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Space Makers for families
A contemplation and reflection resource from the Diocese of Oxford.
The new pack is specially designed to equip caregivers, parents, grandparents and Godparents with tools to nurture their own everyday faith and spiritual journey, alongside the children and family members with whom they live.
Space Makers for Families is designed in an easily accessible way for children – even the youngest – to take part, share their reflections, lead and guide the practices.
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Youthscape Essentials training
This is an exciting course to equip and strengthen anyone working with/ministering to young people in churches and community projects.
We currently have a licence which allows those in Oxford Diocese to enrol on the ‘Youthscape Essentials’ course for free.
Email us for more information.
Training
ODBF Space Makers - for Schools and Churches
17 October - 8.45am-3.30pm - Ripon College, Cuddesdon - FULLY BOOKED
Child Behaviour Training - 2-day course
Nicola Rayner from The Child Behaviour Network will be running a 2-day training course on Additional Needs in Children’s Ministry.
5 & 6 November - 9.30am-4.30pm - St Birinus House, Theale, Reading - for the booking link contact Bev Higgs
DEPTH Retreats
21-23 January - at RIPON COLLEGE - 24-48 hour, for parish EMPLOYED Children, Young People and Family Ministers - further details coming soon - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs
ODBF Space Makers - for Schools and Churches
6 February - 8.45am-3.30pm - Ripon College, Cuddesdon - to book click here
22 May - 8.45am-3.30pm - Ripon College, Cuddesdon - to book click here
Induction Day for Children, Young People and Family Ministers
14 May - for those newly employed as Children, Young People or Family Ministers within the last 12 months - to book click here
Heart to Heart (Training and Commissioning Day)
coming in 2025 - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs
Yellow Braces 2025
11-13 July - Adventure Plus, Clanfield, Oxon - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs
Resources
Search through our database of resources or use our pre-made filters to help you find exactly what you need to meet children, young people and families where they are in your context.
Spiritual development
Your own spiritual nurture is of paramount importance as you spiritually accompany children and young people.
Contemplative Toolkit(s) and training
Contemplative Toolkits are our way of supporting the spiritual nurture of children and young people through easy access contemplative practices in schools, at home and in church groups and worship. The core practices of Stilling, Noticing, Dwelling, Mending and Blessing are developed from mainly Ignatian Spiritual practices.
Take a look at Space Makers: The Contemplative Toolkit for Schools and Churches, and enjoy this sneaky peak of the Noticing exercise in the forthcoming Contemplative Toolkit for Families.
Oxfordshire Godly Play Network
All are welcome to join Godly Practitioners who meet a few times a year. Please contact group coordinator Carol Carter.
Learning opportunities
Various courses for any interested learner are available through Oxford Diocese Lifelong Learning programme.
Other sources of training and development
- Messy Church
- Aurora Youth & Children’s Ministry Course (from Sheffield Diocese)
- Youthscape Youth work/ministry Online Confidence and Skills Course
- CYM
- St Padarn’s MA for Children, Young People and Family Specialists
- National Youth Ministry Weekend
Consultancy, mentoring, support and bespoke training
There are a team of Discipleship Enablers attached to each of the Archdeaconries. They also hold specialisms across youth work and ministry, children’s and family ministry, and partnership with schools. They would be delighted to hear from you.