this part of the mission is that it is Dyble from St Thomas' Church and evangelist Who Cares? project leader Rob Tervet, along the listening phase. The survey will be conducted Eric Delve also ran sessions. First female Dean with Julian Bryant and Lucy Parker led the between June 1 and August 2. By Helen Baldry of Norwich is appointed

■ NORWICH: The Queen has approved the Back from Brazil nomination of the Revd Canon Jane Hedges (above) as the next Dean of Norwich, the first female Dean in the Cathedral's 900-year history. Canon Hedges (58), who is currently Canon Steward of Westminster Abbey, will succeed the Very Revd Graham Smith who retired in September. to Norfolk mission Commenting on her appointment, Canon Hedges said: "My move from Westminster Abbey to the Deanery of Norwich will be both exciting the Eastern region. and challenging. I am particularly looking With the England forward to working with Bishop Graham and his Beckie has been managing the senior staff team and getting to know Chapter football team heading for coffee shop since January this year. colleagues and the community at the Cathedral Brazil this summer to The majority of the customers as we explore together how to take forward its play in the World Cup, are regulars which creates a ministry within the Diocese in imaginative ways. welcoming, friendly atmosphere. "Being part of the community at Westminster two Norfolk Christian But Beckie is keen to welcome Abbey has taught me an enormous amount missionaries have new customers and build up the about Benedictine spirituality and hospitality community. "It's a place that and so it is a great joy to be joining another travelled in the opposite welcomes all people in. People community where the Benedictine principle of direction after spending find friends here as well as a cup welcoming all people is at the heart of its life. My four years working in the of coffee," she says. family and I are looking forward to getting to Beckie says she would like to know people throughout the Diocese and to slums of Belo build stronger links with the exploring the beautiful countryside and coast of Horizonte where a very community: "The policy of the cafe East Anglia and to welcoming people to our is eat, drink, pay what you think, home in the Deanery." different world exists. which means everybody is The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Helen Baldry reports. welcome, whatever they can James, said: "I am delighted to welcome Jane afford." Hedges to be Dean of Norwich and look forward New developments planned greatly to working with her. Jane has a wide experience in ministry in parishes, a cathedral eckie and Dave Ward include include setting up a craft and most recently at Westminster Abbey. Jane is group where people can bring have spent the last four well known in the Church of England for the B year in Brazil with their along a project they are working quality of her pastoral and teaching ministry. two sons Gideon aged 15 and on or learn a new craft skill from “I am sure that she possesses the gifts we Josiah 17, working for Christian others. Beckie said: "It's about need at this stage in the life of Norwich development charity Youth With A friendship and creativity." Cathedral and the Appointment Panel was Mission (YWAM) in the favela – or Dave is now the area worker for unanimous in wanting Jane to be our next Dean. slum – of Belo Horizonte. the Congregational Federation in I look forward enormously to her installation on Beckie studied art and worked the East, which comprises 26 Saturday June 21. Jane and her husband Chris as a teaching assistant in Norfolk independent free churches in can be assured of a very big welcome to before working in Brazil so Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire Norwich and the Diocese." she used these skills in a local and Essex. Dave responds to Canon Hedges trained for ministry at Cranmer community centre where she whatever needs the churches have, Hall, Durham, in 1978, before women could be worked with children and visited which includes organising events, ordained as deacons and priests. She was made Beckie and Dave Ward back in Norwich. local families. She taught them fundraising and preaching. Dave a deaconess in 1980 and was ordained deacon Bible stories, organised sports and amount of work to be done. always faithful, perfect in every helps them reach out into their when the Church of England changed its laws to events. During their time away, the family way, beyond our understanding local communities. Before his stint allow female deacons in 1987. She was one of the first women to be ordained priest in 1994. Dave's work focused around faced language barriers, local riots and ever present with us through in Brazil, from 2008 - 2012, Dave She spent the early years of her ministry in adults in the slum, particularly and continuous requests from everything." worked for Youth For Christ and parishes in Fareham and Southampton before working with drug addicts and has a missional outlook on the people in dire poverty. "So much Now back in Norfolk, living in becoming Stewardship Adviser in the Diocese of work he does with a desire to love alcoholics. His work involved had been so different for us," she Dereham and attending Dereham Portsmouth in 1988. practical tasks such as taking said. Baptist Church, the couple people and show them Jesus. In 1993, Canon Hedges became Canon people to hospital and praying "But in all the fun, difficulties, continue working in Christian Beckie describes coming back to Residentiary of Portsmouth Cathedral, then with them. frustrations, successes, failures, ministries. Beckie manages the Norfolk as a chance to have a rest spent a further five years in parish ministry in the The work in Brazil was hard work, relaxation, enjoyment coffee shop at St Stephen's Church and reconnect with friends and Diocese of Exeter before being made Canon exhausting said Beckie and they and impossibilities, God never in Norwich and Dave works for family before refocusing to take on Steward of Westminster Abbey in 2006. were at times overwhelmed by the changes. He is always good, the Congregational Federation in new challenges. 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS GOOD NEWS That’s not all folks, says God of resurrection FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK ■ ■ Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is For many years, the name Mel Blanc has Rev Matt Easter is not just about the hope of living published by Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk. been associated with Warner Brothers Stone is a forever, as wonderful as that is. It's about Registered charity no 1141245. Looney Tunes. At the end of every cartoon, living for, with and in God - starting today and ■ Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk you'd see Bugs Bunny pop up and say 'That's minister in flowing into eternity. It's about spiritual resur- ■ Editorial (01508) 488318. e-mail stories to all folks!' – that was the voice of Mel Blanc. the Norwich rection! Jesus said to his disciples after his [email protected] or send When he died in 1989, Mel Blanc's family Area group death and resurrection, 'Peace be with you! copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, Wymondham put an inscription on his tombstone: 'That's As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' Road, Wreningham, Norwich NR16 1AT. all, folks!' of United And with that he breathed on them and said, ■ Advertising: Peter Barnes (01603) 743786 The question is: Is it true? Is death the full Reformed 'Receive the Holy Spirit' (John 20:21-22). ■ Distribution: Les Champion (01603) 402310 ■ stop at the end of the sentence of life? Is that Churches. Do you need a spiritual resurrection this Editor and designer: Keith Morris all, folks? Or is death a comma, a doorway to Easter? Has worship become a routine, ■ Regular writers: Peter Barnes, Kevin Gotts, the next part of God's eternal plan? The prayer a shopping list, church a frustration? Mike Wiltshire, Sandie Shirley, Helen Baldry, Jenny Seal, Les Champion. answer from the empty tomb on Easter Do you need a fresh dose of God's love, ■ Printed by Archant Print. Sunday rings loud and clear: 'no, that's not Sangster had his ministry, except prayer, joy, hope and Spirit? If so, the good news is ■ Churches, Christian organisations and all, folks!' painfully cut short by a disease which pro- that God offers us the greatest gift he could individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are However, Easter is not just about physical gressively paralyzed his body, even his vocal give us: the gift of himself. invited to send news, events and pictures which resurrection. 'Eternal life' is so much more chords. But on the last Easter Sunday he Jesus said: 'Let anyone who is thirsty come relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in social than just living forever. Many people worry spent on earth, still able to move his fingers, to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as action, community care and evangelism generally. about their physical wellbeing and future far he painstakingly wrote a note to his daughter: Scripture has said, rivers of living water will This will not only encourage those Christians more than they worry about their spiritual 'How terrible to wake up on Easter and have flow from within them.' By this he meant the involved in similar activities but also inform leaders well-being and future. no voice to shout, 'He is risen!' Far worse to Spirit, whom those who believed in him were in other churches who are contemplating similar The great Methodist preacher William have a voice and not want to shout.' later to receive.' (John 7:37-39). forms of outreach.

■ The deadline for material for the Celebrate edition is Friday May 2. Distribution is from Friday May 23.

■ While every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained Best is yet to come within are believed to be correct, the publishers involved in the Together for Jesus project, cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Rev David David Reproduction of any part of this publication Adams, one of and which organised March for Jesus, and later without permission is strictly forbidden. But Sandra became Unite. please ask as we are usually happy to oblige for Norwich's longest Adams. Over the past 25 years, David has helped a credit line in non-commercial situations. serving and lead many of the initiatives that have brought Christians together in prayer and worship most influential across the city, including three city-wide Praise ministers retired Pageants, Prayer in the Park in Chapelfield Gardens and the Global Day of Prayer. at the end of He said: "When Christians across the board March, aged 66. come together, particularly in prayer and out Now he and his of that anything else that God leads them into, then that is a very positive thing and a very wife, Sandra, are positive witness for the city." looking forward to The couple are retiring to Lower Thorpe where, as well as spending more time with how God will use their family, they are looking forward to how them in the God will use them next. David has joined the future. Jenny UK board of World Outreach International, which trains indigenous pastors for unreached Seal reports. peoples groups, but is open to exploring other things. Sandra said: "We are excited about what the Lord will open up for us. It could be support- n Sunday March 30, Rev David to do." ive work in the local church, but it could be Adams retired from leading Witard When David reflects on his ministry, it is something quite different. We are both in O Road Baptist Church, where he had always in terms of serving as a team alongside good health, so we are hoping that God will been the Pastor since the mid-1990s. his wife Sandra. The couple both grew up show us what that avenue is." David leaves the church, on the edge of the within 150 yards of Witard Road, became David said: "I feel it confirmed in my heart Heartsease estate, with an impressive, recently Christians on the same day and have been that this is the right time for us to go onto the redeveloped building with the capacity to married 45 years. Sandra has played a next phase of our lives. I hope to see that the provide conference and training facilities for significant role in the life of the church, best is yet to come for Witard Road however up to 250 people. But as he reflects on his time particularly sharing the pastoral visiting and good things have been, and they have been at Witard Road, it is not the physical improve- providing a sounding board to David. good. God has been really faithful in so many ments that David counts as his success. David said: "Sandra is the balancing force in ways. But God is still God, and the best is yet He said: "Several people have said to me: my life. I see the vision, I run towards things, to come and we move on with Him." 'what a wonderful legacy you've left', in the I don't always stop and consider. Sandra is the Paying tribute to David, Phil Thorne, Senior context of how the whole site has completely one who says: "yes, but…" However people Pastor of City Church, Norwich, said: "David been redeveloped. But that isn't how I see my would regard the fullness of the ministry that has been an active participant in city-wide legacy at all. we've had here, it would not have been any- events. He loved the thought of churches "I never came into ministry to build a thing like so full had we not done it together." working together and has remained commit- building. It happened because it was needed, While their training and early ministry took ted to meeting together in prayer and friend- and God opened up the way and provided for them to Texas and Kidderminster in the 1980s, ship. David is well loved and appreciated it. But my legacy, I hope, will be in the lives of the couple returned to Norwich in 1987 to right across the city. I, along with so many, many, many people who have seen something establish a Bible teaching organisation, Christ wish David and Sandra the very best in this more of Jesus because of what we've been able for England. It was then that David got next season."

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Paul Martin, ■ new CEO of news in brief The Matthew New Project. New pastor as church celebrates

■ NORWICH: Norwich Elim Church has a world double reason for celebration after marking a 50th anniversary and appointing a new pastor. The church, located on Trory Street,near Chapelfield Gardens, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in the current building. It has also recently appointed a new pastor, Rev for Adam James (pictured below). Adam follows in the footsteps of retiring minister Gerry Turner, who was at Elim for the past 17 years. Adam said: "Gerry's ministry has been greatly appreciated and he has left a wonderful church.” new Ipswich-born, Adam moved to Great Yarmouth to work with his father in the ministry, where he met his wife Rachel, before going to Bible College. In 2004 he entered the Elim ministry, first pastoring in St Helens and then Knottingley in chief Yorkshire. However, Adam and Rachel began to feel a stirring to move back to their roots last n the face of it, moving from an interna- staff as well as providing really good services - Norwich-based drug and alcohol September and consequently they decided tional development charity working in charity, the Matthew Project, has it is trying to balance those two elements. to move to Norwich in January this year to O isolated communities across the world "Our work is about support, advice and pastor Norwich Elim Church. to leading a Norfolk-based charity working in appointed Paul Martin, from empowerment. We also work with service Adam and Rachel have three young girls the field of drug and alcohol recovery might Missionary Aviation Fellowship users with more serious substance misuse issues and are excited about being back in Norfolk seems like two totally different worlds. including offenders and people who have and working for God. But for Paul Martin, his move from being UK, as its new chief executive. slipped into the early stages of addiction." he "I have a heart for the lost and long to see Head of Strategy & Communication, for MAF Keith Morris met him. said. the church come alive with the good news and UK, to being Chief Executive of the Matthew "For some it requires a more partnership love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Project does have a number of common threads. approach - a mix of people such as ourselves, Spirit," said Adam. "I hope to see the church Both are Christian-based projects, both aim to works with children with special educational the NHS, the criminal justice system and people in Norwich become even more of a light in the offer a mixture of help alongside hope and both needs, Paul was also involved in community who work with young people in terms of pre- community." have innovative, committed teams reaching out work with his local Baptist church and it is the vention. All of those professionals are coming Rachel is a freelance writer and author. to isolated communities. grassroots nature of the Matthew Project's work together to help a much wider range of people." www.elimchurchnorwich.org.uk "At MAF we served remote and isolated which was part of the attraction for him. The Christian background of the project is communities in far off Africa and elsewhere in "I wanted to do something more local in still key, said Paul: "Some of our staff are the developing world," said Paul. "Yet across terms of UK community," he said. "The Christians and some are not but they all tell Norfolk and Suffolk we have isolated Christian ethos stuck out for me and the non- me that they feel the Christian ethos is really communities and people in real unmet judgemental commitment which turns faith into important to them because they feel that the need too. I have been so impressed by the action for people and affects and helps change organisation cares about them and also they felt commitment, innovation and teamwork I have their lives. supported by their colleagues." seen so far at The Matthew Project to meet these "It is also an opportunity to lead an organisa- Paul is spending his first 100 days finding needs by working in strong partnerships." tion in times which are both very exciting yet out as much as he can about the issues that the After graduating with a science degree, Paul challenging for charities in the UK," said Paul, project addresses, getting to know its 130-strong has worked for multi-national companies and in who replaced former CEO Rosalie Weetman, "as team and its partners and understanding the the public sector, leading environmental and we can take a greater role in delivering vital services that it aims to provide: "Then I can public protection services and regeneration services across the community. consider where new needs will be and how we plans in Kent. "The staff I have met so far are pioneering can fund growing those services," he said. At MAF, Paul's role grew to encompass and very committed while facing lots of chal- As if that is not enough on his plate, the strategic planning, income generation, lenges. The Matthew Project is an organisation Matthew Project is celebrating its 30th marketing, supporter services and volunteer which has the right heart for the work and an anniversary with a skydive involving the management across the UK as well as almost insatiable desire to meet those needs and Bishop of Norwich in May. And in June there is developing the charity's work globally. do things in a better way. That also means that a 1930s Ball at Sprowston Manor Hotel. Moving from Kent with his wife Kaela, who part of my role is to protect and look after the www.matthewproject.org.uk 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Care centre is act of faith A unique he six-acre St Michael's Complex in North Norfolk heralded a national award- T triumph for its innovative mix of winning care health and social care, features a nursing home, health centre, pharmacy and complex in housing care scheme but at its heart is a Aylsham, which thriving Christian charity for spiritual is celebrating and practical support for all ages, especially the elderly. its second The centre celebrates its two-year anniversary, is anniversary in March and has helped inspire a new publication: Never Too testament to the Old - a ministry resource for older sacrifice and people, written by its chaplain after dedication of a years of experience working with this sector of the community. Christian father The ACT Centre (Aylsham and district and his Baptist Care Trust) is the vision of pensioner and pioneer Rees Coghlan. For nearly 30 minister son. years the active 89-year-old has been Sandie Shirley determined to share the love of Jesus in reports. the community. He particularly wanted older people to have continuity of care in their immediate vicinity so they could live independently for as long as possible. The million-pound centre has been the lead partner in the St Michael's Complex Rev Patrick which is helping to foster Rees' dream Coghlan out- side the ACT and was officially opened by the Duke of Centre in Edinburgh last October. Aylsham and, Rees' son, Patrick, a Baptist minister, inset, some of counsellor and prolific author, is the books he continuing to direct its Christian mission has written. as chaplain. He has been faithfully offering God's refreshment to those in including the local church community boules, dance classes to dementia care turnarounds that happened when the need for decades, believing he was and reaches out with a strong arm of support, church services to chiropody adjoining site was developed by a house inspired to continue serving others support to help ease physical and mental and table tennis to alcohol and drug builder. Under a planning decree it through an angel encounter 25 years ago health issues and personal and social iso- recovery are bringing personal empow- meant that unexpected access was when he was at a low ebb. lation explains Patrick. Wide-ranging erment to every sector of the community. granted to the 'social benefit' site and the The centre is manned by volunteers activities from counselling to carpet The ACT Centre with its counselling charity was paid the value of the land and conference rooms, purpose-built hall for the complex by the developer which and thriving café is attracting people went a long way towards paying for the throughout the week. The successful for- centre. mula involves working with local clubs, "After all that ACT has put into the societies and outside agencies and community over a number of years we includes hosting courses led by City are now seeing a harvest," says Patrick. College Norwich. All this goes a long It includes the provision of personal way to promoting health, well-being and support assistants who are trained at the diversity while paying for the running centre to help enable the elderly and costs of the venture. housebound live independently. The While Rees pioneered the vision in the assistants tackle domestic and household early days, Patrick watched its founda- tasks including shopping, cleaning, tional stirrings, catching the vision in cooking and visits to the GP as well as earnest as it received fresh momentum support with joining a club or activity. more than two and a half decades later. The centre also offers social outings and Its fruition has come through personal a voluntary car scheme for vital health sacrifice. The land for the complex was appointments. originally bought by Rees for his son, an "We prepared the ground, planted, aspiring horseman. As a young man, watered and weeded it but the miracle Patrick turned the rural acreage into an for its growth has been from God. It has equestrian and breeding centre with been like a 'Joseph' story with all the stables, grazing land, two riding components coming together. When the arenas and a selective horse breeding building was complete we dedicated it programme but five years later the back to God at a special service so that it venture folded because it was not viable. would be used for his work,” said Patrick turned to new things and the Patrick. land was rented out for grazing until the Neighbouring churches have vision received fresh impetus. developed a respect for ACT and its "It was quite painful that the practical witness and it has helped bring establishment did not work and the churches together. Nearly everyone sometimes I can still envisage it but I who comes here is moved by the warm, know that it says in Romans 8:28 that caring atmosphere. God turns everything to good," says "During the opening dad showed the Patrick who still rides horses and has Duke of Edinburgh around the complex written novels about them. and today he is still involved by sitting That Bible promise has since been on most of the committees and organ- more than evident. The land became ising lunch clubs outside the centre. He functional when a new plan was hatched also lunches regularly at the café with to provide an all-inclusive care complex. mum and both are enjoying independent Various service providers got on board living," says Patrick who lives next door when Rees donated the land towards the to his parents in Aylsham. scheme amid a succession of miracle www.aylshamcaretrust.co.uk NEWS Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 5

Young evangelist Church vows to fight starts in Norfolk ■ SOUTH NORFOLK: A 25-year-old rural evangelist has been appointed by the Diocese of Norwich in South Norfolk to enable, equip and encourage people in rural churches to back after hall blaze become more effective in sharing their Christian faith with others. Norwich church community has Jessie Walrond, who studied Christian vowed to fight back after a fire Apologetics at the Oxford Centre for Christian A devastated its historic hall in Earlham Apologetics (OCCA) has been appointed as a causing thousands of pounds of damage after a part-time Rural Evangelist to work with rural suspected arson attack. churches of all denominations within Norfolk. St Anne’s church hall, on the junction with Jessie said: "I feel like I've got my dream job, The Avenues and Colman Road, was engulfed its a privilege to be doing this work and I'm excited about what God's going to do!' in a fire shortly after 4pm on February 17, "At the moment I am just building relation- when suspect(s) broke into the premises before ships, getting to know people in and out of the starting a fire inside in a blaze that wrecked the church in the local areas, and making links with building and its contents. anybody else doing similar work. The building had survived the Second World "I've helped to start a mums and toddlers War and was even used as a temporary church group in our village Swainsthorpe, which is a after St Anne’s was bombed during the war. great opportunity to serve the community and But vicar of Earlham, the Rev Clare meet a Dowding, has been heartened by support from need, and the local community which has rallied around it's fun too! to offer help. I've met with She told the Evening News: “It is heartbreak- some others ing because it is a building that is used and who are also loved by people in the church, and also lots of passionate people in the community who use it for groups about linking and events.” up young But she vowed to bounce back after receiving Christians in support from the congregation and local rural areas, community. and equipping “These sorts of things happening are terrible them for but they can be a really powerful way of Pictured above is St Anne’s Church hall the morning after the devastating fire what they're demonstrating how communities work doing. We together,” Rev Dowding said. “One thing that the moment. hall for all their activities," he said have exciting has been really heartening is the community Rev Dowding said that she thought the Two teenagers have been arrested by Norfolk plans already to connect and support young support. I have spoken to a number of people building would have to be rebuilt because of Police investigating the fire. adults based in rural churches. asking how they could help and I’ve had lots of the scale of the damage. The boys, aged 13 and 15, were arrested on "Basically, I'm trying to find out what God's emails, texts and tweets.” Around 15 firefighters from three fire crews February 23 as part of enquiries into the fire at already doing here, and get involved. I believe The church hall was used by lots of took about half an hour to get the fire under St Anne’s. God loves the countryside as much as he does community groups, including mothers and control. The teenagers were questioned by police at the towns, and while ministry in these areas toddlers, and it is hoped that they can use Fire investigator Brian Walshe said: “It's Wymondham and released on bail until 15 is often a lot more difficult, it gives us the the nearby church and scout hut instead for devastating for the community who use the April while enquiries continue. opportunity to be creative! I'm excited to try new things, and encourage others to do the same. I honestly don't know how this will all turn out, but I'm trusting that God knows, and He's never let Norwich Diocese launches Open Churches guide me down yet." Jessie's work will include offering training seminars on apologetics and will involve collab- ■ The Diocese of Norwich has published the well as opening times. "Our church buildings are treasure stores orating with churches to inspire and support free 2014 Open Churches Booklet with The Bishop of Norwich, The Rt Revd from the past that are also treasures in the them in serving and reaching their communities interesting historical facts and weekday Graham James, said: "The great majority of present in the communities they serve and as for Jesus. Jessie will also be involved in helping opening times of over 500 churches in Norfolk our churches are open regularly on weekdays places in which the worship and praise of to create and sustain a network for young and Waveney, as an encouragement to as well as Sundays, so everyone can be God still takes place week in, week out." Christians (18-30 years) in rural areas. explore the treasures they hold within. confident of finding the churches in this The booklet is now available at Tourist If you would like to link up, please contact The booklet lists information about the booklet open, many with activities of different Information Centres, museums and libraries Jessie at [email protected] or on 07527 churches, and the communities they serve, as sorts taking place. and downloadable from the Diocesan website. 907712. 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 FEATURE New churches open do

In contrast to ife is set to be breathed "King's is one church in multi- already looking for a new venue Steve Hope outside back into St Peter's Church ple locations currently meeting in in the city when St Peter's reports of the former St Peter’s L on Park Lane in Norwich the city centre at 10am, at Mile became available," explained Methodist Church. declining church just a few weeks after its previ- Cross at 11am, and now at St Steve. "Mile Cross has been going ous Methodist congregation left Peter's on Sunday afternoons. for five years now and numbers attendances, to join together with Jessopp The same message will be are around 100 with good links three new Road URC to form a new local preached at all three services. to the local community and ecumenical project. "Doing church in this way council. churches have King's Community Church is enables us to have different "City West already has Small started services, set to launch its third site on services while drawing on the Groups in the local area and we or are set to Easter Sunday, April 20, at St resources of one church. At City would hope to grow them as Peter's, as the next step in its West we will have all the back- people join us for the journey. start, in Norwich vision to "build a church of 1000+ up and experience of the whole "The Methodist church have over the past followers of Jesus, serving the King's team so we won't be been very hospitable and offered city through multiple ministries doing it all by ourselves. us the hire of the main church few weeks. in multiple locations". "We aim to engage with the and hall on a Sunday," said Steve. Keith Morris The new City West site will be communities in the different "I think that they are pleased that led by Steve Hope and a team locations we meet in. At City it will continue to be used for reports. from King's, who will be joined West the Who Cares? initiative worship." by around 70 members from will be key, working alongside The Methodist congregation their City Centre site on King other local churches. At this stage has now joined with the URC Street in Norwich. They plan to we have no plans beyond that congregation at the nearby hold a regular Sunday afternoon but we will be looking at how we Jessopp Road after working with service at St Peter's from 3-5pm, can serve the local community." them for several years on various starting on Easter Sunday. On a typical Sunday, King's projects including an annual May Steve, who is also a project sees about 500 people attend its Day family event in Heigham manager for a TV company, has various services and counts its Park. been on staff part-time at the membership at around 450. Margaret Culley explained: King's Centre for the last "We will hopefully be taking "We have also been working three years helping with the 70-100 with us to City West on a alongside St Thomas' and St conferencing and business side Sunday which will also create Anne's Heigham on the May Day of the venue. space at our King Street venue event. Over the years it has Steve explained: "The service for more visitors," said Steve. "It grown and is eagerly anticipated will be suitable for all ages, can get pretty full on some by local families who have including families with children. Sundays during the year there. It come to expect a day of fun and It is not just aimed at those of will also be an opportunity for entertainment for all ages. student age. other leaders to emerge and be "This year the event will take released into place on Bank Holiday Monday, serving." May 5, from 11am until 4pm and "We were everybody is welcome." Cards ‘n’ Things International church launches Norwi

193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, ■ An international church, with its her life - The great King Solomon Norwich (on the Bull Roundabout) origins in Ghana, Africa, has just talks about life lived Under The launched a new branch in Norwich. Sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:3, 9, 2:11) Tel: 01603 485832 Victory Bible Church Living life under the sun is full of International (UK) launched a new vanity. But there is another life lived congregation in Norwich, on March Above The Sun. That is life lived in We have teamed up with Thorntons and 16 with the name VBCI Paradise heavenly places with Christ Jesus Way Sanctuary. The new church (Ephesians 2:6). Thus this house is offer their range of chocolates together holds its services in The Hewett going to experience the latter kind School, Hall Road, NR1 2PL in the of life; Paradise Way Sanctuary." with our great selection of greeting South Hall. The Senior Pastor of VBCI Victory Bible Church Paradise Way Sanctuary, Pastor cards, helium balloons and gifts. International began in Accra, Alfred Kpodo, said: "We are here to Ghana, in 1985 and over the past join in the good work being done 28 years has spread worldwide by many great churches in Norwich with membership in Europe, and Norfolk reaching many people Carpet, Rug and America, Africa and the Middle for Christ. VBCI Paradise Way East. The church was registered in Sanctuary is here to provide the United Kingdom (as Victory shelter for many who have lost Upholstery Bible Church International UK) in hope in life because of disappoint- 1993, as a general charitable ments, hurts and all manner of organisation with the UK Charity upheavals they have encountered. Cleaners Collins Carpet Care Commission. "We are a Charismatic church Its core area of operation is in offering people the chance of Clean and protect your carpets professionally the advancement of the Christian relevant Bible teachings, vibrant Free quotations... faith in the United Kingdom and praise and worship; opportunity to other parts of the world. Other dance before the Lord like King Have your carpets, rugs, upholstery and leather areas of activities involve the relief David danced. We also want furniture cleaned to bring them back to life and of poverty, sickness, famine and people to have the time to pray financial hardship through various more without ceasing (Luke 18:1- make them like new. practical means. 5) to receive life-changing 8 Peck Close, Bowthorpe, Norwich According to the Sector testimonies." Overseer for VBCI - UK Bishop The church meets on Sundays at 01603 744044 or 07754 805252 Clement Asihene: "There are two The Hewett from 10am to 12 noon. kinds of ways one can live his or www.vbci.org.uk www.collinscarpetcare.co.uk Pastor Alfred Kpodo, right, from VBCI in Norwich. FEATURE Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 7 New pastor for church

■ ATTLEBOROUGH: A packed congregation has welcomed a new pastor's ordination at Attleborough Baptist Church in South Norfolk. Pastor John Rose was ordained in front of a congregation of over 100 ors in Norwich people on February 15, some 28 years after he first received a sense of calling to the ministry. John and wife Judy came to Attleborough and the Baptist Church in 2006. The couple have two grown-up children, James and Jessica. Six years later he was called by the congregation to be their assistant pastor. Since then he was encouraged to seek formal recognition of his ministry, which was granted by the Eastern Baptist Association in November 2013. "It has taken over 28 years to have my sense of calling confirmed, and my deepest thanks are offered to my family and closest friends who have stuck with me through all the highs and the lows over so many years," said John. "Now, at Attleborough Baptist Church, we have a congregation of around 50-60 people and are primarily aware of God's purposes in all of this. We rejoice in all He is doing, which in part we believe is that of equipping us as a church, along with all other churches in the town, to face an Attleborough which seems likely to undergo significant expansion in the near future. By His grace, we will be ready to meet the challenge." www.attleboroughbaptistchurch.org.uk Pictured from left, Lindsay Howes, Leila Howes, Alan Howes, Gabriella Howes, Paul McHenry. Church with a difference

■ A new church with a difference launched out to the Round House community. Living in a new community centre in Cringleford Stones will be looking to attract believers near Norwich on Sunday March 23. from all over the county who desire the Living Stones Christian Fellowship is led same style of worship. by Alan and Lindsay Howes together with "Our format differs to most traditional Paul McHenry, who say that they feel a style churches," said Alan. "There isn't one calling to start a church fellowship group to person leading the worship, for example, reach the new Round House development but all have the opportunity to bring a in Cringleford, Eaton and beyond. song and play an instrument if they so feel "Just out of the blue one day it was as if led. There are opportunities for open the Lord said to us that He wanted us to participation to pray, bring a scripture, plant a new fellowship," said Alan. "How, revelation, tongue and interpretation and to when and where we had no idea, but as ask or comment on anything concerning we have prayed and sought the Lord the the teaching that is brought. And yet with doors of opportunity have been literally this openness of fellowship we encourage Planning ahead? ch branch swinging open." everything to be done decently and in We have a comprehensive range of pre-need funeral plans "We feel really blessed to have been led order as the Scripture commands," he 0800 0744361* Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm to the new Willow community centre in said. [email protected] Cringleford which is a fantastic multi- "We see two things as very important purpose centre with brand new facilities amongst many other things," said Alan; eastofengland.coop/funerals and is spacious both inside and out, with the teaching of the Word of God and the *Free from a landline, mobile changes can vary real opportunities to reach out to residents participation of all believers. and those living city-wide," said Paul. "It seems clear from scripture that the The name Living Stones comes from 1 early believers continued in the Apostles' Peter 2 v5 where believers, called living doctrine and that the whole church had the stones, are being built into a holy temple opportunity to participate. This is what or spiritual house. Living Stones wants to be known for. The "We feel very excited and challenged Holy Spirit needs to be active in both these and sense from God the expectancy things if indeed we are to be 'living' stones rising," said Paul. "We have not set up yet and not dead, dry stones," he said. 'another' Church because there is only Living Stones meets at the Willow one Church but we are just one of many Centre, Willowcroft Way, Cringleford, fellowships across Norwich. Even though Norwich, NR4 7JJ from 10.15am on we may have a different style and Sundays. emphasis, we always encourage fellowship www.livingstoneschristianfellowship.org.uk with others and been blessed to receive many well wishes from fellow believers and leaders around the county. “We have also met with Heather Cracknell, who is the Diocese of Norwich's first curate pioneer minister, and has Church venue established the Willow some excellent Centre. work reaching 8 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS New family join team leading Letton Hall

■ A new family is set to join the They bring with them a wide on to food sciences. Whilst the Illustration at NUA. She would love residential management team at experience in both residential and children were growing up, Gill to be a published author one day. Christian conference centre Letton youth ministry and will be a great acquired administration skills, which Archie is 16 and has completed the Hall in Mid Norfolk. asset to Letton Hall. allowed her to work from home, and equivalent of GCSEs in Australia In April, Bill and Val Crudgington After serving for 11 years in the in some of the very remote places and hopes to study Maths, Physics, will be retiring, after 11 years of Royal Air Force, maintaining aircraft that Jon found employment. Music and Product Design at A faithful and dedicated service at radar systems, Jon worked for The family, have just returned level. He is a very keen bass player Letton Hall and the team will be sad Norwich Youth for Christ for five from 4½ years in Australia where and loves mountain biking. to see them go. years and over the last 13 years Jon was working at an outdoor facil- Jon and Gill will work closely with The Letton Hall Trust have has worked for various outdoor ity run by a private school and Gill Danny and Alison Pritchard as a announced that Jon and Gill adventure centres, in Scotland and ran a canteen for a primary school. management team, to lead the work Horrox, together with their daughter Devon amongst other places. Mollie is 18 and graduated from at Letton and the Trust are excited and son, Molly and Archie, will be Gill's working background started High School just before leaving to see how the new couple will help The Horrox family, heading for Letton Hall. joining the team from late April. in hotels and catering, then moved Australia. She is hoping to study the future ministry of the Hall. Binding sticks act of spiritual unity

wo dozen Norfolk church pastors publicly T declared their spiritual unity with a symbolic binding together of sticks at a Prayer for Revival event on January 6. The symbolic act took place at Norwich Family Life Church and was based on a prophetic word taken from Quiet Day, June 14: God Keeps You - Reflecting on our everyday anxieties, and Ezekiel 37. Organiser, pastor Phil learning to release these fears into a deeper trust in God. Cost £12 Thorne, said: "Ezekiel's vision and prophecy applies uniquely to Israel, but there are certain prophetic principles we drew from it that we can apply to us across Norwich and Norfolk today. I believe this is the era to collectively shape our future with our words and connect with God's plan. "The call is for church leaders in this new era to step up beyond a theologically understood 'unity of the Spirit' into a theologically main- tained 'unity of the Spirit,' the The symbolic act of binding the sticks. kind that fulfils Psalm 133's commanded blessing - life Church Wymondham; Call to Daniel Holland, pastor of forevermore. Prayer, Norwich; City Church The Way Christian Fellowship, “The journey we, as the Norwich; Wroxham Rd Hunstanton, said: "There was church in Norwich and the Methodist; Norwich, a wonderful sense of the love region, have been on has over Sprowston CofE Parish of God and hearts drawn the last 20 years been very Norwich; Christ Embassy, together." beneficial, but with so much Norwich; Liberty Church Craig Deal, leader of talk of unity and togetherness Frettenham; Liberty Church Gateway Vineyard, Norwich, across the nation, we have a Bungay; NFLC, Norwich; said, "We are told that Jesus is great opportunity to see even Victory Villages Church, Nth returning for His Bride not greater things across this Elmham; Radical Church, brides, in His eyes there is one whole area. We could, Norwich; Rivers of Life, Church, all different, all doing through the momentum of Norwich; Burn, Norwich; different things and all sent to this prophetic action, see Cornerstone Church, Norwich; reach different people. The established a spiritual The Way, Hunstanton; NCBC, Church isn't in competition undergirding framework for Norwich; Firerunners, with each other, we are all those greater things." Norwich; St Stephens CofE; part of one church under The 24 sticks were bound Norwich, Mulbarton CofE; Tas Jesus." together as pastors stood Valley Team CofE; Bowthorpe Rev Nigel Fox, pastor of shoulder to shoulder in agree- Church, Norwich; Gateway Wroxham Road Methodist, ment with the declaration of: Vineyard, Norwich; Fakenham said: "The simple yet expres- Kingdom thinking and speak- Baptist Community Church; sive action of binding together ing: choosing to honour one Salvation Army Norwich of sticks for each church said another: speaking well of one Citadel. so much. Prayers were offered another: praying for each Other churches can add to bless churches represented, other: standing together as their stick to the bundle at any as well as those not represent- brothers and sisters. public meeting with a prayer ed, that they may be a blessing Churches, whose pastors of blessing and a declaration in all our communities. That added sticks, were: City of intent. has to be a good thing." NEWS Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 9

Majors Andrew and Ingrid Diaper-Clausen Majors back in city to lead Citadel Soldiers carried pocket ■ Soldiers carried pocket NORWICH: Norfolk is a special place for Majors Andrew and Ingrid Diaper-Clausen as they returned to the county last year to lead the Salvation Army Citadel in Norwich. Helen Baldry reports. scripturesscriptures intointo battlebattle Andrew has lived in Norfolk four times, on three occasions as appointments for the The new replica of the Active Service John's Gospel issued in the Great War and a soldier reading in the trenches. Picture by John Warwick Brooke/IWM. Salvation Army. Andrew and Ingrid were appointed in August last year. Andrew has s the British Army reached a peak of For many of the 100,000 men Chamberlain to commanding officers to be been an ordained minister for 22 years and four million men, an estimated 12,000 read out to men in the Services. from Norfolk who were caught up Ingrid for 21 years. They met at Salvation A Norfolk men died in the conflict, 6,000 The prayer, written in the name of Jesus Army training college. from the Norfolk Regiment alone. In some in the horror and carnage of Christ "who loved us, and laid down His life Andrew attended Thorpe Grammar, which cases, the treasured pocket Testaments were World War I, there was one item for us", began with the words: "Almighty is now Thorpe St Andrew School. He said: returned to grieving families back at home. that brought a measure of spiritual Father, I have often sinned against Thee. O "I've come back to the church where my The troops often used these Testaments as wash me in the precious blood of the Lamb of formative years were." tiny albums to hold pictures of loved ones. comfort and hope in life-or-death God. Fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, that I may This is unusual for officers in the Some soldiers scribbled messages - even their situations: a pocket-sized 'Active lead a new life. Spare me to see again those Salvation Army because they can be "last will and testaments" - on spare pages. Service' New Testament that whom I love at home, or fit me for Thy appointed to go anywhere. The couple have Inside the cover of the Testaments, presence in peace.' served the Salvation Army in Dundee, Bath designed to fit into the top pocket of thousands of soldiers took into In October, 1914, the Pocket Testament and, more recently, five happy years in uniforms, was a replica handwritten message battle. Mike Wiltshire reports. League gave out 400,000 New Testaments to Dereham. They have two children - Daniel, to the troops by Field Marshal Lord Roberts, soldiers on Salisbury Plain. The League was 16, attends City College and Sophie, 19, is saying: "I ask you to put your faith in God. founded by Helen Cadbury from the famous studying teacher training at university. He will watch over you and strengthen you. chocolate company. Helen became a believer Andrew said: "Our children were brought "You will find in this little Book: guidance in Jesus Christ at the age of 12, and later up in the Norwich area and we are very when you are in health; comfort, when you Thousands of chaplains were recruited to encouraged her Christian friends to distribute pleased to be back." are in sickness; and strength when you are in serve alongside the 5.4 million men from the pocket gospels - in time, the League gave The Citadel has a regular congregation of adversity." UK and seven Empire territories who fought away 110 million gospels worldwide. around 200 people. Andrew said: "It is a It has often been said of trench warfare that in France and Flanders (the Western Front); Today, most of the 700 parish churches of place where people feel they are welcome, "there are no atheists in foxholes," and there 956,703 men were killed in action. Norfolk still have a memorial to those who where they can encounter Christ and are many reports of men coming to faith amid From the start of the conflict, the SGM was died in the First World War. belong to a loving fellowship." the conflict, while others may have carried the inundated with orders for Scripture booklets World class composer Patrick Hawes has People identify with the practical pocket Testaments as a type of good luck on a scale unseen in the (then) 28 years of the been commissioned to write a major new approach of the Salvation Army, whether it charm. mission or the 138 years of the Naval and work for adult and children's choirs, solo be the well-known Toys and Tins Appeal, However, the Testaments also had a page Military Bible Society. soprano and chamber orchestra. This piece the soup run, or provision for lonely people for a "decision form" where soldiers could, Now, to help people reflect on this wartime will receive its world premiere at Norwich on Christmas day. Andrew said: "The doors and did, record their personal faith in Christ, landmark, SGM (now re-named SGM Cathedral on July 12. are always open and people do respond." based on the Bible promise that "as many as 'Lifewords') has developed a replica edition of The music celebrates the courage and faith Regular ministries include providing food, received Jesus, to them gave He power to the Active Service John's Gospel, for use in of nurse Edith Cavell, who was executed for clothing and furniture to people in need and become the sons of God, even to them who schools, memorial services and civic events. treason after helping Allied soldiers escape Andrew and Ingrid plan to maintain this believe on His name." (John 1:12). It contains first-hand stories and newly- occupied Belgium to the neutral Netherlands. focus on serving the community as they Millions of Testaments and gospel booklets commissioned artwork, but looks and feels It will be performed by the English review the outreach activities of the Citadel. were distributed by churches, chaplains, mis- just like the original Gospels that were Chamber Orchestra, soprano Elin Manahan The Norwich Citadel employs around 20 sion and social agencies and even local busi- distributed to soldiers a century ago. Thomas, the Sheringham and Cromer Choral people and they rely on a team of around nesses during the Great War. Scripture Gift During his military career, Lord Roberts, a Society, and students from international 100 volunteers. Andrew describes this as a Mission (SGM) alone distributed an incredible committed Christian and a leader much Britten Music Course. 'good mix': "We also truly believe that Jesus 43 million items of Scripture, including New admired by his troops, wrote a remarkable You can obtain copies of the SGM Gospel Christ has his hand on our appointment to Testaments and Gospels for British troops. prayer that was issued by Neville from www.sgmlifewords.com Norwich Citadel." BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING K.P. ELECTRICS NO JOB TOO SMALL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL WORK FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. AVAILABLE WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS FREE ESTIMATES. NO EXTRA CALLOUT CHARGE NEW ADDITIONS, REPAIRS AND EMERGENCIES. HANDYMAN SERVICES ALSO UNDERTAKEN FAST, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE

PLEASE PHONE GREG BRIGHT PLEASE PHONE 01603 744208 HOME: 01603 479216 MOBILE: 07814182940 MOBILE: 07770 921399 10 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Fresh approach to church

A national research he term 'Fresh Expression of report published in church' was devised by the 2004 T report Mission Shaped Church to January found that describe new churches, mostly within the Anglican Diocese traditional denominations, that are of Norwich has established appropriate to lifestyle and culture primarily for the benefit of those experienced a boom who don't go to church, either because in the rise of Fresh they have never been or because they Expressions of have drifted away or had a negative church throughout experience. Since 2006, 51 different fresh the past seven years. expressions of church have started in Jenny Seal reports the Anglican Diocese of Norwich meeting on at least a monthly basis with a total of almost 3,000 people attending. With this increase, fresh expressions now represent 10% of the churches within the Diocese. The report produced by the Church Army's Research Unit has given the Church of England reasons to celebrate as these new churches bring growth, attracting non-churched people as well as a younger population with over 40% of those attending aged under 16. While they necessarily come in all shapes and sizes, appropriate to the community they are seeking to serve, the report found that almost a quarter of fresh expressions in the Norwich to church but once they have children Diocese are Messy Churches. get very self-conscious. Messy Church These family friendly offers an alternative. It offers a space services featuring where they can worship together Above biblically-themed craft without worrying about noise levels. It Cringleford activities and a shared is noisy. It is messy. It is lovely." Pioneer meal can be found Andrea started a Messy Church in Mininster, Rev across the county September 2010 based in St Andrews, Heather Cracknell with congregations and, left and Eaton in Norwich where she is the reaching over 100 in right, examples of Children, Young People and Families' Dereham and fresh expressions Worker. The congregation meets Heacham. across Norfolk. monthly on a Sunday afternoon and Andrea Woods, Joint now has a core of around 35 people, free coffee. Upstairs in the church school and social activities. Her focus Messy Church Co- representing 8-10 families who don't do centre Xpressions offers activities and became exploring ways of enabling ordinator for Norfolk, any other form of church. worship for families with crafts, songs people to live well there and to create a is not surprised by how One challenge she admits is how do and stories based around a theme. The sense of community. popular and widespread Messy you disciple? She said: "For those theme is shared within the Xplore zone During the first few months she Churches are within the Diocese and families who started with us in 2010, which offers informal discussion and walked her dog around the develop- beyond. She said: "I think there are a how do we move them on in their faith? also a final Xplore Together session ment and invited anyone she engaged lot of families out there who want to go How do we say there is more to this using video or music prompts for those in conversation to curry nights at her than a fun family afternoon; it's exploring faith. house. There she encouraged her about God, and your walk and jour- Richard said: "In Xpressions Café neighbours to consider what other ney with God?" people choose what they will do or not groups they might enjoy. Since then she Andrea and her team are currently do. One of the things we love is that has started a host of activities including looking at ways to address this issue, partners can come and read the papers a book club, a culture club, a new a challenge that fresh expressions are and drink coffee while other family parents’ group as well as running commonly aware of. Indeed the members might be in Xpressions or one-off events such as wine tasting, a report found that 71% of fresh Xplore enjoying different activities. community art day and a picnic. expressions of church in the Norwich "We do not see Xpressions Café as a Heather now runs a website called Diocese are seeking to provide some stepping stone to 'proper church' but Cringleford Hub which acts as a local OPTOMETRISTS & form of discipleship. rather we are looking for ways to de- social networking site helping people In Norfolk, fresh expressions of velop it as church for those who come meet one another and start new groups. DISPENSING OPTICIANS church have been started in suburbs, and for ways in which we can help In March, after two-and-a-half years of housing estates, town and city people along a road of discipleship." working on the estate, Heather is now QUALIFIED ADVICE IN centres and 25% in rural settings, Almost 75% of the fresh expressions launching an informal, fortnightly all- ALL ASPECTS OF EYE CARE which have historically been in the Diocese use an existing church age worship event in the new school. deemed difficult for starting new building, perhaps because in rural loca- She explained: "This is about the CONTACT LENS CENTRE congregations. tions these are among the community's church serving the needs of the local In the Chet Valley Benefice, in rural main facilities. But what happens when community. For this place loving South Norfolk, Richard Seel and a community has no shared buildings? service means trying to help a ALL TYPES OF LENSES INCLUDING Alison Ball oversee a multi-faceted Rev Heather Cracknell was the first community spirit develop. In other DISPOSABLES FITTED & SUPPLIED event called Xpressions Café based in Pioneer Minister trained by the Diocese places it might look different to that, it All Saints, Chedgrave that has been of Norwich and is now a Pioneer might be more explicitly around issues going since 2007. On the first Curate serving the Round House Park of poverty. It depends on your context. TEL: NORWICH (01603) 626750 Sunday morning of each month, housing development in Cringleford "All of our contexts are really members of the community come with a remit to establish a fresh different so we need to pay attention 19 CASTLE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1PB and enjoy one or more of the expression of church in that place. and listen to what people need and then www.dippleconway.co.uk three different zones which are When Heather moved to the estate in do that, and do that because God loves simultaneously on offer. 2011 there were no community spaces them and because we love them and The Café Xpresso zone is a place to and people spent a lot of time in their because we want to be a positive, read the Sunday papers and enjoy a cars driving off the estate for work, shining light in their lives." EVENTS Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 11

Olive Leaf team is expanding its services Retirement means ■ NORWICH: Five years after may feel vulnerable "can find a real special sessions for parents with liberty for Barrie launching a successful community welcome and never be left alone, by children up to teenage years. project for young mums with babies offering ideas to help them stay Ultimately, she would like to ■ FRETTENHAM: Retiring from full-time work under a year old, as well as for happy, well and healthy," says Janet. arrange practical and inspirational implies entering a season of rest and relaxation. mums-to-be, the Norwich 'Olive The sessions at Hayman Lodge sessions aimed at men and women Not so for former dentist, Barrie Lawrence from Leaf' team is expanding its services. will run on Tuesdays from 10.30am where they can develop their Frettenham, near Norwich. With the support of In April, the service will be to 12.30pm. potential and share their talents in his wife Wendy, he is an author, sought-after extended to Hayman Lodge, a Olive Leaf calls on the help of many areas ranging from home speaker, traveller, president of a businessmen's modern community centre set in 70 volunteers and professionals who decorating and environmental walks fellowship chapter and a "de facto" leader of a acres of rural woodland at Catton are experienced mothers. The team, to crafts and keep-fit sessions. church. Kevin Gotts reports. Park, two miles north of Norwich city with a strong Christian ethos, "Many people wonder if they are The church called "Liberty" was founded in the centre. networks with agencies and getting enough out of life, so we aim family home; Barrie explains, "We responded to a The project is the vision of Janet authorities, to help meet the needs to be good neighbours and inspire clear vision for a new testament church, where Brenkley, who in March organised of young mothers and expectant others," says Janet. As a committed we take the Bible as the final authority of God, a Mother's Day fun event at the mums whether they are homeless, Christian, she is fond of the phrase: and being led by the Holy Spirit." timber-framed lodge to launch the unemployed, fighting addiction, "I'm not afraid of tomorrow because Barrie is very new sessions. without parental support or just I know God is already there." passionate about One of the distinctives of Olive wanting a helping hand. For more information on Olive what he does and Leaf, which was originally a mostly Janet, who is an energetic Leaf, email [email protected] or is keen that each church-based service, is to provide grandmother and a former lecturer call 01603 471067 Janet Brenkley. person within this a venue where young mums who in sociology, hopes to develop By Mike Wiltshire church recognises their gifting and call from God. “Opportunities are provided, creating a relaxed Get ready to Celebrate forum so people don't mind having a go." reparations for the video of the work of their church Remarkable Celebrate Norwich and or Christian organization that healings have been reported following the laying P Norfolk flagship event at they would like to be shown, or on of hands and prayer. The Forum in Norwich city centre ideas and access to other suitable Many of the core congregation of around 20 from June 13 to 15 are well films that can be shown publicly, people have previously been frustrated at the lack underway with news of a sold- please contact keith.morris@net- of opportunity for using their gifting in churches out exhibition, new deputy worknorwich.co.uk with details. they have attended. project director, youth event and A full programme of art, music Outreach services have attracted higher the opportunity for film and and entertainment is being organ- numbers and opportunities for church growth. video to be shown on a giant ized for Millennium Plain on And nearby Spixworth Methodist Church is now screen. Saturday June 14 and on Sunday rented for Liberty's Sunday 6.30pm services. Celebrating Community is this June 15 a celebration service Barrie has also self-published his second book year's theme and the Celebrate inside the Forum Atrium area is "A Dentist's Story". He writes of his early years exhibition inside the Forum has being planned. in Norfolk, social and clinical life in London, with already sold out with over two Project director, John Betts, amusing tales and traumas of life while running dozen Christian organizations said: "We are delighted that the country dental practices. His sense of God's and churches booked in. A few exhibition inside the Forum is presence and leading, with a personal spaces are still available outside now full and alongside that we relationship with Jesus underpins this life story. It is available from Easter 2014. and a waiting list can be joined in aim to offer a unique combination case of any late cancellations. of social action organisations, Meanwhile, the Celebrate team evangelism, resources, the arts has appointed a new deputy and local churches, all together at project director, Danny Doran- a major event, in the public arena. Smith, from ENYP, who will be "I am sure that we will once working closely alongside project again be able to celebrate, demon- director John Betts to arrange and strate and communicate the work 'The path to recovery…' co-ordinate this year's event. of the Norwich and Norfolk Can you help women with serious Danny, along with a team from Christian community to the tens drug and alcohol addiction to find ENYP and Engage, will be of thousands of people who visit their way to a new life? organizing a Saturday night the Forum every day." youth event, featuring Christian Exhibition and other enquiries rapper GuvnaB, on Saturday June should be directed to: Jenny Could you: 14 from 7.30pm St Stephen's Christian rapper GuvnaB who will be at the Celebrate Youth Event. Drake, Project Administrator, Become a volunteer? Church on Rampant Horse Street. Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk, 2 Support us in prayer? For more details and tickets (£2 Another innovation this year is screen due to be erected on Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 Consider giving a donation or £3 on the door), email: the opportunity for a programme Millennium Plain from mid June 2HX. Ring 01603 617905 or e-mail [email protected] or of short Christian videos and by the Forum Trust. [email protected] or regular contribution? ring 07599 544038. films to be shown on a giant If anyone has a high quality www.celebratenorfolk.co.uk Consider legacy giving?

To find out more about our work, or Christian Police to hold Norfolk conference to offer help in any of the above ways, please contact us ■ The Christian Police Association places to enable partners and chil- re-launch of the branch and for many the past four years. is to hold its annual national dren to attend, making the weekend churches now continuing to support There are plans to hold a work- at: 10-12 Stanley conference in Norfolk this year for family orientated and meaning a the work of CPA both in prayer and based Alpha course at force HQ in Avenue, Norwich, the first time in its 130-year history. well-earned break for many police practical support. Wymondham later this year and NR7 0BE, on It will be held over the first May officers and staff with their families. "The weekend is being supported courses will be held elsewhere for 01603 439905 or Bank Holiday weekend at Belsey CPA Eastern Region coordinator, with three different churches provid- staff as required. [email protected] Bridge conference centre in Rachel Foster, said: "The Norfolk ing music ministry on each of the The conference is open to any Ditchingham with delegates branch of the CPA is hosting the three days and a full programme of who are interested in the work of attending from England, Scotland, event just four years after the branch children's activities all day Saturday." CPA and details can be obtained www.hebrontrust.org.uk Wales and Northern Ireland. The was re-launched. The branch is The Norfolk branch, led by Sgt either from CPA Eastern Region theme of the weekend is Rest and indebted to the Network Norfolk Marie Reavey, has established Coordinator, Rachel Foster at Fellowship based on Psalm 37:7. website for its assistance in getting prayer groups and CPA reps in many [email protected], or Thanks to the generosity of churches across the whole county to areas across the constabulary and from CPA Head Office. Tel 01234 Snellings there will be subsidised become involved in praying for the the ministry has steadily grown over 272865 [email protected] 12 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Easter 2014 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Supporting youngsters in need

social care level 3 BTEC diploma. She ■ case studies has a clear idea of her future. “I eventually want to become a social ■ One of the young people whom Cathy worker by going to university and working and Rob have supported is Steph, aged my way up through the ranks,” says Steph. 17, who was forced to leave her family Steph can now look forward to the home because of constant arguments with future and would like to stay with Cathy her guardian. and Rob until she finishes her course. The YMCA Norfolk Supported Lodgings “I am settled in here and I like it when staff assessed Steph, to understand all of there are other people around, I am a her needs and through a careful matching very social person and I would not want to process, arranged for her to meet the be on my own. Being here allows me to couple. open up and show something of who I Steph felt immediately at home and am as a person.” arrangements were made for her to move ■ Monica, aged 23, also lives with Cathy in. and Rob. She was living with a so-called “I have been here for almost two friend in Norwich who was taking months now and it is so much easier than advantage of her by charging a lot of at home. I am back in contact with my money for her to share a room. guardian and her children now and I visit “I contacted the council, who contacted them occasionally and we can spend time the YMCA,” said Monica. “They found a together and not clash anymore. I’ve place for me with Cathy and Rob, where I become more confident and much happier have been for the last six months. They in myself.” are nice people and I have a nice room. I Steph is at college two days a week, work as a hotel cleaner and I am studying placement one day, she attends climbing, hospitality and catering at City College. singing and drama clubs at the Open Now my mind is occupied and not just full venue and is studying for a health and of negativity.”

Cathy and Rob Robinson, centre, with Monica, left and Steph, right. athy, a former care assistant, and Rob, a It was when they discovered CAN YOU HELP retired car mechanic and now full-time C artist have, over the last ten years, that one of their daughter’s TRANSFORM welcomed literally scores of homeless young people with nowhere else to go, into their friends had been sleeping YOUNG LIVES IN modest city home. on the floor of a garden shed “Our daughter Della told us that one of her NORFOLK? friends was sleeping on the floor of somebody’s that first prompted Norwich shed with no bedding, no blankets, no couple Cathy and Rob Would you like to support nothing,” explains Cathy. “Della was feeling bad and so we said he could come and sleep in Robinson to find out more YMCA Norfolk? one of our spare bedrooms for a while. It was then that we noticed an advert for the YMCA about the YMCA Norfolk ■ Do you have a heart for young Norfolk Supported Lodgings scheme and we Supported Lodgings people? have not looked back since. Rob said: “We have three spare bedrooms scheme. Keith Morris ■ Do you have a spare room in your since our own children moved out and we love reports. house? having young people around. It is fun and they help keep us young and active.” ■ Do you want to receive up to £120 The Robinsons provide a home and an to have young people about who you can chat tax free a week? individual bedroom for a minimum period of to and talk about all kinds of things with. three months up to two years. The idea is that Some of them come back and visit and tell how Supported Lodgings during that time the young people feel they are getting on. One has gone on to be a equipped for independent living, by experienc- hairdresser and is looking at setting up her own We are looking for fantastic people to ing a family home, budgeting, cooking, wash- business, another became a care assistant and help equip young people to gain skills ing and feeling more confident to make positive some go back to college." and grow in confidence to take on their life choices. Supported Lodgings Acting Manager, own tenancy and live an independent life. Rob said: “Their rooms are their own space Grahame Sheeran said: “The young people and they are responsible for them. They look often come from a crisis situation where they We need people who are owner- after themselves and we can have more of an have been at risk. What our providers offer is a occupiers, council tenants or renting equal adult relationship with them as they feel safe, warm, long-term secure environment, with privately and who are prepared to offer a more comfortable. They let us know when they emotional and practical support. In everything temporary home to a young person are in or out and what they are up to. We are we do, the safety and welfare of young people across Norfolk. helping to prepare them for independent living. and our providers is paramount and the process “We have full 24-hour support from the of risk and needs assessing is thorough and You won't be alone in this as YMCA YMCA, so in many ways you don’t have to restorative. It’s a crucial service that enables Norfolk will help by providing training worry,” said Rob. “The support worker will young people to develop their skills and and regular support. bring the young person around to meet us first experience appropriate family life. It gives and see the room and if we think we can get on young people a safe, secure platform to make connecting people with places with each other. But if, very occasionally, it positive life choices and go on to be confident, doesn’t work out then the support worker will independent individuals." sort it all out.” If you have a spare room in your home and So why do they do it? Cathy says: “We don’t would be prepared to open it up to a homeless like the idea of homeless youth and it is the young person, you could receive up to £120 a We know you will have questions, so visit www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk/questions feeling of satisfaction when they move out and week. ■ or contact Grahame Sheeran, Acting Housing Manager. Tel: 01603 621263 ext 118 or get their own place and are doing really well – If you would like to find out more please email [email protected] that is the real reward – though we do get paid contact; Grahame Sheeran, YMCA Norfolk something for doing it.” Acting Manager on: 07436106534 or email: www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk Rob adds: “If you are living in a big house [email protected] or visit and rattling around in it, then it is ever so nice www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk/supportedlodgings YMCA Norfolk registered charity 801606 Printed by Archant Print, Thorpe Print Centre, Norwich