NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

Home for good

Adoption; the core of who we are PAGE 6 Our house in the middle of our street PAGE 13

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Life to the full? An ecumenical course in 4 sessions written by Matt Woodcock

ALSO AVAILABLE: An accompanying COURSE BOOKLET and TRANSCRIPT of this CD. The materials for this course are all available as digital downloads.This transcript accompanies the audio material for the course entitled Life to the Full? The words as spoken are set out in this Life to thetranscript full? booklet.

Accompanying audio and transcript available

The materials for this course are all available as digital downloads (also as digital downloads)

TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO OF TRANSCRIPT York Courses · PO 5YBBox 343UK York · YO19 Tel: 01904 466516 www.yorkcourses.co.uk

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Yk Course - LTTF - Ad A5b.indd 1 25/07/2018 09:12 From the Editor Contents THE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2018 We are family! Church is not something you go to, it’s a family you belong to. Home is where the heart is. Home is not a place 4 COMMENT: A sense of belonging it’s a feeling. Home is where you treat your friends like family 5 PAUSE BUTTON: What makes and your family like friends. a home? quick search on Pinterest or Google brings a plethora of well-worn quotes and phrases. That doesn’t mean they aren’t truisms, but it can mean that words such as ‘family’ and ‘home’ come 6 FEATURE: veryA heavily laden with expectations. Adoption; the The Bryant kids, nine years ago and now! And there’s the rub: we can idealise it so core of who very easily. In our increasingly air-brushed from a Christian faith perspective. world, our search for home and family we are Do let me know. can be fruitless seeking after perfection. This edition explores what home and Bishop Graham looks back over his family mean to us as Christians. 19 years in the Diocese and sees a process of continuing renewal (pg 26). Over nine years ago, we added to the Nothing stands still and so it is with Bryant family through adoption. In our The Magazine. From next Spring we’ll main feature (pg 6) Dannie Hancock talks be moving to a quarterly publishing with four couples who have re-examined schedule. 12 Supporting strangers and their boundaries of family through sojourners adoption and fostering. Some other Many dioceses no longer have a printed people have literally opened their homes publication due to the cost, but the 14 Book reviews on home and in different ways – see pages 10 to 13. feedback we continue to receive shows family Bridging the gap between families and how valued this magazine is, and the a care home for the elderly is a growing important role it plays in enabling, 15 SOUL SPACE: The church as success story in Newton Flotman (pg 17) inspiring and sharing our faith. Keep an home and in the Children, Youth & Family pages eye on our website to see the schedule we read of fostering faith in the family, and themes for future issues. 16 Home at the heart of the reaching out to Dads and sharing faith through toddler groups. Blessings, Cathedral family These are just highlights of the many 23 Encouraging faith in families different articles that I hope will give you something to chew over about Barbara Bryant 24 Who let the Dads out? what family and home might look like Editor 26 Our Diocese, by Bishop Graham The Magazine design: 30 FOCUS ON: Launditch and Get in touch Adept Design www.adeptdesign.co.uk 01603 882348 (Editor) Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily Upper Nar [email protected] those of the Diocese and the acceptance of advertising does not indicate editorial endorsement. Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Cover photo: The Tomlinson family at home; Easton, Norwich NR9 5ES photo by Barbara Bryant. www.dofn.org/magazine facebook.com/dioceseofnorwich @DioceseNorwich

The next issue (deadline 12 Nov) focuses on unity/ecumenicism.

Listen to The Magazine Podcast by searching for 34 ECO-SOUNDINGS: ‘Diocese of Norwich’ on the podcast app of your choice. More hot air in churches? To advertise in The Magazine please contact Sally on 01603 882322 or email [email protected] 39 WHAT’S ON: Christmas special

3 COMMENT A sense of belonging

eflecting on home and however, enables families to discuss their are specified and a model set for family, I recall my own relationships and functioning. No family is Christian families. As part of our healthy happy childhood when I immune from dysfunction. development, we separate from our naively believed everyone’s family. Adolescence begins that process as Made in God’s image, we are relational experience was similar. I was wrong. we can grow and develop fully into who beings. Attachment theory informs us Family and home hold different we are. that if babies form secure attachments Rmeanings for people. The common with their caregivers, the babies will As a Christian I joined God’s family. My phrase ‘home is where the heart is’ develop a sense of secure self and can then Pastor encouraged us to “go out into can mean our loved ones, wherever explore the world from the security of that the mission field carrying the love of Jesus they are, or the physical family relationship. If not, s/he will develop an to a broken world and through a practical home providing a place of security, insecure attachment. These experiences compassionate response”. love, belonging, acceptance, trust, influence how we relate to people within forgiveness, growth, encouragement, I sensed my personal calling was “to family and outside and what we believe discipline, resilience and possibly faith. bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim about ourselves. A therapeutic space freedom for the captives and release from Homes can also be fearful places not enables us to explore childhood wounds darkness for the prisoners” (Isaiah 61). offering safe shelter, when there is which can happen in families. John O’Donohue wrote that our homes addiction, or domestic or child sexual I have an adopted daughter, and can “be a house of welcome for the abuse. Broken relationships can cause children taken into care usually have broken and diminished”. We don’t have people to leave home and become insecure attachments due to birth family to be trained counsellors to listen when ‘home’less or estranged from their experiences such as mental illness, abuse, someone is lonely or hurting. We can all families; 7.1 million people in the UK neglect or instability. Those families offer a sense of home. live alone. cannot nurture children to thrive, possibly As a counsellor I work with individuals, due to their own childhood experiences. couples and families and believe When we welcome children into our home everyone has intrinsic worth. Within the and family we become therapeutic parents therapeutic relationship counselling creating a secure base. For a second child offers a safe non-judgemental space placed in my family we were her 18th to explore the emotional impact of placement. It was quickly obvious that her loss, illness, unemployment, disability little life had been so traumatised she was and trauma for example. Sometimes unable to live in a family. it is easier to talk to someone Elaine Bennett is an adult, child and adolescent God ordained family. The roles of husband outside the family. Systemic therapy, counsellor. She is a member of Fountain of Life and wife and children, if there are any, Church in Ashill.

4 What makes a home?

he cat’s made herself at home. Perhaps then, home is more about After a year of upheaval, people, events, where we truly feel moving from Oulton Broad, at home and less about bricks Lowestoft, to Norwich (where and mortar. she was bullied by a streetwise city cat) I think about someone who and then again to Sparham, Mo our became a Christian through 15-year-oldT cat has decided country life the Alpha Course who spoke is the thing. She has also set up home in about how coming to faith my PA’s office next door. and to church felt like “coming “What makes a home” has been on home”. our minds a lot over the last year, with When Jesus was speaking to his the two moves and, with my mother disciples about the cost of following dying, the sorting out and selling of her him he said, “Foxes have dens and birds bungalow. have nest, but the Son of Man has no What makes a home? Interestingly, in place to lay his head” (Matthew 8.20). Yet her final months my mother said to me he made his home amongst us, the very of her bungalow in Oulton Broad, where stuff of incarnation. His home was with she had lived for four years following his disciples, the people he ministered to. my father’s death and a move from His home was found in being at the the family home of nearly 50 years in centre of the Father’s will for him. In the Southend, that she was glad she had presence of God. “I and the father are never made the bungalow a home. It one” (John 10.30). made it easier when she had to move into residential care. No matter how big, small or even absent our house is during our time on this What did she mean? I felt a little hurt planet, our true home is with God where initially as we had moved heaven we become homes ourselves, temples and earth to move her in, put familiar of the Holy Spirit. That in turn points things in familiar places and make it us towards our real destination. comfortable and safe. For her, it was because it wasn’t the place that formed the centre of family life, that she had lovingly assembled. Even though she chose everything that was kept or bought, nonetheless we had to do it all for her. She had been happy there and had felt safe. Yet it wasn’t, for her, a real home. O God, our help Rather a lodging place for her final years. in ages past, More important, what made Oulton Broad home was the presence of family locally Our hope for years and the wider family of the church which The Venerable Ian Bentley to come, quickly became a home for her also. Archdeacon of Lynn Be Thou our guard while life shall last, And our eternal home. Isaac Watts

5 Adoption; the core of who we are

This all begs the question, is adoption For Miss K, adoption has nourished Without adoption, our a particularly Christian calling? I spoke a vibrant Christian faith, encouraged Christian story might have with four Norfolk families of their own both by her parents and their Christian experiences of adoption and fostering, and communities, who Veronica cherishes been radically different. the ways in which God has called them to for “welcoming adoptive families like us, Christ’s earliest moments teach re-examine their boundaries of family. embracing the chaos we bring with us, us to extend family generously, accepting Miss K as she is, and loving her, showing her and us, what God is like.” for our salvation as well as Adoption shaping faith In the Wilson family, adoption has brought others’. Imagine the outcome Of course, sometimes adoption can be as simple as the desire to start our human transformation in which differences and had Joseph not claimed Jesus family. Following fertility issues, Veronica change are celebrated. Miss K was three as his first-born? Through and Simon Wilson adopted their daughter when she was adopted, and while this ‘Miss K’ in 2011. Yet rather than their faith has meant hardship from earlier trauma, adoption, Joseph shielded shaping their decision, Veronica explains and the sense that the Wilsons will never Mary and her unborn child that actually, “it’s the other way around, be a ‘normal’ family, the conquering from exclusion or death: who our adoption story has shaped my faith.” of obstacles and championing of one For Veronica, adoption has enabled true another have brought the family their knows the ramifications for us? understanding of what it means to be a greatest joys. Dannie Hancock explores. child of God, and what unconditional love Simon explains that, “from meeting her looks like. for the first time, being greeted by ‘hello daddy’ changed me. It’s been a two-way or Jesus, adoption is a literal process of growth”. Veronica cherishes creation of family. Whilst their process of blending as a family, “of ministering, Jesus is told that integrating her story with ours”. For Simon, his family are waiting outside. Miss K’s own personality traits have added He asks, “who are my brothers and to his and Veronica’s, bringing “a sense of sisters?” They are no longer just Jesus’ wholeness” to their family. F‘official’ family, come to find and reclaim Now the Wilson family includes Miss K’s him from strangers. As far as Jesus is sister, her foster carer, and their families. concerned, those strangers asking for As Veronica puts it, “there are no genetics his love are as much family as those that needed to be a child of God, and no have known him since infancy. genetics needed to be our child!” We see this most clearly on the cross, when he tells his disciple to adopt his mother. When Christ says to the disciple “Behold thy mother!”, he’s not asking him to just look after Mary, but rather to see her afresh, as his own relative. To me, this transformative love is the heart of adoption and the gospel. If Christ’s saving message is of our own adoption by the heavenly Father, let’s remember that his earthly life began and ended with acts of human adoption.

The Wilson family

6 A theology of love and unity Chris Tomlinson, adoptive father of Aila, aged 13, and Miriam, aged 8, describes adoption as “the most profound theological thing I’ve ever done.” Speaking alongside his daughters and wife Shawn, Chris explains, “adoption teaches God’s heart. He just accepts us for who we are and wants to love us. And we run away from him; we have all this baggage, and he just wants to embrace us.” For the Tomlinson family this embrace reaches across biological and geographical boundaries. Both girls were born overseas: Aila in China and Miriam in Ethiopia. For the family, the fact that they look different from one another has made their adoption story a public part of their lives. Questions from shop assistants and schoolmates can be hurtful, but Shawn works hard to ensure that the girls feel empowered in these conversations. Evenings once included Ian and Jo Dyble re-running different question scenarios and figuring out together how to build a Fostering as vocation natural response. For Shawn, the issue often boils down to To Jo and Ian Dyble, such desire to It’s such a strong sense people’s word-choice: “I’d love for people expand families is a very real sign of of calling that you know to be aware of words: ‘real’, ‘natural’, ‘your God’s presence in Christian hearts. own’ – those are just really thoughtless Discussing their own often fluctuating no matter what happens words. Because what is natural? What and expanding home life, which has somehow God is involved is real? What is your own? All of those included live-in interns, wider family, in this whole process, it describe adoption.” For Shawn the and family friends, Ian reflects, “it’s God’s message is simple: “Adoption is natural, heart, God’s adopted us, so it would just makes a difference to adoption is real, and our children and us be strange if we didn’t have that sense everything. as parents, we belong to each other, we within us. We have a call upon us to be are our own.” adoptive people, to expand the net of our families, to draw others in.” Two years interviews to allow the couple some time ago, this call led the couple to explore out. From this closer friendships have long-term foster care. developed, and a wider understanding of Now, they see fostering as a vocation. how God builds family. To Jo, this support For Ian this sense of vocation means that shows how Christians who are unable to fostering, like ministry, doesn’t always foster or adopt can play their own part have to look perfect or successful: “it can in hospitality, by sustaining those who override some low points if you have do. Now both feel that their foster story them, because you know that’s what includes their whole church family. you’ve been called to do.” Jo explains, “It’s With help from God and their such a strong sense of calling that you community, the placement has know no matter what happens somehow been a success of perseverance, God is involved in this whole process, it bringing continued joys. Jo says, “We just makes a difference to everything.” get these moments so often where Again, one vital gift has been their something happens, it might be a church community. Whilst evenings little breakthrough in a situation or a out seemed an unlikely luxury, Jo says milestone reached or exceeded, where that St Thomas’ congregants came we just look at each other with that out in support. The volunteers happily knowing look, thinking, “Yes! This is what Aila and Miriam submitted to mandatory DBS checks and we did this for!”

7 The Tomlinson family

This desire to teach and learn God’s Granddad and Grandma to a host of yet love guides the Tomlinsons’ identity as God’s jewels more children.” Still, she says, “can you an adoptive family. Theirs is a growing Words are equally important to biological imagine Christmas at our house?” theology of love and unity in Christian and foster-parents Garry and Penny However, fostering risks pain: as Penny Goodman. “I would never say ‘children of family. Aila sees the Bible as holding says, “broken children will always be heart- our own’,” Garry says, “because this then “a message of adoption” in all different breaking”. Ruined furniture, schooling differentiates between children and family. forms, while for Miriam, Joseph’s troubles, and anger are par for the course, In our view all children, young or old, good teaching Jesus carpentry is significant. and Penny explains, “If you love your or bad, are God’s jewels; some just don’t As Shawn explains, “for us, one of the house and belongings more than you can let him polish them.” biggest things was realising the role love this child, then don’t foster.” Joseph played in bringing up Jesus, that After 40 years fostering, and over 100 For them though, faith teaches that he was fully Jesus’ father, he was active.” foster children, family get togethers “no-one is unlovable, that all are loved For both girls, the Bible shows that now require a marquee and Christmas by our Father, and all are entitled to be adoptive and birth parents hold equal shopping needs a week off work. A mobile a part of a family if they so choose.” The importance, and that as Christians they home was purchased for those that didn’t Goodmans now rely on two rules: no are not alone as adoptive daughters. want to leave home. Though Garry jokes drugs are allowed on the property, and Aila says that the Bible shows that “we’re that at some point they’ll have to stop no violence. Garry says only one child all adopted, not necessarily just some fostering because they can’t afford any has ever broken the first rule, though people.” Miriam rejoins, “I want people to more wedding dresses, both see fostering the neighbours have found some funny know that it doesn’t really matter if you’re as a joy and privilege, “especially”, Penny looking things in the hedge! adopted or not, because technically says “now that many are grown up with we’re all adopted.” Amen to that. families of their own, and we become Through it all the Goodmans depend on the Holy Spirit to sustain them. Garry The Goodmans with a family tree made by a foster child; all the names of those they have fostered are on the leaves. explains that though the couple choose to model rather than enforce their faith, God has always been “part of the team”. “We couldn’t have done it without him. When we hugged each other in despair he was there hugging too. In times of joy he celebrates with us.” Adoption is a force of love which surges through our Bible and our lives as Christians. From our embrace of one another in earthly family, to God’s divine adopting of humanity, adoption is more than a powerful symbol of Christian love, it is the absolute core of who we are.

Dannie Hancock is currently training for ministry and living in London but has cherished roots at St Stephen’s Norwich.

8 Further ideas… on home and family. See the book reviews on page 14 too.

Home for good national website for specific resources Every night this charity provides a This national, for encouraging faith to grow in families: safe home and support for over 260 faith-based www.mothersunion.org/faith-family- vulnerable young people across Norfolk. charity has a resources. Also keep an eye on the local You or your church can get involved vision of a home for every child who website www.munorwich.org or call through fundraising or volunteering, or needs one. They want: 01603 882330 to find out about local simply through enjoying a meal at their activities. Stepping Stones Café next to the Bus • Churches in the UK to understand Station in Norwich. their mandate to care for vulnerable Care for the Family children A national charity which Hope into Action Norwich aims to promote strong • Christians to step up to become 01603 927271 family life and to help adoptive parents or foster carers www.norwich.hopeintoaction.org.uk those who face family • All Christian foster carers and difficulties. Parental, HiA provides homes for adoptive families to be able to access marriage and bereavement support the most vulnerable in the support they need through a plethora of resources, courses, society in partnership • To be an authoritative voice on looked facilitators and events. There is a whole with local churches. Become a church after children, fostering and adoption section of their website/set of resources partner, a volunteer mentor, invest in a in the UK, and influence policy tailored to supporting faith in families. property, pray for local tenants. Adoption Sunday falls on 4 November www.careforthefamily.org.uk/faith-in- Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney this year, but you can celebrate it in the-family 01986 895444 your church at any time, using the www.emmaus.org.uk/norfolk_waveney resources from Home for Good. They Local organisations also have materials for Father’s and This community Mother’s Day and other special events. working with the in Ditchingham Consider becoming a Home for Good homeless/providing homes provides a home church as a way of helping vulnerable and meaningful children in your community or St Martin’s Housing work to help supporting families who are willing to people to move on from homelessness. 01603 667706 It currently caters for up to 23 foster or adopt. www.stmartinshousing.org.uk “companions”, who work selling and Find out more – phone the Home for Founded by a recycling second-hand furniture and Good team on 0300 001 0995 former Dean of household items, developing skills and www.homeforgood.org.uk Norwich Cathedral, rebuilding self-respect. You can donate Mothers’ Union St Martin’s aims to maximise independent and buy a wide variety of second-hand living and prevent homelessness by goods, enjoy the surroundings and relax offering a hand up – housing, support and in the café. Volunteers are also needed. care – to the most vulnerable. To enhance understanding and compassion towards Winter Night Shelters through homeless people in our community Imagine Norfolk Together through education and advocacy. For current details of how you might Help by volunteering or fundraising. support these two winter projects YMCA Norfolk contact Andrew Frere-Smith for King’s Lynn 07949 964932 andrew.frere- This international Christian 01603 621263 www.ymcanorfolk.org membership organisation has been [email protected] and supporting families worldwide for over Anna Heydon for Great Yarmouth 140 years. In the Diocese of Norwich, [email protected] they have helped Syrian refugees to 07471 357072 settle by providing and literally making- up beds for them to welcome them to their new homes and they help to run toddler groups and marriage preparation courses. Check out the

9 Creating a home from home

When most people are settling into retirement, one couple took on a major project to provide a home from home for students. David Patey takes up the roller-coaster tale of the past two years.

David and Sarah Patey

eathfield is a private hall of A skills audit course many years ago There were. Four former residential care residence for students in at our London church confirmed we homes were listed for sale by tender. Norwich. It is owned and share a gift of hospitality. We’d got to One, in Norwich’s Golden Triangle, felt run by me and my wife know each other in our post-graduate perfect. It was such a shame that the Sarah to provide a place where students year, when two mutual friends put June deadline for submitting a bid was can be at home in a community. We together a houseful of five as a Christian so tight. Except it wasn’t. The deadline Hhave 44 student bedrooms for a mixed community. At almost every meal at least moved back to August for legal reasons. community of students in all subjects one of us had invited someone to share One day a week I was still working at at different institutions, from first years it. Ever since, we’ve felt a calling to live a Lutheran student hostel near King’s to PhDs. We aim to broaden horizons in community, without ever knowing Cross. They were refurbishing and and to encourage our residents to build quite how it would look. Later we had replacing a lot of good-quality furniture enriching and lasting friendships. The language students to stay a week at a – we rescued it. The rest of the time I large common room, now known as time, and a couple lived with us while was estimating costs and constructing ‘The Heathfield Centre’, can also host their asylum application was processed. spreadsheets and schedules and setting meetings, concerts, exhibitions, lectures up a limited company. Our bid was In South Norfolk, we’d had students to and other events. submitted in August, and friends and stay for weekends and at Christmas – via family joined us in praying we’d win the After 25 years in London, where I had the charity HOST uk – so we thought it tender. We didn’t. worked for a housing association would be good to find a property with developing student housing, we moved enough space to have two or three Heathfield, a ‘twin’ building on the other to South Norfolk in 2005 for a new job. students living with us all year. After the side of the city, had been of interest to We had planned to move into Norwich 2016 May Bank Holiday we waved off a charity we support so we’d held back. while we were still hale and hearty, to two delightful students from China and It remained unsold, hopes rose, we get involved in things and build up a Vietnam and I did an internet search quickly recalculated, and our offer was social circle before we began to feel the to see if there were any interesting accepted. We still had to sell our house limitations of our years. properties for sale in Norwich. and finalise a commercial loan.

10 Room for table tennis

Heathfield Centre exhibition There were beds everywhere

Every step of the way people were We had just eight months. Once more, Although Reception is open only for two helpful and supportive. Time and again the right people were given to us. One hours morning and evening, students we were put in touch with the person neighbour objected to our change of know we are usually in our respective who knew the answer or had the skills use planning application. We met and offices and often come for help and we needed – and each time felt like talked, and Alison caught our vision advice or to chat. We’ve learnt so much! confirmation that we were going in the and became a staunch supporter, The first cohort arrived as tenants and in right direction. and through her we met several many cases left as friends. people who worked on the On 21 December 2016 we moved into refurbishment and continue to visit In our first year we had just over the small on-site warden’s bungalow. as odd jobs arise. 30 residents, and 13 have stayed on The large common room was filled this year. For our second academic with the surplus contents of our quite We’ve joined the family of year all 44 rooms are full, and we large house on one side and the garage St Mary Magdalene where we were unable to offer places to contents, including all the recycled have been warmly welcomed. all those who applied. Following furniture, on the other. The property Alina, a NUA graduate we get-to-know-you tea and cake already contained a large amount of knew, did our design work. the first few Sunday afternoons, abandoned furniture and equipment I’d already worked with Tim the social events currently – 37 commodes, anyone? Industrial Bunn, and he designed in planning include games laundry machines? Give them to good the refurbishment. evenings and film nights. homes! Our friend Rod and his wife Moira gave us St Augustine said “Love, invaluable practical and do what you like”. Our help. faith, lives and interests have We aim to broaden horizons prepared us for Heathfield. and to encourage our residents Neighbour Rob, whose Friends told us we were crazy father-in-law had wired and brave to take on a project to build enriching and lasting the place when it was built, like this in our sixties. We have friendships. The large common did much of the electrical never worked so hard in our room, now known as ‘The upgrading. His wife Lesley, a lives. When sleep is a stranger former carer here, is now one at 3am it is possible to feel Heathfield Centre’, can also host of our wonderful housekeeper crazy and cowardly. But from meetings, concerts, exhibitions, duo. The other, Julie, had worked the moment we started on here in the care home for 28 this road it has felt right. lectures and other events. years. This building has always been a place of love and care. One of our colourful residents!

11 Supporting strangers and sojourners

into China as children and given to The next tricky one was man in his 40s, Sally Clarke, who worships at Chinese families. They met and married a recovering addict who had work but St Stephen’s, Norwich, shares her as adults. Because of fear of being sent nowhere to live. He had a lot of support back to North Korea they paid to be from his church, but he started to drink individual approach in offering trafficked to a free country and came and out of respect for me, moved on after a home, not only to ‘regular’ to England. When their application for three months. Now, five years later, I hear lodgers, but sometimes to those asylum was refused, Christian friends that he is doing well. of mine took them in initially which is The third was someone I knew from the who others might think twice where I first met them. Magdalene Group and had nowhere about accepting. Despite the asylum failure meaning to go to for weekend home leave from they could not work or claim benefits, prison. We got on well, but she had seen through devious means they got jobs some of her old friends who gave her have lived with lodgers all my life. and took themselves off to Manchester heroin, so she left the night before she My widowed mother took people to be independent. When they left was due to return to prison. Life isn’t easy in and then, when I left home, I Norwich, I told them that if they were for addicted people, but some can kick shared working life running my own stuck to let me know. Two years later at the habit. B&B alone with up to six people a night 5.30am I got a phone call to say they were I still have a lodger – without problems! staying with me. I lived overseas and being threatened by the triads and were My Christian faith makes me feel it is Iworked as a social worker where I got to frightened. immoral for me to live alone in a three- know about troubled lives. My Christian Instantly I told them to come here. It bedroomed house. I learned early on upbringing taught me about social was illegal to shelter them, but they not to expect lodgers to do house work. responsibility. stayed with me a year and happily were They don’t share the whole house, have Since retiring, I have continued to have baptised at St. Stephen’s before returning their own bedroom and bathroom and lodgers and latterly these people have to China. The original cause of their fear we share the kitchen. The main rules are: come to me through Christian friends. had been removed and ‘documents’ do your washing up straight away (which The first unusual one was a couple who had been bought. They were a great joy means I must do the same!) and clean the were stateless and had been refused to know and now, eight years later, I’m bathroom. Ultimately being the landlord, asylum in the UK. They were born in looking forward to visiting them in Fiji in you can ask them to go but happily I have North Korea, taken over the frozen river December. never had to do this!

12 Our house, in the middle of our street

Four years ago, Sue did an MA in Not content with opening their Mission at Cliff College in Derbyshire. home to others, Sue and Gary The following quote from that course is the one that drives their Moore, members of the Church dream, “The missional church is one Army, have gone one step further which disassembles itself and seeps by purchasing a second home for into the cracks of culture.” the use of those living in their And that is what they are seeking to do by responding to the needs in community near Dereham, and their community as they arise. One calling it ‘Our House’. Biddy such was prompted by a 90-year-old Collyer went to meet them. neighbour who suggested that they could provide meals for the housebound or those facing short-term difficulties he idea came when they visited and who need some practical support Maytree House in London to tide them over. This they are now which is run as a safe house doing on an ‘as needs’ basis. for potential suicide victims. So far, the mission has proved to be They wanted to recreate a similar space a slow work, but they are immensely in Norfolk where people who were patient and not afraid to wait for desperateT could go away for three days and be supported by counsellors and opportunities to open up, aware that psychologists day and night, to give them as someone said it can take four years time to reflect. The house Sue and Gary to get something off the ground. They subsequently bought is not large enough view any knockbacks as a pressure to to offer the same facilities, but they have push things further. The sixth, optional, week looks at made a start by supporting their local Sue is a Cruse bereavement counsellor so questions of faith. Local funeral directors community in a variety of ways. running ‘The Bereavement have been very supportive and are Journey’ was a natural fit. delighted to be able to signpost people The six-session course to this and to the monthly ‘Changes’ includes a meal and bereavement support group they also run. provides community Sue sees her Cruse clients there as well. and support for those affected by When I asked them what the word ‘home’ bereavement, using meant to them, Sue replied, “Security a mixture of DVDs and trust. A place where you are always and discussion. accepted, are comfortable and can just be yourself.” This is what they are building. The ground floor is beautifully furnished, with a sitting room, dining room and large, fully-equipped kitchen. They are not a charity, but the upstairs is tenanted, and the rental income pays for the mortgage. Although Gary works full time as a decorator, as a part-time registrar for weddings Sue is free during the week to respond to whoever may need her help. They haven’t given up their initial dream of replicating Maytree House in Norfolk but for now, 18 months in, ‘Our House’ is providing a solid starting place.

13 FACE TO FAITH Review

A selection of books on the theme of home and family, reviewed by Steve Foyster.

Who Let the Dads Out? Daring to Hope Home for Good Home Inspiring ideas for churches Finding God’s goodness in Making a difference for The quest to belong to engage with dads and the broken and the beautiful vulnerable children Jo Swinney their pre-school children Katie Davis Majors Krish Kandiah with Mark Chester Miriam Kandiah Hodder & Stoughton (2018) Authenic Media (2017) £9.99 £9.99 Bible Reading Fellowship Revelation price £9.00 Intervarsity Press (2014) £9.99 Revelation price £9.00 (2012) £6.99 Revelation price £9.00 Revelation price £6.00

Parent and toddler work Picking up from where she left Tying into a nationwide campaign This issue troubles many can transform relationships off in her best-selling book by the Evangelical Alliance and of us. We may live far from and strengthen families, Kisses from Katie, the author Care for the Family, the authors where we grew up, away yet sometimes men may shares her ongoing experiences call us to take the words of from those we love, or in a have very limited access in Uganda as the adoptive Jesus, “suffer the little children”, different culture to our birth. to the parent and toddler mother to 13 girls, describing seriously, challenging churches Yet we all need somewhere world. With a foreword how she’s wrestled through the to engage with the needs of to belong, to find a sense by Mark Molden, (Care darkness of disappointment, thousands of children across the of home. Jo Swinney was for the Family), this book grappling to find whether United Kingdom. Krish and his born in the United Kingdom tells the story of how the she believes God is truly wife Miriam have adopted and but grew up in Portugal church movement ‘Who good. New readers and long- fostered children themselves, and and France. She attended Let the Dads Out?’ came standing followers alike will find their experiences and those of an English boarding school, into being in March 2003 themselves both celebrating many others in this book, which had a gap year in southern and crying as they follow a life of includes lots of practical advice, at Hoole Baptist Church, Africa and in her twenties faith, where death and loss are are very different from the popular Chester. There is a practical studied theology in Canada daily companions to miracles myth that the statutory services guide for setting up and where she met her American and joy. Readers may well seek to prevent Christians from running monthly sessions, husband. Back resident recognise some of their own getting involved. Krish argues that in the UK she’s had more theological background, questions and doubts through whatever the state’s stance, it is reason than most to wonder real-life case studies, Katie’s journey, where she is part of the Christian calling to get what ‘home’ really means. helpful hints and tips and constantly seeking evidence of involved, to help children out of Is home where you come 12 easy craft ideas. God’s grace in both the beauty the harsh realities they have found from, where you live now, and brokenness of life. themselves in. where the people you love are, or what? Interweaving Find more books her frank and poignant story with theological and on Revelation website: psychological insights, www.revelation-norwich.co.uk Jo takes the reader on an or call 01603 619731 exploration to find ‘home’ as a place we most value.

14 The church as home – reflections on Mark 9:33-37

By the Revd Graham Kirk-Spriggs

Breaking down barriers and being a place that recognises that we’re all unfit and need God and each other to get better.

’ve recently joined the gym. If and it should be a place where the unfit The church should exist for the people anyone has seen how much get fitter, not an already fit club. outside it as well as the people within it. I pant after walking up the For the fit and the unfit. People find us Do you think this might have echoes stairs to the new deluxe, even intimidating. with church? higher, bellringing chamber at St Peter But we can overcome this with welcome, Mancroft, they’ll know how much I Just change the context slightly, perhaps with setting a culture that makes people Ineed the exercise. this is a description of the church. What feel at home. Breaking down barriers and we do on a Sunday is objectively weird. The gym brings out all sorts of feelings being a place that recognises that we’re for me, as I have a lot of emotional Like the machines that I didn’t all unfit and need God and each other to baggage about sport and exercise, understand, our services too can be get better. having been the worst PE student in an alien culture to newcomers, with We can argue over the minor things, over the history of the world. While there, I vocabulary they don’t understand. started reflecting on how I felt going who does this or that, or like the disciples, into the gym. Imagine yourself in the shoes of ‘who is the greatest’, the best Christian. Or someone who has never been to church even try to outdo each other. I felt very intimidated to start with, before. Would it be an easy experience? there were all the machines I didn’t Or we can welcome people with wonder, really understand (even though I’d Like the people at the gym, we all know in the way that children often naturally had a short induction). Not to mention what we’re doing (clergy not included), do. Jesus makes it clear in our reading the people, who all seemed to be like all those fit people. Perhaps that can from Mark that being humble, open and very physically fit, who knew what be intimidating. Perhaps people feel inquisitive is the way to true greatness. judged if they sit down or stand up in they were doing, I was worried about We are a community, hoping to be a the wrong places, or don’t quite know them judging me for my unfitness and welcoming and inspiring place for all. where they are or what to do. There’s lots weakness or violating an etiquette I That’s how we make church home for all of things we do, lots of specialised things didn’t even know about. who come through our doors. that we don’t even realise we’re doing. Then I realised something, that the gym Because everyone deserves a spiritual In organisations the people set the should be a place more for those who home. Even if they have eaten all the pies. are unfit, than those who are fit. The culture, the people in the gym set the unfit need the gym more than the fit, culture, as do the people in the church. Graham is Curate at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich.

15 Home at the heart of the Cathedral family By Janet Marshall, Head of Schools & Family Learning

efore I worked in a cathedral l Mother Teresa wrote: “Love had never considered what such begins by taking care of a majestic building really meant. the closest ones – the ones Visiting cathedrals as a child I back home”. St Benedict’s remember feeling unnerved within vast, rule instructed the cold space, stunned by stained glass medieval monks who lived Bwindows, bemused by weird smells and here to daily welcome each strange objects. I recall the word ‘Shush’ person who came through being used a lot too. the Cathedral’s door as if he or she were Jesus. Our key Many years later it is easy to forget those aim is still to share the love first impressions and feelings. The space of Jesus to all who make us is now my comfortable, relaxing ‘norm’ their home, be it for an hour, each day. In our ministry to families a day or longer. from the city, Diocese, county, UK and Having our Chaplains on duty daily to chat beyond we must be forever mindful that Sometimes we are sharing it with those with visitors, listen and pray with them is for many who enter our doors it is not for whom ‘home’ may not be a happy another valuable part of our ministry of always so. place. My department has linked this welcome. summer with charities who support A local Dad brought his son to a Norwich The late Cardinal Basil Hume wrote: “Our young people with emotional and Cathedral family day recently. “We’re towns and cities are full of people who psychiatric disabilities, who are trying to bored. Never been in here before,” he do not need our silver and gold, but find safe spaces to ‘be’, grow and learn remarked. His son was unperturbed desperately need to hear the good news new skills in. It has been a privilege to having immediately been drawn to of the Gospel. They are lame and crippled first show hospitality then enable them rocket making activities! Dad lingered, without God”. to explore the place and their own staring. “What is all this? It’s mind- feelings through drama and discussion Our challenge is to continually strive blowing. I can’t believe it. I do feel at in the cathedral. to offer new opportunities to share the home”, he said. We then entered into Gospel so that all ages might feel part of deep conversation. Taking a tablet from Often parents and carers attending our our extended family, ‘at home’ with Jesus, his rucksack he then said: “Son, write Tots toddler group can struggle. Perhaps within our doors. down everything we see”. Off they they cannot speak English confidently marched. I was glad he felt at home. or feel daunted by the enormous space. The relaxed atmosphere of family day With smiles, welcome, toys, singing, enabled this to happen. We were able to refreshments and relaxed prayer it is share the wonder. good to see them gradually feel at home. Photo: Paul Hurst

16 Care Home Friends

As is being demonstrated in other articles in this issue, home and family comes in many different shapes and guises. One village church in Norfolk is making a real impact on the elderly in their community.

n a village of just 1,489 residents A number of care home residents are (according to the 2011 census), with picked up and taken to the monthly 20–30 regularly attending their weekly community lunch in the church room, church services, size (or lack of it) has where they get to meet other village not deterred the team at St Mary’s, Newton residents, both old and young. Flotman, from making a difference. shortlisted for an award for our work at the There are occasional outings for the I Caring UK Awards. I’ve also been involved Last year they set up a Care Home Friends residents, where one of the team drives in end-of-life care for some and been project, with volunteers going in regularly the minibus to take residents on a day involved in funerals which, although sad, to visit elderly care home residents. out. A recent outing to the seaside has been a privilege.” Andy is hoping to town of Southwold was well received, Volunteers visit weekly, talk about recruit more volunteers from the local area with beautiful sunny weather being an childhood memories or the news, or to help reach more older people in their unexpected bonus. sometimes take individual residents outside community. for a walk in their wheelchair. Special boxes, With loneliness impacting over eight Head of Care at the home says, “We’re full of objects connected to topics they million people in the UK, the church so grateful to everyone who makes enjoy, help volunteers initiate and engage is involving older people in their such a difference to the daily lives of our in conversation. community and creating opportunities residents.” for friendships to grow and blossom. Once a month, the church baby and toddler What’s impressive about what they’re group, Church Mice, meets in the care This small local church believes and acts doing is that it’s just a handful of home. Residents and children sit around, on the quote, that “helping one person volunteers running everything – from the talk and do crafts together. Everyone enjoys might not change the whole world, but it baby and toddler group, to the Care Home singing nursery rhymes together. could change the world for one person.” Friends project, the monthly communions A small group from the church visit regularly Community outreach worker Andy Cox and the occasional outings. It’s creating to lead a communion service, which is well says, “We’ve had highs, such as being family across the generations. attended by residents. For those unable to join in, the team visit residents in their To find out more about the Care Home Friends initiative, visit rooms and are able to share communion www.carehomefriends.org.uk or contact [email protected] and pray with them.

17 Faith at home

By Jonathan Richardson

esearch by the Church of The prevailing feeling is one other, sharing ideas and England has highlighted that of anxiety. I asked some young encouragement to inspire one of the most important people and some who are older faith in children. They also factors in enabling children to how they felt… provide parenting courses continue in faith through to adulthood churches can download “I hated the idea of School on a is the support they receive from their and run. There are some Sunday and the term ‘quiet time’ Rfamily – and yet the Faith in our families great books such as The – I didn’t do quiet as a child!” report published last year by Care for Sticky Faith Guide for Your the Family showed a widespread dearth “I found it difficult that they Family. Why not buy of confidence in parents and a lack of wouldn’t let me experiment with copies for every family in tools to help. different churches.” your church or those that come for baptisms? The report highlighted that although “They helped by creating a family most parents said they felt it was space to pray and read the Bible. However, There is an African proverb: “It takes their responsibility to support and I don’t feel comfortable worshipping a village to raise a child”. It also takes encourage faith, most also felt they around them.” a church to raise a family; supporting should be doing more. families takes whole church action. “Within the past year we moved churches Simple things like babysitting so parents As a clergy kid, parent and youth so that we could gain more from church can go to mid-week groups will not just worker I know only too well the and be around more people our own age.” balancing act between being too pushy support the parents but also give children The difficulty is that there isn’t a simple and too laid back in how to encourage the opportunity to develop lifelong those we care for in their faith. At what answer – as with all parenting it is significant relationships with other adults point do I allow my child to choose if dependent on each child. in the church. they come to church with me? Should Care for the Family Responding to the desire to put the whole I pray with them at home? How can I (www.careforthefamily.org.uk) have family at the centre of church in January encourage my child to read the Bible? produced materials to support carers 2019 we will be launching the Diocese of What’s more important, football or and church workers – such as The Kitchen Norwich Children, Youth & Families Charter. dance lessons on a Sunday morning or Table Project – a growing movement We hope signing up to the Charter will church? of mums and dads supporting each enable churches to drill down on what it means to love children, young people and families – rather than being anxious about the lack of them or what to do with them. It will provide a way of telling families ‘we have your back’.

If you are interested in discussing the new Charter, please do get in touch with us via email jonathan. [email protected] or phone 01603 882354.

18 Fri 23 EARSHAM GROUP (DITCHINGHAM): Alburgh, Broome, Denton, Ditchingham, Earsham, Hedenham. Clergy: Chris Hutton, Sue Cramp, Reg Kirkpatrick. Readers: Diana Smith, Phil Edwards, Christine Edwards, Christopher Whipps. Alburgh-w-Denton CofE VC Primary School, Ditchingham CofE Primary Academy, Earsham CofE VA Primary School. November 2018 Diocesan Registrar, Stuart Jones and Registry Clerk, Joanna Pelan. Diocese of Kericho (Kenya): Bishop Ernest Ng'eno. Thu 1 HORSHAM, SPIXWORTH & CROSTWICK Clergy: Rosemary Maskell. St Faiths CofE VC Primary School (Horsham). Sat 24 REDENHALL WITH SCOLE: Billingford, Brockdish, Needham, Redenhall with Harleston and Wortwell, Scole, Thorpe Abbotts. Clergy: Nigel Tuffnell, Sue All Saints' Day Prison Chaplains across our region and the prison communities they serve. Auckland, Timothy Rogers. Readers: Lynda Mansfield, John Taylor, Jamie Today's meeting of our Rural Deans. Worthington. Archbishop Sancroft CofE VA High School (Harleston), Harleston Diocese of Johannesburg (Southern Africa): Bishop Stephen Moreo. CofE VA Primary School, Scole CofE VC Primary School. NORWICH, MILE CROSS Clergy: Martin Hartley, Ruth Lambert. Reader: William Diocesan Counsellor, Jane Keeton. Fri 2 Jacobs. Diocese of Katakwa (Kenya): Bishop John Omuse. All Souls' Day Diocesan Urban Officer and Church Urban Fund link, Peter Howard. Sun 25 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Diocese of Jos (Nigeria): Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi. As Bishop Graham's public ministry draws to a close, pray for him and for Julie NEW CATTON CHRIST CHURCH Clergy: Laura Baker. Christ the King and for today's services in the Cathedral to thank God for their ministry among us Sat 3 and to bid them farewell. The Diocesan Director of Marketing and Communications, Gordon Darley, and his PA, Barbara Kirk. The Lusitanian Church (Portugal): Bishop José De Pina Cabral. Diocese of Juba (South Sudan): Assistant Bishop Fraser Elias and the wise Mon 26 WINFARTHING: Burston, Gissing, Shelfanger, Tivetshall, Winfarthing. Clergy: appointment of a new diocesan bishop. David Mills. Readers: Bryan Fletcher, Alma Noble. All Saints CofE VA Primary School (Winfarthing). Norwich Cathedral: its mission and ministry. Sun 4 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Diocese of Katanga (Congo): Bishops Bertin Subi and Lawrence Tendwa. All those from across the Diocese being confirmed in the Cathedral this afternoon. Dioceses of Colombo and Kurunegala (Ceylon): Bishops Dhiloraj Canagasabey Tue 27 DEANERY OF REPPS Rural Dean: Christian Heycocks. Lay Chair: Mary Howard. and Keerthisiri Fernando. The ministry of the Bishop's Deliverance Team. NEW CATTON ST LUKE Clergy: Sarah Quantrill. Lay Workers: Carrie Sant. Diocese of Katsina (Nigeria): Bishop Jonathan Bamaiyi. Mon 5 Our Archdeacons: Steven Betts, Karen Hutchinson and Ian Bentley. Wed 28 CROMER Clergy: James Porter, Jennie Hodgkinson, Will Warren. Reader: John Diocese of Kabba (Nigeria): Bishop Steven Akobe. Graveling, Philip Norris, Evelyn Smith, Susan Wells, David Masters. The ministry of our Authorised Worship Assistants. Tue 6 OLD CATTON Clergy: Andrew Parsons. Reader: Jo Mash. Old Catton CofE VC Junior School. Diocese of Kebbi (Nigeria): Archbishop Edmund Akanya. All Christians working in the media. Bishop's Press and Media Officer, Katherine Thu 29 POPPYLAND: Antingham, Northrepps, Overstrand, Sidestrand, Southrepps, Limbach. Thorpe Market, Trimingham. Clergy: David Roper as he prepares for retirement Diocese of Kadugli & Nuba Mountains (Sudan): Bishops Andudu Elnail and Hassan and the Churchwardens and PCCs as the vacancy begins. Readers: Janet Payne, Osman. John Scott, Janet Balfour, Tim Bennett. The Belfry CofE VA Primary School. Those being confirmed in Lowestoft St Andrew tonight. Wed 7 SPROWSTON Clergy: Simon Stokes, Dean Akrill, Philip Harvey, Melanie Hider. Readers: Andrew Dickie, Penny Rennie, Stephanie Grand, Andrew Hudson. Diocese of Keewatin (Rupert's Land, Canada): Bishop David Ashdown. As Archbishop Justin arrives in our diocese, pray for all those he will meet in Fri 30 QUINTET: Aylmerton, Beeston Regis, Gresham, Runton. Clergy: David Head, Norwich today and particularly for "Reflections on Reconciliation" at which he will Ruth Adamson. Readers: David Fletcher, Clive Mitchell. speak in the Cathedral tonight. St Andrew Chaplain to the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Paul Thomas. Diocese of Kafanchan (Nigeria): Bishop Marcus Dogo Diocese of Kaduna Diocese of Kentucky (Episcopal Church of USA): Bishop Terry White. (Nigeria) and the wise appointment of a new bishop.

Editor: The Revd Susanna Gunner, Bishop's Chaplain - 01603 614172, [email protected] Thu 8 ST MARY MAGDALENE (NORWICH) Clergy: Selwyn Tillett, Joan Spencer. Thu 15 EATON CHRIST CHURCH (NORWICH) Clergy: Patrick Richmond, Shawn As Archbishop Justin travels around the east coast of our diocese today - Tomlinson. Readers: John Harrison, Bridget Archer, Alistair Bolt. Happisburgh, Caister, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Lowestoft - pray for his Today's meeting of Bishop's Staff. The Society of St Margaret at Walsingham. encounters with all those he will meet and particularly invite God's blessing on Diocese of Karimnagar (South India): Bishop Reuben Mark. Diocese of "Archbish and Fish!", the major outreach event in Great Yarmouth Minster tonight. Kanyakumari (South India) and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Dioceses of Kagera and Biharamulo (Tanzania): Bishops Aaron Kijanjali and Vithalis Yusuph. Fri 16 EATON ST ANDREW (NORWICH) Clergy: Phil Rodd. Readers: Neil Rout, Andrea Woods. Fri 9 TAVERHAM WITH RINGLAND Clergy: Paul Seabrook, Phil Charlesworth. Lay The Society of St Luke (Sheringham) and Superior, Andrew Lane. Worker: Rachel Seabrook. Reader: Beatrice Dryden. Taverham CofE VC Junior Diocese of Kapsabet (Kenya): Bishop Paul Korir. School. As Archbishop Justin travels to the west of our diocese today - Blakeney, Sat 17 HEIGHAM HOLY TRINITY (NORWICH) Clergy: Richard James. Readers: Walsingham and King's Lynn - pray for all those with whom he will share the love Elizabeth Scott, Jonathan Mason, Nigel Parfitt, Margaret Gray. of Christ, especially the hundreds of school children who will gather with him in The ministry of all District Scout Chaplains. King's Lynn Minster for 'The Big Sing for Peace'. Diocese of Karachi (Pakistan): Bishop Sadiq Daniel. Diocese of Kajiado (Kenya): Bishop Gadiel Lenini. Sun 18 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Sat 10 DEANERY OF NORWICH SOUTH Rural Dean: Ian Dyble. Lay Chair: John The Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of East Anglia and Bishop Alan Hopes. Glauert. Diocese of Bermuda: Bishop Nicholas Dill. The Editor of 'The Magazine', Barbara Bryant and the ministry of parish magazine editors and webmasters. Mon 19 THE MITRE: St Alban Lakenham, St Barnabas Heigham w St Bartholomew, St Diocese of Kajo Keji (South Sudan): Bishop Emmanuel Murye. Thomas Heigham. Clergy: Ian Dyble, Edward Land, David Lloyd, Joanna Payne, Di Rowlandson, Andy Woodman. Reader: Diana Timms. Sun 11 BISHOPS GRAHAM (NORWICH), ALAN (THETFORD) AND JONATHAN (LYNN) Air Training Corps and Sea Cadet Chaplains in the Diocese. All those involved across our diocese in commemorating the 100th anniversary of Diocese of Karnataka Central (South India): Bishop Prasana Samuel. Remembrance the ending of WW1, that looking back at war may galvanise us all to strive for Sunday peace now and in the years to come. Tue 20 DEANERY OF REDENHALL Rural Dean: Nigel Tuffnell. Lay Chair: Frank Allen. The Episcopal Church of Cuba: Bishop Griselda Delgado Del Carpio. Bishops' and Archdeacons' PAs and Secretaries: Coralie Nichols, Brenna Wells, Anne Morrish, Graham Cossey, Ann Whittet, Alison Steward. Bishop's Chaplain, Mon 12 BOWTHORPE (NORWICH) Clergy: Mark Elvin. Cloverhill CofE VA Infant Susanna Gunner. Those being confirmed in Diss tonight. School & Nursery (Bowthorpe), St Michael's CofE VA Junior School (Bowthorpe). Diocese of Karnataka North (South India): Bishop Ravikumar Niranjan. Other members of the Communications Team - Tim Rogers, Steve Heybourne, Angela George and Sally Finn. The ministry of our retired clergy and Readers. Wed 21 DICKLEBURGH AND THE PULHAMS: Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Diocese of Kamango (Congo): Bishop Sabiti Daniel. Mary, Rushall, Starston, Thelveton. Clergy: John Adlam, Paul Schwier. Readers: Margaret Adlam, Gale Hodgkinson. Dickleburgh CofE Primary Academy, Pulham Tue 13 COSTESSEY Pray for the Churchwardens and PCC and Reader, Derek Hilton, CofE VC Primary School. during the vacancy, giving thanks for Will Warren's ministry in recent months. All PCCs and Parish Administrators. The Mothers' Union: Diocesan President, Marguerite Phillips and Chaplain, Simon Diocese of Karnataka South (South India): Bishop Mohan Manoraj. Lawrence. Diocese of Kampala: Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and Bishop Hannington Mutebi. Thu 22 DISS TEAM MINISTRY: Bressingham, Diss, Fersfield, North Lopham, Roydon, South Lopham. Clergy: Tony Billett, Maggie Swayze, Samuel Thorp. Readers: Wed 14 EARLHAM Clergy: Di Rowlandson, Ian Dyble, Andy Woodman. Lay Worker: Richard Hewitt, David Summers, Sue Drake, Angela Gardner. Diss CofE Junior Danny Doran-Smith. Academy, St Andrew's CofE VA Primary School (Lopham). The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and its ministry to visitors and pilgrims. Diocesan Chancellor, Ruth Arlow and Deputy Chancellor, John Morgans. Diocese of Kano (Nigeria): Bishop Zakka Nyam. Diocese of Kasai-Mbujimayi (Congo) and the wise appointment of a new bishop. For all who will be drawn to our churches this Christmas that they will find there Tue 25 something of God's love and peace. Christmas Day For ecumenical activities organised by Churches Together and, especially today, for Christians of all denominations working together to provide Christmas warmth and food to the lonely or homeless. December 2018 Diocese of Kumi (Uganda): Bishop Thomas Irigei. Sat 1 On the eve of a new church year and the beginning of another Advent, pray for all Wed 26 ACLE AND BURE TO YARE: Acle, Beighton w Moulton, Freethorpe, Halvergate Christians across the globe as each makes ready afresh for the arrival of God w Tunstall, Limpenhoe, Southwood and Cantley, Reedham, Wickhampton. Clergy: among us. Martin Greenland, Lorna Allies. Readers: Vic Tasker-Walsham, Nicholas Cowen. St Stephen On this World Aids Day, for all across our world affected by HIV and Aids. Acle CofE VC Primary School. Diocese of Kiteto (Tanzania): Bishop Isaiah Chambala. All who struggle at Christmas - those who are homeless, grieving, hungry, lonely. Diocese of Kushtia (Bangladesh): Bishop Samuel Mankhin. Pray for Bishops Alan and Jonathan and for Bishop Graham concluding his Sun 2 ministry among us. Pray too for the vacancy-in-see committee and for the wise BLOFIELD: Blofield, Burlingham Saint Andrew w Saint Peter, Hemblington. Thu 27 Advent Sunday appointment of a new diocesan bishop. Clergy: Kevin Billson. Reader: Susan Shillam. Pray that our Mission Strategy 2021 may be an effective tool as we seek renewal St John the Diocesan Glebe Committee chaired by Michael Falcon, and Glebe Surveyor, and fresh inspiration for proclaiming the good news across this diocese. Evangelist Hannah Falcon. The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain: Bishop Carlos López-Lozano. Dioceses of Kutigi and Kwara (Nigeria): Bishop Jeremiah Kolo and Archbishop Olusegun Adeyemi. Mon 3 SHERINGHAM Clergy: Christian Heycocks. Readers: Kate Bevis, Carol Pennington, Jane Randells, Julie Rubidge. Fri 28 BROADSIDE: Ranworth with Panxworth, South Walsham, Upton & Fishley, Our Archdeacons: Steven Betts, Karen Hutchinson and Ian Bentley. Woodbastwick. Clergy: Nick Garrard, Helen Garrard. Fairhaven CofE VA Dioceses of Kibungo and Kigeme (Rwanda): Bishops Emmanuel Ntazinda and Primary School (South Walsham). Holy Innocents Assiel Musabyimana. Diocesan Board of Education chaired by Mark Allbrook. Diocese of Kwoi (Nigeria): Bishop Paul Zamani. Tue 4 TRUNCH GROUP: Gimingham, Knapton, Mundesley, Paston, Trunch with Bradfield and Swafield. Clergy: Andrew Jones. Readers: Rita Burgess, Harry Sat 29 GREAT PLUMSTEAD Clergy: Darleen Plattin. Reader: Jenefer Barnard Little Hicks, Susan Ling, Jean Rowe, Peter Clough, Andrea Lee, Jenny Lodge. Plumstead CofE VA Primary School The Chaplain to Norwich International Airport, Rosemary Maskell. Director of Education, Paul Dunning, and PA, Holly Davy. Diocese of Kigezi (Uganda): Bishop George Bagamuhunda. Diocese of Kyoto (Japan): Bishop Stephen Kochi. Wed 5 DEANERY OF ST BENET AT WAXHAM & TUNSTEAD Rural Dean: Simon Sun 30 Pray for Bishops Alan and Jonathan and for Bishop Graham concluding his Lawrence. Lay Chair: Sonia Coupe. ministry among us. Pray too for the vacancy-in-see committee and for the wise The Cathedral's Ecumenical Canons: David Paul, Julian Pursehouse, Jon Norman. appointment of a new diocesan bishop. Christmas 1 Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh (Ireland): Bishop Ferran Glenfield. The United Reformed Church and Eastern Synod Moderator, Paul Whittle. Diocese of Kyushu (Japan): Bishop Luke Ken-ichi Muto. Thu 6 COASTAL GROUP OF PARISHES: Bacton, Happisburgh, Hempstead with Lessingham and Eccles, Ridlington, Sea Palling with Waxham, Walcott, Witton. LINGWOOD: Burlingham, Hassingham, Lingwood, Strumpshaw. Clergy: David Mon 31 St Nicholas Clergy: Catherine Dobson. Readers: Pam Millsted, John Prince. Happisburgh Wakefield. Readers: Susan Wray, Lorna Clark. CofE VA Primary School. Norwich Cathedral: its mission and ministry. Bishop's Adviser for Women's Ministry, Heather Butcher. Diocese of Lafia (Nigeria): Bishop Miller Maza. Diocese of Kimberley & Kuruman (Southern Africa): Bishop Oswald Swartz. Editor: The Revd Susanna Gunner, Bishop's Chaplain - 01603 614172, [email protected] Fri 7 SMALLBURGH: Dilham, Honing, Smallburgh. Clergy: Simon Lawrence. Readers: Marina Daniels, Betty Lacey. Worstead CofE VC Primary School. For all in our region who work with refugees and asylum seekers. Diocese of Kinkiizi (Uganda): Bishop Dan Zoreka. Sat 8 NORTH WALSHAM: Edingthorpe, North Walsham, Worstead and Westwick. Mon 17 ATTLEBOROUGH WITH BESTHORPE Clergy: Matthew Jackson, Richard Clergy: Paul Cubitt, Rachael Dines, Nigel Paterson, Valerie Watts. Stanton. Readers: Bob Andrews, Brenda Greig, Pauline Simper, Russell Davis. The Leaders of the Church Army Mission Centres in King's Lynn and Redenhall, Director of Finance, Sue Bunting, and Management Accountant, Michael Hibbin. James Hawksworth and Trevor Clarke. Diocese of Kobe (Japan): Bishop Augustine Kobayashi. Diocese of Kinshasa (Congo): Bishop Achille Mutshindu. Tue 18 EAST WITH WEST HARLING, BRIDGHAM WITH ROUDHAM, LARLING, Sun 9 Pray for Bishops Alan and Jonathan, for Bishop Graham concluding his ministry BRETTENHAM AND RUSHFORD Clergy: David Smith, Caryll Brown, Lynn Fry. among us and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Spire Property Consultants: Alan Cole, Les Bailey, Rachael Lamb, David Lemon Advent 2 Pray for our link diocese of Luleå, Sweden, and particularly for the work there and Stuart Goodman. among the young. The Falkland Islands: Bishop Tim Thornton. Diocese of Koforidua (Ghana, West Africa): Bishop Felix Annancy. Mon 10 STALHAM: Ingham, Stalham, Sutton. Clergy: Simon Lawrence. Readers: Jeanette Wed 19 GREAT ELLINGHAM (SHELLROCK): Great Ellingham, Little Ellingham, Rockland Boardman, Martyn Egerton. Sutton CofE VC Infant School. All Saints, Rockland St Peter, Shropham w Snetterton. Clergy: Christina Mason, The ministry of our retired clergy and Readers. Susan Strutt. Readers: Carol Bennett, George Lynne, Colin Thomas. Diocese of Kirinyaga (Kenya): Bishop Joseph Kibichwa. Accounts Team: James South, Sam Witton, Ben Tooke, Benjamin Jeffs. Dioceses of Kollam-Kottarakkara and Krishna-Godavari (South India): Bishops UNITED BENEFICE OF KING'S BECK: Banningham, Colby, Felmingham, Tue 11 Oommen George and George Tantepudi. Skeyton, Suffield, Tuttington, Sloley and Swanton Abbot. Clergy: Keith Dally. Reader: Sue Smith. Thu 20 GUILTCROSS GROUP: Blo Norton, Garboldisham, Kenninghall, Riddlesworth. The response of our churches to the needs of the environment. Clergy: Derrick Sheppard. Garboldisham CofE VC Primary School. Dioceses of Kisangani and Nord Kivu (Congo): Bishops Lambert Botolome and Parish Funding Support Officer, Robert Culyer. Muhindo Isesomo. Diocese of Kondoa (Tanzania): Bishop Given Gaula. UNITED BENEFICE OF ST BENEDICT: Ashmanhaugh, Barton Turf, Beeston St Wed 12 Fri 21 QUIDENHAM GROUP: Banham, Eccles, New Buckenham, Old Buckenham, Lawrence, Horning, Irstead, Neatishead. Clergy: David Smith. Readers: Barbara Quidenham, Wilby. Clergy: Steve Wright. Reader: Helen Pearson. McGoun, Pauline Simpson. Neatishead CofE VC Primary School. All parish treasurers and deanery assessors. Diocese of Kita Kanto (Japan): Bishop Zerubbabel Hirota. Diocese of Kongor (Upper Nile, South Sudan): Bishop Gabriel Agot. WATERSIDE GROUP: Catfield, Hickling, Ludham, Potter Heigham Clergy: Thu 13 THETFORD TEAM MINISTRY: Croxton, Kilverstone, Thetford, Wretham w Deborah Hamilton-Grey. Reader: Ian Watton Catfield CofE VC Primary School, Sat 22 Illington. Clergy: Peter Herbert, Helen Jary, Tony Heywood. Readers: Ruth Hickling CofE VC Infant School. Kightley, Alan Miller, Jean Rolph. The Bishop's CofE Primary Academy. Diocesan Secretary, Richard Butler; PA, Gemma Bradley; Executive Diocesan Property Committee chaired by Mark Little. Administrator, Hazel Weaver. Diocese of Kontagora (Nigeria): Bishop Jonah Ibrahim. Diocese of Kitale (Kenya): Bishops Stephen Kewasis and Samson Tuliapus. Pray for Bishops Alan and Jonathan and for Bishop Graham concluding his WROXHAM: Belaugh, Hoveton St John, Hoveton St Peter, Tunstead w Sco Sun 23 Fri 14 ministry among us. Pray too for the vacancy-in-see committee and for the wise Ruston, Wroxham. Clergy: Liz Jump. Reader: Veronica Mowat. Advent 4 appointment of a new diocesan bishop. Synodical and Pastoral Officer, Karen Hall. The Baptist Church and Regional Moderator, Beth Powney. Diocese of Kitgum (Uganda) and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Diocese of Kubwa (Nigeria): Bishop Duke Akamisoko. DEANERY OF THETFORD AND ROCKLAND Rural Dean: Matthew Jackson. Lay Sat 15 DEANERY OF BLOFIELD: Rural Deans: Martin Greenland, Peter Leech. Lay Chair: Peter Lotarius. Diocesan Board of Finance chaired by Bill Husselby. Mon 24 Chair: Keith Gerrard. Diocese of Kitui (Kenya): Bishop Josephat Mule. Christmas Eve Property Department: Alan Cole, Mike Marshall, Amanda Hunt and Anna Scriven Pray for Bishops Alan and Jonathan, for Bishop Graham concluding his ministry in their care of clergy housing. Sun 16 among us and the wise appointment of a new bishop. Diocese of Kuching (South East Asia): Bishops Danald Jute and Solomon Cheong Advent 3 The Methodist Church and Chair of East Anglian District, Julian Pursehouse. Sung Voon. Diocese of Kivu (Rwanda): Bishop Augustin Ahimana. Encouraging faith in families in early years

By Rosie Chapman

oddler groups have been part There is a real sense of community at journey. New in 2018, a summer holiday of the provision of churches Sparklers and that comes from the care club hosted around 30 children, many of for many years – around 55 shown for its members by Cathryn and her whom had previously been to All-Stars, per cent of churches run one. six volunteer team members. With regular Café Church or Sparklers. They are much valued as an important visits from clergy (Rob, Cathryn’s husband, Very much encouraged, Cathryn and family space for parents and carers of is the vicar) including story sessions at the church community are keen to build youngT children to meet others and draw Christmas and Easter, the group has been upon these foundations and see how this support. embedding Christian distinctiveness distinctiveness and sense of community through the work they do. Research from The Toddler Project Report might further help ‘grow’ church. 2016 highlighted the positive response to Already, from a committed engagement these church groups and the importance with families at Sparklers, Cathryn has of encouraging church-run toddler seen families show interest in, and attend, It’s a very friendly group. groups to demonstrate their distinctly other events run by Stoke church; six Any newcomers are welcomed Christian identity and help nurture faith families have come to the monthly café in others as part of their mission. church held on Sunday morning with and the child’s name is added breakfast and activities. to the Sparklers Family Tree on I went to visit one group actively seeking to develop their Christian distinctiveness. Following on from Sparklers, many of the noticeboard. the connections with the village children In a church hall in the village of Stoke Holy and families are maintained as Rob, Cross on a Tuesday morning you will find with his curate Lyn, take weekly the Sparklers Baby and Toddler Group. assemblies in Stoke Primary School. They meet weekly in term-time to enjoy The church is also involved, for play and craft activities, refreshments, example hosting a stall at the school stories and a popular song time. summer fair. The vision of the Venta Group of churches Other monthly church-run events includes creating community, of which like the interactive all-age service Sparklers is clearly an important part. ‘Sunday 4 everyone’, and the All- Carers comment on how Sparklers “is Stars after-school club provide a very friendly group”. Any newcomers a crossover for continuing to are welcomed and the child’s name is connect with and invite children added to the Sparklers Family Tree on the and families to be part of a faith noticeboard. This provides an important visual reminder of the child’s belonging to the Sparklers Group family. Running a church toddler group? Come and explore and be encouraged in what it means for your group to be Christianly Distinctive, at a training day on Saturday Cathryn Baker, who leads the group, 9 March 2019 at St Luke’s Church, Norwich. Guest speaker Revd Richard Hardy of sends a weekly reminder email to The Entheos Trust. For more details and booking: www.dofn.org/toddlers or call members and keeps in touch via social Anna on 01603 882374. media.

23 ormally launched as a national Since beginning in a small initiative in 2008 and later suburb of Chester back in joining BRF in 2012, this year saw WLTDO? celebrate 15 years of 2003, Who Let the Dads ministry; there are now 260 registered Out? (WLTDO?) has sought groups, impacting the lives of over F8,000 families each month in the UK to fly the flag for effectively and beyond. engaging with dads, father Mark says, “The 15th anniversary of figures and their children, WLTDO? is a great celebration and it has and demonstrate God’s love to been tremendous to support so many fathers them by sharing hospitality, and father figures throughout that time. Although it is primarily a mission-based initiative for churches to reach out to their “Even groups that have only run for a activities and enjoying time wider communities, Mark says there is a short period of time have strengthened real place for Christian males in WLTDO? together. Anna Walker talks to relationships between fathers and their groups. founder Mark Chester. children, and that impact can last for generations.” “Having Christian men and fathers involved in groups is really valuable. It is as much a space for them to find a place to be valued, appreciated and encouraged in their own parenting as it is to be a witness to others. Setting time aside to spend with their children as well as talking and listening to other people is very influential.”

24 Hold on, don’t let go! Eleanor Langan reflects on learning about trust from the tiniest in our human family.

ast Saturday I was on the underground in London. Perhaps because I’m not dads and their young children and used to this form of transport I am In this kind of informal serve a tasty breakfast to all; bacon always a bit nervous and I hold on to and sausage butties, croissants, the metal post with both hands. It does not look group, faith can be fruit and coffee. Dads get alongside smart, but I feel safe which matters more to me. referenced in other ways their children as they play while also L I was thinking about that phrase ‘Hold on’ and help make it more chatting to other dads and enjoying when I went to visit a little girl in the Neo accessible. time on the sofa with a newspaper. Natal Intensive Care Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She was born Ian Nettleton who coordinates the prematurely weighing only 3 lbs. Simon Fenn, who is an enthusiastic group and attends with his youngest daughter explains the vision: “Men As I looked at her, I noticed that someone had advocate for WLTDO? and regional rep made her an octopus and she was holding on for Norfolk agrees: aren’t always good at socialising, they may be isolated or struggling, perhaps to one of its eight knitted legs. Her tiny hand “Men’s ministry can be a catalyst because they are new to an area or grasped this as if her life depended on it. for encouraging and developing a because they are tired and worn out. The nurse explained that before they are born, holistic approach to families and Dads’ Breakfast is a safe space and a babies will hold on to the umbilical cord and engaging men who, as church, we haven that once a month they know afterwards they instinctively want to grip may not otherwise be in contact with. they can come to, and there is a real something. Therefore, each baby is given an It’s about reaching dads, promoting need for it. One dad said our group octopus, so they can find comfort in holding on. positive masculinity and offering a was a lifeline for him. For the little baby the octopus offers security support network. and she is calmer because she has something “Regular church can sometimes pose “It can be tough for men when they to hold. However big or small; we all need to be a barrier – perhaps especially to men. nurtured emotionally as well as physically. become fathers; coming to a group In this kind of informal group, faith can to have a good time and being be referenced in other ways and help As the baby grows she will have hands big enough to grasp Mum or Dad’s little finger. As supported by Christian men who can make it more accessible. Recently we I watch the parents by the cots I wonder who help them make positive decisions have also initiated occasional men’s that benefit their mental health and is holding who? As we offer love, so it is given socials with the dads too. I see the us. As we hold on to someone we love, so we family stability can be invaluable. value of it and we hope to do more.” It develops their self-confidence in are held. parenting and can often help readjust So, what’s next? The importance of A good question especially for those going the balance of parenting roles and these groups is clear to see, but there through a difficult time is: is more work to be done. increase trust between couples.” ‘Who is holding on to you?’ Across Norfolk there are currently Mark concludes, “We are only at the Sometimes we may feel alone, but the Bible six WLTDO? groups as well as other beginning in terms of what churches tells us that God holds us. In the Book of Isaiah church groups who specifically and organisations can do for fathers. Chapter 41 verse 13 it says: “For, I the Lord your operate to connect with men and If the church over the next 10, 15, 20 God, hold your right hand: it is I who say to support their role as dads. years deliberately seeks to invest in you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’.” supporting fathers and children it can For the past five years a team We may not be able to feel a physical touch, but have nation-changing effect.” from Holy Trinity Norwich has run we can believe that God is holding on to us. God a monthly Dads’ Breakfast. The Find out more at: understands and loves us unconditionally. committed all-male team welcome www.wholetthedadsout.org.uk God will never ever let us go.

25 Our Diocese – a place of continuous renewal

The Rt Revd Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, reflects over the past 19 years of ministry in the Diocese.

hen our adult children Canon Hereward Cooke had done a lot to transformed. A vision for the future was come home the prepare St Stephen’s for a different future. forged by a huge amount of prayer and highlight of any Within 24 hours of Madeline Light’s arrival generous giving. God blessed the church visit is when we eat as his successor, a massive crack appeared with new life. St Stephen’s welcomes together. Eating together creates a deep in the east wall. The church building people of every social background to its communion. No wonder Jesus left us looked as if it would fall apart. The ground café and its services. Perhaps that’s why aW memorial meal. In church we break below had moved. in the past five years St Stephen’s has bread to experience the love of God and nurtured six vocations to the ordained The congregation our love for each other. That spills over ministry. These things happen when had to move out. into mission. people believe the gospel While in exile in transforms lives. Over the past 19 years as the bishop of this the Chantry Hall diocese I’ve noticed that it’s the churches nearby, St Stephen’s where worship and the breaking of bread (the people rather are the most enriching which are than the building) the churches most imaginative grew. The building to in mission. In this article I take which they eventually a few examples to illustrate my returned was both point. They are not the most secure and glamorous nor necessarily the best known. They are simply a small part of what makes this diocese vibrant. In May 2009 I licensed a new priest for St Stephen’s, Norwich. A large church building had become freshly visible in the city centre through its proximity to the new Chapelfield shopping centre.

26 St Peter and St Paul’s, Bergh Apton, is a people from Sweden were staying at small church by Norfolk standards set the Horstead Centre. Very quickly 28 a little apart from its rather scattered young people were gathered from village. The Bergh Apton sculpture the Aylsham parishes to join them. trail became a major event in the early Together with the Swedish young years of the new millennium. I preached people they helped at the Ecowarriors at a service when the church was children activity day, enjoyed a barbecue packed with those who had made it and spent time canoeing, followed by happen. Where better to give thanks worship. None of it would have been for community achievements than in possible, of course, if Norwich didn’t church? have a residential youth activity centre at The best outreach doesn’t always Horstead. We are the only diocese in the come through the church organising country with one – it’s an investment in something. It can be done by enabling the next generation. God’s blessing to be given to the life Another place with which our Diocese of the community around. I’ve loved is closely associated is the Holy Land. seeing our churches bless what’s going Successive pilgrimages have built new on around them. I think of services for relationships with Palestinian Christians the King’s Lynn and Holt festivals among and given an insight into what it is to live others, a Viking re-enactment weekend today in the places where Jesus lived, at Bridgham, and the blessing of the died and rose again. inshore lifeboat at Sea Palling – in places Not everything the church is called great and small the parish churches of to do can be done by local churches. this diocese have engendered a spirit of Resources, both human and financial, thanksgiving. are too limited. That’s why bodies like YMCA and Youth for Christ came into being. What’s been remarkable in recent The best outreach doesn’t years has been the mushrooming of always come through the new Christian social agencies. Norwich Foodbank, The Matthew Project, The church organising something. Magdalene Group, Time Norfolk, ENYP, It can be done by enabling and the Mancroft Advice Project are God’s blessing to be given just some of them working in Norwich to the life of the community (and well beyond) which would not have come into being without Christian around. inspiration. This is true everywhere in our Diocese. Take the Christians away and our Sometimes community events are care for those with drug problems, sponsored by the local church. I think the homeless, the bereaved and of the Reedham Passion Play, the the bewildered would be seriously Wayland Group’s Blossom and Yarn diminished. Christians across the Festivals, or the work of the Parish denominational spectrum (for all these Players in Sprowston under Dean Akrill’s bodies are ecumenical) create a huge guidance. Back in Bergh Apton I’ve had amount of social glue. the privilege of ascending tall ladders to play God in mystery plays with crowds of This active mission is celebrated in the local people hearing the gospel in a fresh huge and lively Diocese of Norwich way. These are week by week initiatives tent at the Royal Norfolk Show. It’s a in the churches of this diocese. A glance flagship for a vibrant church – a place at What’s On on the website or in this of worship, encounter, and service with magazine illustrates this vividly. God’s a wide variety of Christian groups and Church is very much alive. organisations embraced and included. Since God is the creator of all, Christian Some years ago, at a youth event I saw faith opens our eyes to a world beyond a banner proclaiming “God is forever the local. The Bishop of Lulea first came young”. As I come to the conclusion to Norwich in 2000. This led to a more of my ministry as Bishop of Norwich I formal link with that Swedish diocese am more convinced than ever of that which has seen many exchanges and truth. God’s Church is in a process of visits between parishes. Frequently I continuing renewal. The Holy Spirit learn of them after the event. At the always brings new life. God is forever beginning of August, a group of young young.

27 Beauty from brokenness

building that should be offered to bless The Revd Julie Boyd describes the exciting project that’s coming others and could be converted to do so. about through personal tragedy, the local community pulling Our project is fast becoming a good together and the motorbike journey that’s helped it on its way. news story and yet, the circumstance that made it possible to turn this idea into a reality was one that has been full of pain, n August, St Faith’s Church in support we have received we have raised particularly for me and for my family. Gaywood staged an unprecedented over £11,000. In September last year, our son Andrew event as church and community This new venture has been to fundraise ended his own life and we as a family came together to give me, the Rector for the creation of a new community have been trying to understand how to of St Faith’s, along with husband Matthew support centre at the heart of the live with such a story. Everything changed and daughter Hattie, a wonderful send community of Gaywood in King’s Lynn. that day, in my personal life as well as in Ioff at the beginning of our fundraising Local support groups and networks will our church life, and it has been very hard. I adventure to Inverness. be able to support the people in their would not have believed it a year ago, but The Bishop of Norwich was there to bless care by using this new welcoming cafe it has been extraordinary that through this us on our way as we left the church on space with private consultation rooms pain there have been opportunities for our motorbikes accompanied by a convoy and welcoming gardens in the privacy of new beginnings and blessings. of other bikers and leaving behind us the grounds of the church. The motorcycle ride to Inverness was a cheering crowd of supporters as the This project started taking shape back something that we did in Andrew’s church bells rang out. in 2016 over discussions at our mission- memory. He was a very keen motorcyclist Twelve days and 1,275 miles later and the finding Church Away Day. We looked at and had always suggested that Hattie “Revving Rev” and family had completed the needs around us in the community and I learn to ride and get on the road the journey. Due to all the generous and decided that the bungalow was a with him and his dad. Our fundraising trip

Our fundraising trip to Inverness meant that Hattie and I first needed to learn to ride motorbikes!

28 with the building conversion to bring the costs down. Others have organised their own fundraising events; from a local gym who are organising a charity dinner with Frank Bruno as special guest, to someone running a watercolour workshop. There are plans for a mystery auction, a ‘crafternoon tea’ and an evening of magic and jazz. to Inverness meant that Hattie and I first with mental health issues is something Through this project we have also been needed to learn to ride motorbikes! that we clearly need more of in this able to connect with local senior schools Andrew’s story opened a new partnership country. National statistics tell us that to increase awareness of mental health working with West Norfolk Mind. As a one in four people will experience such issues and to involve young people in the church, we have offered West Norfolk health issues in their lives. It has been creation of the centre. Mind free use of the new community café extraordinary the number people who In my church life I have always been struck for the first three years after the centre have told me about how poor mental by how we do not own goodness and opens to develop the services they offer, health has affected them directly. even when it comes to understanding and they have decided to use this new Through this project in Gaywood, we God’s mission there are times when we are space to work more with young people up have discovered a vast network of simply there to shine light on the beauty to the age of 25. people who all have a heart for care in we see. In getting to know to the people People in the community have really got the community. Many companies and of Gaywood through our new venture, we behind this vision. Support for people individuals have been offering their help are discovering a great deal of beauty.

A Peter’s Cat collection is available as an eBook from Amazon. Cartoon resources for Sunday schools can be found at www.deadseacomics.co.uk

29 FOCUS N Launditch and Upper Nar

A regular feature focusing on a benefice or parish in the Diocese By the Revd Miriam Fife of Norwich, written by someone from that community.

his beautiful rural benefice is many of the communities continue to a group of 19 churches in 17 decrease in size with the loss of local Curate Miriam Fife, assistant priest Kevin parishes nestling in the north amenities, however there is a strong sense Blogg, Readers Jan Sexton, Tom Butler- west of the Nar Valley, from of community and a desire to preserve local Stoney and Peter Brown, AWA Isobel which the benefice takes its name. identity among residents who choose to Butler-Stoney, and retired ministers Philip live in these rural locations. Butcher and John Blore. TheT Nar Valley Way, with its links to ancient pilgrimage routes to Walsingham and The desire to preserve tradition and local With the introduction of a modern, Norwich, passes through several of the culture extends naturally to the church, family-oriented service and Celtic and Iona villages, connecting Gressenhall, Bittering, which in past times formed the central communions as well as traditional prayer Mileham, Tittleshall, Litcham, East Lexham meeting place for villagers. Nowadays, book services, there are a good variety of and West Lexham before heading onward even where regular congregations have worship styles across the benefice so that to neighbouring Castle Acre. To the north dwindled to a few, at festivals and for no one need travel too far to find a service and west of the benefice lie Wellingham, occasional offices our ancient buildings that will appeal to the way they like to Weasenham, and Rougham, and to the are full and greatly valued by all people in express their faith. south, Great Dunham, Little Dunham, the parishes. Beeston, Great Fransham, Little Fransham, Sacred and secular Longham and Wendling. For the record, it’s also worth noting that Sunday service attendances are A memorable service was hosted by Most people can’t supress a gasp at the statistically pretty good: factoring in the Beeston St Mary in February to celebrate quantity of parishes our small ministry low population levels, the benefice usually the formation of the benefice; the team has to cope with, and it’s true that exceeds the national average! benefice choir was supported by local even the geographical distance between This becomes most apparent at our musicians, the Gressenhall Singers and the churches can pose difficulties, the Ukulele Band, creating a wonderful especially when presiding more than fifth-Sunday Benefice Group Services; these services provide an opportunity mix of the sacred and secular and once in churches at opposite ends of the drawing many local people who don’t benefice on a Sunday morning! for all the parishioners to travel to a different ‘host’ church, and experience normally come to church. worshipping together accompanied by The overlap of sacred and secular is Joining together a ‘pop-up’ music group and the benefice embedded in the lives of most of our There is much to be said, however, from choir, newly-formed and led by the Rector, communities, with ancient traditions such this joining together of the parishes. In Canon Heather Butcher, for the benefit of as harvest suppers in local barns, carol times past, these small rural communities these and other special services. The rest singing on village greens and lighting the could be quite isolated. More recently of the team comprises Vicar Julia Hemp, Easter Fire, enjoyed by everyone.

30 Reaching out Maintenance I think I saw more nativity The relationships with our secondary and challenges plays last year than I have in five primary schools go from strength the last ten! to strength. Aware of the rise in mental It’s a huge task to maintain this number of ill-health issues, particularly among young medieval buildings, and (all too much) time people, we are seeking ways in which we is spent on addressing issues of crumbling Much of the work of the church takes can offer support to students with the buildings, leaking roofs and dangerous place in the communities, and we possibility of providing prayer spaces in trees. Naturally the costs involved are lose count of the number of village school, and looking ahead, introducing a phenomenal, not only for repairs and fetes and fayres, dog shows, concerts, service of worship open to all but which maintenance, but also insurance and harvest suppers and nativity plays (I young people will find relevant general upkeep. Our tiny congregations think I saw more nativity plays last year to life in the 21st century, and simply cannot sustain this level of outgoings. than I have in the last ten!), all of them enabling their participation However, these challenges are being thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful in leading and with music. faced with determination and imagination opportunities for mission and Our latest outreach project by several of the church councils who relationship building. is a weekly drop-in pop-up are finding ways of involving villagers in Recently we welcomed café in Litcham Jubilee Hall. preserving their church buildings for future a party of American We offer fresh coffee, generations. These new initiatives are a visitors to a cakes, biscuits and wonderful opportunity for mission and I memorial service tea. It’s a warm and am certain will enable us to welcome many newcomers through our doors. for the 392nd bomb welcoming safe group to honour space, including Deeply rural we may be, but we are no those who lost their a toddler play sleepy backwater! In an area where the lives while stationed at corner, an pet service is as likely to include cows and RAF Wendling in WWII. information ponies as dogs, where the vicars may be Americans and locals table and prayer seen in village pantomimes, up the top of shared memories, food ministry, as well ladders viewing the restoration of Saxon and entertainment after as simply a place towers and wearing wellingtons to get a moving service which to meet friends or to church doors knee-deep in snow, this culminated in a fly-past from for those seeking a benefice is very much alive, and these are a Lancaster bomber. listening ear. exciting times to be here.

31 Out & About happenings across the Diocese

A round-up of some of the parish activities over the past few months. Do send in your photos to [email protected] or @DioceseNorwich tag @dioceseofnorwich

Pet service at Catton Quackers at Gt Massingham Christ Church New Catton held its first pet service in August. Paul Hewitt snapped this great picture of some of the congregation The Revd Laura Baker took the service on the day alongside making their way to church on a Sunday morning! Proof that our her dog, Finlay. An animal quiz was held afterwards at churches are open to all. You can see more photos by Paul and others Whalebone pub opposite the church, raising money for in the Norfolk Countryside Photos (NCP) group on Facebook.

Hillside Animal Sanctuary. Photo: ©EDP/Antony Kelly ©EDP/Antony Photo:

Sheringham vintage weddings Vintage fair pulled the The 1940s weekend in Sheringham town has become a roaring success over the past few years. St Peter’s always joins in the funds and ploughs festivities with the Vintage Weddings Event. This year 100 people A traditional vintage fair drew a lot of attention and support joined the service, with many renewing their wedding vows. The from near and far when Honing’s two-day event started with a classic style photo board was an added attraction! “Blessing of the Ploughs”, conducted by the Revd Barry Furness. Over £1,000 was raised towards the church fabric fund and all enjoyed a wide variety of activities.

Photo: © Maurice Gray

32 Percussion and puppets Young @ Heart in Oulton Broad

at Thornage Hall A new venture got off to a great start at St Michael’s, Oulton Broad. The morning was filled with laughter, quizzes, cake, sweets, and Five supported-living homes in the Hall grounds are close to All a variety of live animals! Those who came were thrilled with the Saints Church, Thornage. As well as residents and staff attending experience and we spent time at the end of the morning, after a church services, a mid-week evening service is held monthly short epilogue, on what they would like to do next. in the Hall. “An informal service, using percussion instruments and the puppets Dave the donkey and Oscar the camel – it’s an amazing ministry!” The Revd Jennifer Elliott de Riverol.

Bear-ly made it! Family remembers At Sprowston Church’s Annual Teddy Bear Parachute Jump, Bonhoeffer the Bear, having just WW1 soldier jumped from St Mary and Margaret’s Church tower, St Ethelbert at East Wretham has a There explained how his favourite Bible verse, Proverbs But Not There silhouette in the front 3:5, reassured him to trust in the Lord. A timely north aisle pew, in memory of Arthur message as a third of the teddies ended up in a Currey, who gave his life in WW1. Brought tree, bush or on the Church roof due to high winds. up in the village, Arthur was cousin to the grandmother of Pamela Harris, of Worboys, Cambs, and Shirley Wallis of Risby, near Bury St Edmunds (pictured).

Bishop’s prayer pilgrimage in new Deanery Bishop Graham and fellow pilgrims travelled and prayed around schools, markets, shops, nursing homes, cafés, a college, and the churches that serve the local communities in the rural, newly-formed Deanery of Ingworth & Sparham, closing with evening prayer on the banks of the River Bure.

33 More hot air in churches?

PCC members and fans of The Vicar of Dibley might shudder at the prospect, but at All Saints, Hethel they are finding it a thoroughly good thing. Churchwarden, Peter Nicholls explains.

eating a small, rural church involved at an early stage and were is a challenge. Since the eventually convinced. ‘chestnut roaster’ coke stove On 18 November, Bishop Graham is Planning permission was necessary was removed from Hethel coming to our ‘4th Sunday @ 4’ family and Historic England needed to be sure Church last century, portable gas heaters service, with sustainability as the theme, that external visual impact was not have been wheeled out twice monthly: unreasonably great. We have been able to ask God’s blessing on the new system Hnot very effective, expensive to run, and and its use to develop the church’s to mount the four external compressors an architect’s bane because of the water hidden behind the high parapet wall at mission in the local community. vapour they pour into the atmosphere. the east end of the church, but St Mary The PCC wanted to be able to use the In accepting our invitation, he wrote, “I Magdalene, Mulbarton have been granted building more flexibly in the future: think it’s wonderful that Hethel has taken faculty permission for a parallel project something had to be done! the lead in installing air-source heat with ground-mounted compressors. pumps and I hope this will be replicated In line with the fifth Mark of Mission, the The cost? Installation: about £12,500 in many other parishes, large and small.” PCC is committed to sustainability (being (+ reclaimable VAT); running costs: about ‘green’), which guided us in considering We welcome visitors to the service, and £1.70 / hour – to pump 44kW of heat into possible heating systems. The chosen to the exhibition that will be available all the building! We got a £4,500 grant from solution has truly zero carbon emissions: weekend. four air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) the British Airways Carbon Fund to cover blowing warm air down from wall- about a third of the costs. This fund is Further info: www.acny.org.uk/hethel mounted units, each powered by electricity now closed but we wouldn’t have known or email: [email protected] about it without the Diocese of Norwich from 100 percent renewable sources. www.dofn.org/grantfinder Grant Finder. ASHPs pump heat into the building using much less energy than is necessary for Harvest lunch with heater unit visible top-right; one of four in the Church direct heating. Running our 44kW system draws as little as 11kW from the mains. Sounds too good to be true, but our energy monitor confirms it; the physics is of a refrigeration system working backwards. The system was installed by a well- established local company in February 2018. We haven’t tested it through a full winter yet, but so far so good – we were warm during ‘the beast from the east’! There is some fan noise inside the building, but this is manageable via the speed settings on the system. Researching the possibilities was challenging. Apart from the partial installation at St Mary’s, Shotesham, we found no other churches in the Diocese from which to learn, and only about a dozen nationwide (we visited three, in Cambs and Lincs). Listening to experience convinced us that good positioning and adequate sizing are key to success. The Diocesan Advisory Committee were

34 News in brief Updates from across the Diocese

Responding to mental health First priest elected church and those who walk through the church doors seeking support. vice president of The Revd Stephen Mawditt, minister Royal Society of at Fountain of Life, hopes the day “will help reduce stigma around mental Medicine health and provide people with skills to respond”. Hannah Waite, a PhD student being supervised by Professor John Swinton at the University of Aberdeen, will be sharing with us her research into stigma, particularly around bi-polar and The Fountain of Life Church in Ashill schizophrenia. is hosting ‘Doors of Hope Conference’ on Saturday 17 November to equip Other topics being covered will be why the body of Christ in responding well we should respond and how, mental to issues with mental and emotional ill health conditions, and children’s health. Leaders, members of churches, spirituality. There will be workshops pastoral care workers and counsellors covering the addictions of gambling, working in a Christian setting are all drugs, alcohol, sex and pornography, welcome to attend. children and young people’s mental health and resilience. Keynote speaker Mick Brooks, chief Local vicar the Revd Hilary de Lyon executive of CWR and Waverley Abbey Cost £15 (bursaries available); 9.15am– was elected as the first non-medical, College, will be talking about the 4.15pm; Fountain of Life Network Church, and the first Church of England theological perspective of why churches The Well Christian Centre, Swaffham priest, vice president of the Royal should respond to the mental health Rd, Ashill, IP25 7BTA. To register contact Society of Medicine from 1 October agenda and how they might offer hope Maureen Payne, 01760 441902, for a two-year period. to people who may either already attend [email protected] Hilary is also Deputy Chair of West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Local church Group and Chair of the Audit Committee. She represents the CCG volunteer recognised (and previously the PCT) on the Council of Members of The Queen in national awards Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn. Hilary was Chief Executive of the Royal Roger Townsin from All Saints Church near Fakenham has been named as one College of General Practitioners of the six winners of the national ‘Little (2002–2011) and Chief Executive Deeds, Big Difference’ competition. of the Society of Chiropodists and Roger was nominated for the The competition, which celebrates and Podiatrists (1999–2002). competition not only for his tireless work recognises the work of church volunteers for the church but his devotion to all She is the Independent Chair of across the UK, was run by specialist aspects of the small village community. the Nominations Committee of The insurer, Ecclesiastical. Martyn Proffitt, church treasurer who College of Social Work (2010). In July Ecclesiastical received more than 300 nominated Roger, said: “Over 41 years 2014 she was ordained as a priest nominations from across the country. Roger has made a significant impact on and serves part-time as Assistant Each of the six winners will receive a our village community, his volunteering Curate in the Swaffham and Sporle prize of £2,000 for their church with one exploits are too long to list, but most Benefice. Hilary has divided her time lucky winner taking home the £10,000 importantly, people come to Roger for between West Norfolk and London grand prize – which is being revealed at a help because they know he is friendly for over 20 years. lunch on 1 November. and knowledgeable.”

35 Comings & Goings

Our prayers for their future ministry go to: Prof Catherine Waddams appointed Reader Area Representative for Norwich, following the resignation of Miss Coryn Stanforth. Miss Susan March appointed Reader Area Representative for Lynn West, following the resignation of Mrs Sally Stanton. Mrs Mary Ives appointed Reader Area Representative for Norfolk East, following the resignation of Mr Harold Waterman. The Revd Colin Reed appointed Rural Dean of the Humbleyard Deanery. The Revd Peter Herbert appointed Team Rector of the Thetford Team Ministry. The Revd Michael Cartwright appointed Team Vicar in the Two new Readers licensed at Norwich Cathedral Heart of Norfolk Benefice. On Saturday 15 September, Mrs Margaret Gray and Prof Roger The Revd Edward Carter appointed Vicar of Norwich, St Peter Bland were Admitted and Licensed as Readers in Norwich Mancroft with St John Maddermarket. Cathedral. Over a hundred more Readers renewed their promises, The Revd Sue Hemsley Halls appointed Priest-in-Charge of as they do each year in the Readers’ Day Eucharist that highlights the South Trinity Broads Benefice and Diocesan Co-ordinator the importance of this essential ministry. Margaret has been of the Authorised Worship Assistants Initiative. Licensed to the Parish of Holy Trinity, Norwich, and Roger has been The Revd Lydia Avery appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge of Licensed to the Glaven Valley Benefice. the Upper Tas Valley Benefice. The Revd Dr Harri Williams appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Walsingham Benefice. The Revd Dr Steven Sivyer appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Flegg Group (Martham). The Revd Penelope Goodman appointed Assistant Priest in the Easton Benefice. The Revd Deb Cousins appointed Team Mission Enabler in the Aylsham and District Team Ministry. The Revd Will Warren leaving his position as Assistant Minister at St Andrew’s, Norwich; appointed Public Preacher within the Diocese of Norwich. The Revd Matthew Hutton whose curacy at St Stephen’s came to an end on 24 June. The Revd Canon Chris Copsey who has resigned as Chaplain New Archdeacon of Lynn installed of the Matthew Project, retaining all her other roles. On Sunday 9 September the Venerable Ian Bentley was installed The Revd Canon David Roper retiring on 30 November as and collated as Archdeacon of Lynn by the Bishop of Norwich in Rector of The Poppyland Benefice. Norwich Cathedral. The Revd Paul Niemiec retiring on 11 November as Team >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Vicar in the Western Shore Team Benefice and Rural Dean of the Heacham and Rising Deanery. The Revd Canon Barry Oake retiring on 30 November as Rector of Norwich, St Helen, and Chaplain to The Great Hospital; Diocesan Chaplain to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; becoming Canon Emeritus of Norwich Cathedral.

The following have had their Permission to Officiate granted: The Ven John Ashe, the Revd Matthew Hutton.

The Revd Marc Palmer was licensed In August, Bishop Alan commissioned >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and installed as Priest-in-Charge the Revds Damon Rogers and Michael of St Margaret’s Drayton by Bishop Asquith as joint Rural Deans for the We are saddened to announce the death of: Alan in early August. Lothingland Deanery. Canon Michael Long on 29 August.

36 WHAT’S ON Highlights of events and learning opportunities across the Diocese November – December 2018

For more head to www.dofn.org/events

NOVEMBER Sheringham Armistice Admission: Free. Centenary Concert Contact: Claude Scott, 01263 740573, [email protected] Sat 10 November WW1 Commemoration for 100 years 7.30pm Sun 4 – Sun 11 November Address: St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Reflections on Reconciliation Sheringham NR26 8LH 9.30am-4.30pm with the Archbishop of Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society Canterbury Address: St Margaret’s Church, Church Road, present Music for Remembrance, a concert to Dereham NR20 5HR commemorate the centenary of the Armistice. Wed 7 November Worthing village will be commemorating 7pm-9pm our soldiers who served their country by Admission: £12 in advance (£15 on the door). Under 18s free. Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD exhibiting their service and social history and As part of the Archbishop of remembering them in our own gathering on Contact: Box Office, 01263 822347, [email protected] Canterbury’s visit to the Diocese of Remembrance Sunday. Norwich, Bishop Graham will chair Admission: Free. ‘Reflections on Reconciliation’; an Contact: Celia Daniel, 01362 668928, opportunity to listen to a richly [email protected] diverse panel who will speak about the need for reconciliation in today’s world and today’s church. The Archbishop will also make his own presentation before leading us into a time of gathered silence and prayer. Admission: Free. Remembering the 1918 Armistice Sun 11 November 10.30pm Address: St Margaret of Antioch Church, Church 1918-2018 The Centenary Road, Thorpe Market NR11 8TW of the Armistice Sunday 11 November 2018 marks one hundred years since the signing of the Armistice that Mon 5 – Tues 13 November brought an end to the First World War. This is a Archbish & Fish! 10am-4pm service for Remembrance Sunday for those who Thurs 8 November Address: All Saints Church, Church Lane, died from Thorpe Market. Hemblington NR13 4EF 7.30pm Admission: Free. A free exhibition which marks the ending of the Address: Great Yarmouth Minster NR30 1NE Contact: [email protected] First World War – and honours those local men Archbishop Justin will be in the East of the who fought and died in it, with a special event Diocese. This will be a unique opportunity on 15 September with afternoon tea and talks. to hear the Archbishop in conversation Admission: Free with BBC Look East’s Andrew Sinclair about Contact: Catherine 01603 270360, Lynda being a Christian disciple. There’s also the 01603 713597, or Sue 01603 715804, opportunity to have a free fish n chips light [email protected] bite supper, where the Archbishop himself is serving! The Fallen Admission: Free. Mon 5 – Fri 9 November NCCL: Banquet or brimstone? 10am-3pm Sat 10 November Sat 10 November Words and music for 3pm-4pm 10am-12.30pm Address: St Mary the Virgin Church, Banham, Remembrance Day Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD Norwich NR16 2HN Sun 11 November What will be our fate when we ‘move To commemorate Armistice 100, an exhibition 5pm over’? This session will explore different and event to honour those who gave their lives Address: St Nicholas Church, Church Road, perceptions of the after-life with special in both World Wars, a look at village life, and to Buckenham NR13 4HN consideration of C.S. Lewis’ dream of the celebrate all who have served their country. A kaleidoscope of music and World War 1 poetry divorced realms. Admission: Free. to mark the centenary event in an unique way. Admission: £10. Contact: David Hicks, 01953 887575, This promises to be a simple yet moving event Contact: NCCL Admin Team, 01603 218443, [email protected] set in a most beautiful medieval church. [email protected]

37 The Tree of Life Hear renowned bass-baritone and entertainer Jonathan Veira in his Prison Fellowship Songs Agatha, Poirot and Me, An Fri 23 – Sun 25 November Evening with Sophie Hannah of Freedom concert in Cromer. A top-quality 10am-5pm musician, comedian and communicator giving Sat 10 November Address: All Saints Church, The Street, you a night to remember. 6.30pm Dickleburgh, Diss IP21 4NQ Admission: £10. Address: Thornham Village Hall, Main Road, Much more than Christmas trees, come and Contact: Mrs Janet Rosier, 01263 515039 or Thornham PE36 6LX celebrate the Tree of Life. 07580 599871, [email protected] A talk by internationally best-selling Admission: Free admission (50p for each vote). author, Sophie Hannah, including how Contact: Gale Hodgkinson, 01379 740042, Farewell service for Bishop Graham she came to be the first author since Agatha Christie’s death to write and [email protected] and Julie publish a Poirot mystery; ‘The Mystery of Sun 25 November Three Quarters’. 4pm Admission: £15. Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD Contact: Sue Burland, 01485 512155 or Bishop Graham will be presiding and preaching Jane Long, 01485 512101 on his final Sunday of public ministry in the Diocese at the 10.30am sung Eucharist and there will also be a Farewell Evensong for Bishop Graham and Julie at 4pm. Admission: Free

Norwich Community Choir 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert Sat 24 November 7pm Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD A celebration of ten years of music and friendship. Includes our reworking of Allegri’s Doors of Hope Conference Misereri. Sat 17 November Admission: £10. Silence in Norwich Cathedral 9.15am-4.15pm Contact: Kate Thomson, 07951 979474, Mon 26 November Address: Fountain of Life Church, [email protected] Swaffham Road, Ashill IP25 7BT 7pm-8pm Equipping the Body of Christ to respond to Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD mental ill-health. Advent: the season of hopeful expectation. Join Admission: £15 - bursary is available if us for a brief but silent haven from the concerns necessary. of daily life. Contact: Maureen Payne, 01760 441902, Admission: Free [email protected] Contact: Gudrun Warren, 01603 218443, [email protected] SEND and Inclusion Training Mon 19 November 1pm-5pm Address: Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Easton, Norwich NR9 5ES A training event led by Naomi Graham, a Children’s Occupational Therapist, who oversees New Wine’s Accessible Church Ministry and is NCCL: Ancient wisdom for committed to see provision for children and today’s church young people with additional needs and their Sat 24 November families through the local church. 10am-12.30pm Admission: Free. Address: Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DD Contact: Anna Walker, 01603 882374, St Augustine’s ‘Instructing beginners in the [email protected] faith’. The Revd Canon Dr Peter Doll will lead a consideration over two sessions of this work by DECEMBER St Augustine and its relevance to us today. Admission: £10 for each session or £15 for the two sessions booked together. Fakenham Makers’ Market Contact: NCCL Admin Team, 01603 218443, Sat 8 December [email protected] 10am-2pm Jonathan Veira’s Songs Address: St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9BX of Freedom at Cromer Come to Fakenham’s 14th century Parish Sat 24 November Church for a makers’ market. 7.30pm Admission: Free. Address: St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Contact: Keith Osborn, 07887 877650, Church Street, Cromer NR27 9AE [email protected]

38 Christmas events

Christmas Craft Fayre Christmas Evening In Praise of God – Advent Service Sat 17 November Fri 7 December Sun 9 December 10am-1pm 6.30pm for 7pm 3pm Address: Whissonsett Village Hall, Address: St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Main Road / Address: Old Lakenham Parish Church, London Street, Whissonsett NR20 5ST Mill Road, Mautby NR29 3JA Harwood Road, Norwich NR1 2NG Something for everyone. Come and choose Seasonal evening of rhymes, readings and carols. All are welcome to this nostalgic advent act of Christmas gifts, delicious coffee and cake and Admission: £5 Adults, £2 Children. worship. meet with friends. Contact: Shirley Travis, 01493 732746, Admission: Free. Admission: Free entry. [email protected] Contact: Arthur Barrett, 01603 624768 Contact: Sue Rutter, 01328 701908, [email protected] Great Yarmouth Minster Christmas Christmas Alive Tree and Crib Festival Sun 16 December Fri 7 – Sun 16 December 2.30-7pm 10am-3pm Address: Fountain of Life, The Well Christian Address: Great Yarmouth Minster NR30 1NE Centre, Swaffham Road, Ashill IP25 7BT Usually over 50 trees on display from Immerse yourself in our ancient Bethlehem individuals, businesses, schools, societies etc, living nativity village plus: enjoy Charles Dickens’ with many interesting exhibits. ‘A Christmas Carol’ as you’ve never seen it before! Admission: Adults £2, children free. Admission: Free. Contact: Paul Davies, [email protected] Contact: Karen Gower, 01760 441902, [email protected] Christmas Tree Festival Christmas Tree Festival Sat 8 – Sun 9 December Sat 1 – Sun 9 December 11am-4pm Address: St John the Baptist Church, Off Church 10am-4pm (from midday on Sundays) Dam, Reedham NR13 3UH Address: St Mary’s Church, High Street, Stalham, Come and see dozens of decorated Christmas Norwich NR12 9AU trees sponsored by local groups and businesses. St Mary’s will be looking spectacular as it plays Festive refreshments served! No charge, but host to Christmas trees decorated by local donations will be shared with Sunshine Educare schools, clubs, businesses and groups. in South Africa. Admission: Free. Admission: Free. Contact: Emma Lawrence, 01692 580250, Contact: Diana Gilder, 01493 700105, [email protected] [email protected] St. Mary’s Singers Christmas Carol Concert Christmas Tree Festival Wed 19 – Thurs 20 December Sat 1 – Sun 2 December 7.30pm 10am-4pm Address: St Mary the Virgin Church, The Street, Address: Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, Hemsby NR29 4EU Gisleham NR33 8DT Start the Christmas week off on a high with two Join us once again for a weekend of pleasure concerts by candlelight of choral and popular as we display an array of sparkling, twinkling, Christmas songs with surprises. The ticket price glittering Christmas trees, all shapes and sizes, includes mulled wine and a mince pie. colours and themes. Admission: Free. Admission: £6. Contact: Lesley Armitage, 07740 965944, Contact: Donna 07860 136099 or Maureen [email protected] 01493 732493, [email protected] Christmas Celebration Concert Sat 8 December 7.30pm Address: The Central Baptist Church, Duke Street, Norwich NR3 3AP A Christmas Celebration with the Framingham Earl Singers. Admission: £10 in advance, £12 on the door, Children under 16 free. Contact: Sheila Spelman, 01603 663983, [email protected]

39 The Church of England’s 2018 Advent and Christmas campaign #FollowTheStar aims to encourage people into a local church service or event to share in the joy of Jesus’ birth.

Here are five ways in which your church can get involved:

Order the #FollowTheStar: Download and buy posters, logos Consider being a ‘star church’ by A Journey Through the 12 Days and other resources. A range of displaying a large star prominently. of Christmas booklets. The resources can be bought on the The bigger and more visible the better. resource has been written by Church Print Hub website If possible, illuminate at night and the Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley and www.chpublishing.co.uk/features/ share on social media on Friday 21 features a welcome from the follow-the-star In addition, digital December to be part of the ‘night of Archbishops of Canterbury and resources can be found on our the stars’. More details will follow on York. The booklets are available website: www.churchofengland. this in the weeks ahead. individually and in bulk-saving org/followthestar packs for congregations and Share the campaign Christmas visitors to your church to use. Update your church page videos and social media posts View a sample copy and buy on A Church Near You! Make through your diocesan and local copies from Church House sure you tag your services church social media accounts. Publishing. From late November with ‘FollowTheStar’ as well as An interactive family Advent and 2018, users can sign up to receive ‘Christmas’, ‘mince pies’, ‘mulled Christmas calendar and videos are the daily reflections by e-mail and wine’, ‘Advent’ and ‘Christmas being produced to encourage people through an Android or iOS app. carols’ as appropriate. into local churches.

Here is a link to the full Christmas presentation if you would like to use it at PCC meetings and other church events: www.dofn.org/cofestar