Parish Carols, Midnight Mass & New Beginnings

Carol Service and Blessing of the Crib

Our Parish Carol Service at St Stephen Walbrook will take place next Wednesday 13th December at 6.00pm. It will have well-known carols to sing, traditional readings, the Blessing of the Christmas Crib and St Stephen’s Voices will be accompanied by the renowned Willis organ. The service will last under an hour, be led by myself, with the Christmas message being given by Revd Sally Muggeridge. It will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine and you are all most welcome to this very popular service, but please arrive in good time if you want a seat with a view.

Christmas Eve Mass

On Christmas Eve at 11.30pm, we will be celebrating the arrival of Christmas with a sung Eucharist, celebrated by Revd Sally Muggeridge and the preacher will be myself. St Stephen’s Voices will lead the music and the organist will be Dr Andrew Earis. The service, to which all are welcome, will be followed by mince pies and hot drinks.

Fresh challenges

These two Christmas services will also mark the moving on to different pastures of both myself and Revd Sally Muggeridge.

Sally completes two years of her curacy this Christmas and will be moving from the Diocese of London to her home Diocese of Canterbury to, in time, be licensed in the parish where she lives. We have been very fortunate to have enjoyed Sally’s assistance and ministry at St Stephen Walbrook during this time and can be particularly grateful for the links she has established with the City and with businesses locally. I have greatly appreciated having her here as a colleague and I am sure we will all wish her well for the future.

In relation to my own situation, as Associate Vicar at St Martin-in-the-Fields, our partner church, I have been instrumental in creating and establishing HeartEdge, a new network of churches for those working at the heart of culture, community and commerce and with those at the margins and on the edge. In 2018 I will be developing this and other partnerships further and so will be moving full-time to St Martin-in-the-Fields to focus on this important work.

The Archdeacon for the Two Cities, in writing to the PCC with news of this development, noted that the three years I have been at St Stephen Walbrook have seen ‘significant change and growth’ including Start:Stop, our popular ten-minute Tuesday morning reflections, being just one among several examples of a key initiative that has created ‘a new pattern of missional engagement at Walbrook.’ Others include the uplifting ‘Discover and Explore’ series of services on Mondays, which have featured different themes accompanied by the Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Archdeacon Rosemary also stated that the partnership with St Martin-in-the-Fields ‘remains strong and will continue to grow’ and the fact ‘that Walbrook can look confidently to the future is a sign of all that has been achieved.’

Our Christmas services will therefore provide an opportunity for both Sally and I to say goodbye to you all before moving on to these fresh challenges. Both Sally and I wish you all a Peaceful and Joyous Christmas.

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The Choir of Somerville College, Oxford - Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.

Business Harvest Festival

You are invited to the Business Harvest Festival at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 12th October, followed by a light lunch. Our preacher on this occasion will be The Ven. Luke Miller, Archdeacon of London.

Traditionally, harvest is a time when the country gives thanks for the natural gifts of the land and the safe harvesting of them.

At St Stephen Walbrook, we give thanks for that but, as you may know, have a tradition of inviting representatives of local businesses to bring a symbol of their work and place it on the Henry Moore altar at the start of the service. Some examples of symbols presented in the past have been books, building development plans, food, financial accounts, a bottle of wine, a trowel, an insurance policy, a scaffolding bolt, and items of clothing. All will be returned after the service.

We very much hope that you will be able to join us and also include your business associates in the invitation. If you are able to attend, please do consider bringing a symbol of your work with you to place on the altar. Do stay afterwards, if you can, for a light lunch.

It would be a great help for catering purposes if you could let us know whether you or your colleagues can join us and present a symbol of your work. Please RSVP to office@ststephenwalbrook.net or phone 020 7626 9000.

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Cat Stevens - Morning Has Broken.

Business Harvest Festival

You are invited to the Business Harvest Festival at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 12th October, followed by a light lunch. Our preacher on this occasion will be The Ven. Luke Miller, Archdeacon of London.

Traditionally, harvest is a time when the country gives thanks for the natural gifts of the land and the safe harvesting of them.

At St Stephen Walbrook, we give thanks for that but, as you may know, have a tradition of inviting representatives of local businesses to bring a symbol of their work and place it on the Henry Moore altar at the start of the service. Some examples of symbols presented in the past have been books, building development plans, food, financial accounts, a bottle of wine, a trowel, an insurance policy, a scaffolding bolt, and items of clothing. All will be returned after the service.

We very much hope that you will be able to join us and also include your business associates in the invitation. If you are able to attend, please do consider bringing a symbol of your work with you to place on the altar. Do stay afterwards, if you can, for a light lunch.

It would be a great help for catering purposes if you could let us know whether you or your colleagues can join us and present a symbol of your work. Please RSVP to office@ststephenwalbrook.net or phone 020 7626 9000.

You may also be interested in our next plus+ presentation which will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday 19 October (preceded by Evening Prayer at 6.15pm), when The Revd Sally Muggeridge will speak from personal experience about campaigns to increase the numbers of women on Boards.

plus+ presentations are a new series of events exploring the place of faith in the world of business. Future dates for plus+ presentations include:

• 9th November Barbara Ridpath, Director of St Paul's Institute, will speak on Transitions: how to make life-changing career changes by choice or necessity. 
• 18 January 2018, our presenter will be Professor Richard Higginson (Director of Faith in Business, Ridley Hall Cambridge) speaking about Christian entrepreneurs living out their faith. 
• 15 February 2018 - Revd Dr Fiona Stewart-Darling, Canary Wharf MultiFaith Chaplaincy. 

Finally, our current art exhibition is 'Creations' by the sculptor Alexander de Cadenet. Alexander is exhibiting, until 3 November, a series of bronze and silver sculptures featuring ‘consumables’ that contain deeper spiritual messages. The works include a selection of his ‘Life-Burger’ hamburger sculptures and 'Creation' – a larger scale shiny bronze apple with three bites taken from it – two adult bites and baby bite in between. His sculptures explore the relationship between the spiritual dimension of art and consumerism and, at their root, are an exploration of what gives life meaning. These are themes which also link to this season of Harvest.

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Fred Pratt Green - For The Fruits Of His Creation.

Living Streets award webpage

The Seven Kings and Newbury Park Residents Association (SKNPRA) is congratulated on the Living Streets website for achieving Redbridge’s first Living Streets Neighbourhood Award. We received the award for their work improving the local environment along Aldborough Road South in order to get more people out walking.

The Neighbourhood Award was presented at the Creating Community event in May which included the opening, by the Archdeacon of West Ham, of the community garden at St John's Seven Kings and the presentation of the Living Streets Neighbourhood Award by the Mayor of Redbridge.

Living Streets works with communities to improve local environments and get more people out walking. Groups and individuals who have successfully encouraged walking and promoted safe, vibrant streets and spaces receive awards to acknowledge their creativity, community spirit and hard work.

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The Clark Sisters - You Brought The Sunshine.

Creating Community event (2)

We enjoyed an excellent day at St John's Seven Kings today with large numbers attending our Creating Community event where the Archdeacon of West Ham opened our community garden, the Seven Kings and Newbury Park Resident's Association were presented with a Living Streets award by the Mayor of Redbridge, a range of community groups provided information about their services and a successful plant and table-top sale was held.

My dedication prayer for the community garden opening is: I dedicate this community garden for the enjoyment of local people and to the glory of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I pray that this garden will be a place of rest, reflection and pleasure for all who use it in future. May your Spirit fill this place enabling people to receive comfort as they remember loved ones and to enjoy the artworks that will be placed here and the beauty of the plants which grow here. May this place also come to be a focus for the local community as groups of local schoolchildren tend it and through the information provided via its noticeboards. May your peace and blessing rest upon it in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Lou Reed et al - Perfect Day.

Community Garden

Lots more work was done this morning on the community garden at St John's Seven Kings to ensure that the garden is ready to be officially opened next Saturday by the Archdeacon of West Ham.

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Robert Randolph and the Family Band - If I Had My Way.

Subversion of scapegoating

I've been tagged by Philip Ritchie for the following meme:

Summarise the Bible in five statements, the first one word long, the second two, the third three, the fourth four and the last five words long. Or possibly you could do this in descending order. Tag five people.

My version is a Girardian attempt:

Murder
of scapegoats
subverted by the
act of God becoming
the ultimate sacrifice for all.

Sam and Banksy have also come up with some great responses to this one. I tag Paul Trathen, Elwin Cockett and Tim Goodbody.

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The Staple Singers - When Will We Be Paid.

c4m webpage update (18)

There are two new posts on the commission4mission webpage. The first has a photo and report from the service collating and installing c4m member Martin Webster as Archdeacon of Harlow. The second has photos of work undertaken by Henry Shelton on the commission we have received for the St Luke's Chapel at Queens Hospital Romford.

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Gravy Train - September Morning News.

Not titles but testimonies

Geoff Eze, curate at St Johns Seven Kings, was ordained as a priest during a service held at St Marys Walthamstow on Sunday 28th June. He was one of six ordained as priest by the Bishop of Barking during the service, which was attended by many of the St Johns congregation.

During the ordination service, the Ven. Elwin Cockett, Archdeacon of West Ham, spoke movingly about his father who instead of pursuing positions as a doctor in this country served others abroad through his skills and, as a result, died in his mid-thirties. On the day of his funeral the Ghanaian town where he had served came to a standstill. Elwin concluded that it was not titles but testimonies that are the true measure of a person’s life and service.

Geoff says that: "Serving St John's for the last year has been a privilege and a blessing. My ordination to the priesthood is a testimony to the work of the Lord through His people, especially that of my vicar, Jonathan and the loving and dedicated congregation of St John's. I look forward with intrepidation and excitement to continue working for St John's and the people of Seven Kings in Christ's name."

An ordination is a very special celebration for the whole church. From earliest times Christians have recognized that God has called and gifted every Christian to some sort of ministry. The Bible and early church history suggest our traditional pattern of Bishop, Priest and Deacon as servant leaders of God’s people.

Ordination as priest is the next step that Geoff is taking on an exciting journey through life of being committed to God. We, at St John’s, look forward to all that the next stage on that journey will bring both for him and for us.

Geoff will preside at communion for the first time in the 10.00am service at St Johns Seven Kings on Sunday 5th July. The service will be followed by a bring-and-share lunch to celebrate Geoff’s Priesting. All are welcome.

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Paul Johnson - If We Lose Our Way.

Movers & Shakers

Lee Scott MP talking with other participants

On the start line for the 'Movers & Shakers' cycle ride

Chris Elliott (left) one of the LCC organisers

Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council, speaking after the ride

Elwin Cockett, Archdeacon of West Ham

Yesterday I was at the new Redbridge Cycling Centre, with its stunning views across London and links with the London Olympic site for 'Movers and Shakers', an initiative by local branches of London Cycling Campaign in which people of influence within the community act as role models to demonstrate that cycling can be for everyone.

'Movers and Shakers' culminated in yesterday's public event at the RCC, on Forest Road, Ilford IG6 3, beside Hainault Lodge Nature Reserve. 'Movers and Shakers' present included, among others:

• Richard Allen, Head of Business Planning, Barnardo's Children's services;
• Ravi Bhanot, organiser of the Sewa Week (Hindu) Ilford Charity Bike Ride;
• Paul Canal, Chair of Wanstead & Snaresbrook Ward Conservatives;
• Chris Carter, Editor, 'Ilford Recorder';
• James Cleverly, Mayor's Ambassador for Young People, GLA member Bexley & Bromley;
• Revd. Elwin Cockett, Archdeacon of West Ham;
• Chief Inspector Paige Kimberley, Met. Police;
• Cllr. Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council; and
• Lee Scott, MP Ilford North.

The 'Movers & Shakers' tried out the Upper and full tracks at the RCC as part of their cycle ride before speeches and a buffet lunch. Lee Scott MP spoke about national cycle policy, Roger Evans, GLA member, about the Mayor's cycle policy, Chief Inspector Paige Kimberley spoke about cycling safely and Cllr. Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council, about encouraging cycling in Redbridge.

I managed three circuits of the Upper Track and one of the full track (just!), on top of cycling to and from the RCC. All of which was probably the most exercise I've had in a long time! But well worth it to play a part in encouraging others to cycle and in order to see the excellent facilities at the RCC.

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Pink Floyd - Bike.

Pastoral presence

Ven. Elwin Cockett (Archdeacon of West Ham and Chaplain to West Ham United FC) speaking at the Men's Breakfast held at St John's Seven Kings on Saturday 2nd February.

Saturday's Men's Breakfast at St John's was very well attended with men coming from St John's, St Laurence's, St Andrew's and the United Free Church to enjoy a cooked breakfast and the Archdeacon's presentation.

In his talk Elwin Cockett told the story of how, as an ardent Hammers fan, he had had the idea of becoming chaplain to West Ham while training for ordination. In describing his role at the club he spoke about his involvements with players, managers and backroom staff and gave his views on current issues within the game.

Elwin's role at the club is a pastoral one and he spoke with real understanding of the various pressures (financial and media, among others) faced by players, managers and staff. He gave a fascinating insight into the way in which a chaplain can be a pastoral presence in a high pressure environment.

We had a great response to the event in terms of people coming and interest in Elwin's talk and will, as a result, organise more Men's Breakfasts in future.

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West Ham fans - I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles.

Faith & football

Elwin Cockett, the new Archdeacon of West Ham and Chaplain to West Ham United FC, will be speaking on faith and football at the Men's Breakfast to be held at St John's Seven Kings on Saturday 2nd February from 8.30am. There is an open invitation to hear Elwin and enjoy good food and conversation over breakfast.

So is God a West Ham supporter? Elwin seems to be sure that he is. 'Well, God cares about people, and football clubs are full of people, so I guess the answer must be 'yes'! Having said that, I have to accept that God cares about people whether they're Hammers fans, Spurs fans or even Man Utd fans.'

'I grew up in the East End in the 60s, in the era of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, so I could hardly help donning the claret-and-blue. Like many supporters, I started going to games in my teens, standing on the old North Bank, before I graduated to a Season Ticket. Of course, I had to give that up before I went off to theological college'.

It was while at college that Elwin met Andrew Wingfield-Digby, from Christians in Sport, who was acting as chaplain to the England cricket team at the time. It was through his encouragement that Elwin committed himself to praying for West Ham Utd and for the club's staff, players and fans. Three years later, he found himself appointed as the club's first chaplain.

So what does a chaplain do? "On one level, I do all the things that people associate with vicars. I've been privileged to take the funerals of a number of former players, like Alan Sealey and John Dick, and to be part of some important private moments within the 'West Ham family'. I've also shared in a lot of lighter moments, and enjoyed watching a fair bit of football along the way.

In the end, my role is to be a friend of the club, so I make sure that I get my face seen around the offices and training ground during the week, and not just on the big match days. It's surprising what topics of conversation come up. I never know what's coming, so I always pray that God will guide me whenever I go to Upton Park or the training ground."

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New Order - World In Motion.

Fox's Farewell Tour

For the last eight years Michael Fox, the retiring Archdeacon of West Ham, has chaired the Diocesan Environmental Group. As part of his long farewell as he moves into retirement, he is going to a church in each of the Deaneries in the Barking Area (plus some others around the Diocese) showing the ex-Vice-President of the United States, Al Gore’s, remarkable film entitled An Inconvenient Truth. It is actually an Oscar-winning film, in spite of being basically a lecture that Al Gore has given around the world for many years.

If it sounds dull, come and see it. You are in for a shock. It explains and explores the results of the climate change we are personally undergoing. The film is 90 minutes long and Michael will spend just half an hour talking about, and answering questions on, why we as Christians should have any particular concerns about environmental issues.

In this Deanery, Michael will be at St Andrew's (The Drive, Ilford) at 7.30pm on Wednesday 1st August.

Enough is Enough!

One of the people that has been a real inspiration and support to many of us in the Diocese of Chelmsford (and beyond) is the current Archdeacon of West Ham, Michael Fox.

Michael is shortly to retire and, as part of his farewell tour of the Diocese, spoke at last Tuesday's Deanery Synod for Redbridge. What he had to say is well worth wider circulation but, before we get to that, his Farewell Service will be held at St Margaret's Barking, the church were he grew up and where his name is carved into a pew (something he did as a child, not an Archdeacon!). This service will be held on Wednesday 4th July at 7.30pm.

Michael told us that the biggest change he had seen over his 40 years of ministry in the Diocese was the global population explosion with its consequent rise in exploitation of the world's resources. He challenged us to think how we could live more equitably in future (contractual convergence being one possible solution) and to think what it will be like to live in a world without resources, like oil, that we currently take for granted.

While in the West we have shifted, he thinks, from denial on issues of climate change. So far we have only shifted to panic mode and are not yet at the point of collectively saying what lifestyle changes we need to make to make a difference. He reminded us of John V. Taylor's book, Enough is Enough, which kickstarted the simple lifestyle movement 20 years ago. That message has still to be fully taken on board; as have the messages of the Church of England report Sharing God's Planet, which in his opinion is still the best short summary of the issues.

Among the reasons why the Church is not further on in its thinking and response to these issues is the fracture between those wanting to find security in a dramatically changing world through a doctrinaire, simplistic faith and those seeking a more profound study of the Bible that reads it against culture, history, context and not as a one-dimensional rule book.

But the picture is, by no means, mainly negative. Much of what happens at the grassroots of church life is actually a real challenge to the public perceptions of what Church is about. Many congregations are genuinely seeking to engage with their local communities in ways that are not confrontational or judgemental. This has been helped by the migration of Christians from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, among others, into our cities; which is revitalising the Church of England in the city.

The presence of people of other faiths and the growth of interest in spirituality are also a positive challenge to us, as Christians, to take our own faith seriously. God, he concluded, has had a remarkable resurgence in the last 20 years; how well equipped are we to be signs of what the Christian spiritual tradition can bring to these issues and to our world?