Composer celebrated in Gloucester Cathedral
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL celebrated its American connections last week at a choral evensong attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The service commemorated the composer of the national anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, John Stafford Smith, who was baptised in Gloucester Cathedral in 1750. The Dean, the Very Revd Andrew Zihni, described the service as “a robust reminder of how music can transcend international borders”.
RSCM promotes Trinity Sunday hymnathon
THE RSCM’s Music Sunday is being observed on Trinity Sunday (15 June) to offer thanks for the gift of music and its power to boost worship, and to acknowledge the commitment of church musicians. Suggestions for marking the day include joining a marathon sing from Ancient and Modern Hymns: Songs for refreshing worship. Hymns Ancient and Modern, the parent company of the Church Times, is sponsoring the hymn marathon. rscm.org.uk/whats-on/music-sunday
Festival of Preaching speakers confirmed
THE Bishop of Washington, the Rt Revd Mariann Budde, who in a sermon implored President Trump to point out mercy to migrants (News, 24 January), is to talk on the Festival of Preaching, organised by the Church Times and Canterbury Press. The festival can be held in Southwark Cathedral on 13 September. Other speakers include the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley; the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Revd Dr Sam Wells; and Dr Selina Stone, Lecturer in Theology and Ethics within the School of Divinity on the University of Edinburgh. The theme of the festival can be “Preaching Truth to Power”. festivalofpreaching.hymnsam.co.uk
Helping hand for St Michael-le-Belfrey, York
AN ANONYMOUS donor has approached St Michael-le-Belfrey, York, with a suggestion to cover, if needed, the total £1.2-million shortfall of its £8.5-million constructing project, it was announced on Tuesday. The shortfall arose after the Government announced a cap on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (News, 28 March). The Interim Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Andy Baker, described it as an “extraordinary and wonderful blessing”. The donation was pledged the day before the church was resulting from instruct its contractors that a big reduction within the project’s scope can be essential. “Many of our Christian family in mid-build church projects across England have had to scale back their vision, and work out tips on how to meet the large funding gaps which were left,” Mr Baker said. “We stand with them and proceed to campaign for an final result where the Government fully recognises the worth that our churches make to society, spiritual development, and the economy of this country.”
Methodist school governors needed, says Boateng
THE former Labour Cabinet minister Lord Boateng, a Methodist lay preacher, visited Holly Hill Church School, Frankley, Birmingham, on Wednesday of last week, where he emphasised the importance of finding more Methodist foundation governors for schools. The President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Helen Cameron, was present and, with Lord Boateng, toured the college and joined the kids for morning worship. Holly Hill Church School is a component of the Methodist Academies and Schools Trust. Lord Boateng chairs the Archbishops’ Commission on Racial Justice.
Charities welcome council-tax review
THE Government announced last week that it could re-examine rules on council-tax debt, with the aim of constructing the arrears system more supportive of those that fall behind on payments. The news was welcomed by the Benefact Trust and Christians Against Poverty, who’ve come along with greater than £96,000 of funding to supply “debt-help services at a time when this support is required greater than ever”.
Bishop hosts community breakfasts
THE Bishop of Whitby, within the diocese of York, the Rt Revd Barry Hill, has organised a series of community breakfasts every six months, at which public leaders can “share ideas and further develop partnerships”. The first took place last week at Middlesbrough College, at which the Bishop interviewed a panel of community representatives. The next breakfast can be in December.
More toddler than Scout groups, survey finds
A SURVEY by Ecclesiastical Insurance of 541 churches’ outreach projects found that nearly half (49 per cent) run toddler or baby groups and two in five (40 per cent) host coffee shops. Other activities reported include Scout and Guide groups (30 per cent), youth clubs (30 per cent), live shows (30 per cent), and lunch clubs (27 per cent). Eight-five per cent of churches placed on their very own events, 64 per cent hosted external events, 62 per cent ran community-outreach services, and 60 per cent were a hub for community use.
New director for cathedrals’ association
THE next Executive Director of the Association of English Cathedrals is to be the present Interim Director, Anna Pitt. She has been Director of Development at Birmingham Cathedral since 2014, and is a member of the Church Commissioners’ Bishoprics and Cathedrals Committee. The Dean of St Albans, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, who chairs the Association, said: “Anna brings skills, experience, and commitment to this strategic role.” She succeeds Sarah King, who retired on 31 January.
Oxford teenagers join clergy conference
ONE hundred pupils from 4 C of E schools attended the Oxford diocesan clergy conference last week. They took part within the eucharist, and gave reflections on the readings. They also talked to clergy about their worries and challenges, and their experiences of church. A student from Ranelagh School, Arina, told of how she arrived from Singapore last yr and felt alone; so she and her father went to church. She said: “I sat on the back and listened to the sermon and was immediately weeping. . . . for the overwhelming sense of peace and luxury I had been craving for days, reminding me he was there with me; that he was going to take care of me and has a plan for me.” The Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft, described the event as “a robust experience”.
