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Home , A Passion for Churches, Barton Turf, Catfield, Diocese of Ely, Diocese of Norwich, Ditchingham

JULY-AUGUST 2018

Love bade me welcome

Places of welcome and sanctuary PAGE 6 Refugees welcomed in Luleå PAGE 18

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From the Editor Contents THE MAGAZINE | JULY – AUGUST 2018 ur God is a God of welcome. Welcoming those from other cultures “Do not neglect to show who have faced hardship is another hospitality to strangers, element of sharing God as Love. An 4 COMMENT: You’re very for thereby some have explanation of the impact of welcoming welcome! entertained unawares” (Hebrews a large influx of refugees in our link 13:2). In showing hospitality, we can of Lulea is given by Emma 5 PAUSE BUTTON: Love bade Oencounter the divine. It is through people Berkman on page 18. and our interaction with them that me welcome God speaks to us and acts in the world. Inspired Classrooms is a new initiative The person we invite into our home or from the Diocese and offers churches, welcome into our church may be the not only here, but nationwide, an means by which God is changing our life opportunity to welcome their local through them, and it can also be that he is schools into their buildings to inspire using us to change their lives. learning. See Saul Penfold’s feature on page 26. This issue is full of stories of individuals and congregations being actively aware Plenty to inspire us to ponder how we of their ‘welcome’. In his Comment, Paul open ourselves to others. “Therefore Beverley shares his epiphany moment of welcome one another as Christ has discovering that God is welcome (pg 4). welcomed you, for the glory of God” In the main feature Marion Welham (Romans 15:7). explores the welcome that’s extended at Blessings, two very different churches in our Diocese 6 FEATURE: (pg 6) and other parishes share their welcome stories from (pg 13) Places of welcome to Blakeney (pg 11) and Kings’ Lynn (pg 9) and sanctuary to (pg 25). Anna Walker takes a look at how three 9 Further ideas and Welcome Inn churches are creating a sacred space for children to feel welcome (pg 14) 10 The unconscious bias question and Andy Bryant ponders on some recent research about tourist visitors 12 SOUL SPACE: Practising to cathedrals: “Perhaps part of good hospitality hospitality is taking the spirituality of our visitors seriously” (pg 23). 14 CYF – creating sacred spaces The Soul Space explores the practice of for children hospitality (pg 12) and Tim Rogers urges us to question our ‘unconscious bias’ as Barbara Bryant 17 Book reviews on the theme of we seek to offer welcome (pg 10). Editor welcome 25 Big Day Out with Mothers’ Union

The Magazine design: Get in touch Adept Design www.adeptdesign.co.uk 29 An artful encounter with God 01603 882348 (Editor) Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily 30 Resources [email protected] those of the Diocese and the acceptance of advertising does not indicate editorial endorsement. Diocesan House, 109 Road, Cover photo: Some of the welcoming faces at St Edmund’s Easton, NR9 5ES in . Photo by Barbara Bryant. www.dioceseofnorwich.org/magazine facebook.com/dioceseofnorwich @DioceseNorwich The next issue (deadline 23 July) focuses on peace and the end of WW1.

Listen to The Magazine Podcast by searching for 32 FOCUS ON: ‘’ on the podcast app of your choice. The Waterside Benefice To advertise in The Magazine please contact Sally on 01603 882322 or email [email protected] 34 OUT & ABOUT: Parish activities

3 COMMENT

You’re very welcome!

fter 37 happy years attending and baptisms, we then allow them to But how do we have so many people the same central Norwich be involved on their own terms; just actively involved? The answer is largely church, we felt it would be whatever they feel comfortable with. just what I said earlier: make people better, having moved out to feel welcome, and the chain reaction of Taverham, to find somewhere local to Varied services welcoming will continue, as they feel worship. After a couple of services at committed to sharing with others all that StA Edmund’s we knew that this was the People are individuals and have varied they have received. tastes in music, service styles and place we wanted to be. Almost every different time commitments. The church Having been made so welcome time we talked to someone new, and therefore puts on many (very) different ourselves, we’re now helping to run a we asked them how long they’d been at services on several days of the week: welcome café in the church on a Tuesday St Ed’s, we got the same sort of answer, 8am and 10.30am Sunday communions, morning. Anyone, church attender or “I was in a difficult place in my life, and all-age services, all-age communions, not, is welcome to join us for a cup of when I came here I was made to feel so Julian meetings, café services, Messy tea or coffee, plus a slice of toast or very welcome.” It became a sort of litany Church, evening prayer, and compline, as something sweet, and in the middle of thankfulness. well as running a range of home groups. of the morning there’s a well-attended Our vicar, Paul and his wife, Rachel The Revd Seabrook has built up a team toddler tunes session. are such open and welcoming people and shares the ministry with three retired In this past 12 months I’ve come to that they have set the tone. Now they or part-time clergy, a Reader and three experience, in a new and wonderful way, have set the ball rolling, the welcoming Authorised Worship Assistants, plus other that God is welcome. What I mean is that process seems almost unstoppable. lay helpers. I’ve rediscovered (after almost 50 years as And other things have worked here to a Christian!) that God, as Father, Son and support this welcome. Pastoral care Holy Spirit, embodies relationship. And As well as these service leaders, there’s because that love within the godhead An open policy a pastoral team of seven people, plus is the very essence of what God is, he welcomes us into that deep relationship At St Ed’s, while we explain very clearly a ministry team that offers prayer after of love. the significance of the promises that every morning service, and there are people are about to make in weddings teams going into care homes locally. To know and experience welcome personified: “By this will everyone know you are my disciples: if you have love for one another.” It’s true that, as knew well, real love is very costly, but thankfully real love is amazing and wonderful and life-affirming! For me, that’s what’s at the heart of “Welcome”.

Paul Beverley is a semi-retired freelance proofreader (hopefully, there are no mistakes above!). He and his wife, Sue, are passionate about building community to combat one of the biggest curses of modern life – loneliness.

4 Love bade me welcome n many, perhaps most cultures, the Photo: © Exeter Cathedral obligation to offer welcome and hospitality is taken very seriously. In the biblical law books, particularly Deuteronomy, the clear command to welcome and care for strangers and aliens Icomes from the mouth of God. In the gospels, Jesus could take it for granted that when he sent his disciples out to exercise ministry and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom, they would be offered hospitality wherever they went. His own teaching puts the welcome offered by God to all at its centre. When I planned the carving of different lines of poetry into flagstones at various entrance points onto the cathedral green in Exeter, the one that spoke most to me was George Herbert’s Love Bade Me Welcome. The words are the first half-line of a poem that designates ‘God’ simply as ‘Love’ and speaks about a gentle insistence that, despite all the poet’s attempts to resist the generous welcome he is offered, brings him to a simple and thankful acceptance of the welcome that God is offering. Those four words inscribed on the back of the pectoral cross I wear most of the time is a reminder to myself that this welcome by God, who is love, is at the heart of what Photo: © Francis Vickers he offers to us all. Last year the three bishops of the Diocese began a series of deanery pilgrimages which will take us round each deanery of the Diocese over three years. They are part of the Mission Strategy leading up to they set off for their weekly 5k run around redolent with different ways of living 2021. Together with the rural dean we aim Eaton Park, blessed several local shops out what it means to be a welcoming to travel around the deanery during the around Earlham and Heigham – even a community and the blessing that can course of a day, mostly out in the wider Muslim barber’s shop where I had my hair bring. cut as well, two community centres and community; we seek to serve and to offer The welcome that we offer (and that a regular jazz session in the sanctuary: God’s blessing on a wide variety of people, we learn to receive) is a key part of the all places that in various ways offered a institutions and places. We go to each blessing God seeks to give welcome within their local communities. other’s deaneries, rather than the ones for to his whole creation. which we have prime responsibility. Perhaps the most unexpected was the It is one of the most I have just spent a day in Norwich South opportunity to rejoice with and bless important parts of and returned to one of its parishes for the several hundred students at the UEA as our witness to love. Sunday which effectively gave me the they prepared to ‘Pimp Their Barrows’, The Rt Revd weekend there. We started by blessing Thefundraising Venerable forSteven The Betts Big C in an array of three to four hundred ‘park runners’ as differentArchdeacon ofcostumes. The whole day was

5 Places of welcome and sanctuary

Churches across the Diocese will welcome visitors to their buildings in Celebrating Open Churches that opens on Norfolk Day 27 July. It’s a welcome that extends throughout the year in many and diverse ways, writes Marion Welham.

People come to explore the church, but they also sit very quietly, spending time in contemplation and in prayer. The prayer tree gets covered with requests and prayed through by a dedicated group of people.

The Revd Canon Nick Garrard offering a warm welcome at St Helen’s, Ranworth

6 eople who have never visited a church might be surprised to learn that an unlocked church is open to everyone, whether or not there’s a service in progress. PDuring six years of promoting churches on behalf of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, I was frequently asked by our tourism partners: “Is it really okay to just wander in?” Needless to say, I very soon got the message that a welcome sign at the church gate was a no-brainer and encouraged the practice wherever I went. Thankfully the Diocese of Norwich actively encourages churches to be open and welcoming to all comers. Open Churches Week has become a celebration of open churches, the expanding Exploring Norfolk Churches guidebook tells visitors all they need to know about opening times, and many churches have nominated themselves for the Welcoming Church Awards 2018 with the winners announced last month. The welcome offered by churches can necessarily differ according to their This group is clearly enjoying time at the Visitor Centre at Ranworth church. circumstances. For example, rural Together with a magnificent chancel screen “People come to explore the church, churches can be open all day and every and a rare illuminated medieval service day to provide a welcome to visitors but they also sit very quietly, spending book (the Ranworth antiphoner) and with from near and far, while urban churches time in contemplation and in prayer. The refreshments available at the famous visitor endeavour to meet the needs of their local prayer tree gets covered with requests community with clubs, cafés, and drop- centre, it’s not surprising that the so-called and prayed through by a dedicated ins with all the security that entails. And ‘Cathedral of ’ draws some 50,000 group of people.” visitors a year from Norfolk and way beyond. there’s plenty in between! Nick is aware that however much we That vital ‘Church open and welcome’ You might think all this would induce love our church buildings, it’s a fact sign outside is the first of many ways to complacency on the part of the Rector, the that people connect with people. “The welcome your visitors when you can’t Revd Canon Nick Garrard, and his team visitor centre has been open for 25 years, be there in person to greet them, as but not a bit of it. Nick, who leads the offering a welcome with our large and with the wonderful community café at four parishes of the Broadside Benefice, friendly team of volunteers, and there’s a St Elizabeth’s, Earlham or the Welcome has worked hard to ensure Ranworth quote from the rule of St Benedict over Inn at St , King’s Lynn, continues to be a place of spiritual as well the counter which says: ‘Let guests who featured on page 9. as physical refreshment. come be received as Christ.’ So, we offer “There’s a very longstanding tradition of hospitality as well as an open church”. As the Revd Canon Nick Garrard of rural The visitor centre is open daily for light Ranworth put it: “Very few churches have welcome here,” says Nick. “Visitors to the refreshments until the end of October the resource to have a human welcome Broads have been part of the life of this and at weekends during winter months. but just to keep a church open, clean and church for over a century. Ranworth is a inviting gives people something they small village of about 200 people so, as well The welcome doesn’t stop there. There wouldn’t experience in any other part of as welcoming visitors, we also gain much are guided tours, occasional concerts, their lives.” from them in terms of their support and and academic events such as the their interest in the place. Ranworth Symposium, when Oxford Spiritual refreshment “People who have been coming here for choristers sang from the antiphoner and 40 years remark on how little the church returned for the filming of the story of at rural Ranworth has changed. In a changing world there is evensong in BBC4’s ‘Elizabeth I’s Battle for something reassuring about that.” God’s Music’ screened last October. is known for its lofty church towers and perhaps none more so than The theme of nature is reflected in the “It’s a wonderful asset as well as a great Ranworth where you can climb to the altarpiece decorated with bittern, herons responsibility,” says Nick. And with more top for a sense of the whole, spectacular and swallowtails and the kneelers with visitors than some cathedrals, Ranworth Broads landscape and even arrive at the their symbols of the unique ecosystem of gets through more than one visitors’ church by boat if you so choose. the Broads. book a year.

7 It used to be ‘don’t come in’ and now it’s welcoming, providing a place of shelter and a refuge where people can feel loved and supported.

Pioneer Minister Danny Doran-Smith and Churchwarden Nicola Sizer bag up donated fresh produce for distribution in the local community.

“We do get comments saying wonderful Beacon Café is, a place of protection. It things,” Nick enthuses. One episode sticks used to be ‘don’t come in’ and now it’s in his mind and shows how people can welcoming, providing a place of shelter regard St Catherine’s as a spiritual home. and a refuge where people can feel loved “There was an estranged family who were and supported.” Picnic Project is just one of many projects visiting the church at various times and Danny was licensed to the church as at St Elizabeth’s for families, schoolchildren leaving messages in the comment section Pioneer Minister and director of a charity and young people, offering practical of the book which is something you called ENYP – Equipping, Nurturing solutions and safe spaces in which wouldn’t expect.” A family disagreement? Young People – bringing his team to to socialise. As part of the Grassroots “No,” says Nick. “There was actually work with the local community of the forgiveness expressed and you got the Larkman estate where 92 per cent of initiative Danny has developed with his feeling they had no other method of households struggle just to provide the team, 200 young people a week come and communication.” basics. go for clubs and activities. One is Reach, a project helping young people with CVs He believes there are many different ways Their work reflects what ENYP does in and getting qualifications. Another is a church can be used. more than 30 churches across Norfolk Reclaim, in which children make furniture “My previous experience was in an urban and and includes the remarkable out of industrial pallets. parish in the middle of Norwich. It had Picnic Project which was launched in the parish of Earlham. It partners companies Not surprisingly the community is seeing been bombed in the war, but we found such as Tesco, Sainsbury, Nando’s and God at work and from a congregation that that people did come in when they knew Pizza Hut who donate fresh bread, fruit had dwindled to almost one in 2014, there it was open and although there wasn’t and vegetables that would otherwise go are now 150 in the regular worshipping so much to look at, people would come to waste. congregation with its four expressions in and find sanctuary and space, and so of church – Sunday worshipping church, every church has that potential. The fresh produce provides a balance for café church, mid-week church, and Fresh the regular foodbank parcels distributed Expressions – throughout the week. from the church centre and demand has A welcome for those grown so much that the Picnic Project The Beacon Café is open on Monday, who need it most now serves churches in Greater Norwich Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from and other areas. There are even add-ons 9am to 12.30pm, and will soon open for St Elizabeth’s, Earlham is a redbrick 20th such as Squeeze which uses fresh fruit breakfast ahead of the 11am Sunday century building and when Pioneer and veg for smoothies so that children service. So, the welcome is extended Minister Danny Doran-Smith arrived in can make healthier choices, and a soup whether or not you go to church? 2014 people would walk past not even kitchen for over 30 homes in a nearby “Absolutely,” says Danny without realising it was a church. sheltered housing complex. hesitation. “At the café the doors are open Bars across the entrance doors now form “Nothing gets wasted,” says Danny, to everyone.” ’s wings over the worship space by who is firmly guided by the Church the recently expanded Beacon Café that of England’s Five Marks of Mission in Marion Welham is a freelance hosts some 350 people a week and where everything he does, and that includes journalist and director of happy children run around safely while sustainability. www.realworkstudio.com breakfast bacon sizzles on the stove in the She is a former Historic It’s faith more than finance, he believes, England support officer spacious kitchen. and his vision is to feed 5,000, an aim that in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and “As in Psalm 91, we’re under God’s sounds perfectly feasible considering Ipswich where she created protection and shelter under his wings,” that, at the time of writing, 2,600 had the church visitor and Danny explains. “And that’s what the been fed in just four months. community project Angels & Pinnacles.

8 Further ideas… on providing a welcome

hospitality to those in their community, Believing that both residents and visitors. The toolkit welcoming is a ministry booklet is designed to be used in a group for every member of and the Conversation Starters are an the church, it offers Places of Welcome is a growing opportunity to think and discuss together guidance for your network of local community groups the call to mission in both the Bible and entire congregation and will help every providing their neighbourhoods the community in which you live and individual play their part.” Leaders’ with places where all people feel safe worship. For information about printed manual: £14.99, members’ manual: to belong, connect and contribute. copies of Open Welcome, please email £3.99, DVD: £24.99 Available from: It can encompass something you [email protected] or visit www.chpublishing.co.uk/features/ already do or give you some ideas for www.germinate.net/open-welcome everybody-welcome setting up something new. It provides a set of principles and a common EMBRACE is a group of Christians brand to aid referrals. Peter Howard from different denominations working is a local contact (peter.howard@ together to promote a positive response dioceseofnorwich.org) and more to people who are seeking asylum, information can be found at refugees, migrant workers and people www.placesofwelcome.org.uk from minority-ethnic backgrounds living Open Welcome is a new resource in Northern Ireland. A wealth of useful from Germinate: The Arthur Rank resources is available on their website: Centre. It is designed to help rural Everybody Welcome is a complete www.embraceni.org churches consider how they might use course “to transform your church by their building to offer welcome and improving your approach to newcomers.

Welcome Inn a lifeline for King’s Lynn folk

From a trickle of one or two people when people making coffee and it started 18 months ago, the Welcome serving cake, we could Inn at St John the Evangelist, King’s Lynn bring visitors straight into a now has more than 20 regular guests community and not just a and there’s a real buzz as they enjoy building.” conversation and friendship over coffee Guests at Welcome Inn and cake. like to sit at one table. “As For the Revd Becca Rogers it was one more arrived, we kept solution to welcoming people in when adding tables,” laughs practical considerations prevented her Becca. “It’s local people leaving the church open every day. who just want a chat, a few people with mental health problems, a “Before you enter the church you need couple of homeless guys who come along. to go through the Good News Centre, In the holidays, some bring children or the kitchen and children’s room full of grandchildren. equipment so we would need to make that secure first,” she explains. “People come and go so a chap who lost his job as a doctor because of MS was really “So basically, out of a desire to open the struggling. He didn’t know what to do church more, we had a vision day to pray during the day, so he came for a while. Then and talk about what the needs are in our when it was our first birthday, he made area. We thought that opening the church this wonderful cake for us. And now he’s for the same time each week – that’s volunteering at the hospital. It was there for Tuesdays from 10am until 12 noon – with him at a really difficult time in his life.”

9 The unconscious bias question

By the Revd Tim Rogers

magine that you are the designated these can lead to. He concludes that we all untrustworthiness we tend to react welcomer in church. Today, there is employ ‘fast thinking’ and ‘slow thinking’. according to our learnt pattern, even a newcomer: tall, well dressed, and though ‘slow’ thinking might question that confident. How do you respond? Fast thinking bias. Our brains are machines for jumping Another week, another newcomer: this to conclusions. time unkempt, smelly, eyes not meeting Fast thinking is all the stuff you do Iyours. Try to imagine what you would automatically – walking, talking, reading The dilemma feel and how you would respond. If you and 2+2. This is our normal mode of are honest with yourself, working on being – moment-to-moment we make This matters hugely to economists but is initial reactions, what are the differences hundreds of decisions automatically, also pertinent to the church. For so long between your two welcomes? Even if without really having to ‘think’. This is our church leadership has been the preserve of you fight against your initial reactions preferred way of working. white, middle-class, middle-aged men and and your welcome is identical in both Fast thinking serves us well most of the this has shaped our image of what it takes situations, what do such instincts do to us time but doesn’t always work. Kahneman to be a reader, priest, or bishop – which and to those around us? showed how readily we misjudge goes a long way to explaining how we unconsciously fall into discrimination. “I do Recently, a group involved in the probabilities, character, even maths problems. For example, he asked Harvard not do the good I want, but the evil I do not discernment of new clergy and reader want is what I do,” says Paul in Romans 7. vocations spent half a day learning about students “if a bat and ball costs £1.10 and the bat costs £1 more than the ball, how What Paul says is true for all of us, and the unconscious bias – the way that we can decisions we make. show bias towards some people over much does the ball cost?” More than half others, without reason or intention. missed the correct answer (5p), too readily So, what can we do with this new-found trusting their intuitive, fast thinking. awareness? If we acknowledge that we jump to conclusions, we begin questioning Our brains are machines for Slow thinking ourselves and each other, and sharpening jumping to conclusions. our reason. As we grow in discipleship we Slow thinking is the conscious, deliberate are able to transform our behaviour: our thinking of learning and problem-solving. ‘fast’ thinking becomes more Christ-like. It’s hard work and we try to cut corners This training day put me in mind of the Knowing our biases and fighting them, we on it. book I’m reading, Thinking, Fast and can change not only ourselves, but also our Slow by Daniel Kahneman. Kahneman Indeed, we can function so effectively churches and our world, for good. received a Nobel Prize for economics for because we have an armoury of his lifetime’s work researching our biases, shortcuts and rules of thumb. Meeting Further reading: Daniel Kahneman: shortcuts, rules of thumb and the mistakes someone who matches our image of Thinking, Fast and Slow, Penguin, 2012

10 A tasty welcome at Blakeney brunch

This is no small feat. Volunteers staff Biddy Collyer paid an early the kitchen producing appetising morning visit to St Nicholas bacon and egg butties, scrambled egg with bacon, porridge, toast and cereals Church in Blakeney to see for with a choice of tea, coffee and juices. herself the tasty welcome that’s Front-of-house is headed-up by Alison, taking the place by storm. with yet more volunteers taking orders and serving the tables. Talking to Victoria Cowan’s children, he wonderful smell of bacon William, Sophie, Henry and Ben, it was being cooked welcomed clear that what they enjoyed was the me as I entered on the first hot food and sharing it with their Wednesday of May. The rear of friends. I heard the same comment the church was laid out with tables and from every child I spoke to. Getting chairs, colourful napkins at each place children off to school is hard enough settingT and a real buzz of excitement as anyway without having to nag them the children started arriving. to eat up. In the relaxed atmosphere Twelve months earlier, the church of the church, they needed no decided to put on a Christian Aid Big encouragement. Brekkie. It was such a success that a small The parents I spoke to were equally team of amazing volunteers, headed enthusiastic. Victoria said, “It is up by Alison Jewell, a member of the lovely just getting the village and Blakeney PCC, decided to do it again the community together. It’s been next month. A year on and it is still taking brilliant.” Sarah Bracey’s son William place monthly each first Wednesday, added, “It’s a nice start to the day.” feeding around 60-plus children and It is helped by the fact that the parents in the early shift and over 100 in church school is next door, so it only total during the morning. takes a few moments for them to walk to their classrooms. Apparently, the teachers have noted that the children concentrate better on the mornings of the breakfast. Everyone is welcome. There is no charge, but people are invited to donate. After costs, between £150 and £200 is raised for church funds. Barbara Bent, one of the Churchwardens, is open for a meal of homemade soup reckoned that the bacon sandwiches and rolls, followed by a dessert. There is a were better than any hotel. regular attendance of around 60. Once the children leave, there is a lull The Revd Libby Dady said that they before the pop-up restaurant fills up have been amazed at the popularity of again when older members of the the events. “What has enabled this to community arrive. be sustained is that it is a collaborative work that has arisen from the people Such was the success of the themselves.” breakfast that a few months later, it was suggested putting on a On the morning I was there they had lunch. So, on the third to send out for more eggs. If word gets Wednesday each about, they could start having to send month, the church out for more bacon too!

11 Practising hospitality

’ve been thinking about Biblical “When a foreigner resides among you in in today’s society. Jesus’ death was hospitality. Romans 12:13 reads your land, do not mistreat them … Love the ultimate act of hospitality. He “Share with the Lord’s people who them as yourself, for you were foreigners welcomes us into His kingdom and are in need. Practise hospitality”. in Egypt.” Israelites were expected to promises, “My Father’s house has many Sounds fairly straightforward, right? demonstrate hospitality because they rooms; if that were not so, would I remembered being foreigners in an have told you that I am going there to But when I looked closer at the I oppressive system in Egypt. prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). seemingly simple phrase ‘Practise hospitality’, I had to think again. The This must strike a chord; who of us has Local charity Hope into Action (HiA) entire phrase in Greek reads philoxenian never felt slightly (or even very) out of provides Christians with practical ways diokontes, which literally means ‘pursue place? I clearly remember my first few of mirroring Jesus. By investing in HiA, the love of strangers’. The Greek word months at a new sixth form. Having just we play a part in preparing a place ‘hospitality’ combines two concepts. The moved from Central Africa, I had never for tenants on earth: a physical room first part (philao) is the Greek word for been to school in England before and I of their own, with the chance to be ‘brotherly love’. The second half (xenos) found myself in a year group larger than surrounded not only by professional is a broad term, meaning ‘stranger, my entire school had been. I was terrified, support from HiA but also fellowship foreigner, immigrant or enemy’. and it was only because of others who from the wider church family. My Rereading Romans 12:13, instead of welcomed me into their lives that I began prayer is that more people will see simply ‘Practise hospitality’, I found to feel at home. The memory of being the theology of sharing as intrinsic to an active, dynamic commandment: enslaved in Egypt may not be part of our their practice as Christians and that ‘Practise [go out of your way to show] personal experience, but we all know what the immigrants and vulnerable here love to strangers, immigrants, or your it is like to not fit in or to feel isolated, and will know we are Christians by our enemies as if they were your siblings’. therefore we have no excuse to ignore the hospitality. The implications of this made me feel commandment in this verse. deeply uncomfortable. Rachael Sawers is a recent graduate from Exploring God’s expectations regarding the University of East Anglia. She studied The concept of hospitality was not new hospitality has convinced me that the International Development and Social to New Testament Christians in Rome. It church needs to be at the forefront of Anthropology and is now on a self-declared post-uni gap year, working part-time for a runs throughout the Bible; in Leviticus providing for strangers, for immigrants Doctoral Training Partnership and interning for 19:33–34, God commands the Israelites, and for all those who are vulnerable Hope into Action in Norwich.

12 Sprowston’s vestry hour outreach By Andy Bunter

e have always had great numbers of weddings and baptisms in Sprowston and, with the arrival of lots of new housing in our parish, the idea arose about holding another vestry hour. Vestry hourW is a time when people can come to discuss and book weddings and baptisms with a Church minister. In addition to our two vestry hours on a Tuesday evening and Saturday morning we decided to add a third opportunity to engage with this service. We spoke to all our local businesses in Sprowston and asked them: “When are people who are likely to want these church services active and available?” Many Church at the Car Boot in Sprowston businesses suggested the middle of the day during a weekend was, according to their knowledge and labour scheduling, The freedom to be allowed the best time to engage with people. Taylor to try, theologically reflect Wimpey Homes kindly agreed to offer us office space at their site office between 12 and on occasion fail, has noon and 1pm on a Sunday and thus our allowed integrity for proper new vestry hour was born. investigation into how we After a slow start we welcomed more can be church in Sprowston bookings towards the Spring of 2018, but through traditional ways and we wanted to welcome more people, meet new ways in the future. more people and take a step further into this new community. Vestry Hour at Taylor Wimpey Research we have done in our area showed us that we have a large gathering of local engage pastorally and advertise and in Sprowston through traditional ways and people at the Lazy Boots Car Boot Sale that book weddings and baptisms, using high new ways in the future. visibility advertising meet at the same time as our new vestry This culture has led to many initiatives, from Christian Publishing & Outreach hour. This weekly event runs between April the most recent being Church at the Car (CPO). and October at the Sprowston Park & Ride Boot, where we hope to welcome people site, around a quarter of a mile from the We have worked with a great partner in into the community of our church through Taylor Wimpey Site Office. Taylor Wimpey Homes and look forward to being out where people are, amidst the We made a research trip, led by our resuming our vestry hour service at their hustle and bustle of the Car Boot Sale. Sprowston Site Office from October 2018 new Curate the Revd Philip Harvey, to Recent mission funding will allow us to after the car boot season has finished. a ‘Church at the Car Boot’ initiative in update equipment, advertise services Chelmsford. Then I met with the Revd It has been really useful to be allowed the and engage with people while moving Rob Ryan, a Pioneer Minister in space to research and experiment with forward. It has become clear that culture who has previously led Church at the Car new outreach ideas here in Sprowston. has discipled our people while we were Boot. Learning from their experiences, The freedom to be allowed to try, looking elsewhere, and we want this job we decided to launch Church at the Car theologically reflect and on occasion back for God’s glory. Boot in Sprowston as a space where we fail, has allowed integrity for proper Andy Bunter is a Student Pioneer Minister in can raise funds, offer a prayer space, investigation into how we can be church Sprowston Parish.

13 Sacred spaces for children By Anna Walker

e can all picture the have considered and scene in church: a parent accommodated the struggles to pacify a needs of families and crying baby while making actively sought to fraught attempts to keep a toddler sitting promote spiritual play and quietly engaged before finally the and learning in their staresW of other congregation members churches. send them scuttling for the exit. Not very Since January 2018, welcoming, and not a picture most of us – a would like to imagine for our churches. medieval church in the It’s well documented that children find heart of Norwich – has it hard to sit for long periods of time, so been undergoing a a space where children can be free to building project. The work In consultation with regular families who move and explore can be an important has partly been undertaken to fulfil one attend services and use the space with part of a church’s design, provision and of four vision aims to make the church their children, and with the support of welcome for children and families. In ‘A welcoming and inspiring place for all’. the and the Care addition, the consideration of where The Revd Canon , Interim & Development of Church Buildings to locate and how to resource these Minister says, “All of the work has team, a carpet area with resources has areas – tailoring the space to work for been done with the view to making been created at the east end of the the families that use it and containing the church accessible for everybody north aisle. items that relate to what is going on in including children and families. As the worshipping life of the church – can several of the front pews were transform the opportunities for being removed during the The work has partly been learning and encourage the works it seemed obvious undertaken to fulfil one of development of children’s to reorganise the spirituality within the four vision aims to make the space and move the church context. church ‘A welcoming and children’s area from These three stories share the back of the church inspiring place for all’. examples of where churches to the front”.

14 Nick Jackson, project architect for the work who attends the church with his family, comments, “A quarter of the congregation are families with children. Bringing the children’s space to the front of the church is a great advantage so that children and parents can continue to feel part of what’s going without being confined to the outer reaches of the church”. The newly positioned area also affords a front seat view of the newly extended chancel, giving children the opportunity to watch and feel involved in the pattern and movement of services. The Revd Canon Ian Bentley also pointed out: “The church is in constant use, not just on a Sunday. During the week the church is open, and we find families come in and use the space. We hope the new area will encourage those who visit to venture further into the church and explore it more.” A visit to St Peter’s Church, , We hope the new area will a Victorian church with wooden flooring encourage those who visit to and moveable seating, gives a very different feel. The children’s space is a venture further into the church carpeted area at the back of the church and explore it more. alongside further open space where families and toddlers can move around and roam. The area is resourced by lovely Like St Peter Mancroft, the church gets baskets of natural materials, books and many visitors during the week. Constance wooden blocks and shapes. These ‘open continues: “It’s obvious from what gets left children can play with the stories and ended’ resources have been intentionally that people come with their children and listen to what God has to say to them. chosen because of their tactile nature and use the space during the week. I love to “It is wonderful to sit and listen to the so that children can use their ingenuity see what they have constructed and then children as they play, they share so much and imagination to create, make and play others add to it. We always have a treasure wondering between them. Unfortunately, how they like; using and constructing the basket because we get lots of babies too, we sometimes need to tell the stories in materials in lots of different ways. but the space is for all ages.” another larger room due to lack of space. The resources have been collated and The Worship Centre at Bowthorpe has a Although these sessions are still special it are overseen by Constance Tyce who special interest in Godly Play with their is not quite the same as being in the Godly explains, “The materials can be used association with St ’s Workshop Play room. It is their room, a room where it in so many ways. Children exploring which makes and sells Godly Play is safe to play and explore. A place where natural materials is spiritual in itself. materials. After being donated a full set of they can wonder and grow closer to God.” When children come here I want it to be Godly Play materials a few years ago the It is wonderful to see examples of an engaging and spiritual experience – church changed the former crèche room churches placing importance on the space different to what most children will be into a dedicated space for Godly Play. they create for children and families. With presented with at home. A few weeks a little thought we have an incredible ago in church we were doing about the Mandy Elvin describes how the room opportunity to share something different Synagogue. We used the wooden blocks, developed: “The room was small but with children and families as we actively natural resources and stones to build useable, and a suitable place for the Godly provide them with age-appropriate the building and then the children drew Play materials to be stored and displayed. materials and experiences and include what they had made. It was lovely.” Our Godly Play room has become a very special space; a place where stories can them in the worshipping life of our be told and then linked to churches. other stories in the room. Is providing a space for young families or A quiet room where the reviewing your provision to make it more children can wonder about spiritually distinctive something you could the stories. A place where consider?

Get in touch with [email protected] 01603 882374 for further help and information.

15 Welcoming different faiths at school

By Jemma Dalley, Class Teacher

ach year Corton Church of England Primary School on the East Suffolk coast near holds three multi-faith days as part of their RE curriculum. Across a two-year rolling Eprogramme, the school welcomes leaders from six major world faiths: Christianity, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. All year groups join together on these days, working in mixed age groups and with individuals from various faiths to experience different religions first hand. All at the school regard these sessions as a rewarding experience and value the opportunity to witness the positive interaction between age groups as well as the engagement of pupils when enquiring into and exploring questions arising from the study of religion and belief. Although Corton Primary is a Church of England school, the Religious Education syllabus within the school curriculum allows for the exploration of other beliefs and faiths, contributing to pupils’ personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Faith days also provide pupils with a unique variety of skills, enabling them to be inquisitive The most recent faith day took place varied from meditating and learning about with their learning and discover more in January, when Islamic leaders were Karma to creating a piece of art called a about the diverse world we live in. invited to the school. Pupils took part in Mandela, then destroying it (to understand the concept of impermanence). This was The school values the opportunity to be some Islamic practices associated with a enjoyed by all with one pupil stating: able to widen the pupils’ horizons and to Muslim group or community, such as the “I loved the meditating and chanting invite a range of leaders and individuals practice of Wudu which involves washing because it relaxed my body and I lost all from different faith groups and the hands, arms, head and feet with the stress I had.” communities into the school. It is good water as an important part of ritual purity. One pupil said: “I liked learning about to see the children experience and share The school is very proud that its pupils Ramadan the best, I’m going to try and in a range of learning experiences that have positive attitudes towards working save my cake until night time.” give them a grounding in understanding with other people who hold religious and appreciating the diversity of faith The Autumn term saw pupils taking part beliefs different from their own and and culture in their own community and in some of the practices associated with a welcome them into the school; it will across the world. Buddhist group or community. Activities continue these special events in the future.

16 FACE TO FAITH Review

A selection of resources on the theme of welcome, reviewed by Steve Foyster.

Open for You: Enabling Church: We Welcome You DVD: Radical Hospitality: the Church, the Visitor a Bible-based resource a guide to what happens Benedict’s Way of Love and the Gospel towards the full inclusion at a baptism Daniel Homan OSB & Paul Bond of disabled people Narrated by Revd Kate Bottley Lonni Collins Pratt Gordon Temple with Lin Ball Canterbury Press (2006) £14.99 Church House Publishing (2017) Wild Goose Publications (2009) Revelation price £12.00 SPCK (2012) £7.99 £12.99 £11.50 Revelation price £6.00 Revelation price £10.00 Revelation price £9.00

This very practical If we are all ‘fearfully and This very useful resource In an age of terror, it can be manual encourages local wonderfully made’ in the image accompanies the book difficult to look into the eyes congregations to look of God, what does that mean if We Welcome You, a three- of a stranger without cringing, at every aspect of their we cannot see or walk, hear or part course designed sometimes carefully examining church building to suggest speak? How can we share God’s to help prepare parents our fellow passengers before boarding a plane. We feel safer improved ways of meeting unconditional love if seized and godparents bringing with close friends and family. This visitors’ needs and helping by epileptic seizures, or if we children for baptism. It can cannot remember a loved one’s may seem natural given ongoing them to experience aspects also help church members devastating events, but surely of the Christian faith more name due to dementia? How understand their key can we be truly valued as a part there’s a better way to live? fully, from ensuring comfort welcoming role within of the church, the Body of Christ The co-authors blend their to providing a quiet place the sacrament. Short films on earth? contrasting voices to present a for prayer. accompany the three main radical vision for a kinder world. With themes of understanding, The cheerful cartoons sessions: ‘Getting ready’, For them, Benedictine hospitality inclusion, prayer, worship ‘The big day itself’ and ‘What is not cosy and comforting, but dotted throughout do not and listening to the voices of detract from its importance. Christening means for the risky and world-changing. It is people with disabilities, this rich not about sipping tea with your Every aspect of church rest of life’. resource, ideal for church leaders, next-door neighbour, but about management is covered. members of congregations and Designed to be used with a mutual call to revere what is Using a wealth of successful small groups challenges us to small groups, the DVD can sacred in every person, living ideas gleaned from get to grips with what the Bible equally be used as a single with compassion and generosity churches throughout the says about disability and how the session baptism preparation within the timeless wisdom of country, Paul Bond seeks church should act in response. tool with individual families. Benedictine spirituality. ways to enable visitors who may well not necessarily have any predisposition, or Find more books indeed inclination, to attend on Revelation website: religious services to engage www.revelation-norwich.co.uk with the gospel and the life or call 01603 619731 of the church.

17 Refugees welcomed with love in Luleå

During an intense period in the autumn of 2015 thousands of refugees came by train to stations in the Diocese of Luleå. Emma Berkman, Communications Officer in the Diocese, describes how the parishes acted immediately to make the arrival as loving as possible.

Juha Rauhala or weeks the trains from The large influx of refugees prompted the Stockholm to Luleå were full parish to change their regular work: half the of refugees. After reaching staff kept the work going with services and the Diocese of Luleå, the regular activities while the other half was at northernmost third of Sweden, some left the bus station with help from Tornio parish the train in the southern part while most in Finland, a total of 30 people. Fcontinued to Luleå and then by bus to “You had a few hours of work and then reach Finland. rest or other duties. Being at the bus The small town of Haparanda is just by station for a long time was mentally quite the Finnish border. In mid-September the challenging,” said Juha. number of refugees increased drastically It takes its toll working with people in Lena Lindström to 500–1,000 per day. crisis. In the last year Diocese of Luleå has The Diocese of Luleå coordinated the conducted a study to see what support communication between parishes volunteers need when meeting refugees. working at train and bus stations, where staff and volunteers handed out hot “I have seen a huge commitment and many drinks, sandwiches and bags with special volunteers describe having gotten ‘new gifts for children. Through social media, lives’ thanks to this work. I have also seen private initiatives started for donating many challenges, volunteers who have met nappies, stuffed animals, shoes and food. and been told horrific stories about what people on the run from war and oppression Archdeacon Lena Lindström was have experienced,” says Satu Brännström, impressed by how fast the parishes Archdeacon. Satu Brännström along the train route acted: “The parishes became involved directly, on their own Juha Rauhala can relate to the study’s with help from the Diocese. In the end, initiative. It was an expression of the result: “We had ongoing talks with our the refugees coming to Haparanda has church’s diaconal work. I’m also impressed staff to process what they had seen and changed the parish to become more open, by the persistent work that has been done heard. When things calmed down we had active in the community, ecumenical, and developed since. Quickly the parishes a debriefing for the whole staff together inter-religious and alive.” have shifted focus to working with integration.” The Church of Sweden made it possible for parishes to apply for extra money to support integration work, activities for children, having staff Juha Rauhala is vicar of Haparanda. The at stations etc. A total of SEK 85 million (£7.1 million) was invested in very same day that he was welcomed to this ministry during 2015–2016. the parish, the Archdeacon phoned him to coordinate the response. The next day 700 An interesting report has been published detailing the response and impact: A refugees arrived by bus. Time of Encounters: The Work with Asylum Seekers and New Arrivals in the Parishes of the Church of Sweden 2015–2016. It’s available on the Diocese of Norwich website: The parish took main responsibility for the www.DofN.org/refugees welcoming and giving of aid at the border.

18 Tue 24 TEAM MINISTRY: Great Yarmouth, Southtown. Clergy: Simon Ward, Jemma Sander-Heys, Helen Budd, Frank Cliff. Readers: Pat Stringer, Carolyn Cliff, Michael Gibbs. St Nicholas Priory CofE VA Primary. The ministry of our Police Chaplains. Diocese of Ekiti West (Nigeria): Bishop Samuel Oke. July 2018 Wed 25 THE SOUTH BROADS The Churchwardens and PCC during the vacancy. Reader: Judy Pritchard. CofE VC Primary School. Sun 1 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN () AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Pray that our Mission Strategy 2021 may be an effective tool as we seek renewal St James Prison Chaplains across our region and the prison communities they serve. Trinity 5 and fresh inspiration for proclaiming the good news across this diocese. Diocese of El-Obeid (Sudan): Bishop Ismail Gabriel Abudigin. The United Church of North and its Moderator, Bishop Prem Chand Singh. Thu 26 DEANERY OF AND RISING Rural Dean: Paul Niemiec. Lay Chair: Jane Wood. Mon 2 THE LONG STRATTON & PILGRIM TEAM MINISTRY : , , , with Little Moulton, Stratton St Mary, Stratton St Diocesan Urban Officer and Church Urban Fund Link, Peter Howard. Michael and St Peter, Tibenham, Wacton Magna with Wacton Parva. Clergy: of Ekiti and Ekiti Kwara (Nigeria): Bishops Christopher Tayo Omotunde Heather Wilcox, John Madinda, Gill Osborne. Readers: Margaret Thorburn, Steve and Andrew Ajayi. Adcock, Margaret Smith. Carleton Rode CofE VA Primary School, St Mary's CofE Junior Academy (Long Stratton). On this Norfolk Day, pray for all those communities and their churches who are Fri 27 involved in the celebrations. Archdeacons Steven and Karen, and Archdeacon-Designate, Ian Bentley. Diocesan Director of Marketing and Communications, Gordon Darley, and his PA Diocese of East Kerala (South India): Bishop Kayalakkakathu George Daniel. Barbara Kirk. Tue 3 DEANERY OF DEREHAM IN MITFORD Rural Dean: Mark McCaghrey, Gill Wells. : Bishops and . Lay Chair: Sheila Hanmer Sat 28 , HILLINGTON & SANDRINGHAM: Castle Rising, Flitcham, St Thomas Those training on the Eastern Region Ministry Course, and Principal, Alex Jensen. Hillington, Sandringham, Wolferton. Clergy: Jonathan Riviere, Paul Gismondi. Dioceses of East Ruwenzori and Karamoja (Uganda): Bishops George Readers: Paul Ringwood, Sally Stanton. Flitcham CofE Primary Academy, Turyasingura and Joseph Abura. Sandringham & West Newton CofE VA Primary School. & UPPER YARE: Barford, Barnham Broom with Bickerston, Bishop's Press and Media Officer, Katherine Limbach, and all Christians working Wed 4 Brandon Parva, Carleton Forehoe, with Letton and Southburgh, in the media. , , Kimberley, , with Coston, Thuxton, Diocese of Embu (Kenya): Bishop David Muriithi Ireri. Whinburgh with Westfield, . Clergy: Tim Weatherstone, Arthur Hawes, Rachel Jackson. Reader: Roger Walpole. Barnham Broom CofE VA BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Sun 29 Primary School. Ordinands from our Diocese in training at residential colleges. The United Reformed Church: Paul Whittle, Eastern Synod Moderator. Diocese of East Tennessee (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop Brian Lee Cole. Trinity 9 The Anglican Church of Rwanda: Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje. DEREHAM & DISTRICT TEAM MINISTRY: with East Bilney, East , , & Clergy: Mark Thu 5 Mon 30 Bradenham w West Bradenham, East Dereham, Hoe, , , Capron. Readers: Neil Adams, Alan Crawshaw. Dersingham CofE VA Primary . Clergy: Sally Theakston, James Rosie, Dominique Turnham, Gill School & Nursery, Ingoldisthorpe CofE VA Primary School. Wells, Jane Nursey, Kenneth Pilgrim. Readers: Alan Barrett, Helen Jeckells, Adam The editor of 'The Magazine', Barbara Bryant, and all parish magazine editors & Pyke, Evelyn Speed, Lydia Crick. Dereham & CofE Academies, webmasters. Dereham CofE VA Infant School & Nursery, Swanton Morley CofE VC Primary. Diocese of Enugu (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma. Those being confirmed today at Whitefriars CofE Primary Academy, King's Lynn. Diocese of Eastern Himalayas (India) and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Tue 31 DOCKING, THE BIRCHAMS, FRING, AND Clergy: Peter Cook, Richard Collier. Reader: George Eve. Docking CofE Primary School. Fri 6 EASTON: , Colton, Easton, Marlingford. Clergy: Laura Montgomery, Members of the Diocesan Communications Team: Tim Rogers, Steve Heybourne, Penny Goodman. Reader: Peter Pease. St Peter's CofE Primary Academy. Angela George, Sally Finn. All church musicians - organists, choirs, music groups and worship bands. The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe: Bishop Pierre Whalon. Diocese of Eastern Michigan (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop Todd Ousley. Editor: The Revd Susanna Gunner, Bishop's Chaplain - 01603 614172, [email protected] Sat 7 On the eve of Sea Sunday, pray for all the coastal parishes of our diocese and Sun 15 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) particularly those living under threat of coastal erosion. The Methodist Church: Chair of the District, Julian Pursehouse. Pray too for all whose lives are bound up with the sea and for the well-being of Trinity 7 The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea, its Archbishopn Allan Migi and the the sea itself - that humanity might develop a stronger sense of responsibility for flourishing of the link between our two dioceses. the health of the world's oceans. Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada): Bishop Geoffrey Peddle. Mon 16 BRADWELL Clergy: Chris Tinker, Martin Upton, Sue Upton Homefield CofE VC Primary School (Bradwell). Sun 8 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) County Ecumenical Officer, Catherine Howe, and all the Denominational The Deanery of Södra (Southern Lappland) in our link diocese of Luleå and its Ecumenical Officers of Norfolk and Waveney. Trinity 6 Rural Dean, Kent Nordin. Diocese of Egbu (Nigeria): Bishop Geoffrey Okoroafor. The United Church of Pakistan and its Moderator, Bishop Humphrey Peters. Tue 17 CAISTER Clergy: David Wells. Reader: Mary Taylor. Mon 9 The Churchwardens and PCC during the vacancy. Bishop's Safeguarding Advisers, Sue Brice and Sian Griffiths, and assistants, The ministry of our retired clergy and Readers. Brenna Wells and Liz Dawes. Diocese of Eastern Oregon (The Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop Patrick Bell. Dioceses of Egypt and North Africa: Bishops Mouneer Hanna Anis and Samy Fawzy. Diocese of the Horn of Africa and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Tue 10 LAUNDITCH & THE UPPER NAR TEAM MINISTRY : Beeston-next-Mileham, Bittering Parva, East Lexham, Great Dunham, Great and Little Fransham, Wed 18 FLEGG GROUP (COASTAL): , Horsey, West Somerton, Winterton. Gressenhall, Litcham w Kempston, Little Dunham, Longham, Mileham, Rougham, Clergy: Selwyn Tillett. Stanfield, Tittleshall w Godwick, Weasenham, Wellingham, Wendling, West The ministry of our Industrial and Workplace Chaplains. Lexham. Clergy: Heather Butcher, Miriam Fife, Julia Hemp, Kevin Blogg. Readers: Diocese of Eha-Amufu (Nigeria): Bishop Daniel Olinya. Peter Brown, -Stoney, Jan Sexton. Weasenham CofE Primary Academy. Bishop's Officer for Continuing Ministerial Development, Keith James, Thu 19 FLEGG GROUP (): , Martham, Repps, . The and his assistant, Lesley Lofts. Churchwardens and PCC during the vacancy. Reader: Alison McTaggart. Diocese of Eastern Zambia (Central Africa): Bishop William Mchombo. Chaplain to those bereaved by suicide, Christopher Wood. Diocese of El Camino Real (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop Mary Gray- & TUDD VALLEY: , , Mattishall, North Wed 11 Reeves. Tuddenham, Welborne, . Clergy: Mark McCaghrey, Sally Thurgill. Readers: Margaret Dixon, Joyce Turner, Jackie Clay, Alan Cossey, Jackie Crisp, St Benedict Fri 20 FLEGG GROUP (ORMESBY): Ormesby St Margaret, , Tom Cross, Melanie Stevenson. Hockering CofE Primary Academy, Yaxham . Clergy: Mandy Bishop. Reader: Margaret Parish. CofE VA Primary School. All who support those with mental health issues and 'Recovery Friendly Church' The Diocesan Liturgical Committee chaired by Charles Read. based at St Matthew's, Thorpe Hamlet. Dioceses of Easton and Eau Claire (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishops Santosh Diocese of Ekiti Oke (Nigeria): Bishop Isaac Olubowale. Marray and William Lambert. GORLESTON ST ANDREW: Cliff Park Community Church, Gorleston St Andrew. For all parishes involved in pastoral reorganisation, that transitions may be Sat 21 Clergy: Brian Hall, Mike Simm. Readers: Ed Ellis, Patricia Kane, Melvyn Reid, Thu 12 smooth and newly-formed benefices thrive. Wendy , Mary Ives, Tracy Mayne. Chaplain for Deaf People, Barry Oake Today's meeting of Bishop's Staff. : Bishop John Armes. Diocese of El Salvador (Central America): Bishop Juan David Alvarado Melgar. DEANERY OF GREAT YARMOUTH Rural Dean: John Kinchin-Smith. Lay Chair: Fri 13 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) David Pearson. Our Mission Enabling Team: Heather Cracknell, Tim Yau, Deb Sun 22 Sharon Lord being instituted today at . The Baptist Church and its Cousins, Simon Fenn, Jonathan Richardson, Rachel Foster. Trinity 8; St Regional Minister here, Beth Powney. Diocese of Edmonton (Canada): Bishop Jane Alexander. The Episcopal Church in the Philippines. BELTON AND Clergy: Rosie Bunn. Moorlands CofE Primary Sat 14 GORLESTON ST MARY MAGDALENE Clergy: Matthew Price. Peterhouse Academy (Belton). Mon 23 CofE Primary Academy. Norfolk and Waveney Churches Together and all Local Ecumenical Partnerships. Chaplain for Deaf/Blind People, Heather Wright. Dioceses of Egba and Egba West (Lagos, Nigeria): Bishops Emmanuel Adekunle Diocese of Eldoret (Kenya): Bishop Christopher Ruto. and Samuel Ajani. Sat 25 W SILFIELD AND :Wymondham Clergy: Catherine Relf-Pennington, Stephen Sealy, Louisa Pittman, Andrew Slater. Lay Worker: Ruth Brett. The Cathedral's three Ecumenical Canons: David Paul, Jon Norman and Julian Pursehouse. August 2018 Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway (Scotland): Bishop Gregor Duncan. Wed 1 All parishes involved in this year's 'Celebrating Open Churches' and all who will Sun 26 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) visit, that they may glimpse something of God in our churches and in those they The Religious Society of Friends: Area Representative, David Saunders. Those meet there. Trinity 13 being confirmed in Caister today. All healthcare chaplains across our Diocese. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa and Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Diocese of Evo (Niger Delta, Nigeria): Bishop Innocent Ordu. Capetown and Primate of Southern Africa. Thu 2 ST EDMUND: Hunstanton, Ringstead. Clergy: John Bloomfield, Mon 27 DEANERY OF AND Rural Dean: Andrew Beane. Joint James Monro. Lay Chairs: Angela Quinn and Sue Page. The Mothers' Union: Diocesan President, Marguerite Phillips and Chaplain, Simon Bishop's Adviser for Women's Ministry, Heather Butcher. Lawrence. : Bishops Rachel Treweek and Robert Springett. Dioceses of Etche and Etsako (Nigeria): Bishops Precious Nwala and Jacob Bada. Tue 28 & DISTRICT TEAM MINISTRY: Aylsham, Badersfield, , Pray for all those who care for our church buildings - architects, fabric officers, Brampton, Burgh-next-Aylsham, Buxton with Oxnead, Cawston, , Fri 3 church 'ambassadors', vergers and sacristans, those who clean and polish, those Heydon, , Lammas, , Marsham, Oulton SS Peter and who arrange flowers and wash altar linen. Paul, . Clergy: Andrew Beane, Jack Branford, Peter Chapman, Deb The Burning Bush Barn and Wendy Shaw, nurturing spirituality through art. Cousins, David Hagan-Palmer, Andrew Whitehead. Readers: David Martin, Gillian : Bishops Robert Atwell and Nick McKinnel and the wise Peat, Joy Taylor, Elizabeth Dawes, Kandi Kammoun. Aylsham St Michael's CofE appointment of a new bishop of Crediton. VC Nursery & Infant School, Cawston CofE Primary Academy. Dioceses of Gombe (Nigeria) and Goma (Congo): Bishops Henry Ndukuba and Sat 4 SAXON SHORE: , , Holme-next-the-Sea, Kadhoro Makanirwa. Hunstanton St Mary, Thornham, . Clergy: Susan Bowden-Pickstock. Brancaster CofE VA Primary School. : Coltishall, , , Horstead, . Wed 29 The Shrine of Our Lady of and its ministry to pilgrims. Clergy: Chris Engelsen, Keith Dignum. Readers: Nora Hall, Clifford Self. Hainford CofE VC Primary School. Diocese of Ezo (South Sudan): Bishop John Kereboro Zawo. Leaders of the Church Army Mission Centres in King's Lynn and Redenhall, BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) James Hawkesworth and Trevor Clarke. Sun 5 Pray that our Mission Strategy 2021 may be an effective tool as we seek renewal Diocese of Grahamstown (Southern Africa): Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali. Trinity 10 and fresh inspiration for proclaiming the good news across this diocese. Pray too for those being confirmed at St Mary's Watton and for the ecumenical service at SCARROWBECK GROUP (): Alby, Aldborough, Calthorpe, Thu 30 St Benet's Abbey today. Erpingham, Ingworth, Thwaite. The Churchwardens and PCC during the vacancy. Readers: Ian Andrews, Helen Burrell, Angela Parkes, Colin Willis. Erpingham The Scottish Episcopal Church and Archbishop Mark Strange. CofE VC Primary School. Mon 6 WESTERN SHORE TEAM: Heacham, . Clergy: Veronica Wilson, Paul : its mission and ministry. Niemiec, Simon Wilson. Readers: Margaret Asprey, Jennifer Sparks, Pip Dioceses of Guadalcanal and Hanuato'o (Melanesia): Bishops Nathan Tome and The Lawrence, Penelope Sutton. Alfred Karibongi. Transfiguration Archdeacons Steven and Karen, and Ian Bentley preparing to take up his new role as . Diocese of Faisalabad (Pakistan): Bishop John Samuel. Fri 31 DEANERY OF LODDON Rural Dean: David Owen. Lay Chair: John Lowrey. The response of our churches to the needs of the environment. Tue 7 DEANERY OF HOLT Rural Dean: Phil Blamire. Lay Chair: Patricia Temple- Diocese of Guatemala (Central America): Archbishop Armando Guerra Soria and Crowe. The Society of St Margaret at Walsingham. Bishop Silvestre Romero. Diocese of False Bay (Southern Africa): Bishop Margaret Vertue.

Editor: The Revd Susanna Gunner, Bishop's Chaplain - 01603 614172, [email protected] Wed 8 For all parishes involved in pastoral reorganisation, that transitions may be Fri 17 DEANERY OF HUMBLEYARD Rural Dean: Paul Burr. smooth and newly-formed benefices thrive. Diocesan Counsellor, Jane Keeton. The Society of St Luke (Sheringham) and Superior, Andrew Lane. Dioceses of Fond du Lac and Fort Worth (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishops Diocese of Enugu North (Niger Delta, Nigeria): Bishop Sosthenes Eze. Matthew Gunter and Scott Mayer. Thu 9 : Briningham, Brinton, , , , Sat 18 : , Cringleford. Clergy: Graham Wilkins, Tim Yau. Reader: . Clergy: Jennifer Elliott de Riverol. Shirley Wood. Cringleford CofE VA Primary School. The ministry of all District Scout Chaplains. The ministry of the Bishop's Deliverance Team. The Episcopal Church's Bishop to the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, Carl Diocese of Gambia (West Africa): Bishop James Allen Yaw Odico. Wright. Sun 19 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Fri 10 : Briston, Burgh Parva, , . Clergy: Jeremy The Salvation Army: Commanders of the Anglia Division, Derek and Susan Jones. Sykes. Reader: Carolyn Sexton. Trinity 12 The United Church of South India and its Moderator Thomas Kanjirappally Air Training Corps and Sea Cadet Chaplains in the Diocese. Oommen. Diocese of Esan (Nigeria): Archbishop Friday Imaekhai. Mon 20 : , Hethersett, . Clergy: Derek McClean. Sat 11 GLAVEN VALLEY: Blakeney, Cley-next-the-Sea, Glandford, Letheringsett with Readers: Harold Kerslake, Mollie Herron. Hethersett CofE VC Junior School. Bayfield, . Clergy: Libby Dady. Blakeney CofE VA Primary School. The ministry of our Authorised Worship Assistants. Bishops' and Archdeacons' PAs and Secretaries: Coralie Nichols, Brenna Wells, Diocese of Gboko (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Nyitsse. Anne Morrish, Graham Cossey, Ann Whittet, Alison Steward. Bishop's Chaplain: Susanna Gunner. Tue 21 HIGH OAK, HINGHAM, W WOOD RISING Clergy: Colin Reed, Sally Diocese of Fianarantsoa (Indian Ocean): Bishop Gilbert Rakotondravelo. Wallace-Jones. Readers: Jean Batchelor, Dale Southall. Morley CofE VA Primary School. Sun 12 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) For all in our region who work with refugees and asylum seekers. Pray for the Deanery of Umeå in our link diocese of Luleå and its Rural Dean, Lisa Diocese of George (Southern Africa): Bishop Brian Marajh. Trinity 11 Tegby. The Church of the Province of South East Asia and Archbishop Ng Moon Hing. Wed 22 MULBARTON: , , Hethel, Mulbarton. Clergy: Adrian Miller, Andrew North. Mon 13 HOLT Clergy: Howard Stoker, Stephen Graham. Reader: John Allen. Chaplain to the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Paul Thomas. The ministry of our retired clergy and Readers. Diocese of Georgia (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop Scott Benhase. Diocese of Florida (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop John Howard. Thu 23 : , Intwood with Keswick, , Tue 14 : , Barningham Winter, Edgefield, Hempstead, Swardeston. Clergy: Paul Burr. Reader: Peter Worby. Matlaske, Plumstead, with . Clergy: Michael Cartwright. On the day the world remembers the abolition of the slave trade, pray for the Reader: Judith Rosser. millions who are still in slavery and those who work for their liberation. All PCC Secretaries and Parish Administrators. Diocese of Gippsland (Victoria, Australia): Archdeacon Philip Muston, Diocesan Diocese of Fredericton (Canada): Bishop David Edwards. Administrator. Diocese of Grafton (New South Wales, Australia) and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Wed 15 AND BALE: Bale, , , Gunthorpe, Langham Episcopi, , Saxlingham, , Stiffkey. Clergy: Ian Whittle. Fri 24 UPPER TAS VALLEY: Fundenhall, Upper Tas Valley All Saints. Clergy: Lydia Diocesan Chancellor, Ruth Arlow, and Deputy Chancellor, John Morgans. Avery preparing for her licensing in September. Readers: John Hooper, Margaret Diocese of Freetown (Sierra Leone): Bishop Thomas Ikunika Wilson. St Bartholomew Styles. St Peter, Hapton and CofE VA Primary Schools and CofE VC Primary School. Thu 16 WEYBOURNE GROUP: , East with , , , Chaplain to Norwich International Airport, Rosemary Maskell. , Weybourne. Clergy: Phil Blamire. Reader: John Arkell. Diocese of Gitega (Burundi): Bishops John Nduwayo and Aimé Joseph Kelling CofE VA Primary School. Kimararungu. Diocesan Registrar, Stuart Jones: Registry Clerks, Louise Farrow and Jo Pelan. Diocese of Gahini (Rwanda): Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo. Place, spirituality and mission make connections that make a link with able to be on the edge. This avoids any Traditionally at our churches, their own story, faith, history or city, confusion about how to join in while which are also heritage for example. This might be realised by enabling them to take something away lighting a candle or leaving a prayer, or from the service. attractions, we have been a connection they make with someone There is much for us to continue to associated with the cathedral including taught to think that our mission reflect on from this research but above their guide or a chaplain. is to turn tourists into pilgrims. all it is a timely reminder to us all that But what if we regarded all Part of this relationality can also be spirituality remains at the heart of the experiencing the cathedral ‘in action’ visitor experience and it is our role to help visitors as already pilgrims, – hearing the organ playing or a choir enhance this, not distract from it. We are how might this change our rehearsing, the hourly call to prayer, or thus drawn back to the primary purpose seeing a service take place. Catching a for which our buildings exist – to speak of approach? Andy Bryant muses glimpse of a bride is also a special memory the things of God. on some recent research findings. – all brides are warned they will instantly The Revd Andy Bryant is Canon for Mission & become part of the visitor attraction! Pastoral Care at Norwich Cathedral. he York University Centre for Linked to this, visitors also like seeing a the Study of Christianity and service taking place. This has been termed Culture has just undertaken a adjacency. The visitor may not want to major research project of visitor directly sit in the congregation or join experience at four English cathedrals. Their in the service, but they do value being research suggests all visitors to cathedrals areT on a continuum between tourist and pilgrim. It is a false view to see this as an either/or. Some sense of the spiritual or ‘the other’ is a key part of the motivation for visiting a cathedral. This may not be expressed in traditional or approved ways and we must learn to value behaviour as spiritual even if to us it is not what we would do. Perhaps part of good hospitality is taking the spirituality of our visitors seriously. Much as history and heritage are valued, it is the ability to connect with the spirituality of the space that is the highlight of the visit. This might include lighting a candle, writing a prayer, observing worship, picking up a leaflet or prayer card or an item chosen from the shop – the humble fridge magnet of the cathedral can take on the significance of the medieval pilgrim badge. The taking of a selfie is also a form of spiritual expression, choosing to show oneself in a religious environment and to share this with friends via social media. It is the ability to connect The places of spiritual encounter may with the spirituality of the not be spaces we might expect such as a Photo: © Paul Hurst space that is the highlight of chapel or at an altar. They are more likely to be in more informal spaces such as the visit. an aisle, the cloisters or even the shop. They are seeking places where they can

23 On the road with the PlayVan

The PlayVan is a charitable organisation, supported by the Diocese, which runs mobile play groups around rural Norfolk. It aims to help establish and support the development of play groups in small communities and create a welcoming place for pre-school children and their parents and carers to socialise, learn and have fun. The Van gives us a run-down of an average day:

y day begins with a quick a pizzeria, craft table, mark-making table material and sing songs. There’s one check of my tyres and mirrors and sensory mats. Phew – what a lot for called Row, row, row your boat where to make sure I’m in working the families to do! everyone screams! Ha, ha! It’s so great order then off we go! to hear everyone having fun. Last of all Then the parents arrive and are greeted comes the goodbye song where each It’s Thursday so I know we are going to an at the door. They sign in and pay their child’s name is mentioned. Misolated village in Norfolk called . £1. I can hear the parents chatting about It’s one of the furthest villages I go to, but I their children and laughing while playing Right, time to pack me back up again, enjoy all the twists and turns en route, not some games. then toot, toot, off we go! to mention all of the pretty countryside. Sometimes during the session special Once I get to my destination Lesley visitors arrive. They might come to talk Gurney, the PlayVan development worker, about nutrition, oral hygiene or how to get and the two volunteers unload all the toys your child into a good sleep pattern. they need for the session. Oh, there goes the soft play assault course, I wish I could Half way through the session everything have a turn on that, it looks so much fun! goes quiet and I know it must be snack time! Then the chatting starts again and Next goes the refreshment box; today the pitter patter of children’s feet as they it has tea and coffee for the parents, explore the slide, space and toys. grandparents and carers plus melon, rice cakes and ham for the children. I hope Then I hear the shout for tidy up time. Lesley remembers my refreshment, I It’s nice to watch children, parents need some diesel! and carers all helping Lesley and the volunteers to pack away. This gives them It takes about an hour for Lesley and the time at the end to have a story, say a volunteers to unload and set up the hall. prayer and sing some songs. I take a peek through the windows and think how great it looks. There’s a baby Today they also got the Lycra out: a corner, book area, car mat – with a van! – special game where they all hold the

If you would like to find out more about the work of the PlayVan, lend your support, or get involved with fundraising or volunteering you can visit our website www.playvan.co.uk, speak to us at: [email protected] or on 07918 027092.

24 Big Day Out fun with Mothers’ Union

Fifty-two children arrived at the Horstead Activity Centre in the Easter holidays, full of anticipation for A Big Day Out hosted by Mothers’ Union (MU) Diocese of Norwich.

uring their 140th Anniversary with their achievements: tower-climbing, year, local members notched archery, crate-stacking and canoeing. up sponsored miles to Seconds and even thirds of the barbeque fundraise for this event. The aim lunch were consumed!” was to provide an adventure experience The children’s responses said it all: for children who, for whatever reason, may Dnot have other opportunities for days out during the Easter school holiday. I’m loving it; thank you! “We wanted to offer churches an I hate heights, but I really opportunity to affirm the importance of loved being on the Zip Wire! children in our congregations at a time when many parishes struggle to attract On the Zip Wire I got to be And their clergy agreed. The Revd Riaz the numbers needed to form peer-age Mubarak, said: “It’s wonderful like an alien spaceship. to see children have a fun time and I friendship groups for children’s activities,” thank MU for arranging it. I recommend explains MU President Marguerite Phillips. We only got to know each it be held again for the good future of the Felicity Randall, organiser of the Big other today, it was great. Church!” The Revd Andrew Parsons, Old Day Out, takes up the story: “We had You get to know how to Catton, said: “The children from the youth an amazing time. The day went like club, who rarely come to church, can see clockwork, all credit to the activity team paddle a canoe and it’s really the Church in action as something really at Horstead. Every child tried their very fun. I nearly fell in! exciting to be part of. One of the best best and several surprised themselves things MU has ever done!”

A blooming welcome flourishes at Long Stratton

The Revd Heather Wilcox, Team Rector at Long Stratton and the Pilgrim Team Ministry, describes how a decision made three years ago has had a lasting impact. ur first flower festival in 2016 was churchwarden, Janet Roberts, thinking Let’s Chat at Long Stratton ‘cycling themed’ to tie in with how wonderful it would be to have a the church being difficult to heat. However, the Diss Cyclathon, which came space where people could come to do demand was so high that we only had a through Long Stratton. Two that on a more regular basis, and so last short break for January and February. The Christmas tree festivals followed, and two year ‘Let’s Chat’ was born. Every Tuesday warmth of the welcome far outweighed the more flower festivals – the latest ‘Celebrating morning, the church is buzzing with fact the church interior is not always as warm Othe Church year’, takes place from 7 to 10 July. chat and laughter, as people enjoy a hot as we would like. drink, a slice of delicious homemade These festivals made us think about how Janet and others have plans afoot to do cake or a bowl of soup for lunch. welcoming and accessible we are as a more, as we seek to welcome more people church. Seeing people sitting round and Initially we had only planned for it take into the church on a regular basis. We look chatting over a cuppa at the festivals got our place during the summer months, due forward to seeing where God is leading us!

25 By Saul Penfold

I suddenly realised that you can do any lesson in a church. I hadn’t thought about it before; we usually only come into the church at Christmas and Easter. Year 6 Pupil from Buxton Primary School

nspired Classrooms is a new, highly teachers and children to fully realize the innovative and free online Toolkit potential of all those beautiful buildings QR Code Offline designed to better connect schools which are so important in our society Web App to their parish churches. It does – their architecture and history link so this by offering a range of bespoke directly to the communities they sit in.’ Our QR Code Offline Web cross-curricular lesson plans, challenges Tim Bannister, Acting Assistant Head App gives access to a bank Iand supporting resources – in short Teacher, and Marsham of supporting information everything needed in the successful Primary School Partnership even in churches with no preparation, delivery and follow up of WiFi connection! All QR codes relate cross-curricular learning within churches. We have designed Inspired Classrooms to directly to and support the lesson plans challenge and overturn the widely held and challenges. Inspired Classrooms provides an exciting belief that churches are places in which and accessible way to ‘open up’ churches only an RE Syllabus can be delivered. The Inspired Gallery as creative classrooms – spaces in which Toolkit explodes this myth by providing pupils can enjoy cross-curricular learning hugely creative ways in which schools The Gallery is designed inspired by their fabulous surroundings. can deliver English, Science, Maths, to showcase pupil and In doing so, it enables pupils to develop Humanities, the Arts and PSHE for Key student responses a range of key skills including research, Stages 1, 2 and 3 (5–14-year-olds). created during and after teamwork, focus and creativity. It also Examples of what it contains include: their church visits, including artwork, gives churches the practical tools photographs, poems and creative and resources to better understand, writing. encourage and support the needs of Lesson Plans and their local schools. Challenges Visit Practicalities It originated in Norfolk and uses the Thirty innovative cross- Provides all the practical tools Aylsham cluster of schools and churches curricular lesson plans, to help plan and deliver the as worked examples, but Inspired challenges and supporting perfect day of learning from Classrooms is generic and so can be resources for Key Stages 1, 2 both the school and church used by any church and by any school and 3 with a clear filtering system – by perspective. Resources include at any time. Key Stage, Subject, Skills or Keyword a model Risk Assessment, Itinerary, ‘I have found the concept of the Toolkit – which allows you to easily find the Equipment List, Parents Letter, sample thoroughly inspiring because it allows lesson(s) you want. Press Release and more.

26 ‘This toolkit for teachers is revolutionary’ All schools have a rich resource for inspirational and cross-curricular learning nearby – parish churches. There are over 15,000 of them in England. They are under-used in this connection, not through any fault of the schools and their teachers or the churches and their clergy. It is simply that no-one has provided suitable resources to enable parish churches to be used not simply for religious education but for history, mathematics, art, music and science. This toolkit for teachers is revolutionary. It will offer activities for a full cross-curricular day within a church, and suggestions for learning before and after the event. Our churches are living buildings and yet many of them have been around for centuries. There is nowhere else quite like them. This project began in the Diocese of Norwich in the Aylsham and District Team Ministry where twelve parishes and eight ‘It was the best literacy lesson – much schools are in frequent contact. Only better than writing in the classroom.’ two of them are church schools Year 4 Pupil from Bure Valley School When our teacher said but all the schools, primary and we were going to the secondary are equally enthusiastic It has been a great pleasure for me to about what can be achieved. lead the Inspired Classrooms team over church I thought it would be the past two years as we have steadily boring, but it hasn’t been. Our young people deserve the very built this amazing resource. This has best experiential learning. Cathedrals included working with a very talented It has been great! and churches have a “wow” factor group of teachers from across the Year 5 pupil from Erpingham for young children. That’s good, but Aylsham Cluster, who have developed Primary School we also want to make them places the Toolkit lessons, challenges and of learning and discovery too. I hope practical resources. Each lesson has been and pray this project will help us all trialled within local churches with the rediscover that our parish churches relevant year group and feedback from are inspired classrooms. pupils and teachers has always been The Rt Revd sought and incorporated as the lesson plans have developed. You will find Inspired Classrooms at The Aylsham & District Team Ministry www.inspiredclassrooms.org continue to be very supportive of the Toolkit and the web design team from Saul Penfold MA PGCE Studio Blip have brought it to life. Inspired Classrooms Project Manager Inspired Classrooms is funded by the [email protected] Heritage Lottery Fund, with a significant contribution from the Diocese of Norwich. Saul Penfold is a teacher and educator and was formerly No other heritage learning resource has Head of Education at Norwich the richness or cross-curricular potential Cathedral for nine years. He of parish churches. You will find such now works as a freelance heritage learning and Inspired Classrooms all over the country fundraising consultant and is and this new online Toolkit will enable Chair of Governors at you to explore and enjoy them. C of E VC Primary School.

27 Comings & Goings The following Priests and Our prayers for their future ministry go to: Readers have had their The Revd Helen Rengert appointed Team Vicar, Reepham and Wensum Valley Permission to Officiate granted: Team Ministry. The Revd Canon Peter Godden, the Revd The Revd David Longe appointed Rector of the Matlaske Benefice. Wendy Evans, Mrs Elaine Burbridge, The Revd Marc Palmer appointed Priest-in-Charge of Drayton Mr Nigel Singleterry, Mr Roger Walpole, St Margaret, Norwich. Mrs Carol Bennett, Mrs Anne Leighton, The Revd Sharon Lord appointed Rector of Pakefield (Benefice). Mrs Jane Dryden, Mrs Lynda Mansfield, The Revd Ian Dyble appointed Associate Priest within the Earlham Benefice. Mr Harry Hicks, Mrs Jean Rockett. The Revd Di Rowlandson appointed Associate Priest within the Mitre Benefice. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Revd Wendy Evans who retired on 30/04/18 as Team Vicar of the Diss Team We are saddened to announce Ministry. the deaths of: Mrs Wendy Sargeant, who retired as a Reader at Fountain of Life, Ashill on 22/04/18. The Revd John Earp on 03/04/18. Mr Peter Carroll, who retired as a Reader at St Stephen, Norwich on 09/04/18. Mrs Helen Middleton who retired as a Licensed Reader at the Waterside Group, The Revd Debbie Driver, Ordained on 29/04/18. Local Minister in the Benefice, on 11/04/18. The Revd Canon Paul Thomas who is to retire on 15/07/18 as Priest in Charge of the Scarrowbeck Group. The Revd Alan Robson on 16/04/18. The Revd Chris Tinker who is to resign on 31/08/18 as Rector of Bradwell, St Nicholas. Mr David Crombie on 13/04/18, a Reader within The Burnhams Benefice.

able to protect, it would have cost around £2.5 million pounds. We hope that we can Roof Alarm Scheme saves continue to install more alarms on churches so that we can protect these wonderful churches over £2.5 million community spaces for people now and in the future.” The Revd Peter Cook of St Mary’s Church commented: “With the installation of a roof alarm, much of that worry has been lifted from us. Our church is protected by an alarm and our lead is now 100 per cent insured. We are, of course, all very grateful to all involved and hope that more dioceses and local constabularies can adopt this amazing initiative, so that lead theft can finally be stopped everywhere.” To donate to the Raise the Alarm campaign visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ raisethealarm If you see or hear anything suspicious A year ago, the Diocese of Norwich The hope was to install 50 alarms on church around a church, please report it to the launched an innovative ‘Roof Alarm buildings. However, through generous police. To report suspicious activity please Scheme’ to help protect their magnificent public donations, over 70 alarms have been call 101 or if you see a crime in progress churches from the threat of lead thefts. installed on churches across the Diocese. please call 999. Over £250,000 was raised through a “Thanks to the generosity of our partners partnership between Bishop Graham, and the public we are thrilled that we the Office of the Police and Crime have been able to exceed our original Commissioner, Allchurches Trust, the target,” said Bishop Graham. “We estimate Norfolk Churches Trust and the Round that if lead had been stolen from all the Tower Churches Society. churches that your donations have been

28 An artful encounter with God By Dean Akrill

veryone knows that lions live Sunday performances, in wardrobes, monsters lurk and encouraged people down the toilet, and dragons to unpack their own ‘stuff’ emerge from cracks in the through improvisation pavement. Whatever you do don’t step and storytelling. Eon the cracks! It has also involved It’s the Wednesday evening of Holy taking a sideways look Week, and a respectable audience has at old stories and how they turned out to see Beyond the Wardrobe, might relate to us today; an “alternative Passion play”, written by for example, my play Fuzzy me and performed at St ’s in relocates the book of Job from Sprowston. its ancient setting to a present- day psychiatric hospital; a Okay, I’ll admit that this isn’t the usual place where many, like Job, premise for a Passion play, but then, very end up confronting God. little about this is what you’d expect. But why art? And what is The actors aren’t all card-carrying Scenes from Beyond the Wardrobe Christians for a start; the story itself is art? Well, in my opinion, one inspired by C.S. Lewis’ Narnia stories, thing art isn’t is merely a substitute while these overgrown “children” are for a sermon or reading – art does going on an adventure during which the a different job, or at least it does if monsters stem from their own fears and done well. Good art explores the experiences. But it is a story dealing with complexity of human experience; love, sacrifice and the hope of new life, through it we gain a different and Christ is there; a lion who is destined understanding of ourselves, of each to become a lamb. other, and of God. Since arriving in Norwich from my native Art allows ‘the soul to speak’; Yorkshire ten years ago and taking up sometimes we don’t know what the the post of Associate Vicar in Sprowston, soul wants to say unless we allow it it’s been part of my ministry to engage expression, so it’s always risky. The with people through the performing arts art of storytelling, especially our own as well as doing all the usual things that story, can reveal much that we’ve kept vicars do. hidden; it can be a form of prayer, or a way of ‘letting go’, as well as a form of Over this time, I’ve joined in with the expression. fun stuff, such as the annual Parish Pantomime; helped people engage with It’s an odd form of ministry; it allows more serious stuff such as Remembrance me to be a clown on occasion, a writer, an actor, and also a pastor. I get to engage with people who normally Good art explores the wouldn’t go near a church, and to complexity of human gently challenge those who do. Art also allows us to share in the creativity experience; through of God; through it we can encounter Dean Akrill as Job in Fuzzy it we gain a different God and community in unexpected ways; it deepens and broadens our To find out more, or to watch understanding of ourselves, understandings and challenges our of each other, and of God. Beyond the Wardrobe online, visit certainties. Actually, perhaps it’s not deanakrill.wixsite.com/scart-art so odd after all…

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

colleges and others Sow seeds now Allchurches Trust: who nurture young for Harvest new website people and help them to flourish. Looking ahead to Harvest Festival The Allchurches Trust supports the planning? Many charities can help with repair, restoration and wider community Find out more about resource packs full of service outlines, use of churches and cathedrals of all how to apply for grants and read stories prayers, worship ideas, children’s denominations. It supports charities about the difference their grants activities and more. Here are just a few to addressing homelessness, poverty and have made in local communities at give you some ideas and inspiration. social exclusion. It also supports schools, www.allchurches.co.uk Book your Christmas New local Ministry event with Springs Stories videos Dance Co Ministry Stories This well-known Christian is a new video resource by contemporary dance the Diocese of company is offering Norwich casting a light on the vocational bookings for its popular journeys of a range of people. From Journey of the Magi music teachers to ex-Police officers, Embrace Middle East production for Advent teachers and youth workers each film 01494 897950 www.embraceme.org/ 2018. They explain: explores the motivations, experiences webform/free-harvest-resource-pack “T S Eliot’s poem, Journey of the Magi is the and processes of how they felt called inspiration for the show. We are reminded to the ministry in their different roles, not only of the famous journey the wise men what their role involves and offers advice made following the star to Jesus, but also of on what people could do in finding the ‘journey’ each of us makes every year in their call to the ministry. The films are preparing for Christmas Day. Images from designed to be an encouragement and the poetry and familiar Christmas scenes a ‘pause of thought’ for those who may explode in a mix of laugh-out-loud funny, feel ministry as a vocation or who may moving and entertaining theatre and dance. have begun that journey, or for people The result? We hope not only to entertain, Christian Aid who just aren’t sure. but to offer a chance to reflect and refocus. 01603 620051 They are available on the Diocese of “This performance lasts for 90 minutes plus www.christianaid.org.uk/fundraising/ Norwich website and YouTube channel. there is a 20-minute interval, which provides harvest-appeal-resources the perfect time for festive mince pies! All we Self Help Africa need for the performance is a clear flat space 01743 277170 of 6m x 6m, on which we lay our dance floor. World War One www.selfhelpafrica.org/uk/harvest Springs provides all its own lighting, sound Watch this space… for equipment and set and would just need six (resources available from mid-July) resources in the next issue hours in the space to set up for the show to help you plan for the Foodbank before the performance start time.” centenary commemorations If you want to To find out more or to book this show, contact of the end of World War One. There will be find the nearest [email protected] details published in the Sep/Oct issue, plus Foodbank to you to www.springsdancecompany.org.uk updated events and resources nationally support, contact www.trusselltrust.org 07876 752910 and locally at www.DofN.org/world-war-1

Promote your local church groups & activities

™ Bright Map is an online map where visitors can search for community groups and activities near to where they live, many run or supported by local churches. Bright Map Add your church’s to the map for free at www.brightmap.org 30 News in brief Updates from across the Diocese

Bishop of Norwich announces his retirement Norfolk’s Volunteers The Rt Revd Graham James announced in late May that he will be retiring early of the Year next year. BBCNorfolk is on the search for “I intend to retire as Bishop of Norwich Norfolk’s Volunteers of the Year and early next year and will conclude my Bishop Graham will join a panel of public ministry at a service in Norwich judges to pick the winner. If you Cathedral on Sunday 25 November 2018, know someone who you think the final Sunday of the Christian year. deserves recognition for all that they “I will use the following weeks to do, you can nominate them in one of draw my involvement with many local the following categories: organisations and charities to a close, YOUNG: A person aged and also to disengage from a number of under 16 who should national responsibilities. be recognised for their Bishop Graham will be presiding and “It’s been a privilege and honour to serve preaching at 10.30am on Sunday 25 volunteering. as Bishop of Norwich for almost 19 years, November at the Sung Eucharist in and Julie and I will find it hard to leave. COMMUNITY: An Norwich Cathedral. There will also be a We are returning to Cornwall (to Truro) individual who has Farewell Evensong for Bishop Graham but the Diocese of Norwich and her had an impact on their and Julie at 4pm. All are welcome to people will always have a big place in our community whether geographical, either service. hearts. Thank you for all your support. group or virtual. The process for appointing a new Bishop “Please pray for us as we prepare for this HEALTH: Someone whose of Norwich will follow nationally agreed new chapter in our lives, as well as for volunteering benefits the guidelines. The has those who will be responsible for the written to all clergy explaining the next health of people or in the appointment of my successor. steps in a little more detail, and that letter health sector. “May God continue to bless you and this is available to all on the Diocesan website EDUCATION: This is Diocese.” or by request from Diocesan House. not limited to a school or formal education environment and can include any Ofsted praises Diocese Academy Trust role that educates or informs. The Diocese of Norwich Education and Ofsted visited six DNEAT academies, who INNOVATION: The person Academies Trust (DNEAT) has been were due for inspection, and then visited who has the great ideas highly praised in its recent Ofsted the central Trust team. All six academies – something different or Multi Academy Trust review for strong achieved ‘good’ outcomes and the review unique that has changed lives. leadership, quality teaching and a culture of the Trust was extremely positive of collaborative learning. backing up the outcomes found in the Tell BBCNorfolk in 200 words or less academies. why you think they deserve to win at www.bbc.co.uk/radionorfolk Mary Jane Edwards, CEO of DNEAT said: Nominations close on Friday 21 “We are so proud of this result as it September. reflects the fantastic work that our teachers and staff across our academies are doing. Although this is a great result, we know that there is still more to do, and we will continue to work at improving standards. We all want to provide the best education possible for the children in our care and we believe that by working collaboratively we can achieve this.”

31 FOCUS N The Waterside Benefice

A regular feature focusing on a benefice or parish in the Diocese of Norwich, written by By the Revd Deborah Hamilton-Grey someone from that community.

e are a group of four rural churches distinct Imagining Empowering in character, rooted As a consequence of prayer in these early Four new Holy Communion Assistants in tradition with small months of my journey as Rector in the have emerged who are enthusiastic about congregations. This is the challenge Waterside Benefice, we are imagining and Holy Communion Services being brought and the cup that Christ has given us as beginning to see those people emerging into the community into care homes and weW embark on this earthly pilgrimage who are God’s powerhouse, and who personal homes. together in our corner of the Diocese. are the vehicles through which each community will also be encouraged, built Milestones Hospital approached us to go As part of the Diocese of Norwich, we are up and equipped. into their new hospital in , and we ‘Committed to Growth’ and are seeking to have been to visit their patients to begin to work out the Mission Strategy within our Eight people are now authorised to lead and build relationships for the future and to see rural context. assist with services across the Benefice. They how we can help. also take responsibility for leading morning and evening prayer and new services. Broadlands House in , under Listening the leadership of its manager Melissa, Steven Pitkethly, an Authorised Worship recently invited us to a Dementia Training The clergy are charged with the challenge Assistant, comments: Day with their staff with a view to helping to empower and encourage the people us to better understand their context and in our churches’ community to respond is blessed with many the guests that they look after. As a team to their gift and their calling. This we visit once a month to have a Holy must begin from the premise and the who exercise their gift for the benefit of others. Our new monthly Communion Service in the dining room. We recognition that all are called, all have sing hymns together and share the bread a gift, and all are chosen. It starts with service on a Sunday evening is a and wine following a short liturgy. listening and discerning the gifts of others liturgy-light, informal gathering and this begins with prayer, always and using contemporary worship songs, Traditional services and liturgy in this everywhere, on all occasions. It has begun with the aim of creating space and context are very important for this group in our patch with having a team of people as our guests are easily able to join in who walk and journey together in prayer, time for people to encounter God, with the traditions that are familiar and and meeting and in fellowship. We began with the opportunity to receive comforting to them. “Every resident has praying in the form of Common Worship prayer for healing. their own journey and it is so important to daily prayer in October 2017. find different ways of supporting them and

32 their families; it is both challenging and Plans are in place for parent toddler groups “This raises money for the parish share rewarding,” says Melissa. as Julia Cleary, our newest volunteer and while creating outreach potential and electoral roll member, researches other gives both physical and psychological Warren and Jane Egerton are a part of toddler projects and gathers people to encouragement to those who use their the team at Hickling Parish, where they begin providing a space for our families, artistic gifts and skills, as the preparation have been working for the restoration including those recently baptised. required during the winter provides a focus and cleaning of the tower and of the for the event in May.” bells at Hickling. Do also come and see our amazing new exhibition in Catfield Church, ‘A Year Another initiative to celebrate is the “St Mary’s is a proud, beautiful and in the Making’, driven forward by Neil ecumenical Churches Together in Ludham. peaceful church but due to the tower Smalley and a host of local community “There has always been a close relationship condition she had fallen silent for many contributors, and involving the school and between the two churches in our village years,” says Jane. “We worked closely with others to commemorate the centenary of with shared services and mission,” explains the Whitechapel Bell Foundry until the World War One, “honouring the illustrious Churchwarden Alex Cordiner. “We quickly tower was deemed safe. In the meantime, I war dead of Catfield” open from 21 July to agreed that we had more in common have been able to chime the bells. Hearing 5 August. than separated us. A computer café was them chime over the village feels like all launched over ten years ago; this has the love and light that St Mary’s gives was Isaiah 43: 18–19. “See I am doing a new thing! been followed by Village Cinema and shining out over our community. Today we Now it springs up; I am making a way in the a Car Scheme – the latter takes around have an amazing group of volunteers from desert and streams in the wasteland.” 400 people per year to various medical the community who have given up their appointments.” time to learn the practice of pealing the Of course, there are many more people bells, so that St Mary’s voice will be heard Celebrating and initiatives helping with the outworking once more in all its glory.” As we watch all these new things emerging, of God’s mission of love across our we also celebrate the ongoing work of There are many new projects starting benefice. We are just at the beginning; those who have been ploughing the field up, including our focus on families work there are challenges of administration over the years, such as the Annual Arts and across our communities. A recent training and varieties of personalities and gifts, Crafts event at St Catherine’s, Ludham. day with ‘Open the Book’ will enable us to and we hold the thought together with go into all three schools in the Benefice, “Each year at the May Bank Holiday, the the Diocesan Mission Strategy that, “for Ludham, Catfield and Hickling, from this centre of Ludham is alive and buzzing with mortals it is impossible, but for God all September. people at this event,” says Christine Wall. things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

33 Out & About happenings across the Diocese

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

Space for the soul at Aylsham High Muslim breakfast at St Augustine’s Students explored spirituality, prayer and life’s biggest The Norwich Bangladeshi Mosque in Rose Lane provided a nutritious questions with their very own interactive prayer space. Aylsham two-course meal at the Monday Lunch Club held in St Augustine’s Parish Church created the space in partnership with the school’s Church for homeless and vulnerable people, to mark the end of the Revd Religious Studies Department, in a marquee on the field. A Year David Austin’s ministry in Norwich. He said: “It is important that we as 9 boy said: “It’s really relaxing. It looks amazing, and it’s really people of faith work together for the common good in our community.” helped with my exam stress. When I’m in here, I feel all the stress drifting away.”

Dersingham vicar takes to the catwalk A fashion show in Hunstanston held in support of West Norfolk A new lease of life for Tunstall Church charity Baby Basics saw the Revd Mark Capron taking a turn on the catwalk. The charity, which operates out of St Nicholas’ Church, helps St Peter and St Paul continues to hold a valued place in the vulnerable mums by providing Moses baskets packed full of essential community, despite being formally declared a redundant church new-born items. building in 1980, thanks to new Trustees coming forward. At this year’s Easter Eve service with its traditional fire, candles and renewal of baptism vows, a record congregation of 38 attended – despite the drizzle and threat of heavier rain!

34 Dedication of new facilities building celebrations at Weybourne Over 270 people enjoyed a weekend of events at Bressingham Church to celebrate the completion of a £250,000 Heritage “We were delighted to welcome Bishop Jonathan to the coastal Lottery Fund building repair project to make this architecturally parish of the Priory and Parish Church of All Saints Weybourne. important landmark building watertight and preserve it for As part of a beautiful evening prayer with some heartily sung future generations to enjoy. hymns, the Bishop dedicated the new kitchen and toilet facilities. The picture shows Bishop Jonathan with Fr Phil Blamire and Revd Frank Clarke.” Sue Morton.

Photo: © Krys Wakefield

Pilgrim Federation Founding Day New vicar welcomed at Horsham At the end of April, The Pilgrim Federation of Blakeney, , Kelling and Walsingham Church of England St Faith, and Schools celebrated its fifth Founding Day with a pilgrimage The Licensing of the Revd Rosemary Maskell took place on to Norwich Cathedral. They enjoyed a variety of activities and 16 May in St Mary and St Andrew’s Church, . a service. Year 6 children presented the story of Jesus feeding Rosemary had moved from the Diocese of Ely and has also been the 5,000, which concluded with the distribution of chocolate appointed Chaplain to Norwich International Airport. Rosemary loaves and fishes to all! and Bishop Graham are pictured, centre, with the Churchwardens and AWAs. The Revd Robert Roberts (pictured far left) was in attendance as representative of the Methodist Church.

35 The Pilgrimage Trail of Dag Hammaskjöld in Luleå

If you feel like a challenge and e have been invited by our the trail is approximately 110 enjoy hiking, the Revd Helen twin diocese in Sweden kilometres in length and has seven to join a Pilgrimage in meditation sites along the way, with Jary suggests you could combine August 2019. text from Markings inscribed in stone. this with time to reflect upon Dag Hammaskjöld was a Swedish The Pilgrimage will take a week. The only life and faith while exploring diplomat,W economist and author and cost for participants will be the flights, became the Second Secretary General and bursaries may also be available. some of Arctic Sweden! of the United Nations in April 1953. Participants will need to carry their own Sadly, he died in a plane crash on his clothing, toiletries and bedding, but way to conduct ceasefire negotiations accommodation is available in hostel during the Congo Crisis, but was cabins along the route. Only two of these posthumously awarded a Nobel Prize. have electricity and running water, and After his death, his journal, in which toilets are clean but basic. he reflects on his faith journey, was published as a book called Markings. This Pilgrimage is open to over-18s only, and there are limited places available. If In 2004, a Pilgrimage Trail was you would like to submit an expression established to honour the memory of of interest, please contact Helen Jary Hammaskjöld, an experienced hiker. via [email protected] or Stretching from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, 01842 755769.

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

36 WHAT’S ON Highlights of events and learning opportunities across the Diocese July – September 2018

For more head to www.dioceseofnorwich.org/events or follow us @DioceseNorwich

JULY Norwich East Deanery Summer Outing Come and watch the annual Bishop’s cricket Tues 10 July match. The Bishop of Thetford’s team takes on the Bishop of Lynn’s team, whilst Bishop 6pm Graham umpires! Raising the Roof Address: St Peter and St Paul’s, NR27 9AE Fish & chips, a stroll on the sands and the Admission: Free. – an auction end of the Pier summer show at Cromer. The Contact: Revd Mark Capron, Fri 6 July Norwich East Deanery & Chapter invite you to [email protected] 7pm a summer social, visiting this gem of the Address: St Mary’s, Church Lane, Norfolk coast. Baconsthorpe NR25 6LU Admission: £28. An auction of “promises and interesting things”. Contact: Canon Darren Thornton, View the website for unusual promises on offer. [email protected] Admission: £5 to include drinks and canapes. Bishop’s Cricket Match Contact: Corinne Youngs, 01263 577263, [email protected] Fri 13 July 1pm Jazz Picnic Address: Marlingford Cricket Club (near Easton) Fri 6 July 6pm Address: Castle Farm, Swanton Morley NR20 4JT NORWICH CATHEDRAL DixieMix, East Anglia’s hottest Dixieland jazz SATURDAY 28 JULY 2018 6PM band, will be playing traditional jazz on the banks of the . WILLIAM BYRD CHOIR Admission: £10 in advance, £12 on the night. THE CITY MUSICK Contact: John Carrick, 01362 638302, CONDUCTED BY GAVIN TURNER [email protected]

Byrd Mass for Four Voices

Flower Festival – Celebrating the Victoria Church Year Sat 7 - Tue 10 July Magnificat 10am - 4pm (12.30pm - 4pm on the Sunday) Address: St Mary the Virgin, Long Stratton, for Norwich NR15 2TA A flower festival, exploring the rich diversity and full breadth of the church year. double choir Admission: Free. Contact: Revd Heather Wilcox, 01508 530238, Motets and [email protected] instrumental works

DETAILS ON WEBSITE

TICKETS: NAVE £30 £25 £20 £15 AISLES £10 BOX OFFICE: THEATRE ROYAL, THEATRE ST NORWICH NR2 1RL PHONE 01603 630000 OR ONLINE: WWW.WILLIAMBYRDCHOIR.COM A Peter’s Cat collection is available as an eBook from Amazon. Cartoon resources for Sunday schools can be found at www.deadseacomics.co.uk

37 Colby St. Giles Open Day Summer Fete Norfolk Day celebration in Sat 14 July Sat 21 July Fri 27 July 10am - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 12pm Address: St Giles’s, Long Lane, Colby NR11 7EE Address: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Address: St Peter & St Paul’s, Main Road / Mill Enjoy a ride out into the countryside to this Mary, Attleborough NR17 2AH Road, Mautby NR29 3JA rural church, have a country walk, then enjoy a A fun day for all the family with refreshments, Find out more about Margaret Paston, a Norfolk cup of tea in the churchyard; look at our stalls girl, who lived the early and latter years of her BBQ, craft stalls, ice cream, lots of stalls and see the tractors. life at Mautby. A 600 Paston Footprint event. including home baking, books, gifts and plants, Admission: Free. tombola, grand raffle, games and more! Admission: Free. Contact: Roger Bumfrey, 01263 733520, Contact: Shirley Travis, 01493 732746, [email protected] Admission: Free. [email protected] Contact: St Mary’s Church Office, 01953 454977, [email protected] A Day with the Iona Community: Transforming Lives to Change the World Sat 21 July 10.30am - 3.45pm Address: St Peter Mancroft, Norwich NR2 1RD Join with East Anglia members of the Iona Community to learn about the history and Parish Church Grand Church Flower Festival work of the Community. Join in a series of Book and Jigsaw Fair workshops, and share in an Iona Community Sat 14 - Mon 16 July Sat 28 July communion service. 10am - 4pm 9am - 12pm Address: St Margaret’s, Felbrigg Park NR11 8PR Admission: Free (donations welcomed) Address: St Peter and St Paul’s, Oak Street, Our annual event fills Felbrigg’s interesting Contact: Revd Dr Fiona Haworth, 01603 Fakenham NR21 9BX historic church with stunning floral displays! 615297, [email protected] Over two and a half thousand good quality Admission: Free. second hand fiction and non-fiction books Contact: June Clarke, 01263 761483, Free Spirit for sale. [email protected] Sat 21 July - Sun 22 July Admission: Free. Saturday 10am - Sunday 12pm Contact: Roger Burbidge, 01328 851848 Address: St Mary’s, Church Road, Thetford IP25 6DS All are welcome to our combined flower festival and Sea Sunday celebrations weekend, with crafts on display and for sale, and the opportunity to see a beautifully reordered interior. Admission: Free. Contact: Linda, 01953 884385, [email protected] Growing Young Leaders – St. Mary’s Singers Summer Concert NCCL Summer School Discovery Session Tues 31 July Thurs 26 - Fri 27 July Tues 17 July 7.30pm 6.30pm Arrival from Thursday 5pm, depart after 4.15pm Address: St Mary the Virgin, The Street, Hemsby Address: Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, on Friday. NR29 4EU Easton NR9 5ES Address: Belsey Bridge Conference Centre, Music ranging from choral to popular music, the This is an opportunity for church leaders, youth NR35 2DZ 22-strong singing group, St Mary’s Singers, will leaders and young people to come and find out Strangers, sojourners and citizens: addressing perform here for one night only. about the Growing Young Leaders course – now contemporary themes such as economics and Admission: £6. in its third year. migration through a range of approaches and Contact: Donna, 07860 136099, Admission: Free. disciplines. [email protected] or Maureen, 01493 732493 Contact: Anna Walker, 01603 882374, Admission: £90 for en-suite room, £75 for non- [email protected] ensuite room, £40 day delegate. AUGUST Ministry to Fathers Training Day Contact: NCCL Admin Team, 01603 218443, [email protected] Sat 21 July 10am - 4pm ‘Echoes of the 20th Century’ Address: Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Flower Festival Easton NR9 5ES Fri 3 - Mon 6 August Who Let The Dads Out? offer this training day 10am - 4pm for those interested in this developing area Address: St Andrew’s, Church Road, of ministry to Fathers. The training gets to NR28 0LQ grips with why and how to engage with men Starting with the end of World War One, the wherever they are on their fatherhood journey. displays will depict some of the significant Admission: £10 events in the following 80 years, including Contact: Anna Walker, 01603 882374, the Suffragettes, Festival of Britain and Royal [email protected] Weddings.

38 Admission: Free with donations invited Art Exhibition Arts Festival towards the mission and ministry of King’s Fri 10 - Sun 12 August Fri 24 – Mon 27 August Beck Benefice. Various times Contact: Sue Smith, 10am - 4pm Address: St Andrew’s, Bridge Road/Station Road, 01692 406045, [email protected] Address: All Saints, Aylsham Road, Skeyton NR10 5AX NR21 0DZ Norfolk Classic Car Run Our annual exhibition marking Open Art exhibition featuring over 20 artists and Churches Week, displaying and selling the crafts in an unusual cruciform church, with Sat 4 August work of local artists. festival events including music, flowers, WW1 8am commemorative peals and local history. Admission: Free, with donations invited Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD toward the mission and ministry of King’s Admission: Free. With the theme ‘Broads and Mills’, the annual Beck Benefice. Contact: Anne Prentis, 01328 829413 classic car run, with up to 100 classic cars, will Contact: Kate Cox, 01692 538302 start at the cathedral and visit seven specially selected churches en route. Admission: Free. Contact: Richard Mitchell and Maurice Gowen, [email protected]

Great Bircham French Fair Sat 11 August SEPTEMBER 11am - 4pm Address: St Mary the Virgin, Church Lane, Coordinating a benefice magazine Great Bircham PE31 6XS Thurs 6 September St Benet’s Ecumenical Fun for all the family at this unique French Open-Air Service event, where the church and churchyard will be 9.30am – 12.30pm transformed into a bustling “French” village. Address: Diocesan House, Easton NR9 5ES Sun 5 August Parish magazines are a great way to Admission: Free. 3.30pm communicate with the local community. Contact: George Hall, 01485 576134, Address: St Benet’s Abbey, Hear top tips and advice on how to produce a [email protected] NR12 8NJ magazine. This is the annual occasion when the Celebrity Organ Recital Admission: £5 per person. Abbot of St Benet’s, the Bishop of Norwich, with Martin Neary Contact: Barbara Bryant arrives at the Abbey site resplendent on [email protected] the bow of a traditional wherry to preach. Sat 11 August 7pm Admission: Free. Prayer – Do we Care? Contact: Revd David Smith, 01692 630216, Address: St Michael’s Aylsham NR11 6LW [email protected] A further celebrity recital on the restored Thurs 6 September – Thurs 18 October organ of Aylsham Parish Church. Address: Pott Row Methodist Chapel, Admission: £7.50. 87 Chapel Road, Pott Row, King’s Lynn Contact: Henry Macey, 01692 501023, PE32 1BP [email protected] A series of seven Thursday evening sessions with different speakers, open to everyone seeking to know more about prayer and who want to explore different ways of reaching out in prayer. Admission: Free. Contact: Rosemarie Bowers, [email protected], 01485 600485

Barton Turf TV Flower Festival Thurs 9 - Sun 12 August Flower Festival 10am - 4pm Fri 24 - Mon 27 August Address: St Michael’s, NR12 8YU Various times Take this opportunity to see our famous Address: St Peter and St Paul’s, Market Place, Rood Screen and enjoy the festival with Swaffham PE37 7AB over 30 exhibits by local organisations An unmissable treat of wonderful flower based on popular TV programmes of arrangements, some set in imaginative tableaus interest to all ages. in a stunning medieval church. Admission: Free. Admission: Free with programmes on sale. Contact: Yvonne Kendrick, 01692 630261, Contact: Maggie Clews, 01760 721247, [email protected] [email protected]

39 CATHEDRAL@NIGHT #Shattered

Worship / Music / Dance / Café / Prayer Space / Creative Zones / Social Action / Cage Friday 5 October 7pm Football /Sports / Pampering / Sleep (!) ‘til Saturday 6 October 7am Cost: £10 Per Young Person / Youth Leaders Go Free Help us scale Ben Nevis Includes Breakfast in the 12 hour continuous For further information and booking visit: climbing challenge! www.DofN.org/CathedralatNight

Over 120 community cafes and coffee mornings are run by churches in the Diocese.

Discover or add one near you at www.brightmap.org