Ecumenical News from the Deaneries
Deanery of St Henry Walpole
Thriving Christian Unity continues within our Deanery with Aylsham, Sheringham, Wells and Fakenham all involved in 'Churches Together'.
At Walsingham there is dialogue with the Orthodox Church.
Our Lady and St Joseph, Cromer and Sheringham
Cromer:
There is no 'Churches Together' in Cromer, but a 'Ministers Fraternal' thanks to past efforts of Fr Peter Brown in his years at Our lady of Refuge.
Fr Denys Lloyd reports that 'Cromer Churches' (organized mainly by the Rev. David Court, Vicar of Cromer), held a Pier Forecourt Service on a summer Sunday afternoon featuring the 'Priest Clown' Roly Bain, which Fr Denys was unable to attend. There will be a Civic Carol Service before Christmas, and last year Fr Denys and other Ministers read lessons etc. for this.
Fr Denys says that the only Ministers Fraternal he was able to attend was held at Cromer Vicarage and included the Vicar of Cromer, the Baptist Minister and a student of Ridley Hall Cambridge on placement at Cromer Parish Church. This was exclusively a social meeting. The Vicar expressed the view that the differences between the various Christian communities in Cromer are such that it is not likely to be useful to engage in theological discussion!
Sheringham;
The activities of 'Churches Together' in Sheringham are reported by Peter Bowie. Peter together with Kevin Jones, are the Catholic representatives. Kevin takes over as Secretary as from the next meeting.
A Sheringham Ministers' Fraternal met for the first time on Sept.29th 2009. The Rev. Christian Heycocks(Cof E) , the Rev. Colin Sherwood (Methodist) and Fr Denys Lloyd were the only Ministers attending. Also present was one of the Sheringham Town Councillors. He spoke of the concern felt by some that the churches should have a 'higher profile' in the town. The possibility of there being a Mayor's Chaplain or at least of Ministers saying prayers at council meetings was mooted. The Ministers present gave a positive response. We now await the response of the Town Council. It was also agreed that we share resources, as appropriate; the Methodists now have a sophisticated sound system and it would be a suitable venue for concerts etc. They also have a acquired a colour photo-copier (with facility to print up to A3 size); this could be used by all of us for posters, etc.
Some general issues concerning the Sheringham Churches and the particular demography of Sheringham were discussed.
The Ministers' Fraternal will meet again in December.
Churches Together in Sheringham
Within 'Churches Together', St Joseph's have participated in Carnival and RNLI Beachfront Services during the summer. Also members of the annual Beach Mission have been welcomed to Mass. Within a Christian ethos various entertaining activities are organized for young holiday makers by the Mission.
Four member Churches have new leaders and there are new ideas coming forth.
Two nearby Anglican Churches are hoping to join Sheringham 'Churches Together' which would bring the number up to 9 Churches.
Currently Peter Bowie and Kevin Jones are the two Catholic reps with the posts of Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
Fakenham
The first 'Churches Together' event for Fakenham was a Harvest Supper in September, and others will include a combined Carol Service, Taize evening, Week of prayer, One World Week, and the preparation for the Churches General Election meeting. Fr Tony Webb says they are up and running at last!
Deanery of St Henry Walpole
North Walsham
Ipswich Deanery of St Edward
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