Copy deadline for the December-January issue of Rochester Link is 9am on 14 November 2016. Copy to: linknews@rochester.anglican.org

Paddock Wood, deanery visit

see pages 6-7

Dean of Jerusalem The Very Reverend Hosam Naoum MA is the

Dean of St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem. He visited the UK recently, so that he could be installed as an Honorary Canon at Rochester Cathedral. He speaks Arabic, Hebrew and English fl uently. Together he and his wife Rafa have three children, son Wadi (12) and daughters Laurice (10) and Krista (6).

Hosam Naoum was born in Galilee just outside Nazareth. At 19 he left home and studied for his fi rst theology degree in Grahamstown, South Africa, because all candidates for theological training go overseas from Israel. He followed this with an MA in Virginia in the USA and is currently studying for a PhD on a 5 year programme. Some of this will be completed on-line and some as part of a residential course.

Returning to the West Bank after his initial studies, Hosam served at the Anglican churches of St Matthew and St Philip for 10 years, and entered Holy Orders in January 1998 at the age of 24. He said,

Leaving home is very unusual in our culture, and my Mother knew if I became a priest I would never come back home to live, so she was a little hesitant. She didn’t say no though and, once she understood that I was serious,

she was very supportive.

Hosam met his wife Rafa whilst he was at St Matthews and St Philip, where her parents were both singing in the choir. He said, “I am a fourth generation Anglican. Originally my family would have been Greek Orthodox. It is quite challenging being a Christian in Jerusalem. We are a minority in Israel/Palestine. We come from Arab Christians - one of the 15 nations listed in Acts; Arab Christianity pre-dates Islam. We are not persecuted in Israel, but Syria forms part of our Diocese. There, anything not Muslim is not welcome; in fact, anything that is not radical Islam is not welcome! This affects all of our lives. In Syria, the struggle is political and economic and affects the minorities the most. There is no back-up and they pay the heaviest price. Mosul is one of the earliest Christian communities in the East, so this is very hard, but it gives us the determination to continue. This is why the Diocese of Jerusalem’s connection to the Diocese of Rochester is a sign of hope to us. I will be installed as a Canon at Rochester Cathedral to represent people who are persecuted because of their faith. This connection makes an intentional presence that goes beyond Christianity.”

Hosam said, “I feel very humbled and honoured to be made a Canon at Rochester Cathedral. It’s a great honour to be called and have this wonderful connection with the Church of England. It’s also part of our legacy, and makes a connection with the Diocese of Rochester and the Diocese of Jerusalem. This tells us again about how rich and amazing our Anglican family is. On a personal level, I didn’t expect this at all. It opens a huge door for me personally, for the Diocese of Jerusalem and for whatever God calls us to do in the worldwide Church. It brings us so close together as a family.”

Away from the confl ict zone of Syria, here in the UK we are familiar with the reported tensions in Israel and Palestine, but living in Jerusalem brings its own challenges. Hasam said,

The most challenging thing about living in Jerusalem is being able to practise hospitality

and friendship in a place of alienation. To be able to bring people together is the

hardest thing.

“Our vision and our mission is to see three faiths live together side-by-side but, at the moment, they are so far away from each other. Being made a Canon at Rochester Cathedral will broaden my spectrum of seeing things and looking into other cultures and other contexts. I hope that Rochester Cathedral will also be

enriched by my experience and further the Cathedral’s awareness of other places of confl ict. The seat at the Cathedral reminds the Cathedral family about Christians in other parts of the world who experience persecution because of their faith. It’s important to see others who are different and invite them to be part of the extended family. I don’t know how the situation in Syria will end. It’s a huge mess.”

Currently reading “In the Company of Strangers” by Parker Palmer Hasam said, “The author is suggesting that most of the problems in society are caused by people withdrawing from public life. Now it’s all about individualism in a consumer society – people avoid each other, preferring to go to the shopping mall and then go straight home. This is a very isolating culture and we lose a lot. The Church is the safest place to unpick that. A church that doesn’t engage in public life is a church that will surely die.”

Closing the interview thinking about the service of installation that was to come, Hasam said, “I want to say thanks and show my gratitude to Bishop James for giving me the opportunity to be one of his advisors on international affairs. I also want to thank my friend and mentor Philip Hesketh and the whole Cathedral family for their love and embrace for me and my family, for their hospitality and their friendship.”

Full coverage of all Honorary Canons will be featured in December/January Link edition.

The Very Rev Hosam Naoum MA the Dean of Jerusalem, Copyright Diocese of Southwark

health and wellbeing.

01892 863637

Burrswood Health and Wellbeing, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY

www.burrswood.org.ukReg charity no 1095940

Are you suffering from illness, injury, surgery or suffer from a long-term condition?

Our unique approach marries Christian healing with professional healthcare to care for your body, mind and spirit.

Visit or stay at beautiful Burrswood and you can benefit from: regular healing services, counselling, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, a wide range of complementary therapies, retreats and training courses.

Plus we offer special refreshment packages for church leaders and healthcare workers.

Ask our award-winning team how we can help you.

For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with

your fathers that he swore to them.

De 4:31

CONTACT USNews and letters to the Editor: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: 01634 560000

ADVERTISEMENTS Email: glenda@cornerstonevision.com Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do the rest for you.)

What’s On November 2016SEVENOAKSEardley Road, Sevenoaks, Lunchtime Recitals, Lasting 30 minutes. Every Wednesday at 12:30pm. Please join us – admission free. Refreshments available from 12 noonNOVEMBER2 Christian Strover – Organ9 Pupils from Sevenoaks School with Tau Wey16 Jackie Sanjana’s Wind Ensemble23 Jean Bentley’s String Quartet30 Kesari Pundarika – Viola plus Pianist

SEVENOAKS 11 November Part of St Luke’s “Food for Thought” series: My Trip to Palestine – By Peter Ashwell at 7.30pm at St Luke’s Church Hall. No entry fee. Information from 01732 461087

GRAVESEND12 November Gravesham Choral Society conducted by Alan Vincent presents Remembrance Concert at St George’s Church, Gravesend, DA11 0DJ at 7:30pm. Tickets: £12, Full time Students £5, available from choir members or by phoning Box Office 01474 816684

NURSTEAD12 November, St Mildred’s Church Christmas Bazaar in the delightful surroundings of Nurstead Court, DA13 9AD. From 10:00am till noon. Stalls include cakes & produce, Christmas gifts, books & toys, tombola etc. and our “superior bric-a-brac”. Admission £1 includes coffee and biscuits. Enjoy the surroundings, and you may get to solve some of your Christmas gift problems.

PADDOCK WOOD12 November The Fair Trade Shop at St Andrew, Paddock Wood will be holding its annual Fairtrade Craft event in the Church halls complex from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Purchase beautifully made, fairly traded goods, ranging from jewellery and textiles through to household goods, Christmas cards, decorations, wrapping paper and a vast selection of foods. There is plenty of free, easy parking and a café-for-the-day which sells home-made soups and cakes.

ORPINGTON13 November Settings of Shakespeare songs at Parish Church of All Saints, Bark Hart Road, Orpington, BR6 0QD at 7:45pm. Crispin Lewis (baritone), Raymond Lewis (piano). Admission free, retiring collection. Enquiries 01689 832031

GRAVESEND19 November Professor Kenneth Fincham – King James and England in the Age of Pocahontas at 2.30pm at St George’s Church, Church Street, Gravesend, DA11 0DJ. Kenneth Fincham is Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Kent with a particular interest in Church and State in the fascinating seventeenth century Jacobean period of English history. It was at the Jacobean court, with James I on the throne, that Pocahontas was received in 1616. Professor Fincham has published widely on the period and brings an enthusiasm second-to-none to his subject. Tickets free from Towncentric - 18a St Georges Square, St Georges Centre, Gravesend, DA11 0TB (sae with order by post, please) 01474 337600 - info@towncentric.co.uk

HALSTOW19 November Christmas Craft Fair at St Margaret’s Church, Lower Halstow from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Refreshments available. Join us at our popular Christmas sale, with a wide range of crafts, gifts and home baking, including jewellery, needlework, fountain pens, cards, local honey and woodwork. www.thesix.org

ORPINGTON19 November Beethoven Mass in C at Parish Church of All Saints, Bark Hart Road, Orpington BR6 0QD at 7:30pm. All Saints’ Festival Choir & Orchestra. Haydn: Mariazeller Mass. Tickets £12 (£10 in advance, children and students, £5). Telephone: 07879 473802

MEOPHAM19 November Christmas Fayre at John the Baptist Parish Church, Wrotham Road, DA13 0AA from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Lots of stalls selling quality crafts, produce, gifts, cards and present ideas. Come and meet Santa too. Free parking at the St John’s Centre next to the Church. The event is being organised by the Friends of Meopham Parish Church. Adults £1 Children no charge.

CHISLEHURST20 November ‘When Faith Gets Shaken’ tour at Christ Church, Chislehurst at 6:00pm. Exploring the reality of how to remain strong in the face of suffering, Patrick Regan OBE speaks about his own challenges and introduces you to a few of those who have journeyed with him. Andy Flannagan will be performing some of the songs from his album. You will laugh and cry as they share their stories. Come along and be challenged, refreshed and inspired. www.whenfaithgetsshaken.com

BELVEDERE26 November Christmas Market at St Augustine of Canterbury from 11:00am until 3:00pm. All welcome.

STROOD26 November Christmas Bazaar at St Nicholas Church, High Street, Strood from 10:00am till 1:00pm. Father Christmas, stalls, raffles, entertainment and refreshments. Admission 50p

TUNBRIDGE WELLS26 November Christmas Fair from 10:00am – 1:00pm at St James’ Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells. Admission free – Adults and children are welcome. Refreshments, gifts, books, bric-a-brac, homemade cakes and sweets, preserves, toys, face painting and a visit from Santa. Proceeds shared between local and overseas missions.

WIGMORE27 November Springs Dance Company performance of The Journey of the Magi at 5:00pm at St Matthew’s Church Community Centre, Drewery Drive, Wigmore, Gillingham, ME8 0NX. Booking essential. Adults £9, Children £4 under 5’s free. Contact; annechlin@yahoo.co.uk, 01732845550

MAIDSTONE28 November ‘Winter Wonderland’ demonstrated by Tricia Bashford from Guild of Church Flower Arrangers at St Nicholas’ Church, Linton, Maidstone. For more information please visit www.mgcfa.co.uk

What’s On December 2016GILLINGHAM3 December Medway Youth Services are performing a Christmas Concert at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, The Church on the Green at 7:00pm; in aid of the Church’s Re-ordering Appeal. Tickets are £5.00 to include refreshments and can be obtained from The Parish Office 01634 853459 or gillinghamparishchurch@gmail.com or Hilda 01634 932135. Free car parking at Saxon Way School.

GRAVESEND3 December from St George’s Church Christmas fayre 10:00am to 2:00pm at St George’s Church Hall, Church Street, Gravesend, DA11 0DJ. Free entry plus free face painting and children’s activities. Hot refreshments, cakes, jewellery, cosmetics, bottle stall, raffle, chocolate tombola, games and much more.

ORPINGTON11 December Mendelssohn: Sonata no 2 at Parish Church of All Saints, Bark Hart Road, Orpington, BR6 0QD at 7:45pm. Alex Barnes (cello), Raymond Lewis (piano), Sterndale Bennett: Sonata Duo, Max Bruch: Kol Nidrei. Admission free, retiring collection. Enquiries 01689 832031

What’s onHarvest Collection

On 20 October 2016, three students from St Georges school Gravesend proudly handed over the harvest collection to Eleanor Hospice. This year the school held a competition between the four communities to see who could bring in the most produce and although it was a very close thing, the winner was York Community.

By the Ven Dr Paul Wright

Taking Dolly, my German Shepherd dog, out for a walk first thing in the morning at this

time of year means having to adjust when we set off … if I go too early, it’s dark and the walk seems less purposeful. On the other hand, I can’t leave it too late because I have to get ready and sorted out for work. Sometimes I don’t have a choice and we have to set off regardless, so I take a torch. This enables me to avoid stumbling into potholes, or tripping over sticks and tree roots as we journey through the local Chislehurst woodland. Of course Dolly, with her four legs, doesn’t have this sort of problem! Being prepared to walk into the dark, it seems to me, is part of what it means to be a Christian. We need to take the light into dark places sometimes because we have no choice.

There is a kind of assumption that we will manage and make do, or just be alright – a ‘what can possibly go wrong attitude?’ etc. But actually it ought to be part of our rhythm of the Christian lifestyle that we ‘take up’ the light, metaphorically, into our hands as we set out on life’s daily routine. Otherwise we could stumble and fall, and I know from my own experience that it is when I’m not being so careful with my choices that I make mistakes, say things I regret, or perhaps I’m not as attentive to those around me who are looking for support or guidance. There are 101 things that can come into our lives at any moment, yet too often we fail to be ‘ready’ and useful in terms of how God might use us.

At this time of year we are reminded about the heroes of the church on All Saints’ Day. Of course some of those saints have had a huge impact on the life of the Church, whereas others (though enjoying their rightful place among their fellow saints as citizens of heaven) we don’t know much about, if anything at all. Now as Paul’s Letter reminds us, the saints are the holy ones – they are not dead but very much alive! So some of the saints are those who are actually living alongside us at the moment, and we know who they are … they are the gracious members of our churches who go the extra mile, always ready with a kind word, always prepared to forgive quickly, and are uncomfortable with that kind of ‘judgemental’ attitude towards things.

3ochester Link

From the Archdeacon of Bromley & Bexley

Bishop James’ DiaryNovember 2016 1Tuesday 11:15am Launch of Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions – Rochester Cathedral 6:30pm Dartford Deanery Confirmation Service – Christ Church, Dartford2 Wednesday 7:30pm Commissioning Service – Sevenoaks Counselling3 Thursday - 4 Friday New Bishops’ Retreat5 Saturday 8:30am Rochester Cathedral Council – Rochester 3:15pm Licensing of Assistant Bishops – Rochester Cathedral6 November 11:00am Celebration of 40th Anniversary of United Benefice – Cudham & Downe 4:00pm Licensing of the Ven Dr Paul Wright – Slade Green 6:30pm Beckenham Deanery Confirmation Service–St John, Beckenham

7 Monday - All Day Deanery Visit – Beckenham13 Sunday14 Monday 10:00am Mission Opportunities in the Occasional Offices – St Benedict’s Centre, West Malling15 Tuesday All Day Bishops’ Staff Meeting – Rochester16 Wednesday 12:00pm Formation & Ministry Team Day – Chatham 3:00pm Afternoon Tea with Link Competition Winners – Rochester 7:30pm Institution of the Rev Nicholas Williams – East Malling, Wateringbury & Teston17 Thursday 10:00am Finance Committee – Rochester 6:00pm Lay Chairs’ and Archdeacons meeting – Rochester 18 Friday 7:30pm Licensing of the Rev Wendy Izod – Hever, Four Elms & Markbeech20 Sunday 3:15pm Collation & Installation of Honorary Canons – Rochester Cathedral

6:30pm Strood Cluster Confirmation Service – All Saints, Frindsbury22 Tuesday-23 Wednesday House of Bishops23 Wednesday 3:15pm Service of Dedication & Blessing – St Benedict’s Centre, West Malling24 Thursday 11:30am Partner Diocese Steering Group Meeting – Rochester 7:30pm Shoreham Deanery Confirmation Service – Platt25 Friday 11:00am Steering and Revision Committee – London 27 Sunday 10:30am Confirmation Service – Christ Church, Orpington 6:30pm Confirmation Service – St James, Tunbridge Wells28 Monday - 29 Tuesday Prison Visits29 Tuesday 5:00pm Callover – Rochester30 Wednesday-1 Thursday Southern Province Bishops’ Retreat - Canterbury

We carry the light of Christ, not our own light. I think that is important for us to remember because it can seem overwhelming or at the very least difficult for us to manage. But we are not on our own; we are a people of faith who God is wanting to use and bless in our daily endeavours. Sometimes that will fill us with joy and gladness and give us that sense of peace, but there will be times when it leaves us uncomfortable, unsure and struggling to do or say the right thing.

It will soon be Advent, a time of preparation, a time of repentance and a time to look forward. We need to remember from the opening of John’s Gospel that the darkness does not overcome the light. Hold fast to the one true light, which is Christ, and those journeys into the darker places may not be such a risk after all.

4 ochester Link Advertising Feature

What will the next generation know about the Bible?

More than you might think.

With only 1 in 10 adults in England and Wales actively engaging with the Bible, you might think connections with the word of God are disappearing. However, we’re hard at work bringing the Bible to life for the next generation across the country.

Find out how you can get involved: biblesociety.org.uk/nextgeneration

5ochester Link

Profile of a Tanzanian BishopBy the Rev Canon David Kitley

Strung upside down from a tree by his drunken father,

the small boy could not possibly have imagined what the future would hold. His mother watched helplessly and tearfully as her husband went looking for a sharp knife. What was he going to do? But the rope – probably only made for tethering goats – parted, and the boy fell to safety away from the knife and the fire his father had prepared for him. It was not the first time that his life had ‘hung’ in the balance.

This was so far from the family life his mother had hoped for. She had been born out of wedlock. Her mother had then been packed off to marry a man far away, so she was brought up by her grandmother, never really knowing the love of a father and mother. In childhood she dreamed longingly of one day having an ordinary family of her own.

As a Christian she wanted to marry a man of her faith. Somehow she got engaged to a man who got baptised as a Christian in order to become her husband. Very unfortunately for her he turned out to be an alcoholic who beat her regularly. He beat her when drunk and he beat her because she had difficulty conceiving. She was mocked by women who seemed able to have children ‘at the drop of hat’.

After five years she gave birth to a son – in 1966. He was premature; and premature babies were considered to be cursed. Normally such infants were left under the branches of a baobab tree for the dogs, wild animals and vultures to find. In this case the child was taken care of by a nurse who fortunately had access to an incubator. He had no name, so named him ‘Given’, a gift.

Life at home continued as before. His mother had a second son, but having only two children was cause for further beatings. There was very little to eat because any money was spent on drink. The boys cried with hunger, often going several days without food. It was a very miserable existence of the direst poverty. Their home had only a roof made of mud and sticks which leaked in the rains, the boys huddling in a corner, trying to keep dry. Given held a deep hatred for his father.

When he was 14, some travelling preachers from the East African Revival movement – something that had started back in the 1930s – came to the local church. One of them quoted Jesus’ words,

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give

you rest.

The preacher went on to say ‘There are people here who are carrying a heavy burden’. Given knew he was one of these

people, and responded. ‘I decided to give my life to Jesus. For the first time in my life I felt peace, joy, love. I came to realise that someone loved me more than anyone – Jesus’.

Being Tanzanian, he began to tell people the following day about this change in his life! When the local Bishop came to do Confirmations, Given’s pastor arranged for Given and the Bishop to meet. The Bishop asked him if he would be happy to go to school? ‘Yes!’ was the answer. With the Bishop’s access to funds, Given was able to pick up his education, and exchange rags for school uniform.

As time went on his talent was recognized. He trained as a Church Army Evangelist, and worked in Kondoa. He went to Theological College and was priested in 1994. He was invited to further study in the USA and New Zealand, gaining a doctorate. He was invited to be Kondoa’s second Diocesan Bishop, being consecrated in 2012. His wife Lilian is also ordained and they have three children.

Bishop Given with his family

Bishop Given

Casa Oleander

bripat@brialdon.freeserve.co.ukwww.casa-oleander.co.b i @b i ld f k

Sleeps 6/8, near Carvoeiro, Portugal.

Own pool, all Mod Cons Golf, Tennis, Free Wifi.

uk

Tel: 02380 265 683

Luxury 3 Bed Villa

Birchwood House Rest Home

Residential Home forthe ElderlyRespite care & shortstay available

A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, setin 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easyreach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.• All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call

system. Lift to all floors.• Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered

for.• Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop.• Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to

the local church.Stockland Green Road,

Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TUTelephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559

Metalsmith www.steelyourself.co.uk

Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall provides new work and maintenance for a

number of churches.To join his list of satisfi ed customers

call: 020 8850 7851 or 077 6666 2747

enhancing church interiorsRonald Emett fine furniture

01308 868025 www.ronaldemettfurniture.com

St M

ary,

Bea

min

ster

, Dor

set

CHURCH PEWSUNCOMFORTABLE?

WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITYUPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS?

www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail

When phoning please quote RL1116

Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green,Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN

SHERBORNEShort breaks in DorsetElegant, spacious, 2 bed,

apartment in listed buildingclose to Abbey Church.

Open all year.Please ring for brochure:

01404 841367

Travel Insurance

UKBASED

FT TRAVELINSURANCE

Arranged for Rochester Link readers

Conditions apply Please call for details ~0116 272 0500

Authorised & regulated by the FCA

Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and,

most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service.Book your annual travel insurance this year to beat

the 2017 price increase PLUS an extra £20 OFF

Real and friendly people... not machines!

LONG STAY, SINGLE TRIP, AND CRUISE COVERavailable for holidays departing up to 31/12/2017

Annual multi-trip cover (max. age 85)Single trip cover (NO max. age)

Bishop James’ Paddock WoodThe eagle-eyed readers amongst

you will have noticed that from time to time, throughout the year, Bishop James’ diary reads ‘Deanery Visit’, but what does that mean and why does he do it? These visits give Bishop James the opportunity to meet with people in their own settings, and appreciate some of the challenges and rewards in their lives.

The Paddock Wood Deanery visit began with Bishop James attending the Deanery Residential Retreat at Crowhurst Healing Centre, which allowed him to complete confi dential Ministerial Development interviews with some of the clergy – something equally valued by both parties.

The Rev Canon Bryan Knapp, Vicar at St Andrew’s Church Paddock Wood and Rural Dean said,

The Bishop’s deanery visits help the churches and the

congregations engage with the Bishop. I fi nd it encouraging; these visits are highly valued

by the clergy in those churches included in the visit.

The fi rst public element of this Deanery Visit was the Joint Anglican and Methodist Confi rmation Service which was held at St Andrew’s Church in Paddock Wood, Bishop James shared this with the Rev John Butt, a Methodist Minister. During the service, seven people were either baptised or confi rmed. They were: Joe Bateman, Joshua Boyle, Laenie (sic) Coomber, Caitlin Elliott, Connor Elliott, Fenner and James Nash. This was a very signifi cant evening for them all.

At 13, Amy Fenner, a pupil at Bennett Memorial School in Tunbridge Wells, was the youngest to be confi rmed and she said,

Sciences are my favourite subjects at school, but I can get a bit lost in science and I needed

to come back to my faith.

Josh Boyle, aged 15 and a pupil at Mascalls Academy the coeducational secondary school in Paddock Wood said,

This is another step in my faith and it was time for me to

take that step.

James Nash (17) also a pupil from

Mascalls Academy was the only person to be both baptised and confi rmed at the service. He said,

This is the start of my journey in faith. It completes a lot in my life and brings me out as a person.

Adult Laenie Coomber was confi rmed. She attended the service with her two children Holly (5) and Lilly (8) and her husband. She said,

I was baptised 2 years ago. I wanted to give something back

to God and show that I had heard him.

Addressing an ecumenical congregation at St Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood, Bishop James said, “It’s been very good to be here this week. These visits are really very important and enable me to spend a bit of time sensing both the opportunities and the challenges faced by parishes. It gives me an idea about what we can celebrate and where perhaps things need more attention. I sit in the House of Lords and bring our connectedness (as the Church of England) to that place. Some of my credibility depends on what you are

doing, for example in education. If you like, I am the connective tissue so you are connected to places as far away as Bromley and Bexley for example. I fi nd my mind making connections and out of that, hopefully some fruitful things do come.

Bishop James ticked a number of private visits from his list throughout the week, and met with members of the Parochial Parish Councils of the Deanery at St Peter’s Church, Pembury.

The Bishop also attended a Harvest Thanksgiving Service with the pupils and teachers from Brenchley and Matfi eld Primary School, at the church of All Saints, Brenchley. He took the opportunity to meet Rachel Green, Executive Head Teacher and Jane Mallon, Head of School, as well as parents and pupils from the school. The service opened eith Psalm 67:6. “The land has yielded its harvest: God our God has blessed us. The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” The pupils, very smartly turned out in their blue cardigans or jumpers and grey skirts or trousers, participated throughout the entire service, with

Confi rmation at St Andrew, Paddock Wood

Confi rmation at St Andrew, Paddock Wood

Confi rmation at Paddock WoodBishop James with Amy

Songs of Praise at St Andrew, Paddock Wood Songs of Praise at St Andrew, Paddock Wood

Bishop James at ‘Open House’

Marc Chagall stained glass windows at All Saints, Tudley

Bishop James with Jane Mallon and Rachel Green Bishop James with Clergy and congregation of All Saints, Tudley

Deanery Visitmusic, hymns including ‘Pears and Apples’ and readings. For their debut performance, the Key Stage 2 choir sang, “Chariots Comin’ ”.

The children’s readings concentrated on foods from around the world spelling

the word H-A-R-V-E-S-T with Macadamia nuts from Australia a clear winner travelling some

16,000 miles to get to our tables!

Bishop James gave the fi nal blessing and thanked the children for all their hard work. He said, “You have told us some really important things and we have been reminded of some ‘wonder moments.’ The rain reminds us that in some parts of the world, people don’t have crops to grow or food to eat. As we prepare to go, pause for a moment. Then ask for God’s blessing on us.”

Donations of foods were given to The Community Store House (Food Bank) in Paddock Wood.

Sunday saw the Bishop attending a Service of Holy Communion at St

Margaret’s Church, Horsmonden, followed by an ecumenical ‘Songs of Praise’ service at St Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood. The packed congregation was welcomed by the Rev Canon Bryan Knapp who said,

It is a great joy to be able to welcome you all from areas all

across the Deanery. Welcome to Bishop James and to our music group. The sun is shining and our stained glass windows look

spectacular.

The Rev Carrie Walshaw, Curate at St Andrew’s Church read the opening prayer and later gave a lovely solo rendition of ‘I Lift my Eyes.” The closing prayer was given by the Rev Rosheen Browning, also a Curate at St Andrew’s Church. Music throughout the service included: ‘Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven’, ‘Shine, Jesus Shine’, ‘And can it be’ and the Rev Pamela Ive lead the congregation in a Taize rendition of ‘Nada de Turbe.’

The Rev Pamela Ive, from the Church of All Saints Tudeley (home to Marc Chagall’s world-famous stained glass windows) said,

It’s important that Bishop James does these deanery visits so that he knows what is going on in the

parishes and he can feed that back to others like the House

of Lords. This way, he sees the issues that affect real people. This is about him knowing us

and taking that back into a wider forum.

On the second Friday of the deanery visit, Bishop James visited St Mary’s Primary School, Lamberhurst to take assembly and tour the school. He was kindly hosted by Head Teacher Caroline Bromley and the pupils, very smartly presented in their red and black uniforms. The children literally had the Bishop dancing and singing in their busy and fun-fi lled classrooms, whilst they learned to count backwards with Peppa Pig! Bishop James was also able to help with giving out hard-earned awards and gave a sermon based on the idea of ‘community’.

After the ‘Open House’ at St Andrew’s Church where he described the role of a Diocesan Bishop and his national role as Bishop for Prisons, Bishop James then visited West Pike Fish Farm in

Laddingford. Generously hosted by apple growers Alan and Mary Smith and their son James, Bishop James enjoyed an extensive tour of the orchard, learning about the challenges faced by British fruit growers. He was also able to enjoy some magnifi cent apples straight from the trees as well as a spectacular apple crumble made by Mary and shared at lunch time!

The Paddock Wood Deanery Visit ended with Bishop James touring the Kenward Trust, in Yalding. Every year at Kenward House, specialist teams provide care and support to men and women affected by drug and alcohol dependence.

Bishop James was able to give support and encouragement to some of the residents, before visiting the art studios and gardens, which have therapeutic use as well as helping to raise funds for this independent charity.

The Paddock Wood Deanery visit was just one from Bishop James’ diary throughout the year. Each one varies in content, but is equally valued by the Diocesan Bishop as an opportunity to meet with his clergy and learn more about their people and their parishes.

Bishop James and Rev Canon Brian Knapp

Bishop James’ visit to Lamberhurst Primary School

Bishop James at West Pike Fish Farm

Bishop James at Kenward Trust

Visiting Arts studio at Kenward Trust

Bishop James with James Smith

8 ochester Link

We’re proud to say that Ecclesiastical has come top of the Fairer Finance table ofhome insurance providers. We scored highly for customer happiness, complaintshandling and being open and transparent, and the ranking reflects the excellentstandard of cover and levels of service we offer you.

Choose award-winninghome insurance for afairer deal

Call free now for a quote 0800 917 3345(8am to 6pm weekdays)

www.ecclesiastical.com/homeinsuranceThe usual underwriting terms and criteria apply. *Minimum premiums apply.Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc Reg. No. 24869 is registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ, UK and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

25%

OFF

Wor

k or v

olunte

er in

the ch

urch?

Take

out C

onten

ts an

d Buil

dings

insura

nce t

ogeth

er on

line

and s

ave 2

5%*.

3942 FF_Autumn_Cornerstone 170x261 [1]:Layout 1 6/10/16 16:49 Page 1

How To Buy Calendars

Tesco is the only supermarket selling the calendar, but only in their larger stores.

Direct Churches, schools and groups can buy in bulk directly from us at www.realadvent.co.uk/shop. We supply in boxes of 18.

Other Shops A range of independent retailers, bookshops and cathedrals have stocks of the advent calendars. Traid-craft, TLM, Eden.co.uk and Embrace the Middle East also have stocks and some can send bulk and singles.

See website for details of stockists:www.realadvent.co.uk

The new design 2016 Real Advent Calendaris unique and better than ever.The calendar comes with a free 28 page Christmas story-activity book designed to be used every day in Advent. Behind each of the 24 windows there is a di�erent shaped Fairtrade chocolate.

The Only Calendarwith a Free Christmas

Story-Activity Book

www.funzi.org.ukwww.traidcra�.co.uk

Also Available... Twelve Daysof Christmas

www.meaningfulchocolate.co.uk

RRP £3.99 RRP £8.99

"..a great idea." Alan Titchmarsh

To order Angels or Twelve Days visitWith 12 Belgian Marc De Champagne Tru�es - one for every day of the Christmas Festival. Also includes a free 16 page guide to Christmas traditions.

These Meaningful Chocolate tree decorations are a great way to share the Christmas story and decorate the tree.

9ochester Link

Be part of Thy Kingdom Come

Our Conversation; Our FutureA new resource to help churches

and small groups engage with Our Conversation; Our Future was launched at Diocesan Synod on Saturday 15 October.

The Toolkit has been designed to help everyone across the Diocese explore the Our Conversation; Our Future questions in a little more depth.

As Bishop James explains in the introduction,

“You might want to use it in a PCC meeting, or bring the congregation together in a parish, chaplaincy or other setting. You can engage in Our Conversation; Our Future in synods, chapter meetings, quiet days, youth events, social gatherings, anywhere you like – the options are endless. We have sought to give you different ways to approach the questions, so you can choose what works best for you”.

The variety of activities was put to the test at Synod as members explored the question “What may the Holy Spirit be saying to us about our area?” through creating newspaper collages,

group bible study and personal reflection.

Responses to Our Conversation; Our Future will be used to discern a new diocesan strategic framework. Responses can be posted, sent via the website or emailed, to be received by Easter Sunday 2017. This is an intentionally good amount of time to give everyone the opportunity to listen to God and one another.

The Toolkit is available to download from the diocesan website www.rochester.anglican.org/strategy/conversation

People in conversation at Diocesan Synod

25 May - 4 June 2017

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting everyone

in every parish and praying community to join in ten days of prayer for evangelism and witness in the run up to Pentecost 2017.

The Archbishop of Canterbury hosted an event launching Thy Kingdom Come 2017 at Lambeth Palace on Wednesday 13 October. He said, “Thy Kingdom Come encourages the setting aside of time for concentrated prayers for other people. We know that the Church is always called to pray, and we know that this is something we can all do. We must see every member of the Church of Jesus Christ and know that they are Witnesses. We have a freedom to come to God and make space for us to be what He wants us to be.”

Reporting part of a conversation he had shared with the Pope recently, the Archbishop of Canterbury explained, “That the Pope said, “In prayer, when we pray, we make room in our lives and in the world for mercy and grace.” The Archbishop went on to say, “We are saying, ’Just Pray’ in a way that is habitual and in a way that works for you. This isn’t a Church of England ‘thing’. This isn’t an Anglican ‘thing’. This isn’t an Archbishop of Canterbury ‘thing.’”

Thy Kingdom Come is encouraging everyone to find time and space in their lives for prayer. The aim is simple:

• To join in prayer with the whole family of God the Father• To pray for the empowering of God the Holy Spirit• That we may be effective witnesses to God the Son, Jesus Christ.

Watch a three minute video from Archbishop Justin and some of those involved in Thy Kingdom Come 2016 sharing how God worked here: www.vimeo.com/181913904

Bromley Volunteer Team wins AwardBy Amy Mawby

The dedication of a team of volunteers from Bromley

was recognised at the Welcare Volunteer & Supporter Awards ceremony held on Friday 30 September.

At Welcare’s inaugural Volunteer and Supporter Awards, the Volunteer Team Award was given to the Admin Team from Welcare’s Bromley centre, comprising Patti Brazier, Sue Thomas, Jasper Browning and Tony Peters; dedicated volunteers who jointly provide administrative and office support that enables Welcare to continue with its vital work with children and families that live in Bromley.

The Rt Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark and President of Welcare, presented the award to Sue Thomas and Jasper Browning.

Anna Khan, Welcare CEO, commented “The Bromley admin team are true celebrities in our fame obsessed world. Without the vital

contribution of our volunteers we would not be able to help and support families with children up to the age of 13.”

Rose 07496 703314Lorraine 07986523041

www.brighterthoughts.co.ukenquiries@brighterthoughts.co.uk

Brighter Thoughts

Counselling Agency

NATIONAL FRUIT TREE SPECIALISTS

One of the UK's largest suppliers of fruit trees and soft fruit plants including Cranberries and Goji Berries

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

DEACONS NURSERYGodshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW

01983 840750 (24hrs) Tel: 01983 522243 Fax: 01983 523575Email: info@deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk or visit our website

www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk

NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFERALL APPLES HALF PRICE

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1 (ESV)

Photo: www.sxc.hu

10 Advertising Featureochester Link

Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers. We may receive a commission from them for the introduction. *Save against new list prices.

UP TO 4,000 USED CARS PRICE CHECKED DAILY, COMPREHENSIVELY CHECKED & FULLY GUARANTEED

CALL 0333 130 0284AUTOSAVE.CO.UK

AUTOSAVE... SERVING THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS

PARTEXCHANGEWELCOME

FULL HISTORY CHECK

FLEXIBLE FINANCE AVAILABLE

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR

Nearly New Nissans... Good Old-Fashioned Value!

SAVE££££’s

on a

NEARLY NEWNISSAN£10999 SAVE

££££’s*NISSAN NOTE 1.2 ACENTA EURO 5DR, ONLY 1,000 MILES!

NISSAN PULSAR DCi 110 VISIA DIESEL, ONLY 1,000 MILES!

£12999 SAVE ££££’s*

SAVE ££££’s*

NISSAN JUKE 1.6 VISIA5DR, ONLY 1,000 MILES!

£11999NISSAN QASHQAI Dig-T 115 VISIA, ONLY 1,000 MILES!

£15999 SAVE ££££’s*

ST. MARY’S CONVENTWANTAGE

St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and fl exible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays.Everyone is welcome at the Eucharist and Daily offi ce in St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel.

For further details please contact:St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9AUTel: 01235 763141Email: guestwing@csmv.co.ukwww.csmv.co.uk

INVITE A USPG SPEAKER TO VISIT YOUR CHURCHWe would love to visit your church to talk about our work in partnership with Anglican Churches around the world.

USPG Speaker Tricia Hamilton says: ‘The joy of being a USPG Speaker is helping congregations to understand the desperate needs which exist in our world, and how together we can really make a difference.’

Find out more at www.uspg.org.uk/invite

ORDER NOW FOR

£7.99 only from thepurpleveil.com

£1.00 P&P per book**UK only

WAS£12.50

★ ★ ★ ★ ★58 fi ve star reviews on amazon.co.uk

11ochester Link

IntercessionsRochester Diocese - November 2016

Tuesday 1 November All Saints DayRochester Diocese: For those children of Christ who have shone like stars in the lives of those around them.

Wednesday 2 November Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)Rochester Diocese: For the bereaved.

Thursday 3 November Richard Hooker, priest, teacher of the faith, 1600, Martin of Porres, friar, 1639Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St Mark, Vicar: The Rev Steve Varney

Friday 4 NovemberRochester Diocese: Bromley, St Mary, Vicar: The Rev Alan Keeler

Saturday 5 NovemberRochester Diocese: For the new Assistant Bishops licensed today.

Sunday 6 NovemberRochester Diocese: Bishop of Kondoa, Bishop Given

Monday 7 November Willibrord, bishop, 739Rochester Diocese: Bromley, St Peter and St Paul, Vicar: The Rev Anne Jablonski

Tuesday 8 November Saints and Martyrs of EnglandRochester Diocese: For those new in post, meeting today.

Wednesday 9 November Margery Kempe, mystic, c.1440Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, Holy Trinity, Vicar: The Rev Roger Bristow

Thursday 10 November Leo the Great, bishop, teacher of the faith, 461Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, St Augustine, Vicar: The Rev Canon Katrina Barnes

Friday 11 November Martin, Bishop, c.397Rochester Diocese: Bromley Common, St Luke, Priest-in-Charge: The Rev George Collett

Saturday 12 NovemberRochester Diocese: Chislehurst, Christ Church, Vicar: The Rev Dave Johnston Sunday 13 NovemberRochester Diocese: For military chaplains in this Diocese, and for those seeking to alleviate the needs of those fleeing war.

Monday 14 November Samuel Seabury, bishop, 1796Rochester Diocese: Chislehurst, St Nicholas, Rector: The Rev Alan Mustoe

Tuesday 15 NovemberRochester Diocese: Chislehurst, The Annunciation, Vicar: The Rev Paul Farthing

Wednesday 16 November Margaret, queen, philanthropist, 1093, Edmund Rich, archbishop, 1240Rochester Diocese: For the benefice of East Malling, Wateringbury and Teston, and for the Rev Nicholas Williams, instituted today.

Thursday 17 November Hugh, bishop, 1200Rochester Diocese: For Area Deans and Lay Chairs meeting today.

Friday 18 November Elizabeth, princess, philanthropist, 1231Rochester Diocese: Hayes, St Mary the Virgin, Rector: The Rev Napoleon John

Saturday 19 November Hilda, abbess, 680, Mechtild, beguine, mystic, 1280Rochester Diocese: For the Honorary Canons, licensed tomorrow.

Sunday 20 November 1 before AdventRochester Diocese: Shoreham Deanery, The Rev Tim Hatwell, Rural Dean; Mr Charles Brinkley-Willsher, Lay Chair.

Monday 21 NovemberRochester Diocese: Keston, The Parish Church, Rector: The Rev Carol Morrison

Tuesday 22 November Cecilia, martyr, c.230Rochester Diocese: Vocations Advisers, meeting today.

Wednesday 23 November Clement, bishop, martyr, c.100Rochester Diocese: Barnehurst, St Martin, Vicar: The Rev Gareth Bowen

Thursday 24 NovemberRochester Diocese: Belvedere, All Saints, Vicar: The Rev Jane Edwards

Friday 25 November Catherine, martyr, 4th cent., Isaac Watts, hymn writer, 1748Rochester Diocese: For women’s refuges in the Diocese

Saturday 26 NovemberRochester Diocese: Belvedere, St Augustine of Canterbury, Vicar: The Rev Clive Jones

Sunday 27 NovemberRochester Diocese: Tonbridge Archdeaconry, The Ven Clive Mansell, Archdeacon

Monday 28 NovemberRochester Diocese: Bexleyheath, Christ Church, Vicar: The Rev Trevor Wyatt

Tuesday 29 November Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary Work of the ChurchRochester Diocese: Bexleyheath, St Peter, Vicar: The Rev Jim Charles

Wednesday 30 November, Andrew, Apostle, Patron of ScotlandRochester Diocese: For the Mission to Seafarers

There is a sense in which prayer is something that we do. Walk into any Christian bookshop and you will find shelves of books on how to pray, where to pray, things to pray with, books of prayers, et cetera et cetera. We worry when our prayers feel ‘arid’, we worry about what sort of things we should be praying for, and whether our prayers will be answered.

“God says this, “Pray inwardly, even though you find no joy in it. For it does good, though you feel nothing, see nothing, yes even though you think you cannot pray. For when you are dry and empty, sick and weak, your prayers please me, though there be little enough to please you. All believing prayer is precious to

me.”” Julian of Norwich, translated by Sheila Upjohn.

Prayer is not something we achieve, but is simply ‘resting in the goodness of God’ (Mother Julian again) and allowing God to transform us. Everything we do in prayer is only a mechanism for fixing our attention on the ground of our existence and keeping it there, as best we can. Only then, can our prayer be transformed into praise and worship, not by our own piety, but by the gracious goodness of the One who made us.

The Rev Lindsay Llewellyn-MacDuff, Diocesan Worship Development Advisor

O Lord, open our lips, and our mouths shall proclaim your praise.

The Fellowship of Pray-ers exists to provide prayer support to the work and worship of the Diocese of Rochester, as well as to pray for those in urgent need. Routine prayers are submitted by deanery coordinators but to ask the Pray-ers, urgently or confidentially, to hold an event or person in their prayers please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain: Lindsay Llewellyn-MacDuff, Tel: 01634 814439, lindsay@rochester.anglican.org. Similarly,

contact the Bishop’s Chaplain if you are interested in joining the Fellowship.

More information can be found under ‘Pray-ers’ within ‘Prayers & Intercessions’ in the Ministry menu on the diocesan website: www.rochester.anglican.org/ Their calendar of prayer is in the same place under ‘Praying the Way’.

• DesignOur talented designers can give your business or event a great look. We can source images and proof read your print media.

• PrintWe can manage the print of your leafl ets, business cards, stationery, and almost anything else.

We offer short runs as well as large quantities at great rates including FREE UK mainland delivery on most orders.

• DistributionWe are able to insert your leafl ets into this and similar publications enabling you to reach a church audience in this and other CofE dioceses.

PRINTDESIGN

DISTRIBUTE

WE CAN

LEAFLETSAND MORE

YOUR

CALL 01752 225623sven@cornerstonevision.comwww.cornerstonevision.com

Great customer service

FREE estimates

12 ochester Link

Ordinations 2016

Left to Right: The Rt Rev James Langstaff, Rev Matthew Robinson and the Rt Rev Norman Banks

Deacons with Bishop James. Back row left to right: the Rev Paul Davies, the Rev Bethany Lewis, the Rev Simon Archer, the Rt Rev James Langstaff, the Rev Tim Boniface and the Rev Mark Lavender. Front row left to right: the Rev Danielle Pearson-Smith, the Rev Sue Taylor, the Rev Gary Best, the Rev Adele Barker and the Rev Carol AveryNot in the photo the Rev Claire Allwood

Priests with Bishop James and Bishop Chad. Back row left to right: the Rev James Harrat, the Rev Nigel Poole, the Rev Karen Seggie, the Rev Nigel Griffiths, the Rev Andrea Leonard and the Rev Ruth PeetFront row left to right: the Rev Michael Payne, the Rev Rosheen Browning, the Rev Helen Reeves, the Rt Rev James Langstaff, the Rt Rev Chad Gandiya and the Rev Carrie Walshaw