CRUXIssue 47

March 2017Church for a different world

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OLDHAMS CHURCH CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY

Members of a new church that serves the Oldhams Estate in Bolton celebrated their first birthday with a great party!

The church, established by Pioneer Curate, The Revd Ben Woodfield, was set up a year ago to serve the people living on the Oldhams Estate. The people there had no church to call their own, and the nearest was St Paul’s, Astley Bridge.

Working with the vicar of St Pauls’, Revd Nick McKee, to establish the new church, it now attracts 50-60 worshippers at the Barlow Park Centre next to Smithills Farm.

The birthday party included lively worship with a band, ‘God stories’ from people whose lives have been enriched by their new-found faith and the support of the church, and a spread of lovely food including a huge cake.

The party-goers created colourful bunting expressing what Oldhams Church means to them. Among the thoughts were:

“No matter where you are from or how long you’ve been, it’s somewhere that you are fully welcomed and made family”.

“To me, the Oldhams Church means bringing the community together ... with one commonality, to do good. You have injected love into a much neglected estate... without judgment or discrimination. Thank you!”

FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR OLDHAMS CHURCH

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REFUGEES. HOW WARM IS OUR WELCOME?Over the last five years the Diocese of Manchester has supported the Boaz Trust, one of our key Christian refugee charities, by providing them with a vicarage.

Boaz recently sent me a letter of thanks and explained how the property has been used. The good news is that some 17 people have spent time living there, the largest number being from Iran. Six residents were granted refugee status either while living in the vicarage or just after; four had already been accepted as refugees but had nowhere to live.

Some of the residents came from highly educated and professional backgrounds. Their stories bear out that the asylum process rejects many people first time round who do have a right, under the international treaties to which the UK is a signatory, to be accepted as refugees. It’s only through the work of Boaz that these people are able to stay and press their case to a successful outcome.

I’m delighted that we have been able to help in this modest way. But I was particularly pleased that the letter wanted to thank the local church congregation for their friendship and support. While the building has been invaluable, the warmth of Christian welcome afforded to the residents may have been the greatest factor in helping them struggle towards a successful settlement in Manchester.

David Walker Bishop of Manchester

Take a look at www.thykingdomcome.globalfor ideas to help you and your church take part in the wave of prayer from 25 May-4 June. Could you organise a prayer walk around your parish, praying for people to come to know Jesus? Or do some creative prayers at school or with the youth group? Could you work with ecumenical partners in your community?

Cover photo courtesy of Phil Taylor

Deanery events will take place in our pilot deaneries over the coming months. Area Deans and Lay Chairs will give updates on the deanery Mission Action Plans and there will be Question and Answer sessions with support from diocesan officers.

THY KINGDOM COME

DEANERY PILOTS

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Church for a different world

APPOINTMENTS The Revd Canon Ian Charles Anthony NSM at St Matthew Little Lever became a Canon Emeritus on 29 January 2017.

The Revd Thomas Lilley, currently Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity Southchurch in Chelmsford Diocese, has been appointed Chaplain to Canon Slade School Bolton.

The Revd Gary Miller, currently OLM in the Wythenshawe Team, has been appointed in addition as Archdeaconry Officer for Self Supporting Ministers for the Archdeaconry of Manchester.

The Revd Christopher Moore, currently Assistant Curate at Croydon Minster, has been appointed Incumbent at St Cross with St Paul Clayton and Ardwick Deanery Mission Enabler (both 0.5 posts).

The Revd Christine Threlfall, currently Priest-in-Charge of Broughton, has been appointed in addition as Salford Archdeaconry ALM Chaplain.

RESIGNATION The Revd Steve Whiting, currently Team Vicar in the Leverhulme Team, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of the Forest of Galtres in the Diocese of York.

RETIREMENT The Revd Paul Plumpton, currently Team Vicar in the Leverhulme Team, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of the Forest of Galtres in the Diocese of York.

The Revd Robin Usher, currently Team Vicar in the Wythenshawe Team, is to retire with effect from 30 April.

We are sorry to record the death of Canon Harry Callaghan.

Harry was ordained to a title in Sheffield in 1960 then served in The West Indies for 11 years, before returning to the UK where he worked with the Missions to Seamen and USPG.

Parochial Ministry then attracted him to St Martin’s Wythenshawe, followed by St John’s, Top o’th Moss, Bolton, prior to his retirement.

In recognition of his work with our one-time link with the Diocese of Massachusetts, he was made Honorary Canon of that diocese in 1992. He leaves a widow, Joan, and many happy memories in this diocese.

The Ven David Sharples, Archdeacon of Salford, is to take up the vacant residentiary canonry at Manchester Cathedral, which by custom is held by one of the archdeacons. Archdeacon David will then step down as Diocesan

Director of Ordinands, as we prepare to recruit a fulltime Director of Vocations as part of an increased investment in calling and preparing people for lay and ordained ministries.

REVD CANON HARRY CALLAGHAN RIP

NEW VOCATIONS POST

NEW ARCHDEACON OF MANCHESTERThe Bishop of Manchester has appointed The Revd Karen Lund, 54, to be the new Archdeacon of Manchester. Karen becomes the first black female to be appointed Archdeacon in the northern province of the Church of England.

Karen came to the Diocese of Manchester from Chelmsford Diocese when she was appointed Team Vicar in the Turton Moorland Team in Bolton in 2014. Since then she has taken a lead in the diocese on raising awareness and training senior staff on unconscious bias, and has represented the diocese at events and conferences.

The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, said “I’m delighted that Karen has accepted my invitation to be the next Archdeacon of Manchester. She is a person of great warmth and empathy, combined with the resilience necessary for the demands of the role. She brings a strong grasp of the key theological and missional issues facing the Church and has a real commitment to the challenge of growth. The people and parishes of her archdeaconry and beyond will find her a good and true friend, one who will journey with them in taking the risks and rising to the opportunities that God sets before us.”

Karen said, “I feel enormously privileged to be taking up the role as the next Archdeacon of Manchester. I am completely delighted about my appointment, and look forward to meeting the people and clergy of the Archdeaconry and being part of the Bishop’s Team.

“I look forward to becoming established in my role and continuing the work of Christ in loving service to all, and maintaining our diocesan values, to lovingly nurture others, labour for growth in God’s church, be of service, and celebrate the fruits of mission in God’s Kingdom.

“My love and thanks to everyone in Walmsley Parish and the Turton Moorland Team for mutual sharing and discipleship.”

Karen is married to Richard. She has one son. She expects to take up her new post in May.

Karen LundArchdeacon of Manchester

These stones that have echoed their praises are holy,and dear is the ground where their feet have once trod… (W. Draper)

THE VERY STONES CRY OUT…

These words from the hymn may not be the most obvious to sing after a visit to a concentration camp and yet of all the emotions and images that flood my mind after spending 48 hours there these words sing in my head. In January I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau with a group of clergy at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury; with temperatures of -14 and deep snow it was at once beautiful and freezing, but our hearts and minds were chilled by the horrors of history and the

painful realities of what confronted us as we were guided through the physical remains of one of the greatest sites of evil on our planet. In some ways the place was unreal, as if I needed to pinch myself in order to acknowledge my presence within the very buildings, pathways and railway tracks that witnessed such unspeakable evil. And yet it was the very physicality of the place which has left such a deep scar within my memories.

And not only the enormity of the complex but the simple, domestic stuff of light switches, window latches, walls, floors and locks. Unlike other visits to historic places, here we were close and able to touch the same mundane fixtures that passively served the meticulous murder of millions.

So among the vivid images are the steps within the blocks at Auschwitz 1. Functional, modernist, municipal in their fashioning, but steadily worn down by the clogged-feet of people as worn-down as the steps which bear their impression.

In a place of such unimaginable evil it would seem hard, if not impossible, to sense faith and hope, let alone love.

And yet the human imprint on this place is not just in the worn-down steps but in the cries and tears, and even hope, that seeped into the walls and makes this place speak today. These stones that have echoed with such screams – and even praises – are indeed holy, and dear is the ground where their feet have once trod. The very stones cry out. In Luke 19 Jesus warns that if his disciples keep quiet then the very stones will speak. How can we keep quiet in the shadow of such violent, dehumanizing evil? To remain silent in the face of oppression is to condone. To be alert to the darkest depths of human nature will make us uncomfortable, but it is a necessary presence from which we must speak. Cautious as we need to be in making easy comparisons with contemporary world events, the events of places such as Auschwitz-Birkenau compel us to watch closely all that we witness today and know when it is time to speak out.

Revd Stephen Edwards, Wythenshawe

Jesus warns that if his disciples keep quiet then the very stones will speak. To remain silent in the face of oppression is to condone.

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120 people from every church across Bolton deanery gathered together for a deanery Vision Morning to worship, celebrate all that God is doing, and reflect on their shared mission and what they hope to achieve in the future.

The morning was led by Mike Chesterton, Diocesan Mission Development Officer. Vinny Whitworth, Area Dean, said, “Mike reminded us of the biblical mandate of our mission and guided us through the Mission Action Planning process to help us think about how we might fulfil our mission. We considered what individual churches can offer to the wider church to help each other in our mission. Finally we started to dream dreams and came up with

possible newspaper headlines reporting what we might do in the future.” In true Bolton style, the morning concluded with a Carrs Pastie and Peas lunch!

Mike Chesterton said, “It was a real privilege to see people thinking creatively about how we can be more relevant to our community and find ways to engage with community rather than expect community to engage with us. Each group grappled with what it looks like to be a worshiping, growing and transforming Christian presence at the heart of their community, and I’m excited about what the future holds for the deanery, its churches and the people they are called to challenge and serve.”

The parish of St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale has recently completed the Jesus Shaped People (JSP) discipleship programme in preparation for Mission Action Planning. The course is designed for poor parishes and estate ministries, but all will benefit from its simplicity and accessible language.

Simple to use but challenging, it asks people to look at the life of Jesus in a fresh way and ask the question, “What would happen if our life as a church reflected Jesus’ priorities?” The course lasts 15 weeks.

This course is particularly designed for poor parishes and estate ministries, but all will benefit from following it. Sue added, “I found the emphasis on prayer in weeks 10-12 to be especially helpful. This adventure will fit any parish worship pattern, and is not easily pigeon-holed into a ‘tradition’ box.”

BOLTON CATCHES THE VISION

HOW JESUS SHAPED ARE WE?

JESUSRevd Sue Morgan, who ran the course at St Mary’s, said “This course helps church members of all ages to re-focus on Jesus (rather than the buildings, Faculties, lack of money, and problems that so often claim our attention). The JSP course follows five main priorities in the ministry of Jesus as documented in the Gospels: people, teaching, team building, prayer, prophetic challenge.

SHAPEDThe founder of the course, Canon Gordon Dey used the illustration of a jigsaw. He said that all of us have picked up bits of information, and stories about Jesus, but for many of us these have been ‘bits’, rather than the ‘whole picture’. This course will confront us with the questions: “Will we allow Jesus and His priorities to have central place in our re-shaped hearts?” “Will we allow Jesus to re-shape the future of our churches and communities?”

PEOPLEThis is a ‘whole church discipleship adventure’, rooted in every area of parish life and every house group (resources are provided for small groups, children and young people). The first three weeks focus on Jesus’ response to people: people on the streets, people on the edge, people’s real needs.

For further information on JPS contact: Canon Gordon Dey on 01274 499781; gordondey1@gmail.com

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OUT OF AFRICA A Ugandan choir joined local churches and schools on a two-week mission, bringing with them a unique style of worship and testimony that had a huge impact.

The mission by the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) Choir of Uganda was organized by the vicar of Christ Church Pennington, Revd Alan Saunders. He explained: “The band aren’t here because of me, I’m here because of them! I became involved with AYF in 1993 on their first UK tour. It was through their impact at my local church that I decided to become a Christian. It’s been an exciting journey which eventually led to my ordination as a priest”

In spite of freezing January temperatures, the band brought a little African sunshine by delivering their message and music with energy and zest. Their busy programme

included visits to Lowton High School, Oakfield High School and college, and the primary schools of Christ Church Pennington, St John’s and St Mary’s.

The band hosted lively full school assemblies, drama and culture lessons and energetic concerts with many of their commitments lasting all day and into the evening. A teacher from one high school enthused: “I was astonished to see all the students and staff up on their feet dancing and singing. Even the sulkiest and most shy teenagers were just drawn into the sheer joy and freedom of it. Alan and the band have really impacted us all; we’ll remember this time for years to come!”

The mission culminated in a free Saturday evening concert at Christ Church Pennington.

SUFFERING IN SILENCE?

As we enter the season of Lent, Assistant Bishop Frank Sargeant reflects on suffering as portrayed in Martin Scorseses’ film, Silence, adapted from a book by Shusaku Endo published in 1966.

The film credits warn of scenes of torture and violence. Those tortured were the Christians in Japan in 1633, and the story revolves round two young Jesuit priests in search of a senior priest who disappeared while a missionary there. Smuggled into the country, they give the isolated Christians the ‘benefit of Church’; confession, baptism and Holy Communion.

One character is a ‘Judas’ type. He betrays his associates, leading to their persecution. He seeks forgiveness and, in the end, suffers himself for his faith. The film, although slated by the critics, is beautifully shot and significantly runs for three hours. My thoughts return regularly and I offer these as we go into Lent.

The first is that the modern media can illustrate Gospel truths by real life examples. Silence did just that, illustrating the feelings, reactions and fears of those throughout the ages who have been persecuted for their faith, but also their courage, devotion and faithfulness, illustrating that ‘the blood of the martyrs’ is the seed of the Church.

My second is that the film illustrated precisely the situation of Christians who are persecuted for their faith today and deprived of the ‘benefit of Church’, which we take so much for granted.

My third cluster of thoughts revolves round isolated statements, which we should ponder today. Amidst the violence and torture one young priest says, ‘Christ did not die for the pleasant and comfortable but for the unlovely and brutal.’ Again a simple Christian asks ‘If I say that I love God, does that mean that I have faith?’

Perhaps the question should be, ‘Do I love God as a basis of my faith?’ The young priest asks himself haunting questions, ‘What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What shall I do for Christ?’

Of course ‘Silence’ implies the silence of God to the cries of the afflicted. However, we remember that God came to Elijah in ‘a still small voice’ and to Jesus in the silence of the wilderness. So we must allow God to speak to us in the silence. A suggested prayer is: ‘Lord God you have given us your Word and speak in silence. Strengthen our faith so that no trials may quench the fire your Spirit has kindled in us.’

Image: Phil Taylor

Frank Sargeant Assistant Bishop

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Church for a different world CRUX March 2017

UNA KROLL RIPThe death early in the year of Una Kroll a former Anglican nun and priest, doctor, and prominent feminist campaigner in the Movement for the Ordination of Women, has been well documented in the obituaries in the national press.

The chequered life and many qualities of this activist for peace and justice are often overlooked by those who just remember her for the plaintive cry she made from the gallery at the 1978 meeting of General Synod as they voted against the ordination of women. “We asked for bread and you gave us a stone”.

What perhaps is lesser known that after serving as a GP and priest in Wales and the death of her husband, she retired to a cottage to live the life of a contemplative nun and much sought after spiritual director, a ministry which continued when she moved to Bury in 2003 to be nearer to her family.

She started to worship at St John’s Bury and Canon Ian Stamp the vicar writes that “she joined the ministry team taking a full part on the liturgy and preaching rota, leading house and study groups and strengthening the productive partnership with neighbouring Roman Catholic churches, and enhancing relationships with Bury’s Muslim community”.

Towards the end of her life she surprisingly joined the RC church, not as a theological statement but as a spiritual impulse to stand alongside the women of that church who like her yearned for equality in ministry, yet a true ecumenist she continued to attend the early Eucharist service at St John’s before going on to Mass at St Joseph’s.

“For 14 years she was very active and a prominent part of the community in Bury and a huge gift to the Church, and her friendship a blessing to many”.

FAIRTRADE BIG BREW

BOOK LAUNCH

This year Fairtraders will mark Fairtrade Fortnight (27 Feb to 12 March) by organising Big Brews, running stalls and telling us to ‘look for the Fairtrade label’.

Are you thinking ‘Why bother? Isn’t that job done? We can buy Fairtrade coffee in the supermarket if we look hard along the shelves.’ Think again!

Fairtrade was pioneered in churches, where ordinary people refused to accept that markets are outside God’s justice. Big ideas which meant going out of churches into the food markets of the world, as those Fairtrade pioneers did.

The church is still needed – perhaps more than ever now – so do an extraordinary thing: try a new Fairtrade product, ask your supermarket to stock it, organise a Big Brew, tell a friend.

The Revd Rachel Mann’s new book, Fierce Imaginings: The Great War, Ritual, Memory and God, takes place at Manchester Cathedral on Thursday 9 March at 7pm.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, wrote in the foreword: “This is the most searching and original book I have read about the impact of the First World War on the faith and myths of this nation.”

The launch event will include music, readings and refreshments. Copies of the book will be on sale at St Denys’ Bookshop for a special launch price of £10 (normally £12.99).

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CRUX March 2017We want to hear your thoughts

Send to:Church for a Different World, Diocese of Manchester, Church House,90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH

WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL?

EXPERIENCE EASTER @ MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL

Discover the Easter story through a special craft and story trail designed for young families.

3 April13:45 – 15:454 April10:30 – 12:30 and 13:45 – 15:455 April10:30 – 12:30

For further details of services and events at the cathedral, please visit www.manchestercathedral.org

To advertise in CRUX contact:Simon Ambrose, 0161 828 1410sambrose@manchester.anglican.orgDisplay rate card on request. Small ads: 50p per word (prepaid, 40 words max). Please print small ad and send, with cheque made out to ‘Manchester DBF’, to Simon Ambrose, Communications Office, Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH. Deadline: 1st of the month prior to publication.

Editorial:All editorial items to Ann Mummery,0161 828 1470amummery@manchester.anglican.org

Distribution:To order or amend, ring 0161 828 1470. For distribution enquiries, ring Jon Golding, 07768 767220. Published by the Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance (registered charity). © Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance

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Website:manchester.anglican.orgTwitter:@DioManchesterFacebook:Church of England (Dioceseof Manchester-official)Email: differentworld@manchester.anglican.org

What will we do with your comments?

We will collate all the responses we receive and consider them as we develop our plans and priorities for the diocese.

We will not be able to provide individual responses, but we will provide updates in CRUX on how your feedback is shaping Church for a different world.

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