The Wey March/April 2013

Page 1 The Wey March/April 2013

The newspaper from the Church of England for everyone in the Diocese of Guildford

the

Diocese of Guildford

March/April 2013 - Issue 65 www.cofeguildford.org.uk@CofEGuildfordCofEGuildford

How time flies – 25 years ago this month, the Herald – forerunner of The Wey – printed 55,000 copies of issue number 1 (pictured) of the diocesan newspaper – giving it a circulation bigger than The Church Times in March 1988.

The Herald replaced the Diocesan Leaflet – designed to be circulated with parish magazines – when the then Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Michael Adie ‘felt a need to have something which is current and gives more space to the life of the Church.’

A team of three produced that landmark first issue a quarter of a century ago with Tony Brown as production editor, responsible for supplying stacks of the 12-page newspaper to parishes – with Ashtead topping the circulation charts and collecting a staggering 2,000 copies in those early days.

Recalling his involvement, Tony writes: “I responded to the call for help launching a diocesan newspaper after retiring in 1987. The next thing was a phone call from the Ven Paul Barber, Archdeacon of Surrey – could he come to see me to discuss Bishop Michael’s

ideas about a diocesan newspaper, and would I be interested? Yes, was my reply!

“As we know, the rest is history. With book editing but no newspaper experience, I found myself putting together issue number 1 (pictured), and looking back at that black-and-white wallpaper style paper, I appreciate how far it has progressed in style and quality – amateurs replaced by professionals.

“I wish The Wey all the best for the future, holding its own against other media rivals of 2013…”

The Wey - so named to highlight the paper’s role in informing the journey of Anglicans within Guildford Diocese, through which runs the River Wey – replaced the Herald in May 2006.

Its brief was to provide a sharper parish focus and underline a sense of diocesan family with inspiring, informative stories and local church news. Around 23,000 copies are currently printed eight times a year and distributed across the diocese by a network of volunteers.

Joint editor since The Wey’s launch Emma Nutbrown said: “When introduced in March 1988,

some said it would only last five issues, so it’s safe to say we have exceeded their expectations.

“Communication has changed dramatically over the past 25 years and will continue to do so - but the principle remains that we will strive to tell people in our communities what Christians are doing in Jesus’ name and to support parishes by highlighting successful initiatives. Keep your stories and views coming!

“We couldn’t do it without our team of volunteers who proof-read, pick up bundles from deanery drop–off points, hand copies out at the end of services or push them through letterboxes – not to mention those who send in their parish stories. A huge thank you goes out to you all.

“Here’s to another 25 years of diocesan communication – whether it is by newspaper, email, website, Facebook, Twitter or whatever the future brings!”

Stay in touch with The Wey’s team via [email protected]

Diocesan newspaper celebrates 25th anniversary

Inside - News from the parishes, a look at volunteering, women’s ministry and more...

‘Christ Rests’ at Guildford CathedralA striking bronze sculpture, Christ Rests, will be a powerful focus for contemplation for those visiting Guildford Cathedral during Lent and Holy Week.

The sculpture is the work of one of Britain’s most accomplished and innovative equine sculptors, Nic Fiddian-Green, whose 33-foot high horse head stands at Marble Arch.

Nic has worked on the subject of the Passion of Christ since the early 1980s, when he undertook the creation of the Crucifixion and Veil of Veronica as part of the Stations of the Cross at the Wintershall estate. Christ Rests - a monumental work of art at 5ft x 4ft x 4ft - is the result of Nic’s continued search for the face of Christ in his work.

The Revd Canon Andrew Bishop said:

“Anyone who sees Nic’s sculpture cannot help but be moved and challenged: moved by the impact of his extraordinary artistic expression and challenged by the face of Jesus, who for Christians is the Son of God, but also as a human being shares the pains of the world. It is a striking and meditative piece for the holy season of Lent.”

Speaking of this work Nic said: “I have been working on the subject of the face of Christ for over 20 years with no place in mind, so when I was invited to install a work at Guildford Cathedral, I realised it was out of my hands. It is a great privilege and opportunity to reveal this work in a sacred and spiritual place.”

Christ Rests will be on display at the cathedral until March 30. For more information visit www.nicfiddiangreen.co.uk

Herald issue number 1 - March 1988


News

Bells ring out again at St Martin’s EpsomThe bells at St Martin’s Church, Epsom, are now ringing out again after the congregation and local community rallied round and raised nearly £16,000 for their repair. The bells were last heard in September, when a full peal of Grandsire Caters was rung to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell.

The bell ringers launched a successful appeal to pay for the work, which kicked off with a fundraising abseil in the summer when the vicar of St Martin’s, the Revd Simon Talbott, Carol Sharpe, a blind member of the church’s congregation, and 45 others generated £7,000 by abseiling down the church tower.

Bell-hangers Nicholson Engineering offered a discount for assistance from volunteers to repair the bells, meaning the ringers themselves were involved in the restoration process, which was completed in time for Christmas.

Having raised what was thought to be more than sufficient funds to dismantle the bells and give them a general ‘MOT’, the dismantling had hardly begun when two problems came to light : one gudgeon pin on the headstock of the 7th bell sheared off, and the tenor’s gudgeon pins were slightly loose. These parts are crucial so this was serious.

The tenor’s headstock is a lump of metal far too heavy to lift, so after considering various options, including a crane(!), it was lowered down the steps

via a chain hoist from the belfry beams. The repair of these parts delayed the project, adding £2,574 to the cost, and in addition the three back bells needed their bearings renewed, which cost a further £750.

Margaret Bale, tower secretary and bells appeal coordinator commented: “The extra problems discovered show just how essential and timely this refurbishment work was. Now that it is finished, we find the bells much smoother to ring and are delighted to be calling people to worship once again on Sundays. We are grateful to all those who contributed to the bells appeal; they can now rest assured that the bells will continue to ring on into the future. As our belfry prayer says: ‘May the sound of these bells which we ring to thy glory cheer the sick, comfort the sorrowful,

warn the heedless and call all willing hearts to prayer and praise.’” Amen to that.

If you are interested in learning to ring bells, or for further information about bell ringing in the diocese visit the Guildford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers website: http://guildfordguild.org.uk/

BBC’s ‘Flog It!’ visits Guildford CathedralHeirlooms and car boot sale finds were dusted off when the popular daytime TV programme Flog It! drew crowds to Guildford Cathedral.

Presented by TV personality Paul Martin, five of the BBC 2 shows were filmed during one day which saw the cathedral filled with cameras, microphones, monitors and an eclectic mix of antiques and curios for valuation by leading experts.

Over 800 people attended the event, with 36 individual valuations filmed throughout the day. The owners were then given the option of selling - or flogging – their wares at auction.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the valuations, one of the highlights of the day was undoubtedly a performance by members of Guildford Cathedral Choir which was also filmed for the programmes.

Speaking about the day, Paul Martin said: “It’s great to be here, we’ve been made to feel very welcome and there’s been a fantastic turn out. I was last here when I was about six years old. It’s a beautiful building.”

Cathedral residentiary canon the Revd Canon Andrew Bishop, also commented: “The experience of hosting Flog It! in the Cathedral was really positive. At

first it sounds incongruous, but some 800 people came to the cathedral on a Thursday afternoon.

“Lay and ordained colleagues and I had wonderful conversations about the cathedral and its mission and ministry. Relationships were rekindled amongst people who bought bricks some years ago and ‘first timers’ who were bowled over by the beauty and transcendence of the place.”

The items selected for auction went under the hammer at Bellmans Auctioneers & Valuers in Billingshurst, West Sussex on 22 February. Coincidentally the auctioneer on the day was antiques expert Jonathan Pratt, who features on the BBC’s rival programme Bargain Hunt.

The shows will be broadcast this summer.

Ringing volunteers Roger Tompsett (left) and Mike Bale assist the bell hanger with adjustments to the bells on the final day.

A remarkable serenity reigned despite the presence of monitors, cameras and lights and a hectic schedule for the floor crew

Bishop welcomes Pope’s ‘radical act’The Bishop of Guildford the Rt Revd Christopher Hill has spoken of his respect for Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to step down from his position at the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Bishop Christopher, who has worked closely with the Catholic Church and is Chairman of the Council for Christian Unity, said he felt the 85-year-old’s radical decision would leave a lasting legacy and subtly change the feel of the Papacy.

He said: “Pope Benedict’s statement was a surprise but not a shock. Some years ago he had hinted that perhaps Popes ought to retire. Bishops, and even Cardinals, have a retirement age.

“His final act, reviving the possibility of resignation by reason of age and capability, a possibility not exercised since 1415(!) is perhaps his most radical act, for it will arguably, subtly change the ‘feel’ of the Papacy of the future.

“This is unlikely to be reversible by reason of the impossible workload of the Bishop of Rome as Primate for the universal Church, even if some of the more day to day matters are eventually properly left to others.

“Anglicans wish him well and respect his radical discernment to disregard precedent on the non-retirement of Popes. He has done this for the benefit of the Roman Catholic Church, but it will also be for the good of all the Christian Churches ecumenically and the wider global community in which the Bishop of Rome has an important role to play as personal, symbolic representative of Christianity.”

He continued: “All Christians ought to be thankful for Pope Benedict’s courageous witness to faith, even if on some issues there is disagreement.

“In spite of the ‘choppy waters’ at the time of the announcement of the former Anglican Ordinariate, Pope Benedict has regularly reiterated the main goal of unity between the Churches of the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. This was most visibly and audibly done on more than one occasion during his successful visit to England in 2010, as witnessed in the moving joint Evening Prayer in Westminster Abbey celebrated by Pope Benedict and the then Archbishop of Canterbury.

“We should also be grateful for his message to the wider British community on the occasion of that visit. Above all he reminded us of the Christian roots of our liberal democratic society.”

CALLING ALL CRICKETERS!The diocesan cricket team is on the lookout for

more players for the forthcoming season – with expectations of yet more success on the pitch.

After winning the Church Times Cup for the first time ever in 2007 the Guildford team reclaimed the title in 2011. Can you help make it a hat -trick?

Men and women are both welcome, with the Revd Leah Philbrick from Southwark having made history last year as the first ever woman to play in a Church Times Cricket Cup final (when she bowled the first over, a maiden).

Most matches are played on Monday afternoons between April and early July, with a few net sessions in the lead up to the season. Some matches are friendlies – but for Church Times Cup matches team members should be ordained, licensed in the diocese (e.g. youth work,

LLM etc.) or in ministerial work in an LEP or in the Methodist, Baptist or URC church.

If you fancy a knock please contact club secretary George Newton by email [email protected] or telephone 01252 320618

Coin bonanza boosts cathedral coffersA French antique gold coin has helped the Cathedral’s Coin Scheme break the £6,000 mark for cathedral funds.

The 25 francs piece from the era of Napoleon III was valued at £180 giving a boost to the scheme which sees old or foreign coins and notes donated to the cathedral for conversion into current UK currency.

Scheme coordinator, cathedral LLM John Mitchell, said the French coin had struck him as special, but the value was a pleasant surprise. He said: “I thought there was something a bit different about it but I had no idea it was gold. I was stunned when the offer of £180 was made. The cumulative total jumped like the LSE FTSE index on a good day and is now over £6,000! Gold junk!”

Donations of old coins and notes are left with the Cathedral Office or Sacristy and John praised the army of volunteers who help convert the foreign coins.

He said: “Sometimes it is obsolete UK copper or silver found at the back of a bureau by relatives when someone dies. There was once 300+ brass three-penny bits, found in a piggy bank which had to be smashed to gain access.

“An ordinary bank bag can also sort into thirty or more different countries. I have received crumpled Zimbabwe notes, and 1000 peseta notes from Spain; just one coin from the Cape Verde Islands, and a few that have strayed from the Falklands.

“Very little can be dealt with within the UK itself. Where coins are still valid, I find people travelling

abroad and willing to load their baggage with sometimes a considerable weight of small change.

“Normally they use it overseas and the cathedral receives a sterling donation in exchange. Occasionally friends have taken obsolete coin into banks abroad in cases where exchange is still offered.

“The cathedral is greatly indebted to such people. Without their willingness the scheme would founder. Just recently, cathedral friends have taken coins to the USA, Singapore, the Emirates, Iceland, Australia and Hong Kong. One traveller to the Irish Republic took 2.5 kilos with him - by car - and sent back £191!”

John is always willing to accept donations of unwanted coins from any country, any age, current or obsolete. If you provide contact details, he will acknowledge the gift. He can be contacted on 01483 71545 or email: [email protected]

Any old money? Send it to John!

The Wey March/April 2013 Page 3

News

Pyrford CofE Primary School: Simply outstandingWoking’s Pyrford Church of England (Aided) Primary School is celebrating after achieving the remarkable success of being graded ‘outstanding’ in all four areas of its recent Ofsted report.

Despite tougher criteria introduced last year the primary school improved on its last overall grading of ‘good’ to be awarded ‘outstanding’ for pupil achievement and behaviour as well as staff teaching and leadership.

The larger than average primary school (with over 400 pupils) is not without its challenges as 20 percent of pupils are from minority cultures and faiths with a significant proportion speaking English as an additional language.

Diocesan director of education Canon Derek Holbird said: “For Pyrford CofE Primary to have secured an outstanding judgement under today’s Ofsted framework is a monumental achievement.

“We in the diocese are cheering head teacher Kathryn Krynicki, her pupils, staff and governors all the way! The outcome is the result of resolute commitment to the

well-being of every child in this inclusive Christian community.”

Ofsted inspectors praised the inclusive nature of the school saying: ‘Pupils of all abilities, backgrounds and cultures work together successfully. Excellent speaking and listening are a strength of the school’.

Rector of Wisley with Pyrford the Revd Nick Aiken said: “The Church in Pyrford is delighted that our school has achieved this amazing accolade!

“This is a result of incredible hard work by the head teacher and staff who strive for the highest standards both academically and spiritually for their pupils.”

Chair of Governors Roy Davey said the school would not be sitting on its laurels but would continue to move forward. He said: “High expectations of pupil achievement; rigorous monitoring of pupil progress; the well-being of children and high professional expectations of teachers, led forward by an outstanding leadership and management team within a Christian ethos, are the key to this successful outcome.

“The school enjoys its partnerships with the parish, parents and local community fully supported by the diocese and Surrey LA. The headteacher and governors are

confident that they will be able to sustain this performance and now look forward to taking the school forward in exploring their contribution within the diocesan and Surrey family of schools.”

Headteacher, Kathryn Krinicki, pictured with pupils said: “It took a while for reality to hit after the lead inspector announced that the overall effectiveness of the school was ‘Outstanding’. I feel hugely proud of the staff, children, governors and parents whom I am privileged to work alongside. We are looking forward to embracing the future for our school and the community we serve.”

The Wey is thrilled to announce that its readers have so far donated more than £15,000 toward the building of the diocese’s newest church in Ruxley.

The funds have been a terrific boost for Ruxley Church Appeal fund which is hoping to raise £100,000 to equip the new building set for completion this summer.

Treasurer Derek Eade said: “We are absolutely thrilled by the response from readers – the paper seems to reach far and wide.

“Since the front page spread in The Wey in November 2012 we have received over £15,000 from assorted donors from across the diocese. Each morning when the post arrives there’s another story to tell.

“Some donors have explained their historical experience of the old St Francis’ Church in Ewell. It’s quite exciting to read their recollections.

“Whilst the donors’ giving is confidential, some of the stories behind it are incredibly heart-warming – maybe one day we could write a book!” Ruxley Shared Church has been squeezing into the Methodist Church building ever since the Methodists offered refuge to Anglicans when St Francis’ Church, Ewell, was declared to have terminal subsidence in 1997.

Parish priest the Revd Stuart Thomas said: “A huge thank you must go to The Wey readers. While the sale of the site of the former vicarage and St Francis’ Church for redevelopment as flats has largely met the building costs of the new church centre, we still have to find the funds for the interior fittings including chairs, kitchen equipment, an organ and a sound system etc.

“It is a very exciting time for us, and yet there is this real sense of urgency too as we face the reality of having to find the funds to build a centre which can truly serve its community. Prayers gratefully received!”

The church centre’s foundation stone will be unveiled on Palm Sunday by Bishop Christopher and the Chair of the London District of the Methodist Church, the Revd Michaela Youngson.

For further information visit www.ruxley-church.org.uk or for contributions please contact Derek at [email protected] or 103 Pams Way, Ewell, KT19 0HW or tel 020 8393 6885 (cheques payable to Ruxley Church Appeal Fund - receipts will be provided).

THANK YOU!

Phot

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A donor’s tale: 65 years ago I lived near the church and as a teenager with no Christian upbringing – God spoke to me in my bed one night so not knowing anything about Church I felt drawn to ‘sneak’ into the back pews of the original St Francis’ Church – hold the prayer and hymn books and make out I was following the service even though I never knew which page everyone was on – I then left at the end of the service and met up with my other teenage mates, never letting on why.

I met them later rather than going out when they did. In due course over many years I became a Christian (praise God) and in later years spoke of my secret church visits to some of those original mates – only to find that they knew where I was going – so this was God’s way of challenging them (as he still does today). Make what you will of this testament but it shows that God is always seeking out the most unlikely persons because we are his children and he wants us to be at home with him.’’

To Advertise in The Wey Please Call

01752 225623


Volunteering for Young People


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Bishop’s garden hosts rough sleepersThe half-built garden terrace at the Bishop of Guildford’s home will no doubt be the scene of many a pleasant occasion in future – but for a team of volunteers their time there was more of a feat of endurance.

Fifteen hardy souls spent the night under the stars – or more accurately under cardboard shelters – on the building site this February to raise money for Guildford YMCA’s youth homelessness projects.

As the night temperature fell to around freezing the volunteers, including Anne Milton MP, Surrey Chamber of Commerce CEO Louise Punter and YMCA CEO Pete Brayne, began the battle to keep warm .

Pete said: “It was not a true taste of homelessness but it was certainly thought- provoking. Where do the homeless spend a penny? How much can they carry around with them all day to then use to keep themselves

warm and relatively comfortable at night? We had none of the challenges of rain or a sense of the lack of security sleeping in a town centre would bring and yet it seemed like a very long, and cold, night!

“The hot drink and bacon rolls prepared by Bishop Christopher’s PA Mary Morris for breakfast were incredibly welcome, and the prospect of them and a warm shower once we got home kept us going in those long early hours.

“The reality is that for some young people

staying at home is no longer an option. The reasons are as varied as the young people who come into the YMCA.

“YMCA key workers and youth workers do all they can to help young people overcome past difficulties and build a new future, and we are very grateful to the volunteers and all those who sponsored them.

“The Sleep£asy Sleepout is a key event in our fundraising year

and to date sponsorship in excess of £6,500 has been raised. The fund is still open and anyone can still make a donation. Please help us to help young people - there are so many who just can’t make it on their own. They need our help.”

To donate either visit www.lifechangefund.org.uk/sleepeasy.htm and click on a volunteer to support them, or cheques (made payable to Guildford YMCA Ltd) can be sent to Pete Brayne, Guildford YMCA, Bridge Street, Guildford, GU1 4SB.

Actions speak louderHave you made all your Lent pledges yet? Have you

thought about supporting local youngsters in need of a little help in 2013?Diocesan volunteer support co-ordinator Nigel Drury is encouraging everyone to consider volunteering some time to help local young people this year – and says the opportunity to make a real difference could be in your immediate community.

He said: “There are plenty of volunteer roles waiting to be filled and in some cases, urgent need.

“We currently need volunteers for roles with the newly-launched Homelessness Prevention Service of Surrey County Council’s Youth Support Service. It’s a matter of putting aside just a few hours each week to volunteer in your community - there are often roles right on your doorstep.

“For example, Support volunteer drivers are needed. These volunteers assist housing specialist workers by providing transport for young people, getting them to important housing appointments or to emergency accommodation.

“This help is needed where the specialist services are unable to reconcile the situation at home. These young people are often in crisis, so a volunteer is more appropriate and supportive than public transport - when the youngsters are potentially very vulnerable.”

Service delivery support volunteers are wanted - the main duties of this role include working alongside the Homelessness Prevention Service administrator and panel coordinator to work with youngsters face-to-face and help coordinate the administration around four ‘supported housing panel meetings’ that occur every six weeks.

Nigel continued: “Other roles are waiting to be filled with Victim Support, Surrey Appropriate Adult Service, Surrey Youth Support Service, East to West and more.

“The engagement of people of faith with the community is so valuable and I would be very happy to chat or meet with anyone who expresses an interest in a volunteering role.”

Find out more…Nigel Drury - volunteer support coordinator Telephone: 01483 790333 Mobile: 07979 887467 Email: [email protected]

..faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’ James 2:17

Could you….?

A new partnership between the Diocese of Guildford and Surrey Police is looking for volunteers to help it support young people at risk of becoming a crime statistic.

BRIDGES (Building Restorative Initiatives, Developing Greater Excellence - Surrey Police) is a youth mentoring project which matches a member of the faith community with a young person (ages 15 – 19) at risk of being exposed to criminal activity by a family member, or entering into criminal activity due to lack of progress at school or college or mental health/behavioural issues.

Surrey Police chaplain Sarah Parrish said early intervention can make a huge difference. She said: “Many agencies such as the police or youth organisations are organised so that young people can’t receive services unless they’ve actually done something wrong. This can be frustrating for communities, the staff of those organisations and the young people themselves.

“But this scheme aims to bridge the gap before anyone actually gets in trouble. Could you be that non-judgemental listening ear, share your skills and experiences, help young people understand decision-making and consequences and be a supportive, consistent adult in their lives?

“You might just be the change they need to avoid a negative outcome and future.”

The programme requests that mentors (also known as coaches) spend approximately one to one-and-a-half-hours a week (or every other week) with their young person. Full training will be provided. The programme will be initially piloted in the Waverley and Epsom and Ewell areas and then expanded to all of Surrey.

The project is one of multi-faith and inclusion, therefore members from any faith group or even no faith are welcome if they have the skills to be a good mentor.

If you would like to receive more information, please contact faith co-ordinator/police chaplain Sarah Parrish at 01483 633236 or email at [email protected]

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Community Matters

Mosaic to tour dioceseA colourful and inspirational legacy of the 2012 Paralympic Games has been snapped up for display on a tour around the diocese’s churches and schools.

The 4ft wide mosaic with its message of determination, equality, inspiration and courage was born out of an art exhibition Art Beyond Limitations held at Guildford Cathedral during last year’s Paralympics celebrating the contribution made by those with limitations in their lives.

Over 350 members of the public laid tiles in the mosaic which was coordinated by Addlestone-based mosaic group Tamesis Mosaics.

The group is made up of people who have suffered various medical and social adversities, and who have found the value of making something with their hands. Their aim is to work alongside the general public, creating pieces of art which are functional, durable

and improve the local environment.

Diocesan health and wellbeing adviser Suzette Jones from the diocesan communities engagement team, which coordinated the exhibition, said the completed mosaic was not only beautiful but inspirational.

She said: “When I stop and think about all the determination and vision that went into this mosaic, the combined efforts and passion of so many people, then it becomes a more stunning piece of art than it already is.

“It talks of ‘jumping over life’s hurdles’ and I sincerely hope that schools, churches and groups will catch something of the spirit of this project when they see it. I am delighted by the response to its tour – it is fully booked until November!”

For more information contact [email protected] tel: 01483 790324.

Tackling global hunger is a matter of justice…and faithThe Rt Revd Ian Brackley (pictured) has lent his support to a major new campaign designed to tackle the scourge of hunger which sees over two million children die of malnutrition each year.

With food prices at a peak and set to rise further, the Church of England is one of more than one hundred organisations including Christian Aid, Tearfund, Save the Children and Oxfam to join the campaign entitled

Enough Food For Everyone IF.

The Bishop of Dorking said: “There is enough food in the world to feed everyone. Yet nearly one billion people go to bed hungry every night.

“This is a justice issue. For me it is also a faith issue. We have a moral responsibility to try to bring pressure to bear upon those who can really make a difference to the way our whole system of food production and distribution operates to the advantage of some but to the detriment of so many.”

The campaign aims to mobilise public support to put pressure on world leaders to act on four big issues relating to world hunger:

l Calling for enough aid to be given to stop children dying from hunger.

l for governments to prevent large companies from avoiding paying tax in poor countries.

Surrey gets vocal at Guildford CathedralChildren from three schools in the diocese will showcase their new vocal skills when they join Guildford Cathedral choir for a special end of term concert on 21 March.

Pupils from St Lawrence CofE Primary School, Chobham, Weyfield Primary School, Guildford and Shawfield Primary School, Ash, will sing at the cathedral after taking part in the outreach project Surrey Gets Vocal.

The project is designed to provide inspiration and opportunities to develop singing skills for more than 1,400 primary school children in Surrey over three years.

Working in partnership with

Lanesborough School, each year Guildford Cathedral provides singing leaders to work with year groups at local schools and organise performance opportunities.

The scheme will work with 12 schools in total and, to ensure a lasting legacy of the musical training, follow up training will be provided to schools, and individuals will be invited to join Surrey Songsters.

The Songsters is a junior choir, administered by Surrey Arts, for local primary school children in years 3-6. They have been meeting weekly at Lanesborough School since January 2009 under the leadership of Katherine Dienes-Williams, organist and master of the choristers at the cathedral.

Sing Up – the first schools concert at the cathedral which developed into Surrey Gets Vocal

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l for farmers in developing countries not to be forced off their land.

l for governments and big companies to be honest and open about their actions that stop people getting enough food.

The Bishop of Dorking continued: “While important progress is being made on many key development challenges, we simply aren’t making similar rates of progress on hunger.

“This year our Government has pledged 0.7% of national income for aid, it will be hosting a Hunger Summit and the world’s most powerful leaders will meet in the UK at the G8. The time is right to insist on change.

“As a Church we are called upon to feed the hungry and to seek to expose and eradicate the causes of debilitating hunger. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu so powerfully and succinctly said, ‘Hunger is not an incurable disease nor an unavoidable tragedy…It’s time the world’s decision-makers came to the right decision on hunger. It’s time to end the unnecessary suffering caused by the failure of the current food system.’

“Support the IF campaign. There can be Enough Food for Everyone IF …”

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Growing in The Wey

Face to FaceTen members of St Stephen’s Church, Shottermill, travelled to South India for ten days to support their mission partner, the Christian Missions Charitable Trust (CMCT). The Revd Giles Carpenter tells below of the joy of shared experiences with fellow Christians living and working in very different circumstances.

We travelled to Chennai in South India to experience first

hand the work of CMCT which began nearly 40 years ago in a single rented garage, and now has an orphanage, hospital and handicrafts centre as well as numerous outreach ministries providing education and relief to the poorest parts of Chennai.

The team’s journey began over six months earlier when they met to plan and prepare for the trip. These preparations included a residential training weekend at the Indian YMCA in London followed by a visit to Southall which included a trip to the Seikh Gudwara and Hindu Temple. Naturally all of the above included copious amounts of curry to prepare our tummies for what lay ahead!

Short term mission opportunities, like

this, can provide an amazing opportunity for personal growth in faith as well as offering people a vision for mission and the work of the global church. However there are very obvious ethical considerations that the team began to wrestle with. Uppermost among these was the important question of whether the cost of flying half way around the world was justifiable when the flight costs alone could make such a difference to those in need in India.

At a practical level, each member of the team resolved to fundraise only for the direct benefit of our mission partners, raising over £7,000 as a gift toward the work of our hosts. Whilst this financial support was important there was another benefit to our trip which we were yet to discover but which is revealed in 2 John:12; ‘I do

Lottery boost for ancient church

An ancient church with an active 21st century congregation has been awarded a repair grant of £84,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The money will help fund tower and spire repairs, new rainwater disposal, conservation of historic stained glass and preservation of medieval wall paintings at the small 13th century church of St John the Baptist, Okewood, near Ockley.

The grant has been awarded by the Repair Grants for Places of Worship Scheme, funded by HLF and administered by English Heritage, and formed part of a £1.8million package to listed churches across the South East.

St John the Baptist churchwarden Tony Godby said: “Acts of worship have been present on the site of this delightful Grade II* building – originally a chapel of ease for those travelling the highways and byways to Wotton Church – for almost 800 years.

“We are so pleased that English Heritage has agreed to make public lottery funds available to help us

maintain this historically significant building.

“Often described as a hidden gem in the woods of Okewood, St John’s is at the very heart of worship in the parish, with services every Sunday and effective children’s Christian teaching on the same site.

“Though the grant from EH will inevitably commit us to significant fundraising to cover the whole cost of necessary works, it goes a long way towards helping us to meet our stewardship obligations in preserving this ancient building for future generations of worshippers”.

In June this year, the Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme will be superseded by HLF’s new £30million, UK-wide Grants for Places of Worship programme.

This new initiative will continue to prioritise urgent structural repairs but will also enable applicants to apply for funding to support new works - such as the provision of toilets and kitchens - to improve the functionality of these buildings and make them fit for the future.

Coffee lovers celebrate with a cuppa and fun

A coffee group founded to offer friendship to the lonely or bereaved at St-Thomas-on-the-Bourne, Farnham, celebrated its 25th birthday - with a cuppa.The vicar, the Revd Karen Hutchinson cut a cake and proposed a toast to the next 25 years of the Tuesday Coffee Group at a special birthday gathering attended by around 45 people.The group was set up in January 1988 by Maureen Chandler and Rosemary Mansfield to reach out and promote friendship and fun and has continued and grown. Rosemary Mansfield was thanked and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

not want to use ink and pen, instead I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.’

DifferenceOver the course of the ten days the

team began to discover the richness and joy of meeting our partners in the gospel face to face. No words could begin to convey the difference it made to meet the people of Chennai and the dedicated team of pastors, social workers and evangelists that minister to the most broken in the city. This included meeting with the Bishop of Madras and learning about his strenuous efforts to overcome the evil of the caste system in India.

In meeting ‘face to face’ we have encountered the global family of faith that God calls us into, and we have seen first hand the fruit of the ministry of our partners CMCT and others including those in the diocese of Madras. We have seen for ourselves the transformation that is happening in the lives of the most poor and destitute, and we have been challenged to step

out of our comfort zones and to fan into flame the gifts that so often remain hidden or under-used in more familiar surroundings.

Most of all we have encountered men and women of great faith who have profoundly encouraged us in our own faith journeys by refusing to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the need and challenges before them. These are people who have grasped what Oscar Romero observed when he said; “We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way.”

We have all taken a step along the way, it may be incomplete but it is a major step towards discovering the riches of the global church and the power of gospel to change lives. None of us are the same as a result.

For a more detailed account of the trip visit http://ststephensinchennai.blogspot.co.uk

The team began to discover the richness and joy of meeting our partners in the gospel face to face.

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“I was ordained in 2007. People said it might be difficult going back as priest to the parish I had worshipped in for the last 35 years but I have found my parish very supportive and encouraging.

“I have been through two vacancies since being ordained, the first with another priest here, but the second as the only priest. What I found exciting and inspiring is the way I have enabled the congregation to explore different ways of prayer - introducing them to Lectio Divina, corporate prayer for a specific subject and prayer walks, finally leading an Advent Quiet Day.

“However, the most encouraging time for me, personally, was taking six of our youngsters and four adults forward to confirmation last year. I used the youth Emmaus course for the youngsters who were astounding in their responses and left me speechless at times with the depth of their understanding. I have found my life since ordination a time of real growth for me personally and when asked by someone how it felt to be ordained, I said, the only way I can describe it is like ‘coming home’.”

The Revd Christine White, OLM at St Mary’s Church, Cuddington

Ordination like ‘coming home’

“Behind bars…Liars? Thieves? Sinners all….yes, that’s the Christian chaplaincy team…nearly 100 people, mostly volunteers, who know that we are simply human beings seeking to serve other human beings because of the love of Christ.

“Parenting to those who have never known parents. Friends to those who have learnt not to trust. Caring for those who don’t believe they can be loved. Walking alongside those who simply need a helping hand. Listening. Encouraging staff at their wits end. Amazed to see what God is up to.

“Women hungry because God is already at work, inviting us to speak into their lives. Volunteers called to offer their time, who mysteriously bring just the grace and the skills that we need. Hoping and praying for sometimes inconceivable damage to be healed.

“Loving those who cannot believe in a good God. Successes and sadnesses. Joy and frustration. Challenging those who cannot forgive to find freedom. Supporting those who need to discover they can live with loss.

“A place of peace in the middle of noisy, chaotic

bewilderment. Tight-rope walking the line between what we want to offer and what is permissible. Professional and credible to an organisation where security comes first.

“Bridge builders inside and to the community as people leave. Fundraisers. Bible teachers, administrators, priests, mentors, pray-ers. Just people trying to learn what it means to be truly human.”

The Revd Lesley Mason, Chaplain, HMP Send

Learning what it means to be truly human

“One of my favourite roles is getting alongside children and young people as they learn about Jesus and grow in faith. I have the joy of working with dedicated teams of volunteers who, week by week, engage with a wide range of children and their families.

“Whether it is praising God

with toddlers and tambourines, or

chewing over a Bible passage with

teenagers, I am often reminded

that I have so much to learn from

them.

“I recently had the privilege of preparing a group of children for admission to Holy Communion. During

one particular session we were learning about the different elements of a service of worship.

“We had discussed the things we say and do in church, and then I asked, ‘What do we listen to in

church?’ Expecting a reply about hearing a Bible story, the notices or the sermon, I waited. A seven-

year-old boy thought quietly for a moment.

“‘We listen to God,’ he said.”

“I’ve been here at Stoneleigh, right up in the north of the diocese, for five years - having served as a priest before in parishes in the Diocese of Chichester and London.

“Aside from all the ‘normal’ ways I fill my time as a parish priest, I am the Bishop’s surrogate for marriages in this deanery (which always takes some explaining to the uninitiated!) and am available to act as an adviser on certain legal issues for parishes in LEPs. I am also a spiritual director and workplace mentor.

“I have to say it’s been a breath of fresh air to serve, in Guildford Diocese, in a context where my gender as a priest is not an issue, and I can just get on with serving church members and the parish to the best of my ability.

“The only downside is that the queue for the ladies loo at clergy events is much longer than in my previous dioceses!”

The Revd Ruth Kidd - Pioneer Minister, All Saints’, Lightwater

What do we listen to in church? The Revd Lynn Hellmuth, vicar of St John’s Church, Stoneleigh.

A girl bishop in Stoneleigh?

God’s call is one we must welcome…

“I’m the new chaplain and programme developer at Saint Columba’s House in Woking. We’re a retreat house and conference centre aiming to offer the best of Christian hospitality to all who come through our doors. That probably makes Phil, our chef, the most important member of the team!

“Everyone wants something different from the house– our flexible Chapel moves up and down ‘the candle’ several times a week! Some seek space in solitude while others gather to celebrate or plan. I love the variety each week brings and the unexpected conversations that emerge as people relax. It’s a real privilege to pray with and for people in such different stages of their faith journey.

“I’m responsible for our programme so I’m constantly encouraging people to come and have a coffee and a chat about how we can best serve the Church and community. We have fantastic facilities for a retreat house so it’s never a hard sell!

“New ideas are always emerging so do check the website

The Revd Gillaine Holland, chaplain and programme developer at Saint Columba’s House, Woking.

Flexible Chapel moves up and down ‘the candle’ each week

Women’s ministry has been in the spotlight over recent months with the debate over women bishops. Ordained women now make up around one third of all clergy and over these two pages we present a snapshot of the scope of work of women clergy in our diocese.The Bishop of Dorking, the Rt Revd Ian Brackley, says:

“I have worked with and supported women in ministry for over 40 years. When I was ordained in 1971 a woman colleague was a licensed lay worker. I preached at the first ordination of a woman deacon in 1987 in Chichester diocese. Later, as bishop, I was asked to ordain women as priests in that diocese.

“I have now known and experienced women in ministry as vicars, rural deans, canons, archdeacons and deans,

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“I’ve been here at Stoneleigh, right up in the north of the diocese, for five years - having served as a priest before in parishes in the Diocese of Chichester and London.

“Aside from all the ‘normal’ ways I fill my time as a parish priest, I am the Bishop’s surrogate for marriages in this deanery (which always takes some explaining to the uninitiated!) and am available to act as an adviser on certain legal issues for parishes in LEPs. I am also a spiritual director and workplace mentor.

“I have to say it’s been a breath of fresh air to serve, in Guildford Diocese, in a context where my gender as a priest is not an issue, and I can just get on with serving church members and the parish to the best of my ability.

“The only downside is that the queue for the ladies loo at clergy events is much longer than in my previous dioceses!”

The Revd Lynn Hellmuth, vicar of St John’s Church, Stoneleigh.

A girl bishop in Stoneleigh?

God’s call is one we must welcome… “During a recent Pastoral Theology

lecture, one of my students asked me which, if any, motif or model informed my work as priest and teacher. I was surprised at how quickly ‘midwife’ came to mind: one who helps – even facilitates a birthing process – who ‘keeps safe’ (Ps 22:9-10) those who are in transition and being transformed – that is, in a time of ‘crisis’.

“Those of us who have given birth know that ‘keeping safe’ amidst pain and mess includes firm handling, and no-nonsense admonitions! All learning and transformation involves little deaths and resurrections as we let go of old habits, patterns and interpretations, and begin to inhabit the new. It is the story of life. It is the reality of life-in-Christ.

“It is my privilege to teach and journey alongside people who are being formed by God for specific ministries in the Anglican Church – but facilitating growth into Christ is also a wider calling which plays itself out in delicate inter-faith work which challenges fear and prejudice – and in more traditional parish ministry where ‘ordinary’ life events precipitate change.

“It is God’s love and grace that transforms for good; it is my privilege to hear people say things like ‘This was tough, but contrary to my worries, I have gained insight, had my eyes opened and grown. I wouldn’t change that for the world.’”

regularly. I’m particularly excited by our new theological book group which meets every half term. It can get heated at times but there is real love and respect there despite our differences.

“Life is so busy that time out is really precious. Many say they can’t afford to have a retreat but really we can’t afford not to. I know it’s been a good week when I watch a group fall into the presence of God. Last week I ran an overnight retreat for clergy mums: It was wonderful to see them relax and begin to drink in the peace of the house. Before they left, they were booking dates to come back. That says it all really.”

The Revd Pippa Ross-McCabe, SSM Byfleet, coordinator, Woking People of Faith, and core member of staff Local Ministry Programme (Guildford)

On being a ‘midwife’ priest

The Revd Gillaine Holland, chaplain and programme developer at Saint Columba’s House, Woking.

Flexible Chapel moves up and down ‘the candle’ each week

Women’s ministry has been in the spotlight over recent months with the debate over women bishops. Ordained women now make up around one third of all clergy and over these two pages we present a snapshot of the scope of work of women clergy in our diocese.

and indeed as bishops through contact with overseas women bishops and through two Lambeth Conferences.

“Women have brought distinctive gifts and skills into ordained ministry, not just in areas of pastoral care, but also in leadership and vision, teaching and training. God has called them into these important areas of ministry, just as I believe God’s call for them to become bishops in the Church of England is one we must welcome and affirm.

“I look forward to their participation in and enrichment of the life of the House and College of Bishops.”

“In addition to being rector of St Mary’s, I have the privilege of working on the ordinands team. We meet with men and women of all ages and backgrounds who sense that God might be calling them to the ordained ministry.

“Director of Ordinands, the Revd William Challis, has an initial meeting with enquirers and, if he believes it is right to proceed, he will decide which team member should journey with them.

“We see the full range of vocations; those offering for stipendiary ministry and those offering for self-supporting or ordained local ministry. I meet with up to four candidates at any time.

“After the first couple of meetings I am usually

in a position to discern whether the candidate’s vocation is realistic and whether the time is right for further exploration. We then begin to consider closely the nine selection criteria and prepare for the vocation to be formally tested at a Bishop’s Advisory Panel.

“The whole process usually takes about 18 months. My role is challenging and rewarding; I am constantly inspired and encouraged to hear how God is calling a diversity of people to ordained ministry in the church today.”

The Revd Sarah Brough, rector, St Mary’s Church, Chiddingfold and Assistant DDO

Constantly inspired by diverse callings

“It was a pleasure to welcome Bishop Ian on Advent Sunday to our weekly Footsteps service for young families - and to see him suggest a swap of headgear with seven-year-old Eleanor. Many adults remarked how good it was to see a young girl wearing his mitre – and what was even more striking was that none of the children had a clue what was so remarkable!” – Revd Lynn

“Just as in my role as parish priest, I find a particularly important part of what I do involves a ministry of presence in times of transition and of walking alongside in times of difficulty, so too as rural dean.

“In the nearly three years I’ve been rural dean, Farnham deanery has seen a lot of change and transition: in that time over half the parishes in the deanery have welcomed new incumbents or parish priests.

“ During vacancies in those parishes it has been a privilege to become temporarily part of another parish’s life; to get to know people there, particularly, but not only, the churchwardens, and to help them chart their way through the testing and occasionally choppy waters of vacancy, selection and eventually institution of their new priest. That has to be one of the highlights of my role.

“Having shared in the whole process and helped to negotiate any difficulties along the way, it is always such a great joy to be part of the expectancy, hope and deep sense of partnership in the gospel which characterise the service of celebration at the beginning of a new ministry.”

The Revd Anne Gell, Rural Dean, Farnham

The joy of sharing new ministry

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Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation

Mentoring young people in WokingThe Woking Asian Business Forum, which runs a number of initiatives to support the local community, has been awarded a £3,000 grant by the Community Foundation for Surrey from money donated to the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation.

Among the programmes run by the Forum is Mosaic, which provides mentoring to young people facing challenges and health awareness advice, targeted at the specific medical issues often faced by the Asian community. In partnership with other local charities, WABF also offers life skills, IT classes and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.

The BGF grant will help fund the outreach manager, who co-ordinates a team of around 25 fully-trained volunteer mentors for the Mosaic project, which supports young people in local schools facing challenges in life. Last year, students at Bishop David Brown School in Sheerwater, who were mentored under the scheme, achieved significantly better results in their GCSE’s than predicted by the school, with 30% of students achieving grades A-C.

The pupils supported are from diverse cultural backgrounds and many have parents who are not fluent in English, which can result in a lack of communication between parents and the school. Other young people

who are assisted by the scheme are those who are identified as being at risk of offending, or who are struggling to realise their potential and the opportunities available to them. WABF mentors meet the same students on a regular basis to guide them through their subject choices and help them with life skills such as CV writing, confidence building and public speaking. Regular meetings with the mentor provide stability for the young person and a positive role model for them to engage with.

WABF Cha i rman Shahid Azeem said: “We are very grateful to the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation for their support which is enabling us to continue this vital work in the community. It really does have a measurable result both in terms of exams and social behaviour”.

Grant-making by the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation is done in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS), an independent charitable trust which is part of the national network of Community Foundations. By grant-making through CFS, the Foundation is able to keep its administration costs down. Recipients of grants may also benefit as CFS can, on occasions, match a grant from the Foundation with one from other sources.

The Prince of Wales with a group of young people benefiting from the Mosaic programme

BGF helps fund Englefield Green community centreThe Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation has provided £3,000 through the Community Foundation for Surrey to help River Church’s Englefield Green congregation – The Journey – to fund a community hub for people living on the Forest Estate, in Englefield Green. A further £2,000 is being provided by Runnymede Community Fund.

Before the Forest Lane Community Hub started in October 2012, the only activity that happened at the British Legion that wasn’t a club event was the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. However, the Legion is the only public building on the estate and setting up the hub there has enabled joined up thinking and action. Among the organisations now making use of the building are a mental health support group, a youth café and a family drop-in centre. Additional areas of need in the community, identified at a meeting with local residents, include school work mentoring, youth activities and a need to assist isolated older people who are disadvantaged by expensive transport links

and a lack of access to facilities like a bank or post office.

River Church led a multi-agency group negotiating the use of the building, which is still owned by the British Legion but is in a very poor state of repair with a leaking roof, toilets in need of refurbishment and an interior in need of redecoration.

Leader of The Journey, Vicky Earll commented: “When we considered setting up a hub together there was clear need and plenty of people were keen to be involved, but the running costs of the building were a challenge. The funding from the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation has helped us to cover these for the next 18 months. The project has made a good start and we are particularly delighted that the eight to 12 age group, which was identified by the police as one that needed attention, has engaged well with the activities we have put on for them.”

River Church is part of the Pioneer Network of churches, which is committed to dynamic and effective Christianity and is a member of the Evangelical Alliance.

Volunteers trained for mentoring in schools

Training for new volunteers who will help young people with anger management issues in Camberley schools is being funded with support from the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation.

Camberley Youth for Christ is one of 60 local centres of Youth for Christ, a national Christian charity which aims to support young people in schools and promote the Christian faith as a way of life.

Advice and mentoring is provided on a one-to-one basis to pupils who need to talk to someone outside their family and school system. Issues which young people need help with include transition to secondary school, making friends, bullying, difficulties at home and relationships with siblings. The anger management course takes young people through a process of recognising and understanding their anger and the consequences of their actions on their own and other people’s lives.

The scheme, which is well established, runs at three Camberley Schools – Collingwood College, King’s International College and Tomlinscote School and Sixth Form College. It has had proven success, improving pupil’s mental and emotional health as well as their relationships with others.

Camberley Youth for Christ has been given a £2,240 grant from funds provided to the Community Foundation for Surrey by the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation.

Grant-making by the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation is done in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS), an independent charitable trust which is part of the national network of Community Foundations.

The Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation and the Community Foundation for Surrey would like to thank all those who have donated to support these inspiring projects. To make a donation please visit www.cofeguildford.org.uk/diocesan-life/to-donate-to-the-foundation/

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Focus on ConfessionConfession: beyond the caricatureThe Revd Canon Andrew Bishop explores one of the less well-known and understood ministries offered by the Church.

During Advent a number of people came from across the

diocese for confession at the cathedral. What image does ‘confession’ conjure up in your mind? For many it’s a wooden cubicle with a grille, where you rattle off some misdemeanours to a dozing priest who tells you to say a few Hail Marys and, hey presto, you’re forgiven. That is a caricature – and it’s not like that - but it masks some fears about confession that range from theological misgivings around the role of the priest, through to the immensity of facing up to our own sinfulness.

Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline (Hodder & Stoughton 1989 revised edition) helped many people across the ecclesiastical and theological spectrum to consider a range of spiritual disciplines. He included confession and addressed many anxieties. It’s a book well worth tracking down.

The early Church saw penance as a corporate act in the spirit of James 5.16. As ever, individualism crept in and over the centuries penance become a private act. Combined with a growing sense of priestly power, confession took on the caricature above. Reformed Christianity, with its

rejection of sacerdotalism (the idea that God is only accessible through a priest mediator) was naturally suspicious of this. In the Church of England confession through a priest was retained in the Book of Common Prayer Visitation to the Sick. That rather linked confession to meeting one’s Maker.

Confession is more often known today as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Common Worship places it within its proper context of baptism, speaking of ‘reconciliation and restoration: recovering baptism’: a joyful, renewing response to the baptismal promises: I turn to Christ, I repent of my sins, I renounce evil. It is a personal act but within the context of the corporate life of the Body of Christ, the Church.

So the setting for reconciliation is more likely to be in the setting of pastoral conversation: some people preferring to kneel, and others sitting. What is clear is that both priest and penitent share in human frailty and need God’s all-embracing mercy and grace: anything that makes it look or feel different undermines that. So in the cathedral we use the Lady Chapel, a place of prayer.

Following personal reflection and preparation, the reconciliation begins with scripture, then the opportunity to name those sins which block a free relationship with God and from that often follows counsel and the recommendation of a course of action or scripture passage to ponder. Absolution is given followed by an act of thanksgiving. The reconciliation ends with the priest saying, ‘Go in peace, and pray for me, a sinner’.

I myself know it as a joyful sacrament, hearing the declaration the father makes to the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11—end). It is demanding, yet refreshing, deep reconciliation. It has the flavour of Lent and is timely before Easter.

One of the gifts I believe the cathedral can offer to complement what is offered in parshes is the space, in a discreet, confidential, often anonymous, way to go beyond the caricature and to be reconciled to God.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered in the Cathedral’s Lady Chapel on Fridays in March (1, 8, 15, 22 March) 12-1pm, and in Holy Week, on Monday 25th March 9-10, Wednesday 26th 4-5pm, Maundy Thursday 12-1pm, or by appointment. The Lady Chapel at Guildford Cathedral

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Michelle’s family background was very diffi cult, and as a young girl she felt insecure, unloved, unsafe and very alone. The family fell apart when Michelle was about thirteen, and on top of lot of traumatic incidents this led to Michelle having a breakdown, and ultimately being taken into care.

“I started drinking when I was in care,” said Michelle, “to numb myself. I would drink sometimes until I passed out. As long as I was drunk, I felt alright.”

By the age of fourteen, Michelle was injecting amphetamines. She started using heroin when she was twenty. Her boyfriend, a recovering addict, died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. She tried many times to stop her addictions, but couldn’t. “It was

like being on a roundabout, and you want to get off. I tried getting clean, I wanted a good life for my daughter, and I would last four or fi ve days, but then you get some money, something would take over and I was back on heroin again. In the end, heroin made me feel normal, and I drank to make myself numb.”

Repeated failures led to hopelessness, and increasingly serious suicide attempts. “Then my sister called me and said she had found me somewhere that could take me in and help me, but the only thing was they believed in God. I had no faith at the time, but I had tried everything else and thought ‘I’ve got nothing to lose, I’ll give it a go.’” On Mothers’ Day 2003 Michelle moved into the therapeutic community at Gilead’s 200 acre dairy farm in Devon.

“The fi rst thing I noticed was a sense of family and a lot of love. Staff were welcoming, accepting and positive, the people there seemed happy and had a light in their eyes. They had something I didn’t have, but I desperately wanted.”

Like all the ‘students’ (Gilead’s term for the people on the programme), Michelle lived in extended family with other recovering addicts and house-parents. “I was taken in as part of the family, you never felt like an outsider.”

Students (and Staff) at Gilead don’t spend most of their time talking about drink and drugs, although there is obviously structured and guided counselling. They work and live together as part of the daily life of the farm, and in the kitchens and offi ces too, working their way through recovery.

“They brought out skills I never knew I had,” said Michelle, “and gave me a sense of achievement and a glimpse into the kind of life I could have. Gilead gave me hope. I built some good friendships and dealt with a lot of issues.”

In a safe, accepting and structured family environment, Michelle’s house-parents helped her to begin to trust, and to face the responsibility of her life choices. In time, they led her to forgive those who had hurt her in her childhood.

“ I felt safe and not judged, whatever I said,” said Michelle. “When I forgave those deep hurts, I cried for eight hours solid. The next day I felt like a different person, like a weight had gone and I was a lot free-er. My journey really started there and I’ve never looked back.”

That was ten years ago. Since then, Michelle has remained clean and free from drink and drugs. She was reunited with her daughter. She joined a local church, and took up some voluntary work which led to permanent paid job with a Christian publishing company. In 2005 she married Ray, with whom she now has a lovely family of three children. They bought their home in 2007, and like any other young couple, they face the

trials and the joys of family life together. Michelle remains grateful to Gilead, “If I hadn’t gone to Gilead, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s God, but Gilead gave me a life and a future to look forward to.”

Without Gilead, Michelle says she would not be alive nor have a future. Many more people could be helped by Gilead, but in these days of austerity and funding cuts they need fi nancial help towards the costs of their rehabilitation.

Please consider giving a gift or a regular monthly donation towards students’ costs, or to help Gilead fi nish the new, purpose built accommodation that their students desperately need. You can fi nd more details below, or call Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973, or Lois Samuel on 01837 851240, email [email protected]

A Hope and a Future

Project updateIn August we were able to complete the installation of the Renewable Energy Heating and Hot Water System, with ground source heating and solar panels. This will supply power to the house, which means we will have very low ongoing energy costs. We are now moving onto working on the internal part of the project with the hope of moving in very soon. This involves: the completion of 4 student bedrooms with bunk beds giving us accommodation for up to 8 students; the installation of the kitchens, one in the main living area and the second in the living quarters of the staff fl at, accommodating 2 male support workers. On completion we will comply with the Care Quality Commission criteria enabling us to move in. In order for us to accomplish this we need to raise £50,000.

New accommodation will help more people fi nd hope

A staggering 88% of service users who complete Gilead’s therapeutic programme remain free from their addictions, during the critical fi rst few years after leaving the community. Michelle is just one of many who have found hope, freedom and restoration that has so far lasted ten years. This is her story...

We have plans and permission to build three purpose designed bungalows to provide excellent quality accommodation for 24 students with support workers. At the time of writing, we are so very close to fi nishing the fi rst of these family homes. This will accommodate up to 8 students, 2 support workers and house parents, yet there is still a great deal of work to do!

Funding raised so farWe have been able to raise £35,000 towards phase 2 so we just need to raise another £15,000 to enable us to move new students in.Without the partnership between our fi nancial supporters and the volunteers who work here we would not be able to achieve the success of seeing many hurting people, like Michelle, unlocked from addictions and compulsive behaviours and released into their true potential. We presently have 10 residential students, all of whom are doing really well, and we have people on application who want to come and join us. Our main focus now is to raise funds to complete our new home.

How you can helpPlease can you help, with either loans or donations towards the £50,000, as we are looking forward to moving in.

Almost there - the fi rst new bungalow nears completion

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Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £from my account on (dd/mm/yy) / / Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY

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PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEADMonthly commitments of any amount will help us with funding of the students’ fees. A one-off gift or interest free loan will help us finish our first building. If you would like to discuss details I can be contact-ed on 07957 433973

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To help us correctly allocate your gift, please record your name and contact details using the form below. Thankyou

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Michelle


Singing the Holy Week story This Easter, the enduringly popular choral meditation, Olivet to Calvary will be performed at:

l St Francis’ Church, Beckingham Road, Westborough at 7pm on Palm Sunday 24 March

l Godalming United Church, Bridge Street, at 7pm on Good Friday 29 March.

A choir of over forty singers, conducted by Geraldine Wensley and drawn from eighteen local churches, will follow on the success of last Easter’s initiative at St Francis’ Church when a scratch choir sang the much loved companion work, Stainer’s Crucifixion.

“People enjoyed singing and listening to The Crucifixion so much last year, they asked immediately ‘What can we do next year?’ said team rector, Stefanie Hodges. “The offer to do Olivet to Calvary came and we jumped at it. We are thrilled to host this year’s performance and be moved again by the beautiful music and poetry of the Holy Week story.”

Composer JH Maunder’s work tells the story of the events of the week leading up to Christ’s death, starting with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, his desolation in the garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest, trial and eventual death on the cross. The soloists and choir express the changing moods, interspersed with moving hymns for both choir and audience.

Admission is free for both performances concluding with retiring collections in aid of Christians Against Poverty, the national debt counselling service, which last year opened a branch based at Westborough United Reformed Church. The counselling service

works in partnership with the newly opened Food Bank at St Francis’ sister church, St Clare’s Church, Park Barn. For further details ring 01483 836776

On Good Friday evening at St Saviour’s Church, Woodbridge Road, Guildford opera singer Jonathan Veira will be conducting the Church’s Community Choir singing the other well-loved Holy Week choral work, Stainer’s Crucifixion. For details ring 01483 455333.

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EDITORIAL

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Geraldine Wensley

Music at St Martha’sWalkers and dogs are especially welcome at St Martha’s-on-the-Hill high on the North Downs where combining music with stunning views has become a popular new tradition.

What began as an informal concert on the hilltop along the Pilgrim’s Way above Chilworth in 2011 has developed into a programme of events that will see three concerts this March and a music festival in May.

Parishioner Margaret Roberts explained: “As a piano tutor at the University of Surrey, I first thought to present an informal concert on the hilltop to give recent music graduates a chance to repeat their finals recital programmes in a remote and inspiring setting.

“Finding that the students were more than happy to climb the hill carrying heavy instruments for the reward offered by the view, it was agreed that more music would follow.

“In March the church will host three concerts as part of the Guildford International Music Festival, including performances of Messaien’s Quartet for the End of time and Elgar’s Piano Quintet.

“Then during the last weekend of May the 2nd

Annual Music Festival will take place, with recitals throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, closing with a Festival Evensong, with the Bishop of Dorking once again making the ascent on foot to bring the weekend to a close with words.

“Do come along - it is worth the climb!”

For more information on the March concerts visit http://www.guildfordinternationalmusicfestival.co.uk or for information about music at St Martha’s call 01483 503301.

A piano was hauled up to the top of St Martha’s Hill with the help of Guildford’s Royal Grammar School rugby team

Good Friday walk of witness

As in previous years, members of churches in and around Guildford will gather on Good Friday morning (March 29) for a walk of witness to Jesus Christ, in the town centre.

The walk starts at 10:30am from the Rotunda – close to Next at the bottom of North Street. It opens with a short prayer and a hymn, and then proceeds through Friary Street and up the High Street. The walk focuses on the events of Good Friday, and many choose to walk in silence. After a pause, usually near Tunsgate, for a Bible reading and a hymn, the procession moves on to the steps of Holy Trinity Church at the top of the High Street, where a short talk is given.

This year the Revd Phillip Jones from Guildford United Reformed Church will be speaking.

More information from [email protected]

Last year’s walk

Hospice fundraiser to end year of celebrationsDuruflé’s Requiem will be performed at St Mary’s

Church, Oatlands, on 9 March, in the culmination of a year of events to mark the church’s 150th anniversary.

The chapel choir of Exeter College, Oxford, will sing at the fundraising event in support of Sam Beare Hospice.

The year has seen the church celebrate in style with a Valentine’s dinner, a village fair and a flower, embroidery and crafts exhibition which attracted Hannah Gordon and Michael Aspel and raised over

£6,500 for church funds.

Parishioner Peter Ewing said: “A balloon release last year raised £1,250 in aid of the hospice and as a result the Sam Beare fundraiser suggested that the church consider hosting the prestigious Exeter College chapel choir for a concert.

“The 9 March event promises to be a wonderful way to finish our calendar of events – and all the more satisfying knowing that all proceeds will go to Sam Beare.”

Stimulation for shoppers

Town centre visitors are encouraged to take a break from their Saturday morning shopping and listen to debates about their community and the wider world in a series of Saturday morning events at Christ Church, Woking.

The Woking Debates, arranged by Woking Action for Peace and supported by Churches Together, Friends of the Earth, the Quakers and Surrey Faith Links amongst others, have been designed to encourage peaceful, united responses to underlying issues facing Woking and beyond.

Speakers introduce topics ranging from housing to conflict resolution and equality for 20 minutes before the subject is thrown open to the floor in the sessions which run from 11am-12.30pm.

Surrey Faith Links Adviser Kauser Akhtar who led February’s debate entitled Cultures and Faiths: Do they Strengthen Woking?, said: “The Woking Debates have been arranged to encourage residents and people from farther afield to take time out to look at wider issues and perhaps draw conclusions together.

“I would encourage people to take some time out – maybe after a coffee in Christ Church’s café – and join in the debate.”

The debates are held in the Gallery at Christ Church and are free of charge, donations welcome. Future debates are:

16 March: Is Woking becoming a sustainable town? Ray Morgan, Chief Executive, Woking Borough Council

20 April: Where will our children live? Woking? The Revd John McCabe and a young person in need of housing

18 May: Can we become a more equal society? Sean Baine, Chair of the Equality Trust

13 June: Conflict resolution in divided societies: does it work? Andy Baines, postgraduate researcher on conflict resolution in Divided Societies For more details contact Keith Scott on 01483 824980 or [email protected]

Play examines a world where sacrifice wins over self-interest

In the blood of a flea, wrapped in a bundle of French silk, the plague arrives in the Derbyshire village of Eyam, and with it comes a devastating decision. As the entire community chooses the bold path of sacrifice, they begin to march to A different drum…

‘A different drum’ by the Riding Lights Theatre Company is on a national tour and will be performed in Aldershot on 8 March.

Beginning in the 17th century the play follows a thread through history to the present day, picking up accounts of those in Eyam and others who have dared to break the boundaries of self-interest.

Full of life and colourful music, A different drum imagines how different the world could be if everyone responded unswervingly to the call to ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’

The play starts at 7.30pm at KC21 The King Centre, High Street, Aldershot, GU11 1DJ Box Office: 01904 613000 Tickets: £10, Groups: buy 10 and get the 11th free.


MARCH

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE 1 March, 10.30am, Church of the Ascension, Ayling Hill, Aldershot, GU11 3LL Theme: ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’, prepared by Christian women of France. All welcome! Details from Alison Blenkinsop on 01252 337189 or [email protected].

ORGAN RECITAL 1 March, 1pm, Godalming Parish Church, Borough Road, Godalming Robert Munns, international recitalist Admission free, retiring collection COURSE 1-3 March, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon Christian Healing Ministry Explored: Starting late Friday afternoon and finishing after lunch on Sunday, this course is led by the Revd Elizabeth Knifton and will benefit those who want to discover more about healing ministry. Cost £160 (residential). To book contact 01420 478121 or email [email protected]

CONCERT 2 March, 7pm, St Mary’s Church, Perry Hill, Worplesdon, GU3 3RE Ely Cathedral Girls’ Choir, director Sarah MacDonald, performs a programme of Lenten Music in aid of organ and choir funds. Tickets £10 (£7.00 under 16) from St Mary’s Church Office 01483 233091, [email protected] or at the door.

MUSIC ON MONDAY 4 March, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Organ recital: Martin Hall Suggested Donation: £3

MIDDAY MUSIC 5 March, 12 noon, St Thomas-on-the-Bourne Church, Frensham Road, Farnham Recital by Sylvia Harper (oboe, cor anglais and bassoon) and Stephen Lacey (piano and organ) followed by soup, bread and cheese lunch Free but retiring collection for Christian Aid

COURSE 7 March, 7.30-9pm, St Nicolas’ Church Centre, Bury Street, Guildford The fourth of six evenings on Christian Meditation: Leaving self behind? Suggested donation: £3 to cover the cost of refreshments. Details from the parish office: 01483 564526

VOCATIONAL RETEAT 8-10 March, St Columba’s House, Maybury Hill, Woking, GU22 8AB An opportunity for adults of all ages who are either in the process of testing a vocation for public ministry in the Church

or who are wondering how they can develop their service in the world. Led by the Revd Haydon Wilcox Price: £180 fully residential. Further info: 01483 766498 or [email protected]

MUSIC ON MONDAY 11 March, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Recital: Woking College music students Suggested donation: £3

MIDDAY MUSIC 12 March, 12 noon, St Thomas-on-the-Bourne Church, Frensham Road, Farnham Ian Bysh (countertenor) and Heather Golding (contralto), Improvised Songs from the Heart, followed by soup, bread and cheese lunch Admission free - retiring collection for Christian Aid

FRIMLEY FORUM 12 March, 8pm, St Francis’ Church, Upper Chobham Road, Frimley Ambassadors for Christ? Who has the accreditation? Building our confidence to bear witness: Speaker: the Revd Stephen Cox. No charge but donations welcome

FLORAL DEMONSTRATION 13 March, 11am and 2.30pm, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford Paula Pryke, floral designer for the Guildford Cathedral Flower Show in June, demonstrates the latest trends in floral design. Tickets £22 +3% booking fee from www.guildford-cathedral.org/worship/boxoffice/71

ORGAN RECITAL 13 March, 1.10pm, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford Peter Wright, Southwark Cathedral Admission free – donations invited

COURSE 14 March, 7.30-9pm, St Nicolas’ Church Centre, Bury Street, Guildford The fifth of six evenings on Christian Meditation: Fruits of the silence? Suggested donation: £3 to cover the cost of refreshments. Details from the parish office: 01483 564526

JOURNEY INTO HEALING 15-17 March, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon The weekend is designed to help us to be open to ourselves, to each other and to the healing work of the Holy Spirit for growth and healing. Led by the Journey into Healing Team. More information is available on the website: www.journeyintohealing.co.uk Cost: £210 fully residential. To book contact 01420 478121 or email [email protected]

CONCERT 16 March, 7.30pm, Holy Trinity Church, Bramley Piano Quintets by Schumann and Elgar.

John Parsons, Helen Birchall, Russell Millard, Richard Birchall and Margaret Roberts (piano) Tickets £10 on the door or from R A Robertson & Sons, High Street Bramley

CONCERT 16 March, 7.30pm, St Martin’s Church, Church Street, Epsom, KT17 4PX Epsom Choral Society, brass ensemble and organ. Musical Director, Robert Kimber. Parry, I was Glad; Vaughan Williams, Festival Te Deum and works by Lauridsen and Britten. Cost: £15, concessions £7.50 from 01372 727078, www.epsomchoral.org.uk or on the door

MUSIC ON MONDAY 18 March, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Organ recital: Jonathan Holl Suggested donation: £3

MIDDAY MUSIC 19 March, 12 noon, St Thomas-on-the-Bourne Church, Frensham Road, Farnham Richard Lane (violin), Jane Spear and Sanda Belcher (piano) music by JS Bach, Kreisler, Beethoven, Franck and Elgar, followed by soup, bread and cheese lunch Admission free - retiring collection for Christian Aid

COURSE 21 March, 7.30-9pm, St Nicolas’ Church Centre, Bury Street, Guildford The last of six evenings on Christian Meditation: The way for life? Suggested donation: £3 to cover the cost of refreshments. Details from the parish office: 01483 564526

LISTENING FOR LIFE 22-24 March, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon Essential Skills for a Healthier World; explore what it is to be a listening person in our everyday lives. It is preferable to have completed either Just Listen! or Importance of Listening before attending this course. Cost £160.00, fully residential. To book contact 01420 478121 or email [email protected]

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT! 22 March, 7pm for 7.30pm, St Saviour’s Church, Woodbridge Road, Guildford This event is a partnership between UK Churches and international aid agency World Vision. Come and be inspired, entertained and treated, while learning about women in the developing world. Tickets: £5 in advance (from St Saviour’s Church Reception) or £7 on door. Details: [email protected] or 01483 455333.

SPRING CONCERT 23 March, 7pm, St Peter’s Church, Old Woking, GU22 9JE Music by JS Bach, Francis Poulenc and John Rutter. Michael Jefferies (flute) and Matthew Rickard (piano). Tickets £10 from www.stpetersconcerts.com/tickets or Geoff Pugh 01483 714761

MUSIC ON MONDAY 25 March, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Recital: Nigel Evans-Thompson (baritone), Helen Wharnby (piano) Suggested donation: £3

MIDDAY MUSIC 26 March, 12 noon, St Thomas-on-the-Bourne Church, Frensham Road, Farnham Nicola Sharkey (soprano), Brian Cotterill (piano and organ), music for Spring, Lent and Passiontide followed by soup, bread and cheese lunch. Admission free - retiring collection for Christian Aid

GOOD FRIDAY QUIET DAY 29 March, 10am - 4pm Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon Led by the Revd Elizabeth Knifton, theme ‘And the Angels were silent’. Cost £30 inc refreshments & lunch. To book contact 01420 478121 or email [email protected]

APRIL

ORGAN RECITAL 5 April, 1pm, Godalming Parish Church, Borough Road, Godalming Graham Davies, Leatherhead Parish Church Admission free, retiring collection

MUSIC ON MONDAY 8 April, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Organ recital: Jonathan Marten Suggested donation: £3

MUSIC ON MONDAY 15 April, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Recital: Penelope Cave (harpsichord) Suggested donation: £3

ORGAN RECITAL 10 April, 1.10pm, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford Gillian Lloyd, Guildford United Reformed Church Admission free – donations invited

LIVING THE QUESTION 18 April, 7.30-9.30pm, St Columba’s House, Maybury Hill, Woking, GU22 8AB This is a programme from the US which is used around the UK for people who have lots of questions about their faith but don’t find that they are always addressed in their local church. Open to all. Price: £10, refreshments provided. Further info: 01483 766498 or [email protected]

MUSIC ON MONDAY 22 April, 12.40pm, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking Organ recital: Andrew Scott Suggested donation: £3

LECTURE 23 April, 8pm, St Lawrence Church, High Street, Chobham The 2013 Thomas of Chobham Lecture: Christopher Herbert, former Bishop of St Albans will speak on assisted dying and euthanasia Entry free – retiring collection

IGNATIAN RETREAT 26-28 April, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon A silent retreat led by members of the Ignatian team offering a time to step aside from our everyday routines to be still in God’s presence. Start late Friday afternoon, finish mid-afternoon Sunday Cost £180 fully residential. To book contact 01420 478121 or email [email protected]

CONCERT 27 April, 7pm, St Mary Oatlands Church, Oatlands Avenue, Weybridge An evening of sacred choral music including Allegri’s Miserere performed by Aurum Vocale, director David Clegg Tickets £12, concessions £10 from 01932 224744

CONCERT 27 April, 7.30pm Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SG Russian church and folk music sung by the Hermitage Ensemble, a group of five male soloists from St Petersburg. Tickets: £12 from 01306 881717

Noticeboard

GUILDFORD CATHEDRALFor services, concerts and events at the Cathedral please see the cathedral website www.guildford-cathedral.org or contact the events assistant at 01483 547860 or email [email protected].

Training & Information

Hear Here! 5 March,10:30am - 1pm, St Nicolas’ Church, Guildford, GU22 8XH Can churches better engage with those with hearing and sensory loss? From accessing funding for improvements, using technology & offering practical support Cost: Free Bookings: [email protected] 01483 790 324

Alcohol, an all age problem 13 March, 10am -2.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Oatlands Ave, Weybridge, KT13 9TS Details: From cradle to grave, alcohol impacts on everyday lives every day. This awareness day with guest speakers examines the facts, discusses the issues & signposts the way forward. Cost: Admission & refreshments free, bring your own lunch. Suggested donation £7 Further info: [email protected] 01483 790 335 Bookings: [email protected] 01483 790 324

Have a Go at….Sign Language 4 May, Church of the Good Shepherd, Pyrford, GU22 8XH Details: A day workshop with the ’Signs of God’ team, open to people with any level of sign language (or none). Come and learn about BSL in Christian settings, meet new people and have a lot of fun. Bring your own lunch - drinks are included. Cost: £15, Booking is essential Further Info: [email protected] (Wed/Thurs/Fri) 01483 790 327 Booking Forms: [email protected] 01483 790 324


Many-talented Mark retiresTalk of steamboats and grace as well as laughter and music accompanied a gathering of family, friends and colleagues, to bid a fond farewell to a much-loved member of the diocesan team: director of communications the Revd Mark Rudall.

More than 150 people from across the diocese and beyond joined Mark at St Mary’s Church, Guildford, in January to wish him well in his early retirement.

Mark, a minister, a talented musician and writer, and highly adept at creating things in sheds, had spent nine years giving 110 per cent to the role before an auto-immune neuromuscular disorder, myasthenia gravis, led to his decision to step down.

Diocesan secretary Stephen Marriott spoke warmly of Mark’s unique contribution to diocesan life, saying: “Mark has given so much to his role and this Church which he loves, but I will try to bring it down to three points, all of which begin with ‘g’.

“First is his generosity: Mark said ‘yes’ to everyone who came his way, giving not only communications advice but also the pastoral support that is so vital at times of media crisis. Many clergy, colleagues, churchwardens and head teachers have been touched by this.

“Grace was Mark’s renowned steamboat which spectacularly abandoned the Diocesan House women somewhere near Send Marsh in a thunderstorm and on another occasion left the Bishop with his knees in the boat and his hands on the bank with the inevitable subsequent splosh. But Grace was more than the boat, it is a quality that Mark exhibited every day and he taught us that this Christian virtue is a gift from God we should try to bring to our work.

“My last ‘g’ is gratitude – gratitude for all the times we have shared, for the fun and professionalism which he gave to diocesan life.”

Bishop Ian, who gave a blessing, continued: “I am grateful for the conversations, support and advice both Bishop Christopher and I have had personally from him.

“We have great admiration for the way in which he has coped with a prolonged period of ill health and how he has learned from it, and we wish him and Marian every blessing and better health in a more relaxed retirement.”

Mark began his career as a Baptist minister. He cut his broadcasting

Fellow Travellers

Fresh snow, candles, ancient church bells and flowers made for a stunning scene when parishioners wished the Revd Barry Preece a happy retirement in January.

The soaring voices of the choir rang out at a special evensong to mark his final service as rector at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, East Clandon, after almost a decade of ministry there.

Churchwarden Bruce Tindale said: “Barry will be hugely missed and fondly remembered by all villagers.

“His last sermon featured the parable of ‘water into wine’ which was rather appropriate as the service was followed by a magnificent repast in the village hall amply provisioned with wine and champagne.

“In front of a packed gathering Barry was presented with a camera as a joint gift from East and West Clandon and on behalf of the Friends of St Thomas (FROST) he was given

a caricature which by an amazing coincidence reflected his final sermon with its caption: Barry has always had an uncanny knack of turning water into wine – and then making it disappear!”

Unfortunately the snow was less opportune for Barry’s wife Jan, who was stranded in Kent.

Bruce continued: “So Barry accepted a bouquet on her behalf, given to reflect both the regard and love the village held for her, and our appreciation for the support she gave Barry.

“It was a joyful and poignant occasion.”

The caricature produced by East Clandon villager, Chris Ross, on behalf of FROST reflected not only the spirit of Barry’s leaving celebration but his final sermon too

The Revd Mark Rudall with his wife Marian at his retirement celebration after nine years of ground-breaking and successful comunications leadership

Rory Densham Brown, youth development leader at St Nicolas’ Church, Great Bookham, is the proud winner of Mole Valley’s Youth Showcase Award 2013.

The award recognises the achievement of youth professionals and left Rory overwhelmed: “I am very humbled and honoured to have won, especially considering the valuable and important work done by the other nominees. I would like thank all the young people I work with who make my job a joy.”

Rory, who has been youth development leader at St Nicolas’ since March 2011, splits his time evenly between more obviously church-focused youth work and his involvement in the wider community.

Rory is a familiar face at Howard of Effingham School where he helps mentor young people and leads the work of the Christian Union. The recently established Wednesday Film Club based at St Nicolas continues to draw in an eager bunch of Year 7s who appreciate a warm welcome as well as the opportunity to enjoy watching films together. This summer Rory will once again be taking a group of young people to Soul

Winner Rory Densham Brown (second from left) at Soul Survivor 2012

Clandon’s fond farewell to Barry Preece

Survivor, a week-long festival with a Christian focus.

The Revd Alan Jenkins, rector at St Nicolas’, said: “We are delighted for Rory and what this award represents. In today’s climate doing good youth work is often a challenge. The fact that one of the young people took the initiative and nominated him is an indication of how much he is appreciated”.

Rory scoops youth award

There is none like you, O Lord, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

1Ch 17:20 (ESV)

teeth with BBC Radio Merseyside in the 1980s while in ministry in Liverpool and from 1990-93 was news editor of Baptist Times. After a time as area co-ordinator and team leader for Tearfund he decided to re-enter ministry, but within the Church of England.

The evening’s celebration also included musical entertainment from the diocesan music group Heartmusic, of which Mark is a founder member, and the Diocesan House choir performed a personalised rendering of All things bright and Rudallful … All steamboats great and small. Donations for Mark’s leaving gift came flooding in and during the evening Mark and Marian were presented with tickets for a deluxe two-day trip on board a classic train to Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo including a trip on a classic steamboat on Loch Katrine.

Mark and Marian will stay in Farnborough and Mark will continue with Heartmusic as well as serving as a member of clergy with permission to officiate in the diocese.

The Wey March/April 2013

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