COURSE CANCELLED - Please note that 'A Matter of Life and Death' course due to take place at Christ Church Cathedral on 18 February has been cancelled.
 
Message from Bishop John - 'Beware 23rd January - it's meant to be the most depressed day of the year, with more people feeling down than on any other day! Inspite of that, you're doubtless already anticipating Lent. Most parishes will have sorted out what they want to do for study courses but can I commend again the simple card I offered you last year called 'An Hour Out' which was based on clergy offering anyone who wanted it, an hour out to talk about God, prayer, their spiritual journey (instead of the PCC, church roof, parish share). The card has guidelines on one side for clergy (and other leaders) and on the other side for the person who wanted the hour. It's a very simple idea but very effective! Ask the Communications Dept  for copies. Happy Lent! - + John

TRAINING/COURSES

Lectures at St John's College, Nottingham here...

Pastoral Ministry and Christian Spiritual Direction - 5 to 8 March
This is not a course in Spiritual Direction or counselling but addresses some central issues in pastoral ministry, e.g. faith development, ageing, and death and dying.  Details here...

Cruse Bereavement Care Buckinghamshire Annual Seminar - 10 March - details here...

Courses at St John's College, Nottingham here...

From Practice to Policy: Theological reflection on being a Chaplain - 21 April
A one day practitioner's workshop for people involved in chaplaincy to be held at Ripon College, Cuddesdon from 10am - 4pm. Details here...

Vulnerability and Transformation - 4 to 6 May at Sarum College. Details here...

Introduction to Spiritual Direction Course 2012 - details here...

EVENTS/CAMPAIGNS

Showaddywaddy at Dorchester Abbey (in aid of the Nasio Trust) -  Saturday 28 January at 7.30pm
You can buy tickets on-line here or contact John Cornelius on 07912351018.

Earthing Faith network gathering - 2 February from 7pm to 9pm at Diocesan Church House
Sharing stories from projects around the diocese; showcasing resources to highlight environmental issues in your prayer and worship and plenty of time for conversations over light refreshments. Find out more and register here....

Reaching Out -  A practical guide to Pastoral Caring
You are invited to a gathering to launch this new DVD on Monday 6 February at 6pm at Diocesan Church House. All are welcome.  RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  by 3 February. Details here...

Christ Church Cathedral Spring 2012 Programme here...

Drop-in Quiet Days at the Old Parsonage, Freeland. Detailshere...

After Eight worship at Christ Church Cathedral. Details here...

Church Urban Fund - Streetlytes

RESOURCES

There is a new 'Pancake Day' card - an excellent, simple way of bringing the Gospel to people through a popular seasonal event. (Details here...)

Oxford’s link with Växjö Diocese in Sweden
Bishops in the Church of Sweden traditionally issue a pastoral letter after their appointment. Bishop Jan-Olof Johansson of Växjö Diocese, who took office at the end of 2010, has departed from tradition and instead published a collection of ‘postcards’ addressed to various people and groups, including a number who have been significant in his Christian life . This fascinating and at times deeply moving ‘postcard collection’ - well worth a read - is available in English here...

Biblefresh January 2012 Newsletter here...

MORE ...

Book a visit to your Cathedral
The Dean and Chapter of Christ Church warmly invite parishes in the Diocese of Oxford to visit the Cathedral, to share in its worship and discover its history. The programme runs throughout the year. Details here and booking form here.

Religious Broadcasts 21 - 27 January

Vacancies in the Diocese of Oxford here. The Diocesan Board of Patronage is looking for a clergy person to fill a current vacancy - details here (Nominations must be proposed and seconded by members of Diocesan Synod. Deadline is 27 January). Base 33 Together for Youth are looking for a Youth Alcohol Support and Partnership Worker - details here... Application form here...