DOCSLIB.ORG

Annual Report 2019 St Mary Le Bow Church

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Annual Report 2019 St Mary Le Bow Church St Mary le Bow Church Annual Report 2019 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY-LE-BOW Registered Charity No. 1130098 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2019 St Mary-le-Bow | Annual Report | 2019 Preface to the Rector’s Report I had imagined that at this year’s significant sense of unity and warmth Annual Meetings scheduled for March – which I greatly appreciate. I have tried and with the tower project finally be- to keep in touch with as many as possi- hind us – I would begin with the words, ble and apologise to any who may be ‘Well at least it can’t get any worse!’. feeling neglected. However! The onset of the Pandemic It is impossible to predict the shape of has served to intensify the financial fra- life in the City across a number of pro- gility of the Parish after the Tower and it fessional and interest groups with which has been painful to preside over a closed the parish connects and we may have a church and withered programme; but it number of difficult and demanding deci- is not all bad news. We have discovered sions ahead. However the prevailing new skills and opportunities (together culture of the Parish and the church with most parishes) in streaming liturgy, council is one of realism and faithfulness although I have set my face against and those should assist us to navigate streaming the Eucharist which seems to the days with some confidence. GRB me a nonsense. But regular streamed Evening Prayer on Zoom (by invitation to the bulletin list) has plainly been ap- preciated and popular and has drawn in not only those who are unlikely to be in the City for a while, but also members of the congregation whose City careers have come to an end. There is a 4 St Mary-le-Bow | Annual Report | 2019 The Rector To say that 2019 was a ‘bumpy year’ for although our reserves are denuded we St Mary-le-Bow is as delightful an un- have managed our affairs without any derstatement as in any more significant serious threat to cash flow. Michael theatre of thought and action. Since the Byrne deserves especial thanks for man- Tower Project had absorbed much ener- aging this with such attention and appli- gy in funding and planning (including cation. It is notable that our general one abortive tender round) it deserved operating costs generated a surplus to be delivered with confidence and once again and that some improved care. However we were ill served (and I giving from the congregation was a not must say no more than that!) and the insignificant part of this. whole project spun out of control in terms of cost and time (pretty much It is to be hoped that major work on the double in both respects). It was hugely Tower will not be needed for perhaps a stressful, and my first duty is to pay generation, but it has to be absurd that tribute to the Churchwardens, who the responsibility for such an important were towers of strength, and in particu- national monument should rest with a lar Antoine West whose attention (in congregation. This pattern is of course part only professionally) was beyond replicated across the land and is one of generous and always wise. Sincere grati- the most intractable and unsustainable tude is also owed to Victoria Russell, compromises of our national life. To friend of the Parish and an expert con- ensure that we are always alert, the PCC struction lawyer, who also gave gener- will commission an abseilers’ inspection ously of her time and advice. The PCC halfway through each Quinquennial repeatedly reviewed our position and Inspection regime. There are other unanimously concluded – with the aid buildings issues that await us. of extensive advice – that we should defend our assets in a legal dispute Some years ago a report was commis- which ultimately we lost (although hap- sioned by the Corporation on likely pily because of legal expenses insur- working patterns in the City which I only ance, at only modest cost to the Parish). studied because asked to make a The fact that the PCC fulfilled its obliga- presentation to the Deanery Synod. The tions without rancour, dissent or dis- report was posited on changes to 2020 pute was very encouraging. and I don’t know what evidence there may be that these prophecies have Although, as I write, the Parish has been fulfilled. But there is evidence that suffered an extreme assault on carefully our weekly and festival attendances garnered reserves (with some avenues (December apart) are contracting for recovery outstanding), this should (although those involved here are prob- not hide from us where we might have ably more involved) and that this may been in the original scenario. So de- be a result of hot desking and hub work- manding was the restoration needed ing by which many in the City are here that we had secured permission to sell for perhaps two or three days each (with the proviso to restore) some of week. The effect of this is to reduce our endowment. The generous – and people’s leisure when actually here and unexpected – donation of £100,000 to discourage interest in existing institu- from Trinity Church New York meant tions. There are probably similar effects that this was no longer envisaged, and in Ward Clubs, livery and some hospital- 5 St Mary-le-Bow | Annual Report | 2019 ity outlets (but not coffee shops plainly The Rectors’ and Deans’ Conference and indeed the original report suggest- took place in Auckland, New Zealand ed, as I seem to recall, that 40% of where the prominent church of St those working in the City by 2020 would Matthew thrives with liturgical worship be working out of coffee shops!). All of on Sundays (and a very liberal take on this is salutary for parish churches in a traditional belief!) and as a venue for non-residential area. pretty much anything the rest of the week. It makes St Mary-le-Bow look as if Parishes which obsess about their it could do with a few more bookings! ‘plant’ or their resources should certain- That said, a puzzling feature of 2019 ly be watched; for despite all this, Parish was the complete absence of weddings life has continued at St Mary-le-Bow (generally numbering 7-9 in recent with its wonted shape. Of course I never years), but that looks to be at least par- imagine that we are doing enough, or tially – and happily – reversed in 2020. enough that is original, faithful and ex- cellent. But generously – and in this It seems that in recent years quite a past year encouragingly – others often good number of now serving clergy see us more handsomely than we de- have found springs of formation or sup- serve; with a programme that compre- port here. In late 2019 we were delight- hends local engagement, pastoral care ed to be joined by Graham Dale who is and formation, addressing the wider training at St Mellitus College for self- issues of the day, musical excellence, supporting ministry and who is now a charitable activity, warm sociability to- regular part of the Tuesday morning gether with faithful and supported congregation. He is a delight to have weekday worship. around. The twin peaks of our year have be- So we won’t lose heart and who shall come the round of Christmas services say that a slightly injured Parish won’t throughout much of December thereby be drawn to new imagination, (although this stretches into January initiative and faithfulness? and comprehends Candlemas and the The Revd George Bush Boyle Lecture) and the LIVE music festi- val which is a highlight of the Parish summer and which was especially full, diverse and successful in 2019. For LIVE our thanks are due to the Cheapside Business Alliance for financial support, to Sarah Mann for imaginative and te- nacious leadership of the programme and to Tom Allery as Musical Director and for making the whole week gel to- gether so well. 6 St Mary-le-Bow | Annual Report | 2019 The Rector’s other Responsibilities As well as his Parish ministry, the Rector He is Chair of the Trustees of the City of serves as Bishop’s Surrogate for Common London Social Investment Fund (marriage) Licences. He is Warden of Li- (Arcubus). He is a member of the Com- censed Lay Ministers (formerly Readers) in mittee of the Ward of Cordwainer Club the Two Cities Area of the diocese. and a Board member (non-voting) of the Cheapside Business Alliance. He is a He is Hon. Chaplain to the Britain- Trustee of the Arthur Phillip Memorial Australia Society and the City of London Trust, of the Thomas Carpenter Trust Club, as also the Arbitrators’, Firefight- and of the Dewi Sant Memorial Trust ers’ and International Bankers’ Compa- (the St David’s Society). He is a Patron nies and as Master’s Chaplain of the of the World Marmalade Festival. Furniture Makers’ Company. The Rector’s Stipend in 2019 was He is as a Trustee of the charity Com- £27,206. The parish continues – and munity, Housing and Therapy and of the generously – to provide heating, lighting Red House Stepney, which he chairs and and cleaning to the Lodging. GRB which runs a modest residential facility in Kent. Taking the lead: the Rector (with camel) at Grocers’ Hall, following the Company’s Christmas Carol Service at St Mary-le-Bow. 7 St Mary-le-Bow | Annual Report | 2019 Top The Provincial Registrar of the Southern Province reads the Queen’s Mandate and the Vicar General’s Court subsequently confirms the Election of the Rt Revd Libby Lane to the See of Derby in February.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Women Readers of Middle Temple Celebrating 100 Years of Women at Middle Temple the Incorporated Council of Law Reporting for England and Wales
    The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple Middle Society Honourable the The of 2019 Issue 59 Michaelmas 2019 Issue 59 Women Readers of Middle Temple Celebrating 100 Years of Women at Middle Temple The Incorporated Council of Law Reporting for England and Wales Practice Note (Relevance of Law Reporting) [2019] ICLR 1 Catchwords — Indexing of case law — Structured taxonomy of subject matter — Identification of legal issues raised in particular cases — Legal and factual context — “Words and phrases” con- strued — Relevant legislation — European and International instruments The common law, whose origins were said to date from the reign of King Henry II, was based on the notion of a single set of laws consistently applied across the whole of England and Wales. A key element in its consistency was the principle of stare decisis, according to which decisions of the senior courts created binding precedents to be followed by courts of equal or lower status in later cases. In order to follow a precedent, the courts first needed to be aware of its existence, which in turn meant that it had to be recorded and published in some way. Reporting of cases began in the form of the Year Books, which in the 16th century gave way to the publication of cases by individual reporters, known collectively as the Nominate Reports. However, by the middle of the 19th century, the variety of reports and the variability of their quality were such as to provoke increasing criticism from senior practitioners and the judiciary. The solution proposed was the establishment of a body, backed by the Inns of Court and the Law Society, which would be responsible for the publication of accurate coverage of the decisions of senior courts in England and Wales.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Gluvias, Penryn
    Weekly Notices: St. Gluvias, Penryn Please visit the Church of England website https://www.churchofengland.org/ or alternative styles of Weekly Notices worship and prayers that you can do at home. In these times of uncertainty, you are always welcome to contact Fr Michael should you wish to share in a prayer. Pease telephone 01326 341304 or email [email protected] Penryn Food Bank – Coffee, tinned foods, cereals, dried pet food, washing powder and toiletries, especially bars of soap…all items donated are greatly appreciated. Highway Community Centre, Church Road, Penryn 01326 618575 Trinity Sunday The Diocese of Truro has created a public facebook page – Sunday 7th June 2020 they ask that we share best practice and support one another - https://www.facebook.com/groups/666521677455911/ There are currently no weekly services, as churches Switching to the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) is now have been ordered to close by the Archbishops of even easier to do. PGS have launched a new telephone Canterbury and York, in accordance with guidance service, designed to enable prospective donors to set-up from the Government. regular Direct Debit donations to their parish church over the phone. Collect Almighty and everlasting God, Telephone: 0333 002 1271 and one of the administrators will take you through the process – it takes around 15 you have given us your servants grace, by the confession of minutes to complete. You will need: a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity Your Personal bank account details and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the The name of the parish you are donating – Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore St.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring/Summer 2018 WELCOME
    Spring/Summer 2018 WELCOME ALUMNI OFFICE WELCOME TO INTOUCH SPRING/SUMMER 2018 +44 (0)20 7848 3053 [email protected] – THE WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT ISSUE King’s College London Virginia Woolf Building Gender equality has been described by the UN as 22 Kingsway London, WC2B 6LE ‘not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary © King’s College foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable London 2018 world.’ Making choices and being an agent of change is key to women’s empowerment – the theme of this issue of InTouch. InTouch is published by the university’s Fundraising We mark two important milestones in this magazine. & Supporter Development As well as it being the centenary of women’s suffrage department. The opinions expressed in it are those this year, it is also the 150-year milestone since the of the writers and not University of London – of which King’s was a founding necessarily those of college – allowed women to take examinations and the university. thus being admitted into higher education. EDITORIAL In the UK, women now have equal access to education and King’s has played an +44 (0)20 7848 3053 [email protected] important role in this. On page four, you can read about some inspiring women who broke the mould. Through their resilience and drive, they took matters into their EDITOR own hands and went on to achieve great things. Fiona Gaw The demographic of universities has changed over time, and now King’s has more CONTRIBUTORS female than male students. Yet, women still struggle with the gender pay gap and career Katherine Chinn, Sam Cooper, progression in the workplace.
    [Show full text]
  • Titles Available to Order from Philip Garside Pubishing Ltd. Books
    Titles available to order from Philip Garside Pubishing Ltd. [email protected] Prices and time to deliver were correct as at 17 July 2021, but may change in future This list is Copyright 2021 of Philip Garside Publishing Ltd Item Category Title Author type PagesISBN Publisher Year Price Time to deliver Click for details Advent & Christmas The Shepherd Who Couldn't Sing Alan Barker Pbk 32pp 9780281076741 SPCK (2018) Please ask [Please Ask] [email protected] Advent & Christmas Image of the Invisible: Daily Bible readings from Advent to Epiphany Amy Scott Robinson Pbk 160pp 9780857467898 BRF (2019) $32.00 [Allow 3-4 weeks] https://pgpl.co.nz/monthly- selections/advent-and-christmas- Advent & Christmas Expectant: Advent Meditations Anne E Kitch Pbk 65pp 9781640651463 Church (2019) $23.50 [1 in stock] https://pgpl.co.nz/monthly- Publishing selections/advent-and-christmas- Advent & Christmas Home by Another Way: A Christmas Story Barbara Brown Taylor Hbk 40pp 9781947888005 Westminster (2018) Please ask [Please Ask] [email protected] John Knox Advent & Christmas Something new to say: Words of spirit, faith and celebration for Advent and Bronwyn Angela White Pbk 68pp 9780473398583 Spirit & Faith, (2018) Was [2 in stock] https://pgpl.co.nz/monthly- Christmas NZ $25.00, now selections/pre-christmas-sale-2019/ Advent & Christmas Daily Devotions for Advent 2019 (Living Gospel) Carmelite Sisters of the Most Pbk 64pp 9781594719370 Ave Maria (2019) $12.00$12.00 [Allow 2-3 weeks] https://pgpl.co.nz/monthly- Sacred Heart of Los Angeles selections/advent-and-christmas- Advent & Christmas Dreamers and Stargazers: Creative Liturgies for Incarnational Worship Chris Thorpe Pbk 240 9781848259713 Canterbury (2017) Please ask [Please Ask] [email protected] Press Advent & Christmas The Gift of New Hope: Scriptures for the Church Seasons Year C Christopher L.
    [Show full text]
  • Parish Reports for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting
    PARISH REPORTS FOR THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING held simultaneously at All Hallows by the Tower Church and online via Zoom Sunday 20 September 2020 at 12.15pm INDEX Page Annual Parishioners’ Meeting and APCM Agendas 1 Preliminaries 2 Minutes of 2019 APCM 3-4 Electoral Roll Report 5 Vicar’s Report 5 Weekday Ministry Report 6 Liturgical & Lay Ministries Report 7 Education & History Report 8 Fabric Report 9 Financial Report 10 Deanery Synod Report 11 Welcome and Hospitality Report 12 A Year in the life of All Hallows 13-14 MEETING OF PARISHIONERS AND ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING to be held in the Church and via Zoom at 12.15pm on Sunday 20 September 2020 following the 11.00am Eucharist Annual Parishioners’ Meeting Agenda 1. To read the notice convening the meeting 2. To sign the Minutes of the previous meeting as distributed 3. To elect Churchwardens for the ensuing year Annual Parochial Church Meeting Agenda 1. To read the notice convening the meeting 2. Apologies 3. Minutes of previous APCM on Sunday 31 March 2019 4. Matters arising 5. Electoral Roll Report 6. Reports: a) Parish - Vicar; Weekday Ministry; Liturgical & Lay Ministries; Education & History b) Fabric c) Finance: including Adoption of Accounts and Appointment of Independent Examiner d) Deanery Synod e) Welcome and Hospitality 7. Elections a) Parochial Church Council (6 vacancies) b) Deanery Synod (1 vacancy) 8. Open discussion with opportunity of questions from the floor 9. Any Other Business 10. Date of Next APCM: 18 April 2021 - 1 - APCM REPORTS PRELIMINARIES The Parochial Church Council The PCC is required, as stated in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956, to co-operate with the Vicar in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
    [Show full text]
  • Director of Capital Visionpower of the Spirit Introduction
    CONFIDENT COMPASSIONATE CREATIVE In speaking and living In serving communities In reaching new people the Gospel of withAppointment the love of Godof and places with the Jesus Christ the Father Good News in the Director of Capital Visionpower of the Spirit Introduction Since its launch in June 2013, Capital Vision 2020 has encouraged our 400 parishes to be more confident, compassionate and creative in the way they serve the 4 million people who live in the Diocese (which covers London north of the Thames, and west of the River Lea). The number of worshipping communities has grown, as has the membership of the church which is now around 85,000. London is a global city and its population is expected to increase by one million people in the next eight years, and about half of this growth will be in the Diocese of London. This will bring many opportunities and challenges. We want to see the church building communities, transforming lives and being a constant presence in an ever-changing city. Like other church dioceses, London must take a listening and adaptable approach in identifying how to best serve the needs of our extraordinarily diverse communities. We now find ourselves in an exciting new season. Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the new Bishop of London and takes up her new role from May 2018. “As one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England, she has not only blazed a trail for others but lived out the principles of mutual flourishing and acceptance which I know will continue to bear fruit in London.” The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby “As a bishop in the House of Lords, I want to be a voice for people on the margins.
    [Show full text]
  • Government Amends School Advice After Consultation
    Egypt proves to be closer than we 01.03.19 £1.50 think No: 6473 Established in 1828 p8,9 AVAILABLEONNEWSSTAND Ethical Advisers appointed Governmentamends school adviceafter consultation THE GOVERNMENT’S new schoolsthat wish The AccordCoalition say that stance on Relationships and to do so to omit the guidance ‘facilitates reli- Sex Education ‘gives encour- LGBTcontent gious bias by failing to require agement to schools to omit completely.” or encourage schools to teach LGBT content completely’, Mr Terrysaid about abalanced range of views says the Accord Coalition. that the Govern- when teaching about religious Their response follows the ment has ‘surren- perspectives’. The Rev Paula Vennells, the publication of the government dered to a “The original draft of the Gov- CEO of the Post Office, is one response to the consultationon narrow-minded ernment’s proposed guidance of the new advisers to the Education, Relationships and lobby which encouraged faith schools to Church’s Ethical Investment Sex Education, and Health Edu- wishes to pro- ‘introduce pupils to different AdvisoryGroup. cation in England. mote exclusion faith perspectives’. This has She joins Barbara Ridpath, According to thereport, a ratherthan inclu- now been removed,” he added. who is abanking director and a sizeable proportion of com- sion’. The Church of England said member of Chatham House; ments werespecifically about “This is deeply in their response to the consul- Kumar Jacob, aformer vice the teaching of LGBT issues irresponsible as tationthat while they welcome chair of Christian Aid; David (373 responses, but questions involve their parent body in we know agreat deal of LGBT the requirement aschools RSE Nussbaum, aformer chief exec- about health education received these decisions’.
    [Show full text]
  • August 2018 Bboxfordo • Edxward Storne • Griotovn • Leittler Wa Ldinngfield •E Newwton Grs Een Vol 18 No 8 LITTLE WALDINGFIELD OPEN GARDENS
    August 2018 BBoxfordo • Edxward stoRne • Griotovn • Leittler Wa ldinNgfield •e Newwton Grs een Vol 18 No 8 LITTLE WALDINGFIELD OPEN GARDENS Tricia Eddington's garden 'Photos by Fran Gregor-Smith After an initial early shower, we were again blessed with perfect weather for our Open Gardens on 17 June. We had a steady stream of appreciative visitors, who enjoyed our 13 beautiful gardens, and also the refreshments, plants and produce so kindly donated. A huge 'thank you' to everyone who worked so hard in the weeks and months leading up to the event, and on the day itself - our enthusiastic gardeners, cake-makers, and wonderful team of helpers in the Parish Room. Last, but by no means least, thanks must go to all our visitors and their kind comments on the gardens and how friendly our village is. We raised over £840, which will benefit our St. Lawrence Church - a successful day. Fran Gregor-Smith EddBie Keonchx, Kil n RCottagiev, Stoene rStre etN, Boxfeordw CO10s 5NR Telephone: 01787 211507 e.mail: [email protected] Final date for reserved copy for the September Issue is: August 15th at noon Delivered Free to every home in Boxford, Groton, Edwardstone, Newton, Little Waldingfield, White Street Green Milden and Kersey and is available to residents in Assington, Leavenheath, Gt Waldingfield, Polstead, Shelley Stoke by Nayland, Nayland, and parents of children at Boxford School. BOXFORD SCHOOL SUMMER SAUSAGE SIZZLE The 2018 Boxford School Summer Sausage Sizzle was held on Saturday 30th June and had a great turnout this year by students, staff and village residents.
    [Show full text]
  • St Mary the Virgin, Boston Spa; All Saints, Thorp Arch; St Peter, Walton; All Saints, Bramham; Boston 24Th October
    Saturday St Mary the Virgin, Boston Spa; All Saints, Thorp Arch; St Peter, Walton; All Saints, Bramham; Boston 24th October. Spa St Mary’s CE Primary; Lady Elizabeth Hastings CE Primary Clergy: The Revd Nick Morgan, The Revd Trish Anslow. As we look forward to building on the new sense of community which online worship has opened up to us, and Thursday Sports Chaplaincy UK — Adam May begin a new era of blended online and face to face worship and fellowship, pray for The Revd Nick Morgan, The 1st October. Revd Trish Anslow and the churchwardens and lay people involved in leading our worship and pastoral Remigius, Give thanks for all new chaplains we have continued to train during recent months and pray for discernment work. Please pray for us as we review the ministry of children and young people in our villages, and our work bishop, 533. when placing new sports chaplains into clubs and gyms. Pray for creativity and boldness for all sports chaplains to support them in their faith as we look for new ways of operating following the departure of Kate Kennedy, Anthony as they seek to engage with their local community of sport in new ways as we emerge into a new reality. Give Ashley thanks for all the opportunities that sports chaplains have been able to use to engage with others despite the who has led and coordinated this important part of our church life in recent years. Cooper, social Diocese of Cyangugu (Rwanda). Bishop Francis Karenera. reformer recent national lockdown. Diocese of Chhattisgarh (North India).
    [Show full text]
  • Walking Welcoming Growing
    Walking Welcoming THE BRIDGE Growing Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark Vol.24 No.4 May 2019 Inside THE BRIDGE Standing Together ...this month Against Violence Church leaders from The day began with prayers hours of prayer, testimonies in St Martin-in-the-Fields led and music took place as the many denominations by church leaders including rally focused on how best to welcare... 125 led the ‘Standing Bishop Jonathan, the Bishop try to stem the tide of violent years supporting Together Rally’ in of Edmonton, the Revd Peter crime - and particularly knife families Trafalgar Square Colwell from Churches crime - in our city. ... pages 6 & 7 Together in Britain and The Rally was opened by the on Saturday 6 April Ireland, Pastor Julie Stokes, Revd Canon Rosemarie Mallett, responding to the high Bishop Danny Bennett, Pastor Vicar of St John, Angell Town incidence of violence, Nims Obunge, the Revd Ade and Director of the Diocese’s Omooba and the Bishop of Justice, Peace and the Integrity especially amongst Barking, the Rt Revd Peter of Creation Department. The young people in the city. Hill. Bishop of London, the Rt Revd The theme of the rally ws They led prayers on a variety Sarah Mullally and others led a • Standing Together with of subjects including: those in time of lament. families and communities authority, unity church, social Hundreds of people who impacted by violent crime challenges, young people, had gathered from around peace in the countries cities, News and photos • Standing Together to work the country for the rally, then the rally and the nation from around the against violent crime heard from people involved in Over lunch some of those trying to tackle knife crime Diocese • Standing Together to fi nd who were to speak and other including Sophie Linden, effective solutions to combat invited guests were interviewed London’s Deputy Mayor for violent crime by the Revd Steve Coulson, Policing and Crime.
    [Show full text]
  • E-Magazine 2021
    “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” John 3.8a (NRSV) E-Magazine 2021 1 Dear friends Jesus says, “I have been given say over all things in heaven and in the earth. As you go, therefore, make disciples of all kinds of people, submerge them in Trinitarian Presence, and show them how to do everything I have commanded. And now look: I am with you every minute until the job’s done.” (Matthew 28:18-20) This is Dallas Willard’s translation of Jesus’ words at the end of Matthew’s gospel and he describes it as the great omission, in contrast to its normal title of the great commission, i.e. Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his ascension. Willard calls it the great omission because he thinks and I would agree that we as Jesus’ disciples now don’t do it (or not enough). Our task as church is to be disciples ourselves and to make disciples as we travel through life. We introduce people to God, Father Son and Holy Spirit, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. We show each other and new Christians how to do everything that Jesus commanded – love God and each other. As we move on to a new phase of life together as Christians in our homes, communities, schools and workplaces, these words remind us of our calling, our manifesto, what we witness to and are. The last sentence reassures us that we don’t do this alone, or even in our own strength, Jesus is with us by his Spirit to help, reassure, challenge and enable us in our Christian lives.
    [Show full text]
  • Porvoo Prayer Diary 2017
    PORVOO PRAYER DIARY 2017 The Porvoo Declaration commits the churches which have signed it ‘to share a common life’ and ‘to pray for and with one another’. An important way of doing this is to pray through the year for the Porvoo churches and their Dioceses. The Prayer Diary is a list of Porvoo Communion Dioceses or churches covering each Sunday of the year, mindful of the many calls upon compilers of intercessions, and the environmental and production costs of printing a more elaborate list. Those using the calendar are invited to choose one day each week on which they will pray for the Porvoo churches. It is hoped that individuals and parishes, cathedrals and religious orders will make use of the Calendar in their own cycle of prayer week by week. In addition to the churches which have approved the Porvoo Declaration, we continue to pray for churches with observer status. Observers attend all the meetings held under the Agreement. The Calendar may be freely copied or emailed for wider circulation. JANUARY 1/1 Church of England: Diocese of Chichester, Bishop Martin Warner, Bishop Mark Sowerby, ​ Bishop Richard Jackson Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Mikkeli, Bishop Seppo Häkkinen ​ ​ ​ 8/1 Church of England: Diocese of London, Bishop Richard Chartres, Bishop Adrian Newman, ​ Bishop Graham Tomlin, Bishop Pete Broadbent, Bishop Rob Wickham, Bishop Jonathan ​ Baker, Bishop Ric Thorpe Church of Norway: Diocese of Nidaros/ New see and Trondheim, Presiding Bishop Helga ​ Haugland Byfuglien, Bishop Tor Singsaas 15/1 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Oulu, Bishop Samuel Salmi ​ Church of Norway: Diocese of Soer-Hålogaland (Bodoe), Bishop Ann-Helen Fjeldstad Jusnes ​ Church of England: Diocese of Coventry, Bishop Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop John ​ Stroyan.
    [Show full text]