Rogation Sunday – 14th May 2023

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.

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

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

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

CEO announcement

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

Week 56: Do not fear – you are mine

Week 55: Discerning God’s direction

Week 54: Hopeful yearning