Tuesday 10th June 2008
Rob Marshall reports
THE whole Diocese was represented on a stunning summer’s evening in Sheffield Cathedral to thank God for the ministry thus far of Bishop Jack.
Over a thousand people were able to take part both in the Cathedral itself and in the nearby Cutler’s Hall, where the service was relayed by video link.
Bishop Jack has chosen 9th June as the Feast Day of St.Columba for his farewell as it was the 40th anniversary of his ordination: “I really wanted to thank God for the 40 years of ordained ministry I have enjoyed as priest and bishop,”
St.Columba, one of the foremost saints of the Celtic era, inspired priests and monks in the task of evangelism and his northern roots had clearly inspired “Jack Our Bishop”.
The Bishop informally welcomed everyone to the Service and began the evening by paying a moving tribute to the enormous contribution made by his wife Judith. The Cathedral responded with a prolonged round of applause.
In his sermon, the Bishop reminded the congregation of the importance of ministry for mission and offered thanks to God for the opportunities which the Gospel provided.
There were processions, great hymns, challenging readings and lots of symbolism throughout the liturgy.
The Archdeacons led the congregations in prayers and commended their Bishop for his ministry amongst them as well as praying for his future,
In a moving part of the evening, Bishop Jack laid down his pastoral staff as a symbolic gesture to show that he would be ultimately handing on pastoral care of the Diocese of Sheffield to a new Bishop.
The Bishop of Doncaster, Cyril Ashton, who will look after episcopal matters until a new Bishop of Sheffield is enthroned, told the congregation: “Today is a time for Bishop Jack, and us, to look back with thanksgiving and forward with anticipation; a time for joy, and a time for sadness. Above all it is a time to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for what Bishop Jack has given in our lives together.”
Afterwards a presentation was made by Bishop Cyril to Bishop Jack and his wife, Judith, and good wishes were expressed for their retirement and future ministry.
Malcolm Fair, Diocesan Secretary, said it had been a team effort and that he was grateful to everyone involved for making it such a memorable evening.
The Bishop of Sheffield, Jack Nicholls, have his final interview as Bishop to the Sheffield Diocesan website last night just a few hours before his farewell service as Bishop in Sheffield Cathedral.
Bishop Nicholls, who is retiring after 10 and a half years as Bishop said he had very mixed feelings about turning up at the Cathedral because he hates saying goodbye:
“I don’t know – part of me is looking forward to it but part of me is dreading it! I am looking forward to seeing so many people, I won’t know where to start! Even my old history teacher is coming, Miss Chadwick from Rossendale. I still call her Miss Chadwick!”
The Bishop said that he wanted the service to be a celebration of both is priesthood and episcopacy: “I would like it to be a celebration of my 40 years as a priest, as well as my 18 years as bishop.”
Asked what his memories of his time as Bishop of Sheffield would be, he said: “The highlight, looking back was certainly the opening of the centre for the homeless at the Cathedral."
But he was also quick to pay an immense tribute to his wife, Judith: “The person who has done at least as much as I have is Judith – and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to all that she has done for me over the years – and for many other people too.” He later underlined that in the Cathedral Service.
He added: “As soon as we retire we are taking all the family on holiday to Normandy – to catch up with each other. Then I am having a bit of a break, and then we have quite a bit in the diary”.
There seems little doubt that Bishop Nicholls is going to be active in retirement: “Somebody asked me today if I could preach in May 2010 and I had to say that I was already booked! Sheffield Diocese has been a wonderful place for the past 10 and a half years and we will continue to pray for everyone”
A full copy of the text of the sermon is included in the Appendix
Sheffield City Council has organised weekly drop-in sessions in local communities for residents who were affected by last year’s flooding. The drop-in sessions are part of a continued programme of help and support on offer to residents following the floods. You might like to make these known to anyone in your community still affected:
The dates and times of the drop-in sessions are:
Sue Davis (Bishop Jack's Secretary) is hoping to do a scrapbook for Bishop Jack as a surprise before he leaves in July. If anyone in the parishes has any photographs of him (and possibly Judith) that they would like included, please send them by 13 June to Mrs Sue Davis at Bishopscroft and mark them PERSONAL. You can also e-mail them to sue@bishopofsheffield.org.uk
John was diocesan secretary from 1960 to 1977 and was remembered for pursuading parishes to sell their 3.5% War Loan and re-invest in the Central Board's Investment Fund. Those that did saw a recovery in their investments that today stand 12 times what they were worth in 1960! He had previously worked for the Church Commissioners. Since his retirement he lived at Port Dinorwig in North Wales where he enjoyed sailing his boat (bought with the money presented to him by the Diocese on retirement).
Tony Beck
New in the Resources Centre we now have two pop-up gazebos available to be borrowed free of charge. These items are ideal for your Summer Fete along with the badge makers, Coomber amplifier system, parachutes and garden games. We have approximately 50 items of equipment available to be borrowed free of charge from the Centre do contact us for a full list of items available. If you are making a special journey to the Resources Centre or visiting for the first time please do ring first as we are not always staffed. (At present we are un-staffed Mondays and Fridays). Kathryn Bliss: Tel 01709 309105. Diocesan Resources Centre, Church House, 95-99 Effingham Street, Rotherham S65 1BL.
We ask you to pray this week (11th - 17th June) for people from the following occupations: Typists, secretaries, personal assistants.
The Occupational Prayer Cycle, which runs week by week, covers nearly all occupations over the course of the year. It is produced by South Yorkshire Workplace Chaplaincy (SYWC), and more information can be found on their website at http://www.sywc.org.uk/opc/.
In the places visited by SYWC chaplains, most people in jobs such as these are female. Division of labour by gender is often still along traditional lines.
http://www.rotherhamadvertiser.com/News.aspx?id=7615
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7436441.stm
For many years there has been a monthly Taizé Prayer at Sheffield Cathedral, and also at St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church in Advent and Lent. These are now combining: there will be Evening Prayer in the style of Taizé once a month 7.30 - 8.30 pm, normally on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at St.Andrew’s Psalter Lane.
The dates for 2008 are:
18th June, 16th July, 17th September, 15th October, 26th November, 17th December
All are welcome. These will be held at ST ANDREW’S, PSALTER LANE.
A new musical by Roger Jones
Saturday 21st November at Victoria Hall
Rehearsals will be starting shortly...
Taster Evening with Roger Jones
Monday 23rd June at 7.30 pm
at St Luke's Church, Blackbrook Road, Lodge Moor
This will launch rehearsals in four locations...
Totley
Monday evenings
Lodge Moor
Wednesday evenings
Firth Park
to be announced
Coal Aston
Friday evenings
If you enjoy a good sing, come along and find out more.
Further information from Liz Tipple on 0114 -2302969
or email : liz@hallam97.plus.com
ORGAN RECITAL BY DEREK GROVER Wednesday 18 June 7.30pm at Holy Trinity, Grove Road, Millhouses S7 2HB.
Tickets: £5 (£3 concessions) including wine. Buy on the door or phone 0114 2362188
ST JOHN’S RANMOOR CHOIRS CONCERT Friday 20 June 7.30 pm at Holy Trinity, Grove Road, Millhouses S7 2HB. Tickets: £5 (£3 concessions) including wine. Buy on the door or phone 0114 2362188
NORTHERN BELL ORCHESTRA AND S7 JAZZ ENSEMBLE. Saturday 21 June 7.00pm at Holy Trinity, Grove Road, Millhouses S7 2HB.
Tickets: £5 (£3 concessions) including wine from Stan Nuttall Tel. 296 7370
ART EXHIBITION including work by the Hastings Road Art Group and other local artists. In Holy Trinity Church, Grove Road, Millhouses S7 2HB.
Friday 20 June 2-4 pm,
Saturday 21 June 10 am – 4 pm and
Sunday 22 June 2-4 pm
ART WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN Saturday 21 June 11am – 3pm in Holy Trinity Church, Grove Road, Millhouses S7 2HB. Children of all ages welcome to do mosaic making and print making. Led by professional artists Andy Heath and Lucy Lauener.
Saturday 7th June @ 2pm
All Hallows Church Harthill will be holding their Spring Fair in Church Lane, next to the church, or in church in the case of inclement weather. Many stalls including cakes, plants, books and CREAM TEAS.
10th-20th June
The 34th Broomhill Festival is packed with concerts, outdoor events, exhibitions and all in aid of the 5 chosen charities. Many of the concerts and other events take place at St Marks Broomhill. Coming to the Festival is Alastair Campbell to talk about the Blair years (Monday 16 June) and the Festival begins with two performances of Cousin John at the Montgomery Theatre. Festival brochures from the shops in Broomhill, local libraries and St Marks. All the information is on the Festival website - www.broomhillfestival.org.uk
There is an Old Testament walk through planned at St Thomas' Church, Newman Road, Wincobank Sheffield this Saturday (June 14th 9.30am - 5.00pm).This is a tried and trusted ministry, known to help people grow in their understanding of God's word, and it's a fun way to learn. Fee including Seminar Manual £12. Please bring a packed lunch.
Further information: Katherine Francis, 75 Jepson Road, Shiregreen, Sheffield, 0114 2490847
21st-28th June
Performers include Tasmin Little, John Lenehan, The Meirion Chamber Ensemble, The Yorkshire Imperial Band, The Abbeydale Singers and The Brass Players, 360 Wind and Piano Ensemble, and a Gilbert and Sullivan evening with soloists from D'Oyly Carte.
more information at http://www.bradfieldfestivalofmusic.co.uk
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Whirlow Grange is 50 years old on Sunday 22 June 2008 and this will be marked by a Service of Celebration and Holy Communion. The Preacher and Celebrant will be the former Archbishop of York, David Hope. The Service will commence at 3pm sharp and will be followed by afternoon tea and refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend the Service which will be relayed outside if the weather is fine. A lunch will precede the Service for invited guests. Please telephone Whirlow Grange for further information 0114 236 3173
This week, the Church remembers: Barnabas the Apostle on Wednesday 11th June 2008; Richard Baxter, Puritan divine (1691) on Saturday 14th; Richard, Bishop of Chichester (1253) and Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, Philosopher (1752) on Monday 16th June 2008.
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Trinity.
Snippets is published every Tuesday.
Email your contributions to Sheffield@media33.co.uk by Monday of each week.
Thanks for all your contributions!
Revd. Rob Marshall
Diocesan Communications Adviser
If I were to give a title to this sermon it would be ‘The Gutter and the Stars’. It was Oscar Wilde who famously connected these two when he said “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”. Tonight I want to speak about being a priest. I have chosen to preach myself because I don’t trust anyone else not to make this slot into a (hopefully) very premature funeral oration. A priest needs to know the gutter and the stars. He/she needs to have glimpsed the stars, the Glory of God, by the Grace of God and ALSO to know himself/herself well enough to realise that the gutter is a reality within. Let me give you two examples.
It wouldn’t do for me not to mention on this occasion particularly, my favourite saint, Seraphim of Sarov. For most than most followers of Jesus he glimpsed the stars and his life was filled with joy, so much so that he became joy and was joy to all he met. He literally radiated holiness and was transfigured by inward light. The story goes that a man walked 300 miles from Moscow to seek him out. He was burdened and deeply troubled and wanted the Saint’s help and advice. Seraphim lived alone in the forest of Sarov and the man came across him asleep on the ground.
On seeing him, the man’s burdens melted away. He didn’t wake him, he didn’t need to. He returned home free of his burdens. Seraphim’s most famous saying is “Have peace in your heart and thousands round you will be saved”. Only someone who had glimpsed the stars could have that effect on those he meets, all of whom he addressed as “My joy, Christ is Risen”. Yet he also knew near despair.
He spent most of his life in silent prayer and for almost three years prayed day and night, sleeping only briefly and sporadically. He faced the demons within himself which most of us spend a lifetime trying to avoid. He stood on the edge of the abyss of nothingness, emptiness, faithlessness and despair, but ended up for the last five years of his life knowing the Glory. Most of us poor priests cannot pretend to emulate Seraphim, but to glimpse the stars, maybe only once in a lifetime, is necessary if we are to be joy and to bring joy to those we serve. No joy, no Gospel. A joyless Christianity is no Christianity at all. Remember prayer AND parties are what we all need more of if we are to be a church worth joining. A priest needs a joyful heart for the praise of God.
My other example was not a priest, but was priestly. William Cowper, the poet, the author of the hymn we have just sung, glimpsed the stars; he writes about the moment as follows:
“In a moment I believed and received the Gospel. Unless the Almighty arms had been under me I think I should have died of gratitude and joy. My eyes filled with tears, and my voice choked with transport, and I could only look up to heaven in silent fear, overwhelmed with love and wonder.”
But it was only a glimpse. For most of his life William Cowper lived in despair. He died in despair, in the gutter, but his biographer, David Cecil, writes of his dying, most movingly:
“At five in the morning he became unconscious; twelve hours later he ceased to breathe. Then, and then only, was Johnny’s wish granted. As he took a last look at the still face, he noticed with awe and amazement that on Cowper, the healing hand of death had wrought a change. The strain and the apathy which so long had marked his wasted features were gone, and instead they lit up with a rapt, unearthly wonder, “a holy surprise”.
Was it a mere chance effect of dissolution? or could it be that during those hours of unconsciousness a momentous event had taken place in the unseen territories of Cowper’s spirit: that on the very threshold of the grave it was vouch-safed to him, for the second time, to behold the supreme vision and gazing with unveiled eye at the Beatific Glory, he learnt that, after all, his despair had been founded on delusion?”
The best priests I have known have touched the heights and depths; the stars and the gutter in their own lives; in their own hearts.
Priests are not essentially, teachers, preachers, pastors, leaders, prophets, strategists or managers, though they may be called to be any or all of these. Priests are justified only by their being and their seeing; by standing in that place which holds the stars and the gutter with a joyful heart for the praise of God and a big capacious heart for the pain of the world.
There is no other place to stand for a priest. Only such a priest meets the needs of a world thirsty for God. Only such a priest meets the needs of the old lady who, as she approached death, her final journey, said to her priest most movingly “I know that you cannot accompany me on my last journey, but I would be so grateful if you would buy a platform ticket”. There is no greater privilege in life than that, no greater accolade that can be given to any human being and it is given readily only to those who know the gutter and the stars.
On this day 40 years ago I was ordained a priest in the Church of God, the beginning of a journey with many ups and downs. It was also the end of a journey, for when I was not yet 15 years old on my first retreat to the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, the priest who was leading the retreat asked each of us to find a quiet place to pray and to ask God what he wanted of our lives. I did and knew then that I was being called to be a priest.
I have never for a moment, even at the worst of times, even though the Church is in a mess and I am in a mess, regretted my ‘yes’ to that calling and all this wonderful fuss tonight will have been all the more worthwhile if just one person who hears these words hears not me, but the call of God for themselves. Simply I ask, is God calling you to be a priest, to stand in the gutter and reach for the stars? It is said that the composer Franz Schubert did not know whether he belonged in the gutter or the stars. He certainly knew both, otherwise this genius who wrote more than 1,000 pieces of music and yet died at the age of 31, quite possibly of syphilis, could not have written with such sorrow, such joy and such longing. Let his music be my last word. It says all I want to say and much much more about the gutter and the stars, about the gift of priesthood for which I daily thank God.
How can you best support a dying friend or relative when your own world has been turned upside down? When someone is struggling with emotional or spiritual pain, what kinds of tools might help? How can we prepare throughout our lifetime for our dying? Acclaimed author and teacher Richard Groves is at Whirlow Grange Christian Spirituality Centre for one day, Monday 9 June 9.30 to 4pm. To present an introductory programme to look at the relationship between suffering, grief, meaning, forgiveness and hope. This invitation is not only for professionals but for carers, volunteers and anyone with an interest in how the dying can become our teachers. The cost is £25 including lunch. Booking and Booking forms through Whirlow Grange: info@whirlowgrange.co.uk or telephone 0114 2363173. For further information about the day telephone Wilma Scott 07976708726
Effective Christian Presence and Enterprise – launch of report
Thursday 12 June 2008 at St George’s Centre, Great George Street, Leeds, 9.30am-2.00pm
This report is the culmination of a three-year project, looking at what makes Christian engagement in communities effective and sustainable. This report will, CRC believes, be of national interest, asking questions about leadership, resources, volunteers and training.
Keynote speakers:
FREE event – but booking essential for catering. Bookings: Contact Faithworks at mailto:info@faithworks.infoinfo@faithworks.info. Telephone 0207 921 4284.
CLCGB
St Martins House,
2 Barnsley Road,
Wath-Upon-Dearne,
S63 6PY
All sessions 7.30 to 9.30
June 23rd
Leadership Skills
July 7th
Children and Community part 1
Sept 1st
Children and Community part 2
Sept 15th
Programme Planning
Sept 29th
Pastoral Awareness
October 20th
Spirituality and the Bible
Come to all or choose the modules you are interested in. For further information on costs and booking etc, please contact Jenny Lambourne on 01709 309144 or jenny.lambourne@sheffield.anglican.org
June 26th 2008
9.30am- 4pm
Wilson Carlile College of Evangelism, Sheffield
A day that is particularly useful for those in a “traditional” church setting, but thinking about establishing something fresh in their local context. Hear about the experiences of two Church Army evangelists and take part in an interactive exercise to explore in greater depth some of the issues raised. The cost is £15, including refreshments and lunch. To book, or for more information, contact Wendy Evans, tel 0114-278-7020, w.evans@churcharmy.org.uk.
There is to be a training day for all authorised persons, organised by Miss Imogen Clout and Revd Hedley Richardson. The theme of the event is Matters of Death and Life and the day is to be led by 3 members of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Chaplaincy Team.
The dates are:
Saturday 28th June 2008 at St Andrews Psalter Lane, Sheffield time: 10.00 to 3.00 (bring your own lunch to this session - drinks free)
OR over two evenings mid week, sessions are:
19th June 2009 and 26th June 2008 at Church House Rotherham. Each evening 7.00 - 9.00.
The cost is £6 per person and any cheques should be made payable to SDBF. For further information or to book contact Trish Stafford at Diocesan Church House, 95 - 99 Effingham Street, Rotherham S65 1BL if you would like to attend. Closing date the 9th of June. Telephone: 01709 309147 or Email: trish.stafford@sheffield.anglican.org
Christian Presence in a Multifaith Society
A study day with Richard Sudworth
of the Church Mission Society
Saturday 5th July - 10am to 4pm at
Christ Church Pitsmoor - Cost £3.
Bring your own packed lunch.
Contact 01142757240 office@christchurchpitsmoor.com
9th-11th July 2008 WHIRLOW GRANGE
Reflections Retreat is based upon an improvised drama approach and designed to enable participants to take back the model to their congregations and “grow it on” led by Steve and Nicky Kierl the 3 day innovative workshop is a must for all those interested in exploring the Characters of the Bible through improvisation. Fully inclusive cost including accommodation just £150.
22nd-24th August 2008
New to Whirlow Grange is a Weekend Walking Retreat with an option to stay over until bank holiday Monday. This will be a good opportunity for you to get your family and friends to visit Sheffield, but be entertained and accommodated at Whirlow Grange. Three action packed days, with three grades of Walks each day, and some extra special treats for participants. The weekend has been designed for those not fully happy in an indoors retreat environment, and will have an environmental focus. Led by the Warden, Graham Holland, Ramblers expert Brenda Blaydes and seasoned Peak District Walker David Hughes, it will also feature input by Rev Mike Gilbert the Bishop of Sheffield’s Environmental Adviser. The cost is just £125. Don’t miss it! Book it now!
St Mark’s Mosborough is situated among suburban housing estates centred on an old mining village in the south east of the diocese. The parish has a growing population of 13,500, in mixed housing and social groups. The church has an electoral roll of 76.
The church is a small Victorian building with space and potential for improving existing facilities both within the church and in the grounds.
The church seeks to appoint an incumbent who has a vision to lead the church forward and increase the congregation. We are looking for a priest who will display strong leadership skills to pull the church together and who is well organised, someone who will be committed to encouraging lay talent and be able to delegate and regulate a team. The ability to manage change is essential.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong pastoral awareness, have well developed interpersonal skills and be a good communicator with people of all ages. S/he will be able to establish a presence in the community and encourage outreach.
Good preaching and a willingness to develop worship in new directions in a way that satisfies varying tastes would be a key feature.
Although the post will be imminently vacant, there may be some flexibility in regard to the starting date for the successful applicant.
Closing date for applications: 16th June 2008
Interview date: 30th June 2008
Application forms may be obtained from the Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham’s secretary,
Diocesan Church House, 95-99 Effingham Street, Rotherham S65 1BL. Tel: 01709-309100
A Rector is sought for St Mary Magdalene in Whiston, which is a semi-rural extended village with a population of approximately 9,000.
The Church can offer:
The Church is looking for a Rector who will:
Incumbent’s stipend (£21,310). Housing provided in Whiston Rectory
Closing date: 27th June
Interviews: 17th July
For an application form please contact the Archdeacon’s Secretary, Diocesan Church House, 95-99 Effingham Street, Rotherham S65 1BL. Tel: (01709 309110) Fax: (01709) 512550. E-mail: archdeacons.office @sheffield.anglican.org
For an informal conversation and/or guided tour of the Church, please contact one of the Churchwardens, Alan Teale on 01709 820535 / ateale@tiscali.co.uk or Jane Ellis on 01709 519604 / jane.ellis1@yahoo.co.uk
Appointment to the post is subject to a routine check through the Criminal Records Bureau and medical fitness for the post
Rob Marshall
Media33
Head Office
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