Together September 2012

I

the Diocese of Ripon and LeedsNews fromTogetherTogether

Inside this month’s Together:p II Church on Showp III Synod Newsp IV ACTS 435p V Ambition for Missionp VI Pet Servicep VIII How Like an Angel

Synod backs Methodist/Anglican partnershipNew Covenant Area Partnership enables sharing clergy and joint services

Prayer and poetry refreshes all

Healingretreat

www.riponleeds.anglican.org

september 2012

A new and groundbreaking regional partnership with the Methodist Church was over-whelmingly support-ed by members of the Diocesan Synod meeting in Ripon in July. The ‘Regional Covenant Partner-ship’ between the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds and the Leeds Methodist District will lead to greater sharing of clergy, more joint services, working together to support mission and ministry and greater consultation over future deployment of staff and resources.

Bishop John Packer (pictured at Synod) said the partnership was an important opportunity for the two churches: “This marks an important step for the diocese and the Leeds Methodist District which has already voted to support the move. It will encourage us to strive for closer connection with other

churches, both together as well as separately. We hope that through our own working

more closely together, we will also be able to encourage unity between other churches.”

Synod members responded to the motion by an overwhelm-ing majority.

(Continued on Page 2)

'Slow Down to the Heart's Time' was the title given by Janet Morley, who led this first diocesan retreat organised by the Healing and Spirituality task group.

Loretta Williams, one of the delegates, told Together: “'Fed in mind and spirit and body' was a comment made at the retreat. It was a weekend with poetry and prayer as its theme, opening our eyes and minds to the glory of poetry to deepening our prayer life. With time and space to enjoy Wydale and its grounds and to forge new friendships, the re-treat was much enjoyed by the people from across the diocese who participated.”

(Continued on Page 2)

News......News.....News.....News.....News.....News

II

News... News... News... News... News... News...

Covenant Healing Retreat

Crowds flock to see the Church on Show

(Continued from Page 1)The Covenant Area Partner-ship proposal follows from the signing of the Covenant between the Methodist Church of Great Britain and the Church of England in 2003.

Under the Area Partnership, one of the first at this level, there will be greater consulta-tion and co-operation between some 85 Anglican parishes of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds which have within their boundary a church of the Leeds District of the Method-ist Church.

Following torrential rain the Great Yorkshire Show lasted just one of the planned three days of July. It was a bitter blow to the Show's organisers but despite this, the Church on Show pavilion was visited by many hundreds of people. The theme was 'Love is ...' and the design team offered a 'labyrinth' experience as young and old walked through the pavilion, with interactive ac-

tivities, including a prayer pool, into which by the end of the day hun-dreds of prayers had been offered.

The Great York-shire Show has of-ten been an event

linked into major national concerns, and so it was this year with the cam-paign over milk prices for diary farmers.

Another key national issue is the

need to buy British produce, a move which supports lo-cal farmers and cuts down on carbon footprints. Andy Ryland, Diocesan Rural Officer (pictured below) met Nigel Bartle of the British tomato growers who is based in Billingham. They discussed the importance of supporting the small but growing British tomato industry.

(Continued from Page 1) Canon Adrian Alker who helped to organise the retreat and acted as chaplain indi-

cated that such a week-end might become an annual event in the diocesan calendar.

III

Synod news... Synod news... Synod news...‘Ambition for Mission’ welcomed by Synod

2013 Budget

Environment Officer

‘Mission needs to begin with God and therefore Mission needs to begin with prayer.’Leading into the debate on the diocesan strategy paper, Ambition for Mission, Bishop James Bell introduced a new resource for parishes, “Prepar-ing the way with Prayer”,

which is being distributed to parishes via deanery synods, and can be accessed via the diocesan website, www.ripon-leeds.anglican.org.

Synod members heard about how Ambition for Mission had been developed, reflecting the work of three task groups of clergy and laity from across the diocese (see Page 5 for more details).

It was warmly received and overwhelmingly approved. Work will now continue via diocesan committees, with a report back to Synod due in 12 months.

The 2013 Budget presented to Synod members was adopted unanimously. Delegates were told that the overall increase in parish share would be kept as low as possible at 1%. Chairman of the Board of Finance, Simon Baldwin said: “2013 will present many challenges in light of what we need to do to support mission in the diocese in the current

economic climate. It is the most challenging budget I can remember for many years.”

Parishes were thanked for their continued generosity in paying towards share to sup-port ministry costs across the diocese, which accounts for 65% of diocesan income. A small deficit has had to be managed every year over recent years. The pressure to keep annual increases in share to an absolute minimum is contributing to the deficit and further exacerbated by short-falls in share collection. More details at www.riponleeds.anglican.org/news-480.html

Synod was the setting for Jemima Parker to be commis-

sioned by Bishop John Packer as the Diocesan Environmental Officer. Jemima is leading work with parishes on a carbon reduction project called the ‘S Measure’. She told Synod: “It enables churches to regulate, measure and reduce fuel consumption and make savings as well as reducing our carbon footprint”. For more, email [email protected]

Vision for MissionA festival style multi-venue day for everyone in the diocese is planned for 22 June 2013. The aim of the day is to give local churches “the opportunity, the resources, the permission and the direction to think and act missionally in order to see growth”, which is the overall aim of Ambition for Mission.

More information on this exciting initiative will follow soon.

IV

Agents for change

Bishop James writesACTS 435

They don’t hit the headlines, but the Fringe Meetings are one of the best parts of attend-ing the General Synod of the Church of England! The first one that I attended in July was sponsored by Archbishop Sen-tamu: the intriguingly named ACTS 435.

ACTS 435 is inspired by that verse: “They laid (the money) at the apostles feet and it was distributed to each as any had need.” The experience of God’s sacrificial generos-ity in Christ was so fresh, so intense that the first Chris-tians responded in a way that reflected that experience.

What’s the big idea? “At times of economic crisis many want to help those in need, but don’t know the most effective way to do so. Acts 435 recognises that people want to give, often a little, sometimes more, to people with genuine need. Acts 435 is a website that directly links those wanting to give with those need-ing their help. This happens simply through online giving, with the Church providing a physical face-to-face meeting point where church volunteers, called advocates, meet with those in need.”

More information will be coming to parishes in the near

future, so you might be pray-ing about whether this is an idea that might work for you and your church in its service of those in need in the com-munity – and if so, whether you might have the time and desire to work as an advocate.

At the Fringe meeting we heard stories of people whose lives had been significantly improved by Acts 435, stories therefore of the love of God being known through practi-cal action. When Jesus was asked “who is my neighbour” in relation to the command-ment to love your neighbour as yourself, he told a story of direct practical action to help a fellow human being in their hour of need. It would be great if as Christians we were the cause of such stories being told as that of the Good Samaritan and those I heard at the Fringe of General Synod.

+James

A team of seven people from across the diocese are devel-oping a multi-media resource for parishes which is to be published later this year.

Agents for Change is a resource pack for churches around the subject of change management and lay leader-ship and will include video and discussion material, as well as talks by Diocesan Secretary Dr Sue Proctor and Bishop John.

Parish groups will be able to use the material in a pic-and –mix style and plans include training material on Apprecia-tive Inquiry methods, leading the church during an inter-regnum, good and bad practice when introducing change and theological reflection on change and the church. More details shortly.

V

A Strategy for GrowthLast October, Together reported on the start of the development of a strategy for growth across the diocese. Three working groups of clergy and laity spent many hours of prayerful reflection, reading, consultation and research and the result, Ambition for Mission (or A4M), was endorsed by Synod last month.

The report is split into three sections, mirroring the work of the task groups.

Financial sustainabilityThe consequences of the economic downturn are being felt in communities across the diocese. Four objectives were identified by the team who worked on this issue.1. To create a diagnostic tool to assess the vi-

ability and sustainability of parishes.2. To consider alternative or complementary

models for share management.3. To identify best practice in stewardship and

fundraising, and communicate this across the diocese.

4. To review our strategic approach to housing management.

Mission innovation and developmentThe second set of proposals hope to reverse the downward trends which suggest that, by the mid-dle of this century, worshipping Christian com-munities in large areas will have disappeared. Amongst their recommendations, they suggest:• A programme of prayer• A strategic, mission-focused assessment

model for mission• The encouragement of Mission Action

Planning

Ambition for Mission

• Accelerating the Leading Your Church into Growth programme

• Strategic thinking about church planting, Fresh Expressions and ‘missional ‘com-munities

• Accelerating the Interns Programme• Encouraging each local church to have an

annual nurture course• Piloting a Mission Innovation Fund for two

years• Training, resourcing and exploiting new

technology and new innovation in commu-nication

Clergy and Lay Development and DeploymentThe third area of focus included decisions on the deployment of ministry resources, and fostering a vision among church leaders for spiritual and numerical growth. Their four objectives were:1. To review current appointment practices in

order to prioritise growth. 2. To look at the strategic deployment of laity

and clergy for growth. 3. To look at how we can identify and train

leaders who can support growth.4. To investigate how the diocese might

increasingly foster a vision for spiritual and numerical growth, developing deanery plans that have mission as their main driver.

How do I get involved?You can access a copy of the A4M report by visit-ing www.riponleeds.anglican.org, or by con-tacting Natalie Norman at the Diocesan Office: (0113) 2000 545.

VI

News... News... News... News... News... News...

Poet Laureate at Leeds Minster

Pet Service success for Fun-Key church

St Giles’ Wedding Fayre

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy comes to Leeds this month for a poetry and musi-cal evening to celebrate Leeds Parish Church becoming a Minster. On Sep-tember 27th at 7.30pm she will be joined by musician John Sampson and, as well as draw-ing on a wide range of writing, Carol Ann will be performing a poem for Leeds which has been written especially. The event

Revd John Chambers is pictured leading the annual pet service at Fun-Key Church, a new venture at St. Mary’s Richmond. The fam-ily event takes place on the last Sunday of each month providing fun for fam-ily, friends and worship aided by craft, music, activities and a warm atmosphere.

A congregation of 125 humans and 50 animals of all shapes

and sizes took part in the service of thanksgiving for animals with the pets receiv-ing an individual blessing

and owners a personalised certificate. There was a quiz, face painting, craft activities, hymns and songs with refreshments

provided by the Mothers’ Un-ion including animal shaped biscuits. For more informa-tion visit the Fun-Key church Facebook page or contact [email protected]

In the picturesque village of Bramhope, St Giles’ Church is holding its first Wedding Fayre next month. Revd Janice Smith will be on hand to talk to couples who come to the church on October 7th and says there will be lots of advice on hand. “Church weddings are on the increase again. People want a mean-ingful and spiritual service be-fore God for this, the greatest commitment of their lives.”

She says that couples will have the chance to visit the church in a relaxed and infor-mal way and consult a range of exhibitors - all experts in matters concerning the ‘big day’. They will be available to give advice - from harpists and hair-dos to florists and fireworks!

Ms Krystyna Novak, the organiser, said: “I am really excited at this new venture. St Giles is such a warm, cosy church with its beauti-ful stonework arches, all set off by a rich red carpet. Who would not want to marry here?”

Further details can be found at www.stgilesbramhope.org.uk

has been sponsored by LCI and the Leeds Literary and Philosophical society. Carol

Ann Duffy is a Scottish poet and playwright, and professor of Contempo-rary Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is the winner of numerous po-etry awards and

has been awarded an OBE. Tickets from LCI. See Diary Dates opposite for details.

y Diary Dates Your guide to events

VII

Septemberin the Diocese of Ripon & Leeds

2

2

2

4

9

10-22

20-21

22

22

27

29

30

GenR8 at St Stephen’s Church, Moor-town - 10.30am (all-age event) and 6.30pm. www.genr8.org.uk

St Margaret’s Church, Hawes, Renova-tion Project Launch, 2-4pm. St Marga-ret’s need to raise £650,000, to update and improve facilities

Leeds Minster celebrations. All are warmly invited to be part of the 600 strong Leeds Parish Church congregation at 3pm for an historic service of celebra-tion. Free tickets are available by going in person to the church's welcome desk, or by phone from the office on (0113) 245 2036

Grinton Church Bat Project – official launch and open evening. 7pm Talk about bats and bat walk led by Digby Angus from Leyburn. Please book through Revd Caroline Hewlett (01748) 884706

Racial Justice Sunday - “Being an Inclu-sive Church” is the theme of the resource material produced by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. A service for Racial Justice takes place on Sunday at 4.00pm, Oxford Place Leeds. More details: www.ctbi.org.uk

Holy Given: International School of Mis-sions partnering with St Matthias Church Leeds. Two-week, intensive mission train-ing course. St Matthias Leeds, LS4 2DZ www.holygiven.org

Archbishop of York visit to the Diocese. 20th: visiting Leeds including Holy Trinity Boar Lane, Pioneer Ministry, Leeds Minster, David Young Community Academy, Seacroft Team, Holy Trinity Meanwood, and health professionals and chaplains. 21st: visiting St Mary’s Richmond’s FunKey Service, Hope Debt advice at Bedale, and the Kairos Homeless Project in Harrogate

Retreat for people with learning dis-abilities at Ben Rhydding. Contact Sue Rusholme for more details, (0113)2000 547.

Walk in their shoes - St Gemma's Hos-pice Fundraising and Reflection Walk . 10am- 12 noon, Colton Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Yard, Colton, Leeds, LS15 9AH. Email [email protected]

Carol Ann Duffy, the Poet Laureate, with the first performance of a poem for Leeds. £5 (£2.50 concessions ). (0113) 245 4700 or [email protected] Leeds Minster 7.30pm (see page 6 for details)

National Day of Prayer and Worship - Wembley Arena –Network Leeds are now taking bookings for return travel from Leeds www.networkleeds.com

Celebration Service , St Matthew’s Chapel Allerton, 3pm, organised by the Learning Disabilities Task Group

VIII

Moves and Appointments

Circus and Music blend at Ripon Cathedral

David Brighton Editor(0113) 2000540, email:Together @riponleeds-diocese.org.uk

John Carter Managing Editor(01423) 530369, email: [email protected]

Cost and delivery enquiries:Julie Milbourne, Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Office, (0113) 2000540

As part of the Cultural Olympiad, Ripon Cathedral hosted ‘How Like an Angel’ last month. Nick Morgan told Together why it was so special.

Mrs Christine Alker has been appointed Diocesan Fairtrade Secretary.

Revd Melodie Kimball, Asso-ciate Priest in the Benefice of Leeds All Souls and St Aidan’s and Chaplaincy Manager for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; to be House for Duty Assist-ant Curate of the Benefice of

Thirkleby with Kilburn and Bagby, continuing as part-time Chaplaincy Manager for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Revd John Jessop, Catterick Village, Richmond; has been given Permission to Officiate

Revd Peter Lamb Dunbar, Vicar of Upper Nidderdale and

The unique show, 'How Like An Angel', fused Australian group Circa’s exhilarating brand of contemporary circus with the exquisite sound of I Fagiolini’s singing. The show was a celebration of the beauty and grandeur of four stunning English cathedrals of which Ripon provided the finale. This tour was part of the Cultural Olympiad for London 2012 and featured feats of athleticism of a truly Olym-pian standard. Audiences were

blown away and responded on Twitter and Facebook with comments including:"mere words don't seem enough to do

justice to this."

"@riponcathedral Just been tweeting @CircaPresents after tonight's absolutely OUTSTANDING performance - seriously mindblowing."

"How like an angel was brilliant - visually stunning, exciting and uplifting."

"When my mouth wasn't hang-ing open in awe, the tears were rolling down my face. Many thanks to all involved with bringing this fantastic evening to Ripon Cathedral."

Pho

to c

redi

t: D

avid

Cha

llone

r

Pho

to c

redi

t: D

avid

Cha

llone

r

Chaplain of Ripon Grammar School; to retire on 30th Sep-tember 2012.