family's fresh beginning - anglican

September 2016

■ Bishop John's security warning: Page 3 ■ What's on in Essex & East London: Page 9

Church beer festival 'Seen the Light' brew gets a blessing from Father ColinPage 4

London museum's drones test run gives PCC a flying start to surveyPage 3

N E E D T O K N O W I S T O R I E S I A R E A U P D AT E S I E V E N T S N E A R Y O U

www.chelmsford.anglican.orgB i s h o p ’ s V i e w

By RT REVD

ROGER

MORRIS,

Bishop of

Colchester.

EVEN before

the last bell

had sounded

and the

children had

broken up for

the summer,

the supermarkets were displaying signs

made to look like blackboards with big

white chalky letters that read ‘Back to

School’. As the sunny summer days of

August begin to fade, so these signs serve

as a reminder that the holidays are coming

to an end.

Of course, what those signs are really

saying is that this is a new start – a new

beginning - and that it’s time to invest in a

new pencil case or a new uniform or

some new shoes or a coat. For many

people these days, the first day of

September is more like New Year's Day

than New Year's Day itself.

It marks a step change and a move into

something new. It may be a new year

group, a new school, a new job or just the

beginning of a new period of work.

August may have offered a break from

the old routine and an opportunity to

reflect on life. This ‘sabbath time’ is

important as it helps us to ensure that we

really have put first things first and are

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Family's Fresh BeginningSyrians flee Middle East warzone: Page 6

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Bring the kids to light a candlefor Christ’s birthday

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THE month — Terry Gray is awarded the Order of St Cedd for loyal service

2 THE MONTH September 2016

'Madly generous parishes'ROBIN King, the Archdeacon of Stansted, has thanked the parishes of Chelmsford Diocese for their “madly generous” responses to God’s love.

The Archdeacon was giving thanks at Chelmsford Cathedral's Parish Share service on June 15.

Robin said thank you for all the work the parishes do to help pay the cost of ministry for the diocese throughout East London and Essex by raising Parish Share.

“We don’t give for any economic reasons; we don’t give hoping to get value for money, we don’t make weighed and measured responses to anything –

because neither does God,” said Archdeacon Robin.

“God’s response to the human condition, the needs of the world, is almost unbelievable.

"God loves the world so deeply and passionately that he sent his only Son. How on earth does that make sense?

“Because God doesn’t react in a sensible way to what we give him, it may just be that your next gift is another one of those that changes the world."● Terry Gray, the diocese Parish Finance Officer, pictured right with Alison, his wife, and Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford,

has been awarded the Order of St Cedd, which recognises distinguished service given by lay people to the diocese.

Terry is the longest serving diocesan employee, having worked in the Finance team since November 1983. He has trained treasurers for 30 years.

As well as this post, Terry is a Reader and the adviser for Readers in the Colchester deanery.

The presentation was made at the Parish Share service in Chelmsford cathedral.● Read Archdeacon’s sermon in full at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/news/article/madly-generous-parishes-thanked-by-archdeacon/

By RACHEL ORFORDTHE Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group marked its first birthday in July.

At our first meeting eight members gathered to share their thoughts on 'Less is More' by Brian Draper.

During the year, as our numbers have more than doubled, we have looked at several books which explore the assertion that there is more to life than just everyday

routines and the acquisition of more material goods; there is enlightenment to be found beyond our cares and concerns.

In September we are reading John Pritchard’s latest book 'Something More' which is a highly readable addition to this genre. The author writes with authority but with a conversational style in very lit-tle jargon and few highbrow concepts to cope with. The

subtitle is “Encountering the beyond in the Everyday” and indeed we are reminded throughout the book of these glimpses of something more – experiences of “teenage angst”, “unexpected tears” and that sudden “overwhelming sense of connection”.

As well as stories and poems, John Pritchard uses his own life experiences as illustrations and, although he has undoubtedly led a more

adventurous life than many of us, these moments are something which we can all relate to.

The book is a massively useful resource not only for individual pondering but for discussion groups and anyone who finds value in journalling. There are countless opportunities to stop and contemplate and questions to explore as well as tips, ideas and suggestions for going

deeper into our experiences; the book is in fact set out chapter by chapter to help us do this.● If this has sparked your interest and you would like to join us, please contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or bookshop@chelmsford. anglican.org.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 1pm in the Library at the Diocesan Office in Chelmsford.

Reading Group going beyond the everyday...

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The Month, incorporating NB and East Window, is the free circulation newspaper of Church of England in Essex and East London (Diocese of Chelmsford). www.chelmsford. anglican.org/themonth● Find Chelmsford Diocese on Twitter @chelmsdio● Find Bishop Stephen on Twitter @cottrellstephen● Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/ChelmsfordDiocese● Like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/chelmsdio● Like our Ask an Archdeacon Facebook www.facebook.com/ askanarchdeacon● View our photostream on Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/chelmsford-diocese

The Diocese of Chelmsford is currently looking to fill the following post

Diocesan Environmental ChampionWe are looking for someone with a passion for the Christian engagement with the Environment. Following on the successful work of our first Environmental Champion, Susan Latchford, we would like to hear from people who might be interested in the role of Diocesan Environmental Champion.

Are you the sort of person who can be passionate about how Christian living impacts on the environment, able to communicate well in speaking directly and through electronic media and able to link with a wide and diverse diocese? The challenge of the environment is the largest and probably most important issue facing us today. Can you help us as a church to up our game in this area?

This is an unpaid post but with excellent support from colleagues and appropriate working expenses and open to clergy and lay equally. We would expect this to be a post for no more than two days a week.

For a Role Description, visit: www.chelmsford.anglican.org/vacancies/vacancy_article/diocesan-environmental-champion

Or for further information and a conversation without any commitment, please contact the Archdeacon of Harlow on 01279 734524 or [email protected]

God and enterprise

Bishop advises 'remain alert but not alarmed'

THE MONTH September 2016 3

THE month — 'Our churches are open communities'

government/publications/counter- terrorism-protective-security-advice-for-places-of-worship on the National Counter Terrorism website."

In a letter to clergy, lay ministers, churchwardens and PCC secretaries in the Diocese of Chelmsford, Bishop John said: "We have all been horrified by the recent killings and attacks in Germany and France in recent weeks and now by the senseless attack in Normandy.

"We all join in praying, along with the entire Church of England, for those immediately caught up in the horrors of these events, for peace in the world and a change of heart for the whole of humanity.

"We have been assured that there is no current intelligence to suggest any attack planning of this nature in this country.

"Nevertheless we need to continue to have care for our own safety and security and that of our congregations.

"The message for our security is

THE Bishop of Bradwell has issued advice to the parishes of Chelmsford Diocese following the recent killings and attacks in Germany and France.

Bishop John Wraw (right) said his advice was to "remain alert, not alarmed".

Bishop John added: “Our churches are open communities of welcome, hope and service where everyone by praying for peace and justice, being open to God and being attentive to each other in the community, can begin to make the change they long to see in the world.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The police have been working with church leaders here in the UK to establish a communication network through which reassurance and guidance to the Christian community can be passed.

"France has suffered terrible tragedies but we must use it to test our ability to communicate to this wider network and I want to offer the following advice.

"Church leaders and their congregations here in the UK should remain alert not alarmed. There is no current intelligence to suggest any attack planning of this nature in this country. However I know these are troubling times and it makes sense for all church leaders to review their security plans and to encourage their flock to be vigilant. Any suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately through 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.

"Advice and guidance on personal security and security for places of worship, as with many other locations, can be found here www.gov.uk/

'We need to take

measures to ensure the safety and security of

worshippers and visitors'

'Remain alert, not alarmed.' Church buildings are public buildings that are open and welcoming.

"Where there are known risks, we need to take measures to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and visitors.

"Advice and guidance on personal security and security for places of worship, as with many other locations, can be found here www. gov.uk/government/publications/ counter-terrorism-protective-security-advice-for-places-of-worship; on the National Counter Terrorism website.

"In addition to this advice, the Home Office are running a scheme for eight weeks offering funding for protective security measures subject to application. Detailed information on how to apply can be found here www.gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme.

"Please note Ecclesiastical's Personal Safety Plan which offers helpful and sensible advice for individuals and churches.

"Can I also encourage you all to forge close links with your local district police commanders who will be able to advise you further on sensible safety precautions. I know many of you will already have a strong relationship in place.

"Do not hesitate to contact the Police if you have any more pressing concerns or notice any suspicious activity on 101 or 999 as appropriate.

"If you need further advice or support please do contact your Archdeacon or Area Bishop."● For full advice from the diocese, visit http://bit.ly/2bemXL8

BOOKSHELFEDWARD Carter, Canon Theologian at Chelmsford Cathedral, has just written a new short book called ‘God and Enterprise’.

In it, Edward (right) takes biblical themes to explore how human enterprise can contribute to God’s purposes.

Before being ordained, Edward set up his own business and worked for small companies.

Speaking about his new book he said: “Enterprise has always been an important part of my life, and I’ve reflected for many years about how God could be part of entrepreneurial behaviour.

"Although it can be affected by human greed, my own view is that enterprise can be a real force for good, and in service of the gospel.” ● The book will be published by the Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics, based in Oxford.

It is also available at the Cathedral bookstall. (ISBN 978-1-910666-02-9; £4.99).● 'God and Enterprise' is being officially launched at an event in London on Monday, September 19.

For more information, please contact Edward Carter on 01245 294486.

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THE month — Successful beer festival will be repeated by Brentwood church

Saving parishes vital poundsBy DAVID KEMP, Parish Buying

OFFICE supplies are crucial to the running of every organisation, and churches are no exception.

Whether it is boxes of paper and ink cartridges to print orders of service, or craft supplies for young people’s activities, they need to be good value, easily ordered and quickly delivered.

The Parish Buying service’s contract with Office Depot delivers all of these things with an extensive online catalogue, no minimum order, and free next day delivery, ensuring you get exactly what you need in

plenty of time. One local vicar told me: “Office

Depot were very reliable. They delivered on everything they said they would.

"I couldn’t fault them. I found everything I was looking for on their website and could order there and then.”

This month they’ve also launched their new cleaning and hygiene buying guide, allowing you to stock up on much-needed supplies for the coming months.

Photocopying contractsPhotocopying contracts can catch out many churches and schools with hidden charges, extra payments and changeable rates which can end up costing you hundreds of pounds more than expected.

The Parish Buying service’s procurement team have made sure that their contract with Toshiba doesn’t have any of that, includes everything (except paper) in the given price and, to make it even better, all the photocopiers are

carbon neutral.● Find out more by getting in touch with a member of the Parish Buying team on 0800 368 0887 or email [email protected].● Parishes in Essex and East London can view the office supplies catalogue at: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/110140e7#/ 110140e7/1).● Or readers can visit the Parish Buying website at: https://ebusiness.officedepot.co.uk/SelfReg/ churchofengland/SelfReg/Index).● Want free next-day delivery and no minimum order on your office supplies? Get in touch with

@ParishBuying or visit http://bit.ly/2a7MUK7 (https://ebusiness.officedepot.co.uk/SelfReg/ churchofengland/SelfReg/Index).● Tea, toner or toilet rolls? @ParishBuying is a one stop shop for churches! Great value with free next day delivery http://bit.ly/2a7MUK7 (https://ebusiness.officedepot.co.uk/SelfReg/ churchofengland/SelfReg/Index).

@ParishBuying office products supplier @OfficeDepot_UK have launched a new cleaning products catalogue at http://bit.ly/2aFvMgG (http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/110140e7#/110140e7/1).

PARISH BUYING

Blessed be the brewIT’S not every day that beer you have brewed gets blessed by the church.

So the Brentwood Brewery staff were excited when Father Colin Hewitt of the town's St Thomas’ church blessed the Brentwood beer at the church's first beer festival.

“You cannot beat a bit of blessed beer,” said brewery managing director Roland Kannor.

Held during July as a

fund raiser for the church centre, all the racking and kegs were supplied by Brentwood Brewing Company.

Each keg was sponsored and named by local businesses except for one. The remaining cask, named Seen The Light Ale by the winning entry in a competition open to the congregation, was blessed by Father Hewitt as the St Thomas’ house beer.

St Thomas spokesman Sarah Howard said: “The main aim was to bring the whole community together including people that don’t attend the church.

“There was live music by various local bands, a BBQ and a children’s area. It was a great success and we’re planing on making it an annual event.”

Roland added: "We say ‘cheers’ to that. Love beer, love Brentwood."

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THE month — Great Maplestead trial for national project

Drones give PCC a flying start to survey

THE National Churches Trust are running a project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to investigate the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – better known as drones – to survey church buildings.

The aim of the project is to assist architects carrying out their quinquennial (five yearly) surveys of churches in the diocese.

The project will provide photographic evidence of the state of a building without having to resort to scaffolding.

An additional benefit is that the software used can also produce accurate plans of a building.

Although the main project will take place in Yorkshire, a team from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), led by Peter Rauxloh, along with three drones amongst an impressive array of hi-tech kit arrived at St Giles Great Maplestead, near Halstead, in late June.

Peter explained the attraction of St Giles to the project: “It is a beautiful church with many of the challenging features that we will face during the project.”

Use of drones is now strictly controlled and Peter holds a commercial pilot’s licence for small unmanned aircraft.

The project was authorised by the church’s PCC and the Chelmsford Diocese DAC.

After more than four hours on site, during which flights were undertaken by all three drones, a complete survey of the building had been completed.

All that remained for the team to do was to take a number of measurements using laser surveying tools and then it was back to London to process the data.

A couple of weeks later the preliminary results were issued to the church.

These included a montage built up from 215 separate pictures of an aerial view of the church.

The detail on this is such high resolution that the screws holding the lightning conductor to the roof can clearly be seen.

In addition, detailed shots of the church structure were available without the distortion caused by taking pictures from the ground.

The MOLA visit had been arranged by Nick Ellis, the parish's Reader and the husband of the vicar who had learned of the project while

working on developing a internet based Church Visitor project.

Nick said: “I hope that this project will enable us to include unique video content in presenting our churches as

OFF THE GROUND: James Ladocha controlling a drone on a test flight

interesting and attractive visitor destinations.”

Revd Gay Ellis, the Team Vicar, added: It was fascinating to see the detail in the pictures and these will certainly be of great use in our forthcoming

quinquennial inspection and allow use to discuss issues which might otherwise be unseen.

"I anticipate that this early trial will go onto benefit many more churches.”

Back to school, back to workFROM FRONT PAGE not so distracted by our activity that we are losing the moments of meaning in life, whatever else we may be in the process of gaining. Now is a good time to reflect on the year that has passed and to think about the 12 months that lie ahead.

Are there things that you would like to change? Are there things that you are apprehensive about? Are there other things that you are looking forward to?

Revd Sydney Carter, who wrote the hymn, ‘Lord of the Dance’, was particularly concerned for Year 6 children who were leaving primary school and preparing to go to a new and much larger secondary school. He

knew that, however excited they would be, some of them would also be a little fearful and a bit apprehensive. He therefore wrote the hymn ‘One more step along the world I go’ which includes the lines:

Give me courage when the world is rough, keep me loving though the world is tough; leap and sing in all I do, keep me traveling along with you: And it's from the old I travel to the new; keep me traveling along with you.

For many of us, the advent of September

brings a gear change as we go back to school or back to work or just back to the old routine.

It is a good time to reflect, to pray and to prepare for all that lies ahead. We might want to think about ways in which we have grown in our discipleship.

We might also want to resolve to do more to grow as disciples over the year ahead (and the forthcoming School For Disciples may be an important part of this). We may just want to pray more, love more, see more or celebrate more.

They say these days that ‘every day is a school day’ in that we never stop learning new things. Let’s therefore embrace all that the next 12 months have to offer and may we all keep traveling along with God.

Bishop Roger

IN MY VIEW

DRONE CREW: Museum of London Archaeology team (left to right): James Ladocha. Peter Rauxloh and Andy Chopping.

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THE MONTH September 2016

Fresh Beginnings joy for family who fled warzone

THE month — Churches help provide the welcoming ‘flesh on the bones’ to efforts by local authorities and agencies

By CAROLINE TILLEYColchester Daily Gazette

MARWAN Sallouta is like any other parent in Colchester watching his daughter and son playing safely together – happy. But it nearly wasn’t so.

In just a few short years, Marwan’s life, and that of his family’s, has been turned upside down.

Five years ago Marwan was a successful photographer and journalist in Damascus, Syria.

His wife Rahaf, 27, was studying relations and the media at university while decorating their new apartment ready for them and their son. It wasn’t to be.

Marwan, 38, said: “It was all ready for us to move in. Instead we left Damascus.”

War had hit Syria.The family don’t like to speak of what they

went through. But among the memories is one in particular.

Marwan said: “Before the war we were doing very well.

“But during the war the main issue was security. There was a lot of shelling in Damascus.

“We stayed in a bathroom in our family’s house for three days because it was the only room with no windows so it would protect us from the outside.

“We couldn’t go outside. We could have been killed at any moment.”

Fearing for their lives, Marwan, Rahaf and their son Abdul travelled to Jordan and were placed in a refugee camp.

They stayed there for three and a half years.

'The people at Fresh Beginnings

have been amazing'Marwan said: “It was really difficult

conditions. It wasn’t healthy, there was no sanitation. We weren’t allowed to work because we weren’t citizens but we still had to pay for where we were staying.”

While they were there they had their daughter Lara, now two and a half, who brought a lot of joy but also added to their worry.

In the end, the family was lucky. Thanks to the UN, they were to be rehomed in the UK.

Rahaf said: “I just cried. We were so happy.Living the way we were, it was a dream to get out of that.”

They were placed in Colchester thanks to Colchester Council’s unanimous decision to home Syrian families in the town. The borough has taken more than any other in East Anglia.

The family arrived in Stansted on a military plane in December.

Thanks to Fresh Beginnings – part of DNA Networks, a Bishop’s Mission Order church - a private landlord was found who was willing to lease his property to the family.

It is a situation offered to all the Syrian refugees who have come to Colchester, so they don’t take council homes.

The family know they are lucky to have found a new home.

Marwan’s family is still in Damascus where he manages to contact them “from time to time”.

He said: “They are alive but it’s not good.”Rahaf’s mother, father and two brothers

made it to Germany after one of the brothers decided to walk all the way there at the age of only 16, as his father was gravely ill and was getting no help in Syria’s overwhelmed hospitals.

As the boy was a minor, and dependent on his parents, Germany allowed his family to enter the country to join him.

But a month later, Rahaf’s father died. Her family are struggling to cope.

Rahaf has managed to visit once and is hoping to go again soon. For now, the family are just thankful they are safe in Colchester.

Marwan said: “We don’t know what happened to our apartment in Damascus, or if anything is left.

THE Bishop of Barking, Peter Hill, speaking on Sky News, called on the Home Office to establish a "functional system" for identifying unaccompanied refugee children in Calais with potential claims to family reunification in the UK.

He said relying on volunteers and lawyers to identify refugee children and then processing claims "child by child" was "inefficient, costly to the taxpayer, and hugely stressful for the children".

"We know of two boys who have died in the last 12 months trying to reach their families in the UK," he added.

"The government has a legal and a moral responsibility to ensure that refugee children who have close family members in the UK are granted safe passage."

We had to act — fast

COVER STORY

SAFE AND SOUND: Syrian refugee family says Colchester has been so welcoming

By JEAN-MICHEL KNUTSENCommunity Organiser, Citizens UKIT all started in October, when 15 leaders from local faith groups, charities and student societies decided they would act together to welcome refugees to Colchester.

They wrote a common letter to the leader of the Borough Council, whose answer was really positive. We all met and decided that we would organise four actions together:● Raising Awareness (a march attended by 350 people, and three “Refugees: Facts and Fictions” events in local churches).● Organising regular convoys going to Calais. (Thanks to Refugee Action Colchester, a convoy has been organised every six weeks since then.)● Creating a support network for the local charity Fresh Beginnings which was already experienced in the welcoming of asylum seekers and refugees (for them we have channelled volunteers, gifts and financial donations).● Campaigning for the welcoming of 50 Syrian families to Colchester (the Borough Council has unanimously voted the welcoming of an unlimited number of refugees, and since then we have organised a Pledge Assembly (above - picture David Ward) add supported by the Bishop of Colchester and attended by 250 people representing 30 civic institutions ready to help the local authorities and Fresh Beginnings to welcome those 50 families.

Thanks to this amazing campaign, five families have already been welcomed to Colchester in December 2015, and three will be welcomed to Brightlingsea by the new Refugees Welcome group which has been inspired by our methods.

This is only the beginning of an extraordinary story of solidarity and compassion.

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Essex Christian Healing Trust

Autumn Conference Saturday October 15th

10am to 4pm.(Registration and refreshments from 9.30am) “Going deeper with God”

Speaker: Lin Button

Leader of Pastoral Ministry at All Saints Church,Woodford Wells

Venue Harold Wood Methodist Church

1 The Drive, Romford, Essex RM3 ODU 0(200yds from Harold Wood Station,

ample parking)

Tickets Tickets are £10.00

(£8 for ECHT members)For more information and to book

please contact Peter Jones on [email protected]

or 01702 476273

enhancing church interiorsRonald Emett fine furniture

01308 868025 www.ronaldemettfurniture.com

St M

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setFresh Beginnings joy for

family who fled warzone

THE month — Churches help provide the welcoming ‘flesh on the bones’ to efforts by local authorities and agencies

“We hope to go back one day, but we just don’t know.

“Colchester has been so good and welcoming.

“We have a befriending family who helped us and introduced us to their friends, who have now become our friends too.

“The people at Fresh Beginnings have been amazing also.

“It all just means so much to us. Everyone has done so much to help.”

Rahaf said: “Everything here is a change.“The food, the system, TV and even

driving is on the wrong side of the road. There are strawberries here but in my country they have a completely different taste.”

The family is enjoying mixing their old and new cultures, embracing fish fingers and chips for dinner alongside their more familiar cuisine.

Their next aim is to learn to speak English fully.

Rahaf already has a good grasp of the language and now plans to teach English to others, Abdul, nine, is doing well at a

COVER STORY

'Essex is a place of welcome'

Colchester school and Lara understands a lot of what is said to her, despite not yet being three.

Marwan, who speaks through a translator, said he desperately wants to learn the language so he can begin working again.

He said: “Learning English is so important. I am going to do a course at the Wilson Marriage Centre as soon as possible.I already have a website for my photos and I want to start again as soon as possible.”

Revd David Beales, Pioneer Minister at DNA Network and chair of Fresh Beginnings, said the whole of Colchester should be proud of its achievement.

He said: “There are people giving up their time as volunteers to help here. So far we have helped 34 Syrians and a further five will be coming in the next year.

“Colchester Council is an extraordinary bunch of people to unanimously agree to this across all parties and they were put there by the people of Colchester.”● This feature is reprinted with the kind permission of the Colchester Daily Gazette.

THE Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, has said the churches can help provide the ‘welcoming flesh on the bones’ to efforts by local authorities and other agencies to support Syrian refugees arriving in the UK.

This work — long-term, painstaking and ‘not for the faint hearted’ — is part of the Church of England’s mission alongside its work with food banks, street pastors and debt advice services, he added.

In the Diocese of Chelmsford, nearly £100,000 was raised shortly before Christmas from parishes and individuals to help Syrian refugees on their arrival in the diocese through work such as language lessons and advice services.

Five Syrian families have arrived in Colchester since December, with the diocese working alongside the migrant and refugee support centre Fresh Beginnings (see main feature) and the local council to aid the resettlement of Syrian refugee families.

Chelmsford diocese is offering two houses, in Essex, to accommodate Syrian refugee families from September.

An ‘English for women’ project has been running since November from Chelmsford Cathedral helping women and their pre-school children to learn English and learn about English culture.

The project, run by volunteers and partly supported by the diocesan refugee fund, is due to expand in September.

Heike Prentice, a first-year ordinand at St Mellitus College, who coordinates the volunteers, said: “The cathedral has been fantastically supportive and the confidence of the women has grown significantly.”● Lambeth Palace is the first sponsor approved under a new scheme to encourage community groups to provide housing and support for refugee families coming into the United Kingdom.

For more information about the scheme visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-full-community-sponsorship.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1 (ESV)

Photo: www.sxc.hu


My name is Lois Samuel, and I am the marketing and fundraising manager at Gilead Foundations charity, based at Risdon Farm in Devon.

I have been a part of the Gilead team now for 14 years, ever since I married Ben Samuel (Ian and Bronwen Samuel’s son, founders of Gilead Foundations). We have two amazing children, Caleb (13) and Cerys (11).

My Father Phil Cana became a trustee of Gilead over 15 years ago, and I came to Gilead to visit the farm and fell in love with the place, and Ben, and the rest is history! I have been brought up in a Christian home all my life and I have been so thankful and fortunate to have a great upbringing. At a young age I was always wanting to help people who were less fortunate than I was and my heart is to help people discover God for who he is, and to help instil good family principles into their lives, just as I have been taught by my parents.

I have just come back from New Wine, and it’s been a fantastic week. What struck me throughout the week, from the speakers and in the worship, is God is on the move! It was exciting to be a part of

a conference where people of various denominations came together and praised God and we saw people healed and lives set free, it was just an amazing week.

One thing that really spoke to me through the various teachings is that in order to experience freedom in our lives we need to look at ourselves in a di� erent way, we need to allow the spirit of God to touch our hearts and have a revelation that God made us and HE MADE US GOOD!

Gilead Foundations has helped many people over the past 25 years who are broken, who su� er from various addictions such as drugs, alcohol, self-harm and mental health issues. These people are on a journey and we help people discover how much God loves them and that He made THEM GOOD!

The Genesis programme we deliver at Gilead can help those who are willing to change. It is biblically based and forms part of our therapeutic, residential ‘family’ model of rehabilitation which has an 85% success rate for people who complete their rehab with us. The goal of the process is to identify the subconscious fears that they face (which are actually belief systems they have developed to help

them survive); those fears control self-destructive behaviour and emotions, and a� er identifying them we help people to resolve them. Whether the issue is anxiety, anger, alcohol, drug or food abuse, a negative, critical attitude, or spiritual stagnation; we can help people � nd new freedom that lasts.

The vision of Gilead is to “unlock people and release their

true potential” through family structure and we believe that God has given us the tools to help people discover God, to face their fears and bring them into freedom.

My main role at Gilead is

heading up the fundraising and marketing section which is quite a task! Government funding for individuals is getting almost impossible to obtain especially for the whole 52 week programme that we deliver. We

are so very thankful for the many people who give regularly and send one-o� gi� s, as without their help we would not be able to continue this God-given vision.

We are looking for churches and individuals to help partner with us so we can continue to help many people that are trapped in addiction. We would also love the opportunity of sharing our story with you, so please do get in touch if you would like us to take part in your church service.

First Name

Surname

Postcode

Telephone Number

Email

I enclose a one-off gift of £Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations

I would like to become a PartnerPlease fill in this form

Name

Name of your bank

Bank address

Postcode

Account No.

Sort Code

Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £10 / £20 / other amount £ 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

Signed Date

Tel : 01837 851240 Fax : 01837 851520 Email : [email protected] www .gilead.org.ukRegistered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEAD WITH A DONATION OR REGULAR MONTHLY GIVING.If you have any questions about our work, please contact Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973.You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more about us and donate online.

I am a UK taxpayer and I agree to Gilead Foundations Charity (GFC) claiming tax on all past, present and future donations I make to the charity. Please treat my donations as Gift Aid donations. I confirm that I am paying or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount GFC and any other charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will reclaim for the tax year (6 April one year to 5 April the next year). Council Tax and VAT do not qualify towards Gift Aid. GFC will reclaim 25 pence of tax for every £1 that has been given.

Signed DatePlease add my details to the Gilead mailing list

Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ

You can also donate online.

Organisation / company (if applicable)

Address

Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other)

01837 851240 www.gilead.org.uk

DIO0916

Lois’ story

Compassion springs up Ian Samuel, Gilead’s Founder, said recently, “Sometimes people say to us ‘Taking drugs is their own fault, why should we help?’ But the reality of nearly every person we see is that the drugs or alcohol are used as an anaesthetic to numb the pain caused by terrible childhood circumstances. At Gilead we help people � nd healing for the pain which led to their addictions.” Our compassion springs up when we see these people as they are: hurting children, trying to survive the e� ects of abuse and hardship, who need the love of a perfect father. We all need to � nd that love, to one degree or another.

Gilead Foundations is partly funded by Government funding, partly through seeking grants from Trusts, partly through the farming activities at Risdon Farm.

We are committed to providing some of our bed spaces for people who do not have funding, when we know they are committed to change and we believe that they can make that change. So, our charity also relies on the regular and one-o� donations of many wonderful people from all walks of life and all over the country. Some give £10 a month, some up to £100; others have given just one donation of £5, and others make much larger contributions. However much, however o� en, we know that people give from compassionate hearts, and every single gi� is valuable and goes towards helping people � nd freedom from addictive and destructive lives. Please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly � nancial partner.

Lois at work in the o� ce

Lois and Ben with their two children, Caleb and Cerys

First Name

Surname

Postcode

Telephone Number

Email

I enclose a one-off gift of £Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations

I would like to become a PartnerPlease fill in this form

Name

Name of your bank

Bank address

Postcode

Account No.

Sort Code

Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £10 / £20 / other amount £ 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

Signed Date

Tel : 01837 851240 Fax : 01837 851520 Email : [email protected] www .gilead.org.ukRegistered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEAD WITH A DONATION OR REGULAR MONTHLY GIVING.If you have any questions about our work, please contact Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 433973.You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more about us and donate online.

I am a UK taxpayer and I agree to Gilead Foundations Charity (GFC) claiming tax on all past, present and future donations I make to the charity. Please treat my donations as Gift Aid donations. I confirm that I am paying or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount GFC and any other charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will reclaim for the tax year (6 April one year to 5 April the next year). Council Tax and VAT do not qualify towards Gift Aid. GFC will reclaim 25 pence of tax for every £1 that has been given.

Signed DatePlease add my details to the Gilead mailing list

Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ

You can also donate online.

Organisation / company (if applicable)

Address

Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other)


THE month — What’s on near you during this summer in Essex & East London Every Sunday● Chelmsford Cathedral. 3.30pm. Evensong. See the advertisement on the back page for a complete list of main services in the cathedral.Monday-Saturday● Kings Cafe (above Aldi), London Road, Lexden, Colchester. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Saturdays 10am-2pm.Thursday, August 18● St George's church, Ongar Road (near Robin Hood Roundabout) Brentwood. 7.30pm. Mission Eucharist & Bring & Buy and Bring & Share Supper in aid of the Papua New Guinea Partnership. Tel 01277 213618.● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.August 20-September 3● The Quaker Tapestry at Chelmsford Cathedral. The exhibition is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. The exhibition is free. It is normally closed on a Sunday but is open on Sunday, August 21 from 10.30am-3pm. Sunday, August 21● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm. Led by Parishes of Bradwell & St Lawrence.● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds.Wednesday, August 24● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Bayswater Saxophone Quartet - Wind Band. Free entry. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.ukThursday, August 25● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.Friday, August 26● St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood CM14 4DF - Lunchtime Live! 1-1.45pm. Flautista (flute trio). Admission free - retiring collection.Friday-Sunday, August 26-28● The Danbury Society 44th Art Exhibition. Danbury Sports & Social Centre Main Road, Danbury CM3 4NQ. More information from www.chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/event/150524/.Saturday, August 27● St George's Church, Ongar Road (near Robin Hood roundabout), Brentwood. Dog Show. Registration at 12 noon - and judging starts at 1pm. Refreshments, stalls, raffle. Event in aid of St George's Porch Fund - tel 07952 222911.Saturday-Monday, August 27-29● Flower Festival at St Mary’s Ramsden Bellhouse: Saturday: 2-5pm and a Big Band concert at 7pm. Tickets from Audrey on 01268 710757. Sunday: 11am-4pm and Songs of Praise at 4pm. Monday: 11am-4pm. Ploughmans lunches and light refreshments each day.● Flower festival at St John the Baptist church Finchingfield. 10am - 5.30pm each day. Wonderful displays of flowers, open over August bank holiday weekend. Arrangements will remain in the church until the end of the week.Saturday-Tuesday, August 27-30● Coggeshall’s 29th Annual Flower Festival ‘Visions of Angels’. The Parish Church of St Peter ad Vincula, CO6 1QF. 10am-5pm except 11.45am-5pm on Sunday. More information: www.chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/event/150525/Sunday, August 28● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). ● Worship for a Summer’s Evening at The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea. 6.30pm. Bishop of Bradwell, John Wraw.● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Velostreams - bike rides - a journey of discovery with God on 2 wheels. The vision is a cycling community who also want to know God better, and to reach out to cyclists, families, and young people alike. Explore the Essex countryside, make new friends, and explore what it means to live life to the full. For more info find us on Facebook by searching for Velostreams community.Contact Colin (07789511910) & Jeremy (07538545120).Sunday-Monday, August 28-29● Tea and cake at St Catherine's East Tilbury RM18 8PB. 2-5pm each day. The church is open for tea and homemade cakes. Make time to visit the ancient church of St. Catherine's in East Tilbury Village (St. Cedd's other church in the Diocese) which has recently been extended and refurbished. And why not visit the adjacent historic Coalhouse fort and its country park.Wednesday, August 31● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● St John’s, Stratford, E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Ice Neal /Roby Meola (Voice/Guitar). Free entry. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.ukThursday, September 1● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to

improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am. Mothers' Union Corporate Communion in St Cedd’s Chapel.● Chelmsford Cathedral. 8pm. Mothers’ Union Evening Section meets in St Cedd’s Hall.Saturday-Monday, September 3-5● St Peter's South Hanningfield CM3 8HW. Flower Festival entitled 'The Golden Age'. Sat and Sun: noon-5pm followed on Sunday by Songs of Praise and Verse Service at 5pm. Mon: 11am-3pm.Saturday, September 3● St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea (entrance through church hall in Tower Road) CO15 1LE. 3-5pm. Messy Church.● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10am-12 noon. Cathedral Coffee Morning in the Chapter House. Come and enjoy fresh coffee, home-made scones and a bring & buy.Sunday, September 4● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fan-tastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. Monday-Friday, September 6-16● St Stephen Walbrook, 31 Walbrook, London EC4N 8BN. 10am-4pm. commission4mission's exhibition 'Reflection'. Closed September 10 and 11. Wednesday, September 7● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Group.● Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock. 1-3pm. Café Theology. Meet at the Food Court.● Library at the Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford. 1pm. The Chelmsford Christian Bookshop Reading Group. Everyone is welcome and it is free to join in. For details and encouragement, please contact the bookshop on 01245 294405 or email [email protected]● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Adarna Ensemble: Brass . Free entry. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.ukThursday, September 8● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.● Chelmsford Cathedral. 2pm. Mothers' Union Afternoon Section meet in St Cedd’s Hall.Thursday-Sunday, September 8-11● St George's Church Brentwood: Open weekend (near Robin Hood roundabout). Brentwood's only Art Deco Church is open on: Thursday (10am - 12 noon); Friday (10am-12 noon); Saturday 10th (10am-5pm); Sunday, 11th from (2.30pm -5pm. Come and see this Brentwood architect born and educated Art Deco Church - and its award winning grounds. Tel 01277-213618 for more informationSaturday-Sunday, September 10-11● St Nicholas church, Harwich. Community Flower Festival “Celebrating Community”. Church open Sat: 10am-4pm; Sun: 11am-4pm. Refreshments available. All proceeds to church funds.● Waltons House, Ashdon CB10 2JD. Renowned

re-enactment group Regia Anglorum will set up a living history encampment by kind permission of Mr and Mrs T Vestey in association with Ashdon Parish Council. See how the Anglo-Saxons lived, what they ate – talk to a Viking if you dare! Saturday: Battle re-enactment! Regia Anglorum warriors re-enact the Battle of Assaundun. Part of the celebrations of the Millennium of the Battle of Assandun.● St Martin's, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3LJ. Flower Festival "Poetry Please!" Sat: 11am-5pm; Sun: 2-5pm. Lunches: Sat: noon-2pm. Teas: Sat and Sun 2-5pm. Sun: 5.30pm Festival service. Free admission, donations appreciated.● St Mary's Great Parndon, Harlow. Flower festival. Sat: 10.30am-4.30pm. Sun: 12.30pm-4.30pm. Refreshment and stalls to browse including cakes, books, plants. Sat: Tombola stall & Fun Dog show at 1.30pm.● Abbess Roding Flower Festival. St Edmund's Church Abbess Roding. Saturday: 10am to 4pm. Sunday:10am to 2.30pm. Annual Church Flower Festival Freshly cooked breakfasts (from 10am), lunches, BBQ, Salad Bar & Teas. Crafts: Quilts, cushions, Christmas Decorations, hand knitted and crocheted garments. Many stalls: Tombola, Cakes, Plants etc. Novelty Dog Show on Saturday at 1pm. Service at 3pm Sunday with the Archdeacon of Stansted. Saturday, September 10● Ride+Stride event (see panel left).● Ilford Hospital Chapel, Ilford Hill. 10am-2.30pm. Open Day. Stalls will include greetings cards, jewellery, bargain CDs and DVDs, Memorabilia and bric-a-brac. Free guided tours. Refreshments available.● St Andrew's Church Hall, Althorne CM3 6BY. 10am-6pm. Tea, cake & Books, in aid of Friends of Essex Churches Trust. More info: Lynda 740481Sunday, September 11● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30). ● St Mary with St Leonard Church, Church Green, Broomfield CM1 7BD. 3pm Pet Service will be held on Church Green for all pets great and small to attend along with their owners. Photos of pets, past or present, may be brought along. A blessing will be offered for the pets and owners. ● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● There is a fascinating story related to every inch of Pleshey's Magna Carta embroidery. Visit Pleshey church at 4pm to view the finished work and hear about its creation. Churchyard teas from 2pm-6pm and the castle site will be open as it will be National Heritage Day. Further details from Joan Clarke ([email protected]).Wednesday, September 14● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby & Toddler Group.● Chelmsford Cathedral, St Cedd's Hall in the Chapter House, Chelmsford, CM1 1NX. 8pm. Theological Society lecture “Living out the call” by Dr Paul Beasley-Murray. Paul Beasley-Murray was the Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford between 1993 and 2014, when he retired. He is Chairman of Ministry Today UK and General Editor of its journal. He also chairs the College of Baptist Ministers. Amongst his previous appointments he was Principal of Spurgeon’s College in London. A prolific author, his books and articles for the most part reflect on the practice of ministry. Admission to the lectures is £3.50. A video of the lecture will be available on YouTube after the event. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Philip Bricher: Organ. Free entry. Retiring Collection. www.stjohnse15.co.ukThursday, September 15● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.● Hadstock church. 7pm. Remembering: What’s the Point of the Past? With Revd Paula Griffiths, Priest at Hadstock. Free entry. Part of the celebrations of the Millennium of the Battle of AssandunFriday, September 16● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments are available in the Cathedral from 12 noon, or you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.Saturday, September 17● St George's Brentwood. Fundraiser: The Robin pub, Ongar Road CM15 9EB. A fundraising event in aid of St George's porch fund .Barbecue and stalls - cakes, toys, smash crockery, books, bouncy castle, wine tasting. 6pm auction. 7pm karaoke. Tel 01277 213618 for more information. ● St Mary's Maldon, Church Street. Open Day. 10-30am-5 pm. A display of vestments, stalls, refreshments, lunches.Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18● St Leonard's church, Southminster, CM0 7EW. 9.20am-6pm. Southminster Art & Craft Exhibition. Many items will be for sale. Admission is free but donations will be appreciated. 10 per cent of sales money is for church funds. Light refreshments available both days and Ploughman's Lunch on Saturday.Sunday, September 18● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● Priest House by All Saints, Doddinghurst CM15 0NJ. 2.30-4.30pm. Cream teas in the medieval Priest

House or its garden. All proceeds to church funds.● St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm. Walkers’ Cafe Church. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a piece of home-made cake while visiting E17's least-known church, hidden in a strip of Epping Forest, yet easily reachable by bus (number 20 stops yards away), by bicycle, or on foot. Learn about the 176-year history of the listed building, including its links to the Warner family, and the plans for the future. Depending on the weather, either relax in the tranquillity of the churchyard, or take shelter inside.● St James@4. St James' Church, Beatrice Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE. A short, informal Service of Holy Communion, using modern music, and followed by refreshments. Suitable for all ages. Wednesday, September 21● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Group. ● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Gail Ford (accomp. Edward Bridge): Oboe. Retiring Collection. www.stjohnse15.co.ukThursday, September 22● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.● Chelmsford Cathedral. 7.30pm. The Welsh Society meets in the Chapter House. Friday-Sunday, September 23-25● National Prayer weekend - Join the nation in prayer. www.national-prayer-weekend.com● Holy Trinity Rayleigh SS6 8BB. Festival of Flowers 'Lets celebrate' floral decorations and artworks in the church by church members, local groups and businesses.Fri and Sat: 10am-4.30pm, Sun: 2-4.30pm. Light refreshments. Entry by donation. In aid of The Friends of Holy Trinity Rayleigh contact for information 01268742252.Friday, September 23● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish.Saturday, September 24● The Stanway Federation Learning Centre, Colchester. 9.30am-4pm. Being Good News in Schools, an event to celebrate resource and equip Christians in our local schools. Whether you are a governor, teacher, Clergy, Schools worker, Youth worker, Chaplain or a Church member with a heart to do more with and for your local school, this conference is for you! Book your place at http://bit.ly/28Kg9aN.● St Laurence Eastwood SS2 6UN. 2.30-5pm. Crown Imperial: A Celebration of the Queen's 90th Year. Friends of St Laurence Church present 'Crown Imperial' with Gerald Usher at the church organ with musical friends. Details from Grace Panton on 01702 528868.● St Mary's Sheering. 2-5pm. Harvest Festival. Decorated church, stalls in church room, cream teas and homemade cakes.Sunday, September 25● All Saints' church, Epping Upland. 3-5pm. Afternoon teas. Enjoy our lovely rural setting and fantastic views, whilst tasting delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee. Dog friendly church with water bowls and biscuits for our four-legged friends. ● St Mary's Buttsbury, Ingatestone road between Stock and Ingatestone CM4 9PA. 5pm. Harvest Festival service with afternoon tea afterwards.● Walkers’ Cafe Church. St Peter’s-in-the-Forest Church, Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, E17 3PP. Noon-5pm (and every Sunday until October 30).● Tea and cake at St Catherine's East Tilbury RM18 8PB. The church is open for tea and homemade cakes.Make time to visit the ancient church of St. Catherine's in East Tilbury Village (St. Cedd's other church in the Diocese) which has recently been extended and refurbished. Also why not visit the adjacent historic Coalhouse fort and its country park.Tuesday, September 27● Dedham Lecture 2016. Dedham Parish Church, High Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DE. 8pm. With Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, Former Bishop of Rochester on faith, freedom & the future “Challenges for the 21st Century”. For further information, please email office@ dedham-parishchurch.org.ukWednesday, September 28● Chelmsford Cathedral. 1-3pm. ‘Welcome on Wednesday’ in the Cathedral with our lay chaplain Jean Standen; tea/coffee and cakes. All welcome. ● Chelmsford Cathedral. 9.30am. Baby and Toddler Group.● St John’s, Stratford, London E15. 13.10. Lunchtime concert series. Andy Losq: organ. Retiring collection. www.stjohnse15.co.ukThursday, September 29● Chelmsford Cathedral. 10.45am. Faith and Fitness. Free fitness class for all ages and abilities. The session will include a prayer, a workout and meditation to improve physical and spiritual health and well-being.Friday, September 30● Chelmsford Cathedral. 12.30-1.15pm. Lunchtime Concert. Admission is free, but we welcome your contributions, which are divided between various charities and Cathedral expenses. Light refreshments from 12 noon, or bring your own if you wish.October 2016 diary deadline● Submit event details at www.chelmsford. anglican.org/eventsform or call Sarah Newman on 01245 294443 by September 1 for inclusion in The Month and on the diocesan website.Latest events● You can find the latest events online at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/faith/calendar

Ride+Stride eventTHIS national event was started by the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and Friends of Essex Churches (FECT) joined it in 1983.

Now more than 30 counties take part on the second Saturday each September from 10am-6pm. The best part is that you can choose your own itinerary, visiting the places that you want, because there is no set route.

Everyone can join in and everyone does. Participants are sponsored for the number of places of worship they visit on the day, and people are imaginative: one family sailed to the churches on the banks of the River Blackwater; another year a group from Chadwell Heath raised money on their exercise bikes; whilst a Brentwood choir quartet, known as the SongCycle, sings a motet in every church they visit. You can also be sponsored for stewarding your local church and welcoming riders and striders.

The annual sponsored Ride+Stride is the main fundraiser for the FECT. Half of the money raised goes to the church or chapel of your choice, and the other half is credited to the FECT grants fund. Ride+Stride day is a special Open Day for churches throughout the UK: it is a wonderful way to visit churches which might otherwise be closed and the event coincides with Heritage Open Days.● To take part in the Ride+Stride on September 10, download sponsorship and other relevant forms www.foect.org.uk/rideandstride/publicityandforms.php. or create your own fundraising page on JustGiving straight away.


ST. MARY’S CONVENTWANTAGE

St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays.Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily offi ce in St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel.

For further details please contact:St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AUTel: 01235 763141Email: [email protected]

As Us returns to the well-loved USPG, the P in our name has changed! It might seem a small change but it’s an important one. It’s the way we do mission now - inclusive, empowering, forward-looking.

FROM PROPAGATION TO PARTNERSHIP

UNITED SOCIETY PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL

For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you

or forget the covenant with your fathers that he

swore to them.

Deut 4:31

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BE SEENYou can advertise in this newspaper with a monthly circulation of 22,500, at a very reasonable cost, reaching a great church audience

in parishes from the coast at Southend on Sea right into the Eastern suburbs of London at Woodford and Waltham Forest.

We can also help you to advertise in seven other Diocesan newspapers throughout the South of England and the Home

Counties, with a total circulation nearly 170,000.

To � nd out more, contact Glenda or Michelle on

01752 225623or email [email protected]

TM


[email protected]

The Evangelical College in the Heart of Oxford

www.wycliffehall.ox.ac.uk

Common Awards Common Award Mixed-Mode Training

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Undergraduate & Postgraduate courses (BA, BTh, MTh, MSt, MPhil, DPhil) plus ministerial training

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Britain’s higher education system is regarded worldwide as one of the finest there is. With Universities and Colleges all competing to outdo each other in providing the very best choices and training for students, we truly live in a country that is rich in educational resources.

We are also fortunate to have many fine secondary and primary schools, some of them church based, some secular, some state schools, some academies – all dedicated to enriching the lives of students. To have access to the finest education, whether one is from a privileged or less-privileged background, is a wonderful opportunity, and one for which we can be thankful. There are many in this world who would walk miles every day just to gain a basic education.

Much of this is founded upon a Christian heritage. Our earliest universities were faith based in many cases, with values of advancing our common good, and spiritual well-being, through specific education

being informed by their Christian beliefs.

Throughout the centuries, this high value on learning has been developed in all kinds of areas. Specialist technical colleges, residential private schools, ancient universities and redbrick universities, art colleges, drama and performing arts colleges and others all cater for our educational needs.

As well as mainstream education, we are blessed with a wide variety of Bible Colleges and Seminaries, offering specifically Christian teaching to equip and establish people in their own journey of faith and in their service to others.

Education is just one part of our personal growth and development, yet it is one of the most influential for those who are fortunate enough to take full advantage of it. It is no coincidence that this wonderful and varied resource is available to all, and is based largely, in its historical context in the UK, on Christian foundations.

UK education - one of the best

THE month — Vintage year for Woodford Wells vicar and regional director


Paul selected as New Wine leaderPAUL Harcourt, New Wine’s Regional Director for London & East and Vicar of All Saints Woodford Wells, has been appointed as the next National Leader of New Wine, the charismatic evangelical network of churches which began as a 1989 summer conference.

Paul (pictured right) will start this role on October 1.

John Coles, Chair of Trustees, said: “After spending time in prayer and seeking the wisdom of those both within and outside the New Wine network, the New Wine Trustees are delighted that

Paul has accepted our invitation to be our new National Leader.

"Paul brings with him a vast amount of experience leading a local church into renewal, and he is not afraid to trust the voice of God and take risks to advance the Kingdom.

"A strategic thinker who understands the vision and values of our network, Paul will bring a fresh leadership perspective to New Wine and is the right person to lead into the next season.”

Paul added: “I am humbled and privileged to be taking on this role.

"New Wine has played a

key role in my faith and in the life and growth of my church.

"I believe God is still using the network in powerful ways, and that there are greater things of the Kingdom to come in this nation.

"My prayer is that we will continue to push into his Spirit and follow his calling, to see churches across England be changed so that they can transform and bring renewal to community and culture.

"By continuing my role at All Saints, I intend to remain rooted in ministry within a local church that is

part of a family of churches seeking to change nations.”

Paul will begin drawing together a team to support him in his role in the months leading up to his appointment.

This team will reflect the diversity of New Wine, in terms of age, gender, and geographical context.

Further details of this team will be released in due course.

John Coles will be staying in his role as Chair of Trustees to provide continuity during the handover of leadership and during the early stages of Paul’s leadership.

Cranmer AwardsTHE Prayer Book Society has launched the latest Cranmer Awards, an annual competition to introduce young people to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Entrants from across the country read or recite a passage of their choice, 3-5 minutes in duration, from the Book of Common Prayer. ● Schools and churches wishing to nominate children to compete in regional heats are asked to contact the Prayer Book Society’s office at The Studio, Copyhold Farm, Lady Grove, Goring Heath, Reading RG8 7RT, call 0118 984 2582, email [email protected] or visit www.pbs.org.uk

Are you from a Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority background?

Is God calling you to ordination?

Have you heard the whisper of a call?Has anyone asked you to consider about being ordained?

Explore more.A five week session starting 22nd September-20th October 2016

Every Thursday at 7.30pm-9.00pmSt Johns Church, Stratford

If you sense the slightest call to discover more about the ordained ministry in the Church of England, why not come and spend five weeks

exploring your vocation. It will be an opportunity to learn more of what vocation to the ordained ministry in the Church of England is all about.

If interested contact Calvert Prentis via email: [email protected] or telephone 020 85992761 for more details or to book a place.

Creationtide resourcesare available on lineTHE Church of England’s Environment Task Group is commending a set of liturgical resources to encourage churches who wish to celebrate and cherish God’s gift to humanity in creation.

The resources, curated by Canon Vicky Johnson of Ely Cathedral, will allow churches to take part in a Creationtide season from September 1 until October 4 every year.

Creationtide is originally an Eastern Orthodox initiative, but has now spread widely among Anglican, Roman Catholic and Protestant congregations, bringing Christians together to pray and work for the protection of the environment that sustains everyone.

Pope Francis gave a major boost to the profile of Creationtide when, speaking before nearly two million people at the World Youth Day in Krakow, he declared September 1 an annual ‘World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation’.

The worship resources include:● Material for Seasons and Festivals of the Agricultural Year from Common Worship: Times and Seasons, commended by the House of Bishops for use at the discretion of the minister: http://ow.ly/BaKM3034DmT. ● Resources for worship and prayer produced by the Environment Task Group: http://ow.ly/x0693034ECf.● A series of liturgical resources, including collects, post-communion prayers, forms of intercession and additional material for the Eucharistic Prayer, produced for trial use by the Diocese of Guildford:http://ow.ly/NCwD3034E2Q.● A liturgy for All-Age Worship, produced by Canon Johnson while an incumbent in the Diocese of Manchester: http://ow.ly/e69Y3034Ebe..

James heads for MalaysiaREVD Dr James Harding, Lecturer in Missiology at St Mellitus College, has been seconded to be the first Director of the new St Paul's Theological College Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

Resourced by St Mellitus, the new college will have 42 students, of whom 16 are ordinands in the Anglican Church of South East Asia.

This is a 12-month secondment at the invitation of

Archbishop Moon Hing, commencing mid-August.

Revd Charlie Kosla, Chelmsford Diocese Mission & Evangelism Adviser, says: "Please pray that James’ children fit into their new school quickly and the family will all make good friends, and that they can cope with the tropical heat and humidity."

Charlie (right) is pictured saying farewell to James.

THE Jubilate celebration at All Souls Church Langham Place, London on October 15 will be 'a bit special'.

"In many of our churches, hymns and songs such as 'Tell out, my soul', which were first published in Youth Praise 50 years ago, are stll sung," says Emma Turl of High Beach church.

"Some of the original promoters are still going strong and hymns continue to be published on the Jubilate website, as well as a growing number of worship songs.

"New lyricists and musicians are joining them and there is always room for more."● Readers interested in finding out how to book should contact Emma on 01992 711788.

Jubilate anniversary

THE 2016 Chelmsford Anglican Bible Conference will take place on Saturday October 15 at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. The theme of the conference will be ‘Drift: A Danger We All Face?’ The speaker will be Kev Murdoch, vicar of Euston church.● For more information and to book your place please visit: http://ow.ly/8jjh301FDA4

Bible conference

Worship & Prayer at Chelmsford Cathedral

Sunday

Daily Services

www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.ukwww.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

7.45am Morning Prayer8.15am Holy Communion (also Weds at 12.35 and Thurs at 10am)12.00pm Midday Prayer5.15pm Evensong (sung on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri)

8.00am Holy Communion9.30am Parish Eucharist11.15am Choral Eucharist3.30pm Evensong

A warm welcome to your cathedral, serving Essex and East London

family's fresh beginning - anglican

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