JOURNAL OF BLACKBURN DIOCESE : THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN LANCASHIRE

THE

See MAGAZINE

JUNE 2017

The See can also be found on the Diocesan Website: www.blackburn.anglican.org under News, or scan the ‘QR code’ on the back page

with your smartphone to be taken to the Diocese website page which contains the current and archive editions of The See.

A workshop involving estates churches from across our Diocese took place in early May at St James' Lower Darwen.

The inspiring event was an opportunity for clergy and laity from some challenging parishes to get together, to network and share experiences.

The event proved so successful participants asked for more opportunities to gather together in the future – watch this space!

The conference took place as the first of our Diocesan applications was submitted to the Church Commissioners’ Strategic Development Fund for £1.3m for ‘Outer Estates Leadership’ .

For more on this exciting funding application, involving St James Lower Darwen; Freedom Church, Mereside and St Mark Layton and St Luke, Staining read the latest column written by Dave Champness on page 5 of this edition.

Rev. Linda Tomkinson from Mereside; Rev. Tim Horobin from St James’ and Rev. Peter Lillicrap from St Mark and St Luke spoke at the conference about their experiences and achievements so far and their hopes for the future.

The day was led by Bishop Philip. Archdeacon Michael and Archdeacon Mark also attended.

Keynote speaker was Andy Delmege, who chairs the National Church Estates Network.

And Richard Cooke from The Church Army (an organisation that will partner with the Diocese to create a Church Army Centre of Mission on Grange Park, Blackpool if our Church Commissioners’ application is successful) spoke about his own work on an estate near Selby in Yorkshire.

Other parishes with speakers who shared the challenges and opportunities of estates work at the workshop included St Oswald, Knuzden; Greenlands St Anne and St Paul, North Shore, Blackpool; Christ Church, Lancaster and Nelson, Little Marsden.

Introducing the day, Bishop Philip explained the workshop’s three key aims …

To clearly state the Diocese sees ministry on estates as vital; it lies at heart of spiritual renewal

To present new ways churches on outer estates can be supported, as ministry in this context can often be simultaneously

rewarding and frustrating

To share information about current Diocesan and national initiatives and offer the opportunity to network

Bishop Philip has been championing the importance of ‘estates evangelism’ for some time now. He is also chairman of a national group focusing on the topic, as a strand of the national Renewal and Reform programme.

The Bishop said: “You are here today because you work on the edges and that is where Christ located himself.

“So your work matters and we want to encourage you to take risks and to seize every opportunity and don’t be afraid of failure.

“The importance of service while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in reaching out to the communities on estates across our region is clear; you are doing vital ministry to the most vulnerable. People encounter church through service but sharing the Good News is how people come to faith.”

Andy Delmege led a segment where he asked delegates to contribute key issues encountered in ministering to outer estates. The feedback was realistic and challenging .

Andy’s clear message was around the importance of growing leaders from within estates communities who understand the places they are trying to reach and can speak to people ‘on the level’.

As well as the plans for the parishes involved in the first Church Commissioners’ application (see page 5) delegates heard from Rev. Anne Morris about the Holiday Club for children being run by St Oswald during half terms and two separate weeks over the summer that feeds around 40 youngsters per day.

Rev. Deborah Prest outlined the work St Anne and St Paul has been doing to support elderly people who have long-term health problems.

Rev. Phil Hudd spoke about the genuine poverty (in many forms) on outer estates – including the post-war Ridge Estate in his parish of Christ Church, Lancaster.

He summed it up saying he sees…

Poverty of amenities Poverty of education: Few children entering

education at age related education average. Poverty of language: To express grief,

enquiry or feelings; so the church language of metaphor is often lost on people for example

Poverty of health Poverty of mobility and transport Poverty of stability Poverty of aspiration

Rev. Guy Jamieson spoke about the challenge of a parish like Nelson, Little Marsden, which is one of the 10 most deprived areas in the country. Whilst Nelson is not a defined ‘outer estate’, with its swathes of terraced properties (many with private landlords) it can have similar socio-economic characteristics.

He outlined their partnership and community outreach working; how they encourage dialogue and bridge divides across different cultures and how prayer sits at the heart of everything they do as they seek to actively ‘love the place’.

Meanwhile, Gill Beeley and Greg Smith from Together Lancashire outlined work they have been doing on community initiatives in south west Burnley and Blackpool.

In Burnley, an ecumenical partnership has led to the creation of a coordinated neighbourhood plan, liaising with key local partners; while in Blackpool local churches are working together to tackle food poverty by creating a joint foodbank service for the whole of Blackpool.

Challenge of

ministry on

our estates

The participants at the workshop from across the County gather with Bishop Philip outside St James Church, Lower Darwen

Bishop Philip introduces the day

Rev. Deborah Prest spoke about her experiences in Blackpool

Rev. Guy Jamieson from Nelson and Rev. Phil Hudd from Lancaster who also made contributions

Rev. Peter Lillicrap during his presentation

COMMENT: BISHOP PHILIP / NEWS

I know a Bishop who asks a horribly unfair question to clergy who are being interviewed for posts.

‘Tell me,’ he says. ‘What was the theme of your sermon last Trinity Sunday?’

He then sits back and watches the poor cleric squirm.

It’s true that Trinity Sunday has been the cause of many sleepless nights amongst preachers and even larger numbers of confused faces amongst those laypeople who have to listen to the sermons!

It is a doctrine that can all too easily confuse and befuddle and provoke either over-complicated words or trite and simplistic images.

What’s more it seems to turn God into an idea or a concept rather than one who calls us into intimate and loving, personal relationship.

Well it’s time for a rethink. The Trinity does not downplay relationship.

In fact, it shows us that right at the very heart of what we believe, there is a relationship. God is three persons who are united in a relationship of absolutely perfect love.

Between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit there is no hierarchy, there is no

jostling for status, there is no competition or rivalry. There is only complete, utter, perfect love – a love so intense that it makes them one.

And here’s the incredible thing about that perfect relationship which is God. We’re invited into it. We’re called to share in the party. The Father loves us just as much as he loves the Son and the Holy Spirit.

If we believe in a God who is relationship, it shows us something about our own relationships, for we are called to do all we can to copy here on earth the relationship of love that we see in God. That means valuing and caring for all people and building a world in which justice and peace prevails.

Around the time you are reading this, the General Election will be taking place and we will be deciding which way to vote.

Perhaps the Trinity is something that can help us decide which way to go. Instead of just weighing up policies, try thinking about relationships.

Who will build the kind of society which reflects the kind of love we see in the Trinity? Who will seek to build a more equal nation? Who will bring the kind of peace into our homes and communities that we long for?

The Trinity is not a dry concept or a

complicated idea. It is the being of God who invites us to share in his being. It’s not a dusty dry set of words, it is a lifestyle. Don’t dream it, be it!

Bishop Philip

Intense

relationship of

absolutely

perfect love

As well as working with our parish Vision Champions, another part of my role as Vision Coordinator is to prepare a series of applications to the Church Commissioners Strategic Development Fund, writes Dave Champness, Vision Coordinator.

The fund has been created by the National Church to enable dioceses to resource activities that will make a 'step change' in the number of disciples.

For example, Carlisle Diocese has received funding for their 'God for All' strategy of establishing up to 40 new collaborative Mission Communities with the Methodist and URC churches across Cumbria.

Our first application called 'Outer Estates Leadership' was submitted recently, and it was discussed at the Outer Estates workshop held in May which you can read more about on pages 1 and 2 of this edition.

For this first application, we are seeking financial assistance of more than £1.3m to create three models of lay/ordained leadership training in our Diocese for people

who have a heart for ministry among the urban poor.

We intend to establish and maintain the following for at least six years:

a Church Army Centre of Mission on Grange Park, Blackpool with evangelists who will not only be active on the estate, but also work across the deanery and diocese

the Church of England Ministry Experience Scheme based on Mereside, Blackpool giving up to three young people aged 18-29 the opportunity to live, serve, learn and explore their vocation together for a year at a time

a leadership hub in south-east Blackburn with evangelist/tutors who will both live among, and be active in, sharing the gospel with their communities as well as tutoring lay and ordained students, some of whom may have short-term residential placements based at St James, Lower Darwen.

The application process has two stages, and we should know whether we have been successful later in 2017. Please keep both the Church Commissioners decision makers and our programme team in your prayers.

As trailed in last month’s edition, a total of 13 ‘Visitation Services’, centred on the theme of welcome and hospitality and led by Archdeacon Michael and Archdeacon Mark, took place in deaneries across the Diocese throughout May.

An important part of The Church of England in Lancashire’s annual calendar of events, the Visitation Services included the official admittance to office of Churchwardens for the coming year.

This year, to reflect the service theme, sidesmen and sideswomen were also admitted in recognition of the important role they play in welcoming people to church every week.

Pictured here is a scene from the Visitation service for Blackburn with Darwen Deanery with Archdeacon Mark, at right, greeting two of the churchwardens as Rev. David Stephenson and Rev. Canon Arun John (behind) look on.

Growing leaders

in an outer

estates context

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Forthcoming events

As this edition of The See is distributed, the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ prayer initiative will still be taking place across our Diocese, nationally and even internationally. A big launch event for our Diocese, mentioned in May’s edition, takes place at the Cathedral on May 24 and further events will be happening right across the County in our churches, including many ‘open church’ events. A further update, after Thy Kingdom Come is over, will appear in the July edition of The See and if you are reading this before the event finishes on June 4 you can find out more by visiting the Thy Kingdom Come pages on our Diocesan website www.blackburn.anglican.org at on the event website www.thykingdomcome.global

St. John The Baptist Church, School Lane, Pilling PR3 6HB, is holding their annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition on Saturday 3 June, 10.30am-4.30pm and Sunday 4 June, 11.30am-4.30pm. All arts and crafts for sale. Refreshments available each day. For further details, contact: C Mayland on 01253 790822.

This Changes Everything live tour with Lou Fellingham comes to Leyland St Andrew’s on Thursday 8 June. Lou Fellingham, previously the lead singer of Christian band Phatfish, has just released her fifth solo album and is touring the UK. She has a desire to communicate the love of God, feed the church and bring revelation of God through her singing and songwriting. To book tickets visit: www.loufellingham.com/tickets

An evening of French Music including Durufle's Requiem and a collection of sacred choral pieces set in the French language including Cantique de Jean Racine, Salve Regina and the much loved Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria, by the Preston Orpheus Choir takes place at St John’s Minster, Church Street, Preston PR1 3BT on Saturday 13 May 2017 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (under 18s are free) and are available on the evening of the concert at the venue or by contacting 01772 735197.

The Rawstorne Singers invite you to ‘Music for a Summer’s Evening’. A selection of music to be held at St James’ Church, Water Street, Brindle PR6 8NG on Saturday 17 June at 7:30pm. Wine and other light refreshments served during the interval. Tickets are £8 and available on the door or from Trevor Collyer: 01254 852275.

Glorious summer classics raising funds for St Leonard’s Church, Downham BB7 4DW, will be performed by The Stonebridge String Quartet. They will be followed by the prestigious Preston Opera Company who will perform a selection of popular pieces. This is a great value for money afternoon for only £8 in St Leonards Church Downham starting at 2pm on Sunday 18 June 2017. Call 01254 384893 for advanced tickets (advisable).

Come and enjoy the Friday Lunchtime Recital at St George the Martyr, Preston PR1 3BU. On Friday 2 June. We have the well-known Robson Twins playing piano duets. Doors open 11am and recital starts at 12.30pm and lasts about 50 minutes. Tickets on door £6 (including refreshments beforehand).

St Peter's Church, Darwen BB3 3HE, is holding a BBQ and Family Fun afternoon. Saturday 10 June, from noon to 2pm. Lots of games and fun for everyone plus food from the BBQ. Everyone welcome. £2.50 per person includes a first visit to the BBQ. Telephone 01254 703929 for more information.

The Over Wyre Parishes are holding a BCP Choral Evensong on Sunday 18 June at 4pm at St John's church, Out Rawcliffe PR3 6TR. The music, sung by

a combined choir, will include plain chant and Tchaikovsky's ‘Hymn to the Trinity’.

Christ Church, Sawley Road, Chatburn BB7 4BE is holding a second hand book fair on Saturday 10 June, 10am–4pm and Sunday 11 June, noon–4pm. Hundreds of books of all kinds plus DVDs and CDs, jigsaws and board games are on offer. Homemade refreshments available. Free entrance. All proceeds

for church funds.

Journey of the Magi is a festive, witty and thoroughly Christmassy event for your church. Springs Dance Company is inviting churches to host a performance of Journey of the Magi, which will be available nationally from 18th November to 23rd December 2017. To get in early and get further information visit the Springs Dance Company website, or email touring@springsdancecompany.org.uk or by calling 07876 752 910

A free Communications and Marketing Advice Day takes place on October 7 at the Diocesan Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE from 10.30am until 3.30pm. It is entitled ‘Get Your Church Noticed’. Ronnie Semley, our Diocesan Communications Manager, will be joined by his colleague Neil Pugmire, the Communications Manager for Portsmouth Diocese and author of the book ‘How to Get Your Church Noticed’ to lead the session and give some practical, common sense, ideas for promoting your church, its mission work and activities in your immediate local area. More information on the Diocesan website events calendar or email karen.ashcroft@blackburn.anglican.org to book a place or places.

The next Youth Sanctuary Cafe is at 7.30pm on Saturday 1 July 2017 at Christ Church in Thornton and is open to everyone in the Diocese. Get it in your diary! Acoustic style worship, thought provoking input and discussion, fun, laughter and tasty food. If you want to know more about the event on July 1 or you would like to be involved in helping to run events alongside the Sanctuary Events team within the Diocese, then email youth@ blackburn.anglican.org to see what events are coming up and the opportunities available.

Blackburn Diocese Mothers’ Union Deanery Festival dates for 2017 include Tuesday 30 May, Preston; Thursday 1 June, Pendle; Tuesday 6 June, Kirkham; Tuesday 13 June, Blackburn with Darwen; Wednesday 21 June, Tunstall; Tuesday 8 September, Blackpool; Wednesday 13 September, Lancaster and Morecambe. More information from Susan Willoughby, MU Secretary, on 01995 604191 or email sw4619@talktalk.net

St Chad’s Church, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 0XX, will be holding a ‘Church in the Churchyard’ day on Saturday 1 July from 10am. The event is free and will include lots of activities including puppet ministry, a prayer tree, listening benches, games, refreshments and much more. All are welcome!

Situations vacant or wanted

A redundant Victorian Font at St Cuthbert's church, Over Kellet, is looking for new home in another church. It is in good condition and further details and a photo can be obtained from the Churchwarden, John Halsey (contact johnhalsey@ btinternet.com).

Clergy updates

The Revd Robin Figg, Vicar of Kildwick St Andrew in the Diocese of Leeds has been appointed Vicar of Warton St Oswald with Yealand Conyers St John.

The Revd David Arnold was licensed by the Bishop of Blackburn as Area Dean of Chorley on 17 May 2017 at Adlington St Paul.

The Revd Matthew McMurray will be licensed by the Bishop of Burnley as Interim Vicar of Lostock Hall St James and Farington Moss St Paul on 13 June 2017 at 4.00pm at Blackburn Cathedral.

The Revd Mark Brackley and the Revd Dr Bernard Leeson have been granted the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the Diocese.

Bishop Julian, Bishop Geoff and Bishop Philip joined delegates from churches from across the Diocese of Blackburn and

others from Cumbria at the ecumenical New Wine Landmark Conference which took place over the May bank holiday weekend.

The three-day event was organised by 12 churches from Lancashire and the Lakes including, from our Diocese, St Gabriel, Blackburn; St Cuthbert, Fulwood in Preston; St Thomas Lancaster and St John Ellel.

Other churches from our Diocese who sent delegates included the Fellside Churches; St Barnabas, Darwen; St James and St Paul, Accrington; St Peter and St Stephen, Burnley; St Bartholomew, Colne and St James Shireshead. The Bishops all came at different points across the weekend.

Chair of the Conference Steering Group was Rev Jon Scamman, Vicar of St Thomas in Lancaster. He said: “The inspiration for this conference was to bring together churches from across Lancashire and Cumbria … to renew us, equip us and send us out encouraged.”

Bishop Geoff is pictured with (l-r) Rev Steve Corbett of St Gabriel Blackburn; Rev John Scamman of St Thomas Lancaster; Rev Helen Scamman also of St Thomas; Rev Alan Bing of Ulverston Parish Church and Rob Baggaley of Hesketh Bank Christian Centre in Leyland.

Bishop Geoff threw the switch in April as he commissioned a major new ecumenical Blackpool Illuminations display which shone over Easter and will form part of this year’s world-famous light show in the autumn.

The Bishop led a special commissioning service on a cold and windy seafront for around 100 people from local churches and was joined by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Kath Rowson, to light up the display on Queen’s Promenade.

The new light design and the associated fundraising campaign, were brainchilds of Rev. Canon Dr Simon Cox, Rector of Bispham All Hallows and Area Dean of Blackpool and Andy Divall, Blackpool Council Diversity Officer. The project was adopted by Churches Together in Bispham.

Around £13,000 has been raised to pay for the display but more money is still welcomed. For further information go to the Diocesan website www.blackburn.anglican.org

NEWS News? Feedback? thesee@blackburn.anglican.org

Deadline

for

the

July

edition

is

June 3,

2017

Helpful information about 'The See'

Want to submit an article or event for inclusion in The See? Check the deadline on the left and email thesee@blackburn.anglican.org

We'll always do our best to feature what we receive.

For the online archive; more information about deadlines and how to submit articles, visit the website www.blackburn.anglican.org (search 'The See') or just scan the QR code on the right.

Sight loss problems? Access the online version of the latest issue on the website and adjust the page size as required using the + and - buttons on the right of the screen, or hold down the keyboard 'Ctrl' button and press the + or - key to adjust as required.

The See is edited by Diocesan Communications Manager Ronnie Semley.

For new orders of ‘The See; or to change delivery address or quantities received contact Karen Ashcroft on karen.ashcroft@blackburn.anglican.org or 01254 503070.

Do you have what it takes to be involved and make a real difference in your local community? If so, the Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education needs you… “I have been a school governor for nearly 40 years,” says Laurence Upton, a Foundation Governor at Bilsborrow John Cross CE Primary and Darwen St James CE Primary Academy. “The role has become much more significant over that time - governors now, in conjunction with the Head, make all the major decisions on the running of a school. “This has made the role much more satisfying. I now feel that I am making a real contribution to the education of the children, to the community and to the important link between church and school.” A Governor is a significant volunteer role within the school that allows you to use your skills and talents to help secure and develop the Christian foundation of the school, and assist in growing and nurturing the educational environment. Laurence uses his experience as a Human

Resource professional to help with important decisions that need to be made. By contrast Geoff Dixon (a Foundation Governor at Bolton-le-Sands C of E Primary School) brings his skills from working with young people. Geoff says: “I’ve been a foundation governor at Bolton-le-Sands for four years now, and is has been one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve undertaken.” Meanwhile Geraldine Walmsley, from St Stephen’s C of E Primary School in Tockholes, adds: “I have been a governor for seven years which I have enjoyed enormously. We are a Church school and have a strong Christian ethos which is also demonstrated by governors. When we are invited into school it is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the

school day, seeing the children at work and play.” The diverse range of experience and skills of our Governors benefits the education our children receive. Other important skills required on Governing Boards include: financial, marketing, social media, safeguarding, knowledge of data systems and working within the education system. We are now looking for new Foundation Governors to support the work of our 190 Church Schools within the Diocese. If you are an active Christian and feel you have the right skills and experience to help support a school’s Christian Foundation, then why not consider it? Just visit www.bdeducation.org.uk and complete an ‘Expression of Interest Form’, or contact Sam Johnson, Deputy Director of Education at sam.johnson@blackburn. anglican.org

Could YOU be a

school governor?

Laurence Upton

Geoff Dixon

Geraldine Walmsley

The Spirituality Programme at Whalley Abbey continues this year with a series of great events.

Please note, to be sure of numbers the Abbey requires booking for all the following.

Starting this month and continuing for the rest of the year there will be a series of residential retreats:

From June 6 – 8 at the Abbey there will be a residential retreat ‘Pray As You Can’ led by Whalley vicar Rev. Jonathan Carmyllie, exploring the rich heritage of Christian prayer, starting with the Celtic saints. Cost is £115 per person full board.

On July 10 – 12 at the Abbey another residential retreat - ‘The Spiritual Life of a Priest’ - will be led by Archdeacon Mark. The cost is also £115 per person full board.

From September 11 – 13 at the Abbey the residential retreat entitled ‘Tales By The Sea’ will be led by Rev. Sally Ratcliffe and will explore the gospel stories set on and around the Sea of Galilee. Cost is £125 full board.

From December 4 – 6 at the Abbey there will be an ‘Advent Retreat’ led by Rev.

Jonathan Carmyllie, Vicar of Whalley and the cost for this event will £125 per person, full board.

In addition to the Residential Retreats a series of Spirituality Days costing £15 per person, including a soup and sandwich lunch, continues over the second half of the year as follows:

July 27: Rev. Sally Ratcliffe – ‘This is my story, this is my song’ – a time of reflecting on the Christian journey and how to share this with others.

September 28 – Archdeacon Michael will lead a day entitled ‘Psalms: Songs for Life’.

November 2 – Rev. Jonathan Carmyllie on ‘Let the Perpetual Light Shine’; on All Souls Day, an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which we remember those who have died.

Finally at the Abbey this year as part of the Spirituality Programme, Archdeacon Mark will lead a series of Reading Days for clergy, starting and finishing with prayers, on July 20, August 16, September 20, October 18 and November 22. These Reading Days are free. Refreshments are provided. Bring your own lunch to the Quiet Days.

In addition to all the above, Holy Communion is also celebrated every Friday morning at 9.30am at Whalley Abbey and all are welcome.

The Abbey also welcomes bookings for individual retreats, or groups wanting to use

the Abbey for private retreats.

Archdeacon Mark said: “Whalley Abbey is a wonderful resource for the diocese, a beautiful oasis of calm and peace, a great place to pray and to study. I would encourage everyone to book into one of the events we have organized, or to simply contact the Abbey direct and ask if you can come on your own on another date.”

For further information on all the above events and to book, please contact the Abbey office on 01254 828400 or email office@whalleyabbey.org

Take time out

at our Abbey

The house and grounds of peaceful Whalley Abbey

The Spirituality Programme at Whalley Abbey has something for everyone