December 2016-January 2017 NOTICE board Star-gazing Bishop Stephen tries Walking Backwards to Christmas THIS festive season, using circles, getting nowhere the brilliant, deceptively fast. That is me: a dream- BISHOP IS BOOKED IN? simple device of telling chaser, a stargazer, a misfit the Christmas story AS we reach Advent, which say about the events: the and a seer, a student of the backwards in print for the book could the shepherds, the magi (Casper cosmos and the galaxies. third successive year, Christian Bookshop Reading is featured in the excerpt on But I was also cautious. I Bishop Stephen (right) will Group possibly choose but this page), Joseph, Elizabeth liked to look at the stars help us encounter it as if our single all-time best- and my personal favourite – and interpret their for the first time. selling title – 'Walking the innkeeper’s wife. movements. But I did not Though the story is well Backwards to Christmas' by The author dedicates the follow them myself. It was known, it is almost solely Bishop Stephen. book to “all those who thought easier to advise others. told through school nativity Although for us it has they knew the story well.” "And my wisdom was plays and carols. become the book to read If you are one of those, we valuable. People would The Bishop of as Christmas draws near do urge you to try it and to seek me out. My fluency Chelmsford’s literary and one that we always come and join us and Bishop in the stars made me a device of narrating the recommend, it is - believe it or Stephen on Thursday, trusted navigator in the story backwards, from not - only two years since it December 8 for a closer look affairs of men. the perspective of key was first published. at the book. "Admirals, politicians, characters, gives the So, it is not surprising that We will meet at 1pm in the governors and kings, those reader an insight into the several reading group Library at the Diocesan Office who wanted direction horrors and uncertainties members had not got around - new members and visitors as his present. the tides. It is the stars that turned to me. But I never that are often left unsaid. to reading it. are always welcome. Casper says, in chapter direct the traveller. travelled myself. On the whole, this In December, we are ● For more details and four: “I am a stargazer. I "On a stormy night, when "I became one who familiar version of the particularly fortunate to encouragement, please call have always had my head the fierce waves billow counselled the mighty and Christmas story is more welcome Bishop Stephen Rachel or Sally on 01245 in the clouds. and surge, the sailor has directed the strong. concerned with light than it himself to our meeting to join 294405 or email us at "When I was a boy I used nothing else to lean on. "I knew how to get to the is with darkness. in our discussion and, of bookshop@chelmsford. to lie on the flat roof of our "I have come to this ends of the earth. But I But in Walking Backwards course, to offer a few unique anglican.org house and gaze at the conclusion. The darkness stayed in my own to Christmas, Bishop insights. ● Walking Backwards To stars. I would stretch out is my friend. For in the chambers and drew the Stephen’s approach tilts If you haven’t read the book Christmas,ISBN 978 0 281 my arms and legs as wide night the stars come out to charts that others would the narrative on its head, yet we won’t spoil it too much as they would go so that I shine and guide. follow." 07147 0, was published in enabling the reader to get ● for you, but it does tell the too might be a star, and "Most people learn to The Month went to print August 2014 by SPCK at under the skin of the familiar story in a fresh and that they might gaze at me. look down. Not me. I would as Bishop Stephen’s two £7.99, but it is still available complex tale. impactful way; from the events "My mother called me a not let my horizon shift. So latest books were awaiting at a 10 per cent discount Bishop Stephen opens following Jesus’ birth to way dreamer. there are obstacles in the publication - ‘The Things plus postage and packing up the minds and lives of back in the Old Testament. "She couldn’t understand path? He Did’ a new Lent book by from the Chelmsford some of the lesser known We also hear about it from the patterns of the night "Let them trip me up. Bishop Stephen and ‘A Christian Bookshop (details characters in the a number of different sky, did not even know Better to keep looking Good Year’ to which the above). infamous story. characters. there was anything to be upwards, to chase after Bishop has contributed a Casper, for instance, one You may have wondered read in their gently dreams and stumble, than chapter on ‘A Good Holy RACHEL ORFORD of the three magi or wise about some of them before Manager, Chelmsford changing constellations. only ever see the few steps Week’. Please contact our men, offers the reader an in front of you and spend a Bookshop for further and what they might have to Christian Bookshop "But it is the moon that insight into his past as well marks the months and pulls lifetime going round in details.

DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER — December 2016-January 2017

CYCLE OF PRAYER FOR DAILY USE IN Christendom culture, preach the Gospel RODING (All Saints) and OF CHELMSFORD here. (St Mary Vn), HIGH EASTER (St Mary Vn) 'Be still and know that I am God.' ● Diocese of Karnataka Central (S India). and GOOD EASTER (St Andrew) w Psalm 46:10 4 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (St Margaret of ● Antioch)—Clergy: Dub Gannon (PIC). 1 THURSDAY Charles de Foucauld, Pray for all who work with people who ● Hermit in the Sahara, 1916 have disabilities; for Denis Huntley, Chaplain Diocese of Katakwa (Kenya). ● Today is World Aids Day amongst Deaf and Deafblind People and 8 THURSDAY THE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ● THE DEANERY OF DUNMOW & Adviser on Disability Issues, and his team. ● ● STANSTED—Area Dean: Cilla Hawkes. Lay Diocese of Karnataka North (South India). STEBBING (St Mary Vn) & LINDSELL (St Mary Vn) w GREAT SALING (St James) and Chair: Belle Beszant Reader: Joanna Pratt. 5 MONDAY LITTLE (BARDFIELD) SALING (St Peter & ● ● BROXTED w CHICKNEY (St Mary Vn) Pray for the Chaplaincy at St Paul)—Clergy: Tim Goodbody (PIC), Cilla and TILTY (St Mary Vn) and GREAT Stansted Airport and all who work there. Hawkes (AD, AC), Helen Pelly (AC), Susan Chaplain: Robert Burles (London Stansted EASTON (St John & St Giles) and LITTLE Hurley (A). Licensed Lay Minister: Paul Airport). EASTON—Clergy: Tim Goodbody (PIC). Green. ● Diocese of Karamoja (Uganda). ● Great Easton School: Claire Jackman (HT). ● ● TAKELEY (Holy Trinity) w LITTLE 2 FRIDAY GREAT BARDFIELD (St Mary Vn) and CANFIELD (All Saints)—Clergy: Rob Burles ● THE SOUTH RODINGS: Abbess Roding LITTLE BARDFIELD (St Katharine)—Clergy: (PIC). Licensed Lay Minister: Hugh Mascetti. (St Edmund), Beauchamp Roding (St Robert Beaken (PIC). ● ● of Katsina (Kaduna, Nigeria) and Botolph), White Roding (St Martin), Leaden Diocese of Karnataka South (South India). Kebbi (Kaduna, Nigeria). Roding (St Michael)—Clergy: Clive Duxbury STEBBING— Please pray for the clergy 6 TUESDAY Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, 9 FRIDAY Ember Day (PIC). c.326 ● (St John) w and congregation on December 8 ● ● FELSTED (Holy Cross) and LITTLE (St Mary Vn) w BIRCHANGER (St Mary Vn) & FARNHAM DUNMOW (St Mary the Virgin)—Clergy: BARNSTON (St Andrew)—Clergy: Ruth an amazing missionary and evangelist in the (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Paul Wilkin (R). Colin Taylor (V). Readers: Joanna Pratt, Patten (PIC), Lea Williams (A). Reader: Nigel ● 16th century. He understood that if Christians St Mary’s School, Stansted: Christine Robert Stone. Warren. Tonkins (HT). ● were going to preach the Gospel in India and ● ● Felsted School: Nigel Little (CHP). Japan, then they had to wear the clothes of St Mary’s Primary School: Clare Griffiths The retired clergy, Readers and lay ● Diocese of Karimnagar (South India). (HT). ministers who live and work in the Deanery those cultures and speak their languages, ● 3 SATURDAY Francis Xavier, Missionary, both literally and metaphorically. Today, of Dioceses of Kasia and Katanga (Congo). of Dunmow and Stansted. Apostle of the Indies, 1552 International course, especially as we hear John the 7 WEDNESDAY Ember Day; Ambrose, ● Diocese of Keewatin (Rupert’s Land, Day of Persons with Disabilities Baptist’s preaching in Advent, that is a real Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397 Canada). ● Francis Xavier, commemorated today, was challenge to us – how to we, in a post ● GREAT CANFIELD (St Mary Vn) w HIGH CONTINUED ON PAGE II II THE MONTH — NB SUPPLEMENT December 2016-January 2017 THE MONTH — NB SUPPLEMENT December 2016-January 2017 III

CONTINUED FROM PAGE I

10 SATURDAY Ember Day ● Today is one of the Advent “ember” days. The word “ember” means “cycle” or “revolution” and these groups of days come round four times a year. What are they for? Quite simply they are days when Christians are invited to fast and prayer. They have traditionally had a special focus on giving thanks for the gifts of the earth and to prayer for ordained ministers – both significant themes for us in our diocese today. ● Diocese of Kentucky (Province IV, The Episcopal Church). 11 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT ● Diocese of Kolhapur (North India). narratives from Scripture dominate: Matthew’s on the visit of commit ourselves intentionally to fulfil Christ’s prayer for us “that ● CYCLE OF2 MONDAY Basil the Great and Gregory of PRAYERNazianzus, the Magi bringing their gifts to lay at Jesus’ feet; John’s of they may be one”. Pray for all who work in radio or television, the work of ● Premier Radio, and all stations relating to the Diocese. Bishops, Teachers of the Faith, 379 and 389 Seraphim, Jesus’ first miracle at Cana of Galilee turning water into wine, Diocese of Lake Malawi (Central Africa). ● Diocese of Kericho (Kenya). Monk of Sarov, Spiritual Guide, 1833 Vedanayagam Samuel the extraordinary extravagance of God; and all the Gospels on 22 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY the Baptism of Jesus marking his sending out to preach the ● 12 MONDAY Azariah, Bishop in Southern India, Evangelist, 1945 Please pray for the Spiritual Direction Co-ordinating Group ● kingdom, teach and heal. ● THE DEANERY OF —Area Dean: Simon Heron. Please pray for Bishop ; for the Area Bishops and all who minister within it. ● Diocese of Lafia (Abuja, Nigeria) Gillian Moore, Trevor Walt (CHP, St Helena Hospice). – , and ; the Assistant Bishop ● Diocese of Lake Rukwa (Tanzania). ● and PEV – ; the Assistant Bishops - Trevor 15 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY Diocese of Khartoum (Sudan). ● 23 MONDAY Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Teacher Mwamba and Roderick Thomas; the Honorary Assistant Bishop Pray for the Proctors and Laity of our Diocese who are of the Faith, 1622 13 TUESDAY Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304, Samuel – Derek Bond; and for their families. members of the General Synod, that they may be filled with Johnson, Moralist, 1784 ● LOUGHTON (St John the Baptist, St Nicholas, Trinity ● Diocese of Kondoa (Tanzania). the wisdom and love of the Holy Spirit. ● Dedham (St Mary Virgin) Clergy: Antony Wilson (PIC). ● Church)—Clergy: Christopher Davies (R); Richard Fisher (AC), ● 3 TUESDAY Dioceses of Kyoto and Kyushu (Japan). Barbara Read (A). Dedham School: James Aylott (HT). ● 16 MONDAY Antony of Egypt, Hermit, Abbot, 356; Charles BARKING EPISCOPAL AREA—Peter Hill, Area Bishop; ● Diocese of Lango (Uganda). Elmstead (St Anne and St Laurence)—Clergy: Pauline Scott (West Ham), Gore, Bishop, Founder of the Community of the (PIC), Pauline Hart (A). 24 TUESDAY THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL ● (Barking) and (); and all the members of Resurrection, 1932 ● Diocese of Kibondo (Tanzania). the Barking Area Team. ● THE DEANERY OF AND ONGAR— LOUGHTON (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Malcolm Macdonald (V); 14 WEDNESDAY John of the Cross, Poet, Teacher of the ● Diocese of Kongor (Upper Nile, Sudan). Area Dean: Joyce Smith. Lay Chair: Vacancy. Assistant Area Sam Pollard (AC), Lydia Petitt (A). Readers: Pat Laker, Brenda Faith, 1591 Deans: Vernon Ross, Peter Smith, Malcolm Macdonald. Lay Miller. ● 4 WEDNESDAY ● HARWICH PENINSULA TEAM MINISTRY: Dovercourt (All ● THE DEANERY OF BARKING AND —­ Area Trainer: Samantha Brazier-Gibbs. Diocese of Langtang (Jos, Nigeria). Saints) & Parkeston (St Paul), Harwich (St Nicholas), Ramsey Dean: Julie Fleming. Lay Chair: Dean Gillespie. Assistant Area ● Diocese of Lagos (Lagos, Nigeria). 25 WEDNESDAY Timothy and Titus, Companions of Paul ● (St Michael) w Little Oakley (St Mary Vn)—Clergy:Margaret Dean: Martin Court. Chaplains: Anthony Rablen (North East 17 TUESDAY Amy Carmichael, Founder of the Dohnavur THEYDON BOIS (St Mary Vn) w THEYDON GARNON (All Shaw (TR), Rosie Tallowin (TV), Linda Porter, Sam Winney London Foundation NHS Trust). Fellowship, Spiritual Writer, 1951 Saints)—Clergy: John Fry (V). (AC), Astrid Tiesema-Samsom (A). ● Diocese of Kontagora (Lokoja, Nigeria). ● BUCKHURST HILL (St John, St Stephen, St Elisabeth)— ● Dioceses of Lebombo and Lesotho (Southern Africa). ● All Saints School, Dovercourt: Mark Millbourne (HT). ● 5 THURSDAY Clergy: Ian Farley (TR), Sarah Guinness (A). Reader: Steve 26 THURSDAY WORLD LEPROSY DAY Two Village School, Ramsey/Little Oakley: Kay Wills (HT). ● Bacon. ● ● BARKING EPISCOPAL AREA—Barking TM (St Margaret & WALTHAM HOLY CROSS TM—Waltham Abbey (Holy Cross Diocese of Kibungo (Rwanda). St Patrick w Christ Church)—Clergy: Rt Revd Dr Trevor ● St John’s School: Peter Tidmarsh (HT). & St Lawrence), High Beach (Holy Innocents), Upshire (St 15 THURSDAY Mwamba (TR) (Assistant Bishop); Graham Dowling, Christine ● Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Lagos, Nigeria). Thomas) & Ninefields (St Lawrence)—Clergy: Peter Smith (TR); ● ARDLEIGH (St Mary Vn) and THE BROMLEYS (St George, Chambers (TV), Elwon John (AC). Reader: Marco Filipo Lopes. 18 WEDNESDAY , , 1095 Kelvin Woolmer (TV); Trevor Scott (AC), Joyce Smith, AD (AC). St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Vacancy (R), Antony Wilson (CIC). ● St Margaret’s School: Ruth Ejvet (HT). ● Licensed Lay Minister: Jane Begley. ● THAXTED: Please pray for the clergy and congregation on December 23. Pictures: JON LONGMAN Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins. St Mary’s School, Ardleigh: Donna Parker (HT). ● George Carey Primary School: Christopher Harrison (HT). ● ● High Beach School: Sarah Roffey (HT). ● ● ● BRIGHTLINGSEA (All Saints w St James)—Clergy: Anne CHIGWELL AND CHIGWELL ROW TM: Chigwell (St Mary) St George’s School, Great Bromley: Julie O’Mara (HT). AND VILLAGES TEAM MINISTRY: ● Diocese of Kootenay (British Columbia & the Yukon, Canada). Chigwell (St Winifred), Chigwell Row (All Saints)—Clergy: Ben ● Hillhouse School: Jo Willcox (HT). ● Saffron Walden, Wendons Ambo (St Mary Vn), Littlebury (Holy Howson (PIC). Licensed Lay Minister: Catherine Graham. GREAT OAKLEY (All Saints) w WIX (St Mary) & WRABNESS 6 FRIDAY THE EPIPHANY King (TR), Paula Preston (TV), Vernon Ross (AC), Neil Taylor ● Diocese of (Canterbury). Trinity), Ashdon (All Saints), Hadstock (St Botolph), Debden (St ● Diocese of Kitgum (Uganda). (All Saints)—Clergy: Liz Barnes (PIC). Licensed Lay Minister: ● BARKING (St Erkenwald)—Clergy: Young Lee (PIC). (A). Licensed Lay Minister: Stephen Potts. 27 FRIDAY Holocaust Memorial Day —Thomas Aquinas, Laura Garnham. Mary Vn), Wimbish w Thunderley (All Saints), Great Chesterford 28 WEDNESDAY HOLY INNOCENTS ● ● ● BECONTREE SOUTH TM (St Alban, St Martin)—Clergy: Chigwell School: Simon Paul (CHP). Priest, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1274 ● All Saints School, Great Oakley: Jane Simmons (HT). (All Saints), Little Chesterford (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: David CLACTON (St James)—Clergy: Peter Kane (V). ● ● ● Vacancy (TR), Mark Blakely (A), Raymond Descombes (A). Diocese of Lagos West (Lagos, Nigeria). LOUGHTON (St Michael & All Angels)—Clergy: Nina ● Diocese of Kigali (Rwanda). Tomlinson (AD) (TR); Hilary Davey, Richard Spencer, Jeremy CLACTON (St Paul)—Clergy: David Lower (PIC). Parsons (TV); Paula Griffiths, Tim Hardingham, Jenny ● 7 SATURDAY 19 THURSDAY Richard Rolle of Hampole, Spiritual Writer, Coulthard (V), Lorraine Smart (A). Reader: Elizabeth Price. 16 FRIDAY FRINTON (St Mary Magdalene)—Clergy: Don Smith (R). ● ● Tomlinson, Angela Want, (AC). Licensed Lay Minister: Tracey Tomorrow the churches celebrate the Baptism of Christ. It’s 1349 Diocese of Lexington (Province IV, The Episcopal Church). ● LAWFORD (St Mary)—Clergy: Simon Heron (PIC), Paul Licensed Lay Minister: Maggie Wilson. ● Nicholls. Reader: Graham Davies. ● easy to get mixed up – Christ’s baptism is completely unique. It EPPING DISTRICT TM—Epping (St John), 28 SATURDAY Mann, Gillian Moore, Sally Morris (AC). GREAT CLACTON (St John the Baptist)—Clergy: Guy ● St Mary’s School, Saffron Walden: Karen Cayford (HT). isn’t “Christian baptism” for obvious reasons! And in a sense it (All Saints), (St Alban)—Clergy: Vacancy ● Tomorrow in many churches is Candlemas – the day Christ is ● Lawford School: Donna Wenden (HT). Thorburn, (V), Mark Mulryne (AC), Phillip Sacre (A). Readers: has nothing at all to do with our own baptism. But it does have a (TR); Bryony Morrison (TV), Jonathan MacNeaney (A). ● Debden School: Louise Gurney (HT). presented in the Temple in fulfilment of the law, and greeted by ● MISTLEY w MANNINGTREE (St Mary and St Michael) w Mary Grint, Sheila Neale, Robin Whitworth, Ruth Whitworth. lot to do with our discipleship. Christ’s baptism is Licensed Lay Ministers: Marjorie Austin, Diana Lowry. ● Great Chesterford Primary Academy: Sarah Mitchell (HT) ● Great Clacton C of E Junior School (Academy): Alison Simeon and Anna. A great question to ask as we prepare for this BRADFIELD (St Lawrence)—Clergy: Vacancy (R), John Brien ● explicitly his commissioning for ministry, and that’s the call each Readers: Carole Goddard, Bob Taylor. is: “was this really the kind of Messiah they were expecting?” (AC), Claire Scargill (A). Reader: Stacie Withers. Most Revd Kahwa Henri Isingoma, of the Congo, Syred-Paul (HT). of us is invited to hear. ● St John’s Comprehensive School: Chris Seward (HT). ● and “what kind of Messiah do I seek to serve?” ● Dioceses of Kinshasa (Congo) and Kisangani (Congo). Diocese of Kitui (Kenya). ● Diocese of Kubwa (Abuja, Nigeria). ● Mistley Norman School: Karen Jones (HT). Epping Upland School: Sarah Hurwood (HT). ● Diocese of Liberia (West Africa). ● Diocese of Kigeme (Rwanda). 23 FRIDAY 29 THURSDAY Thomas Becket, , 8 THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST (THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ● ● Coopersale & Theydon Garnon School: Terena Moreton 29 THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (THE 17 SATURDAY O Sapentia [BCP] — Eglantyne Jebb, Social THAXTED (St John and St Laurence)—Clergy: Philip Tarris Martyr, 1170 EPIPHANY) (HT). (PIC), Christopher Brown (AC). ● ● ● FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY) Reformer, Founder of ‘Save the Children’, 1928 HOLLAND-ON-SEA (St Bartholomew)—Clergy: Clergy: Pray for the staff of the Cathedral, the events to be held there Dioceses of Lahore and Peshawar (Pakistan). ● ● ● CLAVERING (St Mary & St Clement) and LANGLEY (St John Vacancy (PIC), David Lower (AC), Susan Wiggins (A) and for all those who will visit during the coming year. Give O God, who in the work of creation commanded the light to Today in the calendar is the day Advent “speeds up”! It even 20 FRIDAY Agnes, Child Martyr at Rome, 304 shine out of darkness: we pray that the light of the glorious has a funny name: “O Wisdom!” after a special song that is Evn) w ARKESDEN (St Mary Vn) and WICKEN BONHUNT (St Lay Missioner: Ti Alan Chase. thanks, too, for all who generously give of their time as volunteers. ● LAMBOURNE (St Mary & All Saints) w ABRIDGE (Holy gospel of Christ may shine into the hearts of all your people, sometimes sung at Evening Prayer on this day. It is a sign that Margaret); MANUDEN (St Mary Vn) and BERDEN (St Nicholas) ● KIRBY-LE-SOKEN (St Michael) w GREAT HOLLAND (All ● Diocese of Kuching (South East Asia). Trinity) and STAPLEFORD ABBOTS (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: dispelling the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, and revealing Advent has changed pace. We are no longer focussing on the —Clergy: Margaret Davies (V). Saints)—Clergy: Mark Holdaway (R). 9 MONDAY William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645 Roger Gayler (PIC). ● ● ● to them the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. big themes of the end of time or the preaching of John the HENHAM (St Mary Vn) and ELSENHAM (St Mary Vn) w ST OSYTH (St Peter & St Paul)—Clergy: Sharon Miles (PIC). BECONTREE (St Cedd)—Clergy: Tony Rablen (V), Ruth ● Diocese of Lainya (Loryko, Sudan). UGLEY (St Peter)—Clergy: Gary Townsend (V). ● Amen. Baptist, but seeking to focus more and more closely on the St Osyth School: Mark Carter-Tufnell (HT). Dowley (A). 21 SATURDAY ● ● ● ● Diocese of (Canterbury). events of Bethlehem, the person of Mary, and the extraordinary Elsenham School: Linda Reid (HT). GREAT BENTLEY (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Sharon Miles (PIC). BECONTREE (St Elisabeth)—Clergy: Steven Hanna (V). ● The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began in 1908 and ● ● 30 MONDAY Charles, King and Martyr, 1649 reality of God being born as one of us. Our link Diocese of Kirinyaga (Kenya), Rt Revd Joseph Reader: Wendy King. Diocese of Kumi (Uganda). has spread across the world and across the churches. The ● ● ● (St Laurence) w STONDON MASSEY (St Diocese of Kigezi (Uganda). Kibuchua, Bishop. Diocese of Kivu (Rwanda). 10 TUESDAY Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa, 1915 international theme this year is Reconciliation – The Love of Peter and St Paul)—Clergy: Sam Brazier-Gibbs (V). Reader: 18 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 30 FRIDAY ● BECONTREE (St Thomas)—Clergy: Vacancy (V), Carol Christ Compels Us. And a range of web based resources are ● ● Christmas Eve pulls us all in different directions! Doing the last ● Anthea Gray. Pray for the work of the Diocesan Evangelical Association and THORPE-LE-SOKEN (St Michael)—Clergy: Jeremy Dowding Newnham (A). available. But the heart of this week is to prayer for one ● its Chair, Gordon Simmonds. bits of the shopping; getting ahead with Christmas dinner; (PIC). ● BECONTREE (St Mary, Hartley Brook Church)—Clergy:­ Julie another across both traditional and modern divides, and Diocese of Limerick & Killaloe (Dublin). ● Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh (Armagh). welcoming family home. And for us as Christians it’s a different ● Rolph School: Lorraine Ratcliffe (HT). Fleming (V), Simon Lewis (A). Readers: Cliff McLeod, John 31 TUESDAY John Bosco, Priest, Founder of the Salesian 19 MONDAY kind of preparation too – great services for children; awe and ● Wallace. Teaching Order, 1888 WALTON-LE-SOKEN (All Saints)—Clergy: Peter Edwards ● ● TENDRING (St Edmund) and LITTLE BENTLEY (St Mary Vn) wonder at Midnight Communion; the celebrations of Christmas (R). Reader: Viv Bull. ● Diocese of Kushtia (Bangladesh). (St Martin) w SHELLEY (St Peter)— w BEAUMONT-CUM-MOZE (St Leonard)—Clergy: Vacancy Day. We need to be eager and enthusiastic about both – for we ● 11 WEDNESDAY Aelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, Clergy: Noelle Taylor (PIC), Sam Brazier-Gibbs (OPM). WEELEY (St Andrew) w LITTLE CLACTON (St James)— ● (PIC), Liz Barnes (CIC). celebrate the Christ who comes to embrace this extraordinary Clergy: Vacancy (R). 1167; Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar, 689 (Canterbury). ● The retired clergy, Readers and lay ministers who live and world. But also find a place to be still and ask God to prepare ● St Andrew’s School: Lorraine Ratcliffe (HT). ● CHADWELL HEATH (St Chad)—Clergy: Martin Court (V); your heart for this amazing mystery. work in the Deanery of Harwich. ● The retired clergy, Readers and lay ministers who live and Christine Harding (AC). NOTES: ● ● The Cycle of Prayer is also available on the Diocesan website: www. Diocese of Kimberley & Kuruman (Southern Africa). Diocese of Kita Kanto (Japan). work in the Deanery of St Osyth. ● Diocese of Kutigi (Lokoja, Nigeria). 25 CHRISTMAS DAY — NATIVITY OF OUR LORD chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/prayer. Where parochial links are known 20 TUESDAY ● Diocese of Kobe (Japan). 12 THURSDAY Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher of the to exist the names of overseas workers are placed immediately after ● ● THE DEANERY OF SAFFRON WALDEN—Area Dean: David To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and his name will 31 SATURDAY John Wyclif, Reformer, 1384 Faith, 367; Kentigern (Mungo), Missionary Bishop in the appropriate parish. Further information concerning overseas Tomlinson. Lay Chair: Graham Cook. Assistant Area Dean: be called the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) ● Strathclyde and Cumbria, 603 George Fox, Founder of the dioceses, including the names of bishops, is contained in the Anglican ● Three fantastic themes come together today – New Year’s Margaret Davis. Bishop’s Advisor on Women’s Ministry: Jenny Diocese of Kitale (Kenya). Eve; the naming of Jesus; and the commemoration of John Society of Friends, 1691 Cycle of Prayer, available on their website www.anglicancommunion. ● org/acp/main.cfm. Tomlinson. 26 MONDAY STEPHEN, DEACON, FIRST MARTYR Wyclif. In order: our calling at the (secular) new year to preach DAGENHAM (St Peter and St Paul)—Clergy: Joel Edwards ● ● Honorary Editor: Jenny Robinson, 71 Powers Hall End, , Diocese of Kindu (Congo). NEWPORT (St Mary Vn) w WIDDINGTON (St Mary Vn), the Gospel afresh to our culture; our calling as we celebrate the (PIC). Reader: Kathy Playle. ● CM8 1NH, 01376 516727 (email: [email protected]) who would 21 WEDNESDAY QUENDON (St Simon & St Jude) w RICKLING (All Saints)— naming of Jesus to lift his name high in our lives and in his William Ford Junior School: Richard Hopkins (HT). be glad to receive comments and corrections and also any items for prayer ● THE SAMPFORDS (St Mary Virgin, St Michael) and Clergy: Neil McLeod (V). Licensed Lay Minister: Andrea Harrison world; and our calling, remembering the radical challenges of ● Dagenham Park CE School: Simon Weaver (HT). and praise to be considered for inclusion from the parishes. ● RADWINTER (St Mary Virgin) with HEMPSTEAD (St Andrew)— Rickling School: Alan Gardiner (HT). Wyclif, to follow Christ no matter what.” ● Diocese of Kwara (Kwara, Nigeria). ABBREVIATIONS: ● Clergy: Philip Tarris (PIC). The retired clergy, Readers and lay ministers who live and ● Diocese of Koforidua (Ghana, West Africa). 13 FRIDAY A Assistant Clergy; AAD Assistant Area Dean; AC Associate Clergy; ACD ● Radwinter School: Kate Hockley (HT). work in the Deanery of Saffron Walden. ● BECONTREE (St George)—Clergy:­ Simon Smallwood (V) Associate Clergy Diaconate; AD Area Dean; ASM Associate Minister, AT ● ● Diocese of Kiteto (Tanzania). ● Assistant Clergy Title Post; AYO Area Youth Officer, BP Bishop; C ICKNIELD WAY VILLAGES: Great Chishill (St Swithun), Little JANUARY 2017 MARKS GATE (St Mark)—Clergy: Timothy Brampton (PIC). Community Worker; CA Church Army; CIC Curate in Charge; CHP Chishill (St Nicholas), Chrishall (Holy Trinity), Elmdon (St 27 TUESDAY ST JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST 1 SUNDAY THE NAMING AND CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS ● The retired clergy, Readers and lay ministers who live and Chaplain; EVN Evangelist; HT Head Teacher; LD Locally Deployed; LLM ● Nicholas), Strethall (St Mary Vn), Heydon (Holy Trinity), THE DEANERY OF ST OSYTH—Area Dean: Pauline Scott. ● Do not be anxious: in everything make your requests known work in the Deanery of Barking and Dagenham. Licensed Lay Minister; MCD Minister of Conventional District; MIN Minister, Duddenhoe End (The Hamlet Church)—Clergy: Vacancy (R). Lay Chair: Wendy King. to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. (Phil.4:7) ● Diocese of Kwoi (Abuja, Nigeria). P Priest; PIC Priest in Charge; R Rector; Rdes Rector designate; RDR ● ● Reader; PTO Permission to Officiate; RES Residentiary ; SNP Chrishall School: Tracey Bratley (HT). ALRESFORD (St Andrew) and FRATING w THORRINGTON ● Please pray for the members of the Guild of Servants of the 14 SATURDAY ● (St Mary)—Clergy: Pauline Scott (AD, R), Pauline Hart (A). ● LINDSELL: Please pray for the clergy and congregation on Special Needs Post, T Teacher; TM Team Ministry; TR Team Rector; TV Diocese of Kinkiizi (Uganda). Sanctuary, and the Company of Servers, and all people who Through January the prayers and readings invite us day by Team Vicar; V Vicar; Vdes Vicar designate; WDN Warden. 22 THURSDAY Reader: John Harper. serve Christ at the altar. day to respond to Christ’s revelation to the world. Three December 8. IV THE MONTH — NB SUPPLEMENT December 2016-January 2017 THE month — What’s on near you during December in Essex & East London

Every Sunday (except Christmas Day) ● . 3.30pm. Evensong. See advertisement on back page for complete list of main services in the cathedral. Monday-Saturday ● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Lexden, Shut Eye to support CHESS . Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm. THE Chess Sleepout 2016. takes night and accompany them for Wednesday, November 16 place overnight at Chelmsford the sleep out. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Cathedral on November 25-26. By getting involved, you will Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay Registration is from 7.30pm - help CHESS to support more chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. 9.30pm and Shut Eye from people on a journey towards ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler 10pm until 7.30am. moving away from Group. Sleeping out for the night homelessness, from getting off ● House of Retreat, The Street, Pleshey, Chelmsford. might be fun, but for many the streets, to living in a new 9.45am-4pm. Timing Out in Advent’. A BRF Quiet Day people this is every night reality. accommodation. CHESS Anyone can take part, home and learning new skills with Gordon Giles. £30.00 (including lunch). To book, provides a seven-bedroom however young people and securing employment. simply contact us by post, or telephone us on 01865 CHESS works to relieve 319700. You can also order online at our website www. homelessness and hardship night shelter along with shared under 18 The money you raise will help brfonline.org.uk/2016-programme/. If booking by post, amongst single adults in move on accommodation. cannot take part individually. vulnerable local people to live please send payment in with your booking and provide Chelmsford and Essex through Every year CHESS hosts its A responsible adult must independently and help CHESS full names of all who are attending to Quiet Days, BRF, the provision of support own Sleep Out in the grounds complete the registration for reach their aims in continuing to 15 The Chambers, Vineyard, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 services and temporary of Chelmsford Cathedral. minors either on line or on the change lives. 3FE. If you wish to receive a receipt, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Thursday, November 17 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. exclusive All Saints Tea Towel and top your visit Friday, December 16 A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Market. Craft and food stalls, refreshments, raffle, off with a cup of tea or coffee and some ● abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout tombola, plus Father Christmas. Admission £1 Beers and Carols at The Cricketers Pub, Danbury. homemade cake – and there are light lunches and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual (accompanied children under 16 free). The Cricketers Pub, Penny Royal Road CM3 4ED. available on the Saturday. health and well-being. ● Budworth Hall, High Street, Chipping Ongar CM5 8.45pm. Join Revd Clive Ashley and the St John’s Choir If you have never been to a Christmas Tree Friday, November 18 9JG. 9.30am-1pm. St Martin's Chipping Ongar with St for some festive singing and a few drinks! Festival – come, and make 2016 'The Year of the ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Peter's Shelley Christmas Bazaar. Refreshments and Sunday, December 18 home-made cakes, stalls include, cards, china, soft toy Tree'. Concert by Forest School Big Band. Admission is free, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. tombola, pottery, knitted crafts, plants, bric-a-brac, If you have been to us before, come again – but we welcome your contributions, which are divided 10am until 5pm on Saturday, December 3, 12noon ● St John the Baptist Church, Danbury, CM3 4NG. between various charities and Cathedral expenses. honey, bottle tombola and many other Christmas gift ideas. Admission free. Free parking in Ongar Library until 5pm on Sunday, December 4. Noon. Come and sing at Christmas. Do you enjoy Light refreshments are available in the Cathedral from The Craft Fair is open on Saturday from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring your own. Car Park. singing? Do you love Christmas? Then please come ● 10am-4pm only. It’s a great way to get into the ● Great Totham village hall. 8pm. An evening of St George's Church Hall, Ongar Road (near Robin and join your parish choir.To sing at our Traditional Hood roundabout), Brentwood. Noon-2pm. Christmas spirit. service of lessons and carols. We are a friendly and popular music with the Orchestra. Grand raffle More details from John Howden on 01245 and refreshments. Tickets available on the door. Brentwood's brilliant Bazaar. Gifts Galore on sale and welcoming group. We would love you to join us. For tempting cakes, toys and games, toiletries and jewel- 422023, see the festival website www.gosaints. Further information on 891660 or co.uk or follow us on Facebook rehearsal details, call Paul on 01245 400079. lery, books & DVDs. Charming Chocolate Tombola - ● [email protected] @AllSaintsWrittle. St Mary's Buttsbury on the Ingatestone road ● and Tin & Bottle Tombola. raffles and refreshments. Life Church, Chelmsford CM2 0HG. 7pm. Watch by ● St Mary's Church, Church Street, Kelvedon, CO5 between Stock and Ingatestone CM4 9PA. 3pm. Crib & Riding Lights Theatre Company. This performance is Event in aid of Church Funds. Tel 01277 213618. Admission 50p. 9AL. Saturday: 11am - 6pm; Sunday: 11am - 5pm. Christingle service. sponsored by Christians Together in Chelmsford, ● ● Aldham Village Hall. 10am-4pm. Christmas Christmas Tree Festival. Over 30 Christmas trees St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Simeon's Watch - a puzzle in the family at Christmas. decorated in all manner of styles by local families and CO15 1LE. 3pm. Community Carol Service. Come and Saturday, November 19 Shopping Day. Entry £1 Adult, children under 14 free. societies plus Christmas stall, entertainment and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. Traditional ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am-12.30pm. Echo The hall is fully booked with lots of different stalls sell- ing a variety of gifts and goodies. Light refreshments seasonal refreshments. Now in its eighth year and still Carols & Readings, with St James’ Choir and the Event. Day aimed at young people and young adults growing! will be available all day. Salvation Army Songsters, accompanied by the who are looking, even at the very earliest stages, to Sunday, December 4 ● St Lawrence, Bradfield. Christmas Craft Market. Salvation Army Band and organ. Refreshments after explore God's calling on their life, especially to ministry ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong Bradfield Community Centre, CO11 2UU. 10:00am - service. in the Church. www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/ ● Golf Green Hall, Golf Green Road, Jaywick. 2.30- book-events 4pm. Craft and food stalls, refreshments, raffle, Monday, December 19 tombola, plus Father Christmas. Admission £1 4pm. Community Carol Service, Jaywick. A celebration ● All Saint's church, Romford Road, Chigwell Row. ● Sing the Season at St Laurence, Blackmore CM4 (accompanied children under 16 free). of Christmas with seasonal Carols and Readings, 7.30pm. Handel's Messiah. Concert Entrance £14 Sunday, November 27 featuring the Salvation Army Band.. 0RN. 10am. (concessions £10). Tickets can be obtained from 020 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. Wednesday, December 7 Wednesday, December 21 8500 8313 or at the door Cantamus Bach Choir and ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Mothers’ Union Christmas Carols and Tea at St John' Cantamus Bach Orchestra of London. Conductor: Wednesday, November 30 ● Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay the Baptist, Danbury CM3 4NG 2pm- 3pm Peter Macdonald. Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All Thursday, December 22 Christ Church URC, 164 New London Road, welcome. ● Chelmsford CM2 0AW. 7pm. CHESS (Churches Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. welcome. Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Homeless Emergency Support Scheme). Charity ● Group. Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Concert. ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, . 1-3pm. Café Sunday, November 20 Group. and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual Thursday, December 1 Theology. Meet at the Food Court. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. ● health and well-being. ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, St James @ 4. St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Saturday, December 24 Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE. 4-4.30pm. A short, A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and ● abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Reading Group. Everyone is welcome and it is free to Christmas Eve at St John the Baptist, Danbury informal Service of Holy Communion, using modern join in. For details and encouragement, please contact 5pm Christingle Carol Service. 10.30pm Christmas music, and followed by refreshments. Suitable for all and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual health and well-being. the bookshop on 01245 294405 or email bookshop@ Music for Organ. 11pm Midnight Mass ages. ● chelmsford.anglican.org (See story on Page I) Wednesday, November 23 Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers' Union Cathedral Christmas Services Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. Thursday, December 8 ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Chelmsford Cathedral. Please see advertisement on ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. back page. Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. ● ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual AChristmasNearYou.org Group. 1.05pm. Free lunchtime concert. Retiring collection. ● Check out AChristmasNearYou.org for all the Car parking available. health and well-being. Thursday, November 24 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers' Union #JoyToTheWorld Christmas season events taking place ● Saturday, December 3 Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. ● Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. in your area. More information on centre pages A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy Saturday, December 10 abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout ● St Botolph's Church, St Botolph's Street, Colchester, Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● CO2 7EE. 7.30pm. Christmas Concert. The choral and ● Christmas Day service at St Mary's Buttsbury on the health and well-being. Friends of Messing Church Christmas Fayre. Village orchestral concert will include Haydn - ‘Little Organ Ingatestone road between Stock and Ingatestone CM4 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society Hall, Messing, Tiptree CO5 9TY. 10.30am-2pm. Many stalls. Mass’; Concertos by Telemann & Vivaldi; Six Christmas 9PA. 8.45am. After the service mince pies and mulled meets in the Chapter House. Sketches by Nicholson and English Carols. Ssan ● St James' Church, Tower Road, Clacton on Sea wine will be served. Friday, November 25 Piggott (Soprano), Stephen Cheek and Colin Nicolson ● CO15 1DA. 7.30pm. Clacton Choral at Christmastide. ● Christmas Praise Service at St John the Baptist Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime ● (Organ) St Botolph's Music Society Choir & Orchestra Concert by Maria Stratigou (piano). Admission is free, All Saints (Church Avenue, E4), Highams Park. conducted by Colin Nicholson & Jonathan Abbott. Danbury CM3 4NG10am. but we welcome your 10am-3pm. Christmas Bazaar. Various stalls, Santa’s ● Wednesday, December 28 Grotto, tombola etc; refreshments including a selection Messy Church at St James' Church, Beatrice Road, contributions, which are divided between various chari- Clacton-on-Sea (entrance through church hall in Tower ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ties and Cathedral expenses. Light of lunch options. Entrance: adults 50p, children free. Saturday-Sunday, December 3-4 Road) CO15 1LE. 3-5 pm. Come an enjoy the fun of Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 ● Messy Church at St James Calcton chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All noon, or you are welcome to bring your own. All Saints' church, Writtle. Christmas Tree Festival. Sunday, December 11 welcome. Saturday, November 26 In the shops Christmas seems to come earlier ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. Thursday, December 29 ● St Michael’s Church, Gardner Hall, Fobbing. 11am- and earlier every year, but it’s never too early to ● plan your Christmas outings. St Mary's Live Nativity 2016 at Great Dunmow. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. 3pm. Church Bazaar. Stalls: cakes, gifts, tombola, 3.00pm-5.00pm. Join us again this year as we bring the books. Refreshments and much more. So here is one for your diary. On December 3 A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and and 4, there is a fantastic opportunity to get your nativity story live to Great Dunmow following Mary, ● St John's Church, Church Road, Southend on Sea, abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Christmas celebrations under way. Joseph, the donkey and sheep as they journey to SS1 2AL. 6pm. Concert of Christmas music by Allegro and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual All Saints church in Writtle will be full of Bethlehem. Starting at 3pm in the Square and Choir. ending at the stable (outside St Mary’s Church, Great health and well-being. ● Christmas Trees each one individually designed Althorne Church Hall CM3 6BY. 11am-3pm. and decorated by village clubs, organisations, Dunmow). Our local school children will be involved in Christmas Bazaar. re-enacting the Christmas Story and singing Christmas January 2017 diary deadline ● businesses and individuals. Come vote for your St John's Church, Church Road, Southend on Sea favourite tree. Carols. Afterwards join us for mulled wine and hot ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. SS1 2AL. 10.30am-2pm. Christmas Tree Festival and The festival will be a musical delight with the chocolate while the Dunmow Wind Band play a anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah Newman Community Fair. Christmas trees decorated by local Chelmsford Community Gospel Choir, Writtle selection of Christmas music in St Mary’s Church. on 01245 294443 by December 1 for inclusion in Wednesday, December 14 Charity groups, stalls, refreshments, See Father Handbell Ringers, Writtle Singers and others The Month and on the diocesan website. Christmas. ● providing a carolling backdrop. Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● St Mary's, Church Street, Maldon. 10.30am. Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean As well as the trees, on Saturday, December 3, Latest events Christmas Bazaar. Grand Draw, Hot Lunches, Cakes, there will be a Christmas Craft Fair in the Writtle Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Jam, and various stalls. Christian Centre (alongside the church). ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler You can find the latest events online at www. ● The Room in , Dunmow Road, All sorts of ideas for that unusual and unique Group. chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/calendar Beauchamp Roding CM5 0PF. 10am-4pm. Christmas present to delight the eye and to suit every Thursday, December 15 ● Cathedral events can be viewed online at www. Market to raise money for St Botolph's Church funds. pocket. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/ Gifts, refreshments, decorations, Christmas Craft Win a Christmas Hamper, purchase an meets in the Chapter House. events-diary.