Chaplaincy Newsletter January 2012

 

I would like to begin by thanking everyone who took part in the Carol Services in Bognor and Chichester. They both went off extremely well and brought a busy semester to a fitting conclusion. This semester looks like being just as busy and I would like to mention some of the events happening over the next few months. We have the 50th anniversary of the Bishop Otter Chapel of the Ascension, a national Chaplains’ conference, pilgrimages, cathedral services and more!

Rev Allan Jenkins

On a very sad note, we have heard of the death of Alan Jenkins who died of cancer early yesterday, 23rd January. Allan taught Old Testament Theology at the University for many years and was also Priest in Charge at Sidlesham. He held the fort as Chaplain between Hadge leaving and my appointment and he was most helpful to me in helping me to find my feet.

Communion Services

I have attached the dates for the Tuesday and Thursday communion services at the bottom of this newsletter along with all of the other services. You can also find these dates on the Chaplaincy website:  http://www.chi.ac.uk/chaplaincy/index.cfm

I am aware that several people have been unable to make the regular time slots because of work commitments.  I would be interested to know if there are better days or times that work for people.  Would an 8.30 am slot be better?  If so, on what days?  When I first introduced the services there were over 40 of us interested but the split for the best days was exactly equal so that only eight could ever make it on any given day!

Ash Wednesday

There will be a service for the Imposition of Ashes on Wednesday, 22nd February at 12.30pm.

Cathedral Group Chaplains’ Conference 23rd to 25th February

We will be hosting this annual Chaplains’ Conference with 20 or so of my colleagues from around the country. Most of the sessions will be in George Bell House but there will be a service of sung evensong in the chapel at 5.30 pm on 23rd February to welcome them and the wonderful University Chamber Choir will be singing for us.

You are very welcome to join us.

50th Anniversary of the Chapel

The Chapel of the Ascension on the Bishop Otter Campus celebrates its 50th anniversary in March. We will be celebrating the occasion initially on the 19th March at 5.30pm with a Eucharist which will be presided over by the Bishop of Chichester. Bishop John is retiring in April and so we will also be bidding him farewell during and after the service. There will be other events to mark the anniversary later in the year and I will inform you as details of these become available.

 

Cathedral Services

The University is involved in two services at the Cathedral in February.  The new Chapel Choir will be singing evensong on 1st February at 5.30pm. Sunday 5th February is Education Sunday and the University is very involved this year.  We are performing some of the music as well as doing the readings and intercession prayers.  I am also preaching but don’t let that put you off, I promise to keep it to under an hour!

Camino de Santiago trip (Staff)

Several members of staff and me completed the first leg of the Camino de Santiago in October, it was a memorable trip and we are returning for the next leg in May. I will be leading another staff group later in the year and if you are interested please email me and I will coordinate an information evening in February or early March.

 

Pilgrimage (students)

I am hoping to take a group of students on a pilgrimage this year and we have several options. If you are interested let me know and I will arrange a meeting.

 

Film night

If any staff or students are interested in getting together to watch and discuss a film on a regular basis please let me know.

John Dane

Chaplain