Spotlight Nov/Dec 2016

Guests from across the globe took part in the installation of Michael as the 99th bishop of the Diocese at Cathedral.

As well as representatives from the Diocese, there were people from other churches, faiths and our link dioceses in the Anglican Communion including Moon Hing from Malaysia, Bishop Ross, successor to Selwyn in New Zealand, and longtime friends Welcome +Michael of Bishop Michael As the Cathedral doors including Bishop opened, Bishop Michael Laurence of Japan. was greeted by children who said: “We greet you The colourful in the name of Christ. service in the Who are you and why do packed Cathedral you request entry to this was also streamed Cathedral church?” The Above: The new diocesan live to numerous Bishop replied: “I am Michael, a servant of Jesus bishop requests entry to his churches around Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of cathedral. Below: He was greeted and questioned by the Diocese. God, to travel with you in his service.” local schoolchildren During the installation, the pastoral staff left on the altar by his predecessor Bishop was presented to Bishop Michael. He made his oaths while resting his hand on the St Chad Gospels, which date back to c730AD.

Later, a Procession of Witness through the streets of Lichfield led to a special Eucharist at the Cathedral where Bishop Michael preached and presided and his wife, Dr Julia Ipgrave, read

Photos: Photographers Photos: one of the lessons.

The Church of around , northern and the Black Country TGIWelcoming Monday our launch new

People from all around the Diocese joined Shropshire, Staffordshire and the Black “I want us to think creatively, imaginatively and the new , the Rt Revd Dr Country took place, culminating with an radically about how we resource ourselves in , on a three-day pilgrimage opportunity for this diocese and I hope that in the new year during his ‘Season Of Welcome’. people we can begin a conversation about that which to renew draws in all aspects of our diocesan life. They walked along a 40-mile stretch of the baptismal Two Way trail from Stoke-on-Trent to vows at “The Diocese of , this diocese, is a Lichfield in the run-up St Chad’s borderland diocese. Living in borderlands is to Bishop Michael’s Well in risky business; crossing boundaries generates installation service. Lichfield. anxiety; that is why we need a culture, locally In his first of informed risk-taking, and centrally of Refreshments at St Rufin’s church, Burston. Allegedly the first diocesan presidential thoughtful permission-giving. bishop to visit this small church address at Diocesan which is almost completely hidden from the road by the village pond. Synod, Bishop Michael spoke “I do not yet know what a strategy for mission about the need to grow together, work in the for our own time across boundaries and walk in faith: will look like, but I do know the culture of Susie and Martin discipleship within which it needs to be set. Goodchild, from “I want to affirm our strong commitment to That will be a relational culture, where we all Shrewsbury, were growth in every dimension, and the way in are prepared to travel far to get to know, to among those which it is expressed in our five themes. We encourage and support one another. It will be who joined the Bob Winfield, Warden at St Lawrence’s need to ensure that all the parts of the body a hospitable culture, where we are not afraid Bishop on the Church in Gnosall, said: “The congregation share in the growth to which we are called in to welcome one another, to trust one another, first day of the pilgrimage. “Walking with a and community were very pleased to welcome this large, varied Midlands diocese. to be enriched by one another. And it will be group of people from various places around Bishop Michael to St Lawrence’s. Children a prayerful culture. All we undertake together the diocese was a most enjoyable thing to do,” from the two local church schools, the Scouts “The missional role must be soaked in prayer, for our only strength Susie said. “It was good to have the chance to and Guides and many local people were able of the Diocese, as comes from God’s grace. And any leadership get to know Bishop Michael a little bit, hear to meet him and chat, and he very bravely I see it, is not to that I or my fellow can offer to you about how God led Him to Lichfield and be a answered some well thought-out questions put organise and impose must always be a leadership which comes from part of the journey to his enthronement.” to him by the school children. He came across a grand central plan our own followership of Jesus.” as open, friendly and warm and the locals will but to germinate Alongside the no doubt forgive him for admitting to being a ideas and expertise, pilgrimage, Leicester City fan!” to encourage the nine services mutual sharing of of prayer in Revd Dr Judy Hunt welcomed Bishop resources, to foster Michael to St Alkmund’s a culture of cross- Church in Whitchurch and boundary working. added: “Bishop Michael’s visit to Whitchurch was much Over the nine nights before his installation, The pilgrims chanced upon the Messy appreciated. It was good +Michael met people at Church at St John’s CofE School, . that he came to this far-flung churches in all parts of the After a Questions/Answer time, the Diocese - by place and by tradition including at Holy Trinity, children sang and prayed for +Michael. corner of the Diocese!” Wellington (photo: Alistair Wood). Watch extracts and sermons from the Season of Welcome: Read and hear all of Bishop Michael’s address to Synod: www.lichfield.anglican.org/a-new-diocesan-bishop/ The text and audio are on the website at www.lichfield.anglican.org/news/2016/11/07/mercian-diocese/

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 2 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 3 Join our Facebook Group “The ’s Diocese of Lichfield”

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Readers toast 150 years of loyal service

Almost 200 Readers from across the Diocese He said: “The ministry of Readers is essential in Westminster, and in this Diocese by the Warden took part in 150th anniversary celebrations the Church of England – in some places it is the of Readers, the Associate Warden of Readers of lay ministry at a special service at Lichfield main ministry that keeps a church going. I firmly and Diocesan staff from Ministry, Vocations and Cathedral. believe that there should be parity of esteem of Training. Readers and ordained clergy.” Readers are lay people selected, trained and Learn about licensed by the Bishop to preach, teach and lead The Ven , the Warden of Readers, the experiences worship in their local parish or as chaplains. said: “The series of gatherings, which of local Readers Helen Babiy from Wednesfield

Photo: Elaine Evans Photo: and Philip Readers gift their services to the Church so do Taylor of Stafford as well as more about the role not receive payment. They are supported by the and training of Readers in Lichfield Diocese at Central Readers Council based at Church House, www.lichfield.anglican.org/reader_training/ Away from it all

Families under strain are being offered During 2016 they were able much-needed quality time away thanks to a to send eight families who Christian charity. had or were experiencing stress away for a break – totalling 18 adults and 17 The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, and the The Mothers’ Union ‘Away From It All’ (AFIA) children – at a cost of £4,500. , the Rt Revd , with Readers outside Lichfield Cathedral at the event. (Photo: Sarah Burgess-Parker) holiday project is providing welcome breaks for people across Lichfield Diocese. Despite the fact that prices The ‘Loyal Toast’ Service of Thanksgiving at the culminated in this Service of Thanksgiving, has increase during school holiday cathedral marked the 150th anniversary of the been an opportunity to bring Readers together One Mum who benefited wrote: “I had fled periods, Mothers’ Union members modern Reader ministry. It followed a series of from across the Diocese and as a way to affirm from my husband with two of my daughters strive to support the project five gatherings over two years with hundreds of the wonderful contribution that Readers have because of domestic violence and mental through prayers and fundraising. Readers together from across the Diocese. made to the ministry and mission of the Church abuse. We had nothing. Mothers’ Union gave of England for the last 150 years. us a wonderful week together as a family. For further information, and application forms, “I firmly believe that there This wasn’t just a holiday – it was a chance please contact [email protected] “As Warden of Readers I have felt proud to talk to my daughters and understand how should be parity of esteem of and privileged to be associated with such a they were feeling: we’d been through such a dedicated and gifted assembly of people.” traumatic time. The holiday was so peaceful, Readers and ordained clergy” the girls loved the freedom. Not just freedom There are more than 10,000 active of space to run and play, but freedom to be The new Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Revd Dr Readers in the Church of England. themselves and feel safe. Thank you so much.” Michael Ipgrave, spoke at the celebration and Most are licensed to a parish but led prayers of re-dedication for the Readers, as some are chaplains in prisons, Mothers’ Union members in the diocese well as hosting a question and answer session hospitals, hospices or schools, are continually raising money for the many with Readers before the service. a few are in charge of parishes. projects they run, including AFIA.

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 4 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 5 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Remembered Hero Why Remember?

Remembrance Sunday was an extra-special in the Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur. • We gather to remember, and pay our respects occasion for a retired Stafford clergyman He was presented with his insignia at the to, those who marched away never to return who was awarded one of the highest Remembrance Sunday service at Sandon Parish and to remember all who have been victims of distinctions by the French Legion of Honour Church. war and oppression – then and now. for his role in the D-Day landings. Sylvie Bermann, Ambassador of France to the • We seek to remember all those who have bear Revd Preb Dick Sargent was just 19 when as UK, wrote to him: “As we contemplate this within themselves (in body, mind or spirit), the a Royal Navy sub-lieutenant he was tasked Europe of peace, we must never forget the scars of conflict (including those left behind). with landing troops on Utah Beach in the heroes like you, who came from Britain and early hours of 6 June 1944. This began with a the Commonwealth to begin the liberation • We seek to commit ourselves to work for a 11-mile voyage from his ship, the SS Empire of Europe by liberating France. We owe our In the wake of Remembrancetide, it is worth world where humility, justice and mercy are the Gauntlet which had been moored out of range freedom and security to your dedication, taking a moment to look past the politics guiding principles in our dealing with all people of German guns, to guide a wave of assault craft because you were ready to risk your life.” and ills of war and focus on those who and nations and to commit ourselves to working carrying 180 troops to the Normandy beaches. pursue peace, sometimes with the ultimate for peace and reconciliation; remembering all He landed the troops and then spent half an Dick, who served as Rural in Stafford cost - so argues Revd Vic Van Den Bergh, who serve throughout the world at this time. hour in the water getting boats off sandbanks. before his retirement in 1989, said: “I am very honorary chaplain at the National Memorial delighted that what we did that morning has Arboretum (NMA). These three elements are present (or should be) Now 92, Dick was informed in September that been recognised in this way – it fits in very well in every act of remembrance we undertake. he had been appointed the rank of Chevalier with Remembrance Sunday.” Having attended a service marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme at the NMA recently I found myself engaged in conversation by someone who wondered why we did it. “After all,” they said, “There’s nothing to celebrate, is there? Not only that,” they continued, “But there’s nothing glorious about war – so why do you continue to impose your jingoism on the rest of us?”

Whilst we might speak of our funeral services as ‘a celebration of a life’, it is more generally correct to see as a ‘commemoration’ that which we do when it comes to those dates marked by poppies, bugles and a military presence. It is never a celebration of death - not that of our own, or those against whom we contended – for though we use the term to speak of ‘those in There are services in the grounds of the NMA glory’, glorifying war is neither the intent nor every day of the week and many of these the reality. are celebrations, the family milestones, whilst others are So what is it we do when we engage with reminders of service given and Armistice, Remembrance Sunday or any of the of those we see no longer. It is many other memorials of battles, conflicts and a place where remembrance, campaigns and those engaged in them? Let me commemoration, celebration try to explain it with three short points: and reflection are to be found.

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 6 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 7 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country A Near You Hispanic Noel Bring #JoyToTheWorld theme of Christmas joy. The selection of prayers, or they can write their own. videos star Gogglebox vicar It all ends up back in church at the schools’ Churches across the Diocese are being urged Kate Bottley, comedian carol service on a Friday afternoon.” to take advantage of a new website which Paul Kerensa, Matt acts as a ‘shop window’ for their Christmas Woodcock and Chaplain Revd Becky Richards, from Tixall with services. to the Speaker of the Ingestre, said Posada was very popular in their House of Commons Rose parish: “We use figures that older people from The Church of England is inviting parishes to Hudson Wilkin - each our two congregations have knitted, so the visit AChristmasNearYou.org/upload before 1 talking about a figures themselves aren’t breakable. Our older December to register their Christmas church moment of Christmas Using Posada to build gents make the crib. services. Almost 700 services have already been joy in their lives. added for parishes Lichfield Diocese. community over Advent “The figures travel around in a story bag with Pete Bate, Director of Originating in Hispanic countries to a copy of the Christmas story, plus a diary into www.AChristmasNearYou.org will be live on 1 Communications for celebrate the nativity story, Posada is a which all those who host Mary and Joseph can December for anyone to be able to find the Lichfield Diocese, said: period of time during Advent when figures write in their experience. Also included in the nearest Christmas services to them (or search “This is a fantastic, from the nativity story travel around bag is an Advent candle and this can be lit and for services in a particular location). It will be free opportunity different households in the community and burned down one able to filter by date, whether there will be for churches to stay there for one night. section on the carols and accessibility such as wheelchair spread the message night which Mary access, sign language, parking and more. far and wide about Families can sign up to take part and then and Joseph stay what they have planned this Christmas. Are you become hosts to the holy family for one night with the family. People will also be able to find which Christmas singing carols, having mince pies or mulled wine? during Advent. During this time, children services are serving mince pies or mulled wine! The more information you can add the better.” have an opportunity to learn more about the “There’s a short For smartphones, the website will be able to Christmas story, and everyone can meet others dialogue people use geolocation to find where the person is and The website will be supported by a social media from their community as the figures are passed can say on the show which Christmas services are happening campaign from the launch of the website, from one house to the next. doorstep when they pass the figures over to nearest to them. right up to Christmas Day using the hashtag the next person. It encourages families to visit #JoyToTheWorld. Two parishes in the Diocese use Posada in each other, and the rota includes older contacts, To promote the website and slightly different ways. Denise Keen, from St who have no children, so it gets them meeting accompanying Christmas Churches will be encouraged to share photos/ Mary’s, in Mucklestone, explained that Posada a wider set of people around them. People have social media campaign, videos of their churches celebrating and works well through the found this really helpful because they’ve chatted there will be ask people who attend church at church’s strong links with the and got to know different people – it builds four videos on the Christmas to tweet about the local Church of England school. links between young and old. services and celebrations they have attended. She said: “We have a midweek “The figures come back to our Christmas Eve Sunday school after school, crib service or to our family communion on and children who go to this Christmas morning. From there the King’s set off make the Posada figures. We launch the journey on their travels in another story bag containing of Mary and Joseph at a family service in church a story book about the magi, box of gold coins where families can sign up to receive it, but and jars of frankincense and myrrh. They return children can sign up at school as well. either to a service or an ‘Epiphany Party’.”

“A book comes with Mary and Joseph so that For more Christmas ideas go to children can record photos, and there’s a https://churchsupporthub.org/christmas/

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 8 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 9 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country TGI Monday Show winner And all the people said ... The innovative weekly online chat show from What did you do at school today, Ben?’ Like potato and tomato, it can be either ah-men the Diocese of Lichfield has won a national or ay-men, but that really does not matter, digital award. TGI Monday came first in the because this is not a matter of speech training. ‘Most Creative Use of Social Media’ at the ‘Nothing-much-did-building-bricks-Mrs- It is a matter which goes to the heart of how Premier Digital Awards event in . Lillystone-told-a-story-had-lunch-play- we express faith in our everyday lives, as the time-games-circle-time-came-home- story of Advent and Christmas shows. Blessed The weekly show, which airs a new episode that-was-it. AMEN’ Mary’s ‘Let it be to me according to your Word’ every Monday morning, has reached thousands was one great, lived Amen. No mere passive of people, discussing a range of topics To my four-year-old son, it seemed acceptance this: Mary’s assent put her own prompted by its online community entirely natural that a speech as long and commitment firmly into the story: not just, such as angels, heaven and hell, informative as that should end with a ‘That’s a nice idea ‘, but ‘I want to be death and sexuality. Simon, who produces the show, said: “The resonant ‘Amen’. part of the answer’. And so through world of social media is changing so quickly her the great Amen himself, Jesus our At its inception less than a year ago, the TGI that everything is experimental as the Church ‘Amen’ is indeed a word so rich in meaning Lord, was able to come to fulfil God’s Monday team had a vision for an online video tries to work out how best to use social media and in force that it has come down to us promises to our needy world. programme answering viewers questions about to support our discipleship and mission. It’s an untranslated from Hebrew; and ‘Amin’ the Christian faith and church life and shining honour to receive this national award.” in Arabic means much the same. ‘Amen’ I long to hear full-voiced, a little light on some of the mysteries of the signifies our assent to prayer, to praise, Church of England. It has garnered the attention “We’re very thankful for the ongoing support and to the promises of God. It is one of emphatic ‘Amens’ of local, national and religious press and been and resourcing from the diocese,” added Dan, the most joyful words in the Christian praised at General Synod. curate in Childs Ercall and panellist on the vocabulary, as it expresses our full-hearted It is up to each of us today show. commitment to what God is doing in our lives. to commit to being part of The project is collaboration Why is it then that in church God’s answer in Jesus as between Hywel Snook, Zoe TGI Monday was nominated in the same we so often mumble it, with full voice and joyful Heming and Dan Stork Banks category as the national Church of England‘s mutter it, or simply use the heart we acclaim ‘Amen’. I (clergy in Hodnet Deanery who ChurchLive project which has involved opportunity to cough? I long look forward to hearing from had an interest in social media many parish churches including St Johns in to hear full-voiced, emphatic you all! and vlogging) and Ros Clarke Stafford and Holy Trinity Meole Brace. ‘Amens’, preferably on a rising (the Diocese’s Online Pastor) intonation which speaks of Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, and Simon Jones (Diocesan expectation and confidence. Bishop of Lichfield Communications Officer).

Ros said: “TGI Monday has had a real impact on local churches and community, particularly From the Editor around Market Drayton where we film and the I hope you’ve enjoyed what’s going on in your area so please get in majority of the team are based. We’re pushing reading the latest Spotlight touch using the details below. Have a fantastic forward to which is my first as the Advent season and don’t forget to add your spread this Diocesan Secretary Julie Jones said: “I’m glad Diocese’s new Director of services to A Christmas Near You (p8) now! influence that something so innovative, coming out of Communications. Since I further and the Online Pastor’s role, has been so has been started, I’ve been amazed Pete Bate, Director of Communications maintain so well received – both across the diocese and at the variety of activities a cutting now on a national stage. It’s a fantastic example taking place across edge with of Diocesan staff and parish clergy working parishes. We’d love Spotlight is published by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance, St Marys House, Lichfield WS13 7LD. this project.” together in a creative way.” to hear more about t: 01543 306292, e: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 10 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 11 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”

The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Shropshire and the Black Country The Church of England The Church of around Staffordshire, northern [email protected] your events to Please send details of 19 January 6-9pm; St Bradley (Wolverhampton)19 January Martins 10am-4pm:St18 January Andrew’s Westlands (Stoke) 10am-4pm: St 17 January Giles Shrewsbury An RNG Lab Ministry: Developing Sustainable Youth, Children’s & Families

Contact [email protected] 26 November,Thurs 10am-3pm: St Thomas Doxey. A day for preachers & housegroup leaders With Fr Nick King Matthew - A Gospel with Attitude www.lichfield.anglican.org/labs-and-other-training/ Diocese. Details and booking at of£35 but FREE for members churches in Lichfield avoiding recruiting burn-out for leaders, volunteers. Explore issues including builiding a thriving ministry,

worship and events.worship helpful anthology of Christmas add your parish events to this See page 8 for details of how to Advent to Christmas Day Near YouA Christmas DIARY

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 12 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”