Training Opportunities
The pages linked below give details of some courses we have heard about. There are many others and if you are interested in a particular theme or subject do use your favourite web search engine to see what is available.
Many, if not most, courses will be eligible for funding from your CME Grant. Details of this CME Grant and the CME Grants Policy can be seen by clicking on the link.
A selection of courses
SOCIETY OF MARY AND MARTHA
Sheldon, Dunsford, Exeter EX6 7LE
QUIET DAYS – All Quiet Days are in silence with 4 addresses (10.30 & 11.30am 1.30 & 2.30pm). Cost: £15 including lunch.
- 30 September 2008 led by Mark Rylands, Exeter Diocesan Missioner.
- 13 November 2008 led by Bob Evens, Bishop of Crediton.
LED RETREATS
- 6-10 October 2008 - Photography, Poetry and Vision – Opening up layers of vision in the landscape around and within. Cost: (on application)
- 21-23 October 2008 – Original Blessing – Creation centred spirituality. Cost: (on application)
12,000 Mile Service – 12-17 October, 16-21 November 2008
High quality space within a light touch framework designed to help you unwind and rediscover your creative energy and vision. A 12,000 mile service is best used by allowing the programme to unfold as a journey through the week. You won’t be told what to do, there is no formal ‘teaching’ input and all the ingredients are completely optional. Cost £385.00 fully inclusive.
10-12 November 2008 – ENNEAGRAM – Part 2
Participants need to have completed part 1 of this course and confident of their Type. Cost: £260.00
23-28 November 2008 Reading Week
If you never find time to read those interesting books you’ve bought, or would love some time to rummage in Sheldon’s library, why not try a Sheldon Reading Week? In fact you don’t even have to read at all – you can come and use the week for a private retreat, or to rest and catch up with yourself and God £50.00 per night or £220 for 5 nights.
28-30 November 2008 – ADVENT
A weekend with work & worship to end our birthday year & begin the new liturgical year. Open to everyone (20% ministry discount). Volunteers £30 Retreatants £60.
1-5 December 2008 – At Sea With God led by Margaret Silf
Navigating & dealing with the perils of the sea – storms, shipwrecks & becalming. However often we feel “at sea”, knowing we are not at sea alone. A preached retreat with plenty of space for personal reflection. Margaret Silf is an author of several books on the spiritual journey for 21st century pilgrims who may or may not identify with institutional religion. Cost: £260 (20% ministry discount).
To book for any of the above contact Society of Mary and Martha at the above address, or for information on all the courses, retreats etc run by Mary and Martha go to our website: www.sheldon.uk.com
St John’s Nottingham - Creative Christian Learning
MA in the Theology of Mission & Ministry
Available full or part time. Course starts September 2008. For more information, contact: Admissions on 0115 968 3203 or email admissions@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk or visit our website & click on MA Course at St John’s.
Certificate in Higher Education in Theology & Vocation (Distance Learning)
A course starting in September, lasting between one & four years. Accredited with the Open University. Contact the Extension Studies Team: 0115 925 1117 Email: ext.studies@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk or visit our website.
Youth & Community Work & Applied Theology
Want to gain a professional qualification in youth work? Email: g.benson@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk Enquiries: 0115 968 3222
Make a Start in Theology
Distance learning courses in fields of biblical studies, doctrine, practical theology & counselling. Courses include summer schools, weekend workshops & a personal tutor.
Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Counselling
A part time course, taught over 20 days per year at college with extensive theological and practical work in between. Next course starts September 2008.
1 Oct 9.30 – 3.00pm– Spirituality, Religious Education & Whole Practice Training Day
This day is for teachers, youth workers & those interested in spirituality in education. Cost £30 incl lunch (£10 for full time students) To book contact Gill Benson, MCYM, St John’s College, Bramcote, Notts NG9 3DS Tel: 0115 968 3222 Email: mcym@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
In Service Study Weeks
An integral part of Christian ministry , keeping training up to date & relevant.
29 Sept – 3 Oct 2008 – Introduction to Theological Method
Designed to deepen & broaden your grasp of the tasks & methods of theology & to grow in creativity & confidence in theological reflection.
10 - 14 November 2008 – Chaplaincy: its place in the Ministry of the Church
Explores the theology & practice of chaplaincy in a variety of contexts in a post-Christian world. Cost: Tuition & full board: £255/Tuition only: £187 (Serving clergy may be able to receive funding as part of Continuing Ministerial Education). Contact Academic Administrator – 0115 968 3216 Email: academic@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
12 – 14 September 2008 – Fit for the Purpose
God’s calling is first of all a call to understand His purposes more deeply. We can then see better where we fit within in them. The workbook Fit for the Purpose helps you do that. St John’s College Nottingham offers regular weekend events in association with this module. The next weekend is on 12 – 14 September 2008. Many participants have found this event to be a life-changing experience, others find confirmation for what they already feel God is calling them to.For details about this weekend or to buy the book, please contact ext.studies@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk, see our website at www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk or telephone Alyson Ward on 0115 925 1117.
4 - week Study Units
6 Oct – 7 Nov – Biblical Intepretation
Looks at ways the Bible is interpreted down the ages & key issues facing us in reading the Bible in the contemporary world.
17 Nov – 12 Dec – Acts & Mission
Acts traces the story of the spread of the gospel message outwards from Jerusalem & ends with Paul in Rome.
5 – 30 Jan 09 – Pastoral Care & the Human Lifecycle
An exploration of the theological & practical issues of pastoral care including spirituality, gender issues & development theories.
Counselling Skills for Pastoral Care
The course is taught over a weekend and a further five-day residential with six months distance learning in between. Next course starts in March 2009.
Introduction to Listening Skills
A five-day residential course held each Spring. Next course 23-27 March 2009.
See details of all our counselling courses and applications at: http://www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk/page/show/125
Open Days
A chance to meet with staff, students & tutors to see what life is about at a theological college. There are guided tours, a display of typical study materials & books for sale. With a presentation about St John’s by the Principal, followed by a mini lecture by one of our tutors. Includes lunch plus opportunities to browse in the library & chat to students. You will be invited to attend your choice of two half hour group sessions about studying at St John’s. Concluding with a short worship service in the Chapel. To find out more email: admissions@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk or call 0115 968 3203 or www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk & click 'Open Days'.
Books & Resources – Common Worship Today
A Guide to Common Worship by Mark Earey & Gilly Myers - £14.95 (discounts for bulk orders) Contact 0115 925 1117 or email ext.studies@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk or click Common Worship Today and other Faith For Life Books on our website.
Four Gospels – One Jesus? A symbolic interpretation of the Four Gospels
New Testament scholar & Dean of Kings College London takes us on a guided tour through the four Gospels, highlighting their distinctive character & starting with an extended illustration based on portraits of Winston Churchill, this set of DVDs has been produced for St John’s by Revd Tim Hull & costs £25 per set. It complements the book of the same name. To order use Common Worship Today details plus click View DVD on the website.
Further details of these and other resources in theology from:
St John’s Extension Studies, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3RL
Tel: 0115 925 1117
ext.studies@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
London Mennonite Centre
14 Shepherds Hill, London N6 5AQ
Tel: 08454 500 214/020 8340 8775 Fax: 020 8341 6807
Email: lmc@menno.org.uk Web: www.menno.org.uk
Cross–Current Seminars Sept – Dec 2008
Saturday 27 September - Walking Alongside: Alternative Methods of Nonviolent Accompaniment in Israel/Palestine.
Come and spend a day with representatives from three organisations working to reduce violence in the region. £20 (£10 unwaged)
Saturday 11 October – Faith is a Journey: A Workshop Taster.
The London Mennonite Centre has had a long close relationship with Workshop, a programme which has changed the lives of many people associated with the centre. It is our very special privilege this year to offer those of you who have not yet experienced Workshop a day of discovery you will not want to miss. £20 (£10 unwaged)
Sunday – Friday 19–24 October – Transforming Church Conflict: A Foundation Course for Leaders.
This is the first offering of Bridge Builders’ new foundation course, replacing their widely acclaimed mediation and facilitation skills course. Cost on application.
Saturday 15 November – Getting Going on Going Green
Jo Rathbone leads us in this day of reflection on the practical implications of an appropriate Christian response to environmental issues. £20 (£10 unwaged)
Tuesday – Thursday 18-20 November - Training of Trainers
Do you want to be able to share with others some of the new insights about conflict that you have encountered through your training with Bridge Builders? If so, this is the course you have been waiting for! Led by the Bridge Builders team, at the LMC. Cost on application.
Wednesday 26 November – Threatened with Resurrection?
Can radical discipleship, committed faith and critical questioning be brought together? Presentations and book launch. £20 (£10 unwaged)
Sunday 8-13 February 2009 Transforming Church Conflict
(as for 19-24 October 2008)
Weekends Sept – July Workshop: because faith is a journey
Involves a series of twelve weekends based in five regional centres and spread over a two-year cycle. You may enrol for all twelve weekends or attend individual weekends as a one-off. £50 (£30 unwaged)
Saturday – Sunday 25-26 October Root and Branch Events: Crucible Course
www.urbaneexpression.org.uk/crucible
St George’s College Jerusalem
The college offers retreats & courses for which bursaries may be available to clergy & other interested church members. For more information please look at their website: www.sgcjerusalem.org/home.asp
Igantian Spirituality Centre
St Bueno’s, Tremeirchion, St Asalph, North Wales LL17 0AS
T: 01745 583444 F: 01745 584151 email: secretary@beunos.com web: www.buenos.com
Programme for 2008
September 26 – November 6 Spiritual Exercises Institute
The Institute is for those who wish to take time to prepare & relax into the Exercises for a few days prior to entering into the retreat, & have time afterwards to reflect on the dynamic & process of the Spiritual Exercises. It is suggested that applicants have experienced a silent, individually guided retreat of at least a week’s duration before undertaking the full Exercises.
September 26 – December 20 Ignatian Spirituality Sabbatical
The three month programme is made up of three distinct units:
- Spiritual Exercises Institute
- Pilgrimage to Loyola & Rome
- Spiritual Exercises Course.
November 10 – 14 Midweek Retreat for Roman Catholic Clergy
Fr Damian Jackson SJ. An individually guided retreat with concelebrated daily Mass, communal night & optional group reflection.
November 14 - 16 Seasoned with Love
Led by Mark Argent. Mark, who has appeared on TV’s ‘Masterchef’, will lead you in a weekend considering the spirituality of preparing meals & sharing meals. You will participate in the preparation. This event takes place in St Bueno’s cottages. Unsuitable for vegetarians & those who cannot manage stairs.
November 21 – 23 Living with the eye of Art (workshop & retreat Nov 21 -28)
Led by Renate Düllmann OP. A workshop that looks at creative ways of self-expression & of how this can help with meditation & prayer. This workshop can be the ideal launch for the individually guided silent retreat which follows it.
November 23 – December 20 Spiritual Exercises Course
Enrich your understanding of the Spiritual Exercises. Become more proficient in retreat giving, discernment & Spiritual Guidance.
December 15 – 18 Theology in Spiritual Exercises
Seminar led by Fr James Hanvey who lectures at Heythrop College & is renowned for his lively presentations.
December 18 -22 Midwinter Birth: A Triduum
Enjoy space for yourself & for God by taking time for peace & goodwill before Christmas. There will be daily presentations & creative workshops.
Programme for 2009
Themed Retreats and Workshops
April 8 – 13 Holy Week/Easter Retreat
Live deeply Holy Week and Easter with the liturgies of St. Bueno’s. Group guidance & material for reflection will be given daily.
April 24 – 29 Living Life To The Full
Led by Colette Bonner & Witold Kroliikowski. Restore confidence & purpose. Open to the healing touch of Spirit; of particular help if you have experienced loss, change or difficulties and need a gentle, accepting retreat.
June 12 – 21 & June 29 – July 6 Retreats for Students and Young People
Two retreats for students & young adults from £35! See website for more details.
July 14 – 17 Music Meditation
Led by Mark Argent. A retreat using classical music to help lead you into meditation.
July 17 – 22 A Retreat with the Life & Poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins
Led by William Hewett SJ. Fr Hewett will be guiding the group through the life & spirituality of Hopkins & using his poetry as a stimulus to prayer & writing. Book early as this retreat fills fast.
July 22 – 27 Film Retreat
Let your story interact with the carefully selected films on this silent retreat. There will be optional sharing on the films & an opportunity to meet individually with a member of the retreat team.
September 11 – 13 Seasoned With Love
Led by Mark Argent. Mark, who has appeared on TV’s ‘Masterchef’, will lead you in a weekend considering the spirituality of preparing meals & sharing meals. You will participate in the preparation. This event takes place in St Bueno’s cottages. Unsuitable for vegetarians & those who cannot manage stairs.
November 6 – 8 Art Workshop
Led by Renate Düllmann OP. A workshop that looks at creative ways of self-expression & of how this can help with meditation & prayer. This workshop can be the ideal launch for the individually guided silent retreat which follows it.
November 23 – 27 Midweek Retreat for Roman Catholic Clergy
Fr Damian Jackson SJ. An individually guided retreat with concelebrated daily Mass for the group & communal Morning & Night prayer of the Church.
December 18 – 20 Christmas Spiritual Preparation Weekend
Members of the St Bueno’s team offer you time for peace & goodwill before Christmas. Creative workshops & a Eucharist will be offered each day.
Plus: Individually Guided Retreats are available all year round. Contact St Bueno’s for details.
Ignatian Spirituality Programmes
January 16 – April 9 Three month course
A three part programme beginning with Quiet Reflection particularly useful to those considering a life-change. Moving on to Full Spiritual Exercises a 30 day silent, individually guided Spiritual Exercise. Concluding with Developing Ignatian Spirituality.
May 5 – July 14 Retreat Giving & Spiritual Direction
Gain experience & competence in giving Individually Guided Retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. Applications for this programme need to be in by the end of August 2008. This programme can be booked with the previous 3 month course to form a 6 month sabbatical.
September 25 – December 19 Ignatian Spirituality Sabbatical
This programme consists of the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in the Spiritual Exercises Institute. This is followed by a pilgrimage to Loyola & Manresa in Spain & Rome. The final part is the one-month programme in Ignatian Spirituality. Both Institue & the One-Month Programme can be taken separately with the Pilgrimage.
November 22 – December 19 One-Month Programme in Ignatian Spirituality
Deepen your understanding of spiritual direction & retreat giving in the Ignatian tradition. It is a requirement of this course that participants have previously undertaken the full Spiritual Exercises either as a month’s retreat or have done formal study of the Exercises of St Ignatius. This programme will have Monday to Friday as teaching days, Saturday is reserved for private study & Sunday a day of rest. You are therefore free from Friday evening until Monday morning each week.
February 4 – March 11, July 27 – August 31 Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius 30 day Retreats
The full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola are given over 30 days. Retreats beginning in February & July include a two day lead-in & end with a two day reflection. It is suggested that applicants have experienced a silent, individually guided retreat of at least a week’s duration before undertaking the full Exercises.
September 25 – November 5 Spiritual Exercises Institute
The Institute is for those who wish to take time to prepare & relax into the Exercises for a few days prior to entering into the retreat, & have time afterwards to reflect on the dynamic & process of the Spiritual Exercises. This can be followed by a pilgrimage to many of the places linked to the life of Ignatius, his hometown of Loyola, Pamplona, Xavier, Manresa & Montserrat nr Barcelona & Spain.
The Full Spiritual Exercises in Three Stages: 1st Stage: July 6 – 17. 2nd Stage July 31 – August 11. 3rd Stage July 3 – 14
These retreats are designed for those who regularly go on retreat but cannot get away for a full month. These Spiritual Exercises are split into 3 units & spread over a 3 yr period. For each year-group the retreat will be about the same time each year.
Workshops and Seminars for Prayer Guides and Retreat Givers.
January 26 – 30 Enneagram: Introductory Workshop
Led by Fr Myles O’Reilly SJ. Participants will find their own personality type. The group will join with those attending the 3 month course to look at how a consideration of the enneagram personality types can help self-awareness & an understanding of why people behave so differently.
March 29 – April 2 Social Justice Seminar
Led by Fr Peter McVerry SJ. Fr Peter will focus on issues of Social Justice & how Christian Spirituality is inextricably bound with love of neighbour.
May 22 -25 Sexuality and Spirituality
Led by Revd Andrew Walker. Gain more confidence in dealing with issues of sexuality when giving retreats or spiritual direction.
June 23 – 27 Spiritual Exercises: Seminars
(Can be followed by retreat June 27 – July 3)
Led by Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ and December 14 -17 led by Fr Philip Endean SJ. Two experts take a look at Ignatius’ text & the adaptations we might need to make when giving the Exercises today.
THE BARKING PROGRAMME – AUTUMN 2008
All courses cost £10.00. For further details, application forms & where to send cheques; contact:
Revd John Brown, The Barking Programme, St Luke’s Vicarage, 1A Baxter Rd, Ilford IG1 2HN
Tel: 0208 553 7606 email: livingfaith@stluke-ilford.org.uk
The Barking Programme now has a website.
Learning from Life
How to make the media work for you. Led by Gill Nichol the Barking Area Communications Adviser. This short course is all about working with the local media to promote the gospel & the good news about the work of your church in your community. 23 & 30 Sept 7.30pm – 9.30pm at St John’s Church Loughton, IG10 1PD or 12 &19 Nov 2008 7.30pm – 9.30pm at St Bartholomew’s Church East Ham E6 3BA
‘Getting to Know the Bible’
Led by Revd Bernadette Hull & Ruth Dowley. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct & 6 Nov - St Cedd’s Church, Lodge Ave, RM8 2HQ Thursday Evenings 7.30 – 9.30pm. A six week course aimed at helping people to handle the Bible confidently. This course can be used as preparation for the Course In Christian Studies. Learning in a friendly & supportive group setting.
Understanding the Eucharist
Led by Canon Ann Easter 23 & 30 Sept 7.30 – 9.30PM All Saints Church West Ham, Church St, West Ham E15 3HU. This is a study session aimed at Eucharistic ministry in the church & any who are interested in exploring the place & meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Christian community.
The Barking Art Project
Led by Revd Jonathan Evens. 4 Oct Sat 11.00 – 3pm St John’s Church, St John’s Rd/Aldborough Rd, South Seven Kings IG2 7BB. This is a great opportunity to spend some time thinking about abstract art & developing your creative side as much of the day will be spent in creating your own piece of art on a religious theme. Artistic materials will be provided. There will also be the opportunity to see an art exhibition & an Advent art installation.
Quiet Day
Led by Ven Elwin Cockett Archdeacon of West Ham. 18 Oct Sat 10.00 – 3pm. Peter House 122 Forest Rise Walthamstow E17 3PW. A great opportunity to relax & find refreshment as we step into one of the busiest periods of the year. Focussing on the real meaning of the season & preparing for the time ahead.
Praying the Labyrinth
Led by Revd Geoffrey Connor 22 Oct 8pm – 9.30pm. St John’s Church, St John’s Rd Epping CM16 5DN. The journey as a metaphor for the Christian life dates back to the time when the church was called ‘The Way’. Walking & praying the labyrinth as a symbol of that journey has been an important tool for Christians for centuries. We are fortunate to have a labyrinth resource at St John’s in which people can walk & pray the journey of the labyrinth & find out more about this exciting & creative spiritual tool.
Power Point for your Church
Led by Vivica Dutt 11 & 18 Nov 7.30 – 9.30pm St Bartholomew’s Church Barking Rd East Ham E6 3BA. A two session workshop that aims to support & develop skills in the practicalities of presenting power point in church, in teaching, worship & administration. Sessions are open to all but the first evening will concentrate on those who come to power point fresh. There will be a bank of commuters provided to work on.
Welcoming St Mark
Led by Revd John Brown Sat 22 Nov 10.30am – 3.00pm The Abbey Church Centre, Waltham Abbey EN9 1XQ. As we begin our new cycle of the lectionary & share the new Christian year with St Mark, this is a good opportunity to familirise ourselves with his account of the life of Jesus, we will look at the themes he explores, the insights he offers us & how we might think & pray with Mark this year.
Entertaining Angels
Led by Revd John Brown 28 Oct & 4 Nov 7.30 – 9.00pm St Martin’s Church High St, Chipping Ongar CM5 9HY or 25 Nov & 2 Dec 7.30 – 9.00pm St Mary’s Grafton Rd/Valance Rd Beacontree RM8 3AH. Welcoming visitors & newcomers to a church are significant activities that churches engage in. These two sessions look at how we might present ourselves as a community, how we might communicate our welcome in a number of ways, & how we present Christ to the world. A must for any who want to develop their welcoming skills & support new comers to their church.
PRAXIS East Conference 7 Oct 2008 ‘All Things Small and Musical’
A day led by Jan Payne at Bar Hill Church, 108 Stonefield, Bar Hill, Cambridge CB23 8TE. At this training day we will explore the use of a wide range of music to support the liturgy, with particular emphasis on the needs of the smaller church. However, the training is also likely to be of interest to any ministers keen to broaden the use of music in their church’s worship. Jan Payne is a professional musician & Bishops Advisor for music in the Diocese of Ely & a Reader licensed to the Cathedral. Those attending this training session are warmly invited to bring with them any portable instruments they play. Booking details: Liz Billett, The Rectory, 16 Mount Street, Diss IP22 4QG Tel: 01379 6420072 Email: disschurch2@btconnect.com Full Cost: £20.00 Praxis Members: £15.00 (This price includes lunch).
How to obtain your CME grant…
For anything advertised in these pages contact the CME Administrator Sue Denham (01245 294450).
For anything else, telephone your Area CME Adviser.
For sabbaticals contact your Area Bishop (details of the procedure are in the Sabbatical Guidelines).
When requesting money for CME or Reader grants, it is important to ask for the money before you attend and to enclose a copy of the relevant paperwork or brochure in order that a payment be raised. It is preferred to make payments by BACS (see Grants Policy)
For consultation in advance of applications for any CME events not included here, please contact your Area CME Adviser.
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