The diocese triennial clergy conference took place in Derbyshire where clergy heard a series of speakers and workshop leaders on the topic of Chosen, Called and Commissioned.
The programme included keynote speakers Sister Gemma Simmonds on Pilgrims of Hope, the Revd Canon Prof Luke Bretherton on the call to pastoral leadership as a call to political leadership, and the Rt Revd Howard Gregory, latterly Bishop of the West Indies. There were workshops as well as space for prayerful reflection and celebrating Eucharist together. Among those who attended were guests from all four of our link dioceses: Växjö, Kimberley and Kuruman, Nandyal and Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Each day began with a Bible study led by Bishop Steven discussing three conversion stories leading to group discussions. He began with his hope that the conference would be a time of rest, retreat and renewal for each of them as they spend time together.
The highlight of the three days was a visit from 100 pupils at four Church of England schools in the Thames Valley. The students, from Waddesdon School, Oxford Academy School, The Ranelagh School in Bracknell and Churchmead School in Datchet, took part in the Eucharist, leading worship, the reflection following the Gospel reading and prayer. Then they joined the clergy in smaller group to talk about their worries for the future including the impact and the use of AI as well as the economy and how this affects the opportunities available to them.
In the afternoons delegates were able spend time resting or attending a variety of workshops on varying subjects like Epiphany: Sound Portraits, Rhythm with God, Restoration through creativity and Some assembly required which used the Lego Serious Play method.
During the final Eucharist, the ministers received a re-commissioning and were anointed with oil. The new Dean and Associate Deans of our UKME Chapter were also commissioned.
At the end of the service, Bishop Dave said: “Walk with courage in that commissioning.”