THE JANUARY 2017 See MAGAZINE JOURNAL OF DIOCESE : THE IN

It was informal and more like a ‘greet and meet’ but for the County as well as the Cathedral for the gathering when the next was whole of Lancashire. New era and a introduced at on Saturday, “Since being appointed as Acting Dean earlier this November 26. year I have been amazed and impressed with the Canon Peter Howell-Jones, currently Vice-Dean of hard work and effort put in by the fantastic staff, new Dean at Chester Cathedral, will be formally installed as the loyal volunteers and the congregation to support new Dean on March 25 next year. the Cathedral and ensure it continues to flourish.” But he made his first public appearance in In reply, Canon Peter said it was wonderful to see our Cathedral November, alongside his wife Sian and daughter so many people turning out to welcome him and Annie. his family. The family were welcomed by people representing He added: “I am looking forward to being involved many sections of the cathedral's life, including with the community of the cathedral, the town and Canon Peter, clergy, administrative staff, choirs, the cathedral the wider diocese. second right, with Blackburn chapter, bell ringers and other organisations like “To be part of a Diocese which is so clearly the Mothers' Union, Friends of the Cathedral, focussed on growth and mission through Vision Cathedral Canons Friends of Cathedral Music and many members of 2026 is very exciting and I look forward to being left to right Canon the regular congregation. The Cathedral family able to lead the Cathedral in actively contributing Andrew Horsfall; were also joined by others from across the Diocese to this work in the years to come.” Canon Ian Stockton at the welcome event. and Canon Andrew  Proving once again what a welcoming bunch Bishop Julian made the introduction, saying: “I am Hindley delighted to welcome Peter as our next Dean and I we are in Lancashire, Canon Peter has already look forward to working closely with him. He brings received around 150 goodwill messages so far a great deal of experience to the role. by letter, email and on social media. He thanks everyone who has been in touch and he will “As well as looking forward to a new era under his respond in due course! leadership at Blackburn Cathedral, Peter will also be a key member of the Bishop’s Leadership Team  Read more about Canon Peter’s appointment as we prayerfully move forward together as a in the news section of The next Dean of www.blackburn.anglican.org where you will Diocese with our Vision 2026: Healthy Churches Blackburn, Canon Peter Transforming Communities.” also find links to pictures on our Flickr feed from the welcome event and also a link to a Howell-Jones, in his Bishop Philip, who is Acting Dean of Blackburn, also video on our YouTube channel of welcome Cathedral after the spoke saying: “Blackburn Cathedral is an important event highlights. welcome event focal point not just for the town of Blackburn itself Mission Action Planning in the context of Vision 2026

Archdeacon Mark and Canon Mike Chew launched their recently published book ‘How to do Mission Action Planning: Prayer, Process and Practice’ at a number of events around the diocese in November, writes Dave Champness, Vision Coordinator. Copies of the book were also given to the Vision Champions and Lay Readers who attended events during October. Those of you with long memories might recall that Mission Action Planning was an initiative that was started by Bishop Nicholas and might be surprised that it has made a reappearance. But Mission Action Planning (MAP) is a process that all parishes can follow to help them discern, plan, implement and review what they are doing in support of the Vision 2026 priorities of making disciples, being witnesses, growing leaders as well examined why MAP had not worked previously in Action Plan proforma, an updated template has as for children/young people and schools in their churches, they usually found that there was an been added to the Diocesan website on the local context. The four process phases are also absence of real desire. Mission/Vision Action Planning page accessible very similar to those of the ‘pastoral cycle’ of from the homepage under ’Mission and Growth’. learning, action, experience and theological Conversely, if a local church had a real desire to be If parishes would like help in getting going with reflection. engaged in God’s mission (including discipleship, Vision Action Planning, please let me know Key to undertaking a successful planning cycle is witness and leadership), it found a way to do it and ([email protected]) and we the newly-added ‘desire’ step in the process. God blessed it. can arrange for an advisor to join your PCC or This has been added because when Mark and Mike If parishes wish to complete a standard Vision congregation meeting. 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. PARISH SHARE BUDGE 2017 The Diocesan Budget relating to Parish Share what parish share pays for and where the was presented to Diocesan Synod in October money goes … Shared finances 2016. In mid-November a comprehensive You may have thought it pays for the summary booklet about the Budget was sent upkeep of the Diocesan Cathedral in for a shared to each incumbent and each treasurer. They Blackburn. It doesn’t. Or you may think it could also order additional copies for their helped to pay for Clergy Court, the recently parish. While we can’t include all the content Vision . . . opened extension to the Cathedral. It didn’t. from that booklet in this edition of The See on this page (and opposite) we give an overview; You may have thought Parish Share has been some pointers of where to go if you want to paying for the various Vision 2026 related find out more and we also discuss the initiatives including the Vision Coordinator principles of good Christian stewardship. role and work with Vision Champions. It hasn’t. We have allocated funding received

from All Churches Trust (Ecclesiastical In 2017 the budget presented to Diocesan Insurance) and the Church Commissioners. Synod represented a 0% increase in Parish This means for 2017 the funding for the Share although an individual parish’s share Vision initiatives has not needed to form part may vary due to a number of factors. of this budget as we have identified income This has been made possible partly by taking received from All Churches Trust a new approach to the decision process (Ecclesiastical) which can be used. The Parish Share Budget 2017 booklet leading up to the setting of the budget and additional funding from the national church. So what IS Parish Share for then? The bulk of Just log on to www.blackburn.anglican.org Our budget is about raising the resources what parish share DOES pay for includes and put ‘Parish Finance’ into the search box required to undertake our shared vision for clergy stipends, housing and training – all to find the relevant page. our parishes and the diocese. vital for the continued health of the church in On the same website page, you will also find EVERY part of the Diocese – and our work in The 2017 budget is the first in a series of the PowerPoint presentation (with parishes, church schools, hospitals, prisons budgets which will enable financial accompanying notes) which was given by and in all our communities. restructuring over time. Canon John Dell, Chair of the Diocesan Board If you want to read a full version of the of Finance, when presenting the budget for The Bishops, Archdeacons and Department budget booklet (including full breakdowns in 2017 to Synod for consideration. Leaders were involved from early in the graphic form) and you haven’t seen a printed process to ensure the budget stayed focussed That full presentation is also available to view copy in your parish, there is an online version on our Vision and, if savings needed to be on our Diocesan YouTube channel (slides which is downloadable from our Diocesan made, that they would come in places which combined with audio). Just search online for website. It can also be printed, should you caused least impact. ‘YouTube’ and ‘Blackburn Diocese’ to locate wish to produce further copies locally for the channel and click on the relevant video. Some people may have misconceptions about your parish.

Vision 2026 commits us Making Christian Stewardship means seeing Disciples of Jesus Christ: giving our lives and possessions as a gift from What is generously of our time, talents and God to be used in His service, knowing money to the cause of Christ, writes that we will be accountable to Him for Christian Stephanie Rankin of the Diocesan how we have used them. As Parish Mission Support Department. Christians, giving is a sign of our love Stewardship? for God and a response to His love and Christian Stewardship is not a generosity to us. As we grow as  If what I give away was given back programme, nor is it about raising disciples, we may find that God to me, would I notice? money, but it is part of our lifelong changes our thinking about giving. journey as disciples. Stewardship is not about us giving How do I know if I’m giving enough for the church to ‘make ends It will include the choices we make generously of my time, talents and meet’. Instead, as God’s stewards, we about how we use our time, our money to the cause of Christ? give because we acknowledge God’s talents and our money. In the gospels, generosity. Jesus seems to indicate that one of the  Am I living a life of service, reflected biggest challenges for us is around the in how I use my time and talents? As we give generously, the church is issue of money and possessions. resourced for mission and ministry so  Is the amount I’m giving away that each local church can become a realistic in relation to my income? Healthy Church Transforming its local  Can I see an element of sacrifice in Community. my giving? Does it impact on my For advice or assistance with any lifestyle? aspects of stewardship or running a  Is my giving a priority from what I programme, call me, Stephanie Rankin, receive each week or month, or just on 01254 503273 or email stephanie. what’s left over? [email protected] Matthew 6 19-21

PEOPLE AND PLACES Diocesan News book, search online for 'Eventbrite' and 'Ken Are you one of the half a Leech'. Bishop Julian, Bishop Geoff and Bishop Philip have million people who has welcomed the recent comments of Prime Minister seen the recent Facebook Situations vacant or wanted Theresa May, who says Christians should feel Live Bible Study session Electronic Organ with external speaker system confident to speak ‘freely’ about their faith at with the Archbishop of work and in public places. The Bishops said: “As Canterbury, The Most Rev available free of charge to local church. Johannus part of our Diocesan Vision 2026 we want to be and Rt Hon Justin Welby 230. We have used this organ at St Mary's Newchurch in Pendle for 12 months whilst witnesses for Jesus Christ across the County of and Bishop Philip, the Bishop of ? Lancashire. To be effective witnesses, Christians in building work and the restoration of our pipe Bishop Philip was the first Church of England Bish- organ has been in progress. You will have to our parishes should feel confident to speak about op to participate in the social media Bible Study their faith in every area of their lives – including at arrange transportation. Contact Janet Thornton at initiative, which began in May this year. [email protected] work. For Christians, having a living faith is more than just a casual interest. It is central to our lives The Bible Study is still available on the Archbish- Organist available for weddings, funerals and and makes us who we are.” op’s Facebook page or you can see a recording on other services. Will cover and our Diocesan YouTube channel (search online for further afield in Blackburn Diocese. Contact J Prayer is vital to Vision 2026. Are you familiar with YouTube and Blackburn Diocese). Blackburn Prayers? It enables you to pray by Robinson on 07807386750 Bishop Philip said: “I know from the engagement name for a different parish in the diocese each Clergy updates day; for our links with The Free State and locally in our Diocese that Facebook, Twitter, Braunschweig; for our Vision and much more. It is YouTube and other social media channels are The Rev Martin Keighley, Vicar of Poulton, sent to all clergy by email every month and can be powerful ways of reaching people in this country Carleton and Singleton and Area Dean of Poulton, downloaded free from the diocesan website. Go and far beyond. has been appointed to the Honorary Canonry of Heysham and will be collated by the Bishop of to www.blackburn.anglican.org and click on ‘Faith “So to have the opportunity to study God’s word Blackburn and installed by the acting Dean of and Worship’ then ‘Blackburn Prayers’ or you can in the company of the Archbishop and with so have the Prayers emailed direct to you, by many people worldwide was a huge privilege.” Blackburn on Sunday, 15 January 2017 at 4pm at contacting the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, [email protected] and Blackburn. All Saints Church Appley asking to be added to the mailing list. And If you The Rev Mark Jones, Vicar of Padiham with Bridge and Christ Church use Blackburn Prayers regularly please send an Hapton and Padiham Green and Area Dean of Parbold have a new Vicar – email to [email protected] Burnley has been appointed to the Honorary the Reverend Sue with any stories of how using them has made a Canonry of Bodeltone, and will be collated by the difference to your prayer life. Timmins. and installed by the acting Bread of Life is an inspirational, good news Sue was inducted into her Dean of Blackburn on Sunday, 15 January 2017 at performance for your church this Lent and Easter. new parishes recently at 4pm at the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Springs Dance Company is delighted to be offering Christ Church by Bishop Julian and Archdeacon Virgin, Blackburn. Mark. its much sought after and highly praised The Rev Alistair McHaffie, Vicar of Leyland St John production Bread of Life, to churches and schools. Following the service in front of a huge has been appointed to the Honorary Canonry of A reflection on the last supper, Bread of congregation from both churches, a welcome bun Waletune, and will be collated by the Bishop of Life communicates Jesus’ desire to draw us fight took place at All Saints School in Appley Blackburn and installed by the acting Dean of together today, to eat and drink with him and Bridge. Blackburn on Sunday, 15 January 2017 at 4pm at each other, in this stunning dance performance Originally from Prestwich, North Manchester Sue, the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, about the sharing of bread and wine. Springs Blackburn. would love to hear from anyone interested in 52, described her excitement at her appointment hosting a performance during Lent and Easter saying: “We have a strong focus in our Diocesan The Rev Jane Louise Atkinson, SSM Curate at 2017. Further information can be found on the Vision 2026 to Make Disciples, to Witness and to Kirkham St Michael has been appointed Vicar of Springs Dance Company on email at Grow Leaders for Jesus Christ, and I am looking Little Thornton St John. [email protected] or call forward to seeing how God will lead us on The Rev Nicholas Edward Davis has resigned as 07876 752 910. together in our own part of that journey.” Priest in Charge of Hesketh with Becconsall All Forthcoming events From November 13-23, 2017, everyone in The Saints from 29 November 2016. Rev Davis was Church of England in Lancashire has an licensed to his new parish of St Cuthbert A Eucharistic Festival takes place at Blackburn opportunity to visit the Holy Land alongside and Tockholes St Stephen on 30 November 2016. Cathedral on Saturday 28 January 2017 and Bishop Philip. Brochures and further details from everyone from across the Diocese is invited! This The Rev Timothy David Wilby resigned as Priest in Rev John Bannister on 01772 683617 or email will be a day for all ages to explore and celebrate Charge of St Peter on 24 November 2016. johnlbannister@ hotmail.com or from Rev the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. There will Rev Wilby will continue as Vicar of Chorley St Damian Porter on 01525 732946 or email also be a Messy Eucharist in the Crypt for families George and Area Dean of Chorley. fatherd@ btinternet.com Bishop Philip said: “At and friends. The Eucharist Celebrant will be the heart of our faith as Christians is a God who in The Rev Matthew Cook resigned as Vicar of Bishop and the keynote address will Jesus has been born and lived among us, so a be delivered by The Rt Rev Martin Warner (Bishop Preston St Stephen on 30 November 2016. chance to walk literally in his steps, to visit the of Chichester). For further details and to book towns and villages he went to, to breathe the air Mr Joseph Houghton was licensed by the Bishop of places, please email Jean Duerden on that he breathed is a powerful way of Lancaster as Christian Youth Worker/Chaplain of [email protected] experiencing afresh his presence and power in our , Preston on 17 November 2016 at 2.15pm at Archbishop Temple St Ambrose Church, Moss Lane, Leyland PR25 4XA lives." is hosting Dave’s Quiz Night on Friday 20 January School. True Prayer: True Justice, on Saturday May 20, at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 including hot pot supper and 2017 10am to 4pm at Hope University Chapel is a The Rev Charles Hoole died on 30 October 2016. hot drink. Bring your own refreshments. Ring day to celebrate the work of the urban theologian The funeral was held on 7 November 2016 at 01772 422482 for ticket enquiries. Kenneth Leech. This conference has been Carleton Crematorium. Rev Hoole was ordained in the in 1963. For the last two Trash or Treasure Table Top Sale is at St Aidan’s convened by the Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Rev Paul Church Hall, Station Road, on Bayes, to celebrate Ken’s life and work, to years of licensed ministry he served as a curate at Laneside St Peter and then retired, holding PTO Saturday 28 January at 9.30am to 1pm. Tea, encourage those who value Ken’s wisdom and coffee and bacon butties served from 10am. insight, to introduce Ken to a new generation and until 2011. Tables cost £7, please call to book a table on to foster an ongoing commitment to a prophetic The Rev John Stephan Harker has been granted 01772 330707. theology and spirituality. For more info and to the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the Diocese.

NEWS / COMMENT: ARCHDEACON MARK News? Feedback? [email protected] “What are you doing?” because for them it’s a place where she is welcomed and included. All Age Worship “Marching” When they walk through the door they are greeted “Oh right, why?” with warmth and affection, their friends are there Worship for All? “Because I want to march to the music!” and there is music. My daughter particularly loves music. Our church has started bringing out musical That’s a conversation I had a few weeks ago with instruments for anyone to play whilst a song is on, my three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Elizabeth which has helped my daughter and all the other whilst at Church, when the worship band was children feel more involved than ever before. playing, says Lindsay Wright, Diocesan Children and Youth Work Administrator. It's not all sunshine and glitter, there are challenges. Take a look around your church on a My daughter and my one-year-old son, Joseph, Sunday and you will see that it’s not just young love church and they are always excited to go families who are facing challenges, but a wide variety of people, from the lady with the hearing aid struggling to connect to the right channel to hear the service, to the newcomer who’s a bit Church fun: Lindsay’s daughter overwhelmed and not sure what to expect. Elizabeth dancing in church! So, can we really have an All Age Worship service So come along on these dates to Barton Grange that is worship for all? Well, I’m incredibly excited Hotel, PR3 5AA, get involved and hear our guest by the Children’s Ministry Conference (25th – 26th speakers who are Bishop Julian and Nick Harding February 2017) is exploring the important topic of (Children’s Ministry Adviser). The weekend cost is All Age Worship. This is set to be an exciting and £106 per person or £36 (Saturday only). For more inspiring event, providing you with the tools to information email: grow and develop this ministry in your parish. All age fun: Lindsay with daughter Elizabeth and son [email protected] or telephone Joseph 01254 503405. There is something about arriving at our dealing with the prophets of Baal that he Diocesan Retreat and Conference Centre had been neglecting himself. Whalley Do you make at which makes me slow Abbey is certainly a great place to catch right down. up on rest, to eat well, and to go for a walk. space for God Arriving in a car one has to go very slowly to negotiate the hugely bumpy cobbled My second confession is that, when drive leading to the medieval gatehouse. packing to come away, I had naughtily in your diary? brought my briefcase with my laptop and The lack of mobile phone coverage also some papers which were pressing. I know helps me disconnect from the tyranny of I shouldn’t have done – the whole point the urgent, which so often in life of a retreat is to retreat from the busy- squeezes out the important. ness; to be attentive only to God – and Then to enter the Abbey chapel and yet a nagging voice inside my head had spend some time in silence, on the same tempted me: ‘I could just finish so and so hard wooden seats where I received my while I am there’. ordination charge 32 years ago, However, it seems God knew my reconnects me with what being a priest is weakness in advance, and so my laptop all about. developed a fault which couldn’t be But here I have two confessions to make. rectified until I was back in the office! As First, when I arrived a couple of days ago a result, I had to really slow down and on retreat and sat down to pray and to was able to give my time to unhurried read, I promptly fell asleep! When I woke contemplation and Bible study. God’s voice in this ancient place of up, I remembered Elijah in the desert prayer. And now I am about to leave the Abbey near Beersheba in 1 Kings 19. and get back to the office. The work will What about you? As you plan your diary Before God was able to get through to still be there on my desk when I get back, for this new year, do you need to create Elijah and speak to him in a still small but I am different. I will be very much some spaces and book some time out voice, he first made him sleep, eat some better able to engage with it now that I with God? freshly baked food, and go for a long am rested and refreshed, and have been Archdeacon Mark walk. Perhaps Elijah had been so busy still enough to hear the gentle whisper of

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 February 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. January 3, 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.