ODDI WRTH YR ESGOB...
FROM THE BISHOP...
Bishop John writes his Ad Clerum to the clergy of the Diocese every month. You can read the text on this page.
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March 2008
Dear Friends,
Lent is not the easiest season for us. A certain weariness can set in as we reach a mid-way point and realise we’re only half-way there. There’s the duty of leading our people through the season, encouraging them to spend more time in prayer and learning, preparing for additional services and groups and at the same time having to plan ahead to Easter and beyond. The danger is that we can become so caught up in the tasks of resourcing others that our own needs and the relationships that support us and our ministries become neglected. And a strange paradox is that while technology has given us the tools to do much of our work faster than those of a previous generation imagined possible, research tells us that people in Britain are now devoting more time to their jobs than ever before. Is this true of you?
One reason for Sabbath observance (retreat, quiet days, extra time for prayer and reflection) is to imitate the God of Genesis who rested after creation. But this was not out of weariness but to model the rhythm of creation. All living things need periods of renewal, and recognising this for ourselves is necessary for good health. So to understand our limits, to set realistic goals in prayer and devotion, and to ask for the grace to manage our time in a godly way, all help to reduce the damaging impact of weariness.
With the changes in the way we function as clergy, the reorganisation of parishes and the growing need to help others recognise and use their gifts, it is as important as it has ever been to develop healthy, responsible patterns of ministry, prayer and leisure. When we do this ourselves, we can more effectively model a discipleship that is attractive for others. The personal discipline of sustaining order in our lives calls us to be accountable and willing to make proper space for our own growth and nurture.
Bishop’s review is designed to support us in this, but what we currently have in place now needs to develop. All diocesan clergy take part in the review process after their initial training and curacy and the review itself is conducted by me, the dean and the archdeacons, who are ourselves reviewed by people outside the diocese. A small group of clergy have been involved in creating a new set of questions for our third round of review. This is due to begin next year, and I hope to move on to a new phase by widening the range of those who are trained to conduct the process. This would introduce an element of choice of reviewer and enable potential reviewers to be trained. I therefore invite you to reflect on who might be suitable for such a ministry and to nominate others for me to consider. I intend to select a group of about twelve initially. The intention is that the Review should continue to happen in my name and on my behalf, but involve a wider range of people.
I take this opportunity to thank you for co-operating in the review cycle. What impresses me about your response is the commitment you have shown, especially in the face of some initial doubts. At our clergy school in Lancaster last year Art Gafke encouraged us to give attention to the state of our support structures, both personally and institutionally. Lent provides us with a context to do this and prompts us to honour the holiness of this aspect of our vocation.
Please note that the diocesan Chrism Eucharist is at the Cathedral on Wednesday of Holy Week (19th March) at 6.30pm (alb/surplice and white stole). This is the one opportunity of the year to meet together as a college of clergy to renew our ordination promises and for the blessing of holy oils. You are warmly invited, indeed strongly encouraged, to attend and participate in this concelebration. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Please robe in the Translators’ chapel. Car parking charges do not apply after 6pm.
Anglican/RC study day on Monday, 10th March, at Buckley (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Jubilee Road).
Diocesan World mission service at the Cathedral Saturday, 8th March.
We say farewell to John Evans after 41 years of stipendiary ministry, most of which has been spent in the diocese of St Asaph. John’s priesthood is characterised not only by warmth and good humour but also by a deep spirituality which has drawn clergy and parishioners alike to seek the sound pastoral guidance which he has offered gladly and sacrificially. John has made a major contribution to the life of the church in the diocese and we shall miss his cheerful countenance, his optimism, his encouragement to his colleagues, and his willingness to embrace the new and adapt to changing needs. We wish John and Bethan well in their retirement at Rhos on Sea.
We also say farewell to David Slim and congratulate him on his new appointment as chaplain of Ellesmere College. David has been with us for 14 years and we thank him for his ministry in the diocese.
The Rev’d Derek Sawyer in St Kitts, West Indies, has information about possible residencies for locums, gap year placements for students and clergy family holidays. Please contact this office for further details.
We are advised by our Diocesan Registrar of fraudulent activity by a company operating as “European City Guides” which targets church groups. Please exercise caution if any such company makes an approach to your church or PCC.
Recent rulings about the employment status of church organists: Robert Leach from Organist Publications Ltd has contacted this office with information on this subject and to advertise his new book, “Everything else an organist should know.”(ISBN 0-9550749-0-8).
+ John