On the 29th January, lay and ordained church leaders from across the diocese are gathered for our Learning Together Day at the beautiful Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Over 180 church leaders enjoyed hearing from Rachel Jordan-Wolf, CEO of Hope Together in the morning sessions and working together with Bishop Sophie in the afternoon.
Rachel shared about the encouraging “new world” we find ourselves in as we look to share the good news of Jesus. She spoke from recent research about the significant opportunities for reaching people in our communities with the love of Christ as there is a new spiritual openness, especially among young adults. Rachel offered a range of very simple ideas in response, in practical and inspiring ways. She promoted giving away gospels and samples were distributed in the goody bags prepared for all who attended.
Watch Session 1 with Rachel Jordan-Wolf
Watch Session 2 with Rachel Jordan-Wolf
In the afternoon Bishop Sophie offered her reflections on the Deanery Days through 10 emerging themes, feedback from ‘Watching and Waiting’ Advent phase and outlined a proposed form of words for our refreshed vision and timeline for taking the vision development forward.
‘Growing a Diocese, Reconciled to God, With each other, For the world.’
This seeks to address our need to grow holistically, reconciling people to God right across the Diocese of Coventry.
Next steps will include working with Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Synod and Area Deans as well as other key groups. It was helpful to take some feedback and to receive much encouragement as well as some very helpful questions about the vision to reflect on as we develop the way ahead.
Watch the Afternoon Session with Bishop Sophie
All those who attended received a ‘goody bag’ which included a smartly designed St. Marks gospel, some new Walking Forward Together Lent booklets (hot of the press), sunflower seeds, postcards and a poster for the Safeguarding survey and a little chocolate too.
To close the day out Bishop Sophie led an act of eucharistic worship together where she also licensed four new Area Deans and a honorary assistant Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Jackie Searle who was previously the Bishop of Crediton, in the Diocese of Exeter.
The four new Area Deans to be licensed where as follows: The Revd. Ann Peachey as Area Dean of the Kenilworth Deanery, The Revd. Edmund Newey as Area Dean of the Rugby Deanery, Fr. Simon Oaks as Area Dean of Coventry North Deanery, The Revd. Matt Taylor as Area Dean for Coventry South. Acting Archdeacon Pastor, The Revd. Tim Cockell the led all there in a prayer for those in new post and a blessing on them for their ministry.