The Walking Welcoming Growing

Vol.25 No.3 Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark April 2020

Faith, hope All change Pilgrimage Bishop Parishes try new Spiritual journeys Christopher’s ways of being and Easter: a Easter message Church in lockdown four-page special See page 2 See pages 4-5 See pages 6-9 Church isn’t closed, just the buildings: facing the Coronavirus crisis together

Food and hospitality has always been an important part of life at St George the Martyr, Southwark, writes the Revd Jonathan Sedgwick, of St George’s. For two years now we have regularly been cooking lunch in school holidays aimed at families experiencing holiday hunger. The Revd David Adamson, our , is usually head chef. He is committed to serving the kind of food you would want to share with family and friends for a special occasion, so our menus have included home-made pasta, tasty curries and a memorable Beef Wellington. Like many churches, we have a food bank and a Community Fridge so we have a good network of supermarkets offering us surplus food. Food for friends When the current crisis kicked off, it was Cooking for the community: David Adamson portions up a huge cod Dr Rosemarie obvious that lots of our neighbours would (above); kitchen stories (above right); a volunteer prepares meals for Mallett installed as struggle to get food, both financially and delivery (bottom right). of – see page 12 practically – especially if they needed to stay at home. We’ve had many generous and therefore for our brothers and As believers in the Word made Flesh, donations – a particularly large cod from sisters in isolation, comes from the idea with the Body and Blood of our Lord at Borough Market was turned into 60 fish that the way we really value others is the heart of our life, this sharing of food pies. The Food Hall at Harrods gave us shown in the way we cook for them. As seems therefore both a practical and some spectacular items. Fora, the meeting Christians, we should cook the same way sacramental necessity. And it has, in turn, centre opposite the church, lent us two for our friends as for those we don’t stimulated so much generosity in the huge freezers. And congregation members know, or those in need. hearts of our neighbours. and local residents alike have come This understanding of providing food Next week (in line with the Waterloo forward to volunteer in lots of different for others naturally has at its roots the Food Bank) we are moving to a delivery roles: cooking, collecting, sorting and Eucharist; the bread that we eat there is service which we think will comply with “The Bishop of Southwark noted delivering. To them all, a huge thank you. the food that Christ gave up to the people the Government’s advice on physical that this was a day of great joy and It has meant that we have been able to who were closest to him – his body: distancing. See www.stgeorge-themartyr. new beginnings, and that Rosemarie’s give away hundreds of prepared meals, and “Then he took a loaf of bread, and when co.uk for offers of food, help or for those long, faithful and inspirational service many, many kilos of delicious fresh food. he had given thanks, he broke it and gave in the SE1 area to request a delivery. to God and his people in Southwark For David, the inspiration behind the it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which Diocese had begun a new and For more on the response of parishes to the way we cook for church groups, and is given for you. Do this in remembrance exciting chapter.” Coronavirus crisis, see pages 4-5 particularly for the holiday lunch club of me.’”

More images and local stories online — follow our blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofE 2 | The BRIDGE April 2020

A view from LET US PRAY The BRIDGE APRIL

The Bishop of Southwark, the Please pray for all who are involved in Our first concern in a crisis is for the million people have offered voluntary Rt Revd , has the response to this crisis worldwide. health, safety and well-being of those service to support the NHS. I also invited us all to pray together for Loving God, we love, and those entrusted to our know that in many of our parishes the our nation and for all those affected source of healing and comfort, care. In the past few days and weeks Church is at the heart of emerging by the coronavirus at 1pm each day. fill us with your grace, we have been reminded that we are local networks which will reach out to Please pause in whatever you are part of a global community as the those most in need. that the sick may be made whole, threat of Coronavirus has become doing and say the Lord’s Prayer, and that those who care for us may be I express my thanks and appreciation, clear and, nation by nation, emergency again at 7pm. Where it is safe to do strengthened, especially for all that is being measures have transformed the daily so perhaps you could light a candle that the anxious may be calmed, extended in prayer and pastoral care. lives of us all. and those most vulnerable be Many of us are able to put a renewed in your window each evening as a I became aware of the rapid spread of focus on home and family as we take symbol of Christ’s light in our world protected the disease at the beginning of Lent, this opportunity to give precious time at this dark time. in the power of Spirit whilst co-leading the first Ecumenical to each other. Equally, many of us in the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord. Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy are living alone and relying on other The , the Very Amen. Land. The night before we were due networks of support. Revd , has written to visit the Church of the Nativity in the following prayer, which you We are also recovering the New Bethlehem, the West Bank was locked Testament understanding of Church as may wish to use: down and our happy band of 70 people, not buildings, and as believers pilgrims was barred from going there. drawn together by their shared faith, We were one of the last Pilgrimage hope and love in Jesus Christ. We groups to fly out. Since then, my are finding new ways in which we can concern and prayers have been for To listen to an audio version of this prayer, visit our worship in our homes, and making the Diocesan family of parishes and website: southwark.anglican.org/news/dailyprayer ever more creative use of social media other communities of faith, indeed for and other helpful technologies. all people who have been affected by the virus. Just as the Government message is simple and compelling, let us take The message from our Government The Walking this opportunity to look at the Welcoming has been very simple and very clear: The Bridge goes online only Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark Growing Vol.25 No.2 world around us more simply: the Streatham March 2020 Caring for the Your stories community after Baptism and WHAT’S ON Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save a terror attack confirmation in the Community See page 3 season of Lent events, workshops, simple beauty of springtime, with See pages 6-7 concerts See pages 10-11 Lives. The simplicity of this message With the current restrictions in place, the decision has Angelic photo wins £2,000 trees bursting into blossom, is very for St Stephen, Dulwich been taken for The Bridge to go online only until July. Having taken the prize for the is its greatest compelling strength. It South East region, the photograph will now go forward to Ecclesiastical apparent in the many open spaces Insurance’s Parish Pixels competition grand final.

This is in order to safeguard the welfare of distributors “We were delighted to win the regional prize,” Southwark joins has needed to be, given the risk to said the Revd Canon Bernhard Schunemann, at St Stephen’s. “Although Dulwich is seen as an affluent area, in fact three-quarters Cross of Nails of the people in our parish live on a council of South London which people are housing estate and we are the only urban community priority area in the deanery. The money will be and parishioners. very useful in our community outreach.” During the Choral Eucharist on The winner of the grand final will be Sunday 26 January, Southwark life, and the danger of stretching the Cathedral was welcomed into announced later this year, and will net a further £5,000 in prize money. To help in the membership of the Community decision, Ecclesiastical is encouraging people of the Cross of Nails network accessing for exercise and recreation, to vote online for their favourite. “Vote early, of churches and Christian vote often!” Bernhard pleaded. organisations.

(Voting is open now at http://bit.ly/ParishPixels; Inspired by the story of Coventry capacity of our NHS to breaking point. hover over the image you wish to vote for, and Cathedral, the Community shares a click on the ‘vote’ button that comes up in the common commitment to work and pray We will continue to provide news from — and for — our top right-hand corner.) for peace, justice and reconciliation. Dream team As a visible sign of its membership, the whilst observing proper social Cathedral was presented with its own The photograph was taken by St Stephen’s cross of nails by the Dean of Coventry, Director of Visual Communications Sarah the Very Revd John Witcombe. Bucknall. She said: “I was stunned to have got The impact on lives and livelihoods, this far in the competition. None of us had After the service, Bishop Christopher said: ever seen the sun lighting up the angels like “ sits beside London parishes in PDF and online form every month. As ever, we this before – it was just the right time of year.” Bridge, the site of two recent terror attacks, so it is fitting that the Cathedral distancing; the simple peace of a world These intricately carved angels look down has joined the Community of the Cross on the choir stalls at the back of the church, of Nails, becoming part of a worldwide and are a hit with both church members and network working together for peace and and the mental health of many people, visitors, Bernhard said. reconciliation.” “They’re very special and all very slightly Cathedral Sub-Dean, Canon Michael welcome your contributions, and want to hear and share different,” he added, “so, when I have school Rawson, added: “Membership of the classes in, I love pointing the children upwards Community is very important to us in which there is less traffic and less to look at the angels and spot the differences.” as healing the wounds of terrorist attacks The prize-winning photograph by church member Sarah Bucknall. in our neighbourhood form an important part of our ministry as well More images and local stories online — follow our blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofEas challenging youth violence and knife particularly those who are isolated crime pollution; above all, the simple peace how you are coping with life in this very different world. in our city.” or vulnerable, or living in cramped that is to be found in prayer, and in accommodation, is also considerable. The Press and Communications team continue to be our eternal Hope, new every morning a hub for information. If you have a general query, please contact Steve Harris, In all this, much is being threatened as we journey with the suffering Lord Communications Officer, on [email protected], while our Social and endangered; but there is much towards Holy Week and Easter, when Media Manager Daniel Stone, on [email protected], can help with to be gained as well. It is wonderful we shall proclaim that Christ is Risen. social media and website-related queries. to learn that in the past 24 hours, at the time of writing, more than half a Bishop Christopher Our online communications are continuing as usual. Please get in touch via Twitter @SouthwarkCofE or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SouthwarkCofE. You can also read weekly updates via the blog, Hearts on Fire, at http://southwarkcofe.tumblr.com

The Bridge is produced & published by: Next Issue: Submission deadline and guidance Press and Communications, The Diocese of Southwark, Trinity House, The MAY edition is due to be published online on 1 May 2020. Material for that 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW edition must be with Wendy S Robins by e-mail by MONDAY 20 APRIL. Tel: 020 7939 9400 E-mail: [email protected] Space limitations mean that we cannot guarantee to publish everything we receive The Editorial Team from Press Editorial Group: and material may be edited. All photographs submitted for publication are assumed to and Communications: Ruth Martin have the necessary permission for printing. So, please ensure that people are happy Commissioning Editor: for their photographs to be submitted before you do so. Wendy S Robins Editorial Adviser (vacant) Forms for permission for the use of photographs of children and adults who may be Editor: Abigail Sanderson Wendy S Robins vulnerable can be found at southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies- Advertising and Distribution: procedures Susana Rojas

The Bridge — in print, in your parish, and online at southwark.anglican.org/thebridge April 2020 The BRIDGE | 3

Southwark Bishops stand up for climate chaplain justice in Parliament Square joins Nurses’ League

The Revd Stanley Njoka, Lead Chaplain at East Surrey Hospital, has been invited to join the King’s College Hospital Nurses’ League as an honorary member. Honorary membership is given in Stanley should receive this honour in recognition of exceptional contributions recognition of the work he has done in from those who have become closely supporting the League through his time in associated with the League. The the chaplaincy at King’s and for his years committee decided unanimously that of friendship to the League’s members.

Pictured above, from left: the Revd Joshua Rey, Bishop Christopher, the PCC Secretaries’ Conference: the Revd Vanessa Elston, Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney, Bishop Jonathan and Bishop Richard join a Christian Aid prayer vigil outside the Houses chance to refresh relationships of Parliament on 11 March, calling for action on climate change.

A message from the Diocesan Secretary

Dear friends, In every church and every parish, the Coronavirus is having a dramatic impact. This affects not only how we demonstrate our faith, hope and love as Christians in our communities whilst our church buildings are closed, but also how we seek to sustain finances to “be Church” across our amazing and diverse Diocese. Finances are causing understandable concern at church, parish and Diocesan level and we need to work together, continuing to resource parishes across the Diocese. Thank you so much for all that you are doing, especially our Parish Treasurers and other volunteers, working hard to seek to sustain their parish finances. This is so important at this time, as we seek not only to continue our lives and work now, but also to be able to be there for our communities when the threat of the coronavirus has lifted in the future. As Parish Manager at St Laurence, David Loft, Director of Human Catford, I was intrigued by the PCC Resources for the Diocese) were both In the same way as it is vital to continue to sustain our parish finances, it is also Secretaries’ and Parish Administrators’ engaging and informative. important that you please continue to pay your Parish Support Fund (PSF) pledge. Conference in February, writes the Revd Should you be able to give more generously at this time to support our ministry, please Sue Charles. We were given a goodie bag which do. As you know, the PSF is used to pay our clergy stipends and pensions, provide contained a copy of the Church housing, and so much more. Would it be excellent or would it be Representation Rules 2020, a We need to be able to resource our parishes with ministers now, but, more than that, a “teaching my grandmother to suck pen (always a must for managers the PSF also looks to the future, supporting ordinands, and lay ministry and eggs” experience? I think it would be and secretaries), and a wonderful development. It also ensures that we are fit for purpose in areas such as safeguarding, fair to say that it wouldn’t have been bookmark from the Diocese with an and in our financial and human resources advice to parishes. Whilst we urge you to my first choice of activity on a Saturday, administrator’s prayer on it, which but our PCC Secretary, Joyce, and I hasn’t left my diary. continue to support the Diocese through the PSF, please do contact us if you need set off for Kennington hoping that the advice and help. The welcome and hospitality at day would be useful... and it was. With In the meantime, I am taking every step I can to reduce expenditure in our offices St Mark, Kennington, was wonderful a great many attendees, and some to ensure we prioritise front-line ministry. Thank you – and the breaks were a chance to excellent catering, this was both an for our partnership, holding fast to our faith as we go get to know others or to refresh our educational and networking pleasure. through these extraordinary times together and as we relationships. It was also really valuable approach Holy Week and Easter. There were a number of speakers to be able to speak to someone (each may have had something crucial face-to-face about any thorny issues – Ruth Martin to say to some) and they all gave us a and, in fact, the personal nature lot of valuable information and a good of the conference was one of its general overview. The Venerable Jane strengths. PSF Vision evenings cancelled Steen, Archdeacon of Woolwich, gave us a fun and memorable presentation If you are a PCC Secretary or Parish It is with regret that the Bishop and senior staff on the new Church Representation Administrator, and you weren’t able have made the decision to cancel the Vision Rules 2020 (which was no mean feat), to attend the conference, I would very events because of ongoing uncertainties as a strongly recommend it to you in future. and all the other presenters (including result of Coronavirus (COVID-19). 4 | The BRIDGE April 2020

IN FOCUS... Coronavirus crisis

Being one Body while we’re apart The message from the Bishop’s Coronavirus Task Group is that we remain the Body of Christ even when we cannot be together, writes Wendy S Robins, Director of Press and Communications, and that our ministry is more important than ever during these days. Messages of hope being left around the parish of All Saints, Carshalton.

These are unprecedented times in the The CTG has sought to ensure that as love and compassion to those in need. too that those who can safely do things Diocese of Southwark and, as we learn wide a group as possible are aware of We continue to be the Body of Christ, such as shop for others, or staff our food to be Church in a different way, Bishop material that is relevant to their ministries, they say, and in the face of perils and banks and become involved in other Christopher has set up a Coronavirus Task so letters from the Bishops and the CTG adversity we become yet more the Church, random acts of kindness, should do so. Group (CTG) in order to communicate Bulletins have also been also copied to lay for it is by encountering these challenges in We want to show that God’s love and information, help and reassurance to the ministers, Churchwardens and Deanery a right spirit and trusting in God that we care is for all and especially so at difficult clergy and people of the Diocese. Lay Chairs. are forged into the image of Christ and become the people God made us to be. times. We are keen to share these actions The CTG consists of Bishop Christopher; Furthermore, the material is available with others to inspire them to act too, but the Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd on the Diocesan website at southwark. Bishop Christopher asks us all to think also to encourage one another as we see Andrew Nunn; the Archdeacon of anglican.org/coronavirus/ of spontaneous acts of kindness to our God at work in our troubled world. neighbours so that we can show the love Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable In their letters, the Bishops encourage of Christ in all we do. Now is the hour to So please do tell us what your parish ; the Diocesan Secretary, us to put our faith in God whilst finding mobilise ourselves to serve – and to take is doing. Make sure we know if you are Ruth Martin; and the Director of Press new ways to be Church in the face of good care of ourselves. streaming your services so that we can and Communications, the Revd Canon add them to our ever-growing list which Wendy Robins. The CTG will continue to meet at least can be found at southwark.anglican. As things have changed day by day, the ‘We are called to show that we twice a week throughout this national org/churchonline (e-mail daniel.stone@ Group has met regularly, sometimes are Christ’s disciples by loving emergency and will send updates to the southwark.anglican.org to be included). daily, to ensure that people’s questions parishes as the situation begins to change. one another and reaching out Please pray for the group and join with Please also tell us about other things that and concerns are dealt with in the most you are doing so that we can share these appropriate way. with love and compassion’ Bishop Christopher in stopping at 1.00pm to say the Lord’s Prayer and at 7.00pm to initiatives widely across the Diocese. Before the formation of the CTG, Press light a candle and repeat the Lord’s Prayer. You can send material for publication and Communications sent a number restrictions which mean we can no longer here in The Bridge next month or on the At this time, as we find new ways of of e-mails to parishes pointing them to meet in person as the Body of Christ. newly developing section of the website sharing in fellowship and deepening our the latest information on the Church They tell us that we will continue to walk which will share fresh expressions of faith, there is a new dedicated button on of England website. Since these, clergy with hearts on fire, loving God, walking being church in this new situation (e-mail the website home page for Children and have received a pastoral letter from all with Jesus and led by the Spirit. This is the [email protected]). Young People containing a host of material the Bishops, a further three letters from hope that sustains us, and the hope we are for use with families. Please tell us, too, if you have found any Bishop Christopher on behalf of the CTG called to offer. books or prayer and reflective material and four CTG bulletins updating them The Prayer section on the website is also They remind us that we are called to to be helpful so that we can share your on government and adding material to help to sustain us at show that we are Christ’s disciples by recommendations with others. Once guidance regarding their church buildings, this unprecedented time. And, as we find loving one another and reaching out with again, please e-mail bridge@southwark. services, funerals and more. new ways to be Church, it is important anglican.org

St Margaret, Putney’s care in the community Help is just a phone call away...

In the early days of the Coronavirus As the Coronavirus crisis continues, and giving people a chance to chat. The crisis, St Margaret, Putney set up a community charity Oasis is launching a number is 020 7921 4272, and is open volunteer task force and crowdfunding “friendship phone line” for the lonely between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday page to bring essentials to those in and anxious along with a Guidance for to Friday.” isolation, running errands and checking finding calm tips sheet for use when He added: “This is not an advice line, in with more vulnerable people. people are struggling with anxiety. it’s an offer of company and kindness “We want to make sure that every “For those most at risk from the virus, on the other end of the phone, at a neighbour feels cared for, valued and staying at home may be a desperately time when many of us will feel more not alone in this time of uncertainty lonely experience,” said Oasis Founder anxious or alone. Kindness and listening – neighbourly help is just a phone call and Ecumenical Canon at Southwark services are as vital as food supplies.” doors but is streaming daily prayer and away,” they said. Cathedral, the Revd Steve Chalke. services via Facebook on: https://www. Find the “tips for calm” sheet at https:// “That’s why we’re launching a national Sadly, St Margaret’s has had to close its facebook.com/StMargaretsPutney www.oasisuk.org/coronavirus phone service – offering a listening ear April 2020 The BRIDGE | 5

Life under lockdown: new ways of being Church

Isla, the chocolate Labradoodle, enjoys the Revd Nigel Stone’s virtual service on the first Sunday after the restrictions came into effect. Nigel is the vicar of St Mark, Mitcham, and is streaming services once a week via YouTube.

Amy Douthett and family take part remotely in the St Michael, Barnes Mothering Sunday service (above). The Revd Tim Goode, Rector of St Margaret, Lee, has set up a chapel in his study from where he will stream morning prayer every day (below).

Joining Christ Church, East Greenwich’s live- streamed Sunday service.

Ascension, Balham Hill has transformed its Parish Coffee initiative into Parish Outreach, a community kitchen, and Parish Drop Off, a hub for people to leave donations for vulnerable and in-need people.

The screen capture Find a list of churches offering virtual services in the on the left shows a Diocese at https://southwark.anglican.org/churchonline volunteer preparing the Find the latest advice from the Coronavirus Task Group meals for delivery. at https://southwark.anglican.org/coronavirus 6 | The BRIDGE April 2020

DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY Pilgrimage: the Holy Land The road to the Resurrection In part one of our special four-page section on pilgrimage, Wendy S Robins, Director of Press and Communications, recalls the Ecumenical Pilgrimage to the Holy Land while, overleaf, the Revd Ruth Lampard reveals that spiritual journeys can happen anywhere – even in lockdown

When we planned this centre spread, we Diocesan Pilgrimages always happen we were able to bring forward the boat could not have known the circumstances during Lent and are a special way of trip on Lake Galilee and were anointed into which we were going to be publishing beginning our journey through Lent to and received a small cross which had been the paper. So much has changed so quickly. Holy Week and Easter. blessed, floating on the Lake as the sun set. For the first time many of It’s hard to imagine that, just over a month Yet this pilgrimage was different because For me this has become a metaphor ago, 67 people from the Anglican Diocese it was ecumenical and also because it was us experienced receiving a both for our present times and for and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese affected by the presence of Coronavirus, blessing at a service rather our pilgrimage in the Christian faith. In of Southwark were on an Ecumenical early signs of what was to come for many. planning these pages we wanted to offer Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. than the bread and wine some insight into our pilgrimages of faith The Pilgrims couldn’t visit Bethlehem, and the journey through Lent, a time It was the first such pilgrimage and which was particularly hard on those for self-examination and repentance in it was a great success. We were able who had not been to the Holy Land https://southwarkpilgrimages.com/recent- preparation for the triduum of Good to experience first-hand the spiritual before and were looking forward to posts/pilgrims-reflection-2/ Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Day. The communion necessitated by our desire seeing the Church of the Nativity. But joy of Easter morning is so much more to have both the Roman Catholic and we visited the Comboni sisters in We couldn’t see the church over Jacob’s intense because of the previous 40 days in Anglican Rites. For the first time many Bethany instead and learned about their Well either as this is near Jericho in the which, through fasting and prayer and acts of us experienced being at a service and work with the Bedouin and others who West Bank and thus inaccessible. A of charity, we have prepared for living the receiving a blessing rather than the bread were, at that time, locked down in the change of plans on our last day meant resurrection joy. and wine. We didn’t how important this West Bank because of the virus. You that we were unable to go to Caesarea experience was going to be as we have can read about their work here: https:// Maritima and receive anointing for our Our Christian journey may often seem become reliant upon this kind of spiritual southwarkpilgrimages.com/recent-posts/ onward pilgrimage of faith as we had to bumpy as we encounter difficult moments communion for the foreseeable future. an-unexpected-change-of-plans/ and here: catch an earlier flight home. Fortunately, in life and this time seems to be another April 2020 The BRIDGE | 7

“What touched our hearts most was that we glimpsed Going on a spiritual journey the unity for which Jesus prayed” – aged 10

This was always going to be a Archdiocese of Southwark) special journey taken to mark said, it was a baptism of the our 50th wedding anniversary imagination feeding our but we did not anticipate quite meditation now we are home. how blessed it was going to be. Yet what touched our hearts The programme was packed; most was that we glimpsed the it will take time to process it unity for which Jesus prayed. all. But as we reflect, our focus, We shared in prayer, received surprisingly, is not primarily on blessings from each other and the places we visited. renewed our baptismal vows together. We worshipped Of course it was wonderful to together in the Mass and the look down on Jerusalem from Eucharist, respecting our the Mount of Olives, to follow respective disciplines yet The pilgrimage was a big deal for in Jesus’ steps to the Garden experiencing a profound sense St Peter’s, writes Zoe Moughtin- of Gethsemane, and pray the of spiritual communion. It was Mumby, aged 10. Stations of the Cross carrying a a foretaste of that glorious day cross up the Via Dolorosa. It was a journey from St Peter, when we will share fully at the Walworth to St Peter’s Basilica in We prayed where Jesus was Lord’s table. After this week Rome. It was four days and so it was condemned to death and where together that day seems not a good amount. Thirty-six people Peter denied his Lord. It was only possible but close. We from St Peter’s church went and there awesome to walk in the hills of experienced a model of what life were six children (me, Ana, Joy, Joel, Galilee, and to take a boat on the could be like if we practised such Mitchell and Shalom) and 31 adults Sea of Galilee where we watched unity in our local communities. (I’m not going to list them). We stayed the moon rise while being We came home pondering all at a convent which was cosy and had a anointed by our two bishops. this in our hearts. The deep delicious breakfast! We wept as we prayed in the unity we felt was a gift that We spent most of our time either various sites in Nazareth where we received because we were following our guide around different the Holy Family had lived, walking together on the way of holy places, sightseeing, or relaxing in and renewed our Our Lord. On this pilgrimage we the convent. We took lots of pictures! Clockwise from above: sunset over baptismal vows were able to walk in his actual We saw a lot of churches and we Lake Galilee; Bishop Christopher being sprinkled footsteps. Now the went to the Vatican. We worshipped anoints the pilgrims; carrying the with water from the challenge is to at All Saint’s Rome on Sunday. We also cross through Jerusalem; renewing Jordan. As Bishop continue to do so went to the Anglican Centre in Rome baptismal vows at Banias. Paul Hendricks in our daily lives. and we met some Norwegians there. (Auxiliary Bishop in the Roman Barbara and What I remember most about the Catholic Don Woods experience is praying at St Peter’s tomb (above) and also just the whole Basilica and touching the foot of St Peter’s statue. That made me feel “This was my first time in the Holy Land” quite special as a lot of other people including important people have touched that foot. I felt closer to God This was my first time on related Bible readings, morning on the pilgrimage and I grew closer pilgrimage and visiting the prayer and Compline, Eucharists to the other pilgrims because I spent Holy Land. in a variety of locations, as well nearly all my time with them. as conversations with other My highlights: renewing Christians throughout the week. One amazing thing was that Bishop baptism promises; celebrating Christopher came with us, and sat Eucharist in outdoor chapels; The clergy, organisers and guides with us children all the time when we bump. Yet, this too can be a pilgrimage of unaccompanied singing in on the trip were excellent, often were eating. faith for us. It may not be easy but if we churches with wonderful seen speaking to those who continue to reflect upon the sacrifice of acoustics; being anointed with were on their own, or offering This was an amazing journey spiritually God in Christ and all that this has meant oil on the Sea of Galilee; an arm or assistance for those and physically, although it was very for us and humanity, we will find peace and carrying the cross on the Via with mobility difficulties. tiring. If you have the opportunity to joy. Our pilgrimage to the Holy Land was Dolorosa; meeting a retired They coped well with changes go on a pilgrimage definitely take it! a gathering in which people could share Roman Catholic bishop at to the plan, such as not their thoughts and reflections. So much of the Latin Patriarchate being allowed to visit what we do as Christians is in community who was so positive Bethlehem and our and we need to find new ways to journey about the ecumenical return flight being Further reading together as a community this Eastertide. nature of our pilgrimage; rescheduled. hearing the testimony As we enter these last days before Holy The only downside was The Diocese of Bath and of the Comboni sisters Week we pray that you will have a blessed that I came back with Wells has created a caring for Bedouin Holy Week and joyful Easter and that you hundreds of photos and comprehensive resource on people in Palestine; will know the presence of the Risen Lord memories, which will undertaking a pilgrimage walking through the in your lives even at this challenging time. take time to process, at home. Mount of Olives. Find the story of our pilgrims’ journey in the and I am really tired and Find it at http://southwark. Holy Land at https://southwarkpilgrimages. The spiritual aspects wishing I could sleep anglican.org/downloads/ com/; please share details of your own journeys of pilgrimage were well past 6.00am. cypmm/pilgrimage_at_home_ planned with the most through Holy Week, Easter and beyond by Jill Gregson bath_wells.docx e-mailing [email protected] made of every opportunity – 8 | The BRIDGE April 2020

DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY Pilgrimage: at home Follow The Way without leaving the house In these uncertain times, as we stay indoors, the idea of going on pilgrimage may seem far distant. However, as the Revd Ruth Lampard reveals, pilgrimage is about far more than a journey through space. Here, she shares her own experiences of undertaking a spiritual journey without leaving home.

How do you go for a walk when you of housework and daily living; great can’t? My Virtual Pilgrimage started in May plains, the hours spent resting – body and 2018, and now so many of us can’t get out brain in neutral, allowing my batteries to and about, perhaps this might be a Way to recover from the energy expended. consider? Living a hyper-local life, basically I’ve always wanted to walk the Camino within four walls or the immediate de Santiago – as a curate I’d led a parish neighbourhood (I can’t walk to and round trip to Santiago de Compostela. I refused the local park), life is very confined. attempts to call ourselves pilgrims, as we So travelling virtually opened up realms weren’t actually walking, but I did resolve of people, place, history and community: to walk it one day. I drew on the full resources of the Struck down by a viral illness in July internet to explore each section of the 2015, while working as a Chaplain for walk, delving into the history of the town an accessible lifeline for me and many I follow people who bring delight to the Chapter 1, a charity supporting people at or villages I passed through, enjoying people with chronic illness and disability. day: at the moment @SeaSkyCraster risk of homelessness, I never recovered. the videos and blogs of people who had We are able to meet, chat and share life posts a photo of his sea view every Persistent flu-like symptoms, cognitive walked that Stage of the Camino. companionably when able: the kind of morning and @CarlBovisNature tweets impairment, deep unrelenting fatigue and I was joined on Twitter by people who mix of light and deep levels of interaction pictures of robins and chaffinches (see a profound intolerance to exercise led to had walked the Camino and shared their most people get by going to work, the page 9); nature writers, photographers, a diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis shops, church and community events. scientists, medical researchers, church and or ME. There is currently no effective There’s a lot of support and a lot of community friends, writers, people on the treatment. The key to managing the thankfulness, even within the context of margins trying to be heard, oh, and some illness and not deteriorating is to stay very curtailed and dis-abled lives. clergy. Together on Twitter travelling within your available energy; consistently companionably, sometimes wrangling and “You walk The Way, and the So my Virtual Camino also consisted of doing too much can lead to permanent sometimes tangling with big issues. deterioration. way you walk matters. It has daily tweets, sometimes a short thread an ethic. Be curious; be kind; about my Virtual Camino: a bit about the I chose to frame myself as “pilgrim” in part But I was inspired by these words in a day I’d had, how far I’d walked, where I because of the Camino but also because Guardian article about the Camino de be generous; trust that The was, sharing stories, pictures and history that is a central motif in the Christian Santiago by Jay Griffiths on 29 May 2018: Way will provide.” of that part of the Camino. I’d also share faith – of someone travelling “The Way”. “You walk The Way, and the way you walk conversations with people I’d fallen The Way is slow and personal: we know matters. It has an ethic. Be curious; be into company with on Twitter: rather as God travels at three miles an hour: the kind; be generous; trust that The Way will pilgrims fall into company with people Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama provide”. I simply decided to set off from pictures with me: my virtual journey was and exchange a bit about life and faith and points out that Jesus walked everywhere, St Jean Pied de Port and walk the Camino. a real-time journey too. It took me 271 then move on to meet again later, so too and the human pace is three miles an hour. days to complete the Camino, most days I decided to walk the way I could, not in the virtual world. Still too fast for me and more than I walk walking two to four kilometres. most days. the way I couldn’t, so: virtually. My Virtual So who are my companions on Twitter? Camino had a simple plan: I used my daily As well as “travelling virtually” I’m People with chronic illness and disability For me, in limited circumstances, the step counter to track my steps against exploring, digging deep into possibilities – particularly people with severe and very identity of pilgrim brings a combination the map of the Camino. Every day, rather of the hyper-local, which in our daily rush, severe ME for whom my levels of activity of stability and fluidity, discipline and than just taking steps around the house and urge to travel, seems to have become are unthinkable. Whilst, in the mainstream freedom, a daily task and long-term or neighbourhood, my steps were mapped foreign territory. community, my circumstances are very goal. I have found the daily discipline of against the hills and great plains of Finding Twitter was a godsend. Because reduced, for very many I’m in company the Virtual Pilgrimage to be life-giving: Northern Spain; my hills were mountains of its very short character limit, it is with, I’m an epic traveller. community, purpose, wholeness. April 2020 The BRIDGE | 9

Journeying into the past on two wheels

Southwark is the starting point for many pilgrimages, writes the Revd Jay Colwill at Canon Jay Colwill, Canon Missioner. Abbeville, People travel to Canterbury, in the Normandy. footsteps of the pilgrims of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Others begin pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela on the famous Camino. I was struck by the story of another saint, St Olav. At Southwark Cathedral, behind the altar is a stone-carved reredos. In the top left-hand corner stands a warrior, with sword and shield. He doesn’t look very holy or reverent. Instead, he seems to be looking out to the middle distance – watching out for some kind of trouble. Although relatively unknown in the UK, St Olav is the patron saint of Norway and very significant in the Scandinavian countries. His links to London are that he was said to be a Viking convert to Christianity who fought on the side of King Aethelred (The Unready) in the defence of London. Baptised a Christian at Rouen Cathedral in France, he then travelled to Norway via London to bring Christianity and conquest. He died in 1030 in battle and was made a saint soon after. Within decades, a number of churches in London took him as their patron. Quite providentially, Southwark Cathedral has ecumenical links with Rouen (France) and Bergen (Norway) summer, God willing, I will cycle 1,500 is as much about encountering God Cathedrals. As a Cathedral Canon, I miles to Trondheim in Norway on on the journey as at the destination. I thought it would be an adventurous a cycle route called the EuroVelo pilgrimage to cycle to Rouen, via look forward to how God might reveal 3, or the Pilgrims’ Route. This will Rochester, Canterbury and Abbeville Himself on “The Way”. take me through Bremen, Hamburg, last summer. ME is an illness that most people don’t talk Copenhagen, Sweden, Oslo, and then You can read more about Jay’s pilgrim about with employers, friends and family. I enjoyed it enough to plan that this north to Trondheim. For me, pilgrimage reflections at www.tobeapilgrim.info It is stigmatised, levels of shame are high and it is disabling – though mostly when we’re out and about we do our best to look good, we’re travelling and enjoying our time in “normal life” before we have Preparing for a (virtual) prayer walk... to withdraw and rest. Writing and travelling as a Virtual Pilgrim, On Pentecost Sunday, we had hoped to encourage plot a route between them, returning to your parish I can tell the story of my day in my own parishes to consider making a prayer walk/ church at the end. Then, with others or alone, words. It is spectacularly uneventful. But pilgrimage to Southwark Cathedral, praying for create a virtual prayer walk or pilgrimage which writes Jay Colwill I can convey something about what living their communities as they went, . takes you to each destination. (Some reflective with ME is like to a diverse community music might help you create the space between Our prayer focus was to be on places of each destination.) for whom chronic illness is a foreign education, healthcare, government and country. It is also an act of solidarity and entertainment. Now, they need our prayers On “arrival” at each point on the map, pray for hope for many with ME, and especially for more than ever. those who work there and for their roles. Then those who can’t talk about their lives with journey on to the next point on the map. families and friends. Whilst it is unlikely that we will be able to make a pilgrimage on Pentecost Sunday, This is just one idea but you may My Virtual Pilgrimage continues – having it doesn’t stop us praying purposely have more creative ones. Let’s think reached Santiago in February 2019, I and, perhaps, making a virtual journey. about how we can pray for our needed another walk, and am on the Within your church tradition and communities in an imaginative, world’s newest long-distance path, the using whatever means feels natural purposeful way. 3,000km Te Araroa trail from the tip of (telephone, video conferencing or the New Zealand North Island to the within a family unit at home), could you Physical or imaginative journeys tail of the South Island. I’m currently just make a similar pilgrimage? can be a great way to centre on the over 1,000km in, walking the volcanic missionary God. If you would like to read plains around which three great mountains One idea would be to take a map of your more about real and imaginative journeys, tower: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. parish or deanery, identify the places of education, please go to www.tobeapilgrim.info where some of You can share in my virtual journey on healthcare, government and entertainment, and my own journeys and pilgrimages are recorded. Twitter @ruth_lampard 10 | The BRIDGE April 2020

IN FOCUS... News round-up

Connecting classrooms from London to Harare

Hosting clergy from another Over his week-long stay, we stayed up Diocese is always a nerve-racking most nights talking, sharing and laughing. experience, writes the Revd Edd It was on one of those evenings that we Stock, -in-Charge at Holy hatched a plan. Our plan was to partner Trinity, Sydenham. my parish’s school, Holy Trinity Sydenham Primary School, with a school within What will they be like? Will we get on? his Diocese. What cultural differences will emerge? Thanks to Tim Woods and Jessica Smith However, in July 2018, all my Forest Hill and the other 250km south- received photos which have prompted at Holy Trinity who embraced the idea, fears were allayed when east of Harare, they are both founded on positive discussions. the partnership was established in Christian principles and that goes a long the Revd Abel Waziwei Our hope is that this partnership November 2019. Holy Trinity is way in providing common ground for a (right, with Edd Stock) will enable shared learning, develop a now partnered with St Matthias growing relationship. arrived from Manicaland deepening relationship, and allow for a Tsonzo Primary School. Diocese, Zimbabwe, Deepening relationships potential staff exchange. Who knows? I as a member of a Although the two schools might even go myself! Despite it being more than 11,300km delegation visiting are in contrasting away, Mr Chigweche, the headteacher of St So, beware of prayer-filled, late-night Southwark places geographically, Matthias, led prayers via video link at Holy conversations; you never quite know Diocese. one in leafy Trinity’s collective worship. where it will leave you. But I am certainly glad that I opened my home to Abel. Children at Holy Trinity have sent pen-pal His friendship and leadership has opened letters and are currently awaiting their our schools’ hearts to growing friendships replies. And both schools have sent and Bishop Christopher gets behind they never thought possible. St James, Clapham’s message of hope St Mary, Balham gives bugs the five-star treatment

On Saturday 15 February, with Storm Dennis approaching, about 20 intrepid members of the St Mary, Balham congregation turned up, intent on building a bug hotel, writes Marian Shaw. The site had been chosen in a corner of our Oasis Garden. Aged between two and seventy- something, and without architectural plans or experience, we set to work enthusiastically. The structure is composed of four wooden pallets, with a layer of straw at the bottom and bundles of twigs, bamboo and hollow stems inserted into the spaces to make little habitats for visitors. Bishop Christopher spent the morning In his sermon, Bishop Christopher said: Natural materials had been of Sunday 15 March at St James, “The theme of this exhibition could donated and we were fortunate Clapham where he preached and not be more timely. This is a time of enough to be given enough roofing presided at a service launching Hope: anxiety – for some, a time of real fear.” felt and tiles to make a posh roof. An Exhibition, part of Clapham Park He went on to say that the hope we The trunk of the Christmas tree Hope 2020. had in Jesus was what drew us to had been saved after Candlemas As well as photos and artworks from worship and that in dark times this and this was cut into poles and the local community there was a new hope mattered even more. laid on top to prevent the tiles exhibition by photographer Jim Grover. from blowing off in a gale. As A video of the exhibition will be available Jim, whose previous exhibitions include we finished, we saw a tiny insect soon at https://www.stjamesclapham.org.uk/ Here Am I – a collection of images moving on a piece of wood – our exhibition of women in the Diocese of first visitor! the flowers we are planting. The Southwark – has contributed a set of See Jim Grover’s images at http://www. We hope the Oasis Garden will morning remained dry and the images that he says “portray hope or, for jimgroverphotography.com/new-page-1 come to life with insects visiting whole project felt miraculous. one reason or another, give me hope’’. April 2020 The BRIDGE | 11

Southwark schools step up Top marks to help their communities for Redhill I am proud that at this challenging time our Diocesan schools are continuing to serve CofE their communities as part of the Government strategy to support key workers and vulnerable primary children, writes Colin Powell, Diocesan Director of Education.

In the final week before all schools Our headteachers, senior leaders and were closed, St Matthew’s Church of governors, supported by Southwark England Primary School, Linkfield Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE) Lane, Redhill was visited for its staff, have worked tirelessly to adapt Statutory Inspection of Anglican and to the daily changing agenda to Methodist Schools (SIAMS) and was provide the best support for pupils judged to be Excellent. and families in their local community. The resulting report also praised (RE) were also marked as Excellent, with giving external validation of our school’s It is at times like these we see the true “the school’s exemplary focus on the inspectors praising the school’s worship excellent academic and broad curriculum professionalism and generosity of spirit individual’s gifts and talents” and “the programme and RE curriculum, as well as and inclusive provision for all our children. of all staff working in our schools. passionate and committed leadership” its extracurricular activities. “We are very proud of St Matthew’s Premises staff, catering staff, teaching of senior staff. St Matthew’s headteacher, Janet Lightfoot, School and its strong community of assistants and teachers are all As well as the overall judgement of said: “This is a tremendous and well- children and adults. Amidst all the exploring ways of working with Excellent, the Impact of Collective Worship deserved achievement, with the top uncertainty around us at present it is their headteachers to keep schools and Effectiveness of Religious Education grade of ‘excellent’ in every category good to have something to celebrate.” open by working flexibly, keeping morale high, and managing their own family situations.

St John, Caterham Valley choirmaster auctions paintings to raise money for refugees Our Local Authority partners have been instrumental in working with us John Woodhouse, choirmaster to ensure that our Church of England at St John, Caterham Valley and schools play their full part at this time. organiser of the Westminster It is highly likely that schools will be Interfaith Group, was one of open over the Easter holiday period a group of eight artists who to continue to offer this service. Most auctioned their work to raise of our schools are also providing money for good causes in January. educational resources, in a variety of formats, to support parents at home. Their work was exhibited over three weeks at Mount Street The SDBE, too, continues to provide Jesuit Centre before being sold off a full level of support for its schools to raise more than £5,000. The Jennifer Scott, Sackler Director of and chaplaincies, supported by our money will be divided between Dulwich Picture Gallery, opened Board. Please pray for our schools in Westminster Lourdes pilgrimage, the auction and spoke of the the weeks ahead as they continue to and charities Aid to the Church in profound effect of pictures such support their communities. Need and Safe Passage. as Syrian Pieta (left) and Unsafe Passage (above), both of which Artist and teacher Nelson describe the refugee experience Ferreira offered portraits as a lot. and were painted by John. Board of Education holds annual general meeting

On Wednesday 25 March, the St Nicholas, Plumstead parishioners awarded the Lancelot Andrewes Medal members of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Multi Academy Trust (MAT) held Bishop Christopher said their annual meeting. it was a “great joy and privilege” to present It was pleasing to report that the his Lancelot Andrewes MAT was going from strength to Medal to Reg and Doreen strength. Ten Diocesan schools are Martin on 12 March. in the trust and are performing well. Members were pleased to note Long-standing that the MAT was financially secure parishioners of St with capacity to grow. The level of Nicholas, Plumstead, services provided to support schools Reg and Doreen (right) had increased again during 2019. received the award in recognition of their Godly In November, the Regional Schools service and zeal for the Commissioner carried out her annual Gospel over many years. review meeting with The Venerable (Chair of the MAT Board), Mr Colin Powell (CEO) and Mr Mark Burnett (COO). This was a positive meeting and the follow-up letter was shared with the Members. 12 | The BRIDGE April 2020 installed as in Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral opened its doors on Sunday 15 March for the Collation and Installation of the Venerable Dr Rosemarie Mallett as Archdeacon of Croydon by the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, and the Sub Dean and Canon Pastor of Southwark Cathedral, the Revd Canon Michael Rawson. The service was one of the last events to be held before the restrictions around Coronavirus took effect, and took place during Choral Evensong. It was attended by Church and civic dignitaries from outside the Diocese including the High Commissioner of Barbados, the Deputy Lieutenant for Croydon and the Mayor of Croydon, as well as the Bishops of Rochester, Dover and Bradwell and Bishop Lenford Rowe, representing the Ascension Trust. During his sermon, the Bishop of Southwark noted that this was a day of great joy and new beginnings, and that Rosemarie’s long, faithful and inspirational service to God and his people in Southwark Diocese had begun a new and exciting chapter. He referred to the circumstances in which the service was taking place saying, “We do not minimise the seriousness of the Coronavirus threat to public health; but neither do we take fright.” Clockwise from above: the Bishop Christopher described the Rt Revd , role of an Archdeacon as immensely valuable. , the He said: “It is life-giving and joyous in many Venerable Dr Rosemarie aspects; but it can be challenging. They need Mallett and the Rt Revd to be purposeful and resilient. Rosemarie, ‘be Christopher Chessun, strong and courageous’!” Bishop of Southwark, Rosemarie Mallett has served all her ministry in after the service; the Revd the Diocese of Southwark since her Canon Jay Colwill presents in 2004, most recently as Vicar of St John, Rosemarie with her cope; Angell Town and Director of the Department the Mayor of Croydon of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. looks on. She succeeds the Venerable Christopher Skilton, who retired at the beginning of February, as Archdeacon of Croydon.

‘A city on a hill that cannot be hidden’: St Peter, Woodmansterne welcomes new Rector

A new Rector of St Peter, Woodmansterne, the Revd John Murithi Itumu, was instituted early in March. At the service, John said: “St Peter’s, being at the centre of Woodmansterne, is like the city on a hill that cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5.14). We will therefore seize every opportunity to be the agents of God’s light in our village as we continue to retell the Christian story of God’s love for us.”