NEWS fromNEWS fromSummer 2008

www.ridley.cam.ac.uk

‘Boundless riches....’

I write this with only fi ve weeks left as Principal. When it is published my seven years at Ridley Hall will be over, and I will have handed over the reins of leadership.

It will not be easy to leave, having worked alongside so many good people. There’s plenty to look back on with joy, so forgive me for indulging in reminiscence.

I joined Ridley when the last major review of theological education was getting under way. It felt as if the map of the training world was being rewritten. Was there a future for theological colleges as we knew them? Could two An-glican theological colleges survive in Cambridge? Would I be the twelfth and last Principal? Well, a lot of water has passed under that bridge. I hope that, together with col-leagues in the Cambridge Theological Federation, we are carrying forward the Report’s best proposals, while showing that individual institutions, embodying particular styles and specialisms, have a long-term future.

If the world of theological education was being recon-structed, the world itself seemed to be falling apart during my fi rst few days. You see, I took over as Principal on 10th

September 2001. On the 11th I knew, like most others, that the world could never be the same again. Neither would theological colleges. With the relationship between Islam and western culture, and religion and peace, thrust to the top of the world’s agenda, a major priority for the Church’s ministry in the 21st Century had been set. Rising to this challenge has not been easy, but it is essential for evangeli-cal Christians to become thoroughly engaged in responsible encounters not only with Islamic theology, but with Muslim

people. As well as what has gone on in the classroom, I am delighted we have had the opportunity to host visits of Muslim clerics and schol-ars from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, and groups of British imams and community leaders. They were fas-cinating chances to show and tell the love of Christ.

Looking back to see forward

My students might say I became a little obsessed with Ridley’s his-tory! My justifi cation was the need to discern what God had been doing so that we could see what we were to do in the future. What were the Spirit’s gifts to the College and what was Ridley’s particular calling? Vital questions in any context of minis-try and leadership. I am grateful to have been Principal during our 125th

Anniversary Celebrations, and that they coincided with the 450th Anni-versary of the martyrdom of Nicholas Ridley. Whether commemorating Rid-ley in the Tower of London with his episcopal heirs, celebrating the gos-

pel in the University’s Concert Hall under the brilliant direction of Jere-my Begbie, or welcoming John Stott back to College sixty years after he left, we were continually reminded of God’s faithfulness to Ridley Hall, and inspired for the 21st Century.

It has been a great joy to build on the work of my immediate predecessors and see the College grow in numbers – independent students, youth min-istry students, full-time residential ordinands and mixed-mode students for pioneer ministry. There are also

‘Lost & Found’ – Ridley’s celebration of the parable of the Prodigal through the arts

Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt (right),

on his visit to the College

many more people knocking on our door for sabbatical study than we can accommodate, and the College is be-ing heavily used for continuing education of Readers, Faith in Business conferences and by the Simeon Centre. It’s clear that we need some new buildings, and I am grateful to the Council, staff, students and benefactors for getting behind the vision of new space for a new century. There is almost enough pledged or in hand to begin the fi rst phase, but this journey is far from over.

Irrepressible grace...and laughter

Exciting as these developments are, three abiding mem-ories, the greatest gifts of Ridley, go with me. The fi rst is the people. It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with those called to ministry as clergy, youth workers, missionaries, and be with them during this for-mative stage of life. The greatest joy is to see God at work in people, and I have seen wonderful examples of the tender, powerful, irrepressible grace of God in men and women who have the potential to shape the life of church and nation. To share in shaping future leaders alongside an able and committed staff team has been a wonderful opportunity. Looking back, it is the laughter for which I am most grateful. Life in a theological col-lege can be pretty pressurised. I treasure the friend-ship of colleagues and their capacity to stand back from things and just have a good old laugh together.

On giants’ shouldersThen there are the principles. These prin-ciples have been embodied in a succes-sion of Principals, and I know I have been standing on giants’ shoulders. The Princi-pal who set the principles of Ridley into its DNA was, of course, Handley Moule, its fi rst Principal. His commitment to what he called ‘Church Evangelicalism’, and his openness to the Spirit through involve-ment in the Keswick Movement, set Rid-ley on the course where it remains today. He was a convinced evangelical, holding deeply to the great gospel truths. These, he believed, included God’s gift of the life of the Church itself, and he was confi dent the gospel was expressed in the historic continuities and commitments of the Church of England. His renewing experi-ence of the Spirit kept him open to the work of God in unexpected places, making him ready to change his mind and adapt his strategy when needed. Long may this generous, Spirit-open, Church-friendly form of evangelicalism last at Ridley Hall!

Enriched and enlivenedFinally, there is the person on whom the College is founded, on whom it depends and whom it serves – Jesus Christ. I have known the faithfulness of the Lord of the Church and the Lord of the College dur-ing my days here. I have been taken more

deeply into ‘the boundless riches of Christ’ (Ephesians 3:8). I leave confi -

dent that Christ and the unsurpassable grace of the gospel of Christ will remain the foundation of Ridley. I go, enlivened by Ridley Hall, determined to make known

‘Jesus Christ, and him crucifi ed’ (1 Cor-inthians 2:2) in Coventry Diocese. n

Chris Cocksworth, Principal 2001–2008 and Bishop Elect of Coventry

Snapshots of laughter

through the years...!

Top centre (for those who don’t know him): Handy Mole, presented to Chris Cocksworth by students, in recognition of his appreciation for Ridley’s fi rst Principal.

Mission to Mile-High City

In September six students from Ridley and Dave Male, Tutor for Pioneer Ministry Training, head west on a ten day mission trip to Denver, Colorado. In the Mile High City (it’s a mile above sea level!) students will work principally with two churches in the heart of Denver.

Scum of the Earth may seem an unusual name for a church but it’s not a typical church. It started with a small group meeting at the home of Mike Sares, and has become a large congregation based in downtown Denver led by Mike. Its name comes from 1 Corinthians 4:13, and its main focus is connecting with those at the edge of society. It attracts punks, skaters, ravers, the homeless and drug addicts, as well as stu-dents. Its name and mission has attracted media coverage throughout the States. It has also now started to plant churches in other American cities. Cont’d u

“It has been a great pleasure to chair the Council with Chris as Prin-

cipal. His gentle manner, gracious hu-mility, far-seeing vision and robust leader-

ship have been a joy for all to see. Coventry are very fortunate to have him as their bishop.”

Bishop Graham Dow, Chair of Ridley Council

“Chris is a man of vision and a wise, caring leader. He always has time for people despite an enormous work load. Through it all he radiates the graciousness of God. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him on the Council.”

Mrs Patricia Sledge, Ridley Council Member 1981–2006

“Working with Chris has been one of the highlights of my time as Archdeacon. Aside from modelling a life of passionate worship, Chris has exhibited gracious and courageous leadership together with compassionate care for the Ridley community. Un-surprisingly, Coventry has become a sought-after diocese for Ridley ordinands!”

Nicholas McKee, Archdeacon 2007/8

chair the Council with Chris as Prin-cipal. His gentle manner, gracious hu-

mility, far-seeing vision and robust leader-ship have been a joy for all to see. Coventry

caring leader. He always has time for people despite an enormous work load. Through it all he radiates the graciousness

It was a pleasure and a privilege to

compassionate care for the Ridley community. Un-surprisingly, Coventry has become a sought-

“From the moment he arrived, Chris demonstrated a love for Ridley and its community that has been inspirational and infectious. His commitment to excellence, his warmth and pastoral heart to-

gether with his self-deprecating humour have gether with his self-deprecating humour have made being a member of the staff team a made being a member of the staff team a

rewarding privilege.”rewarding privilege.”

Revd Canon Jane Keiller, Chaplain

u The second church is very dif-ferent, called Urban Skye, led by Dave Meserve, and is a network of small communities within the arts community of Denver. It de-veloped from the work of a large Presbyterian Church. The small groups are connected by a com-mon quest for friendship, person-al meaning and spiritual explora-tion. The congregation’s stated aim is to revitalise the urban soul through pursuing beauty, learn-ing grace and sharing lives.

The visit has come out of a previ-ous visit to Denver by Dave Male on his sabbatical two years ago which led to developing relation-ships with both these churches and their leaders.

The students will be staying with people from the churches as well as getting fully involved in the life of each congregation. There will be opportunities to help with the activities of the two church-es especially the work with the homeless in the city centre, as well as mixing with church mem-bers and discovering what makes these churches tick. It is hoped they will return to Cambridge ex-cited, enthused by what God is doing and with tons of ideas for the future.

It is also hoped that there will be an opportunity to visit a couple of other churches including St John’s Cathedral, which has re-cently started a fresh expression type service. n

Acting Principal’s column

Times of transition remind us of how much we need the grace of God. They also give us opportunities for fresh testimony to his faithfulness.

I’m writing this in May as the Ridley community is preparing, studying and praying. Right now

we are getting ready for a great celebration in June that has a twofold aim of joyfully commemorating Charlie Moule’s life of service with the start of an annual lecture series, and looking back with thanksgiving for the fi ne leadership of Chris Cocksworth as Ridley’s Principal over the last seven years. In anticipation of a decision by the Council at the end of May we have all been praying for the appointment of a new Principal to succeed Chris. We are also continuing to pray for further fi nancial support as the Council considers building more accommoda-tion and teaching space on the College grounds.

Student and staff morale is high. For example, this morning Michael Green has been visiting and speaking to us all, motivating the com-munity to share the gospel in new ways. We’ve been delighted to have Richard Bauckham join in the teaching, theological discussions and

fellowship this term as part of our regular team. We’ve admitted a full complement of new students for

next year and once again have sadly had to turn some away for lack of space. Un-der the leadership of Steve Griffi ths, our Centre for Youth Min-istry is going from strength to strength. As we prepare and pray, by the grace of God we’re on track to continue train-ing people to share, teach and live the good news of Jesus Christ. Please keep us in your prayers. n

a full complement of new students for

A New Testament seminar being led by Richard Bauckham Mike Thompson

A great scholar, a wonderful friend

Professor C. F. D. Moule was involved with Ridley most of his life: as student, tutor, Vice-Principal, member and Chair of the Council, and after retirement, Scholar-in-Residence.

The common space known as the Moule Hole is named after him, and he was an extraordinary link in the chain of history having personally known every one of the college’s twelve Prin-cipals.

When Charlie Moule stepped down from the Lady Margaret Chair in 1976 and moved into the fl at over the Principal’s Lodge, he de-scribed himself as feeling like a shrivelled pea in a splendid pod. For fi ve years he became a much loved part-time member of staff. He shared in preaching and presiding in chapel and at the Federation eucharist, providing profound Bible readings, translating from his Greek New Testament as he went along.

Charlie was immensely hospitable, and sur-prisingly at ease with children. He was also a punctilious correspondent, responding almost without fail by return – and every letter was handwritten. Of Charlie’s faith and concern for faithful, intelligent ministry there was no doubt. Carrying his learning lightly, he was ready to deploy it when asked, gently encouraging others with good humour. When he felt they were mistaken he would dis-agree with courtesy, often with something like ‘But don’t you think...’ While many lay store by their experiences of God Char-lie would admit that he had never had any remarkable ‘spiritual experience’, for his faith was founded on his conviction of the truth of the Gospel.

Moving to Pevensey in 1979 he left a college in infi nitely better shape, due not least to the assurance and stability he brought. In his new home he continued welcoming visitors, giving en-couragement and wise counsel. While his strength lasted he continued to preach and speak, but when he could no longer adequately care for himself he moved into residential care.

There were always visitors, who were always engaged in vigor-ous conversation. Despite grow-ing deafness he remained alert to the end, interested in his friends’

lives, studies and families. He would sometimes complain about falling asleep while reading – but then many a fraction of his age doze over the Journal of Theologi-cal Studies!

We have lost a great scholar, a wonderful friend and a deeply committed brother in Christ, but thanks be to God for him. n

The Revd Canon Dr Michael Sansom, St. Albans’ Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Ridley Hall staff from 1976-1988

This portrait by Charles White of Professor Charlie Moule now hangs in the Moule Hole

Ember List 2008What is an ember list? Nothing to do with glowing embers, this draws on a tradition of Ember days, which were formely set aside by the Church for fasting and prayer, and considered especially appropriate for ordinations. With this pullout centrefold we invite you to pray for this year’s leavers as they prepare for their future ministry, whether it be in the world of work or in parish or youth ministry.

Simon Elliott (formerly Purchasing Assistant)Parish: St Luke’s, Great Crosby, Liverpool DioceseAfter 3 enjoyable and challenging years at Ridley, Lisa and I are really looking forward to moving back to Liverpool to a busy and lively parish 6 miles north of the city centre. More importantly just a few miles from

Anfi eld - home to my beloved L.F.C. We’re really excited about the opportunities and challenges God is leading us to there.

Simon Elliott Parish: St Luke’s, Great Crosby, Liverpool DioceseAfter 3 enjoyable and challenging years at Ridley, Lisa and I are really looking forward to moving back to Liverpool to a busy and lively parish 6 miles north of the city centre. More importantly just a few miles from

David Green (and Kerry, Bethya, Nathanael & Bump) (formerly New Media Manager, Church House Publishing)Parish: St Philip & St James, Rochester DioceseWe’ve learnt much and laughed much in the midst of some diffi culties and tears. Ridley will certainly not be forgotten. I feel privileged to have been a part of the next Bishop of Coventry’s fi nal graduating class! Our next stop takes us back home to Kent and a church affectionately known locally as PipnJims.

Ken Ashton (formerly London Licensed Taxi Driver)

Parish: St Mary’s, Walthamstow, Chelmsford

DiocesePeter stepped out of the

boat and walked on water,

he also nearly drowned.

Ridley has been a place

where the comfort of the

boat has gone and despite

feeling out of my depth,

Jesus has offered His outstretched hand

when sinking. I’m now really excited about

working in Walthamstow E17, where I will

be taking more water walking lessons.

Address: 17 Shernhall Street, Walthamstow, ddress: 17 Shernhall Street, Walthamstow,

London E17 3EU Tel: 0208 5091135

Gita Bond (formerly Chemistry Teacher)Parish: Benefi ce of The Ramsays or St Thomas a Becket, St Mary’s & St Peter’s in Ramsey, Ely DioceseAfter 26 years of teaching, becoming a student again took some getting used to; learning to cycle and feast on puddings! Ridley has made me aware of the need to bal-ance my prayer life with studying theology and caring for those around me. Now I’m excited about getting to know and serve the people of Ramsey, particularly seeing God’s plans unfold for Jim and me.

David Eastwood (formerly

Managing Partner of a law fi rm)

Parish: St Philip, Westbrook, War-

rington, Liverpool Diocese

Following 28 years as a solicitor,

and 2 great years at Ridley, I look

forward to serving in the Liverpool

Diocese, having lived in the Midlands all my life.

Anthony Hammill (and Judi) Anthony Hammill (and Judi) Anthony Hammill(formerly Policy Adviser, H.M. Treasury)

Parish: St Mary the Virgin,

Chalk, Rochester Diocese

After 3 great years at Ridley,

Judi and I will be moving back

to Rochester Diocese where

I will be curate at Chalk, on

the edge of Gravesend. We are

looking forward to being part of

what God is doing in North Kent.

Rich Burley (formerly Marketing Offi cer)Parish: St Mark’s Bilton, Coventry Diocese

After three years at Ridley, forty essays and two degrees

(nearly!) Mel and I look forward to returning to the West

Midlands, to a new town (Rugby) in a familiar Diocese

(Coventry). St Mark’s Bilton is a big, lively parish with

plenty of opportunities to serve God and develop our gifts,

under the guidance of our very own Bishop Cocksworth!

James Hill (and Anna) (formerly Pastoral Assistant)At the end of May, as I write this, we don’t yet know where we will be going. Please pray for our future parish that we may be faithful servants of God’s Kingdom there.

James Hill (formerly Pastoral Assistant)At the end of May, as I write this, we don’t yet know where we will be going. Please pray for our future parish that we may be faithful servants of God’s Kingdom there.

Tina Hodgett (formerly Education Consultant)Parish: St Mark’s, Bestwood Vil-lage & Emmanuel, BestwoodIt’s been a rollercoaster ride with lots of challenge, excite-ment, laughter and stomach-lurching moments. I’m looking forward to getting aboard the dodgems of parish life, hoping to avoid (infl icting?) too many bumps and bruises, and confi dent the God of hope will see me through all the thrills & spills to come. I’m grateful for all I’ve learnt.

Clive Hogger(formerly Community Mental Health Nurse)Parish: St James, Fletchamstead, Coventry Diocese

Some say that I am embarking on a busman’s holiday given my previous role as I am about to test the truth of the suggestion that one doesn’t need to be mad to go to church, but it helps. In truth, my time at Ridley has been a gift from God that has inspired me and I hope to share the blessings in my new post.

Jeremy Haswell(formerly IT trainer)Parish: St Paul’s, St AlbansOur two years at Ridley have been a dream come true. It has been a reward-ing and challenging time. Coming to college has confi rmed how much we all need to rely upon the Grace of God. God is faithful, and his mercies are new every morning.

Sarah Lawrence(formerly Youthworker)Parish: The Car Dyke group, Lincoln DioceseHaving spent fi ve years in the Ridley community – two as a spouse and three

as an ordinand – it’s sad to be leaving,

but we are looking forward to new op-portunities for ministry in Lincolnshire.

Sam Leach (formerly Link Worker in refuge for families fl eeing domestic abuse)Parish: St Pauls, Walsall, Lichfi eld dioceseAfter three great years at Ridley I am leaving the West country and moving to Walsall where I will be serving my title post at St Paul’s, the Crossing, in the city centre. I’m marrying a won-derful woman called Jo in July then being ordained in Septem-ber. I have grown so much over my time here and am excited, by the months and years that lie ahead.Sylvester Liyanage

(formerly Church Mission Worker)Parish: St Paul’s, Kingston HillI came from Sri Lanka to Kingston. Ordination training brought me to Cambridge and Curacy is taking me back to Kings-ton. I had three fantas-tic years at Ridley where it has been a blessing to learn about Jesus and be part of a community full of faith and life! While

in Cambridge I got married to Lovisa and

we are excited to head back to Kingston.

Brian Streeter(formerly Company Director, Software Development)Parish: St Mary (Applethwaite), Windermere, & Jesus Church, Trout-beck, Carlisle DioceseNot wishing to sound like the ac-ceptance speech for an Oscar, just a big thank you to all who have made up the Ridley community while I have been here – and many blessings to Chris and family. God has been generous in putting me in Windermere, and in similar fashion all are welcome to holiday or use the parking space!

Rob O’Neill(formerly IT Project Manager)

It’s been a joy and a privilege to have spent two years at Ridley learning, training and seeing God do new things in my life. I’m expecting to be an NSM cu-rate this year and to move into a full time post in 2009. In the

meantime, the world of work awaits and I am eagerly anticipating many God-given opportu-nities to witness to his wonderful love and grace.

Alan Maxwell (formerly Medical Physicist)Parish: All Saints, Gosforth, Newcastle DioceseAfter three years at Ridley we’re looking forward to heading back up north, to a suburban parish in Newcastle upon Tyne. We have made a lot of great friends dur-ing our time at Ridley and look forward to keeping in touch with people all over the country, especially the growing number who will be in the north.

Catherine McBride(formerly in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs)Parish: Holy Trinity, Meole Brace, Lichfi eld DioceseWon’t miss: the eccentricities of H stair-case plumbing or the intricacies of the dining hall booking system! Will miss: the staff and students, of diverse traditions, who have challenged and inspired me with their values, vision and creativity. And next: a lively, community-focused church on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, where I’m looking forward to seeing how God will use me.

Nick McKee (formerly Marketing Manager)Parish: St James & Emmanuel, Dids-bury, Manchester DioceseWe’ve had a great time during our three years within the Ridley com-munity. We’ve made new friends, learned many new things and will cherish many memories of our time here. However, we’re excited to be heading up to Manchester where we

have some old friends and to St J&E which is in the midst of

some exciting developments.

Edward (Eddie) Scrase-Field (formerly Higher

Scientifi c Offi cer with DEFRA; Research Scientist)Parish: St James, Denton Holme, Carlisle Diocese

I’m very grateful to the Lord for my time in Cam-

bridge. We are very excited by the opportunity to

serve in Carlisle and to spread the good news of

our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Soli Deo gloria!

Julia Taylor (formerly Church Administrator)Parish: St Michael and All Angels, Penkridge, Lichfi eld DioceseI can’t quite believe my two years at Ridley are almost over. It’s been incredible, challenging, life-giving, fun, and not a little tiring! I imagine I’ll draw on the rich blessing of this time for years to come, not least as I head off on the next exciting adventure...serving my curacy in the new and as yet unfamiliar Black Country.

It’s been a joy and a privilege to have spent two years at Ridley

Into the future...

Please pray for fi nal year students at the Centre for Youth Ministry as they leave to take up future posts in youth ministry (given where known).

Zoe Allen (St Paul’s, Sutton); Clare Bissell; Emma Brown (Stonegrove & Spur Estate, Edgware); Sharon Brown; Kirsty-Anne Coldwell (Leveltwo Youth project,

Felixstowe); Chloe Cottrell; Katie Cross (Christ Church,

Bayston Hill); Elana Cuyler (Chafford Hundred Com-

munity Church); Dan Drew (Christchurch, Hitchin); Sarah Hackett; Rebecca Hamer (STEP, St Albans); Stu-art Hassard (All Saints’, Woodford Wells); Toby John-ston; Lucy O’Neill; David Pambakian; Phil Thompson; Rachel Whybrew (Ignite, Harrow).

Tim Yau (formerly Youth Worker)Parish: Christ the Servant King, Farcet Hampton, Ely DioceseDaunted by the gargoyles and the unknown rigours of academic study I started at Rid-ley. After two years inhabiting the commu-nity of grace I leave still daunted at what God is calling me to as a pioneer minister. Yet confi dent in His equipping through the foundations laid in me at Ridley.

Mike Terry (formerly Commander Royal Navy)Parish: St John the Evangelist, FarehamHaving completed two years of my intended one at Ridley, I leave

much enriched in friendship, fellowship, knowledge and....God! I

don’t yet know what the future holds as BAP is in May ‘08 but I

shall return to Fareham initially to start work with various mili-

tary fellowship charities. Back to my roots! But onwards and upwards with God...tary fellowship charities. Back to my roots! But onwards and upwards with God...

Olaf Trelenberg(formerly Caretaker)Parish: St Paul’s Church, Scotforth, Blackburn DioceseEven though it turned out to be tougher than expected to remint a good old German Mark-coin...alas the work is done. Let’s start spending.

Robert Wynford-Harris (formerly Parish Assistant)

Parish: Great St Mary’s, Sawbridgeworth, St Alban’s Diocese

Rob and Anthea are very much looking forward to getting to know their

respective title-parishes in Sawbridgeworth and Thorley, and hope to be

able to give news soon of a date for their wedding! For

Rob his time at Ridley has been a wonderful experi-

ence and he will continue to cherish the friendships he

has made there and the learning and worship shared

in the Ridley community.

Diane Whittaker (formerly Software Consultant)Parish: Welwyn Team Ministry, St Albans DioceseAfter a very hectic year at Ridley Hall, fi nishing my training for ordination, I am very much looking forward to the joys and challenges of ordained ministry.

The business of witnessing

Bill and Irene Manley have spent over fi ve years in Mon-golia and recently set up Mary & Martha Mongolia, a business offering vital opportunities to local Christians, and seeking to embody Christian values in the process.

“Our relationship with government offi ces continues to strengthen”, says Bill, “and we feel we are increasingly able to demonstrate Chris-

tian values and speak to the Gospel in all aspects of our daily lives.

“This year we are beginning to develop the market for our products overseas, exporting to churches and a handful of shops abroad in a number of countries in-cluding Hong Kong, the UK and Holland.”

Since January they have been able to give their artisans regular or-ders, and in readiness for the Mongolian summer market and further overseas orders now have about US$16,000 worth of stock. In addi-tion to the opportunity to earn a living, artisans can attend weekly Bible studies and English lessons.

Half of the profi t gener-ated by Mary & Martha goes towards “Lost Sheep Minis-tries” which reaches out to help the so-called ‘people of the pipes’. Adults and chil-dren, living below the streets in the city-wide heating and water supply system, exist by working the garbage heaps for food and for plastic, glass and cardboard which they sell to scrape together a meal every one to two days.

With the recent launch of this new initiative, it is hoped that through the business some of the ‘lost sheep’ of this under-city will have hope for tomorrow, and be given the chance to hear about the Eternal Hope for the Lost. n

At Ridley, we are delighted to be able to support a number of Mission Partners throughout the world, both fi nancially and in prayer. More information at:

www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/missionpartners.html

“These are quality products made by very

talented artisans and we hope we can make a real difference in their lives”

Bible studies and English lessons.

Ina at work on Kazakh embroidery. The money she and her extended family earn through Mary & Martha is enabling two of her daughters to study at the city university.

Available now....

Holding Together

by Christopher Cocksworth

Published by Canterbury Press

Coming up...

The Simeon Centre is running a two day con-

ference on ference on Praying the Scripturesthe Scriptures from Friday 5Friday 5th until Sun-day 7day 7th September.

The speakers, Adrian The speakers, Adrian Chatfi eld and Tom Wil-son, will be examining key principles of pray-ing with the scriptures, and looking at specifi c passages of scripture to inform and enrich our understanding of, and relationship with, God. The weekend

will also include opportunity for quiet refl ection, spiritual guidance, prayer ministry and small group work in which we act on what we have been talking about! n

Email Rosemary Kew for a booking form on rak44@cam.ac.uk

Building for the future

There are countless unsung – or unremembered – heroes of the Christian story, women and men of faith whose names and contribution to the Kingdom have long since been forgotten or overlooked...

...Take Mrs Disney Robinson, for example. Every-one walking into Ridley Hall passes her name, but I suspect very few have actually noticed – I didn’t until I went looking for the plaque commemorat-ing her generosity, which is over the Archway!

Mrs Robinson gave a signifi cant block of railway stock when the College was no more than a dream, and this funded the building of the entrance and ‘A’ Staircase in memory of her husband. A few years later a hefty anonymous gift paid for the Chapel that for more than a century has been the focal point of the College’s worship and spiritual life.

These acts of generosity extraordinarily advanced the Christian Gospel. Mrs Disney Robinson was obviously prosperous, but the money she invested in Ridley even before it had a track record could have made her life and that of her family even more comfortable. Instead, decade after decade it has ensured hun-dreds have been able to go into the world proclaiming Christ, advancing the Kingdom of God, and in the process mil-lions of lives have been transformed, societies and cultures altered.

Those early investors in Ridley Hall were God’s venture capitalists: people with fore-sight and vision who realized the potential of the College even before it opened its doors to students in 1881. Their instinct was right, and it

is impossible to calculate the con-tinuing dividend being returned on those initial investments.

Today Ridley has an enviable track record, but has reached another turning point. This time we are full to overfl owing with men and women whose responsibility will be to lead the Christian cause in a different century and a very dif-ferent kind of world. This is why we are planning a major expan-sion of the College’s facilities – as you can see from the architect’s impression.

Not only will the new structure (that will be built in three stages) provide increased ac-commodation for stu-dents, but eventually there will be a new au-ditorium able to contain the whole community, and additional state-of-the-art teaching, IT, and offi ce space.

Exciting is a word that is greatly over-used, but there really is no appropriate alternative to de-scribe our present circumstances. Ridley Hall stands on the thres-hold of a fascinating tomorrow as it seeks to further fulfi ll its po-tential as a world-class centre, in the heart of one of the world’s leading intellectual communities, and sending out leaders into the whole world. We have a huge task before us, but it is one that has been pondered for several years, is being marinated in prayer, and we invite our friends to share the journey with us.

A project this big seemed impos-sible at the outset, and heads were scratched wondering how it would get off the ground – then an unexpected gift of over half a million pounds of the money needed set the ball rolling. It still looks challenging because there is a long way to go, but God willing, we hope to break ground in the next 12-24 months on the fi rst stage. By then the momentum may be such that the whole un-

dertaking will soon be completed! n

Richard Kew, Development Director

For more information about this challenge facing Ridley, please contact Richard Kew or Elaine Thornton in the Development Offi ce (01223 741069 or 01223 741079)

Focus on Youth Ministry

Hannah Burton is studying at the Centre for Youth Ministry (CYM) at Ridley, and considers work among young people to be “a fantastic privilege.”

She says, “I love...being welcomed into the lives of the young people...and hope that young people with whom I work will grow into people who take responsibility for positive change within their local and world community.”

Hannah got into youth work through her home church and Youth for Christ, having met the Lord through “many signifi cant ‘coming to faith’ experiences.” She believes CYM is giving her tools to serve ef-fectively in youth and community work. An important person in her life is Chris, her boyfriend, who works for Emmaus in Bedford, and they dream in the future of marrying then setting up a new Emmaus community in the Northeast – where she spent last summer.

Those weeks with Away Out in Stockton-on-Tees last year were formative in her vision for her life (http://www.stockton.gov.uk/units/25092/awayoutaddy/). She found herself among women who were homeless, victims of social violence, prostitutes, or pursuing other destructive lifestyles. “This experience has utterly changed my life. I understood more of what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 25:31-46 through those three weeks than I had in my whole life.”

Of Ridley and CYM she says, “I am learning to critique and ques-tion, I am learning to explore more and expand my thoughts and I am learning that I could wonder at and learn about God forever and only ever get a glimpse of who he is”. n

Aerial shot of the existing site

The Wedding Project

Ridley has become part of an exciting two-year project which comes from the Archbishop’s Council. This na-tionwide venture of the Church of England arises out of the new Marriage Measure which comes into law in 2008.

The measure, which will amongst other things give couples a much wider choice over where to get married, changes the mission land-scape with respect to church weddings. It offers the church a real opportunity to increase the numbers wanting a church wedding and to improve its ability to use this mission opportunity to encourage couples to become part of their local church beyond the wedding day.

Ridley has been chosen to be one of two theological colleges along-side two dioceses to contribute their insights, skill, understanding and imagination to the progress of this project. A goal of the project is attracting more couples to decide to marry in a church ceremony, to create in the general public a sense that the church is an enthusias-tic believer in marriage, as well as to encourage more couples to main-tain a relationship with the church again after their marriage.

Church weddings provide a marvellous opportuni-ty for mission. It is es-timated that 51% of the population goes to a church in a year for a wedding, and in some recent research commissioned by the Archbishops Council 53% of the population feel that church is ‘the proper place’ for a wedding. Pres-ently, only 22% of weddings are in a church.

Ridley is to be a vital partner helping the national church to develop good resources and training to support its marriage ministry. We are asked to come up with ideas to attract more couples to use a church for their wedding, while offering fresh thinking on innovative ap-proaches to welcoming couples into church.

Dave Male is Ridley’s link person to the Wedding Project, and has attended an initial briefi ng at Lambeth Palace. The Wedding Pro-ject team came to Ridley in May to meet with students and staff. At

this initial meeting the plans for the project were explained and the impressions, advice and in-put of those attending sought. A number of people in College have been married in the past year and their refl ections will be particu-larly valuable for the Project.

It is hoped that as plans mature the College will be involved with the national launch of the pro-ject and its roll-out events in each diocese. There will also be oppor-tunities for leading presentations and advising on training clergy in the area of wedding preparation and marriage support.

This is an exciting project, seek-ing as it does to cultivate mission thinking and pastoral practice. The project has several measur-able goals, such as attracting 5% more couples to choose a church wedding. (Over the last four years Church of England weddings have risen by a mere 0.002%.) This project could have far reaching ramifi cations for the mission of our church in this country. n

Heather and Dave Male, who lead a course for married couples at Ridley Hall

Forthcoming....

Church Unplugged

by Dave Male

Published by Authentic, June 2008

Dave Male

www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/scprogramme.html

Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,and you will fi nd rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16)

Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

International Simeon Centre conference, Sept 3–6, 2009

Restoring PrayerRestoring Prayer

www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/scprogramme.html

Keynote speaker: Eugene Peterson

Probably best known for The Message, his translation of the Bible in the language of today, Dr Peterson was for many years James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College. Now retired from full-time teaching, Eugene lives in rural Montana and has recently completed The Jesus Way, his latest in a projected fi ve-volume series.

“It will be an immense privilege to share these days together, learning, sharing in prayer, exploring new and old paths in our journey with Christ.” Adrian Chatfi eld, Director of the Simeon Centre

For more details visit

or email Rosemary Kew on rak44@cam.ac.uk

Royal visit to Ridley

At the end of May the College welcomed His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, for a visit which included a tour of the College and the opportunity to meet with members of staff, students and their families.