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eNews 22 January, 2021
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Diocese of Carlisle Restructure

Diocesan Secretary Derek Hurton and Bishop Emma have written to all clergy to provide the latest information about a restructure of the Diocese of Carlisle.

The complete briefing document can be read in full by clicking on the 'Read more here' link below.

"May we begin by thanking you, sincerely, for all you continue to do during these unprecedented times. We are well aware of the challenges that Lockdown 3.0 represents for everyone, especially as you look to continue to faithfully minister. We also appreciate the weariness that many of us feel at this time.

Indeed the COVID pandemic has created many and varied challenges for us all, not least in terms of the significant financial impacts on both the local church and the DBF. Those impacts are expected to continue into 2021 and beyond.  Many of you will have taken the time and trouble to attend various Diocesan Zoom meetings during the last 10 months through which we have looked to keep you fully briefed about the latest financial situation.

You may recall that the Diocese pro-actively addressed those growing financial pressures, not least with the creation of a Financial Planning Task Group. This Group’s recommendations were adopted in the draft 2021 budget, which was subsequently approved by the Diocesan Synod. It is important to note that the recommendations included a commitment to prioritise funding for local ministry roles – stipendiary clergy, Network Youth Church leaders, etc. – in the coming years.

The budget identified that savings would have to be made in central support teams based in Church House. Much of the Church House and DBF operation has therefore been the subject of a restructure process, resulting in significantly lower costs. As you can imagine, this has been a difficult time for all those involved and you will understand the heightened levels of stress and anxiety that resulted, at what was already a difficult time due to the pandemic." Read more here.

       Latest COVID Guidance
 

Bishop James has written a further briefing to clergy, detailing new COVID guidance issued to churches about Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

The latest information is published on the C of E's coronavirus page, includes the following new document:

The new information includes 18 new points of advice and guidance, including:

  • Can we use ash on Ash Wednesday?
  • Can small groups meet, and can talks be given that are not part of public worship?
  • Can the Stations of the Cross be used?
  • Can devotional performances or recitals of music, poetry or dance be held in person?
  • Can palm crosses be distributed?
  • May outdoor services / processions / walks of witness be held?
  • Can footwashing and the ‘Watch’ (for instance on Maundy Thursday) take place?
  • Can we venerate the Cross?
  • Can ministers distribute previously consecrated bread (i.e. on Good Friday)?
  • Can part or all of the Easter Vigil or a Dawn Service (or any other service) take place outside?
  • May Easter gardens / flowers be arranged?
God for All Lent Resources
Click above to hear from Bishop Emma about the Lent resources she is preparing based around the refreshed God for All vision and its four key themes: follow daily, care deeply, speak boldly, tread gently.
 

The resources will be uploaded to the God for All website in the coming weeks and shall include:

  • sermon notes/sermons for each of the five Sundays of Lent, based on the lectionary Gospel reading for each Sunday, and introducing the four themes of the refreshed vision,
  • and some simple discussion materials/Bible study notes that follow up on each sermon (or could stand alone), and that could be used as part of a similar Lent course.
And click here to see a table and timeline for all the resources that shall be available.

We aim to have the resources available from the week commencing 8 February.
 

                   #LiveLent 2021
 

Meanwhile the Church of England's Lent resources theme for 2021, building on the success of recent years, is entitled #LiveLent: God's Story, Our Story.

It is based on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2021, Living His Story by Hannah Steele, published on 19 November by SPCK.

Both the book and the accompanying daily reflections encourage all Christians to think about their calling, how to share their faith and reflect on the difference Christ makes in our lives.  

From Ash Wednesday (17 February) to Easter Sunday (4 April), there will six reflections for each week, written by Stephen Hance, the Church of England’s National Lead for Evangelism and Witness. Each reflection will include a short passage from the Bible, a brief exploration of the reading, and a prayer. Additionally, each week will have a unifying theme and an action to be taken during the week.  

The daily reflections will be made available through a booklet available to buy from Church House Publishing, as well as a free app, emails, audio and through the Church of England’s social media accounts. Visit the #LiveLent page for more.
New Digital Support Group

Are you involved in anything ‘digital’ for your church? Why not join the new God for All Digital Support Facebook group?

It’s a place to share ideas and tips, and to seek advice from each other. Topics could include live-streaming, social media, Zoom, church websites, training opportunities, digital evangelism and more.

Join now or contact Eleanor Ledesma, Digital Support Enabler, for more information.

 Evangelism & Discipleship Webinar

E&D Webinar: Lent, Holy Week and Easter (Part 1)
Description: Lent, Holy Week and Easter (Part 1): Courage and confidence in unpredictable seasons
When: 2pm on 27 January

Whether you have plans in place or are still wondering about the right approach, this webinar will encourage you, share thoughts and explore practicalities for the 6 weeks of Lent, looking at how it might connect to church and community in these difficult and changing times. Click here for more details and to book.
Pioneer Mission Taster Event

To book your free space please go to: www.trybooking.co.uk/VXB. 

To find out more about the course, and other taster events we are running later in the year, please go to: bit.ly/3eQjFhK.

                   General Synod
 

General Synod is to hold a special online meeting next month examining challenges facing the Church and world in light of the coronavirus pandemic followed by a formal session in the spring, as a result of the current lockdown restrictions.

Members will discuss questions including the future shape of the Church in the wake of Covid-19, independent oversight of safeguarding and proposals by a Commission of the Church of England towards addressing the Housing Crisis at a meeting held entirely remotely on February 27. Read more here.
Clergy National Register

A reminder that all active clergy across the Diocese of Carlisle are being written to about a national church project to strengthen safeguarding in the Church.

A new National Register of Clergy for all active clergy across the C of E is to be introduced and published on the national website. This was a recommendation passed at General Synod in November 2020. The register will not include contact details but will include:

  • Title and Name
  • How a person engages with the Church of England
  • Benefice, Diocese or Area

Clergy have between 11 January and 23 February to confirm their personal details are correct.

If clergy have not heard from the national church by the end of January, they are asked to contact Cameron Butland who will pursue the matter.

      Methodist Property Secretary

The Methodist Districts of Cumbria and Lancashire are looking to appoint a joint District Property Secretary.

The role replaces two volunteer posts for a two year fixed term pilot project (with the possibility of continuing thereafter if successful and subject to funding).

The postholder will offer support and oversight for property matters within the two Districts (without directly managing property themselves), with a mandate to help churches better utilise, develop or dispose of their properties in accordance with national and local policies.

Closing date for applications is 5 February 2021 with interviews (probably via Zoom) on the 24/25 February 2021. Click here for more details.
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