https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Q0Jee1g0E
<h1>Norfolk barn is focus for creative Christianity </h1><h5>A barn in rural South Norfolk is a thriving focus for the arts and creative Christian spirituality, as well as a recording studio and a craft centre, all run by an ordained couple. Kevin Gotts reports.</h5>The Barn is a former old carriage house at Rockland St Mary Rectory seven miles south east of Norwich and is the home of the former Burning Bush project. The Barn is a ministry run by Rev Canon Nick Garrard and his wife Rev Helen Garrard.At present the Barn fulfils several roles. It is a recording studio for services, an assembly line for children’s craft packs, and home to Art Café, which Nick explains, “The Art Café is a Wednesday morning online gathering where we contemplate a work of art or an artist and talk about all that intrigues and inspires us. We have conversations with artists, including the award-winning young Dutch artist Egbert Moddermann who recently joined us from Groeningen to share some of his paintings on Biblical themes.”Nick’s role combines being Rector of six rural parishes (Rockland Benefice, part of the Bramerton Group) with Bishop’s Officer for Christian Spirituality through the Creative Arts. The arts ministry is based in The Barn, was developed and resourced by his predecessor, Rev Wendy Shaw and a committed core group, many of whom are still involved today.“I have been a parish minister for 32 years and continue to feel privileged to share my faith, accompanying and supporting people through the whole cycle of life, with its hopes, its joys and sorrows,” says Nick. “My journey with the arts began as a teenager, around the same time as I first felt called by God to serve in ordained ministry. I enjoyed art and art history but gave them up to focus on more ‘serious’ subjects. My interest in art has never diminished and keeps coming back in different ways. It’s been thrilling to take up lino printing again in the Barn. I still can’t quite believe that we have a proper studio!”“Over the past 20 years I became aware that God was calling me to explore combining pastoral work with education and the arts. Life is a constant learning experience. I enjoy supporting schools, teaching pastoral care and spirituality to students training for ordained and licensed ministries and studying art history with the Open University. Another great privilege of my role is to be alongside people exploring life, the world and spirituality through the arts, whether as viewers, listeners or creators.” Helen, who shares this ministry is the full-time Lead Chaplain with the Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust and is very involved in the life of Rockland Benefice. Both are also training together as spiritual directors. A director is a companion, who meets regularly with those exploring their life journey.“As the world emerges from its current restrictions, people may feel the need reflect on where they find themselves and move forward. We trust The Barn will offer a creative space to explore their big questions. We look forward to times when people can return to the Barn for art events, quiet days, worship, coffee and cake,” said Nick. “We are launching groups with different interests soon, seeking to encourage creativity in many ways.”Art Café attendees are very positive about the project: “Art Café has been a window into and onto a world which I had always thought beyond my comprehension. I am now beginning to appreciate it more thoroughly,” said one.“I have much enjoyed the Art Café, with its lively and informed group. I have learned a lot, too. Many thanks to Nick Garrard, for his inspired leadership,” said a second."Despite lockdown I feel free. Looking at a work of art; a chance for an exchange of views - those of the participants and those of the artist. We look at the same thing but see it differently," said a third.Nick extends an invitation to join them or receive the monthly Barn Owl round up of arts and spirituality events. Contact him on 01508 538014, email <strong>nickgarr39@aol.com</strong> or visit <strong>www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7440</strong>
Safeguarding in our ChurchesIn accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our churches are committed to:Promoting a safer environment and culture.Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.Our Parishes will:Create a safe and caring place for all.Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the three PCCs that comprise the Broadside Benefice to implement policy and procedures.Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the Parish.Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately. For more information please visit the Diocesan Safeguarding page.Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.The Rockland parishes have appointed Leo Smith as the Parish Safeguarding Officer at their Annual Meeting held in April 2019.She can be contacted at leosmith60@gmail.com or 01508 493695 on any safeguarding matter.
