Walking Welcoming THE BRIDGE Growing
Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark Vol.24 No.10 Christmas/New Year 2019/20
The Bridge team “We did not think that wish all our contributors, advertisers, distributors and it would happen again” readers a blessed Advent, a joyful On the afternoon of taking part in an event for the solidarity with the people in The Dean was interviewed As life around London Bridge Christmas and a Universty’s Learning Together the London Bridge area and to over a dozen times for returns to normal security is happy, peaceful Friday 29 November programme - which focuses on seek comfort as they dealt with television, radio and print heightened and people will the noise of education within the criminal their confusion and fears. media and even by the Sydney begin to return to the places New Year. helicopters overhead justice system. In his sermon at the 9am Daily Herald! that have once again been alerted everyone in Southwark Cathedral and 11am Eucharists at the He was able to speak of violated. Please continue to was locked down and then Cathedral, the Dean spoke Advent as a season of hope, pray for all of those affected the London Bridge evacuated as the events of the heroism of those who of God’s love for all and the and for our city and nation that Inside area to the fact that unfolded and it was once sought to contain the attacker, comfort that God has to offer. we may know God’s peace. THE BRIDGE something was going again closed as the police of the resilience of the people cordoned off the area. The of the wonderfully diverse area ...this month on and it soon became sense of shock and disbelief was around the Cathedral and of obvious that there had palpable around the Cathedral, our need, as a community, been an incident on the Diocesan office and in the to to show God’s love to all How some surrounding streets. As the around us - and to work Southwark London Bridge. Dean, the Very Revd Andrew together with those of other Nunn said on Friday night, in faiths and none to ensure people Wendy Robins the first of many interviews, that we stand against acts of will writes: “We did not think that it would terrorism and seek to bring spend happen again”. peace. You can read the sermon Christmas Day Gradually the news of the For many people the attack in full at http://bit.ly/2LgtLek ... pages 6 & 7 knife attack and of the death on London Bridge brought Bishop Christopher wrote of two people - now named as back memories of the terrible to all clergy, Readers, Deanery Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt events in Borough Market and Lay Chairs and members of - became known. The victims on London Bridge just two and Diocesan Synod inviting them were former students involved a half years ago. to pray for those affected by Parish Profile in a prisoner rehabilitation Once again Southwark the attack and the memories it Redhill, St John programme at Cambridge Cathedral became a place of raised. the Evangelist University. safety and of comfort for people He circulated the prayer ... page 9 When they were killed, they as they first sought shelter and which had been sent out on were at the Fishmongers Hall then came to services, in the social media by Church House, at the north end of the bridge, re-opened Cathedral, to show Westminster.
PLUS pages of news and photos Advent art at St John,East Dulwich from around the St John’s Church, East Dulwich welcomed Diocese Bishop Christopher on Advent Sunday to bless and dedicate their Advent exhibition. In addition to ‘Our Lady of Calais’ - an image of a refugee mother and child - the ‘Southwark Trinity’ by Meg Wroe and a portrait of a homeless artist called ‘Blessed are the Poor’ were Page 11 also on display. The Revd Raymond Baudon, Curate at St John’s, said: “The Hearts works of art depict images of God that are not what we on Fire might normally expect, hence with a Vision the title of the exhibition: for growth ‘What are you expecting?’. Walking with Jesus and “Hopefully they will make getting to know Jesus visitors stop and think again better as we journey on about what the image of God Welcoming all, means to them.” embracing our diversity After blessing the pictures and seeking new ways Bishop Christopher led of being church a moment of silence to Growing in numbers, remember and pray for those generosity, faith and caught up in the London discipleship as we grow Bridge attacks. God’s Kingdom
Follow the Diocesan Blog: ‘Hearts on Fire – sharing God’s Good News in Southwark Diocese’ - http://southwarkcofe.tumblr.com/ 2 THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 During this season of Advent As we journey through General Election or when As we spend time reflecting As we move into 2020 the Brexit might happen and what on the Holy Scriptures during Bridge will take on a new look Advent and prepare these things mean for our the days of Advent we reflect also this is the last edition for Christmas I hope well being as individuals and that the Holy Family had which will be edited by Bryan that you will be able a nation. It is perhaps hard nowhere to stay as it became Harris from Kent Christian to look forward to 2020 with time for Mary to give birth and Press who has been a faithful to find the time to joyful anticipation. needed to flee to safety in servant to the Diocese through consider what this Many are worried that Egypt soon after. his work on the Bridge. season is really about. they may not have jobs and So during this season of I am sure that you will wish So many of us get caught up even homes in the future. Advent and especially as we to join me in thanking him for in writing Christmas Cards and And of course with the very prepare to vote in the Election all he has done and wish him making sure that we have the recent terrorist attack on (and it is so important that well for the future. I will be best possible gift for everyone London Bridge there is a deep we participate fully in our awarding Bryan my Lancelot and considering what we might awareness of many potential democracy), let us think Andrewes medal in the New want to eat on the day that perils. prayerfully and carefully about Year. we forget that Christmas is The Advent Collect speaks how we can ensure that those I wish you all a holy Advent about preparing to welcome so powerfully: Almighty God, who live on the margins of our and joyful Christmas and in the the Christ child into our world give us grace that we may cast society are best cared for and New Year Peace and Goodwill once again and renewing our away the works of darkness, supported. to all. commitment to sharing God’s and put upon us the armour of love with others. light, now in the time of this So much is uncertain as I mortal life, in which thy Son write this message as we do Jesus Christ came to visit us in not know the outcome of the great humility.
The Church was packed Rosemarie Mallett Peter including three Bishops - the Bishop of Southwark who did the Commendation and to be the Archdeacon Milligan the Blessing, the Bishop of Kingston, who broke his The Revd Peter sabbatical to speak about of Croydon Milligan was Assistant Peter’s ministry and the The Revd Canon Dr Rosemarie Mallett is to be Priest at St John, Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, with whom the next Archdeacon of Croydon. She will take Angell Town. Peter had trained on what was up her new role in the spring. On the day of his then SEITE. unexpected death, at the Rosemarie Mallett is Prior to ordination, Three tributes were given. age of 66, he had told the currently Vicar of St John, Rosemarie obtained a PhD Peter’s brother recalled of his passion for social justice congregation that he would Angell Town and Director of in Sociology and worked as a his ability with maths - the and his welcome for all. be there for them during the the Justice, Peace and Integrity senior researcher and honorary precursor to a career in The Revd Canon Dr interregnum as the Vicar, The of Creation Department (JPIC) lecturer and in the field of statistics. He spoke of Peter’s Rosemarie Mallett preached Revd Canon Dr Rosemarie in the Diocese of Southwark. BAME Mental Health. love for debating, reminding speaking of how Peter valued Mallett, left to become the Rosemarie trained for the She said; “I am humbled Her work and commitment to everyone that Peter had an everyone and connected Archdeacon of Croydon. ministry at South Eastern and excited at taking up this the community in Angell Town opinion on everything and with all people no matter Peter had been at St John’s Institute for Theological new role and look forward to has been transformational, of the way Peter’s time as what their background. She Education (SEITE), (now getting to know Croydon. I particularly as a role model to since 2006. He served his a server in their church in spoke of the way in which he title at St Mary Putney from known as St Augustine’s hope to be able to fully utilise young BAME people in Brixton. Wapping helped to form his was always alongside people College) and was ordained in my experience to support our As the first Director of JPIC her 2001- 2006 having been spirituality. in their journeys and how a Reader at Holy Trinity, 2004. After serving her curacy parishes and people, and work work on community cohesion John Panton, one of Peter’s committed he was - always Upper Tooting, where his at Christ Church, Brixton she to further the Diocesan vision and combating youth violence friends, spoke of his love of with her in church unless he wife is still a Reader. He became Priest-in-Charge of of generosity, inclusion and is making a difference to the football, his generosity as was on holiday. was for many, many years St John, Angell Town in 2007 mutual commitment as we lives of many.” a friend, his love for people Peter Milligan served God a dedicated servant on the and Vicar in 2013. In 2013 journey and grow together in Bishop Jonathan added; and for the canal boat on with commitment, passion Diocesan Board of Finance, she also became an Honorary the love of Christ”. “We very much look forward which he and Jane, his wife and a passion for the social Fairer Shares Committee and Canon of Southwark Cathedral. Bishop Christopher to Rosemarie becoming part of had frequent holidays with justice. He was much loved as the Communications and She has been a member of the said; “Rosemarie will bring the Croydon team. friends. Chris Hawkins who a husband, priest and person Resources Committee. General Synod of the Church exceptional gifts and experience “In the Area, and especially also trained with Peter spoke and will be much missed. of England since 2010. to the Croydon Archdeaconry. in the Archdeaconry, we all look forward to working with The FEBRUARY edition To make a donation her in shared mission and is due to be printed on Farewell towards a leaving present for ministry”. 23 January. Material THE BRIDGE Chris, please make cheques for that edition must be payable to “SLCF” writing with Wendy S. Robins at to Chris “Skilton” on the back and Trinity House (E-mail: Editorial Adviser (Volunteer) send them to the Finance bridge@southwark. An opportunity to apply your skills to help Press & Department, Trinity House, anglican.org) by Communications share God’s Good News around the Diocese. Skilton Borough High Street, MONDAY 13 January From the next edition, the Bridge will have a fresh new look London SE1 1HW. Electronic and as a result we are looking for a volunteer Editorial Adviser The service of payment can be made using Chair: Biddy Taylor Space limitations mean that to help keep us in touch with what is happening across the the following information: E: biddytaylor.spidirchair we cannot guarantee to parishes and suggest what we should be featuring in the paper. farewell for the Account name: @gmail.com publish everything we receive The person appointed will: Venerable Chris SLCF Assessment 020 7622 4912 and material may be edited. • liaise with Deanery Lay Champions to ascertain work Skilton takes place at All photographs submitted happening in each Deanery so it can be featured in The Bridge Sort code: 60 60 04 For information about training courses to for publication will assume to • meet regularly with the Editorial Team to discuss the Emmanuel Church, Account number: 70380740 have the necessary permission become a spiritual content and focus of the paper South Croydon on Reference: Skilton for printing. So, please director contact Biddy • read the finalised copy before printing to ensure stories Emmanuel Church is at the ensure that people are happy are featured as agreed Saturday 1 February Taylor (above) for their photographs to be corner of Normanton Rd and • seek feedback about the paper from a wide variety of at 6pm. submitted before you do so. Hurst Way, CR2 7AF. There is Membership Secretary sources and feed this back to the Editorial meetings and Everyone is welcome. It is no on-site parking but plenty E: [email protected] Forms for permission for to Press & Communications anticipated that the service the use of photographs of of free on-street parking. The 01306 884467 This is a voluntary position but a small honorarium and will be quite informal and children and adults who church is 15 mins walk from Finding a expenses will be provided clergy are not required to may be vulnerable can be South Croydon station, and spiritual director For more details or to apply please contact robe. It will be followed by a found at www.southwark. a short walk from bus routes Please go to our website David Loft, Director of Human Resources reception in the church hall. anglican.org/safeguarding/ ([email protected]) 412 and 64/433. www.spidir.org.uk diocesan-policies-procedures The Bridge is produced & published by Kent Christian Press for Press and Communications on behalf of The Diocese of Southwark, Trinity House, 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW. Editorial, Advertising & Distribution: : 020 7939 9400 E: bridge @southwark.anglican.org The Bridge - in print, in your parish... and on line at www.southwark.anglican.org/thebridge THE BRIDGE...CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 3
Bishop Karowei joined church members at St John’s Deptford in November to celebrate the 100th birthday of Melvina Ducasse. A resident in Brockley and long term member of St John’s Church, Melvina came to the UK from Jamaica in 1950s and worked in the Lewisham Hospital as an orderly on the Confirmed at the Cathedral Maternity Ward caring for many mothers and babies over the years. She is a faithful member of St John’s and in On Saturday 23 November - the Eve of Christ the King - Bishop Chjristopher confirmed 30 candidates and baptised and then former years actively took part in the women’s fellowship confirmed two more in Southwark Cathedral. They came from the Cathedral congregation and a further ten parishes across the and ministry. It was a joyful celebration singing her favourite Diocese. The following day a further six people were confirmed by Bishop Karowei at St Margaret, Lee. hymns: “what a mighty God we serve” and “just a closer walk with thee”. The photo shows Melvina with the Pastoral Team members who regularly visit her at home - Jasmine Jones, Deborah Black History Month Ugbechie & Elsie Famosa - Bishop Karowei and Ravensbourne Team Rector, Canon Peter Farley-Moore. Spectacular! Pauline Russell Choir; leading modern day writes: Calypsonian Alexander D Helping young Great; Melissa James (photo right) and two children from people make choices I recently attended a the congregation - Tiffany On 2 October St University; the Revd Alice Pettit wonderful concert in (aged 12) and Annaliese (aged from St Andrew, Ham; Ursula 4). Poetry was read by Marie Andrew’s Church, Hodges, Head of Careers, and aid of Black History Reynolds, founder of Hope Ham held an event Dr Joan Rutherford, Consultant Month held at my Children’s Home in Ghana. to help young people Psychiatrist. parish church, St This was the first concert at our church to mark Black make good choices Opportunities for voluntary George the Martyr, work were offered, plus advice History Month. Both the around careers and on university applications, Shirley. ethnic mix and age range further education. subjects to choose depending The event was organised by of the audience was truly on the young person’s career one of the church members, representative of Croydon A variety of speakers Borough. included Professor Alison path, and suggestions for Andrea Cordery, who was Andrea, her family and Baverstock from Kingston maintaining and building an excellent ‘Master of personal resilience. Ceremonies’. The evening her team worked extremely was full of love, wonderful hard to make the evening singing, delightful dancing, a real success. Generous superb poetry, interesting sponsorship was provided talks and delectable African by Croydon Council and an and Caribbean food and drink, anonymous donor from the including Rum Punch! parish. I do hope another Performers included concert can be arranged for A professional sound Croydon SDA Gospel next year. and AV installation and hire company serving the south east of England - approved in 3 dioceses with installations in over 250 churches
Quality tailor-made loop and sound systems, radio microphones and AV installations for churches and other public buildings. Photo; The Revd Alice Pettit and behind her (l-r), Joan Sound and lighting for exhibitions, Smith, Ursula Hodges and Alison Baverstock. conferences and outdoor festivals. Professional recording facilities - in our studios or on location ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE Our aims are simple – ‘to produce excellent sound St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and flexible using quality equipment and experienced engineers’ – in our opinion, the only way to work! accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays. Call us for UK Sub-Distributors for the Martin Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily office in a FREE quote Audio product range St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel. For further details please contact: Unit 6, Sham Farm Business Units, Eridge Green, St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU Tel: 01235 763141 Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JA. Tel: 01892 752246 Email: [email protected] www.csmv.co.uk www.oldbarnaudio.co.uk 4 THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20
Sabra slept rough for years. Now she needs your support to help other rough sleepers. Your gift could fund outreach work that helps more people leave homelessness behind. To donate, use the form below, or visit www.churchhomelesstrust.org.uk
Name Address We need your postcode to Postcode process card donations Please accept my/our donation of: £250 £100 £50 £25 £15 Other £ ______I enclose a cheque postal order charity voucher (payable to Church Homeless Trust) or charge my Visa Mastercard CharityCard Maestro Card (Maestro Expiry date number M M Y Y Issue no. only) We always send receipts for donations. We will never sell or share your data, and we promise to keep your details safe and secure. Further details of how your data is used and stored are available on www.churchhomelesstrust.org.uk/privacy-policy We’d also like to send you information about our work up to three times a year. If you would prefer not to receive this tick here If you would prefer updates by email, please provide your email: Email Gift Aid. I want to Gift Aid my donation today, and any future donations I make to Church Homeless Trust. I confirm that I am a UK taxpayer. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give. Signed Date
Please return your form to: Church Homeless Trust, Can Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road, London N1 6AH RCN 802801 SBX19 THE BRIDGE...CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 5 Growing Faith: Churches, Foodbanks Schools and Households face growing Colin Powell initiative. It’s about reflecting a the Growing Faith agenda Diocesan Director ‘What we do?’ and ‘How we do and how we can ‘signpost’ of Education it?’ and seeking ways of taking resources to support it. demand this work further. I will be meeting, on a In Southwark we will be termly basis, with Champions Mid-year statistics living out God’s call on our Growing Faith is a exploring ways of weaving from other Diocese to share recently released lives to respond to poverty. vision set by the House it through each strand of ideas and develop strategies. Many foodbanks struggle our Diocesan Strategy. The The Growing Faith by Trussell Trust with storage and lack the of Bishops to ensure a questions we will be asking Adventure wants to see: have shown a 23% storage space to manage national commitment ourselves, at all levels, are: every parish creating increased use of the amount of food they * now need. So over the past to achieve a significant ? What are the implications expressions of church foodbanks across the culture change within for children, young people where children, young year project managers of and households? people and households are country. foodbanks across South the church so that How are we hearing the actively involved, growing In South London, issues London have worked together every aspect of mission ? voice of children and spiritually and have their with benefit changes, the to secure funding to set up and ministry is seen young people in our vision voices heard five-week-wait for Universal a warehouse space within planning and decision Anglican parents Credit, low pay and the rising St Margaret’s Church, through the lens making? * recognising the importance cost of living are just some of Streatham Hill. of what it means to Partnership and joined up of sharing faith with the reasons that people are The warehouse space was minister with children, thinking between churches, their children and being referred to foodbanks. officially launched on 13 November and will ensure schools and households is actively engaging in this church, schools and Across South London, young people and effective management and crucial in this. The outworking responsibility households churches have been households. of this will, of course, look clergy and lay ministers supporting foodbanks for distribution of food to those children and young people who need it. It will flow into the type different within each diocese * who are confident in * who are confident to share many years ensuring they If you are interested in how of relationships encouraged and parish. supporting households in their faith with their peers can support those in crisis. It you can support your local between schools and churches, I am delighted that Bishop sharing faith at home and families. has been, and continues to be and how these are developed an amazing response to the foodbank please go to https:// Christopher has invited congregations which Through: to resource and support me, as Diocesan Director of * need in our communities and www.trusselltrust.org/get- nurture and support the Spiritual encounters households to grow in faith Education, to be the Growing faith of children and young a demonstration of people help/find-a-foodbank/ * Connected Communities together. Faith Champion for our people * Imaginative practices This ‘adventure’ brings Diocese. Over the next few churches which serve * together work in all areas of months I will be talking * and are served by their I commend to you the Church Architecture church life, at both parish and with Department Heads, local school communities, ‘Growing Faith’ General Synod Diocesan levels. This is not Archdeacons and Diocesan actively building strong summary report (GSR121) for about implementing another teams as to how we embrace relationships between your consideration. awards ceremony Two Southwark St John the Baptist Church, Outwood was one of five churches have been shortlisted for the King of Safeguarding Creation at Battersea Fields shortlisted for Prussia Gold Medal - awarded At a time of Climate Jewish and Buddhist views more locally. Climate Ed Council’s lead on the architectural awards by for innovative, high quality Emergency, what including common values and Carbon Conversations Environment,shared progress the National Churches church conservation or repair about our moral obligations focused on how education can on the Council’s plan for work. Five years’ research and spiritual and practical towards the natural world, and foster engagement leading to reducing carbon emissions Trust. trials, culminated in a project guidance do our faiths other human beings. personal change in priorities across all its activities. All St Peter’s Church Petersham to apply a new render to the offer to those who 17 September shared and actions. The Revd Canon Saints itself has registered to was one of seven shortlisted church’s external walls, which examples of how these values Giles Goddard (St John, carry out an energy audit as for the Presidents’ Award has safeguarded the future of practice them? can show themselves in Waterloo) spoke about the part of the Church of England’s – awarded for the best new the building. For Creationtide, Vasantha practice, by contributing to Faith for the Climate Network. Eco-church scheme. architecture: new buildings Speaking at the awards Gnanadoss and Peter Wright, reducing our carbon footprint He also drew attention to The Revd Anand Asir, or new design in re-ordering, ceremony in October (where Wardens at All Saints Church in our local communities. Christian Climate Action, who Associate Vicar at All Saints, alteration, or extension. each shortlisted project at Battersea Fields, welcomed Extinction Rebellion share Extinction Rebellion’s summed up. He emphasized The church’s project received a certificate) Bob members of local faiths and emphasised how direct view that civil disobedience is how essential it is to deepen provides much-needed Allies, one of the judges, said: community groups to explore action in organised mass important for mobilising public our spiritual resources if we meeting space, WC and “What unites all the shortlisted this question. protest is vital. Transition opinion. are to engage in personal and catering facilities in a sensitive schemes is the extraordinary 10 September brought Town Tooting showed how Paula Walker, local social changes to safeguard the extension to the historic level of care and creativity that together Christian, Muslim, to live more simply and councillor and Wandsworth future of our planet. building. has gone into them”. WYCHCROFT Retreat and Resource Centre, Bletchingley ‘Carroty Wood Bake Off 2!’ • Opportunities and space for nurture and prayer • Excellent facilities for training and learning. Last year young people the second of a three-day stay part in activities such as raft • Comfortable accommodation and home cooked food. from three Southwark at Carroty Wood during the building, archery, abseiling and www.wychcroft.org October half term; the theme high ropes. parishes participated being ‘Mary, Cause of our Joy’. The activity was grant-aided in the first ‘Carroty As well as attending a daily by the Society of Mary and Wood Bake Off’ - this Mass (and baking), the young the Croydon Episcopal Area TravelArranged for SouthwarkInsurance Bridge readers October came the people and the leaders took Mission Fund. Real and friendly people... not machines! Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical sequel. cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. Last year,during their stay GET NEXT YEARS ANNUAL COVER AT THIS YEARS PRICE at the Kent outdoor activities Buy now to start Dec, Jan, Feb or March and beat the January price increase centre they were decorating COVER FOR:- Atrial Fibrillation/Heart Conditions, muffins to illustrate the Stroke, Cancer, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Arthritis, Osteoporosis Kingdom of Heaven. This year PLUS many more - Please call for an individual quote the contestants had to create a Conditions apply Please call for details ~ wedding cake. UK 0116 272 0500 FT TRAVEL Why? The young people of BASED Authorised & regulated by the FCA INSURANCE St. Alban’s, South Norwood, St Michael’s, Abbey Wood and St CHURCH PEWS Augustine’s, Belevedere had UNCOMFORTABLE? been looking at the meaning WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY and implications of the story UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? of the Wedding in Cana with Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, the Revd Philip Barnes, the Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Bishop of Fulham’s Missioner. Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail This workshop took place on When phoning please quote SB1219 6 THE BRIDGE...CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 An alternative Christmas Most of us will spend Christmas Day with our families and friends. But there are some people throughout the Diocese who will not be spending Christmas Day with their family because they are working or volunteering in order to bring some Christmas cheer to those who are in hospital or in prison or who are homeless. Members of the Press and Communications Team have talked to four people who are going to be spend at least part of their time this Christmas Day volunteering or working.
go straight on to my parents on it makes the day special - they In Christmas Day to join them - by can mark it in some way with which time I’m exhausted!” people.” This year, however, the The Christmas Day service prisons services at Wandsworth take at Wandsworth also gives place in the afternoon, which the inmates a chance to get Wendy Stephens has meant a change to Wendy’s involved and take an active part combines her work as usual Christmas routine. in the service by processing the “Normally I would go in to the nativity figures and giving the a Licensed Lay Minister prison and then go on to my readings. (Pastoral) at All family gathering afterwards; Wendy admits that “it’s Saints, West Dulwich, this year I’m having to go home not a service like you would with a ministry to on Boxing Day. So I will be on necessarily be used to – they all my own Christmas Eve and clap and applaud and say ‘good the prisoners of HMP Christmas Day in the evening, morning’ – but it’s very special, Wandsworth, assisting but not on my own during the and a very different atmosphere. the full-time prison day. But, it was a decision I The chapel is one place where made because I wanted to still they often feel that they’re chaplain. Wendy is go into the prison on Christmas not in a prison because it’s the first person in the Day.” somewhere different.” Diocese to be licensed Wendy says she made this After six years of prison decision out of care for the ministry, Wendy Stephens has in this way. people that she ministers to, had plenty of time to reflect - This year, she will be in the and because of the difference not just on the difference that service in the Chapel will be a might be alone as her family is prison on Christmas Day, along it makes to not only their she can make to someone else’s In Eucharist and will take place at not in this country either. But, with Bishop Christopher, where Christmas, but that of their Christmas, but also on the way 11am and he hopes for 20-25 Christmas Day will still happen two back-to-back services will loved ones too. “We probably she has been changed, and people. as Stanley and Clare will have take place for the inmates. sometimes forget – we get the new perspective that this Wendy describes her role as hospitals But he says, “My congregation their Christmas Day a day late so wound up in our own ministry has given her. “really just to be there amongst is like a flowing river” and so on Boxing Day 26 December. celebrations of Christmas - that “As a family we’ve always the guys, to give support, to talk Stanley Njoka greets us he is never quite sure who Stanley thinks that it will be too there are others who will be looked after those who were to them and to be a face from will still be there as people are late to try to do it on Christmas finding it hard at Christmas, on their own at Christmas, so with a warm smile and the outside.” often released and he does not evening when he gets home. even in our own congregations, growing up we’d often have a hug as we meet in the know that they are going to He doesn’t really know what Wendy’s Christmas is usually and we don’t know how many someone who was going to chapel at East Surrey be so. This is especially true at to expect because in all the “a bit of a marathon” she says. in our own congregations may be on their own at Christmas have someone they know in Hospital. Christmas when the hospital other years that he has been a “I do my work here, I have my for lunch, and as a child we tries to allow people to go home hospital Chaplain he has not role here at All Saints, West prison.” didn’t always like that but now It is clear his warm infectious Dulwich with my pastoral She continues “I think it’s I understand why, because I smile and ability to remember even if it is only to spend the needed to think about leaving day with loved ones. family behind as he has not ministry as a SPA - so looking very important for the guys, wouldn’t want to be on my own names has made him a huge hit after the children. We have After the service he will visit worked properly on Christmas having the service on Christmas either. with the staff at the hospital. our Christingle service on the wards taking communion to Day since getting married. Like Day. Christmas is a difficult “Making the decision not to We didn’t see him with patients Christmas Eve at 4pm, which those who would like to receive so many others he and Clare time because they’re separated be with my family was difficult but can imagine his warmth is a massive 400-odd affair, and it but were unable to get to the need to work out the best way from family and their friends. I but I know they understood why has a good effect on them too. then quite often I’d go to the Chapel; chatting to those who to have a good celebration of think that’s why it’s important I had to make it. I feel that I He has been at the hospital as midnight service at All Saints have no visitors either because the birth of Christ but they to be able to offer that human can offer being part of someone Senior Chaplain for just ten and then normally I’d then go they have no one to visit them are talking it through and contact, and they do come along else’s family - and it is a family months, having previously been on to the prison in the morning, to the services and really enjoy at King’s College Hospital. or because of the lack of public no doubt will come to good - in prison, and that’s what is arrangements. do the prison service and then something different because important on Christmas Day.” Leaving the chapel, which transport. is a shared space with those of He says that it is very special As Stanley talks about his the Muslim faith and in which to be able to share time with work and how much he loves those of all faiths and none are people in hospital at Christmas being a hospital chaplain welcome, we head through the and with the staff who are on he takes us on a tour of the maze that is the hospital to the rota. He will stay in the hospital. As he greets all the his office which he says is in a hospital for as long as it takes staff and jokes with them and portakabin (and it really is!). and he hopes that he may be asks them about their concerns able to leave by 6pm. it is really clear that this is his We talk about his community and in part his expectations of this his first This is the second Christmas that Stanley has been married family and that he wants to Christmas at the hospital. He be with them. He cares about draws on 13 years experience as and the first one when he will be properly working. His wife, the welfare of the staff and the a hospital chaplain to explain patients and their families. what he expects and hopes for Clare, also works in a hospital, she is a microbiologist at King’s He speaks of dealing with the on what will, for him, be a full question of why people die on day of work. College Hospital where Stanley used to work (but not where Christmas Day. Stanley will arrive at the He says that the ministry of hospital at 9am as usual they met). So she understands how presence for the lonely patients and spend some time, as he and the relatives who are in pain describes it, ‘wandering around important it is that there is a Chaplain on duty at the is so important and it is clear the wards’. He will spend time that in offering this ministry with staff as well as patients hospital on Christmas Day. But it is hard as they are not Stanley enables so many to as he is very aware that many understand just a little more of them are from overseas and yet sure quite what she will do on Christmas Day. She might about God’s love for them even will be missing family and a at the times of deepest difficulty. big traditional Christmas. The spend it with friends but she THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 7
in the Team but often on rest of the day will be different In Christmas Eve he’ll call in on because this will be the first services at the other churches Christmas spent with his new in the team – just to be with the wife, Ruby. parishes people as they celebrate. For Ruby, as well, things are St Paul’s has a predominantly going to be very different as she One group of people West African congregation spends her first Christmas as that we can guarantee and often many of them are a clergy spouse – possibly a lot will be working on away for Christmas or have more taxing than for Patrick. family commitments which She will be up very early on An alternative Christmas Christmas Day is the mean they won’t be in church Christmas morning to start clergy of Southwark on Christmas morning. It was preparing the food as they Diocese. interesting to hear that, whilst will have guests for Christmas Most of us will spend Christmas Day with our families and friends. But there are some people throughout the Diocese who will there would be a good number dinner and she will also go to We wanted to know how the in attendance, for Patrick’s the Christmas morning services not be spending Christmas Day with their family because they are working or volunteering in order to bring some Christmas clergy ‘do’ Christmas when they congregation Christmas Day and, as the Vicar’s wife she will are working for some of the day, wouldn’t be the biggest service be expected to set an example cheer to those who are in hospital or in prison or who are homeless. Members of the Press and Communications Team have so we went to find out. of the Christmas season. on a day when everyone dresses Patrick Eggleston has been Those would be the Sundays up to go to church! talked to four people who are going to be spend at least part of their time this Christmas Day volunteering or working. Team Rector of Thamesmead, in either side of Christmas and Last year before they married the Woolwich Area, for just over New Year’s Eve, when the Patrick and Ruby ate out at five years. He married Ruby a church would be holding a a restaurant for Christmas few months ago and this will be ‘Crossover’ service where they Dinner, but this year will be the their first Christmas together can give thanks for the past year first opportunity for them to as a family. So, when the and look forward to the new define what ‘their’ Christmas Bridge went to see them, the one. will be like. question was not just about how For Patrick, there has been With their guests they will Christmas was different for him an adjustment to the way things be sitting down to dinner as a member of the clergy! are usually done in order to fit sometime around 2pm and the We asked Patrick how he ‘did’ the local need. It means that he results of all Ruby’s hard work Christmas and his first answer, works in a different way to a lot will be there to see. There will whilst perfectly logical, was of his fellow clergy. For many of be a combination of traditional slightly unexpected – “It’s just the clergy of the Diocese, once British and traditional Ghanaian like an additional Sunday – but the services on Christmas Day dishes, reflecting both Patrick usually it’s in the middle of the are over, there is a bit of a lull and Ruby’s heritages. There will, week”. until Epiphany on 6 January. of course, be turkey and there He went on to explain that In St Paul’s Thamesmead, will also, of course, be Ghanaian his team that normally set up however, two of the biggest Jollof Rice! on Sundays will come in to set services of the year are still to The most special thing about up for the Christmas morning come! Christmas Day for Patrick and services but, as quite a few Once the services are over, Ruby is obviously the fact that people are away at Christmas Christmas Day starts to become it’s their first one together but it often falls to the incumbent more like everyone else for Patrick also pointed out that it’s to do some of the tasks usually Patrick - he will probably call in a very family oriented day for undertaken by team members. on one or two parishioners who him – but it just happens to be On Christmas Day, haven’t been able to make it to two different families… Patrick will be in St Paul’s pasionate about what she does. to feed at her family Christmas! the service on his way home. ...the Church family and, this Thamesmead, the main church However, this year, even the In night This is not the first time that “I can do all the eating with year, a family of his own. Abiola has enjoyed a Glass Door my family on Boxing Day” she Christmas. She explains that, joked before adding “well, I let shelters despite the many potentially someone else do the cooking mixed emotions that can and I eat”. Abiola Dada is a night coincide with the festive season Her kids, the youngest of shelter manager at there’s usually a jolly, “homely” which is now in their 20s, are atmosphere at the centres on understanding about Abiola’s Glass Door, a Homeless Christmas Day. wish to spend Christmas Day Charity that works “We have proper laid out elsewhere, away from the in partnership with Christmas tables, hats and family: “They don’t resent churches around presents for the guests”, she me going out to work on says, “and you know that’s not Christmas Day because, even West and South West what anyone has asked the before I began working at Glass London to provide volunteers to provide, they just Door, I didn’t want to buy emergency shelter to do it on their own, out of nice into the commercial nature of gestures”. Christmas. They understand those in need. For Abiola the purpose that it’s not just work”. She will be helping Jesus of Christmas is simple: to We ended by asking Abiola Cares Crusaders Ministries celebrate the birth of Christ. if ther was anything else she during the morning on “I try to keep that at the wanted to say about the charity. Christmas Day. background of what I’m doing She explained how Glass Door The morning plan, she says, on Christmas Day…It’s not hosts the largest open-access is to prepare and prepack food about the presents. It’s not network of emergency winter to be distributed in the early about the food. It’s that this shelters in London, sheltering afternoon to those who would person who came to save the a total of 175 people a night, not otherwise have Christmas world, came in to being on this seven evenings a week for the dinner on December 25th. day”. five coldest months of the year. “But that doesn’t necessarily She claims that she decided Unlike many services of its mean they’re all homeless,” a long time ago, before kind, Glass Door is not borough she says “they may be alone at spending her Christmas Days specific meaning that it able Christmas or, believe it or not providing the Glass Door guests to cater for guests located in this day and age in London, with a place to stay, that she anywhere in London provided they still may not be able to did not want to take on the a guest has the resources to afford food”. ‘pressure’ that comes with a travel to one of the Glass Door Abiola will then join the Glass commercialised Christmas and locations. Door team at about four in the all its ‘fineries’”. She notes how many other Whatever you are doing on afternoon when she’ll begin When asked about a usual charities will close during the preparing for the evening’s Christmas Day for her and what festive week but how most intake of guests, coordinating its like to spend Christmas away Glass Door workers choose to Christmas Day please spare a the volunteers and ensuring from her family, she joked and simply “carry on as normal” that things will be “safe and said that she has only allowed and continue with their usual thought - and a prayer - for orderly” for those coming to ‘that madness’ to happen at her working schedule at this time so stay on Christmas Day. house and had to cook dinner as to provide as much stability She’ll finally head home for a big group of people on for their guests as possible. those who will be ‘on duty’ on at about 10pm, although she Christmas Day twice in her “I just think that Glass Door confesses she may well end up adult life - apparently there’s is amazing,” she enthuses. Christmas Day. staying later; Abiola is clearly usually around fifteen mouths 8 THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 Wendy S Robins Projects for Lent DIOCESAN Call 2020 Week 1 SYNOD L’Arche, Bethlehem Week 2 The Kaduna Centre for Christian-Muslim REPORT Relations that the Revd Canon Dr presentation on Pioneering Week 3 The Diocesan Synod Diocesan Projects: Rosemarie Mallet is to become Ministry and Growth. He took place at St John, Archdeacon of Croydon, spoke of the variety of fresh Croydon – SparkFish Waterloo, on Saturday succeeding The Venerable Expressions in the Diocese Lent Call 2019 recipients Kingston – The Nicholas Chris Skilton for whom this but also said that we should Stewart Project 16 November. encouraged by the trialling doing on Monday morning, Woolwich – Superkidz would be the last Diocesan not in any way undervalue Mia Hilborn, Hospitaller and and introduction of the The Bishop distributed the Synod. Joseph Goswell was what happens more ‘usually’ Week 4 Chaplaincy Team Leader at Parish Giving Scheme in Lent Call cheques to the four congratulated on succeeding in church. He defined three Zimbabwe – Projects in Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital 2020. She also highlighted Zimbabwe Link Committees, Central Zimbabwe and Chris Elliott on the Diocesan different sorts of pioneer led the opening prayers, after the importance of contactless the Leprosy Mission, Carlile Matabeleland Council of Trustees. ministers: ‘replicators’, which Bishop Christopher gave giving as we look for ways to College, The Salmon Centre, ‘adaptors’ and ‘innovators’, Week 5 thanks for the work of hospital engage with those who do not Sutton Women’s Centre and Presidential address noted the creation of the new Zimbabwe – Projects chaplaincies in the Diocese. any longer carry cash. Small Christian CARE, Merton. In Bishop Christopher’s department and looked forward in Masvingo and Notices and announcements group discussions followed on Presidential Address which to meeting the key goal of Elections Manicaland followed, including a followed, he introduced the ‘What aspect(s) of the giving having 100 pioneers by 2025. After the Eucharist and lunch The material will be in correction to the Minutes, Safeguarding Past Cases strategy could be helpful for There was then a period of Adrian Greenwood, Chair of the parishes in early reflecting that the Revd Review 2, explaining that he my parish and deanery to January. discussion where small groups the House of Laity spoke about David Ruddick had asked a would be writing to parishes encourage generous giving?’ talked about the question of Elections process including supplementary question. about it in Advent. He spoke The Diocesan Secretary then pioneers in Synod members Deanery Synod elections. Ruth Martin, the Diocesan about the environment, reviewed the work of 2019, and announced that the parishes. This led to a debate about Secretary, announced that noting that it is ‘plain that presented the annual objectives Venerable Dr Jane Steen had the levels of representation Rebecca Chapman and Theo our climate is not in good Giving Strategy for 2020 and spoke of the way been elected as Chair of the per congregation on Deanery Shaw had been elected to health’ and saying that the Eco Gabby Parikh then gave a forward with the Southwark Committee. Synods. fill the vacancies on General Diocese project will sharpen presentation on the Diocese’s Vision. There were no questions Synod and are also on Diocesan our intention. He noted that Giving Strategy. She spoke Alan Saunders, Chair of the Following this the motion following the presentation Synod. She also announced for Lent next year he will be of the Parish Support Fund Diocesan Board of Finance, was put which approved the and so the Synod finished recommending resources to noting that payments have presented the budget for 2020. scheme whereby the number of with questions on Health & take us deeper into this. increased each year since He encouraged the Synod to lay members on Deanery Synod Safety provision, Electoral Roll PCC Secretaries are calculated, which largely The Bishop remembered 2015 with an increase of over pass the budget which allowed numbers, allocation of seats left the numbers as they have & Parish Bishop Roy Williamson, a £0.55m and that the amount for a small deficit within 1% for the laity on Deanery Synods been, and this was passed. Administrators former Bishop of Southwark given by contributors outside of breaking even. Noting that and progress on the Lay Chairs who had died recently, saying the largest 20 has grown by we are a financially resilient Stephen Roberts spoke about & Area Deans handbook. There Conference that we can honour him by nearly 7%. Diocese and that we are the Vacancy in See Committee were no supplementaries. Saturday 22 February replicating the way he loved She noted that in 2019 planning a cost rise of just 10.30 to 14.30 St John’s people. He also remembered pledges increased to £16.4m 1% for 2020 which includes Church, 73 Waterloo Rd, The Revd Peter Milligan who which was another annual a stipend rise of 1% and a 1% One of the small group ‘break out’ sessions Lambeth, SE1 8TY had recently died. increase, but that the collection rise in staff salaries. Following a debate in which 11 people Keynote speaker plus He then went on to rate has dipped to 98.5% as of spoke the Diocesan Secretary a range of topics, commend the Venerable Chris October 2019. Skilton, who retires on 29 This, she commented, was and Director of Finance and the including the revised Chair of the Board of Finance Church Representation February after 25 years with disappointing for Southwark the Diocese. He said that the responded to the points raised Rules, an opportunity to but a collection rate that would Diocese had been greatly be welcomed by other Dioceses and the budget was put to discuss how we can most blessed by both Chris and operating similar schemes. Synod. It was overwhelmingly effectively communicate Barbara his wife and wished She also talked about pledges passed with one vote against with you and support them a joyful retirement. The for 2020, noting that even and no abstentions. you in your roles, and HR Synod stood to applaud Chris. though the Diocese is waiting Eucharist issues. The full address can be found for pledges from some of its During the Eucharist Ish at: https://bit.ly/2sD88i2 largest churches, there is still Further information Lennox, the Lay Leadership an increase of 0.1% in the total will be sent to all Development Advisor Pioneering Ministry pledged. PCC Secretaries, Next, the Revd Canon Will introduced ‘This Time We need, she said to talk Incumbents and Parish Cookson, Dean of Fresh Tomorrow’ to Synod, where about encouraging generosity Administrators. Expressions and Director of several members of Synod in parishes which will be Pioneering Ministries gave a spoke of what they will be
Twenty young pilgrims visit to the School of Joy, Mediterranean coast before from across the a school for children with boarding their return flight to Youth Pilgrims learning difficulties in Beit Luton. Diocese, led by Bishop Sahour. Constance Bugden, one of Jonathan, visited the The third day took in a the pilgrims said “My time in visit the Holy Land Holy Land in October. visit to Jericho, the renewal the Holy Land was an amazing of baptismal promises at the experience. As a spiritual The Revd Patrick River Jordan (photo left) and journey, I found it incredibly Eggleston reports: then a dip in the Dead Sea fulfilling and reached a new before a long drive north to level of understanding my Nazareth. faith. I particularly enjoyed The pilgrims had responded The following day began walking the Stations of the to an invitation from Bishop with an inspiring visit to Cross and felt a growing Karowei - and this was their Christ School, the Anglican closeness with Jesus and God first visit to Israel. church school in Nazareth on each step of the journey. Following an EasyJet flight (and defeat in an impromptu “Renewing my Baptismal from Luton to Tel Aviv, the volley-ball match!) before vows at the River Jordan was pilgrimage began with a day heading to Galilee for a tour another emotional moment in Jerusalem, walking the way of the sites and a boat ride on and I felt a sense of peace of the Cross and descending the lake. and wholeness – it truly the Mount of Olives via the The final day saw the was a beautiful and moving Palm Sunday route. This was by now weary pilgrims ceremony.” followed by a day in Bethlehem return to Tel Aviv by way of I think we could all say which included a very moving Caesarea Maritima on the ‘Amen’ to that. THE BRIDGE...CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 9 Bryan Harris’s
PARISHThe Revd John PROFILEMeadvale Hall, which is now Kronenberg is even more available for lower Redhill, cost community lettings. clearly delighted John Kronenberg described with St John’s new St John the St John’s as having ‘central Community Centre – and inclusive churchmanship’ perhaps reflecting the and justifiably so. Evangelist eclectic congregation which Built at a cost of over while mainly local, includes £2million, it manages people from Roman Catholic, to combine an exterior Orthodox, Baptist and other compatible with the Victorian church backgrounds. St John’s Church, whilst “You could describe our offering facilities equal to any worship style as ‘encompassing modern hotel or conference both central and liberal centre. It’s the result of a 20 Catholic’. We have a liberal year dream for the parish and, theology and social attitudes for John, fulfils the promise which we would regard as he made when he became the generous and loving”. Sunday Vicar that it would become a worship begins with an 8am Community Hub to serve the BCP Holy Communion each area. week; there’s a traditional Technically St John’s is a 10.30 Parish Communion suburb of Redhill but it feels on the first, third (and more like a separate village. fifth) Sundays with a non- Straddling the A23 London years ago, to gaining planning Eucharistic multi-media Road, it’s a diverse area with permission and fundraising Family Service on the second substantial detached houses, and not least in the last six Sunday which is balanced by smaller terraced homes and months to finish the fit out a 5.30pm Parish Communion; But perhaps we have not yet With Christmas just around houses in multiple occupation. inside so that it can be used and a multi-media All-Age fulfilled our potential when the corner St John’s is a very It is also a diverse community to carry out our mission by Communion on the fourth it comes to community busy place – with special as evidenced by the presence having a wonderful space for Sunday balanced by a 5.30pm integration, outreach and ‘open’ events including a of a local mosque. Standing our community work”. BCP Evensong. mission – and that’s where we range of Christmas Concerts tall at its centre, St John The church has developed a There’s been significant hope the new community hub by community partners and the Evangelist Church is a strong business plan, aimed at increased use of multi-media will come into its own. charities, the usual schools Grade II* listed building. generating sufficient income facilities, although on the “The more that people get carol services and hand Built originally in 1842-3 to meet present and future Sunday I visited with a visiting to use the centre the more delivered invitations to every and extended in 1867, it was maintenance costs (and service priest (Revd Eileen Stanghan) they will come into contact home in the parish to celebrate remodelled entirely in 1889- the £500k mortgage) while officiating and a large baptism with church people and start Christ’s birth over the 90 by John Loughborough at the same time enabling party, the service was on a to build relationships with Christmas season. Pearson - probably best the church to offer low cost printed sheet with traditional them on many different John Kronenberg added known as the architect of space to meet community hymns from the book. On the levels, overcoming some of “We are blessed that people Truro Cathedral. It has his officially by Bishop Christopher needs – including self-help and 1st, 3rd (and 5th) Sundays the misconceptions people have a lot of good will towards characteristic stone-vaulted and Bishop Jonathan in July recovery groups. The business during the Parish Communion can have about church and St John’s and do regard it as chancel and transverse arches boasts a kitchen and main hall, plan also covers use of the there are three age-related Christianity. being in some way at the heart across the nave - and a tall a performance space, music church building and many children’s groups and a creche; “We believe that the Trinity of their community. Our steeple which can be seen for rehearsal room, a youth den, a activities take place across both on the 2nd & 4th Sundays models for us how human hope and our prayer is that miles around. prayer space and parish office church and centre, especially (Family Service & All-Age community can be, and part of as a Community Hub we can Appropriately the new and several meeting rooms as those connected with music. Communion) the children our mission is to generate that now fulfil that role in an even Community Centre also had well as all the usual ancillary St John’s has a well deserved stay in church. Incidentally kind of community, not only more active and dynamic way - more than one architect – the areas. Inclusivity is a key local reputation for the quality there’s also TOTs a baby and within the congregation, but witnessing to the transforming first to design a sympathetic driver for St John’s and had a of its music and now also toddler group, which runs also to facilitate it within the power of God’s love”. building suitable to sit beside big impact on the layout and provides weekly rehearsal in the Centre every Tuesday wider community of which we Pearson’s ‘cathedral’ and a facilities provided. space in the church for several during term time and ‘Afta8z’ a are a part”. second to fit it out in 21st John Kronenberg said at large, local music groups – church youth group for 15 -18 Century style with a suite of the time: “A lot of hard work among them local charity “The year olds. rooms on several levels to serve has gone into making sure Include Choir”. Music is an important part ST OLAVE’SST OLAVE’S GRAMMARST OLAVE’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AND AND both church and community. this building came to fruition, It already has a packed diary of the life and worship of St THE THEQUEEN’S QUEEN’STHE CHAPEL QUEEN’S CHAPEL OF THE CHAPEL OFSAVOY THE OF SAVOYTHE SAVOY The centre which was opened from conceiving the idea 20 - from a day nursery every John’s with robed junior and weekday to dance and fitness adult choirs, an Instrumental WAKEHAMWAKEHAMWAKEHAM Group and St John’s Songmen groups (in the ‘sprung floor’ CHORISTERSHIPSCHORISTERSHIPS basement studio); from a music and Songbirds who meet CHORISTERSHIPS school and art classes to a ‘just for the fun of singing’ slimmers’ group. In September but also sing occasionally ApplicationsApplications areApplications invited fromfrom are boysboys invited whosewhose from tenth boys birthday whose a weekly after school drop- contribute to services. For tenth birthdayfalls between fallstenth between 01.09.2019birthday 01.09.2019 falls and between 31.08.2020 01.09.2019 in was launched to meet the accompaniment there is a and 31.08.2020and 31.08.2020 need for a safe and supportive splendid ‘Father’ Willis organ place for local teenagers and (rebuilt and updated in 1968), UnderUnder the the scheme, scheme,Under run run thejointly jointly scheme, by by StSt run Olave’s jointly Grammar by St of course over the winter a grand piano and a keyboard. Olave’sSchool Grammarand TheOlave’s Duchy School Grammar of and Lancaster, The SchoolDuchy boys andof commence The Duchy ofat the centre will host the local The new centre has rehearsal Lancaster,The Queen’s boys ChapelLancaster,commence of boysthe at TheSavoy commence Queen’s in September at The Queen’s 2020 Winter Night Shelter run by facilities used by church and Chapeland of inthe Year SavoyChapel 7 at in St Septemberof Olave’s the Savoy Grammar 2020 in September School 2020 the Renewed Hope Trust – with other music makers - and the and in Year 7 atand inSt SeptemberOlave’s in Year Grammar 7 at 2021 St Olave’s Grammar a shower room and clothes church’s flexible layout and School in SeptemberSchool 2021 in September 2021 washing facilities built in! acoustics make it a ‘go to’ venue for concerts. The church Further details are available to download via And on the Sunday I visited Further details areFurther available details to aredownload available to download St John’s there was a baptism also has fine peal of eight bells www.saintolaves.net or from which is rung for services and viaAdmissions, www.saintolaves.net viaSt Olave’s,www.saintolaves.net or Goddingtonfrom orLane, from during the Family Communion Admissions, St Olave’s,Admissions, Goddington St Olave’s, Lane, Goddington Lane, service and afterwards the by visiting groups. Orpington, Kent, BR6 9SH Orpington, Kent,Orpington, BR6 9SH Kent, BR6 9SH baptism party had hired the John Kronenberg said Tel: 01689 820101 Centre for a celebration. A “St John’s is a very pastoral Tel: 01689 820101Tel: 01689 820101 number of activities have church where church members transferred up from the really do try to look after each The closingThe closingdateThe for closingdate applications for date applications for is applications is is church’s other hall, the smaller other and their neighbour. Friday, 24Friday, January 24Friday, January 2020 24 January 2020 2020 10 THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20
Haskins which had been given But the King’s instincts and perfect vision. With that kind He saw both and equally to him by Princess Elizabeth. his prayer were correct then of vision we are able to see clearly. I said to the man who stood at and now. near and far. But too often As we make our resolutions Let the Gate of the Year, None of us knows with vision seems all about the far- for 2020 perhaps we should ‘Give me a light that I certainty what the future holds off, big plans, something on pray that we will be clear may tread safely into the but what we do know is that the horizon or beyond. sighted and not miss anything, us unknown.’ in a stable over two thousand When we have that kind of not be so distracted by the big And he replied, ‘Go out into years ago a baby was born ‘for vision, really long distance, we stuff that we fail to notice what the darkness, and put your us and for our salvation’ and can literally overlook what is is under our noses. pray hand into the Hand of God. that angels filled the sky with immediately in front of us. The prayer of St Richard of That shall be better than light, their song ‘Peace on earth and The Church needs vision, Chichester gives us a sense of December... and safer than a known way’. goodwill to all’. Have a very we need to have a clear sense real vision and this particular happy Christmas. It was December 1939, it was It was the right words at of direction, goals, plans, all version of his prayer does this Christmas and we were at war. the right time. And the King May that Almighty Hand guide those things but not at the so well. The King and the members concluded his speech with and uphold us all. Amen. expense of what is nearest and Day by day, O, dear Lord, of the Royal Family were at these words dearest to us. three things I pray: Sandringham. “May that Almighty Hand ... and January People perish without the to see thee more clearly, From there, surrounded by guide and uphold us all.” It says in the Book of Proverbs big picture and without the love thee more dearly, those he loved, His Majesty No one at that time could ‘Where there is no vision, attention to the smallest follow thee more nearly, continued the tradition of have anticipated that the war the people perish.’ (Proverbs detail. day by day. Amen. addressing the Empire with a would last so long, that we 29.18) Jesus did both so well – he would witness the atrocity of This will be a year of vision, spoke of the kingdom of God, Christmas message. The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark What he did that year, as the Holocaust and the first for this is 2020 and we know, visionary stuff, but he didn’t he spoke of his own prayers use of nuclear weapons, that when we sit in the opticians fail to notice the woman in the Please follow me on Twitter as I offer a prayer each for peace, was to quote from this war would lead us into a chair having our eyes tested crowd who touched the hem of morning so that you can join me in Morning Prayer. a poem by Minnie Louise modern and frightening world. that we hope for that 20:20 his garment. Go to @deansouthwark Christ’s School Reigate Daily Mile St Paul’s C of E Primary School, Hook has won hosts Forum the 2019 Active Kingston Daily Mile School Award. The Daily Mile gets Environmental for children out of the classroom for fifteen minutes every day to run Film Premiere Change or jog at their own pace, with their classmates, In November Christ’s young daughter about how the The Revd improving fitness and world can be in 2040 when she Canon Andrew concentration. School in Richmond will be 25 years old. The award was presented Cunningham writes: at the Guildhall on hosted the UK Student It looks at numerous 11 November. Head initiatives and technologies Premiere of the film Teacher, Emily Evans said which are available now and The police were closing ‘2040’. “We recently worked if embraced can ensure the in on the drugs ring. with Kingston Council Following the screening, in longevity of the Earth and They knew where the to create a video to Christ’s School Drama Hall, quality of life for generations handover was due to take place promote the scheme to the Australian Director Damon to come. Gameau took questions from and they lay in wait ready to other schools https:// the audience and explained Christ’s Headteacher, Mrs ambush the perpetrators, but www.youtube.com/ why he thinks approaching the Helen Dixon, said “Today’s when the moment arrived, out watch?v=Ie2HByFcDZ0 challenges of climate change event has been a wonderful of the shadows stepped not a with a positive attitude is vital. opportunity for our students powerful baron, or one of his to see that we can all take henchmen, but a fifteen year Mr Gameau describes the action to change things for the old girl trembling from head to film as a visual letter to his better”. foot, and with a package in her There are many issues The next SAGE meeting hand. to face as we grow will explore these issues and older, amongst which provide new perspectives on Through this powerful SAGE are increasing frailty, vulnerability and dependence illustration and many other Southwark vulnerability and dependence in old age. insights, those attending the Spirituality on others. These bring both Social Justice Forum organised As with all SAGE practical and emotional by the Reigate Archdeaconry and Age events, there will also be impacts, as well as pastoral on 20 November, were able to Working Group opportunities for sharing and theological implications learn more about the reality experience and gaining for our churches. of modern-day slavery and its new ideas for reflection and links with County Lines. We have all heard stories practice. of older people being We began to see ever more Listening It will be led by Dr Anne deliberately targeted by clearly how those who are most Richards, who convenes the scammers, who see them vulnerable find themselves ecumenical Mission Advisory to older as particularly trusting drawn into such operations Theology Group, and is and therefore vulnerable to against their will. the Church of England’s exploitation. National Adviser on new 85 delegates drawn from people The debate around Brexit religious movements and local churches and many revealed a whole range of alternative spiritualities. She voluntary and statutory - and beliefs and ideas, including has a wealth of experience agencies met together to hear forms of vulnerability in reflecting theologically from those in the front line taking that have previously been on issues of our time which of prevention and to work out overlooked and what are shaped by stories of how we might all respond in a truthfulness actually means lived experience – and a gift joined-up way to this growing them and where it can be found. for sharing her knowledge call for help. How do these issues of in ways that are easy to Keynote speakers included seriously trust and truth affect the understand and also provide Gavin Stephens – Chief mission and witness of the material for deeper thought Constable of Surrey Police – Old age would be churches? and reflection on how together with representatives fine, if it wasn’t for theology can shape practice. of the Clewer initiative Do we take our all the other things The workshop will be and Crimestoppers UK and relationship with older held at Trinity House concluding remarks were given that come with it,’ people in the congregation from 10.15 to 1pm on by Bishop Jonathan. said an older member and community seriously enough for them to feel that Thursday 6 February 2020. A Social Justice Committee of our church. they have a place and a role To book a place, email has been formed from across to play? And how and where ministryandtraining@ the Archdeaconry to take Ann Wright do we hear their voices and southwark.anglicam.org forward the impetus gained stories? from this day. THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 11
Saturday 14 December Saturday 11am – 5pm. Saturday 21 December Lunchtime Music at Sunday 2pm - 5pm. WIMBLEDON - MERTON – Morden Park St Matthew’s, Redhill Entrance £2.50. Wimbledon Chamber Choral Society Concert Free, donations invited Children free. Festive Choir concert, 7.30pm 7.30 pm at St John the Thursdays @ 1.10pm refreshments th at St Matthew’s Church. Divine Church. 9 “Welcome in the Tickets £12/£10. Sunday 15 December LEWISHAM - Christmas New Year”! Concert - Lewisham Graham Walker – MERTON - Christmas PLUMSTEAD – Choral Society’ at St (Bagpipes) Maureen Concert - Morden Park “Christmas Crackers” - Mary’s Church 7.30pm. Galea (Organ/Piano) Please send details of your events for Choral Society at St charity concert in Details and tickets from 16th Piano Recital FEBRUARY ONWARDS to Trinity House Johns Church, High support of Welcare. lewishamchoralsociety. Kyle Nash Baker Path SW19 @ 6.00pm 5pm at All Saints, org.uk rd BY MONDAY 13 JANUARY 23 Piano Recital BATTERSEA - Recital Shooters Hill. Greenwich HONOR OAK - Patricia Romero at St Luke’s Church Concert Band with Handel’s Messiah at 30th Alionor Trio: Ioana ✽ WADDON – St George 7.30pm - Tasmin Little guest vocalists Nigel St Augustine’s Church. Voicu-Arnautoui – Community Café and Ongoing (Violin) and Piers Lane Garrard, and the Belles. 7.00pm. Tickets £10, (Violin) Time to Share. Tuesday (Piano). Music by Tickets £10 (£5 children) concs £8 (u/16s free) Alan Thomas(Cello) (Term time) 9.30am – https://tinyurl.com/ ✽ BEDDINGTON - Quiet Brahms, Cesar Franck from https://www. Norman MacSween 11.30am. Lunch 12.15pm. and Delius. Tickets £24 ChristmasCrackers @St Mary’s - 3rd Thursday st ticketsource.co.uk/ (Piano) Community Breakfast 1 4Welcare or at the door each month 11am - 2pm. (concs £20) from www. augustine1treehill Saturday 10am – 12noon. slms.org.uk (subject to availability). Sunday 12 January Including labyrinth Saturday 29 December ✽ WARLINGHAM – Interval refreshments. ✽ BOROUGH – St George EAST DULWICH - Carols DULWICH - Organ Water Aid lunches in St SOUTHWARK the Martyr Community by the Green at St Thursday 19 December Recital at Christ’s Ambrose Church Hall, John’s Church 11am - CATHEDRAL - Free Cafe and TimeBank every STREATHAM - Christmas Chapel 7.45pm. 12-1pm first Wednesday 1pm. Refreshments and Recital 12.30pm. The Thursday 2pm-4.30 pm. Concert at St Peter’s Irene Wolstenholme. = ZIMBABWE ANGLICAN Christmas crafts. Queensbury High School = Admission Free HACKBRIDGE - Taizé COMMUNITY at St Mary, Church, 8pm, with Madrigal Singers at All Saints at 7pm First CATERHAM - Light Newington – Shona Mass, Aeolus X (wind Saturday 25 January Sunday every month classics and music from ensemble), soloists 2nd Sunday of month at DEPTFORD - St Paul’s the movies with Syrinx and members of the Next year 2pm. Mothers’ Union last Organ Recital: 1pm to (Julie Groves and Claire St Peter’s Church Choir Saturday 2pm Monday 6 1.45pm. Emma Gibbins Overbury on flutes) at – Free entry with a – Thursday 30 January (Newport Cathedral) St John the Evangelist retiring collection in aid = REIGATE - Choral Church, 7.30pm. £15 of the Church Organ P WESTMINSTER - Saturday 1 February Evensong with the RGS adults, £13 concs, £6 (16 December fund Journeys In Hope - art PIMLICO - Company of Godfrey Searle Choir at & under) at the door. exhibition at the * Thursday 12 December Friday 20 December Servers – Southwark & St Mary’s Church, 5pm. Saturday 14 London Jesuit Centre London Chapter AGM REDHILL - Lunchtime BELLINGHAM - & Sunday 15 December = KEW - Messiah at St Mount Street. Charity at St Saviour’s Church, from 10 am including a Music at St Matthew’s Lewisham Music’s P OUTWOOD - Festive Anne’s Church, 7pm auction on 30 January presentation on “The Church. Martin Cooper annual Christmas Firs 2019 at St John - visit www.saintanne- 6.30pm. Details from (Organ). 1.10pm. concert 7pm at St kew.org.uk for details johnwoodhousecat Theatricality of Liturgy” the Baptist Church. by the Revd Sam Cross, Admission free, Dunstan’s Church. @gmail.com or Decorated Xmas trees Vicar of St Thomas, donations welcome Collection towards and Father Christmas in text: 07908 888586 Kensal Town. www. Lewisham Music funds. his grotto. companyofservers.org
PLEASE SEND ME FURTHER INFORMATION. I AM HAPPY FOR YOU TO COMMUNICATE WITH ME:
by post* by email by phone Please send me your Voice magazine and my free copy of the Tortured for Christ book or film.
JULY-SEPT 2018 Title First name
Surname of Persecuted Christians d.o.b. / / JOIN HANDS WITH Address PERSECUTED Postcode CHRISTIANS Email (please write clearly) Release International is a Christian ministry that helps you engage with your persecuted brothers and sisters by praying Tel (day)
with them, by responding to their practical needs and by R E L E A S E I N T E R N A T I O N A L sharing the journey of true Christian discipleship withTORTURED them. FOR CHRIST My church (church name and town) This is a classic story of Christian faith and endurance under extreme pressure. Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was arrested News, stories and prayer requests Request Release International’s quarterly magazineby the Romanian and secret police and imprisoned for 14 years from persecuted Christians worldwide in the 1950s and 1960s, with three of them spent in solitary confinement. He was repeatedly tortured, yet developed and maintained a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness receive a free copy of Tortured for Christ to read ortowards watch. his tormentors. This is his inspiring story and his call to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters who are Richard Wurmbrand spent 14 years in prisons in communisteven today suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ. Please post to: “This book was singularly instrumental in awakening the conscience of the free world to the horrors experienced by our brothers and FREEPOST RELEASE INTERNATIONAL Romania, three in solitary confinement. Tortured for Christsisters behind is the theIron Curtain.” Charles Colson “When you have read this book, pass it to your children. No generation should miss this story.” Rob Parsons remarkable story of how he survived and inspired us to“Tortured support for Christ must have a place not only on our bookshelves but also in our hearts.” Jim Graham BRIDGE 2019-12 persecuted Christians around the world. UK price: £8.00 Non-fiction: Autobiography, Testimony
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT www.releaseinternational.org with special photographs section
PO Box 54, Orpington BR5 4RT www.releaseinternational.org RICHARD WURMBRAND Tel: 01689 823491 Email: [email protected] Registered Charity 280577 (SC040456)
DATA PROTECTION ACT (DPA) 2018 AND EU GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) 2018 All personal data/special categories of personal data are processed in accordance with the DPA 2018 and the GDPR 2018. Please read our Privacy Statement published on the Release International website for full details. www.releaseinternational.org 12 THE BRIDGE... CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2019/20 ‘Cat in the Hat’ helps launch Nine Elms Advent Calendar It might have been a Starting with the ‘Bleak Midwinter’ themed window cold evening on Advent at the Turbine Theatre, and Sunday in the shadow continuing every day until of Battersea Power Christmas Eve, a new location across Nine Elms will unveil Station but a large a Christmas Carol themed crowd gathered outside window with a special opening the Turbine Theatre event. The final event will be a ‘Crib and Carols’ service at St for the launch of the George, Battersea but you can Nine Elms Advent walk the trail of windows until Calendar. Sunday 5 January. They were warmed by mulled Details of the trail and wine, mince pies and the antics more about the Nine Elms of Dr Seuss’s beloved character, Arts Ministry, which has the Cat in the Hat, star of the organised the Advent Calendar theatre’s Christmas show. can be found at www. nineelmsartsministry.org
Meanwhile in Greenwich... Every year St Alfege Church runs an “Advent Windows” event when the town centre is brought alive by 24 shops, homes, schools and pubs use their imagination and artistry to produce a living Advent Calendar. For details see http://adventwindows.com/ And in Oxted The Oxted Adventure sees the garages of Oxted once again receiving a festive makeover in this popular initiative from St. Mary’s Church. Each night between 6 and 7pm a different garage will be open, displaying its own unique take on this year’s theme, ‘Journeys’. For details see http://oxtedadvent.weebly.com/ Cat in the Hat with the Revd Betsy Blatchley, Pioneer Minister in the Arts in Nine Elms (Battersea Fields United Benefice) London Mayor visits ...and Reigate Mayor the Peckham Pantry... visits St Matthew’s, On the 6 November London Mayor Sadiq Khan Peckham was one of the pilot visited the Peckham Pantry Project and sites for the implementation of Redhill Foodbank Universal Credit, and St Luke’s St Luke’s Community Cafe - joint projects of was one of the first churches The Mayor of Reigate St Luke’s Church and the Pecan Centre. to respond and to support the and Banstead, Keith many individuals and families left with insufficient money for Foreman, visited the St food, heating and lighting. Matthew’s Foodbank in The Pantry project enables Redhill on Wednesday local people to receive over 30 October. £15 of food for £4.50 every Wednesday through a shop in Last month, the foodbank St Luke’s Church Hall. was awarded the Mayor’s Volunteer Team Award. The Community Cafe gives Now in its 7th year, the people a place to meet and foodbank’s usage continues relax, to have fresh soup and to grow and grow. Some 36 other food made by members volunteers help to give out food of St Luke’s Church - and if and essentials to those in need needed to seek some support in the area. for any issues they may have, both social and spiritual. In 2018, the Foodbank handed out over £46,000 of The combined projects now food and utilities, up from over support over 150 participants £38,500 in 2017, and fed nearly and make a significant and this award recognisestheir 3,000 people. to families and individuals last contribution to the reduction hard work.” year. The Mayor said: “It is sad of food poverty in North The Revd Canon Andrew that even in this day, there’s “Apparent delays in benefit Peckham whilst promoting Cunnington, St Matthew’s still genuine food poverty on payments continue to be human dignity. Vicar, said: “Usage of the our doorstep. a problem with families For more information foodbank continues to reach struggling to feed themselves “The St Matthew’s foodbank see: https://www.pecan.org.uk/ record levels with £46,000 of and partly why so many are does such a brilliant job peckham-pantry, food and utilities handed out reliant on our foodbank.” responding to those in need Walking I Welcoming I Growing