THE JANUARY 2019 See MAGAZINE JOURNAL OF BLACKBURN DIOCESE : THE IN LANCASHIRE God’s wind can steer us in 2019

Happy New Year! I wonder: what is the wind direction as you read this article at the start of a New Year? Chances are you have no idea, because you’re reading this inside. Unless, of course, you’ve picked this up at the back of a very draughty church! And that’s the point. We tend to avoid the wind. We try not to sit in draughts – we assiduously fit One family working together draught excluders. We like to keep More than 300 clergy and laity gathered together Mystery of Faith: Believing It, Living It, Sharing It'. in November for our first Diocesan Conference in ourselves cosy in these dreary On page 2 and 4 there is a feature about the con- 10 years. ference with pictures; then on page 8 there are winter months. This special issue of The See looks back at some great quotes about the event from people Bishop Philip often comments that our exciting and inspiring four day event 'The who were there. we should have our meetings outside in the fresh air. the words from Jimmy Dean: “I can't us that he has heard? The One who has And the wind can be exhilarating. In the change the direction of the wind, but I thrown the galaxies into being can autumn, we had a super holiday by a can adjust my sails to always reach my change the direction of the wind. No coastal loch in Argyll. The wind was so destination.” problem at all. refreshing. My son, Robbie, who’s 13, th needs his fix of fresh air and exercise He was urging us to unfurl our sails and The 8 century historian of the every day. He said: “My favourite rely on the energetic wind of the Spirit Northern church, Bede, put it in similar weather is windy.” of God to take us out of the conference words: “Unfurl the sails, and let God and back to our homes and steer us where he will.” There’s something about being in the communities across Lancashire - to see wind that blows away the cobwebs and So, at the start of healthy churches transforming makes us feel fully alive. this New Year, don’t communities in the words of Vision hide away indoors. Jesus said: “The wind blows wherever it 2026. Get out into His wills. You hear its sound, but you Then precisely as he finished wind. Let’s unfurl cannot tell where it comes from or celebrating communion, the Chapel at our sails and let God where it is going. So it is with everyone Swanwick was suddenly engulfed in an steer us where He born of the Spirit”. (John 3.8) almighty wind storm. wishes. In our closing Eucharist at our Some of us think this wasn’t wonderfully energising Diocesan coincidental. How else does God assure Bishop Jill Conference, Bishop Julian opened with The See can also be found on the Diocesan Website: www.blackburn.anglican.org under News, or scan the ‘QR code’ on the back page with your smartphone to be taken to the Diocese website page which contains the current and archive editions of The See. DIOCESAN CONFERENCE ‘A wonderful atmosphere and enormous energy.’ Joy of being one That was the verdict of the former , The Lord Chartres, when speaking about Blackburn Diocese’s first Diocesan family for Christ conference in 10 years. The Bishop was one of many excellent speakers from across the country who accepted the invitation to attend and to share insights on ‘The Mystery of Faith’ – the conference theme. More than 300 clergy and laity from parishes that make up The Church of England in Lancashire met for four days at the end of November. Rev. Nick McKee, Diocesan Director of Vocations; Rev. Chris Nelson from Delegates gathered for an event that will, in the Penwortham St Mary and Peter Jump, words of conference planning chair Rev. Toby Churchwarden with Rev. Munawar Din, both Webber, the Vicar of Altham with Clayton-le- from Christ Church, Blackburn Moors, ‘have a real and enduring impact on parishes’. Delegates were also able to participate in a whole range of excellent workshops with opportunities for questions and answers and they could even make ‘surgery appointments’ to get more direct support from Diocesan staff for specific queries. What’s more, as the Diocese had turned a little bit of Derby-shire into ‘red rose country’ for a few days, there was even time to celebrate Lancashire Day, when Rt Rev. , the Bishop of Burnley, read out the Lancashire Day proclamation to the cheers of delegates. This was not just a conference for those who Chris Hedley, Churchwarden from Christ attended in person however- the Bishop’s Church Fulwood; Rev. Emma Swarbrick, Holy Rev. Stefanie Rober, Bishop Christoph Meyns Leadership Team wants it to have an impact on Trinity South Shore; Rev. Chris Boland, Vicar of and Jurgen Steinmann attended the conference EVERYONE who attends churches across the Christ Church, Fulwood and Patricia Wilkinson, from our link Diocese of Braunschweig County. a Reader from Baxenden St John

The conference theme was ‘The Mystery of being clear about the Gospel; never forgetting Faith’ and it examined some of the key doctrines why it is we are here and as Christians we of the Christian faith (the incarnation, should be faithful to what the Bible teaches us. atonement and future hope) and how these “One of the things the Bible teaches us is to central truths can speak to a highly challenging serve the people around us and to demonstrate contemporary culture. real love … and social action is one of the ways A quality range of speakers included The Lord we can be faithful to Christ’s teaching.” Chartres; Tim Farron MP, former Leader of the Reacting to the time spent together, Bishop Liberal Democrats; Rt Rev. Pete Wilcox, Bishop Julian said: “The conference has been a real joy; of Sheffield and Rt Rev. Graham Tomlin, Bishop gathering people together as one family from of Kensington in London. every part of Lancashire for three days to live, Academics who addressed the conference, worship and learn together. which took place at the Hayes Centre in Rev. Damian Platt and Angie Walsh treasurer, “To hear Bishop Richard Chartres say he had Swanwick, Derbyshire, included Professor Ben both from Christ Church Thornton and already picked up on the real energy here in the Quash from King’s College London; Amy Orr- Margaret Warburton, lay reader and Rev. Jane short time he has been with us is a wonderful Ewing, Director of the Oxford Centre for Atkinson from St John, Little Thornton affirmation of what a Diocesan residential Christian Apologetics and Jenn Strawbridge, conference can be. Professor of New Testament at the University of So, clergy and lay leaders who came to Oxford. “The fact we have not had a conference for ten Swanwick were encouraged to take back the years means this is very special and the fact that learning and insight and share it with their PCCs we have lay people with us for the first time is and wider congregations. also very special, so I am deeply thankful and To assist this there will be a whole host of grateful to God.” resource materials available to download from the Diocesan website conference page ‘under  News and Events’ on www.blackburn.anglican. For more comments from conference org in the coming weeks. delegates turn to back page There is also a highlights video already uploaded to the same resources page, as well as a link to a new ‘Focus on Discipleship’ video which was introduced by Bishop Julian and played for the first time during the closing conference Eucharist. The amazing conference organising committee, Speakers who attended were impressed by the left to right, Rev. Stefan Dnistrianskyj from impact our Diocesan Vision 2026 Healthy Wright-ington with Heskin St James; Rev. Tracy Churches Transforming Communities is having in Charnock, from Blackpool Holy Trinity and Lancashire. Blackpool St Peter, South Shore; Jean Duerden After his talk, Tim Farron MP was keen to pick Bishop Julian, centre at front, prepares to from Blackburn; Rev. Toby Webber, Vicar of up on Vision 2026 saying: “Churches should Altham with Clayton-le-Moors and Rev. Grant serve the community where they are, always introduce a speaker to a hall packed with Ashton, Vicar of Euxton Lancashire delegates from across the Diocese

PEOPLE AND PLACES News More than 100 Zumba exercise fans from all All Hallows Parish Church, Bispham, Blackpool Our Bishops and Archdeacons will be leading the over Lancashire took over FY2 0AY. On Saturday 23 February 2019, main latest annual Clergy Study Days in early 2019, on for a two-hour charity ‘Zumbathon’. Inspired by speaker: Rev Dr Paul Gardner, an international the themes of stewardship and teaching whole- a previous event at Chester Cathedral, the huge and national speaker, author and teacher. life discipleship. They take place across the crowd of fitness fans gathered in the aisles of Tickets £5. For further information Diocese on five dates in January and February. the Cathedral on November 16 as modern Latin www.bahchurch.com or contact the Parish Our ‘focus on discipleship’ will also link with the Zumba rhythms echoed round the ancient walls Office: 01253 274172 to secure a place. Church of England’s work on ‘Setting God’s for the special Children in Need fundraiser. On Saturday 26 January at 7pm, Burns Night People Free’. The dates are January 10 and 31. In a contemporary take on a medieval Ceilidh to be held at St Michael's High School, Also February 6, 16 and 25. If attending the tradition, Blackburn Cathedral has launched the Chorley, PR7 1RR. For tickets prices and queries Clergy Study Days, participants should book on first ever Cathedral brand gin. Called Cathedra – please contact 01257 231360. On Sunday 27 for catering purposes. Details of all the events the hopes this new gin, January at 3pm at St Laurence’s in Chorley there can be found on www.blackburn.anglican.org specially crafted by a local distillery, will become will be a St Laurence's Light Classics event with ‘Events’ section under the relevant date. one of the go-to brands in the current gin revival Azure (harp and violin); an afternoon recital Blackburn Cathedral held a service of collation – and in the longer term create a new income which will last approximately 45 minutes. £5 to and installation for 10 new Canons on Sunday 9 stream for the cathedral’s mission and ministry. include tea and cake following the recital - December 2018. Rev Grant Ashton, Rev The gin is made by Brindle Distillery in children free. For more information and any Lawrence Carson-Featham, Rev Tim Horobin, Lancashire. “This is not a novelty; this is a queries please ring 01257 231360. Rev Linda Macluskie and Rev Chris Newlands cathedral doing business,” said the Dean, the Very Revd Peter Howell Jones. became Honorary Canons and Mrs Jean Situations vacant or wanted Duerden, Mr Richard Jones, Miss Jo Snape, Mr Forthcoming events Christ Church Fulwood, Preston is looking for a Stephen Whittaker and Mrs Sue Witts became Oberammergau Passion Play. Rev Jonathan Lay Canons of the Cathedral. new organist or pianist to help lead and develop Carmyllie will be leading a group to Austria and our sung worship. For more information please Parishes can now purchase self-service Oberammergau between June 24 and July 1, contact Rev Chris Boland on contactless donation boxes through the Parish 2020. Anyone interested in finding out more [email protected] or tel 01772 715202. Buying website. Contactless donation units are about the trip should contact Jonathan on ideal for churches looking to boost donations in 01254 824679 or email j.carmyllie@btinternet. Do you work in the Blackburn Diocese as a virger an ever-growing cashless society. The tabletop com or caretaker within a parish? If so, the Church of England Guild of Virgers would welcome you to unit can have a handle attached to make it Spring Harvest will take place in Harrogate, from mobile, or there are many ways to incorporate it join the organisation. Further information is April 13 - 17, 2019 and marks the 40th available by contacting Tony Hales on 01253 into furniture and to secure it. For more Anniversary year of Spring Harvest events. More information about this and other ways of taking 314235 or email [email protected] information www.spring harvest.org/harrogate/ or Pamela Derbyshire on 01524 791756. contactless payments email support@parish or contact Rory Curran at email: buying.org.uk or phone 0800 368 0887. [email protected] or on 01825 St Anne's Church, Fence. Organist and All parishes should, by now, have received their 746506. choirmaster required from March 2019. Three copies of this year’s Parish Share leaflet. Each Sundays per month. Magnificent 2002 Copeman St Laurence’s Church, Union Street, Chorley PR7 -Hart digital organ. Please contact: Simon parish has been sent 15 copies for their PCC in 1EB. On Tuesday 1 January 2019, 12noon, Day of Parker, Churchwarden on 07397 232 933 the first instance. PCC members are encouraged Prayer for World Peace. Sung Eucharist to to pass round the leaflet to members of the welcome the New Year followed by fizz and congregation as well. There is an electronic nibbles. On Sunday 13 January at 3pm, St Clergy updates version of the leaflet on the Diocesan website Laurence's Light Classics. Festivo Winds (wind The Rev Nicholas James Heale, Vicar of Skerton ‘Parish share 2019’ page, together with other quintet) afternoon recital which will last resources, including PowerPoints and the full St Chad, has been appointed as Priest-in-Charge approximately 45 minutes. £5 to include tea and of The Benefice of North and East Blackburn text of the speech to Diocesan Synod in October cake following the recital - children free. by David Barlow, chair of the Diocesan Board of (Blackburn St Thomas with St Jude and Finance. On Tuesday 19 February at 1pm, St Mary Blackburn St Michael and All Angels with St John Magdalene church, Church Street, Clitheroe BB7 and Holy Trinity). Exploring Faith Accompaniment Course. 2DD, celebrity Organ Recital by James Lancelot, Sponsored by Blackburn Diocese, the 2019 The Rev Graham James Birch, Vicar of Ainsdale former organist and Master of the Choristers at St John in the Diocese of Liverpool, has been course will take place at the Xaverian Mission Durham Cathedral. Spirituality Centre, formerly Tabor, Preston. It appointed Vicar of Great Harwood St will run during the daytime on Mondays at Bread for the World, 28 to 31 August 2019 at Bartholomew and St John. fortnightly intervals from January 14 until June Liverpool Hope University. This is a major The Rev Christopher David Wood, Rector of St 24. The cost is held at £450 and includes a conference being organised by the three John Timberhill with Norwich St Julian in the residential weekend at Hyning Monastery. The northern Catholic Bishops for priests and Diocese of Norwich, has been appointed as Vicar team is ecumenical, and applications are laypeople associated with The Society. Bishop (half-time) of Waddington St Helen and West welcome from members of all denominations. Philip hopes to take a strong group from Bradford St Catherine. For further details contact Canon Tricia Impey at Blackburn Diocese. More details can be found at www.sswsh.com. To book a place or find out The Rev Christopher Krawiec, Curate at Great [email protected] or on 01524 Harwood St Bartholomew and St John, has been 36617. more, email the [email protected] appointed as Rector of Holy Trinity Poulton-le- The Churchwarden's Yearbook 2019 is now Sands with St Laurence of Morecambe. Leyland In Tune's monthly charity keyboard available. The yearbook is available direct from The Rev Kamran Bhatti, Curate at Preston The the publishers at the reduced price of £13.50 inc concerts held at Midge Hall Methodist Church, Leyland, PR26 6TD at 7:30pm. Entrance is £5 Risen Lord was appointed as Interim Assistant p&p (bookshop price £14.95). It can be ordered Curate (Missionary Priest) of Preston St by phone on 01985 840189 using card payment, with refreshments and homemade cakes (£1 donation to the church). Concerts for 2019 are Cuthbert and was licensed by the Bishop of or by post (Churchwarden Publications, PO Box Blackburn on 14 November 2018. 420, Warminster BA12 9XB with cheque or card Monday 28 January, the guest player is Tony payment. Stace and Monday 25 February with Rod Pooley. The Rev David Gibb resigned as Vicar of Leyland Both of these concerts are being held to raise St Andrew on 31 December 2018. Read much more about the following brief funds for the Midge Hall Church Organ Fund. For The Rev Alan Byrom will retire as Vicar of news stories by visiting the Diocesan website, further information ring Cathy on 01772 433509. www.blackburn.anglican.org … Blackpool Christ Church with All Saints on 28 When God Says Go - All Hallows' Convention at February 2019.

DIOCESAN CONFERENCE / VISION 2026 News? Feedback? [email protected] Delegates and, by extension, their parishes have excellent, exciting and challenging speakers. I been energised by the Diocesan Conference have come away with some food for thought God was buzzing ‘The Mystery of Faith’ writes Ronnie Semley, and great ideas for our upcoming parish Diocesan Communications Manager. mission.” about everywhere! Everyone involved agreed the most important Bishop Jill said: “The conference has been a part of the event was the chance for clergy and crucible where a wonderful group of faithful been surpassed. I really liked the very inclusive laity to study, worship, learn and laugh people from across Lancashire have seen their fellowship atmosphere. It was not ‘clergy and together. faith stoked, ready to become beacons of hope us’ … we were all part of one family.” And speakers at the conference really picked up in the parishes where they live and work.” Archdeacon Mark said: “There was a howling on that – none more so than The Lord Richard Chris Hedley, a Churchwarden from Christ wind around the conference site during the four Chartres, the retired Bishop of London. Bishop Church, Fulwood, Preston commented: “There days and I just sense the wind and the spirit is at Richard said: “I found it such an encouraging was a real sense of a Diocese working together work. He is going to do a new thing in Blackburn visit. I have picked up on the wonderful and being a team. It was also great to be able Diocese, I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.” atmosphere and your enormous energy. It really to network; to sit down with someone Rev Sue Timmins, from All Saints, Appley is a tonic.” unfamiliar, find out your local issues were Bridge added: “We had some beautiful worship Conference Organiser Jean Duerden, from often very similar and discuss ways of tackling … I was in tears with the sense of the presence Blackburn, commented: “Everyone has had a them together.” of God.” great time and has given positive feedback Archdeacon Michael added: “It has been While Rev. Chris Krawiec from St Bartholomew about every aspect of the event. The speakers exhilarating; it has been exhausting… and our and St John, Great Harwood, commented: “The we booked exceeded all our expectations.” hearts are overflowing with love both for Jesus conference has had a real sense of fellowship Bishop Philip said: “It’s been beautiful over the Christ and for one another. People have spoken and family about it and I have really enjoyed last three days to return to the very heart of our to each other from different parts of the diocese getting to know people better.” faith to think what it means that God has been and the county who would not normally be able And final word goes to an anonymous lay born for us as a human being, that he has died to meet.” delegate who summed the whole conference for us and risen for us.” While Penny Waters, Deanery Synod up brilliantly saying: “It was like God was Paul Adnitt, a Churchwarden from St Gabriel’s, Representative from St Chad’s, Poulton-le- buzzing about everywhere!” Blackburn added: “It’s just been brilliant with Fylde commented: “My expectations have Early in December, the national church's Strategic Investment Board approved an A new era for the investment of over £1.5m Strategic Development Funding towards the creation church in Preston of the 'Preston Resourcing Parish' to be based at The Minster and St George's in the city centre, writes Dave Champness, Vision Coordinator. Community hubs: The two churches at the The concept of a Resourcing Parish to be heart of the ‘Preston Resourcing Parish’, The located in Preston was first proposed in The ministry team will include clergy who will Minster, pictured during a previous visit by March 2016 following a visit to the county by spend a couple of years in the Resourcing the , below, and a view of Rt Rev. Ric Thorpe, , who Parish learning about church planting the magnificent interior of St George's, above. also has a national remit for church planting. techniques, before they will themselves plant Over the following couple of years the a church in one of the new housing concept was developed into an application developments springing up to the north of for Strategic Development Funding by a small the city, and/or on one of the city's social team led by Bishop Philip and including housing estates. Archdeacon Michael, the Area Dean Rev Some of the national church's financial Shaun Baldwin and the Deanery Lay Chair, investment will be used to further develop Stephanie Rankin along with input from the Minster site as a welcoming multi- representatives of Holy Trinity Brompton - purpose space with expanded catering the church behind the Alpha course. facilities (Alpha courses include food - always The aim of the Resourcing Parish is to build a winner with students)! on the legacy of Fr Timothy Lipscomb and the Building works are expected to be completed interim ministry of Archdeacon Michael in (subject to formal building approvals) in their role as Vicar of Preston. summer 2019 ahead of a formal launch of the We will invest in a parish ministry team project in late September 2019. including an Anglo-Catholic Team Vicar based Please pray for the ongoing work taking place at St George's, whose aim is to actively share in Preston to establish this exciting new God's love through words and deeds with project. those who live in and/or visit the city centre.

Helpful information about 'The See' Deadline Want to submit an article or event for inclusion in The See? Check the deadline on the left and email for [email protected] the We'll always do our best to feature what we receive. For the online archive; more information about deadlines and how to submit articles, visit the website www.blackburn.anglican.org February (search 'The See') or just scan the QR code on the right. edition Sight loss problems? Access the online version of the latest issue on the website and adjust the page size as required using the + and is - buttons on the right of the screen, or hold down the keyboard 'Ctrl' button and press the + or - key to adjust as required. January 4, The See is edited by Diocesan Communications Manager Ronnie Semley. 2019 For new orders of ‘The See; or to change delivery address or quantities received contact Karen Ashcroft on [email protected] or 01254 503070.