PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the May issue of The Link is 4pm TThhuurrssddaayy 77 AApprriill

India p6 - 7

A passage to India -Rev Canon Dr Phil Hesketh speaksabout an enrichingCathedral link inChennai

APRIL 2011

Preparations for Easter at BORAAnyone who has ever done aschool assembly will know thatno matter how good theillustration, no matter how goodthe gimmick, nothing beats agood story! Halls full of pupils sittransfixed, entranced as theyfollow the narrative, waiting tofind out what happens, or how itends, or who wins!

Luckily for us, one of the thingsChristianity has is good stories – none moreshocking, more controversial, and more

By Owen Smith, Chaplain

TThhiiss pphhoottooggrraapphh rreepprreesseennttss tthhee ccrroowwdd vvoottiinnggttoo ssaavvee eeiitthheerr JJeessuuss oorr tthhee mmuurrddeerreerr BBaarraabbbbaassffrroomm ccrruucciiffiixxiioonn.. WWee iimmaaggiinneedd tthhaatt ttooddaayy tthhiissddeecciissiioonn mmiigghhtt hhaavvee bbeeeenn mmaaddee bbyy aa vvoottee..

TThhiiss pphhoottooggrraapphh sshhoowwss JJeessuuss ddrreesssseedd iinn ppuurrppllee.. TThheeyy ddrreesssseedd hhiimm iinn ppuurrppllee ttoo mmaakkee hhiimmllooookk lliikkee aa kkiinngg,, aanndd ttoo bbeelliittttllee hhiimm..

TThhiiss pphhoottooggrraapphh sshhoowwss JJeessuuss bbeeiinngg ppuutt oonnttoo tthhee ccrroossss.. HHiiss hhaannddss aanndd ffeeeett wweerree nnaaiilleedd oonnttootthhee ccrroossss.. TThheeyy ddiidd tthhiiss ttoo HHiimm bbeeccaauussee hhee hhaadd bbeeeenn ssaayyiinngg hhee ccoouulldd ttaallkk ttoo GGoodd,, aanndd tthheeyytthhoouugghhtt hhee wwaass aa ccrriimmiinnaall.. HHee wwaass ccrruucciiffiieedd nneexxtt ttoo ttwwoo tthhiieevveess..

Standing in the corridor one morning one ofmy Year 8s pointed to the cross on the walland asked me, “Why’s it not got that blokeon it?” It took me a moment to understandwhat he was asking but it soon struck methat somewhere along the line he’d seen acrucifix and had assumed that all crosseslooked like that.

I tried my best to explain that the crosswas empty as a reminder that Jesus rosefrom the dead – that He is no longer on thecross. However, this answer clearly did notsatisfy him. My questioner was thenconfused about why Christians should placesuch importance on an empty cross – onsomething where someone used to be. Ionce again tried to explain that Jesus’absence from the cross representedsomething very important to Christians buthe was not to be swayed. For him, thesymbol was only complete with Jesushanging upon it. And maybe, in many ways, Icould see what he meant.

Perhaps a balance is needed, especiallyat Easter. We need to recognise that it wasour sins that placed Jesus on that cross –that it was for us that he hung there. Yet weneed to remember that that was not wherethe story ended. We must not be too quickto take Jesus off the cross but we shouldalways be ready with an answer to thequestion “Why’s it not got that bloke on it?”

emotive than the story of the eventssurrounding Easter. The challenge forchurches is to find new opportunities to tellthis story to a generation who just don’t know it.

As part of our preparations for Easter at theBishop of Rochester Academy, we asked asmall group of Year 8 and 9 pupils to worktogether to think about how they might depictthe events of the Easter story – a modern day12 Stations of the Cross. Here are some ofthe photographs they took.

The photographers were Nadine Gordon,Des French, Katie McGarrigle, Taylor Rafferty,Richard Gatter, Jordan Bell, and NathanSpeed

TThhiiss pphhoottooggrraapphh sshhoowwss PPoonnttiiuuss PPiillaattee vvoottiinngg ttoo kkiillll JJeessuuss.. AAlltthhoouugghh iitt wwaass tthhee ccrroowwdd tthhaatthhaadd cchhoosseenn ttoo ssaavvee BBaarraabbbbaass aanndd kkiillll JJeessuuss,, PPiillaattee hhaadd tthhee ffiinnaall ssaayy.. HHee wwaass wwoorrrriieedd tthhaatttthhee ccrroowwdd mmiigghhtt rriissee uupp aaggaaiinnsstt hhiimm iiff ddiissaaggrreeeedd wwiitthh tthheemm..

2 ochester Link

What’s onAprilSaturday 2 AprilBROMLEY – Stellar String Quartet play a programme ofworks by Haydn and Smetana at 1930 at St Mary’sChurch. Admission £6 on the door.

Sunday 3 AprilROCHESTER – Soup and line dancing at St Peter’sChurch 1830 – 2100 to raise funds for First Step Drop inCentre and Emmaus Medway. Bring own refreshments.

Saturday 9 AprilROCHESTER – Lost Voices: Transforming brokenrelationships through listening, healing and reconciliationled by Rev Dr Russ Parker at St Justus Church 0930 –1600 Tickets £10 from Maggie Curtis 01634 400104.

HAYES – Hayes Philharmonic Choir will perform Bach,Handel and Boyce at 1945 at Hayes Free Church. Tickets£10, concessions £8, children £2 from 020 8654 6712or on the door. www.hayeschoir.com.

BROMLEY – Singing workshop at St Mary’s Church1430 – 1730. Suitable for regular and new singers.Contact Peter Fall 020 8464 1239.

Saturday 16 AprilKIPPINGTON – Rochester WATCH sponsors asymposium at St Mary’s Church at 1030. Four couples willshare their experience of ordained ministry. Starting at0930 with a Eucharist.

WELLING – BCU Life Skills Centre 18th AnnualChurches Walk starting at 1000 at St John’s Church,Welling. Final refreshments at Pincott Hall. Lunchtime stopat Holy Redeemer, Sidcup. Contact George or RhetaBirchall 020 8303 8089.

Palm Sunday 17 AprilROCHESTER – ‘Follow that Donkey’ – a procession witha real donkey starting at St Margaret’s Church at 1020and finishing at St Peter’s Church. Contact 01634848900.

GILLINGHAM – Service of Penance and Reconciliation atSt Luke’s Church at 1700. All welcome.

Good Friday 22 AprilROCHESTER – Family fun and crafts at Easter-Fest, St Margaret’s Church 1100 – 1300. Contact 01634848900.

FARNBOROUGH - Performance of Faure Requiem at St Giles' Church at 1930.

BROMLEY – St Mary’s Festival Singers perform ArthurSomervell’s ‘The Passion of Christ’ at 1930 at St Mary’sChurch. Admission is free.

Wednesday 27 AprilANERLEY – ‘Behold the Man’ a challenging series ofteachings on Jesus over 12 sessions consisting of a 40minute DVD by the late Dr Pryor on Wednesday evenings1945 – 2145 at Christ Church. To book contact TeresaCottrell 020 8680 9282.

Saturday 30 AprilBROMLEY – Lewisham Concert Band present ‘Y VivaEspana’ at 1930 at St Mary’s Church. Programme ofSpanish and Iberian music. Admission £6 on the door.

WATERINGBURY – Grand Annual Plant Sale and a craftstall at the Church of St John the Baptist 1000 – 1600.Contact 01622 813032.

The Bishop of Rochester,The Rt Rev James Langstaff

Fri 1 & Sat 2 Deanery Visit: ErithSunday 3 AM Mothering Sunday Service: CrayfordMonday 4 All Day National meeting with Roman Catholic

BishopsTuesday 5 AM Meeting Bexley Borough CouncilWednesday 6 All Day Bishop’s Staff MeetingThursday 7 AM Employed Youth & Children’s Workers

CommissioningSunday 10 AM Confirmation: St John, HildenboroughTuesday 12 PM Bishop’s CouncilThurs 14 & Fri 15 Deanery Visit: RochesterSunday 17 AM Preside & Preach: St Peter & St Paul,

AylesfordPM Service of Penance & Reconciliation:

St Luke, GillinghamThursday 21 AM Maundy Thursday Service: Rochester

CathedralFriday 22 PM Good Friday Liturgy: St John,

SevenoaksSunday 24 AM Easter Vigil (and Baptism), Confirmation

and Eucharist: Rochester CathedralPM Preside & Preach: Borstal

Tuesday 26 AM Meeting the Chaplaincy Team at HMYOI Rochester

Weds 27 & Thurs 28 Deanery Visit: Sevenoaks

Out and about

Churches launch website Three churches in Blue Bell Hill, Walderslade andLordswood have launched a new websitewww.importantinformation.info to assist residents in thearea, as part of their service to the local community.Useful information about schools, travel, doctors,police, community and much more has been collectedand is presented in an easy-to-use way.

Art and Christian SpiritualityOn Saturday 4 June at Christ Church Orpington 10am– 1pm poet Sarah Fordham will share how she hasexperienced art and spirituality as ‘companions alongthe way’ of her own life. The talk will be followed by apractical poetry and art workshop with Sarah and artistSue Orange. For bookings contact 01634 560000 oremail training@rochester.anglican.org.

VariousROCHESTER –Annual Exhibition by local residents ofmemories of this corner of England. St Margaret’s Churchfrom 30 April – 2 May 1000 – 1700. Admission £1.

BECKENHAM – ‘The Experience’ at St John’s Churchfrom 19 April – 22 April. A unique way to experiencepeace, calm and stillness. 1000 – 2200. www.sjep.org.

WATERINGBURY – Lunches for Lent at the Church of St John the Baptist on Wednesdays 6, 13 April 1230 –1400. Soup, sandwiches and drinks available. Contact01622 813032.

MEOPHAM –A Meditation Service at 1330 on GoodFriday, an Easter Sunday Dawn Service plus HolyCommunion at 1130 followed by an Open Day tocelebrate Holy Week at St Mildred’s Church. On EasterMonday the church is open 1100 - 1500 for quiet prayerand reflection.

SEVENOAKS - Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke's ChurchWednesdays at 1230 - retiring collection6 Poetry and Music for Lent 13 Emilie Capulet - Piano20 New Benedict Singers - a programme for Lent27 Dave & Gay Rae, aka Galliard – Acoustic Jazz

Guitar and Vocals

MaySaturday 14 MayKEMSING – St Mary’s Church challenge walk in theNorth Downs. Walk 11, 15 or 20 miles. Entry is £12adults, £5 under 18s including light refreshments and asandwich at the finish. Closing date for entries: 24 April.Contact Mike Cursons 01959 523135.

ORPINGTON - ‘Fatal Embrace’ a conference exploringthe role of Christians in pursuing peace in the Holy Landat Christ Church 0930 - 1530. Cost £15, closing date 1May. Contact the training department on 01634 560000or training@rochester.anglican.org.

Please email all What’s On information towhatson@rochester.anglican.org by the 7 April for MayLink.

Celebrate Harvest with a charity bringing hope toAfrica’s rural poor. Self Help Africa’s all NEW packhelps churches to plan their harvest festival. Completewith hymn and sermon suggestions, service outlines,children’s activities, stories from Africa and much morethe pack contains everything you will need for asuccessful harvest service. We can even provide aspeaker to visit your church and give a talk about ourwork in Africa. If you would like a free pack or a speakerplease call 01743 277170 or emailharvest@selfhelpafrica.org

Celebrate HarvestWaterAidEvery single day across the developing world, children areforced to give up things most of us take for granted. Theirtime. Their education. Their health. Simply because theydo not have access to safe, clean water.

Beauty, a mother from Kayola, Zambia, has no choicebut to use dirty water every day. Diarrhoea, caused by alack of proper toilets and clean water, killed her first-bornchild. Now she never stops worrying whether it will takeanother of her children.

Diarrhoea is the biggest killer of children in Africa.Every day, it takes the lives of more boys and girls thanAIDS, malaria and measles combined.To find out more information on how you can help visitwww.wateraid.org.

(RL 04/11)

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Bishop James reflects....

Walking with Christ

This month includes our annualwalk with Jesus through the days ofhis Passion to the joy of Eastermorning.

Across the Diocese we will be marking thisjourney in different ways, through traditionalliturgies and many other gatherings: marches,activity days for children, shared meals,musical performances, times of silence andjoyful celebrations. This annual observance iscentral to our Christian living, for walking withChrist in the way of his cross and resurrectionis above all else that which shapes us as hisfollowers. We are those who are to take upthe cross, and who are also to see ourselvesas having been raised with Christ: baptisedinto his death, we are to live a new life.

What might that actually look like in ourown lives and that of the church? That is aquestion that is beginning to go round in mymind as I continue the process of visiting thevarious deaneries and communities of ourDiocese. How is God calling us to live as thisparticular part of his Church - that communityof local churches joined together within theDiocese of Rochester? What might ‘living thenew life’ mean in terms of our mission andministry, our support for one another, our

engagement with our communities, ourparticipation in the life of the wider worldchurch?

These are some of the questions on which Iplan to reflect and prompt discussion at ourDiocesan Gathering on Saturday 21 May.This will be an important part of seekingGod’s vision for our shared life over thecoming years. At the same event, we will alsobe giving time to considering the issuesbehind the draft legislation for the ordinationof women as bishops – something on whichDeanery Synods will vote formally later in theyear, and the Diocesan Synod in October.We will also have a brief consideration of theproposed Anglican Communion Covenant,ahead of formal consideration early next year.

I especially encourage members ofDiocesan and Deanery Synods to attend theGathering, but it is open to everybody fromwithin the Diocese. These are importantissues for all of us, so I hope that many will beable to come and make their contribution tothe discussion. The gathering takes place atthe Sir Joseph Williamson’s MathematicalSchool, Rochester and the day opens at0900.

With my prayers and good wishes,

+James BBiisshhoopp JJaammeess PPhhoottoo bbyy LLoouuiissee WWhhiiffffiinn

The moment of crisisBy the Ven Simon Burton-Jones

Plenty of studies show how people need to control theirenvironment to feel secure. Thismakes responding to a crisis a truetest of character because it is notusually anticipated. The eventssurrounding the last days of Jesuswere just such a crisis. How, then,did his friends respond?

Judas was the first to crack. We can onlyspeculate about his motive but his decisionto betray a private friendship for personalgain put him in a position he was incapableof handling. The next line of failure wasfound in the sleeping disciples. While Jesuswas overwhelmed with the gravity of hisdestiny, they could not keep awake inGethsemane. When they woke to a crisis,they were unprepared. The resort to physicalviolence by Peter was the instinct of apanicky and fearful man. When it becameapparent that Jesus would not resist, theyran for it. When the options in a crisis areeither fight or flight and one of these is takenaway from you, there is no room formanoeuvre.

In fairness to Peter, his conscienceprevailed. His denial of Jesus was theheadline story but at least he was in thecourtyard. In a crisis where hard choicesneed to be made about personal safety orpublic heroism, some people cannot makeup their mind and hover fatally in-betweenwhere they put themselves at more risk of

harm than either the coward or the hero. Theharsh judgment of history appears to be thatPeter’s denial was worse than the fleeingdisciples.

The other thing about a crisis is the wayunexpected people enter the storyline. Thefemale followers of Jesus largely stayed withhim at the cross to his Godforsaken end. Theauthorities may not have seen them as athreat, but the emotional cost of watching afriend being tortured to death is beyondcalculation. And when the body of Jesus wastaken down, it was two peripheralacquaintances, Joseph and Nicodemus, whodignified his burial.

These last hours of Jesus are a story ofhuman weakness in the face of evil and awarning against hubris in following Christ.Until a moment of crisis comes, we cannot besure of the strength of our commitment. Yetwe have gained so much control over ourimmediate environment today that we can gofor long periods without our faith being tested.This is one reason why a correct response tothis story is one of silence and humility.

All those caught up in the final hours inJerusalem had genuine choices to make whichwould shape the future, but little time in whichto make them. At certain key moments in ourlives, this is true of us also. This story helps usto make our responses, but only if we resistthat depressing sense of fatalism which cangrip people during Holy Week: that the friendsof Jesus were always going to react the waythey did and nothing could have preventedthis.

Even when we make bad choices, the graceof God is there for us, as it was then. Thestory of the disciples quietens us as we seehow easy it is to make the wrong call underpressure, yet offers the encouragement thatGod still makes his strength perfect in thedemonstration of human weakness.

Perhaps when the time of trial arrives wecan be sure of only one thing: this Jesuswon’t desert us, won’t deny us and won’tdisappoint us. Such is the living God weworship this Easter.

Archbishop’s prayersfor the people of Japan

The Archbishop of Canterbury hassent a message of condolence to theAnglican Archbishop of Japan, theMost Rev Nathaniel MakotoUematsu, expressing support andprayers for the Japanese people atthis time.

The Archbishop said, “The news of thehorrific earthquake in Japan has shocked usall. We await further and more detailed newswith apprehension, but I want to sayimmediately that our hearts and our prayersgo out to all who have been affected and thatwe as a church will do what we can to offerpractical as well as spiritual support at thistime of great suffering and great anxiety for somany. A message of sympathy and supporthas already gone to the Anglican Archbishopof Japan, and we intend to keep in contactabout the crisis.”

Christian Aid will direct any donations for thepeople affected by the disaster in Japan totheir sister agency the Church World Servicethat is working with Japanese non-governmental organisations to providesupport there on the ground. To donate visitthe Church World Service website:www.churchworldservice.org orwww.christianaid.org.uk.

TThhee VVeenn SSiimmoonn BBuurrttoonn--JJoonneessPPhhoottoo bbyy LLoouuiissee WWhhiiffffiinn

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National RE celebration in Bromley schools

March has been designated as themonth for celebrating ReligiousEducation in schools. Bishop Justus(Bromley) organised a grandcelebration bringing together 5 C of E primary schools for anexciting afternoon event.

Attended by the Mayor of Bromley, CllrGeorge Taylor, and Alex Tear, Director ofEducation for the Diocese of Rochester, theBishop Justus event focussed on the theme ofEaster. 85 students from Years 6 and 7 wereinvited to participate in creative and thought-provoking workshops. An interactive musicpresentation and an array of Easter activitiesencouraged students to reflect on themeanings of Holy Week, including thecrucifixion and resurrection.

Primary pupils discussed statementsrelated to Easter past and present. Topicsincluded ‘Both of the thieves crucified with

Jesus went to heaven, not just the one whorepented’ and ‘Christmas is more importantthan Easter’.

The children debated important issues,which is a hallmark of teaching and learning inReligious Education. Each group thenselected a speaker to present the key pointsof their discussion to the assembly anddemonstrated excellent public speaking skills.

Diocesan Director of Education, Alex Tear,welcomed the event and acknowledged thehard work of teachers and students in makingthe celebration such a success: “Thecelebration is an excellent example of whatcan be achieved when schools, teachers andstudents work together. I would like tocongratulate all the schools involved in theevent”

Organiser of the Celebration and FacultyLeader, Steve Gallears, said, “I’ve been reallyimpressed with the students from each school- their attitude, behaviour and involvement inall activities was outstanding!”

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By Mary Vigar, Bishop Justus School, Bromley

Abigail Hiscock, a member of AllSaints Church Oprington, felt inawe of the ‘1.4 Billion Reasons’Global Poverty ProjectPresentation and wanted to bringit to the Church Hall, on 5 April.

Abigail said, “The concept of povertyvanishing is never going to happen but thereare 1.4 billion people who are living theirday on 79p. That is the cost of buying a pint of milk from Tesco and then having 5pleft over to buy everything else you need. 1.4 billion people have to make the decisionabout going hungry or letting their childrengo hungry, choosing food over AIDSmedication or educating their children. It isjust not a decision that people should behaving to make.”

Abigail explains the aim of the project,she said, “It is to inspire and activate peopleto get personally engaged in ending extremeglobal poverty. It is not specifically aboutfundraising but about little things you can

do. For example you could buy ethicallyproduced clothes and Fair Trade food. Peoplecan contact their MP to raise awareness ofthe issue and influence decision making at apolitical level.”

The presentation includes a mixture ofstatistics, film clips and interviews. Abigailsaid, “It needn’t cost people anything apartfrom 90 minutes of their lives to come alongto make a difference. I think it is ourresponsibility to find out just how the quality ofour lives contributes to making someoneelse’s life miserable. We can make smallchanges to change this for the better.”

The Global Poverty Project has set achallenge for All Saints to seat 100 people inthe church hall so everyone is invited! Abigailsaid, “This is about actually making adifference to real people and that’s why Idecided I had to do something about this.”

The presentation starts at 7:30pm at AllSaint’s Church Hall. Please RSVP to Abigailon 01689 898329 or emailAbigail.hiscock@tiscali.co.uk. Admission isfree.

For more information on The Global PovertyProject visit www.globalpovertyproject.comor to get involved with their Live Below theLine Campaign – a challenge to live on £1 aday visit www.livebelowtheline.org.uk

1.4 billion reasons to visit All Saints Church By Louise Whiffin

CE Primaries included : St Nicholas,Chislehurst; St John, Penge; St Paul, Cray,Orpington; St George, Bickley and ParishSchool, Bromley.

National Family Week aims to celebrate familylife in the UK and connect millions of familieswith the organisations, charities, good causesand services that support them.

David Cameron MP, Prime Minister said, "I am delighted to welcome National FamilyWeek. It’s full of practical ideas, and it will begreat to see organisations from all sections ofsociety join together to celebrate family life.”

For more information, visit:www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk. 020 78710189, fserman@nationalfamilyweek.co.uk Register your involvement online and benefitfrom free promotion through the Event Finder,as well as access to free brandedmerchandise such as posters, balloons,stickers and voucher booklets to help makeyour events all the more special. For furtherinformation on National Family Week, ideas,theme toolkits and other resources to supportyour involvement, please register for thePartner Zone.

National Family WeekCelebration of learning

Certificates in Lay Ministry were presentedto 11 students at a special service andaward ceremony on 6 March at St Andrew,Paddock Wood. Dr Ralph Norman fromCanterbury Christ Church University, gavean inspiring address, and with Dr IvanKhovacs, presented the awards to thestudents who were supported by friends andfamilies, their incumbents and course tutors.

In total 15 people were awarded acertificate. Brian Banks, Sarah Bullett,Terence Burton, Jan Foreman, JosephFranqueira, Susan Norton, Lisa Parker, MaryParlett, Lyn Wallington and Jane Withersgained a Certificate in Higher Education(Ministerial Theology) from Canterbury ChristChurch University, and Ken Gale, Linda Lee,Richard Percival, Julie Porter and Jill Renwickreceived Diocesan Certificates.

The lay ministry training programmerecently received a positive report from the

External Examiner who described theprogramme as offering ‘effective, integratedtraining which helps students makeconnections which are useful for ministry’,and she commended the ‘variety ofassessment methods which showed thatmany participants learned to engage withthe subjects at a deep level’.

By Alison CallwayMonday 30 May – Sunday 5 June

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A passage to India

Friendship and fellowship through the Gospel

The Rev Canon Dr Phil Hesketh speaks to Rochester Link about an enriching Cathedral link in Chennai

As a Church and Communityworker, Phil worked with thehomeless in Vauxhall, SouthLondon for over 4 years.

During this time he made his first visit toChennai (Madras) to visit his wife Sugina whowas working at a Leprosy Mission Hospital.After post graduate studies he did his curacyin the Canterbury Diocese and then becameVicar of St Stephen Chatham. During hisincumbency he led a group of 28 people toChennai to link with an educational and selfhelp organisation called Roofs for theRoofless. He came to Rochester Cathedral in2005.

The Rev Canon Dr Phil Hesketh has over25 years of links with Chennai. Phil first metthe Rev D.C Premraj (“Prem”) and his familyfrom the Church of South India in Battersea.Prem was returning to India to become theDean of St George’s Cathedral there. Philintroduced the Dean of Rochester Cathedral ,the Very Rev Adrian Newman, to Prem in2007 and a flourishing spiritual link betweenthe two Cathedrals was born. In 2008, Philarranged for Adrian and several members ofthe Rochester Cathedral Chapter with localbusinessman Mark Lucas to visit Chennai andexplore a link of friendship. One of the thingsthat the congregation in Chennai sought, wasfor three people to visit Rochester to learnsomething about the musical life of theCathedral. In June 2008, the ChennaiCathedral organist, a member of their choirand the young person responsible for keepingtheir organ working stayed with members ofthe Rochester Cathedral congregation. Thefriendship was flourishing and the Rochester

Cathedral team felt it was time to visitChennai and look for ways to further the links.At the time, the people in the village ofGudular worshipped in a tiny building with anenormous crack in the wall. Following aconversation with an elderly lady in Gudular,Ian Rouse, a member of the RochesterCathedral congregation said, “We must buildyou a new church!” and so a project wasborn. Working with the Chennai Cathedral,the project was successful in a context wherethe Dalit community is largely shunned, butthe Church in India is committed to workingwith them. It is probably impossible for us inthe West to really understand what it meansto be Dalit. This is a segregated section of thepopulation. They are not allowed to use thesame water as others or live in the sameareas and it is not unusual for these people tobe attacked, beaten, have acid thrown onthem or for the women to be raped. Phil said,“You feel enormously challenged but humbledby their incredible amount of faith, theirgenerosity of spirit and their willingness toshare. The way they live out their faith isinspirational.”

As the building project began to takeshape, it was decided that a multi purposebuilding was required. The Bishop of Madrashad a vision for a building which would be aplace for the elderly in the village to eat, orthey would go hungry, offer a small crèchefacility for working parents so that they did nothave to impose on elderly relatives for childcare and to provide a place for worship. Thenew building has achieved all of this, offeringa noon mid-day meal in the portico every dayand fresh water is now also piped into thevillage. A small house for the village catechist

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was also built. The Church of South Indiaopposes the Hindu ideology and, as a result,Christians are persecuted, though more in theNorth than in the South. Thousands of Dalitsare converting to Christianity and when theydo, they lose their tiny Government financialbenefit, since Christians are not entitled tothis. Hindu scripture says if you are Dalit, thenyou may have nothing to do with God. In ruralareas in particular, the caste system is stillvery prominent.

St George’s Cathedral congregation enjoysa lot of professional members and they arevery committed to poor people in ruralvillages. India is a place of extremes. It is oneof the fastest growing economies in the worldand yet also has grinding poverty. It’s a placeof paradoxes and extremes, of brutality andviolence, kindness and generosity.

There are a billion people in India, somelive in luxury and some sleep on the road oron the side of the river. Human life is cheap –it’s very uncomfortable for a visitor.Once Rochester Cathedral had made thecommitment for fund raising to build a newmulti-purpose facility and place of worship, IanRouse and Mark Lucas, both members of thecongregation, worked tirelessly as the mainfundraisers. Mark entered the Cannonball runand won it, donating his winnings to the fund!It took a year to build the centre at a cost of£38,000 – after an initial estimate of£20,000. The King’s School Prep inRochester made the project their fundraiserfor a year, and raised £5,000. St George’sCathedral in Chennai raised £7,000. Theprofessional doctors and nurses from Chennaialso decided to hold a medical clinic in thebuilding, and so they drive to the clinic once a

month. The Dalit people there now haveaccess to a medical facility for the first time.

The building was formally opened by theBishop of Madras with a dedication inNovember 2010. Phil said, “We planned tohave a baptism for 100 people in February2011. Unfortunately, the unseasonably heavyrain prevented a large number from attending,but I was still able to baptise around 50people in 40 degrees! I was honoured andhumbled.

“We have also been able to introduce thePresident of Rochester Rotary to the Rotary inChennai. They are determined to help youngpeople who have dropped out of education.The project is called, “Roofs for the Roofless”and we hope Rochester Rotary will be able toraise £5,000 for classrooms. I find I visitChennai open to the Spirit, wait upon Godand see what happens. Our other reason forthe visit was to see Prem and his wife and tryand work out where we go from here,because his Bishop will move him soon(clergy move every five years). We haveforged great friendship and fellowship throughthe Gospel. Although we have achieved manymaterial things, the groups who have visitedover the last five years say they have receivedmore than they thought possible by thegenerosity of the faith of others andchallenged their own faith. The pastors inChennai work extremely hard. They don’t havea day off but do take the hottest month of theyear – May, off.”

Paul and Jean Kerr also visited Chennai towork with evangelists in the village. Phil said,“This has been a fantastic link so far, reallywonderful. We’ll have to wait and see whathappens in the future.”

Photos by Darren Bramley

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We practise and teach Christiancontemplative meditation at residential and day courses

at our centre in Dorchester and atother retreat centres in the UK.

We use meditative sentences to still the mind, to focus our attention on God, and to serve as channels through which the power

of the Spirit can enter our hearts.Our members also gather in local groups. For further details please

contact:The Secretary, The Fellowship of Meditation

8 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1PW. Tel: (01305) 251396

E: fellowship.meditation@virgin.netW: www.fellowshipofmeditation.org

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All in a week’s workThe Rev Sue Brooks, College ChaplainBy Louise Whiffin

The Rev Sue Brooks is passionateabout her ministry at K College inTonbridge. After being a teacher for40 years, Sue was ordained in 2003and knew college chaplaincy iswhere she wanted to be.

Sue said, “There is a huge need forchaplains amongst youngsters at collegelevel. Some have come from split families and in the last two years we have had anincrease in the number of youngsters thrownout of their homes. They need someone tolisten to them.”

K College includes campuses at Tonbridge,Tunbridge Wells, Folkstone, Ashford andDover. Sue is currently organising a number ofchaplains from multiple faiths including Sikh,Buddist, Hindu and Muslim to support eachcampus.

Sue said, “There is a chaplaincy section onthe website (www.Kcollege.ac.uk) and also aconfidential prayer line on the email. Ifstudents or staff have a prayer request, theycan email me and I send the request out tomy volunteer prayers. My role involves beingthere for both students and staff. Sometimes

they just come and find me and occasionallypeople make appointments. One of theconditions of me being the chaplain was that Ihad to wear a collar, so I am always visible.“

Sue’s chaplaincy has a pastoral emphasisand students come to her with all sorts ofquestions. She said, “I am asked strangequestions like ‘are you a nun?’ Otherwise theytalk to me about sexual or relationshipproblems, grandparents dying or parentssplitting up. Sometimes they really just wantsomebody to listen who will say its okay andtell them they are important.”

At the Tonbridge campus there is a quietspace available to all where they can readcopies of religious texts like the Bible and theKoran. The college is undergoing buildingwork and Sue said that it is very important thenew worship room is central on campus.

Sue said, “I think it is a huge privilege to beat the college, I learn so much from theyoungsters about the difficulty of life, it haschanged enormously since I was a teenager.”She adds, “Sometimes I get to the end of aweek and wonder if I have done anythingworthwhile. Other times I know my beingthere has made a difference because I havebeen able to show God’s love and His care.

People need to know that they are valued andrespected.”

Sue works as an Area Development Officerto encourage colleges in the Dioceses ofCanterbury and Rochester to introducechaplaincy. If you are interested in working asa college chaplain please contact Sue onsuebrooks@kcollege.ac.uk

TThhee RReevv SSuuee BBrrooookkss

It's not unusual to hear the Bible beingdescribed as boring, uninspiring or dull -these beer mats are intended to act asconversation starters to suggest theopposite. The two designs feature quotesfrom the Song of Solomon and the book ofJudges, asking the question 'Who SaidThat?'. On the reverse is the answer - 'it's inthe bible', as well as a link to rejesus.co.ukfor those who are interested in finding outmore. Parishes and deaneries will find manyimaginative uses for these mats, not just inthe local pub. Beer mats can just as easilybe used as coffee or tea mats. In this 400thanniversary year of the King James Bible,let's get them talking about the mostimportant book ever written.

Get them talking Forget me notForgetmenot Services will from May bebringing singing to people with dementiaand their carers in the community in NorthWest Kent and South East London. Weare looking for special volunteers whoenjoy talking to people, singing along withcommunity singing (no need to be anexpert) and possibly helping withrefreshments.

The commitment is 2 hours once afortnight, in one of these locations: Chalk,Swanscombe, Old Bexley, St Mary's Crayand Bromley. Reasonable travellingexpenses will be paid and we shall providetraining.

If you are interested call 07582 451470or e-mail info@forgetmenot-services.co.uk

Big Brew at Holy Redeemer, Lamborbey

The National Parish Magazine Awards for2011 is free to enter, open to all villageand parish magazines in the UK. Pleasevisit www.parishmagprinters.co.uk for moreinformation. Also you may be interested toknow that parishmagprinters specialise inthe printing of newsletters, parishmagazines and programmes of all types, atthe best rates and quality available.

On Thursday, 3 March, in Holy Redeemerchurch hall, a coffee morning was held as partof Traidcraft’s “Big Brew” during FairtradeFortnight. It was the first time the church hadjoined in this nationwide event. As well asselling tea/coffee and home-made cakes,using fair-trade ingredients of course, theyopened their Traidcraft stall which theynormally open once a month after the 10amSunday service and did a brisk trade. The event proved to be a good social andoutreach occasion and they were able to send£150.00 to Traidcraft to go towards the£60,000 Tradcraft target.

The Friends of St Paulinus’ ChurchCrayford, with financial help from bothSurrey County Cricket Club and BexleyCricket Club, have renovated the grave ofan outstanding Surrey cricketer of the late19th century, John Shuter, and haveprovided a plaque to mark hisachievements. The plaque will be unveiled,and the grave re-dedicated, at a briefceremony at the graveside in St Paulinus’churchyard, on Saturday 2 April at 11am.

National ParishMagazine Awards 2011

A Surrey cricketer ina Kent Churchyard

CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor:Email: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: 01634 560000 NEXT COPY DEADLINE Thursday April 7th for May Link ADVERTISEMENTS Email: roy@cornerstonevision.com CCooppyy ffoorr TThhee LLiinnkk nneeeeddss ttoo bbee ttyyppeedd aanndd ssuubbmmiitttteedd bbyy eemmaaiill pplleeaassee.. IImmaaggeess mmuusstt bbee ssuubbmmiitttteeddaass eeiitthheerr aa TTIIFFFF oorr aa JJPPEEGG ffiillee ooff 330000ddppii.. ((SSeett yyoouurr ddiiggiittaall ccaammeerraa ttoo tthhee hhiigghheesstt qquuaalliittyy sseettttiinnggaanndd wwee wwiillll ttrryy ttoo ddoo tthhee rreesstt ffoorr yyoouu..))

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Praying the wayWorldFor the Middle East at this time of unrest.DioceseFor all Lent groups, Holy Week and servicesover Easter that we will know the joy of theRisen Lord and walk closely with Him. For allAPCMs that those elected will be God’schoice.Back to Church SundayFor those responsible for organising it andthat many churches will take part.

BBrroommlleeyy aanndd BBeexxlleeyySSiiddccuupp DDeeaanneerryyJJooyyddeennss WWoooodd:: For the institution of ournew incumbent Ren Harding and husbandSteve on 8 June.SStt JJoohhnn,, SSiiddccuupp:: For more communityinvolvement by Christians.SStt MMaarryy,, BBeexxlleeyy:: For our fledgling MessyChurch that it may prosper.CChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh,, SSiiddccuupp:: For Outreachactivities over Easter and Enquirers courseplanned afterwards.BBlleennddoonn:: For our Alpha course in May.

BBrroommlleeyy DDeeaanneerryySStt MMaarryy,, BBrroommlleeyy:: For Gemma Burnett asshe prepares for her curacy. HHaayyeess:: For how best to continue ourassistance to the homeless.SStt AAuugguussttiinnee,, BBrroommlleeyy CCoommmmoonn:: For theE100 Bible Reading Scheme; for our newPram Service.KKeessttoonn:: Thanks for the new monthly FamilyService and pray for its growth.

BBeecckkeennhhaamm DDeeaanneerryyFor the many graces that come from thecommunity meals organised by churches inthe area.CChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh,, BBeecckkeennhhaamm:: For parents andcarers who attend the Christianity Exploredafter Toddler group.

CChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh && SStt PPaauull,, AAnneerrlleeyy:: For ‘Prayerfor the Sick’ on Penge High Street with otherchurches.SStt PPaauull,, BBeecckkeennhhaamm:: For the development ofour monthly 4pm contemporary service.

RRoocchheesstteerrCCoobbhhaamm DDeeaanneerryySSnnooddllaanndd wwiitthh LLoowweerr BBiirrlliinngg:: For our ParishWalk; for daily services to be held during HolyWeek.MMeeoopphhaamm:: Thanks that the redevelopment ison schedule. For openness to become thechurch that God is calling us to be.FFaawwkkhhaamm aanndd HHaarrttlleeyy:: For our Covenantingchurches, ‘Good Friday Project’ event forchildren.

DDaarrttffoorrdd DDeeaanneerryySSttoonnee:: Thanks for our new bells.WWiillmmiinnggttoonn:: For ministry to the elderlyespecially in the residential homes.GGrreeeennhhiitthhee:: For funds to repair the churchchimney.

GGrraavveesseenndd DDeeaanneerryyFor all parishes as plans are made for Backto Church Sunday.For Deanery Pray-ers in each parish.

SSttrroooodd DDeeaanneerryySStt FFrraanncciiss,, SSttrroooodd:: For the success ofExperience Easter for children.

TToonnbbrriiddggee MMaalllliinngg DDeeaanneerryyOOffffhhaamm:: For God’s guidance for futureministry in the area and for clergyappointments during interregna.

SSeevveennooaakkss DDeeaanneerryySStt NNiicchhoollaass,, SSeevveennooaakkss:: For MaundyThursday Special Service for Mum and Coand Babies’ Club; for Any QuestionsEvening.WWeeaalldd:: Easter Tea Party with bonnets for theyoung at heart.KKnnoocckkhhoolltt aanndd HHaallsstteeaadd:: New monthlymeeting for Year 9+.

SShhoorreehhaamm DDeeaanneerryyWWrrootthhaamm:: For Sparks and Little Sparks.

TToonnbbrriiddggee DDeeaanneerryySStt PPeetteerr aanndd SStt PPaauull,, TToonnbbrriiddggee:: Course forthose exploring the Christian faith.HHiillddeennbboorroouugghh:: Mothering Sunday and GiftDay and Confirmation Service.PPeennsshhuurrsstt aanndd FFoorrddccoommbbee:: For churchbuilding project.

Intercession during AprilFriday 1 April: Muhabura – (Uganda) VacantAAddvviissoorryy CCoouunncciill ffoorr MMiinniissttrryy && TTrraaiinniinnggSaturday 2 April: Mukono –(Uganda) The RtRev Elia Paul Luzinda Kizito CCrrooffttoonnSunday 3 April: Multan – (Pakistan) VacantCCuuddhhaamm && DDoowwnneeMonday 4 April: Mumbai – (North India) TheRt Rev Prakash Dinkar Patole TThhoossee sseeeekkiinnggGGoodd’’ss ccaallll ttoo aauutthhoorriisseedd mmiinniissttrryy bbootthh llaayy aannddoorrddaaiinneeddTuesday 5 April: Mumias – (Kenya) The RtRev Beneas Salalah Okumu TThhoossee eexxpplloorriinnggtthheeiirr vvooccaattiioonn aass CChhrriissttiiaannss iinn tthhee wwoorrlldd ooffwwoorrkkWednesday 6 April: Mundri –(Sudan) The RtRev Bismark Monday PPrraayy ffoorr tthhee PPeennmmaannCClliinniicc iinn PPaalleessttiinneeThursday 7 April: PRAY for the AnglicanHealth Network (AHN) that through utilisingthe strengths of a common Anglican identity,resources and expertise will be mobilised andprovision for healthcare improved, particularlyamong those who are poor FFaarrnnbboorroouugghhFriday 8 April: Muyinga – (Burundi) The RtRev Eraste Bigirimana GGrreeeenn SSttrreeeett GGrreeeenn &&PPrraattttss BBoottttoommSaturday 9 April: Mytikyina – (Myanmar) TheRt Rev David Than Lwin; Assistant Bishop ofMytikyina – (Myanmar) The Rt Rev WagyitKamdi DDiioocceessaann DDiirreeccttoorrss ooff OOrrddiinnaannddssSunday 10 April: Nagpur – (North India) TheRt Rev Paul Dupare SSoouutthh EEaasstt IInnssttiittuuttee ffoorrTThheeoollooggiiccaall EEdduuccaattiioonn

Monday 11 April: Nairobi – (North India) TheRt Rev Peter Njoka AAllll SSaaiinnttss,, OOrrppiinnggttoonnTuesday 12 April: Nakuru – (Kenya) The RtRev Stephen Njihia Mwangi CChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh,,OOrrppiinnggttoonnWednesday 13 April: Nambale – (Kenya) TheRt Rev Josiah Makhandia Were OOrrddiinnaannddss iinnTTrraaiinniinnggThursday 14 April: Namibia – (South Africa)The Rt Rev Nathaniel Ndxuma Nakwatumbah;Suffragan Bishop of Namibia – (South Africa)The Rt Rev Petrus Hidulika HilukiluahSStt AAnnddrreeww,, OOrrppiinnggttoonnFriday 15 April: Namirembe – (Uganda) TheRt Rev Samuel Balagadde SsekkaddeDDiioocceessaann AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff RReeaaddeerrssSaturday 16 April: Nandyal – (South India)The Rt Rev Dr P J Lawrence PPeettttss WWooooddSunday 17 April: Bishop of Jerusalem –(Middle East) The Rt Rev Suheil DawaniSSiiddccuupp DDeeaanneerryyMonday 18 April: Nasik – (North India) The RtRev Kamble Lemuel Pradip SStt JJoohhnn tthheeEEvvaannggeelliisstt,, BBeexxlleeyyTuesday 19 April: Bishop of Nassau & TheBahamas – (West Indies) The Rt Rev LaishZane Boyd Readers in Training; RReeaaddeerrss wwiitthhBBiisshhoopp’’ss PPeerrmmiissssiioonn ttoo OOffffiicciiaatteeWednesday 20 April: Natal – (South Africa)The Rt Rev Rubin Phillip; 1. Suffragan Bishopof Natal – (South Africa) The Rt RevFunginkosi Niclaus Mbhele SStt MMaarryy tthhee VViirrggiinn,,BBeexxlleeyy

Thursday 21 April: Maundy Thursday PPrraayy ffoorraallll rreettaakkiinngg mmiinniisstteerriiaall vvoowwss ttooddaayy aatt tthheeCCaatthheeddrraallFriday 22 April: Good Friday NationalIndigenous Bishop – (Rupert’s Land, Canada)The Rt Rev Mark Lawrence MacDonaldBBlleennddoonnSaturday 23 April: Navajoland Area Mission –(Province Vlll, USA) Vacant FFoooottssccrraayy wwiitthhNNoorrtthh CCrraayySunday 24 April: Easter Day AnglicanCommunion Sunday (This day may beobserved anytime in the year) JJooyyddeennss WWooooddMonday 25 April: Ndokwa – (Province ofBendal, Nigeria) The Rt Rev David ObiosaHHoollyy RReeddeeeemmeerr,, LLaammoorrbbeeyyTuesday 26 April: Nebbi – (Uganda) The RtRev Alphonse Watho-kudi HHoollyy TTrriinniittyy,,LLaammoorrbbeeyyWednesday 27 April: Nebraska – (ProvinceVl, USA) The Rt Rev Dr Joe Goodwin BurnettPPaassttoorraall AAssssiissttaannttssThursday 28 April: Nelson – (New Zealand)The Rt Rev Victor Richard Ellena PPaassttoorraallAAssssiissttaannttss iinn TTrraaiinniinnggFriday 29 April: Nevada – (Province Vlll, USA)The Rt Rev Dan Edwards CChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh,,SSiiddccuuppSaturday 30 April: New Busa – (Province ofIbadan, Nigeria) The Rt Rev Israel Amoo SSttAAnnddrreeww,, SSiiddccuupp

Prayer RequestsPrayers for MAY LINK to JudithHoward, 10 Mount Pleasant Road,Weald, TN14 6QE 01732458285judithhoward@weald.plus.com by1 April.

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The Winter issueof The Sonincludes storieson MandySmith, AdjoaAndoh, SimonCowell, ClintEastwood,Clint Dempsey, Asamoah Gyan andmany others.

It’s an ideal tool for outreach. Why not use The Son to reach yourcommunity?

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12 ochester Link

Meet Bishop

Bishop James is very keen to be out andabout meeting people in the Diocese asquickly as he can. Unfortunately, this maytake a while, not least because of thegeography of the Diocese. To help you getto know something about your newBishop before you have the chance tomeet him face to face, a short DVD filmhas been produced. The film has been

sent to every parish priest in the Diocesein the hope that this will afford everyparish an opportunity to come together toview the film in a relaxed, social setting.Why not hold a special viewing evening orcoffee morning to view this informativeand enjoyable 30 minute film? The filmhas been distributed – so look out for itand ask your parish priest about it!

James!

Out and aboutThe Bishop of Tonbridge,

The Rt Rev Dr Brian CastleSunday 3 Dedication of Refurbishments,

St Philip, Tunbridge WellsTues 5 Lay Ministry Meeting,

Rochester

Wed 6 Bishop’s Staff Meeting

Thurs 7 Attend AGM Guild of Church Braillists, London

Tues 12 Bishop’s Council Meeting

Wed 13 PM Link Committee Meeting, Bishops Lodge

PM Lay Chairs Meeting,Rochester

Sunday 17 Confirmation – Crayford St Paulinus

Thurs 21 Blessing of Oils, Rochester Cathedral

Friday 22 Conduct 3 hours Devotions - Chelsfield

Sat 23 Easter Vigil - Chelsfield

Sunday 24 Preside and Preach - Chelsfield

The Diocesan Gathering 2011

21 May 2011 at Sir Joseph Williamson’sMathematical School, Rochester

The Great Debate - Women Bishops

Listen to guest speakers presenting both sides ofthe argument and ask your own questions in anopen questions forum.

The day opens at 0900 for 0930 AGM*

Meet Bishop James!

Please bring your own packed lunch andbeverages

PM Diocesan Vision and Strategy

*Only Diocesan Synod Members may vote

Hop Farm Wedding Fair

At the Wedding Fair on February 27at the Hop Farm in Paddock Woodthere was a new stall.

Having been challenged by the Church ofEngland Weddings Project, Paddock WoodDeanery joined the market place to promotegetting married in church. Alongsidecompanies selling wedding dresses, rings,cakes, civil ceremony providers andphotographers, to name but a few, the churchtook its stand to let couples know that theywere welcome in the church for theirceremony, regardless of whether they hadbeen baptised, were regular church-goers oreven had a personal faith.

The Rev Mandy Carr said, “It was clearfrom many conversations that we had withvisitors that this message is not getting out.Many feel anxious about approaching theirlocal vicar to discuss the possibility of achurch wedding and often wrongly assumethat they don’t qualify for a church service anda civil ceremony is all that is on offer to them.There are some beautiful venues wherecouples can have a civil marriage ceremonynow but we believe that the church does have

something distinctive to offer. We wanted totell them that they are welcome and we arehere for them, not just for their wedding daybut before and afterwards too. It’s aboutinvesting in them as a couple and in theirmarriage, rather than just their wedding.”

Paddock Wood clergy were joined bycolleagues from the Tunbridge Wells andMalling Deaneries to talk to visitors, give out

By the Rev Mandy Carr

literature from the weddings project, answerany queries and be a positive churchpresence at the event. Rev Mandy Carr said,“Other providers were very positive that theChurch was being represented in this way aswere the Hop Farm staff. We were made tofeel welcome and we hope that we were ableto extend that welcome to others.”

TThhee RReevv MMaannddyy CCaarrrr aanndd tthhee RReevv GGwweenn SSmmiitthh

There will be a training evening inpreparation for Back To Church Sunday, onWednesday 25th May at St BarnabasChurch, Istead Rise, DA13 9DA beginningat 7.30 for 7.45pm and finishing at 9.30pm.It might seem a bit soon, but the churchesthat see the best results from Back toChurch Sunday are those which preparewell in advance.

The main emphasis of the training will beto explore why many of our church members

Making the Most of Back to Church Sunday

Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith, whose hymn-writing career took off fifty years ago withthe publication of the hymn ‘Tell out my soul’,has written words specially for acomposition competition organised by theRoyal School of Church Music (RSCM).

Aspiring church music composers areasked to set three verses of a new text fromBishop Timothy which begins “How shall wesing salvation’s song”.

In previous years, entrants for the annualHarold Smart Composition Competitionhave often had to compose an anthem, butthis year the genre is hymnody, and marksthe 150th anniversary of the publication ofthe first Hymns Ancient and Modern.Information about how to enter, includingBishop Timothy’s complete text, is availableon the RSCM website at

www.rscm.com/haroldsmart. The closingdate is 1 October 2011, and thecompetition will be adjudicated by a panelwhich includes the hymn composer JohnBarnard. The winner will receive a prize of£500; their hymn may also be showcased ina special service in London to mark the150th anniversary celebrations of HymnsAncient and Modern.

Bishop Timothy, who is to receive anHonorary Fellowship from the RSCM laterthis year, also offers advice to would-beentrants in a downloadable podcast on theRSCM website. He says hymns have to be agood marriage of words and music. “A goodtext set to a bad tune – so that it’s a dirgewhen it should be a celebration – can’t be agood hymn; it’s got to be a good text, and agood tune for that text.”

Author of ‘Tell out my Soul’ writes new hymn for music competition

find it difficult to invite people and how wecan encourage them to have a go. We willexplore what makes visitors willing to comeagain and what might help them to join ourcongregations. There will also be guidancefor those who have not participated in Backto Church Sunday before. Please contactVeronica on btcs@rochester.anglican.org tolet us know numbers attending.

Back to Church Sunday is on the 25September 2011.