Advent 2023 – Beyond Consumerism

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Our Beyond Consumerism Advent resource provides an opportunity to ‘do December differently’.

It embraces the radical challenges of Advent in the light of the cost of living crisis but also the world problems of consumerism, fair trade and climate change.

Why not try the Advent calendar to make space each day to engage with advent themes while earthing them in real life, or use the cries of the prophets to put a different emphasis on the lighting of the Advent wreath.

Download it here – ARC Beyond Consumerism Advent – 2023

With every blessing for this Advent Season.

Rev’d Matt Jeffrey

CEO

 

Rural Ministry Course reflections

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Having recently returned from the October 2023 Rural Ministry Course, we felt it good to provide a reflection on just how well it went…

Read on, and find a link to bookings for the 2 courses in 2024…

 

“A well put together and worthwhile course. Just what I needed at this point in my ministry. Thank you.” – Oct 23 participant.

When you’re new in leadership within the context of rural mission & ministry the role can feel slightly overwhelming and leave you unsure of where to start. Gathering with others in similar situations to take time out to pray, eat, learn & journey together can really help.

Participants received thought-provoking, practical, & encouraging input from experienced practitioners around the topics of rural contexts, mission, faith-rooted community organising, agriculture, leadership, inter-generational wild worship & evangelism – all whilst forming a supportive, ecumenical community that even continues beyond the course.

Our most recent gathering took place in October, with twenty three rural leaders from five different denominations. We left filled with hope and encouragement for the journey ahead and are looking forward to reconnecting online next term.

 

“Really helpful – practical, inspiring & encouraging!”- Oct 23 RMC participant.

The course is designed for lay & ordained leaders new to a rural context, entering a rural appointment for the first time, or in need of a ‘rural refresher’.

1-2nd May, 2024 at Yarnfield, Staffs.
2-3rd Oct, 2024 at King’s Park, Northampton.

Spaces are limited and can get booked up quickly. Come & join us for a future course : Click here for more information and to make your booking.

New Harvest resource for 2023

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We are delighted to offer a new Harvest resource for this year.

Once again, this has been carefully curated by Revd Helen Bent, and we are grateful for the input and creativity in bringing this to you.

We always love to hear where the resources are used, so please do let us know, and even send in your pictures for our Social Media, or tag us in your own articles.

Every blessing to you as you prepare and gather together.

Revd Matt Jeffrey

Arthur Rank Centre CEO

Click here to download ARC Harvest 2023

Rogation Sunday – 14th May 2023

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Our 2023 worship resources continue to relate to the Arthur Rank Centre’s Beyond Consumerism project.

Here we explore Rogation rituals alongside food and social justice. Alongside locally grown produce, we are used to round the-year imports of a vast array of fresh food often at the expense of those who have grown it.

This year let us remember to ask for God’s protection and blessing on farming communities and their crops not only here at home but around the world.

Click here to download a PDF to read and print freely – ARC Rogation Sunday Material A4 2023

Please do credit The Arthur Rank Centre when used.

We always love to hear how and where you have used the resource – please let us know.

2023 Lent Course now available here.

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We are delighted to make available the Lent Course for 2023 – Beyond Consumerism Lent Course 2023

As the CEO of the Arthur Rank Centre, Rev’d Matt Jeffrey writes…

“Lent is such a precious season as we draw ever closer towards the cross.

This study guide for churches and small groups has been written with a focus on feasting and fasting and enables space to reflect on the many aspects of food for today. Whether social justice, the environment, our approach to animal welfare, producers of our food, the wider impact of this and the sacramental aspects of food, each topic draws us into a new awareness, and helpfully encourages reflection and growth.

May your faith be nourished, and your hope increased.

Every blessing to you as you journey with and through this.”

Matt, and all with The Arthur Rank Centre.

Harvest 2022

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This year, we want to encourage churches to use their harvest festival celebrations as an opportunity to thank farmers for all they do for us.  As the effects of COVID-19 continue to unfold, it’s impossible to predict the circumstances under which we will be celebrating our harvest festivals this year. Therefore, we’ve suggested ways in which you and your church community could celebrate either in individual households or as a gathered church.

Harvest – The Arthur Rank Centre

For more great resources:

Joint Public Issues Team Harvest/Creationtide Resources for 2022

Just Desserts? – Joint Public Issues Team (jpit.uk)

Farming Community Network

Resources – Farming Community Network (fcn.org.uk)

Rural Ministry Course June 2022

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The ARC’s Rural Ministry Course in June saw delegates gathering from across Britain and beyond, with New Zealand claiming the prize for ‘furthest travelled’! Three days prioritized in busy diaries to focus on rural mission and ministry with ecumenical leaders (lay & ordained) from six denominations. Space to listen to God and each other. 

We spent an amazing time enjoying a variety of sessions with ecumenical input from some inspirational rural ministry and mission practitioners and plenty of opportunity for discussion, questions and giving things a go. Additionally, the time given to praying together, coffee breaks, free time and delicious food shaped us into a beautifully supportive and caring community. 

Sarah Hulme comments: ‘For me, the most powerful session was our closing worship and commissioning; with space to share our hopes, prayer requests & plans for the future, as people prepared to move into new rural areas or phases of life. 

You definitely get out what you put in, so all the delegates are to be commended for the way in which they flung themselves into the course and engaged so positively with everything. I also need to express my gratitude to the ARC staff team who worked so hard to ensure the three days ran smoothly.’ 

 If this has whetted your appetite, then do check out the details for the next Rural Ministry Course, 25-27Th Oct via our website: https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/ruralministrycourse/  

ARC sadness on news of the death of Revd Elizabeth Clark

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CEO announcement

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The Trustees of the Arthur Rank Centre announce the resignation of the Revd Dr Claire Maxim as Chief Executive Officer.  After four years with the Arthur Rank Centre, Claire is returning to her beloved rural ministry, as Priest in Charge of North Tyne and Redesdale in the Diocese of Newcastle.  We wish her well, and ask your prayers for the Arthur Rank Centre during this time of transition.

Week 57: Still together, apart

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