The Vicar's Blog
After 12 years as vicar of "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in all England" the time has come for us to move on. As many of you know, I first came to Redcliffe in 1996 when I spent five years as Associate Vicar. I described that role as “The best job in the Church of England." However, after twelve years as vicar, I have to admit that I think this one is even better … just! I have been ordained for just over thirty years, which means that I have spent over half my ministry within Redcliffe. It is a community, a building and a place I have always loved for its people, its situation and its mix. It has been a huge privilege, a real honour and (on the whole) great fun being here, living amongst you and sharing with you in the work of the gospel. There have been some notable ‘wins’: a strapline and four key themes that really describe who SMR is a congregation that has grown in number and diversity a community team making a real difference a significant increase in visitor engagement a far more robust and compliant organisational structure And there are some notable things that have been left undone: most notably, our accessible toilet is still down a flight of steps! I have great confidence in the amazing team within this extraordinary place. I know you will continue to "Sing the Song of Faith and Justice" with hope and expectation. I know you will continue to find new, dynamic and creative ways that honour Redcliffe's traditions. I know you will continue to build on them and so unfold as yet unknown and unseen glimpses of the Kingdom of God. As for me, as for us, we will be moving to London. Being a clergy family means that our previous moves have all been determined by me getting a new job. For some time we have had a hankering to live in London and, as many of you know, Sarah has been commuting to the capital for the last ten years. So that's what we're going to do. In the summer we'll move to London. I'll take my pension and spend my time supporting the work of the local church in new ways. All this means that my time as vicar of "Bristol's fairest" is drawing to close and our last Sunday will be Sunday 13 July. Thank you for your companionship along the way and for your commitment to this wonderful place. Dan Tyndall 23 February 2025
Next week, letters will be going to many of us to tell us about where the church council stands financially and to ask us to consider our giving to St Mary Redcliffe. Samuel Williams, our PCC Treasurer, writes: The Opportunity of Generosity Financial giving is not merely an obligation, it is a response to God’s generosity and an integral part of Christian discipleship. From the Old Testament principle of tithing (Genesis 14:20, Leviticus 27:30) to the New Testament’s emphasis on cheerful giving, Scripture presents stewardship as an act of worship, trust, and responsibility. It acknowledges that all we have ultimately belongs to God and calls us to use our resources wisely and generously. The Apostle Paul reinforces this idea, urging believers to give “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Stewardship is not about fulfilling an obligation but about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. Giving, whether to the Church, charities, or those in need, strengthens communities, supports ministry, and deepens our reliance on God’s provision. Rather than seeing generosity as a duty, we can embrace it as an opportunity to reflect God’s character and invest in work that has lasting significance. Every act of giving, large or small, contributes to something greater. As stewards of God’s resources, we are called to give intentionally, faithfully, and with joy, trusting that God will use what we offer for His purposes. As the letter outlines, the most efficient way of giving to St Mary Redcliffe is through the Parish Giving Scheme. Many people have already moved to that scheme and we are keen to encourage others to move now. If you are not in the Parish Giving Scheme and want to sign up, click here:
Katie Bignell, SMR's Youth Community Worker, writes about the Community Theatre activities held over the Christmas holidays: As part of our Winter Holiday activity and food programme we offered a valuable opportunity to our local community to participate in a two-day Theatre experience. The local children were immersed in a heart-warming adventure when we facilitated a trip to the Bristol old Vic to watch The Little Mermaid. It was many of our children's first Theatre experience and it was so heartwarming to see them light up as they were swept away into a magical story of dance, music and unique characters touching on some very important themes relevant to our current world. These themes such as environmental impacts on our oceans, cultural expression and how we build a better world through reaching out, caring and integrating fully with those around us, were further explored when we facilitated a Theatre workshop the following day. The children had the opportunity to set the scene through set design, developing their own characters and recreating their own version of the story, relevant to them, their cultures and their experience of the world. They thrived and really flourished in developing new skills and confidence whilst having the opportunity to be creative with Visual arts and Expressive Arts alongside Music and games. This is the second year we have facilitated a Theatre experience incorporating a trip to the Bristol Old Vic with an interactive Theatre workshop the following day. Each time it happens it is pure magic witnessing the positive growth and the creative capabilities these amazing young people possess. It is comparable to a Caterpillar turning into a Butterfly. The transformation from this opportunity is beautiful.
As we begin this new year and in light of recent media reports regarding abuse cases and the way they have been dealt with by the Church of England we would like to make the following statement. As a church family, we are called to reflect God’s love, care, and protection for all His children, particularly the most vulnerable among us. With this in mind, we want to take a moment to reassure you that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults remains one of our highest priorities. Our church leadership is deeply committed to ensuring that St Mary Redcliffe is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and protected. To this end, we have established a robust Safeguarding Policy and rigorously maintain processes and procedures that reflect both legal requirements and best practices in safeguarding. These processes are designed to create a secure environment for all and to uphold the trust that you, as a congregation, have placed in us. Our safeguarding procedures include: Comprehensive Policy: We adhere to safeguarding policies that comply with the Diocese of Bristol and Church of England guidelines. This policy is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective and current. Training and Awareness: All staff and volunteers, who work with children and vulnerable adults undergo mandatory safeguarding training. This training equips them to recognise and respond to any concerns appropriately. Background Checks: Every individual serving in roles involving children or vulnerable adults undergoes a thorough vetting process, including a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check Clear Reporting Procedures: We have clear and confidential processes in place for reporting and addressing any safeguarding concerns. Esther Keller our appointed Parish Safeguarding Lead is always available to assist with any questions or concerns. Culture of Accountability: We foster a culture of openness and accountability, encouraging everyone in our church community to speak up if they see or sense anything that does not align with our commitment to safety. As members of our church family, we all have a role to play in ensuring the well-being of children and vulnerable adults in our care. If you ever have a concern, no matter how small it may seem, please do not hesitate to bring it to our attention. We are here to listen and to act with care and discretion. We are grateful for your trust and partnership as we work together to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for all. Let us continue to pray for wisdom, vigilance, and God’s guidance as we strive to reflect His love and protection. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this vital aspect of our ministry. May we remain united in our mission to honour Christ in all we do. All the best, Canon Dan Tyndall Esther Keller Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church Parish Safeguarding Officer Tel: 0776 929 6220 Tel: Tel:07811723427.
If ever you had cause to wonder whether that birth in that little town two thousand years ago is still having an impact today, a walk into the city centre last Saturday might have helped. At the heart of Broadmead shopping centre there was the eponymous Christmas market. You may be a fan of those huts that spring up every year in an increasing number of cities, selling a range of goods that might prove popular on Christmas Day and a variety of food and drink to tempt you to spend more. You may take the view that they are a blight on the landscape and provide little more than a consumerist hit of adrenaline fuelled spending. Whichever angle you come at it, those market stalls remind us of the celebration that started because of that birth in that little town. To one side of the market stalls a small group protested outside one of the high street banks. They claim that this bank is investing in aggressive techniques that are being used by national governments, particularly Israel, against embattled communities like Palestinians, especially in Gaza. You may be a regular protestor, on the street every month, writing letters every week. You may feel overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness as the world slides into chaos around you. Whichever angle you come at it, those protestors remind us how much that little town is just as much in the eye of a political storm today as it was two thousand years ago. And opposite the protestors, with the sounds of one overlapping with the calls from the other, from the brass instruments of a band from one of our local Salvation Army citadels float the tunes of well known Christmas Carols and passers-by pause for a moment to listen, to sing, to donate some money to the cause for which they are collecting. You may find brass bands, even Salvation Army brass bands at Christmas, a little too sentimental, a little reminiscent of a bread advert from 1973. You may hear those familiar harmonies and, reminded of the words, be caught up once again in the story of the Word made flesh. Whichever angle you come at it, that music gives us pause for thought and prompts us to reflect on that birth in that little town of Bethlehem. I am reminded of what we were told by some Palestinians about how to divide the hours of the day: to pray in the morning, to protest in the afternoon, to party in the evening. It seemed to me that, unknowingly, Broadmead was providing a perfect platform for a well balanced diet! Merry Christmas. Dan Tyndall 20 December 2024
This may not be the best photo of James, but you can't deny that the enthusiasm he brings to his job with us is evident all over his face! However, today we are sharing some great news for him and some sad news for us. James writes: A Change of Seasons I have some news to share. After 3 wonderful years as the Head of Operations with St Mary Redcliffe I will be departing in early 2025. I have been offered the role as Director at the Dr Jenner House and Museum, an opportunity I have found too great a chance to turn down. When I arrived at St Mary Redcliffe back in early 2022 I was inspired by the vision and ambition of those I met from across the breadth of the Church. There was a determination and be the best the Church could be for the congregation, community, and visitors. This ambition was matched by the magnificent building and fascinating history that I fell in love with as I discovered more and more about it. The pandemic had obviously caused a setback to the development plans in some areas, with the Parish Office still largely empty and the church not yet fully reopened. In other ways the church had sped up plans, in particular the community team and the development of the Hub was a huge success. There was a lot of work to do. Since those early days, almost 3 years ago, I am proud of the part I have played in a period of reflection and recovery, followed by significant changes to the fabric of the organisation (both physical and metaphorical!). From light shows welcoming 15,000 visitors, significant changes in financial and compliance management, the restoration of the South Porch, and the national coverage of the new Colston panels as we continue explore the contested heritage of the church. We have invested in the future sustainability of the Church, exploring heating and lighting options that will help contribute to the Church of England’s net zero ambitions. We are working hard to improve the financial outlook for the building, with our events business growing from £7000 to £70,000 in just a few years, changes to our fundraising, and starring roles in TV productions. We continue to realise the amazing heritage potential of the building with increasing visitors, drawn by exhibitions and improved interpretation of the many stories of St Mary Redcliffe. St Mary Redcliffe is deservedly retaking its place in the centre of modern Bristol life. Most importantly, I am so proud of the incredible team of staff, clergy, volunteers, and contractors that I have had the pleasure of working alongside. The staff team has changed significantly over the last few years as we have sought out the best people to take on the opportunities and challenges of the Church’s mission and vision. Being a part of the Senior Leadership Team with Laura and Dan has been a privilege, and I am confident that the future of St Mary Redcliffe is ambitions but resourced. Change is a part of life, and it is with very mixed feelings that I share my news with you. I genuinely love my job, and I love working with this these incredible people. I am proud of the journey we have come on and know there will continue to be a great future ahead here, hopefully for at least another 800 years. I will be working hard over next few months with the SLT and churchwardens to find the best possible candidate to fill this role and to ensure a smooth handover process. Although my departure is still a little way off yet, I just want to share how grateful I am to you all for being so welcoming, supportive, and kind. Thank you, this is truly a special place. We will miss James' boundless enthusiasm and will always be grateful for the amazing journey he has taken us on. However, we cannot stand still and we are now looking for his successor. Terms & Conditions can be found on the website here: Head of Operations Ts&Cs Full Job Pack can be downloaded here: Head of Operations Job Pack Please do share this information as widely as possible. Dan Tyndall 15 November 2024
Speaking the Truth in Love
It might just be me, but having spent my teenage years in Rugby (just down the A45 from Coventry) this is one of the most striking images of St Michael that I know. It is hung on the side of the new Coventry cathedral which is dedicated to St Michael and All Angels. It's not the only image of St Michael that I know! If we had good photographs of our stained glass windows high up in the clerestory, I could also have shared with you SMR's own image of St Michael. Designed well over a century before this one, it is rather 'Victorian' in feel: however I am told that those windows are rather special. Not only do we have a window of Michael, but he is joined by three other archangels: Gabriel, the messenger of God who visited Mary to tell her about her pregnancy; Raphael, the healer and protector of travellers; and Uriel, the angel of prophecy and wisdom. And Michael? Well, as this image suggests, Michael is the dispenser of justice! In SMR all four can be found at the highest level of the windows just outside the Lady Chapel. You have to strain your neck and look up to your left as you come out of the chapel. But when you do, you'll see six panels. The two side panels contain an image of a Seraphim and the two central panels bear the image of an archangel. To the left Michael, to the right .. well I think it's Uriel, but I could be wrong. Any why Michael's shield bears the cross of St George, I really have no idea!
A couple of times in my ministry (well, more than that probably) I have been accused of using my sermons to play with peoples' emotions, being over-simplistic, even being manipulative. Spoiler alert, if you are one those kind of people, don't read more ... On Maundy Thursday, Jesus speaks to those gathered round the table with him, those who will share bread and wine with him, those whose feet he has just washed. He says two things: Unless I wash you, you have no share with me (Jn 13.8) If I have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet (Jn 13.14) Last Sunday evening I ended my sermon by saying: I am humbled by the sheer simplicity of the values we are called to inhabit and the task to which we are called as followers of Jesus: "Do not judge so that you may not be judged" and "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you." (Mt 7.12) And for those who have listened to too many of my sermons, you may well recall how often I refer to Jesus' phrase in the narrative of the workers in the vineyard: "Are you envious because I am generous?" (Mt 20.15) This Sunday morning, we are faced with another one of these simple sentences: Whoever welcomes a child, welcomes me. The scenario around this simple sentence is instructive, but all too often we devalue the directness of what Jesus is saying by over-layering it with context or interpretation or spirituality. Of course we need to 'make it real for us'. I don't think Jesus expects us to serve one another always and only by washing one another's feet. Equally, if we're going to allow a breadth of understanding in that verse then, surely, we have to allow a similar breadth of understanding in "Unless I wash you, you have no share in me" as well. But back to the little child that Jesus took and placed amongst his twelve friends; back to the little child who he took in his arms. The child was now closer to Jesus than anyone else and being held in a way that Jesus probably hugged his friends. When you think of that child, what do you see: boy or girl? freckles; ponytail; acne? smiling or crying? enjoying the limelight or hating the attention? gentile or Jew? quietly sitting on Jesus' knee or having a temper tantrum? white or black? Back a few more verses now. Jesus takes the child when he realises that his friends are arguing about who is the greatest. The point seems clear: the greatest is the one who welcomes a child, for when you welcome a child you welcome Christ, and when you welcome Christ you welcome the one by whom he was sent. One way of exploring the depth of a theory is to flip it on its head and see what it looks then. Turning this phrase upside down, we get Then Jesus took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever rejects one such child in my name rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects not me but the one who sent me.’ As a thriving, inclusive Christian community, we are called to be welcoming, hospitable and adaptive to each and every person, each and every child, that crosses the threshold of the church. It sounds easy and, most of the time, we are really good at it. Sometimes, just sometimes, when a child isn't behaving the way we think children ought to behave, we can be just a little too quick to show it. And I guess, in my over-simplistic and manipulative way, I'd like to remind us all, that when we make a child (or their parent) feel unwelcome and unwanted we are, in the words of this Sunday's gospel readying, rejecting Christ. Dan Tyndall 20 September 2024
