God equips the called Prayer Diary God's calling comes in many forms and to many things. Sometimes we expect it, sometimes we don't, sometimes we're delighted and sometimes we're not.

When it was first suggested to me that God was calling me into Reader Ministry, it June 2015 was not a welcome call at all. I'd suspected a call of some kind myself, and discussed it with my friends, family and my vicar, but had pretty much decided to ignore it. ‘From the rising of the sun to its setting, Then one night, at about 2am, my wife sat bolt upright in bed and said "You should let the name of the Lord be praised.’ (Psalm 113:3) be a Reader", then went back to sleep. She doesn't remember this, so maybe it was a dream, but it was the push I finally needed to do something about it. We are made for praise. Made in the image of God as we are, praise is our deepest At that time I was a very busy person and certainly had no time to embark on such a and truest calling. Our ‘chief end’, the Westminster Catechism reminds us is ‘to venture, but I thought I'd look into the discernment process, partly in the hope of glorify God and enjoy him forever.’ Whenever we gather for Holy Communion we being told no. That way I knew I could move on and forget about this strange recognise that ‘It is indeed our duty and our joy at all times and in all places to give moment. him thanks and praise.’

I had a new born baby girl, and was self employed, working all the hours God sent. It is our duty. This is about the discipline of praise or the sacrificeof praise (Hebrews There was no way that God could expect me to begin 3 years of night school! 13:15). If we are not careful, and we absorb the ‘me-centred’ consumerism of the culture around us, our default position will be to praise God only when we feel like it God, however, had other ideas. or when things are going well for us. We become consumerist Christians, we remain at a very early stage of Christian maturity. This stage is what Bernard of Clairvaux Now, as I write this, I am but 1 term away from completing my training, and I'm due calls ‘loving God for self’s sake’ or loving God for what we can get out of him. From to be licensed as a Reader in September. So in His strength I have managed to get this stage the Holy Spirit invites and calls us into something deeper and truer, that is this far. to say ‘loving God for God’s sake.’ As the writer of the 14th cent. Cloud of Unknowing Sometimes, the task to which we are called seems so big, puts it: ‘Lift up your heart to God with humble love and mean God himself, not what and time consuming that we can't possibly be hearing you can get out of him.’ correctly. But in ALL things, God, if you allow Him, will lead you to things that you never thought possible. It is in this movement of love, of praise and thanksgiving, inspired by the Holy Spirit, that we enter the ‘courts’ of God himself (Psalm 100:3) and in his grace and mercy Now, as I look forward to my licensing, I think of the are changed ‘from glory into glory’ (2 Cor 3:18). In his Confessions St. Augustine opportunity and the privilege to minister to God's people in writes ‘praise is the door through which we meet God’. Berkswell parish and beyond, and I think "wow!". It is through this worship of God, who inhabits our praises, that we are inspired and energised to be sent God doesn't always call the equipped, but He equips the out in the power of the Spirit to share in His mission to called. make new disciples and to transform communities. And when we do this, we are drawn back to worship. ‘Alleluia. Praise the Lord, O my soul: Steve Bell while I live I will praise the Lord.’ (Psalm 146:1) Bishop John Page 8 Page 1 Focus on Deanery Every moment is sacred

At the end of December 2014, the Deanery sadly said goodbye to Kate Massey as Curate- One of the ways God speaks to us is through nature and also through the seasons of in-Charge of Meriden, St. Laurence who was formally installed as Vicar of Stockingford, the year. Autumn is a season of much change as it is the transition between the St. Paul in the Nuneaton Deanery. Happily, Lynda Lilley (nee Edwards), formerly Curate of fruitfulness of summer and the new life of spring. Winter is a season of emptiness, a Allesley, has succeeded Kate. Lynda also has responsibility for Coventry’s Deaf time of waiting, but also a time of hope in the new birth and promise of spring. A congregation that currently meets at Cheylesmore, Christ Church. reminder that we cannot grow and develop without change, often preferring to cling unto the known, but when we do surrender to change, growth will happen and new The energetic Keith Mobberley, Vicar of several churches in the North Ferncumbe possibilities open up. Often in winter the sun hides itself behind dark clouds but it is benefice, has initiated a number of courses in spiritual formation and direction under the always there and so it is with God. banner “Passionate about Spirituality” (http://www.passionatespirituality.org.uk). These have proved very popular and, although not explicitly a Kenilworth Deanery project, have As summer approaches, I am reminded of past holidays, especially the different nevertheless attracted many of the Deanery laity seeking to go deeper with God. This activities of the seaside, a yearly event with our children. It was the time to be enterprise is of enormous importance for the spiritual life of the Deanery and Diocese in together as a family and share in the joy of the children enjoying themselves in their view of startling evidence that for most churches ‘Passionate Spirituality’ is a very weak ability of being absorbed in the present moment with imagination and creativity. I ‘Essential Quality’ in terms of the Natural Church Development (NCD) schema. can still recall the texture of the wet and dried sand, building sandcastles, sharing All the Kenilworth Churches have now undertaken an NCD survey and the Deanery sandy sandwiches and licking melting ice-cream and also memories of the birds Synod, which is held jointly with the Coventry (South) Deanery, has devoted its recent singing their dawn chorus, the exuberant coloured flowers including vibrant meetings to expositions of the six “growth forces (energy transformation, fruitfulness, rhododendrons in the gardens, acre upon acre of waving corn and long daylight inter-dependence, multiplication, sustainability and symbiosis), led by such diocesan hours leading to starlit skies at night. luminaries as Malcolm Tyler and Martin Saxby. In interactive format, this NCD focus has facilitated reflection on the meaning of qualitative and quantitative growth and how such In reflecting back in a summer spent in Austria I remember a very special occasion growth might be cultivated within the parishes. when I was walking in the Alps. Feeling tired, I lay down amongst the scattering of wild flowers and flawless blue sky, bathed in the warmth of sunlight and Alpine air. I During the year, Mr Tom Walls and Mr Chris Powell (both members of Berkswell, St. John experienced a deep peace and felt the love of God all Baptist) were appointed as Lay Chair and Deanery Synod Treasurer, respectively. They around me, indeed heaven and earth became one and I join the Area Dean (Mark Bratton), Nicola Perryman (Deanery Secretary, , was one with God and part of God’s good creation. All Saints), Elizabeth Penlington (Stoneleigh and ), and the Revd Sharon Goble (Stoneleigh and Ashow), as members of the Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee. As God is in all things, life is the raw material of prayer. Every moment is sacred if we can encounter God in the There is a great deal of activity going on in parishes of various kinds, too present situation we are experiencing. And as we numerous to mention. Examples include a major church reordering wonder with awe and thanks giving at the beauty of project at Kenilworth, St. John, a successful Bell Restoration Appeal at creation, these inspiring experiences of pilgrimage have Leek Wootton, and a May Day Beer Festival at Berkswell (from which I am re-enforced my desire of taking time to be still, centred still recovering as I write– just one of the sacrifices one must make for the on the presence of God. sake of the Gospel!). All three activities aim to draw people more deeply into the life of God, through his Son Jesus Christ, by forging the bonds of relationship across the boundaries of the Church. Elizabeth Penlington Mark Bratton—Area Dean Page 2 Page 7 We pray for the Diocesan Board of Education, giving thanks for the director, Wed 24 Linda Wainscot and members of the whole team. Cycle of Prayer - June 2015 We pray for the deacon and priest candidates who will begin their pre-ordination retreat today. With a focus on parishes and schools in Kenilworth Deanery

We pray for the Bishop's Council which meets this evening. June is SANDS awareness month. The stillbirth and neonatal charity (SANDS) Meriden and Packington. Clergy: Lynda Lilley. Reader: Peter Wright. We pray Thu 25 wants to offer care not only for people who have lost babies after they were Mon 1 for God's blessing on the parish community, the leaders and ministers and born, but for woman who have miscarried too. We pray God's comfort and the relationships between church and the wider community. hope for all families who are affected by the loss of a baby. *Justin, Martyr at Rome, c.165 We pray for the Parsonages Committee which meets this afternoon. Kenilworth St John. Clergy: Andrew Attwood, Jane Mullaney. Readers: Kenilworth St Nicholas and St Barnabas. Clergy: Richard Awre. Readers: Anne Fri 26 Tue 2 Anthony Manning, Valerie Whiteman, Philip Seward, Ken Pollard. We thank Werrell, Margaret Pointer, Chris Haines. Youth Worker: Isla Gammell. We God for an increase in new faces in most of our communities, and building up pray for God's blessing on the parish community, the leaders and ministers our leadership. We pray for the reordering process to go smoothly, and for and the relationships between church and the wider community. our joint services during the reordering to be a significant success. We pray for the curates being ordained as priests today: Bee Arnold We pray for Bishop Christopher as he visits Southam deanery today. We pray

Sat 27 (Radford), Michael Brandsma (Hartshill, Galley Common & Atherstone), Nicki Wed 3 for Craig Groocock, Area Dean, as he coordinates the day and ask that this Chatterton (Stratford), Sue Fairhurst ( and Lillington), visit would bring new encouragement, understanding and blessing. We pray Jonathan Hill (Cheylesmore), Alison Hogger (Wyken and Keeping Health in for the Archdeacons' Visitation at Westwood Church this evening. Mind charity). *Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the Faith, 444 *The Martyrs of Uganda, 1886 and 1978 We pray for those who will be ordained deacon: Sarah Bourne (Shipston), Kay We pray for the new members of The Friends of Coventry Cathedral meeting

Sun 28 Dyer (Shottery), Dwayne Engh (Chapelfields), Steve Gold (Hillmorton), Charles Thu 4 this evening at Bishop's House. We pray for Bishop John as he visits Coventry Higgins & Emma Jamieson (m2o), John Langlands (Allesley Park), Steve East deanery today and ask that this visit would bring new encouragement, Fourth Sunday Medley (Chilvers Coton), Nicki Moon (Harbury), Tom Wintle (St Mary's, Corpus Christi understanding and blessing. We pray for the Diocesan Advisory Committee after Trinity Nuneaton). *Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons, Teacher of the Faith, c.200 for the Care of Churches (DAC). *Petroc, Abbot of Padstow, 6th century

Mon 29 Berkswell St John the Baptist. Clergy: Mark Bratton. Reader: Richard Fri 5 The Ferncumbe Group. Clergy: Keith and Susan Mobberley. Reader: Kemble Hollingdale. We pray for God's blessing on the parish community, the leaders Everitt, Carol Tilley. We pray for God's blessing upon the parishes of Hatton and ministers and the relationships between church and the wider with , with Lowsonford, and . community. *Boniface (Wynfrith) of Crediton, Bishop, Apostle of Germany, Martyr, 754

We pray for the operations department of the diocese and for the DAC and All Saints Primary School. Headteacher: Sue Patterson. We pray for God's Tue 30 we give thanks for each of these members of staff. Sat 6 blessing on this school community and we give thanks for all the pupils, We pray for the year 2 curates who will be interviewed today by Bishops teachers, staff, parents and governors. Christopher and John. We pray for God's blessing on their ministry and *Ini Kopuria, Founder of the Melanesian Brotherhood, 1945 development in this diocese. Ferncumbe Primary School. Headteacher: Sally Morris. We pray for God's

Sun 7 blessing on this school community and we give thanks for all the pupils, teachers, staff, parents and governors. First Sunday We pray for the candidates who will be confirmed by Bishop John at St John after Trinity the Divine, Willenhall, today. Page 6 Page 3 We pray for Bishop John as he visits and Leamington deanery today. Berkswell Primary School. Headteacher: Tracey Drew. We pray for God's Mon 8 We pray for Charlotte Gale, Area Dean, as she coordinates the day and ask blessing on this school community and we give thanks for all the pupils, Tue 16 that this visit would bring new encouragement, understanding and blessing. teachers, staff, parents and governors. We pray for Diocesan Synod which meets today. *Richard, Bishop of *Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Nonjuror, Hymn Writer, 1711 Chichester, 1253 *Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, Philosopher, 1752 We pray for the group of theologians who are gathering today, with Bishop We pray for the staff who work to support Bishop Christopher and Bishop John Tue 9 Wed 17 Christopher, to prepare for the 'Reconciling a Wounded Planet' conference in and give thanks for them. September. We pray for the Cursillo Ultreya, hosted by Bishop John and Mary *Columba, Abbot of Iona, Missionary, 597 at Warwick House today. *Ephrem of Syria, Deacon, Hymn Writer, Teacher of the Faith, 373 *Samuel and Henrietta Barnett, Social Reformers, 1913 and 1936 During national carers week many charities gather together to recognise the We pray for the finance and administration department of the diocese.

Wed 10 contribution carers make to local communities, lobby MPs and offer support Thu 18 We pray for the High Sheriff of who will today spend time with and encouragement to carers. We pray for all those who give their time to the Bishops and attend their team meetings. care for others and ask for God's blessing on young people and children who We pray for the Bishop's Core and Extended Staff teams which meet today. are carers. *Bernard Mizeki, Apostle of the MaShona, Martyr, 1896 Stoneleigh and Ashow. Clergy: Sharon Goble. Reader: Audrey Rowberry. We Meriden Primary School. Headteacher: Lucy Winkler. We pray for God's Thu 11 thank God for all deepening and exploring faith through the Pilgrim course and Fri 19 blessing on this school community and we give thanks for all the pupils, other ways. Please pray for the Holiday Club in the last week in July to engage teachers, staff, parents and governors. better with young people and families, exploring faith enthusiastically and en- *Sundar Singh of India, Sadhu (holy man), Evangelist, Teacher of the Faith ergetically and to strengthen their belonging. All Saints Leek Wootton. Clergy: Jim Perryman. Reader: Audrey Rowberry. St Nicholas' Primary School. Headteacher: Louise Mohacsi. We pray for God's Fri 12 Sat 20 Following fund raising and activity which has brought church and community blessing on this school community and we give thanks for all the pupils, closer together, our tower bells have been refurbished and augmented and teachers, staff, parents and governors. We pray especially for the children who will return and be rehung during June. Pray that their sound will be an act of will begin to do transition work for next year to new classes and new schools. glorifying God and proclaiming him to the village. We pray for Simon Lloyd, Diocesan Secretary, and give thanks for him. Burton Green Primary School. Headteacher: Sue Patterson. We pray for God's Sat 13 Sun 21 On Father's Day we give thanks to God for those who have parented us well. blessing on this school community and we give thanks for all the pupils, We pray for those who will find today difficult or sad. We pray for God's teachers, staff, parents and governors. Third Sunday equipping for all those who are already, or will be fathers in the future. We We pray for the Deanery Representatives at the Support Fund Meeting today. after Trinity pray for Bishop John as he visits Kenilworth Methodist Church today. We pray for all those in the process of discerning their calling and vocation in We pray for Richard Cooke, DDO and Principal of the Diocesan Training

Sun 14 ministry. We thank God for the team of advisors who work to support and Mon 22 Partnership and for all members of the DTP team. asssist this process. We pray for the candidates who will spend today at a We pray for Bishop John taking part in a Leadership Development Programme Second Sunday Diocesan Panel as part of the accredited ministry discernment process. over the next couple of days. after Trinity *Richard Baxter, Puritan Divine, 1691 *Alban, first Martyr of Britain, c.250 We pray for Bishop Christopher who will be visiting All Saints' C of E Junior We pray for the 800th Anniversary celebration of the Magna Carta, and

Mon 15 School, Warwick, to open and bless their new extension today. During School Tue 23 especially for the conference today at St Michael's House, Coventry. We Appeals Week we pray for all those who are appealing for new decisions to be thank God for on-going interest in this, for its history and application for us made and for the panel in making the right decisions. today. We pray for the Diocesan Trustees which meet this afternoon. *Evelyn Underhill, Spiritual Writer, 1941 *Etheldreda, Abbess of Ely, c.678 Page 4 Page 5