The Diocese of Lichfield Magazine May/June 2016

“I was at St Andrew’s, Church “Another thing the team has Aston recently, sharing a got involved with is a visit Dementia Friends Sunday by The Alzheimer’s Society’s service with the congregation Roadshow Bus to Newport next there.” says Sarah Thorpe, month, publicising it locally and Lichfield Diocese’s Dementia arranging for people to help Support Worker in the on the day, giving out leaflets Shrewsbury Area. around town telling shoppers that the bus will be there. “I had good conversations with a number of people who “These are all great practical have first-hand experience of Sarah Thorpe with her father Theo ways of taking steps forwards. dementia: our Dementia Friends who himself lives with dementia Inspired by the way things are services are so important in moving forwards at St Andrew’s, giving space for it to be named in our churches, I wonder whether there is an obvious next step allowing people to share their experiences.” you could take you can take in your church.

‘Forget me not Time Dementia Friends Together’ sing-along Hilary Griffin and the Revd Leonie Wheeler are “‘Forget me taking a lead in helping St Andrew’s to be a not Time more dementia-friendly church at the heart of a Together’ is a dementia-friendly community in Church Aston. new group in They came to a recent four-session ‘Dementia- Whitchurch. I Friendly Churches’ course as well as our joined them ‘Dementia-Friendly Memory Boxes’ Workshop. one afternoon, Items for St Andrew’s sharing Memory Box colouring, jigsaws, singing and tea. There’s a warm welcome the moment you come in, there’s music playing in the background and there are name badges for everyone. People are free to look at books or get involved with jigsaws or colouring, or simpy to chat. And there’s a different main activity each time the group meets – such as singing, art or craft, or some- times baking or making. continues on p5 -> TGI Monday launch - online and on BBC Songs of Praise

Ros said: “Former Chief Rabbi The TGI Monday Mission Statement is: Simon Jones, Bishop’s Chaplain & Lord Sachs recently won the Communication Officer, who previ- £1.1m Templeton Prize and TGI Monday seeks to be a safe place for anybody to ask ously spent twenty years as a TV said ‘We are trying to work questions on Christian faith and spirituality wherever sound recordist, oversees all the out how we can speak to they are in their faith journey, from people who are technical aspects also occasionally this You Tube short-atten- curious about Christianity through to those with many providing a lay, non-theologian’s tion-span generation which years in the pew. We offer perspectives from across perspective to the discussions. nonetheless have hearts of the Anglican tradition from Evangelical to Catholic, “Through the internet and new tech- gold and are waiting for a Conservative to Liberal, because we believe that the nology, people can peer in and gain positive altruistic message.’ church is a family and we all have something important insight into of our Christian faith, in all Well, this is our answer.” to learn and to share. Using the latest social media its glorious Anglican variety from the technology, we want to engage your honest questions comfort of their phone or laptop” (l-r) Songs of Praise’s Connie Fisher with TGI team Zoe, Hywel , Dan and Ros In May, BBC Songs of Praise with our honest reflections in order to deepen faith TGI Monday is a weekly online chat show came to check out the project and open further discussion. We are not about church Since its launch, TGI Monday has featuring a panel of Christians, including and presenter, Connie Fisher, appeared as a politics or arguments, but life following Jesus. featured in the Church Times, BBC clergy and a theologian, answering questions guest on the show. Local Radio, the Church of ’s sent in by viewers. Revd Hywel Snook, vicar of Christ Church, Little Podcast, the Archbishop Cranmer blog and even On the Drayton, said: “We agreed to do a three month the Spectator magazine! After a successful three-month trial, reaching day he was trial, and we’ve just been blown thousands of viewers, the show has now announced as away by the response. So many “Former Chief Rabbi Lord Sachs recently said ‘We launched and already caught the attention of the next Bishop questions have come in that are trying to work out how we can speak to this You- the national church and media. of Lichfield, the we’ve started doing TGI Extras, Tube short-attention-span generation which none- Right Reverend giving short answers to ques- theless have hearts of gold and are waiting for a A venture from the Diocese of Lichfield's Online Dr Michael tions we don’t have time to cover Pastor, Dr Ros Clarke, TGI Monday is filmed at Ipgrave came on the show.” positive altruistic message.’ Well, this is our answer.” Little Drayton church in , and uses to meet and be interviewed by the TGI Monday online media to reach out beyond the pews and team. [The interview is available at www. into everyday life. Viewers are invited to send in youtube.com/watch?v=DHse7i0X_84] their questions on any aspect of life and faith, for a panel from Lichfield Diocese which repre- Revd Zoe Heming is a curate in Shropshire. She sents a broad range of Christian views within said “We don’t always agree with each other the Church of England. and that is a strength of the show.

“Being a Christian is open to everyone, whoever you are, whatever your background or life www.TGImonday.show circumstances.”

Revd Dan Stork Banks is a curate in six rural parishes in Shropshire. He said “People watch because we offer something spontaneous, unpolished and authentic - something you can trust. On TGI Monday we answer real questions, Ask your questions about faith and spirituality sharing what the church has to offer in Jesus Christ.” Find the TGI Monday Show online at www.TGIMonday.show or on Facebook at www.CofE.io/TGImonday

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 2 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 3 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” New Ecumenical school Dementia Friends

Holy Trinity Academy, the new joint <- continued from p1 “What struck me was the Sarah has been Roman Catholic/Church of England friendly informality, with working closely secondary school in Priorslee, is everyone enjoying a lovely relaxed afternoon with David Latcham, now open. Bishop Mark Davies of together. With dementia, it’s all too easy for Information Worker Shrewsbury RC Diocese and Bishop people to feel lonely and isolated, embarrassed for Alzheimer’s Mark Rylands, Anglican Bishop of to go out. An Alzheimer’s Society survey of Society in Telford. Shrewsbury officiated in a service people living with dementia confirmed that 61% affirming the three central values of feel lonely and 44% say they’ve lost friends. And “It’s been really faith, unity and aspiration. a Carers UK survey tells us that 83% of carers exciting to support have felt socially isolated as a result of their Sarah in her work David Latcham, Information Holy Trinity Academy opened its doors caring responsibilities.” to grow dementia Worker for Alzheimers Society in to pupils in September 2015 and forms friendly churches.” Telford the first co-ecumenical school within Josie Edwards, co-ordinator for St Matthew’s says David. the . Church, Donnington Wood with a local residen- tial home for adults with complex needs, was a “Dementia Friendly Communities are an impor- Both the Catholic Diocese of reluctant participant on the ‘Dementia-Friendly tant part of my role, and I have seen both the Angus Neal (headteacher of the newly-opened Holy Trinity Shrewsbury and the Anglican Diocese Academy) with Rt Revd Mark Rylands (Anglican Bishop of Churches’ course, but was encouraged to go great opportunity that churches have to care for of Lichfield have been instrumental in the Shrewsbury and Rt Revd Mark Davies (Roman Catholic Bishop of by her vicar, the Revd Paula those with dementia, and formation of the school. The joint enterprise Shrewsbury Smith. But she immediately the great desire that church not only welcomes students from a Christian Headteacher Angus Neal in his welcome connected with something members have for making faith background but also reflects the cultural address said “The common prayer symbolises she heard. that opportunity a reality. diversity of the local population with students that whilst we, as a community, come from a Sarah’s vision for churches from a variety of different religious and cultural wide ranging, culturally rich background we also “Sarah talked about going is impressively comprehen- backgrounds. share the commonality of faith and are united in to meet people where they sive, from sensitive pastoral ensuring that this can are – crossing the bridge care and accessible build- “We aim to deliver the highest possible educational be freely expressed to their world – rather ings through to connecting experience for students aged 11-18 through a caring and nurtured than trying to drag them through services and with throughout the back into ours” says Josie. the wider community and supportive Christian ethos.” Holy Trinity Academy community here at “It made so much sense. I networks. Holy Trinity Academy.” met one man with a set of (rather rusty) lapel badges “On a personal level, I have “As a school we firmly believe in allowing in a tin. My partner, Chris, benefitted from Sarah’s students to succeed and attain the highest has made a display case wisdom at an event I ran at personal achievements as well as celebrating for them. It’s amazing to my church in Shrewsbury. their God given talents. We have the highest see him respond to them, The depth of insight from expectations with regard to academic success, pointing to them and obvi- her personal experience, as behaviour and personal integrity and believe in ously animated.” well as creative ideas about supporting every student to achieve their best”. how to engage with people, Josie and Chris are also trying different ways of was really helpful in highlighting dementia and “Holy Trinity Academy is looking forward to its making connections. Recently, they have tried how churches can best help and minister to continued success for the future and opening some church window artwork at the home. people.” up further opportunities to develop the unique If you’re in the Diocese of Lichfield, do get in touch with Sarah if it would help to discuss ideas and plans: educational experience it has to offer for many [email protected] and 07982 248949. more years to come.” Sarah has a regular blog at salopdementiafriendlychurch.co.uk/

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 4 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 5 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” Connecting with Sierra Leone Navigating Holy Week Sierra Foundation for Life Skills (SFFLS) is quite simply they don’t! We waste so much in This Easter saw a Shrewsbury a charity born in Shrewsbury and inspired our lives (food, water), a waste that would keep parish walk through the Holy by two Christians, Sandra Lloyd and Sarah a family going for days. Nearly all the people in Week events, at the time they Wolton, with the aim of ‘Transforming lives Sierra Leone eat just once a day. occurred, and the places they through Christ’s love in action and bringing occurred. hope to the people of Sierra Leone’. “We met amazing people such as the 12 year old girl selling peanuts to people on the “We superimposed a map of In October 2015 a team of volunteers from beach to help feed her family, and the man in C1 Jerusalem onto a map of Shrewsbury and Luton went to add the finishing a wheelchair begging because the rebels had the C21 parish, and it fitted touches to The Bread Basket Bakery, built with chopped his hands and feet off during the civil amazingly”, said Phil Cansdale, SFFLS funds to feed a school and community war. They try to live from day to day by doing vicar of Trinity Churches. “So we near Freetown, and in partnership with The anything they can. met together each day to tell the Family Homes Movement based in Sierra Leone. Easter story real-time, and in the All the children in Shrewsbury-equivalent of where the These are the Sierra Leone think gospel accounts took place.” reflections of Steve about is going Butterworth, a to school and The week saw donkeys walking from member of the team: becoming doctors, Bayston Hill, money-counters being “When we were lawyers and disturbed in the church vestry, intrigue offered the chance engineers. They in a Radbrook Café, late-night arrests to go to Sierra Leone want to succeed on the Meole Estate, and trials in a local Pilate’s HQ set up in the middle of Radbrook playground. to help finish the in life – hopefully playground, just off the appropriately-named bakery, we jumped to make life better Roman Road. The week finished in a local at the chance! And for themselves, but cemetery - where Golgotha and the nearby so it was that after also for their fellow garden tomb fell on the map – for a Easter an 18 hour journey men and women. morning sunrise service. we arrived at our hotel all hot and sweaty. We showered, had a Would I go again to Sierra Leone? I surely “It’s been really exciting to get the Easter story drink and retired for the night not fully knowing would. There is so much to be done out there out of church buildings and into the local what would be in store for the next 12 days. and with people like Sandra and Sarah, much community” said Phil. “If nothing else we’ve got will be done. Those two ladies are tireless in more idea of the sort of geography, distances “The following morning we arrived at the their work and dedication to the people of and context of the Holy Week story. Next bakery which was indeed finished except for Sierra Leone. They are an inspiration to us all. I year, especially with schools being off, we are the painting of the walls inside and out, along hope you will support them in any way you can thinking of doing something similar but to find with the door and windows. We all set to, and so that they may continue in their work out in more ways to include children and families.” soon there was paint everywhere! As the day Sierra Leone. Thank you for taking the time to went on, we were introduced to three guys read this, and thank you for your support.” by the names of John, Saar and the Brigadier. It will further their education by providing skills will be £32,000 with completion planned for These three had basically done all the building Sierra Foundation for Life Skills has agreed with training in I.T., tailoring and hospitality and spring 2017 where more opportunities will be work from footings to roof in the heat of up to the Family Homes Movement to build a centre offering help to gain employment. This unique available for folk to join a team. If you would 30 degrees – phew! The bakery will make a big that will help to break the cycle of teenage project will be able to accommodate 0-2 year like to contribute to the cost of the building of difference to the school children and people pregnancy and destitution amongst young olds alongside their mothers on the site of an this facility or to find out more about the work alike in Mayenkineh. The phrase ‘We don’t have women, offering them education and training existing preschool and primary school at a place of SFFLS, please go to the website www.sffls.org anything’ is so profound out there because that can influence future generations. called Deep Eye Water. The cost of the build or email [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE 6 Regular updates on our website www.lichfield.anglican.org 7 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield” Over the Moon with new Archbishop of SE Asia Our links with the Nine people from Lichfield Diocese were Diocese of West present at that magnificent service on February It was a pleasure to join the Lichfield team. Malaysia have 22nd at St Mary’s Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur For me, the highlights included talking to been strong over including a group of five who were visiting West Revd Fred David about his work of evange- the years largely Malaysia and Singapore in order to see how lism. He is a glass half full, activist, extrovert because of the the St Chads Volunteer Programme might be evangelist whom the Lord has used greatly to inspirational leadership and support from further developed. grow the Kingdom. Equally, meeting the HTB Bishop Moon Hing. We want to congratu- church plant leaders in Kuala Lumpur (HTBB) “I’m struck by how important international late him now he has been installed as the – Miles and Dan – was very encouraging. links are for us, especially for a diocese like Archbishop for the Province of South East Lichfield - we are a strange mixture of an inter Asia and to assure him of our prayers in this It was great meeting the St Chad’s volunteers; national community in some areas, whereas - new phase of his ministry. Wai Theng, Stephanie, Christopher Soe, parts of Shropshire feel very mono-cultural Anthony Arul and others who have been to “We fitted a lot into 15 days: visiting roughly and insular. We’ve got to continue finding 28 churches in West Malaysia, Singapore and ways of increasing partnership, and keeping Bishop Mark learns from Archbishop Moon Hing (light blue) and Indonesia; going to the Theological Seminary in this on the diocesan agenda. I’d hope that any his wife show how to eat this Chinese New Year Dish. strengthening of ties at this stage of things Malaysia; meeting former St Chad’s Volunteers Lichfield. It was wonderful to see how they will lead to a greater understanding at a local and seeing some of them exercising church have blossomed and are now contributing to level, a relational networking which might be ministry and leadership. As a result of the trip the life of the Church back in West Malaysia. able to move in a different direction to any we have learned potential ways to realign, It was very encouraging to meet up with strengthen and expand more formal other Anglican church leaders for the installa- the St Chad’s Volunteer and institutional tion of Bishop Moon Hing. +Mark Rylands Programme as well seeing problems which how the approach shown may affect The Programme longs to place young people in there to church planting, the Anglican unfamiliar cultures; to see with their eyes what discipleship and mission Communion.“ Meeting up with former Volunteers and placement vicars in cannot be assimilated through their ears. Jesus’s and ministry amongst Phil Cansdale Penang example - the things he did before people’s young adults can inform Archbishop Moon Hing has given high priority eyes - was surely his main teaching method. the future in our own “What to the St Chad’s Volunteer Programme. His diocese.” struck me most diocese is the size of England, with over 140 West Malaysia has sent nineteen volunteers Lichfield clergy Jonathan Iddon, Phil Cansdale, John Coyne and about my time David Cundill David Cundill churches or worship centres. He seems since 2001 to serve in Lichfield; all still in Malaysia was “Singapore blew me always on the look-out for potential volun- active Christians in their churches. Two are away. I loved the place and saw a highly how church planting is so much part of the DNA teers—then never lets them escape his with us now, in Aldridge and Telford. focused approach to mission, evangelism and of the church. It’s just what they do, what they gaze! A sign of his commitment was Our first volunteer from Matlosane is Church Planting. This clearly grew out of their live for. There is some lament over the fact that seen just before his inauguration in Streetly. We have sent fifteen legendary experience of renewal in the Holy they cannot build their own church buildings as Archbishop. Although there volunteers to linked dioceses Spirit which rather than being domesticated due to the Islamic dominated government, but were probably more archbishops so far. One is now in Schwerin into a private experience of renewal was deeply this does not stop them buying or renting shop and bishops in town than Kuala (formerly E Germany) and one transformational and has been directed to fronts and turning them into meeting spaces. Lumpur had ever seen, he gave in Hanoi, through the Singapore mission. Awesome. I think there is so much we It feels very much like the things we read of in priority to hosting a celebratory meal diocesan gateway. could learn from the experience of Singapore. I the Book of Acts. In contrast, in the UK we have for former volunteers and we Lichfield think it would be good not just for young adults an abundance of (old) church buildings which visitors. He is resolved to see young people Further info on the SCVP can be found but also for clergy to see a Spirit empowered contributes to a missional inertia, as we spend established in a faith that will grow, at www.lichfield.anglican.org/ Church in Mission mode.” John Coyne much time and energy on maintaining what we and in God’s time bear fruit. st-chads-volunteers have’. Jonathan Iddon

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One of the many churches in the Diocese completed an extensive internal reordering. We It may be that we are tired of hearing about Prayer has been described as ‘wasting time of Lichfield dedicated to St Chad is in have created a space that can now be used for it, but Thursday June 23rd will be one of the with God’ and that is a very good description. the rural hamlet of Boningale, between a wide variety of services and events by utilising most important days in our life time – and in When you are in love with someone you simply Wolverhampton and Telford, just ten movable pews and upholstered seating. the life time of our children and grandchil- enjoy being with them – not necessarily ‘doing’ minutes’ from junction 3 of the M54. dren. Whether the votes to anything but just ‘being’ in their company. So it “The cost of the re ordering was £97,000 and remain in the European Union or to leave, is with God. In prayer we meet God. We learn to “Our parish church, which is part of the United a substantial part of this was raised by the the consequences will be far – reaching and see the world and other people through God’s Benefice of Albrighton, is thought to have been congregation, those who live in the Boningale impossible to fully determine. We might eyes and we begin to see ourselves through founded in the 11th century. says PCC Secretary, area and from those who have a past connec- ask for more information but the reality is God’s eyes too. We start to understand what it Jess Harper. “St Chad’s is a living church with a tion with St Chad’s. The church was rededicated that no one can be sure what is going to really means to be loved sincerely and uncondi- small but faithful congregation led by the Revd in a service led by Bishop Mark. happen on June 24th and in the subsequent tionally for ever. Mary Wade. weeks and months. However we vote, we are “We are holding four ‘Quiet Days’ this year, stepping into an unknown future. When some of us help as volunteers at the “After several with two left on July 9 and September 24. The Night Church in the centre of the night – years of discus- themes for these are ‘Walking with the Lord’ It is not the role of a Bishop to tell you how clubbing district of Hanley, we often have sion and debate and ‘The Power of Prayer’ on Saturday 19th you should vote but it is my responsibility as young people requesting prayer – invariably for we have finally March. a leader of the Church to remind you that you others (especially for their grandparents!) but should vote and offer a Christian perspective to sometimes for themselves. When they ask that St Chad’s interior before, during and after reordering illustrating the new flexibility to this crucial decision. we should ‘do’ the praying we always say that of arrange the church ‘in course we will but invite them to join with us in the round’ when There will be many different opinions expressed praying too. The sad response is often that they appropriate. in these last days leading up to the Referendum could not possibly pray because they do not and it is important that we listen to all views know how to do it! But that is nothing new – the and reflect on them prayerfully, asking for the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray guidance of the Holy Spirit as to how we should as John the Baptist had taught his followers – vote. and of course Jesus then gave us that prayer that is known and welcomed throughout the Jesus reassures us that world (except in certain part of the role of the cinema chains!) – the Mary comments, Holy Spirit is to guide us prayer which begins “Our The United “The uniqueness of our into all truth and so we Father in heaven”. Benefice of Albrighton is on beautiful church! The great should find time not only a roll with successful fundraising: St Mary’s range of beers and the wonderful to ask for guidance in our However we vote on June is turning part of the building into a lofty village entertainment all seem to prayers but also to leave 23rd we cannot be certain watering hole where enthusiasts from afar will combine to create a lovely space in order to receive of the future we are gather with church and village regulars to help atmosphere to share with an answer – for God gave passing to our children restore its magnificent Chancel East window. locals and visitors”. us two ears and one and young people but if mouth so that we might there is one gift that we The brainchild of the vicar, Revd Mary Wade “To see such a diversity of people enjoying listen twice as much as can give them that will and organists David Smith and Gerald Leach, conversation and a drink together in hallowed speak! We believe God always be of benefit to the festival has twice previously seen hundreds surroundings is a rare pleasure”, adds Gerald. always answers prayer them, it is to know the converge on the church for a springtime gath- although not necessarily value of prayer and how ering to celebrate the mutual enjoyment of The festival takes place on 20 & 21 June: details at the time or in the way to pray. quality ales, good conversation and live music. at http://www.albrightonparishchurch.org.uk that we expect. +Geoff Stafford

Follow us on Twitter @Lichfield_CofE Spotlight is published by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance, St Marys House, Lichfield WS13 7LD. 10 Acting Editor: Julie Jones,Regular Diocesan updates Secretary: on t: 01543 our website 306030, e: www.lichfield.anglican.org [email protected] 11 Join our Facebook Group “The Church of England’s Diocese of Lichfield”

890610 (answer phone) Contact: [email protected] 01948 AMICA Benefice nr Whitchurch June 2, July 7, Aug 4, Sept 8 A weekend for Christian visual artists Quiet Day Retreats

GPS Global Positioning Sunday lichfield.anglican.org Celebrating God’s World Wide Church GLOBAL 07857703303 or worldmission@ Sunday 29 May throughout the Diocese.

POSITIONING Contact Philip Swan

SUNDAY –

29 th

May

[email protected] your events to Spotlight on Please send details of 2016

details www.lichfield-cathedral.org for Lichfield Cathedral Friday 3 June with two Staffordshire MPs EU Referendum Debate org [email protected]. 07738 290919 Hughes Contact Cerys June 4, St Philip’s Milton, Stoke wider) area. Churches in the Stoke (and much for those leading Messy Messy Meet-up DIARY

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