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CRUX Issue 48 Church for a different world December 2018

FOLLOWING THE STAR Church for a different world CRUX December 2018 MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD CHURCH Much of what is most precious at It strikes me when I visit such projects the heart of our society has been that there is something very precious gifted to the whole community by about the way that church workers and LIVE ON BBC ONE the Christian Church. We founded volunteers value and affirm the whole school, hospitals, and social services. person, with their physical, mental Over time the state has taken an and spiritual needs. As in our school, Christmas preparations have begun in earnest increasing share of the responsibility hospital and wider chaplaincy work, across the diocese; nativity scenes are being set, for them, not least because it has we instinctively treat people with the the resources to turn good practice dignity that comes from recognising sermons are being written and re-written and 100 in particular places into a universal that they are made in the image of Carols for Choirs gets unearthed once more. service. Though crucially, through our God. The God who took that to the church schools and our chaplaincies, ultimate level when he took flesh, born we have retained a vital involvement of Mary, two thousand Christmases ago. But for Oldham Parish Church, Christmas A lot of work is going in to making the in how such services flourish. The God who reminds us that when has been coming since August, when Christmas morning service extra special, we care for the least of our brothers they received the phone call confirming with choir master Richard Mundy putting For several generations, care for those and sisters, we are caring for Him. that their Christmas morning service the church choir through its paces in extra without a roof over their heads had had been chosen to be broadcast rehearsals leading up to the big day. been heading in the same direction. live to the nation on BBC One. Church-run almshouses and Church It’s going to be a busy few weeks Army hostels gradually gave way to Bishop David will act as celebrant for for Oldham Parish Church, who will secular provision. Yet now it is falling the special occasion and the service will also be taking part in the Church of to our own generation to take up the be Oldham through and through – with ’s #FollowtheStar Christmas challenge to tackle homelessness, as a homily that includes testimony from campaign, as well as holding a Christmas the holes in the statutory safety net get the Oldham Street Angels volunteers. Tree Festival in early December! larger. Through the Greater David Walker When Revd Derek Palmer first heard that Share in the joy of Christmas Day Winter Night Shelter, the Church is at Bishop of Manchester the heart of providing support to some the BBC were interested in Oldham Parish in Oldham by tuning in to BBC One of the least fortunate in our society. Church he thought it must be a joke! But at 8am on Christmas morning. when he discovered that the church had been noticed through its social media posts about its work with rough sleepers, DIOCESAN SYNOD UPDATE he realised it was a serious proposition. “The BBC picked up on what we were doing, out and about in the community, Diocesan Synod regrouped in October Canon Maurice Smith presented and they said we were the kind of for its first meeting of the new the Annual Report from the Board place they wanted to use for the triennium. Proceedings began with of Education and after a break for Christmas broadcast – and to see how a Eucharist led by Bishop David. lunch there were substantive items we could include some of that into the on the diocesan vocations strategy theme of the service. This is going to After a separate meeting of the Board and the clergy wellbeing survey. of Finance where the Diocesan Budget put Oldham on the map!” he said. for 2019 was approved, the membership Diocesan Synod provides an excellent broke into separate meetings of the opportunity to connect with other people Curate, Revd Charlie Annis, agreed Houses of Clergy and Laity where the from around the diocese. For information saying: “This is our chance to vice-presidents of Diocesan Synod about remaining vacancies, please demonstrate what a vibrant place Oldham were elected for the new triennium. contact Alex Peet at Church House: is, what a vibrant parish we have and [email protected] all of those different aspects of life that The Revd Jo Farnworth was elected exist here. In this service we can bring all as Chair of the House of Clergy and of those lives together in our worship.” Canon Richard Lewis was returned as Chair of the House of Laity.

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HOW DO WE GET INVOLVED?

Could your church make or buy a To make the most of this opportunity, big star to put outside your building please make sure your page on A (ideally lit up with fairy lights or an Church Near You is up to date with outside light) to show people that correct information and all your you are celebrating Christmas and Christmas services. Don’t forget to tag that they are welcome to join you? each service with everything that is relevant - the more tags the merrier! Using the hashtags #FollowtheStar and #NightoftheStars you will be able Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be to join in with a nationwide Church of seen, to be sought out and to welcome England presence online - the more people into your Christmas celebrations people that tweet, post and share and into a deeper understanding of pictures, videos and stories of their the true meaning of Christmas. stars, the more visible we will all be to people who would not normally search for Christian content online.

NIGHT OF THE STARS NIGHT OF THE STARS: TO DO LIST

• Make or buy a big star, attach • Take photos, videos, write a poem, On Friday 21 December It’s part of the Church of it to the outside of your church sing a song about your star - and building and light it up! post on your church’s Facebook, churches are encouraged England’s #FollowtheStar Twitter and Instagram on Friday campaign which aims to 21 December using the hashtags to take part in ‘Night of • Put all of your Christmas services on bring a deeper meaning to #FollowtheStar and #NightoftheStars the Stars’: a visual call your page on www.achurchnearyou. the Christmas season by com and tag them with Christmas to church that’s encouraging people to use and Follow the Star tags. For help • Engage with other churches locally happening both with updating your page on ANCY, and nationally - share your favourite their reflections, prayers and check out our new tutorial Vlog at stars and encourage your congregation locally and online. actions all through Advent youtube.com/manchesterdiocese and community to share yours! and on to Epiphany.

PAGE 4 PAGE 5 Church for a different world CRUX December 2018 NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIOCESAN SECRETARY Helen Platts has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer and Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Manchester.

An experienced leader and manager of change, Helen has worked on boards and senior management teams throughout her career, including at the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Local Government Association, Girlguiding and the Audit Commission. She has had a long involvement as a trustee with Fitzroy, a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, and spent much of her early career working on issues of social inclusion and diversity. Helen is a Chartered Accountant and also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. SUPPORTING Helen Platts said: “It’s a wonderful privilege for me to be able to bring MENTAL WELLBEING my professional skills to bear in the Diocese of Manchester. I was born in The Diocese of Manchester is committed to helping Manchester and it’s a place I and my clergy and teachers to be better informed and skilled family have a deep connection with. As a key member of the Bishop’s I am inspired by what I have read to support young people’s mental wellbeing. leadership team, Helen will provide about ‘Church for a Different World’, professional oversight of the services and and believe I have the right balance We are the first diocese to appoint Delegates also learnt more about how support offered to and leadership of skills, belief and commitment to a Mental Wellbeing Youth Worker. the diocese can support their efforts to of the Diocesan Board of Finance. She help make it a reality. I look forward Amy Sixsmith is providing support to promote mental wellbeing among will take up her new role in February. to supporting the exciting work that’s teachers, youth workers and clergy in teenagers. They received a goody going on to bring about positive changes this area and has been busy preparing a bag from the Diocesan Youth Officer Helen is a highly experienced senior in the diocese, and to serving the training programme for the New Year. containing games and ideas for manager who has worked in a wide people of Manchester in this way”. stimulating debate and helping range of executive and non-executive We also organised a mini conference young people to open up about their roles in the public, faith and charity Bishop David said, “I’m very much for church secondary school heads and feelings, worries and concerns. sectors. She is currently Chief Financial looking forward to working with Helen. chair of governors that was attended Officer at St Paul’s Cathedral, and The experience and skills she brings, by Andy Burnham, Mayor for Greater Details of training to promote has worked in a voluntary capacity together with her background and Manchester. Attendees heard about mental wellbeing will be available at as Treasurer of St Martin-in-the- commitment, equip her to play a vital the Mayor’s support for comprehensive www.manchester.anglican.org Fields in London, and is currently part in our shared journey with Christ”. education and his desire to provide Treasurer of Kendal Parish Church. more opportunities for young people to improve their life chances.

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CHURCH FOR A DIFFERENT Bishop David said, WORLD AWARDS 2018 This is the second year running This year’s winners of Church for a Different World Awards that we have invited nominations from our churches for Church for celebrated at a party with Bishop David, where they heard a Different World awards. Once about one another’s inspiring and innovative projects again I am delighted with the that help them engage with their local communities. response, and eager to celebrate the inspirational and innovative work that our churches are doing. The awards celebrate how churches The outworking of Christian faith is across and demonstrated in many ways, from Rossendale are changing to meet the the provision of English classes and needs of their communities by providing music lessons, holiday and lunch “I hope that by sharing their ideas with one welcoming spaces and championing the clubs, and projects that tackle social another, our churches will be encouraged needs of people, often in deprived areas. isolation and lack of opportunity. to try new things that have been shown to work well in different contexts.” CRUX will feature more on the award-winning projects over the coming year. They are:

Holy Trinity, Platt Christ with All Saints, Heaton Norris Manchester Chinese Christian Church Manchester Arabic Church Christ with All Saints’ Music Club Grace Church

Alexandria Library St Andrew, Hillock Bookshop on Curry Mile Community Hub and Breakfast Club

St Katharine, Blackrod The Ascension, Lower Broughton Blackrod Scarecrow Festival Creative English Classes

St Paul, Heaton Moor North Manchester Deanery Men in Sheds Deanery Funeral Project

St Chrysostom, Victoria Park

Olympias Books

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APPOINTMENTS

The Revd John Brett, The Revd Ben Woodfield, currently Curate at Holy Trinity currently Curate at St Paul Astley Rusholme, has been appointed Bridge, has been appointed Minister Minister in the Antioch Network in the Antioch Network Manchester Manchester (Bishop’s Mission Order). (Bishop’s Mission Order).

The Revd David Cooper, currently Priest-in-Charge of Pathways into Prayer Arnside with Storth, and Carlisle RESIGNATION Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, has Wednesdays: 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, been appointed Team Rector of The Revd Chris Wedge, 13 Feb, 20 Feb, 27 Feb 2019 7pm – 9pm Walkden and Little Hulton. is to resign as Incumbent of St Mary on 12 January 2019. The Revd Chris Fallone, Do you want to deepen your prayer life currently Priest-in-Charge of The and find new ways of praying? Saviour Collyhurst, has been appointed Deanery Missioner for RETIREMENTS Come along and discover a range of approaches to prayer North Manchester Deanery. Liz Grady retires as Pastoral The Revd Jo Farnworth, Care Minister at Holy Trinity The course will explore ‘What is Prayer?’… Lectio Divina… has been elected Chair of Platt on 30 November 2018. praying though art… imaginative contemplation… the the House of Clergy. The Revd Alec Mitchell retires Examen… and more… The Revd Ian Hall, currently as Priest-in-Charge of St Anne Incumbent of Barton with Peel Green Haughton on 30 November 2018. This course is offered by Manchester Diocese in association with Katherine House. and Winton, has been appointed in with Revd Canon Alan Butler, Bishop of Manchester's Spirituality Advisor addition Borough Dean of Salford. The Revd Stephen Parsons is to Cost will be £30 and must be booked in advance. retire as Team Rector of the Turton Contact Marie at Katherine House for bookings The Revd Helen Scanlan, currently Moorland Team on 16 January 2019. Team Vicar in the Heatons Team, Part Two “Stepping Stones to God” will be offered for 6 weeks beginning 15th May has been appointed in addition Area Dean of Heaton Deanery.

Katherine House is at 26 Singleton Road, Salford, M7 4WL Website:www.katherinehousefcj.org Telephone 0161 708 9744 E-mail [email protected] www.facebook.com/katherinehousefcj Twitter:@khousefcj PAGE 10 Church for a different world CRUX December 2018

PUNCHING HOLES ISONEN YOUNG IN THE DARKNESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME We have launched our year-long leadership adventure for 2019 for young people between 15/16 and 18 years in partnership with our friends Bishop Mark Ashcroft in the Diocese of Tampere, Finland.

The aim is to give a group of five young people from the Diocese of Manchester I had a weird experience the other The reality of darkness shouldn’t distract the opportunity to explore areas of day in the garden when the large us from the glimmers of light that leadership; develop their gifts, skills beech tree was simply glowing in the we see consistently across the globe, and talents; and grow their Christian afternoon sunlight. I tried to take a such as the Nobel Peace Prize winners faith and friendships with young people photo of the tree on my phone but Christian gynaecologist Denis Mukwege from both Manchester and Tampere. the camera seemed to focus on the from DRC and the Yazidi human rights gaps of light between the leaves campaigner Nadia Murad from Iraq. Find out more and apply by visiting www.manchester.anglican.org/youth rather than the leaves themselves. In the Manchester region recently, there This probably tells you that I am not have been three TV programmes outlining a great photographer! But I found it the work of Christians, two of which fascinating that the human eye could involved our church plants. The amazing focus on the golden leaves and almost work of Christians Against Poverty block out the gaps, whereas the camera’s based in Sports Village Church and the HEALTHCARE NEW SOCIAL eye focused on the patches of light. work of Oldhams Church in Bolton. CHAPLAINCY MEDIA In Advent we reflect on the light of Jeremiah ends his prophetic book (which Christ coming into the darkness and is pretty downbeat) with glimmers A course at Manchester Royal I am wondering whether my spiritual of hope; hope in the 4600 people Infirmary offers participants an WORKSHOPS eyes are more focused on the darkness in exile – he counts them all – the opportunity to explore chaplaincy than the light and glory of Christ. potential nucleus of something new. opportunities from volunteering ADDED to full-time posts. The course It is easy to get down hearted by the The story of Robert Louis Stevenson is runs on Wednesday 16 January After an excellent uptake on our difficult things that happen in our told of him as a young boy watching the and Wednesday 13 March 2019, free social media for churches plus a review day (tbc). workshops this autumn, new dates world, whether it is the tragic death of lamplighter lighting the gas lamps down have now been added for January. a member of our church family or the his Edinburgh street. He is reported to A work placement (up to 20 hours over seemingly intractable conflicts in Yemen, have said to his nurse, “Look! There’s a a period of 8 weeks) will enable you to Beginners Syria or South Sudan, the persecution of man punching holes in the darkness!” experience chaplaincy as part of a team Wednesday 9 January 2019 Christians in many parts of the world. and explore issues of faith and belief Improvers May we have the grace to see the light in relation to healthcare chaplaincy. Monday 14 January 2019 Then there are the trials that Traidcraft plc shining in the darkness this Advent has gone through and the undermining and be part of a community that keeps For further information and to apply, To book spaces visit: of Fair Trade by some supermarkets, the punching holes in the darkness. contact Keith Munnings, 07931 https://tinyurl.com/y78afazn fracking for shale gas in and a 532006; [email protected] host of other issues that affect the poor, the vulnerable and the environment.

PAGE 12 PAGE 13 CRUX December 2018 We want to hear your thoughts What will we do with your comments? SMALL ADVERTS We will collate all the responses we HOW IS YOUR receive and consider them as we develop TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CHURCH MAKING our plans and priorities for the diocese. FESTIVAL AT EDENFIELD PARISH CHURCH. Thursday 13 December THE MOST OF We will not be able to provide individual WHAT’S ON 10.30am – 7pm, Friday 14 December responses, but we will provide updates 10.30am – 5pm, Saturday 15 December FOLLOW THE STAR in CRUX on how your feedback is THIS MONTH AT 10.30am – 5pm. Free entry, crafts shaping Church for a different world. THIS CHRISTMAS? MANCHESTER and refreshments. All are welcome. CATHEDRAL? ST ANNE SEEKS ORGANIST to join a rota to play for Sunday morning service. Flexible arrangements are available. Small Choir, 1913 2-manual hill FAMILY organ. Enquiries to CAROLS [email protected] VILLA TO RENT ORLANDO (Disney SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER area).Spacious 4 bed, 3 bath, sleeps (7.30PM) 8. South facing pool and spa. Quiet gated community. 15 mins Disney. Good golfing base close to numerous courses. www.thepalmsvillaorlando

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What would you like to see discussed in a future issue? Continue the conversation To advertise in CRUX contact: Simon Ambrose, 0161 828 1410 Website: Join Manchester Cathedral [email protected] manchester.anglican.org Voluntary Choir for a concert Twitter: of Christmas Carols, with a mix The copy deadline is the @DioManchester of both old and new music. first of the month prior to publication. Payment is in advance. Facebook: Small ads cost 50 pence per word To book tickets, visit (maximum of 40 words) plus VAT. (Diocese of Manchester-official) www.familycarols2018. Email: eventbrite.co.uk Editorial: [email protected] All editorial items to Ann Mummery, Thanks for your feedback so far 0161 828 1470 [email protected]

Send to: Church for a Different World, Follow us at @manc_diocese Follow us at @DioManchester Diocese of Manchester, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH Like us, search for Church of England (Diocese of Manchester-official) PAGE 15 CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH FAIRTRADE Celebrate with us as we share talks, workshops, singing, art and poetry, stalls and refreshments.

Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street M3 1SX Friday 22 February, 10am—4pm

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