PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the Dec/Jan issue of The Link is 4pm TThhuurrssddaayy 1100 NNoovveemmbbeerr

PP33 RReemmeemmbbrraannccee

Bishop Brian andthe Ven Dr PaulWright“remember them”

NOVEMBER 2011

An air of anticipation filled StGeorge’s Church, Beckenham onSunday 9 October as the Rectorthe Rev Canon Paul Franciswelcomed the congregation to theannual service celebrating theDiocesan Links of Tanzania,Estonia and Zimbabwe.

The primary focus of this year’s servicewas Estonia. Beginning with a power-pointpresentation, the Rev Canon David Kitleyoutlined the history of St Mary’s ChurchTartu, in Estonia. He also described his tripto Estonia in January 2010 when it was socold the sea froze. He said, “It was justanother example of God’s beauty.” Askingrhetorically, “Why do the Estonians valuetheir links with us?” David explained, “TheRussians are still on the Eastern border andthere is room for churches here to link withchurches there – to give and receivehospitality.”

The congregation joined in a heartyrendition of, “Ye watchers and ye holy ones”before Bishop Brian welcomed thecongregation on behalf of the diocesanLinks Committee and thanked the choir fortheir melodic singing. Reminding everyonethat the Archbishop of Canterbury was inZimbabwe, he asked the congregation toremember him in their prayers. He remindedeveryone that there is a Diocesan group inTanzania at present and that the Linksanniversary would also be celebrated inMpwapwa. He said, “Today we focus on

Estonia. We have a very strong link and wewant to develop it.” Bishop Brian then led thecongregation in prayer for our brothers andsisters in Estonia, Kondoa, Mpwapwa andHarare saying, “We thank God for theirwitness and courage and we pray for growth,understanding and love between us.”Following Psalm 122 sung by the choir andreadings from Proverbs and John, the choirsang the Nunc Dimittis before the sermonwas preached by the Rev Stephen Knowers,Vicar of St John’s Church, Croydon. Stephenexplained that in the summer of 1987, Estoniawas still part of the USSR when he visited aLutheran college. During a tour, the studentswere taken to see a so-called, “erraticboulder”, left high and dry from when theglaciers of the last ice-age retreated. Hewatched, puzzled, as many of the theologystudents linked arms and hugged the stone.He came to learn that the stone was regardedas a “Holy stone.” He said, “Each Estonianhas a deep sense of the sacredness of thesoil. Those boulders put me in mind of theEstonians themselves. They are individualisticand independent. That’s why in the presentEuropean debt crisis, Estonia has the smallestdebt. They don’t borrow from the future. Theybelieve one should owe no-one anything butlove.” Stephen defined “chronos” time and“Kairos” time (physical or real time andmetaphysical time) explaining that Kairos timeis “God’s special moments.” His sermonended with the description of the Estonianpeople defeating the Russian military by beingclever and diplomatic and by their prayerfuland contemplative approach. He said, “Youshould be subversively peaceful or you will not

recognise when God’s moment will come.” After singing “The Church of God a

Kingdom is”, Bishop James gave a briefupdate on the situation in Harare. He referredto the Archbishop of Canterbury preaching toover 15,000 people in a stadium in Harareand his trip to Harare with David Kitley inAugust this year. He said, “We visited ourbrothers and sisters to pray and express oursolidarity as a Diocese. The Archbishop ofCanterbury is there to express the solidarity ofthe whole of the Anglican Church.” BishopJames told of priests being evicted from theirproperties and of the growth in the size of the

congregations despite the hardships theyface. He said, “Our brothers and sistersknow that the Church is much more than justbuildings. Although doors may be lockedagainst them, other doors are opened!”Bishop James is often told that thecongregations in Harare pray for us in theDiocese of Rochester. He said, “I hopewhen I tell them we pray for them, that I amtelling the truth! Let us all pray for the futurethat is to come in Zimbabwe.”

The service ended with the final hymn,“We have a Gospel to Proclaim” beforerefreshments for all.

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At Diocesan Synod on Saturday 15October, the Diocese of Rochestervoted to approve the proposalsembodied in the draft Bishops andPriests (Consecration andOrdination of Women) Measureand Draft Amending Canon No 30.

There was a generous and respectfuldebate, with both sides putting their points ofview clearly and succinctly. The results wereas follows: Both Bishop James and BishopBrian voted in favour. House of Clergy: 36 infavour and 12 against. House of Laity: 34 infavour, 11 against and 2 abstentions. Thedebate was followed by BBC Radio and TV inKent, with follow-up broadcasts on Sunday.

Bishop James opened Synod with his

Presidential Address and a presentationbriefly describing his vision for the Diocese.He said, “We are one body, members one ofanother; we are called to bear one another’sburdens and when one part suffers, we allsuffer. And that is part of our witness to theworld.” He reminded Synod of the importantplace Church schools have in Britain, saying,“Church of England Schools offer educationwhich through its excellence seeks to enrichthe whole of society and thus bear witness toChrist within the whole life of our nation.”

Other business for Synod covered thereceiving of the annual reports from theDiocesan Board of Education, the AdvisoryCouncil for Ministry and Training, the DAC,the Canterbury and Rochester Joint Booksand Documents Committee and the Mothers’Union. The afternoon saw discussions on the2012 budget and safeguarding.

Diocesan Links Service of Celebration

Diocesan Synod says yes

2 ochester Link

NNoovveemmbbeerrSunday 6 NovemberBROMLEY – The Brook Piano Trio at St Mary’s Church at3pm. Contact Peter 020 8464 1239.

SEVENOAKS – Come and sing Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ at TheDrive Methodist Church at 6:30pm. Contact 01732450355.

Saturday 12 NovemberSEVENOAKS – Concert Temenos Chamber Choir at St Luke’s Church at 7:30pm. Tallis “Puer Natus” Mass,Howells Requiem and anthems by Harris. Tickets £10, £5Students from Sevenoaks Bookshop or 01959 522302.

Sunday 13 NovemberBROMLEY – St Mary’s Festival Choir will perform Faure’sRequiem at St Mary’s Church at 6:30pm. Free admissionwith retiring collection. Contact Peter 020 8464 1239.

Saturday 19 NovemberLAMBERHURST – Callum Smart, one of the finalists ofthe BBC Young Musicians Competition will be giving aviolin recital at St Mary’s Church at 7:30pm. Tickets £15.Contact 01892 891115.

CHATHAM – City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra atthe Central Theatre at 7:30pm performs Prokofiev Suitefrom Lieutenant Kije and Dvorak Cello Concerto. Tickets£9-£15 from the Central Theatre Office 01634 338338.

BLUEBELL VILLAGE – Christmas Fayre in St Alban’sChurch 2pm-4pm. 50p adults, children free. Money raisedto Dandelion Time and Holy Trinity Parish Funds.

GRAVESEND – Gravesham Choral Society’s AutumnConcert at St George’s Church at 7:30pm. Theperformance includes three Cantatas from Bach’sChristmas Oratorio. Tickets £12, £5 for full-time studentsfrom 01474 816684 or on the door.

LINTON – A concert by The Straight Eight at St NicholasChurch at 7:30pm. A varied programme of popularclassics to contemplative and sacred works, folk song andjazz. Tickets £6 from Kath Cooper 01622 741494.

SIDCUP – Quiz night at St John’s Church Hall at 7:30pm.Tickets £10 including a fish and chip supper. Teams of upto 6 people. Contact 020 8309 0866.

WATERINGBURY – Grand Christmas Craft Bazarr at theChurch of St John the Baptist 11am-3pm. Local crafts,pottery, plants and gifts. Contact 01622 814324.

Thursday 24 NovemberDURHAM – Seminar and discussion event: AnglicanClergy Spouses at Hatfield College, Durham University7pm-9pm. For details or to confirm your place contactsarah-jane.page@durham.ac.uk. Free admission.

Friday 25 NovemberLONDON – New insights into whole person care – a dayconference for church leaders, healthcare professionalsand all involved in pastoral care organised by Burrswood.At St Maryleborne Parish Church 9:30am – 4pm. Tickets£25. Contact 01892 865984.

Saturday 26 NovemberBROMLEY COMMON – Bromley Kentones concert at StAugustine’s Church at 7:30pm in support of BibleLands’work in the Middle East. Tickets £7, under 13s free.Contact 01689 858127, richard.jones@biblelands.org.uk

DARTFORD – Dartford Choral Society will performDvorak ‘Te Deum’ and Brahms ‘Requiem’ at Christ Churchat 7:30pm. Tickets £9, concessions £7 from David Ware01474 321604 or on the door.

WEST MALLING – Barn Dance at West Malling PrimarySchool at 7:30pm in aid of at St Mary’s Church. ContactSue Chapple 01732 843964.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS – Christmas Fair for Mission at St James Church 10am – 12pm. Books, toys, cakes andgifts. Profits shared between Verandah Schools in Nepal,Diocesan Poverty & Hope Appeal and Youth for Christ.

CHISLEHURST – Bromley Oecumenical Singers willperform Requiem and Gloria by John Rutter and JenniferHughes will play three solos at Christ Church at 7:45pmin aid of Bromley Mind. Contact 020 8697 7596.

STROOD – Christmas Bazaar at St Nicholas Church

The Bishop of Tonbridge’s Diary,The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle

November10am-1pm. Many stalls, raffles, Father Christmas andentertainment. Admisison 30p.

SEVENOAKS – Christmas Fair at St John the Baptist2-5pm. Free Admission

VariousMEOPHAM – Festival programme. Box office 01474813106 or www.meophamfestival.co.uk11 Abby Guinness – Word of the Wives18 Jazz Night – Tim Boniface Quartet26 From Bach to Beatles: Harp Music with

Margaret Watson

SEVENOAKS - Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke's Church.Wednesdays at 12.30pm - retiring collection2 Pupils from Sevenoaks School with Tau Wey9 Peter Young: Organ16 Colin Baker: Guitar23 Letitia Perry: Soprano & Anna Tetsuya: Piano30 Dave Beckett: Guitar & Eddie Armer:

Mandolin/Harmonica

WARWICKSHIRE – CPAS You and Ministry weekend tohelp people explore a variety of vocations in the Church ofEngland at Offa House, Offchurch 18-20 November.£160 per person. Visit www.cpas.org.uk/youandministry

BEXLEYHEATH – Fair Trade Sales – ‘At Home’ at ChristChurch. Craft items from Tanzania and Ethiopia plusjewellery from Uganda. Sunday13 3:30pm – 6pm,Monday 14 7:15pm – 8:45pm. Contact 020 8303 4452.

DDeecceemmbbeerrFriday 2 DecemberWATERINGBURY – Innominata for Christmas concert atthe Church of St John the Baptist at 8pm. Tickets £8include a drink and a programme from Wateringbury PostOffice or 01622 814656

Saturday 3 DecemberSIDCUP – Table Sale at St John’s Church from 11am.Tables are £10 to be booked in advance by calling 020 8309 0866 or stjohnsparishoffice@tiscali.co.uk

Saturday 10 DecemberCLIFFE – A concert of music for advent and Christmas bythe Kent Chamber Choir at St Helen’s Church at 7:30pm.Tickets including refreshments £10, £5 for children andfull-time students from Sheila Higgins 01634 220714

BIGGIN HILL – Carol Concert at St Mark’s Church at6pm. Tickets £10, children/students free, includes festivefare and mulled wine. Concert is in aid of King’s CollegeHospital Limb Re-construction unit. Contact 01959509131

For listings in What’s On December/January Link pleaseemail whatson@rochester.anglican.org by 10 November.

2 Nov 1000 Lead workshop on ‘Desert Spirituality’ – St Andrew’s Convent, Edenbridge

6 Nov 1000 Preach at St John, Sevenoaks

8-14 Nov On Retreat

16 Nov 0900 Presentation of Bishop’s Award – St Mary Island School

1930 Curates’ Supper, Bishop’s Lodge

17 Nov 1400 Advisory Council for Ministry and Training meeting - St Justus, Rochester

18 Nov 1230 School Chaplains’ Lunch - Bishop’s Lodge2030 Teaching Session at SEITE, Aylesford

19 Nov 1030 Open Kippington Christmas Fair

20 Nov 1030 Confirmation, St Mark, Tunbridge Wells1800 Attend ‘AngelSpace’, Rochester Cathedral

22-24 Nov Bishop’s Staff Residential Meeting, Eastbourne

25-29 Nov Address Church Conference in Tallinn, Estonia and visit Diocesan Links

30 Nov 1600 Attend Callover and Society of St Andrew Awards, Rochester Cathedral

A training day for children’s and youthwork leadersToolbox, the conference called Valuing Your Ministryon Saturday 3 March 2012 at the Hayesbrook School,Tonbridge. Tickets £15, but if you book by 7 February2012 it is £12. Deadline for bookings 20 February.Contact Sarah Cabella 01634 560024 orsarah.cabella@rochester.anglican.org

Stop the Press!The Rochester DiocesanDirectory 2011/12 isavailable for purchaseonline (£12.50 +p&p)Simply visit: www.lulu.comand type “rochesterdiocesan” into the ‘find’box.

AngelSpace - You are a BibleThe next AngelSpace is on 20 November at RochesterCathedral 6-8pm. For information conatctinfo@angelspace.org.uk or call Sarah Cabella 01634560000

What’s on

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3ochester Link

By the Ven Dr Paul Wright

Remembrance Sunday reminds us all of the sacrifices madeby men and women in the UK Armed Forces. The RoyalBritish Legion has been supporting veterans since WWIand WWII and continues to do so today. Help for Heroes is another charity established to help them.If you would like to make a donation to either charity, pleasevisit the websites below or send a cheque to one of theaddresses listed. Thank you for thinking of others. Pleasepray for the safe return of those still serving. Visitwww.helpforheroes.org.uk to donate online. Cheques canbe sent to the following address: Donations, Help forHeroes, Unit 6, Aspire Business Centre, Ordnance Road,Tidworth, Hants, SP9 7QD. Or The Royal British Legion,Freepost SN1437, Melksham, SN12 7BR.Visitwww.britishlegion.org.uk to make an online donation, ordonate by phone by calling 0845 845 1945

Remembrance Sunday

In November many communitieswill have firework displays in the public spaces outside of ourtowns but few will rememberwhy. Many thousands of peoplewill stop for the two minutessilence in the villages and cities,where our war memorials will besurrounded by wreaths, but willnot know those whose names areinscribed on them.

Dozens of families will gather in the localchurch to recall with love and affectionmembers of their family who have died this

past year. Remembering is an important partof our human nature - events such asbirthdays and wedding anniversaries orbreaking bread at the Holy Communion -these experiences are part of living.

However, although looking back is reallyimportant, what we must not forget is what todo with those memories. Parliament and whatis stood for was going to be destroyed andwe need to be careful to protect ourdemocratic rights and those who exercisepower on our behalf. War is never a noblething; it is dark and destructive and oftenbrings out the worst as well as the best inpeople. To lose a close friend or wife, a sisteror son in bereavement can leave an open‘wound’ but what of those other relationshipsthat are left or those we have yet to find.

If we don’t do something with ourmemories, save hold on to them, then the verythings that we value and the lessons we mayhave learned will simply and quickly fade. TheChurch has always remembered what ourheavenly Father has done through Christ hisonly Son and how the power of the Holy Spiritcan bring new life and blessing to those whoprofess the faith. We look back and rememberthe death and resurrection of Jesus; we retellthose powerful stories he taught those whowould listen to him and we recount how thelives of many people have been transformedby finding a lively faith in the one true God.

When we look back, we can learn so muchbut if we do not apply those lessons andexperiences, we may put ourselves at risk orthose we have relationships with – including

Two months ago we werecommemorating the tenthanniversary of 9/11.This monthwe shall be remembering thosewho have died in the two worldwars and the nearly 16,000 whohave died while serving in thearmed services since 1945.

This month’s remembering needs to honourthe dead and also to acknowledge the grief ofthe bereaved, offering tools to transformbitterness and to heal psychological wounds.But what exactly are we doing when weremember? Is it possible to remember in away that makes such events less, rather thanmore likely to happen again? Whatcontribution does the Christian tradition ofremembering make to the debate? But firstwe consider the deep human need to honourthe dead.

Ask anybody who conducts funerals or hasresponsibility for a graveyard and they willconfirm that the dead exert a considerablehold over the living. One philosopher andformer politician argues that revenge is theneed to keep faith with the dead and that theviolence that stems from it is a ritual form ofrespect for the dead. In order to break thespiral of violence that inevitably emerges,reconciliation is required, but reconciliationwill have no effect at all unless it takesaccount of the emotions that feed revengeand unless it replaces the respect in which

vengeance is held with the rituals in whichcommunities formerly at war learn to mournand honour their dead together. This is a longprocess. After 65 years, there are examples ofthis happening between Britain and Germany.It is too early for this to happen withsubsequent conflicts.

For Christianity, remembering is afundamental part of faith. A Christianremembers the death and resurrection ofJesus Christ. However, remembering is notonly sitting around and telling stirring storiesof the past, it is also relating and engagingwith the story of faith in such a way thatinspires listeners to enter into it, be fed by itand allow their lives to be transformed by it sothat the world can also be transformed. Thispowerful form of remembering takes place incelebration and Eucharistic worship and itsultimate aim is to reconcile the worshipperand the world to God through Jesus Christ.Christians remember through the lens ofChrist’s death and resurrection and the resultis that transformation takes place: new lifeemerges from suffering and death. Thewounds remain but they are transformed fromthe marks of death into the signs of life.Memory itself is transformed. For Jesus Christ, the very worst that the world can throwat him, suffering and even death itself,became a means to a life previouslyunimagined. The hope that is deep in thisexperience sustains Christians throughsuffering and death and has played asignificant role in many wounded lives.

There is also a need to remember fully. It isright to remember that God is with those inpain and suffering. However, it would be adistortion of what Christ did for humanity atCalvary if we did not, at the same time,remember Christ’s attitude to those whocrucified him. ‘Father, forgive them, for theyknow not what they do,’ cried Jesus from thecross. If we remember that God is with thosesuffering and do not remember his attitudetowards those who inflict the suffering, thenwe are not remembering fully. Similarly, if we

our Lord! If that happens we can findourselves in those dark places of fear anddespair or at the very least uneasy about theway we live our lives. Remember that Jesusdied for you so that you might live butremember that Jesus expected those whoseek to know and follow him must follow hispattern of living a life that makes nojudgements; seeks to bind up the brokenhearted and bring peace to a troubledworld. Will those who remember to go tochurch this November for whatever reasonfind a community that lives by thoseprecepts? Please remember to bear that inmind the next time you make a decision onthe PCC or at a Synod or just walking downthe street!

do not remember that we are all part of sinfulhumanity, then we are not remembering fully.Half remembering distorts the faith and opensit to be used for self-justification. Halfremembering also leads to a demonisation ofthose who have wronged us and when wedemonise others we regard them as less thanhuman which, in turn, can justify our treatingthem in less than human ways. Memory istransformed when we remember fully.Let us remember fully in a way that works forreconciliation and enables transformation.

By Bishop BrianWe will remember them.....

Remember, remember

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By the Rev Sue Morrell, Curate (SSM) at East Peckham with Nettlestead

A ship’s bell rings out and standingup in the great pulpit, I wait to saymid-day prayers - top of the list ofspecial moments one enjoys whendoing a day as Chaplain at theCathedral.

I gaze down at a few faces dotted about, orsometimes a whole party of school childrenand wonder what it must feel like to actuallypreach from up here. At least there is plentyto hold on to if you feel a bit wobbly! I say my words of welcome and prayers, nothingtoo long, followed by any notices, and at theend walk down the steps trying not to tripover my cassock.

Seven years ago I read a short article in theRochester Link which encouraged people,who might have some time to spare, toconsider becoming a voluntary Chaplain atthe Cathedral. Finding myself seriouslyinterested in the idea but with absolutely noknowledge of what the work might involve andeven less about the day to day life of theCathedral, I rang the number given and made

an appointment to visit and talk with JanetWickens, who was Visits Officer at the time. A little later I began, first of all shadowing anexperienced Chaplain and being shown theropes, but then just getting on by myself. I found I had become one of a number ofvolunteer Chaplains, some lay, some ordained,all with long service behind them. Many ofthem serve at least once a week. I myself manage a couple of days a termbecause of my other commitments but, astime has gone on and I have got to knowquite a few of the Cathedral family, I havefound myself always warmly welcomed anddrawn into a sense of belonging whenever I am there.

As Chaplain I have the enormous privilegeof “seeing behind the scenes”, getting toknow all the staff who keep the Cathedralrunning so smoothly, the Vergers, theWelcomers, the ladies who keep everythingspotlessly clean, or who arrange and care forthe flowers, the education officers, whowelcome the many schools who visit – somany wonderful people each with their uniquegifts, who just get on with things.

After signing in, hanging up my coat anddonning my cassock, I spend the day walkinground the Cathedral, speaking to as manypeople as I can who come to visit. They comefrom all over the world, all over the country, orfrom just round the corner – all seeking thatpeace which only a building steeped in prayercan give. Yes, they ask many questions aboutits age, history and architecture but, moreoften than not, they like to tell me where theycome from, and sometimes their stories offaith and spirituality, as well as their joys andsorrows.

The Cathedral opens its doors freely andwarmly to all, offering a friendly listening earand words of prayer of needed. That’s my role.I always find my day a tremendous blessingthrough the visitors I meet and the newfriends I have made. What could be betterthan spending a whole day in the Lord’sHouse, and to see and feel Him at work there.Might you have a little time to spare whichcould be offered to this ministry? If you wouldlike to know about what is involved contactRev Canon Dr Phil Hesketh 01634 843366.

Crayford’s Unknown WarriorThe Friends of St Paulinus Church held anillustrated talk at the church hall on Fridayevening (23/9) when Dyanne Jarrett of theCrayford Archives Society spoke about thelife and times of Private William White.

Crayford’s Unknown Warrior was thestory of one man’s short war and how hisdeath became a focus for the community inCrayford during World War 1. The talk toldabout the life of Private William White whogrew up in Crayford, attended the localschool, joined the army and served in Indiabefore being posted to the trenches inFrance. Private White was seriously injuredin 1915 and sent home for hospitaltreatment in Southend, where he was visitedby Queen Mary. He died in Dartford in 1916and is buried in St Paulinus’ churchyard.

Over sixty members and guests of theFriends listened to his story and saw slidesof where he lived, loved and laboured. Afterthe presentation, refreshments were servedand a raffle for the Friends funds was held.

Friends’ Chair, Marilyn Evennett, thankedDyanne Jarrett for her most interesting talk.Among the guests were David Evennett MP,

On Sunday 27 November St NicholasChurch, Linton, will be commemorating the150th anniversary of the re-opening of thechurch after major renovations and rebuildingin 1861. The work was financed by the LadiesElizabeth and Louisa Cornwallis, whose familyis remembered in the Cornwallis Chapel withmany fine historic monuments. There will bean Anniversary Service at 9.30am when theChurch Trail will be officially launched.Special guests who will be coming to theAnniversary service are the Archdeacon ofTonbridge, the Ven Clive Mansell, the Mayor ofMaidstone, Cllr Brian Mortimer, and Kent AreaChairman of the National Association ofDecorative and Fine Arts Society, SandyPatrick. The church will then be open for therest of the day, with an exhibition of historicinformation and pictures and the chance toexplore the Trail.

For more information or to arrange for a school, church or family group to do the Trail, pleasecontact Kath Cooper on 01622 741494, cooperkathryn@btopenworld.com.

Cllrs Melvin Seymore and Howard Marrinerand Rector, Father Antony Lane.

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Cathedral Chaplaincy

150th AnniversaryBy Kath Cooper

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Bishop James visits St Botolph’s Primary School

By Elaine Leadbetter

Pupils, staff, governors and parentsof St Botolph’s Church of England(VA) Primary School, Northfleet,have created a wonderful tiledillustration to commemorate the400th anniversary of the KingJames Bible and the 200thanniversary of the National Society.

Within the illustration there are images thatreflect the school’s vision of being a GREATschool that learns, loves and lives like Jesus.The work was commissioned by HeadTeacher, Sharon Smith, and designed by artistKelly Hudson, who also managed the project.

‘None of us will be around to celebratesuch an anniversary again, let alone a double,

so we wanted to create something that wouldbe enjoyed for many years by pupils, parentsand visitors; something that depicts ourschool community and ethos. We were allthrilled by the finished illustration so weinvited Bishop James to the school to blessand dedicate the work.’

Bishop James also presided over theschool’s weekly Eucharist service and dressedpupil James Harrison, aged 11, in his robes,explaining as he did so the meaning of therobes and images on his stole. Bishop Jamesspent the rest of the morning touring theschool, with Year 5 pupils putting the Bishopin the spotlight by asking some thoughtful andinteresting questions, before enjoying lunchwith KS1 pupils.

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Bishop James visits Fawkham Primary School

Thursday, 29 September 2011 is a day thatthe children and staff at Fawkham Church ofEngland Primary School will remember formany years to come. After a number of yearsof hard work, the sun shone down upon theschool’s Spiritual Garden and the FawkhamHill Woodland, as this new learningenvironment was opened and blessed by theRt Rev James Langstaff, the Bishop ofRochester.

The school was delighted that BishopJames accepted their invitation to attend thisspecial ceremony. The new woodland andgarden area further enhances opportunities

for all members of the school community withtheir learning, and provides quiet and calmareas for reflection and prayer.

Even the birds from the woodland joined inthe worship and celebrations, as the sunreflected from the children’s Sculpture Tree,bathing the event in glorious light, whilst someof the older children led the rest of the school,and visitors, with their recorder playing of AllThings Bright and Beautiful. A sense of beautyand peace pervaded the occasion.

After the ceremony the children presentedthe Bishop with a book of work andphotographs, as a small token of their

To mark the start of building work at theBishop of Rochester Academy, Bishop Jamesturned the first sod.

Work on the school is due to be completedin the summer of 2013, when its LetchworthAvenue site will close. The new site willinclude a courtyard, performace and teachingareas, sports courts and more green space.

The school specialises in maths, IT andmusic and was formed in September 2010between Medway Community College andChatham South School.

Alex Tear, Diocesan Director of Education,said, “As the lead sponsor we are delighted tosee the building project begin and work onthe site accelarate. The completed project willprovide a fantastic range of facilities for thestudents and we very much look forward toseeing the completion of the project in 2013.”

Pictured is Bishop James, MP TraceyCrouch, Acting Principal Andy Reese andDiocesan Director for Education, Alex Tearwith students at the at the Magpie HallRoad campus.

appreciation. They then accompanied theirvisitors, including Bishop James, through theFawkham Hill Woodland, proudly showingoff their new learning environment.

The project has been the most wonderfulexample of many people coming together,for the good of others. The children aredelighted and excited with their new areasand are very proud of their school. Themorning was the most perfect morning,bringing together those who were involvedand responsible, for turning a hope and adream into reality. Fawkham School is trulyblessed.

Members of the King’s Hill Girls Brigade met Bishop James and introduced him to a Girl’sBrigade evening of activities on Monday 3 October. The evening ended with the girls takingthe opportunity to question Bishop James on anything to do with his ministry.

Around the Diocese

By Dorinda Perry, Headteacher

Bishop James turns the sod at BORA King’s Hill Girls’ Brigade

7ochester Link

By Alan Strachan, Diocesan Stewardship Adviser

Over the next six months withinthe Diocese we are seeking to equipour parishes with tools to developstewardship and giving across allour churches.

One of the key strategies which willunderpin this programme is the developmentof a diocesan wide network of people to actas ‘Parish Stewardship Links’, who would beresourced to encourage their parish orbenefice in the Christian principles ofstewardship. There is real strong statisticalevidence to show that parishes with a‘Stewardship Link’ are able to grow theirgiving faster and hence be more efficientlyequipped to resource their ministry andmission.

To start this process we have organisedlaunch seminars in each of theArchdeaconries for the incumbents andtreasurers of each parish and for those peoplewho would be interested in taking on thisimportant yet informal role within their parishchurch. The seminars will be led by Bishop

James who will outline the future ‘Ministry ofStewardship’ within our Diocese.In the summer of 2012 training will beprovided for those who wish to be the‘Stewardship Link’ to the DiocesanStewardship Adviser via a DiocesanStewardship Network. These modules areaimed at providing a sound base ofknowledge for those attending as their ParishLink.

The training will be based on three keyelements.

1) Personal – seeking and encouragingmembers to reflect on their own personalunderstanding of Christian Stewardship.

2) Theological – A brief overview on what theBible says about God’s generosity to us andthe real stewardship principles.

3) Practical - The the role of a ParishStewardship Link and how we can challengeour church communities with the principle ofChristian Giving.

The dates for the initial launch events withBishop James are as follows.

BBrroommlleeyy aanndd BBeexxlleeyy AArrcchhddeeaaccoonnrryyMonday 20 February 2012 – Christ ChurchOrpington, 8.00pm

TToonnbbrriiddggee AArrcchhddeeaaccoonnrryyMonday 27 February 2012 – St Andrew’sChurch, Paddock Wood 8.00pm

RRoocchheesstteerr AArrcchhddeeaaccoonnrryyMonday 5 March 2012 – St John the BaptistChurch, Meopham 8.00pm

Combined meeting for those unable to makethe previous evening seminars: Saturday 10March 2012 – St Luke’s Church, Sevenoaks,10.30am

Full details and an invitation letter will be sentto each parish in November 2011.

We do hope that you will support thisimportant new initiative within the RochesterDiocese on stewardship, as we move forwardand try and equip all parishes with theessential tools they will need to encouragegood and generous Christian stewardship andgiving, throughout our Diocese in the yearsahead.

A series of seminars led by Bishop James

AAllaann SSttrraacchhaann

Early in September this year, several of usembarked on a journey...

Geographically, none of us travelled veryfar; spiritually, however, we did indeed moveon.

A team of Prayer Guides came to ourparish for a week, to share in and guide uson our own personal pilgrimage. The weekbegan with a brief, informal service on theSunday afternoon, during which the PrayerGuides were introduced. Afterwards we met our own individual Prayer Guide andarranged to meet at a convenient time each day.

From Monday to Friday we spent sometime with our allotted Prayer Guide,undertaking to take a similar amount of timefor daily prayer and reflection. I found it agreat privilege to share something of my

own journey with someone who was clearlylistening not only to me, but also to God. TheBible passages I was encouraged to readand meditate upon could not have beenmore relevant. There were also helpfulpoems, prayers and pictures.

When the final day came, we cametogether with all the Prayer Guides on theSaturday morning to give thanks for all thatwe had received, and to share with eachother what had been most significant for usduring the week. We were of various agesand backgrounds, but unanimous in ourgratitude to God, who had so richly blessedus through this ministry.

Churches interested in holding a Week ofGuided Prayer should contact the RevSusanne Carlsson, Director of Spirituality forthe Diocese: susannecarlsson@hotmail.co.uk

By Sarah Hassell, Reader

CMEAC 25

There were two of us from RochesterDiocese who joined the crowd in ChurchHouse, Westminster, on Saturday, 1October. Members of the Church ofEngland had come together from all over thecountry, to celebrate the twenty-fifthanniversary of the Committee for MinorityEthnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC).

The day started with an address from theArchbishop of Canterbury, who reflectedbriefly on why there was a need forCMEAC, and on what was left to do. Heproposed that the aim of CMEAC was tomake itself unnecessary. He pointed outthat, even after twenty five years, this hadn’tyet been achieved. The rest of the day fellinto four sections to consider the past, thepresent and the future, and to join togetherin worship. An African Fusion band, theGanda Boys, provided a constant musicalbackdrop to the proceedings.

During the day full homage was paid tothose who had pioneered the work,following the publication of the report “Faith

in the City”, and attention was paid to thevoices of the many young people present,who will influence how the Church movesinto the future.

The worship, a Sung Eucharist presidedover by the Bishop of Southwell andNottingham, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, wasdesigned to reflect the multi-ethnicity of theChurch of England. It started with a paradeof banners representing the many differentnations of the world from where manymembers of the C of E have come, whilesinging the South African hymn, “We aremarching in the light of God” (“Siyahamb’ekukhanyeni kwenkhos”). Lessons were readin a number of languages, including Koreanand Urdu, and the Gospel was proclaimedfrom the King James translation of 1611.

How can we continue to celebrate thisanniversary? Rochester’s ethnic mix iscontinuing to change. There is a need for usto engage positively with the growingchallenge which this presents.

By the Rev Canon Nicholas Kerr

Tower Open DayA total of 174 visitors climbed the 101 stepsto the top of St Margaret’s Church Tower,Rainham, on Saturday. The weather wasgood and everyone was able to enjoy theextensive views of Rainham and beyond fromthe top of the tower.

As well as climbing the tower, there wasthe chance to have a go at bell ringing withthe Trafford mini-ring and to look at many olddocuments and photographs and see thenewly refurbished wall paintings in the historicChurch.

Our Stewardship Links

Week of Guided Prayer at Holy Trinity, South Chatham

CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor:Email: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: 01634 560000 NEXT COPY DEADLINE Thursday November 10th for Dec/Jan 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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The Guild of Church Braillists2011 is the 100th anniversary ofthe Guild of Church Braillists andBishop Brian is their President.

Bishop Brian said, “The Guild of ChurchBraillists has quietly played its part in bringinglight to the blind and partially sighted for 100years and has formed a remarkablecollaboration between those who are sightedand those who are not in order to achieve ourobjective. We are committed to continuethis.”

Helen Patten lost her sight at the tenderage of six months and is an inspirational forcein the Guild of Braillers. Helen explained, “Ouraim is to get Christian books into braille.These books are then presented to theNational Library for the blind. There is only oneand it is in Stockport, Manchester.”

Braille books are quite substantial and theA4 ring-binders can be weighty, so they areposted out to blind users in sturdy canvassbags. Users order what they want from acatalogue and the books are delivered free-of-charge by international agreement. Helen said, “To read Braille one has to betaught to recognise each letter first. Gradeone Braille is reached once the alphabet hasbeen learned, then there is an additional 260contractions and abbreviations to be learnedas well. It can be quite challenging for blindchildren to learn to use the contractions.” Volunteers who want to help transcribestandard books into Braille need to want tolearn Braille first, so it can be both challengingand rewarding. Helen explained, “We have a

committee to select the books which aretranscribed into Braille. For example, we havejust selected ‘The Faith and Doubt of JohnBetjeman’ because we think this would be ofinterest to everybody. We have previouslytranslated work about Vivaldi because of hissacred music.”

Helen said, “The next step in the process isfor us to send selected books to thesecretary, Mary Hazlewood, who is in touchwith all the transcribers. Mary will then sendthe book out to a transcriber, who then beginsthe painstaking work of transcribing the textinto Braille.”

All of the transcribers are volunteers andmany are retired. The Guild sends a Braillemachine and a stock of heavyweight, good-quality paper to each transcriber. It can bequite expensive! Although plastic pages wereused for a time, it was unsatisfactory becausesweaty fingers slipped on the pages whichwere too heavy and often tore at the binding.Every transcriber is equipped with a Braillemachine, paper, printer and instruction bookwith numbered lessons. Every transcriber isallocated a proof-reader who is either blind oran excellent Braille reader. Helen explained,“Transcribers learn by following lessons. Theywill complete the exercises in lesson one andthis is corrected by the proof reader. Ofcourse, some transcribers have more timethan others, and the more you use it thequicker you get. People make basic errors atfirst, for example, the letter ‘J’ alone means,‘just’ but if you write ‘Justice’ you can’t simplywrite ‘J’ and then, ‘ice’! Braille is like a sort of

code. It’s quite fun learning when you can andcan’t use things. Every transcriber has aworking relationship with a proof-reader. Theyoften become good friends. Once a book ishas been selected to be transcribed, Mary willdiscuss options with a transcriber and theywill decide together which book thetranscriber will work on next. There is no timepressure on transcribers but I would say it’sbest not to let it drag on too long, or it canbecome boring. We are terribly grateful forwhat they do. Once all the volumes are ready,the pages are sent to the library who kindlybind and catalogue it, ready to send out.”Helen said, “We are not a big, powerfulorganisation and we are always seekingvolunteers to transcribe books. There are, ofcourse, thousands of new books publishedeach year, but we are only able to transcribeabout 25 a year

We are interested in working with keenvolunteers who are interested in turning booksinto Braille. Transcribers are doing a greatservice for the blind and it’s lovely to get yourhands on a new book and read it for yourself!There’s a great reward for the volunteers whoknow that they are putting a new book intothe hands of someone very keen to read it.The proof reader will always be there to help!”For more information on the Guild of Braillistsor to volunteer, please contact MaryHazlewood on info@gocb.org or visit ourwebsite at www: GOCB.org. or write to:Farthings, Pennymoor,Tiverton, EX16 8LF.

Presence and Engagement Network – PENBy Susanne Mitchell

Presence and Engagement is anational project of the Church ofEngland which aims to equipChristians for mission andministry in multi faith contexts.Presence and Engagementrecognises the value of having a“presence” in every place even, orperhaps especially, whereChristian communities aredecreasing.

In Britain Christianity has been taken asunderstood. We didn’t use to have toarticulate our beliefs in the way that otherfaiths did. Now we need to be able toanswer direct and sometimes surprisingquestions from neighbours or workcolleagues who, rather than having no faith,have a clear sense of what they believe.“Presence” also reflects our belief in theincarnate God and a desire to explain allthat follows from that belief.

Presence and Engagement looksdifferently at the things that have alwaysbeen part of Christian living; caring for oneanother; learning and growing our faith;praying and worshipping; sharing our faithwith others and working for social justice. Inthose parishes, chaplaincies, schools, andworkplaces where our neighbours areincreasingly people of faith, but notChristian, we need a different starting point.

This is where “Engagement” comes in.We believe in a Trinitarian God who isrelational. If we are to love our neighboursas ourselves then we have to engage withthem; to listen and learn. We can be honest

about our own beliefs, even have a desire toconvert, but we must be prepared to listenwith respect to what others have to say.

Any encounter with another human being,made in the image and likeness of God, maysurprise and challenge. If we take time tomeet with those of other faiths we may findourselves looking again at our own prayerpatterns or understanding of Scripture. Farfrom undermining our faith, we may find pointsof renewal or deepening even as we seek tocommend the gospel.

In three parts of the country, Bradford,Leicester and Birmingham, there are Presenceand Engagement centres that provideresources and training directly. London is somuch bigger and more diverse that instead wehave the Greater London Presence andEngagement Network - PEN. It looks for,commissions and publicises resources thathelp build a confident Christian identity and

enable encounters with and understandingof other faiths. It seeks to ‘join the dots’between all that is already on offer andprevent ‘reinventing the wheel’ whenencouraging new initiatives. It is sponsoredby the Dioceses of Chelmsford, London,Southwark and Rochester, and covers theGreater London Boroughs.

Our website www.londonpen.org andblog http://londonpen.blogspot.org givedetails of resources and, most importantly,stories and examples from those placeswhere people are already living what itmeans to be present and engaged. Thenetwork Coordinator, Susanne Mitchell, canbe contacted on 020 7780 1600 orpen@theology-centre.org. She would behappy to add you to the emailing list formonthly updates; receive your stories; or visityou or your group.

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At a time of financial uncertainty around the world, paradoxically doors of amazing opportunity are now openingto Cross Rhythms to stretch into a season of expansion!

Since 1983 Cross Rhythms has been impacting youth andthe wider community with a Christian message throughmedia. We have established 3 Cross Rhythms FM radiostations in UK cities, our radio shows go to more than 50stations worldwide, and the Cross Rhythms website is oneof the most popular UK youth sites, reaching more than700,000 people each year.

Here’s some wonderful news I heard last week from one ofour shows: “This Sunday just gone a lady came to churchfor the first time after listening to the Audacious RadioShow, and gave her life to Jesus”.

Cross Rhythms is already touching the lives of thousandsof young people every day, but now, at a time when manyare facing a season of reducing, God is calling CrossRhythms to go boldly forward into a season of expansion.Let me explain…

BETHLEHEMIn June the staggering news that 11 leaders in Bethlehemwanted Cross Rhythms to set up a radio station toreach the young Arab generation in their wonderful city,opened up a whole new horizon for this ministry.

For two years we have pioneered a weekly radio show inBethlehem, and it is from this basis the opportunity for aradio station has emerged. We are encouraged that ourunique model of radio is able to engage young peoplewhatever their cultural background. Here is recentfeedback from our presenter in Bethlehem:

“I was doing the show this morning when Nabeel hadsomeone sitting in with him. The guy didn't know who Iwas but realised that I do the show. He said he is a hugefan and he loves the music.”

Bethlehem lives with ongoing threat of war; there is 50%unemployment; 48% are under 18; young people areindoctrinated into hatred; there is little hope, and a typicalwage for a young person is £5 per day. Despite all this ahuge number of young people have Smartphones; andover 70% of Palestinians have access to the internet!

Through a strong, relevant website our vision is to engagewith this unique community of young people, and sopositively influence the values and mindset of the emergingyoung Palestinian generation.

Already several highly respected Arab Christian leadershave joined a board of reference and are advising us: astation name has been agreed; a comprehensive equipment list has been prepared; and a base for studioshas also been found - a house perfectly located nearManger Square, once used as a prayer house during theseige of the Church of the Nativity. It can house a reception, two studios, a production area, meeting room,manager's office and a bedroom. It is ideal!

Great progress already! And once the equipment andproperty have been financially secured, our goal is toinstall and set up the base in early 2012. What an opportunity! And what a privilege!

THAILANDYoung Muslims in Bethlehem is one thing. How aboutyoung Buddhists? In three short months Cross RhythmsThailand has been born!

Yep, a conversation with a CEO at Thai National Radio,just north of Bangkok, became the launch, in August, of asix month trial for the very first Cross Rhythms Thailandradio show! And the CEO has stated she might pitch it tothe national network, the equivalent of the BBC! Wow,what influence!

Already we are getting feedback: “We thank God that wecan broadcast the radio program from Cross Rhythm. Westart to tell the local churches in Central Thailand so thatthey can use the radio broadcast to evangelize in theirplaces too.”

Whilst this comment was received from a Buddhist ladywho is an English teacher in a large town 50 kilometresaway: “I have just listened to Crossrythms on computer -my radio did not work. It's great. Mr DJ is very nice.”

Miraculously God has connected us with a young ThaiChristian, who presents the show in Thai to the local people. In a Buddhist nation, it is incredible to see how theCross Rhythms model of Christian radio can stand up inthe marketplace: empowering local Christians to be ‘salt &light’ to their own community.

INDIAMuslims? Buddhists? How about young Hindus? After contact from Pastor Mallamari in Warangal, India, we arenow evaluating a partnership with Indian churches todeliver a Cross Rhythms station to their city!

Recently a generous supporter offered to pay for a flight toIndia, and in response within days our contact had puttogether an excellent itinerary that showed the substanceof local support: meetings with at least 6 primary churchleaders including the head of the churches of Warangal; apastor for a tribal community; and an orthodox Hindu convert working with student groups.

UK YOUTH

Muslims? Buddhists? Hindus? But what about secularBritain? At Cross Rhythms it is time to redouble ourefforts to reach the youth of our nation!

The recent riots across the UK revealed again a youthgeneration rejected, alienated, trapped in brokenness andfar off from their Heavenly Father. At this time God hasshown us He is a Father to the fatherless and he is calling us to reveal His Fatherheart to that youth generation through media: we are working for more UKFM radio stations; we are now filming online TVprogrammes where young people share on issues such ascancer, suicide, disability, eating disorders and witchcraft;and the MyVoice project to empower young Christians toshare their faith through media is developing.

THE NEXT STEPS?Cross Rhythms is responding to the call of God tostretch for greater effectiveness! We punch well aboveour weight, and in this season of expansion we are bursting with opportunity.

Today I would ask you to consider what you invest into theyounger generation? What is the value to reaching theemerging generations with a powerful life changing introduction to their Heavenly Father?

Through Cross Rhythms you can help reach millions of‘broadcast children’ around the world! Our children’s andgrandchildren’s generation.

To stand with us simply complete and return the form.Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

How you can help...YYeess,, II ssttaanndd wwiitthh CCrroossss RRhhyytthhmmss ttoo GGRROOWW

aatt tthhiiss ppiivvoottaall ttiimmee ooff eexxppaannssiioonn

I would like to give a one off gift of £________________I enclose a cheque/postal order (made payable to ‘Cross

Rhythms’)Please debit this sum from my VISA/MASTERCARD/MAESTRO as a

one off giftCard number Issue number_______ Expiry date

Please send me information on becoming a regular supporter of Cross Rhythms

Please add me to the Cross Rhythms mailing list

Name:_________________________________________Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________Postcode:_________________Tel:___________________E-mail:_________________________________________Please cut out this form and post it to: Cross Rhythms, PO Box 1110, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1XR.Alternatively you can call 01782251000 to make a donation or go towww.crossrhythms.co.uk/donations

✁

www.crossrhythms.co.uk

THERE’S A SENSE OF GREATADVENTURE AT CROSSRHYTHMS THIS YEAR!

11ochester Link

Praying the wayDioceseThanks for the response to Harvest andBack to Church Sunday servicesThose who will attend Memorial andRemembrance Services

BBrroommlleeyy aanndd BBeexxlleeyyBBeecckkeennhhaamm DDeeaanneerryyThe Beckenham Street Pastors as they goout in teams of three on Friday eveningsCChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh BBeecckkeennhhaamm:: “Know & Tell”Gospel Series and Christianity ExploredChrist Church & St Paul Anerley: Thanks forinstitution of Team Vicar Cathy GardinerHHoollyy TTrriinniittyy BBeecckkeennhhaamm:: Living Welllunches, helping people with addictions

BBrroommlleeyy DDeeaanneerryyTThhee AAnnnnuunncciiaattiioonn CChhiisslleehhuurrsstt:: For ourConfirmation ServiceKKeessttoonn:: A World War 2 Themed Evening

EErriitthh DDeeaanneerryySStt JJoohhnn EErriitthh:: The induction of our newPriest-in-Charge, the Rev Rob RadcliffeNNoorrtthhuummbbeerrllaanndd HHeeaatthh:: Messy Church;Youth Alpha Away Weekend; Eric Delvepreaching.

OOrrppiinnggttoonn DDeeaanneerryyThe 11 College Pastors commissioned forwork with students at Orpington CollegeCChheellssffiieelldd:: The ministry of the Rev PaulSpreadbridgeAAllll SSaaiinnttss OOrrppiinnggttoonn:: The work of the RevBrian McHenry

SSiiddccuupp DDeeaanneerryyHHoollyy RReeddeeeemmeerr LLaammoorrbbeeyy:: Growth of ourPreschool Praise Group. Ways to stimulateour young people’s interestSStt MMaarryy tthhee VViirrggiinn BBeexxlleeyy:: Our churchduring the interregnum

RRoocchheesstteerrCCoobbhhaamm DDeeaanneerryyThe parishes of Longfield, Ash and Ridley asthey enter interregnumsCChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh SSnnooddllaanndd:: Our project forcentral heating and new chairs coming to anendNNuurrsstteeaadd:: Thanks for the successful launch ofa monthly Family Service

DDaarrttffoorrdd DDeeaanneerryySStt PPaauull,, SSwwaannlleeyy aanndd SStt PPeetteerr,, HHeexxttaabbllee:: Theright timing for submitting development plansGGrreeeennhhiitthhee:: New teachers in our SundaySchoolWWiillmmiinnggttoonn:: Plans for a Men’s Social &Fellowship Group

GGrraavveesseenndd DDeeaanneerryyThe Deanery clergy as they meet with the RevCanon Jean Kerr to discuss Mission andMinistry

SSttrroooodd DDeeaanneerryyCClliiffffee:: An Alpha Course starting soon

CCuuxxttoonn:: Our “Coffee & Chat” mornings heldjointly with Cuxton United Reformed ChurchFFrriinnddssbbuurryy:: Our Emmaus Course

TToonnbbrriiddggeeSSeevveennooaakkss DDeeaanneerryyCChheevveenniinngg:: £107,000 to repair church roofand towerWWeeaalldd:: Christmas charity card saleSStt LLuukkee SSeevveennooaakkss:: Music Marathon in aidof a charity, Mary’s MealsHHaallsstteeaadd:: Choral concertKKiippppiinnggttoonn:: Thanks for 18 people coming toAlpha; for Christmas FairSStt NNiicchhoollaass SSeevveennooaakkss:: Christmas PuddingEvent; Bereavement ServiceSStt PPeetteerr && SStt PPaauull SSeeaall:: Thanks for ministryof curate Stephen Snelling

TToonnbbrriiddggee DDeeaanneerryyCChhiiddddiinnggssttoonnee && CChhiiddddiinnggssttoonnee CCaauusseewwaayy::Parenting Course, just startedSStt PPeetteerr && SStt PPaauull TToonnbbrriiddggee:: The RevAnthony Hammill being licensed

TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss DDeeaanneerryyBennett Memorial Diocesan School:Celebrating 60th AnniversarySStt LLuukkee TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss:: Our ChristmasBazaarSStt MMaarrkk TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss: Those beingconfirmedRRuusstthhaallll:: Coffee Morning for USPG

Intercession during NovemberTuesday 1 November: Trichy-Tanjore – (SouthIndia) Rt Rev Dr G Paul VasanthankumarKKeemmssiinngg wwiitthh WWooooddllaannddssWednesday 2 November: Trinidad & Tobago –(West Indies) Rt Rev Calvin Wendell BessKKiinnggssddoowwnnThursday 3 November: PRAY for the AnglicanLegal Advisors’ Network (ACLAN) TThheeCChhuurrcchh UUrrbbaann FFuunnddFriday 4 November: Tuam, Killala & Achonry –(Armagh, Ireland) Rt Rev Patrick WilliamRooke OOttffoorrddSaturday 5 November: Udi – (Nigeria) Rt RevChjioke Augustine Aneke PPllaattttSunday 6 November: Ughelli – (Province ofBendel, Nigeria) Rt Rev Vincent O MuogherehBBeellll rriinnggeerrss iinn tthhee DDiioocceesseMonday 7 November: Ukwa – (Province of theNiger Delta, Nigeria) Rt Rev KelechiSShhiippbboouurrnnee wwiitthh PPllaaxxttoollTuesday 8 November: Umuahia – (Province ofthe Niger Delta, Nigeria) Rt Rev Dr IkechiNwachukwu Nwosu SShhoorreehhaammWednesday 9 November: Umzimvubu –(Southern Africa) Rt Rev Mbilo NgewuSSttaannsstteedd wwiitthh FFaaiirrsseeaatt aanndd VViiggooThursday 10 November: Upper SouthCarolina – (Province lV, USA) Rt Rev WilliamAndrew Waldo TThhee RRooyyaall BBrriittiisshh LLeeggiioonn aannddtthhee EEaarrll HHaaiigg AAppppeeaallFriday 11 November: Uruguay - (SouthAmerica) Rt Rev Miguel Tamayo; Uruguay –(South America) Rt Rev Gilberto ObdulioPorcal Martinez FFoorr aallll vviiccttiimmss ooff wwaarr,, ffoorr

tthhoossee wwhhoo ggaavvee tthheeiirr lliivveess tthhaatt ootthheerrss mmiigghhttlliivvee,, ffoorr tthhee bbeerreeaavveedd,, wwoouunnddeedd aanndd ddiissppllaacceeddSaturday 12 November: Utah – (Province Vlll,USA) Rt Rev Scott Byron Hayashi WWrrootthhaammSunday 13 November: Uyo – (Province of theNiger Delta, Nigeria) Rt Rev Isaac OramaTToonnbbrriiddggee DDeeaanneerryyMonday 14 November: Vanuatu – (Melanesia)Rt Rev James Marvin Ligo CChhiiddddiinnggssttoonnee wwiitthhCChhiiddddiinnggssttoonnee CCaauusseewwaayyTuesday 15 November: Vellore – (South India)Rt Rev Yesuratnam William CCrroocckkhhaamm HHiillllWednesday 16 November: Venezuela –(Province lX, USA) Rt Rev Orlando GuerreroEEddeennbbrriiddggeeThursday 17 November: Vermont – (Provincel, USA) Rt Rev Thomas C Ely HHeevveerr,, FFoouurrEEllmmss aanndd MMaarrkk BBeeeecchhFriday 18 November: Victoria Nyanza –(Tanzania) Rt Rev Boniface Kwangu CChhuurrcchhCCoommmmiissssiioonneerrssSaturday 19 November: Virgin Islands –(Province ll, USA) Rt Rev Edward AmbroseGumbs CChhuurrcchh ppllaannttss aanndd eexxppeerriimmeennttss iinnnneeww ffoorrmmss ooff CChhuurrcchh iinn tthhee DDiioocceesseeSunday 20 November: Virginia – (Province lll,USA) Rt Rev Shannon Sherwood Johnston;Suffragan Bishop of Virginia – (Province lll,USA) Rt Rev David Colin Jones; West Virginia– (Province lll, USA) Rt Rev William MitchieKlusmeyer IInntteerrffaaiitthh WWeeeekk 2200--2266 NNoovveemmbbeerrMonday 21 November: Waiapu – (NewZealand) Rt Rev David Rice; Suffragan Bishop

of Waiapu – (New Zealand) Vacant; Waikato– (New Zealand) The Most Rev David JohnMoxon; Waikato – Taranaki Region – (NewZealand) Rt Rev Philip RichardsonHHiillddeennbboorroouugghhTuesday 22 November: Wakefield – (York,England) Rt Rev Stephen Platten; Wakefield –Pontefract – (York, England) Rt Rev AnthonyWilliam Robertson TThhoossee wwhhoo wwoorrkk iinnccoommmmeerrccee aanndd rreettaaiill oouuttlleettssWednesday 23 November: Wangaratta –(Victoria, Australia) Rt Rev John Parkes LeighThursday 24 November: Warri – (Province ofBendel, Nigeria) Rt Rev Christian IdehPPeennsshhuurrsstt aanndd FFoorrddccoommbbeeFriday 25 November: Washington – (Provincelll, USA) Rt Rev John Bryson Chane PPaarriisshhAAddmmiinniissttrraattoorrssSaturday 26 November: Wau – (Sudan) RtRev Henry Cuir Riak SStt PPeetteerr && SStt PPaauull,,TToonnbbrriiddggeeSunday 27 November: Wellington – (NewZealand) Rt Rev Dr Thomas John Brown SStt SStteepphheenn,, TToonnbbrriiddggeeMonday 28 November: West Buganda –(Uganda) Rt Rev Samuel Cephas KamyaTTuuddeelleeyy CCuumm CCaappeell wwiitthh FFiivvee OOaakk GGrreeeennTuesday 29 November: West Malaysia –(South East Asia) Rt Rev Ng Moon Hing TThheeSSccoouuttiinngg GGuuiiddiinngg AAssssoocciiaattiioonnWednesday 30 November: West Missouri –(Province Vll, USA) Rt Rev Martin Scott FieldRRooyyaall SScchhooooll ooff CChhuurrcchh MMuussiicc

Prayer requestsFor DEC/JAN LINK to JudithHoward, 10 Mount Pleasant Road,Weald, Sevenoaks, TN14 6QE,judithhoward@weald.plus.com,01732 458285, by 2 November.

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Working within a church setting in the village of Speldhurst

(nr Tunbridge Wells Kent) We want tooffer an opportunity to a young

enthusiastic potential leader. The youthintern position will support the

extensive existing youth ministry and provide opportunities to work primarily

with the 11 to 18 year age group. WWee ccaann ooffffeerr

11.. LLooccaall aaccccoommmmooddaattiioonn 22.. EEmmppllooyymmeenntt ffrroomm JJaann ttoo AAuugg 22001122 33.. AA ssaallaarryy ttoo ccoovveerr yyoouurr eexxppeennsseess 44.. PPeerrssoonnaall ddeevveellooppmmeenntt wwiitthh

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12 ochester Link

By Veronica Rees

What does Back To Church Sunday mean to you?

1 Nov All day Diocesan Staff Away Day

2 Nov 0930 Area & Rural Deans Induction – Bishopscourt

3 Nov 0930 Rochester Archdeaconry Day – St Justus Rochester

4 Nov 0830 School visit – St Nicholas School, Chislehurst

5 Nov 1900 Rochester Choral Concert – Rochester Cathedral

6 Nov 1030 Preside & Preach – St Martin, Barnehurst1830 Licensing: Anthony Hammill – St Peter

and St Paul, Tonbridge

7 Nov 1000 Ministry Management Course - Diocesan Office

7 Nov 1900 Academy Conversion Celebration – St George’s School Gravesend

8 Nov 1000 Spiritual Direction Taster Day – Diocesan Office

9 Nov 1430 Finance Committee – Diocesan Office1930 Licensing: Rob Radcliffe – St John, Erith

10 Nov 1100 Deliverance Group2000 Erith Deanery Synod

11-16 Nov Holiday

13 Nov 1050 Preach: Remembrance Service – Cathedral

17-18 Nov Housing Justice AGM – London

20 Nov 1000 Confirmation Service – St Mary, Leigh1830 Confirmation Service – St Francis, Strood

21 Nov 1130 New Housing Area Meeting – Bishopscourt

Bishop James’ Diary - November21 Nov 1700 Dartford Deanery Residential – Northiam

22-24 Nov Bishop’s Staff & Officers Residential – Eastbourne

26 Nov 0930 Affirming Catholics AGM – St Peter & St Paul, Bromley

27 Nov 1030 Confirmation Service – St Augustine,Gillingham

1830 Confirmation Service – St Philip,Tunbridge Wells

28 Nov All day Academy Day & Presentation Evening - Bishop of Rochester Academy, Chatham

30 Nov 0845 School visit – Walthamstow Hall School1300 College of Canons AGM – Cathedral1930 Confirmation Service – St Andrew, Bostall

Heath

In this Diocese on 25 September2011 at least 200 extra adults and35 children came back to church.To date I am still waiting for moreof the questionnaires to bereturned but that number of peoplemeans we could have a new churchin Rochester Diocese – that isencouraging news!

Many preparations were in place, includingone church releasing about 80 variouscoloured prayer balloons for their BTCSduring the preceding week.

Home-made cakes and drinks were offeredat many churches after the services – at onein particular 2 children had made a huge effortalong with the leaders to welcome people inthe hall for the refreshments and the childrencould not be contained for the last hymn -which was their request - and danced withgreat excitement! Wouldn’t Jesus haveapproved!

Bishop James chose to go to a churchwhich had never participated before, and hehad 19 to choose from, but went to StGeorge at Weald, where they very muchappreciated seeing him.

Postcards were given away to guestsadvertising events to which they were invited,plus welcome cards telling people what wason offer in various churches. Follow ups are now being made, includingvisits to those who came back to church andoffers to come to Simply Christianity courses.

The full report will be available on thediocesan website later but a date for yourdiaries – Back to Church Sunday 2012 – 30 September 2012! Can you afford not toparticipate?

Since 2007, Rochester Diocese has beenparticipating in Back To Church Sunday andhere are just a few of the stories I have beenprivileged enough to receive as a result of thatoutreach.

Barbra writes at St John the Evangelist,Meopham, “We had a new member come toChurch, who is being confirmed next week.”(Remember it takes some 4 or 5 years forpeople to reach this stage on their journey!)

Carol and Fred write:"Not having been to Church for so long,returning can be a daunting prospect. Whenit was brought to our attention that there wasa special Sunday Service for those seekingre-introduction to the Church, we felt this wasa good chance for us to re-acquaint ourselveswithout feeling awkward, because otherswould be in the same position. We have foundour experiences most rewarding, and havemade many friends. We have attended anAlpha Course and prayer meetings whichhave provided us with a greaterunderstanding and insight into the Bible. Weare now members of a House Group and arecontinuing to enjoy our worship. We are verygrateful for the opportunity St Nicholas gaveus in introducing Back to Church Sunday,since otherwise we may not have made thatstep of going back to Church."

Another BTCS supporter writes:"I wanted to go back to Church but arrived onthe one Sunday in the whole year when that

Church held its Service somewhere else.When I saw the Back to Church banner thenext time, I went along. I have since beenconfirmed, I belong to a House Group, helpwith Sunday School, and am now on thePCC!"

Claire writes:- “18 July 2010 I was baptised at St Peter’sChurch, Bredhurst. 21 November 2010 I wasconfirmed.

“It all began on 25 September 2009 whenI was kindly invited by Shirley & Tony Vick(who I had got to know in our local SocialClub) to ‘Back to Church Sunday’ at St Peter’s Church, Bredhurst. I accepted theinvitation with hesitation and a little trepidationas, in my 53 years of life, I had never beenwhat I would call a regular churchgoer. Ibelieved in God but thought I was notreligious enough to belong to a churchcommunity.

“Shirley and Tony picked me up on thatSunday Morning. I was a little nervous as I

wasn’t sure what to expect. However, whenwe arrived I was greeted by a load of smokeand welcomed by a happy lady who wasmaking bacon rolls on a disposable barbecue.We had our bacon roll and cup of coffee and,after being introduced to some of themembers of the congregation, we walked inand sat down with the necessary Hymn Bookand Service Sheet.

“I have to be honest, several times I gotdistracted from the Service, as I was taking inthe surroundings and watching the people inthe congregation. This did cause me to losewhere I was in the service but Shirley wasalways at hand to help me out. At the end ofthe service I had a feeling of connection andcontentment, which surprised me as it was myfirst Service. Shirley asked me if I would liketo join them the following week. I immediatelysaid ‘yes please’, as I knew in my heart thiswas the place I wanted to be. Little did Iknow that day would be the start of mySpiritual Journey!”

SStt BBaarrnnaabbaass CChhuurrcchh,, IIsstteeaadd RRiissee