The Bishop of Bristol, The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is hosting a 3-day conference for licensed clergy in the Diocese of Bristol at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick on 11 to 13 October.
The last few years have been some of the most challenging many of us have ever faced as we have adapted to ministry through the pandemic. The conference has been designed with this in mind, to be a time for re-creation and re-connection, with ourselves, with God and one another.
The conference will make use of Psalm 23 as the focus of our reflections. There will be opportunities for worship reflecting different traditions and styles from across the diocese; space to simply chat; time to go off-site together and explore different places; evening entertainment; places to be silent or to make music; areas for board games and physical challenges; art and poetry; regular times for coffee and a bar in the evening.
The input will come from three keynote speakers: Cris Rogers, Isabelle Hamley and Evie Vernon. More information on the speakers will be released shortly. There will be plenty of space for response and prayer, as well as chaplains present throughout for private conversations, prayer and confession.
Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, said,
‘I would like to encourage everyone to make every effort to come. We are an expression of the body of Christ, bound together in service in this diocese, and this is a rare opportunity for us to be together. I know that some of us will not be able to attend the conference for personal reasons and we do not want anyone to feel under pressure if they cannot be there, but please know that we will miss you and be praying for your flourishing while we are away.’
Revd Dr Simon Taylor, Director of Ministry Development at the Diocese of Bristol, said,
‘With a focus on Psalm 23, the Clergy Conference this autumn will be a chance to meet and share together with Bishop Viv. I’m very excited by the speakers we have lined up and am looking forward to a time of refreshment and renewal with colleagues from across the diocese. I encourage all licensed clergy to sign up and come to be part of this time spent with one another and with God.’
If you would like to attend, please contact Claire Eade on claire.eade@bristoldiocese.org or 01179060100 for the booking link. Bookings close on 9 September.