Malvern Priory MagazineThe Parish Church of St. Mary & St. Michael

£1.00

JUNE 2018 ISSUE

It gives me great pleasure to write myfirst editorial letter for the Great MalvernPriory Magazine. I’m writing this beforeRita and I have arrived, and we are full ofanticipation and excitement and lookingforward to meeting you all.

Recently, we visited my mum inNorfolk, who greeted me with thesewords; “Your birthday is coming up andI’ve decided that I am going to buy you abike!” I was taken aback by this generousoffer, but my mum is a very determinedlady. However, I had a problem. Threeyears ago, I had a serious cycle accidentand broke my hip. Being reasonably fit, Irecovered quickly and thankfully, I haveno physical effects from this trauma.However, I hadn’t ridden a bike since ithappened, and deep down inside I felt arush of panic. How would I feel riding acycle once more?

We purchased a smart new bike, takingcare to ensure that it was suitable fortown riding, with good lights, straighthandlebars, an easy gear change system,and reflectors. I will keep my bike underwraps until my birthday, but I did take aquick trial ride and deliberately wentpast the site where the accidenthappened. I pushed myself onwards andwas okay. I now feel ready to tackle thehills of Malvern!

This caused me to reflect thatsometimes we need to “get back on ourbike” after a spiritual trauma. Maybeyou’ve suffered bereavement or hadserious health issues and struggled tofind God in this. Perhaps a relationshiphas gone wrong and you’ve been askingGod why this is happened. Sometimes,on our spiritual journeys, we need tofind the courage to push through. Godnever leaves us or forsakes us and willnot leave us to “push through” alone.

At Great Malvern Priory, we are nowentering a time of new beginnings.Maybe you’d like to make a fresh startwith your Heavenly Father, get back onyour spiritual cycle and continue yourjourney with the Lord. I’m available for aconfidential chat and prayer, if thatwould help, and the coffee will always beon!

With warm Christian greetings,Revd Rod Corke

“A NEW BIKE…” COLLATION CELEBRATION

What a great occasion it will be at6.00pm on Sunday 24th June! RevdRod Corke will be installed(correction! “Collated”) as our newvicar. (Collation is the term usedwhen the bishop is the sole patronof a church—and the Bishop ofWorcester is the patron of GreatMalvern Priory.) Bishop John,Archdeacon Robert, and Rural DeanDavid will each do their part. At least100 congregants are expected fromTaunton, including their choir, whowill join with our choir and PraiseGroup to lead our worship.

Many dignitaries, clergy andrepresentatives have been invited.Folk from other churches arewelcome and no doubt all Priorymembers who are able will want tobe there. It is going to be a very fullhouse! But what a joyous celebrationtoo, as all the prayer and planningand preparation of the past monthscomes to fruition.

We have a lot to thank God for. Welook forward so much to welcomingRod and Rita to Malvern, and to thePriory. Our love and prayers go outto them—and also to their church inTaunton, in their loss, and as theystart their vacancy. We look forwardto God’s blessing on us, through Rodand Rita, in the years ahead.

David Webster

THE FRIENDS OF MALVERN PRIORYCOUNCIL ELECTIONS

Nominations are invited for the offices of Chairman, Secretaryand Treasurer of the Friends. These must be received by theSecretary at least 14 days before the elections due to take placeat the AGM on 24th June 2018. There is also a vacancy for oneordinary member of the Friends’ Council and nominations of peoplewith an interest in the Priory are invited. Those with legal, financial orbuildings experience would be particularly useful, but such experience is notessential. Nominations should be sent to the Secretary, either in writing via theParish Office (Church Street Malvern WR14 2AY) or by e-mail to r.boyer@talktalk.net

The Friends of Malvern

Priory

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PRIORY PEOPLE: OBITUARY

The church musician and organist, Andrew Wilson, has diedaged 48 of a brain tumour which he had been bravelyfighting for around three years. Andrew graduated with aFirst in Music from the University of Edinburgh in 1992,where he was a brilliant student, excelling in organperformance, keyboard skills, harmony and counterpoint,and all such areas of music that really matter. He won anumber of organ prizes in the late 1980s, and acquired hisFRCO in 2006, again winning prizes.

He was a music teacher by profession, holding posts inIpswich, Guildford, Worcester, Milton Abbey in Dorset,Chelmsford and latterly in Teesside High School. By allaccounts, he was an inspirational teacher, much admiredand respected by generations of pupils. Alongside histeaching he held various church posts, such as Holy Trinity,Guildford and most notably at Malvern Priory where hemade a number of fine recordings. While at Malvern (2000-2006) he oversaw the rebuilding by Nicholson’s of the Prioryorgan. Andrew gave many organ recitals, conducted choirsand choral societies, and was for many years an examiner forthe ABRSM. He also composed and arranged choral music,was an active competition adjudicator and reviewer forOrganists’ Review.

He was a committed churchman, and his funeral was heldat St Peter’s, Stockton-on Tees, where his family nowworships, and where he latterly assisted as organist when hecould. Andrew lived an immensely full and active life in theall-too-short time given to him, always offering his time andtalents cheerfully and enthusiastically.

John Kitchen

A CHORAL EVENSONGWe were all saddened to learn that former Organist and

Choirmaster, Andrew Wilson, had died in March, just threedays before his 49th birthday. There will be a service ofChoral Evensong in the Priory to give thanks for Andrew’slife on Saturday, 21st July at 4.00pm followed byrefreshments. Abbey and the children, Gregor, Euan and

Lydia will be present together with Andrew’s parents, Colinand Angela.

The service will include an anthem, shortly to be publishedby RSCM, composed by the Priory’s current Director ofMusic, Piers Maxim, and dedicated to Andrew’s memory. Thewords, written by Sir Sydney Nicholson, founder of RSCM areentitled, ‘How joyful ‘tis to sing’. The hymn was a favourite ofAndrew’s; indeed, it is the title of a CD of hymns he recordedwith the Priory Choir in 2006.

The obituary above was written for the RSCM Church MusicQuarterly magazine by John Kitchen, Edinburgh CityOrganist, teacher and friend of Andrew’s, who played organat Andrew and Abbey’s wedding, as well as at Andrew’sfuneral.

Derek Valentine—Chairman, Malvern Priory ChoirsAssociation

ANDREW WILSON MA, BMUS (HONS), FRCO, FTCL(Organist & Choirmaster at the Priory from 2000 to 2006)

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OLD CHURCHES: NEW USES…On 13 June, the diocese will host a ‘Buildings Symposium’, welcoming people from

across the Church of England to look at the future of our church buildings and howthey must change to survive.

Heritage Buildings and Community Support Officer, Andrew Mottram, said: “Anearly outcome of the appointment of Place of Worship Support Officers (part fundedby Historic England) was the recognition of the need to change the way churchbuildings are understood, used and managed. The recent ‘Taylor SustainabilityReview of Church Buildings’ confirmed this need for change. However, there is still agreat deal of work to be done to identify the most effective routes to success.

“Church buildings need to do more than just serve as places of worship if they areto survive the changing society in which they are located. Simply saving historicbuildings because they are old is not enough; their roles both now and in the future,need to be considered from the very outset.”

The one-day symposium will share what has been learned to date and alsoprovide the opportunity for keyleaders in the church andheritage sector to share theirinsights in what changes arenecessary to secure the future ofchurches as places of mission.Speakers are coming from theArchbishops’ Council, HeritageLottery Fund and HistoricEngland among others.

Sam Setchell, DiocesanCommunications Officer

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BOOK REVIEW: A FRANCISCAN WAY OF LIFE

Several people in the Priory remember with love and respect Brother Ramonwho died in 2000. This biography, written by one of his friends, gives a graphicpicture of his life and personality, combined with extracts from his letters andfrom his writings. The latter are arranged under themes which give ideas forpersonal reflection or group discussion.

Raymond Lloyd was born in Swansea in 1936, in a part of the town poor inmaterial terms but rich in a sense of community. He was eleven years olderthan his sister Wendy, but returned every year throughout his life to visit herand the friends he made in his early years. From an early age he attended thelocal Tabernacle Baptist Church. At a special missionary service there, he heardthe Gospel expounded by a group of young men in their 20s, and Raymond,aged twelve, was fired by the love of Christ. Aged 16, he experienced the HolySpirit “burning into the depths of my being”. From then on his path was set;not just reading the Gospels, but broadening into the writings of evangelicaltheologians and ecumenical writers which led him towards the monastictradition and an appreciation of other Christian ways of thinking.

Raymond possessed great gifts of communication which he used in manyfields. The question therefore arises: what led him to the life of the hermit indifferent parts of the country, before settling at Glasshampton Monastery inhis three small huts? There he spent his last seven years, until he moved to aroom in the tower of the monastery as his health failed. To trace his path tothis way of life, you need to read this book and engage with this ebullient yethumble, deeply thoughtful man brought to life for us by his friend, with thehelp of others who had known him.

Whether you knew him or not, this is a book well worth reading. You will findcopies in the Priory Shop.

(Published by BRF; ISBN 9 780857 466624)Elizabeth Dunnett

BROTHER RAMON’S QUEST FOR HOLINESS,BY ARTHUR HOWELLS

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WHO’S WHO IN THE PRIORY

I originally came to Malvern in 2012to study for my Bachelor’s degree atRegents Theological College; Robynarrived in 2014 for the same reason.We married in 2015 and while Robynfinished her degree, I studied furtherfor a Master’s degree in Theology. I willbe continuing my studies atCambridge as part of my training forthe priesthood.

How did you both meet? We met atan open day at the college through amutual friend. I, already a studentthere, was one of five students whohad been asked to be part of a studentQ&A session and when someone tomy right asked a question, I answered,looking straight at Robyn, unable totake my eyes off her!

Why the Priory? Whilst members ofan Assemblies of God church, I felt acall to the Anglican priesthood.Shortly after that, we startedattending the Priory which quicklybecame our new church family. Sincethen, we have found it to be a lovely

and warm place with smiling faces andkind hearts.

How would you both describe yourrelationship with God? Both Robynand I feel that a key part of ourrelationship with God would be the factthat He has continually asked us to walkby faith and not by sight in the greatunknown. This started very early in ourrelationship when we were prayingtogether in St Anne’s Chapel and Godcalled us into marriage. He also told usto have Anah, our daughter, and againwhen we started to discern God’s will forordination. It is fun doing life with God.

Have either of you a favouritescripture? “Follow God's example,therefore, as dearly loved children andwalk in the way of love, just as Christloved us and gave himself up for us as afragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”(Ephesians 5: 1-2). “You did not chooseme, but I chose you and appointed youso that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)

And a favourite hymn? We both have

the same favourite Hymn, this being‘Christ be our light’.

What are you both passionateabout? Robyn: “I have a deep passionfor social justice and missions’ work.A couple of years ago I had theopportunity to go to the Calais jungleto help provide food and resources torefugees. It was one of the mostmemorable experiences of my life.”Tom: “I am passionate about thechurch and the development ofpeople’s faith and spirituality. For thelast three years I have been Assistanttutor of the Theology track atRegents Theological College, a rolewhich has allowed me to invest instudents young and old, facilitatingtheir ministry through teaching, andpastorally caring for them.”

Have either of you any hobbies?Robyn enjoys spending time withother mums who are part of the NCTgroup. I enjoy a good games nightwith the guys.

Hopes and desires? Robyn: “I hopeto work in the charity sector eitherthrough researching or projectmanaging. I would also like todevelop an understanding ofministry to families, women andchildren.” Tom: “I hope to grow intothe best vicar I can be during theupcoming formation process andbeyond. I also want to developteaching material both for the churchand the academy.”

And your roles in the Priory? I amthe youth worker for Great MalvernPriory and administer the chalice.Robyn is on the rota for those takingcare of the children’s area.

Tom Owen

MEET TOM AND ROBYN OWEN

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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH“That is not a good picture”, said Ben, “much smaller

than I imagined and there is not much to it.” What doesthis tell us about the picture Ben was looking at? That itis not very good and rather small, perhaps. Of course, wedo not know anything about Ben; he may be an art criticor does his expertise lie elsewhere? If we are then toldthat the picture that Ben was looking at was the MonaLisa, we might draw a different conclusion. Ben’scomments do not tell us as much about the Mona Lisa asabout Ben. 

Although we tend to take comments at face value, it isoften good to ask ourselves if the comment informs usabout the subject of the comment or the subject whomade the comment. Consider some of the opinions thatpeople express about God or the Bible—are they addingto the world’s knowledge or revealing something aboutthemselves?

I am sure we are all guilty at times of making quickjudgements about things we may know little about, andit can be humbling (and sometimes embarrassing!) todiscover someone listening knows a lot more than wedo. We should see that as an opportunity to learn moreand, as Jesus did as a child in the temple, listen and askquestions. St Francis was wise when he prayed not somuch to be understood as to understand. As Rod andRita join us later this month, let’s echo that prayer.

Robin La Fontaine

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PRIORY MISERICORDS: THE TABLES TURNEDCat lovers had best look away now… An initial reading of this month’s featured Priory misericord shows a scene of

gruesome revenge. The central carving depicts three mice on the left,scrambling over each other in their frenzied determination to hold onto the ropewhich winds over the horizontal bar above them. On the other end of the ropehangs a cat, the noose around its neck. On either side the supporter carvings areof two owls who wait, in their turn, to pounce on the unsuspecting mice.

In medieval times owls, far from being seen as the wise creatures of latertradition, were believed to be quite the opposite—they were symbols ofignorance, described in moralising Bestiary books as creatures who chose a lifeof darkness rather than living in the light of Christianity[1]. The theme of theworld being turned on its head is often found in medieval misericord carvings.The preoccupation with domineering women is one sub-theme of this ‘turningof the tables’, and other illustrations exist, such as the cart coming before thehorse in a misericord at Beverley Minster; or rabbits roasting a hunter inManchester Cathedral.

However, it is possible that the Priory’s misericord contains deeper symbolismthan merely the upturning of normality. This misericord is part of a set believedto have been carved for the Priory in the late 14th century[2]. At around thesame time William Langland wrote his allegorical poem ‘The Vision of PiersPlowman’, famously set ‘one May morning, on Malvern Hills’. At the start of theprologue Langland re-tells what was a centuries-old tale even then, known as‘the belling of the cat’[3]. A parliament of mice and rats discuss whether theymight attach a bell to the collar of the Cat who torments and threatens them, sogiving them fair warning of the Cat’s approach. They even mention killing theCat. In Langland’s telling, the Cat is thought to represent John of Gaunt, theimmensely powerful son ofEdward III and later uncle andguardian of the boy kingRichard II, while the rats andmice are likely to illustrate theEnglish parliament.

Ultimately the rodents in thestory decide to do nothing—noone is brave enough to fastenthe bell to the Cat and they feardoing anything which mightantagonise the Cat further. Thetale is a coded comment on theperpetual medieval difficulty ofrestraining the powers of theelite, and it leaves the carvedcat and mice in our small cornerof Worcestershire to perhapstake on a different, morepoliticised meaning.

Next time… as summer arriveswe head down to the sea andencounter mer-folk…

Katherine Wells

MY FRONT LINE: ROSEMARY WEBSTER

A front line? Surely retired people don’thave a front line! Don’t you believe it!Retirement years are packed full ofopportunities and challenges!

One of my front lines, which occupies alot of my time, is caring for our two localgrandchildren (Bethany and Patrick), toenable our daughter Lynette to teachpiano and violin. I realise how vital andprecious is the influence of grandparents,as they help grandchildren to grow.Patrick, age three, has verbal dyspraxia,which means that he has great difficultyforming the sounds for words. I spend alot of time planning and playing fungames, to help him with his speechtherapy. I am, together with him, learningMakoton sign language, which helps hisfrustration when he wants to tell ussomething. I see my part in ourgrandchildren’s lives as a vital andformative front line.

Other front lines are with the parents ofLynette’s pupils, when she is teachingthem. Also with our various lovelyneighbours, whom we often meet whenout walking our dog, Toto. These areopportunities to build bridges offriendship—bridges which Jesus can thenwalk across. The same applies to my manycontacts in the shops in Upton. Our homegroup is largely a neighbourhood group.We also have a steady flow of visitors toour Dairy cottage, many coming for restand spiritual refreshment. I love all thesecontacts, and the friendships that growout of them.

My biggest challenge is to balance mytime wisely—between family, church andother things. I value prayer for thestrength and energy and wisdom to copewith full-on grandchildren, and everythingelse that has to fit into each day. Nowonder it is sometimes called “re-tyrement”!

Rosemary Webster

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LETTER FROM THE BISHOP OF DUDLEY

MODERN SLAVERYThe roadside sign to have your car washed

for £3 is so tempting. With busy lives, andwhen time is precious, this amount is smallchange. You can have your car cleaned in afew minutes by a team of people, generallyfrom overseas, while you catch up on emailsor read a magazine. For many of us it’s a no-brainer.

Then you begin to hear that some carwashes (although certainly not all) are placeswhere the victims of modern slavery areforced to work. Along with nail bars, brothels,domestic service and horticulture, these arethe places where people are found caught upin this vile trade in human beings. The tradeincludes children as well, often violentlycoerced into illegal activity, and there is ahorrifying international trade in the poorestpeople having their organs trafficked for thebenefit of people who are ill and wealthyenough. If you thought slavery ended withWilliam Wilberforce then think again.

Each and every human being is made inthe image of God—the Imago Dei—so

anything less than human flourishing is anaffront to God. Any behaviour that valuessome human beings less than others, orexploits or abuses them, is contrary to God’swill. This is why, as Christians, we must take astand against modern slavery in all its forms.In such a way, we follow in the steps of Jesusin proclaiming release to the captives andletting the oppressed go free.

Working to combat modern slavery is theresponsibility of us all. The Church ofEngland’s Clewer Initiative is working tobring these crimes to the attention of thewider public. It is also helping us to spot thesigns that are there, often in plain sightbefore us, if only we had the eyes to see.

For further information about their workand what you can do to help, please seewww.theclewerinitiative.org, and forindicators of trafficking, domestic servitudeand labour exploitation, see their “spot thesigns” page. Together we can make adifference and banish the scourge of slaveryin our midst.

Bishop Graham

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NARINDAR MEHATFor 32 years the Priory has been linked to this remarkable lady,

and on Tuesday 8th May a few of us were privileged to attendthe Service of Thanksgiving for her life, at St. Jude's,Wolverhampton, where her ministry began.

Narindar was born to a Sikh family of landowners in thePunjab. As a little girl, learning to pray from her devout mother,she longed to know more of God, and also to help other people. She yearned foreducation too, and obtained a degree before, as a promised bride, she came toEngland to meet Sewa Mehat. After their marriage, he returned to work as a solicitorin Wolverhampton, and she took a teaching post, valued for her knowledge of Indianlanguages as for her excellent English, in a school with its full share of the children ofimmigrants. The headmistress was an active Christian and through her friendship,Narindar found her quest for God satisfied in Christ. She was always thereafter free inspeaking of the Lord and of her joy in him.

Sewa followed her in faith and St. Jude's became a church congenial to both. Thearranged marriage had become a love match, but others were less fortunate.Narindar came across many girls and women in unhappy, even abusive, situations.The possibility of offering refuge, of entering upon a ministry of hope, for Asianimmigrants in Wolverhampton, appeared as a means to showing the love of Christ.Some were already coming to him. Sewa and Narindar became BCMS missionarieshere in the country of their adoption. Sent to a missionary conference in Swanwick,Derbyshire, they met a friendly little old lady known as Mrs Mac who went to achurch called Malvern Priory. Mrs Mac introduced them to Dr and Mrs Webster,suggesting enthusiastically that they were just right to fill the gap left by our retiringLink missionaries.

The Asian Fellowship was meeting every Sunday afternoon at St. Jude's, for aservice in Punjabi, when first a small group from the Priory visited them, and thenthey came on a summer Saturday outing to the Priory, with its park and hills andviews and friendships. As time went on they integrated with English services at StJude’s, and, led by Sewa who became a Lay Reader, they expanded into a lively, multi-ethnic congregation, reaching out to many in need, as Narindar showed by example.They now meet in St. Luke'sWolverhampton, where we havevisited them.

Narindar lived a full, active life,until an illness left her partlyparalysed. When Sewa died ofcancer she was devastated. Intime she rallied, taking everyopportunity available to speak ofGod, of his love, of joy in him.About three years ago, sheentered a care home, pleasantand close to her many friends.Then her brother intervened,removed her, no-one knewwhere, taking control of all herresources.

In a Birmingham City Centre carehome, a pastor, coming withchurch members to take a service,spotted a forlorn Asian Christianwho felt herself abandoned by allshe loved and knew, evenperhaps, the Lord. Trying togather clues from her utterances,he picked up the words "MalvernPriory" and traced the place byInternet and e-mail. Thereafter,Narindar had visitors, was broughtto church by the pastor, came justonce more on the summer outingto the Priory, with many oldfriends. She left us for the Lord'spresence on 7th March this year.

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CARING FOR GOD’S ACREWhat do you think about the Priory Churchyard? Is

it interesting, attractive, inspirational, informative? Iam not sure that any of these adjectives apply. It is agreen space in the centre of the town, not very wellmaintained although the grass—such as it is—is cutby the District Council. There is little information forvisitors (and residents) about who is buried there;even the Priory tours make no mention. It is the home of Abel Magwitch.

Caring for God’s Acre [www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk) is a Shropshire-based charity which hasrecently been awarded a £600k grant from the Lottery Fund to promote interest in Churchyardsacross the country. “Burial grounds are found across Britain in almost every community. They rangefrom large Victorian city cemeteries to small rural medieval churchyards, spanning differentcultures, religions and centuries. There are about 20,000 burial grounds in the UK and they contain afantastic wealth of biodiversity and history. They are refuges for wildlife and stepping stones ofhabitat within our increasingly nature-deprived landscape.

“Caring for God’s Acre is a non-religious Charity dedicated to conserving and celebrating burialgrounds and encouraging a holistic approach to management. As well as being a place for people,burial grounds can also be a haven for wildlife. We are working towards…

“Protecting Wildlife: We encourage and advise burial ground managers from all types of burialgrounds about site management for nature conservation. In order to protect wildlife, we need toknow what is there, so we encourage volunteers to survey and record.

“Preserving Heritage: Burial grounds are unrivalled for the wealth of built heritage and socialhistory they contain. We encourage appropriate management of heritage and the appreciation andsurveying of monuments. Good management of a site creates a haven for wildlife without losingaccessibility to the built heritage.

“Involving People: Nestled in communities, with great accessibility and full of interest, burialgrounds are a fantastic resource for communities to use and enjoy. We encourage the involvementof local volunteers, and the use of sites for events and learning.”

In the interests of encouraging more interest in the Priory and to develop a unique open space inthe centre of the town, perhaps the Priory should consider joining Caring for God’s Acre andworking towards an improved Churchyard?

Roger Sutton

PRIORY SUNDAYLUNCH CLUB:

The next Priory Sundaylunch will be after church onSunday, 10th June—awonderful opportunity tomeet informally with othermembers of the Priory overlunch. Do come and join usat the Foley Arms from12.30pm in the downstairsroom. Please give your nameto Sue Pain (Tel: 01684 564998 orsue@thepains.org) or Anne Eglington (Tel: 01684 567640 oranne_eglington@hotmail.com).There is a varied menu at allprices to suit everyone and itis a great way to get to knowone another in a relaxedatmosphere.

MAGGS DAY CENTRE: AN UPDATE ON THEIR WORKMaggs works with homeless and vulnerable people to raise self-confidence thereby

enabling positive life change. From the middle of May, Maggs will become a countywideservice. They have been awarded a three-year grant to provide a county outreach team,to begin the process of engagement for those that currently do not access services.

Chief Executive, Mel Kirk said: “This is much-needed provision and will assist those whoare reluctant to access the help they need. As part of this project we are looking to recruitbefrienders who will be able to provide additional support, through a listening ear.Should you wish to volunteer in this project or at our day centre/clothing project, emailvturner@maggsdaycentre.co.uk. “We have now fully settled into our new premises (59/60The Tything). The building is much brighter for activities, especially needed to create art,and our clothing project is much more spacious, and no more climbing up and downthree flights of stairs. Should you wish to donate clothing, sleeping bags or smallhousehold items then we are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9 .00amand 12.00pm.”

Maggs also operates a health hub. Many of their service users find it too intimidating toattend health appointments in the community, so drop-ins are provided at the day centre.These include visits from the GP, nurse, podiatrist and dentist. But as not all treatment cantake place in Maggs, the charity has a dedicated worker who can accompany service usersto appointments until they are confident to do this on their own.

For more information, please visit their website at www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk. Fromthe website there is the opportunity to make one-off or regular donations. Also, followthe charity on Facebook (Maggs) and Twitter (#MaggsDayCentre) for regular updates.

Sam Setchell, Diocesan Communications Officer

11

MAGAzINE CONTRIBUTIONSPlease send all contributions for the magazine by email whenever possible to mag@greatmalvernpriory.org.ukwith the deadline of the 10th of the previous month at the latest. Written articles should be clearly marked"Magazine" and placed in the "M" pigeonhole at the back of the Priory. The deadline for these is the 8th of theprevious month. Contributions should be limited to a maximum of 500 words and, where accompanied byrelevant photographs, reduced accordingly. Where photographs of young people are provided, pleaseconfirm that parental permission has been obtained to publish in this magazine. Articles will also beconsidered for inclusion on the Priory web site - if for any reason this is not acceptable, please mention whensubmitting articles. Some photographs, especially of young people, may not be published on the web pages.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission from Malvern Priory

PRIORY PARISH OFFICEChurch Street, Malvern WR14 2AY Parish Administrator: Mary WeatherillTel: (01684) 561020 (answerphone) Email: office@greatmalvernpriory.org.uk Open to Public:Monday 11:00am-12:00 noon; Tuesday 10:00am-12:00 noon; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9:30am-1:00pm

GREAT MALVERN PRIORY WEBSITEwww.greatmalvernpriory.org.uk Webmaster:webmaster@greatmalvernpriory.org.uk For information on services, events, outreach, peo-ple, history and much more. Members’ section givesaccess to the notice sheet and other informationnot publicly available. Register or Login to access(link at top of all pages except the Home page).

LYTTELTON WELL (Christian Centre at entrance to Priory)Tel: 01684 573702E-mail: office.info@lytteltonwell.co.uk Enquiries about Priory bookings of the LytteltonRooms should be made at the Priory Parish Office(see contact details)The Well CounsellingTel: 01684 563456

YES! WE ARE ONE IN CHRISTI knew this recently at Holland House where equal numbers of Anglicans, Lutherans

and Catholics met under the theme of Ecumenism. We were staying at the retreathouse near Evesham with representatives of our partner churches in the Magdeburgarea. The conference started with a film of a recent pilgrimage to the Holy Landjointly led by our Bishop John and Archbishop Bernard of Birmingham RC Diocese. Itwas clear to see that the participants mixed well!

The presentations by the Germans were about the follow-up to the Luther year. TheCatholic speaker told us how, in the 500th Reformation Anniversary year (2017) therewere many ecumenical fruits including the realisation that Christians of differentdenominations were spiritually close to one another. We witnessed the practicalworking together of Christians next day in Stourbridge, eg. Debt Counselling, StreetWardens, Food Bank. I was particularly interested to hear in Stourport about workwith local refugee families. Perhaps by the time you read this we shall hear about afamily from Syria coming to Malvern. Here too there are many ways to hear and joinin activities to help our community. The Lyttelton Well has recently celebrated 25years of Churches in Malvern working together.

Do come to Churches Together in Malvern’s annual meeting on Monday, 2 July at7.30pm to meet other Christians [from 28 churches!]. There are times we worshiptogether eg. Unity Week in January and World Day of Prayer. This year women from18 churches in the Malvern Area prepared the March service. The Justice and PeaceGroup invite you to pray with us on Mondays at midday twice a month.

I'm a member of GMP and value my home church. I do enjoy fellowship with peoplefrom other churches. I know from my experience of meeting Christian women from all over Europe that there are some who veryrarely meet other denominations. There are so many traditions that in the past have been a barrier to churches understandingone another. At a time when divisions are growing and even churches dividing, let us make it a priority to pray, work and witnesstogether so that the world may know we are all One in Christ Jesus.

Dorothy Knight

Three Confessions Conference at Holland House

Seven "Women of Suriname" with leaders of World Day of Prayer service

at Christ Church

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