ochester Link 1

Design a Cross Competition - See pages 6 and 7

Photo by Katerina Gerhardt

April 2013 Design a Cross Competition Winners

Beatrice Fury, aged 10, won first place in the 9 - 10 category with her entry (below) Zara Farrow, aged 11, won second place in the 11 - 12 category with her entry (below)

The winners of the Diocese 2nd place Harvey Chandler, aged 10 of Rochester design a cross 3rd place Holly Wise, aged 9 competition have been chosen. Aged 7 - 8 The competition, which was open to all 1st place Evie Cooper, aged 7 children in the Diocese up to the age of 2nd place Jody Gyekye, aged 8 12, proved very popular and winners were 3rd place Juliette Mc Manus, aged 7 given their certificates and prizes of Real Aged 5 - 6 Easter Eggs by James on Monday 11 March. 1st place Evie Whitcomb, age 6 The winners in the five age categories were 2nd place Pradipta Panthi, aged 5 as follows: 3rd place Josh Lawson, aged 6 Aged 11 - 12 Pre-School 1st place Luke Fenn, aged 11 1st place Ryan Free, aged 4 2nd place Zara Farrow, aged 11 2nd place Isabelle Eniola, aged 4 3rd place Louis Hamilton, aged 11 3rd place George Anokye, aged 4 Aged 9 - 10 Our congratulations to all the winners and 1st place Beatrice Fury, aged 10 also to all those youngsters who took part.

PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the May issue of The Link is Thursday 11 April at 4pm 2 ochester Link Bishop Brian’s Diary - April

11 April 12.30 Guild of Church Braillists - London 15 and What’s on 16 April Conference “New Directions in Biology” - Durham April 2013 Stalls - Information. Meeting jointly organised by Tunbridge 18 April 2.00 Link Committee meeting – Sevenoaks Saturday 13 Wells Deanery and Rusthall Going Green. Further details from Rev Tony Rutherford 01892 541 009 or e-mail 7.30 Licensing of the Rev Ruth Oates NORTHFLEET Snowdown Colliery Male Voice Choir Concert at All Saints Church, Perry Street, Northfleet at [email protected] 19 April 10.00 Canterbury/Rochester Formation and Ministry 7.30p.m. Tickets £7 for further details please ring 07951 Meeting – Diocesan Office, Rochester 359427. Saturday 27 7.30 Confirmation, St Olave’s School, Orpington GRAVESEND - Gravesham Choral Society, at Rochester 21 to Saturday 20 Cathedral at 7.30pm. Conducted by Alan Vincent, this 28 April Deanery visit to Bromley BEXLEYHEATH The Belverdere Concert Band at St will be a stirring celebration of the Coronation Jubilee, including favourites such as Handel’s Zadok the Priest, 23 April 9.30 Bishop’s Staff Meeting, Rochester Peter’s Church, Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath, at 7:30pm. Walton’s Crown Imperial, Parry’s I Was Glad, dance music 24 April 5.30 Bishop’s Council Meeting, Rochester Priced £8.00 for adults and £4.00 for under 16s, and includes wine and nibbles. Tickets are available from Tess from Britten’s Gloriana and Mozart’s Coronation Mass. 26 April 9.00 Agenda Planning Group, Rochester Parker on 0208 3045446 Featuring soloists Elaine Tate (soprano), Tabitha Reynolds 27 April 10.00 Confirmation, St Augustine, Bromley Common (Mezzo), William Morgan (Tenor), Jack Holton (Bass). Tickets are £15 (£5 full-time students) and are available 3.15 Farewell Service for Louise Gilbert, Rochester MEOPHAM Rochester WATCH (Women and the Church) by calling 01474 816684, or at the door. Cathedral warmly invites you to join us in Celebrating 20 Years of www.graveshamcs.co.uk 29 and Women’s Priestly Ministry with the Rev Rose Hudson- 30 April Rural/Area Dean Residential, London Wilkin at a Eucharist at 9.30am at St John’s Church, Wrotham Road, DA13 OAA. May 2013 Friday 10 Sunday 21 RIVERHEAD The Hermitage Ensemble, a world-class LAMBERHURST. Come and listen to Handel’s Messiah Russian Orthodox Male Voice Choir from St Petersburg, but not as you will have heard it before. This is a staged present a programme of Russian sacred music and folk production with a cast of twelve singers, each with their songs. St Mary’s Church, Riverhead at 7.30pm. Tickets own story and each seeking comfort. As the oratorio £10 (£5 students) from Sevenoaks Bookshop, or phone unfolds each character has a distinct path to follow, 01732 452715, or at the door. and the words are sung with intense meaning and every www.seenworks.com/hermitage sentence comes to life. This will be a memorable evening at St Mary’s Church, Lamberhurst at 7pm (doors open Saturday 11 6:15pm). Tickets: £20. For more information, please call SHOREHAM “Welcome Spring”, a concert of choral 01892 890597 or visit www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk music by Temenos Chamber Choir, conducted by Charles Vignoles. Celebrate Spring with wine and refreshments, Thursday 24 and joyful music by Debussy, Ravel, Monteverdi, Britten RUSTHALL, TUNBRIDGE WELLS “Caring for Creation and many more. St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham at - a Christian Perspective” - a sustainability evening with 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (£5 students) from Sevenoaks Bishop James. St Paul’s Church Centre, High Street, Bookshop, or phone 01959 523765, or at the door. Rusthall (by 281 bus stop). Doors open at 7.30 with www.temenos-chamberchoir.org.uk Fairtrade refreshments for an 8pm start. Admission free -

Syrial appeal As the conflict in Syria worsens, we Lunchtime are asking for your help in this time of emergency. Recitals By holding a collection this Sunday, your donation can help Save the Children to provide urgent support for the St Luke’s Church, Eardley children of Syria. Road, Sevenoaks Children are innocent victims of war. Our latest report shows that on top of the physical dangers of war, up to Every Wednesday at 12.30pm two million children in Syria face growing risk of disease, malnutrition and severe trauma. Please join us – admission Save the Children is working across Syria to reach free. Lasting 30 minutes. children with food, safe water, medicine and clothing. Refreshments available from 12 Please send your cheque your cheque to : noon Syria Church Appeal, Save the Children, 1 St. John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4AR April

• The best in Christian resources 3 Chris Bundhun, guitar Europe’s leading • The latest multimedia equipment • An extensive book and resource store Disclaimer & Greg Tassell, tenor Christian Resources • A comprehensive programme of seminars • A variety of specialist workshops Advertisers enter into a contract with Cornerstone 10 The Darwin Piano Trio Exhibitions • Entertaining Christian theatre and music Vision and not the Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance. The inclusion of advertisements in Rochester 17 Miyuki Kato - Piano Link does not suggest endorsement of the products 24 Harry Cooper – Jazz CRE International - SANDOWN 2013 or services offered. Please exercise great care when Sandown Park, Esher 14 - 17 May responding to advertisements. Piano

Save Money by CONTACT US News and letters to the Editor: pre-registering [email protected] online Telephone: 01634 560000 OCHESTER For continually updated information visit: CREonline.co.uk ADVERTISEMENTS Christian Resources Exhibitions is part of Bible Society (Charity Reg. No 232759) Tel 01793 418218 Email: [email protected] Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting Christian Resources Exhibitions and we will try to do the rest for you.) EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING YOUR CHURCH LinProclaiming the word & wokrk of God ochester Link 3

Easter Message Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

by the Very Rev Dr Mark Beach Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise without delayes, Who takes thee by the hand, that thou likewise with him mayst rise:

George Herbert, perhaps my with the Risen Lord and go to the places and favourite poet, captures the people he leads us to, in order that we too essence of our Easter celebrations might rise. Here at the Cathedral we have spent the last and in doing so inspires me on my six months renewing our sense of vision, our journey of faith; as two features forward plan for the next five years. of these opening lines of his poem And we have become increasingly clear that Easter combine. this plan must be a journey, hand in hand with Jesus, that leads us into a deeper encounter First a call to joyful, uplifting praise in with our neighbours and our communities. response to the empty tomb, perhaps that For example, in partnership with the Parish overwhelming feeling in the Apostles as they of Rochester, we are looking at how we can realised the enormity of what had happened serve the new developments at Rochester on that Sunday morning. It is an urgent Riverside, next to the Bridge. response, again just as the Apostles ran to tell their companions the Good News. We will also develop our music ministry so that parishes in the Diocese can invite our And then the call to pilgrimage, to journey wonderful choir to lead their worship as they with the Risen Lord that, in due time, we too go out once a term to different churches. might rise with Him in glory. So in these brief opening lines Herbert sums up the heart of We have established core aims for our our faith. life together both here in Rochester and throughout the Diocese. Alleluia, Christ is Risen! In all that we do we will aspire to be missional, He is Risen in deed, Alleluia. reliable, supportive, accessible, hospitable and There is however, the temptation to rest spiritual. there, to stay only in the place of praise. These values will, we believe, lead us to be And why not? After all this brings us into the more outward looking, seeking to serve our closer presence of God; being who we are neighbours more fully. created to be, worshippers of our Creator When people come to us their visit will be and Redeemer. marked by a warmth of welcome and an But Herbert is clear that the journey must go encouragement to reflect on their own joyful on, we must leave that place of encounter response to the Risen Lord. Photo by Katerina Gerhardt Bishop James’ Diary - April 1 April to 7 April Holiday 18 April 9.00am Ecumenical ministers prayers, St Nicholas, Strood 8 April 9.30am Women Working Group, London 12.30pm BAE System Sports Club, Hoo 3.30pm After-School Club, Higher Halstow 9 and 10 April Diocesan Bishops, Market Bosworth 7.00pm Frindsbury Men’s Fellowship Meal, Frindsbury 11 April 2.30pm Finance Committee, Diocesan Office 19 April 10.15am UK Online Centre, St Francis, Strood 12 April 10.30am Commission MU President & Trustees, Cathedreal 11.00am Strood Academy 2.30pm Consecrate Churchyard Extension, St Paul, Swanley 2.00pm Isle of Grain Power Station, Grain 13 April 10.30am Teach: Mission Shaped Ministry Course Aylesford Priory 20 April 10.20am Diocesan Vocation Day, Istead Rise 14 to 21 April Deanery Visit: Strood 7.30pm Air Cadets Dinner, Chatham 14 April 10.30am Preach: combined service with St James Grain, and St 21 April 10.30am Sung Eucharist with Baptism, St Nicholas, Strood Peter & St Paul, Stoke 3.15pm Preach: Medway Scouts Service, Cathedral 5.30pm Preach, St Helen, Cliffe 6.30pm Confirmation Service, St Werburgh, Hooe 15 April 9.30am St Nicholas CE Infants School, Strood 23 April All Day Bishop’s Staff Meeting, Bishopscourt 11.00am Strood Community Project 24 April 2.00pm Open Chevening School new building, Chevening 1.15pm Day Care Centre, St Nicholas, Strood 5.30pm Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Office 2.00pm Play Group, St Nicholas, Strood 25 April 10.00am Diocesan Youth & Children’s Workers Day, Bishopscourt 3.30pm After-School Club, St Francis, Strood 28 April 10.30am Preside & Preach, Stone 16 April 11.00am Cafe Church, St Helen, Cliffe 3.15pm Louise Gilbert Farewell, Cathedral 12.30pm Strood Deanery Chapter, St John, Higham 17 April 10.30am Coffee Shops, Strood and Frindsbury 29 and 30 Area/Rural Deans’ Residential, St Katharine’s, London 12.30pm Hundred of Hoo School, Hoo April 7.45pm Deanery Synod, St Francis, Strood 4 ochester Link ochester Link 5 Celebration of learning and life s Wilt Shrewton, Mary, St

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At a Celebration of Learning Canterbury Christ Church and Dr Ivan Khovacs, (Senior Lecturer, Department of Theology and Religious and awards Ceremony held at University, together with three Studies, CCCU) preached. St Andrew’s Church, Paddock who completed part of the course, Many congratulations to the students and Wood on Sunday, 10 March received their awards. tutors for all their commitment to studying some of the 20 students who The awards were presented by Dr Ralph and teaching the Certificate in Ministerial course. have achieved a Certificate in Norman (Acting Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, CCCU) Ministerial Theology through Does our church need lightning protection?

by the Rev Christopher Miles, C Eng, MIET. Following the general item in the March ‘Link’, announcing the publication on the diocesan website of a revised leaflet on lightning protection, I am now doing a series of mini-articles on particular aspects of lightning protection on ‘drip feed’, realising that the full leaflet of eight pages is somewhat forbidding at first sight. To advertise in the Rochester Link The simplest answer to the question for this call 01752 225623 month’s item is, ‘Almost certainly – yes’. The more complicated answer is that the lightning protection standard provides a risk Birchwood House assessment procedure. For a church, two risks are assessed; firstly Rest Home the risk R1 of loss of life or permanent injury Residential Home for of a person in the church or within three the Elderly metres of the church and secondly the risk Respite care & short R3 of the loss of cultural heritage. The Church of St Lawrence, Seal stay available If either of these calculated risks exceeds A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set the relevant tolerable risk then lightning The risk assessment will also show which the policy. in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy protection is required. are the significant risk components and Apologies for the wrong dedication of the reach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. therefore what type of risk protection is church in the photograph last month. It • All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call The risk assessment takes into account appropriate. More of this anon. system. Lift to all floors. such parameters as the lightning flash should have been St Lawrence, Seal not St Even if the risk assessment shows that the Peter and St Paul, Seal. • Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered density in the area, the type of terrain, the for. physical dimensions of the building, the existing risk is ‘tolerable’, it is open to the For further advice read the full leaflet on •Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. location of the building in relation to other PCC to decide to have lightning protection. the diocesan website or contact me, the • Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to buildings, including their relative heights, and Ecclesiastical Insurance strongly Diocesan Consultant, the Rev Christopher the local church. the nature of services such as power and recommends the installation of lightning Miles, tel: 01732 852323 or email Stockland Green Road, telephone cables. protection but it is not usually a condition of [email protected] Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TU Telephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559 6 ochester Link

Congratulations to the winners of the Design a Cross competition

Pre-School Category 5 to 6 Years Category 7 to 8 Years Category Real challenge for the judges as entries pour in from youngsters Entries to the ‘Design a Cross’ competition arrived like owls to Hogwarts throughout February WINNER: Ryan Free, aged 4, who took first WINNER: Evie Whitcomb, aged 6. WINNER: Evie Cooper, aged 7. and March giving competition place in the pre-school category First place, in the aged 5 to 6 category First place in the aged 7 to 8 category judges the Rev David Green, Mr Owen Smith and Lindy Mackenzie a real challenge. The Rev David Green said: “There were a large number of creative and very colourful entries that showed the children had clearly thought about the competition and worked hard. The judges had a tough task choosing the winners in each category although the eventual nominees thoroughly deserved recognition.” Divided into five age categories, prizes of an individual certificates and Real Easter Eggs were awarded to first, second and third places winners. Competition judge and chaplain to Academy Mr Owen Smith said: “It was fantastic to see the creativity and thought that had gone into the many designs we saw.” Invited to afternoon tea with the Bishop of Rochester, competition winners enjoyed Isabelle Eniola, aged 4. Pradipta Panthi, aged 5. Jody Gyekye, aged 8. a tour of the Bishop’s home and the Second place in the pre-school category Second place in the aged 5 to 6 category Second place in the aged 7 to 8 category basement chapel, before receiving their individual awards. Bishop James said: “It was lovely to see the final winning entries displayed at Bishopscourt in Rochester and to welcome the winners to share their designs. “It was obvious that a lot of hard work had gone into the art-work. I would like to congratulate all of the winners and thank all of the parents and teachers who supported them. We enjoyed a lively afternoon together.” Director of Communications Lindy Mackenzie said: “The children really seemed to have enjoyed entering the competition. We had over 150 entries from across the Diocese and they were all beautifully drawn. Choosing the winners was very difficult and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate. All of the entries were of a very high standard.” Only one question remains. How many of the Real Easter Eggs will survive until George Anokye, aged 4. Josh Lawson, aged 6. Juliette McManus aged 7. Easter? Third place in the pre-school category Third place in the aged 5 to 6 category Third place in the aged 7 to 8 category ochester Link 7

Congratulations to the winners of the Design a Cross competition

9 to 10 Years Category 11 to 12 Years Category

Harvey Chandler, aged 10. Holly Wise, aged 9. WINNER: Luke Fenn, aged 11. Louise Hamilton, aged 11. Second place in the aged 9 to 10 category Third place in the aged 9 to 10 category First place in the 11 to 12 category Third place in the 11 to 12 category

Bishop James congratulates all the worthy competition winners 8 ochester Link

To Advertise in The Rochester Link Please Call 01752 225623 or email [email protected] ochester Link 9

Metalsmith To Advertise in www.steelyourself.co.uk National parish magazine awards Conscientious and reliable, The Rochester Ian Marshall provides new work and maintenance for a Entries are now being sought for Best Print - Quality of printing and finishing Link please call number of churches. of the magazine. To join his list of satisfied the National Parish Magazine 01752 customers Best Overall Magazine - A general overview Awards 2013. 225623 call: 020 8850 7851 of all the above categories. or 077 6666 2747 The ‘free to enter’ award scheme is for Certificates will be presented to each editors and their fellow volunteers all over category winner. the country who devote an enormous amount of time and effort free of charge to The organisers aim to give magazine editors EWTN producing parish magazines that service recognition for the service they provide, their communities every month of the year. which so often goes un-rewarded, and CATHOLIC TV perhaps give an incentive to those who are IS NOW ON SKY There are five award categories: considering joining their ranks in future. – EPG 589 Best Design - Focuses on any artwork within To enter this year’s Parish Magazine Awards Radio is on EPG 0147 the magazine, page layout and use of graphics. Live TV at www.ewtn.co.uk please email: info@parishmagprinters. £175 total cost for equipment and installation Best Content - The variety of articles, use of co.uk to request an entry form. Closing With no monthly costs For information & free monthly photos and general information included. date for entries is 31 July 2013. For more programme call Best Editor - Order of content, variety, information visit the website at www. 0208 350 2542 accuracy and interest value. parishmagprinters.co.uk

GLOBALCATHOLIC NETWORK

CHURCH PEWS UNCOMFORTABLE? Parish magazine training course WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? the importance of good quality images. Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, On Saturday 23 March, 25 parish Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN magazine editors braved blizzard Retired university lecturer Margaret Drew www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 spoke with authority about the role of the Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail conditions to attend a training day editor. When phoning please quote RL0413 held in the Rochester Diocesan office. After lunch, seasoned journalist Nicola Jordan • TAX RETURNS Bishop James brought two unexpected guests from the Kent Messenger group discussed • ACCOUNTS from Estonia - Archbishop Andres Põder and what makes a good story and encouraged • BOOKKEEPING Rev Gustav Piir. editors to make contributions to their local papers. • VAT Bishop James welcomed the delegates and • PAYROLL told the editors that they were “doing a very Director of Communications Lindy Mackenzie Friendly, ethical and e cient service important job” and he thanked them for the said: “I am grateful to Parish Pump for at a reasonable price. time they dedicate to producing magazines sponsoring our event and really pleased across the diocese. that our guest speakers were able to brave Get in touch today with no obligation and we the shocking weather conditions to present will be happy to talk about how we can help you During the morning, Jane Priestly-Smith for us. I think the editors really enjoyed the Contact Trevor or Sharon on 020 8090 9646 (ably assisted by daughter Sophie) gave an networking aspect of the day too. We look or email [email protected] excellent presentation focused on designing forward to seeing the results of the workshop www.trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk the best possible magazine and emphasised in a parish near you soon!” MELROSE BOOKS Established 1969 A cake by any other name... DO YOU HAVE Simnel Cake is traditionally eaten Yellow gives a brighter appearance to the A BOOK TO on Easter Day. cake when toasted! PUBLISH? One pack ready-made marzipan Please contact Mrs V. Potgieter for details of our Apparently, in Mediaeval times, female comprehensive publishing package 175g/6oz butter or margarine Melrose Books (Ref: RL) servants would bake this fruit rich Easter 175g/6oz soft brown sugar St Thomas’ Place, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4GG cake to take home on to their mothers on 3 free-range eggs, beaten Telephone: Mothering Sunday - which was the fourth 175g/6oz plain flour, pinch salt 01353 646608 Sunday during the Lent period. 350g/12oz mixed raisins, currants and sultanas Email: [email protected] The Christian fasting and repenting period 55g/2oz chopped mixed peel of Lent ends on Easter Sunday and a Simnel ½ lemon, grated zest only cake helps to mark the end of the forty days apricot jam of Lent. It gives people a tasty treat and 1 egg (for glazing) marks the celebration of Easter time. Some Preparation people still call the fourth Sunday during Lent Simnel Sunday. Roll out a third of the marzipan to make a The word Simnel comes from the Latin word circle 18cm/7in in diameter and reserve Simila which means fine wheaten flour. The the remainder for the cake topping. Preheat cake was traditionally made from this fine oven to 140C/275F/Gas 1. Grease and line wheaten flour. a 18cm/7in cake tin. For the cake, cream Simnel cake is not only delicious but is a the butter and sugar together until dropping symbolic Easter cake and is decorated to consistency. Beat in the eggs and then sift in signify aspects of Christianity. the flour and salt. Add the mixed dried fruit, For example 11 marzipan balls or figures are peel and grated lemon zest and stir into the places around the circular marzipan coated mixture. Put half the mixture into a greased the marzipan in half; roll out a circle to cover cake to mean the 11 disciples. and lined 18cm/7in cake tin. Smooth the the top of the cake with one half and form Though there were 12 apostles of Jesus top and cover with the circle of almond 11 small balls with the other half. Place Christ, Judas Iscariot betrayed him and is paste. Add the rest of the cake mixture and the circle of paste on the jam glaze and set omitted from the Simnel cake. Some Simnel smooth the top leaving a slight dip in the the balls round the edge. Brush the cake Easter cakes will have a larger figure or ball centre to allow for the cake to rise. Bake in topping with a little beaten egg. Preheat in the centre of the cake to signify Jesus. the preheated oven for 1¾ hours. Test by the grill to high. Place the cake onto a inserting a skewer in the middle - if it comes Recipe and method: baking tray and grill for 1-2 minutes, until out clean, it is ready. Once baked, remove marzipan begins to brown. Ingredients from the oven and set aside to cool on a Use shop-bought marzipan for convenience wire rack. Brush the top of the cooled cake Finally, enjoy with a good pot of tea with and choose between self-coloured or yellow. with the apricot jam. Divide the remainder of friends and family! 10Cornerstoneochester vision - includes Link the following publications - Pompey Chimes, The Door, The Month Sarum Link, See Round, Southwark Bridge, The Wey, Rochester Link DONATE BOOKS TO SUPPORT CHRISTIAN AID Your unwanted books can help end Subscribe or give a gift! global poverty. • Be encouraged, supported and Christian Aid can raise inspired as we life-changing funds from tackle real life non-fiction books in good issues condition. • Six issues for £15* If your church has books to - a great gift which donate, please phone lasts all year

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EVERTON STAR STEVEN PIENAAR Winter 2012 SENDS A MESSAGE TO FOOTBALL FANS

35p –See Back Page www.theson.org.uk OUT NOW! JANEY LEE GRACE: HOW GOD HELD ON TO ME The latest issue SEE PAGE 3 THE GOOD NEWS FOR Oscar’s JULIE ETCHINGHAM winning – SEE PAGE 2 ways at of The Son Paralympics THE SON is a bright, newsy and uncompromising tabloid newspaper PROOF which aims to put Jesus back at the centre of society. Neurosurgeon stuns scientifi c Written and presented in an easy to read style, based on the UK’s See story on Dr Eben page 14 world with Alexander... experienced a biggest circulation newspapers, THE SON is an ideal tool to reach spiritual journey his revelations during a believers and unbelievers as well. OF seven-day coma

The current edition of THE SON includes stories on BBC presenter Janey Lee Grace, top neurosurgeon Dr Eben Alexander, and many Russell Crowe to A top neurosurgeon has stunned the more. scientific world by claiming he has star as Noah in proofHEAVEN that heaven exists. soaked his brain and sent him into a deep coma lasting seven days. In the days that followed his For years Dr Eben Alexander, a respected life was slipping away, but Dr Alexander says new epic movie academic, dismissed near-death revelations of underwent his journey, he could not reconcile that he was living intensely in his mind. God and heaven, saying they were explained his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief See centre pages by the way the human brain is wired. He claims he journeyed beyond this world and in heaven, God, or the soul. encountered an angelic being who guided him Today he is a doctor who believes that true But then in 2008 Dr Alexander contracted into the deepest realms of super-physical exist- health can be achieved only when we realize Why not use THE SON to reach your community? bacterial meningitis. The deadly infection ence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine that God and the soul are real and that death source of the universe itself. is not the end of personal existence but only a

Dr Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he transition. See story on page 7 The Son hotline on 01752 225623 ochester Link 11 Praying the way

World support. For the troubled areas of the world. For those churches facing financial problems. Diocese Thanks for all our treasurers, their time and That the right people are appointed to skill. all offices of the PCCs. For a prayer representative for Rochester, Malling and Tonbridge Sidcup Deaneries. Diocesan Vocation Day Sevenoaks Deanery on 20. Deanery Prayer reps on 23. Kippington Bromley and Bexley Thanks for our curate the the Rev Lynette Leithead. Bromley Deanery Riverhead Holidays Abroad St Peter and St Paul, Bromley For all who were confirmed. For our monthly All Age service that it will St Edmund, Dartford St Nicholas, Sevenoaks ALGARVE flourish and grow. For our role in the community and our 17 - five week course ‘Lost in the Middle’ Luxury 3 bed villa Erith Deanery (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near mission. Midlife and the Grace of God’. 18 - Carvoeiro. Own pool, Northumberland Heath all mod cons.Situated on Darenth, Sutton at Hone and Horton Marriage MOT evening. 19-21 Women’s Pestana Golf Resort. Golf, For the Messy Church and for our work with Tennis,Outdoor bowls. Kirby Churches Weekend Away. 23 - APCM. Full details and brochure: the Food Bank. Brian Chambers That the new benefice will bless and Weald Sidcup Deanery Tel: 02380 265 683 strengthen our communities and will grow in For a Senior Youth Worker. APCM on 28 [email protected] St John the Evangelist, Bexley www.casa-oleander.co.uk fellowship. April. For new sound system being installed. Crockenhill Tonbridge Deanery "Sunny Southeast Ireland" The Gathering 2013 Rochester Thanks for appointment of the Rev Keith Chiddingstone and Chiddingstone White. Causeway Quality family run Bed & Breakfast Cobham Deanery accommodation/short stays welcome. For those preparing for marriage. Lovely beaches nearby and lots of local activities. For all the parishes involved in the change of Gillingham Deanery Hildenborough 10 mins drive from Rosslare Ferryport. boundaries and especially for the new Rural Peaceful location. Super breakfast. St Matthew, Wigmore For the Youth and Adult Alpha. Dean. Contact: Tel: 00 353 539146644 Mobile: 00 353 877 403031 Thanks for the Brownie and Guides Crockham Hill and Edenbridge Email: [email protected] Ash and Ridley attending Family Services. For the Sisters of St Andrew, who are Thanksgiving for the licensing of the Rev St Peter, Bredhurst moving. Canon Ruth Oates as part-time Priest-in- Thanks that God is working in the lives of Tunbridge Wells Deanery Charge on 18 April. the young men in Rochester Prison. Rusthall and Southborough Snodland with Lower Burning All Saints’, Hempstead For all confirmation candidates. For our fund-raising for our church hall. For our monthly children’s service, Livewires. St Luke, Tunbridge Wells Meopham St Mark, Gillingham For all our fund-raising efforts. Thanks for God’s blessings through our For the Monday Coffee Shop. St Mark, Tunbridge Wells Pastoral team. For ‘Lent, All the Way to St Augustine, Gillingham For all members of our Youth Group. Pentecost’ prayer pilgrimage. For the full recovery of the Rev Jonathan SNOWDONIA Nurstead Jennings and for the Business Community Holidays NEARBALA Thanks for continuing growth through Prayers for May LINK to Jenny Delightful period riverside cottage Breakfast. in peaceful surroundings - glorious wedding and baptism ministries. Smith, Flat 1, 52 High Street, at Home views. 3 bedrooms, sleeps 2-6, immac- ulate throughout. Also 2 bedroom Gravesend Deanery Chislehurst. BR7 5AQ 0208 467 cottage style bungalow. Dartford Deanery LYNTON DEVON Short Breaks available. Thanks for the ministry of the Rev Canon 6499 [email protected] 01341 450238 For the plans by Churches Together in Ruth Oates as Rural Dean; pray for new A warm traditional welcome Swanley and District to open a Food Bank by 3 April. welcome awaits you at Rural Dean, the Rev Sue Brewer. Kingford House SHERBORNE in Swanley. Short breaks in Dorset For Gravesend Street Pastors and prayer ✰✰✰✰ Silver Award Enjoy excellent home cuisine Ideally Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, situated for coastal & Exmoor walks. apartment in listed building Tel Tricia Morgan on 01598 752361 close to Abbey Church. Intercession during April for brochure and tariff Open all year. [email protected] Please ring for brochure: 1 April West Kent College Chaplain: the Evan: Howard Cheswick South Theological Education Principal: www.kingfordhouse.co.uk 01404 841367 Rev Sue Brooks East Archdeacons’ Residential the Rev Canon Jeremy Worthen; 2 April Chelsfield Rector: the Rev Paul Meeting Women Bishops Steering The Diocesan Mothers’ Union Spreadbridge (the Rev Alison) Rdr: Group Commissioning Service today; Ivy House St Denys Ken l’Anson 9 April Farnborough Rector: the Rev Mission Shaped Ministry residential Retreat Centre 3 April Cray St Barnabas Vicar: the Rev Matthew Hughes (Jill) Ass Rector: conference IGR retreats in 2013: Alyson Davie (Martin) Curate: the Rev Alison Newman (Mark) 13 April Orpington All Saints Vicar: the Rev • 2-7 April - Anna Desch, £240 the Rev Jane Rawling Rdr: Helen Curates: the Rev Jenny Driver Brian McHenry CBE (Liz); PAs: • 27-31 May - Becky Widdows, £285 Powell (Paul), the Rev Bill Mullenger Sheila Anderson, Pamela Mercer • 14-22 October - Anna Desch, £280 4 April Cray St Mary with St Paulinus Rdrs: Ian Gillies, Judith Haines, 14 April Orpington Christ Church Vicar: Vicar: the Rev Stephen Betson Susan Midha, Mark Newman the Rev Jay Colwill (Joanna); Rdr: CARM Retreat: (Rose) Rdr: Elaine Chapple PA: PAs: Heather Argent, Deborah Martin Hayward PA: Janet Bower; 1-8 May - Painting or Calligraphy & Prayer, £350 Muriel Unsworth Baker, Peter Crowe, Rosemary Evan: Alan Goddard; CYW: Dave T: 01985 214824 E: [email protected] 5 April Colleges of Further Education Fordyce, Susan McKay, Peter Bailey www.ivyhouse.org 6 April Formation and Ministry Team Russell, Paul Younger Bishop James’ visit to Strood Director – the Rev Canon Chris Diocesan Bishops Meeting today Deanery (14th – 21st) Dench Asst Director; the Rev and tomorrow 15 April Ordinands in Training, those Insurance Trevor Gerhardt Training Office 10 April Green Street Green & Pratts preparing for this year (LMTP) Alison Callway Bottom Vicar: the Rev Karl Carpani 16 April Orpington St Andrews Priest-in- 7 April Crofton Vicar: the Rev (Katie) Ass Vicar: the Rev Canon Charge: the Rev Paul Prentice Travel Insurance Bimbi Abayomi-Cole (Anthea) Penny Avann Rdrs Gillian (Vicky); PA: Jill Renwick Arranged for Rochester Link readers TOP QUALITY ANNUAL AND SINGLE TRIP COVER Curate: the Rev Christina Brewer Garman, Richard Jones, Philip 17 April Diocesan Association of Readers Available with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted. 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What’s it all about?

Can you play the didgeridoo? A lack of available resources of people and time. Could you do your part by actively offering keyboard? No, then can you talk to your help? Whether you are ordained or not, people? authorised or not, younger or older, it doesn’t Can you help children to learn about God? matter: it could be you! Could you knock on doors and ask about the Across the Church generally we need to perceptions of the local church? None of move from a consumerist mentality (with the these? exception of the overwhelmed few in each Then are you techy? Could you create a church) to a missional model of church (see website and show someone else how to box). On a diocesan wide scale we need to maintain it? be more adventurous in enabling people to be missional in churches where your volunteer Do you have skills or gifts that you could use time would be welcomed and nurtured; and to the glory of God, but don’t or only in a that may or may not be in the church you are limited way? in just now. The Wallis Many vicars have all sorts of hopes and The Mission and Community Engagement Park dreams about how the church might reach team of the Diocese has recently had some estate in out better to the local community – most big changes - not only a new name, but the Northfleet though are hampered by the realities of the post of Assistant Missioner has been split amongst five people each working one day Over at St Botolph’s, Northfleet there is per week. One of them is the Rev Martyn hope to find a team of people to help the Saunders who is responsible for the strategy present congregation to take a survey to behind “short term missional teams”. particular parts of the parish asking about That means bringing together teams of people perceived needs and how the church can from across a number of churches to volunteer help. their time and skills into a different church No doubt that survey will bring more setting for a specific and limited time. opportunities for service. At the moment Holy Family Gravesend with St Elsewhere, there are musicians and Margaret Ifield are looking for people willing to children’s workers in particular who could help on three distinct projects: to set up and make a tremendous difference to a smaller run Messy Church regularly with volunteers church community. from that church; door knocking alongside So, would you be willing to help? Do you present church members with a welcome want to know more? pack for those moving into new housing in the Then contact Martyn at martyn.saunders@ parish; and welcoming visitors to the beautiful pipnjims.co.uk or 01634 861108 to start the St Margaret’s church during the summer process moving forward. months. New Archbishop of Tanzania is a close friend of Rochester

The Bishop of Mpwapwa, the Right Chimeledya oversees some 85 parishes and 650 congregations in a diocese larger than Rev. Dr. Jacob Chimeledya, is to be Wales in the central Dodoma region of the the next Archbishop of the Anglican country. Church of Tanzania. Mpwapwa is important historically as the site Elected at a meeting of the Provincial of the first mission station in Tanzania and Synod in the Tanzanian capital, Dodoma, today is one of four overseas link dioceses on 21 February, Bishop Jacob will succeed of the Diocese of Rochester – others being Archbishop Valentino Mokiwa of the Diocese Kondoa in Tanzania, Harare in Zimbabwe of Dar es Salaam. and the Diocese of Estonia. The link with Mpwapwa was formally established in 2004 Born in 1957, Bishop Jacob studied at the and several parishes and schools in Rochester Institute of Development Management in Diocese now have connections with Tanzania before gaining a degree in theology Mpwapwa. St Luke’s, Sevenoaks, for example, Bishop Jacob carrying out a confirmation at St Paul’s Theological College in Kenya. He supports a girls’ secondary school established later studied at Virginia Theological Seminary by Bishop Jacob. in the USA. Bishop Brian comments: “Given that of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, who In July 2012, the Rt Rev, Dr. Brian Castle, Mpwapwa is a partner diocese to Rochester, describes Bishop Jacob as “a humble servant Among other roles before becoming Bishop , was a guest of we’re particularly proud and delighted that and leader who will strengthen unity within the of Mpwapwa in 2007, he was Project Mpwapwa Diocese along with two diocesan Bishop Jacob, a friend to us all, has been Anglican Church of Tanzania and enhance its Manager for World Vision Tanzania, Diocesan school parties from Tunbridge Wells and called to this significant position. When I mission”. Youth Secretary and Principal of St Philip’s Belvedere. The growing bonds between visited Mpwapwa last summer, I saw the way Theological College in the town of Kongwa, Bishop Jacob will be installed as Archbishop Rochester and Mpwapwa were demonstrated that Bishop Jacob is firmly guiding his Diocese Tanzania. He is married to Mwezwa with four at the Anglican Cathedral in Dodoma, in a cathedral service when Bishop Jacob and the high regard in which he is held.” children. provisionally on 19 May, and Rochester confirmed a pupil from the UK and Bishop His view is echoed by the Rev Canon Dr. Diocese will be represented at that service. As Bishop of Mpwapwa (a position he will Brian ordained two deacons from Mpwapwa. Dickson Chilongani, Provincial Secretary retain after becoming Archbishop), Jacob