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I'm planning to shave my head on 30th April 2021 (before my wedding season gets underway in earnest!), as a way to raise awareness and raise funds to help us continue to develop healthier and safer church communities, and to support survivors of abuse perpetrated by clergy and church leaders.

Shaving the head is a biblical symbol of lament and repentance, and for me also says something about symbolically shaving off the trappings of the toxicity around male privilege, and some of the unhelpful cultural trappings that have been a factor in some recent high profile cases - the likes of Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and several others, from across the spectrum of Christian traditions.

For me, this has great personal meaning, in terms of my own story and background.  This is a symbolic representative lament, a personal statement of intent, and a way to do something to raise funds to help on the frontline.  I am delighted to be partnering with Thirtyone:eight in this, who have been wonderfully supportive with the endeavour.  The work they are doing is making a difference, and the funds raised here will help more churches become healthier places for all.

One of the first people I told about my crazy head shaving idea was a friend whose life has been blighted by the poor behaviour of church leaders.  I asked how she would feel if some of those people were to shave their heads as a sign that they were sorry for the ways they had exploited their position and privilege to her detriment.  She said it would be a powerful image, after years of feeling invisible.  Since they won't, I will.  I want to listen, lament, repent AND see churches become ever healthier and safer communities.  The way church culture, power, opportunity, celebrity and privilege operate has seen change for the good in recent years, but there is further to go.

More information about Thirtyone:eight: We're an independent Christian charity which helps individuals, organisations, charities, faith and community groups to protect vulnerable people from abuse. To do this, we provide training, consultancy, disclosures and a 24 hour helpline, making sure everyone is equipped and empowered with the tools they need.

Theme: The God of second chances

Cathy and Peter lead us through a contemplative occasion, using props, readings, prayers, music and silence to help us engage with the last moments of Jesus' life on Earth.

Bev leads us through interactive reflections on the story of Moses placed in the basket among the reeds by his mother, and how we too can take action to make the world a better place, no matter what our circumstances.

Adrian explores the theme of finding God in a world of people, from Paul's letter to the church and corinth and John's acccount of Jesus clearing the Temple at the start of his public ministry.

Jill leads us in an exploration of the meaning of the cross

 - Consider the Stars 

 - a Communion Service led by Adrian Miller

 - As a result of the worsening COVID-19 situation, all Services for the foreseeable future will be online using zoom at 10am on Sundays.  We hope that those taking place on February 14 and March 7 will be Holy Communion (again by zoom). 

Zoom Services link https://zoom.us/j/993672961  Meeting ID: 993 672 961  Passcode: 123 

For those who don't have internet access it is possible to 'dail in' to the Zoom Meeting on 0330 088 5830.
After dialing 0330 088 5830 be ready to be asked for the Meeting ID, which is  993 672 961 followed by # and then # again (as there's no participant ID), followed by the passcode, which is  123 and then #.

 led by Jill Wright. 

Picture: Caravaggio's 'The Conversion of Saint Paul'

Peter leads us through a helpful exploration of what it means for us all to be called to the service of God.

 Worship with Holy Communion - recording of live zoom service.

 Christmas 2 and Epiphany

   Advent Joy

Due to slight technical hitch the start of the service is missing. There are two videos. Please watch the “Recapturing a Magnificat vision of Joy” by Nick Morgan first. The second video is the rest of the service led by Derrick.

Service continues ...

: led by Jill Wright “Good News”

  led by Cathy Nicholls "The Light shines in the darkness"

For details of services in the next few weeks see Events

  ----  If you intend to go to a service in one of our churches, please contact the relevant churchwarden, if possible, by phoning 571176 and selecting the relevant option - this really helps us to plan ahead.

Masks must to be worn at all services held in church.

 led by Derrick Hill :  "The festival of Christ the King"

 led by Sam Theobald : "Being expectant people"

  Sunday's outdoor act of remembrance Mulbarton.

Photos courtesy of Red Zebra.  (c) Red Zebra photography.

- led by Derrick Hill

Download PDF of Service-Sheet to accompany the recording below