April 2014

NEED TO KNOW I STORIES I AREA UPDATES I EVENTS NEAR YOU Archdeacon’s View

By Robin King, Archdeacon of Centenary Stansted

A FEW years ago Katharine, my wife, and challenges I found ourselves venturing into the Sahara desert (it’s a for schools www.chelmsford.anglican.org long story). It is a truly beautiful place, and we were just tourists, but imagine what we would have done if, during our brief exploration, we’d come across someone staggering over the dunes, sun-burnt and blistered, starving and badly dehydrated. Any one of us, finding ourselves in that situation, would have rushed up and offered food, water, shade and a soothing lotion for his wounds – we would have done everything in our power to ease any suffering. The trouble is, in doing so, it’s possible that we might have been interfering in something very holy. Two thousand years ago, in a different desert, the sun-burnt and blistered man might have been Jesus – who wasn’t staggering around there because he was lost, but because, “the Spirit sent him out into the desert.” Education special (Mark 1:12-13) to mark 100th Jesus went into the wilderness in order to prepare himself for the incredible anniversary of ministry he was about to undertake. That’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 diocese: Pages 6-7 God Movie Project Two Rivers Mission gets green light to plans two weeks of expand and recruit events in Colne more participants and Stour valleys Page 4 NB Page 1

-- ■ Look inside for the annual report to parishes ■ Wishing all our readers a happy Easter 2 THE MONTH April 2014 THE month — Synod encourages new ways of sharing the good news of Christ 'Fresh Expressions should be business as usual' FRESH EXPRESSIONS of church should ministry following a debate introduced be “business as usual” the Bishop of by David Hawkins, the Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell has said. Barking. These new, growing forms of church Deaneries, benefices and parishes for a changing culture include Messy were urged to be active in considering Church - an all-age family event - café and planning for an appropriate and pub church, Network church and mix of ministries. The coverage and church specifically for youth or elderly effectiveness of new ministries will people. continue to be evaluated. Bishop Stephen was addressing the A motion in favour of the proposed Chelmsford Diocesan Synod on March legislation on women bishops was 1, 2014 at Emmanuel Church in carried overwhelmingly by clergy and Billericay. lay people and by all the bishops. The Bishop’s address also covered Lara Dose and Laurence Martin issues of human sexuality and it (pictured left) were commissioned by included a statement of support from Bishop Stephen as his unemployment the Bishops of Barking and Bradwell. advisers at the synod. The encouraging results of a fresh Worship was led by Bishop expressions audit were presented by David. This was the Bishop’s last George Lings, the director of the Chelmsford diocesan synod before his Church Army research unit. A gallery retirement. He was warmly thanked for of fresh expressions was on display. his ministry. Synod unanimously re-affirmed its l A video of the address can be commitment to developing both new viewed at www.youtube.com/ and inherited forms of mission and ChelmsfordDiocese 'One Life... One Passion' First mission tells the true Easter story THE South Woodham Peter Blackman said: “'One morning. Many were visibly Ferrers Passion play, Life... One Passion' is a moved by the story. ‘One Life… One Passion’, project involving the "This is a unique way to follows the centuries old churches and community, reflect on the message of to Botswana tradition of telling the Easter and share the good with the cast and crew Easter story using street coming from our town and news of God’s abundant theatre, recreating the beyond. On Good Friday love. It is the only Passion events that happened in and Holy Saturday our play in Essex and East Jerusalem 2000 years ago audience will experience Anglia this year. Come and on today’s streets of South and take part in the see." l If you would like to THEis sense of joy aat a job well success Woodham Ferrers. essence of Christianity The performances, as it lives today. take part or help please done was palpable with visit the website www. produced by all the "'One Life... One Passion' Anglia Ruskin University’s onelifeonepassion.co.uk for first Mission Botswana team. Churches together in South portrays the happenings of Woodham Ferrers, will take more information or contact For two weeks the team Holy Week and afterwards, Peter Blackman, at peter@ place on Good Friday, April toiled in 35-degree heat, from the moment Jesus blackmanservices.co.uk or 18 and on Saturday, April rising to more than 40C on entered Jerusalem to on 01245 322079. some days. 19, starting at 11am, in his subsequent death, l The performance on Mission Botswana is part of Trinity Square, South resurrection and ascension. Saturday, April 19 will the university’s ICE programme Woodham Ferrers, It was last produced in 2009 include signing for (www.anglia.ac.uk/ice) that Chelmsford CM3 5JX. when just one performance deaf people and audio gives students and staff Director and co-author of attracted an audience of description for blind and opportunities to volunteer in 'One Life... One Passion' around 800 on Good Friday partially sighted people. home-grown projects overseas. ● The team worked with the I confirm that written consent has Resource Centre for the Blind been obtained from parents / in the small town of Mochudi, guardians of children under age 16 for about 40 minutes drive north publication of photos publicising church of the capital, Gaborone. The Month, incorporating East activities in The Month. Education student Carla Burley with two of the sensory boards ● The centre is a residential Window and NB, is the free The inclusion of an advertisement home for the rehabilitation, the ARU students made for the children circulation newspaper of the Church should not be taken as implying resourcing, personal endorsement of the objects of the caring for vegetables. of England in Essex and East development and promotion children were overjoyed with advertiser by the diocese. l To have a sustainable the small gifts, but even London (Diocese of Chelmsford). of education of around 70 www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ visually impaired and disabled source of vegetables for the more so with the ideas and Centre’s kitchen. encouragement of our themonth children aged from about l three to 16 years. They have To sell surplus produce to students and staff toward the advertising that number again on a create an income source. development of the children. l Work with the children in "They very much look editorial waiting list. For information about advertising in The centre is over-populated the current Centre developing forward to our continued in an old building. They have some sensory education aids involvement in their growth Editor: Jon Longman The Month, please contact: been given a new, flat site on and teaching programmes. and development. Editorial and photographs for Glenda Charitos, Cornerstone Vision, which they plan to build a ARU Chaplain Revd Tony "And we left a report with The Month should be sent to: 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, brand new, purpose-built Cant says: "There is them of our observations and [email protected] Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY. Centre for the children. tremendous potential for our suggestions that we worked or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Tel: 01752 225623. Fax: 01752 673441. The local Rotary Club is University to be involved with through with the Centre Bouchiers Place, Messing, Colchester e-mail: [email protected] committed to helping them the development of the new Director and her senior staff. CO5 9TY. Tel: 01621 819443. Mobile: develop the funding plan to Centre at this early stage, "They were very keen to 07860 769906 build the new Centre. particularly looking at discuss this and use it as a ● Digital photographs for publication: distribution The Mission Botswana plan incorporating new sustainable foundation of our future Take pictures at largest size, resolution was to do two main things technologies into its design involvement with them, and and compression. Hi-res JPGs or Tiffs while there: and construction. It will be the for their own continued should be re-sized to min 7x5in at For distribution contact: l Construct the backbone of only one of its kind in development. [email protected] l 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. a covered vegetable garden Botswana, and will be a Mission Botswana is keen Captions, your name and contact Tel: 01245 294447. on the new site, made from model for others to follow. to use this first step as a good details should be embedded in the 'File Your newspaper will normally be poles and wire, which has a "The work with the sensory foundation for future trips in Info' section if possible. If e-mailing available from the third Sunday in the three-fold use: education aids was 2015 and beyond. If you want month. Any further changes will be l many shots, send only 72dpi initially at To give practical and delightfully simple and to know more, contact Revd max size of 8x6in. advised to distributors. educational skills to the effective. The enthusiastic Tony Cant at tony.cant@ children in growing and local staff members and anglia.ac.uk THE MONTH April 2014 3

THE month — 'It is easy to feel fearful for the future' Visit

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No H&S risks and much cheaper and quicker “WHATcentenary will a writer of 2014 have to But there was also the fear of nuclear than a Cherry Picker! report when he looks back 50 years?” holocaust. The menace of war and This was the question posed by the poverty was ever present. But this Call 0845 257 0129 and quote Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Revd John description – a new world in the John Tiarks’ The Month for a 20% discount Tiarks, as reported in the Braintree & making - it is just as apt today. on all aerial inspection work Witham Times in 1964. “Fifty years on we are still portrait The diocese, which covers Essex experiencing rapid and unsettling Inset: Bishop and East London, was created 100 change. Advances have been made Stephen BE years ago this year. that my esteemed predecessor could Bishop Tiarks was writing his not have imagined. and that true happiness, lasting joy FOR ALL predictions for the future as part of a “And what of the next 50 years? and a durable peace are found by SEEN booklet marking the diocese’s 50th More breath-taking scientific seeking justice, serving the common CHURCH MAINTENANCE anniversary. breakthroughs? Bioengineered blood good, and learning again to live simply DECORATION & ROOFING And his vision of booming vessels, alternative fuel microbes, and joyfully with what we have, and To advertise population numbers, space travel and bionic eye prototypes with a chip sharing what we have with others. in this newspaper, www.churchrestorationukltd.com scientific revolution have certainly implanted into a person’s skull? “These age-old Christian values [email protected] shaped the world we live in today. “They all sound good, but if you add have shaped the public life and 01752 225623 The Bishop warned man was “in in the threat of climate change, a new government of our nation for hundreds Phone Free: 0800 052 1030 danger of being destroyed by his own austerity, a growing gap between rich of years. inventions” - an eerily accurate view of and poor, and a vastly increased “But we are in danger of losing the technological age of 2014? global population, it is easy to feel them, not because we don’t believe in To mark the centenary of the fearful for the future. them anymore, but because we don’t diocese, the Braintree & Witham “It is also easy to see that Bishop believe in God. Times asked the current Bishop of Tiarks was right when he said that the “As Bishop Tiarks said: ‘Belief in Chelmsford, Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, key to the future lies in keeping faith God is the best safeguard of human to make his own predictions for the with what is essential about the human rights and status.’ next 50 years. personality. “We are one humanity inhabiting “A new world in the making’, was I’m “We are indeed in danger of one world. The Christian story shows sure an apt description in 1964,” said destroying ourselves. We are in us what this true humanity looks like in Bishop Stephen. “The 1960s was a danger of destroying the world. We the person of Jesus Christ. It can decade of optimism as well as are in danger of being mastered by therefore show us how to live well change. There were huge scientific our own inventions. through the changes that are to come and technological breakthroughs. “Like my predecessor 50 years ago, and whatever they bring.” “The shadow of the Second World I believe that ‘our greatest safeguard’ l This article is reproduced with the War was lifted. against all this ‘is the protection of the kind permission of the Braintree & “The austerity that followed was Christian faith’. This faith teaches us Witham Times. being left behind. England was that we belong to each other, that we l More centenary events at www. swinging. Space travel was a reality. are stewards of God’s good creation, chelmsfordcentenary.org/whatson

STUDENTS at an Epping school have raised a total of £1,800 for lsick children. Pupils at Epping St John's school have Pray for priests collected the cash for The Dream Factory A DAY of Prayer for Priests will 7th and pray with me for through fundraising events and non- be held at the Chapel of St vocations to the priesthood and uniform days. The charity, which grants Peter on the Wall, Bradwell on for those being ordained later wishes to seriously ill children, received Saturday, June 7 from in the month. the latest cheque for £700 in February. (10.30am-3.30pm) with a "We are giving thanks, this The Dream Factory founder, Avril Mills, Eucharist at 12 noon being led year, for one hundred years of and her son Josh, a former pupil at the by David Lowman, the faithful ministry in the Diocese school, attended an assembly to receive Archdeacon of Chelmsford. of Chelmsford and we are the donation from headteacher George Everyone is welcome to asking God to provide priests Yerosimou. drop in at this Centenary event for the years to come. Mrs Mills said: "All the money raised and join in the prayers for "This day will focus on the from the non-uniform day and bag vocations, for those being real truth that we are in God's packing will enable us to grant two ordained and for the ministry of hands as, once again, we more dreams." the church in the next 100 commit our ministry and With the support of the Marriott years. vocations to him." l Waltham Abbey, the charity is holding an Canon Philip Need, who as Facilities are available at Easter Egg Party at the Old Shire Lane Diocesan Director of Ordinands Othona. Bring a sandwich hotel on Thursday, April 17. is co-ordinating the Day of lunch. l l Anyone who would like to donate an Prayer, says: "I hope that as Contact: ddo@chelmsford. Easter egg for the event can email Avril many as possible will be able anglican.org for further at [email protected] to come to Bradwell on June information. 4 THE MONTH April 2014 THE month — Film maker appeals for more participants God Movie Project rolls out red carpet for premieres A TOUCH of Hollywood journeys, but we worked AS part of the glamour came to Chelmsford together as a team.” development of the when two new films about the The films are part of the lGod Movie Project for lives of local people were pioneering God Movie Project 2014, Canon Edward Carter screened at the cathedral. which Edward describes as “a and Wendy Clarke (left) The double premiere night fun and creative way of spent an afternoon filming was free and included red celebrating what makes life at the Colne Valley Railway carpet interviews and cinema- good and of celebrating how at Castle Hedingham. style refreshments. God is part of life too.” During their visit they Film maker Canon “I am inviting more Theologian Edward Carter people to contact me if they were assisted by volunteer said: "I wanted the films to would like to be part of my members of staff including show local people enjoying next film." Nick Ellis, who as well as life in the local area.” All the participants in being a Reader in the Chelmsford resident the first three films were Halstead Area Team, is Stephen Lambeth, a Christians but the invitation to also the heritage railway’s member of the cathedral take part in the films has been archivist. congregation, approached extended to people with an Edward about taking part The project uses people’s interest in exploring the faith. in one of the films after hobbies, interests and life attending the premiere of his “I am not claiming that you stories to make a short first film last November. have to be a Christian to have movie. “I enjoyed taking part and a good life, but I do think the It includes footage of good news of Christ adds a getting to know the other group members taking part participants,” said Stephen. positive dimension to your life,” added Edward. in and talking about their “I was a bit self-critical but I passions, and reflecting on think the film is brilliant. “Following the popularity of how ‘life’ can show us Edward filmed us over just six The God Movie Project in evenings. Chelmsford, I am keen to try things about God. ""We only started in it elsewhere." The God Movie Project is January. I did a voiceover and l To apply to take part in based on the Christian faith. chose a music track. We were Edward's next film, email l For more information see different people at different edward.carter@ the website www. stages of our spiritual chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk Wendy Clarke pushes a 37-ton ex-British Railways railcar whilst being filmed by Edward Carter godmovieproject. com/

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The current edition of THE SON includes stories on BBC presenter Janey Lee Grace, top neurosurgeon Dr Eben Alexander, and many BRITAINAn 86-year-old pensioner who works An Act of faith - as a Street Pastor and helps the more. homeless and the hungry has been Interview with Sir named as the country’s top local hero Honour for 86-year-old Street Pastor in the Pride of Britain Awards. a cafe for the homeless in her home city of Anthony Hopkins When most people of her age are safely tucked Plymouth. up in bed, widow Anne patrols the streets of She not only received top honours in the Pride of 45 years she decided that she would give See page 5 clubland looking out for vulnerable people at of Britain Award, but also later met Prime God all the love that she had for her beloved risk. Minister David Cameron. husband. Anne also works in a soup kitchen, helps run Why not use THE SON to reach your community? Anne committed her life to helping others after Anne said: “Everything I do is for God’s her husband Tom died nine years ago. Heart- glory and I am so privileged to be able to take broken and in despair after losing her partner His love onto the streets.” Full story on page 2 The Son hotline on 01752 225623 THE MONTH April 2014 5 THE month — Early figures show church attendance rising

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Ronald Emett fine furniture 01308 868025 [email protected] www.ronaldemettfurniture.com FROM the beginning of this year, this seems to apply particularly to is for a renewal year and the ER electoralthe boxes askingrolls for the number of or maybe towards the end of last Chair of numbers beckon. CHURCH PEWS year, in our parishes churchwardens, services held each Sunday and on In 2007, ER numbers were less weekdays. UNCOMFORTABLE? incumbents, and parish diocesan than in 2002 by 7.4 per cent, WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY To find this information easily we administrators have been busy budget sub- equivalent to a reduction of about UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? completing their Statistics for have made use of parish websites 1.5 per cent p.a. Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Mission forms for 2013. committee or www.achurchnearyou.com In 2013, present indications are Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN The Statistics for Mission It has been fascinating to use that the ER numbers will be down www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 CANON such websites for real and in a few scheme emerged in 2000, and on 2007 by between 10 per cent Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail cases discover that the times of When phoning please quote TM0414 took off properly in 2001. Each DON CARDY and 11 per cent, equivalent to services are nowhere to be found year completed forms are sent looks at about 1.7 per cent p.a. or that the programme of events Thus the rate of reduction has back to the Diocesan Office for hasn’t been updated for several processing so that we immediately Statistics changed little over the last two ER months. Perhaps from time to time cycles but is at twice the 0.8 per have available for ourselves for Mission we should ask a critical friend to statistics on baptisms, weddings, cent p.a. average rate at which Forms try using our website and welcome Normal Sunday attendance has funerals, electoral rolls and church the feedback? reduced. attendance, whilst at the same Now to some preliminary However, there are very time the data is forwarded to the as it requires parishes with more findings from the Statistics for Research & Statistics Unit at than one church to provide Mission forms for 2013. significant differences between Church House to lead ultimately separate data for each. So why is By the end of February, we had parishes. In the latest ER cycle, to totals for the Church of England this? 67 per cent of the forms in and one-third of parishes have and comparative statistics for the In January this year you may were urgently chasing for the other numbers which are steady or have dioceses. have seen reports in the press of 33 per cent with only a month to grown, one-third have numbers In the early days, we actually the results of an important Church go to a much earlier cut-off date. which are less by up to 20 per sent photocopies of each form but Growth Research Programme It is not often that we can look cent (twice the average), and one quickly took the opportunity to sponsored by the Archbishops’ closely at Electoral Roll (ER) third have numbers reduced by extract the data from our database Council and the Church numbers because as soon as a over 20 per cent. and submit it electronically. This Commissioners (www. new roll is drawn up it tends to It is heartening to note that of year we have been trying out a churchgrowthresearch.org.uk). grow every year until the next new the parishes to report so far, 29 new web-based system in which Much of the data for this project roll is formed, normally six years have experienced growth in each the data from each form is was derived from the Statistics for later, when the numbers can drop of the last two ER cycles. I wonder entered directly into the Church Mission forms which parishes with a bump. whether any of these support the House database. Eventually we have completed since 2000. The in-between years hint at findings of the recent Church must decide whether to adopt this The research is on-going and growth whilst the renewal years Growth Research Programme? new system permanently. the purpose of the new form is to often tell a different story. Electoral Keep the forms coming in! Over the years, the forms have further improve the quality of the Rolls were renewed in 2002, then l An article about church growth evolved to collect more and more data. in 2007 (five-year gap), and then by Revd Charlie Kosla, Mission & data and the form for 2013 is the Often, with large forms, some of in 2013 (six-year gap). Evangelism Adviser, will appear in most demanding yet, particularly the boxes get missed. For 2013 So the data being collected now our May issue. NEW ONLINE SHOP

Ruth dubbed 'first woman bishop' on Takeover Day sarumcollegebookshop.co.uk TEENAGERS Ruth Greenfield “a real celebrity”. Rob and Ruth (15) and Rob Coe (18) took part also took over Bishop John’s Theological books, church candles and more in a ‘Takeover Day’ with Rt Revd Twitter feed to share their Enter FIRSTORDER at the checkout for 15% o John Wraw, the Bishop of Bradwell. thoughts throughout the day: This was part of a national “About to go up Air Traffic Control scheme to give young people at Southend Airport #excited SARUM COLLEGE BOOKSHOP, 19 THE CLOSE, SALISBURY SP1 2EE experience of different roles. #TakeoverDay #bishoptakover.” [email protected] | 01722 326899 They accompanied Bishop WWW.SARUMCOLLEGEBOOKSHOP.CO.UK John on his visits to a school, l Pictured from left to right: Mrs an assisted living scheme, a Neil (Headteacher St Mary’s gardening project, St Alban’s Primary School), Ruth Greenfield, church in Westcliff and Southend Rob Coe, Revd Shaun Conlon Airport. (Vicar of Prittlewell St Mary the BBC Essex interviewed them Virgin) with Beatrice Banda and and called Ruth the “first woman Matthew Gellett, pupils of St bishop”. Ruth called the Bishop Mary’s Primary School. Ein Deutsches 'Teach us to care and not to care' Requiem FROM FRONT PAGE rebuked, “Get behind me, Satan! are people who can see how Johannes Brahms not to belittle the suffering and You are a stumbling-block to me; much you’d like some chocolate Cecilia Osmond Soprano Michael Pearce Baritone hardship he went through during you do not have in mind the cake and tell you that it doesn’t Piano Accompaniment by that ordeal, but simply to remember things of God, but the things of matter on a Sunday, or that cake Tim Carey & Martin Sanders-Hewett that it was God who led him there. men.” (Matt 16:23) doesn’t count, or that you don’t There’s a very challenging There’s a natural desire in all of have to give up for the whole 40 couple of lines in a poem by T S us to fix everything, and yet the days. They’re trying to help, but Chelmsford Cathedral Eliot (‘Ash Wednesday’), in which next line of Eliot’s poem is simply, they’re not. Daring not to care Saturday 5th April, 2014 he prays, “Teach us to care and “Teach us to sit still.” Of course, involves recognising that we do not to care.” The idea of having to we should always care, but not live by bread alone, or salary, at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) be taught ‘not to care’ seems sometimes that caring involves or status, or good looks, or Tickets: Centre Block, £16 (no concessions); Children £5 Robin King, Archdeacon awful – and yet perhaps we do sitting with people in the desert chocolate – and that not all Side Aisles, £13 (concessions £11); Children £3 of Stansted, helped to need to learn something about rather than taking control suffering or sacrifice is useless Tickets available from: how we might experience the ourselves and interfering with and we should not belittle it. James Dace & Son, 22 Broom eld Road, Chelmsford, launch a community 01245 352133/262841 - [email protected] CharityNo: 10 14377 Registered defibrillator appeal by grace of God through hardship what God might be using that Of course, I am a weak and Further information from Churches Together in and sacrifice. Saint Peter experience for. faithless coward, so if you ever [email protected] Stansted on Shrove experienced this first hand when Some of you may have given up see me in need, don’t just sit Tuesday. Information: www. he insisted that Jesus shouldn’t things for Lent, and you may there – please feel free to dive in www.chelmsfordsingers.org.uk stanstedstjohns.btck.co.uk suffer on the cross, only to be already be finding it hard. There and help. Robin King 6 THE MONTH April 2014 THE MONTH April 2014 7

THE month — Centenary ‘Celebrate & Commit’ vision will help yougsters belong together in Christ

Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community, KeyCelebrate themes COVER & STORY Commit offering a residential for children in Poster for 100 rehabilitation Chelmsford activity challenge programme, called KEY, for people Holidays Abroad One of the major elements of our Diocese centenary celebrations is a 100 with life-controlling ALGARVE activity challenge for schools, with addictions, such Luxury 3 bed villa ITALY activities including “create a (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near Near Romantic Rome Carvoeiro. Own pool, ‘pop-up’ prayer area”, “create a as drug or alcohol all mod cons.Situated on Self catering in rural Pestana Golf Resort. Golf, tranquillity, sleeps 2-4. multimedia presentation of a Bible abuse, homelessness, Tennis,Outdoor bowls. Wonderful views, historic Full details and brochure: story” and “raise at least £100 for a gambling, eating Brian Chambers village. Tel: 07836 650834 chosen charity” (such as the Tel: 02380 265 683 [email protected] [email protected] Bishop's Lent Appeal for Kenyan disorders, self harm, www.casa-oleander.co.uk www.villettagirasole.com schools). and other addictive There have been some great behaviours. Holidays at Home responses so far with a wide range of schools taking up the challenge. The photo on the left is from GATWICK SHERBORNE Bulphan School who have told us: 3 - 4 mins Short breaks in Dorset GABLE END Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, “We have already completed A warm Irish welcome to our apartment in listed building several of our challenges and have family run B&B. En-suite rooms close to Abbey Church. displayed the poster in the entrance & full English breakfast. By STEVE KERSYS, Adviser for Courtesy transport & car parking Open all year. hall of the school.” Please ring for brochure: Ministry amongst Children and Families TEL: 01293 783679 CHELMSFORD Diocese is unique. What www.gable-end.com 01404 841367 does it mean to belong to this wonderfully School Leaders' Conference supporting early years work throughout the rich and diverse family? Our Centenary in Bookmarks Centenary Prayer Reflective and Effective School Leadership is Diocese. LYNTON DEVON 2014 gives us the unique opportunity to Bishop Stephen has written a short poem Loving God this year’s theme on March 27 at Stock The six pilot sites are made up of three ‘Celebrate & Commit’ and to help all our and a prayer for each child in the Diocese. We thank you for the life of our Diocese. Brook Country Club. existing pre-schools and three new sites. A warm traditional welcome We thank you for our schools and churches children and young people to explore in new We have used these in the design of a It will be good to welcome Keith Lamdin, One of the first settings to see a benefit from awaits you at and for the communities we serve. Kingford House Dartmouth ways what it means to belong together in this bookmark (below) which will be distributed to Principal of Sarum College and Nicola Sparrows involvement is St George's Harold Give us a new love of Jesus Christ Devon extraordinary microcosm of modern Britain. the 30,000 children in our church schools. Sylvester, the Church of England’s Head of Hill, where building work has doubled the Enjoy excellent home cuisine ideally Delightful ground floor So in 2014 we have invited our schools that we may share his way with others School Effectiveness as well as input from size of the childcare area and new equipment situated for coastal & Exmoor walks. flat with glorious views and serve him in the world. across river Dart. (and their parishes) to celebrate what it our home team and worship led by pupils. for the children has enhanced their learning Tel Tricia Morgan on 01598 752361 Amen for brochure and tariff Sleeps 4: double ensuite, means to belong to each other and to renew Centenary poem experiences. [email protected] twin with bathroom, One hundred years of service, story, A canopy outside has created an all- all mod cons. the commitment to serve all in our One hundred years of gospel glory. ...and yet to come weather outdoor play space for the children. www.kingfordhouse.co.uk Tel: 020 7223 5473 communities with Christ’s generous love. Based on a 300 The Education Department at the Diocese One hundred years of prayer and song, School Shoeboxes Festal Dinner The other two pre-existing provisions at All has created a series of opportunities for One hundred years and going strong, We have invited schools to cover, decorate Chelmsford Cathedral: June 20 at 7.30pm Saints Goodmayes and Christ Church acre dairy farm in schools to 'celebrate and commit', belonging One hundred years, the Christian way, and label a shoebox with their school name This unique occasion – with tickets limited to Thames View are making plans for DOMFRONT improvements to their buildings to make together in Christ. One hundred years, so let us pray. and badge and fill it small items such as 100 – will be an opportunity for adults rural Devon, Gilead LOWER NORMANDY involved in our schools to celebrate together them better child care centres and are We have a new department logo (above) In churches, schools, in homes and hearts photos about their school. in a very special location. looking forward to the future as Sparrows uses the Genesis and there will be a new website after Easter. The next one hundred years now starts. Most importantly, they will include a prayer written in school and a letter to their recipient The evening will be hosted by the Bishop nurseries. Process Relapse school. of Chelmsford and our special guest will be Sparrows Network monthly newsletter is Each shoebox will be passed on to another the Dean of Westminster, Dr John Hall. being sent to more than 400 people. Each Prevention programme school to form a chain of boxes linking schools John was formerly Chief Education Officer edition includes training & networking opportunities, activity ideas, articles and with our clients. together, ‘Belonging Together in Christ’. of the Church of England and is uniquely news relevant to early years. If you would like Two bedroom cottage in rural setting, 70 miles from Caen. placed to reflect on living out the gospel in Shops in local villages. Twin room/family room/cot. service to the whole community. Children and families to join us and receive this newsletter, visit the l Tickets are £30 - contact the Education Work amongst children and families early years page on the diocese website. Tel. 01935 814324 continues to flourish with many parishes If you, or someone Email. [email protected] Lent Appeal Department (see below). developing their ministry through schools you know would like We have invited all our schools to take part work, baptism contacts, Fresh Expressions of in the Bishop of Chelmsford’s Lent Appeal. Cathedral Schools Day Church such as Messy Church, and through more information about Retreats We hope to provide support to help build a October 21: 10am-2pm, existing services and activities, especially at Gilead or would like to new secondary school for deaf children in A special Activity and Worship event for the major festivals. Kenya. The project was highlighted in the Y5/6 pupils of our Church Schools as the Our advisers are finding increasing make an application, Study Tour of the March edition of ‘The Month’. Centenary Year draws to an end. requests for training, advice on employment l please contact: life and times of For more details of these or any of our issues and funding, Messy Church, Children Savonarola, Italian diocesan centenary events and projects, and Holy Communion, All-age worship and Reformer. please contact our education administrators: Baptism contacts. Laura Alm 4th - 10th Events so far... Rachel Orford or Yemi Ibrahim, at 01245 l If you would like support, advice and Tel: 01837 851240 Staying in a fi fteenth September 294440 or email us at education@ resources on these, or any other issues, century monastery in Reflection Retreat for chelmsford.anglican.org please contact Steve Kersys, Adviser for San Gimignano, visiting Fax: 01837 851520 Ministry amongst Children and Families Florence, Pienza, Headteachers ([email protected]). [email protected] Volterra A group of headteachers and teachers took part in a 24-hour retreat at Pleshey at the TheOther Education Departmentministries... is also home to l You can sign up for regular resource Lectures throughout, end of February. It was the first time we had children’s & family ministry, Sparrows and Sparrows emails on Children’s and Family Ministry £645 not including fl ight. run this for 24 hours and the feedback was work in further education colleges. Sparrows, a pre-school initiative, is and Sparrows Network by contacting Steve www.gilead.org.uk unanimously positive; it will be an event we www.luthertour.com Tel: 020 85303029 Here’s a brief snapshot of some of our taking flight with six childcare pilot projects or Jo ([email protected], jgilks@ will run again in 2015. other ministries: taking shape and Sparrows Network chelmsford.anglican.org). 8 THE MONTH April 2014 Advertising Feature I arrived at Gilead in October 2012 addicted to drugs and alcohol. My li e was in a complete mess. Following my marriage breakdown I had le my house and business in France to return to the UK and “start again”. Un ortunately “starting again” was just another relapse into ull-blown addiction. My Story I was living in Plymouth and my li e was total chaos. I remember one day in particular, in desperation I had walked – by Louise into a local church. I remember the Pastor asking me i I wanted him to pray or me. A erwards he said to me “Don’t give up, God has a plan or you and it is good.” I thought little o it. However two weeks later my ex- ather-in-law drove me to Gilead. It was a last ditch attempt to literally save my li e. I had tried numerous rehabs be ore, and although they worked or a period o time, I always relapsed eventually, with horrible consequences and causing a great deal o su ering and anxiety to my mother and my daughters. I know now that the reason this kept desperately needed to keep putting one encouragement and support o my two Horticulture via distance learning and happening was because I hadn’t dealt oot in ront o the other, to push through daughters, who come and stay regularly, with God’s blessing  nally have a uture with the deeper issues I had, and had not the di cult times. and think o Gilead as their home too and to look orward to ree o addiction given mysel time to heal properly. Gilead And so began my spiritual journey. are relieved to have their mum back. My - something I really didn’t think was has given me all the love, support, time Slowly but surely I began to trust,  rstly mother sleeps well at night, ree o stress possible 18 months ago. and encouragement to work through in Ian and Bron, (Pastors and ounders o and anxiety knowing I am sa e and well. Being at Gilead has quite literally these things and come out the other side! the work at Gilead), then in God and then I am now hal way through Phase 2 changed my li e. I have learnt so many I didn’t really have any concept o a in other people. I made a decision about o the programme and have begun my things and although I still have bad days, “Christian Rehab” but I did know that this hal way through the programme to “transition out”. It’s an exciting time or with the love, help and support o the was essentially my last chance. I was ull simply challenge my belie s and believe me. I am on a course with the RHS at sta and my ellow students I get through o mistrust, resentment and suspicion to in the Word o God. A simple decision that Rosemoor one day a week, studying them. start with. My  rst Christmas at Gilead, has had a pro ound e ect on my li e. Bron gave me a scripture - it was Hebrews Gradually I began to get somewhere, 13 v 5. This somehow gave me the hope I and my li e started to improve. I have the

HELP US TRANSFORM PEOPLE'S LIVES As one of our Bursary Friends, your regular I enclose a one-off gift of £ monthly donation will make a big difference to Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations Securing the someone who you may never meet, but who will live a transformed life with your help. I would like to become a Bursary Friend Please fill in this form

Yours In Christ Name Chris Cole (Trustee) utureGilead Foundations Charity orwas rom local rehab authorities. But this unding To help us correctly allocate your gift, please record your Name of your bank name and contact details using the form below. Thank you! ounded in 1991, to operate residential is usually only or a short period, and we rehabilitation at Risdon Farm in Devon, cannot depend on it. Creating  nancial Bank address or people su ering with compulsive security or our success ul delivery o behaviours such as drug and alcohol rehab, which changes lives or good, is Postcode I would like all donations I make to Gilead Foundations, addictions, sel harm, depression and our key aim over the next ew years. We Reg Charity Number 1002909, from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise to be treated as related issues. have two main strategies or this: Gift Aid donations. Account No. Sort Code The scale o drug, alcohol and other We run the arm as a Social Enterprise, li e-controlling issues in the UK is well providing work and training or Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £ Signed Date from my account on (dd/mm/yy) / / reported. The impact o individuals’ recovering students as part o their Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead problems spreads to their amilies, and therapy. The arm generates pro tability, You must be a UK taxpayer and must pay an amount of income tax Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that the charity Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY the emotional as well as  nancial cost o which we can ‘sow’ back into the rehab reclaims on your donations in the appropriate tax year. Signed Date this brokenness is enormous. work. Currently we are able to sponsor It is estimated that rehab saves £5,000 our students by £250 per week rom our per year or each person in treatment, arming activities. Please add my details to the Gilead mailing list compared to the costs o drug and alcohol As well as growing the Social Enterprise related crime alone. Added to that are the business, we are establishing a ‘Bursary Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other) long-term bene ts o people living ull Fund’, with an ambitious target o  nding First Name Surname and productive lives, not to mention the 1,000 ‘Bursary Friends’ donating £20 per positive impact on their amilies. (Please month (or another  gure o their own read Louise’s story on this page). choosing), to enable us to und up to 14 Address Since 1991 GFC has seen hundreds students at a time. So ar, we have £1,000 o clients, like Louise, complete the per month in regular donations, which Postcode programme, with approximately 85% is 50 Friends – we need another 950 living a success ul recovery li estyle. Friends! Organisation / company (if applicable) We have an e ective, proven Could you be one o those 1,000 rehabilitation programme developed people who will help us to bring about Telephone Number over 20 years; we have great, purpose- sustainable, long-term change in built accommodation (you may have read desperately broken lives and amilies, Email about our recent building project in this setting people ree rom li e-controlling Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ newspaper); but many desperate people, problems and releasing their potential Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email: [email protected] www.gilead.org.uk who are willing to change, simply cannot or their uture, and their amilies’ get the ull unding they need to enable utures? Just £20 a month could make Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909 DIO0314 them to come to Gilead or the hope o a all the di erence to someone you may trans ormed li e. never know, but who will know that their Other rehab centres are closing recovery has been enabled through your because they are highly dependent partnership with Gilead. Someone like 01837 851240 upon unding rom Agencies, which has Louise. A larger, one-o donation would now been lost in the recession. As an also be a substantial help as we build a www.gilead.org.uk accredited rehab, Gilead is periodically strong plat orm o sustainable income or able to secure unding or eligible clients the uture. THE MONTH April 2014 9 THE month — What’s on near you in Essex & East London

● Tuesday, March 18 Sunday, March 30 — Mothering Sunday St. Laurence Church, Donington Avenue, Barkingside IG6 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. ● All Saints, Totham. 10.30am Children’s Church followed 1AJ. 7.30pm. Redbridge Deanery’s Six Session Course on Prayerful Evangelism (see April 1 entry). 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. by all-age service at 11am. ● ● St Laurence, Donington Avenue, Barkingside IG6 1AJ. Monday, March 31 Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell. 10am-4pm. Visit your local Christian Bookshop 7.30pm. Redbridge Deanery’s Six Session Course on ● Bulmer Village Hall. 7.30pm. Re-imagining Ministry. Part Quiet day for Holy Week led by Revd Brigid Main. Cost of Prayerful Evangelism run by Hugh Dibbens (Evangelism of the North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. 'How fewer each day is £15 which includes lunch & refreshments. For for your Easter cards, gifts, Bibles, Advisor) and Vernon Ross (Mission & Parish Development clergy will affect our North Hinckford Team Ministry'. Contact further information, contact Revd Brigid Main 01621 776438 Advisor). It is being run on the six Tuesdays of Lent (March Peter Fulcher 269935. or [email protected] books, and so much more! Wednesday, April 16 11 to April 15). Tuesday, April 1 ● Wednesday, March 19 ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Cedd's Hall. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. 'Welcome on Wednesday' Serving you at Cedd's Hall. ● St. Laurence Church, Donington Avenue, Barkingside in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. 'Welcome on Wednesday' IG6 1AJ. 7.30pm. Redbridge Deanery’s Six Session Course coffee and cakes. All welcome. in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ on Prayerful Evangelism run by Hugh Dibbens (Evangelism Southend Wellspring Maundy Thursday, April 17 coffee and cakes. All welcome. Advisor) and Vernon Ross (Mission & Parish Development ● Christian Bookshop Christian Bookshop ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union Evening Advisor). It is being run on the six Tuesdays of Lent until Heathersett School Road Pentlow.10am. Hot Cross Bun Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. April 15. Day. Part of the North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. Contact Celia Sandberg 281006. 57 London Road Pilgrims Hall ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8.00pm St Cedd’s Hall in the Wednesday, April 2 ● Good Friday-Easter Saturday, April 18-19 Southend-on-Sea Ongar Road Cathedral Chapter House Chelmsford Theological Society. Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St ● Part of series of lectures ‘Different Denominations— Cedd’s Hall. South Woodham Ferrers town centre. 11am. One Life One. A Passion Play. This is free street theatre – a cast of Essex Pilgrims Hatch Distinctive Theologies’ which will explore the theological ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ over 40 people acting out the Easter Story set amongst the distinctiveness’s of nine different Christian denominations, in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ shoppers of South Woodham. www.onelifeonepassion.co.uk SS1 1PF Brentwood looking at how these characteristics have contributed to coffee and cakes. All welcome church and secular history, and the ways in which a human ● www.facebook.com/onelifeonepassion.co.uk T: 01702 344008 CM15 9SA Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Good Friday, April 18 understanding of God has been shaped. Julia Bush, The Theology: Michaelangelo’s David. Meet at the Food Court. ● St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Epping. 7.30pm. T: 01277 373413 Society of Friends (Quaker Church). Further details from Thursday, April 3 Epping Church Choirs Association present John Stainer’s - Edward Carter, Canon Theologian at Chelmsford Cathedral ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers Union Corporate [email protected] The Crucifixion conducted by Simon Winters with soloists- Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. Paul Robertson and David Wood. Organist – David Pickthall. Friday, March 21 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union Evening Contact us for bulk orders, see: ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert Entry free. Retiring collection for charity. Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. Lent Evening with Jane ● St Mary's Church, Maldon. 7.30pm. Choir of St Mary's, by St Cedd’s School. Admission is free, but we welcome your Anderson. christianbookshopsrus.co.uk contributions, which are divided between various charities accompanied by Pegasus Baroque Orchestra, give their Friday, April 4 annual liturgical performance of Bach’s St John Passion. The and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available in ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert [email protected] the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell will preach a by Chris Nickol (Organ). Admission is free, but we welcome sermon between parts one and two and the congregation will your own if you wish. your contributions. Light refreshments are available in the Saturday, March 22 be invited to join in with singing some of the chorales ● Cathedral from noon, or you are welcome to bring your own. (hymns). Being a service, there is a retiring collection to help St John’s church, Church Lane, Loughton IG10 1PD at ● Lamarsh. Get to know your church & Village: Lamarsh. 7.30pm. Spring concert by The Chigwell Choir featuring pay for the musicians and to ensure that this annual tradition Part of the North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. Contact can continue. Last year, it was standing room only and we music by Britten, Corp, Rutter and this year once again Helen Morgan 01787 227404 joined by Theydon Bois Primary School Choir for Chilcott’s recommend early arrival to ensure a seat. Disabled access. Saturday, April 5 ● St Mary the Virgin, Wivenhoe. 7.30pm. Music for Good Canticles of Light conducted by Alexander Campkin and ● accompanied by piano and harp. See www.chigwellchoir.org Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Friday. St Mary’s Singers will perform the Requiem by Luigi for more details. Tickets £12 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, Cherubini. home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● Belchamp Otten Church. 6.30pm. Good Friday Choir. Part Under 16 available on the door, in advance from Leonie on ● 07958 763213 or online from www.wegottickets.com/ St. James’ Church, Tower Road, Clacton on Sea CO15 of North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. With meditations. event/255890 1DA. 7.30pm. Clacton Choral Society spring concert. Rossini Contact Michael Aves 237911 Blessed is the man ● Church Hall, St Bartholomew, Wickham Bishops CM8 Petite Solenelle, in the original version, with guest soloists Easter Saturday, April 19 ● 3LA. 2-5pm. RSCM Workshop: Skills and repertoire for small Laura Pooley soprano, Elaine Henderson contralto, David St Mary the Virgin, Wivenhoe. 3.30pm. Messy Easter for choirs, including vocal health and technique, classical and Joy tenor, and Peter Grevatt bass. Pianist Peter Thorne, children up to 11. Making the Easter Garden, Easter crafts, who walks not in the contemporary anthems and motets, music for services, and harmonium Stephen Smith, and conductor Peter Kenvyn Easter story and an Easter party. Jones.Tickets £8 from 01255 424568, and on the door. Easter Monday, April 21 pieces recently published by the RSCM. Led by Frances ● counsel of the wicked, Novillo, RMA (London & South). Cost: No charge; donations St Luke’s Church, Tiptree [CO5 0SU]. 7.30pm. Tiptree ● All Saints Church, Rettendon. 10.30am-4pm. Open Day. welcome. Contact: Sue Handscombe sue60flute@yahoo. Choral Society concert. Mozart’s Coronation Mass followed Admission free. Many items for sale, including bedding plants. com 01621 742057 by Beethoven’s Mass in C. Tickets £10 from Jan and Peter Refreshments and ploughman’s lunches. Funds raised on our nor stands in the way ● Waltham Abbey. 11.30am-2.30pm. National 12-bell 01206 734540 or on the door. Accompanied children free open days are vital to maintain this Grade 1 listed building. Sunday, April 6 Tuesday, April 22 Striking Contest. Come and listen and enjoy. At 3pm there ● will be an organ recital in the church on bell themes, as part St James, Stratford, 98 St James Road, Stratford, ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. of sinners, nor sits in of the regular series of Saturday concerts. Further details of London E15 1RN. 6.30pm. Service in Russian and English. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. the competition can be found at www.12bell.org.uk. Sing in Russian and in English! Prayers, Bible readings and Wednesday, April 23 the seat of scoffers; ● Holy Trinity Church, 185 Hermon Hill, South Woodford sermon in both languages. All are welcome to join us. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St E18 1QQ. 7.30pm. 'Baltic Exchange' with The Meljon Parking is free in surrounding streets at the moment. Nearest Cedd’s Hall. Singers. Tickets: Advance tickets £10 | On the door £12 | stations are Maryland and Forest Gate on the Shenfield line ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ from Stratford. For more information call 07854 731 864. but his delight is in Under 18s Free. Box Office 01992 611711 or book online at ● in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ www.meljon.ticketsource.co.uk For more information visit Belchamp Walter. 4pm. Film: Babette’s Feast. Part of the coffee and cakes. All welcome. www.meljon.org.uk North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. Contact: Terry Thursday, April 24 the law of the Lord, ● Althorne Church Hall CM3 6BY. 11am-3pm. A Bit of a Do! Raybould 01787 313270 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets Monday, April 7 With Easter gifts, soup & rolls, tombola, raffle, crafts, cards, ● in the Chapter House. and on his law he Mothering Sunday gifts, teas & cakes. In aid of St Andrew’s Borley. 7pm. Film: Babette’s Feast. Part of North Hinckford ● The Julian Meeting. St James the Less, Hadleigh SS7 Church repair fund & St Clare’s Hospice. Festival of Faith 2014. Contact Marian Dorey 312289. 2PA. 6.30pm. Contemplative prayer introduced with words ● Tuesday, April 8 Alphamstone St Barnabas Church. Faith Walk. Part of ● and music. meditates day and the North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. Meet at St Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. Friday, April 25 Barnabas church. Contact Janet Penfold 01787 227929. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. ● ● St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood. 1-1.45pm. ● Foxearth Mini Heritage Centre Opening. Noon-1pm. Part St. Laurence Church, Donington Avenue, Barkingside Lunchtime Concert by CrossWinds (brass & saxophone night. He is like a tree of the North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. Opening and IG6 1AJ. 7.30pm. Redbridge Deanery’s Six Session Course quartet). Admission free - retiring collection. Sandwiches and book launch in church. Contact Corinne Cox 01787 379410. on Prayerful Evangelism (see April 1 entry). drinks on sale from 12.30pm. Details: 01277 21812. planted by streams March 24-28 Wednesday, April 9 ● Saturday, April 26 ● The Retreat House, Pleshey. Midweek Sabbaths. For all Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St ● The Octagon, St Mary's Church, Church Street, Maldon. people in ministry. Quiet and space for yourself – runs from Cedd's Hall. ● 10am-1pm. Choral Singers are very welcome to join Maldon of water that yields 12 noon the first day until 4 pm on the second. Rest, read, Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. 'Welcome on Wednesday' Choral, conductor Dr Gillian Ward Russell, in A Singing walk, be renewed. Come for a twenty-four hour period or in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ Morning With Lyn Cook. Tickets £10. Available from a stay longer if you prefer. Cost £71 per 24 hours. coffee and cakes. All welcome. member of Maldon Choral or telephone 01621 842107. its fruit in its season, ● Firstsite, Colchester. 7.30pm. Fordham Church have Thursday, April 10 ● St James the Less, Hadleigh SS7 2PA. 7.30pm. Katriona ● organised a week of evening presentations Monday: "If I Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers Union Afternoon Talyor will be singing a variety of popular songs. Peter and its leaf does not were God, I'd...... get my facts straight"; Tuesday: "... I'd Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. “50 Years of my MU Life” Hammond on keyboard. £9 including light buffet. make my-self clearer"; Wednesday: "... I'd never abandon with Mary Bradford. ● North Hinckford. Evening Church cleaning “PARTY”. Part ● those I love"; Thursday: "... I'd bring justice and peace"; Middleton Church. 7.30pm. North Hinckford Team Council of the North Hinckford Festival of Faith 2014. Contact Helen wither. In all that he Friday: "...I'd have a passion for life". The talks will address Annual meeting. Part of the North Hinckford Festival of Faith Morgan 01787 227404. head-on the often-heard arguments about the existence and 2014. Come and find out how our Team of 15 churches Sunday, April 27 nature of God. See more information at www.fordhamchurch. works together. Contact Helen Grover 0800 6528532. ● St George's Church, Ongar Road (near Robin Hood does, he prospers. The org.uk Friday, April 11 roundabout), Brentwood. 80th birthday celebrations to mark Tuesday, March 25 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert ● 80 years of being a Christian beacon in the parish and area. wicked are not so, Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. by Flautista (flute ensemble). Admission is free, but we Festival Patronal Eucharist of St George the Martyr at 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. welcome your contributions, which are divided between 10.30am - wear your red rose and come and join us as we ● St. Laurence Church, Donington Avenue, Barkingside various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light celebrate, rejoice and pray for God's help and guidance as but are like chaff that IG6 1AJ. 7.30pm. Redbridge Deanery’s Six Session Course refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon. we go into the future. St George and his evil dragon will be on Prayerful Evangelism run by Hugh Dibbens (Evangelism Saturday, April 12 attending. The service will be followed by a buffet lunch in the Advisor) and Vernon Ross (Mission & Parish Development ● Ilford Hospital Chapel, Ilford Hill. 10am-2.30pm.Open hall. Contact 01277 213618 the wind drives away. Advisor). It is being run on the six Tuesdays of Lent (March Day. Stalls to include cards, bric-a-brac, DVDs and Monday, April 28 11 to April 15). memorabilia. Refreshments and free guided tours. Eucharist ● St Mark's College, Saffron Walden. 10am-3pm. Youth Therefore the wicked March 25-27 mass every Thursday at 12.35pm. Advisers are hosting a Retreat Day to offer space, time, ● St Mark's College, Saffron Walden. 48 hour residential ● United Reformed Church, Market Hill, Maldon. 7.30pm. prayer and retreat to anyone who wants to make use of it. retreat, Breathing Space, space, input, fun and rest, allowing Maldon Choral, conductor Dr Gillian Ward Russell, present Study, read, walk, sit, sleep... no cost, just bring a packed will not stand in the God to move. This year we welcome Brian Draper and The Crucifixion by John Stainer and Ave Verum Corpus, lunch and use the time as you need. Contact Alice Smith Bishop Stephen as our guests. Contact Alice Smith Youth Flocks In Pastures Green Abiding, The God Of Love My Youth Adviser 07999 534398 for details. Adviser 07999 534398 for details. Shepherd Is, Now Thank We All Our God. Tickets £10 Tuesday, April 29 judgment, nor sinners Wednesday, March 26 Available from The Tourist Information Office, Wenlock Way, ● Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St Maldon. Telephone: 01621 856503 or £12 on the door. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. Cedd's Hall. ● St Andrew’s Church, Halstead. 7.30pm. An evening of Wednesday, April 30 in the congregation of ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. 'Welcome on Wednesday' inspiring brass band music, to raise funds for the church ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9am-12noon. Pram Group in St in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ building with The Colchester Band. Tickets £10 per person. Cedd's Hall. the righteous; for the coffee and cakes. All welcome. Please call Roger Smith on 01787 473 138 or Janet Amos ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. 'Welcome on Wednesday' Thursday, March 27 on 01787 474 650 for seats or email at r.l.n.smith@ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/ ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets btinternet.com and [email protected] coffee and cakes. All welcome. Lord knows the way of ● in the Chapter House. St. Mary's Church, Chigwell IG7 6QQ. 10am-2pm. Third ● Chelmsford Cathedral. St Cedd’s Hall in the Cathedral Friday, March 28 World Market selling crafts, clothing, jewellery and gifts from Chapter House. 8pm. Chelmsford Theological Society. Part of the righteous, but the ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Tear Fund, Foodstuffs and other goodies from Traidcraft with series of lectures ‘Different Denominations—Distinctive Concert by John Cuthbert (piano). Admission is free, but we more stalls supporting Christian Hope International, Theologies’ which will explore the theological distinctiveness’s welcome your contributions, which are divided between Samaritan's Purse and the Belize Children's Project. of nine different Christian denominations, looking at how way of the wicked will various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments Refreshments and ploughman's lunches will be available. these characteristics have contributed to church and secular are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are Sunday, April 13 — Palm Sunday history, and the ways in which a human understanding of God welcome to bring your own if you wish. ● Chingford Parish Church, The Green, Chingford E4 7ER. has been shaped. Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, The Methodist perish. Saturday, March 29 6.30pm. Stainer: Crucifixion sung by The Chingford Singers Church. Details from Edward Carter, Canon Theologian at the ● All Saints' Church, Writtle CM1 3EN. 7.30m. Writtle and Gentlemen of the Parish Church Choir. No admission cathedral [email protected] Singers (Christine Gwynn - Conductor) with the Amphion charge as this is a service. Collection in aid of church funds. May 2014 diary deadline Psalm 1 (ESV) Consort. A feast of glorious music for voices and instruments ● Bulmer. APCM. Part of the North Hinckford Festival of ● Forward details to Rebecca Hough, internalcomms from the “Golden Age” of Spain and Portugal and the Faith 2014. Followed by bring & share lunch after morning @chelmsford.anglican.org, 01245 294447 by April 1 for cathedrals of Latin America. Tickets £11, students £4, under Service. Contact Margaret Mills 01787 269377 inclusion in The Month and on the diocesan website. 16s free; £2 more on the door. Available from www. Tuesday, April 15 Latest events ● writtlesingers.org, James Dace music shops, or tel: 01277 Kingsland Cafe (above Aldi), Lexden, Colchester. ● You can find the latest events online at www. Photo: www.sxc.hu 658183. 12-2.15pm. Friendship Group. chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/whats-on 10 THE MONTH April 2014

THEOLOGY FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Ordained Ministry Students • Readers in Training Independent Students

Europe’s leading Choice of three modes of study: • Part-ti me through weekly evening classes in central Christian Resources London or Canterbury • Part-ti me through teaching days Exhibitions • Full-ti me mixed-mode combining evening classes, CRE International teaching days and supervised ministerial practi ce SANDOWN Please contact us for more details: Sandown Park, Esher Email: [email protected] • Telephone: 01227 471120 13 – 16 May 2014 Website: www.seite.co.uk Featuring Freddie Kofi Book Awards David Pawson with Pam Rhodes

Tony Campolo David Hathaway Jennifer Rees Larcombe and much, much more... For up to date information and to buy tickets go to To advertise in this newspaper, CREonline.co.uk contact Glenda or Michelle on To receive a £1 discount off your ticket price simply visit BE CREonline and quote promotional code mosan14d 01752 225623 facebook.com/CREonline @CRE_churchshow or email Christian Resources Exhibitions is part of Bible Society (Charity Reg. No 232759) Tel 01793 418218 [email protected] Information correct at time of going to press SEEN

150x96 Sandown only The Month.indd 1 04/03/2014 14:05:44 Shops, Food & Fun for the whole family

- 18th - 21st April Join the EASTER EGG HUNT

See what our artists have made and find inspiration at our unique range of shops. Sewing • Ceramics • Dance • Beading Miniatures • Antiques • Gallery & More NEW NOVEL from Blake End, Near Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk K L COLE Author of e Purple Veil ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary’s Convent is set in a tranquil location in the shadows of the Lambourn Downs. Providing comfortable and fl exible accommodation and facilities. Home cooked food using fresh wholesome ingredients. Suitable for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Including conference facilities and FAITHFULNESS private individual visits. The Guest Wing is a calm still place enabling IN RELATIONSHIPS peace and spiritual refreshment for all. For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9DJ Tel: 01235 763141 Email: [email protected] www.csmv.co.uk also available as paperback on Amazon THE MONTH April 2014 11 School of Preaching WeeK 2014

16th – 20th June 2014 The Perils of Preaching

• A blend of workshops, biblical expositions and lectures • Expert teaching • Practical tips and insights • Exclusive access to Wycliffe faculty and students Book Online: www.wycliffe.ox.ac.uk Wycliffe hall The Evangelical College A Permanent Private Hall of the in the Heart of Oxford University of Oxford ad diocesan half page phase 3 ree2014.ai 1 24/02/2014 20:47:12 Registered Charity No.309703

Wycliffe Preaching The Door 1/4.indd 1 20/01/2014 15:55 Where will you buy yours ?

Special Edition RRP £9.£9.9999 NEW DESIGNS It’s time to buy your Real Easter Eggs now. You can buy online at ww.realeasteregg.co.uk, from Traidcraft and some independent shops. Three supermarket chains have limited supplies. For availability list see www.realeasteregg.co.uk

About the eggs Out of the 80 million chocolate Easter Eggs sold each year, The Real Easter Egg is the only Fairtrade one with C the Easter story in the box and its charitable. M Original Real Easter Egg -new design Y (150g RRP £3.99) 3 crosses on the box, comes with Mark’s Resurrection CM text in lid, 24 page Easter storybook, milk chocolate MY egg, pack of our Chunky Buttons 25g and a donation

CY to Traidcraft Exchange. Available as listed above.

CMY Special Edition Real Easter Egg (280g RRP £9.99) K Celtic crosses with gold finish on the box, comes with SharingSharing (20 eggs & stories) £19.9£19.999 Original RRP £3.99 a Holy Land Olive wood holding cross, extra thick milk chocolate egg and a Meaningful milk orange bar. AAvailablev online, from independent shops and Tesco. SharingSSh Box About the campaicampaigngn (400g(440 - 20 eggs at 20g each RRP £19.99) The Real Easter Egg campaign aims to establish es giving a Real Easter Egg as DesignedDeD for services, assemblies and events, comes a tradition. The supermarkets don’t stock enough, so last year more withwwiit 20 ‘Christ is Risen’ foiled 6cm midi-milk choco- than120,000 were sent through the post directly to churches and llateatte eggs and 20 copies of the Easter story - 8 page individuals. bbobooklet.o Not available in supermarkets. To date more than 450,000 eggs have been bought by churches and over£120,000 has been donated to charity. For availability list or to buy visit www.realeasteregg.co.uk 12 THE MONTH April 2014 THE month — More than 100 schools contributed a pane Cathdral window is Holy Week & Easter at Chelmsford Cathedral

Palm Sunday: 13 April

8.00am Holy Communion schools' celebration 10.30am Palm Procession & Eucharist By BOBBY HARRINGTON participate in an art and craft 6.00pm Music & Readings for Holy Week Cathedral Education Officer exhibition. The response to this A DECORATED window is the has been beyond our wildest Wednesday 16 April highlight of a hugely successful dreams.

8.00pm A Meditation for Holy Week schools’ art and craft exhibition to A variety of designs, using celebrate the centenary of different materials, media, skills, Maundy Thursday: 17 April Chelmsford cathedral and diocese. techniques, written and reflective This was quite a challenge for work, has resulted in a wonderful 11.00am Blessing of Oils & Eucharist the education team and took a lot and colourful exhibition. We have 7.45pm Eucharist of the Last Supper of planning, not least to include all to thank 19 schools for this lovely followed by The Watch 140 church schools in the display.

Good Friday: 18 April diocese. Hence the 'stained Then came the time to collate glass window' in the north aisle all the work and display it. This 12.00pm Good Friday Meditations (pictured right). took two whole days and needed 2.00pm The Liturgy Each school was sent a letter much more room in the Cathedral 8.00pm Stainer’s Crucifixion asking them to take part. This than originally planned. contained a coloured sheet of Overall this has been a Holy Saturday: 19 April acetate, cut exactly to fit one rewarding experience; we have

7.00pm Easter Liturgy and Confirmations pane of the Cathedral window, been able to communicate with and asking them to draw on it a many more schools than ever Easter Day: 20 April design appropriate to their school, before, we have made new church or community. friends with head teachers and 8.00am Holy Communion After several calls to remind staff and feel that we have 9.30am Parish Eucharist and encourage the schools to achieved real outreach to the 11.15am Choral Eucharist take part, a steady stream of schools at the far ends of the 6.00pm Festal Evensong letters contained beautifully Diocese. designed acetates. These, when Our thanks go to all those more information at placed in position in the Cathedral who have made this venture so www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk window, form a Celtic Cross. successful. Both this and the More than 100 schools are archives exhibition have represented in the window. generated a lot of interest and we In addition, we asked if any have been able to welcome many of the schools would like to more visitors to the Cathedral. Susan to run London Marathon SUSAN Mumby, who is them being helped into Do your the administrator at new accommodation the parish of Rayleigh, of one form or another. is running the London Susan says: “This is shopping Marathon on April 13 going to be my fifth in support of Housing marathon. I wanted it in comfort Justice, ‘The national to be special by voice of Christian raising money and Action on housing and awareness for a and confidence at homelessness’. worthy Christian Susan’s particular charity. Cross Rhythms Direct. interest is in the work "I have to raise that Housing Justice £1500 and would does among night be grateful for any shelters. donations. Please see Music, books Over the past year, the following link Housing Justice has where donations and DVDs for life... helped to set up many can be made at www. new Night Shelters, virginmoneygiving. both in the Diocese com/SusanMumby. Check out thousands and across the Thank you for your country. support and hopefully In this way, street I can exceed my of amazing homeless people have target." been helped and l Susan Mumby is books and DVDs... supported by churches pictured with Revd offering Christian care Paul Reily, Housing and hospitality; Justice’s church night approximately half of shelter coordinator. Thousands of CDs and DVDs Vote for your favourite hymn at only £9.97 TO mark the centenary of Chelmsford Cathedral’s Choral Foundation as part of its people in many ways and we’re expecting Cathedral, the Choral Foundation is looking Centenary Appeal and is sponsored by Birkett nominations that have personal memories of And thousands of CDs and DVDs to discover the diocese’s favourite hymn. Long, solicitors and independent financial a wedding or special occasion, something old now have FREE POSTAGE Whether it’s something you used to sing at advisers. and familiar as well as new discoveries. school or your favourite Sunday morning song The Choral Foundation supports the delivery “As a centre of musical excellence, let’s – this is your chance to vote for your “Hymn of of music at the Cathedral through the funding celebrate Chelmsford’s centenary through our the Century”. of bursaries, scholarships, favourite music.” The winning hymn will be decided by a vote equipment and training. open to everyone in the diocese. Every vote This year’s appeal aims to secure and l You can vote by selecting one hymn and will count and the piece of music with the develop the flourishing musical tradition at writing to the Hymn of the Century, Chelmsford WWW.CROSSRHYTHMS.CO.UK/DIRECT most votes will be specially arranged by the Chelmsford Cathedral for the next 100 years. Cathedral Choral Foundation, Cathedral Office, Cathedral’s Director of Music, James Davy, James Davy said: “Chelmsford has a 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT. You can OR CALL 01782 251000 and commemorated as Chelmsford’s “Hymn glorious tradition of music, so the options also vote online at www.chelmsfordcathedral. of the Century”. for a favourite hymn are vast and varied! org.uk/cfappeal or by picking up a voting The search is being organised by the “The beauty of music is that it reaches many postcard.