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Taken from the Church Magazine The Collation of Rev Matthew John Barnes as Rector of St Thomas' Brampton by the Bishop of Derby, the Right Rev Alastair Redfern and Induction by the Archdeacon of Chesterfield, the Venerable David Garnett, 5 June 2008 (August 2008 edition of the Church Magazine)
The Oaths The formal part of the service began with ‘The Oaths’. Matt held the Bible and pledged himself to the service of God in the parish, promising to be faithful to the Queen and to obey the Bishop. He affirmed his belief in the Christian faith and promised that he would only use the authorised forms of service. We then affirmed our faith by singing: All My Hope on God is Founded. The Liturgy of the Word The first Bible reading was 2 Timothy 2:8-15. Paul tells Timothy (and us): ‘Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead….This is my gospel….’The Liturgy of the Word The second was Mark 12:28-34. Jesus gives us the Great Commandment: ‘Love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as yourself.’ The sermon was given by the Bishop based on the readings. He told us that our mission was to share God’s love and spread the message that Jesus Christ was crucified and is now risen from the dead. The Life and Ministry of the People of God We came to the part of the service entitled ‘The Life and Ministry of the People of God’. We started by singing: Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour, -also known as the ‘Potter Song’. In the song we declare that we will give our lives to God for Him to do with us as He wills. It includes the lines: Take me, mould me, use me fill me, I give my life to the Potter’s hands. Matt poured water into the font to symbolise our Christian vision of experiencing and celebrating our new life in Christ. He was then presented with a Bible. This directs our lives, gives us encouragements and through it we grow in our Christian faith. Bread and wine were then brought forward to Matt at the Holy Table. Jesus broke bread with his disciples and Christians have been doing it ever since. This makes us all one with Him –however bad we have been. This section was ended by singing two songs. The first: Let the Weak Say I am Strong is about Jesus dying, our sins being washed away and us coming to Salvation. In the second: May the Words of my Mouth and the Thoughts of My Heart we sing that we will surrender everything and follow Jesus. The Collation Matt now moved to face the Bishop for the Collation. As Matt knelt, the Bishop read out the ‘Deed of Collation’. The Bishop read “Matt, receive this cure of souls, which is both mine and yours.” He then asked God to give Matt grace to fulfil his ministry, reverence in celebrating the sacraments, faithfulness in proclaiming the Word, diligence in pastoral care, tenderness in comforting, power in healing the wounds of God’s people and humility, self-sacrifice and courage in all things. He required Matt to follow Jesus’ example and lead others in the way of ‘eternal joy’. (I hope all this applies to us too.) The Collation finished with the Bishop praying for Matt’s family and home. The Induction Following the Collation came the Induction. The Bishop asked the Archdeacon, David Garnett to induct Matt into the parish. The Church Wardens and Archdeacon led Matt down the aisle to the West door where Matt was inducted into ‘the real, actual and corporeal possession of the church and benefice of Brampton, St Thomas’. Matt then rang the church bell to indicate the beginning of his ministry in the Parish. They returned up the aisle to the Rector’s seat where Matt was presented with a map of the parish, a copy of the Electoral Roll of church members and the keys of the church. The Archdeacon finished the Induction by asking all of us in the congregation if we would uphold Matt and serve with him. To which we replied “By the grace of God we will”. The Greetings The service became a little less formal as we came to the Greetings. The Rural Dean, Andy Broom, introduced a number of local representatives who welcomed Matt. These included the Deputy Mayor, representatives of the local churches, the local schools and the police. Mel, Matt’s wife, was presented with a bouquet of flowers. The Dismissal The service ended with Matt reading out the details of the following Sunday’s services and leading the intercessions. The Church Wardens then escorted Matt down the aisle and out of church as we sang St Thomas’ version of: Be Thou My Vision. Meet and Greet Following the service there was time to meet and greet our visitors including the family and friends of Matt, members of his former parish and members of the local community over refreshments so ably prepared by the Social Committee. About the Service The service had rather a grand title as can be seen on the front of the service sheet. Fortunately there was an explanation inside as to what it meant! In a nutshell the Collation is where the Bishop gives the new Priest the responsibility for the spiritual care for the people in the parish. The Induction is where the Archdeacon gives the new Priest his parish house and stipend. Matt’s first Sunday was 8 June. Again we were blessed with fine weather for the welcome party held after the morning services at St Thomas’. More about the service here including the Order of Service, recording and pictures. More about Matt and family here "For I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me" -Audrey Smith introduces herself (August 2008 edition of the Church Magazine) Audrey Smith, our new minister at St Peter’s, introduces herself.
I flew the nest at the tender age of twenty and went to live in Upper Norwood where I was confirmed, at All Saints Church. At the time I was working for The United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG) in the Schools’ and Children’s department. After five years of exciting and rewarding service with USPG I joined the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) as an Employment Consultant working alongside six colleagues covering South East London. This involved visiting newly visually impaired clients in their homes and working environment to assess them for new technology which would enable them to ‘see without sight’. During this time I started my training for the Ministry –one of twenty six hopeful candidates! We spent four years training together on a part-time basis at the South London Christian Centre. We also met every month for a weekend of study and teaching time together and two weeks summer school each year. I am delighted to say we all still keep in touch and what a strength it is. I served my curacy in South Croydon and worked as a Deputy Chaplain in St Helier Hospital in Sutton, before taking up my post at St Mary’s Church, Newent in Gloucestershire. I have been richly blessed in my journeys throughout my life and I am delighted to be among you all here in Derbyshire. I very much look forward to spending some time with you. Every blessing, Rev Audrey Read about Audrey's Licensing here Our Archdeacon David Garanett is to Retire (April 2009 edition of the Church Magazine) The Venerable David Garnett has announced that he will retire as Archdeacon of Chesterfield at the end of September. He will remain as Priest-in-Charge of Beeley and Edensor.
David has accepted an invitation from Bishop Alastair to be known as Archdeacon Emeritus after he steps down. David Garnett was ordained priest in 1970 and worked in a number of dioceses including York, Ely, Carlisle and Chester. He was Team Rector of Ellesmere Port in 1996 when the invitation came to become Archdeacon of Chesterfield. He has served in the Diocese for the past thirteen years. The late Bishop Jonathan used to say that the best thing about being a Bishop after being an Archdeacon is that people understood what a Bishop’s role was! So what is an Archdeacon’s role? The role of Archdeacon is set out in Canon Law. It is described as ‘being under the Bishop’ and to ‘assist the Bishop’. The Archdeacon represents the Bishop in the life of the parishes under his care. The role of Archdeacon has a biblical base. In Acts, the Apostles appointed deacons to enable them in their apostolic task. The bishop is in the tradition of the Apostles (teacher, preacher and evangelist) and the Archdeacon in the tradition of Acts chapter 6 –seven deacons appointed ‘full of the spirit and wisdom’. Today the Archdeacon assists the Bishop and frees him up for his apostolic task. He has to have the ear of those at diosecen level and parish level. Indeed it has been said that an archdeacon spends his time between being down in the engine room along side the crew and up on the bridge with the captain. Most of an Archdeacon’s work goes on behind the scenes. If worship is to be effective, the church roof needs to be in good order. If mission is to be effective, ministers need to be secure and to be looked after in their parishes. An Archdeacon, whilst having a spiritual and priestly ministry, is generally occupied with practical things. These are wide ranging and can include parish boundaries, interpretation of legislation, organising ministry (particularly during a vacancy), finance, housing, reordering interiors of churches –the list is endless but all necessary for the promotion of the gospel. As it was put once ‘The more you believe in the Incarnation the more you worry about the drains!’ An Archdeacon also needs to be a good communicator. They are expected to go around their Archdeaconry preaching regularly to different congregations and also to be involved with difficult and sensitive matters that crop up in parishes. David had been doing all this whilst also being Priest-in-Charge of a Parish and also being an award-winning poultry breeder! On behalf of the folk of St Thomas’ and St Peter’s I thank you, David, for all you have done as Archdeacon of Chesterfield and hope you enjoy your (semi) retirement. Mark Hoare Welcome to Ruth Turner, our New Curate (August 2009 edition of the Church Magazine)
Who Do You Think You Are? (October 2009 edition of the Church Magazine) Ruth Turner introduces herself.
When I was working for a church in Oxford around 1999/2000, I ignored the many people who kept saying that I should be ordained. Finally, I decided to go through the long interview process and selection panel...only to be turned down! I swore I would never do it again! You can imagine my complete horror, then, when I was in Derby and within the space of two weeks during October 2006 about seven people, random people, suggested that I should be ordained. I was able to brush it off with the “been there, seen it, done it” response but it became harder to ignore. The last ‘prompt’ was in the course of a blind date in Oxford: we met, walked to the pub, ordered food and sat down and the man leaned forward and asked if I knew he was a prophet. Er...that will be a no. Then he said, “A minute after meeting you the Lord told me he is calling you to ordination and you’re not listening!” I was stunned. I have been a Christian nearly all my life and have always said that I would do anything and go anywhere for God with the only condition being that he makes it clear what and where. I felt I had no choice but to start the ordination process all over again, albeit unwillingly. Yet during that time God spoke to me very clearly through 1 Corinthians 6: 19: You are not your own; you were bought at a price which was the text used in a little midweek talk by a retired vicar followed by the hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross. The last verse is: Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. So, God changed my mind and my heart, and after two years at theological college I’m now ordained. Some days it all feels too much, but I have tried to be obedient and here I am. I’d like to thank you for such a wonderful welcome, your prayers and for all the incredible hard work on my new house which is beautiful. Please pop in to see me and my home on Saturday 17th October from 3.30 to 9pm for a cuppa and nibbles...and maybe even a glass of wine! New Archdeacon of Chesterfield, Christine Wilson (December 2009 edition of the Church Magazine)
Christine said that the new challenge facing her was “an exciting opportunity to participate in the senior leadership of the diocese.” She added: “I look forward to championing the mission and ministry priorities of the diocese and supporting the clergy and parishes of the Chesterfield archdeaconry as they build on the opportunities for growth and renewal.” We look forward to meeting Christine when she visits St Thomas' and St Peter's. The Speaker's Chaplain, Canon Robert Wright (February 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) The man who starts every day in Parliament tells us a bit about his role.
‘The daily prayers have been pretty much unchanged since 1660,’ he says. ‘Before the day's business - whether it will include a debate about committing British troops, the announcing of a general election or a vote on a tough moral issue such as abortion - the ?rst official words uttered in the chamber are "God be merciful to us and bless us" - the opening words of Psalm 67.’ The Lord's Prayer and prayer for the Royal Family and for the day's business follow. The three-minute service concludes with the Chaplain and MPs saying a benediction together. Society, though, seems increasingly to turn its back on faith. While a large number of MPs of all parties are Christian, many are not. How comfortable is Robert with the suggestion that it's time to take prayers out of parliamentary proceedings, as some local councils have done? ‘On the whole, I think many MPs value prayers and ?nd this a very precious time. One of my Christmas cards contained a line from an MP saying how much they appreciated there being prayers. I was at a party with some MPs and one of them was asked if he went to prayers. “Yes, I do,” he replied. “But you're not a Christian!” said his colleagues. "No, I'm not, but I value that time to put the day into perspective." ‘I am grateful that people come to prayers with this attitude, because that means they are open to the possibility of there being a God.’ Having now spent over ten years up close and personal with people in power, how does Robert see the role of faith within politics? ‘Faith is very important to a lot of politicians,’ he says. ‘Some are very open about their faith; some are not, and I can understand that. It is not always easy for Christian MPs. Last year, during the abortion debate, which may be the most difficult issue MPs vote on, many Christians felt under pressure because of what their church says on the subject.’ What about the argument that because politics can sometimes be a dirty business - broken promises, back-stabbing and compromise - Christians shouldn't be involved in it at all? ‘It is a difficult world and sometimes compromises have to be made. The fact that compromise is sometimes needed shouldn't be an excuse to avoid it. Christians are called to bring such integrity as we are able into those situations. ‘When I was ?rst appointed I was sitting in the chamber listening to a big debate and said to an MP that as Chaplain I felt irrelevant. He said: “Don't ever think you are irrelevant. It really matters that you are here.” ‘When Parliament was preparing to vote on going to war with Iraq, I sat in the chamber and kept praying silently: “Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!” For months afterwards MPs came up to me and said how glad they were that I was with them as they had to make that very tough decision. ‘One MP who is also a young mother told me how she'd never thought she'd have to vote for men and women to go out to kill people but she did. Others told me how they'd voted against their party for the ?rst time and that it was important to them that I'd been there during the debate. I think it is important that Christians make themselves visible at tough times.’ Is there any sense in which being a Christian will determine how an MP should vote? ‘I think it can lead to difficulties when the Church starts telling politicians how to deal with speci?c issues. However sometimes politicians want just to talk with me about things that are on their minds. I am not a theological adviser to the Government. Mine is more of a pastoral role, whether that's through taking tea with an MP or chatting to a doorkeeper in a corridor. ‘The Church, though, does have a prophetic role - to point out to society where it is going wrong and which values would help it improve. The Church can remind politicians that they, like the rest of us, are answerable to a higher authority. The Church can also take a wider perspective than short-term political gain. But that's something I gladly leave to the Archbishop of Canterbury to deal with!’ What are your re?ections on your work at Westminster? ‘It is possible to be seduced by the trappings of power and with meeting important people who are in the public eye. When you walk into the Palace of Westminster you are in another world. I've come to learn that the most important person in Westminster is the person you are with at the time -the person you're talking to. We are all God's children and each of us is important to him.’ As Speaker's Chaplain, Robert is a representative of Christianity in the heart of Parliament. Recognising that his ‘parish’ includes people of other faiths and of none, he senses a responsibility to represent all faiths. ‘I am available to everyone connected with Parliament and their families.’ he concludes. The Prayer for Parliament Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please or unworthy ideals, but laying aside all private interests and prejudices, keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may your Kingdom come and your name be hallowed. Amen The Journalist from Ploughshare has Called! (June 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) Those of you who have been members of St Thomas’ for some time will have noticed that two familiar faces have re-appeared in our congregation –Andy and Tina Broom.
What is Andy’s role as Director of Mission and Ministry for Derby Diocese? The new role has been created to increase the strategic thinking across the diocese and to improve the connections between the Bishop’s Staff Team, the Diocesan Officers who work from Church House, and the parishes. It is hoped it will lead to a more focused and effective provision of support to individual churches. Andy believes that God longs to see His church growing. He acknowledges that some people are uneasy at the word ‘growth’ as it can appear to be ‘just about numbers’. Healthy organisms always grow, both in quality and quantity and so should churches. We should be looking to grow in our spirituality, our discipleship, our engagement with the community and yes, also in numbers, -especially when it means more individuals discovering that they are known and loved by God. On behalf of all Ploughshare readers we welcome back Andy and Tina. And why is this article entitled The Journalist from Ploughshare has Called? It refers to the first time Andy and Tina appeared in print in the magazine back in February 1996. The article started like this: Introducing Tina and Andy Broom We waited and waited but the journalist from Ploughshare never arrived, so we huddled around the kitchen table and interviewed ourselves! This time round, Andy and Tina, the journalist from Ploughshare has called! I Have Learnt.... (June 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) At St Thomas’ Annual Church Meeting in April, Ruth, told us what she had learnt during her first year as a curate.
Welcome to Rev Mark Broomhead and his Family (August 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) We welcome into our church family Mark, Sarah, Kiaya and Eden who have moved from Clay Cross to join us.
On behalf of all readers we welcome Mark and his family and look forward to finding out more about them and Mark’s work in future editions. -Editor Ruth Turner is Ordained as Priest (August 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) Ruth, having been ordained Deacon a year ago, was ordained a Priest by the Bishop of Repton on Saturday 3 July 2010 at St John’s, Buxton. The next day. Sunday, there was a buffet for the church family to celebrate with Ruth. See pictures here Welcome to our New Neighbours (October 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) Two of our neighbouring parishes have new vicars.
Rev Audrey Smith is Leaving (October 2010 edition of the Church Magazine) Audrey Smith, our minister at St Peter’s has announced her retirement. Her last Sunday with us will be 28 November. On behalf of all Ploughshare readers may I thank Audrey for her great contribution to the life of St Peter’s. A longer article about Audrey’s time at St Peter’s will appear in the next edition of the magazine. -Editor Thank you Audrey (February 2011 edition of the Church Magazine) As the last edition of Ploughshare went for publication the The Reverend Audrey Smith, our Minister at St Peter’s announced her retirement. Diana Hinchliffe, Churchwarden, at St Peter’s, has written this article about Audrey in recognition of all she did and how much she was appreciated. On Thursday 24 April 2008 I was sitting in Holymoorside village hall waiting to welcome ladies to the Holymoorside Ladies Club when suddenly there appeared in front of me an unknown lady with a very big smile and a twinkle in her eye. “Can I join you?” she asked, “I’m new to the village. I only moved in on Monday.” “Where have you moved to? I asked. “Rose Cottage” she replied. “You must be our new ‘Vicaress’! “We have been waiting for you for a long time and you are very welcome” I replied. That was my first meeting with Revd Audrey and from that moment on Audrey was a big part of our village life. Even before her official licensing by David Garnett, the Archdeacon, on 4 May 2008 Audrey was out and about in the community, notebook and map in hand, calling on people to introduce herself, visiting the sick in their homes or in hospital, attending meetings, clubs and community events etc. In fact you name it and she was there, always with that winning smile offering help and support in any way that she could. Audrey arrived and had to settle into the parish and a new house during a very hectic time at St Peter’s. We were busy fundraising for and rebuilding St Peter’s vestry (completed January 2009). I know that the builders thought Audrey’s bacon butties and cuppas were second to none. One of the first notable changes to St Peter’s services after Audrey arrived was the Memorial Service held every November. The reverence and feeling as candles were lit by relatives and then placed on the altar as their loved ones names were read out was both moving and beautiful. The church seemed alive with the light of so many candles. Last year’s was very special as the candles were placed on a ‘Tree of Light’ by the relatives. Each tree (we have two) holds thirty candles set in red glasses -a spectacular sight when they are all alight. Audrey had wanted the trees for a while and money had been raised and donations given so that they would be there to be used for the first time at this service. They have since been used for the Carol Service and the Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve. They will be out next at Easter. Each time that they are used we will remember Audrey and her lovely services. Other major changes to our services were around Lent and Easter. On Ash Wednesday we had ‘ashing’. Never before had the congregation left church with big black crosses on their foreheads. The Agape meal on Maundy Thursday with hand washing was a very new experience as was leaving the church at the end of the service in reverent silence. Last year Audrey had a twelve foot high cross in the church by the altar. This was a constant reminder to us all of the true meaning of Easter. The most moving part to many was Audrey and Richard Banks singing, unaccompanied and unrehearsed, ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?’ standing near the huge cross. You really thought that you were there in that crowd. Audrey also revived the tradition of the ladies wearing their best clothes and an Easter bonnet on Easter Sunday. The Christingle service was also re-introduced by Audrey and loved by the children and families. Before Audrey left she had a special Christingle for the children of Walton and Holymoorside School who had visited the church on several occasions during her time at St Peter’s. One hundred and twenty children plus teachers and helpers came and had a wonderful experience. Another thing introduced by Audrey during her ministry with us included children and members of the congregation taking the sacrament up to the altar as part of the communion service and the Crucifer leading in and out of the services. Audrey started Tuesday morning prayers, the highlight of which has to be her account of her visit to the Holy Land and the pebbles from the Sea of Galilee that she brought back for each of us.
Captain Alan Park Licensed to St Thomas' (February 2011 edition of the Church Magazine)
Hello, we welcome Jackie Lidgate our New Minister at St Peter's (April 2011 edition of the Church Magazine)
During the past year we have settled back into life in England in Carlton in Lindrick. I have been very fortunate to have been able work as a locum in the neighbouring villages and have just completed a spell in Blyth, Ranskill and Scrooby. My training, theological education and ordination ten years ago were in Australia. So after being a parish priest in Australia I am now very honoured to be coming to your parish as Associate Priest. It is a reminder of how the Church of England stretches across the globe as we all try to live out our lives in God’s love and to build God’s Kingdom and God’s Church. It is also quite incredible that I shall be inducted as Priest just a few miles from where I was confirmed all those years ago –in the church at Old Brampton. So, after traveling so far, being away from England for nearly 25 years, I shall be almost back full circle. How wonderful! I am sorry I haven’t been able to begin our Lenten journey together but the days are slipping by and it won’t be too long until 11 April when our journey will officially begin together. Until then, please know that my prayers are with you and I should be most grateful if you would also pray for myself and Peter during this time -the thought of moving yet again is horrifying. However I am holding on to the consolation that the disruption will only be for a few days and then we can begin the next part of life’s unfolding journey! Blessings, Jackie Lidgate Please pray for Jackie and Peter as they prepare to move into the parish. Jackie’s induction service will be at 7.30pm on 11 April at St Peter’s. Everyone is welcome to attend. -Editor Pictures of Jackie's Licensing here The Rt Rev H William Godfrey -Bishop of Peru (April 2011 edition of the Church Magazine)
I was confirmed at St Thomas’, occasionally sang in the choir to help out at weddings and preached my first sermon there. My sister still goes to St Mark’s as do Judith and I when we are in Chesterfield.” Do any of our readers remember the Godfrey family? -Editor Read about our church members going to Peru here Rev Jackie Lidgate Licenced to St Peter's (June 2011 edition of the Church Magazine) Jackie was licensed on 11 April by Bishop Henry, Bishop of Repton. At the service were members of St Peter’s and representatives from other churches and the local community. After the licensing service we welcomed Jackie and husband Peter with a small buffet and cake. This gave us an opportunity to get to know Jackie and Peter better. See pictures here More about Jackie here Our Heavy Metal Curate, Mark Broomhead (August 2011 edition of the Church Magazine)
“We’re just there 24 hours a day for whenever people need a helping hand, a chat or just a safe space to recover from a little over indulgence. “The heavy metal culture is what I understand and to me it is no different from something like your village fete –just a bit more scary looking. Underneath the individuals who go are just normal” Mark acknowledges that some of the bands have satanic influences. This darker element, he says, should not be underestimated, and for this reason it is even more important that the chaplaincy team is there. Despite the setting, Mark is not shy about wearing his dog collar while wandering around the site. “The collar offers instant identification and people seem to be fine with it," he says. Mark has been licensed by the Bishop of Derby to start a new town centre church plant in Chesterfield to reach out to the alternative subculture. Jackie Lidgate Leaves (December 2011 edition of the Church Magazine) It is with regret that we have to announce that Jackie has resigned for health reasons. Although with us for only a few months she had made many friends and was held in great respect at St Peters’ and the people she had got to know in Holymoorside. We can’t always understand God’s plans. It seemed so right that He had sent Jackie to serve at St Peter’s. We now have to trust in the next part of God’s plan for us. Also, please hold Jackie in your prayers as she discerns what God’s plan is for her now. |
