THE FEBRUARY 2017 See MAGAZINE JOURNAL OF DIOCESE : THE CHURCH OF IN Bishop Geoff has announced his retirement after to South Africa in summer 2016 with a group of nearly 43 years of ministry; he will depart in the youngsters from the Diocese was a particular joy. Bishop Geoff summer. “I support work among the homeless, especially in Making the announcement Bishop Geoff, 65, who Lancaster and I enjoy encountering the many is married to Jean, and has held the role of children who have taken up my popular 'Bible to retire this Suffragan Bishop of Lancaster for more than a Challenge' ”. decade, said: “Laying aside 43 years as Priest and Married for 43 years to Jean, the couple have Bishop will be a huge challenge but I am also three children and four grandchildren. excited to discover what God has for us in the next summer stage of our life and ministry.” Bishop Geoff continued: “My wife, Jean, has been a fantastic support throughout my ministry and she Ordained in 1974, Bishop Geoff studied at St John’s has helped with hospitality; leading retreats; College, Durham and Cranmer Hall in Durham. He developing a Quiet Garden as well as preaching, was Curate of the parish of Kirkheaton in Wakefield teaching and pastoral care for clergy spouses. Diocese from 1974 to 1977 before moving to Blackburn Diocese for the first time to be Curate-in “The church family in Shireshead has been really -Charge and later Vicar of The Redeemer Church in supportive and I will miss their fellowship and Blackburn from 1977 to 1985. loving encouragement.” In 1985 Bishop Geoff moved from Blackburn to Bishop Geoff’s final farewell will be at the London to work for one of the General Synod Diocesan Synod meeting on July 15, which will be Bishop Geoff pictured centre with Bishop Philip, left, Boards – the Board for Mission and Unity – where followed by a farewell service in Blackburn and Bishop Julian, right. he worked mainly with Diocesan Missioners and Cathedral. More details nearer the time. Evangelists. Commenting on Bishop Geoff’s announcement, Another move then followed … to St the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Julian said today: Bishop Geoff nearer the time of his departure but Bartholomew’s Parish Church, Roby, in his native “Bishop Geoff has given a lifetime of service to in the meantime we pray Geoff and Jean God’s Liverpool where he was Vicar from 1989 to 2006; the Church, including more than a decade as blessing in these last few months in the Diocese." Area Dean from 2002-2006 and an Honorary Canon Bishop of Lancaster. In terms of numbers of years And Bishop Philip added: "Bishop Geoff's passion of Liverpool Cathedral from 2003-2006. since being ordained, Bishop Geoff is one of the for the Gospel, his boundless enthusiasm and his longest serving Church of England clergy passionate care for the clergy and lay people in In 2006 Bishop Geoff was appointed to the role of currently in our diocese. Suffragan Bishop of Lancaster and since 2008 he his care have all contributed to a very precious has also ‘doubled-up’ as Associate Priest for St "I am so grateful for his support during my ministry of love across Lancashire. James’ Church in Shireshead, near Forton. first few years in the role of Diocesan Bishop. His "I have learnt so much from his wisdom and experience has been invaluable and he will be experience and have been privileged to count him Reflecting on some of his highlights in the decade really missed by me and by the whole Diocese. since his appointment he said: “For young people I and Jean not just as colleagues but also as friends." helped establish Confirmation Camps and the trip “There will be further opportunities to thank Warm tributes have been paid to The Area Dean of Tim was also Chair of Governors of St George’s CofE and Vicar of St George's Church in Chorley School in Chorley. Tributes to an town centre, Rev. Tim Wilby, who died in Tim was married to Hilary for 35 years and the December. couple have four children aged between 25 and 32. A popular and well-known figure in Chorley, Tim, Hilary works for the Blackburn Diocesan Board of who was 57, spent his entire ordained ministry Education. ‘outstanding (apart from a short time as an Army chaplain) in His time as Vicar of St George's led to Tim the - more than 30 years. becoming well-known across the town, including Around 600 people attended his funeral, which was for his popular 'Ask the Vicar' sessions during Lent parish priest’ held at St George’s. and Advent, next to the Market in the town centre. Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev. , the In September 2016, during the Crossroads Mission , said: "We give thanks to God event, Tim held a 'special edition' of his 'Ask' for Tim and remember his dedicated service in our sessions when he was joined by the Bishop of Hull, Diocese since 1983. Rt Rev. Alison White. "While we are assured of the certainty of our Speaking then Tim said: “This is something I do Christian hope, I, together with the whole Diocese, quite regularly in Chorley and it’s just a matter of hold Tim's wife Hilary, his four children, his wider being here, being seen, and being ready to listen family and friends and his congregation at St and I find people will come and say extraordinary George's in our prayers.” things while I speak about and share the love of Rev. Tim Wilby took up his post at St George’s in Jesus.” 2007 at the age of 48. Other tributes have been paid to Tim including one He was ordained in 1983 after studying at from Bishop Philip, who said: “The Diocese of University College, Durham and trained for the Blackburn is hard to imagine without Tim Wilby. He priesthood at Cuddesdon, Oxford. After a spell as had a wonderful sense of humour and his capacity for friendship combined with the wisdom of years Rev. Tim Wilby with Bishop of Hull, Rt Rev. Alison the curate of St Wilfrid’s, Standish, from 1986 to White at his special 'Ask the Vicar' session during 1989 he was Regimental Chaplain to the British meant that I was one of many who frequently Crossroads Mission last year. Army of the Rhine (BAOR). turned to him for advice.” Then he moved to become Vicar of All Saints And the Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable Andrew Stokes, Lay Chair of the Chorley Deanery, Church in Chorley from 1989 until 1995. , who has known Tim for more than 30 spoke on behalf of the lay membership of the years, added: "Tim was an outstanding parish priest Deanery saying: “It was with great shock and Between 1995 and 2000 Tim was Vicar of St and a good friend. I remember Tim when we were sadness that I learnt of the passing of my friend and Leonard, , before becoming curates together in the diocese 30 years ago. His colleague, Tim Wilby. He was a great support to me Team Rector of the five churches in the Fellside love of life, his love of people and his love of God in my role as Lay Chair and I shall miss his good team, which includes the parishes of Barton, were truly infectious. humour and his deep devotion to the Church and , , Goosnargh and Whitechapel. "And in his role as Area Dean of Chorley I found his to the Deanery. The thoughts and prayers of the From Fellside, Tim moved to St George's where he pastoral wisdom and advice about some of the whole Deanery are with Hilary and the family and was Vicar for nearly a decade, taking on the challenges we face to be invaluable." with the people of St Georges’.” additional role of Area Dean of Chorley in 2011. The See can also be found on the Diocesan Website: www.blackburn.anglican.org under News, or scan the ‘QR code’ on the back page with your smartphone to be taken to the Diocese website page which contains the current and archive editions of The See. COMMENT: BISHOP JULIAN / NEWS This new year of 2017 has its comfort or teaching to alleviate those opportunities and challenges, but I fears? God is the sense there is also an anxious Our convictions rest on two attributes uncertainty about the future. that God has revealed of Himself. He is beginning No-one knows what the new Trump good and powerful. He will achieve His Presidency will bring. A number of purpose for His created order, which and the end fierce regional conflicts could easily (despite what can appear to be no explode into something more progress, or even backward steps) will widespread and serious, shattering the come to pass. current rather fragile world peace. If we surrender the belief that God is Then there are the decisions to be sovereign and that the affairs of the made about Brexit and when our world are not running out of control, departure from the EU will actually we will find ourselves in a very scary take place. and vulnerable place. Meanwhile the unpredictability of I know that in the presence of terrible ongoing terrorist activity means no- evil and suffering it is hard to hold to one can be complacent. the belief, quoting the words of the hymn, that ‘God is working His purpose All of the above, without any reference out as year succeeds to year’ but the to difficult personal circumstances alternative is to admit that there is no need not fear the ultimate future. people may be facing, is enough to justice and that evil can run riot create an anxiety and even a fear God is the beginning and the end and without any consequences of He will have His way. As the hymn puts about the coming year. accountability. it, He is ‘Lord of the years’ and that That is not scaremongering; it is just That all sounds rather serious but, as I includes 2017! saying it as it is. But does the Christian wish you God’s blessing for the coming Church and its teaching have any year, it is in the confidence that we Bishop Julian

and using modern technology) to help with a A key part of our Vision 2026 is for people in huge range of needs, from private to group Resources to our Diocese to grow as disciples, writes Bible study; private prayer; leading Mandy Stanton, Discipleship and Lay Ministry intercessions in church and programmes for support your Development Officer. congregations. We may know that two of the best ways to These resources are now available on the prayer and do this are to read the Bible and to pray – but Discipleship page of the Diocesan website, however much we might want to become www.blackburn.anglican.org (under the closer to God, many of us find it hard to ‘Discipleship and Ministry’ tab on the home Bible reading understand what we read in the Bible. page). Let us know what you think of them We may also struggle to find a time to pray and you can also make further suggestions by and a style of prayer that suits us. emailing [email protected]. org It is not easy, so don't be concerned if you New find it difficult to do. We would also like to hear success stories of how you have used the resources and you resources The good news is that there are many things can do that by using the same email address. for prayer that can help with this, and it is worth trying and Bible out different ideas to see what works best for If you can’t access the resources we have reading are us. prepared through the website, please call available on me on 01254 503084 or Rosie Strachan on the So our staff at the Diocesan Offices have put 01254 503078, and we will send you the Diocesan together some suggestions (both traditional information instead. website Acts that can make a difference Acts 435 is a revolutionary website that allows people to give Interested? Want more of an insight into how it works? money directly to others. visit www.acts435.org.uk or email [email protected] or call 07703 453862. Managed through a network of churches and local charities, their goal is to get 100% of donations quickly to those in need. And if your church does get involved in Acts 435 as a result of this article, please let us know by emailing communicate@ Perhaps your church already runs a number of ministries reaching blackburn. anglican.org out to people in poverty - a foodbank perhaps or maybe a debt centre? Acts 435 enables you to do even more for your clients.

PEOPLE AND PLACES Diocesan news and events The Revd Canon Bill Riley died on 13 December. He Fairtrade Fortnight, from In December, at the invitation of Bishop Philip, a was Rector of Tarleton Holy Trinity from 1962-92 February 27 - March 12 is and Rural Dean of Leyland 1984-9 and held PTO lecture was given at Preston Minster by Jeremy the highlight of the year for Worthen, Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and from 1992. His funeral was held on 20 December Fairtrade supporters and at Tarleton. Theology for The Church of England entitled campaigners - a time when 'Renewal and Reform: Does it have a theology?' we can show dedicated The Revd Tim Wilby, Vicar of Chorley St George and The lecture, which is of national as well as local support for the farmers Area Dean of Chorley, died on 18 December. His interest, is available in full on the Diocesan and workers in tropical funeral was held on 29 December. Apart from three website www.blackburn.anglican.org in the news countries. years serving as an Army Chaplain, Tim served 30 section or you can watch a video of the full lecture years in the Diocese. During Fairtrade Fortnight we can join with on the Diocesan YouTube channel (search online others in the UK by showing a conscious The Revd Mark Cannon was instituted as Vicar of for YouTube and Blackburn Diocese). commitment to Fairtrade, at the very least East Lonsdale on 8 December 2016. The Christmas messages from all three of our commit yourself to purchasing one Fairtrade The Revd Steve Haskett, curate of Anchorsholme All Bishops were featured on the Diocesan website and product every time you go to a supermarket. Saints, has been appointed as Vicar of St in local media across Lancashire, including audio You may also like to organise one simple event John and will be instituted at 7.30pm on 22 versions on BBC Radio Lancashire. Videos of all in your church, school or workplace - perhaps a February. three messages were also posted to the Diocesan coffee morning or afternoon tea party with The Revd Canon Peter Howell-Jones, Sub Dean of YouTube channel and were viewed around 1100 Fairtrade refreshments. times. Chester Cathedral, has been appointed as Dean of Many more ideas are available online at Blackburn and will be installed and collated at Baptism Resources and Preparation Event. On www.fairtrade.org.uk 10.30am on 25 March 2017 at Blackburn Tuesday 7 February 2017, at St James Church, For further information; for help in promoting Cathedral. Shireshead, PR3 0AE. Includes choice of two Fairtrade or help in organising a church or school The Revd Duncan Bell, Curate of Woodseats St workshops. Come either morning 10am–noon or event contact Cath Greenlees of the Diocesan evening 7.15pm–9.15pm. Bookings must be made Chad, Sheffield Diocese has been appointed as World Development Group on cathgreenlees@ Associate Priest at Leyland St Andrew. in advance so please contact Sarah Earnshaw on hotmail.co.uk; 01772 613500. 01254 503405 or email sarah.earnshaw@ The Revd Graham Pollitt, Priest in Charge of Caton blackburn.anglican.org to reserve your free places. with Littledale St Paul has announced his - Epiphany to Candlemas Carol Why All-Age Worship? Children’s Ministry retirement on 31 January 2017. Service will be held on Sunday 5 February at Conference. On Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 February The Revd David Dickinson, House for Duty Associate 6.30pm. It isn’t a ticketed event but there will be a 2017 at The Barton Grange Hotel, PR3 5AA. The Priest at Hesketh with Becconsall All Saints has seating area in the Centre Nave reserved for invited Saturday includes 3 keynote speakers and a choice been appointed House for Duty Rector of that guests. If you would like to attend the service, of workshops, plus refreshments and a 2 course parish and was instituted and inducted on 30 please contact Phil Hunwick, Events Co-ordinator lunch. Saturday Only - £36pp. Saturday and Sunday January. on email phil.hunwick@ blackburncathedral.co.uk (includes overnight accommodation) - £106pp. For bookings or enquiries contact children@blackburn. The Revd Damian Porter, Vicar of Warton St Come and join the Friday lunchtime recital at St anglican.org or telephone 01254 503405. Oswald with Yealand Conyers, has been appointed George the Martyr, Preston on Friday 3 February. as Vicar of Torrisholme the Ascension and will be Hugo Lau, clarinet and Anna Chiu, accompanist St Michael and All Angels, Egerton Road, Ashton, collated at 7.30pm on 13 February. Preston has a talk on 'Sex and Sin in Seventeenth (Royal Northern College of Music) will be playing. The Revd Jane Atkinson will be instituted and Admission is £6 (concessions £3) including Century Lancashire' by local historian, Alan Crosby on Friday 17 February at 7.30pm. Admission inducted as Vicar of Little Thornton St John on 23 refreshments beforehand. Doors open 11am February at 7.30pm Recital starts 12.30pm and lasts about 50 minutes. £5 (pay at the door). Dr Crosby uses contemporary documents to illustrate a wide range of real-life The Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, On Saturday 18 February at St. Silas’ Church, cases which gives us a glimpse into the colourful formerly HfD priest of Lancaster St Mary has been Preston New Road, Blackburn, BB2 6PS come and lives of Lancashire people in the past. granted the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the hear 'The Blackburn Peoples' Choir' under the Diocese. direction of Jeff Borradaile. Tickets £10, under 16s On Friday 3 March 2017 An Ecumenical Women’s free, to include canapes, wine or fruit juice and World Day of Prayer service will be held at 7pm in The Revd Peter Smith, Associate Priest of Chorley St great raffle prizes. Contact Carole (01254 54991) St Margaret’s Church, Tag Lane, Ingol, Preston PR2 Peter, has been appointed as Vicar (3/4 time) and and Jean (07935 498060) or by email; stsilasorgan 3YX. Prepared this year by the women of the was instituted on 16 January. [email protected] and visit the website www. Philippines. All are welcome. More information The Revd Tim Horobin, Vicar of Lower St stsilasorgan.org.uk from Janice Carney on 01772 731191. James, has been additionally appointed as Priest in The Houghton Weavers will be appearing at St Blackburn Cathedral is holding 'A Quiet Day in Lent: Charge of Over Darwen St James. He was licensed Anne’s Church, Fence-in-Pendle, on Spirituality and the Stages of Life' on Saturday on 10 January. Thursday 9 February at 7.30 pm. Tickets £10 from March 4 10am-3pm, led by Fr John Michael OFM The Revd John McGrath, currently holding PTO has Geoff Wormwell: 01282 617159. and Canon Dr Ian Stockton and open to everyone in been appointed as House for Duty Priest for Burnley the Diocese. In this sixth Cathedral Quiet Day St Silas Church, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 St Peter and St Stephen and was licensed on 15 Fr Michael and Canon Stockton focus on how our January. 6PS. Nigel Spooner, a virtuoso Organist, will play Christian spirituality relates to the different stages the restored organ on Saturday morning, 4 March. of our human life. The event includes a soup and The Revd Mike Barton, curate at Claygate Holy Coffee from 10.45am. Nigel will play at 11am for sandwich lunch provided by Café Northcote at the Trinity, Guildford Diocese, has been appointed as about half an hour, so make a break in your busy Cathedral. A programme with further details is on Vicar of St Lawrence with St Paul. schedule to hear him. Tickets at the door £6; £4 for the cathedral website -www.blackburncathedral. The Revd Mary Ashton, SSM Associate Vicar of concessions. org. More information from Canon Dr Ian Stockton , is to become Associate Vicar (1/2 time) of The 2017 Music Festival opening concert takes at [email protected] or Euxton. place at Christ Church, Chatburn at 8pm on 3 01254 277430. The Revd Grant Ashton, Vicar of Euxton, is to move March when award winning Wingates Brass Band Situations vacant or wanted to half time and will take up an unpaid half-time perform music from around the world. Advanced Director of Music/Organist for St Lawrence with St stipendiary role in the Parish Mission Support booking is advisable as previous concerts have sold Department. out. Tickets are £10 including light refreshment and Paul, Longridge, Preston. The Parish has a strong can be obtained from Roy Porter Butchers, musical tradition, with a 35 voice robed SATB choir The Revd Andrea Roberts, SSM Curate Chatburn or by calling 01254 384893. Information and fine Father Willis organ. The church enjoys a of St Thomas has retired and moved to on future concerts in the festival can be obtained broad range of church music with the organist and PTO. from Facebook Music Festival or choir playing an important part in leading worship Fiona Conway has been appointed as Youth email to [email protected] at all main services. Remuneration in line with Chaplain of Balshaw’s CE High School, Leyland and RSCM recommendations. For further information was commissioned and licensed on 30 January. St Bartholomew’s Church, Ewood, Blackburn, BB2 about the post email: [email protected] or 4JJ has 'An evening with Stuart Townend' on telephone 01772 783998. Julie Pike has been appointed as Children and Sunday 26 March 2017 from 7pm. Performance, Youth Team Leader of Great Marsden St John the chat and worship with one of today’s leading Clergy updates Evangelist with Nelson St Philip and will be worship songwriters. Tickets £15 available The Revd Clifford Harding died on 29 November. His commissioned and licensed on 12 February at from www.bit.ly/stuarttownend funeral was held on 14 December at St Annes St 10am. Thomas. He held a General Licence from 1965-87 and then PTO until 2011.

NEWS News? Feedback? [email protected] One of our key messages to parishes for 2017 is (comprising lay and clergy) in opening to build on the many positive experiences from conversations with members of the community Our churches last September's Crossroads weekend to have a along the lines of ‘Can we talk to you about the go at holding another intentional missional activities within your local church?’ activity this year writes Dave Champness, A member of the team then went on to talk are top of the Diocesan Vision Coordinator. about activities relevant to the interests of the Perhaps the following case studies might be an person they were talking to, including a pop-ups! inspiration for you to adapt for your parish? personal invite to ABC. You may have seen temporary ‘pop-up shops’ in Case Study 2: Whyndyke Farm, Blackpool Car places like the Trafford Centre. Well some Boot parishes are now having a go at operating the same idea in the form of ‘Pop-up Churches’ which Every Sunday Rev Linda Tomkinson and her husband Pete have had a 'prayer tent' on the car provide an opportunity for communities to see boot site in which there is a space for people to them operate outside of their church buildings Rev. Linda light a candle, say a prayer for a loved one or chat and engage with them where they are: Tomkinson to Linda and Pete. offers free hugs Case study 1: St Leonards Walton-le-Dale and St Over the seven months that the car boot at the Aidan’s ‘Pop-up Church’ operates, the number of 'regulars' visiting the Whyndyke Car With agreement from the Community Champion prayer tent has increased to between 40-60 Boot Sale Pop- up Church in at Morrison’s Bamber Bridge store, a gazebo was people. Blackpool! put up outside under the cover of the store's As a result of the contacts made, the fledgling canopy on a Saturday morning/afternoon. Mereside Freedom Church’s Sunday afternoon A 'Church Menu’ leaflet was produced that service has now outgrown its first home in the introduced the two churches by their Mission vicarage lounge and recently moved to the statement and with pictures of the clergy and estate's community centre. both congregations. These are just two ‘good news case studies’ Why The leaflet also gave information about all the not consider having a pop-up church of your own church services including Messy, Young and Café at a school/village fair or approach a local garden Church and publicised the ABC (Alpha Breakfast centre? Club) Enquirers Course held in the local pub on a And if you have any other examples of similar Saturday morning, including a free breakfast. outreach please email communicate@blackburn. The leaflet was invaluable for the team anglican.org with the details. Pop-up Church outside Morrisons in Bamber Bridge

Blackburn Diocese Environment Group has pledged “Water is a resource which, in East Lancashire, we to take a regional lead in the international Just can easily overlook as it falls from the sky regularly. Helping to meet Water project as part of a Lent appeal and Just Water and the Jars of Change initiative will campaign entitled ‘Jars of Change’. help us set our environmental concerns within the Just Water is an initiative led by churches on four framework of God’s grace for all’.” the basic need continents which have come together to promote Canon Professor John Rodwell, Chair of Blackburn ‘water justice’ as advocates for celebrating, Diocese Environment Group added: ‘We are very protecting and ensuring equal access for all to pleased to help promote this project with its rich for clean water God’s gift of water. resources for prayer, worship, study and discussion The ‘Jars of Change’ programme will work through and we are already shaping up our own Lent 2017 to World Water Day on 22 March and contribution in the diocese, with ideas for local fundraising initiatives are encouraged. initiatives and events in Lent 2017.” Canon Ed Saville, Social Responsibility Lead and You can keep an eye open for further information Diocesan Environment Officer said: ‘As part of in relation to this initiative, and local action related ‘being witnesses to Jesus Christ’ we have a duty to to it, in future Diocesan mailings and on the be stewards of God’s creation in all its forms and Diocesan website … www.blackburn.anglican.org our Vision 2026 commits us to showing God’s love Canon Ed Saville adds: “Resources for parishes and them, and use them creatively in your parish, in action through projects that meet local human schools are also available on the Just Water church, school, in fact anywhere to witness to need. website www.justwater2017.org. Please do look at God’s love in action.” Rebecca has her ordination moment The final ordination of 2016 for the Rebecca had missed the main They were joined by Priory clergy, the Diocese took place at Lancaster Priory. ordination weekend as she was on Vicar of Lancaster Rev. Chris Newlands A group of 14 new deacons and priests maternity leave. and Associate Priest at the Priory, Rev. were ordained over a weekend last So Bishop Geoff, has now ordained Anderson Jeremiah, who is also summer and in early December, Rebecca as a Deacon at a recent Rebecca’s husband. Rebecca Aechtner became the 15th ceremony at Lancaster Priory. Bishop Rebecca is pictured with, left to right, person to be ordained. Julian was also present for the service. Bishop Julian, Rev. Anderson Jeremiah, Rev. Chris Newlands and Bishop Geoff. Helpful information about 'The See' Deadline Want to submit an article or event for inclusion in The See? Check the deadline on the left and email for [email protected] the We'll always do our best to feature what we receive. For the online archive; more information about deadlines and how to submit articles, visit the website March www.blackburn.anglican.org (search 'The See') or just scan the QR code on the right. edition Sight loss problems? Access the online version of the latest issue on the website and adjust the page size as required using the + and is - buttons on the right of the screen, or hold down the keyboard 'Ctrl' button and press the + or - key to adjust as required. February 1, The See is edited by Diocesan Communications Manager Ronnie Semley. 2017 For new orders of ‘The See; or to change delivery address or quantities received contact Karen Ashcroft on [email protected] or 01254 503070.