February Clergy Bulletin - Diocese of Gloucester

Clergy Bulletin 

Clergy Bulletin, February 2013 

You can find the downloads listed in this email on the diocesan website at 

www.gloucester.anglican.org/news/publications/others 

Legal Updates 

2013 Changes to Gift Aid - share with parish Treasurers and Gift Aid Secretaries 

This year sees two major changes to Gift Aid - a new claims process and the introduction of the 

Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. HMRC will shortly be writing to the authorised official of each 

charity with news of these changes. Guidance is available on the Parish Resources website: 

www.parishresources.org.uk/giftaid/ including a summary of what you need to do this year. We 

are still waiting for some of details from HMRC and these guides will be updated as soon as we 

know more. The good news is that the Small Donations Scheme will allow churches to claim a Gift 

Aid style payment on up to £5,000 of small cash donations (eg collections and wall-safes) without 

the need for Gift Aid declarations - worth up to an additional £20 million across the Church. The 

diocese will be providing support on this subject later in the year to provide guidance on the new 

claims procedures. More information to follow. 

Parochial fees 

The revised Parochial Fees are now in effect, and the Archbishops’ Council has made a few 

changes to its table. To help incumbents, treasurers and administrators in working out what the 

new statutory fee is, the Diocese has produced a Fees Calculator which can be downloaded from 

the website http://www.gloucester.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/1358769840.xls. PCCs 

and incumbents are reminded that these fees are statutory, and although certain fees can now be 

waived at the discretion of the incumbent, any wavier of fees must still be detailed with reason 

why in all returns to the GDBF. If you have any queries about the Parochial Fees policy, or the 

Fees Calculator doesn’t cover a specific service, please contact Jessica Ahern on 01452 835519. 

General Information 

Changes to Diocesan Departments 

As you may be aware diocesan teams and departments in College Green have been working 

through a process of restructure from a review commissioned by Bishop’s Council and Synod. We 

now have some new groupings of officers, teams and departments. Ben Preece Smith moves from 

being Finance Director, to Director of a new department of Finance, Giving and Property. Judith 

Knight the HR Manager has a new additional role as Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser; Jonathan 

MacKechnie Jarvis retires in April and Natalie Hill takes on the DAC role as part of her Churches 

Officer remit. 

We have a new department – the Department for Mission and Ministry brings together support 

for discipleship, ministry, local ministry and social responsibility under the new directorship of the 

Revd Dr Canon Andrew Braddock who was licensed to this role on February 4. 

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One staff change in this new department is that sadly Canon Kathy Lawrence has retired on ill 

health grounds. As some of you will be aware, Kathy has been unwell for some time now and all 

our prayers and best wishes go to her. Many of you know Kathy and we would like to include you 

in thanking her for all she has done over many years in the diocese. We would therefore like to 

present Kathy with a collation of good wishes and messages from around the diocese. Please send 

your card/notes care of Natasha Kent at 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR by the end of 

March and these will then be out into a presentation book. Also, if you would like to contribute 

towards a gift for Kathy we can accept cheques received before the end of March, made payable 

to ‘Gloucester DBF’. 

Amendment to Church House Opening Hours 

Following feedback, we have amended the lunchtime closing hours for Church House to 12.45pm 

to 1.45pm, instead of the previously advertised 1pm to 2pm. This is to allow easy access for those 

attending 2pm meetings. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. 

News from Gloucestershire Archives: 

Gloucestershire Archives (our diocesan record office) is starting a project to provide online 

access to parish registers and records currently in its care. We first publicised this in the diocesan 

Bulletin in 2011. The project will help to preserve these popular records from damage through 

over-handling and will also greatly improve access to information for family historians. The original 

parish registers are being digitised on-site at the Archives. Now is a good opportunity to deposit 

your older registers at the Archives (or return any that you may have borrowed) so that they can 

be included. The project complies fully with data protection legislation and no information relating 

to living people will be included online. The images will be available through Ancestry.com later 

next year which is free to visitors at Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucestershire Libraries and the 

Gloucestershire Family History Centre. For more information contact Julie Courtenay at 

Gloucestershire Archives, 01452 425294 or email julie.courtenay@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Small lectern available 

Free to good church home: a small oak lectern formerly in St Peter’s, Cleeve Hill. It appears to be 

of oak and has some attractive carved work to the stem and book rest. Height approximately 

1500mm/5 feet to top of reading desk. It could be useful as a supplementary lectern for a larger 

church, or could be an attractive replacement for a poorer quality piece. It can be viewed at St 

Michael’s, Bishop’s Cleeve. Photographs can be emailed via the churchwarden, Mrs Barbara 

Farmer at bfarmeratstms@aol.com or telephone 07732 131601 to arrange viewing. 

Organist and Choir Director required 

A lively, committed and enthusiastic Organist and Choir Director is required from April 2013 for 

St Martin’s, North Nibley, Gloucestershire. Enthusiastic RSCM affiliated SATB choir of 11 adults; a 

small two manual pipe organ which is regularly tuned and maintained by a professional organ 

tuner/builder. Sunday morning service, major festivals and regular choir practice (but not in 

August). Remuneration by arrangement plus wedding and funeral fees. Full details and job 

description from the Revd Rob Axford, 01453 842175, rob@robaxford.plus.com 

Report on Faith in Europe Conference 2013, by the Revd Canon Andrew Bowden 

http://www.gloucester.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/1361530825.doc 

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English teacher needed for Africa 

The Bible college in Kasulu, in our partner Diocese of Western Tanganyika, needs an English 

teacher from April 2013. If you have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification 

or are a qualified teacher, the Revd Helen Sammon would like to hear from you. The role involves 

training ordained adult students in English and you would be teaching classes of 10 to 15 students. 

Someone with teaching experience and/or a TEFL qualification would be welcomed. It is a 

voluntary post, but expenses are minimal once you arrive in Africa. Contact 

helen.sammon@gmail.com 

Raise funds for your church with the Renaissance Choir 

The Renaissance Choir is singing a recital in Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 5 October at 

midday and is looking for another venue to sing in on Saturday evening, October 5 and Sunday 

afternoon, October 6. They hope to be able to raise funds for a good cause - maybe a church 

appeal. Contact Sue Ingram on 01243 375063. 

Message from Claire Howe, Geoffrey Sidaway’s daughter 

As you know my wonderful Dad, Geoffrey, not six months into his semi retirement was diagnosed 

with a rapid growing malignant brain tumour. In the week of his 70 th birthday he endured seven 

hours of brain surgery and has just completed his first round of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

He has a long road of chemotherapy ahead of him but is enduring it with his usual good nature, 

humour and an ever growing selection of bright and beautiful beanie hats to keep him warm now 

he has lost his hair! My nine-year-old daughter and I are going to do the Race for Life this year. 

Chloe was adamant she wanted to do something to make her Grandad proud. Any support by 

sponsoring us would be gratefully received so Cancer Research UK can continue to try and find a 

cure for this dreadful disease. The link to our just giving page is below. 

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/clarehowe10 

Living dangerously - for God 

Please sponsor Jan van der Lely to abseil down the tower of St Mary's Thornbury - it is 130ft high 

- on Saturday March 16 at 10am. Come and watch too! This is a big challenge for her as she does 

not have a good head for heights! The sponsorship will help improve the welcome and hospitality 

facilities at the west end of the church, including better disabled access. To sponsor her, see 

www.justgiving.com/janvanderlely or follow ‘Abseiling Vicar’ on the home page of 

www.thornburycofe.org.uk. 

Baptism preparation materials 

Thank you to those who have sent in ideas about Baptism preparation materials. If you have ideas 

which you haven’t sent in please could you email Deborah Curram of ACCORD on 

deborahcurram@gmail.com 

Sharing best practice, Thanksgiving and Remembrance 

We want to share examples of things which have worked well and would appreciate your ideas. 

Orders of service and creative ideas about ways of remembering those who have died would be 

appreciated. We would also welcome ideas about how the service is part of the church’s strategy 

of pastoral care and outreach. Email ideas to bparfitt@glosdioc.org.uk 

Women Bishops, Unpacking the General Synod Vote, meetings 7.30pm to 9.30pm 

What happened? What next? You are invited to share your thoughts, feelings and questions about 

the no vote to the Women Bishops’ Measure last November and to learn more about the rules 

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and processes of synodical process. Download dates and information below 

http://www.gloucester.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/1361546787.pdf 

Cheltenham YMCA, can you help raise funds? 

Cheltenham YMCA is building new accommodation for the homeless in the centre of the town 

(73 new places, replacing the old accommodation). This new building is expected to open in 

January/ February 2014. This is in response to the rise in homelessness across Gloucestershire. 

They are currently running a capital campaign to raise the remaining £600,000 needed to complete 

the £4.1M building (the majority of the funds have already been raised). Download more 

information here http://www.gloucester.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/1361544910.pdf 

Training and Resources 

Common Worship Lectionary app launched 

The essential digital accompaniment to the Church of England’s Lectionary of daily readings and 

services is now available as an app for iPad. The new Lectionary app provides the Common Worship 

lectionary readings in full with live links to Bible passages in the New Revised Standard Version. 

Lectionary: The Official Common Worship Calendar from the Church of England is available to download 

at iTunes at http://itun.es/i6JP7V8 and includes a free 14-day subscription. 

Church growth online hub 

The National Church Communications Update for the month offers information on an exciting 

new church growth ‘hub’ website which has been created to bring together the work of several 

teams at the Church of England. Drawing on national expertise the site provides a platform to 

share work being done to resource mission and identify components of church growth. Parishes 

are encouraged to get involved and contribute their own experiences. 

www.churchgrowthRD.org.uk 

Worship workshop website 

A Church of England website designed to help schools create their own patterns of worship 

around their own themes. It offers prayers, songs, Bible readings and other useful words and ideas 

taken from the Church’s liturgy which can be of help in planning a Service of the Word. It follows 

the rhythm of the church year, it’s always topical and the song bank has a range of songs and 

hymns which can be downloaded, so if you don’t have a musician you can still sing together. You 

can find it at www.worshipworkshop.org.uk . 

The life-style carbon calculator 

Launched to mark Climate Week (4-10 March), a new app from the Church of England offers 

smartphone users the opportunity to assess the size of their carbon footprint and receive advice 

on how to reduce it. The Shrinking the Footprint app focuses on energy use at home, in the office 

and at church and allows users to share their progress via Facebook and Twitter. The free app 

offers useful information and tips on reducing your impact on the environment and an 

environmental ‘Thought for the Day’ written by the Christian Ecology Link. The app, currently 

being trialled by the eco-congregation at Chelmsford cathedral can be downloaded now from both 

the Apple App and Google Play Stores. 

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New sMeasure energy audit video 

A Church of England videocast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdDk2icT7tQ) demonstrates 

how regular meter reading can lead to energy saving initiatives with significant long-term benefits. 

Sign up at http://shrinkingthefootprint.smeasure.com/ for the free energy audit online software so 

that your church can start to audit its energy use. 

Vocations Sunday, Sunday April 21 

A day for churches to encourage everyone to reflect, discover and recognise God's call to them. 

Resources on the Church of England website or contact Pauline Godfrey on 01452 835548. 

Free hymn books 

There are about 70 "Come and Praise" and about 40 "100 Hymns for Today" available from 

Deerhurst Church. Both are soft-covered. If not needed, they will be recycled. Contact 

churchwarden Roger Taylor on 01452 780561. 

New Publications 

Accessibility 

People with autism, Asperger’s and learning difficulties are members of quite a few of our 

churches. How does the Church minister to them or include them in a ministerial role in some 

way? Andrew Mackie of Prospects, a Christian charity which works with churches to encourage 

and resource churches in their ministry with adults with learning disabilities, has PDFs of leaflets 

available (accessibility in church, confirmation of people with learning difficulties and a funeral 

service attended by people with learning difficulties) which he can easily send out via email for 

people to learn from. Contact Steve Morris at spadework@fsmail.net or Andrew Mackie at 

andrewm@prospects.org.uk For people in the Forest of Dean you might like to see and learn 

from the on-going ministry of Shona Marshall of Access Ministries. Shona can be contacted at: 

admin@accessministries.org.uk 

Events 

Lent at Glenfall, ‘Praying through Lent’ 

Tuesday night talks: February 26, March 5, 12 and 19. A variety of speakers share their experience 

of prayer and include Henry Morgan, David Runcorn, Frances Pavey, Paul Iles and Katie McClure. 

Full details available at www.glenfallhouse.org or 01242 583654. 

Women Bishops, Unpacking the General Synod Vote. Meetings around the diocese – 

download the poster here 


Saturday March 2, Progress or Problem? Responding to GM Food and Crops 

This year's Redcliffe College/JRI Environment Day will explore the issues surrounding GM food. 

The day runs from 9.15am to 4.30pm and costs £38 including refreshments and a two-course hot 

buffet lunch. Further information and a booking from are available at the Redcliffe website 

www.redcliffe.org At the day conference a new book “Carnival Kingdom -biblical justice for global 

communities” will be launched. The book includes a chapter on climate justice. It is available to 

buy at Wide Margin Publishers www.wide-margin.co.uk/carnival-kingdom price £9.99. 

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Wednesday March 6, Leading Multi-Church Benefices 

‘How many churches can one person juggle?' is a question asked by those leading in multi-parish 

situations. The day explores various models of multi-church leadership and provides the 

opportunity to think through key issues, both practical and theological, that can either facilitate or 

hinder change to a more missional culture. Places still available –contact Charlie Kawczynski on 

ckawczynski@glosdioc.org.uk or 01452 835551. Download the CPAS training leaflet 


Thursday March 7, 11 am to 4pm, Fairtrade event, Cinderford 

Run by Midcounties Co-operative to highlight the importance of Fairtrade to members by 

encouraging them to buy Fairtrade but more importantly to get involved in local Fairtrade groups 

and go further. 

Saturday March 9, Healing Ministry Training Day at St Andrews Church, Churchdown 

The Healing Advisory Group would not wish anyone to be discouraged from attending this event 

because of the cost. If you believe that the cost could be a problem for anyone who would like to 

attend, please contact Sheila Appleton. 01452 857998. sheila.appleton@tesco.net More info from 


Saturday March 16, 7:30pm, Bach St John Passion at Tewkesbury Abbey. 

Cheltenham Bach Choir and Corelli Orchestra. Tickets £10-25 from the Abbey Shop 01684 

276655 or shop@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk 

Monday March 18 , Day of Reflection for Passiontide at Glenfall House 

‘We cannot Walk Alone’ a day exploring Jesus’ Journey to the cross, and those who stayed with 

him to the end. Led by Liz Palin. Full details available at www.glenfallhouse.org or 01242 583654. 

March 25 to 27 

A silent retreat for Holy Week at Glenfall House 

‘Not an end but a beginning’. Led by John and Rachael Willard. Full details available at 

www.glenfallhouse.org or 01242 583654. 

Saturday 13 April, More than food, 10am to 1pm, St Peter’s Church, Taunton. 

Workshop for Christians and church groups in the south west giving out food to those in need. 


Wednesday April 17, 7.30 to 9pm, Vision for Vocations Committee Room, College Green, 

Gloucester 

A practical information evening for clergy about identifying vocations from within your 

congregation. For more information contact nkent@glosdioc.org.uk 

Saturday April 20, 10am to 4pm, Exploring Christian Vocations, Gloucester Farmers 

Club, Greville Close, Sandhurst Lane, Gloucester, GL2 9RG 

Encourage those in your church who may be interested… Through scripture, guest speakers, 

discussion and personal reflection we will explore calling and encourage and help you to reflect 

upon your personal journey. For more information contact nkent@glosdioc.org.uk 

Monday April 22, Day of Reflection at Glenfall House 

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‘There is a dreamer, dreaming us’ Exploring God’s dream for us and how we tune into it. Led by 

Nick Helm. Full details available at www.glenfallhouse.org or 01242 583654. 

Wednesday 24 April, Working effectively and sustaining oneself in ministerial 

leadership 

With a wealth of demands on their time, how can Christian leaders ensure that what really 

matters is what gets done? This day will explore some very practical approaches to diaries, 

boundaries, priorities and organisation. Places are still available –contact Charlie Kawczynski on 

ckawczynski@glosdioc.org.uk or 01452 835551. Download the CPAS training leaflet here 


Wednesday May 1, 10am to 4pm, The Earth is the Lord’s 

The South West Rural Conference for 2013, Bicton College, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BY. 

Prof Sir John Marsh on the theme of “A Hungry World, A Generous God” and Prof Michael 

Winter, on “The Land and Human Wellbeing”. Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter will 

provide theological reflection and there will be two workshops on “The Theology of the Land” 

and “Rural Church and the Countryside: Can Churches be Beacons of Hope?” To book, contact 

Joan Harris, The Old Deanery, The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS, 01392 294940, 

joanie@exeter.anglican.org 

Download the Harnhill Centre for Christian Healing 2013 information here 

http://www.gloucester.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/1361533693.doc 

Clergy Changes 

New Appointment 

Name: The Reverend Arthur Champion 

Present Appointment: Non-Stipendiary Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Badgeworth, 

Shurdington and Witcombe with Bentham 

New Appointment: Non-Stipendiary Associate Priest in the Benefice of Bourton-on-the- 

Water with Clapton and The Rissingtons 

Date of Start: 13 February 2013 


Name: The Reverend Dr Nicholas Fisher 

Present Appointment: Non-Stipendiary Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Northleach with 

Hampnett and Farmington, Cold Aston with Notgrove and Turkdean and Compton Abdale with 

Haselton 

New Appointment: Half-Time Stipendiary Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Sherborne, 

Windrush, Great Barrington with Little Barrington and Aldsworth; Associate Priest of the Benefice 

of Northleach with Hampnett and Farmington, Cold Aston with Notgrove and Turkdean and 

Compton Abdale with Haselton; and Diocesan NSM Officer 

Date of Start: 25 January 2013 as NSM Officer; 7 February 2013 as Priest-in-Charge of the 

Windrush Benefice and Associate Priest of the Northleach Benefice 


Name: The Reverend Lesley Gillian Hewish 

Present Appointment: Stipendiary Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Tetbury, Beverston, 

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Long Newnton and Shipton Moyne 

New Appointment: Chaplain of HMP Eastwood Park 

Date of Start: 1 March 2013 

Retirement 

Name: The Reverend Canon John William Holder 

Present Appointment: House-for-Duty Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Coberley, Cowley, 

Colesbourne and Elkstone; and Honorary Canon of Gloucester Cathedral 

Date of Retirement: 28 February 2013 

Additional Appointment 

Name: The Reverend John Paul Hoskins 

Present Appointment: Chaplain to the Bishop of Gloucester 

Additional Appointment: Minor Canon of Gloucester Cathedral 

Date of Start: 23 February 2013 


Name: The Reverend Kenneth Usher Madden 

Present Appointment: Self-Supporting Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Newent and 

Gorsley with Clifford's Mesne 

New Appointment: Self-Supporting Associate Priest in the Benefice of Newent and Gorsley 

with Clifford's Mesne 

Date of Start: 11 March 2013 


Name: The Reverend Catherine Abigail McClure 

Present Appointment: Chaplain of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

New Appointment: Chaplain of The Cheltenham Ladies’ College 

Date of Start: 21 April 2013 

Resignation 

Name: The Reverend Canon Dr Charlotte Mary Methuen 

Present Appointment: Canon Theologian of Gloucester Cathedral 

Date of Resignation: 30 June 2013 


Name: The Reverend Sally Jane Morris 

Present Appointment: Non-Stipendiary Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Crowle with 

Bredicot and Hadzor with Oddingley and Tibberton and Himbleton and Huddington in the 

Diocese of Worcester 

New Appointment: Non-Stipendiary Associate Priest in the Benefice of Chipping Campden 

with Ebrington 

Retirement 

Name: The Reverend Martin Eric Thompson 

Present Appointment: Stipendiary Rector of the Benefice of Twigworth, Down Hatherley, 

Norton, The Leigh, Evington, Sandhurst and Staverton with Boddington 

Date of Retirement: 31 May 2013 

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February Clergy Bulletin - Diocese of Gloucester

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