ONE FAMILY NEWS FROM GREYFRIARS AND NEW HOPE · ISSUE 05 · SPRING 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN · REDEVELOPMENT SUNDAY ONLINE · CIRDIC · AT HOME RESOURCES

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 1 Greyfriars Church New Hope Community Church Friar Street York Road RG1 1EH RG1 8DU 0118 951 6700 0118 959 6534 greyfriars.org.uk nhccreading.org.uk [email protected] [email protected] @greyfriarslive @nhccreading @greyfriarslive @nhccreading @greyfriarslive

One Family Magazine Contributors: Jonny Alden, Alice Alesi, Issue 05 · May 2020 Mabel Boyd, Sam Brown, Amy Cavender, Penny Cuthbert, John Freeman, Heather Harper, John Hudson, Harvey Jessop, Katherine Shepherd, Jonathan Thatcher, David Walker, Pete Willmot

Design: Simon Baker, Thirteen Creative

2 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS WELCOME TO ONE FAMILY! IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to our spring edition of One Family! We 04 Scattered but active couldn’t have imagined last time we produced this mag- 06 Surrender, trust and love azine that most of the world would now be in lockdown. 07 #Loveyourneighbour As I was reading through the book of Lamentations, 08 Small is beautiful I was struck by its opening line, “how deserted lies 09 At home resources the city, once so full of people”. In many ways the world has fallen silent – streets in Reading are empty, schools are closed and human contact is limited to online gatherings. The book of Lamentations has much wisdom for us now. It teaches how to express grief and sorrow before God, knowing that He is able to cope with our 10 Building for the future frustration, sadness and confusion. These strange times find us caught between a 13 Learning together sense of lament and hope in Christ. I am convinced 14 CIRDIC that God will use this time of lockdown to wake His 16 Meet the wardens people, to grow His people and to refine His church. 17 Family snapshot We are called to be attentive to His voice and to draw close to Him in prayer. For this reason, we are joining millions of believers around the world through the UNITE714 movement, praying twice a day in line with the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14. As we also respond to the call of Jesus to love our neighbours, we are seeing hundreds of people, across 18 Baptisms all denominations of church in Reading, feeding the hungry, contacting the lonely, serving the poor and 20 Life at home goes on helping those who are unable to leave home under 22 Sunday online the banner #loveyourneighbour. 26 Family around the world The COVID-19 pandemic will pass and we will 28 Disagreeing well gather again as One Family. In the meantime, let us 30 What’s in the Bookshop? remember that the Lord reigns forever and His throne endures from generation to generation. May our gen- eration be remembered for fervently praying, seeking God and loving our neighbours, as He revives His church during this time of shaking.

32 News from across the river David Walker Vicar of Greyfriars and New Hope

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 3 T R S A T E C E D

B U T A C T I V E

David Walker on church life in lockdown

“Covid-19”, “social distancing”, “personal protective equipment” and “flatten the ‘Not only has our curve” have all been added to the Oxford vocabulary changed, Dictionary in recent weeks. Not only has our vocabulary changed, but our entire lives but our entire lives have have been transformed, for better and for been transformed’ worse. For some of us, this is a time of total isolation without any face-to-face contact Since then, we have adapted as a com- with friends or family. For others, it is a test munity. Small groups have wrestled with of juggling home working and home school- Zoom and begun to meet online, with more ing. For many it will be a time of grieving the people gathering midweek than before loss of lifestyle and the loss of life due to lockdown! Many of you have volunteered COVID-19. to help as we partner with Reading Borough Within a period of one week, in early Council and Reading Voluntary Action to March, we were forced to re-imagine church feed the hungry, make contact with the gatherings and turn to online services. In lonely and serve the poor. The ministry of those early days of organising the technical churches up and down this land, to help side of our services, it was such a gift to the most vulnerable and needy, has been have a group of people who could help edit recognised by the government and comes and stream the services. under the banner of #loveyourneighbour, the second greatest commandment. In

4 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS significant. The list of questions grows week ‘Alongside the by week. questions, we hold Alongside the questions, we hold on to the truth, which remains unchanged. Jesus on to the truth, which tells us “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the remains unchanged’ First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). God is sovereign. As the words of Lamentations remind us, many ways, the church is now closer to its God reigns forever and His throne endures biblical mandate than in previous years, as from generation to generation. Only the we meet in homes, love our neighbours and Lord God Almighty knows how this story of slow down to pray and seek God together. COVID-19 will end. And only He is able to The full implications of the COVID-19 lock- work through it, in ways which are majestic down may not be truly understood for years and miraculous, bringing good out of the to come. In the short term, many businesses horror of this pandemic. have been forced to close and put staff on As Jesus was speaking to his disciples furlough, including the Greyfriars Nursery. about their worries, he told them to “seek Greyfriars and New Hope have also placed first his kingdom and his righteousness” eight members of staff on furlough in order (Matthew 6:33). Part of what God is teaching to avoid redundancies in the longer term. us through this time of isolation and pan- Many of you will face decreases in salary demic is to trust Him, to call out to Him in and greater uncertainty over job security. prayer and to thank Him for our daily bread. For others, this is a time of great sacrifice as Each day does indeed have enough trouble NHS workers, supermarket staff, teachers of its own and it may be that, through this and care workers continue to serve and time of crisis, we finally heed Jesus’ words keep the country going. to trust God’s care for us and His awareness This time of crisis has given us a more of our needs. Our God is a God of resurrec- acute sense of what is known and what is tion and He is able to do more than we ask unknown in our lives. We are still counting or imagine, as we slow down and entrust it the tragic loss of life in our country, and all to Him in prayer. around the world, and we don’t yet know what the full impact will be. We continue to have many questions about what the “new normal” might look like. There is no clarity on when we will be able to gather again in our church buildings at Greyfriars and New Hope. We are unsure what the financial impact of this crisis will be on our lives and on the church, though we know it will be

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 5 prayer beyond words: in secret, “not bab- bling as the Gentiles do”. Can we sit with God as a close friend, open to his love? Your Father knows what you need before you ask. Trusting him opens a flowing union with his presence. I decided I needed to learn “surrender” for this quest to live by abiding love. I started clearing out the dusty cupboards of my heart ready for a new kind of internal resting prayer. I lifted the lid on insecurities and discovered their origins, pride in achievements, pain and grief - all shrouded in an unhealthy layer of guilt and shame. Dislodging the log from my eye that I might be clearer of the love offered. As I struggle, I look to ancient paths, The dance discovering people who have found ways to commune with God: St John of the Cross, between Julian of Norwich, St Francis of Assisi – surrender, people who found prayer through solitude, community and through simple ways of trust and love seeking God’s presence in every moment, in every thing. The early church withdrew to Amy Cavender gives a contemplate deeper loving encounter. personal perspective Perhaps as we sit in quarantine (etymol- on prayer ogy: 40 days), we too are offered simple paths. “Come follow me,” says Jesus, to a place where prayer and life are one. A Prayer for me used to feel like something renewed trust can lead us there, to surren- very human. I used to be uncertain of God’s der to him regardless of circumstance, to love and therefore felt judgement as I learn to abide in his delight for who we are prayed. I wanted to witness a more divine because of who he is. dimension. The choice to be disciplined in surrender- The first disciples, despite hanging out ing to love remains ours. The freedom we with Jesus, seeing him in quiet places discover when we choose to trust carries us communing in God, didn’t know much of his through the seasons. prayer life – so they asked. Jesus taught Lord God, give us courage to grow in the them to be familiar: Our Father… He taught knowledge of your great love. Amen.

6 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS The #LoveYourNeighbour food parcels and making deliveries across campaign is a national Reading. Volunteers are provided with PPE response to the so they can continue to work as safely as Covid-19 crisis. possible. Mustard Tree (themustardtree.org) has We are joining with other churches and been working with a number of churches to partners in Reading to play our part in help- create hubs for Reading Voluntary Action’s ing the most isolated and vulnerable in our shopping service, delivering essential sup- communities at this time. plies to people who can’t go out. Its projects We asked Katherine Shepherd, CEO of have also been busy: Mustard Tree, about what has been hap- Engage Befriending has expanded its pening in Reading: telephone befriending, providing a lifeline CCA (ccam.org.uk) is continuing to pro- for people who are lonely and have no vide an emergency response for displaced other regular contact. Many are grateful for people, those who were previously home- the calls and volunteers are enjoying the less and those who are fleeing domestic chance to connect with someone. violence, ensuring they have the things Starting Point is creating online chal- needed to eat, cook and sleep. lenges to help young people find a sense CIRDIC (cirdic.org.uk) is feeding around of routine and something to focus on. The 60 homeless people every day. It also has team is also supporting Year 11 students a nurse who visits the centre to provide help who are transitioning through education and advice. or into employment or training without the CommuniCare (communicare.org.uk) has usual networks to guide them. taken more than 330 referrals from the Hub already and is providing information and Thank you for all you have been advice to people who are worried about doing as a church family. If you want their finances and need help with obtaining to be involved, we’ve got all the food parcels and accessing benefits. details at greyfriars.org.uk/ Readifood (readifood.org.uk) has been loveyourneighbour responding to the increased demand for

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 7 Small is beautiful

John Freeman sings the praises of the Small Group

Of all the things we can do to grow in Christlikeness and move forwards in our discipleship, I believe that being part of a Small Group is one of the most effective and important. Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, it can also be one of the most challenging. can be awkward. Close friends bring real Throughout the accounts of the early joy, but they can also bring frustrations and church in the New Testament we see time annoyances! Often we’re tempted to take and time again that meeting together regu- the easy route of dropping out or never larly as believers was always a central part risking relationships in the first place. But of the Christian life. The author to Hebrews if we do that, we miss out on one of God’s urges his readers to “not neglect our primary ways of blessing and transforming meeting together, as some people do, but us – community. And Small Groups are encourage one another”. In Small Groups playing a vital role in this as they continue to we are able to offer encouragement by meet online at the current time. praying for one another, standing alongside For my wife and me, Small Groups have others through the ups and downs of life, been an essential part of our discipleship, and sharing insights into God’s word that both at Greyfriars and in the churches we we would have missed by ourselves. have been a part of before. As well as that, But it’s also not easy. Let’s be honest it’s been in Small Groups that we’ve forged about this – it can be hard to be open and some of our closest friendships. And as vulnerable with others. Sharing our disciple- (relatively) new arrivals here, we’re grateful ship journey and praying for one another for the welcome and community we’ve found by joining one of the Small Groups. We would wholeheartedly recommend joining one yourself if you want to become more like Jesus and find a place to belong in Greyfriars and New Hope.

If you’d like to explore joining a Small Group, please contact John Freeman on [email protected].

8 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS At Home resources The lockdown has left some of us with hours of spare time and others with no time at all.

Whatever your circumstances, living alone, GOING DEEPER or trying to do a full-time job while being a If you find yourself with more time and homeschool teacher, a loss of routine can would like to go deeper there are some so easily impact on your walk with God. resources which have been made available Across the church, we’ve put together a for free: classes and courses on theology range of resources to suit all circumstances from Biblical Training website and the on our At Home page of the Greyfriars BibleProject Classroom, which gives you website. It’s constantly updated, so do have access to graduate-level classes all for free. a look to see what might be of help to you. MUSIC To help you through those days at home, DAILY DISCIPLESHIP Greyfriars Worship have created a couple There are some great digital resources for of playlists of their favourite worship songs daily prayer and Bible reading. From some at the moment. There’s hours of the latest amazing Bible reading plans to follow as along with some classics on our YouTube you find the space and time to daily prayer and Spotify playlists. devotionals, the YouVersion or Lectio365 phone apps are fantastic daily resources. MENTAL HEALTH They also contain some great plans around It is so clear that this is a particularly vul- dealing with anxiety and difficulties written nerable time for anyone with mental health by people like Tom Wright. challenges. So whatever you are facing, there are great free resources online. We’ve WORKPLACE included links to the Sanctuary mental There is much going on across Reading to health course and The Church of England help those facing challenges and uncer- daily reflections to help provide hope, reas- tainty in the workplace during this time. surance and comfort. One of those is led by Simon Stokes from Greyfriars, who is producing a series of blog All of this and much more is on our posts to encourage you right now. website at greyfriars.org.uk/athome

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 9 Building for the future

Jonathan Thatcher, chair of the Redevelopment Group, shares the latest news

10 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS Our world may have – with three of them (the fourth bid was changed dramatically over priced substantially higher) and, following a the last couple of months, detailed assessment of the tenders by our but the vision that lies Quantity Surveyors, the PCC has agreed behind the Redevelopment that the Redevelopment Group should now project remains as important enter discussions with a preferred contrac- as ever, and work on the tor with the aim, if those discussions go well, project has continued apace of finalising a contract for the Phase 1 work. despite the restrictions All the contractors we interviewed have that we are all living put measures in place to allow sites to work and working under. safely within government guidelines, but we can’t yet be entirely sure about timing. As most will know, the first phase of the However, we do know from the tenders project will replace the flint-faced 1970s that the duration of the work is likely to be structures around the church with a modern around 11 months. During that period the glazed atrium giving us an open face to the only parts of the church site that will be town and providing a large area for fellow- accessible will be the church itself, via the ship including a coffee bar and bookshop. door leading directly out to Friar Street, and The atrium will link through to Nos 2 & 4 the Centre, along the path that runs across Sackville Street, which will be converted the face of the building. There will be more to provide office space and new church details about how this will all work nearer toilets. This Phase 1 work went out to tender the time. in February and four contractors submitted Meanwhile our Phase 2 proposals – cov- tenders at the end of March. Interviews ering the replacement of the existing Centre have been held – by video conference with a three-storey building on much the

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 11 same footprint, linked to the main church about 50% of the expected cost of Phase 2. atrium by a broad corridor – were approved We will be reviewing the most appropriate on 4 March by the Reading Borough timing to fundraise for the balance of the Council Planning Applications Committee. Phase 2 cost, and in the meantime the This is very welcome news and an answer funding team continues to work on Trust to prayer after the objections that were applications and an application to the raised to earlier versions of the proposals. Church Commissioners. The next stage will be to develop a fully detailed design for the building. Look out for more information, news As was explained by David Walker in and visuals on the Redevelopment his recent update, we have the funding in pages on the Greyfriars website: place for the Phase 1 works and pledges for greyfriars.org.uk/redevelopment

12 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS An experiment in learning together

Sam Brown on the joys of the Student Small Group

Jesus taught his disciples in three ways. on one side and all the things that confused Formally, he would teach them in settings us on the other. We then move to an open like the Sermon on the Mount. Informally, he discussion where, because of the cards, would teach them by simply spending time everyone has something to contribute. with them, drawing great lessons out of Informally, our time spent together is seemingly incidental meals or trips across critical for building community. Pancakes, lakes. And experimentally, he would teach Mario Kart, fireworks - we do enjoy a social! them by encouraging them to step out in In everything we do, we’ve got to have fun. faith and give it a go. Think Peter walking Perhaps most enjoyably, we have recently on water. taken a few steps into the experimental. In Our student small group that started last our first online small group, we did some year has embodied all three of these meth- Psalm writing. Everyone brought a Psalm to ods and I would like to encourage those of read out and we chatted about what makes you in your own small groups to consider a Psalmist. We then experimented with how your gatherings measure up! pouring ourselves out in words. The results Formally, we have had a great deal were phenomenal: a new appreciation of of Bible teaching and discovery. We are the relationship to the Father and, most blessed to have Sam Drysdale as part of our importantly, a deepening of faith. group, a man with a theology degree, but I’m aware he’s a rare commodity! The key If you’re a student who hasn’t yet for our Bible study has in fact been explora- linked up with the student small tion. We read a passage together, then take group, please email Sam Brown on index cards, writing all the things we loved [email protected].

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 13 Churches in Reading Drop-In Centre

Mabel Boyd from CIRDIC/CIRWC tells us about the charity and the recent Big Sleep Out

About 30 years ago a group of concerned organisation so that, in addition to main Christians decided that Reading needed meals, baths and showers, we now provide a day shelter for the homeless. Since then art therapy and can point to where advice CIRDIC (Churches in Reading Drop-In on combating addiction can be found. We Centre) has been Reading’s first port of also have regular visits from professional call for people who find themselves on the specialists such as HOLT nurses, podiatrists, street, in poor accommodation or otherwise St Mungo’s, who find accommodation for in dire need. The founders of CIRDIC got the homeless, and Launchpad, who provide so many things right, enabling CIRDIC to such accommodation. grow from being a simple soup kitchen to Recently, we have mounted three the vibrant organisation it is today. They “Pamper Days”, where professional hair- leased St Saviour’s Church Hall in Berkeley dressers, chiropodists and masseurs give Avenue, near central Reading, from the their time to treat our guests to the kind Church of England, providing suitable prem- of help that they would never otherwise ises within walking distance of some of the receive. most deprived areas of the town. The founders of CIRDIC soon came to They adopted a policy of not challenging the conclusion that many women would not people who come for help, simply asking be comfortable in a day centre where the them about their needs and providing guests were predominantly men, so they help wherever possible. These proved to set up a separate charity called Churches in be solid foundations on which to build our Reading Women’s Centre (CIRWC), initially

14 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS CIRDIC Big Sleep Out

On the night of Saturday, 29 February, together with 30 other people, we slept in the open in Greyfriars church car park. The based in Wesley Methodist Church but now night was starry but the temperature did fall in Emmanuel Methodist Church in Oxford to 3 degrees Celsius with a very keen wind. Road. Wow! It was so cold even under the large Gradually the centre found that the pile of bedding. There was a lot of shouting, women who came for help tended to have traffic noise and flashing lights and this did physical or emotional difficulties and help- not help me to get to sleep. While people ing them is its main thrust today. CIRWC pro- were bedding down with much laughter vides a sanctuary for vulnerable women and and enjoying the occasion in a fun atmos- their children, offering a safe environment phere, it did make us aware of the hardship where guests are nurtured and encouraged experienced by those who have to sleep in to develop talents and skills. doorways and tents. This was just a gesture Sixteen years ago I was appointed man- but it helped us to remember why we work ager of both centres and I was joined by for and support CIRDIC. Andrea in 2013. Last year, after many years We were rudely awoken at 5am in the of close cooperation and shared manage- morning but we had a lovely bacon butty ment, the Churches in Reading Women’s to warm our stomachs. It was good to think Centre was absorbed into CIRDIC. This that later on in the morning our homeless has saved on administration and provided would be served breakfast at CIRDIC. A a new impetus, especially for the women’s huge thankyou to all who slept out, raised centre, which Andrea has plans to grow. money and supported those of us who were sleeping out.

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 15 Meet the wardens John Hudson chats to Debs and Harvey

Every Church of England church elects two people from within the congregation to work, unpaid, with the vicar in leading the church and making sure everyone’s voices are heard. At Greyfriars, our churchwardens are Debs Jeffries and Harvey Jessop.

DEBS JEFFRIES HARVEY JESSOP Alongside her professional work as a corpo- Harvey loves creative pursuits and is rate coach, Debs has been active in the life passionate about finding creative ways to of Greyfriars for more than a decade. Debs help people connect with God. Alongside ran Time Out, the women’s ministry, for a professional career as a translator, he is many years and she has been involved in a musician and songwriter, having been toddlers, home groups and prayer ministry. involved in writing a number of modern She grew up with a faith in her native worship songs used in churches across South Africa, but Debs said her life really the world, and is a member of the infamous changed when she met with the Holy Spirit Cheeky Pandas (ask the kids!) at a church in London shortly after moving Part of the congregation at both New to the UK aged 21. Hope and at Greyfriars, Harvey has used his As churchwarden Debs says the most music to bless the church in worship for two exciting thing has been “seeing God’s decades. As warden Harvey has been sur- faithfulness and mercy” and spending time prised by just how much there is to do, but in prayer with the church leadership team. has loved being able to see and support the You’ll mainly find Debs at our 9:30 con- “huge number of great things” happening gregation with her husband Dave and their across Greyfriars and New Hope. two children, Isabella (9) and Luke (7). She Harvey’s hope for the future is that “we would love to hear from you. continue to grow as disciples and as a body and obediently follow God’s call, joining in what God is doing, transforming our town.”

16 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS In each edition of One Family we get to know some of our church family a little better...

FAMILY SNAPSHOT Alfred and Moji Kolawole

Moji and Alfred met and fell in love at uni- The couple have been involved as versity in Nigeria in the 1980s. Alfred was individuals and as a couple in activities brought up as a Christian. Moji was brought ranging from Tuesday Special, to car park up in a Muslim family but came to faith in duties and Alfred’s role as a deputy warden. Jesus and was baptised and confirmed They told One Family magazine, a common here in Reading. saying in Nigeria is “by their deeds, we shall The couple both trained in education know them”, drawing them, in service, to try but since moving to the UK their careers as much as possible within their means to changed direction. Moji works in finance show the love of Christ to whoever comes whilst Alfred works for a utility company their way. and, together with their three now grown-up Wherever God calls them to serve next, children, they have thrown themselves into one thing Moji and Alfred know is that noth- life serving at Greyfriars over the past 25 ing will stop them letting “the love of, and years. for Christ,” show in their lives. They find this This year Alfred has taken the decision focus has seen work colleagues and friends to step down from his role on the Deanery commenting on their “love for everyone, Synod (a group representing the Church of and duty to our fellow human beings.” England across Reading) and from our PCC, Alfred and Moji are part of the morning to explore what God is calling him to next. congregations at Greyfriars and say that all He is excited as he listens to God’s call on three of their children, who are now working his life, quoting the old hymn, “I am thine, O or at university, still regard Greyfriars as their Lord, I have heard thy voice ...”. home church.

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 17 Baptisms

One of the last ‘Baptising new believers and services before the affirming the faith of our com- lockdown began munity is always a joy. It was a was a wonderful particularly special time as the celebration of service took place a couple of baptism, as six weeks before the lockdown for people from Coronavirus, so it was deeply Greyfriars were moving to celebrate new life baptised or and faith in the middle of a time renewed their of fear and uncertainty.’ baptismal vows. David Walker

18 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS Martin Hughes Clare Hayley

Max Bradbury Rachel Hayward

Tom Hayley Mireille Umuratwa

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 19 Life at home goes on Heather Harper talks about keeping children engaged with God during lockdown

20 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS We keep cheerfully encouraging one God loves being with them too. Put on another that, whilst the church building is some worship music, sing loudly and dance closed, “church”, meaning the life of the together, get out your air guitar. saints (that’s us), goes on. But what does that mean for our children? PRAY TOGETHER It means another familiar and regular Thank God for things out loud as you go fixture in their lives has been taken away. through the day. Maybe find a time that Add to that the phenomenon of homes- works for the whole family – meal time, bed chooling, and both parent and child are time, morning – to pray for each other and often reduced to shreds. As we merrily send the wider world. “Chat and catch” encour- out resources for you to access on Kids at ages talking to God about stuff, and hearing Home each week, I can’t help wondering if in our hearts what he might be saying back. this is the last thing you need – more fancy ideas to achieve, with no flour, glue, paint or READ/RETELL/WATCH BIBLE junk and with an equally reluctant child… STORIES TOGETHER The first thing to remember about keep- What story in the Bible do they like best, ing your child engaged with God is to be and why? Responding through craft or play kind to yourself. Do not put yourself under can be a child’s way of working through any more pressure to get it right. There is something they are thinking about and it’s a no special formula. Growing in a relation- great time to get alongside them. ship with God is not about ticking boxes, amazing crafts or intellectual Bible studies. The Greyfriars Kids at Home online resource It is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit as page has suggested activities for you and he draws our child near to God. As Rachel your child to do together. Your child might Turner, the pioneer from Parenting for Faith, love to see you make a painted footprint, says, we want our children to be “God con- or be an appreciative audience as they use nected, not God smart”. their toys to act out a Bible story. Click on So how do we help our children to the small video clips to watch stories, craft engage with God at this time? and worship. There are more ideas and resources on the New Hope Facebook TALK TOGETHER page from the community too. Chat to your child about their relationship And thanks to technology, gathering with God. Ask questions. When do they together as a family for church is still a feel close to God? What do they think God regular event. New Hope families have an says to you? Parenting for Faith talks about activity to access during church online, and giving children a window into your faith. at 10am the Willmot family lead a session of Show them how you engage with God, how songs, activities, story and prayer in Family you talk to him when you feel cross, sad, Worship. The church buildings might be happy. If your child isn’t the chatty sort, tell closed, but the life of the saints goes on… them that just as you love being with them,

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 21 Sunday Online: part of our corporate worship and the rhythm and encouragement of the gathered Behind the church in the building was something we scenes wanted to emulate, we were fully aware that this was going to be impossible and things Pete Willmot gives us a would inevitably look different. peek behind the curtain at We gathered together a small team of Greyfriars online services people with expertise and enthusiasm to deliver Sunday Online to our various plat- Sunday Online has been thrust upon us forms. Those with technical skills operating in these strange times. Everything we’ve cameras, live vision mixing, visual opera- done in the physical world, we now need tions for words and slides, video editing and to embrace in a digital world. We wanted to broadcast audio mixing were all brought explain the why and how of bringing church into the process early on. From the earliest to your home every Sunday. stage the team has worked hard to ensure As lockdown loomed, our ministry staff, that all the content captured and delivered churchwardens and clergy gathered in the is as distraction free as possible. You would “war room” in the West End to talk about the never know the number of retakes that time ahead. While Sunday is an important have to be made!

22 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS Our first week of lockdown was live- home and removes the possibility of failed streamed from church at 10.30am on connections or internet dropouts halfway Sunday morning. With a mixture of equip- through the sermon. ment that was begged, borrowed or hired, We began very simply, with a host, a we shot everything on one camera, ran preacher, a worship leader and someone visuals (words on screen) from the usual to lead a time of prayer. All footage was desk into a simple vision mixer, and then to shot by Thursday and sent through to Alan a laptop that was hardwired into the internet Smith who, with extraordinary editing skills, using an online digital broadcast studio. We stitched together the whole film, which was used all the pre-existing audio equipment uploaded to YouTube. at church and moved some screens around It is strange to pre-record footage for to show the ‘Sunday Online’ screen. Even Sunday with such early deadlines for com- by that Sunday government advice was pletion. Figuring out how to pass the baton changing and the decision was taken that on from segment to segment takes time and we should move to filming in our separate we are still learning. locations. After receiving some really helpful feed- From week 2, we moved to a pre-re- back, in week 3 we introduced a time of corded setup. Every Sunday Online is Family Worship led by Annie and me, giving now pre-recorded, as this is the best way families a chance to reconnect, worship to safely deliver every service to each

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 23 together and explore what church at home might look like in each household. As we grew in confidence, we began looking at more creative ways of putting items together. From multiple persons on screen during times of worship, to self- made videos showing the life of our congre- gation members, Greyfriars has been keen to show some of the many faces that make up the community of believers. We are still learning how we can consolidate three congregations into one service, sometimes getting it wrong, and always learning how we can improve and do things differently. Everything is filmed in people’s own homes on their own devices. SUNDAY ONLINE: A SNAPSHOT We film the final segments on Thursday Our times of sung worship take time to (service host, preacher, those praying and put together, so we begin work in the family worship) and edit the final segments previous week. Musicians and singers of sung worship, including audio, so that the record themselves playing or singing along editor on Friday has a complete package to to a demo track. We allocate extra time in fit together. case cameras fail (they do), parts need to On Thursday evening, all files are sent to be re-recorded (they do) or an extra song the editor for the week, who is given a plan needs to be included. of action and knows where all the building Normally we might expect things like blocks need to be placed. readings, our “At Home” segments and On Friday or Saturday, we upload the possibly sermons to be filmed and sent over file (around 10GB) so that it goes live to be checked. The service host or preacher at the correct time on Sunday. With a might look through and make notes before few clicks of a button, we integrate the they film their segments on Thursday. uploaded video from YouTube through to greyfriars.online.church, where around 500 unique users tune in each week (we esti- mate around 1000 people) from all around the world.

If you would be interested in finding out about getting involved please email [email protected]

24 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS Join men from across the church for an hour of fun, encouragement, challenge and prayer with guest speaker Paul Cowley.

Paul Cowley: Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest Paul grew up in a chaotic world of alcoholic parents. His early exposure to heavy drinking, explosive arguments and the unnerving aggression of his father led him into homelessness and crime. By seventeen he was behind bars. Years later, following a career in the army which 'made a man of him' yet ultimately failed to give him purpose, Paul's search for meaning resulted in an unexpected encounter with God that changed his life for ever.

Men on 25 May 8 till 9pm Monday greyfriars.org.uk/men

Alpha Online

ONE FAMILYStarting SPRING 2020soon greyfriars.org.uk/alpha 25 Family Around the World Jonny Alden catches up with Mim John, who has been on a short-term mission trip

Jinja, a small town on the shores of Lake Victoria, East Uganda, and home to Ekisa Academy, a residential school supporting children with disabilities. Each morning begins at 7.30am with an eclectic breakfast of bread, cereal bars and malaria tablets, eaten on the lodge’s balcony. The school is a short and bumpy motorcycle ride away and they ride three people to one bike, with Mim squeezing into the back with her friend SJ and driver William. At the school, the days are spent helping young children improve their communication Wonderful words skills. Though the land is beautiful and green, Few things are more important than words. there is much brokenness. Little support is God spoke the world into being, or so the available to those with special needs, Mim story goes, weaving chaos and emptiness says, with those born with disabilities often into the rich tapestry of creation. It is through shunned from society and treated as outcasts. speech that the lame walk and blind see; For Mim, there is great joy to be found and through speech that we connect with in watching God’s goodness at work in those around us, whether by painting our Uganda. For some, that goodness is seen hopes and dreams or chatting idly with the in transformed social skills and a newfound lady next door. place in society. For others, it is in building Whilst the gifts of speech and language rudimentary oral skills, such as swallowing, come naturally to so many of us, some are and the health benefits that brings. Yet for not so fortunate, with myriad disabilities all, the purpose and beauty is the same: hampering many people’s ability to connect helping others interact positively with God with the world around them. and his world. It was a desire to help such people that Mim received a grant from Greyfriars Missionary took Mim, aged 22, 5,714 miles away to Trust for her short-term mission experience.

26 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS Greyfriars Every Tuesday evening // 8pm Conversations greyfriars.org.uk/conversations

Kingdom Come

P R A Y E R & W O R S H I P

Join us online // 9 June greyfriars.org.uk/kingdomcome

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 27 Disagreeing Well A practical conversation In the final part of her series, Alice Alesi looks at disagreeing well in challenging times

In these times of change, we are faced with with one who has overcome the world is uncertainty in ways we could never have a game changer. As we come to this final predicted, even a short time ago. Terms exploration of “disagreeing well”, let us take such as “self-isolation” and online church heart. services like the Greyfriars and New Hope services have become part of our every- WHAT IS ‘TO DISAGREE WELL’? day vocabulary. The fast pace of change The theme of disagreeing well in the earlier presents challenges and opportunities articles can be summarised in what I call the for us to disagree well at many levels: at a three priorities. These represent why and personal level within ourselves; with friends how we disagree well. and family, and with the nebulous other – events, the public, government, the world 1. Walking together in agreement - “Do two at large. Remote situations of little concern walk together unless they have agreed to us appear to weigh in with greater impact to do so?” (Amos 3:3) on our daily lives than we care for. 2. Speaking the truth in love - “Instead, At the first Greyfriars online service David speaking the truth in love, we will grow Walker gave a timely reminder of Jesus’ to become in every respect the mature words: “In this world you will have trouble. body of him who is the head, that is, But take heart! I have overcome the world” Christ” (Ephesians 4:15) (John 16: 33). As we consider the options 3. Standing as the Lord’s servant - “The before us, the knowledge that we stand Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome

28 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS but must be kind to everyone, able to the potential disagreement. I considered teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24) the three questions and decided: and “the very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been 1. My priority in this case is speaking the completely defeated already. Why not truth in love rather be wronged? Why not rather be 2. My position is normally to accommodate cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:7). or avoid disagreement where possible 3. I see that my best option is a choice of HOW DO WE ‘DISAGREE WELL’? action that competes with Mary’s choice In approaching this question, allow me to of action. I need to be gentle and to share from my learning. I ask myself three listen to Mary’s view. questions based on my commitment to follow in the footsteps of Christ. In considering options, I use the Thomas- Kilmann Conflict Modes: competing, 1. What is my priority? collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and 2. What is my position now? accommodating (Thomas, 2002). Using 3. What is the best option? the questions caused me to pause and to consider if and how I could disagree well. For the first question, I consider the three In difficult conversations, I continue to priorities: walking together in agreement, apply these four steps to myself first, and speaking the truth in love, and standing as then to the person I disagree with as a path- the Lord’s servant. With the second ques- way to speaking the truth in love. tion, my position is my preferred response when faced with conflict or disagreement. 1. Noticing – without judgement The third question reminds me that I have 2. Acknowledging – it is normal/human other options beyond my preferred or habit- 3. Compassion – footsteps of my creator ual response. 4. Action – baby steps For example, Mary (name and context changed to protect the innocent) was due This is the start of a lifelong journey for me. I to do some work with me next week. Due to hope our exploration has opened a door or the “stay home” policy instituted this week, continued a journey for you. Please feel free I felt conflicted about how I would address to share any feedback or thoughts.

ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 29 What’s in the Bookshop? The Greyfriars Bookshop is closed for the time being but here are some recommendations from the team.

ESTHER AHMAD WITH CRAIG BORLASE – DEFYING JIHAD 2019, Tyndale Momentum, ISBN 9781496425898 At the age of 18, Esther furious father challenged volunteered to become a her to a month-long public suicide bomber. Two nights debate with Muslim schol- before she was due to ars. If Esther won, she might leave, she had a dream that yet survive. If the Muslim would change the course of clerics won, Esther must her destiny. renounce her faith. Would Esther became a follower God give her the words? of Jesus, even though Defying Jihad is an amazing leaving Islam meant a death story of a woman prepared sentence. Rather than kill to surrender all for Jesus. her immediately, Esther’s

SPRING HARVEST – NEW SONGS FOR THE CHURCH 2020 2020, Essential Christian, ISBN 5021776239437 For fans of UK worship an excellent resource for music, this year’s Spring churches, worship teams Harvest New Songs album and personal devotion and features 12 new songs of includes the song “Come worship to express faith and Holy Spirit”, which has come devotion to a majestic God. out of Greyfriars worship Written by a wide variety of team and has often been leading songwriters, this is sung in services recently.

30 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS SERGIO CARIELLO – THE ACTION BIBLE ANYTIME DEVOTIONS David C Cook, ISBN 9780830778980 As today’s kids face a With all-new illustrations, culture of comparison, each of the 90 devotions temptation and bullying, tackles a topic such as they need to know God is anger, honesty, and identity. with them and for them. Every action verse, practical The Action Bible Anytime question and simple prayer Devotions invites kids aged helps build faith in God 8-12 to connect with God and strengthens character, by exploring Biblical truth leading children to count on and applying it to their real- God’s promises. world struggles.

JOHN MARK COMER – THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY 2019, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN 9781529308389 Who are you becoming? eliminate hurry from your That was the question life. Hurry is the great nagging pastor and author enemy of the spiritual life.” John Mark Comer. By Within the pages of this outward metrics, everything book, you’ll find a compel- appeared successful. But ling emotional and spiritual inwardly things weren’t case against hurry and in pretty. He turned to a favour of a slower, simpler trusted mentor and heard way of life. these words: “Ruthlessly

BOOKSHOP OPENING HOURS We’re closed for the time being. Visit greyfriarsbookshop.org.uk to stay updated. ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 31 News from across the river Penny Cuthbert gives an update on St John’s

It’s just over two years since a team of liturgical service with hymns and a focus on eight adults and seven children responded communion. Others prefer a more relaxed, to God’s call to leave Greyfriars and join contemporary style of worship and meet St John’s Caversham. They have all been Jesus more through a sermon than in bread channels of blessing and agents of transfor- and wine. Nevertheless we have built strong mation, not least the children. relationships and worked well together to In September 2018 Anna Clarke joined reach out to those beyond the church walls. us as a part-time Children and Families We now also have an informal service with Outreach Worker (partly funded by the more contemporary music at 7pm every Greyfriars Redevelopment Tithe Fund). third Sunday. Since then, our Sunday Club has grown There have been huge challenges. from three children in 2016, to 12 in 2018, Losing my husband Simon to cancer last and now around 20 each week, with 38 on year was heart-breaking not just for me and the register. This term we have run a day- our immediate family, but for St John’s and time Alpha course for some of the young the wider parish. I don’t have many new mums who have joined us. Andy Storch answers to the “Why suffering?” question, has joined us as a part-time self-supporting but I know that God is in it with us, and that curate and has brought huge enthusiasm, a Simon’s work and witness in our parish passion for the Bible and a lively sense of and at Henley College will bear fruit in fun to our community. eternity. We are aware of a fierce spiritual The St John’s family is now a diverse battle here and are so very grateful for your group of people of all ages and church prayers. Please keep praying for God’s will traditions and holding this together is some- to be done and his kingdom to come in and times challenging. Some prefer a traditional, through the life of St John’s.

32 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS ONE FAMILY SPRING 2020 33 greyfriars new hope

greyfriars.org.uk nhccreading.org.uk

34 NEW HOPE · GREYFRIARS