Autumn Meeting 2008
11.30am–3.00pm, Tuesday 11th November
at Greatham Church Centre, GU33 6HB
Sustaining the Rural Spirit
What does the English rural spiritual tradition have to say to the contemporary rural church? What is the connection between rural life and spirituality? What can sustain the rural spirit through these times of change? Are modern explorations of the Celtic tradition and rural year services adequate for the 21st century rural spirit?
We discussed two celebrated priests in the English rural church tradition and try to discern if they have anything worthwhile to say for our situation. And is there any country church which does not use the Book of Common Prayer? Is it a sign of rural conservatism or something deeper?
Papers offered at the Meeting are available here.
The Programme we followed:--
Coffee on arrival, from 11.00am
11.30am Introduction & Welcome
11.40 George Herbert – introduction by the Revd John Owen, once Curate of Bemerton, Salisbury, where Herbert ministered until his death in 1633
12.20 Gilbert White (1720-93) – introduced by the Revd Nicky Judd
1.00pm bring your own lunch, drinks will be available
1.45 The Book of Common Prayer in Rural Churches – Canon Martin Coppen
2.30 Any news or concerns to share from Hampshire rural church life?
2.45 A Short Service in the adjoining St John the Baptist Parish Church led by our host, Revd David Heatley, Rural Officer of Portsmouth Diocese
3.00pm Depart
Greatham Church Centre is at St John the Baptist Church, just off the B3006 Alton–Liss road. GU33 6HB
David Heatley may be contacted on 01730 – 827459 email dhheatley@aol.com : Group convenor is Martin Coppen 01264 738308 revd.coppen@dsl.pipex.com
