THE SEPTEMBER 2017 See MAGAZINE JOURNAL OF DIOCESE : THE IN LANCASHIRE The official retirement service for the of memories of my time as Bishop of Lancaster and Lancaster, Rt Rev. , took place on a I give thanks to God for His call and His Cathedral Saturday in mid-July at . sustaining grace. Bishop Geoff was joined by The Lord Lieutenant of “I have mixed emotions on this day and I also Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth; members of the want to thank God for the friendship and farewell for Bishop's Leadership Team; current and retired fellowship Jean and I have enjoyed across the from across the Church of England; clergy Diocese.” and parishioners from around the Diocese and old Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. , Bishop Geoff colleagues and friends from previous roles he has commented: “Bishop Geoff fulfilled throughout his long career in ministry. has given a lifetime of service to the Church, The service followed a dinner at Whalley Abbey including more than a decade as Bishop of (the Diocesan Retreat and Conference Centre in Lancaster. I am so grateful for his support during the Ribble Valley) the previous Thursday for my first few years in the role of Diocesan Bishop. current and past members for the Bishop’s His experience has been invaluable.” Leadership Team, including the former Bishop of Bishop Geoff’s other episcopal colleague in the Blackburn, Rt Rev. Nicholas Reade; the former Diocese, Rt Rev. , , Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. and the added: “Bishop Geoff’s passion for the Gospel, his former of Blackburn, The Venerable boundless enthusiasm and his passionate care for John Hawley. the clergy and lay people in his care have all The Cathedral was contributed to a very precious ministry of love packed and dozens of across Lancashire.” After the service Bishop Geoff (centre with Liverpool pictures from across After FC scarf) lines up with (l-r) Archdeacon Michael; Bishop Geoff’s long 43- presentations Bishop Philip; Bishop Julian; Jean Pearson; year career in ministry of gifts, he Archdeacon and The , were shown on screens and Jean left Peter Howell-Jones in the nave as people the Cathedral arrived. to the strains Bishop Geoff and his of ‘You’ll wife Jean chose to have Never Walk a more informal ‘songs Alone’ - the of praise’ style service famous with favourite hymns anthem of his interspersed with beloved Wearing the scarf of his Jean Pearson, Bishop recollections and Liverpool FC. beloved Liverpool FC Bishop Geoff’s wife, with one of reflections from the The couple Geoff Pearson and his wife their grandchildren, couple, who were joined will retire to Jean, left the Cathedral by many family Rainhill in his Joseph, during the together to the strains of ‘You’ll A collect of Bishops! At the retirement dinner for members including their native retirement service Never Walk Alone’ Bishop Geoff (third from right) at Whalley Abbey are grandchildren. Liverpool. pictured with current and former Bishops (l-r) Bishop You can watch a video of highlights from the  Also in July Bishop Julian wrote to parishes John (retired Bishop of Burnley); Bishop Julian (the service on the Diocesan YouTube channel which and schools across the Diocese about the Bishop of Blackburn); Bishop Cyril (retired Bishop of also features a farewell message from Bishop appointment of a new Bishop of Lancaster. Doncaster and former Director of Training for Geoff. Pictures from the event are also available to He said: “I have been given permission by the Blackburn Diocese); Bishop Philip (the Bishop of view on the Diocesan Flickr feed. Search online for Dioceses' Commission to appoint a new Burnley) and Bishop Nicholas (retired Bishop of ‘YouTube’ or ‘Flickr’ and ‘Blackburn Diocese’. Bishop to the See of Lancaster. I am very Blackburn) On the Diocesan website in the news section you grateful to everyone across the Diocese who can also read the farewell interview with Bishop has fed into and helped in the process of Geoff and the Bishop’s own personal reflections of presenting our case for a new Bishop. We plan “Please make this a matter for your prayers; his time in ministry. to advertise for interest in the vacancy this that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit to appoint the person who is being called to take Bishop Geoff said: “I have some wonderful September and interviews will take place at the end of November. on this significant responsibility.”

Would you like to think about how your church can Monday 2nd October – St Aidan’s Bamber Bridge witness through words and deeds and help to Tuesday 3rd October – Church of the Ascension – Resourcing for transform its community, writes Stephanie Rankin, Torrisholme Parish Development Resources Officer. Wednesday 4th October – Trinity Community effective witness Organised by the Parish Mission Support Church, Accrington Monday 6th November – Whalley Abbey Department and Together Lancashire, the th ‘Transforming Communities: Witnessing Through Tuesday 7 November - Holy Trinity South Shore, Word and Deeds’ evening will offer some advice Blackpool. about how you can get to know the needs of your Refreshments will be available from 7pm and the local community. evenings will start at 7.30pm. Come as a group There will also be opportunity to understand how from your parish or team so that you can discuss resources produced by HOPE (the catalyst together and return ready to put the suggestions organization that brings churches together to into action. To book, please see details under the Events listings on www.blackburn.anglican.org or House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn BB1 transform communities) can help you think about a 2QE from 10.30am. More information and rhythm of mission for your parish. email siobhan. [email protected]  And remember a Communications and booking links on the Diocesan website events The same format is taking place on five dates and Marketing Advice Day also takes place around calendar or email in five different places to ensure as many people as the same time as these mission events; [email protected] to possible can attend. October 7 at the Diocesan Offices, Clayton book a place or places.

The See can also be found on the Diocesan Website: www.blackburn.anglican.org under News, or scan the ‘QR code’ on the back page with your smartphone to be taken to the Diocese website page which contains the current and archive editions of The See. COMMENT: BISHOP PHILIP / NEWS ‘Why did God make wasps?’ I well wasps? Why should they be wiped out remember the absolute fury with which I on a whim just because we humans Even wasps are was once asked that question by a 13 don’t like them? Isn’t it just as much year-old member of my youth group: their world as ours? God’s creation! ‘What’s the point of wasps?’ Lying behind that girl’s questions was a It’s a good question, especially in these view of the world that puts humankind lazy days of late summer when wasps right at the centre of it. Her presumption seem to hang round every ice cream, was that this world is basically ours, sandwich or jam scone. And to be honest made for us by God, and other creatures it’s a question I very much sympathise only have point or purpose in so far as with because I seem to have a gift for they are of benefit to us. getting stung! It is the same attitude which ravages the My mother swears that when I was a earth in search of minerals, pollutes the boy, wasps used to seek me out to skies, destroys the rainforests and heats deliver their itchy blows. Twice I was the globe to the point that it will soon be species are as able to flourish as we are stung three times in a day, and one, in able to bear us no more. ourselves. the crook of my knee, still throbs to this God made us to be part of this creation, So let’s give thanks for the wasps. They day! If God made everything, why did he not to dominate it and certainly not to might be a nuisance, but they remind us bother with these nasty, vicious little destroy it. The word used in the Bible is of an important truth. This world is insects who seem to bring only misery ‘stewards’. We have a responsibility for God’s, not ours. And all that He has and tears? Wouldn’t the world be better creation, but that doesn’t mean that we made has a right to flourish. off without them? are free to do with it as we like. Part of

From our human point of view, yes of that responsibility is to care for it, course it would. But what about the protect its diversity and ensure that all Bishop Philip

There is an exciting new discipleship  Responding in the power of learning programme starting in the Holy Spirit: spirituality, prayer Take the route September for lay people in and worship Blackburn Diocese, writes Mandy The modules are in different Stanton, Discipleship and Lay Ministry locations and on different to deeper faith Development Officer. evenings, so that as many people There will also be optional study skills sessions to The Routes of Faith discipleship as possible can attend at least help people to get the most out of the modules programme is for anyone who is one, and participants can do as and any reading they do, and introduce ‘theological interested in learning more about many or as few modules as they reflection’ (how to consider our own experience in their Christian faith. There are six wish. It is hoped the course the light of scripture and other faith resources, and modules, each lasting five weeks: modules will help people to: learn from this).  Remembering the people of God  Know the Scriptures better and the Old Testament;  Pray with greater depth and A programme flyer and application form are on the  Challenging the world and urgency new Diocesan website at www.blackburn. ourselves: ethics and mission in  Talk about their faith with anglican.org – search ‘Routes of Faith’ and paper the modern world; more confidence copies can also be sent out.  Following Jesus through the  Think about how we show For more information contact: New Testament; God’s love in action  Believing the teachings of the  Reflect on how our churches Mandy Stanton - email mandy.stanton@blackburn. Church: questions of faith and fit into today’s context anglican.org or phone 01254 503084 doctrine;  Consider their own Rosie Strachan - email rosie.strachan@blackburn.  Exploring our identity through participation in the Church anglican.org or phone 01254 503078 the history of our Church;

Leading children’s charity and adoption agency consistent throughout our history, which is that Adoption Matters is celebrating its 70th Anniversary children’s welfare and needs are paramount and 70 years of and telling its story via Twitter using the hashtag we aim for them to grow up in a secure and loving #adoptionmatters70 family who will best meet their long-term needs childrens’ futures The agency was formerly known as Blackburn and who can help them to reach their full Diocese Adoption Agency and Chester Diocesan potential.” Adoption Services. The two agencies merged in Whilst originating from a Church of England 2007 forming Adoption Matters. background, the agency now operates They have placed over 4,000 children with their independently of the church; however, it’s ethos ‘forever families’ in their 70-year history. and value base continues to inspire their work and they retain strong links with Chester and Blackburn Adoption Matters Chief Executive, Norman Dioceses as well as a partnership with the Christian Goodwin CBE, commented: “Our aim has remained charity Home for Good. For more information: www.adoptionmatters.org/ our-history/

PEOPLE AND PLACES Events entertainment and fun. The Mayor of Hyndburn Children from attended and the local MP sent a letter of support. The Spirituality Programme at The Church of Oswaldtwistle A total of £500 was raised to hold the event so it England in Lancashire's retreat and conference St Paul's was free. It was put on in partnership with AAWAZ, centre at Whalley Abbey in the Ribble Valley Church of an Asian ladies group and it was great to see continues this month. From September 11-13 at England Muslim and Christian people enjoying a really fun the Abbey the residential retreat entitled ‘Tales By Primary The Sea’ will be led by Rev Sally Ratcliffe and will School day out together. explore the gospel stories set on and around the handing over St Michael and All Angels, Ashton on Ribble. This Sea of Galilee. Cost is £125 full board. For further a cheque for Grade 2 listed church is a fine example of the work information and to book, please contact the Abbey £200 to the Oswaldtwistle Foodbank just before of Lancaster architects, Austin and Paley. It is open office on 01254 828400 or email the end of summer term. The children collected for the Heritage Open Day on Saturday 9 [email protected] 'Punctuality Pounds' all year where the class September 10am-4pm.For more information see: In addition to the Residential Retreats at Whalley with the best punctuality each week was www.stmichaelspreston.co.uk Abbey, a series of Spirituality Days costing £15 per awarded £5. The children agreed that half of Situations vacant or wanted their winning totals would be donated to a local person, including a soup and sandwich lunch, St Mary Magdalene Clitheroe has surplus early continue this month. On September 28, The charity, with the other half put towards an end of year treat. Mr Shaw and Ms Johnston who twentieth century oak church furniture to offer to Venerable , the Archdeacon of help run the foodbank (and are also school other churches in the Diocese: pulpit, carved Lancaster, will lead a day entitled ‘Psalms: Songs governors) accepted the cheque. tandem clergy stall, Communion rail with metal for Life’. For further information and to book, supports, several pews, two choir front desks, single please contact the Abbey office on 01254 828400 or shelf desk. Recipient to arrange collection. For email [email protected] From the further information contact the churchwarden Colin makers of The On September 20, as part of the Spirituality Scott, telephone 01200 424719, e-mail Real Easter Programme, Archdeacon Mark will lead a ‘Reading [email protected] Egg, The Day’ for clergy, starting and finishing with prayers. Meaningful St Mary’s Church in Mellor BB7 9SY, is seeking an The day is free and refreshments are provided but Treat Pack is a organist to play on the 1st and 4th Sunday each please bring your own lunch. For further new resource month at a 9:30am Communion Service. Further information and to book, please contact the Abbey designed to information can be obtained from Rev Charles office on 01254 828400 or email help with Jefferson on 01254 491464. Fees are open to [email protected] mission work on, and leading up to, the eve of All discussion and the vicar would be delighted to hear On the 9 and 10 September, from 10 am to 4 pm on Saints (Hallowe'en). from any musician who might be interested in the both days, St James Altham is repeating the Produced by The Meaningful Chocolate possibilities of working with the incumbent. enormous success of the 2016 Altham Angels Company, each box costs £30 (there are 30 packs Clergy updates Festival. This year they are hoping for even more per box - so £1 per pack). Each box also includes The Revd David John Hanson, Assistant at angels to be displayed around the village and will an ideas sheet for leaders. There is free delivery be repeating the Altham Angels Go competition. if ordered by September 30. Visit Christ Church, Chadderton, Oldham in the Diocese of Manchester, has been appointed Vicar of There will be various activities and also guided www.realhalloween.org for more details. tours of the ancient and historic church at regular Preston St Stephen and will be Collated by the intervals during the two days. For more information Whitegate Drive, Marton, Blackpool FY3 9PF. The Bishop of Blackburn and Inducted by the go to www.althamangels.co.uk or Guardian Band; "Last Night of the Proms" with on 1 October 2017 at www.facebook.com/althamangels guest soprano Jacqui Cookson. Sunday 10 3.00pm at Preston St Stephen’s. Becconsall Old Church, Becconsall Lane PR4 6RR. September at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 on the door or The Revd Julie Lesley Smith, Assistant Curate at Heritage Harvest on Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 ring Irene on 01253 791784 or St Paul's 01253 Emmanuel Saltburn and St Thomas and New September 2017 from 11am to 4pm. Fruit and veg, 692047. Marske in the , has been appointed Lancashire cheese, cakes, pies, preserves, plants, Higher Walton All Saints, Blackburn Road, PR5 4DB. Vicar of Barrowford St Thomas and Newchurch-in- etc. Ploughman's lunch tea and cakes available. For Coffee and cake mornings on 1st and 3rd Pendle St Mary and will be Instituted by the Bishop further information contact 01772 815352 or Wednesdays monthly from 10am to noon in the of Burnley and Inducted by the Archdeacon of 01772 814788. church. An opportunity to browse the newly Blackburn on 26 October 2017 at 7.30pm at Barrowford St Thomas. St Silas Parish Church, Preston New Road, launched library section where you can borrow, Blackburn BB2 6JP. On Tuesday 19 September at swap or buy any of the books available. Stephen The Revd Brian Whitley, who holds the Bishop’s 7.30pm, come and hear Dr Rowan Williams, former Houghton 01254 851202. Permission to Officiate in the Diocese, has been , and now Master of Higher Walton All Saints, Blackburn Road, PR5 4DB. appointed -in-Charge of Cockfield St Mary Magdalene College, Cambridge. Tickets £10, under On Saturday 7 October from 7.30pm, Rossendale with Lynesack St John the Evangelist and Evenwood 16s free, to include tea/coffee and cakes Scout Group Band. The venue is in the church. St Paul, in plurality in the . afterwards. Tickets by email stsilasorganfund@ Tickets: £8 adult, £4 under 16. Refreshments will The Revd Paul Kenneth Warren will be re- email.com and by phone, 07935 498060 and 01772 be provided during the interval. Welcome drink on licensed by the Bishop of Burnley as Priest-in- 312678 (Jean); or 01254 54991 (Carole). arrival. Telephone Stephen Houghton 01254 Charge of Silverdale St John on 4 September 2017 Lancashire Prayer Conference’s 8th annual 851202. at Warton St Oswald during the evening service gathering is on 30 September 2017 from 10am to God’s Garden, God’s Creation. St Luke’s, being held there. 4pm, at the University of Cumbria, Bowerham Winmarleigh PR3 0LA, is celebrating a Harvest The Revd Ness Starkey retired as Vicar of Ingol St Road, Lancaster LA1 3JD. Keynote speaker is Bishop weekend. Saturday 16 September 11am-4pm and Margaret on 12 May 2017. Julian. Registration £3 from 9am. Please bring your Sunday 17 September noon-6pm. Talk about Lord The Revd Canon Michael Hartley will retire as Vicar own lunch. Sandwiches and drinks will also be on Winmarleigh on Saturday at 3pm. Harvest Festival of Freckleton Holy Trinity and Warton St Paul on 30 sale. Free hot drinks on arrival. Free parking. Service on Sunday at 11am. Harvest Supper at September 2017. Mike will step down from his role Theme is ‘Inspiring the Church to pray for Revival’. Winmarleigh Village Hall, Thursday 21 September as an Honorary Canon upon retirement but will Father Alex Frost and Rev Chris Krawiec (who at 7.30pm with local historian Paul Smith speaking become a Canon Emeritus. moonlight as the 'Jack and Krac' comedy duo) are about ‘Lancaster and Points South’. Tickets £8 and £5. It would be lovely to see you! The Revd Canon James Campbell Duxbury died on hosting a Christian Christmas Comedy Night for all 11 July 2017. His funeral was held at St Mary the family in early December at St Matthews St Silas Parish Church, Preston New Rd, Blackburn Magdalene, Clitheroe on 20 July 2017. Jim was Church Burnley. As well as Jack and Krac, two BB2 6JP. On Saturday 2 September at 10.30am; ordained in Liverpool Diocese where he served his professional comedians will be entertaining and it is coffee and biscuits, with Organ and Trumpet music Curacy before moving to Lichfield Diocese. Jim an opportunity to invite friends and family who from 11am, played by Gordon Blackledge and Ian came to the in 1985 where he perhaps don't usually come to church. Bishop Julian Hunter, both of St George's church, Chorley. was Vicar of Padiham until 2001 and was made an and Archdeacon Mark will be the guests of honour Entrance £5, in aid of the recently restored organ. Honorary Canon in 1997. He was Chairman of the with more details coming in the autumn. In the St Andrew's Church in Accrington held an event Property Committee 1997-2001. meantime contact Fr Alex directly on 07814 05219 recently to which they invited all the people who The Revd Graham Piper and the Revd Peter Massey or via email at [email protected] lived in our parish. They had 250+ adults and have been granted the Bishop’s Permission to A concert is being held at St Paul's Church, children who enjoyed an afternoon of Officiate in the Diocese.

NEWS News? Feedback? [email protected] During July, Ben Green (the new Diocesan Youth discover their leadership style, gifts and Advisor) and I met around 50 Vision Champions at subsequently the areas of church life they are most Champions offer a number of gatherings around the diocese, writes suited to serving. Session One: What is Christian Dave Champness, Diocesan Vision Coordinator. Leadership All About? Session Two: What Does a Our time was spent hearing stories from the Vision Christian Leader Look Like? Session Three: What Do encouragement Champions, both encouragements of where new Christian Leaders Do? Session Four: Keeping Going activities are being trialled and working, and also a As a Leader small number of challenging contexts where PCCs Monthly lay-led service (Hurst Green) – with and/or congregations are currently not open to bacon butties! change. Friday Praise (St Nicholas School, Accrington) – Here are just some of the many examples that continues to meet four to five times per term at were shared at the meetings . . . 3.45pm on a Friday in the school hall Pop-up Bible study (Mitton) – held fortnightly, Working with county schools (Leyland St John) – moves around café/pubs in the Whalley area. Led volunteers hear children read, run lunch time clubs by a retired priest using Daily Bread material. Joint and support collective worship using the ‘Open The with Baptists, with around 15 attendees Book’ material Parish nursing scheme (Scorton) – Ecumenically Working with church schools (Mawdesley) – summary of the Rooted in the Church' funded, reaching isolated people in a rural setting listened to the children’s council to find out what findings in the Vision 2026 section of the new they would like to see in church. diocesan website http:// Vicar visibility (Blackpool St Mary) – Prayer tent at www.blackburn.anglican.org/children-young- a community event with the vicar available for Please contact me at dave.champness@ people-and-schools. Ben is available to speak prayer blackburn.anglican.org if you would like to find out to parish leadership/PCCs about the research Community listening exercise (Fulwood Christ more about of these activities from the relevant and what that might mean for youth work in Church) – including videoed ‘vox pops’ of passers- Vision Champion. your local context. As a result of this year's by  At the events, Ben Green, pictured right, also Youth/Confirmation camp being over- Grace notes (Longridge) – weekly music/singing talked about his role and the outputs of some subscribed, Ben and the Diocesan Board of activity in local care homes 2016 national church research called ‘Rooted Education team are planning on running a in the Church’, about the factors that can help second camp in September 2018 in addition to Identifying and nurturing leaders (Bispham) – A to keep young people continuing their the usual June date. More details are available four session course, written by Damian Platt (Vicar, discipleship journey through their teenage from www.bd education.org.uk/youth/events Christ Church, Thornton) aimed at helping people years and beyond. You can find a short video

Whalley Abbey Fellowship members gathered in completed. force for the organisation’s AGM held recently at The group also discussed and decided to change Fantastic support the Abbey in the Ribble Valley, which is the Retreat their name to Friends of Whalley Abbey. “We hope and Conference Centre for the Diocese. that this change might encourage more people to for Whalley Abbey The meeting was preceded by Communion in the St join,” said Rev. Webber. Bernard Chapel, and was followed by lunch in the Forthcoming dates for the diary include a Quiet Day Abbey dining room. Members are pictured below on September 23, led by Michael Meehan and a rates and more information about the group can be on the steps of the Retreat and Conference House. Coffee Morning on Tuesday October 17 from 10am found on the Abbey website Chaired by the Rev. Toby Webber, the AGM to 12 noon. www.whalleyabbey.org under the ‘Home’ menu.  considered a wide range of business, including a A concert by St Christopher’s School Choir will be Also pictured below right recently at Whalley thanks from the Chair for the considerable financial on a date yet to be confirmed. Abbey are members of the village’s Britain in Bloom team who kindly volunteer to help keep support, some £61,000, given by members that has Members enjoy free admission to the grounds on enabled work on the courtyard wall to be the extensive gardens and borders at the all but a few days each year. Details of membership Diocesan Conference Centre up to scratch. When working at the Abbey they go by the name ‘The Lavender Ladies’. The Abbey’s gardens are just a fraction of the hard work required to keep Whalley up there with the best blooming villages in the country!

Fellowship members gather together at the Abbey for their AGM

Members of the green- fingered team who enjoy making the Abbey gardens look fantastic. Helpful information about 'The See' Deadline Want to submit an article or event for inclusion in The See? Check the deadline on the left and email for [email protected] the We'll always do our best to feature what we receive. For the online archive; more information about deadlines and how to submit articles, visit the website October www.blackburn.anglican.org (search 'The See') or just scan the QR code on the right. edition Sight loss problems? Access the online version of the latest issue on the website and adjust the page size as required using the + and is - buttons on the right of the screen, or hold down the keyboard 'Ctrl' button and press the + or - key to adjust as required. September 3, The See is edited by Diocesan Communications Manager Ronnie Semley. 2017 For new orders of ‘The See; or to change delivery address or quantities received contact Karen Ashcroft on [email protected] or 01254 503070.