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October 2019
Sunday 13 - Monday 21 October 2019
A 9 day Pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine
Following in the Footsteps of Jesus led by The Rt Revd Donald Allister
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a very special experience. My testimony, shared by many who have travelled with me before, is it that the bible comes to life in remarkable ways. In addition, today’s situation in Israel and Palestine, inseparable from the very complex history, is seen and experienced quite starkly.
We will have opportunities to meet, listen and talk to ordinary people as well as community and other leaders.
The pilgrimage is open to all. However, please bear three things in mind: first, we will be worshipping as Christians each day; second, a reasonable degree of fitness is needed, as we will have to do quite a bit of walking, including up hills and steps and on uneven rocky ground; third, although we will eat well with lovely Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food, and the restaurants we use are very helpful and hospitable, it may not always be possible to meet every dietary requirement in the way you might be used to.
This won’t be a holiday, though it may well refresh those parts that holidays can’t reach. It will be stimulating, deeply moving, perhaps emotionally exhausting. You will almost certainly be changed.
I hope you can join us.
+Donald
For prices and more information please click here to view the brochure.
The Holy Land
Saturday 19 October 2019
Binding up the Brokenhearted
A Practical Day of Resourcing your Church with guest speaker Becky Harcourt - Author of ‘Walking on Water’
We will also be exploring the following workshops:
• Emotional Healing
• Wellbeing Cafes
• Parish Healing Ministry Course
• Churches as places of healing
Bring your own packed lunch. Beverages will be available
Christ the King, Deeble Road, Kettering NN15 7AA
Tuesday 22 October 2019
Gender Variance and Pastoral Care
Speaker: Susannah Cornwall is Senior Lecturer in Constructive Theologies at the University of Exeter. She leads the Modelling Transgender Spiritual Care project in partnership with the West of England NHS Specialist Gender Identity Clinic.
How can Christians best respond to gender-variant, trans and nonbinary people? This day gives an opportunity to reflect on recent social and medical trends in the care of people going through gender transition. We will explore some biblical and theological responses to gender variance, including examples of both conservative and liberal responses and engaging closely with trans Christians’ experiences and testimonies. Finally, we will explore gender variance and church policy, looking at some practicalities surrounding matters such as welcomes and celebrations, naming liturgies, and implications for individuals' journeys of discernment for ordained or other ministry.
Bouverie Court, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7YD. Parking is limited so please car share if possible or/and park if need be up at the nearby hotel and walk to Bouverie.
November 2019
Wednesday 6 November 2019
Working with Your Church School
Speaker: Peter French was ordained in Manchester Diocese. After serving as a parish priest in Bury and in Handsworth he became Assistant Director of Education in Birmingham Diocese. He is now Deputy Director of Education in Peterborough Diocese.
A short session to help you think about how you can work with your Church school in a positive way that both inspires the school and helps with the mission of the church.
We will include a look at collective worship, visits to the church, other opportunities such as prayer spaces together with how you can not be compromised as a school governor.
Bouverie Court, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7YD
Thursday 21 November 2019
The Theological History of the Civil War
Speaker: Bishop Donald Allister
Where did the divine right of kings come from? Why did Charles try to impose episcopacy on the Scots? Did Laud cause the Civil War? Why was the Act of Uniformity so strict? And what can we learn from all of this?
The talk will be at St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton (near Towcester) before going on to a buffet lunch at The Butcher’s Arms for lunch (£9.00 per person to include a hot drink). We will then go on to Canons Ashby. Entrance is free for card carrying National Trust members. Entry will cost £8.50 for non-members.
NOTE: Sometimes the house is shut in November for conservation reasons. If so, our visit will be to the church and the gardens.
About Canons Ashby: The house was home to the Dryden family, who during the Civil War were Puritans and supported Parliament. A fight between Parlimentarian and Royalist soldiers took place on the grounds and the nearby church. The only casualty was the shepherd boy who had kept watch, and a statue honouring his sacrifice stands in the gardens.
Canons Ashby, Nr Towcester
January 2020
Wednesday 15 January 2020
Making the Most of Your PCC
Speaker: James Lawrence is the Leadership Principal at CPAS. He is author of several books and courses, including Growing Leaders, Mentoring Matters and PCC Tonight. He teaches and trains on leadership and evangelism in the UK and around the world.
PCCs are a vital part of the life of a church, and this practical day explores how we can make the most of them.
The day includes: - The 12 common dysfunction of PCCs and what to do about them
- The three stages in running a great PCC
- How to prepare for awkward moments
- Top tips for fun, faith-filled and fruitful PCCs.
CLERGY ONLY PLEASE
Bouverie Court, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7YD
February 2020
Wednesday 5 February 2020
Getting the Best out of People
The really useful guide to management & supervision of volunteers & staff
Speaker: Jason Royce is the Director of Souster Youth and has been learning to manage and supervise others for over 15 years in local authority, church, and charity settings.
Whilst the vital stuff of management is often squeezed out by many competing demands and high workloads of church leadership, doing it well can be transformational. Focussed and efficient supervision sessions with those you do ministry alongside can pay back tenfold the time you put in, helping your church to achieve far more. During this training we’ll also give you clear strategies for having difficult conversations and moving past blockages that often hold back progress when managing others.
We’ll cover: The who, what/how, when, where, and why of supervision; How to have a difficult conversation/manage conflict; Learning from others in the room as we share our experiences.
Bouverie Court, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7YD
Saturday 22 February 2020
Bishop's Bible Day 2020
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Our theme will be: The Bible and Prayer
A day of studying the Bible with Bishop Donald at two venues.
Open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Bible.
There will be two addresses from Bishop Donald, a variety of workshops, worship and fellowship. Just bring a Bible and a packed lunch.
Bookings are not yet being taken, but please watch this space for further information.
Peterborough Cathedral
March 2020
Thursday 5 March 2020
Looking with Fresh Eyes
Speakers: Members of the Cathedral Community
Our churches are often full of windows, paintings, and other items reflecting both the richness of our Christian tradition and the history of our faith. How can we best use these treasures to engage with our communities?
Join members of the cathedral community on a day exploring the treasures of Peterborough Cathedral, with discussions and best practice tips for our own church buildings. There will also be an opportunity for a special 'behind the scenes' tour of the cathedral - please wear sturdy shoes!
About Peterborough Cathedral: The cathedral is one of the few 12th century buildings to have remained largely intact. The building has many important architectural features and is also the burial place for Catherine of Aragon.
Peterborough Cathedral
Saturday 14 March 2020
Bishop's Bible Day 2020
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Our theme will be: The Bible and Prayer
A day of studying the Bible with Bishop Donald at two venues.
Open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Bible.
There will be two addresses from Bishop Donald, a variety of workshops, worship and fellowship. Just bring a Bible and a packed lunch.
Bookings are not yet being taken, but please watch this space for more information.
Northampton High School, NN4 6UU
May 2020
Tuesday 12 - Thursday 14 May 2020
Clergy Pre retirement Conference
This event – which blends elements of conference and retreat – is designed for those who expect to retire within the next three years and looks at the more personal and spiritual issues around the question: What do I hope for in retirement?
Please register at the website below by Friday 28 February 2020 at the latest. Enquiries to Mrs Lesley Steed at lesley.steed@cofesuffolk.org or phone 01473 298510.
Bishop Woodford House Retreat & Conference Centre, Barton Road, Ely CB7 4DX
