In Shape

Summer 2015: Issue 16News and Stories For Your Church

Saying Goodbyeto Bishop Tim

ContactsIn Shape is edited by:Liz Hudson Keith CousinsMike Harrison Barry Hill Andy Rhoades

e-mail: inshape@leccofe.org The Diocese of Leicester administration and Leicester Cathedral Tel 0116 261 5200The Office of the Bishop of Leicester Tel 0116 270 8985 melaine.freeman@leccofe.org

Diary Dates should be sent todiomail@leccofe.org or entered at www.leicester.anglican.org/events by Friday 28th Augustl. Inclusion is dependent on space available.

Signup to Diomail at http://ow.ly/k6OhN

Commercial advertisers are invited to call for current rates. The inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute any endorsement of a product or service by either the editors or the Diocese of Leicester

lives and communities transformedworship in a way that renews and inspiresself-giving service to the communitybeing rooted in prayerconfident and sensitive evangelismlifelong Christian nurturethe welcome of newcomersbecoming child friendlycelebration of people and places

In This Issue3. Bishop’s Letter

4. How do you rebury a King?

6. Saying goodbye to Bishop Tim

12. How are we growing?

13. Our Stories

14. Church Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade /

Celebration of Discipline

15. Prison Ministry in Ashby

16. School for Ministry September Courses

17. Where have all the men gone?

18. leicester.anglican.org/announcements

19. leicester.anglican.org/events

20. The Interview: Bishop Tim

This is the magazine of the Diocese of Leicester (The Church of England in Leicester and Leicestershire) and is published three times a year.

The themes of In Shape are centred around the nine marks of mission identified in the diocesan vision “Shaped by God” (see list to the right)

Cover Image: Bishop Tim farewell edition

The vision of Shaped by God is of flourishing mission in the four hundred established and new Anglican churches of the City and County, with each church growing in the number of followers of Jesus, in the depth of that discipleship, and in the effect that our faith has on the world around us.

2

3

Bishop’s Letter

Choosing the next Bishop of Leicester

As we prepare to say ‘thank you’ and ‘farewell’ to Bishop Tim, the process for choosing the next Bishop is already well under way. Following a visit from the Archbishops’ and Prime Minister’s Appointment Secretaries to Leicester in May, the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) will be meeting at Lambeth Palace on 11 September and 8-9 October to actually select the person to be appointed. We anticipate an announcement before Christmas, with the new Bishop being enthroned in the spring of 2016.

Please pray for our six Diocesan representatives on the CNC, the other members appointed by the General Synod, the Archbishops and the Appointments Secretaries as they undertake this important task:

Two questions seem to be regularly asked of me as I come towards the end of my time as Bishop of Leicester. The first is: “Will you miss us?” This is not difficult to answer! These sixteen years have been the most demanding and fulfilling years of my life. They have been filled with privileges and opportunities far beyond my expectations when I came to Leicester in 1999. There is no other role quite like it – with an open and welcoming invitation to visit every congregation and community in Leicester and Leicestershire. Sunday by Sunday, and often on weekdays too, I have made my wary around the Diocese discovering not just the beauty of our parish churches but the even greater beauty of the people who worship in them. Some of these congregations are frail and struggling, some are lively and growing, some are traditional and some are fast changing. All of them, in different ways, leave an imprint on the visitor – a sense of being a network of people bonded together by a search for God and by a deep connection with the story of their community.

But there will be so many other things to miss too: visits to schools, universities, local government, business and commerce, temples, mosques and gurdwaras, and so many other parts of our life in the City and the County too numerous to mention.

There have been great celebrations, commemorations, times of looking forward and times of remembering. There has been much joy and some tears in the midst of

all this. And, as well as the vivid, varied and colourful connections with so many people in the Diocese, there has also been a range of other challenges and opportunities with The Children’s Society, with the Council of Westcott House, and, for the last ten years with the House of Lords.

Will I miss all this? Of course I will miss it profoundly. But at this point I can feel only gratitude for such an exceptional range of opportunities, joys and memories. I cannot imagine why they have all been given to me, but I thank God for calling me to be the Bishop of Leicester and for revealing Himself to me in so many countless people, encounters, and loving relationships.

The second question I am often asked is: “Do you have any regrets?” This one is easy to answer too. Of course I do. I regret the times when I may have let people down, failed to make wise decisions or understand clearly enough the path we were trying to take. Even more I regret my attempts to drive through change which needed more time, more prayer or more careful attention. And above all I regret my failure to trust God even when times have been difficult and painful. I regret the temptation to think that the Bishop’s efforts rather than the resurrection of Jesus Christ were the “Good News” for the Diocese.

But as I come to leave, the gratitude is undoubtedly greater than the regret. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as Wendi and

I make our way to Suffolk to discover what God has in store for us there. My prayers for the Diocese of Leicester will echo those of St Paul for the people of Ephesus: “With deep roots and firm foundations may you, in company with all God’s people, be strong to grasp what is the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and to know it, though it is beyond knowledge. So may you be filled with the very fullness of God.”

Prayer for a New Bishop

Loving God,in whose hand we are shaped and moulded,raise up your church in this place, we pray,and all who serve the diocese of Leicester.Anoint your people for serviceas you call another to be their bishop.Pour out richly your gifts of unity and fellowship,that we may glorify your name,grow deeper in your loveand see your kingdom come.Amen.

Bishop Tim’s Farewell Service

Saturday 11th July - You are warmly invited to a service in Leicester Cathedral to bid farewell to Bishop Tim as he retires Saturday 11th July 2015 at 3.00pm, doors open from 2.00pm

4

worship in a way that renews and inspires

Johannes Arens, Precentor at Leicester Cathedral, writes, “When a group of people was charged to come up with liturgies around the reinterment of King Richard III the first difficulty was to find a starting point. Reburials or medieval human remains happen frequently – building works in medieval towns and cities constantly uncover human graves, particularly around churches or former churches.

Obviously something slightly more elaborate was needed for the King Richard reinterment and luckily we had access to a medieval precedent describing in fairly great detail how human remains of particular status were reinterred in the 15th century.

The surprising fact was just how much of that medieval service we could use for the re-interment service in Leicester Cathedral. Not only did we take the pattern of reception, lying in repose (whilst the normal pattern of daily prayers continued) and re-interment, but we were able to use the shape of the service and its prayers and psalms for our service. The biblical narrative underlying the service of the Israelites taking the bones of Joseph into the promised land came directly from the medieval service, as did the idea to finish with a glimpse of resurrection celebration, but go into fullness of joy the following day.

Having been asked what can be learned from the experience of creating services for this unique week for creating worship more generally, one thing stands out: The service

of Compline we used for the reception of the human remains on Sunday evening*.

This service allowed me to find space for prayer in the most demanding and stressful time. The Royal School of Church Music publishes a plainsong version of Compline in traditional language which is very easy to learn for a group of people **. The service lasts only about 10 minutes and is a most wonderful way to finish a day with a small group. It can be integrated with bible study, Church Council meetings, the Eucharist or really anything happening in an evening and it is timelessly beautiful. It makes a very strong connection between making oneself ready to meet one’s creator and giving in to sleep.

More generally, learning about the organic development of worship and to get a feeling of continuity and the ‘rock from which we were hewn’ (Isaiah 51.1) is worth doing – otherwise ruptures appear and what may seem new feels very quickly shallow and temporary.

The Richard III liturgies were written for a specific and unique occasion – and they are not going to be repeated. But I am sure that we will use Compline more often in our Cathedral worship in the coming years.”

*www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/principal-services/word/nighttrad.aspx** www.rscmshop.com/music-for-the-liturgy/music-for-common-worship/compline

How do you rebury a King?

5

Above is reproduced a card handed to over 20,000 people as they queued to see Richard III helping people make the connections with the Christian faith. Visitors were also given the opportunity to pray with a chaplain as they tied a ribbon on the railings outside the Cathedral, creating a very moving image and much interest in what being a follower of Jesus might mean.

6

As Bishop Tim retires as our diocesan Bishop, we asked a cross section of people from across the Diocese for some highlights as to what they have learnt about mission and God through Bishop Tim’s ministry.

“No-one is forgotten. One of my lasting memories of Bishop Tim is how he brought Christ into the heart of HMP Leicester every Christmas morning, by coming into the prison and sharing in communion Bishop Tim reminded the men and prison staff that they were not forgotten by the Church or by God. He shone hope into a dark place on a day which is both joyous and difficult.” Rev'd Helen Dearnley, Chaplaincy HQ Advisor

“ ‘I had been rushed into hospital, had an operation and was just coming round and who should be leaning over me to see how I

am but the Bishop. That meant so much.’ So testified one parish priest to me of Tim’s ministry to him. Whether it was the Bishop simply walking into a village during a Lenten pilgrimage, polishing passers-by shoes on Maundy Thursday, promoting risky strategies for the sake of enacting God’s kingdom, or pastoring individuals, there is something iconic about the role of Bishop which can effect transformation. Bishop Tim has understood this deeply and embodied it courageously and compassionately. A handful of dioceses have experienced consistent growth over the past 5-6 years and these correlate both with the quality of the diocesan bishop and their length of tenure; unsurprisingly Leicester is among that handful of dioceses.” Revd Canon Mike Harrison, Director of Mission and Ministry and member of Bishops Staff

lifelong Christian nurture

Saying Goodbye

“A chance conversation with Bishop Tim inspired me to think more deeply about the purpose and mission of the Church. He challenges us individually. He engages with other faiths, works with children and family charities. But the 2008 Lenten pilgrimage is one I shall always remember, walking 10 miles a day, visiting 123 churches, Bp Tim spoke with anyone and everyone as he journeyed across the diocese taking the Church’s mission to them.” Canon the Baroness (Hazel) Byford of Rothley, Chair of Leicester Cathedral Council

“Bishop Tim's 16 years in the diocese have been filled with both challenges and opportunities but underpinning his ministry has remained a deep spirituality, focused unashamedly on Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. +Tim is a passionate communicator

7

of Christian truth and his message always comes from the heart. A highlight for me was his Christmas 2014 video which was an outstanding Christian apologetic and underlined the depth of +Tim's faith even in his darkest hour. It was inspirational. If you haven't seen it dig it out of the Diomail archives - you won't regret it!” Professor David Wilson, Emeritus Professor and Pro-Chancellor, De Montfort University, Leicester, Chair of the House of Laity

“Bishop Tim has developed Leicester Diocese into a forward thinking and creative place of Worship and mission. Fresh expressions of Church in Leicestershire are well supported and funded by the growth fund and YP4L [Young People 4 Life] which Bishop Tim has championed, allowing ministries like Passions to flourish. Bishop Tim has played pool with our young people, supported them while they have sung and gone down a zip wire to raise funds for them. His legacy will be that of a diocese who will take opportunities and show others how to take a leap of faith.” Emily Sharman, licensed Pioneer at Passion, Shepshed

“Bishop Tim leaves us with a tradition which we are so accustomed to but one which is now a staple diet item in the civic, political and social life of our city and county - that of positive inter faith engagement. In his ministry, Bishop Tim has cultivated and resourced relationships which have stood the test of time and events which could all so easily have led to discord and disharmony. The leadership of Bishop Tim has enabled the Diocese of Leicester to become a pioneering force for creating the inter faith blueprint which we all value and cherish.” Riaz Ravat BEM, Interim Director of the St Philip's Centre

“Bishop Tim has embodied the missional quality of connection. He’s walked alongside us physically by walking round the diocese on Lent Pilgrimage and joining in with where God is during the Mission Partnerships visits. He’s connected with us emotionally by actively sharing in our bad times and allowing us the privilege of sharing in his.” Viv Frogatt, Co-Convenor of the NE Leicester Mission Partnership and Reader

“In his words of thanks to Bishop Tim at General Synod earlier this year, Archbishop Justin Welby reminded people of the breadth of Bishop Tim’s episcopal ministry. And it is this breadth of engagement in the world around him, this grabbing with both hands life in all its complexity and diversity, with confidence, fascination, compassion and humility, which has most inspired me and spoken to me of God’s mission today.” Revd Canon Jane Curtis, Vicar of the Whatborough Parishes and Initial Ministerial Training Officer

8

With some bishops it’s quite easy to be humorous, with others there is just a sense of sadness that they will be going and for me Tim comes with a great sense of sadness that he will be going. He is someone that is going to leave huge gaps and as we go forward with numerous people having to pick up the things that he is leaving behind, we will be

reminded again and again of his distinguished contribution to our common life.

Tim has always had a ministry which has engaged with faith in the public square; it’s been one of the most consistent aspects of his life. Right from the beginning with his curacy in East Ham to his rectorship in Canvey Island, and onto diocesan roles in Chelmsford and then as Archdeacon of West Ham; he understood at an early stage in his ministry the crucial gift that the church could bring to the urban life of our country in the London part of the diocese of Chelmsford, and his expertise was quickly recognised. Just to prove that he could bring his ability to think deeply about society in which he ministered into all situations he then moved from there to one of the less urban dioceses, if I can put it as mildly as that, St Edmundsbury and Ipswich as Bishop of Dunwich, which I think is under the sea isn’t it?!

It was from there in 1999 that he went on to his long and distinguished episcopate in the Diocese of Leicester. I know that Tim is a bishop about whom it’s easy to sound as if talking in clichés; we speak of bishops who are much loved and respected, they all are, invariably, obviously… But in Tim’s case in Leicester that is a very inadequate way to describe the affection in which he is held and I know that personally from visits I’ve made there and what has been said about him.

He will be retiring from a diocese that is one of those which has grown in recent years both in depth and numbers; he remarked to someone recently that he’s not sure quite why this happened. Well he might not be sure, but one person who worked with him through these years is in no doubt that it is due to his presence leading a consistent mission strategy now ten years old and going through its second five year revision, and consistent and bold episcopal leadership.

Tim is a person who does not accept second best in himself and he leads not accepting second best. The quality of mission and ministry training and the commitment to a thoughtful approach to fresh expressions and new mission initiatives have borne a fruit which is there for all to see. His colleagues can also testify to a leadership that can be challenging because of a commitment to both quality and detail.

General Synod February 2015 Justin Welby’s farewell to the Bishop of

Leicester, Tim Stevens, and his wife Wendy.

9

What that meant was that time and time again the diocese experienced superb highlights in its life, included in this is was the visit of Her Majesty the Queen, and the Duke of Edinburgh and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at the very start of Her Majesty’s jubilee year. It say’s something that that jubilee year started in one of the most diverse cities with worship at the cathedral.

Others remember a diocesan 80th anniversary celebration when thousands came to Abbey Park for a festival and Eucharist with my predecessor, or the sequence of stimulating lay congresses and diocesan conferences. Others speak of the vision that gave people courage to embark on huge projects; the development of St Martins House as a new diocesan centre for mission and diocesan administration next to the cathedral: a seven million pound project successfully completed. And then again there is the refurbished Launde Abbey retreat and holiday and… luxury centre, sorry those two other adjectives weren’t in my text but I’m speaking from experience, which is a gift for the whole of the church to use: a two point five million pound project. There is the development of the nationally recognised St Philips centre for study in engagement in a multi-faith society, Sam Worth Church of England academy and most recently the refurbishment of the cathedral grounds and the cathedral itself. What people really appreciate about them all is Tim’s innate confidence that they were possible and his commitment to making them

happen. None of it was easy but what this was about was the church’s contribution to the whole life of society, founded on a deep faith in what Christ brings into every aspect of human life.

From that base of faith Tim was able to take very seriously his role as bishop in one of the most diverse cities in the country, he is held in

highest regard by the other faith communities of Leicester. We always say that about bishops in multi-faith communities but in this case it’s true, I’m not telling you where it wasn’t, for whom he is often, almost always, referred to as ‘Our Bishop’. After the terrible events of 9/11 he convened a faith leader’s forum around himself to work for the good of the whole community and country, and with an ability to respond to local, national and international crisis. Because he had formed that,

when the events of 7/7 happened, he with the Chief Constable, the leader of the city council and other civic leaders were able to convene the faith leaders that very evening so that a public commitment to one another and to the wellbeing to city, county and country and the support of the local Muslim population could be declared.

But of course what was also hugely appreciated in the county was that Tim and Wendi were a team who led in Christian hospitality and in Christian witness. Their home and garden was always a place of welcome to all and Wendi’s contribution was one invariably hugely appreciated. Wendi made formidable contributions to the life of the county in her own right which came with her own recognition at the university. A committed, able dedicated diocesan bishop, well he must have done almost nothing else…. Not.

Somehow in all this Tim managed to be chair of the Children’s Society for 6 years,

10

which included the publication of the Good Childhood report, chair of the trustees at Common Purpose UK, chair of the council at Westcote House. He has been a member in his time of the Archbishops Council, amongst other distinguished wider contributions to the church. Then six years ago, as if he didn’t have enough to do, he was asked by my predecessor to take on the role as convenor of bishops at the House of Lords. Within a year of that a coalition government had come into being and a completely different political landscape had to be contended with. Tim led the first of the parliamentary debates on the big society concept, putting down a marker to government that the church took the idea seriously, in fact I think you said that you more or less invented it, I echoed you several times. Tim has been a wonderful bridge between the lords spiritual and the wider church, and of course vitally with the leadership of the main parties in the House of Lords by whom he is held in enormous affection.

He’s been one of our most vital connectors between the church and the political world. During this period he steered us safely through some intense and fairly controversial waters; the challenges of Lord’s reform, the equal marriage act, differences with government on welfare and most recently our internal troubles over legislation to enable women to become bishops. He served on the joint bill committee that scrutinized the government’s plans over Lord’s reform which took up a huge amount of

time and where his contribution was distinguished and effective. He constantly made a convincing case of the contribution the bishops made, something which was echoed in the House of Lords this morning as we considered the Lord’s Spiritual women bill. He engaged widely with the details of potential reform.

He has never shrunk in speeches, writing and debate, from presenting a formidable apologetic for the place of Christian faith in the public square and a clear declaration of Christian faith in witness. In some of these controversial matters Tim would meet ministers and officials behind closed doors; putting the case across passionately and frankly but carefully and respectfully. To do this meant that he has had encounters where tact and diplomacy have been a huge requirement… though inevitably in politics not always successful. Tim has convened the meetings of the Lords Spiritual, fitted in to the margins of other meetings in the House of Bishops. If you think that the church does not readily embrace change, changing some of the conventions of the Houses of Parliament are even more challenging, yet under his convenorship the radical step was taken of allowing the prayers of the day to include a collect for the season… next we’re going to have Graham Kendrick... He has helped enormously with the Lords Spiritual women’s bill, being on course we hope to being passed. This will be the first change to the act of 1878 which has been unamended until now.

Many of you will have seen in the press that one of the next big moments in Leicester will be an event where a former Monarch of this country will be buried in Leicester cathedral. Tim does recall that the late John Holroyd, the prime ministers appointment secretary, did say to him when he appointed to Leicester that he would have to work at the cathedral as access to it was not the easiest. Richard III found the same…took him 530 years! And like many a parish church cathedral it needed directions to find it and work out constantly what its identity and contribution could do, of course, said John Holroyd, the easiest thing you could do is find yourself a good relic…

Well, I’m not commenting on good or otherwise because I’ll get into trouble with someone, but even Tim could not have foreseen that the body of Richard III would be found under a car park. The careful and fair way in which he’s withstood all the controversy to bring the body of Richard III to a dignified burial is again testimony both to his extraordinary skill and patience in dealing with difficult negotiations and finding within them that which can be a blessing to everyone.

11

However, I am acutely aware that at this moment when we very much want to thank Tim and Wendi and celebrate with them, we do so at a moment when there’s been a tremendous sadness in their life with the death of their beloved daughter, Rachel, a few weeks ago.

Rachel had been diagnosed with cancer over the last two years and not all that long ago was faced with the prognosis that nothing further can be done. She provided a remarkable witness in this time, not least in her faith and courage in being unafraid to appear in public to raise money for the fight against cancer. It’s no surprise to know that a daughter with such parents, she was passionate in her work for some of the least privileged

people in our world. She was a popular and much loved colleague at Christian Aid and the accomplishments she made in her all too short life were most movingly spoken of at her funeral.

In the midst of great grief Tim and Wendi were able to organise an extraordinary funeral at Leicester cathedral, the building was packed and those who were there testified that despite their sadness they could not help but be uplifted at the faithfulness to Christ that they witnessed and the sense of profound thankfulness for Rachel.

With that in mind, when we wish and pray for every blessing in the future for Tim and Wendi,

perhaps we do so with more heartfelt fervour than usual. Tim might be retiring from fulltime episcopal ministry but it will be very surprising if his energies do not find an outlet in continued service in some way or another.

Whatever that may be, Tim, Wendi, know that you go from here with our very deep gratitude and a sense of sadness that we will miss you.

12

lives and communities transformed

During December and January, Churchwardens and Clergy spent precious time completing Statistics for Mission forms. Far from a bureaucratic exercise, the combined picture helps us to see some of how the Spirit of God is at work amongst us, and how we might respond in faith, in training and in resourcing.

Opening with a reflection from Bishop Tim, it goes on to show trends in numerical growth and decline across the Diocese, both over the past year and last six years. It hopefully highlights some areas we feel God is clearly at work amongst us, and also raises some questions and challenges to consider.

For the first time it also contains new Census data deanery by deanery in areas like population, faith, ethnicity, age, deprivation, employment sectors and the like. As Bishop Tim comments in his foreword, “It’s sometimes been said that ‘if you don’t measure what matters, what you do measure becomes what matters’. In the Diocese of Leicester we have felt the long term call of God to seek the growth of His Kingdom in the depth of discipleship, the number of disciples of Jesus, and in loving service of the world … I very much hope you will take these figures seriously and consider carefully how they are enabling each of our parishes and mission partnerships to become more effective in responding to the task which Jesus Christ has given us in our day. I commend them to your discernment.”

Using the report in your churchEither personally, or as a Church Council or leadership team, you may find it helpful to consider two areas of questions in particular:

◊ As highlighted on page 4, far more important than the report on the numbers, the list of those in your worshipping community is a great resource for mission, evangelism and pastoral care. If you haven’t before, why not consider at a Church Council this simple guide (http://www.leicester.anglican.org/site-includes/uploads/wygwam/Worshipping%20community.pdf ) to how it can be used;◊ Secondly, a simple four step process is suggested on page 14 to help churches consider the mission needs and implications of the most recent census data;◊ In addition to these, as a Mission and Ministry team, together with other diocesan staff, our main role is to serve you in mission so please do contact us if there are other ways we can help you in this.

Exploring further A copy of the report, together with raw data and other resources can be downloaded from: leicester.anglican.org/statistics-for-mission

The Mission and Ministry events brochure for 2015/16 (out in July) will contain a range of optional training, exploration and development days related to many of the main findings. The information you supply helps drive this training

How are we growing?

programme. All those in licensed or authorised ministries will get a copy automatically, but if you don’t normally get one and would like a copy, contact claire.stapleton@leccofe.org and we’d be delighted to add you to the list. As ever, do contact barry.hill@leccofe.org, 0116 261 5335 with any questions or comments.

Christian Bookshop

Opening Times:9am - 5pm Mon -Fri

9.30am - 4.30pm Sat

St Martins House7 Peacock Lane

Leicester, LE1 5PZ

t: 0116 261 5222www.christianresourcesleicester.com

enquiries@christianresourcesleicester.com

13

#Mini-Reviews

“When Faith Gets Shaken” by Patrick Regan. You don’t have to be going

through a great shaking to appreciate the wisdom and compassion of this

book, just be living with the ups and downs of life on earth! A great

encouragement. £7.99

“Archbishop” by Michelle Guinness is a novel about the appointment of the Church of England’s first female

archbishop. A great summer read, lively and full of intrigue, a significant book

for a significant time. £9.99 Both 10% off when you mention In Shape

From Christian Resources Leicester (0116 261 5222, enquiries@

christianresourcesleicester.com). Mini-reviews by Christian Resources.

the welcome of newcomers

Beth Marvin writes....As part of the Statistics for Mission form that Church Wardens submit every year for each church in the diocese we ask for one story of how the church has looked outward in mission. The range of stories is wide and every year they fill me with joy and excitement as I get a small glimpse into the work God is doing all over our diocese. So here are just a handful of examples of the wealth of activities taking place all year round.

We have started a café on Saturday mornings once a month. People who come are treated to breakfast rolls etc. There are newspapers around and the opportunity to talkSt Christopher, Saffron Lane

Messy church has continued well for a second year and is well established with close ties to the school. We are hopeful that several parents from the messy church group will take part in the pilgrim courseSt Mary Magdalene, Waltham-on-the-Wolds

Our ‘light a candle’ initiative in the week before Christmas again allowed over 100 people to come into the church in the course of an afternoon / evening to light a candle and/or say a prayer for someone that they would miss over the Christmas period St Nicholas, Little Bowden

During 2014 St Peter’s initiated a WWI commemoration project and for the next 4 years St Peter’s will be the “anchor” for the Oadby town commemorations. A grant was received from the Growth Fund which enabled us to purchase exhibition boards. We also bought a quantity of poppy seeds which have been planted by children in the churchyard and

purchased a hundred replica St John gospels which were distributed to worshippers at remembrance servicesSt Peter, Oadby

We continue to hold events, Film Club, Summer Fete, Harvest Supper, Christmas Party, to encourage people to enter the church and become familiar with our small congregation and the church as a place of worship St Nicholas, Lockington

We have introduced a Lent Prayer Scheme which included prayer stations in church, prayer stations in the local school and a prayer walk around the village praying for the village. We will be doing something similar this year. We also did a similar prayer station in church for Advent, along with the schoolSt Peter & St Paul, Hathern

Holiday clubs for children have been held at Easter and in the summer. Parish has shared cost of a youth leader this year, enabling a ‘youth’ hangout to be held weekly with Christian ethosSt Michael & All Angels, Cosby

Partnership in “Hope 2014” mission, and running a “Big BBQ” out in a town park in partnership with two other churches, providing free refreshments, barbeque & Christian magician Holy Trinity, Hinckley

We have altered the 2nd Sunday morning service to be a real ‘family service’ with children’s talk. A children’s corner has been established in church on a permanent basisAll Saints, Newtown Linford

Cracking up! I got the giggles in church this morning!Tried to control itbut silently shaking;“We break this bread”-what a noise it was making.Took me back yearsto the Christmas Eve teaand grandfather therecracking walnuts for me.Our wonderful sound systemEchoed awayAnd I thought giant nutcrackersMust be in play.Snap, crackle, pop,or maybe just crack,a dozen times over came echoing back.I guess it’s not funny,but, still, it was odd,so I wrapped it in worshipand sent it to God. Flick

14

Celebration of Discipline.Prompted by our weekend away at Hothorpe Hall in May 2014, as well a direct challenge to our missional communities from a visiting speaker, Emmanuel Church, Loughborough, embarked on a year that focused on developing and deepening our discipleship in Christ. Whilst we felt this was specific to us it also seemed to be in tune with a move of the Holy Spirit within the wider church to be attentive to our discipleship in Christ.

As a starting point to our year we felt as though we needed to define who we were in Christ in order to deepen our relationship with Christ, draw closer in Christ in relationship with one another and then focus on developing our relationship with our newly created parish for Christ.

In order for us to deepen our relationship with Christ we turned to the timeless classic a Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster as a tool and a guide. Despite being written in the early 1980’s his words and wisdom still seemed fresh, relevant and pertinent for today. So in October and November of 2014 we began to explore such disciplines as Study, Meditation, Fasting, Submission, Confession, Prayer and Simplicity. This was both on Sunday’s as well as within our missional communities.

Initially what we noticed was a high “buy in” from a broad cross section of our congregation.

becoming child friendly

If someone came to me and offered to form a Christian young people’s group that had the backing of a nationwide organisation with accredited training and was aligned to our Church, then I would probably leap at the opportunity. How surprising it is to find that the Anglican Church has exactly this kind of organisation, but how many of us know about it?

With the move by the Scouting and Guiding organisations away from a faith based young people’s organisation, the Church lad’s and Church Girls’ Brigade have a lot to offer to young people and the Church they are aligned to. Their President is the Archbishop of Canterbury and their Patron is The Queen. Ann Sankey, MBE, the Brigade’s National Training Officer has educated me on the work of the Brigade amongst young people.

“’The Brigade’ is The Anglican Churches own uniformed youth organisation. This organisation has been fulfilling its object to extend the kingdom of Christ among lads and girls for over 120 years.

The Brigade seeks to create a caring and safe environment with local opportunities for children and young people to engage in enjoyable, meaningful, worthwhile leisure activities within a Christian context; they are encouraged to make new friendships, learn new skills, realise their full potential and enjoy positive adult role models to lead and inspire them.

The Brigade also encourages team working, self discipline, respect for others and the environment. We encourage young people and children to explore their spirituality and respond

The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigadeto the Christian faith, and to develop their moral values. In the second half of the 19th Century many influential Christians were worried about the poor spiritual and physical development of young people. Walter Mallock Gee opened the first company of lads on 11th November 1891 on St Martin’s day in Fulham London. Rev Thomas Milner opened the Church Red Cross Brigade for young women and girls in 1901. Thousands of CLB lads’ joined up to fight for their country in 1914 while the girls now named the Church Nursing and Ambulance Brigade worked on the home front treating and comforting wounded troops returning to “Blighty”. In 1922 The girls became The Church Girls’ Brigade. In 1956 The Brigade became one of the first voluntary youth organisations to operate the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. After many decades of discussion the two organisations CLB and CGB amalgamated in 1978 to form The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade the first national youth organisation to do so. There have been many Royal reviews of the Brigade the last one being in 1980 at Windsor Great Park. Over the years the sections for different ages of members have been expanded and we now have four covering ages from 5 to 21 years. The youngest section is called the “Martins” after our patron saint.

As with many other youth organisations we have a varied badge scheme to encourage members to experience different activities. Companies go camping, develop musician skills with marching bands and are active members of their Church family and local community. To achieve this we are dependent on Parishes choosing the Brigade and its activity programmes for expanding their youth ministry”.

Existing Brigade leaders, like all Church youth workers, need the support and backing of their clergy and Church family. If you have a Brigade near you, then encourage young people to join. If you don’t have a Brigade attached to your Church, then consider setting one up.

Further information from www.clcgb.org.uk or by contacting 01709 876535, email contactus@clcgb.org.uk . www.facebook.com/TheBrigadeUK . www.twitter.com/CLCGB .Andrew Rhoades

15

self giving service to the community

I first met Tom Gray when he came to one of our evening services and I found him to be an impressive young man serving our Lord with Ashby Youth for Christ and then I heard about their prison ministry. Here is their story.

Pam and David Watson explain that “Ashby Youth for Christ was invited into Glen Parva Young Offenders Centre in 1994 and has been working alongside Chaplaincy as volunteers ever since. A small team spends every Monday afternoon involved in “Music Therapy” and a larger team shares the Sunday Chapel Service once a month, taking on various roles or none”.Tom takes up their story.

“Imagine making a list of the top 10 peaceful places you had ever visited in your life, I expect that visiting a prison, if you have ever visited one, probably wouldn’t make your list. However strangely enough, for me, visiting Glen Parva young offenders prison (Leicester) for Sunday morning chapel services is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. I remember visiting for the first time, being escorted across the prison grounds, entering chapel and instantly feeling an incredible sense of peace. Ten minutes later, some of the young men choosing to visit chapel that morning, start to file in, we end up with a pretty full chapel with around forty young men in attendance. Amazingly as these young men entered the chapel the peace actually increased. Stop and

think about what I’m saying here, a prison and a room full of forty plus inmates is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. There is the opportunity to have some time talking to the young men there before the service and as I went around speaking with some of them, the reason for the peace became obvious. Many of these young men, despite their previous mistakes in life that had landed them in prison, were beginning to accept the peace that Christ offers. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27. NKJV). This peace was beginning to make drastic changes in their hearts, as they began to realize how different their lives could be when directed by Jesus and his peace. So if you want a peaceful place to visit one Sunday morning why not come along with the Ashby Youth for Christ (AYFC) team. Alternatively pray for the work of the AYFC prisons team & for the young men at Glen Parva and their eternal salvation, Amen”.

How encouraging to hear about the grace of Christ amongst young offenders and to know that this is brought about through chaplaincy and through young Christians who volunteer. You can contact Ashby Youth for Christ on team@ayfc.co.uk or 01530 560940.

Andrew Rhoades

A significant amount of people bought the book and began to read it. Some found it quite a stretching read whilst others revisited familiar territory. People began to explore or reengage with either familiar disciplines or new practices. Stories emerged of renewed prayer lives, a commitment to fasting as well as nudges in new spiritual directions. Overall there seemed to be a deepening of our faith in Christ and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

As Christmas approached we felt needed to slow the pace down a little so we spent 4 weeks exploring and reflecting on John 1.1-14. Essentially we were putting the discipline of meditation into practice and dwelling in the Word who became flesh and lived amongst us.

However at the beginning of the New Year we have moved on to explore how we develop our relationship with one another in Christ. There was a temptation to leave the Celebration of Discipline behind as a module completed. However during Lent we have committed ourselves to devoting more time to 6 of the individual disciplines spending time as a church together going deeper into the life of Christ. We will wait to see what emerges.

Overall though I have reflected and been reminded that discipleship in Christ is not a one off yearly exploration but a life long commitment. I pray and trust that we will use the foundations we have established to continue to grow in Christ

Micheal Broadley

being rooted in prayer

Prison Ministry in Ashby

16

celebration of people and places

This September sees a wide range of courses start to help people grow further as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Some participants from the courses just finishing share their experience and what they have learnt. For further details of locations and available courses please see the School for Ministry pages of the Diocesan website, or call 0116 261 5317.

Ashley Prince (Pastoral Assistant)On turning up for my interview last August for the Pastoral Assistants’ course I found myself to be one of four participants. Each of us was interviewed separately and it was not until I went to the first Workshop Day in October that we met again. From this point Carol, Gail, Keith and myself have met together on a weekly basis. In October we were given provisional licences at the “Called Together” service at the Cathedral. Apart from the two workshop days we co-ordinatd our meetings ourselves using material provided. We have met in one home each time and this has given us a real sense of security and belonging. We have met for two terms studying listening skills and loss. Our third term is on community issues.We have to prepare for each session and be willing to share our thoughts. Although we have found the content challenging we have all learnt a great deal from this and from each other. The four of us have become good friends who can encourage and share with each other. We look forward to being used in this new role and serving God.

Dawn Daley (Reader in Training)I am an eternal student. We all are. When we commit to following our Lord, we commit to lifelong learning: about his teaching, his Church, the gifts he has given us, and his call to us. Surely one of the most enjoyable, effective and transformational ways of doing this is through the School of Ministry. I have done three courses in four years. I started with Journey in Faith, which explores

Christianity, the Bible and the Church and of which the most important resource is the students themselves. After this came Learning in Faith, which combines group sessions with online study. I’m now nearing the end of two years of Reader training.

Through these courses, I have met wonderful people - teachers and classmates – who have taught me so much; found out about invaluable resources; deepened my theological awareness; developed my understanding of the Church and its mission; discovered new ways to get closer to our Lord; and have a greater sense of where he wants to take me.I thank God for tearing for providing me with the opportunity to grow in faith and develop my love and knowledge of him through these courses. And I am so thrilled to be an eternal student!

Nina de Salis Young (Journey in Faith)I only signed up for Journey in Faith because I was assisting a friend who wanted to take the course. Now, part way through the course, I can’t wait to start the third and last term. I’m missing my new friends on the course and wanting to get back to the very thought - provoking discussions we have each week. I’ve even enjoyed writing the (optional) essays! The course advert talked about exploring a sense of calling. I interpreted that as a sense of calling to the ministry, which I don’t have, so I focused instead on my own journey in my understanding of our faith. After two terms, I understand that calling is something unique to

each person, and that God may call us to any activity, and that it will always be one in which we are using the gifts He gave us.

Several years ago I began to be interested in debt counseling. I wanted to start a debt centre at our church. For a number of reasons, the doors were closed at that time. Now, at the same time as doing JIF, the doors seem to be opening. Some of the books on the course reading list, and some of our discussions have spoken directly into this situation. I think God’s lining it all up and saying yes, the time is now right. So we’re launching Money Matters in the West End of Leicester, with money advice courses this year and a debt centre from early next year. Please pray for us!

Janet Scott (Journey in Faith)Having been baptised at the age of sixteen in a Baptist church I have always been very involved in church life. Retirement from full-time teaching found me filling my days with church and community work for fear of being bored. I was as busy as when I was working yet somehow I had the feeling God had a job for me and I wasn’t convinced I’d found it.

I saw an advert for the Vocations Day at St Martin’s House, but ignored it. A year later I eventually dared to apply for the next Vocations Day. I was sent all the information and asked to choose which workshops I would prefer but they couldn’t guarantee I would get my choice as I was rather late applying. Looking down the list there were definitely some I could discount but I wasn’t sure what to select. Showing the list to a church friend I asked which she thought I should go to. Spiritual Direction and Evangelism were the two she suggested. I was shocked as they were not on my list and what’s more I’d never even heard of Spiritual Direction.

The Vocations Day came and sure enough I was allocated to the Spiritual Direction group. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. This was really exciting and maybe something I could do. However, it was suggested that if we hadn’t done any studying it would be a good thing to do the Journey in Faith course before thinking about training for Spiritual Direction.

I really hadn’t realised what was involved in

Ordinary people learning ordinary things with an extraordinary God

17

confident and sensitive evangelism

Where have all the men gone?Paul Gask writes.... Ask yourself these questions;

◊ Does your church have a dedicated ministry solely for men?

◊ If not, why not? ◊ If it has, how is it going?

Is it evangelistic and outward looking and encouraging men into church or has it become a little tired and is more of an ‘exclusive club’?Does your church need a men’s ministry anyway?

Firstly, in answer to these questions I am not advocating or encouraging gender division. Let’s put that one firmly to bed before we start!Let’s have a look at some statistics; Over the last 20 years 38% of believing men have left the church. In fact for men under 30, nearly 50%left in the same period of time. Now that is believing men deciding that they don’t want to go to church anymore!

Startling reading eh? The decline looks pretty terminal doesn’t it?By present figures by

2028 there could be zero men left in church communities in the UK! I accept that women are leaving the church too but nowhere near as fast as men. For the UK the official statistic is 60% women to 40% men, although anecdotally the ratio is often 70:30.

So what are YOU going to do about that?My two daughters are now both married but if you have daughters and want them to meet a Christian suitor the likelihood appears to be slim! Why is this? Is it because men are just no good at ‘small talk’? The brilliant Evangelist J John described men as being like ‘arctic rivers’……in that ‘they’re frozen at the mouth’.Is it because men see Jesus and his Church as being boring and irrelevant?

There’s a whole raft of reasons why the men are leaving our churches in droves and I and a few guys around the city and county are determined to do something about it.

In 2003 Evangelicals Now conducted a survey which revealed this; Lead a child to Christ and the rest of the family will follow in 3.5% of instances. Lead a mother to Christ and that probability rises to 17% Whereas if a father is led to Christ, that figure rises to 93%.I am the Regional Director for Northern

England for the national movement “Christian Vision for Men”. Our vision is to introduce a million UK men to Jesus and the church.If you missed the “Winning Men” presentation at St. Martin’s House on June 10th fear ye not!

My mission is to encourage, train and equip your church to reach the men in your parish so please drop me a line to paul.gask@cvm.org.uk.It’s time to……..

the course but I enrolled anyway. I could not have foreseen the difference it would make to me. The Biblical aspects of the course, whilst being much more in depth than I had covered previously, were not really new. It was the discussions about spirituality and vocations that challenged me. Many of the group knew why they were there. They had a clear calling. I was still in the dark, not sure what God was calling me to do.

As the year-long Journey in Faith course ended many of my group went on to further studies. I decided to take a break and see what happened. The idea of Spiritual Direction was still in the back of my mind. I talk to my vicar. He felt now wasn’t the time for me. I needed to get my own Spiritual Director. That was a bit daunting but eventually I took the plunge. I sent an e-mail to James Shakespeare who arranged for me to meet someone to discuss my needs.

I really didn’t have a clue what to expect. I did know I wanted someone who could help me to find out what God wanted me to do and I was curious to learn out more about Ignatius but beyond that I didn’t know.

A year on, having met my Spiritual Director several times I can honestly say the experience has been life changing. Our meetings give me time to take stock; to focus on what is happening on my life; to see where God is at work. Her words and suggested reading have been an eye opener for me and the God who has always been part of my life is now so much closer. I know that God is speaking to me through her. I just wish someone had told me I could have a Spiritual Director years ago!

And what about my vocation? I know that at the moment I am called to be involved in working to improve church and community links but as I become closer to God and develop my

own spirituality maybe God will call me to get alongside others and be involved in this wonderful ministry of Spiritual Direction.

Contact the Mission and Ministry on 0116 2615317 or mmbookings@leccofe.org for details of courses commencing in September.

18

leicester.anglican.org/announcementsthe Bishop announces...

Revd Sharon Constable Team Vicar in the Benefice of the Melton Mowbray Team Ministry in this Diocese, appointed as Rector of the Parish of Broughton Astley and Croft with Stoney Stanton

Revd Jema BallAssistant Curate in the Benefice of Countesthorpe with Foston in the Guthlaxton Deanery appointed as Associate Vicar in the Benefice of Oundle, Benefield and Glapthorn in the Diocese of Peterborough. Jema will be licensed to her new role on 6 September. Jema’s last Sunday will be on 19 July.

Revd Alan BurgessVicar of the Benefice of Whitwick, Thringstone and Swannington retires.

Revd Stephen DelaforceAssociate Minister in the Benefice of Beaumont Leys in this Diocese, appointed as Priest in Charge (Vicar Designate) of the Benefices of Beaumont Leys and St Luke and the Cornerstone Conventional District.

Revd Canon Barry NaylorUrban Canon (this includes responsibilities for St Margaret’s, Leicester, St Nicholas and St Andrew’s, Jarrom Street) retires with effect from 30 September 2015. Barry will however continue with his role as Chaplain to Trinity Hospital.

Revd Canon Chris BurchVicar of the Benefice of St Peter Braunstone Park retired on 30 April 2015.

Revd David CundillPioneer Minister for Presence Bishop’s Mission Order in the City of Leicester, has been appointed Deputy Director of Mission for the Diocese of Lichfield.

Sister Beverley CSFCurrently Permission to Officiate has been appointed as a bank Chaplain at LOROS Hospice in Leicester and also as part time Chaplain at Queens Theological Foundation, Birmingham.

Revd Susan Pa tersonPriest in Charge of Ab Kettleby with Holwell and Asfordby, has been appointed as Vicar of the Priory Church of Deeping St James in the Diocese of Lincoln.

Revd Alison CozensPriest in Charge of The Presentation of Christ Team Ministry, has been appointed as Rector of Holy Trinity, Dunfermline and St Margaret’s, Rosyth, in the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Revd Simon StevensChaplain to Loughborough University, appointed as Children and Families Pioneer Priest to the Watermead Mission Partnership in the City of Leicester Deanery.

Canons of Leicester CathedralThe following new Honorary Canons: have been appointed.The Revd Alison Adams, Diocesan and Cathedral Social Responsibility EnablerProfessor Robert Allison, Vice-Chancellor and President, Loughborough University

Mrs Sally Bowie, former High Sheriff of LeicestershireMrs Carolyn Lewis, Diocesan Director of EducationMs Mads Morgan, Pioneer Development Worker

Revd Tom RoutCurate in the Benefice of Rothley, appointed as Priest in Charge and Chaplain – Ipswich Waterfront Churches, Chaplaincy of University Campus Suffolk and Suffolk New College in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

Revd Canon John SharpeRector of the Benefice of Glenfield retires with effect from 30 June 2015

#Mini-Reviews

“Sacred in the City” by Margaret Silf is a beautifully illustrated book, showing

how we can encounter the spiritual wherever we are – on a city street, on a train, in a library, in the workplace, in

cafes, shops and parks. £9.99

“The Case for Grace” by Lee Strobel, the author of best-selling “The Case

for Christ”. A journalistic yet personal exploration of the evidence of

transformed lives. £9.99 Both 10% off when you mention In Shape

From Christian Resources Leicester (0116 261 5222, enquiries@

christianresourcesleicester.com). Mini-reviews by Christian Resources.

Claire Jordan CeramicsIn 2013 I started a small ceramics business. As a Christian it is natural that my ceramics will be linked to God, church and religious pieces. The ideas that work the best are the ones that really excite me and this is what happened when I made the Nativity set for Croft church. It was two fold, I wanted to give something back to the beautiful church that I worship in, but create something useful and original. The congregation were very taken with the Nativity set and I was commissioned to make smaller sets suitable for people’s homes. With this in mind I then created a curved, embracing set of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, that just fits on a window sill. I believe that God gives us skills we should use and I pray that I am using my skill as God intended me to.Visit www.clairejordanceramics.co.uk

19

leicester.anglican.org/eventsCoffee Morning St Margaret’s Church Saturday 4th July - 10 am - 12 noon. Admission free and refreshments are available. Many stalls. Contact Janet Bass 0116 2244307. Also on Saturday 1st August

John Rutter premiere of Canticles of CreationSaturday 4th July - In a unique event, two hundred voices, the English Symphony Orchestra and four conductors will raise the roof of Coventry Cathedral on July 4th.

Lunchtime Recital St Margaret’s ChurchThursday 9th July - 1 pm - 1.30 pm (approx.), John Bence (Organ) and Anne de Graeve (Harpsichord). Admission free - tea and coffee provided. Contact: Maureen Belcher 01455 824339 or Kay Harpin 0116 2993241 Also Thursday 13th August David Seal - Organ.

How to be a bad Christian Monday 13th -17th July - Delve deeper into Dave’s book and come away with some great new ideas with an interactive retreat which will

consist of a series of talks and workshops led by Dave Tomlinson at Launde Abbey

3 Day Individually Guided RetreatMonday 20th - 24th July. Launde Abbey led by Glenn Martin and Beryl Wood. A chance for you to spend some real time with God on a one to one basis..

Flower Festival & Craft Fayre - Bardon HillSaturday 29th August - St Peter’s Church, Bardon Hill (on A511 between Coalville and Markfield). Open 10am - 5pm each day. Free admission and free parking. For more see www.stpeterbardon.com

Flower Festival at St Marys Church BarwellSaturday 29th August -Stalls and refreshments available. Opening times Sat 29th 10am to 6pm with concert at 7:30 pm. Sun 30th 2pm to 5pm followed by Evensong at 6pm. Mon 31st 10am to 6pm. Contact: sewell-colin@sky.com

A retreat for first time retreatantsFriday 4th - 6th September An opportunity for you to try and retreat for the first time in good company with guidance along the way.

All Saint’s Narborough Autumn Fayre & Valuation DaySaturday 19th September - Come and bring your treasures for valuation!

5 day retreat led by Angela AshwinMonday 28th September -Friday 2nd October. Light Touch, Deep Wisdom: Learning from Desert Fathers and Mothers at Launde Abbey

Being and Becoming: Songs of LifeMonday 19th- 22nd October - A semi-silent retreat exploring the senses and the world around us led by Sister Rachel Overton at Launde Abbey

Soar Valley Press works with a broad range of churches, church organisations and commercial clients to improve their designs and deliver cost effective print solutions.

Whether you want to rethink a parish magazine, create a welcome brochure, produce an annual report or publicise a forthcoming event – speak to the experts.

Soar Valley Press are an award winning design and print company who will offer the help you need, including free advice and consultation, to communicate your message more effectively.

Looking to

improve your communications?

Soar Valley PressD E S I G N + P R I N T

Call Chris on 0116 259 9955Email: chris@soarvalleypress.co.ukVisit: www.soarvalleypress.co.uk

Working with Diocese of Leicester, Launde Abbey and churches throughout the diocese

WinnerDigital Printer Awards 2011

Print ForChurches

MA R K E T I N G | D E S I G N | P R I N T

Visit our new website www.printforchurches.co.uk

for more advice and info

Leicester Grammar Junior School & Leicester Grammar School are located together on a 75 acre site in Great Glen, offering independent, co-education

based upon Christian principles for pupils aged 3 to 18.

www.leicestergrammar.org.ukJunior School (age 3-10): 0116 2591950 Senior School (age 10-18): 0116 2591900

London Road, Great Glen, Leicestershire LE8 9FL

Expert, independent advicen Savingsn Investmentsn Protectionn Retirement

Contact Darrel Foulk, Independent Financial Adviserfor Leicester Diocese and area Direct tel: 01295 256 715 Mobile: 07730 672 353or email: darrel.foulk@ecclesiastical.com

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester,GL1 1JZ, UK. EIO is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andthe Prudential Regulation Authority.

3029 IFA Advert_Darrel Foulk_105x74.25 24/03/2014 14:45 Page 1

20

The Interview Bishop Tim In the last few years Leicester has been one of the dioceses that has grown in size. Why?There are things that may have contributed to it. We have some very creative people developing ideas for our Mission Partnerships, and some effective conferences on Leading Your Church into Growth, plus some high quality Leadership Programmes. And Partners for Missional Church is beginning to change the heart of some of our congregations.

We’ve also had a consistent mission strategy which we have continually refreshed; perhaps that contributes to people feeling there is a direction of travel and they can get on board. But I am very clear that the main reason why churches grow is because the members of the churches are living Christ-like lives and attracting other people to want to live like that.

What do you think is the most important contribution that a Bishop can make towards mission?There are two things which seem to be very close to the heart of this. One is a Bishop seen to be modelling a recognisably Christian life. This doesn’t mean trying to be more virtuous than anyone else. . . Bishops are human beings facing questions, struggles, sometimes confusion, sometimes great joy, sometimes deep sadness. I think I have experienced all of those things. A Bishop is called to seek God’s grace to live those human experiences in the spotlight and to allow people to locate themselves in relation to that. So if the Bishop’s life seems to make sense to them that’s helpful in the growth of the Diocese. The second thing has to do the mood. If we’re a Diocese at ease with itself and people feel free to be themselves, and people from different understandings of church can all feel part of the life of the Diocese, it creates the family of families which is what a Diocese is supposed to be and encourages people to join it.

Do you think a Bishop has to be vulnerable in that role of modelling? I think I experienced that very early on. I can remember the day of my installation as Bishop, sixteen years ago, walking into the Cathedral with 850 people in it and knowing almost none of them. That kind of exposure continues from here on! After a while you get used to it but you do live in other people’s projections, so what people don’t actually know about you doesn’t stop them assuming that they know things, and it doesn’t stop them making their own mind up

on the basis of their feelings rather than on the basis of evidence. I think one of the most spiritually demanding things in the public leadership role is learning to be vulnerable, and while the death of a loved one makes you vulnerable I think there are many other things that do so as well. I haven’t learnt how to do it all yet but I’ve had a lot of lessons offered me during these sixteen years by a Diocese that I’ve come to love very deeply.

I think the Diocese would say we’ve learnt to love you too. Do you think that length of time you’ve been here has made a significant difference to the way the life of the church is within the Diocese?I’m sure time matters but I don’t think God’s time is necessarily the same as ours. Sometimes things happen very quickly, unexpectedly and not because of anything the Bishop’s done, Richard the III for example. We didn’t plan to find a King under a car park ten years ago. A lot of what success is about is responding to things that are going on and not just about initiating things. But I do think if you stay in one place for as long as I have then obviously there’s the prospect of confidence, trust and understanding building up. I think it would be true to say that in the last five years things have happened and I’ve been able to do things which I wouldn’t have been able to do in my first five years. People who I speak to in the business world often say that the trouble in their world is that nobody stays long enough to really bed anything in, and I’ve been able to do that.

What has surprised you in your years in the mission and ministry of the Diocese?Lots of things as I reflect on them are things I have learned which I wouldn’t have known when I set out. One is that if you are in leadership and you wait until everybody gets what you are trying to do before you do it you’ll wait forever!

I’ve been surprised by the way in which when you’re a public figure people feel quite free to write to you the most insulting letters without any apology, any deference, or any reticence at all and I assume that if I’m getting these letters so are Vice-Chancellors and Head Teachers and Politicians and many other people. We live in a culture where you don’t insult people face to face but you feel quite free to write letters doing that.

I’ve come to realise that although a lot of people say we live in a secular culture and a secular society my experience is that there’s an awful lot of real spiritual hunger in the world. This is not the same thing as hunger to go to church but it’s a hunger that the church needs to learn to understand and to respond to. It has taken me a long time to really learn that but I think that’s the biggest, yes, the biggest surprise of the lot.

If you could start again now what one thing would you change?I would pray more, I would make my life built around prayer and I would seek to make the life of the Diocese built around prayer. I would desist from doing certain things in order to pray more and I hope for the grace to learn how to do that in the future.

When I look at the Church of England I don’t see a church that needs more activism, more initiatives, more management - no doubt it could do with bits of that! - but none of those things are fundamental. The fundamental is a life patterned on attention to God and waiting for God. I don’t always feel that in a church or myself, so that’s the thing I’d change.

How are you going to feel on 11 July ? Terrible, because I won’t be in charge of myself! In fact I won’t be in charge of anything. I also may feel a huge sense of relief, excitement, and walking into the unknown being surrounded by people who have become friends and of whom I am very fond. I know that all of this has been given, not deserved nor merited nor created, so why shouldn’t I be trusting that something new will be given afterwards? So, a mixture of fear and excitement and those who know me well will know this will probably be a really important lesson.

Watch the full 20min interview on the diocese website at:www.leicester.anglican.org/bishop-tim-retirement/