continuing ministerial development · continuing ministerial development 2019–20 high quality...

Continuing Ministerial Development2019–20High quality courses to support clergy and lay people in their ministry

cmd brochure 19-20 use this.indd 1 28/08/2019 12:41

Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD)Meet the team

David HeywoodDeputy Director of Mission (Ministerial Formation)01865 595244 [email protected]

Charles Chadwick Parish Development Adviser(Dorchester Archdeaconry)01865 208246 [email protected]

Gill LovellParish Development Adviser(Buckingham Archdeaconry)01865 208256/07391 416089 [email protected]

Rhodri BowenParish Development Adviser(Berkshire Archdeaconry)01865 208296 [email protected]

Send enquiries about CMD events to: [email protected] or call 01865 208277


ContentsTraining for transitions 5

CMD day events 2019–20 9

Sabbaticals 24

Funding your CMD 25

Dates and venues for day courses and events 26


Flourishing in your new role

Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 October 2019 and Tuesday 9 – Wednesday 10 June 2020Charney Manor, Wantage OX12 0EJ

All those moving from curacy to a post of first responsibility (incumbency or similar post) are invited to this course. It usually involves two two-day residentials six to eight months apart. Between the two residentials there will be one or two half-day reflection groups. The aim is to help you to identify and

explore the way the change of role is affecting you, its opportunities and challenges, with colleagues at a similar stage of ministry.

New posts consultation

Tuesday 17 – Thursday 19 September 2019Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton, Reading RG7 5TQ

Tuesday 3 – Thursday 5 March 2020St Columba’s House, Maybury Hill, Woking GU22 8AB

Those moving from one post of responsibility to another, such as

moving parishes, moving from chaplaincy into parish ministry or vice versa, are invited to the Regional Training Partnership New Posts Consultation. Over a 48-hour period, you will identify the key features of your new situation, explore the way you are responding personally, identify the challenges and opportunities of the new post and begin making plans for development.

You will be working in small groups with expert facilitators, drawing on the experience of the members of your group. Participants regularly go away inspired and invigorated.

Training for transitionsThe Diocese provides training for some of the key transitions in ordained ministry to help you to meet the challenges of your new phase of ministry, and to provide a supportive learning community with whom you can share your experiences. Some residential courses are shared with our partner dioceses in the South Central Regional Training Partnership. All the training opportunities below are funded directly by the Diocese.

5Continuing Ministerial Development 2019-20


Training incumbents

Group A: Monday 21 October 2019 and Thursday 5 March 2020Group B: Thursday 24 October 2019 and Thursday 19 March 2020CMS House, Oxford OX4 6BZ

It is both a privilege and responsibility to help a colleague take their first steps in ordained ministry. In line with the Church nationally, the Diocese lays the

emphasis on curacy as a period of further training and not as a spare pair of hands for busy parishes. Training incumbents are selected on the basis of their potential ability as trainers rather than the needs of the parish.

All those receiving a curate for the first time are required to attend two training days, to learn about the curates’ training programme and assessment procedures, and to practise supervision skills.

Area deans’ consultation

Monday 27 - Wednesday 29 January 2020Sarum College, 19 The Close Salisbury SP1 2EE

As the Church comes to terms with the call to mission in a fast-changing world, it is vital that local churches work together. This makes the task of the area dean ever more complex and demanding. All new area deans are invited to join Regional Training Partnership Area Deans’ Consultation for an orientation to the new role.

In addition, the Diocese provides regular training on coaching skills, conflict resolution, pastoral reorganisation and deanery finances.

Peter Wells

6 Diocese of Oxford


Renaissance ministry

Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 December 2019 and Wednesday 5 - Friday 7 February 2020Sarum College, 19 The Close Salisbury SP1 2EE

With retirement age for many now approaching 70, what does it mean to be in ministry for the long haul? The Regional Training Partnership Renaissance Ministry Programme is especially relevant for clergy who have been in stipendiary parochial ministry for a number of years and are beginning to think about how to shape their ministry for the next phase.

Renaissance consists of two 48-hour residential courses a few months apart. You will look back on your ministry so far; identify those aspects of ministry that renew you and those that drain you; reflect on whether your original vocation needs reappraising in the light of

experience; identify the new skills you may need to learn; and plan for a sustainable lifestyle in ministry.

If you think Renaissance might be for you, speak to your archdeacon to get their recommendation. Renaissance is funded partly through the Bayne Benefaction and partly through CMD grants, and you will need your archdeacon’s recommendation to allow us to apply for Bayne funding on your behalf. Booking is through the CMD Team; see inside front cover.

Preparing for retirement

Monday 6 – Wednesday 8 July 2020Sarum College, 19 The Close Salisbury SP1 2EE

Retiring from ordained ministry means a change in lifestyle and a new phase of Christian discipleship. The Diocese invites all ministers approaching retirement and their spouses to a three-day residential to

think about this important transition in the relaxing surroundings of Sarum College. The programme includes advice about health and wellbeing, finance and housing as well as small group work on future discipleship and ministry. Participants regularly go away reassured by the information they receive and grateful for the opportunity to talk through issues with others at the same stage.

Except for some special circumstances, ordained ministers over the age of 62 are automatically invited each autumn to the following year’s residential.



CMD day events 2019-20We aim to provide a programme with a wide range of topics that will kindle your interest and support your ministry. It is not easy to take time out from a busy ministry. However, time for learning in the company of others almost always refreshes and equips you, meaning that over time the ministry you are offering to others becomes more fruitful. The programme includes events primarily designed to provide refreshment – time for you that will build up your resilience.

Most events begin at 10.00am, with coffee and refreshments available from 9.45am, and will finish by 4.00pm. Where timings differ, these are noted in the programme and on Eventbrite. We aim to provide lunch; only where this proves impossible to arrange will we ask you to bring your own sandwiches.

The standard fee for each event is £10. A few events are free and a very few may charge more. If you are eligible for a CMD grant, this amount will be deducted unless you choose to pay by credit card when you book. Events are free for retired clergy. We do not charge for cancellation. We know that for those in ministry

crises may arise which mean you are unable to attend, and we are reluctant to penalise you. However, please remember that your lunch and a variety of other costs associated with the day will have been paid for, so do all you can to attend.

Booking for CMD events is via Eventbrite. You will find the links on the diocesan website:

oxford.anglican.org/cmd-events-2019-20

The information you provide is used for the purposes of arranging the event and recording your attendance. It is stored on a restricted area of the diocesan drive and will not be shared

for any other purpose. We encourage you to tick the box allowing your name to be included in a request for shared transport, which will be available for events in 2020.

Three or four months after the event, we will send out a request for feedback. We will ask you to let us know what difference you think the day has made to your ministry: your key memories and what you may now be doing differently. This information is extremely valuable as we plan for the future and we greatly value your feedback.

Don’t forget: SSMs and LLMs are also entitled to a CMD grant.



Enabling everyday faith: Equipping your congregation for discipleship in the world

Tuesday 17 September Emmanuel Church, Barberry Place, Bure Park, Bicester OX26 3HA

98% of Christians – those not in paid church work – spend most of their lives as the scattered church, in regular contact with those who are not Christians. Many of them have the potential to have a major impact on their places of work and communities through their work and daily lives.

How can the life of the ‘gathered’ church equip the scattered church for ministry and mission? What does effective daily discipleship look like? What part can clergy and lay ministers play? You will go away with a bigger vision of the Church’s mission and some concrete strategies for equipping people to make a difference in the places God puts them.

Presenters David Heywood served in parish ministry for 20 years and co-ordinated the teaching of mission and ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon from 2006–2017. He is the author of Kingdom Learning (SCM, 2017), which explores learning for discipleship and ministry in the local church context.

Tina Molyneux is Discipleship Enabler for Oxford Diocese. She is a self-supporting minister in the benefice of Burchetts Green near Maidenhead. As a Vocations Adviser for Berkshire, she pioneered the Personal Discipleship Plans currently being adopted throughout the Diocese. Her background is in organisational development.

Mental health and faith

Tuesday 24 September Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF

Many in our communities and our congregations are facing mental health challenges. Mental distress is on the rise, particularly amongst young people.

This day will explore:

• What are the mental health challenges in our parishes?

• What pressures are people experiencing, and how can we listen to their stories?

• What resources do we have within our faith for responding?

• What do we have to offer that is unique to us, and how can this complement the roles of others (e.g. GPs, psychiatrists, practitioners of mindfulness, meditation, drug and talking therapies)

10 Diocese of Oxford


• How can our churches become welcoming places of openness and honesty for us all as we build wellbeing?

• What can church communities do that helps those in distress, and what should we avoid?

The facilitator for the day will be Alison Webster, working with a range of resource people from the diocesan Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Group who bring personal stories and professional expertise to this important topic. The day will be participatory and exploratory, with time for biblical reflection and theological insight.

PresenterAlison Webster is the Deputy Director of Mission (Social Responsibility) for the Diocese of Oxford. She is author of Wellbeing (SCM Press, 2002), and You Are Mine: Reflections on who we are (SPCK, 2009), and also of numerous resource materials and online publications in the field of social

justice and faith. She is Chair of an arts charity called Amaka Beautiful Child (ABC), which works towards personal and social transformation through poetry, art, music and drama. Her latest book, Found Out: Transgressive Faith and Sexuality, was published by DLT in September 2017.

Eco Church and mission

Wednesday 2 October St Mary’s, Churchend, Haddenham HP17 8AH

This day will focus on the context of the local church for environmental

the_guitar_mann



mission. Eco Church is an A Rocha project, run in partnership with Christian Aid, the Church of England, the Methodist Church and Tearfund. We will use Eco Church as a focus of the day covering the areas of theology, worship and preaching, our stewardship, looking at land and buildings, community outreach and global engagement.

Presenters Martin Hodson is a plant scientist and environmental biologist. He is Operations Director for the John Ray Initiative (JRI).

Margot Hodson is a priest in the Diocese. She is on the management boards of both JRI and A Rocha UK. The Hodsons have written a number of books on the Christian faith and environmental issues.

Death and life: Christian resources for living well in the light of mortality

Monday 4 November Fitzwilliams Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JW

This day will introduce the new diocesan resource for supporting people of all ages to live well in the light of mortality and prepare for their last days of life on earth. There will be opportunities to reflect theologically on the big ideas and ultimate values at stake in this area and also to respond using creative arts.

Presenters Joanna Collicutt was the Diocesan Adviser for Spiritual Care for Older People. She is the originator and one of the authors of the diocesan ‘Death and Life’ resource. She has written several books in the fields of spirituality, ageing and dementia care.

Victoria Slater was the researcher on the diocesan DeathLife

project. She combined the role with a freelance portfolio of writing, research, consultancy and professional development work. She worked as a healthcare chaplain for 25 years, specialising in end of life care. She is the author of Chaplaincy Ministry and the Mission of the Church (SCM, 2015) and co-author of Theological Reflection for Human Flourishing (SCM, 2012).

Introducing Community Organising: How it can transform local communities

Thursday 14 November 9.30am – 3.30pmChurch House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF

This day is for anyone, lay or ordained, who has a passion for social change and community engagement, and wants to be resourced with tools for doing it more effectively.

A Christ-like church for the sake of



the world will prioritise those whose needs are greatest – the poor and the vulnerable in our communities.

As part of our common vision process, the Diocese of Oxford has chosen to invest in a strategic partnership with Citizens UK as a means of seeking justice in our communities. Citizens UK are the pioneers in Community Organising in this country. Community Organising has a very clear methodology which is akin to the practical theological ‘action/reflection’ cycle. It enables us to discern where God is at work in our communities; amongst whom; and points us towards collaborative action, in partnership with other ‘people of peace’. It is a mechanism for:

• listening to people in our communities (especially those who normally have no voice)

• empowering them to act, and developing their leadership skills in the process

• enabling ordinary people to

achieve the changes they want and need to see at local level

• prophetic action, dealing with the root causes of social issues and working for practical change.

This day is an opportunity to learn about the potential of community organising. We will explore:

• the theological rationale for working in this way

• how Community Organising works, by getting to know people in our communities better, identifying common concerns, understanding power, and building coalitions for action

• how this impacts on our own discipleship.

PresentersTim Norwood is Area Dean of Milton Keynes, Chair of Citizens:mk, and Co-chair of the Citizens UK Council.

Tom Bulman has been Community Organiser for Citizens:mk (Milton Keynes) since 2013.

Spiritual conversations

Tuesday 19 November Christ Church, Flackwell Heath HP10 9AA

We live in a society in which more and more people identify as ‘no religion’ but where interest in spirituality is on the increase. What does spirituality mean to the people who embrace it? Where do we find the language to talk about the spiritual dimension of everyday life and relate it to the Christian story?

In this event we will be considering the spiritual dimensions of everyday life and working together to explore the language through which we can help people to articulate their deepest convictions and aspirations. You will go away better equipped to turn everyday chat into ‘spiritual conversations’ though which we can gently open people to the reality of God in their daily lives.



PresentersDavid Heywood served in parish ministry for 20 years and co-ordinated the teaching of mission and ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon from 2006–2017. He is the author of Kingdom Learning (SCM, 2017), which explores learning for discipleship and ministry in the local church context.

Ian Macdonald is the Diocesan Youth Adviser within the Department of Mission. He also works in the fields of spirituality, wellbeing and laughter.

Resident vicar: The continuing significance of the parish priest in the Church of England

Thursday 20 February 10.00 am – 1.00 pmGympton Village Hall, next to the Post Office, Glympton, Woodstock OX20 1AL

While the parish is the heart of the Church of England there is much

discussion at present about possible alternatives to the parish system. Sue Burchell, who is the incumbent of Saint Leonard’s parish in Banbury, has spent several years researching the role and place of the parish priest in the 21st century.

This workshop will be an opportunity for us to learn about Sue’s research and consider her findings in the light of national and diocesan strategies. We shall also consider this question from Sue: How might my research inform such strategies, and what is the future, in parochial and ministerial terms, for the Church of England?

PresenterSue Burchell has exercised her priestly ministry in Banbury for more than ten years.

Doing more with less – a new approach to Common Worship

Wednesday 4 March The Barn, Christ Church, Northcourt Road, Abingdon OX14 1PL

It is 20 years since the Common Worship ‘black book’ of services and prayers for the Church of England was published – the start of a library of authorised and approved volumes of resources for worship. Across the day we shall reflect on how the book has been used and experienced in parishes and also consider whether the time has come to cut back on

Courtesy of Lam

beth Palace



some of the variety and offer a simpler and more coherent approach to the texts used in liturgical worship. What principles might emerge from this and what might the results look like?

PresentersAngela Tilby is a writer and broadcaster and former CMD adviser in this diocese.

Jo Spreadbury is Precentor of Portsmouth Cathedral and Chair of Praxis.

Flourishing and developing resilience in ministry

Tuesday 17 March 10.00am – 3.30pmThe Chapter House, St Mary’s Church, Princes Risborough HP27 9AW

Christian ministry is demanding! The recently issued Flourishing in Ministry guidelines for all clergy and licensed ministers in Oxford Diocese reminds us that all ministers are, ‘to

keep watch over themselves as well as the flock over whom they have charge.’ It also acknowledges that this is easier said than done and that, ‘caring for ourselves as ministers is an ongoing process.’

This day will help us to reflect on the theology, theory and practicality of how we can flourish in our ministries as we seek to become a more Christ-like Church: contemplative, compassionate and courageous for the sake of God’s world. We hope it will give you some techniques for managing stress and pressure well and to develop your own plans for improving your resilience and wellbeing, in ministry and beyond it.

PresenterAnne Holmes is a group analytic psychotherapist working with individuals, couples and groups both privately and in NHS and Oxford University settings. She has a particular interest in the prevention of burnout for those working in a pastoral context and the role of the

creative arts in sustaining ministry. Anne was recently awarded a doctorate in practical theology with the Cambridge Theological Federation and Anglia Ruskin University for her research in this area. A Franciscan Tertiary, Anne is an Associate Priest in the united benefice of St Giles, St Philip and St James with St Margaret, Oxford.



The Church Times Bloxham Festival of Faith and Literature: The power of love

Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February 2020Bloxham School, Bloxham, Banbury OX15 4PE

The Bloxham Festival of Faith and Literature, sponsored by the Church Times, is a literary festival with a theological slant. Our mission is to encourage a love of literature as it relates to faith; to bring together authors and those who appreciate their work; and to create a thoughtful and relaxing space in which to consider works of literature and their religious themes.

The festival grew out of a small-scale but highly enjoyable village event in 2011, and now includes more than 30 events ranging from readings and poetry to debate, comedy, art

and music. And although we’ve grown, we’re determined not to lose the small and friendly atmosphere we’ve cultivated where speakers and festival-goers have the chance to sit and chat between sessions.

An ideal opportunity to take some time out from the daily routine and the darkness of February and feed heart and soul. Someone once called us ‘Greenbelt for grown-ups.’ And you don’t have to camp.

Confirmed speakers for 2020 include: Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford; Sam Wells, Vicar of

St Martin-in-the-Fields and Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College, London; Paula Gooder, Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral; Mark Oakley, Dean of St John’s College, Cambridge; Ed Newell, Principal of Cumberland Lodge; novelists Catherine Fox, Cole Moreton and Michael Arditti; and gender justice campaigner, Natalie Collins.

bloxhamfaithandliterature.hymnsam.co.uk



Half-day workshops

Choose to attend either one or two of the workshops. Lunch is available for those who order it.

Handling time well

Tuesday 10 March Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF Morning workshop 11.00am – 12.45pm Afternoon workshop 1.15–3.00pm

‘For everything there is a season...’ we read in Ecclesiastes while in psalm 89 the psalmist states, ‘Remember how short my time is.’ This workshop will be an opportunity for us to reflect on how we use time and handle all the calls on our time and demands that are made of us. We shall explore a range of ideas and resources.

PresenterCharles Chadwick spent 25 years in parochial ministry before becoming the Parish Development Adviser and CMD team member for the Dorchester Archdeaconry in June 2014.

Not re-inventing the wheel: Ideas for confirmation preparation

Tuesday 10 March Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF Morning workshop 11.00am – 12.45pm

Many clergy feel at a loss when it comes to confirmation preparation and what candidates need to know before being confirmed. This session looks at the material available and how to use it. You are encouraged

to come ready to share ideas and resources to support each other in this important task.

PresenterSue Lepp is Curate of Langley Marish near Slough. As part of ongoing training she designed a confirmation preparation course using some of the best elements of various Christian discipleship courses and older confirmation preparation materials to create a programme that was accessible, easy to run and engaging for candidates.

Putting your church on the social media map

Tuesday 10 March Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF Afternoon workshop 1.15–3.00pm



With 90% of the population connected to the internet and 60% of us using social media regularly, it’s essential for churches to have an effective online presence. This short workshop explores how parishes can use digital technologies to engage with local communities and parishioners alike. The session features case studies of parishes using digital media well and introduces participants to the tools, resources and approaches that will put your church on the social media map. Delegates will come away with a clear understanding of what can be achieved online and the information they need to take the next steps.

PresenterSteven Buckley is Director of Communications for the Diocese of Oxford and former Head of Communications at Christian Aid, helping the charity to be among the first to use social media in early 2007.

Shutterstock



How old is the Hebrew Bible?

Wednesday 29 April 10.00am – 1.00pmThe Old Library, St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ

Older than you think! The age of the Hebrew Bible is a topic that has sparked controversy and debate in recent years. The scarcity of clear evidence allows for the possibility of many views, though these are often clouded by theological and political biases. Professor Jan Joosten has recently co-authored a book which synthesizes recent linguistic, textual and historical research to clarify the history of biblical literature, from its oldest texts and literary layers to its youngest, creating a new standard for the historical study of the Bible. In this workshop Professor Joosten will present the main outlines of his work in terms accessible to those with little training in, or rusty on, biblical study. You will go away with a clearer

picture of how the Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament) came into being.

Presenter Jan Joosten is Regius Professor of Hebrew at the University of Oxford and Editor-in-Chief of Vetus Testamentum.

Oxford photography day

Thursday 14 May Start from the Old Library, St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ

Are you a keen photographer who enjoys time with the camera, or do you just fancy having a go at photography? Whether you’ve got an all singing, all dancing digital SLR and you’d like to extend your experience with it, or even if you just enjoy taking a few snaps on your mobile phone but you feel there is more you could get out of it, this day could be for you.

We’ll talk through some techniques and then go out and about in small group practical photography sessions with a leader. There will be some digital SLR equipment we can loan out if you don’t have your own. There will be a chance to look at each other’s work and talk a little about getting the most from your photos.

Lerner Vadim/Shutterstock



Presenters Steven Buckley is Director of Communications for the Oxford Diocese and a photographer for professional purposes and for pleasure.

Simon Faulks has experience in both social and commercial photography and a particular interest in landscape and patterns in images. You can see his work at notashamed.co.uk

Jo Duckles is Senior Media Officer for the Diocese of Oxford and the Editor of Pathways magazine. Jo takes pictures for print and for the web as part of her job.

Understanding the environmental crisis

Tuesday 19 May Emmanuel Church, Barberry Place, Bure Park, Bicester OX26 3HA

Children have been striking; activists have been demonstrating – what is the environmental crisis and what has it to do with the local church, mission and caring for the poor? This day will bring an up to date approach to climate change and biodiversity loss, and touch on other issues such as food, water, soil and plastic. How can we understand these issues as Christians, and how can our response be fully missional?

PresentersMartin and Margot Hodson are among the leading Christian thinkers on faith and the environment. Martin is a plant scientist and environmental biologist. He is Operations Director for the John Ray Initiative (JRI). Margot is an environmental

theologian and a priest in the Diocese. She is on the management boards of both JRI and A Rocha UK. The Hodsons have written a number of books together on the Christian faith and environmental issues.

Introduction to the Enneagram

Thursday 25 June 10.00am – 3.30pmChurch House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF

Finding people are intimidated by you and you feel you’re melting inside? Getting fed up of being governed by other people’s agendas? Hearing that inner critic that doesn’t sound like God criticising you? Feeling the call to care for others and burning yourself out? Feeling you have to perform all the time and don’t know who you are? Feeling your unique gift to the Church is not appreciated? Fearful that your mastery of theology is

Simon Faulks



lacking? Ultra-critical of authority and feeling picked on? Sensing your joy is not God-given and you try to avoid the pain of suffering?

These are just nine ways we can get trapped in patterns we wish God could change. The good news is that he can! Saint Ignatius teaches us to pray for graces... but what might we each pray for? The Enneagram helps us to understand why we do what we do. Alan Hodgetts will help us explore the prisons of our own making and how the Lord sets us free. His experience of ministry and knowledge of the Enneagram promises to help us all grow in the Lord as we work together with God’s co-operative grace.

PresenterAlan Hodgetts was an incumbent in Guildford Diocese and Managing Chaplain at HMP Woodhill before retiring in 2019. He is a Narrative Enneagram Teacher and a guide for the Enneagram Prison Project in the UK.

Disability: Inclusion and belonging

Tuesday 14 July Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF

Starting with the early church and the political landscape of England, we’ll have a critical look at our cultural history and the way the Church has been shaped in its theological response to disability and long-term chronic illness.

We’ll then explore the model of ministry we see exercised by Jesus in the Gospel accounts and reflect on the points where theology and practice may differ. Telling our own stories, we will try to discern what this means for our ministries, our buildings and our mission.

PresenterKatie Tupling was a parish priest for 15 years before her work as Disability Adviser and Lead Chaplain amongst Deaf People in the Oxford

Diocese. She has mild cerebral palsy, is co-founder of user-led task group Disability and Jesus, and has co-authored two books: Pilgrims in the Dark (Disability and Jesus, 2018) and Worship and Disability (Grove, 2018).

Courtesy of Lam

beth Palace



Preaching the Gospel of Mark: Costly discipleship

Thursday 10 September The Old Library, St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ

As we prepare for the church’s extended engagement with Mark’s Gospel during Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary, this study day will explore some of the major themes that can help preachers connect the Gospel with the life of the Church and the world.

PresenterWilliam Lamb is Vicar of the University Church in Oxford. He is also an Associate of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, and a Research Fellow at the Institute of Textual Scholarship and Electronic Editing, University of Birmingham.

Blessed are the place makers: The past and future of the English parish

Tuesday 22 September St Peter’s Church, Church Road, Earley, Reading RG6 1EY

The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, author of Parish: An Anglican Theology of Place, speaks about the way in which the parish system has shaped both church and nation over many centuries – and considers what the future might hold.

Presenter Andrew Rumsey is Bishop of Sherborne. His previous books include the 2010 Mowbray Lent Book Strangely Warmed (Continuum), which was reprinted three times in its first year of publication and commended by, among others, Tom Wright and Ian Hislop – the latter endorsing it as ‘witty, erudite, eloquent and thoughtful’.

Mindfulness retreat for clergy wellbeing

Monday 28 September – Thursday 1 October Othona retreat centre, Dorset Cost: £375

Following very positive feedback from similar retreats, we are offering this four-day retreat to support clergy in stress management and self-care. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on how mindfulness links with Christian spirituality.

Presenter Tim Stead is an accredited mindfulness teacher and associate of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre. Tim was a vicar for 23 years, most recently at Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry.

Tim is the author of See, Love, Be – Mindfulness and the spiritual life (SPCK, 2018).

timsteadmindfulness.org



SabbaticalsEvery ten years ordained licensed office holders can take a three-month sabbatical. This sustained period away from normal duties promotes professional development and personal enrichment. A sabbatical will normally consist of three elements:

Renewal: This is the element of personal and/or professional development, which will normally take the greatest part of your three months. It will involve some element of learning, probably through study and theological reflection.

Retreat: The sabbatical should include some time set aside for you and your relationship with God. For many this will mean going on an organised retreat.

Rest: A sabbatical is not intended as a holiday, but the biblical pattern

of Sabbath does include rest as a vital part of life. It is, therefore, appropriate and necessary that the three months includes some time of rest and refreshment.

The diocesan policy on sabbaticals and study leave can be downloaded:

oxford.anglican.org/sabbaticals

You will need the agreement of your incumbent (if applicable) or area dean and the permission of your area bishop for a sabbatical. Application should be made to the sabbatical

committee by the end of June in the year preceding the sabbatical. Full details of how to go about this are found in the policy document.

Ministers who are employed by other agencies (such as hospital or prison chaplains) should arrange a sabbatical or study leave with their employer. They should apply to their employer for a grant to cover the costs. If no grant is available, the sabbatical committee may consider a grant.



Funding your CMDA CMD grant is available to all licensed ministers, lay and ordained. At present the annual grant is £250 per calendar year. The grant does not roll over from year to year. It is available to cover the cost of one-day events, residential courses, conferences, retreats, or ministry accompaniment, whether provided by the Diocese or through other agencies. The grant does not cover travel costs and does not apply to events which are already highly subsidised, such as the LLM conference.

Ministers who are employed by other agencies, such as hospital or prison chaplains, should apply in the first instance to their employer, but they may be considered for a CMD grant in special circumstances.

There is no standard application form. To apply for a CMD grant, email [email protected]. You will need to:

• explain what the grant is for

• provide proof of payment (e.g. an invoice).

If you are uncertain whether a particular event qualifies for a grant, contact David Heywood: [email protected].

Applications are considered towards the end of each month and the decision communicated as soon as possible afterwards.

Grants are also available from a variety of organisations for particular purposes or for particular groups of people. Details of some of these can be found in the CMD Handbook and on the diocesan website.

oxford.anglican.org/ grant-making-trusts



Dates and venues for day courses and eventsEvent Date Venue Page

Enabling everyday faith Tuesday 17 September Emmanuel, Bicester 10

Mental health and faith Tuesday 24 September Church House Oxford 10

Eco Church and mission Wednesday 2 October St Mary’s, Haddenham 11

Death and life Monday 4 November Fitzwilliams Centre, Beaconsfield 12

Introducing Community Organising Thursday 14 November Church House Oxford 12

Spiritual conversations Tuesday 19 November Christ Church, Flackwell Heath 13

Resident vicar Thursday 20 February Glympton Village Hall 14

The Bloxham Festival Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February

Bloxham School 17

Doing more with less Wednesday 4 March The Barn, Christ Church, Abingdon 14

Half-day workshops Tuesday 10 March Church House Oxford 18

Flourishing and developing resilience in ministry

Tuesday 17 March The Chapter House, Princes Risborough

15

How old is the Hebrew Bible? Wednesday 29 April St Mary the Virgin, Oxford 20

Oxford photography day Thursday 14 May St Mary the Virgin, Oxford 20



Event Date Venue Page

Understanding the environmental crisis Tuesday 19 May Emmanuel, Bicester 21

Introduction to the Enneagram Thursday 25 June Church House Oxford 21

Disability: Inclusion and belonging Tuesday 14 July Church House Oxford 22

Preaching the Gospel of Mark Thursday 10 September

St Mary the Virgin, Oxford 23

Blessed are the place makers Tuesday 22 September St Peter’s Church, Earley 23

Mindfulness retreat for clergy wellbeing 28 September – 1 October

Othona Retreat Centre, Dorset 23

Booking coursesCourses are booked online:oxford.anglican.org/cmd-events-2019-20



Published by the Diocese of Oxford, Church House, Langford Locks, Kidlington OX5 1GF

© Oxford Diocese 2019 UK registered charity number 247954

Tending creation: printed using FSC® certified wood-free uncoated paper.

oxford.anglican.org/CMD


continuing ministerial development · continuing ministerial development 2019–20 high quality...

Documents