The Diocese of Lichfield Magazine Mar/Apr 2016

The 99th Bishop of Lichfield The Right Reverend Dr Michael Ipgrave has St Chad, a man of great humility and profound been named as the next Bishop of Lichfield. Christian faith.”

Bishop Michael (57), the current Bishop of His appointment was announced on 2 March Woolwich in the Diocese of Southwark, will be and was greeted in Wolverhampton by Bishop the ninety-ninth Bishop of Lichfield, in a line Clive: “A year ago on St Chad’s Day, Bishop going back to St Chad in the seventh century. Jonathan announced his retirement as Bishop of Lichfield. Today, on St Chad’s Day, we can In a personal welcome message to the Diocese, share the wonderful news that Bishop Michael is Bishop Michael says “I’ve had twelve wonderful joining us here in the West Midlands. He brings years in London but I am so looking forward to with him a rare combination of gifts, as theo- coming back to the Midlands. Lichfield is the logian and teacher, pastor and mission enabler, mother church of the Midlands, and the city of which will greatly enrich our life as a Diocese.” Next to Little Drayton, to meet the Lord The Right Reverend Michael Geoffrey Ipgrave Welcome, Bishop Michael Lieutenant of Shropshire, volunteers at the OBE, MA, PhD grew up in a small village in Market Drayton Food Bank and CAP, clergy Northamptonshire. He studied mathematics Following the announce- of Hodnet Deanery chapter and the team at Oriel College, Oxford, and trained for the ment of Bishop Michael's behind the ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford appointment on the 10 new ‘TGI after a year working as a labourer in a factory Downing Street website, Monday in Birmingham. He was ordained Deacon in Bishop Michael made a Show’ led 1982 in the Diocese of Peterborough. whistle-stop tour of the by the diocese, beginning by Diocese of After more than twenty years’ ministry meeting staff and clients Lichfield’s in Leicestershire and Japan, he became of the YMCA Black Country Online Archdeacon of Southwark in 2004. and Canon with Bishop Clive in Pastor: Missioner at Southwark Cathedral from 2010 Wolverhampton as well as Debs Walton of Wolverhampton Pioneer Ministries which works to 2012, Chair of the Southwark and London members of the media. closely with the YMCA Black Country reflected: “We’ve had some Diocesan Housing Association. Prior to this brilliant conversations with the non-Christian staff he had been Inter Faith Relations Adviser to as a result of the visit, many of whom were deeply the Archbishops’ Council and Secretary of the moved that this important man chose to start his Churches’ Commission on Inter Faith relations. new job by listening to them talk about their work. He was awarded the OBE in 2011 for services The fact that he wants to inter faith relations in London. Since 2012 to come back to find he has been Area Bishop of Woolwich in the out more was really Diocese of Southwark. He chairs the Council important for them. of Christians and Jews, and is co-Chair of the One person said it Anglican-Lutheran Society and of the Church was the first time of England’s Mission Theology Advisory Group. that they had realised that Christians would Bishop Michael is married to Dr Julia Ipgrave, offer love and encour- Finally, it being St Chad's a Senior Research Fellow in the Department agement to people Day he went to Lichfiield of Humanities at Roehampton University. They who are working hard in difficult Cathedral and was prayed have three grown up sons, one with a German circumstances. “ for by the Dean, the Very and one with a Russian wife, and have just Revd Adrian Dorber. He become grandparents. Then a dash up the And in anticipation of the was welcomed by, and M6 through the annual walk of witness by addressed, the Greater Michael and Julia are enthusiastic about sleet to Stoke, where he met combined churches across Cathedral Chapter before things Japanese. They enjoy walking, and are clergy and clients of the Sanctus refugee Newcastle-Under-Lyme attending looking forward to exploring Staffordshire project at St Mark's church Shelton: and Stoke-on-Trent, he a special and Shropshire on foot. He is a supporter of pinned service of Leicester City FC. a yellow Evensong ribbon which to the included Sentinel the St Cross. Chad's Day commemoration of Benefactors and the installation of three new Prebendaries.

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 2 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 3 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” United in love Flushed with success “We were on our honeymoon, and I was “Through the church, God has stripped people Worshippers at St Bertelin’s Church in “People collected pennies…and tuppences, listening to a podcast by the pool, hearing back, and matured them - you can see that in Stafford could not imagine what it would fivepences and ten pence pieces, all of which about what God is doing all over the world, the way people interact. There are a lot of single be like not to have anywhere private, safe were counted, checked and bagged…and we and this chap was talking about Immanuel men who are over there to make money, and and hygienic to “spend a penny” when eventually managed to twin our church toilets church, Fujairah. It was interesting but suffer with loneliness, so also a real sense that they needed to. So, when they heard about with 14 toilets throughout the world. nothing more. Then it turned out Ash knew the church is their family. There is a hunger to people living in communities in the devel- this guy’s wife. So we began chatting to know God more, especially among the poorer oping world didn’t have access to safe and “Toilet Twinning provides people in the poorest them out of interest and it snowballed.” expat labourers.” clean toilets, they thought they would do communities on the planet with a decent toilet, something about it. clean water and all the information they need Kieran and Ashley McKnight are going to the “You see the power of the gospel in the church, to stay healthy. It’s the key to helping whole United Arab Emirates in September, working bringing all these nations together, united “We decided to twin the toilets at St Bertelin’s communities break free of the poverty trap. in non-salaried posts as Pastoral Assistant and in their love of Jesus, though they wouldn’t Church with a toilet in the developing world Women’s Ministry Co-ordinator in Immanuel normally be friends or even cross paths. through a charity called Toilet Twinning” said “Children are healthier, and able to go to school; church, Fujairah. Revd Elaine Evans, vicar of St Bertelin, Stafford. parents are well enough to work their land and “We’ll be working grow enough food to feed their family. With “We went out to mostly on a “The initial target was to twin two toilets, but better health, and more ability to earn a living, visit in December. one-to-one as that target was soon met, we decided to men and women discover the potential that lies Fujairah is a lot basis, facili- keep going, fundraising through donations at within them to bring transformation.” more remote tating people’s Christmas, the proceeds from our Lent Lunches, and traditional study, helping and selling the fresh produce given to the than some of the them know and church at Harvest time. St Bertelin’s Church with their toilet twinning certificates better known understand the Emirates. It’s the Bible. We’ll also only mountainous be building region in the relationships with Emirates, a city the local commu- of about 200,000 nity. There’s an and forecast to obvious need - grow rapidly. We the church is keen went in the winter and switched on, and the tempera- many go on from ture was in the high 20s! their meetings to a theology lunch and further study, and we will be able to put the time to “After that we took some time to think and seek train and guide people. The church is two years God. I think we already knew, but we had to old and already planning and praying about make sure the excitement didn’t cool off. planting other churches on the coast.

“It is very multi-cultural, like the whole world “Between now and September, we are hoping to in one place. But Indians tend to spend time visit churches who believe in what we’re doing, with Indians, Pakistanis with Pakistanis and so and might offer prayer support.” on. There doesn’t seem to be much mixing or integration. In the church it’s a different story. To sign up for news from Kieran and Ashley and There are about 20 nationalities in the church, follow their journey, or to invite them to your all worshipping together and sharing their lives. church, contact them on [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 4 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 5 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” Royal Maundy Money In the name of the Father

Every year, Her Majesty The Queen presents until failing sight and reduced mobility led her The glass bowl was hand-blown with waves of special ‘Maundy money’ to local pensioners to retire in 2014. She is an Associate of the Iona cobalt blue weaving through clear glass by glass in a UK cathedral or abbey. The presentation Community and leads groups from the area to artist Martin Andrews. The base, involving clever takes place on Maundy Thursday in recog- stay with the Community each year. Mary spent engineering techniques, was completed in nition of the service of older people to their several years as a Missionary in South Africa American white oak by master carpenter, Jamie community and their church. with Bishop Trevor Huddleston in the 1940s-50s. Hubbard. Both craftsmen work from the Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge, a national centre of The Royal Maundy Service used to take place The Revd James Potts was a excellence for glass and crafts. in London, but early in her reign The Queen former incumbent in Madeley decided that the service should take and Stafford, now living in A special service was held at St George’s to place at a different venue every year. It Lichfield in retirement. He thank everyone who had raised funds to was held at Lichfield in 1988. worships and assists at the commission the unique font. The Archdeacon Cathedral. He was a missionary of Salop, the Venerable Paul Thomas, dedicated This year’s recipients include four local in Tanzania for 12 years. the font and Shrewsbury Town Crier, Martin people whose service has been recognised. Wood officially proclaimed its arrival. Since the fifteenth century, the number of The Revd Warren Bardsley is a retired Methodist Maundy coins handed out, and the number of Rev Murray McBride said: “This is a minister living in Lichfield. During his ministry people receiving the coins, has been related very auspicious day in the life of St he served in Sierra Leone and elsewhere. He to the Sovereign’s age: for example, when The George’s. We really want to say a big has done exemplary work in helping inter-faith Queen was 60 years old, 60 women and 60 men thank you to everyone involved and relations develop locally, been involved in trade received 60 pence-worth of Maundy coins. especially the two master craftsmen for all their justice campaigns and taken a leading role hard work. Many generations of children and in the Kairos Britain process supporting the Maundy coins have remained in much the same adults will be baptised in this new font. Palestinian people. He is a member of the Iona form since 1670. They have traditionally been Community and has written several books. struck in sterling silver, except for the brief “The new font is unique to the area and I really L-R: Cabinet Maker Jamie Hubbard, The Archdeacon of Salop interruptions of Henry’s Vlll’s debasement of the the Ven Paul Thomas, Martin Andrews, glass artist, and The think it’s a thing of beauty. It’s not just beau- Mrs Veronica Fletcher has served as Lay Chair coinage and the general change to 50% silver Reverend Murray McBride, Vicar of St George’s Church, tiful, it’s strong. I’m already looking forward Frankwell. for nearly 20 years in Telford coins in 1920. The sterling silver standard was to baptising people in the new font. I will be Deanery – one of the most resumed following the Coinage Act of 1946. In After 182 years, St George’s Church in baptising Catherine and Jack Buckley’s baby in difficult deaneries. She has 1971, when decimalisation took place, the coins’ Frankwell, Shrewsbury, has commissioned a April, a couple I married here two years ago. also served as a Licensed face values were increased from old to new pence. new font for baptisms. Their unborn baby was here today to see the Reader for St Peter’s Priorslee dedication!” since 2000. She still maintains The tradition of the Sovereign giving money to The old stone font was disintegrating and no a childlike enthusiasm for her the poor dates from the thirteenth century. The longer safe to use. Instead of replacing it with ministry and for the Gospel. Sovereign also used to give food and clothing, another stone or ‘off the peg’ font, the church and even washed the recipients’ feet. The took the step of having a new, hand-crafted, Miss Mary Jephcott has lived at Alstonefield Queen has distributed Maundy on all but four bespoke font designed. since retiring as Head of a school in occasions since coming to the throne in 1952. Birmingham. She is held in deep affection The new font, created by master-craftsmen by many in the community. A long-serving Maundy Thursday commemorates the day Jamie Hubbard and Martin Andrews, can Churchwarden of St Peter’s, she was licensed of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the be moved into the centre of the church for as a Reader in 2003 and led worship and bible Apostles. The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the baptisms. The project has taken three years and study groups with infectious enthusiasm, also command or ‘mandatum’ by Christ at the Last the church held a thorough consultation, which taking home communion around the Benefice Supper, to love one another. included getting ideas from the local school.

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 6 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 7 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” Celebrating faith in action “You don’t have to be a member to benefit. Anyone could knit for our babies. And it is important that churches in areas that don’t have a branch know they are very never forgotten but part of a great big family. If welcome to partner with you ask for prayer, you feel you are getting it. us. We are here for every parish.” “In the beginning, Mothers’ Union provided practical support for people, in a world before “We had twelve people social services. Now we feel there is a real need enrol in the Mothers’ again. Union in Perton, forming a new MU “In this Diocese, we knit for premature babies Group” says Julia Cody. – hats, jackets, blankets – right up to making dementia cushions for care homes, the whole “Advent Sunday, as we began another church life cycle. We provide away-from-it-all holi- year, seemed a very appropriate occasion to days for people suffering from stress, and we form a brand new Mothers’ Union group and This year will see Mothers’ Union mark 140 supported farmers with holidays when the enrol 10 members! In fact, after listening to From left to right: Rev Julia Cody (Vicar and MU Member), Val years of faithful Christian outreach to fami- Hannah (Walsall Archdeaconry MU Leader), Penny Allen, Brenda foot-and-mouth crisis was on. We have trained Walsall Archdeaconry Leader Val Hanna speak lies of all faiths and none. Since 1876, when Walters, Helen Lyford, Maggie Smith, Chris Tough, Helena Payne, parenting facilitators, running parenting classes, earlier last year about the work of the MU Lianne Bole, Liz Beardsmore, Mandy Ricketts, Jane Williams, Mary Sumner first brought together parents Margaret Davies (Trysull Deanery MU Leader) supported women’s refuge centres. worldwide, there are 12 new MU members in in her own parish to build up their confi- Perton! dence in bringing up their children, Mothers’ “Then there’s all the work Union has grown to an organisation of over I wouldn’t go on my own, even though my Mum abroad – in places like “I have been a Diocesan Member for a number four million women – and men – in over 80 and my Gran had been members. And now look Burundi, teaching groups of years, and there are 3 additional MU countries. at where I am! of women how to read members living in Perton who are part and write. It’s a real of the Tettenhall Wood branch, so it’s “In the beginning, Mothers’ Union provided practical “People rightly expect global family. At really fantastic and exciting that these to find friendship, Spring Council on 12 women have been so inspired by the support for people, in a world before social servic- April 21 our speaker is ministry of the MU and have decided to es. Now we feel there is a real need again. Rebecca Tamba from become Deanery Members. Zambia, talking about Lichfield Diocese has been part of the story fellowship and her Mothers’ Union life. “As Deanery members, they will be able to stay since the beginning. “Our oldest branch Pelsall prayer in the informed and pray for the work of the MU. branch is 138 – we were only two years behind Mothers’ Union, “We have a big celebration They have also agreed they would like to meet the national launch!” says Sue Egerton, the new but perhaps don’t at the Cathedral on August 9 during Evensong, together as an MU Group from time to time, Diocesan President of Mothers Union, which has anticipate just how and also the commissioning of myself and the in order to chat, build friendships, pray and over 1600 members in 80 branches across the deep the friendship Trustee Board. We’re also encouraging every support each other as well as consider how they Diocese. is. Walking into branch and Deanery to hold at least one cele- might further support the MU.” any branch is like bratory event, each getting a certificate and a “I joined because I got a personal invitation walking into a family number, trying to get 140 celebratory events You can contact Sue Egerton on 01785 227221 or from a friend. I knew about Mothers’ Union but party – you are across the Diocese. [email protected] www.mothersunionlichfield.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 8 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 9 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” Fayre Trade Do not be afraid

St Thomas’ Wednesfield has held a wedding “Meanwhile Nick Happy Easter! The fifty days of Easter (from unsettling fear that people don’t see things our fayre. Sixteen local businesses had stalls in (the Team Rector) Easter Day to Pentecost) give us the time way. That in turn produces a defensiveness and the church centre, alongside tables from the had lots of conver- and space to absorb the message of Jesus’s desire for self-protection that locks us more and church and the Mothers’ Union. sations - some with Resurrection. Yet it has been a standard (and more into ourselves. It takes hold of people and couples who have rather predictable) criticism of the Church communities. But the message of the angel (St “Our aims were already booked, and and practising Christians that we neither Matthew 28: 5) is clear ‘Do not be afraid’. to encourage others with those look nor behave as if the Resurrection has people to think who haven’t decided happened. The best book I’ve read recently is by an up and about a church about where to get coming Australian Theologian, Sarah Bachelard. wedding, and married, wanted to We seem anxious creatures: worried about Her ‘Resurrection and Moral Imagination’ sees to support local know more about survival, the impact we make in our world, the Resurrection as the world changing event businesses by marriage after pre-occupied with money. Frankly it isn’t an that allows us to perceive a generous God showing what divorce, wedding attractive mixture. Anxiety distorts what we’re transforming the roots of human behaviour. can be bought blessings, or about and diverts us from our purpose. locally, including renewing vows.” from members That’s why the Easter message is so impor- ‘Peace be with you’... There is no of our own “We had well over 50 brides register with us, tant and relevant. The words of the angel blame, no criticism in those words. congregation” and others came too who didn’t register, and to the women who came to Jesus’s tomb says Joanna the stallholders have fed back that they had a on resurrection morning apply to you and Watson. really successful day. We think it was a really me: ‘Do not be afraid’. Christ’s own words to We are held in a love that is endlessly forgiving worthwhile thing for the church to do.” his disciples are ‘peace be with you’, a message and reconciling. To have faith is to trust in God’s Stallholders included a dress shop, dressmaker/ of blissful reconciliation to those who had goodness that is constantly and consistently for alterations, photographers, a candy cart, balloon betrayed and deserted him. There is no blame, us. Sarah illustrates the transformative effect of decorations, and beauticians. no criticism in those words. They are words of this deep assurance with a parable. She speaks deep assurance. Nothing can separate us from of being bullied at school, but when her mother “We had refreshments the love of God. The worst is over, Jesus Christ visited the class for assembly or reading time including savoury pastries has been through death, yet suddenly Sarah herself felt freed up to be the provided by a local caterer lives and has won! loved person she knew herself to be. She was and private chef - who was held in her mother’s love and that confidence a choirboy at St Thomas’ When you think and joy actually stopped the bullying and when he was a boy! And we about the sources of made other children behave more naturally and had cup- cakes made by a human sin and the calmly. new local business set up way evil gets a grip by two local young women on life, it is usually The great lesson we need to learn and re-learn with a Prince’s Trust loan. to do with fear. We is that the Resurrection frees us up to live lives get frightened by of profound assurance in God’s loving purpose. In April, I leave my role in Lichfield made. It is a privilege to see Jesus alive and inspiring what other people Being a source of non-anx- Diocese to take up the new post transformation in the lives of his followers and commu- think or say of us: ious goodness is God’s gift of Head of Media for the Church nities all over this diocese. This is the last time I will whether we fit in: what of Church to the World. of England. Thank you for the edit Spotlight; I now look forward to reading it, and we feel we lack: or Happy Easter! Christ is risen stories you have shared with sharing your stories of God at work ever more widely, we experience and we are risen with him. me and the friendships we have among and beyond the Church of England. the Spotlight is published by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance, St Marys House, Adrian Dorber Lichfield WS13 7LD. Editor: Neill Harvey-Smith, Director of Communications: Dean of Lichfield t: 07969 693613, e: [email protected]

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or [email protected] 01543 306220 Contact Angela Bruno Shallowford House Saturday 16 April, ordained Quiet day to explore vocation, lay or Called To Be Me



GPS Global Positioning Sunday

lichfield.anglican.org Celebrating God’s World Wide Church GLOBAL 07857703303 or worldmission@ Sunday 29 May throughout the Diocese. POSITIONING Contact Philip Swan

SUNDAY –

29 th

May

[email protected] your events to Spotlight on Please send details of 2016

01785 714686 Contact Irene Nichols St Michael’s Penkridge 22-24 April Healing Ministries with Br David SSF /Divine Day Healing Ministry lichfield.anglican.org 07891 290564 or libby.leech@ Contact Libby Leech April 23, Stafford explore God’s call A day for 11-18 year olds to Dream, Discover, Dare DIARY

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