INSIDE YOUR MAY 2021 LINK:

Page 4 Revd Steve Memorial unveiled Page 5 The Kemps in Killingworth Page 5 Hexham Abbey reopens Pages 6-7 Easter special Page 9 Living with Long Covid Page 10 Environment updates

OGETHER as a Diocese for an earlier service at the Cathe- and a nation we have dral, Bishop Christine described joined in prayer to mourn Prince Philip as ‘an extraordinary the loss of His Royal High- person full of vitality, creativity, HRH Prince Philip nessT Prince Philip. great determination and above all such loyalty to the Queen’. Churches across our Diocese have paid their respects to the Duke She said she has been ‘particular- of Edinburgh who sadly died on Fri- ly inspired’ by his work with and for day April 9 – two months before his young children, referencing the 1921-2021 100th birthday. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which millions of young people have taken Leading the tributes on behalf of part in since the scheme was found- our Diocese, Bishop Christine said: ed by Prince Philip in 1956. "The Duke of Edinburgh's devotion and steadfast support of the Queen Speaking of his ‘unswerving loy- is one of the greatest love stories of alty’ to the Queen, Bishop Christine our time. By her side, he served our cited Her Majesty’s golden wedding nation with dedication and deep tribute to Prince Philip in 1997 in loyalty. which she said: "He has, quite sim- ply, been my strength and stay all “His commitment to duty, togeth- these years, and I, and his whole er with his lively wit and down to family, and this and many other earth approach, have been part of countries, owe him a debt greater the life of our nation for nearly sev- than he would ever claim, or we enty years. I pray today with grati- shall ever know." tude for his life, for Her Majesty and the Royal Family in their loss, and The Very Revd Geoff Miller, Dean for all who mourn.” of Newcastle, added to the tributes from our Diocese: “As a city and a Bishop Mark said: “We are often country, we mourn the passing of told that life is a marathon and not a the Duke of Edinburgh who through sprint. In that case, His Royal High- eight decades has been a devoted ness, the Duke of Edinburgh ran husband to Her Majesty the Queen with extraordinary perseverance and a loyal and hard-working serv- and endurance, remarkable ant to the nation. strength and loyalty, and unparal- leled commitment and dedication, “He came to Newcastle and the both in his own right, but of course North East many times, sometimes also as husband and consort, father, with the Queen, sometimes on his grandfather and great-grandfather. own, and many will have fond memories of those visits. We pray for “We pray for Her Majesty the Her Majesty and the Royal Family at Queen, her family, and all of us who this difficult time, and for all who mourn, that such profound loss is mourn the Duke’s passing.” tempered by deep, deep gratitude and by renewed hope in the Pioneer Flags were flown at half-mast and and Perfecter of our faith.” bells tolled 99 times across the Dio- cese as the nation entered an eight- The Diocese honoured the life of day period of mourning. Prince Philip in a live streamed Ser- vice of Commemoration at New- Many Sunday services included castle Cathedral with Bishop Chris- special prayers and liturgy, with tine leading the service and the some churches creating memorials Dean of Newcastle preaching. A to mark the death and celebrate the small congregation of the Lord- life of Prince Philip. Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear and other dignitaries were present. In the hour leading up to the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral – held at St And Hexham Abbey also held a George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle Service of Commemoration, attend- on Saturday 17 April – churches rang ed by the Vice Lord Lieutenant and single bells until 3pm when a the High Sheriff of Northumber- national minute’s silence was held. land. >>HRH Prince Philip. ■■ Read more reaction and trib- Photo credit: In a moving video tribute filmed utes on pages two and three. Press Association (PA)

Leave a message or tribute for Prince Philip in the Church of England’s online book of condolence 2 generous engaged open Bishops’ Diaries May A reflection This is not a full list of the bishops’ engagements but includes the items we think might be of particular interest to you. Under the present circumstances some appointments have had to be from the cancelled, and there is a possibility of further cancellations. Many appointments have been changed to virtual meetings. Bishop of Newcastle Queen’s 4th Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee Chaplain 5th Spiritual Direction 6th Bishop’s Senior Staff Meeting 8th Diocesan Synod Revd David Glover, Rector of Hexham 1300th Anniversary, St John Lee Abbey has been Chaplain to the Queen 9th 90th Anniversary, St Mary Monkseaton since 2017 900th Anniversary, Norham Castle AS a Chaplain to the Queen, I have 11th Curates/IME2 Meeting always felt that the most important 13th North of Tyne Inclusive Economy Board aspect of my role is to pray for the 13th Interviews Christ the King Team Ministry Queen every day and to hold her and 16th Haydon Bridge her family in God’s care and blessing. 17th - 19th House of Bishops Meeting 20th – 23rd Pilgrimage – Hexham Abbey – Durham Cathedral As our nation and Commonwealth 23rd – 25th Bishops Senior Staff Residential mourns the death of Prince Philip, 26th Shortlisting Meeting: St Peter Monkseaton Vacancy and as we thank God for his years of Meeting of Bishop’s Staff and Area Deans outstanding service, we remember that 27th Bishop’s Council Meeting first and foremost he was a husband, rock and support to his wife, Her Bishop of Berwick Majesty the Queen. He fully understood and inhabited 4th Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee that supportive role and gave his life so 5th Transformation Team Meeting generously to enabling the monarchy 6th Bishop’s Staff Meeting to flourish. 8th Diocesan Synod My prayers, at this time, are full of 9th Preach and Preside at Eucharist Service thanks for Prince Philip’s life but also for at St Mary’s, Stannington the Queen who now faces life without 9th Confirmations Service at Corbridge her beloved husband. 16th Confirmations Service at Embleton and Alnwick and Coastal Benefices I pray that she would know the 18th Transformation Team Meeting >>Queen’s Chaplain, Revd David Glover lights a candle in memory of abundant blessings of God, in whom 19th Transformation Team Meeting Prince Phillip she deeply trusts. 20-22nd Pilgrimage Hexham to Durham 23-25th Bishop’s Senior Staff Residential 26th Meeting of Bishop’s Senior Staff and Area Deans, Transformation Team Meeting 27th Northern Church Leaders Spring Retreat, Bishop’s Council Meeting A short reflection on Gospel Readings bereavement in 1st John 14.1-14 17th John 16.29-end these Covid times by Patty 2nd John 15.1-8 18th John 17.1-11 3rd John 14.21-26 19th John 17.11-19 THE death of the Duke of Edinburgh brings to my mind Everitt, 4th John 12.20-26 20th John 17.20-end the bereavements many of us have faced over the past 5th John 15.1-8 21st John 21.15-19 year of on-off lockdowns. 6th John 15.9-11 22nd John 21.20-end Counselling 7th John 15.12-17 23rd John 15.26-27; The show of public respect for the Duke and the 8th John 15.18-21 16.4b-15 sharing of something of the man by those who Advisor knew him and worked with him reminds me that 9th John 15.9-17 24th Mark 10.17-27 while we cannot all give a 41 Death Gun Salute in 10th John 15.26-16.4 25th Mark 10.28-31 honour and respect of those we have loved and lost, (Interim) 11th John 16.5-11 26th Mark 10.32-45 we do demonstrate our respect in communal ways 12th John 16.12-15 27th Mark 10.46-end nonetheless. slowly or quickly we do come to accommodate our 13th Luke 24.44-end 28th Mark 11.11-26 loss – not forgetting but learning to live with that loss 14th John 15.9-17 29th Mark 11.27-end We commit the names of our loved ones to prayer lists without having to relive the painful emotional and in our churches and hear them remembered; we publish physical ache of grief. 15th John 16.23-28 30th John 3.1-17 obituaries and share, with those who did not know 16th John 17.6-19 31st Luke 1.39-49 [50-56] them, something of the life and character of our loved Learning to accommodate loss takes as long as it one; we include their name in the book of remembrance takes; every bereaved person is different, every person held in our church and hear them remembered each lost to us is different; every relationship is different. year. We hold a funeral to say our goodbyes surrounded There is no right or wrong in the way we grieve or in by others who knew and loved the departed and whose the time it takes us to learn to live with loss. Grief does CONTACT US presence also provides us with the support and physical come in waves and can sideswipe us when we are not closeness we need at that time. expecting it. But there is hope. The waves come less The Link, Church House, St John’s Terrace, North Shields. NE29 6HS. often over time and the intensity of our emotional and Tel: (0191) 270 4100. Email: [email protected] The show of public respect for the Duke of Edinburgh physical response reduces, until we have found our own Facebook: m.me/ncldiocese Twitter: @ncldiocese Instagram: @NclDiocese also reminds me of the limitations there have been in way of accommodating our loss. the way we have been able to express our grief in our Link is produced ten times a year by the Diocese of Newcastle, with joint personal bereavements: the limited numbers who can Living with our loss does not mean forgetting the issues for August/September and December/January. Views expressed are gather to provide mutual support at a funeral, who can person we have lost or what they have been to us. Step- not necessarily those of the Diocese or the editor. meet after funeral services to renew or maybe restore by-step we start to remember more and more of the The editor is pleased to consider articles or letters of not more than 350 family ties, and who can celebrate the life of the one we joys and good times, and we experience less and less of words for publication. Where possible, articles should be accompanied by a have lost. These are ways that we have taken for granted the pain of loss. We learn that too, over time. good-quality digital photograph of 250dpi or higher. Please contact the but, very suddenly, those ways have not been allowed editor before submitting obituaries. to us and many of us have felt our grief magnified We humans have a tremendous capacity for finding because of that. hope, even if it takes a while. For advertising rates and deadlines see www.newcastle.anglican.org/link. Copy date for June 2021 issue: Monday 17 May. I have also been reminded of the robustness and ■■ For more information about the Diocese’s counselling resilience of human beings in the face of loss. Either provision, click here. growing church bringing hope 3 His Royal Highness, Prince Philip 1921-2021 Life of HRH Prince Philip RH Prince Philip was born into the Greek and Danish royal families, on 10 June, 1921. Af- ter being exiled from Greece as THE death of Prince Philip, and its impact on aH young child, Philip grew up in France, his wife, family, and the nation, amidst our Germany and the UK, and joined the fragile hopes emerging from the Lockdown, Royal Navy in 1939, serving in the Medi- the promise of the resurrection, and the terranean and Pacific fleets during the coming of spring, is a painful reminder of what Second World War. it is to be human, and followers of Christ. There is still darkness, and great challenges for our In 1947 he abandoned his Greek and lives and for our world, but there is also light Danish royal titles, and took the name breaking through. Mountbatten from his maternal grand- parents. Before his crucifixion and death, in the Gospel of John, Jesus says to his disciples, ‘Do He married Elizabeth on 20 November not let your hearts be troubled’ (John, 14:1-3). 1947, and was given the title Duke of Malcolm Guite, Priest and Poet, reflects on Edinburgh. He left active military service >>A memorial to Prince these words: when Elizabeth became HRH Queen Philip at St Peter’s Falstone Elizabeth II, and was later endowed with Let not your hearts be troubled the title HRH Prince Philip. Always there comes this parting of the ways, Tribute from the The best is wrested from us, born away, He retired from royal duties in 2017, No one is with us always, nothing stays, having completed over 20,000 solo Night swallows even the most perfect day. engagements. During his long service as consort to the Queen he became patron, Archbishop of York Time makes a tragedy of human love, president, or otherwise connected, to We cleave forever to the one we choose over 800 organisations. His award The Most Revd Only to find ‘forever’ in the grave. scheme has inspired millions of young Stephen Cottrell We have just time enough to love and lose. people across the world to serve their I join with many of you You know too well this trouble in our hearts, communities, and to develop their across the country as learning outside the classroom. Your heart is troubled for us, feels it too, we mourn the death of You share with us in time that shears and parts His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke To draw us out of time and into you. of Edinburgh. Prince I go that you might come to where I am. Cathedral ‘honoured’ to Philip was a Your word comes home to us and brings us remarkable man who home. lived a life of service Malcolm Guite: Parable and Paradox, Canterbury welcome Duke in 1990 dedicated to his Press, 2016 country, to his wife, A TABLET lies in Newcastle Cathedral Queen Elizabeth II and marking the occasion on 12 April 1990 How could the disciples not be troubled at his family. when Her Majesty The Queen, the unfolding events, the ‘best’ being wrested accompanied by His Royal Highness The from them? Jesus does not take away the At 18, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, visited the city to emotional pain of his crucifixion from his A contemporary article in the Journal joined the Royal Navy and served with distribute the Royal Maundy money. disciples, or their fear of what might happen newspaper reported that the royal distinction throughout the Second World ceremony would provide lifelong War. At the same time, the beginnings of a to them. Sharing with their humanity ‘in time The royal guests were greeted by the memories for four Tyneside children who cherished friendship with Princess Elizabeth that shears and parts’ Jesus gives a hope that Provost of Newcastle and the Maundy were chosen to be Children of the Royal began to blossom. draws his disciples, and each of us, into a service included hymns sung by the Almonry. bigger picture of a life, love, and home that Cathedral Choir, with readings from the That friendship resulted in a marriage death cannot take away, as he comforts them cathedral’s canons. They were Gemma Graham, 11, of which lasted for over 70 years and has been and us with the words, ‘Do not let your hearts Christ Church School, Shieldfield; Jessica a source of mutual joy, support and comfort Ellie Robertson, who retires from be troubled’. Mayhew, nine, of St Paul’s Elswick; in private moments but equally as they have her long-standing post as Cathedral Graham Thompson, 11, of St Anthony’s, both navigated a very public life together. Secretary later this year, worked at Walker; and Adrian Blackett, nine, of It is sometimes hard to see the bigger the Diocesan Office in Mosley Street picture of God’s love when everything seems Archbishop Runcie, Gosforth. Having become the longest serving at the time and remembers the buzz lost, or we feel overwhelmed by our own British consort, Prince Philip has been and excitement of the day, when she emotions, it’s much easier to do this when Each child carried a nosegay (posy unstinting in his support, leading Her attended the service with her colleagues. of flowers) throughout the procession Majesty to famously comment. ‘he has, quite things are going well. The hard times require and, after the service, stood next to The simply, been my strength and stay all these us to name an absence, which can obscure One of the cathedral’s old guidebooks Queen and Prince Philip for the official years.’ our perception of God’s light. Eastertide is a recalls it was ‘a great honour for the Royal Maundy photograph. We wonder gift to us in times such as these. Here, amidst cathedral and the people of the diocese if any of the grown-up children are out His faith in Jesus Christ was an important the heartache, we find a calling back to the of Newcastle’. there reading this today. part of his life and one which shaped who heart of God where we can re familiarize he was. ourselves with the hope that is already within us, and for the world. For so many in this country and around the world, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is After the events of Easter, the disciples an enormous part of Prince Philip’s legacy. found a new way of being. Jesus was no The award has allowed countless young longer with them in the way that they had people to develop and discover skills, which have instilled confidence in them and given come to love, things were not as they had them an encounter of working together for been previously, but in his resurrection the common good. they found hope and a new reality which gave them great courage for their lives and Prince Philip was patron to hundreds of ministry in the years ahead. charitable organisations, covering a wide range of disciplines all of which benefited As the Queen mourns the loss of her from his wit and wisdom and his inquisitive husband, we join with her bringing with us mind. our own losses of this last year. As a people of hope, with her, we pray for the courage Do join me in praying for members of the to journey from the familiar and into the Royal Family as they mourn and may God unknown, trusting in the love of God to bring them comfort. As we give thanks to God for a life lived to the full, may Prince sustain and inspire us afresh for whatever lies >>This floor tablet opposite the Collingwood Monument in Newcastle Cathedral celebrates Philip rest in peace and rise in glory. ahead, until we too are brought home. the day of the Royal visit in 1990 4 generous engaged open Memorial unveiled “Forever Our Lighthouse” for Revd Steve

>>Above, the carved peace bench was unveiled at the service, the message on the bench reads ‘Reverend Steve Forever Our Lighthouse’, right, Revd Steve Wilkinson who was a much-loved vicar and chair of governors and a beautiful prayer that was composed by pupils in Class Three

UPILS and staff at Humshaugh Steve, vicar of Humshaugh, Simon- Lunn reflected on hearts, each one was our lighthouse - shining in the Church of England First School burn and Wark, and Rural Dean of some of the chil- signed by a child darkness and we miss him dread- held a very moving memorial Bellingham Deanery, sadly died on dren’s favourite or member of fully. service for Revd Steve Wilkin- April 4 last year after he was diag- memories of Steve, staff. son,P their much-loved vicar and chair nosed with a brain tumour. aided by lovely com- “The beautifully carved ‘peace’ of governors, who died last year. ments from the chil- Jude Long, Head- bench under our willow arch is a The children sang some of Steve’s dren, before finishing teacher of Humshaugh permanent memorial to Steve and The whole school Collective Worship favourite hymns – including ‘My Light- with a blessing. First School, said: “Revd his spirit lives on in the smiles on took place on the last day of term before house’ – and Year Four read some of Steve was an inspirational leader. the faces of the children.” the Easter holidays to commemorate his favourite verses from the Bible. A carved peace bench was “The children and staff at Hum- the one-year anniversary of Steve’s Pupils in Class Three composed a unveiled as a permanent memorial shaugh First School loved how Watch a video of pupils reading death. wonderful prayer, and Revd Sarah to Steve and was adorned with happy, kind and caring he was. He their special prayer for Steve here.

Burma. An odd present to give a rough mechanical engineer perhaps, but Tribes of Myanmar it was all he could offer. The level of material existence in Burma was A memory sparked by Bishop Christine has on a much lower plain than the UK. led Donald Lloyd to reminisce about an unexpected encounter with an Archbishop in I was at a loss as to how South East Asia almost 40 years ago, and the to respond to the gift. From fascinating gift bestowed upon him which he conversations at the dinner I knew treasures to this day. that the Archbishop was always trying to keep up with events in the BISHOP Christine gave the Homily at our UK. He asked if I had any journals Zoom service on Palm Sunday. In it she or similar I could leave. By happy recounted receiving a present from an circumstance I had kept the ‘Times’ Archbishop, the detail of which is not the and some other papers I had bought main point, but I was reminded that I had to read on the flight out. Many weeks received a present from an Archbishop. out of date but he was obviously very grateful to have them. Not a fair Myanmar, I shall always call it Burma, is exchange on the face of it. a country close to my heart, particularly in its present state of violent turmoil and The picture shows the Naga, Mon, suppression. The situation in 1983 when >>The ten pairs of dolls represent the tribes Burmese, Arakan, Chin, Shan, Padaung, I was there was similar, being under the of Myanmar, and a letter sent to Donald by Karen, Kayam and the Kachin. control of the Generals. While no violence the Archbishop of Burma in 1986 Archbishop of Burma, who it turned out was the first Burmese was evident, certain events at the power They are continually on display in my address. The door was opened fortuitously to hold the Office, and me! What a fantastic station where I was working illustrated home office. A present I treasure now and for me by the Archbishop of Burma, privilege. Conversation never seemed to how the people lived in fear, but that is Gregory himself no less. We had an easy will always treasure. another story. The people are, as in most halt and flowed easily. One meal that will conversation about why I was in Burma and not be forgotten. countries, friendly and generous in the he asked if I was free next Tuesday evening Attempts at maintaining correspondence extreme. It is particularly harsh to see them by letter and email failed totally to to come to dinner. When the Archbishop Oh yes, the tribes of Myanmar. subjugated so violently. asks you if you are free on Tuesday evening, achieve any replies. Not unexpected in the circumstances. By chance a colleague was you are free! I had completed my tasks of Before leaving to go out for my second due out in Burma some three years later commissioning power station boilers and stint in 1983, I was asked by a lady of our and I asked him to deliver a letter. I was At the meal, a gathering of just four souls called in at Bishops court to take my leave. congregation to deliver some paperback therefore intensely gratified to receive a round a modest square table, sat the Dean Archbishop Gregory handed me a parting books for the Mothers Union, Rangoon letter in return from the Archbishop. He of Rangoon Cathedral, the Archbishop gift, a box in which were ten pairs of small Branch, to an address in Rangoon. I did advises that he still had the newspapers I of Burma, Gregory and the Retired dolls. They represented the ten tribes of not know or recognise anything from the had left with him! growing church bringing hope 5

EXHAM Abbey has now reo- pened following completion of Kemps in Killingworth! the first phase of vital roof re- Abbey’s mediaeval Hpairs. Works on three areas of the roof - Chan- cel East End, North Transept and North roof is modernised Nave Aisle – began in December and were completed at the end of March. Prayer and Evening Prayer services The essential repairs were needed to resumed in April, and the Refectory Café counteract deteriorating slate roof cover- (outside seating only) and the Abbey Shop ings which had required continual main- have now re-opened. tenance over the last decade. In line with the Government’s lockdown It was feared if the work was not carried roadmap, the abbey will open for general out, the timbers would decay and rot, visiting and the café will fully re-open on causing irrevocable damage to the medi- Monday 17 May. aeval roof – regarded as being of the high- est significance to the fabric of the Grade For more information, click here. I-listed abbey.

Costing in excess of £500,000, the resto- ration was funded by a £356,861 grant Abbey welcomes >>Roman and from the Government’s Culture Recovery Martin Kemp with Fund, with the remainder coming from additional funding Revd Sarah Moon the Hexham Abbey Restoration Trust. and Church Warden Yvonne Gardner During the renewal of the roof, a large THERE’S double cause for celebration as proportion of the green Westmoreland the abbey has also been awarded £291,000 CELEBRITY father and son Martin Egypt where William could take slates have been re-used. However, some from the second round of the Govern- and Roman Kemp paid a visit to up the opportunity to drive the insulation to the roof construction has ment’s Culture Recovery Fund. St John’s Killingworth during royal train – a very prestigious been installed to reduce the abbey’s car- filming for a TV programme job! bon footprint. This award will help the abbey to safely which delved into their family re-open, enhance the visitor experience, history. The Kemps were introduced to Challenges were met along the way, as safeguard jobs in the abbey and Refectory members of the Appleby family works to the roof progressed, including the Café, and ensure it can recover from the The well-known pair were during filming at the church and discovery of asbestos which had to be >>Repairs to the financial impact of the Covid pandemic. tracing their family roots as part also FaceTimed Roman’s mum, carefully removed before repairs to some Chancel East End of ITV series DNA Journey where Sharon Appleby, to fill her in on rotten timber could continue. Part of the were carried out The abbey is among more than 2,700 they discovered an ancestral what they had found out. roof, which had undergone previous recipients to benefit from latest round of connection to Killingworth and repairs and had been replaced with grey has been vital in preserving the abbey awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Re- St John’s. Sarah said: “I always try and Welsh state, has now been renewed with both as a beacon for Christian worship covery Fund. say yes to (reasonable) requests, green Westmoreland slates to match the and as a place of rich and nationally It was revealed that through trying to practise the radical rest of the roof. important heritage. This is the second grant the abbey has his mother’s bloodline, Roman hospitality we see in the Gospel, successfully secured from the fund after was related to the Appleby and it does mean no two days of The abbey has also taken the opportu- “The project was completed on time it was allocated over £350,000 during the family of Killingwoarth. ministry are ever the same! nity to make provision for a potential nest- despite losing many working days to harsh first round of awards. ing place for peregrine falcons in the deco- winter weather and, for that, I am very Revd Sarah Moon, Interim “Saying yes to the filming rative pinnacles – which may also help to grateful to our contractors, Hodgson Sayer Revd David Glover, Rector of Hexham Minister of Killingworth Parish, request was just such an reduce pigeon droppings around the East and Kaeffer. I am also hugely grateful to Abbey said: “The awarding of this grant explained to Roman that his opportunity, the chance to End of the abbey and Market Place. the Chair of our Buildings Committee, is wonderful news for the abbey and will great great great grandparents welcome folk into church and Richard Thornton, who has done a huge help to ensure that we move into the fu- William and Catherine Appleby hear about the central part St Scaffolding which has adorned the amount of work to ensure the project was ture with confidence and hope.” married at St John’s not long John’s Church has played in their Abbey since Advent last year is methodi- successful.” after the church was built, circa families lives for the past 150 cally being dismantled, with the last pieces In addition to funding essential repairs 1860 – and showed him the years was such a privilege.” of the structure expected to be removed by The abbey was closed throughout the and maintenance, the award will en- marriage record. mid-May. works, with the first in-person service tak- hance the welcome and visitor experience If you missed it, the ing place on Palm Sunday. through a series of opening events over William was a train driver and programme is available to watch Revd David Glover, Rector of Hexham the summer months to engage with a new, he and Catherine married so on ITV Hub. said: “This has been a huge project which Parish Eucharist, Evensong, Morning more diverse audience. they could travel together to

Come and join us on all of our regular volunteers, but that isn’t the opportunities to develop new skills, make new case. Some of them are interested in history friends and meet a rich and varied range of our next big and are fascinated by the position and impact people. adventure – and let the Cathedral has had on the developing city of Newcastle over the centuries. Some are It is an immense privilege to be playing us be part of yours! inspired by the Cathedral’s sense of radical my part in that process and I look forward to welcome to devote time to supporting that meeting and welcoming many new volunteers ONE of the things that has always struck me in particular function. Many are motivated by to our team, from as diverse a range of the 20 years or so I have been working in the faith, but many are not – we are open to communities as possible, and to learning about field of volunteer coordination, is the passion, View from the Lantern volunteers of all faiths and none. what it is that draws them to this place and drive and enthusiasm that motivates those what keeps them here. people who choose to give up their precious By Lucy Cooke, Volunteer Coordinator Volunteering at Newcastle time to support a place or a cause. With so at Newcastle Cathedral Cathedral is about history, Why not consider joining us too and many organisations competing for people’s celebration, worship, the past get in touch! In the first instance, I am time, it’s important to recognise that there are in our life and the planned expansion of our and the future, being part of especially interested in hearing from many reasons why a volunteer chooses to a community, helping people, potential volunteers who would be support you and to make sure that you can volunteer team has been delayed significantly. However, we look forward with optimism to a welcoming visitors… interested in joining our visitor welcome fulfil their requirements as much as them team or becoming a tour guide – fulfilling your organisation’s needs. time in the not too distant future when we can open our doors once more and welcome back Volunteering at Newcastle sharing our wonderful building Cathedral could be about and its heritage and history with Having now spent 18 months with the our wonderful volunteers and hopefully some new recruits too! YOU! our visitors. However, do please volunteers here at Newcastle Cathedral, get in touch whatever your pandemic notwithstanding, I can attest to the The only crucial interests are. There are lots of fact that here is no different! Our volunteers are an integral part of everything we do here at the Cathedral, to requirement to being a ways of getting involved! Newcastle Cathedral Here at the Cathedral, the next stage of our support and enrich the lives of all who work for, worship with and visit us. Some of our Volunteer is a desire Please contact journey is well under way, not just in terms of to be part of our me at lucy.cooke@ physical refurbishment of the building and its current volunteers have come from within the Cathedral’s worshipping congregation. Their continuing journey newcastlecathedral.org.uk heritage but also in revitalising and expanding and to use your skills to express your interest in the community of people who share in its life. motivation comes perhaps from within their personal faith and an attachment to the church to support us along volunteering at Newcastle The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made the way. In return, Cathedral. I will look forward it impossible for most of our volunteers to carry to which they belong. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this would be true for most if not the Cathedral offers >>Leila McDermott, a volunteer to hearing from you soon! out their roles which play such an integral part at Newcastle Cathedral 6 generous engaged open Easter 2021 celebrations in Newcastle Diocese

DESPITE living under the people in person for Easter children to giving out daffodils shadow of Covid restrictions for services and celebrations – and to passersby to creating more than 12 months, our some churches did a mixture of beautiful displays for people to churches have continued to both. take in as they walk past church demonstrate their ingenuity grounds. and creativity during a second Throughout the Diocese, Easter in (semi) lockdown. we have witnessed some Over the next couple of wonderful acts of kindness, pages, Link features a round- Some churches celebrated worship and faith during Lent up of some of the Easter Easter virtually whereas others and Easter – from handing celebrations that have taken opened their doors, welcoming out 300 Easter bags to school place in our Diocese.

>>A stunning floral cross stands outside St Peter’s Church Falstone >>‘He is risen!’: An Easter display at St Peter’s Church Falstone Pots and Pans Gloria Easter joy in a bag

>>Busy at work filling the 305 Easter bags >>The contents of each Easter bag By Elisabeth Bainbridge, Ann activities. We were in touch with all Each bag contained an Purves, David Pearson and the schools in order to gauge the explanatory leaflet for teachers and Frances Dower viability of the project and they were parents. They were designed to help Kirkwhelpington and Cambo very thrilled to receive them. cover the RE Syllabus and to be used >>Revd Fr Jonathan Lawson takes part in the ‘Pots and Pans Gloria’ either in class or at home. Inside each WE were delighted to be able to offer We worked in happy collaboration special bag was the Easter Story in ST Gabriel’s Heaton came up with a spectacularly noisy and novel way of our local primary and first schools a with Judith Sadler and Jane Abrams a scroll, an Easter card to design, celebrating Easter without congregational singing. rather different present for Easter this from the Bellingham Deanery, both some spices, a little cross, a heart, a year: a bag of Easter joy as a gift from with a long and rich experience of bookmark, and a foil-wrapped egg, Inventive Choir Director, Tim Burke, composed a ‘Pots and Pans Gloria’ which the churches near them. working with young children. of course, and much, much more… premiered at the church’s Parish Eucharist on Easter Sunday. and we have included instructions Easter is an important festival This year we have included the on how to ‘Make an Easter Garden’. The congregation were invited to bring along their pots and pans from home, for Christians. On Easter Day we schools of Longhorsley, Whalton, and together with singing from the choir, the church came alive in a cacophony normally gather in our churches to Belsay, Cambo, Chollerton, Funding for this project has come of joyful noise to the melody of the Gloria. celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Humshaugh and Wark. The bags entirely from our Easter Trail account were given to Years 2, 3, 4, and in held by Cambo PCC, and made up Armed with a baking tray and a wooden spoon, Revd Fr Jonathan Lawson, Unfortunately, due to Covid Belsay and Whalton also to Years of kind donations from local sources Vicar of St Gabriel’s, joined the congregation in music as kitchen utensils and restrictions, we could not present 5 and 6; and in total 305 children and from the diocesan St Hild fund. cooking apparatus were happily banged and clattered. a whole ‘Easter Trail’ as in recent received a gift. Early Years received Since we were unable to run the trail years, but instead we delivered a an Easter egg and listened to the in 2020 we have been able to finance Watch the ‘Pots and Pans’ Gloria here. bag containing the ‘Easter Story’ story. this year’s bags for all seven schools and some special Easter-themed completely. growing church bringing hope 7 Easter 2021 celebrations in Newcastle Diocese A tree for all seasons By Chris Harding, Churchwarden of St Peter’s Humshaugh

ST Peter’s Humshaugh have a tradition of using their Christmas tree again at Easter. The Christmas tree is displayed in front of the church to help brighten the village, but is then stored safely until Easter. For Good Friday a cross is made from the trunk and one branch and leaned against the bare altar. On Easter Sunday the cross is then decorated with bright, seasonal flowers, in celebration of the day, and placed outside the church for all to see.

>>The congregation witnessed a beautiful sunrise Spectacular sunrise service By Jill Swaile Church Warden St Peter’s Falstone

BELLINGHAM Deanery celebrated very early on Easter Day with a sunrise service led by Revd Sarah Lunn our Rural Dean. The service was held at St Aidan’s Church Thockrington which is built on a craggy outcrop on the Whin Sill between Colwell and Little Bavington and >>The tree at Christmas some 700 feet above sea level. Around 30 of us met just before the dawn and >>Easter Day sunrise service at St Aidan’s Throckington were blessed to witness the most spectacular sunrise on this special day.

WHEN you open the door of St Aidan’s Easter Day to a riot of colour was church in Bamburgh in the next few amazing, and has lifted everyone’s Surprise! Pom poms and weeks, expect a feast of colour and spirits. The church has been open for light. private prayer and Sunday worship We may have been in lockdown, but all year, but this helps us look forward flowers for Easter in that has not stopped the community with confidence to the future as we working together to decorate the build on the growing numbers of church for Easter. people who are venturing back to Over 400 pom poms as well as ‘physical’ church. Even though we North Northumberland chicks and flowers have been made by have a thriving virtual congregation people across the village and used to on Zoom which extends across the decorate St Aidan’s. Benefice, and further afield, we know “When we went into lockdown after how important it is for people to come Christmas, even though we were still together in churches as well.” open for worship, lots of people were All three parishes in the benefice asking what we could do to keep our have pulled out all the stops; St Mary’s great community spirit going”, said the Belford has been beautifully decorated Revd Louise Taylor-Kenyon. with flowers, and St Hilda’s Lucker, “We couldn’t have our regular the only church of the three that had village winter events, so we decided to close, took advantage of this to that making pom poms was a bit have a huge churchyard clear-up, so of fun that would brighten up the that headstones hidden by brambles long winter days, using an idea from and undergrowth for years can now Stamfordham and Matfen churches. be seen once again. “Some of them They’ve been made by so many look as though they were put in place people across the community, men yesterday,” says Louise, “even though and women, old and not so old, and they are over 150 years old.” our wonderful flower team strung It’s been a tough twelve months, but them together and decorated the this remote corner of Northumberland church for Easter – in a Covid-secure is showing that there is plenty of >>The decorated cross on Easter Sunday way, of course. energy and ingenuity in the churches “After the emptiness of Lent and and surrounding communities. The >>Over 400 pom poms are brightening up St Aidan’s Bamburgh Holy Week, opening the doors on future looks bright. Easter service marks end of sheriff’s term EASTER is about endings and new beginnings. Lt Colonel Tom Fairfax began his year as High Sheriff of Northumberland for 2020-2021 with a service led by his Chaplain. Appropriately Tom marked the ending of his term with them both joining the Easter Sunday service in Saint Michael’s and All Angels Church at Ford with their wives Miki and Susan. Revd Charlotte Osborn was marking the start of her ministry with three services, Ancroft, Lowick and Ford with around 100 attending overall, 60 at Ford alone. Worshippers were masked, socially but not spiritually >>Left to right - Canon Alan Hughes, Mrs Susan Hughes, Revd Charlotte Osborn, distanced, a great encouragement for the future of Lt Colonel Tom Fairfax and Mrs Miki Fairfax church life after lockdown eases. >>Good Friday cross 8 generous engaged open Three recipients in our Diocese receive the Maundy money

>>Terry Gurr >>Sandra Hood >>Colin Davidson

ECIPIENTS of Maundy mon- Queen. This meant recipients could received the red and white purses. The Queen distributes gifts accord- nary coinage which symbolises the ey are nominated by their lo- still receive their Maundy money and Sandra has been committed to the ing to the number of years she has Sovereign's gift for food and clothing. cal dioceses for contribu- purses, and instead mark the special Church her whole life and recently lived. This year, as Her Majesty is 95, This year the coins are specially creat- tions to their local church occasion from their homes. retired as Churchwarden at Newcastle 95 pence worth of Maundy money has ed to commemorate Her Majesty’s andR community. Given the current Cathedral after many years of faithful been distributed to 95 men and 95 95th Birthday, and the 50th anniver- circumstances, the Royal Maundy Three people nominated by Bishop service. Terry is a member of the women in recognition for their contri- sary of Decimal Day. The second Service 2021 could not go ahead this Christine in our Diocese for their Church of the Good Shepherd at Bat- bution to community and to the purse contains Maundy coins up to year. exemplary Christian service within tle Hill and has done a tremendous church. the value of the Sovereign's age. The the community have received the amount of inspiring work with young coins are legal tender but recipients Instead the Maundy money was Maundy money this year. people in his area. Colin is the parish Each recipient of Maundy money is normally prefer to retain them as a blessed at the Chapel Royal, St James's organist at Morpeth Parish and has given two small leather purses by The keepsake. The coins have kept much Palace, before being posted to recipi- Sandra Hood, Terry Gurr and Colin been since 1968. Queen, one red and one white. The the same form since 1670. ents alongside a letter from The Davidson were all honoured and first contains a small amount of ordi-

By Tom Fairfax, whose term as High Sheriff of 2020/21 – A year to remember Northumberland has just come to an end THE last 12 months have that they have been doing and a Box’ where a combination of have worked so hard to keep us been as interesting and achieving. videos, video conferencing and safe whether it be in hospitals, care challenging a time as I can boxes full of farm produce were homes, at home or in transit. It is remember. When I think back to this I think one of the biggest challenges pressed into service to bring the easy, however, to forget the other time last year, we were just has been the uncertainty. I am farm to the children. rafts of folk who have been working beginning to be aware that Covid aware that many exciting plans tirelessly under difficult was going to be a challenge, but I have had to be mothballed or Adverse conditions are a time for circumstances to support us; the don’t think that any of us were aware changed. Disappointment can leaders to shine, and this has been Police, Ambulance, Fire, Mountain just what disruption it was going to be hard, especially when lots of very clear with a number of youth Rescue and Coastguard, who cause. work has gone into planning and organisations such as Bad Apples have faced a raft of Covid-related preparation, but with imagination, (who support many young people in challenges in addition to their When I was installed as High Sheriff we can improvise, overcome and Blyth through the disciplines of normal busy task list. of Northumberland in April 2020, it move forward. It has been truly dance and the performing arts, were was clear that things might be inspirational to see how various awarded the Best Group award. We have also seen a different. Actually, I’m not really sure people have stepped forward to number of other sectors and it has been, though the format has find new ways to deliver effect in the Young people have been particularly individuals formally volunteering changed somewhat. 2020/21 has pandemic. impacted by this year and we to kick in and support the created a set of conditions which gave the youth leadership award front line both directly or as have been selected for those people In conjunction with the Community to the Northumbrian Young fundraisers. Particularly the who are prepared to step forward Foundation, we were fortunate Farmers, who have been particularly armed services, retired and serving and serve. One of my chosen themes to be able to give the High Sheriff active in more rural areas supporting clergy and other volunteers and for my year was to recognise ‘duty of of Northumberland Awards to the agricultural community. All essential workers from service’ and this year has provided 44 incredibly diverse organisations of these organisations have faced many sectors who have stepped a setting for just that. throughout the county. Of these, Covid and found ways to seize the forward to serve both directly and in three stunning organisations stood initiative and operate under the supporting roles. Whilst I don’t want to understate the out and were awarded prizes as Best Covid cloud. impact of Covid, and for some it has Group, for Youth Leadership and for Come the moment, come the brought particular challenges and Innovation in the Face of Covid. It has been hard to pick out a people! I will remember the sadness, I would like to focus, a little, few examples, as so many people, year 2020 to 2021 as the year on the positives from the last year. >>Tom Fairfax The Country Trust, for both individuals and groups have where, when faced with adverse example, normally arrange visits for done amazing things. People who conditions, people throughout Many years ago, a wise old lady told at us, we can all choose how we school children, particularly from have seen Covid, not just as ‘difficult the community stepped forward me that in life, we are defined, not respond, and I think we have a duty urban environments to schools to conditions’ but as an opportunity to to serve, not for recognition, but by circumstances, but by how we because there was a job to do. Many to use this gift as well as we can. farms so that they can experience step forward. deal with them. We are defined by would want to forget this year, I and learn about where their food our decisions and by our actions. We must disagree. 2020/2021 is a year Over the past 12 months, I have comes from. Finding that these In a year where health has been are defined not by the times we fall during which It has been a privilege been stunned and humbled by the visits were unable to take place, the a focus, we have heard much over, but by how quickly we get to serve with so many amazing people I have met, physically and Country Trust put their thinking about the battles fought by the up. Whatever challenges fate throws people doing incredible things! digitally, and by the amazing things hats on and produced ‘Farm in health sector professionals and who growing church bringing hope 9 Schools: Hampers and Hope A year with Long Covid By Revd Julie Mooney, Chairperson of Wallsend Churches Working Together

Revd Thomas Sharp nTSSF SCP is a MINISTERS from Wallsend churches have worked together recently on an initiative called Schools: PhD student at Durham University Hampers and Hope. and curate at Newcastle The idea came from Emma, one of the Wallsend Cathedral. In this edition of Link, Community Insights coordinators. Thomas gives an insight into his We wanted to offer thanks, prayers and support to staff and teachers in the local schools by making up a experience of living with Long gift hamper for the staff room.

Covid and how it has We have good relationships with many of our strengthened his trust in God. local schools through our ‘Open the Book’ and other school assemblies so agreed this was a wonderful HEN Covid hit the news, I thought opportunity to support them further. that as a 29-year-old I could focus on supporting others. But in March As churches together, and working in partnership I developed a cough. with the Wallsend Community Insights Team, we W made up hamper baskets full of treats and prayers I had been ill before, but this was different. I'd for our local schools. Many hampers included a tin of experienced illness for which I was unprepared, Heroes chocolates in recognition of the staff being but I'd never experienced illness for which the our ‘local heroes’. world was unprepared too. >>Thomas Sharp has lived with Long Covid for 14 months The staff were thrilled to receive the treats, saying: I don't remember much of the intensive ill- am so grateful when I can do exciting things, many of my fantasies of control. We all have “Thank you for thinking about us and ness, but I remember the fear and the pain, and even going in to work or working from home. them. for your generosity”, “It is so nice for I remember the loneliness. the work of our tremendous staff But my life has changed. At the age of 30 my For Jesuits like Rahner, stripping back the to be recognised in this way”, “We As I began to come through the worst of it, I life has been (to an extent) paused. comfort of planning our own future is one of the really appreciate your thoughts and felt better, but it took months to realise how ill I goals of Christian formation. kindness”, and “It is so nice to feel so really was. I hope to be able to recover some of my plans appreciated”. for the future. But I have had to grieve many of Serious illness has forced me to ask what God I had what is now being called Long Covid. them and let them go. is doing, rather than planning what I want to do. So, a huge thank you to The doctors did their best, but were honest that our local school teachers for patients in the first wave all they could really My research is on Karl Rahner's theology of Long Covid has taught me better to trust in and staff from Wallsend do was learn from us. death and sickness, how important it is for God's guiding hand, even when God leads me Churches Working Christians to experience death in our daily lives. into the valley of the shadow of death. Together. We really do A year on, I no longer experience crippling So I guess I've now got a lot to write about! appreciate all that you chest pain. I can get out and about, though no I wonder how each of us has learned from do. exercise as yet. I'm struck by what Covid has revealed about grief and loss of control in our lives, especially in what really matters to me. There are things I the pandemic. I wonder how the church has If you would like I can concentrate for a portion of the day. And have lost which I have really grieved, and some- learned. more information >>Revd Julie the consultant has said there is no long-term times they weren't the things I was expecting. This pandemic continues to be awful, but we about this, please Mooney delivers a damage to my heart and lungs. Grief reveals what really matters to us, where must learn from it as God leads us through it. contact Revd Julie Mooney on 0191 hamper to our treasure is. My experience has been awful, but I do thank Churchill I have good days when I can do exciting God for the growth in grace he has gifted 2627518. Community things, and I have normal days when I can't. I More importantly, Covid has stripped away through it. College

MISSION requires means and the begin to find our way back to normality, financial challenge behind the work of at first we will be able to meet only bringing good news has certainly been Funding for re-imagined mission outdoors. For those who would just like compounded by the pandemic. somewhere to sit and chat to a friend we are creating ‘places of wellbeing’ The use of new technology and By Joanne by installing new seats and planters in equipment for instance has been key, outdoor spaces, where people will be but it’s not just imagination that we’ve Christie, welcome to sit and meet. Our space is needed in order to find new ways of at the east end of the church. We hope ministering, it’s the money to pay for it. Generous that Wideopen Wellbeing will be part of building the sort of community we want So when a new £4m Local Giving as we emerge from the pandemic.” Connections Fund opened earlier this year to support charities and grass Adviser Having the right resources in place roots group, many churches were @JoanneCTweets makes a huge difference in allowing understandably keen to apply. us to keep turning outwards to our >>Eric and Colin at Bowmont communities with love and care. The fund, which is a partnership House receiving their tablets from between The Department for Digital, the Virtual Ark in the Park project Whilst finding the funds to invest Culture, Media & Sport and The National in the work of bringing good news Lottery Community Fund, was created YouTube every week.” digital-savvy and digital-learner will always be a challenge, it is also to help to bring people together in Revd Ruth Hewett explains the residents; providing equipment access a necessity for our vision of growing safe and secure ways. This includes by aim of the project: “By using a library A number of residents at Bowmont and support to use it. It will help our church bringing hope. Having support covering the cost of technologies and of tablets we are able to unite those House, the local care home on Great community to be more resilient and available for projects like these provides equipment to make people feel more people who would usually fall outside Park, were recently delighted to receive closer together.” us with a wonderful opportunity to connected within their communities. of the technical sphere, in safe and loan tablets, especially one lady, Irene engage better with our communities secure environments, such as their own Powell, who was able to video call her Away from technology, there was also and respond to human needs. One project that has successfully homes, care homes or even hospitals. family in Australia for the first time. funding for projects using other creative launched as a result of a Local People can have access to their friends ways to bring people together safely. For those who missed out on Connections Fund grant is the Virtual and families, the ‘outside’ world such as A similar project was also funded applying to the Local Connections Fund Ark in the Park at Church in the Park, digital shopping, and a direct line to Ark in Alnmouth, where social isolation St Columba’s Wideopen, working in this time, a second round of funding Great Park. The grant was used to in the Park community events such as can affect older residents. Liz Walford, collaboration with Daverson Hall and provided by The National Lottery purchase a library of tablets which were our regular ‘Coffee and Conversation’, Treasurer of St John the Baptist church, Woodlands Hall created the Wideopen Community Fund is due to launch this then pre-loaded with a series of apps writing groups and book clubs. They said: “This project aims to address Wellbeing project. summer. For further information click for which simple instructions and user can also access our Church in the loneliness and isolation by fostering here or get in touch with the Generous guides were created. Park services which are broadcast on relationships and connections between Revd Dr Pauline Pearson said: “As we Giving Team. 10 generous engaged open Climate Carbon net zero corner

Sunday By Bethany Hume, Assistant Secretary

Energy Footprint Tool

THE Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool has opened on Parish Returns Online for churches to enter their 2020 utility bills data. The easy-to-use tool calculates your church’s carbon footprint from the energy used for heating and lighting.

HIS year, the UK is hosting COP26, To effectively reduce your church’s carbon the next annual UN climate change emissions and energy usage, an important first step conference, in Glasgow in November. is to know how large your current carbon footprint is. TCOP stands for Conference of the Parties; this summit brings together heads of state, The EFT for 2020 will take into account periods scientists and campaigners to agree coordi- of lockdown and lower utility bills due to Covid nated action to tackle climate change. You restrictions, find out more here. may have heard COP26 mentioned in the news, or by a charity that you support, but Parish Buying: what can we do in our churches in the lead up to it? >>Climate Sunday is asking for churches to hold a climate-focused service ahead of COP26 Net Zero 2030

Climate Sunday is inviting all churches to This coincides with the same weekend area outside the village hall followed by a PARISH Buying has a new hold a local climate-focused service in as World Environment Day, which schools picnic and walk. We plan to invite members Net Zero 2030 website advance of the COP26 Climate Conference, to and businesses in our region often participate of the community to lead the service and category, which aims to explore the theological and scientific basis of in, themed on ecosystem restoration. local environment groups to share the work provide you with the tools creation care, to pray, and to commit to that they have been doing.” you’ll need to start your action. This weekend in early June also kicks off the church’s net zero carbon start of Churches Count on Nature, a week- On the Climate Sunday website there are emissions journey. Climate Sunday is being organised by long count of the biodiversity in our church- free resources for a Climate Sunday service Churches Together (CTBI)’s Environmental yards, read more below! You might like to con- to suit different traditions and styles of wor- The webpage is dedicated to making it easier for Issues Network, partnered with the Church of sider hosting an outdoor event that addresses ship and you can register your service your church to find the best energy-saving products England and other denominations as well as these two environmental concerns of climate online. and tools to achieve the net zero carbon emissions Christian environmental and development change and biodiversity. 2030 target. agencies, such as Christian Aid, A Rocha UK, There are lots of ideas of how your congre- Tearfund and Operation Noah. Helen Forbes, Parish Environment Cham- gation can consider making a commitment This includes approved suppliers and links to pion at St Cuthbert’s Allendale, shares the as a local church community to take long webinars on feasibility and installation of renewable A Climate Sunday service can be held on plans for their Climate Sunday service: “One term action to reduce greenhouse gas emis- options. any date before November which is conveni- of the ways we are reaching out into the sions and join in calling on the UK govern- ent for your church, many churches in the community with our Eco Church project is ment to act on climate change in advance of A pilot scheme for purchasing solar panels has Diocese of Newcastle are joining in united by organising a Climate Sunday service on COP26. recently been added to the website and a heat together in holding a service on Sunday 6 June. 27 June, an outdoor event at the recreation pump scheme will be launched later in the year. Low Carbon Church webinars

TRAINING webinars about reducing the carbon emissions of our church buildings are being run by Join in a nature count the Church of England. These are free to attend, register online. CHURCHES Count on Nature, their local churchyard. Their data will for families. This is a wonderful way running between 5-13 June is an then be collated on the National to welcome people in your local Church Heating – To Replace or Not to Replace? event covering churchyards across Biodiversity Network. community back to church, as Tuesday 25 May | 6-7pm England and Wales. churchyards can still be used even Hundreds of churches across if social-distancing restrictions and This webinar will tell you what you should think It is a week-long ‘nature count’ England and Wales have already limited numbers are in place. about when deciding to replace your heating. What occurring this summer, which signed up to host events in their are the implications for your carbon footprint and will encourage people to visit churchyards. You may have heard Visitors are being encouraged the historic context of your church? churchyards and record what they of a similar national event Love to take part – whether they are see. Your Burial Ground Week, which nature experts or not. Various online Choosing the Best Heating Solution for your this year will be combined with this guidance about getting to know church This is being jointly run by the project. fauna and flora are being shared Tuesday 4 May | 4-5pm, Tuesday 18 May | 6-7pm conservation charities Caring for with churches participating to make God’s Acre and A Rocha UK with the This is also a great opportunity sure the event is as accessible as This webinar will include heat pumps, electric Church of England and the Church to invite members of your local possible. heating solutions, and more. What are the pros and in Wales. community to your church and cons, what is the carbon impact and what is the link with local schools and wildlife For more information about future of funding? The project will see communities groups. You could hold a wildlife Churches Count on Nature and to and visitors making a note of the spotting event in your churchyard, register your church’s interest visit The Effective Management of Church Lighting animals, birds, insects, or fungi in or a drop-by nature scavenger hunt its website. Towards Net Zero Tuesday 11 May | 6-7pm

Churches Count on Nature webinars This webinar will cover church lighting - in all For those who would like to learn a little bit more about biodiversity and ecology Churches Count on Nature will also see a series of webinars forms. The focus will be on how changes in the from leading conservationists, scientists, and experts. Topics include outdoor worship, burial ground management, tree management and use of lighting can impact positively on the goal of ecology. You can find all the details and booking links here. becoming net zero carbon. growing church bringing hope 11 ACROSS HAVE YOUR SAY 8. House found by small Link Crossword 172 Compiled by Mary Sutton woman using exclamation of Anything catch your eye in praise (7) this month’s LINK? This month we are including the crossword for anyone looking for something 9. Previous superior of to keep them occupied during lockdown but just for fun (sorry, no prize this religious house (5) Something on your mind? 10. Some lifelong criminal Or in your prayers? month). Please DO NOT submit crosswords to Church House. (50 Send an e-mail, message or 11. Priest initially interrupting wrong verses in letter to LINK and we’ll service (7) publish the best of them: 12. Aloof woman with stoneworker (7) Have your say. LINK, 14. Thickness needed for hen Church House, St John’s (5) Terrace, North Shields 15. Desire of company NE29 6HS. Email us: animal expert (5) 17. First to offer bachelor link@newcastle. second remedy not easily anglican.org understood (7) 19. Cheese for new actor – it crumbled (7) 20. Mother left with volunteers from Mediterranean republic (5) 22. Famous public school rejected by Democrat (5) 23. Remarkable occurrence involving a class covered with mud (7)

DOWN

1. In panic, he fired cook (4) 2. Quiet girl with manuscript of sacred songs (6) 3. Italian one hides in a short time (4) 4. A mail van story confusing Book review: Christian organization (9,4) 5. Awful pest’s lie involving Monk in the Market Place letters (8) Autobiography of Ray Simpson 6. Great unhappiness for By Richard Giles Following talks with the skinflint before the end of Northumbria Community, a religious January (6) RAY Simpson’s story is an association with remarkably similar 7. Quiet substitute wanting exhilarating account of a warrior of ethos and aims, “we decided not to the Spirit who has never rested in merge”, a puzzling conclusion to the jam (8) his search for God. outsider. Likewise, Ray’s decision in 12. Dogma Ron cited Ray is honest, direct and 2017 to leave Holy Island after 21 unexpectedly (8) endearing in telling his story. He has years is not convincingly explained. 13. A teetotal duet I upset never settled for simply doing what The book loses pace in the with pose (8) others have always done, and his chapters listing his writings and his fresh take on almost everything is travels, and once or twice lapses into 16. Virginia with feline, invigorating and challenging. Both weirdness, as in his bizarre story of Eastern, is to quit (6) as a parish priest and as a Religious his possible decent from Edward 18. Open a French canal he has laboured to re-imagine those VII, or his assertion that Jesus was section (6) roles in today’s Church and it makes baptised in order “to become one 20. Saint with scar (4) for fascinating reading. Like Jacob with creation”, but these are minor wrestling with God, Ray seems to deviations. 21. Final word of prayer for a have fought on relentlessly, without In the final chapter he gives male in French (4) pausing for breath. A restless soul, voice to his conviction that the but then most prophets are. Community of Aidan and Hilda is a The North East plays a large model that will last for a thousand Answers to part in the story because it was to years, but this seems like the Crossword 171 Lindisfarne that Ray came at the age triumph of hope over experience. of 56, after a distinguished pioneer History tells us that our best efforts ACROSS: 1. Hebrew ministry in Norwich, where he are but transitory, and that religious 5. Traits 8. Shrove Tuesday moulded a worshipping community communities ebb and flow like the 9. Trio 10. Vocation on a new housing estate into a seas that lap the shores of the island 11. Parson 13. Easter Village of God. On Holy Island Ray loved so well. he drove forward his vision for a Monk in the Market Place is 15. Brethren 17. Lent religious community of a new kind, published by Darton, Longman 19. Trinity Sunday to be known as the Community of & Todd. Copies of the book are 21. Swords 22. Dressy Aidan and Hilda, a dispersed and available to purchase here. DOWN: 2. Ether 3. Riotous ecumenical community in the Celtic 4. Woe 5. Truncheon tradition, now with groups around ■■ A virtual book launch will 6. Asset 7. Tea rose the world. take place on Thursday 29 April, 10. Venerates 12. Aircrew It is an inspiring tale, yet some 7.30pm. Register here. 14. Silence 16. Tenor questions remain unanswered. 18. Nears 20. Sad Visit www.newcastle.anglican.org/events for events taking place across the Diocese 12 generous engaged open Our Generous God! LIKE A METAPHOR Tim Hardy (formerly of the Religious Resources Centre) writes at www.timbo-baggins.co.uk and spends the rest of his time raising a three year old and riding a bike around Leamington Spa.

Eastertide for safety and control, knowing where Echoes, a the next meal is coming from? Reflection An Echo (the and a Twist rising up, not the This afternoon I went to church for an afternoon Eucharist. It was the first trickling down): time I'd been to that church building Angels first announced the good news since just before Christmas when they of both the birth and resurrection to set up their Nativity scene as part of those considered least (shepherds and their all-age crib service. Today, in the women) who then went on to share it same spot the Nativity had been set, with others, changing the world in was the church's Easter Garden - with their wake (a living repudiation of the the same green background cloth second temptation: "Win the crowds hiding the construction materials for a over by impressive feats.") recess to contain important elements What does this say about how we of the story. And, for the first time, I share the Gospel, who we concentrate appreciated the contrast between the our efforts on, and what our Christmas story of God turning up motivations are? where he wasn't expected and the Easter tale of God not being where he A Reflection was expected - a neat, little inversion which I hadn't thought about before. (earthly and I'd always thought of the Gospel heavenly power): as the fairly linear story of Jesus: At a very young age, Jesus and his foretold, arrived, crucified, resurrected, family went on the run - in fear of the ascended, and coming again but I'm authorities and only returned to a wondering if there was more going on normal life following a change of >>The knitted crosses, Easter Service CD and Palm Crosses (if only from the perspective of literary regime. Easter tells us that, having choices made by the authors). gone through the worst the By Revd Jeremy Cooper, Lead Silvas Court and William Turner crosses to include those we had authorities (and the world) could Chaplain for the Morpeth Court with some left over for the hoped to give them to and many An echo throw at him, Jesus passed through Anna Chaplaincy Team housebound that the churches were more besides. A huge ‘Thank You’ to the other side victorious, changing the in contact with. This would have all who have been involved in knit- (reverberating rules, proving his authority and ending been a total of about 200 knitted ting and distributing. Thank You! from earthly the regime of sin and death (the third URING the past few crosses. Each cross had a label attached temptation: no need to worship months, our Anna Chap- Members of all the churches con- which read ‘May the Hope of Jesus start to anyone but God, Jesus knew who had laincy Team, an ecumen- tacted me for the pattern and I was Christ be with you at Easter and the power to grant and take away ical team made up of inundated with beautiful hand knit- always. Love from the Churches in earthly end): Newly alive, beginning in and going authority). membersD of all the churches in ted crosses. Morpeth’. There was a sheet too, forth from a borrowed room. Not that What does this say about our Morpeth, has found it difficult to Yes, God has been generous. It which explained how to use the it began with inn-keepers and stables relationship with and desire for earthly maintain contact with the residents soon became abundantly clear that holding cross. - more likely a lack of space in a family power and influence? of care homes and those living in God had been faithful and we did In addition, the Anna Chaplaincy guest room - Jesus went through life sheltered accommodation. have some spares, which we would Team put together an Easter Service having ‘no place to lay his head’, and During a national Anna Chaplain- not only be able to give to a wide on CD that was sent to the residents The twist: was buried in a borrowed/donated cy Zoom meeting one of the Anna variety of housebound and isolated of care homes, assisted living and Having spent his ministry proclaiming tomb, from which he began his chaplains, Babs Lowes, who minis- people with whom the churches in sheltered accommodation and that the Kingdom of Heaven was near resurrected life, before eventually ters in Barrow, Cumbria told us of a the town are in contact, but that also some folk who are housebound. and what it was like, Jesus's death and returning to the Right Hand of God. campaign to knit holding crosses for we would be able to give some to the Collingwood school generously resurrection bring the Kingdom into Jesus didn't have much in the way of all those in Barrow care homes, Northumbria Health Care Trust offered to burn the service onto the here and now. Following in the earthly belongings and was content to assisted living and sheltered accom- Chaplaincy Team. CDs. footsteps of Mary (‘Master!’) and rely on others as he went instead of modation. God has been so generous. It Many of the residents fail to Thomas (‘My lord and my God!’) how being self-reliant (incidentally, a living Our team in Morpeth thought we reminded me of the miracle of the engage with online resources like can we respond to Jesus and work for refutation of the first temptation: might be able to involve the knitters five loaves and two fishes and the jar YouTube and Facebook but the his long-established and still ‘Make these stones into bread.’) of Morpeth in knitting some crosses of flour and the jug of oil of the team thought that most would have in-progress kingdom? What does this say about our need for our elderly residents. widow, which God kept replenish- access to a CD player. The Holy Spirit challenged me to ing for her herself, her family and The team and some volunteers ask God to be generous and to pray Elijah. also made Palm Crosses to go to the that we would have enough to give We asked for 200 crosses but our elderly in time for Palm Sunday. one to each resident of Renwick faithful God has enabled us to deliv- We are looking forward to, and House, Northlands, St Christo- er approximately 400. He has pro- praying that we will soon be able to pher’s, Hepscott Care Centre, Fox- vided abundantly, through the kind- visit our friends again. ton Court, East Riding, Riverside, ness of our knitters, sufficient

WE are pleased to share the launch of Faith Pictures, the free resource from Church Army to help Christians of all traditions talk about their own story of faith with confidence, ready to run online or in person. Faith Pictures is six sessions long, each one building on the last to help Christians to see where God has been present in their lives, how they can talk about that confidently, and how God is active in the world around us and wants us to join in with Him. Download Faith Pictures for free at resources.churcharmy.org/resources/faith- >>Around 400 crosses were knitted and distributed pictures/ growing church bringing hope 13 Christian Aid Week: Giving thanks for vaccine update A BIG thank you to everyone who has donated to our Together we stop this joint Coronavirus Appeal with Christian Aid. We have partnered with the charity to give people an opportunity to give thanks for their Covid vaccine climate crisis and help others in crisis across the world. Funds from the appeal are helping vulnerable communities around the world access soap, water, food and vital health information in the face of the pandemic.

We have now raised over £1,900 towards our £5,000 goal – thank you to the generosity of those who have kindly donated to the appeal.

If you would like to offer your thanksgiving for your vaccine and support the work of Christian Aid, you can donate to our appeal here.

Thy Kingdom Come THE annual 10 days of prayer as part of Thy Kingdom Come happens this year from 13-23 May. >>Rose >>Florence >>Photo credits: Christian Aid/Tom Pilston It’s the time of year when we pray for our family and friends to know the love of God and embrace N Kenya, extreme weather is making it the Christian faith. harder and harder to survive. For com- By Helen Cunningham, Church Engagement munities fighting the climate crisis, eve- & Fundraising Officer (North East & Cumbria) A range of resources are available to download, ry last drop matters and every last one of catering for ages from five to 105 including the usI can help them thrive. The coronavirus flagship Cheeky Pandas video series for families, pandemic has only increased the urgent need With help from Christian Aid’s local part- ■■ £42 could buy 350kg of cement, which is prayer journal, novena, prayer escape room, for families to access a reliable source of wa- ner, Florence and her community were able to needed to build an earth dam. adventure map and more. ter. build a dam together, just 30 minutes from her ■■ £545 could pay for a skilled labourer to house. Using water from the dam, Florence work on the construction of an earth or sand Thy Kingdom Come are giving away 100,000 The devastating climate crisis robs people grows tomatoes, onions and chillies on her dam. copies of the Prayer Journal and Family Prayer of the water and food they need to live. farm. Her children can eat healthy, nutritious Adventure Map to UK churches as long as posting vegetables, and she has enough left to sell. It’s Every pound raised, every prayer said and and packaging is covered. Meet Rose: a loving, hard-working grand- her source of life and joy. every action taken, are expressions of our mother Christian love and compassion, of our belief To order resources for your church, including In this desperate climate chaos, Rose battles Blessings for all in need that all life is equal and precious in the sight of free printed copies of the Prayer Journal and Prayer to bring water home for her grandchildren. Florence is a generous woman of faith. She God. Together, we stop this climate crisis, and Adventure Map click here. Every morning, after nothing to eat, she sets knows others are struggling to cope without a give brave, hard-working women like Rose the out on a long, dangerous journey, walking six reliable water source, and wishes the same chance to thrive. For more resources and news visit the Thy hours to collect water. “We have to walk long blessings she has received will be granted to Kingdom Come website. distances. We are suffering,” she says. She tries them: “There is a village nearby – they don’t You can join us as we call on the UK Prime hard to give them the kind of life she remem- have an earth dam. They are suffering. I am Minister to lead the world with ambitious cli- bers from when she was a girl: when the rivers thankful to people who have donated to build mate action that will also address inequality. flowed with water and the crops bore fruit. this earth dam. I am praying God will increase their giving.” Also, please pray with us for a radical Rose and her grandchildren shouldn’t have change of heart for politicians, and that as a to go hungry. A simple earth dam, built with This Christian Aid Week, will you stand with global community we will care for our com- the help of Christian Aid’s partners and your people like Rose and Florence? mon home and for people living in poverty. donations, could completely change her life. Please donate this Christian Aid Week (10-16 May). Your gift could help a communi- We can all be part of the solution. All we A song of hope and power: meet Florence ty build an earth dam, providing a regular and need is courage and determination. Florence is a soulful, joyful woman: full of reliable source of water in affected areas of life, love and laughter. The women in her Kenya. Stand together with us to fight this climate farming group look up to her. She’s coura- crisis. geous and kind – a survivor. A few years ago, ■■ £4.40 could teach 10 farmers how to plant her husband died, leaving her a widow. At that drought-tolerant crops that can survive the Get in touch via [email protected] or time, she had no water to grow crops. Her chil- drought. on 01925 573769 dren were hungry. Like Rose does now, she ■■ £10 could buy a pair of taps at a water point had to walk for hours to collect water. which will be installed at an earth dam, mak- Join us this Christian Aid Week. Donate at ing it easier for people to fetch water. caweek.org