TheWay The FREE newspaper of the Church in Cumbria – Summer 2019

Broadcaster’s long Angels fly in to help road to ordination festival-goers PAGE 3 PAGE 7

Matt Martinson: ‘I made some enemies inside, simply for being a Christian but, you know what, ARMED I really thank God for my time in prison!’ DAVE ROBERTS ROBBER TURNED VICAR n Matt’s new role after serving time

“PRISON wasn’t easy, By Dave Roberts summer, having previously York. After serving nearly four to be a Christian and to follow especially being in there served as vicar in Hull. years - during which time he God. The day before I was “I made some enemies But things could have been drew alongside a prison freed I sent myself a card as a new Christian. There chaplain and came to faith - saying, ‘Don’t forget Jesus were people in there who inside, simply for being a so different; his is a life Christian but, you know what, transformed by faith. he was released and was because he is the one who has wanted to test me all the eventually ordained. got you through all of this’.” I really thank God for my time Matt grew up in a troubled time. Was I this angry in prison!” family and began to truant Matt explains: “I remember Now he, his wife Haley and guy who would always The Rev Matt Martinson from school at the age of 12. being in prison and hearing son Seth have been called to fight back? talks about his amazing He turned to drink and drugs God say to me, ‘One day you Cumbria where he will serve as personal journey of faith as he as his life spiralled into one of will be a vicar’. I burst out Priest in Charge of Carlisle “They constantly wanted to Holy Trinity and St Barnabas trip me up, to prove that I was sits in one of four churches in crime; petty offences escalated laughing saying, ‘Didn’t you Carlisle for which he has just to drug dealing, burglary and just hear what the judge has Team Ministry and Priest in bluffing and that I’d not really Charge of St Luke’s Morton. turned to God. If they pushed been appointed the Priest in ultimately armed robbery. sentenced me to?’ Charge. my buttons, they wanted to see In 1995 he was jailed for 11 “But it was amazing to grow n if I would just simply revert to The 44-year-old begins a years, having committed an as a disciple while in prison. I Turn to page six to the old me. new ministry in the city this armed raid on a post office in left there knowing what it was read Matt’s full story 2 The Way, Summer 2019 www.carlislediocese.org.uk INSIDE EVENTS AT Seeking God’s lead CARLISLE THIS CATHEDRAL EDITION for refreshed vision JULY Thu 18 to Sun 21 – 5.45pm (Thu and Fri), 3pm (Sat and Sun), Choral Evensong. TRANQUILITY Guest choir, Lynwood Singers Sat 20 - 10am to 4pm, Bell Tower Open Day. Book on the day from 10am (£2.50 A quiet adults, children free) place to Tue 23 to Thu 25 - 5.45pm, Choral Evensong. Guest choir, Lay Clerks and reflect Scholars from Isle of Man Cathedral Sat 27 and Sun 28 – 3pm, Choral PAGE 5 Evensong. Guest choir, Melbourne Parish Choir (Derbyshire, not Australia) By Dave Roberts Sun 28 - 6.30pm, Kammerphilharmonie RELIEF Koln Concert by the Cologne Philharmonia. Tickets £16 (concessions Lorraine’s CHRISTIANS are being available) from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, Old Town Hall journey from encouraged to continue in Tue 30 - 12.45pm, Alexander Ffinch; a debt to faith 100 Days of Prayer as we free, lunchtime organ recital. Alexander seek God’s lead for a was due to play at Notre Dame this refreshed vision to grow summer but due to the fire this is no PAGE 10 longer possible. We have offered him an his kingdom in Cumbria. extra slot on his summer tour to launch Over the last five years, the his latest album. INFOGRAPHICS God for All strategy has seen a AUGUST concerted push towards evange- Bishop Emma: ‘Open our hearts and our ears’ Fri 2 - 5.45pm, Choral Evensong, Unique lism and mission, with dozens of JENNY WOOLGAR PHOTOGRAPHY Morland Choristers Fresh Expressions of churches Sat 3 - 3pm, Choral Evensong, Morland approach created and the formation of more one who was drawn to ministry 100 Days of Prayer page. Choristers to Bible than 30 mission communities. in Cumbria by the God for All The call to prayer is being Mon 5 to Sun 11 - 5.45pm weekdays and The vision continues to be vision, I firmly believe it pro- welcomed by all four denomina- 3pm Sat and Sun, Choral Evensong. PAGE 14 rolled out ecumenically between vides a sound bedrock on which tional leaders. The Rev Richard Guest choir, University of Bristol Church the four partner denominations – to build and refresh. But it is Teal, outgoing Chair of the Choir the Methodist Church, United vital that we open our hearts and Cumbria Methodist District, Sat 17 to Mon 26 – Exhibition by Cum- CONTACT US our ears to God’s calling about said: “We have journeyed a long brian artist Christine Hurford, south aisle Reformed Church, Diocese of Sat 17 and Sun 18 - 3pm, Choral Carlisle and the Salvation Army what should be the next steps. So way together and now we need we’re turning to him in prayer to to saturate the future in prayer Evensong. Guest choir, the Heritage EDITOR & – alongside companion churches. Singers from Leeds ADVERTISING: The current strategy runs to ask for his guidance.” and listening so that we hear Sun 25 to Sat 31 – 3pm Sat and Sun, and Dave Roberts the end of 2020 so work is now The 100 days of prayer began what God is saying to us.” 5.45pm weekdays, Choral Evensong. on Pentecost Sunday and will The Salvation Army’s Tel: 01768 807764 underway to begin looking be- Guest choir, Choir of St Mary’s Maldon yond that date. An important first finish on September 17. It will Divisional Commander, Major (Essex) Mobile: 07469 153658 step has seen the Bishop of Pen- be followed by a further 100 Roger Batt, said: “Someone once OCTOBER Email: communications@ rith, the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ine- days of listening, running up to said, ‘Seven days without prayer Sat 5 – 5pm, Royal School of Church carlislediocese.org.uk son, call for Christians across Christmas Day. makes one weak’! For me, 100 Music Festival Cumbria to come together in Suggested daily prayers are days of prayer invites us as a Sat 26 – 7pm, Salvation Army Interna- The Way is the newspaper of the Church in prayer for 100 days. available for download on the people, as a church together, to tional Staff Band Concert (tickets TBC Cumbria. It is produced in partnership from Salvation Army between the Church of England Diocese of Bishop Emma said: “As some- God for All website’s associated be of immense power.” Carlisle, the Methodist District of Cumbria, the United Reformed Church in Cumbria and Churches Together in Cumbria. Through Churches Together in PRAYER WALL Cumbria, we ensure coverage of and distribution to the Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Quakers and independent Here are some of the prayers churches. The editorial team is made up of the received so far as we seek God’s We pray that of representatives from across the you for reminding us aware of C guidance about a refreshed vision. Help us be hristians in Cum denominations. Dear Lord, Thanking for our local schools. We may work togetherbri a who took part in You can send in your own reflections your presence with The purpose of The Way is to reflect the importance of pray Year 6 children for Church in Cumbria to itself and to our pray for the six via [email protected] us each day. Show the Kingdom. communities more widely. our Mothers’ Union meeting at Westnewton on us how to love and d for the We do not seek to promote any Thursday. May they read the Scriptureen Union care for particular theological viewpoint, but rather were given ‘Jesus = A fri th you ulnerable in our aim to stimulate debate by featuring writers tracts they asting friendship wi Creator God, v s from a variety of church traditions and from ever’ and discover l We give you thanks for all your society. Show u Lord Jesus. Jesus we society more widely. blessings, how to share We pray that While we are happy to consider with others. unsolicited submissions, we operate that you are truly for all, might put prayer first and that all is for you. ll our lives and largely on a system of commissions and do in a of not guarantee to publish any materials Lord Jesus, know the value received. T for those We give you thanks that you call us silence. The views and opinions of contributors hat people Can we pray in Cumbria to be your disciples That we might help and advertisers do not necessarily reflect who are ‘hidden’ in ourthe May we divisions the views and opinions of the partners. may find in ed, and to live as witnesses of your recognise your to heal the county: the isolat good news. communities. The publisher takes no responsibility Christ the y, the homeless, those loving pres in our for losses arising from information in lonel Holy Spirit, ence we might live in way, the truth trapped in slavery, and among us That advertisements in The Way. en our eyes We pray that you will be with us . onfidence and hope and the life. pray that we op c to see them. in these days of prayer, as Christ’s disciples. and hearts to guide and lead us in all your ways. Amen God of new l ife, move through the locked The Way doors of our hearts. Open us to your love that is moving in your world. Generous God, touch us again w ay have the fire of your spirit and renew in us all the That everyone m Teach us as your disciples. ith the experience of the love and Newspaper of grace and love yo Make a new church of us. u offer to us. M presence of God and know it May we be a sent people of blessing, and a that deep holiness of heart shine fromay and value it for what it uis.al gathered peopl the Church us in the way we live and act as yo We make this pr e of your peace. That we may find spirit ayer in the name of Jesus sent by love, community in Cumbria. ur inspiration in our special As a sac landscape. rifice of love, to be a gift of love. in Cumbria Amen www.carlislediocese.org.uk The Way, Summer 2019 3 BBC man’s road to ordination n As a self-supporting minister, Richard will continue to work for Radio Cumbria

By Dave Roberts PRAY FOR... BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Richard Corrie will PLEASE hold all those recently selected for ordination in your never forget the moment he prayers. The following people discovered he had been will all be trained through accepted for ordination – he Cumbria Christian Learning nearly dropped his mobile over the next three years: n Andrew Burrell ’phone in a deep fat fryer! n Richard Corrie The 45-year-old was working a n Lucy Foster Friday afternoon shift at the fish n Deborah Hoddinott and chip shop he owns in Wigton n Duncan Jackson when the call came through, n Sarah Jones confirming his success. Belinda Stanley will train at Richard laughed: “In all the theological college in excitement the ’phone nearly ended Birmingham. up in the chip fryer but to be honest And please pray for the I wouldn’t have cared. following people who will train “I knew so many people had as Readers through Cumbria been praying for me, both before Christian Learning: and after the selection process but I n Liz Borlase still couldn’t call it. When I was n Nick Gray told I’d got through I was totally wowed and then I got on the coming back to help run a parish. ’phone to tell my mam!” But now I’ll train here in the The well-known broadcaster, county. I’m passionate that other who presents the station’s early Cumbrians who feel called to morning slots and the Sunday ordination are able to move morning breakfast programme, is forward in this way. one of seven people from across the “For me ministry is all about Diocese of Carlisle selected for communication. That’s what I do ordination this year. through my job in the media and Richard was born and brought up through my job on a Sunday in Carlisle, studying media at the morning. For some people who city’s Institute of Art before first can’t get to church, I may already presenting on CFM. He joined feel like their ‘radio vicar’, so I BBC Radio Cumbria in 2008 truly believe my ministry and my having already freelanced there. broadcasting will go hand in hand.” As a self-supporting minister he The Rev Canon Peter Clement, will continue to work for the BBC, Diocesan Director of Ordinands, both during his training and has supported Richard throughout following ordination as an Assistant that discernment process. Minister in three years’ time. Peter said: “I am absolutely “As a small boy I asked my mum thrilled Richard has successfully to take me to Sunday School at St completed the selection process. At Barnabas in Carlisle,” Richard times this has been a challenging explained. “I later became a server journey for him. He has experi- and assistant organist before enced knock-backs but his faith has moving to Currock Methodist always remained steadfast and I because I wanted to be an organist. know he understands that it has “After that I was at St Herbert’s been God’s timing to get him to ‘Steadfast’: Richard Corrie, left, with the Rev Canon Peter Clement DAVE ROBERTS Currock for 30 years before where he is now. moving to St Michael’s and St “I’m thoroughly looking forward Mark’s Stanwix to experience to supporting Richard and all of our ministry in a new setting as part of other wonderful ordinands as they the discernment process.” seek to live out God’s purpose for His path towards ordination has their lives through new ministry.” Phone: 01768 868683 not been easy. Richard was Richard says that support has unsuccessful at two selection been echoed by all his colleagues at Email: [email protected] conferences, the first of which was BBC Radio Cumbria. in 1998. Despite that, he felt called Graham Moss, assistant editor at www.askins-little.co.uk to train as an Anglican Reader and the station, said: “Richard and I was licensed in 2004. have worked together for over 20 Richard said: “In 2016 I went to years, and for as long as I’ve Grange-over-Sands Bayscapes.co.uk see Bishop James to say I still felt I known him he’s been talking about was being called to ordination. pursuing this calling. I’ve shared Since then we’ve taken it slowly, the disappointments when things we’ve discerned things properly haven’t progressed, so I’m and I’m now going forward as a delighted he’s finally been self-supporting Assistant Minister selected. which means I can continue to “We both know that the hard ThornleigH broadcast but as an ordained work starts here and that Richard We carryP outhone all: 0stonework,1786 868683 lime pointing person. has to combine this with his day An Amazing Christian Hotel “It’s a totally different approach job of producing and presenting andwww.askins-little.co.uk lime plastering to churches, but the right one for me; previously radio programmes, but everyone at Email: [email protected] it was about going away to train at BBC Radio Cumbria is really 015395 32733 memorials, listed buildings and homes college for three years and then pleased for him.” [email protected] www.thornleigh.org 4 The Way, Summer 2019 www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk By The Way First woman ‘an oddity’ Grandson Ben inspires AS the first woman incumbent in Manchester Diocese I was, at first, always going to be something of an oddity. Being placed in a deanery in Oldham surrounded by men clerics, some of whom probably disapproved, dementia anthology was a challenge. But then God calls all manner of people to minister in his church. Our church grew so we (and the Holy Spirit no doubt) n must have been doing something right. Family pay Carole Marsden, Parish News, Parish of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, colourful tribute Crosby Garrett and Soulby

I RECENTLY attended a Bishops’ Advisory to a young man Panel – the final step in a process to discern and test vocation for ordination. You may be pleased to know I was recommended to go By Dave Roberts forward for ordination and Bishop James has been gracious to confirm this will happen. Duncan Jackson, Parish Magazine, WHEN you first walk into Benefice of Egremont with Bigrigg and Haile Hilary and Eric Binks’s flat you can’t help but notice the I AM off on an early summer holiday to Italy. Amazing to think that nearly 2,000 years ago vibrant colours. those we would consider Italian today were Bright primaries abound: from responsible for building that iconic part of our the knitted blanket which lies national heritage lying close to Newton Ar- across a sofa to the beautiful scarf losh and Kirkbride – Hadrian’s Wall. Hilary is wearing, a garment Fraser Clark, Parish Magazine, designed and made by a friend. St Bride’s Parish Church Kirkbride It’s clear, this couple love colour. and St John’s Newton Arlosh But, five years ago, all colour THIS year, we celebrate the 150th anniversary drained from their lives after their of St John’s, Cotehill. The land for the church 27-year-old grandson, Ben and churchyard was donated by yeoman Osborne, took his own life. farmer Charles Peascod. The cornerstone was Hilary, 75, explains: “There were laid in 1869 and the sandstone used in the absolutely no signs of what was to Hilary Binks: ‘It was such a terrible shock’ DAVE ROBERTS construction came from a local quarry. come. Ben was a lovely young Magazine of All Saints’ Scotby and St John’s Cotehill with Cumwhinton man and never raised any issues. mentia and attend the Penrith “After Ben’s death we were He seemed so happy and settled. It memory café. very thankful for the fact we THE Trinity of the Father, Son and Spirit shows was such a terrible shock.” The book is a family project with were grounded in a Christian how things can be both clearly distinct yet We’ve met on the day that Ben – Eric drawing the flower community. There were a number deeply connected: three distinct ‘persons’, an assistant manager at Penrith and illustrations, Ben’s sister Rebecca of Christians around us who were who are nevertheless in perfect communion Appleby leisure centres – would editing and Ben’s mum, Kate, sensitive to our needs at our with each other. have celebrated his 32nd birthday. advising on marketing. previous church, St George’s in Michael Woodcock, Two Valleys Parish News, Cartmell Fell, Crosthwaite, Crook, Helsington, Now, five years after his death, his Hilary adds: “He has been our Kendal, but when we moved to Winster, Witherslack and Underbarrow grandmother has used Ben’s motivation for doing something Penrith and St Andrew’s people memory as inspiration for an with our lives and with this book. very quickly welcomed us and A ZULU Prayer: May the rains fall on our land anthology she has had published. Happier times: Eric and It’s only a small anthology but it cared for us.” and the cows grow fat; may the children take A Rainbow Anthology, Living packs some really big messages: Printing costs have been jointly the wisdom of the ancestors and build upon Well in Colour is a collection of Hilary with Ben and Rebecca you’re never too old to find some- met by the Dementia Action all that is good; may time stand still as we gaze upon the beauty around us; and may the love prose and verse inspired by people The book features work by thing new, recognise a talent and Alliance and Cartmell Shepherd in our hearts envelop all those we touch. living with dementia. Brenda Rack, one of the Binks’s keep the colour in your life. Most Solicitors, a dementia-friendly The Observer, Saint John the Baptist Upperby Hilary volunteers for the Penrith neighbours in their retirement important of all, it shows you can business and member of the branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, complex in Penrith, with whom live well with dementia.” alliance. Copies are being sold THEY used to say we can learn from studying helps lead ‘Singing for the Brain’ Hilary set up a writing group. Central to the anthology, too, is around the town including in St history but sometimes that is hard to believe. sessions and is a dementia-friendly Brenda was diagnosed with Hilary’s strong faith. The couple Andrew’s Church café. Looking through newspaper cuttings of 20 or church enabler at St Andrew’s dementia in 2015 and died earlier were members of St George’s, The book can also be ordered at so years ago it is plain that locals were extremely concerned then – and I have no where she and Eric worship. this year. The book is also dedi- Kendal, for nearly 40 years before [email protected] doubt well before this – about coastal erosion “Although the colour went from cated to Brenda and to Hilary’s moving to Penrith following m or via Facebook. Alternatively, and the threat to our main road. our lives almost completely at the mother, who also had dementia. Ben’s death, to help support their write to Hilary Binks, c/o Parish Allonby Beachcomber time of Ben’s death, this Rainbow Part two of the anthology is family. Office, Penrith Parish Centre, St Monthly Village Newsletter Anthology has helped to reinstate based around rainbow colours and The former health visitor, nurse Andrew’s Place, Penrith CA11 it in a way,” Hilary adds. “He is features pieces written by Hilary, manager and counsellor says: 7XX. Cheques made payable to IT is a pleasure and a privilege to be writing to there in the dedication and he will drawing on thoughts and recollec- “Throughout the book my Chris- Rainbow Anthology. The cost is you as your new diocesan president; thank you for entrusting me with the role. I know be forever in our lives.” tions of people who live with de- tianity is there for everyone to see. £5 plus £1 postage. you will join me as I thank Jane and the other retiring trustees for their leadership and commitment over the last three years. Poet branches out with new woodland collection Janice Eadington, Mothers’ Union Spring Edition Newsletter POEMS celebrating Cumbrian Bridge in west Cumbria. nities to value the planting and THROUGH Jesus, there’s a way back. It’s free. kindness, a cherry tree’s role in a “Poems developed as I realised preservation of our woodlands.” It’s full of love, it’s full of forgiveness, it’s full of requiem and a Wasdale church how fortunate we were to have so About Woodland is Martyn’s hope – not condemnation but a new start. memorial are each About many different kinds of trees, not fifth poetry publication. Others For those who say, ‘I don’t belong any more. Woodland in a new pamphlet by only in the garden but in adjacent include Sanctuary (Canterbury I’m not an insider’, welcome back, you be- long. For those who say, ‘I’m too ashamed to Cumbrian writer Martyn Halsall. woodland,” he said. Press) Coronach (Wayleave Press) come back’, you’re wanted and loved. “While each poem explores a “Individually each tree conjured and Borrowed Ground (Cylch Andy Murphie, Crosthwaite Parish Keswick particular species, or its setting, gratitude and association. Elm, for Cerrig Press). each also wanders off in hopefully example, honours the gift of a Last year, he was awarded first MANY people pray even if they don’t call them- intriguing and creative directions,” wooden bowl, turned by a farmer prize at Carlisle’s Borderlines selves Christian. I find this interesting in a time said Martyn, a former Guardian friend, and given to us in memory Book Festival poetry competition. when ‘religion’ is a negative word to many and the word ‘spiritual’ is not broadly understood. correspondent who now writes for of our former collie. For information on how to pur- the Church Times. “The poems celebrate God’s chase About Woodland (£5) or Yet people still have regard for the soul. ‘Intriguing’: Martyn Halsall Ruth Crossley, New Life, In the Parish of Dalton- Martyn said ideas for the creation at a time of threat to our Martyn’s other publications, con- in-Furness, Newton and Ireleth with Askam PICTURE COURTESY 16-poem collection emerged from loaned world, and will help both tact him on 01946 726 507 or via NEWSQUEST CUMBRIA his cottage garden at Santon the Christian, and wider, commu- [email protected] www.cumbriamethodistdistrict.org.uk The Way, Summer 2019 5 n Beautiful local churchyard joins the Quiet Garden Movement Young take a message Find peace, serenity to Bosnia and God in nature...

By Dave Roberts

THE title of ‘Quiet Garden’ may be something of a ‘Adventure’: Some of the misnomer for Ulverston YWAM group with local Parish Churchyard. people in Sarajevo As Jane Parker and I chat, sit- ting on a bench to the rear of the church, our conversation is set MEMBERS of Windermere Network Youth Church and young against a cacophony of caws from people from Brough have rooks and the bright chirpings of completed 10 days of Christian song birds. It’s a beautiful noise! mission in Bosnia. The grounds around the Seven young people, three Grade II* church are equally adults and a toddler spent two lovely; so much so that they have weeks of the Easter holidays on just been inducted into the Quiet the trip, linking up with Youth Garden Movement’s UK list of With A Mission (YWAM), an recommended spaces. international Christian mission The idea came from Jane, organisation. who 18 months ago joined the They took part in YWAM’s committed team of gardeners who ‘Missions Adventure’ programme tend the churchyard. which included four days of She explained: “I’ve always training followed by 10 action- been something of a contempla- Tranquil: ulverston Parish Churchyard is looked after by a team of gardeners including, packed days in Sarajevo, Bosnia, working with a church in the city’s tive and I’ve tried to get involved inset, Jane Parker PiCTuRES: DAVE ROBERTS in various things in church but Dobrinja area. nothing seemed to be quite right. first garden opened in Bucking- have been people who have come in someone’s memory – are in- The trip was organised by Libby “Then I decided to join the gar- hamshire in 1992. to sit in the garden while eating scribed with Bible passages rather Cuthbertson, a youth worker in Grange-over-Sands and Chris dening team. The first time I came The movement nurtures access their lunch and just to take time than ‘In memory of’ plaques. Mason, of Network Youth Church. along everyone was given jobs to to outdoor space for prayer and out. That is wonderful! Specially-designed cards – in- Chris said: "A highlight of the do, we worked for two hours and reflection in a variety of settings, “People lead such busy lives cluding artwork by Catherine Saun- trip was being able to bring joy to then had a cup of tea. It was a such as private homes, churches, these days. Many people simply ders – are attached to the benches. over 100 school children as we wonderful time of peace and order retreat centres, schools and hospi- don’t know how to be still with The group plans to produce a gave them sculptured balloons and people working at their tasks. tals. There are now more than 300 God but through nature we can.” special brochure advertising their made into flowers, swords, dogs “I felt I could pray while I was Quiet Gardens worldwide. The gardening team – led by Quiet Movement Garden. and other creations. working. I could feel God’s pres- For Ulverston Parish Church it Elizabeth Thompson – keeps Jane added: “Ultimately this “We also offered face-painting ence and I began, over time, to re- represents an opportunity for people beautifully tended borders and about giving people the confi- and played football and basketball alise this is a quiet garden and one who may not come to church, to lawns to the front of the church. dence to know that God is with with local people in the public that people need to know about connect with God through nature. To the rear the churchyard is pur- them. It’s an opportunity for them parks.” and experience.” Jane added: “I find God in na- posefully less sculpted. to sit, turn off their mobile phone There are hopes of a summer The Quiet Garden Movement ture very easily. This is about pro- Wooden benches have been do- and just be with him.” 2020 mission trip which will be was the vision of Anglican priest viding other people with that nated or refurbished by congrega- n For more on the Quiet Garden open to anyone aged over 13. Philip Roderick. The charity’s opportunity too. I know there tion members. Two seats – donated Movement, visit www.quietgarden.org. Green fingers are route to good mental health THE Bishop of Carlisle – the spaces for therapeutic gardens. a garden can be created to offer Church of England’s lead bishop “We know that gardening is a basic gardening experience, ac- on healthcare issues – has backed powerful form of therapy, and cess to nature and companionship. experts’ calls for churches to when done with others it tackles The conference was organised promote gardening for mental loneliness and social isolation. It’s by the Church of England’s Michael G.Maddison wellbeing. my hope that churches will Environmental Working Group Independent Funeral Director The Rt Rev James Newcome embrace this opportunity to make and also included input from was one of the speakers at a spe- a valuable and vital contribution former politician and now prison cial conference at Lambeth Palace to supporting mental health in our chaplain the Rev Jonathan Aitken. at which a fresh call was made for communities.” He said: “Therapeutic gardening Offering a 24hr Caring Service churches to use their green space Last year a survey of clergy has a valuable role to play in the Chapels of Rest to offer ‘therapeutic gardening’. Therapy: Bishop James at showed that mental health issues rehabilitation of offenders and as Green Health Live 2 brought work with secateurs were at the top of the list of a calming and caring influence on Pre Payment Funeral Plans together chaplains, public health MARCiN MAzuR/ problems they faced within their prison communities. I know this experts and healthcare profession- LAMBETh PALACE parishes. from personal experience. Memorials als, to showcase innovative work Research shows gardening can “During my prison sentence 20 being done by parishes to provide Bishop James said: “Churches help relieve the effects of depres- years ago I did regular work in the therapeutic gardening spaces – are places where people can find sion, loneliness and a range of prison flowerbeds and in its 01228 317 577 or 07796 102 996 and encouraged more churches to healing and community, so it is no mental health issues, but many market gardens. We prisoners 57-61 Newtown Road, Carlisle, CA2 7JB work with local mental health surprise – but it is absolutely people, particularly in towns and were pleased to have something charities and medical profession- wonderful – that growing cities, do not have gardens. useful to do which beautified and als to do the same. numbers of parishes are providing Churches often have space where benefitted our surroundings.” 6 The Way, Summer 2019 www.nwsynod.org.uk By The Way Flowers mean so much ‘When I look back and I WOULD like to thank all the people who so generously help with the ministry of flowers during the year. Putting a couple of vases of flowers in church not only helps decorate our church but also means a great deal to think how I put fear the recipients of the flowers to know that they have been remembered... The flowers are given to people for encouragement, or when they have been ill, or maybe they are celebrating some notable event in their lives. Pauline Beeby, The Grapevine, Newsletter of the Methodist Churches of Coniston, into her, I’m ashamed’ Swarthmoor and Ulverston

IT is difficult to believe four years have passed since my ordination as deacon and the begin- n Vicar talks about how life has changed since his armed raid on post office ning of my ministry amongst you and along- side you. It has, as I hope and pray you all know, been such an immense privilege and By Dave Roberts joy to have been called to follow Christ here. Andrew Norman, Parish Church of St Paul Grange-over-Sands THE Rev Matt Martinson THE beauty of creation is very noticeable stares into space as he recalls here; the contrast to my previous home in the moment he walked into Birmingham has been something I have pointed out at every opportunity. I find a York post office to commit myself very comfortable here because of the an armed robbery. wide open spaces, the natural beauty that “I can remember going through surrounds, the opportunities to explore. I the door into the shop and there find myself inspired by God’s creation. was a lovely lady behind the Andrew Sterling, Newsletter, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby and Tebay Methodist Circuit counter,” he explains. “I think she understood straight away that IN 1909, Longsleddale was a parish of just something was going to go wrong over 100 people living in 25 households. and to see the fear in her eyes is Almost all adults were involved in farm work something I shall never forget. and had been born in Westmorland or the “When I look back and think neighbouring counties. The backgrounds of the vicar and his wife were different. John about how I must have come across Henry Grice McCall was a Scot from a Glas- to her – to put that fear into her – gow merchant family; his wife Emily Augusta I’m completely ashamed. I really, was born in Madras, India, the daughter of really regret that I could have been Major General JAG Munsey. someone so horrible as to do that to Tony Cousins, Skelsmergh, Selside and someone else and it’s something I Longsleddale Church and Community News have to live with every day. AT each of our monthly healing services we “I would love with all my heart give space for people to share what God has to be able to apologise to her. I been revealing to them, or what he has been pray for her every day, though I MAIN PICTURE: DAVE ROBERTS doing in their lives. These stories are always don’t know where she is or even if Welcome: Matt meets some of his congregation much more interesting than my sermon she is still alive. I will continue to which would have preceded them. It is great do that until the day I die. I pray he’d met his wife, Haley. The cou- to hear real stories of God at work in peo- ple married and have a 19-year- for her family as well because I ple’s lives. I’d like to ask you to consider your old son, Seth. In 2000 Matt started gospel story. It matters! It really does! know what I did will have also a three-year degree course at Rob Jackson, Parish of Whitehaven affected them.” Bible college despite struggling We are talking in the main body with literacy. Later he and Haley WHO is where in Christ Church churchyard? of Holy Trinity Church off Wigton This arises from a query I had lately. The set up the Beyond Bars charity to Road in Carlisle, after what has support serving and former pris- churchyard was where all Penrithians were been three hours of interviews and buried (not just C of E) between 1850 and oners in community training pro- 1872, by which time it was full. Only the filming with the county’s media. grammes and rehabilitation. Quakers and the Congregationalists had Matt’s is a faith story which has And then he was accepted for their own burial grounds. attracted plenty of attention since ordination. A two-year theological Jeremy Godwin, Penrith Beacon, the announcement of his appoint- course followed during which Magazine for St Andrew’s Penrith, Christ ment as Priest in Charge of Church Penrith, St John’s Newton Reigny time Matt woke one morning to Carlisle Holy Trinity and St Barn- Family man: Matt with his New life: Matt performing find he had no feelings in his legs. and St John’s Plumpton Wall abas Team Ministry and Priest in wife Haley and son Seth a baptism Doctors diagnosed a prolapsed THIS year we shall be looking at stewardship Charge of St Luke’s. And that’s disc, trapped sciatic nerve, crum- in Aspatria and Hayton, and although Gilcrux not surprising; his is a heck of a decline, Matt joined the Army and alive, then I will follow you.’ bling spine and pelvis. It means he is not specifically addressing stewardship it is story to tell. was stationed in Germany. That When I was alone in the police is now a full-time wheelchair user. determined to find a large amount of money Born into a troubled family in ended badly; he regularly went cell after my arrest I felt God’s “I was someone who was very for the significant repairs needed for the Yorkshire, his parents split when building to be usable. For all of us, and for all AWOL and was discharged. presence and I said ‘Yes’ to him. fit and active so it was hard,” Matt churches, generosity is important. he was young and he chose to live Back in the UK he began to Immediately so much of the anger continues. “I’ve learned more Tim Herbert, Link, Aspatria Methodist with an abusive father, who has re-offend; his crimes became and hurt I had bottled up was about God and my relationship Church, St Kentigern’s Aspatria, since died. increasingly serious leading to the taken from me; it was amazing.” with him by being in a wheelchair. St Mary’s Gilcrux, St James’ Hayton “I was surrounded by violence armed robbery. He was eventually In 1995 he was jailed for 11 I know he is a loving God who and crime because of my dad so I arrested after being involved in a years. After serving nearly four has done some amazing things in THANKS to all who have given me feedback inevitably went down that way my- car crash in Carlisle while visiting years – during which time he drew our lives as a family.” about ideas for our new magazine, that I self,” Matt says. “I learned to an- began sharing with you last month. This a friend – just a few miles from alongside a prison chaplain and Now the family are in north month I have some more thoughts to share swer all my problems with my fists. where he is now ministering. came to faith – he was released. Cumbria, called to serve within with you, and I hope your feedback will Things just got worse and worse. Matt adds: “At that time I Matt says: “While I was in the county’s ecumenical God for continue – including constructive criticism. “I was well and truly off the blamed God for everything that prison God told me three things: I All vision. I want to produce a magazine that anyone in rails and living with my dad meant had gone wrong in my life. As far would marry, I would be involved Matt adds: “We love what is our community might want to read, I could get my hands on drink and as I was concerned it was his fault. in prison ministry and I would be a happening in Cumbria through God irrespective of whether they are part of a drugs. The crime I was involved I even tried to commit suicide. vicar. I felt as though this was a for All. There is a sense of mission, local worshipping community of Christians. George Nasmyth, ADRU Benefice News, with got worse too; shoplifting be- “But before I was arrested I said big joke; none of this could hap- community and the need to reach Aldingham, Dendron, Rampside and Urswick came burglary and then robbery.” to him, ‘I don’t care if I live or die pen to me in a month of Sundays!” out to people. We give thanks that In a bid to end the spiral of now but if you get me caught But within weeks of release we can be a part of that.” www.nwsynod.org.uk The Way, Summer 2019 7 Angels descend on festival n Teams of Christians will offer help and safe spaces for vulnerable people at Kendal Calling

By Dave Roberts TEAMS of Christian ‘Festival Angels’ are set to mingle with the crowds at this year’s huge Kendal Calling music event – in a first for Cumbria. The four-day festival takes Live: Crowds enjoying last place towards the end of July on year’s Kendal Calling the Lowther Hall estate near PICTURE COURTESY Penrith. Last year’s line-up of performers pulled in more than NEWSQUEST CUMBRIA 25,000 people. of angels could walk round the Now it has been confirmed grounds making sure people that Festival Angels – Christians were okay.” who provide safe spaces for vul- The Angels offer a caring nerable people – will form part Christian presence at festivals, of the on-site support. The drawing alongside people who teams, many from local church may need help or reassurance. A communities, will be highly vis- ‘Jesus Loves Festivals’ design ible in yellow tabards and will feature on banners at branded T-shirts. Kendal Calling with copies of Festival Angels started in 2011 Mark's Gospel also available. at Leeds Music Festival and is “It’s not about proselytising,” an offshoot of the Street Angels Paul explained, “but at the same initiative created by Yorkshire- time people are attracted to the man Paul Blakey in 2005. banners and start to talk to us Paul, who is chief executive about why we’re doing what we of Christian Nightlife Initiative are. That gives an opportunity to ‘Guardian’: An angel mingles with festival crowds; inset, the colourful ‘Jesus’ banner Network which oversees the explain that, as Christians, we’re Angels, said: “Amazingly this looking out for other people and unteers have signed up as An- concept was started by an making sure everyone is gels. They will work alongside 82-year-old lady in Leeds, comfortable and safe. the organisers’ welfare, first aid whose grandchildren were going “Whether it’s helping people and security teams. to the festival. She realised that put up tents or carry luggage Paul added: “Jesus loved a people needed support so she across the site, we get stuck in party. He turned water into rounded up the local vicars, and people seem to really wine, which suggests to me he spoke to the festival organisers appreciate that.” wanted people to enjoy them- and it was agreed that the Last year – as part of a trial – selves. So we’ll be there to do churches could set up a marquee a safe hub was located at the his stuff, what he does best, and rydal hall to run a café in the afternoon. festival. This year, three of the that is to help care for the young hospitality | tranquility | spirituality “By year three the organisers hubs – the caravans where peo- people who are there.” were asking if the café could ple who may feel threatened or n To volunteer as a Festival stay open throughout the whole vulnerable can go to for help – Angel at future Kendal Calling festival – day and night. And will be located on camp sites. events or other music festivals, they asked if ‘detached teams’ Meanwhile, more than 30 vol- visit www.festivalangels.org.uk. VOLUNTEER HOPES TO REACH OUT

JORDAN Summers’ stint as a Penrith Methodist Church’s Festival Angel may feel a little Holiday Club on Thursday like a busman’s holiday. and Friday before heading The 24-year–old – who lives over to the festival site in the in Penrith and helps lead wor- afternoon on both days. ship in the town’s Methodist He added: “I’m conscious Church – runs his own audio- many churches don’t have visual and events company, great contact with people in 1Five Events and Film. their late teens through to their He has also signed up as a early 20s. Kendal Calling is volunteer Festival Angel for that demographic so it’s a Kendal Calling. great place to go to. “I’d reached out to Paul “So much of what we do in Blakey to see if we could bring church is about in-reach the Angels to Kendal Calling where we say to people and that sparked conversa- ‘Come with us, into our build- tions,” Jordan explained. ing and we’ll introduce you to “The result is that I will be God’. Whereas this is about one of the Festival Angels at saying ‘You’re over there so this year’s event. I’ve been to we’ll come to you. We’re not a number of one-day festivals going to interfere and, actu- and also helped stage some ally, we’re going to make your in my job but this will be differ- event more comfortable, more ent.” fun and a more secure place Jordan Summers: ‘More The week of Kendal Calling for everyone to enjoy’ but we’ll will be a busy one for Jordan. be going there under a secure place for everyone’ He will be helping to run modern outworking of faith.” 8 The Way, Summer 2019 www.churchestogethercumbria.co.uk The Way, Summer 2019 9 By The Way DOWN YOUR WAY... ON THE CAMINO So many jam jars... THANK you to all the St Elisabeth’s jam jar recyclers for the last 10 years. You have kept me well supplied with jars for damson jam and marmalade, but I now have so many I do not think I will be able to use them all. Perhaps you can find someone else to pass them on to or put them in your recycling box. John Derrick, Harraby Viewpoint, The Parish Magazine of St Elizabeth’s Church, Harraby

THE daffodil tea on April 24 was enjoyed by everyone. People took part in a table quiz and game before sharing an afternoon tea. It raised £154 for church funds. Thank you to all who helped and to those who came along. Around Church, Ramsden Street URC

CONGRATULATIONS to St Cuthbert’s, Lorton, on becoming a bronze level Eco Church. Thank you, Rosemary Riley, for your hard work in applying for this status. We will follow our work on this by having a special weekend in July dedicated to our environment. Creator God: A sea of poppies greets pilgrims on stage Alto artwork: At the top of the Alto de Perdon, a steel Nothing wasted: An old hiking boot Paradise found: One of the watering holes along the Best foot forward: Sinc, Carol, Fiona and Mike cross the Sandra Ward, The Link, The United Benefice five of the walk from Puenta de la Reina to Estella sculpture is dedicated to all those walking The Way helps mark the way on stage six Camino at which walkers can rest and find refreshment border into Spain on stage one of Lorton and Loweswater with Buttermere

ON June 30, I will have been a member of the house of clergy for 40 years. When, in May 1978, I presented myself to a selection board, I had little idea of the joys and hardships that would be my lot other than the fact that I believed God had called me into his service. Gavin Walker, Gosforth, Nether Wasdale and Wasdale Head Parish Magazine Pilgrims take first steps on The Way EACH step of spiritual growth needs to be experienced, reflected upon and embedded into our lives. Our first step is to desire By Dave Roberts Carol Graham, prayed, we laughed, we sang, we cried a little too. Mike Crawley, spiritual maturity. We do this by committing Retire ourselves to be more Christ like. Perhaps we IT WAS a chance comment made in church Retired Senior Manager, Now there is such a great bond between us all. d police officer could start by asking God in what areas of life Cumberland Building Society There was time to reflect. My favourite flowers are one Sunday morning that got things rolling. poppies and, because of the time of year, they were I AM not the world's best person he wants us to work next. in the morn David Newlove, The Messenger, “You know, for a long time now I’ve been “BON Camino!” “Bien Camino!” These are greetings in abundance all along the route. As I gazed at them I ing so getting up Wigton Road Methodist Church thinking about walking the Camino,” I casually felt an inner peace with God, who I felt was walking about 6am was a bit daunting. all along the route by the young and old, those of all But mentioned to my good friend, Mike Crawley. shapes, sizes and fitness levels, each person there beside me with each step. it was surprising how the FROM July, on the second Sunday morning My favourite film is Love Actually. At the beginning Camino’s rhythm soon At this his eyes lit up. He pounced: “So have I, for different reasons and each with a story to tell. became the norm each month, we will offer a different sort of marra! Let’s get it sorted!” I started out on this pilgrimage not knowing and end it shows people of all nationalities and walks : up early, a church – ‘café church’. There will still be of life meeting family and friends at an airport arrivals long walk, up a hill, down a hill, And so we did. An invitation was thrown open what to expect but the experience far early to bed and repeat. singing and praying, but the environment will exceeded anything I could have wished lounge. Each person’s face shows incredible love be quite different, and at the heart of it will to others in our church family and two pilgrims and kindness. There was a ple quickly became five. Four came from within our for. asing be the chance to talk over things that matter The scenery along the way was breath- So many times on our journey reassurance in the in a relaxed atmosphere, over tea or coffee. embryonic mission community, Eden Wild Goose, taking; at times I had to pinch myself to I experienced the same love and steady crunch of feet Michael Bonner, Dean Parish News which takes in churches around Warwick Bridge, believe I was actually walking the Camino. kindness, offered up by my on the path, the tip Wetheral, Scotby, Cotehill and Cumwhinton. A The five of us supported each other: we fellow pilgrims. tap of walking poles, LEADING the Stricklandgate Sunday Night fifth is a neighbour of Mike’s. the smiles, nods and Winter Shelter is one of the most rewarding cheery Flights and hostels were booked and we were on, nurse "buen experiences, and I must express my gratitude Fiona Richards camino!" to all of you for your support and encourage- off, landing in Bilbao before transfers to the start salutations as of the Camino Francés in St Jean Pied de Port in ment. Our building is a welcoming one and rts, WALKING the Camino surpassed any pilgrims greeted each has the accommodation we need to provide Dave Robe s Manager France, the most popular of all routes. ommunication expectations or hopes I may havey lifehad. and It has one other. a good service for our guests. Diocesan C t weeks of m Now, people may think of the Camino de Santi- been one of the bes It was a blessing t Anne Pater, The Stricklandgater, Newsletter of ago de Compostela as a gentle walk. Let me, at ney ll never forget. n human nature and meet and talk with people fromo S on a bridge, the jour s, which I wi s to bring out the best i all ov the Stricklandgate Methodist Church Kendal PRAYER steep ascent The Camino seem challenged at times, I also er the world. Their names this early stage, put that notion to bed. It’s hard. In eaming legs, sically and mentally escape me now but – to recall begins. Scr although I felt phy rated by my fellow travellers. HELLO. My name is Peter Dixon and I am fact, it’s very hard. And it’s long: 500 miles long. mountain passes, verdant pastures,ers, burning sus- nvigo just a few - there was California, The first day sees pilgrims head over the Compeed plast felt supported, nurtured and i looking forward to taking on the role as a self- taining meals, ng poles regulate I feel privileged and humbled to have been ablee with to atake tremen- part South Korea, Australia, New supporting curate at St Paul’s, Holme Eden, Pyrenees into northern Spain. We were lucky; onomic walki ushes, help- ey and I have returned hom ell-being. Zeal blisters. Metr fer sugar r in this special journ and, and Holy Trinity, Wetheral. Before introducing blue skies and a welcome breeze helped us on our the pace, sweets of ppery slopes. t chapter. Denmark, France, Finland and s on sli dous sense of physical, psychological and spiritual w myself more fully I need to point out that, as way to the 1,500m summit. The next day people ing hands guide other La Hawick. ous I’m very much looking forward to next year and the nex far as I am aware, I am not related to Peter on the same stage had to be rescued as tempera- Our guardian angel. Sylviesses: from “V My fellow Dixon, the philanthropist whose name is en- e. Daily hugs and ki Si Camino buddies Rochell Freshly squeezed nclair Graham, were brilliant: shrined on the inner walls of St Paul’s Church. tures dropped to minus 4C. Be warned, the in!” Re we talked, êtes mon chem tired Head of Aud reflective solitude, laughed, sang, cried, talked Peter Dixon, Focus on Eden, Camino can bite! orange juice, bread broken and shared (Un it some more... and did I n, riverside walks, café con retired Churchwa enjoying the landscape. Holme Eden and Wetheral with Warwick But that’s partly its appeal and, anyway, a atop a mountai rden) At oth mention laughed? pilgrimage shouldn’t be easy; it’s good to be gh- ers we shared leche aplenty. OUR Lord Jesus Christ co stories, laughed a lot My enduring memory of AS a group of Dementia Enablers we have felt challenged both mentally and physically but to New pilgrims met, storiesagined. told: hiListening "love mmanded us to and saw acts of kind- this fir God has been in all our deliberations and has your neighbour as yourself". Approx st 100 miles will be th know that God is right there with you at that time. level jobs quit, lives re-im bliss and mately 2,000 years l ness and perseverance. fellowship, companionship e guided us in the way he wants us to go, so it is udgement. Rural ater the fab four sangi- It’s a challenge that millions of pilgrims have ears, no j e. Weary legs and wide- that "all you need is love". Our own ‘ch and laughter; the j fitting that the Barrow Tea Service will be city-centre bustl ief pilgrim’ Mike excelled at being in one another'so company.y of launched the day after Pentecost. “All of us... risen to since the Early Middle Ages, walking The We set off with God and love in our hearts, this. On day one he shared his awake eyes. Seeing crosses everywhere: excitement and some apprehension. We drops with a young S bag of pear- Five of us set off on this have been baptized into the one body by the Way towards their final destination, the cathedral outh Korean c adventure but I believe there inside churches,n brilfashionedliant skies. in fences, crossed paths with dozens of pilgri who hadn't eaten all day. Day two heouple gave a same Spirit, and we have all been given the of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia where the vapour-trailed i n all of it: the was an unseen sixt one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12: 13) all over the world, m ms from gentleman who had r h remains of Saint James are said to be buried. And where’s God? He’s i he soaring cyclists and some ainly walkers, but also water bottle and, on aun third out day,of water a young hi companion in each step taken, Lilian Wood, Newslink, s tolling and t les horse riders. And we en- s Many walk the entire route in four to five gentle cow bell countered l lady who was having difficul each tear spilled, each guffa South West Cumbria United Area he bandaged Achil ove and high spirits all the w w of weeks. For three of us, the intention is that it will golden eagle, t ay; came the recipient of Mik ty walking be- laughter. Their tendon and the graffitied underpass, the despite the physica e's walking poles. presenc JESUS taught that there’s more to life than take four or five years, completing 100-mile ightning and the some were experiencing.l pain So what did I get out of the experi e could be felt. thunder and l Time to think ence? The Camino was brilliant, work and money. He said that God wants hu- sections over consecutive years. Two members of It was hard but satisfying. , talk, laugh, meet, greet, superb, amazing, beautiful. Eve mankind to have abundant life – relaxation, drying sunshine,e andthe distantthe pilgrims’ admire and reflec our party plan to return in September to complete mountain rang t so At times we walked in silent, t on the goodness present thought about doing it? Then r enjoyment, companionship. And if you’re the rest of the route. He’s never fel in our world. God saw his creation w belly laughs. good, s as give it a go! looking for a space in which to be at peace, to Ready for the off: From left, Fiona Richardson, Dave Roberts, Mike Crawley, In the panel on the right are some personal He is The Way. o do I! reflect, to sit quietly, church is it. Carol Graham and Sinc Graham prepare to leave St Jean Pied de Port close. St Bridget’s Parish News reflections of our time as pilgrims on The Way... 10 The Way, Summer 2019 www.godforall.org.uk By The Way Charity reports massive Welcoming volunteers OUR fantastic ‘welcomers’ are well on with the annual task of welcoming thousands of tourists and other visitors to our beautiful building. From comments in the visitor book, increase in personal debt we know how they appreciate not only the beauty, peace and history of the church but the warmth and help our volunteers provide. Roberts Lucy Foster, Parish Life, By Dave Holy Trinity Parish Church Kendal ‘When you’re struggling to get out of OF the many ways Jesus can be seen, some A CHRISTIAN debt relief are these: teacher, saviour, healer, priest, centre in Cumbria has bed... dealing with bills is impossible’ prophet, messiah, son, leader... The list is long reported a huge increase in and can be extended. It is also testimony to the impact his life made at the time. Much of the amount of money now the New Testament is devoted to exactly that owed by people it supports. question of how we should see Jesus. The Eden Debt Centre was set Geoffrey Ravalde, St Mary’s Wigton up in 2015 in partnership with YOU are probably reading this because Penrith Methodist Church and the someone has delivered Contact to your door. national charity Christians Against We need to thank the people who willingly Poverty (CAP). It is run from the undertake this task every month on a purely Wordsworth Street church. voluntary basis. We are pleased to facilitate Figures show that, by February the circulation of news about activities, not 2018, the cumulative debt carried just church events, around the parishes of Lamplugh, and Ennerdale and Kinniside, but by all its clients was £272,000. By it wouldn’t happen without our ‘deliverers’. February 2019, that had risen by a Contact, Lamplugh, Kirkland and Ennerdale further £340,000 to £612,000. Ecumenical Parish Last summer the average debt per client – since the centre’s launch – THIS April marked the 25th anniversary of was just under £7,000; by May the Rwandan genocide, in which upwards of 2019, that had risen to £8,220. The 800,000 people were killed in 100 days, leav- ing 95,000 children orphaned. I’ve visited this average debt of new clients taken beautiful country, seen the scars and heard on since July 2018 is £11,500. the memories that remain… and witnessed Jon Cook, the centre’s manager the steps being taken to bring about healing who also leads the King’s Church and reconciliation. Eden, said: “The end of last year Malcolm Riches, Writings on the Wall, through to the start of 2019 has Newsletter from the Anglican Churches of Lanercost with Walton, Gilsland and Nether been incredibly busy. Denton “During that time we knew Debt-free future: Lorraine Cooper, pictured talking with Jon Cook, says CAP’s there were clients who’d made intervention has made a huge difference to her life, relieving much of her stress THE world seems to be waking up to the contact with us but because of the problems of climate change. Will you now pressure by the time we’d been LORRAINE Cooper’s life fell apart “However, the problem does “You would not believe how help protect the world that God does indeed able to arrange a home visit for after her marriage of 20 years not go away; you’re just pretend- much stress that took away,” she love, and has entrusted to us to care for? Will some of them, they were no suddenly ended. The mother-of- ing. But the bailiff is not pretend- explains. “It meant I could begin you follow simple principles that most of us longer there. two fell ill, suffering anxiety, stress ing when he knocks on the door to plan for the future. I now just say we agree with? Live simply, love your and depression. She was unable to take away your car. Eventually make payments by direct debit; I neighbour, walk humbly, show mercy, tread “That could be for all manner of to continue in her job as a shop someone gave me the number for don’t have an overdraft. I pay for lightly. Meaning is not found in possessions. reasons; for instance, they could manager and her illness meant CAP and I made contact.” what I can afford.” As the Christian tradition would put it: be have been evicted. That is the she couldn’t deal with her difficult Jon had to use the back door Amazingly, her recovery from Christ-like, be a blessing to all around. most frustrating outcome for us. financial situation. on his first visit to Lorraine’s debt has since led to Lorraine Bill White, Together Community Newsletter, “There’s not a single cause for Over 18 months the situation house. “You simply couldn’t open finding a faith. provided by the churches of Matterdale, this mounting debt. People can grew worse. Lorraine was unable the front door because of all the She regularly attends the Watermillock, Patterdale, Greystoke, to face opening the mail for fear it mail that was wedged behind it church Jon leads in Penrith. Penruddock and Mungrisdale suffer financially for all different types of reasons, be that a loss of was an unpaid bill or demand. that Lorraine could not face open- Congregation members paid for a job, illness or breakdown of a re- Her debts rose to £12,000. ing,” he recalls. “We took all of removal van and helped her WIND and breath are powerful symbols of In desperation she looked for that away to sort through it, and move house, and she is being the Holy Spirit. They are never seen in their lationship and family life. It seems effect. Jesus said: “The wind blows wherever help. That came in the guise of then we could sit down with baptised this summer. as if people have been surviving the Eden Debt Centre and a visit Lorraine and work things through.” “I can remember Jon asking to it wishes; you hear the sound it makes, but just above the financial ‘tide line’ you do not know where it comes from or to her home by Jon Cook and a The CAP team drew up a pray with me the very first time we where it is going. It is like that with everyone and it has not taken much to befriender. series of options which would met,” Lorraine says. who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 GNB) change financially for them to Lorraine explains: “When you’re lead to a debt-free future. “Because I wasn’t mentally Dave Harkison, Living Stones, Whitehaven URC start to struggle.” struggling to get out of bed, make Lorraine knew her income level very well I just said, ‘Do what you The centre is now looking to a meal or have a shower, dealing meant she would never be able to need to’. I felt soothed by the LAST Christmas knitted angels were employ a second ‘debt coach’ as with any bills is just impossible. pay the debt back. She chose to prayers and gradually, over many distributed around Abbeytown with a simple The easy thing to do is just throw apply for a debt relief order, which months, I came to understand it continues to take referrals from the post into a basket behind the in essence wrote off the debts that God has been with me message of peace. The idea came from other across an area stretching from areas where churches hung angels around their front door and not open them. and will remain on her credit file. throughout all of this.” community to share the message of Christmas. Alston to Kirkby Stephen. Solway Plain Team Magazine Since opening, the Debt Centre has seen 82 clients for a first can explore the possibility of in crisis are given food parcels or AS I was running a few days ago, I wondered appointment. Of those, 19 are now declaring themselves insolvent. sacks of coal to help heat homes. why it is so hard to develop a routine of officially debt-free and 28 others The service is provided within a Jon added: “In those emergency prayer. I pray every day, but my prayer-life are actively working towards that. Christian context; when Jon meets situations we will do what we can seems to be rather erratic. I have a routine for other things, but I can’t seem to keep to a Jon works two days a week, clients for the first home visit and to help people and that is what steady routine for prayer. Why is that? The taking referrals from community subsequent meetings he offers the being a Christian is all about. conclusion I came to was that all the other groups, housing associations, opportunity to pray together. “As a church leader I was things involve a physical action – including social services and health organisa- He added: “One of the amazing looking for a new way in which I reading the Bible each morning. tions. After an initial home visit – parts of this work is that it is helping could live out my faith in a Steve Carter, Raughton Head Parish Magazine at which the debt coach is accom- build understanding with people in practical way. panied by a volunteer befriender – our wider community that churches “The debt centre has allowed NINE of us spent a pleasant, sunny Easter Monday morning rambling over fields, there’s a further meeting to look in and Christians can work to tackle this to happen and it’s opened up through bluebell woods and along the river- detail at a client’s finances before this kind of social issue. We’ve had my eyes and the eyes of others in side. It was such a beautiful day for enjoying a central team of case workers at tremendous support from Churches our churches to the need there is the views, some quite unfamiliar to a few of CAP’s London headquarters Together in Penrith.” in our communities for us, as us. It was also a good time to share conver- draws up a budget and pathway to While the centre does not offer Christians, to help others.” Jon Cook: ‘It’s opened up my sation as we went along. Where to next? a debt-free future. Clients learn financial pay-outs to the people it n If you’re affected by debt, Maureen Stevens, Parish News, St George Kendal how to budget more efficiently or helps, there are times when those contact CAP on 0800 328 0006. eyes and the eyes of others’ www.godforall.org.uk The Way, Summer 2019 11 WHAT’S ON AROUND CUMBRIA

DAY OF GATHERING Sat July 27, 10am to 4pm, Cartmel Village Hall, Cartmel, Cumbria LA11 6PS The team from Christian Meditation in Cumbria will lead a day to come together and meditate and walk in creation. Cost is £5 al- though there is a suggested donation of £10. Drinks and cakes are provided but please bring your own lunch. To book contact Richard on 01946 862990 or at [email protected]. Learning: Sophie’s mum, Caroline, doing craft with Relaxing: Sophie’s husband, Jamie, with some of LIVING WITH THE MYSTICS Tues August 6, 10am for 10.30am-3pm, some of the girls at Molima Family Home. Caroline, the boys at Molima Family Home. Humphrey, Friends Meeting House, Elliot Park, Keswick mentioned, is at the back wearing a hat mentioned, is bottom right Bob Morley leads a day exploring the works of French philosopher, mystic and political activist Simone Weil. Cost is £5. Drinks are pro- vided but bring your own lunch. To book contact Bob Morley on 016974 72644 or [email protected]. 1,000-mile bike ride to QUIET DAY Fri September 6, 10am to 4pm, Rydal Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9LX Artist and graphic designer Depa Masih leads a quiet day on the theme ‘I am the Good buy desks for orphans Shepherd’ (John 10: 11-18). It is free but booking is required and donations are suggested. Bring your own packed lunch or visit Rydal’s tea shop. To book contact 015394 n ‘Remembering 32050 or [email protected]. the poor’ takes RECORDERS AT RYDAL Fri September 20 (4pm) to Sun 22 (3pm), Rydal Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9LX Sophie to Malawi Enjoy beautiful music and develop your skills in the company of players of a similar By Sophie Hodge, upper-intermediate and advanced level ability Diocese of Carlisle’s with tutor Mary Tyers. Cost is £220 per person residential and £110 non-residential. To book Stewardship Enabler contact 015394 32050 or [email protected]. “ALL they asked was MOUNTAINS AND MYSTERY RETREAT Tues October 8 (4pm) to Sat 12 (10am), Rydal that we should continue Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9LX to remember the poor, the The Rev Robert Williamson leads the retreat very thing I had been which includes longer or shorter walks accord- ing to preference. There is an opportunity each eager to do all along.” day for reflection and fellowship, while music, Galatians 2:10 poetry and scripture combine to illustrate the As a teenager I was fairly theme of 'Mountains and Mystery'. Cost is certain that being a Christian £380 per person, full board. To book contact meant we had to remember the 015394 32050 or [email protected]. poor in a pretty radical way. I assumed this meant the almost THREADS #FXCUMBRIA inevitable career progression Sat November 2, 10am for 10.30am-4.30pm, to oversees missionary. Stoneybeck Inn, Bowscar, Penrith, CA11 8RP However, God had other Friends: Sophie and Jamie with children from the home This is the third annual Fresh Expressions plans, and now aged 30 I have day and will explore how to strengthen ties craft together, remembering with each other, local communities and FXs, found myself called to Penrith and build on co-operative learning. Tickets, rather than Porto-Novo. Yet I the poor came easily. including refreshments and lunch, are £25 per still feel challenged by what it Now back in England, person for Cumbrian residents and £30pp for means to remember the poor constantly barraged by my those outside of the county. To book visit in the context of the globalised hectic, fast-paced ‘normal’ www.trybooking.com and search for Threads world. life, the challenge is to still #FXCUMBRIA. In April, I returned to a remember these remarkable small town in Malawi called young people. LIVING WITH THE MYSTICS Dedza. I’d first visited in 2016 This summer I will remem- Tues November 5, 10am for 10.30am-3pm, but this time everything was ber the poor by embarking on Friends Meeting House, Elliot Park, Keswick different. The streets were fa- a 1,000-mile sponsored cycle Margaret Ives leads a day exploring the miliar, the culture not quite so from Ullswater to Lake Garda works of German Catholic priest, physician, alien and the level of poverty Vast improvement: Left, Dedza pupils in an old in Italy – the Cumbrian Lakes mystic and religious poet Angelus Silesius. to the Italian Lakes. Cost is £5. Drinks are provided but please not quite so shocking. But the classroom without any desks, and, right, a new bring your own lunch. To book contact Bob biggest difference for me was classroom block recently funded by Orfund We are aiming to raise Morley on 016974 72644 or [email protected]. that it was a place where I had enough money to provide relationships. I was returning Lawrent, 11 and Humphrey, and support from the Banda desks for the local school that A FRACTURED NATION: BREXIT AND A to friends – 22 amazing young eight, had been discovered as family, delicious meals and, the Molima children attend. CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE COMMON GOOD people living at the Molima street children and brought to crucially, access to education. Currently, more than 100 Fri November 22, 7pm, Keswick Methodist Family Home. the home. Caroline, one of the The latter is particularly sig- pupils in each classroom study Church, and Sat November 23, 11am, St These young people were oldest children, was found nificant in a country where and write while sitting on the Thomas Kendal the reason I’d first visited near the local primary school only 10 per cent of children go damp ground. The poor learn- Dr Anna Rowlands of the University of Dedza. Each of them had been rooting through bins looking to school. ing environment takes its toll, Durham will lead these two sessions, through a lot, having been or- for discarded food. Each child I have learned through these with only 25 per cent of pupils organised by Engaging Theology in phaned by AIDs at a young has their own story. 22 children that remembering graduating from primary Cumbria (formerly known as Cumbria age. (Malawi has one of the Now at Molima, these chil- the poor works best in the con- school to secondary school. theological Society). Suggested donations of dren and others are part of a text of relationship. As we £5 to cover costs. To book, visit the website, world’s highest HIV rates.) To sponsor me, please visit www.cumbriachristianlearning.org.uk/cts/ Two hilarious young boys, family. They receive love, care played, sang, danced and did www.give.net/lakestolakes.org.uk. 12 The Way, Summer 2019 www.churchestogethercumbria.org.uk By The Way The Trinity explained Individuals bloom in TRYING to explain the Trinity has kept many a theologian busy. One helpful picture is to imagine the sun. The sun – way out there in space, and unapproachable in its fiery majesty – is the Father. The light that flows from it, and which illuminates our lives, is the Son. The ‘renewal’ movement heat that flows from it, and which gives us the energy to move and grow, is the Holy Spirit. The Link, Holy Trinity and St Barnabas with By Dave Roberts Sandsfield Fellowship FOR most of us, there will be people for THE Rev Eleanor Hancock whom we regularly pray that the love of God might flood into their lives. The ten days of is a naturally ebullient per- ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ are a special opportu- son; get her on to all matters nity for that prayer. As well as praying for faith and she’s away! others to know the good news of God’s love, But that faith-filled enthusiasm it is also a time when we can renew and refresh our own life of prayer. goes up a further notch when James Richards, Eleanor explains more about the Parish of St Martin’s Windermere Cursillo movement of which she is the Spiritual Director in Cumbria. ST MARY’S tea towel offer... Designed by “Over the years we have encour- Bettie Gray, this cotton tea towel is now avail- aged and helped ‘breed’, if you able to purchase at £5 each plus p&p. Bettie like, countless ordinands, priests, has based the design on the carving of the vine and gourd surrounding the western deacons, readers and commis- door, carved by Sarah Losh’s gardener, Robert sioned lay ministers,” she says. Donald. The tea towel is a practical memento “In terms of helping to build of St Mary’s and makes an attractive present. people up and make them realise St Mary’s Church Wreay that we all have a part to play in building up God’s Kingdom, then A NEW venture, initiated by Keith Spence, I don’t think there’s anything like has been a meeting in the church hall on the it. In simple terms, Cursillo is a Eleanor Hancock: ‘I knew after that weekend I was a child of Christ’ DAVE ROBERTS first Thursday of the month to listen to and talk about jazz. Your editor attended the first renewal movement.” Cursillo was set up in Spain fol- In 1994, it came to Cumbria. “This is all about building disci- touched by the Holy Spirit in a ‘session’ – surely the right word – and has Eleanor took part in the county’s ples in the faith and, as a conse- way I’d never experienced before. missed most since but reports are of lowing the country’s civil war. A enthusiasm among the growing numbers. group of young leaders felt called first ever Cursillo weekend at quence, building up the local I’m still in contact with some Newsletter of Penrith and Penruddock URC to set up a new short course in Rydal Hall, the Diocese of church so we can see God for All amazing people I first met on that Christianity (that is what ‘Cursillo’ Carlisle’s Christian retreat and become a reality,” adds Eleanor, Cursillo weekend.” TOWARDS the end of June I will become means) to help build themselves conference centre near Ambleside. who retired as Priest in Charge of And that is another important Penrith Mission Area Leader and Penrith up in their faith and as Christian It saw people come together for Holy Trinity and St Barnabas with part of the movement. It offers Mission Community Leader. At this stage it is three days of worship, learning Sandsfield in 2017. people the chance to form new unknown what Julie will be doing. As we leaders to encourage their society to be one fully centred on Christ. and living together. Lay and “A lot of the county’s more pio- support groups . It is estimated seek your prayers for us and for the folks of ordained people led the weekend neering lay ministers are Cursillistas. that 400 people have taken part in Penrith, be assured of our prayers for you. The movement, introduced into Gary Cregeen, Team Talk, The Magazine of America before the UK, continues which included talks on the focal They have felt empowered in their a Cursillo weekend. the Parishes of St Aidan’s and St George’s to encourage Christian growth points of Christian life such as ministry through what they have “It has helped build up people’s with St Luke’s, Barrow-in-Furness through prayer, study and action. grace and forgiveness. experienced in Cursillo. faith and equip them with the con- Those weekends continue today, “I can remember going on that fidence to shine their faith as a once a year, beginning with first ever Cursillo weekend and I beacon to others,” says Eleanor. Christian meditation and then was really poorly with a virus. I “We have people who are foster leading into a short, silent retreat came back a changed woman. carers, Foodbank volunteers and over the first night. The following People at work kept asking me, champions against domestic vio- day starts with Holy Communion ‘Where the heck have you been?’ lence who felt able to do what they and meditation, with the continued “I knew after that weekend that I do now through their Cursillo expe- focus on the individual’s personal was a child of Christ. I’d been rience. But it’s not just about social relationship with Jesus. renewed in faith and I’d been action; it’s about apostolic action.” ‘I thought my ministry would be to bake cakes’

“BEFORE I went to a Cursillo ing. We come together knowing weekend the thought of becoming we can pray having listened to a Reader was hugely daunting,” each other beforehand. Allison Lee admits. “We look at three main areas: “I was not someone blessed piety, study and action. People with huge amounts of self-confi- may think that sounds dry and bor- dence. I thought my ministry ing but it’s a time when you can re- would be to clean the church or focus on the moments when God bake some cakes but, after has recently drawn close to you Cursillo, I began to understand and you may not have realised. God had different plans for me.” There’s chance, too, to consider It is eight years since Allison different ways of studying.” attended one of the annual These groups get together a Cursillo weekends. Since then couple of times a year for an Ul- she has seen her ministry treya (Spanish for ‘onward’) to sup- flourish, supported by fellow port each other and join in worship. Christians and Cursillistas. Allison Lee: Now a Reader Allison, 52, is an intelligence She is now an Anglican Reader analyst for Cumbria Constabulary at Holme Eden Church, east of drawn alongside through the Cur- and branch leader of the Carlisle, and part of the Eden sillo experience. The group is one Cumbrian Christian Police Wild Goose Mission Community. of many which have been formed Association. It’s a position that Allison is a member of a across the county over the years. has also benefitted from her reunion group which generally Allison continues: “It’s a valued involvement with Cursillo. meets one evening every five or time together when we can up- She adds: “I’m thankful for all the six weeks. They are not people date each other about what’s support I’ve received through my in- Allison went on the weekend with gone well in the last few weeks or volvement with Cursillo and also for but they represent people she has what difficulties we’ve been fac- the support I can offer to others too.” www.churchestogethercumbria.org.uk The Way, Summer 2019 13

Musicians: Members of the Carlisle Traitor: Judas Iscariot lurks in the Audience: The Rev Isaac Lawrence, Actors: Jesus, in white, with some Citadel Salvation Army band wings, waiting to make his entrance front right, helped organise the event of his disciples TEARS OF PASSION n Both performers and audience get emotional at staging of city’s first Passion Play

By Dave Roberts ously studied for a post-graduate diploma in acting after attending drama school in Birmingham for a ORGANISERS behind year. Carlisle’s first ever Passion James said: "An actor should be Play say more than 1,000 able to get lost in their role when people gathered to watch they're performing. But there is a part in the play when Jesus is two outdoor performances praying in Gethsemane, and I had that reduced many to tears. the real feeling that, at that point, The production saw 47 cast it was not just me reciting those members take to the stage, lines. There was spirituality there, supported by a technical crew of but I did not make that; it was 10 and 55 singers and musicians. gifted to me. It is a moment I shall The Rev Isaac Lawrence, vicar not forget." of Scotby and Cotehill with Both performances were Cumwhinton, was the visionary dedicated to the memory of former behind the staging of the play. BBC Radio Cumbria broadcaster He said: “It was absolutely and Anglican Reader Nigel amazing and went beyond all my Holmes who was to have been the hopes. Naturally I felt anxious on play’s narrator. Nigel died the day that things went well but suddenly, just a few weeks before there was a wonderful sense of the the Passion Play was staged. Holy Spirit moving among cast, Isaac said: “It was absolutely crew and audience. right that we dedicate the play to “I could not believe so many Nigel. He had brought something people turned up to watch. The very special to his performance. weather was beautiful, the perfor- ‘Lost’: James Bober, as Jesus, captivates the crowd JENNY WOOLGAR PHOTOGRAPHY For all of us, it felt as though we mances were incredibly powerful had lost a family member.” and there was a huge sense of com- Carlisle Taize Choir. The heard may have sown seeds and that and audience – with tears in their Those behind the Passion Play munity, mission and evangelism.” performance began and ended at some point they choose to explore eyes as the performances went on. are exploring the idea of a smaller- Written and directed by John with the Resurrection, bringing the their faith more. We set out to put on That’s because of the power of the scale production, based around the Davies from Classic Theatre Cum- message of hope and salvation. a Passion Play through which we Passion Play. It’s the ultimate Nativity, to be performed on bria, the Passion Play also featured Isaac added: “As well as those could reach out to the churched and story of God’s love.” Scotby playing fields later this musical support from the Carlisle who stopped to watch, there are also un-churched. We’d like to think that The role of Jesus was played by year. Longer-term plans could also Citadel Salvation Army band and the people who were passers-by, and we achieved that. James Bober, who works for the see a play developed based around their Songsters, alongside the our prayer is that what they saw and “I saw people – both in the cast Diocese of Carlisle and who previ- Old Testament stories.

We have dry cleaned carpets & Festival of prayer upholstery in over 100,000 homes ‘bigger than expected’ Can you imagine this Mike Angelo THE Cumbria Community of Prayer has held its Dry Carpet Cleaning Photography first Festival of Prayer at Rydal Hall. The festival, sponsored by Cumbria Ecumeni- Just say “NO” to wet carpets in your home cal Spirituality Group, attracted 42 people. PRESS – PUBLICITY – PRESENTATIONS They heard from Jeff Thomas on 'contempla- G tive prayer', Stephen Wright on 'pilgrimage', Picture this... in your home et Main Room Vernon and Francesca Ross on 'Northumbrian Clean Lakeland Seasons, Lakeland Life and Lakeland save ed community', Christine Pickering and Lori Nice Fresh Clean Calendar are three 50-minute audio-visual Passmore on 'embodied spirituality', and Ruth 50% presentations showing the annual beauty of Cumbria. Lee and Pauline West on 'images of prayer'. on all Upholstery on further room Five workshops were also available. + Free S s These FREE entertaining and informative shows may be • Suede • tain Pr Diocesan spirituality adviser, the Rev Canon Leather Fabric otection booked in advance by WI and MU. Cameron Butland, said: "The event has proved Music, poetry and narration accompany the to be highly popular; we had more people than spectacular images which have already been Locally based family run business. expected and it was good to be part of an event appreciated at various venues. focused exclusively on the life of prayer. Call us for a free quotation on “Whilst the timing was coincidental it was good For details, phone/text 07813 085877 to have this event during the God for All 100 0800 180 4648 or visit www.edenonline.net days of prayer and hold the county in prayer." zerodrytime.com

14 The Way, Summer 2019 www.salvationarmy.org.uk By The Way Organist in tears ‘Visual’ Bible talks the I HAVE been a church organist for 53 years – the last 35 in our benefice – and on Palm Sunday, at Askham, I was presented with a bottle of wine, a card and an oblong package. Fortunately, I didn’t open these until I got home or I should not have been able to millennials’ language maintain my composure. The package contained a beautiful silver jewellery casket with an inscription on the lid recording my 35 years as organist; the card said I would n receive in the post £200 in gift vouchers, Designer Karen which I duly have. For the first time since taking the decision to give up, I was in tears. I wanted to present am quite overwhelmed, and humbled, by your generosity. Jenny Jones, North Westmorland News Bible in an easily THE name TLC came not only from the initials accessible way of ‘Thursday Lunch Club’ but also from the expression ‘tender loving care’ and that is exactly the atmosphere we hope to offer at By Dave Roberts Keswick Methodist Church. We all need a bit of TLC now and then, and to now have the facilities in our newly refurbished church hall FOR an author, there’s a and kitchen to offer this was a no-brainer. Sally Lunson and Helen North, certain satisfaction in Keswick Methodist Church Newsletter knowing your Carlisle book launch is the second most FOR me, the heart of all I love about Dalston is St Michael’s Church. It stands in the centre successful for sales – beaten of the village as it has stood for more than only by the Harry Potter 800 years. Over the years the building has changed, both inside and outside and the novels! style of worship has changed too. It will And that was the case for evolve more over coming years, but the Cumbria-born designer and church remains as a sign of an unchanging illustrator Karen Sawrey and her reality behind the people and the landscape. 224-page Infographic Bible – a Cecily Mark-Bell, Dalston Parish Paper five-year ‘labour of love’. HAVE you visited the library at the back of Published late last year, the St Michael’s Church in Torpenhow recently? beautifully produced hardback There are new books being added every book is now on its third print run. month. Why don’t you take out a novel for Its pages offer the reader an your holiday or a child’s book of prayers to opportunity to explore the Bible read with your children before going to bed? in new ways, through text and There are books for everyone, covering a graphics. It’s specifically aimed at wide range of subjects and age groups. Creative: Karen Sawrey at work SAMANTHA FOSTER @TRIBAL IMAGES4 Binsey Link, Magazine of Binsey Team a millennial audience. Mission Community, the churches of Karen, who was born in Allhallows, Bassenthwaite, Boltons, Whitehaven and worked in Embleton, Ireby, Isel, Plumbland, Setmurthy, publishing in London before Torpenhow, Uldale and Wythop returning to Cumbria 12 years ago to freelance, explains: “This was OUTREACH worker update: With the Gift Day, and with our grant application to the the dream project for me. I’m Henry Smith Charity due to be decided in passionate about engaging a June, we will hopefully have the funding in visual generation with creative place to advertise the post in the summer. ways to see and digest informa- The current work involves finalising the job tion and I’m passionate about description ready to advertise and the more Jesus. The Infographic Bible boring but no less important task of pulling Infographic Bible: The cover, left, and some inside pages JAMES VINCENT together all the various policies that make up ticked both of those boxes. the terms and conditions of employment. “God has used every part of my did Jesus say He was?’ ‘How did spoke in parables, creating images creative designer for the Alpha Once all that is in place we will be down to story in the production of this God speak?’ (a stunning audio- to help his audience understand course and Holy Trinity Brompton prayer that the right person for the role can book. I’ve pulled on every wave infographic), ‘All prophe- and remember the essence of his Church, overseeing many be found, and everyone can help with that. relationship and contact I’ve built cies about Jesus and how they message and Paul chose to write products and branding re-designs. Alistair Bell, up professionally over my 25 Egremont Methodist Church Newsletter were fulfilled’ (illustrated through in the street language of the day. It is that deep Christian faith years as a designer, all the skills I a rainbow infographic which is The infographic’s aim is to do which has been at the heart of the THE aims of ‘God for all’ are undoubtedly have developed in that time and Karen’s favourite), the most influ- both: create a visual image and Infographic Bible project which excellent but there will be pitfalls along the then there’s been a steep learning ential women of the Old and New then support that graphic with text took five years from ‘pitch to way whatever unity is seen in the county. curve and additional training to Testaments, Creation, meditation that can be understood by anyone publication’, and throughout There will still be some possibly older people help make this book happen.” on wellbeing and prayer. who picks up the book. which she has been supported by who will have doubts. Speaking as an older An initial production team of person myself, I am very much in favour of Karen explains: “At the moment “This is not a book which is members of her congregation at closer relationships with members of other three people grew to seven. we’re experiencing an exploding, meant to replace the Bible. It does Carlisle’s Vineyard Church. denominations – after all, we are all Eventually Karen oversaw a global visual language in which not cover every book in the Bible Karen concludes: “I believe the Christians and there is far too much interfaith 57-strong team including we’re constantly absorbing and it does not simply illustrate Bible is one of the key places we hostility in other parts of the world (as evi- theological advisers (representing information. That’s driven by the the text of the Bible. What it does encounter God. My hope is that denced in news reports every day) without a range of voices across the millennial generation, social do, however, is to show the the Infographic Bible points fellow-Christians being at loggerheads. church), administrators and a host media and the internet as well as Reg Capstick, The Link, Bible’s ‘big picture’ Gospel mes- people to God’s life-giving word, Parish Magazine for Orton, Tebay and of contributors, tasked with research that shows combining sage from Genesis to Revelation, no matter where they are in their Ravenstonedale with Newbiggin-on-Lune creating data which could then be visuals with text improves with subjects chosen to help drive journey with God, inspiring them analysed and wire-framed onto a communication and learning. that relational story forward. The to approach and interact with it. It I AM moving to the North Kirklees and page before ultimately being “The aim of an infographic is to main aim is to point the audience is an incredible gift which God Morley Circuit in the Yorkshire West District transformed by Karen and others visually represent information, back to the Bible and to show it extends to every person.” in August, to take up an appointment for the into a series of beautifully data or knowledge in a way that is can be wrestled with, analysed n The Infographic Bible has 2019-2020 Connexional Year. Thereafter, I shall either take up an overseas appointment designed infographics. quickly and easily accessible, and meditated on.” been translated into German, or be returned to the full round of stationing The data had to be created for better digested and retained. Brought up in a Christian fam- Dutch and Russian. It is published from 2020 onwards. the first time, allowing Karen to Infographics are increasingly ily, Karen moved away from God in the UK by HarperCollins. It is Wendy Kilworth-Mason, In Touch, visually represent the key stages becoming the currency of in her teenage years. She con- available online at www.eden.co.uk Magazine of Seascale and Gosforth of the Gospel message as well as communication for the masses. sciously reignited her relationship and in shops. For details, visit Methodist Churches exploring themes such as ‘Who “That is nothing new; Jesus with him when later working as a www.theinfographicbible.com. www.salvationarmy.org.uk The Way, Summer 2019 15 WELCOME ABOARD! Young Arthur enters Christian fold with baptism on RNLI lifeboat

By Dave Roberts

AS BAPTISMAL fonts go, a ship’s upturned bell has to be one of the more unusual. Add to that a christening on board an RNLI lifeboat, and there’s a further twist. But that is exactly how young Arthur Jackson was re- cently welcomed into the life of the church at the Barrow RNLI station in Rampside. The Rev Martin Williams, a retired Methodist minister who has taken on the role of chaplain to the crew, officiated at the service. He said: “It was fabulous to be able to baptise Arthur in the lifeboat station setting. Up until I started taking bap- tisms down on the lifeboat, I think every other one I had conducted in a quarter of a century of ministry was done within a church setting. “The lifeboat station is such a focal point in the lives Surprising setting: Above, the Rev Martin Williams with lifeboat crew and of the people here. The Arthur Jackson’s family on board the Grace Dixon; and, right, near the children of this area grow Barrow RNLI station MAIN PICTURE: RITA WILLIAMS up understanding the impor- tance of the service. So, with- “Martin’s chaplaincy is meet with folk, draw along- respond to a ‘shout’ when out a doubt, it is the right very important to us as a side them and offer the contacted by the Coastguard. place to have them baptised.” crew. We value the connec- pastoral care they need. That Naturally, there are always That is a view echoed by tion he has with us all and is so much of what my chap- risks when out on a rescue; Arthur’s dad, Ben, who has the support he provides.” laincy is about.” there’s an understanding that been a crew member with For Martin – who is now a The RNLI was formed in Martin’s chaplaincy is al- the Barrow RNLI team for minister without formal ap- 1824 by Sir William Hillary; ways there to support those 18 years, following in the pointment – the chaplaincy 40 years later Barrow had its who may be putting their footsteps of his grandfather. offers further opportunity to first lifeboat station. The lives on the line. His eldest son, Harry, was draw alongside people in the town’s newest station was John said: “Talking as a also baptised on board their community. The bungalow completed in 2001, costing Christian, the chaplaincy is boat, the Grace Dixon. he shares with his wife Rita, £3 million, and its latest of paramount importance. It Ben, 36, said: “We have sits on the Rampside shore- lifeboat – a Tamar class – gives the crew a feeling of such a strong family connec- line, overlooking the lifeboat arrived in 2008. It’s estimated security that somebody is tion with the lifeboat station station. His neighbours are that more than 1,000 people looking after them. that we felt it was the right some of the crew members. have been rescued by Barrow “They may not appear to be thing to do, and Martin was “I’m now freed up from crews over the years. particularly religious – they more than happy to help. For the administration and paper- Operations manager John may not go round talking many of the people at the work that comes with Falvey oversees the day-to- about faith – but there’s an un- baptism it was something ministry to do more of the day running of the station spoken sense among them that they’d never experienced ‘hands-on’ things with and acts as ‘launch author- they know there is something before in such a setting. people,” Martin said. “I can ity’, paging crew members to there keeping them safe.” Weekend of celebration A WONDERFUL weekend of music and worship will mark the 850th anniversary of the consecration of one of Could you Cumbria’s landmark places of worship. Lanercost Priory, near Lanercost Priory: Brampton, was consecrated Become part in 1169. The anniversary will Do you have a spare room? of Cumbria’s Consecrated in 1169 biggest be celebrated with a pro- Are you looking for a exible family tween the priory’s restoration gramme of music from 10am home-based role? to 5pm on Saturday, July 21, fund and Eden Valley Hospice. with a final concert featuring Meanwhile, a special Holy We offer excellent training, support and generous payments. the Brampton Community Communion service led by the But the biggest reward is to see the change in the children you care for. Choir League of Ukulele Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Gentlemen at 7.30pm. James Newcome will be held 0303 333 1216 cumbria.gov.uk/fostering Proceeds will be split be- on Sunday, July 22, at 4pm. 16 The Way, Summer 2019 Joyce smooths the way for mission community

Please tell us a little bit Qabout yourself. I was born in Carlisle and was brought up as a AMethodist. I trained as a teacher and my second post was at John Ruskin School in Coniston. It was such a lovely school. I lived in Ulverston which is where I met my husband and, between us, we have four children. Though I was raised as a Christian I’d moved away from church to a degree. I had a group of friends involved in alternative church and things such as Youth With A Mission. But after my daughter was born I felt called to go back to church; I wanted her to experience the kind of Christian upbringing I’d had. We moved to the Eden Valley and we still live in Warcop. I became chair of the local school’s governing body. Through that I became more involved with the local church and decided I wanted to be confirmed. I ran the monthly Sunday Children’s Club and helped develop other youth projects. I’m also Cumbria’s first national leader in school governance, supporting other schools. In January 2018, I started work as the first mission community administrator in Cumbria.

What is involved in your new administrator’s role? Q Joyce Keetley: ‘It’s important the mission community council is able to remain strategic’ DAVE ROBERTS I work in the Heart of Eden Mission Community which n Atakes in the northern part of Cumbria’s first mission community administrator, Joyce Keetley, is the Appleby Deanery and is aligned with Appleby Methodist the latest person to be featured in The Way’s regular Focus on Faith Section. When I saw the job advert, I What part of your job do What can prove a challenge? goes with that. There is a mission Sometimes all the realised all the roles and responsi- you enjoy the most and community council which I attend operational bits and pieces of bilities highlighted were skills I Qwhy? Q and prepare the paperwork for. Athe job mean I can forget already had, be it as a PCC Time is always lacking. Only It’s important the council is able why I’m doing what I am! But at treasurer, chair of school gover- I like meeting and spending the other day I was thinking to remain strategic, and having an the same time my role, in unity nors or booking secretary for the time with people, so it’s a AI needed some compliment administrator allows that to with faith, allows me to focus on village hall. Areal joy to meet the wedding slips but I’ve not got the spare happen. the God for All mission. This is I am contracted to work 17 and couples and learn of their varied hour or so to sit down and design So council members need not why we’ve created a mission a half hours each week and am backgrounds. them. I do more hours than I’m be worried about setting up a web- community and, yes, we need to based at an office at The Hub in It’s also been wonderful to draw employed for but that tends to be site link for this or that document; do it as effectively as we can. So Appleby. alongside many of the couples the norm with so much of church I can make sure that happens. in faith terms I’m able to think My role is to relieve the clergy who may not be local; I help them life. This allows them the space they about how we’re reaching out in of any tasks that can be done by to form a connection with the Managing everyone’s expecta- need to ensure the mission com- new ways to new people as well anyone other than themselves. church in which they’re going to tions can also be tough and I have munity is developing in line with as caring for our existing Obviously, I can’t prepare for or get married. to demonstrate a lot of diplomacy. the stated aims and objectives. congregations. take services but I can oversee all I enjoy working with our Being able to introduce them to ecumenical colleagues, and being What is your prayer as your the administration. For instance, I congregations is so satisfying. Why is the administrator’s send out fee notes for weddings, role important when able to work alongside the role continues? meet with couples, take church It’s particularly pleasing to see Qconsidering the formation of Methodist Circuit administrator Q booking and fill in all the some of the couples become so a mission community? provides even more support. My prayer would be that ev- necessary paperwork. I also involved in the life of the church; I The formation and develop- eryone, of all denominations, oversee communication between recently met one couple who told ment of a mission commu- How does your faith play Acan continue to work the whole clergy team so everyone me they were due to give a reading Anity is something that takes out in your role as mission together and that ecumenism is aware of what’s going on. in church the following week. time and there’s a lot of work that Qcommunity administrator? remains at the heart of God for All.