Unveiled programme, Max Blake exhibition, Quiet Days, and HeartEdge event

Check out the programme of great events in the Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry over the summer term including Unveiled, our fortnightly Friday night arts and performance event at St Andrew’s Church (7.00 – 9.00 pm, 11 London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 0AN), an exhibition entitled 'Adventures in Joy' by Max Blake, our programme of Quiet Days, and a HeartEdge 'Living God's future now' event:

Unveiled Summer Programme 2025

• 2 May (7.00 pm) - Exhibition viewing evening. See ‘Adventures in Joy’, an exhibition by Max Blake and hear Max speak about his work.
• 9 May (7.00 pm) – Hear Ken Porter, author, historian & Chair of Basildon Heritage, give an illustrated talk about blue plaques in Basildon borough.
• 30 May (7.00 pm) – – Poets Tim Harrold & Jonathan Evens share a selection of poetry and prose. Tim is a poet who creates images of profound challenge and change. Jonathan’s poems & stories have been published by Amethyst Review, International Times & Stride.
• 13 June (7.30 pm) – Open Mic Night organised with John Rogers. Everybody is welcome to come along and play, read, sing or just spectate. See you there for a great evening of live performance!
• 28 June (7.00 pm) – The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields in concert. The Choral Scholars sing for services, concerts and other events at St Martin’s, exploring a huge range of repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day.
• 4 July (7.00 pm) – An evening with Neil Tye. Hear British-born and Denmark-based artist Neil Tye speak about his work; paintings that entice the viewer to be immersed in their colours, shapes, and movement, where hidden images, feelings, or meanings can be revealed.
• 18 July (7.30 pm) – Eva Romanakova and Andrew Palmer in concert. Hear Mezzo-Soprano Eva Romanakova and pianist Andrew Palmer perform a wide selection of music including musical theatre, classical, opera, pop, jazz, folk and songs from the movies.

See http://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html and https://basildondeanery.co.uk/index.php/news/ for more information.

These events do not require tickets (just turn up on the night). There will be a retiring collection to cover artist and church costs.

Adventures in Joy: An exhibition by Max Blake, 2 May – 25 July 2025, St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN

View the exhibition and hear Max speak about his work at ‘Unveiled’, the arts & performance evening at St Andrew’s Wickford, Friday 2 May, 7.00 pm.

St Andrew’s is usually open: Sat 9am-12.30pm; Sun 9.30am-12 noon; Mon 2-3.45pm; Tue 1-4.30pm; Wed 10am-12 noon; Fri 10am-1pm. https://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html

“Adventures in Joy” presents the most recent work produced by artist and cleric Max Blake. It includes some of the work he has developed though his studies of Icons, as well as his experiments in a more abstract and surreal direction. Max explores his own deep imagination, which is fed by his wide knowledge of religion and reflections amongst other things.

As a man of faith, much of his work expresses an exploration of the Christian faith. Over recent years, Max has studied Byzantine and Coptic Iconography and he has used this study to develop his own interpretations of the icon. Much of Max’s work is highly detailed and the viewer can find many hidden details, people, faces and shapes in his work. This creates a joyful adventure for the eye through bright and vivid worlds. Max uses a range of media including oil paints, inks and coloured pencils.

Max Blake was born in East London in the early 50s and then grew up in Basildon. After graduating as a teacher, Max taught art in secondary schools across south Essex. He also worked with children with anxiety and children with special needs. He was ordained deacon followed by priesting in the early 2000s. Although he is now retired, Max still works as a retired priest with Permission to Officiate in the United Benefice of Horndon, Orsett and Bulphan.

As well as artwork Max has also illustrated book covers and books for children. He continues to exhibit his vibrant work in various locations, including the Well House Gallery in Horndon on the Hill and St Catherine’s Church in East Tilbury. https://www.wellhousegallery.co.uk/art/max-blake

Our churches in Wickford and Runwell are places to enjoy cultural programmes including concerts and exhibitions as well as being places to see art and architecture.

Living God's future now

You are warmly invited to join us at the Living God Future Now event, presented by
HeartEdge and with performances from The Choral Scholars of St Martins-in-the Fields.

Join us for one or both days, as we explore new approaches to mission. There will be a wide
range of ideas covered, so we hope you will find something inspiring to take home.
Friday 27th June will be hosted by St Andrew’s Church, Wickford and will begin at 9:45am.

Author Sam Wells and other inspiring guest speakers will share their insights and explore
The 4Cs, (Commerce, Compassion, Culture, Congregation). There will be opportunities to
share ideas, connect with your colleagues and be actively involved in our Being With
workshops. We’ll also discuss music in mission and enjoy live musical performances.

Saturday 28th June will be hosted at St Mary’s Church, Runwell and in contrast this will be a
Quiet Day. We’ll begin the morning at 9:00 am with a contemplative prayer walk through
Wickford Memorial Park. This will be followed by input from Catherine Duce, of The
Nazareth Community at St Martin-in-the-Fields, drawing on their seven spiritual disciplines,
in particular the significance of silent prayer and service in listening to the Spirit at work in
our lives.

We all have something to bring to the church and this inspiring event will help us recognise
this value. Leave with your imagination sparked and your heart singing!

This is a Diocesan event supported with SDF funding. Refreshments will be provided but
please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, allergies or additional needs.

Find out more about the event and register for it here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-gods-future-now-an-event-by-heartedge-tickets-1319715016139?aff=oddtdtcreator

Quiet Days

Our Quiet Days enable people to reflect in the beautiful and historic surrounds of St Mary’s Runwell and St Nicholas Rawreth. St. Mary’s is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. St Nicholas provides times of quiet and reflection in a beautiful setting.

Themes for 2025 include: Rogation Days; A Path with a Heart; Sabbath; Our Lady; and Lancelot Andrewes (at St Nicholas).

All are 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. Runwell Rd SS11 7HS/Church Rd SS11 8SH.

• Wednesday 28 May – Rogation Days: Rogation Days precede Ascension Day. Traditionally, they are days of prayer and fasting observed with processions and 'beating the bounds’ when God’s blessing is asked on agriculture and industry, and were. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 28 June – A Path with a Heart: Seeking inspiration from the Nazareth Community - Silence and Service are at the very heart of the Nazareth rule of life. Led by Revd Catherine Duce, Assistant Vicar for the Companions of Nazareth, St Martin-in-the-Fields.
• Saturday 12 July – Sabbath: Explore Sabbath as both a day of rest and the coming kingdom of God. Led by Mike Tricker, LLM.
• Wednesday 13 August – Our Lady: Reflect on the experiences, inspiration and support of Our Lady, the Mother of Jesus. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 27 September – Lancelot Andrewes: Discover the influence and example of Lancelot Andrewes (who lived in Rawreth) who helped define Anglican doctrine, translate the Bible, and shape the liturgy. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens & Revd Steve Lissenden. To be held at St Nicholas Rawreth.

Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day). To book: jonathan.evens@btinternet.com / 07803 562329 (28/06, 12/07, 27/09) or sue.wise@sky.com / 07941 506156 (28/05, 12/07).

Parking available: Church Hall (Runwell) or Village Hall (Rawreth). Nearest station: Wickford (for Runwell) or Battlesbridge (for Rawreth).

http://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/

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The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields - Great Sacred Music.  

Quiet Days in 2025 - St Mary’s Runwell & St Nicholas Rawreth

Reflect in the beautiful and historic surrounds of St Mary’s Runwell and St Nicholas Rawreth. St. Mary’s is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. St Nicholas provides times of quiet and reflection in a beautiful setting.

Themes for 2025 include: Rogation Days; A Path with a Heart; Sabbath; Our Lady; and Lancelot Andrewes (at St Nicholas).

 
All are 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. Runwell Rd SS11 7HS/Church Rd SS11 8SH.

• Wednesday 28 May – Rogation Days: Rogation Days precede Ascension Day. Traditionally, they are days of prayer and fasting observed with processions and 'beating the bounds’ when God’s blessing is asked on agriculture and industry, and were. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 28 June – A Path with a Heart: Seeking inspiration from the Nazareth Community - Silence and Service are at the very heart of the Nazareth rule of life. Led by Revd Catherine Duce, Assistant Vicar for the Companions of Nazareth, St Martin-in-the-Fields.
• Saturday 12 July – Sabbath: Explore Sabbath as both a day of rest and the coming kingdom of God. Led by Mike Tricker, LLM.
• Wednesday 13 August – Our Lady: Reflect on the experiences, inspiration and support of Our Lady, the Mother of Jesus. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 27 September – Lancelot Andrewes: Discover the influence and example of Lancelot Andrewes (who lived in Rawreth) who helped define Anglican doctrine, translate the Bible, and shape the liturgy. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens & Revd Steve Lissenden. To be held at St Nicholas Rawreth.

Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day). To book: jonathan.evens@btinternet.com / 07803 562329 (28/06, 12/07, 27/09) or sue.wise@sky.com / 07941 506156 (28/05, 12/07). 

Parking available: Church Hall (Runwell) or Village Hall (Rawreth). Nearest station: Wickford (for Runwell) or Battlesbridge (for Rawreth).

http://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/

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Bill Fay - The Healing Day.

Quiet Day – Faith Pictures

Quiet Day – Faith Pictures: Saturday 15 June, 10.30 am - 3.30 pm, St Mary's Runwell.

 
Helps us see where God has been present in our lives, how we can talk about that confidently, and how God is active in the world around us and wants us to join in with Him. The focus will be on Traveller’s Tales and Talking Pictures. Led by Gail and Stephen.

Reflect in the magnificent mediaeval building that is St Mary’s Runwell, and relax in its beautiful churchyard. St. Mary’s is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. Experience this yourself, while also exploring its art and heritage.

Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day)

To book contact jonathan.evens@btinternet.com / 07803 562329.

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 U2 - A Celebration.

Quiet Day: Jesus Music

 

Here's my introduction to Saturday's Quiet Day at St Mary's Runwell on Jesus Music:

The Jesus Movement in America in the 1960s and 1970s was an extraordinary time of mass revival, renewal, and reconciliation. This counter-cultural movement of Christians also found its own expression in the UK, reshaping the lives of individuals along with the life and mission of the new and existing churches across the nation.

The Jesus Movement included: the emergent Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene; links between the Jesus People and the burgeoning charismatic movement; the establishment of new influential churches like Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel and John Wimber’s Vineyard Fellowship; and ministries that reached out to drug users, bikers, hippies, that came out of, or were parallel to, the Jesus People.

In terms of music, a good description of what went on can be found in the introduction to a 3CD box set called All God’s Children: Songs From The British Jesus Rock Revolution 1967-1974 which provides an overview of the UK element of the late 60s/early 70s “Jesus movement”:

‘During the late 60s and early 70s, the restless, questing nature of the Woodstock generation and the horrors of Vietnam saw the pop scene add a new spiritual element. Many young people embraced Christianity, viewing Jesus as the prototypal long-haired hippie, persecuted by the establishment of the day while dispensing peace and love to a troubled, cynical world.

The American branch of the Jesus movement effectively started in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco, but there was also a parallel development in the UK that slowly evolved from beat groups performing in church coffee-bars. By 1971, leading British Xian rock band Out Of Darkness were appearing at notorious countercultural gathering Phun City, while Glastonbury introduced a “Jesus tent” that offered Christian revellers mass and holy communion twice a day.’

‘All God’s Children assembles the best of the British Christian acts, including such respected names as Out Of Darkness … , Parchment, Whispers Of Truth and Judy MacKenzie. It also features the secular alongside the sacred, including the likes of Strawbs, Moody Blues, Amazing Blondel, John Kongos and Medicine Head – bands who, though theologically shyer than their more overtly Christian contemporaries, all wrote songs with a strong spiritual message.’

There had always been a spiritual element to Rock ‘n’ Roll. When it emerged, Rock ‘n’ Roll merged Blues (with its spiritual strand) and Country music (tapping its white gospel) while Soul music adapted much of its sound and content from Black Gospel. For both, their gestures and movements were adopted from Pentecostalism. Some, such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Sam Cooke, felt guilt at secularising Gospel while others, like Johnny Cash, arrived at a hard-earned integration of faith and music. The Church, at the time, generally opposed the secularisation of its music and, as a result, there appeared to be a gulf between the music of the Church and that of popular culture.

The Hippie movement expanded the spirituality already inherent in rock music through the visionary aspect of drug culture and a wider engagement with religion which included significant connections with Eastern religions but also, in part through the Jesus Movement, was with Christianity. In fact, it seems probable that the Jesus Movement led to a growth in songs by secular artists which were about Jesus. This was also the period in which songs such as 'Presence of the Lord' by Blind Faith, 'My Sweet Lord' by George Harrison, 'Fire and Rain' by James Taylor, 'Sweet Cherry Wine' and 'Crystal Blue Persuasion' by Tommy James and the Shondells, 'Let it Be' by The Beatles, 'That's the Way God Planned It' by Billy Preston, 'Hymn' by Barclay James Harvest, 'Jesus is A Soul Man' by Laurence Reynolds, 'Are You Ready?' by Pacific Gas & Electric, 'Spirit in the Sky' by Norman Greenbaum, 'Put Your Hand in the Hand' by Ocean, and 'Jesus Is Just Alright' by the Doobie Brothers, as well as albums like Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace, Al Green's Belle Album and The Staple Singers' Be What You Are became popular. This was also the period of musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell and, from the Jesus Movement itself, Lonesome Stone and Yesterday, Today, Forever.

Gram Parsons, both as a solo artist and with the Flying Burrito Brothers, drew on the Gospel music tradition in Country Music, also taking The Bryds in the same direction. Christian of the World by Tommy James was a mixture of serious religious themes encased in James' well known pop style and featuring many of the studio players and singers he had used successfully on earlier recordings. David Axelrod wrote Mass in F Minor and Release of an Oath for the Electric Prunes, albums which combined religious and classical elements with psychedelic rock in a rock-opera concept. The songs of Judee Sill 'dealt with Christian spirituality, metaphysics, rapture and redemption, and were laden with classical music overtones': 'Her spiritual quest informed much of her writing. Heavenly and temporal love were constant themes. She had been through many relationships, and lust, rapture, and redemption intermingled ... Her interest in Christianity was far more than intellectual curiosity – she was baptized by Pat Boone in his swimming pool, and once described Christ as an elusive lover – “My vision of my animus.”'

Turning back to the Jesus Movement, Electric Liturgy by Mind Garage pre-dated the Mass in F Minor and gave a basis for later rock versions of the Mass/Eucharist such as the Rock Communion by Fresh Claim and U2charists. In Electric Eden: Unearthing Britain's Visionary Music, Rob Young includes a brief survey of '70's Jesus Music noting that "there were a few groups - After the Fire, Caedmon, Canaan, Cloud, Bryn Haworth, Meet Jesus Music, Narnia, Nutshell, Parchment, Presence, Reynard, Trinity Folk, Water into Wine Band and 11:59 - which managed to make a music that has lasting value, a kind of Eucharistic-progressive sound that sits comfortably with the better acid folk of the period."

So, it seems probable that the Jesus Movement did have a significant influence on mainstream music in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. That influence is one that is still being felt in a variety of ways and this period remains interesting because it laid the foundation for later developments both within mainstream popular music and Contemporary Christian Music. However, it is interesting primarily because of the quality of the music and the insights found therein in regard to Jesus and that’s what we’re going to focus on in this Quiet Day.

As part of the Quiet Day we listened to music from Amazing Blondel, Anawim, Barclay James Harvest, Sydney Carter, 11:59, The Moody Blues, Nirvana, Larry Norman, Strawbs and Clifford T. Ward. Our songs divided into songs about Jesus and prayers to Jesus.

Future Quiet Days at St Mary's are:

• Wednesday 22 May – Women in the Bible: Spend time getting to know the women whose lives made a significant contribution to the story of God’s relationship with his people. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 15 June – Faith Pictures: Helps us see where God has been present in our lives, how we can talk about that confidently, and how God is active in the world around us and wants us to join in with Him. The focus will be on Traveller’s Tales and Talking Pictures. Led by Gail and Stephen.
• Wednesday 10 July – Psalms: Time to immerse yourself in the prayerfulness, rich imagery and poetry of the psalms. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 14 September – The 7S’s of the Nazareth Community: Silence, Sacrament, Scriptures, Service, Sharing, Sabbath, Staying as a personal Rule of Life. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens.

Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day)

To book contact jonathan.evens@btinternet.com / 07803 562329 (27/04, 15/06, 14/09) or sue.wise@sky.com / 07941 506156 (22/05, 10/07)

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Nirvana - Lord Up Above.
 

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Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry: Upcoming Events

Messy Lent/Temptation

Saturday 10 February, 2.00 - 4.00 pm, St Andrew's Wickford

Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.

Pancake Party
St Catherine’s Hall, 120 Southend Road, Wickford SS11 8EB
Tuesday 13th February, 2.00 - 4.00 pmDrop in between 2pm and 4pm or stay all afternoon and help raise funds for St Catherine’s tower restoration. £4 to include 2 pancakes and unlimited tea or coffee. Gluten free available on request.

Salvation Army Band & Choir

Wickford Salvation Army Band and Choir will be performing at St Andrew's at 3.30 pm on Sunday 17 March to raise funds for St Andrew's. All are welcome.

Take Note in concert
Saturday 20 April, 3.00 pm
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN

Take Note are an all-male a Cappella group of up to 12 singers formed in 2015. They sing many genres of music across many eras in four-part harmony. Their wide-ranging repertoire includes traditional male voice choir numbers, popular songs from the 50s and 60s sung in close harmony doo wop style, comedy items and other a Cappella arrangements that they think will appeal to their audiences.

This concert is a fundraiser for St Andrew’s Church. No tickets required. Donations requested on the day.

Quiet Days in 2024 - St Mary’s Runwell

Reflect in the magnificent mediaeval building that is St Mary’s Runwell, and relax in its beautiful churchyard. St. Mary’s is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. Experience this yourself, while also exploring its art and heritage.

Themes for 2024 include: Psalms, Women in the Bible, Nazareth Community’s Rule of Life, Faith Pictures, and Jesus Music.

All are 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. Runwell Rd SS11 7HS.

• Saturday 27 April – Jesus Music: Reflect on the person of Jesus plus praise and prayer to him, through the Jesus Music of the 1960’s and 70’s. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens.
• Wednesday 22 May – Women in the Bible: Spend time getting to know the women whose lives made a significant contribution to the story of God’s relationship with his people. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 15 June – Faith Pictures: Helps us see where God has been present in our lives, how we can talk about that confidently, and how God is active in the world around us and wants us to join in with Him. The focus will be on Traveller’s Tales and Talking Pictures. Led by Gail and Stephen.
• Wednesday 10 July – Psalms: Time to immerse yourself in the prayerfulness, rich imagery and poetry of the psalms. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
• Saturday 14 September – The 7S’s of the Nazareth Community: Silence, Sacrament, Scriptures, Service, Sharing, Sabbath, Staying as a personal Rule of Life. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens.

Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day). To book contact jonathan.evens@btinternet.com / 07803 562329 (27/04, 15/06, 14/09) or sue.wise@sky.com / 07941 506156 (22/05, 10/07). Parking available at the Church Hall – Church End Lane, Runwell SS11 7JQ. Nearest station: Wickford (1.3 miles). Buses: 8, 10, 94, 94A, 94B, X10. http://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/

Being With course

Tuesday evenings from 23 April - 25 June, 7.30 pm

St Andrew's Wickford

Have you ever wondered…

If all the meaning, beauty and goodness you have found in life so far could help you discover something that holds it all together?

If there is a God, wouldn’t God be best discovered with others?

Being With ⁄ A Course Exploring Christian Faith and Life

We believe God's desire is to be with you and that God has been at work in your life from day one. We are looking forward to discovering that with you.

Discovering Christian faith in a positive and inclusive group. No special knowledge or religious language needed. Just what you have learned in life so far.

Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group

12 Thursday evenings from 9 May, 7.30 pm

St Andrew's Wickford

Kintsugi Hope is a charity based in the UK striving to make a difference to peoples mental wellbeing. 

"Kintsugi' (⾦継ぎ) is a Japanese technique for repairing pottery with seams of gold. The word means 'golden joinery' in Japanese. This repairs the brokenness in a way that makes the object more beautiful, and even more unique than it was prior to being broken. Instead of hiding the scars it makes a feature of them. “We want to see a world where mental and emotional health is understood and accepted, with safe and supportive communities for everyone to grow and flourish."

Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups

A Kintsugi Hope Group is a safe and supportive space for people who feel or have felt overwhelmed, providing tools for self-management in a facilitated peer mentoring style setting. It consists of a structured yet flexible series of 12 weeks of content, which includes group and individual activities designed to help participants to accept themselves, to understand their value and worth, and grow towards a more resilient and hopeful future. Issues covered include; disappointment, loss, anxiety, anger perfectionism, shame and resilience. Feedback so far has been amazing.

Our new group starts on Thursday May 9th, 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, London Road, Wickford For more information and to register for the Group contact Revd Sue Wise on 07941 506156 or sue.wise@sky.com 

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Mumford & Sons x Pharrell Williams - Good People.

Quiet Day: Poetry and Prayer

We had a wonderful day at St Mary's Runwell for our latest Quiet Day which explored poetry and prayer. It was lovely to share the day with people from our parish, from elsewhere in the Diocese, and friends from St Martin-in-the-Fields. We looked at poems about prayer and poems written as prayers. We reflected on poetry by John Berryman, John Donne, Carol Ann Duffy, George Herbert, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Elizabeth Jennings, Tasos Leivaditis, Ann Lewin, John O'Donohue, Mary Oliver.

In my introduction to the day, I said:

'David Yezzi, writing in the New Criterion, states that: “Prayers and poems share an uncanny family resemblance. In fact, they look so much alike at times they could be thought of as identical twins separated in childhood.” “The common origins of poetry and prayer date back at least to the second millennium B.C., when the two functioned seamlessly as one expression.” (https://newcriterion.com/issues/2012/4/power-of-some-sort-or-other-on-poems-and-prayers)

Similarly, Derek Rotty writes that the “idea of making poetry into prayer has ancient roots, as far back as the choral chants of Greek theater. Yet, it was in the Hebraic tradition that poetry became prayer in a specific way. The Psalms, ancient Hebrew poems mostly attributed to King David, became the prayer book for the worship of the Jewish people. These Psalms contain the gamut of human emotions: from love to despair; from joy to sorry; from cries for protection to cries for mercy after grave sin.” (https://catholicexchange.com/poetry-as-prayer/)

Roughly 33% of the Bible is poetry, including songs, reflective poetry, and the passionate, politically resistant poetry of the prophets ... (https://overviewbible.com/poetry/)

Poet Gideon Heugh notes that “The Bible brims with the poetic. Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, Job and most of the Old Testament prophets are written either entirely or in part as poetry ... (https://www.tearfund.org/stories/2021/03/how-poetry-can-help-us-pray)'

With Ellen McGrath Smith we noted that many poets: “invoke the spiritual writing of Simone Weil, including her assertion that ‘absolutely unmixed attention is prayer.’ This … broadens the possibility for poetry as prayer, regardless of content, since writing poetry is an act of acute mindfulness.” (https://talkingwriting.com/poetry-prayer)

My poem about St Mary's entitled 'Runwell' takes the reader on a visit to St Mary's Runwell, while also reflecting on the spirituality of the space plus its history and legends. Click here to read the poem.

Our next Quiet Day at St Mary's will be on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 AT 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM. The Rhythm of Life will be a day spent reflecting on Celtic Spirituality, its place in our history, its saints, prayer and worship, music and art.

Reflect in the magnificent mediaeval building that is St Mary’s Runwell, and relax in its beautiful churchyard. St. Mary’s itself is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. Experience this yourself, while also exploring its art and heritage.

Led by Revd Sue Wise, Team Vicar, Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry.
Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day).
To book: Phone 07941 506156 or email sue.wise@sky.com.

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Mary Gauthier - Prayer Without Words.

Holy Week, Easter, Unveiled, Concerts, Arts Festival, Being With and Quiet Days

Here is a list of upcoming services and events in the Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry:

Holy Week (3-8 April): Stations of the Cross and Night Prayer – 8.00 pm St Catherine’s (Monday), St Andrew’s (Tuesday), St Mary’s (Wednesday); Eucharist with footwashing – Maundy Thursday (6 April), 8.00 pm, St Catherine’s (followed by The Watch); Good Friday: Walk of Witness – begins from Our Lady of Good Counsel at 10.00 am; At the Foot of the Cross – 2.00 pm, St Andrew’s.

Easter Day (9 April): Service of Light – 5.30 am St Mary’s, followed by breakfast; Eucharist – 9.30 am St Mary’s; Eucharist – 10.00 am St Andrew’s; Eucharist – 11.00 am St Catherine’s.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023 AT 2 PM – 4 PM: One Voice Choir Community Performance, St Andrew's Church - One Voice Choir community performance presented by The Grange Care Home. Please come along for an afternoon of songs performed by residents of The Grange care home. Free entry. All welcome. Cream Tea at the end of the performance.

Unveiled Summer Programme 2023 - Fridays, 7.00 pm, St Andrew's Church: 

• 28 April – One Beautiful World exhibition launch evening: Meet Jackie E. Burns and hear about her work as a Space Artist. Jackie is a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists whose members are dedicated to creating images of space - galaxies, stars, planets, moons – combining science and art to expand the human mind and soul.
• 12 May - Talk: New Town, New Collection: Join British artist and curator George Morl for a talk about their collection as displayed in the exhibition 'New Town, New Collection'. Reflecting on experiences as an artist and through their role as Programme Assistant at Firstsite in Colchester, Morl shares their joy of acquiring art, and motivations for building a collection to share for others.
• 26 May - Simon Law in concert. Simon has fronted the rock bands Fresh Claim, Sea Stone and Intransit, as well as being a founder of Plankton Records and becoming an Anglican Vicar.
• 9 June - Talk: Changing Face of Basildon. Ken Porter, author, historian and Chair of Basildon Heritage, will talk about the Plotlands in Essex.
• 23 June – Talk: A Walk in the Park. Kim Oakes, Chair of Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park gives a visual tour of the Wickford Memorial Park, a little history of the park and the past work and future projects of the Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park Volunteer Group formed in 2019, including the development of the Beauchamps Meadow and nature reserve. The presentation will take the route of the walking tours of the park, covering the whole park.

These events do not require tickets (just turn up on the night). There will be a retiring collection to cover artist and church costs.

One Beautiful World is an Arts Festival exploring aspects of our one beautiful world from the creativity of human beings to the beauty of the natural world, while remembering the challenges that human activity poses to the planet. The Festival is a mix of art, dance, music, photography, poetry and spoken word. Churches are providing venues for the Festival events and the Festival has received funding from Essex County Council’s Locality Fund. For more information about the Festival see https://onebeautifulworldfestival.blogspot.com/:

• Friday 12 – Friday 26 May, St Catherine’s Church: One Beautiful World exhibition by Tim Harrold and Way to the Coronation display by Wickford & Runwell Mothers Union - Tim Harrold is an artist who works with bric à brac, flotsam and jetsam, the discarded or misplaced along the journey of life. He finds lost objects and gives them new meaning through his three-dimensional assemblage style which brings together found and sourced elements into visual parables. The Mothers Union for Wickford and Runwell will show a display on the Way to the Coronation.
• Friday 12 – Sunday 14 May, St Andrew’s Church: New Town, New Collection: Tales from George Morl’s private art collection - This exhibition brings together works acquired by artist and curator George Morl. Through founding a collection which reflects on the communal legacies of New Towns, Plotlands, and the possibility of human connections across the virtual world, it visions a future art collection centring support. 'New Town, New Collection' features works by contemporary artists such as Grayson Perry, Michael Landy, Elsa James, Madge Gill, Rosie Hastings & Hannah Quinlan, Uma Breakdown, as well as work by Morl.
• Friday 12 May, 2.00 – 4.00 pm, St Andrew’s Church - Six Hands Together - An afternoon tea with entertainment from Six Hands Together at St Andrew’s Church and Centre. A retiring collection will be taken.
• Friday 12 May 7.00 pm, St Andrew’s Church - Talk: New Town, New Collection - Join British artist and curator George Morl for a talk about their collection as displayed in the exhibition New Town, New Collection. Reflecting on experiences as an artist and through their role as Programme Assistant at Firstsite in Colchester, Morl shares their joy of acquiring art, and motivations for building a collection to share for others. 
• Saturday 13 May, 4.00 pm, Miracle House: One Beautiful World performance by Steven Turner (Next Step Creative) - Steven Turner has trained in a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, street, mime and moving with props. He has founded Next Step Creative to promote collaboration between dance and other creative arts. Choreographing and teaching for Dance 21 (a dance company for children and young adults with Down’s syndrome), he has taught in Rotterdam and performed across the UK and Europe including at Project Dance Paris.
• Sunday 14 May, 3.00–5.00 pm, St Mary’s Runwell: In the Shadow of Your Wings - A unique event combining performances of new sacred music with discussion. Performed by acclaimed violinist Emma-Marie Kabanova, this interactive event features new psalm-inspired works written by an international collection of Jewish and Christian composers. Curated and produced by Deus Ex Musica.
• Tuesday 16 - Friday 26 May, St Andrew’s Church - One Beautiful World Exhibition - An exhibition of Space Art by Jackie E. Burns, Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists, fostering the inquisitive joy of art and astronomy and inspiring people to the awe and beauty of space and astronomy.
• Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May, Salvation Army: One Beautiful World photographic exhibition by Compass Photography - Photographs by Mike Fogg (Compass Photography Group) whose approach is summed up as: “Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing beauty is what separates a snapshot from a photograph.”
• Friday 19 May, 7.30 pm, Christ Church: One Beautiful World concert with Yardarm Folk Orchestra - The Yardarm Folk Orchestra plays British and international folk music throughout the region and celebrates Folk from around the world through its lively and spirited appearances appealing to audiences both young and old. They have played at over 650 community, charity and fundraising events including the Leigh Folk Festival and Tenterden Folk Festival. They have also performed at well-known venues including the London Palladium and Cliffs Pavilion.
• Saturday 20 May: 9.30 am – 4.00 pm, Wickford and Runwell Art Trail - See artworks by Val Anthony, William Butterfield, Enid Chadwick, Antony Corbin, Christine Daniels, David Folley, David Garrard and Julia Glover at St Andrew’s, St Catherine’s and St Mary’s churches, plus the photographic exhibition at the Salvation Army, Jackie Burns’ Space Art at St Andrew’s, Tim Harrold’s assemblages at St Catherine’s and paintings by Pam Jones at St Mary’s. Art talks/tours at St Andrew’s (10.00 am), St Catherine’s (11.30 am), and St Mary’s (2.00 pm).
• Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, St Mary’s Runwell: One Beautiful World exhibition by Pam Jones - An exhibition of paintings by Pam Jones at St Mary’s Runwell – 9.30 am – 4.00 pm Saturday 20 May and 9.00 – 10.30 am Sunday 21 May.
• Saturday 20 May: 4.00 pm, St Catherine’s Church: One Beautiful World poetry reading with Tim Harrold and Jonathan Evens - Tim Harrold is a poet who creates images of profound challenge and change, of pause and process, of chrysalis and catalyst. His most recent publication is ‘Verses versus Viruses’. Jonathan Evens is a creative writer whose poems and stories have been published by Amethyst Review, InternationalTimes and Stride Magazine.
• Sunday 21 May, 3.00 – 5.00 pm, RCCG Spring of Hope Church at the Nevendon Centre, Nevendon Rd, Wickford SS12 0QG: One Beautiful World music event - A music event featuring local musicians and RCCG Spring of Hope Church choir.
• Thursday 25 and Friday 26 May, 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, Wickford Christian Centre: One Beautiful World art exhibition - Open call for artworks to display in an exhibition at Wickford Christian Centre.
• Friday 26 May, 7.00 pm, St Andrew’s Church: Simon Law in concert - Singer-songwriter Simon Law has fronted the rock bands Fresh Claim, Sea Stone and Intransit. He is a founder of Plankton Records and an Anglican Vicar.

Being With: Discover Christian faith in a positive and inclusive group. No special knowledge or religious language needed. Just what you have learned in life so far. Dates: Thursdays, 25/05 - 27/07. Time: 7.30pm. Location: St Andrew's Church, 11 London Road, SS12 0AN. To join, contact Revd Jonathan on 07803 562329 or jonathan.evens@btinternet.com

Quiet Day: Creation - Wednesday 31 May, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm, St Mary’s Runwell. A day spent reflecting on creation and our environment in the beautiful environs of St Mary’s Church and its churchyards. Led by Revd Sue Wise, Team Vicar, Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry. Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day). To book: Phone 07803 562329 or email jonathan.evens@btinternet.com.

Quiet Day: Poetry & prayer - Saturday 1 July, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm, St Mary’s Runwell. Explore prayer through poetry, with poems about prayers and poems that are prayers. Enjoy poems by John Berryman, John Donne, Carol Ann Duffy, George Herbert, and Ann Lewin, among others. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens, Team Rector, Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry. Cost: £8.00 per person, including sandwich lunch (pay on the day). To book: Phone 07803 562329 or email jonathan.evens@btinternet.com.

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Yardarm Folk Orchestra - South Wind.

Chapel in the Fields: Named and Known

 

We have lived through difficult times and each of us has been on our own journey through sunshine and shadow. As the world turns again, Chapel in the Fields want to offer you an opportunity to pause, rest, reflect and pray. They have placed beautiful pieces of wood, ceramic and stone in the Chapel, and invite you to spend sometime, alone or with family and friends, in this quiet, special place. There are open days, when anyone can come and private days, when you can come alone or in a group.

Open days 2 - 5 pm
August 8 & 11 - September 19 & 22 - October 17 & 20

Private days 2 - 5 pm
September 5 & 8 - October 3, 6 & 31

All enquiries and bookings
please email: namedknown21@gmail.com
or mobile 07854 988632

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Chapel in the Fields - Named And Known.