The Walking Welcoming Growing

Vol.26 No.4 Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark May 2021

Easter parade Poverty trap God’s call A round-up of How parishes are New JPIC head stories from across helping people reflects on her first the Diocese suffering financially months in post See page 5 See pages 6-8 See page 10 of Southwark to be next of Lynn

The Venerable Dr , encouragement to all in the Diocese in Archdeacon of Southwark, was which she will soon be serving.” announced on 28 April as the next Jane’s ministry in the Diocese of . Southwark has spanned 20 years. Having served her title in the Diocese of St The first female bishop in Norfolk, Jane Albans, she became chaplain to Bishop will also be the first to in 1999, before taking up the be consecrated in in post of Chancellor of Southwark more than a century when the ceremony Cathedral and Director of Ministerial takes place on Wednesday 23 June. Education in 2005. In 2013, she was Bishop Christopher said: “Jane has been appointed Archdeacon of Southwark. Jane Steen visits Whitefriars CofE Primary in King’s Lynn. © a trusted colleague over many years and Jane said of her appointment: “I am has played a major role in deepening honoured and delighted to have been She added: “I feel very blessed to be The Bishop-Designate spent the day discipleship as well as equipping mission called to be the next Bishop of Lynn and calling this area home after several lovely of the announcement touring the Lynn and ministry across the Archdeaconry and I am looking forward to the new ministry holidays, and I will enjoy getting to know Archdeaconry, including visits to a primary wider Diocese of Southwark.” to which God and the Church have called people and places better. I will carry with school in King’s Lynn, King’s Lynn Minster, He added: “I commend Jane and Pip to me. It will be a privilege to minister me many happy memories of the Diocese a small holding near Dereham and a your prayers and have every confidence with the clergy and laity of the Lynn of Southwark and especially from eight coastal parish church lunch club on the that Jane’s future episcopal ministry archdeaconry and to serve the wider life years of ministering in the Southwark North Norfolk coast. Her visit ended with will be a rich source of blessing and of north and west Norfolk.” Archdeaconry.” evensong at Norwich Cathedral.

Bishop Christopher shares words of encouragement after Thames death Bishop Christopher has paid tribute Speaking on the Today programme on this, that a person would lay down their to the young man who died in the act 28 April, the Bishop said: “It is very life for their friends”, the Bishop said: of attempting to save a woman from powerful to hear from Jimi’s parents of “Jimi didn’t know the person who was drowning in the Thames in the early their love for their son and their distress. in distress and drowning but he saved hours of 24 April. My heart goes out to them.” her life”.

Jimi Olubunmi-Adewole was on his way He added: “In the community, people’s He added that, despite there being a degree home from work when he heard the response has been very moving indeed. of comfort in someone giving their life in woman’s cries for help and jumped into Near the site where the two young men attempting to save another, “nothing takes the Thames at London Bridge to try to jumped in, friends and members of the away the shock of sudden death and the save her. Although the woman and Jimi’s public have been laying flowers.” distress. So there is that respect for what is friend Bernard, who was also attempting Flowers laid at Cathedral Square needed now, a time for healing and coming to help, were picked up by the coastguard, Quoting the passage in St John’s Gospel at , where to terms with the nature of that death.” Jimi was not. He was only 20 years old. which reads, “there is no greater love than prayers are being said for Jimi.

More images and local stories online — follow our blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofE 2 | The BRIDGE March 2021

A view from NEWS IN BRIEF The Learn about the birds and the bees in your churchyard BRIDGE A week-long citizen-science event running from 6-13 June 2021 aims to encourage church communities, local schools, wildlife groups and visitors to make a note of the animals, birds, insects, or The COVID-19 pandemic Many readers will know of similar fungi in their local churchyards, with the data to be collated exposed inequalities in society work in other parishes: All Saints on the National Biodiversity Network. The project is which we knew existed and about Church in Peckham also has a CAP being run jointly by the National Churches in England and which we had to act. Many of our centre; the parish of St George Wales, Caring for God’s Acre and A Rocha. parishes extended or started the Martyr in Southwark has lately extended its food bank work into Find out more information on the Caring for God’s Acre website: food banks. Some branched a food co-operative with several bit.ly/CountOnNature1 and sign up for a CofE webinar here: bit.ly/CountOnNature2 out into cooking and delivering hundred members; and going back meals. Individuals volunteered to Peckham, the Peckham Pantry Calling all COVID heroes to help shielders with shopping operates out of St Luke’s Church in The Daily Mirror has asked for nominations for the “Thank a Hero” campaign it and medicines. All of this was Chandler Way. will be running in June to thank the grass-roots volunteers who have gone above fantastic. and beyond the call of duty in the past year. If you have a nominee in mind, please These are local initiatives, and we e-mail [email protected] with the subject line of “Mirror But now what? Inequalities in might challenge ourselves in our hero” and a short account of the work the nominee has been undertaking, as well society still exist. If anything, they are churches, asking whether we too as their name, age and where they are from. We will then be able to pass this on to increasing, and we are more acutely could not undertake similar work. It the newspaper. aware of them than ever before. Are might not be possible to do this as we sure that the delivery drivers, an individual church – but perhaps Get ready for the Great Big Green Week hospital porters and cleaners and it could be between two or three From 18-26 September 2021, communities across the country will join together refuse collectors, never mind the parishes, or across an entire deanery. for the Great Big Green Week in advance of the COP26 summit in Glasgow. You nurses and other medical staff, who We could also, as individuals, signpost can find ideas for events, organiser’s guides, resources to get people talking about did so much in different ways for us people to these services and to other climate change and more at: greatbiggreenweek.com during lockdown, do not deserve national ones such as the Churches better remuneration? Do we want to Mutual Credit Union. Could you help a former WREN? live in areas in which some properties I hope that you will be inspired by Janette Crisp, Co-Coordinator of the Dauntless Division, is looking for are affordable only by overseas the examples you read about here investors? ladies who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service between 1946 and 1981 and will be able to make similar and did their basic training at Training Depot Burghfield/HMTE Burghfield/ We can affect these matters through steps in social mission in your own HMTE Dauntless/HMS Dauntless/Reading. Dauntless Divisional Photos is a our vote, but others can be addressed context. But let us also remember the nationwide project, in collaboration with the Association of Wrens, to gather in church life. We can discuss racism, words of our Lord in this context. divisional photographs and memories from those days but also to reunite ladies attitudes to gender and sexuality in All the responses described here, and with old friends. If you, a relative or even a neighbour wore the uniform, please our churches, intentionally becoming many more, perhaps stem from our e-mail ddpwrens@gmail or call 07765 435295/07719 909844. communities more fully reflecting society’s tendency to serve money gospel values. And we can take above God, for those without money backs VaccinAID campaign forward the work done so brilliantly too often find themselves as without The Church of England has thrown its support behind during the pandemic by looking value or place in society. May we Unicef’s VaccinAID campaign. The charity hopes to beyond food banks. always remember that our first love must be of our Lord, our first duty to distribute two billion vaccines around the world In this issue of The Bridge (pages God, and that our money is there to through the global COVAX initiative by the end of 6-8), you will find how parishes are be used yes, to maintain ourselves and 2021 and has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise doing just that. This includes ways our families, but also in the service of the money. in which some parishes are helping others in our generosity to the work Find out more or donate at: https://www.vaccinaid.org people in financial difficulty: there of churches and others. are case studies on the CAP debt centre at Holy Trinity, Wallington, on Jane Steen employment advice available at The Notice about images Ascension, Balham Hill through the It has been announced that Jane will be Re:Work project, and housing advice the next Bishop of Lynn; see page 1. Please note: some photographs in the paper where people are at St Edward, Mottingham. not socially distanced were taken before the pandemic.

The Bridge is produced & published by: Next Issue: Submission deadline and guidance Press and Communications, The Diocese of Southwark, Trinity House, The JUNE edition is due to be published online on 1 June 2021. Material for that 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW edition must be with Sophia Jones by e-mail by MONDAY 24 MAY. Tel: 020 7939 9400 E-mail: [email protected] Space limitations mean that we cannot guarantee to publish everything we receive The Editorial Team from Press Editorial Group: and material may be edited. All photographs submitted for publication are assumed to and Communications: Ruth Martin have the necessary permission for printing. So, please ensure that people are happy Commissioning Editor: Jane Steen for their photographs to be submitted before you do so. Sophia Jones Editorial Adviser (vacant) Forms for permission for the use of photographs of children and adults who may be Editor: Abigail Sanderson Sophia Jones vulnerable can be found at southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies- Advertising and Distribution: procedures Susana Rojas

The Bridge — in print, in your parish, and online at southwark.anglican.org/thebridge May 2021 The BRIDGE | 3

IN FOCUS... Diocese’s dignitaries pay News from the Diocese respects to Duke of Edinburgh ©

Eve Milner renew vows in mixed- mode Chrism Eucharist

On Maundy Thursday 1 April, Bishop Christopher presided over the Chrism Eucharist which included the Renewal of Vows and the Blessing of the Oils.

The service was held at Southwark Cathedral with many clergy taking part online due to COVID restrictions. This is a time of the year when Bishop Christopher speaks directly to the ordained priests in the Diocese and leads them in the renewal of their ordination The Mayors and Chief Executive Cooper, Under Sheriff of Greater promises, dedicating themselves to the Bishop Christopher. © Eve Milner of every Borough of the Diocese London, High Sheriff in Nomination service of Christ and his people. were present on Sunday 18 for 2021, who read the second lesson; and the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, In his sermon he explained the meanings April to honour His Royal and Ian Luke-Macauley, , Michael More-Molyneux. behind the three Oils (the Oil of the Sick, Highness, The Prince Philip, presented the Oils to Bishop Christopher the Oil of Baptism and the Oil of Chrism) who in turn blessed each one. Duke of Edinburgh, at a special In his sermon, Bishop Christopher which are to be used in ministry during Choral Evensong at Southwark said: “The Royal Family is a very the coming year. Tweeting about the service, the Revd Cathedral. special family because of the Ruth Lampard said, “Thank you Bishop responsibilities and duties its In conclusion he said: “Receive each oil as Christopher and Southwark Cathedral Cars lined up outside the Cathedral members carry; but it is still, first and a kind of commission. From the bedrock for such a moving service, and to be able to deliver the dignitaries to the foremost, a family.” He also reflected of your Deacons’ Orders, go out first to join in worship and in renewing my service, each wearing their chains on Prince Philip’s “strong Christian to those in your care to offer Christ’s ordination vows. Presence, nevertheless. of office as they joined Bishop hope” that allowed him to hold on to healing. Go out also to journey with those #Accessible.” Christopher and others in paying the future in all things. who are seeking faith and bring them to their respects. baptism.” Following the Eucharist, the oils were Actor Timothy West read Sonnet made available in the Retrochoir for Among those present were Colonel LX by William Shakespeare and All the present then renewed those attending in person. They were also Simon Duckworth, Representative prayers were led by Ife Banjo, their commitment to ministry after being distributed within the Deaneries for those Deputy Lieutenant for the London Linda Hutchinson and Amuda addressed by Adrian Greenwood, Chair attending online. Borough of Southwark, who read the Poongavanam. The service ended of the House of Laity. In turn, the Bishop first lesson; the Mayor of Southwark, with the choir singing the addressed the Deacons and Priests. The You can read Bishop Christopher’s Chrism Councillor Barrie Hargrove; Lynn National Anthem. Revds , Delorine Green Eucharist sermon here: bit.ly/3gMwfl8

Southwark’s longest-serving Reader dies aged 100

Alfred Wood, who has died at the His passion for local history Reader in the Southwark Diocese age of 100, was a remarkable man. started when, to occupy himself and his ministry lasted for 63 years. However, despite 75 years of selfless in school holidays, he visited local He was honoured to be nominated voluntary service to churches, churchyards, recording tombstone to receive the Maundy money in charities and the community, Alfred inscriptions. Widely respected by 2016. regarded himself as an ordinary one, his peers for his encyclopaedic writes his daughter Chris Falconer. knowledge, Alfred wrote several In 2019, Alfred had a mini stroke. publications, including two major Although he could no longer see He came from humble beginnings, books about St Margaret, Lee. with his eyes, Alfred saw with his son of a grocery shop assistant. soul. He was a true disciple of Jesus, Despite his parents not being After the bombing of Christ an exceptional person with a strong churchgoers, Alfred was made Church in 1940, Alfred arrived at faith, always ready to listen to the to attend Sunday school and was St Margaret’s carrying only a Bible needs of others and provide wise confirmed in 1933. He had to leave and gas mask! He held many offices counsel. To me, though, he was just where he met his beloved wife Roan School at 16 to contribute in that decade, from server to my Dad. Doris. She died in 2014, after almost to the family coffers, so higher sidesman. In the 1950s, he started 68 years of marriage. education was impossible, although a youth group with Doris and May he rest in peace and rise in glory. he made up for this by studying at Alfred had a long career, holding became Churchwarden, an office he evening classes later. down highly responsible and held for 13 years. A service of thanksgiving will be demanding positions. Alfred joined the NAAFI in 1936, Alfred was the longest-serving held at St Margaret, Lee on 1 July at 12.30pm. 4 | The BRIDGE May 2021

A Patronal Festival with a twist at St Mark, Mitcham IN FOCUS... St Mark, Mitcham was forced News from our parishes to postpone a visit from Bishop Christopher on 25 April after Coronavirus restrictions made it impossible for him to preach as planned at the church’s Signs and wonders at Patronal Festival. However, a little bit of technical know-how meant that the bishop could St John’s in Peckham still attend ― virtually, at least. The Revd Nigel Stone, Vicar at St Mark’s, said: “We were delighted that modern technology enabled us to include his encouraging and challenging sermon in our weekly online service, and an in-church service at St Mark’s via a video recording.”

St Luke, Charlton wins £17,500 grant for new lighting

St Luke, Charlton was awarded £17,500 in March by the London Community Energy Fund (LCEF) to install LED lighting as part of the church’s plan to develop a community hub.

The PCC estimates that this upgrade St John with St Andrew, Peckham, will save 2.6 tonnes of carbon a year. has continued its renovations with They hope the upgrade will encourage the installation of a new sign. wider use of the community space. the Greater London Authority for The Revd Liz Newman, Rector of The Revd Emmanuel Adeloye, Vicar at St lightening the load!” John’s, said: “The congregation were very Charlton United Benefice, said: “As excited about the project which they a result of this generous grant for The LCEF is part of the London believe is a tool for evangelism in the energy-efficient long-life LED bulbs, Mayor’s Energy for Londoners community and beyond.” new light fittings and rewiring, St programme, and provides funding for Luke’s is delighted to be a greener community energy projects. St John, St John’s received a grant of £2,180 from church and at long last to have a well- Waterloo and St Edward, Mottingham the Allchurches Trust to fund the project, lit building! As we all know historic have also received LCEF grant money and Emmanuel added: “The church is buildings are not cheap to maintain, for, respectively, installing solar panels grateful to Bishop Christopher, Bishop so we are extremely grateful to and exploring solar feasibility. Karowei, Jane Steen and all who helped in securing the grant.”

“The whole project has resulted Healing the body as well as the soul at St John, Catford in a beautiful, modern and The Revd great-looking space for the Christopher Rogers, worship of Almighty God.” in Catford and Downham Team Ministry, tries out a The sign is the latest stage in ongoing The Revd Emmanuel Adeloye shows free seated massage renovations which also saw Bishop off St John’s new sign (top); the new from Therapy 4 Christopher last year consecrate and altar by Max Lamb (centre), and Healing, which was next to the baptismal font (above). dedicate a new altar. treating visitors to The altar, created from Portland stone by the food bank at St whole project has resulted in a beautiful, prominent British furniture designer Max modern and great looking space for the John, Catford. Lamb, was funded, in part, by a grant from worship of Almighty God.” Marshall’s Trust. He added: “I count it an honour and a Emmanuel said: “Coincidentally, our privilege to be part of the project, which baptismal font, which is placed on was started by my predecessor Peter the first step on the right side of the Parker. It is a delightful thing to have Chancel, is made of the same materials. the project completed, dedicated, and Together, the two blend beautifully well put to use, and I am grateful to all who with the concrete floor of the altar. The contributed in one way or the other.” May 2021 The BRIDGE | 5

Marking Holy Week and Easter: a selection of stories from around the Diocese

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan visiting St Peter, Brockley on Easter Day. He spoke of neighbourliness, thanking Christians from all over London for coming together to practise what they preach. To the delight of the children at St Peter’s, he also took part in the church’s Easter egg hunt after the service. © @charliethornton.co

The Revd Erica Wooff, Vicar at St Michael & St Andrew, Stockwell, was joined by Archdeacon and donkey for a traditional Palm Sunday procession.

The children’s faith group at All Saints, Benhilton show off their Easter handiwork (left); St Mary, Addiscombe tells the Easter story during all-age worship on Good Friday (above).

Church members from St James & St Anne, Bermondsey, share prayers from their doorsteps during the socially distanced Community Easter Sunday service, which A member of the congregation at Charlton United was streamed on Benefice created this figure of Christ out of messages YouTube. that were left on crosses in the churchyards of St Luke’s and St Thomas’ Churches during Lent. 6 | The BRIDGE May 2021

DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY Serving the community Combating poverty, one person at a time With debt, housing issues, hunger and low wages affecting ever greater numbers in the Diocese, Director of Communications Sophia Jones explores the initiatives trying to stem the tide.

Food poverty, unemployment, low income “Overall, more than 1.54 million working- and debt have become more prevalent as age Londoners were claiming benefits in a result of the pandemic, according to the August 2020 (a rise of 44% compared Church Urban Fund/Church of England to August 2019).” The benefits cap has report Church in Action 2020/2021: A taken its toll on many. In August 2019, survey of churches’ community responses to 19,395 people were subject to a cap on Job-seekers join in a Re: Work the pandemic, released on 30 April. their benefits, growing to 53,048 people course (above); the clothes bank a year later. The report states that “64% of church at St Matthew at the Elephant leaders in the most deprived areas Holiday hunger (far right). said that food poverty was affecting Child poverty and working-age poverty people ‘much more’ than before the are major issues affecting thousands of pandemic”, compared to just 16% in the people in the Diocese. “It’s not like people through churches. It aims to alleviate the children when they had last had eaten, least deprived. For unemployment, the don’t have jobs. Children see their parents holiday hunger and reduce social isolation it was the day before. corresponding figures are 48% and 13%. and learning loss among children from go to work. That is what confuses them. High cost of housing Nelly Misenga, Development Officer Their parents are working but are not low-income families by providing for the Diocese of Southwark charity earning enough to support their families,” activities and a hot meal. Together According to the London Poverty Profile, Together Southwark, agrees. “When we says Nelly. Southwark has successfully run Lunchbox in 2020 households in poverty in London look at the state of poverty in London Library with churches and community faced housing costs amounting to 56% of Churches, community groups, charities in general and then we see how it is groups since 2016. their net income, on average. “Once utility and voluntary organisations are using bills are paid, many families are not able reflected in the population that we work Nelly recalls bending down to chat to available resources by working together to manage and don’t have enough to see with, there is a correlation. But in general, one child who was attending a Lunchbox and in partnership with the public sector them through the month,” says Nelly. Last the rate of poverty in South London has Library project and seeing that their lips to reduce the incidence of holiday hunger year, Trust For London found that 76%, or always been higher compared to our were dry and they were yawning with and resulting isolation and learning loss. 550,000, of London’s children in poverty neighbours in North London.” hunger in between sentences. At another Lunchbox Library is a programme came from working families, compared to According to charitable foundation Lunchbox Library project at St Dunstan, supported by Together Southwark 68% in 2019. Trust for London’s Poverty Profile 2021, Bellingham, when the vicar asked one of

“Everything has to be done to benefit our members”: the work of the Churches Mutual Credit Union

And what about the clergy shareholders and do not work or serve as trustees in Trust and can also direct and church members who borrow money to lend. “We church settings,” says Hilary. people to services such as are helping others? What don’t have any salaried directors Christians Against Poverty In practice, that means clergy do they do with their taking a big cut from the and Step Change if necessary. (self-supporting or stipendiary) money? According to organisation, and anyone who Credit unions have a duty but also lay ministers, anyone Hilary Sams (right), chief has got savings with us can vote to educate their members who works in a Diocesan executive of the Churches at the AGM and be as active in about money and sometimes office, anyone who serves on a Mutual Credit Union, the credit union as they want that means turning someone PCC or anyone employed by a “people of faith want to to be,” says Hilary. “Everything down for a loan that is not church-related charity such as a know about where their has to be done to benefit those affordable. But, says Hilary, “we and Wales, the Scottish food bank. Staff and governors money is going.” who save and borrow with us.” will always explain why and if Episcopal Church and Church at church schools are also of Scotland, the Roman Catholic there are significant issues we Credit unions are run The Churches Mutual is an welcome, and churches can churches in England, Wales will signpost them to other entirely for the benefit of ecumenical organisation that join as corporate members. and Scotland, and the United organisations that might be able their members; they are not accepts members from the Reformed Church. “We are a The Churches Mutual has to help them.” beholden to anonymous Anglican Churches of England credit union for people who links with the Clergy Support churchesmutual.co.uk May 2021 The BRIDGE | 7

In a Together Southwark-supported Lunchbox Library hub holiday project in Lambeth, all 30 children live in hostels. When the pandemic hit, local authorities moved these families to secure, temporary accommodation in other boroughs across South London to avoid the spread of the virus. “We had families travelling from Norwood and Thornton Heath to Lambeth to receive food,” says Nelly. “The housing crisis is getting worse. These are parents who are moved to Norwood, the child is still studying in Lambeth and they have no money for transport. Courses were online, but then when lockdown was lifted the children started going back to school. How do you do that when you have been moved to Croydon or Lewisham, and the child studies in Lambeth?” These families living in temporary accommodation faced further complications when the local authority said they were the responsibility of the other local authority from where they came. “Our teams are well connected with services in councils and got to the bottom of what was happening. They spoke on their behalf, otherwise they would have been voiceless because there was no link between them and the decision-maker causing them to be in that situation,” explains Nelly. More than food It is often the case that people do not know what they are entitled to. Thinking about the longer-term impact, Together Southwark is encouraging, enabling and supporting churches and community partners to work in a more holistic way to “It’s about the growth mindset”: getting people back into work at The Ascension, Balham Hill help build the resilience of families through stronger partnerships at all levels. For The Ascension, Balham Hill, Volunteers at Together Southwark setting up an employment advice Lunchbox Library projects, for example, service was an essential part of its encourage parents to stay on for a chat, offering to the community. if they can, rather than drop the children The team had joined the Love Your off and leave. That way the volunteers are Neighbour initiative, a national better able to understand what challenges movement supporting churches to families are facing and signpost them to provide practical care and hope for the the necessary support. most vulnerable in the areas of food, Last year, Kitchen Social, the Mayor’s debt and employment. Fund for London’s programme addressing Sue Manning, The Ascension’s holiday hunger, joined forces with Lambeth Community Hub Manager, says: “We and Southwark Councils and won a bid already had something in the food area from the Department for Education to because we partner with Glass Door Catching up on Zoom with graduates of the first Re:Work course. launch a Holiday Activities and Food and the Wandsworth food bank, but programme, HAF. we needed to find something that we getting jobs immediately. “On our the growth mindset and resilience and They called on partners to put forward thought was relevant and that we could celebration day, one of the delegates all of that.” said, ‘I had an interview yesterday and names of churches, voluntary organisations do well in the debt space and in the The second Re: Work course is already I’ve got offered the job and I start in two and community groups which could use employment space.” under way; as Sue says, “it could run HAF grant money to support people on weeks’ time!’,” Sue says. The answer to the latter was the every school half term; at six weeks it the ground. Together Southwark built Re:Work course (the church also There is no typical Re:Work client: fits quite neatly”. The plan is to take a a partnership with that programme to partners with Crosslight Debt Advice). people come from a range of break after the summer and run another resource a Lunchbox Library initiative sectors and with a range of different couple in the autumn term. known as Lambeth and Southwark Re:Work is a six-week course created skills; some are looking for IT jobs, The course is aimed at people in the Summer of Food and Fun 2020. Three by charity Resurgo. It covers a different others for care work. “It didn’t really area who have lost their jobs because of churches in the Diocese took part: St topic each week, from CV-writing to matter what sector they were looking to COVID, but, says Sue, “we’re not going Matthew at the Elephant (featured on interview skills. Clients are paired with a go into, or their age or gender,” to turn somebody away if they’ve been pages 7-8 of the Church Urban Fund volunteer mentor from the church who says Sue, “because actually we were out of work for a while. If you’re not in report); St George, Camberwell; and offers further support each week. trying to get them to think about the work and you need help then of course St Katharine with St Bartholomew, basic toolkit to get back into work, Twelve people signed up to the we would like to try and give it to you.” Bermondsey. Children reported feeling first course in February, with eight like getting your referees, getting your happier and parents felt less stressed. completing all six weeks and two CV sorted, getting some interview If you are interested in delivering a Re:Work practice, and also the softer skills like course, find out more here: resurgo.org.uk Continued on page 8 8 | The BRIDGE May 2021

Continued from page 7 “We get up to 30 requests each week”: providing legal advice at St Edward, Mottingham This year, the Department for Education has extended the holiday activities and food programme to all local authorities Sorting the in England due to its very positive impact Christmas on children and their families. Funding hampers (far is available, but church communities left); keeping the are needed to step forward to provide church COVID- premises and volunteers to run these safe (this image). programmes. “Local authorities need us, the Church, to join the effort,” says Nelly. How to help As well as the food banks, which are vital, there are other ways in which churches can support families facing financial challenges. Becoming an Acts 435 church, for example, is very simple to set up. Alternatively, churches could consider Counselling on legal and housing The team also helps people to deal with again. “We’re now getting probably 20 to partnering with their local authorities, bailiffs and credit organisations, and 30 new requests for advice each week.” offering courses or training, or thinking issues is a cornerstone of the issues arising from the bedroom tax. about ways to support people facing work at St Edward the Confessor, Much of this work stems from the digital housing challenges. Mottingham. Since lockdown, and with the church exclusion that comes with poverty. in use by the NHS, things have become “People can’t go into the housing office Nicola Thomas, head of the Diocese’s The Revd Dr Catherine Shelley, Vicar more difficult and the bulk of the work as they used to because of COVID, so Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation at St Edward’s, is a qualified solicitor falls to Catherine. “Most mornings I go we will take their stuff and scan it and Department (see also page 10) is keen for and has kept her practising certificate. over to the Coop and end up with loads upload it for them using the laptops that churches to utilise the resource that is Before lockdown, she and a small of pastoral work and sometimes bits of we’ve got here,” says Catherine. Together Southwark. team ran regular sessions for anyone legal work from that,” she says. who needed them, covering housing, Other stories are more dramatic, She says: “It provides support for parishes immigration and even family law. However, the hope is to go back to a such as the man who was repeatedly seeking to live out their faith in action more formal system as soon as possible sanctioned for missing appointments by supporting our brothers and sisters “We’ve given help to people who are ― and the demand is certainly there. when he was ill, until he was surviving in need, whether that is by offering sofa-surfing by making homelessness on just £150 a month. “I wrote some them food at no cost or a low cost applications, worked with people who After the first lockdown, which was letters on his behalf both to housing and from a food bank or food co-operative, are at risk of eviction, again making “remarkably quiet on housing advice, the Department of Work and Pensions,” supporting specific needs through Acts homelessness applications, and also partly because of the moratorium on says Catherine. “We got everything 435, or accompanying and supporting helped people with transfer and eviction, partly because things like restored, and they recognised that he’s parents through the worry of feeding and exchanges, chasing landlords and getting interviews for benefit assessments were not fit at the moment to look for work providing meaningful activity for their the relevant teams involved where there suspended for a while”, Catherine says and he got back pay of over £6,000.” children in the school holidays.” are major repair issues,” says Catherine. that requests for help have gone up The Rt Revd Dr , , is Chair of the Board of Trustees of Together Southwark, of which “It’s God who transforms lives”: running a CAP centre at Holy Trinity, Wallington the Diocese is now sole trustee. He says: “My message to anyone experiencing poverty and deprivation at this time is In setting up a Christians Against The service was launched on 7 January this: don’t give up, trust God and pray. Poverty (CAP) debt centre, and Peter got his first client the same Seek help and assistance from your local Holy Trinity, Wallington took an day. Since then he has had another parish church, food bank or any other intentional decision to be more three clients and is looking to build agencies able to help. Don’t suffer alone. outward-facing. relationships with local agencies such Remember, a problem shared is halved.” as JobCentre Plus in order to increase Peter Brown, the debt coach at the new referrals. The hope is to build up to centre (pictured right with the Revd helping around 30 to 40 people a year. James Hills), says: “When James first Useful links Down the road, meanwhile, Jean Grima came to the church as our vicar three at Springfield Church runs a CAP Job years ago, he expressed his passion Club and Job Money Course, so there is Find out more about Together to reach out to the 19,000 people in further potential to cross-refer people Southwark here: southwark. Wallington who didn’t already know there. “There’s no point in us trying to anglican.org/mission-ministry/ God, rather than dealing with people replicate what she’s doing when it’s on faith-in-action/together- who were already in the church.” our doorstep,” says Peter. “So much southwark After a lot of prayer, the decision was better for them to be doing it and for Read the Church Urban taken to offer a CAP debt service. us to be linking in with the courses Fund report here: As well as Peter, who deals with the that they’re doing.” bit.ly/ChurchInActionCUF “technical stuff in terms of getting As for the future, Peter says: “First and people out of debt”, the church has Befriending service: foremost we need to do a good job of also trained around 30 people as linkinglives.uk getting people out of debt and to do befrienders. As Peter says, debt is a that effectively and efficiently. That’s Acts 435, network of local complex issue ― it’s not just about the what we’re setting out to do. But we churches: acts435.org.uk/join mechanics of what people owe but This is where the befrienders come also want to introduce them to God the underlying issues too. “CAP has Financial support: in. “We want there to be a long-term because that’s who people really need, a particular niche in the sense that it www.turn2us.org.uk relationship with these people,” Peter it’s God who transforms lives and supports people through the process says. “It’s what you want in your church, relationships.” Community group network: of getting out of debt, whereas I think isn’t it? You want people to speak words www.placesofwelcome.org.uk some of the other agencies tend of faith to people who are going through For more information on Christians Against Help to buy food and milk: to deal with it in kind of a technical all sorts of experiences, to pray with Poverty, including information on how to www.healthystart.nhs.uk way,” says Peter. them, to be there with them.” partner with CAP, visit: capuk.org May 2021 The BRIDGE | 9

IN FOCUS... News from the Diocese

Reigate group joins fight against modern-day slavery

“Nothing happens just because might spot someone who has been we are aware of modern-day slavery, enslaved (see box, right), and discussed but nothing will ever happen until some of the issues the police face in we are.” getting people who are frightened for Jennifer Hyde of RASJF speaks at the modern-day slavery event. themselves or their families to come This quote from Gary Taugen, founder of forward. the charity International Justice Mission, they, as Christians, had felt challenged to let exploited people know that we care was what lay behind the seminar on Ross Spanton of Reigate and Banstead take on this issue, to speak on behalf of and that we will support them if they are modern-day slavery led by the Reigate Borough Council discussed the local the victims. They decided to begin with brave enough to speak to us,” said Jennifer. education and information-sharing through Archdeaconry Social Justice Focus (RASJF) authority’s campaign to get people to Modern Slavery Helpline: call 08000 121 700 the RASJF in order to build the resilience group on Saturday 24 April. pledge to look out for the signs of slavery, for help, advice or to report a suspicion. with more than 900 people taking the to help the communities they need to. The organisers’ hope was to raise Find out more about the work of Their Voice pledge so far. awareness of modern-day slavery in their “Raising awareness, talking openly, we can here: theirvoicemodernslavery.org.uk area, inviting speakers from Reigate and He said: “If something doesn’t feel right, Banstead Council, Surrey Police and local talk to friends and family, consider charity Their Voice to talk about the work contacting the helpline. The biggest Spot the signs they are doing to find and protect victims concern we have is that you see it, you in East Surrey. suspect it, but you don’t say anything.” There is no “typical” victim. clothes every day, or wear Chief Superintendent Clive Davies of Carolyn Thom, founder of charity Their However, according to DC Bex clothes that are unsuitable for Surrey Police cautioned that, although a Voice, spoke about the help needed for Davies of Surrey Police, there their job (for example, flip-flops third of the nearly 8,000 cases recorded victims after they had been rescued. “If we are indications that may mean instead of work boots) by police in the UK last year happened in are to help to see slavery eradicated we someone is being exploited: • they might appear frightened or withdrawn, or show signs of London, this was a problem that affected need to raise awareness,” she said. “We • they are under the control of psychological abuse every part of the country. are a community helping community.” someone else and reluctant • they may be dropped off and to interact with others (for He said: “Modern-day slavery is The charity aims to provide practical and collected from work, perhaps as example, at a nail bar or a everywhere, in all parts of the UK – moral support in the form of clothes part of a group or at odd times labourer paving a driveway); sexual exploitation, car washes, nail bars, parcels, toiletries, toys and educational of day look out for body language domestic servitude, farms, county lines packs for children, household goods such • they often have poor living • they may not be able to move drug trafficking, and also trafficking of as bed linen, legal advice and prenatal care, conditions, forced to live around freely, or be chaperoned foreign nationals who are forced to work as women who have been the victim of in dirty and overcrowded at all times in, for example, cannabis production. It is sex trafficking are often pregnant. accommodation. fuelled by a drive for cheap products and • they might not have any Emotional support was vital, she added. services with little regard for the people personal identification (taking If you are concerned that “We offer advocacy and ‘walk alongside’ behind them.” someone’s passport is one someone is the victim of modern- them on clients’ journey of recovery.” method of control) day slavery, you can call the Detective Constable Bex Davies, who Jennifer Hyde and Jenny Rayner, two • they might have few personal Helpline on 08000 121 700 for leads on modern-day slavery in Surrey of the event organisers, spoke of how belongings, wear the same advice or to report a suspicion. Police, shared some tips on how people

Building a better world: Archbishop Stephen Cottrell discusses new book in conversation with

In what he described as a Musing on this conversation on the during the past year is that we don’t “comfortable conversation”, train later, the Archbishop said, he want to go back to normal. We want the Dean, , joined thought: “I wanted to write her a to build a better world. The very Archbishop Stephen Cottrell letter to say that I really did think things I was planning to write about (right) and an audience of 60 the way of Jesus was another way. I heard everybody saying ― that we people on Zoom to discuss the I didn’t know her name, so in my can do better.” Archbishop’s new book Dear mind she became England.” England on Tuesday 20 April. The Archbishop also discussed the In that moment, the book was born. Panorama documentary on racism The Archbishop recounted the It was, said the Archbishop, “a letter, in the Church, which had been aired origins of this book, written mostly unpacking to anyone who wants to the previous night and for which he during lockdown, which came about people of faith, they seem to me read it, why following Jesus is good had been interviewed, concluding: after a chance encounter in a coffee to come into two categories; on for you and for the world.” “We have to speak against racism shop at Paddington Station with the one hand, there’s people whose unequivocally and we have to speak a young woman who saw his dog faith is a bit like a hobby. Then When he began writing, the big issue against the institutional racism in collar and struck up a conversation there’s this other group of people was Brexit; then along came COVID. the Church.” about faith. who embrace their faith so tightly “I did feel led by God to write this,” it frightens everybody else away. Is said the Archbishop, “because the ‘Dear England’ is out now in hardback, RRP “She said to me, ‘When I meet there another way?’” thing that became clear to all us £10.99, published by Hodder & Stoughton 10 | The BRIDGE May 2021

‘ Stephen Lawrence Day prompts action by Southwark clergy DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY Social justice New head of JPIC reflects on her first months in post

There is a joke in the part of Ireland where I grew up about a motorist stopping in a country lane to ask a farmer for directions. “Well, I wouldn’t start from here,” comes the answer. A prayer by Andrew Nunn, the and it sets out a road map for action.” This is not so very different from my Dean of Southwark, was sent to She added: “There is no one who experience of starting work at the parishes and shared online to would want to be put on a list simply Diocese of Southwark during lockdown. mark Stephen Lawrence Day because of their background or I applied for my new role back in the on 23 April 2021. their skin colour. But I think what heady days of late summer, as the schools the Church is hoping to do, and were returning and life felt relatively On the same day, Archdeacon encouraging Dioceses to do, is to normal. But by the time I had worked out appeared on work with people ― not just clergy ― my notice and was ready to start on 11 the BBC to discuss the Archbishops’ to train and support and help them to January, everything had changed. We were Anti-Racism Taskforce report, From apply for positions that they perhaps back in lockdown and I was faced with Lament to Action. would never have applied for before.” starting a new role from home, with no Responding to the report’s prospect of meeting my new colleagues in Watch the full interview with Rosemarie recommendation that at least one person, and while home-schooling three “As Christians, we are called to Mallett on the Diocesan YouTube UKME candidate must be included in children. I wouldn’t start from here. channel here: www.youtube.com/ do the right thing even when it shortlists for senior roles, Rosemarie watch?v=WQ2jT0tWknQ&t=4s But this is definitely a journey that I want is difficult or unpopular.” said: “I welcome this report. As to be on. The job title ― Head of Justice, opposed to so many other reports The Diocese’s own Anti-Racism Charter Peace and Integrity of Creation ― is a bit that we’ve had in the past, it is can be found here: southwark.anglican. of a mouthful, but what it comes down to leaving you an example, so that you should intentional, it builds in accountability, org/antiracism is a mission for social and environmental follow in his steps.”1 Peter 2:20-21). justice. This means, in terms of social action, that One of the joys of taking on this role has there are projects and areas of work that been starting to find out about all the fit naturally with our Christian calling, CTBI to stage service in honour of George Floyd different activities across the Diocese. I such as working with the most vulnerable am particularly keen to identify where the and excluded – asylum seekers, refugees, Church is uniquely well-placed to provide and victims of modern slavery and human Bishop Christopher and support that other community groups trafficking. Making the right choice even Archdeacon Rosemarie Mallett and charities cannot or do not provide when it’s difficult can mean choosing will be among the church leaders as well. Following on from the many to invest in green energy and being contributing to a special service examples of Jesus, the Church actively outspoken on climate change which has values individuals and communities, even in memory of George Floyd, to the biggest effect on the poorest people, be broadcast on 25 May. – especially – those who are not valued whether they are suffering the effects of by society (“but when you give a banquet, air pollution in our own communities, Titled Doing Justice: A National Service invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and food insecurity in Zimbabwe, or flooding of Reflection on the Anniversary of the the blind”, Luke 14:13). in Bangladesh. murder of George Floyd, the service The service will be broadcast at will be hosted at the New Testament 7.00pm on 25 May via YouTube As Christians, we are called to do the There are many opportunities to live Church of God in Brixton in South (youtube.com/ctbimedia) and other right thing even when it’s difficult or out our faith in action, and I am grateful London and will challenge churches social media platforms. BBC Radio unpopular. This is part of what it means to for the opportunity to walk alongside and communities in Britain and Ireland 4 will subsequently broadcast it follow Jesus (“But if you endure when you parishes in South London and East Surrey to stand up for justice, and against on 30 May for its Sunday Worship do right and suffer for it, you have God’s on this journey. approval. For to this you have been called, racism, ignorance and hatred. programme. because Christ also suffered for you, Nicola Thomas

Faith is married with five children. She now lives near a sand dam built by ADS. They have plenty of food to eat and sell to pay for their children’s school fees. Photo credit: Christian Aid

Christian Aid launches environmental resources aimed at Black Christians As the children are in school, Rose collects water from miles to cook for them. She prays that the rain will become more normal like they used to be. Photo credit: Christian Aid/Richard Finch

A ‘prophetic voice’ beyond stewardship Following its Black Lives Matter Christians in the UK do not think environmental issues. The All of God’s creation

Christ came to challenge authority with his gospel, to has worth Everywhere report (see www. the environmental movement is resources include posters, speak against any form of injustice and to protect the vulnerable, poor and the oppressed. God has called us to God valued creation before and after he made us. Creation is use our prophetic voice to hold to account the powers’ of an expression of God’s goodness and witness to Him, and not christianaid.org.uk/resources/ diverse enough, Christian Aid has conversation starters and stories ecological and social exploitation. A prophetic voice only for human use. The whole of creation praises and speaks with moral courage to effect change, and assures glorifies God our Creator. our-work/black-lives-matter- produced a series of resources to inspire positive action, and people and the oppressed that justice will prevail.

‘We shouldn’t exclude prosperity but it’s important to remember that looking after the earth is part of everywhere-report) from 2020 our holistic prosperity.’ aimed at increasing the visibility can be downloaded from: ‘Let’s stand together on Psalm 143:10 to speak up for brothers and sisters affected by flooding, drought and pollution.’ Rev Delroy Henry, New Testament Church of God which revealed that 50% of Black of UKME perspectives on bit.ly/Prophetic-Journey-Climate Rev Wale Hudson Baptist Union Lead on Justice Supporting scripture - Genesis 1:4-25 | Job 12:7-9 | Acts 14:17; 17:27 Supporting scripture - 1Kings 21 | Isaiah 1:16-17 | Isaiah 29:19-20 | Gen 12:1 March 2021 The BRIDGE | 11 WHAT’S ON Bishop Christopher commissions temporary Please send details of your next events for JUNE ONWARDS to Trinity House BY MONDAY 24 MAY

May

WEDNESDAY 12 MAY MONDAY 7 - FRIDAY 11 JUNE  ONLINE — Lamenting the Past,  ONLINE — Church of England-led Embracing the Future. This Praxis webinars in support of Churches Count South event explores how liturgy has on Nature Week. Various times, free. Bishop Christopher in Southwark Cathedral on 21 April helped people to express grief and hope bit.ly/CountOnNature2 commissioning the Revd Greg Prior, Vicar at All Saints with Holy during the COVID-19 pandemic and Trinity, Wandsworth, and the Revd John Whittaker, Team Rector in beyond. The speakers are Anna Macham, WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE Putney Team Ministry, as Acting Archdeacons in the Wandsworth Bryony Taylor and Tim Coleman. Archdeaconry, covering for the Venerable during his  ONLINE — Wonder, Wisdom and 11.10am-12.50pm, Zoom, £5-£7. For full sabbatical. Greg and John will take up their new roles on 1 May. details, prices and an application form, Worship: opportunities and challenges visit www.praxisworship.org.uk/praxis_ for using science in preaching. Public south.html seminar from the Faraday Institute led by Revd Prof David Wilkinson. A workshop follows on 16 June. 1.00pm- Cathedral appoints new Chief Operating Officer WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2.00pm, Zoom, free. Link available on  ONLINE — Cathedrals Across Britain the day here: www.faraday.cam.ac.uk/ Justine Horseman Sewell has Charity Commission as required by Online Pilgrimage. All Saints, West event/science-in-preaching-seminar. been appointed to the new the new Cathedrals Measure. Dulwich, has teamed with Cathedrals role of Chief Operating Officer Across Britain to bring together their WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE A qualified solicitor who has worked first virtual pilgrimage. 10.00am-9.00pm, (COO) of Southwark Cathedral, in the arts and third sector for many  YouTube, free. See all-saints.org.uk/ ONLINE — Wonder, Wisdom and it was announced on 23 June. years, Justine studied art history and Worship: Opportunities and challenges was a chapel chorister at Cambridge cathedrals-of-britain Justine takes over from Matthew for using science in preaching. 1.00pm- University. She previously held the Knight, who retires from the position 5.00pm, Zoom, £25. E-mail churches@ Cathedral Administrator role at St FRIDAY 21 MAY of Comptroller in June. faraday.cam.ac.uk to book. Edmundsbury Cathedral.  SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL — The new role encompasses much The Dean, Andrew Nunn, Chosen, a talk by the Revd Dr Giles of the Comptroller’s old duties, but said: “Justine’s skills will help us move Fraser on his latest publication Chosen September with oversight of all areas of the into the next stage of our life and in ― Lost and Found between Christianity Cathedral’s life. In particular, the new the process of recovery post-COVID and Judaism, about his support of the 18-26 SEPTEMBER COO will work with the Chapter and will build on all that Matthew Occupy movement and the personal and Cathedral Council in creating a  NATIONWIDE — The Great Big Knight has achieved over his 16 years crisis that followed. 7.00pm, Southwark new Constitution and Statutes and Green Week will the UK’s biggest as our Comptroller.” Cathedral, £10. Tickets from: ever event for climate and nature, registering the Cathedral with the bit.ly/3axE22k taking place in advance of COP26. To register and for more information, visit: TUESDAY 25 MAY greatbiggreenweek.com  SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL — Thy Kingdom Come is nearly here... God is Not a White Man, a conversation between Chine McDonald and the Organ Recitals at The global prayer movement Venerable Dr Rosemarie Mallett about St John the Evangelist, Thy Kingdom Come the experience of being a Black woman Upper Norwood takes place this month from 13-23 May 2021 and there Everyday Faith ― in the white-majority UK church. #Pledge2Pray Hidden Church Free. Thursdays @ 7.30pm. is still plenty of time to get 7.00pm, Southwark Cathedral, £5. E-mail [email protected] or involved. The Diocese has Tickets from: bit.ly/3xum5vI call 020 8771 6686 dedicated resources aimed at 20 May: Stephen Disley, Assistant helping parishes to mark the June Director of Music, Southwark Cathedral occasion, with a special focus 17 June: Ian Keatley, Director of Music, this year on praying for the WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE Southwark Cathedral persecuted church.  ONLINE — Your Story, Our Story, an 15 July: Adrian Gunning, St John the Find out more about the interactive climate storytelling skills Evangelist, Islington resources, and ideas for workshop for Black Christians from Christian Aid. 2.00pm-4.00pm, free. 16 September: Andrew Prior, London prayerful activities for families, www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/your-story-our- churches or individuals, at: Walking 14 October: Jeremiah Stephenson, All Welcoming southwark.anglican.org/tkc Growing story-interactive-storytelling-workshop- Saints, Margaret Street, London tickets-145897359931 12 | The BRIDGE May 2021 Confirmation services return to Southwark Cathedral Two confirmation services were held at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 10 April, the first since pandemic restrictions closed churches for worship in March 2020. Thirteen candidates were confirmed at the 2.00pm service and 12 at the 5.00pm service. Many had been waiting a long time for this moment ― some of them, who were originally scheduled for confirmation at Pentecost in 2020, for nearly a year. After introducing each service, Bishop Christopher invited the Dean, Andrew Nunn, to say a prayer for HRH the Duke of Edinburgh who had died the previous day. The services then proceeded with the presentation of the candidates and their confirmations, followed by a Bishop Christopher with candidates after the service (left); confirming a candidate (right).© Eve Milner Eucharist at which the newly confirmed were invited to take communion alongside those who had been invited to support The candidates were as follows: Mark James Owen Osarogie Osariemen them. All Saints, Hackbridge and Nehemiah Ricardo Wiles Preston Wonder Bishop Christopher said afterwards: Beddington Corner The Cathedral Parish St Mary Magdalene, “It was wonderful to have confirmation Arnold Agvei Belynda Mabirizi Wandsworth Common services in the Cathedral after such a Rebecca Louise Curtis Benjamin Sheridan Nicholas Wood long gap, and it was a great joy to see Victoria Dada Hà Ngoc Thi the anticipation and excitement on Kenneth Yebeah Kyereme St Peter, Vauxhall Holy Trinity, Clapham the faces of those being confirmed, George William Sales Matthew Linfoot some of whom have been waiting since Reema Shinhmar Pentecost 2020.” All Saints, West Dulwich South Beddington and Eleanor Jane Beamond-Pepler St Mary Magdalene, Roundshaw He added: “Confirmation is when we take Peckham mature responsibility for the promises Eleanor Catherine Hickey Simon James Francis Dickens made at our baptism and each of these, Haadiat Moyosoreoluwa Ajenifula Battersea Fields Stockwell Parish our newly confirmed brothers and sisters, (St George’s Church) Raymond Awesu I pray will shine as a light in the world to Tiana Ammarah Grace Odusote Amarkai Bowman the glory of God the father.” Jonathan Zachraih Addison-Mumuni Iwinosa Jordan Osariemen Elaina Morgan

Living His Story: in conversation with Hannah Steele One for all and all for one: community cooperatives event

The Revd Dr Hannah Steele, Nelly Misenga, Development Director of St Mellitus College, Officer forTogether Southwark, joined the Diocese’s Head of led a lively workshop on Mission Jay Colwill on 28 April Tuesday 27 April on the subject to talk about her latest book of how community co-operatives Living His Story, the Archbishop of might help in the fight against ’s Lent Book for 2021. food poverty.

Fifty-five people tuned in to see Guest speaker Shiri Shalmy (right) of Hannah (right) discuss her practical She also stressed that evangelism was Cooperation Town in North London, perspective on evangelism. In a series always an invitation: “Evangelism can explained: “If we organise around group, or by introducing people in of simple and relatable lessons drawn never be an act of compulsion and it something we all need – food – we the community to each other. “Your from Mark 1: 14-20, she shared is always motivated by love.” will learn to know our neighbours, our church has already got a community ideas for bearing witness in what community, and to organise. We will Hannah’s final lesson centred around and a space and these are two key she described as “a world where make our communities more resilient.” partnership, reminding the audience things. People already come to you for Christianity is increasingly unfamiliar that, no matter how lonely we can The idea is to recruit a group ― food but also because they trust you, to people”. sometimes feel in our faith, God is between 10 and 20 is ideal ― to so you are in an excellent position to She began by saying that evangelism always with us. band together and buy food in bulk. talk about this,” she said. was for everyone. “One of the Everyone has a job to do, whether “Some of our fears about evangelism Ultimately, there is a new appetite for misconceptions we can fall into is it is ordering the food or receiving are that we’re doing it all on this kind of organising. Although the that we assume that evangelism is deliveries, and it reduces costs for all. our own,” she said. “It’s strange past year had been terrible, Nelly said, just for the experts. It’s for the sometimes to be the only person in Nelly stressed that this was not a “we found out we had neighbours Michael Greens, it’s for the Billy the room who believes in God, never replacement for the work parishes do who cared; we found out we were not Grahams. But if you think of the mind Jesus rising from the dead! The with food banks; cooperatives are not alone in the world. We don’t want to way that people have impacted reality is that we are never on our suitable for people in crisis. lose that, and this could be one way of your life, it’s often in very gentle, own because God is always at work.” continuing that legacy of community.” unassuming, natural ways. And we can However, Shiri added that churches all be those kinds of people Watch a video of Hannah’s talk here: were ideally placed to get involved, To find out more, see www.cooperation. to others.” bit.ly/HannahSteeleStory either by storing food for a local town/organise