estonia is calling you!...2. 2014, january 21-22 estonian clergy conference at their ‘centre...
TRANSCRIPT
1ochester Link
Photo by Steve Barber
Holy Week plans page 12
Holy Week atCanterburyCathedral
March 2013
Estonia is calling you!by the Rev Canon David Kitley, Bishop’s Advisor for Overseas Links
The Diocese of Rochester has a friendship link with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia, which is very keen to develop this relationship with parish churches in Rochester.
You are very warmly invited to all the events outlined below. There is a church hostel in the centre of the historic part of Tallinn, where we are able to stay during our visits.
The following is a list of events both in Estonia and Rochester:
1. 2013 October 8-13, visit to Rochester Diocese of Professor Randar Tasmuth, who teaches at the Theological Institute in Tallinn and is an authority of the Gospel of John.
2. 2014, January 21-22 Estonian clergy conference at their ‘Centre Park’, beside the frozen Baltic sea. Church leaders from Rochester Diocese warmly invited!
3. 2014, early July. The ‘Song Festival’. Following a tradition that dates back to 1869, about 150,000 people will gather in Tallinn for 3-4 days. This is a national event! It is too late for any choirs from England to register for this, but we are invited!
4. Overseas Links Celebration 2014, to take place in our Diocese to celebrate our links with Estonia. Service to take place on October 5: date to be confirmed.
5. 2015, early July – a ‘Sacred Hymn Festival’ in Tartu.
6. 2017, May 31. 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation and 100th Anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Estonia.
7. 2018, February 24. Centenary of the founding of the Republic of Estonia.
8. 2018, December 12, 100th Anniversary of British Naval victory over Russians to liberate the Estonian nation. Ideal for a Chatham parish, with the Naval history and connections! The Estonians are deeply grateful to the Royal Navy. This is evidenced by a memorial to them in Tallinn.
I do hope that some of you will take up this wonderful opportunity to link up with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Estonia, to be enriched by their worship and singing, as well as to share in the pain they still feel from the years of Soviet occupation.
For further information please contact me on 01732 452112 or e-mail at [email protected]
The frozen Baltic Sea Photo by the Rev Canon David Kitley
Photo competitionThe Diocese of Rochester is delighted to launch its 2013 photography competition.
There are three categories and entrants may enter each one or only one. However, no entrant may submit more than three images in total. The categories are:
1. Times of faith 2. Symbols of faith 3. People of faith
There will be one winner from each category plus one runner up and one overall winner from the competition. Top submissions will be exhibited in Rochester Cathedral.
The judges’ decisions will be final and no alternative prizes will be offered. Entrants must be over 16 years old. Closing date for entries is 17 May 2013.
For details of competition rules and prizes, please visit www.rochester.anglican.orgHow do I enter?
Entries must be submitted in a high resolution format via email or CD to Lindy Mackenzie. CDs must be clearly marked with the name and address of the entrant and details of the categories entered.
We regret that hard copy entries will not be considered and entries will not be returned to entrants. The photographer must own the copyright of the image. Winners will be notified by the beginning of September 2013.
Email entries to: [email protected] CD Entries to: Lindy Mackenzie, Communications, Diocese of Rochester, St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME11SL. Please do not submit hard copy entries. These will not be eligible and cannot be returned.
PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the April issue of The Link is Friday 15 March at 4pm
2 ochester Link
What’s on Bishop Brian’s Diary - March
Church Restoration (UK) Ltd
Church Restoration (UK) ltd
Email: [email protected]
March 2013Friday 1GRAVESEND Women’s World Day of Prayer service at St Aidan’s Church, St Gregory’s Crescent, Gravesend at 10am. The speaker will be the Rev Carolyn Foreman from St John, Meopham.
Saturday 2 SEVENOAKS Stabat Mater, a concert of choral and instrumental items by Temenos Chamber Choir with Temenos Baroque, at St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks at 7.30pm, featuring music by Monteverdi, Rigatti, Caldara, Lassus, Corelli and Handel as well as Scarlatti’s “Stabat Mater”. Tickets £10 (£5 students) from Sevenoaks Bookshop, or phone 01959 523765, or at the door www.temenos-chamberchoir.org.uk
BROMLEY “Towards a Theology of Banking - responsibility and opportunities” - a morning to consider how we Christians see money, tax and finance today. Our speaker will be the Rev Will Morris, SSM at St Martin’s in the Fields, chair of the the CBI’s tax committee and the director of European tax policy for GE. Lots of time for discussion.
BROMLEY St Mark’s Church, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, close to Bromley South station. Refreshments from 9.30 for a 10 am start and a 12 noon ending. An open meeting organised by the Bromley Deanery and the Rochester Theological Society. Free admission. Donations welcome. Notifications to RTS acting secretary on [email protected]
Sunday 3BROMLEY Lent Lunch at St Mary’s Church, College Road, Bromley at 12 noon, on 3, 10 and 17 March, of soup and fruit for £3. Proceeds go to Mothers’ Union “Make a Mother’s Day” overseas farming projects. Contact 020 8464 1239.
Thursday 7BECKENHAM Small Stories to Change a Troubled World ‘a different drum’, one of Riding Lights Theatre Company’s most inspirational plays, has been recreated for 2013 and is touring nationally. See it at 19.30hrs, Christ Church, Fairfield Road, Beckenham, BR3 3LE. Box Office: 01904 613000. Please visit www.ridinglights.org/drum for a full tour schedule, further information and online booking. Tickets: £10, Groups: buy 10 and get the 11th free.
Saturday 9BEXLEYHEATH Celebration of Fair Trade Fortnight at Christ Church, Bexleyheath Broadway, Bexleyheath, from 10 am - 12 noon. Coffee, tea, cakes & juice from Traidcraft with top quality craft items for sale & all kinds of lovely things suitable for Mothering Sunday gifts and chance to view the new Traidcraft catalogue. Details 020 8303 4452.
NORTHFLEET Table Top Sale at All Saints Church Hall, Perry Street, Northfleet at 10am. Free Admission.
BROMLEY Philharmonic Choir Spring Concert at 7.30pm at Christ Church URC, Tudor Way, Petts Wood, Kent. Beethoven’s MASS in C, Haydn’s CREATION MASSwith orchestra. Tickets are £8.00 in advance and £10 on the door. Box Office: 020 8460 4898
Friday 15LAMBERHURST Lamberhurst Music Festival has now been running for ten years, bringing excellent quality music to local venues, at very reasonable prices. All concerts support St. Mary’s Church Lamberhurst. Pupils from Chethams School, Manchester, the largest specialist music school in the country, will be the performers at a concert on Friday March 15, at St Mary’s Church at 7.30 p.m. Tickets: £15 (under 15s free). For more information phone 01892 890597 or visit www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk
Saturday 16AYLESFORD A Day of Prayer for Africa. Calling charities working in Africa. Would you be interested in an opportunity to give a very short talk about the work of your organisation? 11 Annual Day of Prayer for Africa will be held at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Aylesford, on Saturday 16 March 2013. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who is connected with an organisation working with people in Africa, and would like to talk about it as part of our programme for the day. If you might be interested in joining us and/or would like more details, please contact Iris Neel 01622 710634 or [email protected]
GRAVESEND Indoor Boot Fair, St Aidan’s Church and Community Hall, St Gregory’s Crescent, Gravesend between 10am and 1pm. Admission 50p. For further detail please ring 01474 352253.
RUSTHALL A Musical Meditation for Lent will take place at St.Paul’s Church Centre, 23 Rusthall Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday, 16 March, 2013, at 7.30 pm. in aid of Canon Andrew White’s work at St George’s Church, Baghdad, and the Iraqi Christian Refugees. All are welcome. Details from 01892 539549.
Friday 22WEST MALLING Annual Quiet Day of the Rochester Retired Clergy Association. At West Malling Abbey from 9:30am until 3:30pm. For more information please contact Paul Plumley at [email protected] or 07925 615601
Saturday 23TUNBRIDGE WELLS Songs of Hope.The Baroque Singers of Tunbridge Wells are giving a concert in St John’s Church in Groombridge at 7.30pm on Saturday 23 March, conducted by their Musical Director, Anthony Purnell. There are two works on the programme - Palestrina’s sublime but rarely performed mass “Spem in alium” and, as a contrast, the lively pilgrim songs of the 14th century “Llibre Vermell” from Montserrat in Spain. This songbook was compiled by the monks to provide suitable recreational material to entertain pilgrims spending the night sheltering in the monastery church while visiting the statue of the Black Madonna. The early music group Cancionero will accompany these songs on replicas of medieval instruments. A mixture of timeless beauty and energetic devotion - the perfect preparation for Palm Sunday and Holy Week! Tickets are available online from www.cancionero.ticketsource.co.uk
BROMLEY – Auction of Talents at St Mary’s Church Bromley, at 4 pm. Fund-raising by doing good deeds for our neighbours. Contact 020 8464 1239.
Sunday 24BROMLEY – Palm procession with donkey to St Mary’s Church Bromley beginning at 10 am. Contact 020 8464 1239.
Friday 29COBHAM Friends of Cobham Church are presenting their annual ‘Instant’ concert at St Mary Magdalene Church. This is a ‘come and sing’ event, now in its 11th year and very popular. It attracts local singers and audiences and all proceeds go towards the Friends of Cobham Church, dedicated to the repair and restoration of the church fabric. This year’s repertoire for the concert is Gabriel Fauré’s beautiful Requiem and his Cantique de Jean Racine. The concert will be conducted by Alan Vincent and commence at 6.30 pm. The rehearsal for the singers will take place in the Church between 2:30 and 5:30pm. For more information how to book your place, either as a singer or a member of the audience, please check the Church website www.cobham-luddesdowne.org or email the organiser directly on [email protected]
BROMLEY – “The Crucifixion” by John Stainer sung by St Mary’s Festival Choir at St Mary’s Church Bromley beginning at 7.30 p.m. Choir directed by Michael Sherwin with organist Anne Clements and the Brook String Quartet. Free admission with a retiring charity collection. Contact 020 8464 1239.
Saturday 30BROMLEY – Prayer Breakfast at St Mary’s Church Bromley, at 9.00 in the church. Contact 020 8464 1239.
VariousWATERINGBURY Lunches For Lent A warm welcome awaits you at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury on Wednesdays 20 and 27 February and 6, 13, and 20 of March 12.30 - 2pm. Why not pop in for a chat over soup and bread or cheese, tomato and bread with tea, coffee or squash. Cheese sandwiches and small cakes are available for children. Everyone welcome, voluntary donations invited for local charities. Transport available if needed locally. Further information please phone 01622 813032 .
SEVENOAKS Lunchtime recitals at St Luke’s Church, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks. Every Wednesday at 12.30pm lasting 30 minutes. Please join us – admission free. Refreshments available from 12 noon. 6 Ingrid Cusido – Piano, 13 Robin Morrish – Violin and Poetry, 20 Victoria Edge – Mezzo Soprano, 27 Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater for Holy Week
2 March 8.00 Men’s Breakfast, The George Pub, Ightham3 March 10.00 United Deanery Service, St George, Wrotham4 March 10.30 Visit Ightham Mote5 March 8.00 SE Church Leaders’ Breakfast 11.00 Coffee morning, St George, Wrotham Visit Grange Park School, Wrotham Visit Wrotham Primary School 6.30 Visit Bromley Night Shelter, Bromley Baptist Church7 March 12.30 Friends of Bossey (WCC) meeting, London8 March 11.00 Mission Theology Advisory Group Meeting, London12 March 11.00 Civic Service, All Saints, Maidstone16 March 9.30 Diocesan Synod17 March 10.30 Licensing, Mission to Sea Farers Chaplain, John Attenborough, St Stephen, Chatham19 March 1.30 Canterbury Christ Church University Governing Body meeting20 March 9.30 Bishop’s Staff Meeting21 March Enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral22 March 9.15 Present Bishop’s Commendation Award to Rusthall Primary School 11.30 Tonbridge & Malling LSP, Hop Farm, Paddock Wood24 March 9.30 Palm Sunday Celebration, Linton 11.00 Palm Sunday Celebration, Hunton26 March 9.30 Crisis Media Response Training, Rochester27 March 11.00 Agenda Planning Group - Rochester28 March 10.30 Chrism Eucharist, Rochester Cathedral Maundy Thursday Service, Sundridge/Ide Hill29 March Good Friday Service, Sundridge/Ide Hill31 March Easter Day Service, Sundridge/Ide Hill
3ochester Link
Bishop James’ Diary - March1 March All Day Diocesan Schools Leadership Conference, Hollingbourne, Maidstone2 March All Day Canterbury Diocesan Synod, Ashford3-10 March Deanery Visit, Erith Deanery3 March 10.00am Preside & Preach, Christ Church, Bexleyheath 3.00pm Youth Group meeting, Barnehurst 6.00pm Deanery Praise Service, St Paulinus, Crayford 4 March 8.45am Brampton Primary School, Bexleyheath 11.00am Women Bishops Working Group, London 7.00pm School Governors Meeting, Slade Green School5 March 8.00am Churches Together in Kent Leaders, Ebbsfleet 11.00am Bishop Ridley parish visit, Welling 1.00pm Visit Hovis Bakery, Erith 3.00pm Messy Church, Northumberland Heath 7.45pm Churchwardens Meeting, Northumberland Heath6 March 8.45am Christ Church VA Primary School, Erith 11.00am Confirmation: Trinity School, Belvedere 2.00pm Oakwood School, Bexleyheath 6.00pm Junior Church, St John, Erith7 March 9.00am Visit to M&S and Asda Superstores 12.30pm St Augustine Belvedere School, Belvedere 2.30pm Shenstone School, Crayford 7.30pm Lent Study Group, All Saints, Belvedere8 March All Day Chapter Quiet Day, West Kingsdown9 March 10.00am Deanery Lay Ministers, Crayford 12.30pm Lunch with PCC and Congregation, Bostall Heath10 March 10.00am Preach, St Augustine, Belvedere 6.30pm Evening Worship, St John, Welling 11 March 3.30pm Winners of ‘Design a Cross’ Competition, Bishopscourt
12-13 March House of Bishops, London14 March 11.00am General Synod Business Committee, London15 March 11.00am Churches Funerals Group, London16 March All Day Diocesan Synod, Rochester Cathedral17 March 9.30am Preside & Preach, Kings Hill 11.00am Preside & Preach, St Mary, West Malling, 6.30pm Confirmation for Sidcup Deanery, Holy Redeemer , Lamorbey 18 March 8.50am King’s School ‘Holy Week’ Service, Rochester Cathedral19 March 10.30am ‘Turning Up The Volume’ steering group, London20 March All Day Bishop’s Staff Meeting, Bishopcourt 7.45pm Chatham Cluster Lent Course, Emmaus, Chatham 21 March 3.00pm Enthronement of Archbishop of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral22 March 10.00am Women Bishops’ Working Group, London 2.30pm Visit: Scotts Care Trust, Sevenoaks24-31 March Holy Week with St John and St Mary Bexley24 March 10.00am Palm Sunday Procession, St John, Bexley 6.00pm Confirmation, St Paulinus, Crayford 25-27 March Meditation and Compline Bexley, St John & St Mary26 March All Day Crisis Media Training Day, Bishopscourt27 March 2.00pm Visit and Official Opening of Spiritual Garden at Old Bexley CEP School, Bexley28 March 10.30am Chrism Eucharist, Rochester Cathedral 7.30pm Fellowship Meal and Eucharist; launch of Team Ministry, St John, Bexley Good Friday 12.00pm Stations of the Cross (Ecumenical), St Mary, Bexley Holy Saturday 7.00pm Vigil & Confirmation, St John, BexleyEaster Sunday 5.00am Vigil & Confirmation, Rochester Cathedral 10.00am Preside & Preach: Baptismal Reaffirmation, St Mary, Bexley
Photo by Katerina Gerhardt
Bishop James welcomes Archbishop Justin
The weight of expectationDuring this month, Archbishop Justin will more publicly begin ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury when he is placed in his ‘cathedra’, his teaching seat, at Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 21 March.
It has to be said that he has already been pretty visible around the place, but this event marks the final part of the inauguration of his ministry: it is certainly the part that will be most high-profile for the wider Church, with guests from across the Anglican Communion and our ecumenical partners. As we come to this point, I share some reflections with you.
• The media interest has been remarkable. That rather questions the oft-heard assumption that the Church is of no interest to people: media outlets don’t publish something unless they think people want to hear, see or read it.
• Justin Welby’s business and economic background is being seen as significant. His membership of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards is noteworthy, a place where he is able to apply Christian faith and ethics to an issue of great importance for our society. To have at this point in time an Archbishop who has credibility in these matters could be very important for our presence in the public square.
• His work on reconciliation and particular connection with Nigeria is unusual. He bring this experience to the life of the
Anglican Communion and of the national Church; could it be that he will help us to find a more constructive way to approach our differences?
• He has engaged with issues of social need and deprivation in Coventry, Liverpool and Durham. This experience too may be of significance as the Church responds to the continuing effects of recession, the social and economic imbalance within our nation.
• He has been a bishop for under 2 years. This will enable him to bring a fresh eye to how leadership is exercised in the national Church through the House of Bishops and the General Synod.
All of that (and I could have added many more points) indicates the weight of expectation that lies upon Archbishop Justin as he begins this ministry.
Though surrounded with much prayer for God’s grace, he is a human being who will never rise to all the expectations.
So please continue to pray for him, for Caroline and their family. And, in this coming season of our Lord’s passion, it is perhaps salutary to recall that the way of salvation and healing is the Way of the Cross.
As we say in one of our Eucharistic Prayers, ‘The tree of shame was made the tree of glory; and where life was lost, there life has been restored.’
May that pattern of the passion shape the life ministry of all of us, and especially of Archbishop Justin.
+James
4 ochester Link
DONATE BOOKS TO SUPPORT CHRISTIAN AID
UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 Scot charity no. SC039150 The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid January 2013 13-630-J1150
Your unwanted books can help end global poverty.Christian Aid can raise life-changing funds from non-fiction books in good condition. If your church has books to donate, please phone
01375 484561 We can send you boxes to pack the books in and we’ll also arrange free collection.
Cornerstone vision - includes the following publications - Pompey Chimes, The Door, The MonthSarum Link, See Round, Southwark Bridge, The Wey, Rochester Link
Boxley parish church (St Mary & All Saints) is looking to appoint an
Organist and Choir Trainer from spring/early summer 2013.
This is a post that will appeal to someone who is keen both to maintain the traditional music patterns at Boxley and to develop new patterns, using both Organ and Clavinova.
In addition we seek a musically imaginative person who will inspire our Choir to grow numerically and to develop its confi dence and repertoire.
Boxley Church is very popular for weddings ( 39 during 2012) so we seek an Organist who will enjoy the opportunity to work with couples who want to enjoy
good quality music as part of their wedding day.
The organ at Boxley is in excellent condition and is a ‘Bevington ‘ built 1860, rebuilt and extended by F H Browne and Son in 2004, with two manuals and pedals
- central balance swell pedal - mechanical action.
This post receives an Honorarium of £3000 p.a. in addition to fees payable for playing at weddings and funerals
Please contact the Priest in Charge, Rev Susan Hollins, in the fi rst instance: 01622 737596 / [email protected]
If you, or someone you know would like more information about Gilead or would like
to make an application, please contact: Laura Alm
Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 [email protected]
www.gilead.org.uk
Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community offering a residential rehabilitation programme
To advertise in the Rochester
Link call 01752 225623 and
talk to one of our sales team
5ochester Link
Lightning protection
Birchwood House Rest Home
Residential Home forthe ElderlyRespite care & shortstay available
A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, setin 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easyreach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.• All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call
system. Lift to all floors.• Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered
for.• Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop.• Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to
the local church.Stockland Green Road,
Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TUTelephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559
Fine furniture for church and home
Ronald Emett01308 868025 [email protected]
Visit me at www.ronaldemettfurniture.com
St M
ary,
Shr
ewto
n, W
ilts
The pressures of modern day life often mean that we get to the stage where we fi nd it
diffi cult to cope. When things get on top of us, it can be helpful to share the load with a sympathetic counsellor. That is why we are
here.
THE WELL COUNSELLING CENTRE
(Attached to Wilmington Christian Fellowship) Broad Lane, Wilmington, Dartford. DA2 7AQ Telephone (24 hour answerphone service)
01322 279759
GLOBAL CATHOLIC NETWORK
EWTNCATHOLIC TV
IS NOW ON SKY – EPG 589
Radio is on EPG 0147
For information & free monthlyprogramme call
0208 350 2542
Live TV at www.ewtn.co.uk£175 total cost for equipment and installation
With no monthly costs
DO YOU HAVE A BOOK TO PUBLISH?
Please contact Mrs V. Potgieter for details of our comprehensive publishing package
Melrose Books (Ref: RL)St Thomas’ Place, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4GG
Telephone: 01353 646608
Email: [email protected]
MELROSE BOOKSEstablished 1969
To advertise in the Rochester Link call 01752 225623 and talk to one
of our sales team
Many years ago a church member, who had served as a Major in the Army during the Second World War, said to me “If you want to hide anything from the troops, put it in the orders”.
Over the years I have found that many churchwardens and other church officers have not thought of looking at the diocesan website for advice about caring for their church buildings.
There is a wealth of helpful material there in the form of guidance notes on different subjects. I am the Diocesan Consultant on Lightning Protection.
With the agreement of the DAC, I am bringing to your notice that there is a newly revised leaflet on the lightning protection on the website. The leaflet covers such aspects as the design and maintenance of lightning protection systems, how to protect the conductors from theft and where to find specialist firms to do the work.
If you are not familiar with the website either do a web search or go straight to www.rochester.anglican.org. On the top menu choose ‘Resourcing’, on the drop down menu, ‘Church Buildings/DAC’ and then on the DAC page, left hand menu, ‘Guidance Notes’.
There are two lightning leaflets. Ignore the one for architects and surveyors unless you are an architect or surveyor.
by the Rev Christopher Miles, C Eng, MIET.
At first sight the leaflet of eight pages looks rather indigestible. The fact is that lightning protection is these days a rather complex and specialist subject. What I hope to do over succeeding months is to include a very brief entry in ‘Link’ on one aspect.
Look out for the lightning logo to help pick out the item so that it doesn’t get too buried in the ‘orders’. If you want further help, including the possibility of a visit, contact me by email: [email protected] or telephone 01732 852323.
The DAC is here to help parishes.
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) have called on the Church of England to support a new survey, launched this month, monitoring the decline of the British hedgehog.
Working with Shrinking the Footprint, the Church of England’s national environmental campaign, the charities believe the CofE’s 10,000 churchyards could be natural
homes for hedgehogs who will soon be coming out of hibernation.
The Hedgehog Hibernation survey aims to find out more about the creature’s patterns of behaviour, which in turn will help inform practical conservation action. Hedgehog numbers in Britain are declining by three to five per cent each year in towns and in the rural landscape, with the loss most apparent in the South West, South East and Eastern regions of England, according to the results of a ten-year trend analysis by the charity.
Judith Evans promoter of the Living Churchyard scheme for St Alban’s Diocese,
said: “There certainly seem to be far fewer hedgehogs around than there used to be. Like all animals, hedgehogs need food and shelter, both of which are likely to be found in the increasing number of churchyards which are managed in a wildlife-friendly way. The Living Churchyard scheme encourages the creation of compost heaps and log piles which as well as acting as a larder, containing slugs and other invertebrates, provide shelter.
“It would be very encouraging to find evidence of hedgehogs in our churchyards, so I hope churches will take part in this survey.”
David Shreeve, the CofE’s national environmental adviser said: “Supporting this survey underlines the Church’s commitment to caring for creation, as spelled out in the Fifth Mark of Mission. Our 10,000 churchyards boast a wealth of wildlife and are hopefully home to a good number of hedgehogs.”
“Continuous monitoring each year is vital to help us build a more complete picture of the state of the UK’s wild mammal populations. Churches collecting data from their churchyards - and other appropriate land - could be very helpful for our research,” said PTES CEO Jill Nelson.
To join in the Hibernation Survey visit www.hedgehogstreet.org Hedgehog (Erinaceous europaeus) moving through beetroot Photo by Dave Bevan
St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Seal, south side
East End
Threatened hedgehogs could be at home in a churchyard
6 ochester Link
Celebration of 200 years of village church music
Keston Parish Church held a special event on 10 February to mark the retirement of Sybil Evans from the church choir after being a member for over 50 years.
At the end of the morning service she was presented with a certificate and a bronze medal by the organist and choirmaster, David Cook. He estimated that during her five decades in the choir she had seen at least seven rectors and three choirmasters come and go.
During the afternoon a party was held which included cake of course! We are grateful for her loyalty and dedication to the choir and look forward to hearing her sing from the nave in future.
Sybil Evans swansong at KestonBy Sally Churchus
Sybil Evans
The ancient parish church of St Peter and St Paul, Trottiscliffe Kent, is unusual in having substantial survivals from three different eras of village church music.
In the early decades of the nineteenth century the ‘Trottiscliffe Choir Orchestra’ provided musical accompaniment for the services. Two bound collections of music, one printed and the other in manuscript, from the 1820s are preserved in the Kent History Centre in Maidstone.
For many years several of the instruments from this orchestra were on display in the church but at some point the display case and instruments were stolen.
Fortunately one of the violins from Trottiscliffe had previously been loaned to the Maidstone Museum and still survives.
In 1865 Trottiscliffe church bought a barrel organ from nearby Meopham church where it had been installed in 1855. The barrel
organ was used until the 1930s when it was replaced by a one-manual Forster and Andrews organ dating from 1883 which came from Leybourne church, and that is the organ currently used in the church.
The barrel organ was restored in 1950 for an exhibition at the Museum of Kent Life, after which it was dismantled and stored in the Guildhall Museum at Rochester.
The barrel organ was made by Theodore C Bates and Sons of Ludgate Hill, who were one of the main manufacturers of such organs in the early Victorian period, and is one of the largest of its type to survive.
The barrel organ will be reassembled and restored to fully functioning order in time for a conference at Trottiscliffe church in July, organised by the British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS), during which several speakers will explore some aspects of the great changes that have taken place in village church music over the past two centuries.
The restoration work is being carried out by David Shuker at his workshop, At the Sign of the Pipe, in Birling.
The Trottiscliffe barrel organ St Peter and St Paul, Trottiscliffe
Bishop James visited staff and pupils at Longfield Academy as part of his Cobham Deanery visit on Wednesday 13 February 2013.
Organised by the Rev Dylan Turner, Bishop James was given a tour of the Academy’s impressive facilities and spent an interesting session with sixth form pupils. Sixth formers quizzed the Bishop on ethical issues including abortion and same-sex marriage.
Longfield sixth formers quiz Bishop James
Bishop James at Longfield Academy with the Rev Dylan Turner
Bishop James at Longfield Academy with the Rev Dylan Turner, staff and pupils
CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor: [email protected] Telephone: 01634 560000
ADVERTISEMENTS Email: [email protected] Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do the rest for you.)
Proclaiming the word & work of GodLink
OCHESTER
7ochester Link
Carol Martin
Bishop James visits technology college
Bishop James with the School Council at Holmesdale Technical College
Bishop James visited Holmesdale Technology College in Snodland on Friday 15 February as part of his Cobham Deanery visit.
Organised by the Rev Hugh Broadbent, Bishop James was met by Principal Julia Campbell and student Laura Clark before embarking on a tour of the school.
Bishop James met members of the student council and entered into a discussion about the role of a Bishop with sixth form students. Meeting Year 7 and 8 students during a “fusion” history lesson, Bishop James was impressed by the technology the young students grappled with to bring their projects to life in mini-films made on lap-top computers.
Following a light lunch, Bishop James was pleased to present awards at the aptly named Rochester House assembly before the school broke up for half-term.
A workshop to focus on how churches can be open and welcoming to visitors seven days a week will be held on 15 March from 9.30am to 3.30pm at St John’s Church, Tunbridge Wells
Guest speaker is Helen McGowan, who has until recently been an officer in the Coventry Diocese, and was the instigator of the Divine Inspirations project. You can view some of her work at www.divine-inspiration.org.uk.
Helen advises dioceses, deaneries and parishes as they explore ways of developing their own programmes for welcoming visitors to their places of worship. The cost is £10 per person (including lunch and refreshments).
For further information, please contact the Rev Canon Caroline Pinchbeck - [email protected].
‘Open Your Church with Confidence’
at St Mark’s Church, Tunbridge WellsBy the Rev Sue Diggory, Curate, St Mark’s Church, Tunbridge Wells
The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group in partnership with Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) invite you to attend ‘Facing the Unthinkable,’ an intensive safeguarding training session on Saturday 18 May at St Barnabas Church, Upper Avenue, Istead Rise, Gravesend, DA13 9DA from 9am – 1.30pm.
Places can be booked on the diocesan website or please contact Carol Martin, Safeguarding Administrator – [email protected] if you require further details.
Attendance is free to all those with a relevant parish responsibility, but we reserve the right to charge £20 per person towards the cost of this seminar to those booking places who fail to attend without prior notice.
Safeguarding Seminar
‘It wasn’t what I expected – I thought it would be much more churchy! An absolutely ‘SMASH’ing afternoon was had by all!!!’
‘It was lovely to see old and young interacting to design an array of wonderful creations!’
We had so many stones imaginatively painted by all ages - some of them looked good
enough to eat!
The school seemed to provide a real sense of community with the church at the centre of the event – proving to many that church can be fun – and informative!
Planning is under way for the next Sm@Sch on 24 March when we hope to do Palm Sunday to Easter Day in an
As part of our Mission Action Planning, we at St Mark’s Church, Tunbridge Wells have been seeking to be more outward looking and over the last months have been planning a series of afternoon events called Sm@Sch, a mix of craft, worship and food, similar to Messy Church at our local primary school.
Sunday 10 February was chosen for the first one and as the team started to gather at the school on a very wet and rainy afternoon we wondered if anyone would turn up.
With only 15 minutes to go it was sleeting hard and England were playing Ireland in the Six Nations, but a few brave folk arrived. By 4pm the official start time it was snowing hard BUT eventually between 90 and 100 people came!
Our theme was Lent and the Temptations of Jesus. We painted stones, created a landscape collage and built the most amazing and enormous ‘junk’ pinnacle of the Temple; we
chatted, sang, prayed, and ate pancakes all in about an hour.
The atmosphere was warm and friendly as folk from pre-school to many years post-school spent time together discovering a bit more about God’s love for them.
Afterwards I asked a few people for a sentence to describe their first experience of Sm@Sch – here are just a few comments:
Stones were beautifully painted by young and old alike at the Sm@Sch event at St Mark’s Church
8 ochester Link
WWW.CROSSRHYTHMS.CO.UK/DIRECT OR CALL 01782 251000For these and all your Christian music, books and DVDs go to
Do your shopping in comfort and confidence at Cross Rhythms Direct.
Music, books and DVDs for life...
Beautiful Outlaw John Eldredge(Book) £8.54
Heaven Is For RealTodd Burpo(Book) £8.54
Freedom FighterMajed El Shafie
(Book) £9.49
A Pale HorseWendy Alec
(Book) £12.34
The Cross And The Switchblade / Run Baby Run
Nicky Cruz (Film) £13.64
Courageous(Film)£12.99
Britt Nicole Gold £9.97
Jesus Culture With Martin SmithLive From New York £9.97
Mercy MeThe Hurt And The Healer
£9.99
Trip LeeThe Good Life
£9.97
Chip KendallHoly Freaks
£9.97
Toby MacEye On It £9.97
To Advertise in
The Rochester Link Please Call
01752 225623or email
Keith MonksSound Systems
t: 020 868 23456 www.keithmonks.co.uk
audio, visual and induction loopsystems with complete integrated
design and installation
9ochester Link
The 2013 Oldie British Artist Award, a national competition to celebrate the talents of British artists aged 60 and over, has been launched by The Oldie magazine and specialist fine art and heritage insurer Ecclesiastical. With a prize of £5,000 to the winner, the award, now in its second year, is open to any UK resident aged over 60 and focuses on celebrating figurative art: pictures recognisably derived from the real world.
The competition’s judging panel includes Oldie editor Richard Ingrams, art writer and critic Huon Mallalieu, Philip Athill of Abbot and Holder Gallery, Ecclesiastical’s fine art underwriting manager Clare Pardy and will be chaired by renowned painter and sculptor Maggi Hambling CBE.
Last year’s inaugural winner, 93-year-old Donald Zec OBE, hugely impressed the judges with his portrait of his Polish grandfather. Mr Zec, who was the oldest of the 300-plus entrants, took up painting after the death of his wife only about five years ago.
Richard Ingrams said: “We were delighted with the response to last year’s OBA – the entries were of a very high standard and Donald Zec was a wonderful inaugural winner. This year’s competition promises to
be every bit as good, and should establish the OBA as an important component of the British arts calendar.”
Clare Pardy from Ecclesiastical, the award’s sponsor, said: “With so much attention paid to the bright young things of the British art scene it’s refreshing to be able to turn the spotlight onto an older generation of artists whose visions are no less relevant.
“At Ecclesiastical our role is to protect the nation’s heritage. This award, which we’re thrilled to sponsor, gives us the opportunity to create some new heritage – and perhaps help launch a new career for someone.”
The deadline for entries is 10 May and a shortlist of ten works of art will be announced
on 30 May 2013. Shortlisted artists will then be asked to provide a portfolio of their work for judging by 14 June.
Additionally, Abbott and Holder in Museum Street will exhibit the 10 shortlisted works on 21and 22 June. The winner will be announced and presented with the Oldie British Artist Award at a ceremony on 26 June at the English Speaking Union, 37 Charles St, London W1. Entries should be on paper or canvas (no larger than 36” x 30”) and using any materials (oil, watercolour or acrylics). Strictly no formaldehyde and no prints. Works must have been executed since 1 January 2012. For more information on how to enter, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/oba or request an entry form from Hannah Donovan on 020 7436 8801.
Parish Buying energy basket
Search for top artist aged 60 plus ORGANISTavailable as relief SE London/ Kent
Sundays & WeekdaysTraditional &
Modern MusicContact Ron Smith TEL/FAX: 020 8300 1527
Fee & Mileage
Metalsmith www.steelyourself.co.ukConscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall provides new work and maintenance for a
number of churches. To join his list of satisfied
customerscall: 020 8850 7851 or 077 6666 2747
Award winning
church furniture makers
Makers of quality bespoke Church Furniture
www.fullers�nerfurniture.co.uk
CHURCH PEWSUNCOMFORTABLE?
WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITYUPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS?
www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail
When phoning please quote RL0313
Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green,Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN
• TAX RETURNS • ACCOUNTS • BOOKKEEPING • VAT • PAYROLL
Friendly, ethical and e�cient service at a reasonable price.
Get in touch today with no obligation and we will be happy to talk about how we can help you
Contact Trevor or Sharon on 020 8090 9646or email [email protected]
www.trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk
WEC CAMPSDevon & Dorset
2013A Christian Camp with Bible teaching and world focus
July 27th to August 17thFor 9 to 17 year olds. Price from £130
Youth Office, WEC International, BulstrodeOxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8SZTel: 01753 278113 E: [email protected]
www.weccamps.orgRegistered Charity Nos: 2307005 &SCO37715
INFORMATIVERELEVANT
CHALLENGINGPRACTICAL
Bible Teaching for the 21st centuryand World Focus
ʻAll are calledʼ Diocesan Vocation Day
St Barnabas, Istead Rise
Saturday, 20 April 2013 1030-1530
Keynote Speakers Bishop James Langstaff
Christina Rees
Workshops on Vocations:
Further details and booking forms available soon
The Parish Buying energy basket represents a significant shift in how we purchase electricity and gas.
It allows parishes, diocesan offices, cathedrals, and church schools to pool their energy purchasing in the same way as major retailers, health trusts, local and national government and the vast majority of other significant multi-site organisations.
Over the past year more than 4,000 parishes have signed up to Parish Buying, and we are at the point where we have
sufficient scale to launch this basket.
Put simply, so far we’ve helped hundreds of parishes save money by getting the best deal for their own energy consumption.
By pooling our needs, and purchasing in bulk, we expect to save a further 10% on electricity and gas costs.
The basket will be administered by the Parish Buying energy consultant, maintaining a common point of contact for parishes already using the service.
Our hope is that parishes never need to
worry about sourcing energy again, as a bulk basket deal will always beat the best price for an individual site, and the customer service we seek to provide should be much more responsive than that given to individual sites.
This basket deal is available to Church of England parishes that have energy contracts ending before September 30th 2015.
There is a limited window of opportunity to join the basket (sign up required before 15 June 2013). Further detail available at www.parishbuying.org.uk/energybasket
The Big Toddle is a short sponsored walk for toddlers that helps the UK’s most disadvantaged under 5s.
Whether you’re a nursery, a parent or a childminder, you can organise your own Toddle any time of the year. Join the Big Toddle.
Around 300,000 children take part every year so why not join in the fun? The Big Toddle – by children, for children.
For more details or to obtain an information pack visit www.barnados.org.uk/bigtoddle
Big ToddleBig Fun!
The UK’s biggest charity event for the under 5s!
Winners of the 2012 competition
To Advertise in
The Rochester Link Please Call
01752 225623or email
10 ochester Link
www.familiesfi rstmagazine.com
T: 020 7222 5533 E: familiesfi [email protected]
Subscribe or give a gift!• Be encouraged,
supported and inspired as we tackle real life issues
• Six issues for £15* - a great gift which lasts all year
*Contact the Families First offi ce for subscription prices for Mothers’ Union members and recipients outside the UK
OUT NOW!The latest issue of The SonTHE SON is a bright, newsy and uncompromising tabloid newspaper which aims to put Jesus back at the centre of society.
Written and presented in an easy to read style, based on the UK’s biggest circulation newspapers, THE SON is an ideal tool to reach believers and unbelievers as well.
The current edition of THE SON includes stories on BBC presenter Janey Lee Grace, top neurosurgeon Dr Eben Alexander, and many more.
Why not use THE SON to reach your community?
The Son hotline on 01752 225623
Winter 2012
35p
JANEY LEE GRACE:HOW GOD HELD ON TO ME
SEE PAGE 3THE GOOD NEWS FORJULIE ETCHINGHAM– SEE PAGE 2
EVERTON STAR STEVEN PIENAAR SENDS A MESSAGE TO FOOTBALL FANS –See Back Page
ww
w.theson.org.uk
Oscar’s winning ways at Paralympics
See story on page 14
Neurosurgeon stuns scientifi c world with his revelations
A top neurosurgeon has stunned the scientific world by claiming he has proof that heaven exists.For years Dr Eben Alexander, a respected
academic, dismissed near-death revelations of God and heaven, saying they were explained by the way the human brain is wired.But then in 2008 Dr Alexander contracted bacterial meningitis. The deadly infection
soaked his brain and sent him into a deep coma
lasting seven days. In the days that followed his
life was slipping away, but Dr Alexander says
that he was living intensely in his mind.He claims he journeyed beyond this world and
encountered an angelic being who guided him
into the deepest realms of super-physical exist-ence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine
source of the universe itself.Dr Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he
underwent his journey, he could not reconcile
his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief
in heaven, God, or the soul. Today he is a doctor who believes that true
health can be achieved only when we realize
that God and the soul are real and that death
is not the end of personal existence but only a
transition.
See story on page 7
Dr Eben Alexander...experienced a spiritual journey during a
seven-day coma
PROOF OF HEAVENRussell Crowe to star as Noah in new epic movieSee centre pages
On Fire Mission
Annual Conference 2013
22nd – 25th AprilHigh Leigh Conference Centre
� e Great Commission
-Mission and Healing-
Guest Speakers Anne HibbertDirector of Th e Well Christian Healing Centre
Th e Rt Revd Paul BayesBishop of Hertford
www.onfi remission.org.ukfor further information
ON FIRE
MISSIONthrough
Word andSacrament
11ochester Link
A groundbreaking new campaign has been launched specifically calling on the church to increase the number of blood and organ donors in the UK.
Founded as a two-year partnership between creative agency KORE and NHS Blood and Transplant, the initiative aims to profile the need for more blood and organ donors and encourage donation as another way of personal giving within churches.
Sponsored by Give.net and in association with denominations, organisations and festivals including the Church of England, Salvation Army, Methodist church, United Reformed Church, Baptist Union, Hope and Evangelical Alliance, the fleshandblood campaign marks the first time the NHS has worked alongside the church on a national initiative of this kind.
Lorna Williamson, Medical Director of NHSNT said: “All major faith groups support donation in the spirit of giving and we’re excited to explore this in more detail by working with the Christian Church. By raising awareness amongst its members and community about the daily need for blood transfusions and organ transplants across the NHS, we hope to banish myths, educate people and encourage blood and organ donation.
“Donating blood, joining the Organ Donor Register, or consenting to organ donation from a deceased loved one is a unique gift and one that can truly save lives.”
Every day 7,000 units of blood are needed to meet hospital demand, with approximately 225,000 extra blood donors needed each year to maintain consistency. More than 1,000 people die each year in the UK waiting for an organ transplant.
The Church, which has a long history of giving and generosity and has millions of people across the country as its members, is ideally placed to raise awareness and help to meet the need for blood and organ donation in the UK.
This unique campaign seeks to equip individuals and churches as advocates for blood and organ donation enabling them to raise awareness of this key issue with their family, friends and community and potentially help to save thousands of lives each year.
The Rt Rev James Newcome, Lead Bishop on Healthcare for the Church of
England said: “fleshandblood is an exciting opportunity for the church. Christians have a mandate to heal, motivated by compassion, mercy, knowledge and ability.
“Extending our understanding of the central Christian themes of generosity and stewardship to include blood and organ donation has the potential to tangibly transform the giver and the receiver. The benefit to others is not only life enhancing but can mean the difference between life and death.”
By joining together to support fleshandblood, the campaign associates play a vital role in representing the Church and enabling a collaborative voice on the issue within their communities and networks.
Each associate commits to raising the profile of blood and organ donation and highlighting the various ways that individuals and groups can get involved at a local level.
Bishop Newcome added: “I would encourage individual Christians and local churches to engage with the campaign as we help address an important social issue and generously serve the communities to which we belong.
“Being willing to give our time, money and gifts is a significant aspect of our stewardship of what we have received. But this applies just as much to the blood that flows in our veins; and the organs that are such an intrinsic part of our bodies.”
For more information about the campaign visit fleshandblood.org
Holidays at Home
Holidays Abroad
Luxury 3 bed villa (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near
Carvoeiro. Own pool,all mod cons. Situated onPestana Golf Resort. Golf,
Tennis, Outdoor bowls.Full details and brochure:
Brian Chambers
ALGARVE
Tel: 02380 265 683
InsuranceTravel Insurance
UKBASED
FT TRAVELINSURANCE
Arranged for The Rochester Link readers
MARCH LAST CHANCE SPECIAL OFFERBuy your annual travel insurance policy to start March, April, May or June
and get £20 off per policy if purchased this month.NEW - Due to many requests we are now selling a yearly multi-trip travel insurance for UK travel only at a superb introductory price. (Max age 85)
Available with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted. Specialist cover for people cruising and for high-cost holidays.
Our insurance has a customer 24 hour helpline, full medical cover and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service.
TOP QUALITY ANNUAL AND SINGLE TRIP COVER
FREE MEDICAL SCREENING SERVICE AVAILABLE
Conditions apply Please call for details ~0116 272 0500
Authorised & regulated by the F.S.A.
SHERBORNEShort breaks in DorsetElegant, spacious, 2 bed,
apartment in listed buildingclose to Abbey Church.
Open all year.Please ring for brochure:
01404 841367
SNOWDONIANEAR BALA
Delightful period riverside cottagein peaceful surroundings - glorious
views. 3 bedrooms, sleeps 2-6, immac-ulate throughout. Also 2 bedroom
cottage style bungalow.Short Breaks available.
01341 450238
"Sunny Southeast Ireland"The Gathering 2013
Contact: Tel: 00 353 539146644 Mobile: 00 353 877 403031Email: [email protected]
Quality family run Bed & Breakfast accommodation/short stays welcome.
Lovely beaches nearby and lots of local activities. 10 mins drive from Rosslare Ferryport.
Peaceful location. Super breakfast.
Ivy House St Denys Retreat Centre
IGR retreats in 2013:• 2-7 April - Anna Desch, £240
• 27-31 May - Becky Widdows, £285 • 14-22 October - Anna Desch, £280
CARM Retreat:1-8 May - Painting or Calligraphy & Prayer, £350
T: 01985 214824 E: [email protected] www.ivyhouse.org
LYNTON DEVONA warm traditional welcome
welcome awaits you at Kingford House
✰✰✰✰ Silver AwardEnjoy excellent home cuisine Ideally situated for coastal & Exmoor walks.Tel Tricia Morgan on 01598 752361
for brochure and [email protected]
Campaign calls to rethink generosity
Do you have an old desk-top or laptop computer, or even an unwanted laser printer in the home, or the office? If so, if it runs XP, Vista or Windows-7, we’ve got a wonderful new home for it.
Working with the charity Computers4Africa in Aylesford, the Overseas Links Team would like to see as many of these computers,
however worn out they might look, collected in, data-wiped and then refurbished for end use in education projects across sub-Saharan Africa (www.computers4africa.org.uk). Computers4Africa can provide certificates that storage disks have been data-wiped or destroyed.
If you have a laptop that you would be happy to have used by clergy in Africa, and can provide the original installation disks, the Links Team will wipe the disk and re-install
the operating system before passing the laptop on to a good home in Africa.
Please attach a HUGE label marked ‘for clergy use’ if you would like your laptop to be used for this purpose.
If groups or churches gather up 10 or more computers at a time, Computers4Africa will collect (0300 011 2233), otherwise please contact Stephen Barbor (Diocesan Evangelist, Tonbridge) who will arrange an alternative collection: [email protected]
Computer Amnesty!
Day of Prayer for Africa
If you have an interest in Africa, we hope you will join us on our Day of Prayer on Saturday March 16 2013 at St Peter’s Church Aylesford, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The day is divided into quarter-of-an-hour sections so that it will be easy for people to drop in at any time. We will be hearing first-hand from organisations and individuals directly involved in Africa. A more detailed programme will be available on the church website, nearer the time www.aylesford-church.org.uk
A Healing Conference for the Diocese of Rochester will be held at Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre from May 31 to June 2.
The programme involves teaching on the Christian Healing Ministry for church leaders, healthcare professionals and all involved in pastoral care.
Speakers include the Rt Rev James Langstaff, the Rev Andrew Procter, Dr Elizabeth Procter, the Rev Sue Fauchon-Jones, Rev Steve Gendall and the Rev Steve Clark.
Booking information is as follows:
Residential Cost: Full Board. Full fees payable at time of booking 2 nights en-suite £180, 2 nights non en-suite £160.
Day Visitors: Full payment at time of booking 2 day non residential £86
Friday (includes supper), Saturday (lunch & supper), Sunday (lunch)
1 day residential £43
Friday (supper) and Sunday (lunch) or Saturday (lunch & supper)
Please call Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre on 01424 830204 for information and bookings. www.crowhursthealing.co.uk
Great Expectations
12 ochester Link
Reunion for People’s Passion PlayersCalling all People’s Passion Players and anyone connected with the Play which we toured through Kent 30 years ago!
Our tours were in 1983, 1984 and 1987 and a shortened version of the Play in 1993, in which Bishop Michael Turnbull played the part of St Peter. Chris Turner played the part of Jesus throughout all productions and gave inspirational performances.
Jill Scott directed the Play and Rachel Carr composed, orchestrated and directed the music and, if you remember, our Play was a “Life of Christ” adapted from the Bible with narration and music. 150 people, men, women and children, even down to babies in costume strapped to their mothers, took part, not forgetting Jasper, our very keen donkey, who took part in the ride into Jerusalem.
In the first production we played at St
Andrew, Paddock Wood; Rochester Cathedral for two nights; St John, Tunbridge Wells and Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, Tonbridge.
On the second tour, in 1984, we played at the Angel Centre, Tonbridge; Wildernesse School, Sevenoaks; the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells and Rochester Cathedral again.
On the third tour we went to the Community Hall in Sevenoaks; Rochester Cathedral, St Luke, Ramsgate and St Nicholas, Sevenoaks.
To anybody who took part in, made costumes, lighting and sound technicians, or who were involved in any way, or even any of the audience who came to see the Play (we played to over 2,000 people on each tour) Jill Scott would very much like to hear from you. Please contact Jill on 01732 833 498 or email [email protected]
St Paul, Swanley with St Peter, Hextable arranged a dynamic first for the combined parish on Saturday 2 February by hosting a New Wine Taster Day.
For those who might be unfamiliar as to what the New Wine movement is about, what it isn’t is a wine tasting event per se, but experiencing a taste of what the Holy Spirit does when He meets with His people during a day of teaching, worship and personal ministry.
The New Wine Movement is an Anglican
birthed initiative to help support and educate disciples of Christ who yearn to know more of Him through the power of the Holy Spirit.
On Saturday, St Peter opened its doors to 204 adults and children from a number of N E Kent churches for a day of such teaching, worship and ministry (TWM). There were 20 teenagers who enjoyed their own TWM at St Paul, Swanley. The younger children had their own ministry within St Peter, Hextable and a crèche was provided for the tinies.
The teens and youngsters were ably led by the Bolder Gang, Luke Bacon and his
band, and Rosie Jones during the day. The teenagers then joined together with the adults at a time of celebration in the evening at 7.30pm.
What was uniquely helpful for many of the attendees was that, following each of the teaching slots, the preacher would invite us to meet with God by His Spirit for any needs that were on our hearts.
There was certainly much that many of us learned and were able to take away from this Holy Spirit empowering day of teaching with worship and ministry.
No doubt it will be a starter for many more.
New Wine Taster DayBy Paul Wiggins
Accommodation and meals for Holy Week are available in the Cathedral Lodge, immediately next to the Cathedral.
Special bed and breakfast rates are available in the Cathedral Lodge from 23 to 31 March, for those who are participating in the Holy Week programme, based on a minimum stay of three nights.
Guests are able to book rooms for selected days or for the entire week.
The rates are £89 per night for single occupancy, £99 for twin or double occupancy while single nights are available at
£119 single, £129 double.
A two course hot meal with tea/coffee will be available in the Refectory prior to the Holy Week evening meditations and the Maundy Thursday Eucharist.
Tickets must be pre-booked. £12.95 per person per night or £50 for all four nights, from the Lodge or Cathedral House.
Those eating in the Refectory will have seats reserved for them in the Cathedral until 19.20. Menu available on request.
For more information on accommodation, please email [email protected] or telephone + 44 (0)1227 865350. www.canterburycathedrallodge.org
Holy Week at Canterbury Cathedral