Learning networks

We have decided in the School of Formation to use the term learning networks rather than communities of practice though our endeavours will be informed by the theory and emergent evaluated practices of communities of practice. We are aiming to develop a learning network for Church Treasurers over the next few months and also one for Church Wardens. These are clear church roles, the real challenge will be develop learning networks for emerging lay ministries and perhaps for people who  say I am a Christian, rather than I  am a Treasurer etc

I wonder what new lay ministries God is calling people into and what they are called?

Electronic contact is a key feature of a network, though this does not preclude face to face meetings once in a while, indeed gathering to found a learning network will surely help with giving one life.  I’d be really pleased to hear  about experiences of being in Christian learning networks/communities of practice and tips of what gives them life would be gratefully received

Sermons are conversations

Last Tuesday, the first of the Cathedral Lent evenings took place. The title was  Interpreting Scripture for Sermons: how to make the most of sermons. I was invited to be part of this with the Reader training team. On the evening we had a conversation, with the audience listening first and they then had the opportunity to ask questions. We often forget that a sermon is in fact a conversation – a conversation, which involves us in listening as well as responding to God’s word. The Reader training course is based on the four fold action of the Eucharist. It involves taking the Word, giving thanks for the Word, breaking the Word and sharing the Word.  At the Lent evening the audience had the opportunity to ask questions.

How do we engage in this conversation when we listen to a sermon? Does the conversation continue beyond Sunday morning?

Jennifer

Welcome new Readers

The first Saturday in October is the day of the annual service for the Readers of the diocese. It is also the day when new Readers are licensed.  

At the pre-licensing retreat, the theme of ‘keys’ was used to explore the journey up to this point and to further reflect on the, as yet, unopened doors.

I remembered the Readers in training arriving at the induction evening a year ago, unsure what they had let themselves in for. To be there at their licensing, a year later was a real privilege. There was a quiet confidence about them, an expectation and a willingness to do God’s will.

This day is also an opportunity for all Readers to gather together as a body, to see friends, exchange news and affirm their commitment at the annual service.  

In the morning, Readers had the opportunity to study Mark’s Gospel at the Blue School with Bishop Peter Price before going to the Cathedral. It was again a great occasion with Bishop Peter Maurice, the Cathedral overflowing, Graham preaching, and tea and cakes served at the end.

And to begin the cycle again, the same week, I met the new Readers in training arriving at the induction evening……