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PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the October issue of The Link is
4pm TThhuurrssddaayy 88 SSeepptteemmbbeerr
P6-7 Education Reform
Education reformand churchschools by JohnConstanti
SEPTEMBER 2011
I place you in this seatBy James Knapp
Saturday 23 July was an historicday in the life of
RochesterCathedral because, for the firsttime in its 1400 year
history, awoman placed the four HonoraryCanons in their stalls,
during theinstallation service.
The Rev Canon Jean Kerr, who is also theCathedral’s first female
Residentiary Canon,presided over this important role. Howeverthe
way in which she came to be assignedthis task was hardly orthodox.
Traditionallythe Cathedral Dean would place the Canonsin to their
stalls. However, as Rochestercurrently has no Dean and the Acting
Deanwas on holiday, the baton was passed on toJean.
In a similarly bizarre turn of events one ofthe four Canons Jean
put in their stall wasnone other than her husband, Paul. As
anHonorary Canon you have a specific seat inthe Cathedral which is
bestowed after youhave completed notable work in the church,Diocese
or Cathedral. Concerning the eventJean said she felt excited, but
pretty amazed
and, although it may not mean much toanyone else, for her
placing the Canons intheir stalls was ‘super duper’. She
added,“During the service, I had to seat Paul in hisseat and say,
‘I place you in this seat.’ It’s thefirst time I have been able to
officially put himin his place!”
The four Honorary Canons who wereinstalled were the Rev Canon
Chris Dench,Bishop’s Officer for Ministry and Training, theRev
Canon Ruth Oates, Vicar of St Mary’sChurch, Gravesend, the Rev
Canon MichaelCamp, Vicar of St Peter and St Paul’s Church,Bromley
and the Rev Canon Paul Kerr, Vicarof St Justus Church,
Rochester.
Goodbyes and a new beginningThe sun was shining on the
Dean’slast day at Rochester Cathedral on 3 July.The day started
with afarewell from the Cathedral staffand congregation.
Adrian was presented with a number ofgifts including a cheque, a
Bible with largeprint and an art print looking up at theDeanery
from Garth House.
The hymns included Angel Voices, AmazingGrace and Meekness and
Majesty. The girlchoristers also entertained the congregationwith a
Bollywood dance on the nave steps.The service ended with Adrian
processing outto the 007 Bond theme tune.
In the afternoon the Diocese said itsgoodbye to Adrian at
Evensong. In attendancewere Bishop James Langstaff and the Rt RevDr
Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop ofRochester.
The first reading was Isaiah 42:1-9 read byGill Newman and the
second was Ephesians
3:14-21 read by the Canon Pastor, the RevCanon Phil Hesketh, who
will be stepping intoAdrian’s shoes during the interregnum.
The choir sung the Magnificat and anAnthem. The service
concluded with areception, where Bishop James spoke warmlyof his
friendship with Adrian and the work hehas done during his time as
the Dean of
Rochester Cathedral.On 22 July, at St Paul’s Cathedral,
Adrian
was consecrated to be the Bishop of Stepneyin the Diocese of
London.
The service was led by the Archbishop ofCanterbury, the Most Rev
Rowan Williamsand the sermon was given by the Very RevJune Osborne,
Dean of Salisbury.
A reading from The New Testament, theSecond Letter of Paul to
the Corinthians, wasread by Kamil Boriel, a school pupil at
WestHackney, and the Gospel Reading, John 20: 1-2 and 11-8 was read
by The Deacon.Hymns included: Great is thy Faithfulness,May the
mind of Christ my Saviour and Willyou come and follow me.
The Archbishop gave Adrian a Bible and ashe presented the newly
ordained Bishop withhis pastoral staff, the Archbishop said,
“Keepwatch over the whole flock in which the HolySpirit has
appointed you shepherd. Encouragethe faithful, restore the lost,
and build up theBody of Christ.”
JJeeaann aanndd PPaauull KKeerrrrBBiisshhoopp JJaammeess
wwiitthh tthhee ffoouurr HHoonnoorraarryy CCaannoonnss
BBiisshhoopp AAddrriiaann NNeewwmmaann wwiitthh tthhee
AArrcchhbbiisshhooppooff CCaanntteerrbbuurryy,, tthhee MMoosstt
RReevv RRoowwaann WWiilllliiaammss
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2 ochester Link
What’s onSeptemberSaturday 3 SeptemberMEOPHAM – Bexley Phoenix
Choir Concert at St John’sChurch at 7:30pm. A varied programme of
sacred andsecular music. Tickets £6, children/students £3 from01474
813106 or on the door.
Monday 5 SeptemberMAIDSTONE – The Guild of Church Flower
Arrangersmeeting at 7:30pm at Union Methodist Church, UnionStreet.
The demonstration is entitled ‘Tricia’s Treasures’given by Tricia
Bashford. Visitors welcome.
Saturday 10 SeptemberSHORNE – Church Open Day 10am – 6pm at St
Peterand St Paul’s Church. Afternoon teas 2:30 – 5pm. FreeChurch
History tours 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Saturday 17 SeptemberGRAVESEND – ‘Anglican Covenant. Way forward
toUnity?’ – a half day seminar organised by AffirmingCatholicism
Rochester at St Mary’s Church starting at9:30am with Eucharist. Led
by the Rev Canon MichaelCamp and the Rev Dr John Perumbalath.
WEST MALLING – A Wine and Wisdom Evening at theAge Concern
Centre, West Street at 7:30pm. In aid of St Mary’s Church. Contact
Sue Chapple 01732 843964.
Sunday 18 SeptemberBECKENHAM – The 4 O’clock – a gentle
introduction tochurch with live music and praise, café and crèche
at 4pmat St Paul’s Church. Contact Nick on 07950 010640.
Friday 23 SeptemberSEVENOAKS – Hymns of liberation – Garth
Hewitt inconcert at St Luke’s Church at 7:30pm. Tickets £5
from01732 461087/743045. Refreshments available.
Friday 30 SeptemberROCHESTER – Abby Guinness on the ‘Word of
Wives’.A collection of monologues on the women of the Bible.
Aladies’ evening at St Justus Church at 7:30pm. Contact01634
818353.
VariousSt John’s Church in Meopham will re-open in
Septemberafter its refurbishment. To celebrate events include:3
Bexley Phoenix Choir7 Rededication Service with Bishop of
Rochester8 – 10 Meopham Players One Act Play ‘A Dog’s Life’17
Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick – Folk Concert23 – 25 Meopham
Art Group Exhibition30 Harvest Barn Dance Contact Rev Canon Gordon
Oliver 01474 812068 or JillKettle 01474 813632 or
www.meophamfestival.co.uk.
SEVENOAKS - Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke's Church.Wednesdays at
12:30pm - retiring collection7 Ingrid Cusido - Piano14 Phillip Sear
– Piano21 Victoria Edge & Caroline Jaya-Ratnam
Mezzo-Soprano & Piano28 Robin Morrish - Violin
2 – 4 September – ‘The Arts and Crafts’ Flower Festivalat St
Peter and St Paul’s Church, Teston, 11am – 5pm.With the sale of
arts and ceramic. Concert 8pm Saturday.Festival Praise 6:30pm on
Sunday with Ven Clive Mansell.
8 – 11 September - Heritage Open Days - twentychurches as well
as other venues across the RochesterDiocese are taking part.
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
11 -25 September - Festival celebrations in Kemsingincluding a
Community Choir concert on 17 Septemberat 6:30pm at St Mary’s
Church. The church will be open10am - 6pm. 17 -25 September Flower
Festival.Programme of 52 events on www.kemsingfestival.org.
St Nicholas Church, Linton open every Wednesday andSaturday 2pm
– 4pm until the end of September.Experience the Church Trail –
children follow a map andanswer a quiz by spotting historical
items.
OctoberSaturday 1 OctoberSHORNE – Harvest Festival Flowers at
Shorne ParishChurch 2pm -5pm. Free admission with refreshments
andraffle. Contact 01474 824177 for more details.
The Bishop of Tonbridge’s Diary,The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle
SeptemberPADDOCK WOOD – ‘Renewing our minds’ with speakerthe Rev
Canon Dr Jeremy Worthen, Principal of SEITE10am – 12pm at St
Andrew’s Church. Contact MichaelInsley, Canon Theologian on 020
8464 2076.
Sunday 2 OctoberSIDCUP – Harvest Lunch at St John’s Church at
12pm inthe church hall. Adults £12.50, under 16s free. Pleasebring
own wine (glasses provided). For tickets
[email protected] or call 020 8309 0866.
BROMLEY – Mothers’ Union luncheon at The WhitfieldHall, Bromley
United Reform Church at 12:30pm. SpeakerMichele Guinness will share
her story about being raisedin a Jewish family and becoming a
Christian. Tickets £20from Doreen Pitcher 020 8300 6398.
Friday 7 OctoberMEOPHAM – Christian Aid Quiz Aid at St John’s
Churchat 7:30pm. £5 per head, teams of up to 8. For moredetails
call 01474 813632/01474 706943.
Saturday 8 OctoberROCHESTER – King’s School Rochester Open
Morning9:30 – 12pm. For more information contact Lynne Davies01634
888590.
PADDOCK WOOD – ‘Facing the Unthinkable –Safeguarding Children in
Church and the Community’9:30am – 1:30pm at St Andrew’s Church.
Contact CarolMartin to book 01634 560000.
WATERINGBURY – Harvest Coffee Morning 10:30am –12:30pm at the
Church of St John the Baptist. Cakes,crafts, second hand books and
toys. All proceeds in aid ofthe Farmers in Bangladesh. Contact
01622 813032
Sunday 9 OctoberBECKENHAM – Celebrate our Overseas Diocesan
Linkswith ‘Focusing on Estonia’ featuring the London EstonianChoir
at 6:30pm at St George’s Church. Led by the RtRev Dr Brian Castle
with Bishop James Langstaff inattendance. Guest Preacher Rev
Stephen Knowers
For listings in What’s On October Link please
[email protected] by 8 September.
2 Sept 1930 Darenth, Licensing of the Rev Nick Williams as SSM
Priest-in-charge
4 Sept 1000 Preside and preach, Bexley, St Mary5 Sept 1930
Istead Rise, Institution of the Rev Andrew Vaughan6 Sept 0930
Bishop’s Staff Meeting8 Sept 1930 Chiddingstone, Institution of the
Rev Martin
Beaumont9 Sept All Day Ordination Retreat10 Sept 1500 Ordination
of Deacons, Rochester Cathedral12-15 Sept College of Bishops,
Oxford15 Sept 1930 Self Supporting Ministers’ Supper at
Bishop’s
Lodge17 Sept Speak at Vocations Day, Rochester Cathedral18 Sept
1800 Confirmation, Westerham19 Sept 1400 Link Committee meeting,
Bishop’s Lodge
1930 West Malling, Institution of the Rev David Green20 Sept
0930 Bishop’s Staff Meeting
1730 Bishop’s Council22 Sept 0800 Churches Together in Kent
Church Leaders
Breakfast Meeting1100 Diocesan Synod Briefing meeting1430 ACMT,
Diocesan Office
23 Sept 1100 Mission Theology Advisory Group, London24 Sept
Bishop’s Council25 Sept 1030 Ash, Eucharistic Harvest Thanksgiving
27-29 Sept Faith and Order Advisory Commission, Launde
Abbey
National Conference InvitationThe 1 October will mark the start
of the 25thAnniversary of the Church of England’s Committee
forMinority Ethnic Anglican Concerns. The Diocese isinvited to send
representatives to the Committee’sNational Conference in Assembly
Hall, Church Houseon 1 October. For more details or if you would
like toattend contact Rev Canon Nicholas Kerr 07885619595 or
[email protected].
St John’s Church, MeophamA series of events starts on Friday 21
October. Now isyour chance to sing together with regular singers,
non-singers, to be part of a larger group to make friendsand to
make music. At St John’s Church Meopham on21 October at 7:30pm. The
Meopham Brass meet on Mondays at St John’sChurch, Meopham to make
music. The players enjoyfellowship and performing at occasional
concerts tosupport churches and charities. New players arewelcome
and tuition is available if you wish to learn.Contact Michael
Wicker 01732 822665.
Giving thanks for God’s goodnessJust before Easter Rev Angus
MacLeay, Rector of StNicholas, Sevenoaks suffered a serve rhythm
disturbancein his heart which led to a cardiac arrest. Angus is
nowrecooperating on sabbatical and would like to thank hisfamily
and staff members, ambulance and hospital staffand all those who
prayed for his recovery.
Thank you to James Knapp!During July we had James Knapp, son of
the Rev BryanKnapp, completing work experience with us in
theCommunications Department.
We are grateful for his help in the department and
thecontributions he has made to this issue of Link.
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3ochester Link
Bishop James reflects....
Mission across our communities
1 Sept 1730 License the Rev Canon Paul Kerr as Cathedral
Chaplain
2 Sept 2000 Institution of the Rev Canon Paul Francis – St
George, Beckenham
3 Sept 1000 Attend Shabbat service – Chatham/Rochester
Synagogue
1500 License the Rev Cathrine Gardiner – Christ Church and St
Paul, Anerley
4 Sept 0930 Preside & Preach – Ifield1100 Preside &
Preach – Holy Family, Gravesend1800 Harvest Supper – Barming
6 Sept All day Bishop’s Staff Meeting7 Sept 1930 Thanksgiving
for Restoration Work –
Meopham9 Sept 1000 Chair Housing Justice Board Meeting10 Sept
1230 Ordination Lunch – Bishopscourt
1500 Ordination of Deacons – Cathedral1830 Ordination of Jean
Budgen as priest –
Swanscombe
On the evening of Thursday 30 Junea small celebration (complete
withchampagne, for which many thanksto the Gillingham Deanery)
tookplace in the Riverside Country Parkon the Medway Estuary.
It marked the end of my introductory visitsto the 17 deaneries
of our Diocese. For methese have been invaluable in helping me
tocreate a mental map of the Diocese, itsparishes, chaplaincies,
communities, schoolsand other institutions. I have also met most
ofthe clergy one-to-one and any who missedout will be covered soon.
I am hugely gratefulto the Rural and Area Deans for puttingtogether
my programme in each place.
Those visits and other contacts over myearly months have, in the
main, been veryencouraging: there is much effective and
livelyChristian presence and mission across ourcommunities.
Inevitably there are alsoquestions and issues as well, and I
continue
to dwell on those as I seek to discernstrategic purpose and
direction for us withinthe Diocese.
However, I also have a few lighterresponses to my visits,
arising out of thingspeople have said: clearly there are
someinteresting impressions around about whom orwhat bishops may be
or do. So....• No, you don’t have to refer to me as ‘Your
Grace’ – that’s mainly for archbishops (as well as dukes and
duchesses); ‘Bishop’ or‘Bishop James’ is usually fine.
• When I visit a church or parish, I’m actually not a visitor!
That’s because the spiritual care of all the people is my
responsibility anyway - which of course I share with the vicar or
rector. In a sense all our churches are, therefore, my ‘home’
church so you don’t need to worry about extravagant welcomes –
though a gentle one is always appreciated.
• No, I don’t live in the Cathedral! Though there is a real
sense in which it is a focal point for the Bishop’s ministry, the
Cathedral
Autumn – a season of welcome
is safely in the care of the Dean and Chapter. Indeed the
Cathedral Statutes even limit the number of times I am able to
preach there – so, if I’m in your parish I haven’t had to arrange
cover!
• More seriously, I do see it as part of my role to be as widely
present across the Diocese as I can be. So, though my title may be
‘Bishop of Rochester’, I am just as much Bishop of Penge, Chatham,
Hadlow, Erith or Edenbridge – or anywhere else in the Diocese.
• And finally, I don’t travel in a great entourage: quite often
my Chaplain, Alan Vousden, will be with me but that’s all – so one
parking place is quite enough!
And when you next meet me, it won’t matter ifyou’ve forgotten
all of that – but it will begood to see you.
With my prayers and good wishes,
+JamesBBiisshhoopp JJaammeess
11 Sept 1030 Preach: patronal festival – St Mary Shortlands
12 - 15 Sept College of Bishops – Oxford16 Sept 0900 St
Botolph’s Primary School visit -
Northfleet17 Sept 1000 Preach: King’s School Commemoration
Service – Cathedral1400 Speak: Canterbury Diocesan Gathering
18 Sept 1030 Confirmation – Leybourne1830 Healing Service – St
Stephen, Tonbridge
19 Sept 1030 South East Regional Training Partnership -
Southwark
20 Sept 0930 Bishop’s Staff & Officers – Bishopscourt1700
Bishop’s Council
21 Sept 1030 Consecration Service – Westminster Abbey
1430 Diocesan Finance Committee1730 Institution of the Rev
Marcel McCarron –
St Edmund, Dartford
Bishop James’ Diary - September
22 Sept 0800 Kent Church Leaders’ Meeting1100 Synod Agenda
Planning Group1300 Lunch for University Vice-Chancellors1600 Speak:
Penge Churches Housing
Association AGM24 Sept 1000 Bishop’s Council Day Conference -
Otford25 Sept 1000 BTCS – St George, Weald
1600 License the Rev Dave Johnston – Christ Church,
Chislehurst
26 Sept 0900 Cathedral Chapter meeting1200 Ministry Review
training course (overnight)
28 Sept 1930 Diocesan Healing Council – Burrswood29 Sept 1230
Speak: Kent Housing Conference - Ashford
1930 Preside & Preach: patronal festival - Cuxton30th 1000
New Church School Heads’ meeting
1400 Visit: West Kingsdown CE School
The autumn becomes anincreasingly significant season
formany.
The summer holidays are over. Many returnto work, not expecting
another break till lateDecember. Schools start a new academicyear
and for many households the rhythm oflife is more determined by the
academic yearthan by any other calendar.
In consequence, September becomes atime of new beginnings and
new routines.Back to Church Sunday recognises this and itcan prove
an encouraging opportunity forsome people to link into the life of
a localchurch, whether for the first time ever, or,perhaps, for the
first time for a long time.
As a parish priest, I always felt that theautumn onwards offered
a sequence ofspecial events when people from across thewider
community could readily join together in
our churches for celebrations and reflection. Harvest Festival,
All Saints/All Soulstide,
Remembrance Sunday, Advent Sunday, thepre-Christmas period and
then Christmasitself - these offer a variety of moods,decoration,
and music. They speak to differentaspects of our lives - from the
basic “dailybread”, which sustains us (Harvest), tomarking our
indebtedness to others loved,respected or inspirational (All
Saints/AllSoulstide, Remembrance Sunday), to thecomplementary inner
outlooks of yearning andhope (Advent Sunday) and then to
theextraordinary mixture of elements found atChristmas – birth,
innocence, shared music,candlelight, festival meals, memories and
theextraordinary message of God-with-us, theSaviour and
Redeemer.
Of all the extended seasons of the year,this is perhaps the one
where connectionscan be made, - connections for any of us
individually with these various themes,connections between
regular churchgoersand others less regular, connectionsbetween a
community (some of whosemembers are sometimes uncertain of whatthey
might find behind a church door) andtheir local church, especially
their parishchurch, where prayers and praises continueto be offered
week by week, however manyor few are present from one Sunday to
thenext, and connections between us and theGod who is close to us
throughout the year,even when we may not seek to be close
tohim.
I hope that this autumn may offer manypeople a welcome chance to
foster new orrenewed spiritual rhythms in their lives andthat our
churches may provide a welcome forthem which is not just seasonal,
but ongoing.
By the Ven Clive Mansell
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4 ochester LinkAAddvveerrttiissiinngg FFeeaattuurree
Open Morning Saturday 24th September 2011 10.00 am - 12.15
pm
Walthamstow Hall Senior SchoolHolly Bush Lane
SevenoaksKent TN13 3UL
01732 451334For more information and
the latest news from school visit www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk
Walthamstow Hall Senior School is a selective Independent Girls’
Day School in Sevenoaks for pupils aged 11–18 years.
Founded in 1838, as a school for the daughters of
missionaries,Walthamstow Hall moved to its current site in 1882. We
combine the best of experience with innovation. Respect for others,
a strong sense of community and a pride that comes from sharing in
a great tradition, make Walthamstow Hall a dynamic environment in
which individuals are known and valued.
We offer an enriched curriculum delivered through inspired
teaching and further enhanced by a wealth of extra-curricular
opportunities. This is provided in a supportive Christian setting
which has outstanding facilities. Recent additions to our campus
include a 25 metre swimming pool, a Drama Studio supporting our
existing theatre, a suite of 4 Mathematics classrooms, a Design
Technology Classroom and a large Music rehearsal space.
Our School’s success is evident in our outstanding 2008 ISI
Inspection Report and well-established record of exceptional public
examination results (we teach GCSE, IGCSE, A level and Cambridge
pre-U courses). Most importantly our students are motivated and
interested girls who develop confidence in their
own abilities and leave school at 18 secure in the knowledge,
skills and personal qualities that they need to excel in life.
Our bursary scheme provides financial help with school fees
based on a family’s financial circumstances. The scheme includes
our Founders’ Bursary, which pays nearly 100% of a pupil’s school
fees throughout their time at the Senior School. Scholarships and
other financial awards, worth up to 50% of fees, are also available
to those students who demonstrate exceptional potential
academically or in music,drama or sport at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
Spotlight on education
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5ochester Link
All in a week’s workThe Rev Canon Alan Vousden, Bishop’s
ChaplainBy Louise Whiffin
The Rev Canon Alan Vousden wasoffered the position of chaplain
tothe new Bishop of Rochester lastyear, after spending 38 years
inparish ministry.
As Bishop’s Chaplain Alan’s role includes,“Acting as secretary
to the Bishop’s staffmeetings. I handle the Bishop’s liturgical
work,so orders of service are checked by me. I alsodeal with
situations where there maybefinancial difficulties with clergy
families.” Headded, “When there is an enquiry fromanother Diocesan
Bishop about whether amember of clergy is safe to receive,
Icomplete the necessary paperwork for BishopJames to sign. If I am
not with the Bishop on aSunday, I am available to take services in
anyparish in the Diocese.”
Alan spends part of his time inBishopscourt and goes out with
the Bishop toconfirmation services and institutions. He said,“I am
there as the Bishop’s chaplain, carrying
his bags, acting as his chauffeur and followinghim in procession
just in case he dropssomething! I also make sure all the
paperworkis in order and produce the right document atthe right
time. I actually enjoy being atconfirmations and seeing people
making theircommitment to Christ. “
Another aspect of Alan’s position isarranging and attending the
ordination retreatsfor those being deaconed or priested. He said“I
enjoy the variety of the post and neverthought I would be in a
position in the centreof diocesan life. I not only enjoy working
forthe Bishop, but with him as well. If I don’tknow something I
ask! He has been a Bishoplonger than I have been a chaplain and I
amaware that he has been a Bishop’s Chaplainin the past, so he
probably knows more aboutwhat is involved than I ever will! I still
think thebest job in the Church of England is being avicar in a
parish but being a Bishop’s Chaplaincomes a very close
second!“Contact Alan on 01634 814439.
TThhee RReevv CCaannoonn AAllaann VVoouussddeenn
Chair of Diocesan Board of Finance – Forthcoming VacancyGraeme
King has chaired our DiocesanBoard of Finance for the last 10 years
andhas undertaken that task with skill andcommitment. He has been
dropping hintsover the last few years that the time iscoming for
him to step down, so theBishop’s Council is now seeking a person
orpersons to be nominated for election to thisrole at the AGM of
the DBF next May.
While the role involves a particularresponsibility for the
stewardship of ourdiocesan finances, it is also about sharing inthe
strategic leadership of the Diocese moregenerally. The Chair of the
DBF is a memberof the Bishop’s Council and a number ofother
diocesan bodies; she or he is alsoinvolved in aspects of liaison
with thenational Church. The ability to understand
financial matters is obviously crucial, thoughformal financial
or accountancy qualificationsare not required. Perhaps most
important isthe ability to communicate effectively onfinancial
matters to Diocesan Synod,deaneries and parishes. All of this of
courseneeds to be in the context of a commitment tothe principles
of Christian stewardship and avision for the flourishing of the
Church’smission in the Diocese and more widely. Aswe develop our
diocesan strategic purposeand direction over the coming years, it
will beimportant for the new Chair of the DBF toshare with me in
leading and promoting that.
The role is a voluntary one (i.e. no pay),though travel and
other expenses may beclaimed. The time commitment varies throughthe
year, but on average we might be looking
at 8-10 hours per month. In formal terms,the Chair of the DBF is
re-elected annuallybut we hope to find a person who would,
inprinciple, be willing to serve for at least 3-5years.
On behalf of the Bishop’s Council, I am atthis stage seeking
expressions of interest.Those interested in knowing more about
thisrole, whether for themselves or in order toencourage somebody
else to considernomination, are asked to contact my officefor
further details. Please contact my PA,Jenny Churcher, on 01634
842721 [email protected].
Please pray for discernment in finding theright person for this
role.
++JJaammeess,, BBiisshhoopp ooff RRoocchheesstteerr
Bishops’ lunch!Bishop visits RBLI
On 7 July Bishop James visited the Royal British Legion
Industries inAylesford. The Bishop met with Steve Sherry, Chief
Executive of thecharity which provides treatment, training, housing
and employmentto ex Services personnel and those suffering with
disabilities.Bishop James toured the working areas where they make
road signs,wooden pallets and put together K’nex toys for shop
windowdisplays. He also met a number of residents in the onsite
housingspread across the site.
There was a gathering of Bishops on 12 July when Bishop
Jameshosted the Honorary Assistant Bishops at his house in
Rochester.In the photo from left to right: the Rt Rev Michael Gear,
the Rt RevStephen Venner, the Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, the Rt Rev
JamesLangstaff, the Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the Rt Rev Graham
Crayand the Rt Rev Michael Turnball.
The Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali and Rt Rev Michael Turnbull
areboth former Bishops of Rochester.
Award winning
church furniture makers
Makers of the revolutionary Canterbury and York Lecterns
www.fullersfinerfurniture.co.uk
Fancy a day out?Take part in the Friends of KentChurches Annual
Sponsored
Saturday 10th September 201110am to 6pmDetails from your local
church or fromCarolyn Millen on 01622 843383e-mail:
[email protected]
Registered Charity No: 20721
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6 ochester Link
Education Reform and Church Schools
By John Constanti, Assistant Director of Education (Finance)
July 2010 saw the enactment of theAcademies Bill, considered by
manyto be the most important piece ofeducation legislation since
theestablishment of the dual system in1870.
Academies are “independent schools”funded directly by central
Government andconsequently Local Authorities have
limitedassociated, administrative roles. The “topslice” funding
held previously by LocalAuthorities, and used to finance
centraleducational support services for schools, isdelegated direct
to individual Academies(although it is likely that they will need
topurchase some educational support servicesdirect, either from
Local Authorities or otherproviders).
Currently there is an “as is” principleapplied to schools
wishing to convert,preserving their existing religious
character,the appointment of Church FoundationGovernors and their
admission arrangements.
Academies have freedoms in the delivery ofeducation, not having
to adhere to the Basicnor the National Curriculum but can offer
aBroad Curriculum. For Church schools thisprovides an opportunity
to strengthen thedelivery of religious education.
The structure of an Academy can besubdivided into two parts, the
Academy Trustand the Academy Company. The members ofthe former are
responsible for theappointment of the Church Foundationdirectors /
governors to the latter. TheAcademy Company is the comparative of
anexisting schools Governing Body, retaining thevarious roles and
responsibilities. This is asimilar structure for existing Voluntary
Aided or
Controlled Church schools that have separateTrustees and
Governing Bodies.
There are five different Academy modeloptions.
SSoollee CCoonnvveerrtteerr - A single Academy Trust /Company
serving one Academy. (Fig 1)
MMuullttii AAccaaddeemmyy TTrruusstt - A single Academy Trust/
Company serving a group of Academies.(Fig 2)
CCoollllaabboorraattiivvee PPaarrttnneerrsshhiipp - A group
ofAcademies (with their own Academy Trusts /Companies) working in
partnership under alegal agreement. (Fig 3)
TTwwoo vveerrssiioonnss ooff UUmmbbrreellllaa TTrruussttss - A
group ofAcademies (with their own Academy Trusts /Companies)
working in partnership under anexternal separate Umbrella Trust.
The secondvariation is where the Umbrella Trust isstructured as a
mutual cooperative. (Fig 4)
Currently there is a central Government grantof £25,000 to fund
the legal costs associatedwith conversion.
The decision to convert to an Academy isone for the schools’
Governing Body. Unlikeprevious change of school status
initiativesthere is no current provision in the legislationfor a
converted Academy at some future dateto return to its former aided
or controlledstatus. It is therefore important that alladvantages
and disadvantages, particularlythose relating to local
circumstances, areconsidered carefully. All three of the
mainpolitical parties support the Academiesprogramme; indeed it was
a Labour Partyinitiative that introduced wave one Academies.Fig
1
Fig 2 Fig 3
-
7ochester Link
It is therefore doubtful that the Academies Actwill be repealed
by a successor Government,unlike Grant Maintained status.
There is a prerequisite that prior writtenconsent to the
conversion should be obtainedfrom the school Trustees and all those
thatappoint Foundation Governors. It is stronglyrecommended that
any Church schoolconsidering Academy conversion should, fromthe
outset, liaise with officers of the RochesterDiocesan Board of
Education, who are able tooffer valuable assistance and guidance
overthe process.
Following the Academies Act in July 2010,further interlinked
details of the Government’seducational vision and strategy emerged
withthe subsequent publications of theComprehensive Spending Review
(CSR) inOctober 2010 and the Education WhitePaper – The Importance
of Teaching inNovember 2010. It is perhaps surprising thatthe
educational vision and the financialstrategy were not announced
prior tocommencement of the legislative process.
Given the economic pressures and themuch hyped austerity
measures, the CSRannouncement confirmed that there would bea 28%
decrease in Local Authority fundingover a four year period. The
impact of thismeasure, across the four Local Authoritieswithin the
Diocese, is now becoming evidentwith large reductions in
educational supportservices, resources and staffing. As a resultthe
future of Local Authorities is veryuncertain.
The White Paper mentions a new schoolssystem with the Academies
programme being“dramatically” extended. This is confirmed bythe
following Government statement.
“We will support underperforming schoolsand ensure that those
which are seriously
failing, or are unable to improve their results,are transformed
through conversion toAcademy status
“In the most serious cases, where schoolsare below the floor
standards and notprogressing, or else judged inadequate byOfsted,
we will expect there to be furtherintervention. Where there has
been long-termunderperformance, little sign of improvementand
serious Ofsted concern, we will convertschools into Academies,
partnering them witha strong sponsor or outstanding schools.”
The Board of Education has decided tomaintain a neutral approach
to the Academiesprogramme, resolving to support all Churchschools,
whatever their decision and intendsto create a new structure as
part of itscommitment to working in partnership with allits 89
Church schools and academies.
Membership, (which will be free of charge),of this new
partnership the ‘RochesterDiocesan Family of Schools’ (RDFS) will
beopen to all Church and affiliated schoolsregardless of size,
status or phase. (Fig 5)
It is intended that this partnership will actas a vehicle for
schools to work together andfacilitate collaboration, identifying
needs andwhere appropriate, providing a mechanism forthe Board of
Education to provide or brokersupport services.
The partnership will operate through a‘Diocesan Schools Forum’
whose memberswill represent the views of schools indiscussion with
representatives of the Boardof Education.
The Diocesan Schools Forum will act asthe commissioner for
collaborative projectsand will comprise of a representative of
thedifferent types and status of schools withinthe family. It is
anticipated that membership of
the Forum will be rotated annually amongstmember schools so that
schools’ views arerepresented fairly and accurately.
2011 marks the bicentenary of theestablishment of the National
Society, whoseoriginal objective was to provide education forthe
poor, some fifty nine years prior to theState’s involvement in
education. Indeed theoldest school in Rochester, established
in1580, reaffirms our legacy.
Our Church schools have a distinctiveChristian ethos and provide
an inclusive,caring and supportive environment for allstudents,
allowing them to learn and flourish ina setting shaped by Christian
values.
They are successful, popular and are at thevery heart of the
communities which theyserve. Their outreach to the local
populationprovides evidential healing for the much hyped“broken
society”.
In numerous cases it is evident that ourChurch schools are the
only stableenvironment for many young people
We in the Church of England, at times,seem reticent to celebrate
our successes,
there is clearly much to rejoice over oureducational
heritage.
Finally I would like to pay tribute to thededication and
commitment of theheadteachers, staff and Governors within ourChurch
schools, who provide so much for theyoung people in their care,
equipping society’sfuture generation with a real sense
ofdistinctive Christian purpose.
For more information you can visit The Board of Education:
www.rochester-board-of-education.co.uk The Department for
Education:www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies
Church of England:
www.churchofengland.org/education/church-schools-academies.aspx
To contact John Constanti call 01634560000 or
[email protected]
Fig 4
Fig 5
CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor:Email:
[email protected] Telephone: 01634 560000 NEXT COPY
DEADLINE Thurs September 8th for October Link ADVERTISEMENTS Email:
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Making a mess and calling it Church!
All around the country FreshExpressions of Church arespringing
up, where Christians arefinding imaginative ways ofconnecting with
people.
Messy Church is one of the most popularof these with over 700
now registered onmessychurch.org.uk. Within the RochesterDiocese
there are at least thirty MessyChurches already, many of which only
startedup in the last two years.
Messy Church aims to reach people whoare not, at present,
engaged in church life.Children and their parents or carers
areinvited to come together for a couple of hoursto enjoy craft
activities which have a Biblicaltheme, to participate in a short
worshipservice, and to eat a simple meal together.Some Messy
Churches meet midweek afterschool, some on Saturdays and many, such
asHoly Trinity Bromley Common, at 4pm on aSunday afternoon. Roger
Bristow, the Vicar, is
greatly encouraged by the way this newcongregation is coming
together every month.He keeps everyone reminded of when to
meetusing a Facebook group page.
At St Edmund’s Church, Dartford, MessyChurch has evolved from a
small group thatcalled itself Sunday Lunch Plus. They meet
at12.30pm once a month on a Sunday and startwith adults and
children working on a quietcraft activity around tables. Next they
have abring and share lunch, before listening to aBible story which
leads into a time of craftactivities on the theme, ending with a
shorttime of worship. It is all very relaxed and lowkey, which
suits the families who attend. Manyof these people would just not
feelcomfortable in the more formal environment ofa Common Worship
service, but now theyhave a sense of belonging and are active inthe
planning and preparation of MessyChurch.
Lucy Moore, who founded the first MessyChurch in 2004 has
written two books(published by BRF) to help those who want tostart
Messy Church in their own area. In thefirst of these she explains
the values of MessyChurch as being: All-Age, Creative,Hospitable,
Christ-Centred and Aiming to bea Worshipping Community. In the
secondbook she lists the main activities as Chilling,Creating,
Celebrating and Chewing, but shealso gives some guidance on how we
mightgrow disciples of Jesus in this context.Hilary Sutton from St
Andrew’s Church,Paddock Wood said, “Our Messy Churchremains one of
the most delightful andencouraging parts of our ministry in
PaddockWood. We are always wrestling with the issue
By the Rev Ross Garner
of discipleship. One thing we can say withouthesitation, though,
is that it is so much easierto build relationships in the café
style set-upthan over a quick coffee after the 10amservice. There
is a really good feeling of“family” about our Messy congregation
andwhen I see people around town, they feel likefriends.”
If anyone would like to explore setting up aMessy Church, you
can come to the “MessyMeet-Up” in September. Leaders of
MessyChurches share stories and good practice.Email
[email protected].
MMaarryy aanndd CChhaarrlloottttee ppaaiinnttiinngg aa
ppiiccttuurree ooff JJeessuussaatt SStt JJoohhnn tthhee
EEvvaanngglliisstt,, WWeelllliinngg
IIssoobbeell aanndd DDaaiissyy mmaakkiinngg sseeaa
ccrreeaattuurreess aafftteerrhheeaarriinngg tthhee ssttoorryy ooff
JJoonnaahh aatt SStt NNiicchhoollaass,,OOrrppiinnggttoonn
Here I am Lord“I was one of the lucky ones. From the ageof 3 I
knew I was going to be a nurse. Atthe age of 22 I knew God was
calling meto be an Anglican nun. 45 years on Godcontinues to call
day by day, throughhappy times and hard times, through thelittle
events and encounters of every dayand through the momentous
life-changingones.
“I used to dread being asked to talkabout vocation – it seemed
so exclusive.People talked about clergy, missionaries,doctors,
nurses, and teachers having avocation but what about the others?
Whatabout the woman on the checkout or theman clearing the pavement
of rubbish leftby last night’s revellers or, for that matter,the
stockbroker or football manager?How do we reach a
differentunderstanding of vocation? How do wediscern what God is
asking of us? Howdo we hear God’s call to us, not once
butthroughout our lives? Can we really dareto believe that each of
us is “Like clay inthe hands of the potter?” Jeramiah 18 6.That we
are “God’s work of art” Ephesians2 10 and ultimately that “We are
made inGod’s image and likeness?” Genesis 126. Together we will
explore the truemeaning of vocation.”
SSiisstteerr FFrraanncceess DDoommiinniiccaa Here I am Lord –
Diocesan Vocation Dayat Rochester Cathedral on 17 September12:30pm
– 5pm. Speakers Rev Dr BrianCastle and Sister Frances Dominica
plusworkshops on vocations including leadingworship, mission and
outreach andspirituality. Book by the 5 September, callTheresa
Harrison on 01634 560000.
Rev Richard Barron has set up McDonald’sChurch in Greenhithe. He
said, “It was acase of wanting to connect with peoplemore
effectively. This is an area of newdevelopment, with lots of new
peoplemoving into the community. I thought itwould be helpful to go
to a public placewhere I can offer people local informationabout
community facilities, and alsoinformation about church, such
aschristenings, weddings or questions of life.”
Richard is at McDonald’s every Fridaybetween 4pm – 5pm with a
leaflet dispenserand posters which are displayed to letpeople know
of his work in McDonald’s. Hesaid, “I make myself very prominent,
sopeople can see me when they walk in. Thevast majority of people
will ignore me, butthere are regular people who will come ineach
Friday. Even if no one comes to talk tome, it is nice to be able to
observe peopleand it helps to root me into real life.”
Richard said he gets great satisfactionfrom being able to answer
people’squestions, particularly those about God. Hesaid, “One of
the most common questionsfrom children is ‘Does God exist?’ and
thesimple answer is “yes”! Then I can talk aboutwhy I think he
exists. One teenager said hewas studying religious education at
schooland wanted to know my thoughts onexistentialism, I’m glad he
explained what hewanted to know!”
Richard would like to develop theMcDonald’s Church in
Greenhithe, based onthe needs of the community. Ideas
includepromoting marriage courses, alpha courses,
pre-alpha courses or a discussion group forteenagers or adults,
where people canexplore questions or where we can providesupport
groups.
He said, “I come from a non-churchbackground and I know what it
is like tohave no idea of what goes on in church. It isvery easy
when you are in church life to getinto almost a churchy bubble. You
do notrealise the degree of distance between yourown thinking and
people outside of thechurch. Getting to know the public bettercan
make preaching more practical andapplicable to people who do not
knowanything about God or the Bible”Richard would encourage any
parish thathas a café or franchise nearby to get toknow the staff;
use opportunities available.
Faith in McDonald’sBy Louise Whiffin
Birchwood House Rest Home
Residential Home forthe ElderlyRespite care & shortstay
available
A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, setin 6 acres of
glorious Kent countryside, within easyreach of Tonbridge and
Tunbridge Wells.• All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse
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system. Lift to all floors.• Excellent home cooking, with
special diets catered
for.• Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop.• Monthly
in-house Holy Communion and links to
the local church.Stockland Green Road,
Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TUTelephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559
WANTED Copies of the full music edition ofthe ANGLICAN HYMN BOOK
(out of print)needed by the Choir of St Peter’s
Church,Southborough. We are happy to buy from achurch or a
bookshop.Please contact the organist Marion Thornby at: Badgers,
Reynolds Lane, Southborough,Tunbridge Wells. TN4 9XJ. Tel: 01892
524742
FOR BIBLE READING NOTES,SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS
AND ALL YOUR CHURCHREQUIREMENTS
Church and School agencies welcome,please ask for details
Sevenoaks Road, Pratt’s Bottom,Orpinton, Kent. BR6 7SQTelephone
01689 854117
Fine furniture for church and home
Ronald Emett01308 868025 [email protected]
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10 AAddvveerrttiissiinngg FFeeaattuurreeochester Link
Cornerstone Vision publishes this
Diocesan newspaper.We also serve the needs ofbusinesses all over
the UK
with excellent design and print services
For a competitive quote andgreat customer service
Tel: 01752 [email protected]
• Business Stationery • Brochures• Leaflets • Websites
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Rochester Link
please call 01752 225623
RReettrreeaattss && HHootteellss
We practise and teach Christiancontemplative meditation at
residential and day courses
at our centre in Dorchester and atother retreat centres in the
UK.
We use meditative sentences to still the mind, to focus our
attention on God, and to serve as channels through which the
power
of the Spirit can enter our hearts.Our members also gather in
local groups. For further details please
contact:The Secretary, The Fellowship of Meditation
8 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1PW. Tel: (01305)
251396
E: [email protected]:
www.fellowshipofmeditation.org
UK Reg Charity No: 213323
The Fellowship of Meditation
a Christian-based organisation
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Luxury 3 bed villa (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near
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Come to the Shropshire HillsA warm welcome awaits at our
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TEL 01694 722869 for a brochure or
visitwww.botvylefarm.co.uk
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Christian Guest House on quiet private road.
www.thehighburycentre.org
Free on street parking nearby. Reductionsfor full-time Christian
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Tel: 0207 226 2663
-
11ochester Link
Praying the wayPray for Middle East countries caught up
inchange; 10th Kent Walk/ Bike Ride; Back toChurch Sunday; all
making new beginningsat school and college, that they may knowGod
with them.
BBrroommlleeyy aanndd BBeexxlleeyyBBrroommlleeyy
DDeeaanneerryyTThhee AAnnnnuunncciiaattiioonn,,
CChhiisslleehhuurrsstt:: ParishPilgrimage to Walsingham.SStt
AAuugguussttiinnee,, BBrroommlleeyy CCoommmmoonn:: Future ofprayer
visiting programmeKKeessttoonn:: Guidance in increasing MessyChurch
afternoonsSStt LLuukkee,, BBrroommlleeyy CCoommmmoonn:: Ministry
oflaying-on-of-hands.SStt MMaarryy,, BBrroommlleeyy: Imagination in
worshipHHaayyeess: Future of pre-school playgroup
EErriitthh DDeeaanneerryyJonathan Erodotou, new Deanery Youth
andChildren’s Work Development OfficerNNoorrtthhuummbbeerrllaanndd
HHeeaatthh: Messy Church on 6 September; Ann Norman being
ordainedSSM; Growing leaders’ course; Muddyboots walk; Muddy shoes
walk.
SSiiddccuupp DDeeaanneerryyHHoollyy RReeddeeeemmeerr,,
LLaammoorrbbeeyy:: Parade Service;visiting clergy during
interregnumBBlleennddoonn:: Thanks for all who took part in
firstAlpha course; pray how to serve our localcommunitySStt
JJoohhnn,, SSiiddccuupp:: Outreach to schools andall in
education
RRoocchheesstteerrCCoobbhhaamm DDeeaanneerryyMMeeoopphhaamm::
Rededication of church afterrefurbishment; that our outreach
programmeand 20/20 Prayer Project be filled withgrace of God in
Christ.
SSnnooddllaanndd ww LLoowweerr BBiirrlliinngg:: Thanks
forfunding for central heating so work can go
ahead; for our new leaders of Explorers andnew initiatives to
hold youngsters’ attention.
DDaarrttffoorrdd DDeeaanneerryyChurches Together in Swanley and
Districtconference on the 24 September.CCrroocckkeennhhiillll::
Blessings on Neil Bunker’sministry and for Building Committee.
SSttoonnee:: Planning permission for church room.
GGrraavveesseenndd DDeeaanneerryyFor Swanscombe, St Aidan’s,
Holy Family andIfield parishes in interregnum; Rev AndrewVaughan
being installed at Istead Rise.Gravesend Deanery Pray-ers as they
meet forPrayer and Praise.
SSttrroooodd DDeeaanneerryySStt FFrraanncciiss,, SSttrroooodd::
Young people returningfrom Christian
camps/holidays.FFrriinnddssbbuurryy: Emmaus course beginning –
prayfor all leaders and seekersCClliiffffee ww CCoooolliinngg::
Prayer walking and visiting.
HHiigghhaamm:: Ministry and mission to Hoopeninsula during
interregna
TToonnbbrriiddggee PPaaddddoocckk WWoooodd
DDeeaanneerryyHHoorrssmmoonnddeenn: For church’s financial
situation.
SSeevveennooaakkss DDeeaanneerryyBBrraasstteedd:: New monthly
Church Coffee Breakon ThursdaysSStt LLuukkee,, SSeevveennooaakkss:
New curate, AnnBourne and all participating in Bikeride/walk.SStt
NNiicchhoollaass,, SSeevveennooaakkss:: 16-18 ChurchHouseparty at
Ashburnham; ParentingCourse & Marriage Course
startingWWeeaalldd: Family service on the Green prior to10K run and
fun run.
TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss DDeeaanneerryyBBeennnneetttt
MMeemmoorriiaall SScchhooooll:: New term; allstaff and pupils,
especially those joining thistermSStt LLaawwrreennccee,,
BBiiddbboorroouugghh:: Development oflink with Tanzania and for
“Faith in the Local”resuming this month.BBuurrrrsswwoooodd:: That
all attending will find God’shealing grace.CChhrriisstt
CChhuurrcchh,, SSoouutthhbboorroouugghh:: For newcurate, Miriam;
for building project toprogress swiftly through the stages.SStt
MMaarrkk,, TTuunnbbrriiddggee WWeellllss: All aspects ofBTCS on
25th and preparations for Alphacourse starting on 4 October.
Intercession during SeptemberThursday 1 September: Saskatchewan
–(Rupert’s Land, Canada) Rt Rev MichaelWilliam Hawkins; Saskatoon –
(Rupert’s Land,Canada) Rt Rev David Irving BBuurrhhaamm
&&WWoouullddhhaammFriday 2 September: Sebei – (Uganda)
RtRev Augustine Joe Arapyona SalimoCCooxxhheeaatthh,, EEaasstt
FFaarrlleeiigghh,, HHuunnttoonn,, LLiinnttoonn aannddWWeesstt
FFaarrlleeiigghhSaturday 3 September: Sekondi – (WestAfrica) Rt Rev
John Kwamina Otoo RReessiiddeennttiiaall&& NNuurrssiinngg
HHoommeessSunday 4 September: Rt Rev Paul Keun-SangKim Presiding
Bishop of the Anglican Churchof Korea & Bishop of Seoul
DDiittttoonnMonday 5 September: Seychelles – (IndianOcean) Rt Rev
James Richard Wong YinSong DDeevveellooppmmeenntt ooff
ccoollllaabboorraattiivvee mmiinniissttrryy iinntthhee
ddiioocceesseeTuesday 6 September: Sheffield – (York,England) Rt
Rev Steven Croft; Sheffield –Doncaster – Rt Rev Cyril Guy Ashton
EEaassttMMaalllliinngg,, WWaatteerriinnggbbuurryy &&
TTeessttoonnWednesday 7 September: Shinyanga –(Tanzania) Rt Rev
Charles Kija Ngusa LLaarrkkffiieellddThursday 8 September: Shyira –
(Rwanda) RtRev Laurent Mbanda CChhuurrcchhwwaarrddeennss,,
PPCCCCSSeeccrreettaarriieess && TTrreeaassuurreerrssFriday
9 September: Shyogwe – (Rwanda) RtRev Jered Kalimba
LLeeyybboouurrnneeSaturday 10 September: Sialkot – (Pakistan)Rt Rev
Samuel Sant Masih Pervaiz TThhoosseebbeeiinngg mmaaddee
DDeeaaccoonnss iinn tthhee CCaatthheeddrraall ttooddaayySunday 11
September: Sittwe – (Myanmar)Rt Rev Barnabas Theaung Hawi
Suffragan Bishop of Sittwe – Rt Rev SeinAung MMeerreewwoorrtthh
ww WWeesstt PPeecckkhhaammMonday 12 September: Sodor & Man –
(York,England) Rt Rev Robert Paterson SStt GGeeoorrggee’’ssRRAAFF
CChhaappeell ooff RReemmeemmbbrraannccee,, BBiiggggiinn
HHiillllTuesday 13 September: Sokoto – (Provinceof Kaduna, Nigeria)
Rt Rev Augustine OmoleTThhoossee sseerrvviinngg iinn tthhee
AArrmmeedd FFoorrcceess,, CChhaappllaaiinnssaanndd tthhee wwoorrkk
ooff tthhee GGaarrrriissoonn CChhuurrcchh,,CChhaatthhaammWednesday
14 September: Soroti –(Uganda) Rt Rev Charles Bernard Obaikol-Ebitu
WWeesstt MMaalllliinngg ww OOffffaammThursday 15 September: South
Rwenzori –(Uganda) Rt Rev Jackson Nzerebende TemboPPaaddddoocckk
WWoooodd DDeeaanneerryyFriday 16 September: South West Tanganyika–
(Tanzania) Western Tanganyika – Rt RevGeorge E Mpango; Rt Rev Marko
Badeleya;Rt Rev Sospeter Ndenza BBrreenncchhlleeyySaturday 17
September: South WesternBrazil – (Brazil) Rt Rev Francisco de Assis
DaSilva PPaarriisshh && DDeettaacchheedd YYoouutthh
WWoorrkkeerrssSunday 18 September: Southeast Florida –(Province lV,
USA) Rt Rev Leopold FradeSouthwest Florida – Rt Rev Dabney T
SmithCClleerrggyy ww PPeerrmmiissssiioonn ttoo
OOffffiicciiaatteeMonday 19 September: Southeastern Mexico–
(Mexico) Rt Rev Benito Juarez-MartinezEEaasstt PPeecckkhhaamm ww
NNeettttlleesstteeaaddTuesday 20 September: Southern Brazil
–(Brazil) Rt Rev Orlando Santos de OliveiraBBrroommlleeyy
&& SShheeppppaarrddss CCoolllleeggeessWednesday 21
September: PRAY for theAnglican Peace and Justice Network
Southern
Highlands – (Tanzania) Rt Rev John MwelaHHuuggggeennss
CCoolllleeggee NNoorrtthhfflleeeettThursday 22 September: Southern
Malawi –(Central Africa) Rt Rev James Tengatenga;Upper Shire
(Southern Malawi) – Rt RevBrighton Malasa HHaaddlloowwFriday 23
September: Southern Nyanza –(Kenya) Rt Rev James Ochiel
HHoorrssmmoonnddeennSaturday 24 September: Southern Ohio –(Province
V, USA) Rt Rev ThomasBreidenthal; Suffragan Bishop of SouthernOhio
– Rt Rev Kenneth Lester Price TThheeCChhuurrcchh AArrmmyySunday 25
September: Southern Virginia –(Province lll, USA) Rt Rev Herman
HollerithTThhee AAddddiittiioonnaall CCuurraatteess
SSoocciieettyyMonday 26 September: Southwark –(Canterbury, England)
Rt Rev ChristopherThomas Chessun; Southwark – Kingston-upon-Thames
– Rt Rev Richard Ian CheethamLLaammbbeerrhhuurrsstt &&
MMaattffiieellddTuesday 27 September: Southwell &Nottingham –
(York, England) Rt Rev PaulRoger Butler; Southwell – Sherwood –
RtRev Anthony Porter PPaaddddoocckk WWooooddWednesday 28 September:
SouthwesternVirginia – (Province lll, USA) Rt Rev FrankNeff Powell
PPeemmbbuurryyThursday 29 September: Spokane –(Province Vlll, USA)
Rt Rev James EdwardWaggoner YYaallddiinngg ww CCoolllliieerr
SSttrreeeettFriday 30 September Springfield – (ProvinceV, USA) Rev
Daniel Hayden Martins LLooccaallGGPPss aanndd HHeeaalltthh
CCeennttrreess
Prayers RequestsFor OCTOBER LINK to Mrs. L.Kahan, 26 Wallis
Close,Wilmington, Dartford. DA27BE; 01322 271657
[email protected] by1 September
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12 ochester Link
March for Justice
Putting the Peace back in to the War and Peace Show By James
Knapp
This is the goal for a team ofvolunteers who ran a
hospitalitytent at the 2011 War and Peaceshow at The Hop Farm,
PaddockWood.
The War and Peace show is the largestmilitarily vehicle show in
the world. It runsevery year for one week in July and
attractsvisitors from all over Europe. Battle re-enactments take
place, along with displayswith tanks and planes, 1940s dances and
thesale of memorabilia. Many of those whoparticipate in and visit
events there comedressed in military uniform. In the middle of
allof this is a marquee called The Oasis thatoffers tired visitors
a hot drink and a place torest for as long as they like free of
charge. JeffBaker, one of the people running the stand,told me that
he and co-organiser Janet hadbeen serving the people at the show
for thepast five years. He said, “the biggestchallenge we faced to
begin with wasconvincing people it wasn’t a con and weweren’t
expecting anything in return”. Jeff
went on to say, “not only do we serverefreshments to tourists
but every morning weoffer tea, coffee and sweets to all thestewards
and other stall holders around thesite.” Jeff said the purpose of
the Oasis wasto, “show the love of Jesus in action” which
issomething that both Jeff and Janet have donegiving up work for a
week along with theirmany volunteers.
Among the volunteers lending a hand werethe Rev Canon Jean Kerr
and husband theRev Canon Paul Kerr. Jean said, “A lot ofpeople just
think we’re dressed up as vicarsbecause everyone else is in unusual
attire, wethen had to explain to them what we weredoing here”. They
said, “the goal is to providehospitality, a place to talk, pray and
restsomewhere you didn’t expect”. Paul said, “I’vespent time
serving as Padre in Bosnia so findit easy to talk with the many
ex-military men,or the family of servicemen in search of afriendly
chat and support, by pointing them inthe direction of the many army
charities in thevicinity.” All the teas and other drinks
suppliedare self funded with the Oasis just offering theopportunity
to give a small donation to charity,
last year over £1200 was raised. It wasn’t justthrough the
giving of donations thatcustomers showed their appreciation of
thework of the Oasis, with many bringing gifts forthe volunteers
working there. These giftsincluded model tanks, Russian fur hats
and
TThhee RReevv CCaannoonn JJeeaann KKeerrrr
even a whole chicken! The Oasis also offers aSunday service and
this year it was led byBishop James and a barbeque for
stallholderswith the two events usually drawing in over ahundred
people. To volunteer contact Jean on01634 844508.
“The start of the biggest non-violent protests since
Ghandichased out the British”. This is howChristian Aid describes
the firstmarch of India’s landless pooragainst oppression by
theirgovernment in 2007.
During this first step towards freedom25,000 landless poor
walked from centralIndia to New Delhi to protest their rights.
ByOctober 2011 that amount has quadrupledwith 100,000 landless poor
walking 320km todemand land rights that their governmentpromised
them. This time though we can getinvolved, for Christian Aid is
running a 12 milewalk through Hyde Park and along RegentsCanal, to
raise money and awareness of thepredicament the landless poor face.
The Canon Missioner of Rochester Cathedralthe Rev Canon Jean Kerr
will be participatingin the Hyde Park march. She is a
strongambassador for the rights of the landless poor
having visited their communities in India on anumber of
occasions and she encouragesanyone who can to take part in the
walk. Shesaid, “If the landless poor can walk 300kmthrough deserts
we can walk 12 miles throughHyde Park; it’s a little thing to do”.
Although ifyou can’t make it on 1 October you can stillhelp by
sponsoring the landless poor just £2a week for a year or by making
a donation onthe Christian Aid website. Event organisersand
participants also ask for your prayers asthe class system on which
India is run isgenerations old and will needs to undergodrastic
change to give everyone an equalchance in life. Jean Kerr
encourages anyonewho can to take part in some way to do so, asnot
only does it help those in India but, shealso says, that after
participating “somethingin your heart makes you feel good”. If you
areinterested in sponsoring, donating, marchingor finding out more
about the landless poorvisit the Christian Aid
visitwww.christianaid.org.uk or contact Jean
[email protected].
By James Knapp
Farewell to Judy and Nicholas
Well it turned out to be quite a weekend atHoly Redeemer,
Lamorbey, Sidcup on30/31 July when Nicholas Kerr said farewellafter
being Vicar there for 21 years.
Nicholas was taken ill during a holiday inCumbria at the end of
May and ended up inCarlisle Infirmary. Sadly that resulted in
himbeing signed off sick for the rest of his timewith us. Despite
that, however, owing tomuch improved health, he took the last
All-Age parade service on 24 July, andcommunion services on 31
July. OnSaturday, 30 July, there was an excellentearly evening
buffet reception in the churchhall attended by a large number of
people
and there was a PowerPoint presentation ofphotographs of people
and events from thelast 21 years.
Sunday morning saw a packed churchwith many visitors and the
return of someformer members who have moved to otherparts of the
country. Tim Attree, who was theorganist at Nicholas’ induction,
returned toplay for his final service and even the choirwas
augmented by ex-members. Afterwards,in the hall, there were
presentations; a toastto Nicholas and Judy and, of course, a caketo
cut.
We pray they will enjoy a healthy andhappy retirement in
Rainham.
By Margaret FurlongerKing James Bible Celebrations
On Saturday 16 July the benefice of HortonKirby and
Sutton-at-Hone, celebrated the400 years of the King James Bible
byproducing a lovely booklet explaining thehistory of the King
James Bible and weopened St John the Baptist Church,
Sutton-at-Hone, at 6.00am for the first 20 minuteBible reading by a
member of thecongregation. The Bible was then read for20 minutes by
each different reader until 12noon. People dropped in to listen and
sharethe refreshments. We then moved to StMary the Virgin, Horton
and Kirby and the
same happened there from 12pm until 6pmFinishing the day with a
service of compline.
It was an amazing experience, wellattended and deeply moving
spiritually andeverybody felt spiritually refreshed thefollowing
morning. Colin Lewis, one of ourReaders, organised everything and
anotherReader David Bartlett produced the input forthe book. The
benefice was truly blessedthat day and my thanks to all the
readersand visitors for being a part of this day.
By the Rev Fran Papantoniou
PPhhoottoo ccooppyyrriigghhtt -- CChhrriissttiiaann
AAiidd//SSiimmoonn WWiilllliiaammss