Churches across Newham united to help tackle homelessness in a new way. REVD DAVE CHESNEY, of the Church of the Ascension, talked to The Month about the NEWway community project

What prompted this project?The Combined Homelessness and Information Network released a report in July 2013 which revealed that the number of people sleeping rough in the London Borough of Newham had increased by a shocking 57 per cent over the past year.

Furthermore, cuts and changes to the welfare system, particularly to housing benefit, combined with the continuing economic downturn and high unemployment rates indicate that these worrying statistics are set to increase.

What did the churches do?In light of the above, a steering group of Christian leaders, drawn from a range of local churches and charities, joined forces to launch the NEWway Project.

A new inter-church winter night shelter and support service was set up to help local homeless people rebuild their lives.

The Church of the Ascension, St Mark’s Church Beckton and St

George & St Ethelbert Church East Ham together with other churches across Newham signed up as host venues and members of these congregations volunteered their time and resources to help make this project happen.

How did it work?From the first week of November 2013 until the final week of January 2014, churches opened their doors for one evening per week and provided 15 homeless guests, referred through specialist partner agencies, with a hot meal and a safe warm place to sleep during the cold win-ter months.

The steering group appointed a full time Project Co-ordinator, Jonny Adams, who organised the circuit and provided each guest with one-to-one advocacy support to help them secure longer term housing solutions and employment opportunities.

NOTICE boardJune-July 2014

Churches link upto help homeless

HELPING HOMELESS (clockwise from top left): Guests enjoy a good meal served up by volunteers before enjoying a variety of activities

How did it go?The NEWway nightshelter was open for 84 consecutive nights, accommodated 61 guests and by the end of the circuit, we help move 23 guests into permanent accommodation.

We were also able to source second hand donated furniture and basic essentials for those who had moved into new homes and helped eligible guests apply for welfare support and travel cards.

Reunion to give thanksOn March 1, more than 100 volunteers, guests, funders and other supporters, including East Ham MP Stephen Timms and Paul Reilly from Housing Justice came together at Ascension Church for a time of food and fellowship, reflection and celebration, and just to give thanks.

Some fantastic testimonies were shared by guests and volunteers.

A short video was screened,

which can be seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSBoxsJXviY

What are your future plans?The experience over the past few months has highlighted a real need to continue strengthening the support services available for homeless people in Newham.

Funding is an issue and many people are praying and exploring ways to continue this important work.

The future vision for NEWway is not only to provide annual winter night shelters and help people find accommodation but also to help people find a sense of purpose and belonging.

Resettled guests can lose their purpose and sense of belonging almost overnight, waking up in an empty flat thinking ìwhat now?î

Ideas currently being explored included the launch of a befriending service and meaningful day time activities, including volunteering opportunities, community gardening, a furniture up-cycling scheme, warehouse training programme and a bike building project. ● If you would like to help make this vision a reality and find out more about ways that you could get involved then please visit www. newwayproject.org

LAST year was the 50th annual festival at St Peter’s church, South Weald.

This year, the theme is celebrating the centenary of Chelmsford Diocese. To achieve this the organisers have planned a 'Week of Wonders' with events from June 23-29.

The week will feature many events that focus on the diocesan theme, including a concert given by pupils from Becket Keys and St Peter’s schools on Tuesday June 24, the Bishop of Bradwell preaching at the school Eucharist on June 27 and Archdeacon David preaching at the main Patronal Festival Eucharist on June 29 – appropriately on St Peter’s Day.

From the Friday service, the church, with special floral displays, will feature a '100 in Flowers' and frames will be filled up over the weekend with blooms to celebrate the diocesan anniversary. ● To commemorate this occasion, a special 52-page programme is available, packed with vouchers and articles and priced at £1.50, giving access to the school fete on Saturday, June 28. The programmes are available through the festival website www.southwealdfestival.co.uk or contact chrisluck@southwealdfestival.co.uk

'Week of Wonders' at South Weald

II THE MONTH — NB SUPPLEMENT June-July 2014

Cycle of Prayer for daily use in Diocese of Chelmsford

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col 4: 2

JUNE1 THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER● Archdeacon Mina Smallman asks for your prayers for Revds Paul Carr, Paul Gambling, Norbert Mutuku and the Revd Andy and Mrs Alice Smith. May God bless them all in their ministries.2 Monday● DEANERY OF BASILDON—Area Dean: Margaret Shaw. Lay Chair: Shirley Jeffery. Assistant Area Deans: Paul Carr and Jo Delfgou. Chaplains: Linda Peall (Basildon & Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), Tara Frankland (St Luke’s Hospice).● Diocese of Cuernavaca (Mexico).3 Tuesday The Martyrs of Uganda, 1885‐7 and 1977● BASILDON (St Martin of Tours)—Clergy: Esther McCafferty (R), Martin Wood (Hon. A). Reader: Phyll Wood.● Diocese of Curitiba (Brazil).4 Wednesday Petroc, Abbot of Padstow, 6th century● BASILDON (St Andrew w Holy Cross)—Clergy: Margaret Shaw (RD, V). Reader: John Shaw.● Diocese of Cuttack (North India).5 Thursday Boniface (Wynfrith) of Crediton, Bishop, Apostle of Germany, Martyr, 754● BILLERICAY & LITTLE BURSTEAD TM: Billericay (Christ Church), Billericay (Emmanuel), Billericay (St John the Divine), Little Burstead (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Paul Carr (TR), Paul Gambling, Warner Pidgeon (TV), Tom Loh (A). Readers: Peter Fisher, Margaret Fowler, Sue Ginn, Susan Oakley, Pauline Randall, Linda Russ, Jane Tolaini, Pauline Woolnough.● Diocese of Cyangugu (Rwanda).6 Friday Ini Kopuria, Founder of the Melanesian Brotherhood, 1945● BOWERS GIFFORD w NORTH BENFLEET (St Margaret, St John)—Clergy: David Ibiayo (PIC).● St Margaret’s School: Emma Wigmore (HT).● Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf (Jerusalem and Middle East).7 Saturday ● Pray for all who are inspired to write hymns and music in praise of God.● Diocese of Daejeon (Korea).8 PENTECOST● Environment Sunday. Loving Father, we praise and thank you for giving us so much to enjoy in your world. And if we do not understand why nature sometimes seems so cruel and harsh, and why people suffer from floods, earthquakes and man-made disasters, help us to trust where we cannot see and to rest in the knowledge that not even the smallest sparrow lies outside your loving care. Help us to do all in our power to relieve suffering, and make us willing and eager to share the good things that you have given us for the benefit of all.● Pray for La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico; Most Revd Francisco Moreno, Presiding Bishop.9 Monday Columba, Abbot of Iona, Missionary, 597, Ephrem of Syria, Deacon, Hymn Writer, Teacher of the Faith, 373● LAINDON (St Nicholas) w DUNTON—Clergy: Vacancy (V).● Diocese of Dallas (Province VII, The Episcopal Church, USA).10 Tuesday ● GREAT BURSTEAD (St Mary Magdalene) w RAMSDEN CRAYS—Clergy: Michael Hall (V).● Diocese of Damaturu (Jos, Nigeria).11 Wednesday BARNABAS THE APOSTLE● LANGDON HILLS (St Mary & All Saints)—Clergy: Colin Hopkinson (R), Mark Petitt (A), Julian Patching (A). Reader: Kennedy Wrath.● Diocese of Dares Salaam (Tanzania).12 Thursday● PITSEA (St Gabriel) w NEVENDON (St Peter) —Clergy: Simon Law (R).● Diocese of Davao (Philippines).13 Friday● VANGE (St Chad)—Clergy: David Ibiayo (R).● Diocese of Delaware (Province III, The Episcopal Church, USA).14 Saturday Richard Baxter, Puritan Divine, 1691● Please pray for the Baptist Union, Eastern Region; The Revd Paul Hills, Regional Minister and Team Leader.● Diocese of Delhi (North India).15 TRINITY SUNDAY● Refugee Week begins tomorrow: At this time of war and unrest in the Arab and African nations we remember especially all those people who have been torn from their homes and countries and now look to us for comfort and support.● Pray for the Church of the Province of Mayanmar (Burma), Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop

16 Monday Richard, Bishop of Chichester, 1253, Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, Philosopher, 1752● WICKFORD & RUNWELL TM: Wickford (St Catherine, Wickford (St Andrew), Runwell (St Mary)—Clergy: Jane Freeman (TR), Jo Delfgou (TV), Norbert Mutuku (TV), Sue Mann (A). Reader: John Knowles.● Wickford Infants School: Debbbie Rogan (HT).● Diocese of Derby (Canterbury).17 Tuesday Samuel and Henrietta Barnett, Social Reformers, 1913 and 1936● The retired clergy, Readers and lay ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Basildon.● Diocese of Derry & Raphoe (Armagh, Ireland).18 Wednesday Bernard Mizeki, Apostle of the MaShona, Martyr, 1896● DEANERY OF CHELMSFORD NORTH—Area Dean: Carla Hampton. Lay Chair: Roger Shilling. Chaplains: James Ridge, Managing Chaplain (Chelmsford Prison), Julia Sheffield, Lead Chaplain (Mid‐Essex Hospitals NHS Trust).● Diocese in Europe (Canterbury).19 Thursday DAY OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE INSTITUTION OF THE HOLY COMMUNION(CORPUS CHRISTI) —Sundar Singh of India, Sadhu (holy man), Evangelist, Teacher of the Faith, 1929● Broomfield (St Mary w St Leonard)—Clergy: Carolyn Tibbott (V), Anne Harvey (A). Readers: Diana Garfield, Susannah Howlett.● Pray for those attending the Priests’ pre‐ordination retreat at Pleshey and their Retreat Leader, Ven David Lowman, Archdeacon of Chelmsford.● Diocese of Eastern Kowloon (Hong Kong).20 Friday● CHELMSFORD CATHEDRAL (St Mary the Virgin, St Peter, St Cedd)—Clergy: Nicholas Henshall (Dean), Ivor Moody (Vice‐Dean), Edward Carter (Canon Theologian), Simon Pothen (Precentor), Kate Moore (AC). Reader: Allison Cline‐Dean.● The Cathedral School: Anthea Kenna (HT).● Diocese of Free State [Formerly Bloemfontein] (South Africa).21 Saturday ● Pray for the work of the Royal British Legion and the support they give to both serving and retired servicemen and women and their families.● Glastonbury Pilgrimage begins today.● Diocese of Western Kowloon (Hong Kong).22 THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY● Pray for all those being Priested today, their families and the parishes where they serve.● Pray for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, Primate of All Nigeria.23 Monday Ethelreda, Abbess of Ely, c.678● CHELMSFORD (All Saints)—Clergy: Tom Page (PIC).● Diocese of the Coast [formerly Ikale‐Ilaje] (Ondo, Nigeria).24 Tuesday THE BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST● CHELMSFORD (The Ascension)—Clergy: Tom Page (V). Leslie Rogers (A).● Diocese of Doko (Lokoja, Nigeria).25 Wednesday Ember DayChelmsford (St Andrew)—Clergy: Paul Greenland (V), Susan Ives (AC). Reader: Linda Robinson● Diocese of Dominican Republic (Province IX, The Episcopal Church, USA).26 Thursday● Pray for the Ordinands beginning their Retreat at Pleshey today, and for their Retreat Leader, Revd Gordon Mursell.● Diocese of Dornakal (South India).27 Friday Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the Faith, 444 — Ember Day● THE CHIGNALS (St Nicholas w St James) w MASHBURYClergy: Caroline Brown (PiC).● Dioceses of Down & Dromore (Armagh) and Dublin & Glenalough (Dublin).28 Saturday Irenaeus, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the Faith, c.200 — Ember Day● Pray for all those who strive to spread the truth and light of God’s word in a dark, unresponsive world.● Diocese of Dunedin (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia).

29 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF TRINITY● Pray for all those being ordained Deacon in the Cathedral today, their families and the parishes in which they will serve. Remember, too, their training incumbents, and pray that men and women will continue to answer God’s call to the ordained ministry.● Pray for the Church of North India (United), Most Revd Dr Philip Marandih, Moderator.30 Monday PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES● GREAT & LITTLE LEIGHS and LITTLE WALTHAM (St Mary Vn, St John, St Martin)—Clergy: Steve Holmes (V). Readers: Sandra Sykes, Greg Waters.● Little Waltham School: Liz Maycock (HT).● Diocese of Dunkwa on Offin (Ghana).

JULY1 Tuesday Henry, John, and Henry Venn the younger, Priests, Evangelical Divines, 1797, 1813, and 1873.● GREAT WALTHAM (St Mary & St Lawrence) w FORD END (St John)—Clergy: Caroline Brown (PiC), Rose Braisby (A).● Ford End School: Hazel Arnill (HT).● Great Waltham School: Alex Burden (HT).● Diocese of Durgapar (North India).2 Wednesday ● PLESHEY (Holy Trinity)—Clergy: Sheila Coughtrey (PiC).● Diocese of Durham (York).3 Thursday THOMAS THE APOSTLE● ROXWELL (St Michael and All Angels)—Clergy: Karen Best (PiC).● Roxwell School: Claire Newson (HT).● Diocese of Dutse (Kaduna, Nigeria).4 Friday● SPRINGFIELD (All Saints)—Clergy: Raymond Brown (R), Carla Hampton (AC). Readers: Roger McFarland, Keith Otter, Pat Otter, Robin Stevens.● Philip and Fiona Richardson (Crosslinks – Tanzania).● Diocese of East Carolina (IV, The Episcopal Church).5 Saturday● Please pray for the URC Thames North Synod: Dr Andrew Prasad, Moderator and Derek Collins, Ecumenical Officer.● Dioceses of East Kerala and North Kerala (South India).6 THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY● Please pray for Mary Daw (Chair) and the work of all the Friends of Pleshey who give of their time, their talents and themselves to support the ministry of our House of Retreat.● Pray for the Church of Pakistan (United), Most Revd Samuel Robert Azariah, Moderator.7 Monday● NORTH SPRINGFIELD (St Augustine of Canterbury)—Clergy: Jane Anderson (PiC). Reader: Simon Carpenter.● The Bishop’s School: Greg Waters (HT).● Diocese of East Ruwenzori (Uganda).8 Tuesday● EAST SPRINGFIELD (Church of Our Saviour) LEP—Clergy: Ann Mackenzie, (PiC), Mandy Hewson (A). Reader: Gillian Price.● SPRINGFIELD (Holy Trinity) —Clergy: Keith Roddy (V), James Harding (A). Reader: Ian Fuller.● Diocese of East Tennessee (IV, The Episcopal Church).9 Wednesday● WRITTLE (All Saints) w Highwood (St Paul)—Clergy: Vacancy (V).● The retired clergy, Readers and lay ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Chelmsford North.● Diocese of Eastern Himalayas (North India).10 Thursday● DEANERY OF CHELMSFORD SOUTH —Rural Dean: Andy Griffiths. Lay Chair: Christine Horton. Assistant Rural Dean: Carol Smith. Chaplains: Tony Cant (Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus), Michèle Marshall (St Andrew’s Healthcare Essex).● Dioceses of Eastern Oregon and Oregon (Province VIII, The Episcopal Church, USA).11 Friday Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, Father of Western Monasticism, c.550● BOREHAM (St Andrew)—Clergy: Lee Batson (PiC). Reader: Christine Horton.● DANBURY (St John the Baptist)—Clergy: Clive Ashley (V).St John’s School: Claire Williams (HT).General Synod begins today.● Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada).

CYCLE OF PRAYER

THE MONTH — NB SUPPLEMENT June-July 2014 III

12 Saturday● Please pray for all those taking part in the Bradwell Pilgrimage today. Pray, too, for the guest speaker, Revd Dr Kate Coleman, Chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council: she will speak on the theme of 'Sending Out'.● Diocese of Eastern Zambia (Central Africa).13 THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY: Sea Sunday● Praise God for the untiring work of the Mission to Seafarers, their Roman Catholic Brothers and sisters from the Apostleship of the Sea and the Free Church British and International Sailors Society. Remember all who earn their living on the sea, and those who minister to them.● Pray for the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea, Rt Revd Clyde Igara, Archbishop elect.14 Monday John Keble, Priest, Tractarian, Poet, 1866● DOWNHAM (St Margaret) w SOUTH HANNINGFIELD (St Peter) w RAMSDEN BELLHOUSE (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Stephen Robertson (R), Miranda Seaman (AC), Jean Andrews (AC). Reader: Suzy Edmundson.● Downham School: Helen Craig/Susan Crace (HT).● EAST HANNINGFIELD (All Saints)—Clergy: Susan Iskander (PIC).● East Hanningfield School: Kerry Collins (HT).● Diocese of Easton, (Province III, The Episcopal Church USA).15 Tuesday Swithun, Bishop of Winchester, c.862Bonaventure, Friar, Bishop, Teacher of the Faith, 1274● GALLEYWOOD (St Michael & All Angels)—Clergy: Andy Griffiths (RD, V), Stephanie Gillingham, Carol Smith (AC).Readers: Roger Gillingham, Travers Harpur, Fiona Selden.● St Michael’s Junior School: Revd Stuart Ellis (HT).● General Synod ends today.● Diocese of Eau Claire (Province V The Episcopal Church USA).16 Wednesday Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury, 1099● GREAT BADDOW TEAM MINISTRY: (St Mary Vn, St Paul, Meadgate Church Centre)—Clergy: Philip Ritchie (TR), Mones Farah (TV), Graham Hamborg, Roger Matthews (Hon. A), Katie De Bourcier (A).● Diocese of Edinburgh (Scotland).17 Thursday● LITTLE BADDOW (St Mary Vn) —Clergy: Clive Ashley (PIC). Reader: Charles Cope.● Diocese of Edmonton (Rupert’s Land, Canada).18 Friday Elizabeth Ferard, first Deaconess of the Church of England, Founder of the Community of St Andrew, 1883● MOULSHAM (St John the Evangelist)—Clergy: Carol Smith (PIC), Andy Griffiths (RD), Stephanie Gillingham (AC).

● DEANERY OF MALDON & DENGIE—Rural Dean: Sandra Manley. Lay Chair: Adrian Smith. Assistant Rural Dean: Ken Dunstan.● Please pray for the ongoing work of Re‐imagining Ministry in this largely rural deanery, with limited financial and minis-terial resources. Also that long‐standing church members may be refreshed in their understanding and experience of Christ.● Diocese of Ekiti Oke (Ondo, Nigeria).26 Saturday Anne and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.● Pray for Revd Robert Wiggs, and the work of the Faith in Action Group.● Diocese of Ekiti West (Ondo, Nigeria).27 THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY● Pray for the work of the Hockerill Foundation, which provides grants to teachers in training from this diocese, St Albans and others, especially those studying Religious Education.● Pray for the Province de L’Eglise Anglicane au Rwanda, Most Revd Dr Onesphore Rwaje, Archbishop.28 Monday ● BRADWELL ON SEA (St Thomas, St Peter on the Wall) & ST LAWRENCE (St Lawrence) —Clergy: Vacancy (PIC), Brigid Main (CHP St Peter on the Wall).● St Cedd’s School: Pauline Ward (HT).● BURNHAM‐ON‐CROUCH (St Mary Vn)—Clergy: Mark North (V).● St Mary’s School: Geraldine Denham‐Hale (HT).● The Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage begins today.● Diocese of El Camino Real (Province VIII The Episcopal Church).29 Tuesday Mary, Martha and Lazarus, companions of Our Lord● PURLEIGH (All Saints)—Clergy: Laurie Blaney (PIC).● CREEKSEA (All Saints)—Clergy: Vera Wadman (PIC).● COLD NORTON (St Stephen) w STOW MARIES (St Mary & St Margaret)—Clergy: Sandra Manley (R, RD).● Diocese of El Salvador (Central America).30 Wednesday William Wilberforce, social reformer, Olaudah Equiano and Chomas Clarkson, anti slavery campaigners ‐ 1883, 1797 and 1846● ALTHORNE (St Andrew) & LATCHINGDON (Christ Church) w NORTH FAMBRIDGE (Holy Trinity)—Clergy: Sandra Manley (R).● Latchingdon School: Margaret Amery (HT).● Diocese of Eldoret (Kenya).31 Thursday Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus, 1556.● TILLINGHAM (St Nicholas) w DENGIE (St James) & ASHELDHAM—Clergy: Lorna Smith (PIC). Readers: Margaret Plant, Adrian Smith.● St Nicholas School: Paula Hagan (HT).● Asheldham Youth Centre: Barry Howard (Chair, Management Committee).● Diocese of El Obeid (Sudan).

COLD NORTON: Please pray for the clergy and congregation on July 29.

NOTES:Where parochial links are known to exist the names of overseas workers are placed immediately after the appropriate parish. Further information concerning overseas dioceses, including the names of bishops, is contained in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, available on their website www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/ main.cfm To contact the Diocese of Chelmsford about the Cycle of Prayer, please email internalcomms@chelmsford.anglican.orgThe Cycle of Prayer can be downloaded in a handy booklet format from www.chelmsford.anglican.org/cycleofprayerABBREVIATIONS:A Assistant Clergy; AAD Assistant Area Dean; AC Associate Clergy; ACD Associate Clergy Diaconate; AD Area Dean; ARD Assistant Rural Dean; ASM Associate Minister, AT Assistant Clergy Title Post; AYO Area Youth Officer, BP Bishop; C Community Worker; CA Church Army; CIC Curate in Charge; CHP Chaplain; E-P Extraprovincial; EVN Evangelist; HT Head Teacher; MCD Minister of Conventional District; MIN Minister, P Priest; PIC Priest in Charge; R Rector; RD Rural Dean; Rdes Rector designate; RDR Reader; RES Residentiary Canon; SNP Special Needs Post, T Teacher; TM Team Ministry; TR Team Rector; TV Team Vicar; V Vicar; Vdes Vicar designate; WDN Warden; YW Youth worker. Hon. editor: Revd Bill Howes, 26 Westfield Drive, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1PU. 01376 561826 (email frbill_105@fsmail.net), who would be glad to receive comments and corrections and also any items for prayer and praise to be considered for inclusion from the parishes.

● MOULSHAM (St Luke)—Clergy: Carol Smith (V), Andy Griffiths (RD), Stephanie Gillingham (AC).● Diocese of Egba (Lagos, Nigeria).19 Saturday Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, and his sister Macrina, Deaconess, Teachers of the Faith, c.349 and c.379● Please pray for all school or university age young people to keep safe and have an engaging holiday time. For teachers, caretakers, cooks, cleaners and all school staff that they have a refreshing holiday and draw closer to God in their activities.● Diocese of Egba West (Lagos Nigeria).20 THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY● Give thanks for the men and women of the RNLI and HM Coastguard, who risk their lives to protect those who travel the seas around our coast.● Pray for The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, Most Revd Edward Pacyaya Malecdan, Prime Bishop.21 Monday● SANDON (St Andrew) —Clergy: Terry Brown (PIC).● SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS (Holy Trinity)—Clergy: Carol Ball (V), Michèle Marshall (AC).● Trinity St Mary’s School: Christina Gooday (HT).● Diocese of Egbu (Owerri, Nigeria).22 Tuesday MARY MAGDALENE● STOCK HARVARD (All Saints)—Clergy: Stephen Need (PIC).● Stock School: Alina Clay (HT).● WEST HANNINGFIELD (St Mary & St Edward)—Clergy: Stephen Need (PIC).● St Peter’s School: Wendy Figuera (HT).● Pray for Most Reverend Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis President, Bishop (Jerusalem and the Middle East).23 Wednesday Bridget of Sweden, Abbess of Vadstena, 1373● WIDFORD (St Mary, Church of the Holy Spirit)—Clergy: Stephanie Gillingham (PiC); Andy Taylor (RD), Carol Smith (AC). Reader: Keith Taylor.● Diocese of Eha Amufu (Enugu, Nigeria).24 Thursday ● WOODHAM FERRERS (St Mary) and Bicknacre (St Andrew)—Clergy: Carol Ball (PIC) Michèle Marshall (AC).● St Mary’s School: Stephanie Redgate (HT).● The retired clergy, Readers, and lay ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Chelmsford South.● Dioceses of Ekiti (Ondo, Nigeria) and Ekiti Kwara (Ibadan, Nigeria).25 Friday JAMES THE APOSTLE

CYCLE OF PRAYER

month — Colts star in Palm Sunday celebrations

IV THE MONTH — NB SUPPLEMENT June-July 2014

Christopher Warren (1955-2014): a tribute

Donkeys lead wayin church parades

BRAMBLES the donkey led the annual Palm Sunday procession organised by St Paul's Goodmayes and St John's Seven Kings. The service began at St Paul's Goodmayes and was attended by more than 100 people. From St Paul's, the procession went to Westwood Recreation Ground where palm crosses were blessed and the Gospel was read. The procession continued along Meads Lane to St John's Seven Kings where the service concluded with Communion. Along the way, the congregation of Seven Kings United Free Church left their service to greet the procession with waved palms, banners and instruments.

AT the service to mark his retirement on medical grounds in September 2013, Revd Christopher Warren preached on the disciples’ encounter with the Risen Jesus over breakfast on the shore of the lake. After they have eaten, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Thereby Peter is restored, following his denial of Jesus three times before the crucifixion. As Chris highlighted, he did not ask a whole host of other questions which might have sprung to mind. “Do you understand the gravity of what you did?” “Are you sorry?” “How are you going to make it up to me?” No, he stuck to the same question, and asked it three times: “Do you love me?” It is the most important question any of us are ever asked, Chris declared.

Christopher spent most of his working life in the broadcast sector. He joined the BBC straight from school and began work as a news copytaker at the then BBC Radio London, which was the local radio station for London. It was there that he learned the basics of broadcast journalism. Eventually, he became a researcher on the Radio 4 Today Programme, working first in London and then in Manchester. This illustrious job impressed Isabella, his wife to be, on their first encounter at a New Year’s Eve Party.

Thereafter Chris would frequently call on her at her flat having just popped to see his parents who lived nearby. She noted what a “thoughtful and devoted son he was.” They were married in 1979 in Grantchester.

As a Dad to Roland and Frankie, Chris combined tender wisdom with a great sense of humour. Having removed his suit or cassock, he was free to indulge his silly side, notably playing with inanimate objects in creative and amusing ways!

After almost 20 years of working in TV, both for the BBC and other broadcasters, Christopher moved to the fledgling BBC Online.There he commissioned the BBC History site, which subsequently won a BAFTA award, and the Religion and Ethics site, that won a Prix Italia.

He continued working for BBC Online for ten years, ending up as Executive Editor in BBC Learning, leading the Adult Basic Skills unit that developed a series of materials that were widely used by adult basic skills tutors.

Meanwhile in 2002 Christopher was selected for training as a priest. This followed almost a lifetime of church going. He was supported by his parish church of St Mary's, Saffron Walden where he had taken an active role for many years.

He trained at the North Thames Ministerial Training course which he enjoyed enormously. He managed to gain a degree in Contextual Theology, to be nominated as senior student by his fellow students, and to be recommended for ordination.

He was ordained Deacon in Chelmsford Cathedral in July 2005 and although he served his curacy at St. Mary's, Saffron Walden, he spent most of his time as a priest in the workplace at the BBC. He enjoyed this role; however it was brought to an end when he was made redundant in 2007. This and his other bouts of unemployment gave Chris a first-hand insight into its impact on the individuals and their family. Thereby he had the experience and impetus to take a lead in setting up the Transition Project for seeking work. This ongoing venture is shaped by the vision of offering a sympathetic and non- judgemental ear, alongside providing wisdom and expertise when required.

His growing parochial ministry led naturally to his appointment as Team Vicar in the new Saffron Walden and Villages Team. As such he has very much enjoyed the joys and challenges of multi-benefice rural ministry. Chris had a gift for enabling others to discover their gifts and flourish, and for helping initiatives to thrive. During his relative short tenure, there were many significant developments with the advent of Café Church at Littlebury a notable feature. As one church warden put it, “He always got the seed planted, and then kept it watered and fed; the ideas always grow into action. He was a great facilitator.”

In October 2012, the diagnosis of advanced bowel cancer was a massive shock as Christopher was only 57. The last 18 months of his life have been characterised by gratitude for all the love and support showered upon him and Isabella, and the wider family.

In response to his preaching, thoughtful and insightful; his empathetic support of people in crisis; his faithful presence at whirl of social events and numerous meetings; and all the personal encounters typified by a generous giving of attention and time; he received great love and affection. Cards, cakes, and messages of support, alongside visits, cooked meals and teams of volunteers ready to work in the garden, left Chris feeling wonderfully overwhelmed and helped to sustain him when life was tough.

Chris was a shining example of servant leadership, humble, faithful and self-effacing. Yet the face we did see was Christ’s. His courage and patient fortitude over the last 18 months has been a wonderful gift to us. Chris lived well; Chris died well.

“Did you love me?” “You know, Lord, that I do.” Whatever life brought, Chris loved and served. Even in the struggles, and on the dark days, Chris lived courageously, and faced dying and death with great faith. Greatly missed but remembered with deep love, Chris will continue to be an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Revd David Tomlinson, Rector of the Saffron Walden

and Villages Team Ministry

Sam, a nine year old male rescue donkey from Riffhams donkey sanctuary at Little Baddow leads Chelmsford Cathedral’s Palm Sunday procession on April 13 with his owner Sam and Canon Precentor Simon Pothen leading the 600 worshippers round the cathedral grounds.

THE Bible says that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt donkey and this year a 14-month-old colt led the Palm Sunday procession at St. Peter's Aldborough Hatch, Ilford. Born on Valentine's Day 2013 - hence his name - Valentine lives with his mother. Elizabeth, on Willow Farm, Billet Road, Little Heath. Valentine walked the mile or so from Willow Farm to St. Peter's with his owners, Ann and Clive Wilderspin, and the mile back again.

WIDFORD Parish Festival and Mission Weekend featured an action-packed programme of events at St Marys and the Church of the Holy Spirit, in Forest Drive.

Saturday began with Geraldine Latty, a gospel singer and composer, rehearsing a small, but enthusiastic scratch choir, who joined her in singing in a concert given that evening at the Church of the Holy Spirit. The choir was open to all ages, and was notable for a young man, who had been walking through the churchyard with his two daughters, answering an invitation to join in.

Meanwhile, adults and children were enjoying a craft session at St Mary’s to tell the Easter story. Biscuits decorated with icing and marshmallows represented the Last Supper, and clay quickly became a cross with Easter gardens taking shape in foil containers.

The following morning both congregations met at St Mary’s for a service before walking to CHS in a procession led by Jenny the donkey.