Author: leah

A recent meeting of the Greater Churches Network took place in Lancaster Priory, hosted by the
Chair of the Network, The Revd Canon Chris Newlands, Vicar of Lancaster. The decision was taken
to rename the group as the Major Churches Network, and to adopt a new constitution. This was a
significant move and, though several questions were raised in the discussion, the vote by the
members of the Network was unanimous in favour of the change. The Greater Churches Network
was therefore formally closed, and the new “Major Churches Network” was formed, and its
Inaugural General Meeting took place.

The Greater Churches Network had been formed in 1991 as a support group for clergy and laity
who had responsibility for churches with a “cathedral-like” building and ministry, but without the
resources available to cathedrals in the Church of England. This informal network had no formal
relationship with the Church of England, but its informal nature meant that the members could
come together to share best practice and bring in experts to advise on matters of importance to
their ministry and mission. Regional meetings have also been set up to allow members to meet
together for mutual support and encouragement.

More recently an important study has been commissioned into “Major Parish Churches” under the
auspices of the Church Buildings Council, the official body with overall responsibility for the Church
of England parish churches and chapels, together with Historic England and the National Lottery
Heritage Fund. This resulted in the appointment of a “Cathedrals and Major Churches Officer”
within the CBC, and the identification of around 300 churches in England which met certain agreed
criteria. These define a “Major Parish Church” as having exceptional significance, being physically
very large (over 1000m2 footprint), listed as Grade I, II* (or exceptionally II), open to visitors daily,
having a role or roles beyond those of a typical parish church, and making a considerable civic,
cultural, and economic contribution to their community.

Churches in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland that meet the criteria of a Major Church are
welcome to become Associate Members of the MCN, and attend the annual conferences, which
will have many elements which will be relevant to their ministry and mission, even though they do
not fall under the auspices of the Church of England.

The new constitution was formally adopted at the General Meeting, and officers were elected, and
a number of new members were welcomed into the Major Churches Network (MCN). All churches
who are recognised as Major Churches by the CBC are eligible to join the MCN, on payment of an
annual subscription, if they feel that membership would be of benefit to them.
The Network will meet annually, the next meeting in 2020 being a Day Conference in London
hosted by the Church Buildings Council, and the next residential Conference in 2021.

For further information, please contact: The Revd Canon Chris Newlands (Chair)

Photos of the Conference delegates in Lancaster Priory on the final day:

For many people Mothering Sunday is full of warmth and love, but for some it is a challenging and painful day.
In acknowledgement of this, two of the members of Lancaster Priory, Louise Ann Wilson and Rachel-Ann
Powers, used their professional skills and expertise to put together an installation in which the absences,
losses, longings and hurts experienced around Mothering Sunday can be acknowledged and held.

The installation was inspired by a monument in the St Nicholas Chapel dedicated by her ‘disconsolate’ parents
to the memory of their small daughter. Central to the space was a carved wooden chest into which had been
placed a semi-opaque print of words unpacking the word ‘disconsolate’ revealing the deep levels of meaning
and feeling held within it.

There were also cards printed with a rubbing from the chest, overlaid with words exploring the meaning of
the word ‘disconsolate’ among them disheartened…dejected…downcast…disappointed…crushed…broken
hearted…inconsolable…unable to be comforted.

On the reverse of the card were verses extracted from Psalms 22-23 that move us between despair and hope,
offering comfort to those who are ‘unable to be comforted.’

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me
Why are you so far from helping me,
from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer
And by night, but find no rest.

Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
In you our ancestors trusted.

I am poured out like water
And all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax. It has melted away within me.

But you, O Lord, be not far off.
O my strength, come quickly to help me.
Deliver my soul from the sword.
***
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul

Our regular magazine ‘Newslink’ is now available to view online. Please click below for the latest issue.

Priory Newsletter February_2019_PROOF (1)

5-6pm at Lancaster Priory

Last week in the House of Commons the Government suffered a major defeat on their Brexit policy.

Where we go from here is unclear, and Cat Smith MP wants to hear your views about your preferred outcome, and what we do next as a country.

*Please note that this event is only for those resident in the Lancaster and Fleetwood Parliamentary constituency.*

Free Entry by pre-registered ticket only. To register please CLICK HERE