November 2017 Christmas starts with Christingle

NEED TO KNOW I STORIES I AREA UPDATES I EVENTS NEAR YOU

In My View along with meteor showers and which holds a particular who have died as a result of a partial eclipse of the sun early significance for us this year. It is war and all who have given one evening; a glorious 100 years on from the Battle of their lives for others. Not just By reminder of the vastness and Passchendaele, fought between those on the front lines, but all Archdeacon of Southend brilliance of God’s creation. July and November 1917, the millions of people who ON holiday in rural France in In stark contrast to the awe known as the Third Battle of work hard at home and abroad the summer and with very little and wonder of God’s hand in Ypres, remaining one of the in support roles. light pollution, the night sky forming the universe, this most notorious battles of the You would think that we revealed the magnificence of month, on Armistice Day and First World War. This is poignant would learn from the reality the stars and constellations, the Remembrance Sunday, we are reminder of the importance of and effects of war, finding Milky Way in all its splendour, recalling the destruction of lives, remembering before God those CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Bring the kids to light a candle Picnicfor Christ’s party birthday

christmasstarts.com

Young people are making a difference

at St Matthew's in Stratford: Page 12 www.chelmsford.anglican.org

Vanessa is Food Ministry Team welcomed as the gets the votes of new Archdeacon judges in Pride in of Harlow Basildon awards Page 2 Page 3 The Class of 2017 are ordained as by Bishop Stephen: Centre Pages 2 THE MONTH November 2017

THE month: New Archdeacon of Harlow is Collated and Installed Welcome to Vanessa

THE new Archdeacon of Harlow, Ven the Harlow Archdeaconry, but will also bless was Collated and Installed all of us.” by the , Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, at a service in Chelmsford Vanessa was previously Rector of Cathedral on Sunday, September 24. Wimborne Minster & the Northern Villages in Bishop Stephen said: “It was great to the Diocese of Salisbury. She succeeds welcome Vanessa to the diocese. Her experience, vision and passion for ministry who retired as Archdeacon of and mission will bring a particular boost to Harlow at the end of March..

resolution and compression. Hi-res JPGs or Tiffs should be re-sized to min 7x5in at 300dpi with no layers or sharpening. Captions, your name and contact details Basildon mission The Month, incorporating NB and East should be embedded in the 'File Info' Window, is the free circulation section if possible. If e-mailing many newspaper of Church of England in shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size Essex and East London (Diocese of of 8x6in.When submitting photos please adds dash of colour Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. confirm that written consent has been anglican.org/themonth ● obtained from parents / guardians of Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter children under age 16 for publication of @chelmsdio ● photos publicising church activities in The Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter Month. @cottrellstephen ● The inclusion of an advertisement should Subscribe to our YouTube channel not be taken as implying www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese ● endorsement of the objects of the Like us on Facebook: www. advertiser by the diocese. facebook.com/chelmsdio ● Like our Ask an Archdeacon advertising Facebook www.facebook.com/ askanarchdeacon ● Please contact: Glenda Charitos, View our photostream on Flickr www. Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese Peverell,Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY. Tel: 01752 225623. Fax: 01752 673441. editorial e-mail: [email protected] Editor: Jon Longman distribution Editorial and photographs for The Month should be sent to: For distribution contact: [email protected] [email protected] or Jon Longman, The Month, 1 Bouchiers Tel: 01245 294443. Place, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TY. Tel: Your newspaper will normally be THE Table, a market stall initiative to engage with new people groups, is breathing colour and 01621 810530. Mobile: 07860 769906 available from the third Sunday in the new life into Basildon’s town centre. The initiative, which is based in St Martin's parish, was Digital photographs for publication: month. Any further changes will be made possible through collaboration with the West Basildon churches (Laindon & Langdon Please take pictures at largest size, advised to distributors. Hills). It emerged from Bishop Stephen's challenge to have a regular mission initiative in each parish or group of parishes. THE MONTH November 2017 3

THE month — Weekly invitation for people to enjoy an inexpensive meal Vicars drop in for lunch

THERE were several such thing as catholic strains of "More tea vicar" evangelism. But there is a in the parish of the COMMUNITY CAFÉS Ascension with All Saints way of doing evangelism in Chelmsford when 14 within the Catholic and with volunteers from were all members of the tradition, and that is a priests from across the diocesan chapter of the both. It provides a weekly very much a blessing to diocese and Bishop opportunity for local Society of Catholic Stephen dropped in for our diocese." people to enjoy a hearty, Priests, a group ● lunch at the Jubilee inexpensive lunch and committed to the Those interested in Community Café in the enjoy good company. nurturing of priestly learning more about the parish. Revd Faye Bailey, spirituality and the Society can contact its The café is a joint curate in the parish, said: encouragement of Rector, Canon Steven venture between the "I love it here"as she catholic evangelism. Saxby, Vicar of St Anglican and United spoke of the warmth and Bishop Stephen, who Barnabas Walthamstow - Reformed churches in the positivity of the café. attended in his role as stevensaxby@btinternet. parish, hosted in the latter The visiting priests Visitor, said: “There is no com; 020 8520 5323). Top award for friendly team

ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays. Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily offi ce in St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel.

For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AU Tel: 01235 763141 Email: [email protected] COMMUNION LINEN THE Pride in Basildon Voluntary Group of the Year Award has www.csmv.co.uk been presented to The Food Ministry Team of St Andrew’s and The finest purificators, palls, lavabo Holy Cross Churches for their provision of a community lunch ser- towels, corporals – at affordable prices vice aimed at building friendships and addressing isolation, as well as their provision of cooked meals for children and their To advertise Made by Zimbabwe Mothers’ Union families during school holidays. Pictured (left to right) are Mayor in this newspaper, In support of its outreach work in of Basildon David Harrison, team members Nikki Firth, Marion contact Glenda or Michelle on the Anglican church there. Marshall, Christine Pitt and Lee McClellan from sponsors Palmers BE Law. MATABELELAND CHURCH LINENS ● The Basildon Night Shelter Team from St Martin’s church, 01752 225623 11 Margetts Close,Kenilworth,CV8 1EN community volunteers and other churches were presented with a or email Email: [email protected] Pride in Basildon award for providing vital support to homeless SEEN [email protected] people during the coldest months of the year. 4 THE MONTH November 2017

THE month — Recruiting for the St Cedd Centre's next intake of students

Conversations Day 2017 at Woodford Wells THE Church Mission Are you the next Pioneer? Society (CMS), in By JULIE CLAY, St Cedd Centre partnership with the St Co-ordinator THE PIONEER PIONEERS: St Cedd Centre for Cedd's first intake of students Pioneer Mission, are THE vision of the St Cedd Centre staging a Pioneer is to provide an environment to Conversations day at identify, equip and support All Saints Woodford Christians across the Chelmsford Wells entitled 'Mission Diocese to serve as pioneer is…. A conversation'. ministers. It will take place on Once they have completed the Saturday, November 11 course, the students will be allowed to and minister beyond from 10am to 4.30pm. beyond Sunday services and Pioneer church buildings. Conversations Days are They will seek to bring opportunities to catch transformation in their up on the latest communities, to call others to thinking and research follow Jesus to become disciples on pioneering and and create Fresh Expressions of Fresh Expressions of Church. Church. The centre is now recruiting They are always a students for the next intake due to lively mix of start studying in February 2018. imagination, learning The St Cedd Centre for Pioneer and exploring. Mission course is spread over 18 The main speakers months and divided into six are Jonny Baker, modules. Director of Mission and In parallel, students will be Education at CMS and working on a pioneer mission initiative of their choice. Mark Berry, Pioneer of Each module will involve two the students will be authorised by to online resources via a dedicated their learning set and their Safe Space in Telford teaching sessions, which will be the Bishop of Chelmsford and portal to help them develop. incumbent. alongside workshops. ● ● on Saturdays from 9am to 2.30pm certificate endorsed by the Church The course is an apprenticeship A Pioneer Conversations Day You can book a place and held at The Church of the Mission Society (CMS) and then style model with some written and will be held on November 11 at All by calling 01865 787400 Good Shepherd, Collier Row, and locally commissioned in their creative assessments. Students Saints Woodford Wells. Please see or visit https:// other venues around the Diocese. parish or Mission and Ministry Unit will be required to have an idea the panel to the left. For further cmsconversationsday There are also two learning sets (MMU). for a pioneering initiative and they information or an application form chelmsford.eventbrite. that will be held locally at a date to All the teaching will be given by will keep a journal during the please contact Julie Clay, St Cedd co.uk. be arranged that suits the group. CMS and local pioneers. course. At the end of the course Centre Co-ordinator by email - On completion of the course, Students will also have access they will give a presentation to [email protected] THE MONTH November 2017 5

THE month — We each have a divine experience story to tell

Supreme joy of St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset

enhancing church interiors Ronald Emett fine furniture www.ronaldemettfurniture.com 01308 868025 beingwith others.a The churchesdisciple have yet to find cure for leprosy in those days. I remember Retired health visitor MADELEINE CHANNER reflects on the ways for its disciples to share these stories. our teacher almost went as he told us this CHURCH PEWS challenges of being a disciple as My Christian journey began in the 1950s. story. UNCOMFORTABLE? Teaching in those days largely involved the Another inspiration was Dr Albert WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY she steps down from the ministry challenge that Christianity presents. It was Schweitzer, the missionary surgeon UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? focus team at Seven Kings no easy path, it involved sacrifice. (pictured left) who built a hospital in Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, SOME years ago a highly gifted and “If any man would come after me let him Lambarene Africa. He was a priest, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN enthusiastic young Curate said: “The www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 deny himself, and take up his cross daily philosopher and musician, but that was not Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail trouble is, I’m working with volunteers.” and follow me”. (Luke 19 v23). enough, he wanted to alleviate When phoning please quote TM1117 Astonished, I replied: “Commitment is at the We were made aware of the great divide suffering and accordingly studied medicine. root of faith, and as committed Christians between the rich and He worked at the hospital until he died in we are fellow disciples. We are called to the poor… half the 1965. Then there was Mother Teresa, left, serve.” world suffers in who took Jesus's words to heart: C W Sears In Saint Teresa’s words: hunger; in some “I was hungry and you gave me food, I “Christ has no body now on earth but areas, half of the was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a Memorials yours. No feet but yours, babies die from stranger and you welcomed me, I was sick 8 Cornell Way “Yours are the eyes through which is to and you visited me, I was in prison and you preventable Romford look out Christ’s compassion to the world, diseases before the came to me. As you did it to one of these, “Yours are the feet with which he is to go age of five. The you did it to me”. (Matthew 25 vv35-40) RM5 2HN about doing good, and shortage of aid Hence, Mother Teresa’s identification of “Yours are the hands to bless us now.” workers, those with God with the poor, the hungry, the sick and Offi ce Jesus said:“Come to me… learn from special skills and homeless. Her understanding of poverty as Tel 01708 me”. (Matthew 11 vv 28-29) not merely physical, but spiritual. The poor the medical staff were 501001 Disciples are learners, we are learning underlined. What part were we going to are not only hungry for food, but for love, and the living word of God. from Jesus, our teacher and Saviour. play in the healing of the The dictionary definition of disciples is: These were the disciples who understood Workshop brokenness of God’s world? the sharp edge of Christ’s call, and were “Followers of the doctrines of a teacher”. Jesus started his prepared to make the sacrifice. Their faith Tel Our teacher is Christ, but putting the mission with these involved the self denial of which Jesus 07718 lessons he has taught us into practice is words: “The Spirit of spoke. They were to us, beacons of light, 266387 the hardest part. There is a constant ten- the Lord is upon me, true followers of Christ, disciples alleviating dency for human instruments and institu- he has anointed me suffering. tions to fall into error and lose their vitality. to preach good news I know that missions and relief agencies My college principal warned: “Our ‘L’ to the poor, to heal like Christian Aid operate around the world, plates get bigger as we get older”? the broken hearted, but should we be raising awareness of Jesus warned: “Watch and pray.” We to proclaim liberty to God’s call to some special work? The fine need to ask God continually for wisdom the captives and the and dangerous mission to act as his and humility. recovery of sight to instruments, to respond to the cry of the We are disciples of Christ, the light of the the blind, to set free poor, how he comes to us in the unread, world, searching wondrous truths from the oppressed.” (Luke 4 vv18-19) the homeless and the child crying in pain? scripture; climbing the mountains of faith, Our teachers told us stories of men and Are we prepared for sacrifice and self we fall and we get up again. We find God in women who like Jesus healed the broken denial, to play our part in the healing of the NATIONAL FRUIT brokenness of God’s world? creation, in loving acts, in silence, in hearted and freed the oppressed, who TREE SPECIALISTS Through Christ it is possible for us to One of the UK's largest suppliers of fruit trees and soft sacrifice, in unusual places and shared their skills in the impoverished areas receive certain benefits of grace, a few rays fruit plants including Cranberries and Goji Berries circumstances. of the world bringing healing and hope. of light more authentic and trustworthy than Years ago, I attended a prayer gathering People like Father Damien, born in Belgium the whole store of human knowledge. 50% OFF ALL TOP where a poor gipsy prayed, the spirit of in 1840. He felt called by God to become a In Luke 10 —v23, we read: “Turning to FRUIT TREES God moved powerfully through him. 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THE month — One for the album as the class of 2017 celebrateto being ordained as Deacons

.

Gilead Foundations Deacons retreat and advance is a Therapeutic Community, Ordinands pose for the traditional photograph on Retreat at the Diocesan House of Retreat in offering a residential Pleshey, near Chelmsford, on rehabilitation Friday, September 29, the eve of programme, called their Ordination as Deacons by Rt KEY, for people Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford. with life-controlling The front row (l-r): Ven Vanessa addictions, such Herrick – the new Archdeacon of as drug or alcohol Harlow, Stephen Cottrell – Bishop of Chelmsford, Very Revd Chris abuse, homelessness, Dalliston – Dean of Newcastle, gambling, eating who was the Retreat Conductor, disorders, self harm, , , and Robert Martin, retired Bishop of and other addictive Marsabit in Kenya. behaviours. BELOW: Laura Garnham (left) is all smiles as she poses with Bishop Stephen and Wrabness Priest in Charge Revd Liz Barnes after the service in . A Special Service was held at Wrabness church on the following day to celebrate the ordination of Laura as a .

Based on a 300 acre dairy farm in rural Devon, Gilead uses the Genesis Process Relapse Prevention programme with our clients.

If you, or someone you know would like more information about Gilead or would like to make an application, please contact: Laura Alm Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 [email protected] www.gilead.org.uk THE MONTH November 2017 7 THE month — One for the album as the class of 2017 celebrateto being ordained as Deacons Organist/Choir . Director

St Mary-at-Latton, Harlow is an inclusive liberal Anglo-Catholic church in Harlow. We are seeking someone to lead Deacons retreat and advance our small, but committed choir, through Sunday practice at 9am Our 31 new Deacons: Dan Barnes-Davies before the service which is a (St Edward the Confessor, Romford); Sung Eucharist at 9.45am, plus Jane Begley (Holy Cross Team Ministry, special services at Holy Week and Waltham Abbey); Adam Childs Christmas. Our worship includes (Walthamstow Team Ministry); Sarah a choir anthem, and a balance Clarke-Mosley (Hainault); Susan Diplock of traditional hymns and modern worship songs. (St Peter- in-the-Forest, Walthamstow); Susan Edmundson (Downham with Remuneration within RSCM South Hanningfield and Ramsden guidelines plus fees from occasional services. Bellhouse); Ian Fuller (Holy Trinity, Springfield); Diana Garfield (Broomfield); For further information, contact Laura Garnham (Great Oakley with Wix [email protected] or and Wrabness; Tendring and Little 01279 424 005 Bentley with Beaufort cum Moze); Malcolm Green (St Mary-at-Latton, Harlow); Hazel Greenland (Myland, Colchester); Paul Grover (North Hinckford Team Ministry); Alexandra Guest (Holy Cross Team Ministry, Waltham Abbey); Philip Howlett (Black This portable music box stores and plays over 2880 traditional hymns and popular worship songs - all at the Notley, Great Notley and Rayne); Polly touch of a button! Kersys-Hull (St John the Baptist, Easily create play lists, control the tempo, change the key and even choose your instrumentation. Leytonstone); Chika Nduku (St Chad’s, With over 7300 hymn book entries indexed to 10 Chadwell Heath); Christine Newmarch favourite hymn books (Witham and Villages Team Ministry); (upgradeable), the great sound of Hymnal Plus has Janet Parker (Broxted with Chickney and made it the choice of Tilty and Great and Little Easton); Mark churches across the UK. Payne (St Mary’s, Bocking, and Panfield); Elise Peterson (Chigwell and Chigwell Row Team Ministry); Elizabeth Price (St Michael and All Angels, Loughton);

Rachel Prior (Saffron Walden and

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Villages Team Ministry); Jane Quinton L D M

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O T F F E A (Chipping Ongar with Shelley); Saffron SSEX CR Ryan (St Andrew with St George, St Pre-Christmas Events 2017 Genuine locally produced traditional & contemporary Matthew and St John, Hornchurch); crafts of exceptional quality at affordable prices. Claire Robertson (Two Rivers); John Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December Hylands House Saxon (Saffron Walden and Villages Chelmsford CM2 8WQ Approx: 50 Exhibitors Team Ministry); Lee Taylor (All Saints Open 10am to 4:30pm each day Event included in the Normal House Entry Charge with St Peter and St Paul, Chingford); of £4.00, Concessions £3.50 (Under 16’s Free) Advance bookings available via Hylands web site Jackie-Dee Thornton (The Chignals with Ample Free Parking. Tea Room Open. Saturday 9th December Mashbury; Great and Little Leighs with St Mary Magdalen Church, Little Waltham; Great Waltham with Ford High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BQ Open 10am to 4pm. Free Admission. End); Terry Walker (West with East Free Parking in nearby Town Centre Car Park. Surplus Funds raised are donated to the Essex Air Ambulance. Mersea, Peldon, Great and Little Wigborough); Patricia Wallson (Aldersbrook); Vivien Whitfield (St John the Evangelist, Colchester). 07533 949478 8 THE MONTH November 2017

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You will be charged one message at your standard network rate. Registered charity number 1105851 (England and Wales) and SC039150 (Scotland). Company number. 5171525. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. ©Christian Aid July 2017. Christian Aid is a key member of ACT Alliance. Photo: Christian Aid. THE MONTH November 2017 9

THE month — What's on in November in Essex and East London

Saturday, October 21 ● Firework Display at St John’s church field, ● to Liz on 471756. Sandon Church Friends Quiz night. 7.15pm for Loughton. 6pm - 9pm. Gates open - 6 pm; bon- ● Christmas bazaar and open church at St 7.30pm. Tickets £7 each Teams of six. Please bring Regular events fire - 6.45 pm; fireworks - 7 pm. Barbecue and Peter’s, Nevendon SS13 1BZ. your own drinks and nibbles. There will be a raffle. refreshments. Child - £3; adult - £6; family - £15 ● Autumn Fayre at St John’s Church Hall, For tickets, contact 01245 698988. (2 adults + up to 3 children). For tickets please ● Every Sunday unless otherwise stated Church Lane, Loughton IG10 1PD.11:00am - Autumn Fair at St Winifred's Church ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. email: [email protected]. 3:00pmAn enjoyable day with bottle tombola, ● Chigwell.10am. Various stalls, crafts, activities. a See advertisement on back page for complete Men's breakfast at St Leonard's Church, raffle, cake stall, jams, jewellery, children's craft day out for the family. Refreshments available. Lexden. 9.15am. In the Nicholls room in the ● list of main services in the cathedral. activities, etc. Refreshments: lunches served from Autumn's Amazing Jumble Sale. St George’s, ● Afternoon Teas at All Saints’ Epping church. Breakfast of cereals bacon rolls fruit juice 12 noon. Licensed bar. For more details please Brentwood.11am - 12noon. Clothes, bric-a-brac, Upland. CM16 6PH.Come and enjoy our tea/coffee, friendly chat followed by prayer time. email [email protected]". ● toys & games, shoes & bags, books & DVDs and lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst Beauchamp Roding Christmas Market at Saturday-Sunday, November 18-19 ● household linen and items; Light refreshments on tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and Room in the Rodings, Beauchamp Roding CM5 St Peter's Aldborough Hatch, Aldborough sale - admission 30p. Event in aid of Church funds. Road North, Aldborough Hatch, Ilford IG2 7QN ● coffee. We are dog friendly and have water 0PF. 10am - 4pm. Refreshments and stalls such Parish Day of Prayer at St Anne’s, Canvey bowls for our four-legged friends. 3pm-5pm as gifts, books, tombola and more in aid of St Bus Routes: 66, 296 and 396 – Nearest station: 10am - 2pm. Come and experience: worship, Monday-Saturday Botolph's Church funds. Newbury Park. Christmas Market on the hymns, words of favour, prayer ministry, testimonies ● ● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Music For An Autumn Evening at St Michael’s Saturday - 10am-4pm. Grand Draw - Christmas and teaching. Speakers – Mrs Kalbi Massey, Mrs Lexden, Colchester. Monday-Friday 10am- & All Angels, Leaden Roding CM6 1RB. 7pm - Goods - Craft - Home-made Cakes and Doris Dokpoh, Mrs M. Jery. Free including lunch. 4pm; Sat 10am-2pm. 9pm. 'Music for an Autumn Evening' will take Preserves - Christmas Cards and Notelets - Toys Sunday, October 22 Every Wednesday place in the St Michael's & All Angels Church. - Refreshments. Exhibition of Nativity Sets in the ● Harvest Breakfast at St Lawrence Church ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1pm-3pm. Tickets are priced at £10 per person, and this will Church on the Saturday (10am-4pm); Sunday Centre. 10am - 11:30am. A cereal and toast include cheese and wine during the evening. 19th (11.30am-6.30pm). Father Christmas will be breakfast within Sunday morning worship. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee Tickets can be purchased from David on 01279 in his Grotto on Saturday from 12noon to 2pm. Saturday-Sunday, October 28-29 876607. Sunday, November 19 ● St Nicholas Church, Canvey. Flower Festival - and cakes. All welcome. ● ● St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, Wednesday, November 8 St Mary the Virgin church is holding a 'The Fusion of Art and Creation'. Saturday: 10am - ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Second Keene Christmas Market from 10am-2pm in the Village 2pm. Sunday: 12noon - 5pm. Refreshments. Corringham. 10am-4pm. Church will be open every Wednesday for visitors, to see this lecture — see story at foot of page. Hall, Stapleford Road, Stapleford Abbotts RM4 Saturday, October 28 Saturday, November 11 1EJ. Admission £1. Stalls will include homemade ● Glitter and Glo party at St Mary’s Great historic building, there is a Saxon wall, ● Norman tower, 13th century tombstones, Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, cakes and preserves, jewellery, clothes, Baddow. Glitter and Glo is an all-age High Beach, IG10 4BF – 10.30 am Armistice bric-a-brac, tombola and raffle. Refreshments celebration of light and laughter, with games, Medieval stained glass and more. All welcome. Service to remember the fallen.Choral service available all day. worship and a film. Wear bright colours, glitter, ● with hymns for the congregation. ● Messy Church at Emmanuel, Laindon Road, sparkle and funky hair styles. This is an Chelmsford Cathedral 9.30am. Baby and ● Toddler Group (term-time only). Lunchtime Recital: 'The Lads in Their Billericay CM12 9LD.10am. We have a new alternative to Halloween for all the family. Come monthly service, especially for young families, ● St John's Church, Stratford. 1.10pm. Hundreds'. St Peter’s, Bocking. 1pm. and join in the fun! What happens at Glitter and in the church hall every third Sunday at 10am Lunchtime Concerts. For information www. A lunchtime recital to mark the 100th anniversary Glo? Doors open at 5.15pm. 5.30 - 6pm - Glitter -10.50am. A light breakfast will be served from stjohnse15.co.uk of the First World War, featuring poems, piano and Glo praise and worship for all ages. 6 - music and songs performed by Trio Poetique. 9.45am. Messy Church is a way of being 6.45pm - Fun time! Catch a donut, bob an apple, Every Friday from September 6 ● Admission free - donations requested for the church for families involving fun as a church. ice a biscuit, craft and a kids cocktail bar. 6.45 - Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Royal British Legion. Friday, November 24 Lunchtime Concert. Admission is free, but we 7pm - A film for younger children (which will end Sunday, November 12 ● Chair-based Exercise Class at St Nicholas welcome your contributions, which are divided the evening for those under 7). 7 - 8.30pm - The ● Remembrance Sunday Concert in Long church, Canvey. 11.45am - 1.30pm. Come and between various charities and Cathedral BFG.Sweets and drinks will be available during Melford church at 6pm, to raise funds and join in Chair-based exercises, short prayers expenses. Light refreshments are available in the film. Tickets available from the church office. awareness of the The Royal British Legion and a light healthy lunch (donation please). ● the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are Saints Party at St John’s Stratford. 6pm - Poppy Fund - supporting those who are serving Saturday, November 25 welcome to bring your own if you wish. 9pm. A fun alternative to Halloween. Come and & have served. Two popular iconic and ● All Saints, Church Street, London E15 3HU. The performers for each concert can be join in the party. appropriate choral gems - Requiems by Faure Winter Fayre.12 noon - 4pm with festal activities ● viewed online at www. Organ Recital at St Andrew’s Church, and John Rutter, are being performed by the and events for young people, community groups chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events-diary. Halstead. 7.30pm. The program is a selection of locally based Lyston Voices & Instrumental and schools. St John Ambulance training, music that reflects the Reformation (see story Ensemble, with two distinguished local seasonal performances, useful gifts for all on below). Tickets cost £5 and are available from ● Messy Church Light Party at St Augustine of professional soloists,- Kate Huggett (soprano), sale, festive tombola and raffle, varied multi-ethnic William Janssen (Organist) and Parish office. Canterbury, Ashen. 4pm - 6pm. Light Party Drew Cantrill-Fenwick (organ) and conductor food for sale and refreshments, lots of fun, 50p Sunday, October 29 ● (Messy Church) alternative party to Halloween Ian McMillan all giving their services in aid of this entrance, stalls for rent (0208 519 0764). Service of Remembrance at St. Andrews all ages. Held in Ashen Village Hall. worthy charity on Remembrance Sunday. Seats: ● St Michael's church, Fobbing. Bazaar in Church, Sandon. 3pm. Service of Wednesday, November 1 £15 (inclusive of interval wine or juice) Gardner Hall. 11am - 3pm. Stalls: Cakes, Gifts, Remembrance for loved ones Our Annual ● The Fox, Layer de la Haye, Colchester CO2 Guaranteed reserved front seating in advance Tombola, Books, Refreshments. Service to remember our loved ones who have ● 0JH. Noon-1.30pm. Men’s Pub Lunch. A friendly from [email protected] or at the door St Lawrence Church Bradfield - Christmas died. During this service loved ones' names are bunch of men from Layer de la Haye and nearby from 5.30pm. Craft Market. Bradfield Community Centre read out and candles are lit in their memory. ● villages enjoy a pub lunch, a drink and each Bradwell-on-Sea Remembrance Sunday Bradfield, Manningtree CO11 2UU. 10am - 4pm. Please write names in the purple folder at the other’s company. It's simple, totally informal, no Service.10.45am. Craft & food stalls, refreshments, raffle, tombola, back of the church or email names to Revd Terry ● strings and we each pay for our own order. In Remembrance Service at St Nicholas church, plus Father Christmas. Admission £1 [email protected] Elm Park. 11.15am. (accompanied children under 16 free). Tuesday, October 31 odd numbered months we meet at the Donkey ● and Buskins, Layer de la Haye. In even Saturday, November 18 Big Bang Bazaar at St George’s Church Hall, ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. First Keene ● numbered months we meet at the Fox, Layer de Valentine Singers' Autumn Concert at Seven Ongar Road (near Robin Hood roundabout), lecture — see story at foot of page. la Haye. Please e-mail [email protected] Kings High School, Ley Street, Ilford IG2 7BT Brentwood CM14 4XU. 10:30am - 2pm. ● Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, or 'phone him on 01206 738 759 by the Sunday A Sense of Home, featuring: Hiawatha's Wedding Presents' stalls, cake & sweets stall, toys & High Beach, IG10 4BF – Festival of Light. before the lunch if you're coming. Feast - Samuel Coleridge-Taylor; Four Slovak games, raffles, tombolas, books & DVDs, candle Service in the candlelight churchyard followed by Folk Songs - Beta Bartok; A Gershwin Portrait - ● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1pm- stall, Advent candles and calendars & Advent and BBQ, soup, hot chocolate, games and craft in George Gershwin arr Huff. Charles MacDougall - 3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court. Christmas books. Father Christmas. Admisison the Church for all the family. 4.30 to 7.00 pm. tenor soloist and reader;Tim Smith - pianist; 50p - event in aid of Church Funds. ● Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Free event – donations for BBQ welcome. Christine Gwynn - conductor, Tickets: If bought in Saturday, December 2 Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Contact Jane Begley 07572 111387 or advance £12 (£7 students/ benefit holders. ● Friends of Messing Church Christmas Market [email protected]. Bookshop Reading Group. Everyone is welcome Under16's free). On the door £15 (£9 students/ in village hall from 11am-2pm (postcode CO5 ● Church of Our Saviour, Ashton Place, and it is free to join in. For details, please contact benefit holders. Under 16'sfree).Tickets available 9TY). Stalls will include Totham Bangers, Chelmer Village CM2 6ST. A Halloween alterna- the bookshop on 01245 294405 or email book- on line www.valentinesingers.org or from 020 homemade cakes and preserves, smokehouse, tive for primary school aged children. Hot dogs, [email protected]. 8550 4654. Full information on bread, cards, crafts, children's table, mulled wine, a parent zone for relaxing, crazy games, crafts Saturday, November 4 www.valentinesingers.org tombola and raffle. Refreshments. ● ● and more! Bring along a carved pumpkin to Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Christmas Fayre at Sandon village Hall ● Chelmsford. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee enter the HAPPY PUMPKIN COMPETITION! Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. 12noon - 2:30pm. Lots of stalls including bottle Morning in the Chapter House. Enjoy fresh coffee, Come along dressed in your most colourful and Enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and tombola, gifts, children’s stall, cakes, bric and home-made scones and bring & buy. bright costume to win prizes. 5.30-7pm. bring & buy. brac, Grand raffle and much more. Offers of help ● Men's breakfast at St Leonard's church, Lexden 9.15am. In the Nicholls room in the church, breakfast October 31, November 8, 15, 22 affected the church in the west Joseph Fiennes as Martin on November 22, addressing ● of cereals, bacon rolls, fruit juice, tea/coffee. Friendly THE Keene Lectures 2017 ever since. Luther. ‘The Women and the Common chat followed by prayer time. are entitled Luther’s Heritage “So I’m delighted that our “The evening, on the exact Men: A Gothic Novelist’s take Saturday-Sunday, December 2-3 with a film night and three three Keene Lecturers this 500th anniversary of the public on The English Reformation ● Christmas Tree Festival. St Mary's Church, lectures commemorating the year will be reflecting on that proclamation of Luther’s 95 and Foxe’s Book of Martyrs’, Church Street, Kelvedon, Colchester CO5 9AL 500th anniversary of the moment and helping us think theses, will start with a short Dr Champ’s lecture on Opening times: Saturday 11am - 6pm; Sunday Reformation in 1517 and about what it might mean for introduction discussing a November 15 is entitled 11am - 5pm. More than 30 Christmas trees interpreting its significance for us today. Duncan Morrow, variety of films that have been ‘History as Propaganda? decorated in all manner of styles by local families today. Judith Champ and Sarah Perry made over the past century Catholics and Protestants and societies plus seasonal enterainment and The four events take place in all bring tremendous expertise about Martin Luther and the rewrite the Reformation’. refreshments. Now in its ninth year! Chelmsford Cathedral on in their different fields, as well start of the Reformation. December diary deadline She follows Dr Morrow October 31, November 8, 15 as having excellent reputations “The 2003 film, with Fiennes ● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. and 22 — all starting at 8pm. as engaging speakers. in the title role, received many addressing ‘Causing anglican.org/events/create by November 1 Edward Carter, the Canon “This year the series starts plaudits. suffering for righteousness for inclusion in The Month and on the Theologian at Chelmsford with a film night on the actual "It portrays Luther as a man sake? Religious division and diocesan website. Cathedral, says: “Significant anniversary day, to whet our full of psychological turmoil— political violence in Ulster Latest events 500th anniversaries don’t appetites. emotional, charismatic, and since the Reformation’ on ● You can find the latest events online at come round very often, and “I look forward very much to often filled with self-doubt. The November 8. www.chelmsford.anglican.org/events/ the moment when Martin welcoming you to Chelmsford main events of Luther’s life are l For further information, go calendar. ● Luther nailed his theses to the Cathedral, starting with a film all incorporated” to www.chelmsfordcathedral. Cathedral events can be viewed online at door on 31st October 1517 has featuring Luther (2003) with Dr Perry will end the series org.uk. www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/ events-diary. 10 THE MONTH November 2017 THE MONTH November 2017 11

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THE month — Stratford church celebrates growth of its youth ministry

BY REVD CHRISTIANA and drink. ASINUGO St Matthews was SEPTEMBER 23 was a inaugurated by the Vicar day members of the of All Saints, West Ham, church family of St Rev RA Pelly in 1891. Matthew's church in Joyce Rogers who has St Matthew's marks Stratford and the been a member of St community in the Matthew's Church since parish will not be 1939 remembers the forgetting in a hurry. many teachers and many The community more children in Sunday celebrated the 121st school at the time. By anniversary of St 121st anniversary 1901, the population of Matthew's but the events PARACHUTE that marked the day the parish was estimated GAME: St were much more at 8,973. But gradually Matthew's revealing. the number of the faithful youngsters play It was a celebration of began to wane. By the community’s 1903, the number had the parachute sustained faith in its unity significantly decreased to game in diversity. It was a about 411. celebration of the steady St Matthew's suffered growth of the youth the post-war decline of ministry of St Matthews. so many other inner city It was a celebration of faith churches. the children’s’ ministry of By the end of the St Matthew's which has 1960s, it was considered continued to flourish over for closure but a few the years. faithful put up a stiff Among the many resistance and in 1968 it people who spoke at the was merged with St event was Michelle Saviour, Forest Gate. Kabia, the CEO of MIND, But In 2013, St who talked about mental Matthew's revived its health services in independence and I was Newham. posted from Becontree to Local councillor, manage the parish. Winston Vaughan spoke Over the years, St on the role of a political Matthew's has grown as councillor. PC Tracy spoke on the Police a multicultural fellowship Service in Newham and with members from the the Fire Service was UK, the Caribbean there to teach young Islands, Asia and Africa, people in the community people from all walks of how the service operates life. in an emergency. The church has a There was music, vision to be centred on singing, dancing and prayer, worship and opportunities to eat and study of the Scriptures, drink to their satisfaction and to be committed to as there was much to eat each other and to God. COVER STORY Songs for the Soul resource "We found it worked quite BOOKSHELF well to choose one Bible passage mentioned to read and ‘SONGS FOR THE SOUL’ was explore through the prism of the written by Revd Canon Ivor song and ideas you’ve linked to Moody, Vice-Dean and Canon it, though we also made links to Worship & Prayer at Pastor of Chelmsford Cathedral, other stories and our own Chelmsford Cathedral right, and was first published in experiences. We finished with February. the endings of each chapter as It is a collection of six a way of drawing everything A warm welcome to your theological reflections and together, and then a time of cathedral, meditations on famous pop prayer." songs spanning the last 50 All the songs are readily serving Essex and East London years. It is an exercise in how available either to download or we might use secular resources on CD, and Reading spokesman Sunday to throw new light and noted the experience of understanding on the scriptures 8.00am Holy Communion listening to the song together and our Christian faith. each week. She added: "We 9.30am Parish Eucharist The book suggests how it is have found the communal possible to discover in the 11.15am Choral Eucharist particular aspect of our experience of listening to the stories, events and characters and for participants to share Christian lives and experience. song a powerful and integral 3.30pm Evensong which surround us in the their own stories and part of the evening." everyday — a ‘spirituality,’ and a However, the book is also experiences. faith message for our times about a faith journey and each One idea comes from the chapter is progressive in its parish of St John and St l ‘Songs for the Soul’ is Daily Services which might previously have never been considered. exploration of what it might Stephen in Reading which has available from the diocesan and 7.45am Morning Prayer mean to live the Christian life. used ‘Songs for the Soul’ in this Cathedral bookshops. It is also 8.15am Holy Communion The Month asked Ivor Moody how readers have reacted to Starting with ‘Recognising way. available on Amazon. For larger (also Weds at 12.35 Truth’, it explores how we might A member of the Reading orders a trade discount may be and Thurs at 10am) this innovative resource. If you are looking for a find strength, say our prayers, congregation said: "We started available, and can be negotiated 12.00pm Midday Prayer different resource to use for a encounterreconciliation, and so by listening to the song and with the publishers at orders 5.15pm Evensong house group/parish study discover God’s power and his discussing our response with @matthewjamespublishing.com (sung on Mon, Tues, group, especially around the will for us, discerning the help of your contextual Thurs and Fri) l seasons of Advent and Lent, direction in our lives. comments (at the beginning of Ivor Moody is happy to visit then ‘Songs for the Soul’ might Any combination of chapters each chapter) on the songs and any groups to talk fit the bill. to suit study group time frames the artists. further about the book and Each of the six chapters can would work though. The materi- "The person leading has then show how it can be used as a wwww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.ukww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk stand alone, focusing through al is not prescriptive, and lends drawn out a few ideas and spiritual resource for those the song it explores on a itself to different interpretation arguments. wishing to use it in this way.