How do we score on ‘being devoted to one another’ and ‘honouring one another above ourselves’ in the Church family? It’s quite a challenge isn’t it?
The Church of God is described in a variety of ways in the Bible – as the household of God, as the family of God, and as the body of Christ.
As the body of Christ, the Church, we’ve each got different parts to play. I need you. You need me. We need each other to be able to do the work of God. This is part of our worship of God. But it’s not easy. By nature I think I’m more important than you. I even think I’m more important than God.
In Romans 12:10 Paul tells us that, as part of our worship, we’re to: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. And to honour one another above yourselves, in the body of Christ.
The background is Jesus’ instructions to love one another as He has loved us; and to love others as we love ourselves, even when, and especially when, we find one another difficult.
It’s a ‘tall order’ isn’t it? But with God at work nothing is impossible. Lets pray for His help and use the skills and experiences and talents He’s given us as we seek to honour one another above ourselves in our partnership to build his kingdom.
With the lifting of lockdown, there’s all kinds of work to be done – – singing and playing music, hospitality, – PA and live streaming, – welcoming and greeting, – teaching and assisting, – visiting and encouraging, – discipling and training, – serving on the PCC – and looking after the buildings.
There is something for everyone. And as we use the skills our Father has given us we’ll get to know each other and have the joy of serving the Lord by serving one another and the needs of our community.
If you feel that there is something God has made you to, and you haven’t found a way to do it yet, do talk to me or any member of the PCC.
Thy Kingdom Come is a project to encourage us to nine days of prayer from Ascension to Pentecost, (13 – 23 May).
As we emerge from lockdown the need for prayer is greater than ever. I want to invite you, therefore, to join with Christains of all denominations throughout the world to take time to pray ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ in the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost.
Jesus teaches us as His followers to pray to God as Father
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” (Lk 11:2)
Because Jesus is who he is, not only is he the one who reveals God to us and saves us, he is also the one who tells us to follow him and do as he does.
When we turn to the Gospels, we see that he prayed. He spoke to God as a child to its father: confidently and securely, and yet at the same time reverently and obediently. All who are one with Him share in this Father/ child relationship that Jesus has with God, and can speak to Him as Father.
This year ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ has a local, national and international emphasis:
Locally, to pray for those who have not been able to access the community of faith during these times, and to reach out to them.
Nationally, for those whose health work has been affected by lockdown..
Internationally, for the persecuted Church throughout the world and the challenges that they face.
Good resources are available to help to pray: “Hidden Church” booklets to pray for the persecuted Church; bookmarks with the names of 5 friends/ neighbours to pray for to come to faith; and ‘concertina’ booklets to pray for colleagues at work.
There’ll be a prayer space at the back of the Church building where we can pray on Sundays, and of course we can pray at home, while we’re washing the dishes or going for a walk.
Please pick up the resources on your way out after Church, or from the Church office.
Members of the church family may have heard about allegations of abuse committed by Jonathan Fletcher, the former Vicar of Emmanuel Church Wimbledon, against a number of people in Emmanuel Church and also in the wider conservative evangelical community. Emmanuel Church commissioned a review from the safeguarding charity ThirtyOne:Eight to identify the ‘lessons learned’ from these allegations and the context in which the abuse took place. This Review was published in March this year. The PCC wishes to make a short statement in response to the Review.
Jonathan Fletcher has visited Holy Redeemer on a number of occasions and has played a significant role in shaping the ministry here. He was an influential figure in many networks in which Holy Redeemer is involved. Members of the Holy Redeemer church family may have been subject to abusive behaviour from Jonathan Fletcher (this includes physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual, or psychological abuse). Church family members may have been subject to abuse from within Holy Redeemer, or in another church setting. If you feel this is you, or you know someone who has been abused, please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officers, Ian Gilmour or Lynn Andrews, or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Details of how to contact our own safeguarding officers and the Diocesan Safeguarding Officers are on the Holy Redeemer church website.
PCC will be considering the specific implications that this report has for us at HRS. We are committed to learning from this report. We will be reviewing the whole report to identify things that we should do that we are not doing and things that we are doing that could better be done better, and to implementing the changes that are identified.
Agenda for postponed annual parochial church meeting (APCM) 2020
2019 accounts – questions and Proposal to adopt accounts
The other reports (available on HRS website) The electoral roll report The financial statement The annual PCC summary report The fabric report
Annual Parish meeting 2021 Jon Lee is proposed and has agreed to be Warden Agenda for Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2021 Minutes of previous APCM The reports (available on the HRS website) The electoral roll report The financial statement The annual PCC summary report The fabric report The Deanery Synod report The elections and appointments Candidates for Deanery synod representatives (up to x3) proposed for election Denise Gilmour Candidates for the new PCC proposed for election Jon Lee John Sanni Shirley Wallace Lynn Andrews Julia Wallace Nick Grindle Steve Oakley Clarice Ranlall Lois Hagger Ian Gilmour Any other business
Holy Redeemer Streatham Electoral Roll 2020 & 2021 Published April 2021
PCC Report The PCC met 15 times while the Standing committee met 5 times this year. The PCC discussed the Church’s 5 year vision to Reach (proclaim Christ); Grow (make disciples); Serve (the community); and Support (resource ministry). We have been working on the planning applications to maximise the value of the Eardley Road Hall, and looking at ways to get back into the main building. We explored an application from a couple from the US interested in joining the ministry team, but COVID -19 pandemic prevented this. Due to restrictions brought about by the COVID -19 pandemic, the PCC has also discussed and implemented online Sunday service via Youtube, online mid week bible study meetings and youth meetings via zoom. The PCC meetings are also now being held via zoom. Please give thanks to God and pray for all who have served on the PCC this year (Ian Gilmour our vicar and chairman, Hiba Cameron and Jon Lee, our Church Wardens, John Sanni, our treasurer, Heri Cameron our PCC secretary, Lynn Andrews our safeguarding officer, Julia Wallace, Elizabeth Lee, Lois Hagger, Sumbo Adeyemo, Velma Robinson, Shirley Wallace, Nick Grindle, Cecil Devonish and Coral Devonish, Paul Greenhalgh and Steven Oakley). We are thankful too for Sumbo Adeyemo and Heri Cameron who are retiring from the PCC.
Home groups God tells us to ‘consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ (Heb 10:24). Acting on God’s instructions, 3 evening groups and 3 day time groups have met over the last year. During C-19, a central group has met on zoom for meditations on the Psalms in lockdown. There have also been three Christianity explored / evangelistic groups meeting, the last of these online. In our home groups we’ve followed the Sunday sermon series (John 13-17 & Colossians 3), trained in explaining the good news of Jesus (Two ways to live) and enjoyed digging into the prophecy of Zechariah. Our home groups are the primary pastoral care network of the Church, and C-19 has shown their value more than ever, as leaders and members have cared for each other.
Special events The pandemic has stopped many things, among them the Church w/end away at Shatterling Barnes and a Church family holiday at the Keswick Convention in the Lake District. But we’ve enjoyed a men’s w/end at Shatterling Barnes in October, and we’re hoping to arrange a holiday at the Keswick convention 24-30 July 2021. Our 2020 holiday club had to cancel, but we’re hoping to run one in the second week of the Easter holidays 2021. Please pray for these and put the dates in the diaries.
Safeguarding – Lynn Andrews The Safeguarding Team consists Rev Ian Gilmour and Lynn Andrews who are joint Safeguarding Officers for the church. Church Safeguarding is a permanent item on the PCC agenda when general issues of safeguarding are discussed. The Holy Redeemer’s Safeguarding Policy is available on the church’s website. Those who have a role in leadership in the church whether through children’s ministry, Pop-in and are expected to complete the Southwark Dioceses safeguarding training. As a church we want to ensure that the children and vulnerable adults in our church and community are protected and we recognise the calling and duty to love and care for the vulnerable and marginalised and protect all from abuse.
Women’s Ministry – Lois Hagger Co-led a weekly morning women’s group with Denise on either Tuesday (winter) or Wednesday (autumn) depending on who could make it. We studied Revelation, Christian Concern material, Colossians and sermon prep for John’s gospel. We averaged 3 – 6 ladies each week. Led a fortnightly evening Wednesday women’s group which started in autumn. I used the material prepared for the morning bible study. Met with 3 – 5 women to read the bible and pray. Organised the Welcoming team, and ran a training morning. I’m usually at the door each week to assist in this ministry. Joined Ian in January to assist with Christianity Explored Attended the Tuesday Horizon group for the Bible talk and exercise after with the aim of evangelism and encouragement. Assist in kitchen duties at Little Nippers on Monday
Horizon Club The Horizon Club has become very settled and has made satisfactory progress in terms of attendance. There has been a continuous increase in the numbers attending the Bible Discovery session and also in the Exercise session. Regarding the Bible Discovery session there has been on average 14 to 15 attendees and 27 to 29 for the exercise session. Unfortunately due to COVID-19, these meeting came to an end in March.
Friday REDS & aLIVE – Paul Greenhalgh Praise God for another great year with our Friday groups. REDS (5-11s) and aLIVE (11-18s) grew both numerically and in spiritual maturity throughout 2019. Our c. 15 Friday REDS enjoy learning a Bible truth each week, singing their favourite songs (Super Saviour being their chart topper), hearing about Christian heroes of history, eating their body weight in custard creams, and burning it all off with energetic games. Later in the evening our 15-20 aLIVE group members come along to chill out at the end of a busy school week. A new pattern of meeting began in the autumn term. We have regular features including Bible study, discussion groups, addressing common questions asked of Christianity, team challenges, and book recommendations. Perhaps most encouraging of all have been interviews with various members of the church family, and the chance to ask them questions about living the Christian life. Thank you to those who have subjected themselves to a grilling! In 2019 both groups followed the same teaching pattern: Christianity Explored for Youth (Mark’s gospel); 1 & 2 Samuel; and a Bible Overview, based on Vaughan Roberts’ excellent book God’s Big Picture. One off events for the REDS included the Knights of the King Holiday Club in July and our annual Autumn Light Party in October. The former was massive fun for the 50 children who came, and for all the leaders too. This was despite temperatures soaring to 38℃ on our second day! Some of the aLIVE Group enjoyed a week of teaching from John’s gospel at Quantock 3 Summer Camp. Later in the year, we also enjoyed a trip to Westminster Chapel and Capital Youthworks Sorted event in November. It was a smashing day of teaching from Romans 8, and an encouragement to meet with hundreds of other 14-18s from across the south-east. As ever, huge thanks go to all those who have been on the team leading the groups each week: Lynn Andrews; Katy Brock; Rosie Egena; Ian & Denise Gilmour; Erin Goddard; Carol Lake; and Steph Tonna.
Cornhill – Paul Greenhalgh My studies on the Cornhill Training Course continued throughout 2019, first completing F1 and F2, before starting Cornhill Core from September. Cornhill shares Holy Redeemer’s conviction that when the Bible is taught, God’s voice is heard. The course then aims to equip people to unashamedly and faithfully teach God’s word. In practice this meant receiving lectures to familiarise us with Bible books and key doctrines. Personal highlights in 2019 included studying Isaiah, Ephesians, Revelation, and the Sovereignty of God. Throughout 2019 I was also regularly preparing and delivering Bible talks to a small group, where we seek to offer useful feedback to sharpen each other as preachers. I am grateful for the feedback I’ve received on talks in Colossians, Ecclesiastes, Exodus, Isaiah, John, and Romans. Our learning at Cornhill is designed to dovetail with opportunities to put it into practice in the local church. At Holy Redeemer this has meant continuing to teach the children and youth, and the opportunity to preach occasionally. I’d like to record my thanks to Ian especially for allowing me these opportunities, and his godly mentorship throughout 2019. Thank you too to all the church family at Holy Redeemer for your patience, encouragement, and prayers.
Trips and Visits – Paul Greenhalgh During the Easter holiday a number of the church family enjoyed a day out together to Greenwich. The sun shone as we enjoyed a boat ride down the Thames from London Bridge to Greenwich Pier. After investigating the foot tunnel under the Thames, we whiled away a happy few hours picnicking and playing games in Greenwich Park. After an hour in the National Maritime Museum it was time to head home, but not without first stopping to enjoy an ice-cream! Around 30 adults and children also enjoyed the early May Bank holiday at Bible-by-the-Beach in Eastbourne. We enjoyed excellent Bible teaching for all ages from speakers including Don Carson, Lee Gatiss, Ed Drew, and Mark Pickles. There was also plenty of time to chat over what we’d heard and share our lives together for a few days.
Little Nippers There has been good attendance at Little Nippers over the last year averaging 30 children and their carers. It has been especially good to have church members attending the group – Lisa Oakley and Ian Andrews has started a regular social gathering after the group which meets at the Railway. This opens more opportunities for building relationships and evangelism. Rosamunde Ganpatsingh, Eileen Ahmed, Joyce Welcome and Lois Hagger have continued as faithful helpers in the kitchen.
Sunday Reds Sunday Reds has grown since last year which is both very encouraging and presents some challenges. There is limited space in the Vicarage now. 3-5’s meet in the Vestry, 6-11’s and 11-14’s meet in the Vicarage. The Sunday School teachers have been wonderful and have put a lot of preparation into their lessons and faithfully taught the children over the year. We have about 14 teachers but will lose about 4 of them for various reasons by the Summer. We are talking to various people about taking up the roles that will be vacant. We are still using the Click curriculum for under 11s, and the 11-14s have changed over to the Mustard Seeds curriculum. We have had a Sunday School training session in October.
Vicar’s report 2020-2021 Looking back It’s been one of the hardest years of our lives for many of us. There are those still grieving the loss of loved ones, opportunities, freedoms, and security; many of us are still recovering from the shock of it and trying to get our bearings in the new world. In all these challenges, God has shown HRS to be His body, by giving us the gifts across the Church family to be able to keep gathering around His Word to pray and encourage one another online on Sundays and mid week. We’ve been able to start Connect Groups to love and disciple one another. It’s been a year that has seen the reopening of the main Church building for the first time in 14 years. God willing, the full planning application is about to be approved. And there is a new category of permitted development that the PCC are working on. We have been building on our vision which can be found here: https://1drv.ms/w/s!Ah1Mov4FFeJlhPlFL3avwPC6_lxjFQ?e=wazySD
Looking forward We’re at a critical point if we are to accelerate out of the Pandemic. The lockdown has taught us to use new ways to meet and communicate. The challenge is to build back better. To add the new means of connecting with one another and our community to the old ones; to reach and serve more people more effectively. Our overall aim is to grow from a small / medium size Church into a medium / large Church. We have identified the need to develop ministry teams to achieve this, and the pandemic has emphasised the need for this. We have two specific aims for the year ahead – to grow deeper roots and more open doors – to have deeper roots in the Lord Jesus; and more open doors for our community locally and digitally to come in to join us. To achieve this the PCC’s aim is to add a full time person to the team to develop our families and children’s work and to play a key role in developing our strategy for growth and outreach in the new online / live world we’re in.
And a special word of thanks – We are indebted to Jon and Lizzy Lee and their family for enabling our digital communications and the re-opening of the Church, with Jon putting in the work of a full time team member at many points. We also thank Hiba Cameron who is retiring as warden and from the PCC to do a masters in Pharmacy, while continuing to teach our children, lead on Sundays, and be the contact person for a connect group. And our thanks go to John Sanni for many hours of work on our accounts; and to Tania Loke who has worked tirelessly as our PCC secretary. Celeste, who has kept our administration going through bereavement, and Lois for her work in retirement with some of the women of our Church. We remain grateful for Cecil & Coral Devonish’s example and prayers; and to all our musicians, and to all who lead our prayers and services on Sundays; and to our youth and children’s teachers, home group leaders and hospitality managers; and to Julia Wallace and Lynn Andrews for their important work in safeguarding. And last a word of thanks to Denise who has taken on much of our youth and childrens’ work in the absence of a Cornhill trainee or equivalent staff member, as well as caring for the Church, running our home, and teaching our own children.
Deanery Synod Report Lambeth South Deanery 2020-2021 Parish Vacancies and New Incumbents The deanery had five parishes in vacancy in 2020, principally in and around Streatham – Immanuel with St Andrew, Christ Church, St Peter’s, and St Thomas with St Stephen. These four fall in the Streatham constituency of Bell Ribeiro Addy who generously attended all the licensings of new clergy, despite lockdown restrictions. In addition, George Ansa retired in July from Emmanuel West Dulwich. We were delighted to welcome Sarah Simpson to Immanuel, Rob Gillion to Christ Church, Steffan Matthias to St Peter’s and Sue Cooke to St Thomas with St Stephen at licensings that each adapted to the changing restrictions due to the pandemic, with Sue Cooke’s taking place entirely on zoom. In addition, the vacancy within the chaplaincy at Brixton prison was filled with the appointment of Bola Adamolekun. The diocese has decided not to appoint a replacement at Emmanuel and Jonathan Croucher will be licensed as priest in charge there on an interim basis to provide support and leadership in the parish.
Synod Meetings The first Synod of 2020 took place at All Saints Clapham Park, with a focus on Social Action. We welcomed Jon Mann from the Children’s Society and Elizabeth Maytom from Norwood and Brixton Foodbank and members of synod shared accounts of different initiatives in churches around the deanery. A second formal synod meeting took place in October via Zoom where we shared in small groups our different experiences of responding to the pandemic restrictions and the many creative ways parishes had enabled worship to take place on line, the variety of approaches to pastoral care and community support initiatives.
Racial Justice and Inclusion On 27th June the deanery organised a Black Lives Matter event in Brockwell Park. Led by the Area Dean, representatives from all deanery churches, along with many from Lambeth North deanery, attended the event which included a homily from Kit Gunasekera and Prayers led by Sam and Nathalie Whittington from St Paul’s Brixton.
For Black History Month the deanery commissioned five short reflections from BAME clergy on racial justice and inclusion in light of Christ’s Incarnation which were distributed as videos for parishes to use during the month. (+ Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover), Christ’s Ministry (Mitzi Isaacs, Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary, Holy Saviour Croydon), Christ’s Passion and Death(+ Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich) and Christ’s Resurrection (Rev’d Dr Sharon Prentis, Intercultural Mission Enabler, and & Dean of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Affairs, Birmingham Diocese and Fr Richard Springer, Rector at St George-in-the-East, Shadwell and Dean of Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Ministry for the Stepney Area).
Ministry Reports – Year ending 31 December 2020 PCC Report The PCC met 12 times this year, of which 10 were via Zoom. Notable discussion items were: – Adapting to COVID-19: Holding Sunday services as online-only or hybrid in-person following Government guidance and church members’ overall sentiment (also gauged via an online survey); hosting the midweek group on Zoom; running Friday aLIVE via Zoom with online safeguarding procedures, and in-person when able; initiating the Connect project with contact-people facilitating pastoral care in small groups; and implementing risk assessments for in-person meetings. – Commissioning the racial equality report by Shirley Wallace and Vilma Robinson. – Progressing the planning applications for St John’s Hall, 160 Eardley Road: To potentially increase the site’s value from the current planning permission, the PCC discussed securing a new planning permission, and applying for an extended permitted development permission. To finance these planning applications and repair work on the main church building, the PCC has progressed securing a 12-month bridging loan of £60,000 from Methodist Chapel Aid Ltd. – Reviewing the ministry team: Drafting job descriptions for a Women’s Ministry Trainer & Team Leader, a potential Associate Minister, and a potential part-time Families, Youth, Children & Schools Worker. – Reviewing the use of our buildings, particularly the main church building, the Parish Hall, and 19 Churchmore Road.
Please give thanks to God and pray for our PCC: Ian Gilmour as vicar and chairman; Hiba Cameron and Jon Lee as churchwardens; John Sanni as treasurer; Tania Loke as secretary (co-opted in September); Lynn Andrews as safeguarding officer; Cecil Devonish, Coral Devonish, Nick Grindle, Lois Hagger, Elizabeth Lee, Steve Oakley, Vilma Robinson, Julia Wallace, and Shirley Wallace. We are thankful too for retiring members Sumbo Adeyemo, Heri Cameron, and Paul Greenhalgh.
Christianity Explored The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 unsettled many of us. The lock-down lasted longer than most of us first expected. Many of us, and those in our community, were left with questions as the familiar world we once knew disappeared. Questions about where true security lies, what hope we can have for the future, and who really is in control of this world. In this context the numbers who joined us for Christianity Explored Online were strong. 11 Christians and 11 non-Christians began the course, which took place over seven weeks in June and July. Through the pages of Mark’s gospel the course introduced us to the identity of Jesus, his mission, and how we are called to respond. For some, this was for the first time. For others, the course represented an opportunity to helpfully refocus their gaze on Jesus and renew their love for him. Praise God for his work in these ways. Go on asking that those who came on the course would have their eyes opened to see that Jesus is the Christ, who deserves their life’s worship as the resurrected King of the world, who died to save them from their sin and the reality of hell. For many in the church family, it was a great encouragement that invitations made to friends, to join us on the course, were accepted. We pray this will continue to motivate evangelism as we offer the course again in the future. And we also hope that many in the church family might consider joining our next CE course, to give confidence in opening Mark’s gospel with non-Christian family and friends.
Friday REDS & aLIVE 2020 began with the traditional pattern of Friday REDS and aLIVE meeting together weekly in the hall. Our c. 15 Friday REDS enjoyed learning a Bible truth each week, singing, reading about Christian heroes of history, and playing a selection of lively games. Meanwhile, our 15-20 aLIVE group members enjoyed opening up God’s word each week alongside playing games, hearing from church family members about different aspects of the Christian life, and thinking about hard questions. In the spring term, both groups looked at Luke 7-8. The series emphasised the certainty of Jesus’ power to save, and that our salvation is by faith in him. Our Luke series was brought to an abrupt end with the imposition of lockdown measures. Due to safeguarding requirements, the REDS were unable to meet online. However, Online aLIVE was soon up and running, using Zoom. On a Thursday night, the same group of 10 met to read through the story of Ruth, play games, and socialise. At a time of such anxiety regarding Covid-19, it was a comfort to be reminded from Ruth, that God works in all things for the good of those who love him, who’ve been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, our memory verse for the term). Thanks go to those regularly involved in running the midweek groups in 2020, and especially in getting the online meetings up and running: Lynn Andrews; Katy Brock; Rosie Egena; Ian & Denise Gilmour; Tania Loke; and Julia Wallace.
Social Events Shortly before covid-19 lockdown, we enjoyed a Holy Redeemer Quiz Night, with fish and chip supper. Thanks to Julia Wallace and Marion Matcham for their help in putting on this event. During lockdown we also enjoyed a Friday afternoon with families, and an evening with the adults, putting general knowledge to the test. Unfortunately during lockdown, the quiz didn’t come with the fish and chips.
Cornhill During the first half of 2020, I completed the Cornhill Training Course whilst on placement with you at Holy Redeemer Streatham. Cornhill (part of the Proclamation Trust) shares Holy Redeemer’s conviction that when the Bible is taught, God’s voice is heard. The course then aims to equip faithful gospel ministers in Bible handling, to enable them to unashamedly proclaim God’s word, to God’s people, in the local church. In early 2020, in practice, this meant lectures and seminars in Bible books, including Amos, Hebrews, Joshua, Ruth, Malachi and Habakkuk. Thursday afternoon electives also gave the opportunity to think hard about leading effective small group Bible studies, and running a fruitful children’s ministry. Assessment at Cornhill is through the regular preparation, delivery and critique of Bible talks. At Cornhill Core level, the expectation was that these would be full length sermons, ready to deliver to the church family on a Sunday. I am grateful for the eight chaps in my teaching practice group for sharpening my preaching from 2 Timothy, Exodus, and Hosea. My learning was (at least in theory!) put into practice at the Holy Redeemer, continuing to teach the children and youth, and having occasional opportunities for teaching the wider church family. I’d like to thank everyone at Holy Redeemer for adopting me into the church family during the course of my two years in Streatham. Thank you too for your constant prayers during that time.
Racial Equality – Holy Redeemer Church, Streatham We were asked by the PCC to talk to the church family about their experiences of racial Equality in our church and the wider community following the death of George Floyd and the inequalities and unconscious bias, which was highlighted in society. The aim is to enable us to preach the gospel more effectively, conscious of the effect our words have on our diverse congregation. Also, our aim is for the words Jesus preached to be endorsed by the church family; to be loving, caring and help one another. So, we asked ourselves ‘What is racism?’ It could be defined where someone treats you differently because of your colour, ethnicity, nationality, or race. This could mean that they treat you differently or unfairly. This could be a learned stereotype that is automatic, unintentional, deeply ingrained, and able to influence behaviour. It can range from subtle comments to overt action and hostile, derogatory, negative racial slants and insults. We are all aware of the inequalities in the wider community. We hear it on the TV everyday which affect the lives of minority groups in our society. Saying we are not racist is no longer good enough, we all need to do more to eradicate racism. This means standing up as an ally and actively promote equality. We must speak up as racial inequality is not acceptable in our society today. Our findings within the Holy Redeemer Church: We contacted the congregation in the newsletter and the church notices, contacted members by email, WhatsApp, and telephone. Face to face communication was difficult because of Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions it has put on us all. Between us we received responses from approximately 20% of the congregation. Most of our findings were positive, and we found that most people think racial inequality does not exist and they have not experienced it within the church setting and they feel included in the church. Some people found it difficult to talk about racism and some found it emotionally draining and did not want to talk about it, as it could affect their mental state. One comment was that we need to be careful of our teachings and some of the stories used from commercial books that occasionally depict black in the negative and white in the positive context (especially in a Sunday school setting). Below are some of the questions asked and answers given.
Questions
Answers Given
Do you feel comfortable to express your cultural ethnic identity in church? e.g. dress code.
Responses were that they were comfortable to express their cultural identity. However, disappointment was expressed with some who were not happy with those inappropriately dressed when they are playing an active part in services.
Do you feel you can discuss racial issues with (a) church leaders (b) congregation?
Responses were that they feel they can approach Ian and the PCC members; many have done so in the past. They think Ian is open to discussion. It was also felt that the Church would be a constructive place to discuss racial issues.
Have you experienced any racial discrimination within the church or at events?
Most people did not experience and racial discrimination in church.
Do you feel as though you are a valued member of the church?
Everyone we spoke to felt they are valued and included within the church family, which has improved over the years.
Do you feel opportunities are made available or are accessible to you to have an active role in the church?
The majority we spoke to felt opportunities are made available but fearful of lack of support or being thrown in at the “deep end” which can be embarrassing. Others responded that opportunities were available to a certain extent and more could be done to involve more people in different ministries and it was felt that the church leadership did not have confidence in the congregation although this is slowly changing.
Do you feel the church is sensitive to or recognises racial issues?
The replies were that the church may not fully understand the sensitivity to racial issues and how it affects people from minority groups daily. Also, that the church recognises racial issues, but the subject is not given much airtime.
Do you feel the church understand or emphasise with racial discrimination that ethnic groups face?
We found that the leadership has a limited awareness of the experiences that minority groups face, as different groups face different types of discrimination. As a church we could do more to listen to each other’s experience and other prejudices such as ageism.
Do you feel that your race plays a part in how you are welcomed or interacted with at the Holy Redeemer?
We found that everyone is welcomed and greeted equally, and that race did not come into it.
Do you think that you have enough knowledge about race relations and discriminations? Would you like to learn more?
Some people said that they did not have enough knowledge about minority groups, race relations or the history. Others said they had enough knowledge about it. Some said they would welcome more information as there is no limit to how much we should seek to understand each other’s experience, our own prejudices and repent on them.
Have you ever witnessed racism within the church?
Some people said they come to church to worship and leave. If it is there, they would not know, and they have not seen it. Others said they have not witnessed it in the church but have in the wider community.
Would you feel comfortable to challenge racism?
Some people would challenge racism. Some would challenge in the church and at work, but in the community, some were reluctant because of safety and depending on the situation.
Suggested recommendations: The fact that we did not find any major problems within the church family, we should encourage open discussion and awareness, especially about what is happening in the wider community so that we can support, care and pray that attitudes may change for the benefit of all. PCC members could have open discussions on racial inequalities so that we are aware and can pray for the church family in the workplace who are susceptible to institutional racism. PCC could encourage church family to support and care and pray for each other, so that we can effectively proclaim the gospel and make disciples for Christ. We need to maintain a demographic mix on the PCC that mirrors the demographics of the church family. The church family could be encouraged to bring their prayer requests to Ian if they are experiencing challenges at work or in the wider community and to speak up should they experience racism within the church. The PCC should remain vigilant about future problems that may arise and develop their awareness, so that they can support the church family in a positive manner. The PCC should ensure that training is given to church family who are willing to get involved with church ministries. Summary: We hope the PCC members find this information useful, so that it can assist us in the various ministries within the church. Report prepared by:Shirley Wallace &Vilma Robinson
Safeguarding Report The Safeguarding Team consists Rev Ian Gilmour and Lynn Andrews who are joint Safeguarding Officers for the church. Church Safeguarding is a permanent item on the PCC agenda when general issues of safeguarding are discussed. The Holy Redeemer’s Safeguarding Policy is available on the church’s website. Those who have a role in leadership in the church whether through children’s ministry, Pop-in and are expected to complete the Southwark Dioceses safeguarding training. As a church we want to ensure that the children and vulnerable adults in our church and community are protected and we recognise the calling and duty to love and care for the vulnerable and marginalised and protect all from abuse.
Horizon Club During the earlier part of the year of 2020 saw the continuity of very good attendances to both the exercise and Bible Discovery sessions. Due to the out break of the coronavirus pandemic, we had to forego the August excursion which is usually at the beginning of August and the Christmas get together. I am sure that the members have been disappointed to miss both these events.
Little Nippers Little Nippers has been unable to meet since April 2020.
Sunday Reds Sunday Reds has formed part of the online service n YouTube. Parents and children have found the teaching fun and engaging.
Women’s Ministry Due to the pandemic the weekly bible study went online via zoom. The group became more of a prayer meeting. Lois continued with zoom 1-2-1’s and contacted women regularly to pray and read the Bible.
Home Groups Home Groups continued meeting weekly via Zoom. We worked through the Dig Deeper series as well the Word 1-2-1 series with Wes Illingsworth.
Away Day Our Away Day was held online via Zoom this year, with fantastic teaching by Andrew Sachs. Attendance was excellent, with the added advantage of being able to invite friends virtually.
The UK’s recent race disparity audit has spotlighted realities about ethnic disparity that many have experienced first hand for decades. We are more ethnically diverse than ever, but differences in our treatment and quality of life are stark. Asian and Black households are more likely to be poor and to face persistent poverty than other ethnic groups. Achievement at school tends generally to track economic advantage, but black Caribbean pupils seem to face a consistent disadvantage, even in wealthier homes.
Despite significant reductions in the last ten years, black men are still three and half times more likely to be stopped by police than white men.
What might be even more disappointing to those of us who call ourselves Christians is that our churches are not immune to racial discrimination—and too often fail to live out a biblical vision for ethnicity and racial inclusion.
So how can we address these challenges in both our churches and broader society?
ONE aims to help churches hold biblical conversations around these issues. These discussions might only be a first step ….. but no journey was ever achieved without it.
The resources on this page will help churches hold and pursue this conversation.
ONE: a panel discussion, and discussion starter ….
I’m writing this on the day of National Reflection, the 23rd March 2021; a year from the start of lockdown on 23rd March 2020. It’s a day to stop; to lament our losses; and to give thanks for what’s been good.
Wonderfully, for our comfort and encouragement, we’re coming up to the day(s) that changed the world even more than the 23rd March 2020 – It’s arguable whether the day that changed the world most was the day of Jesus’ death (Good Friday) or the day of Jesus’ resurrection (Easter Sunday).It’s a ‘false dilemma’ really because the two days belong together. Being God the Son, Jesus’ resurrection was inevitable; the amazing thing is that the He who made us should choose to die for us to become His friends!The two days cannot be separated. The resurrection of Jesus declares the success of Jesus’ death to remove the barrier of our wrongdoing.This Easter Sunday we’ll be looking at the eyewitness records of the resurrection, from John chapter 20. In John 20:31 John tells us why he has recorded them:
“so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.“John 20:31
John’s logic is compelling: the evidence leads to faith, which brings Life
Please come and hear the evidence for the resurrection; meet some people who know Jesus is alive, and meet the God who has given His life so that you may have life with Him.
Join us this Easter weekend starting with our online Good Friday service on the 2nd April at 10:30 am and on Sunday 4th April at 10:45 am for our in-person, in the main Church building, and online Easter Sunday Celebration.
Analysts speak about the three phases that follow a disaster: the response phase, the recovery phase and the reconstruction phase.
According to this, we’re coming out of the response phase and are entering the recovery phase. And how much it is needed. We’re all more weary than we probably think. Twelve months of changes and the accumulated grief of lost loved ones, and lost opportunities and freedoms, drain us emotionally and psychologically.
Christ Jesus’ invitation is encouraging:
Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Ultimately He is offering us the rest of the new creation or heaven – in Genesis 2:2 God rested on the 7th day of creation and that day never ended. Hebrews 4:9 tells us ‘there remains a Sabbath rest for God’s people’ – eternal life in His presence as co-rulers of His perfect kingdom. And in this age he is offering the rest of peace with God.
This rest is particularly needed as the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Sarah Everard have reminded us – this world is neither a fair, nor a safe, place.
While we wait for the full rest that Jesus promises, we want to do all the good we can to make this a better world; a fairer, safer place.
We can play our part by joining the Diocesand Evangelical Union’s discussion of racial equality and inequality on Wednesday 24 March. Please note that this is a week later than advertised in the last newsletter.
To join the meeting please write to info@southwarkdeu.org and you will be sent a zoom link.
This evening, Wednesday 17 March, we’re going to be praying for fairness and safety on our streets. Please join me through the mid week link below on this newsletter.
As we come to the end of the Archbishops’ “Prayer for the Nation” prayers, the Christian Institute has invited us to join them in a further week of prayer for the nation. Details can be found here.
