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ISSUE 46 Parish news from Petersfield to the Isle of Wight MARCH 2006 How a Swanmore man rescued these kids from streets of Sierra Leone My Faith: page 8 Diocese gains reputation for promoting Fairtrade goods WE’VE DONE IT! Bishop Daniel Sarfo presents the certificate to the Very Rev David Brindley THEY’RE all smiles as Fairtrade products are produced, it country. I’m very pleased to be rying the Fairtrade Mark, which Mayor will host a Fairtrade tea we are officially seemed appropriate for a able to present this certificate as guarantees that suppliers in devel- party in Portsmouth Guildhall, to declared a ‘Fairtrade Ghanaian bishop, the Rt Rev we celebrate our mutual links in oping countries have been paid a celebrate the Fairtrade status Daniel Sarfo, to officially present your cathedral.” fair price. Without that guarantee, achieved by our diocese, the RC diocese’. the certificate to the dean of our To gain Fairtrade diocese sta- farmers can go out of business as diocese and the university. That means our parishes, cathedral, the Very Rev David tus, we had to show that one-third world prices for items like coffee, On March 11, News columnist cathedral and diocesan bodies will Brindley. of our parishes used or sold tea and chocolate fluctuate hugely. Heather James will host a gain an international reputation for The presentation happened Fairtrade products, our diocesan There are now 1,300 Fairtrade Fairtrade salsa evening at giving a fair deal to producers in during the annual IDWAL Festival synod had to support the principle, products, including cotton, foot- Portsmouth Irish Club on Elm developing countries. at our cathedral, which celebrates and Fairtrade products had to be balls and Easter eggs. Grove, Southsea. Tickets, priced The Fairtrade Foundation has our links with West Africa. available in our diocesan offices Fairtrade status has also been at £6 each, are available on 023- declared that enough of our Bishop Daniel said: “The peo- and in meetings of our boards and awarded to the city of Portsmouth, 9287 7422. parishes and diocesan bodies use ple of this diocese have shown committees. The Fairtrade the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth’s And on March 17, Caribbean and sell Fairtrade products for us they are committed to helping Foundation is now encouraging Roman Catholic diocese and the banana grower Maria Sergeant to gain Fairtrade diocese status. their brothers and sisters across individual churches to gain University of Portsmouth. will visit the university and local As our diocese has links with the planet. Fairtrade products are a ‘Fairtrade church’ status. Campaigners are striving for simi- schools to talk about the differ- churches in Ghana, where many lifeline for many people in my Fairtrade goods are those car- lar status for Fareham, Havant and ence Fairtrade has made to her East Hampshire. community. See www.portsmouth Campaigners aim to celebrate fairtrade.org.uk for details. Bishop will return for Easter these recent awards and promote On the Isle of Wight there will BISHOP Kenneth’s first public encouraging anyone to come. gies,” he said. “I can’t begin to the issue during Fairtrade be a Fairtrade open forum on engagement after treatment for After four courses of say what this means to me, to Fortnight from March 6-19. March 2 at St Thomas’s parish leukaemia will be on Maundy chemotherapy, the bishop’s ill- Sarah, to the rest of my family. In Portsmouth there will be a centre, Newport. And campaign- Thursday. ness is now officially classed as Your prayers have meant more Fairtrade stall in the Cascades ers will ask all the island’s super- The bishop will lead the being ‘in remission’. That than I can tell. shopping centre each day, a dis- markets if they can set up stalls Chrism Eucharist in our cathe- means it has been successfully “But I am going to take it play in Central Library and com- from 10am-4pm on March 11 and dral at 11am on April treated, but he still gently - it’s too risky to do oth- petitions to find the best Fairtrade 18. Ring Jim Curtis on 01983- 13 after six months of has to have regular erwise at this crucial stage. retailer and the best school 526574 if you can man such stalls. chemotherapy treat- checks to see whether “It will be a long time Fairtrade display. On March 6 and See www.iwff.org.uk for details. ment and recuperation. the cancer has before I can even begin to 13, Fairtrade bananas will be And in Fareham, shoppers It will mark the start of returned. make some kind of sense of it. given away in Guildhall Square, will watch street theatre, view dis- his gradual return to Bishop Kenneth But I have felt the hand of and there will be tasting stalls in plays and get creative as cam- public duties. (pictured left) has also God, even at the lowest and libraries on March 11 and 18. paigners bring Fairtrade to West The Chrism spoken about stream- most awful moments. Simeon Greene from Street between 9.30am and 2pm Eucharist is traditionally the lining his responsibilities in the “When I pick up the reins, Windward Island Bananas will on March 11. Fareham MP Mark occasion when clergy, Readers wake of his illness. therefore, I don’t really want speak on ‘Going Bananas for Hoban and the Lord Mayor of and others involved with min- “The pathologist has been to have to talk to people about Fairtrade’ in the Spinnaker Tower Fareham will offer their support istry gather in our cathedral to very positive about the future, my illness and how I’m feeling. café on March 7. Join him at 4pm, during the day, and supermarkets see the chrism oils blessed by and about the real likelihood of I would rather put it all to one and hear him speak at 5.30pm. will be encouraged to display the bishop. But Kenneth is regaining all my former ener- side and ‘move on’.” The next afternoon, the Lord which Fairtrade goods they sell. 2 news Facilitators Delegates urged to release their potential available to READERS and clergy have encourage clergy to loosen been encouraged to release the reins and allow the laity the potential of all lay wor- some responsibility. help with shippers in their pews - for Bishop Mike suggested the good of the whole that there was a perception parenting Church. that ‘full-time’ equated to The occasion was the ‘professional’, and ‘part- IS your parish thinking of setting annual Readers’ conference time’ to ‘amateur’, but there up a parenting group to help on the Isle of Wight, when 25 are many gifted, professional mums and dads in your parish get incumbents joined 102 ‘amateurs’ in our church not to grips with their roles as par- Readers and their spouses being used. ents? during the weekend. Another point raised was Setting up such a group may The Bishop of Bristol, the that the bishop’s Kairos be one of your cluster’s Kairos Rt Rev Mike Hill, and the process had helped parish- projects, but your congregations Rev Anne Faulkner, from ioners to look beyond their may need some expertise to do Wroxall, spoke of the need to parish boundaries and organ- so. Or perhaps the leaders of your empower lay people to take ise projects at cluster level. parish’s existing group have responsibility and not leave This spread the load and moved on, and new leaders need Readers and clergy deep in discussion during the conference things to clergy, and to involved more laity too. to be trained. Our diocesan Mothers’ Union already has two trained facilita- tors who can help you with this. Alison Hubbard, from Hambledon, is available on the mainland, and Judi Hackleton, School shoots to from Brighstone, can help parish- es on the Isle of Wight. Contact the MU office on 023-9287 3277 or mothersunion. [email protected] and one of them will contact you. The MU also runs parenting top of the league groups itself, which provide an opportunity for parents to get OUR diocese’s only well on the ‘value added’ score – together and talk about the joys church secondary the amount that individual pupils’ and challenges of bringing up school is celebrating attainment improves while they children in a supportive environ- are at that particular school. St ment. after it was named as Luke’s came top of a league table Typically six to 10 parents the second most of state schools in south-east meet for six to eight weeks to improved comprehen- Hampshire. discuss a range of subjects, sive in the country. Staff said the improvement including positive parenting, came partly because of the mix of effective communication, build- Exam results at St Luke’s C of academic and vocational subjects ing confidence, problem-solving E School in Southsea have rocket- on offer, and the decision to let and active listening. ed over the past four years – from each pupil create their own indi- Each group is led by a facili- six per cent gaining five GCSEs vidual curriculum, featuring the tator - volunteers who have been with grades from A*-C in 2002 to subjects they are best at. trained to meet national standards 58 per cent last summer. That Deputy headteacher Paul of quality and excellence. They improvement could only be bet- McKeown said: “The children have each gained external accred- tered by one other secondary arrive here with low levels of liter- itation through the London Open school in the country. acy, numeracy and aspiration. The Agata Rosowska (right) from Bielsko-Biala, talks to St Luke’s College Network. The school also performed benchmark for us is not the league pupil Jess Broderick, 12, over lunch in the school’s new café tables, which are a government Mikolaj Rej School in Bielsko- children and youth work adviser, tool, but the fact that these chil- Biala. Ben Mizen, and our diocesan dren can leave at 16 and make a They came with Agata Stekla director of education Canon David success of their lives. from the Lutheran Secondary Isaac went to Poland last year. A School in Cieszyn and the Rev reciprocal visit by children from The Pompey Chimes is the official newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of “We’ve achieved this through Portsmouth, which covers 142 parishes in south-east Hampshire and the courageous leadership, and the Roman Dorda, pastor of the St Luke’s School is now being Isle of Wight. Its total circulation is 9,000, and it is produced monthly governors taking the brave deci- Lutheran Church in Golesznow in planned. except for January and August. Each of our parishes pays 15p for each sion to change the curriculum to a Cieszyn diocese. Agata Rosowska said: “We copy, which allows our readers to pick it up for free on the final Sunday of They saw lessons and chatted were impressed by the vocational each month. Adverts are dealt with by our publishers, Cornerstone Vision. diet of academic and vocational qualifications. Many of the chil- to staff and pupils at St Luke’s as subjects on offer at St Luke’s, DEADLINE FOR APRIL EDITION: ADVERTISING: Grant Newcombe or dren here would have failed under part of a five-day visit to our dio- which is completely different to Monday 6 March Les Walters, Cornerstone Vision, 28 cese. Poland. Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, the National Curriculum regime. AVAILABLE FOR PARISHES TO COL- PL3 4PY (01752-242264 or “But it’s the children who turn They also experienced worship “We were also interested to see LECT FROM DEANERY DEPOTS: [email protected]) a school around, as they are the at our cathedral and St Mary’s there is an act of worship every Thursday 23 March ones engaging with the curricu- Church, Alverstoke, visited Trinity day in assembly – our school is SUBSCRIPTIONS: Craig Harkness, C of E Middle and Brighstone C of run by the Lutheran Society, but AVAILABLE IN YOUR CHURCH: Cathedral House, St Thomas’s lum. All we do is find what it is Sunday 26 March Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2HA. (023- that the child is good at and help E Primary Schools on the Isle of the church has no influence on it.” 9282 5731 or admin@ that child to excel.” Wight, went up Portsmouth’s And Pastor Roman said: “I CONTACTS: portsmouth.anglican.org) St Luke’s also hosted four vis- Spinnaker Towner and visited St hope this is the beginning of links EDITORIAL: Neil Pugmire, Cathedral Hubert’s Church, Idsworth. between the schools, and between House, St Thomas’s Street, PHOTOGRAPHY: itors from Poland last month. Portsmouth, PO1 2HA. (023-9282 Neil Pugmire Headteacher Renata Rosowska The visit came after the chair- the Anglican church in Portsmouth 5731 or communications@portsm Pete Langdown and her daughter, Agata, who man of our diocese’s board of edu- and the Lutheran church in outh.anglican.org) teaches English, are both from the cation, the Ven Trevor Reader, our Cieszyn.” news 3 Children Girls to join new offered sports coaching CHILDREN between the ages of cathedral choir six and 11 years old are being urged to sign up for a Christian GIRLS are to be given ing to the cathedral music funds for sports week. a new opportunity to office, St Thomas’s Street, Old charity by stripping to the Qualified coaches will teach sing as part of our Portsmouth PO1 2HH. More waist for ‘Heavenly Hunks’ them how to play football, tag information is also available calendars over the past three cathedral’s daily rugby, short tennis, hockey and on www.portsmouthcathedral. years. netball during the sports and music-making. org.uk/music.htm. A total of £15,000 was games week during the May half- The historic decision opens Choral scholars from our raised for Macmillan Cancer term. the way for teenage girls to add cathedral have also completed Relief and the Roberts Centre The event is being organised their voices to choral worship a new CD of classical and pop by the cheeky poses. The CD by the sports team from St Jude’s both in Portsmouth Cathedral songs, entitled Heavenly aims to raise thousands of Church, Southsea, and will take and in concerts around our dio- Harmonies, to raise cash for pounds more. place in the cese. charity. The CD is available via the grounds of The 12 to 18-year-old girls It includes tracks as diverse website – www.heavenlyhunks St Jude’s will join a new choir – as the Bee Gees’ How Deep Is .co.uk – at the cathedral shop Primary ‘Cantate!’, which will also Your Love, the carol Away In A or by contacting Macmillan Above: the Heavenly Hunks on the School, St include teenage boys. The new Manger and David Price’s set- Cancer Relief on either 023- cover of their new CD; below: Sarah Nicholas recruits are expected to start tings of the Magnificat and 9278 8700 or Lock, 18, models the new look for Street, in singing Evensongs on Nunc Dimittis. It follows on kprice@macmill girls singing in the ‘Cantate’ choir Old Ports- Thursdays from September. from their much-publicised an.org.uk mouth. The choir will be an addi- efforts Organiser Chris Cox (pictured tion to the Cathedral Choir that to raise above) said: “It’s the opportunity features the voices of 14 gen- of being coached in a variety of tlemen and 24 boys aged from different sports and to enjoy play- eight to 13 years old. ing team games in a relaxed and Girls and women already friendly environment. The sing as part of the cathedral’s emphasis is on having a good St Thomas Parish Choir, which time - everyone is welcome, performs mainly for parish whatever their level. And services. Christian leaders can help you Our cathedral’s Master of find out more about Jesus too.” Choristers David Price said: The sessions will happen daily “There is a demand among from May 30 to June 2, from 9am teenage girls to sing in a cathe- to 12.30pm. It costs £20 per dral choir, and we thought this child. To book a place, contact exciting new venture will pro- Chris Cox on 023-9275 1150 or vide unique opportunities. c.t.cox@btinternet. “The group will be directed by Andrew Cleary from Portsmouth Grammar School. Pupils flock The choir will be open to teenagers from other schools to church for too across the city and the dio- cese.” workshops Anyone interested in join- HUNDREDS of children from ing should contact Sophie six schools will take part in a Lederer in the cathedral’s schools day at St Mary’s Church music office on 023-9234 in Fratton. 9430, sophie.lederer@portsmo The Year 5 children from all uthcathedral.org.uk, or by writ- the primary schools in inner-city Portsmouth will meet for work- shops on music, art, crafts and Mentors can help refugees to integrate other activities on March 23. COULD you act as a mentor least five hours a month with Portsmouth project co-ordi- also gain insight into another The day has been made possi- for refugees who may need help that person, offering guidance nator Vicky Halliday said: culture.” ble by funding from the city integrating into our local com- in areas such as education, “The project also aims to Mentors should be over 18, council, but was originally munity? employment and general inte- improve the image of refugees and ideally – though not neces- inspired by the cluster of inner- The Portsmouth Area gration. in the media by helping to sarily – British citizens. They city churches working together as Refugee Service, which is based The project, which is called break down the perceived bar- should be fluent in English and part of the pilot scheme for the in All Saints’ Parish Centre in ‘Time Together’, was pioneered riers between cultures. have an understanding of the bishop’s Kairos process. Commercial Road, is looking in three UK cities in 2002. It “A vital part of the project culture, customs, job market Professional schools worker for volunteers. was started in three more in is to encourage refugee mentees and public services. and storyteller Lucy Moore will They would offer you full 2004 and Portsmouth is among to volunteer within the commu- Anyone interested can con- help to lead the day, which hap- training and then pair you with six further cities added to the nity, which aids the integration tact Vicky on 023-9281 8725 or pens between 9.45am and a refugee. You would spend at initiative in 2005. process. The mentors would [email protected]. 2.30pm. 4 news

FIRST DAY COVERS Group pilgrimages to HORNDEAN: More and PRESENTATION PACKS places of historic and than 100 pupils took Free competitive price part in two exciting per- list available now religious interest. formances of Gilbert Jonathan Gilbert THE HOLY LAND and Sullivan’s operatta FREEPOST ANG 7133 Visit Jordan Valley, Petra, Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem, The Pirates of Penzance Bedford MK42 0YA the Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, The Church of The Holy at the Kings Theatre, Sepulchre, Mount Zion and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. 01234 325531 Southsea. ROME This was the latest in Visit St. Peters Square, the major Basilicas, Ancient Rome, FREE SPECIALIST CATALOGUE Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Panthenon, Catacombs, a string of musical hits AVAILABLE the Vatican Museum and more. NATIONAL produced over the past FRUIT POLAND nine years under the Visit the ancient Royal city in Kraków, the Shrine of Jasna SPECIALISTS expert direction of assis- April Owen-Jones Over 300 apple varieties Gora in Chestochowa, Auschwitz, Wadowice - the birthplace on M26 8ft and many on M27 4ft of Pope John Paul II - and the salt mines of Wieliczka. tant headteacher Lou Children weaving the willow tunnel at The willow tunnel Patio Trees, Upright Cordons, Call for details on our tailor-made group Payne. Family Trees of Cherry, Plum, Apple, packages, prices & other destinations. The children sang Hook-with-Warsash Primary School will lead to a small Pear, Peach and so much more! meadow area where a 10% OFF all orders until with gusto and acted the end of March at very professionally, new storytellers’ chair DEACONS NURSERY (CP) the school and circle of logs has Goodshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW making effective use of Freefone: 0800 917 3572 been created for story- 01983 840750 (24hrs) Fax:01732 886885 Telephone: +44 (0)1732 886666 the large professional Tel: 01983 522243 Fax: 01983 523575 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tangney-tours.com time. The children also Email: [email protected] Pilgrim House. Station Court. Borough Green. Kent. TN15 8AF stage. The cast had been practising for several report helped to make the chair Direct Candles is a locally based supplier of all from reclaimed wood, months and their efforts types of candles, Communion Wines and Altar sanding it and varnish- were rewarded by an Cambrook last summer. School had a rare oppor- breads. We supply only the highest quality ing it themselves. products from established suppliers and our appreciative audience of Mrs Owen-Jones tunity to help create out- The school was able service, we believe, is second to none. parents and friends who was previously head- door sculptures for their to invite Ganesh Bruce In 1998 Direct Candles joined forces with the filled the theatre both teacher at St Mary and school’s environmental to join the children after Christian Charity SPICMA and a contribution nights. St Paul First School in area. from each sale is passed to this vital Third South Harting, after Artist Ganesh Bruce a grant from the Lottery World Charity. Foundation to improve TITCHFIELD having previously joined Year 6 children Being a local business we can usually offer a free next day delivery service. If you would the environmental area. COMMON: There is a gained experience as a for a week to help them like more details about our range of products please write or call for our Headteacher Easter brochure, now available. new headteacher at St primary school teacher plant willow and weave Christopher Hines said: John the Baptist C of E and deputy head in the pieces together to form “The children learnt a FREEPHONE 0800 085 1490 Primary School in Portsmouth area. a tunnel. lot from Ganesh, not Direct Candles, PO BOX 148, GOSPORT Titchfield Common. When the willow has just through his artistic Hampshire, PO12 2ZX April Owen-Jones HOOK-with- had a chance to grow, it Email: [email protected] skills, but also through took up her post after WARSASH: Children will create a living his knowledge of the Christmas, after the from Hook-with- sculpture for the chil- outdoors.” Portsmouth Cathedral retirement of Jane Warsash C of E Primary dren to venture through. Book & Gift Shop LISS: Worshippers citizens of Oz, with the St Thomas’s Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH marked the 100th vicar, the Rev Hugh Tel: Shop 02392 367747 Office 02392 736253 anniversary of St Wright, appearing as the Saviour’s Church with a Mayor of Manager – Myrna Hall OPEN 10am–4pm daily thanksgiving service. Munchkinland. • Theological Books • Children’s Books • Book Tokens • Book The corrugated iron It was the second Ordering Service • Books for Lent • Mothering Sunday cards • building, known affec- community production tionately as the ‘tin tab- in the church after Greetings Cards including ernacle’, was dedicated 2004’s Joseph and the • Easter cards on 8 February 1906, so Amazing Technicolour • Postcards that date was chosen for Dreamcoat. • Gifts, Tapes & CD’s the anniversary service. The Archdeacon of LOCKS HEATH: For the Meon, the Ven Peter years, singer Martyn friendsfirst Hancock, preached, and Joseph and poet Stewart there was a reception Henderson have written A proven way to meet Christian friends and and the cutting of a cake songs together - now potential partners. afterwards. they are going to per- A discreet service which The church is not form on the same stage. puts you in control. just looked after by Their tour reaches St Centre for the study of PO Box 8377 Birmingham B17 9TE church members, but John’s Church, Locks Jewish-Christian Relations 0121 427 1286 also by members of the Heath, on March 25, www.friends1st.co.uk Liss Forest Residents’ when you can check out invites applications for Association, who were their reputations. BBC Events & Holidays thanked in the service. music award winner MASTER OF STUDIES in UK & Abroad Martyn Joseph in concert Martyn has been hailed IN THE STUDY OF Matching Service & Internet Dating RYDE: It was a per- as a performer of “depth JEWISH-CHRISTIAN formance that show- and resonance”, while cased the community news from Stewart has his work set RELATIONS* spirit in the parish. for GCSE exams, and St John’s Church in presents Radio Four’s *(subject to the approval of the the pews General Board of Cambridge University) Tel: 01584 876 116 Ryde staged The Wizard Questions Questions. Tickets are priced at CJCR www.singleandchristian.co.uk of Oz last month. Its Laura Ray was man, and Darren Price Wesley House, Jesus Ln, The Network Single and large cast featured mem- Dorothy, with Brian as the cowardly lion. £10 each, and can be Cambridge CB5 8BJ Christian Ltd bers of the congregation booked on 01489 PO Box 123, Ludlow, Fessey as the scarecrow, There were dozens of Tel: (01223) 741048 and those from the com- 582631 or i.coombs@ www.cjcr.cam.ac.uk Shropshire, SY8 2WU Jamie Wright as the tin munchkins, winkies and [email protected] [email protected] munity. tiscali.co.uk news 5

OTHER SHORTLISTED ENTRIES:

Connections, produced by Niton and Whitwell parishes, Quick change is produced a special, ecumenical edition for Advent, which was circulated to all 1,000 house- holds in the villages. It now also features black and white photos.
Wickham Parish Magazine contest clincher improved its printing process, introduced black and white pho- IT was the swiftness of tos, added more village news FIRST PRIZE: Village News and revamped its distribution the transformation that system so it was delivered, free helped Village News Produced by: the parishes of charge, to 1,750 homes in take the top prize. of Calbourne, Newtown and the village.
The community magazine, Shalfleet Curdridge Parish Magazine Frequency: monthly, free of features high-quality, colour which serves the parishes of charge. photographs on its front page, Calbourne, Newtown and Pages: 24 A5 pages, with each of which relates to a Shalfleet, won the title of ‘Most front and back covers in village location or activity Improved Parish Magazine 2006’ full colour, and black and featured inside. at a reception for parish magazine white photos inside.
Vision, produced by Hart editors last month. Circulation: Initially 900, but increased to Plain Church, where the re- The three churches in the heart 1,000 in February and 1,200 in March. design of the magazine fitted in of West Wight had decided to Improvements made: Church-only magazine to an overhaul of its communi- has been replaced by magazine serving the cations strategy. It meant the improve communications as part entire communities in the three parishes. magazine, website, and all of their Kairos process. At the Church news is alongside events and activi- other items of church literature same time, Calbourne’s civic ties from community groups and parish coun- incorporated the same design. Editors Teresa Hayles and Zoe Chapman celebrate parish council wanted to do the cils. Front cover is a high-quality colour photo- Its front cover is also in full same. So worshippers and parish graph of local people or activities. their win with the dean, the Very Rev David Brindley colour. councillors joined forces to pro- duce a community magazine. SECOND PRIZE: Trinity Times THIRD PRIZE: Faithworks Within weeks, a brand new 24- page magazine had been posted Produced by: Holy Trinity Church, Produced by: St Faith’s through the letterboxes of 900 Gosport Church, Lee-on-Solent Frequency: six times a homes in the villages. Alongside Frequency: monthly, free of charge Pages: 24 A5 pages, with black year church news there was informa- and white photos throughout Pages: four A4 pages tion about people, clubs, societies Circulation: all 1,200 households Circulation: all 3,000 and events, all available free of and 160 shops, offices and pubs households in the parish charge. Advertising had been in the parish Improvements made: secured from a range of local busi- Improvements made: Magazine traditional A5-style nesses to finance the monthly pub- was launched in May 2004, and magazine with limited lication. specifically aimed to reach non- circulation replaced by Editors Teresa Hayles and Zoe churchgoers. Its distinctive editorial lively newsletter that is style is not pompous, but friendly delivered to every home Chapman accepted the first prize and down-to-earth, with a good in the parish. Crib Faithworks editor Sarah Kiff of £200 – to spend on their publi- sense of humour, and proud of the services in 2004 and cation – from the dean of the church’s Anglo-Catholic heritage. 2005 were packed with more have been featured on local radio cathedral, the Very Rev David The design is very clear, with good than 400 people, many of whom and bereaved people have found Brindley, in front of magazine edi- use of white space. Trinity Times circulation read about it in Faithworks. support – both because of arti- tors from around the diocese. manager Christie Coulson Groups using the parish centre cles in its pages. “I’m amazed that we won, but to church services and activities. pours scorn on genuine Christian it’s only down to the hard work of The reception came after an spiritual experience, the fact that the entire team,” said Teresa. “We Holidays on offer Evensong devoted to the work of local people can read a story about couldn’t have done it without the parish magazines. Ronald the real-life faith of someone who distributors, the advertisers and Graham-Clarke, who has edited lives in the next street is impor- the tremendous response of people for needy families the Froxfield and Privett Parish tant. It reinforces that Christian in the villages. Now our challenge NEEDY families are being may be supported financially Magazine since 1977, read a les- encounters are not for those in far- is to keep up the standard!” offered the chance of a break - by their parish. son, and Jenny Ainsworth, who off Third World countries or for The runner-up in the competi- on a holiday organised by our MU diocesan action and edits Contact for St John’s, those in the history books, but that tion – which measured improve- diocese’s Mothers’ Union. outreach co-ordinator Valerie Newport, led intercessions. The they happen to someone who they ments over the past two years – Families that are under Edmonds said: “In previous dean also spoke of the importance might bump into in the supermar- was Trinity Times, produced by stress, on a low income, disad- years, families have really of parish magazines in his sermon. ket or the post office. Holy Trinity Church, Gosport. It vantaged or just in need of a appreciated the chance to “Parish magazines are actually “And if people assume the was launched in May 2004 and is break can head to Lodge Hill unwind, with volunteers pro- a vital tool in our communication Church of England is old-fash- delivered each month to 1,200 Centre in West Sussex from viding regular activities each with those within our parishes and ioned and out-of-date, the fact that households and all 160 shops, August 5-12 for the ‘Away day for their children. The in our mission to those who don’t a well-designed, modern-looking offices and business in the parish, From It All’ holiday. It will be centre is particularly suitable come to church,” he said. “The publication drops through their free of charge. It won £100. the seventh summer the holi- for children aged 8 to 16.” parish magazine might be the only letterbox every month will chal- And third place and £50 went day has been offered. Contact the Mothers’ communication in the entire vil- lenge those preconceptions.” to Faithworks, produced by St Worshippers are being Union office at All Saints’ lage or locality. At the end of the service, mag- Faith’s Church in Lee-on-Solent. asked to nominate families Pastoral Centre, Commercial “In many parts of the country, azine editors were invited to The four-page A4 newsletter is they know that might benefit Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BT the parish magazine might be the process up to the altar. They held delivered to all 3,000 homes in the from such a break. It involves on 023-9287 3277 or afia.mu only spiritual input that many of copies of their magazines aloft parish. Anecdotal evidence sug- activities for adults and chil- [email protected] to its readers ever get. In a world while the dean formally blessed gested it had been incredibly dren as well as days out and nominate a family that might where the media increasingly them and the work they do. effective in bringing new people family entertainment. Families be interested. 8 features Called to help kids off African streets WHEN Philip Dean felt cases there was a surviving parent. God calling him to help For them to settle back in with a street children from parent or relative was actually quite traumatic – they were going Sierra Leone, he won- from a house to a mud hut or a dered if God had the shed, and from three meals a day wrong man. to perhaps one bowl of gruel a day. He had no experience of work- “The first eight weeks of these ing with children and was only in re-unifications were crucial. We the country on a two-week visit. waited until the end of the school But the project he set up has year – August – and then placed helped more than 100 homeless 45 of the children with relatives. children. The project – the St Another 12 have gone back since George’s Foundation – plucked then. We’ve then visited them teenage boys from street gangs once or twice a week, because it and girls from prostitution, fed would have been very easy for them, taught them and told them these vulnerable children to have about God. Then they were sent to Above: staff and children at the St George’s Foundation, Sierra Leone; below: Philip Dean felt abandoned by us. In fact, school – some for the first time – as they thought it might get members living in one house. The every single child has stayed with and reunited with their families. trashed, but eventually we found a children had a daily timetable of their families.” In less than two years, the proj- seven-bedroomed bungalow in a three meals a day, worship, teach- The project then selected ect has turned his own life and run-down part of town.” ing and activities such as dance, another 40 street children, this faith upside down. The 43-year- This was the moment when drama and music. And the staff time a younger group, who moved old, from St Barnabas Church, Philip felt his faith being put to the were paid for the first time. into the house in August and were Swanmore, now hopes to build a test. Having grown up as a “By the end of August, the kids sent to school for the first time last permanent centre near Freetown Christian at St Barnabas’, he had had changed dramatically,” said September. for street children. drifted away from church, but his Philip. “The violence had often The project now plans to open “I’d followed the civil war in faith clicked into place again when been because they were competing a second centre for street children, Sierra Leone, and the gratuitous he went on an Oak Hall skiing hol- for food, but here they were and wants to build a new centre violence horrified me,” he said. “I iday and listened to a fellow skier assured of food and shelter. At the five miles outside Freetown. thought it was the last place on the give his testimony. Hearing about start of the month, we thought Christian builders Mission Direct planet I’d like to be. But I was on someone who struggled with their there might be 12 who could go to have offered to build it, but the the Hampshire support team for a faith as he had was an impetus for school. By September, we had a charities need £100,000 between charity called Hope and Homes friending street children at 2am. him to re-start his relationship list of 35! We bought them school them to make it possible. and was invited out to see their “It was extremely dangerous – with God. Then when the Sierra uniforms, paid their school fees Once Philip’s own resources centre for orphans in Bo. I did it once with a police escort, Leone project started, his depend- and sent all 35 to four different ran out last summer, the project “When I visited in February and even the police were scared. ency on God grew stronger. But it schools. It was a massive leap of has been supported by donations 2004, the war had just ended and Everyone carries knives. The was the moment when he had to faith that they wouldn’t let us from individuals in the UK and there were troops everywhere. older boys resented you taking through Philip’s printing and And there were 11-12 year old away the younger boys from their embroidery business. The project kids constantly begging – there gangs and the pimps didn’t want has also become part of Jacob’s were 3,000 homeless street kids in their girls to go. Well, a larger charity. Freetown alone. I felt uncomfort- “On the first day, 3 May 2004, my faith Now Philip hopes to bring two able to see children in the centre we started giving out food to them of the original street children – living in wonderful conditions and in the grounds of an orphanage Sadiatu and Abdulia – to Britain Philip Dean was horrified at the plight of street children in yet so many who had nothing. I and had 30 children. The next day during March and April. They will Sierra Leone. How he responded changed both his life and faith had an intense feeling of God call- we had 50, because the original 30 meet some of the church groups ing me to do something – but I had told their friends. The food pay a year’s rent on this bungalow down. In fact, they were so proud that have supported the project. wondered whether he had called had to go round further, and we that was the turning point. of themselves in the uniforms that Any church group that would like the wrong person. just had to close the door on any “It was a massive leap of faith they marched off to school in a the pair to visit them in this time, “These kids kept playing on more. They were violent, abusive to pay for a year’s rent on this bun- parade and the neighbours cheered or who would like to know more my mind, and I thought ‘What and foul-mouthed because they’d galow,” said Philip. “It was about and clapped them off. And we’ve about how to support the project Would Jesus Do?’ They needed been living on the streets. Thirty £2,500, but it wasn’t the amount never had any discipline problems should contact Philip on 01489- food, clothes, education, love, per cent of them were physically of money so much as the commit- with them in school. 894133 or philip.dean@btconnect affection and proper adult guid- ill, and we had to throw three off ment to the project. It was my “We could then tell the other .com. There’s also more informa- ance. I thought we should target the project for breaking our rules moment of having to step out of children that if they behaved, they tion on www.adecentlife.org and the 12-13 year olds as the older of serious violence or stealing. the boat and walk on the water, as could also go to school in www.missiondirect.org teenagers are already into drugs “We had them between 12noon Peter did when Jesus asked him to. November, which was a real “I’m sure I’m not the only per- and gangs. I decided that I could and 6pm, and it would take those I dilly-dallied for three weeks, and incentive. They did, so by the end son who sits watching things on afford to help 30 of them for six six hours to calm them down so then said ‘Let’s go for it’. It was a of the year, these formerly uncon- TV and wishes they could do hours a day with two meals, activ- they behaved reasonably. But then big moment as it demonstrated my trollable street kids were all at something,” he said. “All I’ve ities, education, worship and they would go back on the streets total reliance on God.” school. The atmosphere was like a clung onto is that this is just a games, so that’s what we did. overnight, and they would be just That step was also a turning big family and the children called small ‘thank you’ to God for all “Justina Conteh, from Help a as wild the next morning. Within point for the project. On 5 August each other brother and sister. that he’s given to us. My reliance Needy Child International, and a two or three weeks, we realised 2004, the St George’s Foundation “The next thing was to trace on him has become total, because photographer, John Dalton, started that we needed something residen- project became residential, with their families. They told us where so many times we’ve prayed for by touring the streets and be- tial. No one would rent us a house 56 boys, 12 girls and 12 staff they had come from, and in many things and an answer has come.” features 9 Is the Communion falling apart? THE newspapers fre- these can be revised is to under- fragments? If it does, it will make quently predict the mine the authority of scripture no difference to what happens in imminent death of the and therefore God’s authority. our parishes week by week. Or the big The second principle is sub- will it? At the heart of the Anglican Communion. sidiarity: that is, all issues should Anglican way is our recognition These gloomy forecasts have be decided at the most local level and our embracing of diversity. I intensified in the last few months, possible. The Anglican Church may not agree with my sister or especially over issues in human issue has no pope, and no central deci- my brother in Christ, but I am sexuality. Last year the Anglican sion-making structures. From its totally committed to exploring Church in Nigeria ‘redefined’ its Will the Anglican Communion tear itself apart over sexuality? beginnings it has been rooted in together with her or him what it is relationship with other Anglicans. And does it matter if it does so? The Very Rev David Brindley, context and culture. Indeed, it has to be Christian in the modern It decided to be in communion dean of Portsmouth Cathedral, considers the opposing views encouraged differing expressions world. Of course we will disagree only with those Churches it ship of Churches within a histori- morality develop. The Holy Spirit of the faith in Africa, Asia and the – families always do! regards as ‘orthodox’ in doctrine, cal tradition – and tries to leave leads the Church into new Caribbean as well as on the Isle of Perhaps at the root of all this sacraments and discipline. aside the specifics of human sex- insights and fresh expression. Wight and in the Meon Valley. is a variety of views about how This is one stage in a debate uality. In my view, however, the The development of the creeds That is one of the glories of we treat scripture and tradition. that has been running for a couple two are inseparable some 300 years after Jesus’ death; Anglicanism. We all assert that the Bible is the of years. In 2004 the Archbishops Much of the debate centres on the fresh theology of the Different cultures have diverse unique revelation of God, and published ‘The Windsor Report’, whether it is legitimate for parts Reformation; the abolition of the expressions of morality and cus- that it contains everything neces- a document about the nature of of the communion to make deci- slave trade – all these are exam- tom. For example, the position of sary for salvation, yet we all the Anglican Communion and the sions without the whole commun- ples of theological development. women in our society is very dif- make selections from it of what effect on it of two specific events ion agreeing to them. This had Perhaps God is leading us into a ferent from that in West Africa or we consider important; we all – the ordination of an openly been relevant in the decisions new understanding of sexuality, in parts of Asia. If the African accentuate some parts and ignore homosexual man as a bishop in over the ordination of women to and of the rights of homosexuals? Church can try to influence other parts. the USA, and the authorisation of the priesthood and to the episco- Against this, there are those British views of sexuality, should The debate will continue, and services for same sex unions in a pacy. Can the Church of England who argue that sexuality is part of we try to influence their views on we must be sensitive to the fact Canadian diocese. decide on such issues without the God’s planned design for human- the position of women in society that at the heart of this dispute are The report concentrates only approval of our sister Churches? ity, and that God’s intentions and as well as in the Church? people in all our Churches who on the issues of communion – The report focuses on two boundaries are clear in scripture So where do we go from here? might be hurt by forcibly what does it mean to be a fellow- principles. First, theology and and tradition. To suggest that Does it matter if the communion expressed views on either side. Bereavement HOLIDAY DIRECTORY Services DEVON Gatwick Airport www.BasicallyBirding.com Travel Insurance ALGARVE Closest B&B parking, 3 mins. Andalucia, Spain Arranged for POMPEY CHIMES Readers Luxury 3 bed villa (all ensuite). 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Make Fairtrade Your Habit is the clarion 1,300 products from over 170 companies today. Whilst in it’s early days, Fairtrade coffee, tea etc were only call to consumers throughout the available from a few specialist outlets and church stalls, country during Fairtrade Fortnight this now most major supermarket chains have a range of prod- year, writes Roy Perring. ucts on offer. It’s no longer just beverages available with the Fairtrade mark, now you can buy, wine, cotton and a The event, which runs from 6th to 19th March, gives a whole range of crafts products to support the cause. wonderful opportunity to look back on the To really make that difference, get the progress to date, but also a time of plan- Fairtrade habit all year around, not just on ning for the future. special occasions. Search out Fairtrade The Fairtrade Foundation, who oversee products when you visit your local the promotion will use the campaign to supermarket and ask for them if you do not show consumers, how making a small see them. If you like shopping on the web, change to their buying habits can make a type ‘fairtrade’ into your search engine real difference to world poverty. The and you’ll be amazed at how many foundation believes that last year’s events connections you make. The good thing such as MakePovertyHistory, Live 8 about Fairtrade is how easy it can be to alongside this year’s focus on Africa make make a difference. And come to think of it, 2006 ideal for promoting the idea of how enjoyable as well! Anyone fancy a Fairtrade as an easy step that everyone can take to cup of coffee or a glass of wine? make a positive difference to producers’ lives. 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Thursday 2 March CATHEDRAL LENT LECTURES 2006 NEWPORT, St Thomas’s parish centre, Town Lane (7.30pm): Fairtrade open Lectures are given on Sunday evenings in Cathedral House at 7pm, following a short- readers’ letter forum. Find out more about Fairtrade. ened Evensong, on topics directly related to some of the complex issues facing Dear Neil, us by previous generations, and worth Christians today. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers, and the I read Dean Brindley’s ‘Last Word’ the effort. As required by canon law, Friday 3 March event will finish by 8.30pm. (Pompey Chimes, Feb 2006) with inter- the clergy wore albs and stoles. PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth Cathedral, Sunday 5 March Sunday 19 March est and amusement. What indeed is a I applaud Dean Brindley for wear- High Street (10.45am): Women’s World PORTSMOUTH, Cathedral House, St PORTSMOUTH, Cathedral House, St vicar to a Goth? May I suggest he con- ing his clerical cloak in Portsmouth city Day of Prayer service. Theme: ‘Signs of Thomas’s Street (7pm): Sexuality and Thomas’s Street (7pm): Necessary, dis- tacts the Rev Alex Gowing-Cumber - a centre. I assume he was also wearing the Times’. Unity: the threat to the Anglican tinctive, effective and worthwhile? - the young priest who is a Goth. In August black shirt and dog collar underneath. WICKHAM, Wickham church hall Communion. By the dean of the cathedral, Church of England’s role in education. By 2004, he was scheduled to celebrate a It is essential that our bishops, (12noon-1.30pm): Ecumenical Lent lunch. the Very Rev David Brindley (see also our diocesan director of education, Canon ‘Gothic Eucharist’ at Greenbelt. He priests, and deacons do roam our Churches Together in Bishop’s Waltham. ‘The Big Issue’ on page 9). David Isaac. wanted to use the Book of Common streets, drink in pubs, borrow books Includes soup, bread and cheese. Repeated Prayer, so contacted the Prayer Book from libraries, and visit their parish- each Wednesday lunchtime during Lent in a Sunday 12 March Sunday 26 March Society for help. The service that ioners; but it is imperative that they do different church. resulted, faithful to the Prayer Book all of these things whilst dressed in the LEE-ON-SOLENT, St Faith’s Church, PORTSMOUTH, Cathedral House, St PORTSMOUTH, Cathedral House, St rite, was utterly amazing. ‘uniform’ (black shirt, white dog collar) Victoria Square (1.30pm); HAVANT, St Thomas’s Street (7pm): Spirituality Out Thomas’s Street (7pm): Mission and The congregation numbered over that the majority of the non-churchgo- Joseph’s RC Church, West Street (2pm); There. By our diocesan spirituality advis- Society. By our diocesan social responsi- 200, for a service starting at half past ing public either recognises from dim HAMBLEDON, St Peter and St Paul’s er, the Rev Dr Peter Lippiett. bility adviser, the Rev Nick Ralph. midnight. The choir (the all-women and distant memory, or who can be Church (2pm); and PORTSMOUTH, group nChant) was dressed entirely in taught to recognise it as being Church Copnor Methodist Church, Copnor ring 029-2081 0800 to book. Sunday: 1pm-5pm): Cathedral singing black. The singing throughout was of England. Never leave the dog collar Road (2.30pm): Women’s World Day of weekend. Directed by David Price of often in Latin, sometimes with a gentle at home. Save the coloured shirts for Prayer services. Prepared by the Christian Friday 17 March Portsmouth Cathedral and Andrew Atkins drum beat or other instrumental accom- church meetings - and never dress in women of South Africa. PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth Cathedral, of Portsmouth Music Service. Open to paniment sounding through the fog of unidentifiable mufti when shopping at High Street (7.30pm): Recital of instru- singers of all ages and abilities. Includes incense. Sainsbury’s (as I saw one vicar do last Saturday 4 March mental music. By the cathedral choristers. workshops, games, and performance. Possibly the most unusual liturgical week). Contact: 023-9231 5815 or 023-9234 9430. LEE-ON-SOLENT, Methodist Church, Ticket: £3, from 023-9234 9430 or moment was the Gospel sung in Latin Then, when accosted by Goths, High Street (10am-12noon): Women’s edmund.saddington@portsmouth to a very intricate chant, prior to read- clergy who are properly attired (espe- World Day of Prayer coffee morning and cathedral.org.uk Saturday 25 March ing it (AV) in English. Alex preached cially when wearing long black woollen bring and buy sale. PORTSMOUTH, St Mary’s Church, on the theme that the most worthwhile cloaks) can confidently say in a con- GREATHAM, Greatham Church Centre Saturday 18 March Fratton Road, Fratton (noon): Solemn things in life cannot be achieved by spiratorial voice: “Come to St (10am-4pm): Lent quiet day. Led by the PORTSMOUTH, St Nicholas’s church choral mass to celebrate Annunciation of ‘quick fixes’ or instant gratification. He Morwenna’s next Friday on the hoot of Rev Carolyn Headley. Includes bring-and- hall, Battenburg Avenue (9am): Ladies’ the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass setting: said worship could often be self indul- the owl, and the beat of the raven’s share lunch. Contact: 01730-829226. breakfast. Meet new friends, enjoy good Schubert in G. Preacher: Rt Rev gent; and though he acknowledged wing, at midnight.” Christopher Chessun. some people might find the BCP hard FRESHWATER, Memorial Hall food and hear an inspiring speaker. kind regards, Nikki M Sales PORTSMOUTH, St Nicholas’s church work, he felt it was something truly (10.30am-1.30pm): Lent brunches. SOUTHSEA, House of St Mary’s Church, Hook-with-Warsash Organised by Churches Together in West Bethany (10am-4pm): Quiet hall, Battenburg Avenue (1.30pm): valuable that had been passed down to Wight. Morning coffee, tea, soup and light day. Led by Sister Rita- Overseas mission spring sale. Admis- lunches. Proceeds to Christian Aid, Holiday Elizabeth. Please bring a sion: 20p. Contact: 023-9261 2450. Bible Club, Carisbrooke Priory and the packed lunch. Drinks and tea LOCKS HEATH, St John’s church Christian bus project. Also on March 11, provided. Please let the centre (7.45pm): Concert. Featuring because Christianity isn’t 18 and 25, and April 1, 8 and 15. Sisters know on 023-9283 singer Martyn Joseph and poet 3498 or ssb@sistersofbethany. Stewart Henderson. Tickets: 01489- Sunday 5 March org.uk if you want to attend. 582631. See page 4 for details. PORTSMOUTH, St black and white PORTSMOUTH, St Alban’s Church, PORTSMOUTH, St Wilfrid’s James’ Church, Milton Copnor Road, Copnor (10.30am): Church, George Street (7.30pm): Music for Lent Anniversary of the baptism of Charles (11am): Spring fair. and the Assumption. Dickens. Includes short service at the font. PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth Cathedral, Seasonal music by Allegri, . . . the Friday 10 March High Street (7.30pm): Sheppard and Poulenc. By Concert. Portsmouth Cantores Sanctae Insolitae DENMEAD, All Saints’ Church, Festival Choir. Rob Parsons Artis, 10-voice emsemble Church Times Hambledon Road (7.30pm): Trumpet and (March 13) championing sacred music organ recital. Featuring Paul Hart (trumpet) Wednesday 22 March from the 15th and 16th cen- and Elizabeth Le Grove (organ). Tickets: £7 turies. Tickets and info: 023 9229 8708. on 023-9224 1161 or 023-9226 6159. NEWPORT, St Thomas’ parish centre, is the PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth Cathedral, Town Road (7.30pm): Training session for Tuesday 28 March High Street (7.30pm): Concert. Music in holiday club leaders. Led by Lucy Moore FAREHAM, Holy Trinity Church, West the Round - Sonnerie. of the Bible Reading Fellowship and Neil Pugmire. Cost: £3 per person (£12 maxi- Street (8pm): Concert. Wyndcliffe Voices, best-selling Saturday 11 March mum per church). Contact: Eithne Nutt conducted by Philip Drew, sing music for (01865-319704 or [email protected]). Lent. Free admission. WOOTTON, St Mark’s church hall independent (10am-4pm): 18th century living day. Find Wednesday 29 March - out how people lived and try out common Thursday 23 March 18th century tasks. Adults: £2.50, children: PORTSMOUTH, St Mary’s Church, Saturday 1 April £1. Refreshments available. Fratton Road, Fratton (9.45am-2.30pm): PORTSMOUTH, Third Floor Arts Christian LIPHOOK, Liphook Church Centre, Schools day. See page 3 for details. Centre, above Central Library, Guildhall Portsmouth Road (10am-3pm): Working Square (7.30pm): What’s So Amazing with children in small churches. CPAS Friday 24 March About Grace? Top Cat Theatre Company paper in training event for clergy, PCC members, PORTSMOUTH, Mountbatten Centre present their adaptation of the best-selling and children’s leaders. Contribution of (7.30pm): Luv Esther. West End-style book by Philip Yancey. Tickets (£6/£5) on £2.50 suggested. Contact: Carolyn Headley musical. Tickets (£9/£7) available on 023- 023-9268 8070. See page 6 for details. the UK (01730-829226) 9269 0011. See pages 6-7 for details. SOUTHSEA, Church of the Holy Spirit,
Would you like your church’s events for Fawcett Road (7.30pm): Tranquility. Saturday 25 March - April listed here and on our website? Send details to: Pompey Chimes, Cathedral Stress-busting music with the Renaissance Sunday 26 March Choir. Includes works from Tavener, Tallis House, St Thomas’s Street, Portsmouth, or For a FREE copy, simply clip the coupon, and MacMillan. Tickets (£7/£5/£2) avail- PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth Cathedral, [email protected] able on 023-9247 5259. See: www.renais High Street (Saturday: 10am-4pm; by March 6. phone 01502 711171, or email [email protected] sance choir.org.uk for details. Monday 13 March announcements www.churchtimes.co.uk SOUTHAMPTON, Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Appointments: of East Wight. He was collated and insti- Eastleigh (10am-4pm): Living God’s The Rev Len Fox, priest-in-charge, All tuted by the Archdeacon of the Isle of Send to Church Times, Freepost LON 6705, London N1 0BR Covenant. Day for church leaders and Saints’, Portsmouth, to be vicar, All Wight on February 15. resource personnel with reference to the Saints’, Portsmouth. He will be collated Please send me my FREE sample copy of the Church Times Anglican-Methodist covenant. Cost: £12.50 and instituted by the Archdeacon of Departure: including lunch. Contact: 0207-898 1479. Portsdown on March 15. The Rev Richard Brand, diocesan PORTSMOUTH, St Mary’s Church, Name...... The Rev Graham Morris, priest-in- director of ordinands and priest-in- Fratton Road, Fratton (7.30pm-10pm): charge, St Catherine, Ventnor, with Holy charge, St Peter and St Paul, Hambledon, The Friendship Factor. Hear from Rob Trinity, Ventnor, and Bonchurch, and rural to be team rector, Market Harborough - Address...... Parsons about how to make friends, why dean of East Wight, to become vicar, St Little Bowden with Lubenham ...... Postcode ...... men find it difficult, and how to overcome Catherine, Ventnor, with Holy Trinity, (Leicester diocese). He will be licensed friendship breakdown. Cost: £6. See: Ventnor, and Bonchurch, and rural dean on May 10. Email ...... B6POMP1 www.careforthefamily.org.uk/friends or 12 back page focus Vision of new bookshop is now a reality HE gave up a steady discovered that the New Road Portsmouth College to pop in,” she job to follow her Christian Bookshop had just closed. said. “The coffee shop bit wasn’t my dream. Now she’s Then, amazingly, she sold a property idea, but my pastor thought people S in Jersey that she hadn’t been able to would drop in for coffee and a chat, or running Portsmouth’s sell for years. Suddenly, she was in a have meetings here. newest Christian book- position to follow God’s lead. “And we’ve had all sorts of people shop. “The final thing was actually my in, pouring out their life stories. It’s Sandra Platford was a renal nurse husband,” said Sandra. “He could eas- actually a real ministry, helping people Sandra Platford at the ‘A Word to the Wise’ at the Queen Alexandra Hospital when ily have said ‘No’, because it was our find the right resources, or helping book and coffee shop in Tangier Road, Copnor she felt God guiding her money. But he’s 100 per cent behind them find counselling.” towards opening a Christian me, and he came home one day and Sandra originally became a book and gift shop. Though said ‘Give up your job!’.” Christian after attending an Alpha she’d always wanted to be a She started with a small bookshop course at St Mary’s, Portchester, and nurse, and had trained for four in her church last November, while was confirmed by the bishop in 2000. years to become one, she felt she, her husband and brother-in-law She now goes to Portsmouth Family God saying she should give up refitted and re-painted a shop unit in Church, which meets in City Girls’ her job. She had no finances for Tangier Road, Copnor. It opened as ‘A School in Fratton. She’s also their UNITY BOOKSHOP a shop, and no experience, but Word to the Wise’ bookshop and cof- community outreach co-ordinator and 15 Folly Lane, Petersfield prayed that God would open fee shop in December. a mum of five children. Hants GU31 4AU the right doors for her. It stocks Christian books, gifts, The shop is open every day from Telephone: (01730) 262572 She tried moving to another CDs, DVDs, Bible games and greet- 9.30am to 5pm, except Wednesdays nursing job, but there was no ings cards, and even runs a storyteller and Sundays. Staff can order any funding for it. She heard ser- club for children. mainstream Christian books it doesn’t CHRISTIAN? mons about thinking big. Then “It’s actually a perfect location – already stock, and is keen to provide SINGLE? she did her homework, finding between Tangier Road Baptist and St churches with accounts. Contact WIDOWED? out whether there was a Joseph’s RC Churches, and close Sandra on 023-9267 3777 or see DIVORCED? demand for such a shop. She enough for youngsters from www.awordtothewise.co.uk.

A CENTRE FOR CHRIST IN A RESTLESS WORLD

We stock a good range of Bibles, books, Don’t be alone cards, gifts and music. Fast ordering service. another weekend! Find refuge during Lent Discounts for churches and schools. Call New Day Introductions on ON my bookshelf I have a book 01706 224049 OPENING HOURS www.marriageintroductions.co.uk called The Greatest Sermons of Monday to Saturday 9am till 5pm Hundreds have married through the Last 2000 Years. New Day Introductions It includes sermons from the last every age, from Ambrose to Andrewes, from Basil to Barth, from Rahner to Runcie. It is naturallyfloors interesting to see who is in it word and who has been omitted from the roll of honour. by the Ven Peter Hancock Perusing it recently I came Archdeacon of the Meon all types of floor coverings across a sermon by Caesarius carpets · vinyl · laminates · wood of Arles from the sixth century: repair and compose in the little words, “by fasting, reading and supplied / supplied & fitted / fitted ‘On the Beginning of Lent’. It ship of our soul whatever prayer store up provisions for is a blistering exhortation to throughout the year has been our souls”. specialists in natural flooring observe Lent. broken or destroyed or dam- We do this by coming to coir · sisal · jute · seagrass · wool He writes: “Although aged or ruined by many storms, Jesus, the Lamb of God, and through the mercy of God you that is by the waves of sins.” spending time with Him. frequently and devoutly hear In a diocese where the sea is Just as, I am, though tossed MARCH OFFER the divine lessons throughout never far away, that is a helpful about the entire year, still during image. With many a conflict, many a reduced prices on doubt, selected domestic vinyl these days we ought to rest Life can be stormy at times from the winds and sea of this and we need times and places Fightings and fears within, world, by taking refuge, as it where we can be renewed and without, tel: 07990 534619 were, in the haven of Lent, and refreshed. O Lamb of God, I come. fax: 02392 428336 in the quiet of silence let us Lent is one of those times May this Lent be a haven with all solicitude strive to where we can, in Caesarius’ for us all.