News from Canterbury Diocese   go to top of page

The Gathering - ten days to go!
The Gathering takes place Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September at Canterbury Cathedral. Highlights include Frank Skinner 'in conversation' with Archbishop Rowan, Bible study with Dr Paula Gooder, seminars with satirist Adrian Plass, a 'Big Society' debate with Kent leaders, worship led by John Bell of the Iona Community and activities for all ages including African drumming, labyrinth walks and story-telling in a 60 foot whale. Book your tickets online at: www.canterburydiocese.org/thegathering where you can also find a downloadable flyer, brochure and item for pewsheets.

Service for Honorary Canons
During Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday 10 September, 3.15pm, the following four priests will be installed as Honorary Canons: The Reverend Caroline Pinchbeck, The Reverend Andrew Sewell, The Reverend Tim Wilson and The Reverend Canon Jeremy Worthen. All welcome

9/11 - Awareness Sunday
Archbishop Rowan is heading an educational campaign for churches to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. The campaign has been launched by the Awareness Foundation under the banner: Awareness Sunday: A Path to Peace.
More information at: www.awarenesssunday.com

Service for the new Archdeacon of Maidstone
A special service of welcome will be held for the Venerable Stephen Taylor as he becomes the new Archdeacon of Maidstone. The service takes place on Sunday 25 September at All Saints Maidstone at 3.30pm. All are welcome. Archdeacon Stephen will be collated in the Cathedral on the previous Sunday (18 September). For details of the Maidstone event visit: http://www.canterburydiocese.org/bishoptrevor/letters/welcomearchdeaconmaidstone14July%202011.htm

Announcement about Amanda Evans of the Living Well
Julian Hills has written to clergy and parish secretaries with an update on Amanda Evans: www.canterburydiocese.org/RevdAmandaEvans.pdf

24/7 Live it! - update
Christ the King - 20 November, 5.30pm
This 24/7 discipleship event, on the Sunday of Christ the King at Canterbury Cathedral, with input from Graham Kendrick will draw some of the most valuable strands of the year together and mark our intentions for ongoing discipleship. It is hoped at least two people from each congregation will attend this event. Full details will be sent in September.

Readers' Celebration Service
From September the Revd Canon Rob Mackintosh will become the new Warden of Readers for Canterbury Diocese. The Celebration of Reader Ministry service takes place on Sunday 25 September 2011, 6.30pm at Canterbury Cathedral during which time Bishop Trevor will license Kim Palmer (Thanet Deanery), Judy Vinson (Tenterden Deanery) and John Morrison (Canterbury Deanery).

Back to Church Sunday
Back to Church Sunday takes place this year on Sunday 15 September. Over 110 parishes in Canterbury Diocese are taking part this year. More information or to register your parish visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/backtochurchsunday

Parish Grant Applications 2012
Applications for financial support for parishes in 2012 are now welcomed. A form, for completion by deaneries, is available: www.canterburydiocese.org/parishgrantapplications/grantapplicationform.doc
Applications should be made to the Director of Finance at Diocesan House by 30 September 2011.

Church Blogs
The Six Benefice in Sittingbourne deanery host a blog at: http://sixchurches.wordpress.com
If you would like to share your church blog more widely, send your blog link to: eshepherd@diocant.org

Advice from Ecclesiastical
For advice on metal theft and the use of gas beacons at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee: www.canterburydiocese.org/churchbuildings/ecclesiasticalguidanceonmetaltheftandgasbeacons.htm

Photo Caption Competition   go to top of page

Last month's caption competition winners include:

1. "Drink this, in remembrance of me." - Nicholas Cooper
2. "Our Lady of the Parish Pump made use of the fountain of Eternal Youth" - Carolyn Lewis
3. "When the wine ran out for the second time, they could not find the water jars and so had to change over to drinking beer." - Gordon Mackley

To see the other captions visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/caption/august2011

September competition
This photo was taken at Elham Deanery Chapter's Murder Mystery which took place at the Deanery Chapter residential. Send your captions to: eshepherd@diocant.org

To view a larger version visit www.canterburydiocese.org/caption/september2011

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

Book review   go to top of page

God's Transforming Work: Celebrating Ten Years of Common Worship by Nicholas Papadopulos: www.canterburydiocese.org/bookreviewandresources/bookreview911.htm

People and Vacancies   go to top of page

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

Vacancies
Priest-in-Charge of Eythorne Benefice with Whitfield: www.canterburydiocese.org/vacancies

Diocesan Training   go to top of page

Kent 'mission shaped ministry' course
Training in missional thinking and practice for teams from all forms of church - starting Saturday 24th September 2011 at St. Justus, Rochester. Followed by eight monthly Tuesday evenings at St. Mary Kennington (Ashford), a week-end away in March and a further Saturday in May. Cost £250 per person, but with significant subsidy available for teams from Canterbury Diocese. Full details and booking forms at: www.freshexpressions.org.uk/missionshapedministry/kent11

Canterbury Diocese Creative Mission Forum
Monday 26 September 2011, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Seasalter Christian Centre, 49 Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable CT5 4AX
Picking up from, and building upon, the network of Emerging Churches Group. We want to extend an invitation to leaders from all forms of church around the Diocese with a common interest in creative mission. Coffee and lunch provided free - bookings: www.canterburydiocese.org/booking/creativemissionforum.htm

Training workshops for Parish Officers
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
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

PCC Secretaries Training
Wednesday 21 September 2011, 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Parish Room, Mersham
Speaker: Julian Hills

Working with 'social grief' in the parish setting'
Teams in Leadership Workshop
1 October 2011, 9.30am - 12.30pm at Nackington Barn, nr Canterbury
Anyone involved in Parish ministry will know something about the effects of change in a parochial community. This workshop is an opportunity to reflect psychologically and theologically on what might be involved in this as a group phenomenon.
Bookings: www.canterburydiocese.org/booking/workingwithsocialgrief.htm

Preaching the Lectionary - St Mark's Gospel
Saturday 19 November 2011, Venue TBA
Speaker: Helen-Ann Hartley, Director of Biblical Studies and Lecturer in New Testament at Ripon College Cuddesdon. Helen-Ann joined the full-time staff at Cuddesdon in January 2008. She is a member of the working group on theological education in the Anglican Communion. During 2010 she spent a four-month sabbatical at the College of St John the Evangelist in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand where she wrote her book 'Making Sense of the Bible' which was published by SPCK in June.

Involved in Church Ministry? Looking to develop your ministry further?
Over the last 10 years ALM Training has helped over 300 individuals develop their ministry skills for use in their local parishes. They (and their parishes) have benefited from the experience of receiving quality introductory level training in a supportive adult learning environment.

In the 2011-2012 ALM year we are offering the following courses.

For more information on ALM Training including elective descriptions and provisional dates visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/bmt/localministries/alm/index.htm
Title of entry is Involved in church ministry? Looking to develop ministry further?
The deadline for applications is 12 September 2012, although applications will be accepted after this date for viable courses.

Deepening Discipleship - Application Deadline Approaching
The ALM Core Module is re-launching as 'Deepening Discipleship' in October 2011. The deadline for application is 12 September 2011, although applications for viable courses will be accepted after this date. It is aimed at those looking at furthering their own discipleship journey in a supportive group environment. We are offering courses at the following venues

Ashford Kennington Church Hall - Thursdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Canterbury Diocesan House - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Dover Ayecliffe Church Centre - Wednesdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Maidstone St Martin's Church - Thursdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Thanet Minster Church Hall - Wednesdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm

If you are interested in studying the Deepening Discipleship course visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/bmt/localministries/deepeningdiscipleship for more information including course dates.
For postal copies of the application packs and leaflets contact Sarah Lucas, slucas@diocant.org or 01227 459401.

Bishop's Day for Clergy - 'Accompanying Adventurous Discipleship'
Friday 16 March 2012, Canterbury Christ Church University Chapel (TBC)
Dr Andrew Teal, University of Oxford

Seminar Day for Clergy & Readers
Monday 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.

A Week of Accompanied Prayer for the Clergy
21 - 26 May 2012: Individually guided prayer retreats for clergy, which allow clergy to remain at home whilst meeting with a prayer guide for 30 minutes each day at Canterbury Cathedral: www.canterburydiocese.org/accompaniedprayer/Cathedral%20Clergy%20leaflet%20Week%20of%20Accompanied%20Prayer.pdf

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 (ChYP's) 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.

theJourney
… is a new Diocesan Youth Event happening on the 1 October 2011, from 6.00pm - 8.00pm at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) Chapel. The format will be a mix of band led worship and creative/alternative interactive stations with a talk and to help celebrate Richard Read's Pilgrim's Run, we also have the Destiny Africa Choir performing at the beginning of the evening! Should be a great event!
We've put a £1 cost on the event but that way we can have a free café of sorts.
Parking will also be available at the University! Contact Murray at Diocesan House 01227 459401

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

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

• Wednesday 7 September 2011, 7.30pm, Railway Swing Band Concert, Friends of St Johns Church, Margate
• 7 to 9 September 2011, daily, Flower Festival, St Mary of Charity, Faversham
• 8 September 2011, 7.00pm, Friends of Kent Churches - Annual Briggs Lecture, St Mary of Charity, Church Road, Faversham
• 10 September 2011, 10.00am - 6.00pm, Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored Ride & Stride, The Friends of Kent Churches
• Saturday 10 September 2011, Auction of Promises, The Brickwall Hotel Sedlescombe
• Saturday, 10 September 2011, 7:00pm, Organ Recital, All Saints Church, Birchington
• Saturday 10 September 2011, 10.00am to 12.30pm, Autumn Fayre, St Martin's Church
• Sunday 11 September 2011, 10.30am, Healing Service, Eastling and Stalisfield with Otterden
• Thursday 15 September 2011, 1.05pm, Lunchtime Concert - Rebecca Garland (Oboe), and Jonathan Garland (Organ) in aid of The One World Orphanage Trust, All Saints, Maidstone
• Saturday 24 September 2011, 7.00 pm - 10.00pm, Harvest Barn Dance, St Laurence Parish Hall, High Street St Lawrence, Ramsgate
• Saturday 24 September 2011, 7.30pm, Concert by Duo Isaria, St Leonard, Hythe
• Saturday 24 September 2011, A day of spiritual pilgrimage, Saint Andrew's Parish Church, Deal, contact: frrogermarsh@hotmail.com
• Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September 2011, 10.00am - 4.00pm, Frittenden's Flower Festival of Friendship, Frittenden, St Mary's
• 23 - 25 September 2011, Flower Festival, Saint Cosmus and Saint Damian in the Blean
• Thursday 29 September 2011, 1.05pm, Lunchtime Concert - Organ Music played by David Flood in aid of Canterbury Cathedral Appeal, All Saints, Maidstone
• Friday 30 September, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October 2011, 11.00am - 5.00pm, Flower Festival, local produce, books and gifts for sale, St Michael's, Hernhill

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 September: www.canterburydiocese.org/whatson/cathedraleventsjulyaugust2011.pdf

Cathedral Open Evening
Wednesday 5 October: 5.30pm - Choral evensong, 6.15pm - Displays & activities, 8.40pm - Concert by the Cathedral Choristers, 9pm - Compline. Free entry. Poster available at: www.canterburydiocese.org/friendsofcanterburycathedral/OpenEveningPoster5Oct11.pdf

The Bible in English: 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible
12 November, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. A one day colloquium to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. £15 or £10 for seniors and unwaged. To register contact Claire Taylor: c.l.taylor@kent.ac.uk

Cruise: In the footsteps of St Paul the Apostle
Organised with the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, departing 25 October 2011, 7 night cruise follows in the tracks St Paul's travels around the Aegean. Information at: www.seafarercruises.com

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

Churches Together in Kent
Latest 'Newspoints' available at: www.canterburydiocese.org/churchestogetherinkent/newspoints/September2011.pdf

Shrinking the Footprint First: Steps to Sustainability
Saturday 29 October 2011 at Bore Place, Chiddingstone, Kent
10.00am until 4.00pm
Hosted by Commonwork the day is suitable for church leaders, wardens, officers and groups interested in the environment and will feature local, regional and national speakers on the environment, theology and practical guidance on how to green your church. Who should come? For more details about the conference go to - www.shrinkingthefootprint.org.uk

Enneagram courses
Saturday 8 October 2011, 9.30am - 4.30pm
Biblical Characters and the Enneagram Course held at Stelling Minnis Village Hall. The cost of each day is £10.
Friday 11 - Sunday 13 November 2011
A weekend course for those with no previous knowledge of the Enneagram. By the end of the weekend, people will have gained sufficient understanding to choose which personality type they belong to.
For information on both courses contact Contact: Revd Margi Walker margiwalker@uwclub.net Tel: 01227 730805

The Mission Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda, Diocesan Branch
The next meeting of the Society will take place at St Andrew's Deal on Saturday 22nd October starting at 10:30am. Details from: Michael Morris: michael@themorrises.co.uk

Loerrach 2011 - Thursday 20 to Wednesday 26 October
In October there will be a visit to Loerrach, a region south of the Black Forest in Germany on the banks of the Rhine with which our diocese is linked, with discussions on ministry and discipleship. If you are interested, please get in touch with Rev. Robin Blount on 01303 250028 or robin.blount38@gmail.com

Church and Community Seminars
'Selfish or Selfless? How do you take responsibility for yourself?' With Dr Len Rowland, Consultant Psychologist and Director of Research at the Health & Social Care Advisory Service. Thursday 29 September 2011, 6.30pm - 9.00pm at St Paul's Church Centre, Church Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NH.
Cost £5 (including refreshments).
To book contact: Rev Pam Beckinsale: pam.beckinsale@tiscali.co.uk or mobile: 07762 100543

New Churchyard Awards for 2011
The Kent God's Acre Project are running two new awards which are for Community Participation and Churchyard Interpretation.
For further information, contact: 01227 459401 or email - cpinchbeck@diocant.org
The closing date for these awards is Friday 9 September 2011. For all three awards there will be a presentation event in the autumn.

The Kent God's Acre Project - Churchyard Mark
Since our first workshop in June 2009, there has been a call for a churchyard mark to publicise that a church/community have worked to an agreed standard. There are three levels, Level 1 (introductory), Level 2 (intermediate) and Level 3 (advanced). The criteria set out a certain standard that must be achieved by the production of evidence and a visit by one of our representatives.
For further information contact: 01227 459401 or email - cpinchbeck@diocant.org

Fit For Life: A CVM Regional Conference for Kent: Saturday 8 October
Christian Vision for Men is an organisation that seeks to help churches win more men for Jesus Christ. There is a Regional Day for Kent at Folkestone Baptist Church which will address the issues of: man-friendly evangelism, gearing church up for men and men's discipleship issues & leading as a Christian man. £15 for the day, including fish & chips. More information available at http://www.cvmen.org.uk/fit-for-life-kent-regional-day.html

Maternal Health: Global Crisis - Local Action
Saturday 15 October, St Peter's Methodist Church, St Peter's Street, Canterbury, 11.30am - 1.00pm
Public meeting.