"The problem of suffering affects us all. It is also a challenge to our evangelism. Radio broadcaster John Humphrys asked three key religious leaders the same question: "Why does God allow suffering?" and each time he received an answer that left him dissatisfied. The result is his new book, In God we Doubt.The seventh Chelmsford Anglican Bible Conference takes a look at the problem of suffering through the experience of Job asking, as he did, "Where is God in the bad times?""
More information here.

 
 

If, like a number of churches in the deanery, you are planning to celebrate "Back to Church Sunday", there are some ideas and resources here.

 
Andy appointed 09/04/2007
 

Andy Griffiths will be commissioned as Rural Dean for South Chelmsford in a service at St Michael's Church Galleywood at 7.30 on Thursday September 20 2007.  All are welcome to the commissioning.

Andy worked  on the mainland of Europe from 1991-2004, variously serving as pastoral assistant, director of studies of a theological college, lay worker and Curate in various locations in Hungary and France.  He studied theology at Jesus College, Oxford and Cranmer Hall, Durham, is enthusiastic about Francois de Sales and Jeremy Taylor, and has been Vicar of Galleywood since July 2005.  He is looking forward to working with Christine Horton, the lay chair, as the deanery continues to discover its role and make a difference in South Chelmsford.  Andy writes:

"In particular, I'd like to thank Revd Chris Poulard, who has been Rural Dean since the spring.  He hasn't merely been keeping things ticking over, but working with energy, good humour and efficiency to move the deanery forward.  I'm very glad that both he and Graham will be helping me find my feet and telling me what's expected over the coming months!"

 
 

Graham Blyth, Rural Dean until ill-health forced his resignation in May, has been much in our prayers.  He writes (August 29 2007):

"The operation seems to have gone very well and I feel very fortunate to have had a rare form of tumour that should not lead to a terminal illness.  Needless to say, the medics will monitor me carefully from now on.  The parish here have been fantastic, coping valiantly with a Vicar into his second convalescence in one year.  It’s been somewhat of a “scary movie”, but I’m looking forward to getting back into ministry and looking for some new directions, which I’m sure God has got planned.  Every blessing – Graham.”

 
Carol arriving 09/04/2007
 

We're excited to be able to announce that the Rev. Carol Smith has been appointed as Vicar at St Luke's, Moulsham.  The wardens write:

"We are pleased to report that the Revd Carol has already met with some of the church officials, and will be meeting the whole of the PCC on the 19th September.  We hope these "getting-to-know-each-other" sessions will pave the way for a smooth transition as we begin to develop the lay-clergy partnership in ministering in this parish...

"There is likely to be a lot of activity at St Luke's House as Carol and her husband Brian begin to prepare their new home, with the expectation that they will move during mid October.  Revd Carol plans to use this pre-induction time as a retreat period to prepare herself both spiritually and physically for her new role, so please respect their privacy and their need for time together in setting up their new home."

Carol's induction will take place on November 1.