The Walking Welcoming Growing

Vol.25 No.1 Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark February 2020

We made it! Bible Study WHAT’S ON Parishes dig deep Archdeacon Chris Community as PSF hits 99% Skilton ponders events, workshops, of target Candlemas concerts See page 2 See page 10 See page 11 The new eco-project that keeps people coming back for more The Ascension, Balham Hill launches its Parish Refill project to help cut down waste in the community.

The Ascension, Balham Hill is now dispensing laundry and household cleaning products alongside coffee and cake at its Parish Coffee concession. Launched in December, the project allows parishioners and others from the community to cut down on unnecessary packaging by refilling their own bottles when shopping for laundry liquid, soap, washing up liquid, shampoo and more. They can bring their own receptacles or buy them from the café. After some discussion, the organisers settled on products by Fill, a family-run business in Northamptonshire, and Faith in Nature, which has been developing natural, cruelty-free beauty products since 1974. Everything on sale is vegan, biodegradable and contains no dyes or harsh chemicals. The bottles themselves are made of aluminium and glass. Karen Stewart of The Ascension said: “We launched Parish Refill at our Christmas Pop-up Fair and we were overwhelmed at the response. People loved the products and either bought our reusable glass and aluminium bottles or refilled their own.” She added: “We continue to be open daily, and are slowly building up a steady base of loyal customers. We are still so excited each and every time we see someone browsing the products and filling up.” Parish Coffee is open Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm, and Parish Refill A happy customer shows off her can be accessed during these hours. See www.parishcoffee.org for purchases at Parish Refill, left; more information the refill stations, above.

We very much hope you will like We will particularly be focusing on the at [email protected] and Welcome to the look and feel of the new Bridge work to encourage our lay people to live please also let us know of the exciting and want to read about what is out their faith everyday and how they are things that are happening in your parish happening in the Diocese and our doing that. The Bridge on the web will be or deanery. Alternatively, if you would your new-look parishes as we seek to be Walking, more interactive and we hope to be able like to become involved as our Honorary to tell you more about the stories in the Editorial Adviser, please contact David Welcoming and Growing, writes new section when we renew the website. Loft, Director of Human Resources, at Director of Press and Communications, Bridge... [email protected] the Revd Canon Wendy Robins. Do please let us know what you think

More images and local stories online — follow our blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofE 2 | The BRIDGE February 2020

A view from Ruth Martin, the Diocesan Secretary, writes... The PSF announcement — BRIDGE we’ve hit 99% The year 1964 set me on the certainly didn’t become compulsory Thank you to all our parishes who have contributed road to ordination – in a manner reading on theological college courses. generously to the Parish Support Fund in 2019. At of speaking. It was the year at the Yet 56 years later we are clearly in the end of December we achieved a 99% collection age of nine that I discovered for a different place in the life of the rate and the 2019 pledge payments have exceeded the the first time the Good News of Church. Lay ministry blossoms and prior year’s! This is a wonderful result in a challenging Jesus Christ, at a beach mission flourishes in a myriad of ways across economic climate. Thank you for your faithfulness and on the Essex coast. The rest, with Southwark. There are exciting and generosity in supporting the mission and ministry of innovative ways that it is affirmed, plenty of twists and turns along our Diocese. the way, is, as they say, ‘history’. nurtured and promoted – some of which are featured in this and 1964 was also the year that Mark future editions of The Bridge. Most Gibbs and Ralph Morton wrote significantly this is not happening what at the time was a contentious, to take the pressure off clergy or Vision evenings: dates for the diary challenging and controversial book, because we are running out of priests To celebrate the Southwark Vision, please join the Archdeacons at one of our God’s Frozen People. It asserted that – but because it is good and right for Vision events, where they will share good news stories from around the Diocese. the Church had become too minister- the whole people of God to engage in centred; that the Christian layman ministry together. More details to follow soon. (this was 1964!) had been frozen out I was grateful for the opportunities of Church life and that clergy had been Date Archdeaconries Venue given to me as a young person and encouraged to become prima donnas, The Ascension, young adult to explore vocation, Tuesday 17 March 7.30pm Wandsworth not the “leader of the orchestra” Balham Hill ministry and leadership through those which was what was sorely needed. Wednesday 18 March who saw that ministry by the laity was St John, Selsdon You can see why this may not have possible. And why was I then ordained? 7.30pm gone down well! Was it the tone of Well, I would never have had the gifts Lewisham & Monday 23 March 7.30pm St John, Deptford the book? Its content? or simply that and skills to be a decent layperson! Greenwich the Church wasn’t ready for it? It St Andrew, South Tuesday 24 March 7.30pm Lambeth Wimbledon Wednesday 25 March St Mildred, The Bishop of Southwark’s Croydon The Bishop of Southwark’s LENT 7.30pm Addiscombe The 2020 Bishop’s LENT CALL CALL 2020 But Jesus said ‘Let the little children Thursday 26 March 2.30pm Wandsworth St Mary, Putney 2020 come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’. ‘But Jesus said ‘Let the little children Lent Call launches Matthew 19.14 come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’. Monday 27 April 7.30pm Reigate Holy Trinity, Redhill in parishes Matthew 19.14 Supporting projects in Tuesday 28 April 2pm Croydon & Reigate Christ Church, Purley the Diocese of Southwark, the Holy Land, Nigeria and in our link Dioceses Supporting projects in in Zimbabwe the Diocese of Southwark, Tuesday 28 April 7.30pm Southwark All Saints, Peckham the Holy Land, Nigeria The resource packs for Bishop Christopher’s and in our link Dioceses 2020 Lent Call have now gone out to parishes. in Zimbabwe Wednesday 29 April 7.30pm Lambeth St Paul, Brixton The projects supported are in Zimbabwe, the Thursday 30 April 7.30pm Reigate St Mary, Oxted southwark.anglican.org/lentcallWalking TheWelcoming Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Fund. Holy Land, Kenya and in each of our Episcopal RegisteredGrowing Charity No 1075122 southwark.anglican.org/lentcall2020 Project poster V1.indd 1 Walking 23/12/2019 12:40:55 The Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Fund. Welcoming Registered Charity No 1075122 Growing Wednesday 6 May 7.30pm Wandsworth St Mark, Surbiton

Areas. This year for the first time we also have 23/12/2019 12:41:41 2020 Main Poster V2 alt.indd 1 in the pack a booklet of reflections by some of Lewisham & Trinity House, our ordinands. Thursday 7 May 11.30am Greenwich and 4 Chapel Court This year, the packs were sent direct to PCC and DCC Secretaries rather than Southwark Incumbents, as more individual churches could be reached by this mailing. Please could Lewisham & Monday 11 May 7.30pm St Luke, Eltham Park Secretaries and Incumbents check that the packs have arrived safely. Greenwich The resources are also available online on the Diocesan website at https://southwark. St Thomas, Telford Monday 18 May 2.30pm Lambeth anglican.org/lentcall Park

The Bridge is produced & published by: Next Issue: Submission deadline and guidance Press and Communications, The Diocese of Southwark, Trinity House, The MARCH edition is due to be printed on 27 February 2020 and in your parish 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW from the following Sunday. Material for that edition must be with Wendy S Robins at Tel: 020 7939 9400 E-mail: [email protected] Trinity House by MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY. The Editorial Team from Press Editorial Group: Space limitations mean that we cannot guarantee to publish everything we receive and Communications: Ruth Martin and material may be edited. All photographs submitted for publication are assumed to Commissioning Editor: have the necessary permission for printing. So, please ensure that people are happy Wendy S Robins Editorial Adviser (vacant) for their photographs to be submitted before you do so. Editor: Abigail Sanderson Wendy S Robins Forms for permission for the use of photographs of children and adults who may be Advertising and Distribution: vulnerable can be found at southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies- Susana Rojas procedures

The Bridge — in print, in your parish, and online at southwark.anglican.org/thebridge February 2020 The BRIDGE | 3

Grant boosts St Stephen, Godstone marks plans for 150 years... and a new life St John’s Brigades

St John with St Andrew, Peckham celebrated a big leap forward in plans for its new Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade groups in December with a grant of £4,200 from the All engage young ones in Peckham,” said Churches Trust Fund. Emmanuel, “St John’s has started The Boys and Girls Brigade Organisations. The Revd Emmanuel Adeloye, Vicar at “The purpose is to encourage boys and St John, said the money would be used to girls to learn about the Lord Jesus Christ buy musical instruments so the children and to serve Him.” could play at community events and Christian parades. Emmanuel is pictured above, centre, with Lieutenant Sharon and Rachel, the first “In furthering our mission to actively recruited Girls’ Brigade member.

Bishops join forces at the

annual blessing of the River Bishop Christopher helped St Stephen, South Godstone to mark its 150th anniversary on 22 December — and conducted a baptism at the same time. “As we prepare to celebrate God’s loving purposes fulfilled in the birth of the Christ child, it is wonderful to baptise Sophia at St Stephen’s Church, Godstone,” he said.

‘Tree of Hope’ offers beacon of light in Kennington

The ‘Tree of Hope’, an impressive London plane tree long established in front of St Anselm, Kennington Cross and newly festooned with hundreds of blue lights, was the centrepiece of a recent celebration which attracted a crowd of 200 local people. On Sunday 12 January, after the Choral Eucharist, the congregation of processed onto London Bridge for the annual Those who braved the cold, wet evening were rewarded with a glass of mulled blessing of the River Thames, meeting their counterparts from St wine and samosas from Kennington Magnus the Martyr in the City at the point on the Bridge which marks Tandoori as they watched an impressive the boundary of Southwark and London Dioceses. performance by Archbishop Sumner The ceremony, which has taken place , and the Rt Revd Primary School’s steel pan band. on the Feast of the Baptism of Christ (above), the former Bishop for a number of years, started with of Bath and Wells and Area Bishop of The lights were ceremonially switched a welcome to the assembled people Kingston, who is an Assistant Bishop in on by Richard Taylor OBE, father of the from the , the Very Southwark Diocese. murdered schoolboy Damilola. He spoke Revd . movingly of the need for communities to During the blessing a cross was thrown work together in tackling youth violence Situated in beautiful wooded After a Psalm and readings, prayers into the river from the bridge as a for the benefit of all, a message that was grounds our urban retreat house for all those involved with the Thames sign of the two churches’ prayer and echoed in the words of Heidi Alexander, and those whose lives had been lost in concern for the River, for those who Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, bedrooms, a Chapel & Oratory, easy its waters were led by the Revd Philip work on it and for all those to whom and the Revd Canon Angus Aagaard, who access from London by rail & road. Warner, Cardinal Pastor of St Magnus it is important. The short service spoke subsequently. the Martyr. finished with the Bishops sprinkling the t: 01483 766498 people present with blessed water and www.stcolumbashouse.org.uk The Blessing of the River followed, led The ‘Tree of Hope’, prominently situated a final blessing by the Bishop of Fulham. Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey GU22 8AB jointly by the Rt Revd , on a busy junction, is intended as a real and metaphorical beacon of hope. Registered Charity in England and Wales Number 240675 4 | The BRIDGE February 2020

IN FOCUS... A festival of Christmas in Southwark ‘alternative’ Christmas Christmas may be gone, but it is not forgotten. These pages trees celebrate just some of the ways in which parishes shared the Among the Good News of Christ’s birth across the Diocese last December. trees on display at St Michael, Betchworth in December was this knitted one, Festive gift brings joy consisting of more than 60 baby blankets and 100 to children’s hospital small comfort squares. When the The Evelina London Children’s Hospital received an unexpected gift on tree is dismantled, Christmas Day when it was handed a donation of money and toys from the squares go to St Anselm, Kennington Cross and the Black Prince pub. neonatal units, to help mothers The Revd Mia Hilborn, Hospitaller and bond with their Chaplaincy Team Leader at Guy’s and St premature babies Thomas’ Hospital NHS Trust, entrusted — mum keeps one the money to the paediatric senior next to her skin nurses to help patients and their families while the second struggling at Christmas with immediate goes into the needs, such as food and transport. incubator with her baby, swapping “The nurses were really pleased, and them at regular Paediatric A&E were talking about using intervals. This some immediately they heard about the means that the donation,” she said. baby always has the smell The chaplain also thanked the donors and comfort of for the toys which, she said, would be mum nearby. given to children who had to come in for emergency treatment and appointments over the festive season. Members of St Anselm’s and the Guy’s and St Thomas’ chaplaincy Mia added: “The Evelina London Children’s team on Christmas Day 2019. Hospital, in addition to being a local Behind the scenes at the Nativity hospital, welcomes children and their Christmas is really hard. These gifts will families from far and wide, and being away help children and their families know they ‘Mary’ (Delila) prepares from your usual sources of support at are not struggling alone.” for her big entrance at the St John, Walworth Nativity with the assistance of Vishni A feast Velada Billson. Vishni, who is Head of Participation at the among Royal Court Theatre and formerly Associate Director at the Half friends at Moon Theatre in Whitechapel, was helping pupils at St St Mary, John’s CoE Primary School to produce a Mortlake Nativity to remember. “I wanted to ensure there was something of turkey and much more besides, Fifty-five people who might either happening in every ending with Christmas pudding, trifle have been alone or unable to cook on part of the church,” and crackers. Christmas Day attended a lunch at said Vishni. “So St Mary, Mortlake, run by volunteers. The guests were entertained by a pianist, a we had characters magician, a pantomime, a quiz, a raffle and gossiping about Mary’s What is remarkable is that the volunteers of course the Queen’s Speech followed by miraculous pregnancy return year after year, simply to give their tea and a visit from Father Christmas. in the pews, donkeys time and energy to bring happiness to on roller-skates others. As one of them said: “I came last One of the guests wrote afterwards: “The coming up the central year and thoroughly enjoyed it.” event did really make the day for us. Please aisle and a narrator in know that you could not have given us a The celebrations started with a fruit the pulpit.” better Christmas present!” punch, followed by a Christmas dinner February 2020 The BRIDGE | 5

Stormzy’s Christmas message

The volunteers prepare for early-morning rush hour on Day One.

South London-born rapper Stormzy came to St Andrew, Surbiton in Sharing Christmas December to record On Christmas Night for the BBC, which featured the cheer, and coffee, with internationally acclaimed star reading the Nativity story from Luke’s Gospel. weary commuters Tideway drops in to Cathedral Sing-In

The churches of All Saints, Kenley, St Barnabas, Purley and the Hayes once again served free refreshments to travellers at Kenley Railway Station in the week before Christmas, writes the Revd Elizabeth Goodridge, Assistant Priest.

For the sixth year running, volunteers from the three churches arrived on ‘My highlight was the boy four consecutive mornings at 6.00am asking his mummy whether I to set up their stall in the ticket hall. was one of Santa’s elves!’ Members of the churches brought items such as tables, freshly brewed filter coffee, a hot-water urn, speakers about 70 people came to sing the Top Members of the Tideway team joined the Community Christmas Sing-In at and an iPad, as well as plenty of 10. And this year’s most popular Kenley Southwark Cathedral — hard hats and all — as they accompanied the Thursday breakfast snacks. carol? Silent Night. Singers and others in a rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. In between songs, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, ‘interviewed’ Jeremy This year, as before, our volunteers Michael, a new volunteer this year Galpin, Legacy Lead for Tideway East, on the progress of London’s ‘Super Sewer’. served more than 500 people. Many having been a commuter for the past of them, on seeing us once again, few years, said: “It was quite good exclaimed, “I wondered if you’d be here fun, if cold! It got me out of bed. The this week!” We are now expected and highlight was finding out that people ‘St Nicholas’ pays a visit to Croydon anticipated, and people accept that we are interested in the church; the worst St Barnabas, Mitcham do not ask for any money, even if they moment was when my toe went numb Minster’s cannot quite understand why. (the last time was on a glacier in Austria two years ago!).” starring role We aim to be present in the community revealing Christ’s love to Lynn, who comes nearly every year Croydon Minster found the world. Over the years many have to help, reflected: “My highlight was itself in the spotlight on come to our Christmas services as a the boy asking his mummy whether 24 December when its direct result, and we have married at I was one of Santa’s elves! The worst Midnight Mass service was least three couples! was seeing some people still looking broadcast to the nation on very sad.” For the past two years we have invited the BBC. commuters to vote for their favourite The staff at the station and Christmas carol, and many are keen Southern Rail love us being there, as to do so. Some go on to attend our it is good for business. It truly feels To read the Revd Dr Community Carols event, this year as if we are being an incarnational Andrew Bishop’s blog, see held in Kenley Memorial Hall, to which presence in Kenley. southwarkcofe.tumblr.com 6 | The BRIDGE February 2020 February 2020 The BRIDGE | 7

IN FOCUS... Listening to people’s Lay ministry lived experiences

One of the big things that some to God. Within a congregation, This Time church members and leaders Tomorrow gives an opportunity to build have discovered is that they know deeper relationships. It gives people who When your much less about what is going on didn’t know the interviewee an easy way in people’s lives than they thought, to start to talk to them, and perhaps and have shown much less interest to share similar challenges or pertinent insight or encouragement. Issues that are than they realised. This Time commonly thought to be off the agenda soul sings out, Tomorrow aims to change this by (work, futility, failure, success, daily helping us to discover what God is relationships, our mission in our daily doing in people’s everyday lives. lives) are validated as legitimate topics where is it This Time Tomorrow is a brief interview for conversation and prayer. slot during a service where an individual, As individuals, we may also find that the who has already volunteered to speak, more we engage in This Time Tomorrow is asked a simple set of questions about the broader our prayer life will become. where they spend their time during the calling you? week and then people try to use the We all know, but sometimes overlook, answers to build a positive culture of that a lifetime is made up of thousands curiosity about our lives as Christians of ordinary moments in thousands We are all called to ministry in different ways, writes the Revd outside the walls of our churches. The of ordinary days. Yes, we have those Dr Raewynne Whiteley, and the Diocese’s plans to expand and suggested questions are: unforgettable dates of significance: starting our first job, the birth of a child, diversify lay ministry mean that more and more people should . where will they be this time to name just two. There are also days soon have the chance to follow the path that suits them best. tomorrow? that are not so ordinary because they . what are the opportunities and mark unforgettable pain. But most days challenges they face? One of my favourite hymns is Take My report Christ Centred, Outward Focused . how can the congregation pray Life by Frances Ridley Havergal. It begins, presented at Diocesan Synod in 2018. for them? “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, I have been appointed to work in Lord, to Thee,” echoing, perhaps, those This Time Tomorrow is about expanding consultation with the new Lay Council Some churches have tried words from the 12th chapter of Paul’s our understanding of what we mean by on developing opportunities for lay letter to the Romans, “I appeal to you fuller range of affirmed, commissioned ‘Church’ so it encompasses both the ‘Selfie of the Week’, with ministry across the Diocese. Some therefore…to present your bodies as and licensed ministries. While some ‘gathered’ church and the ‘sent’ church. people bringing along of these you will already know about: will continue to be discerned and a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Your This Time Tomorrow slot can also Readers and SPAs have been part of our equipped by the Diocese, for many pictures of themselves in God, which is your spiritual worship.” Developing Southwark’s pioneering spirit give you some useful stories for social Diocesan life for many years. Some have others this will happen in the local media: many interviewees will prepare their Monday context Paul then takes that picture of our been around for some time but are not parish or deanery. It has been a privilege to serve the encourage this vocation in the Diocese bodies individually offered, to an image as well known, such as Church Army parishes of the Diocese over the past — and are hoping that we will have 100 their responses ahead of time and so of the people of God as one whole Evangelists and members of religious While we are working on this, we’ll few years as they launch mission pioneers (a mixture of lay and ordained) may have a photo of the place they will be looking at what other Dioceses are be. Of course, sometimes this is sensitive body, with many parts, each of which is orders. Some are developing, like Lay initiatives and Fresh Expressions by 2025. are simply lived out putting one foot in doing, and paying attention to what’s so do check it is ok to share. Some gifted and called to do something for Pioneers (see right). And some we may of Church (fxCs), writes the Revd Pioneers come in all shapes and sizes and front of the other. the sake of the whole body. In other not even have thought of yet! already happening here in our Diocese. churches have tried variations such as Canon Will Cookson, Dean of Fresh can be involved in very different activities This Time Tomorrow can help remind words, it’s a picture where every And we would love to hear from you! Selfie of the Week, with people bringing Expressions. and mission. It is therefore necessary to us all that the giver of every ordinary member of the church has a part to along pictures of themselves in their What are the ministries that you are tailor our support for them. Our regular moment in our everyday is the faithful play in the whole; every person is With more than 100 fxCs already Monday morning context. passionate about? What would you bimonthly Pioneer Gatherings are an God who is trustworthy for each step involved in ministry. established (and many more on the way), like an opportunity to explore? What opportunity to share and swap notes and This Time Tomorrow has been found to we take in our daily lives. It helps us Lay ministry includes all we have seen great interest from across But sometimes when we talk about do you need from us to help you with receive support and encouragement. be the single action with the greatest learn to follow Jesus outside the four all traditions in experimenting with new doing ministry, we end up making it those other things that we the things you are already doing? Do impact that a congregation can take at walls of our church buildings, seeking let me know on raewynne.whiteley@ forms of worship and mission. From Messy We also offer the Mission Shaped Ministry the start of a journey to better enable sound like a burden. A few years ago, A key element of pioneering and fxCs is to be the church by following Jesus do for, on behalf of and southwark.anglican.org Churches and Café Churches to New (MSM) course, which helps churches Everyday Faith, allowing church members that hymn was given an update by the that they tend to have high levels of lay into the world, the ‘sent’ church for Monastic Communities, church plants and and individuals to see how they might to consider how they can gently share band U2. In Yahweh, a song which like extending from the Church But all this doesn’t mean that we leadership. This is understandable when which we have reason to rejoice. This grafts, we have been working out how to approach pioneering and sustaining new their faith with colleagues at work and Take My Life goes through parts of our have put the process of vocational you consider that lay people often know Time Tomorrow highlights to us the support this wide variety of initiatives. ways of being Church. We run this course those they spend time with in the week. lives and offers them to God, they sing, discernment on hold. If you are their area best, have good connections each year in a different part of the Diocese many ways people are following Jesus “Take this soul, and make it sing.” But lay ministry isn’t just about more wondering if God is calling you to What has been most exciting has been with the community and a passion to (this year in the Croydon Episcopal area) This simple practice is a beyond the walls of the church in their formal licensed and commissioned roles. I love that idea. Because that’s what it a particular ministry, pray; talk with watching churches and people become reach a community or group. We are to make sure that a wide range of people reminder that all of us have everyday lives. It includes all those other things that we your vicar or chaplain; come to one more creative with their fxCs and take an opportunity to affect feels like when we respond to God’s call, therefore looking at how we can further and churches are able to access it. To find out more about This Time do for, on behalf of and extending out of our Vocations Fairs (the next one is more risks in reaching their communities. the world around us, that when we find that place where we are support people in this area. Tomorrow, and other small shifts which from the Church, some of them more on 19 March in Lewisham); or spend Led by a variety of experienced ordinary Christians doing living and doing what God has created For example, a couple of churches are One significant step forward was the have been shown to make a big formal roles such as Churchwardens a weekend in Wychcroft on our Lay practitioners, this course can really help ordinary things is important us for: our souls sing! Although that looking to launch new congregations commissioning last September of difference, check out the Diocese of and Parish Safeguarding Officers; many Ministry vocations conference on 6-8 you to tease out how you might approach work can be challenging, deep inside we with a specific focus on the fifth Mark Southwark’s first three Lay Pioneers, mission and setting up an fxC in your Southwark’s Everyday Faith webpage: less formal, like teaching Sunday school March. Information about these events St James Bermondsey has know we are in the right place. of Mission (caring for creation); another Minako Hall, Andrea Campanale and Jan context and with your resources (most https://southwark.anglican. or visiting people at home or helping and registration can be found at http:// experimented with This wants to start a new congregation Greaves (see above). Lay Pioneers sit fxCs are led by two to three people). org/everydayfaith/ or So what makes your soul sing? What is with a night shelter. We’re interested in southwarkvocations.eventbrite.com Time Tomorrow, that focuses on helping people with alongside Lay Readers and SPAs as being contact Ish Lennox, God calling you to? all that, and particularly in how we can If you are interested in joining the MSM course with Joanne Colwill, And above all keep asking those ADHD/autism to engage with worship; authorised and trained to support the our Lay Leadership help people to discern what ministries or in discussing pioneering more generally, right, a speech We in Southwark are passionate about questions. What is God calling me to? yet another is looking to start an fxC mission of the Church. Adviser, at ish. God is calling them to, equip them and please contact will.cookson@southwark. and language helping people respond to God’s call. What makes my soul sing? focused on unchurched young people in lennox@southwark. support them. There are many in our churches who may anglican.org therapist, talking A big part of that is opening up more a particularly deprived community. anglican.org opportunities for lay ministry, as was We anticipate that it will take us a year Raewynne is Deputy Director of Discipleship well have this call. We therefore want to in church recommended in the lay ministry or so to build the foundations for a and Lay Ministry ORDERORDER THETHE 20202020 REALREAL EASTEREASTER EGGEGG NOWNOW

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Easter 2020 Southwark bridge 340*261 line 9.indd 1 1/15/20 4:41 PM February 2020 The BRIDGE | 9

IN FOCUS... Measuring up for the Cathedral’s Holy Week and Passion Plays Lent Art Installation 2020

Southwark Cathedral’s Lent Art Parishes are already preparing for the next major Church Installation is this year based festival — here are three ways to get involved... on the medieval practice of ‘Measuring to the Saints’. This was the practice of measuring a person from head to toe with a length of string or thread, which they 20th anniversary of then sent to the nearest Cathedral or Abbey, where the monks would make a candle from it, light it and pray for the Gatton Passion your eternal soul. Nunn. “The creation of candles to Gatton Community Theatre’s open-air production of The Passion this summer To celebrate this act of connection represent modern day ‘pilgrims’ at will be a truly inclusive affair, with the theatre company inviting budding and illumination, the artist Michelle Southwark and this whole concept of actors and stagehands to join them for this year’s 20th anniversary staging. Rumney is using the same medieval ‘Measuring to the Saint’ makes real practice in her own artwork, which the pilgrim’s journey of prayer.” will be on display in the Cathedral The playwright, Anna Thompson, and from Ash Wednesday, 26 February, Michelle Rumney will be giving a talk on director, Libby Egwuba, are currently to Good Friday, 10 April. Sunday 15 March after the Cathedral working together to finalise the script Choral Eucharist entitled ‘Pilgrimage: for the new production, while Bishop “Millions of people come into our finding each other again in the paradise Christopher has agreed to act as Patron. cathedrals and churches each year to of free souls’. There will also be a special light a candle for a loved one or for Gatton Community Theatre (GCT) has pilgrimage evening on Friday 6 March themselves,” said the Dean, Andrew been producing open-air promenade with Gregorian plainsong. performances in the 250-acre Gatton Park, Reigate, since 2000, after the spark of an idea by the then Rector of Merstham and Gatton resulted in the formation of GCT Artwork for all “I approached the Revd Nigel and its first production of The Passion the anyone interested in joining in is invited Worn of St Anne’s Church because following year. Other performances have to come to drama workshops on Saturday at Kew Green it is the ideal setting. Fortunately included Pippa’s Progress, a modern take on 7 and/or Sunday 8 March at 3.00pm he was immediately supportive, The Pilgrim’s Progress. (finishing at about 5.00pm) in Gatton Hall, Artist Theo Hobson is planning a and so were other members of Now, GCT is inviting interested people to Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW. public artwork on Kew Green this the parish.” be part of the production either on stage Holy Week — and he is hoping for Rehearsals begin after Easter on or behind the scenes. Director Libby said: The idea is that different parishes Wednesday and Thursday evenings your help in making it happen. “We truly are an inclusive community create crosses from fallen tree with additional weekend afternoons theatre company and welcome everyone, “The project involves the branches, each with a short from June onwards. adults and children aged eight-plus. participation of lots of worshippers message carved on them. If you Anyone who wants to take part will be Performances will take place at 8.00pm in a public space, building a want to find out more or be part included. No experience is necessary, just from 16-19 July and from 22-25 July. sculpture together of the Crown of of the project, please contact enthusiasm and commitment.” Tickets will be on sale from May via the GCT Thorns on Kew Green,” he said. [email protected] No formal auditions are required. Instead, website: www.gattontheatre.org.uk

‘Come and share’ at St George Waddon

A new venture at St George, Waddon is just £3. Lynne added: “Everyone who comes along inviting anyone who wishes to drop in on enjoys the company, the friendship and the laughter, Tuesday mornings for coffee, conversation We offer good old-fashioned home-cooked meals and a bacon sandwich. with as much tea and coffee as you can drink. “Many of our lunchtime guests live alone and meals The Come and Share Café offers diners the for one can be very lonely. Our Lunch Club offers chance to “share their troubles, have a laugh and entertainment after lunch in the form of bingo, spend time together,” said Lynne Kerwood, DCC singing and exercises from Age UK — but not all at Secretary. “Young and old are welcome. It is a place the same time! where you can feel safe and know you will always receive a warm welcome.” “Our regular attenders always leave us well fed and happy that they have met up with friends, left the The Come and Share Café builds on the work house for a few hours and had a laugh.” of St George’s Tuesday Lunch Club, which has been established for approximately 15 months. A Computer Club is also open from 10am to 11am The lunchtime diners are mostly aged over 50, during café opening times. and numbers average 14 to 18 guests per week — The Come and Share Café opens every Tuesday although they have been known to top 22. during term time at 9.30am; the Tuesday Lunch Club A rota of cooks each provide a varied selection of starts serving food from 12.15pm. To book a place, two-course meals from week to week, at a cost of please call 07856 365561 10 | The BRIDGE February 2020

the second set don’t feature in church people on the edge of society (verses music so prominently! Candlemas truly 36-7). She was a prophet who kept alive BIBLE STUDY is that hinge day between Christmas and the reality that God has a word to speak Good Friday! to his people. What sustained and kept her through dark and difficult times? FEBRUARY In what ways are all of Simeon’s words (verses 29-35) good news to Israel and What sustains you in the ‘changing the wider world? What might be the scenes’ of your life; what keeps you downside of underplaying either set open to the presence of God? This The Venerable Chris Skilton of words? would be a good opportunity to compare notes with others, sharing Whilst the Feast of Candlemas tends to different experiences and ways of focus on Simeon, Anna is a key presence keeping faith alive and fresh. ‘Candlemas’, taking its cue from the temple. He holds the hope of the as well. She is a woman of lifelong faith Simeon’s affirmation of Christ as ‘light consolation of Israel – weighing perhaps and devotion: her life has been described All God’s people need equipping for of the world’, was traditionally the day about 5kg at this stage of his life – as one of “conscientious loitering in the service and ministry in the places he a church’s candles for the year were securely and safely, gently and lovingly environment of holiness”. Anna’s life has has called us to be. What we learn blessed and people put lighted candles in ageing arms (verse 28). Waiting is not been hard, possibly a widow for 60 years from Simeon and Anna points to some in their homes. It was also the mid-point the same as idleness: attentive watching and therefore one of the vulnerable resources and opportunities for that. between the shortest day and the spring allows him to be present in body, mind equinox, marking the middle of winter. and spirit to this moment in the Temple. It is also the turning point as we end The poet and retreat leader Ann Lewin has written a poem How do you understand the discipline the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany Candlemas Prayer of waiting for God and waiting on God – ; use it to draw your study and reflection and turn towards Lent, Holy Week reflect on or share experiences of this? prayerfully to a close and Easter. Simeon’s first words are words of These themes are to be borne in mind I left my candle burning. Lit from light fulfilment – not just for him but for as we read and explore Luke 2: 22-38. Borrowed from another, it stood there Israel: “The hopes and fears of all the Read the passage slowly two or three Witness to Christ, Light of the world; years are met in thee tonight” in the times (however familiar or unfamiliar it Prayer that light would overcome darkness. words of the carol. Yet the hope is not is) and try to picture the scene as Luke just for Israel but for all people (verse As I left, another lit a candle from my light, describes it – what do you notice? what 32); there is a universal aspiration and Dispelling gloom with added strength. draws your attention? conviction in Simeon’s words stretching Who knows how many joined their light to those, The Temple would not have been a far beyond his arms, the Temple, Israel. Or drew fresh courage from their company; quiet place but full of activity, noise and Who knows how many took a step, drawn by the How in our lives do we express bustle: into this come Joseph and Mary, Light of Christ from darkness to new life. something of the hope which at the 40 days after the birth of their son to same time fulfils our needs and reaches Lord Christ, set me on fire. do what was required (verses 22-24, out far beyond our own community Burn from me all that dims your light, 39). It is an ordinary act in the most and expectations? Kindle an answering flame in lives around; extraordinary time. That darkness may be driven back, It’s difficult to know what Joseph and Where is God in the ordinary events And glory stream into this world, Mary might have expected to hear (if of your life – and in what ways has he Transforming it with love. anything) about their child. They would brought signs of life and light to them? certainly have been warmed (verse 33) Amen Simeon had been faithfully serving by words of affirmation: but what of the in the Temple for many a year and is discomforting words that Simeon speaks To listen to an audio version of this prayer, visit our described as one “looking forward to (we are told to Mary alone – why was website: southwark.anglican.org/news/dailyprayer the consolation of Israel” (verse 25). that?)? The first set of words he speaks He sought new hope and life for the have become the text for a favourite nation he had loved and served through evening canticle, the Nunc Dimittis;

Diocese of Southwark Parish Finance Officer Lecture by the Rt Revd to discuss threat to liberalism (part-time, 3 days per week) £24,014 (£39,627 pro rata) As the Bishop prepares for his I was introduced to The Religious Prospect as a research student and find its message talk on the Revd Vigo Demant’s more and more important. I also believe We are looking for an experienced book ‘The Religious Prospect’, that the welcome interest in the Social accountant to provide finance support he shares why the theologian’s Teaching of the [Roman] Catholic Church and advice to our parishes. should bear fruit in a renewed interest Ideally you will be a qualified views are as vital today as they among Christians of all confessions in accountant, or with significant relevant were 80 years ago. their own tradition of social teaching. experience. Experience of being a parish To mark the passage of 80 years since or charity treasurer would be an ideal When national leaders around the world The Religious Prospect and in the parish background, but not essential. speak of “the end of Western liberalism”, where Demant wrote it, I hope to awaken If you would like to find out more, as many have, the question of what interest specifically in the social teaching please contact Anthony Demby, resources Christians might have to deploy that it presents. Director of Finance, at anthony. in a dangerous world becomes pressing. [email protected] ‘Liberal Values under Threat? A lecture In 1939, in a far more dangerous world by Peter Selby’, chaired by the Bishop of Further information can be obtained than ours, Vigo Demant, Vicar of St John ‘I find the message of ‘The Southwark, is on Wednesday 5 February at through https://southwark.anglican.org/ the Divine, Richmond, wrote a robust Religious Prospect’ more 7.30pm, at St John the Divine, Kew Road, about-us/vacancies account of the distinctive contribution and more important’ Richmond. Suggested donation of £5. Call Closing date: 16 February 2020 Christians have to make. 020 8940 0362 for information February 2020 The BRIDGE | 11 WHAT’S ON Please send details of your next events for MARCH ONWARDS to Trinity House BY MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 7 MARCH Organ Recitals at Westminster Cathedral Ongoing Christ’s Chapel Dulwich  TADWORTH — ‘Music for Everyone’, Interfaith Group meetings Free, except where indicated. a concert by the band of the Surrey Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, London ✝ BEDDINGTON – Quiet @ St Sundays @ 7.45pm Yeomanry at the Church of the SW1P 1EP. Third Wednesday of each Mary’s, 3rd Thursday each month 16 February Marilyn Harper Good Shepherd. 7.30pm. Tickets: £12 month, 4pm-5pm. Free. 11am-2pm. Including labyrinth. 8 March Michael Overbury (accompanied children under 16 free). 19 February Zionist and Jewish speakers from Stand ✽ BOROUGH – St George the 10 May Ben Bloor; SATURDAY 21 MARCH Martyr Community Café and tickets £6/£4 on how we can help the Israel/Palestine ✽ TADWORTH — Model Railway situation. TimeBank every Thursday 12 July Ghislaine Reece-Trapp 2pm-4.30pm. Exhibition, Church of the Good 18 March 13 September Marcus Wibberley Shepherd. 10am-5pm. Adults £6, seniors Revd Alan Gadd on his interfaith work. ✝ HACKBRIDGE – Taizé at All 11 October Piergiovanni £5, under-16s £3. 15 April Saints at 7pm. First Sunday every Domenighini ✽ SANDERSTEAD HILL — Art Speaker from Aid to the Church in Need month. 8 November Hannah Parry exhibition and sale by local artists on the persecution of Christians and ✽ WADDON – St George, at United Reformed Church Hall. other faiths. Community Café and Time spirituals led by the JAGS Choral 10am-4pm. Free (20% of art sales go 20 May to Share. Tuesday (Term time) Society, 2pm-4pm, culminating in a free to the Children’s Society’s work with Revd Hannah Neale on ‘God’s rainbow 9.30am-11.30am. Lunch 12.15pm. concert 4.15pm-5pm. No experience disadvantaged children). Church, symbol of oneness in Christ?’ Community Breakfast 1st Saturday necessary. Details at www.comeandsing. ✽ WATERLOO — ‘Rethinking Mission: 17 June 10am-12noon. jagschoralsociety.com Rediscovering the Gospel in “Christian” Jeremy Rodell of the British Humanist Nations’, USPG day conference at Association. ✽ – Water Aid WARLINGHAM SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY St John’s. 10am-4pm. £10, including lunches in St Ambrose Church Hall, 16 September  — Musica Antica lunch. Details at www.uspg.org.uk/ 12-1pm first Wednesday. ROTHERHITHE Speaker from the Ecumenical Rotherhithe perform Falvetti’s Il Diluvio rethinkingmission2020 Accompaniment Programme in Palestine ✝ ZIMBABWE ANGLICAN Universale at Holy Trinity Church. and Israel. 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (under-18s £2), COMMUNITY at St Mary, April 18 November Newington – Shona Mass, 2nd proceeds go to charity Operation Father Tiziano, former missionary Sunday of month at 2pm. Mothers’ Noah. FRIDAY 3 APRIL in Malawi. Union last Saturday 2pm. FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY  SOUTHWARK — ‘100 Years of ✽ — Note: City Chorus Sings Mozart ‘Understanding Islam: the Basics’, one- Coronation Mass and Handel’s Zadok February the Priest’. Southwark Cathedral. day course by Dr Chris Hewer at the TravelArranged for SouthwarkInsurance Bridge readers 7.30pm. Tickets £20 (£10 concessions). Guildhall. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details from Real and friendly people... not machines! http://www.londoncitychorus.com/ Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY [email protected]. cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, tickets/4591211526 most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service.  CATERHAM — ‘Munch with Music’: ANNUAL MULTI TRIP TRAVEL INSURANCE UK, European and worldwide cover available Andrew Chadney organ recital. St John’s March In Memory of Damilola Taylor COVER FOR:- Atrial Fibrillation/Heart Conditions, — Stroke, Cancer, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, High Church. 12.45pm-1.30pm. Free. a Celebration of Young Lives Cholesterol, Arthritis, Osteoporosis PLUS many more - Please call for an individual quote WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH Southwark Cathedral, Conditions apply SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY Please call for details ~  CATERHAM — ‘Munch with Music’: Friday 27 November 2020. 11am. UK 0116 272 0500 FT TRAVEL  BASED Authorised & regulated by the FCA INSURANCE EAST DULWICH — ‘Come and Musicians from Trinity Laban. St John’s Save the date — details to follow. Sing’, an afternoon learning to sing Church. 12.45pm-1.30pm. Free.

Youth Outreach Worker by Bishop Richard. “This Theological colleges will be Furzedown Youth Centre Science and faith project has transformative encouraged to bid for funds to help potential,” he said. integrate discussion of topics such project receives as Artificial Intelligence and their Affiliated to St James, West Streatham, “I can see it contributing implications for faith into existing St Alban’s, Streatham Park, St Paul’s, £3.4m grant for to the shaping of a future theological studies. Furzedown and Mitcham Lane Baptist generation of church leaders Church in London SW16 & SW17 ministry training who enjoy science and The funds will also go We seek an enthusiastic, experienced are unafraid of towards expanding A major grant from the Christian Youth Outreach Worker complexity, the Scientists in Templeton Religion Trust could to pioneer an exciting new project fully prepared Congregations scheme, to develop and expand work among enable up to half of all people to engage in awarding grants for unchurched young people. training for ordained ministry to conversation local science and faith benefit from sessions discussing Salary: £30,000 per annum. with the projects in churches Contract: two-year fixed term with cutting-edge science and what it pressing and cathedrals. possible extension. means for society. questions The grant secures raised by Application pack and further details the future of The £3.4m grant is going to support cutting- available from the Revd Canon Geoff ECLAS, launched in Vevers: [email protected] the work of the Equipping Christian edge 2015, for a further Leadership in an Age of Science research.” Closing date: 5pm on (ECLAS) project, which is co-led three years. Saturday 29 February 2020 12 | The BRIDGE February 2020 “They want me to go to Southwark, and I’m going”: Bishop Ronnie Bowlby remembered

Bishop Ronnie Bowlby’s son, daughter and granddaughter joined the many friends and former colleagues celebrating the life of the seventh Bishop of Southwark in Southwark Cathedral on Friday 10 January.

They had gathered for a Requiem Eucharist to celebrate the life of the Bishop who died on 21 December, aged 93. The former , the Rt Revd Peter Selby, who had been Bishop Ronnie Bowlby (above); the appointed by Bishop Rt Revd Peter Selby preaching the Ronnie, preached the sermon. The lesson sermon at the Requiem Mass (right). was read by the Revd Dr Andrew Bishop, Vicar of Croydon Minster, where Bishop introduced a motion at General Synod Ronnie served as Vicar during the 1960s proposing the ordination of women, when it was still known as St John’s (see three major events in the life of the right). . The final blessing was pronounced by In his sermon, Bishop Peter returned Bishop Christopher. often to the words said by Bishop Ronnie Bishop Ronnie came to Southwark when breaking the news of his impending as Bishop in 1980, moving from move from Newcastle: “They want me to Memories from Croydon Minster and St George, Waddon Newcastle, and during his period as go to Southwark, and I’m going.” He used Bishop he was one of the joint authors this as an example of how when you hear Members of the congregation of that marked our 100th anniversary of the Faith in the City report, appointed the call, whatever it is, sometimes the only Croydon Minster and the Revd of the consecration of the church, as and answer is “I’m going”. Dr Andrew Bishop, Priest-in- which brought the church, schools and Charge, attended Bishop Ronnie’s community together”. Requiem at the Cathedral. Ronnie was Vicar for the centenary of After the service, many happy the consecration of the present church Christ Church South Nutfield memories of his ministry in Croydon, (2020 is the 150th anniversary). and the impact it had, were shared. Susan also remembers just how much bids farewell to Alison Way Ruth commented: “Ronnie Bowlby was Ronnie cherished the congregation a deeply spiritual man whom it was a at St George, Waddon too, bringing privilege to have known. He set me off together the whole parish. on the contemplative path which has The congregation at Croydon Minster informed my life.” and St George, Waddon have been Elaine said: “I have such happy praying in thanksgiving for Ronnie’s memories of Ronnie as Vicar of ministry and for his family in their loss. Croydon, especially the Passion Play May he rest in peace.

‘The resilience, depth of faith and strong hope is inspiring’

Bishop Christopher Christ Church in South Nutfield during his visit to was the scene of much joy and the Holy Land in sadness on Sunday 19 January, as the January, where he parishioners said their farewells to accompanied an the Revd Alison Way after nearly six international group years of ministry. of Roman Catholic Bishops on their A lively family service on the theme of groups, Early Morning prayers and the annual pastoral A New Purpose, based around the image Environment group (recently awarded visit to the region of flying a kite, was followed by the giving Silver Eco-church status). Alison has also as part of the Holy of gifts, prayer for Alison’s life journey, and given Christ Church, South Nutfield Land Coordination. refreshments, including a beautiful cake greater outreach into the community made by one of the congregation. through a midweek Sunflower Café; and “Our visit to Gaza, East Jerusalem and Ramallah in the West Bank has brought Alison has been the vicar of Christ regular services at a local home for people home to me the worsening conditions under which communities in Palestine Church since 2014. During that time, with complex needs and in the communal find themselves living and this is underlined in the Communiqué,” said Bishop she has been instrumental in initiatives area of housing for senior citizens. Christopher. “However, the resilience, depth of faith and strong hope for a better tomorrow among the people and Christian communities with which we engaged to bring in many more families with Rise Alison will be installed as the Rector of has been inspiring and deeply moving.” and Shine services, children’s activities in Wincanton and Pen Selwood in Somerset church, and recently a youth group. She in February. She will be much missed in The full text can be read at: http://www.cbcew.org.uk/we-must-not-ignore-the- has also greatly encouraged the work South Nutfield. But her parishioners send voice-of-people-in-the-holy-land of the church’s Home groups, Alpha her there with every blessing.