Over 60 lay and ordained members of rural churches gathered at Kingston Maurward College to share ideas and network during the Sherborne’s Rural Day last Saturday.
The day brought together practitioners involved in all aspects of rural outreach and mission, including:
Bishop Karen, Archdeacons Penny and Antony, Revd Jo Neary who is Pioneer Priest in Beaminster Area Team, Revd Hilary Bond who is also a Pioneer Priest in Wareham, Anna Hardy, the diocesan Giving Advisor and Revd Canon Richard Hancock, a Rural Mission Enabler in the diocese. As well as Revd Sally Taylor who leads Ember, a retreat space for lay and ordained church leaders.
Commenting on the day, Bishop Karen reflected,
"It was a real encouragement to gather clergy and laity from our rural churches to be energised and share ideas about mission and ministry at such a fitting venue.
"I hope this can be an ongoing annual event, which dovetails with the monthly online Village Pump to resource our rural congregations, by sharing good practice and what support is available," she continued.
The Village Pump is run by Canon Richard Hancock.
In the opening act of worship, Bishop Karen reflected on 'The Story of the Seeds' in Luke 8, before those gathered moved onto a series of workshops for the day.
Revd Sally Talyor leading a session on Ember, reflected on the seasonality in the life of the Church, acknowledged the hard truth that for some, winter is a harsh time of decline and retreat. But she also spoke hopefully of the life that springs from death.
In another workshop, Revd Hilary Bond, who led a conversation about climate change and our connection with creation.
Eddie Upton, Churchwarden of St Andrew, Leigh said, "I'm fired up with what Hilary said – and have several ideas to take away!"
Revd Jo Neary opened her workshop, 'A Church for Everyone' with the words, "Be encouraged!"
She guided attendees through Acts 10 and emphasised that the breaking down of barriers is vital to building on intergenerational relationships. The workshop ended with a challenge for everyone to imagine their vision for an inclusive church, plan a next step, and then tell someone about it!
The group was then led outside by Revd Canon Richard, who introduced them to two outdoor church initiatives - 'Walking' and 'Forest Church,'.
“It was really good to connect with others who are in rural ministry and it was helpful to reflect on Walking Church.” said Revd Lewis Pearson, Rector of the Winterborne Valley & Milton Abbas.
Next, Archdeacon Penny spoke on the topic of making your church fit for community, focusing on hospitality and the three T's – Teas, Toilets, and Tarmac.
Archdeacon Antony, looking at administration explored how structures and benefice admin can be simplified.
Finally, Anna gave an enthusiastic and comprehensive presentation on fund finding within rural communities, and best practices.
"A lot of good cross pollination happened on the day which I hope will bloom into new initiatives in rural churches across Dorset. I hope such a day can become part of our regular calendar," Richard added.
Looking ahead, we pray for next week's Ramsbury Rural Day, and hope that all in attendance find it both engaging and inspiring.