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3 NEW IN BRUSSELS 4 6 8 10 12 14 15 MISSION AND MINISTRY IN ENGLISH FOR EVERYONE JULY - SEPT 16 ISSUE 64 ISSN 2059-1861

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Page 1: Ics magazine july 2016 d1

3 NEW IN BRUSSELS 4 6 8 10 12 14 15

M I S S I O N A N D M I N I S T R Y I N E N G L I S H F O R E V E R Y O N E

JULY

- SE

PT 1

6

ISSU

E 64

ISSN

205

9-18

61

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Intercontinental Church SocietyUnit 11 Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8JA

telephone +44 (0) 24 7646 3940 email [email protected] web www.ics-uk.orgRegistered charity no: 1072584; a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no: 3630342

Intercontinental Church Society (ICS) is an Anglican mission agency. Founded in 1823, we have worked in most parts of the world, ministering and reaching out to people from many nationalities and backgrounds. From the early days we have planted churches in mainland Europe where our work is still strong but also in and around the Mediterranean, North Africa, the South Atlantic and South America. English language ministry has a strategic part to play, alongside national churches, in

outreach as increasing numbers for whom English is a second language, attend English-speaking churches.

Design by Greyjones Studio • Printed by Swan Print

ICS

NEW

SI write this off the back of a week away at the ICS Chaplain’s Conference, so I am tired, but it is that good sort of tired, having had a great time away and met with some amazing people. We are in the wonderful position of having too much to say to fit into this magazine, good things happening, new appointments and an exciting sense of positive movement. If you want to keep up with more ICS news do keep an eye on the website, www.ics-uk.org or the ICS Twitter, @interchsoc

In Izmir we are finalising the details and are poised to move forward with this post. I visited with the Archdeacon, Colin Williams to consult with the people in Izmir and meet with other leaders. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people towards this work and I want to say a huge thank you for your support. I met with +Robert and another partner last week and things are looking very positive.

Recently, it was my pleasure to be at the licencing of Ajit John in Versailles. He and his family have moved from Canada to take up this role. We wish them all the best as they settle into the country and role. Grant Crowe has been appointed as Assistant Chaplain at Holy Trinity, Utrecht. Nathan Gregory is the new Assistant at St. Paul’s, Tervuren and Tony Lomas will take up his post in Aquitaine in the summer. Mark Simpson is the new Priest in Christ Church, Rio de Janeiro. We also have two new Associate Ministry Partners: Christopher Parsons in Freiburg and Christopher Seitz in Fontainebleau. Welcome to you all!

On the other side of the coin, Nick and Cherry Clarke from St. Peter’s, Chantilly are moving to take up a role in Weymouth. They have served for nine years in the church as well as Nick being on the ICS Council and conference planning group. They will be missed, not least by us here at ICS.

I will end with a reminder, I am keen to broadcast far and wide the news of what ICS is up to. If you ever want a guest speaker at a service or event, do drop me a line. The more people get behind the ministry and pray for those engaged in mission and ministry, the better.

God Bless.

WELCOME

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 20163

How can we best sum up nine years of rich and varied experiences of chaplaincy life here at St. Peter’s, Chantilly?

Perhaps it is about the discovery of the extraordinary God who does extraordinary things among ordinary and faithful lives. For these past years we have lived among many families who have ‘landed’ here because of work deployment, travelling globally for their business and bursting with talents and gifts. Ordinary people doing extraordinary work, but with lives filled with ordinary routines, and the usual burdens and joys. This is where the ministry of a Chaplain counts the most. Coming alongside people as they share their joys, hopes, anxieties and their insecurities, particularly in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis and the recent Paris terror attacks.

I reflect upon the family that has grown at St. Peter’s. We have found people like us, facing the challenges of settling into a foreign country, who have been so supportive, offering deep friendship in a place that feels a long way from home (even if it isn’t.) We see God inspire people in extraordinary ways at St. Peter’s in offering compassionate service, coming alongside people who are needy, supporting ordinary lives that are a little broken and weary.

Finally, Cherry and I reflect on those occasions where we often say to one another, ‘How have we come to be here?’ A memorable visit in 2010 was made to the Diocese of Gitega in Burundi sharing our faith and supporting a rural medical clinic. There have been visits to the Calais ‘jungle’, discovering that the ability to speak English, is a great resource for the humanitarian effort. Alongside our spiritual growth as a church has been the challenge of a ‘very thorough’ restoration project of the church building. I feel a deep sense of gratitude to many in St. Peter’s

who have encouraged and supported us in this work, to hold onto the vision of what God is calling us to without being overly distracted by ‘stone and mortar’

There are many more highlights that could be mentioned. For us both, out of our ordinary, faithful lives the extraordinary God has done extraordinary things. For

Him we are so thankful.

by Nick Clarke

Church community celebrating a wedding

CHANTILLYFAREWELL

‘You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices

acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.’ (1 Peter 2:5)

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 20164

Some of my friends were baffled. Leaving glorious rural Aquitaine to move to the ‘big city’….succeeding someone who is now your diocesan bishop, who has his office a few doors away…. had I gone mad? Leaving jokes aside, Janine and I felt God’s calling in all this, and we have not changed our mind. Having Bishop Robert nearby has been great.

Our first eight months in Brussels have not been boring. The Holy Trinity job of ‘senior chaplain and chancellor’ is quite a challenging one to come to grips with in normal circumstances; four very different services on a Sunday with plenty going on mid-week; great diversity in people’s backgrounds, experiences and aspirations; thirty nationalities. In addition there is a major building project to complete, which by the grace of God will happen this year. I am thankful for a great team and many enthusiastic people.

In August 2015 we arrived in Brussels at the same time as many refugees from the Middle East poured into the city. November was marked by the aftermath of the Paris bombings and in March Brussels became the target itself. Nobody in our church family was seriously injured or killed, but these attacks came very close indeed. Several of us were at the airport or at Maelbeek metro station just minutes (and even seconds) away from the explosions. The church responded with faith and quiet determination, which was a great encouragement to many. The Lord’s presence and comfort were very real. Our services in Holy Week and on Easter offered the stark contrast between meaningless terror and hatred, and the death of our Lord Jesus, who in love died for

by Paul Vrolijk Senior Chaplain and Chancellor HT Brussels

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 20165

the sins of the whole world. Military and police presence remain tangible. The threat of terror has not gone away entirely. If that were not enough, a decision by the UK to leave the EU would be another major event to deal with.

All this does not lead us to despair! We have so much to be thankful for and we know the One in whom we trust. In these times of profound change, complacency is shaken to the core. Hearts and minds are more receptive for the One in whom we find ultimate purpose, security, love, hope, healing and salvation. This could well be a ‘kairos moment’ for the Gospel here. Opportunities for the church remain significant: Brussels is at the crossroads for many international institutions (EU, NATO), NGO’s, and companies. It is a place for both the influential and the utterly marginalised. Just a short walk away from church, the homeless ‘mingle’ with luxury shoppers on Brussels’ grands boulevards. ICS has been a strategic mission partner of Holy Trinity Brussels for many decades and ICS support is of key importance to develop our witness within the EU Institutions. Your regular prayers are very much needed and appreciated.

On the personal front things are settling down after a hectic year. In the last eight months we have moved twice. Three of our four children are in their second school in Brussels. We feel settled now and our new home works well with regard to schools, work and free time. We are truly blessed and looked after. God has been so faithful. We are so thankful! The Lord always goes before us and is with us whatever our circumstances.

Our services in Holy Week and

on Easter offered the stark contrast

between meaningless

terror and hatred, and the

death of our Lord Jesus, who in love died for

the sins of the whole world.

We have so much to be thankful for and we know

the One in whom we trust.

Peace demonstration

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 20166

How does one really prepare for Cairo (El Qahira)?We arrived in Egypt at the end of November 2015 and jumped into ‘the Nile’ of ministry flow. All Saints Cathedral and the Diocese of Egypt and North Africa with the Horn of Africa host many different ministries, but just keeping up with them can be exhausting. So, we are learning to take things in increments.

Article and photos by Kerry and Cynthia Buttram

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 20167 7INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 2016

One of the best memories of our previous experience with international church communities in Cyprus, Jordan and Ireland was the depth of relationships which can rapidly develop. Relational joys and shared sorrows contain the salt of reality. Our parishioners know they will only be here a few months or possibly 2-3 years and tend to go deeper in their friendships. Relationships develop faster too. That said, I was not prepared for the speed of change. People we’ve known a very short while have already left for new postings. We wonder who will come in their place? Will the battered Egyptian economy be dynamic enough to attract international business people as before? The fragility of life hits hard. It seems that every 3 to 4 weeks our Sudanese brothers and sisters are having another funeral in their congregation. Life is harsh and people are fragile. Death is always a slap in the face but funerals, of which I have presided at two since arriving, have been times of hope and healing.My role as ‘priest-in-charge of the English-speaking congregation’ means preparing for two weekly ‘Sunday’ services. One just happens to be on Friday, the day when most of our members are off work. One challenge is to help the congregation connect at other times, in other ways. If St. Paul saw even the most difficult circumstances could become an opportunities for the gospel, how can we be a resource for those in the midst of life’s daunting challenges? Whether it is the newly arrived westerner finding the ways of Egypt baffling or the exiled refugee woman who is being threatened by an abusive spouse and needs to find safety, we seek to equip our members to serve and love well. One connecting point is a weekly Bible study in our flat. In a traffic-clogged city where commuting can add a layer of stress we want to creatively serve in a contextual way, so for many, other options are needed closer to home or work. There are many ways to be on mission here. Whether volunteering in a community centre equipping women in life and language skills or by visiting prisoners who are hungry for God, there are many ways to bless. Part of my role is to help people see with fresh insight some ways God has already equipped them to be on mission.

In this cathedral ministry, there are opportunities to relate to the wider Church here in Egypt. Archbishop Mouneer Anis has

been very active in pursuing unity among the churches in Egypt, so I have enjoyed meeting a number of the patriarchs and representatives of the Eastern churches, the best-known being Pope Tawadros of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

We have a diversity of nations and cultures here. There are Egyptians who prefer to communicate and worship in English. Whether tenured university professors, entrepreneurs in business, professional footballers from sub-Saharan Africa, domestic workers from southeast Asia, foreign service officers in diplomatic missions, or specialists with NGOs, the beauty of Christ in our congregation is reflected in our many cultures. We have medical practitioners and diplomats sitting alongside friends who have fled war and conflict to find refuge in Egypt. Some are life-long followers of Jesus, others like new-born babes are just learning what it means to take up one’s cross and follow Him. The majority have found a home in the Anglican Church but it is often quite new to them. They are learning to appreciate the shape of a God-centred, Word-filled liturgy. Often they express a growing appreciation for this ancient pattern of worship found in the Book of Common Prayer.

We have now been here six months. That is a short time but much has already been ‘packed’ into it. We will continue to adjust. At times we will feel like ‘strangers in a strange land.’ That said, the promise and experience of grace day by day is a helpful reminder that God was already at work in Egypt (and here at the Cathedral!) long before we came and He will continue His work long after we are gone. Since He has called and equipped us, we feel greatly encouraged that He will bring about something much greater than we can imagine. So, on reflection, maybe we were more prepared for Cairo than we had first imagined!

Some of the congregation at Kerry’s Licensing

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GRENOBLE

Original building sketch ‘sing-a-long’8

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On 20 March 2016, St. Paul’s Valparaiso became the Cathedral church of the new Anglican province of Chile. The dedication ceremony marked another milestone in the role of this historic building.

Built in 1858 by a railway engineer William Lloyd, it marked an important moment in the history of Chile. The building provoked protest to the Chilean government from the then Archbishop Rafael Valentin Valdivieso who considered it a violation of the constitution, requesting that the President should order the destruction of this building ‘that dishonours the very soil of the Republic’.

Despite these protests the building remained! It was in fact a very modest construction lacking any of the outward adornments of a church building. In order that the building did not give offence there were no bells, no cross, and no main entrance, just a low barnlike structure, more church hall than church.

Early photos of the building show it standing almost alone on the skyline, one of the first buildings on the hills that reach down to the sea in Valparaiso. The shortage of space, and the foul smells of the port meant that soon residential buildings began to crawl up the hills to escape. These early buildings still remain, improbably clinging to cliff faces and overlooking precarious precipices. This jumble of new buildings was where the British and German communities made their home crowding around their spiritual home.

Until 1865 St. Paul’s remained the only protestant church building in Chile. It can rightly claim its place in the struggle for freedom of religion in Chile. In that year a change to the interpretation of the1833 constitution brought complete liberty of faith and practice in religion. In 1875 the Anglican Church finally received official recognition under the legal title of the Episcopal Anglican Corporation, a recognition that was extended to all religious groups.

Times have not always been kind to St. Paul’s. The Anglo Chilean community moved away

from the crowded hill top on Cerro Concepcion into the more pleasant seaside resort of Viña del Mar and built another church, St. Peter’s, amongst their grand villas. The building survived the destructive earthquake of 1906 but the congregation dwindled and the area around declined into a slum. For many years the building was all but abandoned and the fabric of the building became sadly dilapidated.

Its survival as a building was only secured in 1979 when it was recognised as a historic monument but it has remained unused as a place of worship for many years, now.

Freshly painted and polished, St. Paul’s was looking its best for the service of dedication as a Cathedral, and the consecration of two new Anglican Bishops on 20 March. Amongst the distinguished guests from Church and State were the Bishop of Valparaíso, Monseñor Gonzalo Duarte and the former President of State, Sebastíon Piñera, and consuls from the immigrant communities. Greetings were brought from Archbishop Justin Welby and Pope Francis by Bishop Greg Venables of Buenos Aires who presided at the celebration of the Eucharist along with Bishop Tito Tzavalo, Primate of the Province of the Southern cone.

The historic role of St. Paul’s is assured but its life as a living church must now be secured. The future looks promising as the historic centre of Valparaíso around the church building with its delightful collection of colourful buildings is thronging with tourists off the cruise ships that call in at the port to sample the delights of its many fine restaurants, boutique hotels, and shops. As the first Dean of St. Paul’s my responsibility will be to ensure that this building, without a cross becomes a place of worship, without a main door, welcomes its community and without bells, proclaims Christ to the World.

Simon Brignall Dean of St. Paul’s, Valparaíso and Chaplain to St. Peter’s, Viña del Mar

9INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | March 2016

Beacon on a hillSt Paul’s Cathedral

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 201610

I felt very privileged to serve in the midst of majestic and beautiful scenery. ‘In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also’ (Psalm 95). I love Norfolk where I am House for Duty Rector of five parishes, but as Oscar Wilde said ‘Very flat, Norfolk’. I marvelled each day in Zermatt at the amazing views.

What a privilege to meet so many people: the Ski Club of Great Britain (SCGB) group, the international congregation, visitors and locals. Once they realised who I was and I did not bite(!), I was surprised how people themselves opened up spiritual conversations about deep matters. Anything from divorce to lapsed church attendance; from terminal illness to the use of the Authorised Version.I felt very humbled as people shared their journey and invited me to respond. I believe God was using me as a link in a chain: ‘One sows and another reaps.’(John 4v37).

All this alongside some marvellous snow. I loved skiing down the Italian side and sampling Bontadini’s lasagne–a definite taste of heaven at ten euros! Midway, Jim Perryman (Seasonal Mission Manager) called to say Michael Portillo was coming to St. Peter’s to film for Great Railway Journeys, could I be around and take some photos? No problem with the first but my gifts certainly do not extend to photography! I remembered that Ed Taylor, the SCGB leader, was a professional photographer. Even though it was his last day, he readily and kindly agreed to take some photos. Thank you, Lord!

The film crew had barely half an hour in their schedule but were so grateful for the use of the church. Michael was genuinely moved by the plaques remembering those who had died on the mountains.

While I was waiting for the crew to arrive, five visitors at different times called in. The visitors’ book and the wall safe made me aware how much the church is visited. This and the filming underlined that St. Peter’s and its life is a powerful Christian presence in Zermatt.

I came back a touch tired in body, but refreshed in so many other ways. I have a new sense of what a privilege it is to be alongside people, to listen and help them on their journey with God.

Michael Langan

My first time in Zermatt and the last Winter Chaplain, so much to learn and enjoy! Two wordsdescribe my fortnight: ‘privilege’ and ‘journey’.

MINISTRY INTHE MOUNTAINS

photo of Michael Langan and Michael Portilloby Ed Taylor www.edtaylor.cuk

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 201611

HIGHLIGHTS FROM

‘…and this is our chaplain and his wife for the next fortnight, Jonathan and Sue Wilmot’.

What a great introduction to faith-based conversations at the DHO (Down Hill Only) Club in Wengen, a sort of last bastion of the British Empire, which holds a drinks party every evening during the ski season. Each night we met new people there, most of whom own properties in Wengen and for whom the DHO is the hub of the British community. Discussions around faith were frequent, friendships formed, prayers promised.

Maggie Gerber, the amazing church warden at St. Bernard’s, was usually there too in addition to organising regular morning coffee gatherings at the hotel next door. She is known as the source of any information needed for the British community, runs a weekly English-speaking film club and is much valued for her pastoral care of the church community too. Where would be without Maggie? She’s tops!

There were over forty at both services on Easter Sunday, a mixture of regulars and tourists; we got a round of applause for Sue’s EGGstraordinary account of the Easter story, animated by Jonathan throwing chocolate eggs to the child who put his or her hand up first each time ‘egg’ was mentioned. It kept them quiet as they munched their eggs during the more serious adult reflection; no health and safety incidents reported fortunately.

The church is open all day for visitors; there are frequent comments in the guest book of the peace that pervades the place. An Indian couple turned up on one occasion when we were there, not Christians but interested to find out more. After a good chat they took away J. John’s booklet on Easter to reflect on; we continue to keep them in our prayers. A group from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate and the regular Oakhill Holidays group used the church for mid-week evening worship. We bumped into some of them on the slopes too. There were lots of opportunities to meet with English-speaking tourists and workers on the slopes and in the village, in fact Wengen sometimes seemed to be almost more English than Swiss. Having said that many are still unaware that there is a beautiful little English church on their doorstep and an ongoing seasonal ministry for those who need or want it.

We refreshed the posters where we could to make them more eye catching and to draw people’s attention to them, but still the most effective way of drawing people in was through chance encounters and deep conversations. The turnout on Easter Day was testimony to this with several from the DHO there because it was Easter and because we had invited them to come and see.

Pushing the station trolleys back up the hill for our journey home, loaded with bags, skis and other holiday paraphernalia, we had a tremendous sense of joy that God’s presence is powerfully in this place, seen visibly in the mountains that surround it, experienced through the work of the chaplaincy at its heart.

Jonathan and Sue Wilmot

AN EASTER CHAPLAINCYIN WENGEN

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 201612

This past autumn, teens at St. Mary’s Church in Rotterdam began meeting together every other week for fun, fellowship, faith-building, and (of course!) food. The group is small but mighty, with nine teens and tweens from three Rotterdam area churches participating regularly, and invitations going out to other area English-language and expat churches to join in the initiative. While the main goal of the group is to provide a safe and nurturing place for youth to explore and enrich their faith, the group is also working to build a city-wide youth network of English-speaking and expat youth and their adult leaders. Besides providing for an exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment, the group from St. Mary’s hopes such a network will be a living example of unity within the Body of Christ.

In just a short time this group has grown in respect and friendship with each other and the larger congregation, and the results are noticeable. Group members regularly participate in Sunday worship services as worshippers, readers, and refreshment servers. They interact fully with the congregation at chaplaincy events, resulting in several inter-generational friendships and a firm feeling (expressed by people of all ages!) that St. Mary’s is OUR church together, no matter our age.

Future plans for the group include continuing to reach out to other area youth, increasing mission/service involvement, confirmation preparation for November, and growing in faith and obedience

to Jesus Christ. Please join us in praying for and with the tweens and teens in our parishes to mature in faith, love, and character through the power of the Holy Spirit.

And a final word of encouragement for all small parishes: our group began with just four teens! We have doubled in only a few months, and more families with tweens and teens are beginning to attend. Where two or three are gathered…

Jenni Pridmore, Associate at St. Mary’s, Rotterdam

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 201613

There was a moment on the Wednesday of the ICS Chaplains and Families’ Conference that I realised God was saying something special to people through the Bible readings brought to us by Gerard and Chrissie Kelly. It is always difficult to gauge how a conference is going when you are organising it but this day it became clear that people were valuing the time to be away, to receive and to be refreshed. One delegate said once, ‘this is the only place I feel normal’. When you work in isolation, separated from your nearest colleague by hundreds of kilometres it is easy to lose perspective, the ICS conference is a lifeline allowing chaplains to meet with others doing similar ministry as they are.

We had some great teaching: Gerard and Chrissie, as mentioned, teaching on Ephesians, Charles Hippsley from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) talking about whole life discipleship in the workplace, Annie Morris from the International Organisation for Migration, talking about people trafficking, Bishop Robert and a number of contributors from within ICS. Time to learn, time to relax, time to meet old and new friends and time to play. An old friend from my Youth for Christ days led the worship, Pete James. He was a real blessing to us and we look forward to having him back.

From the point of view of the parents, the squeals of delight that Deana McAllister was doing the children’s work again was a welcome sound—they had a blast. At the end of the week Deana and the children showed us what they had been up to. They had been busy! While not saying it was the perfect time, of course there were niggles, I was, however, delighted to see that people of all ages and stages were blessed and that we had been able to resource chaplains as they return to the mission they are called to. After all, we learn from Abraham in Genesis 12, ‘we are blessed that we may be a blessing’. That is why the conference is so important. Not only for those who went, but for those who will be impacted through the Gospel by those who were with us at Ashburnham this year.

Richard Bromley

ICS CONFERENCE 2016

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH SOCIETY MAGAZINE | July 201614

DEVOTIONAL

Every time we turn on the television or read our newspapers all we ever seem to hear is bad news, terrorism around the world, crime in our cities and broken relationships and illness amongst our friends and neighbours. No wonder people are unhappy and long for peace both in their own lives and throughout the world. But what is peace?

One day an artist was commissioned to paint peace. After a great deal of thought, he painted a beautiful country scene. There were green fields with cows standing in them, birds were flying in the blue sky and a lovely little village lay in a distant valley. The man purchasing the picture said to the artist: ‘This isn’t a picture of true peace. Go back and try again’. The artist thought for several hours about peace and then started to paint. When he had finished, there on the canvas was a mother smiling lovingly at a sleeping baby in her arms. Again the purchaser refused the painting. The artist was discouraged, disappointed and angry. Again he thought, he even prayed for inspiration and began to paint as he had never painted before. When he finished he gave the painting to his patron, who studied it carefully for a few minutes and said: ‘Now this is a picture of true peace’. The picture showed a stormy sea pounding against a cliff. The artist had captured the fury of the wind as it whipped black rain clouds, which were laced with streaks of lightening. The sea was roaring in turmoil, waves churning, the dark sky filled with the power of the furious thunderstorm. And in the middle of the picture, under a cliff, the artist had painted a small bird, safe and dry in her nest snuggled safely in the rocks. The bird was at peace amidst the storm

‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33

TAKE HEART

that raged about her.So many of us think of peace as being about an end to war and terrorism, an end to the kind of violence committed by nations and individuals to one another. But that is not really what peace is about. In Hebrew the word for peace is Shalom. It does not mean an absence of the things that disturb us but rather is about wholeness, about being at one with God, with our neighbour and with ourselves. This peace, as the artist portrayed, is about knowing that in the midst of turmoil and pain there is a rock which can shelter us, a place without fear, a power that can spread its wings over us and keep us safe. And Christians believe that Jesus is the one who can bring about that peace, that peace which the world cannot give and which passes all understanding.

Hilary JonesChaplain The Anglican Church Basel

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Please join us for the ICS AGM and Showcase, a chance to give you a glimpse into the world of ICS mission partners and their ministries, to meet members of the team and catch up with friends. I have deliberately stayed with the theme of Frontiers this year. This accurately describes us as ICS makes significant steps in the mission we are called to. It also pays homage to the past with the echo to the excellent book by Brian Underwood: ‘Faith and New Frontiers’. In 2014 we talked about the ‘New Frontiers’, in 2015 we looked at ‘Moving towards the Frontiers’. This year we are in a real sense of ‘Exploring the Frontiers’.

Our guest speakers will be Bishop Bill and Hilary Musk formerly of St. George’s, Tunis who will speak about the challenges and opportunities for mission in North Africa.

Advance booking helps us to cater for you more accurately. Tea/coffee and cakes will be on offer. Please complete and return the form on the reverse of the address label to reach us by Friday 19 August 2016.

TRAVELBy public transport:Victoria (Rail) Station is 6 minute walkVictoria Coach Station is a 2 minute walkVictoria tube is 7 minute walk Sloane Square tube is a 6 minute walk 2, 11, 24, 38 and C10 buses all serve the area

ICS AGM AND SHOWCASE

EXPLORING THE FRONTIERSSATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 2-5PMSt. Michael’s Chester SquareLondon, SW1W 9EFwww.stmichaelschurch.org.uk

YOUR INVITATION

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CambridgeWednesday7 September at 8 pmImpington Church Hall, Histon CB24 9JEContact Dennis Sadler 01223 232 194

CheltenhamContact Audrey Martin-Doyle 01242 510 352

ExeterTuesday 6 September at 11 am2 Portland Court, 1 Portland Avenue, Exmouth EX8 2DJContact John Philpott 01395 225 044

EdinburghWednesday 7 September at 10.45 am10 Kirkhill Terrace, Edinburgh EH16 5DQContact Chris Martin 0131 668 4071 [email protected]

KeighleyThursday 18 August at 10.30 am Gargrave Vicarage (off the A65 5miles NW Skipton)Contact Michael Savage 01535 606 790

NorfolkThe Vicarage, 37 Church Road, Tilney St Lawrence, Kings Lynn PE34 4QQContact Martin Dale 01945 880 259

North BirminghamThursday 25 August at 7.30 pmContact John and Ann Aston, 01543 480388 or [email protected] Footherley Road, Shenstone, Staffs, WS14 0NJ

Thursday 27 October at 7.30 pm 52 Millbrook Dr, Shenstone, Staffs WS14 0JLContact Jacqueline Relph [email protected]

Northern Ireland74 Demesne Road, Seaforde, Ballynahinch, BT24 8NSContact John Dinnen 028 44 811 148

South East10 March, 14 April, 12 May, 9 June at 10 amThe Rectory, Cock Lane, Hamstreet, Kent TN26 2HUContact Rod Whateley 01233 732 274

StockportThe Rectory, Gorsey Mount Street, Stockport SK1 4DUContact Roger Scoones 0161 429 6564

WarwickThursday 21 July at 7.30 pm 11 Verden Avenue, Chase Meadow, Warwick CV34 6RXContact Anna Hopkins 07745 223 580

The WirralTuesday 6 September at 7.30 pm11 Stanford Ave, Wallesey CH45 5APContact Peter Jordan 0151 639 7860

WorthingWednesday 14 September at 2.30 pmRamsay Hall BN11 3HNContact ICS office 024 7646 3940

PRAYER MEETINGS

ICS

NEW

SIC

S NE

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M I S S I O N A N D M I N I S T R Y I N E N G L I S H F O R E V E R Y O N E

CONNECT Youth Ministry NetworkWorking with children and young people is amazing and challenging. Add to this mix an international context and the task grows in complexity. There are some great examples of what is being done but distance makes hearing about them and more importantly learning from them difficult. So, a small step to resolve this is the Youth Ministry Network. The aim of the network would be three-fold:1.To share ideas and experiences.2.To encourage and support each other and look at areas where co-operation would benefit the ministry that takes place.3.To provide a place to feed in resources and the opportunity to gather.Who is it forPeople who are full-time, part-time and volunteer youth workers operating in international English-speaking Anglican churches. It will be distributed through MailChimp allowing people to subscribe and unsubscribe, Facebook page and group, Twitter and via chaplains and diocesan networks.A monthly post will be distributed by ICS with the spotlight on one ministry. People will be able to post questions with moderators responding. The network will be hosted and managed by ICS.Contributions from: ICS Mission Director, Chaplaincy full-timers and volunteers, Youth Specialists

Register through ICS and contact Jeannette [email protected]