Clergy / Reader Family ‘Connect’ Group
‘Connect’ is a group for spouses and partners of St Albans Clergy, Readers and Diocesan staff. We also welcome spouses and partners from all of these groups who are now retired. We occasionally host events for the whole family.
The group is funded and supported by the Diocesan scheme ‘Support in your Ministry’ (SIM).
Our group meetings are very friendly and informal and so far they have included quiet days, Christmas socials, pub gatherings/quizzes, smaller fellowship groups and country walks- new ideas always welcome!
The group is organised by Julie Bull, Ros Wood, and Judy Salisbury (contact details below) but we are also fortunate in having area coordinators who are very happy to be a friendly voice maybe nearer to home.
Impact on clergy wellbeing on the whole family – draft report
There is a draft document on clergy wellbeing. It is being prepared by the Sheldon Hub for the Church of England. Responses are requested. Some of the questions relate specifically to the impact of clergy life on the wellbeing not just of the clergy person but on the whole family. This is a real opportunity for those of us with first-hand experience to influence what is put in that document. You can access the draft document here. Download ‘A Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing’. Points 17,18,19 and 25 are deemed most relevant to the ‘Connect’ Group but you may find other sections should also be considered by the group.
Upcoming Events:
Between April – May 2019 we have several events
Clergy Spouse Pub Night – Wednesday 24 April at 20:00
The Flying Horse, Clophill, Bedford, MK45 4AD.
Contact Jenny if you are able to attend. Tel: 01525 838450; Email Jenny
Annual Quiet Day – A Day of Reflection and Refreshment – May 18th 2019 between 9.30- 15:00 (Financed by SIM)
St Nicholas Church Hall Barton-le-clay, Bedfordshire, MK45 4LA
We are delighted that The Revd Geoff Lackey, will be leading our morning session of reflection and quiet, under the heading ‘Why Me?’
In the afternoon, there will be a choice of discussion groups which will cover some of the issues we face as spouses and partners – both at home and in the parish. We are pleased once again to be able to welcome Suzanne Claxon from the Clergy Counselling Service who will be available should you wish to speak with her.
This year, with our well being in mind, we are are also offering a singing workshop – no experience necessary(!) and a walk.
Thanks to the generosity of SIM (Support In Your Ministry) there is no cost for you, for the day. Morning refreshments and light lunch are provided free of charge. (Please let me know if you have any specific dietary requirements).
We very much hope that you will be able to join us, and look forward to welcoming you with delicious coffee and treats!
Contact Julie or Ros if you would like to attend. Julie – Tel: 07988 636309; Email Julie; Ros – Tel: 01582 883277; Email Ros
Clergy Spouse Pub Night – Thursday 20 June at 20:00
The Flying Horse, Clophill, Bedford, MK45 4AD.
Contact Jenny if you are able to attend. Tel: 01525 838450; Email Jenny
Contact details:
Connect Planning group:
St Albans: Julie Bull
Tel: 07988 636309; Email Julie
Ampthill and Shefford: Ros Wood
Tel: 01582 883277; Email Ros
SIM Representative: Judy Salisbury
Email Judy
Area Coordinators:
Ampthill and Shefford: Ruth Speller
Tel: 07814053313; Email Ruth
Barnet: Bev Hanshaw
Tel: 07903991782; Email Bev
Baldock: Helen Holford
Tel: 01462 896273; Email Helen
Dunstable: Jenny Marsh
Tel: 01525 838450; Email Jenny
Hemel Hemstead: Penny Williams
Tel: 07805 197762; Email Penny
Hitchin: Theresa Britt
Te: 07525 123968; Email: Theresa
Luton: Christine Grew
Tel: 01582 943656; Email Christine
