T HE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

A n g e l s e n t e r t a i n e d P a s t o r a l C o n f e r e n c e i n C o l o g n e

R e p o r t i n g f r o m R u s s i a A b a p t i s m a n d m o r e i n M o s c o w

C o m e o v e r t o M a c e d o n i a a n d f i n d f e l l o w s h i p

G o i n g t o p o t ? C l e r g y t r a i n i n g a n d l e a r n i n g

B i s h o p ’ s b l o g M a k i n g t h e m o s t o f t h e i n t e r n e t

FREE N o . 4 4 w i n t er 2 0 0 9 C o n g re g a t i o n 2 g r o w s i n C re t e

T HE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

The of in The Rt Revd Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, Worth, RH10 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: [email protected] The in Europe The Rt Revd Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected] The Diocesan Office 14 Tufton Street, London, W h a t a r e w e SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: diocesan.office@europe. c-of-e.org.uk h e r e f o r ? Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford The older I get the more I recall the hereafter. I am regularly found Assistant Diocesan Secretary wandering around my home mumbling; “Now what did I come here after?” Mrs Jeanne French Since even the best memories fail we can all benefit from an occasional Finance Officer written reminder. Mr Nick Wraight­ Diocesan Website As the headlong race towards Christmas • To inform of the scope and depth www.europe.anglican.org continues we reflect a hectic Autumn of ministry and mission in Europe, Editor and Diocesan across the many churches in the promoting good news, fresh ideas Communications Officer in Europe. Church leaders and members and good practice are well aware of activity fatigue which The Revd. Paul Needle To encourage their faith with Postal address: Diocesan Office – if we are not careful - can dull our • reports and information from fellow Email: [email protected] witness and ministry when we fail to stop congregations Tel: 0034 662 482 944 and ask why our congregations are there Friends of the Diocese and what is their primary purpose. • To act as an instrument of unity for The Communications Committee has our widespread diocese Secretary: The Revd. Philip Warner been asking similar questions about the Email: [email protected] To inspire their Christian faith with aim of this official quarterly magazine • articles and sermons, from Design European Anglican promoting the Mission and visitors, which deserve a Adept Design, Norwich and news of the and wider audience Printer put it this way:- Norwich Colour Print It is intended primarily for regular • To inform and encourage the Friends and supporters of our Distribution members of, and visitors to, churches in mission and ministry. CoDEStorm plc the Diocese:-

Cover photo: • To improve information about the Contrary to many perceptions work of the Diocese in Europe where although Winter in Moscow can it is not so well known and to elicit be cold Summer is mercifully encouragement and support. warm. The sun shone at an outdoor baptism in a makeshift pool. The full story is on page 7. We hope you find those aims are met as you discover more about our vibrant and diverse diocese. Paul Needle Editor, The European Anglican J a z z i n a M a l a g a n ceme t er y 3

T h e A n g l i c a n c h u r c h o f S t . T h o m a s , K e f a l a s , C r e t e

Some PCC members at the cave (Tony Lane in the centre of the picture)

The chapel in the cave.

The news of the wonderful members of the church have We shared the great joy of St. growth in the congregation responded. The Chaplaincy Council, Thomas’ Reader, Tony Lane, being in agreement with Tony Lane and made Deacon at the church of St. numbers of the new church in Canon Mike, will, at its next meeting, John the Evangelist, Izmir, Turkey Crete is so encouraging. make decisions on the worship in October. patterns for the foreseeable future. Canon Mike Peters Starting from six people meeting round the dining table, progressing to a larger number meeting once a a i n t s m a r c h i n month around the swimming pool, “ S ” the congregation membership roll now lists about 70 active worshippers o n t h e S p a n i s h C o s t a with 30 others who have holiday More than 150 sat (or danced!) programme ranging from Duke homes on the island or who visit outside St George’s Church, Malaga Ellington to Henry Mancini. A regularly. Although these are for an evening in Summer. The mammoth catering operation predominantly Anglican there are also portico was turned into a stage provided food and 1,200 Euros members of other denominations who and the audience, many of whom was raised for Chaplaincy funds. regularly attend the Holy had never visited St George’s Chaplain Peter Wolfenden said, Communion services every Sunday. before, enjoyed a night of swing, “It’s the first time I have danced in Tony Lane, Reader and leader of the tapas and wine. a cemetery, but it won’t be the church and Canon Mike Peters, the Gren Horabin who, with his last – we have invited the band to resident priest since February this year, family, is a regular worshipper at return in the Autumn. It is great became aware that there were, the church, brought his international melodic way of outreach for perhaps, needs for additional or group “Simply Swing” to play a our church.” different types of worship services. Canon Mike arranged and led a Quiet Day for the members of the PCC, meeting and worshipping at the Chapel dedicated to the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, in a cave up in the hills in the beautiful grounds of an Orthodox Convent a few miles from Chania. Meeting in such a quiet spiritual area, with the cave once being the home of a hermit, the PCC thought and prayed about the worship patterns for St. Thomas’. The outcome was that the congregation should be asked to indicate their preferences and virtually all the active 4 s C E N E s fr o m ch u rch l i fe

H a r v e s t o f e a r t h a n d s e a

Living on an island in the Atlantic Ocean offers a wonderful setting for Harvest Thanksgiving and for Rev Peter Ford, recently arrived as Priest-in- Charge the harvest experience in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria was somewhat different from his previous ministry in urban Blackburn. Fruits of the earth are offered alongside the sea

F ee d i n g b o d y a n d s o u l i n B e r n e St Ursula’s Berne decided to take the plunge and join in “Back to Church Sunday” this year.

After informing the congregation that would reflect the different what it was all about with an article nationalities in the congregation. in the magazine we produced printed (To tell the truth, we pinched the invitations to help them invite friends idea from Holy Trinity, Geneva!) and contacts. Equally essential was With a little persuasion, people signed prayer about who to invite. up and dishes from Europe, Africa, The service on 27 September was America, New Zealand and Asia designed to give a flavour of the arrived, including Alpenmakkaroni - variety of styles St Ursula’s uses in its a Swiss speciality. worship, with contributions by the Altogether, some 70 people choir and organist as well as from stayed to enjoy the lunch making our music group. Quite a number the day a great success, both of people of occasional visitors made gastronomically and as a way to help the effort to be there, as well as some members of the congregation from newcomers, despite that Sunday Earlier in the summer, the leader different parts of the world come falling in the middle of the local of our catering team had been taken closer to each other. school holidays. with the idea of providing a lunch Peter Potter “ P o t t y t r a i n i n g ” f o r a p u rp o s e 5

S t i r r e d i n t h e P . O . T . Ann Babb recounts her experience of Post Ordination training in the Diocese

Why do we have to go to POT? (no pun intended) Because Post-Ordination Training was always challenging. We ordained ministers are committed to an on-going process were often far from home, in another country with another of training, learning and development. Living in a rapidly language. We were kept in isolation from the outside world changing environment, often determined by economics, for 4 days of intensive study, worship and reflection. location and faith, it is a challenge that all ministers should We had all been called, selected, trained and ordained. serve God and God’s people to the best of their abilities The journey has been long with times of excitement in all conditions and situations. This is not easy in our and uncertainty but the days spent in POT have been chaplaincies where one parish can include a large city (or invaluable. We had the chance to spend time together, cities) and surrounding rural areas. Learning to adapt has listening and learning from each other and affirming our been a major part of my training. faith. I have experienced great joy and fellowship during I always wanted to be a deacon, and after ordination in the sessions with my colleagues from all across the Diocese 2006, I was launched into my period of POT. The first - Norway, Italy, Turkey, France and Germany - the newly session took place in Loisy, just outside Paris, and I drove ordained men and women who have committed their lives there with mixed feelings and emotions. Was it going to be to God and to serve others. like returning to college? This was another big step to be POT works because we are all working together - The taken in new surroundings with new people. My fears were Bishops, our training chaplains, our congregations, our soon dispelled. I was with a welcoming comunity who had Director of Training and all those who support us in our also been called to serve as ‘heralds of Christ’s kingdom’. ministry. It is with thanks to our Director of Training, for The theme of the first session was ‘Making Peace with her planning and organisation, and the resources from the Conflict in the Church: An Introduction to Peacemaking in the diocesan budget that we can benefit from this extra training Church’. This was led by the Director of Bridge Builders at and guidance. In our congregations, with family and friends, the London Mennonite Centre. in places of work, we must show ourselves as true followers For 4 days we had lectures, workshops, interviews of Christ. During my pastoral ministry I often reflect on and time for study, but we always started our days with the words of Saint Teresa of Avila – ‘The Lord has no Morning Prayer and Eucharist and ended them with hands but our hands. The Lord has no feet but our feet.’ In Compline. The pattern had been set for my programme of Antwerp I am using my hands and feet to do as I promised training. Now I looked forward to my next sessions with in my ordination service ‘to serve God’s people in love and my new colleagues. teach them in His name’. The venues for POT were as varied as the topics and the speakers. It was a privilege to be able to travel to Annecy, staying in a Christian centre, and to Rome, where we stayed in a convent and were able to make use of the facilities of the Anglican Centre, housed in a beautiful old palace with an Art Gallery on the ground floor. The themes of the courses I attended were: ‘Breaking the Word – Preaching’ led by the Revd. Dave Tomlinson from the London Diocese: ‘Prayer and Spirituality’ led by the Ven. ; ‘Liturgy and Worship’ led by the Revd. Peter Moger, the National Worship Officer for the ; ‘Issues in Personal and Public Ministry’ led by Valerie Roach, a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Counsellor.

Ann Babb relaxes with a glass of bubbly and recounts her experiences. 6 rene w e d l i fe i n t he e a s t

A P i l g r i m ’ s m e m o r i e s a n d m o r e

Madeleine Holmes recalls the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association Pilgrimage to Albania and Macedonia in September

Glorious sunshine, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality summed up the pilgrimage to Albania & Macedonia in September, when a group of 32 left Gatwick for first stop Tirana. Whilst exploring the city’s art galleries, restaurants and museum and visiting the local mosque and the British Embassy for drinks and canapés, we were also warmly welcomed by Bishop Andon of the Albanian Orthodox Church in Tirana and Bishop Geoffrey and the group were able to converse with him in English. Whilst receiving refreshment we were given a power-point presentation of the work undertaken by the Orthodox Church in the community, which was very impressive. The training of priests, youth workers (men and women), community health centres including the only scanner in Albania, building of churches and caring for the The AECA group, of mixed This was a pilgrimage but there poor were very much to the forefront nationalities including four people were times when we felt like of the church’s work since 1991 from France, saw the most amazing ambassadors as we shared prayers when the ban on all kinds of worship churches hidden in the mountains and and sang in these beautiful places of was lifted. During the period between valleys, beautifully decorated from roof worship, especially for the Diocese in 1964-1990 many churches had either to floor in frescoes as well as visiting Europe, which is familiar with caring been destroyed or used as stables or restored monasteries containing for refugees, the problems of human warehouses, and priests had suffered magnificent frescoes and icons. trafficking and the difficulties that torture or been killed. Albania is no In Macedonia one of our highlights borders can highlight. We felt we longer a secular state. In the Cathedral was visiting and staying in Ohrid which were building bridges. city of Korca Bishop Geoffrey and the has 365 churches! situated on the As we left Skopje for Zagreb and group received the same hospitality huge beautiful lake of the same name. then Heathrow we were all sorry to and a chance to speak with Bishop Plus the most exclusive Icon gallery, say goodbye to our wonderful guides, John (he holds a post similar to our though not as large as the one in and our bus driver, and were busy ), who also spoke Korca (we left there with glazed eyes!). swapping emails and wondering English. Many of the group attended There was always some excitement where we would meet next year…… the Sunday liturgy in a packed church – the roads in the mountains left us where the music was simply divine! breathless, so did the sulphur at the AECA plan a pilgrimage every year Afterwards we shared coffee and had ‘Spa’, not to mention the earth tremor and have been running for many a group photo on the steps of the whilst staying at Pogradec on the shore years and lately visited Armenia, Cathedral. of Lake Ohrid, and the large glasses of Turkey, and Ireland just to mention raki we were given at the monasteries! a few… D i a r y o f a M o s c o w ch u rch 7

S w i m m i n g p o o l f o r r e n t – u s e d o n c e f o r 8 b a p t i s m s

Baptisms at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Moscow usually take place over a small, historic font that in Soviet times was carried by hand by a visiting chaplain to wherever the baptism might take place (in Communist times, the British Embassy). This past summer however, St Andrew’s Chaplain, Canon Simon Stephens, broke that tradition and started a new one, when he was asked to organize the congregation’s first baptism by total immersion.

The Moscow edition of “Where” provided by the British community magazine calls St Andrew’s, “the and the Russia Company. It was heart of expatriate worship in named after the Apostle, St Andrew, Moscow” in its cultural listings. And the patron of Scotland, as most of the for the eight Nigerian nationals British community at that time were baptized that bright summer day rich Scottish merchants. Between (several of whom have ties to the 1920 and 1991 the building was Nigerian Embassy), this seemed used to house first the Finnish particularly true. Embassy, then as a hostel until the Since St Andrew’s small wooden early 1960s when its superb acoustics font holds not much more than a cup were used by the recording of water, Canon Stephens knew he organisation ‘Melodia’. had to add a portable swimming pool Weekly Sunday services resumed to the church fabric. But as in 1993 and a year later President donations to the restoration. And Muscovites live largely in high-rise Boris Yeltsin formally promised HM the St Andrew’s Society of Russia apartments without yards, swimming The Queen that the church would be presented St Andrew’s church with a pools aren’t commonly found in returned to the British Christian donation from the proceeds of the stores. Then St Andrew’s member community. In June, 2008 St society’s “Strawmash” summer and long time Moscow survival Andrew’s announced the launch of a cultural event during the recent expert Pat Davis Szymczak saw a $8 million (US) fund raising appeal to Moscow Village Fete, a charity fund leaflet advertising the grand opening undertake historic restoration. The raiser organized annually at St in Moscow of French discount congregation received a first major Andrew’s Anglican Church by the store Carrefour. pledge from Dallas independent oil British Business Club in Moscow. The pool – six metres wide and a operator, Jerry Fullinwider, for Church councilor Matthew metre and a half deep – fitted in her $100,000; along with an offer to Eastman organized a 5km “Fun Run” car boot and, once assembled, double the pledge if the congregation (or walk depending on your point of accommodated all eight Nigerians, could match it by raising $100,000 view) which attracted participants including Susan Samuel Shelpidi, themselves. from the U.S. Embassy as well as St eldest daughter of the Nigerian With a global recession in full Andrew’s regulars. Ambassador to Russia, plus one swing, finding that match has been As for the swimming pool that Russian-American babe in arms. St difficult – though Mr. Fullinwider’s now sits in a storage building on the Andrew’s draws a congregation of offer remains. Members of St church grounds which in the 19th 150 or so each Sunday from not only Andrew’s congregation are however Century housed a horse-drawn Britian, the Commonwealth, the U.S. being creative at a grass-roots level. hearse, Canon Stephens’ idea is to and Russia, but also several countries Lawyer and St Andrew’s Head make it available for weekend rental of Africa, and also India, Japan, Korea Gardener Michael Pugh for example, to anyone with a country house who and China. has offered his spare room in would like to contribute to church The Victorian Gothic building was downtown Moscow for short-term restoration. built in 1882 – 1884 with funds rent, B&B style, in return for Pat Szymczak a N d i n a p a c k e d 8 pr o g r a mme ...

T h e a r t o f u s i n g G o d ’ s g i f t o f hospitality

“Entertaining Angels” was the theme for the Pastoral Conference which brought 145 licensed clergy from the Diocese in Europe together for five days in Cologne in September. It was organised by a team under the leadership of Bishop David. The worship reminded people in isolated areas of ministry of sharing in praise and prayer; challenging addresses and Bible studies from three keynote speakers left clergy with plenty to reflect on; and group discussions and informal fellowship helped to bridge the huge distances in our diocese.

Dr Musa Dube, Professor of Theology at the University of Botswana proved the most colourful speaker with her stunning outfits each day at Bible Study. She spoke of a custom in hospitality where you take a little soil from your native land whenever you travel – not always a good idea with customs and immigration! ... l E a rn i n g , F e l l o w s h i p 9 a n d s h a r i n g

Dr Brian Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Counselling at the University of East Anglia, urged clergy to learn to love themselves as God loves us so that they can use that experience to love people in churches under their care.

When Bishop Geoffrey visited the Anglican church in Freiburg earlier this year he met a German school teacher who makes candles as a hobby. He commissioned her to produce a candle for the Pastoral Conference. The candle became a focal point in worship with its many symbols of faith and life.

Father Timothy Radcliffe, a former Master of the Dominicans, warned that boring angels may not get entertained. He urged clergy to celebrate doctrine which is not doctrinaire and morality which is not moralistic. 1 0 C a p t i v a t e d b y t he K a ren

A c r y f r o m t h e h e a r t f r o m V e r s a i l l e s t o B u r m a

Although churches in the Diocese in Europe cover huge distances, across nine time zones, congregations often have links with Christian life further afield. In 2000 Clare Kenchington from St Mark’s, Versailles gained an opportunity through Christian Solidarity Worldwide to visit the Karen people on the Thai/Burmese border.

Like many I was won over by the Karen, their grace, forgotten by the world. In 2002 I took three of my charm, kindness, lack of aggression or desire for revenge, sons to visit, the youngest was then 8. I wanted them their continuing faith in adversity. The Karen are an to meet Christian brothers and sisters in a different ancient tribe who had largely turned to Christianity, given situation and two of them returned a year later by their support to the allies during WWII and been promised own choice. These Karen really are a winsome people! by Britain that they could return to their own land, a St Mark’s Church, Versailles has embraced our promise that proved empty. The persecution of minority family’s interest in Burma. Members have come to tribes and the house arrest of democratically elected leader hear Ben Rogers from Christian Solidarity Worldwide Aung Sun Suu Kyi followed. I was shocked by the level talk, have had “Burma meals” and raised money for aid of cruelty that one people can show to another. The organisations and also to support a further visit. Last year regime’s burning desire to eradicate the Karen, Karenni, I took a young lady of 17 who has a heart for injustice to Chin and other tribes from Burma is resulting in dreadful Chiang Mai (Thailand) and to the Burmese border. She atrocities: appalling cruelties, child soldiers, child porters, met an elderly Karen leader who was assassinated rape, murder, burning, driving families into the jungle, just a few months later on the porch we had stood on. into hiding and further and further away from home. She met monks, disaffected soldiers, children, pastors, The only safe places are across the borders in refugee mothers and orphans. Subsequently she has chosen camps. Along the Thai border there are large camps to study International Relations and Human rights at housing thousands and thousands. How long will they be university and will return to the border area to teach there for, another twenty years? I heard first hand stories and help in her Gap year. She has become a voice for from children who had fled attacks, seen their parents the voiceless. murdered, travelled days or weeks through the jungle This year I had hoped to take a team of our youth fearing the military to the safety, but partial imprisonment, to visit for a week but sadly the military situation has of the camps. made that visit not feasible, so a married couple are going Since 2001 I have visited a further three times, I instead with our support. However the young people made a promise on my first visit that I would use every have had their eyes opened and their hearts opportunity to tell people about Burma as they feel have responded. w e w i l l remem b er t hem 1 1

A c r y f r o m t h e h e a r t L a s t s u r v i v o r f r o m V e r s a i l l e s t o B u r m a p a y s t r i b u t e t o f a l l e n c o m r a d e s

Ninety year old Fred Jenkins from Cardiff, the last survivor of a World War II sinking off Belgium, paid his personal tribute to his fallen comrades when a memorial plaque was unveiled in a special service in the English Church in Ostend. The armed trawler, HMS Hayburn Wyke was sunk by a German midget submarine on 1st January 1945. Twenty two sailors died and only four survived. Of these only Fred Jenkins is now left alive. It had been Fred’s wish to commemorate his lost comrades. Two years ago in 2007 with the help of the Belgian Branch of the Royal Naval Association he had returned and laid a wreath at the spot where the ship went down. But he had always hoped for a more permanent memorial, and in July his wish was fulfilled, when the memorial plaque bearing the names of all twenty two sailors with their rank and number, was unveiled from beneath a white ensign and hung upon the wall of the English Church, Ostend. The service was conducted by the Revd. Dr. Clifford Owen, and attended by standard bearers from the Belgian Navy, the Chair and Secretary of the Belgian Royal Naval Association, Michael Rose and John Mummery. Fred was also accompanied from his Cardiff Branch by Brinly Chard, Hon. Secretary. Speaking from a seat, Fred was given a special place in the service to deliver his own story and express his thanks to colleagues and the people of Ostend. For this he earned a round of applause.

R e c o r d a n d o r g a n i s t s h a t t e r e d

In September Michael Servant, organist of St. Mark’s As Michael worked his way through the English Church English Church in Florence, broke the Guinness world record Hymnal he called out the numbers and many joined in for the longest organ playing session trouncing a feat by a singing them. He was allowed a 5-minute break each Norwegian woman recorded at 36 hours and 3 minutes. hour and survived on strawberry milkshakes and lasagna The marathon in the church, on Via Maggio, began at – with massage provided for his 4:36am on Friday morning and ended at 8:39pm hands, back and the following day making a new record of 40 hours shoulders. and 3 minutes. More than Support for the effort, to raise funds for the much 3,500 euros have needed re-wiring of the Church lighting, included three been raised by the nurses who flew in from Scotland and England for event to date. More medical back up. Some 33 witnesses and stewards information and worked in four hour shifts and 300 people visited pictures are on the the church which stayed open all night. church website 1 2 M i n i s t r y a p i ece o f c a k e ?

C e l e b r i t y C h i l e a n A u t h o r v i s i t s S t A n d r e w ’ s i n G o t h e n b u r g In September, Isabel Allende - Latin America’s most well-known did the death of your daughter Paula and successful woman author and a major speaker at the 25th affect your writing?” Isabel answered “It completely changed my life and Gothenburg Book Fair - visited St Andrew’s Church in the Swedish naturally also my writing. Like BC-AD. city. Nancy Fjällbrant offers a tantalising glimpse of some heart I have left my youth and I now write searching questions and answers from the Chilean born writer. books in a different way. I read voraciously when I was young – including the complete “All my roots are from Chile, but Isabel’s secret for writing is to works of Shakespeare and Tolstoy’s War travelling around to so many countries imagine she is sitting at the kitchen and Peace. Today we live in a busy noisy gave me a vision of the world.” said table and telling the story to just one environment, with hurrying people, constant Isabel noting that on her fourth person. She agrees that her works noise and information from the TV and visit to Sweden, “I feel very short often have a spiritual background computers. I like to work alone in a silent here, compared with all the tall people I “There is much more to life than what place where I can delve into the past. meet!” She revealed that although she appears on the surface. We have to be Without silence there is no memory”. sometimes visits places in connection open to the mysteries of life. We are After the public meeting Isabel with a new book, often she makes not alone. I feel that I am accompanied Allende visited the Chilean Memorial use of stored memories from her life by the spirits of my children and others. tree planted as an Amnesty initiative and travels. “Certain events have altered This really helps me. I sit quietly in the in the grounds of St Andrew’s my life – for example the military coup garden and listen to their voices. I can use to the memory of those people in Santiago against President Salvador everything that works for me. I was raised who disappeared during the 1973 Allende which brought Augusto Pinochet as a Catholic, and the Catholic Church is September revolution. Isabel signed to power on September 11th 1973. This a great place to have been!” copies of her books under the lights of is history, but fiction is about emotion.” Responding to the question “How that tree.

O p e n i n g e y e s a n d f ee d i n g s o u l s

In October, It was a very warm day, not only due to and am very grateful for the support appropriately the sunshine but also the fact that the of members of the Ministry Team, and on Bible chapel was filled with friends and family, not least that of my husband Andy Sunday, including some who had travelled from which has made the process so much Mrs Caroline England for the occasion. I had moved easier. During the two years of training Macfarlane to Coin in Spain from Coventry in 2006 I feel that I have learned an enormous was licensed after working for 26 years in the Health amount, and that I have grown both in as a Reader Service as an Orthoptist, responsible for my faith and as a person. I have enjoyed in the Church vision screening of children in schools all aspects of my ministry during my of England at and baby clinics. I had been very training. This period of time has seen St Andrew’s Chaplaincy on the Spanish involved in local church life and it was the opening of our new worship centre Costa del Sol (East). During her natural to join St Andrew’s worshipping here inland, at Alhaurin el Grande and licensing service Archdeacon David at Calahonda, a 40 minute drive to the it has been a privilege to be involved in Sutch underlined the importance of coast from our home. The thought of its development. After the service the Reader ministry since in the Church going back to studying after many years celebrations continued outside with a of England as a whole there are now was daunting and the many hours spent beautiful cake which had been decorated more Readers than ordained clergy. pouring over books and my computer with the Readers badge. I feel extremely Caroline looks back to her “big day” have been hard at times. To my surprise blessed to have been offered this and recalls however I have thoroughly enjoyed it opportunity to minister in this role. a s s i s t a nce a n d 1 3 c o mf o r t o n h a n d

B r o k e n R i t e s i n T h e D i o c e s e i n E u r o p e When clergy marriages come under stress the personal details – or lurid speculation about private events – can become lucrative fodder for tabloid newspapers and this brings added pressures at a time when the families are least able to deal with them. Even when a clergy marriage fails and the partners quietly slip away from the front line of attention they still need support and care.

“Broken Rites” was founded in 1983 A recent development is that Visitor is expected to travel within the as an inter-denominational self help Broken Rites now welcomes Diocese, assessing the particular needs and support group for the separated enquiries from the male spouses of each situation and, when dependent or divorced wives of clergy and of female clergy where marital children are involved, having a special ministers. It is a source of strength breakdown has occurred. concern for their support and care. and comfort to wives by those who In 1983 General Synod decided Frequent travel is not feasible in our fully understand the deep personal that each Diocese should appoint a Diocese but modern communication distress following a broken clergy Bishop’s Visitor and the first were has enabled regular contact and marriage with problems of loss of assigned in1985. The Bishop’s Visitor committed help.. home and financial stability, the has a practical role: to offer non- The Pastoral Care of clergy in the impact on children and personal crisis judgemental support to the non- Diocese in Europe must, of course, of self esteem. ordained spouse at the time of the be the primary responsibility of the Support and care from the breakdown of the marriage and for Bishops and Archdeacons. In a wide “Broken Rites” organisation is as long as necessary while the spouse flung Diocese such as this, any stress now available to clergy wives of rebuilds his or her own life. The or anxieties which clergy experience any denomination living in the Bishop’s Visitor acts on behalf of the should be shared and discussed at an geographical area covered by the Bishop as a facilitator to advise and early stage to prevent any unnecessary Diocese in Europe. organise specialist help as needed. The deterioration in relationships. These may range from personal family problems to feelings of isolation and to conflicts within the Chaplaincy. While “Broken Rites” responds to direct personal enquiries, a referral to a Bishop’s Visitor always comes from Bishop Geoffrey. Both these sources of help come after the recognition of the breakdown of a marriage by the couple concerned, but Broken Rites can always be approached for general information or advice at any time via their website. Fortunately the need for this help is not an everyday occurrence but it is important that this information is widely known. There is an excellent website, www.brokenrites.org and the contact person is Vivienne Blount 0044(0) 1773 880771 and her email is [email protected]. 1 4 c o nf i rm a t i o n j o y i n m a l a g a

O r d i n a t i o n s Bucharest, Romania and Sofia, A n t w e r p a p p e a l Bulgaria from July 2010 t a r g e t i n s i g h t Anthony Lane was ordained Deacon on Sunday 11th October to serve as Rev John (Jady) Koch (ECUSA) News that the Centenary appeal for to serve as assistant curate, St Thomas is now Assistant Curate of Christ St Boniface church in Antwerp is the Apostle, Kefalas, Crete within the Church, Vienna, Austria now within sight of its target was Greater Athens Chaplaincy welcomed at a reception in London F a r e w e l l t o The Revd Sampson Ajuka who during October when members of serves as assistant curate, St George’s Rev Canon Denis Moss, Bishop’s Council were invited to see Venice with St Anthony the Abbot, Chaplain of St Margaret, Budapest, pictures of progress on renovating Padua, Italy, was ordained priest on Hungary is to resign from 30 the building. Richard Genochio, Sunday 4th October September 2010; and, to be Canon Chairman of the UK appeal, said Emeritus of the Cathedral Chapter work has now started on the The Revd Peter Hales was ordained of the Diocese (Europe) with effect restoration although fund raising Priest on Saturday 3rd October from 1 October 2009 continues to pay our share of the cost. and serves as assistant curate, Christ Worshippers are delighted to see the Church, Coutances in France. Rev Vincent Perricone Assistant scaffolding which proves that despite Chaplain of St Mark, Florence, the onset of winter work the roof G r ee t i n g s t o Italy has resigned. will soon be water tight - no more buckets required! Rev Dr Richard Fermer, formerly H o n o u r s The church is most grateful to working with USPG in Brazil is now Rev Peter Potter, Chaplain of St the Belgian authorities - the Assistant Chaplain of St George’s, Flemish government, Province Paris, France. Ursula, Bern, Switzerland became also Archdeacon of Switzerland in of Antwerp and the city authorities Rev Brian Griffiths, presently a 25 September for their generous subsidies (almost Team Vicar, St Laurence in Thanet 90% of the cost) to St Boniface. Ann (Diocese of Canterbury) is to be Rev Canon Jonathan Boardman, Turner from the Appeal Committee Chaplain of Holy Trinity, Costa Chaplain of All Saints, Rome, comments ‘We’re entitled to this as a Blanca, Spain from January 2010 Italy is now also Archdeacon of listed monument - as our Patron Italy and Malta said “If only the UK authorities were Rev John Gulland, who was Non as generous!” but then they didn’t Rev Canon Arthur Siddall, Stipendiary Minister at Castle Town have to live under Napoleon!’ (Diocese of Sodor and Man) is now formerly Priest-in-Charge of St Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, John the Evangelist, Montreux, Corfu, Greece Switzerland; Archdeacon of Switzerland and Archdeacon of Rev Patrick Irwin, Army Chaplain, Italy and Malta has been appointed to be Chaplain of the Anglican Canon Emeritus of the Cathedral Church of The Resurrection, Chapter of the Diocese

If it is true that the sun shines on church Malaga in southern the righteous, God added his rays of Spain, joining Priest-in- blessing on this recent confirmation Charge Rev Peter Wolfenden when Bishop David visited St George’s for a confirmation service. C h u rch H e a l t h b i d f o r a fr i c a 1 5

F o r t y y e a r s o n A f r i c a n h e a l t h h e l p f r o m a n A l p i n e b o r d e r Appropriately which is to set up a pilot project to on All Saints’ test the concept of providing a ‘micro Day Bishop health insurance plan’ in an African Geoffrey setting. The Network aims to support celebrated Holy Anglican health providers to improve Communion health care in the developing world. with the The distribution of Anglican parishes Basle Church and health facilities offer a unique Council at the structure on which to base a successful Benedictine scheme, which could potentially cover Abbey of Mariastein. The event was widespread populations. also a personal celebration of the 40th “We recognize that this programme anniversary of his ordination to the could mean the difference for many of priesthood. Later he confirmed eleven the poor in Africa seeking a minimum teenagers in the Old Catholic Church People on very low incomes in the level of health care, and we are intent (Predigerkirche) in Basle. To mark his developing world may soon be able on making it available to as many anniversary the Bishop was presented to access health insurance thanks to locations as is practical, as soon as with a memento of Basle, a pewter the Anglican Health Network based possible” says Paul. The Africa pilot is cup with the symbol of the city in Geneva. Rev Paul Holley who to be launched in the Diocese of Dar- (typically used on a round of drinking is Priest-in-Charge of La Côte on es-Salaam in Tanzania. during the city carnival). the Swiss-French border is President http://ahn.anglicancommunion.org/ and Co-founder of the organisation index.cfm

A toast from a trio of clergy in Tenerife as they sample the local vintage. Keith Gordon hosted his neighbours Peter Ford from Gran Canaria and Idris Vaughan from Lanzarote for a day of prayer, study and fellowship. 1 6 w E b p o w er w o r k s

C y b e r s p a c e – T w e n t y y e a r s o n

Two spiders have announced their touch over the vast distances across engagement. Apparently it was not love the Diocese in Europe. In the at first sight as they first met on the web! second of our European Anglican guides to improve your church Since Sir Timothy Berners-Lee communication we see how the proposed a system to become the blog can be a blessing, websites “Worldwide web” in 1989 internet can be wonderful mission aids communication has taken never and Podcasts and You Tube can looked back. Churches have not make our Christian message more been slow to realise the potential of accessible. websites and emails for keeping in B l o g o r B i s h l o g ? Samuel Pepys left a valuable account of life in his times with his diaries, including the little phrases which have passed into folklore, such as “And so to bed!” Tales of Twitter and Facebook have become part of our standard vocabulary as Twenty-First century technology offers a more immediate medium for D o y o u h a v e a w e b f o o t p r i n t ? diary writers – where you write your thoughts and activities and post them Many churches have found the value How topical is your site – does • onto the internet through a website log, of a website, especially within Europe it still contain advance notice now universally known as a Weblog – a where our congregations cover vast of the church bazaar in word invented as recently as 1999. Now geographical distances. The diocese November 2006? bloggers send millions of words into the boasts some of the finest websites in Does your site appear easily on • blogosphere and Christians have realised the Church of England. There is a a Google search with your local that this medium offers opportunities to range of computer programmes to help place names and keywords? share their life and faith. you build and maintain your site and Help and advice may be needed Bishop David Hamid began his Blog most congregations have at least one on this one. in August and admitted he had not been computer enthusiast longing to help. Do you check and compare • quick to take the plunge; “A weblog Some basic food for thought other church sites and use good can have many uses. This will not be a here includes:- ideas and innovations? “chatty” sort of blog. I remember I was What information to include and p.s. Do you merely include written • consecrated on the feast of St Ignatius what to omit – you have much copy – or have you dared to put of Antioch, who taught that a silent more freedom to include information audio of sermons, whole services bishop is the best sort! However, it will for insiders and outsiders since the or special interviews online? The be a place to publish notes, photos and person browsing your site can select popularity of “You Tube” shows information related to the Diocese in what they want from your front that even simple videos can be a Europe, to supplement and complement page menu. useful tool in church publicity. the official diocesan website. It is a result of a mini (4 hour) CME course that I signed up for two years ago. It N e w b u i l d i n g f o r C o s t a d e l S o l took a long time to get up the courage to take the plunge Church on the Spanish into cyberspace.” Costa Del Sol the old The Bishop says his blog aims at surfaces were removed to helping keep our widespread diocesan reveal its original function family and others better connected. I as a shop. You can still welcome comments and suggestions. make out the sign “We sell The usual disclaimer applies to any direct”. Peter Hammond links: no endorsement of content Not all places of worship in the who took the photo says the is implied! diocese have ancient church church’s mission intention Already the blog has an impressive links. During work before is still just as relevant number of entries and a great repainting the outside of the introducing Christ directly to selection of pictures. Take a look for building used by St Andrew’s those who come! yourself on:- http://www.eurobishop.blogspot.com/