Grapevine 2013-3 Web Version
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DIOCESE OF SALISBU RY 2013 No. 3 A Phoenix from the Ashes “I found myself thinking, ‘I’m having a “Movingly, we had equipment donated bad dream, I’m going to wake up soon.’” from our partner school in Ghana. A year into his first headteacher’s post, Their building was badly damaged by a John-Paul Draper felt he’d found his storm recently, our kids raised money ideal job, at a 60-pupil Church primary for them without teachers prompting. school in pretty Powerstock, above “We’ve rebuilt, opened up space with Bridport. today’s building techniques, and have In autumn half-term 2011, a phone the latest equipment. We couldn’t have call told him the beautiful Victorian done it without financial support from building was an inferno. Fire crews the Diocese or its expertise. were on site for 12 hours. “The kids love having modern gizmos “At first it was devastating”, says John- while being able to feel the old bricks Paul, “but even in those worst days, I and beams. And after two years of kept finding little symbols of hope in stress, it’s a joy to come to work here.” the rubble that had somehow survived, signs that someone cared for us.” In heaven? He laughs, “Let’s just say it got me thinking more seriously about faith. “People on earth cared for us too, rallying to help – nearby schools, the Education Authority, even the press. Local people were great, and let us use the Village Hall for nearly two years. www.salisbury.anglican.org The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam Bishop’s Letter Bishop of Salisbury Over The Edge! There are many ways of telling the Some ways of telling the Christmas Gillingham’s Rector, Peter Greenwood, Sherborne, also took the plunge. was first over the edge when twenty Christmas stories. The first group story are better than others. The event raised over £3,000 for intrepid abseilers descended from the of youngsters I ever prepared for Commercial Christmas, with its ‘Glory Christian Aid, the global relief tower of St Mary’s Church. Confirmation weren’t much good at to God in the High Street’, is limited. and development agency of 40 UK reading, so the Bible was difficult for So is the family Christmas that depends Cheered on by a crowd of his churches. It supports people in low- them. on parents spending lots on the congregation and townsfolk, Peter’s income countries and works to change Instead, we went to The National children trying to create the perfect downward journey was all about raising the systems that keep people poor. Gallery to look at two paintings of the Christmas. money for the work of Christian Aid. Nativity. One was of shepherds and the It never works. Christmas is to be Peter was joined by two other baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph in a celebrated but it can’t be consumed. local clergy – Methodist Minister stable. Paul Arnold, and Pete Bond from It was Luke’s Gospel. The birth of Jesus Gillingham Community Church. was for ordinary people and the first Later on, Graham Kings, Bishop of to be told about it were not the good religious people of Bethlehem but shepherds from the hillside who went to worship. Time Out At Pilsdon The other painting was of Magi, wise men looking like Kings, with their gifts In the beautiful West Dorset Hills There are up to seven full-time of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This in the late 1950s, a group gathered members of the community, but there was Matthew’s Gospel. The birth of to develop a common life of prayer, are many opportunities to volunteer Jesus was for all the nations. The child hospitality and work, off the beaten for cooking, gardening, care of livestock is King and God and his death will not track. and building maintenance. be the last word. Decades later, the stunning views make Learn more at www.pilsdon.org.uk. The kids got it and saw how the Gospels Carol singers and school nativity the Pilsdon Community a great place each describe Jesus differently. plays, church services and community for a retreat, particularly for those festivals, looking after those in need all facing a major change in their lives. The stories of his birth are like the tell the tale so it catches hold of us. Love The community also welcomes people introduction to any good book that came down at Christmas and the birth in crisis, from all ages and backgrounds, gives us the eyes and ears for what of Jesus renews our hopes for the peace providing a safe environment where follows. of the whole world. people can begin to rebuild their lives. Praying For Judgement criminal cases to benefits and pension tribunals. Family court hearings often see people endure deep emotional pain. “My tasks here are to pray and simply to be present. I pray in different parts of the building to start the day. Then for the staff by name, and for all who will be present – lawyers, defendants, witnesses, victims and others. “This is a stressful place, and people usually pass through briefly. If people want someone to talk to, I try to listen in a non-judgemental and practical way. “Court is a hard place – judgements are made and there’s nowhere to hide.” “Sometimes, these short meetings give me the chance to refer people on to Andrew Wells is the volunteer lay others who can help them long term. chaplain to Salisbury Law Courts and Maybe the man about to be released a worshipper at the Cathedral. An with £45 and no home to go to, or the Australian who lived in mainland woman who finally confronts addiction Europe during a legal career with the after a conviction. UN and later private consultancy, he retired to the city in 2011 with his wife “It can be tough for the people who Sally, a priest. work here too. The details of some cases are disturbing to any sane person. “I started in March and still feel like the Judges and lawyers, like everyone else, fishermen who Christ called to follow have their own problems at home which him onto dry land. When I encounter can leave them emotionally drained.” difficult situations, I pray, ‘Please Lord, stop me getting in your way’”. Andrew would appreciate prayer support, and asks people who could join Salisbury’s court complex hosts a prayer network to contact him on everything from serious Crown [email protected] Church House, Crane Street, Salisbury, SP1 2QB [email protected].