Inside L Recipe for life - 3 Strictly star - 4 Pioneer surgeon -5 GOOD NEWS Pitch for pulpit - 7 FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Winter 2016/17: FREE Sister act - 8 Film of hope follows brain tumour shock

When told he had an inoperable brain tumour, Dan Lawrence, a Christian youth worker from Dereham , set about making an inspirational 80-minute film about death, faith and hope. Jenny Seal reports.

n early 2015, Dan, recently married to Kim, found out he I was suffering from an aggres - sive and inoperable brain tumour. His response to the devastating diagnosis was in keeping with his passions, his creativity and James Corden. Picture by iDominick. positive character. Dan wrote a screenplay called “Looking into Eternity”, with the intention of turning it into a project to engage James Corden and benefit young people, and be filmed and acted by them. “There’s always been a says prayer difference in the way we do things and we would never just sit around,” said Dan. “I don’t think saved him there has ever been a point where I thought: ‘I can’t be bothered’. I James Corden, the British comedian who has There has always been something.” successfully crossed ‘the Pond’ to host The Late Dan, 25, has always had a faith, Late Show in America, has revealed a critical growing up attending Sprowston moment in his life. Methodist Church. Since 2010 he Corden credits the prayers of his Christian parents with saving him from a life of has been a youth worker for North depression, partying and alcohol. Breckland Youth For Christ (YFC), He told BBC Radio 4 that he was raised in a specialising in projects where he Christian home, but realised how far he had can gently and patiently engage fallen from his upbringing after exhibiting and encourage young people in Dan and Kim Lawrence at the premiere of Looking to Eternity in Dereham on November 4. "ungracious, ungrateful and brattish" behaviour media and creative initiatives, such at the 2008 BAFTA Awards. as BreckFest Youth Radio, a filmed impressively professional, and the The 80-minute film, shot over over it at every stage. His timing "The person I had become wasn't the person version of the Passion story and a difficult subject matter is handled seven days, is an incredible and provision all the way through I wanted to be," he told the Daily Mail. new pantomime. with sensitivity, intelligence, achievement, given that the has been amazing. We had an Alone and depressed in his London With the full support of North humour and uncompromising majority of the characters are £8,000 budget and we came in on apartment, his devout Christian parents made Breckland YFC, Dan focused on honesty. played by young people who had budget.” an "out of the blue" visit, as they had been the script through his early never previously acted and many “If you talk to anyone in the in - worried about him. radiotherapy treatment. of the technical roles were carried dustry they wouldn’t believe it and "My dad said, 'I'm going to say a prayer for Now, following almost two years "So we fix our eyes not on out by young people learning as the quality that has been produced you’… He just put his arms around me and said, of hard work, Dan, North Breck - what is seen, but on what is they went. in seven days is a miracle. The 'You've just got to get through this, son.' I land YFC, a cast and crew of young unseen, since what is seen is The inspiration for the film was young people have been amazing. started to cry… Dad said a prayer as he kissed people and other key volunteers temporary, but what is unseen a verse Dan read in his Bible. 2 They have learned such a lot and my forehead, and Mum came over and joined the hug. I've no idea how long we stayed there, have turned that screenplay into is eternal". Corinthians 4:18: " So we fix our eyes they have shown a real example of the feature length film Looking to not on what is seen, but on what is un - what it is to work in unity and but it felt like a lifetime.” Eternity. 2 Corinthians 4:18 seen, since what is seen is temporary, work towards a purpose.” Four years later, Corden has turned his life The film is the story of a grumpy but what is unseen is eternal" . It has The film was funded by The around, has two children with his wife, Julia, and young man called John who is Dan said: “It is a complicated been a great source of comfort for Jerusalem Trust with grants for has become one of the most popular presenters in the US with his Late, Late Show carpool diagnosed with terminal cancer. It matter but something that needs to the team during Dan's illness. equipment awarded by Breckland karaoke sketch featuring luminaries such as follows the journey that he and his be dealt with I think. And some - Ang Fox, Director of North Youth Advisory Board, Barnham Michelle Obama, Britney Spears and Stevie wife, Edy, go on through his thing that needs to be dealt with in Breckland YFC and the producer of Broom Trust and Red House Youth Wonder. illness, finding faith and ultimately a way that almost makes it comical ‘Looking to Eternity’ describes the Project. A professional film direc - Article courtesy of www.goodnews- joy. at the same time, but in a way that film as ‘a miracle’. tor, Jeremy Higham, gave guidance paper.org.uk The quality of the production is there is a definite reason for it all.” She said: “God’s hand is just all I Continues on page 4 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK What is the true meaning of Christmas? I treating their families to lovely I Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is The middle of winter has long Network Norfolk published by Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk. been a time of celebration content editor food, giving to charity, helping Registered charity no 1141245. around the world. Centuries others, or just chilling out after a I Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk before the arrival of Jesus, early Tony Rothe hard autumn at work. To them, I Editorial (01508) 488318. e-mail stories to Europeans celebrated light and reflects on the that is their reality, and each of [email protected] or birth in the darkest days of mid- many ways these activities is fine in itself. send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, winter and the winter solstice. Should we chastise and con - Wymondham Road, Wreningham, Norwich The Scandinavians celebrated people choose demn folks for simply wishing to NR16 1AT. Yule by burning logs, the have a good time, if that’s what I to celebrate the Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 Germans honoured the pagan Christmas means to them? Is I Christmas Distribution: Les Champion (01603) god Oden, and the Romans our criticism likely to introduce 402310 observed Saturnalia, a season. them to God’s love and grace? I Editor and designer: Keith Morris hedonistic worship of their god Let us joyfully celebrate the I Regular writers: Kevin Gotts, Mike Wiltshire, Sandie Shirley, Helen Baldry, Les Saturn. birth of God’s Son in whatever Champion, Jenny Seal. In the early years of way is right for us, both in I Printed by Archant Print. , Easter was the commercial opportunities, ever best friend Jesus. church and by joining in more I Churches, Christian organisations and main holiday - the birth of Jesus since. But not everyone will agree – secular activities, but invite oth - individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are was not celebrated in England So, what is the true meaning The “true” meaning of Christmas ers to join us in our celebrations. invited to send news, events and pictures which until the end of the sixth century of Christmas? To Christians for them might be meeting up Let our positive enthusiasm relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in and, apart from a break during the answer is obvious – the with family and friends, giving for worshipping the Light of the social action, community care and evangelism. Cromwell’s reign, has been celebration of the birth of our and receiving gifts, decorating World prove infectious as we gaining in popularity, and Lord, saviour, mentor, guide and their house with light and colour, share a very happy Christmas! I The deadline for material for the Spring edition is Friday March 3. Distribution is from Thursday March 23 .

I While every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained within are believed to be correct, the Life-changing mission publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. I Stories and pictures in this publication are A Norwich teacher has devoted copyright. If you would like to reproduce them, please contact the editor, as we are usually her retirement to raise tens of happy to agree for a credit line. thousands of pounds to fund life- changing facilities for a camp of war victims in northern Uganda. Jenny Seal reports.

reda Lewis, a retired infant school teacher from Thorpe St Andrew, started F the charity The Oasis of Life in 2004 to fundraise for the small camp of Ambalal in Northern Uganda, which then provided shelter for around 200 displaced people fleeing war- torn communities. Freda, 73, who attends St Francis Church in Heartsease, began by collecting toys to take out to the children. “It sort of snowballed from there”, said Freda. “And I’ve been out to Uganda practically every year since.” Since then Freda has fundraised for a school, Visionary and a house for the widowed leader of the duo, camp. Freda In 2013, the Bishop of Norwich chose The Lewis Oasis of Life as one of his annual Lent Appeal and projects. The appeal raised £14,500 and along Steven with another £30,000 raised by Freda, the Puleh building of the 16-room, 51.5m long clinic is now complete. that local people have had ownership over the is ‘she’s done it so she will keep going’ and Thanking supporters who have donated to project from the beginning. The visionary there is no way I could fund that.” the clinic, many from Norfolk, Freda said: “It is behind the diagnostic clinic is Steven Puleh So following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on going to make such a vast, vast difference. This from Makerere University in Kampala. He October 23, Freda officially handed the project clinic is on the road between Lira and Soroti. will lead the project now that the building’s over to Steven, praying that funding will be It will be for the poorest of the poor. At the infrastructure is complete and it will be his awarded to get the medical facility up and moment the people living there can’t get to responsibility to apply for government funding running. the hospital. They have to go by wooden in order to staff and equip the facility. Freda is not planning any further trips to wheelbarrow; that is the only means of Freda explains: “They have big plans for it Uganda but she will continue fundraising. transport. So having the clinic out there will be including installing an operating theatre. But I You can find out more about The Oasis of Life absolutely brilliant.” will be a hindrance now if I keep raising money at www.theoasisoflife.co.uk In order to protect the clinic’s long-term for it. My white face will stop them from I Read a longer version of this article at sustainability, Freda has deliberately ensured getting a government grant because the attitude www.networknorfolk.co.uk

Greeting Cards - Stationery Helium Balloons Cards ‘n’ Things Cylinder Hire Corporate buffets, fresh bread, cakes filled rolls, sandwiches, The Specialist Card Shop Party Products Gluten & Wheat Free Products 193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, Norwich. 01603 442165 THORNTONS CHOCOLATES 187 Reepham Road, Hellesdon NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 3 Mary’s recipe for life

Cuisine queen, and prolific Yet her biggest break came in her mid- seventies when she became a judge for cookery book writer, Mary The Great British Bake Off which wooed Berry , will be cooking up a more than 14 million viewers a few Christmas treat for umpteen weeks ago as the BBC series ended. ’The Great British Bake Off’ is family diners as she celebrates the entertainment. There are not many birth of her Saviour Jesus programmes where all ages can sit and Christ. Sandie Shirley watch from beginning to end,” she says. Mary is a healthy eating and exercise reports. advocate and her faith makes her mindful of others. “You have certainly got to keep active and the best way is o-judge of the hugely popular walking if you possibly can and getting BBC TV’s ‘The Great British out in the fresh air and helping people – C Bake Off’ has a quiet and being part of your village or area and steadfast Christian faith that has seen her looking after your neighbours.” through the joys, triumphs and sorrows Most Sundays she attends the early including one of the deepest heartaches morning service at her village church imaginable. with her husband, returning for breakfast The 81 year-old, who has been hailed a and to check the slow roast lunch. Away, national treasure, visited Norwich earlier on holiday, the couple find alternative this year to sign copies of her latest book: churches to continue their Sunday ‘Foolproof Cooking’. During her attendance. previous televised trip to the city, a few She is a patron for Child Bereavement years ago, she learnt that her great-great UK that helps train health professionals grandfather was a Norwich baker, when to better understand and meet the needs she took part in the BBC’s ‘Who Do You of grieving families. She is also President Think You Are?’ programme. of the National Garden Scheme, having Mary’s adventurous life has been previously opened her garden to the peppered with challenges and salted public for over two decades. As a keen with kindness. As a young girl, she spent gardener, growing her own fruit and months in hospital – including time in vegetables, and using them in many of isolation - recovering from polio. While her recipes, she is also an ambassador for planning a family, she endured a series of the Royal Horticultural Society. miscarriages and later suffered the tragic Her extraordinary life is detailed in her loss of her teenage son in a car accident. autobiography – Recipe for Success. She explains that William’s death has Although she had no appetite for changed her life and deepened her faith. academic subjects at school she excelled “When you have faith and tragedy hits at cookery which led to catering and you, you have reason to go on and be institutional management at college. She strong,” she told the Archbishop of York, later moved to France to study at the John Sentamu, while presenting the Cordon Bleu Cookery school while living BBC’s Easter Feast programme this year. in a Paris youth hostel. Back in Britain, The recipient of a host of awards, after a series of exceptional breaks, she including the CBE, Mary has written became cookery editor for a national more than 70 cookery books while her home magazine. Widening horizons TV career has spanned four decades. She continued as Mary embraced new has cooked for VIPs; teamed up with opportunities and success. various retailers to market her own As she hung up her baker’s apron for products and fronted a host of TV the BBC’s final Bake Off she says: “What specials while being guest of honour at a privilege and honour it has been to be glittering functions. part of seven years of magic in a tent!” Bake-Off favourite Mary Berry. Picture by Georgia Glynn Smith. 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Film of hope follows youth worker’s brain tumour shock

I Continued from front page comes down to how you take it on. I think there is something on the script and provided training at the week-long film school amazing about being in the Christian world, because there is a that first brought the cast and crew of young people and adults chance and a real hope.” together in February 2016. ‘Looking to Eternity’ premiered at Hollywood Cinema in Dan’s twin brother, Ben Lawrence, a youth worker for Dereham in early November and is now available to buy on Norwich Youth for Christ, was also instrumental in the project, DVD for £10. Half of the proceeds from sales of the DVD will editing and deputising as director when Dan was unable to be go to The Brain Tumour Charity at Dan’s request. on set due to the illness. The North Breckland YFC team pray that the film will be Dan’s wife Kim, a youth worker for Norwich Christian youth watched far and wide both by individuals and groups. The charity ENYP and also the 27 Beat Editor for the film, said: “It’s charity has produced free downloadable resources that groups been a good thing to focus on. During the treatments it was just can use alongside the film to discuss the issues that it raises. something else to be doing and focusing on when everything Ang said: “We just want as many people as possible to see it, else health-wise wasn’t doing so good.” because we believe that God will touch people’s lives with it. I In May 2016, Dan was told that the brain tumour was think we’ve known that from the beginning and that’s always continuing to grow and another cycle of chemotherapy began. Emma Struthers and Joshua Gould in a scene from the film. been what is driving us.” In October 2016, he was told that the chemotherapy wasn’t You can purchase the Looking to Eternity DVD (self-classified working and treatment would stop. like: ‘God’s in control and God’s good’. And that has always as PG because of the difficult subjects tackled) and download Describing how Dan took this news, Kim said: “We came out been the focus: God is still good and God still loves us.” the free resources from www.northbrecklandyfc.org.uk/lte of that appointment and I said: ‘how do you feel about it?’ and When asked how Dan thought his own faith had helped him Dan died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday Dan just looked at me and said: ‘God’s good’. And through face the diagnosis, he said: “There’s the crux of it. I get asked November 21. His family are very thankful for all the prayers everything, every time we get good or bad news, Dan is always this question and I just sometimes don’t know. I think that it all and support they have had on this journey. Claudia is a dancing queen

Gymnastics champion Claudia She admits she prays before competing at gymnastics: “I do what all Christians do, I pray Fragapane has been wowing the before I compete. I say: will you help me and nation on Strictly Come Dancing guide me through everything? And really, I feel over the past few weeks. like my faith puts me out there a bit more.” At just 4’7, Claudia proudly wears the nickname Pocket Rocket and her partnership with AJ has been a hit with the audience and judges alike. he Pocket Rocket puts her success down “In my gymnastics I’ve been doing the same to dance partner AJ Pritchard, but also to floor routine for ages,” said Claudia. “I only T her Christian faith. change it once every two years, so a different Claudia’s Twitter status reveals: “I can do dance every week is going to be pretty crazy. ALL things through Christ who strengthens Dancing in heels is also hard.” me” Philippians 4:13. But she is keeping her feet on the ground – “I just want to go there, enjoy it and challenge when AJ will let her that is myself,” said Claudia who, at the age of 18, is Claudia’s family – she is the middle of five the second youngest-ever contestant on the BBC sisters – and a strong Christian faith, are her hit show. anchors. Based in the West Country, Claudia picked “I go to church every Sunday I can,” she says. up an incredible four gold medals at the “I like to spend time with my family, go out for Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, meals and do shopping – just like any other plus three successive silvers at the European girl.” Championships. And her success on the But not every girl can claim gymnastic gold podium translated into a Young Sports medals and Strictly success – so keep on Personality of the Year win. dancing Claudia. Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services

01603 528800 07789 586817 Christian funeral director Independent, affordable and personal Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials 104-106 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4QW www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk [email protected] Claudia Fragapane and AJ Pritchard in action during Strictly Come Dancing. Picture by BBC. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 5

Newspaper distributor wanted Norfolk surgeon The Good News for Norwich & Norfolk newspaper is looking for a new distribution co-ordinator to help the long-established newspaper reach as many readers as is an inspiration possible, four times a year. I The role involves maintaining the current established distribution The pioneering medical network, which ensures that nearly 7,000 copies of each paper get expertise of Norfolk-based promptly to churches, bookshop and libraries across greater Norwich and surrounding parts of Norfolk. surgeon Prof Jerome The quarterly distribution involves collecting the papers from the Pereira has inspired Archant Print Centre in Thorpe St Andrew, then sorting and delivering thousands across the world. bundles to area contacts in and around greater Norwich. Mike Wiltshire reports. Each edition requires around 10 hours of work

I A good knowledge of the city and the Christian community would be helpful. he remarkable story of Professor I Jerome Pereira, a leading cancer You are also invited to attend our quarterly editorial meeting with the T surgeon, began in South India rest of the Good News team. I many years before when, as a teenager, You need to be reasonably fit to lift the 10kg bundles and have your he and his family were heartbroken by own transport. the death of his 12-year-old cousin, I The role is currently a voluntary one, but mileage and modest Lyn, through cancer. payment is available if required. Jerome visited the hospital many If you share our vision to ensure that good news stories about the times before little Lyn died. He Norwich and Norfolk Christian community reach as wide an audience determined then to study medicine – as possible and would like to find out more or have a chat about the and, years later, became a professor of position, please contact editor Keith Morris on 07712 787762 or email surgery and an international trainer of [email protected] for an initial chat. surgical consultants. Today, the Norfolk-based surgeon’s pioneering medical expertise and personal Christian faith has inspired thousands. His work has also included intensive research into leprosy which Cards ‘n’ Things afflicts three million people who face permanent disability due to this disease, mostly in Asia and Africa. 193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, Early in his career, Dr Pereira was Norwich (on the Bull Roundabout) himself inspired by another Christian Tel: 01603 442165 surgeon, the late Dr Paul Brand, author of the well-known book, ‘Ten Fingers for God.’ This famous English doctor was the We have teamed up with Thorntons and first surgeon in the world to use offer their range of chocolates together reconstructive surgery to correct leprosy-caused deformities in the with our great selection of greeting hands and feet. It was said of Dr Brand (who died in 2003 at the age of 89), that cards, helium balloons and gifts. “he changed the world ’s perception of Pioneering surgeon, Dr Jerome Pereira. leprosy and leprosy sufferers." His pioneering tendon transfer launch of a national feasibility study for period of six months, the words came techniques are still used today to allow the further training of NHS doctors. alive to me, with the help of the Holy the hands and feet of leprosy patients He is a founder member of the Spirit.” He eventually made a personal to function properly. It was because of Norwich School of Medicine and an commitment to faith in Christ and Paul Brand that Jerome – half his age - honorary professor at the University of discovered a peace of heart he had not took up leprosy research. Dr Brand told East Anglia. known before. him: “The Lord is bringing young men Dr Pereira and his Irish-born wife, Jerome considered doing missionary like you to carry the torch forward.” Mary, are both committed Christians medical work and made a costly Dr Pereira’s own research and whose faith that has helped them rise decision to work for six years in the surgical experience with leprosy to many challenges in their service to area of leprosy research. Today he “just patients has been foundational in his others in the UK and overseas. stands back amazed” at the way God own career in helping to train other “My work is so absorbing and our has helped him and Mary make the surgeons. He has a special interest in life is very full – and we travel a lot. But right career decisions and helped them the outcomes of surgery and helped we relax occasionally as avid walkers,” persevere in their service to others. lead the national mastectomy and says Dr Pereira, who came to faith in Mary, a former midwife, has a degree in breast reconstruction programme. This Christ through the personal testimony psychology and is a trained Christian was the first study in the world looking of his wife, Mary. counsellor. at the outcomes of breast cancer With memories of a strict Catholic In the last 13 years, in addition to surgery and the largest patient education as a child, he admits he medical work, Jerome and Mary have outcomes study ever done in the UK. initially found Mary’s new-found faith helped to support training courses for As a consultant breast surgeon at “rather strange at first.” He also more than 2,000 Christian ministers in James Paget University Hospitals in recalled several years of “irresponsible tribal areas of India, Bhutan, Sikkim, Great Yarmouth, he welcomes research social life” as an ambitious young Assam and Nepal, plus many summer which helps women make the right medic - a lifestyle that did not help camps for young people in the region. decisions about their treatment, with his dream of becoming a successful Speaking recently at an inspirational clearer advice from clinicians, thus surgeon in the US. dinner for Christian businessmen in improving quality of life after surgery. Nevertheless, Mary’s vibrant faith Norwich, Dr Pereira urged his listeners Dr Pereira now leads advanced impressed Jerome who admitted he to take seriously the claims of Christ. master-classes in online learning “felt somewhat empty” despite all the “Try to find God’s plan for your life, he courses with live-link television eventual advantages of a successful will definitely show you. In John’s seminars on breast surgery in 20 medical career. So he began reading the Gospel, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, countries. This month has also seen the Bible in spare moments – “and over a promises us: My sheep hear my voice.” 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

Choir’s song of praise

Young people visiting loved ones in harity Ormiston Norwich prison are the latest to Families is the latest C to benefit from the benefit from the great work of the choir’s amazing work, and one Cringleford Singers who have held parent who uses young hundreds of fund-raising concerts people’s visits at Norwich Prison, said: “The support over the last 45 years, inspired by Ormiston that gave us during director Margaret Smith. Mike time spent with my son in Wiltshire reports. Norwich was amazing. The experience of confronting all the sights and sounds of prison life was very daunting – and that’s why Ormiston is literally a God-send.” Meanwhile, the inspiration behind the Cringleford Singers is choir director Margaret Smith, who began the group 45 years ago with just ten women. Today, the 40-strong choir presents 25 informal concerts a year, singing everything ‘hummable’ from classical jazz and folk songs to showtime numbers from the musicals, all supported by the Cringleford musicians. They have raised around Pictured above is director Margaret Smith at the piano £45,000 for various groups and, top, the Cringleford Singers. and charities in Norwich, including the House of Genesis, a Christian home for as well as in church life. annual ‘Singalong’ with Miles the homeless at Thorpe St Margaret also manages to Quick, a talented Christian Andrew; Clare School, the be chair of the trustees of musician who used to teach at specialist physical and sensory Norwich Youth For Christ and Norwich School. The day-college; Whizz-Kidz, a a trustee of the Revelation programme at 7.30pm will group which transforms the Christian bookshop and café include Vivaldi's ‘Gloria’ and lives of disabled children, in Norwich which she Roger Jones' ‘Apostle’, plus helping them to become describes as ‘an oasis of peace other items. confident and independent in a bustling city.’ “Everyone is welcome - young adults; Hearing Dogs Married in 1967, Margaret whether to sing, play an for deaf people; and the Phab and her husband, Dr Chris instrument or to be the Club, whose motto is ‘making Smith, will celebrate their audience. It's a free event, with more of life together’ for golden wedding next year. a retiring offering for Norwich children and adults with They met as teenagers in a Youth For Christ,” says special needs. large Bible class of 100 young Margaret. Margaret Smith, who is also people at Christ Church, The Cringleford Singers, music director at St Andrew’s New Malden, in south-west who present a wide range of church in Eaton, comes from a London. It was at this Bible secular music, do not charge gifted family of musicians that class that Margaret and Chris for their concerts, but invite goes back four generations – became Christians. donations for charity. The “my mum was a wonderful Asked about her tireless choir is always looking out for pianist, and our three children motivation for service to women “who love singing, can all play instruments,” she said. others, Margaret says: “I just sight-read reasonably well and Margaret herself has run want people to know the practise on Thursday three choirs – “music is a reality of the love of Jesus – no evenings.” passion with me - it’s God- matter who you are, or the To contact Margaret Smith, given.” She also has wide problems you face, he can call 01603 453010, or visit, experience in the secretarial transform your life.” www.cringlefordsingers.org.uk and admin work in the On Saturday, February 4, at Details about Orminston business world, including the St Andrew’s Church, Eaton, Families is available at oil industry and music sectors, Margaret is organising another www.ormiston.org NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 7

Free book offer Ex-City star swaps I Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, just over 2000 years ago - an event celebrated by millions of people right across the world. Have you ever wondered why so many people, from such different backgrounds and cultures, still celebrate the birth of a poor pitch for a pulpit carpenter’s son from a small town in Israel? 'Why Christmas?’ is a small booklet which discusses the meaning of Christmas from a Former Norwich City Christian perspective. It tries to answer midfield player Philip questions such as: I What is important about Christmas? Mulyrne, 38, has I Why people get so excited about Jesus? swapped the pitch for the I Why did Jesus die? If you would like us to send you a free pulpit as he was copy, please email your name and address ordained as a in to: [email protected] or the Catholic Dominican text it to 07712 787762. You can also find some of the answers at Order at a service at St www.christianity.org.uk Saviour's church in Dublin recently. Great musical opportunity at Cha pel Fi eld Road r Philip was ordained by M e thodist C hurch the Archbishop of Dublin, B Diarmuid Martin, during a Are you a dynamic pers on with a Mass and was joined by his family, strong Christian faith who could friends and many Dominican lead an d dev e lop our music? brothers. It is expected that he will continue to be ordained to the priesthood sometime during the • We ha ve a s trong mus ica l trad ition coming year. and a well-est ablis hed adult choir. Philip began his career at • We need someone to play traditional Manchester United alongside , and Pictured left and above is and contemp orary hymns and songs but opportunities Br Philip Mulryne just after at our morning services. were limited and he only played a  being vested at the • We have a pipe organ and a grand handful of first team games before service in Dublin. Pictures joining Norwich City for £500,000 piano. courtesy of the Irish in March 1999 in the hope of  Dominicans. • We want to build up music with gaining more first-team children and young people. opportunities. He scored on his second appearance against You would need to accompany

Grimsby but a broken leg ruled the choir or accompany/direct at him out for most of the next season. Dominican at St Saviour's rehearsals on Friday evenings. In the 2001–02 season, Philip Priory in Dublin on Saturday You can even c onduct o ur C hristmas was a member of the Norwich October 29. orchestra! team that reached the final of the Talking about his decision to Division One play-offs against become a , Philip said: “One We have relief organists a nd th e ch oir Birmingham in Cardiff, but lost on of the major reasons which does not si ng in Aug us t. penalties. attracted me to the religious life Remuneration and leave by He was part of the City side that was to give oneself completely to won promotion to the Premier God. agreement. League as Division One champions “To take Him as our example Contact Rev Catherine H utton in 2004. Philip left the Canaries to and, despite our weaknesses and 01603 452086 join Cardiff City after more than our defects, to trust in Him that [email protected] 150 appearances for the club and he will transform us by his grace cwww.chapelfieldroadmethodist.org.uk ended his career at non-league and thus being transformed, to King's Lynn. He also played inter - communicate the joy in knowing national football 27 times for Him to everyone we meet. Northern Ireland. “This to me is the ideal of the After his retirement from foot - Dominican life and one of the ball at the age of 31, Philip began priesthood. He studied at the and in September 2016, he made major reasons that attracted me to training for the Roman Catholic Pontifical Irish College in Rome his profession to become a the order.” BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING K.P. ELECTRICS No job too small One year warranty on all work FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. Available weekends and evenings NEW ADDITIONS, REPAIRS AND EMERGENCIES. Repairs and upgrades undertaken FAST, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE Free estimates. No extra call-out charge Handyman services also available PLEASE PHONE 01603 744208 Please phone Greg Bright MOBILE: 07770 921399 Home: 01603 479216 Mobile: 07814182940 8 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2016/17 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Norfolk’s 9000 boxes of joy

I Volunteers across Norfolk for Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse expect to send over 9,000 shoeboxes of gifts to children in need around the world in the run-up to Christmas. Operation Christmas Child is the largest children’s Christ - mas project of its kind in the world, and last year the UK sent an incredible 900,008 shoeboxes of gifts to children in need around the globe. Samaritan’s Purse has been running Operation Christmas Child (OCC) since 1993, and Singing the impact on children’s lives is sisters, immeasurable. Nick Cole, Adrienne Director of Operation Christ - and Fern mas Child in the UK said: Davis. “There is little that brings us as Pictures by much joy as seeing the smile Photocillin. on these children’s faces. So Shoeboxes of gifts are delivered to children in a Syrian often they have little or nothing. refugee camp in Northern Iraq. Receiving an unconditional gift, lovingly packed by a volunteer in the UK is a Dereham, all staffed by volunteers. Norfolk is fantastic way to share the true meaning of aiming to export a full lorry of boxes this year Christmas with them.” which will be around 9,000 shoebox gifts.” Sister act in Emma Fawcett – OCC Eastern Regional Collection points closed on November 18 for Manager said: “In Norfolk, the shoeboxes are this year but more details are available at: processed at sites in Aylsham, Norwich and www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk a camper van

Sister act, Adrienne and Fern buy an old camper van. “Friends and family thought we were crazy Davis , packed up their life, hopes but I remember praying with Adrienne and and dreams, in a rusting camper saying ‘if God wants it to happen then he will van and hit the road for a huge open the doors’,” says Fern. Throughout their journey the girls will point to their Saviour’s faith adventure. Sandie Shirley care and guidance. “It is never too late to do reports. what is in your heart. If you follow your dreams we know God will provide, he has never left us - we have seen it first-hand,” says Adrienne. ive years on, Daughters of Davis, an Performances, media interest and song acoustic soul and folk duo, are at the writing have gained momentum as the doors F forefront of fame and success, and visited have certainly swung wide but the journey has Thetford recently to share their hearts and also been challenging. During snowy, wintry voices as well as their mission to call a halt to nights they have slept in layers of clothing to media pressure. keep warm; survived on porridge, noodles and At this year’s Flourish - Liberty Church’s cheap tins of soup and at times they have annual women’s conference - the sisters spoke busked to pay for the next meal. On one about Not Playing the Game (also the title of occasion their van – which has since been their third album). Their message was loud and replaced - was broken into in the early hours of clear, spoken with a robust faith for a faithful the morning as they slept. “But God was good - God who sees them through the highs, lows and we saw the guy run off into the distance as we dangers of their on-going travels. drove away,” says Fern. God sees humanity without the need for www.daughtersofdavis.com flawless perfection and idealism, so often portrayed in the media, explains Fern. “The lies we absorb can give us a skewed view of life,” she adds. The simple understanding – that God loves us as we are – is often central to the girls’ popular rhythmic compositions. The sisters have known the damaging effects of media pressure in their own lives and they are out to break down the lies and misconceptions using social media so others can find freedom too. Today they have the listening ear of a captive audience. Their hit albums have been aired on national secular and Christian radio and they have wowed audiences across the UK and Europe as well as performing with Peter Andre. In 2011, their life of sacrifice and faith took off as they travelled the country and began writing on the road. Adrienne ended her occupational therapist job while Fern finished her art degree and sold her car; together they painted houses and did car boot sales – often in the rain – to