September 2016 Christmas starts with

NEED TO KNOW I STORIES I AREAChristingle UPDATES I EVENTS NEAR YOU

Bishop’s View www..anglican.org

By RT REVD , of Colchester. EVEN before the last bell had sounded and the children had broken up for the summer, the supermarkets were displaying signs made to look like blackboards with big white chalky letters that read ‘Back to School’. As the sunny summer days of August begin to fade, so these signs serve Bring the kids to light a candle as a reminder that the holidays are coming to an end. for Christ’s birthday Of course, what those signs are really saying is that this is a new start – a new beginning - and that it’s time to invest in a new pencil case or a new uniform or some new shoes or a coat. For many people these days, the first day of September is more like New Year's Day than New Year's Day itself. It marks a step change and a move into something new. It may be a new year group, a new school, a new job or just the Family's Fresh beginning of a new period of work. August may have offered a break from the old routine and an opportunity to reflect on life. This ‘sabbath time’ is Beginningchristmasstarts.com important as it helps us to ensure that we really have put first things first and are Syrians flee Middle

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 East warzone: Page 6 beer festival London museum's 'Seen the Light' drones test run brew gets a blessing gives PCC a flying from Father Colin start to survey Page 4 Page 3

■ Bishop John's security warning: Page 3 ■ What's on in & East London: Page 9 2 THE MONTH September 2016 THE month — Terry Gray is awarded the Order of St Cedd for loyal service Reading Group going beyond the everyday... By RACHEL ORFORD routines and the acquisition of subtitle is “Encountering the adventurous life than many of deeper into our experiences; THE Chelmsford Christian more material goods; there is beyond in the Everyday” and us, these moments are the book is in fact set out Bookshop Reading Group enlightenment to be found indeed we are reminded something which we can all chapter by chapter to help us marked its first birthday in July. beyond our cares and throughout the book of these relate to. do this. At our first meeting eight concerns. glimpses of something more – The book is a massively ● If this has sparked your members gathered to share In September we are experiences of “teenage useful resource not only for interest and you would like to their thoughts on 'Less is More' reading John Pritchard’s latest angst”, “unexpected tears” and individual pondering but for join us, please contact the by Brian Draper. book 'Something More' which that sudden “overwhelming discussion groups and anyone bookshop on 01245 294405 During the year, as our is a highly readable addition to sense of connection”. who finds value in journalling. or bookshop@chelmsford. numbers have more than this genre. The author writes As well as stories and There are countless anglican.org. doubled, we have looked at with authority but with a poems, John Pritchard uses his opportunities to stop and We meet on the first several books which explore conversational style in very lit- own life experiences as contemplate and questions to Wednesday of each month at the assertion that there is more tle jargon and few highbrow illustrations and, although he explore as well as tips, ideas 1pm in the Library at the to life than just everyday concepts to cope with. The has undoubtedly led a more and suggestions for going Diocesan Office in Chelmsford. 'Madly generous parishes' , the Archdeacon because neither does God,” has been awarded the Order of Stansted, has thanked the said Archdeacon Robin. of St Cedd, which recognises parishes of Chelmsford “God’s response to the distinguished service given by Diocese for their “madly human condition, the needs lay people to the diocese. generous” responses to of the world, is almost Terry is the longest serving God’s love. unbelievable. diocesan employee, having The Archdeacon was giving "God loves the world so worked in the Finance team thanks at Chelmsford deeply and passionately that since November 1983. He Cathedral's Parish Share he sent his only Son. How has trained treasurers for 30 service on June 15. on earth does that make years. Robin said thank you for all sense? As well as this post, Terry is the work the parishes do to “Because God doesn’t react a Reader and the adviser for help pay the cost of ministry in a sensible way to what we Readers in the Colchester for the diocese throughout give him, it may just be that deanery. East London and Essex by your next gift is another one The presentation was made raising Parish Share. of those that changes the at the Parish Share service in “We don’t give for any world." Chelmsford cathedral. economic reasons; we don’t ● Terry Gray, the diocese ● Read Archdeacon’s sermon give hoping to get value for Parish Finance Officer, in full at www.chelmsford. money, we don’t make pictured right with Alison, his anglican.org/news/article/ weighed and measured wife, and , madly-generous-parishes- responses to anything – the , thanked-by-archdeacon/

The is currently looking to fill the following post

Diocesan Environmental Champion We are looking for someone with a passion for the Christian engagement with the Environment. Following on the successful work resolution and compression. Hi-res JPGs or Tiffs should be re-sized to min 7x5in at of our first Environmental Champion, Susan Latchford, we would like 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. Captions, your name and contact details to hear from people who might be interested in the role of Diocesan The Month, incorporating NB and East should be embedded in the 'File Info' Window, is the free circulation Environmental Champion. section if possible. If e-mailing many newspaper of in shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size Essex and East London (Diocese of of 8x6in. When submitting photos please Are you the sort of person who can be passionate about how Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. confirm that written consent has been anglican.org/themonth ● obtained from parents / guardians of Christian living impacts on the environment, able to communicate Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter children under age 16 for publication of @chelmsdio well in speaking directly and through electronic media and able to link ● photos publicising church activities in The Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter Month. @cottrellstephen ● with a wide and diverse diocese? The challenge of the environment ● The inclusion of an advertisement Subscribe to our YouTube channel should not be taken as implying is the largest and probably most important issue facing us today. Can www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese ● endorsement of the objects of the Like us on Facebook: www. advertiser by the diocese. you help us as a church to up our game in this area? facebook.com/chelmsdio ● Like our Ask an Archdeacon advertising This is an unpaid post but with excellent support from colleagues and Facebook www.facebook.com/ askanarchdeacon ● Please contact: Glenda Charitos, appropriate working expenses and open to clergy and lay equally. We View our photostream on Flickr www. Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, would expect this to be a post for no more than two days a week. flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese Peverell,Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY. Tel: 01752 225623. Fax: 01752 673441. editorial e-mail: [email protected] For a Role Description, visit: www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ Editor: Jon Longman distribution vacancies/vacancy_article/diocesan-environmental-champion Editorial and photographs for The Month should be sent to: For distribution contact: Or for further information and a conversation without any [email protected] [email protected] or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Bouchiers Tel: 01245 294443. commitment, please contact the Archdeacon of Harlow on Place, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TY. Tel: Your newspaper will normally be 01621 810530. Mobile: 07860 769906 available from the third Sunday in the ● 01279 734524 or [email protected] Digital photographs for publication: month. Any further changes will be Please take pictures at largest size, advised to distributors. THE MONTH September 2016 3

THE Elmstead Parish Church month — 'Our churches are open communities' Church Road, Elmstead Market, Colchester CO7 7AR Meeting Room Hire

Bishop advises We have the perfect venue for: Social Gatherings, Friends and Family Training Days, Visiting Speakers, Quiet Days. We are surrounded by beautiful and quiet countryside and there are two extensive lawn areas for additional activities

Disabled Male toilet facilities Female 'remain alert toilets toilets Meeting

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THE Bishop of Bradwell has issued 'Remain alert, not alarmed.' Church but not alarmed' Wheelchair Entrance advice to the parishes of Chelmsford buildings are public buildings that are 'We need access Diocese following the recent killings open and welcoming. and attacks in Germany and France. "Where there are known risks, we to take Booking enquiries, please contact Bishop John Wraw (right) said his need to take measures to ensure the Linda Cobbold on 01206 824570 advice was to "remain alert, not safety and security of worshippers and measures to alarmed". visitors. Bishop John added: “Our churches "Advice and guidance on personal ensure the are open communities of welcome, security and security for places of CHURCH PEWS hope and service where everyone by worship, as with many other praying for peace and justice, being safety and UNCOMFORTABLE? locations, can be found here www. WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY open to God and being attentive to gov.uk/government/publications/ UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? each other in the community, can counter-terrorism-protective-security- security of Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, begin to make the change they long to advice-for-places-of-worship; on the Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN see in the world.” www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 National Counter Terrorism website. worshippers A Metropolitan Police spokesman Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail said: "The police have been working "In addition to this advice, the Home and visitors' When phoning please quote TM0916 with church leaders here in the UK to Office are running a scheme for eight weeks offering funding for protective establish a communication network government/publications/counter- security measures subject to through which reassurance and terrorism-protective-security-advice- application. Detailed information on guidance to the Christian community for-places-of-worship on the National how to apply can be found here www. can be passed. Counter Terrorism website." gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship- "France has suffered terrible In a letter to clergy, lay ministers, security-funding-scheme. tragedies but we must use it to test churchwardens and PCC secretaries our ability to communicate to this in the Diocese of Chelmsford, Bishop "Please note Ecclesiastical's wider network and I want to offer the John said: "We have all been horrified Personal Safety Plan which offers EXCELLENT following advice. by the recent killings and attacks in helpful and sensible advice for "Church leaders and their Germany and France in recent weeks individuals and churches. CUSTOMER SERVICE congregations here in the UK should and now by the senseless attack in "Can I also encourage you all to forge close links with your local district remain alert not alarmed. There is no Normandy. John Kenway current intelligence to suggest any "We all join in praying, along with police commanders who will be able to attack planning of this nature in this the entire Church of England, for those advise you further on sensible safety country. However I know these are precautions. I know many of you will immediately caught up in the horrors 63 REG troubling times and it makes sense of these events, for peace in the world already have a strong relationship in for all church leaders to review their place. CHEVROLET SPARK and a change of heart for the whole of 1.0i LS 5DR SILVER 31K security plans and to encourage their humanity. "Do not hesitate to contact the flock to be vigilant. Any suspicious "We have been assured that there is Police if you have any more pressing behaviour should be reported no current intelligence to suggest any concerns or notice any suspicious OUR PRICE immediately through 999 or the attack planning of this nature in this activity on 101 or 999 as appropriate. anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. country. "If you need further advice or "Advice and guidance on personal "Nevertheless we need to continue support please do contact your £4169 security and security for places of to have care for our own safety and Archdeacon or Area Bishop." worship, as with many other locations, security and that of our congregations. ● For full advice from the diocese, can be found here www.gov.uk/ "The message for our security is visit http://bit.ly/2bemXL8

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Carter on 01245 294486. 4 THE MONTH September 2016 THE month — Successful beer festival will be repeated by Brentwood church Blessed be the brew IT’S not every day that fund raiser for the church St Thomas spokesman beer you have brewed centre, all the racking and Sarah Howard said: “The gets blessed by the kegs were supplied by main aim was to bring church. Brentwood Brewing the whole community So the Brentwood Company. together including people Brewery staff were excited Each keg was that don’t attend the when Father Colin Hewitt sponsored and named by church. of the town's St Thomas’ local businesses except “There was live music church blessed the for one. The remaining by various local bands, a Brentwood beer at the cask, named Seen The BBQ and a children’s area. church's first beer festival. Light Ale by the winning It was a great success and “You cannot beat a bit entry in a competition we’re planing on making it of blessed beer,” said open to the congregation, an annual event.” brewery managing was blessed by Father Roland added: "We say director Roland Kannor. Hewitt as the St Thomas’ ‘cheers’ to that. Love beer, Held during July as a house beer. love Brentwood." Saving parishes vital pounds By DAVID KEMP, Parish Buying carbon neutral. @ParishBuying or visit http://bit. PARISH BUYING ● Find out more by getting in touch ly/2a7MUK7 (https://ebusiness. OFFICE supplies are crucial to the with a member of the Parish Buying officedepot.co.uk/SelfReg/ running of every organisation, and plenty of time. Photocopying contracts team on 0800 368 0887 or email churchofengland/SelfReg/Index). churches are no exception. One local vicar told me: “Office Photocopying contracts can catch [email protected]. ● Tea, toner or toilet rolls? Whether it is boxes of paper and Depot were very reliable. They out many churches and schools with ● Parishes in Essex and East @ParishBuying is a one stop shop ink cartridges to print orders of delivered on everything they said hidden charges, extra payments and London can view the office supplies for churches! Great value with free service, or craft supplies for young they would. changeable rates which can end up catalogue at: http://viewer.zmags. next day delivery http://bit. people’s activities, they need to be "I couldn’t fault them. I found costing you hundreds of pounds com/publication/110140e7#/ ly/2a7MUK7 (https://ebusiness. good value, easily ordered and everything I was looking for on their more than expected. 110140e7/1). officedepot.co.uk/SelfReg/ quickly delivered. website and could order there and The Parish Buying service’s ● Or readers can visit the Parish churchofengland/SelfReg/Index). 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THE WE BEAT OTHER month — Great Maplestead trial for national project WE BEAT OTHER NEED A LASTING QUOTES WITH... NEED A LASTING QUOTES WITH... 50% OFF POWERPOWER OF ATTORNEY?OF ATTORNEY? THE National Churches Trust 50%POWER OFF OF are running a project, funded WEPOWER BEAT OTHEROF YOUNEED NEED A A LASTINGLOCAL COMPANY THAT IS QUOTESATTORNEYATTORNEY WITH... YOU NEED A LOCAL COMPANY THAT IS AND UPTO FAST, EFFICIENT, COMES TO YOU AND IS by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to 50%AND UPTO OFF FAST,POWER EFFICIENT, OF COMES ATTORNEY? TO YOU AND IS investigate the use of 30%POWER OFOFF COMMITTED TO DRIVING DOWN COSTS 30%ATTORNEYWILLS OFF COMMITTEDYOU NEED A TO LOCAL DRIVING COMPANY DOWN THAT COSTS IS Unmanned Aerial Vehicles WILLSAND UPTO FAST, EFFICIENT, COMES TO YOU AND IS The WillThe & WillTrust & Company Trust Company are professional, are professional, (UAVs) – better known as 30% OFF COMMITTEDaccredited TO DRIVING certificate DOWN providers COSTS and will WILLS accredited certificate providers and will drones – to survey church send the finished documents to the Office buildings. sendThe Will the &finished Trust Company documents are professional, to the Office of Theaccreditedof Public The PublicGuardiancertificate Guardian for providers registration for andregistration afterwill after The aim of the project is to send thesigning finishedsigning and documents witnessing. and witnessing. to the Office assist architects carrying out of The PublicWe provide Guardian a forhome registration visiting after service to their quinquennial (five yearly) We providesigning a home and witnessing. visiting service to take instructionstake instructions and bring and back bring all theback all the surveys of churches in the We provide a home visiting service to documentsdocuments for signing for signing and witnessing. and witnessing. diocese. take instructions and bring back all the So,documents don’tSo, delay,don’t for contactdelay, signing contactus and today witnessing. us and today give and give The project will provide yourself peace of mind that we will assist photographic evidence of the yourselfSo, don’t peace delay, of contact mind thatus today we will and assist give youyourself andyou yourpeace and family’s yourof mind family’s wealth that we andwealth will health. assist and health. state of a building without you and your family’s wealth and health. having to resort to scaffolding. 0126801268 55 11 55 22 11 – 220800 – 1120800 3417 112 3417 An additional benefit is that [email protected] 55 11 22 – 0800 112 3417 [email protected]@willandtrustcompany.com the software used can also www.willandtrustcompany.com produce accurate plans of a www.willandtrustcompany.comwww.willandtrustcompany.com building. Although the main project will take place in Yorkshire, a team from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), led by Peter Rauxloh, along with three OFF THE GROUND: James Ladocha controlling a drone on a test flight drones amongst an impressive array of hi-tech kit arrived at St Giles Great Maplestead, near Halstead, in late June. Peter explained the attraction of St Giles to the project: “It is a beautiful church with many of the challenging Drones give features that we will face during the project.” Ante- Use of drones is now strictly controlled and Peter holds a Including: commercial pilot’s licence for • Public Address small unmanned aircraft. • Sound Reinforcement The project was authorised PCC a flying • Sound Distribution by the church’s PCC and the • Induction Loops Chelmsford Diocese DAC. After more than four hours • No organ? - No problem! on site, during which flights were undertaken by all three drones, a complete survey of Portable Equipment the building had been start to survey completed. All that remained for the team SOUND + VISION to do was to take a number of E L E C T R O N I C S measurements using laser surveying tools and then it was 26 The Triangle, Frinton on Sea, CO13 0AU back to London to process the [email protected] data. www.save-electronics.co.uk A couple of weeks later the A family run business with over 45 years experience. preliminary results were issued to the church. These included a montage 01255 673766 or FREEPHONE 0800 056 3766 built up from 215 separate pictures of an aerial view of the church. DRONE CREW: Museum The detail on this is such of London Archaeology high resolution that the screws team (left to right): holding the lightning conductor James Ladocha. Peter to the roof can clearly be seen. Rauxloh and Andy In addition, detailed shots of Chopping. the church structure were available without the distortion caused by taking pictures from working on developing a interesting and attractive visitor quinquennial inspection and the ground. internet based Church Visitor destinations.” allow use to discuss issues The MOLA visit had been project. Revd Gay Ellis, the Team which might otherwise be arranged by Nick Ellis, the Nick said: “I hope that this Vicar, added: It was fascinating unseen. parish's Reader and the project will enable us to include to see the detail in the pictures "I anticipate that this early husband of the vicar who had unique video content in and these will certainly be of trial will go onto benefit many learned of the project while presenting our churches as great use in our forthcoming more churches.” Back to school, back to work FROM FRONT PAGE brings a gear change as we go back to school IN MY VIEW or back to work or just back to the old routine. not so distracted by our activity that we are It is a good time to reflect, to pray and to knew that, however excited they would be, losing the moments of meaning in life, prepare for all that lies ahead. We might want some of them would also be a little fearful and whatever else we may be in the process of to think about ways in which we have grown gaining. Now is a good time to reflect on the a bit apprehensive. He therefore wrote the in our discipleship. year that has passed and to think about the hymn ‘One more step along the world I go’ We might also want to resolve to do more to 12 months that lie ahead. which includes the lines: grow as disciples over the year ahead (and the Are there things that you would like to forthcoming School For Disciples may be an change? Are there things that you are Give me courage when the world is rough, important part of this). We may just want to pray apprehensive about? Are there other things keep me loving though the world is tough; more, love more, see more or celebrate more. There is none like you, O Lord, that you are looking forward to? leap and sing in all I do, They say these days that ‘every day is a Revd Sydney Carter, who wrote the keep me traveling along with you: school day’ in that we never stop learning new and there is no God besides you, hymn, ‘Lord of the Dance’, was particularly And it's from the old I travel to the new; things. Let’s therefore embrace all that the according to all that we have concerned for Year 6 children who were keep me traveling along with you. next 12 months have to offer and may we all heard with our ears. leaving primary school and preparing to go to keep traveling along with God. 1Ch 17:20 (ESV) a new and much larger secondary school. He For many of us, the advent of September Bishop Roger 6 THE MONTH September 2016 THE month — Churches help provide the welcoming ‘flesh on the bones’ to efforts by local authorities and agencies Fresh Beginnings joy for family who fled warzone Travel Insurance By CAROLINE TILLEY Arranged for The Month readers Colchester Daily Gazette SAFE AND SOUND: Syrian Real and friendly people... not machines! refugee family says Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, MARWAN Sallouta is like any other parent in Colchester has been most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. Colchester watching his daughter and son so welcoming LONG STAY, SINGLE TRIP, AND CRUISE COVER available for holidays departing up to 31/12/2017 We had to playing safely together – happy. But it nearly Annual multi-trip cover (max. age 85) wasn’t so. Single trip cover (NO max. age) In just a few short years, Marwan’s life, for UK, Europe and worldwide holidays Single trip cover for all departures up to 31/12/17 and that of his family’s, has been turned upside down. Conditions apply FT TRAVEL UK Please call for details ~ act — fast Five years ago Marwan was a successful BASED INSURANCE 0116 272 0500 By JEAN-MICHEL KNUTSEN photographer and journalist in Damascus, Authorised & regulated by the FCA Community Organiser, Citizens UK Syria. IT all started in October, when 15 leaders His wife Rahaf, 27, was studying relations from local faith groups, charities and and the media at university while decorating SHERBORNE student societies decided they would act their new apartment ready for them and their Dartmouth Short breaks in Dorset Devon together to welcome refugees to Colchester. son. It wasn’t to be. Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, Delighul ground floor flat They wrote a common letter to the leader Marwan, 38, said: “It was all ready for us with glorious views across apartment in listed building of the Borough Council, whose answer was to move in. Instead we left Damascus.” river Dart. close to Abbey Church. really positive. We all met and decided that Sleeps 4: double ensuite, Open all year. War had hit Syria. twin with bathroom, we would organise four actions together: Please ring for brochure: ● Raising Awareness (a march attended by The family don’t like to speak of what they all mod cons. went through. But among the memories is Tel: 020 7223 5473 01404 841367 350 people, and three “Refugees: Facts and Fictions” events in local churches). one in particular. ● Organising regular convoys going to Marwan said: “Before the war we were Calais. (Thanks to Refugee Action doing very well. Colchester, a convoy has been organised “But during the war the main issue was every six weeks since then.) security. There was a lot of shelling in ● Creating a support network for the local Damascus. charity Fresh Beginnings which was already “We stayed in a bathroom in our family’s experienced in the welcoming of asylum house for three days because it was the seekers and refugees (for them we have only room with no windows so it would channelled volunteers, gifts and protect us from the outside. financial donations). “We couldn’t go outside. We could have ● Campaigning for the welcoming of 50 been killed at any moment.” Gilead Foundations Syrian families to Colchester (the Borough Fearing for their lives, Marwan, Rahaf and is a Therapeutic Community, Council has unanimously voted the their son Abdul travelled to Jordan and were welcoming of an unlimited number of placed in a refugee camp. offering a residential rehabilitation refugees, and since then we have organised They stayed there for three and a half a Pledge Assembly (above - picture years. program, called KEY, for people David Ward) add supported by the Bishop of with life-controlling addictions, Colchester and attended by 250 people such as drug or alcohol abuse, representing 30 civic institutions ready to 'The people at homelessness, gambling, eating help the local authorities and Fresh Beginnings to welcome those 50 families. disorders, self harm, and other Thanks to this amazing campaign, five Fresh Beginnings addictive behaviours. families have already been welcomed to COVER STORY Colchester in December 2015, and three will have been amazing' be welcomed to Brightlingsea by the new Marwan said: “It was really difficult It is a situation offered to all the Syrian Refugees Welcome group which has been conditions. It wasn’t healthy, there was no refugees who have come to Colchester, so inspired by our methods. sanitation. We weren’t allowed to work they don’t take council homes. Based on a This is only the beginning of an because we weren’t citizens but we still had The family know they are lucky to have 300 acre dairy extraordinary story of solidarity and found a new home. compassion. to pay for where we were staying.” farm in rural Devon, While they were there they had their Marwan’s family is still in Damascus Gilead uses the daughter Lara, now two and a half, who where he manages to contact them “from Genesis Process Bishop’s appeal brought a lot of joy but also added to their time to time”. Relapse Prevention worry. He said: “They are alive but it’s not good.” THE Bishop of Barking, , speaking Rahaf’s mother, father and two brothers programme In the end, the family was lucky. Thanks to on Sky News, called on the Home Office to the UN, they were to be rehomed in the UK. made it to Germany after one of the with our clients. establish a "functional system" for Rahaf said: “I just cried. We were so brothers decided to walk all the way there at identifying unaccompanied refugee children the age of only 16, as his father was gravely in Calais with potential claims to family happy.Living the way we were, it was a reunification in the UK. dream to get out of that.” ill and was getting no help in Syria’s They were placed in Colchester thanks to overwhelmed hospitals. If you, or someone you know would He said relying on volunteers and lawyers to identify refugee children and then Colchester Council’s unanimous decision to As the boy was a minor, and dependent like more information about Gilead processing claims "child by child" was home Syrian families in the town. The on his parents, Germany allowed his family or would like to make an application, "inefficient, costly to the taxpayer, and borough has taken more than any other in to enter the country to join him. please contact: hugely stressful for the children". East Anglia. But a month later, Rahaf’s father died. Her Laura Alm Tel: 01837 851240 "We know of two boys who have died in The family arrived in Stansted on a family are struggling to cope. Fax: 01837 851520 the last 12 months trying to reach their military plane in December. Rahaf has managed to visit once and is families in the UK," he added. [email protected] "The government has a legal and a Thanks to Fresh Beginnings – part of hoping to go again soon. For now, the family moral responsibility to ensure that refugee DNA Networks, a Bishop’s Mission Order are just thankful they are safe in Colchester. children who have close family members in church - a private landlord was found who Marwan said: “We don’t know what www.gilead.org.uk the UK are granted safe passage." was willing to lease his property to the happened to our apartment in Damascus, or family. if anything is left. THE MONTH September 2016 7 THE month — Churches help provide the welcoming ‘flesh on the bones’ to efforts by local authorities and agencies

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Essex family who fled warzone Christian Healing Trust

Autumn Conference Saturday October 15th 'Essex is 10am to 4pm. (Registration and refreshments from 9.30am) “Going deeper with God” a place of Speaker: Lin Button Leader of Pastoral Ministry at All Saints Church,Woodford Wells Venue welcome' Harold Wood Methodist Church THE Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen 1 The Drive, Romford, Essex RM3 ODU 0(200yds from Harold Wood Station, Cottrell, has said the churches can ample parking) help provide the ‘welcoming flesh on the bones’ to efforts by local Tickets authorities and other agencies to Tickets are £10.00 support Syrian refugees arriving in the (£8 for ECHT members) UK. For more information and to book This work — long-term, painstaking please contact Peter Jones and ‘not for the faint hearted’ — is part on [email protected] of the Church of England’s mission or 01702 476273 alongside its work with food banks, street pastors and debt advice services, he added. In the Diocese of Chelmsford, nearly £100,000 was raised shortly before Christmas from parishes and individuals to help Syrian refugees on their arrival in the diocese through work such as language lessons and advice services. Five Syrian families have arrived in Colchester since December, with the diocese working alongside the migrant and refugee support centre Fresh Beginnings (see main feature) and the local council to aid the resettlement of Syrian refugee families. Chelmsford diocese is offering two houses, in Essex, to accommodate Blessed is the man who walks Colchester school and Lara understands Syrian refugee families from COVER STORY a lot of what is said to her, despite not yet September. not in the counsel of the wicked, being three. An ‘English for women’ project has nor stands in the way of sinners, “We hope to go back one day, but we just Marwan, who speaks through a been running since November from nor sits in the seat of scoffers; don’t know. translator, said he desperately wants to Chelmsford Cathedral helping women “Colchester has been so good and learn the language so he can begin and their pre-school children to learn but his delight is in the law of the welcoming. working again. English and learn about English Lord, and on his law he meditates “We have a befriending family who helped He said: “Learning English is so culture. day and night. He is like a tree us and introduced us to their friends, who important. I am going to do a course at The project, run by volunteers and have now become our friends too. the Wilson Marriage Centre as soon as partly supported by the diocesan planted by streams of water that “The people at Fresh Beginnings have possible.I already have a website for my refugee fund, is due to expand in yields its fruit in its season, and been amazing also. photos and I want to start again as soon September. its leaf does not wither. In all that “It all just means so much to us. Everyone as possible.” Heike Prentice, a first-year ordinand has done so much to help.” Revd David Beales, Pioneer Minister at at , who coordinates he does, he prospers. The wicked Rahaf said: “Everything here is a change. DNA Network and chair of Fresh the volunteers, said: “The cathedral are not so, but are like chaff that “The food, the system, TV and even Beginnings, said the whole of Colchester has been fantastically supportive and the wind drives away. Therefore driving is on the wrong side of the road. should be proud of its achievement. the confidence of the women has There are strawberries here but in my He said: “There are people giving up grown significantly.” the wicked will not stand in the country they have a completely different their time as volunteers to help here. So ● Lambeth Palace is the first sponsor judgment, nor sinners in the taste.” far we have helped 34 Syrians and a approved under a new scheme to congregation of the righteous; The family is enjoying mixing their old and further five will be coming in the next encourage community groups to for the Lord knows the way of new cultures, embracing fish fingers and year. provide housing and support for chips for dinner alongside their more familiar “Colchester Council is an extraordinary refugee families coming into the United the righteous, but the way of the cuisine. bunch of people to unanimously agree to Kingdom. wicked will perish. Their next aim is to learn to speak English this across all parties and they were put For more information about the Psalm 1 (ESV) fully. there by the people of Colchester.” scheme visit: www.gov.uk/government/ Rahaf already has a good grasp of the ● This feature is reprinted with the kind publications/apply-for-full-community- language and now plans to teach English to permission of the Colchester Daily sponsorship. Photo: www.sxc.hu others, Abdul, nine, is doing well at a Gazette. 8 THE MONTH September 2016 Lois’ story My name is Lois Samuel, and I am a con erence where people o the marketing and undraising various denominations came manager at Gilead Foundations together and praised God and we charity, based at Risdon Farm in saw people healed and lives set Devon. ree, it was just an amazing week. I have been a part o the Gilead One thing that really spoke to team now or 14 years, ever since me through the various teachings I married Ben Samuel (Ian and is that in order to experience Bronwen Samuel’s son, ounders reedom in our lives we need to o Gilead Foundations). We have look at ourselves in a di erent two amazing children, Caleb (13) way, we need to allow the spirit and Cerys (11). o God to touch our hearts and My Father Phil Cana became have a revelation that God made a trustee o Gilead over 15 years us and HE MADE US GOOD! ago, and I came to Gilead to visit Gilead Foundations has helped the arm and ell in love with many people over the past 25 the place, and Ben, and the rest years who are broken, who su er Lois and Ben with their two children, Caleb and Cerys is history! I have been brought rom various addictions such as up in a Christian home all my drugs, alcohol, sel -harm and them survive); those ears control true potential” through amily heading up the undraising li e and I have been so thank ul mental health issues. These sel -destructive behaviour and structure and we believe that and marketing section which and ortunate to have a great people are on a journey and we emotions, and a er identi ying God has given us the tools to is quite a task! Government upbringing. At a young age I was help people discover how much them we help people to resolve help people discover God, to ace unding or individuals is getting always wanting to help people God loves them and that He them. Whether the issue is their ears and bring them into almost impossible to obtain who were less ortunate than made THEM GOOD! anxiety, anger, alcohol, drug or reedom. especially or the whole 52 week I was and my heart is to help The Genesis programme we ood abuse, a negative, critical My main role at Gilead is programme that we deliver. We people discover God or who he deliver at Gilead can help those attitude, are so very thank ul or is, and to help instil good amily who are willing to change. It is or spiritual the many people who give principles into their lives, just biblically based and orms part stagnation; regularly and send one-o as I have been taught by my o our therapeutic, residential we can help gi s, as without their help parents. ‘ amily’ model o rehabilitation people  nd we would not be able to I have just come back rom which has an 85% success new reedom continue this God-given New Wine, and it’s been a rate or people who complete that lasts. vision. antastic week. What struck their rehab with us. The goal The vision We are looking or me throughout the week, o the process is to identi y the o Gilead is churches and individuals to rom the speakers and in the subconscious ears that they ace to “unlock help partner with us so we worship, is God is on the move! (which are actually belie systems people and can continue to help many It was exciting to be a part o they have developed to help release their people that are trapped in addiction. We would also love the opportunity o PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEAD WITH A I enclose a one-off gift of £ DONATION OR REGULAR MONTHLY GIVING. Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations sharing our story with you, If you have any questions about our work, please contact I would like to become a Partner so please do get in touch Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions Please fill in this form i you would like us to take about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the Lois at work in the o ce part in your church service. ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973. Name YouPLEASE can CONSIDERalso visit www.gilead.org.uk SUPPORTING GILEAD to find WITH out A more I enclose a one-off gift of £ aboutDONATION us and OR donate REGULAR online. MONTHLY GIVING. Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations Name of your bank If you have any questions about our work, please contact I would like to become a Partner Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions Please fill in this form Iabout am a makingUK taxpayer a larger and donation I agree to or Gileadinterest Foundations free loan to the Bank address Charityministry, (GFC) please claiming contact tax Chris on Coleall past, (Trustee) present on and 07957 future 433973. Name Compassion springs up donations I make to the charity. Please treat my donations You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more Postcode asabout Gift us Aid and donations. donate online. I confirm that I am paying or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover Name of your bank Ian Samuel, Gilead’s Founder, said recently, “Sometimes people say to the amount GFC and any other charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will reclaim for the tax year Account No. Sort Code us ‘Taking drugs is their own ault, why should we help?’ But the reality (6I am April a UK one taxpayer year to and5 April I agree the tonext Gilead year). Foundations Council Tax and BankInstruction address to your bank: Please deduct £10 / £20 / other amount £ o nearly every person we see is that the drugs or alcohol are used as an VATCharity do (GFC)not qualify claiming towards tax on Gift all Aid.past, GFC present will andreclaim future 25 from my account on (dd/mm/yy) / / pencedonations of tax I make for every to the £1 charity. that has Please been treat given. my donations Then monthl y until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead anaesthetic to numb the pain caused by terrible childhood circumstances. Postcode as Gift Aid donations. I confirm that I am paying or will pay Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 At Gilead we help people  nd healing or the pain which led to their an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Signedthe amount GFC and any other charitiesDate or Community addictions.” Our compassion springs up when we see these people as they Account No. Sort Code AmateurPlease add Sports my details Clubs to (CASCs) the Gilead will mailing reclaim list for the tax year Signed Date are: hurting children, trying to survive the e ects o abuse and hardship, (6 April one year to 5 April the next year). Council Tax and Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £10 / £20 / other amount £ who need the love o a per ect ather. We all need to  nd that love, to one VATTitle do (M notr, Mqualifyrs, Re vtowards, other) Gift Aid. GFC will reclaim 25 from my accountSurname on (dd/mm/yy) / / pence of tax for every £1 that has been given. Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead degree or another. First Name Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY Gilead Foundations is partly unded by Government unding, partly Signed Date through seeking grants rom Trusts, partly through the arming activities PleaseAddr addess my details to the Gilead mailing list Signed Date at Risdon Farm. Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other) SurnamePostcode We are committed to providing some o our bed spaces First Name Organisation / company (if applicable) or people who do not have unding, when we know

Address they are committed to change and we believe that they Telephone Number can make that change. So, our charity also relies on the Email Postcode regular and one-o donations o many wonder ul people Organisation / company (if applicable) Please return this form to rom all walks o li e and all over the country. Some Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ give £10 a month, some up to £100; others have given Telephone Number You can also donate online. DIO0916 just one donation o £5, and others make much larger Email contributions. However much, however o en, we know Please return this form to 01837 851240 that people give rom compassionate hearts, and every Gilead Foundations,Tel : 01837 851240 RisdonFax: 01837 Farm,851520 Email Jacobstowe,: [email protected] Okehampton,rg.uk www .gilead.or gEX20.uk 3AJ Registered in EnglandYou No can: 2608644 also Limited donate by Guawww.gilead.org.ukrantee Ronline.egistered Charity No: 1002909 single gi is valuable and goes towards helping people  nd reedom rom addictive and destructive lives. Please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly Tel : 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email : [email protected] www .gilead.org.uk  nancial partner. Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909 THE MONTH September 2016 9 THE month — What’s on near you during this summer in Essex & East London

Every Sunday re-enactment group Regia Anglorum will set up a living House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. See the history encampment by kind permission of Mr and Mrs ● St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New advertisement on the back page for a complete list of T Vestey in association with Ashdon Parish Council. Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm. Walkers’ main services in the cathedral. Ride+Stride event See how the Anglo-Saxons lived, what they ate – talk to Cafe Church. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a piece Monday-Saturday THIS national event was started by the a Viking if you dare! Saturday: Battle re-enactment! of home-made cake while visiting E17's least-known ● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Lexden, Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and Regia Anglorum warriors re-enact the Battle of church, hidden in a strip of Epping Forest, yet easily Colchester. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Saturdays Friends of Essex Churches (FECT) Assaundun. Part of the celebrations of the Millennium of reachable by bus (number 20 stops yards away), by 10am-2pm. the Battle of Assandun. bicycle, or on foot. Learn about the 176-year history of joined it in 1983. ● the listed building, including its links to the Warner Thursday, August 18 Now more than 30 counties take part St Martin's, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3LJ. ● St George's church, Ongar Road (near Robin Hood Flower Festival "Poetry Please!" Sat: 11am-5pm; Sun: family, and the plans for the future. Depending on the Roundabout) Brentwood. 7.30pm. Mission Eucharist & on the second Saturday each September 2-5pm. Lunches: Sat: noon-2pm. Teas: Sat and Sun weather, either relax in the tranquillity of the churchyard, Bring & Buy and Bring & Share Supper in aid of the from 10am-6pm. The best part is that 2-5pm. Sun: 5.30pm Festival service. Free admission, or take shelter inside. Papua New Guinea Partnership. Tel 01277 213618. you can choose your own itinerary, donations appreciated. ● St James@4. St James' Church, Beatrice Road, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. visiting the places that you want, ● St Mary's Great Parndon, Harlow. Flower festival. Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE. A short, informal Service of Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session because there is no set route. Sat: 10.30am-4.30pm. Sun: 12.30pm-4.30pm. Holy Communion, using modern music, and followed by will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to Refreshment and stalls to browse including cakes, refreshments. Suitable for all ages. improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. Everyone can join in and everyone books, plants. Sat: Tombola stall & Fun Dog show at Wednesday, September 21 August 20-September 3 does. Participants are sponsored for the 1.30pm. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● The Quaker Tapestry at Chelmsford Cathedral. The number of places of worship they visit ● Abbess Roding Flower Festival. St Edmund's Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean exhibition is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. The on the day, and people are imaginative: Church Abbess Roding. Saturday: 10am to 4pm. Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● exhibition is free. It is normally closed on a Sunday but one family sailed to the churches on the Sunday:10am to 2.30pm. Annual Church Flower Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler is open on Sunday, August 21 from 10.30am-3pm. banks of the River Blackwater; another Festival Freshly cooked breakfasts (from 10am), Group. lunches, BBQ, Salad Bar & Teas. Crafts: Quilts, ● Sunday, August 21 year a group from Chadwell Heath raised St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime ● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest cushions, Christmas Decorations, hand knitted and concert series. Gail Ford (accomp. Edward Bridge): Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 money on their exercise bikes; whilst a crocheted garments. Many stalls: Tombola, Cakes, Oboe. Retiring Collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). Brentwood choir quartet, known as the Plants etc. Novelty Dog Show on Saturday at 1pm. Thursday, September 22 ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of SongCycle, sings a motet in every Service at 3pm Sunday with the Archdeacon of ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm. Led church they visit. You can also be Stansted. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session by Parishes of Bradwell & St Lawrence. Saturday, September 10 will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to ● sponsored for stewarding your local ● Ride+Stride event (see panel left). All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. church and welcoming riders and improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and ● Ilford Hospital Chapel, Ilford Hill. 10am-2.30pm. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made striders. Open Day. Stalls will include greetings cards, jewellery, meets in the Chapter House. cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water The annual sponsored Ride+Stride is bargain CDs and DVDs, Memorabilia and bric-a-brac. Friday-Sunday, September 23-25 bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. the main fundraiser for the FECT. Half of Free guided tours. Refreshments available. ● National Prayer weekend - Join the nation in ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 the money raised goes to the church or ● St Andrew's Church Hall, Althorne CM3 6BY. 10am- prayer. www.national-prayer-weekend.com 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest chapel of your choice, and the other half 6pm. Tea, cake & Books, in aid of Friends of Essex ● Holy Trinity Rayleigh SS6 8BB. Festival of Flowers Churches Trust. More info: Lynda 740481 House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds. is credited to the FECT grants fund. 'Lets celebrate' floral decorations and artworks in the Wednesday, August 24 Sunday, September 11 church by church members, local groups and ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Ride+Stride day is a special Open Day ● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest businesses.Fri and Sat: 10am-4.30pm, Sun: 2-4.30pm. Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean for churches throughout the UK: it is a Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Light refreshments. Entry by donation. In aid of The Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. wonderful way to visit churches which Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). Friends of Holy Trinity Rayleigh contact for information ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime might otherwise be closed and the event ● St Mary with St Leonard Church, Church Green, 01268742252. concert series. Bayswater Saxophone Quartet - Wind Broomfield CM1 7BD. 3pm Pet Service will be held on Friday, September 23 coincides with Heritage Open Days. ● Band. Free entry. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15. ● To take part in the Ride+Stride on Church Green for all pets great and small to attend Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime co.uk along with their owners. Photos of pets, past or present, Concert. Admission is free, but we welcome your Thursday, August 25 September 10, download sponsorship may be brought along. A blessing will be offered for the contributions, which are divided between various ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. and other relevant forms www.foect.org. pets and owners. charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session uk/rideandstride/publicityandforms.php. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish. will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to or create your own fundraising page on teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, Saturday, September 24 ● improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. JustGiving straight away. whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and The Stanway Federation Learning Centre, Friday, August 26 coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and Colchester. 9.30am-4pm. Being Good News in ● St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood CM14 4DF - biscuits for our four-legged friends. Schools, an event to celebrate resource and equip Lunchtime Live! 1-1.45pm. Flautista (flute trio). improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. l There is a fascinating story related to every inch Christians in our local schools. Whether you are a Admission free - retiring collection. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers' Union of Pleshey's Magna Carta embroidery. Visit Pleshey governor, teacher, Clergy, Schools worker, Youth worker, Friday-Sunday, August 26-28 Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. church at 4pm to view the finished work and hear Chaplain or a Church member with a heart to do more ● The Danbury Society 44th Art Exhibition. Danbury ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union about its creation. Churchyard teas from 2pm-6pm with and for your local school, this conference is for you! Sports & Social Centre Main Road, Danbury CM3 Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. and the castle site will be open as it will be National Book your place at http://bit.ly/28Kg9aN. 4NQ. More information from www.chelmsford.anglican. Saturday-Monday, September 3-5 Heritage Day. Further details from Joan Clarke ● St Laurence Eastwood SS2 6UN. 2.30-5pm. Crown org/faith/event/150524/. ● St Peter's South Hanningfield CM3 8HW. Flower ([email protected]). Imperial: A Celebration of the Queen's 90th Year. Saturday, August 27 Festival entitled 'The Golden Age'. Sat and Sun: noon- Wednesday, September 14 Friends of St Laurence Church present 'Crown Imperial' ● ● St George's Church, Ongar Road (near Robin Hood 5pm followed on Sunday by Songs of Praise and Verse Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on with Gerald Usher at the church organ with musical roundabout), Brentwood. Dog Show. Registration at Service at 5pm. Mon: 11am-3pm. Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean friends. Details from Grace Panton on 01702 528868. 12 noon - and judging starts at 1pm. Refreshments, Saturday, September 3 Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St Mary's Sheering. 2-5pm. Harvest Festival. ● stalls, raffle. Event in aid of St George's Porch Fund - ● St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby & Toddler Decorated church, stalls in church room, cream teas tel 07952 222911. (entrance through church hall in Tower Road) CO15 Group. and homemade cakes. Saturday-Monday, August 27-29 1LE. 3-5pm. Messy Church. ● Chelmsford Cathedral, St Cedd's Hall in the Chapter Sunday, September 25 ● ● Flower Festival at St Mary’s Ramsden Bellhouse: ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral House, Chelmsford, CM1 1NX. 8pm. Theological All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon Saturday: 2-5pm and a Big Band concert at 7pm. Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy Society lecture “Living out the call” by Dr Paul Beasley- teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, Tickets from Audrey on 01268 710757. Sunday: 11am- fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. Murray. Paul Beasley-Murray was the Senior Minister of whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and 4pm and Songs of Praise at 4pm. Monday: 11am-4pm. Sunday, September 4 Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford between 1993 and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and Ploughmans lunches and light refreshments each day. ● 2014, when he retired. He is Chairman of Ministry biscuits for our four-legged friends. Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest ● ● Flower festival at St John the Baptist church Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 Today UK and General Editor of its journal. He also St Mary's Buttsbury, Ingatestone road between Finchingfield. 10am - 5.30pm each day. Wonderful 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). chairs the College of Baptist Ministers. Amongst his Stock and Ingatestone CM4 9PA. 5pm. Harvest Festival displays of flowers, open over August bank holiday ● previous appointments he was Principal of Spurgeon’s service with afternoon tea afterwards. All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. ● weekend. Arrangements will remain in the church until Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fan- College in London. A prolific author, his books and Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest the end of the week. tastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, articles for the most part reflect on the practice of Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Saturday-Tuesday, August 27-30 tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls ministry. Admission to the lectures is £3.50. A video of Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). ● ’s 29th Annual Flower Festival ‘Visions the lecture will be available on YouTube after the event. ● and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Tea and cake at St Catherine's East Tilbury RM18 of Angels’. The Parish Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Monday-Friday, September 6-16 St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime 8PB. The church is open for tea and homemade cakes. CO6 1QF. 10am-5pm except 11.45am-5pm on Sunday. ● St Stephen Walbrook, 31 Walbrook, London EC4N concert series. Philip Bricher: Organ. Free entry. Make time to visit the ancient church of St. Catherine's More information: www.chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/ 8BN. 10am-4pm. commission4mission's exhibition Retiring Collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk in East Tilbury Village (St. Cedd's other church in the event/150525/ Thursday, September 15 Diocese) which has recently been extended and 'Reflection'. Closed September 10 and 11. ● Sunday, August 28 Wednesday, September 7 Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. refurbished. Also why not visit the adjacent historic ● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest ● Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session Coalhouse fort and its country park. Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Tuesday, September 27 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. ● Dedham Lecture 2016. Dedham Parish Church, High Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of ● Hadstock church. 7pm. Remembering: What’s the Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DE. 8pm. With Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Point of the Past? With Revd Paula Griffiths, Priest at St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm. Group. Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, Former Bishop of Rochester Bishop of Bradwell, John Wraw. ● Hadstock. Free entry. Part of the celebrations of the on faith, freedom & the future “Challenges for the 21st ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Millennium of the Battle of Assandun Century”. For further information, please email office@ All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Theology. Meet at the Food Court. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and ● Friday, September 16 dedham-parishchurch.org.uk fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Wednesday, September 28 cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Concert. Admission is free, but we welcome your ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. Bookshop Reading Group. Everyone is welcome and it contributions, which are divided between various Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean is free to join in. For details and encouragement, ● Velostreams - bike rides - a journey of discovery charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. with God on 2 wheels. The vision is a cycling please contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are ● email [email protected] Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler community who also want to know God better, and to ● welcome to bring your own if you wish. Group. reach out to cyclists, families, and young people alike. St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime Saturday, September 17 ● concert series. Adarna Ensemble: Brass . Free entry. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime Explore the Essex countryside, make new friends, and St George's Brentwood. Fundraiser: The Robin pub, concert series. Andy Losq: organ. Retiring collection. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk explore what it means to live life to the full. For more Ongar Road CM15 9EB. A fundraising event in aid of St www.stjohnse15.co.uk Thursday, September 8 info find us on Facebook by searching for Velostreams ● George's porch fund .Barbecue and stalls - cakes, toys, Thursday, September 29 community.Contact Colin (07789511910) & Jeremy Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. smash crockery, books, bouncy castle, wine tasting. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. (07538545120). Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session 6pm auction. 7pm karaoke. Tel 01277 213618 for more Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session Sunday-Monday, August 28-29 will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to information. will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to ● improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. ● St Mary's Maldon, Church Street. Open Day. Tea and cake at St Catherine's East Tilbury RM18 ● improve physical and spiritual health and well-being. 8PB. 2-5pm each day. The church is open for tea and Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers' Union 10-30am-5 pm. A display of vestments, stalls, Friday, September 30 homemade cakes. Make time to visit the ancient Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. refreshments, lunches. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime church of St. Catherine's in East Tilbury Village (St. Thursday-Sunday, September 8-11 Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18 ● ● Concert. Admission is free, but we welcome your Cedd's other church in the Diocese) which has recently St George's Church Brentwood: Open weekend St Leonard's church, Southminster, CM0 7EW. contributions, which are divided between various been extended and refurbished. And why not visit the (near Robin Hood roundabout). Brentwood's only Art 9.20am-6pm. Southminster Art & Craft Exhibition. Many charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments adjacent historic Coalhouse fort and its country park. Deco Church is open on: Thursday (10am - 12 noon); items will be for sale. Admission is free but donations from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish. Wednesday, August 31 Friday (10am-12 noon); Saturday 10th (10am-5pm); will be appreciated. 10 per cent of sales money is for ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Sunday, 11th from (2.30pm -5pm. Come and see this church funds. Light refreshments available both days October 2016 diary deadline Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Brentwood architect born and educated Art Deco and Ploughman's Lunch on Saturday. ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. Church - and its award winning grounds. Tel 01277- Sunday, September 18 anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah ● St John’s, Stratford, E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert 213618 for more information ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon Newman on 01245 294443 by September 1 series. Ice Neal /Roby Meola (Voice/Guitar). Free entry. Saturday-Sunday, September 10-11 teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, The Month ● for inclusion in and on the diocesan Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.uk St Nicholas church, Harwich. Community Flower whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and website. Thursday, September 1 Festival “Celebrating Community”. Church open Sat: coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and ● 10am-4pm; Sun: 11am-4pm. Refreshments available. Latest events Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session All proceeds to church funds. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 You can find the latest events online at will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to ● Waltons House, Ashdon CB10 2JD. Renowned 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest www.chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/calendar 10 THE MONTH September 2016

ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible accommodation for Group Quiet FROM PROPAGATION Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays. Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily offi ce in St TO PARTNERSHIP Mary Magdalene’s Chapel. For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU As Us returns to the well-loved USPG, the P in Tel: 01235 763141 Email: [email protected] our name has changed! It might seem a small www.csmv.co.uk change but it’s an important one. It’s the way we do mission now - inclusive, empowering, forward-looking.

UNITED SOCIETY PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL the novel

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ fi ve star reviews 58 on amazon.co.uk BE SEEN Treat yourself to a great read You can advertise in this newspaper with a monthly circulation of 22,500, at a very reasonable cost, reaching a great church audience in parishes from the coast at Southend on Sea right into the Eastern suburbs of London at Woodford and Waltham Forest. We can also help you to advertise in seven other Diocesan For the Lord your God is a newspapers throughout the South of England and the Home merciful God. He will not Counties, with a total circulation nearly 170,000. To nd out more, contact Glenda or Michelle on leave you or destroy you 01752 225623 or forget the covenant or email [email protected] TM with your fathers that he swore to them.

Deut 4:31 THE MONTH September 2016 11 UK education - one of the best Britain’s higher education system being informed by their Christian is regarded worldwide as one of the beliefs. finest there is. With Universities Throughout the centuries, this high and Colleges all competing to outdo value on learning has been developed each other in providing the very best in all kinds of areas. Specialist choices and training for students, we technical colleges, residential truly live in a country that is rich in private schools, ancient universities educational resources. and redbrick universities, art We are also fortunate to have colleges, drama and performing arts many fine secondary and primary colleges and others all cater for our Common Awards Undergraduate & schools, some of them church based, educational needs. Common Award Postgraduate courses some secular, some state schools, As well as mainstream education, Mixed-Mode Training (BA, BTh, MTh, MSt, some academies – all dedicated to we are blessed with a wide variety MPhil, DPhil) plus enriching the lives of students. To of Bible Colleges and Seminaries, Certificate in ministerial training have access to the finest education, offering specifically Christian Theological Studies whether one is from a privileged teaching to equip and establish people or less-privileged background, is a in their own journey of faith and in wonderful opportunity, and one for their service to others. which we can be thankful. There are Education is just one part of our many in this world who would walk personal growth and development, miles every day just to gain a basic yet it is one of the most influential education. for those who are fortunate enough Much of this is founded upon a to take full advantage of it. It is no Christian heritage. Our earliest coincidence that this wonderful and universities were faith based in many varied resource is available to all, cases, with values of advancing our and is based largely, in its historical common good, and spiritual well- context in the UK, on Christian The Evangelical College being, through specific education foundations. in the [email protected] of Oxford www.wycliffehall.ox.ac.uk

[email protected] 12 THE MONTH September 2016 THE month — Vintage year for Woodford Wells vicar and regional director Cranmer Awards THE Prayer Book Society has launched the latest Cranmer Awards, an annual competition to introduce young people to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Entrants from across the country Paul selected as read or recite a passage of their choice, 3-5 minutes in duration, from the Book of Common Prayer. ● Schools and churches wishing to nominate children to compete in regional heats are asked to contact the Prayer Book Society’s office at The Studio, Copyhold Farm, Lady Grove, New Wine leader Goring Heath, Reading RG8 7RT, call PAUL Harcourt, New Paul has accepted our key role in my faith and in part of a family of churches 0118 984 2582, email pbs.admin@pbs. Wine’s Regional Director invitation to be our new the life and growth of my seeking to change nations.” org.uk or visit www.pbs.org.uk for London & East and National Leader. church. Paul will begin drawing Vicar of All Saints "Paul brings with him a "I believe God is still together a team to support Woodford Wells, has been vast amount of experience using the network in him in his role in the Jubilate anniversary appointed as the next leading a local church into powerful ways, and that months leading up to his THE Jubilate celebration at All Souls National Leader of New renewal, and he is not there are greater things of appointment. Church Langham Place, London on Wine, the charismatic afraid to trust the voice of the Kingdom to come in This team will reflect the October 15 will be 'a bit special'. evangelical network of God and take risks to this nation. diversity of New Wine, in "In many of our churches, hymns and churches which began as a advance the Kingdom. "My prayer is that we will terms of age, gender, and songs such as 'Tell out, my soul', which 1989 summer conference. "A strategic thinker who continue to push into his geographical context. were first published in Youth Praise 50 Paul (pictured right) will understands the vision and Spirit and follow his calling, Further details of this years ago, are stll sung," says Emma start this role on October 1. values of our network, Paul to see churches across team will be released in Turl of High Beach church. John Coles, Chair of will bring a fresh leadership England be changed so due course. "Some of the original promoters are Trustees, said: “After perspective to New Wine that they can transform and John Coles will be still going strong and hymns continue spending time in prayer and is the right person to bring renewal to community staying in his role as Chair to be published on the Jubilate website, and seeking the wisdom of lead into the next season.” and culture. of Trustees to provide as well as a growing number of those both within and Paul added: “I am "By continuing my role at continuity during the worship songs. outside the New Wine humbled and privileged to All Saints, I intend to handover of leadership and "New lyricists and musicians are network, the New Wine be taking on this role. remain rooted in ministry during the early stages of joining them and there is always room Trustees are delighted that "New Wine has played a within a local church that is Paul’s leadership. for more." ● Readers interested in finding out how to book should contact Emma on 01992 711788. James heads for Malaysia REVD Dr James Harding, Archbishop Moon Hing, Bible conference Lecturer in Missiology at St commencing mid-August. THE 2016 Chelmsford Anglican Bible Mellitus College, has been Revd Charlie Kosla, Conference will take place on Saturday seconded to be the first Director Chelmsford Diocese Mission & October 15 at the Central Baptist of the new St Paul's Theological Evangelism Adviser, says: Church in Chelmsford. The theme of the College Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. "Please pray that James’ conference will be ‘Drift: A Danger We Resourced by St Mellitus, children fit into their new school All Face?’ The speaker will be Kev the new college will have 42 quickly and the family will all Murdoch, vicar of Euston church. students, of whom 16 are make good friends, and that ● For more information and to book ordinands in the Anglican they can cope with the tropical your place please visit: http://ow. Church of South East Asia. heat and humidity." ly/8jjh301FDA4 This is a 12-month Charlie (right) is pictured secondment at the invitation of saying farewell to James.

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Creationtide resources Worship & Prayer at Chelmsford Cathedral are available on line THE Church of England’s The worship resources A warm welcome to your cathedral , Environment Task Group is include: commending a set of liturgical ● Material for Seasons and serving Essex and East London resources to encourage Festivals of the Agricultural Year churches who wish to celebrate Is God calling you to ordination? and cherish God’s gift to from Common Worship: Times Sunday humanity in creation. and Seasons, commended by The resources, curated by the House of for use at Have you heard the whisper of a call? 8.00am Holy Communion Canon Vicky Johnson of Ely the discretion of the minister: Has anyone asked you to consider about being ordained? 9.30am Parish Eucharist Cathedral, will allow churches to http://ow.ly/BaKM3034DmT. 11.15am Choral Eucharist take part in a Creationtide ● Resources for worship and Explore more. season from September 1 until 3.30pm Evensong prayer produced by the October 4 every year. A five week session starting 22nd September-20th October 2016 Creationtide is originally an Environment Task Group: Every Thursday at 7.30pm-9.00pm D aily Services Eastern Orthodox initiative, but http://ow.ly/x0693034ECf. has now spread widely among ● A series of liturgical St Johns Church, Stratford

7.45am Morning Prayer Anglican, Roman Catholic and resources, including collects, 8.15am Holy Communion Protestant congregations, post-communion prayers, forms bringing Christians together to (also Weds at 12.35 of intercession and additional and Thurs at 10am) pray and work for the protection of the environment that sustains material for the Eucharistic 12.00pm Midday Prayer If you sense the slightest call to discover more about the ordained everyone. Prayer, produced for trial use by 5.15pm Evensong ministry in the Church of England, why not come and spend five weeks (sung on Mon, Tues, Pope Francis gave a major the Diocese of Guildford: exploring your vocation. It will be an opportunity to learn more of what Thurs and Fri) boost to the profile of http://ow.ly/NCwD3034E2Q. vocation to the ordained ministry in the Church of England is all about. Creationtide when, speaking ● A liturgy for All-Age Worship, before nearly two million people produced by Canon Johnson If interested contact Calvert Prentis via email: [email protected] at the World Youth Day in while an incumbent in the or telephone 020 85992761 for more details or to book a place. www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk Krakow, he declared September 1 an annual ‘World Day of Diocese of Manchester: Prayer for the Care of Creation’. http://ow.ly/e69Y3034Ebe..