Diocesan News Advent 2020 www..anglican.org

Building our home together Where every-

Bishop one knows

Every Christmas we your name hear afresh those defiant words from Revd John’s Gospel: “The Rachel Firth light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not I’ve always thought parish overcome it.” This communities are like the last year, with the signature tune to the old sitcom pandemic and its Cheers. “You want to go where consequences, has people know people are all the put us all on the same. You want to go where spot: is that text simply a bit of So, where is the light that everybody knows your name.” religious comfort stuff, or does cannot be overcome by the Moving jobs at the start of this it stand the test of reality? darkness? pandemic my name was one of the few things my new parish Well, there has certainly This question pushes us back knew about me. Despite the been plenty of darkness. Last to that first Christmas. Jesus pandemic we have been able Christmas we were beginning was born into a world in which to get to know one another to hear of a strange disease life was cheap and power better – both in online events and in China; within a couple of everything. Mortality was worship, and just picking up the months we were facing a less an inconvenient fact and phone too. We found ourselves complete lockdown of ‘normal’ more a daily confrontation. free from many preconceived life across Europe and much The darkness of military ideas about what was ‘normal’ of the world. Hundreds of occupation and imperial - because nothing was – and thousands of people have died oppression coloured the whole we have felt our way together across the globe, and in this of life for everyone. Light was as community through the country we have seen people a distant hope. strangeness. dying alone or in isolation, the NHS almost overwhelmed, But, this is the point. The I’d say we’re cautiously hopeful and no element of society radical challenge to this right now. We’ve got better left unscathed. Businesses world (and world view) was at moving things on a little – have suffered, the economy precisely this: God is present not being defeated by 3 steps is stricken, and the end is still far off. (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 2)

I Building our home together Where every- one knows (Continued from page 1) I believe that it is the same your name light of Jesus Christ that in the midst of this darkness, will illuminate our path as and not simply waiting for we move towards a new (Continued from page 1) better times before intruding. year like no other we have People looked for God in the experienced since the Second forward, 2 steps back. To offer resolution of their plight; World War. Uncertain? Yes. a Yorkshire-sounding Beatles Jesus speaks of being the light Fearful? Maybe. Demanding? reference - “Got to admit it’s even where the darkness and Definitely. And most people getting better, a little better all suffering persist. across our globe live like the time (it couldn’t get much this every day. We have an worse.)” Despite the restrictions opportunity to discover afresh imposed on us in the last the radical, light-shedding, year, the prayer and worship shocking surprise that life of the Christian Church Christmas represents, and to has continued. It has looked live it out in the year to come. different for many people, but it has been creatively pursued. When Jesus grew up and Christians have prayed for began his public ministry he their communities; clergy set out his manifesto in the have conducted funerals words of Isaiah - it had to do and weddings, holding open with turning the world’s values space for celebration and upside down and opting into Revd Canon Rachel Firth rites of passage; pastoral the uncertainties. We might care has gone beyond our not be in control of events, It’s been tough not being able to congregations and across but we can serve Christ and label the mid-point – the place parishes; chaplaincies his people whatever the world and time after which the only have witnessed sacrificial throws our way. way is up. Despite this as we’ve commitment; teachers and hung on in together amazing schools, NHS frontline work, So, Christmas is coming things have happened. People and those who have stepped whether or not the goose is have joined our worshipping in to support business, retail getting fat. The world and our community, relationships have and other essential areas of circumstances - including the changed and grown with key our common life; food banks resources at our disposal - will organisations in our town as we and wider service of people keep changing. God will not. have been able to say “We’re faced by unprecedented need; And the Jesus who brought praying for you…. and we can help engagement of churches his light into this world will be with that.” in local authority strategic walking with us every step. and reactive responses to I’m happy to have come to serve immense challenge. This is not Nick Baines a community who may not know an exhaustive list, but merely Bishop of Leeds your name yet – but they are illustrative. In the name of certainly always glad you came. Christ there is much light being It’s getting so much better all the shed in the darkness. time.

2 3 Adapting to change by the grace of God

Revd Canon Angela Dick

“What a year we’ve had!” I am always encouraged by That’s an expression we often God’s Word and I particularly hear but this year, so much love Paul’s words here in 2 more than most, everyone will Corinthians 4:8-9: be able to use that expression because we’ve all been on “We are pressed on every side a roller coaster of a journey by troubles, but we are not together in our country and crushed. We are perplexed, throughout the world. A but not driven to despair. We pandemic; political uncertainty; are hunted down, but never • I will not allow you to be mental health decline on the abandoned by God. We get crushed. rise; the death of George knocked down, but we are not • I will never abandon you. Floyd and Black Lives – do they destroyed.” • I will give you the strength Matter or not? and the courage to keep These words have rung true for going. We have seen tremendous loss me time after time when I have of life, traditions, togetherness faced difficulties in my life. May the Wonderful, and yet, for those of us who Counsellor, Mighty God, choose to follow Jesus there When God walks with us everlasting Father and Prince is hope. The Church has had We are not crushed. of Peace meet with each and to adapt to so much change We are not driven to despair. every one of us through Advent - how we worship, how we We are never abandoned by and the Christmas season and care for one another and how God and... bring us his joy to carry us into we can continue to serve our We are not destroyed. a new year with hope. communities in the midst of a pandemic. And many in our I love that! During this Advent Diocese have found ways to be season of hope though it church, by the Grace of God, might not seem so at time, though we are a scattered Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ is community. present.

We can’t pretend that life has As a new year approaches been great this year but maybe with all its unknowns and we can recognise the moments uncertainties, as Children of of time when it has been good God we can be certain that because God is present no God’s promises to you and me matter what we have faced and are: will face and God is good.

2 3 Bishop Jonathan appointed CofE safeguarding lead receives £327k for vital roof HUDDERSFIELD The Bishop of Bishop Jonathan and Bishop Huddersfield, Debbie will work closely repairs has been announced as the with the national director of ’s new lead safeguarding Melissa Caslake, LEEDS Leeds Minster has safeguarding bishop, taking over who took up the role six months received a much-needed from Bishop Peter Hancock, the ago, along with the all members grant of £326,237 from the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who of the National Safeguarding Government’s £1.57billion leaves the role at the end of Team as they continue Culture Recovery Fund to pay February. to develop the Church’s for vital roof restoration. safeguarding practice. Bishop Jonathan, a member The Minster is one of 445 of the House of , will Bishop Jonathan will chair the heritage organisations across be supported by the Bishop of National Safeguarding Steering the country set to receive a Southampton, Debbie Sellin, Group, the delegated House of welcome financial boost from Bishops body responsible for the emergency fund help making national safeguarding decisions.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said: “We are truly grateful to Bishop Peter who as lead safeguarding bishop, represented the Church at its three IICSA hearings over the past two years as well as leading on the response both to the recommendations and the important calls for change from survivors. them through the coronavirus “His commitment to pandemic. safeguarding and the mission of the Church is exemplary and the A grant of £326,237 has been House of Bishops has learnt a made to re-lay roofs to the lot from him. north and east of the building. as deputy lead safeguarding This work will address long-term bishop. “We welcome Bishop Jonathan repair issues for the church and and Bishop Debbie and make a significant contribution Within our diocese, he has commend their willingness to to conserving the historic fabric chaired the Board of Education take up this role which is a vital of this Grade 1 Listed Building. which oversees our 242 schools part of the work of the Church.” – a role which now passes to (Continued on page 5) the Rt Revd , Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.

4 5 Embracing our New Year with kindness Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley

(Continued from page 4) Recently, a friend posted an image on social media: “We are Reverend Canon Sam Corley, not all in the same boat, but Rector of Leeds, said: we are all in the same storm: support each other, don’t “We are so pleased to have judge, be kind”. secured this grant which will help us solve a problem we When I have a Zoom-free have been burdened by for moment to reflect on the past years. The essential works months, I’ve seen all those to various roofs around the elements in play: support, Minster will help make the judgement, and kindness. A building watertight and so a Gospel that dives straight in lot of that has been online, ensure that the City’s heritage to the story of Jesus, and ends but some of it has been in my is preserved for generations to as abruptly as it begins. But own experience: things I have come.” that’s Mark’s genius. It’s not observed, conversations I have a full stop at the end, it’s a ‘…’. had, feelings that have bubbled Leeds Minster stands on a site Finish the Gospel, but then read up inside me as I’ve faced used for Christian worship for it again and again in the light of my own personal challenges. over a thousand years and is the resurrection, then see what Plenty of folk have said how the birthplace of the City of fresh insight that brings to our much they are looking forward Leeds. reading? to seeing the back of 2020; roll on New Year’s Day 2021! The current church building A card that sits on my bookshelf was opened in 1841, a Victorian echoes the words I began this Advent Sunday is a pivot point Gothic masterpiece designed by reflection with: “We cannot in the Christian calendar, and architect R D Chantrell and built control the wind, but we can it’s significant that this year it through the untiring efforts direct the sails”. begins while England is still in of the Reverend Dr Walter lockdown. Advent marks the Farquhar Hook, then Vicar of In other words, attitude start of the new liturgical year, Leeds. matters, and there’s the as we look ahead to Christmas challenge: to use this Advent and all that lies beyond. We’ve An architectural innovation in to nourish kindness towards been there before of course, its day, the church combined those in need but also to be plenty times, but each year Hook’s revolutionary thinking kind to ourselves, and through we are invited to face the on parish church design with that to be bearers of the hope Gospel full-on with all that the latest developments in brought by Jesus’ birth in our has gone before knowing that building construction. communities. transformation is still possible.

Speaking of liturgical years, this new year ahead we will be reading through Mark. Here’s 4 5 God is light, and in him there is no 1,000 fresh hot darkness meals provided by Harrogate Bishop church In 2020 humanity has been at- RIPON A Harrogate church tacked by the invisible enemy has kept people fed during the called Corona virus which is lockdown, with 1,000 hot meals deadly. The invisible enemy served in April alone. has changed our day to day St Peter’s Harrogate has been order of living. We are unable serving food from the West to do the same things in the Door of the church, making sure same ways. We can’t plan long folk can have a hot breakfast term; we can’t really stay close and, since lockdown began, an to people the way we or they evening meal. might want. We must stay of things in life are beyond our indoors more than usual and The Vicar of St Peter’s, Revd control. Humanity is gaining wash our hands with soap and Alan Garrow, said: “St Peter’s scientific and technological sanitiser as regularly as pos- mastery over the physical sible. That is how the invisible world. As much as we are enemy is dictating our lives. faced with COVID-19 we are working hard to come up with Despite the gloom and a lot of inventions to try to darkness that the world is defeat the invisible enemy. It facing because of the Covid-19 is good to help ourselves and pandemic we are all reminded that is what we should do. that darkness does not have But we should at the same any power over light. “This is food ministry is a small sign of time guard against the fallacy the message we have heard God’s open-armed generosity of thinking that if we know from him and proclaim to you, - thanks to the tireless efforts about something, we can also that God is light and in him of an incredibly hard-working control it. there is no darkness at all” (1 team of volunteers who have John 1:5). Darkness may try to been shopping for, collecting Sometimes people get sick prevent the light from shining, and delivering produce, cooking, and all we can do is sit there, but it never holds back the packing, serving and keeping the watch helplessly, while as yet light enduringly. Ultimately the place clean and tidy. we have no cure for Covid-19. light will shine though. God as the creator of the universe “In this and many other ways St All of this will pass. All trials is bigger than the Covid-19 Peter’s ministry doesn’t stop.” do. But until then let us trust health crisis. He can surmount in God daily inviting Jesus into all. The food is provided in our lives. Let us hand over our partnership with local fears to him so that he can Human beings are very businesses in the Harrogate conquer them. vulnerable because we are area. powerless. We must bear in mind that we affect each other negatively and positively. A lot 6 7 God’s good news is always the Fountains source of our joy and hope Church opens Bishop Jonathan for private Gibbs prayer I guess many of us find the normality, once COVID-19 has Fountains Church short, dark days difficult at been brought under control Bradford has taken the next this time of year. There is a and an effective vaccine has step in their church journey by name for it – S.A.D. or Seasonal been distributed across the gaining access to their building Affective Disorder – and it’s world. Many people have found as work continues to go well probably more common than the lockdowns hard to cope inside. we realise. with, and anxiety levels seem to be increasing even though The church is based in On the other hand, as we there has been the news that a Bradford’s Glydegate Square enter the season of Advent, successful vaccine will be on its complex, a building that then Christmas really is just way soon. was once home to several around the corner – and shortly nightclubs, but had stood afterwards the days begin to The difference for us as empty for some time and lengthen, and before we know Christians is that our sense become dilapidated and it, spring is in the air. of hope is not ultimately vandalised before taken on by dependent on what is going on the church. The important thing for us to in the world around us. We may do when we feel “S.A.D.” or have to celebrate Christmas in down for whatever reason, is a rather different way this year, that we should keep our eyes but at the heart of it will still be fixed on something on the other the good news of the birth of side of what we are facing here our Saviour, while Advent speaks and now. Right now, it seems of the return of the King and the hard to imagine that life will final coming of his kingdom of ever return to some kind of justice and peace. Fountains Church, supported That good news is the real by the Church of England’s source of our joy and hope even Strategic Development Fund, in the dark days of winter and of aims to be a highly visible city the COVID-19 pandemic. centre church with a strong Bradford identity: young, May the love of Christ fill our entrepreneurial, ethnically and hearts and his joy and hope culturally diverse, and confident sustain us throughout this about holding out a clear faith Advent and Christmas. offering and call in the public space.

The joyful Fountains team have now gained access to the building, with the interior transformed by months of extensive work. 6 7 Life is full of 480 miles walk hidden jewels to raise money for Christ Church Bishop WAKEFIELD A member of one of our Leeds churches has taken the scenic route to raise money With the skies turning darker We’ve just celebrated Inter this July, by walking some 480 grey and the evenings drawing Faith Week, and the team at miles. in, I’ve felt tempted to allow Wellsprings Together have my own outlook on life to visited some of our partners Karen McLean, who worships reflect the gathering gloom. in churches, mosques, at Christ Church, Lofthouse, I’m not the only one; I’ve had gurdwaras, temples and was set to walk the Camino a few conversations recently synagogues who have been de Santiago, the 480.9 mile with people who are feeling doing some extraordinary pilgrimage that leads to the the pressure of months of a work. They’ve been running shrine of St James the Great in COVID dominated life, and are food banks, telephoning a bit fed up. vulnerable people, supporting schools and making sure What’s been interesting is people don’t fall through the that occasionally in these cracks of a creaking system. conversations, either myself Inter Faith Week felt like a or my conversation partner good time to dig up some has mentioned something rubies and to draw strength quite positive, but then and hope from them as we we’ve quickly moved on to move into what may be a the cathedral of Santiago de more negative things without difficult winter for many. Compostela in Galicia, in north- noticing. The Wellsprings team put western Spain. together a series of little films But these positive stories, to recognise and give thanks Unfortunately this was cancelled these bits of good news are for the work these people and but Karen decided to walk the like rubies scattered in a organisations are doing, often miles in Yorkshire, completing muddy field. They’re worth quietly and unnoticed. You can the challenge virtually. digging around for, pulling out find the films via the diocesan and polishing up. And then it’s website. She set out on July 1 and each worth taking a few minutes day walked an average of 17.5 to set them on the window “Rejoice always, pray without miles, returning home each sill, appreciate them and give ceasing, give thanks in all evening to nurse her feet and thanks for them. Looking for circumstances; for this is the recover before the next day. positives in this way is not will of God in Christ Jesus for This continued every day about putting a brave face you.” So writes the Apostle until on July 28 she walked to on things and pretending. Of Paul to the Thessalonians. He Lofthouse and was was greeted course, the mud is still there. was someone who knew a by a small group of friends at But the mud is not the only thing or two about lockdowns the church gates. reality. and restrictions, hope and joy.

8 9 Responding to the real world with prayer and action Bishop

I remember one Christmas Eve, Citizens banner to highlight after our Midnight Communion the need to pay care workers Service, greeting people at the at least the Real Living Wage; door as they went out into the Alpha courses groups set up cold: “Happy Christmas” etc. It on line across Leeds; .....and so was about ten minutes to one much more. o’clock and as I neared the end of a long line of people, one And one of the keys to congregation member said to responsiveness to new me: “Can I have a quick word situations is prayer. Ann Morisy, Journeying Out with you about our Flower in her book , Festival next May?” written nearly twenty years We have seen a new ago now, wrote about how partnership between inner city she felt that her own lack of Well, that was thinking ahead, and outer suburban parishes trying to get well-prepared, responsiveness was due to which has supported food her own failure in prayer. She getting one step ahead. We banks; innovative ways of often think that Advent is about says: “One of the things which doing family and children’s prayerfulness brings is timing, good preparation, but actually worship which have touched it’s more about alertness timing which enables grace to families beyond the church; flow unimpeded.” and readiness to respond to new Rhythm of Life groups, whatever God puts in front of making use of the new Diocese Let’s pray that we will know us. And the Bible shows us that of Leeds material; churches the first Christmas depended how to respond creatively and working together with other know what we should leave for on men and women responding organisations under the Leeds to God’s gracious invitation to another time. be part of his coming into the world in the baby Jesus. Take Advent action with our free resources! We have certainly had to respond to what has been Have you felt inspired by the stories in Advent News? If so, then good put in front of us in this last news! There are dozens of free resources to help you and your family eight months or so. And, it celebrate Advent and look forward to Christmas, and they are all on has been exciting to see how the Diocese of Leeds website. many churches in the Leeds Episcopal Area have responded Simply visit www.leeds.anglican.org/ creatively to the situation, not advent-2020 and browse resources for just in terms of worship but also children, young people and adults. Listen to in terms of serving their local some samples of Christmas church music, and community, in evangelism and get crafting ideas with our gallery of home growing people’s discipleship. made nativity scenes.

8 9 Hope is Advent’s key Nativity Treasure Hunt ingredient keeps Keighley connected Revd Canon Vaughan It won’t be a ‘silent night’ in Pollard Keighley this Advent season, thanks to nativity storyboards set As a church our plans would up by the church. normally be put in place for Advent well before the first window of the Advent Calendar is opened. I have to say however that trying to put any plans in place at the moment is so frustrating, we are constantly having to reimagine things. “So why bother,” you might say, “let’s just skip Advent and get the Christmas tree and sparkling lights out!”

The danger is we’ll miss out on The Revd Graham Potter, part of a really important ingredient the Team Ministry in Keighley, has that Advent brings into our lives, We know it’s not going to set up eight boards across the because Advent is a season of be easy and they’ll be days town to form a treasure hunt for hope, of expectation. So, let’s when I don’t find it easy, but people to follow. Each board helps not skip it. nevertheless we’re gonna give tell the Christmas story, starting it a go. with the angel Gabriel coming to As a church here in Bradford we Mary and ending with praise at are planning to whisper hope Maybe you might find a way. the birth of Jesus. even in the midst of the gloom (real gloom) of the Coronavirus May the God of Hope fill you Also on the boards are QR codes pandemic. with all joy and peace as you that take people to different trust in him, so that you may Christmas carols to sing along Each day, like opening the overflow with Hope by the to safely, socially distanced windows of that calendar, were power of the Holy Spirit. and with the wearing of masks planning to share a Thought for recommended. the Day on an Advent Theme, hoping to catch a glimpse of Romans 15 v 13. Revd Graham said: “We’ve all Advent hope in the everyday really missed singing. The treasure things of life. We aim to hunt was created to allow people encourage people to just take to sing carols in a Covid-safe way.” a moment to stop and ponder and pray, each day wherever For more details on taking they are. part, contact revgraham@ keighleyparish.org. 10 11 Cathedral News - Advent 2020

Comfort and Angels carrying Firm in Hope: joy at Bradford prayers take flight a new vision

BRADFORD RIPON hosted WAKEFIELD Wakefield is helping to bring comfort and a unique origami art installation Cathedral has launched its joy to those living in the city, and during the summer with some new Strategic Vision, which further afield, with its Advent and 10,000 paper angels flying high is rooted in its core values of Christmas programme including above the nave. joyfulness, generosity and services, events, and a daily video inclusiveness. every day in December, as part of The installation was part of their its online #BradventCalendar. ‘A Wing and a Prayer’ project Firm in Hope details the launched in May to support the cathedral’s commitment to The season of Advent began on vital work of the Yorkshire Air be a place that is safe and Sunday, November 29, with the Ambulance and Ripon Cathedral. welcoming, life-giving and switch-on of the cathedral’s ‘Star inspiring. Each angel was made by a host of volunteers and reflects the prayers offered for those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus and those in the NHS and other front line services risking their own lives for the sake of others. So far the project has raised over £130,000, in the Tower’, which made its first Speaking at its launch at the appearance in 2019, alongside Cathedral’s annual meeting two services, the Advent Sunday the of Wakefield, the Eucharist, and an Advent Carol Very Revd , Service. said:

The Revd Canon Mandy Coutts, “We’re launching our new Canon for Mission and Pastoral Vision at the beginning of Development said: “This season, Advent, a season of hope Bradford Cathedral is going to which will be split between the as we look forward to the celebrate the twin themes of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the celebration of God coming comfort and joy. Christmas cathedral. among us. is always a time of joy and celebration.” The , the Very “In these times of immense Revd said: “This challenge we’re looking The , the Very project is doing several positive forward with confidence to Revd said: “Advent things and responding to a the next phase of ministry at encourages a new song to real desire on the part of many , firm in emerge from the sense of being people to make their prayers in the hope that God has given overwhelmed by darkness.” or through Ripon Cathedral.” us in his Son, Jesus Christ.” 10 11 News...... News.....News.....News.....News.....NewsDiocesan News - Advent 2020 What will you do in your first 100 days? Jonathan Wood and the Church House team

What will you do in your first Over the last few months Come, thou long expected Jesus, one hundred days? This was the team at Church House born to set thy people free; one of the questions I was have worked hard to adapt from our fears and sins release asked when going through to providing support in new us, the interview process for the ways. Courses and training have let us find our rest in thee. job of Chief Executive and been moved online, support Israel’s strength and Diocesan Secretary. I spoke events to help think through consolation, about listening and learning and the challenges have been run hope of all the earth thou art; making the space to get out and and numerous toolkits and dear desire of every nation, about and meet people where guidance documents have been joy of every longing heart. they were. I didn’t include any produced. We were also able to reference to a global pandemic! gift churches across the diocese We are here to support you, so over £50,000 to help them please get in touch if there is It has been a unique start to serving their communities by anything you need. a new role, but I have loved providing grants for equipment nearly every minute of it. Whilst and mission activities. Jonathan and the Church House I haven’t managed to visit many team places physically, I have met We don’t yet know what the many of you virtually. Whether next few months will look like, through online forums, virtual but we do know there will be synods, the occasional drop-in lots of challenges to navigate. to deanery meetings or through We will continue to work closely calls, emails and letters I have with parishes and provide had the privilege of hearing support and timely guidance. about all that is going on in your But above all we as a team will parishes. I have been incredibly continue to hold to the truth impressed. The resilience and expressed so beautifully by the creativity which has been on Charles Wesley display right across our diocese is inspiring.

ForIV more news, help and advice for parishes, visit www.leeds.anglican.org