Christmas starts March 2017 with Christingle

NEED TO KNOW I STORIES I AREA UPDATES I EVENTS NEAR YOU Archdeacon’s View Bishop By Ven , Archdeacon of Harlow AS has been said before – ‘the past is a Eloise sure guide to the future’. As I retire from nearly 40 years of will ministry I feel this is true and not so true. If we think that Bring the kids to light a candle the future is going to be just a steady progression from the for Christ’s birthdaylaunch present (and the past) then we are probably going to find ourselves hugely disappointed. What I see happening at the moment is Lent that a variety of events and technologies are interrupting this steady flow. Surprises, rude or otherwise, are leaping from the side-lines and disrupting this Appeal steady progress into the future. So the past may not always be a guide Full story on to the future in this sense. Centre pages Our lives are going to be disrupted, possibly on an increasing timescale, in ways we cannot yet imagine. This is the challenge of the age we are christmasstarts.com in now. However, when I think of the past, when I read my bible and reflect on God’s interaction with the world and those who try to listen to him, I see www.chelmsford.anglican.org something that is steady and sure and CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Robots and drones Football fan Mike feature in lessons at Lodge is the new impressive new Archdeacon of East London school Southend Page 2 Page 3

■ Pioneer minsters begin their training as new Diocesan initiative is launched: Page 12 2 THE MONTH March 2017 THE month takes a look at our University Technical College in Newham

VARIED CURRICULUM: Students visit the Battersea Power Station site and try their hand at Faith is a high archery (below) priority for new school's CLASSROOMS are more hi-tech these days with interactive boards, laptops and online learning plans youngsters proliferate, but has the BY REVD TIM ELBOURNE employment and higher Friday prayers and some curriculum changed? Robots and Director of Education – education. Muslims attend Agape Some argue that the Chelmsford Diocese Secondly, our meetings. Chaplaincy is education this generation of NEWHAM is a part of commitment is to offered by a team through children is receiving is little London where faith is taken wholeness, ‘life in all its the Centre for Theology different from that their seriously by a large fullness’. That means and Community based at St parents or even their majority of the population. creating proper space to George-in-the-East, drones are grandparents had. In the last census only explore questions of faith Shadwell. But, in a world where 0.03% of adults identified and meaning, which we do Shermara Fletcher, who artificial intelligence and themselves as atheists (a through providing is on site two-and-a-half robots threaten jobs, the third of the number of Chaplaincy to staff and days a week organises a skills that this generation of declared ‘Jedi Knights’) students. The College is Gospel Choir and Agape children need to learn are on hi-tech and just 9.5% of ‘no not a ‘faith school’, rather a weekly meetings and has likely to be radically different religion’. college in which faith is started an Aspire from the three Rs that have It was entirely fitting, taken seriously. Leadership Programme – for so long been the mainstay therefore, that the Church The Church of England’s with a faith and social of education. of England became part of Chief Education Officer and justice theme – working This is very evident at a curriculum a project to create a his Head of Policy visited with year 10s. new school in East London, University Technical the UTC and were greatly “People are making the London Design and College in Newham. impressed. decisions that impact on Engineering university When I came to the Our diocesan appointed them, so they need to know technical college, new school diocese in 2013, one of my college trustee, Revd Chris about that,” says Sharma. that is, according to its head first visits was to meet a Beales, subsequently Her approach is often to Geoffrey Fowler, currently small group in Stratford attended a small meeting of ask people about how they little more than a Portakabin. beginning to plan this project officers, bishops, see faith – “good, bad and Despite this, the UTC - and steer it through the headteachers and people ugly”. which caters for 14- to complex process of getting involved in policy to talk Students come to her 19-year-olds - was massively established. about the UTC project and groups saying things like “I oversubscribed when it I am very proud that the technical education. used to go to church but… opened its doors for the first Chelmsford Diocese is now His input was well Now I want to come back.” time in September. one of its members and a received and there followed Shermara has also This UTC in Docklands is co-sponsor. We ae the first a stimulating discussion observed that being a black co-sponsored by Chelmsford Anglican diocese to about technical education woman has opened doors Diocese. sponsor a UTC. and, among other things, which may be sometimes John Wraw, the Bishop of Our contribution is two- the need for technical hard to open for white male Bradwell and a former chair fold. First, we affirm the teacher training. They also chaplains/clergy – “the way of the Chelmsford Diocesan mission of the College, to discussed chaplaincy and some BME students Board of Education, said: “We provide an innovative the model being developed express and experience consider this an excellent technological education at our UTC. their faith is different. It opportunity to develop a UTC equipping students for the More than half the 180 helps me to engage with all based on an existing quickly developing students are involved with students and it helps me to respected provision for young workplace and offering a faith group at the UTC. engage with young people who wish to follow a routes into skilled Some Christians attend women.” vocational route in their education aspiring to higher The school - which sets no vocational style of education, resolution and compression. Hi-res JPGs education. "The Diocese is committed homework, relying instead on barring UTCs from recruiting or Tiffs should be re-sized to min 7x5in at to the development of young pupils wanting to get on with pupils from their schools. But 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. people within East London their projects in their own statistics suggest that pupils Captions, your name and contact details and we think that this project time - is, according to Mr attending UTCs have just as The Month, incorporating NB and East should be embedded in the 'File Info' Window, is the free circulation can be transformational for Fowler, "inspiring children to good results if not better than section if possible. If e-mailing many the lives of many young be part of a new type of those in more conventional newspaper of Church of England in shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size learning". schools. Essex and East London (Diocese of people.” of 8x6in. When submitting photos please And applications for the While other schools may It is something James Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. confirm that written consent has been next school year closed on see the projects listed above Culley, head of computer anglican.org/themonth ● obtained from parents / guardians of January 31 – it is likely to be as fun "add-ons" to the core science at the school, sees Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter children under age 16 for publication of oversubscribed again. curriculum, Mr Fowler thinks for himself every day. @chelmsdio "I have never seen ● photos publicising church activities in The The first cohort 180 pupils they have to be embedded. Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter Month. lucky enough to have got a Sixth-formers work on what students learn so quickly," he @cottrellstephen ● place have had a very is called an extended project said. ● The inclusion of an advertisement Subscribe to our YouTube channel should not be taken as implying different experience of the qualification, which is the Lots of primary schools are www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese curriculum in the few months equivalent of half an A-level. now convinced of the ● endorsement of the objects of the Like us on Facebook: www. advertiser by the diocese. since they joined. The school works with a importance of learning to facebook.com/chelmsdio One group have designed range of industry sponsors, code. ● Like our Ask an Archdeacon advertising from scratch a virtual reality including the University of As well as lessons devoted Facebook www.facebook.com/ environment that takes East London, Thames Water to it, after-school code clubs askanarchdeacon Please contact: Glenda Charitos, viewers on a journey around and Fujitsu, all of which offer proliferate at the UTC. ● Tynker, a company that has View our photostream on Flickr www. Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, an Ethiopian village as part of input into the types of skills they would like to see already brought its coding- flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese Peverell,Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY. a project to highlight the work of the charity Water Aid. children learn to equip them through-games philosophy to Tel: 01752 225623. Fax: 01752 673441. Another has spent the term for the workplace as well as 60,000 schools in the US, editorial e-mail: [email protected] teaching Pepper – one of offering apprenticeships. has launched a new project - SoftBank’s two human-look- There are 48 university teaching coding through Editor: Jon Longman distribution ing robots –how to make a technical colleges (UTC) in drone lessons. Editorial and photographs for variety of moves, including England currently - and the Drones and robots are just The Month should be sent to: For distribution contact: the dab (a dance move) scheme has proved the start of making school an [email protected] [email protected] currently beloved of children controversial. exciting place to learn vital or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Bouchiers Tel: 01245 294443. around the country. One set up in East London skills - so watch this space Place, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TY. Tel: Your newspaper will normally be A third group are heade off in 2012 closed after just two for further developments ● 01621 810530. Mobile: 07860 769906 available from the third Sunday in the on an unusual skiing trip. years, having failed to attract This article was ● Digital photographs for publication: month. Any further changes will be Travelling with them will be 11 enough pupils. published first on the BBC Please take pictures at largest size, advised to distributors. Nao robots, which the pupils Some head teachers seem website and is reproduced plan to teach how to ski. to be resisting the idea of the with kind permission. THE MONTH March 2017 3 THE month — Team Rector is Southend United Chaplain Football fan Mike

Lodge Who is like you, O Lord, FAN-TASTIC: among the gods? Who is a fan of Shrimpers' is like you, majestic in Football League holiness, awesome in rivals Cheltenham Town - but is glorious deeds, doing is the Southend wonders? United's club's Chaplain! new Ex 15:11 VALENTINE SINGERS Conductor: Christine Gwynn Archdeacon Jericho Ensemble: Leader Tina Bowles THheandel New Novello ChoralBelshazzar Edition (Burrows) 7 pm Saturday 25 March St Andrew's Church The Drive, Ilford IG1 3PE THEof new Archdeacon Southend of Southend last 12 years. With colleagues with Mike as he takes on this new Tickets: £14; £8 for students/benefit holders role.” looks forward to continuing to share across the Diocese, I look forward (£16/£10 on the door) Mike is married to Linda and they the transforming love of Jesus Christ to continuing to share the love of Box office: 020 8550 4654 in the communities of the Jesus Christ as we seek to be a have two grown-up children and one Book online from www.valentinesingers.org Archdeaconry. transforming presence in the granddaughter. Revd Canon Mike Lodge, communities we serve. He was born in rural [email protected] Registered Charity: 1037459 currently Team Rector of Rayleigh, "God touches our lives in Gloucestershire and embarked on has been appointed as the next unexpected ways and walks with us an 18-year mechanical engineering Archdeacon of Southend. as we journey with Him and offer career, serving an apprenticeship Mike has been the Acting our lives in response to His and leading ultimately to senior Archdeacon of Southend since unconditional love for each of us." product engineer. August 2016. He succeeds Mike will be Collated and Installed Coming to faith during this time, Venerable Mina Smallman who as Archdeacon of Southend in he left Industry to train for Ordained retired at the end of last year. on March 19 Ministry at Wycliffe Hall Theological Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop at 3.30pm. College, Oxford. Mike served his Curacy in the of Chelmsford has said: “Sometimes An Archdeacon is responsible parish of St Michael & All Angels, the right person is in the right place for the administration of an Highworth, Diocese of Bristol, and at the right time. Archdeaconry which is a part of was Priest-in-Charge of the parish “For the Southend archdeaconry an Episcopal Area and comprises a BE of St Luke & St John, Cheltenham, Mike Lodge is definitely that person. number of Deaneries. Diocese of Gloucester, for 12 years "Mike is an experienced parish before being appointed Team Rector priest and Area Dean. 'God touches our lives in the Rayleigh Team Ministry 12 "Mike is a person of integrity and in unexpected ways years ago. passion for the gospel. He knows and walks He has experienced a broad the area really well. He has already spectrum of churchmanship and gained the confidence of the clergy with us as we ministry, including rural and and people of theArchdeaconry. journey with Him' suburban, which has enabled him SEEN "Mike has proved himself to be a to understand the importance of trusted and trustworthy Archdeacon Welcoming the appointment, Rt sharing the love of God through a in his capacity as acting Archdeacon Revd John Wraw, the Area Bishop relationship with Jesus Christ; of Southend for the last six months. of Bradwell said: “I am delighted sharing the gospel based on the I find myself in the happy position of with the news of Canon Mike You can advertise in this newspaper with a monthly circulation truth of God’s word in today’s of (put circulation gure in), at a very reasonable cost, reaching a once again catching up with the Lodge’s appointment as the new context. great church audience in parishes throughout (list counties of the work of the Spirit. Archdeacon of Southend. Passionate about the importance paper). We can also help you to advertise in seven other Diocesan "Mike will be a tremendous "Mike brings a wealth of of engaging with the local newspapers throughout the South of England and the Home colleague, a great asset to the experience as a Parish Priest, a community Mike is Chaplain to Counties, with a total circulation of (circulation here). diocese and an effective Team Rector, and from his time as Southend United Football Club, Archdeacon of Southend.” an Area Dean. which he established four years ago, To nd out more, contact Glenda or Michelle on Mike added: “It’s a great privilege "We have really appreciated the although still supports his ‘home’ to be invited by Bishop Stephen to support he has given to the football team, Cheltenham Town! take up the role of Archdeacon of Southend Archdeaconry over the In his spare time he enjoys 01752 225623 or email [email protected] Southend in the area I have last six months. I look forward to travelling, gardening, reading and ministered as Team Rector for the continuing to work very closely DIY projects. 4 THE MONTH March 2017 THE month — Bono endorses Richard Rohr's provocative new book Spirituality and mystery of the Trinity explored By RACHEL ORFORD Diocesan bookshop manager BOOKSHELF IN March, just to be different, the Bookshop Reading Group has chosen to set aside all this year’s perfectly readable Lent books to and mystery of the Trinity. We are invited to look in detail at Richard Rohr’s latest book experience it and become part of it ourselves. written in collaboration with Mike Morrell. As you can no doubt gather from such an 'The Divine Dance', is enticingly sub-titled otherworldly-sounding description, it is a 'The Trinity and Your Transformation'. hard book to explain and even harder to I have to put my hand up and admit that I categorise, but it does draw you in: there haven’t read any of Rohr’s other books, but are no densely-written chapters, just short those who are familiar with his work have sections which lend themselves to intermittent described it as his best yet. What’s more, it pondering, and its language does have a Christians need music and quiet FATHER Stephen Need is convinced that "Stephen is author of many books, and looks at the perennially mysterious topic of the certain poetry about it. ● music and silence are both central to the leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Trinity and it has been endorsed by Bono, no If you would like to explore the mystery with lives of Christians. "The day will include quite a bit of less; so who wouldn’t be a bit us, the Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Stephen, above, who is Priest-in- music and silence as well as reflection on intrigued? Reading Group meets on the first Charge of Stock and West Hanningfield the place of these in our journey into a The fact that the foreword is Wednesday of every month at and a trained piano teacher, will explore closer experience of God. It should be a written by William Paul Young, the 1pm in the Library at the the topic of 'Music and Silence' during a rich and stimulating day. author of The Shack, probably the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Lenten Quiet Day at Loughton on April 1. "Come and join us for 'Music and most controversial book about the Chelmsford CM1 1AT. New Organiser Helen Stell says: "We are Silence' on our journey to Easter. We Trinity ever, should give us a clue members are always delighted that Stephen has agreed to lead look forward to seeing you on April 1, that this is not going to be an welcome. ● our seventh Lenten Quiet Day on April 1. 10am to 4pm, at Trinity Church, Mannock orthodox theological exploration of Contact Rachel or Sally for "He has taught the New Testament and Drive, Loughton IG10 2JD. The suggested the subject that will satisfy us that information and encouragement, early Christianity in a number of offering of £12 includes tea and coffee. all has been explained; if that is on 01245 294405 or bookshop@ your expectation, then this is not chelmsford.anglican.org. institutions in England, and was Dean of Please bring your own lunch. For further ● the book for you. The book is available from the St George's College, Jerusalem from details, and to book a place, please It is more about the spirituality Bookshop at £8.99 (rrp £9.99). 2005-11. contact me on 020 8508 2948."

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Grand Buy now at: www.realeasteregg.co.uk *Free delivery on orders over £45. Total THE MONTH March 2017 5 THE month — Friends of Essex Churches Trust invitation Expert explores rich church heritage By JAMES BETTLEY, Chairman of The inheritance, with a particular focus on Essex. is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Friends of Essex Churches Trust It will also consider the challenges of London. preserving and conserving it for the future. OUR parish churches are living repositories John Goodall is Architectural Editor of the ● Dr John Goodall will be giving the 2017

for a breath-taking array of artistic treasures. weekly magazine Country Life, responsible for Gepp Lecture, on the 'Medieval Parish St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset From painting to ironwork, sculpture to writing and commissioning the celebrated Churches of Essex',on Wednesday, May 17 stained glass and furniture and architecture, series of architectural features published in at St Mary's Church, Saffron Walden, at 8.15 their riches are as marvellous for their the magazine every week. pm, following the Annual General Meeting of enhancing church interiors diversity as their quality. John is the author of several books, most The Friends of Essex Churches Trust at 7.15 Ronald Emett fine furniture Collectively they constitute perhaps our recently the award-winning 'The English pm and refreshments from 7.45 pm. www.ronaldemettfurniture.com single greatest national collection of the arts, Castle' (2011) and 'Parish Church Treasures The event is open to members and much of it practically unknown in a popular (2015). non-members; admission free. 01308 868025 sense. John sits on the Fabric Advisory Please email [email protected] An illustrated talk by John Goodall in May Committees of Westminster Cathedral, to be sent further information and it would will explore the richness of this outstanding Salisbury Cathedral and St Albans Abbey and help to know if you are planning to attend. Becket Keys' turn

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CHURCH PEWS UNCOMFORTABLE? WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY THE , Stephen UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Cottrell is pictured speaking at his School Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, for Disciples roadshow at Becket Keys Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN School in Brentwood. The roadshow will www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 be calling at St John the Baptist church in Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote TM0317 Epping on March 2 (7pm for 7.30pm). ● For the next few dates see page 9 and for the full programme of dates and venues visit www.transformingpresence. org.uk/school-for-disciples-2017. Picture: STEVE KERSYS WE BEAT OTHER WE BEAT OTHER NEED A LASTING QUOTES WITH... NEED A LASTING QUOTES WITH... POWER OF ATTORNEY? 50%50% OFF OFF POWER OF ATTORNEY? WEPOWER POWERBEAT OTHEROF OF YOUNEED NEED A A LASTINGLOCAL COMPANY THAT IS QUOTESATTORNEYATTORNEY WITH... YOU NEED A LOCAL COMPANY THAT IS AND UPTO FAST, EFFICIENT, COMES TO YOU AND IS 50%AND UPTO OFF FAST,POWER EFFICIENT, OF COMES ATTORNEY? TO YOU AND IS 30%POWER OFOFF COMMITTED TO DRIVING DOWN COSTS 30%ATTORNEYWILLS OFF COMMITTEDYOU NEED A TO LOCAL DRIVING COMPANY DOWN THAT COSTS IS The past is a sure guide to the future WILLSAND UPTO FAST, EFFICIENT, COMES TO YOU AND IS The WillThe & WillTrust & Company Trust Company are professional, are professional, FROM FRONT PAGE insights that push forward our mission. So, as 30% OFF COMMITTEDaccredited TO DRIVING certificate DOWN providers COSTS and will WILLS accredited certificate providers and will IN MY VIEW I leave for the West Country, I share the sendThe Will thesend &finished Trust the finishedCompany documents aredocuments professional, to the Office to the Office dependable. I see a God who through his sense of unease of the challenges facing us of The Public Guardian for registration after interesting times' was meant, I think, not as a of Theaccredited Public Guardiancertificate for providers registration and afterwill people, through prophets and sometimes send the finishedsigning documents and witnessing. to the Office blessing but a bit of a curse upon your life. but also a sense that more than ever in the signing and witnessing. Kings, through his Son Jesus and the time of my ministry God is moving more of The PublicWe provide Guardian a forhome registration visiting after service to But it also speaks about how in the middle of We providesigning a home and witnessing. visiting service to disciples that followed, shaped the world in a powerfully in our midst. That Christ is take instructionstake instructions and bring and back bring all theback all the dependable way. what feels like chaos and unpredictability, We providedocuments a home for visiting signing service and witnessing.to becoming more visible in our lives and in our documentstake instructions for signing and bring and backwitnessing. all the Again and again through these agencies interesting and novel things will emerge, but it witness to the world. So,documents don’tSo, delay,don’t for contactdelay, signing contactus and today witnessing. us and today give and give God’s Spirit acts to help bring about God’s all depends on our attitudes. My life and probably yours may be yourselfSo, don’tyourself peace delay, ofpeace contact mind of thatus mind today we willthat and assist wegive will assist purposes in the world, even through great I think this applies in the life of the Church. you and your family’s wealth and health. disrupted but the ageless and dependable youyourself and yourpeace family’s of mind wealth that we and will health. assist disruption. This was precisely the challenge to When we are comfortable and basing our you and your family’s wealth and health. God will be with us to show us new vistas and generations in the past. sense of wellbeing not so much on God but 0126801268 55 11 55 22 11 – 220800 – 1120800 3417 112 3417 a fresh vision of what it is to be fully human. A 01268 55 11 22 – 0800 112 3417 So as I lay down some of the on a lack of problems or major issues, then it [email protected]@willandtrustcompany.com is God who has difficulty in getting through to humanity we see most fully in Christ. [email protected] responsibilities I have had in the Diocese of www.willandtrustcompany.comwww.willandtrustcompany.com Chelmsford and seek to find what God has in us or perhaps to put it the other way around – May God bless you all and myself as we www.willandtrustcompany.com store for me and my family in what feels like we aren’t looking very hard for what God is each face the future. ● an uncertain future, I find myself very doing in the world and joining in. Martin Webster is retiring at the end of concerned for the disruption that is coming In the disruption of our lives and their easily March. A farewell Service will be held in but also optimistic about the action of God made plans, difficulties come but also now Chelmsford Cathedral on Sunday, March 12 within that. God can get moving in our circumstances and at 3.30pm. The Chinese proverb 'May you live in we become more open to new (and old) 6 THE MONTH March 2017 THE MONTH March 2017 7

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SHERBORNE Dartmouth The author is a licensed reader in the Short breaks in Dorset Devon diocese. Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, Delighul ground floor flat apartment in listed building with glorious views across a precious cornerstone, The book is available at a published close to Abbey Church. river Dart. price of £9.99 or direct from the Open all year. Sleeps 4: double ensuite, twin with bathroom, author at £5.00 + £1.00 p&p. Cheques Please ring for brochure: all mod cons. payable to V. Cutler at 3 Barton Drive, Tel: 020 7223 5473 01404 841367 Kedington, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 (ISAIAH 28.16) 7PS, or telephone 01440 713564. RT REVD STEPHEN COTTRELL, Bishop of Chelmsford, explains why you a sure foundation' The Barn Church REVD LEE BATSON, World Church which ADS (Anglican Development Services) water for all tribes and religions. It will also should support his appeal BISHOP'S LENT APPEAL 2017 Great Totham, Essex Partnership and Development has a centre that serves the enable to the ADS clinic to offer services that The Church in Great Notley seeks Adviser, , pastoralist communities of this region. It is a require reliable access to water. It will mean 2 dynamic and self-motivated people Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Kerugoya in Kirinyaga County. They now Your support will help to buy three very dry region, and access to water is a that the agricultural training department will to lead our children and schools work. I want to first thank you for your explains what the appeal supports seek our support to equip the Newborn Unit, incubators and two infant warmers, along major problem. For the centre to continue its be able to demonstrate how to grow A Children and Families worker to build on generosity in supporting the 2016 Lent to ensure the safety of both babies and with other equipment and a wider renovation work, it often has to spend a considerable alternative horticultural crops, and develop JOIN with us this year as we raise vital our current provision on a Sunday morning and Appeal. It is a joy to know that we raised mothers. There is increasing pressure on the of the maternity unit. They will be doing amount of money purchasing water from learning around drip irrigation. This will have money to support our diocesan partner develop our Messy Church and other activities. more than £25,000 to support the SALI pro- capacity of this part of the hospital, as more some fundraising themselves, so this will be bowsers. For the local community, the cost of the effect of increasing food security within A Schools and Community worker to establish ject in the Mbeere region of Kenya which Anglican Development Services Mount and more women are choosing to have their a full partnership in the Gospel to build on such water is often prohibitive, leading many the region. Your support will help to lay new strong links with the 2 local primary schools has already helped farmers to overcome Kenya East (ADSMKE). children within the security of a well-staffed the foundations of previous work, and also to have to walk five miles in search of water foundations for human flourishing in this part within the village, working in the schools and some of the problems associated with Maternity Wing of Mount hospital. This has led to babies having to ensure that new born children have the best which may not be fit for human consumption. of God’s world. So please give as generously share the two existing incubators, and developing an after school club in the church. Suitable for away days, Alpha Holy climate change. chance of surviving and having a full life. By sinking a borehole in the ADS as you can. ● Spirit days, retreats, etc. For more details The 2017 Lent Appeal will raise funds for Kenya Hospital expectant mothers having to share a bed. compound, a long lasting solution to water If you would like more information about Both positions are new and will be for a fi xed Two years ago the Christians of phone 01621 893085 or two projects – a borehole in the Isiolo There is also currently no space for those Borehole Project in Isiolo shortage will be secured. It would provide a these projects, please visit Chelmsford. period of 3 years. Chelmsford Diocese supported ADS MKE to A three hour drive further north from the email: [email protected] region of northern Kenya, and equipment who have lost their child to recover away safe supply of anglican.org or email Revd Lee Batson lbat- Salaries build two new wards for its hospital in from those whose baby has survived. hospital lies the frontier town of Isiolo, within [email protected]. for the maternity wing of the Mount Kenya OVERCROWDED: Both posts are for 10 hours per week (during Hospital which we supported two years The maternity wing term time). £18,200 pro rata (actual salary ago. You are thus invited to build on the of Mount Kenya £4,200 per annum). foundations of a previous project, and lay Hospital has a There will also be a requirement to work 1 week new foundations for future work. Both pro- number of of the schools summer holiday. jects are being run by Anglican problems which Development Services, with whom we have the 2017 Bishop's HOW TO GIVE For an informal chat about either post or for an application pack please contact: confidently partnered in previous years. Lent Appeal will help to alleviate ● Please complete the form at the Rev Iain Bendrey (Associate Minister) At this time when we recall the life, death 01376567971 or [email protected] and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it brings foot of the page, cut it out and send it to mind a call to act, a call of hope, and a with your donation to the address Closing Date Friday 17th March 2017 call to mission by showing our care for below. God’s creation. Please give generously to Church donations can be made enable our brothers and sisters in Kenya to continue to meet the very real needs of the payable to Chelmsford DBF and sent people they serve in the name of Christ. to Liz Watson, Diocesan Office, 53 Thank you very much New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1AT. Thank you very much for your SPRING SALE +Stephen Chelmsford support. It will make a big difference Hundreds of books reduced ● The appeal will remain open until Blessed is the man who walks to fellow Christians in Kenya. to £3.99 or less. September 2017. Don’t forget your Easter Cards not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, Serving you at nor sits in the seat of scoffers; ONE of the first duties for the Southend Wellspring but his delight is in the law of the Diocese of Chelmsford's Christian Bookshop Christian Bookshop Lord, and on his law he meditates newest Bishop will be the launch of the 2017 Bishop's Lent 57 London Road Pilgrims Hall day and night. He is like a tree Eloise is Appeal. Southend-on-Sea Ongar Road planted by streams of water that Eloise Minta, pictured left, was Essex Pilgrims Hatch yields its fruit in its season, and chosen by the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. SS1 1PF Brentwood its leaf does not wither. In all that Eloise said: "Dating back to the T: 01702 344008 CM15 9SA 'installed' middle ages, the monarch would T: 01277 373413 he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that pick a small person to act as King. the wind drives away. Therefore Contact us for bulk orders, see: "They could then make chaos in COVER STORY christianbookshopsrus.co.uk the wicked will not stand in the as first the city for the King to put right. "However, I am not going to [email protected] judgment, nor sinners in the service at the Cathedral on make chaos! congregation of the righteous; January 29. "My aim is to help the Diocese Canon Precentor Simon Pothen for the Lord knows the way of where I can and hopefully the righteous, but the way of the woman encourage children to get said: “Eloise spoke very well, it wicked will perish. involved as much as possible. was a well-constructed sermon There is none like you, O Lord, and very informative.” and there is no God besides you, Psalm 1 (ESV) "It is a pleasure to be the first girl bishop to be installed in the Eloise will be launching the according to all that we have bishop Diocese of Chelmsford." 2017 Bishop's Lent Appeal at the heard with our ears. 1Ch 17:20 (ESV) Photo: www.sxc.hu She spoke during the 9.30am Cathedral on Mothering Sunday. The Month - 340mmx 261mm (no bleed)

8 THE MONTH March 2017

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Eng and Wales charity no. 1105851 Scot charity no. SC039150 Company no. 5171525 Christian Aid Ireland: NI charity no. NIC101631 Company no. NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Christian Aid is a key member of ACT Alliance. © Christian Aid February 2017 J23901 THE MONTH March 2017 9 THE month — What's on during Lent in Essex and East London

Every Sunday Wednesday, March 1 the door.Telephone 01992 522300 or e-mail stondon_ informal Service of Holy Communion, using modern ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. See ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on [email protected] for information. Facilities: Free park- music, and followed by refreshments. Suitable for all advertisement on back page for complete list of main Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain ing, Toilets, Refreshments available during the interval. ages. services in the cathedral. Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. www.stondonsingers.org.uk Wednesday, March 22 ● Monday-Saturday ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Ingatestone Choral Society and Brentwood Choral ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Lexden, Group. Society spring concert. Anglo-European School, Willow Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Colchester. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm. ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Green, Ingatestone, CM4 0DJ. 7:30pm Haydn’s Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. Every Wednesday Theology. Meet at the Food Court. Harmony Mass, Andrew Carter’s Te Deum. Soloists: ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler ● St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, Corringham. ● Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Lucy Bray (soprano), Nell Warner (alto), Hiroshi Amako Group. (tenor), Jamie Wright (bass). With Bluebirds Children’s 10am-4pm. Church will be open every Wednesday for Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 11am. Day-time Lent Group. Choir. Conductor: Jonathan Schranz. Tickets £10, chil- visitors, to see this historic building, there is a Saxon Bookshop Reading Group. Everyone is welcome and it Living an Authentic Life Chapter House, free entry. wall, Norman tower, 13th century tombstones, Medieval dren £2: from members, Avrohurst, Ingatestone High St, is free to join. For details and encouragement, please ● Chelmsford Cathedral. North Transept. 7.30pm. Lent stained glass and much more. All welcome.. or at the door. contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or email ● Series ‘Faith & Poetry’ at the Cathedral. John Elliott, Until Saturday, February 20 [email protected] Saffron Walden, Town Hall CB10 1HR. 9.30am- ● noon. Sale of Stamps in aid of St Mary's, Saffron Head Verger at Chelmsford Cathedral; Resurrection, by Chelmsford Cathedral will host the Salvation Thursday, March 2 Mary Ann Bernard. John joined the Vergers’ team at ● Walden. Thousands of stamps on sale for Saffron Sculptures, six life-sized pieces by Iranian Christian Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers' Union Chelmsford in 2016, having previously been at St Paul’s sculptor Saloomeh Asgary. Chelmsford Cathedral will Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel. Walden Parish Church Music and Building Funds. Sunday, March 12 Cathedral. His interests include campanology, reading host the Salvation Sculptures. The six life-sized pieces ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union and cycling. He is a fanatical collector of rare Roman are entitled ‘Jonah in the Fish’, ‘Motherhood’, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. The Archdeacon of Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall. coins, and is a keen poetry writer. For more information ‘Repentance’, ‘Salvation’, ‘Maturing’ and ‘Christ is Born’. Harlow, Ven Martin Webster, is retiring at the end of ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. please contact Canon Edward Carter on 01245 294486, Saloomeh was studying at University in Tehran when March. A farewell Service will be held at 3.30pm. A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and or [email protected]. she had an encounter with Jesus which changed her Wednesday, March 15 abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout ● life and brought a new sense of purpose to her work. ● Dagenham Park School. 7pm.School for Disciples and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on As Saloomeh explains: “Each piece is a meditation on 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to open up health and well-being. Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean salvation through Christ. The designs were conceived Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. discussion, part of the Transforming Presence initiative. ● St Laurence church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. These stimulating and challenging events are free of during time spent in prayer and worship. The exhibition ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler 1.05pm. Free lunchtime concert by Riccardo Bonci charge and there is no need to book. is free and open every day. Group. Wednesday, February 22 (organ). Retiring collection. Car parking available. ● Thursday, March 23 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 11am. Day-time Lent Group. ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on St John the Baptist, Epping. 7pm. School for Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Disciples 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to Living an Authentic Life Chapter House, free entry and Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean all welcome. A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. open up discussion, part of the Transforming Presence ● abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout initiative. These stimulating and challenging events are Chelmsford Cathedral. North Transept. 7.30pm. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual free of charge and there is no need to book. Lent Series ‘Faith & Poetry’ at the Cathedral. Elizabeth Group. health and well-being. Friday, March 3 Snowden, Archdeacon of Chelmsford; God’s Grandeur, ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Chapter House. Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime by Gerard Manley Hopkins. Elizabeth is a wife and Theological Society 'Is equality a red herring? A meets in the Chapter House. Concert by Ben Bloor (organ) the London Oratory. mother of four. Her paternal grandmother introduced her reflection on Christian Social Ethics'. Revd Matthew ● St Laurence Church. Corbets Tey Road, Upminster Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, to poetry as a child. Elizabeth enjoys being out of doors Simpkins - former musician, journalist and lecturer, RM14 2BB. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime concert by Paul which are divided between various charities and and in her spare time likes nothing better than to be Matthew is now Assistant Curate in the Wickford and Greally (organ). This church has a particularly fine Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments from 12 noon. outside perhaps in the garden or watching birds. For Runwell Team Ministry. £3.50. Kenneth Tickell pipe organ and attracts many Saturday, March 4 more information please contact Canon Edward Carter Thursday, February 23 on 01245 294486, or edward.carter@ international/renowned organists. Free with a retiring ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk. collection. Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and ● All Saints, Forest Gate. 7pm. School for Disciples Friday, March 24 fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy. ● abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to open up Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 11.30am. Come and Sing and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual discussion, part of the Transforming Presence initiative. Concert by St Cedd's School. Admission is free, but we Duke Ellington. A half-day exploring music from the health and well-being. These stimulating and challenging events are free of welcome your contributions, which are divided between Sacred Concert series. Register from 11.30am, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society charge and there is no need to book. various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light rehearsal starts at 12.30pm and the concert meets in the Chapter House. Thursday, March 16 refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 performance, lasting about an hour at 6pm. Tickets £10 ● St Laurence Church. Corbets Tey Road, Upminster ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. noon, or you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. on the door. To register to sing costs £20 which Saturday, March 25 RM14 2BB. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime concert by Tom includes music hire and afternoon refreshments A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Wraith (cello). Free with a retiring collection. abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout ● St Andrew's, Marks Tey. 3-5.30pm. Messy church. ● All Saints' Church, Writtle. 7.30pm. Duruflé Requiem Friday, February 24 and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual ● and Langlais Messe Solennelle. Valentine Singers Spring concert. St Andrew’s ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime health and well-being. Church, The Drive, Ilford IG2 3PE. 7:00pm. Handel ● All Saints Church, Little Totham. 11am-4pm. Spring Concert by The Bishop Ensemble (violin, cello & ● St Laurence Church. Corbets Tey Road, Upminster Belshazzar - The New Novello Choral Edition (Burrows), fair: bag a book, buy a cake or browse the bric-a-brac. piano). Admission is free, but we welcome your contri- RM14 2BB. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime concert by Richard 'a dramatic masterpiece that enshrines the virtues of There will also be a display of old photographs of the butions, which are divided between various charities Brasier (organ). This church has a particularly fine peace, liberty and harmony between nations” (R. area and an opportunity to purchase. Chat with friends and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are avail- Kenneth Tickell pipe organ and attracts many Wigmore); Nitocris - Jane Streeton; Cyrus - Madeleine over a cup of coffee over a light lunch. able in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are wel- international/renowned organists. Free with a retiring Sexton; Daniel - Frances Jellard; Belshazzar - David de Wednesday, March 8 come to bring your own if you wish. collection. Winter; Gobryas - Tom Kennedy Jericho Ensemble. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 6.45pm. The Sound of ● Grays Parish Church. 7pm. School for Disciples Leader: Tina Bowle. Conductor: Christine Gwynn Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Music - sing-along live screening with the 'Voices of 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to open up Wednesday, March 29 Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. Verve' Tickets £15 www.spectrumscreenevents.co.uk discussion, part of the Transforming Presence initiative. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Film starts 7.30pm. These stimulating and challenging events are free of Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Group. Saturday, February 25 charge and there is no need to book. Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 11am. Day-time Lent Group. St Nicholas’ church, Long Road, Canvey Island Friday, March 17 ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Living an Authentic Life Chapter House, free entry and SS8 0JR. 9.15am to 3.30pm. Bradwell Vocations ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Group. Day. Vocations Days are an opportunity to consider all welcome. ● Concert by Brentwood School Big Band. Admission is ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 11am. Day-time Lent Group. God’s call and find out more about the different types of Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. Evening Lent free, but we welcome your contributions, which are Group. Faith & Poetry with Canon Mark Oakley in the Living an Authentic Life Chapter House, free entry and ordained and licensed lay ministry from Church lead- divided between various charities and Cathedral all welcome. ers. If you sense the slightest call to discover more Cathedral free entry. expenses. Light refreshments are available in the ● Chelmsford Cathedral. North Transept. 7.30pm. Lent about ministries in the Church of England, come along. Thursday, March 9 Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring ● Series ‘Faith & Poetry’ at the Cathedral. Sally Lodge, Reserve your place for the day by contacting the Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers' Union your own if you wish. Bishop’s PA, Amanda Robinson, at arobinson@ Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall. ● Team Rector of Witham; Lazarus, by Joseph Braddock. Family Beetle Drive. St Nicholas Church Hall, Great Sally is Area Dean of Witham and Team Rector of the chelmsford.anglican.org or 01375 673806. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Wakering. 7.30pm . Admission £6 for adults and £3 for Witham and Villages Team Ministry, and is a member of ● Christ Church, Ireton Road, Colchester CO3 3AT. A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Children. Come along as a team of 8 or join a team on General Synod. Prior to ordination she worked as a 10am-4pm. Colchester Vocations Day. To register abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout the night. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. solicitor specialising in matrimonial law. She is married contact Revd Geoff Read [email protected]. and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual Tickets and further information available from 01702 with three grown up children. For more information org. health and well-being. 294029 or [email protected] please contact Canon Edward Carter on 01245 294486, ● ● St Botolph’s Colchester. 7pm. School for Disciples Saint Mary's Church, High Street, Billericay. Saturday, March 18 or [email protected]. 7.30pm. Live at Saint Mary's: Lewis & Leigh. 2017. Roadshow around the diocese to open up dis- ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7pm. Caprice Concert. ● Thursday, March 30 St Andrew's Marks Tey. 3-5.30pm. Messy Church. cussion, part of the Transforming Presence initiative. ● St Mary's Great Baddow. 7.30pm. An “Evening with ● ● These stimulating and challenging events are free of Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. St George's church hall, Ongar Road (near Robin Michele Guinness” promises to be a unique one of A free fitness class with a difference for all ages and Hood roundabout), Brentwood. 5pm. Sumptuous charge and there is no need to book. ● insight and entertainment as we learn more about this abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout Spring Jumble Sale. Clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, St Laurence church. Corbets Tey Road, Upminster amazing woman. She has much to teach us about RM14 2BB. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime concert by Tiago and meditation to improve your physical and spiritual games, shoes, handbags, household linen and more raising a family, bringing creativity and sparkle to health and well-being. on sale. Come and find yourself a bargain! Admission, Gomes (guitar). Retiring collection. Christian festivals and about combining home and work. ● St Laurence Church. Corbets Tey Road, Upminster 30p. Funds raised in aid of St George's Womens Friday, March 10 And then there are her books, including her novel Fellowship. ● Chelmsford Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. RM14 2BB. 1.05-1.50pm. Lunchtime concert by Cygnus “Archbishop”……. Michele Guinness, whose daughter- Trio (violin, cello & piano). This church has a particularly ● Grand February quiz. St George's Church Hall, Lunchtime concert by Felsted Preparatory School. in-law, Sarah, is Curate at St John's Buckhurst Hill. Born fine Kenneth Tickell pipe organ and attracts many Ongar Rd (near Robin Hood Roundabout), Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, into a Jewish family she became a "completed Jew" in international/renowned organists. Retiring collection. Brentwood, CM14 4YN. 7.30-9.30pm. A grand quiz to which are divided between various charities and her teens. Life in "The Church" presented many ● sharpen your brains after the cold of the winter. Tickets: Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments from 12 noon. challenges, including alienation from her birth family. St Saviour's C of E School, Verulam Avenue, £8.50, including supper- bring your own drinks. Funds Saturday, March 11 This was compounded when she met (and later Waltham Forest. 7pm. School for Disciples 2017. raised in aid of Church funds. Tel 01277 218739 to ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 6pm. Quiz Night in the married) Peter, son of an Anglican clergyman. When Roadshow around the diocese to open up book tickets. Chapter House to raise funds for the Youth trip to Peter himself followed in his father's footsteps, more discussion, part of the Transforming Presence initiative. Monday, February 27 Sweden. £5 per person, tables of 8-10 people. 6pm for challenges were to follow. Tickets can be obtained from These stimulating and challenging events are free of ● Chelmsford Cathedral Curry Night at the Taj Mahal. a 6.30pm start. Email Tim Leeson: tim.leeson@ the Diocesan bookshop in Chelmsford or St Mary's charge and there is no need to book. chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk or Steve Conroy steve. Friday, March 31 6pm. Raising funds for the Youth Trip to Sweden. church office (01245 477501). Price £10 to include ● Tickets £15 per person from Tim Leeson and Steve [email protected] refreshments. Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Conroy via the Cathedral Office. ● The Priory Church of St. Laurence, Blackmore CM4 ● Bit of a Do! St Andrew's Church Hall, Althorne, CM3 Concert by Divas in Duo (two sopranos). Admission is ● Rural Mission Consultation is a day for all who are 0RN. 7.30pm (Door opens 7pm). The Stondon Singers 6BY. 11am - 3pm. Come and shop for Mothering free, but we welcome your contributions, which are involved in or interested in rural mission.10.30am – Conductor: Christopher Tinker, a specially themed Sunday gifts, greetings cards and various crafts. Enjoy divided between various charities and Cathedral 4pm, Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford, concert of a cappella music written about – or in hot soup and rolls, tea, coffee, homemade cakes. Try expenses. Light refreshments are available in the CM1 1AT. A consultation facilitated by Revd Barry honour of – the Virgin Mary. Mary has proved to be a your hand at the tombola and raffle! All in a good cause. Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring Osborne and Cpt Gordon Banks CA of the Rural great source of inspiration to composers of choral Funds raised go to St. Andrew's Althorne church repair your own if you wish. Evangelism Network, who bring much experience and music from the Middle Ages up to the present day, and fund and St. Clare's Hospice. April 2017 diary deadline ● understanding on how we can develop faith in the the music in this concert aims to reflect the vast range ● All Saints Church, Inmans Row, Woodford Green Submit event details at www.chelmsford. countryside. For more details, contact Dub Gannon of music written to or about her. The composers include IG8 9QP. 2.30pm. Music Extravaganza - composite anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah Newman [email protected] or Charlie Kosla Stravinsky, Gesualdo and Rachmaninov, with British concert - for four organists and a choir performed by on 01245 294443 by March 1 for inclusion in The [email protected] composers represented by Byrd, Tavener, Howells, members and friends of the City of London and Eastern Month and on the diocesan website. Shrove Tuesday, February 27 Holst, Britten and Sheppard. Ticket prices and sales Society of Organists. Free entrance with retiring Latest events ● Join the Church Urban Fund’s Big Pancake Party on outlets: Tickets £12 and £6 (under 16). Available from: collection in aid of All Saints Organ Fund. ● You can find the latest events online at www. Shrove Tuesday and help raise funds to tackle food James Dace & Son, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Sunday, March 19 chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/calendar poverty. Find out more at www.cuf.org.uk/the-big- Allegro Music, High Street, Chelmsford; The ● St James @ 4. St James' Church, Beatrice Road, ● Cathedral events can be viewed online at www. pancake-party. Co-operative, Blackmore; Members of the choir Or on Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE. 4pm – 4.30pm. A short, chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events-diary. 10 THE MONTH March 2017

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You can advertise in this newspaper with a monthly circulation of 22,500, at a very reasonable cost, reaching a great church audience in parishes from the coast at Southend on Sea right into the Eastern suburbs of London at Woodford and Waltham Forest. We can also help you to advertise in seven other Diocesan newspapers throughout the South of England and the Home Counties, with a total circulation nearly 170,000.

To nd out more, contact Glenda or Michelle on 01752 225623 or email [email protected] TM 12 THE MONTH March 2017 THE month — Bishop Roger plans to walk through the Colchester Area

Pledge to pray for Thy Kingdom Come A NATIONAL prayer campaign starts in May. Between Ascension and Pentecost every church is invited to set aside time to pray for people to come to know Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited to join in a “wave of prayer” from May 25-June 4. Sign up to be part of Thy Kingdom Come by making a Pledge2Pray. You can make a pledge as an individual, as a family or pledge to hold an event in your church. In Chelmsford Diocese, Thy Kingdom PIONEER Come will be led by , the PIONEERS: The Bishop of Colchester. Bishop Roger first cohortof 14 plans to walk through the Colchester students started the Episcopal Area, East to West, from first course leading Saturday, May 27 to Thursday, June 1. to authorisation The walk will involve blessing places and as lay pioneer also blessing the waters at Brightlingsea ministers on 28 May, when dignitaries of the Cinque Ports and civic officials will gather on board a ship. In a new video, Archbishop Justin says: “The most important thing I’ve ever done is to become a follower of Jesus. I’m pledging to pray for more people to know the life-transforming love of Jesus Prospective pioneers Christ. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in pledging to pray as part of Thy Kingdom Come.” ● Watch the video at http://ow.ly/ DSRb308M6yq. ● #Pledge2Pray @thykingdom_come on can step this way! your social media. By JULIE CLAY Theological input is given by the Church mission and communication of the gospel. THE St Cedd Centre for Pioneer Mission will Mission Society through six modules, with the ● To enable students to enter into the current Farewell service be opening its doors to more prospective pioneers meeting in learning sets in between debates and practices with regard to the THE Archdeacon of Harlow, Ven Martin pioneer ministers in June. the twice-termly teaching sessions. Facilitated shapes of church and witness appropriate to Webster is retiring at the end of March. The Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, by a more experienced pioneer, in the learning cultural environment. He has served in Thundersley, Canvey launched the St Cedd Centre at the Church of sets the pioneers apply together what they are The students are now half way through their Island, Nazeing and Waltham Abbey, and the Good Shepherd, Collier Row, in learning to their specific contexts to develop second module, ‘Mission Spirituality’ running since 2009 as Archdeacon of Harlow. partnership with the Church Mission Society further their pioneer mission initiative. from January to April 2017. A farewell service for Martin will be on November 1, 2015. The six modules are: Pioneering Mission, Pioneer mission is one way church members held in Chelmsford Cathedral at 3.30pm During Lent 2016, more than 70 people Mission Spirituality, Reading the Bible, Doing can respond to Bishop Stephen’s call for us all on Sunday March 12. Everyone is invited, were welcomed to the five-week taster session Theology, Church in Mission and Missional to become ever more missionary disciples. particularly people from the parishes course in Collier Row. Entrepreneurship. The first module ‘Pioneering ● The St Cedd Centre are planning to have an where he has served and from the Harlow In October, 14 of those students started the Mission’ took place from October to December information session on Saturday, June 10, Archdeaconry. first course leading to authorisation as lay 2016. The aims were: 2017 from 9.30am to 1.30pm. pioneer ministers. The students are from all ● To give an introduction to mission in Anyone can attend who would like to find out areas of the Diocese including Westcliff, Scripture, history and the contemporary more and be inspired by pioneer mission, as Purfleet, Billericay, Collier Row, Beckton and church. well as how they can be involved. Walthamstow. ● To equip pioneers with some basic skills Further details can be obtained by Over an 18 month period, the pioneers are necessary for participation in the mission of contacting the St Cedd Centre Co-ordinator, learning by reflective practice on a mission God. Julie Clay by email: julieclay@ project, which each is pioneering. ● To introduce issues relating to cross-cultural thegoodshepherd.co.uk or 01708 745626.

Worship & Prayer at 'We have bought into ideas of Chelmsford Cathedral prosperity but Jesus never did' A warm welcome to your cathedral, serving Essex and East London SOCIETY seems to be shifting we are merciful. Blessed when towards a place of “alternative NATALIE'S MUSINGS we are pure in heart and facts”, fake news and a culture blessed when we make peace. that is “post-truth”. We are blessed when we are In the last 1500 years, our belief in Jesus-as-the-truth persecuted because of Sunday may be supporting political Western thinking, influenced righteousness, when we are or social action which 8.00am Holy Communion heavily by Christianity, moved mocked and when people lie 9.30am Parish Eucharist undermines democracy, about us. through Monasticism (focused justice and the value of human 11.15am Choral Eucharist on spirituality and studying the Because ours is the life. Kingdom of Heaven. 3.30pm Evensong church fathers), into “May you live in interesting scholasticism (using reason to Yet, in these uncertain times, times” is said to be a Chinese with no guarantees from Jesus understand the world), through curse, and certainly we are all to the Enlightenment (in which that we will be spared the pain Daily Services living in unprecedented times. of a world in turmoil. reason and logic became the As Christians, we may sole pathway to truth), gradually We can find comfort in 7.45am Morning Prayer have bought into ideas of chapter 16 of John’s Gospel, moving to the modern period in 8.15am Holy Communion prosperity, that God’s love for “‘Very truly I tell you, you will which thinking diversified, until (also Weds at 12.35 us will be confirmed by the weep and mourn while the we found ourselves in 2017 in and Thurs at 10am) blessings we receive: financial world rejoices. You will grieve, 12.00pm Midday Prayer the “post-modern period”, security, a stable job, physical but your grief will turn to joy…‘I characterised by infinite truths, and mental health, good 5.15pm Evensong have told you these things, so a rejection of rationality and relationships. that in me you may have peace. (sung on Mon, Tues, discomfort with absolute truth. And yet, that is not Thurs and Fri) In this world you will have As we journey through the something Jesus ever trouble. But take heart! I have season of Lent, insecurity casts preached. overcome the world.’” huge shadows over much of the united by the truth of Jesus, in We are blessed when we are a world where universal truth is world. poor, blessed when we are NATALIE COLLINS wwww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.ukww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk We wrestle with the rejected. mourning, blessed when we And where those who share 2016 National Sermon challenges of being a people are humble and blessed when of the Year winner