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JOURNAL OF BLACKBURN DIOCESE : THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN LANCASHIRE
THE
See MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2017
The See can also be found on the Diocesan Website: www.blackburn.anglican.org under News, or scan the ‘QR code’ on the back page
with your smartphone to be taken to the Diocese website page which contains the current and archive editions of The See.
The official retirement service for the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev. Geoff Pearson, took place on a Saturday in mid-July at Blackburn Cathedral.
Bishop Geoff was joined by The Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth; members of the Bishop's Leadership Team; current and retired Bishops from across the Church of England; clergy and parishioners from around the Diocese and old colleagues and friends from previous roles he has fulfilled throughout his long career in ministry.
The service followed a dinner at Whalley Abbey (the Diocesan Retreat and Conference Centre in the Ribble Valley) the previous Thursday for current and past members for the Bishop’s Leadership Team, including the former Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Nicholas Reade; the former Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. John Goddard and the former Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable John Hawley.
The Cathedral was packed and dozens of pictures from across Bishop Geoff’s long 43-year career in ministry were shown on screens in the nave as people arrived.
Bishop Geoff and his wife Jean chose to have a more informal ‘songs of praise’ style service with favourite hymns interspersed with recollections and reflections from the couple, who were joined by many family members including their grandchildren.
You can watch a video of highlights from the service on the Diocesan YouTube channel which also features a farewell message from Bishop Geoff. Pictures from the event are also available to view on the Diocesan Flickr feed. Search online for ‘YouTube’ or ‘Flickr’ and ‘Blackburn Diocese’.
On the Diocesan website in the news section you can also read the farewell interview with Bishop Geoff and the Bishop’s own personal reflections of his time in ministry.
Bishop Geoff said: “I have some wonderful
memories of my time as Bishop of Lancaster and I give thanks to God for His call and His sustaining grace.
“I have mixed emotions on this day and I also want to thank God for the friendship and fellowship Jean and I have enjoyed across the Diocese.”
Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn commented: “Bishop Geoff has given a lifetime of service to the Church, including more than a decade as Bishop of Lancaster. I am so grateful for his support during my first few years in the role of Diocesan Bishop. His experience has been invaluable.”
Bishop Geoff’s other episcopal colleague in the Diocese, Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Burnley, added: “Bishop Geoff’s passion for the Gospel, his boundless enthusiasm and his passionate care for the clergy and lay people in his care have all contributed to a very precious ministry of love across Lancashire.”
After presentations of gifts, he and Jean left the Cathedral to the strains of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ - the famous anthem of his beloved Liverpool FC. The couple will retire to Rainhill in his native Liverpool.
Also in July Bishop Julian wrote to parishes and schools across the Diocese about the appointment of a new Bishop of Lancaster. He said: “I have been given permission by the Dioceses' Commission to appoint a new Bishop to the See of Lancaster. I am very grateful to everyone across the Diocese who has fed into and helped in the process of presenting our case for a new Bishop. We plan to advertise for interest in the vacancy this September and interviews will take place at the end of November.
“Please make this a matter for your prayers; that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit to appoint the person who is being called to take on this significant responsibility.”
Cathedral
farewell for
Bishop Geoff
After the service Bishop Geoff (centre with Liverpool FC scarf) lines up with (l-r) Archdeacon Michael; Bishop Philip; Bishop Julian; Jean Pearson; Archdeacon Mark Ireland and The Dean of Blackburn, Peter Howell-Jones
Jean Pearson, Bishop Geoff’s wife, with one of their grandchildren, Joseph, during the retirement service
A collect of Bishops! At the retirement dinner for Bishop Geoff (third from right) at Whalley Abbey are pictured with current and former Bishops (l-r) Bishop John (retired Bishop of Burnley); Bishop Julian (the Bishop of Blackburn); Bishop Cyril (retired Bishop of Doncaster and former Director of Training for Blackburn Diocese); Bishop Philip (the Bishop of Burnley) and Bishop Nicholas (retired Bishop of Blackburn)
Wearing the scarf of his beloved Liverpool FC Bishop Geoff Pearson and his wife Jean, left the Cathedral together to the strains of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’
Would you like to think about how your church can witness through words and deeds and help to transform its community, writes Stephanie Rankin, Parish Development Resources Officer.
Organised by the Parish Mission Support Department and Together Lancashire, the ‘Transforming Communities: Witnessing Through Word and Deeds’ evening will offer some advice about how you can get to know the needs of your local community.
There will also be opportunity to understand how resources produced by HOPE (the catalyst organization that brings churches together to transform communities) can help you think about a rhythm of mission for your parish.
The same format is taking place on five dates and in five different places to ensure as many people as possible can attend.
Monday 2nd October – St Aidan’s Bamber Bridge Tuesday 3rd October – Church of the Ascension – Torrisholme Wednesday 4th October – Trinity Community Church, Accrington Monday 6th November – Whalley Abbey Tuesday 7th November - Holy Trinity South Shore, Blackpool.
Refreshments will be available from 7pm and the evenings will start at 7.30pm. Come as a group from your parish or team so that you can discuss together and return ready to put the suggestions into action. To book, please see details under the Events listings on www.blackburn.anglican.org or email siobhan. [email protected] And remember a Communications and
Marketing Advice Day also takes place around the same time as these mission events; October 7 at the Diocesan Offices, Clayton
House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn BB1 2QE from 10.30am. More information and booking links on the Diocesan website events calendar or email [email protected] to book a place or places.
Resourcing for
effective witness
COMMENT: BISHOP PHILIP / NEWS
‘Why did God make wasps?’ I well
remember the absolute fury with which I
was once asked that question by a 13
year-old member of my youth group:
‘What’s the point of wasps?’
It’s a good question, especially in these
lazy days of late summer when wasps
seem to hang round every ice cream,
sandwich or jam scone. And to be honest
it’s a question I very much sympathise
with because I seem to have a gift for
getting stung!
My mother swears that when I was a
boy, wasps used to seek me out to
deliver their itchy blows. Twice I was
stung three times in a day, and one, in
the crook of my knee, still throbs to this
day! If God made everything, why did he
bother with these nasty, vicious little
insects who seem to bring only misery
and tears? Wouldn’t the world be better
off without them?
From our human point of view, yes of
course it would. But what about the
wasps? Why should they be wiped out
on a whim just because we humans
don’t like them? Isn’t it just as much
their world as ours?
Lying behind that girl’s questions was a
view of the world that puts humankind
right at the centre of it. Her presumption
was that this world is basically ours,
made for us by God, and other creatures
only have point or purpose in so far as
they are of benefit to us.
It is the same attitude which ravages the
earth in search of minerals, pollutes the
skies, destroys the rainforests and heats
the globe to the point that it will soon be
able to bear us no more.
God made us to be part of this creation,
not to dominate it and certainly not to
destroy it. The word used in the Bible is
‘stewards’. We have a responsibility for
creation, but that doesn’t mean that we
are free to do with it as we like. Part of
that responsibility is to care for it,
protect its diversity and ensure that all
species are as able to flourish as we are
ourselves.
So let’s give thanks for the wasps. They
might be a nuisance, but they remind us
of an important truth. This world is
God’s, not ours. And all that He has
made has a right to flourish.
Bishop Philip
Even wasps are
God’s creation!
There is an exciting new discipleship learning programme starting in September for lay people in Blackburn Diocese, writes Mandy Stanton, Discipleship and Lay Ministry Development Officer.
The Routes of Faith discipleship programme is for anyone who is interested in learning more about their Christian faith. There are six modules, each lasting five weeks: Remembering the people of God
and the Old Testament; Challenging the world and
ourselves: ethics and mission in the modern world;
Following Jesus through the New Testament;
Believing the teachings of the Church: questions of faith and doctrine;
Exploring our identity through the history of our Church;
Responding in the power of the Holy Spirit: spirituality, prayer and worship
The modules are in different locations and on different evenings, so that as many people as possible can attend at least one, and participants can do as many or as few modules as they wish. It is hoped the course modules will help people to: Know the Scriptures better Pray with greater depth and urgency Talk about their faith with more confidence
Think about how we show God’s love in action Reflect on how our churches fit into today’s context Consider their own participation in the Church
There will also be optional study skills sessions to help people to get the most out of the modules and any reading they do, and introduce ‘theological reflection’ (how to consider our own experience in the light of scripture and other faith resources, and learn from this).
A programme flyer and application form are on the new Diocesan website at www.blackburn. anglican.org – search ‘Routes of Faith’ and paper copies can also be sent out.
For more information contact:
Mandy Stanton - email mandy.stanton@blackburn. anglican.org or phone 01254 503084
Rosie Strachan - email rosie.strachan@blackburn. anglican.org or phone 01254 503078
Take the route
to deeper faith
Leading children’s charity and adoption agency Adoption Matters is celebrating its 70th Anniversary and telling its story via Twitter using the hashtag #adoptionmatters70
The agency was formerly known as Blackburn Diocese Adoption Agency and Chester Diocesan Adoption Services. The two agencies merged in 2007 forming Adoption Matters.
They have placed over 4,000 children with their ‘forever families’ in their 70-year history.
Adoption Matters Chief Executive, Norman Goodwin CBE, commented: “Our aim has remained
consistent throughout our history, which is that children’s welfare and needs are paramount and we aim for them to grow up in a secure and loving family who will best meet their long-term needs and who can help them to reach their full potential.”
Whilst originating from a Church of England background, the agency now operates independently of the church; however, it’s ethos and value base continues to inspire their work and they retain strong links with Chester and Blackburn Dioceses as well as a partnership with the Christian charity Home for Good. For more information: www.adoptionmatters.org/
our-history/
70 years of
childrens’ futures
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Events
The Spirituality Programme at The Church of England in Lancashire's retreat and conference centre at Whalley Abbey in the Ribble Valley continues this month. From September 11-13 at the Abbey the residential retreat entitled ‘Tales By The Sea’ will be led by Rev Sally Ratcliffe and will explore the gospel stories set on and around the Sea of Galilee. Cost is £125 full board. For further information and to book, please contact the Abbey office on 01254 828400 or email [email protected]
In addition to the Residential Retreats at Whalley Abbey, a series of Spirituality Days costing £15 per person, including a soup and sandwich lunch, continue this month. On September 28, The Venerable Michael Everitt, the Archdeacon of Lancaster, will lead a day entitled ‘Psalms: Songs for Life’. For further information and to book, please contact the Abbey office on 01254 828400 or email [email protected]
On September 20, as part of the Spirituality Programme, Archdeacon Mark will lead a ‘Reading Day’ for clergy, starting and finishing with prayers. The day is free and refreshments are provided but please bring your own lunch. For further information and to book, please contact the Abbey office on 01254 828400 or email [email protected]
On the 9 and 10 September, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days, St James Altham is repeating the enormous success of the 2016 Altham Angels Festival. This year they are hoping for even more angels to be displayed around the village and will be repeating the Altham Angels Go competition. There will be various activities and also guided tours of the ancient and historic church at regular intervals during the two days. For more information go to www.althamangels.co.uk or www.facebook.com/althamangels
Becconsall Old Church, Becconsall Lane PR4 6RR. Heritage Harvest on Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 September 2017 from 11am to 4pm. Fruit and veg, Lancashire cheese, cakes, pies, preserves, plants, etc. Ploughman's lunch tea and cakes available. For further information contact 01772 815352 or 01772 814788.
St Silas Parish Church, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6JP. On Tuesday 19 September at 7.30pm, come and hear Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, and now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. Tickets £10, under 16s free, to include tea/coffee and cakes afterwards. Tickets by email stsilasorganfund@ email.com and by phone, 07935 498060 and 01772 312678 (Jean); or 01254 54991 (Carole).
Lancashire Prayer Conference’s 8th annual gathering is on 30 September 2017 from 10am to 4pm, at the University of Cumbria, Bowerham Road, Lancaster LA1 3JD. Keynote speaker is Bishop Julian. Registration £3 from 9am. Please bring your own lunch. Sandwiches and drinks will also be on sale. Free hot drinks on arrival. Free parking. Theme is ‘Inspiring the Church to pray for Revival’.
Father Alex Frost and Rev Chris Krawiec (who moonlight as the 'Jack and Krac' comedy duo) are hosting a Christian Christmas Comedy Night for all the family in early December at St Matthews Church Burnley. As well as Jack and Krac, two professional comedians will be entertaining and it is an opportunity to invite friends and family who perhaps don't usually come to church. Bishop Julian and Archdeacon Mark will be the guests of honour with more details coming in the autumn. In the meantime contact Fr Alex directly on 07814 05219 or via email at [email protected]
A concert is being held at St Paul's Church,
Whitegate Drive, Marton, Blackpool FY3 9PF. The Guardian Band; "Last Night of the Proms" with guest soprano Jacqui Cookson. Sunday 10 September at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 on the door or ring Irene on 01253 791784 or St Paul's 01253 692047.
Higher Walton All Saints, Blackburn Road, PR5 4DB. Coffee and cake mornings on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays monthly from 10am to noon in the church. An opportunity to browse the newly launched library section where you can borrow, swap or buy any of the books available. Stephen Houghton 01254 851202.
Higher Walton All Saints, Blackburn Road, PR5 4DB. On Saturday 7 October from 7.30pm, Rossendale Scout Group Band. The venue is in the church. Tickets: £8 adult, £4 under 16. Refreshments will be provided during the interval. Welcome drink on arrival. Telephone Stephen Houghton 01254 851202.
God’s Garden, God’s Creation. St Luke’s, Winmarleigh PR3 0LA, is celebrating a Harvest weekend. Saturday 16 September 11am-4pm and Sunday 17 September noon-6pm. Talk about Lord Winmarleigh on Saturday at 3pm. Harvest Festival Service on Sunday at 11am. Harvest Supper at Winmarleigh Village Hall, Thursday 21 September at 7.30pm with local historian Paul Smith speaking about ‘Lancaster and Points South’. Tickets £8 and £5. It would be lovely to see you!
St Silas Parish Church, Preston New Rd, Blackburn BB2 6JP. On Saturday 2 September at 10.30am; coffee and biscuits, with Organ and Trumpet music from 11am, played by Gordon Blackledge and Ian Hunter, both of St George's church, Chorley. Entrance £5, in aid of the recently restored organ.
St Andrew's Church in Accrington held an event recently to which they invited all the people who lived in our parish. They had 250+ adults and children who enjoyed an afternoon of
entertainment and fun. The Mayor of Hyndburn attended and the local MP sent a letter of support. A total of £500 was raised to hold the event so it was free. It was put on in partnership with AAWAZ, an Asian ladies group and it was great to see Muslim and Christian people enjoying a really fun day out together.
St Michael and All Angels, Ashton on Ribble. This Grade 2 listed church is a fine example of the work of Lancaster architects, Austin and Paley. It is open for the Heritage Open Day on Saturday 9 September 10am-4pm.For more information see: www.stmichaelspreston.co.uk
Situations vacant or wanted
St Mary Magdalene Clitheroe has surplus early twentieth century oak church furniture to offer to other churches in the Diocese: pulpit, carved tandem clergy stall, Communion rail with metal supports, several pews, two choir front desks, single shelf desk. Recipient to arrange collection. For further information contact the churchwarden Colin Scott, telephone 01200 424719, e-mail [email protected]
St Mary’s Church in Mellor BB7 9SY, is seeking an organist to play on the 1st and 4th Sunday each month at a 9:30am Communion Service. Further information can be obtained from Rev Charles Jefferson on 01254 491464. Fees are open to discussion and the vicar would be delighted to hear from any musician who might be interested in the possibilities of working with the incumbent.
Clergy updates
The Revd David John Hanson, Assistant Curate at Christ Church, Chadderton, Oldham in the Diocese of Manchester, has been appointed Vicar of Preston St Stephen and will be Collated by the Bishop of Blackburn and Inducted by the Archdeacon of Lancaster on 1 October 2017 at 3.00pm at Preston St Stephen’s.
The Revd Julie Lesley Smith, Assistant Curate at Emmanuel Saltburn and St Thomas and New Marske in the Diocese of York, has been appointed Vicar of Barrowford St Thomas and Newchurch-in-Pendle St Mary and will be Instituted by the Bishop of Burnley and Inducted by the Archdeacon of Blackburn on 26 October 2017 at 7.30pm at Barrowford St Thomas.
The Revd Brian Whitley, who holds the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the Diocese, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Cockfield St Mary with Lynesack St John the Evangelist and Evenwood St Paul, in plurality in the Diocese of Durham.
The Revd Canon Paul Kenneth Warren will be re-licensed by the Bishop of Burnley as Priest-in-Charge of Silverdale St John on 4 September 2017 at Warton St Oswald during the evening service being held there.
The Revd Ness Starkey retired as Vicar of Ingol St Margaret on 12 May 2017.
The Revd Canon Michael Hartley will retire as Vicar of Freckleton Holy Trinity and Warton St Paul on 30 September 2017. Mike will step down from his role as an Honorary Canon upon retirement but will become a Canon Emeritus.
The Revd Canon James Campbell Duxbury died on 11 July 2017. His funeral was held at St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe on 20 July 2017. Jim was ordained in Liverpool Diocese where he served his Curacy before moving to Lichfield Diocese. Jim came to the Diocese of Blackburn in 1985 where he was Vicar of Padiham until 2001 and was made an Honorary Canon in 1997. He was Chairman of the Property Committee 1997-2001.
The Revd Graham Piper and the Revd Peter Massey have been granted the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the Diocese.
Children from Oswaldtwistle St Paul's Church of England Primary School handing over a cheque for
£200 to the Oswaldtwistle Foodbank just before the end of summer term. The children collected 'Punctuality Pounds' all year where the class with the best punctuality each week was awarded £5. The children agreed that half of their winning totals would be donated to a local charity, with the other half put towards an end of year treat. Mr Shaw and Ms Johnston who help run the foodbank (and are also school governors) accepted the cheque.
From the makers of The Real Easter Egg, The Meaningful Treat Pack is a new resource designed to help with
mission work on, and leading up to, the eve of All Saints (Hallowe'en).
Produced by The Meaningful Chocolate Company, each box costs £30 (there are 30 packs per box - so £1 per pack). Each box also includes an ideas sheet for leaders. There is free delivery if ordered by September 30. Visit www.realhalloween.org for more details.
NEWS News? Feedback? [email protected]
Deadline
for
the
October
edition
is
September 3,
2017
Helpful information about 'The See'
Want to submit an article or event for inclusion in The See? Check the deadline on the left and email [email protected]
We'll always do our best to feature what we receive.
For the online archive; more information about deadlines and how to submit articles, visit the website www.blackburn.anglican.org (search 'The See') or just scan the QR code on the right.
Sight loss problems? Access the online version of the latest issue on the website and adjust the page size as required using the + and - buttons on the right of the screen, or hold down the keyboard 'Ctrl' button and press the + or - key to adjust as required.
The See is edited by Diocesan Communications Manager Ronnie Semley.
For new orders of ‘The See; or to change delivery address or quantities received contact Karen Ashcroft on [email protected] or 01254 503070.
During July, Ben Green (the new Diocesan Youth Advisor) and I met around 50 Vision Champions at a number of gatherings around the diocese, writes Dave Champness, Diocesan Vision Coordinator.
Our time was spent hearing stories from the Vision Champions, both encouragements of where new activities are being trialled and working, and also a small number of challenging contexts where PCCs and/or congregations are currently not open to change.
Here are just some of the many examples that were shared at the meetings . . .
Pop-up Bible study (Mitton) – held fortnightly, moves around café/pubs in the Whalley area. Led by a retired priest using Daily Bread material. Joint with Baptists, with around 15 attendees
Parish nursing scheme (Scorton) – Ecumenically funded, reaching isolated people in a rural setting
Vicar visibility (Blackpool St Mary) – Prayer tent at a community event with the vicar available for prayer
Community listening exercise (Fulwood Christ Church) – including videoed ‘vox pops’ of passers-by
Grace notes (Longridge) – weekly music/singing activity in local care homes
Identifying and nurturing leaders (Bispham) – A four session course, written by Damian Platt (Vicar, Christ Church, Thornton) aimed at helping people
discover their leadership style, gifts and subsequently the areas of church life they are most suited to serving. Session One: What is Christian Leadership All About? Session Two: What Does a Christian Leader Look Like? Session Three: What Do Christian Leaders Do? Session Four: Keeping Going As a Leader
Monthly lay-led service (Hurst Green) – with bacon butties!
Friday Praise (St Nicholas School, Accrington) – continues to meet four to five times per term at 3.45pm on a Friday in the school hall
Working with county schools (Leyland St John) – volunteers hear children read, run lunch time clubs and support collective worship using the ‘Open The Book’ material
Working with church schools (Mawdesley) – listened to the children’s council to find out what they would like to see in church.
Please contact me at dave.champness@ blackburn.anglican.org if you would like to find out more about of these activities from the relevant Vision Champion.
At the events, Ben Green, pictured right, also talked about his role and the outputs of some 2016 national church research called ‘Rooted in the Church’, about the factors that can help to keep young people continuing their discipleship journey through their teenage years and beyond. You can find a short video
summary of the Rooted in the Church' findings in the Vision 2026 section of the new diocesan website http://www.blackburn.anglican.org/children-young-people-and-schools. Ben is available to speak to parish leadership/PCCs about the research and what that might mean for youth work in your local context. As a result of this year's Youth/Confirmation camp being over-subscribed, Ben and the Diocesan Board of Education team are planning on running a second camp in September 2018 in addition to the usual June date. More details are available from www.bd education.org.uk/youth/events
Champions offer
encouragement
Whalley Abbey Fellowship members gathered in force for the organisation’s AGM held recently at the Abbey in the Ribble Valley, which is the Retreat and Conference Centre for the Diocese.
The meeting was preceded by Communion in the St Bernard Chapel, and was followed by lunch in the Abbey dining room. Members are pictured below on the steps of the Retreat and Conference House.
Chaired by the Rev. Toby Webber, the AGM considered a wide range of business, including a thanks from the Chair for the considerable financial support, some £61,000, given by members that has enabled work on the courtyard wall to be
completed.
The group also discussed and decided to change their name to Friends of Whalley Abbey. “We hope that this change might encourage more people to join,” said Rev. Webber.
Forthcoming dates for the diary include a Quiet Day on September 23, led by Michael Meehan and a Coffee Morning on Tuesday October 17 from 10am to 12 noon.
A concert by St Christopher’s School Choir will be on a date yet to be confirmed.
Members enjoy free admission to the grounds on all but a few days each year. Details of membership
rates and more information about the group can be found on the Abbey website www.whalleyabbey.org under the ‘Home’ menu.
Also pictured below right recently at Whalley Abbey are members of the village’s Britain in Bloom team who kindly volunteer to help keep the extensive gardens and borders at the Diocesan Conference Centre up to scratch. When working at the Abbey they go by the name ‘The Lavender Ladies’. The Abbey’s gardens are just a fraction of the hard work required to keep Whalley up there with the best blooming villages in the country!
Fantastic support
for Whalley Abbey
Fellowship members gather together at the Abbey for their AGM
Members of the green-fingered team who enjoy making the Abbey gardens look fantastic.
