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Moseley Chimes
February 2008
Every two months or so, we hope to bring you news about Moseley Deanery, which comprises 15 parishes in this part of Birmingham and is overseen by Revd Peter Babbington, the Vicar of St Francis, Bournville, as the Area Dean.
The next meeting of the Deanery representatives, called a Synod, is on 7th February at Immanuel Church, Highters Heath where the Vicar is Revd Canon Eve Pitts. She will tell us something about what is happening in her parish and we will also say a heartfelt thank you to Graham Hindley as he steps down as Treasurer after keeping the books in order for 13 years . The main item on the agenda is a presentation by Revd Dr James Woodward, Vicar of St Mary’s, Temple Balsall and Master of the Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson, entitled “Practical resources for Work amongst Older People: Community, Worship and Learning.”
The present work of the Foundation is focussed on the C E Primary School, the Supported and Residential Court for 48 older people in residential and sheltered accommodation; St Mary’s Church and the Leveson Centre for the study of ageing, spirituality and social policy through practical education, training, research and reflection on the role of older people in the 21st century. James is a very engaging speaker and will certainly give plenty of food for thought as well as offering practical ways of reaching out to older people in our congregations and the wider community.
The Queen has approved the appointment of the Reverend Nigel Hand, Priest-in-Charge of Selly Park Christ Church, to a Residentiary Canonry of Birmingham Cathedral upon the resignation of the Reverend Canon Peter Howell-Jones who will remain at the cathedral as Assistant Dean.
Nigel Hand grew up in this part of Birmingham and has spent the last 10 years as a minister in Selly Park where he led the campaign to build a new church for Christ Church, Selly Park which will be completed in February this year. He will join the Cathedral team where he will have responsibility for the Cathedral’s engagement with the city and its links with the wider community as Canon Missioner.
The Dean of Birmingham, the Very Revd Bob Wilkes said: “I am delighted that Nigel will be the new Canon of the Cathedral. Being a Crown Appointment, the post is recruited on a national scale and we found the right person just three miles away. Nigel is a truly local person. He understands this city and is well known in the Diocese for his commitment to the mission of the Church. As we move forward with our outward looking and welcoming vision for the Cathedral, I am excited that Nigel will bring a lively mind and creative imagination to our relationships with the varied communities of this Diocese and this city. To Nigel, his wife Judy and their family a warm welcome!”
The Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, said: “Nigel is already a valued colleague and a priest of the highest calibre who will be a great asset to the Cathedral and the Diocese in his new role. As Canon Missioner, I am confident he will help the congregation at the cathedral share the love of Jesus with their neighbours, colleagues and friends while developing the role of this historic building, at the heart of the business district, as a constant reminder of God’s presence at the centre of our city.”