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FALLOW YEAR 2020
FALLOW YEAR
2020
What’s so special about 2020?
2020 will mark the tenth anniversary of running the ALM
scheme in the Diocese of Manchester. The original vision when
the scheme started was to have 300 trained and deployed
Authorised Lay Ministers. This figure will be fulfilled and
surpassed by the end of 2019.
What is a fallow year?
The idea is based around the biblical and agricultural practice (see Leviticus 25:1
-7) of allowing a field to rest ‘fallow’ for a year as continual cropping can
impoverish the soil, leading to poor fruitfulness and eventually to barrenness.
The fallow resting period gives the ground the time it needs to replenish and
renew its natural resources keeping it fertile for future growth and harvesting.
In terms of agriculture this was both practically and economically wise but ‘the
Sabbath of the fields’ also held much wider spiritual and religious significance:
The fallow year proclaimed and reminded all that the ‘land’ belonged to God
(Psalm 24:1-2)
The fallow year turned ‘process’ into ‘pastoral’ by providing more time and
resources for reflection and renewal
The fallow year was an exercise of faith as the people looked to God to
provide during the year of rest
The fallow year highlighted the importance of collaboration and unity as
everyone had to pull together as ‘one body’ (Acts 4:32)
The fallow year provided more time for the promotion of biblical study and
education for the whole community (Deut 31:10-13)
Why are we having a fallow year?
As the ALM scheme will soon surpass its original vision of 300 ALMs, it feels like
the right time to stop and listen to God as we discern a new vision for the future.
By not having to intensively work the ground to produce another yearly ‘crop’ of
ALMs, our hope is that the fallow year will give us all the time and space we need
to be able to reflect, refresh and renew our vision so that we can prepare the
fields for fertile future growth and fruitful harvesting. The year will also give us
the chance to research and gather feedback from all involved in the scheme so
that we can continue to improve and develop the course.
Reflect Refresh Renew
FALLOW YEAR– 2020
Events & Information
Service of Thanksgiving & Renewal
Saturday 25 January: 11.00-12.30 / Manchester Cathedral
The whole ALM community will be invited to start the year by gathering together
to celebrate and give thanks for 10 years of the scheme and to renew our vows
as we begin the 2020 fallow year.
Refresher Days
All ALMs will be invited to attend a refresher day aimed at helping us all to reflect
upon the last few years and to refresh our vision for the future.
St Peters Parish Centre, Bolton BL1 5RR
Saturday 29 February: 10.00-1.30
St Nicholas, Burnage, Manchester M19 1PL
Saturday 7 March: 10.00-1.30
St George’s, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9NS
Saturday 14 March: 10.00-1.30
Deanery Celebration Events
Between May and June, Deaneries will be invited to work together to put on ‘Lay
Celebration’ events aimed at showcasing and giving thanks for the collaborative
work currently going on in the parishes and to explore the opportunities for
further development and involvement.
Diocesan Lay Conference
Saturday 11 July: 10.00-2.00 / Bolton Road Methodist Church, Bury
A chance for whole ALM community to gather together for worship, prayer and
some inspirational Bible teaching. Special guests tbc.
Archdeaconry Retreat Days
During the Autumn term all ALMs will be invited to attend an Archdeaconry
retreat day offering time-out with God. Venues and dates tbc.
Commissioning Service
Sunday 20 September: 2.30-4.00 / Manchester Cathedral
The year will end with our traditional service of Recommissioning for our 2012
and 2017 ALMs plus guests.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will there be an ALM course running in 2020?
No, there will not be an ALM course running in 2020 due to it being designated
as a fallow year. Applications will be open again for training to resume as usual
in 2021. The Diocesan Foundations for Ministry course will continue to run as
usual.
Will there still be a Recommissioning Service in 2020?
Yes, the year will end with our traditional service of Recommissioning for our
2012 and 2017 ALMs plus guests. This will be held on Sunday 20 September,
2.30-4.00 at Manchester Cathedral.
How much will the events cost?
Unless otherwise stated, all costs will be met by the diocese but parishes are
expected to support their candidates if help is required with travel expenses to
and from events, etc.
How do I get more information?
Further information and details are available on the diocesan website:
www.manchester.anglican.org/lay-ministries/ALM/
Or please contact :
Jamie Mackenzie
Local Ministry Officer
T: 0161 828 1430 / 07553 374 130
‘Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not
reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your
untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest.’
Leviticus 25: 4-5
