People and places Online Directory News Whats on Rural Training Whats on in the Parishes Prayer Calendar

April E-bulletin

Bishop Trevor's Video Message   go to top of page

Filmed at the opening of the first post office in a Kent church, Bishop Trevor talks about the need to connect church and community for the common good: www.canterburydiocese.org/multimedia/video/bishoptrevor

News from Canterbury Diocese   go to top of page

 'Focus On'
Protecting Vulnerable Adults and Children in Parishes

Protecting children and
vulnerable adults in a
parish setting is a priority
for the Diocese.
In March a morning conference
was held for clergy,
child protection coordinators,
adult protection coordinators
and parish disclosure officers
on the theme of 'Creating a
safe environment in your parish'.
FIND OUT MORE
about the conference and the role of these essential officers


New Archdeacon of Maidstone announced
The Reverend Canon Stephen Taylor MBE has been announced as the new Archdeacon of Maidstone. Stephen, who is currently Canon Provost of Sunderland and an Honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral will also play a key role in the 'Communities and Partnership' framework of Canterbury Diocese. More information

Local Church Development appoints new Mission and Growth Adviser
The Reverend Canon Kerry Thorpe will be the Mission and Growth Adviser to the Diocese, a new post within the framework of 'Local Church Development'. The Mission and Growth Adviser will seek to assist local churches, emerging groups and deaneries achieve sustained growth in the church's mission across the diocese.

Diocesan Synod - Women in the Episcopacy
On May 7th Canterbury Diocesan Synod will debate and vote on the draft legislation for Women in the Episcopacy. This debate is open to those people who wish to come and observe, although seats are limited. Immediately before Synod, a Eucharist will be held in the Cathedral and will include the licensing of newly appointed officers. More information at: www.canterburydiocese.org/diocesansynodnews

Bishop's Day for Clergy
Papers and a sound recording are available from the Bishop's Day for Clergy, 'Preaching Holy Week and Passiontide Narratives', which was held on March 18th. www.canterburydiocese.org/bishopsdayforclergy

ALM Update Day
A successful update day for Authorised Lay Ministers took place at Christ Church University on 12th March. The theme was: 'Discipleship: the foundation for ministry'. To read two accounts of the day visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/bmt/localministries/alm/ALMarticlemach2011.pdf
Information on ALM Courses available in 2011-2012 will be publicised from early April at www.canterburydiocese.org/bmt/localministries/alm/updates.htm

Archbishop to discuss Narnia in Lent Lectures
The Archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, will discuss the popular Narnia stories of C.S.Lewis in his 2011 Lent Lectures. The lectures entitled: 'Not a tame lion', 'I only tell you your own story' and 'Bigger inside than outside' take place on Monday 18 April, Tuesday 19 April and Wednesday 20 April, at Canterbury Cathedral 7.30pm. Free. To download a poster or flyer: www.canterburydiocese.org/lentlectures

24/7 Live it! - update
An update has been sent to the 210 parishes participating in the 24/7 year of discipleship, with news of the Lent courses and ideas for the nine days of prayer. To view the update visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/247liveit/updates/24march2011.htm
To view a video which tells Paul Henderson's story of discipleship visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/247liveit/video

Archdeacons' Visitations 2011
Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 May 2011, 7.30pm
All held in Canterbury Cathedral
Churchwardens, Sidespeople and others from the three Archdeaconries are invited to attend these services for prayer, worship and the formal admission of churchwardens.

10 May Ashford Archdeaconry, including the Deaneries of Ashford, Elham, Dover and Sandwich, with Archdeacon Philip
11 May Canterbury Archdeaconry, including the Deaneries of Canterbury, East Bridge, Reculver, Thanet and West Bridge, with Archdeacon Sheila
12 May Maidstone Archdeaconry, including the Deaneries of Maidstone, North Downs, Ospringe, Sittingbourne, Tenterden & Romney and Weald, with Archdeacons Philip and Sheila.
Anyone who cannot attend their specific archdeaconry date is welcome to attend the alternative dates.

Bishop Trevor's Lent Lectures from Sittingbourne
Every Wednesday during Lent, Bishop Trevor is talking about discipleship in a series of lent lectures held at Sittingbourne Baptist Church, from 7.30pm. All are welcome. To hear the latest lectures: part 1     part 2

Moving Forward Together in the Diocese
Four public sessions led by Bishop Trevor and Julian Hills are being held to discuss the plans for Mission, Ministry and Growth in the Diocese together with a review of the proposed 2012 Budget. All meetings start at 7.30pm.
May 11th (Wednesday) - Dover St Mary Church Hall (CT16 1BY)
May 16th (Monday) - Maidstone St Paul's Church Hall (ME14 2AN)
June 14th (Tuesday) - Kingsnorth Church, Ashford (TN23 3EG)
June 16th (Thursday) - Canterbury St Martin and St Paul's Church Hall (CT1 1NH)
More information and draft budget can be found at: www.canterburydiocese.org/movingforwardtogetherinthediocese

Gift Aid - changes
The amount of Gift Aid claimable from the Taxman is now 25p for every pound donated rather than the 28p we have been used to. This means a drop in income across the diocese as a whole of £100,000. It may be useful to take advantage of the support offered by the Stewardship Department, and Liz Mullins (formerly Marsh) or Jenny Hunt would be delighted to talk to you. (emullins@diocant.org or jhunt@diocant.org)

Chrism Eucharists
Two Chrism Eucharists will be held in the Cathedral during Holy Week for clergy and Readers. Archbishop Rowan will preside at the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, 21 April, at 11.00am. Bishop Roger Jupp will preside at the Eucharist on Tuesday 19 April at 12 noon. To attend please visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/oils

Service for the new Archdeacon of Ashford
At a special service in Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday 13 March, the Venerable Philip Down was welcomed and collated as the first Archdeacon of the newly formed Ashford Archdeaconry. For photos and further information: www.canterburydiocese.org/archdeaconryofashford/photographs

ALMs - Reader ministry
Bishop Trevor has recently written to all Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) to encourage them to consider whether Reader ministry is something they might like to explore. To find out more about Reader ministry visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/bmt/lmts/readerministry/index.htm

Free items available from Diocesan House
The following items are available free to anyone willing to collect from Diocesan House:
4 - office chairs on wheels
1 – 4 drawer metal filing cabinet
2 – wall magazine racks
100 – orange foolscap lateral files with label holders
200+ - green twinlock lateral files
100 – green twinlock suspension files
160 – label holders for suspension files
300 – A4 Transparencies for Ink jet printers
Assorted second hand lever arch and box files
4 – second hand card index boxes
Please contact Reception to reserve any of these items on 01227 459401.

Photo Caption Competition  go to top of page

The winners of last month's caption are:

  1. No Transfer Fee - John Sweatman
  2. "It makes a nice change from the silly clothes I normally have to wear" - Harry Macdonald
  3. Church of England delivers new vicar gift wrapped and ready to go - Rob Trice

To see the other captions visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/caption/march2011


April competition
This month's entry was taken at the opening of the first post office in a Kent Church.
Send your captions to: eshepherd@diocant.org

To view a larger version visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/caption/april2011

If you have a photo requiring a caption, please send it to Emily Shepherd

Book Review  go to top of page

A Year with Aslan: Words of Wisdom and Reflection from The Chronicles of Narnia - Reviewed by Rupert Bristow: www.canterburydiocese.org/bookreviewandresources/bookreview411.htm

People and Vacancies  go to top of page

For latest notices visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/peopleandplaces

Vacancies
Chaplain (full or part time) - Ashford School - www.canterburydiocese.org/schools/vacancies
Occasional organist required in Brabourne - www.canterburydiocese.org/vacancies/parishvacancies.htm

Diocesan Training  go to top of page

Rural Practitioners Group - "An oasis from Parish life"
The next Rural Practitioners Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday 7 April 2011. It will be a short meeting, with a discussion on "tools for rural ministry", 10.30am - 2.00pm. The Rural Practitioners Group is open to anyone who has an interest in, or seeks to further their experience of, rural ministry by sharing knowledge and practice. To book your place, contact Caroline Pinchbeck. Future meeting date - Thursday 30 June 2011.

Canterbury Diocese 'Weddings Project' event
Monday 11 April at Seasalter Christian Centre, Whitstable, from 10.30am - 4.00pm
Last chance to book a place on the one day 'Weddings Project' training for clergy, parish administrators and ministry leadership teams involved in wedding ministry. To reserve a place on this free day visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/booking/theweddingproject.htm

Basic Book Keeping
Tuesday 3 May 2011, 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Tunstall Church Hall, Sittingbourne
Speaker: Rob Trice
Open to anyone who would like to learn basic book keeping techniques in order to support the work of their parish. Call 01227 459401 for details.

Training in the skills of supervision within the ministry of Spiritual Direction
A course for those who have experience of giving spiritual direction and want to use their experience to supervise others with the reverend Andrew Walker, an Anglican priest, trained Psychosynthesis counsellor and director of the three year London based Ignatian Spirituality Programme.
Thursday 16 - Saturday 18 June 2011, residential
St Andrew's, Stick Hill, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5NN
Cost: £120 (CMD may be available for clergy and readers)
Book: Email Rose Dale at rdale@diocant.org or book and pay online at www.canterburydiocese.org/booking/trainingforsupervisors.htm

Finance Surgeries
Tuesday 8th November - Church House All Saints, Birchington
Wednesday 16th November - Ashford area
With the Finance Team: Rob Trice, Clare Larter and Liz Mullins
A Technical update to include details of the online and interactive PCC Accounting guides, latest news of PCC Finances and Stewardship News, with an opportunity to talk to some of the finance team and other treasurers.
Meetings are open to Treasurers, Clergy, Independent Examiners and parish officers. Tea & coffee will be provided. Please put one of these dates in your diary now.

Training workshops for Parish Officers
These workshops aim to help: Churchwardens - PCC Secretaries - PCC Treasurers, learn about their roles and legal responsibilities in the context of current legislation and Diocesan policies.
Parish Officers will receive information about the Diocesan structure and the availability of Central Services which can support them in their roles. It is also an opportunity to meet fellow parish officers from around the Diocese and to share ideas and experience. These courses have been consistently well received and appreciated by those who have attended them in the past.
All courses can be booked online: www.canterburydiocese.org/booking/parishofficers.htm and cost £8 (including buffet lunch or supper) unless indicated

Introductory Training for Churchwardens
Tuesday 21 June 2011, 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Thursday 7 July 2011, 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Saturday 8 October 2011, 9.30am-1.00pm
Diocesan House, Lady Wootton's Green, Canterbury CT1 1NQ
Speakers: Philip Down, Julian Hills, Ian Dodd, Cressida Williams

Training for Experienced Churchwardens
Thursday 21 July 2011, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Ashford area
Speakers: Philip Down, Julian Hills

PCC Secretaries Training
Wednesday 1 June 2011, 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Diocesan House, Lady Wootton's Green, Canterbury CT1 1NQ
Wednesday 21st September 12.30pm - 4.30pm
St Mary's Community centre, Kennington
Speaker: Julian Hills

PCC Treasurers Training
Tuesday 5 July 2011, 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Saturday 3 September 9.30am-1.00pm
Diocesan House, Lady Wootton's Green, Canterbury CT1 1NQ
Speakers: Rob Trice, Liz Mullins

Spiritual Accompaniment
Responding to the need to support both ordained and lay ministers in a deeper awareness of the presence of God in their lives. Applications are invited for a third programme of spiritual accompaniment training to begin early in 2012, offered jointly by Canterbury and Rochester dioceses.
Year 1 of the two-year programme takes place over six Saturdays on a roughly bi-monthly schedule. An application form, supporting letters and a Programme Brochure which describes the (current) course, with dates and venues, is available at: www.canterburydiocese.org/spiritualaccompaniment
The cost of the course is £220pa. CMD (for clergy and Readers) may be requested.
More information from: Rose Dale: rdale@diocant.org; tel. 01227 459401.

A date for next year - 14 May 2012
Professor David Ford is Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University and will offer a Seminar Day for clergy and Readers on a topic relating to his current work on the Gospel of John.

The Living Well Events
A number of events are planned for the winter: www.the-living-well.org.uk/living-well-programme.asp

Children & Young People's (ChYPs) Ministry Update   go to top of page
The ChYP's Ministry page has a growing collection of resources and reflections.
OR contact Murray at Diocesan House 01227 459401

Easter Monday Youth Pilgrimage
All information, including the pilgrims' pack, is now available to download at www.canterburydiocese.org/emyp Join the conversation…   Twitter: #emyp   FaceBook: Canterbury Easter Youth Pilgrimage

Core Skills Training
KEYCOG are hosting a series of seven stand alone training sessions for Children and Youth Leaders. The first day is an introductory morning including a gifting tool, which will help to guide you in which modules would be of most benefit to you!
Core skills booking form: download or contact: Sarah Cabella at Rochester Diocese.

Employing a ChYP's Worker (Youth or Children's Worker)
KEYCOG are running the successful Effective Employment and Management of a Youth (Children's or Families') Worker training days in May and June, with input from Leon Coates (Director of AMAZE - the association of Christian Children and Youth Workers). Please see the booking form for more details: download or contact: Sarah Cabella at Rochester Diocese.

What's On in the Parishes  go to top of page

Events in April: For full details of events visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/whatson/parish/index.htm

To include your event on our website and the 'What's On' list, please complete the online form: www.canterburydiocese.org/whatson/parish/submitevent/index.htm

Cathedral News and Events  go to top of page

Events in April:
www.canterburydiocese.org/whatson/cathedraleventsapril2011.pdf

Services and Events during Holy Week
www.canterburydiocese.org/whatson/holyweek2011.pdf

News from organisations linked to the Diocese  go to top of page

Calling all Prayer Shawl groups
If you knit prayer shawls The Reverend Helen Connoll would be interested in hearing about you. Helen will be attending a Prayer Shawl Conference in Connecticut. Please contact her at helen.therev@virgin.net or 01304 840271

Thanington Resource Centre
Brand new light and airy meeting rooms near Canterbury available to hire from £10 per hour, with projector, sound system, screen, flip charts, DVD, and TV. Free parking and fully accessible. Contact: 01227 767720 or paula_tnrc@yahoo.co.uk for further details: www.thaningtonnrc.co.uk

New MD for DASL
DASL, (Diocesan Architectural Services Limited), which provides design and architectural services to schools and companies in the region, has announced the appointment of the Revd Robert Stevenson as Managing Director with effect from 1st February. Robert has served as a non executive director of DASL since 2009. The current Business Manager, John Marsh, is due to retire at the end of May. Robert will retain his position as a director of John Bishop and Associates, Planners and Surveyors. For more information about DASL visit: www.dasl.me.uk

Kent God's Acre Project Churchyard Awards 2011
Kent God' s Acre Project has again sponsored the Wildlife Churchyard award, one category of the Kent Wildlife Trust Gardening Awards. There will be Gold, Silver and Bronze awards made for the best wildlife churchyard in Kent. New categories of Churchyard award for 2011 will be for community participation, and for Churchyard interpretation (to include historical research). The closing date is 30 June 2011. To obtain a form or find out more information contact cpinchbeck@diocant.org

Poetry collection
The Rev. Philip Clements, retired but active priest in the Eastry benefice, has recently published his sixth collection of poetry, 'Yesteryear's Children'. He is also the author of an autobiographical account of being bi-polar, 'Sweet and bitter fool'. This is available through Amazon. The poems are available in bookshops in Dover, Deal and Sandwich, or from the author (philipclements@talktalk.net)

PASSION - exhibition
An exhibition of paintings by Annie Ho Cooper will take place at 'Vine Books' on 4 - 30 April 2011. Venue: 23 Cheriton Place, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2AY.

Informing mission and ministry with historical perspectives
Lambeth Palace on Thursday 7 April, 10.00am - 2.00pm>
Aimed specifically at senior clergy and those with a training and development role in dioceses bordering London, the event looks at history to inform the identity, mission, ministry and strategy of dioceses and individual parishes in the present. Speakers include Grace Davie (author of Believing without Belonging) and members of the Building on History project (www.open.ac.uk/buildingonhistory). Information from J.Maiden@open.ac.uk Tel: 020 7556 6143.

Vocation Sunday - 15 May 2011
A day to explore and encourage God's calling to discipleship and service for the whole people of God. National resources for worship, preaching, small group work and individual exploration can be downloaded from: www.vocationsunday.org

Church of England News Round-up   go to top of page

News from the Church of England in March - www.cofe.anglican.org/news
News from the Archbishops - www.archbishopofyork.org/119

Notices from National Organisations   go to top of page

Bringing the Passion of Christ to life
Church services for Holy Week and Easter are coming to life in a new way this year thanks to the publication of Common Worship: Holy Week and Easter (ISBN 978 0 7151 2171 9, Hardback). Published by Church House Publishing, priced £100. Available from Christian booksellers or direct from www.chpublishing.co.uk/product.asp?id=2396567

English Heritage urges congregations to use free practical guide
Last summer, English Heritage launched its Caring for Places of Worship campaign, and sent out copies of a free, practical booklet to more than 30,000 places of worship all over England. for a copy contact English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 3331181, email customer@english-heritage.org.uk or download a copy from www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/caring-for-places-of-worship

New! CMS Pioneer Ministry Training Course
The Church Mission Society has launched its new Pioneer Mission Leadership Training course - a modular Foundation Degree in Ministry which is accredited by Oxford Brookes University. The next open day is planned for 19 May 2011. Further information from John Martin on 020 8810 5618

Preventing theft of heating oil
The cost of heating oil has increased significantly recently and this has resulted in more thefts of heating oil from churches. Read Ecclesiastical's advice on the prevention of www.canterburydiocese.org/theftheatingoil.pdf

The Ecclesiastical Ministry Bursary Awards Scheme for 2012 applications is now open
Ecclesiastical has this month handed out cheques totalling more than £50,000 to fund a number of clergy projects through its annual Ministry Bursary Awards scheme. The scheme aims to give financial support to members of the clergy to carry out personal development projects during sabbaticals.
Applications for 2012 grants will be open from 10 January until 30 September 2011. Applications can be made online at www.ecclesiastical.com/mba

Conferences, Retreats, Training and Tours   go to top of page

Pilgrimage to Greece - in the steps of St. Paul
Canon Richard Orchard (Derby Diocese 1965-2006, now retired in Rye) will be leading a pilgrimage through Greece from 24th September to 3rd October.
The organisers are ITS Pilgrimages of Manchester. The cost is £1350. Brochures and booking forms are available from Richard at 7 Love Lane, Rye, TN31 7NE, tel. 01797 225916, email richardorchard41@yahoo.co.uk

More than Gold - Olympics 2012
'On Your Marks' is a two hour seminar held in Rochester for churches wishing to engage with the 2012 Olympics. Full information is available at www.morethangold.org.uk/onyourmarks

The United Nations Association (London & SE Region & the Canterbury Branch)
Designed to celebrate Earth Day, a Spring Conference on "Sustainable Development and the Natural World" is being held on 16th April 2011, 12.45pm - 5.30pm. Admission is free but a small donation welcome. More information: Sheila Kesby 01227 463968 (answer phone)

The Diocese of Canterbury is not responsible for the content of external internet sites or attachments.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the e-bulletin
please complete this online form.
If you would like to unsubscribe, simply click here