INSIDE: Dec/Jan 2020/21 Page 3 Welcome to new Archdeacon Page 4 Prayer for the Nation Page 7 Bride is fashionably early! Page 9 Spotlight on contactless Page 10 Advent calender for Creation Page 12 Sharing skills for Digital Church Bishop Christine’s Christmas message...

>>Bishop Christine, and right and above, the new wooden cross and plaque at Bishop’s House God is with us, and in this we may abound in hope cannot remember a time such as able to make a phased return to work, wooden cross erected, with a plaque end tions such as those we are living this, where my longing for things but she is still living with the effects of at its base, which reads: through today, not just the coronavi- to be different has been so acute, the disease. As we think about Les- May the God of hope fill you with all rus, but also climate change, gross and the sense of waiting in the ley’s experience, we are reminded of COVID-19, 2020 joy and inequality of wealth and distribution midstI of everything so challenging. our own vulnerabilities to this virus, Our World Changed in Ways We Could peace in believing, of food, access to good housing, and Covid-19 has come very near to many and of those of the people we love, Never Have Imagined so that by the power of the Holy Spirit the refugee crisis, to name but a few - of us, and the threat of it in our society and I am sure, like me, you pray daily you may abound in hope a ‘multitude of overwhelmings’ as has shaped our way of being together, for a relief from the impact that the We stand at the foot of the Cross of Romans 15:13 Geoff Miller, our Dean, has called it. and had a very significant impact on virus is having on our nation and on Christ The Psalmist, faced with the troubles our families, friends, and communi- people across the world. naming those who have died As I read the words on the plaque, of his times, gives us words of prayer ties far beyond the previous life expe- mourning with those who grieve their the themes of Advent are clearly for ours, ‘Out of the depths I cry to riences of many people. As we approach the beginning of loss apparent. The naming of the reality of you, O Lord, hear my voice’. The jour- Advent, and the final weeks of 2020, I rejoicing with those who have survived the difficulties of the world, the long- ney towards Christmas reminds us Many of you will know that my PA, have felt that this year needs marking praying for those who have not yet ing and waiting for change, and the that God is with us, and in this we may Lesley Towers, has been on sick leave in some way that bears witness to the recovered hope we can have in God. abound in hope. since catching Covid in March. Thank- struggles we are living with, and in the trusting in the love of God fully, she is now well enough to be garden at Bishop’s House I have had a wondering when this pandemic will It is very easy to lose hope in situa- Warm tributes have been paid to Canon Carol Wolstenholme OBE following her death on 5 November. Read her full obituary on page 5 2 generous engaged open

Bishop’s Diary This is not a full list of the Bishop’s engagements but includes the items we think might be of particular interest to you. Under the present 2021 yearbook published circumstances there is a possibility of cancellations or meetings changing to virtual meetings. THE annual Churchwarden’s Yearbook is now available to order.

December Used by churchwardens and clergy in England and 1st 10am Diocesan Safeguarding Group Wales, the annual diary includes a foreword by the Rt 2nd 9.30am Bishop’s Staff Meeting Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby. 7th – 11th House of Lords Duty Week 14th – 15th House of Bishops The yearbook covers Advent 2020 – Epiphany 16th 10.30am CC Mission, Pastoral & Church 2022, with extra pages for planning 2022. Property Committee It also features reference material to help 16th 4pm North Church Leaders Meeting churchwardens including a summary of the new 17th 11am Area Deans and Bishop’s Staff Church Representation Rules 2020 and New Faculty 1.30pm Shortlisting for Vicar Rules 2020; Eco-church and reducing the carbon St Peter’s Monkseaton footprint; safeguarding requirements; contact 21st 8.30am Bishops and Archdeacons details for all Anglican dioceses in England, Wales 10.30am Diocesan Secretary and Europe; and Parochial Fees Tables for the 24th Office Closed Church of England and the Church of Wales. Priced at £13.95 - including free delivery January - when ordered direct from Churchwarden 4th Office re-opens Publications, the yearbook is available to buy 10am Planning Meeting at churchwardenbooks.co.uk/churchwarden- 4pm Northern Church Leaders yearbook-2021 11th 9am Interviews for Vicar St Peter’s Monkseaton 13th 9.30am Bishop’s Staff 14th 10am Interviews for Interim Minister Beamish and Till A message from 17th 10am Confirmations for Benwell Team, Newcastle West Deanery 18th 8.30am People and Places 10.30am Diocesan Secretary 2pm Curates & IME2 the High Sheriff of 21st 10am Senior Staff Safeguarding Training 25th – 26th College of Bishops 27th 10am APPG Rural Services 28th 10am Planning Meeting Northumberland Comings & Goings The High Sheriff of Northumberland, Tom Christmas Parties, let us give a thought for the Fairfax, was determined that his shrieval people who will spend their Christmas delivering Appointments is now Priest in Charge, Balkwell and ministry year would be spent encouraging his essential services, or for the people in the past The Revd Neil Heslop, Priest in Charge, Tynemouth St John. fellow Northumbrians in their vocations and who spent their Christmas in the horror of the Sugley (Holy Saviour), is also going to be ministries. The Covid crisis has drawn on his trenches, on the Arctic Convoys or in the leech Priest in Charge, Denton (Holy Spirit). The Revd Deborah Maureen Baker, natural creativity, Tom finding new ways to ridden Jungles of the Far East. Let us think of those Assistant Curate (SSM), Ulgham Benefice, The Revd Lee James Cleminson, Assistant is now Distinctive Deacon (SSM) at exercise his office, a lesson in positive flexibility who have met bigger challenges than ours and Curate, Balkwell and Tynemouth St John, Cresswell and Lynemouth for us all. who have prevailed. AS the gloomy winter evenings We are not the first to face Gospel Readings draw in it is tempting to forget what sometimes appear to be the legacy that we have been insurmountable challenges, nor Unfortunately we are unable to publish December and January’s Gospel Readings, left by those who have gone will we be the last. Let us not be but hopefully normal service will resume in the next edition of Link! before. In November, we defined by circumstances, but by remembered the many who how we deal with them. have sacrificed much so that we have the freedom to be defined In the years to come, when we by our decisions, our words and look back on the way we have CONTACT US our actions. We all have a duty responded to these difficult to make the most of this legacy. times, let us hope that we can reflect with satisfaction on the The Link, Church House, St John’s Terrace, We may not agree with every part we played. If we step back North Shields. NE29 6HS. Tel: (0191) 270 4100. decision that our democratically rather than forward, we will have Email: [email protected] elected government may take to live with that for the rest of Facebook: m.me/ncldiocese - but we are fortunate in that our lives. Twitter: @ncldiocese we have a system where these Instagram: @NclDiocese decisions can be challenged - We face a winter of uncertainty Link is produced ten times a year by the Diocese of Newcastle, with joint not a privilege that is enjoyed and challenge - let's look the issues for August/September and December/January. Views expressed in every part of the world. One >>The High Sheriff of future in the eye and step are not necessarily those of the Diocese or the editor. of the hallmarks of democracy, Northumberland, Tom Fairfax forward to make the best of it. If The editor is pleased to consider articles or letters of not more than 350 is that there will be occasions we can do this, then we will to words for publication. Where possible, articles should be accompanied by a good-quality digital photograph of 250dpi or higher. Please contact the where we disagree. We must expect to be defined take the legacy that we have been given and pass editor before submitting obituaries. by the way in which we deal with this. it on to our successors in the confidence that we have done our best. For advertising rates and deadlines see www.newcastle.anglican.org/link. Let’s keep things in perspective; before Copy date for February 2021 issue: Monday 18 January 2021 complaining about having to limit the size of our None of us can do more than that! growing church bringing hope 3

HE new Archdeacon of Lindisfarne has described her ‘joy’ as she begins her ministry and new role in our dio- Tcese. Warm welcome Festivals of The Venerable Dr Catherine Sourbut Groves was collated by Bishop Christine at a special Zoom service online on Saturday 14 Novem- ber. Light Appeal Originally, the ceremony was due to take for Catherine place in person at St Aidan’s Church in Bam- burgh, but plans had to be adapted fol- THE Festivals of Light event – which is lowing the announcement of a sec- supported by the diocese – is still going ond national lockdown. ahead this year with some major changes. Lesley Hillary, Inter-Faith and Ethnic Catherine, 53, said: “There was a Relations Adviser, and a member of real sense of occasion despite it being Newcastle Council of Faiths, writes: “We on Zoom and I felt very emotional throughout the service. hope to be able to bring some light to 80 families and over 150 children who “It was a real bonus that my family are either asylum seekers, refugees or and friends, many of whom realistically destitute families. wouldn’t have been able to make the “We intend to deliver to each family a journey to be present at my collation, gift of chocolates, a goodie bag containing >The collation could watch the service on Zoom. My > arts and crafts, including cards from the uncle who is in his 90s and lives in Exe- was held over ter watched it in the same way that Zoom, below, major faiths depicting their festival of someone in Newcastle did.” Bishop lights and a selection box for each child. Christine “We have a sponsor who is paying for Catherine thanked Bishop Christine during the take away food for each family, we are so for her warm welcome and to Diocesan collation very grateful for his generosity and The Secretary Shane Waddle who service Bahr Academy have offered to make the ensured the technicalities of the service went off without food for the families. a hitch. “We have had enquiries from other charities to ask if we can help them, The new archdeacon takes as more than ever families are finding over from the Venerable themselves pushed further into poverty. Peter Robinson, who earlier Unfortunately, we are unable to meet the this year moved to become Dean of Derby. demand for help at this time. “In past years many of you have been Catherine, who was brought so generous, buying toys for the children, up in Yorkshire, has spent the hats and gloves and donating items for last 30 years in the South West the free raffle we always held. This year I where she was ordained in am writing to ask you if you could possibly 2007. Until recently, she was make a cash donation to help us with this the vicar of St Barnabas and St Peter’s in the Diocese of Bath initiative.” and Wells and Prebendary of If you can offer a cash donation, please Wells Cathedral. >>The Venerable Dr Catherine Sourbut send a cheque made out to Newcastle Groves Diocesan Board of Finance (and mark the She has had a number of cheque Festivals of Light), Church House, additional roles including being Chaplain to “I have spent a lot of time with Bishop more time to reflect and pray and think about St. John’s Terrace, North Shields NE26 6HS. the Mayor of Bath, Diocesan Vocations Chap- Christine and the senior staff team, learning the bigger picture. The fact we are in a pan- lain and Archdeaconry Advisor on Women’s how the team functions and the aims and pri- demic is making us all think in a more pio- Church House will administer any money Ministry. orities in our diocese. neering way. We have to plan at a strategic donated for this initiative. level and we need to rethink about how we Catherine was also co-leader of a ‘virtual “I hope clergy and lay people alike will find can ‘be church’ in a world of Covid, and how deanery’ – called Magnificat Parishes Group – me approachable and I look forward to learn- we emerge in the aftermath – we have to be Bishop’s consecration date which was made up of disadvantaged parishes ing from people about what God is doing in imaginative, creative and pioneering.” in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. She was an their context. I will be travelling around the instrumental figure in the group which was set diocese – as much as is practicable at the Catherine and Mike, who have two grown up to respond to the challenges of overseeing moment - and will be also meeting people on up children, enjoy spending time outdoors ministry and mission in less affluent parishes. Z o o m .” and are looking forward to exploring every- thing our beautiful diocese has to offer. Catherine, who has moved to Northumber- Catherine will be leading the rural strand of land with her husband Mike, is excited to bring our Growing Church Bringing Hope vision, If you would like to get in touch with Cath- her experience, knowledge and pioneer minis- and will be addressing the challenges and erine, please email her at Lindisfarne@new- try background to our diocese. opportunities of ministry during the Covid castle.anglican.org or call 0191 2704166 ext pandemic. 266/ 07436 220872. She said: “It feels good to be back in the north. We love the area and we love Northumberland She added: “There was something about ■■ Watch Catherine’s Collation online at – the people have been really fantastic. the experience of lockdown, as there was https://bit.ly/36yUX1T

>>The Venerable Mark Wroe

WE are extremely pleased to announce that a Acting Archdeacon date has been confirmed for the consecration of the Venerable Mark Wroe as our new Bishop of Berwick.

of Northumberland Mark will be consecrated on Tuesday 5 REVD Canon Rachel Wood is going to be Bishop of Berwick. She will also continue January at 11am in York Minister. the Acting Archdeacon of to be Incumbent at St Mary, Monkseaton. Northumberland. Because of Covid restrictions, there is likely The appointment comes following the Rachel will be known to many people to be a limit on the number allowed to attend, announcement that The Venerable Mark through her ministry at St Mary’s, and however video will be streamed live on the Wroe, Archdeacon of Northumberland, is also through various Diocesan roles internet. to be the next Bishop of Berwick. she has held, including Local Ministry Development Officer, and more We’ll post further details closer to the time Rachel will begin this role early in the recently as Assistant Archdeacon of on our website and social media channels, as new year, when Mark is consecrated as Northumberland. well as in the e-Bulletin. >>Revd Canon Rachel Wood 4 generous engaged open Messy Church home invasion! IN the midst of the Covid pandemic, churches are creatively finding ways to continue engaging with people across their parishes. And the latest initiative by The Revd Benjamin Carter and his team from the Parishes by the Wall is certainly keeping the younger members of his community entertained. The team has launched ‘Messy Church at Home’ >>Hexham Abbey is to embark in response to nationwide social distancing on major roof restoration restrictions which have prevented usual Messy Church events taking place in the benefice. Families are now taking part in Messy Church Hexham Abbey receives lifeline grant activities from the comfort of their home over the second weekend of each month, culminating in an exham Abbey has re- ■■ The Westmorland slate and funded by the Government and land for just under £357,000. We are online Zoom service. ceived a lifesaving finan- Welsh slate coverings to be carefully administered at arms-length by also extremely grateful to the Hex- cial boost from the gov- taken off Historic England and the National ham Abbey Restoration Trust which ernment’s £1.57 billion ■■ The removal of failed fixings and Around 50 children from three schools and Lottery Heritage Fund. is providing the remaining funds to churches in the local area – as well as two little ones CultureH Recovery Fund. battens complete this crucial first stage of ■■ The repair and treatment of any Both funds are part of the Gov- the Abbey Roof refurbishment. from Scotland – are getting involved in the fun It is one of 445 heritage organisa- decayed and infested exposed tim- ernment’s £1.57 billion Culture event which follows a different theme each month. tions across the country to benefit ber work Recovery Fund which is designed to “The value of Hexham Abbey and from this funding, in a bid to help ■■ The formation of a new treated secure the future of Britain’s muse- its Priory Buildings is of internation- Benjamin, who came across the idea via the them through the coronavirus pan- counter and tiling batten structure ums, galleries, theatres, independ- al heritage standing. It is a building Messy Church network, said: “It’s been working demic. with breather membranes ent cinemas, heritage sites and that warrants the very highest qual- really well so far. The key to it all is organisation. ■■ The re-laying of the salvaged music venues with emergency ity in conservation techniques and We meet 10 days before the service to plan the The Abbey has received a grant of existing and new slates grants and loans. standards, and requires the very theme, and then at the beginning of the week £356,861 to be spent on much need- ■■ The renewal and repair of the best in skilled workmanship. This before the Sunday Zoom we pack up bags – a bit ed repairs to the roofs of the Chan- failed lead items The Revd David Glover, Rector of project will provide heritage skill like a conveyor belt - with the various activities and cel East End, North Transept, and Hexham, said: “Roofs are easily development and high-level train- prayers, which are then delivered to schools. They the Nave North Aisle, helping to The risk of not carrying out this taken for granted but are, of course, ing opportunities for the successful are kept in quarantine for three days before they’re secure the building for future gen- work is that timbers will likely decay vital for protecting the whole build- contractors as we work to preserve handed out to the children, so it’s all very Covid- erations. and rot, causing irrevocable dam- ing. By repairing now, the most this wonderful building for future secure.” age to the mediaeval roof. The badly deteriorated sections of the generations.” The slate roof coverings are in mediaeval roofs are one of the glo- Abbey roof, we are ensuring the Themes covered so far are Harvest and poor deteriorating condition and ries of Hexham Abbey and rated as Abbey will continue to thrive as The Abbey will be closed to the Remembrance, with the children creating a range over the past decade have required being of the highest significance to place of worship, pilgrimage and public from 4 January to 31 March of fantastic artwork from autumnal wreathes to continual repairs to ensure the the Abbey fabric. heritage, and continue to be a place while this work is carried out, reo- building remains wind and water of deep blessing to Hexham and the pening in time for Easter. The café, colourful scarecrows and poppies. The third Messy tight. This vital funding is from the Cul- wider region. shop and Priory buildings will Church at Home event in December will focus on ture Recovery Fund for Heritage “We are absolutely delighted to remain open. Services will continue Advent. The funding will now see: and the Heritage Stimulus Fund - receive a grant from Historic Eng- to take place in the Priory buildings. Many of the families join the Sunday Zoom service, which Benjamin describes as ‘extraordinarily chaotic (but in a good way)’. CHURCHES across the diocese are participating time when all of us are fearful and anxious, and in a national month of prayer as we navigate our when so many are suffering, it is the one thing Benjamin added: “We have lots of excited six, Prayer for the Nation way through our second lockdown. we can all do. seven and eight-year olds taking part. It’s great as it allows the children to help lead us in prayers and do Throughout November, Christians are being “We can pray and invite God to change us, readings. It all comes together really well.” encouraged to pray daily for a specific area of giving us the solace, strength and comfort we national concern, wherever they are, culminating need for the difficult winter that is ahead of us. in a collective moment of prayer at 6pm each Let’s pray together at this difficult time.” From September 2019 up until lockdown, evening, with cathedrals and churches invited to Parishes by the Wall were running Messy Church as ring a bell at this time. The prayer call has the support of senior an after-school activity. Benjamin added: “It will be church leaders and is supported by the Church interesting to see what happens once restrictions Christians are also encouraged to follow a of England’s House of Bishops. are lifted. Messy Church at Home might be one of simple seven-day prayer cycle, praying for a the things that remains as it offers families a higher specific area each day including the NHS and A selection of resources to suit Christians from level of flexibility, and the engagement so far has frontline workers, the bereaved, and those across all denominations and traditions, and been fantastic.” struggling with physical and mental ill-health, those exploring faith at this challenging time, are and for children and young people. available on the Church of England website to Benjamin would be happy to chat with anyone guide prayer throughout lockdown. interested in the idea of running Messy Church The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at Home in their own area. Contact him at said: “Prayer is my first response when I feel out of The call to prayer comes as both Archbishops [email protected] or call him on 01434 my depth, when I need help, when I am worried, encourage churches to redouble their efforts 688196/ 07985 412542. when I am concerned for those I love. to serve their local communities, caring for the elderly and most vulnerable. “It is a gift that God gives to all - whether you are a regular pray-er or not - bring your cares and Prayers and other resources are being the cares of the nation to God. For God loves and shared on social media with the hashtag hears and holds. Prayer changes things.” #PrayerForTheNation.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: To find out more information about the “Prayer changes things. It changes things by invitation to pray visit: churchofengland.org/ inviting God into the room. At this challenging PrayerForTheNation

Although Newcastle Cathedral isn’t able to rings its bells at present due to ongoing development works, it is joining in the #PrayerForOurNation via YouTube. The cathedral is creating weekly videos which features the sound of its bells ringing and a member of the ministry team leading a prayer. Keep an eye on the cathedral’s social media pages highlighting the different focus >>Newcastle Cathedral illuminated earlier this for prayer each day and visit its YouTube playlist at www.bit.ly/2Uz6xoe to watch the year to honour key workers #PrayerForOurNation videos. >> The first Messy Church at Home Zoom service Picture: Ian Berry and Drone Works North East growing church bringing hope 5

By Colin Gough with help from many other friends and colleagues A tribute to Canon Carol arol Wolstenholme had a sense of voca- tion: to serve God in every way she could as a lay person. Gifted with clear insight, intelligence and wit, she served the peo- Cple of Denton, her family and very many friends. Wolstenholme OBE She was also highly valued by the people among whom she worked in sections of the Civil Service, for which she was awarded an O.B.E. on retire- 1 January 1943 - 5 November 2020 ment in 2006. But here we commemorate with particular thankfulness, her contributions made bringing her particularly ‘lay’ perceptiveness to meetings with Lay Chairs from other dioceses over many ways and years to the people of the proposals. She led a Deanery Development Task who celebrate her for friendly warmth and straight Diocese of Newcastle. Group and became more convinced that the basic talking. unit of mission had to move from parish to dean- Carol was a life-long member of Holy Spirit, ery. But to make that meaningful, more lay people Many have written on hearing the news of her Denton, a Reader there for a quarter of a century needed to grow in confidence, to be comfortable death and perhaps David Wilson, Lay Chair of and chronicler of its history. Though perhaps handling issues and feeling able to question and Leicester can speak on their behalf: arriving at different perceptions of the roles of lay contribute from their own experience. She and “Very sad news indeed. In my experience, Carol women in the church, she was shaped in the six- others worked regularly with Area Deans and Lay was a cup half full person who always saw poten- ties by the spiritual leadership and teaching of Fr. Chairs to make this possible, and in Bishop’s tial for good even in the most challenging situa- Cook and they sparred happily together until the Council and Bishop’s Staff Team meetings she tions. There was a refreshing honesty and openness time of his death last year. In her teens she was helped them explore ways of cutting through about her, along with a sharp wit and a generous elected President of their branch of the Anglican complex procedures that stifled rather than liber- heart. Her wisdom, kindness and good heartedness Young People’s Association and this opened ated lay voices. will be greatly missed by us all.” opportunities to experience church life and lead- ership across a wider section of the Church of Newcastle’s ‘Centre for Life’ was galvanized in The strength of her convictions led Carol to England. Professionally, she rose to become October 2014 with a ‘Lay Voices’ conference called stand for election to General Synod in 2008 as a Leadership Development Manager for the Pen- for lay people and expressing themselves in song, diocesan representative and re-elected twice sions Service and her life-long mission has been in discussion and deliberation. Carol pursued this since. She was always prepared to speak on more to help the Church rediscover in our own time work at the national level and the ‘Setting God’s occasions than called but when she was, her soft what the church of ‘The Acts’ knew, that everyone People Free’ project sponsored by General Synod Geordie tones left their mark. In a debate about is gifted by God in discipleship and for ministry is a significant development in stimulating future financial resourcing of dioceses she had no and that all must find their voice and let it sound, engagement, discipleship and action at local level. qualms in speaking up for Newcastle with the unhindered by issues of gender, education, preju- reminder that ‘Shy bairns get nowt!’. Her HR dice or precedent. For some years, Carol embodied our link with expertise was particularly recognised by Synod the Diocese of Winchester. Peter Rouch, until and she was elected by them onto two significant Bishop Martin Wharton writes: recently Archdeacon of Bournemouth has committees: the ‘Remuneration and Conditions “Loyal, faithful, devout, always generous with written: of Service Committee’, that makes recommenda- her time, her abilities, and herself. Carol was utter- >>Canon Carol Wolstenholme OBE “It feels as if the whole thing has become warmer, tions about pay and pensions for stipendiary cler- ly trustworthy and dependable. What she promised more relational, more open. We have joined each gy and regulates conditions of service. The other, she always delivered. She was always fully sup- fresh resources for ministry had to be uncovered if other in General Synod and in our own diocesan the ‘Clergy Discipline Committee’ monitors the portive of the clergy, appropriately respectful, but more folk weren’t to experience breakdown and processes and decisions, not as some organised link exercise of discipline and highlights and encour- never overly so: the very best kind of critical friend. exhaustion. The title for a serious year-long train- activity, but because to be part of what each other is ages best practice. She frequently attended ‘Faith People trusted Carol. She gave them confidence in ing programme was supplied by Carol from her doing feels part of who we are. I have loved this in Research’ conferences and as one Synod staff themselves, in their faith, in the church, in God. We reading of American texts: ‘Leading from the change, and I have loved Carol whose character member commented, ‘She was absolutely com- are all the better for having known her and having Future’ was born and between 2005 and 2011 was and energy have been at the heart of it. Always mitted to basing our mission strategies on sound worked with her. She was gracious and kind.” the major opportunity in the diocese for those in Carol has been just who she is. There has been no facts rather than anecdotes and she had a good leadership roles to review their existing patterns sense that she needs to present or conceal anything “nose” for distinguishing sound, complex, I arrived in the Diocese in 2001 as Adviser for and resources for ministry and explore fresh ones of herself and her diocese. Carol has I think drawn research from presentational hype.’ Continuing Ministerial Development. Carol and I for building resilience and energy for the next forth a matching response from those of us who met quickly as she had helped to set up a work phase. have been living and ministering in Winchester. We Bishop Christine writes: consultancy scheme, providing experienced have met and spent time together not as represent- “Carol has been such a significant part of our mentoring for clergy who recognised that fresh But what she worked for consistently in the atives of two different things/dioceses/whatever, diocesan life that it is hard to imagine things with- skills had to be developed in the ever increasingly Church was inclusion. She certainly valued but as people pretty much about the same life jour- out her. She brought humour, warmth, skill and complicated and demanding work of parish min- ordaining women for ministry, but above all, she ney but at different ends of the country.’” wisdom to everything she did, and she challenged istry. She was kind enough to take me on herself wanted lay Christians to discover and use their us to have a rich and biblical understanding of the and three times a year she would listen to me talk voice! Carol was appointed a Lay Canon of the Carol was elected Lay Chair of the Diocesan life of the people of God, lay and ordained working about the increasing number of roles I was asked Cathedral and a member of the Cathedral Coun- Synod in 2015. This put her into the most signifi- together for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Carol to fill. Encouragement, prioritizing, stalking the cil. As everywhere she took time to listen to peo- cant role for a lay person in the local structure and saw the issues currently facing the Church and was elephants: nothing passed her attention and ple to find out what was going on and how they felt gave an entry into every discussion, consultation passionate about the possibilities of God for our forensic enquiry seasoned with affection and about things. She was always ready to provide and sphere where strategy was determined. To society, and the part the Church could play in this. warmth led to a friendship we both valued. The help with HR and strategy issues. She was this she brought her whole lifetime’s experience of She saw her own role not just as a diocesan officer whole diocese was becoming aware that with appointed Chair of the Diocesan Mission and Pas- Gospel and vocation and made her voice and but principally as a follower of Jesus, which was decreasing numbers of stipendiary clergy, more toral Committee, chairing effectively, keen to those of other lay people heard. This role involved very apparent through the ways in which she financial stringency and fewer church members, emphasise the ‘mission’ part of their role and attending Deanery Synods and having regular looked at the issues of the Church and the world through the lenses of faith, and through her com- mitment to hospitality and to the welfare of others. We have lost a person of huge significance, and I St Peter’s Church Falstone remembers Canon Carol Wolstenholme OBE know that I have lost a true friend.”

By Jill L. Swaile, church warden service they organised in the garden of Every learning session that Carol led ended with of St Peter’s Church The Rectory when Revd Paul Adamson and a period of reflection. She’d draw a marker line his wife Rena were in residence. Whenever down the centre of a page of flipchart paper and EVERYONE at St Peter’s Falstone was so very Carol and her friends were staying in write two sets of initials in the columns: WWW – sad to hear of the passing of Carol Falstone they always attended St Peter’s ‘What went well’ and EBI – ‘Even better if’ It’s not Wolstenholme recently. Carol was well Sunday services, their wonderful singing that she was never satisfied, only that there were known in Falstone as one of ‘The Rectory will always be remembered. I know Carol always more needs to meet if tasks and the people Room Girls’. This name was coined by the was saddened when the Rectory Room was undertaking them were to progress. No doubt on villagers as Holy Spirit Church in Denton, sold as it was like an end of an era for her, the day of judgment she will receive feedback and leased the Rectory Room from St Peter’s for but she said her memories of Falstone were will listen and learn from what she hears! But for almost 50 years and Carol and her friends very dear and precious. us now, we can simply be thankful that she has Beryl and Meg (and others) were regular walked alongside us, befriending, enabling, sup- visitors. The Rectory Room Girls took part in I had the absolute honour to know porting and encouraging us in our mutual build- all aspects of village life, they supported our Carol not only as one of The Rectory Room ing of God’s Kingdom in our own time. church, Falstone Border Shepherds Show, Girls, but also in her role as Chair of the the village shops, tearoom and pub. House Laity but then latterly when I cared for her in my role as her nurse in the final Carol’s funeral was held at St George’s Church in Jesmond on Carol made everyone feel very welcome weeks of her life. Carol was instrumental and there was always an open invitation to in encouraging me to complete the Friday 19 November. You can watch visit them in the Rectory Room when they Authorised Lay Ministry course and I will the full service on the Diocese of were there. The folk in Falstone still talk forever remember her with joy in my heart. Newcastle’s Facebook page: >>St Peter’s Falstone pays tribute to Carol about their BBQs and especially the church May she rest in peace. www.facebook.com/ncldiocese 6 generous engaged open A village remembers... Christingle

HREE spectacular giant pop- pies in the heart of the village helped the people of Ponte- land to remember the sacrific- esT of two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

The traditional Remembrance com- memorations could not be held due to Covid-19 restrictions and concern for people’s health and safety. But Ponte- land people still remembered with style THE Children’s Society and and dignity. Church of England are hosting a special online Christingle A year-long community project by service in December. Ponteland Town Council led to the cre- ation of the three giant poppies which attracted much praise. Individuals and ‘Shining the light together’ organisations laid wreaths at the War will take place on Sunday 13 Memorial informally rather than at the December from 9-9.45am and usual Remembrance Sunday service. will be a joyful celebration Plus the Town Council asked children that brings people together to put pictures of poppies in their win- to share the light of Jesus and dows and many people observed a two- minute silence on their doorsteps on spread a message of hope. Remembrance Sunday. The service will include a few On the morning of November 11, the words from HRH The Duchess vicar of Ponteland, the Revd Capt Paul of Gloucester, The Archbishop Allinson, went to the War Memorial for of Canterbury, as well as The a private prayer. About 30 people gath- Children’s Society Vice-Chair of ered just before 11am, all standing socially-distanced, and a two-minute Trustees the Bishop of Derby silence was observed, followed by rep- >>One of the giant Libby Lane, the Bishop of resentatives of several organisations poppies outside St. Dover, soprano singer Joanna laying wreaths. Mary the Virgin, Ponteland Forest and young people lighting the Christingles. The three giant poppies were made up of more than 2,000 poppies knitted wreath at the War Memorial early on or crocheted by people throughout the "Obviously, we were forced to cancel The Town Council had had to cancel Remembrance Sunday. This service will be area. all our community events, but we got the annual Remembrance parade and hosted on The Church of the word out and the wonderful people services, but encouraged individuals He said: "All councillors were very England's Facebook and Coun Karen Overbury, who helps to of Ponteland came up trumps. The and groups to buy wreaths to support disappointed to have to cancel the 2020 YouTube channels. The link, organise Remembrance events in Pon- Town Council would like to thank eve- the work of the Royal British Legion and Remembrance Sunday parade and ser- downloadable Order of Service teland, explained: "The Town Council ryone who made poppies. I hope by lay them at the War Memorial. The vice due to Covid-19. However, coun- and how you can participate in had planned drop-ins and workshops seeing the displays, residents will feel Town Council has also given a £200 cillors were determined that the fallen so people of all ages could get together that their hard work was worthwhile. donation to the British Legion. of the two World Wars and subsequent the Christingle making will be to make poppies or learn how to knit or We have certainly had a tremendous conflicts would not be forgotten.” shared on social media in the crochet. amount of praise for them." Ponteland Mayor Alan Varley laid a week leading up to the service. Gerry hits the right note at St Gabriel’s Heaton! IN this edition of Link, we feature the story with the choir spanned into a successful peak of the coronavirus pandemic, when of 86-year-old choir singer Gerry Hogarth career in the music industry, performing church services were unable to go ahead. (originally published in The Chronicle). as part of a male barbershop-style vocal group, The Dene Boys. During this time he has witnessed great Gerry Hogarth, from Heaton, has change in the choir, including the length performed with St Gabriel’s church choir The group, who found success on BBC’s of services and the number of people who since 1945, when he joined as an 11-year- ‘What Makes a Star?’ radio competition in attend. old schoolboy. the 1950s, was made up of young men from St Gabriel’s choir. Gerry said: “I have seen vast changes in On returning to Newcastle following the music of the church. Music has changed evacuation during the Second World War, And their name was inspired by their to suit changes to services and when I first Gerry Hogarth joined his local choir. Sunday walks through Jesmond Dene joined it was an all-male choir. between choir practice. His attendance at the age of 11 was “Rehearsals would take place twice a inspired by a piano teacher while he stayed The Dene Boys later earned a recording week and all day on Sunday was more or with a family in Belford, Northumberland as contract with HMV, before their inability to less taken over by different services. an evacuee. play musical instruments brought an end to the quartet in 1959. “You would return home for dinner And 75-years later the 86-year-old and have a walk around Jesmond Dene continues to perform Gerry added: “We decided to retire after 11am service. Then you would join at Heaton’s St Gabriel’s gracefully as we were a bit late to the music Evensong at 6.30pm. But far fewer services church, admitting that he scene and music was beginning to change. take place today.” has no plans of quitting the choir until he is told to stop “We were just four male voices, but by St Gabriel’s church choir is looking to singing. that time groups started to emerge that welcome new members. Anyone interested could play instruments. in joining or would like further information Gerry, who has lived in can contact chorus director, Timothy Burke Heaton all of his life, said: “It was cheaper to get groups to perform via email at [email protected]. “I’ve always loved to sing and as they could play everything themselves, listen to church music and whereas we needed to be accompanied by And while they welcome members of all choir. Your voice can’t go on a band.” ages, Gerry hopes that his story will inspire forever. But until somebody younger members to join the choir. >>Above, Gerry Hogarth, and right, St tells me I should give up I will Since 1945 Gerry has remained loyal to He added: “It was a great shame when we Gabriel’s church choir, Good Friday keep singing.” St Gabriel’s choir, attending weekly service lost the number of younger people joining Procession. Gerry pictured centre-left and breaking only to perform with The the choir. It would be great to get more holding sheet music Gerry’s passion for singing Dene Boys, as well as pausing during the young people back into singing.” growing church bringing hope 7 Couple rearrange their wedding to beat lockdown View from the Lantern HRIST Church in make Tuesday." North Shields played With The Very Revd Geoff Miller, host to a hastily rear- Aly then contacted Revd Dor- ranged wedding so a othy Robinson, Team Vicar for Dean of Newcastle brideC and groom could say ‘I Christ Church, who confirmed do’ before lockdown. she’d be able to marry the cou- I WANT to let you into a secret that we have been ple on 3 November. guarding at the Cathedral: The Grinch (nor Aly Harwood, 33, and Gareth Coronavirus) cannot steal Christmas! As the only Cathedral in England dedicated to St Nicholas it’s a Bateman, 34, moved their big Thanks to the efforts and truth we have known for generations. Not simply day forward as the date they set goodwill of Aly and Gareth’s because modern Christmas celebrations have a year ago fell in the middle of wedding venues and suppliers, subsumed Nicholas into their heart but also because the second national coronavi- the ceremony went ahead with Nicholas himself was always at pains to celebrate the rus lockdown. 15 in attendance, followed by a joy, generosity and love that the birth of Christ small reception at the newly- constantly bestows upon his world and indeed even The pair, from Swarland,wed’s local pub, the Cook and us. So, ignore the false news and remember Christmas Northumberland, were origi- Barker. is a time, virus or no virus, to enjoy the celebration of nally due to wed on 20 Novem- Good news in Christ. ber, and they had already scaled Aly added: "It's been a total back plans considerably after In the Cathedral we have been thinking hard yo-yo of emotions. It was my about how to do that while remaining responsible social distancing restrictions dream wedding we had and as safe as possible. In more normal years (do you forced them to reduce their planned. But we just wanted to remember them?) like churches all over we would be guest list from 200 to 15. be married. It wasn't about the hosting all kinds of groups as they joined us for carol party for us." services, with steaming coffee and mince pies by the But after hearing a second thousands. In truth we had expected this year to be lockdown was set to be Dorothy said: “Gareth and different as the main body (nave) of the Cathedral announced by Boris Johnson, Aly just wanted to be married. closed for refurbishment. Little did we know! But we Aly quickly realised the wed- Their wedding was booked for refuse to allow killjoys their way. Our wonderful choir ding wouldn’t be allowed to go 20 November 2020, banns had will help us stream (on YouTube) a traditional Service ahead at all. of Nine Lessons and Carols. Like many churches we been read and service planned >>Aly and Gareth will have our midnight mass and Christmas morning – then lockdown is announced Bateman married services. Even amid the (thankfully) continuing The bride-to-be sprung into from 5 November! Aly asked if it two days before restoration works we will put out our wonderful olive action and managed to rear- would be possible to bring the lockdown wood crib made for us by friends in Bethlehem and range her wedding in one day, ceremony forward to 3 Novem- decorate a Christmas tree. This year we will also have bringing it forward to two days ber, so it was all systems go – a series of short 20-minute carol services, in what may before lockdown. florist, photographer and a be a sort of ‘carousel of carols’ on the hour every hour small reception fell into place. for a festive afternoon. Most of all we will refuse to Aly, an underwriter, said: allow the Grinch (or a virus) to stop us pausing and "Gareth was about to go out “It was a privilege to officiate celebrating the most wonderful gift we know. The gift with the dogs at 7.30am on Sat- at Gareth and Aly’s wedding, it of a saviour whose name is Christ, the Prince of Peace. urday and I checked the news was a real spiritual experience. Then we will pray the year out and step into 2021 and it said it looked like anoth- The bride and groom radiated confident in God’s presence right alongside us all er lockdown was imminent," with happiness – it was all the way. We know many of you will be about similar she said. about the marriage not the things, with similar motives and similar convictions. wedding day. The couple will Our solidarity counts especially at times like these. "I just thought, 'what can we be well supported by family do?' So I contacted everyone and friends in their future So, to January 2021, when the contractors will >>The married couple sign the first thing to see if they could together.” have been at the Cathedral for one very long and register in Christ Church very eventful year. Slowly, but very majestically, the Cathedral is emerging from the rubble. It’s colonnades almost float on the new floor and they seem to have grown bigger, wider, even more. The building is You must be physically fit to take part in Christmas activities - join us online! already lighter, fresher, clean-cut and open and we are this tour. £20 per group (Max six people only half way there. Outside, the grounds take shape Saturday 12 December 10-10.30am from the same household or support and soon the new prayer walk will be installed all Online Christmas Craft session for under 7s News from bubble per tour) around. The interpretation is taking shape and telling Join Newcastle Cathedral Learning Team Tuesday 29 December 2020: Tours at our story in sound and picture as well as written text. for a fun filled 30 minutes of crafts, games 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm & 2.30pm It will be magnificent and I can’t wait to welcome you and stories. This event is free and suitable Newcastle Book: bit.ly/3pGocZt into the finished, polished, restored ‘old lady’ that she for children under seven. Children must be Wednesday 30th December 2020: Tours will be. supported by an adult during this at 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm & session, which will be on Zoom. Cathedral 2.30pm But if you can’t wait that long or would like to have Materials will be provided. This Book: bit.ly/3fe9WCb a ‘nifty shifty’ of the progress sooner, then we aim to event is free. These events are part of Common Ground open the great West doors for (socially distanced) Book: bit.ly/2UBm4E3 session in Sacred Space, funded by The National visits on quite a few days each week in the coming there Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more at weeks – details on our website newcastlecathedral. Saturday 12 December will be an opportunity newcastlecathedral.org.uk org.uk for more information. If you are in town come 10.45-11.15am to learn new skills whilst and see, pray, worship. And please pray for us as we Online Christmas Craft connecting with your do for you. session for 8-12 years community over a cuppa. Teacher Recruitment Join Newcastle Cathedral’s Materials will be provided. We have an exciting programme of activity Learning Team for 30 mins This is a free event, but you lined up but we need your help to shape it and Christmas at Newcastle Cathedral of fun activities, including a must have a Zoom account trial activities. Christmas craft. This event to participate. We are looking for primary and secondary Saturday, 19 December: Mini Carol Services with is free and will be online Book: bit.ly/3lHWfhr teachers to form focus groups to help shape our renowned Cathedral Choir (see our website via Zoom. Adults must be our exciting new learning programme for more details and to pre-book). available during this session. exploring history, art and design, science, Thursday, 24 December – Christmas Eve: 6pm Materials will be provided. Lantern Tower tours English, philosophy and religious studies. We Nine Lessons and Carols (pre-recorded and Book: bit.ly/2KkAWEP A rare chance to climb the are particularly keen to hear from RS teachers. scheduled for transmission on YouTube) and 162 steps of Newcastle Sessions will be online. Please contact alina. 11.30pm Midnight Mass (pre-booking required Thursday 17 December Cathedral’s Lantern Tower with [email protected] to attend). 10.00-11.00am breath-taking views of the city. Friday, 25 December – Christmas Day: 9.30am Online Chat and Craft Each aspect of the tower tour reveals a unique Christmas Eucharist (pre-booking required to Come and join the Cathedral learning team story of the heritage and people of Newcastle STOP PRESS! Look out for our exciting School’s attend) and 11am Christmas Eucharist (pre- virtually in this fun activity for adults. In this upon Tyne. Time capsule project in January 2021! booking required to attend). 8 generous engaged open

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HE Church of England has pub- It is anticipated that the period of the people of God, take time to listen and lished a landmark set of resources church-wide learning and engagement learn together, our love for one another will drawing together the Bible, theol- would take place during 2021. The House be deepened and our faith in Jesus Christ ogy, science and history with pow- of Bishops would then bring the discern- strengthened so that His joy will be made Living in erfulT real-life stories as it embarks on a new ment and decision-making to a timely complete in us.” process of discernment and decision- conclusion in 2022 which would then be making on questions of identity, sexuality, put before Synod. The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, relationships and marriage. who will lead the ‘Next Steps Group,’ said: In a foreword to the Living in Love and “The challenges of the pandemic have The product of three years’ work by more Faith resources, the Archbishop of Canter- underlined how we need each other more Love and than 40 people, led by the Bishop of Cov- bury, Justin Welby, and Archbishop of than ever. entry, Living in Love and Faith includes a York, Stephen Cottrell, acknowledge and 480-page book, a series of films and pod- apologise for the “huge damage and hurt” “At the same time, we can see how deep- casts, a course and an online library of that has been caused particularly to ly divided the Church is over these ques- other publications, in what is thought to be LGBTI+ people within the Church. tions, and we must seek God’s will by the most extensive work in this area by any learning together, listening to each other Faith faith group in the world. But addressing the future, they add: and to God. “Our prayer for the Church through this It comes as the House of Bishops issues work is that collectively we demonstrate “We will encourage and support church- an appeal to the whole Church of England the same love to one another that we have es to do this in ways appropriate to their to participate in learning together, using experienced from God.” local contexts over the coming year, invit- the resources for open, honest and gra- ing people to reflect on their learning, both resources cious discussion, listening and learning. The book opens with an account of how as groups and individually. Jesus invited people to sit down together as A group of bishops, chaired by the Bish- he fed the 5,000. It notes how Jesus often “This must be a meaningful process with op of London, Sarah Mullally, will lead the sat down with people with radically differ- a clear way forward. process of discernment and decision- ent lives and views. making about a way forward for the church “However, it will not succeed without in relation to human identity, sexuality, In their invitation to the church, the love, grace, kindness and compassion.” published relationships and marriage. bishops say: “Our prayer is that as all of us, Festival of Angels A ‘VIRTUAL’ Festival of Angels has will follow a similar format to the and any colour. and 5 December. carpenters, metalworkers, potters, been launched this year by Allen parish’s Scarecrow Festival at the To enter your angel into the Shirley Brown, Churchwarden artists, bakers, flower arrangers. Valley Churches. beginning of lockdown. festival, simply take a photo of of St Cuthbert’s Church, Let’s flood the Allen Valleys and Following on from the very The churches are calling on your creation and upload it to Allendale, said: “Get your creative beyond with a heavenly host of successful event in September creatives in the area to make www.allendalechurch.co.uk/ thinking caps on all of you angels winging their way and 2019, this year’s Festival of Angels angels of any size, any medium angels between 22 November crafters, knitters, needleworkers, spreading joy, peace and love!” growing church bringing hope 9 Spotlight on contactless Tackling food poverty

>> Goodplate in action at St Mary the Virgin, Slaley

HIS time last year, contactless giving in churches was still very new, even >>Customised Goodbox Core display at St >>Packing up the bags during half-term though the decline of cash was widely Cuthbert’s, Norham recognised. Knowing our churches In our September edition of Link, Revd Allison neededT to do something to offer a more flexible some equipment themselves, decided to 'pay it Harding revealed her discovery of the hidden way of donating, we decided to use a grant from forward' and purchase ours. In a church that poverty in the parish of Newburn and the Allchurches Trust to invest in a selection of con- has very little income or reserves, spending the number of people in need of food. Since the tactless equipment for parishes to ‘try before extra to put in infrastructure starts to seem like a publication of the article, Allison has been they buy’. bit of a luxury when you've managed before.” overwhelmed by the response and writes a follow-up piece about how she, Jacqueline Fast forward three months and we’re in the Christopher also makes a good point about Atkinson, Children & Families Missioner, and midst of a national lockdown. No-one could the positioning of contactless equipment, add- have predicted such circumstances and the tri- >>Bespoke SumUp and tablet frame at ing: “At first the card reader was easily ignored others in the parish have been tackling the als inevitably stalled. St Lawrence, Warkworth as we just put it by the nearest plug. We have issue. now moved it to a more obvious place that eve- As life slowly returns to a ‘new normal’, the ryone passes, and in services we make a point to AFTER an article that was published in the Link need for contactless giving has never been remind people to use it. We also intend to use it we had an amazing response from an greater, for reasons we couldn’t possibly have By Joanne to take payments when we restart our ‘pay- anonymous donor which gave us the confidence imagined before. Thankfully, almost a year on, what-you-feel’ lunch club. As people carry cash to move ahead with our response to the need we are finally beginning to see some real suc- Christie, with them less and less often, it does not mean that was uncovered during the summer, both in cess with this across the diocese. they want to give any less, we just need to make Newburn and Denton Parishes. Generous it easy for them to give money in the way they During October half-term a number of At St Cuthbert’s Bellingham, a device known are used to.” as the ‘Goodbox Core’ has been in use and has Giving people from the church packed food into bags raised nearly £200 so far. As well as positioning, many parishes com- to be given out to families in need. Jacqueline Adviser ment on the importance of good signage in the Atkinson and I then delivered the bags to Churchwarden Cath Brennand said: “We’ve success of contactless donations. families in Newburn, Throckley and Denton. I found [the equipment] to be an excellent addi- @JoanneCTweets want to say a huge thank you to the West End tional way for people to give to the church. Visi- William Jackson, Churchwarden at St Cuth- Foodbank, to Newcastle West Methodist circuit tors have been using it and, despite lockdown, bert’s, Norham, used his ingenuity to produce and to St Mary’s Ponteland who donated food to we have been receiving donations when the All Saints Gosforth, who also trialled the an illuminated feature display banner to sit us. We were overwhelmed with the kindness of church is open. In fact, with Covid restrictions, Goodplate, were one of the first parishes to alongside their Goodbox Core. He explained: “I people. people are becoming more used to contactless invest in their own equipment having quickly made it myself with a sheet of Perspex which I We made up over 40 food parcels and gave payment systems and I think will want to go on recognised its potential. This has stood them in bent using a heat gun. An LED light was using this donation method in future.” good stead post lockdown as Churchwarden acquired from Ikea and the image was printed each family a pumpkin and a pumpkin prayer Rosamund Place comments: “We were recently by our local sign maker.” written by Jacqueline. The recipients of the food Vicar at St Andrew’s Newcastle, Revd Mike able to use the equipment at a mid-week classi- were delighted - on the doorsteps there were Hills, agrees: “After positioning the Core just cal music concert, where it proved most useful Like anything new, contactless giving will tears, laughter and lots of gratitude. Word got inside the entrance it has been easily noticed by as people had already become adept at making more than likely come with an initial period of out about what we were doing and people from tourists, visitors and parishioners alike. It is also cashless payments.” trial and error. However, change is inevitable the community have volunteered to be involved easy to use because it merely requires a quick and we must embrace new things if we are to as this develops. It’s so humbling, I can’t express touch of a card on the screen. Elsewhere, many parishes have opted to try future proof our churches. As Liz Walford, how grateful I am that, because people have the SumUp card reader and tablet combina- Treasurer of St John the Baptist, Alnmouth said: responded, we can continue to do this vital “Owing to the pandemic, we have found peo- tion. “The physical presence alone of our Goodbox ple are becoming more used to a 'card method' Core meets our additional aim of showing the work. We now have a few families that we are for transactions in other areas of life, so the Revd Helen O’Sullivan recently set this up at church is moving with the times.” delivering to each week and hope to be able to church is simply offering a familiar and safe way St Lawrence, Warkworth. She said: “We regis- offer weekly food parcels to more families in the to engage in these challenging times.” tered with SumUp and GiveALittle as recom- This year has shown beyond a shadow of near future. mended by Parish Buying. We wanted to leave doubt that we can keep up. The speed at which Having now generated over £600, the PCC at the equipment in church at all times unattend- our parishes have adapted and the willingness St Andrew’s have recently decided to use some ed, so one of our Churchwardens designed two that has been shown to learn and share new of their proceeds to buy kit for another parish. St neat lockable frames for the tablet and card skills is a real testament to the determination Mary Magdalene, Whalton, had already recog- reader. The system has proven very popular and and commitment of our communities. Taking nised the benefits of contactless equipment but has been used for visitor donations and pay- positive action now is vital to our financial secu- unfortunately weren’t in a position to invest at ments for books from our bookstall. We have rity next year and beyond. As we look forward to this point. Their PCC Secretary Wendy Sheldon received 61 donations on the card reader to the return of weddings, baptisms and other said: “We are absolutely delighted by the gener- date.” occasional services in our church buildings, we osity of St Andrew’s and hope that we too can can take this opportunity now to position our- benefit a parish in the same way at some point St John’s, Whorlton, one of the earliest adop- selves well for the future. in the future.” ters of the same equipment, found it so well used post- lockdown that they quickly wanted If you would like to know more about any of Another piece of equipment known as the to keep it on a permanent basis. They gener- the information in this article or arrange a trial Goodplate is being trialled at St Mary the Virgin, ously offered to fund the same set up for neigh- of contactless equipment, please get in touch Slaley. Vicar Helen Savage said: “We have found bouring parish The Benwell & Scotswood Team with the Generous Giving Team. We can also the Goodplate invaluable over the last few in return. provide help and support if you’re looking to set weeks and will certainly look to acquire one for up your own equipment. the long term. For the last six weeks we've used Assistant Curate, Revd Christopher Minchin, it every Sunday and people are delighted to do said: “We must say a huge thank you to Treas- ■■ Contact Joanne at j.christie@newcastle. >>Pumpkins and pumpkin prayers were given out this rather than put cash on the plate. We’ve urer Janice Stait and the rest of the congregation anglican.org or call her on 0191 270 4155/ with the food parcels managed to raise over £200 since the end of of St John's Whorlton, who having received 07503 338 013 September.” 10 generous engaged open

By Mark Nash- LIKE A Williams, Bishop’s Advisor for the METAPHOR Environment Tim Hardy (formerly of the Religious Resources Centre) writes at www.timbo- baggins.co.uk and spends the rest of his time raising his young daughter and riding Advent Calendar for Creation a bike around Leamington Spa. S Christmas approaches and for all its creatures, is an inte- care for the world: he invited us to (well wrapped up!) there is much Deaths, Births and I’m reminded that, in Je- gral part of our response to God’s delight in it too – and as we do so, to appreciate. So, as we wait for sus, the God of all crea- love – and by the time you read we may feel a deeper sense of the birth of the Light of the World, Marriages tion came to dwell this, I hope our Diocesan Synod connection with God, and the why not try some of the activities amongA us, sanctifying this good will have committed us to being creation of which we are a part. in this Franciscan-inspired I RECENTLY bought a Memento Mori Rosary - earth by his presence and dem- Carbon Net Zero by 2030, and to Do you ever go outside to enjoy ‘Advent Calendar’? (with thanks each of the smaller beads a tiny skull, with onstrating his love for it. Caring becoming an Eco Diocese. the world at this time of year? to the Revd Hilary Bond) slightly larger black beads, dividing these into for the earth on which Jesus trod, But God doesn’t only call us to Even in the cold and the darkness sets of ten, and marking time to reflect on one of a set of readings on the theme of death from its introduction in Genesis up to the crucifixion of Jesus. If you use the traditional ‘Hail Mary’ for the short prayer, then each little skull bead will finish Go out in the rain Collect some On a See how and let your hair Find somewhere with ‘...pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of Use a fallen leaf fallen leaves and windy day many get wet. Turn that you can sit our death.’ Fifty little reminders that our time in to make a leaf use them to make see if you flowers your face towards still and watch this world will come to an end. But the crucifix at rubbing. a picture or a can catch a you can the rain and see for birds. the end of this rosary, whilst it does feature the find. crucified Christ, is a double crucifix that also pattern. falling leaf. how it feels. features the Christus Rex: Jesus risen, glorious and triumphant, reminding us that our end in this world is not our final end - the ultimate truth of our faith and a source of hope and comfort Touch the bark of even as we live through ongoing daily reminders Learn the Find somewhere Find two different sorts a tree and see Look at how of leaf. Have a good of our own struggle with mortality. See how many name of outside you can how it feels. Try beautiful a look at them then close different one new be quiet and more than one raindrop is when your eyes and see if you More recently still, I had a birthday and coloured leaves plant or comfortable for can tell which one is received greetings cards from friends and family and see if they it gets caught on you can find. tree. five minutes and which. If that is too easy alike, celebrating that I’d survived another feel different. simply listen. a plant or a fence. try it with lots of leaves. circuit around the sun and that I was another year older - and, indeed, older than most of my friends. Birthdays are great but sometimes, every

Go and look at Find somewhere outside where you how beautiful Listen to the Have a close look See if you can Hold a leaf up to can stay still for five things can be noise of trees at a patch of find a plant with a the light and see minutes, close your when they are moving in grass and see smell (preferably the patterns in it. covered in frost. eyes and see what the wind. what you notice. a nice smell) you can smell.

Go out in Go for a walk and If you are in a write a poem Go for a walk and the dark and Sit still for long Get up place where you about what you be aware of look at the enough to watch early and can - have a saw or heard or what is under stars and the the sun set. watch the bonfire and toast your feet. moon. sun rise. touched or marshmallows. smelled.

resource from the Church of England’s are in December, so you don’t need to wait Greening our churches environment team (tinyurl.com/y367kc44) until January! https://tinyurl.com/y5m5qqy3 in the New Year The team is also putting on some For further inspiration, sign up to the ‘happy birthday’ can be a reminder of both how ARE you wondering how to start on the excellent webinars on topics ranging from Church of England’s excellent quarterly far we’ve come and hopefully the time we have journey to Net Zero? Why not start the New ahead of us. The beginning of the Hail Mary heating and lighting solutions, solar pv environment newsletter prayer is based on the greeting of Gabriel at Year by reading ‘The practical path to net panels and electric car charging, to energy https://tinyurl.com/y2c535l8 the annunciation - an event in which she was zero carbon for churches’ – a really useful management and ‘quick wins’. Some of these terrified to begin with, asked questions next and then acted in faith, saying, ‘so be it’ and beginning her journey as the future-mother of Jesus. I wonder if, each time she hears us saying, ‘The Lord is with you!’ Mary thinks back to that Christianity and climate crisis book launch first greeting and everything that has happened since - I’m sure if she does, she takes it with more THE Founding Guardian of The Christianity and Climate Crisis’, criticisms raised against Celtic grace than I do the ruder birthday cards. International Community of explores some of the key Christianity. I boil these down Aidan and Hilda has written concepts of the Celtic tradition to twelve, and liken this work The gospel of Matthew tells us that Joseph a book about climate change — and some of the criticisms to mining. Much dross is ‘took Mary as his wife’ after she was already and Christianity. levelled against it. indeed discarded, but gold pregnant and that they didn’t consummate the is also quarried. I highlight marriage until after Jesus had been born - the Faced with the impending He shows how the Celtic twelve golden keys not only ‘married but not as fully-married as they were climate crisis and significant affirmation of creation and for the future of the Church going to be’ acting as a foreshadowing of the and irreparable damage of equality and love among but for the whole planet.” ‘here but not yet fully here’ found throughout the being done to the earth, human beings hold the key Gospels. Indeed, during Advent, we look forward and climate campaigners not only for the future of The book (£12.99) is not just to celebrating the birth of Jesus but also who believe Christianity is the Church but of the whole available to order direct from his ‘return in glory’ when, as the biblical imagery not earth-friendly, this book planet. the publisher (Sacristy Press) has it, the church shall be the bride, united offers a Christian spirituality of or Amazon or from Ray’s completely at last with the risen, glorious and creation. Ray said: “Since my first website www.raysimpson.org. triumphant Christ - a Jesus who, nevertheless, is book on Celtic spirituality It can also be downloaded as with us in our day-to-day confrontations with our Ray Simpson’s latest was written 25 years ago, I an e-book on Kindle, Kobo, own mortality. offering, called ‘Celtic have examined all serious iTunes and Google Play. growing church bringing hope 11 Two’s Company - Alison brightens telephone befriending ISOLATION is a word we have heard a lot in 2020, and we know that many people are feeling lonely and are not able to have regular contact with their families, neighbours, and churches.

As churches we have often been at the centre up our lives of offering spaces of welcome, hospitality and company for those in our communities.

F you need a bit of sunshine in the ‘Two’s Company’ was launched in April and is gloom of lockdown, then you need to a telephone befriending tool for churches based Ilisten to Alison Rudd’s new CD ‘Morn- on a framework already established for the ing Sunshine’. ‘Linking Lives’ home visiting projects.

Alison, who lives in Amble and is organist It is designed to be a tool which churches can at Alnmouth and Lesbury churches, works as a peripatetic music teacher in Northum- use to reach those people in their communities berland teaching piano and keyboard. hardest hit by lockdown measures.

Alison said: “The CD evolved during the The model is quick, easy, and safe to set up lockdown when I had lots of time at home to and is free of charge (although donations are compose and improvise on piano, keyboard welcome). Training is carried out by Linking and flute inspired by the natural beauty of Lives UK for local coordinators by Zoom, Northumberland. who can then cascade that training to local volunteers. “When the churches were closed the opportunity arose to record music for the Calls are made to Link Friends on a weekly Aln and Coastland parish website. basis for around 30 minutes and this is often a real lifeline to those most marginalised and “My music explores the varying sounds unable to engage with friends or family. and rhythms available on the keyboard and I was able to combine them using multi- Referrals are received from social workers, track recording.” social prescribers (community connectors etc.) and from family members. The CD consists of solos and improvisa- tions for keyboard, piano and flute, as well as a Northumbria Suite and a Jazz Suite. Linking Lives UK is still inviting churches to partner with them to provide this vital service to The Northumbria Suite consists of six their communities. movements: Howick Pastorale, Long- houghton March, Alnmouth Air, Lesbury Communities Together Durham and Jig, Warkworth Sarabande and Amble Horn- Newcastle and North East Churches Acting pipe. Each movement has its own character Together are partnering with them and are reflecting one aspect of the village or town. hosting an information webinar for churches who wish to find out more. One member of the Alnmouth congrega- tion has described the CD as ‘38 minutes of The Two’s Company information webinar takes joy and meditation’. place on Thursday 21 January 2021 at 1pm. And you can register via https://bit.ly/2ID8qxk The price is £5 which includes a donation to Cancer Research UK. ■■ For more information, contact Joanne Thorns on [email protected] or visit: ■■ If you would like to buy a CD, contact www.linkinglives.uk Alison on 01665 713974 or alisonsmusic@ outlook.com >>Alison with her new CD

Preparing for reminder that we can choose our behaviours. The area between the bull’s eye and Comfort and Joy the second circle contains all the things As Advent approaches now is a good time over which we do not have direct control to remind ourselves of what is in the bull’s I AM writing this in the season of but where we do have influence and can eye, what is in our area of influence and what remembrance and as I watched the Service contribute our views and opinions. This is beyond our control and influence and of Remembrance at the Cenotaph I realised includes the way we choose to vote to which we simply have to accommodate. how adaptable we humans are. influence who will represent our views and by Patty the discussions we have with others about We can use this time of preparation to make The event was certainly notable for the what should or could happen. If we do not choices about our spiritual, emotional, mental lack of crowds but more than that, it was Everitt, like the outcome then we could change our and physical response to the challenges notable for the way in which honour and perspective on the situation and choose and joys that will or might arise for us at respect was still demonstrated despite Counselling another response, or we may be content Christmas. the restrictions. Symbols of respect were and do nothing more. We could also rant or still offered, prayers were still said, heads Advisor take offence. We control our response, and We can use the time of Advent to take stock were still bowed in respect and the dead this includes when a sibling winds us up (yet of what we can control or influence and what were honoured in the way our nation and (Interim) again!). we cannot. communities choose so to do. The area between the second and third The one thing over which we always have This was a most powerful reminder that, all be acting on it, so perhaps it isn’t that obvious after all. circles contains all that we cannot control control is how we choose to respond. When regardless of the situation, there are things and cannot influence. Within that area lies we recognise this, then we are most likely to over which we do have control and things Imagine, if you will, three concentric circles. the weather, the motion of the planets and, be at peace with ourselves and the world. That that we can do; there are situations in which again unsettlingly, the way other people could be a hopeful place to find ourselves in we have influence over what can happen; and choose to behave and respond in a situation. the season of Peace and Goodwill, of Comfort there are situations where we have no control The inner circle, the bull’s eye, contains everything over which we have control and We can choose how we respond to events and Joy. Happy preparation. at all and the best that we can do is adapt or even though we cannot control the events maybe endure. power. It includes, unsettlingly and most importantly, how we choose to respond themselves. We can choose to do the best for If any of the above sparks something that to other people and events. Our response ourselves and others under the circumstances you would like to explore, please contact The first time I saw this idea in print I or we can choose another course of action. Patty at [email protected]. thought: So what? That’s obvious. includes our behaviours, our thoughts and our emotions. Yes! We do have control over Our responses are still under our control. Terry org and find out how the counselling service how we choose to feel. Waite’s choice of response to his captors when might be able to help. Of course, if it were obvious then we would he was held hostage is a profoundly humbling 12 generous engaged open growing church bringing hope Sharing skills for Free Covid Cash Recovery course

AS we enter what will be a difficult winter, with many digital church changes to government policy, and increasing levels of need in our communities, the Covid Cash Recovery course is more important than ever in equipping people to support those who are experiencing financial hardship at this time.

Together Newcastle is delivering the last few online Covid Cash Recovery Train the Trainer sessions 10am - 12.30pm on the following dates:

■■ Tuesday, 1 December ■■ Wednesday, 9 December ■■ Tuesday, 15 December

These online webinar sessions will be covering everything from general entitlements, rights, government and charitable support, to budgeting, help with bills, loans, debt, and money strategies for making it through these next few months. Together Newcastle can also offer this as a bespoke course for groups of six or more.

For more information email kerry.crellin@ together-newcastle.org or visit www.together- newcastle.org/whats-new/covid-cash-course

EING Generous can cover many Gwyn told us: “I can’t claim to be a tech- Low carbon aspects of our calling as Christian nical whizz and was struggling to work out disciples. As well as financial gen- By Andrew how to lead online worship from my own erosity we are also called to give church in Riding Mill as we headed into the ourB time, gifts and talents too. Tinkler, second lockdown, but a conversation with church webinars another church gave me a simple solution If repeated social lockdowns have given which worked really well. Without that bit us time for soul searching then are there Generous of sharing I’d still be struggling!” some new practical ways in which we can be generous? Can we use our gifts and tal- Giving As a network we have also spoken about ents to nurture and grow our own church, the challenges associated with technology or could we also take a wider view and con- Team and our church buildings themselves; if sider helping other churches across the you do not have Wi-Fi or 3G/4G that ena- diocese to flourish? bles you to livestream a service, then per- haps recording and uploading after the A WEBINAR about housekeeping and quick wins is In thinking through what this could look St. John’s Whorlton, told us: “'As a relative- service or event could be a preferred being run by the Church of England. like it led to a conversation with a group ly late adopter, rather than a digital native, option? called Together Newcastle and Gwyn I'm conscious of how inadequate technol- This webinar tells you where to start on making McKenzie: “Together Newcastle is all about ogy can make you feel, but also know that Matthew added: “Why rush to install your church more energy efficient and how to reduce collaboration and we believe that every being willing to experiment and figure Wi-Fi in a church building during the pan- parish has assets they can use and share for things out is integral to developing profi- demic when you can give yourself permis- carbon emissions. the benefit of others. We don’t think of ciency.” sion to literally do church at home, where assets as primarily financial but as human. you most likely already have broadband Practical steps like setting boiler/heating There is an abundance of ‘gifts’ everywhere, At our recent meeting it was useful to (and heating, for that matter)?! Digital controls, DIY draught proofing, timers, water saving, our job is to help find them and support hear what other churches were doing, but I Church, or even just digital proficiency as a procurement of energy and energy bills. Simple steps folks as they work out how best to use those felt I should stress that it's important not to church, doesn't have to be daunting or that don’t cost the earth. gifts locally. If we can help share those gifts overcomplicate matters. Plus, where expensive, and might even be fun!” on a wider basis so much the better for eve- finances are tight, we may not need to Speaker: Matt Fulford from Inspired Efficiency. Matt ryone in the diocese.” make a substantial financial investment in So, being generous with our skills and is the sustainability advisor at Gloucester Diocese, new audio-visual equipment either. I felt knowledge can help us grow as individual and has carried out countless church energy audits as As part of my role within the Generous some simple solutions were closer to hand; disciples but it can also nurture others and part of the national audit programme and the Oxford Giving Team, we have been working with trust the smartphone in your pocket, and the wider diocese too. Diocese audit programme. parishes to better understand what sup- the software on your laptop (and sync your port they may need during the Covid pan- devices!).” Whilst a digital network may not have all He led a project at his own church, to make St demic. One common practical challenge the answers at least it gets us talking and Michael and All Angels Withington a ‘zero carbon’ that we have all faced in the last few months So, sometimes it is about making better working together to share skills and sup- church. is the use of technology in church life. As a use of what we already have and under- port one another in new ways for these new result of this we realised there was a need standing how to get the best of our current times. If you would like to learn more or get ■■ Tuesday 1 December, 4-5pm to bring together a group to discuss this, equipment then. This is where some con- involved please get in touch with the Gen- ■■ Thursday 17 December, 12-1pm and set up a new Diocesan Digital Devel- versations with one another can really erous Giving Team. The Church of Eng- opment Network which could facilitate the help. land also runs online training (Digital sharing of learning, to support one another Labs) at www.churchofengland.org/ For more information and to find out how to and explore practical solutions which can resources/church-england-digital-labs register, visit https://bit.ly/3kJzetj and scroll down to help our churches grow and evolve. which features a blog covering a range of ‘Webinars on low carbon solutions – heating, lighting, topics such as filming services or events on solar and more’, then click on number three. Network member Matthew Hunter, from your phone. growing church bringing hope 13

ACROSS HAVE YOUR SAY 3. Good book with protective Link Crossword 168 Compiled by Mary Sutton cover found by the French Anything catch your eye in (5) this month’s LINK? This month we are including the crossword for anyone looking for something 7. Skin design needed for Something on your mind? to keep them occupied during lockdown but just for fun (sorry, no prize this military entertainment (6) Or in your prayers? month). Please DO NOT submit crosswords to Church House. 8. Brother involved in film on king (4) Send an e-mail, message or 9. Accommodation for letter to LINK and we’ll soldiers arriving among publish the best of them: defenders (8) 10. Woman badly hurt (4) Have your say. LINK, 11. Man taking time with Church House, St John’s mother’s vehicle initially Terrace, North Shields delivering seasonal item of NE29 6HS. Email us: post (9,4) link@newcastle. 15. Comprehending mutual anglican.org agreement (13) 16. Just light (4) 18. Quiet substitute wanting jam (8) 20. Stake found by a Greek character (4) 21. Ask for popular verse and most of article (6) 22. Wise men about to show conjuring tricks (5) DOWN 1. Mother with deserter, hot, on long run (8) 2. Celebrity followed by wise men? (4) 3. Refuses to deal with lad with beds, say (8) 4. Singer, graduate, on ship Christmas is coming (4) Major Tyneside theologian honoured again 5. Eastern doctor, rushed, being hugged (8) By William 6. Insect held by ageing Cooper Bailey naturalist (4) 12. One Conservative initially THE prestigious Praglia Abbey in Italy, who have just eating best frozen food (8) published the final volume of 13. Scholar, a rogue, with their Monastic Antiphonal – Eastern tailless rodents (8) the standard Gregorian Chant book used in monasteries 14. Repair taking about a and Christian communities month at Easter, originally (8) worldwide, have honoured 17. Guys appearing after a the Venerable Bede – the prayer’s final word (4) theologian and hymn writer from Tyneside who died in 18. Dog swallowing large 735, by including his hymn for >>Isabel and Sophia have tried and tested their amazing ‘star making’ skills stopper (4) Vespers on the Festival of the >>Bede’s hymn in the chant book CHRISTMAS is coming... directly to the “Our Licensed Lay Reader Jean 19. In French verse, youth Beheading of St John the Baptist in homes of school children in the Moore has organised a team of the final volume of their chant Willington Team area this year. helpers who have made up the packs initially showing jealousy (4) book. words and music together, so for 1200 children. The pack, created at that the computer locates the Rev Julie Mooney of Church of the a very small cost, contains details of Answers to A new development in the Chant syllables under the correct notes Good Shepherd Battle Hill told us: our online worship services as well as automatically, and obviously does “Our Christingle and Crib service on the Comfort and Joy resources. It also Crossword 167 field is that modern chant books Christmas Eve is so popular and a contains a prayer and lots of Christmas now include where the music and two colour typesetting and large tremendous opportunity for outreach crafts and activities for children to do words came from – in this case a initial letters with an effectiveness to the community. in their own home. ACROSS: 1. Rite 3. Chancel 13th century manuscript in Rouen early scribes could hardly dream of. 8. Vice president 9. Rye Municipal Library in France – the “Last year 240 people joined us “We are asking the children to make 10. Elite 12. Diocese Jumièges Sanctorale, folio A339, if Although today Bede is often for worship. That’s about 200 people two prayer stars – one to display in you want to know. remembered mainly for his more in church than we expect for our their window at home and one to be 14. Trowels 16. Resit History of the English Speaking usual Sunday services. returned to our church building, for 17. Tea 20. Distinguished Progressively, manuscripts are all Peoples, he was actually a prolific display in the window. 21. Address 22. Spud writer and produced many Bible “We realised we couldn’t hold our being scanned, so that documents service in the same way this year but For anyone who wants ideas, here can be read remotely on line. Commentaries and Sermons we didn’t want to miss this wonderful is a list of the craft activities in the DOWN: 1. Reverent 2. Tact (used by some parishes for Lenten mission opportunity. So instead Christmas pack: make two prayer 3. Chewed 4. Aristocratic There is nothing old fashioned study), and school text books of families coming to our church stars, make a crib, colour in the nativity about the Praglia Benedictines: on mathematics, music, botany, building for their Christmas worship scene, spot the difference, colour in 5. Cleaners 6. Late modern word processing for astronomy, travel, poetry and many and joy we are delivering it to each the stable ‘smells’, Christmas story 7. Apprehensive 11. Idolised Gregorian Chant handles both other subjects. child in Denbeigh, Hadrian Park and word search. 13. Extended 15. Stages Battle Hill Primary Schools. 18. Idea 19. Ship Visit https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/events/category/all-events/ for events taking place across the Diocese 14 generous engaged open growing church bringing hope

By Beth Love builds hope Rookwood, Bishop’s T can feel as though hope is in short sup- grows.By Helen Love and Cunningham, hope are profoundly Church inter- Engagement Adviser in ply at the moment. The season of Advent twined. Jesus, hope of the world, in whom we Thanks to the generous gifts of churches like and the approach of Christmas, howev- have& Fundraising faith, impels us to Officerlove, and as (North we love, yours,East Kumana& Cumbria) was able to receive training er, are a powerful reminder that, contra- Pioneer ryI to appearances, hope does glimmer around us. It just doesn’t look like we expect it Ministry to look. On one level this shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus, hope for all the world, certainly didn’t look like the people of his day expected him to look. The Jews of the first century had all their hopes pinned on a powerful, majestic Getting CHAORDIC!! king - what they got instead was a baby; they expected him to be in a palace - instead he was found where animals eat. The light that OUR Mixed Ecology Learning Pathway is shone so vividly in the darkness was certainly going well. Nine of us are exploring what it nothing like anyone had thought he would might be to have new christian communities/ be. fresh expressions/churches that are both different from and linked to our parish At this time of year, and especially this year congregations. Broad questions like ‘how can as we trudge onwards through what feels like never-ending Covid uncertainty, fear and the church love and serve the community grief, it is worth reminding ourselves again and explore spirituality within it?’ are causing and again that hope has always appeared us to theologically reflect together around among us at an unexpected time and in unex- areas of mission and ‘what is church?’, and pected form. The Jesus whose birth we pre- >>This Christmas your gifts will build hope for more specific questions like ‘what are the pare to celebrate brings the kind of hope we desire lines’ in our community (natural can neither imagine nor anticipate. women like Kumana in Ethiopia. walkways and spiritual footfall) are causing It is so easy to imagine that we need to go Picture: Christian Aid/ us to shift how we have previously pursued looking for hope, that we need to generate it, Elizabeth Dalziel evangelism and community development. somehow; that if we try hard enough we’ll be able to conjure hope by our own efforts. In hope is built. Or as the apostle Paul put it in 1 and tools to set up a thriving aloe vera soap- Today’s question ‘how are you getting fact, hope creeps up on us when we least Corinthians 13 – ‘faith, hope and love abide, making business. Using the drought-resistant chaordic?’ needed some explaining! This expect it; hope can spring up in even the dark- these three; and the greatest of these is love’. aloe vera plant that was native to the area and term - a mixture of the words ‘chaos’ and est and most despairing of times and one of thrived in the climate where other crops the factors that causes it to happen is love. When crisis threatens, love builds hope. failed, Kumana has been able to make a living ‘order’ describes a space that is happy to When we can forget ourselves sufficiently to Love builds hope in some of the world’s for her family and build a more hopeful future. sit between the two, recognising the value care deeply for those around us, when we toughest places. Love builds resilience in of what can emerge in that deliberately reach with compassion beyond our own some of the world’s fiercest climates. “The money from our soap production is in-between space that is neither crazily- needs, anxieties and concerns, then hope can not only for food, but also for clothes and chaotic, nor overly-ordered. stir. This hope, however, is not a thin, inward In Ethiopia, and around the world, people teaching materials for my children,” Kumana looking hope for ourselves but a hope for the living in poverty are on the frontline of the cli- said. “We need support for other women, so If a space (activity, conversation, meeting whole world, the world that God created and mate crisis. Families are losing water, food, they can be like us!” loved so much that he sent his only Son - the homes and livelihoods. Every day they walk etc) is in chaos, then it is likely that people unexpected, unimagined embodiment of further, dig deeper, work harder, and build This Christmas your gifts will build hope for in it won’t feel safe to be there, or speak up, hope. stronger to survive. women like Kumana. or then even to show up. If a space (activity, conversation, meeting etc) is too ordered, Christian Aid’s theme this Advent and This Christmas, we stand united with mums ■■ Find more Advent and Christmas then creativity and innovation can be Christmas is precisely this - that love builds like Kumana who, in the face of devastating resources, including a video of Dr Paula crushed and again, not all voices, opinions hope, when we reach out beyond ourselves to drought, wanted to build a more hopeful Gooder’s full sermon (excerpt above), at or questions are welcomed. Neither chaos, care for God’s world, then hope grows and future for her children. caid.org.uk/hope nor order are preferable to encouraging creativity and adaption.

A chaordic space, then, is a space (activity, Which magazine is best? conversation, meeting etc) where the pace THE search is on for Britain’s best is slowed down, where there is time to think, church magazine. Entries are now ponder, reflect, experiment and explore, and invited for the annual competition where all voices are actively encouraged run by the Association for Church to speak and are then valued and listened Editors (ACE). to. Respect is built, and power balances are actively shifted so that diversity is affirmed “Church magazines are often and genuine relationships are nurtured. Current RRC opening hours a forgotten but effective means Until 1 December, the RRC is on limited opening: 1.30- of communication,” says Sally Chaordic spaces have been found to be 5.30pm Monday to Friday for: Churchus, Chair of the national fertile for deep wisdom and rich decision ■■ Click and Collect organisation, “so we are keen to making - for ownership, for authenticity, for ■■ Returns encourage editors everywhere.” community building. ■■ Online, email and social media contact For the coming 2021 As we explored it, we asked ourselves ■■ Telephone support as required competition, which closes on Providing Government advice allows, we will be opening as February 1st, awards will be made - how ‘chaordic’ are the spaces we live usual from Wednesday 2 December but this situation is fluid for any sized church magazine, and minister in? Which voices are valued, so please check our website at www.resourcescentreonline. excluding A5, and printed in colour. >>The Gold Award winner will and how can we invite others to be with co.uk/covid-19/ and social media for any updates. The Gold Award winner will receive receive the John King Trophy us on the journey of exploring mission, the John King Trophy, to be held for discipleship and community? We wondered one year, while Silver and Bronze if these spaces might be one of the keys, Awards will receive an inscribed trophy to keep, together with a Certificate and golden nuggets to releasing new and RRC Christmas holiday closure of Excellence for display. The RRC will close from 5.30pm on Wednesday 16 contextual ideas in our life and ministry. How December until 10am Tuesday 5 January. A panel of judges assesses each magazine, giving points for various about you? How chaordic are your spaces?! We intend to re-open as usual from that date, Government aspects including cover design, headlines and clarity of the Christian For more information, have a look at Emily regulations allowing, but please do check our website at message. The prize-giving is open to everyone, to be held, hopefully, at Bradbury’s work, found at Westminster Central Hall on 19 June 2021. The event will include a lecture www.couragetothrive.org.uk and for info www.resourcescentreonline.co.uk/covid-19/ and social and workshop on effective magazines. on pioneer ministry in Newcastle Diocese, media for live updates. contact [email protected] ■■ For more information on how to apply, visit churchmag.uk/2021- awards/