Easter 2013 Wesley Study Centre NEWS For All God’s People to Serve the Present Age Stationing Outcomes WSC in the Future At this time of year we are pleased to be able to share with you WSC Committee and staff have been reflecting on the future of where final year WSC students have been stationed. Regrettably we WSC following the withdrawal of ministerial training after 2014. continue to await a suitable match for one of our student deacons, Our options are stark: close WSC, or reconfigure WSC to serve the Sheila Dawson. All other WSC final year students have been stationed Connexion in fresh ways. to the following circuits: WSC holds considerable assets which, though difficult to express in monetary Pete Brazier Bristol and South Gloucestershire (07/02) terms, are nonetheless of significant value. These assets include the following: Christine Fox Nottingham Trent Valley (22/04) • A formal and constructive partnership with a world-class University, Timothy Francis Huddersfield [South East] (27/35) through a Christian college which is a constituent part of the University. Gordon Hay Glasgow (31/02) • Strong and evolving ecumenical relationships not only with established partners but also with newer church groupings. David Lawton Leicester West (23/09) • International exchange links with Duke University Divinity School. Neil Maynard Bede (20/13) • An active research culture and excellent programmes for ordained and lay Joy Sykes North Yorkshire Dales (13/19) formation, including full access to the libraries of and Liesl Warren Newcastle Central (20/10) Ushaw College (the library continues even though the College has closed). • WSC staff producing work of national and international significance. • Embedded within the Districts and the wide range of Circuit contexts of the region, from city centre to post-industrial villages. 16 South Bailey • Location in a world heritage site of exceeding natural beauty and part of a region which is one of the three historic hubs of Methodism. Renovation work has begun on 16 South Based on these facts, the latter option of reconfiguring the WSC to serve the Bailey, which will Connexion in fresh ways is preferred. become the new WSC has had a number of constructive conversations seeking to explore how administrative hub Connexional learning assets in Durham might be put to the greatest strategic for Cranmer Hall and use. We have made the following proposals: Wesley Study Centre. The property, one the • WSC develops into a national research hub for areas of ‘demand-led’ last private homes on research which the Connexion regards as of particular importance. the Bailey, was owned by Durham • WSC further develops as a centre for postgraduate research for MATM, Cathedral and was the residence of DThM and PhD students working on areas of ministerial and missiological Bishop Ramsay when he was Bishop of Durham. significance and who are likely to be amongst future theological educators and strategic leaders. The property has now been bought on leasehold by St John’s • WSC becomes the hub through which the Connexion engages in close College and will house the work of Cranmer Hall and Wesley Study participation at a day-to-day level in the development of the Common Awards. Centre along with CODEC and the University posts which relate to WSC is designated as one the learning spaces envisaged as part of the the University’s national partnership with the Church of for • Learning Network with a particular relationship with the regional expert Common Awards in Theology and Ministry. staff deployed in the North East. The building, likely to be re-named Ramsay House when it is re- We are at a very early stage of conversation and it is by no means clear opened, is located directly across the street from my office; so I enjoy how much of our vision might be shared by Connexional team colleagues. a ringside view of the renovation’s progress. It will house academic Nonetheless, we remain cautiously hopeful that ways might be found to and administrative offices, teaching space and, crucially, will enable safeguard and to develop the considerable Connexional learning assets in the bringing together into the same space a number of streams of work Durham vested in WSC. on Theology and Ministry across St John’s College. We look forward to moving in mid-June. C T Samuel What Next? ‘Extending Discipleship Exploring Vocation’ If you are wondering about the next step along the journey of your Christian faith then What Next? could be for you. This exciting initiative aims to provide the opportunity for you, alongside others, to understand more fully the call to follow Christ and to explore how to live and grow as Christ’s disciple in the world. Although designed primarily for Methodists, anyone from a Christian church is welcome to join What Next? The Darlington District has been running a group since October, meeting approximately once a fortnight at North Road Methodist Church. I went along to find out more ……

A warm welcome awaited me with coffee and cake available prior to the start “Being part of What Next? has been great! of the meeting. I discovered that, so far, the group had explored vocation It has involved good discussion, learning and discipleship. In this session, they were looking at these two themes new aspects of Methodism and space to with reference to the Old Testament. The speaker for the evening, the Revd reflect on my faith journey. Being able to David Wood (Facilitator of the North Yorkshire Dales Biblical Literacy share this with others going through the Project) talked about how God called particular biblical characters within, same experience has been really helpful.” and sometimes out of, their own specific circumstances. He also shared Sue Lawton with the group his own personal journey into ministry. There was time for group members to discuss what they had heard and to share their own “I have found this to be a very enriching time on a thoughts, reflections and responses, if they wished, and this was Wednesday evening. Because we are a small group done in a relaxed and informal way. the openness and engagement is refreshing and the willingness to share experiences and reflection is I came away from the session feeling both challenged and blessed very stimulating. This is a safe place in which to by all that I had heard there. Future sessions would include looking explore more deeply the fundamentals behind our at Methodism, discernment, prayer and vocation stories, and it Methodist heritage and deepen our faith.” struck me that ‘stories’ were at the heart of the What Next? process. Penny Bissell Being a part of the group and hearing their stories of discernment and calling was both a blessing and a privilege. Here are some of their reflections on What Next?:

“What Next? is a big part of my discerning what God is doing with me in my life right now, when the future seems to be opening up in various possible directions. Since we started the course, it has raised many questions for me, such as: What is vocation? Who does God call? and How does He call them? Is it like Moses; the woman of Samaria; the tax collector; John Wesley? None or all of these? I am certainly coming round to the idea that there is no single format for how God calls us, or where and into what He calls us. It’s a very personal thing. What Next? is If you would like further information about What Next? please helping a lot with this process so far.” contact Mark Bagnall - Email: [email protected] or John Morley visit the What Next? website: www.whatnextedev.org.uk Article by Loraine Richardson, WSC Development Assistant

If you want to find out more about courses, student life or what is happening in and around WSC, please visit our website www.dur.ac.uk/wsc.online Postgraduate Programmes Over the past decade the postgraduate programmes at St John’s College have gone from strength to strength. WSC has been very much part of the development of both the MA in Theology and Ministry (MATM) and the professional doctorate in Theology and Ministry (DThM). Although The Fruitful Field project means that the Methodist Church will no longer fund ministerial preordination training in Durham, the postgraduate programmes will continue and we hope continue to attract Methodists both lay and ordained.

The MA in Theology and Ministry has over 60 students this year from a For those who hold an rich variety of traditions both lay and ordained. There are new modules MA in Theology and are introduced regularly to the programme to enable us to respond to the ever interested in pursuing changing contexts and demands of ministry and to incorporate fresh ideas and research in theology and scholarship into mission and ministry. This year modules on Forgiveness, ministry, the Professional Holiness and Spiritual Formation have been added to the programme and next Doctorate in Theology and Ministry Dr Jocelyn Bryan year there is a new module on Money Matters and the Church. provides a supportive and exciting programme for research in Practical Theology. Staff in St John’s College and the world- The programme is very flexible and allows students to study modules in class Department of Theology and Religion of Durham University ensure residential blocks or term-time lectures. Single modules can be taken to that DThM research is rooted in ministry, and supervised by those engaged strengthen particular strands of ministry and Postgraduate Certificate, in cutting edge research. Diploma and the full MATM are all possible. Modules for 2013/14 include: Anyone interested in these programmes or any stand-alone Spiritual Direction; Apologetics; Preaching from the Old Testament; MA modules should contact: Dr Jocelyn Bryan, Director of Changing Worship; Psychology and Christian Ministry; and How Mission Postgraduate Studies - Email: [email protected] can Shape the Church. Tel: 0191 334 3853 Local Preachers ‘Two different training opportunities for Local Preachers’

Darlington and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Districts in conjunction with These short courses are available at a highly discounted rate of £25 each. the Lindisfarne Regional Training Partnership are pleased to offer two Please talk to your Circuit Local Preachers secretary regarding funding different training opportunities for Local Preachers. support. Additional charges may apply if formal accreditation is required. There will be different starting dates depending on The first opportunity is to pursue initial Local Preacher which course you choose. training via a new route developed by WSC. This option enables the learner to study over two years and gain “I have found participation in the modules with a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Durham Lindisfarne to be a great way of learning and University. This is a Connexionally approved completing accreditation for Local Preacher alternative to Faith & Worship but accountable to the Training. Studying with others for a couple Circuit Local Preacher meeting. Costs are shared by of hours at a time means that we are able to District and Circuit. share ideas and bounce off each other. Having The second opportunity offers existing Local Preachers a knowledgeable tutor keeps us all on track and the chance to engage with others in exploring a variety of provides answers to questions when I’ve not been sure courses that will enhance and inform preaching or worship leading. of something. Learning together at set times has also kept This involves accessing short courses through the Lindisfarne Regional me focused too!” Tim Cooke Training Partnership that last for 5 or 10 weeks.

More information about these opportunities is available on our website by looking under ‘Courses’ then ‘Local Preaching’ and clicking on the links for Initial Local Preacher Training and Continuing Development Opportunities for Local Preachers.

Congratulations to the Revd Dr Liz Kent upon successful completion of her PhD. Liz is a WSC graduate who returned to WSC as a Part-time Tutor in 2011 alongside Circuit responsibilities in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne District. ‘Making Common Awards Regular readers will already be aware that Durham University Connections’ has entered a National Partnership with the Church of England to become its validating partner for the creation of a suite of Common Exploring Awards. This means that virtually all Church of England Colleges and their partners will begin to offer degrees validated by Durham Diaconal University from September 2014. This includes the Queen’s Foundation, where Methodist ministers will train from 2013.

Ministry Perhaps less well known is that St John’s College, through the work of Cranmer Hall and, more recently, Wesley Study Centre, has been Durham University’s In September 2011, St John’s College hosted the ‘Making Connections’ centre of excellence for ministerial formation for over 100 years. As a Exploring Diaconal Ministry international ecumenical conference. The consequence, St John’s is a key player in the developing national partnership. purpose of the conference was to explore the renewed interest in diaconal ministry and its potential contribution to the wider church and society. The Common Awards or National Partnership means that a great deal of work The event included a presentation and discussion of emerging findings is being undertaken to develop the new course in ministerial formation which from WSC’s two year research project exploring Good Practice in Diaconal can be delivered in every Anglican College across the country. This involves the Ministry in the Methodist Church of Great Britain led by Dr Andrew Orton of writing of new modules, development of agreed learning outcomes, and though Durham University and funded by the Methodist Church of Great Britain. not yet finalised, conversation about agreed pathways. The Executive Summary of the Diaconal Research Findings is Staff at WSC, along with our colleagues in Cranmer Hall, are very much available to view by visiting the WSC website www.durham. engaged in this national process, as are colleges across the country. Alongside ac.uk/wsc.online and clicking on ‘Executive Summary of the Anglican colleges, these include Baptist, URC and Methodist colleges as well. Diaconal Research Findings’ which is found under ‘Quick Links’. WSC has the interesting perspective of engaging both with our peers from colleges around the country as well as university colleagues in reflecting on the development of Common Awards.

Up and Coming Events Whatever else they might mean, the Fernley Hartley Lecture Common Awards will mean that Wednesday 1st May 2013 at 5.30 pm Durham University becomes the Venue: Leech Hall, St John’s College, Durham centre of gravity for British ministerial Speaker: The Revd Dr Calvin Samuel theology. The University has just Title: Jesus, Holiness and Conflict in the Gospels appointed its first Professor of Theology and Ministry, Professor Mike Higton, to oversee the development of the Common Awards. We are grateful to have a C K Barrett Lecture ringside seat. th Wednesday 15 May 2013 at 7.30 pm C T Samuel Venue: Leech Hall, St John’s College, Durham Speaker: Professor Ben Witherington III (a former student of Kingsley Barrett) Title: “Almost Thou Persuadest Me” Why reading the The Revd Dr Calvin T Samuel Director of Wesley Study Centre New Testament Rhetorically is Essential Dr Jocelyn Bryan Director of Postgraduate Studies The Revd Dr Andrew Lunn Director of Undergraduate Studies Explore: Study Days on the Bible Mark Bagnall Regional Training Officer Friday 17th May 10.00 am 2013 till 3.00 pm Mrs Penny Bissell Administrator Venue: Leech Hall, St John’s College, Durham Speaker: Professor Ben Witherington III Mrs Loraine Richardson Development Assistant Title: Did the Canon Misfire? Why these Gospels Part-time Tutors and not the Gnostic ones The Revd Dr Liz Kent Cundy Lecture The Revd Julie Lunn Wednesday 29th May 2013 at 7.30 pm Deacon Jane Middleton Venue: Leech Hall, St John’s College, Durham The Revd Les Nevin Speaker: The Revd Professor David Wilkinson The Revd Dr Martin Ramsden Title: Phoenix or Dying Swan? Learning to Cope with Failure in Ecumenical Relations The Revd Alison Wilkinson WSC Conference and Celebration th Monday 16 June 2014 and WESSTUDYLE CENTREY Tuesday 17th June 2014 DURHAM Venue: St John’s College, Durham Title: Formation for the Future Wesley Study Centre, St John’s College, Durham University, 3 South Bailey, Durham DH1 3RJ If you are interested in finding out more about any of Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 334 3850 these above events, please contact Mrs Penny Bissell www.durham.ac.uk/wsc.online Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 334 3850 or visit the WSC website: www.durham.ac.uk/wsc.online Images of Jocelyn Bryan, Calvin Samuel and David Wilkinson courtesy of Shine Photographics 2011 Easter 2013 Wesley Study Centre STUDENT UPDATE

For All God’s People to Serve the Present Age Duke Exchange Students In September, Drew Weseman and Kayla Harward arrived from Duke University in North Carolina, USA to begin a one year exchange programme. Here is an update of their experiences so far here at Wesley Study Centre, Durham followed by some reflections from Drew on his recent visit to Holy Island as part of the Faith Sharing Weekend.

“Having been here for several months now, things that initially seemed strange While neither of these questions are new to have become normal. (a place of prayer for over 1,000 years!) us coming from Duke, the ways in which they which towers over our college no longer gets called the ‘chapel’; having tea (with are asked and the answers they are giving have a a bit of milk) has become a mainstay of our social interactions; and the words unique and powerful particularity. ‘circuit’, ‘mission’ and ‘The Doctor’ part of our normal vocabulary. While these may seem like incidental changes, taken together, they hint at a much more As part of our studies we have both been given the chance to be placed in a foundational change in who we are as students, ministers, and Christians. One Methodist Church where we are able to put some of these questions and answers of the most significant changes has been that by studying and worshipping with to the test. After adjusting to British worship styles and hymnody, we have found the British Methodist Church and the Church of England, we have begun to see that there is a great freedom in ordering the worship service. Many services are ourselves as part of Christ’s world-wide Church. We are studying with students done in ‘café style’ or are particularly shaped by the needs of children (called from South Africa, China, Germany, and Brazil and the whole ethos of this place ‘Messy Church’). Such creativity and intentionality is a lot of fun and has given seems to look outward. The two central concepts which shape the majority of both of us permission to be creative as well. Last term, for example, we both led conversations in the classroom and common room are mission and practical the daily morning prayer according to the United Methodist Book of Worship. theology. How does the Church discern and participate in what God is doing in While some people said it ‘felt like a holiday’, for us it felt like a little bit of home. the world? How is what we are learning going to shape how we do It is certainly difficult in a lot of ways to be away from family, friends and the ministry in our churches/parishes? community at Duke and we look forward to sharing stories and experiences of Durham, England next year when we return home!” Drew Weseman and Kayla Harward Faith Sharing Weekend As part of their training, The goal was to try to engage the people visiting the Island, both pilgrims and WSC students take part in tourists, with the rich history of the Island. We also hosted an Agape Meal and a Faith Sharing Weekend. Pub Quiz so that we could get to know the residents. This involves joining with The weather over the weekend was beautiful. However, because so many of the Cranmer Hall students, and visitors came to see the Island and not our activities, attendance was low. We had also this year with interns from quite a few people at the Pub Quiz and Agape Meal which were really great, but St Nicholas’ Church in Durham, for the rest of the time, our team had to leave the buildings and meet the people to share their faith in a variety of settings, where they were, listening to their stories of the Island, hearing what drew them in and around the local area. Exchange to that place. student Drew was allocated to a team that spent the weekend on Holy Island. In a lot of ways the need for us to be flexible and to respond to the new challenges of the Island is at the very heart of mission. For those who have visited “Coming from Florida, I thought I understood what Holy Island, you will remember the welcome sign that greets you with the not-so- it was like ministering in a place filled with tourists subtle ‘Check the tides’. In one way this could mean that you must plan rigorously and visitors, however, the land of Mickey is a far cry from and then follow that plan through so as not to get marooned by the sea. However, the land of Cuthbert, Aidan and Chad. When I first heard that I was going on for me it came to be a reminder that at the end of the day, God is in control. Any a Faith Sharing Weekend to Holy Island, I was immediately hit with a wave of mission we do, any success or failure, is wrapped up in God’s larger mission who inadequacy. This is an island that has given birth to the missionary monks who is made strong in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and who works through all brought Christianity to all of northern England. How does one follow in the things for good (Romans 8:28). The monks of Lindisfarne took the Faith into this footsteps of these holy men? land courageously because they knew the truth of their message and the power of Sensing the enormity of our task, we decided to share the ‘Stories of the Saints’ of their God. My few days in their footsteps convinced me of the same.” Holy Island. We designed a series of worship services according to the monastic seven-fold pattern of prayer with activities for children throughout the day. Drew Weseman – Exchange Student (Images Courtesy of Drew Weseman)

‘Hopes and Fears’ Faith Sharing in New Life, New HM Prison, Durham Beginnings “If our Faith Sharing group felt any apprehension in undertaking a weekend in Durham prison, such anxieties were quickly dispelled in Hexthorpe within minutes of the inmates joining us for our first session together. The ice was very much melted before we’d even got “Our team of eight journeyed to Hexthorpe Methodist Church in started with the ‘ice breaker’ session we’d planned! The group of Doncaster, Yorkshire for our Faith Sharing mission. The Church inmates were wide-ranging in age and came from many different provides a strong Christian witness and presence through its backgrounds, but all were incredibly honest and open, keen to services of worship, youth activities and fellowship groups, and is share their stories and their hopes and fears for the future. also home to the Iranian Methodist Church. Additionally it provides an essential community service through an advice and drop-in Our group included some very talented thespians, and much thoughtful centre known as The Junction, which is actively used by the wider discussion ensued from an enactment of two dramatisations – The Parable of community as an oasis for building friendships and a place of the Prodigal Son and The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Other activities leisure and refreshment. Entirely financed by the church, it is run by included faith ‘interviews’, enabling us to share testimony and to offer an one paid member of staff and a team of volunteers. opportunity for questions, as well as a deliberate alluding to some issues Our mission weekend was entitled New Life, New Beginnings to we had planned to focus on during other parts of the weekend. We also had reflect a new building for the church and a change of name. The sessions which saw the inmates expressing themselves through artwork and activities provided were planned with the Minister and key members meditative prayer, as well as a very thought-provoking discussion around their of the church to attract a wide range of people from the church and hopes and fears about being released from prison. This caused much reflection the local community. We started on Friday evening at The Junction on the part of the team, in terms of how churches might better support them where over 80 people enjoyed an ice-breaking evening of light in their journey back towards normality and acceptance within the community entertainment – a quiz game, a time of worship, followed by a meal. upon release. Saturday morning started early at 7.30 am with a Prayer Breakfast The weekend in general seemed to provide the inmates with some space to followed at 10.30 am by a Big Brunch with a talk from Bruce Dwyer be able to ‘drop their guard’ and simply be more themselves. In the throes of on ‘Being a Christian in professional football’. This event attracted a small group discussion on the Saturday afternoon, one guy a lot of men in particular. Simultaneously, Coffee Mornings were paused briefly mid-sentence and remarked ‘Do you taking place at two different venues, attended by team members who know? This is the first time I feel like I’ve had normal gave talks about their faith journeys and shared friendship. At 2.00 pm, conversation since I came in here!’ we had an exciting and very successful Messy Church – which was very well attended by the local community with their children. In the Our time at the prison drew to a close with evening there was the Big Event – an evening of entertainment where a service led by our group on the Sunday the Christian message was shared in drama, testimony sharing, morning, with scripture enthusiastically read worship and hospitality. Late night entertainment was provided for by two of the inmates who’d been taking part. teens and young adults at The Junction over games of pool and As we reflected on the whole experience, it conversations. was very clear that as a group we had been challenged and inspired by the events of the Sunday morning worship was led by the team and was followed by weekend every bit as much as the inmates may a lavish lunch. In the afternoon, the team worshiped with the Iranian have been. With many of us as future church leaders Methodist Church and Carl, one of our team members, preached the ‘in the making’, we were all challenged as to how we might sermon (translated into Farsi by an interpreter). It was an amazing encourage and inspire churches to play a more significant role in supporting occasion. One activity which ran throughout the weekend at all the and encouraging ‘ex-cons’ who, whilst having spent time inside for mistakes activities was the ‘hand-print banner’. The team devised this to be a made, are little different from the rest of us.” visual symbol of the unity of the church at Hexthorpe: different parts, yet one in Christian hope, optimism and goal. Tim Woolley – 1st Year Student Presbyter It was a wonderful weekend where every effort was made to share the Christian message with a wide range of different age groups, social situations and genders; we were received with great warmth WESSTUDYLE CENTREY and openness and I believe we effectively engaged and reached the DURHAM hearts of many people.”

Wesley Study Centre, St John’s College, Durham Felicity Al Hassan – 1st Year Student Presbyter University, 3 South Bailey, Durham DH1 3RJ Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 334 3850 www.durham.ac.uk/wsc.online