Contacting the Abbey...The Abbey Office 12 Kingston Buildings Bath BA1 1LT

The office number is (01225) 422462 (Monday to Friday: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm). Answerphone service outside those hours. The office is normally open to visitors in the morning.

Email office@bathabbey.org Website www.bathabbey.org Facebook / Twitter @bathabbey Fax (01225) 429990

Office Staff Mrs Cheri Bragg, Mrs Annette Smith, Mrs Lyndie Sugden, Mrs Miranda Edwards

Clergy Prebendary Edward Mason, Rector (01225) 318267; Revd Claire Robson, Abbey Vicar 07741 124603; Revd Dr Sarah Hartley, Self-Supporting Minister (01225) 442462; Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber, Curate (01225) 422462

Clergy Availability The clergy welcome communication on any matters by letter, email or telephone. Please contact the Abbey Office.

Services and Preachers...

Morning Prayer on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8.30 amEvening Prayer Monday - Friday, 5.30 pm

Holy Communion on Thursdays at 11.00 am and Fridays at 8.30 am

Commenting on Annette’s Nativity crib, Edward Mason, Rector of Bath Abbey, said: “Traditional nativity scenes have a special place in our Christmas celebrations and worship.

However, from time to time it’s good to be reminded that the first Christmas was an ordinary birth

to an ordinary couple. In Annette Smith’s crib we see the ordinary scenes of Bath. These are buildings we know and the people are those who live and work here.

This modern and beautifully-made Crib reminds us that at the first Christmas extraordinary things happened to those

ordinary people and if we visit the crib in the Abbey the same thing might happen to us!”

The artist, Annette Smith, said: “Based on the 17th century Neapolitan tradition, my version of the crib shows a distinctly urban scene. People are going about their daily activities and can be found talking on a mobile, eating burgers, and shopping. But, some people have noticed something extraordinary is going on. As the viewer, you are invited to go on a journey through the scene, to look for and discover the holy family for yourself.”

January 2015

Abbey News

A Nativity scene with a difference If you’ve visited the Abbey’s Birde chapel recently, you’ll have noticed we’ve taken a contemporary approach to the traditional nativity scene this Christmas.

The ‘Bath Abbey crib’ was installed at the start of December and will be on display until Monday 5 January. Created especially for the Abbey by artist, Bath Spa University graduate and the Abbey’s receptionist, Annette Smith, the Nativity scene reinterprets the scene of the birth of Jesus using a 3-D photographic urban landscape instead of the usual crib and figurines.

4 The Second Sunday of Christmas – Epiphany 8.00 am Holy Communion The Revd Caroline O’Neill 9.30 am Parish Communion Mr Jeremy Key-Pugh 11.15 am Matins Mr Jeremy Key-Pugh

7 Broadcast of Choral Evensong for BBC Radio 3 The Three Kings Willan Responses Shephard Psalm 119: 81-104 Hymn: A great and mighty wonder MagnificatandNuncDimittis on Plainsong Tones Wills PraiseourLord,allyeGentiles Byrd Hymn:Brightestandbestofthe sonsofthemorning PreludeandFugueinG JSBach

11 The First Sunday of Epiphany – The Baptism of Christ 8.00 am Holy Communion The Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber 9.30 am Parish Communion The Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber 11.15 am Choral Matins The Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber BritteninE The Three Kings Willan 3.30 pm Choral Evensong SacerdotesDomini Byrd StanfordinC WhenJesusourLord Mendelssohn 6.30 pm By the Way Evening Service Steven Faux

18 The Second Sunday of Epiphany 8.00 am Holy Communion The Revd Claire Robson 9.30 am Parish Communion The Revd Claire Robson 11.15 am Choral Matins The Revd Claire Robson IrelandinF OmnesdeSaba Handl 3.30 pm Choral Evensong Fromtherisingofthesun Ouseley WalmisleyinDminor AscribeuntotheLord SSWesley 6.30 pm By the Way Evening Service Richard Backhouse, Monkton Combe School

25 The Third Sunday of Epiphany – The Conversion of St Paul 8.00 am Holy Communion The Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber 9.30 am Parish Communion The Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber 11.15 am Choral Matins The Revd Evelyn Lee-Barber CollegiumRegale Howells Howbeautifulupon themountains Stainer March“Dignityandimpudence” Whitlock 3.30 pm Choral Evensong Giveusthewingsoffaith Bullock HowellsinG O what their joy Harris 6.30 pm By the Way Evening Service Justin Stratis, Trinity College Bristol

Shoppers Carols - A perfect afternoonI am relatively new to Bath Abbey having only recently joined the welcoming team, so I am still learning about all of the events taking place around this time of year. Because of this, I decided to volunteer for Shoppers’ Carols and am so pleased I did as it meant that I got to experience this truly special event for the very first time. Each service is short and informal, and takes place between 1pm and 4pm for three Saturdays during the market.

Before my very first Shoppers Carol, I asked my fellow volunteers what to expect. Everyone who I spoke to said that the services were always very busy and enjoyable, and that I shouldn’t worry about a thing! One volunteer also went on to explain that at the end of each service people are invited to add a name of a friend or loved one to a list and that a candle would be lit for them the following week. I thought this sounded wonderful and was excited to be part of this.

The first service began much earlier than expected as people started to find their seats shortly after half past twelve. This, to me, showed the crowd’s enthusiasm well before the service had even begun! Before the Great West doors were opened, I was briefed fully on my tasks for the day, which included handing out books, seating visitors and keeping my section tidy and contained.

The doors had not even been open for two minutes, when swarms of people entered. Laughter and joy quickly filled the Abbey, as people began to be seated. Once the doors were shut, the Abbey’s Rector, Edward Mason started the proceedings. We all felt uplifted by the first part of his welcome, as it really made the congregation feel part of the service instead of just sitting there. Edward began by asking visitors where they had travelled from, it almost became a competition to see who came from the furthest away. There was someone from Japan who beat the others hands down!

This was followed by a heart-warming talk given by the Abbey’s Curate, Evelyn Lee-Barber, on her love for nativity sets and her amazing dream about meeting Jesus Christ. We were all transfixed by her story which got us all thinking about the meaning of Christmas. Carols and prayers then followed and the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market outside just faded away, especially during the young chorister’s solo which was enjoyed by all.

Even though this was my first carol service at the Abbey, I will always remember this experience. Many people may not have had the chance to really think about their personal attachment to Christmas, but during this short 20 minute service, everyone who left felt happier and full of the spirit of Christmas.

JasmineFerris Welcomer

Archbishop Albert ChamaThe Abbey’s link and friendship with Zambia continues to go from strength to strength thanks to our partnership with Albert Chama, the Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa and Bishop of Northern Zambia. Archbishop Albert continues to work tirelessly on our behalf on several important projects which will benefit two of the region’s most vulnerable groups: women and children.

Albert Chama is the first native Zambian to hold the post of Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa. He was installed as Archbishop on 28 March 2011 in a ceremony in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka – the seat of the Archbishop is not fixed as it is in England but moves with the post-holder.

The life of a bishop in Central Africa is demanding: the concept of a suffragan or assistant bishop is unknown; the distances he has to travel in his own diocese are vast and time-consuming; and administrative resources in support of his work are minimal – all this as a consequence of the Church’s lack of financial resources. An enormous burden of activity and authority that a bishop in England would delegate to a host of administrative officers is carried personally by African bishops.

In the case of Archbishop Albert, to the task of leading the diocese are added the additional responsibilities of being Father-in-God to a whole Province, and its primatial representative in the wider Anglican Communion. As if that were not enough, Albert Chama was also appointed the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Anglican Alliance, a role that requires even more travelling (though happily for Bath & Wells, some of that is to the UK). It is a mark of the respect in which this man is held by his peers that he has been asked to take on these additional responsibilities.

Archbishop Albert is also member of the Consultation of Anglican Bishops in Dialogue, a group which brings together Anglican bishops from Africa and North America for dialogue towards “a deeper understanding of our common life in Christ in a diverse, global Communion”. The most recent meeting of this group took place in Coventry in May of this year and focused on becoming a reconciling community in support of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s priority of reconciliation in the Anglican Communion.

Just this summer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, visited Zambia as part of his commitment to visit every primate in the Anglican Communion during his first 18 months in office. He arrived in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, where he spent two days as a guest of Albert Chama and preached at our partner-church, the Cathedral of St Michael and All Angels in Kitwe.

The Abbey’s ‘Quiet’ MinistryChristmas time is a busy time of year for everyone as we all prepare for family get-togethers, journeys and feasting. The Abbey is especially busy, and with over 40 carol services and concerts from the end of November to Christmas Day, not to mention the Abbey’s own services, we can anticipate nearly 750,000 people served by the Abbey by the end of December 2014.

Spare a thought then for the small team of people who work quietly behind the scenes keeping the Abbey clean and warm, erecting and dismantling stages (often late at night), setting out chairs several times a week, preparing services so that every occasion is special for the people attending, from visitors, to worshippers, concert goers and many more. The Abbey estimates that over 10,000 people attended its Shopper’s Carols services on Saturdays during the Christmas Market alone.

When I joined the team in September they told me it would be busy at Christmas. I had no idea just how busy! I’ve been very impressed with how well the Operations Team works together to ensure all goes well. As well as coping with all the excitement of Christmas events and services, we also have to maintain a sense of peace and calm in the Abbey even when we are really busy. That’s a real challenge at times.

The Operations team comprises three vergers – James, Michael and James – and a custodian – Drew - who attends to all the maintenance needs of the Abbey. Beverley helps keep the place clean. The vergers have a multifaceted role including much of the preparation for services as well as supporting the clergy and managing the essentials of light and sound during these.

Despite the busy-ness of the Abbey, the team agrees it is a special place and it is a privilege to serve the many people who come here throughout the year. We see our job here as part of the hospitality of the Abbey. It’s all about preparation and attention to detail. It’s a ‘quiet ministry’- if we do it well no-one should notice. It is meant to be seamless and efficient. Our priority is to ensure people have a safe, meaningful and memorable encounter in the Abbey whether they are a visitor from the other side of the world, a regular worshipper, attending a concert or come just once a year. If we don’t do it well, everyone will know about it!

JaneWoodward AbbeyOperationsManager

Message from the RectorDear Friends,

A very happy New Year to everyone.

In contrast to my December article, I thought you would like some good news!

Remember how the Abbey supported Bishop Rob and the new diocese of Marsabit in Kenya? A couple of years ago there was terrible famine in their part of Northern Kenya. The Abbey contributed several thousand pounds and one Abbey member gave £50,000 from which a lorry was bought to help food distribution.

This year famine has again stalked the door although good rains have now arrived. There is a gap between planting and harvest so Bishop Rob is doing his best to organise relief. Recently, The Abbey Mission Links sent £2,000. Here is part of his response…

This iswonderfulnews.Weareintheprocessofsendingoutthreelorriesoffood-wehavefundsforone,younowprovidethesecondandanotherchurchis“probably”sendingenoughfor a third. The first is going out into the Chalbi desert, thesecondwillgo to twocommunities toourSouth justbeyondtheKaisutDeserton thewaydownto Isiolo,whohavebeenpleadingforfoodforages,astheymissedoutontherainsinAprilandarereallystruggling.Youwillbedelightedtoknowweareusingourlorrytotransportthefood!

Thankssomuch,itisarealhelpandanswertoprayer.

We have heard from the Cameroon, too, where the Abbey is helping support Bible Translation. Here is just a glimpse:

Whathasbeenhappening?Exegesis(meaningofthetext)of1 Corinthianswas done and 12 chapters have been drafted.Exegetical checks for 1&2 Thessalonians, Titus, Philippians,James,Colossiansand1&2Timothyweredone,whichresultedinimprovementtothequalityoftranslationandfewererrors...andplentymore(Edward)

They ask us to give thanks “for God’s goodness and favourto theBanenproject, all thosewho support the project, thecontinuingprogressandimpacttheteam,thecommunityandallourpartnerswhocontinuetoservetogether”.

This Abbey and its people make a difference to people’s lives. We thank God and commit ourselves to him again in this New Year.

In Christ,