bath & wells: ministry
exploring spirituality
Exciting experiential courses in Spirituality for both
clergy and lay people of any denomination for 2008/9
“To be serious about changing lives requires all of us in the church to look to our own practice of prayer and spirituality ... to take seriously the inner journey. It is about creating space within, to allow God to do his work of transformation. ‘Exploring Spirituality’ is our diocesan programme which provides the opportunity to review the adventure of praying. I commend it wholeheartedly to both clergy and lay people.”
+ Peter, Bishop of Taunton
“The inner journey is the constant challenge, and it is so easy to neglect it. But to be credible in our very sceptical age, the church needs to develop a deeply contemplative spirit. ‘Exploring Spirituality’ offers clergy and lay people the opportunity to engage with this challenge and, if necessary, to begin again.”
The Rev Canon Patrick Woodhouse
Beginning in Autumn 2008, both are year long courses, meeting fortnightly on Thursdays during the day in term time at The Old Deanery in Wells and including two residential weekends. The courses are taught by a team under the guidance of the Diocesan Director of Prayer and Spirituality, Jane Eastell, and a variety of visiting specialist speakers.
THE COURSE TEAMS
Course One
Exploring Your Spiritual Journey offers experience of a rich variety of traditions of Christian Spirituality, allowing exploration of personal spiritual journeys. The course enables participants, through a process of prayer, listening and reflection, to draw closer to God through deeper awareness.
The Revd Jane Eastell, Course Director, is the Bath and Wells Diocesan Advisor in Prayer and Spirituality and a priest within the Taunton Archdeaconry. Before ordination she trained and practised as an architect. Jane is an experienced Spiritual Director, and has a particular interest in contemplative prayer.
Mrs Heather Voizey is a member of the Yeovil Baptist Church, and part of the ecumenical team which leads weeks and months of Guided Prayer in the area.
Mrs Hilde Bucknell is a licensed as a Reader in the Church of England. She has an interest in all aspects of prayer.
The Revd Gwynne Brindley is a Methodist minister currently working in the West Mendip Circuit. Gwynne has a special interest in contemplative prayer and is developing her Spiritual Direction ministry.
The Revd Victor Barley is an Assistant Curate in the Bath Archdeaconry and a tutor on the Diocesan Exploring Christianity course. Formerly a consultant oncologist, Victor’s experience includes a spiritual approach to healing and wholeness.
The Rev Canon Patrick Woodhouse, Consultant to Course One, is the Precentor of Wells Cathedral and has a particular interest in contemplative spirituality.
EXPLORING YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY 2008/2009
Held fortnightly, during the day on Thursdays at the Old Deanery, Wells.
Term 1: September 25; October 9, 23; November 6, 20; December 4
Term 2: January 15, 29; February 12, 26; March 12, 26
Term 3: Apr 23; May 7, 21; June 4, 6 (Saturday, Celebration of Learning), 18; July 2
The course includes two residential weekends: 26 - 28 September 2008 and 10 - 12 July 20
EARLY APPLICATION IS ADVISABLE Further information for Course 1 is available from
The Revd Jane Eastell, 01823 321069, jane.eastell@btclick.com,
and Mrs Heather Voizey, 01935 422292, graham.voizey@lineone.net
Application form for Course 1
Course Two
Equipping for Spiritual Direction follows on from this or similar training and focuses on the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for Spiritual Direction. The course is designed for those who feel they are called to a ministry of being alongside others on their spiritual journey as a discerning listener.
The Revd Jane Eastell, Course Director.
Sister Sue CSF is an Anglican priest and Guardian of the Community of St Francis at Compton Durville. Formerly a teacher, Sr Sue has been in pastoral ministry in parishes and retreat/conference centres for over 30 years. Spiritual Direction has been a major part of her ministry for the past 10 years.
The Rev Canon Gordon Jeff, Consultant for Course Two, founded the SPIDIR network for fostering Spiritual Direction, in the Diocese of Southwark in 1979. Gordon has taught widely on spiritual direction in the UK and internationally over many years.
EQUIPPING FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION 2008/2009
Held fortnightly, during the day on Thursdays at the Old Deanery in Wells.
Term 1: October 2, 16, 30; November 13, 27; December 11;
Term 2: January 8, 22; February 5, 19; March 5, 19; April 2
Term 3: April 30; May 14, 28; June 6 (Saturday, Celebration of Learning), 11, 25; July 9
The course includes two residential weekends: 17 - 19 October 2008 and 19 - 21 June 2009
Further information and application forms for Course 2
are available from
The Revd Jane Eastell, 01823 321069, jane.eastell@btclick.com, and Sr Sue of The Community of St Francis, Compton Durville, 01460 40473, suecsf@franciscans.org.uk
The cost for each Course is £450, which includes the residential weekends and all accompanying course materials. Fees are payable termly, and include a £50 non-returnable deposit.
Bursaries may be available on request.
Prayer and Spirituality at a local level within the diocese.
The Diocesan Prayer and Spirituality Group is here to help you explore patterns of prayer and spirituality within the Christian tradition. We can offer your parish, LMG or deanery full days, half days or evenings to suit you. We have a range of people who can give talks, prayer workshops, quiet days etc. If you would like to know more, please contact Sarah Sheppard. Tel no 01225 421580; Email: bernina@fish.co.uk
Finding a Spiritual Guide
As we continue with our journey into a closer relationship with God many of us find the need for the companionship of a more experienced Christian to walk alongside us. Such a guide or director can help us to create a sacred space in which we can come to speak about God more intimately and so hear God more clearly. Their wisdom and faithfulness can enable us to know how much we’re loved by God and see where God is working in our lives. They can encourage us to stay with the task of prayer and service, and help us sort out the important from the not so important.
Most people see their guide every 4-12 weeks for about an hour, at a mutually convenient place. If you feel that you would like to know more about such companionship the Advisor in Prayer and Spirituality can help put you in touch with someone who may be able walk alongside you.
Interested in becoming a spiritual director? Then Course 2 will be of interest to you.
Further information is available from:
The Revd Jane Eastell
Diocesan Adviser in Prayer and Spirituality
Meadowside, Wild Oak Lane,
Trull, Taunton TA3 7JT
Tel. 01823 321069
Email. jane.eastell@btclick.com
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