TheWay The FREE newspaper of the Church in Cumbria – Spring 2020

In the footsteps Mother tells of of Saint Kentigern heroin tragedy PAGE 3 PAGE 6 PRAYER FOR ALL

As we come together across Cumbria to face the coronavirus pandemic, so you are encouraged to hold the prayer below in your hearts...

Loving God, as your Son healed the sick And brought good news to the needy Be with us this day. Loving Jesus as you taught us to ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you’ Be with all the medical staff this day. Loving spirit, your gift is healing,

Bring your healing fire to P I our homes, our hospitals and C T U

our county, R E :

But most of all, be with us J O

this day. Amen N N Y

CUMBRIA ECUMENICAL G I SPIRITUALITY GROUP O S 2 The Way, Spring2020 www.carlislediocese.org.uk INSIDE THIS EDITION Messages of hope For the first time ever, and in response to national guidance relating to coronavirus, this edition of The POLITICIAN Way will not be printed; instead, it is being offered as an online edition only. Please encourage as MP Tim many people as possible to visit the link to read the stories contained in these pages. As this edition was Farron completed, so the situation around the pandemic remained a fast-changing one. Some of the dates for on faith advertised events and courses may understandably change. PAGE 7 This page contains messages from all four of the county’s partnered ecumenical leaders as churches GLOBAL REACH face up to an unprecedented national and international crisis... Local roles in international The Rt Rev James Newcome, charity The Bishop of Carlisle

PAGE 12 THE coronavirus pandemic is in one sense a Rev Martyn Coe, disaster. It has led to a climate of uncertainty, Co-ordinator: confusion and fear unprecedented in my lifetime, United Reformed COMMUNITY and has already caused many to lose their jobs, their homes – and even their lives. Church Cumbria Chaplains But, at the same time, it has prompted an outpouring of care, compassion and creativity on Partnership on the a scale which I have found deeply impressive streets and heartening. Churches all over this county A GOD of the good times have been working on ways of ‘doing church would be like a fair-weather PAGE 13 differently’ now that (for the moment) public friend. worship has ceased, and on-line communication Psalm 93 reminds us that has really come into its own. (I do recommend for ‘key workers’ as well as those most at risk from God is ever present. CONTACT US the ‘Fresh Expressions Cumbria’ Facebook the virus. I suggest too that many who would not “It is good to give thanks to page for ideas.) call themselves ‘Christian’ are being challenged to the LORD, think carefully about their priorities – their purpose – EDITOR & They have also been developing ways of to sing praises to your name, and what really matters most in life. ADVERTISING: caring for and supporting the most vulnerable O Most High; Dave Roberts members of our society, and showing that the So, please keep on praying – caring – and to declare your steadfast Church is still at the heart of the communities we meeting ‘virtually’ while this pandemic continues: love in the morning, Tel: 01768 807764 are there to serve. and perhaps re-read Romans 8.35-39 which and your faithfulness by Mobile: 07469 153658 In particular, churches across Cumbria are speaks powerfully to the situation in which we night.” Email: communications@ praying for the sick and lonely, for NHS staff and find ourselves. God is with us even in the carlislediocese.org.uk hardest of times. In Jesus, Godself lived on earth and so The Way is the newspaper of the Church in understands joy and love, Cumbria. It is produced in partnership between the Church of England Diocese of Major Roger Batt, The Rev Dr James Tebbutt, grief, confusion, sadness and Carlisle, the Methodist District of even anger. Cumbria, the United Reformed Church in Divisional Commander of the Chair of the Cumbria District In these changeable, even Cumbria and Churches Together in Cumbria. Through Churches Together in Salvation Army of the Methodist Church scary times, may we find the Cumbria, we ensure coverage of and strength and resolve to praise distribution to the Roman Catholic, God, and care for one another Salvation Army, Quakers and independent THE sudden, RIGHT now we are extensive, and never in the knowledge that God churches. The editorial team is made up hearing from all kinds of representatives from across the really expected understands and loves us. of people such phrases denominations. disruption of the Let us praise God for all The purpose of The Way is to reflect the as: ‘We are facing un- Church in Cumbria to itself and to our coronavirus pan- those who continue to work precedented days’, demic has affected communities more widely. ‘We are navigating our keeping society going and We do not seek to promote any and constrained us particular theological viewpoint, but rather way through uncharted caring for those who are ill. all, reminding us that May God’s peace be with aim to stimulate debate by featuring writers waters’, ‘We are facing our lives and usual from a variety of church traditions and from a time of great concern you, and may you be a bless- society more widely. assumptions are ing to friend and neighbour. While we are happy to consider and uncertainty’. more precarious unsolicited submissions, we operate All these outpourings than we like to largely on a system of commissions and do come from the heart remember. not guarantee to publish any materials and we all need to received. The crisis can The views and opinions of contributors engage with the reality reveal the worst in each of us (the selfish and advertisers do not necessarily reflect and consequences of such utterings. the views and opinions of the partners. panic buy), but also the best, as recent But as a Church right now we need to be divisions pale in a shared concern to take The publisher takes no responsibility heard uttering – no, I should say actually for losses arising from information in care for and of one another. Not least, we advertisements in The Way. declaring – the authority of God’s Word over our deeply appreciate those who are doing their communities. best for us. Words such as this from Psalm 23 (The Pas- In it all, faith again finds its place, that trust sion Paraphrase): “Even when your path takes in the God who loves all, who is at the me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear bedside of the one struggling to breath; who The Way will never conquer me, for you already have weeps when we weep; who knows our fear me! and our frustration; who holds us all, longing “You remain close to me and lead me for us to come through and to flourish, more Newspaper of through it all the way. Your authority is my kindly, more lovingly, more fairly, more strength and my peace. The comfort of your united than we were before. May God be love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for with us all. the Church you are near.” in Cumbria www.carlislediocese.org.uk The Way, Spring2020 3 SAINT LEADS THE WAY n Minister maps out new pilgrims’ route linking churches that honour Kentigern

By Dave Roberts

IT WAS a crisp winter’s day when the Rev Prof Stephen Wright stepped out on the first leg of a new pilgrimage he’d felt called to map out in honour of Cumbria’s ‘pa- tron saint’ St Kentigern. Setting off from Mungrisdale parish church he couldn’t help but notice the small robin which hopped along beside him for a few seconds. It was a fitting walking companion. Stephen, who is an inter-faith minister, laughs: “The robin is a symbol of St Kentigern and so I thought to myself, ‘Well, someone is clearly speaking to Stephen Wright: ‘I became almost obsessed with Kentigern’ PICTURES: DAVE ROBERTS me here’.” The pilgrimage around of Carlisle and the Cumbria Cumbria’s northern fells is the coast so it covers all kinds of subject of Stephen’s new book terrain. TheKentigernWay,ALifeand “It’s been wonderful to be LakelandPilgrimage. able to create this pilgrimage, It takes readers along a route one which, although based connecting churches named in around Christian sacred sites, is honour of the sixth-century open to people of all faiths and saint while also providing an none to walk and explore the historical backdrop to both the countryside and their own rydal hall saint and the region, and spirituality.” hospitality | tranquility | spirituality exploring what pilgrimage is. The book and pilgrimage Prayers and reflections are also complement Stephen’s provided throughout each work as founder of the stage. Kentigern School, which “Ever since I moved to supports those people who Cumbria, I’ve been fascinated are interested in exploring by Kentigern,” Stephen the contemplative way and explains. their relationship with God. “His story grabbed hold of He explains: “The pilgrimage me, and I became very aware of very much fits in with the his influence here in Cumbria. contemplative way. He’s as close to being our patron saint as anybody. “Contemplatives are people who tend not to cluster, who “I had no interest in Chris- enjoy solitude. tianity when I first moved here Tranquil: The church at in 1996 and I didn’t start going Mungrisdale is one of “They’re looking for that to church until 2004. several in Cumbria direct route to God and I’d say “But, from the time I arrived dedicated to St Kentigern that a pilgrimage really offers in the county, I became almost that opportunity.” obsessed with Kentigern; I The pilgrimage and the new The book also includes a didn’t know where this impulse book are the culmination of foreword by the Bishop of came from. more than 20 years of careful Carlisle, the Rt Rev James “I’ve been so heavily research into the life of Newcome. influenced by this man about Kentigern. In it, he writes: “I challenge whom so little is known, yet The 90-mile route is split anyone not to be inspired and who was such an important into nine stages, linking intrigued by the thoughtfulness figure in the early Christian churches connected with St and love that have gone into church. Kentigern in places such as researching and producing “I’d visit places that were Mungrisdale, Caldbeck, this unusual and compelling associated with him and I found Aspatria and Crosthwaite, near work.” myself acquiring more and Keswick. n TheKentigernWay,A more material about him, Stephen, who is also a trustee LifeandLakelandPilgrimage visiting churches for prayerful and spiritual director of the is published by Wild Goose reflection about this man and, Sacred Space Foundation, adds: Publications and is available at along the way, meeting some “It’s a route which takes in the a special offer price of £8.99 lovely people.” beautiful northern fells, the city from www.ionabooks.com. 4 The Way, Spring2020 www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk By The Way Hope to follow ‘Julie’ Raising awareness I REMEMBER ‘O Jesus I have promised’ from my Confirmation and from school assemblies but it sticks in my mind for another reason. One boy in our class was friendly with a girl named Julia. When we sang the words ‘My hope to follow duly’ (Julie) all the boys would of domestic abuse point, cheer and embarrass this poor lad. David Pendlebury, The Parish Church of St Paul, Grange-over-Sands n Team helps RESIDENTS will be saddened to hear of the death of the Rev Peter Hayward, peacefully at train clergy and his home, and after a short stay in the Cum- berland Infirmary. Peter and his wife, the late Joyce, moved to Allonby around 20 years ago, pastoral workers to be near family and with them their son Richard. Appropriately, for a Church of England minister, the house they chose as their retire- By Dave Roberts ment home was a former Wesleyan chapel. Allonby Beachcomber Monthly Village Newsletter “OVER the past 10 years we have trained hundreds of OUR 2019 shoe box campaign has been a great success, thanks to the generosity of so clergy and pastoral workers many who gave money, goods or even filled in this county, of all deno- their own shoe box. We completed 117 shoe boxes – passing our 100 target… By the time minations and free churches, you read this, the boxes along with some on how to be more aware of lovely knitted blankets will be in Romania, and domestic abuse.” distribution will be well under way. The Rev Eleanor Hancock Iris Diggle, The Stricklandgater, Newsletter of the Stricklandgate explains how she and a small Methodist Church, Kendal team, working through Churches Together in Cumbria, have been THIS February, Upper Eden Community First tackling domestic abuse. Responders (UECFR) celebrate 10 years sup- And it is an issue which also porting residents of the Upper Eden Valley by affects Christian communities. In Eleanor Hancock: ‘Domestic abuse is very prevalent in rural areas’ DAVE ROBERTS attending medical emergencies. Members of the team undertake training and assessments 2018, researchers from Coventry by North West Ambulance Service University and the University of paramedics. This includes recognising signs of Leicester asked 438 churchgoers a stroke and a heart attack, how to perform in Cumbria about their experi- WHERE TO TURN TO FOR HELP CPR and the use of a defibrillator. ences of domestic abuse. The Parish News, The Parish of Kirkby Stephen findings were published in a LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby report, InChurchesToo:Church n Victim Support Cumbria – ResponsestoDomesticAbuse. 0300 303 0157, 8am-6pm Mon-Fri; I AM looking forward to all that the [Mothers’ 08 08 16 89 111, daily, 24 hours; Union] central chaplain role brings, to being One in four of the churchgoers website: https://www.victimsup- able to support the work of local branches, experienced at least one abusive port.org.uk/help-and-support/get- both here and around the world, and to pray act in a current relationship, help/support-near-you/north-west/c for the members and their ministries. It is such mirroring domestic abuse in the umbria a joy that the MU is so strong in Cumbria. wider society. Of the respondents, n Turning the Spotlight. A Bishop Emma Ineson, Mothers’ Union News 71 per cent were aware of domes- countywide project supporting families experiencing conflict, Last year began with one of the driest winters tic abuse in their community but only two in seven churchgoers violence and abuse. Contact in my Scotby records. December 2018, Jan- Laraine Carr on 07919 393 311 or Resources: An international Christian alliance called uary and February 2019 make up the winter considered their church to be at turningthespotlight@ period and all had much lower than average Restored has released A Handbook for Female Christian adequately equipped to deal with victimsupport.org.uk rainfall, making the winter the third driest I a disclosure of domestic abuse. Survivors of Domestic Abuse, have recorded. However, that was more than compensated for by the very wet summer. It is that latter figure which NATIONAL HELPLINES Eleanor and other members of the n 24-hour National Domestic 0808 802 0300 www.victimsupport.org.uk Anne East, Pow Maughan, n n The Magazine of All Saints’, Scotby and training team are committed to Violence Freephone Helpline - Respect phoneline - 0808 802 Stalking and personal safety - 0808 2000 247 / helpline@women- 4040 / [email protected] www.suzylamplugh.org St John’s, Cotehill with Cumwhinton addressing. n n “Domestic abuse is very preva- said.org.uk Action on Elder Abuse Economic abuse - n National phoneline for men Helpline - 080 8808 8141 / www.survivingeconomicabuse.org BY the time you read this, Lent will be upon lent in rural areas,” Eleanor adds. n us. You may have already given something up, experiencing domestic violence and www.elderabuse.org.uk Domestic violence and sexual “People are far more isolated and abuse - 0808 801 0327 / www. n The Revenge Porn Helpline, assault - www.uksaysnomore.org or taken something on, but if you haven’t why n not find out more about mindfulness, be it that makes it even easier for the mensadviceline.org.uk / info@ Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, excluding Men, young people and per- Christian or secular in nature, and make it perpetrator and harder for a victim mensadviceline.org.uk bank holidays - 03456 000 459 / petrators - www.respect.uk.net part of your daily routine, as a means of re- to access support. So, in this n Freephone national helpline www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk n Legal help - capturing the joy of life and keeping the situation, I wanted to see how we for LGBT+ domestic abuse victims - www.rightsofwomen.org.uk human tendency to worry under control. as churches could help and offer 0800 999 5428 Mon, Tues and Fri OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES www.ncdv.org.uk Nigel Davies, Skelsmergh, Selside and 10am – 5pm; Wed and Thurs 10am– n Domestic abuse – n Men’s Advice Line - support to victims and their www.womensaid.org.uk www.mensadviceline.org.uk Longsleddale Church and Community News children. There’s a church or 8pm / [email protected] / www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse www.refuge.org.uk n Report a crime anonymously - GREYSOUTHEN WI. Liz, originally from the chapel in every community so we n National Stalking Helpline - www.safelives.org.uk www.crimestoppers-uk.org west country, gave us a reading of a couple of can be there to help.” Pam Ayres’ poems which are quite amusing. She began to take a lead on the She also brought a book of poems by a local issue in the early 2000s, while Let Go project, which was set up period. But then it starts all over cal issues on training days. What Cumbrian lady, some of which are in Cum- training for curacy and also sitting brian dialect and also quite amusing. I have to initially to raise awareness of again, and gets gradually worse. is it that we do and say in church say her Cumbrian accent wasn’t quite as as a member of the local Proba- domestic abuse and provide support “We look at what could be the that can help or hinder somebody accurate as the Devonshire one! tion Board. Her next-door neigh- for victims and their families in causes of domestic abuse and the who needs our support?” St Bridget’s Parish News bour at the time was a lady who rural parts of Carlisle and Eden. myths that it is caused by, for Eleanor and the Churches ran Carlisle’s women’s refuge and “Our training runs for a full day example, alcohol, the weather or Together team plan to continue OUR archbishops, ++Justin and ++John, are en- Eleanor identified a need for and looks at what constitutes mental health issues. It’s important their cross-denominational work couraging us this Lent to engage in caring for our further chaplaincy work. domestic abuse, why people stay, to remember perpetrators can be in liaison with the Diocese of creation. They have said this is an opportunity At the same time, she drew and the idea of power and con- different with other people; they Carlisle and Cumbria Methodist for us to rebuild our relationship with our planet, and in turn with God who is Lord of everything. alongside Helen Boothroyd, then trol,” Eleanor says. “We explore choose to abuse those closest to District, and are looking at other Alison Riley, the social responsibility officer for patterns of behaviour: generally, a them. Domestic abuse in a family ways to raise awareness and equip Parish Magazine for Gosforth and Wasdale Churches Together. They, and a perpetrator is abusive, apologises home will also affect any children. churches to support victims and few others, teamed up with the and then there’s a honeymoon “We’ve also explored theologi- their families across the county. www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk The Way, Spring2020 5 ‘Holiday club’ with a twist n Vicar takes kids’ event and turns it into gathering for older people

By Dave Roberts “I COULD give Andrew a big hug,” June Proudfoot laughs. “We’ve all been made to feel so special. It’s been a wonderful experience.” June, a member of St Peter’s Kingmoor, is referring to the Rev Andrew Towner, the vicar of Houghton and Kingmoor in north Carlisle. He is the brains behind a church ‘holiday club’ for older people which has just been held for the first time. June was there every day it ran – with more than 50 others. Andrew explains: “We hold a hugely successful holiday club for children at the end of August each Clockwise, from above: Dozens attended the Holiday at Home club at St John’s, Houghton; the Rev Andrew Towner with year. We get more than 100 people along and it’s fantastic. But it’s organisers Cathy and David Ross; club-goers enjoying the activities DAVE ROBERTS been on my heart for several years ‘virtual tour’ of Lake Galilee have anything to look forward to,” Post Office and talking about it at good number of folks come along that we do something similar for through Bible sessions and arts Andrew explains. “So one answer church and the Mothers’ Union. every day and there have been older folk. and crafts after lunch. is to put on an event like this which We wanted to reach out to as many very positive comments which is “I was desperate to make it Run on Monday, Wednesday they can positively engage with.” people as possible and we have got encouraging for all the team.” happen so that we, as churches, and Friday, there was also a spe- The organisation of Holiday at some people here who don’t go to That is reflected in comments could bless all these people, many cial ‘Holiday at Home’ celebration Home was overseen by Cathy and church. That’s great to see.” from St Peter’s congregation of whom are dear friends.” service the following Sunday. David Ross, both members of St There are plans for Holiday at member Jean Morris who adds: “I The ‘Holiday at Home’ club was Organisers specifically chose to Peter’s. The couple, who also run Home to become an annual event, would not have missed it for developed over six months with run it over a week in January. the church’s Lunch Club, co-ordi- a suggestion which has been anything. My biggest hope is that invitations then sent out. It ran Research suggests it is a time of nated a team of 23 volunteers. welcomed by those who have people’s hearts will have been over three days at St John’s, year when people can feel the David adds: “There’s been a real benefited from the gatherings. touched by what’s gone on here Houghton. The format included most isolated or lonely. team effort to get to this point. We Mick Shaw, who helped as a car and that they will be able to think ice-breaker quizzes in the morning “It’s a time when people can feel advertised the club as widely as park attendant, says: “It seems to about what they’ve heard and get followed by singing sessions, a poor or lonely and that they don’t we could, putting up flyers in the have gone down well. We’ve had a to know more about Jesus.” Former cinema and bingo hall now packed with church-goers

A SERVICE of thanksgiving has the builder – who is not a marked a Barrow church’s move Christian – turned around and to a refurbished former cinema in said, ‘Don’t worry. We want to the town. journey with you’. That’s an Congregation members from incredible display of faith.” Spring Mount Church gathered in The necessary money was February to celebrate the move to pledged, and the congregation the town’s former picture house, moved to their new building last the Salthouse Pavilion, which July. Up to 250 people now became a bingo club in later years. regularly attend the church, many It marks the culmination of a of whom gathered for the service five-year project for the church of thanksgiving in February. after money was raised to buy the Decorating: Church Jonny added: “Throughout this building at auction. members turn the old bingo process we have never had to stop Pastor Jonny Harrison said: “We hall into a church the building work; the necessary had to start looking around for money has always been found. new premises because we simply phased refurbishment work began. “God has shown us again and could not fit everyone into our The original sloping floor was again that he doesn’t just provide old building on Abbey Road if levelled, and the building was what we need, he goes beyond everyone was to turn up. insulated and refurbished. Church that. “We looked at a couple of members decorated the interior. “It’s exciting to have seen a options for relocation but, as a Jonny added: “When we’d com- change of building but it’s even church, we really believe we pleted the first phase of building more exciting to have seen the need to be in the heart of the work we met with our builder and change in the people who worship community and that’s exactly said, ‘We want to be completely there on a Sunday morning, who what this building gives us.” honest with you; we don’t have all are part of small groups who meet After purchasing the Pavilion in the money in yet for the second there or who volunteer. It’s a sure 2015 for just under £100,000, phase of works’. In that meeting, sign that God is at work.” 6 The Way, Spring2020 www.nwsynod.org.uk By The Way So much technology! ‘Does evil exist? It does DO you ever long to live in a world a bit less dominated by technology? Some- times I get really frustrated with life when it seems it’s impossible to exist without being connected to the internet; I have to in the form of heroin...’ log into this, remember passwords for that, find a ‘product key’ to activate some- thing else. Computers drive me crazy. n Michael Woodcock, Bereaved parents Philippa and Graeme use experience to help other families Two Valleys Parish News, Cartmell Fell, Crosthwaite, Crook, Helsington, Winster, Witherslack and Underbarrow By Dave Roberts

A NEW slot in services – Family Time – will be introduced to encourage people “IF YOU remember the present to share news and talk about their faith journeys in an informal way. Milky Bar kid, then you’ll This will only take about five minutes and know what our Jim looked at some point in the future it is hoped like when he was young,” that volunteers will lead the session. New ideas about music in the services were Philippa Skinner smiles. asked for in the Church Review, so, in “He was a very affectionate addition to our choir, it was suggested that a praise group be started to introduce child, a very cheeky little new music, songs and modern hymns. chap with the glasses on The Grapevine, which he’d worn from a Newsletter of the Methodist Churches of Coniston, Swarthmoor and Ulverston really young age. “As he got older, he was quite WE can’t explain what happened on that quiet, but he was also very funny first Easter, how exactly the resurrection and pretty sporty. We just had lots came about… that was between Jesus of fun together.” and his Father in those cold dark hours in Jim Skinner was one of four the tomb. But we can celebrate the children born to Philippa and her promises of God that death is not an end but a new beginning in Christ. What great husband Graeme, who is the vicar hope we have in him! of Eden Churches and team leader Lucie Lunn, Church of Low Furness of the Eden Wild Goose Mission Community Magazine Community. Tragically, Jim died of a heroin WHEN Jesus came out of the wilderness overdose aged just 21. His body it was to fulfil all that had been prophe- was found in a flat in Hong Kong, sied and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. We too, in meeting people, can do the where he’d been working in same – proclaim the kingdom of God and support of those battling drug show what a marvellous God we have addiction. who cares for everyone. The exact circumstances Andrew Gardner, Penrith Beacon, surrounding his death in Novem- The Magazine for St Andrew’s, Penrith, ber 2007 are still unclear, as are Christ Church, Penrith, St John’s, Newton the reasons why he turned to Philippa Skinner: On a journey following Jim’s death DAVE ROBERTS Reigny and St John’s, Plumpton Wall drugs in the first place. He’d ALTHOUGH we have had two storms re- started to smoke cannabis in tion; for others it becomes quite a cently there is something comforting in his late teens, despite being long-term relationship.” seeing the garden covered in a wonderful challenged by his parents. She and Graeme have also collection of snowdrops and crocuses. “I honestly believe that if Jim spoken about bereavement, loss (There are even some daffodils flowering were to be in this room now, he and hope at various conferences already). We sometimes forget how lucky would say he didn’t know why and seminars. we are to have God’s creation despite the awful weather. However, those he’d taken drugs,” Philippa says. At a New Wine North event, a experiencing flooding may not feel so and “I think he’d say, ‘It just man entered the room as Philippa they are in our prayers. happened. I was stupid. I made a spoke to those gathered. He later Sandra Ward, mistake’. That’s the same for him explained he’d been running a The Link, The United Benefice of Lorton and so many others.” charity stall and had unexpectedly and Loweswater with Buttermere She is clear, however, as to stumbled over their seminar about where the root of the problem lies. drugs. He’d heard Hong Kong AROUND the Churches. The chapel of St Anselm on the Victoria Park campus of “I have a visceral hatred of mentioned and felt moved to go Manchester University has become the drugs,” Philippa says. “People into the room. first university chapel to become a ask: ‘Does evil exist?’ Well, yes, it Happier times: Jim with dad Graeme and, right, mum Philippa Introducing himself as Bill, he corporate member of the Prayer Book does in the form of heroin. It ruins revealed that he’d known Jim in Society. The society has funded two so many lives and it doesn’t care Hong Kong and had counted him choral scholarships ands donated 50 new who it hurts along the way.” picking up the Bible soon after provide help to other bereaved as a dear friend. In fact, the pew editions of 1662 to the recently Philippa chose to write about Jim had died and feeling a parents as a telephone befriender couple had found a letter of refurbished chapel. her experience of loss, grief and tremendous vibrancy coming for the Christian charity, Care for encouragement from him in Jim’s Proclaim, The Parish Magazine from the pages, as if Jesus was the Family. of the North Barrow Team Ministry hope in her book SeeYouSoon. It possessions when they’d flown is a mother’s personal reflection speaking to me. But that later She adds: “Obviously Jim will out to Hong Kong, but hadn’t gave way to a railing, an anger, an SPRING is around the corner, the snow- on her son’s life and death, and always be a huge part of our known who ‘Bill’ was. drops are out in abundance and I have the unanswerable questions it utter lostness and despair. And family, but I think the work gives “It gave us both an incredible even seen some brave daffodils showing creates. that is what grief is like; it is a me an ongoing connection with sense that God was in all of this,” their bright yellow colour. The days are The title draws on the last letter complete mixture of emotions all that aspect of my life. I’ve learnt Philippa adds. “It may feel like a getting longer and we have the firm hope Jim wrote to his parents, who bundled up together like a bowl of so much through Jim’s death and huge mess, but meeting Bill like that things will improve. spaghetti. That was what my the way it happened, and at least I In our church of St John the Baptist, we were due to travel to Hong Kong this reminded us we were not to visit him: “See you soon (rela- relationship with God was like can use this to support others in alone. It was such a phenomenal are now looking forward. We have a new too.” vicar; he is our sign of spring, of new tively)”. The chapters explore similar situations. thing to happen. It was God’s hope when we can all start working how Jim’s death affected She is at pains to stress that she “Because we have been through touch saying ‘Press on. It’s okay together, to reach out to our friends at St Philippa’s faith and relationship and all her family remain on a what we have, I’m able to better but it’s not okay. Just remember Elizabeth’s and to our friends in the with God. journey following Jim’s death. understand what these other that I’m here’.” mission community. She explains: “I suppose my Her book, published in 2012, is a parents are experiencing. It’s n SeeYouSoonis available Brenda Gear, The Observer, part of that journey. Saint John the Baptist, Upperby relationship with God did break being a listening ear. For some from www.careforthefamily.org.uk and I had to rebuild it. I remember Philippa also continues to people that may be one conversa- and on Kindle. www.nwsynod.org.uk The Way, Spring2020 7 Liberalism has ‘eaten

Working together: Left, Brec itself’ says ex-leader Seaton and Jane Maycock n Training MP Tim Farron concludes in book that politics and faith can go together addresses A DELAYED train journey By Dave Roberts home provided the perfect conflict opportunity for Cumbrian well of the political classes but, MP Tim Farron to start having said that, you do come SPECIAL training days exploring writing his recently pub- across huge amounts of kindness change and conflict are to be rolled lished book. where you might not expect it. out in support of mission commu- “I was on the train coming back “Life on planet Earth is a mucky nities across Cumbria. from our Party Conference in business and politics is just a part of The sessions will consider September 2017 – the first that. So, it’s important as a Chris- ‘Growing Through Change and conference after I’d stepped down tian within the political arena that I Conflict’ (July 7), ‘Scripture, as leader – and we were hideously demonstrate grace, be forgiving of Spirituality and Conflict’ (June 16 delayed somewhere around others and show kindness. And, of and July 2), ‘Further Skills in Wolverhampton,” he explains. course, I mess up regularly!” Growing Through Conflict’ “I got my lap-top out and started My interview with him comes (September 24) and ‘Bullying and to write. I rattled off 10 to 12,000 some months after we’d first been Harassment’ (October 20). words which essentially became due to meet; campaigning for the Brec Seaton, a Methodist lay the arc of the book which, I guess, 2019 snap general election had put officer who helped develop and was the story of the 2017 election paid to that. It was an election lead the training, said: “When mis- campaign.” which saw Tim’s majority increase sion communities were first talked A Better Ambition: Confessions from 777 in 2017 to 1,934. He is about there was a recognition that of a Faithful Liberal was now one of only 11 Lib Dem MPs. with change can come tension. So, published last autumn. It provides A Better Ambition: Confessions a group of us worked on develop- a fascinating insight into the of a Faithful Liberal is his first ing resources to enable people to challenges faced by this Christian book. Tim has enjoyed writing it so work through any differences.” politician during his time as much that he now regularly The days are facilitated by the Liberal Democrat leader. contributes pieces to publications Cumbria Growing Through Con- The book documents his child- including The Spectator, and the flict Network and are run under the hood, coming to faith as a teenager Church of England and Catholic umbrella of the Methodist Church while in Singapore, and his rise Universe newspapers. programme, Positive Working through the political ranks: winning He adds: “My fundamental Together and through Churches the Westmorland and Lonsdale mission as a Christian is to serve Together in Cumbria. constituency in 2005, becoming Lib people, primarily the people here in The Rev Jane Maycock, Dem president in 2010 and party this constituency. But I’m also very continuing ministerial develop- leader five years later. keen to use my profile to talk to ment and leadership enabler in the It also explores media reaction to Christians about politics, so that God for All team, has also helped answers he gave when asked there’s greater understanding. develop and lead the training days. whether he believed gay sex was a “And I want the opportunity to She said: “We would encourage sin. Ultimately, the media focus talk more about the Gospel. When any mission community who may became so heightened that it led to I write in the secular media about be interested in holding a training him quitting as leader after the my faith, I’m doing something that day to contact us.” very few people do and so, yes, it To arrange specific training for 2017 General Election. your mission community, email “I had a story to tell. I’d been feels like a calling.” He and his family continue to be [email protected]. through a very interesting time and To book one of the training days, I thought it should be written supported by the congregation of Tim Farron: ‘I am a passionate liberal who stands up for the Parr Street Church in Kendal email Rob Glassonbury at down,” Tim says. “There’s obvi- rights of people who are very different to me’ [email protected]. ously an issue about the place of where they worship. faith in politics. In America it “The elders of the church have seems that you’ve almost got to been great,” Tim says, “but often invent a faith to be taken seriously people don’t talk to me about poli- as a politician, while in the UK tics at all because I’m just a regular you’ve got to pretend that you part of the church membership. haven’t got one. In both cases “It’s important for me as a Chris- Phone: 01768 868683 that’s nonsense! tian in Parliament to find fellow- “I fear that in Western society ship. There’s regular cross-party Email: [email protected] liberalism has eaten itself; it’s be- fellowship on a Wednesday morn- come tolerant of everything apart ing which I go to. The political life www.askins-little.co.uk from the stuff it does not agree is such a busy one but it’s so with. In which case it’s not liberal. important to make time for that.” I am a passionate liberal who And as he embarks on a further stands up for the rights of people five-year term as a Cumbrian co.uk who are very different to me.” constituency MP, what would be Bayscapes. s his prayer? ver-Sand His book concludes that politics range-o and faith can sit alongside one “I want people to consider G another and that having a faith Jesus,” he says. “We’ve all been should not preclude a person from put off by Christians at some time holding a high political office. or other, but I’ve never been let ThornleigH Tim is also adamant that the down by Jesus Christ. My prayer We carryP honeout all: 0stonework,1786 868683 lime pointing political arena is not simply a for everyone would be that they An Amazing Christian Hotel www.askins-little.co.uk dog-eat-dog one. He says there is don’t shrug him off.” and lime plastering to churches, cross-party Christian fellowship n A Better Ambition: memorials,Email: [email protected] listed buildings and homes and support in Westminster. Confessions of a Faithful Liberal 015395 32733 He says: “My time in Parliament is available from bookstores and [email protected] www.thornleigh.org has not made me think desperately online, priced from £9.99. 8 The Way, Spring2020 www.churchestogethercumbria.co.uk The Way, Spring2020 9 By The Way DOWN YOUR WAY... WITH #MyCalling Monochrome world? LIFE is far from black and white. We live on a spectrum of colour and are called to love people all across that spectrum, whether Name: Paul Gibson Name: Fiona Wilkinson they are the same colour as us or not. I pray that, as we face the future, we may do so Location: Warwick Bridge Location: Carlisle together, embracing every shade that God has graciously given us, not dividing Vocation: Worship group leader ourselves from ‘the other’ but uniting our- Vocation: Foster carer selves in the rich kaleidoscope of life. Phil Jackson, Link, Aspatria Methodist WHEN Stewart, my husband, and I got married Church, St Kentigern’s Aspatria, St Mary’s I GUESS I’ve been given a gift to play later in life I joked one day in the car that if we didn’t Gilcrux, St James’ Hayton music, to sing and generally help people have a family of our own that maybe it was a sign join together and move forward together in that we should foster. MESSY Church is getting bigger and better, so a co-ordinated manner. Children didn’t happen. We built an extension a huge thanks once again to Deacon Mel It’s a privilege and a pleasure when I’m and we had two empty bedrooms. The extension Beaven who leads our Messy Church with helping people encounter God, which is was finished in the February and by the November I such enthusiasm and such creative ideas. probably what my role entails, be that with had given up my job and we had been approved as Each one has different activities to challenge the singers and musicians I play with, the foster carers. everyone. Everyone is kept involved and congregation as a whole or anybody who Since then we have had 14 children: some just encouraged to join in. The children always comes into the church, whether they know for one night, some for a few years. You can see have something to take home to remind the church and the hymns or whether they the difference you make in children’s lives. They them of what they have heard, although don’t know what to expect. come to you frightened and upset; some of them some of it is eaten before they leave. I don’t want people to feel alienated. I never knew where their next meal was coming The Messenger, want them to feel able to sing and read the from. Some are angry and have behavioural Wigton Road Methodist Church words, feel moved by the music and get a problems. closer understanding of God’s love for us But it’s amazing to see the difference that is WHEN life is rubbish - when it’s unfair, when and all he can do in our lives. made by having a loving family and some support you get let down, left out, ignored, knocked It enables me to search more of the truth and structure. It’s so rewarding. I couldn’t imagine back and forgotten – when all that happens, and try to get more of a heart for God so you’re not on your own. Jesus will stick around. doing anything else now. I could talk for a long time about joy and how that when I’m leading, it is a genuine, The support we get from our church family is great it is to be a Christian. I could. But some- authentic leadership; that I’m leading from invaluable. We have had difficult times with some times, what we really need to know is that the heart and I’m looking for Jesus to guide of our placements, but we know that they are Jesus will stick with us when things are bad. me in terms of hymn and song choices and always there for us, always praying for us. There Andy Murphie, how we put those together into a service to could be a knock at the door, and then someone Crosthwaite Parish, Keswick complement what’s being talked about comes in to offer support. We could not do it through that service. without our faith or our friends in church. Stewart SMALL daily sacrifices are like a field in the and I don’t have any family locally. We call them open valley, filled as far as the eye can see our Carlisle family. They keep us going! with beautiful wild flowers. One flower is lovely, but when we commit ourselves to these small acts of love, each day and every day, we present to God a flowing field of endless beauty and magnificence. Robert Jackson, The Parish of Whitehaven

OUR ongoing conservation works – anyone who has been into St Oswald’s recently will have seen the scaffolding up the west wall – is still in place. Unfortunately, the second Where does God want to take you? layer of lime plaster applied to the wall is drying out more slowly than we had hoped. The weather, both temperature and rain, have not helped. We are discussing with our By Dave Roberts Name: Joan Wager architect and our contractor the way for- Name: Sarah Nixon ward. Fortunately, the church is still useable. ROADSHOW DATES Dean Parish News SIX ecumenical roadshows Location: Langwathby are to be staged across JUNE 2020: JULY 2020: Location: Carlisle n Sunday 7, 2-4pm: North dis- n Sunday 5, 2-4pm: West Vocation: Spiritual director MY NAME is Andrew Callaway and, from Cumbria this summer to trict, Brampton Methodist Church district, Seascale St Cuthbert’s Vocation: Intern June 28, I will be joining you as a part-time, n self-supporting assistant curate in training help people explore what Wednesday 10, 7-9pm: West (with Bishop Emma) district, Christ Church Cocker- n Thursday 9, 7-9pm: South WHEN we moved up here, all within the Solway Plain Parish, a title that God is calling them to. people wanted to know was if I was trips off the tongue with ease. This is an mouth (with Bishop James) district, St Thomas Kendal I’D BEEN worshipping at St The #MyCalling events will run n Sunday 14, 2-4pm: South dis- Mike’s (St Michael’s Stanwix) for a local preacher and when I said, exciting time for me and my wife Carol as it in June and July, with two marks the end of one part of our journey trict, Ulverston Methodist Church People are encouraged to book three years. I started when I came and still do, ‘No’, they’d say, ‘Oh!’ with God and the start of another. sessions each (a mid-week n Monday 22, 7-9pm: North on to one of the #MyCalling road- to university here in Carlisle. I have struggled with that. Andrew Callaway, evening session and a Sunday district, Penrith Methodist Church shows by visiting www.carlisle- At the end of uni, my vicar came I think that what I felt when I Solway Plain Team Magazine afternoon) to be run in the north, (with Bishop James) diocese.org.uk/vocations/. up to me and said: “Heh, Sarah, moved to Cumbria was that I had a south and west of the county. what would you think about being an intern?” And I was like: “Nigel, lot of experience and some skills – EDEN Wild Goose has launched a new craft The two-hour roadshows will in- church leaders and other key Fresh Expression enabler with the group called ‘Crafty Gaggle’. It will be for all I’m not going to lie; I’ve got a lot particularly listening skills – which clude worship as well as talks people who can learn more about God for All team who is also I feel are really important. HAVING come to faith in my 30s, abilities to come together with their own on right now! Come back and ask I’m quite mindful of the fact that I Name: Nick Gray crafts but with the opportunity to see and try from speakers about how they dis- what is going on and then return working with the vocations pro- me in a month’s time!” I asked the question, ‘What has cerned what their calling was and haven’t got a big background in the others. The aims are to enjoy ourselves, to their church to do a ‘ministry ject, has helped produce the films. As the weeks went on, things God got in store for me now?’ and church. And so, I’m also mindful of Location: Beetham meet new people and build community. how they are living it out now. Vo- of nudging’ of others.” She said: “It was an honour to just sort of fell into place. It was after a little searching around and the fact that other people who Al Lee, Focus on Eden, cations advisers will be on hand to The roadshows have been interview people and hear how really being put on my heart. I feel some conversations, I discovered a might be interested in exploring Vocation: Reader Holme Eden and Wetheral with Warwick chat with those who attend. developed in partnership with the God has moved in their lives. I had that, if something is being put on course to train to be a spiritual their faith will be the same. really, to be able to talk to people. The Rev Canon Peter Clement, Cumbria Methodist District and tears in my eyes listening to one your heart that much, then maybe through me and through others. companion. WE can be quite uncomfortable with the idea it’s meant to be there. There is so much diverse I decided that doing the Reader director of vocations in the God the Diocese of Carlisle. There are particular testimony. The people I’ve really wrestled with the material that can help people into of 'following Jesus'. Indeed, some people get People have put a lot of trust in word ‘calling’ as time has gone on When I looked at the content, I course would be the right pathway uneasy if Jesus is mentioned too often in ser- for All team, said: “These road- up to 30 vocations advisers across we interviewed were able to me to plan stuff and achieve felt really excited and I still feel That’s an important message for their faith, be it works of art, poetry for me to follow. because was this me being called or Celtic saints, to name a few. mons. But, of course, it is there in our bap- shows won’t just look at a narrow the county who can draw along- clearly articulate what their calling things. It’s really cool to be doing and following God’s calling, or that. churches where the congregation Having been a vet, I’ve spent my tism. As the 1662 Prayer Book has it, we are to field of ministry; the opportunities side those exploring their calling. is. I was certainly challenged to that in a Christian environment was this me thinking this was the If I had to give everything up profile age is older; God has not There are a lot of things we don’t whole life explaining quite difficult “obediently keep God's holy will and com- are wide. We want people to be The work is overseen by co-ordi- think more about what I’m doing, because there’s so much support. easy way out of whatever else I except for one thing, the spiritual finished with them, there’s still a hear much about in church, we concepts to people: helping make mandments, and walk in the same all the days enthused and inspired to explore nators in the north, south and west. how I’m doing it, why I’m doing it It’s really built my confidence and have to do? direction would be the thing I’d have to do our own research and them understand about diabetic of [our] life” and our 'profession' is “to follow calling in their lives if they choose private reading. I felt excited by more. Where is it that God wants A series of special #MyCalling and how I should be listening to my trust in God. In the run-up to making the de- want to keep going. to follow it. cats, or dogs with hormone condi- the example of our Saviour Christ and to be cision to become an intern, God this and wanted to pass it on to tions. To put that over in a simple made like unto him”. Whatever our Christian to take you? films has been produced to sit God. I’m sure others who see the A lot of the things I’ve done I think vocation is something It’s a wonderful privilege to be a have gone in directions I could put me in situations and changed others. way which people would under- background, promises like these were made “But the roadshows are also not within the roadshows. These will films will feel the same.” that’s relevant to everybody; it’s fellow traveller with people on I felt nudged in the direction of stand was, I felt, something transfer- at our baptism and affirmed by us (if we were never have thought of myself. It’s my situations so that it would fall just for people who are wonder- also be rolled out through social A selection of testimonies from been really cool to see how God into place. I truly believe God not just for young people or these journeys and I have learnt maybe having some extra able and would help explain Gospel confirmed) at our confirmation. ing what God is calling them to media. the #MyCalling films appear on middle-aged people or people of a an enormous amount. It’s not a James Richard, is working through the internship, called me back to Carlisle. knowledge and some authority, and Bible messages to people. Parish of St Martin’s, Windermere do; they are very much also for Sarah Hulme, an outreach and these ‘Down Your Way’ pages. working age. It’s for everybody. one-way thing. 10 The Way, Spring2020 www.godforall.org.uk

By The Way Brownies group folds ‘If God can find me and NOTHING lasts forever... and it was with heavy hearts we held the last ever meeting of the Second Seascale Methodist Brown- ies. It was not an easy decision to make nor was it one we came to lightly. Joan and I felt bring me back, then he the time had come for us to retire after serving 15 years and 22 years respectively, and our two younger leaders felt, with their careers, that they didn’t have time to commit fully to running Brownies. The good news is that all girls who want to are can bring anyone back’ able to transfer to Gosforth Brownies as they were struggling with numbers, so this has given them a much-needed boost. In Touch, The Magazine of Seascale and Gosforth n Man behind new Fresh Expression of church in Workington tells of an Methodist Churches

BOXES of Hope. Last year was brilliant as early ‘adventure with God’, losing his faith and his joy at rediscovering it we sent 136 boxes. We are also the drop- off point for others and, hopefully, we can get more people to collect the boxes. We By Dave Roberts have already started collecting for this year. We need pencils, pencil cases, pens etc. A big thank you to everyone who helped to WHEN it comes to learning donate items, pack them and collect them. to drive, steering a van Vickie Lipton, Living Stones, Whitehaven URC around a field in Kathmandu before heading into the BECAUSE it is a long season Lent gives us chaotic city takes some beat- time for things too. Time for God, time for the needs of others, time for prayer, time for ing. silence. It is a time to think spiritually about But that’s exactly how Mark the needs of the world – a world which is Singleton came to master gear always with us and always pressing in on us changes and clutch control. with its demands; and the world is always It was the early 1980s and, aged with us in the bad sense of the temptations 20, he’d signed up to join and testings of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’. If we can turn these realities into our Operation Mobilisation (OM) prayers and our hopes then we will show in which offers Christian mission our lives whose side we are truly on. across the world. Geoffrey Ravalde, St Mary’s, Wigton Mark, 56, laughs: “Initially I’d thought about going to Pakistan LIFELONG commitment is not what every- but then it became clear that there one thinks it is. It’s not waking up early was a need for drivers in India. every morning to make breakfast and eat together. It’s not cuddling in bed together The only problem was that I until both of you peacefully fall asleep. It’s couldn’t drive! not a clean home and a homemade meal “I ended up learning in this every day. It’s someone who steals all the clapped-out Transit van, driving covers, who sometimes slams doors, and a around a field dodging potholes few harsh words, disagreeing and the silent and a mongoose before then treatment until your heart heals. Then heading into the city to dodge forgiveness! The Villager, Seaton Churches tuk-tuks. I was nicknamed Stirling, after Stirling Moss!” AS I write this letter we’ve just squelched His trip came after he’d vowed our way through Storm Ciara and are now that he wanted “to go on an anxiously watching the rise of the river adventure with God”. Having Mark Singleton: Recently launched a Men’s Breakfast group DAVE ROBERTS water levels during Storm Dennis. The grown up on a council estate in coronavirus is spreading to different Keswick, Mark came to faith aged begun to question his faith and his returning to church to support his just wept. Months before, when I’d countries and the number of homeless people on our streets is increasing. It all 18, after joining the Keswick relationship with God. wife. been at a desperate point, I can re- paints a bleak picture. Yet despite all this Crusaders, an interdenominational “I can remember thinking “Ruth asked me to go with her, member driving the mobile library the snowdrops are in full bloom all around youth group. there were a lot of words being but I also very arrogantly went and shouting ‘Help me God’. Here with their promise of new life and new Giving up his job at the local spoken about how things were back just to prove to someone else he was. He’d never left me. hope. Co-op and after spending eight happening in Church; people who had challenged me about “I now know that the whole Jean Radley, weeks at Capenwray Bible School claiming all kinds of ridiculous church, that I could go back and it time I called myself an atheist, it Parish News, St George’s, Kendal – where he met Ruth, the woman things, as I thought then. But I would not affect me at all,” Mark was actually me trying to suppress IF you are such a good Christian that you do he was eventually to marry – didn’t see anything happening. It adds. “I was confident it would the voice of God that was still not need church, then please come along Mark joined OM. He would spend all began to sound like rhetoric to mean nothing to me.” within me. He’s drawn me back.” to teach us how to be as good as you. If you two years in India and Nepal. me. The couple attended Westfield Mark’s faith has returned. He are more like me, a bit of a sinner, a little bit “I was very young and very “I’m keen not to lay the fault Church with Mark eventually continues to worship at Westfield broken, seeking improvement, then please zealous in my faith,” Mark says. with anybody else. I know that this drawing alongside other congrega- and has recently launched a new come along to receive God's forgiveness “I went out there as a young was my decision but I questioned tion members. He then went to Men’s Breakfast Fresh Expression and healing. Dalston church is made up of everything. It became a real crisis church on his own one Sunday. of church which meets at the lovely welcoming people – it is a great place evangelical Christian, wanting to to be on a Sunday morning. tell as many people as I could of faith. Going to church became A few days later, it was Remem- Carnegie Theatre. The Churches Ben Phillips, Dalston Parish Paper about Jesus and support the work increasingly sporadic, and then I brance Day. Mark had parked up Together group meets monthly and of the team. We’d trek off to left completely. the mobile library he drove for the also offers support to particularly EXPOSED: The Church’s Darkest Secret was villages for days at a time taking “I became very bitter about county council to observe the two vulnerable people, including those a documentary aired on BBC2 in January, little with us, but ensuring we faith, really bolshy. Our kids were minutes’ silence. battling drug and alcohol addiction looking at the Church’s handling of the carried leaflets, and then look to of the age when they began to ask He recalls: “I was listening to and the homeless. circle of abuse surrounding Bishop Peter more about God and I really tried Classic FM and, after the silence, “People have come along and Ball. What made it shocking, even for draw alongside people.” someone like me who had read all the Returning from his work with to get them to turn against him.” they played a choral version of felt blessed by it,” Mark says. “It’s reports, was hearing the abused speaking OM in 1985, Mark renewed For Ruth, they were difficult MakeMeaChannelofYour a friendly group which very gently in their own words and, with great dignity contact with Ruth. The couple years. She continued to go to Peace. It’s such a beautiful piece talks about faith. and courage, telling a story I could recog- married in 1988 and moved to church and regularly prayed for and the words are so profound. “I feel in my heart God’s love nise, even if I had been blind to it before. It Workington where they began to Mark’s faith to be rekindled, “I was meant to hear the music for mankind. I know how stupid left me heartbroken for the victims and (for worship as well as in Cocker- despite his protestations. It would that day. I realised that, once upon and stubborn I have been. If God the first time) ashamed of the Church. Stewart Fyfe, North Westmorland News mouth. be more than 10 years before that a time, I had known what the can find me and bring me back, But, by the 1990s, Mark had happened, with Mark eventually words of that hymn meant and I then he can bring anybody back.” www.godforall.org.uk The Way, Spring2020 11 Ten marathons, ten days – all for charity n Michelle takes on super-tough charity challenge New moderator: Rev Brian Jolly By Dave Roberts

AS PERSONAL challenges Brian takes go, running ten marathons over ten consecutive days takes some beating. on key URC In fact, the ‘Brathay 10 in 10’ is considered one of the UK’s toughest running events, with role in NW athletes completing an undulating course which THE Rev Brian Jolly has been appointed circumnavigates Windermere. as the moderator of the North Western But that’s not deterred a south Synod of the United Reformed Church Lakes minister who is set to take (URC). He assumed his office at the it on this year in support of the beginning of January. Brathay Trust, a Cumbrian Born in 1956 in north London, Brian charity which supports young moved to the north west in 1978 for his people through outdoor learning. initial ministerial formation at the The Rev Michelle Woodcock University of Manchester and the explained: “Every year I’ve Congregational College. seen the ‘10 in 10’ runners He was ordained in 1982 and has making their way round Win- served pastorates in Blackburn, Bolton, dermere and thought to myself Stockport and Altrincham. Most recently, ‘They are amazing, I could he was clerk of the North Western Synod. never do that’. Then I asked He has served extensively in the wider myself, ‘But why can’t I do church and as a trustee and chair of the that?’ So, I decided to apply and board of the UK Christian charity see what would happen.” Embrace the Middle East (formerly By Michelle’s own admission BibleLands). she completed her application Brian and Denise, who is a specialist in more in hope than expectation. the residential care of children with A keen runner who had special educational needs and disabilities, previously completed the In training: Michelle Woodcock PICTURES: DAVE ROBERTS have three adult children, Sam, Peter and London Marathon and the Great Hannah, and a baby grand-daughter. North Run, she’d hung up her I’m out in weather like that. Brian said: “I am looking forward to trainers for a few years. Runners must apply online, “When I’m running, I also continuing to serve the North Western pray a lot and I listen to choral Synod and the wider church in this new detailing the last three marathons they’ve completed; evensong regularly through a role, and especially to supporting minis- downloaded podcast. ters and churches as they engage with the that created a bit of a headache Missional Discipleship strategy. for Michelle. “Quite often I will see people “And I am excited by the prospect of She laughed: “I’ve only ever I know when I’m out running, close co-operation and partnership with done one marathon before – the and I will be aware of things ecumenical colleagues and churches London Marathon in 2016 – so, going on in their lives so I’m across the north west.” at a push, I also included the able to pray for them and for The Rev John Proctor, General Secre- Great North Run which is a the farms which I run through. tary of the URC, said: “Brian has done an half-marathon. It brings a real sense of immense amount to sustain the life of our “For my third marathon I creation, being alive, being North Western Synod, in his role as clerk wrote down ‘Brathay 10 in 10 - Reminder: Michelle’s trainers have been personalised free.” over the last three years, and in carrying 2020?’ Perhaps the organisers The 10 in 10 takes place from many of the moderator’s responsibilities were looking for someone with and physiotherapists. Each full-time parish ministry a few Friday October 23, with the in the recent months of vacancy. a bit of humour because I was runner must raise £3,000 for years ago – though she still final run coinciding with the “He impressed the nominating group picked to do it. Brathay; Michelle is already leads a monthly service at Windermere Marathon on with his long ministerial experience in “I cried when I found out that well on target to beat that total Witherslack – Michelle now Sunday November 1. and has set her sights on pulling teaches RE and music at Leven the synod, his extensive knowledge of its I’d been successful. I had to tell Michelle, 45, added: “I’d people and churches, his commitment to the person on the other end of in £5,000 for the trust. Valley CE Primary. It means After successfully applying she has had to add in training ask that people pray for service and the high level of respect and the phone that they were happy protection against injury. trust that he has gained from many tears!” last summer, she began running time to her already busy sched- A team of 18 runners will again, initially completing three ule. “Also, others who have done around him in the context of complex and it before speak of the sheer weighty responsibilities within the URC take on this year’s 10 in 10 miles every day. That has The mother of two added: challenge. The team is evenly gradually increased until she is “I’m often out training from six physical exhaustion you feel, so and beyond.” I’d ask that people pray for me The North Western Synod of the URC split between men and women now running a marathon a in the morning. It can be really and those who have completed week. She also does a regular tough to force yourself out in to have the mental strength to has 125 churches – from Bewcastle in 13-mile loop from her home in the wind and rain, but you’ve keep going each day.” Cumbria on the Scottish border to the challenge before and others for whom it will be a Crosthwaite, near Kendal, got to do it. To sponsor Michelle visit Macclesfield in Cheshire, all supported which takes in plenty of climbs. “It’s more of a mental chal- from the synod office in Manchester. new experience. The team is www.justgiving.com/fundrais- supported by a running coach Having stepped back from lenge than a physical one when ing/michelle-woodcock262. 12 The Way, Spring2020 www.churchestogethercumbria.org.uk By The Way ‘Be part of the future’ Flying global missions ON Sunday March 29 at 3pm in St Michael’s, Dalston, there will be a special service to launch the new Carlisle Rural Mis- sion Community. This is an exciting way for- ward where our local ecumenical churches commit to working together to make God from her garden shed for All a reality in our communities. Do come along and be part of the future. St Mary’s Church, Wreay n As the world’s largest humanitarian airline celebrates its 75th anniversary, MANY thanks to Catriona Messenger for making small cotton bags using recycled The Way meets two local people with close links to Mission Aviation Fellowship material. These little bags will be available in church. They are colourful and pretty. We all have loose change in our purses and trouser A ‘POSH shed’ in a Carlisle pockets. We ask you to join with us and save back garden may seem an un- your ‘pennies from Heaven’ small change to usual place from which to ‘Flying bus’ took us to jungle parish support the work of Raughton Head Church. Elizabeth Martin, support the world’s largest Raughton Head Parish Magazine humanitarian airline. THE Rt Rev Peter Ramsden is But this is Janet Busk’s the retired Bishop of Papua New OVER the last few months it’s been a plea- workplace; it’s where she keeps Guinea (PNG). He and his wife, sure to welcome new people from differ- tabs on numerous spreadsheets, Sue, live outside Brampton, in ent parts of the country making their new north Cumbria, and he chairs the homes in Tebay. To them I would say there accounts and emails in her role as Diocese of Carlisle’s Partnership is a variety of organisations which would international finance manager for in World Mission committee. be pleased for you to join in. It is very Mission Aviation Fellowship Before Peter was installed as encouraging to those who, like myself, have (MAF) International. bishop, the couple were in parish been involved over the years. New people The Christian charity – which ministry in a remote part of PNG bring new ideas and enthusiasm. celebrates its 75th anniversary this for 10 years, supported by MAF. Bernard Thornnarrow, The Link, year – provides flights for more “Sue and I first travelled to Parish Magazine for Orton, Tebay and Papua New Guinea in 1983,” Ravenstonedale with Newbiggin-on-Lune than 1,500 aid, development and mission organisations which bring Peter recalls. “We were based in medical relief and life-transforming the Highlands area of the country WHEN Deacon Kina Saunders preached in in a mission posting called Egremont she mentioned the bookSo help to vulnerable people living in Kainambe and this is where we What’s the Story? by the president and the world’s most inaccessible places. vice-president of conference, Barbara first came into contact with MAF. Janet has worked for MAF since “They took us into our new Glasson and Clive Marsh. As a result, mem- 2005, initially for 18 months as a bers of Open House Fellowship decided to parish in the jungle. There were study the book together. The idea of the finance manager in Kenya. She was no roads so we had to fly in, in a book is that we think about and share our chief finance officer from 2007 to six-seater, one-engine Cessna Lifeline: A MAF plane in Papua New Guinea own stories in the light of God’s story. 2016, before she stepped back from 206. They became a sort of bus Egremont Methodist Church that role to her current position, service for us because it was the but it was five minutes in a plane. “There’s still no road to the which allows her to work more only way in and out of the parish. “MAF would fly into our mission mission station we were in so SINCERE gratitude is extended to Andrew regularly from Cumbria. “We’d driven from the capital station every week. Supplies MAF continues to provide all of Oldham retiring from the post after three “Though I’m sat here in my Port Moresby up to Mount Hagen would be brought in and the local this support. Flying in PNG can dedicated years of meticulous work keep- where MAF had its regional head- farmers’ coffee beans would be be very dangerous due to ing the priory accounts in order and advis- garden office in Carlisle, I’m quarters. The flight to our parish taken back to town to be milled. weather and terrain. Three MAF ing on budgets and finance. At their connected to the world,” Janet would take about 20 minutes. MAF were absolutely critical for pilots were killed while we were February meeting, the PCC welcomed their explains. “I’ve been emailing “I’d speak to MAF every day at the churches, health centres and there. new treasurer Norman Killip who is settling people in Kenya and Uganda this 7am when we were in Kainambe, schools in that area. “My prayer would be for the into this responsible role and appreciates morning about aircraft parts. giving them weather reports so “When I contracted malaria continued safety for all their the support of the vicar and church council. “But that’s still a part of MAF’s they could safely plan their day. they flew me out to Mount Hagen pilots and passengers, and that St Bees News overall mission, one which I feel All our Anglican mission stations as an emergency evacuation and the organisation continues to in that area had little air strips. It when Sue was due to give birth to attract the dedicated professionals PATTERDALE WI Walk. A short route was very much connected to. My job means I can be having phone would have taken me two days to our first son, Nicholas, they flew and Christians needed for this planned for our November walk. Five of walk to my neighbouring parish her to hospital. remarkable service.” our members, plus the lovely Alice, set out conferences at all times of the day from Watermillock Church to walk to Aira because of time differences. It Force, with magnificent views all the way. makes me realise that the world is a MAF’s workload – in countries ically so far apart. I feel I’m part mission in more than 110 coun- Still lots of autumn colour on display, and small place these days.” such as Chad, Madagascar, of a worldwide family. I’m able to tries. She values the support she Cross Fell, covered in snow. Soon we were A handful of RAF men founded Bangladesh, South Sudan and dial in to the MAF International gets from her congregation. looking down onto Lyulph’s Tower, built in the 1780s by Charles Howard, the 11th MAF in 1945, acquiring their first Papua New Guinea. The MAF office in Ashford in Kent every She adds: “My prayer is that we Duke of Norfolk, and beyond to Aira Point. aircraft three years later. Their first International team she works with Tuesday morning for a short continue to find the right people Then a late lunch in the warmth of the café mission base was established in has a fleet of 62 aircraft. devotional time.” with the right skills to serve with at Aira Force. Sudan in 1950 and the charity now “It’s encouraging to work with Janet attends St Michael’s Stan- us at MAF. That’s not just the pi- Jan King, Together Community operates 131 light aircraft in 26 fellow Christians,” she adds. “I wix, a Carlisle church which has lots but also our engineers and Newsletter, provided by the churches of developing countries. receive regular prayer points and connections with global missions managers.” Matterdale, Watermillock, Patterdale, Janet helps oversee finances for there’s a real sense of fellowship including MAF and Operation The value of MAF’s mission is Greystoke, Penruddock and Mungrisdale 13 overseas programmes – half of even though we may be geograph- Mobilisation which has Christian perhaps best demonstrated through one of Janet’s highlights during her time with the charity. She recalls: “I flew out from Dhaka in Bangladesh on our float Michael G Maddison plane which meant we were able Independent Funeral Director to land on water. We were then carried by boat to a Friendship hospital ship, which provides life- • Offering a caring, dignified and professional saving surgeries for vulnerable 24 hour service, 365 days a year people living on the river islands. “I can remember seeing patients • Chapels of Rest, Prepayment Funeral in tents – both waiting for treat- Plans and Memorials ment and those in post-op recov- ery – and realising that it was 57-61 Newtown Road, Carlisle MAF that had helped to fly in the Tel: 01228 317577 Mob: 07796 102996 medics and other staff to the ships to help these people.” Email: [email protected] n FormoreaboutMAF,visit Janet Busk: ‘I feel I’m part of a worldwide family’ www.maf-uk.org. www.churchestogethercumbria.org.uk The Way, Spring2020 13 Meet the neighbours! n Chaplains aim to address social isolation

By Dave Roberts

IT’S A cold, grey, winter’s morning in Kendal but that’s not put off a spirited bunch of neighbourhood chaplains. Six volunteers are working their way along a road on the Sandylands Estate, knocking on doors and offering those who answer a reassuring ‘hello’ while checking that everything is okay. This is the Kendal Neighbourhood Chaplaincy team and is made up of eight people who attend the town’s Gateway Church. Led by the Rev Jonny Gios, a church planter and long-time resident of the south Lakes town, their aim is to combat loneliness and On the streets: Above, Jonny Gios, far right, with other members of the isolation. Kendal Neighbourhood Chaplaincy team; and, right, talking with people A recent survey of Kendal homes has identified these living on the Sandylands Estate in Kendal PICTURES: DAVE ROBERTS as particular concerns for residents. church we felt that this was into teams of two. When we can invite people into a Jonny explained: “We’re the right thing for us to be speaking to residents they relationship with Jesus. faced with a growing number involved with.” underline that they had “First and foremost, this is of lonely and isolated people. It’s a relatively new previously posted the about befriending people “Age UK figures suggest venture for members of the leaflets, check that who may need support; it’s that 800 people in Kendal are Gateway Church congrega- everything is okay and ask about offering them genuine affected. This is not just the tion. The church launched in those they meet if they need friendship. It would also be elderly; it’s younger people March 2018 as a ‘house help to combat loneliness or lovely to be able to sit and too. In this digital world church’. As the congregation isolation issues or if they pray with people and share people are losing the art of grew, so services moved to know of others who may be the gospel. connecting with others, the Fleece Inn in Kendal struggling. A further leaflet “We’d love other churches meeting up to have a coffee town centre every Sunday is posted at homes where to get involved with this. I and a chat. from 2pm. there’s no answer. do believe that churches “So we want to reach out Neighbourhood chaplains “This is a really important grow stronger together when and help people by doing is a ‘recommended project’ way we in which we can they’re involved in things simple things: offering to do of the Cinnamon Network – share God’s love in word like neighbourhood some gardening for them, or which helps churches get and deed,” Jonny says. chaplaincy.” just sitting down to listen to involved in social action. It “About 30,000 people live If you are interested in them over a brew. As a has grown from the charity in Kendal but 28,000 are far joining the Kendal team, Counties UK which trains from God and while this is please contact Jonny at and helps start every project. not about inviting people to Hello@Gatewaychurch The Kendal team attended church, perhaps it’s a way kendal.org or 07584 052102. an information day in Keswick last September before signing up to the scheme and completing training and safeguarding The chaplains focus on three estates in the town: Sandylands, Hallgarth and Could you Kirkbarrow. Initially, one road on each estate is visited to build up relationships with residents. Become part A week before the Do you have a spare room? of Cumbria’s biggest door-knock, leaflets are Are you looking for a exible family posted out explaining that the chaplains will be calling home-based role? round. Residents can place We offer excellent training, support and generous payments. the leaflet in their front But the biggest reward is to see the change in the children you care for. Reaching out: Two of window if they don’t want to the volunteers chat with be visited. 0303 333 1216 cumbria.gov.uk/fostering a local resident The visiting chaplains split 14 The Way, Spring2020 www.salvationarmy.org.uk By The Way Cathedral visitors go to Moon and back Time to think ‘green’ UP TO 5,000 people visited saw the preview show and there's what will our next steps be.” Carlisle Cathedral to witness a been a similar reaction from all Nine light shows were held on WE decided to embark on becoming an eco-church... Everyone can do something. spectacular light and sound show those people who have seen it each of the three nights. Each Wear last summer’s clothes again this – Space: God, the Universe and since. For people who may never lasted 10 minutes with visitors summer, or find someone your size to swap Everything. have been in a cathedral, this is an treated to a further installation with, instead of buying new. Plan to eat one The historic building was the opportunity to open up to them projected on to the north transept. fewer meat-based meal per week this year, centre-piece of the first ever ‘City what these spaces are about.” The Dean of Carlisle, the Very and make it two fewer next year. Change is of Lights’ project in Carlisle, The installation took several Rev Mark Boyling, said: “It was very often unwelcome but if the world is to organised in conjunction with months to develop. It had previ- wonderful for the cathedral to be be inhabitable for our grandchildren, it Cumbria County Council and ously toured other cathedrals and is able to host such an amazing event. must come soon, led from the grassroots. Spectacle: Ian Parker, Contact, Lamplugh, Kirkland Carlisle City Council. Visitors enjoy the slightly redesigned for each venue. “We know there will be some and Ennerdale Ecumenical Parish The art installation ran over light show LUXMURALIS Peter added: “Carlisle Cathedral people who came into the three nights in February and was is not the biggest but that creates a cathedral for the first time. Our A PRINCIPLE of life is that we tend to inspired by the 1969 Moon Peter Walker, artistic director of very intimate feel. In such a prayer is that their hearts would become what we think about. So perhaps it landings. Visitors experienced a Luxmuralis, the award-winning sacred space it gives people the have been stirred by the vivid would be worthwhile to start to journal/list journey through the cathedral, arts collaboration behind the opportunity to think about a imagery and wonderful music and our blessings instead of problems, to actively event, said: “Members of the look for good news instead of taking on revealing the universe, galaxies, few things: the fragility of our that they were able to reflect upon board the negatives we are often exposed space and creation. cathedral staff loved it when they planet, what else is out there and an amazing creator God.” to. I think you will be glad that you did! Peter Gilroy, Binsey Link, The magazine of the Binsey Team Mission Community, the churches of Allhallows, Bassenthwaite, Boltons, Embleton, Ireby, Isel, Plumbland, Setmurthy, Torpenhow, Uldale and Wythop HEART of Westmorland Bereavement Sup- Carry on champing! port Group will meet at The Hub Cafe in Ap- pleby on the first Monday of each month, between 2 and 4pm. This is an informal group and anyone who has suffered the loss of someone close to them, either recently or n Remote community benefits from church accommodation scheme some time ago, is invited. We will not follow a programme and will not offer counselling – simply the opportunity to talk about what is By Dave Roberts on your mind and share your feelings with others who may have felt the same. Heart of Eden, The News AS RURAL churches go, Magazine of the Heart of Eden Benefice St Mary’s Longsleddale is MY parents had a magnet on their fridge pretty remote. Tucked up a which read: “I believe in the sun when it Lake District valley, it doesn’t shine. I believe in God when he is commands beautiful views silent.” Why do I mention this? Well, because as I write this letter it feels like it is of the nearby River Sprint some time since we have seen the sun. The and surrounding fells. days are dark and cold and wet. Spring and So it is a perfect location for a summer seem a long way off. Do I still ‘champing church’. Launched by believe in the sun? Of course I do. Though I cannot see the sun much, though I am cold the Churches Conservation Trust and wet, the evidence for the sun is still (CCT) in 2017, there are now 27 present in the fact that I continue to exist. champing churches across the Rob Saner-Haigh, Parish Life, UK, providing people with the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Kendal opportunity to camp overnight in one of the historic buildings. OUR countywide Christian commitment is Back in the summer of 2017, that God is for all, that everyone in our county gets the opportunity to know that in TheWayreported that St Mary’s some way and respond to it. The people had become Cumbria’s first who lived in Jesus’s time saw the hurts of champing church. Three years on, life healed by compassion and the wounds it remains the county’s only one. of misunderstanding healed by forgiveness. John Farmer, the chair of The rule Jesus left us was a new command- Friends of St Mary’s Longsled- ment; love one another as I have loved you. We need to put this into practice! dale, believes other churches Ruth Crossley, New Life, could benefit from the scheme. In the Parish of Dalton-in-Furness, “Champing has brought people Holiday: A family enjoy a stay at St Mary’s Church JENNY WOOLGAR PHOTOGRAPHY Newton and Ireleth with Askam to our church who would not otherwise have come,” he explains. Generally, the champers are could mean for them. I think WHEN everything is going well, I do well to “It’s been great for our valley and self-sufficient, although camping there’s real mileage in creating a remind myself of words from Deuteronomy the people living here, many of beds, comfortable seats and champing church pilgrimage in chapter 8: “Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God … when you have eaten whom are now on a rota to help lamps are provided. A nearby the Lakes that people could your fill and have built fine houses… for he make this work. community hall provides kitchen follow. I’m sure we’d have people brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of “It’s encouraged new people to facilities and there are public queueing up to walk that.” the house of slavery”. That quickly keeps visit our community; we’re getting toilets next door. And the church’s champing me from feeling any false sense of pride or increasing numbers of cyclists and Nearly 90 champers have visited experience has brought new arrogance. walkers staying with us.” so far, generating an income of people to Longsleddale, in turn Jennet McLeod, Newslink, more than £5,000. Profits are split creating new friendships. South West Cumbria United Area St Mary’s is now a Festival Church meaning it is not used for between the church and commu- “We had one guy who laid out nity hall. Champers usually stay PLEASE keep snipping stamps from your weekly services but instead opens ‘Real love’: John Farmer candles around the church and ‘snail mail’ and leave in the box at Holy Trin- at Easter, Christmas and Harvest for one or two nights, though one proposed to his girlfriend,” John ity or pass on to Alison at Holy Trinity or as well as for baptisms, funerals along to look after the building group stayed for five nights. explains. “We also had a couple Joan at St Barnabas. They will send your and weddings. and to tend the graveyard. John adds: “This has been stay from the mid-west in stamps either to the Leprosy Mission Stamp When the church had faced nothing but a positive experience America. They were touring from Exchange or to Embrace, who use them to There’s been tremendous financial support the Helen Keller School for the potential closure the small rural support. There’s a real love for for us. It’s brought people into our one champing church to another Blind. Thank you to everyone who has given community – only 66 people live this building.” community and of course there’s for their holiday.” me stamps in the past few of weeks, espe- in the valley – rallied. A team of five people oversee the financial aspect; £6,000 Champing season runs from cially Irene Frizzel and Frances McKnight. I “It’s sad that it took the threat of the champing operation. Bookings represents a lot of church coffee March 30 to September 29. Adult have sent off two large packages recently. closure for people to be stimulated,” are dealt with centrally by the mornings! rates cost from £49 to £59, while Alison Sayer, The Link, Holy Trinity and John remarks. “But they have CCT which takes a percentage to “I’d encourage other churches children’s rates start at £25. For St Barnabas with Sandsfield Fellowship been. New people have come cover its overheads. to think about what champing details, visit www.champing.co.uk. www.salvationarmy.org.uk The Way, Spring2020 15 Jennie has first poems published at age of 92 Success: Ester Chindamba in her grocery store bought n Great-great-grandmum’s with pigeon pea profits Farmers beat verse tells of life, faith and drought with love for late husband Billy pigeon peas By Dave Roberts By Laura Jones, Christian Aid A WEST Cumbrian Regional Co-ordinator great-great grand- mother’s poetry has THE three-year commitment of Carlisle Diocese to Christian been published for the Aid’s pigeon pea project in first time, following Malawi has made a big impact. help from a member of With more than 80 per cent her church. of Malawians depending on Jennie Doran, 92, has been farming, they are vulnerable to writing verse for well over droughts and floods. 20 years, with hundreds of Christian Aid is supporting the her works collected in a ‘big Nandolo (meaning pigeon pea) black book’ which she keeps Farmers Association of Malawi at her home on the Mire- (NFAM) to encourage people to house estate in Whitehaven. Blushing bride: Jennie grow the drought and flood- Now, thanks to the efforts and Billy on their resilient pigeon pea as a cash of Jackie Wilkinson – her crop. NFAM has provided seeds friend and fellow congrega- wedding day in 1947 and training to more than 6,000 tion member at St Andrew’s farmers, and helped them to sigh and after I’d read it, form co-operatives and receive a Mirehouse – the poems have he’d say, ‘Aye, that’s al- made it to print in a self- higher price for their crop. right’. So I know that he’d Despite Cyclone Idai, the last published book, Poemson be delighted with this book. Life,FaithandaWidow’s harvest was 14 per cent up on “I don’t think you can ever the previous year. Farmers re- Love. come to terms with losing Jackie said: “Sometimes ceived an average of 280 your partner of so many Kwatcha per kilo as compared to Jennie would read her poetry years but writing poems in church and when I came 2018’s 50 Kwacha per kilo. about Billy has certainly A group of Christian Aid sup- to visit her at home. She’d helped. My biggest hope is often tell me that she had porters from Cumbria visited in that other people enjoy my March 2018. The farmers written another poem and poems. I’ve already had a asked if I would listen to it. shared their initial successes and letter from another widow to showed how profits from pigeon “I realised there were all say that the poems have these poems – really good peas were helping their families helped her. That’s lovely.” with items such as a corrugated poems – which she had writ- As well as reflecting her ten at various stages of her life roof, livestock, school uniform life and marriage, 25 poems and investing in new businesses. and people needed to enjoy also focus on her faith. As a them. There are some really Later this year, a new factory girl, Jennie was confirmed at will open. Owned 75 per cent by funny ones in there too.” St Peter’s Kells, where she Jackie first typed out all farmers, this will enable them to was also married. She has remove the shells from the peas of Jennie’s poetry before been a member of St choosing the 78 works which and, consequently, earn more Andrew’s Mirehouse for from the crops. form the book. The three many years. Friends: Jennie, left, with Jackie DAVE ROBERTS sections draw on Jennie’s She added: “I thank God life, her faith and her for the gift he’s given me to marriage of 53 years to her be able to write these poems.” husband Billy, a former The first print run which Mike Angelo miner at Haig Pit. went to family, friends and No organist? “I don’t know why I’ve congregation members has Photography been able to write poetry,” already sold out. Problem solved! Jennie said. “I’m not “Everybody in church The new HT-400 Hymnal Plus plays over 2880 PRESS – PUBLICITY – PRESENTATIONS particularly clever in other loves the book,” Jackie said. traditional hymns and popular worship songs Lakeland Seasons, Lakeland Life, Lakeland ways but I’ve been given this “They’ve been selling like straight out of the box! gift. It’s such a pleasure for hot cakes. In fact, we’ve had Calendar and Lakeland Events are four 50-minute audio-visual shows about Cumbria. me to know that other people to print some more. Often Easily create playlists, adjust the tempo, alter have got enjoyment from people have ordered one but the number of verses, change the pitch and These FREE entertaining and informative shows may reading my poems. then bought three!” even choose your instrumentation. be booked in advance by WI, MU and village clubs. “I can remember when my Copies are available in the With indexes to 10 favourite hymn books Music, poetry and narration accompany the Billy would be sat reading Cornerstone Christian included (and many more available), the great spectacular images which have already been his paper and I’d kneel down Bookshop and the Beacon @qefYdHdmk sound of Hymnal Plus has made it the choice appreciated at hundreds of venues. Museum in Whitehaven and next to him and say, ‘Billy of churches across the UK. For details, phone/text 07904 275763, I’ve written another poem, The New Bookshop in 0776107761 153934 153934 email [email protected] or Cockermouth as well as inc VAT 0800 043 0503 (Freephone) www.hymntechnology.com just have a listen!’ He’d put £2149 [email protected] visit www.edenonline.net the newspaper down with a online, priced at £5.99. [email protected] 16 The Way, Spring2020 ‘Music changes lives, and I love being a part of that’ n In our latest Focus on Faith, we speak to Dan Elson, the Salvation Army’s regional music and creative arts specialist who covers Cumbria

Pleasetellusalittlebitabout but suddenly, through singing, you yourself. see their true self. It’s incredible. Q When I get a few of the guys who I’m 35 years old and am are supported through our Lifehouses married to Becca. We have two to sing together, you can instantly see Ayoung boys: Ben, four, and relationships formed. You might then Thomas, one. I’m originally from say, ‘Let’s have a look at this song Somerset but I moved to Liverpool to which has got some religious lyrics in complete my music degree and then it’, and before you know it, they are taught at a school on the Wirral, working alongside you on it. where we still live. I started working for the Salvation Howdoesyourministryfeed Army three and a half years ago. This yourfaith? is a new role and I have free rein to Q support all our churches, our Life- Every day I see people experi- house homeless centres and our older encing God through music and people’s centres through music and Aart. You can’t fail to be sparked creative arts. I cover from Carlisle as and reignited every time that happens. far south as Crewe and Buxton and When I play, I see people connect- support 62 churches, 10 Lifehouses, ing or reconnecting with God in a two older people’s homes and a whole new way. I drive home a happy number of prison chaplaincies. man; it keeps me going for weeks. I grew up in the Salvation Army. I started learning to play the cornet Whatchallengesdoyouface when I was six years old, so I’ve inyourrole? done 29 years of Salvation Army Q brass banding. I found a really deep If I’m invited somewhere, then personal faith in my first year at uni- I go; so, covering the patch I versity. It was a difficult time, but the Ado means I cover some miles. Liverpool Corps really supported me. Where there may be specific requests around areas that aren’t my speciality Howimportantismusicto then it can be a bit more of a struggle. youintermsofyourfaith I can lead drama but I’m not particu- Qjourney? larly an artist – though I can design Music is massive for me. As using a computer. well as playing the cornet, we So, I’m on a journey, linking people Ahad a piano and old acoustic up with others who may be more guitar in our house and, as a child, I capable in those areas. I have the was always dabbling with those. privilege of travelling around and Music is something that’s in me which working with lots of different people. has to get out! It doesn’t really matter That gives me the opportunity to take how that happens; it could be through away things I’ve learned and to pass playing, composing or singing. these on to other people. For instance, The fact that music is a great vehi- there is a fabulous artist at a church in cle to express what my faith means to Sale who runs Bible journeying me is a huge bonus. I met Becca, who sessions. I have been able to use her plays the tenor horn, when we both skills with other groups I’ve met. played in the university brass band. She came to faith playing in the Whatwouldbeyourprayer Salvation Army brass band. So I know foryourministry? that music plays an important part in Q bringing people to faith. It changes As a teacher, I worked with 11 lives and I love being a part of that. to 18 year olds every day. In Athis role I’m privileged to Howdoesmusicandcreative spend time with children and young artsaffectthepeopleyou people of that age range and younger. Qdrawalongside? But I still feel there is an age gap in Singing can have a particularly our churches, so I would pray to find profound effect. We do some- some way to fill that gap. Athing called Singing By Heart I want to work with the Salvation which is the Salvation Army’s Army’s other specialists in children’s dementia singing group programme, and family ministry as much as which I wrote with a colleague. I possible so that we can continue to have done 80 or 90 sessions all reach out and say to people: ‘Let us around the country and, each time, I look after your children. We can give have seen someone have a ‘spark them something which is far more moment’. They may not have been than just entertainment. We can bring able to connect through conversation them to a new life.’ Dan Elson: Grew up in the Salvation Army DAVE ROBERTS