www..anglican.org GROWING GROWING PARTNERSHIPS / 30-31 funds given Diocese to help with costs 19 ISSUE 29 SPRING • 2021 How a parish got ready to go online WORSHIPIN LOCKDOWN / AS PART OF THE ONE CHURCH / 13 PART AS WHAT IT MEANS TO DESCRIBE OURSELVES DESCRIBE OURSELVES IT MEANS TO WHAT 16-17 / signs Encouraging unites village as GOD’S GREENER CHURCH ISSN 2056 3310 Live in Eastbourne on Saturday 1 May 2021 and online Sat 1 May and open all week

                          ISSUE 28 3

Inspiration and learning

AS THE coronavirus pandemic continues, many of us yearn for the day when life can simply “return to normal”. And yet this global crisis presents us all with an opportunity to deeply consider what kind of “normal” we want to be part of when our communities emerge from lockdown and the task of rebuilding will begin. While combating this virus has rightly consumed the attention of our scientists, media and politicians, the threat of the climate crisis has by no means subsided. Over the last year, most of us have cut our environmental footprint by necessity ¬¬ we have worked from home, driven less, flown less, eaten locally produced food and discovered energy- saving technologies.

We have also been hugely blessed to be able to experience the beauty of the countryside and coast and been spiritually sustained by God’s revelation of himself in His creation. Now is an excellent time to consider what more we can do to live in ways that are sustainable for the future of the planet. This edition of Faith In Sussex showcases some of the ways that churches are working with their parish communities towards environmental protection. I hope the stories inspire and motivate you to take action in whatever context you live, work and volunteer.

We are also looking ahead to the start of Lent and considering how churches are preparing to observe the coming season of prayer and fasting, when most of our worship and fellowship will be online and our homes remain our primary place of prayer. In these pages you will find resources to help you journey through Lent ¬- may it be a time when we learn to know, love and follow Jesus more closely than ever before.

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.” Ps25v4-5

+Ruth

ISSUE 28 5

MAKING A CONTENTS DIFFERENCE / 24-25 6-10 NEWS 11 ENVIRONMENT NEWS Hear how the Diocese 12 ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR HOLY WEEK supports students in Kenya 13 LENT COURSE - CRACKED OPEN 14-21 PARISH NEWS 22 AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA WHY WE 23 SAFEGUARDING IS KEY VALUE HYMNS 24-25 OVERSEAS NEWS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE / 28 26 GIVING GENEROUSLY

by Neville Manning 27 FUNDRAISING - CASH SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE 28 HYMNS UNPACKED 29 STEADY SUPPORT FOR FAMILY SUPPORT WORK 30-31 ON A MISSION TO WORK TOGETHER 32-33 CATHEDRAL NEWS GIVING 34-35 BOOK AND REVIEWS GENEROUSLY / 26

Helpful resources for stewardship

STEADY SUPPORT / 29

Charity continues amid uncertainty

To subscribe to Faith in Sussex magazine, please Editor: Lisa Williamson [email protected] contact the communications department: [email protected] Editorial Support: Kate Parkin Pictures: Thank you for all the photo contributions If you would like to discuss an article for a future issue of Faith in Sussex please contact the editor: Design: kaufcreative.com [email protected]

Contact us www.chichester.anglican.org Faith in Sussex magazine is published in Diocesan Church House conjunction with the weekly e-bulletin. 211 New Church Road Chichester Diocese , BN3 4ED @Chichesterdio Switchboard: 01273 421021 Fax: 01273 421041

Published by: The Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance Incorporated. 211 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4ED. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect official diocesan or policy. We reserve the right to shorten or omit any submitted articles. Submitted material becomes copyright of The Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance Inc. © Copyright 2018 Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance Inc. 6 FAITH IN SUSSEX

NEWS ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

CELEBRATIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE

CHURCH communities across the diocese Chanctonbury churches put on a mobile went all out to provide excellent worship Christmas carols event for many of the streets and other wonderful events and displays for around Ashington, Washington and Wiston. their communities throughout Advent and They sang carols, shared a Christmas message Christmas, despite the difficulties posed by and prayed for each street as they went. Coved 19. St Margaret’s Church in the Beacon Parish Realising the celebration was to be different of Ditchling, Streat and Westmeston created this year, many churches continued with virtual a unique life-sized nativity display. It formed events. the centrepiece of a stable experience created in the chapel at the church, and more than Some parishes were able to continue with 1,500 visitors, including 200 children and their planned services but with smaller congregations teachers from St Margaret’s School, Ditchling, as well as those watching online. visited the nativity, many of them leaving prayer There were some delightful examples such as cards on the Christmas tree. the Advent window trail at St Andrew’s, Hove. The Rev David Wallis, vicar of the Beacon Parish, The Parish of Clayton with Keymer cheered the said: “We wanted to invite people to step into community by spreading the joy of Christmas in the stable and imagine that they were there the form of knitted angels. when Jesus was born. In these times when there The Christmas bus from St Matthias, , are many things that we would love to do that toured the streets with volunteers and staff we can’t, we hoped this would give people a walking alongside on the pavements. The idea much-needed uplifting experience, both moving was to bring the fun and community spirit to and joyful for people of all ages.” the people of Fiveways, and shoppers were treated to drive-in carols in the car park at Morrisons, courtesy of the parish team at All Saints Crowborough. You can watch the YouTube video here held real-time and virtual carol services and visitors enjoyed the stunning nativity scene installation, created by visual arts adviser and curator Jacquiline Creswell and artist and photographer Ash Mills and there was a joyful crib and Christingle service at Christ Church, St Leonards, led by Bishop Peter Wheatley with Covid measures in place. A carol service took place outside on the parish courtyard. THE ADVENT WINDOW TRAIL ST. ANDREWS, HOVE ISSUE 28 7

CHURCH LEADER IS A HERO

A CHURCH leader at St Peter’s in Brighton has been named a local hero for helping homeless and vulnerable people in 2020. Sam Coates, who is founder of the Safehaven Women’s Service, was awarded the commendation by gardening centre chain Dobbies and the Teenage Cancer Trust. Sam has worked throughout the year to support people through Brighton Housing Trust. Her work includes initiatives to deliver food hampers and furniture to the charity’s accommodation for those with mental health issues and complex needs. Sam said: “I’m incredibly proud the initiatives my team of dedicated SAM COATES volunteers and I have worked on have made such a difference to our ST.PETERS, BRIGHTON local area. I’m committed to continuing to support those in need in as much as possible.”

LET THERE BE LIGHT ARCHDEACON FOR LIFE A CHURCH in Steyning is celebrating after raising more than £70,000 for a new lighting BISHOP Martin has appointed the former installation. Contributions came from , , members of the congregation at St Andrew’s Archdeacon Emerita. The and St Cuthman’s, the community, Friends of informed Fiona, saying: “In recognition for Steyning Parish Church and funds from the your distinguished service as Archdeacon of Parochial Church Council (PCC). Horsham and in celebration of all that you Vicar of Steyning Fr Mark Heather, who helped have brought to the life of the diocese, I am co-ordinate the fundraising effort, said: “We are delighted to appoint you Archdeacon Emerita.” so thankful to all the people who gave their time Fiona was appointed to the role of Archdeacon and made donations to this appeal to ensure of Horsham in 2014. After a spell of ill health the new lighting installation can go ahead last year Fiona took early retirement. Her which will enable the church to be used by the farewell leaving services had to be cancelled due entire community. By switching to controllable, to the Covid restrictions. low-energy lighting, this will make a huge contribution to our ongoing plans to reduce our Angela Martin, Forest Row, takes over the Acting carbon footprint.” role of Archdeacon of Horsham from Julia Peaty from March 1. 8 FAITH IN SUSSEX NEWS HERITAGE PLOUGH SUNDAY TRUST CELEBRATIONS

ST MARY’S Church in Apuldram was awarded FR ANDREW Birks, vicar at St Mary’s the Ecclesiastical Award in the 2020 Sussex Chidham in , was called to bless Heritage Trust announced late last the plough on a farm in rural Chidham. year. Plough Sunday is a traditional English The Grade I listed building was in great celebration of the beginning of the agricultural need of a community centre. After extensive year that has seen some revival over recent consultation, plans were agreed for a building years. It usually involves bringing a ploughshare that was sensitive to the environment using into a church with prayers for the blessing of the traditional materials such as flint and Caen land. stone. Fr Andrew said: “Plough Sunday is a tradition The church has stood amid the fields of rural that goes back to medieval times when the Apuldram on the Manhood Peninsular for over communal village plough was often stored in 900 years, playing an important part in the life the parish church over the winter months. In of the village. Graham Pound, treasurer at St these difficult times of Covid it has become Mary, said: “The Parochial Church Council and even more important to embrace these congregation of St Mary the Virgin, together traditions to give hope to all the people working with the architects Douglas Briggs Partnership, on the land in a time of worry and uncertainty. were delighted to have won this most prestigious We remember and pray for them.” award and thank the trust for giving it to us.” It is usually held on the Sunday after Epiphany, the Sunday between January 7and January 13. READER SELECTION

THE Reader selection conference takes place on Saturday, June 19. The closing date for applications is April 30 and all selection paperwork must be received by then. Because the discernment process for Reader ministry involves several interviews and the taking up of references it is important that prospective candidates begin the process as soon as possible and before April 1. For more information contact Jane Prestwood at jayne. [email protected]

FR ANDREW PHOTO COURTESY OF RUSSELL SACH - THE TELEGRAPH ISSUE 28 9

KEEPING ASH WEDNESDAY IN LOCKDOWN

Many of us will have to mark the beginning of Lent from home this year. Whilst this will be frustrating for many, the lockdown also gives us the opportunity to enter more deeply into this ancient day and season. To help you set it apart we will be publishing some resources that can be used by individuals or as a family at home. These will include:

A simple Family liturgy for Ash Wednesday, including an act of penance and the rite of ashing FR ADAM HANDING OVER THE CHEQUE TO ST MARY’S SCHOOL Join the household of faith across the diocese on the hour from 7am – 6pm for 5 minutes of prayer for various groups of people in need of our prayers including CASH FOR SCHOOLS our NHS staff, the bereaved and the lonely. TWO schools in the parish of St Mary’s, , will share £10,00 from two 3 short reflections from the Bishops church trust funds. Halsford Park Primary on the Lenten disciplines of Fasting, and Baldwins Hill Primary will be able to Penance and Prayer. buy laptops to help children continue their education at home or other materials needed A practical guide to fasting by Bishop during the pandemic. Ruth Prayers were asked for the repose of the soul of Web links to other resources for the benefactors Augusta Stenning and Walter children, adults and families. and Sydney Lowdell and for the schools and pupils who will benefit from their grants. Find out about the Diocesan Lent course on pages 12/13 10 FAITH IN SUSSEX

NEWS ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

NEW RURAL OFFICER POST

THE Bishop of Chichester has announced The rural officer will be responsible for serving the creation of a new rural officer for East the rural community in East Sussex through Sussex. This role will be combined with linking the Church with organisations with a the appointment of a priest-in-charge for rural focus, to offer a rural voice in the diocese the benefice of Ashburnham with Penhurst, and to advise and encourage parishes and senior two parishes in the High , an Area of staff on rural issues. They will operate primarily Outstanding Natural Beauty. within the Archdeaconries of and Brighton and as well as the wider church. The joint role is funded in partnership with the Job advert here and the deadline for applications Ashburnham Thanksgiving Trust, an evangelical is March 22. missionary-focused charity. Richard Bickersteth, a trustee of Ashburnham Thanksgiving Trust, said: “We are delighted to COPYRIGHT be able to support the Diocese of Chichester in creating this new rural officer role and look IMAGES FOR PARISH forward in faith to seeing this resource multiply COMMUNICATIONS in spiritual harvest across East Sussex.” Mark Betson, national rural officer for Church It is important to protect your parish when of England, said: “It is great to hear of both downloading images for online resources. the recognition and support by the Diocese Stock photo websites will chase parishes of Chichester and Ashburnham Thanksgiving for payment when they discover an image Trust of the opportunity and needs presented has been used without seeking a copyright in the rural communities of East Sussex. agreement up front. Nationally we are seeing a renewed interest by A recent example was the use of an image of those working in staying local and people of a slice of toast which was used to promote a working age looking to move to rural areas. This parish event. The parish in West Sussex had to combined with the church growth potential in pay £300 and that was after negotiation. these places highlighted by the work of Theos and the Church Urban Fund in the GRA:CE Free image websites to use are Unsplash or project mean that this post could not come at a Wickimedia but there are many more. Please ask more crucial time.” for assistance from Amber Jackson, Diocesan Communications Assistant. ISSUE 28 11

Celebrate nature Environment From June 5 to 13, churches or wildlife groups can arrange a Churches Count On Nature news event in your churchyard, spotting the plants, insects, By Debbie Beer, diocesan environment officer birdlife and lichens which make these areas so special. This offers a great opportunity Climate Sunday – The culmination of the to invite your local community, choose your date campaign will be a national including schools, to discover Climate Sunday event on and record the wonderful Churches are being encouraged Sunday, September 5, 2022 to wildlife on your doorstep. It to hold a “Climate Sunday” any share church commitments is an ecumenical partnership time any time between now and pray for bold action project between the Church and early September 2021, the and courageous leadership of England Environment beginning of Creationtide, at the international COP26 Programme, A Rocha UK the Season of Creation. Free Climate talks in Glasgow in (which runs EcoChurch) and resources are being provided to early November. Climate Caring For God’s Acre. To suit every tradition and of Sunday has been organised receive an information pack worship. by Churches Together in in the spring, register your During their Climate Sunday, Britain and Ireland (CTBI) interest now here: churches are invited to do one with support from charities or more of three things: including CAFOD, Christian Aid, Tearfund, A Rocha UK Cut your carbon footprint Worship: Hold a climate- and Operation Noah. Find out A programme of webinars focused service to explore more and register here the theological and scientific has been put together by the basis of creation care and National Church as a resource action on climate, to pray Energy statistics for churches who want to know and to commit to action. how they can address and Please ask your treasurers to reduce their carbon footprint. Commit: Make a enter their energy statistics Find out what topics are commitment as a church when they complete their coming up and sign up or view community to taking annual finance returns this recordings of those you’ve long-term action to reduce spring. This means entering missed here greenhouse gas emissions. how much money was spent on If you are already reducing gas and electricity in the last Speak up: Join with other your carbon footprint in year and how many kilowatts churches and wider society creative ways, I would love to of energy were consumed. Last in adding its name to a hear from you. Email: Debbie. year 36 per cent of the parishes common call to politicians [email protected] for a cleaner, greener, fairer in this diocese completed these future statistics, which isn’t bad at all. We hope it will be higher this year. 12 FAITH IN SUSSEX

All systems go FOR LENT, HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

ONE year on from the most challenging and A sermon recorded by members of the diocesan unpredictable few weeks marking the end team will be available for parishes to use every of Lent 2020, Holy Week and Easter, the week between now and Easter. Diocese of Chichester is on the front foot in its The new Lent Course – Cracked Wide Open planning for 2021. – will soon be available, providing invaluable Churches were closed last year in the run up resources for parishes to be adapted so churches to last Easter as Covid-19 cases increased can use it effectively. dramatically. Many and laity embarked on The bishop is planning to join churchwardens a steep learning curve as services had to be live- in all 21 deaneries for the evening service streamed from other places with church doors Compline on different nights in Lent. Bishop locked even for daily prayers. Martin is looking forward to thanking them and The bishop and cathedral responded quickly their PCCs for all their work in extraordinary by working together to provide a series of circumstances. memorable services to guide the faithful Meanwhile Bishop Ruth and Bishop Will are through the great events of Holy Week and to invite clergy to pray with them in their Easter, thus helping parishes without the deaneries in a similar series of night prayer necessary online resources to worship, pray and services taking place during the 40 days and share together. nights of Lent. Slowly, however, parishes adapted and Ash Wednesday will, of course, be different developed new skills. Services were streamed. this year. The bishop is to record a special Morning Prayer via Zoom became the norm as short video message in which he will talk about did Compline by Facebook Live in some parishes fasting and prayer. as Bible studies and nurture groups also moved online. While the renewal of ordination vows service is expected to go ahead online, the Chrism As the diocese once again faces serious Eucharists are to be delayed until they can, limitations on what it can safely offer in its hopefully, take place physically later in the year. hundreds of churches as Lent 2021 begins, an impressive programme of special services, The bishop is working with the cathedral to sermons and plans for Holy Week are in an ensure other key moments in the dramatic advanced stage of planning. events of Holy Week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus on Easter day are reflected online. ISSUE 28 13

Bishop has been working“We with willThe course Remember includes: them!” people from across the diocese to bring By Rev Andrew Birks together some meaningful and encouraging AssistantBible Curate: study Sidley, notes All for Saint the gospel & Bexhill, readings set resources for this year’s Lent course Cracked St Barnabasfor the and Sundays chaplain Lent for 1 RACto Lent cadets 5. Wide Open. A filmed reflection by Bishop Martin for All systems go The Covid-19 pandemic has caused us to face up use in liturgical worship on each of the to fundamental questions about life, its meaning Sundays from Lent 1 to Lent 5. These are and purpose. short (about five minutes) and intended to be used as post-communion reflections. Many people have found this to be a time when there has been a real need to return to basics. Guidance notes with background reading When we have been locked down, with many of the usual activities and distractions that Guidance notes with background reading occupy our time unavailable, we have had to face for the following conversation with Bishop questions concerning the very essence of our Ruth and Bishop Will lives. A filmed conversation between Bishop Ruth The hope is as parishes continue to and Bishop Will as discussion starters for communicate online in the coming weeks, each week. Cracked Wide Open will seek to help disciples prepare for the coming Paschal Mystery within A prayer diary for the weeks Lent 1 to Lent 5 the wider theme of what it means to describe ourselves as part of the one church. Outline liturgies – one for each week It has been compiled with a view to enabling discussion and reflection concerning how we, All the resources can be accessed via the as pilgrims within the Diocese of Chichester, diocesan website here might be more open to the demands of the If you need help with downloading any of Paschal Mystery and how this requires careful the session materials email Amber Jackson, attention to the mission of God and to the unity communications assistan,t on mailto:amber. which is critical to that mission and so clearly [email protected] commanded by Jesus. If you do not have access to online facilities, please contact neighbouring parishes for help. 14 FAITH IN SUSSEX PARISH NEWS

ECO CHURCH GOES FOR GOLD

BUILDING a hedgehog house Penny said: “Some of these where we presented our new and switching to natural actions were already in place churchyard management cleaning products are just two before we started on this plan. This kick-started our of the things that have helped scheme and it was encouraging ambitious churchyard project, a rural parish earn its eco to find that after only a few with enthusiastic support and credentials. small steps, notably working participation from within and towards Fairtrade Church outside the church, helping us St Mary’s church in Ticehurst, status, we were able to apply to reach the Eco Church Silver a rural parish situated on the for the bronze award in April Award in July 2020. east Sussex and Kent boundary, 2019.” registered as an Eco Church They were also given an in January 2019. Within a few The next step was to find a Animal Friendly Church Award months they achieved a bronze suitable project that would from the Anglican Society for award and the bar was set. enable them to apply for the the Welfare of Animals. silver award and it was after Penny Evans is a licensed Penny said: “We were visiting a church in nearby lay reader in the parish and delighted to get this award Framfield that the next part of chairwoman of the first eco because we regularly hold pet the plan came together. working group for the two services and welcome a large churches. Penny said: “I was enthusiastic number of people from the to develop our churchyard into local community and from She said the scheme, run a wildlife friendly habitat. We miles around who would not by ecumenical Christian decided to visit the churchyard normally come to church. conservation charity A Rocha, at Framfield, which we knew provided a helpful framework “Our Eco Church Working had been developed as a for assessing what the Group is a gathering of non- wildlife haven. Here we met churches were already doing experts with a passion for the Sally Clifton, by chance an and what further steps they environment. We enjoy tea, ecologist, who had managed could take across all areas of cake and conversation - while the project. We invited her to church life, from its buildings tending the churchyard, and conduct a plant survey of our and land to its community doing what we can to create a churchyard and to speak at a engagement, worship and greener and more equal world. public meeting in the church lifestyle choices. ISSUE 28 15

ECO CHURCH GOES FOR GOLD

“We have ambitious plans “Our Eco Church Working Group is for the future, hoping to conduct more churchyard a gathering of non-experts with a surveys, particularly on moths, butterflies and birds, alongside passion for the environment. projects to encourage We enjoy tea, cake and conversation hedgehogs and swifts, and much more! - while tending the churchyard, and “Our Eco Church Working doing what we can to create a greener Group is now preparing for the Eco Church Gold award.” and more equal world. Vicar of Ticehurst and Flimwell Rev Ashley Evans The churches’ actions include: said: “I am delighted with all Worship and teaching: Regular prayers, liturgies and sermons that our Reader Penny Evans, that reflect commitment to a God who cares for the wellbeing supported by our Eco Church of the whole planet, its animals, people and ecosystems Working Group, has achieved for St Mary’s Ticehurst in Buildings: Eco cleaning products, assessment of energy use, the area of caring for God’s energy efficient light bulbs and participation in Tearfund’s creation, firstly with the Eco toilet-twinning scheme, which helps families in poor Church Silver Award (within communities build a basic toilet, have access to clean water 18 months of registering and learn about hygiene with A Rocha) and now being Land: A major project to encourage more wildlife into the recognised by the Anglican churchyard, including creating a summer meadow and Society for the Welfare installing bird boxes, bug boxes and a hedgehog house of Animals (ASWA) as the joint winner of the Animal Community and global engagement: Gaining Fairtrade Friendly Church of the Year Church status, raising awareness and prayers for overseas Award for 2020. This has environmental projects, going for vegan options and LOAF been an incredibly rewarding (local, organic, animal-friendly, fairly traded) principles experience for the church, and where food is shared has involved new friendships Personal Lifestyle: Church funds are ethically invested, LOAF and wonderful contributions and fairtrade principles encouraged, charitable giving of from the wider community.” clothes and food to Family Support Work encouraged. 16 FAITH IN SUSSEX

PARISH On the back of NEWS the Eco Church initiative, Greener GOD’S GREENER EARTH Graffham was born

RESIDENTS in a little village Some said “anything we do The shop set up refill stations are taking big steps towards here is a waste of time” but for everyday necessities saving the planet with a we only had to look back a such as dishwashing liquid brilliantly successful united few months to remember and allowed us to install the approach. Recyling, reusing, two occasions when the Graffham Bookshelf, where reducing waste and rewilding water supply was cut off, a donated books raise money is the mantra in Graffham time when some villagers for the Stonepillow homeless and, as churchwarden Ginny ran out of heating oil, as charity. The shop has an Barrett writes, everyone is well as the not infrequent excellent range of eco-friendly playing their part. power cut (including one on shampoos and other items and Christmas Day) to realise our is so well stocked that journeys AS YOU drive through civilised existence was quite a out of the village for provisions Graffham, a small village in precarious one. are rarely a necessity. the heart of the National Park in rural West A move back to a more self- Food bank collection points Sussex, you could be forgiven sufficient lifestyle can only be were set up around the for thinking life there could a good thing, even if you are a village. The church extended not be anything but green. climate-emergency denier. its collection of objects for recycling to include milk Then, in 2019, it began to get a The village is blessed with bottle tops, printer cartridges, whole lot greener. a shop and three pubs. All crisp packets, toothbrushes these businesses became On the back of the Eco Church and other things and we even involved one way or another, initiative, Greener Graffham squeezed in an electric vehicle particularly in improving the was born, taking its first breath event. range of vegan foods on offer. at the annual harvest supper Stunningly tasty creations A walking bus to the infant and a few weeks later its first can now be had – significantly school was trialled and bulk few tottering steps at the better than a bowl of chips. orders for things such as bird village’s St Giles Church. seed, compost, loo paper, One pub now even offers Interested villagers (and a water butts and even visits carbon neutral dining – diners dog) turned out on a cold, dark from heating engineers were can opt to add £1 to the bill evening to see what the village arranged. which funds the planting of a might do to tread more gently fruit tree in the Third World. Little did we know that a few on the planet and to increase months later we would be its resilience in the face of the shut away in our homes in the climate emergency. midst of a global pandemic, comfortably surrounded with our bulk buys. We were well under way with our compost and seed sharing and our growing grew in earnest. ISSUE 28 17

Rozie Apps, editor of the parish magazine, is a permaculture fiend. Helpful articles on MAGAZINE EDITOR ROZIE APPS THE POPULAR VILLAGE VEG STALL sustainability and wildlife are a WITH SOME OF HER VEG regular feature of the monthly magazine, which is given woodland management, much Chichester Diocesan Officer free to all households and is via coppicing of chestnut Rev Debbie Beer said: “It’s so available online. and hazel, which in turn exciting to hear about St Giles Her profusion of vegetables encourages biodiversity and Church and Greener Graffham is available to buy from a habitat management. How – a great example of how joining purpose-made stall, which is many people can say the Eco Church can inspire a also a great benefit for campers heating of their water actively church to take action with enjoying staycations. encourages wildlife? their local community to care for the planet. I’m impressed Our new Graffham Buy, Sell, By the end of the summer, by how much is happening Swap, Giveaway and Wanted recipes for excellent chutneys in Graffham to reduce the Facebook page has been a great and jams circulated to deal village’s environmental impact success having more than 350 with the surplus of green and build a more resilient members, with 200 plus posts tomatoes and other fruits. and sustainable shared life. in the past four weeks alone, Many of these preserves In partnering with their offering items as diverse as found their way into this communities churches have so bird tables, furniture, surplus year’s Christmas mobile home much to give and receive, both building supplies, toys, clothes, produce stall, which raised practically and spiritually.” hundreds of pounds for the home-grown produce, vehicles village church which, like many and parts – anything and Eco Church is a scheme run others, had a tough year. everything. Finding a use for by A Rocha UK which equips unwanted stuff is such a good churches to care for God’s One thing that has huge impact feeling. creation through their worship, on the planet is the heating of buildings, land, community Recently many of Rev Vivien our homes. We have some good engagement and individual Turner’s church services systems already in operation lifestyles. There are currently have been online and, since in the village. One landowner’s 364 bronze, 145 silver and children in the village last woodland management plan is eight gold Church of England year requested that creation carried out in such a way that Eco Churches. Churches can is prayed for each week, these it provides sufficient woodchip complete an online survey prayers are being heard by to provide for the whole to be considered for an Eco a wider audience than ever estate’s residential hot water Church Award at either bronze, before. We may be a small and heating requirements silver or gold level. via its two biomass boilers, community but with the supplying ten properties. encouragement of Eco Church This encourages proactive and Creation Care we can all have big aspirations. 18 FAITH IN SUSSEX PARISH NEWS

THINGS WERE MEANT TO BE

A VICAR had a “Who Do You Think You Are?” moment after researching his family history. REV PETER DOODES Rev Peter Doodes felt just like a subject on the popular TV in Ashburnham Chapel and “However, the two figures on show when he discovered, to was a volunteer Beachy Head top of the tomb are not of the his surprise, that he has family chaplain for four years. two Fiennes family members links stretching back centuries that are in the tomb. These But he had no idea his roots to the parish where he is now are of the Lord Hoo’s family here were so deep. ministering. members and were once in He even has connections to After quizzing his relation in Battle Abbey. Incidentally, and Herstmonceux Castle in his Australia, he discovered he was by seeming coincidence, I live parish of Herstmonceux and related to “the Sussex in the nearby village of Hooe. families of Dacre and Fiennes”. Wartling. “Lord Thomas Hoo once He said this was quite a shock possessed the Manor of Rev Doodes began his as he left school at 14 with one Wartling and I am also investigations after receiving qualification before becoming privileged to take services in an email from Australia. a motor mechanic. the Church of Mary Magdalene, It was from a family member He said: “Both names are Wartling. on his mother’s side who had major and integral parts of “Lord Thomas commissioned traced their genealogy. the history of Herstmonceux an illuminated religious book, Castle, the Church of All Saints Rev Doodes said: “When I a ‘Book of Hours of the Sarum Herstmonceux and the local journeyed through the story Use’. I studied theology at area over many hundreds of of my family, I noticed, much Sarum College Salisbury and years. to my amazement, that there not only that, Lord Hoo’s was a lot about Herstmonceux, “The tomb of the two Sir daughter, Anne Hoo, married Herstmonceux Church and Thomas Fiennes, father and Sir Thomas Fiennes. Herstmonceux Castle.” son, is situated where I have, “Sometimes I think to myself unknowing of my relationship Although born in the East End that things were meant to be.” of London, Rev Doodes is now to them, robed for services a firm fixture on the South over the last five years. This Coast. He is assistant priest tomb is in the Dacre Chapel in at his benefice, takes services Herstmonceux Church. ISSUE 28 19

WELL PREPARED WITH OUR DIGITAL TOOLBOX

THE Covid pandemic has “Then lockdown happened forced major changes for again and we were asked to all churches - though some close our churches for public have found it a less painful worship. experience than feared. “We had been having evening The parish of Herstmonceux prayer Zoom services to and Wartling discovered supplement what were, the altar made me appear as moving to online worship until lockdown, our normal though I had a halo. Changing during lockdown was a services but obviously more the angle of the laptop solved smooth operation, thanks to was now required and the the problem. technology. wireless router gave us that “Audio was another issue. My opportunity. Rev Peter Doode is assistant idea of playing music from a priest at the two churches in “We needed a service that stereo I had brought with me the parish. He said: “Due to the looked and felt just the was abandoned, although it temporary voluntary closure of same as a normal church sounded good in the church some churches in East Sussex, service, a Zoom shared home it was not adequate for the in January the parish found communion service, so those purpose. The laptop’s internal itself without a congregation involved felt as though they microphone was perfectly OK, in the pews but it still had a were participating and sitting as was the internal camera. church congregation and its in the pews. “The operation was carried out local community to serve. “It was obvious from the start using equipment that we had “During the first lockdown, this would need the host and and so nothing else extra was church giving was certainly the minister to be two different needed to be purchased for the one part of life that rapidly people, the host to operate the service. changed. While many in our waiting room and control the “The service went very well congregations use a standing microphones and the minister and we are now up and for their giving, others to behave as though the running and able to use every do not. Cash is now less service was a normal Sunday tool in the toolbox, digital or popular due to the possibility communion service. otherwise, in order to keep in of cross-infection and most “Our St Mary Magdalene touch with each other and to people now prefer to use credit Wartling PCC secretary Penny spread God’s word. cards. was the host and since she was “We must always be prepared “In response to that we shared in the Borders, a very remote especially for events far the cost of a credit card reader host indeed. beyond our control. Just like that used a wireless router. “We ran a test at the church the wise bridesmaids in the Additionally, we thought and it proved it could all work. parable, whatever the future this would be ideal for the Any teething issues were dealt holds, we also need to be fully festival services, as well as with, including changing the prepared.” for weddings and funerals. A position of the laptop. Light credit card reader would be an from the window behind asset. 20 FAITH IN SUSSEX PARISH NEWS

RURAL CHURCHES GROW AND BLOSSOM

HIGH Hurstwood is a small In John 13:35 Jesus says “By I have gone from attending rural village of 1,000 people, this everyone will know that Messy Church once a month nestled between and you are my disciples, if you love and family service to attending Crowborough. With financial one another”. every week, organising the support from the Strategic Messy Church breakfast and The church is providing for Development Fund, Holy craft and I am a member of all ages every week through Trinity Church formed an the PCC. My faith has grown Sunday School, Messy Church, Apostolic partnership with immensely. family services, evensong etc. All Saints in Crowborough It encourages all ages to attend “Could I call myself a through the part-time sharing regularly and gives specific Christian? Three years ago of an associate minister. responsibilities and roles to I was confirmed, but did I Two families joined from young and old, for example wholeheartedly believe it or All Saints and the church the children’s music group mean it? It is easy to say the ambitiously sought to double and choir - It has never had so words of the Creed parrot the congregation, with the many children taking part in fashion or recite the Lord’s aspiration of tripling the giving the services! prayer without thinking. within three years. Three It “seeks the common good” “Over these last three years, life years later, when Covid has through Friday Fun Club, a has thrown many challenges in overshadowed everything, club for five to 11-year-olds, the my direction but my growing the shoots of life and love, annual holiday club, Trinity faith in Jesus has given me laughter and faith are evident, toddlers and involvement in the strength to face each one. producing a robust harvest like the village fete and school, I have noticed a dramatic the parable of the sower, even all helping the church and change in my approach to in the face of hardship and community flourish. crises. I know Jesus is with trial. me. Rev Mark [Ashworth] has A member of the Holy Trinity Being a loving church is about shown me the way by leading congregation gave their developing our love for one us through the Bible passages, personal reflection of growth. another by spending time with I know I believe and from the each other after the services. They said: “For me, what has moment I realised this I have Working together to care for changed is that I feel part of not looked back. I am confident others has been key to spiritual a thriving church family, one in my faith and can say ‘I am a and numerical growth. that has direction and is alive. Christian’ without doubt. ISSUE 28 21

“Instrumental in growing my “Life Explored, Christianity Here are some prayer points faith has been understanding Explored and Discipleship that Holy Trinity would God’s word through the Explored have all played a appreciate over the coming Bible. It is not about following part in deepening my faith year: mortal leaders and favouring from building my confidence Discipleship: A growth particular incumbents but to recognising how the Bible in Christian maturity and actually it is about following holds the key to Jesus being fellowship Jesus. Mark has repeatedly part of everyday life. Coupled shown the connection with the Lent courses and Evangelism: Growing our between the Old Testament joining the families house outward looking ministries and the New and this group has enriched my and invitations. approach to his address each understanding of the Bible. Prayer: Keeping on our week has strengthened my The fellowship of the house knees – depending on God understanding of the prophetic group guides me and comforts for true lasting growth. meanings of the iconic Bible me and, particularly in Covid stories from the Old Testament times, the weekly Zoom which has led me to recognise meeting connects us and Also please be praying for the and understand the Holy we can share in prayer and Diocesan SDF bid team as it Trinity of God, Jesus and the Bible study giving us all inner finalises the application for the Holy Spirit as One. strength and enabling us to 2021 SDF grant grow in our faith. There is a bond in the group which gives “By this everyone us all strength and reminds will know that us to make Jesus part of every you are my day.’ disciples, if you love one another” 22 FAITH IN SUSSEX

By Karen Hill, Mothers’ Union In July 1920, about a hundred In the past members have president worldwide representatives of often prayed in small groups. the Mothers’ Union met in Covid-19 has changed things AT THE heart of Mothers’ London. So powerful were the but it does not mean we cannot Union is our prayer life. We relationships forged during meet together so members are began in prayer and listening the week of discussion and being offered the opportunity to God. Our projects came prayer that definite steps were to meet on Zoom on Saturday, as an answer to prayer. What taken to maintain common February 27, at 10am. This will is said of Mothers’ Union commitments and goals. The be live-streamed through our members is that “they pray Wave Of Prayer was born. So Facebook page. During these with their feet moving, their began the wave of prayer that unusual times everyone is work is their prayer”. ebbs and flows around the welcome to join us in prayer. Mothers’ Union started in world over a 24-hour period. This short service will be open Hampshire, in the tiny village to everyone across the diocese. Each year at the end of of Old Arlesford in 1876, 23 February it is our turn in Chichester Mothers’ Union miles from Aldershot. It is Chichester Diocese to pray has a lot to pray for and we easy to see how we became with our Mothers’ Union are using Covid-19 as the ideal a worldwide movement in 84 Prayer Link Dioceses across opportunity to review policies, countries, we certainly prayed the world for three days ¬- to pray and then to look at our with our feet moving then from Friday, February 26, to projects and question whether too. From early on members midnight on Sunday, February they are relevant and if so, how wanted to be linked together, 28. Our link dioceses are to sustain those projects. to know that at any time Mundri in South Sudan, Madi another member was praying and West Nile in Uganda, Join Mothers’ Union in for them and for their work. Isuikwuato in Nigeria and Prayer on Saturday 27th Seoul in South Korea. February at 10am – This short service will be live streamed from their Facebook page. ISSUE 28 23 Safeguarding is key

PARISHES across the diocese who are now working to ensure Paul is a recently retired responded well to last year’s every case has been responded detective superintendent from national review into the to appropriately. The reviewers Hampshire Police who led on handling of all safeguarding bring a wealth of experience in child abuse, serious sexual cases across the Church of safeguarding. abuse and homicide. England. Katrina is a qualified social The skills of the reviewers Colin Perkins, diocesan work manager with over 15 complement each other well. safeguarding adviser, reported years experience in front line They are all professionally almost 100 per cent level of child protection teams. Her curious and confident to return, even though parishes experience includes working challenge which is key to that were facing the challenges of with children who have been definition of “independent”. lockdown at the time. Work is subjected to neglect, physical, It is hoped that survivors have now well under way to ensure emotional and sexual abuse as confidence in the reviewers, every known case has been well as children who have been not just by their credentials but responded to appropriately. exploited and trafficked. also their desire to safeguard Mr Perkins said: “The recent Jane holds a judicial vulnerable members of society report from the Independent appointment, was a district as they have done throughout Inquiry into Child Sexual Crown prosecutor with special their professional careers. Abuse (IICSA) reminds us responsibilities for victims of Survivors can be assured any that we simply cannot consign abuse /trauma and has received identification of a safeguarding safeguarding failures to the specialist training to achieve risk, no matter how old the past. Victims of abuse continue best evidence from survivors incident was or who was to live with the trauma of of trauma. She is also a trained involved, will be brought to the what happened and any case bereavement counsellor. attention of the safeguarding that has not been responded team and other authorities if Julie is a recently retired to previously may mean an necessary. Detective Sergeant from ongoing risk in the present.” . She has spent Past reviews have failed to The aim of the national review half her career specialising in engage with survivors and give is to ensure all known cases of Child Safeguarding and Adult them a voice. This review is concern about the behaviour of Protection. Significantly she very much survivor focused clergy and church employees spent the last 6 years of her and is looking at a broad towards children and career working with a variety spectrum of safeguarding vulnerable adults have been of Statutory and Non Statutory issues, not just child abuse, and dealt with appropriately and agencies within a Multi includes domestic abuse, adult the needs of survivors have Agency Safeguarding Hub. abuse and financial abuse. been responded to supportively She has extensive experience Survivors should feel confident and adequately. of real time safeguarding to contact the reviewers if they investigations and risk The Diocese of Chichester have any concerns and can do assessment. Additionally she has set up an advisory group, so by contacting Claire Coles, has contributed to a number which includes an adult project manager for Past Case of child protection individual survivor of abuse whose Review 2, at Claire.coles@ management and serious case contribution is vital to the chichester.anglican.org reviews. work being undertaken, and four independent reviewers 24 FAITH IN SUSSEX

Making a difference News from overseas

NAIROBI, KENYA

CHICHESTER Diocese They recently spoke to Father After graduation I am planning has had Companion Links Andrew Birks via Zoom. Fr to continue with studies and with the Anglican churches Andrew is priest in charge do a degree in community in West Africa and Kenya of Chidham parish in West development in St Paul since the Sixties. Over the Sussex and a member of the University. I will be learning as years it has built mutual Diocesan Overseas Council. I also serve my community in fellowship and cultural Baringo Diocese. Jane, 34, who is married and a exchange through hospitality mother, studied for a diploma “I really want to thank you so and worship. Churches and in Christian mission and civic much for your support towards individuals in Chichester responsibilities. my studies at Carlile College. Diocese have supported link Sincerely speaking, if it was dioceses by offering grants She told Fr Andrew: “I was, not for you I could not have to students studying in a and am, so much involved managed to do my diploma, recognised college. in teens’ ministry in my which will help and equip church and in the society. One is Carlile College in me to continue serving my My ministry also involves Kenya and two students who community, who need not only empowering women and caring have completed their courses to be preached to but also to be for children who cannot speak with a supporting grant from educated on ways to improve for themselves. I am involved Chichester Diocese are Jane their standards of living.” in mentoring these groups, Wambui Irungu and Martin women, teens and children. Abel Lenaola. ISSUE 28 25

“On behalf of myself and Carlile College community, I would like to say thank you very much for your great support”

Carlile College’s Mission JANE WAMBUI IRUNGU MARTIN ABEL LENAOLA School trains evangelists who, after training, are strategically placed within the Anglican He said: “I was ordained, and “On behalf of myself and Carlile Church in Africa and any other I am now working in children College community, I would ministry as a curate in the pro- like to say thank you very NAIROBI, KENYA church organisation with specific areas of engagement. cathedral. I was born and grew much for your great support Most graduates are serving as up in a very remote area and to me to complete my studies evangelists who help organise grew up as a partial orphan with care. Thank you once and mobilise the church for after I lost my mother in the more for your love and support community outreach through year 2002. We were a family toward my studies.” of six in number, I being the open air meetings, revival By supporting the training of second born. meetings, Bible study and the students at Carlile College, our like. “My mother passed on when I diocese is making a difference They also serve in Sunday was still young and because my to new priests and mission in School ministry, women’s father was a drunkard man, I parishes in our link dioceses. ministry and youth ministry separated with him and I went We look forward to continuing and among the less fortunate to stay with my grandmother our long and positive co- in the society. The college has who brought me up with a operation with Carlile College grown to be a pan-African lot of challenges. I started in this important work. The institution, drawing students rearing chicken to enable me Diocese of Chichester has from nearly 20 countries in to go back to school. And after official links with six dioceses Africa. a period of two years God in the Province of West Africa opened another door for me -The Gambia, Guinea, Freetown Martin Lenaola, 30, studied for and I joined the secondary in Sierra Leone, Bo in Sierra a diploma in Christian mission. school. Every Saturday I could Leone, Liberia and Cameroon He is now a priest in the sell eggs to have the school fee. - and five in Kenya - Nakuru, Diocese of Maralal in Samburu Nyahuru, Kericho, Maralal and County. Baringo. For more information, contact Rev Christine Keyte at companionlinks@chichester. anglican.org 26 FAITH IN SUSSEX

Giving generously

An update on parish giving and inflation saw our parishes’ instructional videos to get you and helpful resources total collection income fall started with setting up online by , diocesan by one per cent in real terms donation methods. Churches parish adviser for finance, between 2018 and 2019. That wanting to investigate cashless stewardship and governance. works out at a loss of some £60 and online giving should per church, but this is being contact their parish adviser During 2019 regular planned met by the shift to other forms for more information and giving from our parishioners of generosity, about which assistance. fell by two per cent, amounting there are many encouraging to £300,000 when compared Free resources to encourage signs. with 2018, but total giving, generosity including fundraising and Providing the option to make National church is providing legacies increased overall contactless donations will: free resources to encourage by two per cent as our • Shift from cash to card, generosity amongst parishioners continued stabilising that form of parishioners as a way of to support their churches additional income increasing our churches’ generously. • Offer greater choice for a impact in our parishes through In 2018, over 47 per cent of generous donor to give to our parish ministry. They can be UK payments were made churches viewed and downloaded here using card, compared with 28 • Engage with a wider range of Parish Buying also has plenty per cent for cash. Total cash visitors, especially those who of resources to enable online transactions have fallen from are not regular churchgoers giving on their website as well 60 per cent of all transactions and may never carry cash. as instructional videos to help in 2008 to 28 per cent in 2018, users set up the facility. Check a figure that is projected to Not only is cashless giving here decline to nine per cent by increasing, but our churches 2028. are moving to an online Other ideas for fundraising can be accessed on the official Income from collections on presence with pages on their Church of England Parish the plate or via donation boxes, own websites, on A Church Resources website here amounting to £2.4 million, Near You, or on Facebook or is the fifth largest source of other social media. Online donations for churches within giving can be enabled through our diocese, after planned a simple donate button on giving, legacies, special appeals your online presence. Parish and gift aid. A combination Buying has many contactless of the shift away from cash devices available, as well free ISSUE 28 27 Cash support is available

STAYING on top of grant buildings for better post- Sussex Police’s Community fundraising in these difficult Covid-19 access and to improve Safety Fund is open until times is no small task. The digital access to activities February 8 to support crime Covid-19 pandemic has such as live-streaming of reduction and community stretched many parish services and training in online safety initiatives. Eligible budgets to breaking point. resources are also eligible. The projects must engage with grants will be awarded on a and support people, so it Incomes have fallen as rolling basis until the fund is is not for fixed deterrents churches have run up costs used up, so it pays to apply such as CCTV, alarms and in alleviating hardship in sooner than later. https:// fencing. A project to educate communities and finding new www.allchurches.co.uk/ people about internet fraud ways of reaching people. what-we-fund/hopebeyond/ and doorstep scams or a Grant-funding opportunities community gardening team There is also the government’s have been changing almost that tackles vandalism in a Covid Winter Support Fund weekly. If you are having churchyard could win support. for grants up to £5,000, trouble keeping up or https://www.sussex-pcc.gov. accessed via the Sussex wondering where to find the uk/about/news/community- Community Foundation. If money for a particular project, safety-funding-available- your church runs a food bank get in touch with Katherine during-testing-times/ or is delivering essentials , Chichester Diocesan to vulnerable families you Katherine regularly posts fundraising adviser. She may be eligible for support. funding opportunities, for is always happy to provide Alternatively, if your church both building projects and tailored advice to PCCs on hosts such a community activities, on the diocese’s their funding needs. initiative, you may be able use Church Buildings Facebook Current Covid-related funding your charitable status to help page. Follow the page for the includes Allchurches Trust’s it apply to the fund. Grants latest funding news: Hope Beyond grant scheme, are primarily to support https://www.facebook.com/ which offers up to £50,000 for households with children DioChiBuildings projects directly responding and households experiencing to new or increased need or at risk of poverty during brought about by the pandemic, the pandemic. https:// including those that address sussexgiving.org.uk/named_ loneliness and mental health funds_posts/covid-winter- problems exacerbated by support-fund/ coronavirus. Projects to adapt 28 FAITH IN SUSSEX

BY REV NEVILLE MANNING WHAT I VALUE About Hymns

SOMETIMES when things we Son and Holy Spirit), the God Thirdly, uniting us in take for granted are removed, who creates and sustains, who fellowship. I wonder how we learn to value them. Living redeems and renews, and many realise that hymn books through the unprecedented who comes to us now as our are a wonderful ecumenical time of coronavirus in which helper and guide. That note of resource linking various congregational singing has praise must be large enough traditions together. A service not been allowed, with only to embrace not only the joys might include “Praise to the small choirs allowed, has but also the sorrows. We take holiest in the height” by John meant many of us have been our cue from the Psalms where Henry Newman (Anglican saddened by this silence there is space for both praise turned Roman Catholic), imposed from on high. and lament, something we “Come, let us join our cheerful have been reminded of in these songs” by Isaac Watts It is also a good moment to restricted times. For example (Congregationalist), “Dear think about why we value Tate and Brady’s hymn, based Lord and Father of mankind” hymns. One of our most on Psalm 34, is relevant: by J G Whittier (Quaker), respected hymn writers, “Through all the changing or at Easter “The day of Bishop Timothy Dudley Smith, scenes of life, In trouble and resurrection”, translated by J responsible for “Tell out my in joy, the praises of my God M Neale from a hymns sung soul”, “Lord, for the years” shall still my heart and tongue centuries ago in the Eastern or and many others, said in A employ.” Greek church. This shows us Functional Art: Reflections that what unites us is greater Of A Hymn Writer that Secondly, confirming faith. than what divides. hymn singing has a threefold Often our understanding and purpose: praising God, grasp of Christian belief is confirming faith and uniting us shaped by the hymns we sing. in fellowship. I can’t think of a In the 1850s Dr R W Dale in better statement of why hymns Birmingham said: “Let me are valued. write the hymns of a church, and I care not who writes the Firstly, praising God. In theology.” Years ago Mrs C my days as an incumbent I F Alexander wrote hymns as always felt the first hymn in a way of helping her Sunday any service needs to be God- School children to know what focused, not about me and Christian belief and the Creeds my needs, however pressing. were about. That was the So, for example, “Praise, my reasons for hymns like “All soul, the king of heaven” is things bright and beautiful”, better than “I need thee every about God as Creator, and hour”. We always have much “There is a green hill far away”, God to praise as one known about Jesus and the Cross. to us in three ways (Father, ISSUE 28 29 Steady support An update of FSW’s work by Martin Auton-Lloyd. CEO of FSW

IT’S A FAR from normal start Every month, families who more than 300 families across to the new year but work need one are sent a food the diocese and we can only carries on for FSW, albeit box from FSW. It contains do that because you are there with a few changes. enough basics to give a family for us. of four some 20 meals in the Usually at this time it is As we receive donations of food, month plus breakfast cereals, looking forward, planning toys and money, we know that tea, coffee, biscuits, snacks, events to raise funds and they are sent with love, prayers, tinned fruit, cleaning products, activities for families, and a deep sense that each one toiletries and sanitary organising staff days and of us wants something better products to help make the seeking opportunities to for the families. For the staff, family budget go further. meet supporters and engage knowing there are hundreds new ones. Life is different but In the last nine months, we of our supporters praying for FSW must still plan and work have made 1,037 deliveries of us on a regular basis does give towards returning to “normal” food plus 91 free-range turkeys us the strength to adapt and while accepting that things at Christmas and a further change but most importantly could change – again – at the 1,500 plus emergency top-up it gives us the strength to be drop of a hat. bags. a constant presence for the families we support. Change is something the In February, every food box families of FSW have come to will contain some form of accept during 2020. FSW has craft or activity pack, in adapted its way of working so March every child will get a it can still engage with them book for World Book Day and when, and how, they need it. every mother will get a gift For some families that is via for Mothering Sunday and of social media, for others it has course, we hope to be able to been walks in the park, on the send Easter Eggs in April. seafront or the Downs so they Our fuel fund is supporting could talk and find emotional families who struggle with support. their bills to ensure this time Parents have shown a great at home is not only safe but sense of strength and at times they are all warm and have been amazing in how they enough fuel to cook food. have coped. So too have our As we give this practical practitioners. Since March 23 support, our practitioners are last year, our 11 practitioners there with the family, helping have made 2,339 “visits” by them to move on, supporting phone, app or in person and them as they try to overcome have worked with an average the challenges they face. of 288 adults and 295 children Currently we are supporting each month. 30 FAITH IN SUSSEX On a mission to work together THE education team is preparing to launch its “Growing Partnerships” document, aimed at developing a joint approach to mission between schools and their parish churches.

Did you know there are Director of education When Rev Paul Doick 37,000 pupils in our Church Trevor Cristin said: accepted the invitation of England schools across “Growing Partnerships is to be interviewed for the Diocese of Chichester? designed to be a positive the Parish of Henfield They are spread over 155 resource for schools and with Shermanbury and schools. Such a wide reach churches as they explore Woodmancote, one of the gives the church a unique the future together. It is not things that excited him was opportunity to engage with supposed to be a tick list or the presence of a Church of the community in a daily, even a defined programme England School. meaningful way. but rather we think it will Paul, who is also rural dean offer ideas and stimulate We see strong evidence of of Hurst and chairman conversations that will effective work across the of the Diocesan Advisory take God’s mission in our diocese with many schools Board, said: “Almost seven parishes forward even and members of the clergy years later the relationship further.” working closely together. between the church and This has a real impact on the school still excites the localities they serve. me, particularly as our “The school partnership has grown in The purpose of Growing that time. And I think that Partnerships is to offer community are the word ‘relationship’ really a framework and a set does highlight what makes of ideas to guide and now very much any partnership special. challenge schools and aware that clergy as they seek to work together even further. the clergy It is based on the good are there practice we have found and it builds upon those firm for them.” foundations. ISSUE 28 31

“As the rector I’m involved in “Before the pandemic we the life of the school every have been able to invite week, and not just because children and their families I am the chairman of to events in church like ‘Art governors. Of course, I lead In Advent’. This fantastic ST PETER’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HENFIELD collective worship (the largest event involved the children congregation I get!) but I have creating some wonderful art also helped interview for both at school which was displayed values is respectful and we our headteacher and deputy around the church. Parents have linked that to Romans head and I and my foundation were invited to view the art 12.10, ‘…love one another with governor colleagues have after they had picked their mutual affection; outdo one helped develop a distinctively children up and we could offer another in showing honour’. Christian vision for our school. them refreshments. We also School and churches can work And that vision is expressed so invited the children to come together more effectively wonderfully in the words of our and experience a labyrinth when they do just that. It takes mission statement, ‘unlocking prayer space in church that time and of course, and as the potential in everyone’. we were using for a parish I have already said, much week of prayer and this was “The Church of St Peter’s and prayer, but I would not have it wonderfully received. Prayer its school share the symbol of any other way. weeks in school and prayer the crossed keys, and it was in the playground have all “The Growing Partnerships that which helped us to reflect been possible because of document will be circulated on what we want for everyone our growing relationship and early in the new year and over involved in our life together. partnership. the coming months there will Unlocking the potential of any be information sessions with church school requires hard “The school community are our archdeacons and rural work and vision by staff and now very much aware that the deans and training sessions governors alike, but it also clergy are there for them. They aimed at both clergy and needs much prayer and a know we pray for them and headteachers so that the key sharing of values. they know we are there to be messages can be shared and a listening ear. Both school “We have found that works the good practice that we and church are important best when we share in see in place built upon. The organisations in a village things together and we have education team hope that community and what better done that by opening up this will be an important lever recognition can any rector get the church to more school for development and growth when so many of the children services. A good example in partnership as we all seek wave and shout hello in the was the decision to move our to see God’s mission in our street. Christingle service from a parishes grow across the Sunday afternoon to make it “I wouldn’t say that our diocese.” the final school service before partnership is perfect. There The Growing Partnerships Christmas. is so much more to be done. launch will culminate in the But the church community “Almost 400 children, headteachers’ conference is beginning to see that the rather than 50, now get to at the Ashdown Park Hotel, school is theirs and the school experience that worship, even Forest Row, in the summer community is beginning to if some staff are worried months. acknowledge that the church about candles. is theirs too. One of our school 32 FAITH IN SUSSEX CATHEDRAL NEWS

Reflections on a time like no other

IN A YEAR like no other, Chichester Cathedral’s celebrations for Advent and Christmas were also like none experienced before. Under the banner of Drop Down, Ye Heavens – referring to the ancient Advent antiphon Rorate caeli “Drop down ye heavens, and let the skies pour down righteousness” –the cathedral found innovative ways to reach the community, the diocese and beyond to share the comfort and joy of Christmas.

Carol services The Chichester Nativity the Nativity story for 2020 in an immersive photographic With limited seating capacity In mid-December, the installation in the style of a and public singing prohibited, cathedral unveiled The renaissance tableau. the cathedral presented both Chichester Nativity, a major a pre-recorded and live- art installation which heralded Characters in the scene were streamed carol service. The the heroes of the Covid-19 drawn from local organisations, pre-recorded service – A Carol pandemic from the local charities and medical services Service from Chichester – had community and across East and paired symbolically to subtitles and was available on and West Sussex. Created by the roles within the Nativity. the cathedral website and was visual arts adviser and curator Participating organisations also distributed to care-homes, Jacquiline Creswell and artist included BBC Radio Sussex, schools and other local groups. and photographer Ash Mills, it the Bell Tower Drop-In, was a unique presentation of Chichester District Food Bank, ISSUE 28 33

Chichester Festival Theatre, Exploring the Bible at Christian insights have much Heart, Sanctuary In Chichester, Chichester Cathedral: to offer in response to this Stagecoach, Stonepillow, The New Testament deeper challenge and they Wellington Grange and are explored in this series of Join an online exploration of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Lent Lectures given by Canon the New Testament. There are Foundation Trust. Dr Peter Sills based on his six sessions, each lasting an book, Light In The Darkness: The project was an immense hour, and participants are sent Exploring the path of Christian success which received optional reading and online hope. excellent feedback. resources for private study The lectures will be given on Online resources to accompany their progress through course. Thursdays during Lent at 10am, Throughout Advent the followed by time for questions, Led by the cathedral , cathedral provided a daily ending by 11.30am. Recordings the Reverend Daniel Inman, online calendar of reflections, will be made available each session is a lecture with art, music and spiritual afterwards. powerpoint but with space resources. for questions at the end. Lent Bible Study: The Advent on Even if you can’t join in on The Letter Of St James December 6 was one of many the day, videos are available live-streamed services. Others subsequently for those who Lent is a time for pondering included the cathedral carol sign up. how we respond to God’s service, First Evensong of call in our lives and what it Christmas, Midnight Mass and Lent Lectures 2021: means for our faith to make a the Christmas Day Eucharist. Who do you say that I am? difference to the way we live. Resources accessed from home Christian perspectives for Alongside our Lent Lectures included activities for children shaping the new normal and the New Testament and families, exploring the Course, the cathedral is The pandemic presents us story of the Nativity. There offering small Bible study with many challenges. The were even Christmas craft groups on Zoom during medical challenge is the most videos presented by cathedral Lent focusing on a book that urgent, but behind it there is a chancellor Dan Inman in his explores some of these themes widespread sense that things best “Blue Peter” style. in the New Testament: The cannot go on as before, from Letter Of James. Zoom in to learn the way we value key workers to cherishing values such as All you need is a Bible (and an THE cathedral is running self-sacrifice and community optional cup of tea) in hand. online courses via Zoom that we had rather lost sight It is informal and relaxed and throughout the winter and of. We ask: “What will life all are welcome. There are Lent. They are open to all after Covid be like? What can five sessions lasting about an and further details, including we hope for? What values hour with about six people per pre-course reading and how will shape the new normal?”. group. to sign up, can be found on the learning section of the cathedral’s website. Sign up by February 15 for the Lent Lectures and Lent Bible Study. 34 FAITH IN SUSSEX

BOOKS AND REVIEWS BY CANON JOHN TWISLETON

LIVING IN LOVE AND FAITH

CHRISTIAN TEACHING AND LEARNING ABOUT SEXUALITY, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGES THE Living In Love And Faith (LLF) material “Of course, the question has been brought to the provides a wealth of resources for us to share top of the agenda by issues of identity, sexuality, together over the coming months, writes relationships and marriage. These have been the the bishop’s LGBT liaison officer Fr Andrew hot potato subjects in the life of the Church for Woodward. some time. Everyone is going to approach these issues with a degree of trepidation, anxiety and It begins with an introductory day for clergy on fear. Nobody escapes challenge of these questions. May 7, led by Dr Eeva John. The issues raised, as But the good news is that these new teaching we reflect on these resources, will touch us all in materials, Living In Love And Faith, have been various ways. The LLF book and accompanying born out of a profound experience of listening, material will encourage us to listen to one listening to scripture and listening to human another’s “stories” with dignity and respect. Such stories. encounters can broaden our own visions as we continue, in our diocese, to be built together into “Therefore, I have hope. Over the coming weeks the Body of Christ. While these conversations there will be a range of ways in which we can all may not be easy, with compassion and sensitivity engage in the listening process. You can start now we can celebrate the diversity revealed within the if you want to. The materials are all online here communities in which we are called to serve and and the videos provide a good introduction. The offer an inclusive welcome to all as we seek to live opportunity before us is not simply to sort out a out the good news of Jesus Christ. divisive issue and solve a problem, but to enter more completely into the richness of God’s grace.” The diocesan advocate for Living In Love And Faith is the Archdeacon for Brighton and Lewes Mirfield Publications 2019 £6.50 ISBN 978-0-902834-48-4 112pp . He said: “How do we live in love and faith? What a challenging question! It’s a question that in many ways Christians should probably ask every day. ISSUE 28 35

MAKING SPACE FOR GOD: GATEWAYS TO AN INVITATION THE DIVINE NICOLAS STEBBING & ANDREW MAYES PHILIPPA EDWARDS

THIS is a profound exploration of both the soul “DON’T just do something, stand there!” By of Jerusalem and the human soul and how we reversing this common saying the authors get transformed into what we were made to be. capture the standing still of monasticism in This accessible book highlights age-old spiritual the midst of the world’s busyness. Nicolas CR disciplines, invites friendship across faiths while and Philippa OSB use the image of making affirming God’s unique showing of his face in space to capture the invitation to stability, Jerusalem and its missionary implications. Andrew conversion of life and obedience in the Rule of Mayes takes us to the Jerusalem he is familiar with, St Benedict. The authors draw out the meaning its prayer and passion, opening up testimonies of “conversion of life” as “trying to discover how across faiths, using the city gates as a device to our lives need changing and doing what we can frame his book on transformative spirituality. It to put those changes into effect”. Christianity provides a confident, challenging exploration of is presented as pathway to deeper humanity contrasting spiritualities within Jewish, Muslim with monasticism as an icon of the communal and Christian faiths and identifies common ideal set out for us in acts chiefly lived out in themes like the invocation of divine names, the families and churches. This short book would importance of the heart and the role of the body in suit enquirers about the religious life and a wider prayer. circle of spiritual enquiry.

Cascade Books 2020 £17 ISBN 978-1725260412 170pp Mirfield Publications 2019 £6.50 ISBN 978-0-902834-48-4 112pp

CARL was reading the letter of Romans while on a train and was struck by how many of the well-known and popular Bible verses were in eight. He realised that this chapter of the Bible had some significant truths about our identity as Christians and wanted to explore further how this chapter could help new Christians to learn some of the vital lessons about our identity. What Carl has sought to do through this book, is to write an accessible resource to equip Christian disciples with some tools for how to approach their scripture reading. Jim Partridge, author of the foreword, writes: “[Through this book] we get to ‘taste’ the goodness of these words and as we do we develop SAVED, ADOPTED, a fuller understanding of who God is, who we are as His children and FREE: LIVING THE what it means to be adopted into His family. Something we all need to ROMANS 8 LIFE grasp to a greater degree.”

CARL SMITH WITH Carl Smith is Rector of St Mary’s, Slaugham and St Mark’s, Staplefield FOREWORD BY Common JIM PARTRIDGE Independently published SBN-13: 979-8578426919 191pp, paperback £7.99