THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

A f t e r t h e d e l u g e M o p p i n g u p i n M a d e i r a

T e s t i n g v o c a t i o n s C o n s i d e r i n g G o d ’ s c a l l t o s e r v i c e

N e w h o me i n E i n d h o v e n A c o n g r e g a t i o n o n t h e m o v e

T h e l i g h t o f C h r i s t I n t h e l a n d o f m i d n i g h t s u n

F r o m C h r i s m t o c r o s s H o l y W ee k mem o r i e s

FREE N o . 4 6 S u m m er 2 0 1 0 2 T H E S A M E – B U T D I F F E R E N t

THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n F l i g h t s g r o u n d e d The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe The Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: [email protected] The Suffragan Bishop in Europe The Rt Revd David Hamid Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected]

The Diocesan Office Picture by Stephen Nicholls 14 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 b u t f a i t h k ee p s o n t h e m o v e Email: diocesan.office@europe. c-of-e.org.uk In the Northamptonshire town where wrong place at the wrong time and hasty I grew up they had a strange saying changes were needed to be able to offer Diocesan Secretary normal services in some congregations. Mr Adrian Mumford that something was “the same, only different!” and I regularly puzzle on Other chaplaincies found themselves Assistant Diocesan Secretary exactly what was meant by it. advising and assisting travellers stranded Mrs Jeanne French News and reports of events reflect far from home and often without money Finance Officer times when life stops going on in the or a bed for the night. Mr Nick Wraight­ same way and there is a different The Diocese in Europe is the same Diocesan Website challenge for a time. Across the – but different. We are proud to be the www.europe.anglican.org diocese we have seen natural events 44th diocese of the Church of England bring challenges in recent weeks. and take our place alongside the historic Editor and Diocesan Extraordinary torrential rainfall over locations in England but conscious of Communications Officer our uniqueness and scope with different The Revd. Paul Needle the Atlantic caused mudslides and Postal address: Diocesan Office flooding in Madeira. Members of the challenges presented by world events or Email: [email protected] Anglican Church were quick to do what natural disasters. Tel: 0034 662 482 944 they could to alleviate distress and Also reported in this issue are a few of the Holy Week and Easter events. Friends of the Diocese offer some semblance of normality to people whose lives were disrupted. Their (Pictured is the Editor and his local Secretary: The Revd. Philip Warner memories of those days are reported in congregation in the Valencia region of Email: [email protected] this edition. Spain retracing the stations of the Cross) Design Then the volcanic cloud from Iceland, In many countries and a host of ways we Adept Design, Norwich originating not far from one of our celebrated Our Lord’s triumphant return to life in a bodily form which the Gospels Printer most northerly congregations, hung Norwich Colour Print menacingly over much of the continent remind us was the same as the disciples and air travel came to a halt for several recognised but different since he will Distribution days. A number of clergy and church never die again. That risen power keeps CoDEStorm plc members found themselves in the us on the move. Cover photo: Our bishops travel many thousands of Paul Needle miles each year and have the privilege Editor, The European Anglican of celebrating the great festivals in a variety of churches across our vast diocese. Bishop Geoffrey shared the joyful message of Easter and met members of the congregation in Moscow this year. c e l ebratin g a ne w h o m e 3 in E indh o v en

A m a z i n g g r a c e – a n d a l o t o f v i s i o n , p r a y e r a n d h a r d w o r k !

Ruth Steketee, a member of Trinity Church, Eindhoven, recalls an eventful twelve months.

For Trinity Church Eindhoven the 2006 a flow of beautiful babies have Trinity has sorely needed over the year 2009 will go down in history as joined the congregation. years: ample space for crèche and the beginning of a new era after years In September 2009 the Brothers junior church, storage, parking and of consolidation and the formal who administered our venue easy access. In short it is a home approval of the Constitution. reluctantly told the Church Council where a dynamic international On 22 March Bishop Geoffrey that, because of the changing congregation can gain strength and Rowell was presented with an economic situation, the rental blessing to grow spiritually. official copy of the Constitution arrangement was no longer viable and After two hectic days dominated by of Trinity Church Eindhoven by the that we should find alternative the sight and sound of vacuum Churchwardens, duly signed and accommodation within three months. cleaners, buckets and power drills, the sealed, formalizing our full But miracles do happen. What in Church was transformed into a living, membership of the Diocese in our extensive search for a new venue vibrant church. Europe. had been a dream and aspiration A contract for five years was duly Celebrations of Holy Communion suddenly became real possibility signed with the Roman Catholic had been held in private homes in and through the hard work and dedication authorities, and after a short, informal around Eindhoven every month since of a small group. period of prayer the move was 1960. We were served by clergy from On Sunday 8 November the last complete. Trinity Church Eindhoven Rotterdam with lay supporters who celebration of the Eucharist was held held the first service in its new venue came to encourage the work. To this in the Chapel at the Eikenburg. on Sunday 15 November 2009. day one of the founding members still In his address to the Chaplain and For the first time it was possible to attends services at Trinity regularly. the Congregation, Brother van have a Christmas Season of services, Over the years the familiar pattern Heugten bade us farewell, presenting and we were happy to welcome a of establishing an international Trinity Church with the chalice and number of local residents at the congregation followed; the paten used in celebrations of the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. congregation increased and the Eucharist throughout the last 20 years. On Saturday 23 January this year search for a permanent place of Following this profoundly moving we had an Open Day when worship began. ecumenical gesture, the car and cycle representatives of Protestant and For the past 20 years services have exodus of the entire congregation, Catholic churches in the Eindhoven been held in the chapel and other ranging from 91 years of age to a region shared with us the joy and facilities of the Broeders van Liefde of mere couple of months, set off for our inspiration of renewed life in this the Eikenburg in beautiful parkland new venue two kilometers down the beautiful modern church. surroundings on the outskirts of road. The Chaplain, Francis To have our own spiritual home Eindhoven. Lovely though this Noordanus, led the procession on has released long pent-up energy and setting was, it did not diminish our his bicycle. new horizons for growth. It is search for a home of our own. Built in the early 1980’s this former difficult to fully realise how much has The congregation gradually Roman Catholic Church in Aalst had happened in the last year. With increased, we shared the celebration been standing empty for the last two humble and thankful hearts we look of a stream of marriages and since years. The complex includes all that forward to the future. T he da y the rains c a m e 4 t o an is l and p aradise

M u d s l i d e s i n M a d e i r a p r e s e n t a c h a l l e n g e t o t h e c h u r c h

Rev Neil Dawson recalls a weekend that people in Funchal will not quickly forget and how the people of Holy Trinity church responded to a natural disaster We knew that Madeira was having its wettest winter since records began in the 1860s. Then, early in the morning of the 20th February heavy rain began to fall again. It continued until lunch time with an estimated 2-3 cms falling each hour. The already sodden hill sides and the elaborate system of Levadas, water courses cut into the mountain sides to channel water to the farms and homes in the southern part of the Island, could not contain the flow. Water poured down the three water courses through Funchal out into the harbour. The normally gentle streams turned into the raging torrents that made the headlines around the world. Underground car parks were inundated, shops waist dazed and shaken by the mess they for traffic through the rubble. At deep in brown muddy water. The saw. I thought on the Sunday, there various coastal villages, bridges and small rivers, in their deep wide storm would be very few people in church, promenades were washed away and drains burst their banks. People and so many roads were then closed, several villages were cut of for several cars were swept away. The tunnels but it was heartening that over sixty days. Madeira remains one of the that fed the water into the sea became people struggled through the mess, poorest (and most beautiful) parts of blocked with rocks, and the rivers including three of the oldest members Europe and many of its residents will burst though the roads in fountains of the congregation here! After a two not have the means themselves to 15m high and poured out through minute silence we continued with recover from this disaster. the road tunnels. our service and the reception after. Tragic stories began to emerge; Madeira is a volcanic Island Outside the city whole hill sides of a teenage boy who lost his whole composed in the south side of porous had slipped, taking houses people, family, his home and himself losing rocks interspersed in grit and earth. roads and bridges with them. Ribiera part of his hand; of an old man who It was these rocks and mud that Brava, along the coast from Funchal, relied on his nieces who were killed; poured down the hillsides above the at the head of the beautiful Serra of hundreds of people left with city. Around the deep water courses da Agua gorge, which runs north, nothing but the clothes they were there was left a trail of damage and and the villages of Serra de Agua wearing; of a musician who played at a residue of rocks, some half the size and Tabua, further up the gorge all the village festivals, weddings and of cars, and 10cm of brown mud. suffered most. It was here that for Old People’s centres, who lost his Beautiful historic Funchal seemed there were many casualties. Many home and with it his accordion which devastated. By five o’clock the worst homes and several kilometres of represented much of his livelihood. of the flash flood was over, and road were devastated and a dirt track There was one British casualty who people wandered around looking has been created to allow a route was with a party of friends in a taxi T eddies , v o l u nteer l a u ndr y 5 staff and a ne w a c c o rdi o n

that was hit by a mud slide. The taxi immediate need. Very quickly these However we have been able to start driver too lost his life. Her friends people were found accommodation some of the work. On Easter Day a M u d s l i d e s i n M a d e i r a came to Holy Trinity where she was in unused timeshare and holiday new accordion was presented to Sr. remembered in the prayers. They apartments and the emphasis moved Pestana from the people of the English were still deeply shocked by what had to longer term help. The island is Church, so the people of Ribiera happened but were able to join us in dependent on tourism so restoring all Brava and the other villages will have a Parish Supper. Talking helps. that tourists expect to find here, is a music at their festival again. We hope p r e s e n t a c h a l l e n g e Since the end of February a priority. We have been incredibly he will play at our Trinity Weekend staggering amount of progress has impressed by the way every one celebrations. And three enterprising been made with the overall island has mucked in to help each other – ladies in the congregation, Gwen, clean-up thanks to immediate support friends, children, neighbours, fellow Kate and Samantha believing that t o t h e c h u r c h from the Portuguese government business owners. After a month full soft toys could make a real difference and military, and to the enormous of sadness they have picked up the are hand knitting dozens of teddies pieces, moved forward and a buzz of for their ‘Teddies that Care’ appeal optimism abounds. which hopes to add to the much Several relief funds have been needed funds. The idea is simple; set up and we decided to make this people can sponsor a teddy for a the subject of our Lent Appeal. minimum of €5, which is then given Donations have come in from near to a child in need. The Red Cross and far, especially from our regular has found that children who have visitors and the “Friends of Holy undergone a traumatic experience such Trinity”, who can’t bear to see their as bereavement, tragedy or operation beloved holiday island suffering. recover quicker if they have a teddy to Holy Trinity has received donations cuddle. Each teddy has an individual of just over 9,000€ to date including tag giving the name of the sponsor 500€ from the Diocese and another and any special message they wish to 500€ from the Chaplaincy of Costa add; this ensures that each gift has a del Sol East. At the moment we are personal feel. By donating through working with Venerina and a group a single gift of money people are in of volunteers as a “collection, sorting fact giving twice, a physical gift and and distribution” depot of clothing a monetary donation. It’s not just the and bedding which has been gifted. recipients who benefit as the ladies feel Much of it needed cleaning/ that they are contributing positively laundering, and this has been done towards the re-building of shattered by two businesses, one of which lives in Madeira. Although suffering is owned by members of Holy finger fatigue, memory loss, and severe Trinity. The time for distributing lapses in concentration which left one our fund will come a little later teddy with four arms and another when accommodation is sorted out without there has been much humour number of islanders offering unpaid, for many families in the Ribeira in between the gnashing of teeth round-the-clock physical help. The Brava, Serra da Agua and Tabua area, when some serious unpicking had to city was filled with young soldiers, which was so badly hit. We are in be done. scouts and volunteers, looking negotiation with the local Cãmara Finally our heartfelt thanks go to muddy but determined. Diggers (Town Hall) and will be working all those who have responded to our and trucks have been on the go with them to ensure that the money Appeal to assist the people of Madeira. constantly, clearing away the massive is used for the best purposes. At And thanks too, to all the people who quantities of debris, especially the present it looks as if most of the have prayed for us and have rung and rocks. Accommodation has been money will go to provide new fridges emailed to express their concern. sourced for the several hundred who and washing machines when houses Your prayers and support have made lost their homes, permanently or have become habitable again. a real difference. temporarily, and centres were set up to accept donations of food. The nearest to the English Church was at For further information about the Army base in Funchal, where the ‘Teddies that Care’ please contact soldiers gave up their barracks for the families. On the advice of Venerina Samantha Gannon samgan1@gmail. Conti, working with CARITAS we com and any donations of wool sent bottled water, washing powder, would be gratefully received as the tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap, safety ladies have just been asked to knit pins, eggs, milk, bread, combs and much needed brooms and vacuum 100 teddies. cleaners for distribution to those in 6 N o tes fr o m a s m a l l is l and

D o u b l e E a s t e r C e l e b r a t i o n s a t H o l y T r i n i t y , S l i em a , M a l t a

Fr. Alexander, Demetrius Holy Trinity at the Serbian Fr. Jeff with Fr. Alexander A crowded Holy Trinity and his mother Anastasia Orthodox Easter Day. and Fr. Jovan prior to the for the Serbian Orthodox during the Baptism Serbian Orthodox Easter Easter Vigil. Vigil.

Fr Jeff Williams explains the mysteries of church Moses looked to the night sky and Christ in the garden of Gethsemane it was the same Full Moon that we saw in calendars and joyful sharing 2010. However, in 1582 A.D. a Pope dictated a change in How can you have Double Easter Celebrations at one the calendar and changed the dates for ever. church? The answer is simple; Anglicans and Orthodox The First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. established Christians used the same church building at different the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the Paschal Full times to celebrate Holy Week and the three great days of Moon following the vernal equinox. The church has Easter in Malta at Holy Trinity Church in the Anglican reckoned that vernal equinox as March 21st regardless of Chaplaincy in Malta and Gozo. the astronomically correct date, and accepted that the “Full Fr. Alexander Zerajic of St. Paul’s Serbian Orthodox Moon” is not necessarily the astronomically correct date. Church in Malta and Fr. Jeff Williams, Anglican Chaplain Eastern Christianity bases its calculations on the Julian in Malta and Gozo, became friends when they both arrived Calendar and not on the Gregorian Calendar, introduced in Malta around the same time in the latter part of 2007. by Pope Gregory XIII by a decree signed on 24th February They are members of the Malta Ecumenical Council where 1582. This reformed calendar was adopted later that year Fr. Jeff is currently the Chairman. The people of Holy by a handful of countries, with other countries adopting it Trinity welcomed the Serbian Orthodox community using over the following centuries and became the internationally Holy Trinity Church and the adjoining hall on a number accepted Calendar. In 1582 the ‘Julian’ calendar date of occasions when circumstances prevented Fr. Alex and Thursday October 4th was followed by the ‘Gregorian’ his flock from using their normally ‘borrowed’ church calendar date Friday October 15th 1582 cutting out the 10 building - St. Nicholas’ Church in Valletta. As this church days between the 5th and 14th . This did not go down operates under the Roman Curia in Malta and has its own well with the people of the time who thought that they had worshiping congregation, its use over the Easter period lost ten days of their life! this year was restricted. Fr. Alex asked Fr. Jeff if it was This is why in the Western Church the date of Easter possible for his community to use Holy Trinity Church, the varies between March 22nd and April 25th whilst in the Chaplaincy Council readily agreed so Holy Trinity had two Eastern Church the date of Easter varies between April 4th sets of celebrations. The use of the church also offered the and May 8th. 2010 was one of those precious times when chance for Fr. Alex to conduct an infant baptism. the Orthodox Easter Sunday fell on the same day as the So why is it that some Western and Eastern Christians Western Easter. It will do again next year with Easter Day do not always celebrate Easter at the same time? The on April 24th although the next time this will happen will original aim of the Easter dating method for the church was then be in 2014. to maintain every Easter Sunday in the same season of the Practically, it made for a hectic timetable at Holy Trinity year and coincide with the same preceding astronomical this year, but love, mutual respect and consideration gave Paschal full moon that occurred at the time of Christ’s us an Easter where East met West, albeit clergy and laity resurrection in 30 A.D. The name “Paschal” is derived meeting coming in or out of the Church doors! Fr. Alex, from “Pascha” which is a transliteration of the Greek word, this year, was assisted by a brother priest from Belgrade, which is itself a transliteration of the Hebrew “Pesach”, Fr. Jovan Babic and all three priests found time to discuss meaning “Passover.” So the date of Easter is determined theological and social issues over a coffee or two, out of as the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon at the time clerical garb, at a Café on the Strand at Sliema before Fr. of the Passover. That same Moon rises every year, and has Jovan flew back to Belgrade. Rudolphe Street and the Strand done so since the time of the Exodus sometime in the 15th in Sliema, Malta is still echoing to the sound of “Alleluia Century B.C. giving us an visible proof each Easter. When Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia.” T a k e d o w n y o u r c r o ss and rene w it 7

Early this year the Chaplaincy Council P u t t i n g d o w n decided to replace the Cross above the front entrance with a new one matching the original, o n e c r o s s – T a k i n g as the existing cross was showing severe weather damage and could be likely to fall. In addition u p a n o t h e r the council wished to maintain the character and presence this fine Anglican Church building Saturday 17th April 2010 was a historic day in in Malta. After tireless work by Ian Howarth, Malta, not only because his holiness Pope Benedict the fabric manager, a renowned Maltese stone XVI visited Malta for the first time but also because mason, Mr. Lawrence Attard, was found, who a new cross (a replacement and identical to the was obliged to take to the heights by crane to original) was erected on the roof of Holy Trinity make a template of the weather beaten Cross. Anglican Church, Sliema, Malta. Lawrence carved the new Cross at his The foundation stone of Holy Trinity Church, workshop in Zebbug and finished it mid April. was laid on September 20th 1866 by the then The old Cross was taken off the roof on the Acting Governor of Malta, Major General William morning of Saturday 17th April which John Ridley and the church was consecrated on commenced at 6am, but took some time. April 23rd 1867 by Bishop Trower, assisted by his At 10am on Saturday 17th April a Service of chaplain, the Rev’d. Dr. Thomas Burbidge, the Blessing took place at the church. The cross incumbent of the new church. The Archdeacon of was blessed before it was finally hauled into Malta, the Venerable Dr. John Cleugh was also place in the afternoon. present together with many military chaplains. A sizeable congregation from both Holy Holy Trinity originally had three Crosses on the Trinity and St Paul’s Pro Cathedral were in apex of its roof. There was one above the front attendance and the service of Blessing was led entrance on Rudolphe Street, one on the Bell by Father Jeff, and Canon Simon Godfrey. Tower and one on the apex of the roof above the The new Cross now sits proudly on the roof Altar. At some point the Cross on the Bell Tower of this lovely old church and is witness to the fell or was removed. There is no written record of fact that the church is being well-cared for by when this occurred (if any one knows when or why its current congregation. please let us know). c H R I S m c o n g re g ati o ns in 8 br u sse l s , m A D R I D and p A R I S

During the hectic days of Holy Week clergy across the diocese found time to travel – often for great distances – to renew their ordination vows and to share in the dedication of Holy Oils (Chrism) at special services in Brussels, Madrid and St George’s Church Paris.

C l e r g y c o n v e r g e o n M a d r i d f o r H o l y W ee k C h r i s m S e r v i c e A number of clergy and Readers serving in Spain, Portugal and the Atlantic islands travelled hundreds of miles to share their traditional Holy Week service of rededication and renewal of their ordination vows. The priests also shared with the Rt Rev David Hamid, Suffragan Bishop in Europe, in the blessing of holy oils to be used at special services of healing, baptism and blessing during the coming year.

The service in St George’s Anglican Seminario Evangélico Unido church in Madrid had an ecumenical de Teología. flavor with visiting guests including The preacher was the the Dean of Rev Diego Teruel of the Iglesia Gibraltar who spoke about the insights Evangélica Española – a Presbyterian we can gain from the Spanish mystics, church, Fr. Mariano Perrón St Teresa of Avila and St John of the ecumenical delegate for the Roman Cross, and apply them to the disciplined Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid, Rev life of bishops, priests, deacons and lay Mariano Blásquez executive secretary ministers. Bishop David expressed his of the FEREDE (representing the joy at being able to share with so many non Roman Catholic churches in of his clergy who had travelled by air, Spain), Bishop Elmer Belmonte of road and rail to prepare themselves for the Charismatic Episcopal Church their Easter celebrations. He added (who use St. George’s church for “Our thanks go to the Revd Ian their worship on Sundays) and Hutchinson Cervantes, the chaplain of Hayr Sassoon, who is to become St George’s Madrid, and the members the Armenian bishop for Spain and of the parish, who worked hard to Portugal. Also present was host us and to provide a special lunch Dr. Jonathan Rowe, Principal of the following the service.” w A R m w e l c o m e f o r easter in 9 sn o w c o v ered m o s c o w

T i me t o s w ee p t h e s n o w a w a y a n d w e l c o me t h e r i s e n M e a n w h i l e C h r i s t i n t h e The streets around St On Maundy Thursday the Bishop Andrew’s Church in presided and preached at an ecumenical service, then shared with B e l g i a n Moscow still carried the the Chaplain from the Protestant scars of Winter, a harsh one Chaplaincy, following the tradition even by Russian standards. of kneeling in front of one of the c a p i t a l newest members of the congregation Despite the cold, Bishop to wash their feet. Canon Robert Innes Geoffrey was given a warm Easter Sunday was a busy one for writes from Holy Trinity, welcome as he shared in Bishop Geoffrey as he confirmed candidates then blessed the Russian Brussels... the Holy Week and Easter “Kulich” (Easter Cakes) which go to needy people after the service. He Further North than Madrid and celebrations. also dedicated the new organ in the in somewhat cooler weather Holy church. During his visit the Bishop Trinity was delighted to host the and St Andrew’s Chaplain Father Chrism Eucharist on the Tuesday Simon were delighted to be invited in Holy Week. As a Pro-Cathedral, as guests at the Patriarchial Liturgy Holy Trinity is a regional sign of at Christ the Saviour Cathedral. unity for the North of the Diocese. They also attended the Patriarchial We are governed by statutes that Easter breakfast and were greeted encourage us to be a ‘meeting place’ by Patriarch Kirill. The chamber and a ‘place of refreshment in the group “The Grigorian Quartet” also Holy Spirit’. Like all chaplaincies serenaded the Easter congregation at a the ministry of ‘welcome’ is very parish Easter reception that followed important to us. Our location and the Sung Eucharist at the Marriott role give us particular opportunities Courtyard Hotel across the street to host events for senior clergy, from the church. administrators and lay people from the Anglican Church who come to Brussels to learn about the European Institutions. Holy Trinity has very extensive buildings - at least by Diocese in Europe standards. Over the last 10 years we have put huge effort into getting our church and hall space renovated. We are now turning our attention to the four storey former vicarage ‘Church House’. We want to upgrade this building so that it can be a comfortable and attractive venue for diocesan, ecumenical and diplomatic functions. We envisage an appeal to be launched next year in celebration of Edith Cavell, one of our most celebrated alumni, the anniversary of whose death occurs in 2010. p R A g u e c h u r c h o ffers a 1 0 ri g ht r o y a l w e l c o m e

On Saturday 16th January, I our host congregation, the Czech G e t t i n g responded to a request from the Evangelical Brethren. But only British Ambassador and met “an when details of the programme t h em t o t h e official group from the UK” at for the visit were published on the St. Clement’s Anglican Episcopal British Embassy website, just over c h u r c h o n Church in the centre of Prague. At two weeks before it was due, was this meeting I first learned that Their I finally able to say publicly to our Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales regular congregation that Their Royal t i me a n d i n and the Duchess of Cornwall, were Highnesses would be joining them for to make an official visit to the Czech worship on Passion Sunday. Once the R o y a l s t y l e Republic in just over two months news was out, many members of the time. As part of their programme, congregation suddenly discovered that The old adage says “Time the royal couple wished to join the they had relatives and friends with a Prague Anglican congregation for new found desire to come to Church! spent in planning and worship on the morning of Sunday On the big day itself, I got to preparation is seldom 21st March. Over the following Church more than an hour before wasted”. Rev Ricky Yates, weeks, there were a series of further the Royal Party was due to arrive. meetings, phone calls and emails as The streets around the building Chaplain of the Anglican plans were formulated and finalised for were completely clear of cars and Church in Prague, proved the visit. numerous policemen were already it true as he helped prepare Unfortunately, because of patrolling. Our host congregation understandable security considerations, very kindly finished their service 15 the intricate details for some I had to keep news of the planned minutes earlier than usual to give us royal visitors to join his royal visit completely ‘hush-hush’. more time to set up and the whole congregation in the Czech I did share the information with building to be checked out by sniffer the Church Council as it inevitably dogs for obvious security reasons. Republic. impacted on the planning of other The congregation were all seated Church activities and because the by 10.50am, I went to wait outside Church building is not ours, I also with Churchwarden Gerry Turner, had to tell Pastor Eva Halamová of together with little Elise Ollmann and her parents. At 11.00am, preceded by police cars with blue lights flashing, Their Royal Highnesses arrived, accompanied by the British Ambassador Sian MacLeod and her husband Richard Robinson. Gerry and I greeted our royal visitors and Elise presented the Duchess with a posy of daffodils. Then it was into Church and worship commenced. Thanks to all the advanced planning, the service went remarkably smoothly. Since it was Passion Sunday, our worship focussed upon the suffering of Our Lord and our preparation for marking Holy Week and Easter. I preached on the words of St. Paul from his letter to the Philippians where he says, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings”. Many members of the congregation like me were pleased that attending Christian worship was seen as an important ingredient of the royal visit to the Czech Republic. It has certainly helped raise the profile of St. Clement’s Anglican Episcopal Church within the expat community in Prague. A breath o f fresh e x p ressi o ns 1 1 in a m sterda m

D o i n g C h u r c h d i f f e r e n t l y – B i s h o p G r a h a m c o me s b a c k f o r m o r e !

Mark Collinson, Chaplain of Christ Church, Amsterdam tells how a series of training days helped churches consider Fresh Expressions.

After he spoke to Diocesan Synod Then, in a further day’s training in June 2009 Bishop Graham Cray session over seventy members “The price of mission is that the accepted an invitation from New of churches from across the church must always be willing to die Wine Europe to come back to the Archdeaconry of North West Europe to its own cultural comfort in order to Diocese in February this year. The were blessed by Bishop Graham’s live where God intends it to be.” organisation is part of the New Wine teaching, before sharing worship network which over the past twenty and ministry in the power of the years has been equipping churches Holy Spirit. “The mixed economy is about to see Jesus’ kingdom grow all over Participants’ reactions give a taste celebrating and building on what the world. Over the past few years of Mission Shaped Church. is mission-shaped in traditional Anglicans from various churches Rt Revd Graham Cray is the forms of church…and finding new, across the Diocese have met on the Archbishops’ Missioner for the flexible, appropriate ways to proclaim summer conferences at Shepton Provinces of Canterbury and the Gospel afresh to those who do not Mallet, UK, with a view towards York and the leader of the Fresh relate to traditional ways of establishing a summer conference near Expressions team. being church.” Leuven, Belgium in 2011. Resources can be found on Bishop Graham’s visit was part www.freshexpressions.org.uk of a programme of training offered “A fresh expression is a form of by New Wine Europe through a church for our changing culture, network of Anglican church leaders established primarily for the benefit in Versailles, France, Eindhoven and of people who are not yet members Amsterdam in The Netherlands. of any church.” During a 24 hour session in February at Christ Church, Amsterdam, eighteen church “Church planting is the process by leaders from a variety of which the seed of the life and message denominations struggled to grasp of Jesus, embodied by a community the paradigm shift that has of Christians, is immersed for mission become known as Fresh reasons in a particular cultural or Expressions. geographic context.” 1 2 l I g hten o u r dar k ness

L a n d o f t h e M i d n i g h t S u n , N o r t h e r n L i g h t s a n d r e a l r e i n d ee r

As the sun comes to dominate because the snow plough has buried it. forward to Christmas – a great excuse This year we’ve had to stop people for lighting lots of candles to defy the the skies of the Northern leaving through the crypt door after gloom. By the end of November the hemisphere in Summer Janet coffee as there was a serious danger of far north is in the grip of its winter snow and ice falling off the roof – darkness and even here in Oslo there Heil, Chaplain of St Edmund icicles can be lethal!!! are really only about 6 hours of in Norway’s capital Oslo, There’s no point in thinking about daylight. Our service begins at 11am giving daffodils on Mothering Sunday – but even that is too early for some throws light on life in the they’re either not available or when public transport starts too late to far north. extortionate. Norwegians tend to use get them to church. By the time Holy Week to go off to their mountain church is over there is but a short time Easter holidays are over and another huts for their last ski “fix”, so a good before it gets dark again. No wonder winter is reluctantly coming to an end. congregation can’t be guaranteed for people suffer from “winter depression”. I shall never complain about English mid week services in Holy Week. After When the snow comes it brightens winters again after four years in Easter things begin to warm up a little things up, reflecting what little light Norway. I managed to get over to then Spring happens in a flash, there is, Then we really can sing “In England in early January for a few days squeezed between a Winter reluctant the bleak midwinter……. snow had holiday and was amused to listen to to disappear and Summer waiting fallen snow on snow”. Last Christmas English friends talking about the terrible impatiently to arrive. Flowers and trees was a very white one – about 2 feet of weather they had been experiencing. I have a sudden burst of growth and it fell overnight. have to admit to wondering what the suddenly it’s Summer. The days If there’s one thing I admire about fuss was about – when I had left Oslo lengthen as you watch them. In the Norwegians though it is their positive it was a chilly minus 18 degrees and far north the sun reappears in mid attitude to their climate. There is a we’d had sub-zero temperatures for at January to great rejoicing and saying in Norwegian – “There’s no such least a month with the prospect of thereafter daylight increases by more thing as bad weather, only bad another 2 months before the than 4 hours a month until in May the clothes” and instead of complaining thermometer poked its head above sun never sets. Twenty four hours of about the snow they go out with their zero. On the positive side the skiing daylight is hard to get your head round skis, snowboards and sledges and conditions were great, if you could bear at first and many people have problems make the most of it. It seems like a the strong winds and chilly sleeping. Even in Oslo there are only a healthy and fun approach to life temperatures. You have to plan a trip few hours of a kind of darkness in generally!!! before setting out because it takes midsummer. much longer to put on all the layers of Mid June signals the beginning of clothes needed to protect against the Norwegian holidays, and whilst our elements. It’s amazing that people still regular congregation is depleted, we make it to church, since with children get the chance to welcome holiday to dress it’s probably not surprising makers who, for some reason, seem to that sometimes they arrive a bit late. be more attracted to the Norwegian At least in Norway people dress summer than the winter. Things start practically – it’s no good trying to wear to get back to normal in mid August your best dress and high heeled shoes when we welcome new students to the for church when the pavements are Universities and colleges. Before we like an ice rink or ankle deep in snow know it Autumn sets in, the days or you’ve had to dig the car out shorten and Norwegians start to look E ar l y ste p s f o r 1 3 M o thers ’ u ni o n

T h r ee y e a r s L a n z a r o t e P a d u a With at least 7 meetings a year they The union here o n a n d include a regular ‘open’ Fish & Chip always participates lunch in January which is used to in the worldwide promote Mothers’ Union and can celebration of the f i n d i n g attract 30 people. Mother’s Day A Lanzarote project gives “goodie wearing their uniform. They enjoy o u r f ee t bags” to young cancer patients in seminars and regular Bible studies, and have supported a family in adversity Barbara Woods, Diocesan remission coming to the island for a and participated in fasting and prayer President of the Mothers’ holiday. Trauma (Wave of Prayer). Union in Europe, highlights Teddies are left Practical help includes keeping the church tidy, overseeing the Children’s the variety and enthusiasm in each time there are children ministry and taking care of the local church branches staying for them cooking, cleaning, and presentations to take home. at Harvest celebrations, Ordination services, Mothers’ Day, and other church functions. M a l t a C o s t a d e l s o l E a s t Because members live on the islands P o i t o u - C h a r e n t e s of Malta and Gozo travelling for There are 6-8 regular members who Membership now totals 28, including 3 meetings involves a sea-crossing meet 3-4 times a year depending male members and 1 indoor member. which can be difficult in inclement when “swallows” are visiting, In this widespread chaplaincy weather. At a recent “Open sometimes with a speaker or with members live great distances apart so meeting” they raised the Mothers’ UK visitors sharing news of their meetings and special events sometimes Union profile by showing the branches. are run as 2 special days/events – one in “Home” video. Support is also given “Shoe Box” Christmas presents “north”, one in “south” but the cost to an immigrant Mother & Baby have been prepared for the homeless and time of travelling can be restrictive Unit providing clothing and in Fuengirola and food parcels for for some members. toiletries with special emphasis on needy immigrant families. Long term This Summer Joyce Bache is looking maternity packs for expectant plans include sending Baptism at the possibility of setting up a caravan mothers. A Anniversary Cards. holiday scheme (AFIA – Away From It typical Fund- All) firstly in her raiser was a chaplaincy and then sponsored F i n l a n d possibly in other parts Hymnathon in The ladies have of the diocese. Many the Cathedral. rallied women such schemes have from different been run very successfully by the ethnic N e r j a a n d Mothers’ Union in various dioceses in backgrounds. They aim to continue the UK over the years and have been a helping our people all around the A l m u ñ e c a r great help and benefit to many families. world and within our diocese. Just over a year old, they have 9 Their urgent need is for training – members with at least 4 ‘swallows’ both practical and spiritual. who join from time to time. T o r r e v i e j a Correspondence contacts have thus This branch was the first been made with UK branches. on mainland Spain A H a m b u r g The ladies collected Christmas banner, made by members, A small membership but with gifts for teenage boys in an was blessed in 2008 on the continued growth. Their annual orphanage in Malaga and are hoping anniversary of the opening. “Christmas Party” in the beginning of to be start projects such as knitting Meetings have also featured a December is open to all and many for the Premature Babies Unit in variety of speakers appropriate to African women who are not able to Malaga members’ needs living in Spain and attend weekday meetings join them. and included a visit to the Stations of the They have concerns for elderly making Cross in a local town. Next year’s residents and have seen a need for Trauma programme will include talks on pastoral care with Teddies. religious festivals. A very successful those who are alone Bereavement Group was started with and sick towards the the support of members of the end of their lives. Chaplaincy and continues. 1 4 V o c ati o ns – A FIRST STE P

C l e r g y o n N e w v o c a t i o n s v e n t u r e t h e m o v e o f f e r s inspiration They also found great encouragement in one another. They G r ee t i n g s t o came from Moscow, Turku-Finland, Stockholm, Trondheim, Berlin, Paris, Rev Penelope Frank has Bologna, Vienna and Athens and yet become Assistant Chaplain of All all of them had a sense of their place Saints, Vevey, Switzerland, from within European Anglicanism. The February purpose of the weekend was not to Rev Canon Anthony Jewiss debate local language Anglicanism has become an Assistant but the nature of their context and Chaplain in Midi-Pyrénées and calling. They were most interested Aude, France to hear Bishop David’s talk on the Our Vocations Enquiry Weekend The Venerable Howard role of the Diocese historically and in February at the newly renovated the current map of our ecumenical Levett, Vicar of St Alban, George Bell House, in Chichester Holborn with St Peter, Saffron relations. was a first of its kind for our diocese. Many of those attending were at Hill in London is to become A very large proportion of the Priest-in-Charge of St George, quite an early stage in the discernment enquiries in the last 8 months have journey, but their maturity and Venice and St Anthony Abbot, come from non-British Theology Padova with Christ Church, engagement with the Anglican graduates who are under 30 which tradition was exemplary. We were Trieste, Italy from September is the target age range of a Church this year. most fortunate in the able support of of England drive to raise awareness our visitors Fr Jan Nobel, a former Rev Canon Harold about vocations amongst young ordinand in this diocese, who is now Nahabedian, formerly Rector people. I was very encouraged by the a curate in Durham diocese and of St Mary Magdalene, Toronto immediate seriousness with which Fr Stephen Ferns, Senior Selection in the Church of Canada, has they participated, and by their desire Secretary of Ministry Division. We become Priest-in-Charge of St to enquire very deeply into the reality hope a similar event can become Alban, Strasbourg, France of the life of today’s church. part of our on-going programme. The Chapter of Chichester Meanwhile we are planning a day Rev Canon Giles Williams, Cathedral welcomed us warmly and Vocations Event at St Michael’s Paris Vicar of St John’s, Woking we joined the Cathedral community on Saturday 19 June for anyone and Rural Dean of Woking for daily worship. This pattern from the diocese, at an early stage of in the Diocese of Guildford was new to many participants, but enquiry about vocation to ministry in has become Chaplain of Holy enriching and sustaining. We also the Church of England. Trinity, Cannes, France focused the weekend around two parish visits, with feedback after each. William Gulliford, F a r e w e l l t o People were moved and impressed Diocesan Director of Ordinands by the breadth and variety of ministry Rev Canon O Ben Eaton, they observed briefly. Priest-in-Charge of St John the Evangelist, St Raphael, France is to resign from the end of September When Bishop Geoffrey visited All F i f t y y e a r s Saints Church in Rome he shared Rev Idris Vaughan, Priest- a celebration to mark the work of in-Charge of St Laurence, w i t h m a n u a l s Wjnand van de Pol as organist at Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands All Saints’ Rome for Fifty years. retires on 13 June a n d p e d a l s The Bishop said it was the longest serving organist he has been o v i n g a r o u n d M privileged to congratulate but, no The Reverend M June doubt, someone in our diocese can Hutchinson, Assistant Curate of tell us differently! Midi-Pyrénées and Aude, France in the photo -left to right: Wjnand has now been formally appointed van de Pol, MBE, Bishop Geoffrey, as Assistant Chaplain in the Ven. Jonathan Boardman, same church. Chaplain of All Saints, Lt. Cdr. Rev D. M. Greenwood, Honorary Assistant Priest A fter the ad v ent a p p ea l 1 5

M i n i s t r y T h e a f t e r m a t h o f o u r b u r n o u t B i s h o p ’ s A d v e n t A p p e a l I continue to be £11,121 has been raised, to date, for the 2009 Advent Appeal for shocked by the increasing numbers Child Aid as churches supported our Bishop’s appeal during this of people in our “lesser Lent”. Bishop Geoffrey has been a Patron of ChildAid to congregations who Russia and the Republics since 2001 and Martin Wilcox, Charity suffer from burnout. ‘I’m stressed out,’ Manager, tells us where the money goes. is often quoted In Moldova 500 free physio-therapy new family has introduced to him as if it were the only acceptable sessions will be offered to families music and importantly, the Lord. reason for not responding positively of severely disabled young children, ChildAid are not content simply to an invitation to take a share with no other care or support. Ten to improve material and physical in the church’s ministry. Some I children received medicines and conditions but also to impart the know who have or are experiencing hygiene products for a year and love of Jesus and to lead children, burnout work in para-church essential family aid is offered to young people and families to a organisations where the expectations families most in need. personal relationship with Him of management and the feeling of In Belarus, therapeutic art and as Saviour and Lord. For many, failing to do ‘the Lord’s work’ heap craft materials will go with our care, following years of repression of the up immeasurable pressure and guilt on love and prayers to 45 Downs and Gospel, this work may be the first the victim. Could it happen to me? severely disabled young people at a time that they have heard of the Well, it happened to Geoff Read, respite centre. Good News in all its fullness. Chaplain of the Anglican Church in In Ukraine much work is Bishop Geoffrey says: “I have Basel, Switzerland. And he’s written underway to rescue orphans from the long had concerns for the children about his experiences in ‘Ministry evils of prostitution, crime of Eastern Europe. Through their Burnout’ in the Grove Books Pastoral and drugs: ministry, ChildAid, are opening eyes series (www.grovebooks.co.uk). His fostering orphans from institutional and ears of these children to the love refreshingly honest style looks at the care and giving loving Christian of Jesus through deeds and words. It is multi-faceted nature of burnout, such homes. such a delight to me that the Diocese as emotional exhaustion, detachment, a Sunday School programme have so warmly brought the needs of the sense of lack of achievement. Is it for orphans in a loving, secure these little ones to their heart” related to working too hard and too environment with life-skills taught ChildAid offers every blessing and long? ‘In a culture where work can be to at least 50 orphans, who then sincere gratitude to the Anglicans a religion, burnout is its crisis of faith.’ become valued members of society in Europe for helping to transform Do just certain types of people get it? based on firm Christian values lives and show the Gospel message in Is burnout honourable? Is it related ChildAid will also use some of practice. Thank you. For more about to particular points in ministry? the Appeal gifts to install ChildAid’s transformative work, visit Drawing on a wide variety of bathroom and toilets in their www.childaidrr.org.uk. academic studies and spirituality new foster family house giving Geoff guides us to reflect on our 10 orphan teenage girls a loving, own perceptions of burnout through Christian home for the first time the prism of his own. in their lives The second half of the booklet There are heart-wrenching stories focuses on identity: ‘squaring the like Yaroslav whose alcoholic mother circle of other people’s expectations left him tied up like a dog, alone and about who I am and what I do.’ By afraid. He had to beg for scraps like including a helpful questionnaire you a dog. Not being “house trained” he can evaluate whether you’re heading became filthy, living like this for five towards the edge of the dark abyss years. Even when he was “rescued” depicted on the cover. I commend and living in a state-run orphanage this booklet to all clergy and he still believed he was a dog and not congregations so that we can develop a child. realistic expectations of what we ChildAid intervened to find a want our clergy to achieve. Christian foster family where he has Meanwhile, I’m off on my sabbatical. made remarkable progress. His bed wetting is much less frequent, he eats M. C. properly and with better hygiene his health has improved. Extra school support has added benefits and his E l e c ti o n fe v er , c and l e l i g ht 1 6 ba p tis m and a l g ar v e a m b l e

S e a t s a v a i l a b l e h e r e N o t e s f r o m f r o m N o v em b e r t h e f r i e n d s No sooner is the excitement and intensive media attention of the o f t h e General Election in Britain over when attention turns to voting which could affect our diocese and churches across Europe. D i o c e s e A short five-minute video has From Fr Philip Warner SSC, Friends been produced to encourage people Secretary to stand for election. It features the One priority your committee set Archbishops of Canterbury and York itself was to regulate the address who say they are looking for “big list for the Friends who receive The hearted people” to serve God in this European Anglican to see who was important way. paying their subscriptions and by The Church of England’s General Opportunities for nominations what means. We thank all those who Synod meets for the last time at are open to many people provided responded to the letter included in the the end of the July in York and they are 18 or over, an ‘actual mailing last year. a new Synod will be elected for Communicant’ in the Church of It is so much easier if Friends would a five-year term which begins in England and on the electoral roll of pay by Banker’s order, or remember November. There are 378 lay and a parish or the community roll to send their subscriptions on time. clergy members, plus the house of of a cathedral. The suggested minimum annual bishops. The Diocese in Europe has Clergy wanting to stand must subscription is £25 which, if Gift Aided, two clergy and two lay members as be ordained priest or deacon, be adds to its value. well as Bishop Geoffrey. They are beneficed or licensed or have One way in which this money is the Rev Canon Debbie Flach, the permission to officiate in the diocese spent is providing language training, Very Rev Jonathan Boardman, or hold office in the cathedral. More either by personal tuition or tapes to (Lay) Canon Ann Turner and Mr information will shortly be available clergy and their spouses. The Hon Roger Fry. on the diocesan website. Secretary is always pleased to receive applications for this. Please note the Annual Service in St Mathew’s Church, Westminster on high speed snow sports with a visit to Wednesday, October 27th, when the the celebrated Cresta Run, opened in W h e r e d i d preacher will be The Rt Rev Stephen 1885. By then an Anglican chaplaincy Platten, Bishop of Wakefield. We look had been in the town for 25 years. y o u g e t t h a t forward to seeing as many of you During his visit the Bishop went to as possible on that occasion.” New the Clubhouse and met officials of the “ m i t r e ” members are, of course, also welcome St. Moritz Tobogganing Club. at the event. As promised in our last edition we Afterwards he joined in a service at reveal a little more about diocesan the church to unveil plaques marking Bishop Geoffrey’s visit to St. Moritz the occasion and to honour the first in Switzerland, coincidentally at the English priest to inaugurate services W h e n o v e r s same time as the Winter Olympics in the Grand Hotel des Bains. Rev in Vancouver. A highlight (literally) Alfred Strettell was chaplain in Genoa a r e o v e r was a close look at one of the oldest during the Summer and came to St Moritz for the Winter. English Resting from their labours on the tourists, in the resort for the Cresta cricket field with a tea pot at the ready Run, and local hotel keepers raised these members of the Christ Church the money to build the church. Alfred Istanbul eleven take a break for some Strettell was chaplain from 1860 refreshment during a recent game. to 1900. The church of St. John, built in 1871, was transferred to the Swiss Reformed Church in 1956 but Anglican services have been held every winter. The link between the chaplaincy and the Tobogganing Club remains close as was evident when the Bishop preached about the connections between faith and sport.