Inside

Hold the press - 3 Youth champion - 4 L Newday rocks - 5 GOOD NEWS World mission - 10 FOR & Harvest 2016: FREE Pope’s support - 12 New minister welcomed to Norwich Elim I Nick Whipps was welcomed as the new Nick was ordained by Elim in June 2011 at minister of Norwich Elim Church on Trory Street their annual conference. He says that he is on June 25 at an induction service officiated by looking forward to the opportunities that lie Elim's regional leader, Rev Dave Campbell. ahead of him, and is greatly encouraged by the Nick takes responsibility for the church existing ministries that Norwich Elim undertake following periods of pastoring in Sheffield and in the community and to the city. Loughborough. Married to Lesley, the couple "I'm excited by the potential that exists here have three adult children Matt, Rachel and at Norwich Elim,” said Nick. “There is good out - Josh. reach work that engages with the community Some 19 years of Nick's working life was already. I am keen to build relationships and spent in a civilian capacity with the Metropoli - trust with those in the immediate community tan, Essex and Cheshire Police forces before and encourage those already following Jesus leaving his home city of Chelmsford in 2007 to to reveal Him to everyone they come in contact pursue training at Regent's Theological College with." Nick and Lesley Whipps. in Nantwich, Cheshire. www.norwichelim.co.uk Suicide survivor Steve is mental health champion Steve Foyster, manager of Norwich’s Christian resource centre – Revelation – has become an ardent champion for mental health sufferers after his life was marked and changed Brian Sumner at Eaton Park in Norwich. following the ‘miraculous’ survival of an attempted suicide. Sandie Shirley reports. Skateboarding pastor drops teve jumped from the top of a multi- storey city car park 30 years ago. That S terrible event, after a year of pain, loss in to Norwich and depression, has forged empathy and concern for others that is being outworked decades later as the scars have healed and life is restored. skate park Steve hosts regular evenings at Revelation I Professional skateboarder and church pastor that look at the thorny issues of mental health Brian Sumner dropped into Eaton skatepark in such as suicide. The events are a platform for Norwich on August 14 during a whistle-stop UK understanding and shared experience, attract - tour to promote the sport to young athletes. ing eminent authorities and those of faith and Brian, who was born in Liverpool, moved to no faith. America aged 15 to pursue the sport and went Steve has also talked about his experiences on become a professional, competing for top with 60 junior doctors as part of a training skateboarding companies. seminar and recently trained as a peer tutor He was at Eaton Park skatepark with with the Recovery College - part of the Norfolk Stephen Nowak, a former UK skateboard cham - and Mental Health Trust. pion, who is now a Baptist church minister in As a tutor, he re-tells his story of desperation Stowmarket, to demonstrate and chat with the that has turned to hope and purpose, to youngsters at the park. enlighten small groups of sufferers. He recalls He said that his visit blended both his love for the sorrows and joys; the therapies and the the sport and his Christian faith. hindrances, so others can relate and open up as “I’ve been visiting different churches and skate parks to share the gospel, see what’s a way of healing. going on and do some tricks with the people Now he is busy finishing a book about his who are there,” he said. “We’ve had a great re - life story as a suicide survivor and drawing a action so far.” parallel with Christ’s suffering. “I wrote the first Edward Land, curate at St Thomas Church in half in two days, a year after my attempted Norwich, who was involved in organising the suicide – it was very cathartic,” says Steve. event, said: "It was great to have Brian at the His failed suicide meant six months in Steve Foyster at the Revelation Christian resource centre in Norwich. skatepark, to watch him skate and hear his hospital with eight weeks in traction as he story of what God has done in his life and how recovered from a punctured lung, multiple I was told I would never walk again or have explains Steve who has since remarried and has he has been led to share his faith amongst the ankle fractures, a ruptured sciatic nerve and children but my survival and turnaround has two grown-up sons. skateboarding community.” vertebrae compaction. been hailed as miraculous by a former GP, I Continues on page 4 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Harvest can be a time of real struggle I rainfall for months, turning river beds into dry I Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is Very recently I had the privilege of visiting Simon published by Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk. Kenya in my role with Christian Aid and met a Snell, ribbons of sand. Simply by putting walls deep Registered charity no 1141245. remarkable woman called Rodah. into the rivers, water collects in the sand behind the dam. People like Rodah can then I Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk In Kenya, harvest can often be a time of real from use it in their homes and to water their crops. I Editorial (01508) 488318. e-mail stories to struggle. Climate change is making it harder Christian [email protected] or for poor farmers like Rodah to survive. Now Rodah has the precious water she send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, For many years she tried to grow vegetables Aid in needs to nurture her land. She has expanded Road, Wreningham, Norwich on a small plot of dry land. Every day she Norfolk her garden to produce enough food to eat, with NR16 1AT. walked a gruelling six miles, carrying back surplus to sell, and these days she’s even able I Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 heavy containers of water, just to keep her to provide casual work for her neighbours - I Distribution: Les Champion (01603) crops alive. helping her entire community to thrive. 402310 Despite her hard work, Rodah's harvest was At last Rodah can afford to send her children I Editor and designer: Keith Morris never enough. She had to make the agonising to school, giving them lots of opportunities for I Regular writers: Kevin Gotts, Mike decision to feed her family rather than pay for the future. Wiltshire, Sandie Shirley, Helen Baldry, Les her children to go to school. She felt terrible This harvest, many churches across Norfolk Champion, Jenny Seal. that she couldn’t educate her children. will be showing the love of Christ and making a I Printed by Archant Print. But since Christian Aid reached Rodah’s Aid built the community a “sand dam” through difference to some of the poorest communities I Churches, Christian organisations and community, things have changed. our trusted local partner. across the world through Christian Aid. individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are In a river running near her house, Christian In these parts of Kenya, there can be no www2.christianaid.org.uk/harvestappeal invited to send news, events and pictures which relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in social action, community care and evangelism.

I The deadline for material for the Christmas edition is Friday November 4. Distribution is from Thursday November 24 . To Romania with love I While every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements More than 15 tons of aid contained within are believed to be correct, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any to help struggling inaccuracies. communities and I Stories and pictures in this publication are copyright. If you would like to reproduce them, churches in rural please contact the editor, as we are usually Romania has been happy to agree for a credit line. collected and delivered by big-hearted South African Christians in Norfolk over the past two years. Mike Wiltshire reports.

ow they are gearing up for another South African N Festival, an annual fund- raising event at Village Hall, six miles south-west of Norwich, on Sunday, September 18. Everyone is welcome. ‘Loving by Giving’ is the festival theme in support of churches and worthy causes in Romania and other nations – ‘to relieve poverty, build communities and give hope.’ Encouraged by their energetic pastor and life-coach, Dr Jaco South African Christians in Norwich loading up a 10-ton truck with aid for churches in poverty-stricken Beukes and his wife, Eldre, the areas of Romania, surrounded by storage containers. inter-denominational South African Congregation which part - example, a 10-ton truck-load of “People across East Anglia are life-coach, he has a strong interest ners with the LBG (Loving by clothing, toys and bicycles was amazingly generous – they just in ‘inspiring and empowering Giving) Fellowship, meets sent to Romania, where they also give in abundance,” says Dr Jaco, people – and helping those who regularly at West Hall, help to build churches in areas of who has just returned from are hurting to find recovery in Queens Hills, NR8 5BP at 10am on extreme poverty and reach out in another trip to Romania where fulfilled lives.’ Sundays. Dr Jaco, who preaches in evangelistic projects. they support church planting He says the church is always English rather than Afrikaans, Working alongside other projects. looking for storage space in adds: “We are really here in churches in support of the Besom For seven years, Dr Jaco, who is Norwich as friends gather more Norwich for ‘everyone’ – not just project in Norwich, (moto: ‘sweep well-trained in social care as well aid to send to Romania where they for those of us with South African away suffering’), the South African as theology, worked with the work in partnership with the backgrounds.” church has supplied backpack Norwich-based Matthew Project, global mission group, Operation Members and friends have ‘survival kits’ for homeless people which provides advice and Mobilisation. Any suggestions for achieved remarkable goals in in need, plus support for water aid support services for people facing storage space can be emailed to: providing overseas aid – for projects in Tanzania. drug and alcohol problems. As a [email protected]

Greeting Cards - Stationery Helium Balloons Cards ‘n’ Things Cylinder Hire Corporate buffets, fresh bread, cakes filled rolls, sandwiches, The Specialist Card Shop Party Products Gluten & Wheat Free Products 193 Reepham Road, , Norwich. 01603 442165 THORNTONS CHOCOLATES 187 Reepham Road, Hellesdon NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 3 Press man is new Rev

A former press photographer has recently moved to Norwich to help lead a group of Norwich churches. Mike Wiltshire reports. Trio ride between ohn Potter’s career as a press photographer and picture editor was prisons to raise J inspired in his boyhood by a talented uncle, Vaughan, who had an antique glass- plate camera, used in the First World War. cash for Genesis His uncle was a skilled artist who also hand-tinted his historic black-and-white I pictures. Three cyclists, including prison chaplain Mark Bredin, have completed a 200-mile ride around After John left school, he also became a Norfolk from HMP Norwich to HMP Wayland to gifted photographer and, in his work for raise money for Christian charity House of the regional and national press, took many Genesis to purchase a third house to provide a pictures of pop culture as well the royal supportive home for homeless ex-prisoners. family. Mark Louther and Oren Souter also spent four Today, John, now 55, has a very different days cycling around Norfolk, led by Mark, a role from the hectic world of photo-journal - Quaker chaplain at HMP Wayland. All money ism, and was inducted as a minister with the raised will go towards an additional house for Norwich area United Reformed Church team the House of Genesis, which continues to at a service at a packed Ipswich Road URC on successfully house men on release from the July 30. Norfolk prisons. As a press photographer in his late 20s, John They were “released” at HMP Norwich by the sensed a very different calling on his life. He governor, Will Styles, with the Chaplain praying had grown up in a God-fearing family and, in for their safety and success. Other prison staff younger years had made a firm Christian and Genesis staff and trustees were also present commitment. It had not been an easy path to see them off, and a trumpet fanfare saw them because John, in his early years, had many on their way. From Norwich, the group headed to questions about the debate between science King's Lynn, Martham, Walcott, Sheringham and and the Biblical world view. Wells and finished outside Wayland Prison on While working in the Midlands, John Thursday, August 25. attended the well-known Carrs Lane Church The House of Genesis is seeking to raise in Birmingham where he met Pauline, an £25,000 towards the setting up of a third house in English teacher, who is now his wife. They New Norwich area URC minister Rev John Potter at his induction service. Norwich for homeless ex-prisoners, adding to the were both involved in leading services and, £50,000 it has already received. after their marriage, Pauline went on to train London and then, in 2011, John and Pauline John says his son, Daniel, now 18, is also “an Val Dodsworth, co-founder and trustee of the for the ministry with the United Reformed began a shared ministry with a group of extremely good photographer”– he is also a House of Genesis, said: “The House of Genesis Church (URC) which has around 1,400 churches in Leicester. Following the merger of keen classicist with a love of Roman history has been providing supportive homes for the past congregations in the UK. congregations in 2015, John continued to serve and science-fiction. 16 years, for homeless men, and especially those John says he had the privilege of sitting in that pastorate as sole minister. John also retains a keen interest in who leave prison with nowhere to go. We are on some of the lectures at Westminster College In July, John was inducted as a minister photography and supplies pictures for the now looking to provide a third house and another in Cambridge, where Pauline trained. In the within the Norwich Area URC team. He said: Bible Society’s devotional resources. John also five or six places, to add to the 10 we have. year 2000, the family moved to Gloucester “I am very excited about being here. I am enjoys cinema, music and playing the djembe, "Last year the charity opened a house on where Pauline was ordained. looking forward to supporting Ipswich Road the West African hand-drum – he was once Road and since then we have taken By then John also recognised his own calling URC's involvement in the community on part of ‘Rhythms of Worship, ’ a Christian Community Chaplaincy Norfolk, under our wing into full-time Christian ministry, so in 2002 Eaton Rise and Tuckswood. I’m also looking drumming group. offering a mentoring and befriending service to he began a four-year course at Queen’s forward to helping the Princes Street URC The Norwich Area URC churches also former prisoners who need that sort of help to Theological College, Birmingham. congregation develop a vibrant ministry include Trinity and St Peter’s Jessopp Road turn their lives around.” In 2007, John was called to an ecumenical based in the redeveloped building in the city (URC/Methodist), as well as Wymondham, www.thehouseofgenesis.org team ministry in Thamesmead, in south-east centre.” , Hoveton and Mattishall. 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Suicide survior Future of Tim’s youth work vision secured

Steve is mental I The future of the visionary work of Christian A management committee has been formed status and Sue, Tim’s widow, has agreed to be a young people’s champion Tim Stapleford at the to take forward the work and Biddy Collyer, trustee once it is formed.” health champion Jenny Lind Park in Norwich has been secured. chairman of the Christian Community Trust for Sue said: “I am delighted that Tim's work is to Working with Holy Trinity church and others, Norwich and Norfolk, which holds the lease, continue, it would have been a tragedy if it had Tim organized football sessions for young said: “Young people already enjoy the opportu - stopped. This work was Tim's calling. He saw I Continued from front page people at the Jenny Lind Park and spearheaded nity to play board games there after the football himself as someone who started things, and Steve’s mental health began to improve the work of converting the old Post Office in on the park on Tuesdays. always intended to step back once the project when he found someone who would listen Vauxhall Street into a community hub. “The vision is that other groups will be able to was established, handing on the reins to to him. “The weekly one-to-one sessions Enough money has now been raised, hire it for sessions during the week and provide someone else. I'm particularly pleased that our with a student psychiatric nurse were very including donations of £4,592 at and following other opportunities for outreach into the daughter Gemma is involved in the weekly beneficial,” he says. Tim’s memorial service, to cover the costs of community. sessions: Tim was proud of all our children, but Meanwhile his Christian faith developed renting and managing the property through to “Over the next few months, the management took a special pleasure in seeing her share his and when he was confirmed and later joined the end of the lease in February 2018. committee will be working towards charitable vision.” a small church Bible study he learnt about the suffering of others. “I realised everyone had been broken at some time in their lives,” says Steve. “Over the years I have been helped by hundreds of people. The many things that Tributes paid to young have happened to me cannot have been co- incidental – they have changed my path so maybe I am now meant to be in a position to help people’s champion others.” Steve doesn’t draw a veil over Tributes have been paid to former his past. “It is in - credibly impor - deputy head teacher, founder of tant to raise the Norfolk Christian Football awareness of mental ill health Youth League and Norwich and break down Christian community activist, Tim the taboos which Stapleford. Keith Morris reports. still exist. The night before I jumped I was waiting for a bus at Castle Meadow (Norwich). I had walked that street thousands of times before but I im (55) passed away on June 22 at home did not know where home was although in in the arms of his devoted home is where the heart is; I felt completely T wife of 27 years Sue, after a brave year- lost with no security and no boundaries. I no long battle against neuro-endochrine cancer. longer had the capacity to love anyone, least Sue said: “We truly believed Tim would be of all myself.” healed in this life, but God's purpose was for Continues Steve: “Mental health issues him to die today. We have been surrounded by never leave completely but I am learning to love and grace for the last year, and hope has stay away from the ‘black hole’ of past kept us strong. Of course, I'm devastated but trauma with the help of cognitive therapy relieved that his pain is over. God has been our and the use of an eight-week Mindfulness rock. Tim has served Him faithfully and I have course about choosing to live in the moment been truly blessed to have shared my life with – which is essentially what Jesus asks us to him.” do.” The couple met at Holy Trinity church in Steve trained as a book seller but spent six Norwich in November 1987, married in October years working for Suffolk Social Services 1988 and have four children, Katrina, Deborah, prior to becoming manager of Norwich’s Gemma and Daniel, all born between 1993 and SPCK shop at Pottergate, 12 years after his 1999. Tim and Sue Stapleford. suicide attempt. “I had to walk past the car Tim taught at Wroughton Middle and was park where I attempted to take my own life deputy head of Junior between but I figured God knew I was ready to face Norwich city centre. Trinity for which he was given a Shining Light 1996 and 2008. He then became a supply teacher Tim was perhaps best known for his key role Award which he received in person from Lon - the daily emotional reminder – timing is al - for St Francis Primary in Norwich. ways important for what we do,” says Steve. in the development of the Norfolk Christian don Olympics chairman Lord Sebastian Coe. The couple worshipped at Holy Trinity until Football League, and especially its Youth The event was held at the Jenny Lind Park last year when they moved to St Stephen’s in League, which started in 1995 because of Tim’s and the nearby Bignold School field and was vision and passion. part of an initiative started by Holy Trinity for Many children in churches found it difficult the Vauxhall Street area of its parish. to play competitive football as it took place on a Tim's commitment to the outreach work in Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services Sunday morning. The youth league, played on the Jenny Lind Park was acknowledged in a Saturday morning, provided that opportunity October 2014 when he was presented with the and it now comprises almost 30 teams and Norfolk Police Community Citizen of the Year around 300 players. award at the Norfolk Safer Community Awards. Tim was involved in the league for almost 30 Tim organised weekly football sessions, with 01603 528800 07789 586817 years and fulfilled almost every possible role as the support of Holy Trinity Church, the police league chairman, vice chairman, referee, team and Norwich City Council at the Jenny Lind manager and player for Holy Trinity. In 2012 Park in Norwich for local eight to 25 year-olds. Christian funeral director he was awarded the league’s Sam Hollinger The project was a resounding success, with Trophy for his long service. In 2012 Tim was positive relationships forged between the young Independent, affordable and personal also nominated to be one of the Olympic Torch people and the organisations involved, and a bearers. proven reduction in anti-social behaviour. Tim League chairman, Mike Culwick, paid tribute, was a key part of a dedicated team committed Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials saying: “Tim has been an inspiration for so to social outreach in the area which included many of us in the league, as founder of the taking out a tenancy agreement on the old post 104-106 Road, Norwich, NR3 4QW youth league in 1995, and without him I don’t office opposite the park as a base. think the Christian League could have survived. Tim was also a key organiser of the Dove www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk His faith continued to amaze us all.” Men’s Christian Fellowship which has met in A year after the London Olympic Games Tim Norwich city centre over many years. [email protected] was the driving force behind a Community A packed memorial service for Tim was held Games event in Norwich, organised by Holy at Holy Trinity in Norwich on July 28. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 5 Newday rocks Norfolk

Over 6,000 young people camped at the Royal Norfolk Showground for Christian youth festival, Newday in August, enjoying high quality teaching, Jan consecrated as passionate worship Bishop of Repton and exciting entertainment. I The former , Jan Jenny Seal reports. McFarlane was consecrated as Bishop of Repton by the (pictured above) on June 29 in Canterbury Cathedral. Bishop Jan is the sixth of Repton in the and the ninth female bishop. The , the Rt Revd Gra - ham James, said: “Jan McFarlane is known ith tents stretched throughout Norfolk and Waveney because of out as far as the her many appearances on local and regional W eye can see, the media. Her ability to express her Christian Norfolk showground was faith so winningly and to connect with people home to over 6,300 young will make her a fine bishop too. We will miss people aged 12-19 for a her greatly but are glad to make such a week in August. They wonderful gift to the Diocese of Derby. came from 185 Christian youth groups The Newday Christian festival “It’s thrilling to see Jan consecrated at across the country and beyond; some Canterbury Cathedral, surrounded by crowds travelling from as far as Holland, attracted over 6,000 young of family, friends and colleagues who admire Germany and South Africa. and love her. She will continue to be a great They enjoyed the opportunity to give people to the Royal Norfolk blessing to God’s Church.” their lives to God and to grow on that Jan will be welcomed to the Diocese of journey, encouraged by engaging Showground in August. Derby at a special service in Derby Cathe - speakers, powerful worship, amazing dral during September. testimonies, a varied programme of Jan said: "It's difficult to put into words seminars and a festival atmosphere just what an awe-inspiring and emotional promoting fun and friendship. service we had in the beautiful and historic It is a massive operation with high Canterbury Cathedral. I'm very grateful to all standards of care and security. Almost those who came along to support me on 800 volunteers give up their holiday such a momentous occasion, and I'm greatly and free time to come and serve the looking forward to beginning my new ministry young people, including a medical in Derbyshire." team with A&E doctors and nurses. In the mornings, separate meetings are run for 12-14s and 15-19s. This time sharing others contemporary songs that actually thought about you. He put of worship and teaching is followed by are recognisable to many churches. every single part of you together. There a choice of nine seminar streams, which Healing is a regular part of the Big may be things that people don’t get aim to appeal to a wide spectrum of Top meetings. One evening the well- about you. But God has woven you young people at different points on known Christian speaker, Adrian together.” their Christian journey. Holloway led a time of healing, inter - Following the evening meetings the There are streams for those exploring viewing six people who shared their concourse outside the Big Top comes the Christian faith, for those who want experiences of being healed at Newday alive with fairy lights and lanterns, to delve into tough issues, and for those last year, many clutching written verifi - surrounded by a range of venues and seeking to practically put their faith cation from their medical professionals. cafes to chill out in, including The Cow into action through an Outreach He then led the tent in times of Shed which will make 10,000 Bootcamp which prepares young prayer for those needing healing, milkshakes during the week. Young people to evangelise on the streets of encouraging those who had been people can spend their evenings in the Norwich at the end of the week. And prayed for to test out whether they had Nerf arena, playing on the dodgems, new to Newday this year is a seminar been healed. Chris Hedges, a physio - watching vintage films on a big screen stream designed to equip and resource therapist with Norwich City Academy, cinema or dancing in the Rhythm youth leaders themselves. testified that he had been suffering Factory which hosts artists such as The afternoons pass with a mix of from plantar fasciitis, a disorder affect - Guvna B, or spend time in the creative sport, skate competitions, workshops in ing the heel and bottom of the foot, and prayer space or peruse the bookshop. music production, vlogging and break now felt no pain. And once things begin to close down dance, manicures and Nerf games. On that same evening, worship at 11.15pm youth leaders can sleep Then the Big Top event in the leader and singer Lou Fellingham, gave soundly knowing that great care is evening brings everyone together. the main talk inspiring the young taken to make sure the site is safe, Inside the giant blue tent are thousands people to take hold of God’s amazing secure and a night patrol are always on of young people dressed mainly in plans for their lives. In an accessible, hand to help any young people who shorts, sitting on cushions under easy to understand, chatty street style stray from their tents. strings of lights and in front of big Lou used the story of David and Many Norfolk church youth groups screens and a well-lit stage. Goliath to encourage the thousands of take advantage of having such a major High energy, passionate worship is young people to be the people that God Christian resource on their doorstep. If led by the Newday band including had made them to be and to follow you would like to know more about worship leaders Simon Brading and their God given purpose. how to attend Newday 2017 on Sam and Becki Cox who introduce their She said: “God is a creative God. He Monday, July 31 – Saturday, August 5 own, purpose-written songs as well as didn’t make us all the same. God go to www.newdaygeneration.org . 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Celebrate bro a

Celebrate Norfolk’s flagship event at the Forum in Norwich on June 11 and 12 has been broadening its horizons while Celebrate has also spread its wings to King’s Lynn and the Royal Norfolk Show . Keith Morris and Jenny Seal report.

wo dozen Christian organisations demonstrated and celebrated the T Christian community in action in a Cedric and Chris Poole in Norwich. major exhibition inside and outside the Forum in Norwich city centre on Saturday June 11. Outside, on Millennium Plain, there was Marking year at drama from Saltmine Theatre Company and music from a combined 40-strong Norwich churches choir and the Norwich YFC Tracks performance zone. Norwich church Opening the all-day event, Celebrate project director John Betts said: “This is a I South African minister, and former breakthrough year in the work of the Kingdom of God as demonstrated by our dentist, Cedric Poole is marking one year exhibitors and the vital work they do to in Norwich leading Meadow Way Chapel. serve the community in so many ways.” Les Champion reports. Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr Marion Maxwell, visited the exhibition, and said: “I am really pleased that I was asked to come I Cedric, his wife Chris and youngest daughter Abigail, along to Celebrate as it has broadened my arrived in the UK from South Africa early in November 2015, horizons. I had no idea of the sort of things I in order for Cedric to take up an invitation from Meadow Way have seen here today were going on through Chapel (MWC) in Hellesdon, to become their Lead Elder. the Christian community and it was Above, Celebrate Norfolk at the Forum in Norwich, right at the Royal Norfolk Show and, far Cedric and Chris are no strangers to the UK, having visited absolutely fabulous. I have really been right, in King’s Lynn. extended family here many times over the years. The educated. I did not realise the depth of how difference now is the conviction that God intends them to some of the exhibitors here are reaching out hundreds of people from the local commu - Bananas, King’s Lynn Christian Fellowship settle and serve Him here long term. to people and I have learnt an awful lot.” nity with live music from local bands, ran a mini Olympics, encouraging families Cedric, aged 56, has lived through the worst years of On Sunday June 12, a free picnic for vol - inflatable slides, a vast selection of compli - to work together to complete a series of fun apartheid in South Africa, an experience few of us would unteers of Christian projects across Norfolk mentary cakes, circus skills, bungee runs, challenges, St Faith’s Church, Gaywood had relish. He likes to meet people at Costa Coffee shops, and was held at the Narthex at St John the Bap - sumo wrestling, face-painting, penalty a display of prayer shawls as well as giant was glad to find one opening in Hellesdon just as he arrived. tist Catholic Cathedral in Norwich, followed shootouts, bouncy castles, volleyball and jenga, hook a duck and throwing ping pong Chris is British, but born in Rhodesia. The couple like walking, by the Celebrate closing service in the Cathe - displays from King’s Lynn American balls in a bowl. cycling, reading, and Cedric particularly, a former dentist with dral itself with testimonies from exhibitors. Football Club. Also present with displays were Terring - his own practice, enjoys the world of medical ethics. Chris The inaugural Celebrate King’s Lynn took Each church came with a different activity ton St Clement Parish Church, St John the has a nursing background and works at a local care home. place on Saturday, June 11 in The Walks, a to run. Reffley Community Church of the Evangelist Church, the King’s Glory Centre, Cedric and Chris feel their calling is to work and minister beautiful park in the heart of the town. Nazarene were out in force hosting a the Gateway Church, the Christian Motorcy - into a smaller community-based church and the area it serves. Many of the churches and Christian organi - coconut shy, a tin can alley, face-painting cle Association, King’s Lynn Foodbank, MWC was born in 1971 with that servant ethos and has been sations of King’s Lynn had come together to and a ball throw stall, King’s Lynn Baptist King’s Lynn CAP Debt Centre, the Salvation doing it consistently and outstandingly over the 45 years of its stage a free community fun day, blessing Church teamed up with clown Sally Crazy Army and the College of West Anglia. existence. However, MWC elders felt it was time to bring some fresh vision and direction into the church, and last year set about praying and looking for someone to bring that. In order to best get to know the people he is serving since he has arrived, Cedric has visited most of the church family in their own homes. He has found an appetite to explore in Parish nurses put at heart of the teaching and practice, all that God has been saying to His Church in the latter part of the 20th and early 21st century. I A Norwich church is putting England with the Salvation Army. aromatherapist and offers aromatherapy and As a gifted Bible teacher, and with the support of his fellow Christian nurses are often wary of sharing massage treatment. She has frequently elders, he plans to develop that with good sound teaching parish nurses at the heart of their faith because of the fear of being misin - seen people gain confidence as their health from the Word of God. its community. Helen Baldry terpreted. Parish nurses are unique in the way improves. Since February 2008, the Sunday morning All Age Worship reports. that they can offer the opportunity for people Angela, who trained at the old Norfolk and service has been held in Hellesdon Community Centre (HCC) to explore the spiritual aspects of their health Norwich Hospital, is a registered nurse and due to the increase in the number attending the church. I Angela Stewart (Parish Nurse) and Eleanor care if they choose to. Angela said, “What we she runs the weekly clinic on Wednesdays as The church intends to keep its focus on outward mission (an Laming (Assistant Practitioner) are part of the bring is God into the situation. We always ask well as regular sessions at the church lunch - Alpha course is planned later this year) but not at the expense parish nurse team at St Francis Church on the people if we can pray for them. No-one has eon club and home visits. She supports team of ongoing growth in personal discipleship. In so doing, the Heartsease estate in Norwich. They have the ever refused”. member Diana, to offer ministry for people church also feels the need to develop its service and facilities unique offer of practical support to people, The team treat people from all walks of life who have been bereaved. The team are also for the community, and for some time, they have been explor - time to listen and the ability to share their faith – from elderly, isolated people with dementia involved with flower ministry and a craft group ing other possibilities in the area. as Christian nurses. to young families and people who are run by team member Margaret. Having wifi in - Cedric regularly prays for Hellesdon and Norwich with a The ministry, which was the first of its kind homeless. stalled for the service has enabled a computer large map on his wall to focus his attention: “As I’ve studied in Norfolk, was established at St Francis Eleanor said that they regularly meet training club at the church. All of which places that map, Reepham Road and Middleton Lane stand out very Church where Angela is a lay minister, two people with complicated issues, and they can them at the heart of the community. They have clearly as a cross over the city and Meadow Way Chapel is at years ago. Parish nurses often work with a take the approach of whole person health - a good relationship with local health related the heart of that cross, proclaiming Christ to Hellesdon and team of volunteers, and there are currently care, addressing physical, mental, social and voluntary organisations and links with the the city,” he said. seven members of the team at St Francis. spiritual needs. She said, “We have got the local surgeries and NHS. The team is ecumenical, linking the Church of time to listen”. Eleanor is a qualified Parish Nurses do not offer any clinical treat - NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 7 Youth project helps to dens horizons transform community I A Norwich Christian youth project has joined with a local church to undertake social action projects in their community, including litter picking, gardening and building friendly relationships with residents. In August, ENYP and St Elizabeth’s Church joined up together to do some ‘mission days’ in the Earlham area of Norwich. The aim was to be a visible presence in the local area and to make a difference in the communities through practical support and projects. Young people, volunteers and members of the ENYP team and St Elizabeth’s Church took part in various social action projects over the three days including transforming over 20 gardens of elderly people, litter picking key roads in the estate, clearing planting beds and litter picking round a local school and talking to residents in the area. The mission days were supported by Norwich City Council who were able to help by providing equipment. Louise Curtis, Community Enabling Officer for Norwich City Council, said, “The ENYP mission days are a great way to get local people An enlarged Christian presence at the Royal involved in their community. The litter pick of Cadge Road by young Norfolk Show was hailed a fantastic success. volunteers sends a really positive message on how they feel about their The Diocese of Norwich doubled the size of its neighbourhood and helping the tenants of Fellowes Close with their marquee in a new partnership with Celebrate gardens is a lovely way to help others and build friendly relationships.” Norfolk, welcoming a number of other Christian Those involved had some great conversations with local residents, organisations within the marquee. particularly those who were lonely and socially isolated. It was a great Gordon Darley, Marketing & Communications time of breaking down the barriers between generations and of building Manager for the Diocese of Norwich, said: “It has relationships through conversation and practical support. been a fantastic couple of days. We have had Danny Doran-Smith, ENYP Director and Pioneer Minister, said, “it thousands of people come in, including many was great to see so many people give up their own time to make such school groups who have come and performed on a difference in the community. We’re pleased the work received such the stage area including choirs, a steel band and positive feedback and we look forward to building on this in the future an orchestra. The comments from visitors have through our Grassroots project.” been so encouraging and there’s been a great For more information visit: www.enyp.org.uk buzz about the marquee. “We’ve served over 1,750 cups of tea and coffee and the café area has been full throughout the two days. At the centre of the marquee was a large cross sculpture made of hundreds of hand - Cards ‘n’ Things made nails which has been a great talking point, and there have been different activities for chil - dren including a listening station of different 193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, church music, Scalextrix track and Messy Church Norwich (on the Bull Roundabout) craft activities. “Welcoming in other Christian organisations has Tel: 01603 442165 really added something quite fantastic. It celebrates the unity of the church across Norfolk and how willing people are to work with one We have teamed up with Thorntons and another. We have been able to engage with people about what the church is really like and many of offer their range of chocolates together the proactive activities which local churches and with our great selection of greeting Christian charities provide across the county. Exhibitors included: YMCA Norfolk, Norwich cards, helium balloons and gifts. Cathedral, Norwich Youth for Christ, Rafiki Cre - ative Ministry, the Matthew Project, Mothers’ Union, the Christian Conference Trust, Traidcraft, Rural Ministries, Revelation Bookshop, Norwich FGB, Network Norfolk and the Horstead Centre. community OPTOMETRISTS & ments, such as dressings or injections as DISPENSING OPTICIANS these are provided by NHS Nurses, but will support people in getting the care they need. QUALIFIED ADVICE IN Networking is an important part of the role of parish nurses because they often refer ALL ASPECTS OF EYE CARE people on to other agencies who can assist them with specific needs, for example if they CONTACT LENS CENTRE need help accessing benefits or need support to address addictions. ALL TYPES OF LENSES INCLUDING Support from a parish nurse is available to DISPOSABLES FITTED & SUPPLIED people of all ages and backgrounds and of all faiths and none. The nurses are employed by the church - some on a part time basis and TEL: NORWICH (01603) 626750 Angela and Eleanor are keen to promote the concept of parish nursing amongst more churches in Norfolk, of all denominations, and 19 CASTLE STREET, NORWICH, NR2 1PB would like to see many more of them begin this work. www.dippleconway.co.uk To find out more contact Angela on 01603 300916 or [email protected] Parish Nurse Angela Stewart, left, and Assistant Practitioner Eleanor Laming. 8 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Couple Steve’s journey take over of faith offers as Army hope to others leaders ll of us face simple A journey of faith has many people” who have faced rejections at various helped Norwich man similar traumas and chal - A times and often we can lenges. “My own life has been get over them with no long- Steve Mott through transformed,” he says. “We’ve I Dussindale Salvation Army welcomed new “I have the privilege of staying in the area term effect. But a traumatic childhood rejection seen miracle after miracle.” leaders Russell and Alison Day on July 24 as and will continue to be a part of the family experience of rejection in As Steve and Elaine grew Kerry Giles retired. here at Dussindale Salvation Army as a childhood can trigger a life - and personal tragedy in faith, they were able to Kerry, who has been responsible for The church member. I know that, under the leader - long “killer problem,” says and he is now able demonstrate family life in their Salvation Army’s church and community ship of Russell and Alison, we will continue to Steve Mott, a family counsellor community, seeing local outreach in the Dussindale show God’s love to those around us by offer - and church leader who to offer help to people “restored, released area for the past 13 years, will continue as a ing compassionate support and practical help.” recently told a Norwich others facing life’s from addictions of many types, church member. In addition to church services every Sunday, audience how his own early challenges. Mike and seeing troubled families Highlights of her leadership include starting The Salvation Army runs a community cafe, a life was crippled by family reunited.” Sunday worship in the local primary school on community choir, Messy Church Family Fun rejection. Wiltshire reports. Today, as an experienced Vane Close, offering support to people in the and Thorpe Youth Café for 10-14 year olds. As a boy, his personal world church leader, Steve says that area and working alongside other churches. Russell and Alison Day were formally collapsed after a parental deep rejection has a way of Kerry Giles said: “I have really enjoyed welcomed as the new leaders of Dussindale divorce - dejected and lonely, the start of “a spiritual voyage destroying a person's life in a getting to know people and offering help, Salvation Army on July 24, 10am at a service he would walk the streets till of discovery” as he began to way that few other things can support and friendship. I thank God for the at Dussindale Primary School. bedtime - “or do crazy, stupid read and understand the – but those who find freedom opportunities to serve this community, to lead For more information please contact the things, just to win acceptance.” words of Jesus who said: and healing through the love this church and run outreach activities. Salvation Army on 07900 904128. After serving in the Royal “Come to Me, all you who are of God “should also reach out Navy (including submarines), weary and burdened, and I to the hurting people around Steve’s inner journey to will give you rest.” (Matthew us and share how we’ve been recovery really began in 1986 11:28). healed,” he says. when, at the age of 31, he was invited to a fellowship gathering in a community hall. Steve wasn’t a churchgoer and had no idea what to expect, but it led to “a life- changing encounter with God’s unconditional love”. Eventually, Steve and his wife, Elaine, became involved in helping others in deprived areas, seeing families and communities changed. They knew that rejection can be a springboard to many other issues such as loneliness, low self-esteem, aggression and depression. Steve and Elaine’s work has attracted links with ministries in many nations. Their faith has also sustained them through massive family loss after their son, David, died of lymphoma in 2004 at the age of 22. He also recalls the time when he had no faith at all and could make no sense of the Bible. Although he knew one verse in Psalm 23 where it said “The Lord is my Shepherd . . .” He wondered what on earth does that mean? Ray Simpson, the minister at Bowthorpe Church at that time Steve Mott. said: “Well, Steve, we’ll pray for you . . . that the Holy Spirit The promise in Psalm 147:3 He adds: “The greatest love will help you understand.” that God will “heal the broken- story in the world is revealed And, sure enough, right at the hearted and bind up their through the Cross of Jesus – end of the meeting, after tea wounds,” also became a reality who rose again to set us free and biscuits, Ray prayed – to Steve as he also learned to from bondage, as we trust in “and the power of God shot forgive those who he felt had Him.” through his hand”. rejected him. Steve Mott was speaking at a Steve’s new Bible fell on the Now a gifted speaker, Steve men's breakfast for the Living floor and it fell open at Psalm is a man with a message. His Stones Christian Fellowship 23, the famous Shepherd’s inspiring story has been “a key which now meets at Poring - Psalm – and for Steve this was that has unlocked the lives of land Community Centre. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 9 Prison gate mentors

Community Chaplaincy Project co-ordinator Norfolk is a Christian service Susan Carne. supporting ex-offenders to successfully rebuild their lives after prison. The project’s new Coordinator, Susan Carne , BOOK REVIEW spoke to Jenny Seal about her work recruiting volunteer Heaven’s culture is possible mentors and sympathetic landlords. here on earth says author I Understanding and creating culture is important writes David Elverson (pictured above), a Norwich-based management consultant and leader of the city’s Kingdom Life Church. n July, Susan Carne took up the role of His acclaimed book, Creating a Culture of Overflow, is a Project Coordinator for the Commu - practical tool to help church, business and family leaders, as I nity Chaplaincy Norfolk. well as individual Christians, get to grips with culture. This service is based on the model estab - It breaks down the sacred-secular divide, drawing deeply lished by the Community Chaplaincy into the Bible and structured around the latest research in Association, a growing national network of engagement, motivation and behavioural economics. Above all, local projects which harness the resources it is written in an encouraging and informative way, to help available within faith communities, most readers live life to the full as God intended in Jesus Christ. particularly volunteers who give their time The first chapter, written by Paul Manwaring, a senior leader to support those who are seeking to make a from Bethel Church in Redding, California and gifted in administration and government, quotes, “Culture eats strategy fresh start after leaving prison. for breakfast.” He goes on to describe cultures as moulding Susan Carne's role within Community thinking, behaviour and almost all aspects of life. It is the lens Chaplaincy Norfolk is to recruit and through which everything is viewed, and as such, will affect manage volunteer mentors who will work everything in an organisation. With such a sense of ownership closely with ex-offenders who have and by which a group of people solve problems, Christian expressed a desire to change their lives and culture has similar hallmarks. want to break the cycles of behaviour that that we have the resilience to keep going us that is ultimately not returning to prison. David majors on engagement sees them returning to prison. with people without giving up on them. That is the goal.” when there are deep emotional and Susan is an Assemblies of God accredited Yes, they are going to fail sometimes, just Community Chaplaincy Norfolk comes spiritual connections - those which minister and helped to lead a community like we do, but they just need to be picked under the umbrella of Norwich-based lead people towards fullness of life church in an ex-pit village in South York - up and restarted again.” charity House of Genesis which offers (cf John 10.10). Then these people, shire before moving to Norfolk, where she The service will deliberately start small homely, supported accommodation to active within a group or organisation, worked for a year as a Volunteer Chaplain with training for the first group of 6-8 homeless men including ex-offenders. can live life in its fullness, achieving in HMP Wayland. She has a keen passion volunteer mentors taking place in Susan has quickly identified that a lack of greater things. And with Jesus at the for working with those on the margins. September and October. The project is accommodation is the biggest problem that centre of this, it is revival. She said: “I love being out in the commu - looking to recruit volunteer mentors based sends many people back to prison. She Following chapters include practi - nity. I’ve always worked with marginalised, across Norfolk who have the resilience to said: “I’m talking to a lot of hostels and cal advice and examples as to what vulnerable people and I think they are the stick with the people in spite of setbacks, housing providers. The need is on the individuals can do to develop areas people that Jesus would be mixing with are professional, IT literate, and willing to increase and Government funding is on the of their own lives, such as vision, and wanting us to work with.” be accountable to management. decrease. So cutbacks are meaning that identity, authority, empowerment and As a Volunteer Chaplain Susan has had It is hoped that there will be two training provision can’t be expanded and a lot of strengths to live a full life. David writes candidly about his own many conversations in prison with men sessions a year so that it can slowly increase places are full all the time. It is a big life, including a miracle of healing from a potential major who desperately want to rebuild their lives with integrity, being able to tell genuine problem.” paralysis and personal revival. when they are released. But as she explains: success stories on the way with monitoring Susan would love to work with Christian “All too often we think too small and our visions are too small. Jesus taught us that many of the parables that the King - “The thing is, it is easy to talk about to show that their contribution has made landlords or any landlords who are dom of Heaven is always increasing and that we are to steward moving on on the inside but the reality is the difference. sympathetic to the work in order to access that increase,” said David. “What can we get involved with, how very hard. Once you’ve got a criminal Chaplains based in HMP Norwich and more accommodation. can we bless other churches, how can we be a unified body of HMP Wayland and elsewhere will send If you would like to volunteer as a record it is very hard to get a job. It is very Christ that develops this ‘big’ thinking into our congregations?” hard to get a flat. Nobody trusts you. You referrals of men who show a serious desire mentor or if you have accommodation you “What next?” asks David, “Living life in all its fullness and are tarred with that ex-offender brush. to turn their life around. Susan will then would be willing to rent to ex-offenders overflowing into our communities should be our natural state? “However much you have paid your meet the man in prison to do her own who are engaged with Community We are called to be like Jesus and release this life in all walks debt to society you are judged and assessment and ideally introduce them to Chaplaincy Norfolk you can contact Susan of life; in church, in our workplaces, our families and our condemned continuously really. But I hope their mentor before they then meet them at at [email protected] or on communities. Jesus made no separation between these areas that by providing a mentor that will go to the gate on release. 07758 208470. of life and neither should we.” appointments, speak on their behalf, stand Susan said: “I would hope that every You can also support the work by pray - This book will be a valuable resource especially for all clergy, with them in difficult situations, we will be person who requires this help or asks for ing for Susan as she begins this new role, business owners, those with family responsibilities and individ - able to make that difference.” this help would be teamed up with a for divine appointments, finding favour uals who really want to partner with God and impact society. Susan believes that the involvement of mentor who would see them through to the with the authorities, volunteers, funding Creating a Culture of Overflow is available on Amazon or Christians will be key to the project’s success of whatever their goals and dreams and “for daily opportunities to share the from [email protected] (£10). success. She said: “We know as Christians and aspirations are. And for all of them and Good News with those that I meet.” By Kevin Gotts BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING K.P. ELECTRICS No job too small One year warranty on all work FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. Available weekends and evenings NEW ADDITIONS, REPAIRS AND EMERGENCIES. Repairs and upgrades undertaken FAST, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE Free estimates. No extra call-out charge Handyman services also available PLEASE PHONE 01603 744208 Please phone Greg Bright MOBILE: 07770 921399 Home: 01603 479216 Mobile: 07814182940 10 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Connecting world with the church in Israel

I Christians across the the Body grow in unity and maturity.” Your People My People works with world are being and supports several organisations in connected with the living Israel, Dugit Evangelistic Outreach church in Israel thanks to Centre in Tel Aviv; Helping Hand Coalition who supports and aids the the efforts of a Norfolk- aging community of Holocaust based charity. Survivors throughout Israel; those helping terror victims in Jerusalem; HOPE, a house of prayer in I The message lit up on the phone: Nazareth; and actively support Arab “Tonight I prayed with three refugees and Jewish individuals in full time from Baghdad to accept Jesus!” We ministry. all like to receive good news, and “Forging deep relationships over when ’Your People My People’ the years with local believers has directors Amanda Harris and Karen given us a unique window to identify Gower received the text, they were some of their needs, and the heart of understandably excited, not in the the local body. Through the ministry least because it had been sent to of Your People My People, we now them by a Jewish, Israeli pastor want to share these precious stories ministering in Finland! with you,” said Karen. This kind of good news does not “We believe that Jesus is the only usually make headlines in our media, hope for Israel and the Middle East, but is at the heart of the vision of and that if we, as Christians, are Your People My People, a charity willing to engage with what God is based in Hockwold, West Norfolk. doing in this part of the world, then Karen, originally from Norwich, Pictured are Karen Gower (left) and Amanda Harris of West Norfolk-based charity Your People My People. we will begin to see the kind of and now back here via NZ, and the change that will make a difference!” US, and her colleague and friend churches never hear the good news outreaches together. Looking past hear the political news from the If you would like to receive YPMP’s Amanda, have first-hand experience of what God is doing in Israel, the political issues, they look at what Middle East, but God is doing so free magazine, or have YPMP run a of both Jewish and Arab Israeli inspired the ladies to start connecting they agree on, loving and following much more. People are coming to stand at your event, come and speak ministries working together and Israeli believers with the Body of Jesus, and together, moving forward faith in Jesus regularly! Our heart is to your group /church, or if you would alongside each other, to win their Christ around the UK and beyond. from there,” shared the directors, to encourage Christians to start just like to learn more of what God is nation with the Gospel, after serving “We realised that the local Arab both now living in Hockwold near praying for the church in Israel, that doing in Israel, please contact them in Israel for over ten years. and Jewish believers in Israel were Thetford. they will be effective in winning at: [email protected] Realising that many Christians and praying together and doing “We see that many Christians only others with the love of God and see or visit www.yourpeoplemypeople.org

Great musical opportunity at C hapel Fi eld Road Declaration of support Met hodis t Church Are y ou a d ynamic pe rson w ith a More than 200 people attended strong Christian faith who could the launch of East Anglia lead and develop our music? Friends of Israel at a Norwich

• We have a strong musical tradition church where many signed the  and a well-established adult choir. Shalom Declaration . Mike • We ne ed so meone to pla y trad itional Wiltshire reports. and contempo rary hymns and son gs

at our morning services. • We have a p ipe organ and a grand he Shalom Declaration is a unique initia - piano. tive building bridges between Jews and  T Christians. According to former Israeli • We want to build up music with President Shimon Peres, Jewish-Christian children and you ng pe op le. relations "are closer today than at any time in history". You would n eed t o accom pany More than 200 people attended the launch of the choir or accom p any/direct at East Anglia Friends of Israel (EAFI) in Norwich reh earsa ls o n Friday evenings. at an impressive gathering which brought together members of the local Jewish You can ev en conduct our Christm as community and Christians from across the orch estr a! region to demonstrate their support for Israel. The East Anglia Friends of Israel launch at Soul Church in Norwich. We have relief organists and the choir At the event, which took place at Soul Church in Norwich, many signed the Shalom Declara - new groups demonstrate there is a national and ing against anti-Semitism and injustice, we shall does not sing in August. tion which calls upon political leaders to combat growing movement in support of Israel in the work together with our Jewish brothers and Re muner ation and leave b y anti-Semitism and extremism across the world UK. The event in Norwich was an outstanding sisters both here in East Anglia, the UK and in agree ment . and promote positive ties with Israel. The new and very moving show of support for Israel and the State of Israel itself. Our present and our group announced an informal twinning the local Jewish community." future is now a united one." Contact Rev Catherine Hutton arrangement with Yezreel Valley College in the Group member Rosemary English spoke for Those taking part included Daniel Rosenthal 01603 452086 Galilee. There are plans for visits to the College many when she said: "It was such an eventful and Marion Prinsley from the Norwich Syna - catherine.h utto n@methodi st.org.uk and to host events for college speakers in the evening . . . we left behind our history and came gogue; musicians Brenda Taylor and Juliet www.chapelfieldro admetho d i s t . o r g . u k UK. together with the Jewish community to show Dawn and Christian artist, Sarah McCrum. The Board of Deputies of British Jews consultant, our support for Israel - so important at this time MC for the evening was the Rev Nigel Fox, c Steven Jaffe, said: "East Anglia Friends of Israel of increasing anti-Semitism." following a welcome by Pastor Trevor Pimlott. is the latest grassroots friends of Israel group to Summing up the event, Paul McHenry, vice- Thousands of Christians across Europe have be launched in the UK, joining East Midlands chair of the EAFI, said: "After such an historic, signed the Shalom Declaration since the initia - Friends of Israel which was launched the emotional and unifying night, it’s time to begin tive was launched in Leeds in March last year, previous week. These wonderful and energetic the hard work putting words into action. Stand - including over 180 UK churches and ministries. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 11 St Walstan’s 1000th celebrations continue Youth award for

I Celebrations to mark the Angels Church, and in the YMCA Norfolk 1000th anniversary of the adjacent modern I YMCA Norfolk has become the first youth death of Norfolk-born Saint Bowthorpe Church Centre. organisation to achieve the nationally-recog - Walstan, are continuing The church site also fea - nised Ambition Quality - Bronze standard for in various locations tures a prayer cell and a the services it provides to young people associated with the patron stone memorial to Walstan. throughout the county. saint of agriculture and The arts performance by Youth and Community Manager Amanda farmworkers. the Slow Theatre Company Bayfield, who is responsible for the work, In May, two bishops led a features composers, said: “The award is all about us raising the medieval pilgrimage in singers, musicians and standards of our youth work in clubs and Bawburgh, the birthplace of writers who will highlight schools so that the quality is improved, pro - Saint Walstan who was the values of Walstan who viding a better environment for young people. known for his generosity gave up great riches to “We wanted to be first to achieve the award and holy life. care for the land and the so that we can lead by example and be able The RC Bishop of East local community. to overcome any challenges we may face in Anglia, the Rt Rev Alan Bowthorpe Church is order to support other Norfolk groups. It Hopes, said Walstan was also looking forward to a shows people and other organisations that born into a wealthy family double celebration on we are great at what we do and will help us but renounced all his rights Saturday, October 30 at raise the benchmark.” wealth so that he might 3pm for the 30th anniver - The award provides a structured frame - work as a farm labourer. sary of its present building work to make organisational changes which “Walstan was a man in - when it will also celebrate benefit staff, volunteers and young people love with Jesus Christ. His the recent completion of Bishop Alan Hopes and Bishop Graham James lead the procession to St Walstan’s Well. and covers the extensive work which YMCA example of holiness was the new £70,000 church Norfolk does with young people, dozens of lived not in any dramatic or roof which features three schools and youth groups across Norfolk. extraordinary way but in the the Rt Rev Graham pilgrim journey, inspired by where a church was also prominent crosses in the There are three levels of awards; Bronze, simple realities of life – that James, said: “In the New a holy life lived in this first planted 1,000 years new tile design. Silver and Gold and they last for three years. is what holiness is all Testament, the image of locality. We come on life’s ago, there is a three-day Bowthorpe minister, Rev “We will definitely be aiming for gold,” said about. He lived a simple life pilgrimage is used to journey and reflect on the multi-arts performance on Mark Elvin says: “It will be a Amanda. close to the land and describe the Christian life greater pilgrimage to what September 9,10 and 11, joyful celebration of all that “By achieving Ambition Quality, YMCA realised that this was the itself. Like Christians in we hope and pray will be taking place in the memo - Christ has done in Norfolk has made an ongoing commitment to way he must serve God.” Bawburgh 1,000 years ago, our home in heaven.” rial garden and historic Bowthorpe over the past quality improvement,” said Rachel Smith, The Bishop of Norwich, we are still here on the In Bowthorpe, on the site ruins of St Michael and All decades.” Head of Quality and Training at Ambition. “It has demonstrated its approach to quality through an evidence-based portfolio and ultimately ensure the best possible service for young people.” Work covered by the award includes a mental health awareness service provided to Ministries for men dozens of schools across Norfolk, three youth clubs in East Norfolk, the Big Lottery Statistically, two thirds of `Unleashed` day in November - churches were seeking more. We businessman is all inclusive and funded Life Ready project in where men will come together to were taken by the claim made by meant to include all people in or and Life Ready in Norwich funded by men may find being in do activities in a woodland setting; Caleb, a great man of faith, in out of work. Children in Need and a Great Yarmouth church uncomfortable, and Simon Fenn in North Norfolk, Joshua 14:8 “for my part, I whole - The FGB mission is: advisory service for independent youth clubs. so how are three who has instigated a number of heartedly followed the Lord”. We I Fellowship with members across `Men`s Breakfasts` from Cromer were challenged by this and felt is the world organisations within Church, which he has opened up was the thing the men in our I Fulfilling our Destiny within the Norfolk helping make to Christian men of any denomina - churches were seeking: what does call of God on our lives church a great place to tion. His heart is for `Discipleship` it mean to wholly follow the I To reach men and women for and to that end he has championed Lord?” Christ and empower them for Life be involved with? Kevin Caleb meets on the third through the Holy Spirit Saturday each month at Witard Gotts found out more. I Operating as 'an arm of the Road Baptist Church, Norwich and Christian Church': serving and is informal. Any man from any de - supported by local Churches, to nomination is welcome. They start which we remain committed with a drink and doughnuts, and I CVM then have a short time of worship, Seeing the Kingdom of God followed by some teaching around extended for His Glory I Christian Vision for Men – Simon a topic. After a short break they “What's different about FGB? CVM, a non-denominational chari - PInchbeck. continue with discussion around There's food in a variety of set - table organisation, evangelical in what has been heard and how it tings, where one can meet men for its outlook – which in simple terms can be applied to everyday lives. fellowship (fellowship evenings) aims to `Win Men for Jesus`. They a CVM resource called `The Code` Doors are open from 8.30am for and engage in evangelism in dif - promote small men`s groups to - which is twelve steps to follow coffee and finish at 11am. ferent settings - dinners in hotels partner with them - either from a Jesus. Plus CVM , where Stephen continues, “Together and restaurants, breakfasts, church or groups of churches. Mike Bennet heads up a partnered with the church leaders, our desire lunches, pubs.... The 'full gospel' “We don’t want a church domi - group in the town and regularly is to see the men in Norwich fulfil aspect, i.e. expecting miracles nated by men or male characteris - hold breakfast meetings in the their potential in Christ and be today is considered by some as a tics nor do we want to make parish church in Necton. transformed into the man God rarity these days,” explained Bar - rie. “Recently at a dinner, a lady church a “men’s club”; just a place I Contact: simon.pinchbeck wants them to be. exclaimed ‘my knees have been where men can be gripped and ex - @cvm.org.uk or www.cvm.org.uk I Contact: www.calebwftl.org.uk cited by Jesus.” said Simon Pinch - healed,’ and a few minutes later, beck, CVM Regional Director for gave her life to Jesus.” The East, “ So we offer resources Caleb FGB Barrie concluded, “This year in and support to motivate and equip Norwich, we also held a music Christian men to `Have a Go for I The Full Gospel Businessmen (and food) evening in a pub, as Jesus` in their daily lives and give I Caleb, formed a year ago by five UK & Ireland (or FGB for short) is well as a curry evening at an them the strength and the courage, men from different churches across part of the largest network of Indian restaurant. There is even to introduce non-Christian men Norwich who got together and all Christian businessmen in the talk of an Elvis event next year. into their groups, and ultimately to shared the same feeling that many world: from every part of the We are relevant to today's world, Jesus and the church.” Christian men were looking for a world. Norwich FGB Chapter is to a new wave of people looking CVM has two Area Coordina - deeper relationship with God. headed up by Dr Barrie Lawrence. for values in today's world.” tors in Norfolk - Stephen Gladwell Stephen Gladwell said, “We Their meetings are open to men I Contact: www.norwichfgb.co.uk in Norwich organising a CVM identified that the men in our and women and the definition of or [email protected] 12 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Harvest 2016 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Book of answered prayer

I Good storytellers attract and spending time with a spouse, engage their audiences quickly. BOOK REVIEW so that the relationship grows Barrie Lawrence, the well- and flourishes. known Norfolk dentist, blogger, ordinary life” who has experi - Barrie also includes attitudes speaker and Christian author enced answered prayers and and behaviours that may ham - has recently launched his wanted to share them in this per prayer and a relationship fourth book with the title The new book. with God, and the problem that Curious Case of the Consti - The practice of prayer has sometimes prayers seem to be pated Cat and other true been honed over 50 years, “I “unanswered”. stories of answered prayer. was born again into a new He finishes with a call to step In this new book, Barrie, family – God’s family. Now one out in prayer, have faith, known for his straightforward, of his children, I could pray to develop a relationship with the compelling and non-jargon my Heavenly Father,” Barrie Lord and to pray in the name of style – refreshing for many reflected. “But I have become Jesus. “May you know richly Christians - has compiled inter - bolder in my prayer life, happy the blessing of the living God – esting and often entertaining to pray on the spot when a who answers the prayers of his stories of a constipated cat, a need arises, increasingly children when they cry out to boy with a deformed arm, an praying over the telephone with him.” This as the title alludes to, angel in Venice, a romance people, often daily.” worked for Bathsheba the restored, an irritable bowel and Part Two, moves into how constipated cat, and a wide many more relating to Barrie and his wife Wendy have spectrum of people, with answered prayer. been able to pray and evidence dramatic recoveries following He playfully ends some healings, miracles and needs prayer. accounts with a view that some met. Their Christian “mantra” is Barrie and Wendy also run a Bishop Alan Hopes celebrates the 40th Anniversary Mass at the Catholic Cathedral in Norwich. people would consider the relationship, based on knowing home-based church called outcome as “it’s a coincidence, the God of the Bible as a Liberty in Frettenham, north of or maybe psychosomatic.” Father, following Jesus’ teach - Norwich. Enthusiasm underpins ings; and listening to and The book is available from Barrie’s approach to life. working with the Holy Spirit of Jarrolds and Amazon or visit: Pope support at Describing himself as “a normal God. Barrie tells of spending www.barrielawrence.com ordinary person, living a normal time with God, rather like By Kevin Gotts 40th anniversary p to 1,500 people, Pope Francis offered may all be renewed in your many of whom came his prayers and sup - love of Christ and, in turn, U from the 50 parishes revitalize your parishes, so of the Catholic Diocese of East port for the Diocese of that all may be ‘a community Anglia, attended the Mass East Anglia, which of communities, a sanctuary when the preacher was Cardi - where the thirsty come to nal Vincent Nichols, celebrated its 40th drink in the midst of their jour - Archbishop of Westminster anniversary with a ney and a centre of constant and the chief celebrant was the missionary outreach’ (Evan - Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Mass of Thanksgiving gelii Gaudium 28). In this way, Rev Alan Hopes. at the Cathedral of St you will manifest God’s love Cardinal Nichols said: “The John the Baptist in and mercy to the broader com - Cathedral houses the images munity and share the richness of three East Anglian saints of Norwich on June 3. of our faith in Christ Jesus.” the first millennium: St Felix, Keith Morris reports. The Diocese came into exis - St Etheldreda and St Edmund: tence 40 years ago, when Pope a bishop, an abbess and a king. Paul VI approved the creation They remind us that faith in of support and prayers with of the Diocese of East Anglia, these parts is as old as the hills. him to the Mass. The Nuncio and, on June 2, 1976, Bishop And they offer us a challenge also presented a Year of Mercy Alan Clark was installed as its to be diligent in our mission to medal from Pope Francis, first bishop. At the same time live out the faith, playing our which will be displayed at the the church of St John the Bap - part in the continuing story of Cathedral. tist in Norwich became a Christianity in East Anglia The Pope’s message reads: cathedral church, one of the now and into the future.” “His Holiness prays that you largest in the country. The Solemn Diocesan Mass was presided over by Bishop Alan, who said: “In the 2,000 year history of our Church, our 40 years may seem rather small and insignificant but, of course, these few years mark not only a beginning but also a fruition of a long period of evangelisation and Christian witness in this part of England. “Over the past 40 years, the Diocese has made its mark in the life of the whole Christian community, in its involvement with and outreach to the neediest and most vulnerable in our society. The Catholic community has played its full part in working together and co-operating with other Chris - tians, especially in seeking the common good of all.” Apostolic Nuncio to the UK, Apostolic Nuncio to the UK Archbishop Antonio Mennini (left), Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Bishop of East Anglia Rt Rev Alan Hopes and Cardinal Vincent Printed by Archant Print, Thorpe Print Centre, Norwich brought Pope Francis’ message Nichols Archbishop of Westminster.