Spring 2015

2014 was also our Year of Mission; each parishwas encouraged and, hopefully, enthused togather a team together to plan a MissionWeekend. The good news stories that have comeout of these events are both encouraging andhumbling. For most people it was stepping out infaith into the unknown, with only a hope thatpeople would come and discover that there is awelcome waiting for you in your local church.

Mark Russell, CEO of the Church Army, sharedhow evangelism should change, namely theJourney to Faith known as the ‘three Bs’: firstlybelong, behave and finally they believe. Hebelieves this is now out-dated, as we live in aworld that is now very suspicious of Christianity.Many people under the age of 30 don’t evenknow who Jesus is and he suggests that there isnow anotherB that needs to come first: bless.

This would seem to me what was happeningduring the various MissionWeekends across thediocese. People of all ages, cultures and classwere finding and receiving great blessingsfrom Christians they had never met before.

People have told us that engaging inmission has given them a greater sense andunderstanding of what Church means: that itis not just maintaining what we have already,

but going out and sharing the gospel of JesusChrist in new and exciting ways.

Churches should be places of worship andoutreach to the newcomer, not just a sanctuaryfor those who already attend, otherwise we aremissing out on God’s bigger call to share theGospel and to go out and make disciples.

2014 was also the centenary of the start ofWWI. There were acts of worship, dramas, artexhibitions, memorial books and storytellingevents held all over our diocese. It was a time forus to remember the debt we owe to those whosacrificed their loved ones and gave their lives.

Most of these celebrations would not have cometo pass or gone as smoothly without the effortand commitment to duty of our churchwardens.We owe a debt of thanks to our churchwardensacross the diocese for being at the heart of thesecelebrations. The extra time and commitmentthey gave to ensure things ran smoothly oftengoes unseen and might even be taken forgranted by some. We would all like to thank youfor all that you do.

Yours in Christ,

The Ven Mina SmallmanArchdeacon of Southend

archdeacons’visitation news

‘Lest we forget’

Dear brothers and sisters,Without doubt, our centenary year was a time of great celebration.Who could have imagined that we would be able to secure a visit fromthe Archbishop of Canterbury and their Royal Highnesses the Queenand Prince Phillip, and all in the same month?

Diocese of Chelmsford

Chelmsford, like every diocese of theChurch of England, has a DiocesanAdvisory Committee (DAC), a statutorybody charged with advising theChancellor on whether faculties may begranted to carry out works that affect thecharacter or appearance of a church,whatever its age. Most of the committeeare volunteers who bring together awide range of expertise in the care andrepair of places of worship.

Chelmsford Diocese comprises 562 parishesand in any given year they will generate about350 faculty applications. This is a considerableworkload for the DAC Secretary, SandraTurner, and her assistant, Joanne Beaumont.Nevertheless, the DAC tries hard to makesure that applications are dealt with as quicklyas possible so that parishes are not delayed intheir important work of maintaining andimproving their churches.

One of the key aspects of the DAC's workis offering advice to parishes, clergy andchurchwardens planning work to theirchurches. As a committee, members are keento visit parishes at the early stages of projectplanning to give help and advice that may wellsave time and money. If you would like us tocome and talk to you about plans you have foryour church, please contact Sandra or Joanneso that a visit can be arranged.

Malcolm WoodsChair, Chelmsford DAC

The DiocesanAdvisory Committee

www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

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Most of the new rules are very similar, butthere is less paperwork. The application formthat can be obtained from the DAC Office atdac@chelmsford.anglican.org is simpler.It calls for a Statement of Significance andStatement of Need as before, but once aparish has written its Statement ofSignificance, that will cover subsequentapplications and does not have to be repeated.The DAC will consider the application andissue a Notification of Advice. The applicationthen goes via the Diocesan Registry to theChancellor or the relevant archdeacon forconsideration and, if appropriate, approval.Please remember that work cannotcommence unless the faculty has beengranted. If there are any problems with this,in the first instance please contact yourarchdeacon. In some cases the matterneeds to come before English Heritageand the local planning authority.

There will be radical changes to the de minimisrules, whereby works of less significance canbe undertaken without going through thefaculty process. It is anticipated that therewill be two lists.

List A:Matters that may be implementedwithout the need for consultation, subject tocertain conditions. These matters, amongmany others, may include the repair or like-for-like replacement of wire mesh windowguards, the installation of a roof alarm andthe inspection and routine maintenance ofbells and bell frames.

List B: This table prescribes matters that may,subject to conditions, not require a faculty ifthe archdeacon has been consulted and hasgiven notice in writing that the matters may beimplemented without a faculty. These matters,among many others, may include the like-for-like replacement of roofing material, thereplacement of carpets or other floorcoverings and underlay, and the introductionof benches into a churchyard.

It is hoped that these new rules will simplifythe application process and will mean thatthere is less paperwork involved. Thearchdeacons and DAC secretary will do allthat they can to keep you informed of thenew system. Until you hear otherwise, thede minimis rules still apply.

The Ven David LowmanArchdeacon of Chelmsford

It is sensible, therefore, to spread the load asfar as is possible and for people to carry outrisk assessments in their own particular area,where they best know about any hazards.

For example, the organist should look at theorgan loft and choir vestry, the tower captainthe ringing chamber and belfry, and so on. Theprocess should be overseen and co-ordinatedby the personwho has overall responsibility forHealth andSafety and is appointed by thePCC.

Systematically look at each area of thechurch/hall or other building and note all ofthe hazards and risks, and any existing safetymeasures. Note also any person who may bespecifically at risk. You must then identify anyadditional safety measures or ‘controls’ whichwill reduce those risks as far as possible and,of course, implement these measures.

As well as the interior of buildings, you mustalso look at the churchyard and otherexternal areas that are part of Church land.

To help you with this, Ecclesiastical provideshelpful guides and forms for you to use and

adapt. There is a simple risk calculator to helpyou discern what is really important and guideyou towards procedures that mitigate someor all of the risk.

It is our duty to make sure that our Churchbuildings, halls and graveyards are safe forour paid workers and volunteers, and forthose who visit. It is not difficult and once arisk assessment is set up it needs only a

little and often attention thereafter. Most ofthe actions required are straightforward andcommon sense and therefore a few minuteseach week or month are well spent to savesomeone injury and the Church a bigliability cost.

Details can be found atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmattersThere is a Health and Safety policy withguidance notes that is very comprehensiveto guide you through the process, with therelevant forms for, say, accident reportingetc. Do make use of this as it covers all youneed and please contact your archdeaconfor further advice.

The Ven Martin WebsterArchdeacon of Harlow

Risk assessmentThis is not always our favourite topic and it conjures up visionsof long and complicated lists and forms and procedures.However, risk assessment is not difficult, but it does take time.

Revisions to thefaculty processYou may be aware that the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules wereapproved in 2013 and that there is a new process forapplying for faculties...

Photograph by Jon Longman

The new guides are available to reador download from our website. Eachprovides a simple summary of a topictogether with links to web pages andother documents that include more-detailed information.

For those of you looking after your churchinsurance, we now have a simple guide toadministering your policy. This includes helpand advice on paying premiums and ways youmight save money, including interest-freedirect debits or increasing the excess on yourpolicy (the amount you pay if there is a claim).It also explains when you need to tell us aboutchanges or activities at your church.

In addition we have also produced thefollowing ‘Made Simple’ guides:

Church Buildings – an explanation of theinsurance issues related to church buildingssuch as ensuring you have fire riskassessments and avoiding slips, trips and falls.

People in Church Premises – looking athealth and safety and other matters toconsider to help keep regular visitors to yourbuildings safe.

Events – from fundraising to Christmasservices, a summary of what you need to knowand when you need to tell us about events atyour church.

Community outreach – churchesincreasingly offer services such as nightshelters – here we summarise the main topicsand what you need to consider with youroutreach activities.

The ‘Made Simple’ guides reflect our desireto make sure that churches understand whatis covered by their insurance and what is not.Plus we hope they will help to encouragechurches to take simple steps to mitigatepossible risks. The guides supplement the widerange of content we have on our ChurchMatterswebsite. If you have any feedback on the newguides or ideas for topics we might cover, whynot email us at churches@ecclesiastical.comwith your thoughts?

All the new guides can be found atwww.ecclesiastical.com/madesimple

National CrimeHelpline forChurchesThe Church Buildings Council hasset up a national crime helpline forchurches to use after a theft.

Once a theft is reported it will trigger analert to auctions houses, museums andcrime prevention agencies which is afast, effective way of preventing thesale and permanent loss of treasures.Both the Church Buildings Council andEcclesiastical are keen that we can allenjoy the many treasures and artworksin churches. But, while the fear of crimeis greater than the reality there is noroom for complacency and weencourage churches to take simplesecurity measures to protect theirchurch contents such as marking metalitems with SmartWater (see overleaf).

To report the loss of a treasure orartwork from your church contactthe Church Crime Alert team on020 7898 1860, or emailchurchcrimealert@churchofengland.org. Visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchsecurity for more informationon keeping your church secure.

Church InsuranceMade SimpleWe’ve been talking to you, our customers, over the lastyear to find out how we can help make it easier for you tounderstand your insurance cover. Thanks to what youhave told us, we have now developed a new series of‘Made Simple’ documents to help you with key topicswhere you wanted straightforward, easy-to-follow, advice.

Top Tip...If you feel your church should normallybe kept locked, you might like toconsider making the key available tovisitors. You could ask a local shop,Post Office or garage to safeguard thekeys and take details of those visitorswho wish to use them. Informationabout where to obtain the keys can bedisplayed in the porch area or on thechurch notice board.

While we have seen a reduction in recordedtheft of lead roofing, it is important that weremain vigilant as metal theft has not goneaway. This is one of the reasons whyEcclesiastical is continuing its proactive workwith SmartWater and the police to target metalthieves. We also continue to encourage theuse of other security products such as roofalarms to protect churches.

One key aspect of the ongoing fight againstmetal thieves has been to target the scrapmetal and recycling industries in order to makeit more difficult for thieves to sell on stolengoods. In the last 5 years, our partners atSmartWater have made over 1,150 visits toscrap yards accompanied by regional policeforces in proactive ‘Days of Action’ to searchfor SmartWater-marked metals.

The purpose of these visits is to remind scrapdealers that they face being arrested andconvicted of handling stolen goods if they buySmartWater-marked metals. If scrap dealers

are checking for SmartWater and refusing tobuy anything marked with it then thieves willquickly learn there is no point in stealing it inthe first place.

For this reason, it is very important that youcontinue to display SmartWater deterrent signsaround your church. These should be placed inhighly visible locations where would-be thievesare most likely to see them. If you requirenew signage then please call SmartWateron 01952 204 102. Remember, you will not becovered for metal theft or any subsequentdamage as a result of theft or attempted theftof metal unless you have applied SmartWater(or an alternative forensic marker approved byus), displayed the signage, and registered theproduct.

A number of helpful crime prevention tips –including information about SmartWater androof alarms – can be found on theEcclesiastical website atwww.ecclesiastical.com/theftofmetal

The Ongoing Fightagainst MetalThievesEcclesiastical has led a concerted effort in recent years tomake churches less-attractive targets for thieves by workingwith the Church of England, parliament and other interestedparties to tighten up the law on scrap metal dealing andincrease building security.

COVER UPDATEWe have recently increased the maximum you may claim for theft ofexternal metal – for more information see your next policy renewal pack.We are also now able to provide cover for metal theft when scaffoldingis erected subject to certain conditions. For more information, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/theftofmetal or call 0845 777 3322.

Man jailed formelting stolenleadAn Abergavenny man has been jailedafter being caught with £3,700 ofstolen SmartWater-marked leadfrom a church roof.

Jonathan Vaughn, 35, was caught afterpolice received an anonymous call tosay he was melting lead in his garden inSt Llanfoist. When officers recoveredthe lead it was found to be markedwith SmartWater traceable liquid.Subsequent analysis identified the leadas having come from St Mary’s Churchroof in Abergavenny. At CwmbranMagistrates’ Court, Vaughn admitteda charge of handling stolen goods.He was sentenced to four months forthe offence and 113 days for a previousoffence of assault after magistratesactivated a suspended sentence.Mr Vaughn stated he had bought thelead to melt for Christmas money andrefused to say where he’d bought it from.

CaseStudy

Top Tip...SmartWater can be used on other itemsin addition to lead roofing – make sureyou mark all church owned metalsincluding memorial plaques as well asother valuables you may have inside yourchurch such as silver, altar ware andvaluable portable furnishings.

The charity, founded in 1972, is chairedby Sir Philip Mawer, former ParliamentaryCommissioner for Standards andpreviously Secretary General of theGeneral Synod of the Church of England.A career public servant, he remainsclosely involved with the work of theChurch and its clergy.

According toSir Philip, ATL’srole is to supportchurches and otherworthy causes linkedto the Christian faiththrough a programmeof financial grants.Over the last decade,it has donated over

£75m to projects as diverse as churchbuilding refurbishments and repairs,creating new facilities for people in need– even helping Anglicans in New Zealandestablish a temporary cathedral followingthe devastating Christchurch earthquake.

In 2014 alone, ATL distributed grants of£9.7m, which went to a wide range ofchurches, dioceses and cathedralsthroughout the British Isles. “ATL’s missionis to promote and support the Christianreligion,” Sir Philip explains. “In broad terms,it does this by contributing financially to

charitable organisations and churches.Every month, we receive over 100applications for grants, which areconsidered carefully by our trustees.

“Although the majority of our support goesto the Church of England, grants are alsomade in response to applications fromecumenical partner churches, churchschools and charities. We particularlywelcome applications from less well-offparishes and for projects which will benefitmission and help local communities.”

Grants to parishes from ATL range in sizedepending on the scale of the project tobe undertaken.

The prospects for ATL’s activities arevery positive based on Ecclesiastical’scommitment to donate £50m during2014-2016. “This is a hugelycommendable ambition,” Sir Philip notes.“What this means is that, givenEcclesiastical’s solid financial performanceand favourable conditions in the insurancemarket, we hope to be able to increase ourgiving to the Church to record levels overthe coming three years.”

For more information or to apply fora grant, visit ATL’s website atwww.allchurchestrust.co.uk, wherefull details are available.

St Giles DellCentre, Ashtead,SurreyAshtead is about 15 miles fromLondon, close to the M25 motorway.Facedwith an old wooden church hallnowwell past its sell by date, membersof the congregation have set aboutfundraising for new facilities.

Designs for the new Dell Centre includemeeting rooms, a professional kitchenand a host of other facilities which thecongregation envisage being used bythe whole community. Pre- and after-school clubs, social gatherings, fitness,dance and art classes are all on theiragenda, alongside mentoring jobseekers, community support andactivities for the elderly.

Allchurches Trust aimsto raise giving torecord levelsThis January, insurer Ecclesiastical announced it had donatedover £23m in 2014 to its charitable owner Allchurches Trust(ATL), a huge sum by any standard. But what is ATL and howdoes it use its resources to promote the Christian faith?

CaseStudy

CaseStudy

St Aidan’s Church,Stobhill, MorpethSt Aidan’s is a modern churchlocated in a deprived area on theoutskirts of the market town ofMorpeth, Northumberland.

With an outdated hall, the church wasdesperately in need of more communityspace. An exciting project was devised,resulting in the sale of the old churchhall and the proceeds funding anextension to the church for communityuse. The new building will house acrèche, holiday clubs, a luncheon cluband meeting rooms, and it can also beused to provide extra seating capacityfor larger services, concerts and otherevents in the church.

All our risk management guidance notesare collected together and sorted into thekey categories of security, health andsafety, fire, and storms and bad weather.Many customers also now get updatesby email – just let us have your emailaddress if you, too, would like to beupdated in this way. For furtherinformation:

Our website:www.ecclesiastical.com/church

Customer services:call 0845 777 3322 oremail churches@ecclesiastical.com

Claims:call 0845 603 8381 (24-hour service) oremail faithclaims@ecclesiastical.com

Our customer service lines are normally openMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except forbank holidays. However, claims can beregistered at any time during the day or night.

IndependentFinancial AdviceDo you need help with your finances?Ecclesiastical Financial AdvisoryServices can offer you totallyindependent financial advice oninvestments, retirement and protection.They can also help parishes who havefunds to invest with their investmentstrategy. Please note, the value ofinvestments can fall as well as rise andpast performance is not a guide tofuture performance.

For more information call:0800 107 0190 or email:getadvice@ecclesiastical.com

Keeping up to dateWe hope you are familiar with our Church Matters websitewhich has a wide range of information, guidance and toolsyou can use to help you look after your church.

Did you know?Here we highlight two features of your Parishguard policy thatyou may not be aware of.

Consequential lossConsequential loss cover is included inyour Parishguard policy to help offset lossof income if your church has to close forrepairs following insured damage thatEcclesiastical is covering under the Propertysection of your Parishguard policy. You maybe able to claim up to £100,000 over afour-year period for loss of income from yournormal church activities, such as servicecollections, income from hirers not beingable to use the building and costs such ashiring alternate premises.

Money coverThe prospect of having money stolen by achurch official or a volunteer is never an easyone for a church to contemplate, but sadly thisis a risk that needs to be addressed.

In the last year there have been a number ofcourt cases involving theft from church funds.For example, in 2014, a deputy churchtreasurer in theWirral was found guilty ofsystematically stealing collection money forover a decade, amounting to almost £20,000.

The good news is that our Parishguard policyoffers some protection against the risk ofmisappropriation. However, in order to meetthe conditions of the policy and ensure that aclaim can be defended, you will need toprovide specific information and makecertain that important checks are carried out.For example, regular reconciliations shouldbe carried out of bank statements, cash-in-hand and petty cash, and these checksshould be conducted by someone not usuallyresponsible for money, so that thefts cannotbe concealed during the reconciliation.Our website has more information abouthow to limit the risk of internal fraud.

Top Tip...If you are planning to support yourcommunity, for example, throughproviding a night shelter, food bank orparish nursing, there are importantregulatory issues you need to be awareof. We can help you with free advice tomake sure you comply with theregulatory requirements.

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Home insuranceprize drawJust call us for a quote or let us haveyour home insurance renewal date andwe will enter you into a prize draw to winan iPad for you or your church. You canenter the draw by calling 0800 917 3345and quote IPAD15 or go on lineat www.ecclesiastical.com/ipad

1. Pray about the meetingPlan the meeting prayerfully. Always start aPCC meeting with prayer. Encourage churchmembers to pray for the PCC.

2. Plan the agenda carefullyConsult the Standing Committee or PCCsecretary to compile the agenda. Circulate theagenda and papers beforehand. Timing isimportant. Set an end time (2 hours max).Ensure enough time for each item. Avoid anover-long agenda. Matters arising: check stateof play before the meeting; perhaps move tothe end of agenda.

3. Clarify the purpose of each itemHow will it further the Church’s mission? Is itfor information, discussion or decision? Whatoutcome are you looking for? Does it requirea resolution? If so, prepare beforehand.Be clear about how sub-committees reportback. Perhaps invite written reports.

4. Conclude each item clearlySummarise each item. Agree action. Who willtake that action, and by when?

5. Promote good behaviourDraw out quieter members. Ensure one

person speaks at a time. Be prepared to raisedifficult issues from the chair. Listen carefully;make sure all suggestions are considered,including unpopular or minority views.Discover the good news in each item.

6. Manage difficult behaviourNon-stop talker: summarise and move on.Know-it-all: thank; invite other opinions.Bee-in-the-bonnet: keep to the item in hand.At a tangent: summarise; focus on the keyissue. Too much history: introduce items well,looking forward as well as back. Seeingproblems everywhere: ask for solutions.Repetition: summarise to assure people thattheir point has been heard.

7. Think about the meeting spaceThe arrangement of the room affects thedynamic of the group. Arrange chairs sothat people can see each other. Meet in acomfortable space – warm, large enough,comfortable chairs. A cold church is rarelya good place to hold a meeting.

8. Have an induction meeting for newmembers after the APCM

This might cover the legal framework of thePCC and the role of trustees, the parish vision

and key parish documents, parish financesand budget, ground rules for how meetingsare conducted.

9. Consider developing termsof reference and ground rules

For example, what is expected of members:to give priority to meetings, read papers inadvance, give apologies if unable to attend.Meeting structure: time-keeping, start/finishtimes. How to get an item onto the agenda.Information sharing rules: minutes;confidentiality. Meeting times: so that nomember is always excluded. Balancedparticipation: all members valued equallyand all have opportunity to contribute atmeetings.

10.Keep an eye on the big pictureInclude time for team building, training andprayer. Take time to reflect on how themeeting went, and how it could be improved.Allow time for an overview of church andparish; have an away day and/or regularagenda slot. Consider how the budget isdeveloped and approved and financial reportsreceived. Make a year plan and useit to help set agendas.

The Ven Martin WebsterArchdeacon of Harlow

It is a sad fact that in the media wefrequently hear and read of the abuse ofchildren and vulnerable adults. This canhappen in any setting and wherever peoplemeet. The Church seeks to be a communityof faithful people open and welcoming to all,and yet we know from the survivors ofabuse that sadly the Church has not been asafe enough place in the past.

We all have a huge responsibility to ensurethe safety of everyone in our churches. Weneed to learn from the past and ensure thatfrom now on we are as safe and hospitableas we can be wherever and whenever wegather together. This means that each ofus needs to be aware of how to protectpeople from harm and how to recognisewhen things are going wrong.

Each of us needs to learn to recognisesigns of abuse and that ‘looking the otherway’ is not an option.

As churchwardens, you have a supportiverole to encourage good safe practice inyour parish. Here are some questions towork through with your parish priest:

Has your PCC adopted the newDiocesan Safeguarding Policy?

Are all necessary DBS checks inplace?

Has everyone in Church rolesworking with children or vulnerableadults completed the e-learningpackage (see www.chelmsford.anglican.org)?

We all have a responsibility to keep peoplesafe. If you have any concerns at all aboutsafeguarding in your parish church, pleasecontact a member of the SafeguardingTeam on 01245 294457 or 01245294472 or out of hours on 01245 294444.

Members of the team will also offerguidance and training, so do get in touch.

We must always seek to welcome people inChrist’s name. For those with a record ofpast abuse, this will mean helping themrecognise the need for an agreement abouthow they can participate safely in the life ofthe Church.

For survivors of abuse, we need patienceand care as we travel with them on the longjourney to healing and peace.

Churchwardens are in the privilegedposition to lead and encourage everyone toensure every parish church is following ourDiocesan Safeguarding policy and isseeking to make the Church open, safeand welcoming for everyone.

The Ven Annette CooperArchdeacon of Colchester

Safeguarding in the parish

10 tips for chairing the PCC

Whilst Ecclesiastical has used reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct at the time of publication, please note:(a) the information is not intended to constitute a definitive or complete statement of the law on any subject, (b) the information may over the course oftime become incorrect or out of date; and (c) neither Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. nor its subsidiaries can accept any responsibility or liability foraction taken or losses suffered as a result of reliance placed on the information provided in this newsletter.

© Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc 2015 4/15

For more informationcall 0845 777 3322

email information@ecclesiastical.comvisit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Ecclesiastical Insurance Group plc (EIG) Reg. No. 1718196. Ecclesiastical Life Ltd (ELL) Reg. No. 243111. Ecclesiastical InvestmentManagement Ltd (EIM) Reg. No. 2519319. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services Ltd (EFAS) Reg. No. 2046087. Ecclesiastical Services Ltd (ESL) Reg. No. 1811698. E.I.O. Trustees Ltd Reg.No. 941199. All companies are registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ, UK. EIO and ELL are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority andregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. EFAS and EIM are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ESL is an appointedrepresentative of EIO who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

And you were elected by the parishioners,not by the congregation. You symbolise theChurch’s relationship and engagement withthe wider community in a unique way. Youhave a leading role in God’smission to yourcommunity. You are called to have an outward-looking focus.

You are a bishop’s officer in your parish.The bishop is a focus of unity in the diocese.You have a role in holding the congregationtogether and offering pastoral care to theclergy, especially to your incumbent. You arerequired to practise a collaborative ministry,working alongside the clergy and the PCC.

As we are serving God, God’s Church andGod’s world, it is necessary that we areconnected to God, experience intimacy withhim and grow in our relationship with him.

Unlocking the church and getting the churchready for the services will not come across tous as spiritual activities unless we are able topractise the presence of God in our daily lives.

Another aspect of nurturing ourselves istaking people seriously. We can experienceGod’s love meaningfully only in the companyof other saints. Welcome them, make themfeel at home and love them. And experiencebeing loved and supported. Share some

duties with others. Laugh, cry, worship andpray with others.

The classic virtues that constitute maturity orholiness are love (a decision to act in orderto nurture all-round growth in oneself andothers),wisdom (the ability to see oneself,others and the world around as they are), andinner freedom (the ability to discern betweenhealthy and unhealthy and to choose what isright – it includes freedom from fears,anxieties, worries and compulsions). Growingin love, wisdom and freedom is a journey –with God and with other saints in Christ.And we should be aware of some aspects ofour journey.

First there is experience. Maturity comesthrough experience. Wisdom or freedom isnot given as a ready-made gift. Awarenesscomes to us in certain circumstances. If weare not sensible enough and receptive, wemight miss a possible awakening. Most ofour experiences, particularly the adverseones, can be occasions for awareness.

Secondly there is reflection. We seem to betoo busy doing things and hence we do notfind time for reflection. If we can quietly reflect

on our own actions and reactions,we would sooner learn how foolish,unloving and fearful we are atcertain times.

The third means is feedback.Reflection is internal, but feedbackcomes from outside. We need othersto give us feedback by way ofcorrections, remarks and suggestions.We become wise, free and loving inthe context of a loving and caringcommunity.

Fourthly (but not lastly!) we need prayer.Prayer is a relationship with the source ofwisdom, love and freedom. As we grow in thatrelationship, prayer becomes a means to seedivine purposes. In prayer we lay ourselvesopen in the presence of God. We stand therenaked, searched, without any mask!

The Ven Dr John PerumbalathArchdeacon of Barking

A churchwarden’sspiritualityYou are a churchwarden, I hope, because you have found itas your vocation – at least for the time being. This sense ofbeing called by God reminds you that you are exercisingspiritual leadership in a community. You cannot fulfil yourrole faithfully without being energised by faith.