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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 September 2019 and May 2020 there are three upcoming events:

All age Picnic with the option of enjoying the near by Splash Park!

Saturday 7th September 2019 from midday – 5 pm

Hosted by Penny Williams (07805 197762)

Address: The Rectory,High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE

Bring a picnic, but drinks and cakes will be provided.

Remember swimming things if you fancy the Splash Park option!

Everyone welcome, come and meet those who are new to the diocese too.

Please let Penny know if you are coming here.

Pre- Christmas Gathering

Wednesday 27th November 2019, between 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Hosted by Julie Bull (07988 636309)

Address: 43, Holywell Hill (House in the grounds of the Diocesan Offices), St Albans, AL1 1HD

Festive refreshments, festive activities, and some festive reflections.

Come and find some time for yourself before the rush!

Please let Julie know if you are coming here.

Annual Quiet Day

Saturday 16th May 2020, between 9.30am – 3.30pm

Address: Church Hall, St Nicholas Church, Church Road, Barton-le-Clay, MK45 4LA

Opportunities for quiet and reflection in the morning, and discussion groups and well being activities in the afternoon.

Lunch, coffee, tea and snacks provided for you!

Come along and relax with one another, plenty of opportunities to enjoy some fellowship away from the Parish!

Please let Julie know if you are coming here.

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