The Walking Welcoming Growing

Vol.26 No.6 Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark July/August 2021

Hands-free Curtain-up Sailing to justice Southwark launches Arts and theatre Southwark supports contactless giving return to the Diocese climate initiatives as in as restrictions lift we head for COP26 See page 3 See pages 4-5 See page 12 Ordained for ministry in Southwark Diocese Twenty-four people were ordained on Saturday 26 June by the New in the Diocese of Southwark and the parishes in which they will serve of at Southwark ©

Cathedral (another had already been Eve Milner ordained Deacon on 9 May by the Bishop of Southwark at the Good Shepherd, Lee).

The of Southwark, , introduced the service, saying it was a “great day of rejoicing” both for the candidates and for all those watching the service. He also passed on Bishop Christopher’s greetings. The Venerable Mark Steadman, of Stow and Lindsey and formerly to the Bishop of Southwark, preached. Speaking of the unique contribution of the Diaconate, he said: “They help us Christians to be better Henry Akingbemisilu Dr Sylvia Collins-Mayo Katie Kelly Janice Price disciples of the Lord. By their very lives, Thamesmead Team Ministry Mortlake with East Sheen St Edward the Confessor, St Andrew and St Mark, given to the Lord in his service, Deacons Jane Andrews Team Ministry Mottingham Surbiton show us how to serve, how to minister.” Putney Team Ministry Louisa Davies Capt Nicholas Lebey CA Charlotte Smith Simon Asquith St Michael and All Angels with Tolworth, Hook and Surbiton Richmond Team Ministry The candidates then made their Merton Priory Team Ministry St Stephen, Wandsworth Team Ministry Luke Whiteman declarations, after which Bishop Jonathan Dr Charles Bell Luke Demetri Carolyn Madanat Christ Church, Gipsy Hill ordained each in turn. St John the Divine with St St Michael and All Angels with St Paul, Kingston Hill Susan Wright Watch the service here: bit.ly/3h0ImL8 James the Apostle, Kennington St James, Croydon Max Marsh of Herne Hill Gemma Birt Leigh Engeham St Mary the Virgin, Lewisham Helga Zunde-Baker St John the Evangelist, St Anne and All Saints, Jack O’Grady All Saints, Hackbridge and Also on 26 June, one East Dulwich South Lambeth All Saints with Holy Trinity, Beddington Corner person was ordained to the Timothy Brunt Harry Frost Wandsworth A recording of the service can be priesthood and, on 3 July, a Christ Church, Streatham Holy Trinity, Wallington Dr Francesca Perlman found at bit.ly/3h0ImL8 further 17 were ordained Daniel Burton Christopher Gaul Cheam Team Ministry . Find more details and All, Saints, Carshalton St Peter, Brockley Paul Adlington, Good Shepherd, a full list of names on page 10. Lee, was ordained on 9 May.

The Revd Jonathan Sedgwick, Acting them sliding down the granite slope by the St James, Archdeacon of Southwark (pictured church steps. right taking his turn on the slide), was The new version has been designed by Bermondsey among the guests present to unveil a architect Fergus Carr, Arthur’s great-great- new Joyslide at St James, Bermondsey grandson. Intended for younger children, it on Wednesday 20 June. is on a smaller scale than the original, but slides into the hope is that it will entertain them just as The original Joyslide was given to the children Arthur’s gift did a century ago. of Bermondsey by Arthur Carr of Peek Freans history biscuit factory 100 years ago when he spotted Find more parish news on pages 4-5.

Read more stories at southwark.anglican.org/blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofE 2 | The BRIDGE July/August 2021

A view from NEWS IN BRIEF The New Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser appointed BRIDGE The Diocese is delighted to announce the appointment of Pamela Chisholm to the role of Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. Pamela has extensive safeguarding knowledge and experience of working with children and vulnerable adults, having “Thou has put gladness in my familiar to anyone on our Diocesan served as a police officer for 30 years in the Metropolitan Police service. Pamela heart; since the time that their Synod as before the lockdown many will join the Safeguarding Team on 24 August and Moira Murray, who has been corn, and wine and oil increased” meetings of synod were held at St covering the role on an interim basis, will be available for a short time to ensure ― Psalm 4.8 John, Waterloo. As we gaze at the Son a smooth handover. of Man on the Cross, in the mural, As I write, PCC Secretaries and on Synod all members bring together A full profile of Pamela will be published in September’s Bridge. incumbents will be receiving their the practical concerns of our Diocese information packs for the Parish Past Cases Review 2 update with our faith. This week we have had Support Fund 2022 (see page 3) a remote Synod (see report on page The Diocese has continued to carry out the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) work and on the front of the packs is a 8), but again we have brought together throughout the period of COVID-19 restrictions and significant progress has been picture of the banner on the front the material and the spiritual, and we made in reviewing our clergy and Church Officer files and safeguarding records. of Holy Trinity Clapham, which says thank God for the compassion and Individuals are encouraged to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team directly “There is Hope”. care that is at the heart of our faith, if they are comfortable doing so. To assist those who may not be comfortable Dear friends, as Christians we always for each other and for the stranger. with direct contact with the Diocese we have also put in place an independent speak of Hope and now, after a confidential helpline. A national PCR2 helpline, operated independently by the In the verse from Psalm 4 at the start long period of difficulty during the NSPCC, is also available. The full statement can be found at: bit.ly/SwarkPCR2 of this article, we hold together the pandemic, we have new opportunities spiritual and the material; it is so good Pioneer Eco Minister appointed to show in our many ways how we to celebrate with gladness, in prayer are living and demonstrating that The Revd Dr Sharon Moughtin (far right) and with thanksgiving, the easing of Hope with hearts full of gladness. We has been appointed Pioneer Team Vicar at restrictions on our worship and our only need to turn to this edition of St Mary’s Eco Church in Lambeth, alongside daily life. The Bridge to see examples of this. Cara George as Pioneer Assistant Minister. We know that we still have much to Sharon will lead the work of pioneering a There is Hope in our new deacons pray for and there is weariness and new church with a particular ​focus on the and as we continue to bring anxiety still around us. And so the Fifth​ Mark of Mission, and engage with those both inside and outside the Church new life and fresh thinking into our psalmist continues: “I will lay me down who have a strong affinity with ecological awareness and issues of social justice. parishes (see pages 1 and 10); there in peace and take my rest; for it is is joy as we all anticipate a return to Southwark UKME leaders speak out on vaccination for NHS thou Lord only, that makest me dwell a flourishing of the performing arts, in safety.” (Psalm 4.9) The and the have appeared in an NHS with musical events certainly high video encouraging UKME people to come forward for the vaccine, released in late on my own personal agenda (see the Please enjoy this summer edition of June. In the video, Black Church leaders are seen receiving the vaccine and asking centre spread on pages 6-7). The Bridge ― and perhaps imagine others to do the same. Watch the full video here: bit.ly/3xcJRMc yourselves, or try, having a ride on The opportunities to appreciate the the Joyslide (see page 1) at St James, way in which visual art speaks to us London’s Open House Festival open for applications Bermondsey! will also increase and, as we continue Applications are open for Grade I and II* listed churches to sign up for London’s to return to and recover from the Ruth Martin Open House Festival, which takes place from 4-12 September. The event gives pandemic, the work of the German churches a different way to open their doors to members of the community who Jewish artist Feibusch featured in this would perhaps not normally come into church, and could lead to missional or months Bridge (see page 4) speaks to fundraising opportunities. The deadline for applications is 30 July. If you do sign up, us. The mural of the crucifixion will be please let Duncan Gregory know ([email protected]) https://open-city.org.uk/how-to-take-part-in-open-house-festival Southwark Diocesan Conference 2022 update Notice about images Planning for the Southwark Diocesan Conference 2022 (SDC2022) at Bacon’s College, Rotherhithe, on 1-3 September 2022 is well under way. Confirmed Please note: photographs in the paper where people are not speakers include: Mark Greene, Carrie Myers, Francis Spufford and the Revd socially distanced were taken before the pandemic or when Azariah France-Williams. The Revd Roxanne Eversley appears in the latest subjects were in a bubble. video released to publicise the conference. Watch it here: youtu.be/u4hF3OoLocE

The Bridge is produced & published by: Next Issue: Submission deadline and guidance Press and Communications, The Diocese of Southwark, Trinity House, The SEPTEMBER edition is due to be published online on 1 September 2021. Material 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW for that edition must be with Sophia Jones by e-mail by FRIDAY 20 AUGUST. Tel: 020 7939 9400 E-mail: [email protected] Space limitations mean that we cannot guarantee to publish everything we receive The Editorial Team from Press Editorial Group: and material may be edited. All photographs submitted for publication are assumed to and Communications: Ruth Martin have the necessary permission for printing. So, please ensure that people are happy Commissioning Editor: Editorial Adviser (vacant) for their photographs to be submitted before you do so. Sophia Jones Sophia Jones Forms for permission for the use of photographs of children and adults who may be Editor: Abigail Sanderson vulnerable can be found at southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies- Advertising and Distribution: procedures Susana Rojas

The Bridge — in print, in your parish, and online at southwark.anglican.org/thebridge July/August 2021 The BRIDGE | 3

New leadership opportunities unveiled at Lay Ministries event IN FOCUS... On 19 June, more than 40 News from the Diocese people attended a Zoom event to explore new lay ministries in the Diocese of Southwark, writes David Cundill (right), Pioneer Diocese launches contactless Development Officer. Our Lay Council has recently approved schemes for Lay Pioneers giving project in parishes and Lay Ministry amongst Youth and Children. This morning provided an The first round of a new project introduction to each of these and helping Southwark’s parishes opportunities to explore one or two to promote contactless giving, of them in breakout rooms. jointly run by the Diocese and the People were also given the chance National Church’s Giving Team, to explore more than one approach resources (www.fxgreenhouse.info), to ministry; for instance, would it be launched in June. trying a Mission Shaped Ministry best to develop your vocation as a course or joining a Greenhouse Parishes in seven deaneries across the lay minister with youth and children learning community. Diocese were invited to take part in the (say, mainly with those involved scheme, under which each received a in our churches) or as a pioneer We also looked at becoming a contactless giving terminal part-funded minister (with young people out in the commissioned pioneer, which by the National Church. The remaining community to establish a new form of involves an apprentice-based learning financial contribution was provided by church amongst them)? programme to support people in the parishes themselves. their ministry and a new licensed From my experience it was great pioneer learning programme. In our Alan Carter, Treasurer at St Peter’s to find so many people interested two breakout rooms we had lively and Woodmansterne, said: “Without the in lay pioneering and often already enthusiastic discussions and hope we subsidy, the upfront costs involved in involved in reaching out beyond the can help some develop their vocations trying contactless would have been a Church and forming new approaches further as a result. barrier to us trying it.” One of the new contactless with the people who normally do machines in use at St Mark, Prior to receiving their devices, clergy, not attend. This included: Forest Feedback in the main Zoom session Mitcham. PCC Treasurers, and other volunteers Church, pioneering through football, indicated that people exploring lay gathered online for training with the supporting people with mental health, ministry amongst Youth and Children, good that we are piloting contactless pioneering beyond family-focused Readers, Pastoral Assistants and Southwark and National Giving Teams, giving in the Diocese. Parishes have been which covered new ways to encourage Fresh Expressions, those spiritual but Church Army Evangelists had similar extremely generous during the pandemic not religious and pioneering amongst experiences. Due to the amount of generous giving. They then collected their and I hope that this tool will support new machines at an in-person training people struggling with faith. interest we are looking to repeat the them significantly. As well as providing a process again in a few months’ time. session in early July. facility for members of the congregation During our breakout sessions we “This is a new way to receive gifts for wishing to give generously, it is particularly explored how people can develop If you would like to explore lay minstry many of our parishes, so the face-to-face suited to encourage one-off visitors also their ministry or vocation as a lay further, visit southwark.anglican.org/ training was a great opportunity to build at occasions such as special festivals, pioneer, including starting a Fresh mission-ministry/ministry/discipleship- people’s confidence,” commented Head baptisms or other occasional offices.” Expression, using the online Godsend ministry/lay-ministries of Giving, Gabby Parikh. A second round of the project is planned Bishop Christopher added: “It is very in the coming months.

Tributes paid as former Evangelical Alliance leader dies Parish Support Fund launches The Revd Dr Joel Edwards, Parish Support Fund 2022 Resourcing God’s mission former General Secretary of the Thank you for your continued generosity to the in the Diocese of Southwark Parish Support Fund (PSF) over what has been a Evangelical Alliance, has died of year like no other. We are delighted that parishes cancer aged 70. are continuing to honour their PSF pledges and that the collection rate is currently over 98%. Bishop Christopher said: “It is with great sadness that we have The 2022 Parish Support Fund booklet is now heard of the death of the Revd being distributed to parishes and is available Dr Joel Edwards who for many online at southwark.anglican.org/giving/parish- years gave leadership to the Walking Welcoming support-fund Growing Evangelical Alliance. He was a devoted pastor and friend to We hope that you will be encouraged as you read the letters from many, especially in London. I have our and Diocesan Secretary, as well as stories from our parishes always had a high regard for his who have faced many challenges and opportunities this year. generosity of spirit. Please join Bishop Christopher and his fellow Bishops invite you to join me in giving thanks for his life and Christian witness and please together in the words of the PSF prayer, written by the Dean of thanks for your prayers, love pray for his family in their loss. Southwark, Andrew Nunn. We hope that you might like to use a short and holding on to me with that May he rest in peace.” video recorded by voices from the PSF booklet at www.youtube.com/ fingernail miracle. Words cannot watch?v=rEBJv4DNR64. The Revd Dr Edwards’ final express the depth, breadth and If you have any questions about the PSF, please contact Gabby Parikh at message was: “This is to say a height of my gratitude, but I have [email protected] final goodbye. First, my incredible gone home.” 4 | The BRIDGE July/August 2021

IN FOCUS... News from our parishes Uncovering the local legacy of a German-Jewish artist

The Diocese of Southwark has an The Revd Canon Giles Goddard, Vicar of important cultural and artistic St John’s, said: “Our Feibusch murals have legacy that is only now coming graced St John’s and focused our thoughts to light, writes Beth McHattie, for almost 70 years. But it is only now Communications Consultant for that we, and other churches blessed with works of this period, are beginning to see St John, Waterloo. the bigger picture. What did Feibusch and Eight of its churches are home to murals his fellow non-Christian artists bring to by Hans Feibusch, a German-Jewish our faith and to our understanding of the artist who came to London in 1933 and post-war world? How can we save their ended up painting some 40 murals for the legacy? And how can we respond to the , more than any other art of refugees in Britain today?” artist in the entire history of the Church. Edmund de Waal, world-famous potter Yet he is hardly known. and writer, welcomed people to the This astonishing fact has been brought conference, calling it “an extraordinary to the fore by St John’s which has two day of events, memory and celebration of magnificent but perilously fragile Feibusch an exilic generation of artists who have murals and is fundraising for their urgent profoundly enriched the public inhabiting conservation. The murals were done in of faith in the United Kingdom…” 1951 when St John’s was restored to Explaining why the conference was become the Festival of Britain church. important, he said: “I grew up in the Now £57,000 is needed to stop them Church of England…with a mother who flaking to the floor and the church is writes about monasticism and a father appealing for donations. who was an Anglican clergyman who was Last year, St John’s hosted an online tour also Jewish…so for me this experience of of Feibusch murals in South East London having two places in my life, a grounding churches (see bit.ly/3yFPVNC). In June in this country but a sense of elsewhere this year, it held a conference – A Jewish means that this day means an enormous Jesus: Art and Faith in the Shadow of World amount to me.” War II ― on the wider subject of why so The conference was held in association with many Jewish refugee artists adorned our Art + Christianity and Insiders/Outsiders as churches with paintings, murals, sculpture part of Waterloo Festival and all the talks are and stained glass in the post-war period. now online at: bit.ly/36dSwSu Section of Feibusch mural of the Crucifixion housed in St John, Waterloo.

Woolwich priest celebrates 97th birthday Christ the King, Salfords welcomes new priest

The Revd Margaret Mabbs, Bishop Jonathan presided who holds the Bishop’s at the licensing of the Revd Permission to Officiate Canon Dr James Rosenthal at St Luke, Eltham Park, at Christ the King, Salfords celebrated her 97th on the feast of Corpus birthday on 28 June. She Christi on 6 June, writes received COVID-secure Sian McIntosh. visits from the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of It was lovely for the church Southwark; the Revd Dr family to be present, even Catherine Shelley, Eltham if socially distanced and & Mottingham Area Dean; mindful of the COVID the Revd Liz Oglesby- regulations, to celebrate Elong, Vicar at St Luke, the licensing of Father Jim Eltham Park; and others. who comes to us from his previous parish, St James the Great in Merton. The rain did not deter It gave us all a cause to be joyful and hopeful and, as Bishop Jonathan them or members of the reminded us in his sermon, “the promise of God is not voided by a community from sending pandemic”. We were able to join together in a more “normal” way ― their best wishes and the sun shone, the flowers looked beautiful, a small choir sang and the raising more than £500 for organ played! a local donkey charity. July/August 2021 The BRIDGE | 5

Army chief gives unique award St Mary, Lewisham honours COVID dead with cherry tree for service to Southfields school

St Mary, Lewisham was blessed with a beautiful spring morning in April for Lewisham Mayor Damien Egan to plant a commemorative cherry blossom tree, writes the Revd Steve Hall, Vicar at St Mary’s.

The tree has been planted to honour those in the borough who have died through COVID-19, those who have lost loved ones and those who have cared for the community through the pandemic. The Mayor and I were joined in the planting by Imam Shakeel and other faith leaders, St Michael’s children show off the “SAS” display board to military guests. along with the Chair of Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust.

The sound of boots on gravel In presenting his special “Meritorious St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden, which also received an award from reverberated around St Michael’s Service Award” to Ann-Marie, the Major the Mayor for its service to the community during the pandemic, has General, who commands the Guards and School Southfields on 14 June and all become a place of beauty, healing and prayer. The wider community the Army in London, said that his own the pupils were on parade to meet have visited in large numbers during the lockdowns, finding peace and a very special visitor, writes a school family had seen St Michael’s as a “bedrock” when times were hard, in particular when finding God. We continue to work with Lewisham Hospital and the spokesperson. he was away in Afghanistan for seven Ladywell NHS mental health unit to support those in need. Fresh from meeting The Queen at the months while his two children were in Trooping the Colour on 12 June and Reception and Year 2 at St Michael’s. the US President on 13 June, Major The award is usually only given to General Christopher Ghika came to the individuals and this is the first of its kind Newly carved sculpture of St Augustine finds perfect niche school to salute its work with military during his tenure that has been presented families with the presentation of a to an organisation. In return, the children This sculpture of St Augustine unique commendation. presented their guests with unique of Canterbury was installed in For the past decade, Headteacher Ann- “Golden Superstar Certificates”, thanking the church of St Augustine of Marie Grant has held weekly support them for their service. Year 4 pupil George Canterbury, Honor Oak Park on also explained to the Major General that group meetings (named SAS, short for St Augustine’s Day (26 May 2021) “Social At School”), with more than 100 he was to receive a bespoke St Michael’s and blessed by the Revd Canon military children benefiting from the School plaque which Major General Ghika Colin Luke Boswell, Priest-in- scheme’s friendship and pastoral care. declared would be added to the display of regimental plaques in his office on Horse Charge (right, with the sculpture). The current cohort of pupils, ranging in Guards in Whitehall. age from five to eight, expressed their The sculpture was carved from thoughts and feelings on what the St After the ceremony, the children proudly English limewood in the style of an Michael’s SAS group means to them. One showed their guests the special SAS “Isle of Lewis” chess piece by the said: “Being in SAS means we can help display board, which features a mosaic Revd Dr Michael Brooks, an Associate each other.” Another added: “It’s good to designed by the children bearing the Minister of St Augustine’s, during the share how we are feeling, especially when symbol of the military child, the dandelion, COVID-19 pandemic. our dads go away and we might feel a bit because they “bloom everywhere the wind The octagonal stone base was supplied worried about them.” carries them”. by WT Lamb & Sons Ltd and was quarried in Caen, Normandy, which is the source of the limestone that Holy Trinity, Clapham joins Parliamentary prayers was used to construct when rebuilding Shadow Women and Equalities commenced in 1070. Minister, Marsha de Cordova, Colin said: “We were delighted MP for Battersea, was with that during our celebration of the Revd Jago Wynne at Holy Holy Communion on the feast of Trinity, Clapham on Friday St Augustine of Canterbury, our 25 June to take part in the patron saint, we were able to bless annual National Parliamentary and dedicate a lovely sculpture of Prayer Breakfast. St Augustine.” He added: “We prayed that we Chaired by the Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom MP, the event was broadcast live would as a church be mindful of news with others as we work to from Westminster Hall, with local churches ― including HTC ― joining in remotely the mission that brought St Augustine establish God’s kingdom where he to share the work they had done to support local communities during lockdown. to England and that we also will has called us to worship, witness Watch the full event here: bit.ly/3vZXMDF have a zeal for sharing the good and serve.” 6 | The BRIDGE July/August 2021

THE ARTS IN SOUTHWARK Performing arts enter a new act post-COVID

Sophia Jones, Director of Communications, investigates how the Diocese’s rich artistic tradition has been damaged by the pandemic, and how the Church has a key role to play in encouraging its return.

As the lockdown gradually lifts, theatres “The challenges to international touring and arts venues are opening up. The Revd and collaboration that Brexit has brought Betsy Blatchley, who is Pioneer Minister will potentially make things even harder,” in the Arts and leads Nine Elms Arts she adds. Ministry in Battersea, is hopeful. A number of arts organisations have been She says, “With theatres, cinemas, galleries offered small grants, “but these have been and museums beginning to open there a drop in the ocean,” notes Betsy. Many is definitely a higher level of hope and have not been eligible for Government I am starting to see people working on grants at all. “Artists have taken on all projects.” She warns, however, “the arts sorts of jobs as they could find them but world is immensely resilient but it is going the toll practically and emotionally has to be a very tough time. There is still been huge,” she says. individuals and organisations to support Clockwise from above: the Dean plenty of uncertainty and anxiety and I Actor Nick Fletcher (pictured below) our local community through creativity of Southwark, Andrew Nunn, think that, as it emerges post-pandemic, has a similar story to tell. He says: “We has been a key part of my role in the at the reopening of The Globe it may look very different.” lost all the means to do what we do past year,” she says. Theatre in May 2021; David The impact of COVID-19 on the arts overnight on 16 March 2020. As the Loftus’ Be Kind, part of the Nine In practice, this meant that the annual and theatre communities has been huge. Government support arrangements took Elms Arts Ministry’s social media Nine Elms Advent Calendar combined a Betsy believes that “the arts, and maybe shape it emerged that 40% of Equity exhibition The Art of Connection; live trail of art with film, photography and especially the performing arts, have been members just weren’t going to get any Alexa Muen’s Emergent Family; and digital input in 2020, so that it could be devastated”. Whilst most other sectors financial assistance. Television and film Briony Marshall’s The Chemistry enjoyed in both real and virtual worlds. have been able to open sporadically, very production have stuttered back into a of Life, both also from The Art of Social media has helped Betsy to reach little live performance has been able to fragile and reduced life since that summer. Connection. out and celebrate artists and creatives take place for well over a year and social Now theatres are re-opening but we all through online exhibitions. There have distancing makes it almost impossible for rehearse and perform with the constant also been weekly arts prayer meetings. many venues to open feasibly. worry that just one colleague getting an “My pastoral work among artists and isolation instruction from contact tracing “The freelance nature of the arts and the creatives has definitely increased,” authorities could close our shows. As fact that, for the vast majority of artists Betsy says. in all walks of life, we long for a reliable even in good times, work is fairly low- return to normal life.” LET US PRAY paid and sporadic, has meant that many Eye of the storm artists have been left with no income at During lockdown, Betsy had to re-imagine Bishop Rob Gillion was commissioned all,” Betsy says. projects and ways of working. “My work by Bishop Christopher as Associate Andrew Nunn’s prayer for The Globe as Pioneer Minister in the Arts and leading Bishop for the Arts in September 2020 Theatre’s reopening: The arts as vocation Nine Elms Arts Ministry has always been in, he says, “the eye of the storm which is Creator God, The arts are a vocation for many, about gathering people together and COVID-19”. Describing how artists have Who made the world a stage something for which they have trained for creating live events. Bringing together been struggling, he adds: “One musician set in a sea of stars, years, sometimes decades. “A dancer, said, ‘it’s something I’ve done for most bless now this wooden O, for example, has a relatively short of my life and I’ve never done any other “Now theatres are the ground beneath, career and needs to remain in job. To suddenly have that stop one night the sky above, top condition. That has been re-opening but we all in March last year, to do nothing for this the seats around, incredibly difficult with no work, long, is quite a toll to take’.” the space where all life is found; no classes and often just a tiny rehearse and perform Bishop Rob is praying that this is about that eye may see bedsit or flat to try and practise with the constant worry to change. A former actor and theatre and ear may hear, in,” says Betsy, who explains that that just one colleague director, he believes that the Church has heart may conceive not only have artists taken a an important role in supporting artists, and tongue may taste blow, but so too have getting an isolation especially at this time. “Championing of the dreams you put into our minds the numerous support instruction could close the arts and artists by the Church has this night and always. industries to the been crucial during this time of pandemic,” Amen. performing arts. our shows” he says. “There is a very powerful ministry July/August 2021 The BRIDGE | 7

and the regular round of concerts in the arts and how arts organisations relate to Cathedral have not happened. We have their local communities, will be acted upon been starved of that side of life.” and we will see an even more beautiful and just arts world emerge.” Andrew is reminded that in Shakespeare’s day the theatres were often closed when Bishop Rob, meanwhile, believes that the there was an outbreak of plague. “The championing of the arts by the Church will Bard used the time to write long narrative be crucial. “Let’s celebrate the Diocese poems such as Venus and Adonis whilst the as a place where the arts and artists plays could not go on. So it is good that, as are valued as a crucial part of Christian we begin to emerge from restrictions, the practice, culture and mission,” he says, “and theatres are opening up,” he says. that the creativity of all God’s people is nurtured and celebrated. Reflecting on the In May, Nine Elms Arts Ministry ran its life of Christ as an artist, a superb story second social media exhibition, Art of teller, and a transformer of lives, let us Connection. In the pipeline are arts well- encourage our own and others’ creativity being pop-ups. “We hope these will be in the hands of a creative God.” a gentle and positive way for people to gather and process the challenges of the past year,” says Betsy. It will also be involved in the Happy Streets Contact details Festival – a large local festival of arts and culture on 10 July. Theatre Chaplaincy UK: www.theatrechaplaincyuk. Asked about her hopes for the future of com the arts, Betsy says: “I pray that the passion I have seen for change within the arts, and Arts Centre Group: that churches can offer by commissioning particularly the performing arts world, in artscentregroup.org.uk artists and performers, and paying them the light of Black appropriate remuneration.” Lives Matter, the Christian Arts Trust: #MeToo campaign christianartstrust.org In his role as Associate Bishop for the #ClimateAction and theatres, Arts, Rob is keen to support and promote the accessibility of the concern for artists and management as concert well as to support churches engaged halls and in offering opportunities for the arts exhibitions, community. encouraging individuals to buy tickets He suggests that artists should be and be inspired by live encouraged to contact Christian performances,” he says. organisations for support, including Theatre Chaplaincy UK, Arts Centre Parishes could take a Group, Christian Arts Trust and other trip to the Globe Theatre which professional bodies such as Equity (see reopened in May. The stage was blessed box, right). He feels that the Diocese by the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of has been blessed by Betsy’s pioneer arts Southwark, before the first performance ministry engaging with artists of various post-lockdown. disciplines, and he has also been inspired is in an area by the number of concerts on Zoom where people have always come to by artists raising money for those who be entertained. The young boys who are struggling. performed female parts on stage at the A listening ear Rose and the Globe were also choir boys who sang in what was then the Bishop Rob believes that supporting health parish church. Theatrical entrepreneur and well-being is vital in body, mind and Philip Henslowe and others were spirit, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and Churchwardens in the parish. materially. “A listening ear and a voice to speak out are so important,” he says. “The life of the stage and the life of the sanctuary have been bound together,” He has been offering his church, free of says Andrew. “So it has been strange to charge, to be used as a rehearsal space see so much closed during this period for musicians and actors and meeting of lockdown.” with them while they are there. “I would encourage other churches to offer the He adds: “All along the South Bank the same at this time, and as we come out theatres and concert halls have fallen silent of lockdown let’s organise parish trips to and similarly the organ and music recitals 8 | The BRIDGE July/August 2021

IN FOCUS... CofE chooses SDBE to deliver new teacher qualifications Diocesan Synod Lay ministry, Deaneries and eco issues dominate Synod

Football fever was in the air when members met online on 7 July for the last Diocesan Synod of the triennium.

The meeting opened with prayers led The Southwark Diocesan Board Diocese, including faith and non- by Bishop Christopher, after which he of Education Multi-Academy faith schools. welcomed the new Director of Finance, Trust has been chosen by the Marcus Cooper, Chief Executive Mark Rhodes, for whom this was the first Church of England Education Officer for the MAT, said: “We are Synod, and also formally thanked the Revd Office as one of its regional absolutely thrilled to be a Delivery Duncan Swan, Deaneries Development partners to deliver teachers’ Partner for the Church of England, Adviser, as he moves into a new role. towards additional authorisation of lay CPD, it was announced in June. able, equipped and accredited to Diocesan Secretary Ruth Martin followed ministries, to be launched in September. deliver NPQs to staff from across In May, the Department for Education with an update on Deanery, Diocesan and The Revd Canon Jay Colwill, Director the entire Diocese.” awarded the Church of England one General Synod elections, before Bishop of Mission, spoke next on the work of of nine national contracts to deliver He added: “We are especially proud Christopher gave his Presidential Address. the Deaneries Advisory Group, another National Professional Qualifications that the qualifications will be delivered priority for this triennium. Jay revealed a Reflecting on the past extraordinary year, (NPQs). These newly revamped by leaders from across our Trust positive picture when it came to breathing he thanked all those who had stepped up qualifications offer teachers and schools as part of our model for new life into Deaneries. More than 50% to help during the pandemic: “in our food school leaders the chance to develop distributed leadership. It’s great to have a Deanery Leadership Team, where banks, packing PPE equipment...and our expertise in areas of practice such as see our serving leaders training other lay and ordained work together with a hospital and others on the front behaviour management and leadership. serving and aspiring leaders.” line”. He also thanked parishes for their missional focus, and more than 60% are keen for a Mission Accompanier to help The CofE Education Office decided Meanwhile, Amanda Blackburn, “magnificent support” through the Parish Trust Leader for NPQs, said: “It Support Fund. them. “We have begun a journey, and to recruit and accredit Regional begun it well,” said Jay. Delivery Partners to deliver the has been a real privilege to see The Bishop acknowledged the qualifications. In June, the SDBE MAT the transformation in our middle contribution to the Diocese of colleagues Environmental journey heard that it had been approved leaders across the Trust as they have who had retired or moved to new roles Bishop Richard came next with an update as one of these partners, meaning engaged with the NPQML programme in the past year, and paid tribute to two on the Eco Diocese Working Group, that, from November 2021 when and developed and refined their members of Synod ― Brian Wilson and revealing that Southwark is almost ready the courses launch, it will deliver leadership skills.” Sarah Swanson ― who had recently died. to apply for its Bronze Award. As part the qualifications to all schools Pictured above: the SDBE MAT Formal business began with a technical of this process, a renewed Diocesan and their leaders from across the colleagues involved in the NPQs. motion put forward by Adrian Environmental Policy has been created, Greenwood, Chair of the House of for which Bishop Richard sought formal Laity, and carried unopposed. Next, approval from Synod and which was Alan Saunders, Chair of the DBF, formally accepted unanimously. LLF taster event a positive experience for participants presented the 2020 Annual Report and Bishop Richard said: “There is very much Financial Statements to Synod (copies a gospel imperative in all we do [on the can be downloaded from: bit.ly/3hJN2Va), On Saturday 26 June a group of environment]. There is also a practical almost 50 people, lay and clergy, before Ruth Martin and Mark Rhodes gave imperative: there is no Planet B.” In this he gathered together online for a attendees a brief financial update. This too was backed up by young people from the Living in Love and Faith Taster passed unopposed. Kingston Youth Forum, who had their say Afternoon, writes the Revd Canon Lay leadership in action via a video in which they discussed their hopes and fears around climate justice Wendy Robins. Next on the agenda was an end-of- (find the video at:bit.ly/2Uq2IVA ). triennium update on the Lay Leadership We were delighted that Eva John, the Enabling Officer for Living in Love and Faith and Lay Ministry (LL&LM) report, Head of JPIC, Nicola Thomas, then shared (LLF), was able to facilitate. The Bishops of the Diocese have encouraged all our delivered by the Revd Canon Wendy more detail on the Environmental Policy. churches, as well as individuals and Deaneries, to get involved in the process, Robins, Director of Discipleship, Lay “This is a vision that people need to be which is designed to encourage thinking about how questions about identity, Ministry and Continuing Ministerial committed to at local level,” she said, “in sexuality, relationships and marriage fit within the bigger picture of the good news schools, parishes and Deaneries, and we Development. Wendy discussed the work of Jesus Christ and what it means to live in love and faith together as a Church. of the Lay Council, the creation of which are working to build that infrastructure.” was a key recommendation of the report, Adrian Greenwood and Archdeacon People who attended the session were very positive about the insights it gave and its role in developing new licensed, ended by thanking them into the Bible study material and were encouraged to consider gathering commissioned and affirmed lay ministries. Synod members for their work over together a group to be part of LLF. The input into the afternoon was recorded She also discussed other actions taken the triennium, a sentiment which was and will shortly be available on the LLF page of the Diocesan website. Why to celebrate LL&LM, including a liturgy seconded by Bishop Christopher, while not have a look and consider whether you could draw together your own for parish use for those entering affirmed Bishop Richard thanked outgoing Diocesan group? There is more information on our web pages or on the National Church ministries; the showcasing of lay-led Environmental Officer Sue Mallinson for of England website at: www.churchofengland.org/resources/living-love-and-faith stories in Diocesan communications; the her service (see page 12). The meeting refocusing of clergy appointment, training closed with compline at which the Revd We hope to be able to have a Diocesan round-up session in the Autumn so and review to emphasise the role of lay Mark Smith was commissioned as Bishop’s people can share their experiences. Please do join this important initiative. people in missional service; and progress Advisor for Self-Supporting Ministry. July/August 2021 The BRIDGE | 9

IN FOCUS... Diocese of Jerusalem An encounter with the “living stones” of the Holy Land

In the first of a series focusing on our Link Dioceses, The Very Revd Richard Sewell, Dean of St George’s College, shares the challenges and wonders of living as a Christian in Jersualem.

I am delighted in the new Partnership an impact on the communities and their Covenant between the Diocese of welfare far beyond what their numbers Southwark and the Diocese of Jerusalem, would suggest. Above: in the Old City of Jerusalem; below: Richard Sewell, left, with the signed in January. I served for 17 years What I hope you will come to realise newly consecrated Archbishop Hosam Naoum in parishes in Southwark and for the as this new connection develops is that past three in Jerusalem, so it is a special the Diocese of Jerusalem is far more connection for me. Revd Hosam Naoum and the Bishop’s Of course, in our partnership, the flow of than a few churches founded there by crozier has been passed to him to guide concern and inspiration is not all one way. Many people from Southwark will have the Church of England in the 19th and and care for the clergy of the 27 parishes I hope that someone in your Diocese will visited the Holy Land on pilgrimage 20th centuries. The Diocese includes the and 31 institutions across this vast and be able to write a similar article sharing and they will have some impressions churches and people of the West Bank and fascinating region. a description of Southwark, its churches of this place and the extraordinary Gaza, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Just and institutions, its people and the mission inspiration of visiting the holy places contemplate for a moment the scope of As if the bare facts of the Diocese did not challenges and opportunities which are associated with Jesus’ life, death and issues, challenges and mission possibilities present enough of a challenge, we need your reality. Then Anglicans across the resurrection. Some may have met local which are contained within the region of to add to that the reality and complexity lands here will have an outline of you to Christians and attended the Anglican this Diocese. How can our Archbishop of the political situations facing Christians complement the one I am giving here. Cathedral in Jerusalem. But this would (and sole bishop) effectively lead the in all these countries. Just considering be just the briefest of introductions to Diocese in mission when it comprises the Holy Land alone, there are immense At the heart of any Diocese-to-Diocese the riches yet to be opened up by our such a diverse and challenging area? Our difficulties for Anglicans, who are almost link must be the people; not just the new partnership link. newly installed Archbishop is the Most all Palestinian, living in a situation which is bishops and clergy, but all of the women, crushing the life out of them. men and young people of both. It will Most Holy Land pilgrimages focus be a joy to share lived realities with one primarily on the ancient stones of the Israel and Palestine have been much in the another and to pray for one another. beautiful churches which have been world headlines once again: the recent built to protect and focus attention on war with Hamas in Gaza, the violent It does not come easily because all of us the sacred sites of the Christian faith. uprisings in Occupied East Jerusalem in get caught up in our own day-to-day lives What should not be missed in this response to threatened evictions, and the and with immediate concerns close to experience is an encounter with the intercommunal violence in mixed towns in home. However, the benefits of connecting “living stones” of this land, the Christians Israel, is testament to the current plight of to people in seemingly far-off places are of all denominations who are upholding Palestinians of whatever faith and location almost unlimited. One of the ways to do Christianity as a faith which is alive in in these lands. this will be through St George’s College, which is the Anglican Centre for pilgrimage these lands. There is fear and distrust between Jews, in the Holy Land. We run pilgrimages Some pilgrims even visit without Muslims and Christians, between Jews and throughout the year for parishes and realising that there are indigenous Palestinians. The Anglican Church seeks to individuals to see the holy places with Christians here today, some of whom play its part in striving for justice, building expert teaching and to be rooted amongst see themselves as being in unbroken bridges of understanding and striving the Living Stones of these lands. continuity with the early Christian “The Bishop’s crozier has been towards reconciliation and peace alongside communities of the first Pentecost. Sadly, passed to Archbishop Hosam to many others of all communities. As The partnership between our Dioceses Christians now make up less than 5% of friends in Christian fellowship with is all about encounter and I hope that the population of Israel and Palestine and care for the clergy across this brothers and sisters in the Diocese of there will be many opportunities for this Anglicans are a minority amongst these. vast and fascinating region” Jerusalem, Anglicans in Southwark will through multiple different channels. May Nevertheless, Christians continue to make share in this demanding and holy work. God bless our new venture together.

ThePilgrimage on two wheels: the Cathedrals Cycle Route challenge arrives at Southwark

Riders following the Cathedrals The new route covers nearly 2,000 encourage people to visit their local Cycle Route challenge, which miles and links all 42 Cathedrals in cathedrals, reassured that they’d launched during Bike Week England. Among those tackling the receive a welcome, and to visit their in May, arrived at Southwark challenge is Canon Missioner and cathedrals by bike.” Cathedral on 14 June. Director of Mission in Southwark, the Revd Canon Jay Colwill. Most riders will do only sections After a brief overnight stop, of the route, but Jay will be taking the peloton set off at 8.00am Jay told a film crew who caught on the full 2,000 miles to raise on 15 June for Rochester up with the riders at the end of money for Together Southwark. Cathedral (see the cyclists the Southwark to Rochester leg, See bit.ly/JayColwill for more preparing to depart, right). “The idea of the baton relay was to information. 10 | The BRIDGE July/August 2021

IN FOCUS... Vocations Diocese ordains 18 to the priesthood this Petertide

Seventeen people were ordained Shavaun Shodeinde to the priesthood by the Bishops of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common Croydon, Kingston and Woolwich Luke Steven on 3 July in three separate services, The Ascension, Balham Hill with a further person being ordained Watch the service here: www.youtube.com/ on 26 June by the Bishop of . watch?v=PM6bQzghIgY Each will continue to serve their Ordained by the at curacies in the parish indicated below. St Paul, Clapham, on 26 June: Croydon Area David Povall St Paul, Clapham Ordained by the at on 3 July: Woolwich Area Ordained by the Bishop of Woolwich at Springfield Church, Wallington St Peter, Walworth on 3 July: Susan Bosley Horley Team Ministry Esther-Jael Olabisi Akano-Adesoye

Thamesmead Team Ministry © Judith Brooks St Peter, Walworth St Matthew, Redhill Adelaide Davies United Benefice of Charlton Lisa Fairman-Brown Christ Church, Purley Rachael Gledhill St Barnabas, Dulwich Lotwina Farodoye Oxted Team Ministry Delorine Green St Peter, Walworth Watch the service here: John Henry www.facebook.com/croydonminster Christ Church, Southwark Kingston Area Robert Slater-Carr St George the Martyr with St Alphege Ordained by the at All and St Jude, Southwark Saints, Kingston-upon-Thames on 3 July: Daniel Walker Ian Luke-Macauley St Margaret of Antioch, Lee St Barnabas, Clapham Common Daniel Wyman Alastair Newman Holy Trinity, Eltham St Matthew, Wimbledon Watch the service here: Candidates from (top to bottom) Croydon Episcopal Area, Kingston Team Ministry fb.watch/6w5ZPpADIh Episcopal Area and Woolwich Episcopal Area.

Prayerful listening and uncovering people’s stories: could ministry as a Vocations Adviser be for you?

“I love vocations. I’m interested for example. The challenge comes in other people to join the team. Philip said of Vocations and Assistant DDO, the in people’s stories. I think I exercising wisdom to decide what is to Nathaniel in John 1:46, ‘Come and see’. Revd Raymond Baudon, was himself a VA just want to encourage people, the right pathway for the candidate. I will also say the same: come and see.” before taking on his new job. It was also a profound experience for him. especially the unlikely ones ― as It is not always easy, as the Revd Ada For Helen, too, the rewards go deep. an unlikely one myself!” Onyekwelu (pictured right) “Being a VA has helped me to He said: “The experience of being admitted. She has been a VA for sustain my faith,” she said. alongside others as they sought to So said the Revd Helen Harknett, who more than seven years, and said “I find trying to figure out discern God’s call hugely enriched my has been a Vocations Adviser (VA) in the that the hardest part of the job what God is up to alongside own ministry and sense of vocation. So Diocese for two years now. is when someone may not be the candidates is mutually much so that I’m doing it full time now! Meeting with a VA is a vital part of the suitable for their first choice of beneficial always and I get to For me it is about prayerfully creating vocations process. If, having attended a ministry. But, she added, “at the vicariously experience those and holding a space in which both the vocations forum, a candidate decides to end when they find the reward, early days of discernment, individual and the Church can work take their application further, they will be they will give me a call and those feelings of excitment together, asking where the Holy Spirit assigned a VA. The VA and the enquirer say, ‘you were right’.” and wonder and might be moving.” will then meet regularly for around four bravery, alongside Despite the As part of the Bishop of Southwark’s vision months, so that together they can listen the questions and difficulties, Ada said, to grow the number of ordained and lay prayerfully to God and discern exactly the doubts and “the rewards of vocations, applications are sought from lay how best the candidate can serve him. the fear that being a VA are and ordained members of the Diocese to come as part of The process is the same for any licensed enormous”. She join the Diocesan Vocations Team in the role the package.” ministry in the Diocese, whether lay added: “It is a joyful of Vocations Adviser. More information can or ordained. All Helen’s candidates experience. And I Deputy be found at: southwark.anglican.org/vacancy/ so far have been for Reader ministry, would encourage Director vocations-adviser July/August 2021 The BRIDGE | 11 WHAT’S ON Back to the beginning: tracing the origins of the Church Please send details of your next events for SEPTEMBER ONWARDS to Trinity House BY FRIDAY 20 AUGUST

The early Byzantine Church on Ayasoluk Hill, Ephesus.

July Organ Recitals at , Archdeacon of What follows is a journey from the 1st St John the Evangelist, Reigate, was sitting in a convent to the 7th centuries, and from Israel SATURDAY 3 JULY Upper Norwood near Eccles in Kent a few years through Ephesus, Lyon, Ireland and, eventually, to Britain. “To help people DULWICH — The Ionian Singers in a ago, at a meeting about mission, ♫ Free. Thursdays @ 7.30pm. get a feel for it, I went and took lots of programme of French and English music. when she had a revelation. [email protected]; 020 8771 6686 pictures,” said Moira. “You’re not just St Stephen, Dulwich, London SE21 7HW. “We were discussing the fact that in reading what John says about the place, 7.30pm. £15 (free for under-16s and full- 15 July: Adrian Gunning, St John the many ways the Church is now beyond I actually show you pictures of it.” time students). Tickets in advance from Evangelist, Islington where people just assume you’re bit.ly/2R9tpwe, [email protected] For Moira, discovering an unbroken 16 September: Andrew Prior, London Christian because you’re English. And or 07950 143916. chain all the way back to the early I thought, ‘we’ve been here before’,” 14 October: Jeremiah Stephenson, Church is a message of hope. “This is All Saints, Margaret Street, London Moira said. SUNDAY 11 JULY the Church that has had its challenges,” She had realised that the name Eccles she said. “There’s no doubt that  PUTNEY — Service of Lament and came from a Roman word, ecclesia, when the Roman Empire in the West Hope at St Mary, Putney, reflecting on November meaning church, and that this could collapsed, things were tough. But the the pandemic with accounts from those mean that the story we are told, “that Church kept going, so if we think on the front line. 6.00pm, free. 4 NOVEMBER the Saxons came over with their things are a bit tough for the Church Angle and Saxon gods and they knew now, it’s not the first time and it won’t  — An Introduction to ONLINE not Christ until Augustine brought be the last. God’s bigger than this.” Franciscan Spirituality. A session September Christianity”, might not be all true. exploring St Francis of Assisi’s For once, the pandemic was a help: 18-26 SEPTEMBER focus on the natural environment. A few years later, this realisation has Moira had already completed her 7.30-9.00pm. Zoom. Free. E-mail turned into a book, From Nazareth field visits abroad, so was able to use  NATIONWIDE — The Great ministryandtraining@southwark. to Northumbria, tracing the origins that time to write. She is hoping now Big Green Week will be the UK’s anglican.org of Christianity in Britain all the way to pay that luck back, by donating biggest ever event for climate back to Israel. the book’s profits to the Croydon- and nature, held in advance of Central Zimbabwe link. “I won’t sell Starting with Bede’s account of the COP26. For more information, visit: WE NEED thousands,” she said, “but even the Synod of Whitby in 664AD, where he greatbiggreenweek.com £300-£400 I can make from selling the mentions that the Irish contingent YOUR HELP! book will make a big difference.” 30 SEPTEMBER said their tradition came from John (as opposed to the Roman faction, who “From Nazareth to Northumbria: How  ONLINE — The Most Revd Stephen If you have an event taking claimed Peter), Moira said: “I thought, if Christianity Came to Britain and Stayed” Cottrell, , in place, either online or in that’s so, we ought to be able to trace costs £20 from Amazon (see amzn. conversation about his book, Dear person, please e-mail bridge@ things all the way back from Whitby to/3hPVulC); profits will go to the Croydon- England. 8.00-9.00pm. Zoom. Free. southwark.anglican.org to John.” Central Zimbabwe Link Booking opens in July.

Words to hold on to as we swim in the waters of life: review of Bishop David Atkinson’s A Light for the Pathway

A Light for the mentioned in sermons real people who God’s Loving Faithfulness, confess and know forgiveness Pathway: Exploring and left un-reflected brought their Law, Wisdom and Justice, and reassurance. Sometimes, we the Psalms on in daily meditations. real emotions Lament, Identity, and Salvation. want to sing and dance for joy However, it is in the and thoughts, Each chapter includes a raising hallelujahs to the holy of David Atkinson (Wipf & Stock, daily round of prayer hurts, hopes, and meditation on a particular psalm holies, and all this is there too. Eugene OR, 2021) and worship that I adoration into their and a reflection on where the Bishop Atkinson has amplified find most resonance creation. He is also theme resonates both in the the light for our pathway given In A Light for the Pathway, David with Atkinson’s sure- careful to retain New Testament and in other to us in the Psalms. Atkinson, Assistant Bishop in footed and gentle some of the mystery hymns and prayers. Southwark Diocese, provides I would recommend this book guide. of the unknown, us with a clear, accessible, and Sometimes the waters of life to anyone who wants a richer both in terms of very hope-filled guide to the Psalms. All life can be brought to threaten to drown us and in engagement with the Psalms as different cultures and times, Many of us come across the and found in the Psalms. Our the Psalms we have something part of their journey in faith. but also within each person’s Psalms as the bit between the past, present, and future – as to hold on to with words we relationship with God. Sunday readings, or the main individuals and communities can cry out in our pain, grief, Jeremy Clark-King, part of morning and evening ― are held in these songs of Atkinson gives several lenses and loss. Sometimes we feel Diocesan IME2 Lead prayer. More often than not, lament and praise. Atkinson through which to focus the the weight of our failure or sin for Training they are the scripture that is not wants us to connect with the light of the Psalms: Creation, and here can find the words to and Development 12 | The BRIDGE July/August 2021

Molly Clark “COP26 is a huge opportunity sets out on the YCCN relay from to demand fair climate finance” Cornwall.

Churches in Southwark are Waterloo. There will also be a major preparing to play host to a group Christian Aid event at St Paul’s Cathedral of young climate campaigners this on 5 August. summer, when the Young Christian “Tributary” walks, starting elsewhere Climate Network (YCCN) relay and joining the main relay at various passes through London. points en route, have also been organised, one of which comes through Southwark The 1,000 mile relay began in Cornwall on on 5 August. 13 June at the G7 summit, and will end in Glasgow on 31 October in time for the “Our main message is that no country COP26. It passes through Southwark on should be going into debt because of 4 August, where it will stop for several climate change. We see COP26 and the days to allow local churches and other fact that the UK is hosting it as a really organisations to hold events in support. huge opportunity,” said Molly. “We want to be listened to and we want churches Molly Clark, who worships at St Paul, to join with us in advocating for fair Clapham and who is organising the climate finance. We’re really happy that so IDEAS TO HELP YOU GO GREEN central portion of the walk, said: “People many are being so supportive of us.” can sign up for all sorts of things: Church Times’ Green Church Showcase walking, being on-call support, providing Information on the relay, how to volunteer, and accommodation in your church, things the event at St Paul, Clapham can be found at The Church Times, in collaboration with the National Church, is looking for inspiring like that.” She added: “Even though we’re www.yccn.uk; you can sign up to the event at initiatives that support the planet to feature in a video to be released during the a group of young Christians organising St John, Waterloo on 6 August at bit.ly/2UtB2ih. COP26 climate talks in November. Submissions are welcomed from churches and this, volunteers can be any age, any More information on how to sign up for the schools of any denomination. The closing date is 21 July. Find more information and religion or none.” Southwark leg of the tributary walk on 5 an application form here: www.churchtimes.co.uk/green-church-showcase August, from Deptford to Southwark Cathedral Among those staging events during the and from the Cathedral to St Paul’s, will be Energy Footprint Tool pause in London on 4-8 August are posted at southwark.anglican.org/environment There is still time to fill in the Energy Footprint Tool via the online Parish Returns St Paul, Clapham, which is hosting a when it becomes available. System before it closes in the autumn. The Tool will calculate the carbon footprint celebratory service and meal, and St John, of your church for 2020 (with an automatic adjustment for lockdown months), and can be accessed here: parishreturns.churchofengland.org Save money by buying green energy A survey by Parish Buying last month compared the typical fixed-term contracts for green electricity to their current Energy Basket rates. They discovered that, using typical consumption figures, the saving is around 21% for very large churches and cathedrals; 15% for medium churches; and 24% for churches with low electricity bills. Details of their energy baskets are available here: YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES WORKER www.parishbuying.org.uk/categories/energy/energy-basket (FULL TIME, 37.5 HOURS PER WEEK) Sue Mallinson retires as Diocesan Environmental Officer We are looking for someone who is devoted to drawing young people and their families into a transformational relationship This summer will see Sue becoming an Eco Diocese, Sue with Christ. The role will entail development and oversight of our Mallinson, Diocesan Environmental notes that there is still a long way existing work with young people (from pre-school to late teens) Officer, bow out on a high, as she to go: “It needs a very big intake and their families. helps to organise the Southwark of breath to say, ‘yes, I will commit We are hoping to appoint a Young People & Families’ Worker who will: leg of the tributary walk from and change my life’,” she said. “We Canterbury to St Paul’s Cathedral have to make it possible for people into our community to forge links with families • Creatively reach taking place as an offshoot of the who are impoverished in our who wouldn’t instinctively connect with church; YCCN relay (see above). communities.” • Steer vision for our work with young people and their families to help them embrace a lifelong journey of faith; and The event will mark more than It is about changing our • Mobilise, encourage and equip volunteers in support of this work – eight years in post for whole philosophy towards to harness their energy and bring coherence to their activity. Sue, whose interest in sustainability, she says. She environmental matters adds that working to that end The successful applicant will have a love for young people and their goes back to childhood. with deaneries and schools families, and a deep desire to be part of God’s plans to help people ‘do “Although my main in the Diocese, and other life’ with Jesus. interest is social DEOs, will be something she justice,” she says, “for misses. “It is knowing we Closing Date: 1 September 2021 me this is social justice: have our faith in common the way we live affects and worshipping Interviews: We aim to interview the week beginning the way other together, praying for 27 September 2021. people have to live one another as well and so on.” as realising this Job Description & Please visit our website (www.stjohnsww.com) wonderful creation Application Form: to download the paperwork associated with this As Southwark in which we live post, or contact our Parish Administrator on makes real and work.” 0208 462 6571/[email protected] strides towards