A4 PDF version - Diocese of Gloucester

News and information for the Church of England in and around Gloucestershire
From the Dean of Women Clergy, Canon Robbin Clark
Women Bishops
A lively and engaged group of laity and clergy gathered in Cirencester in March for the first of
five meetings to discuss the November defeat of the Women Bishops Measure in General
Synod and also the actual workings of all levels of Synods. People shared what they felt when
they heard the result of the vote and brought up the various questions it raised for them. For
some it was a shock, while others were not surprised, but were deeply disappointed
nonetheless. Many wondered how it could have happened, given the high level of diocesan
approval, and also wanted to know what they could do to become involved and what was happening currently to
move the matter forward. It was news to some that the “electors” for both Diocesan and General Synods are the
members of Deanery Synods, so standing for that office is the first step to having a real voice at all levels of
governance.
Informational papers were distributed and may be accessed on the diocesan website, including a comprehensive
and optimistic report from the General Synod Working Party, which met in February with fifteen consultants, and
plans to report to the House of Bishops in May. The bishops will then determine what to bring to the July meeting
of General Synod.
As you read this, you can still attend one of the remaining meetings, April 9 at St. John’s Church Hall,
Churchdown (GL3 2DB) or April 15 at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Drybrook (GL17 9 LE). Both start at 7.30pm
and run until no later than 9.30pm. These are important opportunities to engage with “matters that matter” and I
hope to arrange future series on other key questions that face the Church and each of us as Christians. For the
papers visit http://www.gloucester.anglican.org/news/publications/our-diocese-of-gloucester
The Diocesan Safeguarding Board
There is a vacancy on the Diocesan Safeguarding Board for a person to lead on the protection of adults at risk. If
you have some time to offer and you have experience of safeguarding work at a managerial and/or strategic level
we’d like to hear from you.
You will need to be:
Confident in working in a multi-disciplinary strategic group
Able to brief senior staff of the diocese, including Bishop Michael as appropriate.
The tasks include:
Helping to create and maintain a culture of awareness/informed vigilance about safeguarding generally and
in relation to adults at risk in particular
Raising awareness about the nature of risk and vulnerability for adults
Applying professional knowledge to the work of the Board and to offer safeguarding advice and guidance
Promoting appropriate training
Expressions of interest by letter to Archdeacon Jackie Searle at 2 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LP. For an
informal conversation about the role please call Archdeacon Jackie on 01452 835583.
Small lectern available
Free to a 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 e-mailed via the churchwarden, Mrs Barbara
April 2013
Our Diocese
Of Gloucester
Our Diocese is produced monthly by Katherine Clamp, Assistant Communications Officer
for the Diocese of Gloucester at Church House, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LY. It is
available on www.gloucester.anglican.org. and emailed to all parish and church representatives
who request it. Paper copies are also available on request. To submit items, please
email to kclamp@glosdioc.org.uk or send to the address above.

Easter Monday (April 1) Pilgrimage to Gloucester Cathedral
After the journey through Holy Week, continue your journey in celebration of Easter to your Cathedral. With the
Road to Emmaus Gospel in mind (Luke 24.13-35) why not walk and talk your way to join Bishop Michael for a really
informal Eucharist in the mother church. Walk, ride, drive, cruise by narrow boat – whichever way you travel just
come and join the celebration. Every pilgrim will receive a pilgrim badge. Taking part in the celebration will be the
Revd Roly Bain, the church’s Holy Fool on April Fools Day!
Gather around the cathedral to picnic and then start to fill the nave with singing from 2.30pm for the celebration at
3pm, which will be full of fun and faith. The collection on the day will go to the Bishop’s Lent appeal for the
Brinckman School in Tanzania. All are welcome, including dogs! It’s free, for everyone to enjoy worship, ice creams,
entertainers and hopefully Easter weather! Further details at www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk or 01452 528095.
Organist wanted
A lively, committed and enthusiastic Organist and Choir Director required from April 2013. 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 Revd
Rob Axford, 01453 842175, rob@robaxford.plus.com
Gospel music for congregations
Penny Lyon and Kevin Washburn have been leading the Gloucestershire based Beacon Gospel Choir since 2004.
They are now looking to bring the uplifting sounds of Gospel music to congregations across the region. If you would
be interested in having ‘Out Of The Ashes’ come to play a part in your service, run workshops etc, then they would
love to hear from you -info@yourchurchevent.com for further details.
What’s On
Saturday April 13, 9am
Pilgrimage in Gloucester Diocese
St Swithin, Quinton, CV37 8SG
Morning prayer at St Swithin, then to St
Thomas, Todenham, GL56 9PL via
Ebrington and Paxford. A Eucharist will
take place at one of these churches and
the day will finish with Evening Prayer.
11.48 miles. Find out more from
www.experiencepilgrimage.org.uk or
01285 821008.
Wednesday April 17, 7.30pm
St Lawrence Church, Stroud
Stroud Deanery’s Open Debate on
Gay Marriage
Leading our discussions: Bishop John
Gladwin, former Bishop of Chelmsford
and Mr Andrew Marsh, Campaigns
Director of Christian Concern. All
welcome. For more information contact
01452 741808.
www.gloucester.anglican.org/calendar
Thursday April 18, 7.30pm to
9.30pm Divorce Recovery
Workshop
St Andrew’s Churchdown
A six week self help workshop for
anyone who is separated/divorced,
going through a divorce or been
involved in a relationship that has
irretrievably broken down. Cost £40.
Book on 01452 303604 or email
churchdown@drw.org.uk. More details
are available at
www.drwgloucestershire.org.uk.
Thursday April 18, 7pm
WEMTC in partnership with
Ripon College Cuddesdon, Open
Evening
Redcliffe College, Gloucester
Find out more about training for
Christian ministry, growing in faith and
discipleship or learning with others.
contact Jane Cusworth, 01452 874969
jcusworth@wemtc.org.uk
Thank you to everyone who is sending in details of their
coming events. Please include name of event, dates, times,
brief details, admission prices and contact details for
anyone needing more information.
All listings correct at time of going to press. We can accept no
responsibility for any changes or errors. Always check with the organiser
before travelling.
Saturday April 20
Exploring Christian Vocation
10am-4pm. Explore your calling and
be encouraged. Gloucester Farmers
Club, Greville Close, sandhurst Lane,
Gloucester, GL2 9RG. Contact Natasha
for more details 01452 835544
Monday April 22 -Day of Reflection
‘There is a dreamer, dreaming us’
Exploring God’s dream for us and how
we tune into it. Led by Nick Helm at
Glenfall House Cheltenham. Full details
available at 01242 583654.
www.glenfallhouse.org
Sunday April 28, 7pm
Mininhampton Church
Music@Minch presents the world
renowned Maggini String Quartet
playing Mozart, Britten and
Mendelssohn. £10 in advance from
Deborah Smith 01453 883611 or
music@minchchurch.org.uk or at M&B
Stores. There will be tickets available on
the door at £12. Accompanied children
are free.