Until the arrival of Bishop Helen-Ann in 2023, Newcastle Diocese had a set of three one-word values that appeared on many diocesan publications: Open, Generous, Engaged. Since then our new bishop has introduced a new set of three words that aim to take each of these a step forward: SEEKING through being Open to God’s transforming love; SHARING through being Generous with God’s transforming gifts; SENDING through being Engaged in God’s transforming work in the world. As she explained to the Diocesan Synod, we are being called by God to Turn outwards in mission and grow younger and more diverse. We are to be youthful in scope, mindful of the realities of our diverse contexts, and think of audiences beyond the ones we see now. This may well mean significant changes. It will be uncomfortable for some, while at the same time making us more diverse in age and background. This will require us to - Build confidence in belonging and believing, lifting morale; - Be realistic and hopeful about finances;- All - clergy and members young and old, whatever our background - to be open and willing to change and be changed.Compiled locally, from reports received from the Diocese, of Bishop Helen-Ann's address to the Diocesan Synod in May 2023, in the absence of any definitive publications on the subject from the Diocese. We apologise for any inaccuracies or misinterpretation, and would appreciate any official publication on the subject.
Born in Ireland, Aidan came to England in the 7th century. Oswald, a member of the Northumbrian royal family, had lived in exile with the monks at Iona, during the Mercian invasion. While there he became a Christian, and when he regained his throne by defeating the Mercians in the Battle of Heavenfield, he invited his friends on Iona to send a monk to help him share his faith with his Northumbrian subjects. Aidan was not the first monk to come, but he got on well with Oswald, who would have welcomed Aidan to the the royal palace of Bamburgh, but he preferred instead the relative isolation of the island of Lindisfarne. With King Oswald initially assisting him as translator, Aidan was responsible for the conversion of many to the Christian faith. He founded churches and monasteries, liberated Anglo Saxon slaves and educated them. Aidan had a reputation for living very modestly. After Oswald's death, Aidan supported Oswald's brother King Oswin and the two became good friends. One day Oswin gave him a fine horse but almost immediately Aidan gave it away to a poor man. During Lent he went on retreat to the Inner Farne, from where in AD651, he saw Bamburgh being burnt by Fenda, another militant King of Mercia. He prayed successfully for the wind to change, but died later that year. The Vikings sacked Lindisfarne in AD793 and St Aidan was forgotten for a while, but in the 10th century the monks of Glastonbury obtained his supposed relics, reviving interest in him. The Venerable Bede praised him for his eloquence, his prayerfulness, peaceful nature, humility and care of the sick and poor.We acknowledge information provided by the Independent Catholic News and also by Chris Hudson, one of the original Brinkburn Lifepath team.
Revd Rich visits Longframlington - and challenges us to "Be the Change" to improve St Mary's and make us more welcoming to others. He describes some of his own experience from years ago - when he decided that if he wanted there to be something for families like his, then he could do something about it himself. And he also reminded me that the vision to establish the Community Room was all about being the church for the local communityClick here to see the video and here to visit the YouTube channel to check out all the videos.
Our Priest in Charge was among a group of newly appointed clergy entertained recently at Bishop's House by Bishop Helen-Ann.No prizes for guessing why he was in the back row for the photograph!
