Now available from Ashgate publishing…

  The Faith of Girls

 Children’s Spirituality and Transition to Adulthood

  Anne Phillips, NBLC

Contents: Preface; Introduction; Breaking the silence around girls in transition; Methods for learning from girls; Girls in transitional space; Theological reflection 1: Lucy; Girls in Godspace; Theological reflection 2: Rosie; Girls in nurturing space; Affirming girls through transition; Bibliography; Indexes.

‘This is a landmark text which breaks new ground in the study of the faith of girls. It deserves to be widely read and reflected upon. Grounded in nuanced biblical readings of neglected texts about girls, an impressive range of diverse theoretical perspectives from theology, gender studies, psychology and sociology, and offering original qualitative field work, Anne Phillips skilfully works all this together into a powerful text which will excite feminist scholars and practical theologians alike, while being of immense value to practitioners. Both church and academy should welcome and honour this text.’        Nicola Slee, The Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Birmingham

For more information contact: Linda Hopkins

Download booking form Children and Communion Day

The second Northern Theological Consultation on April 7th at the Blackley Centre drew 23 people together from a wide area – Durham to Grantham and Nottingham, York to Manchester. Revd Dr Anna Robbins from the London School of Theology, whose specialist areas of teaching and research are social ethics, contemporary culture and apologetics, gave the challenging keynote lecture under the title: ‘Can Societies repent?’. The idea behind the consultation is for scholars and practitioners to share ‘work in progress’ on an equal footing, so in that spirit, Anna spoke of some of her recent and developing thinking around these issues.

Starting with the apologies Baptist Unions have offered for the slave trade, she raised questions about the balance between individual and communal responsibility for society’s structural sin, and whether societies rather than individuals alone were capable of moral development.  Taking us through the writings of scholars as varied as Rauschenbusch, Niebuhr, Thistleton, and Brueggemann, she invited us to consider whether the social change the church should be working towards is evolutionary or revolutionary. Recognising the limited influence the church has of itself to effect any change within western society, and that our faith story (individual and social) moves forward most at moments of disjunction (‘wrenching transformations’ such as Israel’s exile, Jesus’ crucifixion, 9/11), rather than equilibrium, she suggested that the morally credible role of the church might be so to live within that paradigm that it is preparing itself to ‘be there’ for society, not with easy answers but with appropriate interpretive responses offering hope for new futures when such disjunction occurs – as it always will.

Throughout the remainder of the day, smaller groups met to hear and discuss a smorgasbord of interesting papers from people ‘doing theology’ in their own context, engage in conversation around good food, and enjoy the Yorkshire weather and scenery.

Another Consultation will be held in Spring next year. For more information contact Anne Phillips or Sally Nelson

We hope soon to put some of the papers on the websites of TINY (Theology in Yorkshire) and NBLC.

Staff of Baptist theological colleges and seminaries from across Europe gathered to share in the Consortium of European Baptist Theological Schools (CEBTS), followed by EBTTC, the European Baptist Theological Teachers’ Conference, entitled: ‘Baptists Learning in Community: Cognitive and Non-cognitive Expressions of Identity’.

In a wide range of seminars, we looked at ‘Learning in Convictional Communities’, ‘Becoming Communities of Shalom’, and ‘Coaching students in the field’. A particularly powerful session was led by Michael Kißkalt from the German Seminary at Elstal on mission, and Richard and Anne opened the conference speaking about community learning at NBLC, its history, vision and practice. Discussion on all these issues went on late into the evenings.

After many weeks of drought, Manchester performed according to stereotype: it rained – a lot. A few intrepid participants still went on a spiritual journey around Manchester city centre arranged by Glen and first used in the Summer School, attending to the sights, sounds and people they encountered.

The major disappointment was not the weather but the fact that few participants from either Eastern or Southern Europe were able to join us: the UK is now an expensive place to visit, and we missed the interaction with colleagues living with very different challenges from our own. We hope a special fund will enable friends from these parts to attend the next conference in two years time, which is likely to be in Eastern Europe.

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Gale Richards

Starting on August 1^st, Gale Richards is to combine the post of Regional Tutor for HEBA with that of Project Development Worker for the Association, pioneering work among the black and minority ethnic communities in Birmingham. Gale has returned to Birmingham where she grew up, after several years in London, and in membership at Chatsworth Baptist Church. Immediately prior to her move, she was  combining church-based youth work, part time employment with HM Revenue and Customs and study for her MA in Youth and Community Work with Applied Theology, which she completes this summer. A graduate in Criminal Justice, Gale also has experience in the legal system and in education. She is  currently Ascension Trust Representative for the Birmingham Street Pastor initiative.

Linda Hopkins

In the north, Linda Hopkins is to become the new Regional Tutor serving both the NBA and NWBA, starting on September 1^st. Although now living in Sussex and a member of Haywards Heath Baptist Church, Linda originates from Liverpool, so is no stranger to the north. She currently works for the Oasis College in London as a tutor and lecturer, as well as being a youth worker and Safeguarding Trainer for Methodist churches in Sussex. She has wide experience as an educator, teaching and supervising students, creating learning opportunities and developing new materials. She is completing her MA in Applied Theology this summer prior to taking up the new post. Although based in the NWBA, she will belong equally to both Associations and maintain an active presence within each.

We look forward to welcoming these new colleagues amongst us, and to benefiting from the many skills they will bring to the NBLC team. They will manage and deliver locally our well established TiMM modules and create informal learning initiatives where appropriate, besides bringing their own specialisms to help us branch out into new areas of mission and ministry among the churches of the NBA and NWBA, and in HEBA those around north Birmingham, the Black Country and south Shropshire and Staffordshire.

1. **Church Saturday** :  5th June 2010,  10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Costs £5.00 for one session; £10.00 for both sessions and including lunch.
It really helps us to know numbers before the event, so please do book in advance if at all possible.

“Thinking ahead about autumn festivals”
An informal day of workshops, discussions and Bible study, led by John Campbell, to help us think ahead to the autumn and develop our own creative ideas for the celebration of a Harvest Festival and the recognition of Remembrance Sunday.

An opportunity for open, creative discussion and the sharing of ideas interwoven with stopping to share how different Bible passages might speak to either the Harvest or the Remembrance theme.

Our morning session will look at Harvest Festival, and the afternoon session will focus on Remembrance Sunday.

For both Harvest Festival and Remembrance Sunday we’ll hope to cover:
·      Ideas for community arts involvement
·      Engaging with relevant Bible texts
·      Connecting with different age groups
·      Balancing church and wider community involvement
·      Mission perspectives on these events
·      Allowing for the particularities of your church setting(s)

2. **Summer School** : ”Postmodern Christian Spirituality”,  5th – 9th July, 9.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

This year’s MA summer school will look at the diversity of postmodern spirituality, exploring such areas as urban spirituality; spirituality and film; feminist, charismatic and Celtic spiritualities, as well as asking “What do we mean by ‘spirituality’ anyway?”

This week of study provides a chance to reflect in depth on the resurgence, vitality and variety of spirituality in today’s world.

Costs depend on whether you would like to take the course for personal interest or for credit as part of our MA, and on whether or not you would need a residential place.

Please contact: learning@lkh.co.uk or phone us on 0161 249 2504 if you’d like more information about the Summer School, including exact costs.

3. **New MA Strand for Theological Educators**

Starting this September, our MA in Contextual Theology, validated by the University of Manchester, now has a new strand for those who are currently, or are interested in becoming, theological educators, and for those who wish to develop an understanding of the principles of theological education and acquire skills in enabling others to learn and reflect.  These new modules, run by Dr David Goodbourn and Revd Dr Christine Jones, will include exploration into the ways in which people learn and different styles and methods of teaching from a theological perspective.  More detailed information to follow shortly – please see our website for more details!  Please do forward this information on to anyone you know who works in the field of theological education and training, as this is a unique learning opportunity.

Whether you are involved in ministry, mission, faith-based community work or lay forms of Christian education or service, our MA provides great opportunities for further study and professional development, encouraging you to take your own context seriously and reflect on your own practice and experience.  The MA can be studied on a full-time (one year) or part-time basis, with a variety of timetabling options to suit different people’s needs and to enable study to be combined with work and family life.

See our MA brochure.

Most individual MA modules can also be taken as standalone courses for personal interest without leading to accreditation towards an MA, for only £105 each – an 80% discount on the standard cost of studying at MA level.

If you’d like more information about the MA programme or about taking any of our MA courses for personal interest, please email: learning@lkh.co.uk or phone us on 0161 249 2504.

4. **Chaplaincy Course Opportunity, 21st-25th June**

We are pleased to let you know of a unique Chaplaincy course being offered in Bolton, running from Monday 21st to Friday 25th June, 9.30am-4.00pm.  The Bolton Council of Mosques in partnership with Bolton Christian Community Cohesion, University of Bolton and Bolton College is introducing a ground breaking, first of its kind Chaplaincy programme for members of the Bolton community.  It is aimed at individuals who plan to work as chaplains in a multi faith environment.

The course is a pioneering generic chaplaincy course which will include:
·         Sharing Muslim and Christian perspectives
·         Developing Chaplaincy Skills
·         Mentoring opportunities.

Held over a week; you can learn new skills, recognise your potential and become a better chaplain.   With qualified trainers and guest speakers, you will get a chance to develop your chaplaincy skills, enhance your ability to work in a multi faith set up.

If you are a chaplain, or want to become one – apply now!
For further information, including a programme and how to apply, please click on this link.
Please note the deadline for applications is approaching fast – the closing date for applications  is 4th June 2010.
If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions, please contact Waleed Shoukat on the
cdomm@thebcom.org/ 07885788178 or Karen Openshaw on 07837209182.
Please forward on to your contacts. With your help, we can develop the Bolton community’s future.

5. **LKH Short Courses 2010-11**

We now have a full list of short, standalone courses available for those wishing to study for personal interest.  This is a great way to explore a particular area of faith, mission and ministry in a little more depth and to develop your lay ordained ministry in an accessible learning environment.  It’s also a great way to test the waters before committing to a degree programme.  Most courses start in September or January and run once a week for 10 weeks.

We are able to offer our short courses at a huge 80% discount on normal course prices!  Most cost only £105, making them an affordable, accessible way to study.

Our list of courses on offer for 2010-11.

6. **Guided Reading**

A chance to learn at your own pace. Two one-to-one tutorials exploring your area of interest with a tutor specialising in that field, and the run of the Luther King House Library, including our web-based materials. Ideal for anyone who missed the start of our short courses or who wants to study by distance learning – and currently it only costs £50 in total for a 6 month study period.