IMPORTANT INFORMATION

28 April 2012 - Elections of Officers to the Central Committee

The Company of Servers is nearly three years old! The members of the Central Committee, who oversee the life of the Company as a whole and seek to support the work of Chapters are required to stand for election every three years.

As a consequence, all positions on the Central Committee are therefore open to elections this year, with the exception of the Youth Officer, whose term was only began in April 2011.

The positions are:
Chairman General: chairing the Central Committee, overseeing the life of the Company as a whole and attending other meetings and speaking at events as required.
Secretary General: taking minutes for the Annual General Meeting and at Central Committee meetings and keeping these vital records up to date.
Treasurer General: keeping the accounts for the Central Committee and offering such advice to Chapters as shall be required.
Membership Officer: Assisting with Chapter launches, monitoring and collecting membership paperwork and subscriptions and providing medals and badges to new Companions.
Communications Officer: maintaining the Company website, arranging press releases and advertisements, updating Facebook page etc.
Festival Co-ordinator: offering practical and logistical support for the national Festival.

Nominations for these positions should be forwarded to the Secretary General (secretary@companyofservers.org), with the name and Chapter of the person being nominated, and the names and Chapters of the two members nominating them. Nominations can be completed for a person not in the same Chapter, and those serving on Chapter committees are able to serve on the Central Committee.

All nominations should be received by 21st April 2012 AT THE LATEST and elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting on 28th April 2012 at the national Festival in Croydon. In the event of more than one nomination to the same position, brief 'hustings' will be held at the AGM before the necessary votes.

David Warner, Chairman General

18th February 2012 - The Royal Marines' Commando Training Centre

Exeter Chapter Event

We had a very good meeting on the 18th February at The Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (Lympstone). We (46 of us) started despite the rain with a walk to the RM War memorial overlooking the River Exe where the Chaplain, Revd Stuart Hallam, gave us some explanation as to its symbolism. We continued across the parade ground and then to the area of the rigorous assault course that forms part of the 32 week training programme for recruits. From there we moved to the Chapel of St Alban where the Mass took place using for the first time our new Exeter Chapter Orders of Service books . The Mass was celebrated by the Chaplain with the ‘admission’ of four new Companions taking place by our Chaplain. The address given by Stuart was based on four days from his diary that he kept whilst on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. We were warned that it would be emotional and it was so in a very factual way. The days featured were Christmas Eve and Christmas day in 2007 in the Helmand Province when he met but overcame resistance to holding services for the men from a Major and then on to two days in March of 2008 when he lost two of his men just ten days before the end of their deployment and return home – all based on the theme of ‘serving’ in different ways. The beauty was that it was contemplative, straightforward and unfussy with only the use of a green stole over normal combat uniform. After the Mass there were refreshments in the Officers Mess.

Robert Knowling, Chapter Secretary

4th February 2012 - Leicester Cathedral

Leicester Inaugural Eucharist and Meeting

On Saturday 4 February the Leicester Diocese Chapter of the Company of Servers held their Foundation meeting, with over twenty servers from across the diocese joining the Company of Servers. The day started with a splendid Eucharist, presided by Bishop Christopher, Assistant Bishop of Leicester, with Revd Lisa Temperley-Barnes SCP as Deacon, this was followed by a short meeting where Rhona McEune, Secretary General of the Company of Servers, explained the objectives and structure of the Company; where the Company of Servers seeks to encourage, support and value lay ministry in the Anglican Communion and to help servers develop not only practical but spiritual skills as well as offering friendship, guidance and learning opportunities. Companions are members of the Company in the area, (usually the diocese), where they serve. These are known as ‘Chapters’, and each has its own identity and role within the whole Company. Throughout the year, individual Chapters organise their own training days, worship, meetings and activities.

A Chapter committee was formed, with Clive Watts as Chairperson, Canon Johannes Arens SCP, Chaplain, Paul Griffiths, Treasurer, Leslie Mitchelmore, Secretary, Sue Seaton and Angela Sansome, Committee Members. The day finished with a shared meal at local restaurant, Prezzo, and despite the arrival of snow, and various protest rallies in the city centre, the day was a great success.

The committee will be meeting shortly to plan the next Leicester Chapter event, if you would like more information please e-mail leicester@companyofservers.org or telephone 07905 230857.

30th October 2011
CoS Chaplain General to be the new Dean of Southwark

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun has appointed the Revd Canon Andrew Nunn, Sub-Dean and Precentor of Southwark Cathedral as the tenth Dean of Southwark. He succeeds The Very Revd Colin Slee who died in office in November 2010. Canon Nunn has been Acting Dean of Southwark since that date.

Andrew Nunn (54) was born in Leicester and was ordained deacon in Ripon Cathedral in 1983. He served his curacy at St James Manton, in the Diocese of Ripon and was priested in 1984. Following this he became Curate-in Charge of St Hilda, Richmond Hill, Ripon. Whilst there he also served as Chaplain to Agnes Stewart CE High School, Leeds. He became Vicar of Richmond Hill, Ripon in 1991 continuing as Chaplain to Agnes Stewart School.

He was appointed Chaplain to the Bishop of Southwark in 1995 and became Sub-Dean of Southwark Cathedral in 1999. Andrew Nunn is Warden of Readers in Southwark Diocese, teaches on various courses and is actively involved in the life of schools local to Southwark Cathedral, being a Foundation Governor of St Saviour's & St Olave's Girls School. In addition, he is a member of the Church of England's General Synod and Chaplain to the Synod, is a member of the Liturgical Commission and is presently Rector General of the Society of Catholic Priests and Chaplain General of the Company of Servers.

Commenting on the appointment the Bishop of Southwark said, 'I am delighted to appoint Canon Andrew Nunn as the next Dean of Southwark. He is a gifted and wise pastor who has led the Cathedral during a very challenging year with grace and compassion. He has a strong vision for the future of the Cathedral and its engagement with the parish within which it stands and in developing its role as Mother Church in the wider Diocese. He knows the Diocese well having served within it for over 15 years. I look forward to welcoming him to his new role and to working with him as he becomes part of the Bishop's Staff team'.

Andrew Nunn says, 'I am humbled and excited by the challenge of being Dean of this vibrant and busy place, where it has been a privilege to serve. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we seek to draw closer to the other parishes in the Diocese and to help to lead the Diocese in its mission and ministry. Southwark Cathedral is proud of its tradition of welcome for all and I look forward to helping to ensure that it stands as a beacon of love and hope for people in the parish and the Diocese'.

Outside of church, Andrew enjoys reading, the theatre, art galleries and spending time with friends over a good meal and a glass of wine!

He will be installed as Dean of Southwark on Saturday 21 January 2012.

17th September 2011
Southwark Chapter's First AGM

On 17th September over 70 companions gathered at Croydon Minster to celebrate the Company's first anniversary in the Diocese of Southwark. We were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, who preached and celebrated. A highlight of the day was the admission of 19 new companions, 17 of which came from one church, St John's Angell Town.

Speaking later at the Company AGM the chaplain, Fr Geoffrey Thompson SCP, urged companions not to lose energy in the coming year but to celebrate the vocation of serving at the altar with confidence and conviction and so attract more to join and benefit from the Company.

25th June 2011
Norwich Chapter's Outing

The Company of Servers Norwich Chapter enjoyed an informal day in June visiting one of North Norfolk’s favourite tourist attractions. Our visit was to the Stiffkey and Bale benefice where we were welcomed at All Saints, Morston by the Churchwarden Mrs Mary Athill. The Company of Servers, when visiting a parish, use the customary forms of service therefore we celebrated a Book Of Common Prayer Eucharist. The service was presided over by Canon Peter Hartley, with our Chaplain Revd Elsie Hutcheon sharing words of wisdom on the ministry of serving and the importance of us having time together to share our experiences. This quiet Eucharist in a beautiful setting reminded us that our ministry as servers enhances worship, adding increased dignity and holiness, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere.

Company of Servers members attended from St Barnabas, Norwich, Wymondham Abbey, Fakenham and the Upper Wensum Benefice. The group photograph front row left to right: Linda, Ria, Revd Elsie (St Barnabas), Alison (Fakenham), back row Hilary and Richard (Wymondham) and Rhona (Upper Wensum Benefice). Missing from the photograph is Jasmin from Wymondham.

The day, whilst dull was not wet or windy and the boat ride was very pleasant as it left the mooring to take us out into the estuary to experience the terns and the seals. It reminded me of a children’s rhyme about animals watching people because the seals were lying on the sand banks waiting for the tide to turn and swimming about in the water oblivious of the boats chugging past them. The crew gave a lively commentary on the habits, species and a brief history of the buildings we saw on the long sand bank explaining that it had been a lifeboat station and one launch took four/five hours to get out to the stricken vessel as the lifeboat had to be rowed by the lifeboatmen.

Opportunity to leave the boat and spend time further exploring the wildlife, watching the terns diving for fish to feed their young fledglings was given. Some people took advantage of this and went off exploring further.

Rhona McEune

4th May 2011
Exeter Chapter's First AGM

Exeter Chapter held their first AGM on Saturday 14th May 2011 at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, Lympstone nr Exmouth. There was a good attendance (including non-member parishioners) - and three new Companions were admitted bringing our membership including ‘Associates’ to 37. After the business of the AGM our Chaplain, Preb Alan White SCP,  Presided and Preached at the Mass. Very acceptable country home-made refreshments followed that were provided by the ladies of the church. Enthusiasm certainly exists in our Chapter and, in fact, we have offers of the next four venues including a tour of, and Mass within, the RM Commando Training Centre Chapel and they are spread fairly throughout the diocesan area giving access to everyone. We continue to be supported positively by the Exeter Chapter of SCP whose Secretary attended; also I was invited to attend their AGM during March 2011 to promote ‘The Company’, which I did. General consensus of opinion in our Chapter is that it is better to grow slowly and maintain positive interest than to ‘explode’ with new members who have not given full consideration to the commitment needed.

15th January 2011
London Inaugural Eucharist and Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the London Chapter took place on Saturday 15 January 2011 at St Matthew's Church, Westminster. The meeting began with a Eucharist at 11am followed by lunch and the inaugural meeting. Canon Andrew Nunn SCP presided and preached. The London Chapter are very grateful to Fr Philip Chester and all at St Matthew's Church for allowing us to use this venue for the meeting. Dates of future meetings will be published in due course.

23rd October 2010
Salisbury Inaugural Eucharist and Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the Salisbury Chapter took place on Saturday 3 October 2010 at St Thomas’s Church, Salisbury. It was very well attended and servers from many parts of the diocese took part. The meeting began with a Eucharist at 12 noon followed by a meeting in the church's cafe. Reverend Patrick McEune presided over the service and Reverend David Linaker preached. The Salisbury Chapter are very grateful to David Linaker and all at St Thomas’ Church for allowing us to use this venue for the meeting. Dates of future meetings will be published in due course. Further information is available from Jason Waite.

4th September 2010
Southwark Inaugural Eucharist and Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the Southwark Chapter took place on Saturday 4 September 2010 at Southwark Cathedral. It was attended by over 40 people and took the form of a Eucharist at 11am followed by a Presentation & Meeting. The President was the Rector General of SCP - Canon Andrew Nunn, Sub Dean of Southwark and the preacher was the Chaplain-Designate for the Southwark Chapter - Fr Geoffrey Thompson SCP. You can read his homily here. 

31st August 2010
CoS Visitor to be the new Bishop of Ely

The new Bishop of Ely will be the Rt Revd Stephen Conway SCP, currently the Suffragan Bishop of Ramsbury in the Diocese of Salisbury where he has been serving since his consecration in June 2006, and Visitor to the Company of Servers.

The Bishop of Huntingdon, Dr David Thomson, made the announcement this morning and introduced Bishop Stephen to the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly, and other civic dignitaries, the Dean and Chapter of Ely Cathedral and other senior clergy, and members of the Diocesan Office staff.

Bishop Stephen (52) will become the 69th Bishop of Ely. He will be officially installed and take up office early next year on a date yet to be decided. He succeeds Bishop Anthony Russell, who retired in February 2010.

"I am thrilled at the prospect of serving as Bishop of Ely,” said Bishop Stephen. “It is a joyful prospect to serve among all God's people in the region, to discover together what God is doing and to join in."

“I am delighted Bishop Stephen is to be our new diocesan,” said Bishop David Thomson. “We were both Archdeacons in the Northern Province a few years ago and it will be very good to be able to work more closely with him now in the Diocese of Ely.”

9th January 2010
St Albans Chapter Launched

Servers in Anglican churches across the St Albans Diocese have come together to form a new fellowship group.

The St Albans Diocese Chapter of the Company of Servers was established at an inaugural meeting at St Saviour’s Church in St Albans.

It is the latest chapter of the national Company of Servers to be formed, and follows on from the setting up of chapters in Norfolk and Ripon & Leeds.

Newly elected chairman of the St Albans Chapter, David Vyvyan said “It is an association for people who serve in the Church of England, to offer support and fellowship.

“We will meet together at least four times a year for a collective act of worship and social activities.”

While the weather meant numbers were lower than expected, the chapter has already signed up servers from across the diocese.

Mr Vyvyan added: “There were people there from churches right across the diocese, and the chapter has been founded with 18 members.

“Servers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join.”

Fr Peter Wadsworth SCP, Vicar of St Saviour’s Church, has been appointed chaplain to the chapter.

The St Albans Chapter has been selected to host the first national Company of Servers Festival and Annual General meeting, to be held on April 24 2010.

The annual Company Festival focuses on fellowship, worship and learning, both from each other and in a variety of interactive workshops, activities, talks and reflections.

To find out more about the St Albans Diocese Chapter of the Company of Servers, the chairman can be contacted at mdvyvyan@ntlworld.com.

November 2009
Norwich Sees a First!

Norwich launches the first Diocesan Chapter of the Company of Servers in the country. The Dean of Norwich, The Very Reverend Graham Smith, presided at a Eucharist in the cathedral for servers, lay assistants and clergy in the Norwich deaneries. The service was attended by about 30 people including servers from the cathedral and the city of Norwich. The sermon focused on being servants of Christ and was a timely reminder of our ministry as servers.

At a meeting held after the service the Chapter committee was set up: Chair Rhona McEune
Secretary Chris Sanham
Treasurer Michael Whittle
Committee members Colin Bodkin and Jack Harding

If anyone would like more details contact:
the secretary at seccomofservers@yahoo.co.uk

November 2009
Ripon & Leeds Chapter inaugurated!

On Saturday 14th November 2009 the Ripon & Leeds chapter of the Company of Servers was inaugurated at Ripon Cathedral.

The morning began at 10am with a Sung Eucharist, Bishop James presiding, and about 50 people attending. This was followed, after a very welcome cup of tea, by the inaugural meeting with the election of a committee and appointment of Mother Frances Wilson SCP as chaplain.

We then split into two groups, Fr Johannes Arens SCP facilitating a discussion with the adults and Mother Frances leading a workshop for the young people. Out of these sessions it was clear that servers would like information about their roles; to learn and share good practice; to meet together both at deanery and diocesan level and to ensure that young servers felt valued and included.

We finished the day with lunch, over which everyone had a chance to get to know someone new, always a privilege.

This is an exciting beginning and the options and opportunities available to develop the Chapter of Ripon & Leeds are huge.

If you’d like anymore information about these events, or wish to join the Ripon & Leeds Chapter here are our contact details.