2008 Manchester Conference Reports

NECN: The National Estate Churches Network
Charity Registered in England & Wales, No 1104767
Registered Office: Bishop’s House, Orsett Road, Horndon-on-the Hill, Essex, SS17, 8NS
www.nationalestatechurches.org

NECN Conferences 2008: Manchester Conference Reports

Around 45 people gathered for an event that was stimulating, and challenging, and with the wide ranging programme held together by Bishop Laurie Green. Miles Platting was an unusual venue, in that this large social housing estate is so close to Manchester City Centre that it has been identified for a major regeneration programme that will transform the area through private development. The church has been playing a significant role in this process, and in the afternoon The Revd Peter Rouch, vicar of Apostle’s Church Miles Platting, invited conference members to visit the parish in groups, and then return for a synopsis of what is planned, and how the church has been involved in the process.

Following a refreshing time of worship, I led the first morning session inviting delegates to explore how Jesus is a model for ministry in social housing estates today. I outlined my Jesus Shaped People theme, which has been well tried and tested in the estate parish where I serve as Vicar in Bradford, West Yorks.

We were fortunate to have Bishop Steven Lowe as our main key note speaker. Bishop Steven is now employed as the Church of England’s ‘Bishop for Urban Life and Faith’ and has been able to make a serious contribution. He highlighted how his work has developed over the past months, and given him an effective voice in acting as an advocate and champion for social housing estates. He also recognised the remarkable work being done by estate churches, and hoped that it would be better supported in the future. He was responsible for the commissioning of a recent report entitled ‘Moral but no Compass’ which identified the role of the church in welfare provision, and that urged major reforms.

The day together was one that enabled lots of lively networking and discussion, and gave those who are involved in demanding and challenging ministry much to refresh and invigorate.

Please note that from February 2009, Canon Kathryn Fitzsimons will be taking my place on the NECN Executive Committee and as the NECN Yorks & Humber regional Co-ordinator.

Canon Gordon Dey

A damp Wednesday in October found about 45 people at the NECN national conference in Manchester. Courtesy of the Church of the Apostles Miles Hill and its vicar the Revd Peter Rouch, we were able to be warm and dry!

Steve Millwood led our worship; he helped us to think about how we engage with local culture by using a psalm set to music by BoneyM. The response to the intercessions was challenging and returned to us throughout the day “Remember- to say I am no good is a lie”. Canon Gordon Dey then talked of the work in his parish, and how he has engaged with government initiatives over the last 20 years. Hearing the story from Gordon’s perspective was both inspiring and a reminder of how important it is to remain focussed on the Good News of Jesus, not simply run after pots of funding. We are called to work with others for the wellbeing of the communities in which we are set, but we bring a distinctive Christian perspective.

Bishop Stephen Lowe then gave us a robust and amusing insight into his work with government as Bishop for Urban Life and Faith. He is clear that there is a significant role for the Christian Faith Community in the public arena and that engagement with issues of social cohesion, developing social capital , participating in the commissioning processes and service delivery of social care are part of the future of the Church. He believes that our presence at the table is influencing the way government thinks.

The planning group had eschewed workshops in favour of exploring the parish of Miles Hill which is in the middle of a regeneration area. It is very close to the city centre, many of us had walked from the train station. Following a wonderful lunch we set off in two’s and threes to find the landmarks of the parish, churches, schools, dilapidated housing, new-build, light industrial units vacant and occupied, pubs, major roads. It was an interesting way to get some fresh air, walk off lunch, get to know some of the participants and prepare for our afternoon session.

Peter gave a presentation on his battle to be part of the regeneration process from a very small congregational base of 3 churches (2 Anglican and 1 Methodist). He told of his personal learning; how best to engage with local government, how to understand their agenda to create win /win situations, how to stay around for the long haul. We heard the success story of a new community school with a Christian ethos, the promised new church for all three congregations, we also heard of the struggle to do this from within Miles Hill. It was good to share his experience, to hear the high points and the low points and to know that we can make a difference.

Bishop Laurie closed the day by pulling together the threads and themes and reminding us that the Network is there to support is in mission and ministry

“Remember – to say I am no good is a lie” God has given us gifts and there are many opportunities to use them if we are brave enough to look outside the safe and familiar.

My thanks to everyone who planned and spoke in this conference and to those who came. It was a challenging and inspiring day.

Canon Kathryn Fitzsimons