The programme can be read below or downloaded as a pdf. Attendees will be given a paper copy on arrival.

Welcome

In the joy of this Easter season, welcome to Swanwick!

Bishop Sarah, Bishop Matthew, Bishop Paul and I are so glad that you have been able to set aside time for this clergy conference where we gather together to reflect on the theme ‘Lord, teach us to pray’. Those words are, of course, from Luke’s gospel: after Jesus has finished praying, an unnamed disciple says, ‘Lord, teach us to pray …’ It is a plea from the heart which I find myself making again and again in my life and ministry, and I hope that these days will help us to focus afresh on this most foundational, most urgent and most indispensable of all the tasks to which we are called.

Prayer is a profoundly human way of being in the world, and for Christians the riches of prayer are grounded in what God offers to us in Jesus Christ. Our words are a response to God’s Word. Prayer is a gift from God, and a response enabled by grace to God’s loving action and presence in the world. As creatures, we human beings are made in and for God; prayer, as a response to God, is as natural as breathing. As God breathes life into his creation, the invitation is for us, as creatures, to use our breath freely in praise and thanksgiving. As the first words of Morning Prayer indicate: ‘O Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.’

The freedom to pray is the first entitlement of the human creature. It signals our vocation to faithfulness and our obedience to the loving will of God. Jesus, himself, in his full humanity, prays to the Father in the agony of the Garden of Gethsemane, ‘Your will be done’, and his bloody sweat shows the costliness of that prayer. Before any speaking, we are called first to listen to the God who sends the Spirit as our comforter, leading his people into fullness of life in Jesus Christ. Indeed, we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the life-giving Spirit comes to us in our weakness, voicing a prayer within us that transcends the limitations of our human language. In responding to our stumbling prayer, God provides for his pilgrim people today as he provided for the children of Israel. Our God longs for his people to have fullness of life: to be provided with bread for today and tomorrow on their journey through the wilderness of this world, and to dwell in goodness rather than in evil, in hope rather than despair.

There will be many ways of learning available in these next few days – drinking from the ever-refreshing wells of scripture together; being enriched by the diverse insights of our speakers; receiving examples of practical wisdom from one another; finding the space to reflect on our own individual experiences and challenges; listening for the still small voice that speaks in the silence. However and whatever you may learn, I ask that you would pray for me and for my sister and brother bishops; and I assure you that we are committed to praying for you.

Your brother and bishop,

The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave OBE

Timetable – Monday 22 April

Timetable – Tuesday 23 April

Timetable – Wednesday 24 April

Timetable – Thursday 25 April

Marketplace

We invite you to come and have a look round the marketplace, which can be found in Butterley Hall. This will be open Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, after lunch until 6.00pm. We have a variety of vendors including a bookshop, smaller businesses, and charity information:

Traders

• John Mark Church Supplies  
• Butler & Butler clerical shirts 
• Methodist Bookshop Hanley   
• Eagle Cards 
• Ecclesiastical  
• Trinitas Insurance 
• Lottie’s Eco - Bamboo clerical wear / gifts etc.
• Juliet Hemingray Church Textiles 
• Lesley Hollingworth - Cards, prints, crafts etc. 
• GB Copiers - Photocopiers etc

Charity

• Cursillo Movement
• Parenting for Faith (part of BRF) 
• Christian Aid 
• CofE Pensions Board / Housing  
• Children’s Society
• Strengthening Communities
• Community of St Chad
• Pioneering Parishes

Worship

Through our worship together we will be exploring the conference theme of ‘Lord teach us to pray’ by providing space for us to reflect and listen for the still small voice of God as we offer our praise and thanksgiving. Our opening worship begins with that plea from our hearts asking God to teach us to pray and to show us ways we might feel refreshed by our time together, through prayer. The invitation is for us to use our breath freely in praise and worship to God and to be led into the fullness of life in Jesus Christ. Our closing worship commissions us to speak and act convincingly as signs of hope in our community.

Each day begins with the Eucharist at 7.30am and there is also an afternoon Eucharist on Tuesday and Wednesday. These afternoon Eucharists have a particular focus of celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Ordination of women to the priesthood. Evening prayers are at 5.45pm, Night prayer (Compline) at 9.40pm and Night Praise with the Renewal group at 10.00pm.

At the Eucharist if you need a gluten-free wafer or non-alcoholic wine, please go to receive from the person presiding. Words of liturgy, hymns and songs will be on the screens.

Speakers

The Revd Magdalen Smith

Magdalen Smith is currently the Associate Priest in Moseley Parish in Birmingham, a diverse and vibrant area of the city. She grew up in Cornwall and has been ordained for 28 years, working in many different contexts and roles including as the Diocesan Director of Ordinands for Chester Diocese. She has ministered in the countryside, in the city, on an outer estate, at a cathedral and in the suburbs. She is also an author and has written 5 books. Her latest book, ‘Reverence: A priest’s life of holiness and humanity’ will be published later this year and is a personal memoir but also a reflection on past and present priestly vocation.

She holds degrees in Theology and History of Art. Her interest in the visual and how it can help us understand and enjoy the world, deepen spirituality and make connections with faith is something she has always enjoyed weaving into her ministry. She regularly leads retreats around the country, has been a spiritual accompanier for many years and now teaches others to do this. She enjoys reading, poetry, cooking, cocktails, keeping fit and travelling and loves to discover the evolving life of God already present in the mystery we call ‘life’!”

The Revd Nick Helm

Nick Helm is an Anglican priest with over 30 years of ministerial experience in the Dioceses of London, Sheffield and Hereford.

In the Diocese of Hereford Nick is the Advisor in Spirituality, a non-stipendiary priest in a group of parishes around Ludlow. However, most of his time is given to the ministry of spiritual direction and freelance work in support of ministry and spiritual direction. He is co-chair of the Forum for Spiritual Direction UK, and vice chair of the Society of Retreat Conductors.

Nick was a parish priest in London and Sheffield and then Bishop of Sheffield’s Advisor in Spirituality for 10 years. He then moved to Hereford Diocese where he was responsible for Continuing Ministerial Development and Ministerial Development Reviews and spirituality.

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

The Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley became the Dean of Southwark last December. He was formerly Dean, Fellow and Tutor of St John’s College, Cambridge. He is also Canon Theologian of Wakefield Cathedral. Born in Shrewsbury in 1968, he was educated at Shrewsbury School and at the universities of London and Oxford. In 2000 Mark was made the Rector of St Paul’s, Covent Garden (known as ‘the Actors’ Church’) where his ministry was largely amongst the theatre community.

In 2005 he was invited to become the Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe. In 2010, Mark became a Residentiary Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral where he served as, first, Treasurer and then Chancellor, with responsibilities for the education, outreach and arts work of the cathedral. Mark has a love of poetry and has written eight books on the areas of poetry, literature and theology, including ‘The Splash of Words: believing in poetry’ which won the 2019 Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing. He is also engaged in human rights work, has been the Chair of the Civil Liberties Trust, a director of Liberty, and is currently Ambassador for Stop Hate UK and Patron of Tell MAMA, supporting Muslim victims of hate crime. Amongst the more surprising roles Mark has taken on as a cleric is that of President of the Shropshire Horticultural Society (2014) and judge of the Ted Hughes Poetry Prize (2019).

Going Deeper

Derbyshire Room 5 - Both days

These sessions are for anyone who wishes to spend time look at the morning sessions in more depth. These will be organised by the speaker from that morning.

Afternoon Options & Free Time

We hope that you find time and space to relax at the conference. Below are some options you may wish to take part in or have a go at. Please also feel free to use this time to sleep, chat to friends, read or whatever, enjoy! (Ideally not checking work emails though!)

Pottery with Sara

Derbyshire Room 2 - Wednesday 24th

Sara is from HSL Pottery and has a passion for ceramics which blossomed in 2020 when she started creating ceramic bottle kilns during lockdown. Sara now has a variety of items available for purchase in Stoke-on-Trent and an upcoming exhibition in September,  for which she is currently working on a piece for the Lord Mayor. It is Sara’s mission to make pottery more accessible and to share this passion with others and she offers mobile pottery decorating classes where you can design your own mug. She will then take it back to her studio, glaze and fire it, and return it to you as a functional piece. Have fun exploring your creativity! (For those who have prebooked)

Collage with Kate Slater

The Writing Room – Main House – both days

Kate is an illustrator, mostly working in mixed media collage. Her children’s books include the Britannica First Big Book of Why, Make Your Own Birds of Prey and Make your Own Flying Machines, The Birthday Crown, The Little Red Hen to name a few. Alongside work for publishing, editorial and advertising, Kate has also created several large-scale installations and window displays, the most exciting of which was exhibited in a chapel on the National Trust's Farne Islands, off the coast of Northumberland (and even led to her appearing on Blue Peter!). https://www.kateslaterillustration.com/ (For those who have prebooked)

Archery

The 5 x 5 Pitch – Tuesday 23rd

Come and have a go at archery! Whether you’re a budding Robin Hood or just want to have a go at something new, head on down to the football pitch and have a try! (For those who have prebooked)

Pioneering Parishes

Derbyshire Room 3 - Both days

We will be inviting you into a practice of communal spiritual discernment ‘Dwelling in the Word’ and drawing from it missional principles that can shape the life of the congregation. We will also give time for participants to bring their own wisdom and experience in this area to share with the group.

Community of St Chad

The Chapel – Wednesday 24th

An introduction to The Community of St Chad and its Five Rhythms of Grace, with an opportunity to talk further about The Community, its Companion Groups and what being a member of the community could look like day-to-day for you and the people in your parishes.

Walks

Maps available from the Conference Desk

Stretch your legs and choose from our 11 (!) walking routes around the area. Walks range from about 50mins to an impressive 3h10 for the very enthusiastic! So grab a map and maybe a friend or three (although you may want the time to yourself!) and go explore the area.

Knit & Natter & Craft

Garden Lounge

Bring your knitting, crochet or any other craft and have a chat whilst you work. This is an informal session for anyone who wants some company whilst they craft. Please bring your own knitting etc with you – this is not provided.

Boardgames & Jigsaws

Garden Lounge

Feel free to make use of the games and jigsaws found in the Garden Lounge. Grab a cuppa and clear your head by doing a few pieces of a jigsaw or grab some colleagues and have enjoy a friendly (!) round of Monopoly!

Don’t forget to check the boards at the Conference Desk to see what else may be happening that day.

Evening Entertainment

Tuesday 23 April: Comedian – Andy Kind

Derbyshire Hall, 8.00pm

Andy Kind is a comedian, preacher and writer.

He started doing Stand-up on 23rd January 2005. Described by The Scotsman as ‘Terrific’ and by the Yorkshire Times as ‘Tossing out comic gems in an almost profligate manner’, Andy’s stand-up style is the joyful ranting of a redeemed alpha male. He has been featured on BBC1, ITV and Channel 4, while he’s had jokes featured on Dave’s One Night Stand and Live at the Apollo.

In April 2011, Andy’s first book, ‘Stand Up and Deliver: a nervous rookie on the comedy circuit’ was published by Lion Hudson. The sequel, ‘The Gig Delusion’, was released by McKnight and Bishop exactly two years later. ‘The Unfortunate Adventures of Tom Hillingthwaite’ followed in 2015. Andy is currently working on a new book, ‘Preacherman’.

​In late 2016, Andy agreed to preach at a church in Bedford, having initially refused on the basis that he didn’t want to. The exhilaration he felt on that Sunday morning surpassed anything from over a decade in comedy, and his first love is now preaching the Gospel. Comedy, as it turns out, was Andy’s warm-up act. He managed to bring all his stagecraft and some of his jokes across from comedy, so the transition has been much easier than one might have expected.

Wednesday 24 April: ‘Pub’ Quiz

Butterley Hall, 8.00pm

Find a team, grab a drink (optional!) and come and join us to test your knowledge and have some fun. Created by different people from across the central office Helen will be hosting as we all aim to be Conference Quiz Champions! Teams of max six people.

Please sign up your team – including team name – at the Conference Desk

Not got a team? No problem – sign up at the Conference Desk and get to know some new people!

Chaplain & Prayer Team

During your time away at this conference you might like some prayer ministry or opportunity to talk confidentially to a chaplain.

We are really pleased that Meg Jones, Meg Haywood, Christopher Landau and Pauline Shepherd are joining us during our time away to offer prayer support and chaplaincy. During the conference they will be wearing blue lanyards, do feel free to catch a coffee with them in break times or approach them for prayer. There are also sign-up sheets for meeting with the chaplains available on the welcome desk.

Please also check out the Prayer Spaces in the Tissington Room, featuring different prayer stations focused on the Lord’s Prayer, and the Kinder Room for praying specifically for the Church of England.

Conference Committee

If you have any queries, please come to the Conference Desk in the lounge area or ask a member of the Conference Committee:

• The Revd Preb Dr Jeanette Hartwell (Chair)
  Director of Ministry
• The Revd Treena Larkin
  Chaplain to the Bishop of Lichfield
• The Revd James Gandon
  Vicar of St Andrew’s, Sneyd Green
• The Revd Mary Thomas
  Acting Archdeacon of Salop, Assistant Rural Dean at Edgmond & Shifnal and Vicar at Albrighton, Boningale and Donington
• The Revd Preb Ben Whitmore
  Vicar of Penn
• The Revd Laura Lenander
  Curate at Telford Minster (Mission Communities)
• The Revd David Sims
  Vicar of St Thomas’, Aldridge
• The Revd John Stather
  Vicar of Tunstall
• The Revd Canon Andrew Stead
  Canon Precentor (Canon for Liturgy, Music & Formation), Lichfield Cathedral
• The Revd Preb Adrian Stone
  Vicar of Trentham and Priest in Charge of Trent Vale, Penkhull and Hartshill churches.
• The Revd Suzan Williams
  Rural Dean at Oswestry and Vicar of Whittington and West Felton with Haughton
• Helen Scheven
  Executive Assistant to the Vocations and Training Team (Conference Administrator)

The Hayes Conference Centre

Door Access

All bedroom and meeting room doors operate on a key card system. Your bedroom keycard and lanyard will be given on arrival. Delegate key cards will allow access to their allocated bedroom and all public outer doors.

For safety and security reasons, all delegates are required to wear their lanyards throughout their stay.

Hearing Loop

There is a hearing loop system in all the main meeting spaces.

WiFi

There is free WiFi for all guests in all areas of the centre. To access the WiFi please select CCTWIFI. There is no password required, simply type in your e-mail address and agree to the terms and conditions to be connected.

Electric Car Charging

Electric car charging facilities are available at High Leigh and The Hayes on a first-come, first-served basis. The chargers can be found at the back of the car park to the left of reception as you drive in.

Checkout

Please make sure that your bedroom is vacated by 10am at the latest on the final day. There is a luggage store should you need this facility – please speak to the conference centre reception. Please ensure you return your lanyard and keycard upon departure.

Fire Alarm

If the Fire Alarm sounds during your stay, please make your way to the Main Conference Hall which is located just off the main lawn.

External Food & Drink

No external food and drink are allowed on site.

Maps