We are all blessed by the ministry of Canon Edward. Pogmore, who ... Prayer
Diary 2014 ... Knowing about what God has said will be accomplished is not the.
Prayer Diary January 2014 A new year beckons An ordinary day in Bethlehem. An ordinary looking family – father, mother and young child - minding their own business when the unexpected and extraordinary broke in. Magi from the East came calling bringing seemingly wildly inappropriate gifts for the carpenter’s son. Sparking memories, with their words, of events before and during the time of his birth. Words of promise fulfilled, trust honoured, courageous decisions vindicated. Before Jesus was born, Elizabeth said this to Mary – Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. (Luke 2 v45) What dominates our thinking as we enter the New Year? Our problems? The Church’s problems? They are real enough. But do we see them in the context of relationship with the God who loves us, who knows what we face, who is there for us, who longs to share both our pain and our joy? And how are our expectation levels? Are we ready for God to break in with the unexpected, the extraordinary as he did that day in Bethlehem? Part of the character of both Mary and Joseph was not to ignore or brush away what God was saying to them however much courage it would take to obey his commands. Reputational damage and refugee status awaited them and yet they remained faithful. As we reflect at the start of the year, it is good to remind ourselves of what has the Lord has said will be accomplished in our lives, in the life of our parishes, in the life of our communities, in the life of our Diocese. Has everything promised happened yet? Or is there a step that needs to be taken, a risk to be accepted, a change to be made which will require great courage? Knowing about what God has said will be accomplished is not the same as believing that He will do it. It was not for her knowledge of God that Elizabeth called Mary blessed but because of her belief. Are we knowers or believers? Happy New Year!
Simon Lloyd, Diocesan Secretary Page 1
Focus on Nuneaton Deanery Despite its proximity to Coventry, Nuneaton Deanery feels like somewhere on the edge. It’s the largest deanery in the Diocese, with a population of 144,000, 26 parishes and 16 beneficed clergy, all spread over a wide area. The largest urban area is Nuneaton itself, with the smaller towns of Atherstone to the north and Bedworth to the south. Former pit villages and rural communities make up the rest. There are areas of deprivation but pockets of affluence too. The churches come from a wide range of churchmanship. This diversity presents us with many challenges. We are working hard, however, to build more of a sense of Richard Hare togetherness. A clergy cell group meets every three or Area Dean of Nuneaton four weeks to study the Bible and pray together. We are all blessed by the ministry of Canon Edward Pogmore, who has written an article on page 8, and who is shortly to retire after many years as Lead Chaplain at George Eliot Hospital. A recent Chapter meal had the biggest attendance for many years. And Bishop John’s mission to Nuneaton last year saw three town centre parishes sharing several events and initiatives. And there are many good things going on here: three Food Banks, Messy Church and Kidzone, Street Pastors and StreetCare, lively worship, youth groups, and buildings creatively shared with the community. Furthermore, Archdeacon Morris is helping us make daring plans for future deployment, to respond to prospective housing development and imminent clergy retirements. So do pray with us as we struggle to build God’s kingdom here. It’s hard work, but we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! Prayer Diary 2014 During 2014 the Prayer Diary will focus on a different deanery each month. Alongside a reflective piece written by either Bishop Christopher, Bishop John or a member of the Bishop’s Core Staff, the Area Deans will contribute as well as a number of others representing news and stories from around that deanery. If you have a story about your project, parish or benefice, please contact your Area Dean to find out about contributing to the Prayer Diary this year. Page 2
Cycle of Prayer - January 2014
Wed 8
We pray for the collation of Patrick Taylor as Vicar of Stratford-Upon-Avon, Luddington and Clifford Chambers and for Bishop Christopher and Archdeacon John as they lead the service. We pray for the Diocesan Business Committee which meets this morning.
Thu 9
Atherstone. Readers: John Stock, Susan Smith. St. Mary's congregation praise God for the wonderfully generous help from neighbouring clergy and Readers taking services in our vacancy. We pray for God's continued blessings on our faithful family of Christians as we walk into a New Year and a new phase in our church's life with the Rev. Don Jones and his wife, Chris.
Fri 10
Exhall. Clergy: Andrew Gandon. Readers: Hilary Cryer, John Owen, Jane Smith, Christine Wilson. We give thanks for funding to re-start a Youth Club which we hope will be ready to launch in January. Give thanks for Rick White joining the ministry team. Please pray for our search for a new PCC treasurer. *William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645
Sat 11
We thank God for our farming communities. We pray for Bishop John as he leads, and all those who will attend the Plough service at Coventry Cathedral today. *Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa, 1915
Sun 12
Wolvey Primary School. Headteacher: Richard Moore. St Paul's Primary School. Headteacher: Chris Plant. We pray for God's blessing upon all the children, teachers, staff, governors and communities. *Aelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167 *Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar, 689
With a focus on parishes and schools in Nuneaton Deanery
Wed 1 Naming and Circumcision of Jesus
Attleborough. Clergy: Clive Jones. We give thanks for a church building newly redecorated, for the Nuneaton Foodbank which is now up and running and the cooperation among 14 churches in Nuneaton which keep this going, for the work of our distribution centre - open twice each week. We pray for the work in the parish and in six schools.
Thu 2
We pray for those who will return to work today after a Christmas break. We ask for God's protection for all those who commute, for safety in travel. *Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers of the Faith *Seraphim, Monk of Sarov, Spiritual Guide, 1833 *Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, Bishop in South India, Evangelist, 1945
Fri 3
Chilvers Coton with Astley. Clergy: Frank Seldon, Jonathan Fryer. Reader: Rupert Allen. We thank God for opportunities to reach out to our communities through the Nuneaton Foodbank, Winter Night Shelter, Tea and Chat, a variety of services, and Open the Book. Please pray for our Children's worker, Paul Campbell, and for grant funding for repairs at Astley.
Sat 4
Fillongley and Corley. Clergy: Ian Kennedy. Readers: Liz Jones, Wendy O'Brien. We thank God for the work with the young people in Youth Groups, Sunday Schools and After-School Club. We pray for their leaders, especially the new Sunday School Leaders and fund raising for the new Sunday School Room at Corley, and we pray for our outreach into our community.
Sun 5 First Sunday of Epiphany
Mon 6 The Epiphany
Tue 7
Nuneaton St Nicolas, Weddington and Caldecote. Clergy: Don Jones. Readers: John Hitchcock, Christine Jones, Sally Hince, Marie Paterson, Terry Lenton. Give thanks for Messy Church, Godly Play, Cafe Church and communitybuilding opportunities. Please pray for the churches as they move into a vacancy and as they seek to appoint the right successor to Don.
Second Sunday of Epiphany
Mon 13
We pray for all children, teachers and staff who will be returning to school this week after the Christmas break. We pray that this epiphany season would be a time when new things of God are revealed to all who work and learn in schools.
Tue 14
Stockingford. Clergy: Mick Vincent, John Law. Reader: Colin Udall. We give thanks for all the hard work and commitment of so many members of the congregation ensuring that we reach out with God's love into our local community. We ask for your prayers as the Church prepares for a time of vacancy as Mick prepares to retire.
Wed 15
We pray for encouragement for all those who work in the cathedral and diocesan offices, and give thanks for all their work and ministry. *Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher of the Faith, 367 *Kentigern (Mungo), Missionary Bishop in Strathclyde and Cumbria, 603 *George Fox, Founder of the Society of Friends (the Quakers), 1691 Wolvey with Burton Hastings, Copston Magna and Withybrook. Clergy: Terence Colling. Readers: David Hopkins, Ken Sleeman. We give thanks for the farming community here, remembering those tending livestock during the winter. Please pray for greater understanding of rural churches and communities from our brothers and sisters in Christ in towns and cities. Mancetter. Clergy: Anthony Tooby. Reader: Brenda Moss. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local community. We pray for Bishop Christopher attending the residential Leadership Development conference in Sheffield. Page 4
Thu 16
Ansley and Arley. Clergy: Peter Allan. Readers: Gwyneth Hickman, Donald Parr, Mandy Watts. We thank God for the adults recently confirmed, for the strength and enthusiasm of Arley Messy Church, our monthly healing service and our church plant in Ansley Common. Please pray that our four longestablished congregations may know blessing, encouragement and growth.
Fri 24
St James' Junior School. Headteacher: Paul Ison. Canon Maggs Junior School. Headteacher: Michaela Fallon. Canon Evans Infant School. Headteacher: Felicity Hey. We pray for God's blessing upon all the children, teachers, staff, governors and communities. *Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Teacher of the Faith, 1622
Bulkington. Clergy: Paul Messam. We thank God for a successful Cider and Beer Festival held at a local hotel when the church hosted around 1000 visitors while at the same time raising funds for this year's chosen charity 'Farming The Conversion Community Network'. Please pray for us as we continue to live out our pledge of Paul to 'be a Church of the community, for the community'.
Sat 25
Fri 17
Camp Hill. Clergy: vacancy. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local community. *Antony of Egypt, Hermit, Abbot, 356 *Charles Gore, Bishop, Founder of the Community of the Resurrection, 1932
Sat 18
We give thanks for all those who serve as Lay Readers across the diocese. We pray for all those attending and involved in the service of Celebration of Reader ministry, for those being re-licensed, and for Bishop John as he leads. *Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
St Michael's Primary School. Headteacher: Chris Errington. St Nicolas Primary School. Headteacher: Tracey McGevver. We pray for Fourth Sunday God's blessing upon all the children, teachers, staff, governors and community. of Epiphany *Timothy and Titus, Companions of Paul
Sun 19
We pray for the unity of the church. We pray for the service of Choral Evensong being held in the Cathedral at 4pm today at which the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, will speak and Bishop Christopher will officiate. *Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095
Mon 27
Nuneaton St Mary. Clergy: Mark Liddell. Readers: Helen Allred. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local community. We pray for the meeting of the College of Bishops and for the discussions that will happen regarding the Pilling Report on Human Sexuality.
Tue 28
We pray for all schools and academies, and the clergy and chaplains who work in them. We pray for those who will meet today to explore how the celebration of the Eucharist may impact the worshipping life of a school. *Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1274
Third Sunday of Epiphany
Mon 20
Bedworth. Clergy: Richard Hare, Martin Hammond, Celia Hare, Pamela Hamilton. Readers: Kath Farmer, Geoff Popejoy. We thank God for 'Watch this Space', a monthly evening service aimed at and largely led by 15-29 yearolds. Please pray as we seek good new governors for our church schools. *Richard Rolle of Hampole, Spiritual Writer, 1349
Sun 26
Tue 21
Horeston Grange LEP. Clergy: David Poulton. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local community. We pray for the Glebe Committee which meets this afternoon. *Agnes, Child Martyr at Rome, 304
Wed 29
Hartshill and Galley Common. Clergy: Heather Barnes. Readers: Nicholas Miles, Sally Young, Hilary Cryer. We pray for God's blessing upon the church members and the local community. We pray for the Diocesan Mission Fund Committee which meets today.
Wed 22
All Saints Primary School and Nursery. Headteacher: Sally Kaminski-Gaze. All Saints Infant School and Nursery. Headteacher: Tina Keeling. Abbey Infants School. Headteacher: Sharon Thorpe. We pray for God's blessing upon all the children, teachers, staff, governors and communities. *Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon, first Martyr of Spain, 304
Thu 30
We thank God for the George Eliot Hospital and the Mary Ann Evans Hospice. We pray for all staff and volunteers, and especially the Chaplains: Edward Pogmore, Alison Thorp, Simon Moult and Gill Hancock. We pray for the Bishop's Core and Extended Staff teams which meet today. *Charles, King and Martyr, 1649
Thu 23
Bournebrook Primary School. Headteacher: Carol Weller. We pray for God's blessing upon all the whole school community. We pray for Susan Rowland, a key member of the office staff, who is currently on leave whilst receiving treatment for cancer. We pray for the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC).
Fri 31
Queen's Junior School. Headteacher: Mark Walsh. We pray for God's blessing upon the whole school community as it joins the Multi-Academy Trust. We pray for God's guidance for Mitch Moore, the new Executive Head. *John Bosco, Priest, Founder of the Salesian Teaching Order, 1888
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Night Shelter
George Eliot Hospital Chaplaincy
Just when some of the general public had written off the Church of England as an old -fashioned middle-class enclave, the God of surprises, surprised again. God moved among the congregations and the response to feeding the hungry and providing shelter for the homeless was overwhelming. We seem, in recent times to have lost the vision of the Church being the community and the community being the Church. We are beginning to put this right by being involved in the lives of people that make up our community. Without that involvement, we know we have misunderstood the word. We are re-discovering our mission of supporting the community and serving it to the best of our ability including giving time and money. As Christians, we are again becoming easily identifiable in the surrounding community by our behaviour.
“Enough for all, enough for each, enough for evermore..”. So speaks the other bard of Warwickshire, George Eliot, in the words of Dinah the preacher in her novel Adam Bede, set in Chilvers Coton and the Parish Church of All Saints where George Eliot was baptised and more recently our new Archbishop Justin was cradled as a Curate. In this parish the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust sits on top of “Hill Top”.
I have been a regular worshipper at St. Nicolas Parish Church in Nuneaton for forty years. During those four decades, I have witnessed many changes. Sadly, in common with the majority of other churches across the country St Nicolas has seen the size of its congregation shrink. I hope that that trend will be reversed with the changing public perception of the churches. St Nicolas congregation is not standing on the side-lines but is fully engaged in the provision of night shelters being made available to help those less fortunate in a time of economic crises. Along with the other churches, St Nicolas is anxious to do its part and has offered to provide night shelter each Wednesday during the months of December to February. A list for volunteers posted at the back of the church was filled with lightning speed by enthusiastic members of the congregation with those unable to contribute in this way determined to help by providing bed linen and other essentials. The achievement of opening a night shelter for the homeless in the town has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Pat Bidmead Page 7
I arrived to be a Hospital Chaplain 25 years ago – the role has morphed into expressions of Hospice Chaplain, Chaplaincy Coordinator, NHS Chaplaincy Adviser, Health Care Chaplain and Chaplaincy Manager as well as serving until recently as Chairman of the Mary Ann Evans Hospice. During these years I have witnessed the development of Hospital Management through to Trust status and to the ever-changing responses to Community Care. The core of the work stands within the inheritance of the Christian practice of developing the whole care of people of all backgrounds. This was originally expressed locally with the founding of Nuneaton Abbey in 1180 and its Infirmary. My day begins with prayer at 8.30am for all who want to link in with the chain of prayer for health care wherever and however delivered. Perhaps you can join in praying with and for us at this time of day? Our work is varied and rich and involves many different strands including: collaborative work and multidisciplinary work with all parts of the 1500-strong organisation giving staff support and debrief; coordinating the response of Major Disaster Planning among all our faith communities; working with all those experiencing trauma of many sorts from A&E to sitting with a dying loved one; seeing people through the process of surgery and investigations and the uncertainty of waiting for results. Alongside all this, we seek to give support to families and friends of patients including liaising with local clergy to give support on the return to the home community. We also promote the arts and green spaces and places of reflection and peace in a very busy health care facility – spaces for privacy and dignity. We train, develop and support a 30-strong Lay Visiting Team of all faiths and are part of staff training in the Hospital and at Warwick Medical School. At the centre of all this, we minister the sacraments, offering to God reality for transformation – this is one of the greatest privileges of this work as we walk with people at all stages of their lives. “Enough for all, enough for each, enough for evermore…..” Edward Pogmore, Hospital Chaplain Page 8
