Wateringbury Primary School Rededication

Gravesend marks Pocahontas 400 

  see page 5 Wateringbury Primary School Rededication aturday 24 September opened all backgrounds and builds strong hand-painted wooden cross to hang in Sbright and breezy, which set relationships with each family. Bishop the Bishopscourt chapel. the tone for the Wateringbury James brings an important solemnity to Church of England Primary School the occasion, which is fi tting and we are The children and staff of the school celebrations. Marking 40 years of honoured to welcome him to our school.” closed the formal service by singing serving the community in their “Father, we adore you” before the The service opened with a rousing visitors were treated to an informal video new building, the school welcomed rendition of “Lord of all Hopefulness” showing staff and pupils celebrating the pupils and parents along with which has a special place in the heart of musical decades between 1070 and vicars who had served the school the school because it was also sung at today. The fi nal words on the day go to in the past, teachers and local the original opening service in 1976 and some current pupils: dignitaries. Amongst them, former of the new building in 1990. head teacher Richard Arnold, Year 6 school pupil Bethan Price (10) who Alice Branca local Member of Parliament Tom Bishop James was pleased to attend enjoys art and hopes to go to Hillview Tugendhat (sic) and Councillor the event and unveil the special plaque school next said, “It was a bit unusual Mark Rhodes, Mayor of Tonbridge commemorating this special occasion in to come to school on a Saturday; I and Malling with his wife Julie and the life of the school. He said, “This is enjoyed the video the most”. Whilst year our very own Bishop James. when you realise what a lot of people 11 pupil Alice Branca (11) who enjoys have been infl uenced by a school, science and hopes to go to Maidstone Bethan Price and how important a school is to its Grammar School for Girls next said, “I The service of rededication began at community and the people who live never thought I would come to school 1400, carefully timed so that once the there. This school will have contributed on a Saturday; I liked the video - the formal service was concluded, guests to so many lives in so many ways.” teachers were very funny.” could enjoy high tea whilst the children played games on the school fi eld in the The all-girls Wateringbury Chamber Year 5 pupil Felix Wright (9) who enjoys late September sunshine. Choir sang Thomas Tallis’s Canon PE and is a fast runner with the ambition beautifully before former head teacher to go to Maidstone Grammar School for Welcoming guests to the day, head Richard Arnold concluded his reading Boys said, “I was looking forward to the teacher Chasey Crawford said, “Our from Proverbs and Bishop James gave video because of the dancing.” Felix Wright ‘new’ building was opened 40 years the blessing. He said, “The passage from ago by the Bishop of Rochester at the Proverbs tells us that wisdom is worth Finally, year 5 pupil Katherine Stockham time, the Right Reverend David Say. We more than anything we can imagine; (9) who enjoys History and is very proud are delighted to continue the tradition it’s so precious. It’s about the whole to have a Mum who is a school governor 40 years later with a rededication and way we are as people. It’s good for the hopes to go to Maidstone Grammar blessing of the building by Bishop James whole world. It’s good to know the wise School for Girls. She said, “I have been Langstaff. We are proud of our place in way to act and wise ways to believe in. looking forward to today all summer. It’s the heart of the community: a Christian You know it when you bump into it!” To been very funny seeing our Teaching school which welcomes children of mark the event, Bishop James was given Assistant in her dancing costume!” Katherine Stockham

Copy deadline for the November issue of Rochester Link is 4pm on 14 October 2016. Copy to: [email protected] 2 ochester Link What’s on What’s On October 2016 links with the United States of America, including memorial IFIELD gardens associated with well-remembered Americans 1-2 October Exhibition: “History of Ifield and Singlewell” such as Princess Pocahontas. Reflecting social history at St Margaret’s Church, Church Road, 1 Field DA13 9AR, and a love of gardening, Jean Stone brings together the Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Free entry, story of the first influx of American plant species and an refreshments available. Ending with Harvest Festival important collection of gardens influenced and/or created service at 5pm on Sunday. by Americans. Tickets free from Towncentric - 18a St George’s Square, St Georges Centre, Gravesend DA11 SEVENOAKS 0TB (sae with order by post, please) 01474 337600 - 2 October Listen to Garth Hewitt talk to Phil Harrison on [email protected] BBC Radio Kent about his life and his upcoming concert at St Luke’s Church, Sevenoaks at 7:50am BROMLEY Congratulations 21 October Raising the Roof (again) with Laughter. Join to the Rev Dr Trevor Gerhardt SEVENOAKS us for a night of top class comedy at St Augustine’s St Luke’s Church, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Lunchtime Church, Bromley with our returning host. Doors open on receiving his Doctoral Recitals, Lasting 30 minutes. Every Wednesday at at 7:30pm. Tickets at £12.50 via the link on the church degree in Education. 12:30pm. Please join us – admission free. Refreshments website www.st-augustines.org.uk or by calling Church available from 12 noon Office on 020 8295 1550 when open. The correct answer for the question OCTOBER which instrument is featured in the 5 David and Gaye Reay – Vocals and Guitar CRAYFORD photograoh on the cover of “Knowing 12 Hungry Town – Bluegrass from the USA ** 22 October The Friends of St Paulinus Jubilee Concert 19 Mike Hatchard – Piano** to be held in St Paulinus Church at 7:30 pm. Contact on Anna”, was Cello. Thank you for all who 26 Dave Beckett – Acoustic Guitar and Vocals 01322 557532 or [email protected] participated. The winners of “Knowing ** These recitals are part of St Luke’s Festival and last for Anna” competition are: Gill Miller from 45 minutes instead of the usual 30 minutes HADLOW Rochester and Chioma Obi from Bromley. 22 October: An Audience with Henry VIII in St Mary’s The book will be with you shortly. BEXLEYHEATH Church, Hadlow at 7:30pm. The 16th century monarch 8 October Countess of Wessex String Orchestra at meets a 21st century audience in this acclaimed play CONTACT US Christ Church, Bexleyheath at 7:00pm. Tickets £10 in from touring theatre company The Foundry Group. News and letters to the Editor: Funny, raucous, dark and moving. Tickets £10, [email protected] advance, £12 on the night. Parish Office 020 8301 5966 Telephone: 01634 560000 [email protected] concessions £6.50 from 01732 851519, or email: office@ stmaryshadlow.org.uk Suitable for ages 12+. Interval

BROMLEY refreshments. ADVERTISEMENTS 13-16 October at Bromley and Sheppards College, Email: [email protected] Bromley. October 13 7.:00pm The play ‘Behind the Walls’. STROOD Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. 22 October Book Sale at St Nicholas Church, High Street, Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. October 14 7:00pm ‘Big Band spectacular’, by Bromley (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do Youth Music Trust. October 15 1:00–5:00pm Display by Strood from 10.00 am - 12.00 noon. All books 50p the rest for you.) the ‘Sealed Knot’, Hog Roast, demonstrations. October 16 5:00pm ‘The Magic of Kentish Opera’, fully staged TUNBRIDGE WELLS excerpts from favourite operas. For more information, visit 22 October Autumn Charity Fair, at King Charles’ Hall www.bromleyandsheppardscolleges.com (bottom of Warwick Park) from 10:00am to 1:00pm in aid of the Barnabas Fund and Canon Andrew White’s SEVENOAKS Fund for Persecuted Christians in Syria and Iraq. Stalls 14 October Garth Hewitt Concert at St Luke’s Church, include china, glass, stationery, toys, children’s new Sevenoaks at 7:30pm. Tickets in advance £5 from knitwear, jewellery, toiletries, books, games and much 01732 461087 more. Refreshments available, admission FREE.

GRAVESEND LONDON 15 October Jean Stone – The American Spirit in the 23 October Interfaith Gathering at 2.30pm in the English Garden at 2.30pm at St George’s Church, Church Friends Meeting House in St Martin’s Lane, London Street, Gravesend DA11 0DJ. Exploration of the New WC2N 4EA. Copies of the Week of Prayer leaflets World offered far reaching possibilities for the acquisition containing readings for each day may be ordered from of new plants. English gardens and landscapes were Sue Davis [email protected] See website: transformed by an influx of American roots and through www.weekofprayerforworldpeace.com the past three centuries gardens have displayed important Volunteering Opportunity! If you or someone you know has suffered with mental health problems, you may have seen how questions of faith can come to the fore in times of crisis. Our local mental health trust Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust, does have a small dedicated team of chaplains, but it is keen to attract new volunteer chaplaincy visitors to join the team. The ideal person would be someone who can listen to problems without feeling they need to solve them; someone whose experience of the spiritual journey FROM PROPAGATION means they can support another person in their own searchings. If you would like to find out more then please contact the Rev Ruth Bierbaum on: 01622 722180, or [email protected].

TO PARTNERSHIP Children and Young people Team

The Children and Young People Team is pleased to As Us returns to the well-loved USPG, the P in announce that they have moved to a new team. our name has changed! It might seem a small Cheryl Trice and Sarah Cabella will now be part of the Mission and Community Engagement Team. change but it’s an important one. It’s the way This is a positive move to work more cohesively we do mission now - inclusive, empowering, in the area of mission with parishes and their forward-looking. engagement with families, children and young people, alongside the existing areas work of resourcing, guidance and advice. As a result of the move, information and links through the Rochester diocesan website will now to found UNITED SOCIETY under the mission tab – mission and community PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL engagement. ochester Link 3

The hidden hand of God

his month sees the 950th Anniversary Tof the Battle of Hastings. Most people of my generation of British school children are probably aware of “1066”, even if we are not good on any other historical dates.

William of Normandy invaded England. Harold, the King, died, we were told, after being shot in the eye with an arrow; and our nation’s story was changed forever – probably changed far more than those at the time realised.

Even family stories were changed, with some people still claiming now to trace back their family line to someone “who came over with the Conqueror”.

Sometimes, there are occasions in our lives which we know will lead to future changes in our family stories as the years unfold, eg a marriage or a birth. By the time we have reached these joyful events, however, we have anticipated them and seen them coming.

Sometimes, however, the events which have changed our lives are not found in headline stories, nor have they been foreseen by us at the time. I wonder,

How many times you look back across the course of your own story and recognise that some decision you took, or some event in which you participated, proved to be very significant for the life which lay ahead of you, and now that decision or event seems to have been part of a pattern almost laid out for you, without you knowing it.

Some would speak of the hand of God, the providence of God, being there, without we, ourselves, realising it at the time. (You may care to read the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis to read of one person who believed that God had put him into a particular place for a particular purpose, unforeseen by him long before. Read also the Book of Esther, one of the two books in the Bible not to mention God by name, but which is very conscious of the hand of God in the outworking of events.)

There are occasions when you and I are also the very means by which the hand of God, the providence of God, been drawn later, even much later, into responding to by contemporary historical headlines. He has done so carries forward the life of someone else in a way which the call of God to ordination, because of something supremely through the birth, life, death, resurrection for them is nothing less than historic. I had said, or preached or did — and at the time and ascension of Jesus Christ. neither I nor they had any inkling that my words or Over the years, people have said to me that something actions had been so significant for them. Perhaps this Let us pray that God may help us to play our part, that I had said, at some moment, or some sermon which has been your experience too. whether knowingly or unknowingly, in the outworking I had preached years ago, or some action which I took in of his good purposes for others — even if what we do my parish ministry, had touched them and shaped them The Biblical witness is that the hand of God does does not attain the historical status of a date such as and sent them forward under God. Examples of this which work through human history and individual lives and “1066” nor is it commemorated 950 years later. have particularly moved me were where individuals have that he has done so with events too often unnoticed Bishop James’ Diary October 2016 1 Saturday 10:30am Ordination of Priests - 5 Wednesday All Day Bishops Staff Meeting - 14 Friday All Day Paddock Wood Deanery Rochester Cathedral Rochester 15 Saturday 9:00am Diocesan Synod - Christ Church, 3:00pm Ordination of Deacons - 10 Monday 12:00pm Prison Hope 2017 Launch - Orpington Rochester Cathedral HMP Pentonville 16 Sunday 10:20am Lichfield Cathedral Prison 2 Sunday 9:00am Sunday Worship – St Paul with 10 Monday Senior Leadership Development Service - Lichfield Cathedral All Saints, Chatham 11 Tuesday Group Residential – Royal 17 Monday - All Day Bishop’s Staff Residential 10:00am Sunday Worship – St Paul with Foundation of St Katharine, 19 Wednesday All Saints, Chatham London 20 Thursday 2:00pm Founder’s Day Service - Bennett 12:30pm Blessing of Attic Retreats - 12 Wednesday All Day Housing Justice AGM - Coventry Memorial Diocesan School, Companions of Christ, Chatham 13 Thursday 9:00am Strategic Framework Meeting Tunbridge Wells 3:30pm Ordination of the Rev Matthew - Rochester Friday 21 All Day Annual Leave Robinson - St John, Sevenoaks Evening Meeting with French Roman Monday 31 3 Monday - All Day Deanery Visit – Paddock Wood Catholic Pilgrims - Aylesford 9 Sunday Priory 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature The Only Calendar with a Free Christmas Story-Activity Book

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A near contemporary recorded that, ‘[Pocahontas] came at Gravesend to her end and grave, having given great demonstration of her Christian sincerity, as the first fruits of Virginian conversion, leaving here a goodly memory, and the hopes of her resurrection.’

Pocahontas had arrived in England in June 1616 aboard the Treasurer, landing at Plymouth before making her way to London. With her were her husband and St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset son, together with members of her tribe and the Deputy Governor of Virginia, Sir Thomas enhancing church interiors Dale. In London, she was received at court Ronald Emett fine furniture and met many notable personalities of the www.ronaldemettfurniture.com day. The Virginia Company of London, entrusted with settling a new colony across 01308 868025 the Atlantic, had by then experienced a decline in its fortunes, needing fresh investors. The arrival of Pocahontas and CHURCH PEWS those with her created a renewed interest. UNCOMFORTABLE? WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY Speculation persists as to the disease that UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, carried Pocahontas away but the link that Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN was formed with Gravesend on that day www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 in March 1617 has persisted. There is a Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote RL1016 plaque in the church, and stained glass windows commemorate her baptism.

A statue in the churchyard, COMMUNION LINEN erected in 1958, is a copy of one that stands at Jamestown, The finest purificators, palls, lavabo the site established in 1607 Towels, corporals – at affordable prices as the first permanent English Made by Zimbabwe Mothers’ Union In support of its outreach work in settlement. the Anglican church there. Many visitors from the USA and around MATABELELAND CHURCH LINENS the world, some of them descendants of 11 Margetts Close,Kenilworth,CV8 1EN Pocahontas, visit St George’s Church to Email: [email protected] remember this remarkable young woman – only 21 at the time of her death – who remains one of the most significant Casa Oleander SHERBORNE Luxury 3 Bed Villa characters in early American history. Short breaks in Dorset Elegant, spacious, 2 bed,

There will be a commemoration service of apartment in listed building Sleeps 6/8, near the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ death close to Abbey Church. Carvoeiro, Portugal. Open all year. Own pool, all Mod Cons on 21 March next year. Before then, St Golf, Tennis, Free Wifi. Please ring for brochure: Tel: 02380 265 683 George’s Church and Gravesham Borough [email protected] @b ild f k Council have worked to bring together a 01404 841367 www.casa-oleander.co.uk special porgramme around the theme ‘Peace and Reconciliation’.

Among the events is a new play by actor TravelArranged for RochesterInsurance Link readers and dramatist, Kieran Knowles, and schools Real and friendly people... not machines! Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical in Gravesham and in Chesterfield County, cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, Virginia (with which Gravesham is twinned), most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. LONG STAY, SINGLE TRIP, AND CRUISE COVER are looking forward to working together. available for holidays departing up to 31/12/2017 Local historians are already leading popular Annual multi-trip cover (max. age 85) Single trip cover (NO max. age) tours of St George’s Church and Gravesend’s for UK, Europe and worldwide holidays riverside. St George’s Church itself will be Single trip cover for all departures up to 31/12/17 open more often over the next six months, Conditions apply FT TRAVEL UK Please call for details ~ and will host a series of concerts as well as BASED INSURANCE 0116 272 0500 talks on themes connected with Pocahontas. Authorised & regulated by the FCA 6 ochester Link Hakuna Matata

he Rev Andrea Leonard will They are more aware of spiritual things. be priested on 1 October Our focus on material possessions can be T a bit oppressive in the end – even though and she is a lady with a lot on we have to live in the culture where we her mind.Retreats, inoculations, are. The pressure on us in the West is flights and packing to name but a horrendous!” few. On 12 October, Andrea will Andrea will gain first-hand experience of be heading for Kondoa where she how the Church operates in an area with will stay until 12 November. a population that is 95% Muslim. She said, “I think it will be a steep learning curve. Andrea said, “This came as a complete surprise. I was walking down the Maidstone I am learning some Swahili Road one sunny afternoon, yearning to before I go, and can say a few be somewhere in Africa and recognising that this was impossible because I was basic things, like ‘hello,’ ‘how hopefully about to be priested. Then are you?’ and ‘Hakuna matata’ I went to see Bishop James for my nine which literally means ‘no month review. I had worked in India, at the London City Mission, in prisons and worries’. for the NHS, so I thought maybe working with the street pastors would come my I am a bit worried about having to ‘fly by way. Bishop James said, ‘take me back the seat of my pants’ though, because to India’ and we discussed that. He then apparently they don’t give you too much invited me to go and work in Kondoa for a warning about having to preach. That month - partly because of my experience might be quite liberating though!” in India and partly because I don’t have any dependents - and I couldn’t help but Worried about wearing a cassock in 32 smile at my hope on the Maidstone Road degrees, Andrea added, “Someone has that I could serve there. It was really a God volunteered to make me a cassock out of moment!” 100% cotton; I can’t tell you how grateful I am”. Based at the Cathedral in Kondoa, Andrea will teach at the bible school where clergy We wish Andrea well for her adventures are trained and she will also work with in Kondoa and look forward to hearing all delegates on the Women’s Empowerment about them upon her safe return. Hakuna Project, in amongst other preaching matata! responsibilities. Andrea said, “I am really looking forward to working in a different You can discover more about our link environment with a different culture. My Diocese by visiting the Overseas Links experience from India tells me that these section on the diocesan website. You will people inhabit a different world; they have find this on the drop down menu under more time and they are content with less. Mission. www.rochester.anglican.org Bromley and Sheppards College celebrates 350 years

By the Rev Dr Anne Townsend around 1670, on what would become Bromley and Sheppard’s Colleges.

ormer Mayor of Southwark, As places in the original college were unable FJanet Heatley, will play the to meet the continuing need, in 1788 Mrs Widow Featley in “Behind the Helen Bettenson and Bishop Zachary Pearce left money to build a second quadrangle, Walls”, a play to celebrate the providing another 20 homes, and in 1840 a 350th anniversary of two Kent legacy from Mrs Sophia Sheppard enabled colleges which have offered help, another building, Sheppard’s, to be erected hope and a home to about 800 to accommodate homeless daughters. clergy widows and clergymen. During a special founders’ day ceremony, Janet has lived in the colleges with the Rev Christopher Boulton hopes to unveil and then open two new iron gates which her husband Cecil for ten years. are currently being created to replace the original gates. The pageant will celebrate the life of the Colleges’ founder, Bishop John Warner, A week of celebrations, which begins on 12 whose concern about the plight of the clergy October, will include visits from the Sealed widows, inspiration and legacy enabled the Knot, the Kentish Opera, the Bromley Youth building of the colleges to commence in the Band and also offers visitors an opportunity 1670’s. to explore behind the walls surrounding the 350 year old, Grade One listed buildings of John Warner, Bishop of Rochester, left a Bromley and Sheppard’s Colleges. substantial sum of money in his will to build 20 houses to be used for “the maintenance During the 350th celebration week, visitors of twenty poor widows.” These were clergy will be able to explore some of the buildings, widows whose husbands had been killed see a photographic record of their history, in the Civil War, many of whom were left and see the new gates, buildings and pillars stranded and penniless. Building started of ‘Bromley’s best kept secret’. ochester Link 7 Working together

By Virginia Corbyn However, there is still work to do to ensure that religious education continues to hat do remember about address the needs of the current generation at a time when less and less people in Wyour RE lessons at school? our country are actively engaged within a My first memory is of Scripture faith community. At the same time, news lessons with Miss Crook at my headlines can fuel the idea that religion is a negative and destructive influence in the Church of England primary world. A correct and balanced knowledge school in Bolton. In every lesson, and understanding of religion can help we listened to a Bible story and to counter that view, whilst also making sure that young people are religiously and then re-wrote the story in our theologically literate. RE can also give them best handwriting with a work of the opportunity to develop spiritually by art to go with the story. There exploring and enriching their own faith and beliefs. was a balanced diet of the Old and New Testaments – but it was Despite examples of good practice in RE, essentially a learning of Scripture. recent reports on the state of RE in schools have shown that there is a lack of a clear I loved Bible stories and knowing shared understanding of the place and the scriptures continues to help purpose of RE, that more priority needs to me today in my RE advisory work be given to the developing of pupils’ subject knowledge, understanding and skills, that for Rochester Diocese. there needs to be an improvement in the consistency of the quality of planning, However, I would be the first to admit that teaching and assessing RE, and that the RE has moved on immensely since my leadership and governance of RE in primary infant school days. Across our Diocese, schools needs to be more strategically there is a great deal of creative and focused on raising standards and improving exciting RE taking place on a weekly basis provision in our schools. for the 22,000 pupils in our 88 Church of England schools. I have the privilege of The Church of England has responded seeing many teachers with knowledge, quickly and practically to these findings understanding and enthusiasm supporting with ‘Understanding Christianity’, a set of children and young people in their learning high quality and creative resources for 4 to about and their learning from the six major 14 year olds. These resources are based world faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, on 8 key Christian concepts which present Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism). Around the Biblical narrative of salvation to a new the Diocese, there are children enjoying generation. Over the coming school year, the outdoors as part of their RE, others are teachers will be trained on how to make the exploring the biggest of human questions, most of the new materials. We have asked visiting places of worship of different faiths our parish clergy to support the Education and welcoming visitors into their schools Team at the Diocese and their local schools to hear about how their beliefs are lived as we engage in a fresh way with Christian out day by day. We are fortunate that so theology and with the people and the many of our clergy and church members Kingdom of God. Please see the diocesan are involved in the RE curriculum, in both and education websites or contact Virginia Church and community schools across the Corbyn if you want any more information, or Diocese. visit www.understandingchristianity.org.uk Singing Praises at St Mary’s

By Hilda Aplin was asked by the choirmaster to sing lustily. Tongue in cheek, Pam replied, “This n Sunday 4 September, is Songs of Praise. We don’t have any lust,” to which another voice responded, OGillingham native Pam “Well, if you don’t want it, can you send it Rhodes, presenter of Songs of three rows back?”. Praise, played host to a concert Pam spoke movingly of Princess Diana’s at St Mary Magdalene’s church, death, (the 19th anniversary having Gillingham, entitled “Then Sings just passed) and how Songs of Praise My Soul”. The favourite ‘How quickly arranged a live show at St Paul’s Cathedral. As the plane bringing back Great Thou Art’ opened the the body of Princess of Wales landed, the concert and well-known local live show was on air; images of the plane tenor Michael Muckleston sang and procession were relayed, with the hymns then being sung forming the aural “I’ll walk with God & Jerusalem.” background. The audience sang a collection of familiar hymns. St Mary Magdalene’s church is raising funds for its reordering project, to open up A self-confessed “anorak” of hymns for the building to the community and make whom they were “prayers in your pocket”, it a more versatile and welcoming place. Pam prefaced each hymn with an illustrative May I thank all those who supported the anecdote or two. In one cathedral, Pam event on Sunday. We raised over £400 after expenses. 8 ochester Link

‘ A wonderful evening and a great opportunity to outreach to our local community and speak of God’s love for us, expressed so perfectly in Jesus.’

Celebrate the hope of Christ. Celebrate Christingle

The Children’s Society’s Christingle celebrations have brought hope to thousands of children’s lives for the past 48 years. Last year, hundreds of churches and schools in the Diocese of Rochester took part in this wonderful event, raising more than £40,000 in support of our work with vulnerable children and young people.

For many of the children we work with, receiving support from one of our project workers is the first time they’ve had someone to listen to them and ensure that their voice is heard. By taking part this year, you can help us reach even more children who desperately need us whilst bringing your whole church and community together in worship. The bright colours, sweet smells and candlelight in the dark never fail to warm the hearts of children and adults alike at a time of year that can often lose its true meaning amidst the hustle and bustle.

To find out more about the work we do, and to order your free Christingle resources, visit christingle.org/rochester

XTC51_Christingle 2016 Adverts_Rochester Link Newspaper_V1.indd 1 15/09/2016 16:39 ochester Link 9 Forty Years of Caring By the Rev Canon Bryan Knapp WE CAN his year St Andrew, Paddock TWood is celebrating 40 years since the opening of its Fair Trade DESIGN Shop. When it first opened, back in 1976, it was known as the PRINT Care and Share Shop, the idea of Sheila Mutler who has always DISTRIBUTE been at the forefront of new Its aim has always been to help others. concept unheard of in 1976) from chocolate ideas to help others. Selling fairly traded items produced by to household cleaners, as wells as beautiful those in need abroad and at home enables jewellery and scarves, whilst continuing us to give money to organisations that to offer ‘nearly new’ clothes, books and YOUR She began holding what became known help others too. Over the past ten years household items. as Nearly New Sales. Her initial idea over £66,000 has been given to a mixture grew from the fact that so many perfectly LEAFLETS of home charities including the Kenword A new venture, introduced by the current good and almost new clothes were being Trust, Crossways and the Bridge Trust, as manager Katharine Garland, has been discarded because children grow so fast, well as overseas such as Practical Action, the Guest Artist of the Month giving local AND MORE and therefore their clothes nolonger fitted. Tools for Self Reliance, ROPE, HART, Shelter craftspeople the opportunity to showcase The idea rapidly mushroomed to include Box and MAF. their wares, ranging from paintings to many other items and, although to start homemade jams and lots more in between. with clothes were sorted in her house, it Over the years the shop grew, eventually • Design soon became obvious that more space was becoming a part of the new Church Complex A long standing and very popular event is needed. in late 1996. After carrying the banner the famous Christmas Event which this year Our talented designers can give for over 25 years, Sheila handed over the takes place on Saturday 12 November. So began the Care and Share Shop; your business or event a great management of the shop to a committee, staffed by volunteers from the start, it look. We can source images and and it was decided that the name the Fair The Fairtrade shop is like the parable of the initially stocked clothes and bric-a-brac but Trade Shop more accurately reflected what Mustard Seed. From that one initial thought proof read your print media. gradually began to sell “fairly traded items” the enterprise had become. it has grown and grown and provided sourced by Sheila from Traidcraft. When it help and support for so many in the UK first opened it was the only charity shop New ideas continue to be introduced. The and abroad, in so many different ways. in the country apart from Oxfam. Hard to shop has now over 45 volunteer staff, and We praise God for its ministry and for the • Print believe maybe in these days when there stocks a wide variety of Fair Trade items (a original idea. are so many charity shops. We can manage the print of your leaﬂ ets, business cards, stationery, and almost anything else. Remembering We offer short runs as well as By the Rev Canon Bryan Knapp Soon after the mine had exploded nearby, Somme sector between 1915 and March large quantities at great rates the whistles blew, and Raymond led his men 1918, more than 90 percent of them during including FREE UK mainland n 1 July 1916 a young officer, over the top, but was immediately mown the 1916 battle. delivery on most orders. down by enemy machine-gun fire. Today Owho had just celebrated his he is buried at Gordon’s Dump, in one of On an overcast, August lunchtime, Rachael 21st birthday, was crouching in the Commonwealth War Grave Commissions was joined by veterans from a Welsh his trench at La Boisselle, outside cemeteries just outside the village of La Regiment doing a tour of the battle fields, Boisselle. and other individuals who had come to • Distribution Albert, in the Somme region of remember long-lost relatives from the France, waiting to go over the top. His great niece is the Rev Rachael First World War. Rachael said, “It was a We are able to insert your leaﬂ ets The officer’s name was Raymond Knapp, Chaplain at Bennett Memorial privilege to take part in the service and I into this and similar publications Diocesan School, Tunbridge Wells, and did so to honour the memory of my Great Eason and he, along with other this summer she was able to lead a Uncle. When faced with the huge scale of enabling you to reach a church young men from his town in service of Remembrance at the Thiepval the losses from The Somme it can be hard audience in this and other CofE Grimsby, responded to the call Memorial. From July to November the to comprehend the numbers, but recalling dioceses. Royal British Legion is holding a daily Act my family’s story can help bring the reality (issued by his father who was of Remembrance at the Memorial as part of it all home. I remembered that my the local Mayor) to form a ‘pals of the 100th Anniversary commemorations Granny, throughout her life, always kept a group’ attached to the Lincolnshire of the Battle of the Somme. The Thiepval photograph of Raymond in his uniform on Memorial is the largest Commonwealth war her desk; as I took part in the service that Regiment. They became known as memorial in the world. It commemorates image was at the front of mind.” The Grimsby Chums. more than 72,000 men who died in the Great customer service

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Burrswood Health and Wellbeing, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY Matthew 11:28 Reg charity no 1095940 www.burrswood.org.uk 01892 863637 ochester Link 11 Intercessions Rochester Diocese -October 2016 Saturday 1 October Remigius, bishop, 533. Anthony Ashley Cooper Sunday 16 October Saturday 1 October Remigius, bishop, 533. Anthony Ashley Cooper Sunday 16 October (Earl of Shaftesbury), social reformer, 1885 Rochester Diocese: Paddock Wood Deanery, The Rev Canon Bryan (Earl of Shaftesbury), social reformer, 1885 Rochester Diocese: Paddock Wood Deanery, The Rev Canon Bryan Ember Day Knapp, Rural Dean; Mr John Kirby, Lay Chair. Ember Day Knapp, Rural Dean; Mr John Kirby, Lay Chair. Rochester Diocese: For the ordinations this weekend. Rochester Diocese: For the ordinations this weekend. Monday 17 October Ignatius, bishop, martyr, c.107 Monday 17 October Ignatius, bishop, martyr, c.107 Sunday 2 October Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St John the Baptist, Vicar: The Rev Sunday 2 October Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St John the Baptist, Vicar: The Rev Rochester Diocese: For the newly ordained in our Diocese and their Liz Lander Rochester Diocese: For the newly ordained in our Diocese and their Liz Lander receiving parishes. receiving parishes. Tuesday 8 October Luke the Evangelist Tuesday 8 October Luke the Evangelist Monday 3 October George Bell, Bishop, ecumenist, peacemaker, 1958 Rochester Diocese: Hospital and other healthcare chaplains in the Monday 3 October George Bell, Bishop, ecumenist, peacemaker, 1958 Rochester Diocese: Hospital and other healthcare chaplains in the Rochester Diocese: Pray for our Archdeacons, meeting today as an Diocese Rochester Diocese: Pray for our Archdeacons, meeting today as an Diocese area group. area group. Wednesday 19 October Henry Martyn, translator, missionary, Wednesday 19 October Henry Martyn, translator, missionary, Tuesday 4 October Francis of Assisi, friar, deacon, 1226 1812 Tuesday 4 October Francis of Assisi, friar, deacon, 1226 1812 Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Peter, Vicar: The Rev Mike Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St Paul, Vicar: The Rev Vince Short Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Peter, Vicar: The Rev Mike Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St Paul, Vicar: The Rev Vince Short Warren Warren Thursday 20 October Thursday 20 October Wednesday 5 October Rochester Diocese: Penge, St John, Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Wednesday 5 October Rochester Diocese: Penge, St John, Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Philip, Vicar: The Rev Richard Matthew Fitter Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Philip, Vicar: The Rev Richard Matthew Fitter Thomas Thomas Friday 21 October Friday 21 October Thursday 6 October William Tyndale, translator, martyr, 1536 Rochester Diocese: Shortlands, St Mary, Vicar: The Rev Morag Finch Thursday 6 October William Tyndale, translator, martyr, 1536 Rochester Diocese: Shortlands, St Mary, Vicar: The Rev Morag Finch Rochester Diocese: Anerley, Christ Church and St Paul, Team Rector: Rochester Diocese: Anerley, Christ Church and St Paul, Team Rector: The Rev Matthew Fitter Saturday 22 October The Rev Matthew Fitter Saturday 22 October Rochester Diocese: For people with speech impediments and Rochester Diocese: For people with speech impediments and The Emmaus Centre Friday 7 October diffi culties hearing. Friday 7 October difficulties hearing. Layhams Road, West Wickham, Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Christ Church, Vicar: The Rev Rob Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Christ Church, Vicar: The Rev Rob Kent BR4 9HH Hinton Sunday 23 October Tel: 020 8777 2000 Hinton Sunday 23 October Rochester Diocese: Rochester Deanery, The Rev Canon Penny Fax: 020 8776 2022 Rochester Diocese: Rochester Deanery, The Rev Canon Penny Saturday 8 October Foreman, Area Dean; Mr Rob Mills, Lay Chair. [email protected] Saturday 8 October Foreman, Area Dean; Mr Rob Mills, Lay Chair. Rochester Diocese: For people with various forms of word blindness, Registered Charity Rochester Diocese: For people with various forms of word blindness, and for the illiterate and semiliterate. Monday 24 October and for the illiterate and semiliterate. Monday 24 October Are you looking for a quiet peaceful place to Rochester Diocese: Bickley, St George, Vicar: The Rev Richard Rochester Diocese: Bickley, St George, Vicar: The Rev Richard enable you to fi nd space in your life for God? Sunday 9 October Norman Sunday 9 October Norman We invite you to the Emmaus Centre, here you can Rochester Diocese: Prison chaplains in this Diocese and for the Rev Rochester Diocese: Prison chaplains in this Diocese and for the Rev experience the peace and tranquillity of a caring Michael Kavanagh, Chaplain-General of Prisons. Tuesday 25 October Crispin and Crispinian, martyrs, c.287 Michael Kavanagh, Chaplain-General of Prisons. Tuesday 25 October Crispin and Crispinian, martyrs, c.287 and prayerful atmosphere. To assist you in your Rochester Diocese: Biggin Hill, St Mark, Vicar: The Rev Alison Rochester Diocese: Biggin Hill, St Mark, Vicar: The Rev Alison inner journey, individual spiritual direction and the Monday 10 October Paulinus, bishop, missionary, 644, Thomas Newman services of a resident chaplain are all available. Monday 10 October Paulinus, bishop, missionary, 644, Thomas Newman Traherne, poet, spiritual writer, 1674 Traherne, poet, spiritual writer, 1674 In addition to our programme, which can be viewed Rochester Diocese: For the launch of Prison Hope 2017 Wednesday 26 October Alfred, king, scholar, 899, Cedd, abbot, Rochester Diocese: For the launch of Prison Hope 2017 Wednesday 26 October Alfred, king, scholar, 899, Cedd, abbot, on our website, we offer times for quiet prayer, bishop, 664 bishop, 664 opportunities for daily worship and an atmosphere Tuesday 11 October Ethelburga, abbess, 675, James the Deacon, Rochester Diocese: Bromley, Christ Church, Vicar: The Rev Iain of silence to support those who seek to spend time Tuesday 11 October Ethelburga, abbess, 675, James the Deacon, Rochester Diocese: Bromley, Christ Church, Vicar: The Rev Iain companion of Paulinus, 7th cent. Broomfi eld deepening their relationship with God. companion of Paulinus, 7th cent. Broomfield Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Holy Trinity, Vicar: The Rev Dr Nick Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, Holy Trinity, Vicar: The Rev Dr Nick Read Thursday 27 October Read Thursday 27 October Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St Andrew, Vicar: The Rev Julie Bowen Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St Andrew, Vicar: The Rev Julie Bowen Wednesday 12 October Wilfrid, bishop, missionary, 709, Elizabeth Wednesday 12 October Wilfrid, bishop, missionary, 709, Elizabeth Fry, prison reformer, 1845, Edith Cavell, nurse 1915 Friday 28 October Simon and Jude, Apostles Fry, prison reformer, 1845, Edith Cavell, nurse 1915 Friday 28 October Simon and Jude, Apostles Rochester Diocese: Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group, Bishop’s Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St John the Evangelist, Vicar: The Rev Rochester Diocese: Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group, Bishop’s Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St John the Evangelist, Vicar: The Rev Advisor: Mrs Janice Keen Andrew McClellan Advisor: Mrs Janice Keen Andrew McClellan Thursday 13 October Edward the Confessor, king, 1066 Saturday 29 October James Hannington, bishop, martyr, 1885 Thursday 13 October Edward the Confessor, king, 1066 Saturday 29 October James Hannington, bishop, martyr, 1885 Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St Barnabas, Priest-in-Charge: The Rochester Diocese: For all those whose own skin is a source of Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St Barnabas, Priest-in-Charge: The Rochester Diocese: For all those whose own skin is a source of Rev Tim Hide distress and discomfort to them. NATIONAL FRUIT Rev Tim Hide distress and discomfort to them. TREE SPECIALISTS Friday 14 October Sunday 30 October 4th Sunday before Advent All Saints Sunday One of the UK's largest suppliers of fruit trees and soft Friday 14 October Sunday 30 October 4th Sunday before Advent All Saints Sunday fruit plants including Cranberries and Goji Berries Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St George, Rector: The Rev Jeremy Rochester Diocese: Rochester Cathedral: The Very Rev’d Dr Philip Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St George, Rector: The Rev Jeremy Rochester Diocese: Rochester Cathedral: The Very Rev’d Dr Philip Blunden Hesketh, Dean. ISCOUNT SING ODE Blunden Hesketh, Dean. 10% D U C OCT10 Saturday 15 October Teresa of Avila, teacher of the faith, 1582 OFFER ENDS 31/10/16 Saturday 15 October Teresa of Avila, teacher of the faith, 1582 Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St James and St Michael with St Monday 31 October Martin Luther, reformer, 1546 Rochester Diocese: Beckenham, St James and St Michael with St Monday 31 October Martin Luther, reformer, 1546 NATIONWIDE DELIVERY Augustine, Vicar: The Rev Leon Carberry Rochester Diocese: Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lutheran Augustine, Vicar: The Rev Leon Carberry Rochester Diocese: Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lutheran family of churches. DEACONS NURSERY family of churches. Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW 01983 840750 (24hrs) Tel: 01983 522243 Fax: 01983 523575 Email: [email protected] or visit our website Lord, have mercy upon us www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk ByLord, the Rev Lindsay have Llewellyn-MacDuff, mercy as in kyrie eleison,upon one of the oldestus prayers ByBishop’s the Rev chaplain. Lindsay Llewellyn-MacDuff, Bishop’s Eleousaof the church. is the Itsame is usually root wordtranslated, as Eleison, ‘Lord, chaplain. ashave in mercykyrie eleison, upon us’, one but of wethe might oldest translate prayers There is a tradition among icons of the ofit, accordingthe church. to It the is theologyusually translated, of the Eleousa, ‘Lord, Metalsmith ThereBlessed is aVirgin tradition Mary, among called icons Eleousa, of the Blessed or in have‘Lord, mercy be kind upon to us’.us’, but we might translate www.steelyourself.co.uk VirginEnglish, Mary, Our called Lady ofEleousa, loving orkindness. in English, Our it, according to the theology of the Eleousa, Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall Lady of loving kindness. ‘Lord,Lord, be yourselfkind to us’. to us: reach for us, hold us, provides new work and maintenance for a The key ‘genre’ indicator is that mother and save us: pull us back to you. number of churches. To join his list of satisfi ed customers Thechild keyare ‘genre’cheek toindicator cheek, butis that often, mother the childand Lord, be yourself to us: reach for us, hold us, call: 020 8850 7851 or 077 6666 2747 childJesus are is clutchingcheek to cheek,at Mary, but grabbing often, the hold child of saveThe us:calendar pull us ofback prayer to you. for the Diocesan Jesusher clothes, is clutching foot in ather Mary, sleeve grabbing (any of holdus who of Fellowship of Pray-ers may be found on the herhave clothes, held an foot enthusiastic in her sleeve toddler (any ofwill us know who Thediocesan calendar website of prayer (www.rochester.anglican. for the Diocesan Fellowship havethe feeling). held an enthusiasticIt is as though toddler the will child know Jesus the oforg/ Pray-ers - ‘Praying may the be Way’found under on thethe diocesanministry feeling).cannot get It is enough as though of theMary, child cannot Jesus becannot too websitemenu). The(http://www.rochester.anglican.org/ Diocesan Fellowship of Pray-ers getclose enough to her. ofThe Mary, Eleousa cannot is abe portrait too close of the to -also ‘Praying available the Way’ for intercessionunder the ministry for particular menu). There is none like you, O Lord, her.God Thewho Eleousa yearns isfor a us.portrait of the God who Theneeds Diocesan that arise Fellowship suddenly. of PleasePray-ers contact also and there is no God besides you, yearns for us. availablethe Bishop’s for intercessionchaplain who for can particular pass on needs your according to all that we have It has lately been pointed out to me that thatprayer arise request. suddenly. Please contact the Bishop’s heard with our ears. ItEleousa has lately is the been same pointed root wordout toas meEleison, that chaplain who can pass on your prayer request. 1Ch 17:20 (ESV) 12 ochester Link

Our Conversation; Our Future

By the Rt Rev James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester are being baptised and confirmed. In Kondoa, this growth Engage is in a majority Muslim community, where many parishes, and the Bishop, live a hand-to-mouth existence. The church To ask everyone to talk about everything and tell me what his month at our Diocesan Synod we is engaged in projects such as a kindergarten in Kondoa Tlaunch ‘Our Conversation; Our Future’. Cathedral parish which will generate income, this will in they think would be an endless and impossible process. Our As the title suggests, this is an opportunity turn build resilience and lead to sustainability. Conversation; Our Future asks just three questions: for us to discuss together the future shape Closer to home, in the Church of England nationally an • What may the Holy Spirit be saying to us about our area? and direction of mission and ministry in our ambitious programme of Renewal & Reform is underway. • What do we currently spend our energy and resources on? Diocese, taking time to listen to what the Holy This builds on three goals articulated by General Synod in • What do we need to change about who we are and what Spirit is saying. 2010 to: we do? From now until Easter 2017 we will be asking these questions Our Conversation; Our Future is part of our • Contribute as the national church to the common good at as many meetings and forums as we can, seeking to engage process to develop a strategic framework for the Diocese. • Facilitate the growth of the church in numbers and depth as wide and deep as we can with people connected to us. Some people recoil when strategy is mentioned, particularly of discipleship in a church context. I understand (and indeed share) this • Re-imagine the church’s ministry You are welcome to respond individually to these questions apprehension, but in the world in which we live, I think it via our website. is good and helpful to think clearly and prayerfully about Renewal & Reform seeks to build on great work, and not to how we will work for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom in duck the serious challenges we face. We have also produced a Toolkit resource, with ideas to help our midst. We seek to discern the will of God in all that we you in local churches and church groups in interesting and do, and therefore I am asking everyone in the Diocese to Our opportunities sometimes creative ways. You can download the toolkit from engage with Our Conversation; Our Future prayerfully and the diocesan website www.rochester.anglican.org with an open heart. The south east of England is once again experiencing population growth, and plans for new homes, schools and In 2017 we will be launching a diocesan Lent Course which A diocesan strategic framework isn’t new. As recently as workplaces in Ebbsfleet are significantly advanced. The will encourage us all to set aside time to listen and respond 1954 the Diocese of Rochester published ‘Your Diocese’, community at Kings Hill, near West Malling, was established to the Holy Spirit, to explore the culture around us and find a sepia-tinged document setting out the circumstances over 20 years ago, but continues to expand. Large housing our own role within it. and future opportunities for the area. Those opportunities developments are also planned in other areas. How do included massive new housing developments throughout we provide a ‘Christian presence’ in these places? Is the south east London, Kent and Medway. The diocesan traditional response to build a church and provide a vicar What’s Next? leaders of the time saw the opportunity and grasped the ‘right’ one? it, setting out an ambitious plan to build twenty church All of this praying, listening and talking is all well and buildings. Through God’s power, these were all completed, A decade ago my mobile phone was able to call people, and good, you may say, but what are going to do with all this and now play an important part in the life and work of send text messages. Today, through social media I can use information? God’s people. it to broadcast my thoughts and opinions to thousands of people; I can video-call from anywhere in the world; I can Once we have involved as many people as possible from Our Conversation; Our Future is an opportunity for us to keep up with world events. Occasionally I even use it to across the Diocese, I will be inviting a smaller group of respond to the cultural, economic and spiritual changes that make calls! This is just one example of technological leaps. people to distil a lot what we have heard into something society is undergoing and especially the need to develop a How do we use these for the Good News of Jesus? intelligible. There is some precedent for this. At Pentecost coherent and shared vision for mission, through evangelism the Holy Spirit made the word of God accessible to all who and social action, that demonstrates the coming Kingdom How do we learn from the churches within our Diocese needed to hear it. In the early chapters of Revelation, of God in the midst of such uncertainty and flux. This is an running food banks, homeless shelters, or credit unions? Jesus spoke pertinently and challengingly into the contexts era when many Christian people feel more isolated and less Is there a better way to share knowledge and experience of several regional churches, with specificity about their sure of how to express their faith in a hard and unyielding of discipleship courses, of prayer events, of lay ministry, or personal circumstances. culture, but this is not a task each is called to alone. The vocations? Church exists to give shape, meaning and voice to Christian I expect the final strategic framework to provide a scaffold for identity; the Diocese of Rochester helps to give regional Within this, we also need to ask God to reveal to us the us to build upon, rather than detailed blueprints. It will help expression to this for Anglicans. things we are not doing which we could be, and the things us understand and celebrate the diversity of our Diocese. It we are doing which we should stop. will provide us with a focus, and an outline to make decisions. The Bigger Picture The resulting document will be launched in November 2017. I know that these are bold questions, and we may not This might sound like a long process, but I feel it is important During my recent trip to our partner Dioceses in Kondoa, agree on the answers. My hope is that by engaging in that we spend time talking and listening to each other and to Mpwapwa and Harare, I was struck by the strong signs of conversation we can understand each other better and God. We invest this time and energy now, in order to be able growth. New congregations are being formed, and many grow a shared direction for the years ahead. to reap the harvest in the years to come.

Photo by Neil Harris