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CRUX Issue 49 Church for a different world November 2019

STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR CHURCH POST OFFICE Church for a different world CRUX November 2019 OUR IMPORTANT FOLLOW THE STAR DEMOCRACY Building on the very positive feedback and excellent I loved Bonfire Night as a child. Its they form, we can be tempted into local church engagement in #FollowTheStar last year, origins meant nothing to me, but it sentiments that could put it at risk. This the Advent campaign is back for 2019. was wonderful to see the flames of the year we have remembered that the right Your church is invited to join the campaign to encourage fire reaching to the sky, to watch the to elect representatives to the House of colours of Roman candles and rockets Commons lay at the heart of the demands people to come and share your Christmas services and shooting streams of bright light, and of the people who gathered for what celebrations, and journey with you through to Epiphany. to trace patterns in the air with a turned into Peterloo 200 years ago. sparkler. I loved the food too - treacle toffee and thick lumps of parkin. So, whether or not the UK is facing an There are lots of great resources to imminent General Election by the time help you: The Gunpowder Plot, as I learned later, you read this, enjoy your firework displays was a literal attempt to undermine this November. And then thank God for 1. Update your church page on A Church the work of Parliament. Celebrating its the democracy in which we live, and for Near You so that people searching failure mattered hugely in the fragile and the work of all our parliamentarians. for a Christmas service online can limited democracy of Jacobean Britain. find yours! ACNY receives more than And there was poetic satisfaction that 12 million page views each year and the intended means of mass destruction 81% of people who come to the site - explosives - are now used to create are first time visitors, so there is a the fireworks we let off in celebration huge opportunity to use the site to of our nation’s deliverance. The tools of encourage local church attendance. darkness refashioned as agents of light. 2. Order #FollowTheStar: 12 Days of Yet parliamentary democracy remains David Walker Christmas Wonder booklet or leaflet. fragile across the globe today. Even in Bishop of Britain, when we dislike the actions of 3. Download posters, logos and resources our representatives, or the governments to publicise your events and services. Why not put some posters around town to publicise your special services?

4. Become a ‘star church’ by displaying a prominent star. The bigger and more visible the better. Don’t forget to tag that your church has a large star displayed on A Church Near You and share a photo of it on social WELL DONE media using #FollowTheStar. Congratulations to Archdeacon 5. Share the CofE’s Christmas videos Karen who completed a sky dive in and social media posts through September to raise money for the your social media accounts. Use the Church Urban Fund. Karen said she brand new customisable video tool. enjoyed it and would even do it again!

“Thank you for being so amazing and up for the challenge!” said CUF. For more details of all the resources and to order online, visit www.churchofengland.org/christmas

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Church for a different world CRUX November 2019

She said, “I feel really blessed that the She is particularly proud to have experience I’ve gained here over the last worked with different groups in a 30 years has equipped me for my new spirit of mutual flourishing. The role. I have a sense of the issues that I’ll diocesan Women’s Chapter and the face and how they might be addressed.” Forward in Faith movement (now The Society) have worked hard to build Cherry intends to be “accessible and mutual trust and respect, model good visible” in Monmouth Diocese. Her first disagreement and hold joint events. priority will be to meet colleagues to listen and learn. The Many things have changed over the (with only six dioceses) is known to be years, and Cherry is conscious of the a close-knit community, like a family. need for the Church to be more diverse and reflect the communities it serves. About her time as Archdeacon of “We are getting better at drawing Rochdale, Cherry says, “I’ve loved being in people of colour and people with Archdeacon. I saw my role as building disabilities. But I think the Church has bridges between parishes, Bishops been too clergy-centric. Thankfully, Leadership Team and Church House. there’s a better recognition that the laity CHERRY TO BE It involves sharing and interpreting are the people of God - equally called and information, and I’ve enjoyed working equipped for service as the clergy. The alongside parishes and clergy, supporting role of clergy is to build up the people them in making the most of who they of God in their discipleship and calling. The for the last 11 years, are and what God has given them.” “I will miss Manchester enormously. , is to be the next Bishop of Monmouth. It’s been an amazing journey, She was elected with a two-thirds majority by the and it’s not over yet!” Electoral College in Newport, and is expected to be consecrated bishop in January.

“It was like a bolt out of the blue!” said are very similar. With the closure of the Cherry. “I’m really excited and looking coal mines and steel works in the Welsh forward immensely to being Bishop valleys, employment is low. There are of Monmouth.” huge challenges for the post-industrial towns in the area, and challenges too for Cherry was ordained deacon in churches to be relevant to people’s lives.” in 1989 and has served in each of the four archdeaconries Here in Manchester, Cherry has played of the diocese: first as Curate, then an important part in developing a bid Chaplain, Team Rector, Area Dean, that is being considered by the Church and finally Archdeacon. A particularly Commissioners for money to create a formative time was six years as Chaplain ‘Renewing Rochdale’ programme in an for the Deaf Community. She said, “I area that is particularly challenging, both learnt a huge amount about language, socially and economically. “Rochdale perceptions, assumptions, and the need has struggled over the years, but the to learn from people who are different.” Church has the potential to be a sign of hope. A lot of people have faith in Although different in size, Manchester the power of the gospel to transform and South Wales have a lot in common: the lives of people and communities.” “The demographics of the two dioceses

Bishop Elect Cherry with the , John Davies. PAGE 4 A Vision for a Sight-Loss Friendly

Church for a different world Church A Vision for a Sight-Loss Friendly BRIEF A workshop to help sighted people better understand what it is likeChurch to live with sight loss. ENCOUNTER: A workshop to help sighted people better understand what it KIRSTEN STOTT Runis in like conjunction to live with withsight Torchloss. Trust, the event will use resources and activities to enable churches to become more “I asked God to fix things at Run in conjunction with Torch Trust, the event will use welcoming and inclusive. work and I knew I had to put resources and activities to enable churches to become more myself into His hands.” welcoming and inclusive.

For Kirsten Stott, a busy working mum, Kirsten threw herself into the course, which the diocesan Foundations for Ministry nourished her and became a lifeline. “I course came at just the right time. asked God to fix things at work and I knew It not only opened up a new ministry I had to put myself into His hands. I didn’t pathway for her, but also supported her anticipate that I would end up leaving my through an extremely difficult period. job, but I accept it is where God was leading me. The hardest things were mourning my Kirsten had a nagging sense that she career and trusting God with my future.” needed to get more involved in church life. Already a member of the church choir, the PCC, and a Lay Deacon at St James, East Crompton, she found it hard to shake off the feeling that God was asking her to do more.

“I always had this little voice saying ‘This FFM revealed to Kirsten her strong is what you need to do next’”, she said. She chatted to various people and was pastoral skills and opened her eyes guided to the Foundations for Ministry to lay chaplaincy, which she didn’t (FFM) course, which is designed to help know existed. “I am now training to people work out what their calling is about. be a lay healthcare chaplain where I feel very much called to be. “I remember the Induction Day and being told ‘The next 12 months could change your life!’ I couldn’t see how I could fit any more in with my career and family commitments.” Kirsten doesn’t know what the Thursday 21 November: 10am—3pm Beginning the FFM course coincided future holds. “I’m a bit further along with a very difficult time at work for the journey but I’ve still got questions. Thursday 21 November: 10am—3pm Kirsten, where she was a civil servant I don’t know where it will end but I’m Church of the Epiphany, Droylsden M43 6BH with 32 years’ experience of criminal exploring a call to ordination with the investigations. “I had the worst year at support of diocesan vocations advisers. Church of the Epiphany, Droylsden M43 6BH work and ended up taking time off with stress. Despite the horror of the situation, She is also excited to be helping to lead For further information and to book your place visit: FFM kept me going and it became the the new FFM course in Oldham that began focus of the year. I gave it my all!” this autumn – putting something back For https://sightlossfriendlychurch.eventbrite.co.ukfurther information and to book your place visit: into the course that gave her so much. https://sightlossfriendlychurch.eventbrite.co.uk

PAGE 6 Church for a different world CRUX November 2019

Hundreds gathered at the cathedral in September to support our ALMs as they were commissioned and re- commissioned by Bishop David. Among them were the first four to complete the new eco elective. They are shown below with Diocesan Environmental Officer, Revd John Hughes.

2020 is a fallow year for ALM training with no training taking place. It’s an opportunity to stop and listen to God as we discern a new vision for the future.

OUR ECO CHAMPIONS

Manchester Diocese is on a journey In 2017 we set a target of 10% of to become an Eco Diocese. This churches being registered for Eco means taking seriously our care of Church and 5% obtaining an Eco Church God’s creation and making it part of award. Churches have exceeded this our everyday lives. Part of the focus target, with 50 registered so far and WORKING AS A TEAM of Eco Church is to build a team of ten receiving Eco Church awards: people to answer questions, partner seven bronze and three silver. with others in the community and help Authorised Lay Ministers play such an important role suggest changes to our lifestyle to Visit www.manchester.anglican.org/ in the life of the Church. Since the ALM scheme was keep us moving in the right direction. eco-diocese for more information. set up ten years ago, more than 300 people have been trained for work as ALMs within an agreed local context ranging from worship, prayer and pastoral care, to children’s work, youth work and parish administration.

Authorised Lay Ministers are nominated specifically agreed local context as part by their incumbent and PCC to be of their wider parish ministry team in trained, nurtured and equipped in a serving, resourcing and encouraging all chosen area of ministry in preparation God’s people to carry out the diocesan for being ‘commissioned’ by the Bishop vision to be a worshiping, growing to carry out a mutually agreed ministry and transforming Christian presence role back within the local parish. ALMs at the heart of every community. are commissioned to work within a

PAGE 8 PAGE 9 Church for a different world CRUX November 2019 FUNDRAISE WHILE YOU SHOP An easy way to raise money for your church!

Are you an online shopper? Did you know broadband or mobile phone contract that you can raise money, up to 2.5% or buying the weekly food shop. of the purchase price, to support your church at no extra cost to yourself? Around 4000 online retailers provide small ‘thank you’ donations in gratitude Christmas is fast approaching and you’ll to customers who shop with them. The be buying presents for friends and family, money is passed on to charities and or you could be planning a holiday, good causes, including churches. Why purchasing home/car insurance, new not take advantage of this free cash?

1. AmazonSmile 2. Easyfundraising and (for registered charities only) Give as you Live ROYAL AWARDS Amazon donates 0.5% of the net purchase These services turn up to 2.5% of the price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping value of your online shopping into free fees) of eligible purchases to a charitable donations for your church. Once the FOR BOLTON PROJECTS organisation of the shopper’s choice. church is registered, let your supporters Church charities can register at know so they can create their own St Paul, Halliwell is celebrating the double success of org.amazon.co.uk accounts linked to your church. partner groups, each based at its community centre, A shopper then visits www.smile.amazon. Charity/good cause and individual accounts who have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary co.uk to start their online shopping can be created at www.easyfundraising. Service in recognition of service to the local community. experience. The site provides the same org.uk or www.giveasyoulive.com Amazon products, service and prices. If you use the Amazon app you can easily The prestigious Queen’s Award for Hafway’s greatest pride is seeing young alter the settings to make donations Voluntary Service, the highest honour people achieve by going to college and to your church via AmazonSmile. a voluntary group can be awarded, university, getting jobs, and giving back was given to Hafway (Halliwell Action to the community through volunteering. For Working Alongside Youth) and Halliwell Befriending Service. Halliwell Befriending Service is currently celebrating 25 years of service to older Hafway has been supporting young people. The project inspires and manages people in the Halliwell area for over 21 a huge team of volunteers who visit years. The team (shown above receiving socially isolated people, supports them the award with the Mayor of Bolton) in caring for partners with dementia or continues to run open access sessions other conditions, and helps them access These services are free to use for which allow young people a safe place activities. Alongside the visiting service, churches/good causes and individuals! to belong, and grow personally, whether the project offers computer skills, crafts, that is through learning life skills such as board games and a luncheon club. The key to their success is ensuring they learning to clean or cook for themselves are well promoted to your congregation and local community, and all of the above (they love baking too), exploring and St Paul’s is passionate about community organisations provide a variety of discussing life issues and making good and delighted that these organisations materials to help you do this. choices, or just building strong friendships. been recognised for their important work.

If you require additional help and support please contact: Paul Bailey, Digital Giving Officer, on0161 828 1464 or email [email protected]

PAGE 10 PAGE 11 Church for a different world CRUX November 2019 STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR CHURCH POST OFFICE A post office has opened in St Peter’s Church in ‘TIS THE Belmont, providing a first class service for villagers.

SEASON TO The rural village has seen its post office He said: “Most of the banks and rural Post and shops close in recent years. So the Offices have gone and there is a need, BE JOLLY church has stepped in to offer a full especially with an ageing population, postal service in the building every Friday to get money and essential services. I morning, which is proving very popular really enjoy it. We’re not super busy so HOST UK is once again arranging for with local people and businesses. there is time to talk to the customers. international students to enjoy APPOINTMENT Some of them might not speak to anyone hospitality with UK hosts over the Christmas period. Can you make room The Revd Penny Warner, Regular customer, Dorothy, says she’d be from one week to the next. So it helps for a student to visit for a day, a currently Incumbent of Newchurch, really stuck without the new facility. “I bring the community spirit together.” weekend or longer? has been appointed 0.5 Incumbent come to the Post Office here in the church of St George Stalybridge. every Friday morning. It’s a great facility. Ordained Local Minister, Revd Clive Hosting an international student will I don’t drive and the bus is only every Jamieson, said: “The people at St bring a whole new dimension to your RESIGNATION two hours so it would be very difficult to Peter’s are very keen to be part of Christmas, with a chance to learn The Revd Dr Stephen Watkinson get to Bolton. I can also order a bacon the community. The post office in the about another country’s traditions and has resigned as Incumbent of St barm from the little café while I’m here!” church is very well used, and we’ve got enjoy the connection and friendship Luke Deeplish and St Peter Newbold plans to develop the church building that such sharing brings. with effect from 2 December 2019. Travelling Sub-Postmaster, Richard to create a community centre.” Please visit Gregson, runs the Post Office which www.hostuk.org for more details. provides most of services of any high Although St Peter’s is one of the smallest street PO: letters, parcels, cash deposits parishes in the diocese, it has a good and withdrawals, car tax, payment of attendance at Sunday services and about bills, and even foreign currency. 20 children in the Sunday school. We look forward to seeing how its ambitious plans to create a community centre work out.

BOOK LAUNCH

Bishop David will be launching a new book this month, containing daily Bible readings and reflections for use from Ash Wednesday to Monday Easter Day. You Are Mine explores the theme of belonging to God, 25 November and helps the reader see how the great story of scripture and our own human stories fit together and call us to practical response. 7.30pm Published by BRF, the booked is priced £8.99. Copies will also be on sale at the launch at Manchester Cathedral on Monday 25 November at 7.30pm.

Photos: Phil Taylor PAGE 12 PAGE 13 CRUX November 2019 We want to hear your thoughts What will we do with your comments? SMALL ADVERTS CHRISTMAS FAIR St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme HOW DOES We will collate all the responses we M41 5BU. Saturday 16 November: 11am – 2pm. receive and consider them as we develop Stalls, tombola, refreshments, games, mulled wine our plans and priorities for the diocese. and mince pies. Entrance 50p YOUR CHURCH We will not be able to provide individual WHITE POPPIES FOR PEACE During the WHAT’S ON season of remembrance. Available from ENCOURAGE responses, but we will provide updates the People & Planet Group, St Clement’s Church in CRUX on how your feedback is THIS MONTH AT Chorlton: [email protected] shaping Church for a different world. TEAM WORK? MANCHESTER WANTED: VINYL RECORD COLLECTIONS We pay the best prices for Rock & Pop record CATHEDRAL? collections (sorry, no Classical) in excellent condition from smoke free homes. Please call Mark (practising Christian) on 0161 798 4992 LIVING WITH or 07717 648 349 SPIC ‘N’ SPAN SPECIALIST CLEANERS AND LOVING leather suite cleaners, oven and hob cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, UPVC conservatory, MACHINES gutter fascia and soffit clean, driveway patio decking power-washed, house clearance, rubbish removal. Monday 18 November Call Jonathon: 07423 325192 for free quote (7.00pm) SPIC ‘N’ SPAN HOME MAINTENANCE gutters, UPVC door hanging, laminate flooring, flat A free short film and discussion pack assembly, window fitting, roof repairs, fascia soffits, pointing, brickwork, painting and decorating. with experts about our present Call Jonathon: 07423 325192 for free quote. and future relationship with robots LAKE DISTRICT HOLIDAY LET A well-appointed and equipped 2 bedroom apartment in Bowness with parking and garage. Offering a balcony with views of Lake Windermere. www.swallowsrest.org For more information call 07719 966990; email [email protected]

TASTE & SEE CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP and Coffee Shop: books, cards, gifts, CDs, drinks, What would you like to see home-made cakes & snacks. Open Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri: 10:00am-1:30pm.and Saturdays in November discussed in a future issue? Continue the conversation & December. 102 Irlam Road, Flixton M41 6JT; Tel: 0161 747 5672; tinyurl.com/y8x9rgkn Website: manchester.anglican.org To advertise in CRUX contact: Simon Ambrose, 0161 828 1410 Twitter: [email protected] @DioManchester Facebook: The copy deadline is the first of the month prior to publication. The Diocese of Manchester Email: For more information Editorial: [email protected] and to book a place visit All editorial items to Ann Mummery, 0161 828 1470 www.manchestercathedral. [email protected] Thanks for your feedback so far org/events To order CRUX or amend your order: John Golding 07768 767220

Send to: Church for a Different World, Follow us at @manc_diocese Like us, search for Diocese of Manchester, Church House, Follow us at @DioManchester The Diocese of Manchester 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH

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