Read the latest Community Mission update from The Rev'd Nicky Skipworth
Dear Friends,
Welcome to this Community Mission Update. The aim of this CMU is to keep you informed of what I’m up to in the town. Sorry not to have sent one out since July. Thank you for persevering in prayer!
Can you spot something below that you think you could help out with, in which case PLEASE do get in touch with me. At the end of the Update there is a section with prayer pointers. Feel free to publish and share this CMU in any way you like.
Chaplaincy for Wycombe
On behalf of the Planning Team, I am delighted to confirm that since the beginning of November our chaplaincy team has been ministering to the staff and shoppers of High Wycombe. Jane, Sheila, Colleen, Jacqui and Pamela are a great credit to the churches in Wycombe. Each does a minimum of 1 hour per week and they have become a familiar face on the street, serving God and their community in many different ways.
All chaplains have undergone a thorough selection and training procedure. A further two chaplains join the team in January. We are grateful to the Diocese of Oxford for funding that enabled the purchase of uniforms, literature and other bits and pieces.
The modern expression of high street chaplaincy takes many forms, from a quick chat over the shop counter to assisting an elderly shopper who is a little shaken after a minor fall. But the Chaplaincy also serves to point people towards local, specialised sources of help. To this end we are partnered by a growing number of local organisations to whom a chaplain, reaching the limit of their pastoral ability, can signpost someone in need.
In their own faith community, each chaplain is called upon to keep their congregation informed about their role and the wellbeing of the town through regular updates and input to times of prayer. They also play an important part in encouraging new applicants.
The culture of chaplaincy is one of openness and engagement which imitates Christ’s own practice of walking amongst ordinary people. Chaplains do not proselytise or seek to set the emotional agenda.
However, the work does present opportunities to respond to many weird and wonderful questions from the public. A lot of these questions are connected with the search for spirituality and meaning. In this sense, Chaplaincy for Wycombe offers an entry point for chaplains to share their faith with folks who are well and truly beyond church boundaries.
There are a lot of people “out there” who think that God wants very little to do with their working life, or their life in general. Chaplains offer a gentle challenge to that belief! In addition, let’s not forget the many people of faith who need support, often in the face of business practices and difficult relationships which may be set to compromise cherished values. The interplay of faith and work has been very much in the headlines recently.
Speaking with local people (including Christians!) there is some confusion about who does chaplaincy and where our geographical boundaries lie. Well, in the modern day you certainly do not have to be ordained or a Christian to become a chaplain and that is true of Chaplaincy for Wycombe.
The essential qualities we look for are a) good listening skills, b) an ability to see God at work in the workplace c) able to spare at least one hour per week. The best chaplains are those happy just to “wander with intent”, walking amongst ordinary people keeping their eyes and ears open, looking for opportunities to serve. They should also be ready to undertake detailed training and participate in ongoing supervision. Other conditions apply.
Something else we are frequently asked to clarify is where the chaplains work and whether they have some kind of base.
Well, Chaplaincy for Wycombe is—so far—completely mobile and this is very unusual. A member of the Chaplaincy for Wycombe team will come into town, put on their navy blue logo’d jacket and set off on foot for a pre-arranged “beat”. At the end of it, I will often give them a call to see how it’s gone.
Our “patch” is basically as far north as the Priory Centre, as far south as the hospital , as far east as Pan Mill and as far west as Desborough Road. People can get in touch with us by calling me (as Chaplaincy Coordinator) or by leaving a written message in our post box at the Bloc3 café opposite the Guildhall. We have had pamphlets and posters printed, too. Our logo is of a big, green oak tree.
Of course, come the opening of Eden in March, Chaplaincy for Wycombe will extend into that new area. We look forward to meeting our obligations to Eden management but to do a really excellent job we need more chaplains.
PLEASE, PLEASE help Chaplaincy for Wycombe to develop as we believe God wants it to by encouraging new applications from amongst the churches and other faith communities in High Wycombe. The very first thing that anyone interested should do is chat with their minister and then contact me. A fresh training course is set for Spring.
Police Chaplain, based at Wycombe Police Station
I continue to visit both the main Station building and the Area Beat Offices at which our neighbourhood officers and Police Community Support Officers are based. Just last month I had great pleasure again in going on patrol with two individual shifts. I have also visited every shift briefing to tell them about Chaplaincy for Wycombe.
I am still busy building relationships with officers and other staff. On occasion, individual staff members seek a one to one private conversation. This is very encouraging for me personally and for the whole Thames Valley Chaplaincy (which has around 40 chaplains, 50% of whom are Christian).
Back in November I, with a good number of chaplains from Stations around TVP, came together to provide emotional support to large numbers of 17 year old students coming to the Swan Theatre to see “Safe Drive Stay Alive” presentations. The objective of this series of films, when combined with “live” input from road traffic victims and bereaved relatives, was to warn against irresponsible behaviour by newly qualified drivers and their passengers. Police chaplains normally only care for staff but making this kind of exception helps us publicise our work and be seen as an integrated part of Police life.
Don’t forget that if you know any Thames Valley Police (TVP) staff who need support do feel free to point them in my direction. Chaplains are impartial, independent of the command structure and offer a listening and confidential ear for whatever is on a person’s mind. We are also available to Police families.
TVP staff are under particular strain of late due to the many financial cutbacks. As a result, it is commonplace for one staff member will do the work of two people and this will usually mean having to commute between Stations miles apart.
We have also seen a number of assaults on officers plus the “what am I going to do now?” sensation felt by those on the brink of retirement. Workloads are rising relentlessly with public expectations as high as ever.
As you may know, I have been involved with the police training scheme IPLDP since 2006 and continue to host placement students on behalf of All Saints’. Along with other individuals, I even received an award last October for services to the scheme! There must be a reason why placement students feedback that I am a most un-stereotypical vicar but thanks for the compliment!
High Wycombe YMCA Chaplain
Having taken up this post in January 2006, I recently made the difficult decision to step down and pass on to someone new. I hope to have news of a replacement in due course. I really enjoyed my time as YMCA Chaplain but time constraints cause me to step down.
Wycombe District Council Christians at Work
After having greatly enjoyed serving this group as their Convenor since September, the decision was recently made to postpone activities so that a period of prayer and reflection on its future could take place.
I send my thanks and blessings to Ted Piker, Melanie Morgan, Rachel Commander and others, praying for the Lord to present them with opportunities for witness through acts of service towards colleagues. Thanks also to Cllr Lesley Clarke for literally giving us space. I remain open to the establishment of a chaplaincy service for the Council offices.
Town Centre Tours
These semi-guided tours can be an ideal opportunity to look at Wycombe through theological and cultural spectacles. We can see how the town has developed over the years, and be surprised by the many ways that God is at work here.
Unfortunately, tours have been very poorly attended recently so I will only be running two during 2008 as follows. If demand increases I will consider extra dates:
The next tours will take place on:
· Tuesday 15 April at 3.30pm
· Friday 10 October at 10.30am
I will also be leading a tour for Bishop John Pritchard later this month.
Tours depart from the wrought iron gates outside All Saints’ Church and last around 40 minutes followed by optional hot drinks in a local café. I will still turn up if the weather is bad!
Can’t manage either of the above dates? Please get in touch with me to arrange a tour just for you!
Street Angels
This initiative is naturally becoming entwined with Chaplaincy for Wycombe and is a prayerful response to the need to improve the “feel” and safety of the town centre night-time economy. Street Angels is already up and running in Watford, being operated by their own Town Centre Chaplaincy. I am currently discussing the development of our very own Street Angels scheme with Jette Peddie of Wycombe Watch.
Angels meet for prayer late on Fridays and Saturdays and in pairs look for opportunities to serve those in need. Perhaps someone has had a bit too much to drink or been sick and is having trouble getting a taxi, or maybe someone is spotted, lonely or upset.
Street Angels roll up their sleeves for the Lord getting busy in all kinds of less than salubrious situations. They are especially good at clearing away broken glass and adding a bit of Godly calm to a situation. It looks likely that I’ll be managing the Street Angels so if you’d be interested please get in touch.
For online information go to: http://www.policeoracle.com/news/detail.cfm?id=11295
Memorial Service for Steven Whale
Sunday 25 November was the first anniversary of the death of this popular young man following injuries sustained in All Saints’ Churchyard. It was the third memorial-style service I had lead for his family and friends. Many more people turned up than expected and it went well. My intention at every stage of this pastoral journey has been to support those grieving while helping them come to terms with the course of action that resulted in Steven’s death.
I am now hoping that a Lenten outreach initiative planned for the churchyard might serve - in part - as a living memorial to someone who, like Jesus, died in tragic circumstances.
Court Witness Service
As you may know, this important local service supports those giving evidence in court. A band of dedicated volunteers seeks to support witnesses, many of whom have never been to court before and may be frightened.
Back in July I was invited to speak about my Police chaplain role at one of their volunteer meetings. They were especially surprised that chaplains care for police staff rather than those in the cells. The occasion was especially remarkable as I had a student police officer with me at the time!
I had, initially, been in touch with their Coordinator with a view to actually becoming one of her volunteers but sadly I had to withdraw because I knew I wouldn’t be able to commit the time every week. I was therefore delighted to be asked to speak at the meeting. Anne is always looking for new volunteers and if you feel you could help in this way why not ‘phone her on 01494 436144.
McKenzie Friend
I chose to attend this day-course because I had earlier realised that I could not take part in the Court Witness Service. However, in October, an opportunity arose to learn more about the McKenzie Friend scheme. I felt that God wanted me to have something to do with the courts and this seemed a less time-consuming occupation.
This is an intensely practical approach to helping people who have been fined or are in debt to use the Law to their advantage, thereby limiting the likelihood of bailiffs etc. calling at their home. Primarily, a McKenzie Friend will encourage an individual to fully engage with rather than ignore a court’s ruling.
Having participated in the training, all of us who took part are now free to offer to accompany such people in need. We have no legal rights as such but the person in the dock, so to speak, can nominate a court companion.
For online information go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKenzie_Friend
Hosting visitors
Along with IPLDP students, it is also my pleasure from time to time to host visiting clergy and those training for ministry. Back in October, I was visited by my new friend, fellow member of the Oxford Diocese’s Ministry to Work and Economic Life team, Rev’d Linda Hiller. Linda had just started work in Slough and has a lot in common with my Community Missioner brief.
The overwhelming flavour of the day was one of fellowship and mutual understanding. We shared ideas, confessed to pitfalls, mentioned brief successes and had a lovely lunch together. Linda is set to have me for the return leg very soon and I am sure there is much to learn from what God is doing in Slough.
That same month I was joined by Caroline Wilson, an Oxford Ministry Course ordinand.
All Saints’, Marlow
Last summer I was contacted by Julie Purves, a member of the Encounter congregation at All saints’ Church Marlow. Julie, along with Danii Munoz and others wondered if I could help them come up with ways that their young people could become more active in the community. As a result of this enquiry, I spent a day with them in September and we travelled the length and breadth of the town asking the Lord, “what now for this town?”
After sharing my conclusions in the shape of a mission audit, I have left Julie, Danii and their team to translate all of our reflections into actual ideas. I firmly believe we have to become mission opportunists; looking for big and little, obvious and obtuse ways of communicating the Gospel. Dare I suggest we might also become a little shame-less in how we use our built resources.
This piece of work was carried out under partial supervision from Andrew Gear, Parish Development Advisor for Buckinghamshire Archdeaconry. It is the second parish audit I have prepared and if you think one could help your church to reflect and move on in Christ then I’d love to hear from churches in Wycombe Deanery.
I will be preaching at All Saints’ Marlow on Sunday 10 February.
Personal Safety Workshop
This is not so much an event that has happened as one that is YET to take place but, as the organiser, I’d like to commend it to you.
There are often times in church ministry when we (lay and ordained) encounter people and situations where there is potential for physical or verbal confrontation. We may feel powerless and scared.
On Wednesday 16 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm church workers from across the Wycombe area have an opportunity to brush up on non-physical approaches to dealing with such experiences. It’s open to anyone of any age and is offered FREE OF CHARGE by National Churchwatch.
There are still places available and it is recommended for people involved in all kinds of ministry, be that in the home, on the street or in church.
Sidespersons, stewards, church welcomers, communion assistants, domestic pastoral visitors plus members of your congregation who work in the social sector will find this essential training. To book places please contact All Saints’ Church Office on 01494 527526. See you there!
Godstowe Independent Listener
From the beginning of November I have been providing a listening ear to the pupils of this well known local school with which All Saints’ has a growing connection. The role of Independent Listener is not at all new, having been available at independent schools across the UK for a few years.
I visit Godstowe every fortnight, alternating between daytime and evening meal times. I simply sit down with the girls and let them talk through any problems they may have at home or school. How wonderful to see young people growing into faith in Christ and being on hand to respond to their questions, too.
I am grateful to Mr David Gainer and his staff for inviting me to serve the school in this way. All conversations are treated in strict confidence but there may be times when disclosure is essential.
Shelburne Lodge’s 10th Anniversary
Having visited the Home a couple of times for the purposes of administering “Last Rites”, I was delighted to receive an invitation to help celebrate their anniversary and found myself rubbing shoulders with none other than Tony Frost from the salvation Army. Oh...and Fern Briton was there, too.
It was a lovely event and found myself being convicted of age-ism when a very elderly lady who I believed to be a resident turned out to be a pastoral visitor from a local church! What would St Simeon and St Anna say?
Wycombe Christmas Lights
On Thursday 15 November, my colleague Paul Willis and I (assisted by the ever competent Cindy Skingley) ran another “open church” on the night the Christmas lights were turned on along the high street. I think it’s fair to say that we were at times overwhelmed by the number of visitors, young and old who called in for hot drinks and a friendly chat.
It was a great night and one we will most likely do again. Note to other churches planning a similar venture - make sure you provide hot chocolate!! How lovely to see people make use of the quiet space. The choir even allowed us to listen in to their rehearsal.
Just this Day
On Wednesday 28 November, in response to publicity received by Bishop Stephen Cottrell, I was pleased to participate in an hour long act of silent reflection under the “Pepperpot” next to the Antelope pub. I was accompanied by Vanessa Wright from All Saints’. When our eyes were not closed, we noticed many curious looks from passers by. This was fine and has made me reflect on what chances there might be of open-air worship.
Town Centre Neighbourhood Action Group
Back in the autumn I filled in a Police questionnaire on what I thought were the principal strengths and weaknesses of Wycombe town centre. This led to my being invited to join the newly formed Neighbourhood Action Group, or NAG for short.
I saw this as an excellent opportunity to have some direct input into the future policing of the brand new Neighbourhood Policing Area. We will meet every 6 weeks and the plan of action is to discover the roots of local problems like anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion so that a long term strategy for improvement can be found.
This is all about putting the voice of the community at the heart of policing. Neighbourhood Policing is being rolled out across Wycombe and we are the latest recipients...or should I say participants?
Paul Goodman MP
On 10 December I was delighted and excited to be invited to visit local MP Paul Goodman at his workplace which just happens to be The Houses of Parliament. Over tea in The Pugin Room we spent a very pleasant hour or so discussing local issues and world politics. Paul showed me out through Westminster Hall; a splendid example of renaissance gothic architecture.
I am very grateful to Paul for hosting me and look forward to further cooperation between himself and us at All Saints’ as together we seek to serve our changing community.
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PRAYER POINTERS
Please seek more information from me or feed back at any time.
Chaplaincy for Wycombe
For more applications, closer friendships between chaplains, churches and between the Chaplaincy and local businesses, the work of the ecumenical planning team (me, Sheena Dykes, Nigel Rode, Michael Bowker and Judy Maynard). For the remaining two chaplains yet to be commissioned, for Daniel and Debbs leading the running of Eden, for builders on the site working long hours for a low wag
The Police
For all staff (uniformed and administrative) facing stress at work. For officers recovering from assault or facing retirement. For all student police officers, particularly those contending with a hefty mortgage or the loss of friends because of what they do. For other TVP chaplains. For the NAG and all involved in its strategic thinking
High Wycombe YMCA
For someone to follow on from the work I’ve started and for the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of residents and staff
Wycombe District Council Christians at Work
For all involved in the future shaping of this group; that it will bring glory to God and serve to reach out lovingly to all office- based Council employees. For continued vision concerning the provision of a chaplaincy service.
Street Angels
For the consolidation of this idea in the hearts and minds of the Police and District Council. For applications from local people wishing to become Street Angels
The family and friends of Steven Whale
If it is your tradition, please pray for Steven; and the well being of his parents, siblings and friends. Pray for all our young people when their lifestyle and company makes them vulnerable.
For funding of the Lenten initiative
Court Witness Service
Please pray for Anne and all her volunteers, not to mention those they serve.
McKenzie Friends
Pray for all affected by spiralling debt and a fear of that knock at the door.
Visitors
Please pray for Rev’d Linda Hiller and Caroline Wilson as they, like me, hold tight to Jesus’ shirt tails and follow him into fresh ministries.
All Saints’ Marlow
Please pray for Danii Munoz and all who take part in Encounter. Please pray for me to preach incarnationally on 10 February.
Personal Safety Workshop
For a good response, for none of us ever to think “it’ll never happen to me”.
Godstowe Independent Listener
Please pray for all the pupils especially those grieving for lost pets and grandparents, plus those missing home.
Just This Day
For the peace of Christ to touch each day in some way and for us to accept it when it comes. For all who ask questions of God.
Shelburne Lodge
For all of the staff especially Maggie Emm and Pam Buchanan. For all cleaners and catering staff. For their residents, that those who profess Christ might minister to the end of their lives and then see him face to face. For the local church, that together we will help the dying to “pack their bags” with dignity and peace of mind.
Christmas Lights
Give thanks for the wonderful church building that All Saints’ occupies. Pray that the building and everywhere that people of faith set foot may be A Place For Our Whole Community To Encounter God. For more opportunities to challenge unhelpful and unrealistic stereotypes of Christianity and the Church. For the provision of excellent hospitality by the Church.
Well, it has been a mammoth effort writing this particular CMU. I hope you have enjoyed it. Please get in touch if you’d like anymore information or if you’d like to help.
God bless and be with you all.
Nicky Skipworth