OCTOBER This year’s ‘must have’ gift...12:30pm. Free admission. 3 Roger Evernden – Organ 10...

PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the November issue of The Link is 12 October at 4pm

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Ordinations ofdeacons andpriests took placeon 8 September

OCTOBER 2012

This year’s ‘must have’ giftA very different image of babyJesus is due to hit the streets thisChristmas, with the new Godbabyposter from ChurchAds.net – theChurches Advertising Network.

The striking image of a fictional ‘Godbabytoy’ aims to make the Christmas storyappeal to the younger generation, and putsChrist at the centre of conversations.

"It’s another strong and arresting image. Itwill surprise some and disturb others.” SaidBishop Nick Baines, giving the image anenthusiastic thumbs-up.

He continues, “Which is exactly what thereal Jesus did. And it forces us beyond thetinsel to the human reality of 'God amongus”.

The cute brown-eyed boy doll in a bluebaby grow represents the baby Jesus, andplays on the idea of Christmas being a timewhen everyone is searching for that ‘must-have’ Christmas gift. It carries the slogan –‘GodBaby - He cries, He wees, He savesthe world’ and is the latest advert from the‘Christmas Starts with Christ…’ campaign.

ChurchAds.net Trustee, Mike Elms, said:“Research shows that 84% of peoplebelieve that Christmas should be calledChristmas because we are still a Christiansociety and yet society still seems set onairbrushing Christ out of His festivity. So, ourcampaign places a Christ-focussedmessage at the heart of the seasonal

consumerism: on shopping centre posters; oncommercial radio; in the pages of our dailynewspapers. This year’s poster features theGodbaby doll: this year’s ‘must-have’ gift. It’s astriking, contemporary and very simple way ofcommunicating the nativity message thatChrist, fully divine and fully human, came to usfor our salvation.”

Supported by Premier Christian Media, TheJerusalem Trust, and all major Christiandenominations, the aim of the campaign is toremind people of the real meaning ofChristmas.

To maximise the impact of the message,ChurchAds.net is asking individuals andchurches to make a donation to a National

Christmas Advertising fund. The aim is toraise enough money to cover the placing ofposters at bus stops, buy airtime forspecially commissioned radio ads, and buycolour ads in national and regionalnewspapers. For more information and aFREE campaign activation pack andresources, visit: www.churchads.net

Hoppers in Five Oak Green (near Tonbridge)began its ministry just before the Great War.Four seventeenth century agricultural cottages(which by Victorian times had become a beerhouse and skittle alley) were transformed intoa mission and welfare and hospital facility forthe hop pickers from the East End of London.The inspiration behind this project was FatherRichard Wilson, who regularly came down tothe hop fields with his Stepney parishioners.After an encounter with a bereaved motherwho had been too late to reach medical helpfor her ill child, Father Wilson determined toset up a facility for both medical and spiritualwelfare. The Little Hoppers Hospital, with itsdispensary and paediatric in-patient ward,operated for a large part of the twentiethcentury before becoming a residential centrefor churches.

Bishop James and Bishop Adrian ofStepney took part in a Thanksgiving and Re-dedication service on 9 September. The aimof the Service was to initiate a fresh chapter

in the life of this 400 year old building as aresource to both Rochester and Stepney.

During the outdoor service, Bishop Adrianintroduced Mr John Wilson, Chairman of thecharity and great nephew of the Hoppersparson, who outlined the history of the site.Mick Moon (92) and Kara Merchant-Manley(8) read from the bible before Rev SusiePaddock explained how the projecttransforms the lives of urban families. Shesaid, "There is something about the movementof the Spirit in this place, the building giveshealing!" Rev Bryan Knapp said, "I believeGod's presence is here. We have found Godonly too willing to give answers!" Together, allof the clergy urged parishes in Rochester andStepney to use the facilities at Hoppers andto discover more at the Hoppers website.

Hoppers is now owned by a small charitycalled The Red House Stepney and isequipped as a self catering facility for up to20 people. For more information go to:www.hopperskent.org

New chapter for historic site

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What’s on-----

OOccttoobbeerrSaturday 6 OctoberCRAYFORD – Open Day at St Paulinus Church 10am-4pm. Tower visits, living churchyard walks, organ recital,choir and history talks. Free entry.

BECKENHAM – Celebrating Bromley - Charity Concertat St Barnabas Church at 7pm. With Neuwied Band fromRhine and Beckenham Concert Band. Contact 020 86503393 or [email protected].

NORTHFLEET – Detling Singers Autumn Concert at7:30pm at All Saints Church, Perry Street. Tickets £6available on the door or from 07951 359427.

Thursday 11 OctoberLONDON – Christian Evidence: A discussion on theethical, moral and spiritual questions raised by end-of-lifeissues at 6:45pm in Lecture Theatre B5, Franklin-WilkinsBuilding, Kings College. Free admission. [email protected].

Friday 12 OctoberBEXLEYHEATH – Concert by Band of the Scots Guardsat 7:30pm at Christ Church. Tickets £11 or £15 on thedoor. For more details contact Tricia on 020 8306 0353.

MEOPHAM – Quiz Aid evening at 7:30pm at St John’sChurch. £6 per head or £40 for a team of 8. Please bringown refreshments. For tickets contact Julie Wilton on01474 706943. All proceeds to Christian Aid.

Saturday 13 OctoberBROMLEY – Bromley Symphony Players charity concertThe Cello Concerto by Monn/Schoenburg performed byHelen McDonald at 7:30pm at St Mary’s Church.Admission £7 on the door. Contact 020 8464 1239.

CRAYFORD – Gardening Question Time at St PaulinusCommunity Hall at 7pm. Panel includes Tom Hart-Dykeand Jim Buttress from Lullingstone Castle. Tickets £10 -01322 271272 or 0208 859 0599. In aid of the NSPCC.

GILLINGHAM – Family Fun and Worship at Medway ParkLeisure Centre 4:30pm-7pm. For families and children upto the age of 11. £5 per family. Price includesrefreshments for children, swimming, craft, games andinflatables. Contact Sarah Cabella on 01634 560024.

CUXTON – Quiz night for church funds in Cuxton ChurchHall at 7:30pm. All the rounds have a 2012 theme.Individuals and teams of 6-8 are welcome. £6 includesploughmans. Please bring own drink. To book contact theRev Roger Knight on 01634 717134.

BROMLEY – Mark Bedford will tell his story ‘The call ofFreedom: the early Life of St Francis of Assisi’ inspired byhis own experience of living in Assisi at Bromley andSheppard’s Colleges at 3pm. Tickets £5, to book [email protected] or 020 8460 3928.

Sunday 14 OctoberORPINGTON - Overseas Links Service at All Saints at6:30pm with the Rt Rev Given Gaula, Bishop of Kondoa.

Monday 15 OctoberSEVENOAKS – Know Your Bible conference for Women9:45am-2:30pm at St Nicholas Church. Speaker: JenniferRees Larcombe ‘Surviving the Impossible’. Cost £10 toinclude lunch. Please book with Rebecca Johnson on01732 463464 or [email protected].

Thursday 18 OctoberCHATHAM – All inclusive? A seminar for parents,teachers, church leaders, youth and children’s leaders andanyone who cares about children and young people withspecial or additional needs. At St Philip and St James’Church 7:30pm-9:15pm. Please register on the sign upsheet on Warden’s Table (by front door).

Friday 19 OctoberTUNBRIDGE WELLS – Burrswood Centenary Ball atSalomons at 7:30pm. Tickets £75 includes a drinksreception, 3 course dinner with wine, entertainment anddancing. To book contact 01892 865982.

Saturday 20 OctoberSEVENOAKS – Come and Sing at the Drive MethodistChurch at 6:30pm. Free admission. Rehearsal at 2pm.Contact 01732 450335 or [email protected]

BEXLEYHEATH – Coffee morning with craft sale

10:30am-12pm at Christ Church. Beautifully tradedgoods from Tanzania, Ethiopia including jewellery, adventcalendars and Christmas cards. Contact 020 8303 4452.

TUNRBIDGE WELLS – How to be a Bad Christian anda better Human Being: a conference led by DaveTomlinson 10:15am-4pm at St James’ Church. Tickets£10, £7 for concessions or £15 (£10 for concessions)on the day. Please bring packed lunch. Contact Pat on01892 531541 or Tony Rutherford on 01832 541009.

MAIDSTONE – Maidstone Choral Union invite you tohear Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle at All SaintsChurch at 7:30pm. Tickets £10 on the door or contact01622 726193. www.maidstonechoralunion.org.uk

Saturday 27 OctoberSHEPPEY – Girls allowed: Gospel and giggles for girlsof all ages at the Church in Hope Street 9:30am-4:15pm.With Canon Ann Easter, Chaplain to Her Majesty TheQueen and Jenny Thompson, Healing the Wounded heart.Tickets £6 (bring your own lunch). Book now, contactLynne on [email protected].

CRAY - Jumble Sale in the Church Centre of St Mary’sChurch 12pm-3pm. 50p admission. Proceeds to theChurch Restoration fund. Contact Bridget on 01689830955.

PETTS WOOD – Bromley Philharmonic Choir AutumnConcert at Christ Church URC at 7:30pm.Rachmaninov’s All-night Vigil (Vespers) and music byTchaikovsky and other Russian composers. Tickets £8 inadvance or £10 on the door. Box office: 020 8460 4898.

Wednesday 31 OctoberWATERINGBURY – A Shining Bright Party at the Churchof St John the Baptist 5pm-7pm. Fun for school agedchildren between 4-13 years. Children are invited to weartheir bright clothes. Food and refreshments provided. Tobook contact Lisa on 01622 812661.

VariousSEVENOAKS – Lunchtime recitals at St Luke’s Church at12:30pm. Free admission. 3 Roger Evernden – Organ10 Harriet Kirk – Mezzo, Jennifer Miles – Piano17 Hugh Ockendon – Piano24 New Benedict Singers31 Hammig String Quartet

WILMINGTON – 16th Charity Model Railway Exhibitionat St Michael & All Angels Church 10am-5pm 13/14October. Adults £3.50, children/OAP £2.50, family £9,under 5 free. Model railway layouts, displays, full tradesupport, refreshments. Contact Richard Arding on 01322220561.

ROCHESTER – 28 September to 31 October 7:30am-6pm (5pm on Saturday) an exhibition of 16 bannersillustrating the visual journey through Choral Evensong byRuth Dent will be displayed at Rochester Cathedral.

BECKENHAM –Arts Festival presented by the BromleyArts Society the 5-7 October at St Barnabas Church. Avariety of media: oils, watercolours, acrylics, and pastels.For futher information contact 020 8650 3393

For October Link please email What’s On events [email protected] by 14 September

2 Oct 1230 School Chaplains’ Meeting – Bishop’s Lodge3 Oct 1600 License Revd Christopher Boulton as Chaplain

at Bromley College, Bromley4 Oct 1000 Lead Shoreham Deanery Quiet Day – West

Malling Abbey5 Oct 1130 Speak at Retired Clergy Association AGM –

Bromley College1915 Solo Cycle Charity Dinner – Chatham

6 Oct 1430 Licensing and Authorisation Service for Readers and PAs, Rochester Cathedral

7 Oct 1000 Preside and Preach at Harvest Festival – St Andrew, Bromley

1830 Confirmation – St Stephen, Chatham9 Oct 1030 Poverty and Hope Meeting – Chiddingstone10 Oct 0930 Bishop’s Staff Meeting - Bishopscourt11 Oct 1900 Curates’ Supper – Bishop’s Lodge, Sevenoaks13 Oct 0930 Diocesan Synod – St John, Tunbridge Wells14 Oct 1830 Overseas LINKS Service – All Saints, Orpington16 Oct 1030 Joint Canterbury/Rochester Ministerial Training

meeting – Diocesan Office1400 Chair ACMT meeting – St Justus, Rochester

17 Oct 1930 Confirmation at Cliffe18 Oct 1330 Deliver paper at Diocesan Research Seminar -

Aylesford21 Oct 1030 Preach at Choral Eucharist – Norwich Cathedral23 Oct 0930 Area/Rural Deans Meeting – Bishopscourt

1900 LINKS supper with Bishop Given & Lillian (Kondoa diocese) – Bishop’s Lodge

24 Oct 1030 Hospital Chaplains Meeting and Lunch – Bishop’s Lodge

Bishop Brian’s Diary -October

Calling Charities working in AfricaWould you be interested in an opportunity to give avery short talk about the work of your organization?We are holding our 11th annual Day of Prayer forAfrica at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Aylesford onSaturday 16 March 10-4pm and would be delighted towelcome representatives of charities who could talkbriefly and lead us in prayer. Please contact Iris Neel01622 710634 or [email protected] if youwould like to contribute, or would like further details.

Urgent! Volunteers neededRochester Cathedral needs volunteers and they have awide varriety of important roles available fromwelcoming visitors to assisting in the shop, helping theEducation team or volunteering in the Cathedral Library.Contact Stacey Hatch on 01634 810077

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2 Oct 1000 Inter-Diocesan Finance Forum, London1400 General Synod Legislative Committee,

London

4 Oct All day Lent Course filming1930 Preside & Preach: St Francis, Strood

6 Oct 1430 Readers/PAs’ Authorisation ServiceCathedral

7 Oct 1415 Dedicate Cheltenham College MemorialNational Memorial Arboretum

8 Oct All day Guildford MU Charity Golf Day, Woking

9 Oct 1000 Rochester Deanery Chapter Quiet Day,West Malling Abbey

10 Oct 0930 Bishop’s Staff Meeting1430 Orpington Deanery Synod: speak on vision

for the Diocese, Petts Wood

11 Oct 1100 Churches Funerals Group, London

12 Oct 1930 West Kent Debt Advice Fundraising Dinner,St Stephen, Tonbridge

13 Oct 0930 Diocesan Synod: St John, Tunbridge Wells

14-25 Oct Deanery Visit: Paddock Wood

14 Oct 0930 Harvest Services: Nettlestead & East Peckham

1430 Twinning Agreement with Bishop of Kondoa: Paddock Wood

1830 Diocesan Overseas Link Service: All Saints, Orpington

15 Oct 1000 Deanery Quiet Day: St Peter, Pembury

16 Oct All day Services & visits: Brenchley & Yalding2000 Deanery Players’ rehearsal

17 Oct All day Services & visits: Yalding & LamberhurstDeanery Open Evening: Q&A: Hadlow Church

18 Oct 1945 Royal Engineers Guest Night: Brompton Barracks

21 Oct 1000 Preside & Preach: Dedication of new doors: St Luke, Matfield

1400 Deanery Ramble

Bishop James’ Diary - October21 Oct 1700 Messy Church: Paddock Wood

22 Oct AM Open art activity area – Pepenbury Centre: Pembury

PM Hospice in the Weald visit

23 Oct 0930 Area/Rural Deans Meeting1715 Christ Church Canterbury University

discussion panel: Canterbury

24 Oct AM Meetings with chaplains & community leaders, Paddock Wood

PM Hadlow College & community visits: Hadlow

25 Oct AM Parish visit: Horsmonden1530 Methodist Church leaders: Paddock

Wood1800 Scratch Deanery Choir: Paddock

Wood1930 Deanery Party with choir items:

Paddock Wood

26 Oct- 4 Nov Holiday

By the Ven Clive Mansell

Making Memories

2012 has been a memorable year,hasn’t it? We have had the events ofthe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. - Doyou remember the Royal Pageanton the River Thames, the popconcert at Buckingham Palace, theservice at St Paul’s Cathedral, thecrowds in the Mall and elsewhere?

Then, what about the Olympics and theParalympics? What memories will we takeinto the future from there?—The spectacularopening and closing ceremonies? The sight ofJessica Ennis or Usain Bolt winning their goldmedals? The famous Saturday evening of 3GB golds? The roar of the spectators? Thesmiles of the volunteers? The extraordinaryachievements of the individuals participating inthe Paralympic Games? Maybe, the generalsense of national excitement and goodwillwhich pervaded not just the capital city, butthe whole nation at the times of those events?

Perhaps in this year, you have had aparticularly personal memory to treasure—awedding or the birth of a child or a grandchild,a successful examination result, an awardceremony, a retirement party.

Memories are very special for us, andperhaps it is no coincidence that one of themost profound events relating to Jesus isbased upon the theme of remembrance—“Dothis in remembrance of me”—the words at theLast Supper and thereby at the institution ofthe Holy Communion/the Eucharist.

Some memories come to us by way ofrhythm and repetition and offer animpressionistic recollection to us.—Do youremember your summer holidays as a child?Do you seem to recall that it was alwayssunny on the West Country beaches of yourchildhood (but I bet that was not always thecase!)? Christmas brings us memories as wegather together and do again things which we

have done before, whether a Christmas lunch,a Carol Service, the giving of gifts at a familygathering. Sometimes we remember anindividual holiday or an individual Christmas,but in general, we recall a sense of thegoodness in these memories and in theevents which collectively make them up.

Sometimes, memories relate to the rhythmof the year and its passage of the seasons: -each year picking blackberries in the earlyautumn, Harvest Festival services perhaps, thewonder at the first full covering of a wintersnowfall or the delight at the first flowers ofspring.

Some memories are of individual peopleand November will offer especial times forsuch memories to be brought forward.

Some memories are, indeed, awful or tragicand leave individuals with scars which arelong-lasting,—but for most of us, thememories which we take with us from thepast into the future are ones we want to takewith us. They are to us good memories.

We can thank God for the good memorieswhich have come our way.

We can also consider how we mightprovide good memories for others. We can bethe givers of good memories.

Parents often want their children to have aspecial experience,—maybe an experiencewhich echoes the childhood of the parentsthemselves, eg, going to the same seasideplace to which the parent had gone ageneration before.

Those behind the opening and closingceremonies of the Olympics and theParalympic Games deliberately createdimages which would last long beyond thenight of the event itself.

In what ways can we in the ChristianChurch seek to create memories for thosearound us—good memories, inspiringmemories, long-lasting memories? Can weput on special events or services (without allthe resources used by those behind special

ceremonies of the Olympics and theParalympics) which are of good quality and onwhich those participating will look back withgratitude and delight and which, in turn,perhaps, will leave the door open for a furthervisit to the place where the memory wascreated or to an encounter with the peoplewho made the memories? Are there ways inwhich we can enable people coming to ourchurches, whether as visitors or as Sundayworshippers or for events such as baptisms,weddings and funerals, to receive such apositive experience that it can provide alasting memory?

What good memories can we create forour young people relating to the ChristianChurch which will stay with them through theiryouthful years and into a lifetime of adulthoodbeyond?

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Danny Boyle entitled the OlympicsOpening Ceremony “Isles of Wonder”. Howcan we offer a sense of “wonder” to thosewho encounter the things of the ChristianChurch?

Professor Stephen Hawking at theParalympics Opening Ceremony encouragedpeople to “look up at the stars, not down atyour feet”. - Surely, that is part of the calling ofthe Christian Church: - to help us to look notjust at ourselves, but beyond ourselves, tohave a vision not enclosed, but opened up,not bound by humanity, but abundant in Godhimself.

Can we create memories which can travelwith others, to their delight, through the lengthof a lifetime, but which at the same time canopen them up to embrace the eternal?

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Borstal gets its Peace GardenThis summer saw the realisation of StMatthew’s ‘Mission Aim’ to be ‘Accessible toAll’. The idea came from a challenge of theRev Canon Gordon Oliver that we not onlyconfine ourselves to the inside of the church,but use our whole site to grow the life of thechurch.

Together with our need to improve our carparking facilities and provide safer access tothe church hall, we put together a plan tocreate a sensory peace garden overlookingthe Medway, a wildlife area and amultifunction space, all of which we hope willbe used and enjoyed by our community.

The sun shone at last on 28 July as peoplefrom the village of Borstal gathered to

celebrate the launch of the Community PeaceGarden. Guests from the three localresidential homes joined local children andtheir parents for an afternoon tea party. TheBishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev JamesLangstaff, interrupted a busy schedule to helpplant a commemorative tree and declare thegarden officially open. All this was madepossible thanks to a fantastic grant fromGroundwork UK, Big Lottery Fund, whichenabled a poorly kept area of St Matthew’schurchyard to be transformed into a greenfocal point for the whole community. Theirgrant was matched by members of StMatthew’s church and community to provide aPeace Garden using environmentally and

ecologically sound materials, where possible.Visitors will be welcome at any time to apeaceful setting overlooking the river withseating and a raised bed of sensory plants. Inthe centre of the bed is a bubble fountain,which was bought with money raised bychildren from the Pilgrim School. Theyoungsters also created a wildlife area with abug hotel and wildlife woodpile. When thenew school year began in September theywere back, along with Rainbows, Browniesand Guides to plant bulbs and set up birdfeeding stations. It is hoped that planting willbe completed in the autumn. Come and havea look sometime!

Re-ordering at St Michael’s Church,WilmingtonThere were great celebrations onWednesday 27 July when Bishop Jamesofficiated at a service of rededication andthanksgiving at St Michael’s Church,Wilmington after a major ‘makeover’ of thehistoric Grade 1 listed building, part of whichdates back to Saxon times. After the service,celebrations continued with speeches andrefreshments.

Under the meticulous plans and watchfuleye of architect, Canon Malcolm Green,builders BW May & Sons Ltd, ofSittingbourne, completed the project in timeand under budget. Parishioners had workedhard and given sacrificially to raise thenecessary funding, but a number ofgenerous grants were received from trustsincluding Veolia Environmental Trust, theJoseph Rank Trust, All Churches Trust,Dartford Borough Council, and theRochester Bridge Trust.

During the six-month project worshipcontinued in the church hall. Improvementsinclude a new stone floor, new lighting,underfloor heating, redecoration and theconstruction of a gallery and the installation ofnew sound and AV equipment. Use of chairs,similar to those in the Cathedral, means thechurch offers a bright, clean, wide open spacethat can be adapted to a whole variety ofevents and activities. Very little of the fabrichas been altered and the utmost care hasbeen taken to preserve historic features.“We are absolutely delighted at the finishedchurch”, said the vicar, Rev’d Richard Arding.“It has transformed our worship. Already weare seeing the benefits of the new interior –last week we were able to clear the chairsand have our children’s holiday club in thechurch. The potential for further developmentof use is enormous and we see the changesas very much part of the mission and ministryof the church.”

Groups wishing to use the building whichhas toilets, tea station and separate parishroom, should contact the church office on01322 288235. An open day was beingheld on Saturday 8 September, and onSaturday & Sunday, 13/14 October, thechurch will be holding its annual modelrailway exhibition. This event is 10am to5pm.

Run Of Witness

The Diocese asked Parishes to celebrate theOlympics in a special way, and here inCobham Deanery the Covenanting Churchesof Ash, Ridley, Fawkham & Hartley andLongfield got together on Sunday 12thAugust to organise a "Run of Witness"Over the past few years the same churches,along with St Francis de Sales, get togetherfor a Good Friday project for the youngsters.Members of all the congregations then takepart in a "Walk of Witness", when a largecross is walked from Ash Church to the AllSaints Centre in Hartley, culminating in a jointservice for all.

To commemorate the end of the London2012 Olympic Games, and to celebrate ouryear of strengthening connections with our

Churches, a special Run Of Witness wasplanned. This involved willing volunteers

running a special cross along the main roadfrom Longfield after their morning service tothe Fawkham & Hartley All Saints Centre,where it was joined by people from Fawkhamand Hartley.

Everyone from all the churches was invitedto join in a "Bring Your Own" Picnic in the AshRectory Garden. There were games andactivities for all and a wonderful opportunity toget together with friends and acquaintancesfrom the Covenanting churches, ending in aspecial joint celebration service at St Mary'sChurch in Fawkham. At each Church thecongregation signed the special cross andthis will soon be put on display for all to see.

Mark Nurdin from Ash Church ran on allthree legs of the journey, starting from StMary's, Longfield, where he was joined byPaul Harrison. At All Saints the Rev JimFletcher joined Mark for the leg to AshRectory. The day was blessed with goodweather and a great time was had by all.

By Ian Nurdin, Churchwarden

Rochester Diocesan GolfThe annual inter-diocesan golf tournamenttook place this year at Frilford Heath nearAbingdon in early July.

The team comprising ReverendsCampbell Paget, Gary Colville, Mike Warrenand Ian Brown won a team trophy! TheChurch Times Illustrated cup for highhandicap players first presented in 1958,was carried off by your very own TeamRochester!

In addition, Gary Colville won the trophyfor the individual highest points score for hishandicap group!It was most likely this stirring event which

kicked off the successful Olympics andParalympics for Team GB (or so we would liketo think!)...The trophy may be viewed in the DiocesanOffice at least until next July when the teammust return to the annual tournament andcontest it all over again!

PPhhoottoo sshhoowwss:: Rochester Diocesan GolfTeam who became the National Inter-Diocesan Golf champions at Frilford Heathback in July. They are, from left, the Rev MikeWarren (Vicar St Peter's, Tunbridge Wells),the Rev Cambell Paget, (Vicar, Brenchley) andthe Rev Ian Brown (Vicar, Frindsbury).

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Ordination of deacons and priests on Saturday 8 Sep

Rejoice with the joyful

What do you get if you have oneorder of service, four Bishops andfour sermons? The answer – thepriesting of ordinands in fourseparate churches at the same timeon Saturday 8 September.

The morning sun shone as the day beganwith the ordinations of seven deacons atRochester Cathedral. They were: SharonCopestake, Sophie Sutherland, StephenBoon, Stephen Broadie, Rachel Wilson,Simon Taylor and Julie Bowen.

Following the procession into the Cathedral,Bishop James welcomed the congregationfrom the Great West doors. The Cathedralhad been transformed for the service, so thatthe altar for Holy Communion was positionedin the centre of the Nave. The congregation’schairs were all facing inwards to watch theBishop lead the service from the heart of thehistoric Cathedral.

After the presentation of the ordinands bythe Archdeacon of Rochester, the Ven SimonBurton-Jones, there were two readings. Thefirst from the Old Testament was read byGraham Copestake, Sharon’s husband,Genesis 3: 8-15, 20. The second readingGalatians 4: 4-7 was read by Rachel Wilson.

Retreat Conductor the Rev Canon RichardAmes-Lewis addressed the congregation fromthe pulpit and said, “Today is a memorableday for seven people, ordinary yet exceptional,called by God to be deacons in his Church,Stephen and Stephen, Julie and Sharon,Sophie, Simon and Rachel.

“It’s quite awesome for them, as theculmination of years of testing and training, tofind that now, today, it is really happening.Spare a thought for them! They face acombination of ancient cathedral, solemnservice, vast congregation and a rather tallbishop!

“Being ordained is a huge privilegebecause the grace of orders takes you intopeople’s homes, to comfort the bereaved, toencourage the sick, to weep with the broken-hearted and to rejoice with the joyful. Theauthority which you are given today will bothequip you and sustain you in the unlikelyplaces where you will find yourselves, and atthe same time make you heralds of the

Kingdom.”After the ordinands had made their

declarations to Bishop James, they knelt infront of him as he laid his hands on the headof each ordinand in turn for the ordinationprayer. At the end of the service they wereeach presented with their stole by BishopBrian, who said, “Receive this stole, as a signof the authority given you this day to ministerGod’s holy sacraments.” After rousingapplause from the congregation the newdeacons then took their part in the preparationof the table for Holy Communion andadministered a sacrament or blessing.

Mother of twins, Sophie Sutherland said, “Ifound the service a profoundly movingexperience and contrary to my expectation didnot feel nervous at all once it began. Now Iam very excited about getting settled into mynew role as curate at St Botolph's Church,Chevening which has already begun with awonderful welcome, and an opportunity topreach twice on Sunday morning.”

Julie Bowen, a former primary schoolteacher, said, “I wanted to cry, laugh, jump upand down with joy and just breathe a hugerelaxing breath all at the same time. It was all Iwanted it to be and so much more. It was likeGod’s breath being breathed into my soul, myheart and it kept coming. It was amazing and Iwill never forget it. It is etched not only in mymind but on my heart.”

In the afternoon, the ordination of priestswere held in four churches spread across theDiocese, each with the same order of service– St Botolph’s Church, Northfleet, StNicholas’ Church, Chislehurst, St Andrew’sChurch, Paddock Wood and All Saints’Church, Frindsbury.

In each parish a bishop preached their ownsermon, before the newly ordained priests hadtheir hands anointed with the oil of Chrism.Then each ordinand received a Bible, achalice and paten and an oil stick. On offeringthese gifts each bishop said, “Receive thesesigns of the authority which God has givenyou this day to preach the gospel of Christand to minister his holy sacraments.”

At All Saints’ Church, Frindsbury the RtRev Stephen Venner ordained the Rev TedHurst and the Rev Sue Vallente-Kerr. Suesaid, “It was an amazing, awesome andoverwhelming experience. My husband Marc

AAbboovvee:: FFrroomm lleefftt ttoo rriigghhtt:: RRaacchheell WWiillssoonn,, SShhaarroonn CCooppeessttaakkee,, SStteepphheenn BBrrooaaddiiee,, BBiisshhoopp JJaammeess,,SStteepphheenn BBoooonn,, SSiimmoonn TTaayylloorr,, SSoopphhiiee SSuutthheerrllaanndd aanndd JJuulliiee BBoowweenn.. PPhhoottoo bbyy LLoouuiissee WWhhiiffffiinn

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By Louise Whiffin

7ochester Link

ptemberand son, Daniel, carried the bread forconsecration and that was a tear-jerkingmoment. Daniel even had a plastic tea cupand saucer at the back of the church re-enacting what I was doing, so maybe he is alittle vicar in the making!”

Sue was presented to the Bishop by hermother, the Rev Canon Jean Kerr, who wasacting as Archdeacon for the day. Jean said,“It was an unexpected gift and great fun but Ido not wish to take it up permanently! It wassurreal to present Sue to the Bishop, and as aparent it makes you realise the power ofpraying for your own children.”

It was a family affair with the Rev CanonPaul Kerr acting as chaplain for the day.

In St Botolph’s Church, Northfleet BishopJames ordained the Rev Chris Routledge, theRev Lorraine Lawrence and the Rev Jo Drewas priests. Bishop James addressed thecongregation and said, “Christopher, Jo,Lorraine, today as with the apostles in theGospel reading, you are being sent. Not quiteto all nations, though you never know, Goddoes send people to unexpected places(including, for some of us, Kent) for of courseyou remain in the places where you haveserved as deacons; but you are being sentinto a new ministry. A ministry that hascontinuity with the ministry you have had as adeacon and as a lay person; but a ministrythat is also different, new. A new ministrywhich is itself about God’s work of makingpeople’s lives new; bringing to reality the newcreation”.

During the service Bishop James laid hishands on the head of each ordinand and said,“Send down the Holy Spirit on your servantfor the office and work of a priest in yourchurch.”

Reflecting on this experience, the RevLorraine Lawrence said, “I felt amazinglyuplifted and a real sense of the Holy Spiritwhen Bishop James laid his hands on myhead. I had a general sense of elation as Ihave been waiting for this for a long time. Ithas been 16 years since I first felt the call tobe priested.”

Those priested at St Nicholas’ Church,Chislehurst were the Rev Christina Brewer,the Rev Gemma Burnett-Chetwynd and theRev Janet Durrans. Bishop Brian addressedthe ordinands and spoke about the Olympics

and Paralympics and the relation of theseevents to their journey. He said, “Chris,Gemma and Jan, tonight you are beingcheered on by us here, by others who couldnot be here, by many others across thediocese whom you don’t know and by thatcountless host surrounding God whom no-one can number: they are wanting you to winand are always there to cheer you across thefinishing-line. When things are tough and itfeels lonely, remember that there are alwaysmore people supporting and praying for youthan there appear to be. When things aregoing well, always give thanks for that hugenumber who are cheering you across thefinish line.”

At St Andrew’s Church, Paddock Woodthe Rev Eileen Doyle, the Rev Dr MiriamBarker and the Rev Anne Bourne wereordained priests by the Rt Rev Graham Cray.

Eileen is a self taught musician, she taughtherself how to play guitar and is currentlylearning to play the piano. She said, “I feelmost privileged to serve in this role, humbledby the experience and I am looking forward togrowing in my ministry.”

The final ordination of priests took place onSaturday 15 September when Guardian ofPilsdon at Malling, the Rev Pam Rink wasordained by Bishop James. This took place atthe Chapel Barn at Pilsdon which is acommunity in West Malling. This specialcommunity welcomes people who have losttheir way in life and want to live in a placewhere there is time and space for healingwithin a routine of daily offices, meals, workand rest. A qualified nurse, Pam said, “It wasa huge privilege and an overwhelmingexperience. I couldn’t believe how manypeople were there. We had about 140 peopleand 20 of those were other priests. OnSunday I had my first Eucharist at East Mallingand I had a lot of support from people tominister in that way.”

This was a special day for all concerned.For the deacons it marked the start of theirpassage into ordained ministry, whilst thosewho were priested are at the beginning oftheir journey to fulfill the ministry of a priest.They can now consecrate the bread and thewine at Holy Communion, pronounceabsolution and give a blessing in the name ofChrist.

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CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor:Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01634 560000

NEXT COPY DEADLINE October 12 for November Link

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We practise and teach Christiancontemplative meditation at residential and day courses

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

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

of the Spirit can enter our hearts.Our members also gather in local groups.

For further details please contact: The Secretary, The Fellowship of Meditation

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9ochester Link

Olympic Chaplain

First and foremost: what a privilege! I don’tthink I have ever, or will ever repeat,volunteering in such an amazing, spectacularand special event. Being a volunteer chaplainat the Olympics was such an amazingexperience and quite a unique way to support,encourage and sometimes even challengepeople. I must admit I started out bywondering how being a chaplain to theworkforce (ie other volunteers) would work;but we were clearly needed and welcomed bythe other volunteers there.

I had four particular locations to look afteras chaplain: Horseguards Parade, WembleyStadium and Arena and the Wembley Plazahotel. In all four places I found people whowanted to talk, who wanted to be listened to,and who wanted to be prayed with or hadsomeone they wanted me to pray for.As a football fan, having the opportunity towalk around Wembley Stadium on a dailybasis was my schoolboy dream come true. Onone occasion I found myself in one of theWembley boxes praying with two people whilewe looked out over the empty Wembley whichhad a match the night before. We neededsomewhere quiet and the box was to hand. It

was surreal … looking out over the ‘sacred’ground of Wembley while asking God tointervene in these peoples lives. Of course …I took a pic … it had to be done!I was amazed to find myself praying withpeople in stairwells, in the rest area, and evenat the top of the Bowl in Horseguards whileBeach Volleyball was played out below us.That was a unique venue in itself … and thepress have made much of the amazing partyatmosphere that was there. It was wild, and itwas special and it may surprise some thatamongst all that party stuff a chaplain was stillneeded and both of us there were alwaysengaged with people from opening to close.

There are many amazing experiences that Iwill treasure for years and years to come.Those diamond moments of listening topeople share their stories and being able tohelp them connect with God in some waywere very very special. I was surprised by howmany wanted to talk seriously about their livesand faith and how it all connected. The wholeexperience has left me with one new aim ….to learn Portugese in the next couple of yearsso that I might have a chance to do it all againat Rio 2016. Yeh … I wish!!

By Rev Rob Ryan

Fairtrade at Paddock Wood

Would you like to do all your Christmasshopping in one place, have no problemswith parking and be able to have delicious,high quality home made cakes or soups torefresh you either before or after you’veshopped? Then look no further than “Makea Difference Christmas Shopping” at TheFair Trade Shop’s annual event on Saturday3rd November from 12.30 to 4pm at St.Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood. A hugerange of fairly traded Tearcraft andTraidcraft jewellery, household goods, toys,stationery, gifts, foods, Christmas cards,wrapping paper and decorations will be onsale.

The Fair Trade Shop will also be holdingspecial evening openings for those customerswho are unable to shop during the day. Thiswill be an opportunity to do your Christmasshopping on Wednesdays 14th and 21stNovember from 7 to 8pm. Lots of beautifulChristmas gifts are available.

Since it’s inception 35 years ago, The FairTrade Shop (formerly “The Care and ShareShop”) at St. Andrew’s Church, PaddockWood has made grants of over £150,000 tocharities, mainly in developing countries butalso to local charities. Each year, at theirChristmas event, The Fair Trade Shop ringfence money taken in the café-for-the-day.Profit from this was given to purchase a

ShelterBox in both 2010 and 2011. Theseboxes offer immediate relief in the form of atent, basic cooking necessities andequipment for victims of disasters. Profitfrom this year’s café will be used topurchase solar powered cookers for peopleliving in rural Africa. These cookers reduceCO2 emissions by an estimated 2 tonnesper family per year as well as providing safe,clean boiled water and releasing the womenfrom the 3 hours per day that it takes forthem to gather firewood.

It’s Christmas shopping with a difference- Trading for a fairer world. For moreinformation contact Margaret Swaite on01892 833655

Boats and Bicycles at Bewl Water

Saturday 1 September saw 65 people and 3dogs descend on Bewl Water for a day outfrom Christ Church, Bexleyheath. We stoppedat Scotney Castle for those wishing to spendthe morning there, while the rest arrived forcoffee by the reservoir. Seven of us then setoff to cycle the 13 miles around the lake, onlyto find it more challenging and more fun thanwe’d thought. Others tried out fishing andvarious games, while many simply enjoyed thesunshine, watching a sailing regatta in fullswing. After tea and cake in the Sailing Clubbar we embarked for a trip around the lake(see photo) before catching the coach againfor home. It was a great opportunity for youngand not so young to get to know each otherbefore being caught up in the new term’sroutines.

Rev Francis Jakeman

HostLondon 2012 brought talented people to Britain. But did you know this happens every year? Thousands of bright young men and womencome to study at our universities. Sadly, most have no contact with British people outside the campus. Some miss their families; many arecurious about the real life of Britain. That’s why HOST arranges for them to spend a day, weekend or 3 days at Christmas as guests inhospitable homes. This is a great opportunity to get to know someone from another country, and help them to feel welcome. As a volunteerhost, you could enjoy introducing a student of your choice to your way of life and perhaps to their very first Christmas. Please call RegionalOrganiser Beryl Joyce on 01474 833293 or see www.hostuk.org.

By Mrs Margaret Swaite

RReevv RRoobb RRyyaann

Church Administrator wanted

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Trustees – Volunteer Role

Th e Dorothy Kerin Trust

Burrswood is a 40-bed, independent, non-surgical hospital set in beautiful grounds in Groombridge, Kent. Th e hospital is founded on Christian principles and has gained a reputation for excellence in whole-person care.

TrusteesWe have a small number of vacancies for Trustees to join our Board, which is responsible for the overall strategic direction and governance of the charity. Candidates should be committed to the aims, objectives and Christian ethos of Burrswood, add value to our Board in terms of off ering new or diff erent perspectives and be comfortable working strategically as a member of a senior team.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with medical knowledge and expertise, and candidates with a background in marketing.

Trustee and Chair of Finance CommitteeIn addition, we are seeking to recruit a Trustee to the Board who will also chair the Finance Committee. Th e role of this committee is to oversee and ensure the eff ective functioning of fi nance for the Trust. Candidates must have an understanding of the principles and practice of good corporate governance and should have familiarity with accounting requirements.

Time commitment

Th ere are six full day Trustee meetings per annum, usually on a Th ursday.

Th e Finance Committee meets for six half days per annum. Th e Chair of the Finance Committee also attends the Governance and Audit Committee which meets for one half day per annum.

For further information please contact Judith Donald on 01892 865993 or email [email protected]. Further information can also be found on our website www.burrswood.org.uk


11ochester Link

Intercession during October1 October: Local GPs and Health Centres2 October: Sevenoaks Deanery3 October: Brasted4 October: Chevening5 October: Ethnic minorities in the diocese6 October: BBC Radio Kent, Invicta Radio,

Regional TV and all who work in religious broadcasting

7 October: For those being licensed as Readers and those being authorised as Pastoral Assistants in the cathedral today

8 October: Kippington9 October: Knockholt with Halstead10 October: Rural/Area Deans & Lay Chairs

11 October: Riverhead with Dunton Green12 October: St Lawrence, Seal13 October: Diocesan Synod14 October: Christians working with aid

agencies15 October: St Peter and St Paul, Seal16 October: St John the Baptist, Sevenoaks17 October: The Legal Profession18 October: Clergy spouses and family19 October: St Luke, Sevenoaks20 October: Christians working in local

government21 October: Sundridge with Ide Hill and Toys

Hill

22 October: Underriver23 October: Boys and Girls Brigade24 October: Corporation of the Sons of

Clergy25 October: Weald26 October: Westerham27 October: Shoreham Deanery28 October: Borough Green29 October: Eynsford with Farningham &

Lullingstone30 October: The conservation of the

environment31 October: Those suffering from HIV/AIDS

and all who care for them

The Cathedral Quire StallsThe Stalls in the Cathedral Quire, mostlyoccupied by the Honorary Canons of theCathedral, are each named after significantcharacters in Rochester’s long history.

SSwwiitthhwwuullffSwithwulf was an Anglo-Saxon Bishop ofRochester for twenty years from AD880-900. Little is known of him, but he ismentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles inAD897; here it recounts the fact that KingAlfred (of cake burning fame) lost some ofhis most powerful ‘thanes’ in a time whenthe pagans (Danes) were seeming to win

war. The records show that there were threeyears of murrain (infectious disease in cattle)and plague. Swithwulf died in this period,seemingly of the plague rather than in battle,though he was obviously a ‘warrior bishop’ ofsome renown. In the guide to Anglo-SaxonCharters Swithwulf is mentioned as receivingfrom Athelwulf, King of the Saxons, the land ofCuxton in AD880. Swithwulf granted land toBeorhtwulf at Frinsbury Haddun (HavenStreet) with meadows at Beckley and Strood.

The current Canon to occupy this stall is theRev Canon Brenda Hurd

Praying the wayWorldPeace in the Middle East

DioceseThe visit to Rochester of the Bishop of theTanzanian Diocese of Kondoa from 4-25October. Thanks for Back to Church SundayAll harvest services

BBrroommlleeyy && BBeexxlleeyyBBrroommlleeyy DDeeaanneerryySStt PPeetteerr && SStt PPaauull,, BBrroommlleeyy:: Thanks forGod’s provision of a new parish priest, AnneJablonski and Associate Vicar AndrewJablonski

RRoocchheesstteerrCCoobbhhaamm DDeeaanneerryySStt JJoohhnn,, MMeeoopphhaamm:: Thanks for a good startto our monthly Messy ChurchSStt MMiillddrreedd,, NNuurrsstteeaadd:: Thanks for continuingspiritual and numerical growthSSnnooddllaanndd wwiitthh LLoowweerr BBiirrlliinngg:: Our proposedPrayer Walk. Harvest celebration

DDaarrttffoorrdd DDeeaanneerryyAAllll SSoouullss,, CCrroocckkeennhhiillll:: That the right personmay be appointed as vicarSStt MMaarryy,, SSuuttttoonn aatt HHoonnee && HHoorrttoonn KKiirrbbyy::The wise appointment of a new vicarSStt MMaarrggaarreett,, DDaarreenntthh:: A successful harvestweekend

GGiilllliinngghhaamm DDeeaanneerryyAAllll SSaaiinnttss,, HHeemmppsstteeaadd:: Growth in faith andnumbersSStt AAuugguussttiinnee,, GGiilllliinngghhaamm:: That we willcontinue to welcome those in our communitySStt BBaarrnnaabbaass,, GGiilllliinngghhaamm:: Thanks that we arefinding time to work for the good of othersHHoollyy TTrriinniittyy,, TTwwyyddaallll:: Thanks that God isequipping church members for ministrySStt LLuukkee,, GGiilllliinngghhaamm:: Our outreach to youngfamilies. Our Patronal Festival on 14October. Fr Paul’s busy funeral ministry

SStt MMaarrggaarreett,, RRaaiinnhhaamm:: Our confirmation groupThanks for our growing Messy ChurchSStt MMaarrkk,, GGiilllliinngghhaamm:: The ongoing work of ouryouth groups. The forthcoming “Gossip theGood News” courseSStt MMaarryy MMaaggddaalleennee,, GGiilllliinngghhaamm:: Grace andenergy as we consider worship patterns anduse of buildingsSStt MMaatttthheeww,, WWiiggmmoorree:: Our work with youngfamilies. Renewed energy in our outreachThe growth of our prayer lifeSStt PPaauull,, PPaarrkkwwoooodd:: Our Christianity ExploredcourseSStt PPeetteerr,, BBrreeddhhuurrsstt:: The visit of the Bishop ofKondoa

GGrraavveesseenndd DDeeaanneerryyGod’s guidance in setting up the Gravesend &District Foodbank. The ministries of Jo Drew(Christ Church), Lorraine Lawrence (StGeorge) and Chris Routledge (St Botolph &St Mark), who were all ordained on 8September

TToonnbbrriiddggeeSSeevveennooaakkss DDeeaanneerryySStt MMaarrttiinn,, BBrraasstteedd:: OOuurr nneeww cchhiillddrreenn’’sssseerrvviicceeSStt MMaarryy,, KKiippppiinnggttoonn:: Our harvest appeal forthe Diocese of Kondoa, and the visit of theBishop of Kondoa on 21 October.SStt KKaatthhaarriinnee KKnnoocckkhhoolltt && SStt MMaarrggaarreettHHaallsstteeaadd:: Our course “Explore the ChristianFaith”SStt LLuukkee,, SSeevveennooaakkss:: Our links with QueenEsther School Mpwapwa and All SaintsMaronderaSStt NNiicchhoollaass,, SSeevveennooaakkss:: The start of aChristianity Explored course. Men’s BanquetCurry Night. Lady Boswell’s School AnnualService. Christian Institute Event.

TToonnbbrriiddggee DDeeaanneerryySStt JJoohhnn HHiillddeennbboorroouugghh:: Our ladies’breakfast on 20 October.

TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss DDeeaanneerryyThe Deanery Retreat at the beginning of themonthCChhrriisstt CChhuurrcchh,, SSoouutthhbboorroouugghh:: A goodresponse to the Alpha CourseSStt LLuukkee,, TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss:: Thanks forharvests safely brought inSStt MMaarrkk,, TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss:: Those attendingthe Emmaus Nurture Groups. Our service ofthanksgiving for loved ones.SStt PPaauull,, RRuusstthhaallll:: The Rusthall Scout GroupSStt TThhoommaass,, SSoouutthhbboorroouugghh:: All working onfarms

Prayer RequestsFor NOVEMEBER LINK toJudith Howard,[email protected] 3 October.

RSCM-EELThe Royal School of Church Music with the Essex and East London

Church Music Committee

ANNUAL CHOIRS FESTIVAL

2012at Chelmsford Cathedral Saturday 10th NovemberRehearsal 2pm, Festival Service 5pm

Directed by James Davy, Director of Music, Chelmsford Cathedral

A very warm invitation is extended to choirs or singers of all denominations who would like to take part and sing in the Annual Festival for 2012. This is a glorious act of worship to which everyone is invited, why not encourage members of your congregation to support you, and inspire them to sing! Entry to the service is free to all, and no special music needs to be purchased by the congregation.

The music this year is taken from a new RSCM Publication At all Times and in all Places, produced in celebration of 350 years of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Books are available from RSCM-EEL, the price has been held at £5 each for one more year! Books will be available for collection at the Choir Directors Evening (17 September) or by arrangement with the Secretary, if you prefer.

Please contact the Secretary at [email protected], 01376 517338

Details of our events and other useful information for musicians may be found at:

www.rscm-eel.org.uk

If you, or someone you know would like more information about Gilead

or would like to make an application, please contact:

Laura Alm Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520

[email protected]

www.gilead.org.ukwww.gilead.org.uk

Gilead Foundationsis a Therapeutic Community, offering a residential rehabilitation program, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours.

Based on a 300 acre dairy farm in rural Devon, Gilead uses the Genesis Process Relapse Prevention programme with our clients.

TThhee RReevv CCaannoonn BBrreennddaa HHuurrdd

12 ochester Link

A versatile genius!

2012 has been a year of celebrations and,with the help of a grant from the diocese, thevillage of Speldhurst set out to mark it instyle. The Jubilee, the Olympics and thefeeling of general community melted into onefor an action-packed weekend withsomething for everybody. The village fete ledinto an evening Barn Dance held in thespecially erected marquee and so Saturdaycame to an end in the knowledge that goodfun had been had by all. But what had theSunday got in store? The church buildingremained eerily silent and everyone returnedto the site of the festivities of the day before,still suitably adorned with bunting and

balloons. The crowds flocked in and there wasa feeling of expectation in these unusualsurroundings. Ishmael led us in some songsand the congregation then settled down forthe ‘reading’. One of the churchwardens hadobviously forgotten it was Sunday and therehe was in his banker’s best on his way to thelocal cash point. This was where it started togo wrong. Three local youths took advantageof the situation and Colin was knocked to theground and mugged. As he lay there hisfriends walked past him and a couple juststood and stared. Was it the state he was inthat repelled them, or would it just have takentoo much time and trouble out of their busy

schedules? Suddenly, in the silence, therewas the sudden roar of an engine and amotorbike with lights blazing raced in to themarquee. It tore through the rows of seatsand screeched to a halt just where Colin lay.The rider was a heavily built man clad inleathers and chains. He wore dark glassesand his hair reached past his shoulders. Hestood in silence and then, to everyone’ssurprise, he took off his jacket and gently putit round our casualty’s shoulders. He gatheredhim up into his arms and placed him on theback of his bike. And that was that. The bikerode away into the distance. No one everknew who the man was, where he had come

from or where he was going. But everyoneknew he had saved a life and all who werethere were left pondering the samequestion: “Who is my neighbour?”Following the service the marquee wentthrough a further transformation. Festivelydecorated tables were erected and the foodarrived. St Mary’s Church had invited thewhole village to lunch and over 250 peopleresponded to that invitation and sat down toenjoy a wonderful lunch and sing-a-long toround off what had been an amazingweekend.

Who is my neighbour?

The Sapper is a combat engineer; flexible,effective, multi-skilled, essential. They aretrades-people; skilful, willing, hard-working.They are soldiers, as good with their rifles asthey are with their tools. Each is a versatile genius, condensing thewhole system of military engineering and allthat is useful and practical under one jacket!They are ready to do anything, anywhere,anytime. Ubique!"

At the Royal Engineers' memorial serviceheld at Rochester Cathedral on Sunday 16September 2012, military colleagues, familiesand friends joined together in a service ofremembrance to commemorate their fallencomrades. Highly polished Sam Brownes,toe-caps and military medals belied theoverwhelming sense of loss experienced bysome of the assembled congregation.

Brigadier Hodder, Commandant, RoyalSchool of Military Engineering said, "We arehere to give thanks to Almighty God and tocommemorate those of the Corps of RoyalEngineers who have died in the service oftheir country, so that we and our childrenmight live. Today, we remember and honourparticularly those who have paid the ultimatesacrifice on operations in Afghanistan: SapperElijah Bond, Sapper Connor Ray and Lance

Corporal Matthew Smith. Jesus said, "This ismy commandment, that you love one anotheras I have loved you. Greater love has no manthan this, that a man lay down his life for hisfriends."

Speaking with compassion, Bishop Jamesfocussed some of his sermon on thecommemoration of fallen brothers-in-arms. Hesaid, "We mourn the cutting short of their livesand their potential as yet unfulfilled. We standand we pray with those who were closest tothem: their families, friends and comrades.But also we give thanks for their living andtheir dying, for all that they have been and fortheir readiness to give of themselves even tothe point of death. And we dare to believe,hard as it may be, that from their sacrificethere may come good."

Following a haunting rendition of the LastPost and Reveille, The Chief Royal Engineerlaid a wreath at the Royal Engineers' memorialinside the cathedral. The chaplain prayedaloud, saying, "Eternal God, before whoseface the generations rise and pass away, wegive you thanks for your only Son, thevanquisher of death and evil; help us ever tohonour the sacrifice of those who strove forjustice and gave their lives for their friends,that we may be gathered with those who love

According to Army Warrant Officer Middleton,"A Sapper is a military engineer; they lead theadvance and guard the rear. They enable theArmy, the Navy and the Air Force to live inhostile conditions: they make it possible forcombatants to move about the battlefield andfight. And they prevent the enemy from doingso.

you into the unending joy of your presence,through our risen Lord and Saviour JesusChrist. Amen"

On completion of the final hymn, the choirand congregation left the cathedral in time towitness the Royal Engineers march past theCenotaph on Rochester High Street.

250 visitors to Bishopcourt on Saturday 15September saw the Fine Cell Work exhibitionand sale. During the exhibition the charityraised a massive £8,000 from the sale ofcushions, quilts and handmade gifts and afurther £2,000 was raised from raffles, teasand donations. The beautifully crafted pieceswere all made by convicted prisoners in UKprisons.

Fine Cell Work is a charity that wasfounded 15 years ago and has 60 volunteerswho teach needlework and quilting in 30prisons across the country. It can take aprisoner 100 hours to make one cushion;therefore they have to be serving a minimumof 12 months to commit to the project.

At the exhibition, every possible surface inthe dining room, sitting room and entrancehall was used to exhibit the work of prisoners.Beautifully hand-crafted cot quilts withbutterflies and patchwork designs on themwere draped across the piano in the sittingroom. Each quilt had its own label describingwhat enjoyment the person experienced whenmaking it. Cushions in a multitude of coloursand with their own individual patternsincluding rabbits, flowers and peacocks were

Changing RoomsBy Louise Whiffin

spread across the sofas. There were alsocanvas shopping bags on a coffee table in thecorner of the room; ironically, bearing theword ‘Swag’ embroidered in navy blue onthem.

The sitting room was not the only place toget the ‘changing rooms’ make over!Cushions were placed in the window bays, ontop of the chest of drawers and balanced onradiators in the dining room. In the entrancehall ‘Mr & Mrs’ cushions were carefully placedon the mantelpiece and cushions emblazonedwith the Union flag were positioned on anantique chair.

All of the items sold come with a Fine CellWork label which gives the purchaser thename of the prisoner and which prison it wasmade in. The charity encourages purchasersto write a thank you letter, care of the charity,to the prisoner describing where the cushionshave been used, why they chose the coloursor patterns. The feedback from prisoners onreceiving these letters is good, sometimes thisis the first letter they ever receive and they liketo put it on the pin-board by their bed.

Monies raised from the sale of the skilfullycreated pieces are divided between thematerials for making the item such as wools,canvases and cushion pads, towards therunning costs of the charity’s office in Londonand the prisoners for their work. Oftenprisoners will send the money home to family

or use it to buy birthday and Christmaspresents or phone cards to help them keep intouch with their children.

The charity sells the prisoners’ workthrough exhibitions, online atwww.finecellwork.co.uk or at a pop-up shopthey currently have at 5 Grosvenor Street,London. The shop is open 10am - 6pmMonday to Saturday.

OCTOBER This year’s ‘must have’ gift...12:30pm. Free admission. 3 Roger Evernden – Organ 10...

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Transcript of OCTOBER This year’s ‘must have’ gift...12:30pm. Free admission. 3 Roger Evernden – Organ 10...