A Rural Faith and Theology Workshop
Shilbottle Village Hall
Thursday 29th June 2023
10am to 4pm
This workshop is organised by the diocese’s Rural Strategy Group. It’s part of a new series of opportunities for people, lay and ordained, from across the Diocese to consider key issues affecting the future and sustainability of the rural church and to work together on how these might lead to new patterns of mission and ministry.
The workshop will take place on Thursday 29th June at Shilbottle Village Hall, Grange Road Shilbottle, NE66 2XH starting at 10am (refreshments from 9.30am) and finishing by 4pm.
We’ve chosen Pilgrimage as a theme for this workshop for several reasons: it resonates with our region and with many of our churches; there has been much work done recently in churches and in tourism on the theme in our area; and pilgrimage is an idea that is being explored in popular culture more broadly. It cuts across boundaries and allows potential for wider conversations.
We will be helped in our reflections by:
Revd Dr Claire Maxim, Priest in Charge of North Tyne and Redesdale and formerly CEO of the Arthur Rank Centre, an ecumenical national charity, which resources, trains, and advocates for rural Christians, rural churches and the communities they serve.
Revd Canon Dr Sarah Hills, Vicar of Holy Island and formerly Canon for Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral.
We’ll discuss the impact of the six new Northern Saints Trails as well as more established pilgrimage trails in the North East including St Cuthbert’s Way and St Oswald’s Way.
There will also be an opportunity to take part in a series of guided mini-pilgrimages as part of the day and we’ll explore how the experience of pilgrimage finds fresh expression in art (especially sculpture) and poetry guided by Revd Barbara Wheatley and Dr Hilary Elder.
The day will be chaired by the Venerable Dr Catherine Sourbut Groves, Archdeacon of Lindisfarne.
There is a small charge of £10 per person to help us defray costs which includes coffee and bacon (or veggie) sandwiches on arrival and a light lunch. Payment by cash or cheque is to be made on the day. Further information will be sent out a week before the workshop.
For more information please contact the Revd Dr Helen Savage (01434 676852) and to book a place please contact: k.govier@newcastle.anglican.org