The Cathedral marks '9/11'

On 11 September Southwark Cathedral will mark the first anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Centre with two special services and an evening lecture.

The 8.15 am and 12.45pm Eucharists will be celebrated as Requiems, the early service 'said', lunch time with hymns. At 6.15 p.m. (after 5.30pm evensong) Professor Lawrence Freedman CBE, FBA, DPhil, Professor of War Studies at King's College, London, will examine the effects of 11 September on the world. His lecture will last about 40 minutes with time for questions.

The Dean and Chapter will provide opportunities for people to pray during the day but believe that the Cathedral should also provide the opportunity for some serious reflection and well informed thought. Prof. Freedman is an eminent academic of world-renown and his lecture again illustrates the close co-operation between the Cathedral and King's College. No tickets are necessary for the services or the lecture.

Countering the '9/11' effect

The British Tourist Authority is asking churches to display a dispenser holding post cards and CDs - as part of a campaign to bring foreign visitors back to Britain. The cards/CDs are to be sent to friends abroad and included in the pack are cards to return to the British Tourist Authority giving their names for 'follow up'. Dispensers are available from the Rev. Paul Bond (National Church Tourism Group) at Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ or 'phone 0247 685 8347.

Twenty new SPAs commissioned

In July, 20 new SPAs were commissioned for their work by Bishop Tom at Southwark Cathedral. Other SPAs came to rededicate themselves to their ministry.

Bishop Tom spoke of SPAs as an important part of the ministerial jigsaw. Comparing the ways in which gardeners care for fig trees and apple trees Bishop Tom noted that fig trees, unlike apple trees don't need feeding as if you feed them you get lots of leaves and no figs. Whereas apple trees do much better if they are well fed! In ministry, he said, our job as gardeners of God's people is to know when to feed and when to reach out for God's grace.

Those commissioned were :

• Jane Armstrong, St Bartholomew', Burstow and East Surrey Hospital
• Valerie Barnes, St Mary the Virgin, Bletchingly and West Croydon Refugee Centre,
• Fiona Barnett, St Mary, Barnes,
• Joan Endean, St Paul, Wimbledon Park,
• Margaret Modupeola Fadeyi, St Matthew, Brixton,
• Ann Fahy, St Mark, Wimbledon and Brixton Prison
• Jenny Hind, Christ Church, Purley,
• Vicky Chinweoke Ibezi, St Paul, Thornton Heath and Parchmore Community Centre,
• Ann Jones, All Saints, Kenley,
• Gwen Juby, St Mary Magdalene w. St Martin, Addiscombe,
• Gerie Knights, All Saints, Sanderstead,
• Susie McKenzie, St Michael w. All Angels, Lower Sydenham,
• Christine Nwokike, Christ Church and St John, Clapham
• Janice O'Donnell, St Alban the Martyr, Cheam
• Dave Pamphilon, St John, New Malden
• Brenda Stephens, All Saints, Sydenham
• Sue Stern, St Matthew, Croydon, and Mayday Hospital
• Scilla Wallis, St Matthew, Redhill
• Julia White, Emmanuel, South Croydon and Mayday Hospital
• Pam Whiting, St Paul, Wimbledon Park

At the same service...

Bishop Tom licensed the Rev Mia Hilborn as Senior Chaplain to St Thomas' Hospital and Honorary Assistant Curate in the North Lambeth Team.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Synod vote on women priests

The Rt Rev. Ann Tottenham, Bishop of Credit Valley in Toronto Diocese, will preach at a service marking the tenth anniversary of the Synod vote to allow women priests, in Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 9 November at 11am.

Canon Pastor at the Cathedral, Canon Helen Cunliffe says "Everyone is welcome to join this day of celebration . Perhaps this is a day for those who were together on 11 November 1994 to get together again. It is also a day for those who waited alongside the first women to be priested, fellow ordinands, the worshipping communities around them (then and now), and all who have reason to be grateful for the priesting of women".

The day will be marked by activities throughout London. Bishop Ann will preach in the evening at St Martin in the Fields. For further information contact Canon Helen Cunliffe on 020-7367 6706 or e-mail: helen.cunliffe@southwark.anglican.org.