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Accounts p6-7

The DiocesanAccounts 2010

JUNE 2011

Diocesan GatheringBishop James attended his firstRochester Diocesan Gathering onSaturday 21 May. Following theAGM, the main subject underdiscussion the day was that of theordination of women as Bishops.Very well attended, the eventattracted around 200 delegatesfrom across the Diocese.

Prior to the event, papers relating to thesubject were uploaded on the diocesanwebsite (www.rochester.anglican.org) wherethey remain for people to view. BishopJames had invited four guest speakers toaddress the issue, to be followed by aquestion and answer session. Thoseattending could either submit a question inwriting prior to the speakers responding, orask a question from the floor. The speakerswere: Rev Dr Mark Burkill representingReform, Rev Charles Read from the Dioceseof Norwich, Prebendary David Houlding fromthe Society of the Cross and Hilary Cottonfrom WATCH.

TThhee ssttaaiinneedd ggllaassss cceeiilliinnggHilary Cotton opened her presentation byreminding the audience that some ordainedwomen can be made to feel uncomfortableand she entreated everyone to rememberthem. She said, “Some ordained women feelthey have to hide! There are women Bishopsin numerous countries including Canada,

Cuba, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa,Sudan and the United States. Some haveeven retired!” Asking the rhetorical question,“Why should we have women bishops?”Hilary said, “It’s the next logical step.Capable women hit the stained glassceiling. It’s logical to choose bishops fromthese women. If we allow women to bepriests, we must allow them to be bishops –this isn’t about the rights of women, weneed to catch up with our sister churches.The Methodists, United Reformed Churchand Baptists all have either women bishopsor their equivalent.” Hilary remindeddelegates about the history of the issuebefore saying, “We follow Jesus Christ but

we are so far behind in using the gifts ofwomen in the service of Jesus Christ! I believethe mission factor is critical here. There needsto be pastoral provision for those who areopposed, whilst avoiding creating secondclass bishops. There needs to be acompromise for all parties but most here willsay that we must get on with making womenbishops without more delay.”

CCoonnttiinnuuiittyyOpposed to women bishops, Preb DavidHoulding stressed the need for continuity inthe Church. He said, “I want to agree withHilary in so many ways. It is time the Churchof England had women bishops and it isinevitable. You can’t have deacons and priestsbut no bishops! We should move forward inthis way and we lose credibility if we do not.For me, this is a question about the identityand continuity of the Church of England. It’s aquestion about the unity of the Church. Oneholy catholic and apostolic church. It’s aquestion about justice and justice works bothways. What about theological conscience?Those who object must be protected! Theprovision we have can’t be amended. In theway it is phrased, the provision does not dothe trick!” Reminding delegates that thelegislation in the 1990s promised everyone in

the Church of England would have an‘honoured place’, David said, “I believe thisnew legislation takes away that right and wewill change by accident. This is a theologicalissue about apostolic ministry. I don’t mean toinsult the ministry of women – someone likeme has to salute women. Sadly, we do notalways behave well and I regret that. Thisprovision won’t do – we have to do better!”

BBiibblliiccaall ppeerrssppeeccttiivveessRev Charles Read spoke about biblicalperspectives in favour of women bishops. Hesaid, “I am happy to describe myself as acharismatic evangelic, and I have always beenin favour (of women as bishops) because ofscripture and not in spite of it. I think you needto take a broad overview of where the Biblegoes. In the creation story, God created menand women together in the image of God.Right the way through the Fall, Eve is treatedas morally as culpable as Adam. The whole

trajectory is as inclusive of women as it is ofmen. I am content with the legislation as wehave it. So, where do we go with thistrajectory? In the Old Testament, God callsboth men and women. The New Testamentfeatures men and women together. Ascriptural thread runs through it all. Jesuscalled twelve disciples, but who was it whowent to the tomb? The women! In the NewTestament, the criteria (for being an apostle) isthat you have witnessed the resurrection andgiven testimony to it. The Bible is aboutegalitarianism. How then should we readcontradictory text? The answer is that youhave to study the texts very carefully!”

BBiisshhooppss,, SSyynnooddss aanndd CChhuurrcchh RRuulleessClosing the presentations, Rev Dr Mark Burkillopened by saying he wanted to speak abouttheology. He said, “The issue of men andwomen is very important. We are made in theimage of God. We already see, in both widersociety and the Church, that people find itimpossible that equality and order can exist inthe Trinity as equal, but that the Son mustsubmit to the Father. Very little thought hasbeen given to this issue for provision for thosewho are against it and we may do somethingdestructive. I believe in one holy, catholic andapostolic church. The Spirit-inspired apostolicteaching holds the Church together. Butinstead of relying on apostolic teaching in the

Bible, we listen to bishops, synods andchurch rules! These are very important, butwe must recognise that bishops, synods andchurch rules cannot take the place of God’sapostolic Church. The danger is we getourselves in to an awful mess! You may be infavour (most are) but you may end up in aposition that you did not want. By pushingthrough the legislation, you exclude people

like me! If you exclude opponents, you aresaying they are not worthy of being part ofthe Christian community!

Almost 40 questions followed thepresentations and inspired some livelydiscussions over lunch.

AA ccoommmmoonn DDiioocceessaann VViissiioonnIn the afternoon, Bishop James described hisimpressions of the Diocese to date andoutlined some of his ideas for the future. Hetasked 11 groups to consider the followingquestions: What does/should/might aDiocese add to local mission and ministry?(What’s the benefit?) If we lost 25stipendiary posts, what criteria might we usefor those that remain? How might we bestdevelop and deploy other kinds of ministriesfor mission?

The Gathering concluded with an act ofworship led by the Rev Canon Alan Vousdenwith Bishop James on piano!

BBiisshhoopp JJaammeess wwiitthh tthhee ffoouurr ssppeeaakkeerrss

2 ochester Link

What’s onJuneSaturday 4 JuneBEXLEY - Book sale at St Mary’s Church 11am – 2pm.Refreshments available. Visit www.stmarysbexley.co.uk

BECKENHAM – Singers ‘Cameo Opera’ will perform lightopera and musical show favourites 7pm – 10pm at St Paul’s Church. Tickets £15 including buffet and firstdrink. 020 8650 5400 or simon@stpaulbeckenham.org.uk.

Saturday 11 JuneCHELSFIELD – Family Wild West Summer Fete withstalls, sideshows, prize draw and plants at St Martin ofTours 12pm – 4:30pm. Free parking. Proceeds to St Martin’s Church and Christian aid. Contact 01689852092.

Saturday 18 JuneFAWKHAM – Fawkham & Hartley Summer Fete 12pm –4pm in the meadow at St Mary’s Church, Fawkham. Thetheme is 1971 – Decimalisation with stalls, music and FunDog Show. Free entry, £1 parking. Visitwww.fawkhamandhartley.org.uk.

LONGFIELD – Musical Quiz Evening at The Jubilee Hall,adjacent to Longfield Church at 7:30pm. All questions aremusic based. Tickets £5 from Vic Walsham 01474708832. Please bring own drinks and nibbles.

BROMLEY – Bromley Symphony Players play music byVivaldi, Handel and Mendelssohn in aid of A-T Society atSt Mary’s Church at 7:30pm. Admission £6 on the door.

TONBRIDGE – Antiques and collectables Sale at St Philip’s Church 2pm – 4:30pm, 50p entrance fee.

PETTS WOOD – Summer Fair in the St Francis ChurchHall and grounds 11am – 3pm. Punch and Judy, cakes,jams, games of skill and recitals on our Willis organ. Visitwww.stfrancispw.org.uk

NORTHFLEET – Northfleet proms at Northfleet Schoolsfor Girls at 5pm. A joint community effort with participationof Northfleet Brass Band, school choir and All Saints’Church choir. Admission £5. For details call Jean 01474568267. Funds towards restoration of Church.

Saturday 25 JuneBROMLEY COMMON – St Luke’s Summer Fair in theChurch Hall, Raglan Road 2pm – 5pm with stalls andcream teas. Admission 50p including entry into draw forsummer hamper.

SOUTHFLEET – St Nicholas Church presents Proms inthe Park at the village hall at 5pm with Rebecca Knights,The Jagger Folk Band and the Medway Brass Band.Refreshments available to purchase, tickets £10,concessions £8. Bring own chairs. Visitwww.stnicholassouthfleet.org.uk.

VariousBECKENHAM - Recitals at St George’s Church. Fridayrecitals at 12:30pm, Saturday recitals at 11am.Refreshments available before the concerts. Freeadmission, with retiring collection.3 Elenlucia Pappalardo (Piano)10 Cyril Baker (Organ)17 Nigel Groome (Organ)24 Mary Fortune and John Skae (Piano Duet)25 Sally Quantrill (Flute) and Lydia Bosworth (Piano)

LAMORBEY – Trinityfest 18 – 25 June at Holy Trinity.Church will be open all week from 11-4pm, For furtherdetails please call the Parish Office 020 8300 4548.18/6 3pm Festival of Song from local schools19/6 10am Youth and Family Mass with Archdeacon

of Bromley and Bexley preaching20/6 Wine Tasting21/6 MU Archdeanery Service 2pm, Early evening

Parish Walk22/6 Taize 8pm23/6 Sung Mass 8pm24/6 Concert 8pm25/6 Gift Aid Day

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

MEDWAY– Wigmore Gardens Weekend 18 – 19 Junewith many different gardens open at various times. Fordetails visit www.southgillingham.diocese-rochester.org/stmattsmainpage.htm or contact PaulBellerby 01634 387328.

LEAMINGTON SPA – CPAS You and Ministry weekend10 – 12 June for people to explore a variety of vocationsin the Church of England at Offa House, CV33 9AS. Cost£160 per person or £310 for couples, includingaccommodation, meals and sessions. Visitwww.cpas.org.uk/exploringcall

ROCHESTER – On 4 – 5 June visit St Margaret’s Churchand tower during the annual Dickens weekend. 10am –5pm with a display of Bibles to celebrate the 400thAnniversary of the King James Bible.

WATERINGBURY – Patronal Celebrations 25 – 26 Juneat the Church of St John the Baptist with floral displaysand an opportunity to dedicate a flower in memory of aloved one. Saturday 10:30am – 5pm and Sunday 2pm –5pm. Also Broomscroft Garden, 143 Canon Lane will beopen 2pm – 4pm on Sunday with a cream tea at theChurch. Tickets for the garden and tea £6, garden only£3.50. Details from 01622 813032.

COLLIER STREET – Flower and Arts Festival 11 – 12June at St Margaret’s Church. Saturday 10am – 5pm,Sunday 12pm – 5pm with flowers, embroidery andantiques on display. On Saturday a concert at 6:30pm,tickets £8, £2 children and Sunday a cricket match on thevillage field.

JulySaturday 2 JulyBROMLEY COMMON – ‘What has Psychotherapy to dowith God?’ exploring the interface between psychotherapyand faith in God led by Michael Insley, MA, Mphil, HonCanon Theologian Rochester Cathedral 10am – 12pm atSt Luke’s Church. Book by 29 June by contacting Michaelon 0208 464 2076 or michael.insley1@btinternet.com.

GRAVESEND – Gravesham Choral Society presentsGabriel Faure’s Requiem and Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice inthe Lamb at St George’s Church at 7:30pm. Tickets £10(full time students £5) from 01474 816684 or on thedoor. Visit www.graveshamcs.co.uk

BROMLEY – Bromley Philharmonic Choir present theirSummer Concert at St Mary’s Church at 7:30pm.Admission £8 (£6) on the door.

ROCHESTER – Evening concert with the MedwaySingers, Kent Schools Recorder Orchestra and the KentYouth Recorders at 7:30pm. Tickets £7, concessions £5,students £4 from 01634 848900 or on the door,bookings open from the 3 June.

6 June 1830 Speak at Bexley Rotary Club7 June Bishop’s Staff Meeting8 June 1930 Institution of the Rev Ren Harding,

Joydens Wood9 June 1100 Mission Theology Advisory Group

Meeting, London11June 1500 Preach at St John’s Ambulance Day

Service, West Malling, St Mary12 June 1030 Confirmation – St Peter & St Paul, Bromley13 June 1030 Bishops’ Seminar – Church House,

London14 June 0930 Bishop’s Extended Staff Meeting15 June 1100 Attend Urban Bishops’ Panel Meeting,

London16 June 1300 Preside at Eucharist – Church Schools

Festival – Rochester Cathedral1400 Sevenoaks School Governors’ Meeting

19 June 0930 Confirmation – Dartford, Holy Trinity1300 Preach at Service for Princess of

Wales’ Royal Regiment Freedom Parade, Tonbridge School

1830 Confirmation – Tonbridge, St Stephen22 June 1030 Hospital Chaplains Meeting and Lunch

1930 Reader Training 23 June 0800 Churches Together in Kent Leaders

1400 Chair ACMT meeting 24 June Attend Ordination Retreat - Crowhurst25 June 1230 Ordination Lunch – Bishopscourt

1500 Ordination of Priests26 June 1830 Preach at Deanery Evensong -

Shoreham

Flower festival 10 - 12 JuneFlower Festival 10 – 12 June 10am – 4:30pm at StMary’s Church, Hadlow. The theme is ‘God in Action’with flower exhibits/arrangements depicting in floral artBible stories and events. Lunches and teas servedeach day. Free admission. On Saturday evening LisaWright will perform ‘Spilling the Beans’. Tickets £7from Iris Shaw 01732 851917. On Sunday there willbe a Community Service celebrating Pentecost at10am. For more information contact Richard Morley01732 850283.

Sporty ChurchSporty Church is returning by popular demand. Funand games centred around a Christian message – forprimary school children accompanied by a parent/carerconcluding with a picnic tea for all. At St Alban’sChurch, Robin Hood Lane, Chatham, ME5 9QRMonday afternoons 3:30pm – 6pm on 20 June, 18 Julyand 19 September. Admission £2. Contact RoseRobinson 01634 683688 orrose@therobinsonfamily.org.

MARTINCHAPMAN

Electronic Church/Home Organs & Digital Pianos

Repaired & Serviced

Installation of Audio &Hearing Loop Systems

Tel: 020 8310 3550

Copies of the combined Book ofCommon Prayer and Hymns Ancient and Modern Revised

required by St Botolph's Church, Lullingstone.Sadly now out of print the church will behappy to buy from another church with sparecopies or from a bookshop.Please contact the Secretary, Peter Hill on01322 862722or email: christopherphill@talktalk.net

3ochester Link

Bishop James reflects....

The Big Society

1 June 0930 Bromley & Bexley Archdeaconry Mission & Pastoral Committee

1100 Rochester Retired Clergy Association1500 Founders’ Day Service – Bromley &

Sheppards’ Colleges2 June 1030 Consecration Service: new Bishop of Lynn

2000 Ascension Day – St Barnabas, Tunbridge Wells

3-4 June All day Deanery Visit – Dartford5 June 1000 Confirmation – St Mary the Virgin, Stone

1600 Blessing of refurbished window - The Annunciation, Chislehurst

6 June All day Diocesan Golf Day – Cobtree Manor9 June 1300 Medway Mission to Seaman Trust11 June 1430 Licensing: Rev Derek D’Souza – Christ

the King, Princes Park1900 Rochester Choral Society Concert –

Cathedral

On Maundy Thursday a piece bySimon Jenkins appeared in theGuardian entitled, “There’s no suchthing as ‘big society’ – just manysmall ones, under steeples”.

The focus of the article was about churchbuildings and their uses, but a wider pointwas being made about how the churchcontinues to be at the heart of ourcommunities even in a society which manydescribe as ‘secular’. The point was made thaton Easter Sunday some 4 million peoplewould attend some form of Christian worshipin around 47,000 buildings. Since thenstatistics have been published showing thatattendance at weekly services in Cathedralshas increased by 7% in the last year. AsJenkins puts it, ‘Christianity is still the largestaffinity group in Britain’.

Behind the statistics lies the reality – anuncomfortable one for some - that thechurch’s ‘reach’ into the life of our society isstill very significant and in many places isgrowing. At the local level, this is confirmedfor me by my visits around our deaneries (15finished, 2 to go by the time you read this!).All over our Diocese I find examples ofchurches and church-related groups workingand praying for the well-being of theircommunities in all kinds of ways. There areinitiatives taken by individual churches, byclusters of parishes, deaneries andecumenical groupings; there are chaplaincies,church-related charities and communitygroups; and of course hosts of individualChristians give time and energy to a widerange of social and community activity. Wework with children and young people inschools and beyond; we minister to the sick;we are engaged with all kinds of vulnerable

Endings and BeginningsBy the Very Rev Adrian Newman

Juggling so many different things as I countdown towards Stepney, I feel a bit like thedepressive, insomniac, dyslexic atheist whowoke up in the middle of the night worriedthere was no dog. Too much to be anxiousabout.

Much of life is located at theuncomfortable nexus between an endingand a beginning. Transition points arenormally just that – sharp and painful.Adolescence, leaving home, changing jobs,moving house, empty-nesting, bereavement,divorce – in all of these things something

composed of 8 segments, and the number ‘8’is biblical code for resurrection and new life.

In the Bible, Eight is 7 plus 1. It is thenumber associated with Resurrection andRegeneration, and the beginning of a new eraor order.

Think of the 8 signs in John’s gospel. Theseare carefully designed and coded messagesthat the Gospel is a completion of the perfect7 days of creation, and now we have stepped

groups in society; we provide opportunitiesand premises for celebrations and communitygatherings. And of course we pray.

As part of our re-shaping of diocesansupport for such social and communityengagement, we are trying to map as much aspossible of what happens at local level, sothat we may discern how best that might besupported, nurtured and extended. This will beone of the strands to be part of our refresheddiocesan vision and strategy; some of you willalso have fed into this at our recent DiocesanGathering and other opportunities will follow.The Bishop’s Council has a full day ofdiscussion and prayer around this inSeptember – please hold us in your prayersas we seek together to discern God’spurposes and priorities.

With my prayers and good wishes,+James

BBiisshhoopp JJaammeess

into a new expression of God’s creative andredemptive power. The Resurrection is DayOne of a new creation.

My Canterbury Cross will thereforeembody for me a belief that God isconstantly bringing life out of death, orderout of chaos, and hope from despair.

That’s not a bad reminder for everyone,like me, facing the loss that is inevitable inany change of life.

12 June 1030 Pentecost Confirmation – St Paul, Crofton13 June 1030 Theological Seminar for Bishops14 June 1500 Rochester Archdeaconry Mission &

Pastoral Committee1930 Licensing: Rev Alison Spreadbridge -

Holy Trinity, Gillingham15 June All day Housing Justice National Conference16 June All day Housing Justice Board – London

1100 Consecration Service: new Bishops of Ebbsfleet and Richborough

18 June 1400 Address: Friends of Rochester Cathedral19 June 1000 Confirmation – St Paul, Rusthall

1830 Confirmation – St George, Gravesend20 June 1400 Rural Advisory Group – Bishopscourt21 June 0930 Malling Abbey Visit

1400 Hospice in the Weald Visit22 June 1130 Founders’ Day Service – Morden College

1430 Finance Committee

The Bishop of Rochester’s diary - The Rt Rev James Langstaff23 June 0800 Kent Church Leaders meeting

1700 Diocesan & Cathedral Staff social24-25 June Petertide Ordination Retreat25 June 1500 Petertide Ordination Service – Cathedral26 June 1000 Preside & Preach – Istead Rise

1500 Open air service and community day - Ditton

1830 Confirmation – St Matthew, Wigmore27 June 1000 Canterbury Christ Church University -

Medway27-28 June Bromley & Bexley Clergy Residential –

St Columba, Woking28 June 1400 Canterbury Christ Church University:

Governing Body meeting2000 Joint House Group meeting –

St Augustine, Gillingham29-30 June Deanery Visit – Gillingham

precious is lost, all part of life’s many littledeaths. But at this time of year we inhabit aperiod of the Christian calendar which affirmssomething important. Every ending isscattered with the seeds of a new beginning.

This time after Easter is marked by theconfidence that death is not a brick wall at theend of our journey, but a gateway intosomething wonderful and new. We live thisnew experience in the assurance of Ascensionand the power of Pentecost.Seeing the beginning in every ending istherefore part of the Christian hope.

One of the many new pieces of ‘episcopalkit’ I’ve got to find for my new role is apectoral cross. A friend has offered to makemine and we’ve been discussing a number ofdesign options. The one I’ve settled on is aCanterbury Cross.

I love the Canterbury Cross because it tellsa number of stories. One that resonates withme is this: it symbolises both death andresurrection.

Most crosses speak powerfully of the deathof Christ – of suffering, atonement andsacrifice. But the Canterbury Cross is

4 ochester LinkAAddvveerrttiissiinngg FFeeaattuurree

VOLUNTEER ORGANISTRequired by St Peter & St Paul, Shorne.

Enquiries to Revd Glyn Ackerley01474 822239 or

g.ackerley@btconnect.com

St John the Evangelist Bexley

Choir Director/OrganistWe seek an enthusiastic organist to lead anddevelop our music from September 2011.Sung Eucharist, monthly Matins and weddingsEstablished Senior and Junior choirs2 manual Father Willis organ.

Further details available from: TThhee RReevveerreenndd SSccootttt LLaammbb 0011332222 552211778866llaammbbssccootttt@@sskkyy..ccoomm

Pre-school Supervisor required forDitton Church Pre-school.Candidates should be qualified to NVQLevel 4 or higher and have three yearsexperience of working in an Early Year’ssetting.Candidates should have sympathy towardsthe Christian Faith as they will be working in a Church Pre-school.

For more information contact: Rev Ross Terranova, Pre-school Chair on 01732-842027

Closing Date for Applications:Friday, 10th June 2011Interview Date: Friday, 17th June 2011The successful candidate will be required tocomplete a CRB form

St David’s CathedralPembrokeshire

The building dates back from12th century and the ceilingsare of special interest.■ DAILY SERVICES

■ BOOKSHOP

■ CONCERTS

■ GUIDED TOURS

■ DISABLED ACCESS

Open 8am to 6pm

☎ 01437 720199www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk

Places to visitthis summer...

VVaaccaanncciieess

5ochester Link

St Nicholas’ Royal Wedding Fete

St Nicholas’ Church, Sevenoaks,decided to serve our town on the day of the Royal Wedding by putting on a classic Englishvillage fête.

We could not think of a better way tocelebrate the fairytale wedding of the heir tothe throne than by inviting the whole town torelax together on the Vine garden with gamesand amusements. Highlights included acoconut shy, throwing hoops over pegs and,beating them all, a chance to throw wetsponges at the curate and organiser of thefête, Mark Oden. Needless to say, the stalwartof village fêtes, the cake stall, was there,raising over £1000 for Japan Christian Link, acharity St Nicholas supports, which has beenrecently involved in Earthquake relief.

The Christian content of the event wasdefinite, but subtle. Although there was no

explicit presentation of the Gospel in a talk ortestimony, it was clear that the organiserswere Christian and were motivated by love ofChrist, demonstrated in love for the people ofSevenoaks, churched and unchurched. The

publicity mentioned St Nicholas’ Church anda stand where puppets were performing alsohad the church name. The puppets danced toclever Christian parodies of pop songs (either“He loves you though he knows that you’vebeen bad”, with a nod to the Beatles or“Reach out to God” with a nod to S Club 7,depending on your generation!). Even Mark,cheerily taking sponges while dog-collared,demonstrated Christian grace and goodhumour and the cake stall was on a voluntarilydonation basis. In an age in which Christiansare seen as joyless and inward looking, wepray we would have given a good time to theestimated 1,000 who attended the fête atdifferent times of the day but, without knowingJesus, this is worth nothing, so we pray thisgood impression will lead to people visitingchurch, hearing the Gospel message andresponding to Christ in repentance and faith.

By Michael Dormandy

Here I am LordBy Rev Mark Griffin, Lead Vocations Advisor

Churches across the Diocese contain many,many wonderful people, each with their owngifts and skills, each one called by God.Our Vocations work in the Diocese seeks tonurture and encourage those gifts and toencourage everyone to think about how theycan fully be part of the Body of Christ.

“Here I am Lord” is the DiocesanVocations Day, being held in RochesterCathedral on Saturday, 17 September,which is designed for anyone exploringwhere God might be calling, or wanting tofind out more about the possibilities ofauthorised ministries, or thinking aboutministry at work or in church

The day starts at 12.30, ending at 4.30,but with an opportunity to stay for Evensongat 5pm. We have two guest speakers,Bishop Brian, who will be opening the day,and our keynote speaker will be SisterFrances Dominica, from Oxford. Sister Frances, is an Anglican nun from theAll Saints Order for the Poor, and is best

known for her pioneering work in palliativecare for children, founding Helen House andDouglas House in Oxford. She is also a verygood speaker, reflecting on her own journeyand keen to encourage the journeys of othersacross the broad spectrum of ministry.

There will be a marketplace in theCathedral crypt, with stalls representing awide range of ministries, with the opportunityfor an informal chat.

During the afternoon, there will beworkshops throughout the Cathedral lookingat different aspects of lay and ordainedministry, discussing ministry in its broadestsense. Each workshop will run twice, soeveryone will be able to attend two during theafternoon. The subjects covered will rangefrom mission to youth ministries to communityinvolvement, and offer the chance to askquestions, and find out more informationabout possibilities for ministry.

Members of the Diocesan Vocations teamwill be on hand, and will be happy to talk to

participants informally during the day. For more details and booking forms

contact Theresa Harrison 01634 560000 ortraining@rochester.anglican.org. Thebooking forms will include a full list ofworkshops and an opportunity to chooseyour preferences. There is no charge for theday but booking forms should be returnedby 31 August, those received after that datewill not be accepted. It promises to be agreat day, why not come and find out more?

How are you going to share the good news ofJesus with the people who don’t come tochurch? Are you fed up with “preaching to theconverted?” Maybe it’s time for us to go tothem instead of expecting them to come tous. The mission shaped ministry course couldhelp you find the answer.

This one year course starts in Septemberand will equip you to plant and sustain freshexpressions of church. It is open to people ofall denominations, traditions and ages anddeals with practical issues such as listeningfor mission, team building, leadership skills,mission spirituality and how to help a freshexpression of church grow to maturity.

It costs £250pp, which covers all materials,refreshments and the weekend away in March2012. It may be possible to find a bursary soplease do not let the cost put you off. Werecommend that you come with two or threeother Christians who share your desire to startsomething in your network or neighbourhood.Contact Carol Evans on01634 844508carol.evans@rochester.anglican.org.

Mission ShapedMinistry

Huggens College Founders Day

On Tuesday 10 May Bishop James attended a service of thanksgiving for Founders Dayand unveiled a plaque to commemorate the refurbishing of the College Room at HuggensCollege in Northfleet.

This prestigious West Wales International MusicFestival provides Choral, Orchestral and Chamber

Music in beautiful venues in and around Fishguard.Artists include:

Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, conductor - Owain Arwel Hughes, Peter Donohoe, St.

Petersburg String Quartet, Sir Richard RodneyBennett and Claire Martin,Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra

with Tony Jacobs and Catherine Sykes, John S. Davies Singers,

Orchestra of the Swan with Julian Lloyd Webber and Jiaxin Cheng (‘cellos) and David Curtis, Frith

Piano Quartet, Richard Jenkinson (CBSO), RichardParry, National Youth Choir of Wales, YoungMusicians’ Platforms, Rodolpho Bonucci and

Dorothy Singh and more....

July 22nd - July 30th Brochure - May 2011Box Office 01348 875538 (mid June)

Enquiries: 01348 891345 (Alan Caunce Artistic Director)

01348 891226 (Chairman)www.fishguardmusicfestival.co.uk

The Festival celebrates its 42nd year in 2011

Music and events in Fishguard, Goodwick, St. DavidsCathedral, Rhos-y-Gilwen Mansion and Newport

ORGANISTavailable as relief

SE London/ KentSundays & Weekdays

Traditional & Modern Music

Contact Ron SmithTEL/FAX: 020 8300 1527

Fee & Mileage

To advertise in the

RochesterLink

call Roy on01752

225623

6 ochester Link

The Diocesan Accounts 2010By Martyn Burt, Diocesan Treasurer

2010 has been a good year and wehave moved in the right direction.We are in a much better positionthan a year ago, although wemustn’t become complacent.Yes,there are a few concerns but wehave balanced the budget,generating a small surplus on theway, and we have been able to bringthe general reserve back up to theminimum recommended level.

Looking at the Diocesan Budget, incomewas £3,881,000, UP £50,000 on 2009 andexpenditure was £3,832,000, DOWN by£167,000 on 2009. This generated a surplusof £49,000. We know that some parishesstruggle with Parish Share payments but thebudget has remained balanced because ofsavings made elsewhere.

78% of our Diocesan Budget incomecomes from Parish Share. We are heavilydependent on it. Other income showed signsof growth compared to 2009.Grants/donations represents 6% of income -up £39,000; Dividends/interest represent 4%of income - up over £40,000; rentalsrepresent 3% of income - up £32,000; feesrepresent less than 1% of income and weredown on 2009, yet up on the budgetrequirement; and planned transfers representthe remaining 8% of income, and these toowere up on 2009. (See fig 1)

Diocesan Budget expenditure breaks downinto 4 main areas, Parsonages, DiocesanDepartments, National Church, and OtherCosts. For 2010 Parsonages represent 25%of spend and costs were down on 2009 by£62,000. We had limited expenditure inparsonages to keep costs down. DiocesanDepartments represent 30% of spend - some£193,000 lower than 2009 mainly due theclosure of Church in Society. National Church

is also around 25%, up on the figures for2010 by £67,000 due to the number ofOrdinands we have been supporting. OtherCosts represent 18%, an increase on 2009by some £21,000, mainly due to additionalpension costs for the lay staff pensionscheme. The remaining 2% is the surplus –the difference between income andexpenditure. (See fig 2)

The Diocesan Budget is only part of thepicture and to see the complete positioninvolves adding in all other items of incomeand expenditure as per the accounts.

Total income in 2010 was £11,366,000. Ithas remained at around £11.5M for the pastfew years. £3,035,000 came from ParishShare (27%) and £6,134,000 from paymentstowards stipends (54%). Investment incomewas up, by an additional £60,000, as werethe gains on the sales of fixed assets by£48,000. In total around 81% of totaldiocesan income is made by payments fromparishes. Other income makes up theremaining 19%. The proportion coming fromparishes as stipend and Parish Share hasbeen increasing in recent years. (See fig 3and 4)

Total expenditure was £11,567,000 of whichproperty and housing costs were £1,511,000(13%) and stipendiary costs were£6,638,000 (57%). Within the £1,511,000 is£524,000 for depreciation of our properties inuse (mainly parsonages) although in realitythey hold value and we have no plans to sellthem. Expenditure splits across the 3headings that match our diocesan strategy.(See fig 5 and 6)

Our general reserve has increased in valueto £822,000. This represents over 3 monthsof budgeted Parish Share income but this isthe minimum level we need to operateeffectively. With all other funds there is anincrease in total funds of £644,000, up 1%.The Diocese now has £59,104,000 totalfunds on the balance sheet.

‘Funds’ does not mean just cash but allassets, which includes property, amounts

Actual Income 2010

Actual Expenditure 2010

Diocesan Income 2006 - 2010 Diocesan Income 2006 - 2010: Proportions

fig 1

fig 2

fig 3 fig 4

7ochester Link

owed, investments, as well as bank deposits.£41.2M (70%) is in property either for ourown use or to generate income to theDiocese. There is a further £19.7M as longterm investments, with the remaining sums asa mixture of short term cash, debtors andcreditors. But we remain very short of cashand we do not have sufficient cash reservesimmediately on hand to cover the full costs ofparish deposits. This is not an ideal position,but as most deposits are placed for a five yearterm the likelihood of parishes withdrawingfunds at the same time is very low.

If the balance sheet is averaged across allparishes it works out as £268,200 per parish,but the parsonage is most of this. The Diocesedoes not have a vast wealth of riches, andthose that we do have are used to supportparishes!

2010 was the first year that we budgetednot to receive the entire Parish Share that weask for. However, even allowing for this theamount received is only 96%, some 4% lowerthan we budgeted. With the savings madeelsewhere this is sufficient; but if allexpenditure had been as per the budget wemight have had trouble.

The amount of unpaid Parish Share continuesto grow and now stands at £1,220,000unpaid since 1995. Some parishes paysignificant sums, whereas others pay nothing.There have been debates about what to do to‘encourage’ payment and we continue torequest parishes to contribute what they areasked; most do. We send out regularreminders.

Some fear the situation will get worse.Several churches appear to find money forspecial activities of their own but not for theParish Share. Some parishes that do notappear to make an effort to pay their ParishShare do not even prepare a budget. Is there alink?

Across the Diocese the average of theParish Share and stipend is £41,600. This is£13,800 for parish share and £27,800 forstipend. Compared to electoral role it worksout as £103/ER/annum for parish share(£1.98/week) and £207/ER/annum forstipend (£4.00/week). How do these figurescompare with other items?

A simple mobile contract £15/month =£3.46/week; a bottle of wine £5.99; a gallonof petrol £6.14 (at £1.35/litre); the TimesNewspaper for 6 days £6.50/week; SkySports subscription £9.17/week; and aseason ticket at Arsenal £17.79/week. SoParish Share and stipend costs are very goodvalue!

And how are we doing for 2011? Parishshare is lower than we would like at this time –this is not unusual but we do need to keep aclose eye on this. We monitor Parish Sharecarefully each month to see any trends.However, expenditure is lower than budget,mainly due to savings on Social Responsibility.We would have expected a deficit for the 3month period of £224,000 but it is only£180,000, a turn around of £44,000.

For further details contact Martyn Burt on01634 560009/01634 560000 or emailmartyn.burt@rochester.anglican.org.

Diocesan Expenditure 2006 - 2010: Proportions

Diocesan Expenditure 2006 - 2010

fig 5

fig 6

How strongly do you feel about your Church?

Do you feel strongly about the need for yourchurch to grow and maintain its place in oursociety? If so maybe the following might,just might, engage you to think how you willbe able to achieve this.

They were only children but they knewthat playing by water was dangerous. WhenCharlie fell in the pool his sister knew whatto do. She picked up the lifebuoy and threwit in the water as close to him as possible.He grabbed it and kicked his way to theside where his sister dragged him from thewater-safe and sound.

Lifebuoys. You hardly ever notice themuntil you need one. I would fight tooth andnail to make sure that they were availabledespite the fact that I hope I would neverhave to use one.

Church can sometimes feel a bit like alifebuoy. There in the background, for

emergencies. I’m really glad it’s there forimportant times in people’s lives and tosupport those who are having a rough time. Iknow it does a lot of good work, I want thechurch to be there for me when I need it toobut I realise it costs money and people’stime and effort to keep going and I amwilling to help out when I am asked.However I don’t think it is necessary to getinvolved any further than that on a moreregular basis.

Are you ready to give your resources tohelp ensure that the church is therewhenever you might need it for yourself oryour family and friends?If so, how should you work out how much togive and how regularly would beappropriate.YYoouurr cchhaalllleennggee –– The gospel message is about bringing the

By Alan Strachan, Diocesan Stewardship Advisor

‘good news to all’ and the church is there toboth proclaim it and help people grasp it forthemselves. The church is there for more thanjust emergencies.

Why not take another look and invest insomething that is of real and lasting value toso many people.

Only by the giving of your time, skills and

money can we grow our churches to fulfil theministry of Jesus Christ and meet themission and vision aims that you have foryour ministry in your church.

Giving for Mission not Maintenance – youknow it makes sense.(Based on the 6 steps in Giving: Reflectionsand Challenges)

CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor:Email: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: 01634 560000 NEXT COPY DEADLINE Wednesday June 8th for July/August 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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entitled to ignore any duty to reduce emissions. Many novels work through emotion and social observation. This one is cerebral and strategy-driven: Prospective readers could think in terms of John Buchan’s Prester John plus some Hofstadter (Gödel, Escher, Bach) and moral philosophy that could grace Dostoesky or Milton. The spiritual sub-text is the abiding fruit of 19th-century missions to Africa versus the West’s loss of moral compass.

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All in a week’s workRev Peter Barnett,The Pilsdon Community,West MallingBy Louise Whiffin

Following the sucessful ringing of the firstquarter peal of the new bells at St Mary theVirgin, Stone, called the Nightingales, on 29April, the day of Royal Wedding, the churchheld an Open Day on 2 May, Bank Holiday.

Local residents were offered the chance toclimb the tower, see the new set of bells andeven go right up on to the roof. Many localpeople took advantage of this opportunity,including our MP Mr Gareth Johnson and thedeparting Mayor, Mr Pat Coleman, despite thecold and windy conditions. Mrs MargaretPhillips, who has lived in Bell Close by thechurch for many years, said they were "thrilledto bits" that the nightingales have returned.

She was about to sit down with her family fora celebratory dinner on her 70th birthdaywhen she heard the first practicing of thebells. She found it "was brilliant, like having anextra present. Very special!" Her family have along connection with St Mary's and they aredelighted with the sound of the bells.

Also about fifty elite bell ringers fromaround the country arrived during the day totry out the new bells. (pictured are MaryBarrass from Loughbvorough, Graham Nabb,from Kineton in Warwickshire and JeniferJohnson). Others arrived from places likeManchester and Shropshire. They were keento try out a new set of bells hung for full circle

ringing. It is their ambition to ring every set inthe world. Mary says she has acheived5,862 of the 6,000 known to exist over alifetime’s interest in the subject. Many bellringers want to achieve this feat andtherefore St Mary's should expect there tobe a lot of interest in any new set. Theverdict from Mary was "Great Bells! Excellenttone!"

Local people were also invited to comealong on a Thursday evening to join the bellringing team and learn how to ring changes.

Tower Open Day

Last summer a team who lead café church inBluewater were considering fresh ways toattract people to café church at Bluewater.They decided to have a summer eventtargeted at families. The theme was to be‘holidays’, the event was named ‘Costa delBluewater’ and the goal was to pack asmuch holiday fun into an hour in CostaCoffee. The highlight was the sand castlebuilding competition. Teams around tablestook up the challenge to build, decorate andname their castle using the (sandy-coloured) boxes provided and anything elsethey could lay their hands on. After a quiz,lots of face painting and cool frappuccinos,the evening finished with a simple meditationabout a God who commands rest andblesses our leisure time.

The summer event was so much fun thatwe decided to host a creative event eachholiday season. At Christmas a cardboardtree had to be decorated, and just a fewweeks ago teams around tables werechallenged to create an Easter bonnet. This

activity led onto a relaxed time of discussionaround the meaning of Easter and, with theaid of a DVD clip, a short talk about thesignificance of the cross and resurrectiontoday.

Cafe church takes place on the 2ndSunday of each month in the Costa Coffeeoutlet in Thames Upper Mall (next to Boots)between 6pm and 7pm. Each event is

designed to be relaxed, fun and informal - ina style recommended by the café churchnetwork and welcomed by Costa Coffee.

Each café church event embraces acontemporary issue, providing a place forpeople to come and join in something whichstimulates discussion and thought from aChristian perspective. The style created isdesigned particularly for those who may notfeel comfortable in a traditional churchservice. Costa staff serves their usual coffeeand food for those attending to purchase.

Subjects which we have, or will belooking at, include: stress management,good decision making, confident parenting,relationships, care for the environment, andfriendship.

Anyone is welcome to come along andoften passers-by drop in and join us. It isadvertised through the invitation cardsavailable in Costa during the week, and wecan also be found on Face book - ‘CafeChurch Bluewater (Costa Coffee)’!

Cafe Church gets creativeBy Rev Penny Marsh

Rev Peter Barnett developed ThePilsdon Community in WestMalling in 2004.

He said, “We community planted! We tookfour community members from our previouscommunity in Dorset, my wife and I and twoothers and three of our long stay residents. 7years on, we are full to capacity and arelooking to develop and grow the communityby creating more accommodation andfacilities on the site.”

Long stay residents in the community arereferred to as guests. At any one time therecan be 20-25 guests living there contributingto the life of the community. Peter said,“Everybody cooks, cleans, carries outmaintenance and repair and looks after thegrounds.”

Guests can stay from 10 minutes to 30years and come to Pilsdon for differentreasons. Often people are looking for somerespite after an emotional or financial crisis,they can be homeless or recovering from drugor alcohol addiction. Peter said, “We claim noexpertise in rehabilitation, our skill is to bring asense of loving service and communitythrough the work that is available.”

There are three core principles while livingin the community: voluntary prayers four timesa day before every meal, hospitality aseveryone is welcome as long as they aresober and communal dining. Peter said, “Wealways eat together, it is fundamental tocommunity building. We have a largevegetable garden, greenhouses and breedpigs, sheep and poultry. We produce half ofthe food we consume and it is very satisfyingif you have been working in the garden orworking with the animals and then you see iton the dining room table. However those whowork with the animals tend to go vegetarian!”

Guests in the community vary: they can bemen and women, the elderly, those from allethnic backgrounds and all faiths and none.Peter said, “We can have people who havePhDs and people who can’t read or write.People can be vulnerable no matter what theircircumstances.”

The community is funded from donations

which enables Peter and his volunteers tooffer open hospitality and extra treats such asbirthday and Christmas gifts and outings.

Peter said, “I get great satisfaction out ofbeing very close to the gospel imperatives inpractice. We are ministering to all thosepeople that it seems Jesus identified in thepriorities of his ministry and those people whoare on the margins. It’s not just those of uswho are running the community who ministerto others, everyone ministers to each other.For example a long term recovering alcoholiccould offer advice to a young dropout fromcollege with a drinking problem and couldspeak with authority. I couldn’t because I don’thave that experience”Contact Peter on 01732 870279.

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Praying the wayWorldFor the Middle East at this time of unrest

DioceseWith Pentecost, that the Holy Spirit will fallafresh on our churches and nation.Thanks for new joint Diocesan Prayer co-ordinator, Jenny Smith.Back to Church Sunday - For Traidcraft asthey complete the orders; that churches willbe envisioned; pray for whom to invite.

BBrroommlleeyy aanndd BBeexxlleeyySSiiddccuupp DDeeaanneerryyJJooyyddeennss WWoooodd:: For the institution of the RevRen Harding, husband Steve on 8 June.SStt JJoohhnn,, SSiiddccuupp:: For ‘Everyone Welcome’course to be fruitfulSStt MMaarryy,, BBeexxlleeyy:: For success for ourextension plans.AAllll SSaaiinntt,, FFoooottssccrraayy:: For Jayne Edinboronewly elected churchwarden.HHoollyy TTrriinniittyy,, LLaammoorrbbeeyy:: Trinity Festival week18-25 June including a Gift Day; forArchdeaconry Mothers’ Union service on 21June.

BBrroommlleeyy DDeeaanneerryyTThhee AAnnnnuunncciiaattiioonn,, CChhiisslleehhuurrsstt:: For blessingon visit of Bishop James on 5 June.SStt MMaarryy,, BBrroommlleeyy:: For our Parish weekend inJune. SStt AAuugguussttiinnee,, BBrroommlleeyy CCoommmmoonn:: Forcelebrations for our 100th anniversary.

BBeecckkeennhhaamm DDeeaanneerryyFor the Street Pastor, for more to join theteam.

RRoocchheesstteerrCCoobbhhaamm DDeeaanneerryyAAsshh:: Our Church fete, 25 June and witnessto the community.

NNuurrsstteeaadd:: That our pattern of ministry willquickly begin to be fruitful.MMeeoopphhaamm:: For a renewed vision to theGospel as we open our refurbished churchthis September.

DDaarrttffoorrdd DDeeaanneerryySStt PPaauull,, SSwwaannlleeyy aanndd SStt PPeetteerr,, HHeexxttaabbllee:: ForFlower Festival at St Paul on 24-26 June andchurch weekend on the Glebe.DDaarreenntthh aanndd SStt EEddmmuunndd,, DDaarrttffoorrdd:: For theright persons to be appointed Vicar.GGrreeeennhhiitthhee:: Thanks for repairs to chimney.

SSttrroooodd DDeeaanneerryySStt FFrraanncciiss,, SSttrroooodd:: For those going fromAfter-School club to the new Youth Club.CClliiffffee:: With local churches to promote unityand outreach; our outdoor service and BBQin June.

TToonnbbrriiddggee MMaalllliinngg DDeeaanneerryyBBAARRTT PPaarriisshheess:: For the Rev Dr Linda Shukerand her husband as they come in July.

SSeevveennooaakkss DDeeaanneerryySStt NNiicchhoollaass,, SSeevveennooaakkss:: Start of Men’sChristianity Explored on 6 June andWomen’s on 7 June; Sevenoaks FestivalCelebrations, 19 June.SStt LLuukkee,, SSeevveennooaakkss:: For our involvement inthe Sevenoaks FestivalWWeeaalldd:: Come and Munch Lunch in aid ofBible Lands, 7 June. Pimms and Picnic forFather’s Day, 19 June.

SShhoorreehhaamm DDeeaanneerryySShhoorreehhaamm:: Thanks for a legacy left to thechurch.

TToonnbbrriiddggee DDeeaanneerryyHHiillddeennbboorroouugghh:: For our Pentecost serviceon 12 June.SStt SStteepphheenn,, TToonnbbrriiddggee:: For baptism andconfirmation service on 19 June.LLeeiigghh:: For David Bennie in his work withCraft Zone and all helpers.

TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss DDeeaanneerryyLLaannggttoonn GGrreeeenn:: For the success of the saleof Real Easter Egg; for curate Sharonleading a group to Coptic Monasteries onSinai; for Janet Durrans being ordained inSeptember.SStt MMaarrkk,, TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss:: Thanks for theEaster Holiday Club; for follow up andPentecost Party on 4 June.SSoouutthhbboorroouugghh TTeeaamm MMiinniissttrryy:: For links withKibaigwa Tanzania; for St Lawrence’soutreach through monthly pub lunches.

Intercession during JuneWednesday 1 June: Northern Uganda –(Uganda) Rt Rev Nelson Onono-OnwengGGrreeeennhhiitthheeThursday 2 June: Ascension Day WWoorrllddMMiissssiioonn FFoorruummFriday 3 June: Norwich – (Canterbury) Rt RevGraham James; Norwich – Lynn- (Canterbury)Vacant; Norwich – Thetford – (Canterbury) RtRev David John Atkinson HHoorrttoonn KKiirrbbyy &&SSuuttttoonn--aatt--HHoonneeSaturday 4 June: Nova Scotia & PrinceEdward Island – (Canada) Rt Rev SusanElizabeth Moxley; Nova Scotia & PrinceEdward Island Rt Rev Ronald Cutler OOtthheerr ffaaiitthh ccoommmmuunniittiieess iinn tthhee DDiioocceesseeSunday 5 June: The Anglican CommunionEnvironmental Network as it promotes localinitiatives to protect the environment, andencourages the education of Anglicans tobecome better stewards of God’s creation.Nsukka – (Kenya) Rt Rev Aloysius AgboSSttoonneeMonday 6 June: Nyahururu – (Kenya) Rt RevCharles Gaikia Gaita SStt MMaarryy tthhee VViirrggiinn,,SSwwaannlleeyyTuesday 7 June: Offa – (Nigeria) Rt RevAkintunde Popoola SStt PPaauull,, SSwwaannlleeyy aanndd SSttPPeetteerr,, HHeexxttaabblleeWednesday 8 June: Ogbaru – (Nigeria) RtRev Samuel Ezeofor NNoorrtthh KKeenntt CCoouunncciill ffoorrIInntteerr--FFaaiitthh RReellaattiioonnss

Thursday 9 June: Ogbomso – (Nigeria) Rt RevMatthew Osunade; Ogoni – (Nigeria) Rt RevSolomon Gberegbara; Ogbia – (Nigeria) RtRevd James Oruwori SStt MMaarryy’’ss AAbbbbeeyy,, WWeessttMMaalllliinngg aanndd TThhee PPiillssddeenn CCoommmmuunniittyyFriday 10 June: Ogori-Magongo – (Nigeria) RtRevd Festus Davies WWiillmmiinnggttoonnSaturaday 11 June: Ohaji/Egbema –(Province of Owerri, Nigeria) Rt Revd ChidiOparaojiaku TThhoossee aaccttiivvee iinn SSoocciiaallRReessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy aanndd CCoommmmuunniittyy EEnnggaaggeemmeenntt aattppaarriisshh aanndd ddiioocceessaann lleevveellssSunday 12 June: Pray for all involved inMission. Ohio – (USA) Rt Rev MarkHollingsworth GGiilllliinngghhaamm DDeeaanneerryyMonday 13 June: Oji River – (Nigeria) Rt RevAmos Amankechinelo Madu HHoollyy TTrriinniittyy,,GGiilllliinngghhaammTueaday 14 June: Oke-Ogun – (Province ofIbadan, Nigeria) Rt Rev Solomon Amusan SStt AAuugguussttiinnee,, GGiilllliinngghhaammWednesday 15 June: Oke-Osun – (Nigeria)Rt Rev Nathaniel Fasogbon WWoorrkkppllaacceeMMiinniissttrryy && LLooccaall WWoorrkkppllaaccee CChhaappllaaiinnssThursday 16 June: Okene – (Nigeria) Rt RevEmmanuel Bayo Ajulo SStt BBaarrnnaabbaass,,GGiilllliinngghhaammFriday 17 June: Okgwe – (Nigeria) Rt RevEdward Osuegbu SStt LLuukkee tthhee EEvvaannggeelliisstt,,GGiilllliinngghhaammSaturday 18 June: Okigwe North – (Nigeria)

Rt Rev Godson Ukanwa; Okigwe South –(Nigeria) Rt Rev David Onuoha SStt MMaarrkk,,GGiilllliinngghhaammSunday 19 June: Okinawa – (Japan) Rt RevDavid Shoji Tani SStt MMaarryy MMaaggddaalleennee,,GGiilllliinngghhaammMonday 20 June: Oklahoma – (USA) Rt RevEdward J Konieczny RRaaiinnhhaammTuesday 21 June: Okrika – (Nigeria) Rt RevTubokosemie Abere SSoouutthh GGiilllliinngghhaammWednesday 22 June: Oleh – (Nigeria) Rt RevJonathan Francis Ekokotu Edewor GGrraavveesseennddDDeeaanneerryyThursday 23 June: Olympia – (USA) Rt RevdGregory H Rickel; Suffragan Bishop ofOlympia Rt Rev Bavi Edna Rivera CChhaallkkFriday 24 June: Omu – Aran – (Nigeria) RtRev Philip Adeyemo RRuurraall lliiffee iinn oouurr DDiioocceesseeSaturday 25 June: On the Lake – (Nigeria) RtRev Chijioke Oti PPeetteerrttiiddee OOrrddiinnaattiioonnssSunday 26 June: On the Niger – (Nigeria) RtRev Ken Okeke FFaammiillyy LLiiffeeMonday 27 June: Ondo – (Nigeria) Rt RevGeorge L Lasebikan HHoollyy FFaammiillyy,, GGrraavveesseennddwwiitthh IIffiieellddTuesday 28 June: Ontario – (Canada) Rt RevGeorge Bruce SStt AAiiddaann,, GGrraavveesseennddWednesday 29 June: Oregon – (USA) Rt RevJohncy Itty BBrroommlleeyy WWeellccaarreeThursday 30 June: Orlu – (Nigeria) The MostRev Bennett C I Okoro SStt GGeeoorrggee,, GGrraavveesseenndd

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12 ochester Link

Chopping and changing

Wednesday 4 May proved to be ared letter day for one year fourclass from All Saints’ PrimarySchool, Chatham.

Visiting the Tower of London, the childrenaged between 8 and 9 years old climbed thesteps that Anne Boleyn trod prior to beingincarcerated in the Tower of London andfinally beheaded.

Head teacher Gill Hill explained, “Thechildren have been looking at the Tudors andtheir trip to the Tower of London was theculmination of this area of work for them. Wecalled it “chopping and changing” for obviousreasons! Each of the students in the classwrote a letter to King Henry VIII from AnneBoleyn, asking him not to have her executed.” Year 4 pupils Michele Ngugi (9), Sham Singh(8), Amelia Miles (9) and Rachel Adesanya (9)produced lovely work of a very high standardand this is what they told Link about their trip.

MMiicchheellee NNgguuggii:: “It was really exciting to visitthe tower. It was my first time there and thereis loads of history behind it. I really liked theQueen’s steps which she walked on prior tobeing lead to the tower. It was like I was reallythere looking at what was really happening.The bloody tower was the best and had thememorial for the two murdered princesEdward and Richard. In my letter to KingHenry, I asked him not to execute me becauseI was an educated lady and I could helpeducate our daughter.”

AAmmeelliiaa MMiilleess:: “I was really looking forward tothe trip and was really excited. I thought thebloody tower might be really scary, but itwasn’t because there was no blood! It waslike a normal workplace and not scary at all!When I was writing my letter, I imagined that Iwas Anne Boleyn and I didn’t want the pain ofhaving my head chopped off! I told him I lovedhim and if he would give me another chance, Imight be able to give him a son. The gift shopwas good too, because you can have areminder of your trip.”

RRaacchheell AAddeessaannyyaa:: I had never been before soI was really excited. The best bit was seeingthe bloody tower because all the torturethings were there. People would be tied up by

their wrists and stretched. I liked the daybecause we saw the ravens, I am in Ravens*at school. They say that if the ravens leave theTower then the King and the country will fall!When I wrote my letter, I told the King that Iwas not a witch and that his advisors hadmade that up so that they could chop myhead off. That must have been really bad!”(*a house at school.)

SShhaamm SSiinngghh:: I was really happy because Ihad been looking forward to the trip. It wouldgive me more information that I could use inmy future. The bloody tower was the best bit.It had loads of stuff about Anne Boleyn andhow she died, with a picture of her. The nextbest bit was the Martin Tower because it hada suit of armour. I don’t think I would like tohave lived then. Anne Boleyn wasn’t very old.When I wrote my letter I told King Henry thatif he beheaded me, he wouldn’t have a son. Iasked him not to chop my head off and saidalternatively he could set me free”.

All Saints’ Primary School

PPhhoottooss::TToopp LLeefftt:: MMiicchheellee NNgguuggii aanndd bbeellooww hheerr wwoorrkkBBoottttoomm LLeefftt:: RRaacchheell AAddeessaannyyaa aanndd nneexxtt ttoo hheerr iiss hheerr wwoorrkkTToopp RRiigghhtt:: AAmmeelliiaa MMiilleess aanndd bbeellooww iiss hheerr wwoorrkkBBoottttoomm RRiigghhtt:: SShhaamm SSiinngghh aanndd nneexxtt ttoo hhiimm iiss hhiiss wwoorrkk

On a sunny Saturday just twentyfour hours after the royal weddingand not far from the RochesterSweeps’ Festival, fourteen of usgathered to talk about vocationand where God might be calling.

We were at St Justus’ Church inRochester for one of the regular It’s YourCalling days, run by the Department ofMinistry and Training, which helps peopletake time to think about calling and ministry.

The eleven participants had come from allaround the Diocese, male and female,younger and slightly older, and with a diverserange of experiences. The day itself beganwith a look at where God has been leadingus, a time to reflect on our journey so far andGod’s promptings over the years. Everyonehas a story and these vocation days show theimportance of those stories, and the influenceof God and other people on our lives.

The It’s Your Calling days are led by theDiocesan Vocation Advisers, and, at StJustus, Mark Griffin, Suzanne Pattle and PaulClark guided everyone through the various

activities. The day included worship, Biblestudy, discussion, thoughts about whatvocation really means for us and a couple ofactivities to encourage us all to think aboutthe God - given talents that each of has andwhat that might be telling us about ministry inthe future.

As well as the formal parts of the day, therewere opportunities to talk to each other, toshare stories, make new friendships and offermutual support in realising that others are onthe same journey.

The day ended with a Eucharist and it wasgreat that Bishop James, who had spent the

afternoon with us, led the service, drawingthe day together and offering thoughts fromhis own journey, which were a greatencouragement.

The It’s Your Calling day aims to help allthose taking part reflect on their journey andis a part of the process of finding God’scalling on their lives. I thought it was a goodday and a privilege to work with the group,to be part of their ongoing journey and to beencouraged by the growing sense of God’scalling on their lives.For further information contact Mark Griffinon 01732 452462.

It’s Your CallingBy Rev Mark Griffin, Lead Vocations Advisor