SPRING 2020

Fit for purpose

Game-changing: sports ministry PAGE 6 Worship on the wild side PAGE 17

Holiday clubs: Everyday faith: Learning from Hong Kong building faith parkrun GoodGym dispatches through fun 10 15 21 25

From the Editor Contents THE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020 can clearly remember walking into explains the vision in the main feature the Olympic Park on the first day of (pg 6) and Matt Beckett talks about the the 2012 games in London with my practicalities of running active holiday 14 COMMENT: Running family. The atmosphere was electric: clubs (pg 10). Jon Norman (pg 4) and Roy the good race bubbling with positivity, excitement, Roberts (pg 15) both share their personal expectation and a wonderful sense of experiences of faith development 15 PAUSE BUTTON: The end game Iwelcome and togetherness. It didn’t through pushing their bodies. really matter what sporting activity we’d Pilgrim journeys of open-air spiritual managed to get tickets for, it was about exploration have been undertaken down “being” there. the centuries and three experiences are Sport and outdoor activity in general have shared in this edition, from Spain (pg 16) an amazing capacity to create special to Sweden (pg 22) and closer to home, moments like that. They can provide the new Walsingham Way, (pg 14). Other focus or a sense of community. You can ways helping young people encounter lose yourself in the crowd or embrace God outdoors are shared on pages 17 being part of it. Or you can venture out – 19 through wild church, sailing and alone and enjoy the physical sensation active RE. of pushing your body to its limits in the Whatever way you choose to explore great outdoors – somehow always more Christianity, in this Olympic year, may we stimulating than an indoor studio or gym. run our race of faith with our focus firmly 6 For me the discovery of open water on Christ. FEATURE: swimming all-year-round has been an Game-changing: Blessings, exciting phenomenon. While I completely sports ministry understand it’s not for everyone (many of my friends and family think I’m mad!), I’ve found it’s enabled me to connect with 19 Further ideas on sports and our Creator God in a whole new, sensory- outdoor spirituality laden way. Barbara Bryant - Editor 13 Review: books on the theme In this issue, you’re invited to consider how sporting and outdoor spirituality activities 14 Cathedral: Walsingham Way can help you explore your Christian faith in different ways and how we can use 16 I would walk 500 miles them to share our faith with others. Using sport or physical activity as a 18 CYF: Encountering God mission tool is a common theme in on the Broads many of the articles in this issue. Ruth Anderson, founder of The Sports Factory, 19 CYF: Active learning 22 Pilgrimage in Lapland The Magazine design: Get in touch Adept Design www.adeptdesign.co.uk 26 FOCUS ON: Barnham Broom 01603 882348 (Editor) Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those and Upper Yare [email protected] of the Diocese and the acceptance of advertising does not indicate editorial endorsement. Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Cover photo: Legacy holiday club at STN, Norwich. 30 Resources Easton, Norwich NR9 5ES www.DofN.org/magazine facebook.com/dioceseofnorwich @DioceseNorwich The next issue (deadline 3 April) focuses on sustainability and climate change.

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3 Running the good race

n April last year Lewis Blois and I professional running coach. He helped deeper on just how important my set out on a mission to run seven me focus on what was important. relationships with God, my family and marathons in seven days to raise friends matter most. It’s not what I have In life, we all need a coach, someone money for our new SOUL Church but who I have. who can keep us on the right path, help facility. It was the hardest and most us make positive choices and focus on gruelling seven days of our lives. We had what’s important. The dream is free, but Itrained for 12 months straight, racking the journey isn’t up nearly 800 miles and wearing out four pairs of trainers in the process, but Prayer keeps us strong The easiest part of 7 in 7 was coming nothing could have prepared us for Before each day we had a routine, up with the idea. The hardest part was what was ahead. we stretched, ate porridge, took actually doing it! I wonder how many dreams never get off the ground? I Our physical, emotional and spiritual supplements but our whole team took realised that most dreams come in strength was put to the ultimate test. time to pray with us. There were times puzzle form and every day we must Each day as I ran, I felt God give me a I wanted to quit but our team came decide to put a piece in the big picture. lesson from the marathon to apply to alongside and prayed. I could literally my daily life. feel supernatural strength in those moments, which kept us going. Quitting isn’t an option Fear is part of our lives I made my mind up before I started, I Pain is a part of wasn’t going to quit, whatever it took I I feared starting, the training, injuries, was going to cross the line. Sometimes illness and even finishing. It was a life’s journey in life we must decide not to quit before continual journey of dealing with fear, As I ran the pain increased each day, we have the option to. I had to re-educate my mind. Fear was mile and step. But I decided to embrace never going to go away, I just had to it, not allow it to kill me. I had to raise deal with it. my threshold for pain - it became my Fear will stop you from experiencing teacher. The battle was won in the mind the life God created you to live, not just the body, I was battered but not sometimes you’ve got to feel it and beaten! just keep running. Life’s about relationships

We all need a coach not accomplishments Jon Norman is married to Chantel and has I thought I could do it alone, but soon 7 in 7 could go down as one of my two children, Justice-Murray aged 5 and Miracle-Joy aged 8. Jon is a Canon of Norwich realised I needed help. In walked Neal greatest accomplishments but it made Cathedral, Norwich City first team chaplain Featherby from Sportlink Norwich, a me realise it’s not. As I ran, I reflected and Senior Pastor of SOUL Church UK.

4 The end game

e have all heard the The simple act of starting the sessions expression ‘sport is with prayer allows the thinking to begin. like a religion’ and to some people Writing to the Philippians, Paul looks it is. Sports, physical exercise and forward to the ultimate reward for his recreational activities as part of a team faithful service. His prize is to be with orW undertaking activities alone, like a Christ, though there is some uncertainty long-distance runner, all contribute about what he specifically meant. I to our development as both a human believe Paul has a clear goal: being in being and a spiritual being. heaven with the Lord. The apostle St Paul used sporting The Bible compares the Christian life to a metaphors to explain the virtues of race, and while there are different types Christian disciples. In 1 Corinthians he of races, the Christian life is compared wrote “do you not know that in a race to a marathon. This is a daily challenge all the runners run, but only one gets which requires focus and effort and the the prize? Run in such as way as to get perseverance to overcome the obstacles the prize… They do it to get a crown that are in our way. May we all set our that will not last, but we do it to get a focus on the Lord. crown that will last forever”. There is no way I could call myself a There is no way I could call sportsman of any kind. Yet sport brings myself a sportsman of any to young and old alike, the ability to kneeling before a game, head bowed, work together for a common goal. To asking for support through their prayer. kind. Yet sport brings to young befriend and love each member of the It is interesting to note the number and old alike, the ability to team; like the ethos and background to of sports teams within the Diocese work together for a common our Christian faith. who have a chaplain. They can see the strength that a chaplain brings to the goal. To befriend and love each Paul notes that he is not perfect but sport in question. member of the team; like the encourages Christians to mimic his ethos and background to our singular focus on pursuing Jesus Christ. The mission opportunities presented Sportsmen and women have a singular via sport are vast. Many parishes use Christian faith. focus on gaining their goal. sport and other outdoor activities to engage with people of all ages. You Paul’s teaching was to not look back but will read of different examples in this to focus on what we can do today and, edition of The Magazine. in the days ahead, to live for Christ until we meet with him. Sports people too, The Cormorants sailing week, the Sports look forward to what can be achieved Factory, where our youth ministers are to better the goal already set. working with schools, and parish holiday clubs, youth clubs and more enable us One often sees a sports person to bring the good news of Jesus Christ throwing their head to the heavens to young people where they are located Richard Butler when they win and thanking God or and undertaking something they enjoy. Diocesan Secretary

5 Game-changing: sports ministry

As the 2020 Olympics in Japan looms, Ruth Anderson urges us to consider the mission opportunities offered through sport and fitness.

6 remember it so well. We had two 1 Thessalonians 2:8 that says, “We loved carloads of people and we didn’t Sport has the power to you so much that we were delighted to really have a clue what we were share not only the gospel of God but doing. As we drove along, early in change the world, it has the our lives as well.” Sport provides that the morning, we saw more and more opportunity and it is also lots of fun. power to inspire, ... It has the policemen and streams of refugees power to unite people in a way Iwalking along the roadside. that little else does. It speaks The Sports Factory We had just crossed the English Channel to youth in a language In 2014, The Sports Factory was born out and had arrived in Calais on the outskirts they understand. of St Thomas Church, Norwich (STN). The of ‘The Jungle’ refugee camp. Our aim was aim was to connect the church and the to drive into the centre of the camp and community through sport and to share start a football match and then tell people We found out there was a grass area the love of Jesus with the people we do about Jesus – that he loved them and about a 10-minute walk away. We left life with. cared for them. the cars and took our stuff and followed an ever-growing group of people to a Over the past six years, The Sports Factory The problem was that several policemen massive sports area outside the camp. has played sport or taken part in fitness were blocking the entrance to the camp We started playing a match – 10-a-side, activities with thousands of people across and they obviously were not too keen 15-a-side, 20-a-side. It was growing every Norwich and has told them about Jesus’ on us going in. We drove a little further few minutes. After about 20 minutes, love for them. This has been done through down the road and started to pray. We we stopped, made a huddle, and via a schools work – PE and RE lessons, lunch asked that God distract the policemen translator, we told them about Jesus and clubs, assemblies and after school clubs, or shut their eyes, so they didn’t see us. offered to pray for anything they wanted “Legacy” holiday club that takes place We turned the cars around and decided prayer for. We learnt some of their stories during each school holiday, adult sports to put our prayers into and were amazed at the journeys these and fitness sessions and other family practice. Miraculously, we people had been on and what kind events and activities. drove right through the people they were. We all left the camp blockade. We were in. that afternoon changed. Tim Henery currently heads up The Sports Factory for STN and has written a course We drove on and on and got to a space “Sport has the power to change the called “Active RE” which happens in some where we stopped and got out of the world, it has the power to inspire,” Nelson of the local primary schools. It combines car. We felt like strangers and aliens in Mandela once said, “It has the power to PE with RE and Tim has been amazed how a foreign land. We quickly got out the unite people in a way that little else does. much the children remember and retain football and started kicking around It speaks to youth in a language they each week. All the children are invited between us. Gradually a group gathered understand. Sport can create hope where along to Legacy. together. Some of them spoke some once there was only despair. It is more broken English. We didn’t know what to powerful than government in breaking Legacy holiday club has over 50 children say and so we started naming English down racial barriers.” coming along each day. They play loads of football teams; “Manchester United, sport, explore a Bible passage or parable Chelsea…” they responded by naming Sport isn’t the answer to people’s and then enjoy a “team challenge” and a other teams “Liverpool, Arsenal”. We problems, but Jesus is. Sport is a vehicle “slam dunk moment”. Following Legacy, added “Norwich City” and then put by which we can share life and the the church has a celebration service to our thumbs up. We had made friends! gospel with people. I love the verse in show a video of the highlights of the week and it’s brilliant to see lots of families being welcomed into church.

On a Wednesday morning, in one of the churches, there is live worship music and Pilates followed by a short thought for the day and prayer. Around 25 people attend each week, the majority of whom would not call themselves Christian. On a Thursday, a similar class is held for older people, called Fab and Fit.

During major sporting events, such as the Rugby World Cup, Football World Cup or Olympic Games, STN has opened its doors and put on opening ceremony community festivals that have drawn in hundreds of people from the local area, as well as doing some big-screen showings of some of the major matches and events.

7 Starting a conversation Sport is an easy conversation starter; it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can still enjoy watching a sporting event together. On a Saturday morning, The Sports Factory runners are found at the local park runs with yellow Sports Factory T-shirts saying “We Believe” on the back. They meet to pray and then join the run and see if God provides any opportunities to chat to people about Jesus. The thing I love about sports ministry is that it is simple, it’s easy, it’s really good for you and it works. The Sports Factory seeks to combine the power of sport with the power of God; the one who created it.

In 2019, the Diocese of Norwich employed He was an amazing grandfather figure four Sports Ministers to roll out The Sports to so many of the children. He wasn’t Factory across Norfolk: Tom Woods, Vicky particularly sporty, but he did have a Allen, Susie Bratby and myself. The aim is passion to see children and young people the same as the story that has happened come to know Jesus. One year the town at STN: to love people so much that we are voted him ‘Sports Personality of The Year’ delighted to share not only the gospel of because of all his contributions to sport. God but our lives as well. Across Norfolk, He told me that when, in his seventies, his The Sports Factory team and volunteers wife died, he prayed and asked God to use will seek to get to know people through him. God definitely did that! sport and then provide opportunities to share Jesus’ love with them. Local partner This will mean looking outside the four walls of the church and spending time at churches needed parks, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), in The Diocese of Norwich is looking to sports halls and gyms. You may think that I wonder if your average week involves partner with local churches who are you are too old to get involved in sports any sporting or fitness activities? Could looking for growth and revitalisation, to ministry. That’s a myth! you start seeing this as a mission field? think about how to engage with people Could you start praying for the people you in a language that they understand. meet and looking for opportunities to tell Sport is the biggest it has ever been. How them about Jesus or invite them to church do I know? Because sport is everywhere, or an event the church runs? and people seem to love it. For example, I wonder how fit your church is and the top two most-googled topics in 2019 whether you have ever thought about were sports related. 900 million people engaging with your local community viewed the opening ceremony of the through sport and fitness? In this Olympic Olympic Games in 2012. 44 per cent of year, it is a great time to get involved in 11-16-year-olds play football at least sports ministry and to share the love of once a month. Jesus with the people you do life with.

These statistics really challenge me. I Open to all imagine what it would be like if 44 per cent of 11-16-year-olds have started ages and abilities attending my church at least once per When I did sports ministry in month? It would be incredible! Sport and Gloucestershire, my main volunteer was fitness are not the answer, but they do an 84-year-old man who turned up to a provide a whole lot of opportunities to weekly basketball club to help pump up tell people about Jesus. balls and get to know the children’s names Ruth Anderson is Head of Sports Ministry for the Diocese of Norwich. She is married to Rich and has and eventually had opportunities to tell one son. She loves sport and fitness and is passionate them about Jesus too. about sharing her faith in Jesus with others.

8 Further ideas... on sports ministry and outdoor spirituality. See also the book reviews on page 13.

Scripture Union Mission through sport – “Providing opportunities for the language and activity of sports and games to naturally collide with the language of faith.” A wide variety of examples and resources to use in schools and church groups; from “Sweaty Church” and “Sticks for The Sports Factory Stumps” to “Higher Games”. The Sports Factory is the Diocese of Holiday Clubs – Tap into the years of Norwich’s sports ministry programme. experience here. Download free holiday “We are passionate about sharing sport club resources or buy into the latest with people. We want to see lives changed “Wonder Zone” exploration of science as a result of engagement with sport, and faith. Still available: Guardians faith and the church. We run holiday of Ancora, Backpackers, clubs, community events, sports coaching Teambuilders holiday club academies, social sport, detached sports packages. outreach, activities with the football cage www.scriptureunion.org.uk and work with disengaged young people.” The Horstead Centre 01908 856000 www.sportsfactory.org.uk The Diocese of Norwich’s residential 07881 936978 activity centre offers groups and schools a wide variety of challenging, team- Wild or Forest building exercises from a climbing tower and zip wire to kayaking and bushcraft. Church resources Situated in the beautiful Old Rectory it Forest Church: is the only Church of England children’s Earthed perspectives on residential centre in the county. With the Gospel (Grove Booklet) grounds reaching down to the River - Cate Williams Bure the team enables young people to develop their spiritual, physical, Forest Church: A field guide to intellectual and social capacities with a nature connection for groups and caring Christian community. individuals - Bruce Stanley www.horsteadcentre.org.uk Outdoors Church: 20 01603 737215 sessions to take church outside the building – Allchurches Trust Sally Welch Allchurches Trust has given grants towards Christians in Sport Outdoor Worship and Forest sports ministry in churches and through Church: Praising God from within charities in urban and rural areas. Grants “For us, sport is more than a game. It’s creation - Siggy Parratt-Halbert, Officer, Paul Playford said: “There are about who God made us to be. We bring Kevin & Sue Pellatt many churches, perhaps particularly these two loves together in one mission: Quiet25 Leaders Guide: A estates churches, who already know and to reach the world of sport for Christ.” group journey into silence (Quiet benefit from football outreach as a way of See particularly their Sports Mission Garden Movement)– Matt Freer ministering to, supporting, and signposting Pack with resources for a sports quiz, big & Tina Jefferies young people in their communities.” screen events, sports tournaments and resources for churches and schools. A Facebook community group exists Take a look at some of their grant to share ideas and encouragement: examples: www.allchurches.co.uk www.christiansinsport.co.uk facebook.com/groups/forestchurch 01452 873189 01869 255630

9 Holiday clubs – building

By Matt Beckett faith through fun

was eight years old when I had my first taste of a “holiday club”. It was the Easter holidays and I was at my grandparents’ house. The Rainbow Club was filled with games, prizes and a daily Bible story, Iand on the final day a make-your- own-clay-egg competition. The fried egg I cheekily made still resides in my parents’ house! Egg jokes aside, I lapped up every second, not knowing that one day I would be running clubs exactly like this one. For the past 10 years I have worked for summertime holiday club. In fact, even the Fountain of Life Church and Kidz before I was employed by the church, I Klub Mid Norfolk, in Ashill and have had been volunteering at holiday clubs been involved in running our annual since the age of 17. biblical story or theme. Whilst even the For five consecutive days in the summer wacky parts of the morning may point to holiday we host children, from the our theme, we use these quiet times to Whether on the floor with schools we visit, for two hours of fun, help the children see how the Bible both the children, in the kitchen games and laughter, as well as a thought applies to and affects their life today. In or story from the Bible. We aim to make these more faith-focused parts of the cooking, bringing a specific our mornings fast-paced and fun. Often morning, children can participate to a talent to entertain the kids, the alternative for them is kids’ TV, so level that they are comfortable with. As all would be welcome to join we try to emulate that wacky and messy we model worship and prayer, we often style and bring a live action fun that, find children taking their first steps in in, because to reach a family simultaneously, entertains and engages. their own faith journey. we, as the church, need to act Whilst the morning is filled with fun, You may have participated in something as a family. games and craft we also make quieter akin to the five-morning formula, with times to help the children explore a fun, games and a biblical heart. But

10 5 TOP TIPS: 1. Be prepared – plan early! Invite team and guests in plenty of time. 2. Build relationships – holiday clubs can be building blocks for a family’s faith. 3. Play to your strengths – use the skills your team has to provide a quality club. 4. Serve your surroundings – are there specific community needs you can meet? 5. Have fun – if your team enjoys what they do so will your guests!

community for many in need families. Anna and the team have built many positive relationships in the community, by providing respite at a time that many families may struggle with the added financial pressure the holidays bring. With so much variety for your church to explore, as summer approaches, let your location, skill set, and community give you insight into the right club to run. Remember there’s plenty of resources here to help you. maybe my morning doesn’t quite match Scripture Union still produces wonderful your personality or strengths. Maybe Barriers between the church holiday club materials that guide you in adjectives like wacky and messy don’t fill running a “traditional” holiday club. TLG’s you with as much excitement as it might and its local community can Make Lunch programme can help you feed for me! be torn down with fun and families in need and places like The Sports Alison Ball, curate in the Chet Valley laughter. Factory could help inspire activities in your Benefice, has organised holiday clubs for community. See page 9 of this issue for over 12 years. Her clubs are similar in style more ideas. to ours: one week in the summer holiday, approach!” Simon’s simple missional And don’t forget, every school holiday you advertised through schools and other approach is “as people get to know us; will find that Norwich Cathedral’s doors are ministries in the church, but that does not they get to know God because Jesus open. They create places where families mean the content is the same. Included lives in us.” have fun together, based on an informal are activities like cooking and storytelling, To that end, Simon desires to make this Christian background, while building playing to the strength of her team. Like year’s beach mission as fun and frivolous relationships with the Cathedral team. myself, Alison believes that “Holiday club as possible, not just for attendees, but for is a non-threatening way of introducing So what role are you going to play? With the team as well. Barriers, between the the Bible and its themes to those that such a variety of holiday club styles being church and its local community, can be attend.” The backbones and structure implemented so successfully across the torn down with fun and laughter. of our clubs look similar, but they differ Diocese I would encourage you to ask due to the skill set of her team. Across the Diocese of Norwich, there yourself that question. Skill set, age, are great examples of churches gender, there is no disqualifier from Another style of holiday club is borne supporting their communities, through involvement in any form of holiday club. out of the location a church finds itself effective missional activities, during Whether on the floor with the children, in in. Norfolk has a beautiful coastline school holidays. Anna Heydon is part the kitchen cooking, bringing a specific and many churches using this natural of the team at St. Magdalene Church in talent to entertain the kids, all would be resource for a special type of holiday club: Gorleston. During the summer holidays welcome to join in, because to reach a a beach mission! they run Families at Mary Mags (FAM). family we, as the church, need to act as a Simon Fenn, Head of Mission at Cromer She explains: “FAM provides a hot meal family. Holiday clubs were a building block Church, has run “typical” holiday clubs, and activities for children, including in the journey that brought me to faith. but 2020 sees his team excited for sports and crafts.” Similar initiatives You can help cement those blocks in the “recapturing the classical beach mission across Norfolk are providing food and hearts of children this summer too.

11

Review

A selection of books on the theme of sport and outdoor spirituality, reviewed by Steve Foyster.

Creative Ideas for The Way Under Our Soulful Nature: A Hebrews: Wild Church: Taking Feet: A Spirituality spiritual field guide Race to Glory all-age worship and of Walking Brian Draper James Reapsome learning outdoors Graham Usher Canterbury Press IVP revised edition 2018 £4.99 Mary Jackson and SPCK (Pub date 16/04/2020, (Pub 30/01/20) £14.99 Revelation price £4.00 Revelation price £12.00 Juno Hollyhock can be pre-ordered) £12.99 At times we Canterbury Press (2016) £19.99 Revelation price £10.00 In our busy can all be and often tempted to Revelation price £17.00 Walking is pressured ask, “What’s one of the This is an world, the the use?” We simplest innovative and natural work and things we do imaginative world try to live as as humans. resource, can be a Christians It’s a basic offering powerful and sometimes feel that we learning way by which counterbalance, offering are getting nowhere. Indeed, and worship most of us wisdom for the challenges, that’s exactly how the original activities as experience life. Walking gives pain and dislocations of life, readers of the letter to the well as whole service outlines, us innumerable benefits to as well as for the beauty, Hebrews felt! Yet the author mind, body and spirit when to help church members of the letter encourages the we take time to stroll at wonder and healing. Brian engage with the outside world readers to stay on track and three miles an hour. We think Draper and Howard Green and keep connected with their never quit, to reach the finish better; we observe more encourage the reader to local communities whether line by the power of Jesus deeply; we tune into the get outside to make deeper rural or urban. We are being Christ. Through this revised encouraged to reconnect with rhythm of the soul. connections with creation and its Creator. Lifebuilder Study in Hebrews, nature; schools are building In his new book ‘The Way readers will also hopefully find outdoor classrooms, while Under Our Feet’, Bishop Over the course of a the encouragement needed Forest Church, the Eco- Graham Usher vividly year they chart walking to stay in the right lane. congregation and the rewilding conveys how exhilarating journeys through both rural It features questions for spirituality movements reflect it is to walk into the depths landscapes and town streets, starting group discussions this trend in churches. of our humanity. We can showing how the natural and for meeting God in become more ready to cycle of the changing seasons This resource is definitely not personal reflection, as well recognize the needs as can awaken us to the rhythms just for the energetic outdoor as the “Now or Later” section well as the joys of others; of our own lives. Each types, the authors creatively within each study. blending the Christian year we might seek to heal our chapter explores a different with the natural seasons; such battered world, even as landscape, focusing in on the as an all-age Advent outdoor we glory in the beauty of small details of the natural adventure, creating an Easter nature; we may experience world as well as panning out garden outside, kite flying at Jesus walking alongside to the wide-screen beauties Ascension, building a life-size us, listening, teaching, of time and space. Simple David and Goliath, going on a challenging, loving us into and practical exercises are prayer pilgrimage, collecting the people he wants us to be. provided throughout. autumn leaves and using tree ribbons for remembrance. Find more books Practical advice on making the most of the outside on Revelation’s website: space available, inclusiveness, www.revelation-norwich.co.uk health & safety and or call 01603 619731 safeguarding included.

13 Walsingham Way pilgrimage path

Previous articles for The Magazine on the Norwich to Walsingham route of the Walsingham Way have presented it as an aspiration, a project for which there was much local interest and support but still no wherewithal to make it a physical reality. As of the second half of 2019 that situation has changed, and 2020 will see the Way as a signposted path on the ground. Canon Librarian at Norwich Cathedral, Peter Doll, gives an update.

ast August, the European route, but even with the grant, this has Union’s LEADER programme proved far from straightforward. Despite awarded the Cathedral a the intensely rural character of much of grant of £31,000 to cover Norfolk, public footpaths in this section design costs and to waymark the rural are few and far between. portion of the route (from Ringland to As the route must follow quiet country LWalsingham) with wooden signposts; for lanes, the county rightly demands a the moment, the Cathedral will cover the high standard of safety, and certain cost of marking the ‘urban’ portion of the road crossings will require additional route (primarily along the Marriott’s Way) funds to make them safe for groups with stickers attached to signposts. The of walkers. Happily, the Leader of the marking will be finished this summer. County Council, Andrew Proctor, has put The grant award was made in recognition his support behind the project and the of the potential of pilgrimage to make Highways Department is working with us and another looking at a route from a significant contribution to rural to source funding for these elements. Canterbury to Walsingham via Tilbury. economic development in the region We are conscious that a path is only a As our society becomes ever more through sustainable, environmentally beginning. We have plans to make an conscious of the impact of our fossil- friendly tourism. application to the Heritage Lottery Fund fuelled travelling habits on this fragile As Christians we want to be supporting to support workshops in communities on planet, our awareness of the need to the life of our communities, but we do of the route to help them consider ways to journey more lightly and in harmony course have another agenda, a mission use the presence of pilgrims to support with creation can only grow. Our of our own. We believe that through economic development through offering pilgrimage paths will be there to a close encounter with God’s creation hospitality, to interpret local heritage welcome and guide pilgrims to an and with the story of his blessing of through pilgrimage history, and to use encounter with the living God who is our communities through the life of church buildings and halls as places to our eternal destination. the church, pilgrims can be brought to offer hospitality to pilgrims on the way. a recognition of the nearness of God’s In addition, other groups are already Kingdom and of his love and care for working with the Cathedral and the each of them. Walsingham Shrines to develop routes We have been working closely with from other directions; these include Norfolk County Council to finalise the an ecumenical group in King’s Lynn

14 A new-found faith and community

Roy Roberts shares his love of the organised free, weekly, 5km timed running phenomenon that is parkrun.

e all have a journey that brings both fond and difficult memories, this is what helps shape the kind of person that we become. Finding my faith was the beginning of seeing myselfW how God does, and I knew that I had a long way to go to keep discovering the kind of person I could become. I had been going to church for about 10 years before I decided that I needed to take better care of my body. God gives us the gift of life and we have the possible. I bring my faith with me every of self-esteem, they can carry into responsibility to take care of the bodies week and it is always such a delight adulthood. that he has given us, which we tend to seeing many other Christians doing the neglect. I believe that parkrun is ordained by same, helping to build this community. God, as there are few things in life that Since I was young, I had been unable I make sure that I pray before every event bring people together as well as this to kick bad habits of eating, but I was for all of those who are involved as well and running in general does. I would inspired by my father-in-law to do as those I know that cannot make it that encourage anyone thinking about something about it. I decided that week. I encourage others to pray for exercise in any way to get along to alongside a diet change, I would begin parkrun and to openly display that we their nearest parkrun and get involved, running at parkrun. pray for this event. It is important that as whether it be for running, walking or I have been amazed at the level of Christians that we are not just involved volunteering, it is a great place to be. community spirit at this event every but also a strong positive presence at I think that what makes this event so week and it has helped me progress in these places, bringing God’s love and special is that there is no discrimination my abilities far beyond what I thought peace with us. of any kind, anyone can turn up and do Parkrun is a great way of getting together the route at their pace. This is such a with lots of other likeminded people great demonstration of God’s love for us, who want to run, but who are all there that anyone can turn to God no matter for their own reason. I have since joined how they come they are all welcome in a running club, which makes parkrun a to the Kingdom. bit more fun as I can connect with more To find out more, visit people on a Saturday morning. www.parkrun.org.uk This has helped shape the kind of person I am over the last year and I am better for it. My wife and I also volunteer at junior parkrun on a Sunday morning, which is even more fun as we get to encourage the next generation into being healthy and fit individuals with a great sense

15 And I would walk 500 miles

By Amanda Maundrell

n 12 September 2019 I set I am very fit and found that my natural out to walk the 500 miles of pace meant that I gradually overtook the ancient pilgrimage route pretty much all the other pilgrims. I felt of “El Camino Frances” across rather like Forest Gump. This also meant, The feeling of lightness increased after northern Spain, alone. Starting at St. Jean as was my intention, that I always a very wet morning climbing “The Pied de Port in the French Pyrenees, I walked alone. Mountain of Forgiveness”. At the top is Oplanned to arrive around 30 days later in “El Cruz Ferro” where the laying down of The first part of the trail took me Santiago de Compostela. I had a one- through vast mountain vistas and then a stone brought from home, on the vast way flight to Biarritz, and was carrying the gentler, but wonderful scenery and cairn beneath the cross symbolises the everything I needed in my rucksack, and vineyards of La Rioja. laying down of one’s burden. Everyone would stay in the Pilgrim Hostels along had a burden to lay down. the route. I met lots of people from all over the world in the evenings in the dorms but I finished the walk largely in the I was walking in memory of my husband continued to walk alone. The feeling company of others. Everyone had a story, John, who sadly died in September 2018 of beginning to cover a vast distance, and even the most cynical “pilgrims” after struggling for many years with a using only the way markers for guidance felt some sort of transformation in their rare neurological disease called Multiple and just seeing what each day brought outlook happen along the way. Systems Atrophy, and to raise money was totally liberating. All I had to think for the new Priscilla Bacon Hospice I arrived in Santiago alone again, 24 days about was walk, eat, sleep. in Norwich where John had been so after setting off, but feeling much more wonderfully cared for. But I was also After La Rioja came the Meseta, the at peace with the world and much more walking for myself, to hopefully bring vast, bleak, high plain that covers much eager to engage with it again. some sort of punctuation to many years of central and northern Spain. Life got of suffering, and grief. tougher, not least because finding somewhere to stay each night in the Donate to the Priscilla My first night was at the Orisson Hostel emptiness became a daily challenge. Bacon New Hospice appeal halfway up the pass over the beautiful via 03302 234274 or Pyrenees Atlantiques, which was a Life became tougher still on the first www.priscillabaconhospice.org.uk gentle, and very friendly introduction to anniversary of John’s death, but after a hostel and dorm life. tearful morning, a long, solitary 25 km trudge gave me time to process a lot of thoughts. Somehow after that I felt lighter, and a few days later I realised that I was beginning to walk with others.

16 on the Worship wild side

tempting to let kids sit in front of their Charlie Houlder-Moat, electronic devices, it is great to be able Trainee Reader, describes how to worship in the outdoors. her passion for the outdoors “You can see their wonder reawakening has combined with facilitating as they disappear off to explore the woods and look for signs of God’s families to worship outdoors. providence. An interesting bug under some bark on the ground, the colour and texture of a leaf, the chance to build with ince a young age I have always bits of wood, and even the variations in been drawn to nature and most the weather – all of these speak richly of my jobs have represented about our Creator. Our children also love this passion: outdoor activities anything with fire, and in a risk-averse instructor to a forest ranger. I am now culture it is brilliant to see them toasting combining my love of the outdoors marshmallows or enjoying hot dogs.” help them to feel grounded in Swith my ministry at RAF Marham I use nature connection activities to nature and see God’s grace in the Chaplaincy to deliver what we call engage families and individuals with world around them.” “Worship in the Woods”. However, it their faith: “It has allowed us as a family I asked Fiona how she got involved: “I comes under many other names such to explore and appreciate our faith in a attended a few Forest Church sessions as Wild Church, Forest Church and even different light, engaging our three-year- and found them to be an engaging way Mossy Church! old, whilst enjoying the brisk fresh air to bring in all of the family. I have spent Although a contemporary movement, it of Norfolk.” time reading and researching while has its roots in the tradition of Christian Licensed Reader, Fiona Tibbitt has just training to be a Reader so I was delighted spirituality and is about inviting God to launched Forest Church at Aylsham. I when our curate, the Revd Jack Branford, speak through the exploration of the asked her what she appreciates about it: offered me the opportunity to lead four natural world. “I’ve always loved being outside as it has sessions at Blickling Church.” One of the families that regularly attend been easy to see the wonders of God’s If your imagination has been sparked has appreciated the activity: “Having creation. Not just the mountain vistas or then all you need is a group of people a five-year-old son who never sits still dramatic sunsets but the cobweb filled and some nature! Your style of Wild in church, he loves it as he gets to go with frost, and the robin sharing the Church can be unique. There isn’t a around ‘helping’. On a personal level, garden. prescribed model. Go wild! I find the spiritual headspace offered “I can feel God’s Holy Spirit fill me more relaxing than a service indoors.” when I’m out in the fresh air and that Contact Charlie at: houlder-moatc Another family enjoyed getting away is something I would like to share with @methodistchurch.org.uk and find from screens, in addition to cooking others. I am really excited to be able to resources on pages 9 and 13. over the fire! “In a world where it is bring a new perspective to people’s lives,

17 Encountering God on the Broads

By the Revd Graham Kirk-Spriggs

magine for a moment that you’re a Cormorants and for the first time I wasn’t We’ve tried to foster an atmosphere teenager. Hopefully thinking about patronised, I was listened to, I had a place where teenagers can explore their faith. those years of your life hasn’t made in a crew, in a team. It’s not about ramming a theology or you run off, screaming for the hills. Jesus down the kids’ throat but giving The priest who ran it, the Revd Charles Our teenage years are the most formative them the space to explore the questions Hall, was a kind man who had an and sometimes difficult years of our lives. they have. Listening to them. Showing approachability and pastoral nature I’d I them that you can have fun and be a Not only was your brain totally re-wiring never come across in adults before. He Christian! Helping them know the love of itself but your body was changing, in listened, intently, as if I mattered. exciting or perhaps frightening ways. God for themselves in a gentle and kind Your mind was being expanded; your I think I owe being ordained to that first way, just like Charles modelled. horizons were broadened as we started experience on Cormorants, I remember Fundamentally it all comes out of to take steps towards adult life. There it vividly. The Bible study that year was God’s love, His overflowing love that I were so many pressures for us, and I the story of Joseph. I remember Charles discovered for myself on Cormorants. His for one was pulled in many different saying; “Who thinks that God is interested overflowing love for them as individuals. directions. It’s no wonder that many in them?” Some people in that hot and Pray for all of us, as we try to give young people lose their faith during cramped cruiser cabin put their hands them a glimpse of this. these formative years. up, I didn’t. Then he asked us, “why?” I replied, “Because I’m just ordinary, there’s Then there’s what might be happening nothing special about me.” He said, “God at home. Relationships with is interested in you, God made you and parents or carers might be difficult, loves you. He loves you so much he gave perhaps academic results have been you life.” disappointing. Perhaps the pressure put on our young people is too much for I’d not heard that before. some, and they are struggling with God is interested in me? It Cormorants sailing holiday for young mental health problems because of it. made me think. I wanted to people aged 11–17 be like Charles. Back in the mid-noughties I was Saturday 24 – Saturday 31 14. My parents had split up, and Fast-forward ten years October 2020 I was feeling raw. I didn’t have and now I find myself Contact Liz Dawes: 01603 882335 much of a faith at all, and I walking in Charles’ [email protected] or was questioning whether shoes as Chaplain visit www.DofN.org/cormorants God was for me. I went on on Cormorants.

18 Active learning: Bible, sports, action!

Headteacher Helen Watson describes how Lyng Church of England Primary School has been engaging in Active RE.

ur school heard about Active RE through one of our sports coaches, Tim Henery. Tim had previously taught pupils at our school as a member of the Community OSports Foundation (CSF). He joined The Sports Factory and told us about their new programme, Active RE. This innovative programme aims to involve children in learning about Christian Bible stories and values, whilst being active. The children play games using typical equipment such as hoops and bean bags – so no specialist or expensive purchases are necessary! Tim ran the programme during the Additionally, important messages are Autumn Term with a mixed class of Year 1 woven into the learning, for example in and Year 2 children. The session combines the story of the prodigal son, teams collect story-telling interspersed with active “treasure”. The children then have to talk games. For example, in the story of Moses about how they would spend it wisely, as and the Israelites escaping Egypt, the well as be reminded that Jesus tells us that children play a game where they must even though we get things wrong, God cross from one side of “the sea” to the still loves us and wants us to follow him. other side without getting caught by the This combination of story and physical “Egyptians”. In the story of the lost Sheep, activity has had a positive impact on the one of the games is “hide and seek”. children’s engagement with the stories A session will start with the opening of The children really enjoy the sessions. and the Bible. In the library, the children the story, and then there will be a game in Oliver commented, “It’s fun and will enthusiastically report they have which the children will take on roles from educational at the same time”, while “found a Bible” and look through it to the story, and the activity will reflect what George said, “We’re learning about the find familiar stories and pictures. They has happened in the story. The children Bible and having fun, I like to have the two relate the story and characters to a game then listen to the next part of the story, things mixed. When we do Active RE, we they have played and this supports their followed with a different game. find out about Moses, Jesus, Adam and retrieval of the Bible stories. The children Eve, God.” really enjoy the games, which encourage Our school asked Tim to focus on the Old activity, teamwork, collaboration and an Testament because it linked with our RE Kitty felt it was “better than just listening element of fun. theme. This has enabled the children in to the story because it helps you the class to “connect their learning” as we remember” and Edward agreed “because For more information about are able to refer to the story and ideas you remember the games and then you Active RE contact Tim Henery on from Tim’s lesson in our RE teaching. remember the stories.” [email protected]

19

Learning from GoodGym

An article in The Big Issue headed ‘Changemakers’ caught Susanna Gunner’s eye. It described a venture called GoodGym which, inspiringly, links exercise with social action. It doesn’t have a specifically Christian foundation, yet it resonates in powerful ways with gospel language, Kingdom concepts. She was intrigued and wanted to know more.

he first GoodGym was piloted in London in 2008 out of frustration with normal gyms… Suppose the lone treadmill-runner, isolated by earphones, pounding away for hours,T pounded the streets instead and suppose they ran to somewhere, to someone, for a very particular purpose? What if all the energy generated in gyms could instead be channelled into society’s many neglected tasks and individuals? GoodGym’s aim is to get people off treadmills and into their communities. Steven Hitcham, the man at the helm of GoodGym Norwich, summed it up for me, “We are a community of runners who get fit by doing good”, he said, “and we do this in three ways.” First, he described the Group Runs he organises each Monday night. Meeting at The Forum in Norwich, around 40 people run en bloc to help a local project. Churches with specific one-off two becoming the motivating organisation with some pressing task. projects have also been supported. force behind the weekly run. The night before I met Steven, it Then there are the “Missions”. After a GoodGym Norwich has over 300 had been Baby Bank Norfolk, whose referral from an organisation such as Age members from across our region. donated items for needy families UK, a couple of runners run to help with Walking groups are in the pipeline too had desperately needed sorting and one-off practical tasks that older people but even for those who neither walk nor rationalising. Another night might, can no longer manage themselves. run, there is perhaps wider potential for instance, see the group running to Once they’ve changed Mr H’s lightbulb here. Participation is based on frequent organise a games event in a care home or moved Mrs M’s table back into place, low-impact activities that are integrated or tackle a community gardening they each run home again, having helped usefully into runners’ lives. someone out and maybe experienced a different running route too. What might that teach our churches about working with volunteers? And are Lastly, Steven told me about “Coach there other ways we might imitate the Runs”, GoodGym’s very specific response GoodGym concept? How, for instance, to the prevalence of loneliness in our when tempted to plod away on the safe society. A runner is linked up with treadmill of faith lives as we’ve always someone who’s feeling isolated and known them, might we be inspired simply runs to visit them each week to by GoodGym’s wonderfully outward- chat over a cuppa. You might expect looking attitude to find new and that the ‘coach’ in question would be the imaginative ways of engaging with the younger, fitter person making the visit wider community? What are we called to but that isn’t the way GoodGym sees it be if not change-makers? at all. It is the lonely person who is the coach, the strong bonds between the www.goodgym.org/norwich

21 Pilgrimage in Lapland

Last August, as part of the “sharing of experiences”, six people were invited to join in a pilgrimage along the Dag Hammarskjold Way which lies 250 km within the Arctic Circle, further cementing the link between the Diocese of Norwich and the Diocese of Luleå in the far north of Sweden. Steve Williamson shares their journey.

ormer Secretary General of the United Nations, Dag had left behind a book of Markings. It reflects its author’s efforts to live his creed, his belief that “all men are equally the children of God and Fthat faith and love require of him a life of selfless service to others.” Some of his spiritual mediations have been carved onto boulders that mark the 70 miles or so route between Abisko and Nikkaluokta, roughly the distance from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth, and climbing to a height 1,150 metres. Six people from across Norfolk took up Well our journey started travelling from (slightly higher than Snowdon). the challenge: Alan Baker, Jenny Ferns, Norfolk to London Heathrow. Almost Peter Howard, Damon Rogers, Geoff immediately we were in prayer as Alan’s This is prime hiking country, with big Young and me. We were joined by car blew a gasket and black smoke skies, shimmering lakes and acres of Moa Beak with husband David, Mattias billowed from the back. Somehow or protected wilderness (greater than the Bostrom, Bo Glas, Helen Lundberg, Anna other the car got us to the airport in size of Norfolk) with basic mountain huts Pittja and Tina Viklund all from Sweden – time and we flew to Stockholm. Then it every 10–20km, where you get a bed and all with perfect English. All of us serve was a 23-hours-journey by sleeper train and a stove, but there’s no electricity our churches where we live. and bus. or running water, no wi-fi or mobile signal – and very, very basic sanitation. ”Den längsta resan är resan inåt: the We eventually joined up with our Swedish Anything and everything we needed longest journey is the journey inward,” hosts at the tourist station in Abisko we had to carry – including all the food. says Dag Hammarskjöld. and enjoyed an evening together over a

22 Abisko

about the “markings” on that day’s smoked moose, reindeer, arctic char, trout stone, giving us questions to ponder and herring, salted liquorice and plopp UK which we discussed each evening (don’t worry – it’s the name of a chocolate after prayer. bar); we enjoyed two boat crossings across lakes to shorten the journey and We reached our first hut. We had been met up with other travellers from Sweden, prepared so it wasn’t too much of a the UK, France, Hungary and the USA. three-course meal of arctic char, braised shock but we small band of brothers moose with celeriac, and cloudberries and sisters soon realised that any We had a fantastic and happy time with with ice cream. We presented our hosts reserves had to be surrendered as we a lot of fun. Our thanks go to the Church with a small gift that expressed our all had to share in everything, cooking, of Sweden for being so generous hopes for the trip. It was a slate carved cleaning and rooms. We adapted inviting us to visit and especially to Moa with this from Julian of Norwich, “All to a simpler life and Swedish ways - and Mattias – Tusen Tack. Anyone who shall be well, and all shall be well, and all crispbreads and saunas. organises any church activity knows the manner of things shall be well.” responsibility that falls upon you and the This was the pattern of our six days hopes enshrined. Our hike started the next day in great hiking. The weather throughout was good spirits and morning prayer and, perfect for walking. Not too hot and not at the commencement of any walk, the too cold with some snow showing on prayer of St Birgitta, “Show us, O Lord, the higher points. Our only short spell Throughout our journey your way and give us the will to walk it.” of rain was blessed with a rainbow. we felt that God was close The countryside was amazing. Along the way we saw Saami villages, by watching over us. Our trip Unchanged over millennia and silent. waterfalls, glaciers, reindeer, grouse, may have ended but the inner Each day we stopped for a small mountain flowers; we drank from the journey continues. outdoor eucharist in the round that was streams and crossed rivers; we collected extraordinarily moving, and Moa talked blueberries and cloudberries; we ate

23

Hong Kong dispatches

A Norwich diocesan ordinand from the parish of Hellesdon, Coryn Stanforth is currently training at Westcott House, Cambridge. She shares her experience of her placement in Hong Kong during the time of the protests.

hen discussing placement options early in 2019 I mentioned my interest in going abroad to another part of the Anglican Communion. From this a placement inW Hong Kong, based at Ming Hua Theological College was planned. At that time, it was expected my visit would be no different to any other foreign placement. However, in the following months the political situation in Hong Kong changed beyond recognition. My placement had several different elements. One part was based within the theological college living and studying together with their postulants. I also worshipped in a range of local Anglican churches. On arrival in Hong Kong I was told to stay inside for weekend afternoons and evenings but that it was fine to go out and explore on weekdays. This was initially true but during the last week, daily protests made local travel challenging with blocked roads and public transport difficulties causing lengthy journeys to work and schools being closed. Incidents could happen suddenly; for example, I found out that tear gas had brutality. However, others spoke of some been used nearby whilst I was in church churches supporting violent protest one morning. However, protests tended and their difficulty reconciling this with to be concentrated in particular areas Christian faith. It is a society which is and elsewhere life continued, and you becoming increasingly polarised, as could forget the city’s difficulties for neighbours, friends and families hold a while. opposing views. Feelings of anger and As I talked to people, both within the anxiety are shared by many. college and in local churches I quickly I also spent some time working for became aware of a diverse range of women write statements in English “Mission to Migrant Workers”. There opinions about the situation. This was about their mistreatment and seeing the are large numbers of migrant workers most evident as to whether people talk practical help and care given to them. in Hong Kong, primarily Filipino about “protesters” or “rioters”. women who are employed as domestic It was an amazing opportunity to Many, particularly in the early weeks helpers. Many are not well treated by experience a placement in Hong Kong, of my placement, talked about the their employers and some are abused meeting people and learning about importance of maintaining Hong Kong’s physically, emotionally and financially. their lives during such a challenging freedoms and blamed violence on police It was a privilege helping some of these time for the city.

25 FOCUS Offering welcome, N building Kingdom Barnham Broom and Upper Yare Group

ome would say that one PCC church across such a dispersed population. AGM a year is enough for anyone, We either get involved or risk losing our but when you are faced with 13, church life.” Shared Morning Prayer is a you begin to understand the regular practice in different locations reality of managing the Barnham Broom across the benefice on weekday mornings. and Upper Yare Group. Stretching from Our choir is expertly led by a local teacher. SDereham to Wymondham and covering Perhaps paradoxically, because we are an area of over 80 square miles with a such a dispersed community, we have a population around 4,000, its challenges strong sense of ‘church’ as being something are many but probably reflect those of much bigger than (our beautiful) buildings. many rural parishes. In this way relationships across the area Our benefice has some 17 villages or are nurtured through such diverse ways hamlets. We regularly worship in our 15 as regular community meals, home-based churches (three without electricity) and communion services, teams of Open-the- occasionally in the sixteenth, which is run Book volunteers going into our schools, by a national charity. Our local Methodist denomination and a group of highly group-wide services, and a whole-benefice chapel is very much part of the family respected Authorised Worship Assistants. community magazine, together with social too and we are privileged to have people As a group of ‘worship leaders’ we meet events and an outward-looking vision of several denominations worshipping and study together several times a year which sees us collecting for local charities regularly with us. We have three brilliant and through the Diocesan structures are as well as the usual fund raising activities schools, two pubs and one shop and regularly assessed and re-accredited. for parish share and church fabric. We have since we straddle two district council Having lay persons as leaders in this way several summer fetes which are always areas across such a wide area, we are an well supported by many visitors. Likewise, has many benefits including bringing a expression of unity, something we are the Christmas Rural Market held every two constant ‘refreshing’ of Christian life as keen to emphasise in our preaching. years has become a huge success and is an our diverse group make their way around opportunity for each parish to contribute In order to sustain our services and the churches. As one of our colleagues collectively to a single benefice-wide although we only have one full-time put it: “a high percentage of our regular event. priest, we are fortunate in having a retired worshipping community are directly Archdeacon as Associate Priest, a Curate, involved in many diverse aspects of Pastorally, many of the church-going a Reader, an ordained person of another sustaining the work and meaning of the community have lived in the area

26 A regular feature focusing on a benefice or parish in the Diocese of Norwich, written by someone from that community.

for decades, and as a result they are recommend our experience with this As a result, rural ministry is a place the expression of loving concern for collection of parishes to anyone and have where people come to be quite literally neighbour, community and environment. been left with a long-lasting feeling of ‘re-formed’ as they value time spent over effort expended and the slow process of Our Group Council, with members drawn community.” developing relationships, sometimes in from all the parishes and worship leaders, conflict, sometimes in pain, sometimes meets four times a year and enables us to in joy, but always intentionally in Christ’s take decisions on many issues collectively. We would recommend our love, over years. It is a visible expression of how we value experience with this collection each parish for its own expression of the Perhaps the last word should go to Faith whilst being equally committed to of parishes to anyone and have someone who arrived amongst us our unity as the Christian church in this been left with a long-lasting recently, our Curate: geographical area. feeling of community. “Before coming to this benefice, and with Our monthly Group Services cycle around no prior experience of rural ministry, I the churches and are strongly supported was worried I might be moving into a by the majority. No one congregation context with little scope or opportunity need ever feel ‘small’ or ‘forgotten’ when a It’s a welcome that encourages for learning and training as a curate. larger congregation periodically descends contributions of all sorts from residents “I could not have been more wrong. on your church. irrespective of what their beliefs might be and a welcome that emphasises Not only have I had an excellent Yet for all the activity, you need a single participation in community and training experience, but I have found ethos which says something about why community-making. Practically this in this benefice a warm and welcoming the church needs to be here, why you means activities as diverse as offering family of parishioners across our many are here and why the Church of England our churchyards as places where school churches who are a vital part of building needs to value rural ministry. children come for classes, to inviting a community where they live, and I have found myself challenged by their This has to do with a generous welcome in local Youth for Christ team to come in and example to constantly rethink what it Christ’s name, a welcome that sees us host lead a highly successful youth group, to means to go about the work of building many couples each year for their weddings welcoming participation in re-purposing the Kingdom right where we are.” especially those from outside the area. our churches as community spaces or as One of our recent couples remarked on training-spaces for the next generation of Find out more on the website: the welcome and friendliness: “We would bell-ringers in one of our three bell-towers. www.groupof15.org.uk

27 News in brief Updates from across the Diocese

PHOTO: Natural History Museum

Dippy on Tour

New science Norwich Cathedral is preparing to host a variety of activities and we hope Dippy’s and faith grant prehistoric guest in summer 2020 when visit will bring great joy to children and the Natural History Museum’s iconic adults alike while also encouraging A new £3.4 million grant has been dinosaur cast Dippy pays a four-month people to be inspired by nature and to announced for Equipping Christian visit from July 11 until October 31. think about important issues such as Leadership in An Age of Science, climate change and food production. the project that promotes greater The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane understanding between science and Hedges, said: “We are incredibly excited “Dippy’s visit will also encourage debate faith. It is a partnership between to be welcoming Dippy to Norwich about the relationship between faith the Church of England and the Cathedral this summer. Dippy is such and science and we look forward to Universities of Durham and York. an iconic figure, and his stay in Norwich the cathedral playing a part in many will give many thousands of people the thought-provoking conversations.” There will be an expansion of the chance to enjoy seeing him up close Scientists in Congregations scheme, here in East Anglia. More details about the opening times awarding grants for local science for Dippy and associated special events and faith projects in churches “Historically Naves in churches and will be available nearer the time at and cathedrals including science cathedrals have been used for a wide www.cathedral.org.uk festivals. The scheme will include a new emphasis on working with cathedrals and larger parish churches to pioneer projects that The Archdeacon’s can be replicated by other churches. Charge 2020 “I am delighted to hear of this project helping priests in training The Archdeacon’s Charge family day to engage with the latest science,” and fun run which has been held for said the Revd Dr Patrick Richmond, the past 10 years will not be returning Chair of Science and Faith in Norfolk in 2020 and beyond. and vicar of Christ Church, Eaton. “Science and Faith in Norfolk has The event was founded in 2010 by the been honoured to have the leaders Ven John Ashe (who was Archdeacon of Following a review of the event and of the project, Professors Tom Lynn and Warden of Readers) following its costs – and given the number of McLeish and David Wilkinson, to a serious car accident in 2009 when his participants and visitors has dropped speak in Norwich Cathedral and we wife’s life was saved by the East Anglian year-on-year recently – it was felt that know their vision can help people Air Ambulance airlifting her from the now is the time for the event to gracefully appreciate the positive interaction crash scene. Since its inception the finish. Many churches run summer fates, of science with Christian faith and event has raised over £123,000, half fayres and community days and these overcome the myth of inevitable of which has been donated to the air have understandably been one of the conflict.” ambulance and half to local churches, reasons why several churches chose not youth groups, schools and charities. to take part.

28 The Bishop’s Day – all are called

at a special day at Norwich Cathedral “Tell me, what is it you plan on Saturday 16 May. A taster of some of to do with your one wild and “It will be a diverse day of celebration, the workshops that precious life?” asks Mary Oliver discovery, reflection and enrichment in her poem “The Summer Day”. and I would love you to join us and for are planned: us to seek out together what it means to be called by God,” he said. “We’ll c Caring for creation be offering a great variety of sensory e often think of calling c Choral music ways to consider how we live out our in terms of a vocation Christian faith every day.” c A Children’s choir or role, but it is as much about a way of being as A relaxed start over coffee and c Mental health: Recovery Church a way of doing. For each of us it will look doughnuts with jazz music c Loving for Life: marriage different, using talents and strengths accompaniment will lead into a preparation with Mothers’ Union ofW character that only develop as we short act of worship, setting out journey with God; allowing the world the themes for the day. c Faith & Science around us to experience the effect of Andrew Sinclair will then be c Developing a Dementia-Friendly our life that God has created us to have. interviewing with Bishop Graham Church Paul describes the way to live out our on the topic of calling. There will be c Being a parent calling: “I urge you to live a life worthy opportunities to explore and dip of the calling you have received. Be into a wide range of interactive areas c Prayer in the everyday completely humble and gentle; be and reflective spaces around the c Life in the Front-Line patient, bearing with one another in Cathedral, giving space to reflect on The day will run from 10am – love” (Eph. 4:1,2). what it means to live out God’s plan 3.30pm and you are encouraged for each one of us. To be called by Jesus Christ is to have to come for the whole day. Parking your horizons broadened, and your Drop in areas open all day will include is available at the Cathedral and capacities enlarged. Jesus Christ calls us a human library, a chance to “grill Browne’s Meadow. Book your place to be more than we think we can be, to a Bishop”, a trust trail, a labyrinth, at www.DofN.org/2020 serve more deeply than we can imagine outside games and more. and to offer our lives more completely Workshops, Bible studies, bread- Children are welcome and throughout to God than we can do simply by our making, drama, music and choirs are the day activities will be available for all own efforts. just some of the variety of activities ages to join in, including a family craft Bishop Graham is inviting everyone to on offer, and a special creative act of area and a toddler zone near the café, explore God’s calling on each of our lives worship at 2pm will be unmissable! run by the PlayVan.

29 Resources General and seasonal resources and ideas to inform, inspire and enable.

‘Building Understanding’

“Inviting visitors to engage with our faith through church furnishings and festivals.” In response to the Diocesan Mission Strategy 2021, the Listen stream has commissioned this resource pack for parishes across this Diocese to use as a tool for welcome and outreach. Local guided The pack holds a set of explanatory notices designed to help weekday retreats visitors see your church, not merely as an interesting historical building, but as the At the centre of Christ’s message home of a worshipping community of to the world is, “love me, love Christians. those around you and love yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40) The The intention is that, as visitors read Revd Deborah Hamilton-Grey them, they feel as if members of your times and seasons in the Christian thinks that the third part of this church community are showing them year. And, if you’d like to, it’s possible message is often overlooked. around, helping them to understand why to replace the generic photos in the “Jesus commands us to care for the contents of the building hold such pack with photos of your own church ourselves because we are precious, deep meaning and to imagine them in building(s) and those who worship wonderfully and fearfully made in use during worship. there – templates for each of the Gods sight. We are the gift of love Brief explanations are offered about notices are downloadable from the to those around us, we first need to significant pieces of furniture, other Diocese of Norwich website: find space to draw near to God.” features of church buildings, and certain www.dofn.org/furniture A new collaboration with Letton Hall, west of Norwich, is now offering a space just to “be”, in the What’s your church’s carbon footprint? form of a guided residential retreat. The Church of England’s Research and There will then be two “We’re offering reflection, prayer, Statistics team have been working on efficiency scores, one for quiet, laughter, stillness, food and creating a tool that will inform churches energy efficiency based fellowship,” explains Deborah. of their carbon footprint based on their on building size and one “Spiritual nourishment for the energy usage. This tool will be made for attendance. There will also soul; this is retreat. Join us, all are available to all Church of England churches be some helpful tips to reduce welcome.” using the Online Parish Returns System. carbon emissions. In the future For a full list of retreats, booking there will be opportunity to see how “We are aiming to streamline information churches progress over time as well as the info and a sample programme in from our own data sources to pre- 2020, contact Deborah at ability to compare with other churches populate the majority of the tool, so that [email protected] or visit within their diocese and other similar- churches will only be asked for additional www.lettonhall.org for more sized churches nationally. information if it is not available to us information. To find out more, please email: elsewhere.” [email protected] or Each church will receive the amount of download the Energy Footprint tool here: carbon produced by their church annually. www.DofN.org/energyfootprinttool

Search and discover more resources at www.DofN.org/missionhub

30 The Sacred Podcast

Have a listen to this podcast from Theos – the Christian think tank. It explores how Music for mission and ministry we can have better public conversations Two three-day courses (Wales in with practical management and about the things we value, despite our April and Lancashire in September) best practice in delivery”. No musical differences. “Each episode features an are on offer to leaders of worship expertise is required. and musicians by the Royal School in-depth interview with writers, thinkers, of Church Music (RSCM). Led by the The RSCM offers several face-to-face, activists, comedians, community leaders Revd Helen Bent, the RSCM’s Head of distance education and training and others, in which we discuss the Ministerial Training, Music for Mission programmes, published resources, things we hold dear, and to examine the and Ministry is a training course courses and activities. Find out things that hold us together – not just designed to “help you make informed more at www.rscm.org.uk or call as individuals, but as a society.” Simply choices for music in worship, to help 01722 424848 search for The Sacred Podcast on the podcast app of your choice.

A Peter’s Cat collection is available as an eBook from Amazon. Cartoon resources for Sunday schools can be found at www.deadseacomics.co.uk

31 Out & About happenings across the Diocese

A round-up of some of the parish activities over the past few months. Do send in your photos to [email protected] @dioceseofnorwich or @DioceseNorwich tag @dioceseofnorwich

Lowestoft Breakfast Café milestone Volunteers at St Andrew’s provide a good value breakfast for people in the Roman Hill community, many of whom survive on very low incomes. They recently celebrated the third anniversary of providing hundreds of bacon butties and bowls of cereal served with Christian hospitality and friendship. “A real sense of community is growing.”

Mayflower 400 festival launches in Harleston church A flotilla of 400 origami boats set sail to launch a year of Mayflower A new community 400 celebrations in St John’s The Cringleford Assembly launched this year. Harleston. Rector the Revd Canon Meeting on the third Sunday of each month at Nigel Tuffnell explains: “Onboard the local school, Pioneer Missioner the Revd Tim was Dr Samuel Fuller and Edward Yau says, “We’re gathering as a community to form Fuller, both from Redenhall deeper relationships, exploring the big questions in parish. The church is open during life and what it means to ‘live well’ and to celebrate the day for anyone to come and being pro-active neighbours.” appreciate the spectacle!”

32 Planting silver in the Bishop’s Garden Pupils from the Eco Council of St Michael’s VA Junior School in Bowthorpe, Norwich were in their element as they helped to plant a grove of Himalayan silver birch trees in the Bishop’s Garden. Head Gardener Sam Garland guided their efforts and they were rewarded with hot chocolate and cookies!

Week of prayer for Christian unity in Aylsham “It was a real joy to worship with our friends from the other churches in our town during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Community, Methodist, Catholic, Quaker, Anglican and Salvation Army churches joined together to pray.”

The Bishop tried his Bishop’s Deanery visits round-up hand at turning over the Bishop Graham has had a busy few months touring the grain at Crisp Maltings, Diocese of Norwich deaneries. Here is a small selection of Great Ryburgh, working snapshots from those visits. with local farmers to produce malt for brewers worldwide.

Chaplains and senior staff shared a time of prayer with the Bishop in the Sacred “Why do you believe Space at the Queen in God?” Some Elizabeth Hospital, forthright questions King’s Lynn. to the Bishop from a small group of Year 5 pupils at Fairhaven Primary School.

“I’m in awe of what you do!” said Bishop Graham when invited A resident of to take a turn the Manor Care driving the Caister Home in Aylsham lifeboat out to the chats with Bishop sandbanks. Graham.

33 WHAT’S ON Highlights of events and learning opportunities across the Diocese March 2020 – May 2020

For more head to www.DofN.org/events

MARCH Dementia Inclusive Church: APRIL Journeying with Hope Sat 7 Mar | 9.45am - 3.30pm Silence in Norwich Cathedral Escape from the Vicarage Address: Norwich Cathedral, The Close, Mon 2 Mar | 7pm - 8pm NR1 4DD Fri 3 Apr | 9am - 1pm Address: Norwich Cathedral, The Close, This workshop will explore a faith-based, Address: Letton Hall, Shipdham, IP25 7SA NR1 4DD relationship-centred, hope-filled response Life at the vicarage can have its ups and Lent: the season of prayerful self-examination. to the challenge of dementia. Please book downs for young people who have a parent Join us for a brief, silent haven from the in advance. in Christian ministry. Why not come and concerns of daily life. Admission: Free. Contact: Lesley Lofts; 01603 meet others who understand the pressures? Admission: Free. Contact: Gudrun Warren; 882338, [email protected] A morning of fun and go-karting for young 01603 218443, [email protected] people in school years 7-13 who have a parent working in the church or public Christian ministry. Please book in advance. Admission: Free. Contact: Liz Dawes; 01603 882335, [email protected]

Music for Springtime with Afternoon Tea Sat 4 Apr | 3pm Address: All Saints, Lime Kiln Lane, Upper Sheringham, NR26 8AE Angela Dugdale and friends (piano, clarinet and flute) will enchant us with a springtime concert while we enjoy delicious afternoon tea. Funds raised for An evening of Flanders and Swann the bell appeal. Please book in advance. Sat 7 Mar | 7.30pm Admission: £10. Contact: Sue Morton; Address: St Mary Magdalene’s, Silver Road, 01263 826078, [email protected] Our Climate Challenge Norwich, NR3 4TF Both well-known favourites and completely Thur 5, 12, 19 Mar | 7.30pm each day unusual songs by Michael Flanders & Address: St Margaret’s, The Street, Donald Swann, presented by the baritone Hempnall, NR15 2LR Leon Berger who was for many years Join us for a series of three evenings Donald Swann’s librarian and musical during Lent concerning Climate Change. secretary. Admission: Free. Admission: £8. Contact: Revd Selwyn Tillett; Contact: The Revd Liz Billett; 01603 699957, [email protected] 01508 482366, [email protected] Afternoon Concert with the Godly Play Taster Session Norwich Cathedral Choir Sat 7 March | 9.30-11.30am Sun 15 Mar | 4pm Address: Wymondham Abbey, Wymondham, Address: St Peter’s, Newmarket Road, NR18 0PH Cringleford, NR4 6UE At this session hear how Godly Play is used Come and join us for a wonderful afternoon in different contexts, from schools, churches of Choral Music at St. Peter’s Church in and care homes. Enjoy the awe of being Cringleford. The recital includes favourite welcomed into the Godly Play storytelling choral music such as works by Rutter, experience, hear and story for yourself and Stanford, Britten, Brahms and Lauridsen. wonder together. Please book in advance. Admission: Free. Contact: Liz Dawes; 01603 Admission: £6. Contact: Juliet Godier; 01603 882335, [email protected] 259138, [email protected]

34 Art Exhibition Who Let the Dads Out? Nuts and Ecumenical Palm Sunday service Sat 25 – Sun 26 Apr | 10am - 5pm each day Bolts with Tony Sharp Sun 5 Apr | 6.15pm Address: Trimingham Hall, Stone Field, Thurs 14 May | 7pm - 9pm Address: Norwich Salvation Army Citadel, Trimingham, NR11 8HY Address: All Saints, Church Plain, Mattishall, NR2 1LL Local art exhibition to raise funds for Dereham, NR20 3QF This annual Ecumenical service is Trimingham Church. Refreshments, Tony Sharp from WLTDO? (Care for the Family) organised by the Church Leaders including light lunches, will be served on is leading this fun and informative session of Norfolk and Waveney Churches both days. Free parking. that focuses on the ‘nuts and bolts’ of setting Together (NWCT). Admission: Free. Contact: Dot Bradley; up and the ongoing running of the Who Let Admission: Free. Contact: Catherine Howe; 01263833249 (after 6pm) the Dads Out? group. Please book in advance. [email protected] Admission: Free. Contact: Liz Dawes; 01603 Cultivating Hearts 882335, [email protected] Sat 25 Apr | 10am - 4pm Address: Fountain of Life, The Well Christian Spring Concerts at Centre, Swaffham Road, Ashill, IP25 7BT St Matthias Church A day to encourage, equip and empower all Mon 18 May | 7pm those that engage with children, youth and Address: St Matthias, Church Road, families in church ministry, facilitated through Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe, NR14 6PT a varied programme of worship, topical Enjoy a variety of musical performances keynotes, and seminars with practical ideas - from folk to contemporary - in this and discussion. Please book in advance. wonderful round-towered church. Admission: £10. Contact: Matthew Beckett; Admission: Free. Contact: Alison Shirreff; 01760 441902, [email protected] 01502 677525, [email protected] MAY

The Passion of Sophia - A short play for Easter Sun 5 Apr | 7.30pm Address: St Cuthbert’s, Wroxham Road, Sprowston, NR7 8TZ “The Passion of Sophia” takes to the dance floor, where the moon has been sold for a glitter ball. Enter Sophia; she is wisdom from Norfolk Churches Trust an earlier age, and she’s searching for her Stately Car Boot Sale greatest treasure. Sun 24 May | 10am - 3.30pm Admission: Free. Contact: Dean Akrill; 01603 Address: Sennowe Park, Guist, NR20 5PB 482360, [email protected] Colkirk Arts Festival A car boot with a difference to raise money Sat 9 - Sun 10 May | 10am - 5pm Sat, 10am - for Norfolk’s many churches. Expect plenty Easter Sunday Sunrise Service 4pm Sun of pitches, food, competition, an auction Sun 12 Apr | 6am Address: St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, and plenty more in a stately location. A fun Address: Beach Road Car Park, Beech Road, Colkirk, NR21 7NP day out. Happisburgh, NR12 0PP An art and craft extravaganza! Our church Admission: £5 per adult. Contact: Patrick Begin Easter Day by watching the sun rise as will be bedecked with decorations on the Lines; [email protected] we celebrate communion on the cliff top at theme ‘Colours of the Rainbow’ Happisburgh. Admission: Free. Contact: Vanda Richards; Admission: Free. Contact: Revd Catherine 01328 316514, [email protected] Dobson; 01692 650359, [email protected] Julian Festival 2020 Sat 9 May | 10.30am - 4pm Address: St Julian’s, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1QD A celebration of the life, legacy and spiritual witness of the Lady Julian of Norwich, in the church where she lived and prayed. Admission: Free. Contact: Fr Richard Stanton; 01603 626104, [email protected]

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